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Steve Sabol: Game Changer (1942 – 2012)

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

by Devin McMillan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, the sports world (the world of NFL football in particular) lost a legend.  Steve Sabol, one half of the father-son tandem that revolutionized sports broadcasting with the way they shot and chronicled the history of the National Football League, lost his battle with Brain Cancer at the age of 69.  Diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2011, Mr. Sabol was fortunate enough to be around to induct his father and NFL Films founder Ed Sabol into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year.

Steve Sabol (standing) with father Ed Sabol (sitting) at Ed’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction in 2011

 The charismatic president of NFL Films played many different roles within the company.  Steve Sabol started out as a cinematographer and went on to win 35 Emmys in that particular discipline, as well as in writing, producing, directing, and editing.  He took the reins of his father’s brainchild and further changed the way we watch football, bringing us closer to the players, coaches, officials, and the game in general.  NFL Films immortalized and humanized the game and its most prominent figures all at the same time.

On behalf of the entire staff here at War Room Sports, I’d like to send condolences to the Sabol family and I’d also like to say “thank you”.  Steve Sabol will be sorely missed; however his contributions to the game will live on forever.

 

 

Devin McMillan of “The War Room”, for War Room Sports

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T.O………….Your Life is Calling You!

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

Hey T.O. it’s me, your Conscience!  The Ghost of T.O. past, present, and future awaits us!  Terrell, someone asked how you were doing these days and you politely told them, “I’m in hell.”  Now how could that be?  You are T freaking O! 
Shall we stroll down memory lane?  We beat the odds getting to the NFL in the first place!  We were able to observe the legendary work ethic from the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice.  We lasted 15 seasons, been one of the top receivers in the game for over a decade, and our career numbers will hold up against any receiver that has ever played in this league.  Where did we go wrong?  Why are we in such turmoil? 
_*The Ghost of T.O. Past*_
 
Let’s be quite frank Terrell; we $H*T on a lot of folks to get to this “hell” we find ourselves in.  Yes we did!  WE REALLY DID!  Since our memory is short, let us reflect on the past that may have led to our misery.  Remember when we, (I mean *you*) did all of those wonderful things to people!
Jerry Rice’s last home game as a 49er; you caught what was then an NFL record 20 receptions while Rice was on the field.  That was really the beginning of T.O. (me, me, me!).  Out with the old, in with the new, right?
How about Jeff Garcia?  You implied that he was gay in an interview!  Goodness, there was nothing I could do to stop you from opening your mouth that day.  Twenty-four hours later, you typically denied ever saying it.
Standing on the STAR in Dallas!  I was telling you “NO, NO, NO”!  You did it anyway. Genius move!  I just wish I had gotten credit for that one.  When you did it a second time I could only shake my head, but it was still genius!
When you played with Donovan McNabb (then quarterback of the Philadelphia  Eagles), he had his best years as a quarterback when he was throwing you the ball on every down.  But you defecated on him by announcing to the world that he was tired and had poor conditioning during the Superbowl.  Your criticism of Donovan ended what could have been a dynamic duo.
The Dallas Cowboys, you remember them?  It seemed to be a perfect match even though the “Glorified Gym Teacher” (Bill Parcells) used to call you “The Player” instead of your real name or nickname.  (Now that’s funny)!  I truly believe you enjoyed playing with Romo.  You even shed a tear for him when he was accused of letting Jessica Simpson wreck the team!  That all changed in the last year of your contract when you decided to rip Romo because he was secretly designing plays and allegedly holding private meetings with Jason Witten.  But Terrell, you were still the man in Dallas.  You were getting your usual share of the ball despite leading the league in drops.  Why mess with what was working?  As in years past, our antics were no longer cute and we, I mean you, were no longer pursued by elite teams.  You were only getting one year deals from Buffalo and Cincinnati.   

_*The Ghost of T.O. Present*_

Why are we “in hell”?  It has been a difficult year.  For the first time in 15 years we didn’t lace ’em up for any team in the NFL, because of an ACL tear in our knee.  What made matters worse was the fact that our injury happened right before a lockout year.   

