Here are my predictions for the 2018 OVC tournament. The tournament will be held at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.
First Round
2/28- (8) SIU-Edwardsville (9-20; 5-13) vs (5) Tennessee Tech (18-13; 10-8)- 6:30
Prediction: Tennessee Tech
2/28- (7) Eastern Illinois (11-18; 7-11) vs (6) Tennessee State (15-14; 10-8)- 9:00
Prediction: Tennessee State
Quarterfinals
3/1- (5) Tennessee Tech vs (4) Jacksonville State (20-11; 11-7)- 6:30
Prediction: Jacksonville State
3/1- (6) Tennessee State vs (3) Austin Peay (17-13; 12-6)- 9:00
Prediction: Austin Peay
Semifinals
3/2- (4) Jacksonville State vs (1) Murray State (24-5; 16-2)- 7:00, ESPNU: These two teams split the regular season matchups and I like the Racers here to advance.
Prediction: Murray State
3/2- (3) Austin Peay vs (2) Belmont (23-8; 15-3)- 9:30, ESPNU: The Bruins won the lone matchup between these two teams in the regular season and I like them here to advance to the conference championship game.
Prediction: Belmont
Championship
3/3- (2) Belmont vs (1) Murray State- 7:00, ESPN2: This should be a great conference championship between the conferences best two teams. The Bruins did defeat the Racers in their lone regular season matchup and I like them here again to reach their first Big Dance since 2015 although Conference Player of the Year Jonathan Stark of the Racers could very well being the best player on the court.
Prediction: Belmont
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
2018 OVC Tournament Schedule
Here is the schedule for the 2018 OVC tournament. The tournament will be held at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.
2/28- Game 1, First Round: (8) SIU Edwardsville vs (5) Tennessee Tech; 6:30
2/28- Game 2, First Round: (7) Eastern Illinois vs (6) Tennessee State; 9:00
3/1- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (5) Tennessee Tech vs (4) Jacksonville State; 6:30
3/1- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (7) Eastern Illinois vs (3) Austin Peay; 9:00
3/2- Game 5, Semifinals: (4) Jacksonville State vs (1) Murray State; 7:00, ESPNU
3/2- Game 6, Semifinals: (3) Austin Peay vs (2) Belmont; 9:30, ESPNU
3/3- Game 7, Championship: (2) Belmont vs (1) Murray State; 7:00, ESPN2
2/28- Game 1, First Round: (8) SIU Edwardsville vs (5) Tennessee Tech; 6:30
2/28- Game 2, First Round: (7) Eastern Illinois vs (6) Tennessee State; 9:00
3/1- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (5) Tennessee Tech vs (4) Jacksonville State; 6:30
3/1- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (7) Eastern Illinois vs (3) Austin Peay; 9:00
3/2- Game 5, Semifinals: (4) Jacksonville State vs (1) Murray State; 7:00, ESPNU
3/2- Game 6, Semifinals: (3) Austin Peay vs (2) Belmont; 9:30, ESPNU
3/3- Game 7, Championship: (2) Belmont vs (1) Murray State; 7:00, ESPN2
2018 NEC Tournament Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2018 NEC tournament. The games will be held at the campus site of the higher seeded team.
Quarterfinals
2/28- (8) Central Connecticut (14-17; 7-11) at (1) Wagner (21-8; 14-4)- 7:00
Prediction: Wagner
2/28- (5) St. Francis-BKN (13-17; 10-8) at (4) LIU Brooklyn (15-16; 10-8)- 7:00
Prediction: LIU Brooklyn
2/28- (7) Robert Morris (15-16; 9-9) at (2) Mount St. Mary's (18-13; 12-6)- 7:00
Prediction: Mount St. Mary's
2/28- (6) Fairleigh Dickinson (12-17; 9-9) at (3) St. Francis-PA (18-13; 12-6)- 7:00
Prediction: St. Francis-PA
Semifinals
3/3- (4) LIU Brooklyn at (1) Wagner- 12:00, ESPN3: These two teams played close in both meetings while splitting the regular season matchups. Give me the Seahawks in another close one.
Prediction: Wagner
3/3- (3) St. Francis-PA at (2) Mount St. Mary's- 2:30, ESPN3: The Mountaineers swept the Red Flash in the regular season and they'll beat them a third time to advance.
Prediction: Mount St. Mary's
Championship
3/6- (2) Mount St. Mary's at (1) Wagner- 7:00, ESPN2: This should be a fun conference championship game. The two teams split in the regular season and I like the Seahawks here to punch a ticket to the Big Dance although Conference Player of the Year Junior Robinson will keep the Mountaineers in the game.
Prediction: Wagner
Quarterfinals
2/28- (8) Central Connecticut (14-17; 7-11) at (1) Wagner (21-8; 14-4)- 7:00
Prediction: Wagner
2/28- (5) St. Francis-BKN (13-17; 10-8) at (4) LIU Brooklyn (15-16; 10-8)- 7:00
Prediction: LIU Brooklyn
2/28- (7) Robert Morris (15-16; 9-9) at (2) Mount St. Mary's (18-13; 12-6)- 7:00
Prediction: Mount St. Mary's
2/28- (6) Fairleigh Dickinson (12-17; 9-9) at (3) St. Francis-PA (18-13; 12-6)- 7:00
Prediction: St. Francis-PA
Semifinals
3/3- (4) LIU Brooklyn at (1) Wagner- 12:00, ESPN3: These two teams played close in both meetings while splitting the regular season matchups. Give me the Seahawks in another close one.
Prediction: Wagner
3/3- (3) St. Francis-PA at (2) Mount St. Mary's- 2:30, ESPN3: The Mountaineers swept the Red Flash in the regular season and they'll beat them a third time to advance.
Prediction: Mount St. Mary's
Championship
3/6- (2) Mount St. Mary's at (1) Wagner- 7:00, ESPN2: This should be a fun conference championship game. The two teams split in the regular season and I like the Seahawks here to punch a ticket to the Big Dance although Conference Player of the Year Junior Robinson will keep the Mountaineers in the game.
Prediction: Wagner
2018 NEC Tournament Schedule
Here is the schedule for the 2018 NEC tournament. The games will be held at the campus site of the higher seeded team.
2/28- Game 1, Quarterfinals: (5) St. Francis-BKN at (4) LIU Brooklyn; 7:00
2/28- Game 2, Quarterfinals: (6) Fairleigh Dickinson at (3) St. Francis-PA; 7:00
2/28- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (7) Robert Morris at (2) Mount St. Mary's; 7:00
2/28- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (8) Central Connecticut at (1) Wagner; 7:00
3/3- Game 5, Semifinals: (6) Fairleigh Dickinson vs (4) LIU Brooklyn; 12:00, ESPN3
3/3- Game 6, Semifinals: (7) Robert Morris vs (1) Wagner; 2:00, ESPN3
3/6- Game 7, Championship: (4) LIU Brooklyn vs (1) Wagner; 7:00, ESPN2
2/28- Game 1, Quarterfinals: (5) St. Francis-BKN at (4) LIU Brooklyn; 7:00
2/28- Game 2, Quarterfinals: (6) Fairleigh Dickinson at (3) St. Francis-PA; 7:00
2/28- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (7) Robert Morris at (2) Mount St. Mary's; 7:00
2/28- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (8) Central Connecticut at (1) Wagner; 7:00
3/3- Game 5, Semifinals: (6) Fairleigh Dickinson vs (4) LIU Brooklyn; 12:00, ESPN3
3/3- Game 6, Semifinals: (7) Robert Morris vs (1) Wagner; 2:00, ESPN3
3/6- Game 7, Championship: (4) LIU Brooklyn vs (1) Wagner; 7:00, ESPN2
2018 Big Ten Tournament Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2018 Big Ten tournament. The tournament will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
First Round
2/28- (13) Illinois (14-17; 4-14) vs (12) Iowa (13-18; 4-14)- 5:30, BTN: Both of these teams have been disappointing relative to expectations, but give me the Hawkeyes here in a close one.
Prediction: Iowa
2/28- (14) Rutgers (13-18; 3-15) vs (11) Minnesota (15-16; 4-14)- 8:00, BTN: The Golden Gophers have been such a massive disappointment this season, but I think they take this game over a Scarlet Knights team that's been competitive throughout the season.
Prediction: Minnesota
Second Round
3/1- (9) Wisconsin (14-17; 7-11) vs (8) Maryland (19-12; 8-10)- 12:00, BTN: The Terps can sneak into the Big Dance with a win here, but I think Ian Happ and the Badgers pull off a mild upset to crush the Terps at-large hopes.
