Farbeit for me to cast a stone of dispersion towards the deceased. I realize the timing of this is probably not well received. However, when you figure into a man’s life that he not only petitioned successfully to afford special treatment for his student athletes and assistant coaches despite their arrests for drugs, violence and sex crimes, I think it is fair to question the character of such a man. What was he trying to accomplish ? Win above all else ? Is that the legendary character we are remembering ?

I keep hearing ESPN tell me of the integrity, financial contributions and other values instilled in the Penn State family. Joe Schad was quoted as saying Paterno trusted those around him to protect him from embarrassing himself or his school. Sadly it appears that support network, including his family, were more concerned on the figure head or mascot-like presence that Joe Paterno had evolved into. After all, it kept them on the payroll too…

Nothing is more evident of Paterno’s value structure, than Paterno’s failure during the Jerry Sandusky crimes and subsequent failed investigations. He chose Penn State above the lives of children. He chose the image of the program, university and his friend over that of children in search of help. So in the end, Paterno when faced with the opportunity to do what was right, he failed to do so. He chose to protect his friend and University over the innocent. I’m not sure how anyone can thrust the label of integrity on a man or his support network who would choose this path of leadership.

If I hear another person say, Paterno died from a broken heart, I’m going to remind them of the lack of a heart he showed the victims of Jerry Sandusky…His first thought was to wait for the end of the weekend before reporting the witnessed assault, because he “didn’t want to ruin anyone’s weekend”…As if my Sunday afternoon of leisure was more important than a child who was raped in the same building that he works in and was introduced to his predator through the charitable organization that Paterno himself contributed to…Paterno didn’t just make a knee-jerk reaction and was then forced to live with it. He allowed Sandusky to remain a part of the program for years after he was told of Sandusky’s sexual assaults and subsequent forced retirement. He allowed this person to be around the program, because he did not see enough wrong in what he did to excommunicate him from the program. THAT is character.

Paterno didn’t stop there, he recently said he had “never heard of rape and a man”… Sorry, but if he was deflecting the question with ignorance, he shouldn’t have given the interview to begin with…In his final moments when he had a chance to do what was right, he chose the wrong path again and again…and today I’m flooded with comments about his leadership and character. Sorry, I expect more from my leaders, I want greater character in my representatives and can not understand how the blind followers of Penn State can simply tolerate this.

So in the end, he gave millions to the University…and his failure to act is going to cost the university far more than that in Civil Court. He gave life lessons to his countless players on accountability and dedication, yet in when he was asked to show similar resolve and judgment, he failed to show up. When the story of Paterno’s legacy is told, please don’t forget the fact that when he was presented with an opportunity to help those outside his program, he chose not to do so for nearly 20 years. The final verdict appears to be JoePa would have done anything for Penn State. That includes: lie, manipulate, enable child rape, fight administration and fail to show any hubris. Oh yeah, he also won football games. In the end, what is more important to you?

I have decided for my next pieces to focus on a three year NFL draft review of what I projected and how the picks played out on draft day.  Our stronger conversations here at the bar have focused on this subject in our mutual evaluation of the NFL draft. So what’s different about our site? Well, I’m not too shy to go back and look at the draft I mocked up. These articles will emphasize how it would have played out my way versus the way the professionals chose to go.

We’ll start in apphabetical order:
 
2009 Arizona Cardinals Draft

 Grade: Overall we gave them C-

1st – Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells RB, Ohio State – Wells left Columbus a year early and entered the draft with size, good game speed and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. The concern with Wells coming out was his durability and focus. Two things thus far lacking in Wells game is the durability and consistant effort. The Cardinals can’t be blamed too much for this pick as they landed him with the 31st pick in the first round. Relatively speaking this is just another example of a first round running back you can find of equal value in later rounds. Arizona invested another high draft choice this past year on Ryan Williams (RB Virginia Tech, 2nd Round) which clearly shows some frustration in terms of how Wells has developed and/or fits into what the team wants. Wells has seen some big games of late. However that doesn’t heal the wounds of a team who passed up James Laurinitis and Rey Maualuga at middle linebacker as well as Luis Delmas and Patrick Chung at safety. Both positions of which were later filled in the draft.
 
Who we thought they should pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – Moreno went off the board much higher than we predicted and has been equally ineffective in Denver. Moreno has shown more burst and better pass catching skills. Moreno has also been a failure, but at least we didn’t have him as a top 20 talent like Denver did. 
 
2nd – Codie Brown DE/OLB, Connecticut – Brown has suffered injury after injury and is now a backup in Detroit. No career stats of any record. An unquestionable bust. Injuries or not, the pick didn’t pan out and I had a fifth round grade on him to begin with.
 
Who we thought they should pick: Jonathon Luigs, C, Arkansas – Luigs went much later in the draft (Bengals in the 4th Round) and is subsequently retired from a hip injury. I guess Arizona was screwed either way here. 
 
3rd – Rashad Johnson S, Alabama – Johnson has been a special teams performer a majority of his career. In 2010 Johnson logged 6 passes defended and 30 solo tackles with only one start. Not a corner piece to the defense nor special teams at this point in his career so realistically he is not a top 100 player from his draft class.
 
Who we thought they should pick: Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati – Barwin was drafted much higher and has produced to a high level when healthy in Houston. Two other players I scouted who were available at this time in the draft that I carried a higher grade on were DJ Moore, CB Vanderbilt, and Chase Coffman, TE Missouri. Coffman would have at the least provided a pass catching tight end option and Moore is a solid nickel corner who could start in Arizona. 
 
4th – Greg Toler CB,  St. Paul (Va.) – Toler is injured (common theme of the draft class) but has been a reliable starter and situational nickel corner throughout his career; a small school product that has been a successful contributer when healthy. All in all a solid pick.
 
Who we thought they should pick: Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida – Ingram is an elite athlete who has yet to find a role in the NFL. A backup in Detroit (to Tony Sheffler at that). Ingram went later in the draft and it appears in this case deservedly so. 
 
5th – Herman Johnson G, LSU – The largest baby ever born in Louisiana is a player we had going in the early 3rd round. Johnson has bounced from practice squad to practice squad in his NFL journey and to date his birth weight is his most memorable acheivement.
 
Who we thought they should pick: Ray Feinga, G, BYU… Feinga is now out of the league…Yep, we missed again.
 
The last few rounds of the draft we are going to strictly award bonus points to… Laron Stephens-Howling, Will Davis and Trevor Canfield were all solid picks and warrant a tip of the cap to Arizona’s scouting departments and front office.
 
So, how would we have done?

We were extremely high on Chris “Beanie” Wells entering the draft and had a top 10-15 grade on him. Brown was a terrible pick and while we had a missed call on this one too, it should be noted we had Michael Johnson. We gave the DE from Georgia Tech a rating much higher than Brown and would have jumped at the opportunity to land him in the late second. Rashad Johnson has been one of the better values in the draft class, but passing on DJ Moore at this point would have been inconsiderable. Toler was a win for Arizona and Johnson was a pick we would have gambled on as well. Our theoretical draft consisted of Wells, Michael Johnson, DJ Moore, Cornelius Ingram, Herman Johnson, Ray Feinga, Anthony Felder, LB California, and Slade Norris, DE Oregon St. In the end Arizona won out with Laron Stephens-Howling, Greg Toler and Rashad Johnson who have provided value. Wells is still an unkown.

Our Grade: D+

So as it pans out, The Score had Mike Klis of the Denver Post on the air last night. According to Klis, Orton had his first child with his wife in August and he did not want to become a journeyman quarterback. He approached the Broncos in the offseason prior to the lockout asking to be traded in part to get away from Tebow-mania and have a fresh start with a team convinced he can be their long-term starter. After all, the Broncos demanded Orton in the Cutler deal and in return he gave them 3,800 yards, a career high 21 touchdowns,  a respectable 86.8 Quarterback rating and over 60% completion percentage. As a reward for the effort, Josh McDaniels pushed to get Tim Tebow onto his roster and staked his reputation on it.
 
