Happy Thursday Gabbers!

Before I get started with my weekly rant I want to take a moment and congratulate Nomar Garciaparra on a great career. I thought it was cool that he chose to sign a one day contract with the Red Sox to retire as a member of the team that gave him the chance to star in the league in the first place. I will always miss that goofy-ass batting stance you had Nomar, and I wish you the best in all your future endeavors.

Nomar treated his former club with far more class than Chicago's newest douchebag Julius Peppers did. I'm sure you've all seen by now that Peppers signed a huge contract to play for the Bears that guarantees him $40M over the next 3 years. (Even if there is no NFL in 2011 due to a lockout, this douche still gets paid - why can't I get a deal like this?)

Now please keep in mind that I'm not bitter that Peppers left Carolina. In fact, I'm glad the mother fucker is gone - I got tired of watching him half-ass his way through every other game and only showing up to play when it benefited him the most. I want to have guys on my favorite team who actually give a damn about the people they play for and with, instead of guys who are all about themselves. I don't mind guys who are passionate about winning, but people who decide that for whatever reason they are more important than the team have no place on any roster - and Peppers comes across as one of those people.

So if I'm glad that Peppers is gone, why am I so sour towards him? I'm glad you asked. (You know you did.) I'm pissed off at Peppers because of the way he handled the situation. All he did while he was trying to find a new team was whine, bitch, and moan about how he felt that nobody loved him anymore in Carolina and that he was the forgotten one, and it just got so tiring that I couldn't wait for him to sign with another team just so I didn't have to read about his stupid crybaby shit any more.

But he couldn't stop there. No - he had to stoke the fire even more. When he signed with Chicago, he said in an interview that he wanted to thank the NFL for the first 8 years of his career and he was excited about what the future held for the rest of his time in the league. Keep in mind that the fucker failed to mention the team that drafted him into the league and gave him the opportunity to play and earn the money and mega contract that he now has.

Also, don't forget about the thousands of people who fucking worshiped the ground that he walked on while he was in Carolina who spend hundreds of hard-earned dollars buying tickets to games and #90 jerseys to support his stupid ass for 8 years.

(Seriously - you don't think he was worshipped? The guy could have walked into a children's burn hospital and killed 5 kids on tv, and fans would have come up with a reason explaining why the kids had it coming. I'm not kidding - the guy was a freaking god here in the Carolinas, but he felt like nobody gave a shit about him because the Panthers' front office wasn't calling him every day and begging him to sign a contract and play out his career in Carolina. Bitch please - have fun in Chicago when they're calling for your ass in Week 3 when you don't live up to expectations.)

I know Beeze has touched on this already, but I can't help but comment on Derek Anderson's remarks about the fans in Cleveland who are celebrating the fact that he is no longer their problem. I'm not going to lie, I thought what he said was funny as hell, and if I were him I would probably have said the same thing, especially after they booed the fact that he went down with an injury. But Derek, let me break this down for you: You Suck. You couldn't play dead, much less play quarterback. Fans are glad you are gone because you are not any good. It's pretty fucking pathetic when fans in Cleveland are glad you're gone, because we all know that Cleveland isn't exactly the Mecca of football (no offense, Beeze). I know you are upset with the fans for the way they treated you, but if you would have been a halfway decent quarterback you wouldn't have this problem.

So, next time you leave a franchise and the fans are happy that you're gone - take a few moments and think about why they are glad you're no longer on the roster. You might change your feelings on the matter if you do that Derek, because you will realize that their feelings of joy for no longer having to put up with your shitty play are justified, whether you like it or not.

While I'm talking about the Browns, I must also add that if they trade Brady Quinn they will be making a huge mistake, unless they get something huge in return. Quinn has the tools to be a good quarterback if they would just put him in there and let him go through the typical bumps along the way like all quarterbacks experience in their first few years in the league. Hell, Peyton Manning led the Colts to a whopping 3-13 record in his rookie season, but they stuck with him, and as far as I can tell that move has paid off quite nicely for them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Brady Quinn is the next Peyton Manning, but I do believe that he could be the future of the franchise for the Browns, if they would only give him the chance to prove himself.

Well, that's all I have this week. Please take a few moments and contribute to the latest You Gab 25 - this time we're compiling the 25 necessities of a Man Cave. Be sure to get over there and give your input so we can get that list completed so fRag won't have to resort to begging.

Thanks for reading this week, and as always feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Until next Thursday...

  I haven't been posting as much lately...Mainly because I feel like shit...I blame it on my oral surgery...Scroll down to read all about that crap...

Warning: My angry ranting may offend some people out there...I try to mix in some humor...Sometimes the best humor comes from honesty...I don't know if this will bring you a smile...But it helps my mental state to write it...If you don't like it...Go Screw!

So the first thing that is pissing me off, is Derek Anderson...Former Browns Quarterback...First the people who think the Browns should have kept him...You're stupid! He threw 3 Touchdowns and 10 Interceptions last year...He was due a $2 million dollar bonus next week if they kept him...Plus his stupid $7 million salary for the season...NOT WORTH IT!!!

Then this hack takes shots at the City of Cleveland after the team dumps his ass...Saying that Browns fans are "Ruthless" and "Don't deserve a winner." Hey Derek you don't deserve $9 million for throwing passes to the other team, you Cunt! He also hopes to come back here with his new team and "Roll" the Browns...You'll be lucky to be somebody's backup Cunt! And if you think Cleveland is "ruthless" boy are you in for a surprise...For a city that has done nothing but support losing teams, you got off easy...You sound like that crying b!tch Tim Couch, you Cunt!