Prediction: Wisconsin
3/1- (12) Iowa vs (5) Michigan (24-7; 13-5)- 2:30, BTN
Prediction: Michigan
3/1- (10) Northwestern (15-16; 6-12) vs (7) Penn State (19-12; 9-9)- 6:30, BTN: The Nittany Lions absolutely have to have this win if they want to get in the Big Dance and I say they get it over a disappointing Wildcats team.
Prediction: Penn State
3/1- (11) Minnesota vs (6) Indiana (16-14; 9-9)- 9:00, BTN: Both of these teams have failed to live upto expectations and in particular the Gophers. I think Archie Miller's squad gets a nice win here.
Prediction: Indiana
Quarterfinals
3/2- (9) Wisconsin vs (1) Michigan State (28-3; 16-2)- 12:00, BTN: Don't be shocked if the Badgers give the Spartans a game.
Prediction: Michigan State
3/2- (5) Michigan vs (4) Nebraska (22-9; 13-5)- 2:30, BTN: The Cornhuskers have to win this game if they want an at-large bid, but the Spartans are the better team and will get the win.
Prediction: Michigan
3/2- (7) Penn State vs (2) Ohio State (24-7; 15-3)- 6:30, BTN: The Nittany Lions swept the Buckeyes in the regular season, but the Buckeyes will get this game and the Lions will sweat it out on Selection Sunday.
Prediction: Ohio State
3/2- (6) Indiana vs (3) Purdue (26-5; 15-3)- 9:00, BTN: Good instate rivalry here, but the Boilermakers are just by far better and will win by double digits.
Prediction: Purdue
Semifinals
3/3- (5) Michigan vs (1) Michigan State- 2:00, CBS: This should be an outstanding semifinal game between these in-state rivals. Give me Miles Bridges and the Spartans in a close one.
Prediction: Michigan State
3/3- (3) Purdue vs (2) Ohio State- 4:30, CBS: This should be a great game between these two very good teams. Give me Conference Player of the Year Kieta Bates-Diop and the Buckeyes in a close game to advance.
Prediction: Ohio State
Championship
3/4- (2) Ohio State vs (1) Michigan State- 4:30, CBS: This game is going to be outstanding. The Spartans could very well be playing for the number one overall seed in the Big Dance at this point and I like them in a very close game over an improved Buckeyes team.
Prediction: Michigan State
First Round
2/28- (13) Illinois (14-17; 4-14) vs (12) Iowa (13-18; 4-14)- 5:30, BTN: Both of these teams have been disappointing relative to expectations, but give me the Hawkeyes here in a close one.
Prediction: Iowa
2/28- (14) Rutgers (13-18; 3-15) vs (11) Minnesota (15-16; 4-14)- 8:00, BTN: The Golden Gophers have been such a massive disappointment this season, but I think they take this game over a Scarlet Knights team that's been competitive throughout the season.
Prediction: Minnesota
Second Round
3/1- (9) Wisconsin (14-17; 7-11) vs (8) Maryland (19-12; 8-10)- 12:00, BTN: The Terps can sneak into the Big Dance with a win here, but I think Ian Happ and the Badgers pull off a mild upset to crush the Terps at-large hopes.
Prediction: Wisconsin
3/1- (12) Iowa vs (5) Michigan (24-7; 13-5)- 2:30, BTN
Prediction: Michigan
3/1- (10) Northwestern (15-16; 6-12) vs (7) Penn State (19-12; 9-9)- 6:30, BTN: The Nittany Lions absolutely have to have this win if they want to get in the Big Dance and I say they get it over a disappointing Wildcats team.
Prediction: Penn State
3/1- (11) Minnesota vs (6) Indiana (16-14; 9-9)- 9:00, BTN: Both of these teams have failed to live upto expectations and in particular the Gophers. I think Archie Miller's squad gets a nice win here.
Prediction: Indiana
Quarterfinals
3/2- (9) Wisconsin vs (1) Michigan State (28-3; 16-2)- 12:00, BTN: Don't be shocked if the Badgers give the Spartans a game.
Prediction: Michigan State
3/2- (5) Michigan vs (4) Nebraska (22-9; 13-5)- 2:30, BTN: The Cornhuskers have to win this game if they want an at-large bid, but the Spartans are the better team and will get the win.
Prediction: Michigan
3/2- (7) Penn State vs (2) Ohio State (24-7; 15-3)- 6:30, BTN: The Nittany Lions swept the Buckeyes in the regular season, but the Buckeyes will get this game and the Lions will sweat it out on Selection Sunday.
Prediction: Ohio State
3/2- (6) Indiana vs (3) Purdue (26-5; 15-3)- 9:00, BTN: Good instate rivalry here, but the Boilermakers are just by far better and will win by double digits.
Prediction: Purdue
Semifinals
3/3- (5) Michigan vs (1) Michigan State- 2:00, CBS: This should be an outstanding semifinal game between these in-state rivals. Give me Miles Bridges and the Spartans in a close one.
Prediction: Michigan State
3/3- (3) Purdue vs (2) Ohio State- 4:30, CBS: This should be a great game between these two very good teams. Give me Conference Player of the Year Kieta Bates-Diop and the Buckeyes in a close game to advance.
Prediction: Ohio State
Championship
3/4- (2) Ohio State vs (1) Michigan State- 4:30, CBS: This game is going to be outstanding. The Spartans could very well be playing for the number one overall seed in the Big Dance at this point and I like them in a very close game over an improved Buckeyes team.
Prediction: Michigan State
2018 Big Ten Tournament Schedule
Here is the schedule for the 2018 Big Ten tournament. The tournament will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
2/28- Game 1, First Round: (13) Illinois vs (12) Iowa; 5:30, BTN
2/28- Game 2, First Round: (14) Rutgers vs (11) Minnesota; 8:00, BTN
3/1- Game 3, Second Round: (9) Wisconsin vs (8) Maryland; 12:00, BTN
3/1- Game 4, Second Round: (12) Iowa vs (5) Michigan; 2:30, BTN
3/1- Game 5, Second Round: (10) Northwestern vs (7) Penn State; 6:30, BTN
3/1- Game 6, Second Round: (14) Rutgers vs (6) Indiana; 9:00, BTN
3/2- Game 7, Quarterfinals: (9) Wisconsin vs (1) Michigan State; 12:00, BTN
3/2- Game 8, Quarterfinals: (5) Michigan vs (4) Nebraska; 2:30, BTN
3/2- Game 9, Quarterfinals: (7) Penn State vs (2) Ohio State; 6:30, BTN
3/2- Game 10, Quarterfinals: (14) Rutgers vs (3) Purdue; 9:00, BTN
3/3- Game 11, Semifinals: (5) Michigan vs (1) Michigan State; 2:00, CBS
3/3- Game 12, Semifinals: (7) Penn State vs (3) Purdue; 4:30, CBS
3/4- Game 13, Championship: (5) Michigan vs (3) Purdue; 4:30, CBS
2/28- Game 1, First Round: (13) Illinois vs (12) Iowa; 5:30, BTN
2/28- Game 2, First Round: (14) Rutgers vs (11) Minnesota; 8:00, BTN
3/1- Game 3, Second Round: (9) Wisconsin vs (8) Maryland; 12:00, BTN
3/1- Game 4, Second Round: (12) Iowa vs (5) Michigan; 2:30, BTN
3/1- Game 5, Second Round: (10) Northwestern vs (7) Penn State; 6:30, BTN
3/1- Game 6, Second Round: (14) Rutgers vs (6) Indiana; 9:00, BTN
3/2- Game 7, Quarterfinals: (9) Wisconsin vs (1) Michigan State; 12:00, BTN
3/2- Game 8, Quarterfinals: (5) Michigan vs (4) Nebraska; 2:30, BTN
3/2- Game 9, Quarterfinals: (7) Penn State vs (2) Ohio State; 6:30, BTN
3/2- Game 10, Quarterfinals: (14) Rutgers vs (3) Purdue; 9:00, BTN
3/3- Game 11, Semifinals: (5) Michigan vs (1) Michigan State; 2:00, CBS
3/3- Game 12, Semifinals: (7) Penn State vs (3) Purdue; 4:30, CBS
3/4- Game 13, Championship: (5) Michigan vs (3) Purdue; 4:30, CBS
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
2018 Patriot League Tournament Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2018 Patriot League tournament. The games will be held at the campus site of the higher seeded team.
