Yo peeps :-)
I am back and will be writing regularly from now on .. So much stuff has happened for the past few months and as you know, The Giants won the Super Bowl. Not that I am a fan of them, but the way they won over the Pats was sweet :-)
I am predicting here that the Pats dynasty is over :-) Gotta thank them for the perfect regular season record, but you have one loss.
The Giants won by doing what I said all along ... get Tom Brady .. and yeah they did. Anyway, enough with that news, it's in the past.
The draft is coming up. So any favorites for your team ?
Showing posts with label NFL Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Draft. Show all posts
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Skins Draft Picks During My College Years
I attended George Washington University during my final two college years , 1993 - 1995. It was there I was exposed fully to American football, became addicted to it and remain so ever since :-)
Actually, it was easy to pick up but took me a while to understand the game, especially, NFL and college ball differences and quirks. ;-) fyi, two feet inbound ( college ) and one feet inbound ( NFL ) for a catch to be ruled legal ... and the game scheduling. I understand you have to play the teams in your division, but the other opponents were determined by your win-loss and previous season schedule strength. It took me a while and still does :-)
Understanding the draft was another thing, especially when it came to coin toss reasons and compensatory picks, then came the supplementary draft .. okay.. that is understandable.. then came the signing bonuses, hold outs , etc.
I was curious to know what happened to Skins first round picks during those years. For me, my first draft experience was the 1994 NFL Draft followed by the 1995 NFL Draft.
1994
3rd pick of the draft
Heath Shuler, QB, Tennessee
- in Tennessee, was 2nd in the Heisman voting for 1993 season.
- on the predraft, the Skins were flip flopping between him and Trent Dilfer. In the end, Shuler was chosen.
- first draft pick under coach Norv Turner
- held out of training camp until he signed a 7 year deal worth 19 million plus. His holdout costed him valuable training time. I saw him in the preseason game, Skins vs Chiefs, and he didn't impress me a bit.
- eventually, he was cut after the 1996 season and signed for the Saints for 1997 season.
- Played in 1997 season, was injured and cut from the team after 1998 season.
- in 1998, had a foot injury during the Raiders training camp, and retired.
Well, he became a real estate agent, later went into politics and is now a US House of Rep member for North Carolina 11th district.
He sucked at pro ball but went on to have a fine career after football.
Part of me wonders, what if Trent Dilfer was picked, but you cannot second guess that now. Or, if he went into training camp on time.
His career stats
1995
4th pick of the draft
Michael Westbrook, WR, Colorado
-was part of the triple threat option at Colorado, along with Kordell Stewart and Rashaan Salaam
- Played for 7 seasons with the Skins before traded to the Bengals in 2002. He had a good but unspectacular career with the Skins
- his best season was 1999 season, 65 receptions, 1191 yards and 9 TDs.
- was known for his brief altercation with Stephen Davis during training camp in 1997.
- also known for slamming helmet into the turf incident in 1997 season that costed the Skins their game against NY Giants.
- played his last season in 2002 with the Bengals and promptly retired.
- for some Skins fans, he is in the top 10 unpopular Skins players of all time.
Career stats
In short, I think I jinxed their draft ;-)
Actually, it was easy to pick up but took me a while to understand the game, especially, NFL and college ball differences and quirks. ;-) fyi, two feet inbound ( college ) and one feet inbound ( NFL ) for a catch to be ruled legal ... and the game scheduling. I understand you have to play the teams in your division, but the other opponents were determined by your win-loss and previous season schedule strength. It took me a while and still does :-)
Understanding the draft was another thing, especially when it came to coin toss reasons and compensatory picks, then came the supplementary draft .. okay.. that is understandable.. then came the signing bonuses, hold outs , etc.
I was curious to know what happened to Skins first round picks during those years. For me, my first draft experience was the 1994 NFL Draft followed by the 1995 NFL Draft.
1994
3rd pick of the draft
Heath Shuler, QB, Tennessee
- in Tennessee, was 2nd in the Heisman voting for 1993 season.
- on the predraft, the Skins were flip flopping between him and Trent Dilfer. In the end, Shuler was chosen.
- first draft pick under coach Norv Turner
- held out of training camp until he signed a 7 year deal worth 19 million plus. His holdout costed him valuable training time. I saw him in the preseason game, Skins vs Chiefs, and he didn't impress me a bit.
- eventually, he was cut after the 1996 season and signed for the Saints for 1997 season.
