Picks of the Week

   

Two winning weeks in a row - I will take that for sure.  Especially as we enter the first really precarious weekend of the NFL season.  We have one Covid cancellation (Tennessee-Pittsburgh); one Covid postponement until Monday or Tuesday (New England-Kansas City); one big star testing positive (Cam Newton) and one false positive (with the New Orleans Saints).  I will be predicting the KC-NE game, but that bet will not count if not played by Tuesday (this week).  Tennessee-Pittsburgh has already been re-scheduled for later in the season, but I will mention it - but not pick it this week.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Denver Broncos +1 at New York Jets

I don't care that it is a short week, I will take points from the Jets.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans PPD (Covid-19)

Technically this is being changed into a "Bye Week", but the Titans have had 18 players and staff test positive for Covid-19.  We don't yet know which players, but that will affect them next week against Buffalo.

New Orleans Saints -3 at Detroit Lions

We had a scare with the fullback, who was sitting on the team plane next to Alvin Kamara, tested positive for Covid-19, but the follow-up test confirmed the first positive was a false positive - therefore a negative.  Anyway, New Orleans is 1-2, and more importantly just hasn't looked like it should, especially offensively without Michael Thomas.  That should change today with the Setroie Lions being 28th in total defense and 30th in rushing defense (and 26th in scoring defense).

Carolina Panthers +3 v. Arizona Cardinals

I really, really want to take the Cardinals.  But, the gambling rules say take the home team when the visiting team is from the west coast and travels east for the early game.  Especially when the visiting west coast team is a favorite.  I will ultimately - and begrudgingly - take Carolina and hope Arizona wins 23-21.

Jacksonville Jaguars +2 1/2 at Cincinnati Bengals

I hate, hate this game.  Not from a gambling stanpoint but from a football fan standpoint.  This game is between two not very good teams - but both very fun to watch.  I take it back, I love this game.  Minshew and Burrow are going to be throwing the ball all over the place.  For that, I will just take the points, and because Jacksonville is inconsistent and they were horrible last week.

Dallas Cowboys -4 v. Cleveland Browns

The Cowboys are remarkably 21st in rushing offense, mostly because they are 1st in passing offense (and total offense).  That is mostly because they were beding to the Rams and Seattle in the games they have lost and were way behind in Atlanta and came back to win.  They should not have the same problem against Cleveland and can comfortably rush the ball from ahead.

Minnesota Vikings +3 1/2 at Houston Texans

Houston's paltry offense (28th overall; 31st rushing offense; 29th scoring offense) versus Minnesota's anemic defense (30th in total defense and passing defense; 26th in rushing defense; 31st in scoring defense).  But, Minnesota does have the 8th best rushing offense and Houston has the league's worst rushing defense allowing 188.3 per game.

Miami Dolphins +5 1/2 v. Seattle Seahawks

You should all be able to recite the "west coast team traveling east and playing the early game" mantra.  However, the one team immune to that is Seattle, who have managed to win, and cover, regularly on the east coast.  Then why don't you just pick them Pepe?  Because this line seems weird.  It seems like a Ryan Fitzpatrick touchdown pass late, late in the game to lose 31-27.

Los Angeles Chargers +7 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This number is just too high.  Yes I know LA is a west coast team and this is a 1:00 game.  The number is too much.  Should have been about 4 or 4 1/2.  Chargers have the 6th total offense (6th in rushing and 8th in passing) as well as the 8th total defense (11th in passing and 11th in defense; 4th in scoring defense).  Tampa just shouldn't be able to score enough more than Los Angeles to cover this number.

Washington Football Team +14 v. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are much better than the Football Team, and they are probably angry and embarrassed at their performance last week against Kansas City, but they are on a short week and on the road (albeit not very far), so to give up two touchdowns is A LOT.  Baltimore wins, but maybe 34-24.

Chicago Bears +3 v. Indianapolis Colts

Let's be honest, this is a crapshoot because we don't know how the Bears' offense is going to react to Nick Foles being under center for the entire game.  Also, Tarik Cohen out for the year on a cheap shot (he was hit in the leg while fair catching a punt).  I think (hope) they rally around Foles.  They will have to do just that going against the #1 defense in the NFL as of right now (1st in total defense, 1st in scoring defense, 1st in passing defense, 3rd in 3rd down conversion defense and 4th in rushing defense).  Bears keep it close, even if they fall for their first loss of the season.  Please note, this game was moved from the 1:00 time slot to 4:25 due to the postponement of the New England Kansas City game.

Los Angeles Rams -13 v. New York Giants

I do not know why I am so willing to give 13 here, but not 14 in the Baltimore game.  It must be because the Rams are home with a prolific offense (3rd in total offense and rushing offense, 6th in passing offense, 7th in scoring offense).  In contrast, the GIants have the absolute worst offense in the NFL (25th in passing defense, dead last in total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense).

Buffalo Bills -3 at Las Vegas Raiders

This is a classic strength versus weakness battle.  Buffalo has the offense (4th in total offense, 3rd in scoring offense, 2nd in passing offense) whereas Las Vegas has problems stopping anybody (22nd in passing defense, 25th in scoring defense, 27th in total defense, 28th in rushing defense).  Bills get to 4-0 and cover doing it.

Philadelphis Eagles +7 1/2 at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco still wins this game, as they are very comfortable with Nick Mullens behind center.  But, their injuries have to start catching up to them at some point, right?  Even in Philadelphia doesn't win, they have to start playing better at some point also.  The Eagles have offensive line problems, but the entire starting defensive line for the 49ers is injured.  San Francisco may win, but don't cover.

Green Bay Packers -7 v. Atlanta Falcons

I have said it before and I will say it again.  This is about the Aaron Rodgers internalized revenge against the Packers for having the audacity to use a high round draft pick to take a quarterback to possibly replace me instead of giving me any more weapons tour.  A little long-winded, sure, but apropos.

Kansas City Cheifs No Line v. New England Patriots

Right now they are going to play Tuesday, but nobody knows for certain, and no line has been set.  I will make a pick when it is, but it is likely going to be Kansas City anyway, because Brian Hoyer is starting at QB for New England.

Big Bet

Green Bay Packers -7 v. Atlanta Falcons

I have said it before and I will say it again.  This is about the Aaron Rodgers internalized revenge against the Packers for having the audacity to use a high round draft pick to take a quarterback to possibly replace me instead of giving me any more weapons tour.  A little long-winded, sure, but apropos.

The spread is a little high for me for a big bet, but I get Aaron Rodgers on an MVP-type roll (and Aaron Jones also), and at home in a big prime time game.  Plus, it worked last week for me!

The other game I gave serious consideration to choosing for this slot was Dallas -4 v. Cleveland, but I trust Aaron Rodgers more.

Last Week's Record:  9-7

Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0
Year-to-Date Record:  27-20-1
Big Bet Year-to-Date:  3-0
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): $280
Year-to-Date's Winnings (Losses): $950

Picks of the Week

  

My first huge week of the year.  I usually have 2 or 3 of those, to counteract 3 or 4 really bad weeks, with the rest all within a game or so either way.  So, I will take the big week when all 16 teams are playing (no byes), as that makes the winning just so sweet (and gives me a cushion for the inevitable poor showing).

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Jacksonville Jaguars - 3 v. Miami Dolphins

I took the home team on a short week, and no, I am not ashamed.  I will just take the "L".

Chicago Bears +3 at Atlanta Falcons

Everything about this game tells me to take the Falcons.  Their offense is humming despite being 0-2; whereas the Bears have squeaked by Detroit and the New York Giants to be 2-0.  But, the Falcons already suspect defense (31st in total defense, 31st in pass defense, 32nd in scoring defense) lost first round pick and starting corner A. J. Terrell for the game due to a positive Covid-19 test.  At least the game didn't get canceled.

Buffalo Bills -2 v. Los Angeles Rams

I actually think the Rams are the better team, and their offense is 3rd in rushing AND 9th in passing (5th overall).  But, I try not to overthink things and the Rams are a west coast team travelling west and playing in the early game, which I almost always try to bet against.  It is easier to do when Buffalo has the 3rd best total offense and the 5th best total defense.

Cleveland Browns -7 v. Washington Football Team

I have no idea what to think of the Browns.  Seven points seems really high so I should take Washington, but sometimes when that bet looks just too easy, go the other way, especially when Washington has the 31st ranked offense in the league.

Tennessee Titans -3 at Minnesota Vikings

Say what you will about the Vikings, but they are consistent.  They rank 30th in total offese AND total defense.

New England Patriots -6 1/2 v. Las Vegas Raiders

Two things at play here:  (1) A west coast team travelling east for the early game; and (2) The Raiders are on a short week having played on Monday night.  That, and this Belichick coached team is remarkably balanced, ranking 8th in passing offense and 9th in rushing offense.

New York Giants +3 v. San Francisco 49ers

Nobody knows what we will be getting from this 49ers team, having lost their entire defensive line and their quarterback last week.  Yes Saquon Barkley is out for the Giants, but they are playing at home and they spread the ball out well against the Bears last week.

Philadelphia Eagles -4 1/2 v. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow has played remarkably well, and has a much higher passer rating than Carson Wentz.  But, he doesn't get to play against his own defense like Wentz does today.

Pittsburgh Steelers -4 v. Houston Texans

Stop me if any of this surprises you.  Pittsburgh has the best rush defense, the 7th best pass defense, the 2nd best total defense and 6th best scoring defense.  Watson, lost his best receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

New York Jets +11 1/2 at Indianapolis Colts

Listen, I know the Jets stink.  Badly.  But 11 1/2 is a big spread consider Indaianapolis' offense is 31st in third down conversions (gotta keep the ball to score).  That being said, it will be hard for the Jets to move the ball against the Colts.  Still, give me that many points and I'll say 28-17 Indy.

Los Angeles Chargers -6 1/2 v. Carolina Panthers

Mike Davis is an adequate replacement for an injured Christian McCaffrey, but nobody in this league is McCaffrey.  At least Teddy Bridgewater did't receive a punctured lung from his own training staff.

Arizona Cardinals -5 1/2 v. Detroit Lions

The Lions were steamrolled by Green Bay after DeAndre Swift's heart-breaking, game-ending drop against the Bears in week 1.  Their misery continues against a good-looking Cardinals team that - since they play in the NFC West - needs to win as many of these non-divisional games as possible.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -6 at Denver Broncos

Because you can't have enough road favorites.  (That is sarcasm, but besides this is only number 2 of those this week).

Seattle Seahawks -5 v. Dallas Cowboys

Seattle is GOOD, offensively.  Their defense is great against the run (2nd in the league), but paltry elsewhere (last in passing defense and total defense, 20th in scoring defense).  So, if Ezekial Elliott can establish any bit of a running game, the could have a chance.  But, they would still have to stop the Seahawks, with the 25th ranked total and scoring defense.  Not going to happen.

Green Bay Packers +3 at New Orleans Saints

Aaron Rodgers is on fire; Drew Brees is not.  Green bay has the best total offense, rushing offense and scoring offens in the NFL (and 4th in passing), with the 10th best total defense.  New Orleans has been struggling on offense and are again without record-setting receiver Michael Thomas.

Kansas City Chiefs +3 1/2 at Baltimore Ravens

Yes Baltimore's defense is amazing so far.  But, Mahomes and his weapons can score against anyone.  And I get points?  Yes please!!!

Big Bet

Green Bay Packers +3 at New Orleans Saints

Aaron Rodgers is on fire; Drew Brees is not.  Green bay has the best total offense, rushing offense and scoring offens in the NFL (and 4th in passing), with the 10th best total defense.  New Orleans has been struggling on offense and are again without record-setting receiver Michael Thomas.

Although there were a couple of easy-looking bets on the board, I feel that Aaron Rodgers is on a mission to prove to the Packers - and the world - that he was not ready for them to draft a quarterback to "replace" him.

Last Week's Record: 11-5
Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0
Year-to-Date Record:  18-13-1
Big Bet Year-to-Date:  2-0
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): $700
Year-to-Date's Winnings (Losses): $670

Picks of the Week

 

With no preseason, and only sporadic reports from various training camps, I expected disaster in week 1, and although I finished down, it was virtually a .500 week.  Now, I know it is easy to overexaggerate week's 1 performances, but with a bit more of knowledge than this time last week, I am excited about entering this week's picks.  Of course, I wrote this before looking at the points spreads.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Cincinnati Bengals +6 at Cleveland Browns
Generally I try to take the home team on the Thursday night's game, but for some reason I feel like something was wrong in Cleveland.  Now, the Browns' offense woke up, but I am happy to take the back-door cover thanks to a Joe Burrow, who definitely looks like he belongs in this league.

Chicago Bears - 5 1/2 v. New York Giants

Giants go on the road after playing Monday night is the primary reason why I am taking my beloved Bears.  Plus, Robert Quinn is making his season debut, which should help free up some more space for Khalil Mack on defense. Now, perhaps the Chicago offensive coaching staff can actually put in an up-tempo offensive, perhaps with a bit of no huddle, as that is clearly where Trubisky operates best.

Carolina Panthers + 8 1/2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Carolina acquitted themselves very well asgainst what I think is going to be a very good Raiders team.  Tampa Bay didn't fare very well last week, but a lot of teams are going to look that bad against the Saints (Brady Pick 6 to Janoris Jenkins!!!).  Buccaneers playing without Chris Godwin this week, and with McCaffrey, the Panthers can control the ball so that this score does not get out of control.  I will take the 8 1/2.

Jacksonville Jaguars +7 at Tennessee Titans

Jacksonville surprised the league last week taking down the Colts at home.  This week, they travel to Nashville, where the Titans are coming off a lackluster win against Denver on Monday night.  I am taking the points because of the Titans' short week.

Atlanta Falcons +3 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
Dallas did not look very good against Aaron Donald and the Rams, so I look for them to try to break out against the Falcons, especially targeting rooking cornerback A.J. Terrell (who does look promising, but he is a rookie).  Atlanta had 3 separate 100 yard receivers last week.  That might be too much for the Cowboys to have to cover.  I'll take the points.

Green Bay Packers -6 1/2 v. Detroit Lions

Aaron Rodgers is on a mission this year and Detroit might not be over last week's loss to the Bears, having given up 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota Vikings +3 at Indianapolis Colts
Yes the Colts have a deep running back room, but the injury to Marlon Mack is going to make a difference.  There is no shame in losing to the Packers for the Vikings, but the Colts lost to a Jaguar team that is supposed to be horrid.

Miami Dolphins +6 v. Buffalo Bills

Miami is not very good, but I feel that Buffalo might catch South Beach Fever AND be overconfident.  This has all the makings of a Ryan Fitzpatrick backdoor cover.

New York Jets +7 v. San Francisco 49ers

I hate, HATE, making this pick.  But if there is one thing that I have learned over time is that you win way more than you lose by following the rules.  Of course, these aren't guarantees, they are about 66% sure, but that is a good percentage.  So, although the 49ers are WAY better than the Jets and could win this one by a ton, I am betting against the west coast team travelling east and playing the early game.  UGH!!!  - You know what, nope.  I took the road team on Thursday against the rules, so I am changing this pick to ...

San Francisco 49ers -7 at New York Jets.

Still Ugh!

Los Angeles Rams + 1 1/2 at Philadelphia Eagles

I mean, while I am breaking rules, right?  Keep it going.  Seriously, last week the Eagles offensive line looked horrible.  And that is a big, big problem going against the Rams.  Aaron Donald absolutely dominated the Cowboys offensive line, which itself is a magnitude greater than that of the Rams.  I do not think that I am better than the rules, but what the hell.  It is week 2.

Pittsburgh Steelers -7 v. Denver Broncos

The Steelers defense should be able to tee-off on the Broncos offense that looked pretty meager against the Titans last week.  The Steelers rushing game behind James Conner and/or Benny Snell, Jr. should be able to control enough of this game to win by 2 touchdowns.  This is a battle of two teams that played Monday night, so both are on a short week.

Arizona Cardinals -7 v. Washington Football Team

Arizona is going to be really, really good this year.  Washington surprised the Eagles (and me) last week, but Arizona is going to have a much better offense than Philadelphia.  I am just happy that I do not have to type "Washington Racists".

Baltimore Ravens -7 at Houston Texans

I don't give points of a touchdown or more lightly (especially in two consecutive games).  And, it is no shame for the Texans to have lost to Kansas City, but what concerns me with Houston is that they absolutely just did not try to throw the ball deep at all in that game, essentially just allowing all of the defensive backs to pinch up closer to the receivers.  That and Baltimore's running game (including Jackson) should be enough to cover this spread.

Kansas City Chiefs -9 at Los Angeles Chargers

Until they prove me worng.

Seattle Seahawks -4 v. New England Patriots
The Seahawks are just better.  And at home.

