Tony's NBA Lottery Mock Draft

Mock 2008 NBA Draft Lottery Picks 1-13

1. PG Derrick Rose Chicago

2. PF Michael Beasley Miami

3. SG OJ Mayo Minnesota

4. PG Eric Gordon Seattle

5. PF Kevin Love Memphis

6. SF Danilo Galinari New York

7. C Brook Lopez LA Clippers

8. PG Russell Westbrook Milwaukee

9. PF Anthony Randolph Charlotte

10. Joe Alexander New Jersey

11. Robin Lopez Indiana

12. PG Jerryd Bayless Sacramento

13. PG DJ Augustin Portland

Red Sox Fans vs. Pink Hats

This debate is discussed on Boston.com; http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/fashion/articles/2008/06/26/why_is_this_pink_hat_so_hated/

My reaction: Are you kidding me? Not only are Boston sports fans the most obnoxious and hypocritical fans I have ever encountered, but now they are dictating who within their own city can be a fan of their teams and who the "real" fans are. Please, all these Boston fans complain about how there are all these "new/bandwagon" fans now that their teams are winning, that these fans haven't suffered through the hard times. Ok, I can see that argument if you are over 40 but not if your in your 20's, but regardless who gives these "long suffering" fans the right to anoint true fandom? I don't hear the Red Sox, Patriots and after this season the Celtics complaining when they are selling out their games or selling merchandise in all colors of the rainbow, including pink. They are just happy that people are coming to the games because when the Patriots were 1-15, nobody wanted to be a fan, ask some old New Englanders who they root for in the NFL and they will tell you the Giants, because the Patriots were just too deplorable to watch. Just last year, you couldn't give away tickets to a Celtics game, but bring in Ray Allen and KG and the Celtics are everybody's team again. And the Red Sox, until they finally won in 2004, everyone moped around that they always blew it, wait til next year was always the expected slogan. But now that Boston has won some championships and fans can't play the "long suffering" card anymore, they need something else to complain about, and that's who the "real" fans are and who the "poseurs" are. I'll tell you what, we will find out who the "real" fans are when the Patriots only win 5 games, or the Celtics look like they did last year, or when you go to a Sox game in Sept like in 2006 and nobody is there. And I can hear the typical Boston fan yelling out impossible, the Boston teams will never lose again, and that is the very statement that proves my point of their delusion, arrogance and sense of self entitlement.

NFC West Draft Review

Cardinals

They filled a need with CB Rodgers-Cromartie, who is fast and athletic, but I'm not sure I buy the hype on this small school standout who will look to cover NFL caliber WRs. I think the Cards could have gone a safer route by taking Talib or Cason. I like the picks of DE C. Campbell and WR E. Doucet, both players fell in the draft but were great values. Grade: Average

Rams

Some thought the Rams should have taken DT Glenn Dorsey, but the Rams took a DT last year in the 1st round (Adam Carriker) and taking Long should help free up L. Little on the other end. The Rams took a couple of receivers to help replace the departed Issac Bruce. CB Justin King was a top recruit at Penn State, but never really lived up to hype, great athlete, but can he be a great football player? Grade: Average

49ers

DT Kentwan Balmer fell to the Niners who were happy to get him and envision has a NG that could plug up the middle freeing ILB Patrick Willis to make plays. DB Reggie Smith is an athletic player who can contribute at CB or S. Grade: Average

Seahawks

DE Lawrence Jackson isn't a bad pick, but the Seahawks had bigger needs then picking a third DE? They could have taken Balmer or Merling who were higher rated DLs. DT Red Bryant (328) will be a BIG help in the run D. You have to love FB Owen Schmitt as the replacement for Mack Strong. Grade: Average

NFC South Draft Review

Falcons
QB Matt Ryan was considered the best QB in the draft which was a need with Ron Mexico behind bars, but QB Brian Brohm wasn't rated that far below and could have been taken in the 2nd round, allowing the Falcons to have taken DT Glenn Dorsey. The Falcons traded up to get oft injured OL Sam Baker, well below the level of the other 1st round OTs. LB Curtis Lofton may end up being there best pick besides Ryan. The rest of their draft was uninspiring. Grade: Average

