New Digs!!!!

Hey everyone, I know you haven't heard from me in a minute on this blog. Im deeply sorry for the delay in topics, but I have some good news. Let me start by first saying that I started this sports blog when I was at a low point in my life. I wasn't working, didnt have much going for myself but everyday I would get up religiously and watch ESPN First Take and Sportscenter. And one day I thought to myself, this is something I could see myself doing. But I don't have a degree in communications or anything like that so what the next best thing I can do to get my voice heard out there? And the answer came in this blog. 

That thought expanded into me writing a nerd blog and truly enjoying writing and blogging for a somewhat living, but I realized something. In order for both blogs to grow I have to connect them closer, make them more seemless. And with that being said, I am officially moving this blog over to Wordpress. Now I hope whoever is out there that reads this is cool with it and joins me over there. 

Now a question I had to ask myself is what do I do with the blog posts that I've written here? Simple, I will leave them here for anyone that wishes to see my thoughts and then will see this and see that I have moved on and come and check out the new blog and follow that. 

So I hope to see you all at my new blog on wordpress and you can go to this link to check it out. Here is it at https://sportsbyjaytezla.wordpress.com/

2015 Top Ten NBA Draft Mock Picks

With the NBA Draft commencing 3 days from now, its time we peer into the looking glass and see what team will build on there future with the next crop of talent from the collegiate level. Will the Lakers finally find someone to build a new dynasty? Can the Knicks pick a player to help Carmelo make it past the second round of the playoffs? Here are my Top 10 predictions...

1. Minnesota Timberwolves select Karl-Anthony Towns, Center, Kentucky

I look at this pick from a need not want standpoint. Minnesota doesn't really need a game changer, just a body to put in that position. Towns gives you that and more. He can move like a power forward but plays the position of center to a tee. If Minnesota picks him, expect them to be atleast in the running for an 8th seed in the Western Conference.

2. Los Angeles Lakers select Andrew Harrison, Point Guard, Kentucky

As much as Lakers fans want a center (particularly one from Duke), they need to realize something: Kobe ain't getting any younger. And with Julius Randle playing alongside him, Andrew Harrison can be that next dynasty building block. While he is prototypically bigger than the average point guard at 6'6, his jumpshooting from deep and his ability to win big games( see two years ago vs Michigan and Wisconsin) makes him a can't miss asset. And if the Lakers pass on this, then Laker Nation will have to deal with the fact that they will be the New Clippers of Los Angeles.

3. Philadelphia 76ers select Jahlil Okafor, Center, Duke

Originally I was going to say that the Sixers would pick D'Angelo Russell, the point guard from Ohio State. But that was before Joel Embiid got hurt. Again. The 76ers need to realize that they can't drop all their chips on Embiid, expecting him to come back and make the team relevant again. For right now, they need a quick fix, and Okafor is that and more. He is a lot more talented than Embiid, can pull centers and bigger forwards away from the basket allowing shooting guards to drive through the middle. Plus he can also make his own shot, and that in turn will help Philly once Embiid comes back. Imagine having a defensive and rebounding savant like Embiid on one side, and Okafor on the other with his only focus being to help score on each possession? It would be a dangerous combo in the city of brotherly love.

4. New York Knicks select Aaron Harrison, Guard, Duke

Despite Stephen A. Smith's rants, I completely agree: the Knicks stink and they should have kept stinking in order to get a higher pick. They also should have Phil Jackson get down from being a GM and coach again but thats another story. The Knicks need an absolute scorer to help compliment Carmelo, and the other Harrison twin can do that. While he isn't as great a scorer as his brother, he still averaged decent numbers in the Kentucky offense. While he won't be great to begin with, his time under Carmelo Anthony should change that around.

5. Orlando Magic select Justise Winslow, Small Forward, Duke

This pick comes from a standpoint of history. Elfried Payton, Aaron Gordon and Winslow all played together in 2013 during the FIBA World Championships. That little nugget helps Orlando out immensely because the one thing you want going into training camp is experience working together and if they draft Winslow, they will get that right off the bat. Winslow has the ability to lock down any forward or combo guard put in front of him, and his jumpshooting is a bit underrated. And like teams before them, Orlando plays in an Eastern Conference that is pretty weak, and they need a game changer to make a move to the second season.

6. Sacramento Kings select Mario Hezonja, Small Forward, Croatia

While I don't know much about this pick, Im looking at this pick being made due to what the Kings currently have. Drafted Mudiay wouldn't work with Darren Collison already on the team, as the two play exactly like each other. Hezonja works because he can switch between the 2 and 3 spot on a starting 5, allowing the team to switch into in-game small ball, which has shown to not completely throw a team off guard but work long enough to create some form of distance. That could give the Kings an edge when playing in the West, which they need. Desperately.

7. Denver Nuggets select Emmanuel Mudiay, Point Guard, China

This pick isn't because Mudiay is the best option for him, he is the only option for them. They need a point guard and Mudiay would like to be drafted.  Mudiay has an okay game, but he needs to be sharpened in order to make a difference. And despite what everyone thinks, unless you are playing in a Euro league, that isn't going to happen. He is definitely going to have to craft his game to the style Nuggets coach Michael Malone plays, and if he can do that, his slashing to the hoop style of play will work well for him in the future.

8. Detroit Pistons select Frank Kaminsky, Power Forward, Wisconsin

I so desperately want to be correct on this pick ( I also want the Pistons downtown, so fingers crossed on that front). If Kaminsky is picked here, the Pistons legitimately, and I can't stress that word enough, legitimately have the best shot of all the top 10 teams to make it into the playoffs. The Pistons were in playoff contention until Brandon Jennings went down, which drastically cut production on the offensive side of their game. And that would suggest that they pick a guard in the draft, just in case it happens again. And you would be right, if Greg Monroe was coming back next year. Something tells me he won't which will leave a major gap. With Kaminsky's addition to the team, you get a forward that can dominate on both sides of the ball which makes the Pistons even more dangerous with Drummond producing in the paint as well. If this pick happens, along with the rumored addition of Tim Hardaway Jr., the Pistons could be a dark horse to deal with in the East.

9. Charlotte Hornets select Willie Cauley-Stein, Center, Kentucky

While they are in the Top Ten for a reason, out of all the teams in the draft, Charlotte needs to start their draft with an absolute difference maker. Cauley-Stein is that for them. While he needs some tooling with his post game, their is no mistaking his quickness and his ability to play a fast paced offense and defense. Their where many times over the season when I compared him to Blake Griffin with his highlight dunks and blocks . And for the most part he is like him when Blake first came in. If that is the case, Charlotte will have a star in their hive as the kid has the talent and charisma to be great.

10.Miami Heat select Sam Dekker, Small Forward, Wisconsin

This is the one pick I feel sad for. Not because Miami is getting a bad player, more so because Sam Dekker is going to have a huge spotlight on him if he is drafted to the Heat. The Heat are currently in contract negotiations to keep Dwayne Wade around, and it seems like the love is gone there. There aren't any signs saying that a huge free agent will come to South Beach, so this great player, who besides Frank Kaminsky, was the heart and soul of the Wisconsin Badgers team last year. He has a great inside game and can drop 3's like it was practice in motion or in isolation. Expect him to be the one shining light if the fire in Miami begins to dim.

And there you have it, the Top Ten of the NBA Draft. Is it accurate? Probably not, but looking at who I have each team picking, I see only rising potential with each team's proposed selection. These teams are in the top ten for various reasons: multiple injuries, coaching switches, drama, etc. But the one thing that each team shares about being in the top ten is that they feel that whoever they pick first will be the building block to something great. Lets hope they are right.

2015 NFL Predictions

So the 2015 NFL Draft has come and gone, and we are under the 100 day mark for the new season. But before we get into the new season, lets be a bit bold here and make 5 bold predictions for the upcoming season.


1. One of the Previous NFC Division winners will get dethroned
While I hate wishing bad juju on any team, I get the feeling that this year either Seattle, Green Bay, Dallas or Carolina will not win their division. That doesn't mean they can't get into the playoffs but it won't be through winning the whole division. If we look at each division, particularly the second place team of each division, none of them got worse. A lot of people will look at the NFC North and say that Detroit lost both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, but they were able to replace them with Haloti Ngata and Gabe Wright in the draft.

The only team that looks stronger after trades and the draft seems to be Seattle with the pickup of Jimmy Graham. Green Bay, despite the love fest social and news media have for Aaron Rodgers, could suffer its first home loss to Detroit in a long time as the Lambeau game is played in November, making it a lot warmer than it normally is in the rivalry. Carolina and Dallas have bigger issues on their hands. Dallas lost Demarco Murray to the rival Philadelphia Eagles, which means Tony Romo will have to win more games for them. Count in the Giants and Washington to make it even more difficult to win the division.

Carolina's biggest issue is that they now play in a division in which all 4 teams have good QBs with the addition of Jameis Winston to Tampa Bay. Cam is going to have to play up to his new contract in order to stay in playoff contention this year.

2. HollyWood Swinging
I know this might upset fans in Oakland, San Diego and even Jacksonville, but this will be the last season that one of these teams plays in the city they are currently in. With the NFL so desperately wanting a team in Los Angeles, and the recent discovery that a stadium outside of L.A. was knocked down to make room for a new lot, expect the change to come quick. I bet that by the halfway point of the season, an announcement will be made that one of those cities will be losing their team to relocation.

The only other option, and this is an even bolder statement, will be that Los Angeles will do the exact same thing that New York has; 2 teams in one stadium., but this time they are expansion teams. This would mean that the NFC and AFC would have to do another reshuffling, which would cause there to be a play-in game for the playoffs after the regular season was done.

