PONDERing the Vikings Future

With the 12th pick in the 2011 NFL draft the Minnesota Vikings select, Christian Ponder, Quarterback, Florida State.

When these words came out of commissioner Goodell’s voice all I could say was, “what”?

Most people outside of the Vikings organization (primarily packer fans) are laughing at the fact that we selected a quarterback that was a projected 2nd to 3rd round pick with the 12th overall selection. Yes, when looking at the pick from a fans point of view it seems the Vikings stretched like Mr. Fantastic in selecting Ponder. But that’s why these GM’s and Head coaches get compensated at the level they do. It is there job to see what nobody else sees, while seeing exactly what everyone else is seeing.



As a head coach in the NFL, if you are to keep your job for more than 3-5 years you must have a franchise QB along your side. Look at some of the league’s best coaches to date, Belichik (Brady), Reid (McNabb/Vick), Payton (Brees), Tomlin (Roethlisberger), what do they all have in common? Franchise quarterbacks. Take some great coaches that are out of jobs because they were unable to find or develop the “franchise” QB, the former longest tenured coach in the league, Jeff Fisher along with the QB evaluator himself, Jon Gruden. Leslie Frazier understands this concept.

My gut says the Vikings were locked on Locker, but knew Tennessee was also. With not enough firepower to move up high enough, the Vikings were left with the “who next” scenario. I feel if Gabbert would have been at 12 he would be wearing purple, but with the Redskins trading down to 16 and Jacksonville selecting Gabbert the race for Ponder started. I believe Speilman and Frazier had Ponder at the top of their available QB board and felt Washington did as well. This made trading down very difficult, due to the fact that they couldn’t go past 16 and still take Ponder. This goes back to my point of the draft being a giant game of chess.

The Vikings most certainly moved their queen first.

Does Ponder warrant the 12th pick? No, not yet. Could the Vikings have moved down, got back into the 3rd round and still have gotten Ponder? Possibly, but this is what makes the NFL draft so intriguing. Nobody has ever posted a perfect mock draft and it seems every year a handful of players fall due to injury and character concerns.

I would have loved to see the Vikes trade down in the late teens or early twenty’s, pile some draft picks and take Anthony Castonzo. Many Vikings rubes at the draft party chanted for Prince Amukamara, but none of us spent months on end scouting and evaluating these players. I trust the judgment of Speilman and the Vikings staff enough to give them the “let’s wait and see” card.

For those of you cheese heads that laugh and post comments about the stupidity of this pick, my response is how many people were ecstatic when the Packers selected Rodgers? Granted the Packers didn’t hold a top tier pick, but they had needs in other areas that could have been addressed with that pick. The answer, not as many that turned ship on Brett Favre.

In day 2 and 3 it will become vital to protect our queen. (Rook to Bishop 4)

Oh if you’re wondering how I feel about the pick?

I’m Pondering.

Jordan T.

Running Diary: NFL Draft

The second annual running diary of the NFL Draft.  Last year, we were drinking with it, but this year, it's a different animal due to school work (be proud parents!).  It's 8 o clock so I am an hour behind, but I will recap the top ten inbetween the picks.

8:03  Blaine Gabbert got drafted at 10 by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he has real nice flow right now with the blonde locks.  Big Cat and I are very jealous of it.  I am not a huge fan of Gabbert because of the system he played in.

8:03 Gabbert also couldn't look less happy to be playing in Jacksonville, I don't think anyone wants to live or play there honestly.



Top Ten  Cam Newton went number 1, it makes sense, hard to pass up a player like Newton. He is an absolute freak athlete but I worry about his maturity. People thought Michael Vick had maturity issues?  Newton could be just as much of a problem child as Vick. Good thing he is playing in a small market

Top Ten Von Miller went 2, and Brett informs me he cried his ass off, which means Brett thinks he is a girl even though Von could kick his ass up and down the Pacific Coast.

Top Ten Marcel Dareus went 3, love that pick for the Bills.  He is a great athlete and I liked how he played in the mighty tough SEC

8:08 The next pick is in! The Texans are going with JJ Watt from Wisconsin, which makes no damn sense with how bad they have been in the secondary. This is like deciding to bring home a grenade from the bar instead of the willing smokeshow next to you.  Love JJ, but I hate this move for Houston.

8:09 I played against JJ Watt in one game at Tosa West.  We actually had some words because they were kicking our ass 30 to 0 and Watt complained to the refs about a hold I had  (I never hold by the way).  I told him to stop being a effin bitch and move on.  He tattled to the refs about how I swore.  I feel he will hear some of that language in the NFL too.

8:10 Of course, Jon Gruden loves him because that is all he can do.  When I hear something negative out of Gruden's mouth, I will stop being a dick about his positive attitude.

8:11 Brett kept saying 'I was there' during Wisconsin highlights and I tried to make a bad joke about dick showing instead of dick measuring, I just suck.

Top Ten  Patrick Paterson went to Arizona at 5, and I agree with everyone that he will be an absolute monster on defense. I think you will Patterson in the Pro Bowl in the upcoming seasons.

8:18 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA VIKINGS HAHAHAHAHAHAHA  

Ponder's girlfriend Kacie, Miss
Barstool U is not too shabby

8:19 Christian. Ponder. Ouch, at least take Andy Dalton or Ryan Mallet.

8:20 This is really funny, I am glad the Vikes will stay in the cellar for the rest of the decade.  Jordan T. cannot be happy right now.

8:21 Brett is obessed with the Detroit Lions taking Nick Fairley, which would make their d-line scary but let's remember they need other defensive players. But you know how the Lions are with taking the same position for multiple years.

8:22 The Lions take Fairley and Suh with him is a scary combination. Brett is now a Lions fan when they don't play the Packers. Whoever let him on the Packer bandwagon, needs to be shot off immeidetly for letting him on in the first place.

8:23 I am not too impressed with Fairley with his high stance and character issues. Also one great season guys do not always transition well in the pros. But if Fairley plays like he did at Auburn, Suh-Fairley could do stunts like no other defensive line combo.

8:27 Goodell gets booed every time he goes up there.  Give it a rest. I want football too, but I wouldn't do it every time.

8:29 Robert Quinn from North Carolina heads to Saint Louis, I wonder if the Rams will pay less for his services than the Tar Heels did, heyoooo!