D. A. I hope you break your neck trying out to be somebody's 3rd string QB!

Next...Lindsay Lohan wants $100 million from E*Trade because she feels they took a shot at her reputation in one of their baby commercials...Lindsay, we all know you're not a "Milkaholic." You're an Alcoholic! The only person that f**ked up your reputation was you...The constant photos of you wasted coming out of clubs...Wasted in cars...Grinding on whoever was there...Bombed out of your mind showing the world your gash...Lindsay, this is your reputation... -
Hey, that's fine...Party it up...I don't give a damn...But don't go acting like you name is a brand, like Oprah...I don't like Oprah, but we've seen you've slumped over in a car showing TMZ your dirty hatchet wound...Oprah doesn't do that...Oprah's family doesn't come out in the media and talk about how you need to go to rehab...Oprah doesn't take her 15 year old sister out to the clubs and get her wasted...You're not a brand...Your stupid name is pretty common...

Do the world a favor...Feel free to OD any day now!

Next up...There has been a lot of complaints about "The Hurt Locker" winning the Oscar for "Best Picture." Many of the shots have been taken at the director and the writer...Much of this has come from Veterans...Listen...Veterans, I love you...I respect you, and I thank you...I mean no disrespect by this...It was a movie...Movies are about entertainment and making money...It wasn't up for "Best Documentary." I liked the movie a lot...I never served in Iraq, but I could pick out at least 10 things in the movie that I knew were bullshit...I know bomb techs didn't have that gear...But Hollywood isn't a fan of reality...Even if a movie is based on real events, Hollywood has to pretty it up...

I would love to see Veterans write their stories, and push some Hollywood big wigs to get the real story out there...Push Hollywood to get behind documentaries...Every year those douche bags sit there and roar about the "Best Documentary" category...But it's just for show...If it wasn't, movies like "Food Inc" and "The Cove" would have been released in every theater in this country...

I'm honestly not trying to shit on Veterans...Hollywood is flawed...We she be focusing more on the documentaries...Less on the Movies...(movies=entertainment) But Hollywood doesn't think we can handle reality enough to pay to see it...Maybe they're right...But I wouldn't mind giving it a try...

Next...Nomar Garciaparra signed with the Red Sox, then retired...I've seen way too many stories about this today...I liked Nomar...Back before he was a little bitch sitting on the bench in Yankee stadium...Hell I didn't even realize he hadn't retired already...


Lastly, Ben Roethlisberger has another accuser...This time he admits to throwing it into the chick, but that it was consensual...I'm guessing they had plenty of proof that he was inside her since she stopped by the hospital right afterwards...But hey, innocent until proven guilty in this country...I don't know know if he's lying, or he is...Maybe a little of both...All I know is, "Big Ben" has a growing track record of putting himself into stupid situations...

Wake up you stupid, fat faced, Shrek looking idiot...Or go crash your motorcycle again!

Alright, I think that's enough for one night...Let's end this with a laugh...



Later, The Beeze.

Out of deference to the great daily bloggers, I make every conceiveable attempt not to blog except on Tuesdays, but I gotta tell y'all that I've seen four stories today that cause me to have to speak my mind here.  With sincere apologies to IHM, I've gotta put this out there -

I put it to you Gabbers, whose, the douche bag of the past 24 hours?

(1)  Jeremiah Masoli, the starting QB for the Oregon Ducks getting pinched for one count of Second Degree Burglary for stealing computers from a frat house.

(2) Marion Jones signed a contract with a team in the WNBA.  The reason I consider this douche-baggery is because a hard working young woman who wants to continue her basketball career will be cut short due to Jones’ need for attention and the teams need for headlines.  She’s 34 years old, and can she possibly be in Basketball shape? 

(3) Jack Swarbrick, the AD at Notre Dame for saying that he can see scenarios where Notre Dame might be FORCED to join a league?  Look dumb ass, your team sucks and you are too arrogant to realize it.  Join the fucking Big East and let West Virginia get into the Big Ten, which will force all the other leagues to step it up.  Basically Swarbrick, stop holding College Football hostage!  DOUCHE BAG!

(4) ABC TV coverage.  During the LA Faker/Orlando Magic game last Sunday, these douche bags had the audacity to interview Ron Artest’s Barber about the blond do.  Can I ask a question – if the game was a good game, and it was, why are these assholes interviewing a barber (err, stylist)?

Lots of stupidity out there, don't you think?

PHOENIX (AP)—Los Angeles Angels center fielder Torii Hunter(notes) called black Latino baseball players “impostors” when it comes to the appearance of the number of African-Americans in the major leagues.

Hunter’s comments were made two weeks ago in one of a series of USA Today roundtables about baseball and published in Wednesday’s editions.

“People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they’re African-American,” Hunter said. “They’re not us. They’re impostors. Even people I know come up and say: ‘Hey, what color is Vladimir Guerrero(notes)? Is he a black player?’ I say, ‘Come on, he’s Dominican. He’s not black.’ …

“As African-American players, we have a theory that baseball can go get an imitator and pass them off as us. It’s like they had to get some kind of dark faces, so they go to the Dominican or Venezuela because you can get them cheaper. It’s like, ‘Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Chicago and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Dominican guy for a bag of chips?’ … I’m telling you, it’s sad,” he said.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, a Venezuelan, scoffed at Hunter’s remarks before Wednesday’s game against the Oakland Athletics. Angels spokesman Eric Kay said Hunter will not further discuss the subject.

