New Carr Smell: Derek Carr not getting attention he deserves

March 28, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Carr is revving his engines for the NFL.

When the Houston Texans began their journey into the NFL, they had the number one pick in the 2002 Draft. With that pick the Texans took a quarterback named Carr to build their franchise around. Now, twelve years later, they have the same opportunity once again.

While his brother maybe considered a bust, you cannot sell Derek Carr short because of his brother’s NFL career. The main reason for his brother’s so-called lack of success because he was on an expansion franchise with no talent around him. He was destined to fail. With the Draft approaching we’ve all heard about Bortles, Bridgewater, and Manziel, but not about Carr. He has the build at 6’3 and 220 pounds that scouts are looking for with a great arm. True his competition wasn’t great, but it’s not that far removed from Bridgewater and Bortles in the AAC.

What about his production? Scouts will credit Carr’s success to the spread offense at Fresno State, but he still threw for over 5000 yards in his senior campaign. With 50 touchdowns to 8 interceptions, Carr had incredible production. Throughout his career Carr has thrown for over 12,000 yards, 113 touchdowns, and only 24 interceptions. With a great arm, build, and production it is a head scratcher why Carr is not considered one of the best quarterbacks in this draft.

While many have Blake Bortles as the number one pick, Carr should also

A dark horse in the Draft

be included in that conversation. If he lasts past the first five picks, Carr could be the steal of the draft. Despite talented sleepers like AJ McCarron in this quarterback class, still Carr could be the diamond in the rough for a franchise that needs a quarterback. He maybe discounted because of his brothers NFL career, which is a huge mistake. Despite the critics if a team like the Browns or Vikings were to draft Carr, he could finally be the franchise quarterback those franchises have been looking for. Either way, Carr is revving his engines for his NFL opportunity. Who do you think will be the best quarterback from this draft class? Take our poll below!

New York Jets Mock Draft (3.0)

March 26, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Round 1: Brandin Cooks WR Oregon St.

The home run threat the Jets have been looking for

Even after signing wide receiver Eric Decker earlier this offseason the Jets still desperately need play makers at the receiver position. To complement the big bodied possession receiver in Decker, Cooks would be an excellent yin to Decker’s yang. What he may lack in size at 5’10, Cooks makes up for with blistering speed and great hands. With the Jets probably missing out on Desean Jackson, Cooks could be a game breaker from game one. With his 4.33 40 yard dash and pro day still ahead, Cooks keeps shooting up draft boards. He may not be a physical receiver, but his speed and ability to make plays in space could give Gang Green a great offensive playmaker.

Round 2: Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame

A solid all around tight end who could start from day 1

Even with Jeff Cumberland returning to New York, the Jets still need an upgrade at tight end. While he may not be the most explosive tight end in this draft, Niklas is a well rounded tight end. True, he doesn’t have game breaking speed, but he has soft hands and at 6’6 is a big target in the red zone or on third down. Plus, he’s a very good blocker which is important for a team that runs the ball as much as the Jets. Niklas has all the tools to be an opening day starter for the Jets in 2014.

Round 3: Cyril Richardson OG Baylor

Some more power for the power run

I can already here the complaints about this one. Why do the Jets need an offensive guard in round 3? Didn’t they just sign Willie Colon? Colon did resign, but only for one year and there are still questions about the offensive line. What was once a great strength is now a huge question mark for the Jets. Ferguson and Mangold did not look like their former pro bowl selves last season. To help sure up the offensive line the Jets should bring in Richardson who is a run blocking road grater at 329 pounds. Not only can he pave the way in the running game, but Richardson has great feet and is a solid pass protector. Richardson could be the Jets guard for the next 10 seasons and help bring stability back to a depleted offensive line.

Round 4: Terrance Brooks FS Florida St.

A ball hawking safety Rex Ryan has been waiting for

With three forth round picks the Jets can take advantage of this extremely deep draft class. First, Brooks would be a welcomed addition to the depleted secondary. A well balanced safety who was plagued by inconsistency, Brooks has the talent to be an effective safety in the NFL. While he may not be a playmaker in the back end, he does have a good nose for the ball and has great athleticism. Considered a hybrid safety, his flexibility will play well in Rex Ryan’s defense where players must be flexible and are asked to lineup in different positions. A possible starter in the making, Brooks represents great value here in the early fourth round.

