Wednesday, February 10, 2010

This Candy Is Good For You




I have occasionally blended other arts into the art of sports by paying tribute to legends in other fields. A thespian often touches on sports via the silver screen, while a very few expand their horizons into the actual venue.

This is a tribute to comedian, actor, pro football owner, husband and father JOHN CANDY.



John was born in Canada in the year 1950, and would fall in love with football enough to play until he graduated from high school. He soon found himself on the silver screen in 1973 in the opening scenes of "Class Of '44", the sequel to the popular "Summer Of '42".

By 1976, he had collaborated with Rick Moranis on a televised talk show for several episodes. The pair had previously met through acquaintances from the Second City troupe based in Toronto, Canada. Many members of this troupe, which included Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, Andrea Martin, and Joe Flaherty, went on to be huge stars in their own right. It was over this time Candy would meet his wife.

Saturday Night Live was basically comprised of talent from the Second City troupe based in Chicago, Illinois. They put on a show, starting in 1975, was maybe the top rated on the NBC television network at the time. This influence then has them take a chance and put on the Toronto based group for 90 minutes every second week on Fridays. The show, called SCTV, was an immediate success, and was shown through syndication.

NBC picked up the show, now in its fourth season, as a mid-season replacement in 1981. It stayed on the air before moving to the Cinemax channel in 1983 for their sixth and final season until 1984.

Candy became a headliner on the show, showing an amazing talent for mimicry and creating several characters that would be ingrained into viewers minds for a very long time. Characters like Johnny LaRue, Dr. Tongue, and Yosh Shmenge were just a few of his most popular creations. The Shmenge character was one half of a fictitious brother duo that lead a polka band called the Happy Wanderers. Teamed with Levy as his brother Stan, they did a mockumentary called "The Last Polska".

While doing SCTV in the 1970's, Candy appeared in seven more movies. The most famous one was "1941", where he appeared with SNL veterans Aykroyd and John Belushi. This partnership continued in 1980 in "The Blues Brothers", which became a blockbuster movie that year and still airs often to this day.

He left SCTV in a full time capacity in 1983, but still made frequent appearances. He was in so many movies, he did not have enough time to devote to the live sketch comedy show every week. He was able to make a movie with several of his SCTV friends called "Going Berserk".

Now a huge star, it seemed everything Candy touched turned to gold. Though he turned down a role written for him in the hit movie "Ghostbusters", a role Moranis would end up playing, the movie he was signed up to, "Splash", was also a huge success. There was little Candy could do wrong, and his popularity allowed him to star in his own Saturday morning cartoon show called "Camp Candy", which morphed into a comic book as well. He provided his voice to the show, as did his two children.

His success allowed him to delve further into his love for the game of football. He bought a big stake in the ownership of the Toronto Argonauts, of the Canadian Football League, with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and partner Bruce McNall in 1991. He attended many functions and games, mingled with fans, and helped a team that had been losing for several years become very popular.

The team was also able to procure talented players such as Raghib "Rocket" Ismail with their wealthy owners. The Argos would end up going to the championship, called the Grey Cup, in 1991 as quarterback Matt Dunigan played with a broken collarbone. In minus-17 degrees Celsius weather, Toronto was dominated by the Calgary Stampeders most of the game.

The Stampeders had 21 more first downs and 232 more total yards that day, but it was not enough to stop the Argonauts from victory. Ismail set a Grey Cup record with a 87 yard touchdown off a kickoff, which helped him win the MVP award for the game, as Toronto won their first championship since 1983 with a 36-21 victory. McNall would soon mismanage some funds and the team would start to lose again, forcing them to be sold to new owners before the 1994 season.

Shortly after the sale, Candy went to Mexico to star in a Western movie after just having completed "Canadian Bacon" shortly before. It was the 48th movie for the 43 year old star, and unfortunately his last. He would pass away in his sleep because of a heart attack.

The legacy of John Candy is as strong today as is was when he departed. Many of his movies are played on television with regularity, and SCTV has also been released in a DVD box set with all of the episodes. Trying to pinpoint his popularity is very easy for most who were lucky enough to see him perform.

One could just tell that Candy was genuine. He was funny, brilliant, and complex, but he was a man for all people of all cultural backgrounds. He could not be pigeon-holed into one character because he had a wealth of genius to draw from as he created more characters as time went on.