Las Vegas Raiders +5 1/2 v. New Orleans Saints

No Michael Thoma, and yes the Raiders are going to be good this year.  Plus, the energy at the first home game in Vegas will be virtually nonexistent thanks to Covid, but the team is probably going to be psyched.

Big Bet

Seattle Seahawks -4 v. New England Patriots
The Seahawks are just better.  And at home.

I really wanted to select Baltimore for the second week in a row, but they are on the road

Last Week's Record: 7-8-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  1-0
Year-to-Date Record:  7-8-1
Big Bet Year-to-Date:  1-0
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): ($30) 
Year-to-Date's Winnings (Losses): ($30)

Picks of the Week

HOORAY! The NFL is officially back with its first full slate of games, and nobody is happier than I am.  Since we have no pre-season, little or no fans, and everything is focused on Covid, I feel that I am in a perfect position to start the season with a bang.  Whether that is good or bad, who knows.  We shall see.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Houston Texans + 9 1/2 at Kansas City Chiefs
No way Texans win this game, but if they had even tried to throw deep at least 2 or 3 times, this game is under 10.

Chicago Bears + 2 1/2 at Detroit Lions

We don't know if we are getting 2018 Mitchell Trubisky or 2019 Mitchell Trubisky, but this Bears defense, when fully healthy, can really do some things.  Robert Quinn isn't playing yet, but that shouldn't matter against a basically one-dimensional Lions offense that has to figure out what it is doing with its running game.  It may come to fruition this year (Peterson, Swift and Johnson), but it is going to take some time until they come up with a proper rotation. 

Atlanta Falcons +2 v. Seattle Seahawks

So, the fans issue is going to take a way from a lot of teams' home-field advantages.  However, until I see how teams settle in this season, I am still not going to be on a west coast team travelling east and playing the early game.  The travel is still the problem.  I think Seattle is going to be really good this year, but going to stick with the tried-and-true betting rules for this one.

Baltimore Ravens -7 1/2 v. Cleveland Browns

Virtually the entire secondary of the Browns is going to miss this game, which means that Jackson will be able to throw, as well as run.  Cleveland's offense should not be as bad as last year, but I don't know if they can stop Baltimore enough to stay in this one.

New York Jets + 6 1/2 at Buffalo Bills
None of us know what we are getting with Sam Darnold in this one, and we do not know if Adam Gase is actually going to use Le'Veon Bell properly, but Darnold looked good at the end of last season and Gase has to know he needs Bell.  Stefon Diggs makes minimal difference in this game.

Carolina Panthers +3 v. Las Vegas Raiders

I can't believe I just typed "Las Vegas Raiders", but that excites me.  Carolina might have some growing pains, but Teddy Bridgewater is a solid, experienced professional.  So, I will bet against a west coast team travelling west and playing in the early game again, especially when giving up points, just like Seattle.

Indianapolis Colts -7 1/2 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Road intra-divisional favorites are tough to bet, but not when playing Jacksonville after the Jaguars have completely dismantled its teams.  Philip Rivers will be rejuvenated this year, with a running game and a great offensive line led by Quinten Nelson (and yes I just highlighted an offensive lineman).

Green Bay Packers +2 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings

Is Dalvin Cook ready to go?  Does Aaron Rodgers have something to prove?  Do we see Jordan Love?  Who knows?  Give me the points.

Miami Dolphins +7 at New England Patriots
Bill Belichick blah, blah, blah.  Tom Brady is gone.  But, more importantly, the Patriots' entire defense opted out of this season.  Fitzpatrick slings enough to keep this one close.

Philadelphia Eagles -5 1/2 at Washington Football Team
So, I will not refer to the Washington Football Team as the Washington Racists this year, and those longtime blog readers know I have been doing that for a long time, not just the last year or two.  This is not a bandwagon issue.  Anyway, can Dwayne Haskins make the jump?  Can the Eagles run without Miles Sanders?  Can Carson Wentz continue to lead this team with a flawed roster?  Yes, at least this week.

Los Angeles Chargers -3 at Cincinnati Bengals

So, the Bengals have the late afternoon session, nullifying the west coast travelling of the Chargers.  The Chargers will miss Philip Rivers, but they have playmakers all over the field.  Joe Burrow has a ton o confidence, and some skill position talent (Joe Mixon and eventually A.J. Green).  But, I look for the Chargers linebackers with Denzell Perry man flanked by Kyzir White and Kenneth Murray to make a lot of plays on Burrow and the Bengals.

New Orleans Saints -3 1/2 v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Everyone is going to talk/write about Brady, Fournette, Gronkowski and all of the new players.  It is going to take some time for them to gel.  Not so for Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas.

Arizona Cardinals +7 at San Francisco 49ers

A Super Bowl hangover for the 49ers, I feel.  And, a breakout MVP-caliber season for Kyler Murray with Kenyan Drake and Larry Fitzgerald all being joined by DeAndre Hopkins.

Dallas Cowboys -2 1/2 at Los Angeles Rams

Mike McCarthy has to make a lot of difference over Jason Garrett, right?

Pittsburgh Steelers -6 at New York Giants
TJ Watt, Bud Dupree, Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt should be in Daniel Jones' face all night.  Plus, Ben Roethlisberger is back.

Denver Broncos +3 v. Tennesee Titans

Just a gut feeling that Drew Lock is going to have a really good season, and Melvin Gordon is going to have a lot of running room with Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy opening things up for him.  Tennessee returns Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry,  but will be missing Adoree Jackson and Vic Beasley, whil Von Miller is out for the season for the Broncos.

Big Bet

Baltimore Ravens -7 1/2 v. Cleveland Browns

Virtually the entire secondary of the Browns is going to miss this game, which means that Jackson will be able to throw, as well as run.  Cleveland's offense should not be as bad as last year, but I don't know if they can stop Baltimore enough to stay in this one.

Baltimore's defense should be improved (really, can that happen?) with the additions of rookie inside linebacker Patrick Queen, drafted in the first round from LSU, and perennial Pro-Bowler and professional defensive menace Calais Campbell coming over from Jacksonville.

Last Week's Record: 0-0
Last Week's Big Bet:  0-0
Year-to-Date Record:  0-0
Big Bet Year-to-Date:  0-0
Last Week's Winnings (Losses): 
Year-to-Date's Winnings (Losses): 

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!!!!

It is that time of the year again, time for the start of college football.  Yes, I know that some games started a couple of weeks ago, and we had a few more last week, but this is the start of most of the conferences that are playing this fall (SEC starts September 26).  And, we have lots and lots of conferences NOT playing.  Since this is what I will consider the start of the college football season, what would the start of college football be without a preseason All-American list? Once again, I am here to give you my preseason All-Americans.  If a conference (or school) is not playing in the fall, or if a player has opted-out, then those players are ineligible to be All-Americans.  And no less than 12 to 15 people are missing from this team because of that.  As usual, there will be more than 11 on each side, to account for the different types of formations (spread, three receiver set, 4-3, 3-4, etc). I explain some of my picks, while others I do not. Why? Because I can.  (Starters in capitals).

Offense

QB - TREVOR LAWRENCE, Clemson; Sam Ehlinger, Texas; D'Eriq King, Miami - Lawrence is a no-brainer, and Ehling has more touchdowns and yards passing than any other current quarterback.  King is the wildcard, but he has amassed a streak of 16 consecutive games with a passing and rushing touchdown, which is an NCAA recod.  How the Houston transfer performs could have a big impact on the ACC this year.

RB - TRAVIS ETIENNE, Clemson; CHUBBA HUBBARD, Oklahoma State; Najee Harris, Alabama; Kenny Gainwell, Memphis - This might be the least heralded running back group in All-American history.  Etienne is dynamic, and Hubbard was the leading rusher in the NCAA last year.  Harris should be ready to jump into the spotlight and Memphis has quietly been churning out skill position players.

WR - DEVONTA SMITH, Alabama; TYLAN WALLACE, Oklahoma State, Tutu Atwell, Louisville - Wallace is a returning member from last year's All-American team.  Smith is absolutely dynamic!

TE - BREVIN JORDAN, Miami; Charlie Kolar, Iowa State - Brevin Jordan is easily the most athletic tight end in the country. 

OL - ALEX LEATHERWOOD, Alabama (T); TREY SMITH, Tennessee (G); CREED HUMPHREY, Oklahoma (C);  DEONTE BROWN, Alabama (G); SAMUEL COSMI, Texas (T); Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame (T); Aaron Banks, Notre Dame (G): Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame (C) - This unit is decimated by the teams and individuals that opted-out due to Covid, with Oregon's tackle Penei Sewell possibly going as high as number 2 in the draft.  But, we still have lots of talent on this roster, and Notre Dame's offensive line could be something absolutely special this year.

