Here are my predictions for the 2016 NBA Playoffs Semifinals.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E4) Atlanta Hawks: Here is a rematch from last seasons Eastern Conference Finals and this time around both teams are healthy. Cleveland is coming a sweep of the Detroit Pistons, although it was a competitive series. Atlanta is coming off a six game series win over the Boston Celtics. I believe the Hawks have a shot to pull off the upset, but LeBron James will make sure his team doesn't implode and the Cavs will make the conference finals for the second straight season although the Hawks will make it competitive.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games.
(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (E3) Miami Heat: This could very well turn out to be a better series than people think. Miami is coming off a seven game series win over the Charlotte Hornets. Toronto is coming off a seven game series win over the Indiana Pacers. The Raptors are probably the better team, but the Heat are just built for the playoffs and Dwayne Wade and Goran Dragic were huge for them against the Hornets while Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan struggled a lot against the Pacers. Give me Miami to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals to set up a date with old pal LeBron James.
Prediction: Heat in seven games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W5) Portland Trail Blazers: This should be an entertaining series out west with a lot of points scored. The Warriors are coming off a five game series win over the Houston Rockets. The Trail Blazers are coming off a six game series win over the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers Stephen Curry is still out with his ankle issue and he might be back this week, but they should win the first few games without him, especially at home and they should win the series although the Blazers can steal a few.
Prediction: Warriors in five games.
(W2) San Antontio Spurs vs (W3) Oklahoma City Thunder: This series has the making of an epic classic. San Antonio is coming off a sweep of the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies. Oklahoma City is coming off a five game series win over the Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder have two of the best five players on the planet in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but the Spurs have the better team led by now two time Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard, who is also arguably a top five player in this league so except the Spurs to win a classic series.
Prediction: Spurs in seven games.
Friday, April 29, 2016
2016 NFL Draft: 1st Round Grades
Here are my grades for every pick of the first round of the 2016 NFL draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams needed a franchise quarterback so they traded up to this spot two weeks ago and they chose Jared Goff over Carson Wentz. This isn't a bad pick, but it remains to be seen if Goff will be a franchise quarterback.
Grade: B
2. Philadelphia Eagles- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles also needed a long term answer at quarterback and they traded up to this spot last week and chose Wentz, who has a higher ceiling than Goff. Wentz might not play right away, but this pick might pay off down the road.
Grade: B+
3. San Diego Chargers- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Chargers could have gone in any direction with this pick. Bosa is one of the best five players in this draft and I don't care about the fit because Bosa is going to be an absolute stud no matter where he plays and what system he plays in.
Grade: A
4. Dallas Cowboys- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: Elliott and the Cowboys was a match made in heaven. Dallas could have gone with Jalen Ramsey with this pick, but Elliott will make a massive impact now and the foreseeable future.
Grade: A+
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Ramsey fell to the Jags and they are absolutely thrilled Ezekiel Elliott went to Dallas. Ramsey will make a great impact on Gus Bradley's defense.
Grade: A
6. Baltimore Ravens- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: As Laremy Tunsil continued to fall thanks to his twitter account being hacked and a video showing up of him smoking marijuana, the Ravens decided to take Stanley, who will be a very good offensive lineman in this league someday.
Grade: B+
7. San Francisco 49ers- DeForest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: And of course Chip Kelly takes an Oregon player. The 49ers did have a need on the defensive end and Buckner will fit nicely.
Grade: B+
8. Tennessee Titans (from Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Jake Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: Some people thought the Titans were going to take Laremy Tunsil, but nope, they took Conklin as Tunsil continued to drop. The Titans deed meet protection for Marcus Mariota and Conklin will provide that.
Grade: B
9. Chicago Bears (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers)- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: The Bears made a bold move by trading up to this pick and taking Floyd because they knew the Giants would have taken Floyd at 10 had the Bears not traded up. Floyd is an intriguing prospect and he has a ton of potential and upside. He would fit nicely on Jon Fox's defense.
Grade: B+
10. New York Giants- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: This was an interesting pick to say the least because Tennessee and Chicago traded up for the players the Giants wanted at 10. The Giants made a bit of a reach here and they could have traded back a few spots to take Apple, but they did have a need in the secondary and Apple could help.
Grade: C+
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: The Bucs had a secondary need and Hargreaves will fill the need. He will fit nicely on a rising Bucs team.
Grade: B+
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: The Saints needed help on the defensive line and Rankins is a great fit for Sean Payton's team.
Grade: B+
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: Tunsil dropped all the way to 13 thanks to the well documented video of him smoking marijuana. Lets face it though, the Dolphins got an absolute steal here. He will be a great left tackle and protect Ryan Tannehill very well.
Grade: A+
14. Oakland Raiders- Karl Joseph, Safety, West Virginia: The Raiders needed help in the secondary and they picked arguably the best safety in this draft, although this pick was a bit of a reach and they could have traded back a few spots for him.
Grade: B
15. Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee Titans via Los Angeles Rams)- Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor: The Browns had needs everywhere so Coleman wasn't a bad choice although it was a reach. The Browns could have traded back to take Coleman, but he and RG3 would make a nice combo.
Grade: C
16. Detroit Lions- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: The Lions needed help on the offensive line and Decker will help protect Matthew Stafford.
Grade: B
17. Atlanta Falcons- Keanu Neal, Safety, Florida: This was a bit of a surprising pick even though most thought the Falcons would go defense here. They did have a secondary need but it was surprising they took Neal over a linebacker like Darron Lee. This pick was a reach for sure.
Grade: C-
18. Indianapolis Colts- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This was an excellent pick for the Colts, who needed a center to protect Andrew Luck.
Grade: A
19. Buffalo Bills- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: This was a fine selection by the Bills and they did have a need at defensive end since they cut Mario Williams. Rex Ryan does have some Clemson ties so it does make sense they took Lawson too.
Grade: B+
20. New York Jets- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: This was a fine pick by the Jets although they could have gone in multiple directions. Linebacker was a need for the Jets so the pick makes sense.
Grade: B+
21. Houston Texans (via Washington Redskins)- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Fuller does have a ton of upside and the Texans do have a need at receiver. He will be a nice weapon for new quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Grade: B
22. Washington Redskins (via Houston Texans)- Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver, TCU: Doctson will be a great receiver in this league, but Washington did need more help on defense and there was a lot of defensive talent left on the board. Wide receiver wasn't even a need for the Redskins.
Grade: B-
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: Treadwell is arguably the best receiver in this draft and Teddy Bridgewater is probably ecstatic to have a wide out that has a chance to be a #1 receiver in this league.
Grade: A
24. Cincinnati Bengals- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: The Bengals have a wide receiver need, but it was wise of them to hold off on taking a receiver here considering they can address it in a later round and address another need. Secondary was a need since Leon Hall is a free agent and Adam Jones isn't getting younger. Jackson will be a nice fit in Cincinnati with Marvin Lewis.
Grade: B
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): Secondary was the Steelers's biggest need and Burns should help. The players Pittsburgh wanted were probably off the board like Eli Apple and William Jackson III, so they chose Burns, like I said will do a nice job.
Grade: B-
26. Denver Broncos (via Seattle Seahawks)- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis: John Elway made a bold move by trading up to draft Lynch, who has a ton of upside although the may not be ready right away. Lynch could very well turn out to be the best quarterback from this draft.
Grade: B+
27. Green Bay Packers- Kenny Clark, Defensive Tackle, UCLA: Some thought they would take Myles Jack with this pick, but instead they took a different UCLA product in Clark, who fills a need on the defensive line vacated by BJ Raji.
Grade: B-
28. San Francisco 49ers (via Kansas City Chiefs)- Joshua Garnett, Guard, Stanford: This trade was a bit of a stunner and I thought Myles Jack was in play here. San Francisco had a need on the offensive line, but they could have picked Garnett later on in the draft or could have gone another direction with this pick.
Grade: D
29. Arizona Cardinals- Robert Nkdemiche, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss: The Cardinals could have gone in many directions here and Nkdemiche was a great choice here, off field issues aside. Nkdemiche is going to be a steal here at 29.
Grade: A+
30. Carolina Panthers- Vernon Butler, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana Tech: The Panthers could have gone a few directions here as well and they drafted for a future need here. You can argue there were better defensive lineman than Butler, but either way, it was a solid pick.
Grade: B
31. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)- Germain Ifedi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Seahawks had a clear need on the offensive line and Ifedi will help protect Russell Wilson. There was talk of Myles Jack potentially going here, but they needed offensive line help more than anything.
Grade: A-
1. Los Angeles Rams- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams needed a franchise quarterback so they traded up to this spot two weeks ago and they chose Jared Goff over Carson Wentz. This isn't a bad pick, but it remains to be seen if Goff will be a franchise quarterback.
Grade: B
2. Philadelphia Eagles- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles also needed a long term answer at quarterback and they traded up to this spot last week and chose Wentz, who has a higher ceiling than Goff. Wentz might not play right away, but this pick might pay off down the road.
Grade: B+
3. San Diego Chargers- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Chargers could have gone in any direction with this pick. Bosa is one of the best five players in this draft and I don't care about the fit because Bosa is going to be an absolute stud no matter where he plays and what system he plays in.
Grade: A
4. Dallas Cowboys- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: Elliott and the Cowboys was a match made in heaven. Dallas could have gone with Jalen Ramsey with this pick, but Elliott will make a massive impact now and the foreseeable future.
Grade: A+
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Ramsey fell to the Jags and they are absolutely thrilled Ezekiel Elliott went to Dallas. Ramsey will make a great impact on Gus Bradley's defense.
Grade: A
6. Baltimore Ravens- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: As Laremy Tunsil continued to fall thanks to his twitter account being hacked and a video showing up of him smoking marijuana, the Ravens decided to take Stanley, who will be a very good offensive lineman in this league someday.
Grade: B+
7. San Francisco 49ers- DeForest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: And of course Chip Kelly takes an Oregon player. The 49ers did have a need on the defensive end and Buckner will fit nicely.
Grade: B+
8. Tennessee Titans (from Cleveland Browns via Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Jake Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: Some people thought the Titans were going to take Laremy Tunsil, but nope, they took Conklin as Tunsil continued to drop. The Titans deed meet protection for Marcus Mariota and Conklin will provide that.
Grade: B
9. Chicago Bears (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers)- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: The Bears made a bold move by trading up to this pick and taking Floyd because they knew the Giants would have taken Floyd at 10 had the Bears not traded up. Floyd is an intriguing prospect and he has a ton of potential and upside. He would fit nicely on Jon Fox's defense.
Grade: B+
10. New York Giants- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: This was an interesting pick to say the least because Tennessee and Chicago traded up for the players the Giants wanted at 10. The Giants made a bit of a reach here and they could have traded back a few spots to take Apple, but they did have a need in the secondary and Apple could help.
Grade: C+
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: The Bucs had a secondary need and Hargreaves will fill the need. He will fit nicely on a rising Bucs team.
Grade: B+
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: The Saints needed help on the defensive line and Rankins is a great fit for Sean Payton's team.
Grade: B+
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: Tunsil dropped all the way to 13 thanks to the well documented video of him smoking marijuana. Lets face it though, the Dolphins got an absolute steal here. He will be a great left tackle and protect Ryan Tannehill very well.
