FREE Agency Frenzy Mock Draft

This is my first Mock Draft post Combine and the first one post free agency signings. I wanted to address some of the comments on my last draft and thanks for the comments they were greatly appreciated. I don’t think That the Falcons need a reciever I feel like they have a pretty decent recieving corp. The most glaring weakness of the team last season was their run defense. Jamaal Anderson being out in the NFC playoff game exposed this weakness more though. Now minus Brooking and Boley it means the Falcons will absolutely draft one of the top Linebackers or Dlineman available and will likely skip out on Harvin regardless of how big a fan you were of him in college.

Kruger is a depth guy i think the big thing missing from the Colts defense for years has been Depth. I agree a Linebacker makes alot more sense or a guy like Peria Jerry but if they aren’t there they should take the best Dlineman available.

And I agree with you the bills shouldn’t draft a corner now that they have signed Drayton Florence. Obviously they agreed with me it was a position of need.

hey just thought i would throw out another mock draft before the combine gets going. Obviously the combine and various pro days will change the board alot as will freeagency. But this is my opinion right now subject to change.

1 Detroit Lions
Jason Smith T Baylor
I don’t think Stafford is a guy that will go number 1. I am more confident a team like Carolina will trade back into the top 10 to get a Stafford then i would be that The Lions might pick the next Joey Harrington

2 St Louis Rams
Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest
The single best defensive prospect to come out college since Patrick Willis. He has all the tangibles and intangibles to be a beat on defense for years. He is one of the few players in the draft that is a steel at any point and would fit perfectly into the new defensive minded Rams

3 Kansas City Chiefs
BJ Raji DT Boston College
With a new defensive scheme the Chiefs will need a whole new breed of Defensive lineman. Tamba will move to outside linebacker and likely Dorsey will move over to give him a more pass rush oriented position still using his gifts against the run to hold up to keep blockers from getting to the linebackers. The chiefs need a huge DT for this scheme. Raji is huge. And with his tangibles measured he should be able to hold up against the run. Dline is a theme for Polian as well drafting Wilfork and Seymore in the first round.

4 Seattle Seahawks
Eugene Monroe T Virginia
With Houshmanzadeh signed its unlikely WR will be the pick and the Defense of Seattle looks good on paper so the most logical choice will be a lineman. No running back in the draft is worthy of a pick this high so Monroe or If Jason Smith falls to this point should be the pick.

5 Cleveland Browns
Brian Erakpo DE/OLB Texas
best pass rusher prospect at this point in the draft. There are 2 things that could happen that could change this pick. A trade of Kiwanuka from the Giants to the Browns for Braylon Edwards could occure if Crabtree is still on the board here something that is quite likely or a trade from Carolina sending Julius Peppers to the browns for a pick swap if Stafford is still available. but if the browns pick at this spot as things stand now they need a passrusher and Erakpo provides that.

6 Cincinatti Bengals
Andre Smith T Alabama
With the signing of Laverneous Coles it means the bengals will have a decent 3 spots for and can look for depth in the next round. Crabtree is still a possibility here but not likely now.

7 Oakland Raiders
Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
From the Red to the silver and black. Crabtree would be a drean scenario for the raiders who have struggled to find a reciever with any skill for years.

8 Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeremy Maclin WR Missourri
Maclin makes sense. hes faster on the field than his 40 time would suggest and fits into the Jaguars need to finally usurp Matt Jones as the primary pass catcher.

9 Green Bay Packers
Everette Brown DE/OLB Florida State
A big aggressive end. Many thinks he could be this years Vernon Gholston and never really reach his potential but the Packers need to hope he can be the dominant pass rusher in their new 3-4 scheme.

10 San Francisco 49ers
Malcolm Jenkin S/CB Ohio State
With the best bets at T off the board the niners need a guy to solidify their secondary. Jenkins will likely play Nickle corner or Safety in the niners system and will be allowed time to develop into a starter

11 Buffalo Bills
Michael Oher T Ole Miss
The Bills are an interesting team and this is an interesting pick. They could go any way really because it is hard to site a glaring weakness that hasn’t been addressed. No Linebacker seems like a fit here and the Bills have a solid D line. SO i think they add a big blocker like Oher into the mix. I think a RT especially he could be good.

12 Denver Broncos
Rey Maualuga LB USC
the Broncos need help on defense badly. And they are doing a good job in the offseason of adressing those needs. with a switch to a 3-4 many will harp on them to get an end in the first round. But i think signing a guy liek vonnie holliday or Igor Olshansky would be a better bet than taking a risk in the draft. with Maualuga they know he will play well in a 3-4 as the guy that makes all the tackles.

13 Washington Redskins
Tyson Jackson DE LSU
Jackson would be a great fit in a 3-4 but he may get grabbed up by a team doing a full dline overhall in Washington. Jackson would help create an amazing run defense in Washington that is already pretty nice

14 New Orleans Saints
Vontae Davis CB Illinois
Davis is a boom or bust prospect but at not necessarily a position of need it makes sense to pick up a guy like this where you can bring him along slowly

15 Houston Texans
Clay Mathews LB USC
His combine workout showed what every player that played against him already knew. Hes a beast. And will absolutely change the Texans defense

16 San Diego Chargers
Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
LTs days are numbered in a Chargers uniform. The league has proven this year in Free agency that there is absolutely no loyalty.

17 New York Jets
Mathew Stafford QB Georgia
Alot of people were likely wondering where these 2 supposed top 5 quarterbacks would be going in the draft. Well i think they are both very overated and will likely have less than decent careers. The track record of none senior quarterbacks is not good but at 17 drafting a qb is not nearly as big of a risk

18 Chicago Bears
Mark Sanchez QB USC
We will see but with Sanchez moving up draft boards i think any team drafting near where Stafford goes will draft for value alone. The Bears make sense because their needs don’t match their spot and there is alot of value in drafting a QB this late in the first round.

19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Percy Harvin WR Florida
The speed receiver to compliment the new offense being established in Tampa makes alot of sense here. Once again i wouldn’t be shocked to see Bey leap Harvin either.

20 Detroit Lions
Peria Jerry DT Ole MIss
Big dt prospect that can play inside next to Redding and if they are lucky can do for Shwartz new defense what haynesworth did for his last one.

21 Philadelphia Eagles
Chris Wells RB Ohio State
A big bruising back to finally run the ball up the middle for the first time in Eagles history

22 Minnesota Vikings
Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
Hes the combine freak and the Vikings not getting Housh makes it even more imperrative they add a reciever to match Bernard

23 New England Patriots
Brian Cushing LB USC
the pats will need a pass rusher to replace Vrabel and cushing has the speed to hold up as a linebacker and rush the passer.

24 Atlanta Falcons
Brandon Pettigrew TE Illinois
young QB deserves a young TE. A good TE can change the way a QB plays in tough situations.

25 Miami Dolphins
Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
A definite reach pick but with no other real needs to address at this point it is easy to reach alittle bit to get a guy many may have over looked.

26 Baltimore Ravens
James Laurenitis LB Ohio State
Free agency has not been kind to the ravens. Now a team with few needs has one glaring one. At inside linebacker. Heres hoping Laurenitis can rebound from a bad combine.

27 Indianapolis Colts
Ron Brace DT Boston College
Another huge D linemen from Boston College. Alot of people will say this is a reach. And they are right but i think the Colts need to seriously do something about that run defense. Its a travesty that nothing has been done yet. A giant like Brace could one day become the starter and plug up the middle.

28 Philadelphia Eagles
Louis Delmas S Western Michigan
The brian Dawkins era has ended. Its over. Time to move on and Delmas could be the guy to do that.

29 New York Giants
Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina
A good pass catcher to add to the group they have. He would start as the number 3 slot guy right now in their system

30 Tennessee Titans
Kenny Britt WR Rutgers
it seems like every year there is a run of reaches at the end of the first round. And usually those are either corners or Wideouts. I don’t feel like Britt is a first rounder but i definetly think they may make him one.

31 Arizona Cardinals
Robert Ayers DE Tennessee
Ayers is good value here at the end of the round and will be a good replacement for the seeming exodus of the Cardinals Dline

32 Pittsburg Steelers
Alex Mack C Cal
Mack is still a first round prospect at a position that seems to usually sneak 1 player into the first round. The steelers can get other Olinemen later in the first day in hopes of fixing some of their holes.

UFC 96 rundown

Not all fight cards are created equal. Many will see how this card is lackin top stars and possibly look the other way with only one real marquee matchup headlining the event its not the thickest UFC card to date. But leads into 4 straight cards that are looking extremely intriguing. I am adding with my blog odds and photos to try to spice it up, Let me know what you think.

JACKSON(-215) vs JARDINE (+335)

A fight that is a Title eliminator for Jackson is basically a lose lose for the guy. he has no ill will toward Jardine who seems like a nice guy and always seems to have a good gameplan. If you are interested in risking money Jardine is a decent bet. If he is counted out of a fight he seems to usually come through. His big downfall comes against aggressive strikers ans especially aggressive strikers with power. Rampage is both of those things. Jardine will hav e agreat gameplan and will bring the fire. But Rampage has a great chin and has gotten into brawls with great strikers ans walked out unscathed. Rampage is the guy you want to pick in a parlay. I say he wins this 90% of the time by KO in the first stanza.

MUNOZ(+140) vs HAMILL (-180)

If you have never seen Munoz fight he is another Arizona combat prospect with a great wrestling pedigree. Though not as physically large as fellow wrestler Ryan Bader he is just as dangerous at taking the fight to the mat. There is no downside for Munoz in this fight. Many feel he is fighting a weight class above where he will eventually end up but being that he’s never been in trouble in his short career it makes sense to keep fighting where he is. Against Hamill we will find out whether Munoz is a top prospect or just another good wrestler that should test the waters at 185. This fight is just as even as the line suggests. Both guys hve about equal in ring experience with Hamill having fought better fighters. Munoz though might be a better wrestler than Hamill. If Munoz can strike effectively enough to throw hamill off he might be able to put hamill on his back for the first time in his MMA career. If that happens i see Munoz getting the sub. I pick Munoz by GNP in the 3rd.

