NFL Lockout Blues

We’re at Day 93 of the NFL Lockout. There has not been a decision from the court. The NFL and NFLPA released a joint statement last week telling fans that they are conducting confidential discussions before Chief Magistrate Judge Bovian. This does not excite me. They have been talking on and off for months and have not made any progress.

The issues remain the same. At the center is money. Players want to keep what they have and the owners want more. Players want to see the books. Owners are not showing their books. I don’t see how more discussions will get them past this impasse. Unless both sides make some concessions (and soon), we will not have professional football this fall.

I’m mad about not being able to countdown to the start of the NFL season. I’m just hoping that there is a season. How about you?

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

Detroit Lions have impressive draft performance

Over 250 college players were drafted to play for NFL clubs over the weekend.  Cam Newton as expected went first overall to the Carolina Panthers.  Several teams draft performances standout in my mind.  The New Orleans Saints strengthened their running game by drafting Heisman Trophy winner, Mark Ingram.  The New England Patriots took Ryan Mallet in the third round.  Like the current starting quarterback in New England (Tom Brady), Mallet studied at The University of Michigan and is a pocket passer.  He will either shadow Brady for years or be good trade material.   The Cleveland Browns acquired a fast wide receiver (Greg Little) and gave the defense a little boost with a new tackle (Phil Taylor) and end (Jabaal Sheard).  But, the team that impressed me the most was the Detroit Lions.

The Lions have been at the bottom of professional football for years.  They have been bad for so long that I am afraid to say this because I do not want to jinx them, but I think the football gods are smiling on the Motor City. 

Two weeks ago the NFL released the 2011 regular season schedule and the Lions received their first Monday Night Football (MNF) game in over a decade.  There are rumors that the game was a sign of gratitude for the franchise graciously hosting the Vikings – Giants game that had to be relocated because the Metrodome collapsed.   But, who cares?  It’s not always how you get it, but what you do when you get it.

With their first pick in this past weekend’s draft, Detroit was able to select Nick Fairley, a defensive tackle from Auburn.  This is a huge help to the Lions.  Last season they were ranked 21^st in total defense in the league.  Having someone to help 2010 rookie of the year, Ndamukong Suh, on defense will improve that ranking.

Lions fans should be very pleased.  The first pick was not a quarterback or a wide receiver.  The Lions are clearly focused on defense.  If the football gods are truly smiling on Detroit, Matthew Stafford will rehabilitate well, not injure himself again and lead Detroit to the playoffs this year.  Now we just have to wait to see if we have NFL football this fall.

Check out all the draft selections.  What do you think of your team’s picks?

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®

How does the NFL lockout impact the draft?

The NFL lockout ended yesterday by a court ordered injunction.  Doors are open for players to return to work this morning, but this does not mean that business is back to usual.  The collective bargaining agreement expired so the teams and players are operating without any rules. 

What happens with free agency?  How will rookie contracts be structured?   

This Thursday the NFL will begin its annual selection of rookies while they appeal Judge Nelson’s decision to end the lockout in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  They are seeking a stay of execution during the appeals.  Basically they are hoping that the judge will postpone the lift of the lockout until a decision is made in appeals court.

In the meantime, the 2011 NFL Draft will go on as planned.  I think that the Carolina Panthers will make Cam Newton the first overall pick of the 2011.  However, I am more curious about what this draft would look like if the lockout had been lifted earlier.  

With a talented, 26-year old quarterback like Kevin Kolb on the market to be traded would a team give up a first round pick to get Kolb?  If a team lands a veteran like Ochocinco, would they feel the need to use an early pick on a wide receiver?

What do you think?

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets®