The NFL Draft Has Arrived Who ...

One of the most anticipated weeks of the NFL offseason has arrived, The 2023 NFL draft. I think it’s safe to say that this year’s draft will be one of the more exciting ones in recent memory. There are several teams right now who’s fate seemingly hangs in the balance irregardless of who they choose to pick. It seems that several key decisions will be made immediately following the draft most notably where Lamar Jackson will play next year. Of course I could be wrong. I’m not an NFL Insider but it would appear to any reasonable person that once a future is presented to just about any player out there then they’ll decide wether or not they want to be a part of that future. Make any sense? Let’s hope so! As of the writing of this article, Arron Rogers has been traded to the New York Jets so we’ll see where it all goes. I sincerley doubt Arron can make the Jets a Super Bowl Contender but theres always an outside chance. I’m looking forward to watching him sweat it out in the Miami heat.

The Carolina Panthers own the fist pick of the draft and it’s pretty much a forgone conclusion that they’ll choose Bryce Young from The University of Alabama. Frankly speaking he would not be my first choice. He’s not tall enough and has the physique of a badminton player. Sure, he’s smart. Sure, he can read defenses and react accordingly but you can’t see over the offensive line when you’re 5 foot 11 (in platform shoes) and 85 percent of the position of Quarterback is being able to take a beating(unless you’re Tom Brady of course). I don’t see him lasting more then a couple years. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, my pick would be the kid from TCU but what do I know right?

The decision making process in the draft to me seems crazy at times. I’m sure that most teams have been war gaming the process for weeks if not months but the national sports media empire(and we all know who I’m talking about here) drives a lot of it with marketing narratives. It’s more of an appearance game then an evaluation of raw talent and ability. In the end I think Bryce Young looks and sounds better on TV then Hendon Hooker or Anthony Richardson. It’s all about marketing. Also, the ebb and flow of social media commentary can sway the opinion of a lot of people although I doubt Jerry Jones or Bill Belecheck check their Twitter feed before they make a decision, that’s if then even have an account on Twitter at all. We’ll just have to wait it out and watch like millions of other fans I suppose. For me, I’ll be watching it like everyone else!

The NBA playoffs are in full swing and yes there has been enough drama to fill a 60 foot garbage dumpster. I’ve seen players stomped on, kicked in the family jewelry, smacked in the family jewels, trash talked, forcibly ejected, stared down and just generally beat down for the last week. There are so many star players on the day to day injury lists it’s hard to keep up with it all. The good thing about all of this is that younger unknown players are getting more exposure. It’s no longer necessary to have LeBrone James or Draymon Green or The Greek Freak to have a stand out game to be competitive(although it certainly helps). It’s too early in the series to make predictions but as Usual Miami is man handing Milwaukee and the LA Lakers might rise from the ashes of a disaster of a season. Both are now up 3-1 on their opponents. Philadelphia looks unstoppable and The Clippers are in it up to their necks for the first time in program history. The NBA finals will go on for a couple more weeks so as we get close to the championship I’ll comment more but for now it’s must see TV, especially if like to see players crying out in pain or just generally crying!

The craziness of college football has begun. Spring games are in full throttle thru out America. The college spring game has become a national television event in many areas. Deon Sanders has made such a splash at The University of Colorado that their spring game, played in figid weather and a blinding snow storm drew 45,000 spectators! Collegiate football has always been my first sporting love. Each year it gets bigger and bigger. The transfer portal if anything has lent quite a bit of parity to the college game as quality players are now allowed to move between schools in an effort to obtain playing time. It’s no longer Alabama’s world nor does the SEC rule the roost. Programs from both sides of the country and the heartland as well are playing into the national championship picture as much as anyone. As I mentioned last week, mark your calendars for September 9th so as to not miss the Texas vs. Alabama game. It’s sure to be a barn burner!!

Until the fall craziness, let’s all sit back and see who goes where, who trades up and down for what and who’s hopes and dreams are made or dashed in The NFL draft. Considering my beloved Miami Dolphins don’t even have a pick in the first round it will be a stress free night of surprises! Play on!

Kev