CARWIN (+140) vs GONZAGA (-170)

This fight might be more lopsided than the line suggests. Gonzaga is remembered as the guy that folded against Couture when he had a broken nose and the guy that seemingly wilted against Werdum. If you preasure him he breaks is the mentality and I’m sure that is Carwin’s master plan. But what people fail to grasp is Carwin is not notably better than Gonzaga anywhere. Basic mma should suggest that where will Carwin preasure Gonzaga. Hendricks couldn’t get Gonzaga to the mat and suffered a brutal KO. If Carwin can’t that will be his fate. Carwin is the larger stronger fighter of the 2 and his goal might be to drag Gonzaga into deep water testing his cardio But i don’t believe the human chin can survive what Gonzaga is throwing right now long enough to stand with him that long. Carwin could win the fight if he believe his BJJ is strong enough to go to the mat with Gonzaga. I am not confident in that so i say Gonzaga by arm bar in the 2nd round when Carwin is dazed from a big punch.

BROWN (+135) vs SELL (-105)
this is a tough one to pick because I have a limited knowledge of the Immortal outside of his fights on TUF. On TUF he looked like a good striker with limited skills else where. On paper it should be even, But it seems like Sell has been reborn at 170 and is extremely large and powerful. I would love to see him use his BJJ black belt and win this fight in impressive fashion by sub in the 2nd round. But more likely is a hard fought exciting decision win for Sell.

MAYNARD (-170) vs MILLER (+140)
The Bully has become more than a beast at 155 and seems like a logical title shot candidate in the future. But in his way is something most have only heardof in whispers. A lightweight, small, great power, legit wrestling, amazing bjj. In 08 he disposed of 3 good fighters most notably Euro stand out David Baron. Miller has more than Ground and pound he has 9 wins by submission. And Maynard has not proven yet that he can stay on the mat with a fighter like Miller. Clementi was legit test but Clementi’s guard has been broken before. Miller could be the future. And the winner in my mind needs to be on a short title shot list. this fight is even closer than the Odds have it. I have Miller by leg lock of some type in a shocker.

MADIGAN (+250) vs MCCRORY (-325)
Madigan is giving up a ton in size, reach, and experience. You can’t measure a fighters heart when they are up against a wall but it will be more than a difficult challenge for the UFC newcomer and the crowd behind him. Mccrory may have looked alittle un skilled on the ground in his battle against Hazlett but that should not be indicative of what McCrory brings into the ring. He is a huge specimin, with a solidly well rounded game. Against Madigan he will need to win standing or submit the new comer. And that’s what I see happening. Mcrory by decision.

GROVE (-200) vs DAY (+160)
Both fighters have been prone to inconsistancies. Day’s lost to Bisping may say more about Bisping than about Day but Grove’s loss to Jorge Rivera raises huge questions about Grove’s chin and ability to win fights he needs to win. Against Tanner, Grove put on a great performance and still could have lost a decision to a fighter that many believed was way over the hill. So what does Grove really have? We should see here. Day has only lost recently to fighters that are at the top of the UFC heap. He should be another strong Canadian at 185 as Day win’s by Gnp TKO in the 2nd round.

BOETSCH (-140)vs BRILZ (+110)
The barbarian has looked impressive in all of his UFC performances including his loss to hamill in which most people believe he was unprepared for the altitude. The next step out of obscurity for Boetsch comes in putting together a winning streak. If he can overpower the smaller Brilz we will see that i have Boetsch buy decision.

PATT (+350)vs (-550) VERA
This is one of those high risk high reward bets. No one that vera has fought has he looked like a can But against fighters that make it tough on his he seems quick to lose his gameplan and start backing up. Add to that the chance that Patt may be better at something than Vera namely BJJ. Patt will be undeniably the smaller man, maybe the weaker man. But if Patt can put Vera on his back this fight could have upset written all over it. I believe Vera will pull it out though with a Tko over the smaller fighter in a must win for Vera.

NELSON (+175) vs RILEY (-215)
Riley will be playing the role of grizzled veteran as he attempts to defeat the new comer from TUF. Riley has lost at liek 4 different weight classes but almost all are from Decision. hes a tough fighter that seems like he only loses to respectable names. Nelson has shown good hands and bad wrestling technique in his fights in the UFC. but unlike fellow team Penn members he seems to actually train BJJ. That will come in handy as Riley might want to test his ground game if the fight doesn’t go his way early. If Nelson trains hard and doesn’t fade late i ahve nelson by UD but Riley could easily get the win.

UFC 95 rundown

Sorry I did not do a rundown for UFC 94 I basically felt like i had too much of an emotional opinion and couldn’t really pick without a lot of bias. But with UFC 95 no such issues and so here is the Fights how they look, remember to tune in to Spike tv for the FREE replay.

SANCHEZ vs STEVENSON
In this fight its hard to think Sanchez won’t be able to do to Stevenson what he did to a much better and larger striker in Fiorivanti. Stevenson’s Gameplan will likely be to keep the fight standing to avoid the ground battle that he really hasn’t won consistantly in many of his last few fights. Unless Sanchez gets caught in a guillotine or possibly gasses i see him winning in devestating fashion.

HARDY vs MARKHAM
This fight is more for the English fans to see their hometown boy in a wild slugfest. Both Fighters have the power to KO the other but in these situations where both guys will come in with the gameplan of taking the other guys lunch, I always pick the guy with less KOs on his record. that’s Dan Hardy, a win By Hardy here i hope will set up a fight with Paul Taylor.

MARQUARDT vs GOUVIEA
I can’t help but shake the feeling that Marquardt could get KOed in this fight. But in all likelyhood Marquardt will win, due mostly to the fact that he can follow a gameplan. I feel liek Gouviea will look good maybe even win a round but get over confident or make a fatal error and that will be it. I wil say Marquardt wins by UD.

MAIA vs SONNEN
Maia will be the more deverse striker and will force Sonnen to lose his gameplan and take the fight to the ground where he will be quickly and easily submitted. Sonnen’s submission defense has always been his achilles heel. This is not a half loopy Fihlo that will stand in front of him and stalk slower not even throwing a punch. Maia sees a title shot in his future if he can pull this one off.

KOSCHECK vs THIAGO
its funny to me that Kos is on the Undercard of a fight headliner by a guy he beat. But thats the rub. Kos is fighting a UFC newcomer, NOT A CAN. Paulo Thiago is very dangerous and will probably win a few fights in the UFCs WW division. But not this one. Thiago is 10-0 with 7 wins by submission. There also isn’t a ton of tape on Thiago. I still feel liek Kos’s submission defense is a little basic but if he can keep the fight standing against Thiago he could shed the blanket reputation and become known as a full fledged power puncher. Kos By KO.

DOS SANTOS vs STRUVE
I picked against Dos Santos once, I won’t do it again. Struve is a ground fighter primarily with a pretty impressive resume, But Dos Santos is coming off a KO of the previosly un KOed Werdum which means that Dos Santos has real power. and being that he trains with Noguiera I’m guessing his jiujitsu is good. We will find out. Also if you were bettign i would put money of Struve to win, i think his chances of getting a sub here are pretty decent. But I will pick Dos Santos. Hes the real deal.

BUCHOLTZ vs ETIM
An interesting fight between 2 fighters with similar records. I will go with Etim based ont he fact that i think he has a better ground game where i think both guys seem to most gifted.

KELLY vs MANDOLONIZ
Mandoloniz better have worked his td defense or we are in for a long and boring fight. Kelly has wild striking, pretty sub standard Jiujitsu but ok wrestling and a great chin. These combine to make him a very good killer of straight strikers like Mandoloniz. He may come out like he did in the Taylor and Davis fights and give the fans a great 30 secs then get the fight to the floor where he doesn’t have the arsenal to finish the fight but can defend most submissions and grind out a decision similar to what he did with Taylor. it won’t be pretty but Barring a hard right hand from Rude Boy Kelly by decision.

CIESNOLEVICZ vs GROVE
both great fighters outside the UFC infact many were wondering when Mike would get signed by a rival org to the UFC…to fight at 205. Not Heavyweight and not on short notice. With Grove Imagine James Thompson but bigger and with a chin. lord knows if he has a ground game cuz we haven’t seen it the fights don’t last that long. My guess is that is Ciesnolevicz goal in this fight. To get the bigger man onto his back and test his ground game. If he can do that he will win. I will go with the IFL vet but i expect big things from Grove in the future.

DUNHAM vs ECKLAND
Evan Dunham is a late replacement getting the call to take on Eckland a fighter in his 3rd fight in the UFC that no one has heard of. This is likely the end of Ecklands contract if he doesn’t win so a win is paramount. I think Dunham and Eckland will be equall on the ground leaving the stand up battle to decide te fight. THat is where i believe the Swede has the advantage. Don’t be shy though about putting some money on Dunham as he has a chance to sub Per in this fight.

Pre Combine NFL Mock DRAFT!!!

hey just thought i would throw out another mock draft before the combine gets going. Obviously the combine and various pro days will change the board alot as will freeagency. But this is my opinion right now subject to change.

 

1 Detroit Lions
Eugene Monroe T Virginia
Originally I had Andre Smith here but as many have noticed Smith is more of a mauler than a Pass protector. Doesn’t mean hes bad but Monroe might be the better tackle in Draft and that is a huge position of need. BJ Raji could also sneak into this position.

2 St Louis Rams
BJ Raji DT Boston College
The senior bowl is throwing this guy way up draft boards and the combine will show exactly how far this guy can rise. I think its likely the Rams looking to build the right way along the dline would love to pair this guy with Carriker and have an absolutely devestating D line.

3 Kansas City Chiefs
Michael Crabtree  WR Texas Tech
This might seem crazy to some because of the pressing needs all over the field but Pioli is not an idiot and understands versatility and position in the draft. He can get a servicable T or Dlinemen in the second but at 3 he could get the best player in the draft.

