A Quick Rant on the NFL Draft

Tonight's live blog will be hosted by James Craven. Yes. The James Craven has come out of hiding to host tonight's live blog. 

For whatever I have zero interest in tonight's NFL Draft. Does that mean I won't watch the draft? Of course not. I'll probably watch every minute of the draft this weekend. When I mean I have no interest it means that I have barely looked at mock drafts or looked into information about the players who are suppose to be selected in the first round.

In years past, I devoured information leading up the draft. It was one of my favorite activities (Yes. I have no life.) I haven't done that this year though and there are a few reasons.

1. Lockout- Obviously the lockout and the ensuing legal fight between the owners and players have taken the luster out of the draft. Sorry, but after a month of listening to legal analysis on the league I have zero interest in the draft.

2. The 49ers Ineptitude- The 49ers have been so inept the past nine years that I barely follow them anymore, hence my lack of interest in the draft.

3. San Francisco Giants- They stink right now, so I might watch the draft just for I don't have to watch the Giants.

4. NBA & NHL Playoffs- As sports fans, we have been spoiled by the first round of the playoffs in the NHL and NBA. Besides one or two games, the playoffs in each league so far have been spectacular. At least one NHL game has gone to overtime for 9 straight days and pretty much every NBA game has at least been competitive. How can anyone think of the NFL Draft while these wonderful playoffs are also taking place?

The Links

Amanda Seyfried to start the morning..... An interview with the great Scotty Bowman...... It's never too early for a 2011 NFL Mock Draft...... Alex Rodriguez admires Alex Rodriguez...... Could the NHL return to ESPN?...... And people say the Sharks are chokers...... The WWE held their annual draft last night..... Jesse James is out of rehab..... I don't believe this, R-rated movies start cause early drinking says science...... Police barred from penis enlargement

Nothing new: Larry Brown looking for another job (Yahoo Sports)

I agree with this: ESPN needs to change their NFL draft coverage (SI)

Thoroughbred program gives immates a second chance (Boston Globe)

Marshawn Lynch will stay in Buffalo despite crowded backfield (PFT)

Ice Cube made a documentary about the Raiders (Film Drunk)

Watching Jahvid Best highlights is like watching porn for Detroit's Jim Schwartz (With Leather)

Jameer Nelson is the difference between the Magic this year and last year (Fox Sports)

The greatest goal celebration ever (Outside the Boxscore)

This Matador won't be having kids



Bucks mascot's crazy stunt (SB Nation)

The Links

Alice Eve to start the week...... Urijah Faber's nasty legs from his fight with Jose Aldo....... The Kentucky Derby favorite will not race..... The Bulls get knocked back down to reality by the Cavs...... An analysis of each goal Martin Brodeur gave up to the Flyers...... LeGarrette Blount changes his mind and signs with the Titans..... Teammates Jeff Gordan and Jimmie Johnson aren't getting along..... 'Avatar' is now destroying the DVD market..... A police suspect hides in a manure pit..... Don't confront people about their odor, or you might get punched

Journalist still getting the Pat Tillman story wrong (LA Times)

LeBron forces his will against the Bulls (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Dwayne Wade came up with a Hall of Fame performance while the Heat where facing elimination (Miami Herald)

Check out the new work by LSU Freek (Sporting Blog)

Where Dwayne Wade's wardrobe happens (With Leather)

A cynic's guide to college basketball (HHR)

Red Wings legacy on the line (Detroit Free Press)

Another draft blunder by Matt Millen (Tirico Suave)



Dwayne Wade abuses Kevin Garnett with a dunk (Jose3030)

The Links

Kristin Bell to start the morning..... A terrible Patriots Day for the Red Sox...... The Sweating Man is returning to Duke..... Lance Berkman may be returning to the Astros soon...... Fred Hill is no longer the Rutgers basketball coach..... Christina Hendricks makes me swoon...... Can we stop celebrifying mistresses?...... Sharon Osbourne will recycle her breast implants...... Dana White is taking a lot of pleasure from the Strikeforce debacle Saturday night

There are some idiots writing for the Denver Post and they're not named Woody Paige (Fear The Fin)

Who will start in place of Kevin Garnett during game 2 for the Celtics? (Celtics Blog)

Joakim Noah doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut (Fanhouse)