Defense

DE - CHRIS RUMPH II, Duke; QUINCY ROCHE, Miami; Carlons Basham, Jr., Wake Forest - It's am all-ACC position group.  Roche has the most career sacks of any player in college football this season, and the Temple transfer is hoping to do it at a Power 5 school in Miami (and had 1 sack in Miami's first game Thursday night).

DT - MARVIN WILSON, FSU; DARIUS STILLS, West Virginia; Tyler Davis, Clemson, Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh - Wilson, along with Lawrence, Etienne and Hubbard (and a couple more to come) was one of the easiest choices for this whole team.  An easy first rounder probably should have left for the NFL after last season.  Stills is the rare defender from a Big 12 school.  Davis had 10 1/2 tackles for losses last season.

LB - DYLAN MOSES (ILB), Alabama; CHAZZ SURRATT (ILB), North Carolina; JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, (OLB), Notre Dame; JABRIL COX (OLB); LSU, Nick Bolton, Missouri - Dylan Moses was in this exact same spot last year, before a torn ACL took him out for the season.  Surratt is a former quarterback that made the transition to linebacker flawlessly.  Cox is a three time national champion at North Dakota State and might be the best athlete on LSU, which is saying something.

CB - PATRICK SURTAIN, II, Alabama; DEREK STINGLEY, JR., LSU; Asante Samuel, Jr., FSU - Player for player, this might be the best position on the team.  Stingley continues LSU's run as DBU.

S - RICHARD LECOUNTE, III, Georgia; ANDRE CISCO; Syracuse; Trevon Moehrig, TCU - Cisco, who bounces back-and-forth between corner and safety, and can make plays all over the field.

Special Teams

K - GABE BRKIC, Oklahoma - Brkic did not miss a kick last year, going 52-52 on exta points, and 17-17 on field goals, including the game-winner in the last regular season game against Baylor, and 3 in the Big XII championship game.

P - MAX DUFFY, Kentucky - The returning Ray Guy winner as the best collegiate punter, his stats last season were astounding; 48.1 yard average; 24 downed inside the 20 yard line; only 11 punts retuned (95 yards - but 42 of those came on one return on a punt fielded by UT-Martin at the 3 yard line.

RETURNER - JAYLEN WADDLE, Alabama; Joshua Youngblood, Kansas State - Waddle had 3 return touchdowns last year, but specializes in punt returns.  Youngblood returned 3 kicks for touchdowns last year - out of 13 returns.

NFL All-Time Team

So back in December, I decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NFL by naming my all-time NFL team, selecting an actual 53 man roster.  This means that I had to decide things like selecting between a third QB, a 6th LB, a 10th DB, or a second return man, etc. As there are a ton of phenomenal NFL players, I selected my "second team" back then, which can be seen here.  Some surprising things to note from the second team are things like NFL career rushing leader is on the second team, and the offensive line and defensive ends are stacked.  The reasons for that will be shown here, when I will explain some of my picks for my first team.  Keep in mind that I am putting together an actual team, and not just listing who I think are the best players.

For the record, I understand that my selections may have a bit of recency bias.  I try to balance history against that bias, but I cannot unwatch all of the players that I have seen play.

As with similar posts - starters in all capital letters.  As a reminder, my second team QBs willbe listed under the 1st team.  

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks (3):  DAN MARINO, Joe Montana, Bobby Layne

                                 (2nd team - John Elway, Dan Fouts, Tom Brady)

I know, people think Brady is the GOAT, but Dan Marino could make every throw, to every part of the field, at any time.  His numbers were amazing, and just think what his numbers would be like if he played with today's rules, with a slot receiver and with a running back out in the pattern.  Ridiculous.  Can you imagine a team with Marino getting hurt and Joe Montana coming off the bench?  That is a steadiness that would put this offense over the top.  Bobby Layne might need an explanation.  That explanation is that he is simply my favorite non-Walter Payton player ever.  He is in the NFL and College Football Halls of Fame, and his number has been retired by the University of Texas and the Detroit Lions.  But, why he is my favorite player is this axiom:  "There are a million people who have claimed to have had a drink with Bobby Layne.  None of them are lying."  We need that guy on our team.

Running Backs (5):  WALTER PAYTON, JIM BROWN, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk,                                                   LaDanian Tomlinson

                                   (2nd Team - Emmitt Smith, Gayle Sayers, O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell, Marcus                                        Allen)

So, my 5 running backs need no explanation, but the question that will inevitably rise is, "Why is Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, on the second team?  Why, well let's look at the roster.  Nobody can argue with Payton, Brown and Sanders.  So, if I am going to round out my roster I only have Payton that can reliably catch a pass coming out of the backfield, so I need some multi-faceted backs, and who better fits that role than Faulk and Tomlinson?  Remember, I am making a team. Plus, if need be, Tomlinson could return kicks, and probably Sanders or Faulk as well, so we are safe if our team incurs an injury.  And no, Smith is not starting over Payton or Brown.

Wide Receivers (5):  JERRY RICE, RANDY MOSS, STEVE LARGEANT, Michael Irvin, Larry                                        Fitzgerald
                                    (2nd Team - Marvin Harrison, Art Monk, Lynn Swann, Chris Carter, Don                                                Hutson, Tim Brown)

Rice is the best NFL player of all time.  Seriously think about it.  If I ask who is the best QB ever, I will get 7 or 8 different answers.  If I ask the best running back ever, I will get 4.  Who is the best receiver and how big is the gulf between Rice and every one else?  As far ast starting Largeant, imagine him operating out of the slot with Rice and Moss on the outside.  Fitzgerald is not in the Hall of Fame yet, but he will be.  And, he has more career tackles than dropped passes.  That statistic is insane.

Tight Ends (3):  TONY GONZALEZ, Kellen Winslow, Antonio Gates

                            (2nd Team - Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten, Ozzie Newsome)

Tony Gonzalez is the best tight end I ever saw play.  And I am a University of Miami fan.  Kellen Winslow is Senior, not Junior, and he played in a day in which the tight end was rarely used as a receiver, especially when compared to today's game.  Antonio Gates completes the former under-sized college power forwards to convert to tight end and excel part of the roster (with Gonzales).

Offensive Linemen (8):  ANTHONY MUNOZ (T), JOHN HANNAH (G), DWIGHT                                                                  STEPHENSON (C), LARRY ALLEN(G), JONATHAN OGDEN (T),                                                  Bruce Matthews (T), Randell McDaniel (G), Jim Otto (C) 

                                        (2nd Team, Art Shell (T), Jackie Slater (T), Gene Upshaw (G), Mike Webster                                            (C), Russ Grimm (G), Jackie Slater (T), Orlando Pace (T), Mike Munchak (G),                                         Larry Little (C))

If Jerry Rice is the best player in the NFL, if we take away our skill position bias, Anthony Munoz is probably the second best.  Ogden was a straight up monster.  Stephenson gets the nod because there is a reason that Dan Marino could always step up into the pocket and unleash his rocket-quick arm for a pass and not be touched.  Plus, center-quarterback familiarity doesn't hurt.  Larry Allen would come to the line yelling "Choo Choo" whenever a run play was supposed to come over his position, and still the defensive couldn't stop them.  Bruce Matthews played 19 years at every position on the line, giving the team some added depth.  Nobody was scarier than McDaniel and black visor, and Jim Otto is a Hall of Famer, and from the "U".

DEFENSE

Defensive Tackles (5):  WARREN SAPP, JOE GREENE, Cortez Kennedy, John Randle, Art                                                    Donovan

                                        (2nd Team - Merlin Olson, Randy White, Alan Page, Jerome Brown)

Warren Sapp and Mean Joe Greene together.  Wow.  Cortez Kennedy on first downs as a run stuffer, or possibly as a nose tackle on obvious passing downs.  John Randle was intimidating and Art Donovan was not only a Hall of Famer, but one of the world's best storytellers, which I want on my team.  Aaron Donald will be here soon.

Defensive Ends (4):  REGGIE WHITE, DEACON JONES, Bruce Smith, Julius Peppers

                                   (2nd Team - Charles Haley, Kevin Greene, Jack Youngblood, Chris Doleman)

Reggie White is a no-brainer starter.  Deacon Jones was a sack specialist before the kept the sack as a statistic.  No offensive lineman wanted to block Bruce Smith and for a 5 year span, even when Julius Peppers was not getting to the quarterback, he led the NFL in false starts and holdings against.  Sacks and penalties all bring the offese backwards.

