Sports

2010 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. St. Louis (1-15) Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

It has to be Bradford. Quarterback is the most important position in sports and the Rams are bad—almost Detroit Lions bad. Bradford has more upside than any college QB since Ryan Leaf…no wait…Peyton Manning. The arm injuries scare the hell out of me though. Boom or Bust on this pick.

2. Detroit (2-14) Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Speaking of the Lions….The expectations of Suh will be enormous. And unless he gets to play the Texas Longhorns every week he will never live up to them. That’s not to say he won’t excel for the Lions. (Think Mario Williams from a few years ago.) Great player, but they expect 20 sacks a year. Suh is a Pro Bowl player with ability to burn, but it’s too difficult for one player to dominate, especially on the defensive line. But it’s still a great pick, and Detroit fans hope it’s a big piece to a very disorganized puzzle.

3. Tampa Bay (3-13) Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee

The NFL does not traditionally value the safety position this highly, but the Bucs will make an exception. Berry offers leadership and versatility combined with high character and charisma. He can play cornerback and both safety spots, not to mention contribute on special teams and maybe even return a kick or two. Coach Monte still has a relationship with Buccaneers’ coach Raheem Morris and has been touting Berry as a potential #1 overall. And we all know the value of the Kiffin family word. That cheap shot aside, Monte knows talent, and Berry is one of a kind.

4. Washington (4-12) Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

The Jason Campbell experiment is over. New Head Coach Mike Shanahan doesn’t have the time to de-program Campbell’s brain. It’s not Campbell’s fault—he’s been through so many coaching changes Mike Hamilton is calling for advice. Clausen’s been coached by a well respected NFL guy in a program that has as much pressure as any NFL job. He’s the most pro-ready QB in the draft.

5. Kansas City (4-12) Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Kansans City is in an enviable position because offensive tackle is such high value draft pick and they can choose their favorite. Other possibilities are Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma; Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers; and Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa. The Chiefs finally realize the game is won by the big guys up front.

6. Seattle (5-11) Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Pete Carroll doesn’t care that the Seahawks don’t have a playmaker at wide receiver. There isn’t a deep threat worthy of the sixth pick, and that’s ok. Carroll is patient and smart, and he knows the game is won up front. USC put a lot of offensive and defensive linemen in the NFL—they weren’t all Heisman Trophy winners. The Seahawks also own the 14^th pick, so a trade up or down isn’t out of the question.

7. Cleveland (5-11) Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

The longest QB competition in history ended in two losers. Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson are both gone, and if the Browns are going to attract a top notch passer, the guy is going to need a ton of help. Paired with Joe Thomas, Davis completes a nice pair of bookend tackles. The trade of Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards combined with the lack of quarterback depth is troubling. Perhaps they are clearing salary cap room for Lebron James? Team President Mike Holmgren has work to do.

8. Oakland (5-11) Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Al Davis rewards great workout numbers without regard to upside, need or skill. If Taylor Mays wasn’t so bad in coverage, he’d be a slam dunk here. Campbell fits right in though. He has ridiculous workout numbers and imposing size, but once again Davis is putting too much stock in the eye test. Campbell is a good (but not great) talent. It’s not wise to pick the fourth best player at a position with the eighth overall pick, but the Raiders are full of surprises.

9. Buffalo (6-10) Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

The Bills are switching to a 3-4 defense, and a solid nose tackle is the key to the transition. Having McCoy fall this far would be the answer to many frozen prayers. The Bills have needs all over, and a major league defensive tackle to build around is a good start. There’s a good possibility they trade down to acquire picks.

Jac10. ksonville (7-9) Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

It’s way too high for Tebow to go, but the Jaguars are desperate—not for a signal caller, but for ticket sales. The NFL is a business and Jacksonville is in real danger of folding (or moving to Los Angles.) Their home games aren’t selling out and they put curtains over portions of the upper level seating to hide the empty seats. It’s yet to be seen if Tebow is a pro quarterback, but the hometown boy will sell tickets.

