Results tagged “draft,” from Robert Littal Presents The Infamous BlackSportsOnline

Every NFL off-season we hear rumblings and rumors of rookies who will hold out on the teams that drafted them in order to try and negotiate a bigger, better contract than the guy picked in the same spot the previous year. All this posturing, chest puffing, and delayed productivity for the team that selects a player in the draft can be put to an end by having a pay scale for rookies. Knowing exactly how much you will make takes the leverage from both teams and players when drafting. I'm sure there will have to be compromises to get this to happen, but this fan says let it happen. There needs to be a structure in place to stop rewarding players who haven't contributed in a single professional football game.

:

Shaquille O'Neal was traded today to the Cleveland Cavs in exchange for Sasha Pavlovic, Ben Wallace, and 2nd round draft pick. With Dwight Howard becoming more dominant offensively, Shaq can help the Cavs greatly by defending Dwight Howard.
Shaq uses his size to disrupt opposing teams both physically and mentally. One of Shaq's greatest assets is the way he can get the leading shot blockers on the opposing team into foul trouble, which allows his teammates to take advantage and attack the hoop.

The 2009-10 season will once again be championship or bust for the Cavs. After failing to make the NBA Finals this season, Cleveland realizes that it must focus on how to beat the best teams in the league (in the playoffs) and Cleveland must feel that this move gives them the best opportunity to beat the best teams.

Shaq is a locker room leader. He is charismatic and intelligent so he will become the natural leader of the team. He has the experience and tools to lead a team to a championship so it would not be a surprise to see Lebron James give up leadership to Shaq even though Lebron is considered the superior player.

Back when I was at The Ohio State University I use to do a school sponsored radio show (yeah I was even Bona Fide back then) and I remember when the 1998 draft was approaching I was 100% behind the Colts taking Ryan Leaf over Peyton Manning. Since I was a lot louder than I am now I would tell anyone who would listen that Leaf would be much better than Manning. My theory was that Manning could never win the big game whereas Leaf was physically better and had the type of demeanor to handle pressure situations.

I wasn't that far of far off about Manning choking in big games but in hindsight I probably should have taken into account he was awesome in all the other games. Leaf on the other hand well even the great ones like myself deserve a mulligan.

Two nights, two NFL Draft parties & BlackSportsOnline reporter Corey Parsons was on the scene. Here is some inside information from Mr. Parsons on the Official ESPN The Magazine Draft Party & the Official NFL Draft Classic party:

The 6th annual ESPN party was held on Friday the 24th in NYC at ESPACE and featured DJ Spinderella and a live performance from Fabolous. Corey was impressed by the ESPN party:

"Say what you want to about the WWL but they know how to throw a party."

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BlkSportsOnline

I will break down every pick and explain to you why either your team's front office are fools or geniuses.

Of course I will drop in some general comments throughout the day about Love, Life & Sports. I mean who do you know like "Ya Boy" Littal.

Feel free to Twitter me with your thoughts if I like your comment I will be sure to re-tweet your thoughts.

With the NFL Draft about 24 hours away. We will be providing you with links from around the web of the latest draft news and rumors. This will be updated frequently so be sure to check in throughout the day.

Also I will Twitter live coverage of the Draft tomorrow starting at 3pm Eastern:

http:///www.twitter.com/BlkSportsOnline

Lions: Stafford's The Guy

Surprise Pick Coming In Top Ten?

Bills Exploring A Trade To Land Andre Smith

Jets Interested in Sanchez

Broncos In Play For Sanchez

Curry Predicts Lions Will Sign, Draft Stafford

Mock drafts are dumb. Similar to instant draft analysis which are also dumb. Then again Mel Kiper Jr has become a multiple millionaire because of them so maybe I shouldn't be such a cynic.