Though he was a large man, no one ever saw him as just a plus sized comic. His talents allowed him to play the clown and the creep, as seen in his serious turn as a seedy southern lawyer in the movie "JFK". He also starred as a romantic lead in other movies, showing there was nothing he couldn't do as a thespian.

He was a man everyone felt that was their friend in some way, and that he was approachable. His goodhearted nature shone through the camera, and the respect he has from his peers is easily seen even 16 years after his death.

Here is a list of my favorite John Candy movies, which I highly recommend you seeing as soon as possible.





GOING BERSERK


This movie, directed by David Steinberg, was released in 1983, and Levy, Flaherty, Pat Hingle, Alley Mills, Dixie Carter, Kurtwood Smith, and Ernie Hudson were also in the film.

Candy plays John Bourgignon, a part time drummer who is trying to get a limousine business off the ground. He is engaged to a congressman's daughter, and becomes the target of a cult trying to brainwash him into assassinating the congressman.

Candy's scene with Hudson is one of his very best on film, and shows his talents in physical comedy.






ONLY THE LONELY


This movie, directed by Chris Columbus, was released in 1991 and also stars Maureen O'Hara, Anthony Quinn, Jim Belushi, and Ally Sheedy.

Candy plays Chicago police officer Danny Muldoon, who lives with and looks after his widowed mother. When he meets the girl of his dreams, the mothers personality jeopardizes the relationship.

This is a very funny movie that is full of great artists. O'Hara is brilliant in every way, and the bond she shares with Candy is obvious. He plays the romantic lead sweetly, yet he adds a sadness and hilarity to the character. It may be his best as an actor, which is saying a lot. A must see.






UNCLE BUCK


This movie was released in 1989. It was written and directed by John Hughes, who worked with Candy on several projects. Amy Madigan, Macaulay Culkin, and Laurie Metcalf are also in the film.

Buck is the last person called by his brother, after his sister-in-law's dad is hospitalized, to watch their children. Candy's character is a confirmed bachelor, gambler, and boozer set in his ways and is unemployed. The oldest child is a rebellious teen upset that the family recently moved and has also stuck her and her siblings with Buck at last second notice.

Watching the characters grow and evolve in this story allows for sweet moments, as does Candy with moments of trying to care for kids, a dog, his brothers house, and his upset girlfriend. It is a movie that was a huge hit, but remains as fresh and pertinent today as it did when it was made.






PLANES, TRAINS, & AUTOMOBILES


This movie was released in 1987. It was written and directed by John Hughes. Steve Martin, Michael McKean, Kevin Bacon, and Edie McClurg also starred.

Candy plays Del Griffith, a shower curtain salesman. Though his character is kind, he talks too much and creates several accidents throughout the movie. Through all the hilarity that ensues, it turns out that Del is a sad and lonely widower. It is a movie where Candy is allowed to let loose his comic flair, and also display his affable and sweet side that all his fans adore.







SUMMER RENTAL


This movie was released in 1985, and is directed by Carl Reiner. Richard Crenna, Rip Torn, John Larroquette, and Karen Austin also star.

This is a family movie where Candy plays an air traffic controller forced to take a vacation with his family by his boss. Nothing goes right in the beginning, as he settles into the wrong rented house at first then later clashes a real estate developer. He challenges the developer to a boat race, using a floating restaurant as his vehicle. A sweet movie that shows Candy's range of being tolerable to being revengeful.






WHO'S HARRY CRUMB?


This was released in 1989, and was directed by Paul Flaherty, the brother of SCTV's Joe Flaherty. Jeffrey Jones, Annie Potts, Barry Corbin, and Tim Thomerson also star.

Candy is Harry Crumb, who is the last descendant of a long line of great detectives who founded a highly respected detective agency. Harry, however, is clueless and bumbling. Yet he gets involved in a kidnapping plot that is traced back to the chief detective of his agency.

This is a well written movie that gets enhanced immensely by the talents of Candy. His character is a mix of likable, not so likable, and maddeningly frustrating. He has you cheering for both the heroes and villains in this one.






ARMED AND DANGEROUS


This movie was released in 1986, directed by Mark L. Lester, and also stars Meg Ryan, Robert Loggia, Brion James, Kenneth McMillan, Larry Jenkins, Steve Railsback, Tiny Lister, Don Stroud, and Eugene Levy.

