Even Matt Millen can't screw up the number 9 pick.
The best projected options for the Lions at this spot include someone in the group:
FS Michael Huff (Tex)
RB LenDale White (USC)
RB DeAngelo Williams (Memphis)
DE Mario Williams (NC St.)
These are all impact, Pro Bowl-caliber players in my estimation.
I'd like to see the Lions get any one of them.
As for the RB's, I think the Lions absolutely need to make establishing a running game their top priority this offseason at all costs. Kevin Jones is hurt too often and Artose Pinner isn't good enough to carry the load full-time.
I just have a feeling about DeAngelo Williams. He's a big-time playmaker and I think the Lions should take him if he's there.
Of course they'd have to talk things over with Jones beforehand to make sure he doesn't get disgruntled.
Offensive line is a bigger need but there's no one worthy of the no.9 pick at that spot.
Huff would be a good pick and help in coverage tremendously as the Lions' corners need some help back there from their safeties.
Mario Williams is a beast and probably the safest pick for the Lions. Their D-line is already solid but Williams is a complete DE who would be great in Rod Marinelli's Cover-2 scheme. The Lions could use someone to get after the passer.
Hopefully in their new aggressive scheme under D-Coordinator Donnie Henderson, however, they'll actually make use of their LB speed and blitz more. So it's not a need but more of a luxury. Still, Williams might be too good to pass up.
I'm not a big fan of Jimmy Williams, the Va. Tech corner. That'd be my worst-case pick.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Back to Back Ranked Victims?
Just like that, Michigan is back among the Big Ten elite.
But now, just like the Sparties of 05, it's time to see if they can actually stay up there for a long period of time.
This is a team that doesn't handle prosperity well at all- neither over the course of the season or the course of a game.
Michigan won fairly comfortably over Wisconsin today but in all truth that game was closer than it should have been.
The Wolverines shot lights out and Wisconsin was cold most of the game, not to mention without 3 of its contributing players who were just ruled ineligible for academic reasons about a week prior to the game.
Michigan got very sloppy with the ball and also seemed to be rushing a lot during the second half. They seem to force tricky passes to the post when there's nothing there and fall in love with the three-ball a little too often.
That out of the way, it's time for Michigan fans to enjoy this for a little while. Only a devastating injury can derail this NCAA train now...
Perhaps the only one that could fall under that category would be one to Daniel Horton, who WILL play in the NBA by the way, most likely as a starter. The only things he needs to work on are shot consistency and decision-making and he's already gotten markedly better in both areas this year.
Lester Abram is Michigan's second-best player but Ron Coleman is a capable fill-in as long as he doesn't try to do too much.
All things considered, I'm just looking forward to hear my team's name called on Selection Sunday for the first time since the legendary Tractor Traylor/Travis Conlan squad of 1998 (ha).
But Michigan must learn to finish better...they are a senior and junior-dominated team. Time to seize it.
But now, just like the Sparties of 05, it's time to see if they can actually stay up there for a long period of time.
This is a team that doesn't handle prosperity well at all- neither over the course of the season or the course of a game.
Michigan won fairly comfortably over Wisconsin today but in all truth that game was closer than it should have been.
The Wolverines shot lights out and Wisconsin was cold most of the game, not to mention without 3 of its contributing players who were just ruled ineligible for academic reasons about a week prior to the game.
Michigan got very sloppy with the ball and also seemed to be rushing a lot during the second half. They seem to force tricky passes to the post when there's nothing there and fall in love with the three-ball a little too often.
That out of the way, it's time for Michigan fans to enjoy this for a little while. Only a devastating injury can derail this NCAA train now...
Perhaps the only one that could fall under that category would be one to Daniel Horton, who WILL play in the NBA by the way, most likely as a starter. The only things he needs to work on are shot consistency and decision-making and he's already gotten markedly better in both areas this year.
Lester Abram is Michigan's second-best player but Ron Coleman is a capable fill-in as long as he doesn't try to do too much.
All things considered, I'm just looking forward to hear my team's name called on Selection Sunday for the first time since the legendary Tractor Traylor/Travis Conlan squad of 1998 (ha).
But Michigan must learn to finish better...they are a senior and junior-dominated team. Time to seize it.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Not Again...
It's too bad Michigan forward Lester Abram will either miss or be extremely limited for tomorrow night's clash at Crisler between the Wolves and the Sparties...