The twist ot this story comes in understanding Kyle Orton’s fragile mental psyche. To be blunt, he is mentally soft. Those of us who remember his Heisman caliber start to his final season at Purdue also recall him folding up shop after his fumble against Wisconsin in a primetime game. The same mental collapse happened when Tebow-mania hit town and Orton was viewed as a stop-gap until Tebow was ready to take the reigns. According to Mike Klis, Orton asked to be traded in the offseason but after John Fox saw Tim Tebow throw ‘helicopter passes’ in training camp, he put the brakes on the trade. The Dolphins and the other teams in search for a QB found their solution elsewhere; Arizona took Kevin Kolb, Minnesota acquired Donovan McNabb and Christian Ponder and Seattle added Tavaris Jackson. 

Now the Broncos are holding onto Orton in spite of fans taking out billboards asking for Tebow, chants at training camp and ESPN having daily updates in camp of Tebow-watch. Per Kliss, all of this went into Orton’s head and he couldn’t shake it. Fast forward to week one this season and Orton gave away the game with another costly late game fumble.

Orton once again was done mentally.

The Broncos stumbled out of the gates clearing the way for Tebow into the starting lineup. On the other hand, Orton was moved to the 3rd team solidifying his eventual exit from Denver.

The most glaring short-coming in the Broncos’ front office is on full display here as they have repeatedly proven to be totally inept in dealing with their fans and the quarterback position. In a matter of three seasons, they not only traded away Jay Cutler and opted to start a new with Orton but also traded for Brady Quinn, who was familiar with Josh McDaniels offense as he ran the same system at Notre Dame. They then drafted a polarizing quarterback to be the immediate successor creating a logjam of young highly regarded quarterbacks.

To top it off, to run Operations they bring in John Elway who fires Josh McDaniels and brings in a new offensive philosophy with John Fox. Not only did this system not fit Tebow’s future, but the front office even today admits that they are no closer to finding a long-term solution at quarterback. So after bringing in Orton, Quinn and Tebow, they still aren’t settled at the position.  WHAT. A. MESS. If you want icing for the cake, they have now placed Orton on waivers getting nothing but salary relief for his exit from town. I bet they are glad they turned down Miami’s 4th round pick.
 
Interestingly enough, Klis made the claim that Orton’s representative asked for his release in what was described as Orton’s wish to move back to Chicago to play for a contending team as a qualified backup and short-term immediate starter. If the Bears opt to dump him after the season, he would then have better film to support his offseason search for a restructured long-term contract. This makes sense as Orton and his family are familiar with the city, team members, their families, coaches and the front office. Orton or his team have told the Bears that he wants to come to the Windy City.
 
The Bears have already submitted their waiver claim on Orton, and they need 29 other teams to pass on him before they can claim him. Those teams include Indianapolis who want no part of having 0-16 next to their name, Kansas City who believe they still have a chance at winning the AFC West, Houston who is looking at Matt Leinart and TJ Yates to lead them into the playoffs and the Dolphins who offered a fourth round pick for Orton four months ago. That being said, these teams may not want to bring in 2.5m for a quarterback who may not start 3 games for them the final six weeks. The strange thing in all of this is that Denver appears to be supporting Orton in the trade and may pull him off waivers if someone besides Chicago submits a claim on Orton. This means the Bears have a legit shot at bringing in Orton who would appear to give them a better chance at winning games against Kansas City, Denver and Seattle; the three of which would give them 10 wins and almost guarantee a playoff birth.
 
So, to a guy like me who was doom and gloom looking at the Bears bringing in the likes of Jeff Garcia, Marc Bulger or Matt Guitierrez, they now have a QB who has been working out and appears to have some gas left in the tank. I’m not so blind with optimism that I think the Bears are going to get an immediate playmaker capable of beating Green Bay. However, Orton does present a solution to the team’s offseason public desires of finding a veteran backup to Jay Cutler. Kyle provides an insurance policy to Caleb Hanie (who after all is Caleb frickin’ Hanie; hardly a proven commodity) and a back-up in Nathan Enderle who could be optioned to the practice squad. At 7.5m for this season and next, this deal could be a reasonable value in return.

A situation such as this in week 11 of the NFL season would otherwise be impossible to consider. This is truly a ‘best case scenario’ for Chicago and something I can not remember happening for/to any other team in NFL history. I mean seriously, who else has acquired a player of value at a position of need who is familiar with the organization and all of this after the trade deadline??? 
 
Here’s to hoping old neckbeard comes back to town. Someone stock up on the Jack Daniels !!

1 Colts Andrew Luck QB Stanford

At this point, there are still so many unknowns around Manning.  Will his neck heal?  What kind of QB will he be when he returns?  How much longer will he be able to play after an injury this devastating and late in his career?  With the new rookie salary cap, the Colts can select and stockpile an elite talent at the position for discounted rates and allow Luck, a very intelligent QB in his own right, to learn behind arguably the greatest QB (and certainly the most cerebral) of all time.  I think this becomes a no brainer for the Colts whether they hang onto Manning or not.

2 Dolphins Matt Barkley QB USC

The Dolphins may be losing the Suck for Luck sweepstakes after their huge win over the Chiefs this past week, but Barkley would be an excellent consolation prize.  He’s equally talented to Luck and also a prototypical NFL passer; good size, nice arm, NFL Offense, familiar to playing with talent around him.  Barkley is a guy that puts a Franchise caliber QB on a team that desperately needs one.

3 Rams Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

Despite this current high slot for the 1st Round the Rams are a team on the rise .  They’ve fought through injuries to Bradford and Stephen Jackson, have had major receiver issues, and have a very young Defense.  But Stephen Jackson is hitting his stride and the young Defense is starting to come together as of late.  Bradford is a Franchise caliber QB and now it’s time to find him an elite level WR to pair with to aid in that development.

4 Cardinals Matt Kalil OT USC

Who would’ve thought a downtrodden USC team would have a pair of top 5 picks in the NFL Draft?  Kalil is arguably the top OT prospect in the Draft and the Cardinals need to improve up front.  A huge insurgence of talent will dramatically improve that situation.  Levi Brown may have to slide over to RT to make room for Kalil, but the Cardinals should be able to protect their recent investment in Kevin Kolb to continue to allow that Offense with pieces like Fitzgerald and Beanie to develop.

5 Panthers Quinton Coples DE North Carolina

The Panthers have had some past success with elite level DE’s out of North Carolina, so how odd is it that they’ll get that shot again here with Coples?  Coples is an elite level DE who pairs with Charles Johnson for opposing teams to game plan around.  He instantly upgrades that Defensive front and the Defense as a whole.

6 Jaguars Alshon Jeffrey WR South Carolina

The Jaguars would love to get their hands on a WR to complement their new Franchise signal caller, Blaine Gabbert.  Jeffrey is a huge bodied receiver with great hands and ball control skills.  He’s an elite talent at the position who starts from Day 1 and likely as the team’s primary weapon.  The NFL has seen a lot of success from top 10 WR’s over the past 5 years. If the Jaguars can get an elite playmaker to develop alongside Gabbert with Jones-Drew at RB and a pair of young highly touted OT’s, they could be very good a few years out.

7 Vikings Vontaze Burfict LB Arizona State

The Vikings just need players.  The Defense is aging and a nice infusion of talent in the middle could hopefully start to turn things around.  Burfict is a big LB, likely to play at the NFL level around 250-260 lbs.  He has good speed and plays with an attitude.  The former top LB in the nation out of High School has lived up to his billing when he’s on the field.  For the Vikings, they may have to shuffle their LB group around a bit to get Burfict on the field but he’s a huge upgrade instantly.

8 Seahawks Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Going to be tough for Pete Carroll to not come out of the Draft with one of the top 3 QB’s based on how his team has been playing.  Jones is the third guy to fall here and the Seahawks have to get their hands on a signal caller that isn’t Tarvarius Jackson.  Jones is a Franchise caliber guy and gives the Seahawks something to build with.  Carroll isn’t going anywhere, so he needs to put his eggs in the basket of one of these Franchise guys.