Grade: A+
14. Oakland Raiders- Karl Joseph, Safety, West Virginia: The Raiders needed help in the secondary and they picked arguably the best safety in this draft, although this pick was a bit of a reach and they could have traded back a few spots for him.
Grade: B
15. Cleveland Browns (from Tennessee Titans via Los Angeles Rams)- Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor: The Browns had needs everywhere so Coleman wasn't a bad choice although it was a reach. The Browns could have traded back to take Coleman, but he and RG3 would make a nice combo.
Grade: C
16. Detroit Lions- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: The Lions needed help on the offensive line and Decker will help protect Matthew Stafford.
Grade: B
17. Atlanta Falcons- Keanu Neal, Safety, Florida: This was a bit of a surprising pick even though most thought the Falcons would go defense here. They did have a secondary need but it was surprising they took Neal over a linebacker like Darron Lee. This pick was a reach for sure.
Grade: C-
18. Indianapolis Colts- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This was an excellent pick for the Colts, who needed a center to protect Andrew Luck.
Grade: A
19. Buffalo Bills- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: This was a fine selection by the Bills and they did have a need at defensive end since they cut Mario Williams. Rex Ryan does have some Clemson ties so it does make sense they took Lawson too.
Grade: B+
20. New York Jets- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: This was a fine pick by the Jets although they could have gone in multiple directions. Linebacker was a need for the Jets so the pick makes sense.
Grade: B+
21. Houston Texans (via Washington Redskins)- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Fuller does have a ton of upside and the Texans do have a need at receiver. He will be a nice weapon for new quarterback Brock Osweiler.
Grade: B
22. Washington Redskins (via Houston Texans)- Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver, TCU: Doctson will be a great receiver in this league, but Washington did need more help on defense and there was a lot of defensive talent left on the board. Wide receiver wasn't even a need for the Redskins.
Grade: B-
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: Treadwell is arguably the best receiver in this draft and Teddy Bridgewater is probably ecstatic to have a wide out that has a chance to be a #1 receiver in this league.
Grade: A
24. Cincinnati Bengals- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: The Bengals have a wide receiver need, but it was wise of them to hold off on taking a receiver here considering they can address it in a later round and address another need. Secondary was a need since Leon Hall is a free agent and Adam Jones isn't getting younger. Jackson will be a nice fit in Cincinnati with Marvin Lewis.
Grade: B
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): Secondary was the Steelers's biggest need and Burns should help. The players Pittsburgh wanted were probably off the board like Eli Apple and William Jackson III, so they chose Burns, like I said will do a nice job.
Grade: B-
26. Denver Broncos (via Seattle Seahawks)- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis: John Elway made a bold move by trading up to draft Lynch, who has a ton of upside although the may not be ready right away. Lynch could very well turn out to be the best quarterback from this draft.
Grade: B+
27. Green Bay Packers- Kenny Clark, Defensive Tackle, UCLA: Some thought they would take Myles Jack with this pick, but instead they took a different UCLA product in Clark, who fills a need on the defensive line vacated by BJ Raji.
Grade: B-
28. San Francisco 49ers (via Kansas City Chiefs)- Joshua Garnett, Guard, Stanford: This trade was a bit of a stunner and I thought Myles Jack was in play here. San Francisco had a need on the offensive line, but they could have picked Garnett later on in the draft or could have gone another direction with this pick.
Grade: D
29. Arizona Cardinals- Robert Nkdemiche, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss: The Cardinals could have gone in many directions here and Nkdemiche was a great choice here, off field issues aside. Nkdemiche is going to be a steal here at 29.
Grade: A+
30. Carolina Panthers- Vernon Butler, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana Tech: The Panthers could have gone a few directions here as well and they drafted for a future need here. You can argue there were better defensive lineman than Butler, but either way, it was a solid pick.
Grade: B
31. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)- Germain Ifedi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Seahawks had a clear need on the offensive line and Ifedi will help protect Russell Wilson. There was talk of Myles Jack potentially going here, but they needed offensive line help more than anything.
Grade: A-
Thursday, April 28, 2016
2016 NFL Mock Draft: Final Edition
Here is my final edition of my 2016 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: The Chargers get the opportunity to take the best position player in this draft. His pass protection skills are almost as good as Laremy Tunsil's, but right now Stanley is a better run blocker. This helps both Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Joey Bosa or Jalen Ramsey? An argument can be made for both for Dallas – a pass rusher to take pressure off the secondary or a playmaking defensive back who gives the Cowboys' front more time to attack. Maybe Dallas will surprise and just take Ezekeil Elliott.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: With a question mark on Myles Jack’s knee, Bosa becomes the best available player for the Jaguars defense. He’s a strong-side defensive end built to kick inside to a defensive tackle position on third downs. Opposite last year’s first-rounder Dante Fowler, Bosa would be an 8-10 sack end with the strength to stop the run in the AFC South.
6. Baltimore Ravens- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: It would be tough for Ozzie Newsome to bypass the No. 1 player in the draft despite having a serviceable player at the position.
7. San Francisco 49ers- DeForrest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: People are going to obviously say "here goes Chip Kelly acquiring his Oregon players again", but this importantly fills a need. Buckner may not be a sexy or exciting pick in Round 1, but he’s a rock-solid player who will step right into the lineup and take care of a must-have position for a decade.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: This one is a bit of a wild card. Jack’s value in this draft will vary team by team, but it’s tough to imagine a top-tier talent like this falling outside the top 10 picks when the concern isn’t about his ability to play right now, but instead about his long-term health.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: The Giants spent nearly $100 million beefing up their defense in free agency with pass rusher Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, and defensive tackle Damon Harrison. Now it’s time to give Eli Manning some help, and while he could use another receiver across from Odell Beckham, he badly needs an upgrade at right tackle, and Conklin, a three-year starter at Michigan State, would be a great fit.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back in this draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: David Amerson showed signs of recharging his career in Oakland last season, but he is in the final year of his deal and Jackson would give the Raiders immediate depth and a long-term starter.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: GM Ryan Grigson is determined not to reach for a player – the blue-chip tackle crop looks rather exhausted here – yet knows he must provide better blocking in front of QB Andrew Luck if he’s going to survive to sign that (minimum) $150 million contract that’s in his future.
19. Buffalo Bills- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: Teaming up with Jerry Hughes, Lawson would offer the thunder to his lightning to give the Bills a dynamic pass-rushing duo for their versatile scheme. In Lawson, Ryan has the Terrell Suggs-like player to drop from defensive end to linebacker depending on the offensive personnel.
20. New York Jets- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Most people have Paxton Lynch going here if he's still on the board. But, Darrelle Revis isn't getting younger, Dee Milliner hasn't lived upto hype, and Antonio Cromartie isn't around anymore. So, Apple in the Big Apple would not be a bad idea considering they can use a cornerback here.
21. Washington Redskins- A'Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Redskins pluck a big-bodied space eater to plug in at nose tackle. He will help a mediocre pass rush in Washington.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: Pittsburgh can use secondary help badly. Hargreaves, Jackson, and Apple could very well be off the board so Alexander would not be a bad choice here. Don't rule out the team taking West Virginia safety Karl Joseph.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Geramin Ifedi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Seahawks must address the offensive line to help Russell Wilson thrive. Ifdel's stock is rising and he would replace Russell Okung on the offensive line.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama: Derrick Johnson will be 34 this year. Ragland, an excellent value here, would certainly benefit by playing alongside the graybeard backer for a year or two before becoming the main man in the middle of the Chiefs’s D.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): The Cardinals don't have a second-round pick, so they could trade back here with a team looking for a quarterback. I know teams with a third-round grade on Burns and others that believe he could end up the best corner in this draft.
30. Carolina Panthers- Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson: Last year’s NFC champions have a surprising number of holes, especially at cornerback after they dumped Josh Norman last week. But if that taught us anything, it’s that the Panthers value the front seven the most, and the 6-foot-5-inch Dodd, who happens to be a local kid, would be a great fit for a team that needs another edge rusher opposite Kony Ealy.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: The Chargers get the opportunity to take the best position player in this draft. His pass protection skills are almost as good as Laremy Tunsil's, but right now Stanley is a better run blocker. This helps both Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Joey Bosa or Jalen Ramsey? An argument can be made for both for Dallas – a pass rusher to take pressure off the secondary or a playmaking defensive back who gives the Cowboys' front more time to attack. Maybe Dallas will surprise and just take Ezekeil Elliott.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: With a question mark on Myles Jack’s knee, Bosa becomes the best available player for the Jaguars defense. He’s a strong-side defensive end built to kick inside to a defensive tackle position on third downs. Opposite last year’s first-rounder Dante Fowler, Bosa would be an 8-10 sack end with the strength to stop the run in the AFC South.
6. Baltimore Ravens- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: It would be tough for Ozzie Newsome to bypass the No. 1 player in the draft despite having a serviceable player at the position.
7. San Francisco 49ers- DeForrest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: People are going to obviously say "here goes Chip Kelly acquiring his Oregon players again", but this importantly fills a need. Buckner may not be a sexy or exciting pick in Round 1, but he’s a rock-solid player who will step right into the lineup and take care of a must-have position for a decade.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: This one is a bit of a wild card. Jack’s value in this draft will vary team by team, but it’s tough to imagine a top-tier talent like this falling outside the top 10 picks when the concern isn’t about his ability to play right now, but instead about his long-term health.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: The Giants spent nearly $100 million beefing up their defense in free agency with pass rusher Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, and defensive tackle Damon Harrison. Now it’s time to give Eli Manning some help, and while he could use another receiver across from Odell Beckham, he badly needs an upgrade at right tackle, and Conklin, a three-year starter at Michigan State, would be a great fit.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back in this draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: David Amerson showed signs of recharging his career in Oakland last season, but he is in the final year of his deal and Jackson would give the Raiders immediate depth and a long-term starter.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: GM Ryan Grigson is determined not to reach for a player – the blue-chip tackle crop looks rather exhausted here – yet knows he must provide better blocking in front of QB Andrew Luck if he’s going to survive to sign that (minimum) $150 million contract that’s in his future.
19. Buffalo Bills- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: Teaming up with Jerry Hughes, Lawson would offer the thunder to his lightning to give the Bills a dynamic pass-rushing duo for their versatile scheme. In Lawson, Ryan has the Terrell Suggs-like player to drop from defensive end to linebacker depending on the offensive personnel.
20. New York Jets- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Most people have Paxton Lynch going here if he's still on the board. But, Darrelle Revis isn't getting younger, Dee Milliner hasn't lived upto hype, and Antonio Cromartie isn't around anymore. So, Apple in the Big Apple would not be a bad idea considering they can use a cornerback here.
21. Washington Redskins- A'Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Redskins pluck a big-bodied space eater to plug in at nose tackle. He will help a mediocre pass rush in Washington.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: Pittsburgh can use secondary help badly. Hargreaves, Jackson, and Apple could very well be off the board so Alexander would not be a bad choice here. Don't rule out the team taking West Virginia safety Karl Joseph.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Geramin Ifedi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Seahawks must address the offensive line to help Russell Wilson thrive. Ifdel's stock is rising and he would replace Russell Okung on the offensive line.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama: Derrick Johnson will be 34 this year. Ragland, an excellent value here, would certainly benefit by playing alongside the graybeard backer for a year or two before becoming the main man in the middle of the Chiefs’s D.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): The Cardinals don't have a second-round pick, so they could trade back here with a team looking for a quarterback. I know teams with a third-round grade on Burns and others that believe he could end up the best corner in this draft.
