I found this article yesterday, but with so much other news I decided to skip it. I had already cited like 3 other Times-Pic articles anyway.
But every time I read it my blood boils. This blurb from the article is what REALLY sticks in my craw...
"The top five guys will probably be the top five paid guys at their positions before they even play," said Dallas Cowboys Coach Wade Phillips, a decidedly old-school thinker who'd prefer to see the big money go to the core veterans of a team, five-, six-, seven-year pros who routinely are the backbone of an NFL club.
Tell me any other job, career, assignment, WHATEVER, where a person starts off on the highest financial echelon BEFORE he even gets to the office, job site, store, WHATEVER!
Do you start off as manager of McDonald's and work your way to fries? Do you work your butt off for 20 years as CEO, putting your career before you marriage and kids, in hopes of getting that big promotion to the mail room?
NO!! What upside-down, Seinfeld-esque, bizarro world is the NFL operating in? Feldman!
Take our team for example. Reggie, the second overall pick in 2006 was so hyped and highly-touted after his amazing (and I will give that to him. He was sick. Seriously.) college career. And so, as is the culture in the NFL today, we "made it rain" on Reggie (do I owe Pacman royalties for using his phrase). And of course, being the god-awful 3-13 team we were in 2005, we didn't bat an eye. We were the luckiest team alive. "What the hell was Houston thinking!?" we asked ourselves, and anyone who would listen. Never seen him play a down in the NFL? F&%@ you, pay him! He's holding out and missed thee practices? F&%@ YOU, PAY HIM! Fans would have hanged Benson in Jackson Square if he let Reggie go, no matter the cost. We are all guilty, myself included. What else should we have thought?
On the other side of the coin we have Deuce. Going on 8 years now with the Saints. Team loves him. Players love him. Coaches love him. Fans love him. City loves him. The dude is Mother f%&#@ing Theresa if Mother Theresa ran a 4.5 4o and it takes four 350 lb. linemen to take her down. Now, Deuce's contract isn't exactly small potato's. Dude is gonna be fine. But Deuce proved himself. He had already won the approval of his teammates, coaches and fans. We knew he was worth it. Ahem. Three seasons in a row over 1,000 yards. Cough. On top of the fact that he was a nice guy about the whole renegotiation process; "As part of the new contract, Deuce lowered his 2005 base salary by $1.7 million, freeing up cap room for the team."
Such is the discrepancy in our favorite sport. It's the proverbial tail wagging the dog. Young, unproven, possibly talented athletes earning more than dependable, selfless, franchise veterans. To be fair, Reggie has contributed to this team. But because of the amount of money we spent on him without flinching, our expectations are higher. If we are going to pay Reggie more than Deuce, then Reggie should produce more than Deuce.
And what happens if a player like Reggie doesn't work out? Other than the fact that a team spends a lot of time and money figuring out that they shouldn't have spent all that time and money, said team is saddled with a huge contract for a useless player, and burdened by said contract for the following few years, thus limiting their payroll, minimizing their cap room and putting other players in the position of having to make sacrifices such as the one Deuce made for the team in 2005 and may have to make again this year. Does that seem fair? Noble, yes. Fair, I think not. But I guess that is why Deuce is Deuce, and Reggie is, well...not Deuce.
Have a great 2008 season Reggie. Please. We know you have big shoes to fill.
I'll leave you with Bill Polian's words...
"...it needs to change because the draft was designed to positively affect the game on the field and create competitive balance, and now we find it's doing just the opposite."
That felt good. It's nice to have a soapbox, er, I mean blog. I'll take a break from the ranting for a couple of posts.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Comment on Top Draft Picks
Glenn, and Rivers and Bush. Oh My!
Alright! Actually some news to talk about today...
First up, Saints sign CB Aaron Glenn. Here is the Times-Pic article. In my opinion, this isn't really such a big deal or anything to get excited about. He's as old as the hills, and he has not been very productive as of late. He only played 5 games last year. Glenn is a journeyman (now his fifth team in 14 years), which means he's got some experience. I don't think he is going to be the panacea this team needs to stop those long pass plays that haunted us all last year, but his maturity and experience could help our younger DB's like Harper, Young and whoever we draft (we will probably get at least one DB in the draft). Check out his stats and form your own opinion.
