Ryan McMahon, what to do with him?

At this time last year, Rockies first baseman Ryan McMahon was all the talk. He was supposed to be the future at first base for them. As Opening Day started to roll around, McMahon was being placed in Triple A. Lets fast forward a year. The Rockies have signed Daniel Murphy, thinking oh he will play second base for the departed D.J LeMehieu, think again! It sounds like that Murphy will be playing first base with Ian Desmond playing full time in the outfield. So why do the Rockies hate Ryan McMahon and why aren't they giving him a shot. In 2017 and 2018 when he spent time in both Double and Triple A, he was very good and future was promising. His play in the majors has been less than spectacular. It may be the fact he just needs time or it may be that the Rockies aren't the biggest on playing their young kids. Whatever it may be, either McMahon will be traded or he will be given time to catch up to the majors.

If they end up trading him, they need more starting pitching as well as a catcher. Could he be used in a trade for J.T Realmuto? The Marlins need a first baseman and the Rockies need a catcher, could this be a match? Possibly, but I don't think it will happen.

What is a sport?

What is a sport? We all know the obvious, baseball, football, basketball and hockey. You may even add soccer to that list. The real question is what criteria constitutes a sport? You may consider a variety of reasons like spectator participation, physical exertion, tradition, longevity, money and competition just to name a few. The big four certainly fit what I named. There are a vast number of other activities that may or may not meet some or all of your criteria horse and auto racing, tennis, track and field, swimming and even the puppies. I’m about to throw one more at you.

If you were to hear FaZe, OpTic, Kaliber, A9, Soar,… or give you names like Jev, Nadeshot, Cbass, or Taz many of you would have no idea of what I’m talking about. Well my friends there appears to be a new sport on the block. It’s the world of professional video gaming. Before you call me crazy let us start with a brief overview from the beginning.

From its inception, starting with Pong, and the Atari 2600, gaming was destine to rule the youth of the world.  It wasn’t until the internet, and the advancements in the way graphics and the programming of the games are made have made it possible for the advent of the professional gamer. From the first competition at Stanford University in 1972 were the winner was awarded a year subscription to Rolling Stone magazine to today where teams will gather in Anaheim California to compete for 150,000 dollars in prize money.

There are a number of electronic sports or esports is the term used for leagues like UGC, PGL and the big one MLG or Major League Gaming. MLG holds tournaments around the US and Canada were teams compete for thousands of dollars, and with new teams forming  daily esports is sure to be around for years to come. Now with the internet and the development of sites like youtube and twitter you can watch live streams of game play and also tweet with your favorite players. Now before you call these guys fat lazy couchpotatos, think again, while it’s true you sit during competition I can assure you that they are not. I have seen these professional players in person while MLG held a tournament in Columbus. These guys and yes sometimes girls take this as serious as any professional athlete. As for the doubters, all I can say is check it out for yourselves. I saw the convention center in Columbus sold out for a four day event last November.

For those interested I will give you my take on the teams and players of the MLG pro circuit, game battles and tournaments. The last tournament that I know of was UGC Niagara - UGCElGato20k tournament with the winner being

compLexity Gaming

I look forward  to hearing your comments, thoughts and opinions.

by: G. Schottle

First Annual MHSM NFL Mock Draft - Part III

Holy wow the NFL Draft is today!!!!! I figured I better post the last part of the draft so it isn't incomplete and I look like a fool haha. Sorry for the late posting this week. I just got done working the night shift for the past 7 days and get some much needed time off and spend time with my awesome family. Without further adieu, here is the last part to the First Annual MHSM NFL Mock Draft.

#22 Philadelphia Eagles

Needs: WR, OLB, S

Philadelphia will have a much different look at wide receiver this upcoming year. There will be no #10 streaking down the field and throwing the football before he reaches the goal line. However, they need help secondary wise. The Eagles were dead last in opponent passing yards per game, allowing almost 300 yards per game. Nick Foles made a big stride last year and with no Michael Vick, only Mark Sanchez to compete with him, his job is safe.....

Pick: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

#23 Kansas City Chiefs

Needs: WR, S, G

Alex Smith certainly came out of no where and helped lead the Chiefs to the playoffs, along with the help of Jamaal Charles. If Kansas City wants to get back to the playoffs they will need more offensive weapons. They lost Dexter McCluster to Tennessee and a few key defensive weapons as well. I could see Kansas City taking a safety here, but IMO it is too much of a reach right here.

