Brendan Phillips' Heisman Ballot

First Place Vote--Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
RG3 has had an unbelievable season totaling over 4000 yards of total offense, 45 total TDs, and just 6 INTs. Baylor earned a trip to the Alamo bowl, where RG3 looks to increase his draft stock.


Second Place Vote--Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Richardson was an absolute beast this year totaling over 1900 yards and 23 TDs in arguably the best conference in the nation. I truly believe the winner and the runner-up will be separated by only a few votes.


Third Place Vote--Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Montee Ball is 2 TDs shy of breaking Barry Sanders' single season TD record. Ball has 38 total TDs and over 2000 yards from scrimmage.


Fourth Place Vote--Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Luck is the center of college football attention with one of the purest skill sets ever demonstrated by a quarterback. Luck has 3,170 yards passing, 35 TDs and just 9 INTs and has even caught a one-handed pass.


Fifth Place Vote--Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU
Mathieu, otherwise know as the "Honey Badger," continues to wow college football fans everywhere. His defensive numbers alone (71 total tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 2 INTs, and two fumble returns for TDs) are incredible. Couple that with 2 punt return TDs and this could be a great year to give the Heisman to a defensive player. If not this year, next year?

Blaise Taggart's Heisman Ballot

The Heisman voting is conducted by selected sports journalists, and past Heisman winners. If I were apart of either of those groups this is how I would vote my top 5, even though the top three are the only ones that receive votes:

In the real Heisman voting, 1st place votes receive 3 points, 2nd place votes receives 2 points, and 3rd place votes receives 1 point.

1st Place Vote: Robert Griffin III QB/Baylor

--Over 4,500 of total yards right now with 45 total touchdowns

2nd Place Vote: Montee Ball RB/Wisconsin

--Very close to Griffin, might hop him by the time I would actually vote. About 1,800 rushing yards and 38 total touchdowns (Product of his huge O-Line?)

3rd Place Vote: Tyrann Mathieu DB/LSU

--Big-time playmaker. Only 2 interceptions but 5 forced fumbles, and 4 total touchdowns, with 2 coming from electrifying punt returns

4th Place Vote: Trent Richardson RB/Alabama

--1,583 rushing yards with 23 total touchdowns. His numbers are better than Mark Ingram's when he won the Heisman in 09'

5th Place Vote: Andrew Luck QB/Stanford

--Almost 3,200 yards passing with 37 total touchdowns. But as the Heisman represents the best college football player in the nation, he is right at the top

Top 10 Draft Prospects for the Cleveland Browns

After watching the Browns throughout this season, they have several areas to address through the draft in order to see success in the future. The following prospects are the best fits where the Browns will be drafting, assuming that will be top 10 and then somewhere in the early to mid 20s.


1. Robert Griffin III/QB/Baylor


This could be the most interesting choice. If Holmgren and the front office decide Colt McCoy isn't the future, Griffin would be a perfect fit in a West Coast Offense and the spark this franchise needs. At 6'2" with sub 4.6 speed, RG3 is a dream quarterback.


2. Trent Richardson/RB/Alabama

Assuming Peyton Hillis won't return next season, the Browns will need to
add a legitimate threat in the backfield. Montario Hardesty has not shown he can stay healthy enough to be an every down back, although he has the tools to be one. Richardson is a better pro prospect than former Bama back Mark Ingram and has great vision, burst of speed, as well as lateral quickness.

3. Alshon Jeffery/WR/South Carolina

The Browns have had a shortage of playmaking WRs since coming back in the league, there's no denying that. Alshon Jeffery has size (6-4, 232), great ball skills, and the ability to stretch the field, something the Browns have been lacking. Greg Little and Alshon Jeffery would be a fantastic duo for years to come and could pose matchup problems with most secondaries.

4. Vontaze Burfict/LB/Arizona State

The Browns line backing core, for the exception of D'Qwell Jackson, is aging and lacking explosiveness. Burfict can be converted to OLB in the 4-3 Browns defense and can absolutely obliterate opposing players. The only concern teams may have is character concerns, but something that is coachable and able to work through.

5. Kendall Wright/WR/Baylor

Wright would be a good pick with the pick acquired from the Falcons. Although Wright is only 5'10", he has blinding speed and can really open up the whole field. Wright plays bigger than he is with great leaping ability and good hands. Wright is a threat to score any time he touches the ball.

6. Morris Claiborne/CB/LSU

No surprise here, Claiborne reminds me of former LSU corner Patrick Peterson. Claiborne is a better coverage corner than Peterson and has explosive kick return skills as well. Sheldon Brown is aging and Joe Haden needs a partner in crime to shut down opposing QBs. Claiborne could also take some pressure off Cribbs in the return game.

7. Quentin Coples/DE/North Carolina

The Browns addressed their weak defensive front last year with their first two picks in DT Phil Taylor and DE Jabaal Sheard, both of which look very promising. Coples is an animal at 6'6" and resembles a former UNC DE in Julius Peppers with his agility and pass rushing capabilities.

8. Zach Brown/LB/North Carolina

Another good fit at LB for the Browns here. Brown has great speed and coverage skills, something the Browns need help with. Brown is widely considered one of the most athletic players in the draft and can be a very smart pick at #22.
9. Isaiah Pead/RB/Cincinnati

I would love to see this pick happen early second round. I see Pead slipping under the radar and frankly in the second round he would be a steal. Pead has great pad level control, great agility, as well as the size a strength to be an every down back.

10. Stephon Gilmore/CB/South Carolina

Gilmore is also a very underrated player in the draft. Gilmore may be the best cover corner in the draft, and only a slim second to Claiborne. The Browns need someone to couple with Joe Haden and Gilmore is a solid DB.

Here's a couple scenarios I think are best for the Browns, based on their needs and where they are picking. The Browns finished with a record of 4-12 and will pick 4th and 22nd with the pick acquired from Atlanta.

Scenario 1:
Round 1a- Robert Griffin III
Round 1b- Zach Brown
Round 2- Isaiah Pead

Scenario 2:
Round 1a- Trent Richardson
Round 1b-Kendall Wright
Round 2- Chase Minnifield*

Scenario 3:
Round 1a- Justin Blackmon/Alshon Jeffery
Round 1b- Jamar Fleming*
Round 2- Brandon Washington*
*Not listed in top 10 for various reasons; Blackmon will most likely be gone, Minnifield is a second rounder, along with Fleming and Washington.

I think the best scenario for the Browns right now is scenario number one. Colt McCoy doesn't have the tools a quarterback should have to make plays in the NFL. RG3 is more than NFL ready and posses' the tools and IQ to become a star. Zach Brown is one of the more athletic players in the draft and would solidify a good Browns linebacker core. Finally, Isaiah Pead would be a great addition to a backfield that has decent pieces, assuming Hillis departs in free agency.

Mock Draft 1.0

Updated October 25, 2011

At last, here is the first installment of our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. For the 1.0 edition, we did not give our reasons as to why each player would be picked there, because we will be doing editing throughout the next few months until our final mock draft. Our rankings on where each team will draft are based on where we project the team to finish based on record.

                                                       Blaise                                                  Brendan                                           

1.  Indianapolis Colts           Andrew Luck QB/Stanford            Andrew Luck QB/Stanford                                     

2.  Miami Dolphins                 Landry Jones QB/Oklahoma              Landry Jones QB/Oklahoma

3.  Seattle Seahawks           Trent Richardson RB/Alabama      Matt Kalil OT/USC

4.  St. Louis Rams                  Justin Blackmon WR/Oklahoma St.   Justin Blackmon WR/ Oklahoma St.

5.  Jacksonville Jaguars      Matt Kalil OT/USC                        Jonathan Martin OT/Stanford

6.  Minnesota Vikings             Quinton Coples RB/North Carolina   Morris Claiborne CB/LSU

7.  Denver Broncos           Dre Kirkpatrick CB/Alabama        Alshon Jeffery WR/South Carolina

8.  Carolina Panthers              Alshon Jeffrey WR/South Carolina     Riley Reiff OT/Iowa

9.  Cleveland Browns          Michael Floyd WR/Notre Dame    Michael Floyd WR/Notre Dame

10. Arizona Cardinals             Jon Martin OT/Stanford                    Quinton Coples DE/North Carolina                   

11. Kansas City Chiefs       Matt Barkley QB/USC                   Brandon Thompson DT/Clemson

12. Tennessee Titans              Devin Taylor DE/South Carolina       Luke Kuechly ILB/Boston College

13. Washington Redskins   Jerel Worthy DT/Michigan State   Matt Barkley QB/USC

14. Cincinnati Bengals            Janoris Jenkins CB/Northern Alabama      Trent Richardson RB/Alabama

15. Dallas Cowboys             Alfonzo Dennard CB/Nebraska     Dre Kirkpatrick CB/Alabama

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers   Vontaze Burfict LB/Arizona State      Vontaze Burfict/ILB/ Arizona State

17. Buffalo Bills                   Cordy Glenn OG/Georgia             Alfonzo Dennard CB/Nebraska

18. Cincinnati Bengals(from OAK)  Jared Crick DT/Nebraska         Janoris Jenkins CB/North Alabama

19. San Francisco 49ers      Morris Claiborne CB/LSU            Jared Crick DE/Nebraska

20. New York Giants             Bradon Thompson DT/Clemson        Courtney Upshaw OLB/Alabama

21. Philadelphia Eagles       Luke Kuechly ILB/Boston College   Manti Te'o ILB/Notre Dame

22. Chicago Bears                 Andrew Datko OT/Florida State       Melvin Ingram DE/South Carolina

23. Cleveland Browns (from ATL) Chase Minnifield CB/Virginia  Cliff Harris CB/Oregon

24. San Diego Chargers         Michael Brewster C/Ohio State         Cordy Glenn OG/Georgia

25. Houston Texans            Donte Paige-Moss OLB/UNC       Mark Barron S/Alabama

26. New York Jets                 Riley Reiff OT/Iowa                          Kendall Reyes DT/Connecticut                        

27. Pittsburgh Steelers        Nate Potter OT/Boise State           Alameda Ta'amu DT/Washington

28. Detroit Lions                     T.J. McDonald S/USC                      Ronnell Lewis OLB/Oklahoma

29. New England Patriots (from NO) Courtney Upshaw OLB/Alabama  Michael Brewster C/Ohio St.

30. Baltimore Ravens              Jeff Fuller WR/Texas A&M              Bruce Irvin DE/West Virginia    

31. New England Patriots    David DeCastro OG/Stanford       Jerel Worthy DT/Michigan State

32. Green Bay Packers          Dont’a Hightower LB/Alabama          David DeCastro G/Stanford

Brendan Phillips' Early 2012 NFL Draft QB/RB/WR Rankings

Updated October 31, 2011

Top QB

1.       Andrew Luck, Stanford

                  2.       Landry Jones, Oklahoma University
3.              Matt Barkley, USC

    4.          Robert Griffin III, Baylor

    5.     Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

      6.    Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

     7.    Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma Stat
8.            Nick Foles, Arizona

           9.       Ryan Lindley, San Diego State

10.      Kellen Moore, Boise St.

Top RB

1.       Trent Richardson, Alabama

2.      Lamar Miller, University of Miami
3. Ray Graham, Pitt
4.       Lamichael James, Oregon

5.       Isiah Pead, Cincinnati

6.   Chris Polk, Washington   
7.       Andre Ellington, Clemson

8.       Chris Rainey, Florida

9.      Knile Davis, Arkansas
10.   Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M

Top WR

1.       Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.

2.       Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

3.       Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

4.       Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

5.       Juron Criner, Arizona

6.       Brian Quick, Appalachian St.

7.       Mohammad Sanu, Rutgers

8.       Dwight Jones, North Carolina

9.       Nick Toon, Wisconsin

10.   Greg Childs, Arkansas 

Blaise Taggart's Early 2012 NFL Draft QB/RB/WR Rankings

Updated October 31, 2011

It is very early for concrete rankings, but as the NCAA football season progresses, I put together my preliminary rankings for the QB, RB, and WR positions for the 2012 NFL Draft. All the players in my rankings are draft eligible this year, but that does not mean they will enter the NFL Draft.

QB

1. Andrew Luck/Stanford

2. Matt Barkley/USC

3a. Robert Griffin/Baylor

3b. Landry Jones/Oklahoma

4. Brandon Weeden/Oklahoma State

5. Ryan Tannehill/Texas A&M

6. Nick Foles/Arizona

7. Dominique Davis/ECU

8. John Brantley/Florida

9. Ryan Lindley/San Diego State

10. Case Keenum/Houston

RB

1. Trent Richardson/Alabama

2. Ray Graham/Pittsburgh (INJ)

3. Lamar Miller/Miami

4. Isaiah Pead/Cincinnati

5. Andre Ellington/Clemson

6. Marc Tyler/USC

7. LaMichael James/Oregon

8. Chris Polk/Washington

9. Knile Davis/Arkansas (INJ)

10. Cyrus Gray/Texas A&M

WR

1. Justin Blackmon/Oklahoma State

2. Alshon Jeffery/South Carolina

3. Jeff Fuller/Texas A&M

4. Michael Floyd/Notre Dame

5. Juron Criner/Arizona

6. Dwight Jones/North Carolina

7. Nick Toon/Wisconsin

8. Brian Quick/Appalachian State

9. Rueben Randle/LSU

10. Ryan Broyles/Oklahoma

MLB Playoff Predictions

MLB Playoff Predictions

Blaise’s Predictions:

NLDS:

Phillies over Cardinals in 4 games

Brewers over Diamondbacks in 3 games

NLCS:

Phillies over Brewers in 6 games

ALDS:

Tigers over Yankees in 5 games

Rangers over Rays in 4 games

ALCS:

Rangers over Tigers in 6 games

World Series:

Phillies over Rangers in 7 games

Brendan’s Predictions:

NLDS:

Phillies over Cardinals in 3 games

Brewers over Diamondbacks in 5 games

NLCS:

Brewers over Phillies in 7 games

ALDS:

Tigers over Yankees in 4 games

Rays over Rangers in 5 games

ALCS:

Tigers over Rays in 6 games

World Series:

Phillies over Tigers in 5 games

2011 MLB First Year Player Mock Draft

Here is how this mock draft went down. Since Blaise is a Pittsburgh Pirates fan, he acted as the GM for all teams drafting in the odd number slots including his Pirates at 1, and Brendan acted as the GM for all teams drafting in the even number slots including his Cleveland Indians at 8. An MLB First Year Player Mock Draft is very difficult to get correct due to all the options a Major League club has between high-school players and college players. So check out who we have your team taking, and enjoy the 2011 MLB First Year Player Draft on Monday, June 6.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates- Gerrit Cole RHP/UCLA

-Reports leaking out of Pirates camp is that they will take Cole with the first pick on Monday. The 6’4 right-hander has an upper 90’s fastball with a nice change-up and slider. Cole just adds another young, strong arm in the Pirates farm system.-BT

2. Seattle Mariners-Anthony Rendon 3B/Rice

- Highly overpaid Figgins makes this an easy choice; combine with Ackley and there’s a solid infield for years to come.-BP

3. Arizona Diamondbacks- Danny Hultzen LHP/Virginia

-Hultzen is arguably the best pitcher in college baseball this year. He is this draft’s best left-handed pitcher and he gives the Diamondbacks a young arm that they are looking for.-BT

4. Baltimore Orioles-Trevor Bauer RHP/UCLA

- Overshadowed by the # 1 starter, Bauer leads the NCAA in K’s; O’s need some depth with an up and coming staff.-BP

5. Kansas City Royals- Taylor Jungmann RHP/Texas

-The Royals have said to be looking for a college pitcher that will be ready for the bigs soon. Jungmann fits that description, and 6’6 frame just adds another great pitching prospect in the Royals farm system.-BT

6. Washington Nationals-Dylan Bundy RHP/Owassa HS

- Bundy has one of the best arms in the draft, and will have time to develop coming out of high school.-BP

7. Arizona Diamondbacks- Bubba Starling OF/Gardner Edgerton HS

-Starling is the best high school player in the draft, but his commitment to play quarterback at the University of Nebraska might scare some teams. But with a solid pick already in Hultzen with the third pick, the D-Backs can afford to be risky by taking Starling.-BT

8. Cleveland Indians-Jed Bradley LHP/Georgia Tech

- The Tribe hasn’t had the best luck with left-handed college arms, but with Pomeranz last year and potentially Bradley, their staff looks very promising.-BP

9. Chicago Cubs- Sonny Gray RHP/Vanderbilt

-The Cubs need help and a college pitcher like Gray will add depth. The 5’11 junior is a little undersized but a mid 90’s fastball and a great curveball makes him suitable for the next level.-BT

10. San Diego Padres-Francisco Lindor SS/Montverde Academy

- The Padres haven’t had a solid SS since the great Khalil Geene, and Lindor has plus defense and can be a huge asset as a switch hitter.-BP

11. Houston Astros- Blake Swihart C/Cleveland HS

-The Astros might end 2011 with the worst record in the MLB. With a long way to go, the Astros could Swihart who is an exceptionally talented high school catcher that could develop into a great player.-BT

12. Milwaukee Brewers-Archie Bradley RHP/Broken Arrow HS

- Being out of high school, the brew crew can let Bradley develop with guys like Greinke, Marcum, and Gallardo.-BP

13. New York Mets- George Springer OF/Connecticut

-Springer is a gifted outfielder that could find himself to the big league quick. With uncertainty surrounding the Mets and some of their veteran players, the selection of Springer would give the Mets faithful reason to celebrate.-BT

14. Florida Marlins-Matt Barnes RHP/Connecticut

- Barnes has 3 very solid pitches that will only develop and with a Marlins team that needs some support behind Johnson and Nolasco, Barnes could blow through the minors.-BP

15. Milwaukee Brewers- Daniel Norris LHP/Science Hill HS

-The high school lefty has committed to Clemson, but if signed, the Brewers would add a great young pitching talent into their system. With some minor league coaching, Norris could find himself in the Brew crew’s rotation in 4-5 years.-BT

16. Los Angeles Dodgers- Javier Baeys SS/Arlington County HS

- With Furcal constantly on the DL and not much depth in the minors, Baez should develop into a very solid SS down the road.-BP

17. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- Matthew Purke LHP/TCU

-Purke is rated by some as a top 5 pitcher in this draft. In 7 years down the road, I believe he might be the best out of this class. Why do I have him a 17 then? Well he has slipped in the recent months, but he’s got nasty stuff that will make him a potential dominating pitcher in the MLB.-BT

18. Oakland Athletics-Mike Mahtook OF/LSU

- Mahtook has proven himself in college over the past couple years and the A’s are developing a very nice young outfield.-BP

19. Boston Red Sox- Austin Hedges C/Junipero Serra HS

-The UCLA commit has tremendous defensive skills at the catcher position. He might fall more due to his commitment to UCLA, but he is worth the risk for the Red Sox to try and sign.-BT

20. Colorado Rockies- Taylor Giuerri RHP/Spring Valley HS

- Guerrieri slips to the Rocks because of his commitment to South Carolina, but he’s got great stuff and has the potential to put it all together and be a good # 1 or # 2.-BP

21. Toronto Blue Jays- Levi Michael SS/UNC

-Michael is ranked as my best shortstop. The UNC standout is a pure shortstop with switch hitting capabilities. It would be a smart pick for the Blue Jays here at 21.-BT

22. St. Louis Cardinals-Jose Fernandez RHP/Braulio Alonso HS

- Conditioning is the only concern for Fernandez but he couples a strong fastball with a good slider.-BP

23. Washington Nationals- Joshua Bell OF/Jesuit College Prep

-With a plethora of athletically talented players in their farm system, the Nationals’ future is looking bright. Bell is another athletically gifted player that could find himself in the Nationals outfield in a couple of years.-BT

24. Tampa Bay Rays- Dillon Howard RHP/Searcy HS

- Howard has a unique plus fastball that never stays straight, but signability becomes a problem because of his agent Scott Boras.-BP

25. San Diego Padres- Alex Meyer RHP/Kentucky

-Meyer reminds me a lot of Padres former pitcher, Chris Young. Meyer’s 6’9 frame is something to waste a first round pick on alone. His upper 90’s fastball is capable of becoming a dominant pitch in the MLB.-BT

26. Boston Red Sox-Tyler Anderson LHP/Oregon

- The Nation has had an interesting mix of pitchers over the past couple years, some not panning out; Anderson has a Lester-type body and can move his stuff around effectively.-BP

27. Cincinnati Reds-C.J. Cron 1B/Utah

-Cron’s talent is worth this pick. Although the Reds system should be set at 1B for a couple years to come with Votto and Alonso, Cron has also played catcher. A switch to catcher should be inevitable. Cron hits for power as well as average. -BT

28. Atlanta Braves-Jackie Bradley OF/South Carolina

- Bradley was destined to be a for sure first rounder, but injury concerns and a lackluster year at the plate drops him to the late first round.-BP

29. San Francisco Giants- Henry Owens LHP/Edison HS

-Owens is a 6’6 right-hander and a Miami commit. The Giants organization has been known to develop young pitchers, and Owens has all of the tools.-BT

30. Minnesota Twins-Anthony Meo RHP/Coastal Carolina

- A starter right now, Meo is best suited as a setup man in the Bigs with a mid-90s fastball and a good slider to mix in.-BP

31. Tampa Bay Rays-Brian Goodwin OF/Miami Dade College

-The Rays always go for the best available athletes. Goodwin reminds me of a promising Delmon Young that the Rays took with the 1^st overall pick in 2003. Hopefully Goodwin turns out better than young did for Tampa Bay.-BT

32. Tampa Bay Rays-Colton Wong 2B/Hawaii

- The Rays have had lackluster production since Aki Iwamura from 2B, and Wong has a pure bat and won’t take much time to move through the minors.-BP

33. Texas Rangers- Joe Ross RHP/Bishop O’Dowd HS

-Ross is a raw talent that is definitely worth a first round pick. He just recently turned 18 and he has a 6’3 frame. Give him a couple years developing in a pro organization and he could be a potential top of the rotation starting pitcher.-BT

Brendan Phillips' Mock Draft 2.0

Here it is, two hours prior to the draft. Enjoy.