3. Peyton Manning finally hangs it up
Look I'm all for wanting to see Peyton get back to the Superbowl, win another ring and tie his baby brother up, but I have to be honest with myself. Superbowl 48, in which the Seattle Seahawks hulk smashed the Denver Broncos, was the very last time that we will ever see Peyton get to a Superbowl. And I'm not going off health reasons as to why this will be his last season, even though we can look at the barrage of defenses he is going to play this year (Cleveland, Indy, Detroit, and Oakland). Just look at how dangerous the AFC West is getting each year, especially with Oakland and San Diego. I think that more than likely if Peyton doesn't at least make it to the conference finals in the AFC, expect for a press conference with a lot of tears.

4. New England loses its crown, almost
I know that sounds like pure blasphemy but its looking that way. While New England is the NFL Champ at the current moment, with the recent suspension of Tom Brady and losses to its defenses, this team can't be seriously expected to keep up its winning ways. I think if any team is able to take the crown from them, it will be Buffalo, but it will be tricky. New England has a tricky first half, made even more treacherous with Brady not playing.

But look at Buffalo's schedule. If you look at the season, they play 4 playoff caliber teams, one of those being New England, and will probably win the first game which is in week 2. Don't be surprised if Buffalo isn't just circling the wagon, but is also circling an AFC East title.

5. Super Bowl 50: Same game, new players
I like to think on the side of underdogs coming through and doing the impossible. That is why I believe that this year no team that everyone thinks will get to the SuperBowl. Im looking at Carolina, Arizona, St. Louis, Detroit, Cincinnati, San Diego, Buffalo, and even Cleveland to make a run at the playoffs and possibly into the SuperBowl. I mean at some point, you have to suspend belief, right? But in all seriousness, it would be good to see a franchise not named Seattle, New England, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New York, Dallas or Indianapolis in the Super Bowl.


So those are my 5 bold predictions. Will they happen? Who knows but I will say this: it would make the season more fun as it always great when teams don't expect to win do and shock the world. Remember that this the NFL, and in less than 100 days, we will be amazed for 16 straight weeks.

2015 NBA Quick Playoff Predictions

The NBA's second season has begun and now is the time that the sure-fire teams go for broke and go after the Golden Larry O'Brien trophy. So who wins it all? Here is my predictions for the NBA Playoffs that start today.

Eastern Conference

1st Round

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets: Atlanta in 5

Atlanta is going to give the Nets some serious problems. Atlanta's teamwork is going to  work in full effect as I don't see Brooklyn having the necessary players or talent to compete with how well the Hawk have been playing all season.

Toronto Raptors vs Washington Wizards: Toronto in 7

This series, in my opinion, will be one of the best in the first round. Both of these teams mirror each other and it will be hard to tell who will win in the early play of the series. But I believe that Toronto will eventually sneak past Washington and go to the second round.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics: Cleveland in 4

I apologize in advance, Boston Celtic fans but your team is in the wrong place at the wrong time. I don't care how hot you are after sneaking into the playoffs, you are facing a team, that despite its record, is the best in the Eastern Conference. LeBron will help both Kyrie and Love are going to get through their playoff jitters by playing a easy round in the first. 

Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks: Chicago in 6

This series could be a winnable one for Milwaukee if they can somehow take advantage of the fact that Derrick Rose more than likely won't be able to play +30 minutes per game. If they can do that, they could push it to a winner-take-all game 7, but more than likely, Chicago will win the series, injury free for their sake.

2nd Round

Atlanta Hawks vs Toronto Raptors: Atlanta in 7

Atlanta will win but is going to be tested in a very serious manner in this round. I don't see this being a series where there are a lot of blowouts, I wouldn't be surprised if the series comes down to a last minute shot or block. Toronto will give them issues especially seeing how they will be in game mode after playing another great in Washington in the first round. 

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Chicago Bulls: Cleveland in 6

Parents, I would advise you have your kids watch this series because this is as old school as it gets. These two teams don't like each other at all and there will be a lot of fouls, and-1's and "ooh" moments in this series. The series all comes down to this, how long can the Bulls keep the Cavs at bay knowing that Derrick Rose won't be able to play the entire game? I think Cleveland will use long scoring drives to beat Chicago and move on to the ECF, passing their first big hurdle.

Eastern Conference Final

Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Cleveland in 6

Lets be honest, we all guessed this would be the matchup after the All-Star break. Atlanta has beaten the Cavs twice this year, but the only issue with that is that this wasn't the same Cavs team that they faced. I think the one player the Hawks have to worry about isn't Lebron; Its Kyrie. If Kyrie Irving does what he did to the Trailblazers and the Spurs with plus 50 point nights, the Hawks have no answer for it. On the same axiom, the Cavs have to worry about Kyle Korver and his sniper-like shooting from the perimeter. This should be a great series and one that can't be missed.

Western Conference

1st Round 

Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans: Golden State in 6

Golden State is going to go gangbusters on the Pelicans in the first two games. The Oracle Arena is one the hardest places to play, and that pressure will play a huge factor against the Pelicans. New Orleans will more than likely win its home games but I believe this will be one of the most exciting series in the West.

