Dom's Dish - Back again, NFL Draft 2012 Edition

      As if being gone for a few months last time was a big deal, it was just after my son's 1st birthday, my daughter was still in the womb, I still traveled for work, Tiger Woods was still the #1 golfer in the world, Donovan McNabb was still the Eagles Quarterback, Shaq was still ballin - having just been traded to the Cavaliers - LeBron was still there too, Halladay was in Toronto, Cliff Lee was a first time Phillie and more importantly, the Phillies could hit the ball.  Shoot - I can't even remember if Daniel Tosh had a show that long ago or if I was even on Twitter!

     Now just 32 months after the fact, Dom's Dish rejoins the interwebs with this special NFL Draft issue.  Why, you ask?  Because I finally have about 90 minutes to put some stuff together, with some humor (that's a new ingredient to this blog), and I need to force myself to gain some knowledge on this draft thing again.  We'll recap and relive some of the things we missed these last 32 months and of course, go around the balls.  Oh yeah, August 19, 2009 was shortly after the Michael Vick signing, we'll recap that too fo sho in the posts to follow!

    Ah, the NFL draft.  In the last 12 months, we've suffered 2 pro sports lock-outs, blockbuster trades, epic National Championship games, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Droughts and wild fires across this great nation of ours.  After all the uncertainty, I finally feel at peace to know that the NFL is having a "regular" off-season complete with a Draft, mini-camps, hold-outs, and training camps to start on time.  There will be no more excuses for Mr. Ham Sandwich heading up the Eagles, no more punishments to hand down from the NFL Commish, and more importantly, no more talk of that guy Tim Tebow....suddenly I think I've lost my touch, its getting worse as I type this.  But alas, I digress.  So much has happened in the sports world the last few months, that I seriously, I mean seriously, had to think for a minute who won the last Super Bowl.  Hashtag-Not-Brady - ah yes, Eli and the Giants.  More and more over the past 10-15 years, we are seeing the teams that get hot at the right time, sneak into a playoff system (in all sports) and win the ultimate prize.  Most go up against the Goliath teams that have been there all year - the true underdog stories win most times, epitomizing TEAM sports.  This year we learned of all the trouble a possible 1998 #1 overall pick has been having in his life since football - the Ryan Leaf story - but still the best story of all is a "made for TV movie" - "The Brady Six".  As I prepare to watch NFL Combine highlights, and read the countless stories on "character" and "pure talent", the more it makes one realize two things: The Combine is a Meat Market and The Draft is a Crap Shoot.  How else can you explain Tom Brady falling to #199, Ryan Leaf, Tim Couch, Akili Smith, JaMarcus Russell or even Eli Manning?

     When drafting, teams feel pressure.  More so, the General Manager, Owner and Head Coach feel pressure.  From fans, local media, national media, agents, draft experts, their own players and many other sources.  Draft experts like Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, Jr. often get the top picks right (at least the order).  Teams sometimes listen too much, other times, tune out the noise.  The main thing is there is no right answer in that exact moment.....but there sure is a WRONG answer in the weeks, months and years that follow.  It's much like us Fantasy owners who look back at the draft at the end of the season and remember how stupid we were for drinking so much at the draft, or the HOW DID I NOT SEE THAT moments that we all have.  The only difference, we think, is that the coaches, GM's and owners aren't a 6-pack deep on some week night/weekend in April...we think.  (How else can you explain Christian Ponder as a Top 12 pick in 2011?)  Regardless, it's a lot of fun for us football fans out there to play GM and dream big when OUR team grabs that missing piece who will wind up an All Pro or Rookie of the Year and lead "us" to the Lombardi Trophy.  From the Adam Schefters' of the world, breaking the news on potential picks and trades, to Boomer, Kiper and McShay analyzing the draft, this week is one of the best of the year, a week that allows our dreams to grow and hopes be high.  Here we go....

     First, everyone knows by now about Peyton in Denver.  But do you remember Michael Bush to the Bears?  The ESPN Free Agent Tracker has all your reminders and answers.  While the QB's and RB's make the headlines, don't forget those Offensive Linemen and Linebackers that moved around.  Teams surely draft on need at those top positions, but where will they find a 3rd or 4th round gem in a position they might be a little thin at?  This goes hand in hand with who is still on the roster: NFL.com current team rosters

     Although I'm clearly partial to the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN for their 2012 Draft Coverage featuring Scouts, Inc (as an Insider), there's always the NFL.com folk, and the SI peeps including Peter King.

     Got some time on your hands to go next level?  Forget the numbers themselves, whose contract is up next season and your team will take a flyer on a future position of need?  NFL 2012 Team Salaries


     So, let's break down my favorite team. The scenario seems the same for the past few years, or cycles of years.  Big Free Agent signings one year, re-sign your own the next and have a good draft, then start getting cute for a few years in the draft and sign mediocre free agents.  Fortunately, this is the second year in that cycle for the Birds.  They filled 2 positions of need with trades/free agency: MLB (no, not Major League Baseball) and former rookie of the year out of the SEC, DeMeco Ryans (might have been my favorite player in the 2006 draft); and a replacement LT in Demetress Bell (another position, for about 20 minutes last week I couldn't for the life of me remember who the Left Tackle was that tore his achilles just a few weeks ago.....do you remember without google-ing it?)  Oh and clearing some cap room with Asante Samuel was nice just today, while resigning some key cogs: DeSean, Todd Heremans, Trent Cole, and Evan Mathis.  Dropping Jamaal Jackson and trading away Winston Justice were necessary moves.  A backup QB in Trent Edwards was signed, but I'm not sold on the three QB's being the three on the roster throughout the season.  Needs?  First off, for the love of everything holy, can they sign LeSean McCoy to like a 3 or 4 year deal?  In order of need and importance: DT, SS, MLB, OL depth, RB, QB, CB, TE.  Sure the Eagles could use an outside backer, but why not draft a MLB that can get on the field right now and learn alongside DeMeco?

    With another 10 picks to spare, the Eagles will be guaranteed to make at least one trade, and I'm not sure what the Asante trade means for overall philosophy, but I say they stay at 15 with one of those top 4 need positions.  Sure, all the talk was of them talking to Cleveland, but I think it's a smoke screen....unless it is for.....RB Trent Richardson from Alabama - minds would be blown!!  After the first, perhaps make a move back into the late 1st or stock pile some picks from the late 2nd to 4th rounds where the clear value usually is. Barring injury, the only starter positions that may not be on the roster right now would be DT #2 and a SS. (I don't trust the health or age of Mike Patterson, and don't think anyone on the roster can win the SS position - how about that, replacing McNabb was easier than B-Dawk).

  My suggestion on picks for the Eagles....stay away from DT.  While they faired ok with Mike Patterson, Broderick Bunkley didn't live up to the potential.  Aside from Ndamukong Suh in 2010, and Haloti Ngata in 2006, not many 1st Rd DT's have made an immediate impact in a 3-4 or 4-3.  Since this is really the all-in year for Andy Reid, he can't afford to miss on another 1st Round pick.  McNabb, Corey Simon, Fred-Ex, Lito Sheppard, Jerome McDougle, Shawn Andrews, Patterson, Bunkley, Jeremy Maclin, Brandon Graham and Danny Watkins.  First round picks - I can't even call that average, 4 lived up or exceeded expectations: McNabb, Maclin, Andrews (before he went AWOL) and Lito.  Simon and Bunkley fell short and filled a hole in the middle, 2 fell WAY short - Fred-Ex and McDougle, and jury is still out, though not looking promising on Graham and Watkins.  It's not time to gamble this year, take the safe pick.  I am always a fan of taking a big time player from a big time program - SEC preferred and Alabama has a few.  If Mark Barron, the Safety is available at 15 or anywhere in that area, you go get him. Don't stretch and take some kid from a small school or Boise because he's a project and has huge upside.  Notre Dame alum have not worked out all that well for the Eagles, take a football player this time.  Others I like: David DeCastro, G, Stanford; Hightower (ILB), Upshaw (OLB) and Kirkpatrick (CB) all out of Alabama.  All positions of need that can step in right now having had big program/ big game experience.

  In the later rounds....well, it just depends.  In the late second and third round, the Eagles can afford a few stretches before getting back to solid, best-available type players in the 4th and 5th rounds where they've had a more success in the past.   6th and 7th are where the true luck comes in.  (Jason Kelce, 6th 2011; Kurt Coleman, 7th 2010).  You may find an occasional starter but Tom Brady and Maques Colston are the rarities that get overlooked.

     Regardless of past performance, the NFL draft tomorrow will give us hope - hope of finding the next Peyton Manning or Ray Rice or Larry Fitzgerald.  There's no such thing as a lock - a lot can go wrong - but the dawning of a new day and hours of analysis and waiting will give us something to talk about for the next 2 weeks or more.  Whoever your team is, remember, not every pick will pan out.  Even the geniuses only get it right some of the time.  Follow me on Twitter tomorrow night during the draft for commentary on the picks and other analysis: @DomsDish


As I look back on the time away I realize that putting these together takes more time than I have.  I may not pump one out a week, but I will make the time for you my readers to get some of the information you need to keep abreast in sports over the next few months.  With 2 sports in playoff mode, one just getting started, and another always having something to talk about, plus those other sports, they'll be plenty for me to comment on.  I promise to add more humor and pump these out faster.

Around the Balls:

White-stitched- The Yankees made a pretty big trade this off-season for a rising pitcher. Michael Pineda was big and strong in Seattle, then he arrived in NY as fragile cargo.  He's now done for the season with a shoulder injury - a labrum tear (same injury Drew Brees had many years ago) - and will have surgery in the near future.  I am being told by medical experts and baseball guru's that the throwing shoulder is an important part of a pitcher's mechanics.  Who knew?  $200 M plus for the team's payroll yet again - the starting rotation may be suspect, but at least the Yanks can hit...well except Yu Darvish.  Cheer up Yanks fans, Andy Pettite is on his way to save the day.  The year is 2002, right?  No? Could be worse, could be the BoSox.

Big-brown-oblong- With all the draft talk in place and up above, "News" broke that Andrew Luck would be the 1st pick of the Colts in this year's draft.  Anyone remember "Suck for Luck"?  One thing is for certain - under the "New Deal" Luck will not be receiving Matt Stafford money - 6 for $72M.  The Colts, who have been handcuffed in recent years by their big name players: Manning, Wayne, Freeney or Harrison, now just have Freeney and some cap numbers.  Can lightning strike twice and will Andrew Luck be the full time rookie starter that Manning once was?  Let's just hope Winston 6-sack Justice is not the one protecting his left side.  With all the turnover in that franchise, they've got to be better than last year's 2-14 record, right?  Right??

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @domsdish for breaking news from the Insiders I follow, and anecdotal information on subject ranging from sports and national news to NJ, comedy, music,  life with kids, and of course, #asparaguspee.

Dom's Dish - NFL Draft - talk about value

Sure, I've been accused of being a homer.  I've been accused of worse growing up - "throwing"my brother down the steps (he told me to push him), "covering" a wall with boogers (they came with the house), "cursing" all the time on the playground (I was smart enough not to get caught and never spoke filth at home as early as 1st grade).  I also used to wear bright orange and deep purple jeans.  So I'm a homer...

So regarding the Philadelphia Eagles Draft class of 2009.  To be honest, aside from the fact that this is my first year without the NFL network to guide me through the draft (trying to save money to pay the $15/month for the greatest invention ever: DVR), and I haven't really heard the draftniks bragging about this year's draft class, I'm going to chalk this year's draft up to an overall grade of "D".  Sure there are some players up top in the first round or two, but not a year with a Eli Manning/Philip Rivers/Ben Roethlisberger, or Reggie Bush/Matt Leinart.  I just didn't feel the names were there early on, nor were there many names down the board.  So back to the Eagles.  They've made some trades before this draft and certainly "a few" during it.  They traded back so many times in the 3rd and 4th rounds...at one point they had SIX 5th round draft choices.  They turned 2 of those into a potential starting CB/KR in Ellis Hobbs (Patriots) - though I'm weary about a recycled secondary from great Defensive back coach Bill Belichick - BY THE WAY - did you see him during the draft on ESPN?  He was actually wearing a TIE and JACKET!  He looked serial killer-esque I thought.  Put the hoodie back on Bill....but I digress.  

Anyway, the Eagles then took ONE fifth round pick and turned it into a 7th in 2009: #222 and a 5th rounder in 2010 from New Orleans.  Then, they turned around and took #222 and made it a 6th rounder in 2010 from Indianapolis. One pick turned into 2 next year - which might not sound too cool until you realize that due to trades this offseason, the Eagles were uncharacteristically out of the mix with something like 5 choices in 2010 coming into the weekend!

So Monday was the day all those not drafted were eligible to sign with teams in an open market.  The Eagles went out and got them Rashard Mendenhall's younger brother, Walter.  6 foot 225lbs from Illinois State.  Let's hope he has some talent like his brother, a first round choice of Pittsburgh last year.  Andy Reid also fulfilled his BYU quota signing big Guard Dallas Reynolds (6-4, 311) from Brigham Young.  Perhaps Andy is beyond donating to his alma mater, he just employs a few right out of the college football program each year.  Hmmm.

Dom's Dish - A third round of runs

The round started with the Jets trading up for RB Shonn Greene - who sat out a few years ago academically ineligible and moved furniture to make ends meet.  After that the bulk of the first few picks were defense - Linebackers, D-Linemen, a few corners, then RB Glenn Coffee (Alabama) went to San Fran, then a few offensive linemen before a huge run on WR's with some Corners thrown in.  Derrick Williams of Penn State went to Detroit - both as a slot receiver to pair with Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford and also as a return man playmaker.  

The Eagles pull another in-division trade with their rivals, the NY Giants.  The Giants use this pick on 6'6" WR Ramses Barden - a possible replacement big body for Plaxico Burress.  The Eagles then trade back into the fifth round.  Now with 6 picks in the 5th round!  Talk about depth and special teams!  Signing off for now, not much to keep on.

Dom's Dish - Impressions of Day 1 NFL Draft 09

Well, with two rounds in the books on Day 1, the tri-state teams (Eagles, Jets and Giants) addressed some needs - WR/RB, (potential) franchise QB, and WR/OLB/ O-Line depth.  Other teams of note include New England addressing need in the trenches and some secondary help; Cleveland's trading back 3 times to acquire picks - Center, 2 WR and a 3-4 DE; The Super Bowl champ Steelers drafting a 3-4 DE to counter and trading their 2nd and 4th for two more mid-third-round picks.  Lots of draft day trades just on day 1 - lots of moving up and down, and none more surprising than the Jets trading up with their former coach, the "Mangenious", to get their QB of the future, while trading some depth along the D-Line and 2nd year QB Brett Ratliff - 0 NFL passes.  

Cleveland looks pretty good with all those picks, especially since they didn't have many coming into the draft due to trades made during the Romeo Crenel regime - namely their one pick of Ohio State's Brian Robiskie - son of NFL player Terry and current Falcons receiver coach.  Some peculiar picks: the Jacksonville Jaguars stockpiling Offensive Tackles in Eugene Monroe (UVA, #8 overall) and Eben Britton (Arizona, #39 overall).  Some other commentary, the Buffalo Bills did NOT take an Ohio State defensive back...yet.  No Fullbacks, punters or kickers taken Day 1.  Only 3 QB's were taken, all in the first round.  

Some big names will come off the board in the next round or two, including Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell, RB Shonn Green of Iowa, WR Derrick Williams of Penn State, Javon Ringer RB of Michigan State, and Safety Rashad Johnson of Alabama.  Hurry up and go - draft is on.

Dom's Dish - Foolin the Fools since 2008 Edition

For those of you out there, that believed I met Jay Cutler: I just got a job working at ESPN!

Perhaps it was a stretch, not everyone was fooled, but I had to utilize my business trip to Denver to my advantage and pleasure!  I really did have an excellent dinner at The Denver Chop House and Brewery.  Jay Cutler could have been there, but apparently the baby was on the phone with his agent Buss Cook and Jerry Angelo, the Chicago Bears GM.

So, biggest story of the NFL off-season thus far is the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago.  Everyone was thinking Detroit, Tampa or the Jets, but apparently they're not as crazy as da Bears.  A team without great receivers, a complete offensive line, a strong secondary and a return man, (yes, I said without each of those)Jerry Angelo and the Chicago Brass sold out, quite literally.  Denver sends Jay Cutler and 2009 5th round pick.  Chicago sends Kyle Orton, 2009 1st Round pick, 2009 3rd Round pick and a 2010 1st Round pick.  Wow.

The Chicago fan's argument is "we're not good with number 1 picks".  Since 2003, it's been so-so for them: 2003 Michael Haynes DE (Penn State) & Rex Grossman QB (Florida), 2004: Tommie Harris DT (Oklahoma), 2005 Cedric Benson RB (Texas), 2006 no pick, 2007 Greg Olsen TE (Miami FL), 2008 Chris Williams OT (Vanderbilt).  I have news for you Bears fans, NO ONE hits on 1st round picks all the time.  Pick  franchise and look - two of the most highly touted "build through the draft teams":  Eagles: 2003 Jerome McDougle DE (Miami FL),  2004 Shawn Andrews OT (Arkansas),  2005 Mike Patterson DT (USC), 2006 Broderick Bunkley DT (Florida State), 2007/2008 no #1 picks - a total of 1 All-Pro's - Shawn Andrews at Guard in 2006.  Patriots: 2003 Ty Warren DT (Texas A&M), 2004 Vince Wilfork DT (Miami FL) & Ben Watson TE (Georgia), 2005 Logan Mankins OG (Fresno State), 2006 Lawrence Maroney RB (Minnesota), 2007 Brandon Merriweather DB (Miami FL), 2008 Jerrod Mayo ILB (Tennessee) - one Defensive Rookie of the Year (Mayo), one second team All-Pro (Mankins).  Aside from The Super Bowl Champion Steelers since 2003: Troy Polamolu, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes, Lawrence Timmons and Rashard Mendenhall.

Ok, so enough listing player names, I like the trade for the Broncos - they practically robbed the Bears.  Kyle Orton was the Bears starter last year and showed a lot of moxy and guts coming back from injury, almost leading the team to the playoffs.  Once touted as a possible 1st round selection at the beginning of his Senior year at Purdue - it's been quite a fall from grace for him, though he had a pretty good year in 2008 - especially from a fantasy perspective - and came back hurt.  Jay Cutler is essentially "Cush" from the movie Jerry Maguire.

Ok so enough football for now.  While I was out in Denver on business, I took in a Denver Nuggets game.  $25 gets you a nosebleed section ticket, but I was quite impressed by the concessions there including the $8 Herradura Margarita I started with and the awesome burger later on.  Oh, one other thing, the give away that night was pretty funny - a Denver Nuggets belt buckle!  What the Frick am I going to do with a belt buckle?!?  I don't think I've ever worn one - even when my mom was dressing me!  The game was against the Knicks.  It was a strange game.  Denver was up by TWENTY SEVEN POINTS early in the second quarter and right after halftime, the New York D'Antoni's cut the lead to TWO!!!  Of course 'Melo was out much of that time, and in the end, Denver won by 12 or something, but they really were toying with them it felt.  Now that we're a week into the playoffs, I really think they may have a shot to take the Lakers to 6 games if they meet - but the Nuggets as a 2 seed are still no where near the Lakers in my opinion.  With LeBron melting his shoes in Cleveland and Detroit, I think it'll be Kobe versus LeBron in an awesome NBA finals.  But all that said, it's BronBron's time - the MVP will be awarded in a few weeks, and a Finals MVP and Championship are soon to follow.

The Philadelphia Eagles made a big trade, addressing Left Tackle to get Jason Peters from the Bills.  Supposedly someone they looked at last year's off season when he was disgruntled in Buffalo.  Not a bad trade moving up in the world based on the pick they got from Carolina this year after trading back last year - AND they got Peters in the deal.  This definiely solidifies their Offensive line with some outstanding reserves (one of whom I think could be moved if a trade is made for Anquan Boldin).  Essentially the two new tackles (LT Peters and RT Stacy Andrews) and center (Jamaal Jackson) as well as RG Shawn Andrews are all set and Todd Heremans, Max Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole are all vying for one position at LG - with some substantial backups.  The Eagles will always grab at least one OLineman in the draft and a few others as undrafted free-agents - that's Andy Reid's M.O.  Most think the 21st pick will garner a RB - likely Knowshon Moreno (a NJ product) and reports have the asking price for Anquan Boldin down to a 2nd rounder!  The Eagles, no doubt, will have a busy weekend.....starting NOW.

A lot more has happened these past few weeks since the Cutler post.  There's only one true way to sum it up....  

Around the Balls:

White-stitched- The Yankees are worried about their #3 pitcher, the Phillies had a scare this week with their Ace, Florida started like a ball of fire and the Washington "Natinals" didn't, 2008 NL Cy Young Tim Lincecum finally won his first game, and Toronto is leading MLB in run differential.  The season is off to an ok start, but much of the news has been around off-season acquisitions, the Phillies losing a broadcasting legend and the fact that attendance is down.  Sure, we all expected the attendace struggles and it will continue through the next month or so - but I'd be willing to say that families will head to the ball park for those "staycations" at home this summer.  Sure, the Yankees probably won't sell out more than once or twice unless they make a playoff run and places hardest hit by the economy like Detroit will have to offer crazy promos to fill the bowl or hope they win 100 games to cover their payroll, but those luxury suites and $2600 tickets out there will be 60% full if that.  It'll be something to watch as the year presses on, just hope for good baseball.

Big-brown-oblong- The weekend is here that we've all been waiting for!  Ok - probably just me, Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Chris Berman and Mark Sanchez.  It comes on the most beautiful weekend of the year on the East Coast and for sure the temp will be rising in draft "war rooms" across the country.  News early this morning, Matthew Stafford, the rocket-armed quarterback from Georgia has agreed to a contract with the Detroit Lions.  SIX years, $72 MILLION with $41.7 MIL guaranteed!  Wow - he'll play in a place where an automaker owns the naming rights to the field, where GM calls home and reportedly is dumping its Saab, Hummer, Saturn and Pontiac brands (see Edmunds.com), where crime is king (#1 most dangerous city according to Forbes) .  All I have to say is that the NFL owners and the Players union better come to terms on some sort of scale for incoming rookies.  The Free market is great, but I wonder how Detroit can turn that franchise around?  The question will be - is Stafford going to turn out like a Manning or a Ryan Leaf?  He and Calvin Johnson can be a tremendous force, but will they have any other cast around them?  It should prove to be an interesting weekend with the down stream effect of Stafford, Cutler, Mark Sanchez, Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards and others.  --> Check out my draft updates over the next 48 hours straight from my Blackberry right here.

