Christmas, betting and a wrap of the 2011 fantasy season

'Tis the season, as they say, and I'm happy to be enjoying it with my family and friends. Since returning from the UK I haven't yet had the chance to catch up with all of my friends, but I will get to that over the next eight to ten days.

Christmas was a low key affair, which is just the way I like it. No superfluous trinkets or over-the-top celebrations; just family and friends in close quarters having a good time. It is how it should be. Candlelit dinner was fantastic and I give all the kudos to my parents, who cooked a tempting spread of goodies.

Now, time for some life updates (brought to you byyyyy....)

I bet you...

I was on Facebook chat last week with a friend of mine. During the course of our conversation, the idea of betting on the spreads of NFL games came up. This friend of mine has an account on a betting website and often does what are known as accumulator bets on the games. The idea behind it is simple - pick the winners of a few games, adding the odds together and put on a fiver. The rewards one can reap are significant.

So I decided I'd give it a lash. Last week I placed a (far too optimistic) bet on fifteen of the NFL games. In other words, I went for glory. I have no regrets, but I feel that this week I am in a better position and instead of opting for the "home run", to coin a baseball phrase, I am instead going to be prudent in my approach and handpick four or five games. In fact, the friend I just mentioned in the previous paragraph will be coming over for the games, so we'll be able to keep a close eye on our bets as it all transpires. I'm really looking forward to it.

I enjoy the unpredictability of betting and the sheer thrill of it all. Pulling for a particular outcome in the hopes that maybe, just maybe, you'll strike gold and find that pot at the end of the rainbow. It is fun, exciting and filled with promise in the form of potential rewards.

My kind of town

I will have some money coming in soon and with it I am hoping to book a trip to see my beloved Carolina Panthers play the Chicago Bears in Chicago, IL, next season. The schedule is released in early April normally, so I will likely book it then to ensure good seats and a decent price. I'm really excited about it because my dad may be accompanying me. I would go alone if I had to, but I'd like to share it with someone.

Right now it's just an idea, but hopefully if I have a job by then I'll be able to partly fund it with that.

Fantasy Football Talk

Tune out now, all ye who are not fans of the greatest game on earth.

I've lost you all, haven't I? Well, for anyone who cares, here is the final update on my dynasty fantasy football teams and a little preview of what is to come in 2012.

League: Schnockered Dynasty

Team Name: The Sofa King Awesomes

Record: 5-9

It's the league that I just haven't been able to get over the top in. I'm confident that I can change that in 2012 though. There are many reasons for my optimism:

• A young roster that has been infused recently with talents like Denarius Moore and Percy Harvin
• Two first round picks in the upcoming rookie draft, both of which will be in the top 6
• Lost close games this season (3 games decided by 6 points or less) and finished in mid-table in terms of points scored
• Defeated the league champion, Oldguru, in Week 12

I've slowly but surely shaped this team into a form I think can be a perennial playoff contender. The two first round picks should turn into instant starters. As for the projected starting lineup in 2012:

QB - Matt Ryan

RB - Marshawn Lynch

RB - No. 1 pick

WR - Larry Fitzgerald

WR - Percy Harvin

WR - Denarius Moore

WR - Demaryius Thomas

TE - Jermaine Gresham

There is still plenty of work to be done, notably at the running back position. Overall, I like the direction of the team and once the depth can be enhanced I think I can compete for a playoff spot.

League: Black and Blue IDP Dynasty

Team Name: The Wet Bandits

Record: 10-2

Oh, what could have been! Everything looked rosy in this league until the final few weeks of the season. I was 10-2 going into the playoffs with a real chance at repeating as champion, until Matt Forte had to go and get injured. My RB depth beyond him was poor and I blame myself for that. I have young backs behind him (Shane Vereen, Taiwan Jones, Dion Lewis) but not enough veteran depth. Donald Brown gave me a fighting chance but he is no more than a RB3 on a good day. Add to that the fact that Jahvid Best went on IR earlier in the season and I found myself in a really tough spot.

Prior to the injury, Forte had been a 15 point player every week. Afterwards, I struggled to put together a backfield. That's why my offseason priority is getting better at RB.

The playoffs are now over and I leave this season humbled and hungry for more next year, with a return to championship glory on my mind. The team is set up to succeed for the next few years and I have confidence in my ability to pick the right players in the veteran and rookie drafts. I have to congratulate the champion Jaz, who simply whooped the competition on the way to a 9-0 postseason run in the round robin stage. I managed 8-1 last year, but 9-0 is impressive.

The projected starting line-up for 2012 is as follows, although decisions on cutting players and free agent acquisitions will change this:

QB Drew Brees

RB Matt Forte

RB ?

WR Steve Smith

WR Michael Crabtree

WR Antonio Brown

TE Jimmy Graham

TE Jason Witten

DE Justin Tuck (hope he returns to his former self)

DE Charles Johnson

DT ?

