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All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 21
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, “Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff” will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
This one was a tough call, but we’re going to go with …
Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall)
Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann was also a No. 21 overall pick, but our choice is Moss. While often spectacular when making a catch, Swann never had a 1,00-yard receiving season; Moss has had eight in 10 seasons. Moss’ presence in his 1998 rookie season single-handedly lifted the Vikings’ offense to a record for points in a season, and his record 23 touchdown receptions in 2007 helped the Patriots finish the regular season undefeated.
The Washington Redskins hold the No. 21 pick in this year’s draft, which means that spark the Redskins’ offense desperately needs can finally be added.
Other notable players selected at No. 21 include …
Gabe Rivera, NT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1983), who was the Steelers’ pick when the hometown team passed on local quarterback Dan Marino.
Lynn Swann, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974), who was part of a draft class that helped establish the Steelers as the dynasty of the 1970s.
Current NFL players selected at No. 21: Reggie Nelson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars (2007, Florida); Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots (2006, Minnesota); Matt Jones, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (2005, Arkansas); Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots (2004, Miami, Fla.); Jeff Faine, C, Cleveland Browns (2003, Notre Dame); Daniel Graham, TE, New England Patriots (2002, Colorado); Nate Clements, CB, Buffalo Bills (2001, Ohio State); L.J. Shelton, OT, Arizona Cardinals (1999, Eastern Michigan); Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall); Renaldo Wynn, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars (1997, Notre Dame); Pete Kendall, G, Seattle Seahawks (1996, Boston College).
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 22
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, “Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff” will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
I can’t believe we’ve gone 10 picks without having a player named “Ernie” selected. Today, we’re in luck …
Ernie Stautner, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1950, Boston College)
Considered by teammates and opponents as one of the toughest competitors the great game of football has ever produced, Stautner was a 1969 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Toiling with a consistently mediocre Steelers teams long before the franchise became a dynasty in the 1970s, Stautner was a fixture along Pittsburgh’s defensive line for 14 seasons, earning first- or second-team All-NFL honors in nine of those seasons.
Born in Prinzing-by-Cham, Bavaria, Stautner went on to become head coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe, who he would lead to two consecutive World Bowls in 1995 and 1996, winning in 1995.
The Dallas Cowboys hold the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft, which is sort of a coincidence in that Stautner coached the defense for the Cowboys — starting in 1966 — when “Doomsday” started to take shape as one of the NFL’s dominant defenses.
Other notable players selected at No. 22 include …
Andre “Bad Moon” Rison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1989), who was one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers while playing in the Atlanta Falcons’ run-and-shoot offense in the early 90s. Rison went on to anger Browns fans, and then help the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI.
William Perry, DT, Chicago Bears (1985), who was a central character in the Chicago Bears’ run to victory in Super Bowl XX. Then, “The Fridge” went on to become immortalized with a G.I. Joe action figure, star in numerous commercials, appear in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest as a “celebrity contestant,” attempt to comeback in pro football with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football and lose in a celebrity boxing match to Manute Bol.
Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds, LB, Los Angeles Rams (1970), who played in three Super Bowls, one with the Rams (Super Bowl XIV), and then win two with the 49ers (Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX).
Current NFL players selected at No. 22: Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland Browns (2007, Notre Dame); Manny Lawson, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2006, N.C. State); Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens (2005, Oklahoma); J.P. Losman, QB, Buffalo Bills (2004, Tulane); Rex Grossman, QB, Chicago Bears (2003, Florida); Bryan Thomas, DE, New York Jets (2002, Alabama-Birmingham); Will Allen, CB, New York Giants (2001, Syracuse).
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 23
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, “Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff” will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
We’re having a good time here, so let’s keep the fun rolling …
Ozzie Newsome, TE, Cleveland Browns (1978, Alabama)
A college and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Newsome was a seven-time All-Pro selection and was named to the NFL’s 1980s all-decade team. Newsome was also the ultimate iron man tight end, playing in 198 consecutive games for the Browns, including a streak of 150 consecutive games with a reception. Newsome’s 662 receptions and 7,980 receiving yards are both Browns franchise records.
Let’s check out other notable players selected at No. 23 …
Bruce Armstrong, OT, New England Patriots (1987), who was a six-time Pro Bowl selection during his 14-year career in New England.
Ray Guy, P, Oakland Raiders (1973), who remains the only punter ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Current NFL players selected at No. 23: Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (2007, Louisiana State); Davin Joseph, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2006, Oklahoma); Fabian Washington, CB, Oakland Raiders (2005, Nebraska); Marcus Tubbs, DT, Seattle Seahawks (2004, Texas); Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo Bills (2003, Miami, Fla.); Napoleon Harris, LB, Oakland Raiders (2002, Northwestern); Deuce McAllister, RB, New Orleans Saints (2001, Mississippi); Antoine Winfield, CB, Buffalo Bills (1999, Ohio State); Ty Law, CB, New England Patriots (1995, Michigan).