1.       1. Carolina Panthers—Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Ø  Too great of a talent and too much potential to pass on

2.       2. Denver Broncos—Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Ø  Explosive off the line, can stop both run and pass effectively

3.      3. Buffalo Bills—Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Ø  Can make plays in the secondary and on special teams; going to be a force at both for years to come

4.      4.  Cincinnati Bengals—A. J. Green, WR, Georgia

Ø  Bengals have many needs, but Gabbert isn’t enticing enough at No. 4, so they “settle” for a stellar WR

5.       5. Arizona Cardinals—Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Ø  Pass rushing was the Cards’ biggest weakness on D last year and Miller is probably the safest pick in the draft

6.       6. Cleveland Browns—Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Ø  Browns need a playmaker and Green is off the board; Bowers surgery is too much of a concern at No. 6

7.       7. San Francisco 49ers—Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Ø  The niners had virtually zero pass rush last year for the exception of Patrick Willis and they aren’t sure if they want to give up on Alex Smith quite yet

8.       8. Tennessee Titans—Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Ø  Kerry Collins isn’t under contract, Rusty Smith struggled last season, and Vince Young’s future is still uncertain; Gabbert is as close to a sure thing as it gets

9.      9.  Dallas Cowboys—Robert Quinn, DE/LB, UNC

Ø  “America’s Team” wasn’t very good on the defensive side of the ball last year and DeMarcus Ware needs a partner in crime

10.   10. Washington Redskins—Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Ø  Ran a great 40 at the combine and showed the skills necessary to be an elite DB for years to come

11.   11. Houston Texans—Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Ø  Texans need to give Schaub more time in the pocket to be the elite quarterback he has shown at times

12.   12. Minnesota Vikings—Mike Pouncey, C, Florida

Ø  With an aging O-Line, the Vikes need a fresh anchor to their line

13.   13. Detroit Lions—J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Ø  Detroit surprised some people with a 6-10 record last year, with a big weakness being defense; continued improvement means more wins and respect

14.   14. St. Louis Rams—Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Ø  One game away from the playoffs last season, the Rams need just a little more pass rush and they find a steal in Fairley

15.   15. Miami Dolphins—Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama     

Ø  Aging RB’s who have been a non-factor the past two seasons, Ingram is a game changer who falls to 15.

16.   16. Jacksonville Jaguars—Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Ø  Some weren’t happy with Alualu being picked so high last year, but beefing up a D-line with Aaron Kampman returning this season looks promising

17.   17. New England Patriots (from Oakland)—Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

Ø  Aging O-Line, Pats can address with a sure thing with their 1^st of 2 first round picks

18.   18. San Diego Chargers—Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Ø  Chargers D was a primary reason for their absence from the playoffs, Liuget is a steal at 18

19.   19. New York Giants—Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Ø  Eli got sacked too much last year; D is solid enough to wait till 2^nd round to find someone

20.   20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

Ø  Some considered him a top 10 pick last year, decided to stay and is going to be a big help for a young defense

21.   21. Kansas City Chiefs—Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Ø  Drafted D the past 4 years and are starting to come along on D side; Cassel came on strong last year, needs a little protection

22.   22. Indianapolis Colts—Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

Ø  A very poor D the last few seasons, especially rushing the quarterback, Ayers is a perfect fit in a struggling D

23.   23. Philadelphia Eagles—Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Ø  Secondary suffered a lot of injuries last season, could go either CB or trade up for a D-Line

24.   24. New Orleans Saints—Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Ø  Saints D was their kryptonite last season and pass rush is where they need to start transforming their D

25.   25. Seattle Seahawks—Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Ø  I can see Locker being over picked, but if picked by Seattle give him a year behind Hasselbeck and he’ll be a quality Q for years to come

26.   26. Baltimore Ravens—Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt

Ø  Baldwin is an absolute freak when the ball is in the air and Joe Flacco is no slouch; point being, Ravens need to take some pressure off Boldin

27.   27. Atlanta Falcons—Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

Ø  If ATL doesn’t trade up for a WR, then I see Rudolph being mentored by Gonzalez. Not a bad mentor I’d say

28.   28. New England Patriots—Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinios

Ø  Woodhead nor the law firm are starting running back material, although they did provide a spark last season; Leshoure will give Brady more flexibility in the passing game

29.   29. Chicago Bears—Rahim Moore, S, UCLA

Ø  The Bears D definitely improved last year but their secondary was suspect; Moore is the best option at safety coverage wise in my opinion

30.   30. New York Jets—Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

Ø  Injuries and an under-performing D-Line forces NYJ to draft a DE to rebuild their already solid defense

31.   31. Pittsburgh Steelers—Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Ø  Secondary help is necessary because Polamalu can’t be everywhere on the field although it seems at times he is; Williams is my 2^nd best CB after Smith and slips to the Steelers

32.   32. Green Bay Packers—Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple

Ø  Haven’t seen much on Wilkerson but GB has some holes on the D front and Wilkerson is best available