- Played in 1997 season, was injured and cut from the team after 1998 season.
- in 1998, had a foot injury during the Raiders training camp, and retired.
Well, he became a real estate agent, later went into politics and is now a US House of Rep member for North Carolina 11th district.
He sucked at pro ball but went on to have a fine career after football.
Part of me wonders, what if Trent Dilfer was picked, but you cannot second guess that now. Or, if he went into training camp on time.
His career stats
+---------------------------------------+-----------------+
| Passing | Rushing |
+----------+-----+---------------------------------------+-----------------+
| Year TM | G | Comp Att PCT YD Y/A TD INT | Att Yards TD |
+----------+-----+---------------------------------------+-----------------+
| 1994 was | 11 | 120 265 45.3 1658 6.3 10 12 | 26 103 0 |
| 1995 was | 7 | 66 125 52.8 745 6.0 3 7 | 18 57 0 |
| 1996 was | 1 | 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 | 1 0 0 |
| 1997 nor | 10 | 106 203 52.2 1288 6.3 2 14 | 22 38 1 |
+----------+-----+---------------------------------------+-----------------+
| TOTAL | 29 | 292 593 49.2 3691 6.2 15 33 | 67 198 1 |
+----------+-----+---------------------------------------+-----------------+
1995
4th pick of the draft
Michael Westbrook, WR, Colorado
-was part of the triple threat option at Colorado, along with Kordell Stewart and Rashaan Salaam
- Played for 7 seasons with the Skins before traded to the Bengals in 2002. He had a good but unspectacular career with the Skins
- his best season was 1999 season, 65 receptions, 1191 yards and 9 TDs.
- was known for his brief altercation with Stephen Davis during training camp in 1997.
- also known for slamming helmet into the turf incident in 1997 season that costed the Skins their game against NY Giants.
- played his last season in 2002 with the Bengals and promptly retired.
- for some Skins fans, he is in the top 10 unpopular Skins players of all time.
Career stats
+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| Rushing | Receiving |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| 1995 was | 11 | 6 114 19.0 1 | 34 522 15.4 1 |
| 1996 was | 11 | 2 2 1.0 0 | 34 505 14.9 1 |
| 1997 was | 13 | 3 -11 -3.7 0 | 34 559 16.4 3 |
| 1998 was | 11 | 1 11 11.0 0 | 44 736 16.7 6 |
| 1999 was | 16 | 7 35 5.0 0 | 65 1191 18.3 9 |
| 2000 was | 2 | 0 0 0.0 0 | 9 103 11.4 0 |
| 2001 was | 16 | 2 8 4.0 0 | 57 664 11.6 4 |
| 2002 cin | 7 | 1 1 1.0 0 | 8 94 11.8 2 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| TOTAL | 87 | 22 160 7.3 1 | 285 4374 15.3 26 |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
In short, I think I jinxed their draft ;-)
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Skins News + 2001 Draft Ebook
Allegiance
I am raising up my hand and tell you where my allegiance lie in football ;-)
NFL - Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders
NCAA - Florida State Seminoles, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The links to those teams are under my Pigskin Links
Ok, now that is out of the way .... ;-)
Skins News
1. London Fletcher and Fred Smoot Signing
As now announced, Skins have signed up FA LB London Fletcher, to a 5 year, 25 million contract. He is expected to man the MLB spot that was problematic last season, and upgrade the defense that was ranked near bottom in the NFL.
On a nicer note, Fred Smoot is coming back after leaving the Skins a few years ago. He went to the Vikings for the money, had a tough time, off and on the field and was let go. He is not a shutdown corner like Champ, but he is still a good corner, so welcome back, Smooter !
2. Derrick Dockery Leaving For the Bills
It was kind of neat, Skins and the Bills exchanged players ;-) you give us Fletcher, we'll give you Dockery :-) .... Dockery was a good lineman but the price was too much. So, all the best Derrick, and thank you for the service
So far, I am happy the way Skins have been conducting the free agent offseason. Not as splashy as the last few years, but they are going after positions of need. I do think that their first pick in the upcoming draft will be on defense. Rumor has it that the team have their eyes on Gaines Adams of Clemson. Looks like a stud on the D-Line ;-)
====
There is no significant news on the Raiders. My one message to Al is simply, It's Time To Really Honor The Commitment To Excellence :-| ... this franchise is fast becoming ( if not already ), the Tampa Bay of the 80s.