Panthers
RB Jonathan Stewart, if healthy from a nagging toe injury could be the best all around back in this year's class. OT Jeff Otah fills a big hole. DB Charles Godfrey could start right away at S and high energy LB Dan Connor was a steal in the 3rd. 4 starters in first four picks. Grade: Solid

Saints
The Saints were trying to trade up to #5 to get DT Sedrick Ellis and were able to trade up an get him at 7. Saints also took another DT in the 5th DeMario Pressley who underachieved in college but has good potential. Grade: Average

Bucs
Cb Aqib Talib is a physical corner who has a shot to beat out Phillip Buchanon. Speedy WR Dexter Jackson could emerge as the deep threat they thought they had in Michael Clayton, to play opposite Joey Galloway. Geno Hayes is a small speedy LB form Florida St. remind you of anyone? He could be the heir apparent to the aging Derrick Brooks. Grade: Average

BIG Baby Loses His Shirt?

Glenn "Big Baby" Davis went topless during yesterday's championship parade, maybe he was hoping to join Dan Marino, as a spokesman for Slimfast. Maybe the mid 70's temperatures were just too sweltering for a man of his girth. Shouldn't his goal be to get on the court in non mop up duty?

NFC North Draft Review

Bears
Addressed their biggest concern with OT Chris Williams. 2nd round pick RB Matt Forte looks even more important now with the release of Cedric Benson, although a more experienced veteran could be brought in closer to the season's start. Physical S Craig Steltz will be a good fit for the Bears D especially if Mike Brown gets injured again. Grade: Average

Lions
By passing on RBs in the first round they were able to draft 200o yd rusher Kevin Smith (above)in the 3rd (Another 2000 yard college back did pretty well in Detroit... Barry Somebody) Taking Smith allowed the Lions to pick up OT Gosder Cherilus, and LB Jordon Dizon whom should both start right away. I think the Lions second 3rd round pick DT Andre Fluellen could surprise as he will have the opportunity to replace DT Shaun Rogers. 4 possible starters at the top of their draft. Grade: Solid

Packers
QB Brian Brohm in the 2nd was a great value, but Rodgers is the Packers QB of the future. WR Jordy Nelson will be buried behind Driver, Jennings, J. Jones. None of their picks will make an impact, but like the Colts the Packers didn't have too many holes to fill. Grade: Average

Vikings
Not much of a draft because of the trade for DE Jared Allen. S Tyrell Johnson will add depth at safety. John David Booty could surprise, he battled some injuries while at USC, and could be a factor in the future. Grade: Average (If Allen is included, Solid)

NFC East Draft Review

Cowboys
RB Felix Jones had been called the better all around back from Arkansas when compared to McFadden and will be an upgrade over Julius Jones. CB Mike Jenkins was a good fit for a cover 2 defense but will be eased into action if Adam Jones is reinstated, at worst he is a strong upgrade over the departed Jacques Reeves. TE Martellus Bennett gives Romo a 6-6 target and he has better hands than Anthony Fasano did. The rest of the Cowboys picks are good depth picks. Grade: Solid

Giants
S Kenny Phillips (above) is another athletic safety from the U in the mold of Ed Reed, and Sean Taylor. The Giants addressed some weaknesses by selecting 2 corners and 2 linebackers. I'm not so sure about the Mario Manningham pick, at best you bring him in to be the #4 WR, is he worth the character risk? Andre Woodson? Someone from Kentucky must be in the Giants front office, Woodson and Lorenzan both played for the Wildcats. Grade: Average

Eagles
Added depth to the D-Line with Trevor Laws. Could WR DeSean Jackson be the new T.O. in Philly? Jackson fell to the 2nd round for being undersized in stature (5-9, 169) and having an enormous ego and me first attitude. Grade: Average

Redskins
QB Jason Campbell has to be excited about new coach Jim Zorn bringing his pass happy offense to DC. 3 tall receivers; Devin Thomas, Fred Davis and Malcolm Kelly with the first 3 picks means Campbell is going to be throwing a lot of passes this season. QB Colt Brennan is a questionable pick, due to arm strength and injury history. What ever happened to former record setting Hawaii QB Timmy Chang? oh yeah he is the back up QB for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Brennan will have a hard time getting into Canada with his prior felony convictions. Grade: Solid

