Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Hey BGO readers, Uman here with my final mock draft before Thursday night’s 2013 NFL Draft. Thanks for checking it out and feel free to leave comments.  Bear Down!

1. Kansas City Chiefs –

Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M – Joeckel is the best player available in this draft and fills a hole on Kansas City’s line. He has good size and will make an immediate impact in pass-blocking for the Chiefs.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars —

Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon – Jacksonville’s defense took a huge step back in 2012 after a promising season the year prior. The Jaguars lack a solid pass rusher. Lucky for them, Jordan is the total package in that category. He’s got great size, length and is agile enough to be a force for many years to come on Jacksonville’s defensive front.

3. Oakland Raiders —

Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida – The Raiders’ roster is similar to swiss cheese. They’ve got holes everywhere and need help at nearly every position. The best bet for them is Floyd, who will anchor their D-Line for the foreseeable future.

4. Philadelphia Eagles —

Lane Jones, OT, Oklahoma – There remains plenty of uncertainty on the offensive line for the Eagles. With Jason Peters coming off an Achilles injury, drafting a young offensive lineman will give the Eagles some options going forward on their offensive front.

5. Detroit Lions —

Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan – After losing Jeff Backus to retirement, Gosder Cherilus to the Colts and Stephen Peterman to free agency, the Lions need to fill a void on the offensive line. The Central Michigan product is a great fit for the Motor City.

6. Cleveland Browns —

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama – In the pass-heavy NFL, cornerbacks are a premium and with the Browns’ lack of depth at the position, drafting Milliner here is a must.

7. Arizona Cardinals —

Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama – The Cardinals’ offensive line was porous in 2012. Help is sorely needed in Arizona and Chance Warmack is on the way to patch up the offensive front in the desert.

8. Buffalo Bills

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia – It’s no secret that the Bills desperately need a QB. This draft class isn’t necessarily ripe with talent at the position, but Smith is their best bet at finding a capable signal-caller in 2013.

9. New York Jets

Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU – Much like the Raiders, the Jets’ roster is a mess. With needs at most positions they could go a number of different ways in the draft. Starting with Mingo on the defensive side of the ball is a good start.

10. Tennessee Titans

Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah – The Titans’ pass rush could use a young gun to anchor the attack. Lotulelei is more than capable of soldifying the defensive unit.

11. San Diego Chargers

Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina – Philip Rivers needs protection in the pocket to have success as he’s not known for his mobility. A guy like Cooper will help ease the pressure Rivers has dealt with the past two seasons in southern California.

12. Miami Dolphins

Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State – Trading Vontae Davis leaves a void in the secondary for Miami. Rhodes is a great option to fill that hole and will provide stable cover on defense.

13. New York Jets (from Bucs)

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri – The Jets could opt for some help on the offensive line with this pick, but without a solid option under center, the safer option is to go with a defensive anchor like Richardson.

14. Carolina Panthers

D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama – Cam Newton is as mobile as they come, but that didn’t stop him from taking some pretty big hits last season. Signing a big man like Fluker should help to ease the impact Newton could face in the pocket.

15. New Orleans Saints

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia – With Jonathan Vilma nearing the end of his contract and his on-field production slowing down, the Saints should start to look for a replacement in the middle. Jones could be that guy.

16. St. Louis Rams

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia – With the loss of Danny Amendola, the Rams could use a playmaker at wide out. Austin fits the bill and could be of immediate help if he clicks with Sam Bradford coming out of camp.

Dec 9, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; An NFL logo is seen on the field after a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The much anticipated 2013 NFL schedule, which was originally supposed to be released on Tuesday April 16th, has apparently been delayed.  No word has been given yet on a new release date.

There were rumors swirling around to this effect last week, but according to Pro Football Talk, it’s now officially delayed:

Last week, we caught wind of the possibility that the 2013 regular-season schedule won’t be released on Tuesday, April 16.

The possibility has now become a certainty.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells PFT that the schedule won’t be released on April 16.  He added the date for the release has not been determined.

“It will not be tomorrow but could be in the next week or two,” Aiello said via email. “We’re working to finalize it.”