9 Browns Trent Richardson RB Alabama

The Browns issues with Peyton Hillis are getting out of hand.  Word is that he’s leaving via free agency this offseason.  They clearly love the idea of a power running game in a blue collar town like Cleveland and it comes in handy for cold and snowy November and December games.  McCoy is probably not the answer at QB long term, but Richardson is a franchise caliber all purpose back that can’t be passed on.

10 Broncos Morris Claiborne CB LSU

The Broncos have issues in the passing game, on both sides of the ball.  But right now, Tebow is 2-1 as the starter and the team is 1 game out of first place.  If they continue to win 50-60% of their games with Tebow at the helm, he isn’t going anywhere next season and the the Broncos might win the AFC West  with that record.  So time to upgrade the secondary and Claiborne may be the top CB in the Draft.  He’s an incredible athlete, has OK size, good speed, and excellent vertical and ball skills.  He’ll be a solid addition next to a still very capable Champ Bailey.

11 Eagles Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

The Eagles need some serious repair work on Defense in the LB group, but on the Offensive side of the ball, they have to work on that Offensive line and making sure that Michael Vick is not getting crushed in the backfield.  With Vick goes the team, so keeping him upright is key.  Martin may be a better long term fit at the traditional LT spot. However starting him out on the right side and then eventually swapping him with the more gifted run blocker Jason Peters down the road would give the Eagles a pair of elite talents on the OL to bookend Vick.  Remember, Vick is a lefty, so the right side is actually Vick’s blindside.

12 Redskins Robert Griffin III QB Baylor

A guy who is climbing up the Draft board fast is Robert Griffin and the Redskins, in dire need of an upgrade at the QB position (and a reason to get excited again), have to take their shot at a potential Franchise guy with Griffin sitting here at #12.  Griffin is a bit undersized at just 6’2″, 225 lbs, but he has a strong arm and incredible athletic ability.  Griffin has world class speed having been ranked among the best in the world in track and field and holding several records in the hurdles.  His incredible athletic ability will help him ease his way into a more complex NFL system.  More of a project guy on paper but a good combine performance could vault him up the board.

13 Cowboys Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

Terrance Newman isn’t getting any younger at the CB position for the Cowboys as next season brings his 34th birthday.  With Kirkpatrick, he could develop into a solid NFL CB with excellent size (6’2″) or he could turn into the next Malcolm Jenkins (CB turned FS) due to his versatility, length, and speed covering the field.  Either way, the Cowboys should be able to get Kirkpatrick on the field soon, but will have to find the best way to utilize his rare skill set for a DB.

14 Chiefs Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama

The Chiefs have spent a lot of time and a lot of resources rebuilding the secondary.  With additions like Brandon Flowers, Eric Berry, Brandon Carr, and Javier Arenas in recent years, they are still looking for another elite lock down type CB to line up opposite Flowers.  Jenkins may be the best overall CB in this Draft but character concerns will drop him down Draft boards.  He’s slight of build at just under 185 lbs. He will make up for it with elite athleticism and quick twitch reflexes that make him not only a very talented cover CB but also an exceptional return man.

15 Bengals via Raiders Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame

The Bengals realize now that Dalton is the man for them at QB.  He has a bit of Matt Ryan in his blood and he’s adapting to the NFL level very quickly.  With A.J. Green showing that he can be an elite game breaking prospect, the best thing the Bengals can do is continue to add weapons around Dalton to make him that much better.  Jermaine Grisham is an outstanding TE and with the addition of Floyd the Bengals would get a huge, physical, possession receiver to complement Green nicely and give Dalton yet another elite WR prospect to develop with.

16 Chargers Riley Reiff OT Iowa

The Chargers running game is suffering this year and Rivers is spending an awful lot of time on his backside.  With Reiff, the Chargers are getting a versatile OT that can play the right side early on and eventually be groomed to slide left due to his excellent athleticism.  The biggest knock on Reiff is that he’s not a particularly big guy.  He has plenty of length, but at around 300 lbs, may want to bulk up another 15-20 lbs to be effective especially if he starts at RT early on.

17 Bucs Manti Te’o LB Notre Dame

The Bucs Defense needs upgrades all over the place. They are rebuilding the DL currently and the next step has to be at LB.  With Foster, Black, and Hayes, all youngsters roaming at LB, the Bucs could use another impact player instead of a role player.  Te’o is the real deal.  He’s huge, fast and a nice combination of instinct and awareness at the position.  For the Bucs, he’s an immediate starter that allows them to work the other LB’s in around him.  If you are rebuilding a young Defense, put an anchor inside who can run the show.

18 Titans Alameda Ta’amu NT Washington

Ta’amu is the top interior DT in this Draft.  He’s a monster of a man who moves well for his size.  At 340 lbs, he can anchor that interior and really improve the overall run defense of this team almost instantly.  The Titans haven’t had a ferocious interior presence since the last time Haynesworth was taking the game seriously.  Now, they are struggling to find a replacement that can impact the game.  Ta’amu is an immediate double team guy at the next level and he can free up LB’s to run to the ball and make plays.

19Browns via Falcons Luke Kuechly OLB Boston College

The Browns have to improve everywhere.  With Richardson the top pick for them, they’ve definitely taken a positive step on offense.  With their acquisitions last year and the addition of Kuechly this year, they are taking that step on the other side of the ball, as well.  Kuechly is a versatile LB who has decent speed, is a sound tackler, has pretty good size, and should be able to step into an OLB role early on in his career for the Browns.

20 Bills Courtney Upshaw OLB/DE Alabama

The Bills experiment with Shawn Merriman started off with a bang and went out with a whimper.  Banged up, Merriman looked unstoppable in the preseason, but to date with 5 games under his belt, has just one sack.  The Bills have to be able to get pressure on the QB.  Upshaw is a perfect fit to replace Merriman on the outside.  He has good size at just under 270 lbs and excellent edge rush speed in the 4.60 range.  Playing for Saban goes a long way in prepping someone for the NFL and he’s played against high caliber competition and excelled at the College level.

21 Bears David DeCastro OG Stanford

I’m wavering on this pick.  The Bears have played much better on the OL over the last four games, but I still feel that they have a strong need to get younger and more talented overall up front.  Chris Williams seems to have found a home at LG, which is great news for the former 1st Round pick.  Garza just resigned a two year extension that will keep him inside for at least another season or so.  Spencer was brought in to play RG, but could be the weakest interior link.  The Bears need to part ways with Omiyale who is way overpaid and Carimi and Webb are doing well as young OT’s.  With DeCastro, the Bears get a guy who can come in and compete with Spencer immediately.  A Stanford grad, DeCastro should pick up Mike Tice’s complex OL scheme pretty quick to make him an instant impact guy.  He’s a solid pass blocking OG and a pretty good run blocker, too.  The Bears really shore up the right side of that line for years to come with him and Carimi.  They could go CB or DL here too.

22 Patriots Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska

The Patriots pass defense has been atrocious this season.  While there are number of reasons for that including Bodden’s back injury requiring extensive season ending surgery, the Patriots have to hedge against their bets to date and pull the top CB left on the board here in Dennard.  At the very least, he gives them an excellent Nickel back. At best he gives them a very talented DB to compete with Dowling to start in place of Bodden while he recovers from his back surgery and gets back to full speed.

23 Jets Brandon Thompson DT/DE Clemson

The Jets Defense needs to continue its rebuilding process.  They just added Wilkerson at one DE spot and now its time to find him a talented counterpart up front.  Thompson has good size, at about 310 lbs, is incredibly strong at the point of attack and is a monster against the run.  He may need to slim down a little to about 295 or 300 lbs to improve his quickness to aid in the passing game if he can do so without losing much power.  Either way, he’s a huge upgrade on that front wall for the Jets and allows those talented inside backers to move untouched to the ball carrier.

24 Texans Peter Konz C/OG Wisconsin

Konz is a very talented interior OL.  He has good size coming in around 320 lbs, and does an excellent job pulling in the running game.  He’s also capable of sliding inside and playing the Center position.  His versatility likely means he gets on the field immediately with the Texans and upgrades that running game giving Foster and Tate another monster to clear holes for them.