Round 4: Stanley Jean-Baptiste CB Nebraska

Idzik struck out in free agency, he needs to hit a home run in draft

If the Jets mishandled anything this offseason, there is no question that it was the cornerback position. After losing Cromartie and failing to sign top free agents, what was once a strength of the defense is now a liability. However, if the “Seattle Method” has taught us anything is that good corners can be found in the late rounds. At 6’3, Jean-Baptiste has the ideal size and strength to play man coverage in Ryan’s physical defense. While he maybe raw and require some development, Jean-Baptiste could develop into a very good corner for Gang Green.

Round 4: Dri Archer RB Kent St.

The next Leon Washington?

Don’t let the size fool you. At 5’8 what Archer lacks in size he makes up for in blistering speed. With a sensational 4.26 40 at the combine, Archer is the faster player in the upcoming draft. Despite not being an every down back in the NFL, Archer could be a dangerous weapon as a slot receiver or with limited snaps in the backfield. Even in the passing game, Archer could be a great weapon on screen plays. Even if he isn’t an impact on offense right away, Archer would be a dangerous return man and give the Jets a great returner with the absence of Josh Cribbs.

Round 5: Ronald Powell OLB Florida

After injuries in college Powell is hungry

A tweener linebacker and defensive end, Powell could be a good project for Rex Ryan. With Calvin Pace getting long in the tooth Powell could become a great backup or role player in 2014. With and ACL injury in 2012, there are red flags in terms of health, but in round five Powell would be a good value pick to at least add depth at the outside linebacking position.

Round 6: Cody Latimer WR Indiana

Another receiver to add some depth.

After a great college career, Latimer’s size and leaping ability are a lethal combination. May not be a contributor every down, but would provide great depth a receiver and become a reliable red zone target. Could excel in a limited role.

Round 6: Reggie Jordan TE Missouri Western

A project at tight end

Jordan has all the physical tools to play the position but not the refinement. Despite running poor routes and trouble with his weight, Jordan has an ability to make plays and could develop well. As the third tight end or practice squad could become an effective role player down the road.

Round 6: Larry Webster DE Bloomsburg

Small school, big potential

At 6’6 252 pounds, Webster is an athletic specimen. Despite playing at a small school his rare athleticism could translate into a very effective speed edge rusher. If the Jets can develop him he could be a very good answer for the lacking pass rush they have had. If that doesn’t work out, he has all the tools to be an effective tight end and the Jets could mold him into a tight end. Either way he could be a vital backup or practice squad player that could develop into a great future Jet.

Round 7: Walk Aikens CB Liberty

Some more depth at corner

Aikens is another big physical corner who thrives in man to man press coverage. He fits the Jets man cornerback prototype and has good size at 6’1. Seattle loves big corners, its time for the Jets to follow a similar model. Aikens would be competing for a backup role and would be perfect for the depleted cornerback depth. What do you think? Do you guys agree? Who should the Jets draft in 2014? Comment below!

New York Jets Mock Draft (2.0) Post Combine

February 27, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Round 1: Odell Beckham Jr. WR LSU

While I would like to see the Jets take Eric Ebron from North Carolina with the first pick, with his great combine it looks like he will be off the board as a top 15 pick. If Ebron is here, he should be the pick, but I don’t see that happening. I also don’t see the top three receivers on the board at this point either, but there is still some great receivers available. While he may lack great size, Beckham makes up for it with a great ability to get open and soft hands. He is a guy that can do a lot of damage in space and can stretch the field with a 4.43 40 that he ran at the combine. Think of him as a Cecil Shorts or Desean Jackson, not a big target, but a receiver that needs to get touches in a game. If Geno Smith is going to develop the Jets need to give him some play-making receivers and Beckham would be a nice fit.

Round 2: Allen Robinson WR Penn St.

Surprised the Jets would take back to back receivers? Don’t be. It’s no secret that this is a position the Jets need to upgrade either throughout the Draft or free agency. With the rumors of Holmes and Hill on the chopping block, The Jets will have holes to fill. After picking Beckham for his speed in round one, it’s time for the Jets to get a big bodied receiver in Robinson. While he had a lackluster combine running a 4.60 40, he would still be a great value pick in round 2. While he may not have great speed, he has great hands and would be a great possession receiver. His 6’2 size and 39 inch vertical make him a third and red zone threat the Jets have desperately been lacking.

Round 3: Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame

While the wide receivers had a great combine, tight ends not named Eric Ebron struggled. With the tight ends falling in this draft the Jets may luck out in the top of the third round by getting a second round tight end in Niklas. While he won’t be an explosive tight end, he is a guy that can run across the middle and make catches. What makes him really special is that he is one of if not the best blocking tight end in this class. Given that the Jets love to run the ball so much, a tight end that can catch and block only seems to good to be true.

