AN ANGEL NEEDS TO CHANGE HER WINGS

 Enough is enough.  This crap needs to stop and this Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese pettiness needs end.  It's gone on long enough certainly to the point that it needs addressing by WNBA League Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert.  Last year Reese did everything but beat up the league cash cow.  Reese fouled Clark hard any chance she got, threw her to the floor and encouraged her teammates to follow suit.  It certainly resembled bad sportsmanship to the fullest. And through it all Engelbert has done little.  It's like she's clueless the image of the league is at stake.

My take is fairly simple.  Clark is a generational player.  She is to the WNBA what Michael Jordan was to the NBA.  The star.  No one else.  Imagine players treating Jordan like Reese does Clark.  How long do you think that would have taken place?  And when you compare the significance of both Clark and Jordan it's easy to come to the conclusion no one else deserves to be on that mountain.  It'd be like Denis Rodman wanting his piece of the NBA pie.  Granted Rodman was a good rebounder, actually great and he played good defense, but he was not an NBA super nova.  

That's what Angel Reese wants to be known as.  "Remember people come to see me play too", she says.  But what we all might ask ourselves is for what?  Dirty play, mouthing at fans, coaches and teammates.  Don't think so.  But that's her calling card.  And for some reason, she's comfortable with it.  I don't get it.  That's not the way to influence young girl basketball players and athletes in general.  Her attitude reeks of jealousy and it's that jealousy that, I believe is going to take her over the edge.  If you saw the play involving Clark and Reese in the league opener you can see what I'm speaking of.  The play was a hard foul by Clark, no doubt.  But it was a basketball play made to force Reese to go to the free throw line rather than getting a gift layup.  It's the reaction from Reese that is most concerning.  Had Alyiah Boston not been where she was to step between the two, I believe Reese would have hit or pushed Clark, hoping to get Clark to retaliate.  And Clark simply walks away.  Not taking Reese's bait.  This is the kind of behavior Reese's game has resorted to.  

   

What is equally disappointing to see is the response of the Chicago media and the Chicago Sky staff. The media has continued to support her in all her shenanigans.  I've seen no reporter question Reese why she plays so "angry" against Clark.  Perhaps she's happy with the thug image.  Her coaches continue in their support too.  Sad.

Another piece of the story is...."it's not just race; it's also sexuality", says OutKick Sports founder Clay Travis, noting that the WNBA is 70% lesbian.  "Caitlin Clark is a white heterosexual woman in a black lesbian league.  And they resent and are jealous of all the attention and the shoe deal that she got.  And instead of recognizing the truth, which is that great athletes who people care about....really do make everybody more money". 

The only criticism I have of Caitlin is her incessant talking back to the officials.  Not every foul that's called on her is anything less than, a foul.  So quit yapping and take the medicine.

Let's simplify it as easy as possible.  This entire matter is about duty.  An athlete should strive in duty to  families, to friends, and to their job.  Not to mention the city and the sport....and let's not forget the fans. 

Time to wake up and control the thugs....   

CLASSIC SPORTSREALM ENDING IN A LACK OF SHOES AND A ROSE

The question I get asked about this site most often is, "what the heck is a Sportsrealm?"   Here might be one of the simplest responses.  "Sportsrealms includes the ways in which sports are discussed, debated and represented in society, as well as the various venues, teams and organizations that contribute to the sport's presence.  In essence, it's the world of sports, its culture and its impact on society".  Hey, it's the Wide World of Sports!

I've spent an exorbitant amount of time on sports websites.  I'm no different than you.  If my team is looking to trade for a player or lock up a top commitment, I'm searching everywhere I can for information, until a final decision is reached.   

It never ceases to amaze me the wide range of intelligence fans show with their posts.  Some are knee jerk reactions and others are in-depth pieces of statistical information to support their stance.  That's why I've concluded, "your world is often different than mine.  I see things a different way.  Be that as it may". 

I've been perusing the Iowa Hawkeye sports sites in recent days in regard to a young guard/forward the Women's Basketball team is trying to land.  Her name is Emely Rodriguez.  She played last year at Central Florida and averaged 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.  She made the All-Big 12 Conference freshman team and has three years of eligibility remaining.  Rodriquez placed her name in the transfer portal in early May and visited Iowa on May 12th.  She also visited Indiana the next day.  We're still waiting on her decision.  (UPDATE): Iowa lands Rodriquez on Monday.  Huge get.  She had been recruited by UCONN and South Carolina as a high schooler,   

One site in particular, Hawkeye Beacon, does a superb job of following the women's program.  There were numerous posts about Rodriquez and whether she'd make Iowa better.  And if better, how much better than the current roster is.  The back and forth, yea and nay is head shaking.   Last night I came across a post that I found so well thought out.  And sums up what a true sportsrealmer is all about.  The writing is from Lembo Allen.  

