The "Next Day Pill" for the NFL Draft

The 2011 NFL Draft started with a bang, no not who was picked number one. The fans at Radio Music Hall let Roger Goddell know their displeasure. He acknowledged, but the fans continued booing and chanting "we want football". I hope the NFL understands who is being hurt in the CBA process.

Carolina Panthers took Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton with the first overall pick. Not that it was a big surprise, as ESPN and NFL Network showed him on the phone prior to the pick. Whats the point of announcing if the networks show the guys on a phone prior to the pick? The excitement has wore off a bit being in the "Green Room".

The Arizona Cardinals surprised most experts by drafting cornerback Patrick Patterson. Most expected the Cardinals to address the quarterback position. But, Patterson is a sure thing if there ever was one. With the lockout ended, Cardinals may now proceed after Kevin Kolb or Donavan McNabb.

The Atlanta Falcons gave everyone the first surprise by the garage sale of picks to move to up to the sixth spot(Browns) for wide receiver Julio Jones. Then all of a sudden, the Titans took Jake Locker, then two picks later the Jaguars took quarterback Blaine Gabbert. But, the big surprise was the Vikings taking quarterback Christian Ponder. The Vikings pick was way out of left field, but they needed a quarterback for the future.

The Detroit Lions may soon have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. After adding the best defensive tackle seen in years last year with Ndamukong Suh, the Lions landed defensive tackle Nick Fairley. The Lions have now two of the best young motors at defensive tackle. All quarterbacks better lookout, it could be a long season for all the Lions opponents.

Other winners from the draft were the New York Giants by picking cornerback Prince Amukamara. Along with the Indianapolis Colts getting offensive tackle Anthony Castonoza. Although the Baltimore Ravens got skipped by trying to make a last minute deal, they were able to get cornerback Jimmy Smith. The New Orleans Saints landed the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner running back Mark Ingram. And apparently Reggie Bush must be heading out he door. Bush Tweeted "Its been fun New Orleans".

Round two and three begins today (Friday) at 6pm est. The New England Patriots have the first pick in the second round. I am sure their phones have been ring off the hook since last night with team trying to move. I will have updates during the draft via Twitter, follow me @BrockHubble.

2011 NFL Mock Draft

1.  PATHERS  Cam Newton QB - I don't think Carolina wants to be that team that misses out on Newton if he becomes a Superstar.  I personally think Newton will be an average QB in the NFL

2.  BRONCOS  Von Miller LB - Broncos were weak last year at their LB position. But, so was their DL.  This pick become DT Marcell Dareus .

3.  BILLS  Marcell Dareus DT - Perfect 3-4 DL, he can play all 3 spots

4.  BENGALS  AJ Green WR - Cincy needs a big change at WR. With last years addition of Jordan Shipley and the exit of Terrell Owens and aging Ochocinco, Bengals need to reload at WR

5.  CARDINALS  Patrick Peterson CB - Probably the most talented athlete in the draft.  Cardinals need a QB, but must expect to get a veteran (Kolb) or a rookie QB later in draft

6.  BROWNS  Julio Jones WR - Adding another threat to their offense. They have found them a hard nosed RB and a couple other WR threats. But, who is going to throw the ball to these guys, McCoy?

7.  49ERS  Blaine Gabbert QB - Lets see if the 49ers can find their franchise QB.  Neither Alex Smith or Troy Smith are getting the job done

8.  TITANS  Nick Fairley DT - Defensive Tackle has always been a high profile position for the Titans. With possibility (rumors) of Haynesworth returning to the Titans, Fairley could learn alot from the once pro bowler.

9.  COWBOYS  Tyron Smith OT - The first offensive linemen comes off the board. The Cowboys needed BIG help on the offensive line last year.

10.  REDSKINS  Cameron Jordan DE - Time to start to find a pass rusher for this defense. If Haynesworth does stay, it would be a great benefit for Jordan

11.  TEXANS  Aldon Smith DE - A perfect pick for the Texans as they change their defense to a 3-4 scheme.  Texans finally realized what gives the Colts offense fits

12.  VIKINGS  Robert Quinn DE - Robert maybe the most athletic defensive linemen in this years draft.  Vikings looking for dline help opposite Allen. 

13.  LIONS  Anthony Castonzo OL - Lions keep adding bulk to their offensive line, to keep Stafford of IR

14.  RAMS  Corey Liuget DT - The Rams drafted their offensive anchor last season, now they are doing the same for the defense by adding one of the best DT in draft

15.  DOLPHINS  Mike Pouncey C/OG - Pouncey has worked his way up the draft boards the last few months.  The Dolphins keep adding depth to a team looking to runt he ball.

16.  JAGUARS  Ryan Kerrigan DE - Another great defensive end.  Jags are looking to put pressure on the opposing QBs, specifically Peyton Manning

17.  PATRIOTS  Gabe Carimi OT - It can never hurt to add depth and strength to an aging offensive line

18. CHARGERS  JJ Wattt DE - Anther 3-4 team looks for a perfect fit for their scheme.  Watt is a great fit.

19.  GIANTS  Mark Ingram RB - The Giants running game is a little weak for a team that needs to run.  Jacobs isn't getting the job done, so they look for a RB shaped like a bowling ball.

20.  BUCANEERS  Da'Quan Bowers DE - Once was talked about as a #1 pick overall, now has slid to the Bucs at 20th.  Works out great for the Bucs getting such a great talent so late.

21.  CHIEFS  Danny Watkins OL - Was never expected to go this high, but the Chiefs need help on their offensive line. Stop the pressure on the QB and give their RBs some bigger holes to run through.

22.  COLTS  Nate Solder OT - The Colts are not hiding anything. They have said for the past two years they have needed help at saving Peyton's blindside. 

23.  EAGLES  Muhammad Wilkerson DT - Here we go again Eagles. Draft a young touted DT, maybe this time it will work out.

24.  SAINTS  Phil Taylor DL - Its time the the Saints start to beef up the center part of their defensive line.  Taylor can add a big plug to help with the rushing defense.

25.  SEAHAWKS  Jimmy Smith CB - Seahawks look to beef up their secondary with a very talented cover CB.  His size at CB is what all teams would love to have.

26.  RAVENS  Aarron Williams CB - A major need for the Ravens defense. Its that easy.

27.  FALCONS  Kyle Rudolph TE - Gonzos replacement.  Who better to learn from a fast, great hands, and smart TE.  Rudolph is a bigger Dallas Clark who block better.

28.  PATRIOTS  Jake Locker QB - Wondered when he would finally be taken. A good kid, who will learn from one of the best in the league.  Locker needs to think about how Green Bay handled grooming their QB and hope for the same outcome.

29.  BEARS  Jonathan Baldwin WR - The Bears are looking for any upgrade they can get at wide outs.  Cutler has struggled, but he has had the best talent to throw to either.

30.  JETS  Akeem Ayers OLB - Blitz, blitz, blitz...that is Rex Ryan's defensive plan. So they add some great pressure on the outside.

31.  STEELERS  Prince Amukamara CB - Steelers need cover corners. Their defense is great, but always getting beat on corner coverage.

32.  PICK TRADED  - I believe someone will trade for this pick and draft Andy Dalton QB

From The Nosebleed Seats

-  Watching the Bulls/Pacers game last night, and hearing the #1 seeded Bulls fans taunt #8 seed Pacers.  That is pretty classless.  I love the city of Chicago and a BIG Cubs fan, but very disgusted how the Bulls fans were. I would say act like you been there, but most of the young fans weren't really old enough to remember the six championships.

-  2011 NFL Draft?  When is the draft?  Is there a draft?  It seems this years lockout is over shadowing the draft.  I can never remember so little talk about who will go where.  What's sad, the young men who are entering the draft lose on the experience.  This should be a wonderful three days, but instead it's being forgotten because of the lockout. 

-  Ron Artest seven years ago was involved in one of the ugliest moments in NBA history.  The Malice in the Palace was a black eye for NBA, Pacers, and Artest. The NBA was able to heal quickly, but both Artest and the Pacers struggled to gain positive recognition.  The Pacers qualified for their first playoff appearance since 2005, slowly coming back.  Artest, was awarded the J. Walker Kennedy Citizenship Award by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.  Artest has been a big spokesperson for  raising awareness for mental health issue.

-  There has been Sock Gate with Curt Schillings bloody sock, Spy Gate with the Patriots, and now finally Ankle Gate.  Two of the top players in the NBA have been involved in the Ankle Gate conspiracy.  The Bulls Derrick Rose and Lakers Kobe Bryant both had bum ankles prior to their last games.  When it was time to tipoff, neither seemed to struggle with their ankles.  It reminds me of the Micheal Jordan Flu Gate days. Jordan would have flu like symptoms during every playoff series. 

-  The Sacramento Kings are on the verge moving the Anaheim.  The Kings want a new arena, but there are speed bumps or stop signs via the city.  If the NBA must move a team, then move a team that doesn't have such a history with their city.  Why not Toronto, where players lose almost have their pay because of Canada's high tax rate.  Or, what about Charlotte, oh wait never mind Jordan is the NBA.  OK, well New Orleans have had their struggles and been mentioned of possible moves.  The NBA should not put a third team in southern California.  Put a team in LasVegas.  Personally, the Kings should stay in Sacramento and move the Hornets to LasVegas and actually be in the West.

From The Nose Bleed Seats

Is the lockout over?

So Judge Susan Nelson approved the injunction in favor of the players?  Or, is her decision more in favor of the fans? Sure the lockout is lifted, but does that mean daily activities will change for players or management?

Multiple reports via Twitter, from NFL sources are reporting players have shown up to their facilities today.  Unfortunately, management is not allowing access to weight rooms.  Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday told his teammates to continue their workouts away from the facility.

What does the lift really mean?  Players can't talk to coaches or vice versa.  No free agency, trades, or negotiations will still not take place during the lift. So, what good does the injunction do for both parties? Well, nothing really.  Owners have to decide if business will continue as previous CBA, or try to get a new CBA deal done ASAP.

Judge Nelson told both sides they have had three years to work on the new CBA.  The distribution of the nine billion seems to be the holdup, which Nelson found to be ridiculous. The NFL has asked for a stay, and Judge Nelson has set a deadline for the plaintiffs (NFLPA) to respond. Judge Nelson will have no ruling today.

The NFL draft will still take place this week April 28-30 in New York.  If you are near the draft, don't forget visit Dan Patrick and the Danettes @ Hooters West 56th Street, New York City.