Round 3: Terrence Brooks: FS Florida St.

While the offense could always use another weapon here, you know Rex Ryan will need some help on defense. Brooks ran a great 4.42 40 at the combine and shows very good range in the secondary. While he may not be one of the elite safeties in this draft, he projects as a player whose range and ability to play physical man coverage fits right into Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme. A starter from day one who could help the Jets woeful secondary.

Round 4: Ross Cockrell: CB Duke

It’s no secret Rex Ryan loves to collect cornerbacks in the Draft. With the Antonio Cromartie contract situation still up in the air, it would be wise to add some depth. While he may not have the best speed, Cockrell has that size at 6’0 that the NFL is looking for in cornerbacks. Idzik had success drafting big physical corners late in the Draft in Seattle, so maybe Cockrell will be on the radar. He may struggle in zone coverage, but he is very good in man to man coverage, which the Jets utilize the most. This could be an intriguing pick who could be a solid corner in the NFL one day.

Round 5: De’Anthony Thomas: OW Oregon

It’s no question that the Jets need offensive weapons and there maybe limitless possibilities in terms of utilizing De’Anthony Thomas. While his 40 was 4.50, there is no question no player in college football was more dangerous in space then Thomas. With X factors like Percy Harvin in the league, the Jets should take a shot on Thomas. Best case scenario is he becomes an offensive weapon that can lineup at running back or receiver and can break off big plays. Worst case scenario is he becomes an explosive return man, another position the Jets are looking to upgrade.

Round 6: Aaron Lynch DE USF

While the Jets certainly don’t need another defensive end, Lynch is too enticing to pass up. at 6-6 250, he could be a great piece on defensive being able to play the stand up 3-4 outside backer or with his hand in the dirt. While his motor is a question, at this point this kind of athlete is too good to pass up. With a similar build and style to Quinton Coples, and with Coples beginning to turn the corner at linebacker, the possibility of both these pass rushers opposite one another on the Jets defense could be a nightmare for opposing offenses. There are risks here, but this is one risk the Jets should take.

Round 7: Tyler Larsen C Utah St.

While Nick Mangold has been a great center for the Jets, last season he started to show some regression. The Jets should maybe start to groom a replacement for Mangold and Larsen is a perfect fit. He’s a versatile lineman that could provide depth at guard and center. A powerful blocker that can punish in the running game who is very comfortable snapping and pass blocking. While Mangold could rebound, this would be a smart investment to have a solid backup option just in case.

Do you agree you disagree? Who do you think the Jets should draft? Like and comment below.

New York Giants Mock Draft 2014 (1.0)

January 18, 2014January 18, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Round 1: CJ Mosley ILB Alabama
It’s time for Jerry Reese to finally draft a linebacker in round 1

Big blue has never been able to fill the hole left at middle linebacker since Antonio Pierce left. While the Giants never draft linebackers high, for whatever reason, it’s time to break the cycle and upgrade one of the worst linebacking units in the league. Mosley is the best middle linebacker in this class and is a tackling machine. He’s a perfect 4-3 middle linebacker who would instantly improve the Giants run defense with his side line to side line speed and nose for then ball. Mosley could be an impact starter from day one, something the Giants desperately need.
Round 2: Aaron Donald DT Pittsburgh
The Giants could use Donald’s versatility on defense

It’s no secret that the Giants defense lives and dies with their front four. With uncertainty about Justin Tuck, the Giants need to upgrade their defensive line. With the defensive tackle position being average, the Giants could bolster their interior pass rush with Donald, who averaged 1.6 sacks a game last year with Pittsburgh. While his run defense needs some polishing, Donald is an interior threat that fits well into the Giants philosophy of rushing their front four defensive linemen. While it may not be their most urgent need, or a position that is desperate for improvement, an upgrade in the pass rush would take a lot of pressure of the rest of the defense. Donald would also take some pressure of the the defensive ends and help the Giants get to the quarterback.
Round 3: Ja’wuan James OT Tennessee
Eli Manning needs some protection

It’s no mystery that the Giants offensive line was a mess last season. If James is here in round three, the Giants may have a great steal. At 318 pounds, James could be a great left tackle on the offensive line. While he’s not a great run blocker, he can pass block with the best of this class. If you can pass block effectively against the pass rushers in the SEC, you could have a great NFL career in front of you. If the Giants want to turn it around, Eli Manning needs to be upright and have time in the pocket.
Round 4: Bryan Stork C Florida State
Stork’s versatility makes him ideal for the Giants

Stork is a pick that fills a crucial need for the Giants. While he could compete to be the starting center, he is a versatile lineman who can line up at guard or tackle if needed. This means he provides the Giants with some much-needed depth especially at guard where the Giants are starting to get a little long in the tooth. While he could be a starter from day one, the worst case scenario is that he’s a jack of all trades linemen who can fill in when needed.

Round 5: Larry Webster DE Bloomsburg
Physically gifted, the Giants will want to add Webster to their stock pile of ends

He may not be a household name, but Webster is a dark horse prospect in this draft. The Giants love physically gifted defensive ends, and at 6’6 and running a 4.67 40 yard dash, Webster fits the mold. With questions about Tuck’s return, and the Giants love of drafting defensive ends, Webster could give them a project to develop. While he may be a situational pass rusher in 2014, if he can develop properly, Webster could a great steal in this draft and could be another great defensive end for the Giants.

Round 6: Dontae Johnson FS North Carolina St.
Some reinforcements for the secondary

The Giants secondary is in need of an overhaul. But with a draft lacking in that department, they have to look for late value picks. Johnson has the ideal size, 6’2 195 pounds, to become a great free safety. Currently Ryan Mundy is at best an average free safety and has peaked in terms of talent. While Johnson may not be a day one starter, he could provide some great competition early on. He would be a great backup for the safeties and could be a dark horse to start as the season progresses. While he had solid college stats, he has the physical tools to be successful in the NFL.
Round 7: Storm Johnson RB UCF
Johnson could storm his way into the Giants starting lineup

Like his fellow UCF teammate Blake Bortles, Johnson may not have one trait that stands out, but he is a great sum of parts. Johnson is a great well-rounded player who has no major flaws in his game. Sure he might not have the dominant speed or ideal size, but he is a hard nose runner who can also catch and block. With the mess at running back last season, Johnson could be a good rotational player that could become an eventually starter down the road. With a strong finish against Baylor this season, if he is available in round seven the Giants would be foolish to pass him up. Johnson is one of my biggest steals in the draft who I think will develop into a very nice player. Do you agree or disagree? What should the Giants do on draft day? Follow and comment below!

Why Johnny Manziel will be pick #1 in the NFL Draft

January 14, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

Johnny Football will be the first player off the board

And with the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Houston Texans select…. Johnny Manziel, quarterback, Texas A&M. Even though the draft is months away I believe that the number one pick in the draft is set. While some experts may think the Houston Texans will take Jadeveon Clowney or Terry Bridgewater with the number one pick, I strongly believe that the Texans will take Johnny Football to be their franchise quarterback.

Since their inauguration into the NFL back in 2002, the Texans have never had a true franchise quarterback. David Carr was a flop, and while Matt Schaub did have some nice moments, turnovers and injuries prevented him from being the Texans’ franchise quarterback. Back in 2007, the Texans were in a similar predicament. In that Draft, they selected Mario Williams with the number one overall pick over Texas’ quarterback Vince Young. While in hindsight this was the right move, I believe that there is still some regret within the organization that they did not draft Vince Young. Now, in 2014 the Texans may have hit the jackpot.

Johnny Manziel has electrified fans at College Station and is now taking his talents to the big stage. While Terry Bridgewater may be the highest rated quarterback by draft experts, Johnny Manziel is not far behind. While Manziel is widely known for his off the field shenanigans, the Texans should and probably will roll the dice on him. Sure he has his baggage, such as partying a little to hard at A&M, but Manziel is a playmaker and a Heisman trophy winner. The Texans need a playmaker who can get the ball into the hands of their dangerous receivers and revitalize this offense. With his arm and leagues, the Texans probably believe he can do just that.

Drafting Manziel goes far beyond just the football field. The Houston Texans need an icon. What would be better than a quarterback from Texas? He was born in Texas and helped make A&M a top program. Fans would love the pick because he is their player, a fellow Texan. In a state that is football crazy wouldn’t it be nice to have an NFL quarterback with a Texan as the quarterback. Sounds like a dream to me. Not to mention it makes sense from the financial stand point. Can you imagine how many more tickets and jerseys the Texans will sell if Manziel heads to Houston?

With Manziel in Houston, the Texans could be a playoff contender next season. They’re in a weak division, and despot their record have a roster filled with talent. If it wasn’t for the god awful quarterback play, this team would be far away from the number one overall pick. Sure many things can change before the combined, but Manziel to the Texans makes too much sense. It is his home state, A&M fans are close, he’s talented, and he’s a quarterback! Sure the Texans may trade out of one or go in a different direction, but if they pass on Manziel, it could be a move that this franchise will regret. Both financially and in the win column.

What do you think the Texans should do? Take our poll and comment below!

New York Jets Full Mock Draft 2014 (1.0)

January 14, 2014January 14, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 5 Comments

Round 1 pick #18 Eric Ebron TE UNC
Geno Smith needs a go to weapon, and Ebron could be the best TE in the draft

The Jets need play makers on offense, especially at tight end. Young quarterbacks need a great tight end in order to develop because they offer a big check down target in the middle of the field. Dustin Keller was Mark Sanchez’s security blanket, it’s time to get Geno Smith his own tight end. Eric Ebron is a great tight end who can easily get open despite his massive size. He works well in the middle with great hands and is an above average run blocker. While he is a versatile player and can line up in the slot, some of the knocks on him is that he still needs to get stronger and run better routes. He would be a great player for the Jets, who are desperate for a playmaking tight end.
Round 2 pick#17: Brandin Cooks WR Oregon St.
Time for some home cooking in the Big Apple

Another weapon for Geno Smith in round 2. With a deep receiver class, the Jets will get a late first round talent in the middle of the second round. Cooks maybe undersized and not a physical receiver, but he makes up for it with his athleticism. He is a great athlete who can make plays and gain multiple yards after the catch. With the Jets lacking explosive weapons in their receiving core, Cooks would give Smith a receiver who can finally stretch the field and make big plays.
Round 3 Pick # 5 Michael Sam DE Mizzou
The Jets need to get younger at outside linebacker

Now Rex Ryan gets to add to the defense. While the Jets front seven is formidable, it’s unlikely the will bring back Calvin Pace who is 33. Instead they will need to find another 3-4 outside linebacker. Sam played defensive end in college, but projects to be a stand up linebacker in the pros. He’s a good pass rusher that plays the run extremely well. While he maybe raw rushing the passer and a bit undersized, he’s a ball hawk with a great motor. Don’t forget the Jets took Sheldon Richardson from Mizzou last year and look how that turned out. The Jets might want to bring in Richardson’s former teammate to help bolster their defense.

Round 3 pick #16 Donte Moncrief WR Ole Miss
Another building block at receiver

In the second round the Jets got Geno Smith a playmaker, now in round three they get him a go to receiver. While Moncrief ‘s speed keeps him from being a first round pick, he would be a steal in round three. He’s a huge receiver who is a matchup nightmare physically for corners. He has great hands and can catch well in traffic. While he may not stretch the field, he could become Geno’s go to target on third down and in the red zone. He would be a nice value pick here.
Round 4 pick # 15 Chris Davis CB Auburn
The Jets finally address the secondary

With the Jets probably releasing Antonio Cromartie, there going to need a late round cornerback. Even if Cro is back for the Jets, there are still many questions about the Jets corners. While Davis may not have the best size or speed, he is a tough football player. He’s great physically in coverage and is a versatile player. He would be a great fit in Ryan’s defense because of his versatility and physicality. He could be a starter or a versatile role player despite being a mid round pick.
Round 5 pick #14 De’Anthony Thomas RB Oregon
Speed kills

Thomas might not be an every down running back in the NFL, but used effectively he could be a great playmaker. He is the most explosive player in terms of raw speed in this class, and could be a huge difference maker. If the Jets use him on screens, special running plays, or as a receiver in space, Thomas could be another weapon for Geno Smith. Worst case scenario he could be a dynamic kick and punt returner for the Jets and give them a deadly special teams weapon.
Round 6 pick# 19 Crockett Gillmore TE Colorado St
The Jets need to add depth to a position with no depth

Many people may ask why would the Jets draft two tight ends? The Jets had no tight end depth last year and need a solid backup for Ebron. While Cumberland is a decent tight end, the Jets should give him some competition. Gillmore is a huge target at 6’6 and could be a big threat in the red zone. While he is a raw prospect that needs to improve his catching and run blocking, Gillmore has rare size for a tight end. If he can develop he could be a good second string tight end who could be a good red zone target.
Round 7 pick #18 Spencer Long OG Nebraska
A diamond in the rough?

Long missed the entire 2013 season with a one injury. Had he been healthy he would have been one of the highest rated guards in this years draft. While there red flags about his durability, the Jets need to address the mess at left guard. If he can get healthy, Long could be a decent guard as he was a solid all around offensive lineman in college. If he can return to form, he could be a dark horse to start at guard or at least be a good backup for Gang Green in 2014. Do you agree with these picks? Who do you think the Jets should draft in 2014? Like and comment below.