“I was laughing because when he said, ‘They go there and sign for potato chips,’ I said, ‘Well, we’ve got Chapman. They gave him $12 million. (Cincinnati actually agreed to a $30.25 million, six-year contract with pitcherAroldis Chapman(notes).) We’ve got (prospect Dayan) Viciedo. They gave him $10 million. I remember in my time, one scout goes (to Venezuela and) 30 players show up. Now, 30 scouts go there and one player shows up. In our country, we play baseball. That’s no choice. Here you can play basketball, you can be another athlete, you can do so many things when you have the opportunity. And that’s why there’s not many (African-American) players out there.”

There has been some concern about the number of African-American baseball players. Many blacks are choosing to play other sports instead.

Black players accounted for 10.2 percent of major leaguers in 2008, the most since the 1995 season, according to the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports.

“I keep saying a lot of times, in 10 more years American people are going to need a visa to play this game because we’re going to take over. We’re going to,” Guillen said.

AP freelance writers Jose Romero in Phoenix and Jim Richards in Tempe contributed to this report.

 More automatic bids have been earned in the last two days, the big boy conferences are happy that only Gonzaga was the only mid-major to lose in their conference tourney, and take an at-large berth out of the mix. There will only be a couple of smaller conference bids going out today.

Atlantic Coast
Conference Class-Power
Locks: Duke, Wake Forest, Maryland, Clemson
Playing Their Way In Florida State. Virginia Tech
Playing Their Way Out: Georgia Tech
Skinny on the ACC: Duke gets the top seed and after brutally housing North Carolina Saturday is in no danger of missing the tourney, and are shooting for a #1 seed. Wake is tottering badly but still is in line for a bid providing that they don’t lose to Miami or badly lose to Virginia Tech. Georgia Tech has really stumbled badly and if they lose to UNC in the ACC opening round they might get the boot. I only have 6 teams coming out of this conference, not 7 as some would want you to believe.
Atlantic Coast Conference Championships: Mar 11-14; Greensboro Coliseum; Greensboro, NC
Projected Bids: 6

Atlantic Ten
Conference Class-Mid Major
Lock: Temple , Xavier, Richmond
Playing their way out: Saint Louis, Dayton, Rhode Island
The A-10 Spec is: Temple, X and Richmond need only to win their opening round games in Atlantic City to feel totally safe. If Saint Louis gets to the A-10 semis they will get that 4th seed. Charlotte got beat Tuesday and is finished. The Billikens, Flyers and Rams need to get another win to improve their chances. But I only have four teams coming out of this conference so something has to give.
Atlantic 10 Conference Championship: March 12-14 Boardwalk Hall; Atlantic City, NJ
Projected Bids: 4

Big East
Conference Class-Power
Lock: Syracuse , Villanova , West Virginia , Georgetown , Pitt, Marquette , Louisville
Playing Their Way In Cincy, Notre Dame
Big East Skinny: UConn is out, getting housed by St. John’s was the brutal last straw. There is no way that the Huskies get an invite. The Bearcats are back on the list, having tried to play their way out but their numbers are still good enough to get them in but they need another win and beating Louisville might just be enough. Only Notre Dame is in any real trouble today, if they lose to Seton Hall, they will be out. The lock teams are safe, even if Louisville loses tonight I think they are going.
Big East Championship Tournament: Mar 9-13 Madison Square Garden, New York City
Projected bids: 8

Big Ten
Conference Class-Power
Lock: Michigan State , Purdue , Wisconsin , Ohio State
Playing their way In: Illinois
Playing Their Way Out: Minnesota
The word on the Big Ten is: The lock teams are just that. Illinois is fading fast and faces an interesting quartefinal rematch against a Wisconsin team that housed them in their own crib. If the Illini get another housing, they are not going anywhere but home for an NIT first round game. Minnesota is needing to win two games to even get back into the conversation.
Big Ten Championships: Mar 11-14 Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Projected Bids: 4

Big 12
Conference Class-Power
Lock: Kansas , Texas , Kansas State , Texas A&M, Baylor
Playing Their Way In Missouri , Oklahoma State
Skinny from the heartland: This conference is sending 7 teams...give me a good argument against any of the teams listed. Mizzou and Oklahoma St. have to only guard against a bad first round loss in Kansas City next week and they are good.
Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship: Mar 10-13 Sprint Center Kansas City, Mo
Projected Bids: 7

Colonial
Conference Class-Small
In: Old Dominion
Colonial Spec: Old Dominion will be a handful for any team that they face in the first round. This is the only team coming out of this conference
Colonial Athletic Association Champions: Old Dominion
Projected Bids: 1

Conference USA
Conference Class-Major
Lock: UTEP
Hoping and Wishin’: Marshall , UAB, Memphis
Oh Say Can You C-USA Spec: With UNI winning the MVC im shifting numbers in projections. Im liking Memphis making a hard charge down the stretch to stay on UTEP’s heels. If the Tigers get to Saturday and the finals, win or lose I see them getting a bid. UAB is pretty much in the same boat so you may see a virtual play-in game for a bid in the C-USA semifinals if UAB and Memphis.
Conference USA Championships: Mar 10-13 BOK Center Tulsa, OK
Projected Bids: 2

Horizon
Conference Class-Mid Major
In: Butler
Spec on The Horizon: Butler smashed Wright State to win the Horizon title and is in line for a high seed. Why do I get the feeling that the selection committee will give Butler the shaft (again)and either put them against another mid major or give them an 8 seed to keep them away from the sweet 16?
Horizon League Champions: Butler
Projected Bids: 1