"This is a very interesting discussion....everyone's fan experience is uniquely their own...mine is based on the culture of the program and the personality of the players and coaching staff.  As I have mentioned before I'm not tied to the university nor the state of Iowa....I trust Coach J to find the correct balance between high school recruiting and the portal to keep me engaged as a rabid Iowa WBB fan.  Even with all the winning of that Geno (Auriemma), Dawn (Staley) and Kim (Mulkey) have done with their programs, I have never enjoyed those teams as much as I have the Hawkeyes.  I have even found myself going back to find video clips of Hawkeye games prior to my first Iowa experience.  I get the same feel good vibes from watching those teams that I do watching the current version.  The joy our girls play with is incredible with no disrespect for anyone else's fandom.  I ride or die with whoever Jan and Co put together and cheer relentlessly for their success.  I will be excited for recruiting and portal wins and I won't dwell on the what ifs of perceived misses.  I am so glad I found the Iowa WBB program and truly enjoy being David against the Goliaths of WBB..GO HAWKS!!"  Well said Lembo.

Now back to Ms. Rodriquez.  In digging a little deeper on the young lady, I think she'd bring something to the roster they don't have a great deal of, athleticism.  She can make her own shot, drives well to the basket, plays good defense, rebounds and shoots the three-ball fairly well.   Here's a little look.

  

Here's my two cents.  I didn't think so at first, but Iowa needs Rodriquez's services.  She could very well be an important missing element.   For all the Lembo's out there, I hope the Rodriquez's recruitment ends in Iowa's favor.  I feel Emely is clearly a difference maker and one that could move Iowa into the second week of NCAA play.  And maybe beyond.....

 

LET'S TALK SOME BASEBALL....

I've refrained from offering any thoughts on the Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose eligibility to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I wanted to mull the subject and make sure my feelings were true.  "In an historic, sweeping decision, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday removed Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson and other deceased players from Major League Baseball permanently ineligible list".   

Rose was placed on baseball's ineligible list on August of 1989, voluntarily.  That's a long time ago.  He bet while managing the Cincinnati Reds.  Not good.  Rose could be eligible in December of 2027.  Why wait?  Let's get done as soon as possible.  Shoeless was another story.  Jackson was associated with the Black Sox scandal from the 1919 World Series while playing with the Chicago White Sox.  Shoeless supposedly participated in a conspiracy to fix games.    

Should Jackson and Rose be in the Hall of Fame?  Yes.  And should they have been voted in some time ago?  Yes.  Did they both do something stupid?   Yes.  And who should cast the first stone?  Not me.  I look at it this way.  Or maybe I really look at it Pete's way.   

"Last September, in his last interview, 10 days before his death (Rose died on September 2024), Pete told sportscaster John Condit: I've come to the conclusion--I hope I'm wrong--that I'll make the Hall of Fame after I die.  Which I totally disagree with, because the Hall of Fame is for two reasons: your fans and your family...and it's for your family if you're here,  It's for your fans if you're here.  Not if you're 10 feet under.  You understand what I'm saying?  What good is it going to do me or my fans if they put me in the Hall of Fame a couple of years after I pass away", Rose told Condit.  "What's the point? What's the point?  Because they'll make money over it".      

And there's Pete with his last slap hit.  

PLAY BALL!! 

DESPITE THE LONG SEASON, THE PLAYOFFS HAVE BEEN TRULY SENSATIONAL IN THE NHL AND NBA

With the glut of sports available to us these days it's becoming even more than a suggestion to pass on the regular season and check in on the playoffs.  I'm specifically talking the NHL and NBA.  Both have seasons are far too long, 82 games to be exact.  The NHL starts in early October and the NBA in the latter part of the same month.  

I like both sports but there are others that are in competition with my TV watching.  In October you have the MLB running down to the World Series. The NFL is a month into play then too....same for college football.  Volleyball is making a run for "eyes" to the TV set these days. The women have made this sport one that has attracted a rabid fan base.  It remains to be seen where it will go.  Then there's Tennis which is pretty much year-round.  Golf begins early in January.  It seems like soccer is always on the tube somewhere.  Then the MMA.  Whew!  Have I forgotten anyone? 

