Xavier Cromartie

I'll make a new entry for this mock, since I doubt much will change between now and early April. This mock is what I think will actually happen—not what I think should happen. Last updated on 9 March 2008. 1. Miami Dolphins: DE Chris Long — Chris Long still appears to be the target, for now. I continue to doubt anyone who mentions Matt Ryan. Ellis is still possible, and Gholston is also in consideration now. 2. St. Louis Rams: DT Glenn Dorsey — I'm going back to Dorsey on this one. He fits better than Ellis. Orlando Pace is still around, and so Jake Long isn't the #1 priority. We'll see how the legs check out. 3. Atlanta Falcons: QB Matt Ryan — Turner takes out McFadden. If Dorsey fell, he'd be possible. But, I think the Falcons really want him. Come on, they have Redman and Shockley at QB. 4. Oakland Raiders: DE Vernon Gholston — They just paid Tommy Kelly a bunch of money to play DT. After Gholston's tremendous workout, I don't think they can resist his athleticism. 5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Jake Long — Greatest need and best player available. They get Long or Clady. 6. New York Jets: RB Darren McFadden — "'Our goal was to give us flexibility in the draft,' Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum told The Post yesterday." Translation: "We didn't want to get crushed for taking McFadden when we had other needs." With Gholston gone, and Ellis no longer filling a need, McFadden makes sense. 7. New England Patriots (via SF): OT Ryan Clady — I remain convinced that this pick will not be a CB. The Patriots take talent over need. But, they just happen to need a better right tackle. 8. Baltimore Ravens: OT Chris Williams — I have nothing to change regarding what I said last time: The Ravens will be extremely irritated by the Patriots' selection, because the Ravens are dedicated to rebuilding their offensive line now that Jonathan Ogden is all but done. They will not take Brian Brohm. 9. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Sedrick Ellis — The draft goddess shines upon the wise, Obama-supporting people of Cincinnati. 10. New Orleans Saints: CB Leodis McKelvin — The question here is RB or CB. In regard to their RB position, I think they are going to cut McAllister, but it's because they really like Pierre Thomas and not because they're clearing the way to draft a new one. Randall Gay is a good nickel CB, but they need a franchise CB. McKelvin is the best one in the draft. 11. Buffalo Leelees: WR Malcolm Kelly — They got everything but a WR in free agency! (And, obviously, no TE is worth this spot.) 12. Denver Broncos: LB Keith Rivers — With Balmer and DeSean Jackson still on the board, this pick is tough. But, I don't think they can be serious about starting Niko Koutouvides at MLB. They have to want a stud there so they can feel good about keeping DJ Williams at WLB. Also, I think Shanny is pissed that he couldn't get Patrick Willis last year. 13. Carolina Panthers: OT Jeff Otah — I'm not convinced that LaBrandon Toefield is the big bonecruncher they want to complement DeAngelo, but I think they'll hold off on RB until round 2 or 3. (This way of thinking almost destroyed me last year.) They definitely want an OT. 14. Chicago Bears: RB Rashard Mendenhall — Haw-haw! The Czechago Bears desperately want to rebuild their o-line, but the 4 good OTs are gone! Word is that Benson mentally retired from the NFL the day he got drafted. 15. Detroit Lions: LB Dan Connor — Mildly surprising. They don't need CB anymore because of Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly. They want an OT and won't get one. They signed a new DT. They need a long-term MLB. 16. Arizona Cardinals: RB Jonathan Stewart — RB of the future. Share the load with Edge this year, then kick Edge out the door. 17. Minnesota Vikings: DE Derrick Harvey — They signed a WR and S. They are targeting Harvey if he's still there. 18. Houston Texans: CB Mike Jenkins — They are still looking at CB, OT, and RB. Dunta is going on the PUP. OT and RB are gone, and Jenkins is definitely worth taking here, so it's pretty straightforward. 19. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Limas Sweed — They still need a big receiver. Sweed is 6'4 and fast. I can't see them going any other direction. 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Brian Brohm — It seems very likely that he will last this long. Brian Griese is not the future. This deal is too sweet to pass on. 21. Washington Redskins: DE Phillip Merling — Nothing new to say here. They already have a light, fast WR. Balmer is possible. 22. Dallas Cowboys (via CLE): RB Felix Jones — Julius is gone. But, they don't trust their powerful and courageous RB from the University of Minnesota to carry it all. They want a speedster. 23. Pittsburgh Steelers: OG Branden Albert — Since Faneca left, I think every mock draft on earth has Albert here. 24. Tennessee Titans: WR DeSean Jackson — They need something more than Vince's legs, LenWhale, and an old TE on offense. They really need to keep Haynesworth motivated. 25. Seattle Seahawks: CB Aqib Talib — Clearly they know that they won't be getting one of the 4 good RBs, and so they signed Julius. Talib is a good value here, otherwise they'd look at OT or TE. 26. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Kentwan Balmer — Their run defense wasn't particularly good last season, and the Leelees have Stroud now. They signed 2 WRs, and so DT is looking like the right choice. Good deal here, too. 27. San Diego Chargers: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie — Florence is gone. Do it! Double Cromarties!! Wonder Twin powers, activate!! 28. Dallas Cowboys: WR Devin Thomas — Another guy who can add more pop to the offense. 29. San Francisco 49ers (via IND): WR Early Doucet — Bruce and DJax are way past their primes. They need a young WR, and they seem to like Doucet. 30. Green Bay Packers: CB Antoine Cason — No need for post-Favre panic. Develop a young CB at nickel. 31. New York Giants: FS Kenny Phillips — Come on, Sammy Knight isn't the answer.