4 Seattle Seahawks
Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forrest
This doesn’t seem like a need pick for seattle and its not they need reciever they could get a running back but at this point in the draft they need to picka  player that can contribute right away and Curry is another player that could be the best in the draft. Paired with world destroyers like Peterson and Tatupu this linebacker core could be devestating.

5 Cleveland Browns
Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State
If this scenario plays out Cleveland is the first team to get seriously screwed. I think cleveland is hoping the QBs and book end tackles go so they can get their choice of Raji or Curry. But in Jenkins they get a potential shut down corner. At best a Champ Bailey and at worst Quentin Jammer.

6 Cincinatti Bengals
Jason Smith T Baylor
I feel like the pass happy Bengals would pass on a great run blocker like Andre for a more athletic blocker with possibly more potential in Jason.

7 Oakland Raiders
Jeremy Maclin WR Missourrii
Dogs bark, cars honk, and the raiders mess the draft up. In this scenario they should click their heels with joy that a T like Andre smith might have fallen to them. But knowing the raiders they will draft that guy with the best measurables. And that will likely be Maclin. I expect him to be the fastest player in the draft. And that screams the Raiders.

8 Jacksonville Jaguars
Andre Smith T Alabama
The best runblocker in the draft finds his home with the Jags. He will open huge holes and will not have to worry about giving up sacks to a quarterback with a quick release and quick feet like Garard.

9 Green Bay Packers
Brian Erakpo DE Texas
the best pass rusher at this point that has the size to hold up in a 4-3 defense. Erakpo will be the perfect compliment to Kampmann and will hopefully hold up in the run well enough to keep the linebackers from getting run over.

10 San Francisco 49ers
Michael Oher T Ole Miss
This would be a huge reach by the niners here but with T being really the only need they can’t address in freeagencey i see this being an extremely likely outcome

11 Buffalo Bills
Vontae Davis CB Illinois
There are just so many TEs in the 2nd round that could end up being just as good as pettigrew. If Coffman wasn’t so injury prone he could be considered this high. And if Vontae lives up to his potential he could be a great shut down corner

12 Denver Broncos
Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
New coach new style of running The broncos will need a guy to carry the load. The zone blocking is gone and likely are the days of producing with the run with ease. With Knowshon they can continue to have a feature back that can move the ball on tough downs and set up the seemingly great passing game of Cutler.

13 Washington Redskins
Everett Brown DE Florida State
Best athlete at DE in the draft. Alot of people will ask why not Maybin here. I think Maybin will run well but  don’t feel like he will have the strength or size to hold up on the dline.

14 New Orleans Saints
Rey Mauluga LB USC
This is the type of player that can change the way your entire defense plays. He will be the Drew Brees of the defense and change the culture of that team permanently.

15 Houston Texans
Brian Cushing OLB USC
And while the saints are drafting Linebackers the Texans should take this opportunity to do the same and pick a game changer.

16 San Diego Chargers
Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn State
The Chargers are collectors, but with Merrimen going down last year they were in desperate need of a pass rush with Maybin they will have a lot more depth in their pass rushers.

17 New York Jets
Mathew Stafford QB  Georgia
Alot of people were likely wondering where these 2 supposed top 5 quarterbacks would be going in the draft. Well i think they are both very overated and will likely have less than decent careers. The track record of none senior quarterbacks is not good but at 17 drafting a qb is not nearly as big of a risk

18 Chicago Bears
Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss
The 2nd best DT in the draft Jerry has the size to help Tommie Harris hold up against the run in that defense.

19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Wells RB Ohio State
Cadillac is not working as an every down back and with RB such a need this would be a great place to address that need.

20 Detroit Lions
Mark Sanchez QB USC
So Detroit gets a book end T and a qb of the future in one round. Lets hope this leads to better years.

21 Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St
Pettigrew is the most well rounded TE in the draft. many think the eagles will draft a RB or WR at this point but that would be a waste. I think they can effectively address their lack of a number 1 with free agencey and get a decent running back in the later rounds liek they always have.

22 Minnesota Vikings
Tyson Jackson DE LSU
Hes big enough to hold up against the run and fast enough to rush off the end. This would be the 3rd defensive end the Viking have drafted in the first round in recent years so its likely they could go another way

23 New England Patriots
Clay Mathews LB USC
For the first time ever 3 linebackers from one college team can get drafted in the first round. ANd for the Patriots Mathews makes alot of sense because he can play the run and has the aggressiveness to blitz the QB. he can be what Adalius Thomas and Rosy Colvin were supposed to be.

24 Atlanta Falcons
James Laurenitis LB Ohio State
Laurenitis is the type of big fast prospect that will shoot up boards after the combine but if atlanta is lucky enough to get him they could have a great MLB for years

25 Miami Dolphins
Larry English LB No Illinois
Another pass rusher would hit the spot as well as another ML for the Dolphins. With English they get the pass rusher but his versatility could help them against the run as well.

26 Baltimore Ravens
Percy Harvin WR Florida
Harvin could finally add that extra oomf to the Raven’s Offense that has been bland since they were the browns

27 Indianapolis Colts
Paul Kruger DE Utah
Kruger is the type of motor every defense in the league wants. hes like Aaron Kampmann meets Grant Wistrom. And his tenacity is unmatched. In th Indy Defense he would be the perfect compliment to Freeney

28 Philadelphia Eagles
Louis Delmas S Western Michigan
The Brian Dawkins era will eventually come to end sooner or later the future hall of famer will start to slow down. and when it comes the Eagles better have another great athlete to plug into that position

29 New York Giants
Lesean Mccoy RB Pittsburg
With Ward likely leaving for another team, i don’t think Ahmed Bradshaw will be able to carry the load the way ward did. And Jacobs needs  speed back as a compliment.

30 Tennessee Titans
Hawkeem Nix WR North Carolina
Nix has crazy play making potential and the ideal build for a reciever. This late in the first round the titans should really consider getting a play maker that can stretch the field for who ever is the starter next season

31 Arizona Cardinals
D.J Moore CB Vanderbilt
Improving thier pass defense should be job one for the cardinals because if they can get a lead they will need to keep it.

32 Pittsburg Steelers
Alex Mack C Cal
The offensive line is the only weak link on the team, with more bodies to create more competition they can only improve.

Post Shrine game Mock Draft 09′

Since the shrine game has occured there has been some player movement not to mention that many players that were thought could become draft eligible will not. So here is my newest mock draft.

 

1 Detroit Lions
Andre Smith T Alabama
Smith is one of the ‘can’t miss prospects in this draft. If the Lions want to actually start winning and stop pretending to try to win they need to hit on their first round draft picks not hit a few and by the time the 0thers come around the last good one has been traded to Dallas. Smith will make an impact immediately.

2 St Louis Rams
Eugene Monroe T Virginia
IF Andre Smith is off the board i don’t see St Louis Stressing too much. Monroe is only a slight down grade and the biggest position of need for this team is offensive line.

3 Kansas City Chiefs
QB Mathew Stafford Georgia
I have gone back and forward with the idea of the Chiefs keeping Thigpin and going forward with an improved defense or Oline, the fact is that with Pioli and likely Shanahan in power now they will want a completely new regime. though i think Curry would be the wise choice here going with Stafford will give the franchise hope of a franchise QB that the chiefs have rarely had.

4 Seatle Seahawks
Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
This might be the most obvious pick of the first round. The seattle Seahawks have lacked a legit number 1 reciever for years and aquiring Dieon Branch didn’t remedy that. Statistically Seneca Wallace had a great year with little to no running game so it might make more sense to reach and grab Knowshon Moreno or Beanie Wells here. But with Crabtree and a plethora of good 2nd and 3rd round running backs the Seahawks stand in position to take back the division.

5 Cleveland Browns
Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest
Curry is on many boards as the can’t miss player. hes the Patrcik Willis of this draft and no one should think about passing on him. The fact that he could fall to 5 to a team that already has impressive talent on defense is just sad. If the Browns can get Curry they will have one of the most talented Defenses in the AFC.

6 Cincinatti Bengals
Jason Smith T Baylor
Smith is this years Joe Staley, he is a tackle that was once a TE has blocked well agianst inferior competition and has imcredible athletic ability for his position. He will fly up draft boards as the draft approaches just as Staley did. And with Staley’s success in the NFL Smith will go even higher. The Bengal’s biggest need is protection. they have the talent almost to be a high scoring team. In a conference devoid of scorers this makes the Bengals a threat in any game. As long as Carson can stay off the IR. drafting Oline will help with that.

7 Oakland Raiders
Jeremy Maclin WR Missourri
Running back, Bush and Mcfadden. QB Jamarcus Russel, now they get their big name wideout and speedster. Will this turn the Raiders into an offensive power house. No. Not until they address problems on their Oline will the raiders ever compete in that division but now they have a ton of money invested in skill position players that will never get the blocking to reach their potential.

8 Jacksonville Jaguars
Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State
this is where i will begin to Diverge from the ESPN mock drafts. Jacksonville’s biggest need is tackle but their defense faltered last season as well. With a lack of a great can’t miss DT i think jacksonville will go after a CB that had he come out last year would have been top 10. Jenkins is the most successful CB in the Big-ten over the last 4 years. This will be create a great tendem of Corners in Jacksonville to compete with the multi faceted throwing attacks of the Colts and the Texans.

9 Green Bay Packers
Brian Erakpo DE Texas
The packers were lacking a combo pass rush next to Kampmann last season, i think the size of Erakpo would slide him slightly ahead of Maybin in the draf especially in the Packers 4-3 scheme. Many have the packers drafting a corner, but they believe that their corners are good enough to win right now and that overall defensive play need to improve. I think bringing in a Passrush first end to create 1 on 1 situations for Kampmann would help the defense imeasurably.

10 San Francisco 49ers
BJ Raji DT Boston College
Raji may rise or fall depending on his play in the Senior Bowl but he is the only top prospect defensive lineman with the size to play in a 3-4. As the niners found last season pass rush was hard to come by but in order to stop the run they will need a legit starting defensive tackle. And as the Charger’s know a passrusher is much easier to find than Dline for that system.