Before anyone calls me on it, there are roughly 200 sports that have international recognition through an international governing body of some sort, also a small part of the estimated 8,000 played world-wide.  Yes, 8,000.

Now that we've proven how sports crazy we've become, I think it's time to dial in on just how special post-season has become.

The NHL games have been wild to say the least and we're only in round two of the playoffs.  In the Western Division there were two opening series that were decided by a 4-3 games margin:  Winnipeg over St. Louis and Dallas over Colorado and two decided by 4 games to 2: Vegas over Minnesota and Edmonton over the LA Kings.  In the first round of the East, 3 series were decided by 4-1 margins: Washington over Montreal, Florida by Tampa Bay and Carolina over New Jersey.  The lone series that went six was Toronto over Ottawa.  

At the time of this posting (through Monday night) the second round looks like this in the West:  Dallas is up 2-1 on Winnipeg and Edmonton is up 3-1 on Las Vegas.  In the East:  Toronto and Florida are tied 2-1 and Carolina is up 3-1 on Washington. Washington came into the playoffs as the #1 team in the East, they've not played like it whatsoever.  There have been no sweeps thus far and based on the competition we've seen, I'm not sure that we will.  The play has been sensational.  Big comebacks and huge late goals have been the spice of the 2025 playoffs.  The biggest was the Vegas goal with .4 seconds left by Reilly Smith to seal a 4-3 win.  Dallas has also been on a hot streak riding the heroics of Mikko Rantanen. Over the last six games, Rantanen has scored 9 goals and has 8 assists.  His play alone is leading the Stars to a Stanley Cup run.  They'll have to beat #1 rated team in the West, Winnipeg, to do that.  Mikko's name is derived from the Hebrew name, Michael, meaning "Who is like God"?  If Rantanen leads Dallas back to the finals, somewhere they haven't been since 2020, they might very well start calling him that. 

What has been most noticeable is the number of games won by the road team.  The "roadie" is winning at a 60% rate this season making home not the "place to be" especially in a Game 7.  

It's still early yet, but I am leaning towards the Florida Panthers to repeat.  They are so talented, play really "heavy" hockey.  They are big and are very, very physical.  And they have one of the best in the nets, Sergei Bobrovsky.

Will the Panthers do a repeat? 

   

The team with the longest active Stanley Cup drought is the Toronto Maple Leads, currently at 57 years since their last championship in 1967 before the NHL's first expansion era.  But hey, their still in it.  They're due for that sad stat to end.  My dark horse is the Edmonton Oilers.  They got a shutout from backup Calvin Skinner Monday night in a 3-0 game with the Golden Knights.  If Edmonton gets starting goalie Calvin Pickard back for game five it might signal the end for Las Vegas. (UPDATE): Pickard is out for the rest of the series

The NBA has been equally tantalizing.  If you're a favorite look again, especially in the East.  New York has given the Boston Celtics all they've wanted. They're now up 3-1 after winning Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.  And to make matters worse, star Jason Tatum went down with an ankle injury no doubt putting him out for the next game at minimum (UPDATE): Tatum ruptured his Achilles and is done for the year.  The Indianapolis Pacers have done the same as they've not only beaten Cleveland, but they've also humiliated them.  The 20-point win they had Sunday night wasn't even that close.  It was a 41-point difference at the half.  The Pacers could be a tough out for either the Knicks or Celtics.  Tyrese Haliburton has been the catalyst for their stunning play.  The Pacers had 14 less wins on the season to Cleveland's 64.  The Knicks had ten less than Boston.  So much for the regular season, as I said earlier.     

Out West, top-seeded Oklahoma City has had more than it bargained for against the tough-minded Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets were the #4 seed going in with 18 less wins than OKC. At present, that series is tied 2-2. The other matchup featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State has been somewhat interesting. The Warriors stole a game in Minneapolis but couldn't use that momentum to maintain their edge.  The Wolves win on Saturday night 102-97 and Monday night 117-110 might very well have put them closer to advancing to the Finals for another straight season.  Anthony Edwards has risen to the top of his game.  Seth Curry's injury most likely has ended any chances the Warriors have.  

So, enjoy the remaining playoffs.  There are no doubt going to be some more spectacular games fueled by some of the best athletes in the world.  We'll find out who has the best team to win on the road.  That's where the Champions are going to come from.   

Just think, NFL camps begin in July.  It'll be here before you know it.  