Outside Linebackers (4):  LAWRENCE TAYLOR, KHALIL MACK, Jack Ham, Derrick Brooks

                                            (2nd Team - Ted Hendricks, Derrick Thomas, Andre Tippett, Rickey                                                          Jackson)

Lawrence Taylor, duh.  Most dominating linebacker of all time.  Mack is not far behind.  Mack was named to an All-Pro team as an outside linebacker AND a defensive end, DURING THE SAME YEAR!!!  Derrick Brooks was a standout leader of the Super Bowl winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jack Ham was a mainstay on the multi-Super Bowl winning 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Inside Linebackers (5):  RAY LEWIS, MIKE SINGLETARY, Jack Lambert, Dick Butkus, Junior                                           Seau

                                          (2nd Team - Brian Urlacher, Bill George, Ray Nitshcke, Harry Carson)

Of course Ray Lewis.  Mike Singletary is also a no-brainer if a 3-4 is played.  Dick Butkus makes a total of 4 Chicago Bear Middle Linebackers on the first and second teams.  Jack Lambert might be the best player not starting on defense.  Junior Seau could play the run, rush the passers, and cover backs and tight ends out of the backfield.

Cornerbacks (6):  DEION SANDERS, ROD WOODSON, Charles Woodson, Darrell Green, Dick                                "Night Train" Lane, Lester Hayes

                                (2nd Team - Mel Blount, Aeneas Williams, Dick LeBeau, Herb Adderly, Willie                                        Brown)

Deion Sanders could take away an entire half of a field on his own.  And, if he intercepted a pass, he was always a threat to score.  Rod Woodson was a big corner that could cover.  Darrell Green was for years the fastest player in the NFL and has legitimate track speed, including a then NCAA record in the 100 and 200 meters.  Charles Woodson could also return kicks.  Night Train is one of the best nicknames ever, and he is fourth on the NFL's career interceptsion list with 68 (3 behind Rod Woodson), and Lester Hayes had some of the best hair, and stickum in NFL history.  Oh yeah, and he could cover too.

Safeties (4): RONNIE LOTT, ED REED, Paul Krause, Willie Wood

                     (2nd Team - Steve Atwater, John Lynch, Kenny Easley, Ken Houston)

Nobody should even try to argue about Lott and Reed.  Best safeties ever.  PERIOD.  They could hit, HARD, and they had 63 and 64 interceptions respectively, good for 7th and tied for 8th in NFL history.  Paul Krause is the career intereception record holder with 81.  Willie Wood was an 8-time pro bowler and 5 time ALL-Pro.  And, he must be good if I am willing to place a Packer on this team.  

Just a note - Sean Taylor should be on this team, if he wasn't shot by some punks trying to rob his house.  Crazily enough, they were robbing his house on a Sunday, thinking he would not be at home, but he was in Miami re-habbing an injury and didn't travel with the team that weekend.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker (1):  MORTON ANDERSON

                     (2nd Team - Adam Vinatieri)

Only the second pure kicker to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (George Blanda played quarterback and kicker and Lou Groza was a tackle and a kicker), he is second on the all-time points list to Vinatieri, and played for 25 season.

Punter (1):  RAY GUY

                     (2nd Team - Reggie Roby)

The only punter in the Hall of Fame.  That makes him our punter.

Returner (1):  DEVIN HESTER

                         (2nd Team - Brian Mitchell)

Devin Hester is easily the best returner in the history of the NFL.  Yes, others were just as fast, and others were a threat to score while also being a threat at other positions, but Hester excelled in the return game.  He knew how to set up blocks, and could see the entire field open up and not just the hole right in front of him.  His NFL records include:

Most combined special teams TD returns - 20 (14 punt returns, 5 kickoff returns, 1 missed FG return)

Most non-offensive TDs in a career - 20

Most kickoff and punt return TDs in a career - 19

Most punt return TDs in a career - 14

Most punt retun TDs in a season - 4

Most kickoff return TDs in a game - 2

Most combined return TDs in a season - 6

Most comined return TDs for a rookie - 5

Most comnined return TDs in a game - 2 (he did it twice)

Most non-offensive TDs in a season - 6 (he did it twice)

In 2013, Hester outran a cheetah in a race sponsored and developed by National Geographic.

Even more importantly, he is from Riviera Beach, Florida (the town where I live), played collegiately at the University of Miami (my favorite team), and played for the Chicago Bears (my favorite team) for most of his NFL career.

And, he is responsible for people remembering that a missed field goal can be returned if it stays within the field of play - leading to Auburn's famous Kick Six - and for the Dennis Green rant, "They are who we thought they were.  We let 'em off the hook!"

ROSTER ADJUSTMENTS

So, if anybody actually counted, that gives us a roster of 55 players.  I need to be down to 53 players.  

Here is what happened.

When I first constructed this list way back in December (at the time I posted my second team), I listed one of my first team inside linebackers as an outside linebacker accidentally.  He was most definitely an inside linebacker, not an outside linebacker, so I cannot even pretend that he is a hybrid.  When posting this team, I just pushed him over to inside linebacker, but without taking one of the inside linebackers off the team, because they all deserve to be on the team.  This gave me one extra roster player.  Now, go look at my inside linebackers.  Which one do I cut?  Seau is staying, and do YOU want to tell Jack Lambert or Dick Butkus that they are cut?  I didn't think so.  Plus, the linebackers would make excellent kick coverage, and kick return players, and even some punt coverage.  (Just so you know, that linebacker was Jack Lambert - see, definite inside linebacker).

Then, I intentionally kept 6 cornerbacks, thinking I could find another roster spot to free up somewhere.  And, obviously I didn't.  Plus, several of the corners would make excellent kick and punt coverage personnel as well.

So, I need to free up two spots.  Most teams don't keep 5 running backs anymore, but I am not dropping any of these five.  Payton, besides being the best running back ever, could kick or punt should Anderson or Guy be hurt during a game.  Brown and Sanders are, well, Brown and Sanders.  Same with Faulk and Tomlinson, so no go there.

One position that looks a bit bloated is the defensive tackle spot.  Five are kept on a lot of teams, but with a lot of 3-4 looks, especially on passing downs (I mean, we do want Lawrence Taylor, Khalil Mack and Reggie White all rushing at the same time, right?), we can get by with cutting one, so sadly, Art Donovan has to go.    Given the quality of the second teamers (Merlin Olson, Randy White, Alan Page and Jerome Brown) and given that Donovan played in an earlier day before the players all got bigger and stronger, I don't even have to make an adjustment to the second team.  So, Donovan is gone, and I need to cut one more player.

So, the next one should be easy, as I have 6 cornerbacks.  But, I don't want to cut any of them.  That would be hard to do, and virtually unjustifiable.  So I look to what else those players could do, if we needed them to adjust due to injuries in a game (I can always adjust rosters between games).  Could Charles Woodson play some safety if he had to?  He did play some late in his career, so Yes.  What about Rod Woodson?  With his size, and ball-hawking ability, he could play some zone free safety, but also cover some of today's tight ends running down the seam.  So, also yes.  This means Willie Wood goes.  Why?  Simply because he played for Green Bay.  I will place him on the second team, replacing Ken Houston.

Easy, now we have 53 players on the roster.

One additional note.  Steve Hutchinson should be on this list.  But, as a guard, I completely overlooked him.  I did not place him on my first team or my second team.  I did not list him as an honorable mention.  Why not?  Because he is a guard, and sometimes as good as offensive lineman are, they get overlooked.  Could he start on this team over Larry Allen and John Hannah?  Probably not.  Is he as good or better than Randall McDaniel?  Yes.  Which one of those two do I cut?  I am not doing those mental gymnastics, because then I would have to place Hutchinson or McDaniel as the starter on the second team, moving Gene Upshaw to backup (and no longer alongside Art Shell in the starting lineup) and then cutting Mike Munchak, and I don't want to have to do that.  Perhaps if this was an actual team and I was an actual GM I would do that.  Or, more likely, I would keep a 10th lineman and cut a RB or a LB.

NFL DRAFT - Hooray Sports!!!