Ivy
Conference Class-Small
In: Cornell
Spec on the Ivy Vine: Cornell gets the first guaranteed invite as they clinched the Ivy Group title Friday, they will be the only team coming out of this conference
Ivy Group Champion: Cornell
Projected Bids: 1


Missouri Valley
Conference Class-Mid Major
In: Northern Iowa
Hoping & Wishin’ Wichita State
Missouri Valley Skinny: It’s a sweet repeat for the Panthers who used a steady second half surge to hold off the Shockers. The big boy conferences breathe a bit easier, this is likely a one bid league.
Missouri Valley Mens Basketball Tournament Champions: Northern Iowa
Projected Bids: 1


Mountain West
Conference Class-Major
Lock: BYU, New Mexico
Playing Their Way In UNLV, San Diego St
Spec from the Mountains: I still have 4 teams coming out of this deep conference. Though the Aztecs really need to get to the MWC semis to feel safe about their chances. As long as UNLV doesn't take a first round pratfall they will get their invite.
Conoco Mountain West Championship Mar 9-13 Thomas & Mack Center Las Vegas
Projected Bids: 4


Pacific 10
Conference Class-Power
Lock: California
Playing Their Way In Arizona State
Playing Their Way Out: Washington
Spec from the left coast: Cal is the top dog here, but the Pac-10 tourney is wide open. I can see a couple teams coming out but that’s about it here. Im projecting Cal and Arizona State netting bids, and while Washington has the chops may need to get to the semis or the finals to get a real shot.
Pacific Life Pac-10 Championships: Mar 10-13 Staples Center, Los Angeles
Projected Bids: 2



Southeastern
Conference Class-Power
Lock: Kentucky , Vanderbilt , Tennessee
Playing Their Way In Florida , Mississippi St .
Spec is Down South: Florida blew a chance to solidify their tourney chances as they fell at Kentucky. The Gators may need to get to the SEC semis to feel really good about their chances. If the Gators fall in the SEC 1st round or lose to Mississippi State in the SEC quarters, they might be on the wrong side of the cut line.
SEC Championship Mar 11-14, Sommet Center Nashville
Projected Bids: 4


Western Athletic
Conference Class- Major
Lock: Utah State
Playing Their Way Out: New Mexico State , La. Tech
Spec on the WAC: This might be a one bid, because even though the Utah State Aggies have 22 wins and are leading the WAC, their numbers are so-so at best. If the New Mexico State Aggies or La. Tech steals the bid, Utah State could be on the outs.
Western Athletic Conference Championships: Mar 11-13 Lawlor Events Center; Reno, NV
Projected Bids: 1

West Coast
Conference Class- Mid Major
In: St. Mary’s
Lock: Gonzaga
West Coast Spec: The big boy conferences are cursing St. Mary’s, their stunning rout of Gonzaga means that they won’t have to hope and wish for a bid. That also means that the Bulldogs will take an at-large bid off the table, you are out of your mind if you think that Gonzaga is getting left out of the tournament.
West Coast Conference Basketball Champions: St. Mary’s
Projected Bids: 2



There are others in the mix to be sure. The champions from the following conferences get an automatic bid (projected winners in parentheses/actual winners in bold ) : Amer. East (Vermont) , Atlantic Sun (Belmont/East Tennessee State) , Big South (Coastal Carolina/Winthrop), Big Sky (Northern Colorado) , Big West (Pacific), MAC (Kent State) , MAAC (Siena), MEAC (Morgan State), Northeast (Quinnipiac), Ohio Valley (Murray St.), Patriot (Lehigh), Southern (Appalachian State/ Wofford ), Southland (Sam Houston State), Sun Belt (North Texas), Summit (Oakland), and SWAC (Jackson State)

Conference Breakdown
ACC-6
A-Ten -4
Big East-8
Big Ten-4
Big XII-7
C-USA-2
Colonial-1
Horizon-1
Ivy-1
Missouri Valley-1
Mountain West-4
Pac-10-2
SEC-4
WAC-3
WCC-2
Small Conferences-17
Total-65


Keep in mind that this is just spec, these are merely projections and we haven't even brought up the possibility of upsets. But those never happen, right?

Next Spec Sheet March 11
 

Cheers From Up here in the Cheap Seats

 It’s the Hockey Blog once again we will skate around the world of the NHL.So get ready.

Lanz Editorial!
I’m ticked off at the lack of aggressiveness the Boston Bruins showed Sunday. These soccer moms in Bruins Uniforms lack INTENSITY. As matter of fact I’ll take the soccer mom comment back because they bring more intensity to their kids games then these guys do to professional hockey. If The Bruins need somebody to go out and even it up my I suggest, Kevin Youklis, Rodney Harrison, or Kendrick Perkinsor Cam Neely .

I will give Shawn Thornton some credit for explaining why there was no revenge on WEEI Dennis and Callahan Show Shawn Thornton Interview
Thornton took some hard hitting questions and said things may have been different if he was on the ice.
 

