Kate's Fantasy Preview - 4th round draft picks

Next up:  Round 4. By now, you should have some combination of RB/RB, RB/QB, or RB/WR. If not, wanna join my league next year?  Just kidding... Your top three scorers are on the roster - but it's not time to start filling out position players. You should still be taking the best player on the board. This round can be tricky... don't fall into the standard traps. Who's left and how good is he? That's where I come in.

(Before I get into the players, keep in mind a couple things. First, I base these on a 12-team league. For scoring, assume RBs are the best option, 1 point for 10-yards either running, passing, or catching, and PPR. I also assume it's not a Keeper league. If you throw keepers into the mix, it can hose up selection order. Finally, I don't pay much attention to Bye Weeks. Yeah, you may have your top 2 or 3 players out the same week, but that is why you work the waiver wire. Also, I'd rather rack up a ton of points in the other 14 weeks than take a lesser player to score evenly all season long.)

Round Four.  OK so you have a #1 RB, and a top-tier QB or WR. Probably grabbed a second RB just to be safe. Now what? Here are my top 12 guys most likely to be available this round... (in no particular order)

QB Russell Wilson SEA - Was last year a fluke?  I don't think so. However, Seahawk fans counting on big numbers for Russ and Percy Harvin are very disappointed due to PH's injury. Russ should come back for his sophomore year and I expect 3,200+ yrds, 30 TDs, and a big drop in the number of INT's this year.

QB Colin Kaepernick SF - He wins the Super Bowl but really didn't have great fantasy numbers, partly because he only played 13 games (once he stole the starting job from Alex Smith). Adding Austin Collie will be a big help for his numbers this year. And a healthy Frank Gore catching throws in the backfield won't hurt either.

QB Matt Ryan ATL - He's a top five QB but people tend to forget about him. Once the RB / WR draft frenzy is over, people will be looking for a QB - grab Matty Ice if he's still there. Should have another 4,500 yrd / 30 TD season. While Roddy White is #1, a much-improved Julio Jones will really help Matty's numbers.

TE Rob Gronkowski - LET THE TE FLOODGATES OPEN! (EDIT - Clarification: Jimmy Graham goes in the 2nd round. Then there's a huge gap so this is the start of the run on TE's) Brady has to throw to somebody, and while he may be a goofball off the field, The Gronk is a beast in New England. Most likely the next TE off the board - unless you have one of those crazy managers who goes off early and, well, you know... grabs for the gusto in round 3.... (eyeroll)

TE Jason Witten DAL - Still awesome after all these years, Jason has the experience that Tony Romo is going to need this year. He's smart and stable. He'll get his yards and you'll be lucky to get him.

TE Tony Gonzalez ATL - An oldie but a goodie. What? Yeah, you heard me. TGonz still has it and you should be grabbing him up.

WR Wes Welker DEN - and also WR Eric Decker DEN - As Peyton Manning welcomes his newest target, most fantasy owners are shying away from Wes. Partly because there's also Eric to consider so it's hard to know which way to go. I say the "ERs"  (WelkER and DeckER") will be alternating, so as a 2nd WR option, either one of these guys is perfect... you just have to know which one is going to have the Hot Week.  Maybe you can call a psychic on that...


WR Danny Amendola NE - The Patriots roster has been cleared out to make way for Danny to be Brady's number one guy.... After being underutilized for years in St Louis, fantasy owners will just love the boost in stats Danny gets this year. I'm thinking 1,000 yrds and 6 TDs.

WR Torrey Smith BAL - Starting his third season as a Raven, I'm predicting a real breakout year for Torrey. Like over 1,000 yards and 12 TDs big. Flacco only has a couple of targets and Torrey has the speed to elude most DB's in the league.

WR Marques Colston NO - Coming back for his 8th season as a Saint (good lord I feel old) MC Grabber needs to step up to the next level. With Coach Payton returning, no more shenanigan's - run your routes, catch your balls, and score some TD's son!  He slid back in the depth chart, but by Week 1 he'll be back in line behind Lance Moore.

WR Greg Little CLE - Yeah. Fine. Call me a  homer. It's ok. GLittle has worked his butt of this off-season to stop dropping passes and be the type of receiver Brandon Weeden can count on. Adding Devone Bess to the Browns roster is also motivating him to get his work in and improve. I like him in round 4 if you already have another #1 receiver.

That's it for round four. Next time, we'll take a look at round five options.
Take Care. Good Luck. And if you are drafting before August 19th, you are just plain crazy!