  

   

SHOOT YOURSELVES IN THE FOOT WHY DON'T YOU WNBA

Several weeks ago, I blogged about the officiating in the WNBA and how that might be a real detriment to the success of the league. Now, I'm not so sure.  

Paige Bueckers was crowned as the No. 1 choice in the 2025 WNBA Draft.  She is now endearing herself to the WNBA community in the worse way possible.  

John Simmons of OutKick shares a little of his reasoning on the subject.  "Bueckers has kept busy in the time leading up to her first rookie season, making several media appearances and doing interviews with large publications, one of which was TIME magazine.  Heck I didn't even know TIME was still in production!  In the interview, she apologized for something that doesn't exist and something that she doesn't have, white privilege.  Evidently, she believes that such privilege has been a massive contributor to her rise to stardom, and that Black players still don't get enough coverage".

"There's white privilege every single day that I see", she continued when asked about her own success.  "I feel like I've worked extremely hard, blessed by God, but do I think there's more opportunities for me?  I feel like even just marketability, people tend to favor white people, white males, white woman.  I think it should be equal opportunity, I feel like there is privilege to what I have and to what all white people have.  I recognized that, I want to counteract that with the way I go about my business".    

A No. 1 pick with a lot to learn

    

Simmons continues, "this is a tired and old narrative, and so it the assumption that white athletes-Bueckers or anyone else -are famous because of their skin color.  If it feels like we've heard this from a WNBA player before, it's because we have.  This league and some of the media that cover it, have an incredible way of shaming white players for their success.  They did it to Caitlin Clark in her rookie season".  

Let's look at the NBA for a minute.  The top white players in the league are Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Chet Holmgren, Tyler Herro and Domantas Sabonis.   The first two are at the head of the class.  They've been successful, Jokic more so that Doncic, but still, they are making millions of dollars.  They are popular and they share the spotlight in the league with the likes of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and the like.  There is no infighting.  No black versus white issue.  

Back to the WNBA.  Its black women headed by Aja Wilson, Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas and Dijonai Carrington who not only want their "piece", but they are also actually willing to let a product be taken down to prove their point. In fact, this attitude is really becoming a joke.  

The upcoming season in the WNBA could be one of the more exciting in league history.  There are any numbers of teams that could win the Championship.  It will be interesting to see the over-hatred of white players when Clark rolls out her wingers for this year, Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham.  Both white, blonde dead eyes.  But then what?  Before next season there will be one ugly contract negotiation.  The salary cap is projected to be $1,552,300 with a team minimum of $1,299,240.  Think the players are going to want their "piece"? And that doesn't include a $2.2 billion media rights deal to begin in 2026.    

2025 will be a season to watch in the WNBA.  I don't see smooth sailing on the horizon beyond that.  And for that matter, I don't see Paige Bueckers making the big imprint Clark did last year. She's not the offensive threat that Clark is.  And I have questions on how she'll handle the physical play in the league.  Caitlin was a generational player and a generational marketer.  That's why the league is where it us today.   

If players, black and white would realize what's at stake, there could be a real giant in the offing.  There needs to be some black leadership who brings the two factions together.  At present, I don't see anyone matching that description.   

I have my doubts on the future of the WNBA, and that's not even thinking about the officiating any more.....  

WALT JOCKETTY WAS A MAN MEANT TO LEAD A BASEBALL TEAM

 I was just talking with a St. Louis Cardinal friend of mine on Thursday about the time I spent with Walt Jocketty, one of the better General Managers in club history.  And then Saturday morning I wake up to the news that Walt had passed away on Friday at the age of 74.  It was his birthday.  A lung transplant finally did him in.  To say I was shocked was an understatement.  Let me tell you a little about the man that I sat across from in the late 70's into March of 1980 at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines.    

Walt was the Public Relations Director, and I was the Promotions dude.  We spent a lot of time bantering back and forth about players in the White Sox farm system.  The Iowa Oaks that we worked for was the Triple A affiliate for the Sox.  Walt knew the club inside and out and the strengths and weaknesses of the players that made up their system.  We were fortunate to see Harold Baines at an early age before he was called up to the big club.  And we had the distinction of working with Tony La Russa, one of the better managers in baseball history.  LaRussa was called up two thirds of the way through the 1979 season at the age of 34 and being the youngest manager in major league baseball history.  