Top Ten: I cannot believe Atlanta got Julio Jones and I really think they have a chance to be a Super Bowl contender for next year.  Jones will get a ton of touches underneath. I love it for the Falcons, hate it as a Packer fans. Also who cares about the picks?  They had a talented young team already without any added players.

Top Ten I did not like Aldon Smith to Niners, another one year player who didn't complete the season. Good athlete, nice size, but it will take some time for him to have an impact.

8:35 Mike Pouncey goes to the Dolphins, which ruins the dream of having the Pouncey-Pouncey connection. Also why didn't Mel Kiper give Gruden his notes about Pouncey's problems snapping out of the shotgun formation?  I don't think you can be a 'perfect center' with the inability to snap out of the shotgun.

8:39 I have to remind myself to stay off Twitter during the NFL Draft because they always give it away earlier. Found out Ryan Kerrigan went to Washington Redskins early. I personally think he is underrated because Purdue was not good during his time there. I expect him to have an immediate impact.

Top Ten A lot of people are surprised that Jake Locker went to the Tennessee Titans instead of Blaine Gabbert, but let's remember Locker projected as the number one pick before the 2010 College Football season.

8:46 I cannot believe they still make Nerf guns.  Are we just trying to bring back everything in the 90s and make it cool again in the 2010s (is that the proper way to say it, ah who gives a damn)

8:48 Big Cat thinks the United States should have done the Vietnam Draft this way. Just keep saying names of the people who were headed to Nam. He asked if this was going in the diary? I nodded my approval

8:50 Nate Solder looks like one of the players on the MonStars (credit to Brett) in Space Jam. Brett seemed disappointed I did not know this off the top of my head, then again, Brett is the same kid who kept Kung Fu Panda on DVR for 4 months.

8:54 Corey Liguet is heading to the San Diego Chargers. These phone calls and shit are really ruining the excitement.  It's like getting to the nude scene in the movie right away without any anticipation. I mean let's see the bra and underwear set for a little bit before we get to the boobies.

8:57 In another sport, the Atlanta Hawks-Orlando Magic are down to the wire, and we do not see any of it on TNT. Thanks for nothing Turner.

8:59 Can someone tell ESPN that 'All I Do Is Win' was cool around this time last year?  Actually, could we tell this to the Eau Claire bars while we are at it?

9:01 Oh, I didn't Jason Whitlock was at the NFL Draft? And that he was a Giants fan?

9:03  Great pick for the Giants right there. People thought he could go low in the top 10. I know his first name is Prince, but I must have completely missed he starred in Coming to America in the 1980s.

9:06 The Hawks are on to face the Bulls, which means 1 of Brett's Final 4 is gone in the NBA Challenge... perfect.

9:09  STOP RUINING FOR US!   I called Clayborn in the house, and I like the pick for Tampa. Gotta respect those dreads, wow.

9:13 Seth is just ranting about excellent things, I try to tell him that it will get better with Ice Cream later and then realize I sounded like Adam Lambert

9:17 Kiper nailed it on the head with the trade between the Browns-Chiefs here saying they might be getting Da'Quan Bowers, which I would do personally. But Phil Taylor from Baylor looks like the pick.

9:21 Tom Silverstein said on Twitter that there is a chance for the Packers to trade up for Mark Ingram, which I would love. He is a great downfield runner and an excellent goal line option.

9:23 Peyton Hills is definitely trying out for the next season of Jersey Shore with that outfit. His Shore name would be P-Heezy for sure.

9:25 Anthony Contanza gets drafted, good to see George's cousin get a shot in the NFL.  Will George become his agent?  Wait, ooooh it's a Contanzo, still calling him Contanza.  Props to Contanza for going skins team in an NFL Draft commercial.  Once again, lineman do not care about what other people think.

9:32 Nice moment with all the wounded warriors. USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA!!!

9:33 Dr. Dan is joining us from work. I ask how it was flirting with the Dooley's employees?  He just goes good night. There better be pictures to document this.

9:34 The Philadelphia Eagles decide to go with Danny Watkins at guard who used to be a firefighter.  Good move for the Eagles with their average interior offensive lineman. He seems like a class act, basically the opposite from Jimmy Smith.

9:40 Cam Jordan is showing me that I can wear plaid with my suitcoat tomorrow. Awesome, I hope my teacher doesn't mind. He is now a Saint, a team who needed a running back. Could the Packers get Mark Ingram?

9:43 The Packers are talking about trading for Seattle Seahawks pick! It makes sense because they have their murderers row of players to pick from.

9:47  People are also talking about Andy Dalton to Seattle, I love the madness of the late round

9:51  James Carpetner, according to Kiper was a second round pick got taken by the Hawks.'  I guess it helps build the offensive line plus their GM John Schneider worked with Teddy T. I would trust him.

9:55 I like the old school jazz song to bring us back from break, I also enjoy they only have a three-team booth instead of the five, they usually have for these things.  People say the Baltimore Ravens need a corner... Jimmy Smith.

9:58 I wish the people I were hanging with were actually funny. They are actually have grown-up conversations and debates. I hate it for the diary

9:59 If there were an off-field concern about me (cough Jimmy Smith cough), I would NOT wear a Scarface t-shirt on national television.

10:02 Did the Baltimore Ravens pull a Minnesota Vikings?  Classic! I love that's how we refer to the Vikings draft day decisions.  Reaching and passing.

10:04 Kansas City decided to take Jonathan Baldwin out of Pittsbrugh who 6'4.  Dwayne Bowe is also pretty big giving them a huge wide receiver core. I like what the Chiefs did there, gives them another weapon with Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki.

10:06 Ha!  The Chicago Bears tried to trade up and it didn't work.  Somewhere, Mike Fant weeps.

10:08 Doesn't shock me that Smith's agent is Drew Rosenhaus.  Smith is a stud, but too bad, he will be starring the real life version of the Longest Yard in three years.

10:10 Let's remember the last time the New England Patriots traded out of the first round, the pick was Clay Matthews. Now, it's Mark Ingram to the New Orleans Saints

10:13  I love Ingram, I think he will be very successful for the Saints and I will say buh-bye to Reggie Bush, also welcome him with open arms to Green Bay!

