Week 1, May ‘22
Post-NFL Draft Weekend
New York Giants: The Giants bolstered their offensive and defensive fronts in Round 1. Kayvon Thibodeaux mentioned on draft night that Michael Strahan had already reached out wanting to be there for him as a mentor. Evan Neal has freakish size and athleticism that should hold up in NY for a very long time. In Round 2 the Giants took a swing on Wan’Dale Robinson, a speedy WR out of Kentucky. Robinson’s biggest concern is his size at 5’8” and 178 lbs., however, nowadays there are more of these smaller athletes who work out in the NFL because speed tends to win. All in all, the Giants walked out of the draft with 11 selections, so next look for their new regime to oust a bunch of Gettleman’s previous draft picks. GRADE: Going in the right direction. Didn’t mess this one up.
Philadelphia Eagles: Drafting Jordan Davis and landing AJ Brown. All comes down to Hurts playing well. Gardner Minshew looms behind him like Alex Moran at a sorority mixer. GRADE: Slam dunk draft.
Baltimore Ravens: In a draft with not a lot of QBs taken early, wide receivers and pass rushers flew off the board, and Baltimore drafted the consensus top safety and center. These are positions that traditionally do not get drafted in round 1; however, Hamilton and Lindenbaum feel like they were drafted in the right spots and will probably be Raven teammates for a decade. GRADE: There is something very Ravens with them taking two sure things in the first round while dealing Hollywood Brown away before they have to pay him.
Detroit Lions: Walked away with potentially the best offensive and defensive players of the draft in Aiden Hutchinson and Jameson Williams. GRADE: They may only be a QB away from competing in the NFC North. Another good draft in 2023 might shift their culture.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The guy that played in their own backyard is now their next QB. Expect Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph to get some first-team reps in training camp but you would have to think Pickett gets a shot well before Halloween. Steelers always draft WR well, so fully expect George Pickens to be a stud. GRADE: Depends on Pickett, if they stole a starting QB in the back half of the first round this team could be ready to compete in a vaunted AFC North this season.
San Deigo Chargers: Went offensive line for Herbert. Zion Johnson has the versatility to be able to step right in for a starting guard spot and could potentially even play tackle in a pinch. GRADE: Went all in on defense in free agency and trade market with JC Jackson and Khalil Mack. Have to take the next step by making the playoffs.
New England Patriots: Honestly don’t know much about their draft picks. GRADE: Phenomenal display by Bill Belicheck of taking the most obscure draft picks. Somehow or another they will either be studs or Bill will make it work, only question is can he make it work enough that he can win without Brady.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker may have fallen out of the top 10 picks if they didn’t take him at 1. There is talk that they value his versatility and will look to play him in the Micah Parsons’ Dallas D swiss army knife role. GRADE: I can’t really give them the benefit of the doubt with Walker at 1. Would think that they did all they could to trade out of #1 and thought Hutchinson’s upside was more Chris Long than the next Bosa brother.
Miami Dolphins: Tyreek Hill. GRADE: Incomplete, didn’t select until the 3rd round but I’m sure they’ll trade that for the Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill combo of speed.
New York Jets: Alright so, actually have the Jets graded out as good or better than just about all these teams but there is no way I’m mushing this draft class. No one said this had to be in order. Sauce, Wilson to Wilson, an edge rusher they were rumored to take at #10, a top 15 fantasy RB, homegrown TE, depth offensive lineman with great college PFF grades, and a midround reclamation project with a rough past but an imposing presence. GRADE: Have not been happier coming away from a Jets draft. Super Bowl appearance by 2024 or the same old Jets.
NBA SEMI-Finals
Bucks vs. Celtics
Stat combo (points + rebounds + assists):
Al Horford 20+
Brook Lopez 12+
Greek Freak 50+
Jaylen Brown 35+
Jayson Tatum 35+
Jrue Holiday 30+
Marcus Smart 25+
Odds are +2000, if you put down $25 you win $525.
Warriors vs. Grizzlies
Stat combo (points + rebounds + assists):
Steph Curry 40+
Klay Thompson 30+
Jordan Poole 30+
Jaren Jackson 20+
Ja Mourant 40+
Draymond Green 20+
Demond Bane 25+
Odds are +3000, if you put down $25 you win $775.
Heat vs. 76ers
Stat combo (points + rebounds + assists):
Bam Adebayo 30+
Joel Embiid 40+
James Harden 35+
Jimmy Butler 30+
Tobias Harris 25+
Tyrese Maxey 25+
Odds are +2800, if you put down $25 you win $725.
Suns vs. Mavericks
Stat combo (points + rebounds + assists):
Chris Paul 30+
Devin Booker 30+
Deandre Ayton 25+
Luka Doncic 50+
Jalen Brunson 30+
Mikal Bridges 20+
Jae Crowder 20+
Odds are +3500, if you put down $25 you win $900.
YouTube Rabbithole
Man in the Arena (Episode 10)
Commentary Review: Brady’s father-son start was great. The Gronk parts were funny. This presumably is the last episode of the 10-part documentary focused a ton on Brady’s family and was very wholesome. Whether you’ve rooted for him or against him, highly recommend it to anyone who grew up watching Brady. Give this a shot.