It was early in 1980, and spring training was in high gear.  And so were comings and goings in the baseball world.  Walt got wind of an opening in the Oakland A's farm system.  He called a long time scout in the White Sox front office by the name of Paul Richards.  Jocketty boldly asked Richards if he would recommend him for the job.  Richards did without hesitation.  One day after asking Richards, Walt received a phone call from A's owner Charlie Finley.  "Walt, I've heard great things about you.  We have an opening for the Director of Minor League Operations.  Are you interested?", the cantankerous owner asked Walt.  "I sure am", Walt replied.  "Okay then, let me know by tomorrow if your wife is on board.  There's only one thing.  You need to be here in Arizona by the weekend, or the job is going to someone else", Finley stated.  It was Tuesday.  Not only did he have to give Finley his answer he had to be in Arizona by Saturday.  He had little time to waste.  And to think he got the job sight unseen!

Walt called me and asked me what he should do.  "I said, dude, what an opportunity for you.  Billy Martin is the manager.  B I L L Y  fricking M A R T I N.  And they got some young rookie named Rickie Henderson.  Do it", I yelled.  

And of course, he did, and the rest is history as they say.   

       

A baseball man inside and out

Jocketty directed the Oakland Athletics' farm system in the 1980's, helping the team win three pennants and the 1989 World Series title.  As the St. Louis Cardinals general manager from 1994 to 2007, he built two more World Series teams and added another title in 2006.  Then, as Cincinnati's top baseball man from 2008 to 2016, he led the Reds to the playoffs three times.    

Check out the players he drafted or acquired while the Cardinals GM.  Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Mark McGwire, Adam Wainright, Chris Carpenter, David Eckstein, Jason Isringhausen, Jim Edmonds and Scott Rolen.  That's a man with an eye for talent and a vision to what it takes to win. 

One of the best comments on Walt's impact came from Sandy Alderson, a man Jocketty worked for in the 80's and 90's in Oakland.  "He was thoughtful and process-oriented, didn't do anything precipitously and had tremendous common and baseball sense".   

I had great fun with Walt.  I recall the days in the offices of Sec Taylor where we had newspaper stuck in holes in the walls of the old-time metal shells to keep warm.  Those were the sacrifice days.  I'm happy to say he made it.  Big Time.  RIP, my man.

ARE SPORTS VILLIANS WORSE THAN THEY USED TO BE?

We all like lists, right?  Like who's your favorite ballplayer, the prettiest woman in the world, the best band ever, your all-time apostle or the top sports villains of yesteryear.  For this argument, let's stay connected with sports.   

The actual term, "sports villains" comes from a group of athletes or individuals, who, due to their actions or character, become highly disliked by fans and evoke a strong negative reaction.  I came across a top twenty of some of the best that was offered in 2018 by Amber Lee.  You might recognize some of the names, others might not even register with you.  Drum roll, please, in a countdown beginning with #20.    

20.  Bobby Knight-ornery Indiana and Texas Tech basketball coach who hated most people

19. Skip Bayless-sportswriter of yesterday and today known for his outspokenness

18. Sean Avery-former hockey agitator 

17.  James Harrison-dirty football lineman from the Pittsburgh Steeler era

16.  Miami Heat-James, Wade and Bosh.  Need I say more 

15.  New England Patriots-enough said 

14. Pete Rose-baseball's all-time hit king and stinker

13.  Barry Bonds-"cheat" is his middle name or "dopey" 

12.  Terrell Owens-the one and only WR

11. Don Sterling-sports owner with no brains, only money

10.  John Rocker-former baseball loudmouth

9.  Marty McSorley-another hockey fighter  

8.  Sherwood Blount Jr.-caused the crash at SMU with cheating allegations

7.  Albert Haynesworth-a big, big man with an attitude in the NFL

6.  Latrell Sprewell-once choked his coach in practice.  Nice

5.  Floyd Mayweather Jr.-great fighter with loose lips 

4.  Bobby Petrino-college football coach with no morales

3.  Tonya Harding-if you can beat 'em, beat 'em up

2.  Ty Cobb-a baseball player of the past who let nothing get in his way

1.  Don King-boxing's all-time promoter and cheater

A villain unlike any other

So, I look at that list and I see some "villains".  There are some real doozies.  But I'm not sure that in the 7 years since Ms. Lee put this list together, that there aren't some names that could be replaced with some of the worst the sports world has to offer. 

Let's start with the #1 most repulsive, conceited one on the planet, Angel Reese.  Not only has she vaulted to number one, but she's done it by being the #1 whiner, too.  It's like she wants to have this swagger to set herself apart, that is, until criticism comes her way.  If anyone could take down the WNBA, it would be Reese.  Her lack of sense will put the league in a horrific situation come next year when a new contract is negotiated with the players.  You can bet her mouth will be at the front of it.