11 Buffalo Bills
Rey Maualuga LB USC
With London Fletcher nearing the end and this type of talent at linebacker in the draft it would be silly not to consider drafting a player that could cleary change the way they play defense for years.

12 Denver Broncos
Aaron Maybin DE/LB Penn State
With maybe the worst total defense in the NFL the Broncos need to basically draft the best available defensive player. With them not being settled on what type of defense they should even run having 2 undersized tweener pass rushers on the team might help necessitate a change to a 3-4.

13 Washington Redskins
Percy Harvin WR/SB Florida
The redskins had one of the highest rated defenses in the league. Many have them draftign defense here and they might but with such a solid unit why address depth issues in the first round when what was ailing them was on offense, not enough matchup problems were caused by their recieving corp that’s made up of 1 number 1 reciever and about 5 number 4s. Harvin could be the Burner opposite the burner to make it impossible to cover Moss deep and open up throws to Cooley one very play.

14 New Orleans Saints
Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
Moreno has the talent and the track record to be a top back that runs between the tackles. Something that the Saints didn’t have on offense. Many feel like Pierre Thomas is the guy but at 215 he is still undersized to  carry the full load and Duece has slowed down considerably. The Saints were the number 1 team in every offensive category but rushing. With a balanced attack they could be nearly unstoppable. Sharing carries between Thomas and Moreno whil moving Bush to more of a reciever roll could help that.

15 Houston Texans
Vontae Davis CB Illinois
A freak athlete Davis also led the NCAA in interceptions. Whether or Not Dunta Robinson comes back healthy next season the Texans need to get turnovers to keep their high powered offense on the field and turn the tide for their interception prone QBs

16 San Diego Chargers
Brian Cushing LB USC
Cushing would play inside on the 3-4 scheme that is employed by the Chargers and would be the big fast athletic defender that could make the tackles agaisnt the run. Many believe the chargers will draft a runningback here. I completely disagree, unless there was a sure fire can’t miss back at this point (and there isn’t in this draft) AJ Smith wouldn’t pick one in the first round. This is the guy that has found the last 2 LT backups in the 3rd and later rounds. My guess is thats where Smith will get LTs replacement.

17 New York Jets
Mark Sanchez QB USC
Very few people with in the Jets organization believe that Clemons is the future but if he is its still good to have a QB there to push him. Favre was the reason the Jets failed to make the playoffs last season, he couldn’t throw deep, led the league in interceptions, everyone that thinks hes the reason the team was so improved doesn’t understand football. So even if Favre doesn’t come back the Jets are still a force with a solid running great oline and Dline play.

18 Chicago Bears
Everette Brown DE Florida St
The bears have one of the most overated defenses in the NFL. They were completely middle of the pack or lower in every statistical category on defense and poor to non existant on offense. That said their new found running game will keep them in games if their defense can play better against the pass. Brown will give them a new found pass rush oposite Ogunleye

19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Wells RB Ohio State
Many believe the Bucs will reach to sortof cool off the revolving door at QB here but i believe that would be a mistake. anyone that they draft to play QB here will be a temporary fix and i think the biggest weakness on offense was not QB it was a lack of a consistant rushingn attack. with new play calling and a replacement for oft injured Cadilac Williams, Wells may be the next Ap. if that happens the Buc’s will be in the playoffs regardless who is playing QB.

20 Detroit Lions
TE Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State
Though i feel Pettigrew is a little overated He is a first round talent and having Pettigrew would take the preasure off of the only really great position that Detroit has on the fieldright now at WR. Pettigrew would also increase the amount of 2 TE sets that are run in Detroit and help lessen the impact of bad QB play.

21 Philidelphia Eagles
Michael Oher T Ole Miss
Oher would be a steal here by the eagles that need desperately to replace their aging tackles in Runyan and Thomas.

22 Minnisota Vikings
Hakeem Nix WR North Carolina
Though the biggest need on the field for the Vikings across the board is QB its unlikely that they will take a risk on Freeman when he has the same exact question marks as Jackson did coming out of college. More likely is they will jump into the sweepstakes with many other teams to try to land Nate Davis int he 2nd round. Nix though has crazy potential and could end up being a legit number 1 reciever for the Vikings something they really lack.

23 New England
Tyson Jackson DE LSU
Jackson has the size to play DE ina  3-4 which is a rare find with his type of athleticm and with Seymore slowing down more and more each year a legit back up is needed immediately.

24 Atlanta Falcons
James Laurenitis LB Ohio State
The biggest weakness last season for the falcon’s was their run defense but without a legit jun stuffing defensive end might as well get a LB that will scare offenses for years.

25 Miami Dolphins
Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss
Athletic enough to play DE or DT for Sparano he would be the replacement for Jason Ferguson who was really a spot fit for the defense. He will help keep the Dolphins defense stopping the run and help to open up holes for pass rushers.

26 Baltimore Ravens
DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt
Moore is the best Db left on the board and right now that is the only questionablr position for the Ravens. Fabian Washington is not a starting CB. Moore might be and with aging Corners Mccalister and Rolle they need to start replacing.

27 Indianapolis Colts
Clint Sintim LB Virginia
The colts have lacked talent on Defense for years. They need to start addressing these issues through the draf especially at linebacker where they have not had real talent since Cato june.

28 Philidelphia Eagles
William Moore S Missouri
Moore could be the replacement for Dawkins that has kept that defense on top for years, with one of the top defenses in the league and with no legit recievers on the board the Eagles will turn to replace another aging superstar

29 New York Giants
Brandon La Fell WR LSU
Replacing Plaxico or getting a player to be the numbe 2 reciever is the most important offseason priority, if they don’t replace him thorugh freagency they need to here.

30 Tennessee Titans
Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
The biggest need for the Titans is also WR and with La Fell off the board expect the Titans to reach and get the next best WR on their boards.

31 Arizona Cardinals
Paul Kruger DE Utah
Kruger is the motor that the Cardinals defense has lacked since they lost Vanden Bosh. With Kruger they can go back to having the pass rush they once hd in the days of Simeon Rice.

32 Pittsburgh Steelers
C Alex Mack Cal
The best Oline men left on the board and the biggest position of need, at a point thats not a reach fr Pittsburgh its a slam dunk pick.

UFC 93 rundown

The beginning of a Huge month of MMA for most. It starts with a bang in a  likely FOY in Lytle Davis, And will end even bigger with the rematch of the year when Penn meets GSP in a champion vs champion showdown. So lets get to my rundown

FRANKLIN vs HENDERSON
this is a fight i think alot of hardcore MMA fans have been looking forward to for some time. Niether fighter really gives up a huge advantage to the other in any key category. The biggest question is whether or not Henderson’s wrestling will be better than Ace’s by enough to negate the size and striking advantage of Franklin. I don’t think it will. I perceive the Hammill fight as a nice tune up for a fight with henderson and Franklin passed with flying colors. As long as Franklin can enact a similar game plan and keep the fight at a distance and not engage in the slug fest that Henderson wants than in all  likely hood he will win a UD.

RUA vs COLEMAN
Coleman is long removed from his top form. The 2000 pride grand prix, where Coleman proved that he was a hall of famer in mma, was 9 years ago. And since then he has proven to be extremely susceptible to good ground fighters. Shogun since the Coleman fight hasn’t looked like an amazing striker and against Forrest looked extremely 1 dimensional and that dimension wasn’t that impressive but against Coleman he is fighting a 1 dimensional fighter. There is alot of question marks in this fight. How will Coleman make the cut to 205 for the first time? Is Shogun in top condition, was he ever as good as he looked to be in PRIDE? I think one thing is for sure. Shogun is the better fighter in regards to submissions and he will prove that in this fight, Shogun by submission.

KANG vs BELCHER
In Denis Kang we have one of the most inconsistent and talented guys at 185 in the world. He was seen by many as the front runner to win the Welterweight PRIDE tournament in 06′. After losses to Akiyama and Mousasi many question whether or not he ever was a top fighter. Wins over Murilo Rua have been matched by the likes of Benji Radach. Win over Gono has been matched by Dan Hardy. His submission game has improved but his submission loss to  Mousasi raises questions about a ground game that was once his  achilles heel. That will not be tested in his fight with Belcher. Both fighters are known for exciting explosive striking prowess, they are roughly the same size though Belcher might have a slight reach advantage. It shouldn’t matter. I think either way likely this fight end in a KO. And it is pretty even as to who will drop first, though the odds favor Kang heavily which means that you if you bet on MMA should put some on Belcher in this fight. His combination of striking anddecent ground game make him a tough fight for anyone and Kang will be dipping his foot in the UFC pool for the first time. I really can’t pick this fight its too close but i will go out on a limb and pick the Underdog in Alan Belcher by KO in the 2nd round.

HORN vsPALHARES
Horn’s best days are behind him, this fight seems like a gimme on paper though Horn will not give up and will fight hard i think the much stronger fighter in Toquinho will come out on top. I have Toquinho by submission.

DAVIS vs LYTLE
Davis might be the most underrated fighter in the UFC welter weight division. he has great hands and great cardio, his wrestlign is underated and his BJJ has proven to be atleast competent. His winning streak which was extremely impressive came to an end in a fight with Swick where both fighters were injured and i think both fighters would love for a rematch. Lytle is a great striker but has proven incapable of dispatching top wrestlers. He was given a really controversial decision in his last fight. In Davis he has found his huckleberry. A great top tier fighter that will stand in the pocket and throw. Against the same competition in Paul Taylor, Lytle took a ton of punishment but dealt it out and foundcreative ways to hurt his smaller but more versatile opponent. Davis against Taylor was dropped in the first round. I think Lytlecould very well find that same button on Davis. I have Lytle by KO in the 3rd after a barn burner of a fight.

BARROS vs KAMPMANN
This is a great fight for both fighters and will show very quickly how Kampmann will be able to hand a wrestling heavy division. Barros is a BJJ expert that has been fighting in MMA for about 10 years, in that time though he has only had 18 fights and his sole top fight was against Matt Hughes in 2000. Barros brazilian Jiujitsu is very good and hes basically a smaller Paulo Filho. He is riding a 9 fight and 5 year win streak. Kampmann is coming off a loss by brutality to the much larger stronger Nate the Great. Kampann will have a 4 inch height advantage and likely more of a reach advantage, with Barrosobviously wanting the fight on the ground this will limit Kampmann’s use of kicks. I expect Kampann’s training with Extreme Couture to come in handy as he will keep the fight standing anduse the vaunted stand up that we rarely got to see from the usually undersized kampann at 185. I have Kampmann getting the KO or the UD but i wouldn’t be shocked by a Barros submission so if you are betting go with this underdog as well.

MENDES vs SCHAFER
Mendeslooked to have an even worse ground game than Houston Alexander did. This fight will be a good one to see if it was Thiago Silva that was so great or if his competition so far has been below par. Schafer has provento have a pretty good ground game and little else. against Alexander he fought and fought andfought to get the fight to the ground andonce he did the fight was all but over. against Mendeshe fights another striker that has looked lost on the ground. I will go with Ravishing red who so far has only lost to TUF vets in the UFC.

SERATI vs DRWAL
Serati is most notable for his loss to Vitor Belfort in Cage Rage but has a pretty decent resume with 10 wins and only 2 losses. Drwal has a similar record his 1st loss coming in his 2nd MMA fight and his 2nd coming in his first UFC fight. The one knock on Drwal might be that he is too agressive and possibly alittle small for 205. Against Seratihe will be fighting a big aggressive fighter that will stand toe to toe. I have Drwal by KO in the first, a highlight win for a reel that is just getting started.

EGAN vs HATHAWAY
Both fighters in their first fights in the UFC, i think Hathaway has fought only slightly better competition and has more experience.  Egan has never gone to the bell, does that mean he has great power, not necessarily his opposition may have been really overmatched. In a fight like this where both fighters are unknowns its best to go with the guy with the most experience. I won’t though. I’ll say Egan by highlight reel KO in his hometown.

SIVER vs MOHR
Could be a loser leaves town match. both fighters have provento be very limited on the ground which begs the question why invite them back at all. Easy to fill a fight card, and niether fighter will disappoint in a slugfest in which the better all arond striker Nate Mohr will get his hand raised.

My first 09 Mock Draft

this is all based on speculating who i think will come out and who will not with alittle explanation, also its based on past draftings by teams and their seeming team needs.

1 Detroit Lions
OT Andre Smith Alabama
Smith is the best o lineman on the board and maybe the safest pick in the draft, after so many first round picks going no where for the lions they need a safe pick and right now Andre seems like the perfect fit, it also fits with other teams that have had quick turnarounds such as the Browns, Dolphins and Falcons drafting a tackle high in the first round.

2 St Louis Rams
OLB Aaron Curry
Curry is a fast high energy linebacker. There is a debate as to who is the best linebacker in the draft but this pick would fit with the Rams current strategy of drafing defense high in the first round. If possible the Rams may trade down in order to accumulate more picks and get a tackle to replace oft injured star Orlando PAce.

3 Kansas City Chiefs
DE Aaron Maybin
The chiefs this year had the worst pass rush in the league. They need someone to take the double teams away from Dorsey and Hali. Many will contend that the Chiefs will be draftign a quarterback here. I think that would be a mistake. Tyler Thigpin became increasingly more affective as the season progressed even with a complete lack of runnign game i believe that he could be a franchise starter for atleast the next few years.

4 Seattle Seahawks
Michael Crabtree WR Texas tech
thier biggest problem this season was pass defense i believe that they will still try to improve their recieving corp and count their lucky stars that a once in a generation talent may have fallen to them at 4.

5 Cleveland Browns
CB Malcolm Jenkins Ohio State
He would be the perfect replacement for Leigh Bodden and help a defense that seems to be moving in the right direction.

6 Cincinatti Bengals
OT Eugene Monroe Virginia
1 quarterback injured another was sacked 38 times this season. They need to improve their offensive line before they can fix any other problems

7 Oakland Raiders
Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
Maclin would be the next most impressive skill position player in the draft. If Monroe was still available i would say he would be the wisest choice but when dealing with the Raiders wise is rarely what you get.

8 Jacksonville Jaguars
ILB Rey Maualuga USC
Maualuga might be the best line backer in the draft. Jacksonville will consider drafting an offensive lineman to fix what seemed like the weakest pat of the team but this team has needed a James Hardy type of backer since he left the team and will help change the entire way this team plays defense.

9 Greenbay Packers
DE Brian Erakpo
Erakpo might be the flashy pick here over Florida St end Everette Brown. perhaps defensive tackle is the biggest need but with out a real game changer at defensive tackle this high in the draft a pass rusher will be the second biggest concern. Though i think we would all love to see oline or a running back go to Greenbay to give Aaron Rodgers something to work with.

10 San Francisco 49ers
SS Taylor Mays
Mays could be the next Sean Taylor. He has the size, strength and the credentials. The biggest needs for the niners right now are 1 more tackle, another defensive tackle and possibly a reciever. I think 1 or all 3 could be met in free agency. Also Mark Roman has never played at a stellar level for the niners. QB might be anther area and with Bradford, Stafford and Mccoy on the board it will be a thought though I personally believe that Stafford will be the only underclassmen coming out this season.

11 Buffalo Bills
Gerald Mccoy DT Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s defense was pretty much non existant all season but Mccoy stands out to many as the best Defensive tackle in the draft. The bills should think about dline to help marcus stroud and Aaron Schobel but also think about Oline to help Edwards and all of their playmaker on offense.

12 Denver Broncos
DE Everette Brown
brown is the best pass rusher available and could line up opposite of possibly the only decent defensive front seven member on the team in Dumerville. If Spagnoulo gets the head coaching position in Denver i expect with this lineup to get a pass rush in Denver finally. Possible other picks are Brian Cushing, James Laurenitis and Terrence Cody.

13 Washington Redskins
OT Michael Oher Ole Miss
The washington Defense was a top 10 defense all year in every statistical category, Cambell and Portis had great seasons. Offensive line help should help get them into the playoffs  again. If they don’t Zorn will be 2 and out.

14 New Orleans Saints
Terrence Cody DT Alabama
6′4 375 lbs, This guy is a mountain. if he can play at a high level he could be somewhere between Ted Washington and Shaun Rogers and either would be better than what the saints are walking out there now.

15 Houston Texans
CB Vontae Davis Illinois
After a few big years it seems like Dunta Robinson has fallen off. with a top draft pick to push him he will either improve or be off the team. and in Vontae the texans get a guy that could become a shutdown corner.

16 San Diego Chargers
ILB James Laurenitis
If the Chargers draft here i believe they might reach for a safety or Pass rusher here due to a lack of passrush in the absence of Merrimen. I also expect them to pick up a running back somewhere in the next few rounds. But if they draft here it might be a good idea to up grade at middle linebacker where they are currently starting stephen Cooper and  tim Dobbins

17 New York Jets
Sam bradford QB Oklahoma
Who ever the top junior qb is that comes out in the draft this is their likely landing spot. Idont think the Lions would be dumb enough to draft a QB that high to team that really has no chance to win right now and the Chiefs i believe have a future in Thigpin and Believe that. The only teams ahead of this spot that might be thinking QB is houston but Shaub when healthy has a pretty nice completion percentage. Other issues should be addressed by the Jets but the real issue that kept them out of the playoffs was Brett’s poor play down the stretch. And its likely Brett will retire leaving the jets with Clemons and no back up. competition is always a good thing.

18 Chicago Bears
William Moore S Missouri
The era of Mike Brown has come to an end. Every year hes hurt and every year the defense can’t stop the pass. A new safety needs to come into focus for he Bears. In Moore they have a solid safety that could help stop shore up the weakest part of their team.

19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Percey Harvin WR Florida
part of me thinks that Tampa will go for a back here, but niether of the top backs seem like Gruden’s type. I think a signing of Darren Sproles in the Offseason makes alot more sense for the Bucs or a later pick of someone like Shon Greene.  In harvin he gets a Florida local and a burner at reciever to replace the seeming revolving door at the position in Tampa.

20 Detroit Lions
Matt Stafford QB Georgia
I think trying to pick up Anderson or Cassel might make more sense but if Stafford is available they can fill 2 of the bigger hole on offense in the same round in the draft.

21 Arizona Cardinals
Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St
The Cards already have a top offense, but With the quality of the player combined with the draft board i think they will step into replace Leonard Pope a perrenial dissapointment at the position

22 Philidelphia Eagles
Jason Smith T Baylor
Giving Mcnabb more time is imperative. The defense has been underated all season and actually has some pretty nice linebackers. I think the most pressing need is to ge prepared to replace and Aging Jon Runyan who has been Hall of Fame calibre for years.

23 Minnesota Vikings
Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
QB might be their most pressing need being that they are 1 decent quarterback away from being really tough to beat. Though i feel like a trade for either Charlie Frye or A.J. Feely would get them that QB and wouldn’t cost them a draft Pick thats why i have them filling the next most important position on offense for them. TE where they can have another great TE to add to the mutiple TE sets they employ for AP

24 New England Patriots
OLB Brian Cushing USC
I see the Patriots trying to rebuild that tough run defense they once had and with Cushing replacing Seau i think they might.

25 Atlanta Falcons
DT BJ Raji Boston College
Raji has some background issues that may scare some teams away but i think with former teamate Matt Ryan vouching for him the Falcon’s will risk it to fix one of the shakiest run defenses in the league.

26 Miami Dolphins
Alex Mack C Cal
Another team that seems to have completely turned the corner and looks absolutely different from a year ago  i think thwey continue to fix their offensive line here

27 Baltimore Ravens
Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma
Here is where you usually see teams reach or maybe they know something we don’t. In Iglesias they get the future replacement for Mason. fast surehanded he is also a great route runner and has played in the most prolific offense in the history of College Football.