If a sex scandal can't draw in younger viewers to The Masters, what can? (Sports Business Journal)

Cause for concern for the Cavs? (News-Herald)

The Jazz aren't going away despite the circumstances (Salt Lake City Tribune)

Ryan Miller is the only one pulling his weight for the Sabres (Buffalo News)

It's time for Notre Dame to join the Big Ten (Columbus Dispatch)

Is Toby Gerhart being overlooked in the draft because he's white? (Yahoo Sports)

Now this is a tailgate party (The 700 Level)



LeBron James made a poster out of James Johnson last night (Outside the Boxscore)

The Links

Emmy Rossum to start the mourning...... Nice win by Vanderbilt over Tennessee...... All charges dropped against Rams running back Steven Jackson...... The Astros jinxed themselves by signing so many former Phillies...... Colin Cowherd is now pissing off Denver Bronco fans...... Ellen made her debut last night on 'American Idol'...... Are you ready for 'Mission Impossible: 4'?....... Suck it Grant Napear...... A TV show got freaky in Australia..... This will certainly help Illinois' chances of making the tournament

Hal McRae, Racism, and the disputed 1976 batting title (Royals Review)

A case for Sam Bradford going first overall in the NFL draft (Mocking the Draft)

Story behind NCAA violations in Arizona basketball program (SI)

Tim Tebow: A Indianapolis Colt? (CBS Sports)

ABC affiliates not happy with ESPN taking all the good sports (Sporting Blog)

Kevin Durant sure is a nice guy (True Hoop)

Fans find religion on Bourbon Street (Miami Herald)

Pac-10 considers becoming Pac-12 (SF Chronicle)

Do not try this at home! (With Leather)

Tim Tebow at Senior Day = Disaster

I'm the first one to say that I have always been an fan of the NFL draft. It's oddly compelling just for the fan's reactions in New York. Remember when the Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb and the Eagles fans booed because they wanted the team to choose Ricky Williams? That's always been compelling to me. Also for whatever reason I've always been interested in who goes where in the later rounds. I want to know who might be drafting the next Joe Montana or Tom Brady. And of course I'm interested into seeing who the Niners will draft. Will he be the next Rashaun Woods or Patrick Willis(Yes, the Niners did draft somebody in the 1st round last decade who was worst than Alex Smith).

With that being said, I've never been interested in watching the NFL combine. I tried watching last year one weekend when I went to my parents house. It's completely boring watching someone run a 40 yard dash. I know a lot of people love watching the combine, but I'm not one of them.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because the NFL Network decided to broadcast the Senior Bowl practices. If you thought the combine was boring, then watch one of these practices. I got out of school yesterday and before I went to work, I decided to watch one of these practices. Boring as heck, watching two teams scrimmage each other and hitting blocking sleds. One of the big stories though that has caught my interest in the Senior Bowl practices is the progress of Tim Tebow.

Even though I hated the immense time the media spent foundling Tebow while in College, it's kind of refreshing we don't have to see it anymore. Now I'm more interested in how Tebow adjusts to an NFL system. Here I am, the guy who couldn't stand watching Tebow anymore by his Senior season of college is interested in how well he does in the NFL. You have to admit he is polarizing that way.

The big story though coming out of Mobile, Alabama about the Senior Bowl, is Tebow's disastrous first practice. Tebow struggled with basic quarterback skills, taking snaps from center, dropping back and reading defenses. They also said Oklahoma State QB Zac Robinson and West Virginia QB Jarrett Lee were more impressive. Uh oh! Both Robinson and Lee ran basically the same type of offense as Tebow. That's not good.

All kidding aside he had one bad day. Give him the rest of the week and if you don't see constant improvement, then you should start scratching your head while saying, "See! He's not an NFL QB." Until then, I'm going to take this news with a grain of salt.

(Palm Beach Post, Miami Herald, picture The Big Lead via Joe Sports Fan)

(I'm not touching this Tim Tebow Anti-Abortion ad with a ten foot pole. Just not something I want to get into.)

