How The Bucks Can Get Better Than The 8th Seed---In 2013

The Milwaukee Bucks right now stand at 28-30 and it doesn't look like they are getting into the playoffs this year. It is a little disheartening to a lot of Bucks fans with all the hype with the ever so talented, newly acquired Monta Ellis. The good news is that since Monta's debut, Milwaukee is 9-6 and in the month of April have started off pretty good with a 4-2 record. This does look promising and the future is looking bright in Milwaukee with the now lightening fast backcourt duo of Brandon Jennings and Monta. Unfortunately for Bucks fans the future isn't now or this year's playoffs. You will have to wait for next year to see them in the playoffs.

I've been letting people know and understand that the Milwaukee Bucks and Monta Ellis are in an integration period. Some games they look really confused on what is going on. It seems Ellis can and wants to take over the game and put up 30 points when he's hot. By all means if you feel it and it is working go for it! It's just not the way the offense is designed at the moment, having an all-star, and Ellis wants to be a team player. He does look for the pass and sets up plenty scoring opportunities for his teammates. At one point in late March they had a four game 30+ assist streak. That is an incredible feat for a team that ranked 27th last season. When the ball is in Monta's hands things will happen, he needs to made the dominant 1 position. This brings me to my next point.

As I agreed with Rob Schimke (Bleacher Report), Brandon Jennings is a shooting guard, he only averages 5.5 assists a game and has a shoot first mentality. Ellis isn't too far off (6.0 APG) but is more willing to pass around and get points however way possible. Let Ellis be the one and Jennings the two and the Bucks scoring problems will diminish. When the Bucks are hot and scoring they get on fire, and these two need to get a feel how each other play. After a year together and Skiles, or a new coach, restructuring the gameplan to actually play his players strengths.

Scott Skiles

Coaching is the main issue with the Bucks. We've seen that it is possible for the Bucks to win and at least compete against better teams but there is no consistency. When it comes to the game you don't know how players' minutes will be distributed. Jennings being benched until the final minutes of a game, what seems to be random minutes from the bench, are issues with this team. Skiles needs a gameplan that's set so the play is more organized on the court. How can someone off the bench be consistent if they play five minutes one game and twenty another? Skiles needs a plan, his defense can work but the players look lost at times, and have shown frustration on the court and in their play.

The final piece of getting the Bucks into the post-season next year and beyond the 7th or 8th seed is this years NBA draft. Where is the big man? Andrew Bogut was the only real center on the roster and was part of the trade that brought Ellis here. The Bucks have plenty of PFs to go around but they need a true presence under the rim. In Maxwell Ogden's article, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1135982-2012-nba-draft-milwaukee-bucks-realistic-draft-targets/page/2 , he explains the most realistic picks for the Bucks. I believe we will draft either Cody Zeller from the Indiana Hoosiers or Jared Sullinger from Ohio State. Cody Zeller brings such hustle, discipline, and work ethic which is what the Bucks need on the court. They need to feed off that energy. If they decide to go with Sullinger he'll bring a big physical body on the floor. The Bucks lack in the rebounding category and this 6'9 220lb. man can help fix that. Getting more rebounds will bring more touches to Jennings and Ellis which will bring more points. The Bucks need that big defensive physical threat to take the ball and give it to the strength and future of the team.

In closing, The Bucks need Skiles, or anyone that may takeover for this team, to coach and plan to each players strengths. Switching positions for the guards is number one and will see an immediate offensive impact.We now know they can score and move the ball around so the goal is to get that backcourt the ball. A simple draft selection of a true big man, a team player willing to compete can solve that issue. All the kinks will be out the way and Ellis and everyone will have a feel of what is going on. Ellis will be more comfortable taking the game to his level when needed and it won't be frowned upon by Milwaukee or their fans.

Brewers Shutout Cardinals--Bats Open Up

Spring, warm weather, and baseball are all finally here. The Milwaukee Brewers opening day was Friday and so far what I expected from the beginning of the season is happening. Corey Hart is off to a hot start, Greinke continues his dominance, Braun is going to be awkward for a bit, Aramis isn't comfortable yet, and the Brew Crew still is having troubles against the Cards. Milwaukee ends the weekend and the first home series against the Cardinals at 1-2. Quick predictions are that Hart stays hot until June, Greinke is Greinke, Braun returns to full form by the end of April/beginning of May and Aramis gets comfortable and gets on pace for his usual 30 HR 100 RBI season. Last thing is Yo is nothing to worry about, he'll still have a great season.

Now a positive note, lets talk about that Brewers win on Saturday.Greinke continued his undefeated streak at home for the Brewers. He was off to a great start striking out three batters in the first two innings. He didn't slow down and finished the game with seven strikeouts in seven innings and only allowing four hits. A much needed fantastic outing by a Brewers pitcher. After that Friday loss, they needed a bounce back win and show how strong their starting rotation is. Roenicke, not seeing a reason to risk Greinke this early in the season, pulled the ace out in the seventh and allowed Rodriquez and Veras to close out the game and give Greinke himself and the team their first win of the season. 

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports
Corey Hart

Greinke led the shutout but Brewers' bats finally started to show life.Right fielder Corey Hart blasted a home run to left field in the second inning putting the Brewers up nice and early. A few innings later a series of hits brought in a few more RBIs for the Brewers. Aramis finally showed why Melvin brought him in with a huge double a big double that brought in Weeks. Hart hit his second HR of the day to bring in Aramis.Not long after in the eighth Weeks hit a solo shot in left center and Gomez doubled to bring in Braun. Braun hit two doubles after going 0 for 5 on Friday. This brought much relief to Brewers fans I'm sure.

With solid defense and an excellent show by Greinke the Brewers shutout the Cardinals 6-0. Greinke will continue to have much success this year and lead the Brewers to a Division Championship. The bats are opening up for the Brewers and fans need to relax and enjoy another great season of MLB.

Raiders Mock Draft----Who They Should Draft

The 2012 NFL draft is right around the corner, and I'm going to tell you who the Oakland Raiders should draft to help them reload for the upcoming season.

Round 3--Overall Pick 95
Mike Martin--DT--Michigan


Mike Martin would be a great pick for the Oakland Raiders for their first pick. At 6'1" and fluctuating at 300 lbs. Martin is an extremely athletic defensive tackle.Martin as a true Freshman was thrown into the starting role at the University of Michigan. He ended the season as a freshman all-american and led all Michigan freshman with 20 tackles.He continued to dominate for the Wolverines on and off the field.In the weight room, according to ESPN.com, he benched 505 lbs.and had a 700 lb. squat even after a shoulder surgery. He is a freak athlete and will provide depth at first and be potential monster in between a potentially great defensive end duo.He ran a 4.88 40 yard dash and has great explosiveness. He'll bring overall balance in the middle to help Shaughnessy and Houston get around the edges. He can definitely handle the workload, as he played a little under 700 plays last season. He was right around 60 snaps a game, a much more athletic BJ Raji in that aspect.Overall this is a great pick up for the Raiders and potentially help the Raiders for a few seasons.

Round 4--Overall Pick 129
Nate Potter--OT--Boise State

Potter will possible be around for Oakland to pick him up in the 4th round. He is a bit undersized and lacks some strength but relies on quickness, technique, and taking great angles on his blocks. With some experience and around the NFL vets in Oakland he will provide good depth on the offensive line. He's perfect (physically) for the zone blocking scheme that Oakland is implementing this year. He should pick up on it quickly and be ready to sub in whenever he's needed. He was the focal point of an offensive line that only allowed .67 sacks a game (tied for first nationally and was voted 2011 All Mountain West First Team after his dominate senior season. He's a great quality pick, not a must need but you can never have too many good offensive linemen on your team.

