The Unsung Winners of the Trade Deadline

By: Brian Sanchez
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There were really no flashy deals at the trade deadline. There have been major trades this year with Rudy Gay and James Harden changing uniforms, they just weren't at the deadline. I would feel comfortable saying all the people like me who refreshed their Twitter feeds every five seconds waiting for an update thought today's was a deadline with a capital DEAD. I would also tend to say that not too many people would jump for joy when their playoff contending team only traded the last two players (Jeremy Tyler and Charles Jenkins) on the roster for second round picks, but I did, and this is why:

1. The Warriors are under the salary cap

Left: Charles Jenkins Right: Jeremy Tyler

Coming into the Thursday deadline the Warriors were $1.2 million over the cap. There was no way GM Bob Myers was going to dupe somebody in to taking Richard Jefferson or Andris Biedrins, so the only way to get under the cap was to trade two of the end of the bench players: Charles Jenkins, Jeremy Tyler, and Kent Bazemore. Bazemore has gone from a Summer League walk-on, to a guy who provides a couple minutes of defense a game and seems to have a future as a defensive role player in the league. So naturally, that only left Charles Jenkins and Jeremy Tyler, who project to be back-ups on non-playoff teams at their peaks in the league. So, why was it so important to be under the salary cap?

2. The Warriors are out of the luxury tax

Left: Owner Joe Lacob Right: GM Bob Myers

With the new CBA, there are steep penalties for being in the luxury tax. Now, the Warriors will enter the luxury tax at some point because owner Joe Lacob is willing to if the money is being spent on a difference maker. Lacob really cares about winning. He is, in a way, the anti-Cohan. Now there is something new for Lacob to dance around financially, and that is called the repeater tax. The repeater tax is in place to try and make sure large market teams can not continue to out spend small market teams at will. In it's most basic explanation, the repeater tax exponentially increases what teams that are constantly over the threshold have to pay. Usually, a team has to pay however far they are over the threshold as the tax. For example, if a team is $10 million over the cap, they have to pay an additional $10 million in luxury tax. For large market teams, this is no big deal. If that's the cost of having Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, and Pau Gasol on the Lakers, they say, "that's fine." But for teams that are in small markets like the Memphis Grizzlies, they are so desperate to not pay the tax that they were willing to give up Rudy Gay just to save the money. To pay the repeater tax you need to have been in the luxury tax for three of the past four years. If the Warriors would have stayed over the cap, they would have started the clock on their requirement to pay the repeater tax only to keep Jeremy Tyler and Charles Jenkins who usually only play in garbage minutes.

3. They have a reason to look forward to the draft
Before the trades of Tyler and Jenkins the Warriors had zero picks in this upcoming NBA Draft. Now at the very least they have two second rounders. What could come of those two picks? Honestly, I can't imagine. The Warriors are one of the youngest teams in the league, so the likelihood of them drafting two second rounders and signing them to contracts is low. But that does not mean the picks could not be useful. They could possibly be packaged in to moving up to the end of the first round when they may be able to find a player they like or draft a European player and stash him over seas. They could also be used in a trade again. You never really know, but one thing is for sure, most people trust GM bob Myers to do something smart that helps the team.

4. Nobody batted an eye at Klay trade rumors

Eric Gordon battles KlayThompson for the ball

This is probably the bit of information that came from this trade deadline that excites me the most. Klay was rumored to have been in the works of a trade for New Orleans SG Eric Gordon. Whether or not Gordon would make the Warriors that much better compared to the price of his contract s debatable but not what I care about for this instance. What excited me was, the Warriors trigger happy second-year SG was rumored to be on the move, and most fans seemed alright with it. Even beyond that, you could see Twitter was flooded with people saying they would love to have Eric Gordon and didn't mind that it cost Klay. I don't necessarily want Klay gone, but I also don't think he's that good. It was just that I expected their to be riots in the streets with people screaming that Klay is a great shooter, cheap, young, and should be going nowhere. But the openness to deal one of the Warriors young assets was thrilling to me. People want to win, and win now. If that costs Klay, so be it.


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Kicking Us While We're Down: The Maloof Story

That title may be a little dramatic. But it's essentially the case regarding Kings fans at this moment. The Kings were supposed to stay quiet during this year's deadline, since the sale of the team is causing enough distractions as it is. Yet today news broke that Thomas Robinson, Francisco Garcia, Tyler Honeycutt, and a second round pick were being sent to the Houston Rockets for Patrick Patterson, Cole Aldrich, and Toney Douglas.  It is shocking considering T-Rob was one of the best assets on the team and a key block for the future.  And the Kings got back who?

