Latest Gear Live Videos
AFC EAST Draft Grade: Miami Dolphins
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 9-7
Points For: 318
Points Against: 317
Rushing Yards PG: 118.6
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 110.7
Passing Yards PG: 206.3
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 206.7
Drafted:
1.16 (16) - Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
3.18 (82) - Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona St.
4.17 (114) - Joe Toledo, OT, Washington
5.16 - Exercised in Supplemental Draft
7.4 (212) - Fred Evans, NT, Texas State (from Green Bay)
7.18 (226) - Rod Wright, DT, Texas
7.25 (233) - Devin Aromashodu, WR, Auburn (from Chicago)
Comments:
Skill-wise, Allen was one of the better DBs out there as his draft place shows. However, on pure talent alone, it would have been validated if he went higher in the round… if not for his hip. Ah ha! That’s why Allen fell. In any case, if Allen can stay healthy, he has the chance to be All-Pro good thanks to his coverage skills. He has the ability to put a WR on lock-down.
Hagan had tons of receptions and scores at ASU, but totally soiled his pants at the Senior Bowl with uncharacteristic drops, which is why Hagan’s stocked dropped. Are you sensing a trend here with the Dolphins’ picks?
Toledo is a raw O-lineman as he has only played the position for one season. He’s big and if he can refine his technique and add some skill, he could do okay for the Dolphins. Evans is solid against the run, but not much else.
Wright could be the SOD – steal of the draft as he can play the gaps and was a standout with the NCAA champion Texas Longhorns. However, because of his enigmatic behavior, Wright’s stock dropped hard. This is a great risk-reward pick.
Aromashodu didn’t get as many looks as he could have (and probably deserved) at Auburn because they liked to run the ball. With the Dolphins change in personnel, Aromaxhodu will have a chance to be a very solid WR in the NFL.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B-
Advertisement
AFC EAST Draft Grade: Buffalo Bills
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 5-11
Points For: 271
Points Against: 367
Rushing Yards PG: 100.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 137.8
Passing Yards PG: 157.2
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 205.7
Drafted:
1.8 (8) - Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
1.26 (26) - John McCargo, DT, N.C. State (from Chicago)
3.6 (70) - Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St. (from Tennessee)
4.8 (105) - Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
5.1 (134) - Kyle Williams, DT, LSU (from Houston)
5.10 (143) - Brad Butler, T, Virginia
6.9 (178) - Keith Ellison, LB, Oregon St.
7.8 (216) - Terrance Pennington, OT, New Mexico
7.40 (248) - Aaron Merz, OG, California (Compensatory Selection)
Comments:
The Bills offense left something to be desired last season and ideally it would have been wise to go offense here, but talent level in the first round were on the other side of the ball as 19 of the 32 picks in the round were on defensive players!
However, the Bills could have done a lot better than Whitner who did not project #8 overall at all by anyone. It’s safe to say that the pick was a stretch. However, I guess the pick was more to fill in a safety spot in Dick Jauron’s Tampa Two defensive scheme than anything else. And it’s not like Whitner doesn’t have the goods, it’s just that he doesn’t have Top Ten goods and the Bills missed out on some other talented defensive players that could have helped them.
I personally like the McCargo pick, despite the lack of size factor. However, collectively, the value picks for the Bills were in the third and fourth rounds with Youboty, who should play the nickel, and Simpson, who could be a steal in the fourth. Both should do well in the T2. Williams is a gamer who won’t get in the game as much, but when he does, he’ll be around the ball somewhere. Butler should be a solid offensive lineman, either on the right side (where he played in college) or the left side (unfortunately, he played with someone named D’Brickashaw) where some say he can easily adapt to in the NFL. Ellison is a serviceable linebacker. Pennington and Merz have some limitations as offensive linemen.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C
Reggie Bush shouldn’t feel too bad about not being the number one pick in the NFL draft, he is already feeling the love from the New Orleans Saints fans. Reebok will be cashing in on an advance order of 15,000 Reggie Bush jerseys. This record breaking sales number is over double of the demand for last year’s number one pick Alex Smith. Fans are hoping that Bush will be able to continue to wear number 5, despite the NFL’s rule for running backs to be numbered 20-49.
Read More 
| Darren Rovell
Who Should The Houston Texans Take First? NOT Reggie Bush!
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, NFL,
If you’re a regular reader here at Endscore, then you know my feelings on what the Houston Texans should do, especially considering the presence of a young proven running back already in the Texans fold - Domanick Davis. The Texans do not need Reggie Bush and would simply be taking on excess. Granted, that’s some great excess there when you put into perspective the tools that Bush would bring. However, arguably, he wasn’t even the best back for the USC Trojans this past season - LenDale White was in my opinion. And, apparently, factoring in Pete Carroll’s play calling and personnel choices used during the National Chmapionship game against the Texas Longhorns in January, Carroll agrees.