Respectfully Submitted,
Cleveland Kate

Kate's Fantasy Preview - 3rd round draft picks

FINALLY!  Football season is right around the corner and with it comes the Fantasy Football Draft. Many people believe you must have a great draft in order to win your league. As someone who lives and dies on the waiver wire, I disagree. However, there are decisions that can really help you and they come in rounds 3-5. Frankly, the first two rounds are a no-brainer. If you watched ANY football last year, you can guess which guys are going early, and for the most part, whether you get Doug Martin or LeSean McCoy, your team will be fine at RB.  The hard part comes in the later rounds. And that's where I come in.

Before I get into player selections, keep in mind a couple things. First, I base these on a 12-team league. For scoring, assume RBs are the best option, 1 point for 10-yards either running, passing, or catching, and PPR. I also assume it's not a Keeper league. If you throw keepers into the mix, it can hose up selection order. Finally, I don't pay much attention to Bye Weeks. Yeah, you may have your top 2 or 3 players out the same week, but that is why you work the waiver wire. Also, I'd rather rack up a ton of points in the other 14 weeks than take a lesser player to score evenly all season long.  Now, let's look at your draft options.

Round Three.  Yeah, you are feeling good about the two guys on your roster so far, but what to do now? Here are my top 12 guys most likely to be sitting there when Round Three starts....

QB Cam Newton.CAR - 3,800 yrds, 19 TD, 12 INT last year. No matter how bad the Panthers are as a team, you can count on Cam to get your number.

WR Roddy White ATL - Even with Julio Jones on the roster, Matty Ice will look to Roddy as his #1 receiver. O-line has some issues but he should still get 1300 yrds and 8-10 TD's.

WR Victor Cruz NYG - Dude just signed a huge contract. Typically, that means an off-year since most players seem to lose their motivation.  BUT. I think Victor uses that $$ as a reason to do even more on the field and Eli needs all the help he can get. I'm looking for 1200 yrds this year and 12 TDs.


WR Andre Johnson HOU - No idea why he's dropping but perhaps its just a general lack of faith in the Texan Way. 1600 yards and 6 TDs is absolutely possible.

RB Stevan Ridley NE - I expect the Patriots to need some time to find new "favorite targets" for Tom Brady so that leaves Stevan to carry the load on the ground. Last year he boasted over 1200 rushing yards and 12 TDs. He should easily beat those numbers this year.

QB Tom Brady NE - The #4 QB of 2012 is not going to have an easy time of it this year. Without Welker or Hernandez, it's a crap shoot. However, I still believe Tommy Boy can make anyone look good. While your opposing managers let him slide, you should grab him up if he's still there in round 3.

WR Vincent Jackson TB - Tampa Bay is still a hot mess but Josh Freeman should have a great year and that means throwing the rock to Vince. Easily 1,400 yrds and 10 TDs this year.




RB Chris Johnson TEN - He just keeps falling, and falling, and falling... some of it is the bad play by the Titans in general, the rest is that CJ can be a head case. I think he bounces back this year and becomes a top 10 RB. Grab him up - he's a steal in three. I'm predicting 1400 yrds and 12 TDs.

RB Frank Gore SF - Love Frank and his story but the 49ers like to whip the ball around and Kaepernick wants to make his mark on the field even bigger this year. If Vernon Davis gets his head on right, Gore may not have as many opportunities as he has in the past. That being said, he'll still get 1200 yrds and 10+ TDs so he's a nice pickup.

WR Jordy Nelson GB - What's not to like? Aaron Rogers is a beast and Nelson is a great WR to have on your roster, especially if the guy you are playing has ARog. If he's still there, he should be a top pick in round three, 1,500 yards and 12 TDs.

That's it for round three. Next, we'll take a look at round four options.
Take Care. Good Luck. And if you are drafting before August 19th, you are just plain crazy!

Respectfully Submitted,
Cleveland Kate

Day 7 Training Camp Diaries - Cleveland Browns

Dear Diary,

I managed to get out of work early today and got to Browns Training Camp just as it was getting started. I watched quite a few of the drills instead of the game-scenario plays. I wanted to be able to focus on the progress at a couple specific positions. The Tight Ends were getting some work in on their blocking. And the Offensive Line did work at 3-vs-3's and 1-on-1's. They're starting to form some chemistry in a couple different combinations, which bodes well for QB Brandon Weeden.