Kings fans are like Michael Scott, and the Maloofs are Toby.  Just hear me out.  Right now Toby is moving to Costa Rica forever, never to be seen again.  Except this time on his way out he burns the office down and Michael is sunsequently fired despite his pleas that Toby was the reason for the chaos.  Even after all the optimism recently with talks involving Ron Burkle and the NBA Board of Governors, this recent trade honestly just kills my team spirit.  I find myself rooting for our players to get traded and go on to better organizations, better coaches, better support in general. Robinson will flourish in Houston surrounded by shooters and playmakers, or they may just pawn him off to another team after his value rises and get an even better power forward.  And he'll do just fine wherever he ends up, because his development won't be stymied by this franchise. There's a reason Michael Scott always yells at Toby, and there's a reason that the hashtag #FTM exists (you'll figure it out).

Now this move is a cost-cutting move at its core, which are sometimes necessary.  Look at the Grizzlies: they have made two cost-cutting trades to get out of bad contracts, yet they are as relevant as ever.  That isn't what the Kings are doing though.  They have traded they're 5th overall pick in last year's draft, a highly coveted spot 8 months ago, for players that won't even be on the team next year.  It's LITERALLY as if draft day didn't happen for the Kings, even though Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, and Andre Drummond were picked immediately after Robinson.  But Robinson not having the same level of talent as those guys isn't the problem, it's the Kings. If Drummond were over here, he would have the same developmental problems because there is no chemistry or identity to this team.  Over the past few years there have been pieces that fit wonderfully on paper, solid players like Carl Landry, Chuck Hayes, JJ Hickson, and Robinson himself, but they never find any sort of role or purpose because of poor team construction and poor rotation consistency. That's why Patrick Patterson won't do anything in Sacramento either.  He was the 5th best player on a playoff team, yet he will be cast aside sooner rather than later.  

Basically, the Rockets had a few picks to trade at the beginning of the season and tried to get Robinson at the draft. Instead, they snag James Harden out of nowhere and still get Robinson with the scraps.  Beautiful.  Rockets GM Daryl Morey is most likely the smartest guy in the league, and it shows in his insanely young playoff team.  The Kings, or at least their fans, come out the bloody victims, with eyes swollen and spirits shot.  This is a lot cynicism, but the Maloofs deserve to be chased out of the league for what has happened in the past day and the past seven years.  I love this team, and always will, but my memories will be forever scarred because of one family who just couldn't stay out of their own way.  

49ers RB thoughts

By: Brian Sanchez

     I have received some questions about the 49ers draft which I love. My favorite and most intriguing question thus far is about the possibility of the Niners drafting a RB this year. Frank Gore is a beast, there is no doubt about that. However, in my eyes, he did seem to be losing some explosiveness as the season wore on. I do think he has 2-3 good years as a starting RB left in him. While that is the thought, he has had plenty of injury problems and one could strike on any given run. With that, there is the thought of the 49ers drafting a RB who could replace Gore as an every down back should this be the case. My answer as of this moment would be no, they won't.

     The most popular name I have heard from fans of the show has been Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore was a beast of a RB at South Carolina before his first ACL injury. As a matter of fact, he was a beast of a RB after that first ACL injury. This previous season he suffered ACL injury number two. He was not supposed to be ready for the Combine, but he is, and he says he will shock doctors with how he has recovered. His injuries alone drop him to the fourth round. It is going to take a mind blowing effort at the Combine for a team to spend a pick in the top three rounds on him. So, if he can have a similar career path to Frank Gore (who also had knee surgeries in college) and won't cost a pick of high value therefore lowering the risk: should the 49ers take Marcus Lattimore?

     I am not saying they shouldn't, I'm just saying I don't think they are willing to do so. First of all, most teams carry three running backs, and on rare occasions, they carry four. The 49ers are already one of those teams that carries four running backs. Frank Gore is the number one, he is the starter, he is going nowhere. Lamichael James came on strong at the end of the season showing he will be valuable and that he is very dynamic in the pistol read option formation. Don't forget about Kendall Hunter, he was the back up before going down with an injury and was incredibly effective. He should be back at 100% strength and will be on the team and fighting James for field time. The fourth RB is Anthony Dixon. As a RB he is rarely used, but he could not lose his job to Lattimore because Dixon is a key contributor on special teams which Jim Harbaugh values greatly. So my question to you, the reader, is this: Where would you put Lattimore?
     The idea of drafting a player and keeping them on the roster but having them inactive like they did last year with both Lamichael James and AJ Jenkins is in play. It did work out because when injuries struck the 49ers, those two players were ready to step in and contribute (even though AJ Jenkins had more drops than catches... and he only had one drop). But Lattimore's knees are already a ticking time bomb and wearing them out in practice without utilizing them during games would seem a bit silly. I don't think it is realistic to draft Lattimore in anticipation for Gore running out of gas in a year or two, because Lattimore may have to bow out of the league before Gore.
     If the 49ers do take a RB, expect it to be in the 6th round or later. Everybody is going to be looking for the next Alfred Morris (6th round) or Darryl Richardson (7th round). Expect it to be a player from a small school that does one thing exceptionally well i.e. lightning quick or Hulk strong. They don't need a RB now, and shouldn't in the near future, so I don't think a guy like Lattimore will be in play.

