Bleacher Report - Articles by Will Overton

Brock Lesnar: Getting Thrown To The Wolves by UFC?

Will Overton — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:33:00 -0400

As most of you probabaly know by now if you read any MMA sites on the internet, Mark Coleman has been pulled from UFC 87 and Heath Herring has been added to the card to fight Brock Lesnar in Coleman's place. The match will take place on Aug. 9 in Lesnar's home state of Minnesota at the Target Center.

The match with Mark Coleman would have been a dream matchup for many fans. The rising star in Brock Lesnar taking on the Hall of Famer back in the UFC for one last fight. It couldn't be scripted any better than that and it would have been one of the most hyped and most profitable Pay-Per-Views in UFC's history.

But Coleman has been injured and removed from the card and a replacement was sought to fight Lesnar. And that replacement has recently been announced to be Heath Herring. A man who has forty-three professional fights on his resume including wins over Cheick Kongo, Evan Tanner and Antonio Silva.

Now in my opinion, Herring isn't even one of the top three heavyweights in UFC, but he is dangerous and can go toe to toe with anyone in the UFC, including the Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera.

My question is; would UFC be better served placing Lesnar in a couple of fights he could win relatively easily and let him get a few wins under his belt? I understand with his background and raw ability that he isn't like most rookies, and he isn't like Kimbo even who is being spoon fed opponents in EXC. But the fact remains he has two professional fights and is going against someone with 43, that's a big difference.

Now I know that everyone wants to see Brock take on the top guys in the division, everyone wants to see if he can hang with the elite. But the buzz is going to wear off quickly if he picks up his second straight loss. Any MMA fan would choose to watch Lesnar/Herring over say Lesnar/Antoni Hardonk, but despite that, would you not still watch Lesnar/Hardonk? People are enamored with Brock Lesnar and there going to pay to watch him no matter who he is up against.

Just look at EXC and Kimbo. He's facing scrubs everytime in the ring, but people are clamoring to watch it cause they are intrigued by Kimbo, not the guy he is crushing and when he does get a top of the line opponent it's going to mean a lot more and be a lot better fight because of the experience and training he'll have.

Would it not be more beneficial to UFC to let Lesnar beat up on some undercard guys, rack up some wins, and get some more time in the gym and than have him take on the top guys? In my opinion, yes. Will they lose money by doing this? Not much.

Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked about this fight. I can't wait to see how Brock has progressed and if he can take on a bonafide heavyweight contender in the cage, and I do think he can hold his own against Herring and quite possibly win. But is it really worth the risk of having him lose for the second straight time? For me the answer is no.

A Shot in the Dark: My Attempt at a Mock Draft

Will Overton — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:23:19 -0400

Making a mock draft this year is as much a crap shoot as anything else as no pick other than #1 seems a sure thing, an even that isn't definetly a sure thing as of yet. None the less, here is my attempt at predicting the first round of this years NFL Draft.

1. Miami Dolphins – Jake Long OT, Michigan

Bill Parcells will make sure he has his guy locked up going in to the draft and won’t allow what happened with Russell last year to happen to him. Jake Long will be for the Dolphins and Parcells what Jumbo Elliot was for the Giants and Parcells. It’s tough to take an OL first, but Jake Long isn’t your average OT and will be a pro bowler right from the start and will stay there for a long time.

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

They would rather have the other Long, but they can’t be too upset over this. Word has it Gholston is being considered here as well as Dorsey, but Long is the safe pick and I see it going this way. Chris Long will have an immediate impact for the Rams.

3. Atlanta Falcons – Glenn Dorsey DT, LSU

If he’s healthy he’s a monster. If he’s healthy he might be the best player in this draft and the Falcons are in love with that fact. If it’s me I’m taking Matt Ryan here, but the Falcons love this guy and you can’t blame them, it’s just a huge risk.

4. Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden RB, Arkansas

This will be a very interesting pick. Ideally the Raiders would love to have the son of Howie fall to them here which could actually happen if the Rams decide to go with Dorsey or Gholston. But with Long gone it comes down to McFadden or Gholston. I can certainly see this going either way, but how do you pass on McFadden? How?

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Matt Ryan QB, Boston College

All of the so called “experts” have this pick being Brandon Alberts, and I understand that and think it’s certainly possible. But I don’t know how they can pass on Ryan. Brodie Croyle isn’t the answer for a franchise QB and the Chiefs have to know that. Matt Ryan might not be Dan Marino or John Elway but he isn’t a bust either. It would be a mistake for them to go anywhere but here.