28 Idianapolis Colts
 Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
This should help to solidify the always poor Colts run defense

29 Philadelphia Eagles
Tim Tebow TE/QB Florida
I believe Tebow will have an amzing combine and prove that no matte what offensive position he plays he will be great. The size and speed alone makes him ideal for TE. But with other teams now running some variation of the Wildcat formation in think this could give Ried a running game he likes. Tebow could run out of that formation or catch Mcnabbs passes at TE.

30 Pittsburgh Steelers
Max Unger C Oregon
The steelers need to improve their Oline ans Unger is a step in that direction.

31 New York Giants
Clay Mathews LB/DE USC
Mathews has the size speed to play linebacker or defensive end for the giants. The giants might also want a reciever here but they might have better luck trading this pick to the cardinals who may also take mathews in order to get Anquan Boldin.

32 Tennessee Titans
Rashad Johnson S Alabama
its tough to Know what the titans will do with this pick when their glaring needs seem to be QB and WR but they are winning with what they have. I say continue to improve and deepen one of the best defenses in the NFL.

well these are my takes feel free to rip them apart or tell me i’m a genious.

09 rankings

These are my first rankings of 09, remember this is based on overall achievement weighing the last 3 fights and the last 18 months over anything else. Any comments are always appreciated.

Heavyweight

1 Fedor Emilianenko
Fedor has been dominant over his entire career. He Has been the top fighter at heavyweight for years though this new generation of top heavyweights led by UFC Champ Brock Lesnar will attempt in 09 to challenge his unquestioned throne. A fight with Arlovski in january will answer alot of questions about where both fighters stack up in the division

2 Frank Mir
Many would consider this ranking allittle high after one humongous win. Take into account that he is the only fighter ever to finish Noguiera, that he is the only fighter in the top 10 with 3 wins over current top 10 fighters. Most have Mir currently ranked behind either Barnett and Arlovski both, but besides the fact that niether fighter has beaten a top fighter in years, Barnett’s only legit top 10 win came against Noguiera and was eventually avenged. Since then Barnett’s only legit win came against an aged Pedro Rizzo.

3 Andre Arlovski
AA has not impressed me lately but with wins over Nelson, Rothwell, Werdum and Obrien AA has been more consistant than the rest of the heavyweight field. Many feel his next fight in affliction will be his last. I for one hope he works on his takedown defense before stepping up to the superior wrestlers in the UFC.

4 Josh Barnett
Probably the most overated fighter in the heavyweight division. other than his win over Noguiera that has sense been avenged Barnett’s only top 10 win came against Couture and was then stripped away when he tested positive for steroids. Barnett once again cast a shadow of doubt on his legitimacy when he accepted a fight with Gilbert Yvel and turned down a fight with Andre Arlovski.

5 Brock Lesnar
His record stands glaringly to create doubt in your mind. but as many fighters have proven its not your record that is fighting n the ring. Against Randy Couture, probably the best heavyweight in UFC history, Brock looked like a dominant top 5 heavyweight. A fight with Mir looming on the horizon the winner will have a valid arguement about who truly is the number 1 heavyweight today.

6 Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera
Legendary; unquestionable. human; definetly. this was proven by Frank Mir who landed a straight left at will and dropped the seemingly unstoppable Nog. A fight with Couture in the future could show us which fighter may have more miles left on thier engine yet.

7 Randy Couture
The legend met a younger much much bigger version of himself in Brock and lost. But Randy isn’t quite ready to hang it up and before Brock landed his killshot Randy looked good. lets hope that his continuing fighting will help not hurt the legendary fighter.

8 Tim Sylvia
All of his losses have come to top fighters, but he has accumulated a nice amount of losses in his last few fights. A prolonged absence from combat coupled with a currently losing record could knock Sylvia’s status off the pinnacle forever.

9 Junior Dos Santos
A ko victory over Fabricio Werdum puts Junior above other fighters that have lost to the BJJ expert, but a loss in his next fight opens the door for Overeem, Sergei, Aleks and Werdum to regain their spots in the top 10.

10 Gabriel Gonzaga
After KOing Crocop in collosal fashion it seems as though Gabe was on a slide. In November he showed that he has recovered. After back to back losses to top fighters Gabe has rebounded by demolishing 2 fighters in the first round including a life wrattling KO of Josh Hendricks.

Lightheavyweight

1 Rashad Evans
Adding Forrest Griffin to his list of victims, Sugar demonstrated his lethal ground and pound again. a fight with Rampage is on the horizon. Lets see how long we can have an undefeated champion.

2 Quinton Jackson
Rampage is definetly still in the building. After a close loss to Forrest it seemed like Rampage had lost his mind. Whether he had or not is irrelevant, what is relevant is that he knocked Wanderlei’s head into the audience and Knocked himself into the top contender spot.

3 Forrest Griffin
A loss to top 5, and previously undefeated Rashad is nothing to hang your head about. But what is disapointing is how it seemed like Forrest was dominating the stand up before he was decimated on the ground by Rashad. he should look to lock up his guard for a future fight with Sugar.

4 Lyoto Machida
Every ranking after 3 seems the toughest. Machida though having only one unquestioned top win under his belt is also undefeated and has looked perplexing to defeat. A win over currently unbeaten Thiago Silva could put him in a title eliminator in the near future.

5 Kieth Jardine
A win over Chuck Liddell and Brandon Vera slide Kieth this high mostly do to the complete destruction of the other top heavyweights. after the 17th Henderson, possibly Franklin and most likely Shogun will be taking over these positions. But Keith has a fight coming up very soon that could either cement or destroy his chances at being a top 10 heavyweight staple.

6 Luiz Cane
Also having more to do with the defeat of so many top heavyweights then Cane’s actual resume, the undefeated Brazillian has looked almost untouchable as he has run through all competition including Soukoudjou like a buzz saw.

7 Chuck Liddell
At one time the unquestioned best light heavyweight on the planet and most famous UFC fighter in the world, Chuck now seems to be on the downswing of his career. A possible rematch with Wanderlei or Jardine seem to sit in front of him. Perhaps retirement sitting just beyond that.

8 Wanderlei Silva
Other than his win over Jardine, the Axe-murderer has looked like a shell of his once violently dominant self. A possible fight with CHuck and retirement seem to be waiting for him.

9 Thiago Silva
Another product of the seeming thinning UFC lightheavyweight division, THiago has looked good as an undefeated fighter but has yet to defeat any fighter of real note, that could change if he could defeat Lyoto this month.

10 Vladimir Matsyushenko
The Janitor has been sweeping up competition in the IFL and now has a now thickening pool of Affliction 205ers to try to clean of the map. first of his custodial duties though comes in the form of former PRIDE challenger and brother of legendary heavyweight, Rogerio Nogueira.

Middleweight

1 Anderson Silva
His win over Cote was lack luster but don’t take away from the fact that he is riding a 2 year 9 fight winning streak spanning 3 organizations and is currently 1 win away from breaking the long held record of Royce Gracie for consecutive octagon wins. In that span all but 2 of his octagon wins came against top 10 fighters and all but 2 were title fights. This may be the most impressive streak in the sports history.

2 Rich Franklin
Still have 3 months until being removed from the rankings a win over Henderson would toss him into the top of the lightheavyweight list. Franklin has only lost to 1 man at Middleweight and currently has beaten 3 fighters that were ranked in the top 10 at the time of their fight. A win over Henderson could also set up a fight with Michael Bisping in  a Franklin return to 185 fight

3 Yushin Okami
All he does is win. other than Anderson, Okami might have the most impressive streak of any Middleweight out there right now. Wins over Alan Belcher, Dean Lister, Jason Mcdonald, Evan Tanner and Mike Swick place Okami’s resume slightly ahead of the non UFC middleweights

4 Jorge Santiago
So the comparison will be made between Lawler and Mousasi. Lawler’s most impressive victory came over Trigg a fighter that defeated Misaki ad Miller. Mousasi’s victory came over Kang a fighter with a victory over Gono. In my mind Jorge’s record over the last two year is steller wins over Prangely, Semenov, Horn, Nakamura, Sasaki, and now Misaki. he is riding a 9 fight winning streak. I think if you look at their actual resume’s its hard not to see how Jorge is ranked above Mousasi and Lawler.

5 Nate Marquardt
his only hiccups over the last few years have come to Silva and Lietes a fight he won but because of point deductions and being dropped in the first came out on the wrong side of a losing score. Marquardt rebounded though by demolishing the only fighter to beat Thales and keep himself on track for a future ramatch with the champ.

6 Thales Lietes
1 loss and a win over Nate Marquardt makes you a top 10 fighter. With a submission win over Mcfedries, Lietes is next up for Anderson. If he can keep the fight on the ground he just might win.

7 Robbie Lawler
The facination with Lawler as a top 2 or 3 middleweight is ridiculous. especially with arguably his biggest win being equalled by Benji Radach. A win over Trigg made him worthy ofa  top 10 spot but beating Scott Smith and Falaniko Vitale does not a top 5 middleweight make.

8 Gerard Mousasi
Gerard is the flavor of the month for sure. and deservedly so. he has submitted one demsional strikers and KOed one demensional ground fighters. But a fight with Akiyama, Misaki, Santiago may prove that this guy is likely alittle overated.

9 Dan Henderson
Hollywood has looked beatable at 205 but at Middleweight he may verywell hold the secret to defeating Anderson Silva. And a win over Franklin would earn him a shot at Bisping and likely a title shot to follow if he could win.

10Chael Sonnen
A win over 1 time undefeated and top Middleweight Paulo Filho earns Sonnen a spot in the top 10 and a fight with Damien Maia, also undefeated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert. the difference? Maia hasn’t lost his fucking mind.