Pick: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

#24 Cincinnati Bengals

Needs: CB, LT, C, DE

Cincinnati was very good in almost every aspect of their game last year. They finished in the top five in opponent passing yards, rushing yards, and top ten in offensive passing yards. There weak spot seemed to be running the ball, but as the season went on last years pick Giovanni Bernard started to turn up the heat. The Bengals could pretty much go anywhere with this pick such as Morgan Moses (OT) or Kony Ealy (DE, to replace the departed Michael Johnson). I see them upgrading their defense and teaming a solid cornerback with Dre Kirkpatrick.

Pick: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

#25 San Diego Chargers

Needs: CB, DT, WR, OLB

The Chargers kept most of they team intact this offseason. The play of Rivers and Keenan Allen certainly helped this team. They did add running back Donald Brown and Kavell Conner from the Colts in order to add solid depth to their team. Their biggest weakness was against the pass, which doesn't help when you have to play Peyton Manning twice a year. Which is why I could see them taking a cornerback or a big man up the middle to disrupt the pass.

Pick: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

#26 Cleveland Browns

Needs: QB, CB, WR, OL

After filling one big need and taking Johnny Manziel with their first pick, they can continue to rebuild this team. The biggest surprise from last year was the trading of Trent Richardson in the middle of the season. Willis McGahee and Chris Ogbonnaya combined for 617 rushing yards between them. While taking a stub running back here would be great, there just isn't the value for one here. They still could use a solid cornerback opposite of Joe Haden

Pick: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

#27 New Orleans Saints

Needs: CB, OLB, WR

As usual, the Saints were exceptionally good at passing the ball. The emergence of Cameron Jordan and the play of then rookie Kenny Vaccaro certainly helped New Orleans vault to the #2 slot in opponent passing yards per game. The Saints could use more depth in the secondary (although they did sign Champ Bailey) and linebacker.

Pick: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State

#28 Carolina Panthers

Needs: LT, WR, CB. S

Carolina is in a very precarious position with the #28 pick. They lost their top three wide receivers (Smith, Ginn, LaFell), two defensive starters (Mike Mitchell, Captain Munnerlyn), and their top offensive tackle to retirement. At this point in the draft they could trade back and snag a few extra picks to add depth to the team, however, I see them staying right here (unless they get a good offer) and taking the best player available.

Pick: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia

#29 New England Patriots

Needs: TE, DL, WR, S

The Patriots Super Bowl stock took a hit when Aaron Hernandez was accused of murder, and Rob Gronkowski has been injured several times. They did get Vince Wilfolk back, but he and Tommy Kelly aren't getting any younger. New England lost their top corner in Aqib Talib, but countered with signing Darrelle Revis. The Patriots ranked 30th in opponent rushing yards per game and another big body up the middle would help that cause.

Pick: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State

#30 San Francisco 49ers

Needs: CB, WR, C, DL

San Francisco was very good in all aspects last year and almost made it to the Super Bowl for the second time in as many years. They lost two of their top cornerbacks (Rogers/Brown) and starting safety Donte Whitner. The 49ers were able to sign safety Antoine Bethea and cornerback Chris Cook. More defensive help may get them to another Super Bowl in 2014.

Pick: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

#31 Denver Broncos

Needs: ILB, CB, WR, G

If any team made the biggest push to get to the Super Bowl, it was certainly Denver. They signed big names such as Aqib Talib, TJ Ward, and DeMarcus Ware to add to their defense. They did lose breakout player Eric Decker, but signed Emmanual Sanders to try and replace him. Defense was their biggest weakness in 2013, even those nobody showed up in the Super Bowl. Denver would prefer a cornerback right here, but they have been flying off the board.

Pick: Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin

#32 Seattle Seahawks

Needs: WR, TE, RT, DL, G

Finally the Super Bowl champions get to select and add to their very well rounded team. Wide receiver is probably the biggest need for them in which they lost top receiver Golden Tate to the Lions. But right now, I don't think it is worth reaching for a wide receiver right now. If one of the ones above fall, then I can certainly see them taking one right here. They need more depth along the defensive line.