Round 5--Overall Pick 148
DeQuan Menzie--CB--Alabama


With Cassel, Rivers, and now Manning in the AFC West, the Oakland Raiders need a pass rush and quality defensive backs. They've been covering both in free agency but what about one player who can do both? Oakland needs one of their young corners to step up and hopefully drafting another will do so. They have the veterans who can start right now to help develop and help the 'reload' not 'rebuild' process. By drafting Menzie you are getting a solid cornerback who was the starting number two at Alabama. According to scouts he does lack some of the abilities he would need to be in man on man coverage against elite receivers.I am ok with this. I like him in the slot, where he has played in college, doing a little more zone which would be his strength in coverage. Alabama loved blitzing him off the edge which would be great against the very good tier of quarterbacks in the West. DeQuan is very strong and will help bump the slots off their routes but can help the run game as well. In the open field he may struggle but expect tackles for loss from him.They'll use him mainly on blitzes to throw off the qbs as well as nickel and dime situations. He's not the greatest CB but as all-around skills for a corner that are just enough to have a role on this team. A solid and versatile pick.If he isn't playing corner he can play safety (most recentyly at the Senior Bowl) and is willing to play there full time if it benefits the team. I like this pick because no matter where in the secondary, Menzie will provide depth right away.

Round 5--Overall Pick 168
Brett Roy--DT--Nevada


Brett Roy is one of my favorite players in this draft and absolutely is my favorite sleeper pick.He's a workhorse, constantly wanting (and catching) the ball carrier. With a 4.86 40 yard dash at around 270 lbs he's very athletic for a defensive tackle. Some will say he's undersized to be an NFL DT and that's ok.There are other options for him in the NFL. He participated in defensive end and outside linebacker drills for scouts this year. His athleticism showed during the drills with his great quickness and foot speed but he would need to work on that some more if he were to move to a full-time OLB.He's showed that he has the intelligence to learn the game inside and outside with both the run stopping and pass rushing skills. He didn't start until his junior year but amassed 50 tackles and 8 sacks. In his senior season he was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference First Team. He had 66 tackles and 10 sacks that year. Really the only weaknesses I can find and scouts have seen is the lack of size. He has the explosiveness to get off the ball but when it's a running play he can be blown back at times. I still really like him being drafted by Oakland (since they have scouted him now) and moving him around. He's too smart and athletic to pass up. This man needs to be on Allen's defense.

Round 6--Overall Pick 189
Russell Wilson--QB--Wisconsin


Now the Raiders need someone to groom for the future. Carson is a good now quarterback and maybe in the 2013-14 season we can see him leading the Raiders back into the playoffs. I don't know if Pryor is the answer for the future, great athlete but just can't see him as the field general the Raiders need. Wilson is yes short, but too short? (Please see Barry Sanders and Drew Brees) Big name comparisons,yes, but you get the point. Some boards have him going 3-4 round some have him sliding out of the draft, if he is here you have to take him. I have seen almost every game of his at Wisconsin and this man wants to win. He is extremely accurate even on the run.He was more accurate than projected 1st overall pick Andrew Luck with a 191.78 QB rating (22 points more than Luck). On Wilson's pro day:

"For him to come out there and make over 60 throws and only miss a couple - and the ones he missed were good throws - proved that not only does he have the arm strength, but he's got great feet and his accuracy is impeccable."
--Chris Weinke, director of IMG Madden Football Academy in Bradenton, Fla


Wilson is a great steal for the Raiders and will open up the offense even more with the fantastic athletes the Raiders' offense already has. Roy and Wilson are my top two sleeper picks in this year's NFL draft and it's possible for the Raiders to pick both of them up.

Well those are my draft predictions for the 2012 NFL Draft for the Oakland Raiders. By adding these players you will receive great depth and possibly a few future starters. If Wilson does slide up the draft board it would be difficult to find someone later in the draft. I would take Wilson and Roy in the fifth round and find a sleeper corner later. Right now though as it stands this would be a positive draft for the Raiders and cover needs for the now and future.

Raiders Sign Pat Lee---My Grade From Wisconsin

Oakland Raiders CB Pat Lee
From www.packersinsider.com

I live in Wisconsin and have watched plenty of Green Bay Packers games in my life. I've seen a lot of Pat Lee. Lee was a second round draft pick out of Auburn in 2008. He was projected to be picked a little bit later and would have been a better pick then. He hasn't lived up to being a 2nd round pick but no one predicted injuries. Coming out of college he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and had good quickness. He showed good coverage skills in college that has somewhat translated to the pros. In college wasn't the ball hawk bu had a few interceptions but was active in deflecting passes and causing fumbles.  Early on he showed his solid tackling skills that have improved throughout his professional career. His coverage skills have gone from poor to above average/good.

My Take


Knee injuries have taken away that amazing speed of his and he was forced to slow down and try to lockdown on his coverage. When he's healthy he has filled in quite nicely as a nickel or dime CB.During the Super Bowl the Packers secondary were hit with injury after injury and at times Lee played as the 2nd CB and did great. He will know the playbook and does just enough as CB to be a solid pickup. The Raiders will love him covering the slots but his special teams play even more. A lot of younger developmental guys usually play special teams with some exceptions, and having a good veteran wrap up tackler will definitely benefit the Raiders. He is a decent return man and can get you to the thirty or forty yard line with one or two blocks on a regular basis. With the signing of Pat Lee, Reggie McKenzie has added quality depth at the cornerback position and  added a leader on special teams. Do not be surprised if Pat Lee leads the Raiders in special teams tackles at the end of the season.

My Grade: B (Average)


Special Teams--  A-
Defensive Back-- B-

Why Manny Lawson Should Choose The Oakland Raiders

Now that we know the Green Bay Packers are not looking after Manny Lawson that leaves three other teams: Colts, Bengals, and the Raiders.Currently a Bengal, the 27 year old outside linebacker is a former first round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers. A freak athlete coming out of college the potential was astounding. He has battled injuries (torn ACL in 2007) but when he is healthy he has been a nuisance to quarterbacks. He has 16 sacks in his career with a high of 6.5 in 2009. Manny can be a great value pick up not needing a huge contract which already is a huge plus for the Oakland Raiders.

Position Of Need


The Oakland Raiders desperately need a pass rush, specifically from an outside linebacker.Lawson is an all-around OLB. He brings his experience to the team and can plug a big hole left by Wimbley. That gives time for a rookie OLB or DE to develop. If Lawson stays healthy I can see another 6-8 sack season which will help a developing defense. This won't be a playoff team but the signing of veteran cornerbacks and Lawson will keep from a completely embarrassing retool year.A small pass rush from him will help the pass defense and the corners who all have something to prove. A healthy Lawson will improve pass rush, which generally will cause turnovers (see Super Bowl 45 Packers). The defensive backs of the Raiders can really benefit from Lawson constantly hurrying the qb. Manny has great pass coverage skills deflecting balls thrown his way throughout his career. This is a must have with Manning and Rivers in the division. He's a very solid value pick up for the Raiders.

Start Immediately


Raiders need an OLB that can start right away, Manny Lawson is fully capable with six years experience in the NFL.In 2009 and 2010 he started all 16 games and only missed one game in 2011 which was a down year for him statistically in the sack column. He mainly came in on third downs for the Bengals so if he's looking to start and eventually get locked into a bigger deal/contract then you come to Oakland and make a statement.

Coaching Staff


New head coach Dennis Allen is the first defensive minded coach since John Madden for the Raiders. We've read it over and over again. A former defensive coordinator, Allen wants to make the defense its strong point. The Raiders new defensive coordinator was on the 49ers staff when Lawson was there. He has ties to Oakland and rumor is Allen wants to switch the Raiders to a 3-4 defense. Manny plays that great.

The Right Direction


Reggie McKenzie has the Raiders heading to the right direction as an entire franchise. Releasing bad contracts and extra space, fixing up the financial situation, not signing big contracts on free agents, and wanting to build through the draft. McKenzie isn't going for a one and done playoff run he wants a dynasty and Lawson can be a big part of that moving forward. Lawson is young enough to stay for a few drafts and be that big veteran linebacker to help lead the Raiders deep into the playoffs.The Raiders are young, and with a new front office aren't that far off from retaking the AFC West.

Dear 49ers: Moss Isn't The Answer (3 Reasons Why)

The 49ers made a huge splash in free agency this off-season going after receivers.They brought in former NY Giant WR Mario Manningham, re-signed Ted Ginn Jr., and of course the 'big' name receiver in Randy Moss. On paper and maybe in Madden this looks pretty good if not great for a Super Bowl run. There are enough reasons why in reality it's not though.

Is Randy Moss the answer to lock the division? Wrap up the one seed? Or even get the 49ers over the hump and go to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1995? I'll have to settle down the hype and tell you why he is NOT the answer.

First a little history lesson. Randy Moss was possibly the most feared receiver in the professional football averaging almost 13 touchdowns a season in his first tenure with the Vikings. Questions about his work ethic arose and he was becoming a problem in and out of the locker room. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders who were hoping to jump start the passing game the Raiders had just a few years before. With injuries nagging him and the team just not performing on a high level, Moss has openly stated (later on) he had lost interest in really trying for the Raiders due to their lack of winning. In his two seasons with the Raiders he barely combined for double digit touchdowns (11). After two average seasons he is traded to the Patriots.

3765 yards, 47 tds, 250 catches. A three year stat line that included the record breaking 2007 season in which the Pats went 16-0. Randy Moss definitely rejuvenated his career. All was well in New England....but wait. Moss was on the last year of a four year contract, supposed meetings occured discussing the future of the offense and what Moss' new 'role' would be..This is all speculation of course until a week one post game game press conference in 2010 confirmed this. Moss has 5 receptions for 59 yards in a week one victory and publicly admits about being 'unhappy' and 'unappreciated'. This is Randy's best chance for a Super Bowl ring and he still downs the media and his playing situation even after a victory.This results in being traded to two other teams in the same season! (Patriots to Vikings to Titans)

1. Now why won't he work in San Francisco? You can not take his promise of change seriously. You assumed after going to New England where you know Belichick wasn't going to accept quitting on plays or a bad attitude that he changed. After a few great statistical seasons and even after a victory he still had to have things his way. He needs his boss to tell him he was doing a 'good job'. This is a grown man that needs to be coddled in such a way?! I figured Pro Bowl selections and wins were showing you were doing a good job. I'm pretty sure, especially when it's going to count, that Harbaugh isn't an A for effort kind of guy. There are too many WRs on this team and Alex Smith isn't going to force passes to please him. The ball is going to be spread out to the quick open man.That's how the offense is designed. The real Moss attitude will be out sooner than later which brings me to point two.

2. Alex Smith. Alex Smith is a decent quarterback, more of a clock manager though. He has a fantastic defense and a great running game. He, like March Sanchez, just has to not screw up. Complete a few passes, no turnovers, drive the field, let the run game lead you and everything's ok. Harbaugh knows how to work with what he has. Alex made some great throws in the season, I won't say he's terrible, but we all know he still has problems with overthrows when he's jittery or just plain throws it to the dirt. After so many of these again Randy Moss will easily lose it and go after the the young qb. If Harbaugh does plan to open up the offense Smith isn't the guy to do it with. There are a few more options for him but Smith isn't that type of qb and Moss isn't that type of receiver anymore.

3. 35 years old. He'll pretty much be 36 when the playoffs come around. In his last season of play (2010) he played in all 16 games and started 11. He had 28 receptions, 393 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Yes he had three different teams, coordinators, and playbooks but isn't this the man who basically ran fly routes? He has taken an entire season off which contributes to me believing he will not have that over the top speed anymore. Is he football conditioned? A year off you can lose that game speed easily. If you watched the 2010 season it's pretty evident that he doesn't have much if anything left in the tank. He didn't bring anything to Minnesota or to the Titans. He gives up on blocks, gives up on routes, just stands on the sideline, and walks away from coaches while be talked to. Watch games and videos of him and you see this from his first stint with the Vikings to the Titans. If things aren't Moss' way he doesn't play. If he barely contributed in 2010 in football shape, what's he going to do two years later?