First Round
2/27- (9) Army (13-16; 6-12) at (8) Loyola-MD (8-21; 6-12)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Loyola-MD
2/27- (10) American (6-23; 3-15) at (7) Lafayette (9-20; 7-11)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Lafayette
Quarterfinals
3/1- (8) Loyola-MD at (1) Bucknell (22-9; 16-2)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Bucknell
3/1- (5) Boston University (14-15; 10-8) at (4) Lehigh (18-13; 11-7)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Lehigh
3/1- (6) Holy Cross (11-18; 8-10) at (3) Navy (20-11; 11-7)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Navy
3/1- (7) Lafayette at (2) Colgate (17-12; 12-6)- 7:00, PLN: The Leopards picked off the Raiders twice this season, but I like the Raiders here at home to advance.
Prediction: Colgate
Semifinals
3/4- (4) Lehigh at (1) Bucknell- 7:00, CBSSN: These two teams split the first two meetings and I think the Bison take the rubber match to the Championship game.
Prediction: Bucknell
3/4- (3) Navy at (2) Colgate- 7:30, CBSSN: The Raiders beat the Mid Shipmen twice in the regular season and make it three times here for them to advance to the Conference Championship.
Prediction: Colgate
Championship
3/6- (2) Colgate at (1) Bucknell- 7:30, CBSSN: This should be a fun conference title game between an improved Raiders team and a very good Bison team. Conference Player of the Year Zach Thomas will lead the way for the Bison to their second straight Big Dance.
Prediction: Bucknell
First Round
2/27- (9) Army (13-16; 6-12) at (8) Loyola-MD (8-21; 6-12)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Loyola-MD
2/27- (10) American (6-23; 3-15) at (7) Lafayette (9-20; 7-11)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Lafayette
Quarterfinals
3/1- (8) Loyola-MD at (1) Bucknell (22-9; 16-2)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Bucknell
3/1- (5) Boston University (14-15; 10-8) at (4) Lehigh (18-13; 11-7)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Lehigh
3/1- (6) Holy Cross (11-18; 8-10) at (3) Navy (20-11; 11-7)- 7:00, PLN
Prediction: Navy
3/1- (7) Lafayette at (2) Colgate (17-12; 12-6)- 7:00, PLN: The Leopards picked off the Raiders twice this season, but I like the Raiders here at home to advance.
Prediction: Colgate
Semifinals
3/4- (4) Lehigh at (1) Bucknell- 7:00, CBSSN: These two teams split the first two meetings and I think the Bison take the rubber match to the Championship game.
Prediction: Bucknell
3/4- (3) Navy at (2) Colgate- 7:30, CBSSN: The Raiders beat the Mid Shipmen twice in the regular season and make it three times here for them to advance to the Conference Championship.
Prediction: Colgate
Championship
3/6- (2) Colgate at (1) Bucknell- 7:30, CBSSN: This should be a fun conference title game between an improved Raiders team and a very good Bison team. Conference Player of the Year Zach Thomas will lead the way for the Bison to their second straight Big Dance.
Prediction: Bucknell
2018 Patriot League Tournament Schedule
Here is the schedule for the 2018 Patriot League Tournament. The games will be held at the campus site of the higher seeded team.
2/27- Game 1, First Round: (9) Army at (8) Loyola-MD; 7:00, PLN
2/27- Game 2, First Round: (10) American at (7) Lafayette; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (8) Loyola-MD at (1) Bucknell; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (5) Boston University at (4) Lehigh; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 5, Quarterfinals: (6) Holy Cross vs (3) Navy; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 6, Quarterfinals: (7) Lafayette vs (2) Colgate; 7:00, PLN
3/4- Game 7, Semifinals: (6) Holy Cross vs (2) Colgate; 12:00, CBSSN
3/4- Game 8, Semifinals: (5) Boston University vs (1) Bucknell; 2:00, CBSSN
3/6- Game 9, Championship: (2) Colgate vs (1) Bucknell; 7:30, CBSSN
2/27- Game 1, First Round: (9) Army at (8) Loyola-MD; 7:00, PLN
2/27- Game 2, First Round: (10) American at (7) Lafayette; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (8) Loyola-MD at (1) Bucknell; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (5) Boston University at (4) Lehigh; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 5, Quarterfinals: (6) Holy Cross vs (3) Navy; 7:00, PLN
3/1- Game 6, Quarterfinals: (7) Lafayette vs (2) Colgate; 7:00, PLN
3/4- Game 7, Semifinals: (6) Holy Cross vs (2) Colgate; 12:00, CBSSN
3/4- Game 8, Semifinals: (5) Boston University vs (1) Bucknell; 2:00, CBSSN
3/6- Game 9, Championship: (2) Colgate vs (1) Bucknell; 7:30, CBSSN
2018 Big South Tournament Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2018 Big South tournament. The First Round and Championship games will be held at the higher seeds campus sites and the Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be held at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, North Carolina.
First Round
2/27- (10) Longwood (6-25; 3-15) at (7) High Point (14-15; 9-9)- 7:00, BSN
Prediction: High Point
2/27- (9) Presbyterian (11-20; 4-14) at (8) Charleston Southern (14-15; 9-9)- 7:00, BSN
Prediction: Charleston Southern
Quarterfinals
3/1- (7) High Point vs (2) Radford (19-12; 12-6)- 1:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Radford
3/1- (6) Gardner-Webb (14-17; 9-9) vs (3) Winthrop (18-11, 12-6)- 3:30, ESPN3
Prediction: Winthrop
3/1- (8) Charleston Southern vs (1) UNC-Asheville (20-11; 13-5)- 7:00, ESPN3
Prediction: UNC Asheville
3/1- (5) Liberty (18-13; 9-9) vs (4) Campbell (16-14; 10-8)- 9:30, ESPN3
Prediction: Campbell
Semifinals
3/2- (3) Winthrop vs (2) Radford- 6:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Winthrop
3/2- (4) Campbell vs (1) UNC Asheville- 8:30, ESPN3: The Fighting Camels played the Bulldogs close both times this season, but they won't beat them in their own building as the Bulldogs will advance.
Prediction: UNC Asheville
Championship
3/4- (3) Winthrop at (1) UNC Asheville- 1:00, ESPN: This should be an interesting matchup here as both of these teams are pretty decent. This was a hard call, but I like the Big South Player of the Year Xavier Rhodes to lead the Eagles to the Big Dance for the second year in a row.
Prediction: Winthrop
First Round
2/27- (10) Longwood (6-25; 3-15) at (7) High Point (14-15; 9-9)- 7:00, BSN
Prediction: High Point
2/27- (9) Presbyterian (11-20; 4-14) at (8) Charleston Southern (14-15; 9-9)- 7:00, BSN
Prediction: Charleston Southern
Quarterfinals
3/1- (7) High Point vs (2) Radford (19-12; 12-6)- 1:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Radford
3/1- (6) Gardner-Webb (14-17; 9-9) vs (3) Winthrop (18-11, 12-6)- 3:30, ESPN3
Prediction: Winthrop
3/1- (8) Charleston Southern vs (1) UNC-Asheville (20-11; 13-5)- 7:00, ESPN3
Prediction: UNC Asheville
3/1- (5) Liberty (18-13; 9-9) vs (4) Campbell (16-14; 10-8)- 9:30, ESPN3
Prediction: Campbell
Semifinals
3/2- (3) Winthrop vs (2) Radford- 6:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Winthrop
3/2- (4) Campbell vs (1) UNC Asheville- 8:30, ESPN3: The Fighting Camels played the Bulldogs close both times this season, but they won't beat them in their own building as the Bulldogs will advance.
Prediction: UNC Asheville
Championship
3/4- (3) Winthrop at (1) UNC Asheville- 1:00, ESPN: This should be an interesting matchup here as both of these teams are pretty decent. This was a hard call, but I like the Big South Player of the Year Xavier Rhodes to lead the Eagles to the Big Dance for the second year in a row.
Prediction: Winthrop
2018 Big South Tournament Schedule
Here is the schedule for the Big South tournament. The First Round and Championship games will be held at the higher seeds campus sites and the Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be held at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, North Carolina.