There are unwritten rules in sports you take out our best player we will get even(Spare please with the finds and suspensions for retaliation in the last minutes of game) Sometimes you need to show sack regardless of the consequence. Especially, when your best player is elbowed in the head. Do you think Bob Gibsonwould let somebody throw at Lou Brock? Do you thinkMarty McSorelywould allow anybody to touch Gretzky. Do you think anybody would touch Bobby Orrwithout retaliation. Matt Cookeis a cheap shot artist and mere thug, The guy is a disgrace to the NHL. It’s appalling that the Bruins didn’t retaliate despite the consequence. It’s appalling that this kid didn’t get a penalty. It’s appalling that Colin Campbell said he reviewed it for an hour and half with seven other guys and said it was clean. It is simply appalling that the game has been wuzzified worst than hitting an NFL quarterback.

Has the NHL not purchase HD TV s for the little room in Canada. Did Campbell not put his glasses on for this hit. It was a freakin elbow to the head. Why, Are the Gm’s meeting this week in Florida? Are they watching exhibition baseball? No to discuss a blows to the head and concussions. Marc Savardhas one as a result of a cheap shot and nobody is doing a thing about it.. There will be a hearing today with Cooke. Damien Cox of The Toronto Star has a good take on the the proposed new rules. He also quotes Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero saying in "our rule book Cooke did nothing wrong" I guess old Ray uses a different Rulebook. It was a head shot Ray!

Claude Julian needs to take a page from Reg Dunlop. He needs to send his guys after Matt Cooke. Not Syd The Kid. Then again Clyde Shouldn't have to tell his guys what to do when the Bruins play Pittsburgh on March 18th.

NHL Goes to Court
From TSN,CA
The NHL is sueing former Coyote owner Jerry Moyes in his family by sitting that Moyes and his family breached their NHL contract and agreements by putting the team in bankruptcy and the trying to sellit.

Emotions for A Class Act.

From the Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazzette, Saku Koivupraises his time in Montreal as the Candiens took on the ducks last night in Anaheim. An emotional Night for Koivu who spent 13 years with the Canadiens overcame cancer in 2001-2002 and an eye injury in 2006. He was aUFA and signed a 1 year contract with the Ducks as part of Bob Gainey'shousecleaning. The Canadiens didn’t resign him. Koivu was hoping last nights game was in Montreal but it was in Anaheim.

Power Rankings
Scott Burnside of ESPN.com
No surprises
The Caps are on top and deservingly so.(they are fun too watch)Sharks are #2 followed by the Hawks. Then The Penguinsup from 8, Coyotes stand pat at 5,Canauacks are up one to 6,Avs move into 7th from 9, Kings drop from 4 to 8, The Sabres go up from 10 to 9 and The Devils round the top 10 out dropping from 6th.


Ryan Dixon of Hockey News
The Caps lead this group as well, followed by the Sharks,Canaucks, Penguins. Amd Hawks, Coyotes, Kings ,Avs and Wngs,finally The Senators.

Olde Time Hockey Pic Of The Week
Last week it was Alex Delvecchio(lots of good guesses no got it)

This Week Name The Bruin

1. St. Louis Rams : Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle

The Rams getting Suh is the absolute right move. Not only is he easily the best player in this years draft, but the team can think of their history as an indicator how important defense is.

 

The "Fearsome Foursome" carried the franchise for years in the 1960's and 1970's. Suh would be able to join Adam Carriker and Chris Long to give the Rams an exciting and young defensive line, backed by young middle linebacker James Laurinaitis.

The "Fearsome Foursome Jr." is right there to be had, and drafting a quarterback instead could haunt the Rams for years.

The last time the Rams used a first round pick on a quarterback was Bill Munson in 1964 with the seventh overall pick.

This came one year after the Rams drafted Heisman winner Terry Baker, a quarterback, with the first pick in the draft.

Neither Munson nor Baker were with the Rams after 1967.

2. Detroit Lions: Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle

 

The Lions got their defensive tackle by picking up Corey Williams recently, so getting Gerald McCoy seems unlikely.

Left tackle Jeff Backus is 32 and will get close to $5 million this year, so they can afford to stick Okung on the right side this year. This allows them to move Gosder Cherilus inside at guard, where some think he fits more naturally at right now.

Okung's future is so bright, it is fathomable that it will be Backus moved to the right tackle in 2010.

Detroit did not give quarterback Matt Stafford $60 million to spend most of his season banged up, as was the case last year. Keeping him healthy is paramount, plus the Lions really need to upgrade their offensive lie anyway.

 

 

 

 

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle

Tampa Bay might consider players like safety Eric Barry, but they can't go wrong by grabbing McCoy either.

He is a good pass rusher, something the Buccaneers desperately need inside their defensive line.

Though he was not impressive at the combine, it is hard to picture him being passed up here. If he is, the Redskins will be very grateful.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Washington Redskins : Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback

 

The Redskins are in a quandary here. They need a left tackle to replace retired Pro Bowler Chris Samuels, and they need a defensive end because they are dreadfully thin at the position.

The problem is that Okung and McCoy are off the board and no one else is worth taking at this spot.

One possible pick is safety Eric Berry, which would allow Laron Landry to move back to strong safety.

New head coach Mike Shanahan has drafted only one quarterback in the first round in all of his years in the NFL, which was Jay Cutler. He ended up with a losing record and lost his job in Denver.

Some think the team prefers Sam Bradford, so you can flip a coin between him and Clausen. Owner Dan Snyder attended a private workout with Clausen over a month ago, then had him as a guest on his radio station.

Plus Clausen appears to be the better fit in Shanahan's offense.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Kansas City Chiefs : Eric Berry, Safety

 

Though the Chiefs need blockers and receivers, they cannot pass on Berry if he is here.

Berry had a excellent combine, and reaffirmed he is the best defensive back in the draft.

