Bleacher Report - Articles by Erik Nunes

2008 NFL Mock Draft: Long(s) Top the Draft Board

Erik Nunes — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:33:05 -0400

With the NFL Draft a couple of days away, most fans have no idea who their respective teams will draft. Miami has already locked up Jake Long as the number one pick, so I projected the rest of the first round, based on how I see players fitting into certain situations. Here are my projections:

1. Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT Michigan.

This pick was easy for me to make, seeing as it has already happened. Bill Parcells wants to build a solid line to open running lanes for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Long will help them do that and protect quarterback John Beck for now.

2. St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia.

The Rams need help on the defensive line. They drafted Adam Carriker out of Nebraska last year, and he is developing into a solid defensive tackle. Leonard Little is aging, so Long should help out in the near future and take Little's place once he leaves St. Louis.

3. Atlanta: Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU.

Dorsey is the best player in this draft and should be an impact player very soon. Atlanta. Dorsey is a big body in the middle who should be able to draw attention away from last year's first round pick, DE Jamaal Anderson.

4.Oakland: Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas.

The Raiders usually find ways to screwup their first-round picks. However, the thought of JaMarcus Russell andMcFadden in the same backfield is enough to give Raiders fans hope and Lane Kiffin some offensive firepower.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Vernon Gholston, DE Ohio State.

Originally, I had Branden Albert going here but, with the Jared Allen trade, the defensive line becomes a major need. There is more value for a defensive end at this pick than there is for an offensive lineman.

6. New York Jets: Branden Albert, OG Virginia.

McFadden is the guy the Jets really want here but he was gone at pick 4. I say the Jets go back to Virginia to draft a lineman, just a couple of years after drafting D'Brickashaw Ferguson. They signed Alan Faneca in the off-season, but the other lineman are not all that impressive.

7. New England Patriots: Keith Rivers, LB USC.

I fully expect the Patriots to trade out of this pick. However, assuming they do not make a trade, I expect them to draft a linebacker. They have shown the willingness to pay linebackers big money, and Rivers could develop for a couple of years behind the other Patriot linebackers.

8. Baltimore Ravens: Matt Ryan, QB Boston College.

The Ravens feel as if they need to draft a franchise QB. At number 8, it's not at bad spot to draft one. Ryan is the highest rated quarterback in this class, and it would be a huge surprise if the Ravens pass on Ryan.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Sedrick Ellis, DT USC

The Bengals need a big man in the middle and Ellis is going to fill that role. I fully expect the Bengals to trade up in order to secure Ellis. Either way, Ellis is the pick.

10. New Orleans Saints: Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy State

The Saints secondary has been burned over the past two seasons. Jason David has been a bust and Randall Gay is not the answer. McKelvin should become a solid NFL cornerback and help out the Saints defense.

11. Buffalo Bills: Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State

The Bills need a big receiver to play opposite Lee Evans. Thomas, who is 6-2, fits the mold and should help Trent Edwards' develpoment.

12. Denver Broncos: Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt

The Broncos need someone to protect the blindside of quarterback Jay Cutler. Who better to do that than the man who did it during his collegiate career? No one, which is why Williams is the pick here.

13. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Harvey, DE Florida.

With Mike Rucker's retirement, the Panthers need someone to fill his spot on the defensive line. Harvey is the best available defensive end and should be a good defensive end for Carolina.

14. Chicago Bears: Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh.

Cedric Benson has proved that he is not a capable starting running back in the NFL. However, this draft is very deep at running back. As a result, the Bears will turn to the offensive line, which is why Otah is the pick here.

15. Detroit Lions: Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois.

After releasing Kevin Jones in the off-season, the Lions need a starting running back. Matt Millen will take a one-year hiatus from drafting a wide receiver in the first round to select Mendenhall.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State.

Edgerrin James is starting to show his age but, this draft is very deep at the running back position. The Cardinals will draft a corner after moving Antrel Rolle to safety.

17. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Clady, OT Boise State.

The Chiefs maximize their possible value by taking Clady here. Offensive line is a major need is Clady, Otah, and Williams are all closely rated. To get Clady here is a steal for the Chiefs.