2/27- Game 1, First Round: (10) Longwood at (7) High Point; 7:00, BSN
2/27- Game 2, First Round: (9) Presbyterian at (8) Charleston Southern; 7:00, BSN
3/1- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (10) Longwood vs (2) Radford; 1:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (6) Gardner-Webb at (3) Winthrop; 3:30, ESPN3
3/1- Game 5, Quarterfinals: (8) Charleston Southern vs (1) UNC-Asheville; 7:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 6, Quarterfinals: (5) Liberty vs (4) Campbell; 9:30, ESPN3
3/2- Game 7, Semifinals: (3) Winthrop vs (2) Radford; 6:00, ESPN3
3/2- Game 8, Semifinals: (5) Liberty vs (1) UNC-Asheville; 8:30, ESPN3
3/4- Game 9, Championship: (5) Liberty vs (2) Radford; 1:00, ESPN
2/27- Game 1, First Round: (10) Longwood at (7) High Point; 7:00, BSN
2/27- Game 2, First Round: (9) Presbyterian at (8) Charleston Southern; 7:00, BSN
3/1- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (10) Longwood vs (2) Radford; 1:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (6) Gardner-Webb at (3) Winthrop; 3:30, ESPN3
3/1- Game 5, Quarterfinals: (8) Charleston Southern vs (1) UNC-Asheville; 7:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 6, Quarterfinals: (5) Liberty vs (4) Campbell; 9:30, ESPN3
3/2- Game 7, Semifinals: (3) Winthrop vs (2) Radford; 6:00, ESPN3
3/2- Game 8, Semifinals: (5) Liberty vs (1) UNC-Asheville; 8:30, ESPN3
3/4- Game 9, Championship: (5) Liberty vs (2) Radford; 1:00, ESPN
Monday, February 26, 2018
2018 Atlantic Sun Tournament Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2018 Atlantic Sun tournament. The games will be held at the campus site of the higher seeded team.
Quarterfinals
2/26- (8) USC Upstate (7-24; 2-12) at (1) Florida Gulf Coast (21-10; 12-2)- 7:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Florida Gulf Coast
2/26- (6) Kennesaw State (10-16; 6-8) at (3) Jacksonville (14-17; 8-6)- 7:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Jacksonville
2/26- (5) North Florida (13-18; 7-7) at (4) NJIT (14-15; 7-7)- 7:30, ESPN3
Prediction: NJIT
2/26- (7) Stetson (12-19; 4-10) at (2) Lipscomb (20-9; 10-4)- 8:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Lipscomb
Semifinals
3/1- (4) NJIT at (1) Florida Gulf Coast- ESPN3
Prediction: Florida Gulf Coast
3/1- (3) Jacksonville at (2) Lipscomb- ESPN3
Prediction: Lipscomb
Final
3/4- (2) Lipscomb at (1) Florida Gulf Coast- ESPN: The conferences best two teams this season will hook up in this championship game. Conference Player of the Year Brandon Goodwin will be the best guy on the court and he'll lead the Eagles to the Big Dance for the third year in a row.
Prediction: Florida Gulf Coast
Quarterfinals
2/26- (8) USC Upstate (7-24; 2-12) at (1) Florida Gulf Coast (21-10; 12-2)- 7:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Florida Gulf Coast
2/26- (6) Kennesaw State (10-16; 6-8) at (3) Jacksonville (14-17; 8-6)- 7:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Jacksonville
2/26- (5) North Florida (13-18; 7-7) at (4) NJIT (14-15; 7-7)- 7:30, ESPN3
Prediction: NJIT
2/26- (7) Stetson (12-19; 4-10) at (2) Lipscomb (20-9; 10-4)- 8:00, ESPN3
Prediction: Lipscomb
Semifinals
3/1- (4) NJIT at (1) Florida Gulf Coast- ESPN3
Prediction: Florida Gulf Coast
3/1- (3) Jacksonville at (2) Lipscomb- ESPN3
Prediction: Lipscomb
Final
3/4- (2) Lipscomb at (1) Florida Gulf Coast- ESPN: The conferences best two teams this season will hook up in this championship game. Conference Player of the Year Brandon Goodwin will be the best guy on the court and he'll lead the Eagles to the Big Dance for the third year in a row.
Prediction: Florida Gulf Coast
2018 Atlantic Sun Tournament Schedule
Here is the schedule for the 2018 Atlantic Sun tournament. The games will be held at the campus site of the higher seeded team.
2/26- Game 1, Quarterfinals: (8) USC Upstate at (1) Florida Gulf Coast; 7:00, ESPN3
2/26- Game 2, Quarterfinals: (6) Kennesaw State at (3) Jacksonville; 7:00, ESPN3
2/26- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (5) North Florida at (4) NJIT; 7:30, ESPN3
2/26- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (7) Stetson at (2) Lipscomb; 8:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 5, Semifinals: (5) North Florida at (1) Florida Gulf Coast; 7:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 6, Semifinals: (3) Jacksonville at (2) Lipscomb; 8:00, ESPN3
3/4- Game 7, Championship: (2) Lipscomb at (1) Florida Gulf Coast; 3:00, ESPN
2/26- Game 1, Quarterfinals: (8) USC Upstate at (1) Florida Gulf Coast; 7:00, ESPN3
2/26- Game 2, Quarterfinals: (6) Kennesaw State at (3) Jacksonville; 7:00, ESPN3
2/26- Game 3, Quarterfinals: (5) North Florida at (4) NJIT; 7:30, ESPN3
2/26- Game 4, Quarterfinals: (7) Stetson at (2) Lipscomb; 8:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 5, Semifinals: (5) North Florida at (1) Florida Gulf Coast; 7:00, ESPN3
3/1- Game 6, Semifinals: (3) Jacksonville at (2) Lipscomb; 8:00, ESPN3
3/4- Game 7, Championship: (2) Lipscomb at (1) Florida Gulf Coast; 3:00, ESPN
Thursday, February 22, 2018
2018 NFL Mock Draft: Third Edition
Here is my third edition of my 2018 NFL Mock draft.
1. Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC: The Browns are insistent to snag a potential franchise quarterback in this draft and Darnold would seem like the bet here. They have passed on Carson Wentz and DeShaun Watson in the past two drafts and they regret passing on both of them.
2. New York Giants- Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State: There has been some talk lately that the Giants will pass on a possible franchise quarterback and Barkley would be an outstanding fit here assuming the Giants address their offensive line in free agency. If they go Barkley here, they can possibly pick a possible Eli Manning replacement in a later round.
3. Indianapolis Colts- Bradley Chubb, Defensive End, North Carolina State: With Barkley off the board, the Colts go with a need pick. That said, Chubb would be a great pick here since he's a three-down back that would help them stop the likes of DeShaun Watson and Marcus Mariota within their division.
4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cornerback/Safety, Alabama: The Browns should go defense with this pick if Barkley is off the board and Fitzpatrick is the best defensive player perhaps in this draft. He would have an immediate impact on a secondary that needs playmakers due to his versatility.
5. Denver Broncos- Josh Rosen, Quarterback, UCLA: This pick changes if the Broncos land Kirk Cousins. Rosen is the type of talent John Elway is looking for and could very well be the best quarterback in this draft.
6. New York Jets- Josh Jackson, Cornerback, Iowa: There are reports around saying that the Jets are the favorites for Kirk Cousins. Lets say they sign Cousins and they use this pick elsewhere. Jackson is excellent in man-to-man coverage and comes off a season in which he led the nation in interceptions. He would be a nice fit in that young secondary the Jets are building.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Quenton Nelson, Guard, Notre Dame: The Bucs have a need at offensive line and Nelson can fit in right away. Nelson seems like a sure thing and worthy of a top-ten pick and will help the Bucs on the interior of the offensive line and will serve good for Jameis Winston.
8. Chicago Bears- Calvin Ridley, Wide Reciever, Alabama: The Bears have a huge need at wide receiver and Ridley fits the bill. Ridley brings a downfield, speedy option on the outside and the Bears have lacked that for a few years now.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Niners have options here and Ward would be a great pick because it fills a need in the secondary. Ward isn't the biggest cornerback in the draft but he can cover, skills that are hard to come by in the league.
10. Oakland Raiders- Roquan Smith, Linebacker, Georgia: The Raiders have a need at the off-ball linebacker position and Smith would fill that need. Smith brings speed and athleticism and that would be another dimension to a young defense.
11. Miami Dolphins- Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming: This pick would be fascinating and would say a lot about whether Ryan Tannehill remains with the Dolphins long term or not due to his injury concerns. That said, Allen draws comparisons to Carson Wentz and he has a ton of upside due to his arm strength, size, and athleticism.
12. Cincinnati Bengals- Mike McGlinchey, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: The Bengals have to come out of this draft with a better plan for their offensive line after the disaster of 2017, and McGlinchey is a great step in the right direction. He has proven himself against some of the country's best edge-rushers during his Notre Dame career, and he'll improve both the pass- and run-blocking for a team that desperately needs it.
13. Washington Redskins- Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker, Virginia Tech: The Redskins are an ideal landing spot for Edmunds, who can thrive immediately with an underrated defensive line behind him. He brings a combination of size and athleticism that can change the way the league views a traditional linebacker.