He could give the Chiefs a safety that joins the ranks of Johnny Robinson and Deron Cherry as the best in team history when all is said and done.

 

 

 

 

 

6. Seattle Seahawks : Sam Bradford, Quarterback

 

Now that Seattle got rid of Seneca Wallace, they need a quarterback more than ever. Matt Hasselbeck is 35 and has one year left on his contract. He has also had back problems the last few years.

Bradford will be groomed to be the starter in 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

7. Cleveland Browns : Brian Price, Defensive End

 

Joe Haden might go here, considering the Browns need help in their secondary, or they could grab wide receiver Dez Bryant to bolster their unimpressive receivers corp.

Cleveland are dreadfully thin at defensive end, having just two guys who are over 30 years old. Price has been shooting up draft boards recently, and has the versatility to play defensive tackle if the Browns employ the 4-3 on passing downs by putting Matt Roth on the end.

Haden's 4.6 40-yard dash at the combine may scare the Browns off here, but it is conceivable they draft him regardless of his showing.

 

 

 

 

8. Oakland Raiders : Bruce Campbell, Offensive Tackle

 

It is conceivable the Raiders grab defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul here.

Like Pierre-Paul, Campbell is raw and extremely athletic. Yet Oakland really needs help in the trenches on both sides of the football.

Dez Bryant is one name being mentioned here, but it is hard to fathom the Raiders getting another wide receiver.

Campbell allows the inconsistent Mario Henderson to move to the right side, while representing an upgrade at left tackle.

Raiders fans hope Campbell will have more impact in his rookie year than fellow Maryland Terrapin Darrius Heyward-Bey did last year.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Buffalo Bills : Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle

 

Buffalo needs a right tackle after Brad Butler shocked them by retiring recently.

Williams had an excellent combine, posting the second fastest time at his position. It is possible he is put at left tackle, though some feel he can be a Pro Bowler from the right side.

If Oakland grabs Williams, then they will probably grab Campbell because they need are desperate in need of blockers right now.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver

 

Torry Holt was released last month, so someone will have to replace his 51 receptions from 2009.

Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas are two young receivers who were excellent last year, but Thomas works best in the slot. Bryant is a big leaper with very good size.

He will be hard to pass up of he is still on the board here.

 

 

 

 

 

11. Denver Broncos: Dan Williams, Nose Tackle

 

Denver needs an upgrade over Ronald Field, and Williams is just that. The Broncos continue to look to retool their defensive line, recently adding Justin Bannan.

Williams would probably be handed the starting job before he even walks up to the podium if selected.

 

 

 

 

12. Miami Dolphins : Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End

 

Pierre-Paul is a lifelong Floridian with just two years of football experience and an unknown date of birth.

What is known is he is an amazingly gifted athlete. Though the Dolphins recently grabbed Karlos Dansby, they need an outside linebacker who can get to the quarterback.

This can be a good fit, as Pierre-Paul is brought along slowly to learn his position and used as a pass rush specialist initially.

Bill Parcells has a thing for a linebacker who can get to the ball fast, and this could be his guy. Sergio Kindle and Ricky Sapp may be considered too.

 

 

 

 

 

13. San Francisco 49ers : Joe Haden, Cornerback

 

The Niners need help in the secondary. Their current group of CB's had five interceptions last year, and veteran Nate Clements is entering his ninth season.

Haden was considered a top ten selection before his mediocre showing at the combine, but it is hard to see him dropping too far in the draft.

 

 

 

 

 

14. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, Offensive Tackle

 

Baluga has size, length, and is well schooled in a zone blocking scheme.

Seattle needs blockers and their new offensive line coach is Alex Gibbs, an expert at teaching zone blocking.

A match made in heaven, and now Seattle has a guy to groom as Walter Jones replacement for 2011.

 

 

 

 

15. New York Giants : Rolando McClain, Middle Linebacker

 

The Jints could use a cornerback or a pass rusher here, but they need a middle linebacker most.

Though the 2009 Butkus Award winner has stated he would prefer to play in a 3-4 defensive scheme, the Giants cannot pass up another gifted MLB like they did in last years draft with James Laurinaitis.

 

 

 

 

16. Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan, Defensive End

 

Many think Morgan would work best as a SLB in a 3-4 scheme, and the Titans run a 4-3.

What Tennessee needs is defensive ends and pass rushers. Morgan is the 2009 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and has high character.

He is too good to pass up here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. San Francisco 49ers : Anthony Davis, Offensive Tackle

 

Davis had his stock drop after a poor combine, but is has the measurables highly sought after.

He is only 20 years old, so he can be developed at right tackle for now with an eye on the left side for the future.

 

 

 

 

 

18. Pittsburgh Steelers : Mike Iupati, Guard

 

Iupati fills a big need on a Steelers offensive line that was not very good last year. He can play either guard slot and even right tackle.

He brings a nasty streak that Steelers fans want from their blockers, which will help a rushing attack that is uncertain right now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

19. Atlanta Falcons : Golden Tate, Wide Receiver

 

Now that the Falcons addressed their cornerback woes by dumping a lot of cash into Dunta Robinson, they can get quarterback Matt Ryan more weapons to work with.

Tate is a tough guy for his size, and is a hard worker with a desire to be the best player he can possibly be.

With Michael Jenkins inconsistency and the fact Harry Douglas is coming off an injury to his knee, Tate could push for a starting job right away by providing a deep threat and opening things up underneath.