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pre Combine

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1. Kansas City Chiefs- QB Geno Smith, West Virginia

Do I think Geno Smith is the best player in the draft? No. Do I think he's good enough to be the numer one overall pick? No. Heck, I'm not even sure he's the best QB in the draft. What I do know is that the Chiefs are QB desperate and Geno Smith is the mobile kind of QB the league is falling in love with. If the Chiefs trade for Alex Smith or Nick Foles, then I think they go with Joeckel here.

Other Options:
1. Luke Joeckel- Brandon Albert is decent, often hurt, and expensive. If the Chiefs can find another QB they can take a LT starter from day 1.

2. Star Lotulelei- The Chiefs defensive line is terrible, if they can find a LT and QB elsewhere, Star makes sense.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE Bjoern Werner, Florida St.

The Jaguars need Pretty much everything. Perhaps the main problem is the pass rush. When you look at the sack leaders this last season, they look like this: J.J. Watt 20.5 sacks, Jax Jags 20 sacks, Aldon Smith 19.5 sacks. That's embarrassing. They need someone who can get after the QB. It is difficult to get QB pressure from the DE position instead of a LB, so if you can draft that, get on it. That's what Werner represents. As a true DE he can both rush the passer and play the run.

Other Options:
1. Star Lotulelei- The Jags may want to increase the productivity inside instead of outside, especially with Terrance Knighton being a FA.

2. Damontre Moore- Just another pass rushing option for the Jags if they grade him out higher.

3. Oakland Raiders- DT Star Lotulelei, Utah

The Raiders have a great chance to be smart and get better. They are as soft as they come up the middle on defense, and in todays passing NFL, if you can't even stop the run, you are basically dead in the water. Lotulelei can play all along the defensive line and has the ability to take up multiple blockers and open holes for LB's, stop the run, and collapse the pocket with a strong pass rush.

Other Options:

1. Bjoern Werner- The Raiders really need D-line help, and if Lotulelei goes first they should jump on Werner

2. Geno Smith- The Raiders are reportedly high on Smith, and it would give them a chance to try a dual threat QB and cut Carson Palmer and that ridiculous contract.

4. Philadelphia Eagles- OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

LT Jason Peters missed last season with a torn achilles, but when he is healthy he is very good. The Eagles also start a guy in Todd Hermanns at RT even though he is really a guard. The Eagles need a better line whether it's Vick or Foles under center. Joeckel is No. 2 on my big board and can either start at LT or RT from day one.

Other Options:

1. Staar Lotulelei- If he makes it this far, the Eagles should take a serious look at finally getting stronger along their D-line

2. Eric Fisher- If Joeckel is gone and they really want a LT, Fisher may just be worth pick number four.

5. Detroit Lions- DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M 

The Lions already cut DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and are probably losing DE Cliff Avril. The are going to need a DE in a bad way, and even if they keep Avril they'll still have a hole across from him. Damontre Moore is a very good pass rusher off the edge and has good size for a 4-3 DE.

Other Options:

1. Bjoern Werner- While i'm skeptical that he would actually make it this far, there is no way the Lions could pass him up.

2. Dee Milliner- The Lions are in serious need of CB help and Milliner is the best available.

6. Cleveland Browns- OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon

The Browns are shifting in to a 3-4 defense and they are actually pretty well equipped for the change. The one thing they are missing is a 3-4 OLB opposite of Jabal Sheard. That also correlates with their need for a better pass rush. at 6'7" Jordan still has the athletic ability to be a stand up OLB and he has shown some decent covering skills.

Other Options:

1. Barkevious Mingo- Another option to fill the hole at OLB

2. Dee Milliner- Would look mighty good in a Browns uniform across from Joe Haden.

7. Arizona Cardinals- OT Eric Fisher, Central Michigan

Whoever the Cardinals start at QB needs protection and the Cardinals O-line is in the debate for worst in the league. Eric Fisher set the Senior Bowl ablaze by stopping every pass rusher that came his way dead in their tracks. He is a starting LT from day one and that is a commodity the Cardinals can't afford to pass up.