LB Navorro Bowman

LB Stephen Tulloch

LB Lance Briggs

LB ?

And we all know DB is something of a crapshoot...

League: FX3 IDP

Team Name: John Coffey's Miracles

Record: 10-3 (league champion)

I nervously checked my MFL app on my iPod Touch yesterday to find out the result of the championship game and I was overjoyed to find out that I had won the league. It is my only championship of the season, but it is a good one to win. I put up 223 points, enough to beat the highest scoring team in the league by 20 points or so. Aaron Rodgers' display on SNF - 5 TD passes - really helped my cause, but it was a team effort.

I feel really good about this league going forward. Thanks to a trade I made in the initial draft, I have the 1.03 pick in the rookie draft, meaning either Blackmon/Luck/Richardson will fall into my lap. I also have the 1.12, so I may trade up to 1.01 or make a trade for next year. At any rate, I'm thrilled with the win. It's not a money league, but it feels so gooooooood.

Projected starting lineup: I'm the champ! I don't need to worry about that kind of thing. :)

League: DG IDP

Team Name: Puntzilla's Barnstormers

Record: 12-1 (lost to eventual champion in playoffs by 0.4 pts, finished 3rd)

This one is going to sting for a while. Despite having the best record and scoring the most points by over 400 points, I failed to come up with the championship. It was my second playoff appearance in as many years and I just couldn't finish the job. Losing the semi-final by 0.4 pts was a heartbreaker, as Aldon Smith just couldn't come up with that extra assist or pass defensed to put me over the top.

On the bright side, my team is still intact with 'win now' players and I should be competing for the division title again next season. The league is going to be downsized a little bit, which I am all for. I think some of the teams have become too lackadaisical. Offseason needs include RB depth and DE depth.

Make no mistake - Puntzilla will be back stronger next year!

~ FIN ~

NFL storylines, life update, it's not THAT cold...

Chilly on the willy

If you take a stroll on the streets of Dublin today, you're in for a big surprise.

And before you jump the gun, it is not a teddy bear's picnic I refer to.

No, it is the absence of the gripping cold that crushed men's testicles like an ice claw last year. Everyone remembers that winter. 'The Big Freeze', survivors called it. As a survivor of the winter of unending snow flurries and countless days of nothingness, I prefer the term 'Frostomania'. It has that wrestling connotation to it, which is in keeping with the struggle we all had to endure.

Fast forward to the present and things could not be more different (channeling my inner Chandler Bing). Temperatures are toasty compared to 2010 and I'm quite pleased about that. Not chuffed by any means (as I hear a voice screaming outside my house in the distance - strange...), but pleased. I am, after all, only home for a few weeks as I am on my Christmas break from my masters studies in sports journalism in Lincoln, UK.

I am not going to lie - having those home comforts back has been refreshing. Dishwashers, double beds and family to name but a few (not necessarily in that order). Let's hope my immediate family don't read this.

The unfortunate thing is that I, along with my other journalism classmates, will be bogged down with work all throughout the break. Instead of cosy lounging by the open fire, I'll be reading about contempt of court and court reporting. It could be worse, I suppose. If there's one thing my three months of law study have taught me, it's that you have to know the law. Otherwise you'll fall at its feet like a fallen soldier begging for mercy from a more powerful adversary.

Pro Football

This season has been an absolute treat. Far away and in the distant past are memories of the one hundred-plus day lockout, replaced by well above average football games on a week to week basis. Despite reservations in the pre-season about a drop-off in the quality of the product, it has been one of the more memorable seasons for quite a while.

What it has offered is a number of storylines that fans have been able to sink their teeth into. Here are a few examples:

Tim Tebow

Two words that, when uttered, cause a certain pocket of fans to shudder to their very core. Two words that, when spoken in media circles, polarise opinions as much as any current player can. Two words that, when announcers say them, are usually accompanied by the words 'touchdown', 'God' or 'throwing motion'.

To an extent, I've had about enough of this Tebow thing. Then again, you can't help but be impressed by how he has revived this team that looked to be on life support under Kyle Orton's stewardship. The Broncos should be able to make the playoffs but they need to add some pieces to be a real contender in my opinion, notably depth at RB, DL depth and OL (if they want to build around a downhill rushing attack).

Aaron Rodgers and the near perfect season

The season that Aaron Rodgers is having cannot be described adequately by the English language, nor any language that exists. If you have watched him play this year, you know that you are witnessing one of the all-time great quarterbacks ply his trade. All I want to say is that it has been an absolute pleasure to watch him and I hope it lasts for many, many more years.

As for the chance this team has at the Super Bowl, it's a good one. I expect them to finish strong, be the #1 seed and probably face New Orleans or San Francisco. Both of those teams could give the Pack a run for their money, but I think we'll see the Cheeseheads representing the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Houston makes the playoffs... and it's about damn time!