Tiny-white-dimpled- Well, the ESPN question before Majors is "Tiger or the Field".  If you took the field for the Masters, you were correct, but got a scare on Sunday morning.  A lot of criticism arose during and soon after Augusta that Tiger is a front-runner, he's never come from behind to win like Jack did in 1983 or something.  He and Phil made a run on Day 4 two weeks ago - but the gap was too wide.  Sure - a similar thing has been said recently about LeBron James - that he couldn't make the big shot to close out games - and King James showed up the media a few times this year.  Not saying Tiger needs to come from behind, nor will he look to achieve this, but I argue he could walk away from the game in the next year and still have a strong argument for the title of "Best Golfer ever".  Sure he hasn't reached the number of Majors Jack Nicholaus has, but he for years crushed the competition.  I'm not buying the whole "Jack played in an era with better golfers" thing - every other sport has improved since the late 1970's/early 80's - why would golf be any different.  The field is stronger now - that's why there isn't one true competitor for Tiger - which again makes my case why he's already achieved T-B-E.

Black-rubber-non- Martin Brodeur has been back, but faltered down the stretch mainly because of some poor play in front of him, although he just did tie the all-time playoff shut-out mark.  Look for the Devils to close out the Hurricanes on Sunday night and get to the Eastern/Wales Conference Finals on the back of Brodeur and Zach Parise.   And holy crap - for those that missed it, check out the goal by Alexander Ovechkin of the Capitals from last night!  Around one guy, through the skates of another, stumbled, kicked the puck to himself then a back-hand shot off balance to score an amazing goal.  Oh the days when watching hockey and dancing in refried beans was cool.

Big-orange-round- The Philly Seventy-sixers are looking strong.  I still can't figure out why their mascot is jacked up ugly bunny, but the team is playing well, up 2-1 on the Orlando Dwight Howards.  Andre Igudola sure was the correct "A.I." to keep and the supporting cast is playing well through their ups and downs.  Just such a hustle-first team that may again only get to the second round this year, but have an amazing base of Igudola, Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert and Thaddeus Young for the future.  We'll see how 2010 turns out - maybe 55+ wins and a 3 seed?  They'll still be behind the LeBron's - who one day will actually jump feet first through the rim or clear into the 20th row.

Updates:

I will be sending updates live from my location and Blackberry "blogging" with my thoughts throughout the draft over the next 2 days.  Stay right here at Dom's Dish-dot-blogspot-dot-com for all your draft insight!

Links:

  http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/washingtonnatinals.jpg

Dom's Dish - 2008 NFL Draft recap Edition

Dom's Dish - Sunday, April 27, 2008


Well, since I was at a party yesterday and not parked in front of a computer (like I am this morning) I decided to recap the third round. There was a lot of action with trades and I offer some commentary on the previous two rounds of picks. Enjoy!


Nice move Miami trading down - they still have holes.

64: Detroit - nice pick with Kevin Smith, RB Central Florida - what did they do, kick GM Matt Millen out of the room? Hopefully this kid will be a work horse for them - 6'1" plus

65: Rams select John Greco, OG out of Toledo - big guy, probably play OT, but not sure he'll be able to step in to replace Orlando Pace right away. He is durable.

66: This is what Miami just traded down for - I say Dan Connor out of Penn State....and it's not - DE Kendall Langford out of Hampton. They really are bulking up that line. Jason Taylor is still there. Big kid - 6'5" 290 lbs - play the end in that 3-4. Plus they have Phillip Merling.

67: Panthers select Charles Godfrey, CB from Iowa. Another [coach] product- a lot of mid-level defensive backs taken from Iowa these last few years. Another 6-foot corner. Gotta cover those big WR's in the NFL nowadays.

68: Atlanta on the clock with one of the picks they got for Deangelo Hall. And they go ahead and select a CB with that pick - Chevis Jackson out of LSU. Tall CB - 6'0" looks almost like D Hall.
By the way with the the trade early on here, there have been like a hundred (ok maybe 12) trades. Coming awful close to my prediction of "20 if not 25-30"! And what's that? New England trades their pick to the Chargers.

69: Jacob Hester of LSU - the big Fullback goes to the Chargers. Looking for a change-of-pace back to compliment LT or an actual FB to replace Lorenzo Neal? Probably an actual FB here. Hard-nosed kid, maybe even someone to get a few carries.

70: Da Bears on the clock and they select Earl Bennett, WR out of Vandy. Wow, that's like 2 picks from Vandy now - before Jay Cutler a few years ago I don't remember anyone else from Vanderbilt.

71: The Ravens take Tavares Gooden, ILB out of Miami. Someone to line up behind and learn from Ray Lewis. Smaller guy, but their current LB's are all up for contracts next year.

72: Bills on the clock. Maybe another DB? Kidding, seems like they only take DB's in the first round these past few years. But instead they go D-Line with DE Chris Ellis out of Va Tech - 6'5" 260. A first team All ACC player - of course Chris Long being the other DE first All ACC.

73: KC selects Jamaal Charles, RB out of Texas. Nice change of pace for Larry Johnson if he comes back from his foot injury. They have another pick a few teams away, so I guess this is their flyer?

74: The Panthers take the ILB no one else would take - Dan Connor out of Penn State - aka Linebacker U. Frankly, I'm surprised he fell this far, even for being an Inside Linebacker.

75: The 49ers stack their defensive backfield by adding Reggie Smith, CB out of Oklahoma.
Another 6-foot CB!

76: The Chiefs with their fifth selection (already) in the draft, take Brad Cottam a TE from Tennessee - almosyt 6-8 and 270 lbs. They must be just drafting "from their board" not on need, though they did lose free-agent TE Kris Wilson to the Eagles this year. Everyone is making a big deal about losing Jared Allen and them not replacing him yet - though they did take two DT's last year and another this year.

77: The Bengals take another Defensive player - DT Pat Sims from Auburn. I haven't heard anything about his character, can't go wrong with taking a big guy to clog the middle - they missed out on two or three DT's in the free agency period via trades, so you knew they would go there.

78: The Pats are back on the clock and select an OLD from Michigan - Shawn Crable. They sure are shuring up that front seven with LB's this draft. By the way, Jerrod Mayo, their first round pick from Tennessee - Defensive Rookie of the year next year, sticking by that.

79: The Houston Texans select Antwaun Molden, CB out of Eastern Kentucky.

80: The Birds here on the clock. I'm thinking O-Line or CB? Justin King CB out of Penn State? Nope, Bryan Smith a DE out of McNeese State. Smaller guy, talk is he could be a Special Teams helper. Not sure what the Eagles are doing here, I guess their board is just a lot more different than anyone else. By the way, I love how ESPN lists Jevon Kearse as a "Key Loss" for the team, considering he maybe

81: Early Doucet, comes late but to the Cardinals - the WR out of LSU. With the loss of Bryant Johnson (their third WR) he is a perfect slot guy, but an in-case of Anquan Boldin bolts out of AZ or holds out.

82: The Chiefs again - DaJuan Morgan out of NC State, a Safety.

83: The Bucs make the NY fans happy with the selection of Jeremy Zuttah, OG out of Rutgers. Gruden sure is building up that O-Line. Let me just tell you, two years ago when I was playing NCAA College Football 2008, Zuttah was a great blocker.