Other Options:

1. Tyler Wilson- The Cardinals may decide that they are in need of a QB and will take one at this pick despite the value.

2. Mike Glennon- Seriously, if the Cardinals don't get a LT it's going to be a QB

8. Buffalo Bills- QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

This honestly may not be as big of a reach as people think. The Bills love high character leaders with strong college track records. That sounds like Wilson to me. Wilson's team was so inept at Arkansas that I think they made him look bad. I have a feeling Wilson may be the best QB in this draft. The Bills need one, so they'll take one.

Other Options:

1. Mike Glennon- If the Bills don't like Wilson they can take their QB in Glennon

2. Cordarrelle Patterson- The Bills could use a game breaker across from Stevie Johnson and Patterson would fill that need.

9. New York Jets- DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU

If they Jets want to return to the playoffs they'll need a defense that can carry Mark Sanchez. That's how they used to do it, and they need to go back to that. Mingo is an uber athletic pass rusher who can play all over the defense. Rex Ryan will love the opportunity to line him up all over the field and let him pin his ears back.

Other Options:

1. Dion Jordan- Another versatile pass rusher if Mingo goes in Jordan's spot earlier.

2. Dee Milliner- If Revis and/or Cromartie leave the team they could look for Milliner to step in and start right away. 

10. Tennessee Titans- CB Dee Milliner, Alabama

The Titans have a couple of starting CB's in place but one of them, Alterraun Verner is entering his contract year. Milliner is number six on my big board and the Titans will see that they need more corners and Milliner can challenge to be a starter for day one. The Titans were ranked 24th in passing defense so they do need help.

Other Options:

1. Kenny Vaccaro- They could use the help at safety and Kenny is the best one in the draft.

2. Chance Warmack- Help CJ2k out by giving him the best player in the draft to block for him.

11. San Diego Chargers- OT Lane Johnson, Oklahoma

I do think this is a reach, but I don't know that the Chargers can do anything else. The Chargers O-line is horrendous. Philip Rivers may not be very good anymore, but we'll never know behind that line. There are better guards available, but I think the Chargers should swing for the fences. Johnson is incredibly athletic for a LT and the Chargers have to hope he pans out.

Other Options:

1. Jarvis Jones- Could replace Shaun Phillips at OLB

2. Johnathan Hankins- A new NT wouldn't be the worst thing in the world for the Chargers.

12. Miami Dolphins- WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee

The Dolphins need some help in their defensive backfield but they need even more help with their wide outs. Patterson is the best WR in this class. He has great size, good speed, and exceptional hands. HC Joe Philbin is an offensive guy and he likes what he has in Tannehill. Having no receivers will stunt his growth, so help the kid out.

Other Options:

1. Kenny Vaccaro- The Dolphins need a safety and Vaccaro would start from day one.

2. Sharrif Floyd- WIth Starks a free agent and Odrick out of favor, a dynamic DT could be on the menu for Miami

                               13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- CB Xavier Rhodes, Florida St.

Bucs HC Greg Schiano loves physicality and toughness. The Bucs also desperately need a CB. They score both here with Xavier rhodes who is a big physical cover corner that likes to press at the line of scrimmage and body up on receivers.

Other Options:

1. Johnathan Banks- I really think the Bucs should take a CB and Banks is just another option.

2. Chance Warmack- The Bucs are becoming an excellent running team and Warmack would help take them to the next level.

                                      14. Carolina Panthers- DT Sharriff Floyd, Florida

Year in and year out it seems like the Panthers need a DT. Well, this is the draft to finally get one. Floyd has a great chance of shooting up boards after the combine. He is a DT that can get penetration at the point of attack and should instantly shore up the middle of the Panthers D-line.

Other Options:

1. Sheldon Richardson- They need a DT and have multiple options here

2. Cordarrelle Patterson- If he's still here they should take a good look. He could be the number two they need and he could be the number one when Steve Smith leaves.

15. New Orleans Saints- OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

The Saints are switching to a 3-4 defense and are lacking two spots for it. One is nose tackle but it may be too soon to take one. The other is a rush line backer. Jarvis Jones has the talent of a top five pick, but he also has spinal stenosis. He was at USC before the doctors there advised him to give up football because of his condition. He transferred to Georgia and was a beast there, but did he chew up two years of health he can't get back? The Saints have to take that chance and swing for the fences.