18. Houston Texans: Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida.

Dunta Robinson has recovering from injury, and the secondary is not the strength of the Texans defense. Jenkins will become a good starter for the Texans and is a great value here.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: James Hardy, WR Indiana.

The Eagles need to get Donovan McNabb the playmaker that he has been begging for. Neither Chad Johnson nor Anquan Boldin will be traded to the Eagles, so they need to look at this position in the draft. Hardy is a big receiver that fits the profile of playmaker.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DeSean Jackson, WR California.

The wide receivers for the Bucs are aging and Michael Clayton has not lived up to expectations so far. Jackson is on the small side but he is quick and should provide a spark for the Buccaneers office.

21. Washington Redskins: Calais Campbell, DE Miami.

The Redskins need a defensive end to replace 35 year old Phillip Daniels. Campbell is the best option at this spot, even though he has performed well at workouts. It should also be noted that Redskins defensive line coach John Palermo held the same position at Miami when Campbell had his breakout college season.

22. Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, RB Arkansas.

The Cowboys need to draft a running back to replace Julius Jones and complement Marion Barber. Jerry Jones gets a Razorbacks running backs, just not the one that he wanted.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College.

The Steelers don't have many needs. However, the offensive line could use some help after Alan Faneca signed with the Jets this past off season.

24. Tennessee Titans: Limas Sweed, WR Texas.

If the Titans expect Vince Young to mature as a quarterback, they need to surround him with some talent. His former favorite target at the University of Texas wouldn't be a bad start.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon.

After cutting Shawn Alexander, the Seahawks need someone to pair with Julius Jones. Stewart is a howetown product who should be able to help right away. Drafting Stewart will help solidify the Seahawks backfield.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina.

After trading Marcus Stroud to the Bills, the Jaguars need to find a suitable replacement. Balmer, is the best available defensive tackle, makes a lot of sense for the Jaguars here.

27. San Diego Chargers: Aqib Talib, CB Kansas.

There aren't many weaknesses on the Chargers roster. However, they can always afford to solidfy their secondary. Talib has dropped on many peoples draft boards but, he presents great value here.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma.

Terry Glenn is at the end of his career and T.O. will be there before long. The Cowboys would be well-suited to take a flyer on Kelly, who, up until a few weeks ago, was the consensus number one receiver.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Quentin Groves, DE Auburn.

The 49ers signed Justin Smith to solidify their defensive line and can continue to do that through the draft. Groves should develop into a decent defensive end and help out the 49ers in the long run.

30. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Flowers, CB Virginia Tech.

The Packers secondary played well last year but, its time to face reality. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are aging, so its a good idea to get a player who can learn for a couple of years and then step in as a starter.

--New England Patriots: Pick Forfeited--

31. New York Giants: Kenny Phillips, S Miami.

After losing Gibril Wilson, a former fifth-round pick, to the Raiders, the Giants need to upgrade in the draft. Phillips is the best safety in this years class and should start for the Giants right away.

Roger Clemens vs. Greg Maddux: Who's The Better Pitcher?

Erik Nunes — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:23:59 -0400

Over the last 20 years, baseball fans have been privileged to watch two of the greatest right-handed pitchers ever: Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux. Clemens made his name instantly when he came up in 1984 with the Boston Red Sox and led them to the World Series just two years later. Maddux came up with the Cubs during the 1986 season but, made his name with the Braves during the 1990's. Both pitchers have been mentioned as the best of their time and two of the best of all-time. The question is: Which one is better? To figure this out, I came up with criteria to determine who is truly the better pitcher. The criteria that I included are stat-based criteria (Wins, ERA, Strikeouts, Innings Pitched) and other perception-related criteria (Cy Young Awards, All-Star Teams).

Wins:

In his 24 season career, Roger Clemens has recorded 354 career wins, with an average of 17 wins per season over his career. Clemens set a career high in 1986 with 24 wins, and has won 20 games six times. In 23 seasons, Greg Maddux has recorded 349 career wins, with an average of 16 wins per season. Maddux set career highs in 1992 and 1993 with 20 wins, and has won 20 games twice in his career.

