Yardbarker: Ali Highsmith

Arizona Cardinals Potential Draft Picks: Inside Linebackers

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:31:46 -0500

About the month ago it looked like the Arizona Cardinals were solid at inside linebacker with Karlos Dansby and Gerald Hayes as the starters and Victor Hobson and Ali Highsmith providing depth. At that time the biggest need on the inside might have b...

Athletes First And CAA Are Looking To Dominate The 2008 NFL Draft

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:55:31 -0500

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com put together a nice early list that posits which highly ranked 2008 NFL Draft players will sign with which agents. This is an interesting look at who some of the names on Paul Schackman's most recent mock draft will be signing with. You better believe that Dynasty will be on next year's list. I have reposted it below: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville: Athletes First John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame: Athletes First John Sullivan, C, Notre Dame: Athletes First Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame: Athletes First DeJuan Tribble, CB, Boston College: Athletes First Chad Henne, QB, Michigan: Athletes First Adam Kraus, G, Michigan: Athletes First Keith Rivers, LB, USC: Athletes First Drew Radovich, G, USC: Athletes First John David Booty, QB, USC: Athletes First Corey McKeon, LB, Nebraska: Sportstars Carl Nicks, T, Nebraska: Sportstars Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland: Sportsstars Mario Urrutia, WR, Louisville: Joe Linta Brian Johnston, DE Gardner-Webb: Tony Agnone Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame: DeBartolo Sports Gosder Cherilus, T, Boston College: DeBartolo Sports Jeff Otah, T, Pittsburgh: Ethan Lock/Eric Metz/Vance Malinovic Jabari Arthur, WR, Akron: Ethan Lock/Eric Metz/Vance Malinovic Mike McGlynn, T, Pittsburgh: Scott Smith Chris Williams, T, Vanderbilt: Pat Dye/Bill Johnson/Michael Perrett Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky: Pat Dye/Bill Johnson/Michael Perrett Ryan Clady, T, Boise State: Pat Dye/Bill Johnson/Michael Perrett Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy: Hadley Englehard Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College: Tom Condon/CAA Sam Baker, T, USC: Tom Condon/CAA Jake Long, T, Michigan: Ben Dogra/CAA Limas Sweed, WR, Texas: Ben Dogra/CAA Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida: Ken Kremer/CAA Marcus Griffin, S, Texas: Ben Dogra/CAA DaJuan Morgan, S, North Carolina State: Ben Dogra/CAA Kenny Iwebema, DE, Iowa: Ben Dogra/CAA Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State: Ben Dogra/CAA Trae Williams, CB, South Florida: Ian Greengross/Ken Sarnoff Jamar Adams, S, Michigan: Lamont Smith/Peter Schaffer Mike Hart, RB, Michigan: Lamont Smith/Peter Schaffer Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky: Joel Segal Early Doucet, WR, LSU: Joel Segal Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU: Joel Segal Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence James Hardy, WR, Indiana: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence Chilo Rachal, G, USC: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence Marcus Fitzgerald, WR, Marshall: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence Kevin Mitchell, S, Illinois: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue: Eugene Parker/Roosevelt Barnes/Paul Lawrence Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii: Ryan Tollner Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa: Octagon Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC: Octagon Terrell Thomas, CB, USC: Octagon Lavelle Hawkins, WR, Cal: Octagon Justin Forsett, RB, Cal: Octagon Chevis Jackson, CB, LSU: Octagon Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon: Priority Sports Davone Bess, WR, Hawaii: Priority Sports Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest: Priority Sports Geoff Schwartz, T, Oregon: Priority Sports Darrell Robertson, DE, Georgia Tech: Priority Sports Chris Long, DE, Virginia: Vann McElroy Keenan Burton, WR, Kentucky: Todd France Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas: Todd France Anthony Collins, LT, Kansas: Todd France Calais Campbell, DE, Miami: Gary Wichard Shaheer McBride, WR, Delaware State: Tony Paige Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State: Drew Rosenhaus Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida: Drew Rosenhaus Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin: Drew Rosenhaus Dan Connor, LB, Penn State: Drew Rosenhaus Tyler Polumbus, T, Colorado: Jack Mills Bryan Kehl, LB, BYU: Gary Uberstine Kelly Poppinga, LB, BYU: Gary Uberstine Ryan Grice-Mullins, WR, Hawaii: Mike Abadir Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU: Bus Cook Nick Hill, QB, Southern Illinois: Andy Simms