Other Options:

1. Ezekiel Ansah- Another pass rushing option on the outside for the Saints

2. Johnathan Hankins- Brodrick Bunkley may not be a NT so they could look for a replacement.

16. St. Louis Rams- S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

The Rams have already stated that they want to upgrade the safety position. They will certainly be thrilled to see Kenny Vaccaro available with their first, first round pick. This is a deep and talented draft for safeties, and Vaccaro is head and shoulders above all the rest. He is a sure tackler and a great cover safety. If the Rams want to improve the safety position, here is a starter from day one.

Other Options:

1. Chance Warmack- Jeff Fisher traditionally doesn't take O-linemen in the first round, but Warmack could be an exception to the rule.

2. Cordarrelle Patterson- If he some how makes it this far I think they should capitalize.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers- DE/OLB Ezekiel Ansah, BYU

This pick is really up in the air. If Casey Hampton is gone then they need a NT and there are a few available. They may fall in love with a corner like Johnathan Banks and upgrade that position. They are also losing James Harrison and I think the strength of the team is their front seven so that's what they have to focus on. Ansah is a huge physical Pass rusher who is athletic enough to stand up as a OLB and I think Pittsburgh will like him a lot.

Other Options:

1. Kenny Vaccaro- Clark and Polamalu are getting older and are always hurt, drafting Vaccaro is great value and adressing a need before it officially becomes one.

2. Jarvis Jones- If he falls this far because of the spinal stenosis the Steelers could draft James Harrison's successor.

18. Dallas Cowboys- DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri

The Cowboys are transitioning to a 4-3 defense and need a lot of help on the defensive line. Anthony Spencer is a free agent and going to be expensive, while Jay Ratliff has now coupled his poor play since his huge contract extension with a DUI. The Cowboys can take the best D-linemen available and start him on day one.

Other Options:

1. Johnathan Hankins- They may grade Hankins out higher which would make him the pick here.

2. Alec Ogletree- One of the few prospects that has the physicality and speed to be an OLB in the 4-3.

19. New York Giants- LB Alec Ogletree, Georgia

The Giants have made it very clear that they want better play out of their linebackers next year, and I think it has to start in the middle. Chase Blackburn just isn't going to cut it. Ogletree has the speed and strength to be a do it all MLB that will start from day one.

Other Options:

1. Johnathan Hankins- Maybe they want to fix the interior line.

2. Eddie Lacey- One of the few chances a RB goes in the first round. Lacey and Wilson could be a nice one-two punch.

                                            20. Chicago Bears- OT DJ Fluker, Alabama

If the Bears want to get any better anytime soon they need to keep Jay Cutler clean. They need help all along the offensive line and while there is a better guard available, Fluker makes sense. He can start at RT day one, and if he progresses he can be the cornerstone LT. But even if he doesn't, they have a long time starting RT.

Other Options:

1. Chance Warmack- He plays inside but would still address the need along the O-line

2. Tyler Eifert- He can help in the blocking game with his huge size and Cutler could use a steady TE.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- S Eric Reid, LSU

The Bengals are a good team with few glaring holes. One of those holes is at middle linebacker, however with Ogletree gone they should address their serious need at safety. Reid is a large, athletic safety who can hit just as well as he can cover. The fact that he could succeed in the SEC just bolsters his resume that much more.

Other Options:

1. Manti Te'o- If Ogletree is gone and they want a MLB, Te'o may be the guy.

2. John Cyprien- Safety should seriously be in play here and Cyprien is one of those players shooting up draft boards.

22. St. Louis Rams- WR Keenan Allen, Cal

Brandon Gibson and Danny Amendola are free agents. Even if they lose both of them, their young nucleus of Chris Givens, Brian Quick, and Austin Pettis. Keenan Allen is one of my favorite wide outs in the draft. He is a day one starter and a possession receiver, which is what that receiving core needs. Sam Bradford will love having him.

Other Options:

1. Chance Warmack- He's still here if Fisher will go O-line

2. Arthur Brown- If through the combine the Rams can decide he can play OLB he's the guy here.

23. Minnesota Vikings- WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

The Vikings may be losing Percy Harvin, they may not be. Either way they still need more dynamic wide outs. They need to take pressure off of Adrian Peterson as much as they need to help Christian Ponder as much as possible. Hopkins a steady receiver. No peaks and valleys, just a solid number two.

Other Options:

1. Johnathan Hankins- The Vikings could use some new D-linemen and Hankins fits the bill.

2. Terrance Williams- Another option for them at WR if they like him more than Hopkins.

24. Indianapolis Colts- OG Chance Warmack

You may think I'm crazy for slotting him this low. I agree with you, this is way too low for him. But I am not making these picks as if I were the GM, I am trying to predict what each team will do. I made that mistake last year with David DeCastro. He was one of the best players in the draft, but because he played guard he fell to the Steelers at 24 just like Warmack this year. The Colts need two things, a running game, and better blocking for Andrew Luck. Warmack is so good that even from the inside, he does both. Steal of the draft.

