Goodbye Al Wilson

I realize the NFL is a business. I realize that with the salary cap tough decisions have to be made and really good players with high cap numbers have to be cut sometimes. I also realize this is probably a smart move considering his injury from last year and the fact that he's not been able to get cleared to play football. None of these reasons however make it any easier saying goodbye go one of my favorite Broncos of all time Al Wilson. You always knew what you were getting with Wilson. He's a blue collar, extremely tough and physical linebacker that could literally knock you out with his hits. Al Wilson is the epitime of everything an NFL linebacker should be, and is a true leader which will be the hardest thing for the Broncos to replace. I have tons of great memories of Al Wilson, from him coming out and pumping up the crowd with his incredible charisma and enthusiasm, to him taking over games on defense. Here are some of my favorite Al Wilson memories.

• Al Wilson mauling Ricky Williams with one of the hardest hits I've seen live against the Dolphins in a Sunday Night football game. Remember this was Ricky Williams in his prime, a Ricky Williams that was tough to bring down at all and Al Wilson rocked his world sending him flying back 3 yards at least.


• Al Wilson in a snow game at Denver pulverizing Tyrone Wheatley of the Raiders on a 4th and 1. Wheatley was a big dude and Wilson made him look like a high school player with that hit, it was unbelievable.


• Al Wilson nailing Deion Branch to seal a win for the Broncos against the Patriots on a 4th down pass play where Branch didn't really even see him coming.


• Al Wilson's overall intensity and passion in the divisional playoff game againt the Patriots in 2005. He came out of the tunnel and set the tone, pumping the crowd up like he always does. No one was more fired up for that game than Al Wilson. No one.


• Al Wilson always playing with a broke hand with a cast on it. It seemed like every year Wilson broke his hand or his finger or something and he always played with a cast on it for the remainder of the year. This explained his inability to intercept passes.

When I look back at the Al Wilson era, I will look back on it fondly. The Broncos have never had a better true leader on their team and that is going to be next to impossible to replace. I really hope Wilson can get over this injury and get cleared to play, because who ever gets him will truly be lucky. Wilson was a joy to watch, and I know I won't ever forget number 56.

Pacman Jones loses a years worth of rain money

Brand new NFL commissioner Roger Goddell made a strong statement today suspending Pacman Jones of the Tennessee Titans for the entire 2007 NFL season. This move will hurt the Titans but hurt fans of the NFL even more. Pacman Jones is a once in a lifetime personality that makes getting up and watching the bottom right hand corner on ESPNews extremely interesting because you know he will end up there once a month, and you have no idea what it will be for. Anyways like Deadspin said please Pacman for the love of God don't change. You are too much fun.

Durant is going to play for money next year

Not very surprising news out of Austin today. Star forward Kevin Durant will skip town and take his game to the Association. The question is, what kind of player will Durant be? I'd take Durant number 1 overall, ahead of Greg Oden. Durant was the most dominant freshmen player since Carmelo Anthony and his game projects very well in the NBA. I see Durant as a Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady hybrid, and a regular All-Star. I think he has more upside than Oden does, and will be a much better scorer than Oden as well. I guess it depends on the team that ends up getting the number 1 selection, but you really can't go wrong with either guy at this point.

Nuggets get huge win

The Denver Nuggets recorded a huge win against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight defeating them 115-111. The Nuggets came out on fire in the first half but the Lakers made it close in the second half. Melo led the way for the Nuggets pouring in 33 points, while Iverson added 24. Camby added a monster 22 rebounds. Kobe only shot 9-30 from the field on his way to 23 points. With the win the Nuggets move 1.5 games ahead of the Lakers for the 6 seed in the West. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing considering the 6th seed will probably have to play the Spurs. Anyway a huge win for the Nuggets, their 6th in a row. This team is starting to look scary good.

Mock Draft

1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU

The easiest pick to forecast in the draft by far. I think he will be a project and may be a bust but the Raiders have to take him number 1. I question the fact that he wasn't a unanimous number 1 until playing a great game against a terrible Notre Dame defense in the Sugar Bowl but definately has a ton of upside.

2. Detroit Lions - Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame

The Lions need another high pick first round wide receiver like Don Vito needs another Krispy Kreme doughnut, so I think they will resist the temptation of drafting Calvin Johnson out of Georgia Tech for drafting a legitimate quarterback to build their franchise around in Brady Quinn. He's a pro style quarterback who was down right dominant at times at Notre Dame, unfortunately it was mostly against the service academies.

3. Cleveland Browns - Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Adrian Peterson is a beast. He is my favorite running back prospect in the draft. Peterson is a very large, muscular back with speed to boot. Cleveland would be smart drafting him to give their running game a boost.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech

You just know Jon Gruden goes to bed every night praying Calvin Johnson falls to them at number 4, and I believe he will. I believe, like many others that Calvin Johnson is the best prospect in the entire draft, a legitimate game breaker from wide receiver that doesn't come around very often. It would give Tampa's offense a huge shot in the arm, and give them a franchise player.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin

The Cardinals are desperately seeking help on the offensive line and should get it here in Joe Thomas, who is the most polished offensive linemen in the entire draft. Although the last time I heard that, they were saying it about Robert Gallery and althought he's not a bust, he wasn't nearly worth the 2nd pick the Raiders used on him. Either way Thomas is the pick here for the Cardinals.

6. Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson

One of the things the Redskins will definately be looking to improve upon when the draft rolls around is the defensive line, and Gaines Adams is the best prospect there. He should be able to come in and immidiately help the Skins with their pass rush.

7. Minnesota Vikings - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville

The Vikings also have a need on the defensive line and when it's all said and done Okoye may just be the best player to come out of this draft. That's how much I like this kid. He is only 19 years old and has enormous upside.

8. Atlanta Falcons - LaRon Landry - S, LSU

Landry should be on the table here and the Falcons would be wise to take him. There were few players more impressive during the college football season, or at the combine then LaRon Landry. He is a hard hitting safety who can cover and should have a long and productive NFL career.

9. Miami Dolphins - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas

Anderson can go a lot higher than this so the Dolphins would be lucky if he was still around at 9. Although the Dolphins need more help on the offensive side of the ball they'd be crazy not to take Anderson if he falls to them.

10. Houston Texans - Ted Ginn Jr. WR, Ohio State

They got Matt Schaub, how about get him a weapon in Ted Ginn Jr. a speedster with a ton of upside? I don't see why not

11. San Francisco 49ers - Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi

A much improved team last year gets even better by drafting Patrick Willis who is widely regarded as the best linebacker in college the last 2 years. Willis is extremely muscular and quick and should really help the 49ers defense out.

12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan

With the departure of Nate Clements the Bills need another impact corner. Hall is the best of the bunch coming out of college and the Bills would probably take him if they don't trade down.

13. St. Louis Rams - Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC

A tremendous talent out of USC who unfairly gets lumped in with the failures of another USC alum Mike Williams. Jarrett was fantastic in college, and Tory Holt and Isaac Bruce aren't getting any younger. I might think about taking Jarrett ahead of Ginn Jr.

14. Carolina Panthers - Reggie Nelson, S, Florida

The first Gator to get drafted. Nelson is a safety who relies heavily on his athleticism which isn't really a problem because he has a ton of it. The Panthers are in the market for a play making safety and Nelson makes sense here.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska

As a Big 12 fan I got to see a lot of Carriker and he is a very safe pick. He is big enough and athletic enough to line up anywhere on the defensive line and be very good. He would fit nicely into a 3-4 scheme therefore I think Pittsburgh would be wise to take him here.

16. Green Bay Packers - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU

Another physical specimen out of LSU. Bowe is a very talented receiver and should provide the ageless Bret Favre with a nice target, and also be very good down the road when Bret Favre retires in 19 years.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee

Jacksonville needs to add a playmaker for their anemic offense. Maurice Jones Drew broke out last year but they need someone to come in and be a consistent wide receiver. Meachem fits the mold. I saw a number of his games at Tennessee and was fairly impressed by his consistency, and play making ability. I think this would be a good pick for Jacksonville.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Lawrence Timmons - LB - Florida State

The Bengals are in need of a linebacker upgrade and Timmons should be able to provide that. He would fit nicely into the Bengals blitzing defense, and also has decent range.

19. Tennessee Titans - Marshawn Lynch - RB - California

After losing Travis Henry to Denver, the Titans need to upgrade at runningback. I know they are counting on Lendale White to take over, but I am not a big believer in him. Lynch is as talented as they come and would make a great pair with Vince Young.

20. New York Giants - Justin Blalock, OG, Texas

Giants lost some offensive linemen this offseason and Blalock would be a solid pick here. He engineered that dominant Texas offensive line and is a very smart player.

21. Denver Broncos - Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida

In desperate need of an impact defensive lineman that can provide a consistent pass rush the Broncos have to go defensive line with this pick. Jarvis Moss is a quality pick. He is fast and athletic and the kind of defensive end the Broncos so desperately need.

22. Dallas Cowboys - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh

The Cowboys could certainly benefit from having another corner. Revis is probably the 2nd best prospect in this draft besides Hall and would be a good get at 22.

23. Kansas City Chifs - Levi Brown, OT, Penn State

The Chiefs offensive line is aging and aging quick. They are in need of a new youthful presence and Levi Brown would fit the bill just fine.