We held a televised mini combine in October.  Not one NFL team showed up for our workout.  Let’s stay positive.  When they see the footage, word will get out that we are as healthy as ever.  Soon the phone will begin to ring.  All we have to do is be patient.

The Ghost of Present has to intervene.  Terrell, at age 38 and coming off major knee surgery, we are still a top 20 NFL receiver.   Why didn’t we get a call?  Has father time set in finally?  Is this the time NFL teams are going for a youth movement?  We can still play this game, can’t we?  T.O., is it possible that we are being “black-balled” by the league now?  I wonder if Barry Bonds has the same questions about baseball.  Has the way we treated people our whole career finally caught up with us?  I think we really left a bad taste in all of our employers’ mouths.  The NFL world revels in the fact that we have been unemployed for so long (until recently) and that our reality T.V. show has failed.  

“In hell” as you say?  Is it because we are foolishly wasting our fortune?  The media is dragging our good name in whale dung by helping these gold-digging females who demand $44,000 a month in child support…. $44,000 a month………Are you kidding me?!?!?!  Yeah, I guess you are right, we are “in hell”!  Did we learn anything by spreading our seed all over this country?  I guess one part of our body was HARD-headed!  A true friend would have advised us to get a vasectomy!  A vasectomy would have kept a lot of money in our pockets.  Paying for all these unwanted kids with these devouring lottery ticket holders who we don’t want any relationship with was stupid!  FOOL ME ONCE, SHAME ON YOU!  FOOL ME THREE TIMES, SHAME ON ME!

Why are we “in hell”?  Eighty million dollars not accounted for!  Bad investments, giving to four different charities every month (baby mamas).  I thought we had trustworthy people watching over our money!  Why weren’t we more careful about our money?  Should we have buried wads of cash in our backyard?  How many stories do we hear about dumb ass athletes who become broke five years after their career is over?  It could not possibly happen to us.  We are T freaking O right?!  

 _*The Ghost of T.O. Future.*_

We are “in hell”.  I don’t like the sound of that; it’s easy for us to give up.  We have tried twice to put an end to us in the past (despite my publicist saying we had “25 million reasons to live”).  Thank the Lord he did not take us.  Let’s look at the positives:  We bought into an arena team called the Allen Wranglers.  Our game plan was to get our legs back.  There would be game film for the NFL to see that we are ready for the upcoming season.  When the phone rings, our next employer will see how our attitude has changed.  We will be contrite, and be thankful for any opportunity that awaits us.  Seattle, HERE WE COME!!! 

There is life after football Terrell.  Believe it or not we are close to the end and even though we haven’t prepared ourselves very well, there is a bright future ahead of us.  First off, we are good looking with a million dollar smile.  We will always find a way to make money.  There will be modeling and acting opportunities.  We can host our own radio or television show.  Heck if Keyshawn Johnson, Michael Irvin, or even Chris Carter can be an NFL analyst, I am sure we can. 

The most important thing is to keep our faith.  We have a lot of living to do.  We are accountable for four children that need us and as ridiculous as the child support payments are, I’m pretty sure payments will go down once we are out of the league for good.  No more pointing fingers, we are the decision maker so let us make better choices.

Football has opened up plenty of doors for us so let’s walk through them and seize new opportunities.  Remember our motto, “I Love Me Some Me”!  
So “get your popcorn ready”!
 
 
LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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Who is the Villain?

Monday, May 7th, 2012

By Brandon McConnell

Growing up in Kansas City, my father always liked taking our family to the movies during the summer.  He loved to watch a good action movie.  I can remember him arguing with his friends for weeks about different scenes in the original Terminator movie.  In all of these movies, there was a good guy to root for and a villain to go against.

Over the years, there have been several villains in movies.  Superman had Lex Luthor, Batman had the Joker, and Luke Skywalker had Darth Vader.  Anyone who knows me can tell you who is my all-time villain.  That would be Wesley Snipes’ character Nino Brown in the best movie ever, New Jack City. 

I thought about this topic while listening to an ESPN sports radio show discussing something similar this past weekend.  Just like in every action movie, there is a villain that the audience is supposed to go against or strangely root for.