Who banned the friendly traveler gator331? It's not for ESPN, but my vacation to ESPN is only a few weeks away! It's a bit rushed, but it's complete: http://sourcedmock.blogspot.com/ xoxo.

Dearest Alyanna, I'm working on taking the concept of this halfway-decent mock draft blog and converting it into a real, better blog where I can possibly acquire fame and wealth. So, you can ignore this one for now. xoxo.

Every Christmas, I like to give myself a particular present: a fantasy football championship. I play in only two leagues, and so this gift is not easy to get. A 1-4 start. 48 points in week 5. Time to give up on this league and focus on the other one. Not! Never give up until the very end. A solid 6-win streak puts me back in contention. But then I lost two more times. Fortunately, the tiebreaker worked out so that all I needed to do in week 14 was win. And I won big, because I am Mr. Clutch. And so, I made it into the playoffs as the 4 seed. Of course that means I have to play against the 1 seed. Manning. Moss. Braylon. Burress. Witten. Dang. Ha! Despite Westbrook's non-TD run, I won easily! Now for the 2 seed in the championship. Thank you, Warner and Cotchery. If I had started Driver over Cotchery, I would have lost. Winners adapt. Winning is a skill.

Week 15 was the windy game at New England, and he had that finger injury. My WRs weren't the best because I stockpiled a bunch of good RBs. DeMeco played weeks 14–17 with a torn PCL. They are both super studs. There is no need to trash either one. You're my friendship champion.

Incorrect. Wyoming is on Saturday, and Mississippi is next Tuesday. Obama will very likely win both of them. Here's a reasonably good guess at how the pledged-delegate count will play out: Czech & Co.: She needs 62% in every remaining contest to take the pledged-delegate lead. Obama is likely to win Wyoming, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, Montana, and South Dakota. Indiana and Puerto Rico could also be his, or at least fairly even. If so, then Hillary would likely need at least 85% of the votes in Pennsylvania, Guam, West Virginia, and Kentucky to have more pledged delegates.

With the 47th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia. Albert is a junior who is the top-rated guard in the draft, and he's the only one who's projected to go in round 1.[1] He is a big and athletic guy[2] who projects as either a guard or a tackle.[2],[3] Therefore, we would like him to compete with and hopefully beat out the below-average Ryan Cook for our RT position. Also, if something disasterous were to happen to McKinnie or Hutchinson on the left side, we could put Albert over there. You can never have enough good o-linemen.

