The Lakers Can’t be Done Just Yet

First, I have to address the addition of Steve Nash to my admittedly beloved Lakers.  It’s a seismic improvement, in Nash the Lakers get the game’s best passer, perhaps it’s best shooter, and pair together (with Kobe Bryant) the most experienced and intelligent backcourt perhaps in league history .

No Nash cannot defend Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, Chris Paul and the like, but aside from LeBron James there isn’t a player in the league that can shut down another true star.  The point is that while Nash has his defensive deficiencies, the NBA is much more about team defense.  With so much individual talent in the league, teams must work together to defend opposing stars. 

Nash is one of the single most efficient offensive players in NBA history and is a consistent 90-50-40 guy (90% free throws, 50% field goals, 40% from three).  This also means that in addition to given the clunky Lakers offense rhythm and more open looks, Nash also provides the outside shooting this team has been sorely missing for years. 

If the Lakers don’t  make another move maybe they could get the West Finals and give the Thunder a tough time, but I don’t think they win that series, or beat a team like the Heat, but I do think Nash makes the Lakers clearly in the top three of best teams in the league. 

Now enough about Nash and on to what the Lakers still need to do. 

Dwight Howard is clearly the next item on everyone’ s agenda, and in terms of a sexy rumor this is about as good as it gets.  And to be honest, while strong cases can be made for either dealing Bynum or keeping him, I think the Lakers have to acquire Dwight Howard even if he won’t sing a long-term extension immediately. 

Sure, Howard had a back injury, a result of a kind of freak accident on the court, and has now had surgery and is recovering.  Bynum is completely healthy at the moment, and just had the best year of his career going for 19 points and 12 rebounds per game.  So why give up the younger Bynum for Dwight? 

First, because Howard has had one injury in his career, and it was simply a herniated disk in his back.  Bynum has dislocated his knee, torn his meniscus, and torn his MCL.  He has an awkward gait and may always be injury prone.  Howard meanwhile carries his 6’11” frame fluidly, with the stride of a much smaller athlete. 

Since his rookie year Howard has played in all 82 regular season games 5 times, 79 games once and 78 games the other year.  Bynum , since 2007 when he really started to see large amounts of time on the court has played in order: 35 games, 50, 65, 54 and then finally played in every game except for 6 this year (four of which came via suspension). 

So in Howard you get a player that can safely be relied on to be and stay healthy the duration of the season.  Bynum, for all of his tantalizing potential just experienced his first full healthy year in his 7^th season, and his numbers still didn’t quite match Howard’s. 

Additionally Howard has proven that he is a dominant enough force to take his team to the NBA Finals and on numerous deep playoff runs as the only star on his squad.  Do you really believe Bynum could do the same?

Coming full circle, Howard is a better fit with Nash and Gasol.  Bynum and Gasol are a plodding duo of big men that have good length but can’t get to the weakside of the floor and defend the rim at anywhere near the level of Howard.  In addition, Bynum needs the ball to be effective because, admittedly, he is more skilled and polished than Howard in the post.  For a Lakers team that has Nash, Bryant, and a post move artist in Gasol, another big that must have the ball might not be the best fit.

Howard gets a lot of his touches via lobs (hello Nash) and offensive rebounds while the set offense could still be run predominantly through Kobe, and Nash/Gasol pick and rolls.  Howard is also probably the best athlete in the league along with LeBron, which would be a huge boost for the long in the tooth Lakers. 

Whether or not the Lakers can nab Dwight is still in question, but even if they do, one more thing must be done.  The Lakers must add an athletic swingman that can defend and hopefully shoot the three.

 LA  only has their mini mid-level exception to play with (around $3 million per year) so a great player is not going to be signed.  Perhaps a guy like Ronnie Brewer could be had for around that Salary- he would add a tremendous athlete to the Lakers which would take the defensive burden off Kobe, and add speed and length to the Lakers lineup. It wouldn't add a tremendous outside shooter but hey, you can’t have it all. 

If somehow Howard and Brewer could be added and Ramon Sessions and Jordan Hill re-signed for depth the Lakers would vault past the Thunder as the favorite in the west, and perhaps equal or surpass the Heat as title favorites.  

Purists Never Fear, the Spurs Bring Back Team Basketball

In an era of the NBA where Closers are en vogue, big threes are the new model, and announcers preview games by saying “Kobe and the Lakers come to Miami to take on LeBron and the Heat,” The San Antonio Spurs are going off script.  They share the ball, the credit, and are winning every single time they take the court.  Apparently they didn’t get the memo. 