In baseball, you could consider Barry Bonds a villain.  He broke the home run record and is known as one of the best baseball players ever, with an asterisk, since he took performance enhancement drugs “without knowing”.  Side note, if my head size went from a 7 to an 8 after age 24, I would check with a doctor about that.  He was always a complete jerk to the media.

Basketball has their fair share of villains.  Dennis Rodman is the first one that comes to mind.  He was an original Bad Boy for the Detroit Pistons championship teams.  Dennis and his teammates believed it was their duty to beat the crap out of Michael and Scottie any chance they could.   

Football has a couple villains as well.  One of the most recent inductees to the villain fraternity would be Gregg Williams, GODFATHER of the BOUNTY.  He turned a mediocre New Orleans Saints team into a championship defense just by giving the team an incentive (BOUNTY) to do what they were already going to do. 

Villains in the sports world can be players, coaches or even owners.  Let me know who are some people you think are the villains of their sport and what they did to give themselves the VILLAIN title.

Brandon McConnell of “Respect Da Game”, for War Room Sports

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A Letter to Roger Goodell

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

“Commish”:

I  never thought I would see the day when the game of football would be watered down enough to allow women to play in the National Football League!  I never thought this day would happen.  You have shown that you are an equal opportunist, and for that sake I will be entering my seven year old daughter in little league football this fall!

I think it’s ridiculous that we are in 2012 suspending and fining four New Orleans Saints players for being part of the so-called bounty program that lead to no career-ending injuries on the football field.  Jonathan Vilma gets suspended for a year for being part of the bounty program?  Wasn’t he taking orders from his coach?  This is professional football, isn’t it?  Football is America’s newest past time.  Players look forward to the fall season to play this wonderful game because of the love, passion, and without a doubt the paycheck that provides them a good living.   

Mr. Goodell, with all these rule changes, you, the commish are destroying this barbaric game I have enjoyed watching every Sunday.  A defender can’t hit a “defenseless” receiver; I wonder how many receptions are completed because of that rule?  Helmet to helmet hits; Football is a contact sport and collisions happen.  No one is thinking about trying to tackle with their heads.  It’s funny, I have seen players hit with their shoulders and still get a penalty for helmet to helmet contact.  The rules are unnecessary and flawed!  I love the pending new rule about trying to omit the kickoff, because it’s dangerous?  I believe in safety but stop trying to put kid gloves on grown men!  Each individual who plays this game knows the risk of injury.  I don’t feel sorry for football players who go out there each weekend and play this violent sport.  I think it’s a bunch of crap that these players have lawsuits pending because of concussions and other injuries they develop during their careers.  There is risk in anything and everything that you do.  I don’t see anybody quitting the game because of an injury.  I see athletes working their butts off to get back in the game.

Mr. Goodell, I don’t see our Government placing yellow jerseys on our military personnel.  Our  soldiers know the minute they sign up, the risk they are putting themselves in.  Why do you think they sign on?  Is it because of the patriotism, honor, integrity?  We know it’s definitely not for the pay!

What about police and firefighters who risk their lives every time someone calls 911?  Citizens have to think police officers are insane for potentially getting shot at for a living, or watching firefighters go into burning buildings while everyone else is running out of them!  Police officers wear protective vests but it doesn’t mean they won’t get injured.  Firefighters wear SCBA masks to avoid smoke, but somehow are still threatened by black lungs.  I don’t see anyone protecting them.  There are more police personnel and firefighters that are in worse shape long term than anybody in your league.  I guess what I am really trying to say is, I don’t care about injuries in your league!  I don’t care about what happens to the players when their careers are over.  It’s risky business out there.  Do you think your league is the only place people get hurt?  Mr. Goodell, I bet if you asked a firefighter or police officer why they chose their profession they would tell you because of their love and passion. 

