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.

Buccaneers get new logo & helmet

February 21, 2014February 21, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Great new logo, but helmet could have been better

The Tampa Buccaneers are getting a makeover in 2014. Recently, the team revealed its new logo and helmet with the promise that the jerseys will be revealed soon. While the judgment of the full uniform will come later, for now we will judge the log and helmet. First, the logo. Many Bucs fans would have liked to seen the return of the original Bucco Bruce logo, including myself, but the new logo is an adaptation of the previous logo. Following the Panthers and Jaguars in recent years, the logo isn’t a major departure from the previous installment, but is more streamlined. I love how the logo is bigger with a new brighter red that really makes it pop. Now the logo with a more streamlined skull looks more fierce and realistic than the previous installment and makes it more intimidating. The logo is now more polished and looks very crisp and professional. Overall not a great departure from the previous logo, and while it’s no Bucco Bruce it works well. Grade: B+

However, while I love the updated logo, the Helmet does not receive the same praise. If you’d like to see the full 360 view of the helmet click (here). While the logo looks better, the helmet has no change except for the chrome grill. This was a missed opportunity because I think the helmets would have looked better without the shine. The recent trend of the helmets without the polished finished would have looked better and the chrome grill just makes these helmets look ridiculous. The Bucs could have tried a black helmet, which I think would not only look better, but make their logo pop even more. Grade: C

While I would have liked the Bucs to bring back a version of the Bucco Bruce logo, the new revision is an upgrade over the previous installment. The logo maybe better but the new helmet with its chrome grill and lack of change is a missed opportunity for maximizing this change for Tampa Bay. The jerseys are on the way, and we can’t wait to see what the Buccaneers will do. Take our poll! What do you think the Bucs should have done?

Michael Sam: I’m Gay! And I’m going to Play!

February 11, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Michael Sam will usher in a new era in pro football

“I’m Gay and I’m gonna play”! I remember that line from the movie Valentines Day a few years ago. While I sat in the dark theather and watched that terrible movie, I remember laughing at this great one liner, but thought to myself “is there a gay player in the NFL”? The answer could finally be a yes after NFL Draft prospect Michael Sam announced earlier this week that he was gay, and could be the first openly gay NFL player in history. While this may not be Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, this another wall that sports could tear down for the gay and lesbian community. While some experts and GM’s have already said that the announcement could hurt Sam’s draft stock, because they are supposedly afraid of him becoming a media distraction like Tim Tebow, the fact of the matter is that this young man should be commended for his actions.

After hearing anonymous GM’s saying that Sam could now fall out of the draft because of this announcement, I was flabbergasted. If anything shouldn’t this make him a more attractive draft prospect? A man who is this honest and is not afraid of the attention? In an era where criminal records and domestic disputes are glanced over is a prospect has a great forty time, it is absurd that a general manager of any team would over look a player based on his sexual preferences. Sam has tremendous talent and potential, and unlike other prospects has a clean record and a great personality. Shouldn’t this boost his stock rather then hurt it? If teams are so afraid that he could disrupt the locker room just look at Mizzou’s season last year. Sam told his team that he was gay in August and did the team implode or have locker room issues? No, far from it. Instead the played for an SEC title game while Sam was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

At the end of the day there is only one thing that matters in the NFL, production. If Sam can come into the league and be a highly productive player, no one will care about him being gay. Sure, there will be a few people that will hate him, there always are people that will judge us because of our differences, but America has become a nation of tolerance. If anything, Sam represents a beacon of hope that America is truly striving towards a society of equality and fairness. Fans don’t care about sexual preference, arrest records, skin color, or religious backgrounds of their players. At the end of the day it is about what the players do on the field but more specifically win. Sam could change the landscape for the next generation of athletes, but if he really wants to make an impact it will come on the field this fall, and not in the headlines this February.

Haunted: Manning’s legacy in limbo after another Super Bowl loss

February 3, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

This could be the game that hurts Manning’s legacy

What defines a legacy? For most athletes it’s the numbers on the back of their player cards that usually justifies their greatness. But for the truly great, the cream of the crop, stats aren’t enough. Peyton Manning is one of those athletes. If you were to judge him on statistics alone, without question he is the greatest quarterback in NFL history. However, after being named the NFL’s most valuable player for the fifth time in his career, Manning would enter Metlife Stadium with the chance for NFL immortality. A few hours later, the almighty quarterback looked like something we haven’t seen in 2013, a mere mortal.

Losing is one thing, but what the Broncos did was an even bigger disgrace, they didn’t show up. Can someone check did they even get off the plane or bus? Despite two weeks to prepare, the Broncos didn’t even put up a fight. Sure, the botched snap resulting in a safety swung momentum early, but despite two early trips to the red zones the Broncos still were only down 8-0. The stage was set for Manning, a chance to come back and prove his greatness to the world. But that didn’t happen. Manning’s turnovers at key moments of the game would finish off the illusion of a comeback as the Broncos were embarrassed by a 43-8 whopping by the Seahawks.

Once again, Manning, the best quarterback in the game fell short. This time he didn’t fall short, he tripped right out of the gate and seemingly damaged his reputation in one game. It doesn’t matter how many yards, touchdowns, or wins Manning has in his career. The only way to exorcise the critics or questions about his legacy is to hoist another Lombardi trophy. But now at the age of 38, with already declining health, Father Time is catching up to Peyton Manning. If he wants to be considered the greatest quarterback ever the only way to do this is to win another Super Bowl. When you are the best in the sport you are expected to win. Is it fair? Not necessarily but it is expected.

With such a miserable performance on his resume, and millions of NFL fans who are upset about the lack of a game on the field, Manning needs a win so that people forget this. If not, it will be the defining moment in a career of futility and what could have been. He might be a great quarterback, but Manning’s post season demons are keeping him from being one of the greatest players in NFL history.

Last Hoorah: Should this be it for Peyton Manning?

February 1, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

If Peyton Manning wins should he retire?

It was a season to remember. With fifty-five touchdowns and over five thousand passing yards, Peyton Manning crafted the most masterful season in NFL history. Many experts may say this is the best that Manning has ever been, the pinnacle of Mount Everest for the quarterback position. Now only one win away from a Super Bowl and football immortality, the question is if Peyton Manning hoists the Lombardi Trophy, should this be it?

At the age of 38, Peyton Manning isn’t exactly a spring chicken. True he probably could continue to play a few more seasons given the lack of punishment he has endured being hit as a quarterback. Still, there is one important aspect that tends to get overlooked. Peyton Manning’s neck is a cause for concern. Two years after major neck surgery, Manning has already said that he will visit doctor’s this offseason to see how much his neck has deteriorated. If Manning wins this Super Bowl, and the doctor’s tell him that his neck has deteriorated significantly, then I think he will strongly consider retirement. He will have finally won multiple Super Bowls, and a Super Bowl for two different franchises. This is a feat that has never been done before. Plus, would another Super Bowl really mean that much? He’s in an elite club with only a few quarterbacks that have won multiple Super Bowls. Add in his regular season success, Manning would have to be considered one of if not the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

What would be a more fitting end to Manning’s career then a Super Bowl victory? If he loses this sunday I have no doubts that he will be back under center, even with the health concerns. He needs one more Super Bowl victory. Let’s say they win this Super Bowl and he comes back. What if he gets hurt next season and can’t play again? What if he can’t win another Super Bowl? Wouldn’t it be better if Manning if Manning left in the prime of his career rather than limp out pathetically at the end? While many football fans want to see Manning continue his career, me included, there is a time where even the greats have to make the difficult decision to retire. Don’t be surprised if the Broncos win the Super Bowl, that Peyton Manning may not be under center for them in 2014.

Why Sports Fans Hate Justin Bieber

January 25, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

My god I have a fever, and his name is Bieber. Seriously every where I look this week it’s Bieber this and Bieber that. Sure there will always be Bieber haters, but people who like and appreciate sports are some of the biggest Justin Bieber haters. No this venom doesn’t come from Bieber screwing up the national anthem, or his pop songs being blasted throughout the arena. It is from Bieber’s actions in the world of sports whether it’s being a fan or actually participating in the sporting event. He maybe the biggest star on the planet right now, but he is far from being the most loved celebrity. So without any further ado, here is why sports fans hate Bieber Fever.

He think he’s an athlete
Bieber a baller? Not a chance

Sure we all think we are athletes, or deserve to play at the professional level, but at some point in time most sports fans realize that they just aren’t made for sports. However, Justin Bieber thinks he’s the next Air Canada. Justin, if anything you’re a hockey player, because that is what Canada is all about. You’re not a basketball player. Stop rapping about your baller skills and pretending like you could be a great basketball player. Dude, your 5’7 and thats including your haircut. We saw you play in that celebrity all-star game, if you want to be a baller maybe work on your jump shot instead of racing Lamborghinis. Sports fans hate that you won’t accept the facts that your not a baller and just a fan. If anything, you’d be the water boy on a basketball team, not the all star you somehow think you are.
Floyd Mayweather
Why are you in the ring?

First off, Floyd Mayweather is hated in his own right for being an arrogant person, so just by affiliation people will hate you. However, Mayweather could knock you out before you could finish a taunt. Bieber, not so much. Yes, I know he was there to hold up the belts for this fight, but come on Justin just stay out of the ring. We all know you think you’re a fighter by threatening people and paparazzi to fight. We also know that you’re the kind of guy who talks a big game but when he gets smacked in the mouth he just can’t take it. Plus, flaunting title belts that aren’t even yours, doesn’t exactly scream that you’re a tough guy.
He breaks sports’ laws
Watch your step

Justin, hockey fans would give almost anything to be with Lord Stanley’s Cup. Be humble and don’t embarrass yourself. Oops, too late. Any sports fan knows that when you step on a team’s logo, especially in the locker room, it is a huge sign of disrespect. It basically says that you think you are bigger and better than the entire organization and that they are beneath you. Blackhawks fans certainly weren’t happy when this photo of Bieber clearly standing on the Blackhawks locker room logo hit the internet. Not only did he make the mistake, but he continued to stand on the logo and take pictures. I know one things, Blackhawks fans aren’t going to the next Bieber concert in the Windy City.
He is ungrateful for great seats
Wow I have court side seats, let me check my Twitter

We all want court side seats. For most fans this would be a once in a lifetime experience. However, it always seems like Justin Bieber gets these tickets, and doesn’t care. Most celebrities are into the game and are passionate about their court side seats, just look at Spike Lee. Not Bieber, despite having the best seats in the house, and the hottest date in the house, he never seems to take interest in the game. Rather then watch the game, he feels it’s more important to tweet and hashtag about front row seats. Great prioritizing Bieber, whats more important watching a great game with the gorgeous Selena Gomez, or texting? Texting? Really? Not what I would be doing. Justin, if you’re not going to watch the game don’t come! Let someone else get those seats who will actually enjoy the game.
The way he dresses at games
This isn’t a club or a music video!

When most people go to a game they will wear their team’s colors or jerseys. Not the Biebs, he dresses like an idiot. Notice how all the Heat fans are wearing white? Bieber is like whatever, I’ll sit here in my leather t-shirt and massive gold chains and sun glasses. Justin, this isn’t a club, a music video, or some poster shoot. Lose the sunglasses, the gold, and the leather t-shirt. Wear some Heat gear! Plus a leather t-shirt? What man wears a leather t-shirt? We know you’re rich, you don’t have to remind us every 5 seconds. Just put on a Lebron jersey and cheer like everyone else.
He’s a bandwagon fan
Just pick a team, stop being a band wagon fan!

Finally, Justin Bieber is the worst type of sports fan in existence. He’s a bandwagon fan. Nothing is worst then bandwagon fans, who only root for the current winning team, or say they’ve rooted for the championship team all along. Justin Bieber has taken this fandom into a whole new territory. Seriously, the kid roots for every time. Just look at this picture. If you google Justin Bieber and sports he literally has worn every team’s logo. He even wears multiple teams at the same time. Justin you can’t wear a San Francisco hat and a Rangers jacket, make up for mind dammit! My god Bieber switched teams more often than Taylor Swift writes a song about an ex boyfriend.
What do you think? Is Bieber one of the worst sports fans in the world? Do people have a right to hate him? Comment below!