The Links

Mrs. Tom Brady to start the mourning.... An MMA fighter brings Mark Buehrle good luck.... How's that Marian Hossa signing working for Chicago?..... More proof that Obama is an idiot.... And how's that whole health care plan going?..... Michael Jackson murdered?..... This women is quite tall.... Florida town fires city manager after finding out he is married to a porn star..... ESPN went cheap for the LeBron dunk tape.... Fox made the right decision in not showing Obama press conference..... NASA has seen failures and success since Apollo 11

The media debates: Did we really know whether or not Tim Tebow is a virgin (The Big Lead)

Mark this down as it could only happen in New Jersey: A 10-year-old boy robs an 11-year-old boy at gunpoint (NJ.com)

Find the typo (Awful Announcing)

Mark Cuban vs. Don Nelson, Round 5 (Dallas Mourning News)

The NFL Draft will take three days starting next year (USA Today)

A former MLB player is Texas' worst deadbeat dad (San Antonio Express-News)

ESPN rarely exercises caution, why now? (Real Clear Sports)

No one was like Rickey Henderson (SF Chronicle)

Jayson Werth was kind of nerdy looking early in his life (Sports Hernia)

Ouch (Don Chavez)

A classic clip of Hulk Hogan on the Arsenio Hall Show talking about his horrible movie 'No Holds Barred'

NFL Draft to Prime-Time?

Last week Bob Costas interviewed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on his radio show. Goodell talked about drug testing, NFL in Los Angles, disciplinary issues, and moving the NFL draft to an prime-time slot. Well the latter might become realistic.

The NFL draft could be moving to a prime-time slot by next year. The NFL would broadcast the 1St round on a Thursday during prime-time, the 2Nd and 3Rd round on Friday, and the rest of the rounds would be broadcasted on Saturday.

This is what Goodell told the Dallas Mourning-News about moving the draft to prime-time:

"We're more confident now, with the timing of the first round, that it can fit a 3½-hour window," Goodell said. "We think it can be very appealing from a fan's standpoint and an audience standpoint."

Look I like the NFL draft but I don't want to watch a three-day spectacle. I know the NFL draft is becoming more and more popular, but the schedule move would be cutting into NHL and NBA playoff time.

I think the good commissioner is starting to get a little greedy. I understand the NFL draft is popular but this might be a little much. Besides do I really need to watch Chris Berman for three days in a row?

NFL draft could get prime-time TV slot in 2010 (Dallas Mourning-News)

The Links

100 day, 100 mistakes by Obama..... Questions and answers about Swine flu.... 'Obsessed' tops the box office.... Jacoby Ellsbury straight stole home against the Yankees.... Pitino's extortionist made some pricey demands.... We have found Heather Graham! I don't thing I have seen here in a movie since Austin Powers: The Spy who Shagged Me

Roger Clemens is a freak (The Big Lead)

Beware! Democrats in senate will try to fast track their health plan which involves socialized medicine (Another Black Conservative)

Jets fans went Jets fans at the NFL draft (Kissing Suzy Kolber)

Draft's winners and losers (The Hater Nation)

Of course Celtics fans believe they were screwed by the refs. Read this story though and see how bizarre it is... (Reds Army)

Drafts over! Now here comes the holdouts (The Love of Sports)

The San Jose Sharks must stave off elimination tonight (SF Chronicle)

USC saw a lot of there players drafted. Keyshawn Johnson LOVES IT! (LA Times)

The Red Sox ripped out the hearts of the Yankees, this weekend (Daily News)

The Mourning After: NFL Draft

(Guy on the Left: Who did we draft? Guy on the Right: Who gives a shit?)

Well the first two rounds of the NFL draft are over. There really wasn't a big shock in the first round. The Raiders choice of Darrius Heyward-Bey is just the Raiders going Raiders. Other than that pick nothing was really surprising.

Crabtree falling to the 49ers at the 10Th pick, wasn't surprising. Besides the Raiders, the other teams in the top 10 weren't in the need for a receiver. Let's break down the rest of the draft.

1. Detroit, Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia: This pick was made the night before the draft. Lions fans weren't really happy with the choice, but they will have to live with it. I am not the biggest Stafford fan, but he does have the size and the arm. If Jim Schwartz is the right coach, Stafford should be fine.

2. St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The Rams needed a tackle to replace Orlando Pace. Smith is the right choice. He doesn't have the character issues like Andre Smith and he fits the mold of a typical offensive tackle. The Lions should have chosen him.

3. Kansas City, Tyson Jackson, DL, LSU: Jackson shot up the draft board in the last days leading up to the draft. The Chiefs choice of Glenn Dorsey didn't really work out last year. And they choose another LSU tackle? A curious move to say the least.