Other Options:

1. Jonathan Banks- They could use just about anything on defense and Banks can start for them at corner from day one.

2. John Jenkins- He has the potential to be a top flight NT and could help them stuff the run.

25. Seattle Seahawks- DL Jesse Williams, Alabama

This is a gut feeling pick for me. The Seahawks always go against the grain. They like physical, nasty, tough, kind of wacky guys, and that's what they get. They also like every one of their players to either be ridiculously fast, or incredibly strong. Williams is very, very strong and even fills a need on the interior D-line.

Other Options:

1. Terrance Williams- They could use some receivers for Russell Wilson to play with and Terrance Williams could blossom in to a star.

2. Johnathan Hankins- D-line is a strong probability for them, and if they like Hankins over Williams, they could take him.

26. Green Bay Packers- CB Jonathan Banks, Mississippi St.

This is a pure value pick here for the Packers, not to mention it helps their weaker side of the ball. They need a lot of work on defense but banks should be able to challenge to be a starter right away and would be a great tandem partner with Tramon Williams.

Other Options:

1. Desmond Trufant- Another CB option if that's the way they want to go.

2. John Cyprien- They could really use a safety and he is a good one.

27. Houston Texans- LB Arthur Brown, Kansas St.

Arthur Brown will fill a need for Houston at MLB. He is a bit undersized, but he is lightning quick and fierce. He reminds me a lot of Navorro Bowman in San Francisco. Bradie James is getting older and breaking down in Houston and Arthur Brown has the ability to fly around and make plays. He is a candidate to fly up draft boards after the combine.

Other Options:

1. Tavon Austin- If they like what the smaller playmaker can bring to the table, they can grab him.

2. Terrance Williams- A large WR prospect who they could put across from Andre Johnson.

28. Denver Broncos- CB Desmond Trufant, Washington

Champ Bailey looks like his time has finally come to a close. Tony Carter is a free agent and his future is up in the air. The defensive line needs to get stronger but not as badly as they need a CB. A great Senior Bowl shot Trufant all the way up to being a first round pick.

Other Options:

1. Blidi Wreh-Wilson- They could really use a CB and he's another option.

2. Johnathan Hankins-They've needed help on the interior for a while and he could be the answer.

29. New England Patriots- DT Johnathan Hankins, Ohio St.

The New England Patriots will take a long look at WR Tavon Austin here but decide they need a more physical WR and there isn't a good choice. They will then look at being better in the middle of their defensive line. Hankins represents versatility which is what New England loves in their defensive players. Hankins can play DT in the 4-3 and DE in the 3-4. If something were to happen to Wilfork, Hankins could even play NT.

Other Options:

1. Tavon Austin- He could be electric in the fast paced Patriots offense as both a RB and a WR.

2. Matt Elam- The Patriots could really use an enforcer in their secondary.

30. Atlanta Falcons- TE Zach Ertz, Stanford

Atlanta has very few holes. They would like to strengthen the defensive line, but now that Tony Gonzalez is gone, they have a hole they need to fill at TE first. Ertz is more of a pass catcher than a blocker, but he is a serious threat. He stretches the field and he has excellent hands. He's no Tony Gonzalez, but he can play.

Other Options:

1. Tyler Eifert- He is another option at TE to fill the hole left by Gonzalez.

2. Sam Montgomery- He can play the DE in their 4-3 which is where they need depth.

31. San Francisco 49ers- S John Cyprien, Florida International

The 49ers are as solid a team as there is. With Kaepernick leading this team, the offense can be dynamic. It's still tough to run on the 49ers but it is getting easier and easier to throw on them. The way this draft has fallen, there just isn't a good CB option here. They also need safety help, it's just hard to tell which safety spot they need. Donte Whitner is becoming a liablity at the strong safety, but he is under contract. FS Dashon Goldson is a free agent and will demand a huge contract, and the 49ers are determined to keep him. If they can keep Goldson, then they should draft John Cyprien out of Florida International to replace Whitner at SS. Cyprien hits hard and is very fluid and fast with the ability to cover. He will be a major upgrade at the safety position. There will be OLB prospects later in the draft, as well as good prospects at WR, DL, and CB, but I do think to cupboard will be bare at safety by the 49ers second round pick.

Other Options:

1. John Jenkins- NT Isaac Sopoaga is a free agent and wasn't getting that much push at the end of the season.

2. Tavon Austin- Once again the 49ers are weak at WR. They will have to pat Crabtree soon so they can't spend big on more wide outs. Austin is unbelievably quick and could take over punt and kick return duties with Ted Ginn Jr.  gone. A.J. Jenkins is still developing so the 49ers need a right now WR prospect.