I proved last year that I'm the best mock drafter in the world. Here's my post-Combine, pre-Free Agency mock. It will be wrong of course. There's not enough info out there yet. But it's a fun exercise. This mock is what I think will actually happen, not what I think should happen. Last updated on 27 Feb. 1. Miami Dolphins: DE Chris Long — Realistically, it's between Long and Sedrick Ellis. I think they'll go with the more talented and versatile player rather than try to force the need at DT. 2. St. Louis Rams: DT Sedrick Ellis — Evidently, the thinking within the Rams is that the o-line will return from injuries and be good again this year. They will likely take a DT and move Carriker back to DE. They like Dorsey, but I think they'll be concerned enough about injuries that they'll want to play it safe with Ellis, who may be a better DT than Dorsey anyway. 3. Atlanta Falcons: QB Matt Ryan — It's either him or McFadden. McFadden ran a 4.33. So what? We all knew he was fast. He's not the number one running back on every team's board. After the Michael Vick ordeal, how could they take a guy who might be the next Vick or Pacman? He's already the next Travis Henry. 4. Oakland Raiders: DT Glenn Dorsey — They are going to be rebuilding their o- and d-lines through the draft, and so I doubt they take McFadden. They were the worst run defense last season, and so they'd love Dorsey, despite the long-term tibia concerns. The only question is whether they want to let Jake Long fall to a division opponent. 5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Jake Long — Perfect scenario for the Chiefs: they dropped to the lowest possible spot, but they still get the guy they'd pick with the overall #1 selection. Nothing to debate here. The only guy who made him look silly in college was... 6. New York Jets: DE Vernon Gholston — I've been noticing a few signs here and there that this guy is the one they're really targeting. They could certainly use a ferocious pass rusher. I think they'll do the Vilma-for-Rogers trade to fix their DT spot. Gholston had a great Combine. Also, they most certainly want to prevent the Patriots from taking him. 7. New England Patriots (via SF): OT Ryan Clady — I think the Patriots will take the best player on the board who's not named McFadden. Clady isn't far behind Jake Long. They could use a better OT than Nick Kaczur. They can find another CB to fit into their system later. If they did pick a CB here, I think it would be Leodis McKelvin. 8. Baltimore Ravens: OT Chris Williams — The Ravens will be extremely irritated by the Patriots' selection, because the Ravens are dedicated to rebuilding their offensive line now that Jonathan Ogden is all but done. They will not take Brian Brohm. 9. Cincinnati Bengals: RB Rashard Mendenhall — Remember when the Colts picked Edge over Ricky? It'll be like that moment. The Bengals cannot take another 'character issues' guy, but, with the top guys at DE and OT gone, they'll want a RB. Mendenhall is fast and powerful, but Kenny Watson can retain his 3rd down role for now. 10. New Orleans Saints: RB Darren McFadden — I think the Saints will sign Asante Samuel. Although they need a LB, they'll decide that the possibility of McFadden and Bush together is impossible to pass up. McAllister is heading out the door. 11. Buffalo Leelees: DT Kentwan Balmer — I'm guessing they'll get a big WR in free agency. Again, LB would be an upgrade over DiGiorgio (and Ellison), but I think they'd rather have a DT, and Balmer is good enough to take here. 12. Denver Broncos: LB Keith Rivers — First, I think they'll trade Javon Walker and sign a free agent WR. With Balmer gone (or a DT acquired in FA). they target LB, because they want DJ Williams outside. Rivers is more athletic than Dan Connor and has the ability to play inside. 