In other news...The Times-Pic FINALLY got in on the mock draft action and released their first round list. I've got that riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...........here. Their pick...(drum-roll)...USC LB Keith Rivers. They give their explanation in this article (man, they were busy down at the TP today, huh?).
After having seen DT Sedrick Ellis and Rivers at USC's pro day they think Ellis is too good to still be available and they think Rivers WILL be available and too good to pass up. What about DRC (CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, for those of you NOT in the know) you ask? He slips to the Cardinals at the 16th spot. Why? Because the writers at the Times-Pic know what I have been screamin' the last two weeks...
"...that's one thing we've always known about the Saints -- they love that best athlete available."
Rivers, I think everyone agrees, is the better player at his position and seems to be more of a sure thing than DRC.
The people at the Times-Pic also mentioned we could see a trade up to get DT's Ellis or Dorsey, or a trade down with possibly the Eagles for Lito Sheppard. Ahhhh...now THERE'S an idea (more on that in a bit).
But what light has all of this info from the Times-Pic shined on the draft situation?
Absolutely none. We still have no idea what the Saints are gonna do. There are still a lot of possibilities. And no one seems to know a damn thing (isn't this fun kids).
This bloggers opinion:
- Ellis or Dorsey if either amazingly slipped down (not likely) or they trade up.
- Then Rivers if he's still available. I know what your thinking..."But we just got Vilma and Morgan at LB, why get another one?" BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE! (why do you think we got Meachem the year after we had the best receiving corps in the league) We got help at CB too with Gay and now Glenn, so either way, the Saints would be doubling up on talent. And in a draft deep with DB talent, maybe we could take our chances in the second round.
- If Rivers is gone, than I suggest THIS possibility...trade with the Eagles for Sheppard, and pick up, say, DT Kentwan Balmer with the 19th pick. That leaves us with an improved secondary, an improved LB corp and improvement on the inside of the line. We haven't made any improvements on the D-line this season, so this would give us all around improvement. Huh? What do you think?
One other article to throw at ya'. This one. And it comes aaaaaallllllll the way from Helena, Montana. Why the hell they are talking about Reggie Bush I have NO idea, but god bless them. They've obviously got good taste up there! Anyway, to sum it up, it basically says Reggie needs to be more like Brian Westbrook. Okay. Sounds good to me. We all know about his selfless kneel down on the goal line last season. I love that stuff!
Friday, April 4, 2008
SB Nation's Mock Draft
Well its mock draft season. For those of you who don't know what a mock draft is-though I think its pretty self explanatory-it's basically a simulation of what the draft will look like as far as which teams will take which players. It's sometimes done by one person, sometimes by multiple people, all of whose expertise range from NFL insiders to thirty-something losers in their mother's basements. SB Nation has their own version which I think is pretty good. It's different because the individual bloggers for each team make the selections for their team. This means instead of one or a handful of people pretending to know who every team is going to pick, the picks are made by individual team experts who only focus on THEIR team. That's GOTTA be better, right?
So who did the Saints pick in the first round of SB Nation's mock draft?
I'm okay with the pick. Especially since LB Keith Rivers, DT's Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis and CB Leodis McKelvin were already off the board.
You can check out an interview with DRC (that's what all the cool kids are calling him) here at NFL Draft Countdown.
And again, I urge you check out SB Nation's mock draft and keep up with it. Cool stuff!
Some possibly exciting news for those Deuce lovers out there. Rotoworld reported a story from NFL network saying Larry Holder believes Deuce will still be a Saint in 2008, though he may have to take a pay cut. I believe that Deuce would take a pay cut, but I have no idea how substantial these rumors are. It sounds like pure speculation to me and just one persons opinion, so keep that in mind.