Schackman's 2008 NFL Mock Draft

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:51:42 -0500

With the playoffs out of the way and the Super Bowl 2 weeks away it gives us some time to look towards the draft. Here is mock draft 1 of 3. Also be sure to look for my Faces in New places articles predicting where the biggest free agents will be playing next season. 1. Miami Dolphins-Glenn Dorsey (DT- LSU) While I do not think he fits into Parcell's 3-4 scheme. Dorsey is the best defensive player in this draft. His motor and athleticism will allow him to play both DE and DT. 2. St. Louis Rams-Chris Long (DE-Virginia) Long would be a great compliment to Leornard Little on the other side. He would dramatically improve the Rams front 7. Jake Long is also an option here. 3. Atlanta Falcons*-Matt Ryan (QB- Boston College) The Atlanta Falcons are in complete disarray, they have no Qb, and more importantly as of now, no head coach. Matt Ryan is a big, smart, pure pocket passer who can be the leader of this team for years. 4. Oakland Raiders*-Darren McFadden (RB- Arkansas) The Raiders can also take Jake Long here, but I just can't see Al Davis passing on a dynamic runner like McFadden. The Raiders need playmakers and McFadden could be 08's version of Adrian Peterson. 5. Kansas City Cheifs*-Jake Long (OT- Michigan) The Chiefs were once known for a powerful running game and dominant offensive-line. Not so much these days. Long will fill the huge void left when Willie Roaf retired. Long is a dominant left tackle who will instantly upgrade their offensive line. 6. New York Jets- Vernon Gholston (DE- Ohio St.) He has great size and speed to play both end and outside linebacker for the Jets. The Jets sorely missed that get to the quarterback type of player and Gholston should be able to step in right away. 7. New England Patriots (from SF)- Mike Jenkins (CB-South Florida) Jenkins is the best cover-corner in this draft, and with the possibility of Asante Samuel leaving this off-season, adding a player of Jenkins caliber may be a good idea. Don't rule out the Patriots trading this pick. 8. Baltimore Ravens-Andre Woodson (QB- Kentucky) This is the guy assuming they do not get Donovan McNabb. Woodson is big, athletic and would be the guy to open up this anemic offense. If they do get McNabb, they may look at wide receiver here. 9. Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis (DT- USC) Ellis was a beast this season. He constantly demanded double teams and he has that athleticism and motor you love in defensive lineman. The Bengals defense is miserable and he would be a perfect fit here. 10. New Orleans Saints-Keith Rivers (LB- USC) Last year they almost took A.J Hawk at number 2. This year, if Rivers is still available they will have a tough time passing up on another athletic linebacker. The linebacking corp is decent, and Rivers would step right into a starting position. 11. Buffalo Bills-Limas Sweed (WR- Texas) While Sweed may not be graded out as the best receiver, he is the ideal fit for the Bills. They already have homerun threats in Parrish and Evens, and Sweed would give them that tall, physical receiver they lack. 12. Denver Broncos- Kenny Phillips (S-Miami) Denver's defense was well-below average. While linebacker may be the bigger need position the Broncos will also look for someone to step in when John Lynch retires. Phillips is an athletic, ball-hawking safety who would be a nice replacement to Lynch. Clady may be another option here. 13. Carolina Panthers-Ryan Clady (OT- Boise. St) It is not every off-season where you see a team with both starting offensive tackles set to be free agents. Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton are both free agents this off-season and there is a good chance the Panthers say goodbye to Wharton to say hello to Clady. Defensive end is also an option here. 14. Chicago Bears-Brian Brohm (QB- Louisville) This is going to be a trickle down effect pick. If the Bears get McNabb, Brohm will obviously not be the guy. To add to that, if the Ravens get McNabb, Andre Woodson will be the Bears guy. 15. Detroit Lions- Jeff Otah (OT- Pitt) Otah could be considered a bit raw only playing at the Division 1 level for 2 years, but his upside is tremendous. The Lions have a handful of offensive weapons but no offensive line to protect the quarterback. At 6?6 and 340 pounds Otah could be the dominating stalwart left tackle the Lions desperately need. 16. Arizona Cardinals- Aqib Talib (CB- Kansas) Talib is an athletic cover corner with good speed and instincts. It would also allow the Cardinals to move Antrel Rolle to safety, something that has been discussed for a while now. 17. Minnesota Vikings- Derrick Harvey The Vikings boast one of the best defenses in the league, but they just cant seem to generate any kind of pass rush. Eramus James and Kenechi Udeze are not the answer at the defensive end position. Harvey has all the intangibles to turn into a fine pass rusher. 