84: The Falcons select another WR - WR Harry Douglas out of Louisville. I guess the unhappy Joe Horn won't be there anymore, plus their past 1st round picks haven't panned out. Smaller guy, slot receiver in the NFL

85: Craig Stevens, TE out of Cal goes to the Tennessee Titans. Is it just me

86: Wow, how this guy fell. Tom Zbikowski, Safety out of Notre Dame finally goes to Baltimore. I guess John Harbaugh likes Notre Dame guys just as much as Andy Reid. Baltimore has gone QB, RB (Ray Rice), ILB and Safety. Nice draft there Harbaugh.

87: Andre Fluellen, DT from Florida State goes to Detroit. I am pretty sure this is the first Seminole taken - wow - late 3rd round? Fluellen is a big

88: Bruce Davis, OLB of UCLA goes to the Steelers. They are looking for some insurance for the bad news prone James Harrison (domestic violence charge earlier this year).

89: Steve Slaton, RB out of West Virginia falls to the Houston Texans. Man, Houston has some horses now, that are young, hopefully they pan out. Chris Brown went there in the Free agency period (Titans), the aging Ahman Green is not the answer, and Darius Walker out of Notre Dame, but hopefully their new O-Line coach Alex Gibbs can get that zone blocking scheme down.

90: Da Bears again, they take a big DT out of Arkansas -Marcus Harrison. Perhaps a nice replacement for Tank Johnson and backup to Tommie Harris.

91: Green Bay on the clock and they take Jermichael Finley a TE from Texas. Smallish guy for a TE - 6'4" 240lbs. He'll be able to bulk up and possibly step in over the next year to replace Bubba Franks. Interesting draft for GB: WR, QB, CB, TE...hmm.

92: Another trade, Dallas moving out, allowing the Detroit Lions to move in. Cliff Avril a big DE out of Perdue goes to Detroit. Detroit - what's up? Really, did they put the mute button on Matt Millen? I like their draft - OT, OLB, RB, DT, DE.

93: The Colts looking to rebuild and get back to a Championship game, take an ILB from Georgia Tech Philip Wheeler. Without having their Depth Chart in front of me but knowing the 4-3 cover two, I'm guessing he'll move outside initially.

94: The Patriots. CB or LB, CB or LB? WOW! QB! Kevin O'Connell, QB out of San Diego State. They have a #2 already in Matt Cassell, but this is a nice Belichick pick for some competition. 6-5 225 lbs. Nice gig for him, throw to Randy Moss in practice.

95: The Giants select Mario Manningham, WR out of Michigan. Nice pick, watch out man, the Giants have a boatload of WR's now - the fragile Plaxico, David Tyree, Steve Smith and now Maningham? Manningham may be the eventual #1 when Plax's contract is up or he tears and ACL, whichever comes first.

We're now into the supplemental picks that can't be traded.

96: Washington takes an OG from Northern Iowa in Chad Rinehart.

97: Cincinatti seeks to replace Chris Henry (the WR) and maybe the Chad with Andre Caldwell, WR out of Florida. Another one that early on in predictions, was a first round pick. Reche's brother - ok college career,

98: Atlanta on the clock again, seeking to rebuild about 10 of 22 positions, they take Thomas DeCoud a Safety out of California. I give ATL a few years before they're in the 10-6 range again, buit nice draft - QB (Matt Ryan, Franchise QB), OT, ILB, CB, WR, S.

99: Last pick of the Third Round here, the Baltimore Ravens on the clock and take Oniel Cousins, OG from UTEP.

That's it for the pick-by-pick analysis, I'll go ahead here and recap some interesting picks as I see them over the next few rounds.

Dallas is up first in the 4th round with a pick they received from Miami for 2 players - LB Akin Ayedole and TE . Bill Parcells sure does like his players. Oh wait, another trade! Oakland moves up and takes Tyvon Branch, CB from UConn. Someone for DeAngelo Hall and Asimouga to mentor, and a nice KR.

The Rams with the next pick finally take Justin King, CB from Penn State! Nice pick, could return kicks, nice cover guy, but going to a St. Louis team that hasn't been the best recently in developing young DB talent - see Tye Hill out of Clemson.

Another trade - Jets trade out to GB. Then Cleveland trades up with the Cowboys pick. Almost half of the picks in each round has "T" next to it on ESPN's mock draft board - madness!

The Birds back up - their first of three in the fourth round and they take an OT from Pitt - the other OT, Mike McGlynn with pick 109. Played Guard and Tackle there - just what the Eagles like, OL versatility. At 6-5 318 lbs, I'm thinking he and Max Jean-Gilles will supplant Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans next year as guards and they'll move outside to tackle. I know the Birds took a lot of heat for trading out of the first round again but at least this time they got a #1 next year when they may need a starter to play Tackle or Safety due to contract situations. I was a little miffed too, they took another OT from Pitt here, but could have had Jeff Otah. You have to figure some of their moves are related to dollars this year.

The Buffalo Bills took a corner back at pick 114 from Akron - Reggie Corner. They sure like DB's from the state of Ohio, eh? Nate Clements was from Ohio State (#21 pick in 2001), Donte Whitner from Ohio State (#8 overall pick in 2006), Ashton Yabouty from Ohio State (3rd Rd pick in 2006).

Eagles again - pick 117, they take a Safety Quintin Demps out of UTEP. We'll see if he's gonna make the team as an eventual successor to B-Dawk. Then with pick 131 they take a Corner - Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin. Coming off a knee injury, I am guessing this is another fit for their board and need for depth. Possibly someone they can put on the practice squad or IR for a year to build.


--------------------------------For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com

Dom's Dish - Late Mishmash Edition

Dom's Dish - Friday, April 25, 2008


"It's the most wonderful time...of the year" - I can't get that song out of my head, and I know that this isn't in fact the most wonderful time in a traditional sense (Christmas / Winter Holiday season) or even the sports sense (early September's start to the NFL season) - but you have to say, we're pretty damn close. We just came off a somewhat predictable, but still fun Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament, the Masters just a few weeks ago, the final pushes for the NBA and NHL playoffs, the start of the MLB season and now, the NFL Draft! No, it's not September, it's April a close second - plus the benefit of the impending summer! No blood brother, it's not over yet.

Breaking News: Tyler Hansbrough is staying at UNC for his senior season. The National Player of the Year wants one more shot at a title with Roy Williams. Unfortunately he may need to do it without Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington - the sophomore back court - who are both declaring for the draft but not yet hiring agents leaving possibility they could return with "Crazy T."

Grandpa Larry Brown resigned yesterday as Executive Vice President of the Sixers of Philly, and according to his agent, he wishes to pursue a coaching position "in the NBA or college". Sixty-seven, Basketball hall of famer, former NBA and NCAA champion, fresh off helping re-build the Sixer franchise, and being forced out by Isiah in NY only 2 seasons ago he wants more?!?! Don't worry Isiah, you'll get yours soon enough. Anyway - I knew a man who used to see Larry Brown at a restaurant outside of Philly around 2000 when he was coaching the Sixers. I remember him telling me that he just exuded passion for the game of basketball. He's the Joe Paterno of basketball, never mind the 15-20 different houses he's lived in across the US. Does he just have Mayflower Moving on speed dial? (The number is 1-800-299-1700 in case you were wondering). Anyway, hopefully Larry heads back to school and coaches there - maybe he can stay there for 4 years and inspire the next generation to feel the love instead of the greed - not that Larry hasn't made a pretty penny (he actually owns the US Mint in Philadelphia - true story).