That Houston made the playoffs is an achievement in itself, but to consider that they could be a top seed is - oh wait, they just lost to the Colts last night. That puts a spanner in the works! Be that as it may, the Texans are set up for success in the future. Additions like J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed and Johnathan Joseph have been tremendous and this aggressive defense has the personnel to be disruptive for a long time.

T.J. Yates' deficiencies are being exposed, but he is very competent throwing on the run and as long as Foster/Tate are humming as a tandem, he should be fine and might even win a playoff game.

***

That will do it for this entry, folks. It's NFL Saturday tomorrow, the first time I've ever experienced that. I'm looking forward to a great line-up of games, notably the New York derby.

Fantasy Football: My Dynasties Regular Season End

With thirteen weeks in the books, the fantasy football regular season has come to an end in most leagues. 2011 has been a phenomenal year for me in fantasy football land. I have enjoyed unprecedented success as you will read below. In a word, it's been fun. Now it's time for the serious stuff - the playoffs.

SCHNOCKERED DYNASTY

TEAM RECORD: 5-9

TEAM NAME: The Sofa King Awesomes

MOOD: Upbeat

I've had a tough time in this league. In its third year, the team has not yet reached the heights I envision for it. That is disappointing, but I am feeling more confident for the future. A trade I made recently - my Fred Jackson for Percy Harvin and Denarius Moore - has turned out to be a good deal for me. Harvin has been on fire the past few weeks. Jackson's season ended wit

h an injury only a we

ek after the trade. Denarius Moore is only at the tip of his vast potential. I have two

early first round picks in the rookie draft to play around with as well, but I will be looking to finish strong in the so-called "consolation playoffs". Depending on who I draft with my two 1st round rookie picks, I may go all out to win the title next year.

Top scorer: Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta

Letdown player: Mark Ingram, RB, New Orlean

s

BLACK AND BLUE IDP DYNASTY

TEAM RECORD: 10-2

TEAM NAME: The Wet Bandits

MOOD: GOOD

In my second season in B+B - and as the current champion - I have accomplished what I set out to do in preseason and that is to make the playoffs. I have a ticket to the dance, the number one seed, no less. An injury to Matt Forte may hurt my chances significantly as my RB depth is not good at all. I may have to start Donald Brown and Maurice Morris in the playoffs. I am hoping that the rest of my team can prop me up, but it may be hard to reach the necessary points totals to get the title this year. I'm going to give it all I've got, of course.

Top scorer: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans (375 points - 30 TD/11 INT)

Letdown player: Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit

FX3 IDP LEAGUE

TEAM RECORD: 10-3

TEAM NAME: John Coffey's Miracles

MOOD: Good

This is the first year in this league, a dynasty le

ague with shallower rosters, and I've enjoyed it. I finished on a six game winning streak after a so-so start. I enter the playoffs as the number two seed with a good chance to win the whole thing. There's no money on the line in this one, but I hope to get the championship in the inaugural season.

Top scorer: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay

Letdown player: Sidney Rice, WR, Seattle

DYNASTYGUYS IDP LEAGUE

TEAM RECORD: 12-1

TEAM NAME: PUNTZILLA'S BARNSTORMERS

MOOD: Excellent

This league has been awesome for me this year. I was hoping to complete a perfect regular season but my chances came undone near the end. No matter! I am the #1 seed and I have a heck of a chance to win the whole thing. I've scored bucket loads of points - 3839 to be precise - and have blown out many opponents. The loss of Matt Forte is a concern, but I have the cover to help me out. My first game of the playoffs is against the Dalton Demons, the #8 seed and a team with a 6-7 record. On paper I should win this, but it's no certainty. Last year I lost the eventual champion in the playoffs. This year, I plan to win it all.

Top scorer: Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota (299 points)

Letdown player: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona

***

That will do it until next week when I will give you an update on my progress (hopefully) in the playoffs.

A Look Back... at my New York trip

The following is an assignment for a course I am doing for my MA in Sports Journalism. The word count is 450, exactly in line with guidelines in the course handbook.

New York City, USA - December 2009

One of my fondest memories in life is the trip I took, along with my lifelong best friend

John Nash, to New York City in December 2009. At the age of 22, it marked the first

foray in

to the big bad world for me on a holiday without my parents, an achievement perhaps long overdue at that ripe age. The centrepiece of the trip was an American football game in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon, as my NFL team faced off against John’s NFL team. However, what the centrepiece didn’t offer was a chance to explore, to get our feet wet in the city that never sleeps.

And get our feet wet, we certainly did.

Leaving John F. Kennedy Airport at 11pm local time was supposed to be straightforward.