11. Denver (7-9) Dez Bryant, WR, OK State

The way the Broncos handled the Brandon Marshall situation last year was impressive—especially for a young head coach. With trade rumors swirling around Marshall this year, the Broncos will need another playmaker at WR. Bryant brings the talent and the baggage but fortunately the Broncos they have experience managing both.

12. Miami (7-9) Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

The Dolphins will get a steal with the Alabama linebacker. McClain fills a need and is the best player available at the position. A natural inside linebacker, McClain went sideline to sideline wreaking havoc in the SEC. His combine numbers were slightly disappointing, but this guy’s a player.

13. San Francisco (8-8) Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

Bulaga’s draft stock suffered a little as the Iowa tackle missed three games with a thyroid condition last season. Mike Singletary is on the verge of having the 49ers back in the playoffs, and keeping Alex Smith upright can only help. A tough-minded and tenacious blocker, Bulaga fits the Singletary mold.

14. Seattle - from Denver (8-8) Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

A DUI late last season devastated Dunlap’s draft status. Freakish athleticism at 6’ 6" and 290 pounds, Dunlap should have been the darling of the draft. Pete Carroll is a master motivator and if he can light a fire under the chronic under-achieving Dunlap, this is a bargain pick.

15. New York Giants (8-8) Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Vol fans know how much impact Price can have against SEC competition. A talented pass rusher from the inside, Price can also be a dominant run-stuffer. The one knock on Price is that he takes plays off. If Tom Coughlin can get this guy’s motor running in high gear, the Giants get great value on this pick.

16. Tennessee (8-8) Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Pierre-Paul fills a need and provides instant pass rush for the Titans. With Javon Kearse on the way out and Kyle Vanden Bosch traded to Detroit, defensive end is a priority in Nashville. A good pass rusher can help cover up holes in a leaky secondary, too.

17. San Francisco - from Carolina (8-8) Earl Thomas, DB, Texas

Some experts have the Texas defensive back rated as highly as Eric Berry. With eight interceptions last year, the redshirt sophomore is able to play multiple positions in the secondary. A great talent, the 49ers defense gets a lot stronger.

18. Pittsburgh (9-7) Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

The best interior lineman in the draft, Iupati can also play tackle in a pinch. At 330 pounds, Iupati can be a devastating run blocker and shows better than average athletic ability for his size. While still a little raw for a tackle, Iupati can be plugged-in at guard and have success immediately.

19. Atlanta (9-7) Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Haden’s combine numbers were almost disastrous. His 4.57 40-yard dash and 31-inch vertical leap didn’t impress anybody. Haden benefits from a relative lack of depth at the position and above average in-game performances in the SEC. The Falcons need help at corner and Haden is the best pure cover corner available. Sometimes the draft is easy.

20. Houston (9-7) C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Depth at running back was already a concern before Steve Slaton had spinal surgery in the off season. Spiller is a versatile back with homerun potential on every touch—a great complimentary player with the ability to carry the load if needed.

21. Cincinnati (10-6) Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

The Bengals high-powered offense typically doesn’t feature a tight end, but they will make an exception for Gresham. After 950 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 2008, Gresham missed 2009 with a knee injury. Assuming he passes the physical, this is a difference-maker in the passing game.

22. New England (10-6) Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

Kindle needs to add a few pounds to play the rush specialist in a 3-4 defense, but his versatility seals the deal for the Patriots. At 250 pounds, Kindle can play in space or rush the passer. Similar to Brian Orakpo, Kindle dominated games at times in the Big 12.

23. Green Bay (11-5) Jahved Best, RB, California

I know Aaron Rodgers was sacked more than any other quarterback in the league, but with the resigning of Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton, the Pack aren’t forced to draft a tackle this late in the first round. Adding the explosive Best to what is already one of the top offenses in the league makes the Packers an early favorite in the NFC.