But first things first... Today's Injury report.  (nothing major, just a few nagging issues that shouldn't stop anyone from being ready for Week 1)

Hamstring: RB Montario Hardesty, DB Trevin Wade, DB TJ Ward
Shoulder: DB Tashaun Gipson
Unknown: WR David Nelson stopped mid-practice with some knee soreness, same knee as ACL
Patella Tendonitis: WR Josh Gordon was back at it today and took a few reps

Drills:  Tight Ends

#84 Jordan Cameron is largely believed to be the Week 1 starter. However, his blocking skills are a bit rusty. #81 Kellen Davis and #82 Gary Barnidge were more than happy to show him how it's done.
In this drill, the point is to come across the line low and power up into the defender, lifting him off his feet and keeping him away from the ball.  Davis and Barnidge had no trouble charging in one smooth movement. Cameron would hit and then lift. Coach got on him about it and he was hitting it right by the end of the drill.

As for O-line workouts, #77 John Greco took reps at Center with the 2's today and we got to see #62 Jason Pinkston at left guard with the 1's. For 3-on-3's, basically the defenders step up to the lineman and they step back to form the left or right side of the pocket. There were a few different combinations but the one that seemed to gel quick was 73-55-62. (Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Jason Pinkston). Their movement back was fluid, their feet planted they were able to keep the defenders in front of them and form a nice, safe spot for the QB.

1-on-1's brought the most "excitement" of the day. Guys would line up and basically have a shoving match. The goal for the OL is to keep the guy squarely in front of him, no holding. The defender tries to get around him, either side. Training Camp, and full pads, brings out the "animal" in guys who are fighting for a starting job - or just a place on the team. Near the end of the drills, Brian Sanford hit Garrett Gilkey hard enough to pop his helmet off!  The two ended up scuffling on the ground with Sanford on top, until teammates finally broke it up. Nothing wrong with showing some emotion at camp, no harm - no foul. Oh, and yes, that's Gilkey's helmet on the ground in this picture.  :)

As for offense, I couldn't see which QB's were throwing today but some more great catches were made by #15 Davone Bess, #80 Travis Benjamin and #10 Jordan Norwood. There's usually a second team guy covering Norwood. I'd really like to see how he does against Joe Haden, but maybe tomorrow.  Tons of passes to the TE's today as well, Cameron - Davis - Barnidge catching their share. Throw in some nice runs by Trent Richardson and Dion Lewis and we're starting to see what the mix is going to look like in Norv Turner's offense.

Camp was overflowing with national media today. Roger Goodell stopped by on his way to Canton for the Hall of Fame festivities this weekend. Peter King and Pam Oliver were just a few of the familiar faces at camp. While I like the attention this team is getting right now, I have to say it's hard to see with all these media types just standing around and blocking my view from the bleachers. Or maybe I'm just a tad bit jealous that they get to go "behind the ropes" while I snap pics and take notes with the other fans. Then again, I am really just a fan myself so I guess I'm better off sitting with my peeps. :)

Respectfully Submitted,
Cleveland Kate

2013 NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement

I can't believe that this weekend is the 2013 NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony! I like to do a write-up each year about the people who made this the game I love so much and my thoughts on each of them. After hearing the finalists announced back in February, I've struggled to put pen to paper (or keys to keyboard).  Why you ask?  Here's the list and let's see if you can figure it out....  sigh.

(For information about how the HOF process works, click this link.)

Curley Culp - (1969-1979 Kansas City, Houston, Detroit) A pioneer at the Nose Tackle position, his coach in Kansas City - Hank Stram - had him going one-on-one vs the center, paving the way for the 3-4 defense that is growing in popularity in the NFL today. Undersized for a defensive lineman, he was the perfect "middleman" on the line, forcing the Center to get help from his teammates, which freed up the other defenders to get at the QB.  He was a six time Pro-Bowler recording 68 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries.

Dave Robinson - (1963-1974 Green Bay, Washington) A member of the College Football HOF for his play at Penn State, this defensive end turned linebacker ruled the left side of the Packer line from '64-'72. He was traded to Washington for the '73-'74 seasons and then retired. He recorded 27 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries, three Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl Championships. He was also selected as one of the linebackers in the NFL's 1960's All-Decade Team.

Larry Allen - (1994-2007 Dallas, San Francisco) This offensive lineman from Sonoma State University proves that a rotator cuff injury in college may drop you in the draft rankings, but certainly doesn't mean you can't play ball.  ELEVEN Pro Bowls, SEVEN All-Pro, One Super Bowl, plus both the 1990's and 2000's NFL All-Decade teams at offensive line? Yeah - he could play! Why you ask?  Because he was the guy protecting Troy Aikman's blind side... Exactly.