Locate a taxi, get in and drive the hour plus to our hotel which was across the Hudson River. A few raving taxi drivers later, we managed to find a trustworthy one whose prices were not

through the roof and we were on our way.

The Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel had a beautiful lobby that sprawled before us like a lavish feast when we arrived in the wee small hours of Sunday morning. After what we had coughed up for the hotel, we expected nothing less to be frank. The hotel receptionist was in a state of disbelief when we told him we had come all the way from Ireland to see the ball game. I think he said something like “that’s so cool”.

I don’t know about my travel compatriot, but I did not get much shut-eye that night. Feelings of excitement coursed through me – only hours from now, I would bear witness to the spectacle that is an American football game. When you’re as hardcore a fan of America’s game as I am, it was like Christmas – which,

incidentally, was two days prior – came again.

After fuelling up on hot chocolate from one of America’s most frequented coffee shops, Starbucks’, we travelled the short distance to the stadium. My smile grew with inverse proportionality to John’s frown as his team surrendered 41 points and lost the game.

Friendly rivalries aside, holidays like this produce moments that you always remember. Although it is difficult to pinpoint one, no moment summed up the holiday more aptly than the view from the top of the Rockefeller Center at night. A sea of shimmering lights lay before us like a blanket of diamonds. It was breathtaking.

From the blistering cold winds on the boat to Staten Island to the comedy club on West 55^th Street to the cheap pancakes, New York gave me an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Fantasy Football: My Dynasties More-Than-Halfway Update

You're very welcome back to my blog, centered mostly on the fortunes of my fantasy football teams. It's been a while since the last update. In fact, I'm pretty sure if my blog was a book, it would be lying in a dusty corner with spiders crawling in and out of its pages. At any rate, there is much to tell regarding said teams, so let us begin.

SCHNOCKERED DYNASTY

Team: The Sofa King Awesomes

Record: 3-6 (soon to be 3-7)

As my good friend John would say, 'oy vey'. It's an expression of exasperation, for those who don't know. This is my third year in this league. As my first dynasty league ever, I expected a bumpy ride. I've made some good draft choices who are coming to the fore - Vincent Brown and Emmanuel Sanders come to mind - but there have been too many missing pieces with this roster. Running

back production has been very steady this season with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch on board, but Mark Ingram (taken 1st overall) hasn't been the player I thought he would be thus far.

It's made for an up and down season of shattered hopes. The good thing is that I have two first round picks in

the upcoming rookie draft, both of which I hope to turn into starters for the long haul. I'll fight til the end.

FX3 IDP LEAGUE

Team: John Coffey's Miracles

Record: 6-3 (soon to be 7-3)

Ah yes, the sweet smell of victory fills my

nostrils. After a shaky start in this league, I've managed to come back strong. I'm a game back on my division's leader, but I'm hoping to claw back the lead and get a top seed in the playoffs. The stars of this team have been Desmond Bishop, Navorro Bowman and of course, 2011 league MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers plays tonight on MNF against the Vikings, but I've already won this week's game.

It's the first year of this league but I like how the team has come together. I especially like my WR corps going forward - Holmes, Colston, Cobb, Denarius Moore, Lloyd, Moss and

Sidney Rice.

FOOTBALLGUYS IDP

Team: Larkin

Record: 3-6 (soon to be 4-6)

I've been on an unfortunate losing streak of four games as of late, but that streak is about to be broken. I've finally won one this week against Wimer, setting me up at 4-6 and a possible Seattle Seahawks-esque run at a wildcard spot. My division is littered with teams with 3-6 and 4-5 records, so I may be able to squeak in behind top dog Bloom (8-1) before the end. There's a cash prize at stake for the winner of this league, and pride as well. Gotta love pride.

I'm not expecting anything in this league in terms of playoff glory, but I think I have the players to pull off an upset next week against the Guru John Norton.

BLACK AND BLUE IDP DYNASTY

Team: The Wet Bandits

Record: 8-1 (soon to be 8-2)

Thinking about this team in the shower of all places today, I felt a little bad for losing two in a row. I started off so well. This could have been the undefeated team. Alas, I have to remember that I'm in a very strong position to retain my championship. Luckily for me, it's no harm no foul this week as the team behind me in the division couldn't get a win this week to keep pace. Only two games remain, so I can clinch that playoff spot with a win next week. I'll be looking to finish strong.

The stars of this team include: Drew Brees, Matt Forte (stud), Jimmy Graham, George Wilson.

DYNASTYGUYS IDP CHARTER LEAGUE

Team: Puntzilla's Barnstormers

Record: 9-0 (soon to be a PERFECT 10-0)

Can I do it? Can I complete a perfect season in fantasy football? The statistics seem to say yes. My all-play record in this league is a phenomenal 124-11, meaning if I had played every other team in every week, I would have only lost 11 games out of a possible 135. That's pretty crazy. I'm just glad to be in a position to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season and this time go further. I got eliminated by the eventual champion last year, but this year I'm looking to finish the job.