Clemens gets the slight edge with more overall victories, a higher victories per season average, and more twenty win seasons.

ERA:

Roger Clemens has a career 3.12 ERA over his 24 year career. He has posted a sub-3.00 ERA 12 times in his career, with a career-low 1.87 posted in 2005. Greg Maddux has a career 3.12 ERA as well over his 23 year career. Maddux has posted a sub-3.00 ERA nine times in his career, with a career-low 1.56 ERA posted in 1994.

Tie. Clemens and Maddux have the same career ERA, so it would be unfair to give the edge to either pitcher.

Strikeouts:

Clemens is one of the greatest strikeout pitchers of all-time. He has come up with 4672 strikeouts over the course of his career. Maddux has struck out 3287 strikeouts over the course of his career.

Clemens is widely considered to be one of the greatest strikeout pitchers of all-time, so it should be no surprise that he wins here too.

Innings Pitched:

Clemens has thrown 4917 innings over his career. He has thrown over 200 innings 15 times in his career, with a career-high 282 innings pitched in 1987. Over the course of his career, Clemens has averaged 205 innings per season over the course of his career. Maddux has thrown 4839 innings over his career. Maddux has thrown 200 innings in a season 19 seasons, and missed a 20th season by two innings. Maddux has averaged 211 innings per season over his career, with a career high of 268 innings in 1992.

Maddux gets the slight edge over Clemens in this one because, he has averaged more innings per season and has more 200 inning seasons.

All-Star Games:

Clemens has appeared in 11 All-Star games, posting a 4.15 ERA in 13 innings. Maddux has appeared in 8 career All-Star games, posting a 3.24 ERA in 8 1/3 innings.

Clemens gets the nod here because he has been voted to more all-star games than Maddux has. Since this category is perception-related and not stat-related, Clemens will beat out Maddux.

Cy Young Awards:

Over the course of his illustrious career, Clemens has won seven Cy Young Awards, while Maddux has won four Cy Young awards.

Clemens wins this category too with seven Cy Young Awards to Maddux's four.

Analysis:

Clemens leads Maddux in most of the categories at the present time. Maddux will most likely pass Clemens in wins and innings pitched at some point this season. However, as of right now, Clemens is the greater pitcher. Clemens has more wins and innings, with the same ERA as Maddux. Clemens currently leads Maddux in most of the stat-based and perception-based criteria. Over the remainder of Maddux's career (however long that is), Maddux could make more of a case to be the greater pitcher. Roger Clemens, however, is currently the greater pitcher.

Albert Pujols, Jake Peavy Headline Projected National League Award Winners

Erik Nunes — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:49:58 -0400

The National League had an offseason dominated by the trades of All-Star caliber players.

The Marlins shipped off Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis (who were starting to cost them a lot of money) to the Tigers for a package of prospects headlined by Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller.

One of the most awaited departures, however, was Barry Bonds. This offseason the Giants and every other Major League team declined to offer the home run king a contract.

The Mets, however, made the biggest splash this offseason by acquiring Johan Santana. He is one of the best pitchers in today's game.

The National League will have a lot of competitive teams this season, and a few players will stand out in recognition of their individual achievements. Here are my picks for these awards.

MVP: Albert Pujols, Cardinals

Pujols is the best player in the National League and he will prove it once again this season.

Pujols will be one of the main reasons that the Cardinals will maintain respectability throughout the course of the season.

A typical Pujols season (.330/35/120) should be enough to win him an MVP award.

Cy Young: Jake Peavy, Padres

Peavy is one of the best pitchers in the game.

I believe he will hold off Johan Santana this season, as Santana adjusts to the National League teams.

By being the ace of a team that will win its division, Peavy will be able to win the Cy Young Award.

Reliever of the Year: Billy Wagner, Mets

At almost 37 years of age, Wagner still has the heat to get it done.

The Mets are one of the National League's best teams, so he should be able to get plenty of save opportunities. Wagner remains one of the NL's elite closers, and that will help him win the award.