So, we finally have something normal about sports to celebrate, the NFL Draft, even though there is nothing normal about this NFL Draft.  Coaches and GMs in different places - except in Dallas where they are all present in different rooms on Jerry Jones' yacht.  Players in their parents' homes and not Las Vegas, and we will have to wait until next year until we see the players arrive at the red carpet to walk up an reach Roger Goodell.  With virtually all sports - except for Belarussian Premier League, Nicaraguan Soccer and Ukranian Table Tennis - in hiatus, the NFL Draft it is.

First, let's take roll to see if we have a quorum.

Dr. Pepper:  Here

Hopps:  Here

Pepster: Here

Sinickal:  Here

Tony:

Tony:

Ok, never mind.  We have a quorum.  The draft may proceed.

Also, present today are special guests Audio, Prez and Vinny.

17:39 - Vinny here, and already watching ESPN like a crackhead.  (The draft starts at 20:00).

18:01 - Prez repping the Fins!  Fitz is on the honey bun diet and the rest of the team is on South Beach - and I don't mean the diet.

Keep repping fellas, see you in about two hours.

Before the draft starts, we should just lay out for you our personal preferences.  Sinickal and Pepster - Chicago Bears; Hopps - Dallas Cowboys; Tony - who cares he isn't here; Dr. Pepper - Denver Broncos; Audio - Pittsburgh Steelers; Prez and Vinny - Miami Dolphins.  But we still make Vinny claim the San Francisco 49ers and New York Dragons.

19:55 - Vinny:  Nope, just Phins here.

19:57 - Pepster:  You didn't like the Dragons reference?

19:58 - Vinny: Loved it, just very short-lived.

19:59 - Vinny:  Played for the Bears briefly in 2003 also.  Horrible year.  Our home games were at the University of Illinois.

20:01 - Pepster:  That year.  No wonder I forgot.

20:02 - Pepster:  Peyton Manning, Please shut up and go play golf!

20:02 - Dr. Pepper:  THE SHERIFF!

20:03 - Vinny:  At least we don't have to listen to Gruden this year. [Ed. Note:  I honestly could have stopped the conversation right there as we all agree this IS the highlight of the draft, at least until we get to CeeDee Lamb's house.]

20:04 - Vinny: If Phins trade up I might pitch this phone into the drywall.  [Spoiler Alert:  he doesn't].

20:04 - Sinickal:  What coverage is everyone watching?  I am NFL Network.

20:04 - Pepster:  Just FYI - I am watching ESPN, not ABC.

20:04 - Hopps: Goodell's basement sucks.

20:04 - Sinickal:  Now ESPN.

20:05 - Hopps:  ESPN

20:05 - Pepster:  He is just happy nobody is going to be booing him.

20:05 - Sinickal:  There was a rumor that they had figured out a way to pipe booing into this broadcast.  Ah, there it is.

20:05 - Vinny:  Goodell has about as many friends as Donald Trump.

20:07 - Dr. Pepper:  I would have preferred Shakira.

20:08 - I am married and quarantined and you give me a dude singing.

20:08 - Pepster:  Shakira should do every NFL event, but with a different hot woman singer each time.

20:08 - Sinickal:  NFL just filling time now?  Have we ever had an anthem at the draft.

20:08 - Hopps:  Michael Bubbly sang well. [Ed. Note.  It was Harry Connick, Jr.]

20:08 - Pepster:  Draft system must not be fixed. Stalling for time.

20:08 - Vinny:  Harry sings shit other than Christams music?

20:09 - Sinickal:  And can we get some screen shots of players kneeling?

20:09 - Dr. Pepper:  Fauci is the man.

20:13 - Dr. Pepper:  The Lou Holtz of Medicine.

20:14 - Vinny:  Dr. Fauci's voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard.

20:15 - Dr. Pepper:  Goodell is upset at this "quarantine draft" because he is a hugger.

20:16 - Hopps:  Goodell is a tool.

20:20 - Vinny:  Are we all split on ABC and ESPN?

20:21 - Dr. Pepper:  On ESPN.

20:21 - Pepster:  ESPN - No Jesse Palmer for me.

20:21 - Vinny:  Jesse and I are friends.

20:21 - Pepster:  I am sure Jesse is a good guy, but can't watch anyone from the Bachelor.

20:21 - Vinny:  Oh man did I make fun of him for that.  But he did get good tv jobs out of it.

20:21 - Hopps:  How does the director of player personnel have  a better setup than the head coach?

20:22 - Sinickal:  Who is the first team to really screw up here?  I think it will be the Bengals.  No matter what they do.

20:22 - Hopps:  I am just rating people's setups.

20:23 - Audio:  Browns will be the first to screw up - like every year.

20:23 - Hopps:  Cincy already screwed up.

20:24 - Sinickal:  And I am not even including Irvin's suit.

20:24 - Hopps:  Two minutes are gone and they haven't taken Burrow.

20:24 - Audio:  Tua is going to fall to the Patriots.

20:24 - Hopps:  Is Burrow going to cry when he slops to the 3rd round?

20:24 - Dr. Pepper:  Here we go ...

20:24 - WITH THE FIRST PICK THE CINCINNATI BENGALS SELECT JOE BURROW, QB - LSU

20:25 - Vinny:  No surprise.

20:25 - Pepster:  Joe Burrow looks just like his mom - that is not a compliment for either.

20:26 - Sinickal:  The pick has been in for 5 minutes.  The Bengals already screwed up the draft.

2028 - Prez:  The Dolphins messed up this draft and they haven't picked yet.

20:28 - Pepster:  When notified of Burrow's pick at #1, Ed Orgeron said, "Hmmmdmdme, geirlwbfhdh, wha!'

20:29 - Vinny:  Guy chews on rocks.  He just looks like a bayou shitkicker.

20:31 - Vinny:  This gets interesting after Young goes here.

20:32 - Pepster:  Yep. Would love to see a trade at 3 to start making things interesting.

20:32 - Sinickal:  Suzy desperately needs to get into a hair salon!

20:32 - Hopps:  That's a lot of Namath cum in her hair!

20:32 - Racecar (who has now made an appearance):  Joe Burrow looks like Pete Davidson -and that is not a compliment.

20:32 - Hopps:  Chase Young has 4 phones!

20:33 - WITH THE SECOND PICK THE WASHINGTON RACISTS SELECT CHASE YOUNG, DE, OHIO STATE

20:33 - Hopps:  His hair makes him look like Jar Jar Binks!

20:34 - Sinickal:  How long until we start comparing him to Sean Taylor?

20:34 - Pepster:  When he gets shot ....

20:34:42 - Pepster: I can't believe I wrote that - I love Sean Taylor

20:36 - Sinickal:  We all do.  That's why it's funny.

20:36 - Hopps:  He's going to kill QBs.

20:36 - Audio:  Here comes the first trade ...

20:36 - Hopps:  What mistake have the Lions made?

20:38 - Pepster:  Drafting a receiver.

20:38 - WITH THE THIRD PICK THE DETROIT LIONS SELECT JEFF OKUDAH, CB, OHIO STATE

20:41 - Sinickal:  It may be just my imagination [Ed. Note - Running away with me], but it looks like Joe Burrow's family borrowed that house from a black family.

20:43 - Vinny:  (In response to Chase Young's and Jeff Okudah's highlight tapes) - Glad Purdue didn't play Ohio State this year.  We would have been on those two highlights, 100%.

20:48 - WITH THE FOURTH PICK THE NEW YORK GIANTS SELECT ANDREW THOMAS, T, GEORGIA

20:48 - Hopps:  Wow.

20:49 - Vinny:  Tua Time!

20:49 - Pepster:  Thomas annihilated Florida's defensive line in the Florida-Georgia game.

20:49 - Hopps:  Why is Gettelman wearing a mask by himself in his own basement?

20:50 - Sinickal:  That's his attic.

20:50 - Vinny: I WANT SIMMONS!

20:52 - Hopps:  Still can't pronounce Tua's last name!

20:52 - Pepster:  Why is entire family wearing leis except for Tua?

20:52 - Hopps (a BC alumnus):  Flores repping a BC hat.  This doesn't bode well for the Fins.

20:52 - Sinickal:  Where did they get leis during a pandemic?  And whose house is that?

20:53:  Hopps:  Riddick has the oldest football video game ever on his shelf.

20:55 - Dr, Pepper:  Did Kurt Warner have work done?

20:55 - WITH THE FIFTH PICK THE MIAMI DOLPHINS SELECT TUA TAGAVAILOA, QB, ALABAMA

20:55 - Prez: Ridiculous.

20:56 - Audio:  Marino - let him have your number!

20:57:  Vinny:  This kid is made of glass!

20:57 - Pepster:  His is no Fitzpatrick!

