NFL Draft Projection

1. Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell (QB - LSU)

2. Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson (WR – Georgia Tech)

3. Cleveland Browns
Gaines Adams (DE – Clemson)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brady Quinn (QB – Notre Dame)

5. Arizona Cardinals
Joe Thomas (OT – Wisconsin)

6. Washington Redskins
Amobi Okoye (DT - Louisville)

7. Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson (RB – Oklahoma)

8. Atlanta Falcons (from Houston)
LaRon Landry (S – LSU)

9. Miami Dolphins
Levi Brown (OT – Penn State)

10. Houston Texans (from Atlanta)
Jamaal Anderson (DE – Arkansas)

11. San Francisco 49ers
Adam Carriker (DE - Nebraska)

12. Buffalo Bills
Patrick Willis (LB – Mississippi)

13. St. Louis Rams
Darrelle Revis (CB – Pittsburgh)

14. Carolina Panthers
Allan Branch (DT – Michigan)

15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Marshawn Lynch (RB – California)

16. Green Bay Packers
Leon Hall (CB - Michigan)

17. Jacksonville Jaquars
Reggie Nelson (WR – Florida)

18. Cincinnati Bengals
Ted Ginn Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

19. Tennessee Titans
Robert Meachem (WR – Tennessee)

20. New York Giants
Joe Staley (OT – Central Michigan)

21. Denver Broncos
Greg Olsen (TE – Miami-Florida)

22. Dallas Cowboys
Michael Griffin (S – Texas)

23. Kansas City Chiefs
Aaron Ross (CB – Texas)

24. New England Patriots (from Seattle)
Jarvis Moss (DE – Florida)

25. New York Jets
John Beason (LB – Miami-Florida)

26. Philadelphia Eagles
Chris Houston (CB - Arkansas)

27. New Orleans Saints
Dwayne Bowe (WR – LSU)

28. New England Patriots
Paul Posluszny (LB – Penn State)

29. Baltimore Ravens
Brandon Merriweather (S – Miami-Florida)

30. San Diego Chargers
Dwayne Jarrett (WR – USC)

31. Chicago Bears
Lawrence Timmons (LB – Florida State)

32. Indianapolis Colts
David Harris (LB – Michigan)

Draft Projection Sources:
Draft Daddy
Footballs Future
NFL Draft Countdown
NFL Draft Scout
Sports Talk Cleveland

Mel Kiper: Lord of the Geeks

Saturday and Sunday, geekiness is allowed. Geekiness is encouraged. For eighteen hours, player’s attributes will be discussed. Selection’s values will be debated. Millions will examine charts, statistics, spreadsheets, and videos. We will be NFL Draft geeks. However, our imitation will never equal the icon.

Mel Kiper is our deity. He is Lord of the Geeks. Kiper never played college football. He never played high school football. Simply stated, Kiper developed his own profession. He observed football. He evaluated athletes. He ranked potential selections. He commenced voicing his unbiased opinion. NFL executives detest Kiper. He has been vilified and eviscerated. Yet, he is a millionaire.

Kiper is an American success. He is an entrepreneur. However, he is also the mocked high school genius. The senior who skips the prom. The freshman avoided on date night. As millions dissect Saturday and Sunday, each will dream with respect. They will dream their skills match his. They will respect Mel Kiper, Lord of the Geeks.

The Son Rises

According to ESPN.com, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI) has offered Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Junior) fifty-one percent interest. The aforesaid fulfills Earnhardt’s majority ownership demand. DEI founder Dale Earnhardt died in 2001.

Prior to Junior forcing a contract, he and DEI survived on a handshake. In January, Teresa Earnhardt questioned Junior’s commitment. Immediately, Junior responded. Two weeks subsequent, Junior demanded fifty-one.

Assuming an agreement, Junior’s name will reside over DEI’s door. Will his control strengthen or weaken DEI? Will his championship quest conclude? Will his career shorten? Junior’s agreement would also conclude an anticipated free agency courtship. How will future negotiations for his piers alter?

