Friday, April 24, 2009

NFL Draft Coverage: Mock Draft 3.0

Well, mock draft 2.0 was good for all of two days before Tony Gonzalez went and blew it up. So, not to keep an out-dated mock draft up, here is mock draft 3.0, otherwise known as mock 2.0 update. Who knows, with how much time we still have left before draft time, I could be back again...

Article is HERE

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

NFL Draft Coverage: Mock Draft 2.0

Oh man, my hands are shaky, my stomach is in knots and yes, I’m having trouble sleeping at night. Why? Because the NFL Draft, my football Christmas, is this Saturday. So, it is only natural that one more mock draft be had before Saturday, right? Well, here it is – what your team will do in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Article is posted HERE on the site I'm writing for -- The Fantasy Lounge.

Monday, April 13, 2009

NFL News and Notes -- April 13, 2009

Reigning defensive player of the year James Harrison cashed in on his stellar season Monday – signing a six-year $51.75 million contract ($20 million guaranteed) with the Steelers. According to NFL.com, the deal makes Harrison the second highest-paid player in franchise history; quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the highest. Harrison has seemingly come out of nowhere to become the All-Pro player he is today. After being undrafted, and struggling to make a pro roster (he was cut by both the Steelers and Ravens), Harrison found a home in Pittsburgh in 2005. It took him a couple of years, but in 2007 Harrison finally received significant playing time and responded with 8 ½ sacks. Harrison then followed up his 2007 gig by setting a Steelers record in sacks – 16, and helping lead the Steelers to another Super Bowl title.

Though many know Harry Kalas as the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, fewer may know that Kalas was also the voice in the background of NFL Films. That’s why his death on Monday was felt around the National Football League, just like it is around Major League Baseball. Kalas’ recent NFL work included working with the likes of Cris Collinsworth, Jim Brown, Phil Simms and Warren Sapp on Showtime’s Inside the NFL. Kalas was reportedly found unconscious some time before the Phillies were to take the baseball field – he was taken to the hospital where he would later be pronounced dead. It is not currently known at this time the cause of death.

ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford is pretty much a lock to become the first pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. The report states that Matthew Stafford has been talking to former Bulldog teammates – stating that he will receive more than $40 million in guaranteed money. Stafford also allegedly told his former teammates that it’s a “done deal.” No official statement has been made by the team holding the number one pick – the Detroit Lions, in fact just earlier today The Detroit News reported that the Lions are still mum on the number one pick.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

NFL News and Notes -- April 12, 2009

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added another quarterback to their roster with the signing of Byron Leftwich to a two-year deal. It was rumored that Leftwich had an offer from his former employer – the Pittsburgh Steelers – but decided to go to Tampa where he could compete for a starting gig. The signing of Leftwich gives the Bucs four quarterbacks currently on their roster; a number that means one of the four quarterbacks on the roster (Luke McCown, Brian Griese, Josh Johnson and now Byron Leftwich) will be receiving their walking papers before training camp starts up.

Seven-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Zach Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The deal is reported to be worth $2 million. Thomas is expected to step into a starting role on the Chiefs 3-4 defense -- a defense he played, and struggled in with the Cowboys last year.

Bills starting safety Donte Whitner had a rough weekend. Upon resisting arrest by police officers, Whitner was stunned by police officers carrying tasers; he was later jailed and released after being suspected of aggravated disorderly assault and resisting arrest. According to an article by the Associate Press, Whitner was trying to get to a crowd of people, that included his cousin, because guns were somehow involved in the melee.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

A few NFL notes

No article posting here, just a few minor tidbits I thought worth mentioning.

Marshawn Lynch was suspended three games for the upcoming season. The announcement comes after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Lynch a few weeks ago to discuss his off-the-field troubles. Lynch said after the meeting that he expected to be suspended sometime thereafter, and so comes the suspension today. Lynch is expected to appeal the suspension in hopes of getting it lowered to two games rather than three.

In a move that surprised many, Terrell Owens reported to the Buffalo Bills off-season voluntary workouts today. Owens told the media that he never said he would stay away from all the workouts, and that the media is making more out of his no-show to the last set of workouts then what is really there. T.O. was also complimentary of QB Trent Edwards, who he said "throws a nice ball."

The Tampa Bay Bucs brought in free agent QB Byron Leftwich, and are reportedly involved in serious discussions. Leftwich performed well in spot duty for the Steelers, particularly in the Monday night game against the Washington Redskins (Nov. 2nd) where he led the Steelers to an impressive victory.

Chicago Bear's GM Jerry Angelo said in an interview on NFL Sirius Radio that he expected newly acquired OT Orlando Pace to play on the left side of the line. Most teams inquiring about Pace wanted him to play the right tackle spot, the Bears being one of those teams. After talking with Pace, however, the Bears have decided to keep him on the left side where he is so accustomed to playing.

And last, but certainly not least, the NFL has announced it will release the official 2009 schedule April 14th. The NFL Network will air a two hour episode of Total Access that will feature a week-by-week analysis of the schedule.

2009 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 -- picks 49 - 64

The last part of my second round consists of picks 49-64. Includes analysis and some fantasy spin.

See the picks HERE

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Hello all

I know some of the material I just put up on here is a little out-dated. I have been writing for a fantasy football Website and figured I might as well put all my work up here for those who are interested in reading it. Most of the stuff you'll see right now will be more NFL news and analysis, rather than fantasy football stuff. However, you'll notice pieces like the Mock Draft and the article on Jay Cutler all have fantasy information in them.

I hope you enjoy the work that's posted now, and the others that will follow.


-- John Locklear

Monster of the Midway?

A look at what the Jay Cutler trade means to the world of fantasy football.

Read the full article HERE

2009 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 - picks 33-48

First half of the second round in my mock draft.

Check out the picks HERE

2009 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 - picks 17-32

Picks 17-32 of the first round in my mock draft. Includes analysis and fantasy effect for each team.

Check out the picks HERE

2009 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 - Picks 1-16

The first 16 picks of my 2009 NFL Mock Draft. Includes analysis, and fantasy spin.

See the picks HERE

NFL Draft Coverage: Pro Days - March 20, 2009

Georgia’s highly anticipated pro day took place on Thursday (March 19th), and with it came the most talked about prospect in this draft – Matthew Stafford. It was perhaps the most important day in his life, but would Stafford buckle under the pressure, or flourish?

Read full story HERE

NFL Draft Coverage: Pro Days - March 19, 2009

Wednesday (March 18th) brought with it a slew of players with talent, but also questions that needed to be answered before draft time. Vontae Davis, Percy Harvin, Alex Mack and Aaron Maybin all had their fair shares of doubters, but did they ease their critic’s worries?

Read full story HERE

NFL Draft Coverage: Pro Days - March 18, 2009

As the draft draws nearer and nearer, the window for players to improve their draft status comes closer to becoming shut. Outside of personal workouts, pro days are the last time for college players to showcase their talents to all 32 teams. On Tuesday (March 17th), two players graded as first-round talents, took to the field hoping to improve their draft stock...

Read full story HERE

NFL News and Notes: March 16, 2009

Has Jay Cutler played his final game in Denver? The reality that the Denver Broncos could be without star quarterback Jay Cutler is becoming more of a possibility with each passing day...

Read full story HERE