Ideally, the Texans should trade down and grab an offensive lineman, most notably D’Brickashaw Ferguson, so that they can give QB David Carr a real chance to shine and not feel his helmet pounded into the grass or turf on every other offensive play. But, for argument’s sake, if they didn’t trade the pick, the Texans should take defensive end, Mario Williams.
Wait, before you blow a gasket, consider that Bush would probably be a punt and kick returner primarily (okay, potentially a very good one) to begin with, and maybe get 10 or so touches out of the backfield, is Bush really going to be worth #1 overall money? No. Unless he takes the job away from Davis, which I sincerely doubt because Davis has rushed for over 1000 yards twice in his three year career (came up just short in his third season last year) and can also catch the ball out of the backfield with very good production. At best, Bush will take about one-third of the carries as to keep himself fresh from the pounding he’d be sure to take considering how bad the Texans O-Line is. So, altogether, that’s going to be about 15 or so touches a game.
Now, Williams, whose been compared to Reggie White, the best defensive linemen in the history of the game, is versatile enough to attack the run, penetrating through the line and tackle for a loss, and the play the pass, putting up pressures in his stat line or just plain old making the opposing QB eat dirt. He’s tall (6’7”), big (295 lbs.), has long arms, and quick with the ability to explode and make plays all over the field. Granted he’s still raw, but that’s it… he’s still raw. Taught proper technique and working on his motor, Williams will be a FORCE on defense. He could make the same kind of impact Julius Peppers (another player he is compared to) did in his rookie season when he finished with a dozen sacks in a dozen games. Williams has the upside to be an elite pass rusher. And, let’s face it, HE fills a need.
And when was the last time the Texans could boast a player like Williams? If Bush happens to rush for over 1000 yards and score double digit touchdowns, guess what? The Texans current running back, Domanick Davis has done that already. And, he’s primed to do it again. Shantee Orr led the team last year in sacks with 7.0.
I’d be willing to bet that Williams can get at least 10.
Who Should the Houston Texans Choose? Who Else? Reggie Bush
Posted by Jeff Chan Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, NCAA, College Football, NFL,
I have the task of convincing you that the Houston Texans don’t need to rack their brains over the decision, the choice is clear; go with your first instinct - Reggie Bush. All this talk about Reggie Bush not being an every-down back, he’s not durable…baloney. In this day and age of the NFL, it’s a copy cat league in which successful teams now employ multiple back sets. Sure the Texans already have Domanick Davis, but they’re going to need another weapon. Look at the New England Patriots, a backfield by committee, the Denver Broncos using multiple backs, the Pittsburgh Steelers surely needed both Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker. If they pass on Bush, the Texans will surely regret their decision. Bush is the most promising running back prospect since Gale Sayers and Barry Sanders. Don’t get me started on being a “smaller” back, did that effect Barry Sanders? Tiki Barber? Warrick Dunn? I didn’t think so.
If your team is going to invest in a number one draft pick, he should be a franchise player. Bush not only is an exceptional player, but he has absolutely none of the off-field issues you are going to worry about with every other prospect in this draft. Mario Williams, his weakness is that he has a questionable work ethic and needs to be motivated. Do you want ride your #1 draft choice to play hard? Come on, this is the pros; teams should demand more of the #1 pick. Matt Leinert, maybe he’s not focused entirely on football and more on becoming a celebrity. Vince Young? This guy could end up being a bust altogether and he might not be able to even grasp the simplest of NFL offenses. Reggie Bush he already has the maturity as you can see from the way he has handled himself throughout the so-called “Agent for house scandal”. All the interviews Bush has been apart of the last few days, on MTV TRL, on Conan O’Brien, this guy is ready for the big stage and will not disappoint.
Long Ass Thread Thursday
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Editorial, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, Playoffs, Rumors,
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears… actually, your eyes and fingers.
Every Thursday, I’d like to get as many comments as possible on this “Long Ass Thread Thursday” post talking about sports, primarily, since this IS a sports blog, but if you want to talk books, movies, or the merits of Velcro, let’s do it!
QUICK PLUGS for the Gear Live Media Empire:
Techno Geek? Check out Gear Live!
Gamer? Check out Playfeed!
Love the television? Check out TV Envy!
END blatant butt-kissing of my boss.
So, let’s do this people! And because I’m such a nice guy, let me throw out some topics:
- Barry Bonds… he’s getting closer to the Babe and he looks like he’s in pain doing it.
- Brett Favre… FINALLY he decides to bring his ball and play again.
- NBA Playoffs… who are you guys liking?
- NFL Draft… Reggie Bush, Mario Williams, Mario Cantone. Who will be the first overall pick?