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 24
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, “Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff” will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
Let’s make this pick a winner …
Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams (2004, Oregon State)
We made note of it when we unveiled pick No. 25, but the case is the same in the No. 24 spot … no future Hall of Famers were ever selected with this pick.
Steven Jackson isn’t an easy pick to make in the all-time ultimate mock draft, but this player is selected simply based on what Rams fans should be able to expect from the running back over the next few years. As the Rams’ workhorse back, Jackson should be able to produce numerous 1,000-yard seasons (he already has three in four seasons), which would make him decidedly more valuable to his team than any other player ever selected in the No. 24 spot.
Let’s check out other notable players selected at No. 24 for further evaluation …
Robert Jones, LB, Dallas Cowboys (1992), who was a member of the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1990s.
Todd Marinovich, QB, Los Angeles Raiders (1991), who was first dubbed “Robo QB,” but then earned a more undesirable “Todd Marijuanavich” nickname.
Craig Heyward, RB, New Orleans Saints (1988), after rushing for 4,301 yards in the NFL, “Ironhead” went on be showcased in humorous commercials for Zest body wash.
Roy Foster, OG, Miami Dolphins (1982, Southern California), of, “mom … you put too much salt in the pound cake last week” fame.
James Brooks, RB, San Diego Chargers (1981, Auburn), who was a four-time Pro Bowler and was the Bengals’ all-time leading rusher when he left the team after the 1991 season.
Archie Griffin, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (1976, Ohio State), the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy never really recaptured his collegiate magic, but did play in Super Bowl XVI against the 49ers.
Raymond Chester, TE, Oakland Raiders (1970, Morgan State), who was one of the more productive tight ends in the NFL in the 1970s. Chester was also the starting tight end on the Raiders’ Super Bowl XV-winning team.
Calvin Hill, RB, Dallas Cowboys (1969, Yale), who was a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI-winning team.
Current NFL players selected at No. 24: Brandon Meriweather, DB, New England Patriots (2007, Miami, Fla.); Jonathan Joseph, CB, Cincinnati Bengals (2006, South Carolina); Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers (2005, California); Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams (2004, Oregon State); Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts (2003, Iowa); Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens (2002, Miami, Fla.); Eric Moulds, WR, Buffalo Bills (1996, Mississippi State).
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 25
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, “Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff” will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
Historically speaking, this is the worst spot to be picking from. Still, we think we found a winner …
Stanley Morgan, WR, New England Patriots (1977, Tennessee)
Pity the Seattle Seahawks, who are the unfortunate holders of pick No. 25 in this year’s draft. Over the course of the draft’s history, this spot — along with pick No. 24 (which we’ll get to another time) — has yet to produce a Hall of Famer.
Still, we were able to get the Seahawks the underrated Stanley Morgan, who will go on to have a long, productive career, but not productive enough to be considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Morgan went to four Pro Bowls, had 1,000 receiving yards or more three times and gained a reputation as one of the NFL’s most explosive wide receivers, averaging an astonishing 19.2 yards per catch in his 14-year NFL career (13 of which with the Patriots, who he helped lead to the Super Bowl in 1985).
Picking No. 25 can be a serious pitfall. Some solid players have been selected in that spot recently. However, the Packers got burned twice in the No. 25 spot while trying to improve their cornerback position. In 1999, the team selected Antuan Edwards, and then in 2004 Green Bay picked Ahmad Carroll. Part of a draft class that included three defensive backs (in an attempt to better cover the über-talented Randy Moss), Edwards started just 18 games over five seasons with the green and gold, while Carroll was a complete bust, lasting just three lackluster seasons with the Packers.
Other notable players selected at No. 25 include …
Tommy Maddox, QB, Denver Broncos (1992), who played his way back into the NFL via the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League and the L.A. Xtreme of the XFL (where he was the league MVP) after an unsuccessful first stint as a backup with the Broncos, Giants and Falcons. Maddox became a starter for the Steelers, who he led to the playoffs in 2002 and then a memorable come-from-behind victory over the rival Cleveland Browns in a wild-card playoff game.
Johnny Rodgers, WR, San Diego Chargers (1973), who is one of many Heisman Trophy winners who failed to produce in the NFL (catching just 17 passes for 234 yards in two seasons with the Chargers).