30. Carolina Panthers- Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson: Last year’s NFC champions have a surprising number of holes, especially at cornerback after they dumped Josh Norman last week. But if that taught us anything, it’s that the Panthers value the front seven the most, and the 6-foot-5-inch Dodd, who happens to be a local kid, would be a great fit for a team that needs another edge rusher opposite Kony Ealy.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
2016 NFL Mock Draft: 5th Edition
Here is my fifth edition of my 2016 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- DeForest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: They bypass a need at safety to grab a versatile defender with the size, length and athleticism to upgrade the pass rush at the five-technique position.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Joey Bosa or Jalen Ramsey? An argument can be made for both for Dallas – a pass rusher to take pressure off the secondary or a playmaking defensive back who gives the Cowboys' front more time to attack. Maybe Dallas will surprise and just take Ezekeil Elliott.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: Yes, the speculation won't stop about the medical reports on his knee, but the Jaguars are a team that needs to win NOW. If they feel good about the final analysis from their team doctors, they select this multi-purpose playmaker and take aim at Houston and Indianapolis within their division.
6. Baltimore Ravens- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: It would be tough for Ozzie Newsome to bypass the No. 1 player in the draft despite having a serviceable player at the position.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Chip Kelly could push the front office for an athletic edge blocker to help his offensive line get back on track in 2016.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Browns have a lot of holes, so expect them to take the best player available approach, and Bosa would be that for sure and would give the Browns a great pass rusher and a steal at this selection.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: The Giants spent nearly $100 million beefing up their defense in free agency with pass rusher Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, and defensive tackle Damon Harrison. Now it’s time to give Eli Manning some help, and while he could use another receiver across from Odell Beckham, he badly needs an upgrade at right tackle, and Conklin, a three-year starter at Michigan State, would be a great fit.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back in this draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Former first-round pick D.J. Hayden didn’t work out so Eli is the Apple of the Raiders 'eye. He would make the secondary better.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: The Colts need a young pass rusher to groom behind Robert Mathis and Trent Cole. He would make an immediate impact.
19. Buffalo Bills- Reggie Raggland, Linebacker, Alabama: The Bills first and foremost need to figure out their quarterback situation — whether the answer is Tyrod Taylor or someone else (Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook are wild cards). But coach Rex Ryan needs some linebackers and pass-rush help for his defense, and can’t do much better than Ragland, the latest instinctive, three-down linebacker to come out of Alabama.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, New York Jets: If Lynch is still available at this point in the first round, pick No. 20 could be the sweet spot for a trade... unless the Jets, who brought the Memphis quarterback in for a visit, see the future of the franchise with Lynch.
21. Washington Redskins- A'Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Redskins pluck a big-bodied space eater to plug in at nose tackle. He will help a mediocre pass rush in Washington.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: The size and the speed the Steelers covet in an eventual No. 1 corner. He would make a great impact for a team that's needy in the secondary.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This feels like a good landing spot for a team coming back up into the first to take someone like Connor Cook. But the Seahawks would probably settle for filling an important role on the front of their offensive line. Kelly would fit nicely in Seattle since they traded away Max Unger last season.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: First-round pick on a cornerback worked out well for the Chiefs last year and they take another dip in the pool after losing Sean Smith in free agency.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Noah Spence, Defensive End, Eastern Kentucky: Carson Palmer isn’t going to play forever, so the Cardinals need to start thinking about drafting a quarterback, perhaps as soon as this year. But they have more immediate needs with their first-round pick, most notably at 3-4 edge rusher, even with the addition of Chandler Jones. Spence had drug suspensions in college but is high-risk/high-reward after playing great at the Senior Bowl.
30. Carolina Panthers- Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson: Last year’s NFC champions have a surprising number of holes, especially at cornerback after they dumped Josh Norman last week. But if that taught us anything, it’s that the Panthers value the front seven the most, and the 6-foot-5-inch Dodd, who happens to be a local kid, would be a great fit for a team that needs another edge rusher opposite Kony Ealy.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- DeForest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: They bypass a need at safety to grab a versatile defender with the size, length and athleticism to upgrade the pass rush at the five-technique position.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Joey Bosa or Jalen Ramsey? An argument can be made for both for Dallas – a pass rusher to take pressure off the secondary or a playmaking defensive back who gives the Cowboys' front more time to attack. Maybe Dallas will surprise and just take Ezekeil Elliott.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: Yes, the speculation won't stop about the medical reports on his knee, but the Jaguars are a team that needs to win NOW. If they feel good about the final analysis from their team doctors, they select this multi-purpose playmaker and take aim at Houston and Indianapolis within their division.
6. Baltimore Ravens- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: It would be tough for Ozzie Newsome to bypass the No. 1 player in the draft despite having a serviceable player at the position.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Chip Kelly could push the front office for an athletic edge blocker to help his offensive line get back on track in 2016.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Browns have a lot of holes, so expect them to take the best player available approach, and Bosa would be that for sure and would give the Browns a great pass rusher and a steal at this selection.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: The Giants spent nearly $100 million beefing up their defense in free agency with pass rusher Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, and defensive tackle Damon Harrison. Now it’s time to give Eli Manning some help, and while he could use another receiver across from Odell Beckham, he badly needs an upgrade at right tackle, and Conklin, a three-year starter at Michigan State, would be a great fit.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back in this draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Former first-round pick D.J. Hayden didn’t work out so Eli is the Apple of the Raiders 'eye. He would make the secondary better.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: The Colts need a young pass rusher to groom behind Robert Mathis and Trent Cole. He would make an immediate impact.
19. Buffalo Bills- Reggie Raggland, Linebacker, Alabama: The Bills first and foremost need to figure out their quarterback situation — whether the answer is Tyrod Taylor or someone else (Paxton Lynch and Connor Cook are wild cards). But coach Rex Ryan needs some linebackers and pass-rush help for his defense, and can’t do much better than Ragland, the latest instinctive, three-down linebacker to come out of Alabama.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, New York Jets: If Lynch is still available at this point in the first round, pick No. 20 could be the sweet spot for a trade... unless the Jets, who brought the Memphis quarterback in for a visit, see the future of the franchise with Lynch.
21. Washington Redskins- A'Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Redskins pluck a big-bodied space eater to plug in at nose tackle. He will help a mediocre pass rush in Washington.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: The size and the speed the Steelers covet in an eventual No. 1 corner. He would make a great impact for a team that's needy in the secondary.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This feels like a good landing spot for a team coming back up into the first to take someone like Connor Cook. But the Seahawks would probably settle for filling an important role on the front of their offensive line. Kelly would fit nicely in Seattle since they traded away Max Unger last season.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: First-round pick on a cornerback worked out well for the Chiefs last year and they take another dip in the pool after losing Sean Smith in free agency.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Noah Spence, Defensive End, Eastern Kentucky: Carson Palmer isn’t going to play forever, so the Cardinals need to start thinking about drafting a quarterback, perhaps as soon as this year. But they have more immediate needs with their first-round pick, most notably at 3-4 edge rusher, even with the addition of Chandler Jones. Spence had drug suspensions in college but is high-risk/high-reward after playing great at the Senior Bowl.
30. Carolina Panthers- Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson: Last year’s NFC champions have a surprising number of holes, especially at cornerback after they dumped Josh Norman last week. But if that taught us anything, it’s that the Panthers value the front seven the most, and the 6-foot-5-inch Dodd, who happens to be a local kid, would be a great fit for a team that needs another edge rusher opposite Kony Ealy.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Semifinals Predictions
Here are my predictions for the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(M1) Washington Capitals vs (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins: This has all the makings of a classic. Sidney Crosby and the Penguins will take on Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in the postseason for the first time since 2009. The Caps are coming off a six game series win over the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pens are coming off a five game series win over the New York Rangers. You can make a case for either team here, but although the Pens don't have Marc-Andre Fleury, Matt Murray was great in goal against the Rangers and Braden Holtby was awesome against the Flyers. The Caps didn't end the Flyers series all that well and they might not have Brooks Orpik back due to an upper body injury. Give me the hotter team to advance to the Eastern Conference Final and that's the Pens.
Prediction: Penguins in seven games.
(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs (WC1) New York Islanders: This should be a fantastic series as well. Tampa is coming off a five game series win over the Detroit Red Wings and the Islanders are coming off a six game series win against the Florida Panthers. John Tavares has arguably been the best player in these Stanley Cup Playoffs so far, but it seems like the Bolts might be getting healthy at the right time with Anton Stralman potentially coming back after fracturing his fibula and Steven Stamkos practiced for the first time since his blood clot. So don't rule those two important players for the Bolts returning. Thomas Greiss has done a nice job filling in for the injured Jarasolav Halak, but Ben Bishop has been great in these playoffs too. Tavares might be the best player in this series, but the Bolts are the better team now that their getting healthy and they'll advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the second straight season.
Prediction: Lightning in seven games.
Western Conference
(C1) Dallas Stars vs (C2) St. Louis Blues: This should be a fun series for sure. Dallas is coming off a six game series win over the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis is coming off an epic seven game series win over the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks. Brian Elliott was outstanding in net for the Blues meanwhile the Stars duo of Kari Lethonen and Antti Niemi was not good. The Stars can flat out score and the Blues can score too. The difference in this series will no doubt be goaltending and defense and that's what gives the Blues the edge.
Prediction: Blues in six games.
(P3) San Jose Sharks vs (WC1) Nashville Predators: This should be a very good series. San Jose is coming off a five game series win over the Los Angeles Kings. Nashville is coming off a seven game series win over the Anaheim Ducks. Both Pekka Rinne and Martin Jones were good in net in their first round series's. Both teams can score well and defend well, so this series should go to distance, but I like the Sharks slightly better here although I wouldn't be surprised if the Preds win the series.
Prediction: Sharks in seven games.
Eastern Conference
(M1) Washington Capitals vs (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins: This has all the makings of a classic. Sidney Crosby and the Penguins will take on Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in the postseason for the first time since 2009. The Caps are coming off a six game series win over the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pens are coming off a five game series win over the New York Rangers. You can make a case for either team here, but although the Pens don't have Marc-Andre Fleury, Matt Murray was great in goal against the Rangers and Braden Holtby was awesome against the Flyers. The Caps didn't end the Flyers series all that well and they might not have Brooks Orpik back due to an upper body injury. Give me the hotter team to advance to the Eastern Conference Final and that's the Pens.
Prediction: Penguins in seven games.
(A2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs (WC1) New York Islanders: This should be a fantastic series as well. Tampa is coming off a five game series win over the Detroit Red Wings and the Islanders are coming off a six game series win against the Florida Panthers. John Tavares has arguably been the best player in these Stanley Cup Playoffs so far, but it seems like the Bolts might be getting healthy at the right time with Anton Stralman potentially coming back after fracturing his fibula and Steven Stamkos practiced for the first time since his blood clot. So don't rule those two important players for the Bolts returning. Thomas Greiss has done a nice job filling in for the injured Jarasolav Halak, but Ben Bishop has been great in these playoffs too. Tavares might be the best player in this series, but the Bolts are the better team now that their getting healthy and they'll advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the second straight season.
Prediction: Lightning in seven games.
Western Conference
(C1) Dallas Stars vs (C2) St. Louis Blues: This should be a fun series for sure. Dallas is coming off a six game series win over the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis is coming off an epic seven game series win over the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks. Brian Elliott was outstanding in net for the Blues meanwhile the Stars duo of Kari Lethonen and Antti Niemi was not good. The Stars can flat out score and the Blues can score too. The difference in this series will no doubt be goaltending and defense and that's what gives the Blues the edge.
Prediction: Blues in six games.
(P3) San Jose Sharks vs (WC1) Nashville Predators: This should be a very good series. San Jose is coming off a five game series win over the Los Angeles Kings. Nashville is coming off a seven game series win over the Anaheim Ducks. Both Pekka Rinne and Martin Jones were good in net in their first round series's. Both teams can score well and defend well, so this series should go to distance, but I like the Sharks slightly better here although I wouldn't be surprised if the Preds win the series.
Prediction: Sharks in seven games.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
2016 NFL Mock Draft: 4th Edition
Here is my fourth edition of my 2016 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: He looked to be the top pick two weeks ago. But trades have changed things. The Chargers have to take the best overall player, and that's Tunsil, who will provide great protection for Philip Rivers.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Cowboys need another pass rusher with Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence facing suspension. Bosa would give them perhaps their best pass rusher since DeMarcus Ware.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety: Perhaps they switch spots with San Diego and select Ramsey and the Bolts select Tunsil in this slot. But, here I have Ramsey dropping to fifth assuming no trades happen. Coach Gus Bradley knows how to employ talented defensive backs from his days in Seattle.
6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForrest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: He's a snug fit from a schematic and talent perspective for a defense that surrendered 401 points in 2015 and needs to reload with younger players.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Chip Kelly could push the front office for an athletic edge blocker to help his offensive line get back on track in 2016.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: With the Browns apparently planning to build around Robert Griffin III at quarterback, the need for help along the offensive line is now even more of a priority. Conklin, a former walk-on turned All-American left tackle, plays with physicality and tenacity and could provide competition on an offensive line needing reinforcements inside and out after losing Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack in free agency.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: It is uncommon for the Giants to draft a linebacker with a top pick, but the UCLA standout fills a need and adds some athleticism to a unit that desperately needs playmakers.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back int his draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Former first-round pick D.J. Hayden didn’t work out so Eli is Apple of Raiders’ eye. Apple would be an upgrade in the Raiders secondary.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: The Colts need a young pass rusher to groom behind Robert Mathis and Trent Cole. He would make an immediate impact.
19. Buffalo Bills- Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson: Rex Ryan finds his replacement for Mario Williams. The Clemson standout is a bit of a one-year wonder but flashes the potential to grow into a dominant edge rusher.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, New York Jets: If Lynch is still available at this point in the first round, pick No. 20 could be the sweet spot for a trade... unless the Jets, who brought the Memphis quarterback in for a visit, see the future of the franchise with Lynch.
21. Washington Redskins- Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama: While there are questions about his ability to hold up in coverage, Ragland is an impact run defender who adds a physical presence to the middle of the Redskins defense.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: The size and the speed the Steelers covet in an eventual No. 1 corner. He would make a great impact for a team that's needy in the secondary.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Geramin Ifedl, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Seahawks must address the offensive line to help Russell Wilson thrive. Ifdel's stock is rising and he would replace Russell Okung on the offensive line.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: First-round pick on a cornerback worked out well for the Chiefs last year and they take another dip in the pool after losing Sean Smith in free agency.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: Arizona took care of its edge pass rusher need by acquiring Chandler Jones from New England. Adding an eventual replacement plan behind left end Frostee Rucker is key, but so is protecting 36-year-old QB Carson Palmer.
30. Carolina Panthers- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): Burns is a late-rising prospect like former Miami teammates Ereck Flowers and Phillip Dorsett last year. Call it the Al Golden effect. He's not the most technically sound corner, but he's a playmaker. He'd make a good replacement for Josh Norman.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: He looked to be the top pick two weeks ago. But trades have changed things. The Chargers have to take the best overall player, and that's Tunsil, who will provide great protection for Philip Rivers.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Cowboys need another pass rusher with Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence facing suspension. Bosa would give them perhaps their best pass rusher since DeMarcus Ware.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety: Perhaps they switch spots with San Diego and select Ramsey and the Bolts select Tunsil in this slot. But, here I have Ramsey dropping to fifth assuming no trades happen. Coach Gus Bradley knows how to employ talented defensive backs from his days in Seattle.
6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForrest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: He's a snug fit from a schematic and talent perspective for a defense that surrendered 401 points in 2015 and needs to reload with younger players.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Chip Kelly could push the front office for an athletic edge blocker to help his offensive line get back on track in 2016.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: With the Browns apparently planning to build around Robert Griffin III at quarterback, the need for help along the offensive line is now even more of a priority. Conklin, a former walk-on turned All-American left tackle, plays with physicality and tenacity and could provide competition on an offensive line needing reinforcements inside and out after losing Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack in free agency.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: It is uncommon for the Giants to draft a linebacker with a top pick, but the UCLA standout fills a need and adds some athleticism to a unit that desperately needs playmakers.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back int his draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Former first-round pick D.J. Hayden didn’t work out so Eli is Apple of Raiders’ eye. Apple would be an upgrade in the Raiders secondary.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: The Colts need a young pass rusher to groom behind Robert Mathis and Trent Cole. He would make an immediate impact.
19. Buffalo Bills- Kevin Dodd, Defensive End, Clemson: Rex Ryan finds his replacement for Mario Williams. The Clemson standout is a bit of a one-year wonder but flashes the potential to grow into a dominant edge rusher.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, New York Jets: If Lynch is still available at this point in the first round, pick No. 20 could be the sweet spot for a trade... unless the Jets, who brought the Memphis quarterback in for a visit, see the future of the franchise with Lynch.
21. Washington Redskins- Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama: While there are questions about his ability to hold up in coverage, Ragland is an impact run defender who adds a physical presence to the middle of the Redskins defense.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: The size and the speed the Steelers covet in an eventual No. 1 corner. He would make a great impact for a team that's needy in the secondary.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Geramin Ifedl, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Seahawks must address the offensive line to help Russell Wilson thrive. Ifdel's stock is rising and he would replace Russell Okung on the offensive line.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: First-round pick on a cornerback worked out well for the Chiefs last year and they take another dip in the pool after losing Sean Smith in free agency.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: Arizona took care of its edge pass rusher need by acquiring Chandler Jones from New England. Adding an eventual replacement plan behind left end Frostee Rucker is key, but so is protecting 36-year-old QB Carson Palmer.
30. Carolina Panthers- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): Burns is a late-rising prospect like former Miami teammates Ereck Flowers and Phillip Dorsett last year. Call it the Al Golden effect. He's not the most technically sound corner, but he's a playmaker. He'd make a good replacement for Josh Norman.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
Monday, April 25, 2016
2016 NFL Mock Draft: 3rd Edition
Here is the third edition of my 2016 NFL Mock Draft.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: He looked to be the top pick two weeks ago. But trades have changed things. The Chargers have to take the best overall player, and that's Tunsil, who will provide great protection for Philip Rivers.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Joey Bosa or Jalen Ramsey? An argument can be made for both for Dallas – a pass rusher to take pressure off the secondary or a playmaking defensive back who gives the Cowboys' front more time to attack. Maybe Dallas will surprise and just take Ezekeil Elliott.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: If the doctors sign off, then UCLA linebacker Myles Jack is the pick, but with his knee injury concerns, the Jaguars might not be able to pull the trigger. Bosa is a nice consolation prize, a pass rusher who strengthens the front-seven from day one and would pair nicely with Dante Fowler.
6. Baltimore Ravens- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: They have major issues at left tackle. So why not take a guy who can step in and protect the blindside? He does need to work on his run blocking.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: There are several teams who will not consider Jack due to his knee injury, but there are also teams who will see the linebacker as worth the risk. And San Francisco might be one of those teams.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: With the Browns apparently planning to build around Robert Griffin III at quarterback, the need for help along the offensive line is now even more of a priority. Conklin, a former walk-on turned All-American left tackle, plays with physicality and tenacity and could provide competition on an offensive line needing reinforcements inside and out after losing Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack in free agency.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- DeForrest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: Buckner would be a nice fit on this revamped defensive line along with Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul. Don't rule out Big Blue taking Ezekiel Elliott here though.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back int his draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: David Amerson showed signs of recharging his career in Oakland last season, but he is in the final year of his deal and Jackson would give the Raiders immediate depth and a long-term starter.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: Indy needs help on both the offensive and defensive lines, but Lawson makes sense here. He would make a nice impact immediately.
19. Buffalo Bills- Noah Spence, Defensive End, Eastern Kentucky: Rex Ryan can snag a talented but troubled defensive lineman who doesn't have the same baggage as someone like Robert Nkemdiche.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, New York Jets: If Lynch is still available at this point in the first round, pick No. 20 could be the sweet spot for a trade... unless the Jets, who brought the Memphis quarterback in for a visit, see the future of the franchise with Lynch.
21. Washington Redskins- Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama: While there are questions about his ability to hold up in coverage, Ragland is an impact run defender who adds a physical presence to the middle of the Redskins defense.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Pittsburgh's leaky secondary was a season-long issue with reinforcements almost surely coming in the offseason, whether via the draft, free agency or both. Apple has natural coverage skills, including the fluidity and quick hands to make plays on the ball.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This feels like a good landing spot for a team coming back up into the first to take someone like Connor Cook. But the Seahawks would probably settle for filling an important role on the front of their offensive line. Kelly would fit nicely in Seattle since they traded away Max Unger last season.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: First-round pick on a cornerback worked out well for the Chiefs last year and they take another dip in the pool after losing Sean Smith in free agency.
29. Arizona Cardinals- A'Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: Picking up a big body who can occupy blockers for Chandler Jones and create defensive line depth for the Cardinals defense is a worthwhile effort this late in the first.
30. Carolina Panthers- Geramin Ifedl, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Panthers' offensive tackles out-performed expectations last season, but the team needs depth and youth at the position. Ifedi also has experience at guard, providing versatility to kick inside if needed.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss: There is too much talent, despite the off-field concerns. He is a top-five talent and would replace Malik Jackson on the defensive line.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams sold the farm to get their quarterback. The only question remaining, who is their quarterback? Goff is the best passer in this class, and he makes the most sense with this pick.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles have mortgaged the future on Wentz. It's a bold move that could pay off, but only time will tell. It's a great situation for Wentz because he can sit and learn and won't be forced to start from Day 1.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: He looked to be the top pick two weeks ago. But trades have changed things. The Chargers have to take the best overall player, and that's Tunsil, who will provide great protection for Philip Rivers.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: Joey Bosa or Jalen Ramsey? An argument can be made for both for Dallas – a pass rusher to take pressure off the secondary or a playmaking defensive back who gives the Cowboys' front more time to attack. Maybe Dallas will surprise and just take Ezekeil Elliott.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: If the doctors sign off, then UCLA linebacker Myles Jack is the pick, but with his knee injury concerns, the Jaguars might not be able to pull the trigger. Bosa is a nice consolation prize, a pass rusher who strengthens the front-seven from day one and would pair nicely with Dante Fowler.
6. Baltimore Ravens- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: They have major issues at left tackle. So why not take a guy who can step in and protect the blindside? He does need to work on his run blocking.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Myles Jack, Outside Linebacker, UCLA: There are several teams who will not consider Jack due to his knee injury, but there are also teams who will see the linebacker as worth the risk. And San Francisco might be one of those teams.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State: With the Browns apparently planning to build around Robert Griffin III at quarterback, the need for help along the offensive line is now even more of a priority. Conklin, a former walk-on turned All-American left tackle, plays with physicality and tenacity and could provide competition on an offensive line needing reinforcements inside and out after losing Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack in free agency.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback, Florida: Tampa needs to address the cornerback position this draft and Hargreaves is a tough-minded, instinctive cover man who is ready to start from Day One in the NFL.
10. New York Giants- DeForrest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: Buckner would be a nice fit on this revamped defensive line along with Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul. Don't rule out Big Blue taking Ezekiel Elliott here though.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Outside Linebacker, Georgia: Entering year two of the transition to a 3-4 base scheme, the Bears are still searching for an impact edge rusher. Floyd has plenty of question marks, but his flexibility and pass rush potential for an athlete his size will have him overdrafted, possibly this early.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: New Orleans has some solid pieces on the defensive line, but need to continue and add depth. Rankins isn't only depth, but he has difference-maker potential, also adding versatility to play multiple spots for the Saints' front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: They've sniffed around running backs all summer, so why not take the best back int his draft? Elliott would fit nicely on this team and give someone to take pressure off of Ryan Tannehill.
14. Oakland Raiders- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: David Amerson showed signs of recharging his career in Oakland last season, but he is in the final year of his deal and Jackson would give the Raiders immediate depth and a long-term starter.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: Whether picking first or 15th, the top priority in Tennessee should be helping young quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mississippi left tackle Laremy Tunsil was the popular pick while the Titans held the No. 1 pick but some believe the depth at tackle in the first round is one of the primary reasons why general manager Jon Robinson felt comfortable in dropping so far down. Pairing Decker with former first round pick Taylor Lewan would give Mariota a "taylor made" set of bookend tackles with which to grow.
16. Detroit Lions- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Lions boast one of the NFL's better young edge rushers in Ziggy Ansah, whose 14.5 sacks last season led the NFC. Reed would add a strong interior presence and give the Lions a solid young tandem on the defensive line.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: The Falcons have made an effort to get faster and more explosive (see Vic Beasley last year), and Lee is an outstanding athlete. Dan Quinn would like Lee's skill set and what he brings to the table.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: Indy needs help on both the offensive and defensive lines, but Lawson makes sense here. He would make a nice impact immediately.
19. Buffalo Bills- Noah Spence, Defensive End, Eastern Kentucky: Rex Ryan can snag a talented but troubled defensive lineman who doesn't have the same baggage as someone like Robert Nkemdiche.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, New York Jets: If Lynch is still available at this point in the first round, pick No. 20 could be the sweet spot for a trade... unless the Jets, who brought the Memphis quarterback in for a visit, see the future of the franchise with Lynch.
21. Washington Redskins- Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama: While there are questions about his ability to hold up in coverage, Ragland is an impact run defender who adds a physical presence to the middle of the Redskins defense.
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: Given the huge investments made in Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller, the Texans might look to add to their defense with this selection but Coleman just makes too much sense to ignore. The Texas native won the Biletnikoff Award last season by catching 20 touchdowns and possesses the speed and agility to serve as an ideal complement to star DeAndre Hopkins.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: True No. 1? Debatable considering his timed speed isn't there, but he shows up on tape and is a devastating red-zone threat. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu leaving via free agency, wide receiver is a realistic option for the Bengals with this pick. Doctson has the size, speed and ball-skills that will complement A.J. Green and give Andy Dalton another downfield threat.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Pittsburgh's leaky secondary was a season-long issue with reinforcements almost surely coming in the offseason, whether via the draft, free agency or both. Apple has natural coverage skills, including the fluidity and quick hands to make plays on the ball.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This feels like a good landing spot for a team coming back up into the first to take someone like Connor Cook. But the Seahawks would probably settle for filling an important role on the front of their offensive line. Kelly would fit nicely in Seattle since they traded away Max Unger last season.
27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, Defensive Tackle, Baylor: The loss of starting nose guard B.J. Raji to a "hiatus" creates quite literally a massive hole in the middle for the Packers. Stout, strong and surprisingly athletic, Billings would seem to be a logical replacement.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: First-round pick on a cornerback worked out well for the Chiefs last year and they take another dip in the pool after losing Sean Smith in free agency.
29. Arizona Cardinals- A'Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: Picking up a big body who can occupy blockers for Chandler Jones and create defensive line depth for the Cardinals defense is a worthwhile effort this late in the first.
30. Carolina Panthers- Geramin Ifedl, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: The Panthers' offensive tackles out-performed expectations last season, but the team needs depth and youth at the position. Ifedi also has experience at guard, providing versatility to kick inside if needed.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss: There is too much talent, despite the off-field concerns. He is a top-five talent and would replace Malik Jackson on the defensive line.
Friday, April 22, 2016
2016 NFL Mock Draft: 2nd Edition
Here is my second edition of my 2016 NFL Mock Draft. Sorry I haven't done one in a while and so much has changed with the top two picks being traded and free agency going on.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams badly need a franchise quarterback and they hope either Goff or Carson Wentz could be the answer. Before they left St. Louis, the Rams built quite a framework – nasty defense, young offensive line, offensive rookie of the year Todd Gurley– capable of supporting a young quarterback. All indications point to Goff moving down the road to L.A. and assuming that job. His decision making and accuracy could vault him past incumbent starter Case Keenum by the time Week 1 arrives.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles trading up to this spot is a clear indicator that they want to draft a quarterback. Wentz has the luxury of being able to sit for a year or two behind Sam Bradford and/or Chase Daniel. Not that those particular guys have much to teach him, but he does need some time before he's ready.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: The Bolts could certainly opt for defense – they ranked 20th last year – but they're probably better served bolstering a pocket QB Philip Rivers is virtually incapable of escaping (more so than ever) at age 34. O-line issues plagued the Chargers in 2015, Rivers has been sacked an average of 39 times a year since 2012, and a blue-chip blocker like Tunsil should surely improve the AFC's worst ground game.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: The Eagles' trade puts to rest the notion Dallas will take a quarterback here, but it also ensures Jerry Jones and Co. will have an elite position player fall to them. Given how disappointing (and expensive) corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne have been, plus the fact nickelback Orlando Scandrick is trying to come back from two torn knee ligaments, the gifted Ramsey makes perfect sense, especially given he can play anywhere in the secondary.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Jags allowed the most points in the AFC last season, so defense is clearly their primary need. They also managed just 36 sacks, not enough in a division suddenly flush with young, athletic quarterbacks. Enter Bosa, a high-effort, every-down player who would form a nice long-term edge tandem with 2015 first-round defensive end Dante Fowler, who's coming off a torn ACL.
6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: He's a snug fit from a schematic and talent perspective for a defense that surrendered 401 points in 2015 and needs to reload with younger players.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Myles Jack, Linebacker, UCLA: Without getting an inside glimpse at all 32 teams’ draft boards, it is going to be impossible to pin down the exact fallout from Jack’s recent, reportedly disappointing medical recheck. While the 49ers can ill afford another injury redshirt or shortened career, they also are shy on defensive playmakers. Assuming Jack’s methodical recovery has him ready for 2016, landing him at No. 7 would be a steal.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Do they have another deal in the works? Might they be targeting Lynch with the idea of sitting him behind Robert Griffin III for the next year or two? But assuming the Browns stick at No. 8, Stanley makes a whole lot of sense since protection for RG3 (or whomever is under center) is of paramount concern, there's a gaping hole at right tackle after Mitchell Schwartz left town, and Stanley's natural position of left tackle might make the long-rumored trade of Joe Thomas more palatable for a team that clearly wants to hoard draft picks and cap space for future years.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves III, Cornerback, Florida: The Bucs would love a pass rusher, but they won't turn down adding one of the top corners in the draft. He will make plenty of plays on the ball, and he tackles, as well.
10. New York Giants- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: Lawson would be a great fit on Big Blue's revamped defensive line. He, Olivier Vernon, and Jason Pierre-Paul would form a great trio on that defensive line.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Linebacker, Georgia: The Bears need some speed off the edge, and that's exactly what Floyd brings to the table.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: Rankins is an interior destroyer that should help the Saints against both the run and the pass. There are few teams more in need of help along their defensive front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezequiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: The Dolphins tried and failed to find a running back elsewhere, and would luck out with Elliott falling to No. 13 here. Hopefully they trust him enough to feed him the ball more often than they did Lamar Miller.
14. Oakland Raiders- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: Jackson helps round out a secondary that has been a work in progress all offseason. The Raiders signed Sean Smith and Reggie Nelson to help fill out the defensive backfield, but another body would really help turn a weakness into a strength.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Jack Conklin, Tackle, Michigan State: Don't be surprised if GM Jon Robinson brokers yet another deal to get into position for Tunsil or Stanley. But Conklin could be a very good fallback given his ability to plug in on the right side (allowing Taylor Lewan to remain at left tackle) while upgrading the blocking for QB Marcus Mariota and new RB DeMmarco Murray.
16. Detroit Lions- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: With wideout Calvin Johnson retired, the Lions must recalibrate their offense. That means better protection for Matthew Stafford, sacked 89 times over the last two seasons, and a revival of the league's worst rushing attack, which should be better given the presence of talented running back Ammer Abdulah.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Linebacker, Ohio State: Arguably more than anything else, the Falcons need some athleticism on their defense. Drafting Vic Beasley last year was a start. Adding Lee would be a good next step.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Reggie Ragland, Linebacker, Alabama: The Colts are lacking youth in their linebacking corps. The value for a pass rusher is not there, so they secure the middle of their defense with the addition of Ragland.
19. Buffalo Bills- Laquon Treadquell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: Buffalo needs more playmakers in the passing game, and Treadwell makes for a good fit with Sammy Watkins on the outside. Tryod Taylor should have fun throwing to those two.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis: What will the next week bring for the Jets, as it pertains to their QB spot? Ryan Fitzpatrick’s return? Brian Hoyer’s arrival? No matter the outcome, they’re scrambling for 2016 and in limbo for 2017.
21. Washington Redskins- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: Losing Terrance Knighton hurts Washington's front line. Reed will collapse the pocket more often on pass plays than "Pot Roast" did.
22. Houston Texans- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: DeAndre Hopkins working every route in the book on one side of the field, while Doctson stretches the field vertically? Sounds like a recipe for offensive success for new quarterback Brock Osweiler.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: With Fuller and Stefon Diggs, the Vikes have the start of a real wide receiver corps for the first time in a while. It helps that they'll have Adrian Peterson running behind an improved offensive line to give Teddy Bridgewater some better lanes through which to throw.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor: Cincinnati lost both Muhammed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency and now they have a void at receiver. Coleman would fill that void and fit nicely with AJ Green.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: Alexander was at one point considered arguably the top corner on the board, but he's been falling in recent weeks. If he makes it this far, the Steelers should pounce.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This team sorely missed center Max Unger in 2015 and has fresh holes to fill on its offensive line.
27. Green Bay Packers- Chris Jones, Defensive End, Mississippi State: Jones is versatile enough to play inside or outside in the Packers' scheme. He should be an effective part of the team's rotation up front immediately, which Dom Capers needs due to the departure of nose tackle BJ Raji.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): Burns is a late-rising prospect like former Miami teammates Ereck Flowers and Phillip Dorsett last year. Call it the Al Golden effect. He's not the most technically sound corner, but he's a playmaker. He'd make a fun partner for Marcus Peters.