Welterweight
1 St Pierre
2 Alves
3 Fitch
4 Koscheck
5 Shields
6 Sanchez
7 Parysian
8 Condit
9 Hughes
10 Serra

Lightweight

1 BJ Penn
top talent mixed with new found dedication proven by destruction of 2 top 10 lightweight contenders equals the number 1 fighter in the weight class. Though there are many fighters with impressive resumes outside the UFC its hard to see how strictly 1 demensional ground fighters could defeat a fighter known for his take down defense, great ground game and possibly the best boxing in mma.

2 Shinya Aoki
Aoki after his submission win over Alvarez proves that he is beyond a shadow of a doubt the best non UFC light weight in the world. Though his butt sliding tactic looked silly it cannot be doubted when he got ahold of the super aggressive Alvarez and forced him to tap in the first round.  the final fight in the trilogy with Hansen should be next on Aoki’s agenda.

3 Eddie Alvarez
A loss to Aoki does not make him a loser but invites questions about Alverez’ ground game. could he keep the fight standing against UFC fighters and could he keep from getting submitted by other top ground fighters. Hopefully future fights of his will answer that question

4 Sean Sherk
Tyson Griffen was just another victim of the muscle Shark as he won the contreversial decision to once again place himself in the conversation as a top light weight. Florian is undoubtedly waiting for his title shot but perhaps a fight with Sherk could prove that Kenny is truly ready for BJ. If not a fight with Edgar could keep Sherk busy until a possible fight with the winner of Stevenson Sanchez.

5 Joachim Hansen
Cannot forget the DREAM champ though i consider myself in the camp that believes he would not defeat the best wrestlers in the UFC. That said though he did defeat Aoki, Almost stopped Alvarez and still has an unavenged win over Gomi. In a division so fractured through 3 companies its hard not to rank a fighter with that resume in the top 5.

6 Kenny Florian
Arguably the 2nd best lightweight in the world right now Florian has been on a reign of terror in the UFC. Forcing the UFC to realize that its possible he might be the best competition for BJ Penn.

7 JZ Calvancante
JZ seemed to be the obvious choice to defeat hansen. then Hansen  pulled out with injury. hopefully a fight with Hansen will be in the immediate future.

8 Frank Edgar
An impressive run continues for the kid from jersey, the hiccup against Maynard was all but forgotten after a dominating win over Hermes Franca a one time top 10 lightweight.

9 Gray Maynard
Undefeated, and possibly the best wrestler in his division. Gray seems poised to make a run similar to Spartan wrestler Evans. A possible fight with ultra hot Jim Miller who himself could appear in these rankings seems like a great way to prove Gray has overcome the submission weakness that caused his TUF loss to Nate Diaz.

10 Satoru Kitaoka
Kit’s win over Gomi and a nice Sengoku tournament win gets the ground specialist into the top 10 for now. But a loss would probably banish him bakc into obscurity.

Featherweight rankings
1 Brown
2 Garcia
3 Faber
4 Fabiano
5 Mishima
6 Hioki
7 Imanari
8 Hominick
9 Assuncao
10 Pulver

UFC 92 Ultimate Rundown

One of the biggest cards since last years ultra stacked December card comes to us from Vegas. Mir vs Noguiera a fight that most have already counted out the underdog.  Forrest vs Rashad a fight that will decide the future of the UFC Light heavy weight division and Wanderlei Silva vs Rampage Jackson 3. The rematch of 2 epic fights that both went the way of Wanderlei but could have gone either way. Mega cards are fun to break down so here we go.

MIR vs NOGUEIRA
This fight many see as 2 figthers of the same style. Both being ground specialists. Then the unknowledgable fan will just skip to their records and Imediately presume that Mir has absolutely no chance in hell. I disagree. Mir may be the more technical proficient groundfighter of the two. also Noguiera may have defeated other good ground fighters such as Ricco Rodriquez, Josh Barnett and Fabricio Werdum. The reality of how he did that though shows why Mir may be able to win. In the Ricco fight Nog barely squeaked out a decision that Under UFC rules Noguiera would have lost. Against Barnett in the first Fight Nog was also almost subbed many times and lost the first fight because he was not able to convincingly dominate the standup and was beaten on the ground. And against Werdum Noguiera was able to keep the fight standing against the incredibly substandard wrestler. In a striking or kick boxing affair Nog would likely win. Mir has a tendancey to fall or flop when hit hard. many believe this is a strategy to get the fight to the ground. In almost all of his losses he simply seemed to quit. other than the Ian Freeman loss where Freeman dragged Mir into deep water and Mir gassed the other 2 losses were immediately following his motorcycle ccident and he seemed to be lacking any training. But Nogueira may be less of a wrestler than Mir, either way Mir undoubtedly believes he is the superior groundf igther and will try to take the fight one way or another to where he will be most successful. If Mir gets top position a postion that Noguiera is at his best, Mir will have a good chance of either gaining the sub or riding out  a UD. the real question is can Mir continue to fight at a high level when we know that Noguiera can into atleast the 3rd round. That is the real question. I will go out ona  limb and pick the underdog Frank Mir by Choke in the 2nd round.

EVANS vs GRIFFEN
In a fight between 2 once completely unheralded TUF winners the title is on the line. Forrest has proved in his last 2 consecutive fights that he can stadn in the fire. against 2 back to back number 1 ranked light heavyweights Forrest stood in the pocket and won. Against Rashad he fights a fighter that has knocked out the biggest name in the sport but has also had a propensity not to engage and seem tentative. These are the fighters Forrest loves. Forrest is the bigger fighter, he showed a great sprawl against Tito and that will be in his game plan. My guess is Forrest will keep the fight on the feet and terrorize Rashad with jabs and leg kicks at range until Rashad tried to get into range where Forrest will clinch and go for Knees and dirty boxing. once on the ground Forrest will work for subs and eventually get back up similar to the way Bisping the much smaller fighter did. I will say Forrest by either sub or UD.

SILVA vs JACKSON
Jackson is a much better fighter now than he was the last 2 times he was beaten by Wand. The question in most mens minds will be whether or not Rampage’s current legal trouble has affected his focus and whether or not Wand is in his head. Wand is also training ina  much more well rounded camp than the first 2 times they fought and sees the potential for a title fight on the horizon. I believe that Wand simply has Jackson’s number. Quentin might be the better boxer but his chin isn’t as solid nor is he as fast as Wanderlei. I see Wand by KO rd 2

DOLLOWAY vs MASSENZIO
i think we all know what the UFC thinks will happen in this matchup. Dolloway is the superior athlete and collegiate wrestler. Massenzio and Dolloway actually met in college with Dolloway coming out on top. Of course Massenzio right now is the more decorated submisssion artist witha  few more high profile submissions. But Dollaway being the superior wrestler and athlete is also well versed in submissions including a training submission over TUF coach Rampage Jackson. Not to mention CB’s well know power in his hands. I will say high profile KO in the first for CB.

AL-TURK vs KONGO
This to me looks pretty cut and dry on paper. Al-turk is the newcomer with no octagona dn very little big fight experience though he did very well in england. He is also a ground fighter. this is the fight to seeif Kongo is ready to fight Gonzaga or another more well rounded top fighter. Kongo has been hollering for a title shot and has beent rying to show off his wrestling to the shagrin of most MMA fans who found the ground technique he showed against Evensan extremely useless and boring. Agaisnt Turk Kongo will be the much longer fighter. though i will not rule out am Al-turk submission or UD i will say Kongo wins the UD in similar fashion to his Assuerio Silva win, where he limits the damage he takes while on the ground and dominates the stand up.

LISTER vs OKAMI
After seeing Cote’s performance against Silva in his stread Okami has to think he may have a chance if he is able to get into that fight. The problem right now is the tentavily Lietes has been scheduled to fight Silva. almost goading Okami into an impressive performace against ground wizard Dean Lister. Okami needs to use the same strategy he used against Evan Tanner and come out quickly and aggressive and try to demolish Lister quickly with Knees. Okami is the better, bigger stronger wrestler and should be able to keep the fight on his feet. If he doesn’t and he comes out in his usual slow start mode, Okami may lose and if he does win doesn’t get a title shot. I say Okami by TKO 2nd.

HARDONK vs WESSEL
Antoni Hardonk has rebounded well from his dissapointing performances against Mccully and Mir but lining up back to back tkos. Standing in front of him now is undefeated Heavyweight Mike Wessel. Wessel trains in Arkansas and has been fighting for just over a year. His wins are all over inferior fighters with bad records. Hardonk’s only weaknesses have been shown on the ground. If Wessel comes in to brawl with Hardonk he will be exposed and demolished. But if he fioghts smart and uses the mat he might have a chance. judging by the calibre of Wessel’s opponents i will say Wessel might find it hard to swim right away in the deep end. Hardonk by KO

ANDY vs HAMMILL
When you have two solid wrestlers fightign you usually decide the larger fighter will have the advantage. That of course goes to Hammill who may have the power striking advantage as well. Hammill being the bigger of a fighter that is pretty similar will look to rebound after absolute destruction that he encountered at the hands of Rich Ace Franklin. I think he will Matt Hammill by UD.

BLACKBURN vs CHONAN
Blackburn will be the smaller fighter in this fight. This seems like sortof a showcase opportunity for Chonan. He will likely be able to effectively use his judo and striking against the smaller fighter and force Blackburn from being the aggressor to the defender. If thats the case i have to see Chonan taking a UD or submission victory.

BERRY vs EVENSEN
Berry is a heralded kickboxer to match the other top strikers the UFC has been announced to be bringing in. At first glance Evensen will obviously seem to be much larger than Berry. wait for Berry to let his hands go and you will see why I picked him to get the KO.

UFC 91 reaction and rankings

WOW, great event everyfight delivered and the much hyped heavyweight title affair really delivered a great fight and Brock lesnar the very inexperienced Heavyweight champion. Gonzaga seems to be on his way back up the ladder and Dustin Hazlett has me wondering who is better in that division on the ground. And Kenny Florian finishes fights.

Heavyweight Rankings

1 Fedor Emilianenko
What can be said, the guy doesn’t lose. I wish he’d fight more often against more relevant competition but as long as he keeps fighting top 10 fighters and destroying them its hard to say he’s not number 1.