24. New England Patriots (From Seattle) - Greg Olson, TE, Miami

The team that has had the best off season in the NFL thus far get even better by nabbing the best tight end in the draft. Olson would fit in with New England famously and would be an immidiate factor.

25. New York Jets - Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina

After playing for Steve Spurrier, Rice will take his game to the NFL and play for Eric Mangini. The Jets could always use play makers on offense and Rice is a real talented player.

26. Philadelphia Eagles, Antony Spencer, DE, Purdue

The Eagles always seem to draft defensive linemen and this year will be no acception. If Spencer is here the Eagles take him.

27. New Orleans Saints - Jon Beason, LB, Miami

After a break out year for the Saints, they get better and faster on defense by taking ball hawk Jon Beason.

28. New England Patriots - Michael Griffin, S, Texas

Rodney Harrison is getting up there. Griffin is an excellent young player with tons of potential. I could see him fitting in with New England. Wow New England is going to be scary next year.

29. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan

This pick would be of good value to Baltimore. You can never have too many quality offensive linemen.

30. San Diego Chargers - Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas

A project. But a project that should be well worth it. As a Broncos fan a combo of Cromartie and Houston in a couple years gives me nightmares.

31. Chicago Bears - Paul Poslusny, LB, Penn State

With Lance Briggs as good as gone a linebacker upgrade is needed. Poslusny would have been a top 10 pick had it not been for an injury in the Orange Bowl his junior year. Regardles he is a very smart linebacker and would work well with the Bears.

32. Indianapolis Colts - Tank Tyler, DT, NC State

I just like that name, Tank Tyler. The Colts defense is still very suspect and upgrading the defensive line would be the way I'd go if I were them.

Around the MLB

• In Matsui we trust - The Rockies picked up their first road win of the season yesterday 4-3 thanks in large part to a tremendous outing by new pitcher Jason Hirsh. Hirsh was dominant striking out 8 in 6 and 2/3 innings but not quite as much of a joy to watch as the mighty Kaz Matsui! I never realized how fast this guy was. Wow! Matsui was Greg Maddux biggest nightmare last night with 3 hits, 2 stolen bases, an r.b.i, and a run scored. There's a reason Matsui flamed out in New York and I'm sure Rockies fans will see it soon but it was nice of him to play this well at least for a night.
• Meet the Mets, Meet the Mets- The Mets are looking like the class of baseball right now. Their lineup is absolutely terrifying, and their pitching has been remarkable so far. Last night they embarassed the Atlanta Braves 11-1 boosting the Mets record up to 4-0. Oliver Perez was terriffic as was Jose Reyes. Reyes shined in this game going 3-6 with two triples, 4 r.b.i's and a run scored. I said this last year and I'll say it again, nobody is funner to watch in baseball than Jose Reyes.
• Trouble in Houston - Not quite time to panic yet but Houston really does have a problem, and that problem is their anemic offense. The Astros only crossed the plate twice last night in a 4-2 loss to the Cardinals. I'm not expert but I don't think having an offense who gives pitchers no run support is the best way to sway Roger Clemens your way when he finally does decide to come back and play baseball.
• Yankees lose, Yes! - I always love when the Yankees lose. It just makes a good day for me. I don't care how early in the season it is, or who was pitching or anything, I just love to see them lose, and they did yesterday to the Orioles 6-4. Even with the Yankees potent offense I don't know how you can ignore their pitching problems right now. They don't have a single guy who scares you. Mike Mussina, one of their more reliable guys in the past got hit around yesterday by the Orioles. I'm lovin it.

Nuggets win! Nuggets win!

In a really strange game last night the Nuggets topped the N.B.A's best team the Dallas Mavericks 75-71. That's right the score was 75-71. Usually there is a better chance that an individual could win the Lotto, Powerball, and die on the same day then there is the Nuggets winning a game in which they score less than 100 points, but it happenned last night. Carmelo Anthony after struggling mightily in the first half stepped his game up in the 4th quarter in one of the more clutch performances he's had in recent memory. He finished the game with 23 points on only 7 -21 shooting but if you're a Nuggets fan you will realize the significance of this. Usually when Melo comes out and puts up a bad performance in the first half he'll start forcing things unmercifully, which in all fairness he did for most of the first half. But then Melo will start to pout because things aren't going his way and eventually disappear from the game. That didn't happen last night. Melo sucked it up and got it done in the 4th quarter. Maybe a sign of his maturity. The win for the Nuggets was no doubt huge, but a little less significant because the Mavs were without Josh Howard for most the game. Don't expect the Nuggets or any of their fans to be sorry though. We play without key players all the damn time. Next up tonight at the Clippers. Big game.