(more…)

Dec 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) pitches the ball out against the Carolina Panthers during second half of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints 44-38. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Most free agents have signed and the draft is on the horizon so here is the up to date power rankings.

32. Oakland Raiders – They just traded Carson Palmer and now outside of McFadden are there any players on their roster with any talent? Al Davis would not approve of this but the Raiders are as close to rock bottom as you can possibly can get.

31.  Jacksonville Jaguars - They put covers over seats to sellout games and yet they won’t do the P.R. thing to do and trade for local hero Tim Tebow. Is it safe to say the Gabbert equals Bust?

30. Buffalo Bills - Is Geno Smith going here in the draft? When was the last time that the Bills made the playoffs? C.J. Spiller should be ready for a huge season if he can stay healthy for 16 games.

29. Tennessee Titans - Ryan Fitzpatrick versus Jake Locker must get Titans fans excited…..NOT! How long will Kenny Britt stay healthy or out of trouble?

28. New York Jets - Mark Sanchez is not an elite quarterback, Shonn Greene is not an elite running back, the Jets aren’t an elite team no matter what blowhard Rex Ryan has to say and he has a lot to say.

27. Detroit Lions - When did they win last? September? This is just a fantasy football team that cannot win real games.  This will be Jim Schwartz last season. Reggie Bush could have a big year in Motown.

26. Cleveland Browns - I like the aggressive move to get Paul Kruger, but they are still the Browns.  They are still at least a year away from playoff contention.

25. Kansas City Chiefs - I really liked the Andy Reid hire,  but then they traded for Alex Smith, one step forward five steps back.

24. Philadelphia Eagles - Chip Kelly will not be able to recruit for better talent then the other teams in the NFC East, it will be interesting to see if his system can work in the NFL or will he be just another Steve Spurrier.

23. Carolina Panthers - Which team is this? the one that was horrible in the first half of the season or the team that finished winning 5 of 6.  They didn’t have any money for free agents so they will have to do some good work in the draft.

22. Minnesota Vikings - Losing Percy Harvin will be a bigger deal than picking up Greg Jennings. Christian Ponder will have to be more consistent so they don’t waste the great seasons of Adrian Peterson.

21. Arizona Cardinals - I like the Carson Palmer move for both real and fantasy football especially for Larry Fitzgerald. They will still need to have a strong draft from top to bottom.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - They are a young team but are they a team on the rise?

19. San Diego Chargers - Norv Turner is finally gone will this help or hurt Phillip Rivers who has not seemed himself for two straight seasons or maybe this is normal self.

18. Miami Dolphins - Will Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline become Clayton and Duper? Depends on Tanneyhill’s progress, but the loss of Bush has to hurt the offense some.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Goodbye Mike Wallace and Rashard Mendenahall.  It sure feels like the Steelers are in decline, they will need a good draft this year.

16. New York Giants - The only thing they have kept is Victor Cruz and they have lost all the rest.  Eli will have to save Tom’s job again in December, but isn’t this how the Giants thrive?

15. Chicago Bears - Yes I really like all the offensive moves the Bears have made under Emery especially addressing the Left Tackle position, but I’m more concerned about an aging defense that will be under new leadership for the first time in years.

14. St Louis Rams – Adding  Jared Cook could be a lot bigger than Jake Long, but these additions will give Jeff Fisher and a young team on the rise more pieces to play with to contend with the Seahawks and 49ers.

13. Baltimore Ravens - Do they have anyone left under contract besides Joe Flacco? Like the Bears losing Urlacher, having Ray Lewis retire will be their biggest obstacle which they will struggle with for more than a year to come.

12. Dallas Cowboys - Romo is locked up and they didn’t lose anyone so that should guarantee another up and down 8-8 season right?

11. Washington Redskins - RG3′s health will decide what this team does in 2013. Cousins is ok in a pinch but the dose always will need to be RG3!

10. Cincinnati Bengals - Very strong offensive nucleus that hasn’t lost anything in free agency. They will need to have another good draft.