14. Green Bay Packers- Derwin James, Strong Safety, Florida State: Perhaps the best defensive playmaker in the draft, James is the new NFL prototype as a safety capable of producing against the run or in both man and zone coverage. Florida State also used him as a pure edge rusher, where he regularly pressured the quarterback.
15. Arizona Cardinals- Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma: The Cardinals are a trade up candidate if they don't land Kirk Cousins. Lets say they draft Mayfield here, who has a ton of potential with his gunslinger mentality although due to his height and off the court antics, is compared to Johnny Manziel.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Orlando Brown, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Ravens would be wise to trade down for a wide receiver, but instead they get a possible steal here with Brown. He will help protect Joe Flacco and bolster the running game.
17. Los Angeles Chargers- Da'Ron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Chargers pose what is arguably the best edge rushing duo in the league with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Adding someone like Payne would only make that defensive line better.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Connor Williams, Offensive Tackle, Texas: A big issue with the Seahawks is protecting Russell Wilson. Williams is coming off a knee injury, but he has a ton of upside and will help protect Wilson.
19. Dallas Cowboys- Vita Vea, Defensive End, Washington: Vea, a massive presence in the middle of a defensive line, will go a long way toward fixing that deficiency, while also providing enough quickness to penetrate into the backfield on some third downs.
20. Detroit Lions- Harold Landry, Outside Linebacker, Boston College: Landry had a good, but not great of a final season of college as he was a projected top-10 pick not that long ago. Landry will likely be a solid pro and a guy that Matt Patricia would like for his defense and also provides insurance for Ziggy Ansah.
21. Buffalo Bills- Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver, SMU: Sutton put together back-to-back seasons of 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, and he scored 32 times in all in his three seasons with the Mustangs. The Bills also have a huge need at wide receiver even with the trade for Kelvin Benjamin and he and Sutton would make a nice receiver combo.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)- Mason Rudolph, Quarterback, Oklahoma State: Tyrod Taylor's tenure with the Bills is likely over, so they should take a quarterback with one of their two first rounders. Rudolph's an experienced pocket passer with nice downfield touch.
23. Los Angeles Rams- Isaiah Oliver, Cornerback, Colorado: Oliver has some good size and has the potential to be a solid pro. The Rams have a need in the secondary and Oliver would be a nice fit.
24. Carolina Panthers- James Washington, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State: This would be a great fit considering the Panthers have a receiver need after trading Kelvin Benjamin away. He has the speed and route-running to be the first receiver off the board in a wide receiver class with no clear favorite at the top.
25. Tennessee Titans- Rashaad Evans, Linebacker, Alabama: Alabama continues to churn out linebacker prospects and Evans brings an athletic presence who can fill multiple roles. He was more of an edge defender early in his career, and he pressured the quarterback on 67 of his 284 career rushes. However, he also showed well in a more traditional role over the last two years.
26. Atlanta Falcons- Taven Bryan, Defensive End, Florida: The Falcons don't have any major needs, but bolstering the defensive line could be necessary if Dontari Poe leaves in free agency. Bryan has drawn comparisons to JJ Watt and will bring depth to the Falcons defensive line.
27. New Orleans Saints- Billy Price, Center, Ohio State: The Saints offensive line isn't bad, but Price would be a great value pick here. Price will strengthen what is already a good offensive line and would be a nice fit.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Carlton Davis, Cornerback, Auburn: Picking Davis here would turn the Steelers secondary into a strength with him joining Artie Burns and Joe Haden (if he sticks around). They would love his physicality and has more of it than Burns.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars- Isaiah Wynn, Guard, Georgia: Wynn would bring a nice upgrade to a Jags offensive line to take pressure off Blake Bortles and Leonard Fournette. can play tackle if needed but will succeed as a guard instantly. He plays with outstanding leverage and has the athleticism to mirror pass-rushers.
30. Minnesota Vikings- Maurice Haust, Defensive Tackle, Michigan: Hurst doesn't have the size that teams are generally looking for in an interior defensive lineman, but his quickness more than makes up for that deficiency and makes him in particular a great threat rushing the passer on third downs.
31. New England Patriots- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Defensive End, Oklahoma: The Patriots have a need at cornerback now that Malcolm Butler is likely headed out. With Okoronkwo still on the board, the Pats addresses the pass-rushing deficiencies and will circle back to those secondary needs in later rounds.
32. Philadelphia Eagles- Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle, Michigan: Okorafor is in the mold of a franchise left tackle, and he has traits that suggest he'll become exactly that. If he adds point-of-attack strength, he'll be a monster in the NFL.
1. Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC: The Browns are insistent to snag a potential franchise quarterback in this draft and Darnold would seem like the bet here. They have passed on Carson Wentz and DeShaun Watson in the past two drafts and they regret passing on both of them.
2. New York Giants- Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State: There has been some talk lately that the Giants will pass on a possible franchise quarterback and Barkley would be an outstanding fit here assuming the Giants address their offensive line in free agency. If they go Barkley here, they can possibly pick a possible Eli Manning replacement in a later round.
3. Indianapolis Colts- Bradley Chubb, Defensive End, North Carolina State: With Barkley off the board, the Colts go with a need pick. That said, Chubb would be a great pick here since he's a three-down back that would help them stop the likes of DeShaun Watson and Marcus Mariota within their division.
4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cornerback/Safety, Alabama: The Browns should go defense with this pick if Barkley is off the board and Fitzpatrick is the best defensive player perhaps in this draft. He would have an immediate impact on a secondary that needs playmakers due to his versatility.
5. Denver Broncos- Josh Rosen, Quarterback, UCLA: This pick changes if the Broncos land Kirk Cousins. Rosen is the type of talent John Elway is looking for and could very well be the best quarterback in this draft.
6. New York Jets- Josh Jackson, Cornerback, Iowa: There are reports around saying that the Jets are the favorites for Kirk Cousins. Lets say they sign Cousins and they use this pick elsewhere. Jackson is excellent in man-to-man coverage and comes off a season in which he led the nation in interceptions. He would be a nice fit in that young secondary the Jets are building.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Quenton Nelson, Guard, Notre Dame: The Bucs have a need at offensive line and Nelson can fit in right away. Nelson seems like a sure thing and worthy of a top-ten pick and will help the Bucs on the interior of the offensive line and will serve good for Jameis Winston.
8. Chicago Bears- Calvin Ridley, Wide Reciever, Alabama: The Bears have a huge need at wide receiver and Ridley fits the bill. Ridley brings a downfield, speedy option on the outside and the Bears have lacked that for a few years now.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Ohio State: The Niners have options here and Ward would be a great pick because it fills a need in the secondary. Ward isn't the biggest cornerback in the draft but he can cover, skills that are hard to come by in the league.
10. Oakland Raiders- Roquan Smith, Linebacker, Georgia: The Raiders have a need at the off-ball linebacker position and Smith would fill that need. Smith brings speed and athleticism and that would be another dimension to a young defense.
11. Miami Dolphins- Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming: This pick would be fascinating and would say a lot about whether Ryan Tannehill remains with the Dolphins long term or not due to his injury concerns. That said, Allen draws comparisons to Carson Wentz and he has a ton of upside due to his arm strength, size, and athleticism.
12. Cincinnati Bengals- Mike McGlinchey, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: The Bengals have to come out of this draft with a better plan for their offensive line after the disaster of 2017, and McGlinchey is a great step in the right direction. He has proven himself against some of the country's best edge-rushers during his Notre Dame career, and he'll improve both the pass- and run-blocking for a team that desperately needs it.
13. Washington Redskins- Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker, Virginia Tech: The Redskins are an ideal landing spot for Edmunds, who can thrive immediately with an underrated defensive line behind him. He brings a combination of size and athleticism that can change the way the league views a traditional linebacker.
14. Green Bay Packers- Derwin James, Strong Safety, Florida State: Perhaps the best defensive playmaker in the draft, James is the new NFL prototype as a safety capable of producing against the run or in both man and zone coverage. Florida State also used him as a pure edge rusher, where he regularly pressured the quarterback.
15. Arizona Cardinals- Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma: The Cardinals are a trade up candidate if they don't land Kirk Cousins. Lets say they draft Mayfield here, who has a ton of potential with his gunslinger mentality although due to his height and off the court antics, is compared to Johnny Manziel.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Orlando Brown, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Ravens would be wise to trade down for a wide receiver, but instead they get a possible steal here with Brown. He will help protect Joe Flacco and bolster the running game.