Pick: Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame


Well there you guys and gals go! The first annual one is done and in the books. I certainly had fun writing this and hopefully you enjoyed reading it. Next year I would like to get 2-3 other people to help me out and give their opinions on player picking as well! Please leave any comments or questions and I would be happy to answer them.

Football First

18 weeks to go. 128 days, 10 hours until the sport I love most returns. Are you ready for some football? I know I am. It's unfortunate that my favorite sport is also the shortest with the longest off-season. For seven months out of the year, I suffer from NFD – No Football Depression. Yes, I made that up. It's a thing. I watch, though. Every day I check the transactions, watching to see what moves teams will make, who they will trade, surprise cuts, contract extensions, how new players will fit with the scheme and the other players. But, it's never enough. It doesn't compare to the days I get to sit at my local Buffalo Wild Wings, my neck hurting from whipping my head around as I attempt to watch every player on my fantasy team on every play. Getting together with my friends to draft our teams, engage in smack talk, getting worked up because someone drafted my guy the pick before me, these are the things I love.

Now, I love hockey. My Blackhawks just defeated the St. Louis Blues in six games to advance to the Western Conference Semi-Finals. And I got to be there for their shutout in Game 3. They wait to take on either the Minnesota Wild (yes, please!) or the Colorado Avalanche (please, no.) And I will watch. I will scream if they win and I will shed tears if they lose. I am a Blackhawk.

As much as I say I don't, I love baseball, too. Remembering when I was a kid and my dad and I would go to (old) Comiskey Park to watch my White Sox are some of my greatest memories. Seeing Frank Thomas and Tim Raines and Robin Ventura play. That feeling of stepping out into the stadium and getting that feeling when you see the size and grandeur of the field below. Getting to watch the last game of my all-time favorite baseball player, Carlton Fisk. With memories like that, how could I not love it?

But I found something new three years ago. As many have in recent years, I watched The League on TV. I had always thought about trying fantasy football, but never made an attempt. And I was sure none of my friends would be interested, so I would have to join a league with people I didn't know. But, one night, I made a general announcement as we were talking about the show. I simply said I'd always wanted to try fantasy football. Suddenly, three of my friends told me that they wanted in! I was surprised, to say the least. But, I ran with it. I started the league that night and within two days, there were ten of us. And we all found something amazing. Our love for football could be turned into a competition amongst highly competitive friends.

I play in every major American fantasy sport. Football, hockey, baseball and basketball. I have two teams in both baseball and basketball and they are part of two 4-sport leagues. I am involved in three hockey leagues, two of which are in those same 4-sports. Football. In total, including two for the aforementioned leagues, I participate in eight football leagues and plan to join at least four more before the season starts. The current eight are all rollover leagues, dynasty or redraft, that will have most, if not all of the same managers from the previous year.

So, why the discrepancy? I love hockey and baseball, so why not join more of those leagues? Strangely enough, it's because their season's are too long. I know, I complain about football being too short, but won't join longer leagues. It doesn't make sense until you take the feeling each gives you into account. It's the anticipation. Hockey, baseball and basketball all have extended season, ranging for a majority of the year. They play either every day, in the case of baseball, or multiple times a week for hockey and basketball. It drags. I'm just switching out players because I have an open slot and need someone to play. If they suck today, they can make it up tomorrow or later in the week. There is still time to make it right.

In football, you get one chance. Each week, you play once. For the few days before the Thursday night game, I become a neurotic mess. Talking to myself, reading every report on each guy, second-guessing every move I make. It's tense and it's intense. And on Sundays, as I sit at B-Dubs with a few friends to watch the games, I rarely blink. I stand up and yell in the middle of a restaurant when a WR I have makes a catch. I slam my head against the table when a RB fumbles the ball. I make sarcastic comments about my own players and loudly proclaim how much Russell Wilson sucks each week. You might think that this doesn't sound fun. Or healthy. But I love it. I love the anticipation of the week to come and the payoff when you eek out a victory by a single catch in garbage time. I love the satisfaction I get when my sleeper pick goes off week after week. I love talking to the management of B-Dubs, who all love us, about their own fantasy teams, comparing players and complaining about the same teams.

I've always loved the Chicago Bears. Good or bad (mostly bad,) they are my team. But fantasy has made me a fan of football. All of it, every team, every week, every game, every down. I can't get enough. It makes my adrenaline surge and my blood boil. It brings out my competitiveness and humor. It gives me something to work toward, something to focus on, something to level me out. I love football, even if sometimes it doesn't love me back.