25 Patriots via Saints Zach Brown LB North Carolina

The Patriots are busy rebuilding their back seven on Defense.  With Bodden recovering from injury, they now have Dowling and Dennard at CB battling for that open spot. Now they have Brown to package next to a young Brandon Spikes at LB.  Brown is a little undersized, at about 235 lbs, but he’s incredibly athletic, excellent in coverage and gets to the play with an angry mentality.  Overall, he’s an ideal fit for the Patriots unit to upgrade the LB group and help out in the passing game.

26 Steelers Cordy Glenn OG Georgia

Want to run the ball?  Get behind Glenn, Koemeutu, and Pouncey.  Glenn and Big K go 340-350 each, and Pouncey is one of the best young interior OL in the League already.  You have a half ton of monstrous men here to really move just about anyone off the ball they want and that has to be good news for the Steelers running game.  Glenn is massive but he does have a decent slide step for a man his size and should be capable stepping in front of DT’s at the NFL level and daring them to move him.

27 Ravens Donta Hightower MLB Alabama

The time has come.  Maybe not for Ray Lewis to retire as I think he’s earned the right to do that on his own schedule considering the level he’s playing at.  But the bottom line is that even at 36 years old, Lewis is a key component of the Ravens Defense.  With the selection of Hightower, the Ravens can begin preparing for the next generation of Ravens Defensive football and maybe even get a year or two for Hightower to spend learning behind one of the greatest MLB’s of all time.

28 Bengals Jerel Worthy DT Michigan State

The Bengals added another huge piece to the Offense with the addition of Michael Floyd with their first pick. So now they switch sides of the ball and get a little tougher up front at the DT spot by adding outstanding DT prospect Jerel Worthy with their second pick in the opening round.  Worthy is a beast inside, and as the Bengals continue stockpiling depth up front. Within a year or two, they may quickly become the deepest DL in the NFL.  Worthy should be able to start despite the deep roster in this group.

29 Lions Mike Adams OT Ohio State

The Lions added Mikel LeShoure who was lost for the season early with an injury.  Jahvid Best is now also banged up.  The 1-2 punch that is developing back there takes a lot of pressure off of the passing game so the Lions need to continue to strengthen that front wall and tie it all together.  Adams is a big, long armed OT, who at 6’6″, 315 lbs, has a frame that can pack on some additional pounds if need be.  Ultimately, I think Adams natural position will be on the left side. If the Lions put him opposite Backus in place of Cherilous, they may not want to pack on too much to his frame.  He can play well in the 325-330 range.

30 Giants Devon Still DE/DT Penn State

Still is arguably the most versatile DL in this Draft.  With a lanky 6’5″ frame, his 305 lbs looks like it can move up or down 10-15 lbs with ease.  Still looks like he can easily step into a 315 lbs DT role and with his athletic ability drop to 290 lbs becoming a huge DE.  Ultimately, the Giants will probably work him inside early on and develop him into a starting DT.

31 49ers Dwayne Allen TE Clemson

The 49ers are about to start breaking in a project QB in Colin Kaepernick but let’s face facts. CK didn’t look all that impressive in the preseason compared to what the rest of these young QB’s are doing today. With Alex Smith’s efficiency, the 49ers are not rushing him.  When they do turn to him, he’ll need safety nets and blankets, and there are none better for a young QB than a TE.  With Vernon Davis already stretching the field and creating mismatches, Allen brings something else to the table.  He’s a blocker too, can motion into and out of the backfield as a FB, and also has the ability to catch the ball.  Here versatility is his strength and the reason why the 49ers can move him all over the field confusing Defenses and maybe taking pressure off of young Colin.

32 Packers Jayron Holsey CB Virginia Tech

Holsey is an elite playmaker who demonstrates excellent ball skills and high level athletic ability.  The Packers’ secondary has been atrocious this season. A guy like Holsey allows them to get some youth at the position, prepare for the eventual departure of Charles Woodson (who will be 37 next year), and add another guy to this Defense who can get the ball back in the hands of Aaron Rodgers (led the nation in INT’s with 9 last year).

Top Remaining Players

WR Nick Toon – Wisconsin
DE/DT Billy Winn – Boise State
DE/DT Jared Crick – Nebraska
DE Melvin Ingram – South Carolina
RB Lamar Miller – Miami (FL)
QB Ryan Tannehill – Texas A&M
C Michael Brewster – Ohio State
WR Mohammad Senu – Rutgers
NT Dontari Poe – Memphis
DE/OLB Brandon Jenkins – Florida State

So by now most of the free world has heard of what happened at Penn State.  As I write this the University has yet to make an official statement regarding the now public grand jury testimony nor have they answered the following questions (and yes, they do owe the public answers):
 
How long did they know about the allegations ?
According to Grand Jury Testimony the first reported sex act Sandusky had with a minor was between 1994 and 1997. The University was made aware of the allegations in 1998 when Sandusky was interviewed by officials and admitted to showering with a pre-teen. He acknowledged the inappropriateness of his actions and promised not to do it again. The authorities, being the Penn State University police, closed the case.   
 
Afterwards Penn State had multiple reports of Jerry Sandusky’s sexual activities with young boys starting in 1998 as a member of the coaching staff, another two from eye-witness reports in 2000 and yet another eye-witness report by a fellow staff member in 2002 after Sandusky retired from the University but was a welcomed guest and ‘friend’ of the program. This means for nearly 10 years Sandusky has been accused of this and the University chose the ‘wait and see’ approach with his investigation all while continuing to grant his access and financial support to his predatorial behavior. 
 
How long was Jerry Sandusky allowed to be around the program after the University Administrators, Coaching Staff, Athletic Director and Alumni knew of the allegations ?
Jerry Sandusky resigned within weeks of the University closing its case on the assaults that took place during the 90′s (June 1998). However, he was still permitted access to the University’s facility and provided with keys to these facilities. To top it off, the charitable organization he used to meet the same children he is accused of sexually assaulting was permitted to operate on the University’s grounds with Sandusky having direct access and interaction with children. Reports have Sandusky on campus as recently as October of 2011 which would be over a decade since his witnessed assault to a 10 year old boy was reported to Joe Paterno by a member of the coaching staff. 
 
Does the University believe it acted in the swiftest manner ?
In something that would only be a result of reasonable assumption, it appears Penn State’s athletic department and possibly Joe Paterno were complicit in forcing Sandusky out as a member of the Penn State football coaching staff. If that assumption can be swallowed than it appears Penn State decided to take matters in their own hands, and sweep the dirt under the rug in hopes that it did not come back. It could only then be viewed that Penn State protected the image of their institution over the safety and long-term mental health of the children that Mr. Sandusky assaulted. In which case, Joe Paterno would have been knowingly involved in covering up the actions of one of his long-time assistants and friends. Now, four days after the Grand Jury report being turned in, Joe Paterno was in attendance of practice with his nationally ranked Penn State Nittany Lions.  
 
Did the University reach out in support of the victims of Jerry Sandusky?
Was the administration so cold that they turned their backs on the victims? IF they supported the children in providing therapy, grief counseling or other programs, why did they protect Sandusky and permit him on campus? If they did not, how could they turn their backs on the children? How could they knowingly ignore the events that were witnessed by their own employees on multiple occasions? How?
 
Did the University and or its representatives excuse or diminish the accused actions of Jerry Sandusky?
Diminish is a strong word but how else could you describe the University’s decision not to pursue criminal investigations into Mr. Sandusky? How else could they allow him back on campus and even again work with children on University grounds?
 
The most disturbing aspect of the case pertains to the witnesses of the actual physical acts of Jerry Sandusky in the locker room of the Penn State Football program. None of the eye witnesses to these assaults have been made available to the public/media.

Most publicly, Mike McQueary, Penn State’s Wide Receiver’s coach who identified Sandusky with a young male in 2002, has been removed from the scene. McQueary, if you can believe it, has been sent on a recruiting trip during this time in the middle of the season. As if we are supposed to believe the Penn State Football program believes he is the person they want representing their university on the road. Quite simply, this is either a colossal error in judgment on the significance of the allegations or another direct lie to the public in an attempt to clean up the mess internally and develop a public relations strategy. McQueary is still a young man and if he has an ounce of dignity he will divorce himself of the University and come out with his side of the story. How was he silenced this long ? Was he promised the Head Coaching job after Paterno retired? What were the details of the conversation held between Athletic Director Curley and Senior Vice President of the University Tim Schultz ? Was his silence bought? Why didn’t he stop the assault? 
 
Tim Calhoun, a janitor under the employment of Penn State University, stated to a grand jury that he witnessed Sandusky performing oral sex on a 10 year old boy in the shower. Calhoun reported the incident to another janitor and his immediate supervisor. Now I’m sure in the coming days, someone is going to find this janitor and he will and should ‘tell all’ who he reported this to and what his follow up was.
 
The curious nature of this activity was that Tim Calhoun’s reporting of these transgressions came nearly two years before McQueary’s report and subsequent forced retirement of Sandusky. Meaning for nearly two years, the University…did nothing. However much blame we want to throw on McQueary he, at the very least, was steadfast enough to force this up to the athletic director and administrative leaders. By all reasonable assumption McQueary got Sandusky out of the program. Mr. Calhoun on the other hand, has no such recourse; theorizing that he did not believe in the safety of children enough to resign from his janitorial position. Both McQueary and Calhoun were able to pay rent/mortgage, utilities and food all provided for by their continued silence. 
 
How much money did Penn State, its employees, alumni and trustees contribute to Jerry Sandusky’s charitable organization after the allegations were channeled upward through the university?

This information will likely never come out. However we can confirm that Matt Millen, former Fox Television personality, Detroit Lions General Manager and current ESPN contributor, was an active board member who publicly described himself more of a fundraiser for the Second Mile Foundation; unknowingly a platform for Jerry Sandusky to prey on young boys. I’m not lumping Millen into these acts, nor would I suggest he had knowledge of the actions of Sandusky. However his involvement, along with that of other former Penn State football alumni, brings a more clear definition of the power behind this group. This wasn’t some fly-by-night charity for a local church or nursing home. This was a thirty year organization with some of the more influential members of Penn State. 
 
Is this the policy that has been established by the State of Pennsylvania or is this a privately endorsed/approved method of reporting?
For those of you wondering what the potential loophole PSU hid behind during all of this, accusations of this nature under the current Pennsylvania state law is required to come from either a physician, coroner, dentist, chiropractor, hospital personnel, Christian Science practitioner, clergy, school teacher/nurse/administrator, social services worker, day care or child center worker, mental health professional, peace officer, law enforcement official, funeral director or foster care worker. This means Tim Calhoun’s report was buried as a result of the state’s non-mandatory requirement based upon the work capacity/ job description of his and his supervisor’s positions. So as required by law, Penn State did the minimum. The minimum.
 
As a side commentary to the subject, Roger Cossack of ESPN has reported the delay in Penn State’s commentary on the situation is a result of their internal efforts to minimize damage in any civil liability cases that will be looming. That liability is carried by those administrators and Joe Paterno who appear to be involved in ‘an active cover up’. So in the end, the same people who are going to come out in the coming days establishing a new code of conduct, issuing of apologies, declarations of remorse and almost certain vows of cleaning up the problem are the same ones who are trying to minimize the public fallout for their earlier actions and continued silence.
 
Legal representative Caroline Roberto, Curley’s attorney, has made very public hints that her client will take the same measures of reporting that ‘others’ in this case have made. Interesting comment as it did not dismiss her clients failure to perform sufficient reporting but merely stated that her client did the same that was done by others around him. So who were those around him? They were none other than Joe Paterno and former Senior Vice President Gary Schultz. She also claims that her client was not obligated to report “as it did not even apply to Tim Curley or the situation at Penn State”.  Roberto then attacked the charge of Purgery against him as the prosecution has no evidence that he did anything “wrong”. Now in my world, Hell has a special room for attorneys who knowingly defend those who participate in or facilitate in the sexual assault of children. Caroline Roberto, be careful on the fame you gather. Not all press is good press.
 
So what are we left with? Four days of a media storm and the powers that be at one of the most prestigous Universities in the world are trying to get their ‘spin’ ready. They are on full-scale damage control and the people at the top of the controversy (Curley and Schultz) are home meeting with lawyers and media advisors in developing their position. Through representation they have hinted at turning evidence over indicating others involvement which would show how deeply involved this cover up has been. While the University has chosen to try to minimize this American tragedy, those directly involved appear to be ready to deal with prosecutors and throw anyone else in the line of traffic in the attempt to cling onto the lies they have chosen to believe.
 
Another sidenote to the idiots outside Joe Paterno’s house in support of him; would you support him if Sandusky had assaulted your cousin, brother or son? Youth is often tied to poor judgment but I’m just disappointed that the current generation of college students is unwilling to see the horrific actions of Sandusky in addition to the subsequent cover up by Paterno and his supervisors.
 
Final Question: Does Penn State still represent the morals and values of the Big Ten Conference?

Should they be permitted membership? As someone who consumes the college athletics product as a ticket holder, television audience member and consumer of merchandise and the sponsors products, I can assure you I’m done with Penn State. As one sponsor of the Big Ten puts it, “Responsibility, what’s your policy?”

Editor’s Note: You can read the Grand Jury Testimony here. WARNING: Extremely graphic and stuff you simply will not be able to un-read.

Defensive Ends
 
First Team: Quinton Coples, North Carolina… Coples was forced onto the scene a year ago with Robert Quinn’s suspension. Coples offers rare size and plays with solid athleticism and strength. Generally speaking 6’6 285lb. Defensive Ends are destined to end up inside at the five technique, but Coples brings experience and ability to a weak ACC schedule where his top opponent for the season will be a true sophomore (S. Henderson, Miami) who he should easily handle. 
 
First Team: Brandon Jenkins, Florida State… Jenkins is the next in line of Florida State pass rushers. Jenkins had 13.5 sacks as a Sophomore and with an easier schedule and improved play from his teammates, he should acheive those numbers again. Jenkins is a bit shorter than many NFL GM’s would say is ideal…but at 6’2 265, he does have enough size to hold up against the run in college and the pass rush arsenal to get around the corner. 
 
Second Team: Louis Nzegwu…Nzegwu has a tough task ahead of him in replacing JJ Watt for the Badgers, but don’t feel bad for him…Nzegwu plays with as good of a motor as you will find in the NCAA. 6’4 255 and capable of bull-rushing soft sitting tackles and running around those who try to stick him at the line. The Badgers are one of the sleeper teams on many people’s watch list, and Nzegwu is a big reason why. Teams are simply not able to set in the pocket to pass the ball against the Badgers.
 
Second Team: Bruce Irvin, West Virginia…Irvin was second in the nation in sacks a season ago and has another year in the system where he can develop second rush moves and a stronger understanding of what it takes to be a playmaker at the major college level. Irvin is chiseled from stone and plays with a rare intensity. Dana Holgerson is known as an offensive mastermind…however he will be plenty happy to have Irvin’s talent attacking team’s passing game.

Third Team: Vincent “Vinny” Curry, Marshall… MAC players rarely get my attention (lack of televised games)…However Curry was a wrecking ball a season ago. 12 sacks in his first season as a starter and enters the season at 6’4 270lbs. That is the prototype… Curry also came to Marshall via Neptune (high school in New Jersey) which is totally irrelevant, but come on, that’s kinda funny. All kidding aside…Curry can play…and the national TV spotlight will be on him when he faces off against West Virginia the opening weekend of play. If WVU wants to drop back and sit in the pocket, expect Curry to announce his presence with authority. 
 
Third Team: Nick Perry, USC… Perry came to USC via Detroit…Hard to imagine why he left the unemployment state and opted for sunny skies, USC co-eds and a program that was handing out money like it was going to melt. However, Perry hasn’t been totally distracted by the ambiance of Southern Cal and has put up solid numbers since arriving on campus. I expect a breakout season for Perry who was a Freshman All-American just two seasons ago.

Defensive Tackles
 
First Team: Jared Crick, Nebraska… After Ndamakung Suh left Nebraska, many scouts pointed to Crick as someone capable of carrying the torch. Crick put up 9.5 sacks last season and should have reasonable expectations for the same banquet circuit that Suh went on two years ago. 
 
First Team: Mike Martin, Michigan… A highly touted wrestler and weight lifter in high school. Martin has earned every bit of his accolades in Ann Arbor as he faces some of the best interior lineman in the country and more than holds his own. He plays low, with incredible strength and a non-stop motor. 
 
Second Team: Marcus Forston, Miami (Fl)… Forston can flat out dominate. If coaches and scouts can convince him to keep the pilot-light lit, he could be a one man wrecking crew in Coral Gables, that some compare to the late great Jerome Brown.
 
Second Team: Kheeston Randall, Texas… Texas disappointed last season, but Randall could help turn the tide around in Austin. The 6’5 300 lb. tackle offers both quickness and is “Texas” tough at the point of attack. A new defensive coordinator will be a challenge to meld together with, but Randall’s leadership and ability should ease the transition.
 
Third Team: Jerel Worthy, Michigan State… The Tribunal Bar had Worthy as an All Big Ten performer prior to last season and this year we are still fans of him, just not as much as many other national pundits are this year…that being said we have him in the top 5 of defensive tackles in the country. 
 
Third Team: Louis Nix, Notre Dame… The Irish are going to contend for a top ten ranking, and Nix has yet to see the field for Notre Dame, however those who follow practice and scouting of the Irish as close as I do, know this isn’t a stretch… Best Louis Nix story: Nix was so unblockable leading up to their bowl game, that coaches had to remove him from practice in order to run drills….and that is going against three NFL prospects. 
 
Linebackers
 
First Team: Manti Te’o, Notre Dame… Te’o has been a contributor since his arrival in South Bend. Te’o does not just tackle opponents, he brings 250 pounds to the dance and uses every ounce of it when delivering shots. Manti can also drop in coverage as his speed on the field is the best maybe ever for the Irish. An AJ Hawk type player read offenses before the snap a season ago and if he continues his development, expect him to be a top 10 pick in next April’s draft.

First Team: Vontaz Burfict, Arizona State…Burfict was signed with USC out of high school and then had a late change of heart. Since arriving in the desert he has been the most talented player on the field and his style of play is both violent and fast. He can cover sideline to sideline in the run game, stuffs the iso-block at or behind the line and can rush the passer. Quite simply, there isn’t anything he can’t do…A rare talent and one that has a bright NFL future. If you watch any Pac-10 game this season, tune in for the Sept. 24th matchup against USC…
 
First Team: Donta Hightower, Alabama…Hightower has struggled through injuries early in his career, but for those wondering how/why Alabama’s defense is getting such rave reviews…look for number 30 and that should answer that. Hightower can rush the passer, stuff the run and has great instincts. Rolando McClain was a top NFL prospect and Hightower is every bit the talent that McLain was. 
 
Second Team: Nigel Bradham, Florida State… Bradham is a physical specimen. Bench Pressing 400 pounds IN HIGH SCHOOL, he is strong enough to shed blockers at any level and while the Florida State tradition is filled with talented linebackers, Bradham can proudly put his name in for a seat at the big boy table. Bradham had 98 tackles and 5 sacks on a young defense for the ‘Noles a season ago and many people think he is just scratching the surface of his ability. I can’t wait to see him play against Oklahoma.

 
Second Team: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma…Lewis came back to Norman to contend and win a national title. The kid can flat out play and in the Big 12 he will be tested in aspects of the game. He will face more pass happy offenses which will require him to rush the passer and drop in coverage. However his strength is in pursuit of the run game. He can cover a lot of ground as a result of his elite speed. Lewis was clocked at a 4.35 in his high school combines and while he is too slight of frame to be considered an NFL lock, at the NCAA level he is special. 
 
Second Team: Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh… Lindsey comes from Aliquippa, PA…anyone who has followed football knows this is a football town and Lindsey may be the best prospect to come out since Darrelle Revis. Lindsey posted 10 sacks and now entering his redshirt senior season will be turned loose and expects to build on that foundation. 
 
Third Team: Luke Kuechly, Boston College… Kuechly is a Cincinnati native who led the Eagles with 183 tackles a season ago…183 tackles is a silly number…Kuechly is a good kid, hard worker and a helluva football player. Kuechly is the kind of guy I cheer for. A three star recruit, who turned himself into a legit NFL prospect. 
 
Third Team: Chris Gallippo, USC… As complete a player as the Trojans have on their defense. The kid simply runs well, reads plays and tackles well…The former defensive MVP of the US Army All-American game as a high schooler simply stood out as a man amongst boys and has continued that level of play. Injuries have been a problem for Gallippo while at USC, but anyone who is looking for a strong-side or middle linebacker at the NFL level, Gallippo is on their list. If he stays healthy, he will remind many of us as to why he was the top prep linebacker and four year starter for the Trojans.

Third Team: Jelani Jenkins, Florida… Jenkins is a freakish athlete who showed up in Gainesville and promptly took the field with no signs of immaturity, confusion or growing pains. The speed at which Jenkins plays with stands out on the field and his ability to cover tight ends isn’t so special, but his ability to cover slot receivers certainly is. Jenkins will be used as a jack of all trades in Will Muschamp’s defense and could be one of the key contributors to an under-rated Gator team. 
 
Safety 

First Team: Harrison Smith, Notre Dame… Smith was 4th in the NCAA with 7 Interceptions a season ago. When Smith first stepped on the field at Notre Dame it was as a linebacker and since then he struggled to learn the position of safety…Last year everything came together for Smith and he was an anchor on a defense which led his team to a strong finish. Smith is referred to as “heyseed” by his teammates, however his opponents refer to him as the best safety on their schedule. 
 
First Team: Mark Barron, Alabama…Barron would have been an early selection in April’s draft, however he opted to return for another championship run in Tuscaloosa. Barron has good size (6’2 218) and a nose for the football. Barron’s statistics are even more impressive when you consider the team defense’s success and ability to make plays in front of him. Barron could contend for many post-season awards including SEC Defensive Player of the Year and they don’t just give that out. 
 
Second Team: Robert Lester, Alabama…Another clue as to how good ‘Bama’s defense could be this season. Both of their safeties are legit all-americans. Lester had 8 interceptions a season ago and returns to a defense where he is responsible to play centerfield and enforce the deep middle of the field; something he does with ease and joy.

Second Team: T.J. McDonald, USC… McDonald is a complete player. Size, Speed, Instincts and swagger. McDonald will likely test the NFL waters this spring and for those of you who wonder why he would do so…watch him against Oregon this season when he is responsible for reading and reacting against one of the most explosive offenses in the country. 
 
Third Team: Tramain Thomas, Arkansas… Arkansas is a team garnering a lot of attention this pre-season and Thomas is the unquestioned star of their defense. 83 tackles and 4 Int’s were proof of a nice Junior season, but with half the teams in the SEC starting a new quarterback this season, Thomas should benefit from the inexperience of his opponents.

Third Team: Matt Elam, Florida…Another young Gator to make our list. Elam was the top athlete/safety to come out of his recruiting class and being able to hit the ground running this season will be a test. Ahmad Black and Major Wright were the previous Gator Free Safeties and Elam looks to be the next in a long-line of NFL talents. 
 
Cornerbacks 

First Team: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama… The Crimson Tide pull a hat-trick in our All-American Rankings as Kirkpatrick has every physical talent you would want in a corner, and as an added benefit he plays on a defense with six potential all-SEC team members. 
 
First Team: Cliff Harris, Oregon… Harris is both a return man and shut-down corner (and amateur racecar driver)… Harris will sit out the opener against LSU and that will hurt his national exposure. However when he lines up against Robert Woods and Matt Barkley this season, I won’t miss a snap.

Second Team: Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech… Hosley is the next great corner in Blacksburg. Natural ball skills and rare speed. Not known for his tackling, but what corner is? Hosley is my pick to win the Jim Thorpe as the nation’s top defensive back. 
 