32. Baltimore Ravens- ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Te'o just sneaks in to the first round as the Raven replacement for Ray Lewis. This is a massive drop off, but it's about their only choice. They are going to have to shell out the dough just to keep Flacco and Boldin which means they will have to replace Lewis through the draft. I think Te'o has tackling issues as well as a lack of speed which drop him to the bottom of the first. However, since the Ravens play a 3-4 defense, Te'o will have help manning the middle, so he won't be exposed as badly as he was in the National Championship game.

Other Options:

1. Matt Elam- He is one of the very good safeties in the draft and could help replace Ed Reed if he leaves.

2. John Jenkins- It's been three years and Terrance Cody is still not producing. It may be time for a new NT.

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2013 NFL Draft: Initial Impressions

By: Brian Sanchez

I've been deeply entrenched in this years NFL Draft crop for about ten days now and have formed some early opinions about the class. Granted, these opinions come before the NFL Draft Combine, so these are only my initial impressions; a.k.a take them with a grain of salt.

1. Depth

The first thing I noticed when trying to establish my Big Board this year was how uniquely difficult it was. This problem stems from the fact that this draft is as deep as one I can remember. And I am looking at this depth in multiple ways. The first issue NFL GM's will have problems with is the fact that in the first round alone it is difficult to separate players. I can find at least ten players that are ranked in the twenties and thirties that could easily end up being better than a number of top ten picks. Then if you look past that, this draft goes three rounds deep of solid players in my opinion. The first round is stacked with immediate starters. The second round will have plenty of immediate starters as well. Then the back end of the second round and the entire third round is chalked full of players that should immediately step in to a rotation and help their team in year one. Since there will be a number of teams reaching as usual, you can look for this talent pool to spill over in to the fourth round. What does this mean? Stay tuned for day two of the Draft, because your team should be drafting players that will impact the upcoming season in rounds two, three, and even four.




2. The Trenches

Alabama Guard, Chance Warmack

Oh man do I love physicality in all sports, especially football. I think if you can win the battle in the trenches, you are already on the road to success. For guys like me, and teams that think the way I do, this draft is like Christmas. What could be even better than that? The dominance in the trenches of this draft is on both sides of the ball. On my Big Board right now, the top five players are either an offensive or defensive lineman. In fact, 15 of my top 32 players available play either the offensive line or the defensive line. The scarier part, the positions do not carry great value in the NFL Draft so they will fall on draft day. What does this mean? It means that very skilled and strong linemen are going to be falling down to the playoff teams at the bottom of the draft, thus supplying the good teams in the NFL with immediate starters in the trenches.



3. QB

West Virginia QB, Geno Smith

For every awesome Qb there was in last years draft, there is a marginal talent that teams will reach for in this years draft. As of right now there are many people, myself included, that think Geno Smith will be the number one overall pick this year. He is certainly not an Andrew Lick or a RGIII and may just end up as a mobile QB that can't really play the position. The best WB in the draft may just be Tyler WIlson from Arkansas, but his team last year was so inept that it made him look bad and may cost him when teams look at tape. After those two you have Mike Glennon, Matt Cassell EJ Manuel, Zac Dysert, Ryan Nassib, Landry Jones, and Tyler Bray. This whole draft class screams out, "Christian Ponder" in my eyes.




4. RB

Alabama RB, Eddie Lacy

"Hello? Anyone home? No? OK." This is the standard conversation between draft evaluators and the RB class. There is a very strong chance that no RB is taken in the first round. Eddie Lacy form Alabama grades out as my highest rated back so far, but I doubt he is a first rounder. After him the cupboard is pretty bare. Giovanni Bernard from North Carolina and Joseph Randle from Oklahoma St. are likely second round picks but they are not immediate starters or solutions for any team. This class has a lot of third to fourth round backs that can run between the tackles and do everything decently, but no starters and no game breakers. In the middle rounds I see some value as backups in: Stepfan Taylor, Montee Ball, Marcus Lattimore, Johnathan Franklin, and Le'Veon Bell.



5. WR

Tennessee WR, Cordarrelle Patterson

Take everything is said about the RB position and throw it out the window when it comes to this years wide outs. Through the first two rounds there are plenty of receivers for teams to take that will make immediate impacts. And not only that, it's the type of receiver that will be available. Every one of the top 10-15 wide outs has a unique skill that not only makes them good, but makes them game breakers. The best in my opinion is Cordarrelle Patterson from Tennessee. One of the most underrated prospects is Keenan Allen from Cal if there is another receievr who deserves more respect it's Tavon Austin from West Virginia. The one player who can make the biggest leap through the combine is Terrance Williams from Baylor. Finally, my sleeper pick for a big time receiver is Aaron Dobson from Marshall.