Portland Trailblazers vs Memphis Grizzlies: Portland in 7

This is going to be a slugfest. Neither team will leave this series unscathed. Both these team are interior post play teams and then move to the outside. But if I had to give a reason as to why Portland wins this series, I go back to last year's playoffs, in which Damien Lillard arrived by hitting a series winning shot vs Houston last year. I believe that Lillard will hit a shot just like that.

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks: Houston in 5

This is will be a fun series. The guard matchup will be awesome between Harden and Rondo as both can take over the series very quickly. I believe that the one thing that will decide the series will be Dwight Howard's play: is he fully healthy and can he be a serious factor in the series? Well, even without Howard, the Rockets will win this series.

Los Angeles Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs: Spurs in 7

This series will be the third game 7 series of the first round. I think that the interior play, the coaching and everything above will be an all-star caliber series. The two biggest factors of the series will be if San Antonio wakes up and wants to win a championship, and if L.A. can be healthy enough to beat a tough San Antonio team. 

2nd Round

Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trailblazers: Golden State in 6

This series will be Golden State's hardest series to date. Portland presents a problem in that they can somewhat match Golden State's perimeter shooting, and that if Andrew Bogut isn't fully healthy, Portland's Lamar Aldridge is going to be a serious issue for the Warriors. The one thing that puts Golden State is the play of the Splash Brothers, as both Klay Thompson and future MVP Stephen Curry will be on fire for most of the series to get them to the Western Conference Finals.

Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs: Houston in 6

Normally, if San Antonio swept their last series,  I would say that Spurs are going their third straight Western Conference Final. This time I'm not. Houston's youth, along with the fact that San Antonio is playing a extremely tough team in the first round and more than likely won't be able to push this series to seven games.

Western Conference Final

Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets: Golden State in 7

1 vs 2. Golden State vs Houston, this will be a very good series, that for the most part will the second in which two MVP caliber players will face-off in James Harden and Stephen Curry. I think that Dwight Howard will be a huge factor in this series as he will be able to put up a good effort against Andrew Bogut. The key to winning the series for Golden State will be Klay Thompson, not Stephen Curry. Curry will have his hands full with guarding James Harden, but Thompson is going to be a problem because of his natural athleticism and the fact that he can shoot the lights out of the night sky with his perimeter game.

NBA Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors: Cleveland in 7

This is going to be one of the best NBA Finals in a very long time. 5 All-Star players playing for the right to host the Larry O-Brien trophy. I think that Golden State's perimeter shooting will give them an advantage but Lebron will be a X-factor that Golden State can't match. Don't get me wrong there won't be a blowout in the series but it definitely will deserve an entire  Sportscenter Top Ten for it.

2015 Detroit Lions NFL Combine Players to Watch

In 2014, under new head coach Jim Caldwell, the Detroit Lions went 11-5, going to the playoffs for the second time in 4 years. Now the Lions are looking to repeat that same success but first and foremost they have to go through the NFL Scouting Combine, and look at who to keep an eye on as they could be future members of the Honolulu and Silver Pride.

First lets address the elephant in the room by saying that someway, somehow, Detroit in my opinion, will keep Ndamukong Suh. After listening to GM Martin Mayhew talk about how a deal is in place, its highly unlikely that Suh leaves the team. That being said, he will effectively decide how the Lions move forward.

Now that we got that out of the way, lets look at some players that could be a reasonable fit at the 23 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Remember that the Lions follow the motto of "Best Player Available" so all of these players fit that mode.

Devin Funchess, Wide Receiver, Michigan

I know a lot of Detroit Lions fans that watch Michigan football look at this pick and say two things: "Why" and " ANOTHER RECEIVER?"  well the way I look at it is that this pick isn't so much to make the Lions offense more potent but it puts pressure on the teams in the division of the NFC North. Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota all had issues covering the playmakers of the Lions this past season, and with a player like this, it would get even worse. I know that this is the reason that Eric Ebron was drafted at 10 in last years draft, but this doubles that reason. Ebron more than likely will be more of a threat next year due to him getting the offense scheme of Joe Lombardi down packed, which will allow the hybrid that is Devin Funchess to use his massive frame to get down field and use his vertical strength to score relentlessly.

Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver, Miami

This to me is my underdog pick in the draft and I'm praying that he is a second round pick to third day pick. His speed (which clocked in at a 4.33 in the 40) allows him to take the top off of the defense and makes him a long ball threat, which for the cannon that Matthew Stafford has, will make him a favorite alongside Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. His size will more than likely lower his draft stock as a wideout but he is definitely a steal in the draft.

Jay Ajayi, Running Back, Boise State

This pick is because of one thing: Reggie Bush. Until we know for a fact that Bush will be either healthy or is dropped from the team, we need to look at running backs. Jay Ajayi from Boise St. reminds me a lot of current Lions running back Joique Bell in the fact that he is big, fast and can take multiple hits and keep moving, which should make him a definite threat in the backfield. If drafted by the Lions, he essentially gives the Lions a hammer type of running system in which they can run Bush and Bell after each other and pound the D-line into submission. Also his pass catching ability makes him open for the screen game that Detroit likes to run.

Duke Johnson, Running Back, Miami

Another guy from the U? I swear this isn't a trend( not yet anyway). This guy has been on my radar for a long time seeing as to how he reminds me so much of Reggie Bush. His speed is relentless and he can be a threat as a wideout as well. If Detroit does keep Bush, he is someone that can still be picked because it would allow Bush to be a wideout and let Duke be a solid speed back that give us a Reggie at wideout and running back. When it comes to Duke, he runs with precision and as if he is angry and stomping towards the end zone every time, which is something Detroit needs as their running game this season wasn't as good as the 2013 season.

Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver, Missouri

He is no Calvin Johnson. I just needed to say that because a lot of analysts have been making the comparison over the past couple of weeks. Coming out of Mizzou, he was supposed to play at Oklahoma this past year but wasn't able to due to his troubled past. But like the United States of America, I believe in second chances and he deifnitely deserves one. He moves with such ease and make it seem like childs play to accelerate and make big plays. The only question is where is his pro day, which essentially will decide where he gets drafted will be at. But ultimately it seems as though his past will define him and make him a second to third day pickup, which is okay, because if Detroit gets him, they won't get another Calvin Johnson, but they definitely will get someone who can be a understudy of Megatron.

Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle, Washington

Let me say this now, if Detroit can't get Suh back, this is a guy that needs to be picked up. IMMEDIATELY. In fact, I will go so far to say that if Detroit is able to get him and Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota make no move to get him, all three teams general managers need to be let go immediately. There is no excuse for the Detroit Lions to lose one beast and then turn around and gain another. Shelton, despite his massive frame, is one of the quickest, most dangerous players in the draft. His ability to go from defensive tackle to defensive end is ridiculous and can cause you pain for all four downs. And this is just him by himself. Imagine if Suh is retained and they are ability to pick up this big boy. Scary right?

Malcom Brown, Defensive Tackle, Texas

Read the description of Danny Shelton and just substitute his name. Exact same, only difference between Shelton and Brown is body shape. While Shelton is wide and fast, Brown is muscular, tall and fast. So its pick your poison with both because these behemoths will make tons of money by stuffing the hole and hunting the quarterback and running backs every Sunday. 

Trae Waynes, Defensive Back, Michigan State

The Lions have been avoiding this for years and need to address the cornerback position. I know this year it hasn't been a serious issue to the the impressiveness of Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis, but they need to prepare for the future as Mathis is not getting any younger and why not get someone like him but younger. Trae Waynes is just that due to the fact that he has the size to lock up big time receivers and can play multiple types of defensive schemes which is good for Detroit as Teryl Austin will switch up defensive schemes to hurt the opposing offense.

Eric Rowe, Defensive Back, Utah

I consider the team that gets this man the thief of the draft. I personally saw Rowe get big time draft props when he locked up Devin Funchess of Michigan for an ENTIRE game this past season. This is the same Eric Rowe that switched sports from basketball as a point guard to defensive back. He is a definite good pick because of the fact that he is a pure ballhawk and can high point the ball and make sure that if he doesn't come down with the ball, neither are you.

Josh Shaw, Defensive Back, Southern California

This goes back to my belief in second chances as I said with Dorial Green-Beckham. He lied and make a big mistake, but it was still a mistake as a child. So lets not hold it against him. That being said, this is the NFL and some team will use that mistake against him. Detroit could be a haven for him as Coach Caldwell will keep him accountable and make him play to his best ability. With his frame and ball skills, he could be a late round pick that could compliment the secondary corps in Detroit. 

So with that being said, Detroit has tons of options in this NFL Draft. This is one of the few years where they could completely go into this offseason with them filling some voids in the free agency or they could do it in the draft. and with some of the people mentioned above, defending the den will be more easy than thought.

2015 NFL Draft Needs

With the Super Bowl just ending, I think its time we start looking at the annual mind scrambling event for all of us fans of the NFL, the NFL Draft and combine. But instead of creating numerous mock drafts, we should be logical right? Even though we have no idea who each team is going to pick we are going to look at each teams biggest need with their first pick.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens (No. 26 Pick)

The Ravens need to shore up that backfield for Joe Flacco. While Justin Forsett deserves to be the top back for Baltimore, I don't care what people say: Ray Rice will not be coming back to the team. Therefore, Baltimore should look at someone like Duke Johnson or Todd Gurley, knowing that neither will be starting over Forsett, especially Gurley, who is coming off a ACL injury.

Cincinnati Bengals ( No. 21 Pick)

Cindy has two routes it can take with the 21 pick: either make that defense more ferocious or find a secondary guy to back up A.J. Green, whose injury in my opinion cost the team a shot at the AFC North title and crippled them against the Colts in the playoffs. Either way, I expect the Bengals to be a threat in the AFC, if their offense can get right, which it can if they decide to go offense.