 

 

 

 

20. Houston Texans : Earl Thomas, Safety

 

The Texans absolutely need a free safety right now, and Thomas fills that void. It also doesn't hurt that he attended college at the University of Texas and has some ability to play cornerback.

Though Houston could look at running back, their issue at free safety is too great to ignore right here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals : Jermaine Gresham, Tight End

 

Even if the Bengals do sign wide receiver Terrell Owens, they need more receiving options for quarterback Carson Palmer.

Especially at tight end, where they got little production from in 2009.

Though Cincinnati could look at guard or defensive tackle here, Gresham is easily the best tight end in the draft and may be too tempting to pass up.

 

 

 

 

22. New England Patriots : Carlos Dunlap, Defensive End

 

New England has three picks in the second round, and is is almost a certainty they will be wheeling and dealing on draft day like they do yearly.

Dunlap's stock dropped after a DUI arrest, but he was considered a top ten selection before this.

He fills a big need as a pass rushing defensive end, though a guy like Ricky Sapp or Brandon Graham could get selected as well.

 

 

 

 

23. Green Bay Packers : Kyle Wilson, Cornerback

 

Wilson has shot up the boards recently. He is a four year starter who never missed a game, and is extremely smart.

He can also return punts.

Considering Charles Woodson is 33 and entering his 12th season, now may be the time to bolster their cornerbacks unit.

 

 

 

 

 

24. Philadelphia Eagles : Everson Griffen, Defensive End

 

Griffen is built for the 4-3 defense, which is what the Eagles run.

Though it may be tempting to grab a running back or linebacker here, their need for a solid defensive end is just too immense for them to pass up an NFL ready player like Griffen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

25. Baltimore Ravens : Patrick Robinson, Cornerback

 

Now that Baltimore has addressed wide receiver by acquiring Anquan Boldin, they need to pay attention to cornerback.

Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are both returning from knee injuries in 2009, and Webb might be best suited at free safety.

Robinson is an experienced player who is probably the best man to man CB in the draft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

26. Arizona Cardinals : Sergio Kindle, Outside Linebacker

 

The Cardinals need outside linebackers, and especially one who can rush the passer.

Kindle played a lot at defensive end in college, but he is built for the SLB position in the 3-4 defense. He may be more ready to play than Ricky Sapp or Brandon Graham right now, who will also be considered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

27. Dallas Cowboys : Taylor Mays, Safety

 

I can see Dallas trading this pick for more draft choices.Their roster right now is pretty stacked compared to other teams.

Current starting strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh was mediocre in 2009 with 61 tackles and an interception. Dallas could use an upgrade here.

Mays is a spectacular physical specimen who ran a 4.43 at the combine. It was the best time of all defensive backs and the tenth best overall at the combine.

Dallas may gamble here on him, and would lose little if Mays flops due to their strong roster.\

 

 

 

 

28. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, Running Back

 

Matthews had a great showing at the combine, showing excellent hands too.

San Diego needs help in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but they must address running back first now that Ladainian Tomlinson is gone.

Others to be considered are Jonathan Dwyer, C.J. Spiller, and Jahvid Best.

Matthews works best between the tackles of the group, which is what the Bolts need most.

 

 

 

 

 

29. New York Jets : Arrelious Benn, Wide Receiver

 

The Jets could very well grab a cornerback here with Devin McCourty and Kareem Jackson still on the board.

The current receivers corp on the Jets is unimpressive, and an upgrade is needed over the likes of David Clowney as the third receiver.

Benn impresses scouts with his size and hands, so getting young quarterback Mark Sanchez more weapons would go a long ways in New York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

30. Minnesota Vikings : Maurkice Pouncey, Center

 

Current starter John Sullivan is a smart player and hard worker, but he may be backup material at best. Plus he is undersized, which isn't always best for a team that needs to run the ball well to win.

Pouncey, the 2009 Rimington Award winner, can also play guard. If Sullivan retains his job, Pouncey can be the heir apparent to the aging Steve Hutchinson.

The Vikings will also look at defensive tackle Jared Odrick because Pat Williams has yet to commit to returning next year.

Running backs C.J. Spiller, Jonathan Dwyer, or Jahvid Best will be considered as replacements for the departed Chester Taylor.

 

 

 

 

 

31. Indianapolis Colts : Jared Odrick, Defensive Tackle

 

Offensive tackle Charles Brown could go here. The former tight end specializes in pass blocking, which is something that fits the Colts scheme.

Brandon Graham is a pass rushing defensive end who also fits their love for undersized defensive ends who get to the quarterback. He is certainly obe to consider.

Odrick is excellent at collapsing the pocket, and is a team player who makes his teammates look better by his propensity to do the dirty work.

He is also versatile enough to play defensive end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

32. New Orleans Saints : Brandon Graham, Defensive End

 

The Saints need defensive ends and a pass rushing linebacker. Grahm can do both.

He has a non-stop motor and would challenge for a starting job immediately.

Outside linebacker Sean Witherspoon will also be considered

 

 

 

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" - George Santayana

         Howdy folks, welcome to another Whip It Out Wednesday here at the Gab. Gonna be a whacky weekend with the kid’s birthday party coming up Saturday. On top of that, the brother in law is coming up from North Carolina; gonna stay with us for a couple of days. Not too bad of news, though… it’ll give me an excuse to buy extra beer!

            Big weekend coming up in sports, too. Not only do we get the finals for several big conference tournaments in college basketball, but selection Sunday means it’s time to fill out the brackets. I’m pretty much expecting the same shitty performance I always put in, but hell, half the fun is being wrong 20 or so times, right?