18. Houston Texans-Sam Baker (OT- Pitt) Since their inception into the league, they have constantly had one of the worst offensive lines. Baker isn't the strongest or most physical guy out there, but is a very good pass blocker, something the Texans sorely lack. With the health of Ahmed Green being an issue, running back may also be an option. 19. Philadelphia Eagles- DeSean Jackson (WR- Cal) The Eagles sorely lack a homerun hitter. Westbrook is the only playmaker on their offense and they must address this issue. Jackson is a deep threat with great speed and agility. He is also a huge upgrade in their return game. 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Malcolm Kelly (WR- Oklahoma) Joey Galloway is nearing the end of his fabulous career and it is time to look for playmakers to step in. Kelly is the best receiver remaining on the board, and a big play receiver who can help stretch the field. Offensive tackle is also an option here. 21. Washington Redskins- Calais Campbell (DE- Miami) Campbell is a monster at DE: 6?8 280 pounds, his size makes him the ideal end in a 3-4, but the the Redskins would love to have him opposite Andre Carter. 22. Dallas Cowboys (from Browns)-Felix Jones (RB- Arkansas) Jones may be graded out a little lower than both Mendenhall and Jonathan Stewart, but Jerry Jones' ties with Arkansas run deep. Both Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer were Arkansas men, which will give Jones the edge. Receiver is also an option here. 23. Pittsburgh Steelers-Gosder Cherilus (OT- Boston College) With Max Starks and Alan Fanaca set to become free agents, the Steelers will be coming into this draft looking to take the best offensive lineman available. Cherilus has great size and experience and would be a good value pick here at 23. 24. Tennessee Titans- Early Doucet (WR- LSU) Wide Receiver is certainly the position the Titans will be targeting here at 24. 25. Seattle Seahawks-Jonathan Stewart (RB- Oregon) With Alexander looking like a shell of his former self, it is time for the Seahawks to look towards the future. Medicore Morris is not the answer. Stewart is the best back remaining on the board and a very safe pick. 26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Mario Manningham (WR- Michigan) With Jacksonville's defense in tact it is once again time to look at the offense and once again time to look at wide receiver. I think it's fair to say Matt Jones is a bust, and Wilford and Williams are decent at best. Mannington is the surest thing remaining on the board and possesses more consistancy and big play ability than Doucet. 27. San Francisco 49ers(from Ind)-James Hardy (WR- Indiana) With Mike Martz coming to town it would be safe to say they will be looking for an offensive weapon. Hardy has terrific size, athleticism and is a big play receiver the 49ers desperately need. 28. Dallas Cowboys-Leodis McKelvin (DB- Troy) The Cowboys need to find an answer for their nickel back. The country saw the Giants pick apart Jacques Reeves. McKelvin is the best CB remaining and has the ideal size and speed to take over the nickel position next season. 29. San Diego Chargers-Kentwan Balmer (DE/DT- North Carolina) The Chargers don't have many holes or needs on their team, so they will be looking for the best player for their scheme. Balmer has the ideal size and athleticism to play the end position in their 3-4 defense. He can also move inside if need be. 30. Green Bay Packers- Antoine Cason (CB- Arizona) The Packers will look to add depth to their secondary and Cason is the best guy on the board here. Cason isn't the fastest guy out there but has good combination of size and instincts. Linebacker may be another option here. If so, Ali Highsmith is the guy. 31. New York Giants-Dan Connor (LB- Penn State) Connor would be a great fit for this defense and could be the replacement for soon to be free agent Kawika Mitchell. The Giants need to add depth and Connor is a physical, smart backer with a ton of experience 32. New England Patriots- Forfeited

FIO's College Football Bracket Brawls: Round 2 Recap

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:34:14 -0500

Over the weekend, Round 2 of the tournament-style college football playoff took place between the eight teams that made it thru the first round. Read about what went down in each game and take a look at the teams that advanced to the next round as we move into the semifinals!