The top performers on this team are: Jared Allen, Jimmy Graham, Tony Romo.

Yep, I'm going for perfection. Three games to go, all in the division. I'm fired up.

Until next time, folks...

Fantasy Football: My Dynasties Quarter Pole Update

Welcome back to my blog! This week I'm going to go through the fortunes of my fantasy football dynasty teams through four weeks of games.

SCHNOCKERED DYNASTY

Team Name: The Sofa King Awesomes

Team Record: 2-2

I squeaked by last week with a two point win over my division rival, taking me to 2-2 on the season. I'm very pleased with how this season has started. This is the league in which I am rebuilding. 2011 feels different somehow, though. Maybe I can stay competitive until the end. That's my plan, anyway. This week I play an 0-4 team whose 2012 first round rookie pick I own. I want to keep that pick high, so I hope I get the W.

Top Performer: Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers

BLACK AND BLUE IDP DYNASTY

Team Name: The Wet Bandits

Team Record: 4-0

This team has been a machine in the first four weeks. I am averaging a whopping 320 points a week, enough to beat all my opponents handily except one. I'm loving the current trajectory of this team. As the reigning champ, it's nice to get off to a good start. I want to keep this team strong via the waiver wire and continue this so I can secure the #1 seed.

Top Performer: Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

DYNASTYGUYS IDP CHARTER LEAGUE

Team Name: Puntzilla's Barnstormers

Team Record: 4-0

Another 4-0 team that I am very proud of. I assembled this team very well. I just hope I can maintain it and go one better than last year and get further in the playoffs and maybe win a championship.

Top Performer: DE Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

More updates to follow in the coming weeks.

2011 NFL Mock Draft by David Larkin

This is the only instalment of my very own mock draft. The picks I make are based on what I think the team will do, not what I would do myself. I am an avid college football fan and have watched most of the prospects in the first round, so I will be able to give my unique viewpoint throughout.

The commissioner walks to the podium in a packed Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the fans' cheers reaching a crescendo as he prepares to utter the famous first words of the NFL Draft.

The Carolina Panthers are on the clock...

1. Carolina Panthers – DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama

The sexy pick here is to take the quarterback but when it comes down to it on draft day, after much deliberation amongst the coaching staff and GM Marty Hurney I can’t see them endorsing the pick of a QB number one overall. I believe the Panthers would love to trade back a couple of spots and recoup the second round pick they used to get Armanti Edwards last year. The Panthers have an excellent history of hitting on their first round picks and none is more important for the future of the franchise than this one. Dareus is an instant upgrade and gives new head coach Ron Rivera a scheme versatile player who comes from a pro style defense at Alabama to plug into his defensive line. Dareus is widely regarded by draft analysts as the best player in the draft, including the highly respected Mike Mayock. He can be an impact player for the Carolina defense from day one. I also think that Hurney wants to give Clausen another chance, and hence will take a pass on QB since there isn’t really a standout one (Bradford, Stafford) in this class.

2. Denver Broncos – DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina

A pick you won’t see in many mock drafts, I realise, but a very good one for the Denver Broncos. Robert Quinn is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end with very few character concerns. Missing the 2010 season due to the agent scandal at North Carolina hurt his stock early in the pre-draft process, but after a terrific showing at his pro day Quinn launched himself into consideration for the Broncos at #2. Denver also considered Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers, but his pro day caused his stock to plummet. Overall, Quinn provides more impact as a day one starter for the new regime in Colorado. Quinn makes a ton of sense as the Broncos switch to the 4-3. Another consideration here was CB Patrick Peterson, but I have a feeling the need for defensive line talent will override the urge to take possibly the best player on the board.

3. Buffalo Bills – LB Von Miller, Texas A&M

After the questionable picks the Bills have made in the first round in recent drafts (Spiller, Maybin, Lynch) they cannot afford to miss on this pick. The Bills have plenty of options here. Quarterback has to be a consideration but I am going to give Ryan Fitzpatrick the helm in 2011. He would be starting anyway and the Bills can address the QB position later in the draft. Von Miller is a stud at the OLB position and will fit right in as the Bills make the transition to a 3-4. Miller is an explosive pass rusher with the skill set and speed to win off the snap and get to the passer. GM Buddy Nix will be pleased if he can make this pick on draft day.

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

This is a tough pick to make prior to the start of free agency. We still don’t know what will become of Carson Palmer. All signs point to him getting out of town one way or the other, but my hunch tells me that no matter what happens, owner Mike Brown won’t budge and will continue as normal. A.J. Green fills a need at #4 and not only that, but you also get yourself a true blue chip wide receiver. Green has the ability to be a special player in this league in the mould of a Randy Moss or Calvin Johnson. There are some rumours that the Bengals like Julio Jones more than Green, but I ain’t buying it.