            Couple of teams qualifying for the Madness last night, with North Texas winning the Sun Belt, Butler taking the Horizon league and Oakland University winning the Summit League title. Gotta say I was hoping OU would get bounced by IUPUI. As a former OU student who was rammed in the ass by their piss poor financial aid department, I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to watching them get rolled by 30+ by whatever 1 or 2 seed they end up facing in the first round.

            Outside of college basketball, the biggest news in sports seems to be the flurry of activity that’s taken place since the clock struck midnight on Friday. With no cap, seems a few teams are willing to break out the checkbooks more willy-nilly, with the Bears leading the charge. First they nabbed the biggest name available in Julius Peppers, giving him a deal worth a reported 91 million. They also grabbed Chester Taylor to compliment Matt Forte in the backfield. Good pair of moves for the Monsters of the Midway.

            The other big moves involved trades, with Anquan Boldin going to the Ravens for 3^rd and 4^th round picks. Arizona then sent a 4^th rounder in 2010 and a 7^th rounder in 2011 for Safety Kerry Rhodes to the Jets.

            As for the Lions, a pair of good moves on Friday, bringing DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and WR Nate Burleson into the fold. Vanden Bosch is a guy I really like with a high motor and pass rushing skills. Despite the fact that he’s getting up there in years, he’s still a hell of an upgrade over anybody they had at the position last year. Burleson gives the Lions a solid #2 at wide receiver to line up opposite Calvin Johnson. Not happy with those moves, the Lions also made a trade for DT Corey Williams with Cleveland for their 5^th and 7^th round picks, then sent their second 5^th rounder along with a 6^th rounder to Atlanta for CB Chris Houston. All in all, a nice set of moves for the Lions so far, but their work this offseason is far from done.

            As of right now, the free agent pool is getting a little shallow. Of the available guys I’d love to see them bring in, the first name on the list is Kevin Mawae. The guy is not only a great leader, but he’s a hell of a durable player, and he gives Matt Stafford a solid veteran to learn from. Besides, Dominic Raolia is probably one of the five worst starting centers in the NFL, and would probably fit in better at guard. Aside from getting a veteran to mentor Stafford, I’d say Torry Holt would be a good fit in Detroit. He’s getting up there in age, but would flourish as a #2 or 3 and provide a great mentor for the best player on your roster, Calvin Johnson. Look, I think Megatron has had a hell of a career thus far considering what he’s had to work with, but the closest thing to a mentor he’s had in his time here has been Roy Williams… and that’s not exactly somebody you want your franchise guy modeling his game after. Another guy I’d love to see in Detroit… bring back Mike Furrey! Great community guy and a solid possession receiver, plus he’ll come cheap.

            The other big NFL news this week… Big Ben and his Johnny Appleseed routine; except instead of planting apple seeds he’s raping women. Yeah, the first broad was less believable because of the whole civil suit instead of actually pressing charges, but now we’ve got another alleged victim pointing the finger at Roethlisberger. Sure, it might not be anything; it may have been consensual sex and this broad might be full of shit, too. But regardless of what comes from these charges, you really have to wonder where the hell this guy’s head is at. After the first charges were filed against you in Vegas, you have to finally realize you are a target. I can definitely see another bullshit ‘sex rehab” cop-out at the end of this story; that is, if he doesn’t wind up behind bars instead.

            As for the Tigers, what do they have to do to get away from these phenoms? On Monday, they play the Braves and fall victim to the bat of rookie OF Jason Heyward, who hit a 450 foot shot during the game. Braves pitcher Tim Hudson compares the sound of the ball coming off this kid’s bat to a “30-ot six”. Even Jim Leyland left the game impressed with the young man, saying he’s one of the best young players he’s ever seen, even comparing his pitch selection to that of Albert Pujols. The very next day, the “meat” of their lineup gets schooled by Nats rookie Stephen Strasberg’s 98 MPH heat. Rough couple of days in spring for these cats for sure.

            But they got a piece of good news as far as their AL Central hopes are concerned. Twins closer and registered Tiger-killer Joe Nathan appears to be gone for the year needing Tommy John’s surgery on his right elbow. Gotta say, this bodes well for the Tiger’s chances of winning the division, which will probably again be one of the worst in baseball overall.

            And hey, UConn’s women’s basketball team won it’s 72^nd straight game last night, extending the women’s basketball record they set the night before. But no matter how much ESPiN wants people to pay attention, NOBODY FUCKING CARES. Calling this one of the greatest teams of all time is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard. MAYBE they are when it comes to the history of women’s basketball… but that’s kind of like saying the Lakers get to play a collection of the best middle school basketball players 72 straight times. Really, that’s how shitty the competition is for these gals.

            As for the actual interesting story in women’s basketball, how about the ridiculous two game suspension given to Baylor’s Brittney Griner’s sucker punch on a Texas Tech player last week? So just because you’re one of only two women out there anywhere that has dunked a time or two you can assault somebody and just be suspended two games for it? Bullshit. If I thought for a second she actually had some sort of future in sports, I’d be even more upset about this… but the punishment of being WNBA bound is probably bad enough for her. Still, just like I said about LeGarrette Blount, she should not only be suspended longer, she should be in jail for assault. Just because it happens on a basketball court, football field or wherever doesn’t make it okay.

            Well that’s it for me this week folks. I’d like to thank you all for reading and for any comments you leave on the way out. Happy Hump Day folks.