And finally, the Saints announced that they are ready to start selling tickets to season ticket holders (that's me!!) for the game in London on October 26th. I noticed we had a few votes by people who are planning to attend. I think that's great. I am highly jealous. Here is all the necessary information from the official Saints website. Looks like they have put together a few different packages that include hotel, transportation, parties etc. which I think is pretty ingenious.
Anyone in the Saints organization who may be reading this, I would be glad to go to do some Saints and New Orleans PR if you wanted to send me.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Who Will the Saints Draft?
Well, the draft is rapidly approaching, and it seems to be the only thing anyone can talk about.
Here is some linkage to a bunch of Mock Drafts:
Pat Kirwan...Vin Carucci...Football's Future
NFL Draft Blitz...NFL Draft Dog...NFL Draft Countdown
Draft King
- DT Sedrick Ellis seems to be the most popular opinion, and I agree. I don't know if he will still be available. There is speculation of a trade up with New England in order for us to acquire him. I would be absolutely shocked if Dorsey was still available.
- I agree with Draft Countdown: "Most will have a cornerback here but after recently investing big free agent dollars on Jason David and Randall Gay, not to mention a 3rd round pick on Usama Young last year, it's pretty hard to envision them using a Top 10 pick on the position." However, the team also spent money in free agency at the linebacker position with Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan. More reason to go with a DT.
- Payton has consistently said they will go with the "best player available" policy (thats how we wound up with Meachem) and not draft for need (usually a mistake). If both of the top rated DT's are taken and/or they don't trade up, than the pick will be whoever the Saints think is the best value at the tenth spot, which is anyone's guess.
This is a hot topic, talk this one up.
On the lighter side, here is a picture of Drew Brees with Alfonso Ribeiro, better known as Carlton from Fresh Prince. I smell sitcom!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Draft Preview
With the draft quickly approaching (April 26-27) everyone is buzzing (unintended Hornets reference) about who will pick who. Pat Kirwan at NFL.com released his mock draft yesterday. Interesting point to note is that Kirwan seems to think the Saints will trade up with the Patriots to the No. 7 pick, thus allowing us to get DT Sedrick Ellis.
Everyone seems to be in agreement that the Saints will go with someone on the defensive side of the ball, but Coach Payton also agreed they will go with the best player available, regardless of position. Ellis would be a better pick than any of the available corners, but picking up a corner would still be an improvement. Should Darren McFadden or another offensive star slip and still be available when the Saints pick, don't be surprised if they go with him.
The following info is from Scott Wright at NFLdraftCountdown.com. It's a compiled list of the most likely candidates for the Saints first round choice. Check 'em out! One of these guys will probably be wearing black and gold next year.
Sedrick Ellis
Defensive Tackle Senior USC
Height: 6-01/2 Weight: 309 40-Time: 5.23
Official Bio
Strengths:Very quick with a great first step...Very strong and powerful...A terrific pass rusher with the burst to close...Athletic with good speed...Instinctive...Sheds blocks well and is able to beat the double team...Is technically sound when it comes to using his hands and understanding leverage...Has a non-stop motor...Tough and a very hard worker with top-notch intangibles...Has experience at both tackle positions. Weaknesses:Doesn't have the ideal height or bulk that you look for...Has some minor durability issues...Might have some trouble holding his ground at the point against massive blockers...Limited schematically and probably won't be a perfect fit for every team. Notes:Could be a prototypical three-technique at the pro level...Redshirted in 2003 after breaking his left ankle and missed some time in '06 with a knee injury..Productive, disruptive force in the middle..A better prospect than Mike Patterson was in 2005.