2001 Draft Free Ebook
Yes ;-) The cat is out of the bag. I am drafting an ebook based on the 2001 draft. I cannot divulge the details yet, but rest assured, the developments will be updated here.
Free Ezine
At my personal blog, there is a free ezine offer. Go check it out, you know where the link is. :-)
======
check out 7 dollar secrets
... it could be your touchdown pass of 2007
I am raising up my hand and tell you where my allegiance lie in football ;-)
NFL - Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders
NCAA - Florida State Seminoles, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The links to those teams are under my Pigskin Links
Ok, now that is out of the way .... ;-)
Skins News
1. London Fletcher and Fred Smoot Signing
As now announced, Skins have signed up FA LB London Fletcher, to a 5 year, 25 million contract. He is expected to man the MLB spot that was problematic last season, and upgrade the defense that was ranked near bottom in the NFL.
On a nicer note, Fred Smoot is coming back after leaving the Skins a few years ago. He went to the Vikings for the money, had a tough time, off and on the field and was let go. He is not a shutdown corner like Champ, but he is still a good corner, so welcome back, Smooter !
2. Derrick Dockery Leaving For the Bills
It was kind of neat, Skins and the Bills exchanged players ;-) you give us Fletcher, we'll give you Dockery :-) .... Dockery was a good lineman but the price was too much. So, all the best Derrick, and thank you for the service
So far, I am happy the way Skins have been conducting the free agent offseason. Not as splashy as the last few years, but they are going after positions of need. I do think that their first pick in the upcoming draft will be on defense. Rumor has it that the team have their eyes on Gaines Adams of Clemson. Looks like a stud on the D-Line ;-)
====
There is no significant news on the Raiders. My one message to Al is simply, It's Time To Really Honor The Commitment To Excellence :-| ... this franchise is fast becoming ( if not already ), the Tampa Bay of the 80s.
2001 Draft Free Ebook
Yes ;-) The cat is out of the bag. I am drafting an ebook based on the 2001 draft. I cannot divulge the details yet, but rest assured, the developments will be updated here.
Free Ezine
At my personal blog, there is a free ezine offer. Go check it out, you know where the link is. :-)
======
check out 7 dollar secrets
... it could be your touchdown pass of 2007
Friday, March 2, 2007
Draft Style And Charlie Ward
How do teams draft ?
That is a popular question about the NFL draft.
The main question is do teams draft based on team needs or the best available athlete when their turn comes ?
Ever since I followed American Football, the NFL draft has been one of the most intriguing events where there is not an exact science.
My answer to the question has always been this :
Before a draft, the team has to evaluate their needs and base their draft strategy accordingly. Always have plan B, if the player that you covet. Teams with excellent draft usually do this, but teams that don't do well, their NFL results demonstrate the aftermath.
One particular example, was the 1997 Draft. It was widely known that the Raiders needed an OT were angling for Orlando Pace, OT from Ohio State. When the Rams maneuvered ahead to pick Pace, they took USC DE Darrell Russell and insisted that he was their choice all along. Pace is now a premier left tackle in the game, while Russell bombed out due to off the field issues, after a good start to his career, and is now deceased. If only the Raiders did their evaluation thoroughly and saw that there was another excellent OT available which was Walter Jones, who is also now a premier player in the position.
Charlie Ward
I want to give my props to Charlie Ward, the best QB and Heisman Trophy winner never to play in the NFL. I believe that he had been playing, he would have been a good player, as he was comparable to Michael Vick in terms of the dual threat option.
He was setting the scene alight in college sports, as the starting QB for the Seminoles football and starting point guard for the Seminoles basketball team. However, upon graduation, it was made clear that NFL teams were not considering him as quarterback, despite his obvious success there at the college level, as written here. So, he decided to play in the NBA and went on to have an okay career with the Knicks and the Rockets. A classic case of what might have been.
Last year, he was inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame Class of 2006, for his achievements.
That is a popular question about the NFL draft.
The main question is do teams draft based on team needs or the best available athlete when their turn comes ?
Ever since I followed American Football, the NFL draft has been one of the most intriguing events where there is not an exact science.
My answer to the question has always been this :
Before a draft, the team has to evaluate their needs and base their draft strategy accordingly. Always have plan B, if the player that you covet. Teams with excellent draft usually do this, but teams that don't do well, their NFL results demonstrate the aftermath.