4. Seattle, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest: This move was quite puzzling. Seattle isn't in need of an linebacker but they choose one anyways. I do think Curry is the only can't miss of the entire draft.

5. New York Jets from Cleveland, Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: The Jets traded up to take Sanchez. I like Sanchez more than I like Stafford. He won't drive you crazy with the type of throws he makes. Questions surrounding Sanchez is. Is he a one year wonder? And he was hurt often in college, how will he hold up in the NFL?

6. Cincinnati, Andre Smith, OL, Alabama: He is perfect fit for the Bengals. Has character issues and he is over weight. What could go wrong with this pick? Kiper said Nick Saban saved his ass by making phone calls after the NFL combine debacle.

7. Oakland, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Here are some quotes from McShay after Goodell announced this pick. “I’m shocked. Shocked.” He also added this: “This has bust written all over it.” He is perfect for the Raiders. He is fast and he can't catch a single ball. Yep, he has bust written all over him.

8. Jacksonville, Eugene Monroe, OL, Virginia: Monroe will definitely give Gerrard the protection he needed. He will also provide run blocking for MJD. A very good pick for the Jags who keep improving their offensive line that was hammered last year with injuries.

9. Green Bay, B.J. Raji, DL, Boston College: A perfect fit for Green Bay. He is a nice space-eater for a week front seven. His play will be appreciated in Green Bay.

10. San Francisco, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: When the Raiders passed over Crabtree, ESPN showed the Crabtree table giving a sign of relief. Anyways the 49ers finally chose the best player available, instead of drafting for need. He will go along great with Brandon Jones, Isaac Bruce, Arnez Battle, and Josh Morgan. I was really satisfied with this pick.

11. Buffalo, Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St: The Bills needed either a offensive tackle or a pass rusher. So they went for a pass rusher. The Bills have had bad luck choosing defensive lineman lately, so good luck to Aaron Maybin.

12. Denver, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: Philly fans were upset that Moreno went to the Broncos. Denver really didn't need a running back, so they choose one. I guess Josh McDaniels doesn't want to play musical chairs with his running backs like previous coach Mike Shanahan did.

13. Washington, Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: The Redskins finally made a choice that you cannot question. Orakpo will make them forget about the failed Jason Taylor experiment. Just a good choice overall.

14. New Orleans, Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio St: The Saints have needed a defensive back for a long time. And Jenkins fits the mold they were looking for. He has the toughness and speed to develop into a great corner. Might even be switched to safety.

15. Houston, Brian Cushing, LB, USC: Cushing is a great run defender. He is also one of the biggest hitters in the draft. His only problem is that he might get exposed in pass coverage which is one of his disadvantages.

16. San Diego, Larry English, LB, N. Illinois: Another reach, but he is a great football player. He isn't an athlete but he a relentless pass-rusher. The Chargers must want to develop English so they don't have to sign Shawne Merriman in a couple of years.

17. Tampa Bay from Cleveland, Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: New Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris coached Freeman in college. Freeman could be a boom or a bust. He has the size and the strength you look for in an NFL quarterback. But there has been some concerns that he doesn't know how to read an NFL defense. That would be a big concern in my book.

18. Denver, Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: The Broncos needed to draft for defense and they did when they chose Ayers. He has the size to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is an excellent pass-rusher, which is what Denver needed.

19. Philadelphia from Cleveland, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin was kind of an surprise pick for the Eagles, but a good pick. Maclin needs to improve his route running but he is one of the best open-field runners in the draft.

20. Detroit, Brando Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St: The Lions got a great blocking tight end who has the size to block defensive ends. He is also a great possession receiver which the Lions needed badly.

21. Cleveland, Alex Mack, Center, Cal: Cleveland finally made a choice after trading down three times. Mack is a great all-around blocker. I watched his entire career at Cal and no one works harder than him. He has excellent foot work and uses his hands tremendously.

22. Minnesota, Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Minnesota must like troubled wide receivers. Because this is the second time the Vikings have chosen one in the draft in the last 10 years. Harvin is a great athlete who needs to work on his route running. This pick could be a risky one.

23. Baltimore from New England, Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss: Oher, who was the subject of a great book, fell kind of low in the draft. While he has the size to be an NFL offensive lineman and the footwork, he has problems picking up a new offense. He might need to sit on the sidelines at first.