24. Philadelphia (11-5) Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

With the future of Brian Westbrook in question, the Eagles will take a hard look at running back. But with value available in later rounds, they opt for the Tennessee lineman. Williams has shot up draft boards thanks to a strong senior season and good workouts. Once though to be a third or fourth round pick at best, the 330-pound tackle will have plenty to celebrate on draft day.

25. Baltimore (9-7) Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

Timed as low as 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, Robinson is a versatile athlete who will help immediately in the secondary. Robinson has a ton of experience—he was a contributor, if not a starter, all four years in Tallahassee. A backup for aging tight end Todd Heap is tempting, but there is value in later rounds.

26. Arizona (10-6) Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

At the Senior Bowl, Graham consistently showed he belonged with the most talented players in the country. A big, strong linebacker, Graham finished the 2008 season with 20 tackles for loss. He may be overlooked because of the recent program struggles in Ann Arbor. The Cardinals defense was exposed by Green Bay and New Orleans late last year. He’s a solid pick that should help the Cardinals settle down.

27. Dallas (11-5) Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

The Cowboys are pretty good. Their most pressing need is at kicker. And unless you’re Al Davis, you wait to draft one. Virtually any draft pick the Cowboys make will be for depth so they will go with the best playmaker left in the board. The Notre Dame wideout had impressive workouts and will see time as a backup and in the return game.

28. San Diego (13-3) Jonathan Dwyer,RB, Georgia Tech

Letting go of L.T. was not a popular move in San Diego. While Darren Sproles is a great playmaker, the Chargers need somebody who can carry the load. Dwyer is a smart back, but the system he ran in college didn’t showcase his pass protection—a must in the NFL. Assuming he can pick up blitzes, Dwyer has the chance to be a solid back who plays right away.

29. New York Jets (9-7) Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri

Always defensive-minded, Rex Ryan and the Jets look for value in this late pick. The off-season acquisition of Antonio Cromartie makes a strong secondary even stronger. Adding the ultra-athletic pass rusher will make the Darrelle Revis/Cromartie duo even better. Depth at running back is also a possibility, but the Jets know how they make their money. D-FENSE!!

30. Minnesota (12-4) Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

The Vikings, like the Cowboys, don’t need much immediate help. A couple of injuries in the secondary make it the most likely place to add depth. Wilson has been climbing the draft boards since the combine. A smart corner back with plenty of speed, Wilson could see action in the nickel package immediately.

31. Indianapolis (14-2) Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama

I would bet that the Peyton Manning could make just about anybody on offense look good, so the Colts beef up on the other side of the ball. Cody won’t provide much pass rush but he is a prototype nose guard who will occupy two blockers and is impossible to run on. Cody’s weight may be an issue.

32. New Orleans (13-3) Taylor Mays, S, USC

The NFL network almost woke Al Davis up when they announced that they clocked Mays at 4.24 in the 40-yard dash—at 234 pounds. The official time was adjusted to a more realistic 4.43, but now rumors are rampant that the timing device was flawed. The fact is that Mays is a physical specimen with questionable football ability. His measurables are immeasurable and learning under Darren Sharper can only help.

Tennessee Volunteers in the draft

Monterio Hardestey: RB

A huge senior season combined with fantastic numbers at the combine should solidly land Mo in the second round. The injury factor remains a concern, but as of right now he’s healthy and ready to run.

Chris Scott: OT

With more strength than quickness to his game, Scott may be more suited to play guard at the next level. Scott was easily the best offensive lineman on last year’s Volunteer squad, but that’s not saying much. He’ll be a fifth round pick at best.

Jonathan Crompton: QB

A miracle turn around in the 2009 season, there is no question Crompton has all the tools to succeed in the NFL. The question has always been football intelligence. Some big ego general manager or head coach will be too tempted by the size and arm strength to pass on Jon. I’ll call it late fifth or sixth round.

Vladimir Richard: G

We always heard stories of how dominant Richard was in practice and it was just a matter of time before he took off and dominated the SEC. It never happened. A solid college guard, his injury history and lack of sustained production will push Vlad to the seventh round.

Jacques McClendon: G

Like Vlad Richard, McClendon has NFL size but maybe not the ability. A workout warrior, McClendon set the Tennessee record for the bench press at 645 pounds in 2008. That raw strength never translated to dominance on the field. He’s also a seventh rounder. Both McClendon and Richard could make and NFL roster, but it’ll be close.

Dennis Rogan: DB

The former Fulton High School standout declared for the NFL draft as a junior and did not help himself at the combine or at UT’s Pro Day. Rogan’s 4.65 average 40-yard dash time at the combine is below average for a defensive back. To make matters worse, there are stories circulating that Rogan became upset at his performance at Tennessee’s Pro Day and left the workout without notifying anybody. The perceived lack of professionalism caused at least one scout to render Rogan undraftable. Rogan has good skills and great versatility. He probably won’t be drafted but may catch on as a free agent special teams player and reserve defensive back.

Ice Bears named Tennessee sports franchise of the decade

By: Ryan Rodio

rodio@blanknews.com

Hot on the heels of their second championship, and currently in the hunt for an unprecedented three peat, the Knoxville Ice Bears have won yet another prestigious award. Blank Newspaper has awarded the Knoxville Ice Bears as the professional sports franchise of the decade in Tennessee.

The Ice Bears go all the way back to the 1960’s when they were known as the Knoxville Knights. They resurfaced twenty years later as the Knoxville Cherokees, transitioning into the Knoxville Speed before finally settling into the team we know and love today, the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Tennessee has other well-known professional sports teams, most notably the Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Both of those teams have had their fair share of success, most remembered being the Titans Super Bowl appearance against the St. Louis Rams. The Titans unfortunately did not win that game and have not made it back to the big game since. The Predators have made the post season on numerous occasions but have yet to get past the first game of the playoffs, losing to either the Detroit Red Wings or the San Jose Sharks in the quarter finals each time. East Tennessee also hosts a professional baseball team in the minors, the Tennessee Smokies. The Smokies have the longest tenure as a professional team in Tennessee, yet have only acquired one season title, a divisional win in 2004. Each of these teams , in their own way, are important to the sports played in the state, but none of their accomplishments have come close to what the Ice Bears have achieved in the past ten years.

Technically, the Ice Bears have only been around in their current form for eight years. In 2002 as a member of the ACHL, Knoxville finished the season in second place. The Bears moved to the SEHL in 2003 and once again came close to greatness. Unfortunately, they lost to the Huntsville Channel Cats in three games in the championship series.

In 2004 the Ice Bears moved to the newly created SPHL and really began to shine. Having already experienced success in the early part of the aughts, the Ice Bears suddenly came into their own during the 2004-2005 season.

The Ice Bears won the Commissioner’s cup for most wins during the regular season but were yet again were stopped short of the ultimate goal when they lost to the Columbus Cottonmouths. The next year (2005-06) saw Knoxville win its second regular season championship in a row. As far as the playoffs went, Victory would not escape the Ice Bears this time, as they finally secured a post season championship by defeating the Florida Seals in game four of the best of five series to take home the President’s Trophy.

In the 2006-2007 post-season Knoxville was upset early but returned with a vengeance during the next regular season.

A new head coach, Scott Hillman, took the helm. His guidance was questioned at first but then the Bears started winning. Once again, the Bears won the title for most wins during the regular season. But they didn’t stop there.

With one title already under their belt, The Ice Bears went on to win their second President’s trophy in three years by sweeping Jacksonville in a best of five series.

The following year, The Ice Bears became the first team in the SPHL’s short history to win back to back titles. In a series that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, the Ice Bears were taken to the limit against the Fayetteville Fire Antz, winning in seven games. Even now the Ice Bears are striving to continue their ways by attempting to make it three in a row.

Since 2004, the Knoxville Ice Bears have won three regular season titles and three President’s trophies, making them the most winning and most successful team in Tennessee professional sports. When Mike Murphy, President of the Ice Bears, was given the good news he told Blank, "It is absolutely tremendous for us to be given such an honor.　 There is an exuberant amount of people who all deserve credit for the product that people see on the ice," he said.　

"Players, coaching staff, owners, everyone has paid their dues to put hockey in Knoxville and make it exciting.　 Everyone has contributed diligently to keep the brand exciting and family friendly. We’ve tried to make it one of the best family events in town, and I think we have succeeded in that."

As Knoxville now moves toward even more success, we as fans will continue to be the true winners, as clichéd as that may sound. Hockey in Knoxville has been here for a long time, has gotten better and better and does not look to be slowing down anytime soon. Here is to hoping the Knoxville Ice Bears will be named sports team of the decade again in another ten years.

Note: The winners of the best of the decade categories were based on the votes of a 50 person panel.

Meet Derek Dooley

By Rusty Odom

While most maintained only a dim sense of hope for the University of Tennessee’s football program until a productive signing day, there were a few of us who saw the success coming.

As far as personalities go, Dooley is the polar opposite of the recently departed, but if you just look at the surface, there are a few similarities to not only Kiffin, but other former UT coaches as well. Is this a good thing? Is it a bad thing? Well, so far, so good.

There are a lot of differences if you’re comparing Derek Dooley to Lane Kiffin. Where Kiffin was disconnected, and a bit too big for his britches, Dooley is involved and down to earth.

There are also a few similarities between Dooley and former Tennessee coaches. Derek is the son of Vince Dooley, former head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, so he’s been around football his whole life. Kiffin’s bloodline provided a profound knowledge of the game and it served as one of his strengths.

UT’s new football coach also has some glaring similarities to Philip Fulmer, but again, in all the right ways. Dooley is from this part of the country and he understands the levity of the South Eastern Conference.

Dooley also has the charm of a southern preacher. His timely humor in the introductory press conference could just as easily have been a part of a Sunday morning sermon.

When coach Fulmer walked into a recruit’s home, he was trustworthy. After reviewing Dooley’s 18-day recruiting season, we already know that he presents the same homely aura.

While Dooley is new to Knoxville, he will exemplify the University and the people of this region with class and accuracy.

What Dooley and his staff accomplished in 18 days was nothing short of miraculous. The assemblage of recruiters was completed cleverly with holdovers from the previous administration. Without the help of Lance Thompson and Jim Cheney, Tennessee would not have inked a top ten class.

When it comes to coaching, Dooley’s been in enormous stadiums before. In the past three seasons at Louisiana Tech, Dooley took teams on the road against LSU, California, Boise State, Auburn and Ole Miss. His glaring 17-20 record as head coach at LTU doesn’t look as bad when you factor in losses against the supreme talent he faced in those contests.

Not only has he been the main man in football, he’s been the main man overall as Louisiana Tech’s Athletic Director. It’s one thing to bury your head into football, it’s a whole different animal when you are also in charge of women’s volleyball too.

Before he took over at La Tech, he was Nick Saban’s right hand man. Dooley was recruiting coordinator at LSU during a run that saw two number one recruiting classes. As a result, he was part of the national championship staff in 2003. So if Dooley earns a national championship ring at Tennessee, it won’t be his first. When the news broke that Dooley would be named UT’s next coach, a member of the Alabama staff said that Dooley’s hire scared him more than most of the other candidates. Dooley was one of a few coaches that Saban took with him when he left LSU to coach the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. If Saban thought enough of Dooley to take him to the NFL and not others, there must be something to him.

Dooley has already put a few coaches in place, with several more to be named later.

Terry Joseph, 36, and Eric Russell, 42, were added to Dooley’s staff on January 17^th. Each of these young men add expertise in specific areas but also have experience in other fields.

Joseph started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at LSU under Les Miles in 2006. He worked on the defensive side of the ball alongside Bo Pellini (current Nebraska head coach) in a season that saw the Bayou Bengals finish fourth in the nation in scoring defense.

In his single year at LSU, Joseph was able to help in the development of defensive standouts Glen Dorsey, Ali Highsmith, Tyson Jackson, Ricky Jean-Francois, Chase Pittman and LaRon Landry. All but one of these players are currently on an NFL roster.

Joseph was scooped up the following year by Dooley and La. Tech as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. He helped turn the worst defense in the nation into a middle of the road defense in just one season. In 2008, Rivals.com named Joseph the #4 recruiter from a non-BCS school. He was a big reason for La Tech’s first bowl victory in 30 years, which took place in that same year. Joseph was also a baseball standout when he attended Northwestern State in the mid-nineties. He spent four years as a minor league prospect for both the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres.

Russell could be the answer to the Volunteers’ recent special teams woes. Russell spent two years with Dooley at Louisiana Tech before heading west to be Texas Tech’s special teams coordinator in 2009. He caught the attention of the Red Raiders after his second year at Louisiana Tech, when the Bulldogs scored five special teams touchdowns. Last season the Vols failed to notch a single score on special teams.

During his season with the Red Raiders, his units blocked two kicks and freshman kick returner Eric Stephens averaged 25.7 yards per return.

Before he was hired by Dooley in 2007, Russell spent many years at North Texas. During five years as special teams coordinator, his unit blocked 14 punts.

It is also important to note that Russell played quarterback in high school at a high level. After his senior year, he was named Offensive Player of the Year for the state of Idaho. He earned his degree in public relations from the University of Idaho in 1991, which means he should refrain from putting his foot in his mouth, which is something the previous coaching staff could certainly have been better with. He has worked with as a defensive line coach and has also worked with linebackers in his career.

Another recent addition came in the form of Darin Hinshaw, a wide receivers coach from the University of Memphis. He nurtured two outstanding wideouts while in west Tennessee who could have NFL careers. Duke Calhoun and Carlos Singleton finished their careers as the top two receivers in school history. At 37, Hinshaw is a young hire, but one that could pay off with the departure of Kippy Brown.

Finally, UT has landed a defensive coordinator. And if you ask the folks at BLANK, the pick was well worth the wait.

Think for a moment about the most successful team in college football over the past four seasons. Who are the first few teams that come to mind? Florida? Alabama? Oklahoma? Texas?

Well, over the stretch of time also known as the Tebow years, Florida had a record of 48-7. The Crimson Tide owned a 39-15 on the field in this era, though eleven of those wins had to be vacated because of NCAA infractions. Oklahoma lost 13 games in that span while Texas lost 8.

So who owns the best record in the country over the last four years?

The blue-fielded bucking Bronco’s of Boise State, of course.

If you’re wondering why we chose to go four years back, that is the amount of time that new Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox held the same position in Boise. While the defense was under his wing, the Broncos went 49-4.

After going undefeated, Boise finished the 2009 season at number two in a few of the final polls. Wilcox engineered a gameplan that held the previously unstoppable TCU offense to just ten points to complete the perfect season.

Sure, the WAC is not the SEC, but when it comes to big games against BCS talent, Boise has won as of late. Remember that the Broncos held eventual PAC 10 winner Oregon to just 8 points in the opening game of the season as well. Tennessee plays Oregon on September 11th at Neyland Stadium.

As basketball slowly takes over the minds and hearts of collegiete sport fans, the Tennessee faithful can now loosen their clinched fists a bit, knowing that the doomsday prognostications were premature.

Though there are still tons of unknowns, Tennessee fans can rest assured that Dooley will have a great future in getting great atheletes to the University of Tennessee. Just imagine what he could do with a full year to recruit.


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