17. Los Angeles Chargers- Da'Ron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Chargers pose what is arguably the best edge rushing duo in the league with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Adding someone like Payne would only make that defensive line better.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Connor Williams, Offensive Tackle, Texas: A big issue with the Seahawks is protecting Russell Wilson. Williams is coming off a knee injury, but he has a ton of upside and will help protect Wilson.
19. Dallas Cowboys- Vita Vea, Defensive End, Washington: Vea, a massive presence in the middle of a defensive line, will go a long way toward fixing that deficiency, while also providing enough quickness to penetrate into the backfield on some third downs.
20. Detroit Lions- Harold Landry, Outside Linebacker, Boston College: Landry had a good, but not great of a final season of college as he was a projected top-10 pick not that long ago. Landry will likely be a solid pro and a guy that Matt Patricia would like for his defense and also provides insurance for Ziggy Ansah.
21. Buffalo Bills- Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver, SMU: Sutton put together back-to-back seasons of 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, and he scored 32 times in all in his three seasons with the Mustangs. The Bills also have a huge need at wide receiver even with the trade for Kelvin Benjamin and he and Sutton would make a nice receiver combo.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)- Mason Rudolph, Quarterback, Oklahoma State: Tyrod Taylor's tenure with the Bills is likely over, so they should take a quarterback with one of their two first rounders. Rudolph's an experienced pocket passer with nice downfield touch.
23. Los Angeles Rams- Isaiah Oliver, Cornerback, Colorado: Oliver has some good size and has the potential to be a solid pro. The Rams have a need in the secondary and Oliver would be a nice fit.
24. Carolina Panthers- James Washington, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State: This would be a great fit considering the Panthers have a receiver need after trading Kelvin Benjamin away. He has the speed and route-running to be the first receiver off the board in a wide receiver class with no clear favorite at the top.
25. Tennessee Titans- Rashaad Evans, Linebacker, Alabama: Alabama continues to churn out linebacker prospects and Evans brings an athletic presence who can fill multiple roles. He was more of an edge defender early in his career, and he pressured the quarterback on 67 of his 284 career rushes. However, he also showed well in a more traditional role over the last two years.
26. Atlanta Falcons- Taven Bryan, Defensive End, Florida: The Falcons don't have any major needs, but bolstering the defensive line could be necessary if Dontari Poe leaves in free agency. Bryan has drawn comparisons to JJ Watt and will bring depth to the Falcons defensive line.
27. New Orleans Saints- Billy Price, Center, Ohio State: The Saints offensive line isn't bad, but Price would be a great value pick here. Price will strengthen what is already a good offensive line and would be a nice fit.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Carlton Davis, Cornerback, Auburn: Picking Davis here would turn the Steelers secondary into a strength with him joining Artie Burns and Joe Haden (if he sticks around). They would love his physicality and has more of it than Burns.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars- Isaiah Wynn, Guard, Georgia: Wynn would bring a nice upgrade to a Jags offensive line to take pressure off Blake Bortles and Leonard Fournette. can play tackle if needed but will succeed as a guard instantly. He plays with outstanding leverage and has the athleticism to mirror pass-rushers.
30. Minnesota Vikings- Maurice Haust, Defensive Tackle, Michigan: Hurst doesn't have the size that teams are generally looking for in an interior defensive lineman, but his quickness more than makes up for that deficiency and makes him in particular a great threat rushing the passer on third downs.
31. New England Patriots- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Defensive End, Oklahoma: The Patriots have a need at cornerback now that Malcolm Butler is likely headed out. With Okoronkwo still on the board, the Pats addresses the pass-rushing deficiencies and will circle back to those secondary needs in later rounds.
32. Philadelphia Eagles- Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle, Michigan: Okorafor is in the mold of a franchise left tackle, and he has traits that suggest he'll become exactly that. If he adds point-of-attack strength, he'll be a monster in the NFL.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
2018 NFL Mock Draft: Second Edition
Here is my second edition of my 2018 NFL Mock draft.
1. Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC: The Browns are insistent to snag a potential franchise quarterback in this draft and Darnold would seem like the bet here. They have passed on Carson Wentz and DeShaun Watson in the past two drafts and they regret passing on both of them.
2. New York Giants- Josh Rosen, Quarterback, UCLA: Rosen openly admitted that he did not want to get drafted by the Browns, so the bet is that he gets picked here by the Giants. They don't necessarily have to draft a quarterback in this spot, but they don't get to pick in the top five often, so this would be their opportunity to draft Eli Manning's successor.
3. Indianapolis Colts- Bradley Chubb, Defensive End, North Carolina State: This is a pick of need and not necessarily best player available. That said, Chubb would be a great pick here since he's a three-down back that would help them stop the likes of DeShaun Watson and Marcus Mariota within their division.
4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)- Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State: The Browns go with the best player available here in Barkley. If they come out of this draft with both Darnold and Barkley, it is a huge win for the franchise and their new front office.
5. Denver Broncos- Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma: If the Broncos lose out on the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes, they can look to draft Mayfield, who has skyrocketed up many mock darts recently. I'm intrigued by the fit because the Broncos have talent and they don't really have a long-term answer at quarterback and Mayfield could be that.
6. New York Jets- Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Ohio State: If the Jets lose out on the Kirk Cousins, this pick would more likely be a quarterback. Lets go with Ward here, who fills a need at cornerback to go with the two safeties they picked in last years draft.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cornerback/Safety, Alabama: This would be a steal here for the Bucs. This also would fill a potential need with Brent Grimes and T.J. Ward set to leave in free agency. Fitzpatrick also brings versatility in which he can play both defensive back positions as well.
8. Chicago Bears- Calvin Ridley, Wide Reciever, Alabama: The Bears have a huge need at wide receiver and Ridley fits the bill. Ridley brings a downfield, speedy option on the outside and the Bears have lacked that for a few years now.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Quenton Nelson, Guard, Notre Dame: The Niners would be getting a steal if Nelson lasts until the ninth pick, as he's one of the few blue-chip prospects in this draft with a relatively high floor. He'll help protect Jimmy Garrapolo as the Niners build Garrapolo's supporting cast.
10. Oakland Raiders- Roquan Smith, Linebacker, Georgia: The Raiders have a need at the off-ball linebacker position and Smith would fill that need. Smith brings speed and athleticism and that would be another dimension to a young defense.
11. Miami Dolphins- Marcus Davenport, Defensive End, UTSA: Davenport is a bit of a wild card since he's from a Group Of 5 school. The Dolphins are an interesting landing spot considering that defensive end isn't necessarily a need for them as Davenport can rotate and potentially replace Cameron Wake down the road.
12. Cincinnati Bengals- Mike McGlinchey, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: The Bengals have to come out of this draft with a better plan for their offensive line after the disaster of 2017, and McGlinchey is a great step in the right direction. He has proven himself against some of the country's best edge-rushers during his Notre Dame career, and he'll improve both the pass- and run-blocking for a team that desperately needs it.
13. Washington Redskins- Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker, Virginia Tech: The Redskins are an ideal landing spot for Edmunds, who can thrive immediately with an underrated defensive line behind him. He brings a combination of size and athleticism that can change the way the league views a traditional linebacker.
14. Green Bay Packers- Derwin James, Strong Safety, Florida State: Perhaps the best defensive playmaker in the draft, James is the new NFL prototype as a safety capable of producing against the run or in both man and zone coverage. Florida State also used him as a pure edge rusher, where he regularly pressured the quarterback.
15. Arizona Cardinals- Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming: If the Cards miss out on Cousins in free agency, they'll look to draft a quarterback and Allen is the choice here. Drawing comparisons to Carson Wentz, Allen might have the most upside of any quarterback in this draft due to his arm length, size, and athleticism.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Orlando Brown, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Ravens would be wise to trade down for a wide receiver, but instead they get a possible steal here with Brown. He will help protect Joe Flacco and bolster the running game.
17. Los Angeles Chargers- Da'Ron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Chargers pose what is arguably the best edge rushing duo in the league with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Adding someone like Payne would only make that defensive line better.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Jackson, Cornerback, Iowa: Jackson here would be a total steal and would boost what is an aging "Legion Of Boom". He led the nation in interceptions and the Seahawks would love his height and athleticism.
19. Dallas Cowboys- Rashaad Evans, Linebacker, Alabama: Alabama continues to churn out linebacker prospects and Evans brings an athletic presence who can fill multiple roles. He was more of an edge defender early in his career, and he pressured the quarterback on 67 of his 284 career rushes. However, he also showed well in a more traditional role over the last two years. Evans brings a much-needed speedy playmaker to the Cowboys’ linebacking corps.