29. Arizona Cardinals- TJ Green, Safety, Clemson: Don't be surprised if Green leapfrogs his former teammate, Mackensie Alexander, in this draft. Last year, Byron Jones rode good film and a great workout into a late first-round selection (27th overall to Dallas). Green Bay also selected a safety to convert him to corner. Green has the athleticism to make the move outside, freeing up veteran Tyvon Branch and stud defender Tyrann Mathieu to work inside.
30. Carolina Panthers- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Now that the Panthers took the franchise tag off Josh Norman, he is now an unrestricted free agent. Apple would be a quality replacement for Norman in the secondary.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
1. Los Angeles Rams (via Tennessee Titans)- Jared Goff, Quarterback, California: The Rams badly need a franchise quarterback and they hope either Goff or Carson Wentz could be the answer. Before they left St. Louis, the Rams built quite a framework – nasty defense, young offensive line, offensive rookie of the year Todd Gurley– capable of supporting a young quarterback. All indications point to Goff moving down the road to L.A. and assuming that job. His decision making and accuracy could vault him past incumbent starter Case Keenum by the time Week 1 arrives.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (via Cleveland Browns)- Carson Wentz, Quarterback, North Dakota State: The Eagles trading up to this spot is a clear indicator that they want to draft a quarterback. Wentz has the luxury of being able to sit for a year or two behind Sam Bradford and/or Chase Daniel. Not that those particular guys have much to teach him, but he does need some time before he's ready.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss: The Bolts could certainly opt for defense – they ranked 20th last year – but they're probably better served bolstering a pocket QB Philip Rivers is virtually incapable of escaping (more so than ever) at age 34. O-line issues plagued the Chargers in 2015, Rivers has been sacked an average of 39 times a year since 2012, and a blue-chip blocker like Tunsil should surely improve the AFC's worst ground game.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback/Safety, Florida State: The Eagles' trade puts to rest the notion Dallas will take a quarterback here, but it also ensures Jerry Jones and Co. will have an elite position player fall to them. Given how disappointing (and expensive) corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne have been, plus the fact nickelback Orlando Scandrick is trying to come back from two torn knee ligaments, the gifted Ramsey makes perfect sense, especially given he can play anywhere in the secondary.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State: The Jags allowed the most points in the AFC last season, so defense is clearly their primary need. They also managed just 36 sacks, not enough in a division suddenly flush with young, athletic quarterbacks. Enter Bosa, a high-effort, every-down player who would form a nice long-term edge tandem with 2015 first-round defensive end Dante Fowler, who's coming off a torn ACL.
6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForest Buckner, Defensive End, Oregon: He's a snug fit from a schematic and talent perspective for a defense that surrendered 401 points in 2015 and needs to reload with younger players.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Myles Jack, Linebacker, UCLA: Without getting an inside glimpse at all 32 teams’ draft boards, it is going to be impossible to pin down the exact fallout from Jack’s recent, reportedly disappointing medical recheck. While the 49ers can ill afford another injury redshirt or shortened career, they also are shy on defensive playmakers. Assuming Jack’s methodical recovery has him ready for 2016, landing him at No. 7 would be a steal.
8. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia Eagles via Miami Dolphins)- Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Do they have another deal in the works? Might they be targeting Lynch with the idea of sitting him behind Robert Griffin III for the next year or two? But assuming the Browns stick at No. 8, Stanley makes a whole lot of sense since protection for RG3 (or whomever is under center) is of paramount concern, there's a gaping hole at right tackle after Mitchell Schwartz left town, and Stanley's natural position of left tackle might make the long-rumored trade of Joe Thomas more palatable for a team that clearly wants to hoard draft picks and cap space for future years.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves III, Cornerback, Florida: The Bucs would love a pass rusher, but they won't turn down adding one of the top corners in the draft. He will make plenty of plays on the ball, and he tackles, as well.
10. New York Giants- Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson: Lawson would be a great fit on Big Blue's revamped defensive line. He, Olivier Vernon, and Jason Pierre-Paul would form a great trio on that defensive line.
11. Chicago Bears- Leonard Floyd, Linebacker, Georgia: The Bears need some speed off the edge, and that's exactly what Floyd brings to the table.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle, Louisville: Rankins is an interior destroyer that should help the Saints against both the run and the pass. There are few teams more in need of help along their defensive front.
13. Miami Dolphins (via Philadelphia Eagles)- Ezequiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State: The Dolphins tried and failed to find a running back elsewhere, and would luck out with Elliott falling to No. 13 here. Hopefully they trust him enough to feed him the ball more often than they did Lamar Miller.
14. Oakland Raiders- William Jackson III, Cornerback, Houston: Jackson helps round out a secondary that has been a work in progress all offseason. The Raiders signed Sean Smith and Reggie Nelson to help fill out the defensive backfield, but another body would really help turn a weakness into a strength.
15. Tennessee Titans (via Los Angeles Rams)- Jack Conklin, Tackle, Michigan State: Don't be surprised if GM Jon Robinson brokers yet another deal to get into position for Tunsil or Stanley. But Conklin could be a very good fallback given his ability to plug in on the right side (allowing Taylor Lewan to remain at left tackle) while upgrading the blocking for QB Marcus Mariota and new RB DeMmarco Murray.
16. Detroit Lions- Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State: With wideout Calvin Johnson retired, the Lions must recalibrate their offense. That means better protection for Matthew Stafford, sacked 89 times over the last two seasons, and a revival of the league's worst rushing attack, which should be better given the presence of talented running back Ammer Abdulah.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Darron Lee, Linebacker, Ohio State: Arguably more than anything else, the Falcons need some athleticism on their defense. Drafting Vic Beasley last year was a start. Adding Lee would be a good next step.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Reggie Ragland, Linebacker, Alabama: The Colts are lacking youth in their linebacking corps. The value for a pass rusher is not there, so they secure the middle of their defense with the addition of Ragland.
19. Buffalo Bills- Laquon Treadquell, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss: Buffalo needs more playmakers in the passing game, and Treadwell makes for a good fit with Sammy Watkins on the outside. Tryod Taylor should have fun throwing to those two.
20. New York Jets- Paxton Lynch, Quarterback, Memphis: What will the next week bring for the Jets, as it pertains to their QB spot? Ryan Fitzpatrick’s return? Brian Hoyer’s arrival? No matter the outcome, they’re scrambling for 2016 and in limbo for 2017.
21. Washington Redskins- Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: Losing Terrance Knighton hurts Washington's front line. Reed will collapse the pocket more often on pass plays than "Pot Roast" did.
22. Houston Texans- Josh Docston, Wide Receiver, TCU: DeAndre Hopkins working every route in the book on one side of the field, while Doctson stretches the field vertically? Sounds like a recipe for offensive success for new quarterback Brock Osweiler.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Will Fuller, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: With Fuller and Stefon Diggs, the Vikes have the start of a real wide receiver corps for the first time in a while. It helps that they'll have Adrian Peterson running behind an improved offensive line to give Teddy Bridgewater some better lanes through which to throw.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver, Baylor: Cincinnati lost both Muhammed Sanu and Marvin Jones in free agency and now they have a void at receiver. Coleman would fill that void and fit nicely with AJ Green.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback, Clemson: Alexander was at one point considered arguably the top corner on the board, but he's been falling in recent weeks. If he makes it this far, the Steelers should pounce.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama: This team sorely missed center Max Unger in 2015 and has fresh holes to fill on its offensive line.
27. Green Bay Packers- Chris Jones, Defensive End, Mississippi State: Jones is versatile enough to play inside or outside in the Packers' scheme. He should be an effective part of the team's rotation up front immediately, which Dom Capers needs due to the departure of nose tackle BJ Raji.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Artie Burns, Cornerback, Miami (FL): Burns is a late-rising prospect like former Miami teammates Ereck Flowers and Phillip Dorsett last year. Call it the Al Golden effect. He's not the most technically sound corner, but he's a playmaker. He'd make a fun partner for Marcus Peters.
29. Arizona Cardinals- TJ Green, Safety, Clemson: Don't be surprised if Green leapfrogs his former teammate, Mackensie Alexander, in this draft. Last year, Byron Jones rode good film and a great workout into a late first-round selection (27th overall to Dallas). Green Bay also selected a safety to convert him to corner. Green has the athleticism to make the move outside, freeing up veteran Tyvon Branch and stud defender Tyrann Mathieu to work inside.
30. Carolina Panthers- Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State: Now that the Panthers took the franchise tag off Josh Norman, he is now an unrestricted free agent. Apple would be a quality replacement for Norman in the secondary.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive End, Ole Miss: Nkemdiche will cause more problems for opposing quarterbacks than for himself if he winds up with the Broncos. He'll replace Malik Jackson on that defensive line.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Candidates to replace George Karl as Kings head coach
Yesterday, the Sacramento Kings had fired head coach George Karl. Here are some candidates to replace Karl.
1. Corliss Williamson, Assistant Coach, Sacramento Kings
2. Kevin McHale, TNT Analyst/Former Minnesota Timberwolves & Houston Rockets Head Coach
3. John Calipari, Head Coach, Kentucky
1. Corliss Williamson, Assistant Coach, Sacramento Kings
2. Kevin McHale, TNT Analyst/Former Minnesota Timberwolves & Houston Rockets Head Coach
3. John Calipari, Head Coach, Kentucky
Candidates to replace Randy Wittman as Wizards head coach
On Wednesday night, the Wizards has fired head coach Randy Wittman. Here are some candidates to replace Wittman as Wizards coach.
1. Scott Brooks, Former Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach
2. Jeff Hornacek, Former Phoenix Suns Head Coach
3. Sam Cassell, Assistant Coach, Los Angeles Clippers
4. Mike D'Antoni, Associate Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers
5. Monty Williams, Assistant Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder
6. Tom Thibodeau, Former Chicago Bulls Head Coach
7. David Blatt, Former Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach
8. Lionel Hollins, Former Memphis Grizzlies & Brooklyn Nets Head Coach
9. Mark Jackson, ESPN Analyst/Former Golden State Warriors Head Coach
10. Vinny Del Negro, Former Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Clippers Head Coach
11. Kevin McHale, TNT Analyst/Former Houston Rockets & Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach
12. Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN Analyst/Former New York Knicks & Houston Rockets Head Coach
1. Scott Brooks, Former Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach
2. Jeff Hornacek, Former Phoenix Suns Head Coach
3. Sam Cassell, Assistant Coach, Los Angeles Clippers
4. Mike D'Antoni, Associate Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers
5. Monty Williams, Assistant Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder
6. Tom Thibodeau, Former Chicago Bulls Head Coach
7. David Blatt, Former Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach
8. Lionel Hollins, Former Memphis Grizzlies & Brooklyn Nets Head Coach
9. Mark Jackson, ESPN Analyst/Former Golden State Warriors Head Coach
10. Vinny Del Negro, Former Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Clippers Head Coach
11. Kevin McHale, TNT Analyst/Former Houston Rockets & Minnesota Timberwolves Head Coach
12. Jeff Van Gundy, ESPN Analyst/Former New York Knicks & Houston Rockets Head Coach
Candidates to replace Sam Mitchell as Timberwolves head coach
Interim head coach Sam Mitchell, who replaced the late Flip Saunders, has been relieved by his duties by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Here are some candidates to replace Mitchell.