Sure each team in the NBA has a method, but the Spurs have a science, or if you prefer an artistry about them.  

The Heat alternately hand the ball to LeBron or D-Wade and say “go score” while  the other mega-star watches with mild interest waiting for his turn to shoot.   The Thunder fall prey to Russell Westbrook’s hot and cold temperament where he may in fact shoot the ball 5 times in a row no matter the degree of difficulty or how open his teammates may be.  It’s no surprise Westbrook’s idol is Kobe Bryant, because anyone watching the Lakers this year saw Kobe play his share of hero ball as Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum tripped over each other in the paint. 

The Spurs meanwhile are simply a machine, every cog with its purpose, and no mechanism goes unused.  Tony Parker comes off of a Tim Duncan pick, sambas into the lane, and finds Matt Bonner in the corner to knock down a wide open three.  Ginobli Euro Steps into the paint only to pause and scoop the ball to Danny Green for an open layup.  Duncan studies the defense from the high post, only to laser a pass to a cutting Tiago Splitter for an easy two points. 

Now Bonner, Splitter, and Green are not household names, nor are Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal, or Boris Diaw- but these are precisely the players that make the Spurs the best team in the NBA.  Sure Duncan, Parker, and Ginobli set the table, there can be no disputing that, but the unselfishness of the Spurs great players allows their role players to flourish. 

Watching any Laker, Thunder, or Heat game you can see a look of shock on respective role players’ faces when they get the ball late in the shot clock as they try to hot potato the ball back to one of the stars that “should be shooting.”  Ramon Sessions throws an errant pass desperately looking for Kobe who is double teamed, Kendrick Perkins hurls a panicked hook shot at the hoop, Mike Miller stumbles into the lane and travels, none ready for their moment because they weren’t supposed to get that ball at that time.

This is why the Spurs are great.  There is no “supposed to” with them.  The open man is the most dangerous one for San Antonio and he is the man expected to punish the defense.   Paraphrasing the late great Bruce Lee, the greatest style is no style, and the Spurs seem to follow this axiom to the letter. 

Watching San Antonio is as close to a spiritual experience as basketball can be.  No agendas, no ego, just pure beautiful basketball, a team of individuals united moving together toward a common goal unencumbered by the limits of stardom, status, or roles.  

Eric Asks, Adam Answers

I was itching for the perverse, expansive and deep dark thoughts that emanate from the mind of Eric LeJeune, and I got it.  Here are the questions that are burning Eric's loins, and my corresponding answers.

1. Who wins the AFC West?

Really this is such a tough one.  If Peyton Manning is his old self, they are at least even favorites to win the division.    Still, whose to say that Phillip Rivers isn't the best passer in the division even if Manning is healthy.  I'll rule out the Raiders and save us all the time of an explanation.  They're the Raiders for God's sake.  In the end I'll take the Chiefs.  Matt Cassel doesn't make my heart skip a beat, but he's solid, and the cast around him is hands down the most talented roster in the division.  Dexter Mccluster, Dwayne Bowe, Tony Moeaki, Jonathan Baldwin, Jamal Charles, and Peyton Hillis is a skill group that can rival any in the league.  The Chiefs also probably have the most defensive talent in the division with newly acquired Dontari Poe joing stars Tamba Hali (pass rusher) Derrick Johnson (middle linebacker) Brandon Flowers (cornerback) and Eric Berry (safety).  The defense legitimately has four pro bowl level players, and if Poe can live up to his monstrous potential that number will soon be five.  I think KC's roster is so far superior to any other team in the West, that Cassel's mediocrity can be overcome.

2. What is the Saints' season going to be like?

Probably a lot like the off-season. Which is to say, I have no idea.  Sean Payton is gone for the year, GM Mickey Loomis is gone for half the year, Drew Brees is mad about his contract, defensive leader Jonathan Vilma is gone for the season.  Robert Meachem also left via free agency as did all-pro Carl Nicks.  I think the Saints have enough offense and enough leadership with Brees to still win a handful of games, but I don't expect them to compete for a championship like last year.  I would think with the Panthers, Bucs, and Falcons either improving or already a tough out, the Saints would be lucky to win the division.  