24. Altanta, Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss: He has problems working against double-teams, but he can get in the backfield and disrupt a running play. He will need to work on his lower-body strength.

25. Miami, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Probably the best all-around corner in the league. Like his brother Vernon though, he has poor work ethics. If he has the same attitude as Vernon, he will be a bust.

26. Green Bay from New England, Clay Matthews, LB, USC: He has the pedigree to play in the NFL. He is also a great run-defender which was an weakness in Green Bay.

27. Indianapolis, Donald Brown, RB, UConn: I was surprised Indy made this choice but they went after the best available instead of need. Brown does read his blocks well, which will take him a long way in the NFL.

28. Buffalo, Eric Wood, Center, Lousiville: I would have chosen Max Unger, but this is a good pick. He has trouble moving sideline-to-sideline , but he has good footwork.

29. NY Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC: The Giants needed a tall receiver and they got one. He doesn't have great quickness but he can catch almost everything thrown his way.

30. Tennessee, Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Might need time to develop, but could become real effective. He has very deceptive speed and hands.

31. Arizona, Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St: The Cardinals needed a running back and they got one. There is still questions surrounding Wells' foot injury but he has rare speed and size for a running back.

32. Pittsburgh, Ziggy Hood, DL, Missouri: I have no idea who this is, but since Pittsburgh selected him I am sure he will be a first round steal.

Surprise of the Day: Rey Maualuga fell out of the first round and into the second round. There were some character issues surrounding Maualuga coming into the draft which might have hindered his selection. And since Maualuga has character issues, guess what team he went to? That's right Cincinnati!

Only the Raiders: The Raiders reach at number seven for receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Todd McShay said the Raiders made a big mistake, which makes perfect sense for the Raiders and Al Davis. Al has always liked guys who can run fast and have hands of granite.

Only the Raiders, Part 2: How Raiders is this selection. In the 2nd round the Oakland Raiders selected Mike Mitchell from Ohio. And I am sure you are asking yourselves, who? He is a defensive back from Ohio who wasn't even invited to the combine. Mel Kiper was speechless after this selection. Of course the only reason the Raiders selected this guy is because he ran fast. Once again, how Raiders is this selection?

Day two of the draft is wear all the steals occur. You never know when a team is going to select the next Joe Montana or Tom Brady. It should be fun.

The Links: NFL Draft

R.I.P. Bea Arthur.... I would like to thank Al Davis for not choosing Michael Crabtree.... The biggest head-scratches of the first round.... The 49ers unveiled new uniforms.... The Lions should sit Stafford at first.... Why did Detroit give Stafford so much money.... Here are all the trades that took place last night... Megan Fox because I haven't seen a picture of her in a while

Mike Leach rips Eric Mangini for calling Michael Crabtree a diva (Sac Bee)

How to improve the NFL draft (Deadspin)

Connections helped some teams make a draft choice (ESPN)

Josh McDaniels talks about his the Broncos draft selections (Mile High Report)

Tyson Jackson shooting up the draft board was the first surprise of the day (Arrowhead Pride)

Raiders fans are taking their draft day selections well (The Silver and Black Pride)

The Cowboys traded down the the second round because the players they wanted were already drafted (Blogging the Boys)

This idiot in Seattle said Patrick Willis hasn't been transformative. I forgive him, he lives in Seattle after all (The Field Gulls)

A look at how the Chicago Bears choose draft picks (Windy City Gridiron)

The new Bucs coach defends the selection of quarterback Josh Freeman (Buc 'Em)

Interesting fact: Drew Rosenhaus barely represents college players coming into the NFL anymore (Bleeding Green Nation)

A look at the Eagles draft (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

NFL Draft Open Thread

What: The 2009 NFL Draft

Where: Radio City Music Hall

When: 4pm (ESPN/NFL-N)

Well another NFL draft is upon us. We already know Matt Stafford is going number one to the Detroit Lions. The rest of the draft is up in the air. There are rumors the Raiders might select Maryland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey even though he is projected to go late in the first round. That's the Raiders for you.

Anyways leave you comments and predictions here. The O Files will live blog the draft. Here is my mock draft.