Speaking of Mel let me tell you a little story. A lot of people ask how I came up with the title "Bona Fide Sports Expert". Many people thinks it makes me sound arrogant and egotistical which is all true, but not because of the name. The name is an inside joke that only a few people know about, but I am about to share with you. We started BSO around the same time of the NFL Draft in 05 (damn we have an anniversary coming up). I was sitting around with some friends watching the draft and every time Mel Kiper would come on the screen he would be introduced as:

"Mel Kiper Jr. Draft Expert"

Now Mel has a lot of knowledge about that draft but to be honest his guess on player evaluation is as good as anyone else in the world. It is just an educated guess. My homie Syko Red said I should have a title too and I jokingly said:

"Sure I will be Robert Littal Bona Fide Sports Expert"

And the legend was born. Here is the official 2009 BSO NFL Mock Draft with very limited insight because I am just guessing like everyone else.

Also check out MidwestSportsFans.com Historical Analysis on why drafting a Junior QB is not the greatest idea.

A Historical Perspective on the Unsuccessful History of Drafting Junior QBs in the First Round.

1- Detroit Lions: Georgia QB Matthew Stafford

The Lions went 0-16 last year but didn't change their GM so do you really think they are going to make the proper choice? #1 picks should be unanimous especially quarterbacks. Half the league thinks Sanchez is better and he only started 16 games. What does that say about Stafford?

2- Saint Louis Rams: Baylor T Jason Smith
Orlando Pace is gone and even with him they couldn't protect the QB. Easy choice.

3- Kansas City Chiefs: Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry

The kid just makes plays all over the field. Safest pick in the draft.

4- Seattle Seahawks: USC QB Mark Sanchez

Matt Hasslebeck is on his last leg. Boom or bust for Sanchez.

5- Cleveland Browns: Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree

Unlike Braylon Edwards who will be traded Crabtree can hold on to the ball.

A few nights ago, I watched as Luke Harangody dropped 31 points on a helpless G-Town team considered one of the best in the nation. Along those same lines, Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina has been ripping up the NCAA for the past three years, freaky celebration dances included. And while their production in college has been staggering, (and it really has been unbelievable), how much stock can you actually put in all the numbers and accolades?
Year after year, NBA general managers fall in love with fundamentally sound, un-athletic big men and shooters who are more often than not complete busts in the L. Most surprising, however, is the constant support these guys have despite playing straight-out awful basketball. Yet a struggling black player (a la Sean Williams) faces a career-jeopardizing demotion to the d-league after a promising rookie season. C'mon people, is Adam Morrison really a better NBA player than a young shot blocking athlete with tons of upside. I don't think so.

Free Examples Anyone?

- Minnesota gave away the rightful rookie of the year in OJ Mayo for a dominant college player in Kevin Love who couldn't even out jump Eddie Murphy..........wearing the nutty professor fat-suit. Seriously?
- After Drafting Mike Dunleavy Jr. 3rd overall in 2002, the Warriors stuck by him for five years while he single handedly polluted the entire bay area with his foul play. After finally dumping him off to Indy, Golden State shot right into the playoffs and a first round upset of number one seed Dallas.
- Is J.J. Reddick even in the league anymore?

Continued.....

Ok so this pains me as a native Detroiter and Michigander more than anyone could possibly know. Regardless of my nonchalant behavior toward the subject and my many quips about the Lions being on time out with me, I still feel sorry for the winless bums. If having one of the highest unemployment rates, a rapidly sinking automotive industry, a scandalous jailbird ex-mayor, and young people fleeing the city faster than the Israelites exodus from Egypt wasn't enough, we have a sorry excuse of football team totally inept from winning against even the Houston Texans!!! How much can a girl take?

The situation is beyond bleak and unlike the Big Three pleading "Please sir, can I have some more" to the federal government, no amount of goodwill from NFL commissioner Robert Goodell will sway Detroit from the path of 0-16 except a good old fashioned WIN!!! Already 0-10, the Lions are poised to join the ranks of the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the only team in NFL history to NOT WIN a regular season game. That's almost as impossible as staying undefeated the whole season, if not more so.