20. Detroit Lions- Vita Vea, Defensive End, Washington: Vea, a massive presence in the middle of a defensive line, will go a long way toward fixing that deficiency, while also providing enough quickness to penetrate into the backfield on some third downs.
21. Buffalo Bills- Mason Rudolph, Quarterback, Oklahoma State: Tyrod Taylor's tenure with the a Bills is over, so they should take a quarterback with one of their two first rounders. Rudolph's an experienced pocket passer with nice downfield touch.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)- Maurice Haust, Defensive Tackle, Michigan: Hurst doesn't have the size that teams are generally looking for in an interior defensive lineman, but his quickness more than makes up for that deficiency and makes him in particular a great threat rushing the passer on third downs.
23. Los Angeles Rams- Isaiah Oliver, Cornerback, Colorado: Oliver has some good size and has the potential to be a solid pro. The Rams have a need in the secondary and Oliver is would be a nice fit.
24. Carolina Panthers- James Washington, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State: This would be a great fit considering the Panthers have a receiver need after trading Kelvin Benjamin away. He has the speed and route-running to be the first receiver off the board in a wide receiver class with no clear favorite at the top.
25. Tennessee Titans- Harold Landry, Outside Linebacker, Boston College: What a steal this would be for the Titans. Harold would be projected much higher than this had he not suffered a midseason injury and he would have a great impact on the Titan defense.
26. Atlanta Falcons- Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver, SMU: Sutton put together back-to-back seasons of 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, and he scored 32 times in all in his three seasons with the Mustangs. He would be a nice second receiving option for Matt Ryan.
27. New Orleans Saints- Malik Jefferson, Outside Linebacker, Texas: The Saints should be happy with the play of Manti Te'o in the middle, but they need to surround him with more talent at the position. Enter Jefferson, a top recruit coming out of high school who has the sideline-to-sideline speed to stick on the weakside and play all three downs for the Saints on their young, rising defense.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Carlton Davis, Cornerback, Auburn: Picking Davis here would turn the Steelers secondary into a strength with him joining Artie Burns and Joe Haden (if he sticks around). They would love his physicality and has more of it than Burns.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars- Isaiah Wynn, Guard, Georgia: Wynn would bring a nice upgrade to a Jags offensive line to take pressure off Blake Bortles and Leonard Fournette. can play tackle if needed but will succeed as a guard instantly. He plays with outstanding leverage and has the athleticism to mirror pass-rushers.
30. Minnesota Vikings- Billy Price, Guard, Ohio State: Assuming the Vikings figure out what to do with their free-agent quarterbacks heading into the draft, Price would be a great target for them as a potential replacement for Joe Berger inside. Price would be one of the better starting centers in the league, so the Vikings have the option of sticking him at the pivot immediately and having Pat Elflein compete at a guard spot.
31. New England Patriots- Taven Bryan, Defensive End, Florida: The Pats have a need here and can use youth at the position and Bryan would be a good fit. If he plays to potential, he could draw comparisons to JJ Watt.
32. Philadelphia Eagles- Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle, Michigan: Okorafor is in the mold of a franchise left tackle, and he has traits that suggest he'll become exactly that. If he adds point-of-attack strength, he'll be a monster in the NFL.
1. Cleveland Browns- Sam Darnold, Quarterback, USC: The Browns are insistent to snag a potential franchise quarterback in this draft and Darnold would seem like the bet here. They have passed on Carson Wentz and DeShaun Watson in the past two drafts and they regret passing on both of them.
2. New York Giants- Josh Rosen, Quarterback, UCLA: Rosen openly admitted that he did not want to get drafted by the Browns, so the bet is that he gets picked here by the Giants. They don't necessarily have to draft a quarterback in this spot, but they don't get to pick in the top five often, so this would be their opportunity to draft Eli Manning's successor.
3. Indianapolis Colts- Bradley Chubb, Defensive End, North Carolina State: This is a pick of need and not necessarily best player available. That said, Chubb would be a great pick here since he's a three-down back that would help them stop the likes of DeShaun Watson and Marcus Mariota within their division.
4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans)- Saquon Barkley, Running Back, Penn State: The Browns go with the best player available here in Barkley. If they come out of this draft with both Darnold and Barkley, it is a huge win for the franchise and their new front office.
5. Denver Broncos- Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Oklahoma: If the Broncos lose out on the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes, they can look to draft Mayfield, who has skyrocketed up many mock darts recently. I'm intrigued by the fit because the Broncos have talent and they don't really have a long-term answer at quarterback and Mayfield could be that.
6. New York Jets- Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Ohio State: If the Jets lose out on the Kirk Cousins, this pick would more likely be a quarterback. Lets go with Ward here, who fills a need at cornerback to go with the two safeties they picked in last years draft.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cornerback/Safety, Alabama: This would be a steal here for the Bucs. This also would fill a potential need with Brent Grimes and T.J. Ward set to leave in free agency. Fitzpatrick also brings versatility in which he can play both defensive back positions as well.
8. Chicago Bears- Calvin Ridley, Wide Reciever, Alabama: The Bears have a huge need at wide receiver and Ridley fits the bill. Ridley brings a downfield, speedy option on the outside and the Bears have lacked that for a few years now.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Quenton Nelson, Guard, Notre Dame: The Niners would be getting a steal if Nelson lasts until the ninth pick, as he's one of the few blue-chip prospects in this draft with a relatively high floor. He'll help protect Jimmy Garrapolo as the Niners build Garrapolo's supporting cast.
10. Oakland Raiders- Roquan Smith, Linebacker, Georgia: The Raiders have a need at the off-ball linebacker position and Smith would fill that need. Smith brings speed and athleticism and that would be another dimension to a young defense.
11. Miami Dolphins- Marcus Davenport, Defensive End, UTSA: Davenport is a bit of a wild card since he's from a Group Of 5 school. The Dolphins are an interesting landing spot considering that defensive end isn't necessarily a need for them as Davenport can rotate and potentially replace Cameron Wake down the road.
12. Cincinnati Bengals- Mike McGlinchey, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: The Bengals have to come out of this draft with a better plan for their offensive line after the disaster of 2017, and McGlinchey is a great step in the right direction. He has proven himself against some of the country's best edge-rushers during his Notre Dame career, and he'll improve both the pass- and run-blocking for a team that desperately needs it.
13. Washington Redskins- Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker, Virginia Tech: The Redskins are an ideal landing spot for Edmunds, who can thrive immediately with an underrated defensive line behind him. He brings a combination of size and athleticism that can change the way the league views a traditional linebacker.
14. Green Bay Packers- Derwin James, Strong Safety, Florida State: Perhaps the best defensive playmaker in the draft, James is the new NFL prototype as a safety capable of producing against the run or in both man and zone coverage. Florida State also used him as a pure edge rusher, where he regularly pressured the quarterback.
15. Arizona Cardinals- Josh Allen, Quarterback, Wyoming: If the Cards miss out on Cousins in free agency, they'll look to draft a quarterback and Allen is the choice here. Drawing comparisons to Carson Wentz, Allen might have the most upside of any quarterback in this draft due to his arm length, size, and athleticism.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Orlando Brown, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma: The Ravens would be wise to trade down for a wide receiver, but instead they get a possible steal here with Brown. He will help protect Joe Flacco and bolster the running game.
17. Los Angeles Chargers- Da'Ron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Alabama: The Chargers pose what is arguably the best edge rushing duo in the league with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Adding someone like Payne would only make that defensive line better.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Jackson, Cornerback, Iowa: Jackson here would be a total steal and would boost what is an aging "Legion Of Boom". He led the nation in interceptions and the Seahawks would love his height and athleticism.
19. Dallas Cowboys- Rashaad Evans, Linebacker, Alabama: Alabama continues to churn out linebacker prospects and Evans brings an athletic presence who can fill multiple roles. He was more of an edge defender early in his career, and he pressured the quarterback on 67 of his 284 career rushes. However, he also showed well in a more traditional role over the last two years. Evans brings a much-needed speedy playmaker to the Cowboys’ linebacking corps.
20. Detroit Lions- Vita Vea, Defensive End, Washington: Vea, a massive presence in the middle of a defensive line, will go a long way toward fixing that deficiency, while also providing enough quickness to penetrate into the backfield on some third downs.
21. Buffalo Bills- Mason Rudolph, Quarterback, Oklahoma State: Tyrod Taylor's tenure with the a Bills is over, so they should take a quarterback with one of their two first rounders. Rudolph's an experienced pocket passer with nice downfield touch.