13. Carolina Panthers: RB Jonathan Stewart — QB isn't an urgent need as long as Delhomme's rehab is on schedule. I think they are really disappointed that their running game wasn't better last season. They dumped Foster, but it doesn't mean that DeAngelo is going to get to be the workhorse. Stewart can start and knock some bodies around so that Williams can come in and hit some home runs. 14. Chicago Bears: OT Jeff Otah — Well, shit, all the OTs and RBs are gone already! Otah is a slight reach, especially now that he ran slowly at the Combine, but they need to rebuild the o-line immediately. And they know it. 15. Detroit Lions: CB Leodis McKelvin — All of the CBs are still on the board! And so they take McKelvin, who is the best CB overall and fills a big need. They'd like an OT, though. They'd rather have Chris Williams. 16. Arizona Cardinals: CB Mike Jenkins — Since the big three RBs are gone, they go with CB. It fills a need and is also the best player available. 17. Minnesota Vikings: DE Derrick Harvey — I've already written this one. This team's greatest need is a pass rusher. On defense, they ranked 2nd against the run, but 23rd against the pass.[1] Even worse, they were 28th in adjusted sack rate.[2] (Although, it was an improvement from being 31st in 2006.)[3] The Vikings' sack leaders (Kenechi Udezi, Ray Edwards, and SLB Ben Leber) each had only 5 sacks—good for a tie for 54th place in the NFL.[4] Udezi, who is the most talented DE on the team, has leukemia,[5] and so he is unlikely to play this season, if ever again. Harvey "should make an immediate impact rushing the passer."[6] 18. Houston Texans: CB Aqib Talib — They are looking at CB, OT, and RB. They have no CBs since Dunta is still injured. Talib is a very good CB and showed that he's good enough as a pure athlete. Again, with the CBs sliding because OTs and RBs went, this pick is easy. 19. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Malcolm Kelly — Here's a big #1 WR. Reggie Brown is a #2, and Kevin Curtis is a slot receiver. I don't know why I never have much to say about the Eagles. 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Brian Brohm — Well, if he falls into their lap, they'd probably take him. They have Luke McCown backing up a 38-year-old QB. 21. Washington Redskins: DE Phillip Merling — They need a guy who can get pressure and sacks. He's a good pass rusher. 22. Dallas Cowboys (via CLE): RB Felix Jones — The other Arkansas RB replaces Julius Jones, even though he had a disappointing 40 time at the Combine. 23. Pittsburgh Steelers: OG Branden Albert — They have to replace Alan Faneca, and Albert has been moving up the boards. They'll take whoever they can get to fix their o-line. 24. Tennessee Titans: WR Limas Sweed — WR is clearly the biggest need, and so they might as well pick someone who will work well with Young. The other WRs are fading, also. 25. Seattle Seahawks: RB Chris Johnson — The fastest guy at the Combine. They're happy that they didn't have to trade up to get him. 26. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Pat Sims — Their run defense wasn't particularly good last season. I won't forget that season opener against the Titans. 282 rushing yards?!?! Sims is a big boy like the Jags want. 27. San Diego Chargers: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie — I know I'm dreaming here, but can you imagine the awesomeness of DOUBLE CROMARTIES? I mean, why wouldn't they want to put Antonio on the #1 guy, and DRC on the slot receiver while readying him to be their #2 CB? Jammer and Florence are nothing special. 28. Dallas Cowboys: DE/OLB Quentin Groves — Very athletic guy who fits with the 3-4. 29. San Francisco 49ers (via IND): WR DeSean Jackson — Shaun Hill is good. He needs more than Gore and V. Davis around him. Since Davis is a big target, they can afford to have a tiny guy out there. 30. Green Bay Packers: CB Antoine Cason — Woodson and Harris are in their 30s. They could maybe take a LB or TE. 31. New England Patriots: You fucked up! You fucked up! 32. New York Giants: LB Dan Connor — I doubt he really lasts this long. The Giants would love to take him, even though they'd have to move him to OLB until Pierce moves on.