Candy plays an ostracized police officer, and Levy plays a failed defense attorney. They work together as armored car drivers and get caught up in a nefarious embezzlement scheme. Candy plays a gung-ho man on a rampage, which is highlighted when he jumps into a tractor trailer carrying rocket fuel. It is a truly inventive scene that Candy carries into new heights of comedy, especially the scenes leading up to his getting into the truck.






TEARS ARE NOT ENOUGH


This is a documentary released in 1985 to call attention to famine in Ethiopia. Several great musicians such as Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Geddy Lee, Paul Anka, Bryan Adams, Mike Reno, Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Cochrane, and Paul Shaffer are all on the soundtrack.

Candy, along with SCTV friends Levy and Cathrine O'Hara, are members of the choir who sing. Candy displayed a talent and love for music throughout his life, and this was one of the last appearances of The Shmenge Brothers singing together. The duo would perform for the last time at Comic Relief later in the year, playing their hit song "Cabbage Rolls and Coffee Polka".




There are more movies to list, as certainly all of his fans could easily do as well. This small list is just a small token of appreciation for a king who always wore his crown with grace and graciousness.

Thanking John Candy for helping us smile is not enough, for all should also be thanking God for blessing us with his presence. It is a gift that will always keep souls floating on cloud nine.

































































Friday, February 5, 2010

Which Big Dog Barks Loudest On Super Bowl Sunday?




New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts


Both the Saints and Colts can claim they are almost mirror images of one another in a way. Both teams feature explosive offenses led by the upper echelon quarterbacks in the game today. In the Super Bowl, it usually comes down to who controls the trenches, but this may change this year since neither seems to rely on that area to win.



What To Watch From The Saints

The Saints have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Drew Brees to lean on, even if he was not at his best in the NFC Championship win. New Orleans needs the running game to continue to be effective.. Pierre Thomas was effective last week, but they will need an even better effort from him and Reggie Bush. If they have difficulty running against a porous Colts run defense that has suddenly tightened in the playoffs, then the Colts offense will get more chances to score.

New Orleans in hurting along their defensive line, but they were still able to put pressure on Minnesota when they needed to last week. They battered the Vikings quarterback, Brett Favre, into multiple mistakes and bruises. Manning gets rid of the ball much faster with a lot less mistakes, so trying to pressure him will be a huge challenge.

The place kicking game is very questionable for the Saints, despite Garrett Hartley hitting a game winner two weeks ago. The Colts have the more experienced Matt Stover, though Hartley has the bigger leg. If the Saints need their young kicker to procure another win, it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure.

The one thing to watch is how the Colts secondary matches up against tight end Jeremy Shockey. Shockey has a sore knee right now, and was ineffective in the NFC Championship win. Indianapolis loves to throw to their Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark, so the Saints need Shockey to be ready to go on Sunday. He can take the linebackers away from helping the secondary by concentrating on him if he is effective. It may be the key x-factor to a Saints hopes for victory.

Though the Saints have two cornerbacks playing well in Jabari Greer and Tracey Porter, there is a question if the extra defensive backs will be able to shut down the extra receivers the Colts employ. Manning easily checks off to receivers and is notorious in spreading the wealth amongst his teammates.

The onus will be on veteran Randall Gay and rookie Malcolm Jenkins to step up, and Usama Young may factor in as well. If Manning picks these guys apart, the Saints are in trouble because they would prefer Pro Bowl free safety Darren Sharper to keep an eye on Pro Bowl wide receiver Reggie Wayne.



What To Watch From The Colts

The Colts have been stopping other teams from running in the playoffs, which is a surprise considering they were one of the worst in the NFL at doing so all season. Now that Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney seems to be playing on one good leg, the task of stopping the versatile New Orleans running backs becomes more problematic. If the Saints run well, they can control the clock and tempo of the game.

Indianapolis has dealt with injuries to their defensive all season with positive results. Starting rookie cornerback Jerraud Powers has a bad ankle, so the Colts may start rookie cornerback Jacob Lacey. Lacey is second on the team with three interceptions, but the Colts are missing safety Bob Sanders, and their starting safeties are battling injuries. They could be in trouble against a Saints offense that can run out four wide receivers to go with their excellent pass catching backs. With Freeney's impact now in question, Brees may have loads of time to pick apart a seemingly weakened secondary..


The Colts do not run the football well, and this has been a hindrance of the team most of the season. Teams who do not run nor stop the run well usually are not championship caliber, but the Colts have been defying the odds and history itself. Indianapolis has a good offensive line in pass protection, but the lack of push in the run game could cost them finally. Having a starting guard and his two main reserves as former centers, they are not a big unit. The Saints need to absolutely dominate in the trenches if they want a good chance at winning.


Future Hall Of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning is on the cusp of having his name almost mentioned in the same breath as Johnny Unitas in Colts lore. If Manning adds another championship ring to his collection, he will be that much closer to maybe the best quarterback in NFL history.

Now that former Colts coach Tony Dungy has put up bulletin board material for the Saints by saying he expects Indianapolis to win handily, the perfectionist in Manning will try to make that prediction come true. Never one to back down from a challenge, the fiery quarterback realizes he needs this second championship ring to justify his place amongst the NFL elite.




Quarterback : Slight Edge Colts

Running Back : Slight Edge Saints

Receivers : Slight Edge Colts

Offensive Line : Slight Edge Saints

Defensive Line : Slight Edge Saints

Linebacker : Even

Secondary : Even

Special Teams : Slight Edge Saints

Coaching : Slight Edge Saints




Both teams are trying to make history with a win in this game. If the Saints win, they will be the first team ever to win a championship after finishing the regular season with three straight losses. The Colts are trying to become the first team since 1967 to win it all after finishing their regular season schedule with two straight losses.

This could be a high scoring affair, because both teams have multiple weapons on offense and questionable secondaries. It could go down to who has the ball last. This pick is being made mostly on the hopes the Saints finally get a championship trophy, something the city has not seen ever. The Buccaneers of the American Basketball Association reached the ABA Finals in 1968, but lost in seven games.

Saints 37 Colts 31

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

2010 NFL Mock Draft : First Round

1. Saint Louis Rams : Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska


The Rams will take a long hard look at the quarterback position, though none in this draft class really scream out as can't miss prospects. Drafting Suh is the intelligent move. He helps to continue to build a Rams defense that could be special.

Suh would line up next to former first round draft picks Adam Carriker and Chris Long, and that will help middle linebacker James Laurinaitis continue excelling by keeping more blockers off of him. Not only is he considered the best player in the draft, but some pundits have mentioned him in the same breath as legendary Hall Of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page.






2. Detroit Lions : Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma


Detroit will win no matter what with this pick. If Suh is somehow there, it will take them mere seconds to pull the trigger. The same thing applies to McCoy, who is just a few notches below Suh. Detroit needs help virtually everywhere, but they have no depth and little talent at defensive tackle. Getting this run stuffer is the right move.

There is a chance the Lions trade down to get more selections, since they need help virtually everywhere.







3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Eric Berry, Safety, Tennessee



Tampa Bay would rather get their hands on either of the stud defensive tackles, but it seems unlikely they will trade up. Assuming both are gone, by the time they make their pick, they should attack a secondary in desperate need of help. Other than Tanard Jackson, Tampa Bay has no safeties they can rely on.

Berry is a bit stiff in the hips, but is technically sound and smart. He rarely makes mistakes and does a good job supporting the run. Many feel he is the best safety prospect since the late Sean Taylor, and that he is a future Pro Bowler.

One person to watch is cornerback Joe Haden, who is from Florida. Ronde Barber will be 36 years old by the time next season kicks off, and Haden could bookend Aqib Talib to give the team an exciting tandem. Considering the weak CB class in this years draft, they may grab him here instead of reaching on others later.







4. Washington Redskins : Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State



In the 16 years that new head coach Mike Shanahan has been in the NFL, he has used a first round draft pick on a quarterback, Jay Cutler, just once. Though there is a very good chance the Redskins select Jimmy Clausen, mainly because owner Dan Snyder attended a private workout with him a month ago, the problems on the offensive line are too big to neglect with the few draft picks they will have.

With Chris Samuels' career apparently over, the team needs a left tackle to protect whoever is the quarterback. Okung is far and away the best tackle prospect in the draft. If Shanahan goes this direction, they can re-sign incumbent quarterback Jason Campbell. Campbell had a good 2009 season, even though he was seen running for his life almost every time he dropped back to pass.

Though Clausen might be the sexy pick to some, the Redskins have way too many holes in their roster to afford to be sexy. They need to get more blockers, outside linebackers, and running backs. Expect them to look hard at undrafted rookies and free agents to attempt to fill slots in a rebuilding process that will take time.






5. Kansas City Chiefs : Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State


The Chiefs need help on the offensive line, so they will grab Okung if he is there. If Berry is somehow here, they would grab him, because they need help at safety. Since both are gone on this board, they will look at Bryant and middle linebacker Rolando McClain.

Kansas City got a disappointing 2009 season from Dwayne Bowe, who showed up to camp out of shape and then was suspended for four games due to a drug violation. They pulled veteran Chris Chambers from the waiver wire and got decent production from him, but the team still showed little depth at the position.

Bryant is not a speed demon, but he is a big play receiver with terrific leaping skills and excellent hands. If Bowe returns to the Chiefs and plays as well as they think he can, the combination of him and Bryant will open things up in their passing game.






6. Seattle Seahawks : Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame


New head coach Pete Carroll is familiar with Clausen in their collegiate battles, and will grab him to mold as the future signal caller. With the back issue that veteran Matt Hasselbeck has been dealing with for the past few years, it is conceivable Clausen will see time as a rookie as well.

Seattle could look at Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis to be mentored by future Hall Of Famer Walter Jones, who says he intends to return. Running back C.J. Spiller will also get a look to help Seattle's mediocre ground attack. If Berry is here, he could be chosen.







7. Cleveland Browns : Joe Haden, Cornerback, Florida


Some fans might prefer quarterback Sam Bradford or running back C.J. Spiller. Others will hope Bryant drops to them. Middle linebacker McClain will also get a hard look.

Getting Haden would have him bookend Eric Wright and give the Browns a CB tandem that would rival the Bengals in the AFC. It also would give the Browns a young and deep secondary.

With Mike Holmgren now calling the shots, there is an air of unpredictability with this pick. Cleveland needs major help on offense, an area of expertise for Holmgren. He could trade this pick down to gather up more players for a Browns team that need multiple spots upgraded on the roster.







8. Oakland Raiders : Brian Price, DT, UCLA


Trying to predict what Hall Of Famer Al Davis will do is impossible. He loves great athletes, so offensive tackle Anthony Davis or linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul will get long looks.

One of the things that killed Oakland's dreams in 2009 was their inability to stop the run. Teams averaged over 155 yards per game on them, which ranked 29th in the league. Getting veterans Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly help along the defensive front is a must.

Price grew up in California and is a quick, and strong player who gives the Raiders an inside force the team needs to shore up the gaping holes they allowed last year. McClain is a possibility, but Kurt Morrison racked up over 100 tackles last year and is just 28 years old.





9. Buffalo Bills : Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma



The Bills need a quarterback who can get the ball to their receivers, and they will hope Bradford is able to. Though the team could look at an offensive tackle at this spot, they cannot be comfortable with the current quarterbacks on their roster.

There is a very good chance the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner will start right away for new head coach Chan Gailey, whose area of expertise is offense.






10. Jacksonville Jaguars : Rolando McClain, Middle Linebacker, Alabama


One thing head coach Jack Del Rio knows is the value of having a good middle linebacker, something the team hasn't had the past few years. The Jaguars have been playing undersized linebackers there, and McClain can solidify the position.

Tall, rangy, and fast, he is a tackling machine who has the ability to be solid for a long time. He has the versatility to play the strong outside linebacker and has good coverage skills. Though Jacksonville could look for a speed rusher off the edge, passing up a player as solid as McClain could be a mistake.






11. Denver Broncos : Derrick Morgan, Defensive End, Georgia Tech



Denver would love to have McClain, but will have to go in another direction on this draft board. There is a chance they trade up, considering how aggressive head coach Josh McDaniels was in last years draft.

They would love to get their hands on Bryant, especially with star receiver Brandon Marshall's showing an obvious displeasure with McDaniels. Seeing Marshall packaged in a trade to move up several slots is a very possible scenario.

Morgan is a solid player who represents an immediate upgrade over the current starters, Kenny Peterson and Ryan McBean. He is equally adept at stopping the run and creating a pass rush.







12. Miami Dolphins : Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/ Linebacker, South Florida


This pick will probably be a pass rushing linebacker, but the decision will be between Pierre-Paul and Sergio Kindle. Kindle is more polished, but the upside on the raw Pierre-Paul is enormous. It helps also that he is a local product whose family is from Haiti. The Miami area has a large Haitian community.

Though the Dolphins will look at nose tackle and more wide receivers, they may also pull the trigger on the versatile C.J. Spiller since Ricky Williams has already announced next season will be his last.







13. San Francisco 49ers : C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson


Though Frank Gore was excellent last year, he is defying odds with his surgically repaired knees. He is also nearing an age, with all the carries he has had over four years, where he could use some help. Spiller is the dynamic big play back the 49ers have not had since the days of the Million Dollar Backfield of the 1950's.

He is not an every down type of back, but he is an excellent receiver who is elusive in the open field. He also can return kickoffs if needed. Adding an explosive dimension to an offense that has questions at quarterback.

San Francisco also could look to fortify the trenches. Offensive tackles Anthony Davis and Bryan Bulaga will get a long look, as will defensive tackle Dan Williams. The Niners have two first round draft picks this year, so it is conceivable they package both picks to trade up.






14. Seattle Seahawks : Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers



Now that Seattle has drafted their quarterback of the future in Jimmy Clausen, they need to get him protection. Baluga could very well go here, because he is more polished. Davis, however, is the better athlete with a larger upside.

Whichever Seattle selects, that player will get to be under the wing of future Hall Of Famer Walter Jones. There is a chance the team could look at safety Taylor Mays, who is known well by Carroll from USC. Mays is a big hitter, something Seattle needs from their secondary. If Spiller drops this far, they can grab him to help their anemic offensive attack.







15. New York Giants : Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida


New York needs help on the defensive line, but may be unwilling to reach on defensive tackle Dan Williams this high. With current defensive end Osi Umenyiora unhappy, as well as mostly unproductive versus the run last season, and Mathias Kiwanuka's contract nearing its end, New York may want to look ahead to the future here.

Dunlap is coming off a sub par year that also saw him get a DUI arrest, but his talent is unquestionable. At 6'6" 290, he runs a 4.6 forty-yard dash. His huge upside might be too tempting to pass up.

If McClain is here, they should grab him. Last year I had them drafting Laurinaitis, but they chose Nicks at wide receiver. Though Nicks had a nice rookie year, Laurinaitis had a year that easily showed he would have been the perfect replacement for the aging Antonio Pierce. Another possibility is tight end Jermaine Gresham.







16. Tennessee Titans : Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State


Tennessee needs a pass rushing defensive end, but none left are worthy of this selection. Robinson is the last of a long line of top flight cornerbacks that Bobby Bowden taught. The Titans need him to start opposite veteran Cortland Finnegan, thus allowing veteran Nick Harper move to nickel back. He has all the tools to be great, but lacks experience.

Tennessee also could look at outside linebacker, considering only veteran Keith Bullock gave them decent production from the position. Kindle, Sean Weatherspoon, Brandon Graham, Jerry Hughes, and and Ricky Sapp will get looked at by head coach Jeff Fischer.






17. San Francisco 49ers : Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa


Assuming the Niners have not traded up, as well as drafting Spiller with their first pick, now they can concentrate on upgrading the offensive line. Bulaga is ranked the second best offensive lineman prospect in the draft by many, and has excellent fundamentals. He is still growing into his body and could use more work in the weight room, but the upside is there.

There is a chance the 49ers look at safeties Mays or Earl Thomas, and nose tackles Dan Williams and Terrance Cody will also get a look. The 49ers win their games with good defense and a solid ground game, and Bulaga would be a good fit.






18. Pittsburgh Steelers : Taylor Mays, Strong Safety, USC



The one thing to keep the Steelers winning is to keep Coach Dad happy. Dick LeBeau, who hopefully will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame this year, is the defensive coordinator of a team that has seemingly relied on defense to win games since 1970. Mays fit a big need for the team as well.

He is a big safety who hits very hard and excels at stopping the run. He has good speed, but needs work on pass coverage. While some critics worry about his play making skills in the secondary, having Troy Polamalu as his partner will provide tremendous mentorship. One other very possible move is Pittsburgh looking at nose tackle Terrence Cody, and even possibly offensive tackles Bruce Campbell and Trent Williams.






19. Atlanta Falcons : Sergio Kindle, DE/ LB, Texas


Atlanta needs help in the pass rush and with outside linebacker depth. Strong side linebacker Mike Peterson will be entering his 12th season next year, and his forte is stopping the run. Atlanta needs another rusher off the edge and Kindle fills that need.

The Falcons also need more depth at cornerback and defensive end, and they could look at Weatherspoon because he has more linebacker experience. Ricky Sapp is another to be considered.






20. Houston Texans : Earl Thomas, Safety, Texas


Houston needs a major upgrade over free safety John Busing, and Thomas represents that. A ball hawk with a knack of being in on big plays, he is very raw having come out in the draft after his sophomore season. His being a local product also makes him appealing to the fan base.

The Texans may also look at defensive tackle Dan Williams, mainly because they get little from that position, as well as running back Jahvid Best to help their nearly non-existent ground game.








21. Cincinnati Bengals : Jermaine Gresham, Tight End, Oklahoma



Gresham is the top rated tight end in the draft, and has excellent size, hands, and athleticism. Cincinnati has not had great play from this position since the days of Dan Ross in the 1980's, and have been hurting the last few years at the position. They drafted Chase Coffman last year, but he did not even get on the field despite multiple injuries of other tight ends. Even if Coffman develops, he is a weak blocker who has good enough receiving skills to be a second tight end.

The Bengals lost the big play abilities of Chris Henry after he died, so they could look at receivers Golden Tate and Arrelious Benn. They also could continue getting strong at the offensive line with guard Mike Iupati or tackles Bruce Campbell and Trent Williams. They really need an upgrade at strong safety, but reaching on the raw yet talented Chad Jones might be too big a gamble at this spot.






22. New England Patriots : Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri


No one knows what Bill Belichick will do on draft day, so this is a total guess. Belichick is known as one of the most active participants in the draft, and it would be a surprise if he isn't wheeling and dealing again this year.

New England is long in the tooth at this position, and Weatherspoon is a big play guy who is always around the ball. He is well rounded, and had over 100 tackles last year. He adds a much needed infusion of youth here. Yet no one really knows what the Patriots will do except them.







23. Green Bay Packers : Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland


Veteran Chad Clifton enters his tenth season, and has been battling injuries the past few years. Campbell is very raw, but is an amazing athlete and has good size. He will be allowed time to develop as the heir apparent at left tackle.

The Packers could also choose Jahvid Best to add depth at running back, or look at defense. Secondary depth could be added, but no one is worth this selection. Outside linebacker is another spot, since Aaron Kampman appears on his way out. Sapp, Hughes, and Graham will get looked at.






24. Philadelphia Eagles : Everson Griffen, DE, USC


Philadelphia could use help at linebacker, but none left are worthy of being drafted this high. They also could use help in the secondary, but drafting cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson or safety Chad Jones might be considered a reach at this spot. It is evident LeSean McCoy is not an every down back, so Jahvid Best will get a very long look here.

Griffen represents an upgrade over Juqua Thomas, who is an undersized pass rusher. Griffen also has the ability to line up all over the line. He has good size, strength, and arm length. He will help an Eagles team that had difficulty stopping the run much of last year.








25. Baltimore Ravens : Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois


Derrick Mason may retire like he temporarily did last year, but the Ravens could use more receivers even if he stays. Benn runs clean, crisp routes, and he is a prototype possession receiver. Some critics lament his lack of touchdowns in college, as well as his lack of breakaway speed, so they could look at Jordan Shipley too.

Baltimore could use help at cornerback, so players like Thompson and Devin McCourtey will get a look. Brandon Graham, Jerry Hughes, and Rickey Sapp are pass rushing linebackers who will also get considered, as will nose tackles Dan Williams and Terrance Cody.







26. Arizona Cardinals : Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson


Sapp was used as a defensive end in college, but most scouts think he will be an excellent pass rushing linebacker in the pros. He is an excellent athlete who has long and rangy size. Considering Karlos Dansby is unsigned and Bertrand Berry is retiring, the position could use a significant youth movement.

The Cardinals also could very well concentrate on offensive line here. Guard Mike Iupati and tackle Trent Williams will get strong consideration. If Arizona trades Anquan Boldin, there is a chance Golden Tate is considered.