Cris Carter - (1987-2002 Philadelphia, Minnesota, Miami) How can you not love a guy who gets THIS emotional when he finds out he is going to be enshrined into the NFL HOF? As if his status as an Ohio State Buckeye isn't enough to make me love him, his personality and talent - both on and off the field - sealed the deal. As a player, he ruled the Minnesota passing lanes with over 1,000 receptions and 130 career touch downs. He's #2 all-time as a WR behind Jerry Rice. We all know who Cris is, and to this day, he's one of my favorites.

Warren Sapp - (1995 - 2007 Tampa Bay, Oakland) This "home town guy" was born in Orlando, played college ball at U Miami, and was drafted in 1995 by Tampa Bay.  I guess he likes Florida!  Recording 573 tackles and 96.5 QB Sacks, 19 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions over his career, this was a Big Man who could move on his feet! A 7c Pro-Bowler and 6x All-Pro, no QB who played against him in the 90's wasn't just a little afraid that the big man would get to him.  He's the standard that all young defensive tackles look to, and the scouts are all wondering who will be the "Next Warren Sapp."  His gentle and humorous nature off the field didn't seem to match up with his intense play on the field, but if you ask me, that just makes him one-of-a-kind.

Bill Parcells - Coach (1981-1990 NYGiants, 1993-1996 NE Patriots, 1997-1999 NY Jets, 2003-2006 Dallas Cowboys) When I think "Bill Parcells" I think "angry guy on the sidelines." Everytime the camera hit on him, he was growling or yelling at someone. But he knows how to motivate players and his regular season record of 172-130 and a post season record of 11-8 with two Super Bowl Championships is proof of that. His impact today is most felt in the "coaching tree" he created - assistants and coordinators that worked under him over the years who have gone on to become great Head Coaches themselves. (Belichick, Coughlin, Payton, MacIntyre, Weiss, Handley, Palmer, Crennel)


Jonathan Ogden - (1996 - 2007 Baltimore) Yeah. This is a hard one for me.  I keep thinking Coulda-Woulda-Shoulda... if the Browns hadn't left town, this amazing offensive tackle would have been MINE!

ELEVEN Pro Bowls and TEN All-Pro selections tell you how the Ravens were so successful in their early years. Their defense gets a lot of credit but without JO protecting the average-at-best QB's that played in Baltimore, they wouldn't be thought of as the great team they are. He played all 12 of his NFL seasons with one team - a feat that doesn't happen too often these days. He's a member of the NFL's 2000's All-Decade team, the Ravens Ring of Honor, and the College Football HOF for his play at UCLA.

Respectfully Submitted,
Cleveland K8

Day 4 Training Camp Diaries - Cleveland Browns

Dear Diary,

Well, it was disappointing that the Day 3 workout (first with full pads) was moved indoors due to rain. Players worked out in shoulder pads only. Scary moment when media reported via twitter that a player was down and withheld his name/number pending family notification. Soon after, they reported movement in all 4 extremities so fans could breathe a bit better.  Turns out #60 OL Ryan Miller (trying to get a starting guard position) took a freak helmet-to-helmet hit during a 1-on-1 drill. He was taken to the Cleveland Clinic and later released with the diagnosis of a concussion.  So glad it wasn't serious!

Day 4 started late for me - I had Cleveland Indians tickets - so I got to camp around 4:30... Standing room only with over 4,400 fans in attendance on a beautiful Sunday afternoon!  (Oh, Tribe beat the Texas Rangers, 6-0, completed the home series sweep and showed that P Ubaldo Jimenez still has it!)  If you are looking for play-by-play on the drills, check somewhere else. I could tell you how many passes each QB threw, completion percentage, etc., but as you can see from the picture of #06 QB Brian Hoyer throwing a pass, the Defense really wasn't "going after him."


Instead, I'm just going to give you a quick recap of the injury report and a progress report on some of the players I've been watching this week.

Injury Report:
Ryan Miller OL - NFL concussion protocol
Montario Hardesty RB - hamstring
Tashaun Gipson S - left practice with sprained shoulder
Desmond Bryant DT - back spasms
Oniel Cousins, Jamoris Slaughter - no details just didn't practice

They're Baaaccckkkk
Phil Taylor NT
Kellen Davis TE

Players I'm Watching:

#11 WR David Nelson - Brian Hoyer welcomed David back to NFL practice looking like the ACL is just fine.
After a couple incomplete passes, BHoyer hit him for a TD in goal line drills.  He looked good! He was the #2 receiver for the Buffalo Bills in 2011 but the ACL injury in 2012 ended in Buffalo's loss and Cleveland's gain!