20:58 - Vinny:  The name on his jersey will be fragile!

20:59 - Prez:  They knew what they were getting into ... I say, let 'em crash!

20:59 - Sinickal:  Why don't they call him Tag?  Wouldn't that be easier?

20:59 - Dr. Pepper:  Tua Tag?

20:59:  Pepster:  Less syllables.  He certainly doesn't need to buy a vowel.

21:01 - Vinny:  I hate drafting players in theory that won't play.

21:01 - Sinickal:  Is Herbert estranged from his parents?  Shouldn't he then go to the Packers?

21:03 - WITH THE SIXTH PICK THE LOS ANGELES CHARGERS SELECT JUSTIN HERBERT, QB, OREGON

21:04 - Dr. Pepper:  It might be the acne.

21:07 - Vinny:  I figured at least one trade by now.

21:07 - Pepster:  That is disappointing.

21:10 - Prez:  Who's going to be the first one to cry when their name gets called?

21:10 - Pepster:  Cedric Benson.  Oh, sorry - flashback.

21:11 - WITH THE SEVENTH PICK THE CAROLINA PANTHERS SELECT DERICK BROWN, DT, AUBURN

21:11 - Hopps: Was Drew Rosenhaus in the room with Derrick Brown?

21:11 - Pepster:  Nothing against Brown, but the Panthers lose Kuechly and Simmons is just sitting right there ...

21:14 - Pepster:  Brown is the first player drafted with a kid clearly visible on camera.

21:14 - Sinickal:  Doesn't Brown's house exceed social distancing requirements?

21:14 - Hopps:  I'm just trying to figure out who the background randoms are in some of the houses.

21:15 - Sinickal:  Kliff Kingsbury, Winner!

21:15 - WITH THE EIGHTH PICK THE ARIZONA CARDINALS SELECT ISAIAH SIMMONS, LB, CLEMSON

21:16 - Sinickal:  Look at that F'N house!!!

21:16 - Hopps:  He's not wearing socks.

21:16 - Vinny:  Best player in the draft just went.

21:17 - Sinickal:  Some of these player's houses are laid out!  This virtual draft will lead to some NCAA sanctions.

21:17 - Vinny: I can count the money in Simmons' pants!

21:17 - Hopps:  That's a lot of ass!

21:18 - Vinny:  Who wears them tight ass pants?

21:18 - Racecar (popping in again):  Simmons' mom needs Spanx!

21:18 - Prez:  Sinickal said he would spanx dat ass!

21:20 - Sinickal:  Not yet, but I would have said it.

21:21 - Dr. Pepper:  Christmas ham ass.

21:22 - Vinny:  Jags are up  Does it matter who they draft?  They are tanking for Lawrence next year.  If I was a Jags fan I would want covid to ruin the entire season.

21:23 - Sinickal:  Was with Marrone in Syracuse.  Want him to do well here.

21:23 - WITH THE NINTH PICK THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS SELECT C.J. HENDERSON, CB, FLORIDA

21:24 - Pepster:  Henderson does NOT look happy.

21:24 - Hopps:  Who wants to play there?

21:24 - Sinickal:  Henderson's crib looks like there may be drug money involved.

21:24:39 - Sinickal:  Or, since it's Miami, we'll just call it "Tuesday".

21:25 - Prez:  Whole family just said, "Gyadd Damn Gina!"

21:26 - Hopps:  Really?  Rolling out St. Jude's just to get pity for the Browns?

21:26 - WITH THE TENTH PICK THE CLEVELAND BROWN SELECT JEDRICK WILLS, JR., T, ALABAMA

21:27 - Hopps:  Due on the left was asleep with his hands in his pants.  They are ready for Cleveland!

21:29 - Pepster:  Willis' brother is definitely not an athlete.

21:30 - Vinny:  Here come the Jets; that fan base is deserving of another bust!

21:32 - Sinickal:  Pepster, it is almost time to celebrate our draft again. The Bears acquire Khalil Mack.

21:33 - Pepster:  Best pick of this draft.

21:34 - Vinny:  Bears paid Quinn a 40 year old DE.  Good job giving him a 5 year deal.

21:34 - Pepster:  Yes, Vinny, and he will have 10 1/2 sacks this year.

21:35 - Pepster:  Apparently Jeudy can give the old "Stanky leg" as per Michael Irvin.

21:35 - Vinny:  I coached against Jeudy when he was at Deerfield.

21:35 - WITH THE ELEVENTH PICK THE NEW YORK JETS SELECT MEKHI BECTO, T, LOUISVILLE

21:35 - Hopps:  Wow.  His dad is 600 pounds!

21:35 - Sinickal:  I will own that Michael Irvin outfit before the end of the draft.

21:36 - Vinny:  Becton is the first girl to cry.

21:36 - Pepster:  He gets it from his daddy - the weight that is.

21:36 - Sinickal:  Who's the other dude?

21:37 - Racecar pops back in:  The pastor?

21:37 - Sinickal:  This may be our best highlight reel.

21:38:  Hopps:  It has to be.

21:38 - Pepster:  Great video!

21:38 - Hopps:  That's a big dude, though.

21:38 - Sinickal:  How tall is the girl in the background?

21:39 - Pepster:  6'8".

21:39 - Hopps - Speaking of tall, Mel Kiper's hair is getting bigger but his head is shrinking.

21:39:  Dr. Pepper:  Tony, are you awake?  [Ed. Note:  He isn't.]

21:40 - WITH THE TWELFTH PICK THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS SELECT HENRY RUGGS, WR, ALABAMA

21:40 - Hopps:  Now Ruggs will not be investigated by the NCAA.  And, Mrs. Gruden is a spinner.

21:41 - Hopps:  Ruggs is wearing a bathrobe!

21:43 - Dr. Pepper:  That hat ya'll!

21:44 - Sinickal:  An Old Spice hotel robe!

21:45 - Vinny:  WOW!  Hope Old Spice is paying him for that.  That watch was 10gs.

21:45 - Hopps:  Have to compliment the hotel bathrobe with something.

21:46 - Sinickal:  His mom apparently ran a 4.2 40.  I LOVE a good folk lore.

21:47 - Pepster:  Our first trade.

21:48 - Vinny:  Tampa's gonna take the tackle I wanted.

21:49 - Sinickal:  Wirfs got him a corn fed woman next to him.

21:50 - Prez:  With the number 1 pick, I select Bethany from Air Force!

21:50 - WITH THE THIRTEENTH PICK THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS SELECT TRISTEN WIRFS, T, IOWA

21:52 - Hopps:  How are you a dark shark in effing Iowa?

21:54 - Pepster:  And now Emmanuel Sanders' replacement falls to SF

21:58 - Pepster:  Who was the random white girl at Jeudy's house?

21:58 - Hopps:  I was thinking the same thing.

21:58 - Sinickal:  Who is that filthy woman with CeeDee?

21:59 - WITH THE FOURTEENTH PICK THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS SELECT JAVON KINLAW, DT, SOUTH CAROLINA

21:59 - Hopps:  Dude is dead on the couch.

22:00 - Pepster:  Grandpa was the only one ready to be picked.

22:00 - Dr. Pepper:  CeeDee to the Broncos.

22:02 - Hopps:  This might be the way this draft should go from now on.

22:04 - WITH THE FIFTEENTH THE DENVER BRONCOS SELECT JERRY JEUDY, WR, ALABAMA

22:04 - Sinickal:  My man was ready for ANYBODY to be drafted.

22:05 - Dr. Pepper:  Wow.  Love this.

22:06 - Pepster:  I know Atlanta wanted C.J. Henderson, might see a trade here.

22:06 - Vinny:  Jeudy is so pissed Ruggs went before him.  Atlanta will go pass rush, I would think.

22:07 - Sinickal:  Will Jeudy be faster in the thin air?

22:07 - Racecar:  Who names their kid Jerry when you last name is Jeudy?  And Jeudy got that booty!

22:08 - Vinny:  Jeudy with the Star of David on.

22:09 - Sinickal:  One of the all time great combine stories.

22:12 - Pepster:  Four Alabama players taken in first round already.  Record is 6, Miami 2004.

22:12 - Hopps:  Did Arthur Blank get his cabinets from The Home Depot?

22:13 - WITH THE SIXTEENTH PICK THE ATLANTA FALCONS SELECT A.J. TERRELL, CB, CLEMSON

22:14 - Pepster:  Cowboys up next.  Who do you want Hopps?

22:14 - Hopps:  Jerry better to Jefferson.