1. Detroit: Matthew Stafford, Georgia QB

2. St. Louis: Jason Smith, Baylor OL

3. Kansas City: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest LB

4. Seattle: Mark Sanchez, USC QB

5. Cleveland: Tyson Jackson, LSU DL

6. Cincinnati: Andre Smith, Alabama OL

7. Oakland Raiders: Percy Harvin, Florida WR

8. Jacksonville: Eugene Monroe, Virginia OL

9. Green Bay: B.J. Raji, Boston College DL

10. San Francisco: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri WR (I hope)

11. Buffalo: Michael Oher, Ole Miss OL

12. Denver: Brian Orakpo, Texas DL

13. Washington: Brian Cushing, USC LB

14. New Orleans: Malcom Jenkins, Ohio St. CB

15. Houston: Robert Ayers, Tennessee DL

16. San Diego: Chris Wells, Ohio St. RB

17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, Kansas St. QB

18. Denver: Vontae Davis, Illinois CB

19. Tampa Bay: Rey Maualuga, USC LB

20. Detroit: Aaron Maybin, Penn St. DL

21. Philadelphia: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia RB

22. Minnesota: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR

23. New England Patriots: Clay Matthews, USC LB

24. Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, Ole Miss DL

25. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St. TE

26. Baltimore Ravens: Kenny Britt, Rutgers WR

27. Indianapolis Colts: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland WR

28. Buffalo Bills: Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma OT

29. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, UNC WR

30. Tennessee Titans: Everette Brown, Florida St. DL

31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, Connecticut RB

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darius Butler, Connecticut DB

I don't know how Mel Kiper does this. Obviously I have no clue what I am talking about, so be my guess and ridicule my picks.

Weekend Links: NFL Draft and Playoffs

ANNOUNCEMENT: James Craven will be hosting an NFL Draft live blog over at The O Files. Please come and join us. You can leave comments or you can just sit back and wait for a comment from RJBO. It should be fun.

Here is Lauren Conrad to start your mourning. I will be honest, I have never watched an episode of "The Hills". And I am proud to say that. I don't want to waste my time watching a fake reality show. If I wanted to watch a bunch of d-bags act like jerks, I will move to Southern California.

I am to lazy this mourning to do a Foul Ball Feature, so here is the baseball scores from last night (YahooSports)

The Raiders might make a surprise selection. And the 49ers have a total of nine selections. (SF Chronicle)

Josh Freeman's goal has always been to be a first-round pick (KC Star)

Welcome to Detroit, Matt Stafford (Detroit News)

The Jets may trade up to select Mark Sanchez (Daily News)

Jason Smith is the right choice for St. Louis (Stltoday.com)

Bill Polian earns his paycheck today for Indianapolis (Indy Star)

The Apple Cup will not move to Quest Field (Seattle Times)

Does the Lakers need Kobe to score more? (LA Times)

Matt Harping gives the Jazz life off the bench (Salt Lake Tribune)

The new brain trust in Tampa is on the clock (Tampa Tribune)

A final plea for the Eagles to trade for Anquan Boldin before the draft (Philly.com)

Not So Surprisingly, the Raiders Are Interested in Harvin

(Congratulations for being the next troubled Oakland Raider)

ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that there could be a surprise pick in the NFL draft. Not so surprisingly, the Oakland Raiders are interested in a troubled wide receiver.

"We’ve got a weird feeling that the surprise could be Percy Harvin to the Raiders at No. 7. "

O.K. maybe Mike Florio just was a feeling, but would it really surprise you if the Raiders choose Percy Havin? Or would it surprise you more if the Raiders didn't pick Harvin?

He fits their profile. Receiver, fast, drug test fail, and perceived lack of character.

I wouldn't be surprised at all, if the Raiders choose Harvin. Percy is so Raider.