5. Arizona Cardinals – QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

This is the landing spot for the first signal caller to come off the board and Arizona get what is the most surefire QB pick in this draft. Gabbert has some work to do in the transition from a shotgun Missouri offense to a pro style NFL offense, but he has the tools and the work ethic to make it happen. Gabbert has the combination of tools necessary to be a solid starter in the NFL. The Cardinals were good QB play away from winning this division last year. They’ll be happy to get Gabbert in the fold as they please Larry Fitzgerald and fix their QB issues.

6. Cleveland Browns – DE Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson

The Browns have plenty of options here. They have a need at defensive line in the worst way. Only Ahtyba Rubin is assured of his starting spot next season as the team switches to a 4-3. Bowers may have had a poor pro day according to most scouts, but as they say if you turn on the tape the kid can play. Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert will know what Bowers can do and although he only had one year of great production, they take the chance of him here at #6 overall. I think this would be a good time for the Browns to trade down a few spots.

7. San Francisco 49ers – CB Patrick Peterson, LSU

The 49ers almost fall over themselves as they grab the phone to communicate to their guy in Radio City Music Hall. Patrick Peterson is still on the board? It’s a slam dunk pick at #7 for Jim Harbaugh in his first draft with the team. The Niners have 11 more picks as well, so they have plenty more talent to add. Peterson is amongst the best players in this entire draft, if not the best. He runs like a corner, hits like a safety and makes a ton of plays. I don’t know if he will be a true “shutdown” corner, but he’ll give the Niners a chance to take guys like Fitzgerald out of the game.

8. Tennessee Titans – DT Nick Fairley, Auburn

Tennessee wanted to take Gabbert if he had been available and doesn’t want to take the chance on a guy like Cam Newton so they go with Nick Fairley, a unique talent who has the ability to completely take over ball games with his mix of physicality, power and agility. Fairley will be a great 4-3 DT for this team from day one. He comes with a little bit of baggage and his coaches will have to keep him motivated, but if they do I see no reason why he can’t become an Albert Haynesworth-like presence for Tennessee.

9. Dallas Cowboys – CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

Jerry Jones has never taken an offensive tackle in the first round before, preferring to take a developmental guy later. With CB such a pressing need for the Cowboys and with the best man to man cover corner in the draft staring right at them, the Cowboys pull the trigger on Amukamara. The Nebraska product fits perfectly in Dallas’ predominantly man defense and will do a lot of favours for Newman and Jenkins in the secondary. In the NFC East, you need to have good cornerbacks. Dallas have their man.

10. Washington Redskins – WR Julio Jones, Alabama

One of the easier picks to make in this mock draft, the Redskins simply have to address their wide receiver position in the worst way. Shanahan can address the QB position later and knowing how aggressive the Redskins are with their draft picks, it wouldn’t surprise me if they traded back up in the first round or early second to grab a guy like Ponder. For now the Skins get a weapon for their future QB to throw to. Julio Jones is a physical freak who despite having a broken bone in his foot did all the drills at the Combine and not only did them, but excelled at them. Jones is a willing blocker and has all the tools you look for in a big wide out.

11. Houston Texans – OLB Aldon Smith, Missouri

Wade Phillips forged his good defense in Dallas on the talents of DeMarcus Ware. In Houston, he has a new toy to play with. Aldon Smith projects to be an outside linebacker in the Texans new 3-4 scheme. Although raw, Smith has tremendous upside and his physical gifts are off the charts. Many have compared him to Ware. He has great versatility too and lined up in several spots on Missouri’s defensive front. On third down, Smith can put his hand down opposite Mario Williams and wreak havoc on Peyton Manning and the rest of the AFC South passers.

12. Minnesota Vikings – QB Cam Newton, Auburn

The most talked about player in this draft class comes off the board at #12 overall to the Vikings. The value is too good to pass up for Leslie Frazier and co. and the Vikings are happy to have such a talented kid on their team. Newton’s skills will fit well in the dome in Minnesota and he will be surrounded with a good supporting cast. It will also excite the Vikings fan base after a poor 2010 campaign. Newton won’t be an immediate starter. I expect the Vikes to add a QB in free agency (whenever it begins) as a stop gap measure, but for all intents and purposes Newton is the face of the franchise.

13. Detroit Lions – OT Tyron Smith, USC

I think if things played out this way there would be a few teams calling the Lions to trade up to get a chance at Tyron Smith, who has fallen a few spots further than expected. For Detroit, this is a dream scenario and one that would be greeted with jubilation by their coaching staff and GM. After a very solid draft the last two seasons the Lions solidify the left side of their offensive line for the foreseeable future with the most athletic tackle in the draft. Smith played the right side at USC, but I expect the Lions to plug him in at left tackle and finally protect Matthew Stafford so that this team can accomplish what their talent level is capable of.