10:17 The Bears will get Gabe Carimi who I loved at Wisconsin, but the scouts were not that high on him.

10:21 "No way. No way," an NFC personnel director said. "I can't understand the love. He's slow-footed. He's not powerful for a guy his size. He's on the ground all the time. I just don't see it. I know some people will try to compare the two, but (Bryan) Bulaga was a lot better.  


10:23 LOVE Carimi to the Bears! 


10:26 The Jets did not boo their pick, it has to be a good sign right?! I do like Wilkerson, it's a good pick. 


10:27 I saw a negative Facebook status about Ted Thompson, I guess one Super Bowl trophy isn't good enough for them. 


10:28 Everyone had the Pittsburgh Steelers taking Aaron Williams from Texas, but they went d-lineman Cameron Heyward from the Ohio State.  Interesting to see who the Packers take. 


10:29 My top three would be Bowers (injury schmjury, people talked him up as a number one) Brooks Reid (Clay Matthews' bash brother)  or Williams who could give the Packers some depth. 


10:31 I guess Ryan Mallet being a dick to everyone, and not having clutch moments in the 4th quarter actually hurt him.  Fascinating.  


10:32 I am browsing around on my computer and the roommates keep telling me the pick is in. I am acting like a dog and they are the owner fake throwing the ball, just tempting me. 


10:35 PICK IS IN!   PICK IS IN!   I repeat the Pick Is In  


10:37 The Green Bay Packers select Derek Sherrod, an offensive lineman out of Mississippi State.  I never have a problem drafting a lineman.  This guy is a beast too. 


That's all for this year folks

-Charlie.

Half Assed NFL Mock Draft

Hey guys and smokeshows, sorry that this is late and short analysis, but I plan on doing a running diary of tonight's events starting at 7:30.  Tonight, it will be the true test of multi-tasking as I will be writing, watching the draft on the computer, and Michael Scott's last episode on the TV.  I looked at couple mocks and made my decisions that way.

1.) Carolina Panthers- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
2..) Denver Broncos- OLB Von Miller (Texas A and M)
3.) Buffalo Bills- DE Marcel Dareus (Alabama)
4.) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)

5.) Arizona Cardinals-  QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6.) Cleveland Browns- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
7.) San Francisco 49ers- CB Patrick Patterson (LSU)
8.) Tennessee Titans- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn

9.) Dallas Cowboys- OT Tyron Smith (USC)
10.) Washington Redskins- QB Jake Locker (Washington)
11.) Houston Texans- DE Aldon Smith (Missouri)
12.) Minnesota Vikings- QB Andy Dalton (TCU)

13.) Detroit Lions-  CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
14.) St. Louis Rams- DT Corey Liuget (Illinois)
15.) Miami Dolphins- OG Mike Pouncey (Florida)
16.) Jacksonville Jaguars- QB Ryan Mallet (Arkansas)

17.) New England Patriots- DE JJ Watt (Wisconsin)
18.) San Diego Chargers- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
19.) New York Giants- OT Anthony Contanzo (Boston College)
20.) Tampa Bay Bucanneers- DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue)

21.) Kansas City Cheifs- OT Nate Solder (Colorado)   
22.) Indianapolis Colts- OT Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin) 
23.) Philadelphai Eagles- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
24.) New Orleans Saints- DE Cameron Jordan (California) 

25.) Seattle Seahaws-  DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
26.) Baltimore Ravens- DT Phil Taylor (Baylor)
27.) Atlanta Falcons- RB Mark Ingram (Alabama)  *Rumor right now is they want a WR such as   Jones/Green*

28.) New England Patriots- OT Derek Sherrod (Mississippi State)
29.) Chicago Bears- OG Danny Watkins (Baylor)
30.) New York Jets- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
31.) Pittsburgh Steelers- CB Aaron Williams (Texas)
32.) Green Bay Packers- DE Brooks Reid (Arizona)

That's all I got, running diary will be up early tomorrow morning. 

-Charlie.

2011 Chicago Bears Draft Preview

The Bears surprised many people last season, including myself, by reaching the NFC championship game. However, the season was a disappointment because they did not win the Super Bowl. The Bears finally have a first and a second round pick after a two-year hiatus and it could not come at a better time. Many of their players are getting up there in age and they have several holes to fill to make them a consistent contender. Not to mention the fact that divisional rival Green Bay is a young team and has had success in drafting over the years. Bears GM Jerry Angelo on the other hand, has not been very successful in drafting players during his tenure. Since taking over as GM in 2001, Jerry has drafted only six players (Tillman, Manning, Hester, Olsen, C. Williams, and Forte) in the first or second round that are still on the team. All drafts are critical to a team, but this draft is especially critical for the Bears to draft well to remain in contention for the NFC and Super Bowl title.




Bears Draft Picks, Round (Pick #): 1 (29), 2 (62), 3 (93), 4 (127), 5 (160), 6 (195).

Needs (In order of importance)

1. Offensive Line: The most pressing spot on the line is the LT spot, but the other 4 positions are of need as well. In 2008, the Bears thought they drafted their LT of the future in Chris Williams. Injuries and inconsistent play has limited him in his brief career. Center Olin Kreutz is a free agent and will be 34 in June and the other spots on the line is full of make shift players. The Bears would love for Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin to fall to them at 29, but that may not be likely. Many mock drafts have them selecting OT Derek Sherrod from Mississippi St.

2. Defensive Line: Other than the production from Julius Peppers, there was not much else production from the DL last season. Israel Idonije had a nice season, but he benefited from playing opposite of Peppers. Tommie Harris was released before the lockout but underachieved and was injury prone his last few years in Chicago. DT Corey Liuget from Illinois would be a nice prospect to see fall to the Bears at 29 if all the top OL prospects are off the board, but that seems unlikely. DT Marvin Austin from North Carolina (“Don’t drink and twitter,” Brent Musburger) may still be on the board, but he has character issues and the Bears usually stray away from character issue players.

3. Cornerback: Charles Tillman is a solid pro, but the other corner spot is still a question mark. Tim Jennings did ok as the second corner during the year, but he was exploited in the NFC championship game. Not to mention the fact that he is like 5’2. Zackary Bowman has always had good training camps, but he has not been able to translate that into the regular season. The Bears need to pick up a competent corner that can help defend the multiple receiver formations that teams such as the Packers show.