6. N.Y. Jets – Vernon Gholston DE, Ohio St.

McFadden and Ryan are the guys they have their eyes on, but they can’t be to disappointed to have Gholston land in their laps here. There is concern that he didn’t produce on the field as much as in workouts, but athletically the guy is a beast. And you know they love taking New England’s guy one pick ahead of them.

7. New England Patriots – Leodis McKelvin CB, Troy

This is where the draft gets a bit harder to predict. They love Vernon Gholston, but they don’t get a chance at him here. There’s talk that they would take Derrick Harvey and put him at OLB, but I don’t see it. In my mind this pick comes down to one of three guys, Leodis McKelvin, Ryan Clady or Keith Rivers. I think Clady might be a bit bigger than N.E. like their O-Lineman to be. I considered Rivers to be the better choice here, but with the signing of Hobson I think they hold off on that and address their biggest need which is Cornerback. I know they don’t always like to take corners early, but they need this guy.

8. Baltimore Ravens – Brandon Alberts OG, Virginia

They want Matt Ryan an I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them trading up to get him, but I’m not predicting trades here. Without Ryan there they’ll look at defensive backs and offensive lineman. With McKelvin gone it’ll come down to Brandon Alberts or Ryan Clady. The versatility of Alberts pushes him up and is the reason he has flown so far up the boards.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis DT, USC

This is the guy they want and they need and if he’s here it shouldn’t take them long to make this pick. Ellis has made a strong impression in pre-draft workouts and could move up out of the Bengals reach, but I only see that happening if teams get gun shy on Dorsey and I’m sure the Bengals aren’t opposed to settling for him if need be.

10. New Orleans Saints – Keith Rivers OLB, USC

Ideally, this pick would be Ellis or McKelvin. And McKelvin is still a very likely possibility as the Pats pick was a bit of a reach. But if it plays out this way than it comes down to Keith Rivers or one of the Cornerbacks, Cromartie or Jenkins. The popular pick is a cornerback, but I think it’ll be Rivers. He has all the tools and the ability to play inside or outside.

11. Buffalo Bills – Mike Jenkins CB, South Florida

Everything I see, read and hear is saying these guys are sold on taking a WR. This pick is an assumption that before the draft rolls around they will realize there just isn’t a WR worthy of this high if a pick. Devin Thomas is to unproven on the field and Malcolm Kelly isn’t showing anything in workouts. Taking Jenkins to replace Clements simply makes the most sense and I hope Buffalo can see that.

12. Denver Broncos – Ryan Clady OT, Boise St.

They want a DT but I doubt they’ll be willing to trade up to get one, though you never know with these guys as they’ve done it before (Jay Cutler). With no DT worth taking they’ll have many options including, Derrick Harvey, Ryan Clady, Jeff Otah, Chris Williams, a number of WR’s, and the guy I ultimately think they’ll settle on, Clady. They’re lucky to find him here and won’t hesitiate to snatch him up.

13. Carolina Panthers – Derrick Harvey DE, Florida

They want an Offensive Lineman. But with Clady and Alberts gone and Derrick Harvey still here I think the temptation is to strong and they pass on Chris Williams and Jeff Otah. Harvey is turning in some very impressive workouts and his speed rushing skills would be an ideal pair with the strong Peppers.

14. Chicago Bears – Chris Williams OT, Vanderbilt

It won’t be easy for them to pass on Mendenhall with this pick, but they need offensive line help and they need it bad. They’ll be deciding between Chris Williams and Jeff Otah, but I think they go Williams as he is more ready to step right in and contribute. Otah is still a work in progress.

15. Detroit Lions – Jared Mayo ILB, Tennessee

The Lions have a tough decision on their hands here. If Derrick Harvey is here I think he would edge out anyone else. But he isn’t here and so it comes down to Mendenhall and Mayo. The Lions love Mayo and have been targeting him for the 2^nd Round all the way, but now he is flying up the boards and they won’t likely get him in the 2^ndRound. I think this is a battle of who Millen wants (Mendenhall) and who Marinelli wants (Mayo) and I believe Marinelli wins out on this one as he did with picking Ernie Sims.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Rashard Mendenhall RB, Illinois

They’ll be holding their breath during the Lions pick and I don’t think will be able to pass up Mendenhall. What a running back duo this will give them and really complete their offense. They need a defensive back, but they can get one in the second round, they can’t pass up Mendenhall.