Second Team: Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska… Denard is every bit as talented as Prince Amukamara was a season ago and will benefit from the move to the Big 10 as he won’t face nearly as talented a group of passers and receivers. Nebraska will likely contend for a BCS Bowl game and Dennard will be a key component of that run.

Third Team: Keith Tandy, West Virginia… Tandy reminds many in Morgantown of Pac Man Jones… Physical, yet small…Quick, but not fast…and just finds himself around the football. Tandy may be the best defensive back in the Big East and should keep opposing quarterbacks looking the other direction. 
 
Third Team: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M… Judie transferred to A&M out of the Junior College ranks and stepped in to be their lead corner. Hardly an enviable task in the Big 12, but Judie is tougher than most defensive backs and his start at the JuCo ranks should provide him with a reasonable understanding that nothing is guaranteed. This should provide a little reminder as to why he needs to work hard on and off the field.

 
Alabama is my pick to win the National Championship

Let’s be clear, this isn’t an All-American list of who the top NFL draft picks will be… Who will set conference records and necessarily be a star on their own team…This is a list to get the word out on some of my favorite players who I have followed since their recruiting visits of their Junior season, in high school.  So without further build-up… Here we go.
 
Quarterbacks
 
First Team:  Landry Jones, Oklahoma… Everyone’s All-American. High tempo, spread offense with talented receivers, proven coaches and Big 12 Conference schedule that lacks any clear defensive challenge. The ultimate compliment a quarterback can be paid is trust from his coach and teammates. Jones has that in spades. Stepped in for an injured Sam Bradford two seasons ago and had by some standards success. He came in last season as a known starter and delivered an outstanding performance. The challenge for Jones will be to lead his team to an undefeated season and BCS title…anything less and he will have not met many expectations.

Second Team: Matt Barkley, USC… Barkley was the top prep recruit in the country entering his Senior year in high school and arrived with a stacked depth chart ahead of him. He simply answered the bell, won over his coaches with the starting job and is by most expectations the next best quarterback in this year’s upcoming draft (Behind Andrew Luck). Barkley can make all the throws and outside of the usual struggles with young QB’s has produced on the field beyond expectations. He is more polished than Carson Palmer at the same point in his career, has a better arm and head that Matt Leinart and generally will be viewed as a better leader than Mark Sanchez, Matt Cassel and the other recent USC quarterbacks. Don’t be surprised if Seattle tanks this season and Pete Carroll spends a top ten pick on his former prodige. 

Third Team: Nick Foles, Arizona… Tall strong armed talent who reminds me of Kyle Orton. Pushes the ball downfield with ease and has a nice pair of receivers who will go and get the ball. Seems to be an energetic player which is a nice change of pace from the typical West Coast QB prospects over the years. Foles has first round NFL talent and could have come out last year, but opted to return to the Wildcats (and why wouldn’t he ? have you seen the co-eds at that school?). Here’s the downside…The Wildcats will not benefit from any national coverage because of the horrible television deal the Pac-10 has with Fox. 

Honorable Mention: Denard Robinson…The kid has hardly proven to be a true passing threat, but his athleticism is unparralleled. He could regress statistically this season as he moves to a more pass conservative offense. However for a pre-season award list he has earned a tip of the cap for his previous accomplishments.

Honorable Exclusion: Andrew Luck, Stanford….Dude passed up $40,000,000 because of the architecture program. His head coach even hit the road when the opportunity presented itself. Now, Luck is going into his third season for the Cardinals with a bulls-eye and will only be knit-picked throughout the season. The guy will also win every other pre-season all-american team. So maybe our notable exclusion will let him know some of us STILL think it was a horrible decision.

Running Backs:
 
First Team: Trent Richardson, Alabama…Richardson is my Heisman pick. At 5’11 220 you would think power was Richardson’s calling card. However, he also boasts 4.4 speed and open field vision that enables him to break long runs without breaking stride. Richardson is the unquestioned bell-cow for the Crimson Tide. If the team has a Championship run, as many predict, he will be the key playmaker and win many more meaningful awards.

Second Team: LaMichael James, Oregon…James is an explosive runner who doesn’t run behind his pads nearly as well as other backs in the country, but his style of play is a perfect fit in the Ducks offense. James enters the season with some questions about his recruitment and will be featured on an offense that will be one of the tops in the nation. He won’t be a great fit in the NFL as he is too slight of build and his speed won’t translate to the NFL. All that being said, James is almost guaranteed a spot at the Downtown Athletic Club in December.

Third Team: Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina…Lattimore was the top RB recruit in the country a year ago and did not disappoint. He enters the season as the top back for one of the ‘sleeper’ teams in the SEC. Lattimore has good speed and at 6′ 230, he has a frame that most NFL scouts are drooling over. The general consensus is that his 1,200 yard freshman season is just the start of things to come. 1,600 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving are within reasonable expectations and those numbers in the SEC should have you taking notice too.

Wide Receivers:
 
First Team: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State…Blackmon is the real deal. Good size, better speed and an offense that pushes the ball downfield to make him a focal point of the Big 12′s most exciting offense. The challenge for Blackmon will be to ignore injury concerns to his certain NFL future and play with the same energy and aggressiveness that has propelled him to this point in his career at OSU.
First Team: Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M… Fuller has it all. Great size (6’4 215), blazing speed (4.3) and an NFL coaching staff which has him running clean routes and defeating the jam at the line. His quarterback will be an adventure at times, but A&M enters the season in the top 20 of most polls. If his team can win 9+ games he should garner a glut of post-season nominations.

Second Team: Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina…Jeffrey is the focal point of the ‘Ole Ball Coach’s’ passing attack. He benefits from the return of fifth year starting quarterback Steven Garcia, who should have the Gamecocks poised for an appearance in the SEC championship game. Jeffrey was a recruiting win for South Carolina and hasn’t disappointed since he arrived on campus. If you are looking for an NFL comparison another former Gamecock in Sidney Rice comes to mind.
Second Team: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame… Floyd will exit South Bend as the all-time leader in touchdowns, receptions, yards and criminal offenses. Floyd’s talent has been evident since his days at Cretin-Durham High School (MN). With offers from Ohio State, USC and every other program in the nation, he opted for South Bend where he would be a focal point in a pro-style offense. Instead he became a focal point in the new spread offense under Brian Kelly where he has been nothing short of spectacular. Floyd has size and great ball skills, but lacks the burst on the outside to be a combine warrior. He also struggled with injuries throughout his career at ND but if he is able to stay healthy, I would reasonably expect 1,400 yards and 10+ touchdowns.

Third Team: Greg Childs, Arkansas… Childs is 6’3 and a rock solid 215 pounds. He is the focal point of another pass happy system but he will not have the benefit of Ryan Mallet running the offense. Childs track speed will benefit in an SEC conference where most teams have question marks in the secondary. His early season test against Alabama’s Dre’ Kirkpatrick will be a litmus test on his ability to play against top competition.
Third Team: Robert Woods, USC… Woods has all the measurables scouts look for and benefits from one of the most polished QB prospects in country. Elite speed players rarely have the quick hips and hands that Woods possesses. USC has produced a long line of receivers to the NFL, but none with the speed that Woods has. He was the top receiver recruit coming out of high school and he has not disappointed since arriving in Troy.

Tight End:

First Team: Michael Egnew, Missouri… Egnew benefits from an offense that uses the tight end as a receiver and while he is limited as a blocker, his production in the passing game will make him a front-runner for the Mackey Award.

Second Team: Orson Charles, Georgia…Charles was a top prep talent who entered the SEC and took no prisoners. A physical freak with the body of Adonis and a nasty disposition. Charles can block and is a beast in the open field. Aaron Murray returns with confidence in his understanding of the offense and Charles will be a red zone target who will take a look at the NFL after his Junior season.

Third Team: Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame…A bit of a homer pick, but Eifert has been everything coaches could ask for. A tireless worker who has added nearly 30 pounds without sacrificing his speed. He has reliable hands and is the next in a long line of Irish TE’s to be a playmaker in the passing game. As an added benefit, he won’t be asked to block exclusively in Brian Kelly’s spread attack. 
 
