-0-

“Names in the News”

-0-

Random Thoughts about People in Town:

MIGHTY 1090….I would have never thought we’d ever see this day, a major market sports-talk station, with good ratings, would cease operation. Drowned by a sea of red-ink that dates back to its original launch in 2003. Lots of reasons for it. Lots of people to blame. Will explain at the end of the week in a 1-Man’s Opinion Column, from someone who lived thru it.

FERNANDO TATIS….Headed to the disabled list…so gifted a player, excelling at virtually everything he does For a 20-year old to play this well, this consistently, this young is superb. It was a scary hamstring injury. I first thought groin, then I thought hamstring, and then I feared a ‘tear’. So far it does not appear that way, but you have to treat these injuries with caution, because his speed, is a key component of his major league game.

PADRES PITCHING….It’s been a long time since the Friars have had so many young arms get to the show this quickly, and have success. Lauer, Lucchesi, Paddack, Margavicius are the makings of a superb group of young pitchers. Not since the arrival of Andy Benes, Joey Hamilton and Greg Harris in the 1989-to-1995 era have this many young arms had this success.

HISTORY LESSON…The average age of those 4-starting pitchers is (23.4Y). Not since the Baby Birds of the Baltimore Orioles, in 1960, has baseball seen a young rotation like this. You do remember pitching guru, Manager Paul Richards. His young staff was (22) Chuck Estrada (18-11)…(21) Milt Pappas (15-11)….(22) Steve Barber (10-7)….(21) Jerry Walker (3-4)….(21) Jack Fisher (12-11). The relievers were gray beards (37) Hoyt Wilhelm and (35) Hal ‘Skinny’ Brown. That was a long time ago.

BOLTS BUILDING…Look at the quiet efficient job Tom Telesco has done with the Chargers drafts. The breed of athletes, the speed, the tenacity. DT-Jerry Tillery, joins DE-Joey Boss, S-Derwin James, CB-Dion King..LB-Kayzir White…LB-Uchenna Nwosu….CB-Michael Davis….CB-Treovr Williams…S-Adrian Phillips. That’s a lot of young talent added in just a 3-year window to that defense.

AAF-FLEET….They’re gone, the San Diego Fleet, and the AAF, leaving behind a trail of debt, and filing for bankruptcy last week. The AAF incurred 48M in debt, from unpaid leases, hospital bills, hotel bills, and the stiffing of vendors who did ‘good faith’ business from San Diego to San Antonio to every city in between. There are (1,117) creditors in that bankruptcy form. No one will get paid. No one could have foreseen this. It likely destroys the reputation of Charlie Ebersole and Bill Polian, who put their names and legacies behind this project.

BAD GUY-BAD DECISION….The draft has come and gone, and once promising LT-Tyler Roemer, thought to be a lock draft pick, did not get selected. His suspension and attitude issues, destroyed his chances of going early, in fact, going period. Then the revelations he was involved in a year long abusive relationship with another coed, that led to counseling, then a suspension by coach Rocky Long, buried him. Offered all the guidance in the world, he proceeded to destroy all his relationships at SDSU. He signed a contract to come to the Raiders camp finally.

WRONG DECISION….Add Jalen McDaniels name to the list of ‘made a mistake’. Should not have left SDSU to file for the NBA draft. He still must deal with this ‘voyeur’ lawsuit, filed by a high school friend he video taped in a sexual affair, and that put it out on social media. As skilled as he was, he had too many games in which he was MIA. Add this to the situation, there are just 2-rounds to the NBA draft, 60-selections in all. Do you know how many underclassmen filed for this draft? The scoreboard shows ‘174’ underclassmen, and an additional ’58’ international players, for two rounds. Next stop NBA-G League? Maybe China-Phillipines-Turkey? One more year, with a good recruiting class and a big season with the Aztecs, might have locked him into the 1st round. Now, this year, that many players, don’t think so.

BIG PLAYER-SMALL TIME TEAM….Point Loma Nazarence had a great season (31-5) and got to the Division II finals before losing. They’ve lost their coach, to the head job at Idaho State, and now their star player, the late blooming 6’8 Dalton Hommes has left for the NBA draft. Might get picked. Might wind up in Europe. But what a season and what a story.

GREAT SEASON-NOT SO GREAT ENDING….A fabulous run by the San Diego Sockers, this (23-1) season record, ended with a disappointing home-pitch loss to the Monterrey Flash in the MASL playoffs, denying them the chance to go play in the finals. The Landon Donovan arrival at mid season was a marketing coup, though him not playing road games lessened the impact. It would be fun to have him back next year, but at what price?

GULLS ROAD TRIP….They open the second round of the AHL playoffs in Bakersfield against the Condors, the top team in the Pacific Division on Wednesday. The Condors had a record 17-game win streak late in the season. They won 41-games on the year. This series matches two highly regarded first round draft picks. Edmonton Oilers high number 1-pick, defenseman Evan Bouchard, will play for the Condors. Anaheim Ducks first round pick Sam Steele has scored 20-goals this season for the Gulls in addition to his time spent with the NHL club. Both teams are loaded with AHL veterans too, and both goalies can get hot, Kevin Boyle of San Diego-Shane Starter (2.33-GAA). The intangible about Gulls hockey, coach Dallas Eakins ability to get his team ready on the road. San Diego is (18-6-4) away from home since December. No team does that in hockey, the Gulls have.

======================

-0-

“NFL Draft Report Card-Team by Team Grades”

-0-

A look at the NFL teams and what they did at the Draft Table.

CHARGERS…Drafted well. Drafted to fill needs with DT-Jerry Tillery and S-Nassir Adderly. Went for small college players after that….Grade (B)

RAMS…Did not have a lot of picks but added secondary youth with S-Taylor Rapp-CB-David Long…Grade (C)

ARIZONA…What a haul, not just QB-Kyler Murray, but CB-Byron Murphy, speed WR-Andy Isobella and more. In fact top 6-picks could all contribute. They need them too. Grade (A)

ATLANTA…Badly needed offensive line help and got it with Chris Lindstrom-OG and OT-Kaleb McGary…Grade (A).

BALTIMORE…They needed to overhaul a defense after so many players left. WR-Maquise Brown can fly, but is small and coming off a fractured foot.. Pass rushing DE-Jaylon Ferguson has burst. Grade (B)

BUFFALO….Tremendous early picks, falling to them, in DT-Ed Oliver, OT-Corey Ford, and tough guy RB-Devin Singletary. Grade (A)

CAROLINA….Had lots of needs, maybe DE-Brian Burns will be a player. OT-Greg Little will play. Who knows what to make of QB-Will Grier. Grade (C).

CHICAGO…Not a lot of picks. RB-David Montgomery had great career. Who knows about WR-Riley Ridley. Grade (D)

CINCINNATI…They got what they needed, and may have stolen one later int he draft. OT-Jonah Williams is big time player…..RB-Rod Anderson had great career at Oklahoma derailed by injuries. RB-Trayveon Williams did the same at Texas AM. Grade (B)

CLEVELAND…For not having lots of picks, did well, with LSU-CB-Greedy Williams, Alabama LB-Mack Wilson and BYU-LB-Sione Takitaki. Grade (A)

DALLAS….Had depth issues in both lines, that’s what they drafted, but are they players, Trysten Hill-DT-UCF and OG-Connor McGovern-Penn State.. We shall see. Grade (C)

DENVER….It all worked out, the gamble to trade back, and who landed in their lap. TE-Noah Fant-Iowa so impressive, OT-Dalton Risner-multi purpose player, and QB-Drew Lock may be the future. Grade (A)

DETROIT….Drafted a TE and then a LB no one knew. TJ Hockenson gives QB-Matt Stafford a big target to throw to. Grade (C)

GREEN BAY….Might be boom or bust draft. DT-Rashan Gary has enormous talent, but no consistency, yet they reached high for him. Got a CB and OG after that. Jury might be out on this draft. Grade (C)

HOUSTON…Really got stung when players they wanted were taken off the board infront of their pick. Two offensive lineman, but not highly rated. Grade (C)

INDIANAPOLIS…Athletes, that is what they wanted, and got, with CB-Roc Ya-Sin-Temple, WR-Parris Campbell-Ohio State and LSU-LB-Ben Banagou. Grade (B)

JACKSONVILLE…Players kept falling and they wind up with the Jaguars. Could be really special draft with DE-Josh Allen..OT-Jawaan Taylor, and later pick QB-Gardner Minswhew-Washington State. Grade (A)

KANSAS CITY….They are in crisis, and now they must deal with holes everywhere. WR-Mecole Hardman has skills, but he’s not Tyreek Hill, yet. S-Juan Thornhill-Virginia could be a steal. Chiefs now, not same team as Chiefs last year. Grade (C)

MIAMI…If you add the trade for QB-Josh Rosen into the mix, this was a pretty good weekend. Good, they are have a bad roster, but DT-Christian Wilkens-Clemson and RB-Myles Gaskin will play and help. Grade (A)

MINNESOTA…Went out and added help for QB-Kirk Cousins, in C-Garrett Bradbury, TE-Irv Smith, and LB-Cam Smith. Grade (A)

NEW ENGLAND…Bill Belichick had lots of picks and did good things with them. WR-N’Keal Harry, CB-Joejuan Williams, RB-Damien Harris all really good college players. Grade (A)

NEW ORLEANS…Only had five picks, but did take solid OC-Erik McCoy, but not much else. Grade (C)

NYGIANTS….Lots of heat for the front office. They must be sold on QB-Daniel Jones, do like the toughness of DT-Dexter Lawrence. Believe in talent of CBs Deandre Baker-Julian Love. Jones is for the future. Lawrence plays tomorrow. Grade (A).

NY JETS…Really good pick in DT-Quinnen Williams at top of the board, but who knows beyond that. Grade (B)

OAKLAND…They really reached with DE-Clelin Ferrell, but maybe in their scheme, he plays well. Other higher rated guys they bypassed. RB-Josh Jacobs, S-Jon Abram, CB-Trayvon Mullen, WR-Hunter Renfro are players. Grade (A).

PHILADELPHIA….OT-Andre Dillard fills a huge immediate need and RB-Miles Sanders-WR-JJ Whiteside are fascinating productive picks. Grade (B)

PITTSBURGH….Life after their stars begins, but they got college star in LB-Devin Bush and tough guy RB-Benny Snell. Grade (B)

SAN FRANCISCO…..They got two who play immediately in DE-Nick Bosa and WR-Debo Samuels. They are growing this thing the right way. Grade (A)

SEATTLE…Trust the process and Pete Carroll’s selections. WR-DK Metcalfe, an unknown LB-LJ Collier and a CB-Marquise Blair. Grade (B)

TAMPA BAY…They got speed and skill, in LB-Devin White and CB-Sean Bunting to be part of a bounce back season. Grade (B)

TENNESSEE….Put aside the controversy, and understand DT-Jeffrey Smmons has grown up and played well at Mississippi State. Add in WR-AJ Brown’s skill from Ole Miss and LB-David Long, this is a pretty good group. Grade (A)

WASHINGTON…They got names, but it might take them a while to grow into NFL players. . At first blush, you like QB-Dwayne Haskins, DE-Montez Sweat, WR-Terry McCauley and RB-Bryce Love, but it will take time. Grade (B)

=========================,

-0-

“NFL Draft Grades-AFC West”

-0-

‘I couldn’t believe he was on the board when our pick came up’.

That’s the most generic statement you hear when the GM’s around the league hold their post draft press conferences.

I can’t believe some of the things that happened in the AFC West as I hand out my report card grades.

CHARGERS…The one thing that we have seen under GM-Tom Telesco is the drive to change the personality of the roster. Athletes who can run, who play fast. Look at what the past drafts have brought, Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Dion King. The same thing this weekend.

..DT-Jerry Tillery (6’6-295) Notre Dame…Big, rangy, long arms, plays fast. Compare him to longtime Patriots DL-Richard Seymour.
..S-Nassir Adderley-Delaware…There is no longer a stigma against players who come from 1-AA schools…Three year starter…can play CB-inside and can play safety as a big hitter…Could be a steal
..OT-Trey Pipkins (6’6-305) Sioux Falls…Good feet-dominated-not long arms though..might project better as an OG than an OT…Hey everybody comes from somehwere.
..LB-Drew Tranquill-Notre Dame..Multi positional player…started career as a safety went to LB-can play both positions in sub packages.
..QB-Easton Stick-North Dakota State…pass-run option player-replaces Carson Wentz….over 10,000-yards in offense in his career…went (49-3) as a starter at 1AA school…Kid wins-student of the game.

Letter Grade….(B+)…Needed defense…drafted 5-on defense.

——-

CHIEFS….What was, is no longer. What was once imposing team, now in crisis mode. WR-Tyreek Hill is likely to be suspended if not released in the on going child abuse case. This will be even more devastating than last year’s mid season release of RB-Kareem Hunt. Add in the decision to purge the defense of Dee Ford-Justin Houston-Eric Berry and more, and this is no longer the same team.
WR-Mercole Hardman put up great numbers at Georgia in a run first offense-but was not rated among top wideouts. S-Juan Thornhill from Virginia likely plays immediately. Of course trading for DE-Frank Clark of the Seahawks counts as part of the draft acquisitions. But what’s coming in does not make up for what’s been lost.

Letter Grade (C)…No longer same team.

—–

BRONCOS….I didn’t like what they did early on, but then things fell in place instead of falling apart. Going in their priorities had to be OL-DL-LB, and they could have had the pick of the litter sitting with the 10th spot. Dropping back to 20-after the Steelers trade alarmed me. But it worked out well. TE-Noah Fant-Iowa is the next great talent at a position of importance in lots of NFL offenses. OT-OG-Dalton Risner of Kansas State has great credentials and starts immediately. QB-Drew Lock dropped to them, so the Missouri passing star will learn behind Joe Flacco. DT-Dre-Mont Jones-Ohio State could be a two position player at a position of need.

Grade…(A)…It all worked out and John Elway needs it to work out

———

RAIDERS….They had lots of draft currency, had lots of needs, but I don’t think did as well as they could. Taking Clellin Ferrell-DE-Clemson with the 4th pick was really high…they could have traded back to maybe 10th-and gotten another pick in the process and still drafted him…it was a reach. RB-Josh Jacobs-Alabama saw his stock rise at the end of the season and then in his workouts. His run-catch abilities make him valuable. S-Jon Abram is a big time hitter out of LSU and brings strong credentials to the Raiders secondary. CB-Trey Mullen is another Clemson athlete with a chance to play early. They bypassed some pretty good players, DE-Josh Allen..LB-Devin White..DT-Ed Oliver..DT-Christian Wilkens…DE-Dexter Lawrence. We’ll see if the smartest guys in the room, Mike Manock, Jon Gruden reached and got the right player (Ferrell) or stumbled badly.

Grade…(B-)…They took six players on defense-any new talent is better than the young talent they played and lost with last year.

====================

0-

“NFL Draft…..Chargers Survive….Strange Picks Elsewhere”

-0-

it started out as a mystery….it took some strange twist and turns along the way.

There were strange choices, there were trades, and in some cases, it all worked out fine.

The first round of the NFL draft had lots of different things for lots of different teams.

What looked like might be a bad night for the Chargers worked out, but it was tense, when three of the defensive players they really liked, came off the board infront of them.

The Bolts wound up 6’6-defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, coming off an impressive career at Notre Dame. He is viewed like former New England Patriots defensive tackle Richard Seymour, long, rangy, quick, and very active.

It worked out well, but there was a tense time prior to their pick, when the Giants took Clemson DT-Dexter Lawrence; Miami took Christian Wilkins of Clemson. And Tennessee selected Jeffrey Simmons of Mississippi State.

Tilley was not a fallback pick, they like him a lot, so it all worked out. On Friday, they need to find another offensive lineman and will likely take a shot at one of the list of DBs who will go in the 2nd round.

Around the NFL, some good, some bad, some surprises.

Arizona has two quarterbacks now, after selecting Kyler Murray. Still there, yet to be traded was Josh Rosen.

The 49ers choice of Nick Bosa and the Jets selection of Quinine Williams were perfect fits.

The Raiders reached with the 4th pick, and no one understands taking a player at number 4-who most felt would be there around with the 15th to 20th slot. The Raiders could have traded back, added more picks, and still gotten Clelin Ferrell later in the round.

They used their 2nd pick in the opening round to get heavy duty Alabama running back Josh Jacobs. Their other first round pick wound up being S-Jonathan Abram, who looks and plays like the Chargers Derwin James. A good first day.

The Giants wound up wheeling and dealing to finish with 3-first round picks. Using the 6th slot to take Duke QB-Daniel Jones was a stunner, but Miami and Washington were in the hunt for a QB too, and New York felt they could not wait. The Giants also wound up with Clemson’s Dexter Lawrence and Georgia DB-DeAndre Baker. A superb job.

Pittsburgh got a great LB-in trading up for Devin Bush of Michigan.

Buffalo got great value when DT-Ed Oliver of Houston fell to them.

Washington had two players drop into their lap, the Ohio State QB-Dwayne Haskins, whom they coveted, and pass rusher Montez Sweat, a talent, but with a troubled past.

The Bengals needed OT help and got a very good one in Crimson Tide OT-Jonah Williams.

But there were strange choices too.

Denver traded back, and decided not to go after QBs Dwayne Haskins or Drew Lock. They bypassed Devin Bush and the load of defensive lineman, areas they needed help. Tight end Noah Fant adds to their offense, but that defense is still wanting.

Miami still doesn’t have a quality quarterback, and they took a defensive tackle instead of addressing the black hole they have at QB.

Green Bay drafted defense, each with questions about them, and did nothing to help their great QB-Aaron Rodgers, bypassing offensive line and wide receiver help.

Baltimore, in need of a rebuild on defense, took a small wide reciever, Marquise Brown of Oklahoma instead. Strange.

New England may have reached for 6’4-WR-N’Keal Harry of Arizona State, but he is big, rangy, and gets yards after the catch.

Carolina needed pass protection help for Cam Newton, but bypassed guys in the OL.. Houston needed help upfront so DeSean Watson doesn’t take another 62-sacks, but the top OL were off the board by the time their pick came up, so they took a 1-AA offensive tackle from tiny Alabama State.

Atlanta needed help upfront, and got a quality guard and a tackle by the time the opening round ended.

A good day for the Chargers, an day of improvement for the Raiders, a weird day of Denver decisions, and in Kansas City, the worsening situation around WR-Tyreek Hill is worrisome now. Such is life in the AFC–West.

Rounds 2-3 will be on Friday, with selections in the 4th thru 7th rounds coming on Saturday.

==================

, .

1-Man’s Opinion on Sports-Thursday

-0-

“NFL Draft Day”

-0-

Questions-Answers-Rumors everywhere as the 1st round of the NFL Draft approaches.

TOP OF THE BOARD: What Happens?

..Arizona Cardinals…number 1 pick-is that a smoke screen or just a dust storm in the desert. What do they do? They could keep the pick and draft Oklahoma QB-Kyler Murray. They could stay with QB-Josh Rosen and draft Alabama DT-Quinnen Williams. They could keep the pick, and trade Josh Rosen for additional picks in the 1st and 3rd rounds. They need lots of help. The wildcard in all this, new coach Kliff Kingsbury’s agent is the same agent for Kyler Murray.

..SF 49ers…A unique position for GM-John Lynch. If Murray goes first, he has his choice of quality players on the talent-laden defensive draft board. DE-Nick Bosa-Ohio State looms large out there, but so does Quinnen Williams. But what if Arizona goes defense, will the 49ers shop the 2nd pick for someone who wants Murray? Stay tuned. First half hour of the draft will get wild.

..NY Jets….They have needs everywhere on defense. But in such a deep defensive draft, maybe they trade out and get more picks to stockpile additional players on defense. The safe pick would be Kentucky DE-Josh Logan…or Houston DT-Ed Oliver, who has jumped up the board.

..Raiders….Jon Gruden and Mike Manock are all over the map. They’ve dumped a lot of the talent that used to be around QB-Derek Carr, that after dealing away Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper last season. They have 4-of the top 35 picks in rounds 1-2. Gruden is like a kid in the candy store, he wants a piece of something from every shelf. They need defense badly and maybe just wind up with a quality LB-Devin White-LSU, a real complete player. They need a haul of players on defense, and could get it unless Gruden takes this thing off the tracks.
Raiders..Jon Gruden-Mike Manyck all over the map

—–

TRADING PICKS: Trade Rumors-Moving up or moving down?

..Rumors are everywhere. Who knows fact from fiction right now. Arizona stay or move out of number one? Arizona-keep or deal Josh Rosen? Washington, in need of a quarterback, could move up from #15 to try and get a right quarterback? Miami, in need of a quarterback, could be moving up. Will the Jets trade back for more picks? New England has 12-picks in all, and Bill Belicheck has a history for dealing on draft day, he’s made 70-trades in the past 19-drafts. Houston wants to move up #23. The Chargers could trade down from #28. The Rams could trade back from #31.

—-

TRADES: Veteran players who could be traded?

..This off season has been like no other….in addition to over (240) players changing teams in free agency, we’ve had 13-off season trades of veteran players. Antonio Brown (Raiders)..Odell Beckham (Browns)..Case Keenum (Redskins)…Joe Flacco (Broncos), and now Frank Clark (Chiefs). On the block still could be Josh Rosen (Cardinals)….Duke Johnson (Browns)…Gerald McCoy (Tampa Bay)…Nelson Agholor (Eagles). All could go in exchange for draft picks.

—-

QUARTERBACKS: Rank the QBs-who lands where?

..Kyler Murray-Oklahoma…to Arizona…makes too much sense to bypass a budding star
..Dwayne Haskins-Ohio State..to Washington…very young-great athletic talent but needs time.
..Drew Lock-Missouri…to Denver…John Elway desperate to get right QB for future..rising fast-gun for arm
..Daniel Jones-Duke-to Miami-Giants..Compared to Peyton Manning intellect-lots skill-smarts-leadership ability
..Ryan Finley-North Carolina State..Late developer-could be 2nd round pick
..Wil Grier-West Virginia..Big numbers might be talent to develop-dink-dunk style
..Jarret Stidham-Auburn…Manages game well-not a lot big plays
..Garrett Minshew-Washington State..Systems QB-not strong arm
..Tyree Jackson-UBuffalo..6’7 thrower-needs lots work mechanics
..Clayton Thorson-Northwestern..Lots of intangibles-real grinder-big size-might develop

—-

GAINING: What players moving up board?

DT-Rashan Gary-Michigan..physical force inside
WR-DK Metcalf-Ole Miss..blazing speed with size
DT-Ed Oliver-U Houston..smaller version Aaron Donald
LB-Montez Sweat-Mississippi State..very fast combine times
LB-Devin White-LSU-complete player
RB-Josh Jacobs-Alabama-stock rising in thin group
OG-Cory Ford-Oklahoma-climbing in thin OL group
OT-Jonah Williams-Alabama-might be best OT now
LB-Jaylon Ferguson-pass rusher from small Louisiana Tech program
DT-Jeffrey Simmons-Mississippi State-off season injury healing
DT-Christian Wilkins-Clemson-strong athlete

DROPPING: What players falling down the board?

QB-Dwayne Haskins-Ohio State-not strong workouts-very young player
WR-Marquis Brown-Oklahoma-must shed attitude-work ethic issues

—-

RED FLAGS: What players have red flags

DT-Dexter Lawrence-Clemson-PED positive test
DT-Jeff Simmons-Mississippi State-torn knee ligament prior to combine
LB-Montez Sweat-Mississippi State-irregular heartbeat in physical
DT-Rashan Gary-Michigan-possible partial tear of labrum

—-

DRAFT BOARD: Which team can have big draft days?

Raiders…Pick 4-24-27-35
Giants..Pick 6-17-37-96
Packers..Pick 12-30-44-76
Seattle..Pick 21-29
Jets..Pick 3-68-94
Colts..Pick 26-34-59
Eagles..Pick 25-53-57
Houston..Pick 23-54-55
Steelers..Pick 20-52-66
Patriots..Pick 32-56-64-74-98

Chargers..Pick 27-60-92
Rams…Pick 31-95-100

===========