Current NFL players selected at No. 25: Jon Beason, LB, Carolina Panthers (2007, Miami, Fla.); Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (2006, Ohio State); Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Redskins (2005, Auburn); William Joseph, DT, New York Giants (2003, Miami, Fla.); Charles Grant, DE, New Orleans Saints (2002, Georgia); Chris Hovan, DT, Minnesota Vikings (2000, Boston College); Donovin Darius, S, Jacksonville Jaguars (1998, Syracuse).
Beckham scores!
“I think tonight was a good team performance. After our first game, which was difficult to take, we worked hard tonight and played well and that makes us happy.” — David Beckham, on the L.A. Galaxy’s 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, the team’s first of the season.
A little more than 400 days after the shocking news broke that David Beckham was going to sign a lucrative deal to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, the former England football captain finally netted his first Major League Soccer goal.
Here in L.A., the moment was met with ovation, jubilation, adulation and laudation (thank you Thesaurus.com!).
What has happened in the world, and world of sports, since Beckham’s announcement on Jan. 11, 2007?
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown …
The Colts defeated the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
A 2,100-year-old melon is discovered by archaeologists in western Japan.
Bob Barker airs his last episode of The Price is Right.
Apple’s new iPhone is released.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes above 14,000 for the first time in history (then, tumbles to is current status in the 12,500 range).
Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron’s career home run record.
The Giants ruined the Patriots’ quest for a perfect season by winning Super Bowl XLII.
Still, let’s celebrate the moment.
Are you a fool this April Fool's Day?
“You couldn’t fool your mother on the foolingest day of your life if you had an electrified fooling machine.” — Homer Simpson.
It’s April Fool’s Day, which means there may be some publications out there doing some creative writing rather than actual reporting.
It’s good fun, unless, of course, you happen to be totally suckered by one of these fiction-can-be-fun pieces.
Here is a pop quiz for you to enjoy this wonderful day. Some of these sports headlines are real, others not so much. Pick which ones are true and which ones are false, then grade yourself.
Let’s begin …
1. David Beckham and LA Galaxy hammered
2. Favre is back for one more
3. Soccer robots compete for the title
4. Nazi orgy scandal causes F1 uproar
5. Toronto FC fans get drunk, puke, at Crew game
6. Build-A-Bear expands to Washington Nationals stadium
7. Bill Gates to revive XFL, expand it to 12 teams False, this one should have been easy
8. Man U fans angry after being allocated anti-hooligan seats
9. Giants, Pats cheerleaders to play own powder puff Super Bowl
10. Travel to Miami, check out fat cheerleaders
Here are the answers …
1. David Beckham and LA Galaxy hammered … True, and it has nothing to do with the overconsumption of alcoholic beverages, which likely would have been more fun for the Galaxy.
2. Favre is back for one more … False, though one student newspaper got some locals all fired up.
3. Soccer robots compete for the title … True … who would win if Autobots FC took on Decepticons United?
4. Nazi orgy scandal causes F1 uproar … True, as F1 boss makes Elliott Spitzer look like a choir boy
5. Toronto FC fans drunk and rowdy at Crew game … True … maybe Major League Soccer should reconsider having a team north of the border.
6. Build-A-Bear expands to Washington Nationals stadium … True … and who doesn’t want to have a cuddly teddy bear dressed in the gear of their favorite baseball team?
7. Bill Gates to revive XFL, expand it to 12 teams … False, this one should have been easy to answer. Though, you’d be lying if you said you weren’t longing for the return to the L.A. Xtreme, Memphis Maniax, Orlando Rage and New York/New Jersey Hitmen.
8. Man U fans angry after being allocated anti-hooligan seats … True, and Red Devil fans won’t be throwing seats onto the field. So sad.
9. Giants, Pats cheerleaders to play own powder puff Super Bowl … False, joke’s on you, totally made that one up … LOL! Giants don’t even have cheerleaders.
10. Travel to Miami, check out fat cheerleaders … Sad, but true, as the Marlins debuted an all-male, plus-sized cheerleading squad. What is happening to our great national pastime?
How many did you get right? Grade yourself …
7-10: Mensa here you come!
4-6: It’s OK, not great, or even good. Borderline lousy, actually
1-3: “Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff” is dumber for having known you took the first-annual “Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff” April Fool’s Day pop quiz
Happenings
- Chicago Bears’ long lineage of linebackersBrian Urlacher announced his retirement following 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. Urlacher continued the long and proud lineage of Bears linebackers at a level that will likely land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is a look at who he could one day join in Canton. More …RHINO
- My ‘Tecmo Super Bowl’ player power rankings1. Bo Jackson 2. Christian Okoye 3. Bob Nelson 4. QB Eagles 5. David FulcherRHINO