Here are a few more that have to be on any current villain list.  UCONN Head Basketball Coach Danny Hurley, South Carolina Head Women's Basketball Coach Dawn Staley, ESPN's Steven A. Smith, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, the Dodgers, LeBron James, O.J. Simpson who murdered his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman in 1994, Aaron Hernandez who was convicted of murdering his friend, Odin Lloyd in 2013 and Rae Carruth.  Who's he, you ask? 

Rae played for in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers.  He got his girlfriend pregnant, then proceeded to conspire to have her murdered in 2001.  The name Cherica Adams might not mean much to many, but her loss was devasting. The baby, named Chancellor Lee Adams, survived, but suffered permanent brain damage and cerebral palsy as a result of being without oxygen for 70 minutes before he was born.  Chancellor graduated high school in 2021 despite some real tough struggles.   Ms. Lee should have had Carruth on her list.    

Carruth was released from prison in 2018.  Want a poster man or woman (not child) of a villain?  It doesn't get any more disgusting than that.     

NFL DRAFT RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

 It seems like it's been forever since the Super Bowl in February.  Sure, we had the Scouting Combine in late February and early March.  But still, it seems like it's been FOR....EVER.....

And now, after hundreds of thousands of mock drafts, we are on the verge of the NFL Draft.  Next Thursday night in Green Bay we will see round 1 of three days of job placements for prospective football players. The mysteries will be forthcoming.  Some people's treasures will be others trash, so to speak. 

I've always loved this event.  In my younger days, I would buy a myriad of newspapers and magazines that could provide me insight into each player's potential and the round they might be drafted.  I'd hole up in my basement believing I was an NFL draft consultant.  As a huge Chicago Bear fan, I used to run every possible scenario as to who I'd see joining the roster.  It took me a couple of years to master what to look for and analyze team needs and contracts that players were under.  I'd look at the mock drafts of the kings, dudes like the Mel Kiper and Todd McShay's of the world, the so-called experts.  Sooner rather than later, I figured my abilities were as good as theirs in judging who would draft who.  So many times, it looked like their mocks were full of guesses rather than logical choices.   Such will be the case again in 2025.  

The #1 choice this year, without question, will be Cam Akers.  The Tennessee Titans simply need an overhaul at quarterback and the Miami (FL.) product should be one to turn the keys over to.  He's a smooth player who should help the Titans move up the ladder in the AFC South.  The next selection is where things immediately get interesting.  I don't see the Cleveland Browns keeping the pick and taking Penn State DE Abdul Carter.  They have to get a QB.  I do see Carter going second though.  DeShaun Watson and Joe Flacco are not the answers for the Browns.  They have a very good defense they need to focus on the offensive side of the ball.  So, I sense a trade down where they can still draft Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and pick up a number of other picks where they can boost their run game and perhaps add another wide receiver.   The next one off the board has to be Travis Hunter, also from Colorado.  He's as a unique player as we've seen in the draft in years.  He could be all-Pro at either defensive back or wide receiver.  He's that good.  New England has to make a run for him.  

Warren could be an absolute stud 

#5 through #10 is an area where a number of trades could take place.  Names like DT Mason Graham of Michigan, TE Tyler Warren of Penn State, T Will Campbell of LSU, DE Jalon Walker of Georgia and RB Ashton Jeanty are the cream of the top choices.  After them, things are a little murkier as these five are clearly in demand.  It could be the Wild West when it comes to this part of the draft,   

Warren is my favorite.  I would love to see new Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson add this super talented player to his offense.  Warren caught 104 balls this past year for 1,233 yards and 8 TD's and ran for additional 218 yards an 8.4 average and scored four more.  He would be a nightmare.  I wouldn't be disappointed if Chicago were to find Jeanty available at number 10 and they add him to their run game.  Or they could go with best player available and draft Campbell the offensive tackle.   

Although I've mentioned some of the top players above, where a team clearly improves their roster is on Day 3.  Don't be disappointed of your team not drafting a player you clearly desire.  It could be contract demands of one player forces them to alter their draft focus. 

 Yes, the draft is right around the corner.  Feeling anxious, nervous, giddy?  You're not alone.  It's not quite Christmas, but's it's close.   

Get Prepared....are you ready for some Football?  Perhaps I can be of assistance.  Grab a picture of Commissioner Roger Goodell and toss some boo's at it.  That should help!