Mr. Goodell, you run the National Football League, and ever since you have taken over as commissioner, you have become more of a dictator.  Your fans have paid good money, whether they attend the functions in person, go to a bar, or watch your product at home.  There is nothing wrong with the game right now.  The bounties in the NFL resulted in the suspensions toward the Saints organization.  Who’s career ended because of these bounties?  Did you suspend people because of a tactic to get the job done?  NO ONE WAS HURT from it.  I am sitting here as a novice spectator watching the NHL playoffs and all I see are hits after hits.  Makes me wonder if America should be watching hockey over the newest past time.

LeRoy McConnell of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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Pardon My Interruption!

Monday, April 30th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

Each day at 5 pm I tend to turn on the “four letter network” to get my sports fix, but it seems that I may as well be watching the local news instead.  Lately, the sports show starts off with some sort of breaking news, or the top story of today, and it has nothing to do with sports.  I just want to see scores, highlights, and previews for tonight’s games.  What do I get instead…….. a bunch of bullshit!

There are so many exciting things going on in the world of sports.  In football, we had the much anticipated NFL draft, but as soon as the weekend is up, all the attention will go back to “As The New Orleans Saints Turn”!  The baseball season has begun and baseball fans all over the country are optimistic about their team’s success.  Baseball was running smoothly until the morning of April 27, 2012 when Delmon Young involves himself in a racial hate crime which leads to an arrest.  The regular season in the NBA has come to an end and now the world can finally watch some good playoff basketball.  Leading up to the playoffs, last Sunday in the Staples Center, Metta World Peace’s altar ego was at it again.  After having much success in recent weeks, he was shown celebrating after a made dunk.  Metta, who was pounding his chest, purposely woke up Big Bad Ron and what do you know……. he maliciously elbowed James Harden of the OKC Thunder in the back of the head/neck area, knocking him silly to a standing eight count. 

Breaking News:

Detroit Tigers' Delmon Young

 

Athletes at every level, have to be accountable for all their actions.  There is no excuse for a player such as Delmon Young to exercise his right to be out in public at 2:40 in the morning.  He was intoxicated, and allegedly shoving a man to the ground and making anti-Semitic remarks.  What is the old saying? “Nothing good happens after midnight”.  We all have heard that saying, and I have to believe it’s a true statement.  I don’t want to hear the apology written by Delmon’s entourage because I know good and well he doesn’t mean it, and the damage is done.  Delmon Young, look in the mirror son!  You are a black man in Major League Baseball, a league who’s African American players make up only 8% of the sport.  Earlier this month the league just celebrated Jackie Robinson Day.  What does that day mean to you, Delmon?  Jackie Robinson was the man!  He was a pioneer who withstood  insults and racism, while still having to compete in a league where no one looked like him, and certainly didn’t want him there in the first place.  He is the reason why you and other minorities have gotten that slim chance of being a professional ballplayer.  You have been on notice since the day you reached the majors and you can ill-afford any negative publicity.  The Detroit Tigers cannot afford the racist remarks you’ve made; heck didn’t you learn anything from the Ozzie Guillen fiasco?  Think son, THINK!

My last rant goes to Mr. World Peace.  Fine time to bring out your evil twin.  As I said earlier, the worse thing you could have done Metta, is beat your chest because Ron Artest couldn’t wait to come out and play!  Ron, you threw a vicious elbow to the back of James Harden’s neck, and you even had the nerve to run down the court and act as if you did nothing wrong.  I guess I have to believe you were the last to realize you actually hurt this man.  As the great Charlie Murphy  would say, “you are a habitual line crosser”!  Ron, you will lose over $350,000 in this latest suspension for swinging your elbow.  You have been suspended over 118 games in your career.  You apologized, but I am sick of them.  I don’t want to hear it, sincere or not.  If it was an accident, you should have gone to him while he was lying on the ground immediately after the incident happened.  You are a buffoon.  The league is kind to you, and I don’t understand why you are not appreciative of being a part of the game.  The LA Lakers have to do damage control as did Indiana back in 2004 with your altercation among players and fans during a game against the Detroit Pistons.  If there is talk of bounties in sports, you are it Ron!  There will be a time when you have played your last game, and don’t be surprised if it’s real soon.  My prediction for you, Ron, is you will be black balled from the league, and you will only have yourself to blame.  Come to think of it, you are better fit throwing your hat in the ring as a professional boxer.  Once again, America is salivating for a new Heavyweight Champ.  You would be perfect for the sport and without a doubt be loved by everybody once you’ve become the champ!  Oh well, just a thought.