9. Indianapolis Colts - Welcome LaRon Landry to the team.  Last years inspirational story, how will the team play without a special cause in 2013? Was this just inspired football or a team on the rise with another young developing franchise quarterback.

8. Green Bay Packers - I know losing Charles Woodson will hurt them in their two matchup’s against the Bears and Jay Cutler, but losing Greg Jennings could be the move that hurts them long term especially if James Jones has his brick hands return in 2013.

7. Atlanta Falcons - Having Tony Gonzalez play one more season is the biggest signing they could have made.  Stephen Jackson is the same as Michael Turner…Not much left in the tank.

6. Houston Texans - Does Ed Reed have anything left and can he be the piece that finally leads this team over the hump and into the Super Bowl promise land?

5. San Francisco  49ers - Losing Goldson will hurt.  Will Kaepernick be a one hit wonder or will Harbaugh be able to get every last ounce of talent out of him and return to the Super Bowl.  Under the radar Michael Crabtree after a slow start to his career is ready for a breakout season epecially after the solid 2012 season Crabtree had.

4. New England Patriots - The only player in the NFL that could replace Wes Welker was Amendola.  The evil empire  strikes back and should have another great year look for a lot of defensive draft picks this year.

3. Denver Broncos - Just what Peyton Manning needed he got. Wes Welker will make this receiving corp almost impossible to defend.  The only problem is that Manning struggles outdoors in the playoffs so maybe they should just try to be a #4 seed and win out on the the road.

2. Seattle Seahawks - The most dynamic offense that continued to improve each week gets Percy Harvin….not fair! 4th rated defense gets Cliff Avril too should be an exciting shootout for first between Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh I mean the Seahawks and 49ers

1. New Orleans Saints - The biggest offseason move by any team wasn’t a signed contract, but the NFL reinstating Sean Payton.  This team with its general back in charge will be a tough nut to crack all season long, Good luck NFC South!

Dec. 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) walks off the field after defeating the Detroit Lions 26-24 at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Editor’s Note: Originally posted on March 1, 2013

We’re coming up on the fourth anniversary of the trade between the Bears and Denver Broncos to acquire Jay Cutler. Many fans and executives around the league felt Chicago had finally found the missing puzzle piece, a franchise QB. With that subject in mind, let’s take a look back to that transaction and see how the Bears have fared since then.

On April 2, 2009, Jay Cutler was officially traded to the Chicago Bears after requesting a trade from the Denver Broncos. In the deal, Chicago received Jay Cutler and a fifth-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft in exchange for quarterback Kyle Orton, first-round picks in the 2009 and 2010 drafts and the Bears’ third-round pick in 2009 as well. Both Cutler and Orton had worn out their welcome in Denver and Chicago and were in need of a change of scenery, or fan bases, if you will. The move was well-received in both cities and brought a fresh slate to each team’s offensive identity.

With the recently acquired first-round draft pick from Chicago, the Broncos selected DE Robert Ayers from Tennessee with the 18th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Denver traded their third-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who drafted WR Mike Wallace from Ole Miss with the 84th overall selection in the draft. The first-round pick in the 2010 draft that Denver had received from Chicago was traded to San Francisco, who drafted OT Anthony Davis from Rutgers with the 11th overall pick in the draft. The Bears used Denver’s fifth-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft on Johnny Knox from Abilene Christian University. He was the 140th overall pick in that year’s draft.  (more…)

They say everything is bigger in Texas and that couldn’t be more true than the latest contract that Jerry Jones just dished out.  Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys agreed on a big, six year $108 million contract including $55 million in guaranteed money.  Including what he’s due in 2013, the 33 year old Romo is locked up by the Cowboys for the next seven seasons for nearly $120 million.   This contract could be of particular interest to a certain Chicago Bears quarterback.  (more…)

March 18, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Evisceration: To disembowel, gut or remove the entrails. Yes, my words are carefully chosen and meant to conjure up a certain vision. The NFL’s leadership is not killing the NFL quickly or mercifully, but rather in a slow, methodical and painful way. I fear for the future of the sport I love so much.