Junior’s current legacy is contradictory. He is a second generation marketing phenomenon. He transcends NASCAR. Conversely, he has won only seventeen races. He has never garnered a championship. Assuming ownership, Junior’s interpretable legacy splits. One must wonder the owner’s impact on the driver.

Bledsoe Retires Almost Famous

Drew Bledsoe retired. Amidst NFL Draft rumors, NBA and NHL playoffs; this news was unnoticed. In 1993, Bledsoe was the NFL Draft’s number one selection. Bledsoe observed a New England championship. He failed to garner titles for Buffalo and Dallas. History’s question… Did Bledsoe’s performance equal expectations?

During his career, Bledsoe completed 3,839 of 6,717 passes for 44,611 yards with 251 touchdowns. He recorded nine 3,000-yard seasons. He logged seven 20-plus touchdown campaigns. He achieved four Pro Bowls. He ranks seventh in passing yardage.

Unfortunately, Bledsoe’s career postseason record is 3-3. During the playoffs, he threw six touchdowns and twelve interceptions. For his career, he lobbed 206 mistakes. Ultimately, Tom Brady, J.P. Losman, and Tony Romo supplanted him.

Bledsoe is a paradox. He displayed individual prowess. However, he failed as a leader. Simply stated, his career was gray. Bledsoe was more than we believe. However, he was not quite what he should have been.

Carlisle: Gritty, Never Grand

On Wednesday, the Indiana Pacers fired Coach Rick Carlisle. This season, the Pacers finished 35-47. Their first non-playoff campaign since 1988-1989.

Overall, Carlisle has logged a 281-211 ledger. In Detroit, he tallied a 100-64 record. In Indiana, he chalked a 181-147 board. Combined, Carlisle registered five playoff appearances and three division titles. However, he never scored a conference championship.

Carlisle has ascended unproven talent. He developed Richard Hamilton and Ben Wallace. With that stated, Carlisle could not control volatility. Ron Artest and Jamaal Tinsley pranced unpunished. Most damning, Carlisle is sans glamorous wins. Glamorous wins brand the career.

Silently Saving Lives

Saudi Arabia has thwarted a terrorist plot. According to FOX News, Saudi police arrested 172. The jihadists were set to attack oil facilities, military zones and public figures. On behalf of America, thank you.

A Welcome Return

On Friday, the Saint Louis Billikens hired Coach Rick Majerus. Majerus is a basketball ambassador. He is affable and friendly. His presence has been missed. This announcement is fantastic.

Worth A Read

Fantasy Draft Help

Renowned and niche fantasy sports information. Rick Morris is a fan’s Mel Kiper.

Worth A Read

It’s All About Me & Table 36

Medical student’s narrative and observations. Assuming writing reflects appearance, she is reality’s Ellen Pompeo.

Repugnant Rosie, You Will Not Be Missed

On Wednesday, Rosie O’Donnell announced her departure from “The View.” During her tenure, O’Donnell smeared American Idol, Christians, Fox News, Rupert Murdoch, Kelly Ripa, Donald Trump, and the President of the United States. She also espoused President Bush had advance knowledge of September 11. Rosie O’Donnell is acerbic, vulgar, and rude. She has demeaned millions of Americans. She is reprehensible. I am elated she is leaving.

Mary Katherine Ham Dissects Rosie’s Departure

Contract dispute?

Rosie O'Donnell is leaving "The View." ABC has been unable to come to a contractual agreement with "The View"co-host. As a result, her duties on the show will come to an end mid-June.

The president of daytime programming for the Disney-ABC Television Group, Brian Frons, told ABCNEWS.com, "Going in we knew we would have an amazing year with her, and that anything beyond that would be gravy.But we were willing to take the chance because we understood what a coup it was to entice Ro back to daytime television. So here we are ayear later, and while we've tried to come to terms on a deal that would extend her co-hosting duties on 'The View,' we find ourselves unable toagree on some key elements."

One wonders if one of the "key elements" was her personality.

NewsMax calls it a "canning."
Babs says it was "amicable."

Allah's inconsolable.

Update: The last straw? Grabbing her crotch and shouting vulgarities as part of her hosting duties for a swanky media luncheon with a slew of high-school girls present?

Update: Video of the media luncheon meltdown. (content warning)

Update: The transcript of "The View," on which everyone makes fake nice, like there was never any basic problem with the way Rosie conducted herself.

The best part: "O'DONNELL: Thank you. But I'll still be on my blog."

Update: The horrifying possible replacement pool.

Dow Jones: 13,000

Does The Feline Take Requests?

Bursting His Bubble

Once again, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is displeased. According to ESPN, his concern is leaked information. Commissioner, the NFL is akin to Washington D.C. Each are company situations. Everyone talks with everyone. Leak prevention is implausible.

Kick-Boom

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Dante Hall to the St. Louis Rams. As reciprocation, the Chiefs received a fifth round selection. Hall is an explosive kick return specialist. Singularly, he can alter contests. Hall’s presence should restore St. Louis’ moniker “the greatest show on turf.”

American Idol Live Blog

Chris Richardson (22 – Virginia)

Offsetting a poverty theme with a suit. Someone define hypocrisy for him. His performance is exemplary. He does not oversing. He also layers “Change the World” with two signature runs. Outstanding commencement for this over hyped evening. Paula is correct. Great song choice.

Melinda Doolittle (29 – Tennessee)

Her dress is unflattering. Someone explain the concept of accentuating the positive. Her performance is bland. Despite her gyrating body language, her emotion does not translate. I cannot believe her as inspiring. She is an elimination candidate. Randy, she is so dope? You are a dope. Simon, she made you believe she had recorded it? She made me desire sleep.

Blake Lewis (25 – Washington)

Imagine if the corporate sponsors acted responsibly? Imagine if they donated their millions? Is he seated in a barber’s chair? His performance commenced terribly. However, he is improving. For three-quarters, his emotion was unbelievable. Thankfully, he found the song. Proficient performance. Simon is correct. This was a tricky selection. He is also correct concerning the sincerity. His caring translated.

LaKisha Jones (27 – Michigan)

Ugly woman singing an ugly woman’s song. Appropriate. Another flab accentuating dress. Who dresses these contestants? Hellen Keller? Her performance is satisfactory. Her emotion is semi-translatable. However, this performance feels somewhat hollow. Randy is correct. Not her best performance. Fantasia is wonderfully unique? She is an ugly singer who is not selling records. How is this unique?

Phil Stacey (29 – Florida)

American Idol will improve his family’s life? He will finish sixth. He will disappear. No one will care. How will this improve his life? His performance is appalling. Garth Brooks commemorated heroism with this song. This endeavor is inducing insomnia. The emotion is unbelievable. The singing is terrible. America, eliminate him. Paula, his best? Are you stoned? Simon, a country voice suits him? Elimination suits him.

Jordin Sparks (17 – Arizona)

Appropriately, another fat bearing dress closes the program. Her performance is respectable. Her emotion translates. However, she is slightly oversinging. Her conclusion is also incoherent. She was fantastic? Simon, overstated much?

Pathetic Power Probing

The Office of Special Council is investigating Karl Rove. Office Head Scott Bloch is a Republican. However, Bloch is also being investigated. Who awarded the 1962 Mets our party?

No Stat For Leadership

On Tuesday, Chris Lofton declared his NBA intentions. Lofton is returning for his senior season. Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, and Brandon Wright possess superior basketball skills. With that stated, Durant, Oden, and Wright lack Lofton’s maturity.

An Excruciating Franchise

On Tuesday, the Seattle Supersonics fired Bob Hill and removed General Manager Rick Sund. Once, George Karl, Shawn Kemp, and Gary Payton illuminated Seattle’s skyline. Currently, the Sonics are akin to Sacramento. Sans winning, they could become equally irrelevant.

Impeach Cheney?

There is a new word for jackass in America. That word is Kucinich.

Warring Words

Vice President Dick Cheney: “Some Democratic leaders seem to believe that blind opposition to the new strategy in Iraq is good politics. Senator Reid himself has said that the war in Iraq will bring his party more seats in the next election. It is cynical to declare that the war is lost because you believe it gives you political advantage.”

Majority Leader Harry Reid: "I'm not going to get into a name-calling match with the administration's chief attack dog. It's a good piece of legislation. I would hope the president would stop being so brusque and waving it off. This is a bill that is good for the troops. It's good for the country.”

Week’s Conclusion Mirrors Commencement

On Friday, NASA suffered a tragedy. A NASA engineer bound a female hostage with duct tape. He shot a male hostage. He then committed suicide. A poor evaluation was his motive. When will America address instability and violence?

American Idol: Sanjaya’s Exodus & Simon’s Excuses

Finally, Sanjaya Malakar has been eliminated. Choosing between morbid obesity and horrific singing, America chose Sanjaya. This decision was correct.

Concerning Simon, his apology was bizarre. Following his statement, Fox spent ten minutes spinning. They even contrasted Simon’s explanation and Chris Richardson’s comments. Their theatrics were ridiculous. They should have apologized and shut up.

Partial Birth’s Complete Truth

On April 18, the Supreme Court rendered an abortion decision. Voting 5-4, they upheld the partial birth procedure ban. Partial birth abortion is abhorrent. This decision does not endanger Roe vs. Wade. This decision was humane. Choice advocates should stop screaming.

Not Our Focus

Last week, Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas announced he would skip the NFL Draft. Instead, he will fish with his father. Thomas’ decision is admirable. Nauseatingly, cameras will humiliate the green room’s final inhabitant. Why be Aaron Rogers?

Worth A Read

Davenetics

Social commentary with an edge. Akin to myself, he voices his opinion. Consequences irrelevant.

The Best & Brightest

David Halberstam
(1934-2007)

Atop A Tank, He Transformed Russia

Boris Yeltsin
(1931-2007)

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Have you heard about this restaurant? They are using naked ladies as serving tables. The naked lady is covered with all kinds of food, the chef prepares it, and then you’re supposed to eat it off of her. How fat are we getting in this country? We don’t even care about a naked lady unless she is covered in gravy.”

The Tonight Show

A Franchise Undeserved

On April 18, the Columbus Blue Jackets fired General Manager Doug MacLean. During MacLean’s tenure, the Blue Jackets logged a 172-258-62 record and zero playoff appearances. The Blue Jackets are an afterthought. Columbus is not a professional sports city. Columbus will never be a professional sports city.

Big Five & Hot Five

Line of the Morning

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling (R-VA)

“And to be quite frank, I don't have a lot of time for folks on either side of that issue right now who want to take advantage of a situation like this to ride their political hobby horse.”

Survivor: Edgardo Swerved

Amidst multiple scenarios, Edgardo was eliminated. Pre-vote, Alex played the hidden immunity idol. He then received zero votes. Unified, Stacy, Boo, Earl, Yau-Man, and Cassandra shocked their tribemates.

Resuming Sacramento Blue

On Friday, the Sacramento Kings fired Coach Eric Musselman. During Rick Adelman’s tenure, the Kings recorded 395 victories and eight consecutive playoff appearances. Unfortunately, they have resumed form. Once again, Sacramento is one of sports most irrelevant franchises.

Days That Break

Last Monday, six Iraqi cabinet ministers resigned. Last Wednesday, multiple bombings killed two hundred. As previously stated, I believe in this mission. However, these events were demoralizing.

Requesting Headache

On April 15, referee Joe Crawford ejected Tim Duncan. On April 18, the NBA indefinitely suspended Crawford. Official’s discretion is sacrosanct. Dismissing their judgment will spawn migraines.

Appropriate Silence

Let us discuss gun control. Let us discuss mental health. Let us discuss privacy. Let us discuss minority rights and majority protection. Let us discuss children and violence. Let these discussions occur in one month.

Politically Insignificant

On Friday, Bill Maher and Bill Moyers said Virginia Tech coverage was excessive. Moyers also labeled the tragedy “trivial.” Mr. Maher, you are repugnant and irrelevant. You are on HBO. No one is watching.

Support… The Troops?

Last week, Majority Leader Harry Reid stated "We're going to pick up Senate seats as a result of this war” and “This war is lost.” Observe his backdrop. Senator, you are extremely disingenuous.