6. CB

Alabama CB, Dee Milliner

There is good depth at the position, but the real story is the top end of the class. There is a lot of talent within the top five corner backs, paced by Alabama's Dee Milliner. But the guys like Xavier Rhodes, Desmond Trufant, Johnathan Banks, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson all have the ability to be named starters in their first year. The truly intriguing part of this CB class is that there is plenty of talent after those initial five but they come from small schools where you have to question the competition they faced. The schools I'm talking about are: Southeast Louisiana, San Diego St., Boise St., and William & Mary. The corners from each one of those schools has either good size or good coverage skills but they were not going against elite talent, so it will be up to each GM individually to grade them.

There's no Defense for this All Star Pick

By: Brian Sanchez

San Rafael, Calif.—Look, the Golden State Warriors are having a bounce back season to be incredibly proud of. David Lee has broken the Warriors long string of being without an All-Star since 1997 when Latrell Spreewell represented the Dubs in Cleveland.
     Now, normally, a team that is double digit wins over .500 which has beat the L.A. Clippers three out of four times as well as beating the Heat, Thunder, Pacers, Nets, Hawks, and Nuggets; would get two All-Stars if they had two deserving players. There is no doubt the Warriors do, with Stephen Curry and David Lee. Alas, the Warriors only get one All-Star. This is a clear sign that the rest of the league acknowledges the Warriors are having a good season by giving them one All-Star, but letting them know they have not arrived as one of the leagues notable teams by not allowing them two.

     First I'll take a look at who should have made the team between Steph and D. Lee. I understand that David Lee is having a very, very good year (offensively). He's within fractions of averaging 20 ppg. and 10 rpg. and has 27 double-doubles this year.  Curry on the other hand is averaging 21 ppg. 6.5 apg. and 4 rpg. 6.5 assists per game may seem low, but for a point guard that scores at the high clip Curry does, it is more than sufficient. Curry is the leading scorer of all players left off of the All-Star team.
     The reason Lee made it over Curry is because the NBA is obsessed with offensive stats and don't really look at anything else. If David Lee is not the worst interior defender in the league, then he must be tied for the worst. He is soft inside, often late on rotations, and allows average to poor offensive players to have big scoring days on him, which in my eyes cancels out his own offense. But who cares about that, right? How many points does he score? That's all that matters. And yes, Curry scores more than him, but Lee does it down low where there isn't always a lot of scoring in the league. What really did it for Lee was his number of double-doubles. That is what impresses people. Just the term alone gets people in a tizzy.

     I would have picked Steph as the teams All-Star, because he is without a doubt the most important player on his team. Steph is sporting some of the most impressive numbers shooting wise: 45% on three's, 43% from the field, and 90% from the charity stripe. Curry handles the ball a lot throughout a game, especially compared to David Lee. However, Curry has only five more turnovers than him, with 117 compared to Lee's 112. While I don't think stats do a good job of showing how good a player is defensively, Steph has twice as many steals and just as many blocks as David Lee. Let that sink in. An All-Star power forward who plays almost 38 minutes a game only has eight blocks. Did I mention he didn't play very good interior defense?
     With all of that said, I think both Lee and Curry should have been on the All-Star team because of how well their team is preforming. This is why I think Lee over Curry isn't the biggest problem with the selection process. My problems come with Lamarcus Aldridge, and James Harden.
     I'll start with Aldridge. He isn't even averaging a double-double, and he's shooting under 50% from the field. There is no way he belongs over Steph Curry. The Trail Blazers are one game over .500 and they are that good because of Lillard more than Aldridge.
     Same story with James Harden. Harden is having an All-Star type year according to his numbers, but is he more deserving than Curry? Harden is averaging 26 ppg. 4.5 rpg. and 5.5 apg. Very impressive numbers. He is also a black hole on offense who isn't a floor general like Curry. This is basically a toss up in my eyes. And Curry should win that toss because of the record he has lead his team to. The Warriors sit at 26-17 while the Rockets are only two games over .500 at 24-22.
     At the end of the day I think Stephen Curry will be on this years All-Star team. Chris Paul looks like a candidate to pull out due to injury, as does Dwight Howard. Tim Duncan and the Spurs are always prone to pulling himself from extra competition to rest at his advanced age.  Curry will probably be going to All-Star weekend with or without being on the team because he should be in the three-point competition. At this point in time, I would put my money on Curry being an All-Star.