AFC West Draft Review

Broncos

OT Ryan Clady will fill a need, WR Eddie Royal will contribute more in the return game. With the release of RB Travis Henry, RB Ryan Torrain may have a shot to be another one of the out of nowhere 1000 yards rushers for the Broncos, if he can beat out Selvin Young. FB Peyton Hillis is swiss army back that you like on your team. Grade: Average

Chiefs

May go down as the best draft of the year, DT Glenn Dorsey, OL Branden Albert, CB Brandon Flowers and RB Jamaal Charles should all have an immediate impacts. Grade: Solid

Raiders

Not much to show besides McFadden (above) who they need to make an immediate impact and take pressure off QB JaMarcus Russell. They only had 4 picks, but were able to add CB DeAngelo Hall, not bad as a #2 corner. Grade: Average

Chargers

1st round pick CB Antoine Cason is a good fit for SD, he is a big corner who doesn't mind tackling and should man the nickel spot. Jacob Hester is a better version of Peyton Hillis but he is not a replacement for Michael Turner nor Lorenzo Neal. Look for RB Marcus Thomas to be the better fit for backup RB. Grade: Average

AFC South Draft Review

Texans
OT was a need they addressed by trading down and taking Duane Brown, but he is not on the same level as some of the OTs taken earlier in the 1st round. The rest of the Texans picks come with question marks. Steve Slaton is not much of an answer at RB. Grade: Poor

Colts
One of the few teams in the NFL who really had the luxury of drafting for depth. None of the picks should crack the starting lineup. Grade: Average

Jaguars
Get to the QB, especially league rival Peyton Manning, the Jags used their first 2 picks on SEC pass rushers, Derrick Harvey (above) and Quentin Groves. They addressed WR in free agency with Jerry Porter and a trade for Troy "Hands of Stone" Williamson. I give the Jags credit in making picks that help them match up better with AFC powers, the Colts and Patriots. Grade: Average

Titans
Needed to address their biggest need WR long before Lavelle Hawkins in the 4th. Why are they picking another RB? They have drafted LenDale White, Chris Henry, and now Chris Johnson high in the last 3 drafts, are they going to run the wing T, with Vince Young running the option, so he won't have to pass? Grade: Poor minus (the lowest you can get)

AFC North Draft Review

Ravens
QB Joe Flacco, has the size, the skills, but can he do it at the NFL level, the Ravens need to hope he can make the jump from 1AA quickly. RB Ray Rice is an upgrade over the departed Musa Smith and Mike Anderson as the backup RB. The Ravens continue to look to the U, taking LB Tavares Gooden, I have a feeling Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will take him under their wing in the film room and make him better than expected. S Tom Zbikowski, has name recognition, he manages to make an impact while lacking speed and being a poor tackler. Another S Haruki Nakamura, made a lot of plays in college but may be too small (5-10, 190) to be anything more than a special teamer. Grade: Average

Bengals
Filled a huge hole with LB Keith Rivers, the Bengals had so many injuries at LB last year. They addressed their real (Ocho Cinco holdout, Henry release) and potential problems (Housh upset)at WR by drafting Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and big target (6-6) Mario Urrutia. Bengals also drafted S Corey Lynch who blocked the FG for App. St, in the upset of Michigan last season, he should contribute on special teams. Grade: Solid

Browns
With no first day pick, the Browns did pretty well getting ILB Beau Bell who will contribute as a backup this season. The Browns also got TE Martin Rucker (6-5, 248) as insurance for the oft injured, motorcycling soldier Kellen Winslow, with the Browns offense continuing to improve especially in the passing game, Rucker could help create some mismatches with his speed and height. Grade: Average

Steelers
They could have used some O-line help but RB Mendenhall (above) will help lessen Willie Parker's work load. WR Limas Sweed is the "Big" WR that Big Ben has been asking for. Not really sure about the Dennis Dixon pick, he is too small to be an NFL QB and is coming off a torn ACL, one would think they could have signed him after the draft. The Steelers didn't address the O or D Lines and while Mendenhall and Sweed are nice picks they won't make an immediate impact unless of injury to one of the starters. Grade: Average