One particular example, was the 1997 Draft. It was widely known that the Raiders needed an OT were angling for Orlando Pace, OT from Ohio State. When the Rams maneuvered ahead to pick Pace, they took USC DE Darrell Russell and insisted that he was their choice all along. Pace is now a premier left tackle in the game, while Russell bombed out due to off the field issues, after a good start to his career, and is now deceased. If only the Raiders did their evaluation thoroughly and saw that there was another excellent OT available which was Walter Jones, who is also now a premier player in the position.
Charlie Ward
I want to give my props to Charlie Ward, the best QB and Heisman Trophy winner never to play in the NFL. I believe that he had been playing, he would have been a good player, as he was comparable to Michael Vick in terms of the dual threat option.
He was setting the scene alight in college sports, as the starting QB for the Seminoles football and starting point guard for the Seminoles basketball team. However, upon graduation, it was made clear that NFL teams were not considering him as quarterback, despite his obvious success there at the college level, as written here. So, he decided to play in the NBA and went on to have an okay career with the Knicks and the Rockets. A classic case of what might have been.
Last year, he was inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame Class of 2006, for his achievements.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Top 5 Reasons Why The NFL Draft Is Important
Part 1
Why the NFL Draft is important to NFL teams
1. You want to replace your stars who left via free agency.
example : Denver Broncos running backs ;-) Portis to Anderson to T.Bell
2. The foundation of your team success hinges on the right choice
Colts had to choose between Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning. No brainer, eh ?
3. Watch the drama regarding your pick
When the Chargers chose Eli Manning in 2004, I think they wanted the drama :-)
4. To find the signature trademark of your team
Arguably, in the NFL, when the phrase " Greatest Show On Turf ", people would remember the receiver group of Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Az-Zahir Hakim from the Rams 2001 team. All of them were drafted by the Rams :-)
5. Because the fans love the DRAFT :-)
This is the numero uno reason. The NFL Draft = pre, during, post .. is another event by itself ;-) The NFL gets excellent publicity , the teams get their college players ( hopefully, who will turn out okay ) and the fan would enjoy the hype and the event itself.
---
This is the beginning of the journey of my NFL Draft ebook. Coming soon ;-)
check out 7 dollar secrets
... it could be your touchdown pass of 2007
Why the NFL Draft is important to NFL teams
1. You want to replace your stars who left via free agency.
example : Denver Broncos running backs ;-) Portis to Anderson to T.Bell
2. The foundation of your team success hinges on the right choice
Colts had to choose between Ryan Leaf and Peyton Manning. No brainer, eh ?
3. Watch the drama regarding your pick
When the Chargers chose Eli Manning in 2004, I think they wanted the drama :-)
4. To find the signature trademark of your team
Arguably, in the NFL, when the phrase " Greatest Show On Turf ", people would remember the receiver group of Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Az-Zahir Hakim from the Rams 2001 team. All of them were drafted by the Rams :-)
5. Because the fans love the DRAFT :-)
This is the numero uno reason. The NFL Draft = pre, during, post .. is another event by itself ;-) The NFL gets excellent publicity , the teams get their college players ( hopefully, who will turn out okay ) and the fan would enjoy the hype and the event itself.
---
This is the beginning of the journey of my NFL Draft ebook. Coming soon ;-)
check out 7 dollar secrets
... it could be your touchdown pass of 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Heat Is On
The project is on as this is a first time ever that someone is doing it ;-) Malaysia boleh :D
The past few days I have been doing some preliminary research, and there is a market for it. But the key is how to market it :-)
I have found this site, which is a great source on the 2007 NFL Draft. Check it out !
Meanwhile ... take a look at this project which inspired my ebook project.
The past few days I have been doing some preliminary research, and there is a market for it. But the key is how to market it :-)
I have found this site, which is a great source on the 2007 NFL Draft. Check it out !
Meanwhile ... take a look at this project which inspired my ebook project.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The Project Will Go On
Despite no comments or feedback ;-), the project will go on. I will use this blog to report on its updates.
The project will be something related to the NFL Draft.
Watch This Blog Space ! :D
The project will be something related to the NFL Draft.
Watch This Blog Space ! :D
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
NFL Draft EBook
Hmm, I had this idea running in my head for the past few days.
Would you be interested in an ebook about the NFL Draft ? More information in later post, as I get the details clearer.
Please leave your comments / suggestions. All are appreciated.
Would you be interested in an ebook about the NFL Draft ? More information in later post, as I get the details clearer.
Please leave your comments / suggestions. All are appreciated.
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