Now back to your regularly scheduled sports program.

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top Remaining Prospects Going Into Rounds 4-7

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports

The first three rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft are now in the books and rounds 4-7 are today starting at 12 noon.  I have given you my top 100 prospects going into the draft, then I gave you my top 32 going into rounds 2 and 3, and now I will give you the top remaining prospects left on my original board of 100. 

Listen to Sports Trap Radio this morning from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as Chris Marshall and myself recap the NFL Draft and preview the NBA playoffs.  Feel free to call in at 267-519-1111.

I had Lamar Miller as the 31st ranked prospect in the draft, a possible late 1st to early 2nd round selection, but he's still on the board after three rounds. Check this list out and see who else is available going into rounds 4-7.

 

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

64. Alemda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St.

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

84. Vontaze Burfict 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 32 On The Board After Round 1

Friday, April 27th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Round 1 of the 2012 NFL Draft was last night and there were some surprises.  Here are the top 32 rated players left on my board going into the second and third rounds:

Janoris Jenkins is arguably the best cover corner in this draft. While in the SEC, he shut down the likes of Julio Jones, A.J. Green, and Reuben Randle in 2010. His off the field issues has him still on the board going into round two.

 

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

25. Courtney Upshaw DE?OLB 6-2 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St. 

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 295lbs Cincinnati

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43. Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C 6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

49. Alshon Jeffrey 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia 

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St.

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft Final Big Board: Top 100 Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is tonight and after my scouting and evaluation, here is my final list of the top 100 prospects in this draft.  Also listen to our special NFL Draft version of sports talk radio tonight, as I will join my War Room Sports family from 7pm-9pm on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewarroom/2012/04/26/2012-nfl-draft-special-ep-90 , to preview and breakdown the draft live.  Also listen to Sports Trap Radio on Saturday from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as we will go over the first three rounds of the draft and preview the final day of the draft.

1. Matt Kalil OT 6-6 306lbs USC

2. Trent Richardson RB 5-9 228lbs Alabama

3. Morris Claiborne CB 5-11 188lbs LSU

4. Robert Griffin III QB 6-2 1/2 223lbs Baylor

5. Andrew Luck QB 6-4 234lbs Stanford

6.Fletcher Cox DT/DE 6-4 298lbs Miss St.

7. Mark Barron S 6-1 213lbs Alabama

8.Quinton Coples DE 6-6 284lbs UNC

9. Micheal Brockers DT 6-5 322lbs LSU

10. Riley Rieff OT 6-6 313lbs Iowa

11. Justin Blackmon WR 6-1 207lbs Okla St.

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

14. David DeCastro OG 6-5 313lbs Stanford

15. Micheal Floyd WR 6-2 223 lbs Notre Dame

16. Luke Kuechely ILB 6-2 242lbs Boston College

17.Stephon Gilmore CB 6-0 190lbs South Carolina

18. Dont’a Hightower ILB 6-2 265lbs Alabama

19. Nick Perry DE 6-3 270lbs USC 

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

21. Kendall Wright WR 5-10 196lbs Baylor

22. Melvin Ingram DE/OLB 6-1 272 South Carolina

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

24. Dre Kirkpatrick CB 6-1 5/8 Alabama

25. Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB 6-1 5/8 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St. 

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

30. Harrison Smith S 6-2 213lbs Notre Dame

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

32. Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Illinois

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

35. Shea McClellin OLB/DE 6-3 260lbs Boise St.

36. Chandler Jones DE/OLB 6-6 266lbs Syracuse

37. David Wilson RB 5-10 206lbs Va. Tech

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

39. Doug Martin RB 5-9 223lbs Boise St.

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 298lbs Cincinnati

41. Kevin Zeitler OG 6-4 314lbs Wisconsin

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43.  Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

44. Brandon Weeden QB 6-3 223lbs Okla St.

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C  6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

48. Ryan Tannehill QB  6-4 221lbs Texas A&M

49. Alshon Jeffrey WR 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

50. Dontari Poe NT/DT 6-4 345lbs Memphis

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James RB 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St. 

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF 

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

63. Mychal Kendricks ILB 5-11 240lbs Cal

64. Alameda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St. 

66. Micheal Engew TE 6-5 2522lbs Missouri 

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

68. Brandon Brooks OG/OT 6-5 353lbs Miami(OH)

69. Ryan Broyles WR 5-10 192lbs Oklahoma

70. Jeff Allen OG 6-4 303lbs Illinois

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

72. Mike Martin DT 6-1 308lbs Michigan

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

74. Amini Silatolu OG 6-4 311lbs Midwestern St.

75. A.J. Jenkins WR 6-0 191lbs Illinois

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

78. Mohamed Sanu WR 6-1 1/2  215lbs Rutgers

80. Mitchell Schwartz OT 6-6 318lbs Cal

81. Zach Brown OLB 6-1 244lbs UNC

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

83. Bruce Irvin OLB 6-3 245lbs West Virginia

84. Vontaze Burfict ILB 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

85. Kelechi Osemele OG 6-5 1/2 333 Iowa St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

87. Sean Spence OLB 5-11 230lbs Miami

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

89. Bernard Pierce RB 6-0 218lbs Temple

90. Donald Stevenson OT 6-5 1/2 311 lbs Oklahoma

91. Demario Davis OLB Arkansas St. 6-2 235lbs

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs Iowa

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

98. Isiah Pead RB 5-10 197lbs Cincinnati

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

100. Tony Bergstrom OG 6-5 313lbs Utah

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Cornerback Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

This year’s group of corners is a talented group of players.   I predict about 4-6 of them to be off of the board in the first two rounds.  Here is the list of my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for in later rounds.

1. Morris Claiborne 5-11 188lbs LSU

Strengths: Has great technique, smooth hips, great footwork, and ball skills.  Isn’t the athlete that his former teammate Patrick Peterson is, but he has better natural corner skills.  He is able to be left on an island by himself and he can handle top flight WR’s on his own.  Also has Kick and Punt Return Skills as well. 

Weaknesses: Is kind of thin, but seems to have a frame that he can add good weight to.  Is willing to tackle in the run game, but I would like to see better form with his tackling. I’ve seen him duck his head down often to tackle players.

Grade: Top 3-5 pick

2. Janoris Jenkins 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

Strengths: Is a shade behind Claiborne when it comes to natural cornerback skills and ability.  He’s that good.  Was a three year starter and one of the best corners in the SEC before being kicked off the team.  Is equally effective in press man coverage or off of the line.  Has great anticipation skills, similar to that of Asante Samuel.  Has experience running kickoffs and punts, returned 3 for TD’s this past season.

Weaknesses: His off the field troubles are what’s keeping him from being drafted in the top 15 of this draft.  It’s the only thing that’s scares teams and has him going in the 2nd or third round.

Grade: Mid First round

3. Stephon Gilmore 6-0 190lbs South Carolina 

Strengths: Is a good press coverage corner, uses his long arms to his advantage at the line of scrimmage and displays good hips and footwork.  Has great speed and catch up speed.  Is a willing tackler in the run game.  Has been a starter from day one as a true freshman.

Weaknesses: Isn’t as good when playing off when he’s in press or right at the line of scrimmage.  Can get sloppy with his technique at times and get beat with double moves.

Grade: Mid First Round

4. Dre Kirkpatrick 6-2 185lbs Alabama

Strengths: Very physical corner, is at his best when playing zone coverage.  Instincts and play recognition has gotten better from sophomore to junior seasons.  Is a good tackler, not afraid to put a hat on a ball carrier and deliver a blow.  He will be a perfect fit on a team with a zone based scheme.  He really reminds me of Charles Tillman from the Chicago Bears.

Weaknesses: Isn’t much of a man corner.  Doesn’t display the natural man cover ability, hips, and footwork.  Doesn’t have great hands or ball skills, drops potential interceptions or knocks balls down instead of going for the pick.

Grade: Late First round

5. Casey Hayward 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt 

Strengths: Does a great job reading the quarterback and playing the ball in zone coverage.  He’s at his best in the zone, would be a fit for a team that runs a lot of cover 2 and 3.  Isn’t a knockout artist, but he’s a willing tackler.  Gets his hands on a lot of passes.

Weaknesses: Isn’t great in man coverage, has problems keeping up with elite speed downfield.  Doesn’t have great change of direction skills and gets beat often. 

Grade: Mid 2nd round pick

Next 5: Trumaine Robinson 6-2 204lbs Montana, Josh Robinson 5-10 199lbs UCF, Josh Norman 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina, Brandon Boykin 5-9 182lbs Georgia, Ron Brooks 5-10 190lbs LSU

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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NFL Draft: Top 5 Safety Prospects

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Nowadays with the passing game being so big in the NFL, having a safety that can cover man to man at times and in zone is key to having an elite defense.  This year’s class of safeties is more top heavy, I expect two at the most to get picked in the first two rounds of the draft.  As always I will give you my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for.

1. Mark Barron 6-1 211lbs Alabama

Strengths: The total package at safety.  Clearly the best prospect at his position on the board.  Has great size, speed and agility.  Is a fearless hitter, will knock out defenders coming across middle or will take on a running back head on in the hole.  Has the instincts you look for from a safety.  Will do a great job matching up with tight ends in coverage due to his strength and size.

Weaknesses: Can struggle in man coverage against smaller and quick WR’s. 

Grade: Top Ten pick

2. Harrison Smith 6-1 215lbs Notre Dame

Strengths: Big time hitter, great playing up in the box and stopping the run.  Has good cover skills, does a nice job man to man on TE’s.  Has played some strong side linebacker during his time in college as well.  Can come right in and start at strong safety from day one.  Has the instincts and experience to do so.

Weaknesses: Would like to see him make more plays on the ball than he did in his final season.  Has okay agility, but not good enough to man up with slot receivers.

Grade: Late first round

3. Brandon Taylor 5-11 202lbs LSU

Strengths: One of my favorite players in this draft, he is going to be a real good pick for a team in possibly the early third round.  He is a perfect fit for a team who runs a cover two or cover 3 based scheme.  Makes up for what he lacks in quickness with smarts, pre-play reads, and great instincts.  He brings the ruckus when he hits a ball carrier, very physical presence on the field.

Weaknesses: Lacks the elite speed to be kept back as a single high safety in the NFL.  Is more effective in zone coverage than man to man.  His hips and change of direction ability isn’t good enough to play a lot of man coverage.

Grade: Late Early third round

4. Antonio Allen 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

Strengths:  Is at his best playing in the box near the line of scrimmage, played the rover position in the Gamecocks defense.  Is a good blitzer, shows good timing and finds the open lane to get pressure on the QB.  Is effective against the run, does a nice job making tackles one on one against ball carriers.  I can see him playing Strong Safety in the NFL in the box or playing 1/2 of the field in a cover 2 scheme.

Weaknesses: Can be exposed in man coverage, is best suited in the zone.  Lacks top level speed.  Has been beat on two separate occasions on flea flickers, he got caught looking in the backfield.

Grade: 4th round

5. Markelle Martin 6-0 207lbs Oklahoma St.

Strengths:  Will be a free safety at the next level, has the range and speed to play a one high role.  Got his hands on plenty of balls during his final season, but dropped more than he caught (3 INT’s).  Is a willing tackler, does a good job of wrapping up and bringing the ball carrier down.

Weaknesses: His man to man coverage skills need work.  Needs to use better angles when pursuing the ball in the air.

Grade: 4th round

Next 5: George Iloka 6-4 225lbs Boise State, Charles Mitchell 5-11 202lbs Miss St., Brandon Hardin 6-3 222lbs Oregon St., Kelcie McCray 6-2 202lbs Arkansas St., Justin Bethel 5-11 200lbs Presbyterian 

Next up: Top 5 Cornerbacks

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

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