Offensive Lineman:
 
First Team:

T – Matt Kalil, USC… Kalil was good enough to keep Tyron Smith on the right side of the line since he arrived in Southern California. Kalil has great size, good bloodlines and generally speaking a technician on the blind side.
T – Nate Potter, Boise State… Potter isn’t the prospect that Ryan Clady was at this point (who is?) however he has great size, footwork and plays on an offense that lacks elite athleticism at the skill positions. Boise will be in the mix for another BCS appearance and Potter is the top prospect on the team.

G – Joel Foreman, Michigan State… Foreman maybe my favorite player in this group. He looks bigger than he measures, is physical at the point of attack, plays low and gets push in the running game. You need to see him play live to get an appreciation for the demeanor in which he attacks his opponent. If your favorite NFL team is looking for a guard, keep an eye on Foreman as he could come off the board in the first round of April’s draft.
G – Ryan Miller, Colorado…Nate Solder showed that Colorado can develop lineman. Miller was a top prep talent out of the Colorado HS circuit and turned down Notre Dame, Ohio State and other top programs. The general consensus is that Miller could slide out to tackle this season but he will remain at guard as this is the position he has excelled at to this point.

C – Mike Brewster, Ohio State… Brewster arrived in Columbus as one of the top tackles in the prep circuit. He since moved to center and hasn’t relinqueshed the starting job since. Brewster won’t be a name you hear on Saturdays very often, but you will hear it on Sundays in the near future. 
 
Second Team:

T – Xavier Nixon, Florida…A five star recruit who has been worked in gradually during his time in Gainesville. Now with Charlie Weis and a more pro-style offense his pass blocking skills will be on display. Nixon is a legit talent who has all the measurables and footwork scouts look for. He will not disappoint.
T – Matt Reynolds, BYU…Reynolds was tempted to declare for the NFL draft a season ago and is the top lineman to come out of Provo since Jon Tait. Reynolds has size, good feet and plays in a pass happy offense. This guy will keep his young QB (Jake Heaps) clean and allow him to play up to his ability.

G – Khaled Holmes, USC…Holmes is yet another All-American on the offensive side of the ball for the Trojans. Holmes plays with good pad level, delivers a solid pop off the line and is quicker than almost any other lineman at the NCAA level.
G – Barrett Jones, Alabama…Second Team All-SEC and enters the campaign with 24 starts to his resume…and he’s only a Junior. Jones was the top guard in the country coming out of High School and he has not disappointed. He has shown an ability to work hard by adding 30 pounds during his time in Tuscaloosa and is a leader among one of the most talented teams in the country.

C – David Molk, Michigan…Molk offers a 400 pound bench press and as a drive blocker he doesn’t lose an inch in the run game. Molk will benefit from moving into Brady Hoke’s more traditional offense where his ability to pull from the center position will be put on display.

Kickers…yes, they count.
 
First Team: Phillip Welch, Wisconsin… He kicks it far
Second Team: Dustin Hopkins, Florida State…He kicks it straight
Third Team: Blair Walsh, Georgia…He kicks it straight and far…

Overall, the Notre Dame schedule features just two teams ranked in both polls (Standford and Michigan State), followed by a boatload of average College teams, and some chumps.  Based on rankings, the Irish should be favored in every game but the Stanford road game to end the season. 

1. Vs. South Florida – Should be a win.  South Florida just isn’t a good team.  They were better a few years ago and while they still get some recruits, they don’t get anywhere near enough to actually fill out the roster.  Notre Dame’s talent level is off the charts vs. South Florida and the added benefit of bringing them to South Bend should get it done.  1-0. 

2. At Michigan – Always a tough game based on rivalries, etc., but Michigan isn’t good.  They are still a year or more removed from fielding a team that deserves a top 25 ranking.  The Big House is huge, but fairly quiet and not really the toughest road stadium to play at.  Notre Dame is far superior to the Wolverines from a talent standpoint this year and they have to win this game.  A loss here would create the “here we go again” feeling we’ve had for the better part of a decade or two.  2-0. 

3. Vs. Michigan State – One of the toughest games on the schedule for ND.  While Slama is likely to preach about how tough South Florida and Michigan are going to be, the reality is this is the first game on the schedule where a loss for Notre Dame wouldn’t constitute a significant upset.  Michigan State could have one of the top Offenses in the Big Ten this year and they should be able to move the ball and score points on the Irish.  If the Irish can keep pace at home, they can win this game and establish themselves as legit and make a believer out of me that they could be headed to a BCS game for the first time in seemingly forever.  Let’s say they lose this one and they fall to 2-1. 

4. At Pittsburgh – Another third rate team falling outside of the preseason top 25 that a good Notre Dame team should dismantle.  This is like Ohio State taking on Minnesota or Illinois.  Pitt could have a rough go at it this season.  3-1. 

5. At Purdue – Another team that Notre Dame should utterly destroy.  We don’t really  have to go into this one.  Unless Robert Marve goes crazy against ND, the Irish should destroy in state rival Purdue and move to 4-1. 

6. Vs. Air Force – Notre Dame has struggled with some of the academy games in recent years, but if this is truly a turn the corner type of season, they have to take apart the Air Forces and Navies of the College Football world.  I think they do at home with ease and move to 5-1. 

7. Vs. USC – Another huge matchup for ND.  When was the last time that Notre Dame was a clear favorite over the Trojans?  20 years?  Seems like it.  They should be in this one if they enter this game 5-1.  USC could have already dropped a game or two themselves and is on the edge of the top 25.  They are a solid team, but still have a horrible Monte Kiffen Defense returning (how long will that last).  The Offense for the Trojans should be loaded at QB and at WR with a very solid OL.  The question mark is in the running game.  If ND can make them one dimensional, getting them in South Bend could mean all the difference.  I say they win this one if I’m saying they lose to Michigan State, so ND moves to 6-1 with a huge win. 

8. Vs. Navy – See Air Force above.  Another must win for a BCS berth and they get it moving to 7-1 and probably top 15 in the rankings, nearing the top 10. 

9. At Wake Forest – At this point in the season, the joke of a schedule that ND will play is starting to work in their favor.  While the rest of the schools around  the country are into the meat of their Conference ball games, meaning 1-2 top 10 teams are dropping with losses a week, ND is scooting past the Wake Forests, Marylands, and Boston Colleges of the world and climbing the ladder.  Another win, another couple spots, and the Irish are probably right about the top 10 or a spot or two into it.  8-1. 

10. Vs. Maryland – Wake, Maryland, and BC back to back to back is not super easy, but the Irish have to win these type of game to become a BCS team.  With Wake on the road (the easiest) and Maryland and BC at Home, the schedule sets up well.  Benefit of the doubt and they get another win here moving to 9-1. 

11. Vs. Boston College – So Slama doesn’t have a conniption fit, let’s say they take this game, although three east coast ball games in a row could be a challenge for them.  If they do, the Irish move to 10-1, are probably approaching the top 5 in the nation, and would show down with Stanford to lock them into the BCS. 

12. At Stanford – Doubtful.  This is probably a loss on the road on the other side of the country against a top 5 preseason ball club with the top QB in the nation.  Tough draw for any school and ND is probably not at this level yet.  Best case is to control the bleeding and keep it tight.  That sends them at 10-2 down to the bottom of the top 10 and locks them into the BCS. 

Reality – I think this is possible, but I’m guessing there’s another typical Notre Dame upset in there somewhere.  Maybe Michigan, Pitt, USC, Wake, Maryland, or BC.  Maybe two.  For now, we’ll say they only lose one they are supposed to win and finish 9-3.  Not sure 9-3 is going to get them into the BCS unless it’s a tough year for most of the elite teams, but it could.  If they go 9-3, it’ll probably be one of those years where ND doesn’t belong in the game but goes on fan draw alone and gets lambasted like when they played OSU, but they could get there which would be a step in the right direction. 

That’s my early prediction.  9-3.