I wouldn't take him #1, but I won't criticize the Dolphins for doing so. He's 272 lb and ran a 4.75, so I don't see a problem there. He'll be a very good 3-4 player. My personal favorites in the draft are Jake Long, Vernon Gholston, Sedrick Ellis, Rashard Mendenhall, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. He's a great athlete, but I'd rather have Mendenhall as my NFL workhorse RB, even if McFadden has no further problems with bar fighting or unprotected sexual relations. The Bills are also looking at Alge Crumpler, Ben Troupe, and Bryant Johnson. They are dominating free agency. WR seems likely in the draft. I'm pleased that the Vikings signed Thomas Tapeh (U of Minnesota guy) and Madieu Williams. Berrian is ok, as an expensive #2 WR. I'm very high on Sidney Rice.

Yes, and the teams picking early just don't need him. It might depend on the Jets' options. If Ellis is there, I think they take Ellis. If it's between Gholston and McFadden, then it's tougher, but I think they might take Gholston anyway. They've said that they want to upgrade at DT, WR, and TE. Right now I think Balmer is the guy. Here is a good article about the Bills' LBs.[1] The author says what I said: DiGiorgio-Pos-Crowell is decent, but that Rivers or Connor (or a FA) is a possibility. I love that guy, especially with the low price. I want him on the Vikings instead of Berrian or Porter. I'll update again after I get all the Combine info. I already want to change some things.

Thank you for the memorable compliment. ;-) They exist? Football Outsiders, maybe. I don't post much at any boards I visit. I'm just curious to see how my citation style will affect this board. Maybe it'll start a revolution.

Hey, what a surprise that Randy goes crazy over the girl who was signed to his record label.[1] On the male side, it seems like a pretty good prediction, although drug dealer Luke might have been a better pick. As for the girls, it was likely a mistake to pick those two. Amy Davis seems likely to be out, but VFTW is supporting her.[2] I'm not sure who else... Joanne?[3]

Yes. Udeze has leukemia (see above), and James's left knee is a mess.[1] Jared Allen[2] and Terrell Suggs[3] were franchised. Justin Smith is the biggest name out there,[4] and he had only 2 sacks in 16 games in 2007.[5] Harvey has been described as having "virtually limitless potential as a pass rusher."[6] Sidney Rice "is going to develop into one of the great pass receivers in the NFL."[7]

With the 17th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Derrick Harvey, Defensive end, Florida. This team's greatest need is a pass rusher. On defense, they ranked 2nd against the run, but 23rd against the pass.[1] Even worse, they were 28th in adjusted sack rate.[2] (Although, it was an improvement from being 31st in 2006.)[3] The Vikings' sack leaders (Kenechi Udezi, Ray Edwards, and SLB Ben Leber) each had only 5 sacks—good for a tie for 54th place in the NFL.[4] Udezi, who is the most talented DE on the team, has leukemia,[5] and so he is unlikely to play this season, if ever again. Harvey "should make an immediate impact rushing the passer."[6]

Also, we must go to a Japanese restaurant so that Chris Berman can make a racist facial contortion/sound.

Tzar, why are the picks hidden away at post #62 instead of edited into post #3?

I think it's fairly likely that he'll end up going in the first round since everyone wants a Plaxico type. His value will be determined largely by his 40 time at the Combine. If he runs the 4.45 that people say he can, he'll shoot up to being a sure first rounder. But if it's around 4.6, then he'll likely go late 1st or early 2nd. There's not enough info out yet to say much else.

They already cut the two most interesting guys (Josiah and Nerd Kyle). Ramiele is the most promising Asian girl since Camile Velasco. Unfortunately, she might not even make the top 12. Leena's girl (Carly) should be the early favorite. Prediction for the opening-round jobbers: Jason Yeager, Garrett Haley, Alexandrea Lushington, Alaina Whitaker.

Quite possible if the Falcons are determined to take Matt Ryan. I can see Rivers or Connor here, but they have a fine starting 3 with Crowell-Pos-DiGiorgio. Why do you doubt WR? It's obviously a need. The Buffalo Bills did not forfeit their first-round draft pick, unlike the New England Patriots.

I will pick for the Vikings.