"We're almost paralyzed here," says Tom Wilson, president of the Detroit Pistons before Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers added insult to injury. "Everybody is scared in this city. They're 0-9 and, if after Sunday's game they're 0-10, they'll have the entire front page of the newspaper, in a town with the Stanley Cup champions ..."

1. Chicago
Michael Beasley
Ht/Wt: 6-7/220 lbs
Position: SF/PF
Drafted From: Kansas St.
Class: Freshman

The thing with this pick is that it doesn't seem like the Bulls can go wrong between either Beasley or Rose. Trying to determine if the Bulls should take Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley, now that's the hard part. The Bulls currently have Kirk Hinrich and Drew Gooden manning the prospects positions. Hinrich is more of a keeper than Gooden, so Beasley seems like a more sensible pick. But Rose is from Chicago, so there could be some hometown pressure for the point guard.

2. Miami
Derrick Rose
Ht/Wt: 6-3/180 lbs
Position: PG
Drafted From: Memphis
Class: Freshman

The Heat need a better point guard and Rose fits the bill. Fans of the team have to be excited with the thought of a backcourt with Rose and Wade. However, the Bulls may take a pass on Beasley and select Rose. If that scenario happens look for the Heat to trade down or take Beasley.

3. Minnesota
O.J. Mayo
Ht/Wt: 6-5/195 lbs
Position: PG/SG
Drafted From: USC
Class: Freshman

Mayo comes in and immediately starts for a team that had its issues with its guard play last season. Gerald Green anyone?

4. Seattle
Jerryd Bayless
Ht/Wt: 6-2/182 lbs
Position: PG/SG
Drafted From: Arizona
Class: Freshman

A big "need" pick here for the Supersonics. Bayliss is a burner who will be asked to dish to Durant and Green. He may take a year or two to develop, but he has the chance to be special.

5. Memphis
Kevin Love
Ht/Wt: 6-9/255 lbs
Position: PF/C
Drafted From: UCLA
Class: Freshman

This may be a risky pick, but Memphis likes Love and needs to take a frontcourt player no matter what. Love gives them a PF who can pass in the high post, knock down a jumper, and help rebound.

6. New York
Russell Westbrook
Ht/Wt: 6-3/190 lbs
Position: PG
Drafted From: UCLA
Class: Sophomore

The Knicks need to upgrade their backcourt dramatically, so taking the UCLA kid here makes sense.

7. LA Clippers
Eric Gordon
Ht/Wt: 6-3/190 lbs
Position: SG/PG
Drafted From: Indiana
Class: Freshman

The Clips have no perimeter game. A PG is a need, but there is hope that Livingston will return. Gordon fits can fit in any offense and might be the best athlete in the draft.

8. Milwaukee
Danilo Gallinari
Ht/Wt: 6-9/209 lbs
Position: SF
Drafted From: Armani Jeans Milano
Class: International

The Bucks need an upgrade at the small forward postion. Gallinari gives them another perimeter threat other than just Redd, if they decide to keep him.

9. Charlotte
Brook Lopez
Ht/Wt: 7-0/245 lbs
Position: C
Drafted From: Stanford
Class: Sophomore

With the rush on guards, MJ may get tempted to try and reach for one here. Hopefull staedy heads prevail and the Bobcatrs select Lopez. He will immediately contribute, and free up Okafor on the blocks as well.

10. New Jersey
Anthony Randolph
Ht/Wt: 6-10/220 lbs
Position: SF/PF
Drafted From: LSU
Class: Freshman

Even if the Nets do decide to keep Jefferson, they need a guy who wants to rebound and play D.

11. Indiana
D.J. Augustin
Ht/Wt: 5-11/180 lbs
Position: PG
Drafted From: Texas
Class: Sophomore

If at the very least Augustine will force Tinsley to be on his best behavior. If Augustine develops a jumper, it should be an even better pick.

