With The 1st Pick In The NFL Draft The Carolina Panthers Select...

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Easily the best smile in the draft. I'm not sure about this pick, but if your Carolina, Why the fuck not, ya know. Sure they drafted Jimmy Clausen last year, but he sucks and looks like he has no future(I've always hated him). Cam has a good arm and last year he proved he's more than your flash in the pan college player as he led Auburn to a national championship. Yesterday I didn't think it was a good pick, today I'm optimistic he will pan out and be pretty good.

Plus they compare him to the best QB in the league Ben Roethlisberger.

NFL Draft

Follow Dueling Couches on twitter tonight, for the latest picks, analysis, and douchebaggery...

to Join CLICK HERE

Draft starts at 8pm

Rumor: Patriots Trading Up To 6th Pick?

"According to a report from Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, the Patriots have had trade discussions with the Browns about the No. 6 overall pick in Thursday's NFL draft. Citing a league source, Bedard reports that the Patriots -- owners of the No. 17 and No. 28 picks in the first round and the first pick of the second round, No. 33 overall -- may want to move up (WEEI)."

Would love to see this, as it is rumored that they would be going after Robert Quinn, who is the exact kind of player the Patriots need on their defense. He is one of those hybrid OLB/DE, which we know Belichick loves, because it gives him a lot of options with his game planning. Haven't really heard much about him? Well because he didn't play last year, he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for lying to investigators about receiving travel accommodations and jewelry... Cool whatever, thsi guy was a beast in 2009 with 11 sacks (at age 19!).

When scouts try to compare him to someone in the NFL they compare him to Julius Peppers, that good enough for me. Still, I put the probablity of this happening kind of low, just because it is very rare to see the Patriots trade up that high in the draft (if at all). So unless, Belichick really has his eye on this guy it sounds like just another rumor. But I can dream....can't I?

How Stupid Can You Be?

"Amid all the all-encompassing insanity of the lifted lockout, here's some potentially damaging news for a pair of prospects, just 48 hours before the NFL Draft: Georgia LB/DL Justin Houston and Iowa DL Christian Ballard have reportedly tested positive for marijuana. That's according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (whose tweet somehow almost got lost in the maw that is the legal discussion regarding the lockout), who notes that the pair are "2 highly-graded defensive draft kids (CBS Sports)."

These stories pop up every year, and every year I say the same thing "How fucking stupid can you be?" I just don't have much sympathy for people failing drug tests you know are coming. You are about to enter the NFL Draft, where what round you get taken can be the difference of millions of dollars, and you go out and risk smoking pot? It's not like these were some low level guys either, both these guys are projected to go around the 2nd round, but after failing a drug test they might fall a couple rounds. Fucking idiots, you deserve nothing less. There is plenty of time to smoke pot when there isn't millions of dollars on the line.

With The 20th Pick In The NFL Draft The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select...

DP's Pick:
Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA

With all of the DE's practically off the board the Bucs select a LB. The passed two years the Bucs selected 2 DT's so getting a physical specimen such as Ayers is a must. He should be able to shoot the gaps as well as be decent in cover. He's also a great tackler so that's always a plus.

BMack's Pick:
Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue

There are some questions if Kerrigan is an every down DE, but he is a sack machine (12.5 sacks last year), and that is something the Bucs need terribly after ranking 30th in the NFL in sacks. On top of that he led the country in tackles for loss, so he knows how to shed blocks and get behind the line. Very solid pick by the Bucs here, and somewhat of a steal if he falls this far.

Patriots Already Talking About Trading Draft Picks

One of the most active teams in recent seasons when it comes to draft pick trades has been the New England Patriots. So Bill Belichick's revelation during an appearance on Sirius NFL Radio on Monday -- that teams have contacted the team about trading picks, per Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald -- is about as surprising as the ban on lawn darts.

"We've definitely been contacted by teams below us, offering [us] to move back, and [teams] seeing if we want to move up into a better position," Belichick disclosed. "Of course, that usually doesn't get finalized until draft day, but there definitely seems to be a lot of interest in our draft picks."

"As you know, we're not afraid to trade them," he confirmed. "We'll do what's best for the team. We'll evaluate those opportunities if they come up on draft day and take it from there (ESPN)."

You know what? I am really starting to get sick of this. The Patriots always trade down for more picks, and although it has given them great depth, it's something I have grown very tired of. Imagine if they didn't trade their pick a couple years back and drafted Clay Mathhews? Hmmm, a pass rushing OLB with a great motor, yea that doesn't sound like exactly what the Patriots have been looking for over the past 4 years.

My point is I'm sick of having just depth, the Patriots need talent, especially on defense. This is a deep draft in terms of defensive players, and I want to see the Patriots bring in some top talent. They have enough picks, and they are young enough where they don't need a ton of picks in years to come. If they make any deal I hope it's to move up, because I will be upset if we once again stockpile future picks or later round picks.

With The 13th Pick In The NFL Draft The Detroit Lions Select....

DP's Pick:
Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Lions would have loved if Prince or Peterson fell to them, however they have to settle for the big offensive tackle Tyron Smith. He can play on either side of the ball and has better upside than any other prospect in this draft. I'm not going to sit here lie to you like I know anything about blocking, so I guess he gets in the way of defenders better than the other people. Plus he has a pretty sweet name.

BMack's Pick:
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Prince is still on my board, so this becomes an obvious pick for the Lions. Chris Houston is coming along nicely for the Lions, and if Prince can lineup across from him that would give them a nice young defensive backfield to build around. With Suh already up front, and an offense that is coming together (if they can Matthew Stafford healthy), it seems like we say this every year, but this is a team that could start challenging for a playoff spot soon. Amukamara had 5 picks in 2010 at Nebraska, and you have to be impressed with his tackling skills racking up 155 tackles last year. I always like CBs with size, and this kid has decent size at 6-0 and over 200 pounds.

With The 12th Pick In the NFL Draft The Minnesota Viking Select.....

DP Pick:
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

The Vikings should be stoked to get a pass rushing DE at 12 with the talent of Watt. With Rey Edwards being a free agent and will be a huge upgrade for what they got. Watt has great rushing skills with great instincts. He also is very good against the run too. This is a really safe pick for the Vikings.

BMack Pick:
Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

I already have J.J. Watt off my board, but DP is right there is no QB worth taking here, and DE would be the next area of need. Aldon Smith is very raw, but is very fast and pretty tall (6-4). He is going to need to get bigger if he wants to improve as a run stopper, but he can get pressure on the QB right away, and a team that already has Jared Allen it's a scary thought. I am really interested in what the Vikings end up doing for a QB, I guess they can hope Locker falls to the 2nd round, but I don't see him falling that far. I guess they will be in the hunt for Kolb (along with the Cardinals).

With The 6th Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns Select.....

DP's Pick:
Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

This is a steal at 6. Many projected him to be the 1st overall pick and now that they are going to a 4-3 scheme. Bowers is a great fit for that, he has power and quickness and be a perfect slot in there. The Browns have a lot of needs but they need to get that D Line fixed. If I were the Browns it would be very hard not to select Patrick Peterson.

BMack's Pick:
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

There was a time when most people thought Fairley would go #1, but there have been so many questions about his motor that he is starting to fall in mock drafts. He will only fall so far, and he shouldn't go past this pick. Bowers would also be a good pick, but I think Fairley has more upside. I have said it before and I'll say it again, if you want to fix a defense it starts with the big guy in the middle, and when Fairley is going 100% there isn't anyone better in the draft. Fairley can stop the run, rush the QB, and teams will have to commit to double teaming him throughout the game. That can open up some pass rushing lanes for DEs and LBs.

With The 5th Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Arizona Cardinals Select.....

DP's Pick:
Von Miller OLB Texas A&M

With Arizona's 3-4 scheme and Joey Porter not coming back Von Miller can be an immediate impact rusher immediately. He has progressed maybe more than any other player in college football in one year. He his extremely athletic, fast and has a huge motor. He will be able to slide right in at Arizona.

BMack's Pick:
Von Miller OLB Texas A&M

I hate agreeing with DP, but of all the picks in the draft I feel most confident in this pick. If Von Miller (who might be the best player in the draft) falls this far the Cardinals have to pick him. Arizona's OLB are aging or nonexistent, and this is by far the best LB in the draft. He can rush of the edge, which is huge with a team playing a 3-4 defense. This guy could be the next Clay Matthews, and I really expect big things from him.

With The 4th Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Cincinnati Bengals Select.....

AJ Green WR Georgia
The Bengals need a wr really bad with Chris Henry dead and Chad Johnson most likely going to be cut or traded and Terrell Owens a year older. AJ Green is the best wr on board by scouts (even though I believe Julio Jones will be a better pro), another scenario is that Carson Palmer gets traded and they draft Cam Newton. I don't see that happening, who knows with the Bengals.

BMack's Pick:

AJ Green WR Georgia


I could've seen they go with a QB, but with the two top QBs off the board the Bengals go with a WR, as I doubt TO will be back, and Ochocinco declining and may even be cut. Green gives Palmer (?) a new weapon. He is big (6'3"), strong (211 lbs), and according to scouts is a great route runner. The Bengals need to put a new face on their offense, and A.J. Green could slide into that role nicely.

With The 3rd Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Buffalo Bills Select.....

DP's Pick:
Blaine Gabbert QB Mizzou

This pick makes the most sense to me for a couple reasons, Ryan Fitzpatrick did a much better job then anyone anticipated however, he's not a long term solution. Any QB selected in this draft is going to need some seasoning and this way Gabbert can sit out a year or 2 before being thrown into the fire. The options here would be between Cam Newton and Gabbert and I just feel like Gabbert is the safer choice here. Even though I personally don't like any qb in this draft other than Ryan Mallett.

BMack's Pick:
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

I was torn on this pick, because I could see them grabbing Failey here as well. With Gabbert off my board I think the Bills go with Newton. Do I like the pick? No, but for a franchise that is about as exciting as a Bill Belichick press conference this move could build some excitement for the formerly proud franchise. The best part for the Bills is exactly what DP was talking about. Ryan Fitzpatrick can buy them a year or two to groom Newton, which could be huge especially with this lockout going on. Newton has all the physical tools, and throws a much better ball then Tebow. My questions with him will be his decision making, and character. I know the whole whether or not he took money in college thing doesn't really matter in the pros, but this is more about how he handles himself. The good news with this pick is that he is in Buffalo, and I would figure it's hard to get in trouble there. A back field with him and CJ Spiller could be one of the fastest in the NFL, and it would be nice to see Buffalo at least have a little bit of hype around them.

With The 2nd Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Denver Broncos Select.....

DP's Pick:
Nick Fairley DT Auburn

They need to fix their D Line and commit to a defensive scheme and Nick Fairley is the guy who can do this. Many people believe he could have gone 1, so the Broncos will be really happy to get him at 2. He is a guy who can help this year without much seasoning. He weighs 300 pounds and can be a penetrating force on the defensive line. I really like this pick for the Broncos.

BMack's Pick:
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

It's no secret that the Broncos biggest concern is their defensive line. They couldn't stop any running attack, and although I think Fairley has better upside this guy is bigger, and can be the anchor in the middle of their defense. He might not be as good at rushing the QB then Fairley, but from what I am reading his a guy who gives more effort on every play. Fox is going to be changing a lot of things on this team, and I think we have seen time and time again that if you have a great big man in the middle the pass rush can open up for LBs. This is the more safe pick then DP's, but I think it's the right choice.

With The 1st Pick In the 2011 NFL Draft the Carolina Panthers Select.....

DP's Pick:

MARCELL DAREUS DT Alabama

This might be a bit of a homer pick because I love the Tide, but I recently have fallen in love with this kid. He's a big mama jama at 319 and has been really successful in a 3-4 and 4-3 schemes at DT. With his quickness he could also be shifted to DE with a 3-4 scheme. The new trend is the Panthers taking Blaine Gabbert here and I just think that would be dumb because they have to give Jimmy Clausen at least another year (even though I'm not a fan). If worse comes to worse he'll tank it and they pick up Andrew Luck or Matt Barkley.


BMack's Pick:

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Let me start by saying that I hate this pick. I agree with DP that Clausen should at least get another year before they just give up on him (and I also agree that I am no longer a believer). Yet, with a new coach the Panthers are going to look for a new "face of the franchise". Sure, this guy isn't a big name, but he will be by the time the draft comes around. ESPN always hypes all these guys, so by then he'll be the "next big thing".

Gabbert has the build of an NFL QB at 6'4" 234 lbs. He is a very accurate QB, although some of his stats don't show it. Scouts point out he didn't have a lot to work with at Missouri. He's got a great arm, and can move around the packet enough to avoid sacks. I'll say I don't like this pick, and if we were just making a list of the best guys in the draft I would probably have him at 5 or 6, but like I said before the Panthers are looking to completely rebuild and a new coach with want "his guy" under center, and that guy will be Blaine Gabbert.

An NFL Draft With No Players?

"The NFL players are finding an interesting ally in their fight against the owners: college players. Two agents confirmed to CBSSports.com that the former union has asked top prospects not to attend the April draft. One agent who represents a potential top 25 pick said in an interview that it's possible few, if any, of the top picks will go to the draft.

"There is momentum building on this," said the agent. "If my client is asked, he won't attend (CBS Sports)."

I know we said we wouldn't talk about lockout, and to be honest it fucking pains me to write about this, because things change day-to-day and I honestly don't give a fuck as long as there is football in the fall. But since there is shit to write about here is my two cents on this.


BULLSHIT. I don't buy it. First off, this is fucked up by the NFLPA. How are you going to take this moment away from these kids? You're already going to screw them when the new CBA comes out, because there is almost definitely going to be a "rookie wage scale". There has to be, it's out of control, but now you are going to take this experience away from them.

I know they are saying there will have the same experience down the street, as the NFLPA does their own version of the draft, but it's going to suck and be nothing like the real thing. I mean, I don't even know if they can use the jersey or hats from the NFL, because I think that might be owned by the owners.

Yet, this is crazy either way, because if there is no new CBA you could have NFL player picketing out side of the NFL Draft. If that wasn't bad enough, they can't even use old footage for the broadcast. There will be nothing.

All I can say is that I think the players are right, and that the owners caused most of these problems, but taking this away from these incoming rookies is just wrong. Handle your business in court, but let the draft be, in good faith from both sides that the deal will get done.

Cam Newton Going Pro

National Champion/ Heisman Winner/ Controversial Auburn QB Cam Newton has decided to go pro. Newton has good size at 6'6 250 and has a decent arm, and good mobility, but like all athletic QBs there are a lot of question marks.

On the field, Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while passing for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs. He set Auburn season records for both rushing and passing TDs and total offense and an SEC mark for yards on the ground by a quarterback.

I like Cam Newton, he has a good arm and everything, however, I don't know if the intangebles are there. When he was on the biggest stage in college football he didn't wow me in the least. As a matter of fact, he played alright. A lot of people (Kiper/ McShay) say he's a sure thing 1st rounder, but I think he's a first rounder built on hype.

But hey, if Tebow can go in the first round why can't Cam?

Carolina Has To Take Luck

There are a lot of articles going around today stating that the Panthers may take a pass on Andrew Luck as the #1 pick in the draft. To me they don't have a choice they HAVE to take him. Clausen is fucking terrible. If you have ever sat down and watched this kid, there isn't much upside. He looks like the game is way to fast for him, doesn't read the defense well, and really hasn't shown me anything to think that will change. Luck on the other hand is the real deal. This kid is going to be a Pro Bowler, and in the NFL now it is all about having an elite QB.

Things can change fast for a franchise. Look at the Rams they just drafted Bradford, and there is a good change they are in the playoffs, and it's not like they have a lot else around him. It will be a busy offseason since the Panthers need to trade Steve Smith, probably one of their RBs, and sign a new head coach. All of that will be for nothing though if they don't draft Andrew Luck.

Patriots Branch Out

The Patriots sent a 4th round pick to Seattle for the services of Deion Branch. And everyone who bought a discount Branch jersey from the Pro Shop feels great about it. Although, he'll likely have to wear a different number, as Welker currently owns his old digits.

The critics/haters/morons-who-think-they're-smart out there will deride this deal. "You replace Moss with Branch, just to move up 30 picks in the draft?"

Yes. Because how many problems has Branch created in his career? Branch and the Patriots didn't part on great terms after '05, but there wasn't much animosity. And unlike Moss, there's no wake of destruction left behind him.

Branch is no Randy Moss. He's 7 inches shorter, has never had a 1,000 yard season (had 998 in '05), has never averaged over 15 yards per catch, and only has 20 career TDs.

Branch has only caught 13 passes for Seattle this season, for 139 yards. He'll contribute as a 3rd or 4th option in certain plays. He'll catch a few passes, but won't disrupt defenses the way Randy Moss did.

Nor will he disrupt the locker room. You can pretty much guarantee that. And while Randy hadn't yet disrupted the Patriots locker room, I challenge even the most anti-Moss-trade people out there to attempt to guarantee that for Randy Moss.

Source:
ESPN

-The Commodore

Maimi's GM Apologizes For Calling Dez Bryant Mom A Prostitute

Hahahahaha, I can't believe this is not a joke, but I have now read this on numerous sites. Apparently, while the Dolphins were interviewing Dez Bryant they eventually asked him if his mother is a prostitute. It turns out that it was Miami's GM Jeff Ireland, who had to issue release this statement...

"My job is to find out as much information as possible about a player that I'm considering drafting," Ireland said. "Sometimes that leads to asking in-depth questions. Having said that, I talked to Dez Bryant and told him I used poor judgment in one of the questions I asked him. I certainly meant no disrespect and apologized to him."

Wow. Yea, that's a question you need to ask a 3rd party or something, not this woman's son. Saying that, she must look like a train wreck for someone to ask a question like that. Dez Bryant obviously didn't take this very well...

"They asked me if my mom's a prostitute," Bryant told Yahoo.com. "No, my mom is not a prostitute. I got mad -- really mad -- but I didn't show it. I got a lot of questions like that: Does she still do drugs? I sat and answered all of them."

Bryant's mother, Angela, had him when she was 15 and conceived his younger sister and brother within the next three years. She reportedly sold drugs and served a prison term while Bryant was a child. Bryant lived with different relatives and family friends at various times during his upbringing.

I am trying to find a picture of her, but so far I have had no luck. If anyone finds one leave the link in the comment section.

NFL Concerned About The High Level Of Marijuana Use

Many people were surprised that Aaron Hernandez, whom the Patriots chose in the 4th round of the NFL draft Saturday, dropped so far. That was until today when it was announced that according to sources with 3 NFL teams, the Florida products free fall was because of multiple failed drug tests for marijuana while in college. They also stated that Hernandez was very open about it, and admitted his wrong doings. Obviously, I hope that he doesn't pull this shit while on the Patriots, but my guess is that they will keep an eye on him and everything will be fine.

Yet, apparently this isn't the only person with this "problem"....

"One unnamed NFL coach estimated that “one-third’’ of players on his draft board had some sort of history with marijuana use that required “an extra level of evaluation’’ as part of the scouting process (Boston.com)."

I got nothing against weed, but when you know it can cost you millions, how dumb do you have to be to risk it? These guys have the rest of their lives to smoke weed, why now? I mean all you got to do when you got talent like this is to lay off the stuff, and they would have been a higher draft pick. Now you got guys like Hernandez falling to the 4th round. He is a 2nd round talent (according to a lot of scouts), so how much do you think that cost him?

In the end, these players have to be smarter and really look at how much they are hurting their wallets for no other reason then to smoke pot??? Come on man.