2 Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera
Pretty much his only losses to top competition come to Barnett and Fedor and he’s avenged one of those. He faces an extremely stiff test in Frank Mir. But doubts in my mind are creeping in about whether or not He is the clear cut favorite to win the 4 man title tourney

3 Andrei Arlovski
Some will say his recent wins have been big i would argue his last 3 fights have shown huge holes in his game. A fight against Fedor looming it makes me wonder how he will be able to stay standing against the better td and ground fighter when he spent so much time on his back against  a midlevel Nelson and Overated Rothwell.

4 Josh Barnett
I still think he overated and with his refusal to fight Fedor it makes you wonder when he will fight anyone that could beat him again.

5 Brock Lesnar
Many will argue this is too high But Brock beat Randy who was top 4 about 3 months ago. So this is where brock will sit until hes beaten.

6 Randy Couture
Age is finally catching up with him. His gameplan was great and though he lost the first round he was making Brock work many think if Randy could have gotten the fight into the 3rd round he could have won. but well never know.

7 Tim Sylvia
Legitimately great striker is taking a long break from fighting. We all want to see Tim fight again I think a trip to dream to fight the winner of Overeem and Crocop might return the big guy to relevance.

8 Junior Dos Santos
One win and you are in the top 10 at heavy weight but a loss will do the same thing and he will be out

9 Fabricio Werdum
Werdum now out of the UFC needs to keep fighting top guys to stay in the top 10. He needs to get more motivated and fight other legit heavyweights to prove the Dos Santos fight was a fluke.

10 Gabriel Gonzaga
I feel like this is very low for Gabe  and he could concievably beat alot of guys higher in these rankings but with losses to now Faltering Werdum and Randy this is a high as he can go.

Many will ask about Rothwell, Overeem and Crocop. Rothwell has never beaten a top fighter, A win over couture means alot more than a win over Mark Hunt and Crocop hasn’t beaten anyone legitimate since Barnett almost 2 years ago.

Light Heavyweight Rankings
1 Forrest Griffin
Wins over 2 number 1 ranked lightheavyweights in a row. Nothing else can be said.

2 Rashad Evans
Many would say this is too high. I rank him ahead of rampage and Machida because like Machida hes unbeaten and unlike Rampage he is coming off a win.

3 Quentin Jackson
Mr Rampage’s wild ride aside he is a great fighter and other than his hiccup against Forrest he has fought amazing fights. A win over Wanderlei will put him at number 2 in the division.

4 Lyoto Machida
Machida hasn’t fought in a while but the fight with Thiago Silva Is coming up. The winner of that fight may be in line for a title shot.

5 Luis Cane
he just keeps winning and that all that matters. after dismantling Sokoudjou he is now in prime position to bound into the top of the division.

6 Wanderlei Silva
Rebounding with a Crazy KO of Keith Jardine Wanderlei seems reborn. A win over Rampage could catapult him to the top of the division

7 Kieth Jardine
huge win for Jardine over Vera. he needs to Keep it up with a big fight with Luis Cane possible looming.

8 Chuck Liddel
oh how the mighty has fallen. He may be the greatest fighter ever in the lightheavyweight division but he seems to be on the down turn of his career. Many rumored fights are out there i think the best might be a fight with Stephan Bonner.

9 Thiago Silva
Hes been mostly forgotten by most of the news world since his injury but he has been good. still undefeated, and he is a very good fighter with alot of tools. Lets see though if he has the tools to beat Machida.

10 Rogerio Noguiera
Rogerio has been consistant but hasn’t fought even an ok fighter since his loss to sokoudjou. Hes ranked for alot of other fighters there really is a dead heat amongst non ufc lightheavyweights and so in alot of ways this ranking represents all of them.

Middleweight

1 Anderson Silva
All he does is win. for everyone to get up in arms about his performance over Cote I dont understand. He really did attempt to finish Cote. But Patrick has an amazing chin and Silva was winning before the injury. Lets hope that soon there is a fight between Silva and Okami.

2 Rich Franklin
yes he’s fighting at another weight class but he isn’t off the rankings until he hasn’t fought in this weight class for over a year and he fough at middleweight 7 months ago.

3 Yushin Okami
Okami Has been extremely consistant since coming to the UFC. With a win over Lister we could see Okami vs Silva a fight that many have wanted to see for a while.

4 Nate Marquardt
His bad fight against Lietes dropped him down the rankings but he has obviously improved Immensely since than and with a dominating performance over Kampmann has earned this spot.

5 Robbie Lawler
Lawler has been consistant but lets not kid ourselves by saying the guys hes beaten were top noth. other than his win over Trigg none of the fighters he has beaten lately we at or near the top 10. Hopefully he can get into the UFC and prove he deserves this ranking.

6 Gerard Mousasi
Another FIghter without a win over a top 10 fighter but definitely deserving of his ranking. A fight with Vitor Belfort or Matt Lindland could really solidify his spot as would a win over Akiyama.

7 Dan Henderson
With a win over Toquino he puts himself back into the top 10 at a weight class that he once dominated. A win over Rich Franklin even if it is at 205 to me would rank him higher in both weight classes.

8 Thales Leites
Still hasn’t lost no matter what the style since his loss to Kampmann. Now with a victory over Drew Mcfedries and Nate Marquardt under his belt a fight with Damian Maia for a title shot seems likely.

9 Chael Sonnen
Yes the fight was terrible, yes he looked sloppy but he just beat convincingly a top 5 fighter he deserves to be ranked.

10 Paulo Filho
WOW he has looked aweful. He really needs to get his life together and develop a gameplan or his next fight could be his last.

Welterweight

1 Georges St.Pierre
Dominant. wins over more top 10 and 5 fighters than any fighter in any weight class. but only one title defense a fight with BJ Penn looming. How good could GSP really be and will he reach that potential. we may see soon.

2 Thiago Alves
3 straight wins over top 10 fighters. No matter how you shake it the man has done more at welterweight lately than anyone not named GSP.

3 Jon Fitch
Stylistcally could he beat GSP? maybe not but he is a warrior and we will see him a title fight again.

4 Josh Koscheck
Way to step up and put on a great fight with only a week getting beat by a fighter the calibre of Thiago Alves theres really no shame in that.  A win over Yoshida will remind everyone that he is one of the best in the world.

5 Jake Shields
Possibly one demensional. Hasn’t beat alot of amazing fighters but he is winning and that counts for something.

6 Diego Sanchez
Back in the saddle Diego getting hurt could have cost him a win over a top 5 fighter and maybe a title shot. No one know when his next fight will be.

7 Karo Parysian
Karo is still an elite fighter but pulling out against Yoshida has people wondering whats going on in his life that seems to be messing up his life in the ring.

8 Carlos Condit
Just keeps winning but can the WEC keep bringing him exciting challenges or will he be forced to leave the WEC for the UFCs more stacked division

9 Matt Hughes
You are only as good as your last fight and Hughes has lost 2 ina row to get back on the winning track he may finally fight Matt Serra. Lets hope it happens soon as it seems that the clock is ticking for one of the alltime greats

10 Matt Serra
You can only live on 1 fight for so long.

Lightweight

1 BJ Penn
He may be the lightestly entrenched number 1 but no one can dispute that he deserves the ranking after Gomi’s recent collapse.

2 Eddie Alvarez
in a weight class in total upheaval Alvarez has emerged as a real threat. Any fighter looking past him better forget that. Here’s hoping he land ina an org soon and we can see him fight.

3 Shinya Aoki
Yes he lost to Hansen a fighter he already beat but it was in a tournment and you really can’t count that loss in the same way as a loss when he wasn’t tired

4 Sean Sherk
Wins over top 10 Hermes Franca and Tyson Griffen and style and size that makes it hard to pick anyone over him.

5 Kenny Florian
Big win over top 10 Joe stevenson, wins over highly touted Roger Huerta and Joe Lauzon he has proven in my eyes to be the best next challenger for BJ Penn’s title.

6 Joachim Hansen
Hansen seems to barely hold on to a top ten ranking then he beats  a top 5 fighter. I see him losing his first title defense.

7 Takanori Gomi
He has not looked the same since his loss to Diaz and seems to be falling apart before our eyes, even though the decision was crazy and really bad Gomi did not look like a top 10 fighter.

8 Frank Edgar
Hermes Franca, Spencer Fisher and Tyson Griffen Have all fallen victim to the Answer. Wiman is just the next victim.

9 Gray Maynard
What does Maynard have to do to prove he is top 10. yes hes in experienced but its becoming more and more difficult to see any fighter beating him

10 JZ Calvancante
A big win over Joachim hansen likely in his next fight could get him back into the top 5 and the respect his skills seem to demand.

Featherweight

1 Mike Brown
A top 5 fighter with a big win over the number 1 guy puts you at number 1 in everyones mind.

2 Leonard Garcia
Big win over Pulver faster than Faber did, Hes coming off a win and he has a win over Takaya another top 10 fighter.

3 Urijah Faber
I think this loss will have the same effect that the Matt Serra loss effected GSP. we shall see as the division continues to thicken out.

4 Donkonjonosuke Mishima
Big win over Imanari maybe a DEEP WEC title merger could be in his future.

5 Mazakazu Imanari
Huge fight upcoming against Wagney Fabiano could set up a title shot in the future.

6 Wagney Fabiano
The deepening of the division continues as Wagney comes over to fight Imanari in what could be a title elimator fight.

7 Hatsu Hioki
Just as most in the Top 10 a win over jeff Curran means alot in this division along with a pretty impressive record

8 Hiroyuki Takaya
Brief setback against Garcia now he will face Cub Swanson a fighter recently choked out by Jens Pulver.

9 Mark Hominick
Alot of big wins in the division but the biggest is his win over Savant Young. Young a fighter coming off of a huge KO over one time top fight Lion Takeshi is quickly submitted by consistantl good Mark Hominick

10 Rafael Assuncao
Just doesn’t Lose not since his loss to Curran has he been defeated and continues to dominate.