Cleveland Browns (No. 12 and 19 Pick)

Cleveland has the fortunate opportunity of picking not once but twice in the draft. And with Brian Hoyer more than likely not returning, and Josh Gordon drinking his way into a year-long suspension, Cleveland needs to hit on two positions: wideout and defensive tackle. Now while defensive tackle is important, it can be addressed in the second round if they want to because the Browns defense wasn't that bad last year. I believe that wideout is more pressing just because without Josh Gordon, the Browns have no serious threat at wideout. You need to replenish those ranks so that if Josh Gordon can turn his life around( I'm really hoping he does), the Browns can finally get back to the playoffs with Johnny Manziel at the helm. 

Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 22 Pick)

Pittsburgh is in the same boat as Chicago when it comes to defense, only real difference is the fact that Chicago is in the part of the boat that is sinking rapidly, while Pittsburgh is slipping towards that. The Steelers need to focus on retooling that defense over time, and will hopefully it can do this while trying to be in playoff contention.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers (No. 30 Pick)

Green Bay needs a cornerback and badly. I don't care how good you think Aaron Rodgers is, he can't do everything. And seeing how you have to face the Detroit Lions twice each year, you need someone to cover, or atleast try to cover Calvin Johnson. While this is going to be difficult, hopefully they can do it this year.

Chicago Bears (No. 7 Pick)

I bet Chicago is probably wondering, how can they draft an entire new defense with one pick? But in all seriousness, Chicago is in a bad situation: Defense is horrendous, Brandon Marshall is coming off a punctured lung which is going to affect his play from now on, and on top of that, you have one of the most overrated and overpaid QB's in the league. Chicago needs to be honest with itself: while I seriously suggest they pick defense for this year, it will be a very long time before they are even a legit threat in the NFC North or the NFC playoff race.

Detroit Lions (No. 23 Pick)

Detroit has to basically play scenarios with this pick. lets look at the three that could happen: 1) Detroit loses both Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. 2) Lose Fairley, Get Suh at a discount. 3) Keep Fairley, Lose Suh. Now more than likely, due to the news coming out of Detroit, the Lions are more than likely going to keep Suh and lose Fairley, with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson lowering their contracts to keep him in the Motor City. But for the draft, Detroit has to look at the first two with their pick. If the Lions lose both defensive tackles, then they must focus on a defensive tackle with the 23 pick. If they find a way of keeping Suh, then Detroit can either get a elite cornerback in the draft or get a defensive tackle to help Suh and fill the void of Nick Fairley.

Minnesota Vikings (No. 11 Pick)

Minnesota has the same issue that Oakland has: which receiver do they pick? The Vikings have a great QB in Teddy Bridgewater, and will address the running back position in the second round as far as I'm concerned( I don't think Adrian Peterson comes back, check the Dallas portion of this). The Vikings need a star receiver to match up with the other 3 in their division (Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Brandon Marshall). If they end up with Cooper or White, both will be definite upgrades and will make the NFC north more difficult to decide.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (No. 29 Pick)

The Colts need to focus their combine coverage strictly to defense and figure out which linebacker they want and need to take with the 29 pick. the biggest issue that the Colts face is that while they have it all on offense, the defense keeps finding ways to let them down when they need it most. And each year while the Colts management has been able to fix one part, another part gets broken. If the Colts can figure out a legit permanent fix at Linebacker, they will go beyond the AFC championship and get Andrew Luck into a Superbowl.

Houston Texans (No. 16 Pick)

Houston is more than likely going to get its franchise quarterback in the second round so we can put that thought on the back burner. Houston should focus on that defense, and I don't mean the line( which by the way, is going to be scary next year with J.J. Watt and J.D. Clowney terrorizing quarterbacks). More than likely this pick should be to retool the secondary or the linebackers because last year, the Texans got beat a lot over the middle between 15-30 yards and they need some rough riders in the backfield. The biggest thing that Houston needs to make sure of is that whoever they pick is a surefire firecracker and will light up the defense because in a division in which you face 2 franchise quarterbacks in Bortles( Jacksonville) and Luck( Indianapolis) you need to shore up the defense first.

Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 3 Pick)

The Jags are in a particular situation this year. This is one of the few years that Jacksonville has a franchise QB in the making, has good receivers and a good O-line. They now need to focus on making that defense as good. If Jacksonville can somehow build a good defensive draft roster, starting with the first pick, the Jags can make a possible run for second place in the AFC South.

Tennessee Titans (No. 2 Pick)

Apart of me wants to say that the Titans should pick a defensive lineman like Leonard Williams and build up their defense, but I sincerely believe that like Tampa Bay, they need a spark on the offensive side. I believe that Tennessee should play their pick in this since: IF Tampa Bay picks the Quarterback they want, get Leonard Williams for your defense as his prowess on the D-line makes him a good second place prize. If they don't take your QB choice, you take your favorite QB.

NFC South

Carolina Panthers (No. 25 Pick)

Carolina should get a offensive lineman to block for Cam Newton so the guy can stop getting smacked around. I know he is huge, but come on, the guy needs a chance to make a throw as was seen during the Carolina vs Seattle game. But to me, Carolina needs to get Cam another wide receiver to compliment Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. In order to have Cam play at his best, you need to surround him with weapons that can help him win games. Hopefully they do this, because Carolina isn't far off from becoming a bonafide threat in the NFC.