4. Wide Receiver: I think the Bears think higher of their receiving corps than they should. It is a decent group of number 2 and number 3 receivers, but they do not have that one guy you can consistently count on to make a play. Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox made strides of improvement this past season, but I do not believe they are going to develop into a number 1 receiver at any point in their careers. I am high on Jon Baldwin from Pittsburgh and if he were to slip to the Bears when they draft in the second round, I would not be disappointed if they drafted him.

Low and behold, as I get home from work early this morning I come to find an article from Chicago Breaking Sports that the Bears are shopping their first round pick. I am not surprised in this maneuver what so ever. Jerry Angelo has a history of dealing first round picks in order to trade down to acquire more picks. I guess I would not be too upset if he trades out of the first round, granted they get in return a pick that is early in the second round and another mid round pick or two. They had also better be sure the prospect(s) they are targeting would still be on the board at that point. I just have a gut feeling, based on experience, that the 29th pick will be traded at some point Thursday.

Other Bears Off-Season Quick Hits

- While I am on the subject of the Bears, I feel I should address a few other offseason notes. The first one is regarding Mike Martz. He recently turned down a contract extension from the Bears because it did not include a raise. I have a question… Why does Martz think he deserves a raise? The Bears were 30th in the NFL in total offense last season, a decrease from when they were 23rd in the league in 2009. His offensive philosophy was one of the reasons in how Jay Cutler sustained his first injury of the season (concussion), causing the Bears during their bye week to tell Martz to balance the offense out and stop calling passes that require 7 step drops. His play calling in the NFC title game was also questionable. I mean, who can forget the reverse to Earl Bennett on third down with about a minute and a half left in the 4th quarter right? Martz should just be happy he is in the league right now. One final thing, how about Martz demanding a veteran backup quarterback during training camp? The choice, Todd Collins. Enough said.

- Jay Cutler finally opened up about his injury during the NFC championship game. Cutler said, “I was gone, and I stayed away from it all, but I can't say it didn't bother me that people questioned my toughness and desire to play.” That quote just speaks to Cutler’s personality. He is not a person who is particularly interested in what people say or feel about him. Nor is he going to be front and center in the media being vocal about how wrong all the critics were about his injury. Jay is Jay, and that is just the way it is.

- Finally, I know Charlie wanted me to touch on this, Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari are reportedly engaged. My response, congratulations to the both of them.



-Michael Fant

D-Day

After one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory, this week’s NFL draft is vital in terms of taking steps forward for the Minnesota Vikings. With the “retirement” of Brett Favre (the reality show himself), along with and what was one of the oldest teams in the NFL last year, this draft may be the difference between rebuilding over the course of the next three years or “retooling” and competing in 2011.

With a record of 6-10 (tied for last in the NFC North) in 2010, the Vikings have many holes and question marks that need to be filled. With no true security in any position, with the exception of running back, the “best player available” method seems to be the approach the Vikings must take.



With gurus like Mel Kiper and Todd McShay analyzing the draft and its players year round and the continuous coverage of ESPN and all other major sports outlets, every player’s weaknesses and question marks are over analyzed and critiqued. In some cases, this causes some players to fall down the draft board. The Vikings have been the beneficiary of this in recent years with Adrian Peterson dropping in 07’ because of a collarbone injury his junior year along with Percy Harvin to 22 in 09’ because of character issues.

Social media has also changed the way preparation for the draft as well as the draft itself is approached. The NFL draft has turned into more of a giant game of chess where teams workout and interview players they may have zero interest in, hoping that a division rival may stretch or trade up for a particular player in fear of losing them. The Patriots and he who shall not be named (my man Bill Belichik) have become the masters of this, as we are seeing with the recent rumors of them taking a Locker or Mallet with the 17th pick. Do you really think they have serious interest in Locker if the genius himself was not present for these meetings/workouts? Not a chance!

The Minnesota Vikings enter the draft with 9 overall picks (two 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks). These picks will be used to address major needs from starting quarterback to minor special team linebackers. The Vikings currently sit with the 12th overall pick, for now. Many “experts” have predicted that the Vikings will select Cameron Jordan, DE out of Cal. Others speculate them selecting a QB such as Jake Locker, a CB such as Prince Amukamara, or trading the pick. Personally, I think they will do anything possible to trade this pick and move down to 14 to 25 range and regain a 3rd round pick. Who do they take?

My gut says the Vikings want Locker, but don’t want to stretch and take him at #12. Often time’s quarterbacks are taken so high simply because of the value of the position. I hope this is not the case for the Vikings. Locker is the sexy pick that many Minnesota fans want to see, but is too early?

Personally the safest pick in this draft is OL Anthony Castonzo out of Boston College who can play guard and tackle on both sides. With an aging offensive line full of question marks and injuries the O-line will definitely be addressed at some point in this draft. In the end, I feel that Castonzo is a stretch at #12, which takes us back to the Vikings trading down.

Now to the “what if’s”? What if Gabbert is still on the board at #6 and the Browns want to trade down? What if Nick Fairley drops to #12?

Listen, Gabbert is the ultimate QB prize and Fairley is going to be an impact player for many years to come. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Vikings moving up to take either. Thursday will be the day that sets up the weekend and the fortunes of many teams’ futures.

We’ll see who moves their queen first!

Jordan T.

Packers Draft Needs



 We haven't said too much about the draft on SNOtap yet so I'll get us started with a preview of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers' most pressing needs.  Ted Thompson has done an excellent job building depth in the draft and hopefully hell be up to his old tricks tomorrow night (lets just hope he stays away from the Justin Harrells of the world).



Biggest Needs

1) Offensive Tackle - In my opinion the Packers' biggest need is at the offensive tackle position.  Chad Clifton is probably looking at his final season in the NFL and I would be surprised if Mark Tauscher is ever seen on a football field again.  Plus, Aaron Rodgers' concussions could become an issue if protection isn't addressed in the draft. They seem to have hit it on the head with Brian Bulaga in last years draft and they need to find someone that can step in opposite of him to solidify their line going forward. 

2) Defensive End / OLB - Clay Matthews has established himself as an elite pass rusher over the past two seasons and the Pack is going to have to find someone to work opposite of him.  Teams consistently shift pass protections towards the Claymaker and usually run the ball away from him.  While guys like Frank Zombo, Erik Walden, and Brady Poppinga have been effective I don't see them as the long term answer.

3) Wide Receiver - Donald Driver isn't getting any younger and while the Packers still have a deep receiving corps with Jennings, Jones, and Nelson they will need to draft a replacement.  This isn't an extremely pressing need so look for the Packers to look for a great value receiver in one of the later rounds.

Who They Should Pick

Predicting a Ted Thompson draft selection is as hard as predicting which graphic t Charlie will go with on a Friday night but I'll give it a shot on the Packers' first few picks..

Round 1 - Picking in the 32 hole is a great problem to have.  However, it really does limit your choices and while I think OT is their biggest need I don't think their will be a first round quality tackle left on the board by the time the Pack gets on the clock.  Therefore I think they go for a pass rusher like J.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Brooks Reed (Arizona), or Cameron Heyward (Ohio State) depending whos available.

Round 2 - Here is where I think they address the offensive line.  It obviously comes down to who is available at the 62nd pick but a couple of names that could still be around include Danny Watkins (Baylor) or James Carpenter (Bama)

Round 3 - My guess is they try to pick up a wide out that either slipped or someone who they think is under the radar.  Its tough to say who will still be around but I would love it if a guy like Greg Little (UNC) or Titus Young (Boise) were to fall to the Pack.

First Taste: The Biggest Packer Draft Bust

Here's to the worst Green Bay Packers' draft pick of all time: Tony Mandarich.  The Pack missed out on Barry Sanders, Deion Sanders, and Derrick Thomas that year by taking this freak athlete. It's funny because if Mandarich taught us anything, it's not to trust the pure athletes. Remember they have to play football too.  Yet teams still make this mistake all the time.

-Charlie.

2011 NFL Schedule Thoughts For The SnoTap Favorites

We have a wide fanbase here on Snotap ranging from the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts. It might be pointless to do all of this because they might take away a couple of the games, I figure if I can provide a one-stop location for some fans than why not. I will leave my thoughts after each schedule



Green Bay: 
9/8- vs. New Orleans (NBC)              9/18- at Carolina (FOX)            9/25- at Chicago (FOX)
10/2- vs. Denver (CBS)                      10/9- at Atlanta (NBC)           10/16- vs. St. Louis (FOX)
10/23- at Minnesota (FOX)                10/30- BYE                            11/6- at San Diego (FOX)
11/14- vs. Minnesota (ESPN)            11/20- vs. Tampa Bay (FOX)  11/24- at Detroit (FOX)
12/4- at New York Giants (FOX)      12/11- vs. Oakland (CBS)       12/18- at Kansas City (CBS)
12/25- vs. Chicago (NBC)                     1/1- vs. Detroit (FOX)

Thoughts: Personally, I love this schedule.  I mean I don' t like road games in Atlanta and Kansas City, but other than that?  I really feel if the Pack have a season they can be 13-3 for sure.

Chicago Bears:
9/11- vs. Atlanta (FOX)                   9/18- at New Orleans (FOX)       9/25- vs. Green Bay (FOX)
10/2- vs. Carolina (FOX)                10/10- at Detroit (ESPN)             10/16- vs. Minnesota (NBC)
10/23- at Tampa Bay (FOX)           10/30- BYE                                 11/7- at Philadelphia (ESPN)
11/13- vs. Detroit (FOX)                 11/20- vs. San Diego (CBS)        11/27- at Oakland (FOX)
12/4-   vs. Kansas City (CBS)          12/11- at Denver (FOX)             12/18- vs. Seattle (FOX)
12/25- at Green Bay (FOX)                1/1- at Minnesota (FOX)

Thoughts: The Bears start off with three straight playoff teams, they have a Jay Cutler Reunion in the Mile High, which is exciting.  They also head to London to play Tampa, and Philly on Monday Night isn't fun.

Minnesota Vikings:
9/11- at San Diego (FOX)                 9/18- vs. Tampa Bay (FOX)      9/25- vs. Detroit (FOX)
10/2- at Kansas City (FOX)              10/9- vs. Arizona (FOX)           10/16- at Chicago (NBC)
10/23- vs. Green Bay (FOX)            10/30- at Carolina (FOX)          11/6- BYE
11/14- at Green Bay (ESPN)            11/20- vs. Oakland (CBS)         11/27- at Atlanta (FOX)
12/4- vs. Denver (CBS)                    12/11- at Detroit  (FOX)            12/18- vs. New Orleans (FOX)
12/24-at Washington (FOX)                1/1- vs. Chicago (FOX)

Thoughts: If the Vikings can find a quarterback (see not Donovan McNabb), I like their chances to be successful. This isn't a brutal schedule by any shape of the imagination. The only tough road games are Atlanta and Kansas City

Oakland Raiders: 
9/12- at Denver (ESPN)                   9/18- at Buffalo (CBS)                  9/25- vs. New York Jets (CBS)
10/2- vs. New England (CBS)          10/9- at Houston (CBS)               10/16- vs. Cleveland (CBS)
10/23- vs. Kansas City (CBS)          10/30- BYE                                 11/6- vs. Denver (CBS)
11/10- at San Diego (NFLN)           11/20- at Minnesota (CBS)         11/27- vs. Chicago (FOX)
12/4- at Miami (CBS)                      12/11- at Green Bay (CBS)         12/18- vs. Detroit (FOX)
12/24- at Kansas City (CBS)               1/1- vs. San Diego (CBS)

Thoughts: The Raiders have a weird schedule with most of their home games in the front part of their schedule therefore they need to win early. If they want to be successful, it's a must for them to beat either the Jets or the Patriots because they aren't winning in Green Bay/Kansas City in December.  

Indianapolis Colts:
9/11- at Houston (CBS)                   9/18- vs. Cleveland (CBS)             9/25- vs. Pittsburgh (NBC)
10/3- at Tampa Bay (ESPN)            10/9- vs. Kansas City (CBS)        10/16- at Cincinnati (CBS)
10/23- at New Orleans (NBC)        10/30- at Tennessee (CBS)           11/6-  vs. Atlanta (FOX)
11/13- vs. Jacksonville (CBS)         11/20- BYE                                  11/27- vs. Carolina (FOX)
12/4-   at New England (NBC)       12/11- at Baltimore (CBS)            12/18- vs. Tennessee (CBS)
12/22- vs. Houston (NFLN)             1/1-   at Jacksonville (CBS)

Thoughts: Peyton Manning hopes for a healthy team this year with road trips to the Big Easy and Foxboro plus home games against Pittsburgh and Atlanta. It always seems they have a tough schedule, and a primetime game against Houston to make the Texans relevant.