I know lots of MSU fans who've been anxious for some better games and wouldn't mind seeing Michigan give them a run for their money...the rivalry's been boring with MSU taking 12 of 13 lately.
As for Michigan basketball fans, life is just tough. The university doesn't support the team very well while pouring damn near trillions into the football program...
It's just sad, not to mention foolish because the University could make some big money off of a strong basketball program. UofM merchandise was the top seller in all the land back in the early to mid-90's, now I'm not sure if anybody really knows Michigan still has a basketball program.
And if Michigan doesn't get it done this year, I doubt they will next year. Daniel Horton is gone as well as Graham Brown, Chris Hunter and maybe Abram. Michigan will have suspect PG and post play as Courtney Sims will need to take a huge step up (ie stop being so incredibly soft in the post) just for Michigan to stay competitive in the Big Ten.
As for tomorrow night, Ronald Coleman is a decent fill-in for Abram but he doesn't do all the little things Lester does like play defense as well, make solid passes, handle the ball etc..
my prediction: MSU 63 Michigan 57
Michigan can D up State fairly well for a while but it will take excellent efforts from Horton and Dion Harris, especially from 3-pt. land, to pull the upset.
Paul Davis might also need to pick up some cheap early fouls for UofM to stand a chance.
I do have a strange feeling that Courtney Sims might step up and play solidly, however.
I know lots of MSU fans who've been anxious for some better games and wouldn't mind seeing Michigan give them a run for their money...the rivalry's been boring with MSU taking 12 of 13 lately.
As for Michigan basketball fans, life is just tough. The university doesn't support the team very well while pouring damn near trillions into the football program...
It's just sad, not to mention foolish because the University could make some big money off of a strong basketball program. UofM merchandise was the top seller in all the land back in the early to mid-90's, now I'm not sure if anybody really knows Michigan still has a basketball program.
And if Michigan doesn't get it done this year, I doubt they will next year. Daniel Horton is gone as well as Graham Brown, Chris Hunter and maybe Abram. Michigan will have suspect PG and post play as Courtney Sims will need to take a huge step up (ie stop being so incredibly soft in the post) just for Michigan to stay competitive in the Big Ten.
As for tomorrow night, Ronald Coleman is a decent fill-in for Abram but he doesn't do all the little things Lester does like play defense as well, make solid passes, handle the ball etc..
my prediction: MSU 63 Michigan 57
Michigan can D up State fairly well for a while but it will take excellent efforts from Horton and Dion Harris, especially from 3-pt. land, to pull the upset.
Paul Davis might also need to pick up some cheap early fouls for UofM to stand a chance.
I do have a strange feeling that Courtney Sims might step up and play solidly, however.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
State of the blog
hey everyone, with school and work i am so so busy. I love this blog, and i thank everyone for sticking with it and reading. Some of you bloggers kept this place affloat when times were rough. I would like to thank Nick for writing some helluva good articles and trying his best. I myself need to apologize for giving up on it at a time and i hope you all will forgive me and look forward. As for the future of this place, its up to you. I want to hear all of your opinions and ideas for this place cause i am lost. I want to hear if you guys want this place to stay or go. Again, thanks for your patience and this place couldnt be here without guys like Mark and leelanau sports guy checking in. Lets get this baby rollin and make 2006 the year of DSS! throw any ideas out there. thanks again
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Hooray for Superfluous Graphics and Abnoxious Commentators
Fox gets the BCS next year and some other college football games next year. ABC will keep some of the bigger ones like the Rose Bowl, but it's not enough.
I don't trust Fox to handle college football. They've always been about glitz and glamour over substance with their NFL broadcasts and I expect college football to be no different.
Hopefully, some of the ABC guys will sign with Fox to do the games, because I absolutely abhor Fox's NFL announcing teams.
I mean think about it for a second. NFL announcers on Fox are some of the worst in the business. Joe Buck is as boring and stale as they come. Dick Stockton isn't much more exciting. Marble-mouthed Curt Menafee is the worst of the bunch. And every color analyst is just a lame Madden knock-off.
Say what you want about Brent Musberger, but his voice is excellent and his passion for college football is unquestioned. Keith Jackson may be slipping into Summerall territory, but he's still good overall due to the nostalgia factor.
Brad Nessler is very good, and Mike Tirico and Kirk Herbstreit are excellent together.
I like the whole ABC-ESPN college football partnership they've got going, but now it looks like Greedy Ole' Fox is going to screw it up.
Tell you what Fox- Bring back Beano the Hutt for his weekly segment and we'll call it a deal!
That guy is comedic gold at first sight.
"Blah blah blah Notre Dame blah blah blah Joe Pa blah blah"
*Beano runs out of breath*
"...Back to you, Rece"
I don't trust Fox to handle college football. They've always been about glitz and glamour over substance with their NFL broadcasts and I expect college football to be no different.
Hopefully, some of the ABC guys will sign with Fox to do the games, because I absolutely abhor Fox's NFL announcing teams.
I mean think about it for a second. NFL announcers on Fox are some of the worst in the business. Joe Buck is as boring and stale as they come. Dick Stockton isn't much more exciting. Marble-mouthed Curt Menafee is the worst of the bunch. And every color analyst is just a lame Madden knock-off.
Say what you want about Brent Musberger, but his voice is excellent and his passion for college football is unquestioned. Keith Jackson may be slipping into Summerall territory, but he's still good overall due to the nostalgia factor.
Brad Nessler is very good, and Mike Tirico and Kirk Herbstreit are excellent together.
I like the whole ABC-ESPN college football partnership they've got going, but now it looks like Greedy Ole' Fox is going to screw it up.
Tell you what Fox- Bring back Beano the Hutt for his weekly segment and we'll call it a deal!
That guy is comedic gold at first sight.
"Blah blah blah Notre Dame blah blah blah Joe Pa blah blah"
*Beano runs out of breath*
"...Back to you, Rece"
Sunday, January 01, 2006
College Football Withdrawal
Nothing against the NFL, but I'm really disappointed there won't be college football tomorrow.
It's just not right, dammit.
I love the NFL, but I'm sick of it getting in the way all of the time. Nobody will put any other kind of sporting event on Monday nights when Monday Night Football is on, even though they keep screwing up the matchups and giving us garbage games like Green Bay-Baltimore.
Now this...you just don't mess with January 1st. Or as WDFN's Sean Baligian put it, "Man's Day."
I love college because of the passion and intensity, the NFL just seems stale sometimes to me. Plus there are so many bad teams nowadays and so many bad matchups.
The one game I really looked forward to was San Diego-Indy this year, and yet I wound up getting TENNESSEE/SEATTLE instead.
On January 1st, you can sit there in your groggy post-New Year's haze and switch channels relentlessly, taking in games featuring teams you don't usually get to see. And then you cap it all off with the Grandaddy of 'em all, aka the Rose Bowl, aka the Michigan Loss Bowl, and all of the pagaentry and the beautiful setting and whatnot.
But nooo...we have to wait three more days for it now!!
The common denominator in all of this is $$$...more $$$ from their precious BCS, and more money for the greedy NFL so we can all go out and buy satellite TV's and Sunday Ticket...
Otherwise, looks like it's Bears-Vikings for me tomorrow...Oh, and the Lions...
Maybe I'll just sleep in extra, extra late...the Steelers are going to utterly eradicate us tomorrow.
Happy New Year, here's to some new assistant coaches at Michigan!
Cheers!
It's just not right, dammit.
I love the NFL, but I'm sick of it getting in the way all of the time. Nobody will put any other kind of sporting event on Monday nights when Monday Night Football is on, even though they keep screwing up the matchups and giving us garbage games like Green Bay-Baltimore.
Now this...you just don't mess with January 1st. Or as WDFN's Sean Baligian put it, "Man's Day."
I love college because of the passion and intensity, the NFL just seems stale sometimes to me. Plus there are so many bad teams nowadays and so many bad matchups.
The one game I really looked forward to was San Diego-Indy this year, and yet I wound up getting TENNESSEE/SEATTLE instead.
On January 1st, you can sit there in your groggy post-New Year's haze and switch channels relentlessly, taking in games featuring teams you don't usually get to see. And then you cap it all off with the Grandaddy of 'em all, aka the Rose Bowl, aka the Michigan Loss Bowl, and all of the pagaentry and the beautiful setting and whatnot.
But nooo...we have to wait three more days for it now!!
The common denominator in all of this is $$$...more $$$ from their precious BCS, and more money for the greedy NFL so we can all go out and buy satellite TV's and Sunday Ticket...
Otherwise, looks like it's Bears-Vikings for me tomorrow...Oh, and the Lions...
Maybe I'll just sleep in extra, extra late...the Steelers are going to utterly eradicate us tomorrow.
Happy New Year, here's to some new assistant coaches at Michigan!
Cheers!
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