Rookie of the Year: Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs

The debate will continue over whether or not Japanese players should be eligible to win the Rookie of the Year Award.

Fukudome will show why he was so coveted this past offseason.

Since he is conditioned to the ups and downs of a professional season, he will not fade down the stretch like so many rookies do. As a result, he will put up the best stats of any rookie and, justifiably, win the Rookie of the Year award.

Manager of the Year: Ned Yost, Brewers

The Cubs have received so much publicity this offseason that people tend to forget how good the Brewers are.

Yost will win the award after he pilots the Brewers to the NL Central crown.

Once again, these last two categories aren't actual awards but, they should be mentioned along with the other projections.

Surprise of the Season: Rick Ankiel, Cardinals

Is there anything that Ankiel can't do?

Oh wait, he can't pitch, which is why he is on this list.

What Ankiel has done is remarkable. He transformed himself from a can't-miss pitching prospect to a solid Major League-caliber outfielder.

He will surprise people this season, and will be the second biggest contributor in the Cardinals' lineup, behind the league MVP, Albert Pujols.

Disappointment of the Season: Eric Gagne, Brewers

I was able to watch Gagne last season as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Needless to say, I was not impressed, and he has done nothing to ease my worries this season, as shown by his three blown saves.

Gagne will have Milwaukee looking for a closer by mid-season and will make it difficult for the Brewers to win the division.

A-Rod, Wang Headline Projected American League Award Winners

Erik Nunes — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:59:26 -0400

The American League dominated the headlines this past off-season with the acquisition of several big-name player. These acquisitions include the Tigers off-season trade for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Angels acquisitions of Torii Hunter, and the Alex Rodriguez receiving another record-setting contract, this one from the New York Yankees. All of the star power in the American League will create serious competition for the four play-off spots, as well as for the individual awards. Here are my projections for the American League's regular season award winners.

MVP: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees. This was the easiest selection of all. A-Rod is the best player in the game today and he is still in his prime. Hitting alongside the likes of Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Bobby Abreu, and Hideki Matsui will offer him protection in the line-up as well. I would say a .300 batting average, 50 home runs, and 140 R.B.I.'s are not out of the question for A-Rod.
Cy Young: Chien-Ming Wang, Yankees. Wang is the most consistent pitcher in the American League. With the offense that he has behind him, Wang should be able to win 20 games easily. Look for him to post an E.R.A. around 3.00 with 20 wins and 200 innings.
Reliever of the Year: Francisco Rodriguez, Angels. Rodriguez is one of the best closers in the game and he plays for the a very good team that will get him plenty of save opportunities. A sub-3.00 E.R.A. and 45 saves should be enough to win him the award.
Rookie of the Year: Evan Longoria, Rays. Longoria is up in the majors for good now. As one of the most talented rookies, he should be able to put up some very good numbers this season. Expect him to put up numbers similar to what Delmon Young put up for the Rays last season. Longoria is the best hitting rookie in the American League this year, and he will show it consistently throughout the season.
Manager of the Year: Ron Gardenhire, Twins. The Twins are actually better than people think and they will be able to sneak upon teams for much of the season. They will be in contention for most of the season but, they will ultimately fall short of the play-offs. The low expectations coupled with the Twins staying in contention for much of the season will get Gardenhire a lot of Manager of the Year votes.

The final two categories aren't actually awards but, they fit in well with the awards projections.

Surprise of the Season: Josh Hamilton, Rangers. Hamilton played well last season for the Reds and put up good numbers. Now that he can play full-time in Texas, which has a very hitter-friendly ballpark, he will show people why he was drafted number 1 overall in the 1999 draft. He will become the centerpiece of the Rangers offense and will hit .300 with around 35 home runs.
Disappointment of the Season: Erik Bedard, Mariners. I don't have a lot of confidence in Bedard. First of all, he is injury-prone, as he showed at the end of last season and the start of this season. Second, I truly believe that much of his success came from working with Leo Mazzone all of last season. Brace yourselves Mariners fans, Bedard will be a major let-down.