-Charlie.

NFL Rules Committee Makes The Packers Better

I hope every Green Bay Packer fan is rejoicing about the new kickoff rules installed by the NFL.  I wonder if Shawn Slocum had a hand in telling the committee to make these things happen so less people will call for Slocum's job because it's one unit the Packers special teams cannot screw up.  Honestly, if anyone made out better in this deal other than the Packers, let me know.

In case you missed it on SportsCenter or anywhere else, the new rules state kickoffs will now begin from the 35 yard line and the NFL expects to have less collisions on kickoffs avoiding dangerous situations. A lot of people are pissed off about the new rule, and I cannot blame them. If a team was paying a return specialist like Leon Washington, I would be pretty mad. But I got 99 problems, and this ain't one of them. I couldn't love this rule more.



The Packers have to face three dangerous returners in the North Division. They deal with guys like Stefan Logan, Percy Harvin, and Devin Hester who have the ability to house a kickoff.  Now, we do not have to worry about their average kickoff squad missing tackles and giving teams starting field possession at the 35 yard line.  Mason Crosby should be able to drill most kicks deep into endzone tempting teams to take it out maybe seven yards deep.

The other rule change in case you're wondering is no longer teams will need to challenge calls on touchdowns. All scoring plays will be subjected to a booth review, just like college football. I love this for the Packers too because we all know Mike McCarthy can be a wildcard with the challenge flag, sometimes not always in the good way. So if you are Packer fan and mad about the rule changes, don't be.  Everyone at Lambeau is celebrating.

-Charlie.

Don't Be Silly Adrian Peterson

Next thing you know AP will compare himself
to a f'n solider a la Kellen Winslow 

The NFL players are really pissing me off this week, and definitely stealing headlines from the NCAA Tournament. Minnesota Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson decided to use the analogy of modern day slavery. Nothing like getting the point across by comparing professional sports to one of the worst times in African-American history.  Yes that's totally true AP because it's not like you get paid 10 million dollars for running the football or have a huge mansion that only one percent of America can own.  Here is the quote for all you wondering.

It's modern-day slavery, you know? People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working at regular jobs who get treated the same way, too. With all the money … the owners are trying to get a different percentage, and bring in more money. I understand that; these are business-minded people. Of course this is what they are going to want to do

Of course, Peterson's agent is saying today that the quote is out of context. The author of the article says that as well, but here's the thing, it's one of those buzz words public figure's shouldn't say in sports situations. The other ones if you are curious or plan to work in public relations for sports are comparing yourself to U.S. Soldiers, any war comparison, and slavery. It's just stuff that will never make the athlete/coach look in good no matter what they or their suit try to tell us.  For Peterson to call his job modern-day slavery is such a disrespectful thing for him to say those sorts of things.

This situation has nothing to do with modern-day slavery because there is still slavery going on all over the world. Green Bay Packer running back Ryan Grant tweeted that, and is absolutely right. Grant added it's nothing like slavery.  Gotta love, it was his Packer counterpart calling him out on the comment, and not just a random team from the NFC West.

-Charlie.

Don't Do It Rook

If JaMarcus Russell can do it, everyone
should be able to do it. 

I am catching up on the NFL before I need to get all the first-second round picks for the different regions plus my Jersey Shore Power Rankings for today.  But strap in and enjoy some depressing stuff from pro football, awesome!  We will start out with something that bothered me more than Comedy Central thinking The Situation could do a comedy roast.

The NFL Players Association told fifteen to twenty top prospects who will get invited to the NFL Draft to not attend the event. The players thought they would be wrong to embrace Roger Goodell who supposedly caused all of this drama. Really? Correct me if I am wrong NFL players, weren't you guys the same ones who agreed to reduce rookie salaries dramatically. Now, you are trying to tell these prospects who had visions of shaking Roger Goodell's hand and holding up the jersey of their future team to forget all of it. Pathetic.



Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Tom Brady, and others pushing this idea would not protest the NFL Draft if they were coming into the league, you know why?  All of their collective egos are too damn big to let them pass up the chance of going to New York and having a night be all about them. Mostly, reasons for going to the NFL Draft is to show off your hot girlfriend/wife is, wear an expensive suit, and get drafted in the first ten to fifteen picks with the crowd cheering for you. If you don't agree,  remember the embarrassed awkward feelings things were for Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn when their stays in the green room were prolonged. It's all about your ego, nothing else.

In no way am I trying to imply there is something wrong with getting an ego boost, God knows I love it when it happens. If you did something to the highest level plus you are getting paid for playing the sport you loved as a kid, you deserve it that ego boost. The NFL players should not try to take something away from these prospects because they are dealing with more problems than Tony Hawk. It's like your older sibling telling their young sibiling how wrong something is and try to get inside the naive brain of the younger one. Therefore he or she will agree with the older sibling instead of creating your own opinion on something.

Good for Patrick Peterson for already saying he wants to go to New York. Don't be afraid of the older guys, they would give anything to be in your shoes right now. Because they would not have to deal with the stress of what's going on each day, everyone just wants to be a kid again.

-Charlie.

Closing Time: Football Chokeslam

Football Chokeslam - watch more funny videos

I apologize to my Viking readers out there, but I stumbled around the internet to find this gem. My goodness what a hit, I bet Roger Goodell would fine him 500,000 with a three-game suspension for that hit. Hope you enjoyed the Spoelstra article, let me know what you think and tomorrow, we have OSU scandal in the works plus Rickie Weeks' popularity.  Later guys and smokes. 


-Charlie.

My Gears are Grinding

I read this little gem written by Charlie's favorite sportswriter, Rick Reilly, and my blood really started boiling.  This type of thing has pissed me off for years but this article was the tipping point.  I can't take it anymore.