1. Tom Thibodeau, Former Chicago Bulls Head Coach
2. Jeff Van Gundy, Current ESPN Analyst/Former New York Knicks & Houston Rockets Head Coach
3. Dave Joeger, Head Coach, Memphis Grizzlies
1. Tom Thibodeau, Former Chicago Bulls Head Coach
2. Jeff Van Gundy, Current ESPN Analyst/Former New York Knicks & Houston Rockets Head Coach
3. Dave Joeger, Head Coach, Memphis Grizzlies
2015-16 NBA Awards
Here are my awards for the 2015-16 NBA season.
MVP- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: Who else? Curry should be the first ever unanimous MVP in league history on a team that won a grand total of 73 games and Curry himself had a historically great season.
Runner up: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Defensive Player of the Year- Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs: Leonard is the best two-way player in the league right now and he is great at guarding the oppositions best player. It also helps when he's on a 67-win team with a historically great defense.
Runner up: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Sixth Man of the Year- Andre Igoudala, Golden State Warriors: Igoudala is arguably the X-factor to this historically great Warriors team. He provides great two-way play off the bench and is apart of the Warriors best lineup that they throw at teams late in close games.
Runner up: Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
Most Improved Player- CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers: McCollum made a massive leap forward this season on a team that lost four of their five starters from a season ago. He and teammate Damian Lillard have made a great backcourt tandem in Rip City.
Runner up: Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Rookie of the Year- Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves: Towns had a great rookie season and he is arguably a top 25 player in the league right now. He and teammate Andrew Wiggins has brought Minnesota hope for the future.
Runner up: Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Coach of the Year- Steve Clifford, Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets underachieved last season, but overachieved this season. He deserves a ton of credit for his teams success this season after the team had roster turnover over the summer.
Runner up: Terry Stotts, Portland Trail Blazers
Executive of the Year- RC Buford, San Antonio Spurs: Buford has been the best executive in the league for sometime now and added LaMarcus Aldridge and David West to a team that's always in contention. It does help that Gregg Popovich is his coach, but Buford deserves credit too.
Runner up: Bob Myers, Golden State Warriors
MVP- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: Who else? Curry should be the first ever unanimous MVP in league history on a team that won a grand total of 73 games and Curry himself had a historically great season.
Runner up: Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Defensive Player of the Year- Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs: Leonard is the best two-way player in the league right now and he is great at guarding the oppositions best player. It also helps when he's on a 67-win team with a historically great defense.
Runner up: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Sixth Man of the Year- Andre Igoudala, Golden State Warriors: Igoudala is arguably the X-factor to this historically great Warriors team. He provides great two-way play off the bench and is apart of the Warriors best lineup that they throw at teams late in close games.
Runner up: Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
Most Improved Player- CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers: McCollum made a massive leap forward this season on a team that lost four of their five starters from a season ago. He and teammate Damian Lillard have made a great backcourt tandem in Rip City.
Runner up: Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets
Rookie of the Year- Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves: Towns had a great rookie season and he is arguably a top 25 player in the league right now. He and teammate Andrew Wiggins has brought Minnesota hope for the future.
Runner up: Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Coach of the Year- Steve Clifford, Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets underachieved last season, but overachieved this season. He deserves a ton of credit for his teams success this season after the team had roster turnover over the summer.
Runner up: Terry Stotts, Portland Trail Blazers
Executive of the Year- RC Buford, San Antonio Spurs: Buford has been the best executive in the league for sometime now and added LaMarcus Aldridge and David West to a team that's always in contention. It does help that Gregg Popovich is his coach, but Buford deserves credit too.
Runner up: Bob Myers, Golden State Warriors
2016 NBA Playoffs Quarterfinals Predictions
Here are my predictions for the first round of the 2016 NBA playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E8) Detroit Pistons: This should be an interesting series and actually should be competitive. LeBron James and his team are prohibited favorites to come out of the East, but this Pistons team won't be a pushover. Stan Van Gundy has done an outstanding job this season coaching the team and making personnel decisions. Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond are a pretty solid point guard/big man combo and they will get there fair share of pick and roll play. That said, the Cavs are still the team to beat and they'll make short work of the Pistons, although it will be competitive.
Prediction: Cavaliers in five games.
(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (E7) Indiana Pacers: This series should be a fun and interesting one to watch. The pressure is on the Raptors, who lost in the first round the last two seasons, to win a playoff series for the first time in some time. The Pacers are back in the postseason after missing out last season and Paul George has had a great comeback this season after breaking his leg almost two years ago. George will keep the Pacers in the series but the Raptors led by the great backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, will propel them to the second round.
Prediction: Raptors in six games.
(E3) Miami Heat vs (E6) Charlotte Hornets: This is going to be a great series. Miami is back in the postseason after a one-year absence sans Chris Bosh being out for the season yet again with a blood clot. Charlotte is one of the leagues biggest surprise in the league this season and here they are in the playoffs with a very solid team on both ends led by two of the leagues more improved players in Nic Batum and Kemba Walker. Dwayne Wade has been healthy pretty much all season and he and his team are poised to go on a run in the playoffs this season. This is going to be a fun series to watch and I like Wade and the Heat to move on to the second round.
Prediction: Heat in seven games.
(E4) Atlanta Hawks vs (E5) Boston Celtics: This has a chance to be the best series of the first round. Atlanta made the right call by not trading their core players at the trade deadline because they played great ball post All-Star break. Boston has improved vastly this season and Brad Stevens is one of the better coaches in the league. Isaiah Thomas is one of the more improved players in the league and he has emerged as the Celtics go to scorer at the end of games. This was a tough call, but I like the Hawks with the great front court of Al Horford and Paul Milsap to lead the Hawks to the next round over a hard working Celtics team that doesn't quit.
Prediction: Hawks in seven games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W8) Houston Rockets: Here is a rematch of the 2015 Western Conference Finals. The Warriors are the best regular season team in NBA history with that historic 73-9 record led by MVP favorite Stephen Curry, who should be the first unanimous MVP ever. The Rockets have been a massive disappointment this season and are lucky the West as a whole wasn't as deep as it was the last few seasons. James Harden will get his points, but the Warriors will make quick work of a team that's been a hot mess most of the season.
Prediction: Warriors in four games.
(W2) San Antonio Spurs vs (W7) Memphis Grizzlies: Here's a rematch from the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. Both of these teams are different now mainly due to roster turnover. The Spurs set a franchise record with 67 wins this season and they are the best defensive team in the league led by arguably the leagues best two-way player in Kawhi Leonard. Memphis is missing Marc Gasol and Mike Conley due to injuries and they have some other injuries too and their best healthy player right now is Zach Randolph. The Spurs will make quick work of this Grizzlies team, who's just too banged up right now although I wouldn't rule out some close games and even a win for the Grizzlies.
Prediction: Spurs in four games.
(W3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (W6) Dallas Mavericks: This series has a chance to be better than people think. Oklahoma City has two of the best five players in the league in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and they're poised to go on a long run this year. Dallas with a revamped roster from last season is back in the postseason led by Dirk Nowitzki, who isn't the same player as he was five years, but he's still very good. The Mavs are a solid offensive team, but they're not good defensively and who's stopping Durant and Westbrook? The Thunder should make short work of this Mavs team although I can see the Mavs stealing a game.
Prediction: Thunder in five games.
(W4) Los Angeles Clippers vs (W5) Portland Trail Blazers: This series is the best one of the Western Conference first round games. The Clippers have had a bizarre season and Blake Griffin missed most of the season with a broken hand and Chris Paul kept this team together and had a great season. Portland had an incredible season considering they lost four of their five starters from last season and here they are in the playoffs led by Damian Lillard. Lillard and CJ McCollum will get their points, but the Clippers are getting Griffin healthy and they should win a competitive series.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E8) Detroit Pistons: This should be an interesting series and actually should be competitive. LeBron James and his team are prohibited favorites to come out of the East, but this Pistons team won't be a pushover. Stan Van Gundy has done an outstanding job this season coaching the team and making personnel decisions. Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond are a pretty solid point guard/big man combo and they will get there fair share of pick and roll play. That said, the Cavs are still the team to beat and they'll make short work of the Pistons, although it will be competitive.
Prediction: Cavaliers in five games.
(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (E7) Indiana Pacers: This series should be a fun and interesting one to watch. The pressure is on the Raptors, who lost in the first round the last two seasons, to win a playoff series for the first time in some time. The Pacers are back in the postseason after missing out last season and Paul George has had a great comeback this season after breaking his leg almost two years ago. George will keep the Pacers in the series but the Raptors led by the great backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, will propel them to the second round.
Prediction: Raptors in six games.
(E3) Miami Heat vs (E6) Charlotte Hornets: This is going to be a great series. Miami is back in the postseason after a one-year absence sans Chris Bosh being out for the season yet again with a blood clot. Charlotte is one of the leagues biggest surprise in the league this season and here they are in the playoffs with a very solid team on both ends led by two of the leagues more improved players in Nic Batum and Kemba Walker. Dwayne Wade has been healthy pretty much all season and he and his team are poised to go on a run in the playoffs this season. This is going to be a fun series to watch and I like Wade and the Heat to move on to the second round.
Prediction: Heat in seven games.
(E4) Atlanta Hawks vs (E5) Boston Celtics: This has a chance to be the best series of the first round. Atlanta made the right call by not trading their core players at the trade deadline because they played great ball post All-Star break. Boston has improved vastly this season and Brad Stevens is one of the better coaches in the league. Isaiah Thomas is one of the more improved players in the league and he has emerged as the Celtics go to scorer at the end of games. This was a tough call, but I like the Hawks with the great front court of Al Horford and Paul Milsap to lead the Hawks to the next round over a hard working Celtics team that doesn't quit.
Prediction: Hawks in seven games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W8) Houston Rockets: Here is a rematch of the 2015 Western Conference Finals. The Warriors are the best regular season team in NBA history with that historic 73-9 record led by MVP favorite Stephen Curry, who should be the first unanimous MVP ever. The Rockets have been a massive disappointment this season and are lucky the West as a whole wasn't as deep as it was the last few seasons. James Harden will get his points, but the Warriors will make quick work of a team that's been a hot mess most of the season.
Prediction: Warriors in four games.
(W2) San Antonio Spurs vs (W7) Memphis Grizzlies: Here's a rematch from the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. Both of these teams are different now mainly due to roster turnover. The Spurs set a franchise record with 67 wins this season and they are the best defensive team in the league led by arguably the leagues best two-way player in Kawhi Leonard. Memphis is missing Marc Gasol and Mike Conley due to injuries and they have some other injuries too and their best healthy player right now is Zach Randolph. The Spurs will make quick work of this Grizzlies team, who's just too banged up right now although I wouldn't rule out some close games and even a win for the Grizzlies.
Prediction: Spurs in four games.
(W3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (W6) Dallas Mavericks: This series has a chance to be better than people think. Oklahoma City has two of the best five players in the league in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and they're poised to go on a long run this year. Dallas with a revamped roster from last season is back in the postseason led by Dirk Nowitzki, who isn't the same player as he was five years, but he's still very good. The Mavs are a solid offensive team, but they're not good defensively and who's stopping Durant and Westbrook? The Thunder should make short work of this Mavs team although I can see the Mavs stealing a game.
Prediction: Thunder in five games.
(W4) Los Angeles Clippers vs (W5) Portland Trail Blazers: This series is the best one of the Western Conference first round games. The Clippers have had a bizarre season and Blake Griffin missed most of the season with a broken hand and Chris Paul kept this team together and had a great season. Portland had an incredible season considering they lost four of their five starters from last season and here they are in the playoffs led by Damian Lillard. Lillard and CJ McCollum will get their points, but the Clippers are getting Griffin healthy and they should win a competitive series.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
2016 NBA Playoffs TV Schedule & Announcers
Here is the schedule for the 2016 NBA playoffs along with the announcers.
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 12:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Israel Gutierrez
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Rockets vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Celtics vs Hawks; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, JA Adande
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Mavericks vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
4/17- Game 1, ECQF: Pistons vs Cavaliers; 3:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/17- Game 1, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 5:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Rebecca Haarlow
4/17- Game 1, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/17- Game 1, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Jaime Maggio
4/18- Game 2, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 7:00, NBATV: Kevin Calabro, Grant Hill, Kevin Ray
4/18- Game 2, WCQF: Mavericks vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Chris Webber, Steve Smith, Lewis Johnson
4/18- Game 2, WCQF: Rockets vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Allie LaForce
4/19- Game 2, ECQF: Celtics vs Hawks; 7:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
4/19- Game 2, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/20- Game 2, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Mike Fratello, Rebecca Haarlow
4/20- Game 2, WCQF: Pistons vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, Craig Sager
4/20- Game 2, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Jaime Maggio
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Thunder vs Mavericks; 7:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Lewis Johnson
4/21- Game 3, ECQF: Raptors vs Pacers; 7:30, NBATV: Kevin Calabro, Grant Hill, Kevin Ray
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Warriors vs Rockets; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/22- Game 3, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pistons; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/22- Game 3, ECQF: Hawks vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN2: Ryan Ruocco, PJ Carlesimo, Israel Gutierrez
4/22- Game 3, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
4/23- Game 4, ECQF: Raptors vs Pacers; 3:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Kevin Ray
4/23- Game 3, ECQF: Heat vs Hornets; 5:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Rebecca Haarlow
4/23- Game 4, WCQF: Thunder vs Mavericks; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Chris Broussard
4/23- Game 3, WCQF: Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, JA Adande
4/24- Game 4, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 1:00, ABC: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
4/24- Game 4, WCQF: Warriors vs Rockets; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/24- Game 4, ECQF: Hawks vs Celtics; 6:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
4/24- Game 4, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pistons; 8:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, Lewis Johnson
4/25- Game 4, ECQF: Heat vs Hornets; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Mike Fratello, Rebecca Haarlow
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Mavericks vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Lewis Johnson
4/25- Game 4, WCQF: Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Jaime Maggio
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 6:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, Lewis Johnson
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Celtics vs Hawks; 8:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
4/27- Game 5, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Rebecca Haarlow
4/27- Game 5, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:00, NBATV: Kevin Calabro, Grant Hill, Jaime Maggio
4/27- Game 5, WCQF: Rockets vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Allie LaForce
4/28- Game 6, ECQF: Hawks vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
4/29- Game 6, ECQF: Raptors vs Pacers; 7:30, ESPNEWS: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Heather Cox
4/29- Game 6, ECQF: Heat vs Hornets; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/29- Game 6, WCQF: Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
4/30- Game 1, WCSF: Thunder vs Spurs; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/1- Game 7, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 1:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/1- Game 1, WCSF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/1- Game 7, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Kevin Ray
5/2- Game 1, ECSF: Hawks vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Lewis Johnson
5/2- Game 2, WCSF: Thunder vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/3- Game 1, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Allie LaForce
5/3- Game 2, WCSF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, David Aldridge
5/4- Game 2, ECSF: Hawks vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Lewis Johnson
5/5- Game 2, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 8:90, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Heather Cox
5/6- Game 3, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Hawks; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/6- Game 3, WCSF: Spurs vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/7- Game 3, ECSF: Raptors vs Heat; 5:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jon Barry, Heather Cox
5/7- Game 3, WCSF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/8- Game 4, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Hawks; 3:30, ABC: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/8- Game 4, WCSF: Spurs vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/9- Game 4, ECSF: Raptors vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Allie LaForce
5/9- Game 4, WCSF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, David Aldridge
5/10- Game 5, WCSF: Thunder vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/11- Game 5, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Allie LaForce
5/11- Game 5, WCSF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, David Aldridge
5/12- Game 6, WCSF: Spurs vs Thunder; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/13- Game 6, ECSF: Raptors vs Heat; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
5/15- Game 7, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/16- Game 1, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/17- Game 1, ECF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/18- Game 2, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/19- Game 2, ECF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/21- Game 3, ECF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/22- Game 3, WCF: Warriors vs Thunder; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/23- Game 4, ECF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/24- Game 4, WCF: Warriors vs Thunder; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/25- Game 5, ECF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/26- Game 5, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/27- Game 6, ECF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/28- Game 6, WCF: Warriors vs Thunder; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/30- Game 7, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
6/2- Game 1, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/5- Game 2, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 8:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/8- Game 3, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/10- Game 4, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/13- Game 5, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 12:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Israel Gutierrez
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Rockets vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/16- Game 1, ECQF: Celtics vs Hawks; 7:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, JA Adande
4/16- Game 1, WCQF: Mavericks vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
4/17- Game 1, ECQF: Pistons vs Cavaliers; 3:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/17- Game 1, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 5:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Rebecca Haarlow
4/17- Game 1, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/17- Game 1, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Jaime Maggio
4/18- Game 2, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 7:00, NBATV: Kevin Calabro, Grant Hill, Kevin Ray
4/18- Game 2, WCQF: Mavericks vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Chris Webber, Steve Smith, Lewis Johnson
4/18- Game 2, WCQF: Rockets vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Allie LaForce
4/19- Game 2, ECQF: Celtics vs Hawks; 7:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Kristen Ledlow
4/19- Game 2, WCQF: Grizzlies vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/20- Game 2, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Mike Fratello, Rebecca Haarlow
4/20- Game 2, WCQF: Pistons vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, Craig Sager
4/20- Game 2, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Jaime Maggio
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Thunder vs Mavericks; 7:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Lewis Johnson
4/21- Game 3, ECQF: Raptors vs Pacers; 7:30, NBATV: Kevin Calabro, Grant Hill, Kevin Ray
4/21- Game 3, WCQF: Warriors vs Rockets; 9:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge
4/22- Game 3, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pistons; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/22- Game 3, ECQF: Hawks vs Celtics; 8:00, ESPN2: Ryan Ruocco, PJ Carlesimo, Israel Gutierrez
4/22- Game 3, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
4/23- Game 4, ECQF: Raptors vs Pacers; 3:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Kevin Ray
4/23- Game 3, ECQF: Heat vs Hornets; 5:30, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Rebecca Haarlow
4/23- Game 4, WCQF: Thunder vs Mavericks; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Chris Broussard
4/23- Game 3, WCQF: Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Mark Jones, Doris Burke, JA Adande
4/24- Game 4, WCQF: Spurs vs Grizzlies; 1:00, ABC: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
4/24- Game 4, WCQF: Warriors vs Rockets; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Lisa Salters
4/24- Game 4, ECQF: Hawks vs Celtics; 6:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
4/24- Game 4, ECQF: Cavaliers vs Pistons; 8:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, Lewis Johnson
4/25- Game 4, ECQF: Heat vs Hornets; 7:00, NBATV: Spero Dedes, Mike Fratello, Rebecca Haarlow
4/25- Game 5, WCQF: Mavericks vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Lewis Johnson
4/25- Game 4, WCQF: Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Kevin McHale, Jaime Maggio
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 6:00, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, Lewis Johnson
4/26- Game 5, ECQF: Celtics vs Hawks; 8:30, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
4/27- Game 5, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Rebecca Haarlow
4/27- Game 5, WCQF: Trail Blazers vs Clippers; 10:00, NBATV: Kevin Calabro, Grant Hill, Jaime Maggio
4/27- Game 5, WCQF: Rockets vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Mike Fratello, Allie LaForce
4/28- Game 6, ECQF: Hawks vs Celtics; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Kristen Ledlow
4/29- Game 6, ECQF: Raptors vs Pacers; 7:30, ESPNEWS: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Heather Cox
4/29- Game 6, ECQF: Heat vs Hornets; 8:00, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
4/29- Game 6, WCQF: Clippers vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
4/30- Game 1, WCSF: Thunder vs Spurs; 8:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/1- Game 7, ECQF: Hornets vs Heat; 1:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/1- Game 1, WCSF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/1- Game 7, ECQF: Pacers vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Kevin Ray
5/2- Game 1, ECSF: Hawks vs Cavaliers; 7:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Lewis Johnson
5/2- Game 2, WCSF: Thunder vs Spurs; 9:30, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/3- Game 1, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Allie LaForce
5/3- Game 2, WCSF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, David Aldridge
5/4- Game 2, ECSF: Hawks vs Cavaliers; 8:00, TNT: Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Lewis Johnson
5/5- Game 2, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 8:90, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, Heather Cox
5/6- Game 3, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Hawks; 7:00, ESPN: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/6- Game 3, WCSF: Spurs vs Thunder; 9:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/7- Game 3, ECSF: Raptors vs Heat; 5:00, ESPN: Mark Jones, Jon Barry, Heather Cox
5/7- Game 3, WCSF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 8:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/8- Game 4, ECSF: Cavaliers vs Hawks; 3:30, ABC: Mike Tirico, Hubie Brown, Lisa Salters
5/8- Game 4, WCSF: Spurs vs Thunder; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/9- Game 4, ECSF: Raptors vs Heat; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Allie LaForce
5/9- Game 4, WCSF: Warriors vs Trail Blazers; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, David Aldridge
5/10- Game 5, WCSF: Thunder vs Spurs; 8:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Chris Webber, Craig Sager
5/11- Game 5, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 8:00, TNT: Ian Eagle, Brent Barry, Allie LaForce
5/11- Game 5, WCSF: Trail Blazers vs Warriors; 10:30, TNT: Brian Anderson, Steve Smith, David Aldridge
5/12- Game 6, WCSF: Spurs vs Thunder; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/13- Game 6, ECSF: Raptors vs Heat; 8:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Heather Cox
5/15- Game 7, ECSF: Heat vs Raptors; 3:30, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/16- Game 1, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/17- Game 1, ECF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/18- Game 2, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/19- Game 2, ECF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/21- Game 3, ECF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/22- Game 3, WCF: Warriors vs Thunder; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/23- Game 4, ECF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/24- Game 4, WCF: Warriors vs Thunder; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/25- Game 5, ECF: Raptors vs Cavaliers; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/26- Game 5, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/27- Game 6, ECF: Cavaliers vs Raptors; 8:30, ESPN: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
5/28- Game 6, WCF: Warriors vs Thunder; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
5/30- Game 7, WCF: Thunder vs Warriors; 9:00, TNT: Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, David Aldridge, Craig Sager
6/2- Game 1, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/5- Game 2, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 8:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/8- Game 3, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/10- Game 4, Finals: Warriors vs Cavaliers; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
6/13- Game 5, Finals: Cavaliers vs Warriors; 9:00, ABC: Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Doris Burke
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