Atlanta Falcons (No. 8 Pick)

If they have this pick, Atlanta needs to focus on getting healthy all around and going defense with this pick. they need a pass rush to actually get the quarterback and stop the run as they lost way too many games via the pass. If they have this pick, they should go defense because new head coach Dan Quinn will bring the Cover 3 4-3 defense from the Seahawks to the team and they need some bulls on that line. If they have this pick, and the reason I say "If" is due to Atlanta being accused on piping in artificial noise during their home games, and depending on how the axe falls, they might not have this pick. If.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 1 Pick) 

This is one of the easiest decisions Tampa has to make: Quarterback. But the question that Tampa Bay has to make is do they want to pick Winston or Mariota? For a hometown feel, you would go with Winston, but Mariota's numbers are nothing to sneeze at (105 touchdowns, 14 interceptions over 3 years and multiple bowl seasons). Either way Tampa Bay chooses, they essentially get a franchise quarterback that makes the Bucs a possible wild card team.

New Orleans Saints (No. 13 Pick)

The Saints have all the offensive tools, but by God, why haven't they attempted to fix the defense? This pick, which I no doubt believe will be a defensive pick, is 2-3 years in the making. They need to focus on fixing the defense so that way Drew Brees can take the offense out and win them another NFC South title.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills (No first round pick, get No. 50 Pick)

Buffalo has no pick in the first round, but what they should do in the second round is focus on getting a second star receiver or atleast try to get a complementary tight end. While they are going to get a new QB (either in the draft or free agency), the Bills should take the fact that they don't pick in the first round as a blessing at it they can sit back and make some moves towards playoff contention. 

New York Jets (No. 6 Pick)

I don't need to say much for this pick but whichever  quarterback is not picked between Mariota and Winston, take that quarterback. The Jets really don't need much that can't be fixed over the free agency and later in day 2 and 3 of the draft.

Miami Dolphins (No. 14 Pick)

Like New Orleans, Miami has to focus on defense, more so on the inside. They should draft a D-lineman like Malcom Brown from Texas so that they can create a rotation to rush the pass. Remember how in the first week of the 2014 season, Miami used that defense to run over Tom Brady? they need to build on that, because if they can build a defense, they can take the crown from of the East from New England, although it won't be easy.

New England Patriots (No. 32 Pick)

After winning the Super Bowl, you would think the champion Patriots wouldn't need much. But looking at the team and the way it is set up, there is a glaring need: New England needs more weapons for Brady. If Im New England, I'm looking at the fact that while you have Edelman and Gronk, you need someone to fill in that vacancy that Hernandez left when he got dropped from the team.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys (No. 27 Pick)

Dallas shocked the world this past season by not only winning the NFC East, but also winning a playoff game against the Detroit Lions( with a little help from the referees). Now Dallas has two fronts to look at: who do they resign between Dez Bryant and Demarco Murray and who to draft in the 1st round at number 27. First, when it comes to the resigning, more than likely they will resign Dez, let Murray go, and sign Adrian Peterson for cheap, as AP has always wanted to play for his childhood favorite team in Dallas. When it comes to the draft, Dallas needs to focus on a high powered safety or corner that can get lay the hammer on receivers and be a threat in the red zone. If Dallas can do that, then Dallas will make the playoffs for more than one year.

Washington Redskins (No. 5 Pick)

Oh,boy. I have had my issues with Washington for a few years, but they have a multitude of issues, but lets address the biggest: RG3. I know, I'm not saying they should draft a new quarterback, I believe that if your biggest concern is your franchise qb, and you want to keep him healthy, you need to keep him upright. And the only way to do that is to get some protection and use the fifth pick in the draft on a offensive lineman. Granted you have issues on defense and it would be good to fix those, last time I checked defense isn't going to score your touchdowns.

New York Giants (No. 9 Pick)

Reversing my pick idea for their stadium brothers, the New York Giants need to focus solely on defense. They can retool the secondary or maybe even the linebacking corps, but they need to focus on the defensive line if they want to be in contention for a NFC East title. Is it possible that a number nine pick will do this in their rookie year? Highly unlikely. But they can definitely be a beacon for the future in the Big Apple.

Philadelphia Eagles (No. 20 Pick)

Philly has a serious choice to make in what is more pressing to address with the 20th pick: Offense or defense? Philly has been in the news for wanting to trade Nick Foles and looking at Brett Hundley as the new QB from the draft. The pickup of Hundley would change things in the NFC East, as his size, speed and arm, makes him dangerous in the NFC East.  But at the exact same time, Philly needs to shore up its secondary, which was softer than fresh snow. While it won't completely fix the Philly defense, it would certainly be a step in the right direction.