14. St. Louis – DT Corey Liuget, Illinois

Since Julio Jones is off the board, the Rams decide to bolster their defensive line with a player they have been rumoured to be enamoured with for quite some time. Liuget is a perfect 3-technique DT for Steve Spagnuolo and will be an asset on that defensive line in St. Louis. Liuget is a nimble foot athlete and has room to grow into his frame. I believe this is a good team for him to land on as Spags knows how to get the best out of his defensive linemen.

15. Miami – RB Mark Ingram, Alabama

This is a prime trading down spot for the Dolphins. I think they would be more than happy to drop down eight or ten spots, pick up an extra couple of picks and go from there, addressing their RB need later. Since this is a mock draft and trades just complicate matters, the Dolphins are taking the best RB prospect in the draft in Mark Ingram. I love to watch this guy play; he’s powerful, shifty, elusive and mature in his running style. He knows how to press the hole and make defenders miss in the open field. If I were Miami, I would be thrilled to have him. Somehow I don’t see it playing out this way on draft day though.

16. Jacksonville – DE Cameron Jordan, Cal

The Jags recorded only 26 sacks last season, one of the worst totals in the league. Their pass rush seems to be a constant source of frustration. They invested in Aaron Kampman last year and he ended up on IR with a torn ACL. Therefore they have to address DE in the worst way. Cameron Jordan is a former teammate of current Jaguar Tyson Alualu. Alualu will have told the Jags brass (if he was allowed talk to them) that Jordan is a player he knows would be a good fit in Jacksonville. Jordan is a tremendous player with a great deal of versatility. Ideally he would be a 3-4 five technique but the Jags believe he can be both a 4-3 DE and a 4-3 DT on passing downs.

17. New England – OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

Current LT Matt Light is 33 years old and scheduled to become a free agent. The Patriots are set on one side of their line with the impressive Sebastian Vollmer. Normally New England wouldn’t take a tackle in the first round, and indeed they haven’t done that for the past few years, but they know that the DL talent is good in this draft. Belichick knows how to play the draft and get the best value and they do have two more premium picks upcoming. Gabe Carimi is the best OT on the board and presents good value here. He has a great deal of experience and is one of the most complete offensive line prospects in this class.

18. San Diego – DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin

It’s back to back Badgers in the NFL Draft as the Chargers take the best 3-4 five technique DE on their board in J.J. Watt. Watt is a former tight end who grew into his role at DE and still has a lot of upside at the position. The Chargers need a player of his tenacity, power and high motor to bolster their front seven. Watt is a slam dunk pick here for A.J. Smith.

19. New York Giants – OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

The Giants have made very good picks in the first round under GM Jerry Reese and hope to continue the trend with the selection of Anthony Castonzo, perhaps the most solid left tackle prospect in the draft. Castonzo can be a solid starting player for the Giants for eight to ten years. New York also considered the kid from Colorado, Nate Solder, but opted to go with Castonzo who they had rated slightly higher. Giants fans in Radio City may not be thrilled, but they’ll come to like their new LT.

20. Tampa Bay – DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

Tampa Bay needs help at DE in the worst way. After addressing the interior of their defensive front four last year with Brian Price and Gerald McCoy, the Bucs take a player who will be a leader for them on and off the field. Kerrigan has a high motor, a fantastic work ethic and will provide a consistent pass rush for the Bucs. It’s not a difficult pick for a team on the up.

21. Kansas City – OG Mike Pouncey, Florida

Although Mike Pouncey would be “shocked” if he didn’t end up as a Dallas Cowboy, I’m going to be realistic here and have him be picked by the Chiefs. Kansas City has a need at interior offensive line with C Casey Wiegmann turning 37 and scheduled to become a free agent and stalwart Brian Waters getting long in the tooth as well. Pouncey is the perfect player to take at this juncture for a Chiefs team who really turned it around last year and dominated up front. Jamaal Charles is entering the prime of his career and will enjoy running behind Pouncey.

22. Indianapolis – OT Nate Solder, Colorado

In one of the more nailed on picks in the first round, Bill Polian addresses the gaping need at tackle the Colts have. Polian said he regretted his decision to take DE Jerry Hughes at the end of round one last year instead of a tackle. Peyton Manning desperately need a steadier offensive line and Solder, although raw in some areas and not the most complete OT, he has a great deal of upside and is a huge mammoth of a man. He’ll be a fixture at LT for many years.

23. Philadelphia – OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State

The Eagles could go a few ways here. Danny Watkins and Rodney Hudson, both offensive guards, are attractive options here at #23. In the end, Andy Reid decides it is time to address the tackle position. They have Jason Peters manning the left tackle position, so why not shore up the other side? Sherrod has plenty of experience at LT having played it for three years in college. He is a fluid athlete for his size, displays good hand use at the point of attack and is very intelligent. One knock on him is a lack of a mean streak, but that is very coachable.

24. New Orleans – DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

The New Orleans Saints defense under Gregg Williams is all about pressure, but more than that it is about players filling different roles and being multiple in their alignments and fronts. Linebacker is a need for the Saints too, but they plan to address that later. Cameron Heyward presents a very solid pick here. He is a very versatile player who lacks an elite skill set but is good at everything and has a tremendous work ethic. Heyward is a stout run defender, has a scary bull rush move and his quickness and agility are great for a player his size. This is a low risk pick for the Saints and another chess piece to add to their defense.

25. Seattle – QB Jake Locker, Washington

The perfect match comes to fruition and the Seahawks get their man. The Hawks had the most staff at Locker’s pro day and clearly have a keen interest in the UW passer. Locker is the classic enigma of a player. He has all the physical tools to make it happen on the field except for accuracy and he is a squeaky clean character kid. Matt Hasselbeck may not be back and Pete Carroll knows Locker very well from his time in the Pac-10. The team that takes the chance on Locker will have to be very patient with him and really work with him to improve his accuracy. It’s the classic boom-bust pick here.

26. Baltimore – WR Torrey Smith, Maryland

The Ravens get themselves a speedy playmaking wide receiver at the 26^th pick. Smith gets compared to DHB often only because they come from the same school, but they are not the same player by any means. Smith has a perfect blend of size, length and athleticism for a WR prospect. He has great ball skills and can track a deep ball downfield and locate it in flight. He is a fantastic return specialist too and that translates to his run after the catch abilities too.

27. Atlanta – TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

The Falcons are looking at the last season with Tony Gonzalez at the tight end position, the end of an era. So if that is the case, why not prepare yourself for the future and draft the best tight end prospect this year in Kyle Rudolph? After a strong pro day, Rudolph quashed any lingering concerns about his injured hamstring. Rudolph will be Matt Ryan’s best friend for the foreseeable future. The tight end has the straight line speed to threaten defenses down the seam, the catch radius to look like a wide out and the burst/acceleration to separate from defenders.

28. New England – RB Mikel Leshoure, Illinois

The odds are that New England trades out of this pick as they always do, but in the event that they do not, I think the Patriots finally grab themselves a running back here. Reports have emerged recently that the Patriots are meeting with Leshoure and have some interest in him. They could get him at the 2.01 pick but decide to pull the trigger here. Green-Ellis and Woodhead are solid and contribute in different ways to the offense, but the Patriots could really use a “bellcow” like Leshoure. He has a physical, downhill running style with surprising quickness, patience and breakaway speed. I see no downside to this pick.

29. Chicago – DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State

I think Stephen Paea fits the Bears defense really well and that is why they took him over Phil Taylor, who is more a 3-4 NT or Muhammad Wilkerson who is more of a five technique in the 3-4. Paea fills a big need for the Bears on the defensive line. With a NT already in place in Matt Toeina, Stephen Paea will fit in Tommie Harris’ old spot as the 4-3 UT, the penetrating force. Paea is one of the strongest prospects in the draft (49 reps?!) and has an uncanny ability to disrupt plays and use his lack of height to gain leverage and get under the offensive lineman’s pads. Paea is a great player to acquire here for the Bears.

30. New York Jets – NT Phil Taylor, Baylor

Plenty of mock drafts agree that this would be an almost ideal landing spot for Phil Taylor. Current Jets NT Sione Pouha only has one year left on his contract and the whole defensive front could do with young blood. Taylor is a classic two gapper who takes up blockers and anchors on the line. He has a good ability to stack and shed when being run at. He doesn’t offer much in terms of pass rush, but that isn’t the kind of player he has to be. Rather, his job is to allow the rest of his defensive teammates to get after the QB by clogging up the middle and occupying blockers.

31. Pittsburgh – DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

The Steelers get excellent value here as Clayborn falls to them at the 31^st pick. Not only does Clayborn fit well in the Steelers defense at a 3-4 five technique but he fills a need for the team. Cornerback was also a consideration here, but the Steelers are good at finding later round gems. Clayborn fits the Steeler mould as a tenacious, feisty run defender and has a big, strong frame to challenge offenses.

32. Green Bay – OLB Brooks Reed, Arizona

Brooks Reed is eerily similar to current Packer Clay Matthews in terms of his hair, his size, his non-stop motor and his relentlessness as a pass rusher. Reed would fit in instantly in the Packers attacking style of 3-4 defense opposite Matthews. Dom Capers and his defensive staff will work with Reed to improve his pass rushing repertoire, which is limited to an outside arc move right now. An outside pass rushing duo of Reed and Matthews could be devastating for many years to come in the NFC North.