Blaise Taggart’s 2011 NFL Draft Best Prospects QB/RB/WR

Blaise Taggart’s 2011 NFL Draft Best Prospects QB/RB/WR

QB

1. Cam Newton-Auburn

2. Blaine Gabbert-Missouri

3. Ryan Mallet-Arkansas

4. Andy Dalton-TCU

5. Jake Locker-Washington

6. Colin Kaepernick-Nevada

7. Tyrod Taylor-Virginia Tech

8. Christian Ponder-Florida State

9. Josh Portis-Cal U (PA)

10. Ricky Stanzi-Iowa

Sleepers: Pat Devlin-Delaware

Mitch Mustain-USC

RB

1. Mark Ingram-Alabama

2. Mikel LeShoure-Illinois

3. Ryan Williams-Virginia Tech

4. Daniel Thomas-Kansas State

5. Dion Lewis-Pittsburgh

6. Jordan Toddman-Connecticut

7. Taiwan Jones-Eastern Washington

8. DeMarco Murray-Oklahoma

9. Noel Devine-West Virginia

10. Kendall Hunter-Oklahoma State

Sleepers: Da’Rel Scott-Maryland

Bilal Powell-Louisville

WR

1. Julio Jones-Alabama

2. A.J. Green-Georgia

3. Jon Baldwin-Pittsburgh

4. Randall Cobb-Kentucky

5. Leonard Hankerson-Miami

6. Titus Young-Boise State

7. Greg Little-North Carolina

8. Torrey Smith-Maryland

9. Austin Pettis-Boise State

10. Greg Salas-Hawaii

Sleepers: Armon Binns-Cincinnati

Jeff Maehl-Oregon

Blaise Taggart's 2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Blaise Taggart's 2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

I do think Arizona might trade out of the top 5, and Washington might trade up into the top 5. Projecting trades is just too hard to put in this mock draft.

1. Carolina- Cam Newton QB/Auburn

2. Denver- Von Miller OLB/Texas A&M

3. Buffalo- Marcell Dareus DT/Alabama

4. Cincinnati- A.J. Green WR/Georgia

5. Arizona- Patrick Peterson CB/LSU

6. Cleveland- Julio Jones WR/Alabama

7. San Francisco- Blaine Gabbert QB/Missouri

8. Tennessee- Da’Quan Bowers DE/Clemson

9. Dallas- Prince Amukamara CB/Nebraska

10. Washington- Nick Fairley DT/Auburn

11. Houston- J.J. Watt DE/Wisconsin

12. Minnesota- Stephen Pea DT/Oregon State

13. Detroit- Tyron Smith OT/USC

14. St. Louis- Robert Quinn DE/North Carolina

15. Miami- Mark Ingram RB/Alabama

16. Jacksonville- Cameron Jordan DE/California

17. New England- Ryan Kerrigan DE/Purdue

18. San Diego- Nate Solder OT/Colorado

19. New York Giants- Corey Liuget DT/Illinois

20. Tampa Bay- Aldon Smith DE/Missouri

21. Kansas City- Gabe Carimi OT/Wisconsin

22. Indianapolis- Mike Pouncey OG/Florida

23. Philadelphia- Jimmy Smith CB/Colorado

24. New Orleans- Mikel LeShoure RB/Illinois

25. Seattle- Jake Locker QB/Washington

26. Baltimore- Aaron Williams CB/Texas

27. Atlanta- Jon Baldwin WR/Atlanta

28. New England- Anthony Castonzo OT/Boston College

29. Chicago- Muhammed Wilkerson DT/Temple

30. New York Jets- Kyle Rudolph TE/Notre Dame

31. Pittsburgh- Brandon Harris CB/Miami

32. Green Bay- Ryan Williams RB/Virginia Tech

The Best Time of the Year

As I sat in the brisk 40 degree weather in beautiful Cleveland, Ohio, I thought to myself: is there any better time than Opening Day or baseball season in general? I answered by own question with a resounding NO. The sun was shining, which is a rarity on Opening Day in Cleveland, considering in 2007 there was the infamous "snow out" against the Seattle Mariners. I sat in my seat, watching Tom Hamilton, voice of the Indians, introduce the 2011 Cleveland Indians and I got goosebumps. No matter how many times I have heard his voice, it still sends a shiver down my spine. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Mr. Hamilton in the summer of 2010 while working for the Lorain County Ironmen. Meeting Tom was one of the best experiences I have had because I've grown up with his voice and I feel like I always knew him on a personal level. Now I can actually say I have met him personally. Anyways, I digress. The new look Tribe didn't really have the "sexy" appeal of a good team on paper, but I told several of my friends and family before the season started we're going to surprise some people. Now it's only twelve games into the season, but the Indians are sitting atop the AL Central with an 8-4 record. Baseball has always been my favorite sport and I get more excited for the start of baseball season than I do for basketball or football combined. Although being an Indians fan is like being on a drug, meaning that it's a roller coaster of emotions, it's still great to have your own team to root for and to follow. I stand by my statement and I think the Indians will surprise some people. By that, I don't mean we're going to have the best record in all of baseball, but I think we can spoil some frontrunners down the stretch, and maybe if, and this is a big if, take the wild card. That's "if" we can stay healthy and get production from Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner, both of which had important roles in the Indians' 2007 post season run. 