There is this idea in people's heads that just because someone has a lot of money they should all of a sudden start making bad business decisions.  Let me fill you in on something Rick.  Paul Allen didn't get his 414 foot yacht that you despise so much by holding his employees hands and skipping through the street singing "If You're Happy and You Know It".  He, and the rest of the owners, made their fortunes by making sound business decisions.  Owning a business isn't about always being the nice guy. 

Should the NFL owners have gone about some things differently?  Should they do a little more in the way of player safety? Yes, I'm not saying they're perfect by any means, but lets not get foolish. Why would any business owner not operate his business in the manner that will make it the most profitable it could possibly be; no matter how much money he/she already has?  And it's not just the NFL owners, people have been making this ludicrous argument for years.

I want to avoid a lockout as much as the next guy, but I'm not foolish enough to blame the owners for wanting their business to make more money.  Why does having a lot of money disqualify you from making smart decisions.  An extra billion dollars is an extra billion dollars; no matter how large your bank account is.

Oh yea, by the way, Rick Reilly's current ESPN contract is paying him $10 million over 5 years.  "Nice to meet you kettle, I'm pot."

Robert Gallery Leaving The Black Hole

The guy the Oakland Raiders made the second overall pick in 2004, Robert Gallery, has decided to leave the organization and test his free agent waters.

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out Robbie. Al Davis hung on to you much longer than a lot of NFL executives would have. You were a sure-fire, can't miss prospect at left tackle out of Iowa but showed immediately that you couldn't do it at an NFL level and were moved to guard where you were solid, but nowhere near a Pro Bowler.

The only thing that scares me about this however, is that he was a the main piece of our offensive line and his heir apparent, Bruce Campbell, needs a ton of work at guard.

With it being a very real possibility that the Raiders are going to lose lockdown corner Nnamdi Asomugha, Mr. Davis has been very active in keeping most of his other players despite the seemingly inevitable lockout. He's resigned defensive tackles Richard Seymour and Big John Henderson to two year deals each. He overpaid CB Stanford Routt (which Al has a tendency to do with somewhat unproven athletes, see Tommy Kelly) with a three year, $31.5 million dollar contract and placed the franchise tag on OLB Kamerion Wimbley who had a very good 2010, his first in Oakland.

Could Gallery, an Iowa native, be eying a return to the Midwest? Teams like the Vikings or Bears could use an upgrade to their offensive lines.

Daily Debate: When Will we Get our Football Back?

Well, it's the day of reckoning for the NFL and unless something drastic happens in the next 12 hours it looks like we're headed for a lockout. The question then is, when do you think the two sides will finally come to an agreement?

From everything that has been said it doesn't seem like they are even close.  I think this lockout is going to get uglier before it gets better.  That being said, I still refuse to believe that we are going to miss any football games.  I think both sides realize that the NFL is on the precipice of complete world domination.  It would be an utterly terrible business decision not to come to an agreement before next season starts. 

If I had to put a date on it I would say July 1st.  I think they are going to get the players back on to the field just in time to get a full training camp and preseason in. 

What do you guys think?

-E

It's like a bad dream. The fact we might not have football scares me, and for some fans, really starting to become a reality. I agree it will be in the summer months, but I think we might go later than that. Maybe the middle of August. These players hate preseason, training camp, and just want to play games. No one has looked good in this, they both look selfish and appear stubborn. The ones who get hurt the most by this are the 2011 rookies. I wouldn't be surprised to see only a couple succeed next year.

-Charlie.

I think we underestimate the intelligence of both sides here boys. We all know they are not stupid. The owners fear that the NFLPA, if it decertifies, would have a great chance in court regarding anti-trust. I think they get this thing hammered out before St. Patrick's Day, giving us all more celebration to get schwasty.

-Pat

5 Things Missed if (When) The Lockout Happens

While you are reading this I want you to have Welcome Back-Mase played in the background. Why? Because I haven't wrote anything since the end of the NFL regular season. So I decided to put down my notes about carboxylic acids and their derivatives to talk about something that irked me. I was watching ESPN and they were doing Top 5 things missed if there is a lockout. Marcellus Wiley's list really got me going. I don't remember them all but two that stick out in my head are him missing Drew Brees pumping up the Saints before the game, and watching Michael Vick throw the deep ball. Really? That's what you are going to miss the most, I pray that I heard him wrong but I don't think I did. That's just plain dumb, really dumb. This lead me to think of my own "Top 5" and also I felt obliged to blog so if this thing goes huge I'll get 10% or something.

5. Talk and build up to the regular season

-Seeing how teams come out of training camp and all the hoopla that goes along with that is an exciting time, at least in my opinion. Let's be honest, so much happens before the season even starts, contract negotiations, trades, injuries, fights, players bitching about who knows what and seeing what the rookies can do. Not to mention fantasy football drafts which is part of another further down the list.

4. Wearing my team's gear with relevance

-People will tell you I wear Packer gear like I'm on the IR chillin' on the sideline. With no games going on it won't mean as much repping my team and wearing it proudly. Yes I'll still wear Packer clothes because I'm a big fan but it won't feel the same on Monday after a big W. And wearing the gear will just remind me of nothing to look forward to on Sunday, bummer.

3. Electric Plays

-Lets get real, every year there are plays that just plain "wow" everyone and will never be forgotten. Particular ones that stick out in my head are Donald Driver's catch and run against the 49ers, showing that he's got some gas left in the tank. The other one being Desean Jackson's punt return to end the Giants season.

2. Players coming out of no where

- I love watching football and having some no name or lowly expected player come out and make a huge difference. Seems like every year there are a handful of players who have had mediocre careers or you've never heard of and just take off to have a great year. I think the whole Kansas City Chiefs team can qualify under this one, especially Matt Cassel. Peyton Hillis comes to mind, Desmond Bishop, Caleb Hanie (hehe) and Jacob Tamme. Witnessing new athletes emerge to me is exciting and makes watching the game more fun.

1. Camaraderie amongst peers and fans

-Easily number 1. Nothing is better then everyone coming together on a Sunday afternoon, putting off school or other obligations to watch football. It has definitely become part of our culture when Sunday's in the fall are considered the best days, even if the worst day, Monday, follows. Along with this is the immaculate Fantasy Football leagues and draft like I stated earlier. Since we are all bums now, my friends and I only have this serving a remedy to keep our competitor juices flowing. Digging deeper into this camaraderie, I can think of Water Street as the Packers won the Super Bowl. The bars were absolutely packed and every 10 minutes a Go Pack Go chant would start. Everyone that night were best friends and times like those will be the ones I will miss if (when) a lockout happens.