First Annual MHSM NFL Mock Draft - Part II

Hello all! Sorry I have been lax in posting the second part to this NFL Mock Draft. I had a very busy week with working eight days in a row and also with my son. So anyway, onto what you guys care to read about :)

#11 Tennessee Titans
Needs: CB, QB, DE, RB

The Titans sit in a curious position right now with their team. They cut running back Chris Johnson, lost cornerback Alterraun Verner, however, on the flip side they signed offensive tackle Michael Oher, wide receiver Dexter McCluster, and linebacker Wesley Woodyard. Do the Titans think they can win with Jake Locker or do they also dip into the quarterback pool and pick one of those guys? If they go some other position than quarterback in the first, they could possibly go with one in the second or third rounds or gamble with Locker for another year or two.

Pick: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State


#12 New York Giants
Needs: TE, G/C, WR, DL, LB

Eli had a pathetic year in 2013, throwing for twenty-seven interceptions and eighteen touchdowns. They lost Hakeem Nicks to Indy and Brandon Myers to Tampa Bay, which puts a damper on their receiving core. Manning could use a eccentric pass catching tight end to help him out of jams, unlike last year.

Pick: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina


#13 St. Louis Rams
Needs: WR, S, RT, LB

After surprising a few people and selecting Sammy Watkins with their first pick of the draft, the Rams could still snag a solid quarterback in Bridgewater or they could build along the offensive line, especially with the sixth overall player sitting there and looking them in the face. They lost three offensive linemen this offseason (Chris Williams to Buffalo, Shelly Smith to Miami, Harvey Dahl). The Rams would have love to see Clinton-Dix fall to them with this pick, but I don't think they can complain.

Pick: Taylor Lewan, OL, Michigan


#14 Chicago Bears
Needs: DT, S, CB, WR

The Bears added some much need pass rush with the addition of Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston, however, the lost big man up the middle Henry Melton and  defensive end Julius Peppers. The Bears defense ranked dead last in the NFL last year allowing over 160 rushing yards per game.

Pick: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh


#15 Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: CB, WR, DL, OL

The Steelers lost two of their top three receivers from the 2013 season in which only Antonio Brown, Heath Miller and Le'Veon Bell are their top three going into the 2014 season. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, this draft is chalk full of wide receivers. They could build along the defense with losing such big names as Lamarr Woodley, Ziggy Hood, and Ryan Clark, however I see a bigger need on the offense.

Pick: Odell Beckham Jr, WR, LSU


#16 Dallas Cowboys
Needs: DE, DT, S, G, WR

Dallas was quite awful on the defensive side of the fall in 2013. They finished 30th in opponent passing yards and 27th in opponent rushing yards and to make matter worse they lost defensive tackle Jason Hatcher and linebacker DeMarcus Ware. They did sign Henry Melton from Chicago, but that's one guy. They would have loved to seen Donald slip past Chicago at #14.

Pick: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA


#17 Baltimore Ravens
Needs: FS, TE, LB, RT, WR

The Ravens have quite a few needs this draft. They lost Tackle Michael Oher, starting safety James Ihedigbo, tight ends Ed Dickson and Dallas Clark, and defensive end Arthur Jones. However on the other end, they re-signed Dennis Pitta and Jacoby Jones and made a huge splash in signed cut wide receiver Steve Smith. There isn't a big pool for safeties at this point and offensive line is a big need right now.

Pick: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame


#18 New York Jets
Needs: WR, CB, TE, LB

Signing Eric Decker was very huge for this team that lacked playmakers last year. It didn't help that rookie quarterback Geno Smith didn't have the best year and only receiver Jeremy Kerley was able to eclipsed over 500 receiving yards. The Jets shocked some people signing Chris Johnson who was cut from the Titans, which will help Smith in the passing game. However, you cant have enough playmakers on a team with a young quarterback.

Pick: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State


#19 Miami Dolphins
Needs: RT, G, S, CB

Mike Wallace's big contract didn't help out as much as the Dolphins would hoped it would have, however, Brian Hartline definitely made a big step in 2013. Miami helped themselves by signing former Chiefs offensive lineman Brandon Albert and Texans nose tackle Earl Mitchell. They did lose starting safety Chris Clemons and starting corner Dimitri Patterson, which put a big hit on their secondary.