#21 DB Chris Owens - lined up opposite #23 DB Joe Haden quite a bit today. I've like what I've seen from him so far and today was no different. Sharing time with #22 DB Buster Skrine, he's making the most of his reps, hitting hard, wrapping up the receivers, and even had an interception earlier at camp. It will be interesting to see if he can beat out Skrine for the starting job, or if Ray Horton will take advantage of the depth at DB and just keep changing-up the personnel packages.

Frankly, 3rd round draft pick #29 DB Leon McFadden is going to need more time to catch-up to the speed of NFL receivers, getting beat by #10 WR Jordan Norwood at least three times today. Yes, Norwood looked good, but McFadden made him look a little better than he was.

#28 RB Dion Lewis - He makes you forget he's only 5'9" and 195. He moves with a grace and athleticism that makes running between 300 pound tackles look easy. As long as he keeps anticipating where the hole will be - and being right - he's gonna see some time this year. Even Coach Chud commented today that Lewis is having a good camp.  If you want to see his moves for yourself, check out @RuiterWrongFAN. He posted a Vine video of Lewis which garnered a round of "Ooooohs" from the crowd!  (click to open video window)

New Feature:  PLAYER NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW.
Today, we focus on the 80's...

#80 WR Travis Benjamin 
#81 TE Kellen Davis 
#82 TE Gary Barnidge 
#83 WR Cordell Roberson
#84 TE Jordan Cameron 
#85 WR Naaman Roosevelt
#86 WR Mike Edwards
#87 TE Dan Gronkowski
#88 WR Josh Cooper 
#89 WR Dominique Croom

If I get to vote, Benjamin, Davis, Barnidge, Cameron, Gronkowski, Cooper, and Croom are still here on Opening Day. The others haven't shown me enough in camp to justify keeping them.

Respsectfully Submitted,
Cleveland K8

From @Monte_Colorman: Merry Swishmas to All

Every once in a while, a Tweeter comes along who manages to impress me. And, if you know me, that ain't easy to do. I like to think I'm the Queen of Twitter when it comes to things like NFL Draft Day or the now famous "Ode to Flop Night" where I definitely ruled the Twitterverse.

And along comes @Monte_Colorman. While his wit is obvious to any who follow him, the fun and brilliance of his timeline of tweets this evening has prompted me to put them all together and showcase therm here so that you can all read them. ENJOY!
************************************************

Twas the night before Monte's Vacation, when all thro' the Twitter, Fans wondered if the the Tribe was bound for the shitter.

The spikes were hung by the locker with care, In hopes a new reliever soon would be there.

The prospects were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of new teams danc'd in their heads.

And Chris in his 'kerchief, and Mark in his vest, Were racking their brains on a trade deadline quest

When out on the field there arose such a clatter, They sprang from their suite to see what was the matter.

It's a dude on a Scooter trying to be incognito. They knew in a moment it must be St. Tito.

More rapid than eagles his coaches they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd players by name:

"Now! Brantley, now! Bournie, now! Stubby and Kipnis, "On! Carlos, on! Giambi, on! 'drubal and Chizkid;

"Off the end of the bat! To the top of the wall! "Now take second! Take third! Take home, all!"

Tito spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And fill'd two bases; then turn'd with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose A quick double-steal keeps defense on their toes.

After the inning ended on a Reynolds pop fly, With a lead and their gloves, they're ready to try;

So up to the mound-top the pitcher he threw, With an arm full of fastballs — as St. Tito knew:

And then in a twinkling, I heard thru the mic, The cracking and pounding of each little strike.

As I nodded my head, and was screaming around, Downed the side on 3 K's and Big Masty came off of the mound.

He was dress'd in polyester, his blue uniform shirt, And his clothes were all tarnish'd with pitchers mound dirt;

His eyes — how they twinkled! His dimples: how merry, His cheeks were like roses, his head, not too hairy.

Home runs to the bleachers, the balls carried true, With all of the regulars — and Rayburn too:

The fans' mouths all dropped while watching Yan throw, His right arm, a cannon, put on a great show;

A pipe stump was found in the house of Pure Rage, And the smoke from the dog was a magic first aid.

Slider's chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laugh'd when I saw him in spite of myself;

He had a broad face, and a huge fuscia belly That shook when he laugh'd, like a bowl full of jelly.

A wink of Tito's eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He sprung to his scooter, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew, with beards full of gristle:

But I heard him exclaim, in a voice quiet post-gamey— Happy Swishmas to all, and to all a #NoPantski!

Pics from 2013 Cleveland Browns Training Camp

No real blog entey here... just a bunch of pics I snapped.
I thought you might like to see what you are missing if you haven't been to camp yet!

Go Browns!

@PumpkinNation

@CleSoldier2011 and @Me_Miss_C