I'm not a Pulitzer Writer but hopefully you all somewhat enjoyed. If not, your fault for continuing to read.

That is all for now. See you again in 2 months.

Big cat

Carson Palmer Quarterbacking The Whambulance

Generally, quarterbacks get a bad rap for being pansies, pretty boys, and not tough football players. Sometimes, they do get a harsh name from the fans but then there are guys like Carson Palmer, the disgrunted Cincinnati Bengals quarterback who keeps the name alive.  If you haven't heard by now, Palmer really wants out of the Nati. How bad you ask?  Palmer has threaten to retire if he does not get his wish. If I were the Bengals, I would tell him we will trade you because you do not want to be apart of this franchise and simply, we do not need you. 

I want to say that I cannot blame Palmer for having this ill-will towards a franchise who has taken the reigns from the Cincinnati Bearcats in ushering in felons. Add to the multiple headcases who might not have legal issues, instead just have between the ears issues. But Palmer was the guy campagining for Terrell Owens to come to Cincinnati. Palmer made his bed, and he now has to lay it in no matter how uncomfortable it is for him.  

Some are saying that they should hold on to Palmer and call his bluff but why?  He has not been anything special for the Bengals since Palmer got his knees taken out in the 2008 playoffs. Palmer is no better than an average quarterback who puts up numbers when his team is already down 20 points. There are quarterbacks in the draft but there are serviceable backups around the NFL that might be avaliable. Why wouldn't tell try to leverage their second round pick for Kevin Kolb? 

The other thing is there will be a desire for Palmer around the NFL. There are so many teams without a true quarterback, and Palmer is probably the best option next to Kolb. But if the Bengals decide to play this thing out and let him retire, they will not see much of a drop off from the prior quarterback.  

-Charlie.

Daily Debate: Better Athletes?

Curly and I just got into a fairly heated argument during a game of NBA Jam about which sport has better athletes. I define "athletic" as being able to control your body well and make amazing dunks and layups. I say that NBA players are more athletic than NFL players. Curly thinks that since Ray Lewis is 250 pounds and runs fast he's athletic. I'm taking guys like LeBron and Dwight Howard any day over any NFL player. He says Meatsock Johnson is a great athlete. NFL players could never do what NBA players do. Ever heard of Michael Jordan?

-Mitch

I agree whole heartedly Mikko (don't get used to me saying that though because it doesn't happen often).  While NFL players are certainly extremely ahtletic I would give the nod to the NBA players as well.  This is mainly because playing basketball is so much more than being fast and strong.  You also have to be able to be coordinated enough to dribble, shoot, catch, and pass all while your running, jumping, and smashing into people.  Lets face it, while what Ray Lewis does is very impressive I could have found a caveman 400 years ago who would have done the same thing if he thought he could get a bite of steak at the end.  The only thing Ray Lewis has to worry about is running and hitting.  Like I said, NBA'ers have to be fast, strong, and agile all while dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.

-E

I agree with all you gents. The NBA athletes would make great athletes in other sports like football and soccer. Honestly, soccer is a spot that guys like Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul would excel at and probably play in other countries. Tell Curley to get off his obsession with football.

-Charlie.

Bob Sanders Now An Ex-Colt

Indianapolis Colts owner Tom Isray has decided to part ways with former Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders. He could not stay healthy enough in his six years in the NFL for the Colts to justify keeping him.

The former Colts safety is a two time Pro Bowler and won the 2007 AP Defensive Player of the Year award and was big help in their Super Bowl XLI victory back in the 2006. That was a season where he missed the majority of the year but returned just in time for the playoffs.

The Colts have a guy named Melvin Bullitt that is more than capable of replacing Sanders. Bullitt has been the main replacement for the oft-injured Sanders in he came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and has done a stand-up job.

Where does Bob Sanders go from here? I'd imagine he'll catch on with someone who needs help in the secondary. Carolina, Seattle, Miami and Cincinnati come to mind right away. Carolina needs help everywhere. Seattle's Lawyer Milloy is ageless. Yeremiah Bell is nothing special and the Bengals will take a chance on anyone. 

Sanders just needs to stay healthy and he could be a Hall of Famer some time down the road.

-Mitch

The Cam Newton Bandwagon Is Overflowing

For someone who is not an Auburn fan, I have been driving the Cam Newton bandwagon. I told everyone how special this guy was as a football player, and ignore all the BS that went with the situation. Newton is a great football player. People talked about all college football season about there are quarterbacks, then there is Cam Newton.  He is a physical freak who can do everything you want a quarterback to do. Finally, people are starting to notice. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., draft and hair expert has Cam going third to the Buffalo Bills and says the Carolina Panthers will take a long look at Newton for the overall first pick. 

I truly believe that his stock as a player went down because of all the things happening during the season. While in reality, it should have been rising because Newton handled it like a professional and kept winning games for his ball club. I am not sure if Ryan Mallet or Blaine Gabbert would be able to do that.  I think the Bills is a great destination for him because Ryan Fitzpatrick is a serviceable quarterback for a year, and then have Newton take the reigns. I still think Newton needs work on his mechanics a bit, but he can be used in a Wildcat formation with Fred Jackson. That will be very dangerous to defend.  In addition, Head Coach Chan Gailey has worked with a good amount of mobile quarterback and would rather work with them. This is shocking news to Trent Edwards.  

I have no idea who had the plan for Newton to do a media only workout. But it was an awesome idea that will be used for the next 10 years.  Not that he needed more buzz, but that is what instantaneously happened after he put on a great show. Trent Dilfer who is well-respected in football circles regarding quarterbacks raved about him on Sportscenter like he was watching his son out there. He wasn't alone as people start pumping article after article about how great Newton looked at this workout.  Add to the fact, Newton got the richest rookie shoe contract from Under Armour.

The next step is the combine.  Newton will once again show he has all the physical tools to be a great NFL quarterback and I wouldn't be shocked if rumblings started about the Carolina Panthers being interested in taking him number one.

-Charlie.