17. Minnesota Vikings – Jeff Otah OT, Pittsburgh

Everything points to this pick being Phillip Merling and it very well could be, but I’m going out on a limb and saying they get a deal done for Jared Allen and with it they turn to the other side of the line. Otah has all the physical tools and potential to be a great OT, it’ll just take him a year or two to refine those tools and realize the potential.

18. Houston Texans – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB, Tennessee St.

They want one of the OT’s and hate to see Otah come off the board one pick before them. They’ll consider Gosder Cherilus, but I think they’ll turn their attention to the Defensive Backfield. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a risky pick in my opinion and that’s why he lands here and not earlier, but his upside is tremendous.

19. Philadelphia Eagles –Devin Thomas WR, Michigan St.

This could be a cornerback, but I think with no WR off the board yet Philadelphia will gladly take their pick of the bunch and that pick will be Thomas. He isn’t the most proven on the field, but he has the most skill if he can put it together.

20. Tampa Bay Bucs – DeSean Jackson WR, California

This is a pick that could go a lot of different ways. They’ll give cornerback a look and will be tempted by Aqib Talib no doubt. Phillip Merling will also be a potential pick as he’s definitely a top 20 guy. I wouldn’t even be suprsied to see them take a look at one of the quarterbacks here. But ultimately the playmaking potential of DeSean Jackson is too much. Early Doucet is another option if WR is where they turn.

21. Washington Redskins –Phillip Merling DE, Clemson

Wide receiver is the flashy pick, but there isn’t much separating the next best WR here and one they could get in round 2. Merling is definitely the best player available at this time and fills a need. Kenny Phillips is the darkhorse here.

22. Dallas Cowboys –Felix Jones RB, Arkansas

There is no denying there interest in the two Arkansas backs and while this isn’t the one they want the most they are very willing to settle for him. His speed and explosiveness will be a great compliment to Barber and will give the Cowboys one of the best if not the best running back tandem in the game. Felix Jones will end up being one of the ten best players in this draft in my opinion.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Malcolm Kelly WR, Oklahoma

Will Ben Roethlisberger get the big WR he so covets? Or will the Steelers go with a more traditional Steelers player such as Quentin Groves or Gosder Cherilus. But Ben is the man in Pittsburgh and what Ben wants he gets this year I think. Partnering Kelly with the automatic hands of Hines Ward and explosiveness of Santonio Holmes makes a great receiving corps with Heath Miller tossed in for gravy.

24. Tennessee Titans – Limas Sweed WR, Texas

The fourth receiver in six picks comes off the boards here. They need someone for Vince to throw to and while Sweed has slipped some, he still has the potential to be the best receiver in this class.

25. Seattle Seahawks – Jonathan Stewart RB, Oregon

They need a replacement for Shaun Alexander and Stewart isn’t a bad choice for the job. He does have injury concerns, but at this spot in the draft, with the skills he has, this isn’t a risky pick in my mind, it’s a pick they have to make.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – Athyba Rubin DT, Iowa St.

With Stroud gone they need someone cause I don’t think Jimmy Kennedy is the answer. Both Kentwan Balmer and Rubin would be excellent choices here, but I’m giving the nod to Rubin in a toss-up.

27. San Diego Chargers – Gosder Cherilus OT, Boston College

A running back is possible here as is a cornerback. Cherilus however should turn into a solid starting OT and is a safe pick here for a team who isn’t in need of a whole lot. I mean the fact that there is talk of them taking a RB with LT on their team proves how set they are.

28. Dallas Cowboys – Aqib Talib CB, Kansas

Dallas manages to land the two players they are keying in on and Talib. I’m not sold on Talib at all, and I think Brandon Flowers would be a better pick, but Jerry Jones likes Talib and that’s all that matters.

29. San Francisco 49ers – Kentwan Balmer DT, NC State

People are speculating that they’ll use this pick and take the second QB, but they won’t make that kind of investment with Alex Smith still on the team, a lot of people have given up on Smith but the 49ers aren’t one of them and neither am I. They’ll consider a few guys such as Flowers, Antoine Cason, Duane Brown and Mario Manningham. But Balmer is rising up the boards and should provide some decent stability in the middle of their D-Line.

30. Green Bay Packers – Dustin Keller TE, Purdue

Mike Mayock has called this pick and has swayed me away from giving G-Bay a CB here. Bubba Franks is certainly not what he used to be and Keller has the skills to be a starter right from the get go.