So, I was wrong. The Devils got spanked by the Rangers like they did all season long and the Flyers did beat Ovechkin. My buddy - let's call him "Boy" - has been on me to provide an update on NHL hockey - I guess "Boy" can't get enough information on the Flyers from the games he goes to, and he doesn't like my annoying text messages: "Puck the Flyers" "Flyers suck" "Nice seats, good to see you'll have a good view of Ovechkin scoring all those goals". Well "Boy", I was wrong please accept my apology. The Flyers are on a roll - the Celtics of Hockey with their amazing turnaround from last year's nightmare-ish season. They put it together the last 2 months of the season and the other "Marty" of the Atlantic Division - Buron -was hot as anything in the net. Breaking news though, they did lose last night to the Montreal Canadiens aka "Habs". And finally after twenty-something years I know what the hell "Habs" means - In French "Les Habitants" as in citizen - Canadiens - get it? Kinda like the Washington Cits of the NL East. Anyway - playoff hockey progresses. I really don't know why people don't watch it - not that no one does, just it's ratings are like half of "How I Met Your Mother" and like 1/100th of American Idol. Oh that's right, people can't follow the puck - I got news for you, the goalie can't always either - that's what's fun about it! So either way, turn it on and watch a game - there's not as much of a difference between East Coast and West Coast like there is in the NBA.

Baseball is back and although all the teams I follow aren't living up to expectations yet: Phillies and Yankees - it is early - another 140 games to go. Obviously, the Phillies are the team better built for the future, but with J-Roll on the DL and Ryan Howard acting more like the paper salesman than the MVP, it's looking kind of bleak...until you look at the rest of the team. Adam Eaton has pitched better and will hopefully pick up a win or at least a decision sometime soon. Cole Hamels' ERA is 2.75. Brad Lidge is 5-for-5 in Save conversions, throwing in the mid-90's. Brad Lidge, JC Romero and Rudy Seanez each have a 0.00 ERA out of the bull pen. And then of course there are the two early MVP candidates. You know you're thinking that. Pat the Bat is back: .355 8 25 RBI's with 18 walks. The nice .750 slugging ain't too bad either. He's no Chase Utley. Considered by almost every writer to be the MVP of last season in August before he went out with the broken hand, the numbers speak for themselves: .385 avg, 10 HR, 21 RBI, and 76 total bases for a .835 slugging percentage. And it gets better, J-Roll was finally convinced by relief pitcher JC Romero to go on the DL (be back after May 5) and Shane Victorino is already making a rehab start. If Howard comes around and J-Roll was their injury for the year, it could spell trouble again for the NL East. Oh, and here's a question for you - who for the SF Giants had the most combined RBI's the last 4 seasons? Barry Bonds? Nope, Phillies current Third Baseman Pedro Feliz whose meager 2.13 average has still produced 8 RBI's in the month with 3 HR's. It would be higher is Pat Burrell stopped clearing the bases in front of him. And I am happy with Feliz's defense thus far - 3 errors in 23 games. Pat the bat's turnaround = "a change in his batting stance" - damn, that's like a golf grip I guess. Maybe he should give Ryan Howard some advice? Maybe he will stop looking like an enormous Offensive Lineman taking a crap sprawled across the batter's box?

Oh that crazy NFL draft! I am gonna go out on a limb here and say Jake Long will be the first pick of the Miami Dolphins, and that there will be a whole lot of wheelin' and dealin' going on. Kansas City, Atlanta, the Eagles - all with multiple picks - expect to hear those names early and often. KC is reportedly looking to trade down for more picks. Atlanta is looking for more picks to build up their decimated franchise. The Eagles have traded up and down in recent years but really are looking for the best player available. With disgruntled Wide Receivers, aging QB's, leftover DB's and Franchise players left without signing their tendered offers, it has the potential to be hard to follow. There's no sense predicting picks - you can't believe a word NFL GM's say - see Jeff Ireland of Miami - but I will make some predictions as to who gets moved. Baltimore will look to move up for Matt Ryan so John Harbaugh can build his franchise around a QB like Andy Reid did in Philly. I think Philly will move up looking for an Offensive Lineman in the first round, then back later on. Chad Johnson will still be in Cincinatti and Shaun Alexander, fresh off his release will talk to Philly, if not sign with them. Jeremy Shockey will be traded, Anquan Boldin will stay, Roy Williams will stay all for now. I say somewhere in the area of 20 total trades in the next 2 days of the draft, if not 25, 30. If Chris Long is on the board still, he'll wind up a Raider. Darren McFadden's mom won't get her wish and he'll wind up in NY as a J-E-T Jet. The Patriots will move down from 7 to acquire picks - LB's and CB's. I say Glenn Dorsey at 2 - either to Atlanta or New Orleans (who would move up from 10). Who knows if I'm right? You gotta watch. Recap early next week.


Around the Balls:

Big-brown-oblong - Oh, the NFL draft is tomorrow. Be there.

Huge-orange - In case you're living in a bubble, the NBA Playoffs started and looks like all of the series that started 2-0 are back to 2-1. I'm looking forward mostly to the Suns being able to do the same tonight against the Spurs - or as we gringos like to call them "Los Suns y Los Spurs." I tell you what though, Tim Duncan and Chris Paul look pretty damn good after only 2 games! My money is on Chris Paul for regular season MVP though, but it's gonna be close. Ok if by "my money" I mean one dollar, and if by Chris Paul, I mean Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett. As for early off season news, Vince Carter of the Nets had minor ankle surgery this week. This can't be good news for the Nets and Jay Z - first you trade Kidd, now this? It's still early - their luck they'll get a top 5 lottery pick and be able to get Derrick Rose to replace JKidd. Beasley will be the number 1 pick though. Two months to the NBA draft on that awesome Wednesday night - they should do a weekend draft like the NFL. Guess it could be worse - a Tuesday or Thursday morning MLB draft?

Small-white-stitched - I've seen and pulled some odd and crazy pranks in my time, but the Boston fan who planted - pretty much literally - David Ortiz's jersey in the new Yankee Stadium, then blabbed it, then got it dug up and now Ortiz is off his slump - that guys got a death wish. One of the most heated rivalries in sports where fans in Boston rioted after their first World Series and the dude's a construction worker? Bet you he doesn't get much work anymore without plastic surgery and an alias. By the way, can someone dig up Ryan Howard's jersey at Citi Field? It's near the concession stand. It must have been that #6 jersey - or maybe it was that Rollins #6 from Reading?

Tiny-white - Well, Tiger tried. He was on a roll, but actually is human. Now after ONLY a second place finish at the Masters, he broke news a few weeks ago that he underwent knee surgery. Now granted, he's not scrambling around a 100-yard field or shooting jump shots from 25 feet, but I'm sure there could be some repurcutions.

Medium-green-fuzzy - Roger Federer finally won his first tournament of the year - it took him 3 1/2 months to do it, and te other dude had to withdraw near the beginning of the second set. Rafael Nadal hasn't made much noise either - guess that means they're waiting to ramp up for the summer tourneys? Guess Federer should stop chilling with Tiger and making those weird Phenom commercials? I'm just saying, I won't use that razor, so stop with the oddity.

Round-rubber-non - Danica Patrick made history last week as the first woman to win an Indy car, Formula 1 or NASCAR race. I was pulling for her and she got robbed a couple times. I wonder what influence this will have on other women in the sport of car racing.


Program Alert:
NBA Playoff Basketball- All weekend long. Suns/ Spurs 10:30pm tonight.
NFL Draft - Saturday 3pm - ??? ; Sunday 10am - ???


--------------------------------
For those new to "the dish", I once dreamed of being a sports-caster having my own column. Let me know if you don't like it, and/or want to be discontinued from the list. If you have another email address to send it to, send that to me also. For older issues of the dish, email me. domsdish@gmail.com or go to http://domsdish.blogspot.com

Dom's Dish - $100 minute edition

Dom's Dish - Friday, May 11, 2007

Breaking News: After applying for reinstatement to the league, Ricky Williams has failed another drug test. What a moron, talk about a character issue.