Pick: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville


#20 Arizona Cardinals
Needs: S, OLB, TE, WR

The Cardinals needs along the front line was addressed by signing tackle Jared Veldheer from Oakland, but they lost some big names on the defensive side of the ball. While Arizona was hoping at least Calvin Pryor to fall to them, there is not another safety they like in the first round anyway. They need more playmakers on both sides of the ball, but what do they plan to do when Palmer retires?

Pick: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville


#21 Green Bay Packers
Needs: S, ILB, TE, DL

Picking all the way down here and expecting a big need to fall right into their laps wasn't what they planned. Their defense finished in the bottom half of the league in opponent passing and rushing yards and could use more help up the middle.

Pick: C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama

Parity in the NBA?

As I am writing this there are 49 seconds left to go in the Portland Houston game 2 (looks like Portland is about to go up 2-0 in the series), and I am asking myself are we starting to see Parity in the NBA?  I’m only 28 but have followed all things Basketball since I was a little kid (this is a prerequisite to live in the state of Kentucky). So, back to the “Parity” in question.  I’m going to start with my birth year (1985), in the 29 NBA season over this period there have been 8 different Champions. Of those champions the Dallas Mavericks are the only team that has not found a way to win another.

(Hey I was right Portland won)

Ok, so if you asking yourself if this guy has any idea what parity is I assure you it is coming, well actually here it is. Right now all series have completed 2 games, and we only have 3 series at a 2-0 mark.  Only one of those three teams is the favorite.  That team is the 2 time defending champion (that hurts to say) Miami Heat… and they had no easy task getting there against a team that is 2 years removed from a 7 win season (albeit a shortened season).

Let's look outside of the playoffs. Think back to the start of the season when everyone was criticizing teams for setting up to tank. Phoenix was on that list. They finished one game out of the 8^th seed in the west. Who's the star on that team? No Dragic doesn't count (that's just a good player that got the ball a lot this season)! So how did they just barely miss the playoffs? Good players are closing the gap on the great players, and if you have several good players they don't have to be counted on every night.  Remember when those superstars Terrence Ross and Corey Brewer put up 51? How about when Aaron brooks dished out 17 dimes?  Maybe you can recall the face of the Denver Nuggets Timofey Mozgov grabbing 29 boards.

Last point I promise! Ultimately some ping pong balls will have a lot to say about how some of these teams fair next season. Regardless, this draft is deep, and filled with some big time talent. Not only are some of the teams that will get lottery picks almost playoff teams already, many of the teams well behind this season only appeared that way.  (Once those balls are picked and the underclassmen declare I will start working on a Mock draft and team outlook)

This is a small sample size, and I really doubt that the Wizards are going to be the 9^th team to hang a banner in my lifetime this year. (I hope it’s the Thunder) 

The Surprising Case for Matt Cooke

Let me start by saying that I am no fan of Matt Cooke. I think he's one of the dirtiest players in the NHL and is up there with the the dirtiest in NHL history. His elbow to the head of Ryan McDonough, the boarding against Fedor Tyutin, the elbow to the face of Artem Anisimov, the kick at Chris Osgood's head, and his numerous other cheap-shots all point to him viciously and intentionally taking out Tyson Barrie with a knee shot.

But, in my opinion, I think what happened in the 2^nd period of Game 3 was unintentional.

At the 2 minute mark of the 2^nd period between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild, Matt Cooke of the Wild ran into Tyson Barrie of the Avs, his knee slamming into the resurgent defenseman's knee. On the surface, it looked like yet another of Cooke's dirty cheap-shots, a play designed to knock a player out of the game. But, upon closer inspection, things aren't so clear. A look from the side shows that Cooke skates in with his left leg extended, making it look like he was intending to do exactly what happened. But look at it from a different angle. A shot from behind Cooke shows that Tyson Barrie saw the Wild winger (heh) coming. Cooke had him lined up and was preparing to deliver a powerful open ice check. Barrie scrambled to get out of the way, pushing off of his left skate and flinging his body to the right. Cooke reacted to finish his hit, meaning he leaned to his left to keep the angle. In order to adjust and keep his skates under him, he extended his right leg and supported his body with his left, forcing it to bend and lead the rest of his body. This caused his knee to be directly aimed at Barrie. When contact is made, Cooke is off to the left of Barrie's body. He doesn't throw an elbow, he only has one hand on his stick, showing he wasn't trying to cross-check him, and pushes his arm forward.