Leodis McKelvin
Cornerback Senior Troy
Height: 5-101/4 Weight: 190 40-Time: 4.38
Official Bio
Strengths:Very athletic...Has good size...Excellent timed speed with a burst to close...A solid tackler...Outstanding footwork...Great hands...Has fluid hips and is smooth in his transition...Natural man coverage skills...True playmaker who is a threat to take it the distance every time he gets his hands on the ball...Also a dynamic return man. Weaknesses:Relatively marginal instincts and anticipation...He doesn't have a lot of experience bumping at the line...Could do a better job in zone coverage...Too aggressive and plays a little out of control at times...Did not always play against elite competition. Notes:Hails from the same college program that produced Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware...For his career he averaged 13.1 yards per punt return with 7 touchdowns and 23.7 yard per kick return with one touchdown...Named to several All-American teams after averaging 17.4 yards and with 3 TD's as a punt returner in '07...Draft stock soared as a senior and quietly emerged as one of the best prospects at his position..Has starting potential as a corner and should be a top-notch return man.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Cornerback Senior Tennessee St.
Height: 6-11/2 Weight: 184 40-Time: 4.33
Official Bio
Strengths:Naturally athletic and very smooth...Great height with long arms and some growth potential...Very good timed speed with a burst to close...Instinctive and breaks on the ball quickly...Terrific agility...Playmaker with exceptional ball skills...Aggressive and confident...Was pretty productive at his level...Also an excellent kick returner. Weaknesses:Needs to add weight and bulk up...Not very physical and has to get stronger...Did not play against top competition...Still raw and will need to work on his technique and footwork...Struggles to shed blocks...Doesn't really offer much in run support. Notes:Attended four different high schools and didn't play football until his senior year..A Division II All-American...Also participated in track for the Tigers, winning the Ohio Valley Conference championships in the 60 yard dash, the long jump and the high jump...Needs to put some time in at the training table and in the weight room but has the talent to make the NFL leap...One of the top sleepers prospects available.
Mike Jenkins
Cornerback Senior South Florida
Height: 5-101/4 Weight: 197 40-Time: 4.40
Official Bio
Strengths:Has very good size and bulk with long arms...A great athlete...Good timed speed and acceleration with a burst to close...Physical...Natural cover skills...Is versatile with experience at both corner and safety..Smooth with fluid hips and nice change of direction...Breaks on the ball quickly...Also offers some special teams potential. Weaknesses:Is not great in run support...Not overly instinctive...Pretty inconsistent...Has some character questions...Footwork and technique are shaky...Lacks superb ball skills and awareness...Toughness may be an issue...Might be a bit of a CB / S 'tweener. Notes:Was born in Germany...Combined with teammate Trae Williams to form one of the best corner duos in the nation...Also played safety early in his career...Suspended after being arrested and charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and obstructing or opposing an officer without violence in March of '07...Has a ton of starting experience and everything you look for physically in a pro corner...Very good prospect who has the talent to be a starter...Could get slightly overdrafted.
Aqib Talib
Cornerback Junior Kansas
Height: 6-03/4 Weight: 202 40-Time: 4.45
Official Bio
Strengths:A smooth natural athlete...Has very good size and bulk with long arms...Excellent instincts and anticipates well...Nice leaping ability...Terrific hands and ball skills...A playmaker and ballhawk who is always a threat to take it the distance...Adequate timed speed...Offers some positional versatility...Can excel in man or zone...Good intangibles...Extremely confident with a short memory..Has some return potential. Weaknesses:Will take too many risks...Does not play as fast as he times and lacks a burst...Is not real physical...Just average in run support...Struggles to recover...Inconsistent and is not very disciplined..Has too much confidence in his abilities...Footwork and technique need refining..Gets beat more often than he should...Has off-the-field / character issues that need to be investigated and evaluated...A high bust factor? Notes:Name is pronounced "Uh-keeb Tuh-leeb"...Recruited as a safety and redshirted in 2004..Was a freshman All-American and then led the nation in pass breakups as a sophomore...Also saw extensive action as a wide receiver with the Jayhawks and for his career he had 9 catches for 224 yards (24.9 avg.) and 5 touchdowns...Has all the physical tools you look for but his tendency to give up big plays to inferior competition (Jordy Nelson & Maurice Purify) is a concern...Extremely outgoing and is sure to be a quote machine...He'll likely either be a big star or a complete bust.