Quote me, THE TRIBE WILL SURPRISE SOME PEOPLE. That is all.

Blaise Taggart's 2011 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Blaise Taggart’s 2011 Mock Draft 2.0

1. Carolina Panthers- Marcell Dareus DT/Alabama

-Huge, athletic defensive tackle that dominates the line of scrimmage.

2. Denver Broncos- Nick Fairley DT/Auburn

-Dominant force in the middle will only help the Broncos lack luster defense.

3. Buffalo Bills- Da’Quan Bowers DE/Clemson

-Even with knee injury, too much to pass up. And they weren’t afraid to take McGahee with a knee injury.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- Von Miller OLB/Texas A&M

-The Bengals have little depth at linebacker, and Miller is a good character guy.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Peterson CB/LSU

-After DRC, the Cardinals don’t have much at the cornerback spot.

6. Cleveland Browns- A.J. Green WR/Georgia

-The Browns need playmakers, and Green fits the description.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Cam Newton QB/Auburn

-Harbaugh said he hasn’t seen a QB with this much potential in 10 years. Enough said.

8. Tennessee Titans- Blaine Gabbert QB/Missouri

-With Young to be gone, they need a franchise QB

9. Dallas Cowboys- Prince Amukamara CB/Nebraska

-Bad defensive backfield play, Amukamara would be a huge upgrade.

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones WR/Alabama

-Redskins need playmakers and Jones is a rare athletic specimen.

11. Houston Texans- Jimmy Smith CB/Colorado

-With Dunta Robinson leaving last offseason, Smith teams up with Kareem Jackson for a nice, young tandem.

12. Minnesota Vikings- J.J. Watt DE/Wisconsin

-Freakish athlete that provides nice depth to the pass rushers of the Vikings.

13. Detroit Lions- Robert Quinn DE/North Carolina

-Lions need defensive help. Might take O-Linemen, but might be a reach at 13.

14. St. Louis Rams- Corey Liuget DT/Illinois

-Liuget makes a young and forceful D-Line for the Rams.

15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram RB/Alabama

-Ingram is the next Emmitt Smith? Well I don’t know about that but he sure is good.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Cameron Jordan DE/California

-More D-Line help for a rebuilding and young Jaguars team.

17. New England Patriots- Anthony Castonzo OT/Boston College

-One of two picks in the first round for the Pats, Castonzo from down the road at BC.

18. San Diego Chargers- Nate Solder OT/Colorado

-Need to start switching to a younger O-Line, and Solder is a start.

19. New York Giants- Gabe Carimi OT/Wisconsin

-Giants need more youth at the O-Line position.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Akeem Ayers DE/UCLA

-Ayers it’s the young Bucs mold as a potential dominant pass rusher.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Ryan Kerrigan DE/Purdue

-Athletic pass rusher with a large frame and high potential.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Tyron Smith OT/USC

-More help to portect the best QB ever, Peyton Manning.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Mike Pouncey OG/Florida

-Andy Reid loves linemen, and hopefully Mike works out as well as brother Maurkice did.

24. New Orleans Saints- Mikel LeShoure RB/Illinois

-As we could tell last year, the Saints had RB injury problems so taking LeShoure here would be an upgrade for the whole RB group.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker QB/Washington

-Take the local QB star, and groom him to become the eventual starter.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Aaron Williams CB/Texas

-Large, athletic CB that the Ravens could definitely use in the defensive backfield.

27. Atlanta Falcons- Rahim Moore S/UCLA

-Falcons are a couple players away from a Super Bowl team, start here with the talented safety, Moore.

28. New England Patriots- Stephen Paea DT/Oregon State

-Very strong, the Belichick would find a place for.

29. Chicago Bears- Muhammed Wilkerson DT/Temple

-Need youth at the DT spot.

30. New York Jets- Kyle Rudolph TE/Notre Dame

-Saw the two TE success in New England, Rudolph would go well with Keller.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Danny Watkins OG/Baylor

-Need more O-Line depth and better protection for Big Ben.

32. Green Bay Packers- Aldon Smith OLB/Missouri

-Upgrade the depth and add another playmaker on an already great, young defense.

Note: I will make one more Mock Draft before the NFL Draft on April 28, 2011.