Top QB Prospect commits to LSU

The quarterback position has been a hot topic for the tigers ever since the departure of JaMarcus Russell. With the lost of one of the top QB prospects in this year class (see Gunner Kiel); the focus immediately shifted to the 2013 season and they might have nabbed  a pretty good one out of Cali.

Hayden Rettig stands a prototypical 6'4 with a 215 frame; with some growing years left before him and a big arm. The 4-star QB is coming from a pro-style offense at Cathedral High School and look to fill a void that had most us Tiger faithfuls concerned to say the least.

At Cathedral, he threw for 3,041 yards and 24 touchdowns with a dismal 23 ints (Freshmen and Sophomore years respectively). His Junior campaign was cut short due to a torn ACL where he only played in 2 games.

With Mettenberger being a Junior ( presuming he won't declare for the draft next year), this gives Rettig a chance to redshirt, learn the offense, then compete for playing time the 2014 season. If the Tigers can create some type of revolving door at the QB position like all the other positions on the team; the energy in Baton Rouge will be electrifying.

It's another verbal commit but you can't help but get excited about this one. It seems like recruiting top QB prospect has been a weakness ever since...Ryan Perrilloux (instant-anger). So maybe this will start the trend that LSU has always needed; a QB that can get the job done in the air FIRST then on the ground.

LSU Gets JUCO Stand-out

The 2012 recruiting class is over and done with but us true football fans *hand high* knows that recruiting is a year long non-stop courtship that many NCAA coaches have to master in-order to be successful. Frank Wilson is one of those coaches.

Looking forward to the 2013 season LSU has got a verbal commitment from one of the most sought after JUCO wide-outs of that class; HINDS CC Quantavious Leslie.

The 6'4, 190 lb. receiver had 26 catches for 501 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011 and shows good body control for his size; something we haven't seen since the Dwayne Bowe days. His numbers are pretty impressive as well, running a 4.4 in the forty with a 33 inch vertical leap. He definitely has the criteria to come in and leave a lasting impression on Death Valley. In other words, he's a beast in the making Quantavius Leslie Highlights.

Of course this road wasn't the chosen path by Leslie. He initially signed with West Virginia in 2009 as a high school Junior but failed to qualify academically. I'm more than sure once he gets on campus, the Cox Communications building (Academic Center for Student-Athletes) will become his second home.

Now, I can't stress enough that this is a VERBAL commitment meaning he could change his mind several times if he so choose to (See Gunner Kiel). One school that he was hoping would offer him a scholarship was Georgia. Being a native of there, the opportunity to play 2 hours away from his childhood home may still be a dream for Leslie. Let's hope he has the "I'll show you!" state of mind and put up crazy numbers when/if we see Georgia again in the near future.

But to be honest...all I keep seeing is Odell on one side and Leslie on the other; throw in a good quarterback ( the wild card) and we will be hanging another championship flag.

Goodell vs Evilma

The latest penalties against the New Orleans Saints were issued earlier this week with a strong message: Bounties will NOT be tolerated in the NFL. Four players received suspensions; two of which are still on the Saints roster. Scott Fujita (currently with the Browns) was hit with a 3 game suspension, Will Smith was handed 4, Anthony Hargrove (currently with Packers) was given 8 games and Jonathan Vilma was slapped with a *drum-roll* season long suspension. SEASON LONG?!?! How crazy is that?!

Let's first discuss the what we could have been looking at. I reported in an earlier post  that 22 out of 27, former and current players were involved in the scandal so all things considered, we got off easy. We could have easily been looking at an entire new defense come September. Also, keep in mind that we signed 3 very good and athletic LBs this off-season which shows that we were preparing for life without Vilma far before any of this happened so from a talent standpoint; we are still a Super Bowl caliber team (once Drew signs of course).

The issue I have - as well as many others - is that this entire investigation has been fueled by the current player safety lawsuits. Instead of fairly being punished we are now the poster team for his "Not on my watch" campaign and Vilma is now the villain; Dr. Doom and Frieza ( for my DBZ lovers) wrapped in one. From here on out, Vilma and bounty scandal will be synonymous with each other. We all know he has the option to and will appeal the rulings but Goodell is the judge and jury so I don't think he'll change mind on the topic.The damage is done and now it is becoming more and more ingrained in everyone's head day after day (see Sports Illustrated cover up top).

Goodell isn't concerned about how fair the punishments are at this point, it's the message. Why else would you suspend a player for an entire year for something that did not give the team an competitive advantage? On second thought, I guess we shouldn't be shocked at all. It is Roger Goodell we are talking about. Giving his track record, it fits.

But who's really the villian in all this???

And the Verdict is...?

GUILTY!

...but we've known that. In matter of fact, we - the Who Dats - have known that since early March. So what's the hold up on the rest of our punishments?

The NFL has made it pretty known that they aren't taken the bounty scandal lightly. Coach Sean Payton is suspended for a year, GM Mickey Loomis is suspended for the first 8 games of the season, Assistant Coach\Interim HC is suspended for the first 6 games of the season, and the organization was hit with a $500,000 fine and the lost of some draft picks in this year and next year draft. Not to mention former DC Gregg Williams indefinite suspension from the NFL. And now, the final part of these punishments; the player suspensions.

The initial investigation found that between 22 and 27, former and current players were involved in the scandal. Given Mr. Goodell's reputation; we should expect the worse but the process has been dragged out for the past 2 months. Weekly "leaks" has suggested that the penalties would come as early as last week but the commish did not want to "interfere" with the draft. That's cool; I understand that, but don't think the punishments aren't already drafted sitting on some one's desk right now somewhere. It took approximately 18 days for the NFL to issue their first wave punishments against the Saints organization...we are now on day 60.

Granted, I can only imagine the amount of work that goes into an investigation such as this one. Speaking with the organization, NFL Players Association, owners etc. can take months but, as we've seen since he has taken over, he is THE COMMISH! He has the power to do what he wants; when he wants. Unlike his predecessor Paul Tagliabue, Goodell understands the full extent of his power as the commissioner and he isn't afraid to use it...heavily.

It's time to git'er done Commish. I dare to speculate that the reason behind the stalled process is personal driven but I'm not one to dive into conspiracy theories. We need to know sooner than later or better yet, now. The task to solidify a team without it's leaders is already an enormous one but throwing in the uncertainty of if players will be there come opening day kick-off is asking a dog to run a race with 2 legs! Unfair is an understatement.

So c'mon commish; stop pouring salt in our wounds. We have enough injuries to last this year.

Tigers going to the next level

The draft was another good one for the LSU Tigers and the SEC as a whole. This shouldn't come as a surprise given that the past 6 BCS champions have come from the SEC. 42 players were selected from the SEC (one more than the Big Ten) and a number of undrafted free agents will be picked up over the next couple of days ( if not already). Here is the list of LSU's drafted and undrafted players going to the next level.

Drafted:
Rd 1. 6th pick - Moe Claiborne - Dallas Cowboys
Rd. 1 14th pick - Michael Brokers - St. Louis Rams
Rd. 2 63rd pick - Rueben Randle - New York Giants
Rd. 3 73rd pick - Brandon Taylor - San Diego Chargers
Rd. 4 124th pick - Ron Brooks - Buffalo Bills

Undrafted Free Agent Signees:
Ryan Baker - LB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Will Blackwell - T -  Carolina Panthers
Jordan Jefferson - QB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jarrett Lee - QB - San Diego Cahrgers
Kendrick Adams - DE -  Jacksonville Jaguars
T-Bob Hebert - G/C - St. Louis Rams
Deangelo Peterson - TE - St. Louis Rams
James Stampley IV - FB - Seattle Seahawks ( invited to free agent tryout)

As always, we wish our Tigers nothing but success in the future!

Geaux Tigers!

New Orleans Saints Full Draft Results

Here is a more in-depth look of all of the New Orleans Saints' 2012 draft picks.

Rd 3: DE Akiem Hicks (Regina, Canada)

The post on this shines light on his road to the NFL. Check it out!:

http://thaboothreview.blogspot.com/A.Hicks

Rd 4: WR Nick Toon (Wisconsin)

The son of former NFL All-Pro receiver Al Toon, is a versatile sure handed receiver from a run-happy program. He showed a lot promise at Wisconsin while on the field. A major foot surgery slowed down his development his Junior year but he bounced back for a decent Senior campaign.

Strengths: Great hands; Well polished route runner. Can also block  out on the edge.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have burner type speed (4.54 at combine) but has a knack for getting open. He runs

pretty high after the catch and his durability will be questioned at the next level. 

Rd 5: SS Corey White (Samford)

The 6'2" 205 pounder is a versatile DB that can play either S or CB. Very consistent tackler at Samford and a ball-hawk snatching 7 ints.

Strengths: Plays like a S in run support and  takes great angles to the ball. Good athleticism when the is in the air. 

Weaknesses: Foot control and indecisiveness. He tends to shuffle his feet more than usually when a receiver changes direction which would make him more of a lock for safety and not corner.

Rd 6: OG Andrew Tiller (Syracuse)

Big dude (6'4" 324) that is expected to give D-lineman fits just with his sheer size. Blocked for a 1,000 yard rusher at Syracuse and made All Big-East First Team.

Strengths: Great Size and can run block. Good slide pass protector.

Weaknesses: Tends to lunge at blockers and lose his center of gravity. Technique needs to be worked on. Plays upright.

Rd 7: OT Marcel Jones (Nebraska)

Tiller is big; Jones is even bigger. Standing at 6'6" 325, he is very unpolished but has the tools and athletic ability to become a dominate force in the league.

Strengths: Good all around blocker and extremely athletic for his size. Has to work on his flexibility in order to start as a left tackle

Weaknesses: Poor balance. Injury prone.

An average Joe may doubt or second guess the direction the Saints went in this year's draft but we have some very promising players here.I don't expect all of the above to come in and start but they will compete with the current roster. Next on the agenda, signing Drew!

Kansas City Chiefs Full Draft Results

Here is a more in-depth look of all of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2012 draft picks.

Rd 1: DT Dontari Poe (Memphis)
In case you missed the write up; here's the scoop on Poe.
http://thaboothreview.blogspot.com/Dontari Poe

Rd 2: OT Jeff Allen (Illinois)

A very versatile lineman that can play on the left or right side of the line. Served as a team captain his senior year and was rated the #12 rated prospect at his position. 

Strengths: He has a lot of experience playing the right and left side of the line.  Good hands and feet.

Weaknesses: Lack the physicality most good lineman possesses.

Rd 3: OT Donald Stephenson (Oklahoma)

One of the steals of the draft. He has the ability to be molded into one of the best but it may take some years.

Strengths: Great vision with his 6'5" frame. Naturally quick and an athlete. He ran a 4.94 in the 40 and jumped 35.5 inches in the vertical leap at the combine.

Weaknesses: Inconsistency. He is a very raw prospect but he must commit himself to the game in order to get the most out of it.

Rd 4: WR Devon Wylie (Fresno State)

An undersized receiver that may be used solely as a kick returner and slot receiver. Wylie ran a 4.37 the 40 yd dash and impressed scouts with his strength; benching 225 17 times at the combine. ( He weighed in at 186 pounds).

Strengths: Quickness, speed, and strength. He has the ability to be a very effective as a kick returner and a deep threat from the slot position. Look for quick screens going his way as well.

Weakness: Injury prone. His durability will definitely come into question throughout the season.

Rd 5: CB DeQuan Menzie (Alabama)

Somewhat the forgotten DB for the Crimson Tide but remembered by opposing teams. Menzie was around the ball a lot and is a great tackler.

Strengths: Good cover corner and great at blitzing.  Has enough speed to stick with his man. Very good foot quickness.

Weaknesses: Extremely risky player. Would rather go for the pick 6 than the pass deflection and punt.

 As a result, he gets burned.

Rd 6: RB Cyrus Gray (Texas A&M)

Work horse. Gray carried the ball 632 times racking up 3,298 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Strengths: All around back. Can run, catch, and block.

Weaknesses: Tends to dance in the hole a lot and lacks that "burner" speed.

Rd 7: DT Jerome Long (San Diego State)

Was All Mountain West two consecutive years. Smaller name prospect big the 285 pounder begs to differ.

Strengths: Has a nose for the ball. Long was second on the team in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss.

Weaknesses:Will need a lot of coaching to make the team. Has more potential than most will give him.

Rd 8: WR Junior Hemingway (Michigan)

The draft ended for the Chiefs' with a sleeper pick. Hemingway led Michigan in receptions last year and was named the Sugar Bowl's MVP (y'all saw the catches!).

Strengths: He's an all around good possession receiver. Pretty decent blocker and reliable hands.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have blazing speed or great route running ability.

All in all I think we did pretty good in draft. We filled some troubled areas from last year and added some other potential play-makers into the fold. As long as we stay healthy; we should destroy the AFC West.

Go Chiefs!

Who, Dat???

 After a long agonizing 27 hour wait the Saints finally made their selection at the 89th pick. 

Akiem Hicks - DT - University of Regina

To most this is some unknown name from a university that you have never heard of ( including myself) but to us LSU fans; it rings a bell. 

After being recruited by LSU from Sacramento City College (Junior College) in 2008, Akiem found himself on the wrong side of an NCAA investigation. He was a recipient of improper benefits, a violations which caused former LSU assistant coach DJ McCarthy to resign and the university two scholarships in 2011. His eligibility was stripped and he never played a down for the purple and gold.

Unable to transfer to any NCAA football program, Hicks made  the decision to continue his education and enroll at the University of Regina; declining an offer to play for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. He declined another offer to play professional football when the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League drafted him during his second year at Regina.

In his second year at Regina, Hicks made 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks and was named the top lineman of the CWUAA ( Canada West Universities Athletic Association) but his stock really rose after the East-West Shrine game. Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com said the following after the East-West Shrine game:

 "DT Akiem Hicks, Regina: At 6-feet-4 and 324 pounds with an 84" wingspan, Hicks made an enormous impression on scouts this week. He is unpolished and needs a lot of technique work, but he flashed his raw potential with good quickness and overall range. Hicks is a bit stiff and plays upright, but scouts aren't interested in the prospect he is now, but rather the player he could be down the road after a year or two with NFL coaching -- will be a late-round developmental defender.

As you can see Spags is assembling a D-line that can he play anywhere along the front 4. This pick speaks volumes for the amount of dedication our scouting staff have to find a raw gem like this one.

Lets hope he continues the tradition of our late draftees becoming NFL superstars.

And with the 11th pick; the Kansas City Chiefs select...

...Dontari Poe? The kid from Memphis who couldn't dominate Conference USA???( for those who don't know C-USA; Tulane is a member).

I think I speak for about 91% of Chiefs fans that damn near threw their phone,remote control, or pet last night. Looking at the board I was certain that we would have taken Cox or DeCastro at that pick; that seemed like the right pick at that time. It took me awhile but I'm feeling a little bit better about the pick especially after listening to Coach Crennel's post-draft comments but I don't 100% agree with the pick. Coach said the following:

"Because he played every down at 350 pounds and he played position on the line in every game. He's playing a nine technique; he's playing a seven technique, a five technique, a three technique, a one technique, a two technique and head up on the nose sometimes. He's the jack-of-all trades. It's hard to be good at any one thing when you're doing all of those things."

The fact that he feels strongly about it and he has a way of really getting the best out of DT's makes this pick  more tolerable. I still do not believe he was the best player available at pick 11 but he could turn into first round talent. So instead of 100%; I'll give him 90.2% until I start seeing what Poe is really capable of.

TAC's Mock Draft 17-32

The continuation of TAC's mock draft. Let me preface this again by saying this is what I think will happen; not what I want to happen. The second half of the first round is tough as you start basing your predictions off the best available versus what needs to be filled. Second half; *Ding!

17. Cincinnati - Dre Kirkpatrick DB, 'Bama

The Bengals secondary has diminished in value due to age and injuries and as much as I hate to admit it;  Saban is a damn good DB coach. Kirkpatrick could play man-to-man, press, deep 1/3 etc. He should   make an immediate impact.

18. San Diego - Whitney Mercilus DE, Illinois

Edge rusher + 3-4 defense = Mercilus. Pretty simple equation.

19. Chicago - Chandler Jones DE, 'Cuse

Him going to the Bears to complement Peppers is scary. You want to beat the Packers? Put pressure on 

Rodgers.

20. Tennessee - Michael Floyd WR, Notre Dame

We all saw what these receivers in Tennessee can do without K. Britt...nothing. Second best receiver in the draft snatch him up!

    

21. Cincinnati - Andre Branch DE, Clemson

Cincy's pass rush was anemic last year. Having the ability to pick up two studs within 5 picks of each other should produce some good result for ole Marv.

22. Cleveland - Kendall Wright WR, Baylor

There is no way you pass up Wright, Cleveland. Adding the top RB and 3rd best WR in the draft sounds  

like a fantasy football roster. If they do the norm and go off the grid; my sympathy for them becomes   comical...don't mess this up!

23. Detroit - Courtney Upshaw DE, 'Bama

The Lions found out last year that they could score with anybody but the real challenge is stopping the other team from scoring. Upshaw brings that mentality that the Lions need to go along with Suh and 

Fairley...just nasty.

24. Pittsburgh - Cordy Glenn OT, Georgia

Big Ben will always be one of the top QBs to get hit; it's his style of play, but eliminating the unnecessary  sacks is the basis of this pick.

     

25.  Denver - Dontari Poe DT, Memphis

Mr. Developmental. His results at the combine blew everyone away but will that translate on the field?  Analyst have said that the tape is not all that praise worthy which is why he falls to Denver.

     

26. Houston - Coby Fleener TE, Stanford

Houston is on the verge of having all the pieces in place. Throw in a TE; They will dominate the AFC South (until Luck gets some toys).

27.  New England - Harrison Smith SS, Notre Dame

Pats and Lions fell into the same "Anything you can do, I can do better...but I can't stop you from doing what you're doing" syndrome. Difference? That got the Pats to the Super Bowl. They are in desperate need of a SS. Harrison, come on down.

     

28. Green Bay - Shea McClellin DE/LB, Boise State

The difference between the Packers and the aforementioned  is they produced turnovers. You can   never  have too many pieces when you play a 3-4 so their versatility just got better.

29. Baltimore - Dont'a Hightower LB, 'Bama

Whenever you can get a young freakish LB to learn under Suga Ray; it's a win.

30. San Francisco - Doug Martin RB, Boise StateI think the 9ers feel that they'll take the best available RB before they let him go somewhere else...gotta watch ole Jim.

31. New England - Nick Perry DE, USC

Adds a game changer at DE. They will get the most out of him.

32. New York Giants - Jonathan Martin OT, Stanford

Even though Eli survived... he kissed the canvas too much last year. If they want to repeat; Eli has to  make it through the season...healthy

Potential Winners: Browns, Pats, and Texans.

Potential Loser: Jags and Broncos.

Good luck to all die-hards out there. May your draft be a good one.

TAC's Mock Draft 1-16

While reading this keep in mind that this is what I think will happen; not what I want to happen. So hopefully some of my predictions are wrong but we shall see! Enjoy.

1. Indianapolis - Andrew Luck QB, Stanford

This has been a lock since Week 14 of last year. No big surprises here.

2. Washington - Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor

The 'skins has been in desperate need of a QB since...Brad Johnson (2000)? O_o.

3. Minnesota - Matt Kalil OT, USC

There are a couple of areas that Minnesota could fill here but in-order to compete with anybody your young QB have to stay off the ground.

4. Cleveland - Trent Richardson RB, 'Bama
C'mon Cleveland! This is your shot to take the best RB in the draft this year and with P. Hillis leaving; it make sense...don't mess it up.

5. Tampa Bay - Moe Claiborne DB, LSU

How do you compete in a division with Brees, Ryan, and Cam??? Make sure your secondary is on the up and up. Aquib Talib is the most talented but has an issue with staying out of trouble and Ronde Barber is turning 52 this year.

6. St. Louis - Justin Blackmon WR, Oklahoma State

You made a splash with taking a franchise QB in 2010 plus Stephen Jackson is still a work horse. Gotta go with the best wide-out.

7. Jacksonville - Fletcher Cox DT, Mississippi St.

The Jags are in a tough position...it seems like the pick inbetween 7- 10 each year! This is a gut pick; Cox.

8. Miami - Ryan Tannehill QB, Texas A&M

Peer pressure will definitely make this a "too soon" pick. He might have an awesome career but I don't believe he is a plug and play QB right now.

9. Carolina - Luke Kuechly LB, Boston College

Those backers used to be the focal point of Carolina's defense and with your current core being injury prone; there is no other choice.
10. Buffalo - Stephon Gilmore DB, South Carolina

The Bills' secondary are looking to move toward more man-to-man and away from the cover 2. Gilmore size and ability will make the transition a smooth one.

11. Kansas City - David DeCastro OG, Stanford

Building a Pro Bowl O'Line is the recipe for success. The Chiefs can start here.

12. Seattle - Quinton Coples DE, North Carolina

Could be a Pete Carrol experiment. He has the ability but does he have the will? Pete will surely "Rah,Rah,Rah" him to death if he doesn't.
13. Arizona - Riley Reiff OT, Iowa

Think about it...most of Arizona highlights were either PP running one back or Kevin Kolb on the ground...I rest my case.
14. Dallas - Mark Barron S, 'Bama

Cowboys secondary was the weak point of last year's unit. They need a play-maker now and Barron fits the bill. (SN: I see Jerry pulling the trigger on s draft day trade...just keep your eyes open).

15. Philadelphia -Micheal Brockers DT, LSU

Stout run defender...they need one.

16. New York Jets - Melvin Ingram DE, South Carolina

Something about Rex Ryan says they'll take Ingram. He'll fit the Jets scheme perfectly.

Stayed tuned for Picks 17-32 a little later today!

NFL's Most Wanted

Well Who Dats, we are once again the center of attention (like we ever left) and for more BS. According to ESPN Outside The Lines report; Mickey Loomis had the ability to listen in on opposing teams game-plans and strategies for some of the 2002 and all of the 2003 and 2004 seasons. During Randy Meuller's tenure, a wired jack of sorts was installed in the GM suite to listen in on game day communication of the Saints coaching staff.  It is alleged that Mr. Loomis had this line rewired to listen to only opposing coaches; with a button that switched between offense and defense instead. The jack was un-installed in 2005 before Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Superdome. A former employee that worked on the communication systems for the Saints made the allegations which prompted the investigation. The FBI and Louisiana State troopers have joined forces in the investigation and the league has said they won't pursue any punishments until the investigation is over.

*Scratches head*

Ok, (sigh) something just doesn't sound right to me on this one. This allegedly started 10 years again...10 YEARS!  All of a sudden it comes out now??? While we are trying to get back up from the knock out blow we just took from the league regarding the bounty scandal? Really??? The timing couldn't have been any worse. Either the league had this information and held it until the timing was "right" or the former employee saw this as an opportunity to kick us while we're down.  The front office and former coaches vehemently deny these reports which is hopefully a good thing ( last time we denied something; Goodell dropped the hammer).

It sucks seeing your team have a special category on ESPN's ticker every morning for several weeks especially when it's about scandals and wrong-doings. As a TRUE Who Dat; it's disturbing but if it's one thing we are known for, it's our resiliency as a city. It's true; "When it rains, it pours" and real fans are there through rain,sleet,snow,hail,tornado,sand storm etc. These dark gray clouds will soon pass and when they do, we'll be in the Superdome on February 3, 2012 hosting our own Super Bowl.

Kansas City's Draft Preview

Top Needs: NT, OL, DE

This off-season has been a successful one for the 7-9 Chiefs from a year ago. Three key players were added to help their stagnate offense; Peyton Hillis, Kevin Boss, and Eric Winston. Offense was clearly the priority this off-season and the front office did a terrific job in addressing those issues. So with the 11th pick of the upcoming draft, what direction should they go?

The safe pick here will be to take top guard prospect Stanford's David DeCastro.Winston and Albert will hold down the right and left tackle positions respectively. Some have Rodney Hudson moving to center this year due to some impromptu starts at center last year. Jon Asamoah had a decent season at the right guard position which leaves Ryan Lilja - who struggled last year- the odd man out out. Making a pick like this one could solidify the left side of the line for years to come.

Thinking on the nasty side of the ball; there are a number of picks that would make sense here. Even though the defense was the strongest unit last year, some obvious weaknesses could be addressed this draft. Kelly Gregg performed below average last year so picking up a NT would work in their favor. Brockers, Cox, and the one of this year's draft surprises, Dontari Poe, will more than likely still be on the board at the 11th pick. On the other hand, picking the top LB prospect in Luke Kuechly from Boston College would add an instant improvement to a 3-4 LB core that could use it. Where ever the pick is on the defensive side of the ball it has to be within that front 7.

The Stretch - Tannehill, Tannehill, Tannehill! Almost like saying Bettlejuice three times and expecting some sort of horror act to follow. The Chiefs are making it known that they are interested in the Aggie by holding a private workout for him for the team. Bringing in Brady Quinn and taking a look at one of this year's top QBs should raise red flags for Cassell. With 8 picks, the Chiefs have plenty of ammo to pull of a trade up scenario come draft day.

My Spill - Even though I would LOVE for my Chiefs to select Kuechly, I believe grabbing big DeCastro at the 11th pick is a franchise builder. Having that solid line will carry the team a long ways.Sitting at pick #44 could also provide a number of other LBs that could fit the bill. A few that could be left on the board are Keenan Robinson - Texas, Bobby Wagner - Utah State, and Dont'a Hightower - 'Bama. Either way we should make more than a splash this year. We have the ammo, let's just make sure he hit a couple of bull-eyes.

Magic 8 ball

The Chiefs 8 picks for the 2012 draft are as followed:

1st rd. -  11

2nd rd. - 44

3rd rd. - 74

4th rd. - 107 

5th rd. - 146

6th rd. - 182

7th rd. - 218

7th rd. - 238

The first round will be taking place Thursday, April 26 @8:00 (ET), followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 27 @6:00 (ET). Rounds 4-7 will be on Saturday, April 28 @Noon (ET).

I got 5 on it.

The Saints 5 picks for the 2012 draft are as followed:

 3rd rd. - 89

4th rd. - 122

5th rd. - 162

6th rd. - 179

7th rd. - 234

The first round will be taking place Thursday, April 26 @8:00 (ET), followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 27 @6:00 (ET). Rounds 4-7 will be on Saturday, April 28 @Noon (ET).

No first round picks? No problem.

You'd have to be living under a rock this off season to not know that the Saints first pick will come in the third round at pick #89 after trading away their first round pick to the Patriots last year and forfeiting this years pick due to the Bounty scandal. Potential problem??? Depends on how you look at it. Since the Mickey Loomis Era, the Saints have been able to find those diamonds in the rough year after year and I expect the same this draft. Not to mention that the past several first rounders haven't truly lived up to their name. Excluding last year's picks (Cam Jordan and Mark Ingram); the first rounders look like this: 

2006 - Reggie Bush

2007 - Robert Meachem

2008 - Sedrick Ellis

2009 - Malcolm Jenkins

2010 - Patrick Robinson

As you can see, none of the above have had Hall of Fame starts in the NFL. Two aren't even apart of the roster this year! Granted, each had a hand in bringing the Saints their first Lombardi trophy but compared to other players drafted in the same position the same year? Not too much success

On the other hand selecting the 10th best DE in the draft or 8th best LB can be quite disturbing to fans. Picking so deep into the draft narrows your board down...way down. At that point you are picking solely on needs and evaluations. This is where teams continue their dynasties and prove that talent is talent no matter where you pick. I don't foresee the Saints trading up with the lack of picks they have this year and the lost of the first round pick the following year so they'll need to do the best with the picks they have.  At the end of the day having a pick in the first round gives you first dibs at any position you are in need of, but it doesn't guarantee you a Pro Bowler in the future.

Circle that date!..part 2!

The nation gets to see if the Chiefs are a serious contender for the AFC West title. As a fan, I believe that  it not only possible but a damn near guarantee! This year's schedule has a lot of good opponents from both conference on it so we will get the gut check that we need at the right time. Here are a few games that should catch your eyes:

Week 1 vs Falcons - Tony Gonzalez's return to Arrowhead!
Week 3 vs Saints - Bitter sweet match up (for me anyways).
Week 5 vs Ravens - Not only did they knock us out of the Playoffs in 2010; they embarrassed us!
Week 10 vs Steelers - The only way you became the best is to beat the best.
Week 13 vs Panthers - First time seeing Cam...should be a good one.

And of course, ALL AFC WEST GAMES!

Link to the Kansas City Chiefs 2012 schedule is below:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82861645/article/kansas-city-chiefs-2012-nfl-schedule-analysis

Don't get me wrong, after posting a 7-9 record last year and finishing dead last in the AFC West, we have no room to look over or under anyone. The normal NFL player response will now follow; "We gonna take it one game at a time".

Circle that date!

 

Here it is! The 2012 Saints schedule. At first glance we should definitely win 12 - 13 games this year. Here are some games that we all should circle:

Week 1 vs 'Skins - RGIII's (as we all assume) debut.
Week 3 vs Chiefs - Bitter sweet match up ( for me anyways).
Week 4 vs Packers - Arguably best 2 teams in the NFC this year.
Week 8 vs Broncos - Denver vs anybody will be circled this year.
Week 12 vs 49ers - REMATCH!
Week 14 vs Giants - What the 2011 NFC Championship should have been...
Week 16 vs Cowboys - Regional rivalry

and of course ALL NFC SOUTH GAMES!


Link to the New Orleans Saints 2012 schedule is below:

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/assets/docs/saints_2012_schedule_pdf.pdf

So Who Dats, how many W's do you see in this year's squad?

"I've never met a Chiefs fan from New Orleans..."

Well Here I am!

A lot of people always wondered what's up with my "other" team so before you see a post about the Chiefs and start pondering that title statement; I'll let you know. The three reasons are listed below:

1. The Arrowhead

As a kid, I loved the arrowhead logo on the helmet.  I have no idea why but it always stood out on camera. #KanyeShrug

2. My Brother

After running around the house saying that I was a Chiefs fan my brother sat me down and gave me the "loyalty" talk. In short, I was told to NEVER turn your back on the hometown team and keep them numero uno no matter what. He also explained to NEVER become a bandwagon fan; if I liked the Chiefs, remain a Chiefs fan for the rest of my life. I'm still on track.

3. Tecmo Bowl

Every real football fan has stories of Tecmo Bowl and the unstoppable up down up down method. Well mine started with the Chiefs and the "Nigerian Nightmare" Christian Okoye. He was the one of the only players (besides Bo of course) who would run over EVERYBODY. I got a Chiefs Riddell mini football set because of him, I wanted to play HB because of him and I little piece of me died when Steve Atwater met him in the hole that night. He instantly became my favorite player from K.C. and still holds that title to day.

It's not a riddle or I was born in K.C. or my dad is from K.C. etc etc. It's three simple reasons that I never outgrew or forgot about. Make sense???

The Waiting Game

Another day has gone by and still no deal for Drew. Even with the purchase of the Hornets yesterday ( for a reported 338 million) and the not so promising "We're close to a deal" from Mr. Benson is still not good enough for us Who Dats. The equation is pretty simple; Drew + Saints = Winning .What's the real issue? Money? Long term? Pride? Ego??? The front office have to understand that not signing Drew can end in a possible boycott from the city (no joke!) not because we are spoiled - which we are - but to deny a proven player his well deserved money and risk the entire team folding is unacceptable. If I would have won the Mega Million jackpot; Drew would be signed by now :) .

So what's next? The conditioning program starts Monday and you can only expect the team to react accordingly without Drew. This domino effect can be devastating for the franchise but as a true fan, I'll always have hope and find that silver lining....just hope it's sooner than later.

Every team needs a leader. Ours live in Uptown New Orleans with 2 sons and one on the way.