3. Which team flying under the radar is going to surprise some people this year?

I have to pick between Washington, Carolina, and Tampa Bay because they all intrigue me.  I'll go with Tampa.  I think they have a really good offensive line with the addition of Carl Nicks.  LeGarrette Blount is a good but not great running back that can carry the load.  Vincent Jackson gives them a legitimate number 1 receiver to complement the promising Mike Williams and the pro bowl level tight end Kellen Winslow.  They also hit big time on their first three picks in the draft: Mark Barron will start immediately at safety, Doug Martin comes in to complement Blount at the easiest position to transition to (running back) and Lavonte David (OLB) continues to add to the young talent in the Bucs Front 7.  With the Saints down, the Falcons status quo, and the Panthers rising Tampa and Carolina could easily be battling for the division crown.

4. Who's going to underwhelm most?

Again it's a race: The Ravens, Jets, and Broncos.  I'll go Ravens because I think people still expect them to be a title contending team while a lot of people are unsure about Manning's health, and have lost faith in the Jets.  For the Ravens, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are just not elite players anymore.  Reed is too injury prone and Lewis has lost a lot of range.  They are still quality starters but they aren't the game changers they once were.  Haloti Ngata is a monster, and Terrell Suggs was the other stud in his prime on this defense, but he's now out with an achilles tear.  The offense has never been able to turn the corner.  Joe Flacco has Matt Ryan disease- we saw how good he could be in his first year and then he never got much better.  Anquan Boldin is quickly turning into Hines Ward (slow, tough, good blocker, but not a game breaker).  Torrey Smith is good at running a straight line, but he needs a lot more polish.  Stud guard Ben Grubbs also left via free agency.  I like the way the Bengals are stockpiling talent, I think the Steelers offense could be lethal, and the Browns at least have life with Trent Richardson coming in.  I could see Baltimore as a 8-9 win team when a lot of people probably still see them as 10-12 wins.

5. With two rings, where does Eli Manning rank among the league's top quarterbacks?

Eli was not a great player in his first Super Bowl run.  His regular season QB rating that year was a 73.9, or 16 points lower than Alex Smith's rating this year.  No doubt he turned it on in the playoffs, but four games does not an elite player make.  Timmy Smith ran for 204 yards for the Redskins in Super Bowl XXII but he's not up there on the Mount Rushmore of running backs.  The following year in the playoffs Eli was bounced by the Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs posting a 40.7 rating with 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  In 2009 the Giants didn't even make the playoffs though Eli's rating was very good at 93.1. Again no playoffs in 2010, and then the Giants narrowly got in this past year and just like 2007 happened to get hot.  The Giants have two prolific Super Bowl runs and three first game exits during Eli's reign, not elite in my opinion.  Here are the Quarterbacks I would want as of right now before Manning: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, Matt Stafford.  I put Eli in the second group with Tony Romo, Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Michael Vick.  

6. Can the 49ers win a Super Bowl with Alex Smith at quarterback?

Yes.  They won 13 games last year, then beat a team with a far superior quarterback in Drew Brees, and were two muffed fumbles away from playing and probably winning the Super Bowl.  Now Smith has another year in a good offensive system, a stable of running backs (Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James) and a ton of options at wide receiver (Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, Michael Crabtree, 1st round pick AJ Jenkins, and star right end Vernon Davis.  In addition everyone from the leagues best defense was resigned as were all the key components of the league's best special teams units.  With four explosive weapons added to the offense, a full off-season to integrate the system, and the confidence from last year's run Smith could certainly win this team a Super Bowl.

7. Who's your favorite player going today?  Ever?

Well, let's break this up a little bit.  Of course a 49er has to be my favorite current player- and that is a split decision between Patrick Willis and Vernon Davis, love em' both, can't choose.  My favorite non-Niner is without a doubt the people's champ Aaron Rodgers- cool, calm, has every tool in the kit, and dare I say handsome.  All time favorite is again a split.  In terms of 49ers it has to be a three way tie between Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Bryant Young.  All were such professionals, such warriors, such masters of their craft, and none of them bitched off the field.  Outside the Niner organization my favorite players of all time are Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders, and Reggie White.  Deion was simply electric, Barry was a human video game, and Reggie made me fall in love with football when I saw him throwing Patriot lineman into Drew Bledsoe during the Packers 1996 Super Bowl.  Kevin Greene's insanity at outside linebacker also has a special place in my heart.  Apologies to Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana, I just wasn't old enough to appreciate your greatness.  

8. Who makes the bigger impact Year One, Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III?

hmm...I would Say RG3 because I think he has a better team around him, but I think Griffin has a tough road playing against the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys.  Luck will get 4 games against the Titans and Jaguars.  I also think Luck is so damn polished that he will find a way to be pretty good right away and not get his head knocked off.  Neither team is going to the playoffs, but I'll give the edge to Luck.  

9. Which team improved itself the most this off-season?

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks, and three draft picks that could make an immediate impact.  

 2. St. Louis Rams- long term this will be a much improved team, they turned the #2 overall pick this year into the 14th pick this year, two second rounders this year, and first rounders in the 2013 and 2014 drafts...not bad.  

10. How long will it be until the Browns can compete with their AFC North big brothers in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati?

If Brandon Weeden can be a good NFL player then they can compete not this year but next.  They have the running back, a solid offensive line, and some good players on defense.  They need talent on the perimeter offensively, and to continue to fill out the defense with talent.  In all likelihood this is at least two more years of good drafting and free agent signings before this team can compete for a playoff spot.  

Utterly premature but fun 2012-2013 NFL Power Rankings

1. San Francisco 49ers

The best defense in the NFL is back with some possible depth added in the draft, and a little health at the corner position bolstering that spot.  Aldon Smith should bloom into a superstar alongside Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis.  The real story is the offense, which added Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and high picks AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James to complement incumbent studs Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.  If Alex Smith can build on his progress from last year, this is the team to beat.

2. Green Bay Packers

Adding the pass rusher Nick Perry and defensive tackle Jerel Worthy should add depth and explosiveness to the front 7 that so struggled last year.  If Perry can emerge as a consistent threat opposite Clay Matthews this defense could go from one of the worst in the league to at least middle of the pack.  Aaron Rodgers is the best player in football.


3.  Houston Texans

Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, Ben Tate, and Owen Daniels represent one of the most talented groups of skill players in the league.  Yes the losses of tackle Eric Winston and pass rusher Mario Williams will hurt.  Williams however was aptly replaced by another pass rushing demon in Connor Barwin, and last year's rookie Brooks Reed can bring the heat as well.  Add in first round pick, DE Whitney Mercilus, the relentless JJ Watt, and the terrific Brian Cushing and the Texans still have arguably the best front 7 in football.  Jonathan Joseph also has completely turned around their secondary.


4. New England Patriots

First round picks Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower should really boost the Patriots depth and talent in the front 7.  New England continued to add to the defense all draft long after adding Brandon Lloyd to be the perimeter threat that compliments Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Wes Welker.  If Lloyd can play at a near pro bowl level the offense should be historically good, and I expect the defense to be significantly better.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

The drafting of David DeCastro (especially) and Mike Adams completely revamp what was a big weakness into a potential strength.  I believe DeCastro will be a good starter right away in the league, and Adams has the size to play right tackle immediately without getting pushed around.  Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, Emanuelle Sanders and Heath Miller provide as good a set of targets as Ben Roethlisberger could ask for.  Rashard Mendenhall may not be back to begin the season, but they should survive without him and maybe he returns mid-season for a boost.  The defense is undeniably old, but still has great players, and youngsters Cameron Heyward, Lawrence Timmons, Lamar Woodley, and Ziggy Hood provide a solid foundation of youth.

6. Detroit Lions

Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson alone are enough to put this team in the top ten.  Add in star tight end Brandon Pettigrew, explosive Jhavid Best, and the return of last year's second round bruising running back Mikel LeShoure and this offense should be ready to explode.  Detroit also added impressive and polished tackle Riley Reiff in the first round, who as most Iowa lineman should be ready to play from day one.  In the second round receiver Ryan Broyles is a nice slot complement to Megatron.  He's quick, smart and productive.  after the first two rounds the Lions went exclusively defense which was smart.  If they can find one starter and another solid contributor out of those picks the defense should be improved.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Mike Vick staying healthy is obviously the huge asterisk with this ranking.  Talent is all over this offense with LeSean McCoy turning into a star, DeSean Jackson having unparalleled explosiveness, and Jeremy Maclin blossoming into a star.  Demetrius Bell will be adequate at left tackle but losing Jason Peters really hurts.  Most of all, Philly filled the atrocious middle of their defense with solid signee Demeco Ryan, draftee Fletcher Cox (1st round) and second round linebacker Mychal Kendricks.  With Trent Cole and Jason Babin rushing the passer, and talent in the secondary, the Eagles could be a dominant defense if the new pieces fit.

8. Chicago Bears

The Bears were an excellent team until Matt Forte and Jay Cutler went down with injuries.  With those two back in the fold and finally a premier receiver in Brandon Marshall the Bear's offense could really turn into a threat.  Rookie Shea McClellin should add pas rush, and if Alshon Jeffrey can live up to his potential he was a steal in the second round.

9.  Cincinatti Bengals

With Leon Hall coming back from injury, and being joined by the 17th overall pick Dre Kirkpatrick the secondary should be much improved from last year.  Cincy also got plug and play guard Kevin Zeitler who should help solidify the line for young Andy Dalton.  DT Devon Still should join a talented defensive line rotation, and Mohamed Sanu had a 1-2 round grade from a lot of scouts.  AJ Green, Jermaine Gresham, and Sanu make up a promising young trio for Dalton.  I think the Ravens are aging, and take a step back with the achilles injury to Terrell Suggs and the Bengals slide in.

10. Dallas Cowboys

They fool me every year, but I think this team has the talent to win 10-11 games.  Romo is a very good quarterback.  Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten are star caliber targets in the passing game.  DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones are a nice running back duo.  The offensive line is in better shape with the emergence of Tyron Smith at tackle last year.  Morris Claiborne was a huge pickup for Dallas, they now have a legitimate cover corner who will surely have his ups and downs in his rookie season but should also develop into a star.  With Claiborne solidifying the secondary, and the front 7 still boasting Jay Ratliff and Demarcus Ware, the Boys could field a better defense than most people think.



11. Kansas City Chiefs

Jamal Charles, Eric Berry, and Tony Moeaki all missed the entire season last year, and will all be back this year.  Those are three star level players coming back into the fold.  Matt Cassel is not a great player, but handing of to Charles and Peyton Hillis while throwing to Dwayne Bowe, Moeaki, and last year's first rounder Jonathan Baldwin should make him look more than competent.  The signing of all-pro right tackle Eric Winston is another huge move.  Defensively Tamba Hali, Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry are pro-bowl caliber and if Dontari Poe pans out this defense could be special.


12. San Diego Chargers

The loss of Vincent Jackson undoubtedly hurts, but Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates are still in the fold, and Phillip Rivers should bounce back to have his usual terrific season.  Ryan Matthews is turning into a stud back as well.  The defense will be helped tremendously by top pick Melvin Ingram who was drafted way too low.  They then snatched Kendell Reyes, a defensive tackle a lot of people had in the top 25 picks, but he slid to the second round.

13. New York Giants

You might think I'm being unfair simply because I hate the freaking Giants, but in all honesty I think they are due for a slide.  They scraped to 9-7 last year and then got hot but this team has holes.  Their linebacking group is unathletic and their secondary doesn't scare anyone.  Jason Pierre-Paul is a superstar, and Eli Manning is one dangerous man.  Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are dynamic at receiver and Ahmad Bradshaw should do well splitting carries with talented rookie David Wilson.  Still, lots of holes on this team and I won't be surprised if they miss the playoffs.

14. New Orleans Saints

I know they have talent all over the offense but they lost all pro guard Carl Nicks and quality receiver Robert Meachem, not to mention Jonathan Vilma for the year.  And oh yeah Sean Payton is suspended for the year as well.  Too much turmoil and turnover for this team to be a title contender again.



15. Baltimore Ravens

This seems like a drastic fall, but I think every year a team finally reaches the point where it gets too old.  I could be way off, but Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are both on their last legs, and Terrell Suggs won't even play this year.  The secondary is still a little green at corner as well.  The offense has never been inspiring and Ray Rice is now holding out.  Anquan Boldin is also really slowing down.  This is a team in transition and Joe Flacco is not good enough to put this team on his back.


16. Atlanta Falcons

I just don't believe in the Atlanta defense.  I also think that Michael Turner is due to slow down, and the offensive line can be shaky at times.  Matt Ryan has plateaued, though Julio Jones and Roddy White make this team dangerous.

17. Denver Broncos

I just don't know what Peyton Manning will be, but even if he's back to his old tricks he doesn't have many weapons on this offense, and the defense struggled through many games last year.  The Broncos failed to give Manning to much help in this year's draft.

18. Carolina Panthers

If Cam Newton can take another step in his progression he can be one of the very best players in the league and win games by himself.  Steve Smith showed he still has a lot of prime left, and the duo of Jon Stewart and Deangelo Williams is still very good in the backfield.  The defense was the issue last year, but the return of star linebacker Jon Beason who will be flanked by 9th overall pick Luke Kuechly should improve this defense dramatically.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman was a rising super-star two years ago, and had an off year last season like the whole Bucs team.  Enter pro-bowl level wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and all-pro guard Carl Nicks and Freeman will have plenty of help to get back to his previous level of play.  Rookie running back Doug Martin should provide a strong 1-2 punch with LeGarette Blount in the backfield.  This offense really has some talent now and could take off.  Defensively this team just needs to grow- Gerald McCoy, Adrian Clayborn, Brian Price, and Da'Quan Bowers are all 2nd and 3rd year players with talent that has the potential to blossom into a strong unit.  Safety first round pick Mark Barron is regarded as an immediate impact player, and Lavonte David was a steal in the second round at linebacker.

20. St. Louis Rams

They were awful last year, but when healthy Sam Bradford is the best passer in the NFC West.  Stephen Jackson is still an elite back.  They also added athletic stud Brian Quick at receiver with the top pick in the second round, not to mention they bolstered their defense with two other second round picks.  Scat-back Isaiah Pead and receiver Chris Givens could also be fast contributors on offense.  Jeff Fisher will make this a smart fundamental team that has an incredibly bright future.

21.  New York Jets

The Jets just aren't very good.  Their offensive line is pretty good, their quarterback is average, they don't have a feature running back, and their best receiver is a complete headcase (Santonio Holmes). Their top two picks Quinton Coples (pass rusher) and Stephen Hill (WR) are two of the most physically gifted players in the draft, but who knows how that will translate to the field and the Jets unusual culture.

22. Buffalo Bills

Hard team to read here.  They lost Demetrius Bell who was an important part of their offensive line, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is decent at managing the game but lacks any of the elite physical skills you would want in your quarterback.  Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, and Stevie Johnson are a nice trio of skill players, but they could use more talent on the perimeter.  Stephen Gilmore was a great pick at #10, he will be a very good player just like last year's top pick Marcel Dareus.  The Bills are slowly building an impressive core on defense.  Adding super-star pass rusher Mario Williams doesn't hurt either.  Give the Bills 1-2 more good drafts and they could be competing for the playoffs.

23.  Washington Redskins

I think RG3 will be able to make plays right away and Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, and Chris Cooley give him some viable targets.  The defense has promise with edge rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan forming a frightening duo.

24.  Seattle Seahawks

If Matt Flynn can prove to be a good NFL starter this ranking could go up substantially.  Marshawn Lynch is a very good running back, and the offensive line is young and improving.  Seattle had a strange draft but they do have a lot of defensive talent.

25. Cleveland Browns

I don't really like the pick of Brandon Weeden, but I know Trent Richardson can play and make a big impact immediately.  I think his running will keep the Browns close in a lot of games.

26.  Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil solves the left tackle issues, and hopefully Adrian Peterson will be back near the beginning of next year.  Percy Harvin and newly signed Jerome Simpson represent a talented if temperamental receiving duo and the tight end combo of Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson could be Christian Ponder's best friend.  If Ponder has what it takes, this team could turn around fast.  Getting Harrison Smith (safety Notre Dame) was a really important pick for this defense.

27.  Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Kolb, you are out of excuses.  Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd are very nice targets to throw to.

28. Indianapolis Colts

I think Andrew Luck will be good right away.  Reggie Wayne and Coby Fleener should provide nice targets to throw to.

29. Tennessee Titans

Maybe this is way too low but I just don't see a quarterback, a great defense, or skill players that really scare me unless Chris Johnson can regain his old form.

30.  Jacksonville Jaguars

The defense has some young talent, and Maurice Jones Drew, Marcedes Lewis  and Justin Blackmon surround Blaine Gabbert with some really nice talent.

31. Oakland Raiders

Sorry Raider fans, Carson Palmer is done, you don't have a good offensive line, the receivers are raw and the defense is unspectacular.

32.  Miami Dolphins

The Ryan Tannehill-Reggie Bush combo doesn't really scare anyone.

A Video Treat

For all those that love the NBA playoffs and the Mamba that has come to define post-season greatness, The Hill gives you a piece of video heaven: