Jan 25, 2013, Ko Olina, HI, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) poses with Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Kevin Greene at NFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

We all know about Vince McMahon and the infamous World Wrestling Entertainment. Or at least the world of professional wrestling itself.

Many players who have spent time playing in the National Football League, either injured or retired, found some success in professional wrestling. Ahmed Johnson, a former Dallas Cowboy linebacker, entered the world of the WWE and became the first African-American Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. Others have followed this path, some still well known.

Jim Ross, who works in talent development for World Wrestling Entertainment, has a meeting scheduled with the NFL Players Associations today in which he will make a case that football players who lose their jobs on teams, could be informed on a career opportunity in pro wrestling.

“Everybody doesn’t make the 53 man roster. Some guys are going to be looking for work, and we’ve got some job openings. Maybe we can put the synergies of those two entities together and create something wonderful some day.” - Jim Ross on NFL Radio

Pro wrestling looks for athletes like football players, either college or professional level. You need to be big, strong and agile to make it in that business. Sure it may be scripted, but the pain those athletes go through, yes professional wrestlers ARE indeed athletes, like it or not, still affects their bodies just like any other contact profession.

Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael, a former New England Patriot, Green Bay Packer and Chicago Bear, spent some time in World Championship Wrestling with the legendary Four Horsemen stable. He became a holder of the WCW United States Title and always came out wearing a Chicago Bears letter-man jacket.

Others who joined professional wrestling ranks are Monty Brown (Super Bowl Appearance with the Buffalo Bills in ’94),  ‘Flyin’ Brian Pillman (Cincinnati Bengals), Bill Goldberg (Rams, Falcons), Lex Luger (Packers), Leo Nomellini (San Francisco 49ers), Ed McDaniel (Oilers, Jets, Broncos, Chargers), Ernie Ladd (Chargers), Ron Simmons (Browns), ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan (Falcons), Bronco Nagurski (Bears) AND Kevin Greene (Rams, Steelers, 2x Panthers, 49ers). All are players who converted from the National Football League, leaving their mark in professional wrestling. Some are even WWE Hall of Fame or future Hall of Fame inductees.

Whenever the WWE makes a stop in a city that has a professional football team, there is almost always a front row filled with players who represent that cities team. It’s clear that the world of professional wrestling has fans of every player in every sport imaginable, it’s a big time sport. So it makes sense that Jim Ross and the WWE are trying to pitch this idea to the NFL’s Players Association, giving young talented individuals a chance of making it in something else. Nobody likes to waste talent, right?

St. Louis Rams Linebacker James Laurinatis is the son of Road Warrior Animal, one half of the greatest tag teams to ever step foot in a professional wrestling ring.

As a fan of professional wrestling and the National Football League, I am thrilled that Jim Ross and the WWE have this meeting scheduled, possibly bringing in more talent. I hope they work something out, cause the talent that is left floating around after the final cuts are made is endless. It would be good business between two of the top professional talent companies in the country, if not the world.

An honorable mention is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Even if you aren’t a professional wrestling fan, we all know him for his play at the University of Miami (Hurricanes), being teammates with Warren Sapp. In addition to that don’t forget he starred in all those movies.

Happy Birthday to the late great Flyin’ Brian Pillman.

May 10, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (33) participates in rookie minicamp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the Seattle Seahawks announced that they have signed second round pick running back Christine Michael out of Texas A&M.  Michael was the Seahawks’ first selection in the 2013 NFL Draft with the No. 62 overall pick. Michael was the fifth running back taken in the NFL Draft.

Michael played all four years at Texas A&M and was productive. As a senior, he carried the ball 88 times and rushed for 417 yards with 12 touchdowns. But Michael’s best year had to be his freshman year back in 2009. As a freshman, he carried the ball 166 times and rushed for 844 yards with 10 touchdowns.

With Michael now in the fold at running back, he will be competing with Robert Turbin and Spencer Ware for the number two spot behind starter Marshawn Lynch. Christine Michael was the ninth draft pick to be signed out of the Seahawks’ eleven picks. The only two players left to be signed are cornerback Tharold Simon and offensive tackle Michael Bowie.

Sticking with news, with the Seahawks signing Michael in the process they released long snapper Adam Steiner and re-signed tight end Darren Fells, who is a former professional basketball player all on Monday.

Follow me on twitter @Jovan10 for Sixers, College Basketball, NFL, MLB, and all sports updates.

For any questions contact me via email: jovan.alford@gmail.com.

December 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) passes the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the Cleveland Browns added another quarterback to their depth chart. They have signed quarterback Brian Hoyer. Hoyer was released by the Arizona Cardinals this week. According to SiriusXM Radio’s Adam Caplan, Brian Hoyer signed a two year deal with the Browns.

Everybody remembered when Hoyer came into the league as a member of the New England Patriots back in the 2009 season. In 2009, Hoyer would play in five games and throw for 142 yards. But his first start of his NFL career came last season in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, the Cardinals would lose 27-13 but Hoyer would play alright. He threw for 225 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Also Hoyer had a quick stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in his career. Obviously, Hoyer will not be competing for the number one quarterback spot as that goes to Brandon Weeden. But he will be in competition for the number two quarterback spot with Jason Campbell and Thaddeus Lewis.

Last season Campbell played for the Chicago Bears while Lewis was playing for the Browns. In Week 17, against the Steelers, Lewis threw for 204 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Follow me on twitter @Jovan10 for Sixers, College Basketball, NFL, MLB, and all sports updates.

For any questions contact me via email: jovan.alford@gmail.com.

May 12, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (35) runs drills during the rookie mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

You can now add rookie running back Knile Davis to the Kansas City Chiefs’ backfield as today he was officially signed. In this past April’s draft, Davis was drafted in the third round with the 96th overall pick. Davis who is a small back registering at 5 foot 10 and 227 pounds should be able to be a great compliment to starting running back Jamaal Charles if he can stay healthy.

At Arkansas, Davis had trouble staying healthy throughout his career dealing with ankle and collarbone injuries. His best season at Arkansas was 2010 where he had 1,322 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns but this past season he didn’t do as well as he only had 377 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This past season was Davis’ redshirt junior season. As I touched on before if he can stay healthy he will be able to take a heavy load off of Jamaal Charles’ shoulders.

An interesting fact about Davis is at the NFL Combine he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.37 seconds that was the second fastest time among running backs. With Davis now in the fold at running back, the Chiefs now have a total of four running backs including Shaun Draughn out of North Carolina and Cyrus Gray out of Texas A&M. The backup running back job is for Davis to either lose or win.

Follow me on twitter @Jovan10 for Sixers, College Basketball, NFL, MLB, and all sports updates.

For any questions contact me via email: jovan.alford@gmail.com

Aug 18, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Terrell Owens (10) prior to game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports

You know him. You love him. And, you even loathe him. Regardless of whichever stance you choose, Terrell Owens is a very well known name throughout the NFL. In a career that has featured stints with 6 different NFL teams and even 1 AFL team, he currently stands 2nd all-time in receiving yards and 3rd all-time in receiving touchdowns. Ever since he was cut by the Seattle Seahawks during the final round of cuts, he hasn’t played a down of football. Despite his current circumstances, he refuses to retire, and one team in particular has caught his eyes. And that team…is the Chicago Bears.

At 39 years of age, he is hoping to make Chicago his next home, given how current Bears’ Head Coach Marc Trestman was Terrell Owens’s first Offensive Coordinator when he began his career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1996. In a recent interview with David Kaplan of CSN Chicago, Terrell Owens pleaded his case before the Chicago media.

“I played my first early years in San Francisco with [Bears head coach Marc Trestman] and shortly after that, he left to do some things,” he said. “I haven’t talked to Marc in a long while. I know he’s gone on and done some things, now he’s back in the NFL. So, I never really thought about it until myself and Napoleon were talking about it earlier, but I would definitely welcome it if they would give it some serious consideration. To think about [Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall] on the other side and me on one side, that’s really dangerous. I’m keeping myself in shape just for any opportunity that may come about.”

 

Napoleon Harris, a state senator of Illinois and former NFL player for the Raiders, Vikings, and Chiefs, also vouched for Owens in his case to be signed by the Bears. In the same article, Harris described how well conditioned T.O. is, as he was quoted in saying “The Bears would be smart to give him an opportunity. He is motivated and ready to play.” He would then join T.O. in the praise of Marc Trestman, where he believes the new coach can get the most out of players such as Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, and Brandon Marshall. So, why shouldn’t the Bears sign such a motivated character to make a championship run with?

Well for starters, he’s just that; a character. Throughout his tenure in the NFL, Owens has been documented in as many incidents as he’s recorded Touchdown Dances, which is a scary number. Not only has he publicly dissed his starting QBs, he was even accused of spitting in DeAngelo Hall’s face during a game in 2006. His list of reported incidents is so long, I’m afraid it would create a logjam in this post. In essence, he is a textbook example of both a “Primma-donna” as well as a “lockerroom cancer”. No matter how you slice it, he’s not someone you’d want to add onto your team, unless he offered a very high ceiling to any potential signing. Plus, we haven’t even got to their roster yet.

If T.O. were to have made his case to join before the 2012 season, then just maybe he would warrant minor consideration. But, after the 2012 season, you can forget it. Since GM Phil Emery’s hiring, he’s added a cornucopia of talent to the receiving corps. That list includes the expected starting tandem of receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, as well as a recent addition in TE Martellus Bennett. With Matt Forte always a threat from the backfield, and even more talent expected to be added through the draft, where in the world would Terrell Owens play? From being a Bears fan myself, I can personally tell you he won’t be able to unseat Jeffery at this point in his career, let alone Marshall. If T.O. agreed to be a slot receiver, then perhaps that could change my view a tad. Otherwise, not a chance.

The final reason why I feel Terrell Owens won’t be playing for the Bears, is because if the Bears really wanted him, he’d already be signed or at least contacted by now. As Owens said himself, he hasn’t spoken to Marc Trestman in a long time. Unless something dramatic happens to Brandon Marshall, he probably won’t be receiving any phone calls by his former coach in the foreseeable future. GM Phil Emery and HC Marc Trestman share a specific set of plans for this off-season, and Terrell Owens does not appear to be on any of them.

Yet, crazier things have happened in the NFL, and even though he carries with him a full moving truck of baggage, he shall be a name mentioned continuously by the media. What do you fans think of this, do you think he deserves a chance with the Bears? Comment in the comments section below.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday, Ian Rapoport first revealed the news that the Green Bay Packers have reached an agreement with their star OLB Clay Matthews to a 5-year extension worth a total of $66 million. That deal has officially made Clay Mathews the highest paid Linebacker in the NFL, and the 3rd highest paid defender behind DEs Julius Peppers (Chicago Bears) and Mario Williams (Houston Texans). He’s certainly deserved it, as he is one of the best in the league in putting pressure on the QB. In his career, he’s registered 42.5 sacks in 4 seasons with the Pack. This isn’t the only major re-signing that management has planned at the moment.

Following the press release of this major extension, an even bigger one is in the works with their elite QB in Aaron Rodgers, as Ian Rapoport tweeted:

Waiting on terms of #Packers/Clay Matthews’ extension. Expect in the $13M range. Meanwhile, QB Aaron Rodgers is up next.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2013

 

This should come at no surprise to any football fan with knowledge of the game. Aaron Rodgers has simply performed at the highest level since he earned his starting position back in 2008, where he replaced Brett Favre in the line-up following his first “retirement”. He’s won NFL MVP honors (2011) and a Super Bowl ring, in which he was the Super Bowl MVP of Super Bowl 45. What may surprise a few people, though, is the sheer amount of money expected to be paid for his services long-term.

Numerous sources have been reporting both sides are close to signing a deal which will make him the highest paid player in NFL history. This comes after current Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco recently set the record with his own contract extension signed months ago with the Baltimore Ravens. Make no mistake, the Packers are making a wise investment with their own players, instead of going out to sign every star left and right. Securing 2 of their best players to long-term contracts will allow them to achieve maximum flexibility in the draft, which starts in a little over a week from now.

Aug 10, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Brandon Albert (76) on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 27-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Leading up to the Draft, the Miami Dolphins have been very active in the free agent market. They have already signed several new starters to the team, including WR Mike Wallace, ILB Dannell Ellerbe, and TE Dustin Keller. Because they had failed to retain standout LT Jake Long, they have been searching for a new starter to protect Ryan Tannehill’s blindside. Well, the search may be coming to a swift end, as the Sun-Sentinel is reporting they are discussing a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for their star LT Brandon Albert. From that very source:

According to league sources, the Dolphins have had extensive talks with Kansas City about acquiring Branden Albert for a second-round pick, and team sources acknowledge a trade could be finalized before next Thursday’s NFL draft.

 

The Miami Dolphins have both a pair of 2nd round picks, as well as a pair of 3rd round picks thanks in part to trades conducted between the Dolphins, Colts, and Bears. On separate trades, they gained a 2nd round pick from the Indianapolis Colts for CB Vontae Davis, and a 3rd rounder from the Chicago Bears for WR Brandon Marshall. GM Jeff Ireland is showing he’s not afraid to use one of his top picks in the draft, if it means he can get a great deal for a player that fills an immediate need.

Brandon Albert, meanwhile, was tagged by the Chiefs earlier in the off-season. Despite his injury concerns, he is a very capable pass protector that has proven himself in shutting down some of the better pass-rushers available in today’s game. The Dolphins have been hopeful to at least add competition for Johnathan Martin at the LT position thanks to Jake Long’s departure to St. Louis on a 4-year deal. He, provided the deal works out, will certainly add competition if not an upgrade to that position.

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M – The A&M product is a sure fire hit at Kansas City’s biggest position of need.  They can interchange him with Eric Fisher as many draft analysts say, but Joeckel has the experience over Fisher blocking some of the best defensive linemen in this draft from his play in the SEC.  Fisher’s draft was eye popping, but then again so was Dontari Poe’s.  Do you think Kansas City would pick Poe over Michael Brockers, Bruce Irvin or Chandler Jones if they had a time machine?

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon – This is a toughie, Jaguars need a pass rusher and have the pick of the litter.  They’re a team that takes a player solely based on draft stock (see Blaine Gabbart and Justin Blackmon).  I think Dion Jordan will have the highest stock of the edge pass rushers for the Jags and will be the first one in a few years to actually earn their GM a pat on the back.

3. Oakland Raiders –  Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida – Like the Chiefs, Oakland has a choice here at the best 2 interior linemen in Floyd and Lotulelei.  They choose the safer pick in Floyd here, who like Joeckel, has the SEC experience to go with his monstrous gameplay (how many Pac12 O linemen are 1^st or 2^nd round prospects this year?).  Oakland needs to make a safe pick here, they’ve done some crazy things in the past (drafting Jamarcus Russell over Darrelle Revis, Patrick Willis, Calvin Johnson, Marshawn Lynch – also trading the house for Carson Palmer).  It’s time they get conservative and build back their franchise as safely as possible.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – The Eagles have a choice of getting 3 potential superstars in 3 positions of need here: Dee Milliner, Eric Fisher and Ezekiel Ansah.  Cornerback is by far the most glaring need for them and Milliner is the crown jewel of this class who can become a Joe Haden or Patrick Peterson like cornerstone to the Philadelphia defense.

5. Detroit Lions – Eric Fisher, T, Central Michigan - The Lions need help badly on their offensive line.  Although they did just draft Riley Reiff in the first round last year, rumor has it that they’re thinking about moving him to guard.  The Lions can’t pass up the opportunity to put an end to their O-Line woes.  They take Eric Fisher here to help protect Matthew Stafford so that he can get the ball to Calvin Johnson next season.

6. New Orleans Saints (Trade with Browns) – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah – The Saints trade up to fill that missing piece at NT in their new 3-4 defense with Utah’s defensive standout, Star Lotulelei.  The Saints currently do not have a true nose tackle and need someone who can come in and immediately make an impact.  Lotulelei may do this and more, he can be the guy to anchor New Orleans’ brand new defensive scheme next season.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Lane Johnson – T, Oklahoma - The Cardinals decide to sit out a year on drafting a QB by pulling the trigger on Carson Palmer.  They now have a QB worthy of getting Fitzgerald the ball.  They still need major help blocking for him.  When every single player in the Cardinals back field got injured at some point last season, it’s a sign you go offensive tackle in the 1st.  Lane Johnson is one of the most athletic in this class and give Carson Palmer that much needed protection this season.

8. Buffalo Bills – Cordarralle Patterson – WR, Tennessee – The Bills decide to give Kolb a shot rather than go for Geno.  They bank on the best looking WR in the draft in Cordarrelle Patterson.  This way, when they do sign their next franchise QB, he’ll already have his weapons to throw to.

9. New York Jets – Ezekiel Ansah, OLB/DE, BYU – The Jets have so many choices at #9, but with Ziggy Ansah and Dion Jordan gone and Eric Fisher falling, the smartest move is to pull the trigger on a lineman many considered to be worthy of a #1 overall pick.  A quintessential step in the rebuilding of the Jets.  Eric Fisher will immediately bring their below average offensive line to one of the best in the NFL with Mangold and Ferguson at center and left tackle.  Fisher could play right and eventually replace Ferguson at left, while Ducasse, Howard, Colon and possibly a later round pick can rotate at guard.  Now whoever wins the battle at QB, will have time to relax and throw the ball and Mike Goodson whose always been great at finding the right holes can have his best NFL season yet.

10. Tennessee Titans – Chance Warmack, G, Alabama – The Titans whose greatest need may be at Guard have the opportunity to sign the best guard in the draft and a surefire starter.  He’ll give Chris Johnson the help he’s been complaining about not having in the run game and can help Jake Locker stay off the injury reserve list immediately.

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Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws in the pocket against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Being perhaps the quietest free agency period in recent memory for the Dallas Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones has made it clear who his QB will be long-term. And that QB, ladies and gentlemen, will be none other than Tony Romo. Both sides have agreed on a 6-year extension that will be worth a maximum of $108 million, with $55 million of which is guaranteed. This deal is the single richest contract ever signed by a member of the Dallas Cowboys. One significant feature of this contract, is the amount of money he will earn through the first 3 years. As Albert Breer explains:

One significant number on Romo’s six-year, $108M extension — $57 million due over its first three years (2013-15).

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 29, 2013

But, perhaps the biggest factor in this land-breaking deal, is he will earn more guaranteed money than reigning Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. Currently, Joe Flacco’s latest deal includes $52 million in guaranteed salary through the entirety of his contract. Tony Romo, on the other hand, will earn at least $55 million in guaranteed salary. Tony Romo, at this point in his career, has exactly 1 win in 5 post-season appearances. Not only does this outrageous deal come as a complete surprise to many people around the NFL, but it could have an enormous on the on-going negotiations between the Green Bay Packers and their elite QB in Aaron Rodgers. Since the past 2 major QB contracts have both went over $50 million in guaranteed monies, it opens the door to a possibility Aaron Rodgers could earn up to $60 million in guaranteed money.  Outside from the outlandish amount Tony Romo is guaranteed, there is a positive aspect to this contract.

As Ed Werder described in the video provided with the link earlier, Jerry Jones wanted to ensure Tony Romo will retire as a Dallas Cowboy. A 6-year extension makes that a real possibility now. Also, in a rather strange twist, this huge deal will in fact save them money, as it ultimately reduces Tony Romo’s cap hit on the team’s salary cap. Prior to this move, the Cowboys signed LB Justin Durant to a 2-year deal worth $4.4 million, and have an agreement in place with former Steelers’ Safety Will Allen. They were already tight against the cap thanks to the sanctions imposed by the NFL, so creating cap space was an absolute must in order to make those signings, and any further additions possible. Now, the Cowboys are able to make more roster moves thanks to this history making deal.

What’s next for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys? Who knows,

Mar 21, 2013; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones participates in drills during Georgia pro day at the University of Georgia. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

ROUND 1: (TRADE DOWN with the Rams – who may want to trade up for Tavon Austin) Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – The Jets need to find a trade partner to gain an extra 2nd rounder to help rebuild this team.  Jarvis Jones shows lots of promise on tape but a decent pro day and a combine no show will have him slip out of the top 10.  It would be a HUGE win if the Jets can find a way to trade down in the 1^st round for an extra 2^nd rounder and still pick up one of the following: Ziggy Ansah, Jarvis Jones, or Kiki Mingo. I’d be very surprised if Ansah slipped out of the top 10 but stranger things have happened.

Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) catches a touchdown over Texas A

ROUND 2:  Quinton Patton – WR, La Tech – A monster at receiver who probably is a first round value who will go in round 2.  Against Texas A&M’s elite SEC defense, Patton racked in 244 yards and 4 TDs almost carrying his team to a big upset victory over the Aggies.  That’s enough to impress this Aggie fan.  Just ask Marques Colston, TY Hilton and Victor Cruz, don’t sleep on small school receivers!

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad defensive back Bacarri Rambo of Georgia (18) returns an interception against the Senior Bowl north squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

ROUND 2: (from Rams in theoretical trade down)- Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia – A player who would be a first rounder but because of character issues got knocked down to a 2^nd day grab.  I think Rambo may be  the Janoris Jenkins of this year’s draft and teams know that.  Many will try to wait until the beginning of the 3^rd, so if you want and need this dynamic playmaker at safety, you may have to spend a mid-late second on him

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and offensive linesman Barrett Jones (75) and quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) celebrate after the 2013 BCS Championship game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sun Life Stadium. Alabama won 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: – Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama – If the Jets don’t want to spend an early pick on a safe offensive lineman, they could use a utility blocker in Barrett Jones.  He’s played G, T and C and could immediately step in and fill the glaring need the Jets have at guard.  If Mangold has anymore injury issues this season, he can also fill in at center, the Jets need a player like this to at least add to their depth of their offensive line

October 20, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore (21) stretches prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina – This pick is like Rambo in that every team kinda wants to take a chance on Lattimore.  But he still needs some more time to recover from his gruesome injury.  The fact that it was his 2^nd injury keeps him in the 3-4^th round range.  A team desperate for a running back like the Packers may throw a late 3rd rounder for him, but I think the majority of teams will look for him in the 4th and think of him as a potential 2014 starter.  If he can come into the league and stay healthy, it’d be a HUGE splash because without injury issues, Lattimore is the best running back prospect in the 2013 class.  Either way, he would have an underrated Mike Goodson and Bilal Powell to take the pressure off of him

Sep 8, 2012; Little Rock, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Chris Gragg (80) holds the ball up after a catch during the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at War Memorial Stadium. Warhawks defeated the Razorbacks 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5: Chris Gragg, TE, Arkansas – The Jets all the sudden need help at tight end, Chris Gragg was one of the most athletic at the combine and can come in and be an effective pass catching tight end with the right opportunity

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad offensive lineman Ricky Wagner of Wisconsin (58) against the Senior Bowl south squad during the first half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6: Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin – When in doubt grab a Wisconsin lineman off the board.  Ricky started as a left tackle for the Badgers but can probably step in right away on the right side for teams.  He could either be a great rotational player with Howard or if he surprises, can take on a full time role on the Jets’ offensive line.

November 12, 2011; Athens, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen (43) scores a touchdown under Georgia Bulldogs safety Shawn Williams (36) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7: Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Auburn – He’s a big prototypical NFL sized tight end who holds the record for touchdown receptions for a tight end for the Tigers.  He’s a big red zone target almost unblockable by a single defender for short yardage, also great in pass protection.  The Jets can afford their 7^th in exchange for getting Lutzenkirchen into their tight end competition.