22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs)- Maurice Haust, Defensive Tackle, Michigan: Hurst doesn't have the size that teams are generally looking for in an interior defensive lineman, but his quickness more than makes up for that deficiency and makes him in particular a great threat rushing the passer on third downs.
23. Los Angeles Rams- Isaiah Oliver, Cornerback, Colorado: Oliver has some good size and has the potential to be a solid pro. The Rams have a need in the secondary and Oliver is would be a nice fit.
24. Carolina Panthers- James Washington, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State: This would be a great fit considering the Panthers have a receiver need after trading Kelvin Benjamin away. He has the speed and route-running to be the first receiver off the board in a wide receiver class with no clear favorite at the top.
25. Tennessee Titans- Harold Landry, Outside Linebacker, Boston College: What a steal this would be for the Titans. Harold would be projected much higher than this had he not suffered a midseason injury and he would have a great impact on the Titan defense.
26. Atlanta Falcons- Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver, SMU: Sutton put together back-to-back seasons of 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, and he scored 32 times in all in his three seasons with the Mustangs. He would be a nice second receiving option for Matt Ryan.
27. New Orleans Saints- Malik Jefferson, Outside Linebacker, Texas: The Saints should be happy with the play of Manti Te'o in the middle, but they need to surround him with more talent at the position. Enter Jefferson, a top recruit coming out of high school who has the sideline-to-sideline speed to stick on the weakside and play all three downs for the Saints on their young, rising defense.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Carlton Davis, Cornerback, Auburn: Picking Davis here would turn the Steelers secondary into a strength with him joining Artie Burns and Joe Haden (if he sticks around). They would love his physicality and has more of it than Burns.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars- Isaiah Wynn, Guard, Georgia: Wynn would bring a nice upgrade to a Jags offensive line to take pressure off Blake Bortles and Leonard Fournette. can play tackle if needed but will succeed as a guard instantly. He plays with outstanding leverage and has the athleticism to mirror pass-rushers.
30. Minnesota Vikings- Billy Price, Guard, Ohio State: Assuming the Vikings figure out what to do with their free-agent quarterbacks heading into the draft, Price would be a great target for them as a potential replacement for Joe Berger inside. Price would be one of the better starting centers in the league, so the Vikings have the option of sticking him at the pivot immediately and having Pat Elflein compete at a guard spot.
31. New England Patriots- Taven Bryan, Defensive End, Florida: The Pats have a need here and can use youth at the position and Bryan would be a good fit. If he plays to potential, he could draw comparisons to JJ Watt.
32. Philadelphia Eagles- Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle, Michigan: Okorafor is in the mold of a franchise left tackle, and he has traits that suggest he'll become exactly that. If he adds point-of-attack strength, he'll be a monster in the NFL.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
2017 NFL Season Awards
Here are my awards for the 2017 NFL season.
MVP: Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Brady yet again is defying his age and playing at a high level and led his team to the Super Bowl for the third time in four seasons. Brady deserves a ton of credit for leading his team here this season and he didn't even have Julian Edelman for the season.
Runner up: Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Player of the Year: Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams: Gurley had an incredible season running the ball and even catching passes from the backfield. He deserves credit for the Rams offense improving from last season (as well as Jared Goff) and as well as first year head coach Sean McVay.
Runner up: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive Player of the Year: Calais Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars: Campbell was outstanding this season leading the league in sacks. He's one of the leaders of that defense that helped lead the Jags to the AFC Championship game.
Runner up: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints: Kamara was outstanding in his rookie season not just running the ball, but catching passes from the backfield. He was a big part of what the Saints did offensively this season and helped lead the Saints to the playoffs.
Runner up: Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints: Lattimore is the choice here because he helped improve a below average Saints defense and helped make it respectable. Along with his teammate Kamara, they made the Saints rookie class one of the best ever.
Runner up: TreDavious White, Buffalo Bills
Coach of the Year: Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams: The hardest award choice I had to make has to go to McVay. Most people expected the Rams to be better, but not a playoff team let alone a division title.
Runner up: Doug Marrone, Jacksonville Jaguars
Comeback Player of the Year: Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: Allen had an incredible season coming off his torn ACL from a year ago. Allen had seven one-hundred yard games and he was a big part of a Chargers offense this season.
Runner up: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
MVP: Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Brady yet again is defying his age and playing at a high level and led his team to the Super Bowl for the third time in four seasons. Brady deserves a ton of credit for leading his team here this season and he didn't even have Julian Edelman for the season.
Runner up: Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Player of the Year: Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams: Gurley had an incredible season running the ball and even catching passes from the backfield. He deserves credit for the Rams offense improving from last season (as well as Jared Goff) and as well as first year head coach Sean McVay.
Runner up: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive Player of the Year: Calais Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars: Campbell was outstanding this season leading the league in sacks. He's one of the leaders of that defense that helped lead the Jags to the AFC Championship game.
Runner up: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints: Kamara was outstanding in his rookie season not just running the ball, but catching passes from the backfield. He was a big part of what the Saints did offensively this season and helped lead the Saints to the playoffs.
Runner up: Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints: Lattimore is the choice here because he helped improve a below average Saints defense and helped make it respectable. Along with his teammate Kamara, they made the Saints rookie class one of the best ever.
Runner up: TreDavious White, Buffalo Bills
Coach of the Year: Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams: The hardest award choice I had to make has to go to McVay. Most people expected the Rams to be better, but not a playoff team let alone a division title.
Runner up: Doug Marrone, Jacksonville Jaguars
Comeback Player of the Year: Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: Allen had an incredible season coming off his torn ACL from a year ago. Allen had seven one-hundred yard games and he was a big part of a Chargers offense this season.
Runner up: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Super Bowl LII Prediction
Super Bowl LII is finally upon us! Will Tom Brady and Bill Belichick add their sixth championship to their dynasty? Will the Philadelphia Eagles finally win their first Super Bowl in their franchises history? Here is my prediction!
(A1) New England Patriots vs (N1) Philadelphia Eagles- 6:30, NBC: Although it's chalk on paper, but this wasn't the Super Bowl many expected once the regular season ended due tonight fact Carson Wentz is out for the season due to a torn ACL. That said, give the Eagles (and Nick Foles in particular) credit for making it to this point and their NFC Championship game win over the Minnesota Vikings was very impressive. The Patriots are here yet again and their path was easy and were lucky that they avoided the Pittsburgh Steelers, although the Jacksonville Jaguars made the Pats look vulnerable in the AFC Championship game. Both teams offenses been really good throughout the playoffs led by good quarterback play, good running games, and receivers making plays. Both teams defenses have shown warts at points, but for the most part have been very good in these playoffs. The Eagles arguably have advantages with with their skill position guys (Zach Ertz, Jay Ajayi, Alshon Jeffery, etc.) and defense (Fletcher Cox, Malcolm Jenkins, etc.), but the Patriots have the best advantage any team can have and that's the quarterback/coach combo advantage of Brady and Belichick. I always learned not to bet against the Pats in a big spot unless there's a certain matchup that I feel can beat them outright. If Wentz was playing, I'd still pick the Patriots. That said, I believe the Patriots win their sixth championship in franchise history in a close game.
Prediction: New England 30, Philadelphia 24.
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
(A1) New England Patriots vs (N1) Philadelphia Eagles- 6:30, NBC: Although it's chalk on paper, but this wasn't the Super Bowl many expected once the regular season ended due tonight fact Carson Wentz is out for the season due to a torn ACL. That said, give the Eagles (and Nick Foles in particular) credit for making it to this point and their NFC Championship game win over the Minnesota Vikings was very impressive. The Patriots are here yet again and their path was easy and were lucky that they avoided the Pittsburgh Steelers, although the Jacksonville Jaguars made the Pats look vulnerable in the AFC Championship game. Both teams offenses been really good throughout the playoffs led by good quarterback play, good running games, and receivers making plays. Both teams defenses have shown warts at points, but for the most part have been very good in these playoffs. The Eagles arguably have advantages with with their skill position guys (Zach Ertz, Jay Ajayi, Alshon Jeffery, etc.) and defense (Fletcher Cox, Malcolm Jenkins, etc.), but the Patriots have the best advantage any team can have and that's the quarterback/coach combo advantage of Brady and Belichick. I always learned not to bet against the Pats in a big spot unless there's a certain matchup that I feel can beat them outright. If Wentz was playing, I'd still pick the Patriots. That said, I believe the Patriots win their sixth championship in franchise history in a close game.
Prediction: New England 30, Philadelphia 24.
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
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