12. Sacramento
DeAndre Jordan
Ht/Wt: 7-0/240 lbs
Position: PF/C
Drafted From: Texas A&M
Class: Freshman

The Kings need Forwards, plain and simple. Jordan's upside and physical tools outweigh the many question marks about his skill level.

13. Portland
Joe Alexander
Ht/Wt: 6-8/200 lbs
Position: SF
Drafted From: West Virgina
Class: Junior

The Blazers could be too intrigued by Alexander's all-around talent to let him slip any further, even if it will take him considerable time to develop. They also could very well trade this pick.

The Good:

• The Kansas City Chiefs burned down the house when they traded Jared Allen to the Vikings, but they did a great job of starting to build it back up. Glenn Dorsey, Branden Albert and Brandon Flowers should be starting day one. Now they didn't take a QB so they must believe Brady Crolye is the answer.

• The Dolphins got two players that should start their rebuilding process. Jake Long you already know about, but Phillip Merling will be the one you should watch out for.

• USC had about 500 palyers drafted in the first 3 rounds. If I am a high school kid looking for the best college to get me ready for the pros I definitely noticed this.

• Players in the green room. No Brady Quinn/Aaron Rodgers this year (I was a little disappointed to be honest).

• The Miami Hurricanes who have gone 14 straight years with having at least one player drafted in the 1st round (Kenny Phillips 31st to the Giants).

• The NFL Network which clearly outshined ESPN's coverage.

• Offensive Tackles who were at a premium even if they were 2nd and 3rd round grades.

• The Redskins who actually had picks in the 1st and 2nd rounds and on top of that made solid selections.

• Joe Flacco, who should be thanking his P.R. people for getting him enough buzz to be a 1st round pick.

The Bad:

• No Wide Receivers taken in the 1st round (what happened to Devin Thomas going to the Bills at 11?).

• ESPN for their horrible coverage (sans Mel Kiper Jr. and Jaws).

• Keyshawn Johnson for wearing quite possibly the ugliest suit ever. This is the NFL Draft not the 2008 Pimp Convention.

• Chad Henne and Brian Brohm. Henne looked like he was ready to strangle someone and Brohm had that face like if I would have come out last year I would have been a Top 10 pick.

• Girlfriends of players who fell out of the 1st round. You can see flashes of dollar signs in their head.

• Aaron Rodgers realizing that Brohm is coming in to take his job.

• John Beck (see Aaron Rodgers and input Henne name).

• Jerry Jones for picking Felix Jones with Rashard Mendenhall on the board.

• The Ravens for picking Joe Flacco when they already have Joe Flacco on their roster. His name is Kyle "Garbage" Boller.

• The Tennessee Titans for drafting a RB when Vince Young had absolutely no wide receivers to throw to.

• The Carolina Panther for giving up a 1st round 2009 Draft Pick to move up one spot to draft Jeff Otah?

The Ugly:

• The Atlanta Falcons who have set back their franchise by 5 years with the pick of Matt Ryan. I don't care what team, what division, what climate or what conference. If you throw 19 Interceptions in 11 college games, you should not be the 3rd pick in the draft. That is the bottom line.

The NFL draft is already in full swing with the #1 pick already signed and the Chiefs and Vikings pulling off a huge trade. With three days left before the draft, here is the official BlackSportsOnline NFL Mock Draft.

1- Miami Dolphins- Jake Long, OT Michigan
Deal already done, very solid pick.

2- Saint Louis Rams- Chris Long, DE Virginia

They would prefer Jake Long and, personally, I think over-the-long-run Glenn Dorsey, Vernon Gholston and Sedric Ellis will be better, but for the Rams they cannot take that type of risk.

3- Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU

The sexy pick would be Matt Ryan, but the smart pick would be Dorsey. Matt Ryan is no savior and, without an improved offensive and defensive line, he will not survive in ATL.

4- Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas

The Raiders don't necessarily need a running back, but they do need to bring some excitement back to their fan base. So while I don't agree with the pick I definitely understand it. They signed a ton of fringe free agents and adding McFadden to the mix will be a very interesting experiment.

5- Kansas City Chiefs- Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State

With the trade of Jared Allen, they really have no choice at this point. They will think about Matt Ryan. But they will pass.

6- New York Jets- Ryan Clady, OT Boise State

They want McFadden. They will have to settle for Clady. Once again the quickest way for a bad team to become a good team is to shore up the offensive line.

7- New England Patriots- Keith Rivers, OLB USC

The Patriots are in dire need of a cornerback, but I believe Belichick thinks he can plug anyone into their system and make it work. They are getting real old at LB and Rivers is the type of do-it-all linebacker they love.

8- Baltimore Ravens- Matt Ryan, QB Boston College

Steve McNair has retired, Garbage Boller is Garbage Boller and it appears the Ravens don't want to give Troy Smith a fair shake, so they will take Ryan. Similar to Brady Quinn last year, I don't think Ryan is a franchise guy and would be better served getting drafted later than earlier.

9- Cincinnati Bengals- Cedric Ellis, DT USC

Forget about all the drama with Ocho, TJ and Rudi Johnson, the fact of the matter is the Bengals will never get better until they shore up their defense . Cedric Ellis will be the inside presence they have been seeking for years.

10- New Orleans Saints- Leodis McKelvin, CB

The Saints were torched in the secondary last year. McKelvin has been flying up on the draft boards.

11- Buffalo Bills- Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh

A lot of people are predicting wide receiver here, but they need line help more.

12- Denver Broncos- Derek Harvey, DE Florida

The Broncos have to stop bringing in over hill defensive lineman and start getting some young guys in the mix. Harvey is a beast coming off the corner.

13- Carolina Panthers- Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State

Steve Smith needs help and he needs help badly.

14- Chicago Bears- Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois

Cedric Benson is a bust; the other Adrian Peterson is not an every down back. So Mendenhall is the perfect pick to start Day 1.

Mr. McFadden,

Wassup! It's your boy Robert Littal. I am a big fan of your undergraduate work at Arkansas. Looks like you are in line to be a top 5 pick in the NFL Draft meaning you are about to pocket anywhere between 20 and 30 million dollars in guaranteed money which is a beautiful thing. You killed at the combine and many are saying you are the next coming of Adrian Peterson. With that being said, while I was reading all of the superlatives about you, something caught my attention. It appears that you may have fathered 4 kids by 4 different women. The paternity tests are pending, but in the event this is actually true, I thought I should holla at you.

You see these?

They are calledl condoms. You can get them at pretty much any store in the continental United States for about $7. Since you are currently rolling around in Escalades, I am sure you can afford them. I know you think highly of yourself, but I hate to break it to you that these woman aren't having sex with you because you are cool. They are having sex with you to collect some of that 30 million you will be getting soon.

I am not sure if they have a class at Arkansas called "How Not To Be Played By Gold-digging Woman" but if they do, I suggest you take it in the spring because, honestly, you are proving to me and many NFL teams you are not the sharpest prospect out there. I would rather you get a 6 on the Wonderlic test than show you have absolutely no common sense at all.

Look we were all young at one time and I can understand if one chick swindles you, but four? Come on, homie, do you need me to spell it out in football terms?

Basically your signing bonus is Tom Brady and those chicks are the Giants D Line. You feeling me? Go read up on Shawn Kemp or Evander Holyfield. Call up Travis Henry and ask him how it is working out for him with multiple baby mamas.

I am telling you this because I think you have great potential as a football player. So don't take it the wrong way. But if you don't starting thinking with your top head first, you will end up more like Lawrence Philips than Eric Dickerson.

The NFL Combine starts today and for the 100th year in a row it means absolutely nothing. I will say this every year that I am living but how in the blue hell can you determine how fast someone is in pads but testing them shorts and a t-shirts? When was the last time you saw a RB or WR run unabated straight ahead 40 yards? I understand why they have the combine but until they actually do some drills that test football skills as oppose to track and field skills I would rather trust the game film.