27. Dallas Cowboys : Mike Iupati, Guard, Idaho


Dallas still is not happy with their strong safety position, so the very raw and talented Chad Jones will be considered. Wide receiver also might get a look, which will allow Shipley and Tate enter the discussion. Dallas also could look at defensive ends Greg Hardy and Corey Wooten because Marcus Spears may be set to play his last year with the team in 2010.

What fans last remember about the end of the Cowboys 2009 season was the Vikings getting six sacks in a blow out victory. Veteran Flozell Adams has lost a step, and Marc Columbo missed almost two months last year because of a broken leg. Iupati can play either guard or tackle, is huge, and has a non-stop motor. He is similar to starting right guard Kyle Kosier in his versatility, and should one day find himself starting somewhere.









28. San Diego Chargers : Jahvid Best, RB, California


The Chargers could look at pass rushers like Brandon Graham and Jerry Hughes, or nose tackles Terrance Cody and Dan Williams. Offensive tackle Trent Williams might also draw interest, but they must get a ball carrier now.

LaDainian Tomlinson appears done as both a Charger and effective runner. Darren Sproles is a free agent and may not return. Best has electric abilities when he touches the ball, though he is not considered a big back. He even has kickoff return abilities, which would allow the Chargers to shed themselves of Sproles and Tomlinson's salaries with this one pick.








29. New York Jets : Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame



Rex Ryan's first year at head coach showed his aggressive nature on the field and in the draft room. Though they may not trade up again this year, no one can really be certain what the Jets will do.

The Jets could look at nose tackle, considering Kris Jenkins has been injury prone throughout his career. Defensive end and cornerback will also get considered. Many expect the strong safety spot upgraded, but it is unknown if Ryan is willing to gamble on Chad Jones at this spot.

Tate adds another needed receiver to the Jets arsenal. Though Braylon Edwards played better for them than he did for Cleveland this year, he still has questionable hands. Jerricho Cotchery is a possession type of receiver, so having Tate to stretch the field could open things up more underneath.

While Tate is not a tall receiver, he has good hands and is dangerous in open spaces. He will add an elusive element that all other Jets offensive players are lacking, thus creating a much needed wrinkle in the aerial attack.









30. Minnesota Vikings : Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee


Veteran mainstay Pat Williams recently said he is 50/50 between playing and retiring. That type of talk usually means a player is about done. His backup, Jimmy Kennedy, is a former first round draft pick turned journeyman.

The Vikings could use a cornerback, but it remains to be seen how hard they will look at Syd'Quan Thompson, Devin McCourtey, Jerome Murphy, or Dominique Franks. Any one could add the much needed depth they need here.

Minnesota will also consider Jared Odrick, but they need to keep the inside of their defense stout against the run. Dan Williams has the ability to line up at nose tackle like Pat Williams does, which opens things up for Pro Bowler Kevin Williams. He also has great character and a non-stop motor. Perhaps the Vikings will keep the Williams legacy alive this draft?










31. New Orleans Saints : Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan


The Saints could use better pass rush ability from the outside linebacker position, as well as defensive end depth. Graham provides both. He has excellent intelligence, strength, quickness, and technique. What he lacks is the height to be an every down defensive end or the experience to play all downs at linebacker. Many scouts think he will be drafted much earlier.

The Saints also could look to draft a cornerback. Malcolm Jenkins is probably the heir apparent to Darren Sharper at free safety, and Tracy Porter has had issues staying healthy. They also will consider Maurkice Pouncey, the top rated center in the draft.








32. Indianapolis Colts : Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State


The Colts could use some guards. One of their starters and their two main back ups are converted centers. Though the Colts do well pass blocking, they are not very good in run blocking. Offensive tackle Trent Williams will get considered so current starting left tackle Charlie Johnson can move back to guard.

The secondary also could use reinforcements, and Chad Jones could fit well in their scheme. Many scouts rank him as the top strong safety in the draft. Cornerback Marlin Jackson is a free agent who was injured most of 2009, so the Colts might take a look at what cornerbacks they could draft.

What Indianapolis has done the last few years in win with a revolving door at the defensive tackle position. Though the team has looked good versus the run in the playoffs, they were porous all season. Odrick is an excellent athlete with quickness off the snap and the ability to rush the passer. He had an excellent senior season, and has found himself moving up a lot of draft boards recently.