So we all know about the Yankees and hopefully their "savior" this year whom they just signed to a one-year $28 million contract. We all know about the "Clemens Clause" in which he can skip out on games that he doesn't pitch and be with his family. How good is Roger Clemens? Possibly the best pitcher of all times. The wins, the ERA, the strikeouts. How much is he worth? We all heard $28 million - but that's prorated. He doesn't get paid for April and May. But still, an astonishing fact, Roger Clemens will make $102.46 per minute. Imagine that. By the time you finish reading this Dish, he will have made over $500. To most, that is a good weekly salary. That's $6,147.60 in one hour - how many make that in a month? $147,000+ in one day.

And here it is again, another favorite time of the year for me. It's Friday morning, I'm watching ESPN, and already know it. "ESPN has learned that Dirk Nowitzki will be named the NBA Most Valuable Player on Tuesday." WHAT!? How does that happen? Why Tuesday? Everyone knows 4 days ahead of time, how is that fair?

So, the big news yesterday was that Dale Earnhart, Jr. will be leaving DEI (D. Earnhart, Inc.). His step-mother wouldn't give him the 51% share and control of company, and now with this decision, there won't be much to DEI. The biggest name in NASCAR is a free agent and talk already this morning is that he'll end up with the same team his daddy was with. Talk about splitting the family up - his sister is his agent and at the presser yesterday he mentioned his aunt too. I just wanna go grab a Busch for some reason...

Speaking of Busch...The Bulls collapsed last night. Already down 2-0 in the series, they had a 17 pt lead and blew it in the second half. I guess they're making progress, this team is the first to win a playoff series since the days of MJ. And I thought Philly was bad...talk about a city to suffer heartache: Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Rex Grossman and now the Bulls...I'm not so sure the White Sox shouldn't be considered a non-Chicago team.

So, everyone gets into these NFL Draft wrap ups. You don't know and won't for 2 years how good it was. I mean, come on - for every Tim Couch or Ryan Leaf (busts) there is a Peyton Manning (1st ballot HOF-er) and for every Ben Roethlisberger (starts fast) there is a Lee Evans (better over time). There are also the Michael Clayton and Cadillac Williams's (great rookie seasons), who counter their production with a horrible year. And those are only some first round names! Everyone makes a big deal about the Eagles draft, trading back, but not as much is said for teams that mortgage the farm - NY Giants for Eli Manning. There are all tons of different scenarios that will play out - no one can accurately project a player's fortune or misfortune in the NFL from a college career. Players get drafted from big schools, small schools; we've seen them on TV, or we never heard of them until Bowl season. Point being - look back to the 2005 draft and analyze that. Alex Smith, Ronnie Brown, Braylon Edwards, Cedric Benson and Cadillac Williams. Even they won't be viewed the same at the end of this season as they are now. Why should this year's class be any different?

Five bricks. No one has ever jumped five bricks. There's talk that some kid in the next town jumped four bricks and a small piece of wood...


Around the balls:
Giant-orange- The Cavs, led by 'Bron Bron, are up 2-0 on the Nets heading into tomorrow's Game 3 in East Rutherford. The younger, more physical Cavs are out-hussling and out-rebounding the older, more feeble Nets. Hey, at least the NJ teams got to the playoffs!!!

White-leather-stitched- Colbert Richard Hamels is on the mound tonight against the Cubs. His mid-three ERA and 4-1 record against a Chicago team under Lou Pinella that is 6-3 in their last nine. Cole's second in the NL with 52 K's in 47.2 IP. If he is to reach his goal of 20 wins, he better have a good game tonight. Hopefully he can get some run support. Aaron Rowand for MVP baby!

Rubber-non- Hockey is still going on? I tell you what, watch the end of this Buffalo/Ottowa series. It's gonna get ugly. Maybe the goalies will meet at center ice again to throw down.

Big-brown-oblong- Tank Williams is getting out of jail on Sunday and will meet with Commish Goodell on Wednesday. There's talk he'll be punished less harshly due to "time already served." How does that make any sense? He was actually punished to jail time, already been convicted of a weapons charge and a parole violation. How is that any better than being questioned by the Po-po 10 times and raising dogs for fighting?

Tiny-white- Tiger is in FL this weekend trying to avoid the smoke and winds to win another tourney. "The unofficial 5th major" they say, the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Look out for Lefty- already at 6 under on day 2. And I'm the "unofficial next Bill Simmons."

Green-fuzzy- Roger Federer lost to someone on clay not named Rafael Nadal. How about that?


Program Alert:
NBA Playoffs all weekend and tons of baseball.

Dom's Dish - 2007 NFL Draft Preview edition

Dom's Dish - Friday, April 27, 2007


The NFL Draft starts tomorrow. Seven rounds over two days - 1-3 tomorrow, 4-7 on Sunday. Quinn, Russell, Peterson, Jarrett, Gaines, Calvin, Troy, Leak...all one names that have been engrained into our head for months, and this will be the moment of truth. Who goes where? I have to say, I'm not to sure about this year's draft class. Last year it was Leinert, Bush and Young as the big three - who are they this year? Is it Peterson-Quinn-Russell? Peterson-Russell-Johnson? Johnson-Russell-Thomas? Who knows? Who will be the Tom Brady or Marques Colston of 2007 - if any? Will Trent Green move to Miami? How does Dante Culpepper fit in? Do the Browns have faith in Jamal Lewis? Where do the Giants, Jets and Eagles fit in?

First, let's get a few things straight. Anything can happen, it depends on how much teams are willing to wager, whether in trades or actual draft picks. Some teams draft on need, others on talent available, unlike what anyone says, there is no exact science to it, there is some luck thrown in, as well as some real talent from a scouting perspective in selecting the right player. The draft isn't over after the first day, nor even round seven.

Now that we have laid the ground work, let's look at the key players this year. Almost everyone has JaMarcus Russell, the big guy out of LSU going to the Raiders. The only possibility out there would be if Daunte Culpepper became available through the Dolphins releasing him in favor of Trent Green. A 2 and a 7 are what the 'Fins got for Wes Welker (my bust trade of the offseason) and the Chiefs are smart enough to realize the 'Fins robbed the Patriots of those two picks. I'm glad they're holding out for a 2 and a 7 now, but you know what happens - they'll see someone on the board they really like in Round 3 and take that extra 3rd round pick and a 7th for Green. By that point, Russell, who's healthy, has been drafted by the Raiders. I won't call it a lock that Russell is in black and silver next year, but can Lane Kiffin really expect that Andrew Walter is gonna be their guy? The Raiders got to a Super Bowl with Rich Gannon a few years back - someone they didn't draft, perhaps 2007 is finally the year to make the investment in an offensive player. The Raiders #1 draft picks from 2006 back to 1997 - S, CB, OT, CB, DE, CB, LB, S, K, OT, CB, OT, DT. Not one offensive skill player! During that same time frame, only 7 of their top 3 rounds' picks were skill players: names like Jon Ritchie, Teyo Johnson, Doug Jolley, Justin Fargas, Andrew Walter, Marques Tuiasasopo and Jerry Porter. You know the names because you might have drafted them for Fantasy purposes, but they have done diddily squat and/or have been unreliable. Sure you could build around Andrew Walter and that defense, but JaMarcus has the arm. Pick one done - I just wonder if we'll hear about the signing tonight before bed time like the Mario Williams signing last year?

After that, is where it gets interesting. You know a few trades will occur, but not since the Eli deal has there been much movement at the top...until now. Calvin Johnson is still on the board. Jon Gruden is salivating. The skins need a LB and the Briggs deal is still in the works. I say at least one move will occur - either Briggs to 'Skins for the #5 pick, or the Bucs trading up to #2 for Calvin Johnson, where the Lions will get Gaines Adams and a pick from the Bucs. Aside from that, I could go on forever about each pick - who goes where, etc. But that's not my job - Mel Kiper and those other "experts" do a good enough job. Let's break down a few teams and see where they're gonna go...