22:14 - Vinny:  McKinne to Phins, I hope.

22:15 - Vinny:  Cowboys need McKinney.  Heath is garbage.

22:15 - Pepster:  Prez, your thoughts on Miami's pick?

22:16 - Hopps:  McCarthy is till figuring out the interwebs.

22:16 - Sinickal:  Jerry's wife practicing good social distancing.  Or, just distancing.

22:17 - Vinny:  Irvin knocked down an 8-ball about 30 minutes ago.

22:18 - Pepster:  Girl next to Lamb is MONEY!

22:18 - Hopps:  Who is the smokeshow next to Lamb?  [Ed. Note:  Her name is Crymson Rose.]

22:18 - Sinickal:  Yeah!  You late to this party.  I already had my "private time" on that.

22:19 - WITH THE SEVENTEENTH PICK THE DALLAS COWBOYS SELECT CEEDEE LAMB, WR, OKLAHOMA

22:19 - Hopps:  Okay!!!

22:20 - Hopps:  That MF is country!

22:20 - Hopps:  Can we just get back to girl on the couch?

22:20 - Pepster:  Got damn!

22:20 - Dr. Pepper:  Them thighs.

22:20 - Sinickal:  She may be hired help.

22:21 - Dr. Pepper:  Claude Geezus!

22:22 - Dr. Pepper: I need help!

22:27:  Hopps:  The Patriots draft a camera man!

22:28 - WITH THE EIGHTEENTH PICK THE MIAMI DOLPHINS SELECT AUSTIN JACKSON, T, USC

22:28 - Vinny:  Holy packed couch!

22:29:  Hopps:  That couch is not afraid of a fork!

22:29 - Vinny:  Goodell is the stiffest white man alive.  What a f'n dork.  He got swirlies in high school.

22:31 - Sinickal:  This Vegas pick is THE MACK!

22:31 - Hopps:  Flores has a land line.

22:31 - Vinny: Flores - sweet empty trophy case behind you brah!

22:32 - Sinickal:  Roger changed clothes.

22:32 - Hopps:  He's a tool.

22:33 - Dr. Pepper:  Draft next year in Vegas!  He flubbed the year, though.

22:33 - Hopps:  Yes he did.  Kiper's head is so shiny.

22:33 - WITH THE NINETEENTH PICK THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS SELECT DAMONE ARNETTE, CB, OHIO STATE

22:34 - Vinny:  Who is the midget in the Gruden fam?

22:35 - Hopps:  WTF is the whiteboard behind Chucky?  [Ed. Note:  It was the Raiders draft board.]

22:36 - Pepster:  Goodell must have spooged on himself watching CeeDee Lamb's girlfriend!

22:37 - Pepster:  Raiders with the first really big reach of the night.

22:37 - Sinickal:  So to recap, Gruden took the other Bama receiver, then took a 2nd team All Big 10 corner

22:37 - Sinickal:  That guy probably finished behind a dude from Minnesota.  [Ed. Note:  He did.]

22:37 - Hopps:  Ok gents.  I have a call with India at 4.  Can't wait to read the rest of this tomorrow.

22:41 - Vinny:  Whoever the Jags take, put that guy on suicide watch.

22:41 - WITH THE TWENTIETH PICK THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS SELECT K'LAVON CHIASSON, DE, LSU

22:43 - Sinickal:  Elite get off!!!

22:43 - Found on Twitter:  The NFL Draft takes way too long.  If I really wanted to watch 32 picks in 3 hours I'd just watch Jameis Winston play.

22:46 - Pepster:  This has to be Justin Jefferson, right?

22:46 - Sinickal:  This hast to be the equivalent of MTV Cribs.  No way these players live in these spaces ... yet.

22:47 - WITH THE TWENTY-FIRST PICK THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SELECT JALEN RAEGOR, WR, TCU

22:48 - Sinickal:  Finally a house that makes sense.

22:49 - Pepster:  And his dad was in the NFL.

22:50 - Sinickal:  Nothing on those walls.

22:51 - Vinny:  Please take notice of the NFL attempt to keep people out of camera view in an attempt to promote social distance.  You know damn well there are 100 people tucked behind all them walls.

22:52 - Vinny:  And how did the kid with the dad who played 10 years in the NFL get the smallest house on here?

22:55 - WITH THE TWENTY-SECOND PICK THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS SELECT JUSTIN JEFFERSON, WR, LSU

22:56 - Sinickal:  Zimmer's spot!

22:59 - Sinickal:  My hot take.  This draft happened a couple of days ago.  Goodell has cards to read.  Not a single video glitch.  From some 100 cameras on WiFi in some ridiculous places?  The only thing real here is the reactions from the kids.

23:00 - WITH THE TWENTY-THIRD PICK THE LOS ANGELES CHARGERS SELECT KENNETH MURRAY, LB, OKLAHOMA

23:01 - Pepster:  Murray is a beast.

23:02 - Sinickal:  Ooh!  Goth White Girl!

23:03 - Pepster:  She must be adopted.

23:02 - Sinickal:  nah, she fucking somebody in that room.

23:04 - Sinickal:  Aye, must be Murray.

23:05 - Pepster:  She's 16 - so, probably Murray's sister.

23:05 - Sinickal:  Younger brother?

23:06 - Pepster:  Perhaps ...

23:07 - Vinny:  Thank God there were no cameras at my draft party.

23:07 - Pepster:  What were you trying to hide?

23:08 - Vinny:  Lots.

23:08 - WITH THE TWENTY-FOURTH PICK THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS SELECT CESAR RUIZ, C, MICHIGAN

23:10 - Pepster:  Major crier!

23:12 - Pepster:  Breaking football news:  Dak Prescott's brother just passed away.

23:15 - WITH THE TWENTY-FIFTH PICK THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS SELECT BRANDON AIYUK, WR, ARIZONA STATE

23:25 - WITH THE TWENTY-SIXTH PICK THE GREEN BAY PACKERS SELECT JORDAN LOVE, QB, UTAH STATE

23:29 - Sinickal:  DAMN!

23:32 - Sinickal:  Aaron Rodgers is going to treat Jordan Love like a little brother.  Or like a parent.  Or like everyone else in his immediate family.

23:35 - WITH THE TWENTY-SEVENTH PICK THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS SELECT JORDYN BROOKS, LB, TEXAS TECH

23:35 - Pepster:  Consecutive Jordans!

23:35 - WITH THE TWENTY-EIGHTH PICK THE BALTIMORE RAVENS SELECT PATRICK QUEEN, LB, LSU

23:42:  Sinickal:  Packers have not selected an RB or WR in the 1st round during the Aarond Rodgers tenure.

23:45 - Pepster:  The have wasted his career.

23:43 - Vinny:  Kiper's forehead is gleaming.  Easy on the halogens in that room, please.

23:46 - Sinickal:  Bad lighting is THE rookie teleworking mistake.  You can get around everything else.

23:47 - Sinickal - Okay, WTF is going on at Mike Vrabel's house?

23:48 - [Ed. Note.:  This was happening at Mike Vrabel's house.]

23:48 - Vinny: Holy bad mullet!

23:49 - WITH THE TWENTY-NINTH PICK THE TENNESSEE TITANS SELECT ISAIAH WILSON, T, GEORGIA

23:50 - Pepster:  We just went biblical; Second Isaiah!

23:53 - Vinny:  Vrabel keeping it real with a mouth full or worm dirt.  Way to keep it classy.

23:58 - WITH THE THIRTIETH PICK THE MIAMIDOLPHINS SELECT NOAH IGBINOGHENE, CB, AUBURN

00:00 - Pepster: Between Tagovailoa and Igbinoghene, the Dolphins better give their equipment guy a raise.

00:01 - Pepster:  Both parents Olympians is a pretty good story.

00:02 - Vinny:  Jesus I hope our RB is there in the second round.

00:02 - WITH THE THIRTY-FIRST PICK THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS SELECT JEFF GLADNEY, CB, TCU

00:03 - Pepster:  Who is Gladney?

00:04 - Pepster:  Vinny - Jordan Howard is damn good, though.

00:10 - WITH THE THIRTY-SECOND PICK THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS SELECT CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE, RB, LSU

00:17 - Vinny:  The Dolphins picked three guys that won't start next year.  Why do I bother?

As the 1st round comes to a close, there is one clear winner on the evening!

Ladies and Gentlemen - Crymson Rose!  (Yes, I know there are more and better pics of Ms. Rose, but we thought we should just include the picture from the draft.)