Then, there is the fact that Matt Cooke has not been suspended since his elbow on McDonough in 2011, due to him actively trying to change the way he makes a hit. And for a guy like him, 3 years without a suspension for a dirty hit is pretty darn good.

It's unfortunate that Tyson Barrie was injured on the play. But it's even more unfortunate that a guy who is trying to change the way he plays the game and stop the dirty tactics is going to be hammered for a hit that turned out worse than he intended. As I said, I don't like Matt Cooke. But I also don't like demonizing a guy for something that wasn't his fault.

Greg intro

     Hello everyone, I am Greg or at least that’s what my mother calls me. What all of you chose to call me is up to you. What I mean by that is I don’t have one specific direction. What I plan on doing is giving an opinion on whatever come to mind sports related, this will be my opinion and no one else’s. If you agree with me let me know if you don’t let me know. I am just looking to create an active discussion on whatever topic come to mind. I have done this before, and appeared to work fairly well, so when Eric asked, I thought why not try it again.  So let us have some fun with this and keep the talk clean.

      Here is a little about myself. I grew up on Chicago’s Westside and was there until 1975, when my family and I moved to the burbs. So I grew up a Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and White Sox fan. After High School I spent some time in the Air Force stationed in Europe. After I got out I moved to Wisconsin where I became a hardcore Badgers fan. I started welding structural steel mostly, was also an ironworker, but mostly worked in shop. I stayed in cheese land until I got married and now reside in Columbus Ohio. Now weather or not you believe in God or not is up to you, but I was brought to Ohio for a reason. That reason was made clear to me two years ago when I was diagnosed with Cancer. The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital is one of the best in the country, and today my cancer is in remission. I will however, have to fight the disease for the rest of my life.  The last thing I will say about this is get yourselves checked, because early detection gives you the best chance of survival.

                In closing I just want to say again let’s have some fun. May your favorite team win unless they are playing mine, and most important is THE ONLY OPINION THAT MATTERS IS YOURS.

First Annual MHSM NFL Mock Draft - Part I

It is getting to that time of the year when you will start to see many different mock drafts, and most us football nuts will look for as many as they can find to see what their favorite team will do come May. For me, this is one of my favorite times of the year. I have sat and watched every round, from pick #1 to Mr. Irrelevant. Obviously times have changed now that I have grown up and have a job ha! But this year I will be doing my own mock draft and hopefully predicting, what I hope, is a somewhat close draft. I will do this mock draft over next three weeks finishing up right before the NFL Draft in May.

#1 Houston Texans - 
Needs: QB, T, OLB/DE

Talk about starting this mock draft with a tough decision. Do you take arguably the best player in the draft in Clowney and pair him with Watt to form possibly the best defensive end combo in the league or do take a quarterback in a deep draft class? I would go with Clowney, pair him with Watt, and draft a QB in the second round.

Pick: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina


#2 St. Louis Rams - 
Needs: WR, S, T, LB

With Jared Cook being the leading receiver last year for the Rams, they need another solid outside option for Bradford. Only two players had over 500 yds receiving last year (Cook, Givens) after departure on Danny Amendola and Bradon Gibson. The Rams could also use help along the offensive line, but it hard to pass up on a solid wide receiver with this pick.

Pick: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson


#3 Jacksonville Jaguars -
Needs: QB, DE, T, WR

The Jaguars have done a lot this year to revamp their team. They signed two former Seahawks (Red Bryant/Chris Clemons), didnt resign MJD, signed Toby Gerhart, and help their offensive line with signing Broncos guard Zane Beadles. However, they still have Henne and Gabbert at the helm and Henne isnt getting any younger.

Pick: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida


#4 Cleveland Browns - 
Needs: QB, CB, WR, OL

Here is another team that needs a quarterback and its like gold this year. Brandon Weeden is 31 years old this year and isnt getting any younger. Campbell is gone (Cincinnati). I feel really the only option is quarterback.