Just checked out ESPN's power rankings (written on 17 May 2007). Every team, except for the 49ers and Cardinals, is within 5 spots of where they finished last year. They had 8 people get together to make these rankings. And they agreed that the NFL will play out almost exactly as it did last year. Steelers: 13th last year, 13th this year. Rams: 18th last year, 18th this year. Raiders: 32nd last year, 32nd this year. Atrocious. I will attempt a radical approach: I will look at what the teams have done during the offseason, what players have developed or dropped off, and against whom the teams will play this season. (Yes, the records will add up to 256-256.) 32. Kansas City Chiefs. Projected record: 3-13. I think Brodie Croyle will be decent. The problems are that the Chiefs' o-line will be among the worst (it was 17th last year when they had Will Shields) and their defense should be weak against both the run and pass (despite having some well-known players). Fantasy sleeper: Priest Holmes. 31. Buffalo Bills. Projected record: 3-13. They play against a lot of tough defenses this year, and the Bills' defense lost its best players (Nate Clements and London Fletcher). Fantasy sleeper: Paul Posluszny. 30. Houston Texans. Projected record: 4-12. The team didn't improve anywhere except at DT (with Amobi Okoye) and QB (Matt Schaub, who is not an elite QB). Ahman Green is an ok pickup as well. (He's about as good as Ron Dayne but much better than Wali Lundy.) Fantasy sleeper: Owen Daniels. 29. Atlanta Falcons. Projected record: 4-12. Joey Harrington to Joe Horn, baby. But Jerious Norwood is like Reggie Bush with better rushing skills. Fantasy sleeper: Joe Horn. 28. Tennessee Titans. Projected record: 5-11. The team is full of replacement-level players. But they have good coaches, and Vince Young and Keith Bulluck are studs. Fantasy sleeper: Brandon Jones. 27. Minnesota Vikings. Projected record: 5-11. There's almost no way for the rush defense to be as good as it was last year. Stephen Jackson proved in week 17 what a fraud it was. Near the end of the season, look for fans to throw Brad Childress off of the cliff where the I-35W bridge used to be. Fantasy sleeper: Sidney Rice. 26. Washington Redskins. Projected record: 6-10. They added LaRon Landry and London Fletcher. The 'Skins play a few easy teams, and so they should be a little better than last year. Fantasy sleeper: Jason Campbell. 25. Cleveland Browns. Projected record: 6-10. I would like to put them higher, but it's difficult to find teams that are worse, and they play in the toughest division in the NFL. Cleveland has a great CB combo in Leigh Bodden and Eric Wright. They added Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, and (maybe) LeCharles Bentley to the o-line, which was among the very worst last year. They're going to pound Jamal Lewis and throw it to Kellen Winslow II. Fantasy sleeper: Jerome Harrison. 24. Miami Dolphins. Projected record: 6-10. Ted Ginn Jr.?? Ronnie Brown, Lorenzo Booker, and David Martin will catch a lot of balls. They got suckered on the Trent Green trade. They already had a better QB—Cleo F. Lemon. Fantasy sleeper: David Martin. 23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Projected record: 6-10. Easy schedule. Adding Jeff Garcia is a big deal (this year), because Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski played far below replacement-level last year. They added some much-needed o-linemen. Their defense added Cato June (who can't tackle well) and Gaines Adams (possible bust). But they have Sabby Piscitelli. Fantasy sleeper: Maurice Stovall. 22. New York Giants. Projected record: 6-10. Yes, Tiki Barber was good last year. Because his o-line was good. Brandon Jacobs is a BEHEMOTH!! Why 6-10 then? Because their defense will be awful. Fantasy sleeper: Steve Smith the Younger. 21. Dallas Cowboys. Projected record: 6-10. They play against some good defenses, and so the offense (Tony Romo, especially) should decline. Their pass defense will probably remain terrible. Fantasy sleeper: Patrick Crayton. 