31. N.Y. Giants – Kenny Phillips S, Miami

There isn’t much doubt that the Giants want Phillips and won’t think to hard about this pick if he is there. The rich get richer landing a difference making safety.

Who Doesn't Fit Among Detroit's Sports Geniuses: Holland, Dumars, Dombrowski or Millen?

Will Overton — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 06:25:45 -0500

The city of Detroit should be known for it's genius sports businessmen. Detroit possesses quite possibly the smartest general managers in three of the four major sports in America.

Yet, it is Matt Millen whose stupidity rises above the works of all three other men to single-handedly bring down the entire city of Detroit in one foul swoop.

Let's take a moment to appreciate what each of these men has done for the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan—before we break down how Matt Millen has ruined all of it.

Ken Holland is unmatched as a GM in any sport. The Red Wings have been the ultimate staple of consistency in sports over the last fifteen years. Consistently, talented players join the organization without a bad year. Holland is a master of finding foreign talent. Year after year, he is able to package draft picks for impact players, while still finding young guys to fill the gap.

Even this year, many people thought the Red Wings might be on the way down with a team slightly over the hill. But once again, Holland looks like a genius as we see our young talent flourishing in ways no one thought. With veterans like Lidstrom, Rafalski, Osgood, Hasek, Holmstrom, Chellios, Maltby and Draper coupled with young stars Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Cleary and Flippula, it is almost definite that the Red Wings will win another Stanley Cup this year.

Now look at Joe Dumars' accomplishments. Does Dumar make bad moves? Start with the Grant Hill deal in which the Pistons obtained Ben Wallace, the foundation of our championship. He added the final piece to that championship team in Rasheed Wallace for next to nothing. When judged by his signings, no one can argue he isn't a master judge of talent.

Only once has he had a top draft pick (ironically enough the one pick that did not pan out). Yet he has consistently drafted key players no matter where he is at—Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey, Aaron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell are all Dumars picks, and all key pieces to one of the top teams in the NBA. None of them was a top ten pick. Not to mention Amir Johnson who still has potential to be a dominant big man in the league.

And then he has the knack for finding just the right veterans to mix in on the bench—the likes of Jarvis Hayes, Antonio McDyess, Lindsey Hunter and Carlos Arroyo over the years. And not only that, but he knows when to cut ties, and when not to overpay, i.e. Ben Wallace.

Dave Dombrowski came into Detroit and seemingly overnight changed the laughing stock of baseball into a legitimate World Series contender, possibly for years to come. Dombrowski takes chances on guys nobody wants—like Kenny Rogers and Maggolio Ordoñez—and comes out looking brilliant. He came into town, found the holes and plugged them in a hurry, no matter what it took. True, he has made prospects expendable, but I do not think anyone would say the future of the Tigers organization has been mortgaged in any way. Not only did he find the right players to win, but he found the right coach to lead them to wins.

Now we look at the odd man out, the disgrace of Motown, Matt Millen. It almost seems like a cruel joke played on Lions fans across the country by the Ford Family that this man still has a job. In seven seasons Millen has amassed 31 wins! Is that not astounding?

This was not a bad team that he inherited. We were perfectly mediocore, just in need of a few adjustments to take that next turn. Yet we turned the wrong way and have been falling ever since. Do not let last season's seven wins fool you, this team is not on the upswing. The number of holes on the team almost seems insurmountable.

The draft record features picks as glamorous as Charles Rogers, Mike Williams and Shaun Cody. Oh and my favorite pick of all time choosing Kalimba Edwards over Clinton Portis! The few picks the man has made correctly, he has almost stumbled into or been overridden on the decision—such as with Ernie Sims who was a Rod Marinelli pick through and through.

The man cycles through coaches and coordinators while leaving the talent on the field virtually the same year after year. The glaring holes on the Lions team have been the same for the last seven years—offensive line, defensive line and secondary. Anyone watching them can see this, with the apparent exception of Matt Millen, who continually passes on quality players in favor of the flashy wide reciever or some other skill player.

If another example is needed, look no further than last year's draft selection of Drew Stanton over Paul Poslunzsky in round 2. How many chances is this guy going to get? How far will this orginization fall before something is done?

I beg you, William Clay Ford—for the sake of the city of Detroit and the reputations of men like Ken Holland, Joe Dumars and Dave Dombrowski—fire Matt Millen or sell the team. It is the only just thing to do.