AFC West

Oakland Raiders (No. 4 Pick)

Oh, the curious case of Oakland. While most fans are worried about the team moving to L.A. (which it should), the team reminds me of the Detroit Lions a long time ago. Remember when Detroit had an All-Star receiver in Calvin Johnson, then picked up Matthew Stafford? People believed that you had found two pieces that would get the team playoff bound, which has proven to be right for two years. For Oakland, the situation is the same but in reverse: Oakland has a star quarterback in Derek Carr but needs a great receiver prospect with this pick. The question is who do you pick: Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White? Time will tell. 

Kansas City Chiefs (No. 18 Pick)

16 games. 16 games. The Kansas City Chiefs had 16 games and not one receiver had a touchdown catch in the entire year. Sounds insane, right? Well it was and the Chiefs need to get some new receivers that can actually catch a touchdown pass. If I'm Kansas City, I look toward any hybrid wide receivers in the draft that can break possibly the WORST streak in NFL history.

Denver Broncos (No. 28 Pick)

I would say that Denver should pick a Quarterback because of the fact that Peyton Manning needs to hang it up and call it a Hall of Famer career, but more than likely Peyton will come back for another season. And if thats the case, then Denver should draft an offensive lineman to protect Peyton, because of one reason and one reason only: if Peyton has to hold onto the ball, especially against the season schedule he has this year, Peyton will get hit. ALOT.

San Diego Chargers (No. 17 Pick)

Im going to say it now, in my dark horse predictions for next year's Super Bowl in California, I think that the AFC will represented by a California team in the SuperChargers of San Diego. They have the defense to get there, and Phillip Rivers is good enough to make a run, all they need is some O-line help. If San Diego is able to do so, don't be surprised if San Diego pulls off some magic and shocks the AFC by finally winning it all.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers ( No. 15 Pick)

Personally, I would draft a quarterback because I don't like Colin Kaepernick( not for who he is off the field, but on the field with his arm mechanics, the fact that all he really is good for is scrambling, etc.). But the 49ers, in the span of 3 months, have lost the head coach and members of the staff to the University of Michigan, and now have a no name coaching this team. I know fans of this team would love for me to say they are still a threat to win the NFC West, but that ship has sailed. With the rise of all the other teams in the west, San Fran is going to be fighting for a wild card for years. But in this draft, they need to focus on a receiver, because more than likely you might end up losing Michael Crabtree and who knows what is going to happen with Anquan Boldin as well

St. Louis Rams (No. 10 Pick)

Conventional wisdom would say that the St. Louis Rams would pick a tackle to re-enforce that offensive line. But unfortunately I can't pick wisdom when I'm looking at this team: with their defense and the weapons they have, St. Louis needs a new Quarterback. Now more than likely, Winston and Mariota should be gone( I would be SHOCKED if they didn't) and they could possibly pick up Bryce Petty from Baylor. And I'm sorry but as iffy as Petty can be, he is a humongous upgrade from Sam Bradford, Austin Davis and Shaun Hill.  

Arizona Cardinals (No. 24 Pick)

Arizona, despite their injuries, should be in the running for a NFC championship next year. But in order to get there, they need to retool some parts of the team. One need is at offensive line, because due to them, you lost 2 quarterbacks this season. The more pressing need is the linebacker position and getting someone to fill the role of a dominant inside linebacker. If they can get that, they can rush the pass with 5 or less, allowing Antonio Cromartie( if he returns) and Patrick Peterson to dominate on defense.

Seattle Seahawks (No. 31 Pick)

Well Seattle is in a curious position. They are more than likely going to resign Russell Wilson, but the question revolves around Marshawn Lynch. Will he resign to the team, and does the team want to deal with the constant distraction of Lynch? Lets say that they resign Lynch to a long term deal, then their biggest need is wide receiver. Seattle needs a 1st rounder that can lead or atleast bring some relevancy to that receiving corps. If Lynch is gone, then nothing matters more than finding a running back, but not just any back, but a pure power back. You don't need a speed back, you have that in Turbin, you need someone to instantaneously fill in the mold that Lynch is.

Update!!!

Hey everyone, how is it going??? I know I haven't been posting as much as I normally did last year but I do have some updates to tell you all.

1.) With me working more, blogging has gotten harder but I will make sure to at least post more. The next couple of posts will involve the 2015 NFL Draft, the NBA and more.

2.) I have started a Nerd and Geek Blog( which you can check out here) and I hope you guys check it out because it will be awesome and will show you more of the things I like.

3.) Im still working on doing videos, Im a little shy about doing it, but I figure once I find a place of my own I can video blog on Youtube from there and give you guys a look at my mug.

4.) Im thinking about doing more with my blogging, so any advice would be deeply appreciated. Also, COMMENT. I love the fact that you all check out my blogs but I would love to get into conversations about sports( and geeky things on the nerd blog as well).

I love you guys for showing me love and checking out this blog. Not to get pity from you guys but I originally started this blog because I was at a low point in my life and needed something to fill it and keep me going. You guys have lit a fire under me to keep going, so from the bottom of it, THANK YOU.

Much Love,
JayTezla