Surprise Pick Coming In Top Ten?(PFT)

The Links

Sharks choke again..... Tony Allen of the Celtics has been receiving several death threats.... Is Stephen Curry leaving a year too late?.... Nick Swisher opens NYSE and stocks go up..... Jay Leno had to be taken to the hospital.... Here's someone who supports Miss California..... Hello, Ali Larter

Obama and Tebow, my head is about ready to explode (The Big Lead)

Is ESPN covering for Rick Pitino in his extortion case (SportsbyBrooks)

The Ohio St. spring game is where we should all want to go (Busted Coverage)

The Chiefs were smart to trade away Tony Gonzalez (KC Star)

A profile on the 100-year-old bat boy (NY Times)

The Lakers allowed the Jazz to take one at home (Salt Lake Tribune)

How Jeremy Tyler could open the door to a big mess (Courier-Journal)

NFL draft sleepers (Stiles Points)

The Indians could be shopping around Cliff Lee (Eli's MLB Rumors)

The Links

John Madden has retired.... Capitals fans were ready for Sean Avery.... Yankees open up their new stadium today.... A look at the underclassmen in this year's NBA draft... Kevin Garnett will miss the entire NBA playoffs... Amanda Bynes

Can Boo Weekley win the Verizon Heritage again? (Golf Channel)

Now Erin Andrews will be in your video games (SportsbyBrooks)

1St round NBA playoff predictions (Fanhouse)

The Jets could trade up to draft Mark Sanchez (PFT)

Your 2009 NBA playoffs 1St round schedule (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

Finesse will win the Sharks-Ducks series (SF Chronicle)

The New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals in an exciting game 1 (NY Times)

Goalie Marc Andre-Fleury had a great game last night for Pittsburgh Penguins (Post-Gazette)

Mike Keenan has always been a clone of Scotty Bowman (Vancouver Sun)

Greg Paulus to the NFL?

I have to admit, one of the things I am going to miss next college basketball season will be Greg Paulus. I will miss him getting tea bagged by opposing players. I will miss him flopping. I will miss Mike Patrick protecting Paulus. Oh wait.....

That's why I was surprised to hear the Green Bay Packers were having Paulus work out as a quarterback.

I am not surprised that he is willing to go the NFL route. After all he was the Gatorade football player of the year. And if you weren't sure about that, Dickie V. always reminded us that he was once offered a scholarship to Norte Dame.

But why would the Packers watch his work out? They have the franchise in Aaron Rodgers. A 2Nd round pick in Brian Brohm. And a national championship winning quarterback in Matt Flynn. I wish him the best of luck.

Also ESPN is still kissing his ass:

He earned widespread praise, however, for his conduct and demeanor after losing the starting job, giving guidance to the younger players and never showing outward disgruntlement.

I do have to ask. If he does make an NFL roster, will Jensen Reed produce another video like this?

The Links

That's Alyssa Milano, in case you didn't know. She is at a book-signing for her new "tell all" book about her relationships with Baseball players.... Detroit Tigers have released Garry Sheffield... Tony Bennett left Washington St. for more money.... Dwight Howard is still a beast.... Jay Cutler forfeits a lotof money

- Now NBA owners are giving themselves bonuses (Sports by Brooks)

- Dick Vitale is dancing to Detroit (Awful Announcing)

- Anthony Grant is both a quality and historical hire at Alabama (AL.com)

- The worst of the night in the NBA (Basketbawful)

- Shawn Johnson is having a couple of rough weeks (Deadspin)

- Cal is selling photos of our favorite pole vaulter (Busted Coverage)

- A female basketball player had an "O-gasm" last night (HHR)

- The Big Picture doesn't like Kid Rock

- Poor Economy + Needy Women = Strippers (Stiles Points)

- Todd McShay should be very afraid (The Sports Hernia)

- Having fun with the gator girls (College OTR)

This idiot attempts a backflip. Guess how many attempts before he finally lands one:

Smith Still Doesn't Care About His Pro Career

The continuing saga of former Alabama offensive lineman Andre Smith keeps getting better and better.

Smith last month turned heads at the scouting combine by just leaving without telling anyone, lifting weight, running, or taking any tests. Scouts were unimpressed and there was speculation that he could lose millions because of it.

He had to have a great pro day to take back what he had lost. And he blew his opportunity today.

He was not "overly impressive." His 40-yard dash time was 5.28 seconds and he bench pressed 225 pounds just 19 times.

According to a league source, Smith ran without his shirt on and was visibly overweight. Scouts and trainers were not happy with Smith.

This day alone could cost Smith. And NFL scout said that he lost millions because of his poor workout today.

Now with this poor workout and his disappearing act at the combine combined with his suspension before the Sugar Bowl and Smith is up a creek without a paddle.

I am sure he will still go in the 1St. round somewhere. Some team will take him because of his projected output. But Smith will not be a top 10 pick because of the questions surrounding him.

Good luck at the draft, Andre.