20. Oakland Raiders. Projected record: 6-10. I hope this ranking is higher than what all the other power rankings have. First, their pass defense is possibly the scariest in the league. It could be better than even Baltimore's, Jacksonville's, and Chicago's. Do you think coaching makes a difference? Gosh, I do. Last year they went into games with literally 3 running plays. Literally. Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter got murdered behind a line that wasn't coached to block properly. Josh McCown (the likely starter for now) is a fine replacement-level QB. They have a lot of good players on offense. Fantasy sleeper: Zach Miller and Michael Bush. 19. New York Jets. Projected record: 7-9. Last year was a fluke. They had a ridiculously easy schedule. This year it's pretty difficult. Both the offense and defense are slightly below average. Fantasy sleeper: David Harris. 18. San Francisco 49ers. Projected record: 7-9. I am projecting them to have the same record as last year, even though they are better this year. I know everyone loves (i.e., overrates) them. Nate Clements is one of the best CBs in the league, and Patrick Willis is a stud LB. But, the offensive side lost Norv Turner. I still expect Gore to be great, though. And Vernon Davis will be a freak. Darrell Jackson won't contribute much. Fantasy sleeper: Arnaz Battle. 17. Arizona Cardinals. Projected record: 8-8. They have a great young QB and two superstar WRs, and so they're going to run the ball 450 times. Brilliant! I have them going 8-8 because (a) they have the easiest schedule in the NFL and (b) I like their defense (Alan Branch, Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle, and Adrian Wilson). Fantasy sleeper: Leonard Pope. 16. Detroit Lions. Projected record: 8-8. Juggernaut offense. It was very good last year, and now defenses have to double cover Calvin Johnson. Who cares about RBs? They're there to catch passes too, until they get to the goal line, where big T.J. Duckett can pound it in. On defense, their front 7 is ok, but the secondary looks pretty bad without Dre' Bly. Fantasy sleeper: T.J. Duckett. 15. Seattle Seahawks. Projected record: 8-8. They were not good last year, even though they won a playoff game. Their o-line isn't that good aside from Walter Jones. But, the offense should be pretty good anyway. (I'm not drafting Shaun Alexander, though.) Their defense is still weak, particularly the secondary. Fantasy sleeper: D.J. Hackett. 14. St. Louis Rams. Projected record: 9-7. I love you, Rams. As usual, Marc Bulger (the 2nd best QB in the NFL) and Steven Jackson will be crazy, and the defense will be one of the worst in the league. (Adam Carriker should be pretty good, though.) Fantasy sleeper: Brian Leonard. 13. Green Bay Packers. Projected record: 9-7. Their pass defense is, secretly, really good. Either Vernand Morency or Brandon Jackson will be able to run behind that good o-line. Good team. Fantasy sleeper: Donald Lee. 12. Cincinnati Bengals. Projected record: 9-7. They finally have a little easier schedule. But their defense is really bad. Like, near the bottom against both rush and pass. Fantasy sleeper: Kenny Irons. 11. Philadelphia Eagles. Projected record: 10-6. I never have much to say about them, because they're pretty predictable. McNabb throws. Westbrook runs and catches. Top 10 pass defense, top 15 rush defense. Fantasy sleeper: Tony Hunt. 10. Pittsburgh Steelers. Projected record: 10-6. This switch to a wide-open passing system is going to be great. Their defense should be very good; although Mike Tomlin is making them switch to Tampa-2, he's a defensive genius. My man Lawrence Timmons is 'out with a groin.' It's a shame that they play against Jacksonville in week 15 (fantasy playoffs). Fantasy sleeper: Santonio Holmes. 9. Carolina Panthers. Projected record: 10-6. They had a bad o-coordinator last season. They will run DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams often, and Steve Smith will have a HUGE year. Their defense will be pretty good—probably top 10 in both categories. Fantasy sleeper: Jeff King. 8. New Orleans Saints. Projected record: 11-5. I don't see why the offense would regress. You can't 'figure out' Reggie Bush and Marques Colston. They are superior talents. Comparisons of Colston to Michael Clayton are absurd. Look for another big year from Drew Brees and Colston. I can't put them higher, though, because their defense is still pretty pathetic. (I still love Roman Harper, but he's still recovering from the ACL injury.) Fantasy sleeper: Eric Johnson. 7. Baltimore Ravens. Projected record: 11-5. They look pretty good. They lost Adalius Thomas and didn't replace Samari Rolle, but Willis McGahee should have a good season. Ben Grubbs was a good draft pick, and they still have Jonathan Ogden. They actually told Ed Reed they will bench him if he doesn't play within the scheme. Awesome! (I loved Reed until he started sucking.) Fantasy sleeper: Demetrius Williams. 6. Chicago Bears. Projected record: 12-4. They didn't lose Lance Briggs, and so they should still be the top defense in the NFC. The offense gains Devin Hester, Garrett Wolfe, and Greg Olsen. Fantasy sleeper: Adrian Peterson the Elder. 5. San Diego Chargers. Projected record: 11-5. First, let me say the following: if Michael Turner were in the 2008 NFL Draft, I would take him ahead of Darren McFadden. If LaDainian Tomlinson were put on I.R. in the preseason, I would select Michael Turner #1 overall in my draft. Now, are you ready for more of Tomlinson and Antonio Gates? They are way ahead of everyone else at their positions. Vincent Jackson is rather overrated this year in fantasy. 7th round is way too early. He's a good WR4 in round 10 if you stocked up on other positions. Anyway, the Chargers' defense is on the way down (although, along with Shawne Merriman and Jamal Williams, Antonio Cromartie is a stud). Last year was their chance at the Super Bowl. They would have OBLITERATED the Colts. But it was Peyton Manning's destiny to win. Fantasy sleeper: Michael Turner. 4. Denver Broncos. Projected record: 12-4. Their CBs are Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly!!! Travis Henry is a very good RB, too. Jay Cutler is a good QB. They keep loading up on d-linemen. They should be really good. Fantasy sleeper: D.J. Williams. 3. Indianapolis Colts. Projected record: 12-4. They made the offense better and the defense worse. Nice. Peyton Manning was the real MVP last season. (And I think Tomlinson is great.) Well, look for more fun, high-scoring games this year. Fantasy sleeper: DeDe Dorsey and Freddie Keiaho. 2. New England Patriots. Projected record: 13-3. Yes, they acquired WRs. They aren't unbeatable, they're just strong (top 10 or 15) in every area. Is their o-line good enough to win the championship? I'm not sure. They like to take away a team's #1 WR, and so a good #2 WR (like Reggie Wayne) gives them trouble. We've seen the Broncos and Dolphins own them. Fantasy sleeper: Sammy Morris. 1. Jacksonville Jaguars. Projected record: 13-3. Am I a crazy person? I don't think so. Rush defense: top 5. Pass defense: top 5. O-line: top 5. They have a new offensive coordinator, and he's a great choice for them. They realized that their WRs pretty much suck (at receiving, not blocking), and so they're going to focus on the RBs and TEs. Lord Byron Leftwich will have a better year, since he's not injured. They also drafted a punter in round 4 in order to fix that problem. If they don't make the playoffs again, fire Jack Del Rio immediately. Fantasy sleeper: Marcedes Lewis. Playoffs?! AFC 6. Chargers def. 3. Broncos 5. Colts def. 4. Ravens 1. Jaguars def. 6. Chargers 5. Colts def. 2. Patriots 1. Jaguars def. 5. Colts NFC 3. Eagles def. 6. Packers 5. Panthers def. 4. Rams 5. Panthers def. 1. Bears 2. Saints def. 3. Eagles 5. Panthers def. 2. Saints Super Bowl XLII JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - 13 CAROLINA PANTHERS - 7

Hey, I had the AFC #1 seed against the NFC #5 seed.

Norm Maleng's message: "It's ok to rape a girl if the date-rape drug works properly."

I like the 16-year-old virgin. She can be my girlfriend. Hot!

Renaldo Lapuz - We're Brothers Forever