NY Jets: After a playoff run last year under rookie head coach Eric the Man-genious, and a quiet but effective offseason, they're in great shape for the draft. Most list their biggest needs as CB, OLB, WR, TE and DT. Obviously their trading for Thomas Jones...for a mere 21 places in the second round was the move of the year in my opinion. Leon Washington, Nick Mangold, Brad Smith and D'Brickashaw Ferguson were their best performers from last year's draft. A second year in the system will only help Kellen Clemens as he backs up Chad, Chris Baker is a solid blocking TE, but a threat like Shockey is always a possibility - see Greg Olsen (Wayne Hills H.S. graduate). With two picks in the second round and the 25th pick in the 1st round, moving up is a possibility for the J-e-t-s Jets Jets Jets. However with the need for more young talent on the team, trading down is just as likely since the Jets only have 6 picks. It's a deep WR draft and finding a big body from a smaller school to play DT is an option. Look for the Jets to take a LB or CB in the first two rounds, followed by some receivers further down in Day 1.

NY Giants: Since they called out of the free agency period, they must be set. With eight picks and a quiet offseason (aside from letting their LT go), look for them to draft some OT help and obviously defense. ALL parts of defense. Injuries to their Defensive line have killed them, the Lavar Arrington experiment failed, their secondary are all 30-something former free agents, and oh and their down a Tiki. Aside from my being an Eagles fan, this team is going backwards...fast. Unless Eli turns things around and starts looking more like his brother than a Disney cartoon character, it's not going to matter who they draft.

Philadelphia Eagles: The questions already: Is it time to draft a QB? How about a big RB? They still need a WR, right? How about drafting a LB? What happens if B-Dawk goes down? My answers and projections - Y Y N Y Y. Andy Reid loves linemen in the first round - he's moved up to get Shawn Andrews, and got screwed taking Freddie Mitchell. They'll draft a QB - if Jon Beck of BYU is still available in the mid-to-late second round, you know Andy Reid loves his Cougars (of BYU, and K Wright). With the way Michael Bush has fallen with his broken leg, Brian Leonard because people don't know if he's a RB or FB, and Tony Hunt's size...if one of them is there in the second round - they need to take them too. Look for a first round selection of Chris Houston or Daymeion Hughes, CB's out of Arkansas or Cal respectively. Decisions, decisions - if Paul Posluzny is still available in the first round, could they take him? I actually think the Eagles will trade down at least once to acquire more picks and you know they'll make another player-for-pick trade too - possibly Jerome McDougle (if anyone out there still wants him), Dhani Jones, Sam Rayburn or William Thomas as they are deep at those positions. L.J. Smith is the big name heading into a contract year, so look for them to draft a TE in the mid rounds 4/5. You know the 6 draft picks they have will turn into more - and with their close proximity to the edge of the salary cap, trading down is an great play. It doesn't appear that we've heard much buzz about their potential picks in the first round this year - maybe that's saying something?

Some players worth pointing out that may have an impact next season?
David Harris, LB Michigan
Chris Houston, CB Arkansas
Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma
Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan
Mason Crosby, K Colorado

Dom's Dark horses:
David Ball, WR New Hampshire
Jared Zabransky, QB Boise State
Cameron Stephenson, OG Rutgers
Joe Newton, TE Oregon State
Tim Shaw, OLB Penn State


Program Alert:
NFL Draft coverage begins at 11am on Saturday - really the draft starts at 12 noon, but an hour extra of ESPN isn't bad...

Dom's Dish - Character edition

Dom's Dish - Thursday, April 26, 2007


So how about them NBA awards, eh? Sam Mitchell of the Raptors won the Coach of the Year Award, Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors won the most improved award and Leandro Barbosa of the Suns won the sixth man award. Even for someone like me, the casual fan, these names don't mean anything to me. Ok, maybe Barbosa - "The Brazilian Blur" - since he's on the Suns and they get a lot of playing time on national TV. It's funny to me that this doesn't even create a buzz - think NFL and MLB - there's speculation for weeks and months about these awards. If baseball is the "National Past time" and football is "America's Game," that definitely leaves basketball as "the sport America exported." Ever since the days of Larry versus Magic and MJ, basketball has been on the decline. I think someone should let David Stern know.

One day to the big Dom's Dish draft preview - however here is a preview of the preview. The word of the year that already is turning my stomach every time I hear it now...over and over...is "character." I have not heard that word so much since English class junior year in high school!!! Damn you Pacman Jones - it's your fault. You and the Cincinnati Bengals! Couldn't you just party at home? Do you have to drink and drive, while transporting baggies and then carry guns around while doing it? Really? Did you have to go to Vegas to party with the NBA stars....with guns? Now we'll be inundated all day Saturday from Mel Kiper, Chris Berman and TJ about the word. Maybe Suzy Kolber will be there to discuss it too? Andrea Kramer? They'll have reporters everywhere discussing character, character, character.

The one thing I don't like is the fact that this new "Conduct Policy" is being enforced and presided over by one man - Roger Goodell. Even with his "players advisory committee" his power is fast approaching David Stern level.

The Phillies have won five straight after Charlie Manuel's pep talk before Saturday's game. Some key factors? The bullpen isn't giving up tons of runs, they're all actually hitting the ball. Nice pep talk - hit the ball! Stop giving up runs! Man I should be a manger! (Of course as I write this, they're down 3-0 in the top of the sixth inning with the bases loaded)

Is that American Idol crap over yet? I can't wait to start watching "Bingo night in America" or whatever....I can't wait for the "Dom Show" where I just sit at the computer and flip through the channels - it'll be real reality TV!


Around the balls:
Giant-orange- The Lebron's are beating up on the Wizards. The kid is still averaging 25 pts, 8.5 boards and 7 assists in the two games. Without Caron Butler and Agent Zero - Gilbert Arenas, the Cavs are gonna sweep them.
White-leather-stitched- Did you hear? Torii Hunter sent some bottles of champagne to the KC Royals as promised for last years season-ending sweep of the Tigers (by the Royals), propelling the Twins into the playoffs? Now he may face a minimum 3-year suspension from the game for gift giving? Maybe even the Royals too. Tradition is tradition, but sounds like a.) he shouldn't have kept his promise and b.) this is a stupid rule.
Rubber-non- Devils win 3 straight. Already in the second round of the NFL playoffs, it'll be interesting to see how this round plays out. It really sucks that you can only watch the games on Channel "772" and pay for it, or 59 - "Versus". Then they wonder why people don't call it a major sport- what came first, no playoffs on national TV or no one watching?
Big-brown-oblong- The Draft is 2 days away. Are you excited yet? With all this talk of trades and what-if scenarios...it's making my head spin. BTW, I hope no one needs me Saturday afternoon from about 11am to 6 or 7pm....
Tiny-white- Everyone is up in arms about this weekend's event - the Byron Nelson Open - and the fact that 11 of the top 15 in the world will not be at the event. I love golf and all, but even for an individual sport, it's too much to keep calling it a sport. It's more like a hobby. "Eh, I'm busy this week with doing nothing, maybe next week?"
Green-fuzzy- Rafael Nadal again beat Roger Federer on clay, this time the Barcelona Open. He has won 69 consecutive matches on clay, one short of the record. "Clay. Bill Clay." Good one Hans - McLean almost had you that time. "No bullets!"


Program Alert:
NFL Draft coverage begins at 11am on Saturday - really the draft starts at 12 noon, but an hour extra of ESPN isn't bad...