- NHL Playoffs… educate me.
Let’s make this successful so that my boss doesn’t fire me for introducing this wacky idea!
I’m Just Writin’…
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Editorial, Fantasy, Front Office, Kudos, MLB, NBA, NFL,
Welcome to the first edition of I’m Just Writin’… here on Endscore. This will be my weekly column where I will take a look back at the past week in sports with a dash of pop culture because who doesn’t like pop culture? I mean, besides anarchists and Ferris Bueller’s Economics teacher.
So, just like that one uncle in your family that asks you to pull his finger, let’s let ‘em rip!
Click to continue reading I’m Just Writin’…
Brett Favre made his decision just in time for the upcoming draft. No more concerns of whether the Packers should trade up and select a quarterback. Aaron Rodgers will have to wait at least one more year (barring injury) to be the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. The timely decision will allow general manager Ted Thompson to make a sound decision about the #5 pick. They can go in a number of directions, including LB A.J. Hawk, TE Vernon Davis or perhaps D’Brickashaw Ferguson may drop down to number 5. Cold Pizza’s Skip Bayless had an original idea and said they should even consider grabbing WR Santonio Holmes.
Reggie Bush Versus Domanick Davis
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, NFL,
Yes, Reggie Bush is nice. He’s athletic, a game breaker, and he has a sweet piece of tin called the Heisman. But, let’s be serious. The Texans don’t need a RB as they already have a very good one in Domanick Davis. Davis had over 1300 total yards and six total TD last season… in only 11 games! Okay, so Davis is diminutive and has all of the negative stuff associated with being small for a RB, but so is Bush. The difference to me, and it’s a big one, Davis is already proven in the NFL. Bush, obviously, has done diddly squat.
Did you watch the Rose Bowl? Was it me or did USC head coach Pete Carroll keep Bush out during critical downs and on short yardage situations? It was all LenDale White on those plays. Meanwhile, Davis for the past three years busted his butt for every single yard he rushed for, thanks to defenses loading the box because the secondary only had to focus on WR Andre Johnson and QB David Carr had as much protection as cake from a fat kid. Before last season, Davis rushed for over 1000 yards each of his previous two seasons. Last season Davis was only 24 yards away from achieving the 1000 yard benchmark again.
And, Davis has skills catching the ball out of the backfield. In 2004, Davis had 68 receptions, 588 receiving yards, and a score. Last season in 2005, Davis had 39 catches for 337 receiving yards, and four TD… need I remind you, in only 11 games. Okay, so Bush has the ability to take it to the house should he catch the ball anywhere on the field, at least from what we’ve seen in his college career. But, will that translate to the NFL where players are more experienced, have better technique, and are bigger and stronger? Maybe, but why chance it with the number one overall pick on a player that would basically be excess for the Texans? So that he can be a punt and kick returner? Don’t think so.
If I were the Texans and I could trade away the number one overall pick to the Tennessee Titans who pick third and pick up an extra pick, say the Titans 39th overall pick in the second round (okay, so it’s a pipe dream; I’d settle for the 103rd overall pick in the fourth round), I’d do it yesterday. There is a battle between the Titans and New York Jets in jockeying for position to take Matt Leinart and the Texans can play those teams against each other. So, let’s say this happens where Texas drops to third overall, whom do they pick?
Isn’t it obvious?
Carr has no protection and often finds himself eating grass for most of the game. So, it has to be OT standout D’Brickashaw Ferguson from Virginia to help Carr stay healthy and really give Carr a shot at being the QB he can be. The addition of WR Eric Moulds helps a lot as it will give Carr another target, but mostly to draw secondary attention away from WR Andre Johnson. This should make defenses play honest against the Texans and possibly open up more holes for Davis to take advantage of. But, most of all, in picking Ferguson, Carr will be better protected and will actually be able to sit in the pocket looking for an open man, instead of a way to escape oncoming defensive players. The whole offense will benefit.
The Texans’ most important need is at the O-Line, so I’d pass on Bush and take the Brick. Their running game is already solid in the hands of Davis.
Bill Syken makes a compelling argument for the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts to make a push to trade up to the #1 overall draft pick for the NFL draft. Syken especially hopes the Colts are the team that pulls the trigger for a “Ditka deal”. By Ditka deal, he is referring to Mike Ditka then of the New Orleans Saints trading every one of their draft picks to jump up two spots to acquire Ricky Williams a couple years ago. Syken feels trading up to acquire Reggie Bush would rejuvenate the franchise, whose championship window may have closed, while at the same time could help the Texans fill multiple needs rather than going for a superstar player they do not necessarily need.
Read More | Bill Syken
Advertisement
© Gear Live Media, LLC. 2007 – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.