Pick: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M


#5 Oakland Raiders -
Needs: WR, CB, DE, OL

Oakland will definitely have a different look next year. The Raiders took the plunge and signed big names such as Maurice Jones-Drew, Matt Schaub, Justin Tuck, Lamarr Woodley, Carlos Rogers, and James Jones. While Mike Evans would be a solid pick at this point, Greg Robinson would basically be a steal at this point depsite he was a top three pick.

Pick: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn


#6 Atlanta Falcons - 
Needs: OLB/DE, T, TE, S

The Falcons kind of fall into the same category as the Raiders. While they could take a tight end with Tony G, retiring, but with Mack falling all the way down to the sixth pick its kind of hard to pass on him. Atlanta has been in need of a top notch linebacker since the departure of Curtis Lofton

Pick: Khalil Mack, LB/DE, Buffalo


#7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers -
Needs: G, WR, OLB, DE

Tampa has been active this offseason in addressing a few big needs with adding Michael Johnson and Alterraun Verner. However, they created a small hole when they traded away Mike Williams to Buffalo. Yes they still have Vincent Jackson, but he is 31 years old and will need another wide receiver to take Williams' slot.

Pick: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M


#8 Minnesota Vikings -
Needs: QB, CB, WR, S

This slot puts the Vikings into a tough slot. I'm guessing they are hoping that Bortles/Manziel fall to them or maybe they do a trade with the Rams.However, with really no top cornerbacks or defensive ends in the top 10 they opt for other secondary help.

Pick: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama


#9 Buffalo Bills - 
Needs: T, WR, S, TE

Buffalo staffers might be happy with this thus far. They are able to draft a top tackle that is expected to be a top five pick and arguably the second overall tackle in the draft. They traded for Mike Williams from Tampa, which takes wide receiver out of the equation for now.

Pick: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M


#10 Detroit Lions -
Needs: CB, S, DE, WR, OLB

The Lions have several places they can go with this pick. They could go secondary with Justin Gilbert or in state product Darqueze Dennard. They also could go with pass rushing linebacker in Anthony Barr or middle man C.J Mosley. However, they face Rodgers and Cutler twice a year and possibly a solid rookie quarterback (such as Bortles/Manziel). This may be a reach with this pick, but with him being the best in the class and at a position of need.

Pick: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

A Geek of All Trades

When Eric asked me to contribute to this blog, I jumped at the chance.  I've always wanted to do something sports related that involved writing, so this presented a perfect opportunity for me.  He sent the invitation and I quickly accepted, forgetting that I had once - a long time ago - intended to do my own blog.  I had set everything up, but it had never come to fruition.  Which is why you see my name as "The Geek."  I thought about changing it, but soon realized that it still fits.  Being a geek is not exclusive to certain genres, such as science fiction, fantasy or anime - all three of which I love - but is merely a way of living out the things you are passionate about.  And I am passionate about sports.

My name is Josh.  I just recently turned 30, regrettably.  I was born and raised in and around Chicago, IL and am definitely a homer when it comes to my sports teams.  I love my Bears and Blackhawks, am a South Side fan, not a masochistic Cubs fan and I loved the Bulls when Jordan played.  I'm not a huge basketball fan, so I don't mind being called a fairweather Bulls fan.  It's true.  As far as college football, I bleed Maize and Blue!  Michigan Wolverines, the greatest college football program in history.  Football is definitely my top sport and I am most versed in that.  Hockey is a close second, so those are the two I will mostly focus on.  Here and there I may dabble in the others.

I got into fantasy sports 3 years ago and have never looked back.  It brings out my true geek.  The learning, the drafting, the competition, the smack talk, the statistics, I love it all.

As for me, personally, there isn't much to tell these days.  Working at Walgreens, albeit on an awesome midnight shift, and just trying to get by.  Sports offers me a release from the monotony of being an adult.  In my past, I did some acting, I played some sports, I served in the US Army, including a tour in Afghanistan.  That, as well as everything else, had its ups and downs, but I'm alive and I couldn't be more grateful to the men and women I served with.  They will never admit it, but they are heroes, every one of them.

I don't claim to be an expert on anything, but, at times, I can be mildly entertaining.  If you like rants about sports, I'm your guy!  Hope everyone enjoys what I have to say and I can't wait to talk to you all!  And a big thanks to Eric for the invite!  Here we go!