After thinking about the latest rules committee incarnation (RB can not lead with their helmet), I couldn’t help but envision opening day disaster for teams and fans everywhere. Imagine on opening day…say the Bears are playing the Superbowl Champion Ravens in Chicago. It is now the 4th quarter in a hard-fought defensive battle and the Ravens are leading 17-13 but the Bears are within striking distance in the waning minutes of the game.

The Bears are now 3rd and goal at the one yard line. The Bears send Michael Bush off Tackle and he meets the linebacker in the hole and buries him for the go-ahead touchdown. Soldier Field erupts in cheers…then we all see the yellow flag. Bush is flagged for leading with his helmet; 15 yards and now it is 3rd and goal from the 16. Bears lose on a Jay Cutler interception trying to force the ball in the end zone.  (more…)

Oct 23, 2011; London, ENGLAND; General view of Wembley Stadium during the opening kickoff of the NFL International Series game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

News on the wire is that the NFL Competition Committee is starting to propose the annual rule changes to make the game of football “better”. The theme of this year seems to be player safety, and honestly it is not a bad thing when they want to protect the players.

March 18, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Back in December 2012, the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was interviewed by Time Magazine.

One idea that Goodell predicts will get more consideration: eliminating kickoffs. Fans may object to this rule change, since kickoffs produce thrilling returns. TIME sat in on meeting between Goodell and Rich McKay, head of the NFL’s powerful competition committee. Goodell brought up a proposal promoted by Greg Schiano, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: after a touchdown or field goal, instead of kicking off, a team would get the ball on its own 30-yard line, where it’s fourth and 15. The options are either to go for it and try to retain possession, or punt. If you go for it and fall short, the opposing team would take over with good field position. In essence, punts would replace kickoffs, and punts are less susceptible to violent collisions than kickoffs. “The fact is,” Goodell says. “It’s a much different end of the play…It’s an off-the-wall idea. It’s different and makes you think differently. It did me.”

Now getting rid of the kickoff is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever heard. The kickoff is an important part of the game of football. It gives both teams the chance to battle for where possession of the ball will be. Just giving possession at the 30-yard line would change the dynamic of the game, especially late in games when teams are down by a field goal or a touchdown. It changes the strategy and honestly makes the game boring.

That being said, it doesn’t seem like the NFL is going that route yet. Here are the proposed rule changes that the Competition Committee will be voting on courtesy of nflevolution.com:

PROPOSED RULE: A ban on a ball carrier initiating contact with the crown of his helmet in the open field or by a defender while making a tackle.

What the proposal would change: A 15-yard penalty would be called if a runner or a tackler initiates forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top/crown of his helmet against an opponent when both players clearly are outside the tackle box (an area extending from tackle-to-tackle and from three yards beyond the line of scrimmage to the offensive team’s end line). Incidental contact by the helmet of a runner or a tackler against an opponent would not be deemed a foul.

We have already heard from Matt Forte via Twitter about his opinions about this rule. Here is my opinion. It is nice to see that the Competition Committee trying to protect the defensive players, but this is really not the way. I agree with Matt Forte on this one. Matt tweeted:

In order to lower ur shoulder u obviously have to lower ur head. It’s a way of protecting ur self from a tackler and a way to break tackles

Remember that the runner is the one being tackled. They do have to protect themselves. I think that this one is not about player safety as much as it is about the defensive players complaining that the offense can duck their head and they can’t.

PROPOSED RULE: A ban of “peel-back” blocks inside the tackle-box area.

What the proposal would change: A 15-yard penalty will be called on a player who is aligned in the tackle box when the ball is snapped, then moves to a position outside the box and initiates contact on the side and below the waist against an opponent if: (a) the blocker is moving toward his own end line; and (b) he approaches the opponent from behind or from the side.

Now this is a rule I can stand behind. This rule will immediately protect the defensive players. I never understood the “peel-back” blocks or “chop” blocks that occur. I think that any block below the waist should be banned, not only to prevent knee injuries, but to keep lineman and tight-ends honest. If you miss your block, take it like a man. Don’t dive for the guys legs because you couldn’t do your job. You already failed, don’t take the chance of hurting the other player or making yourself look even more stupid when you are lying on the ground after you missed the low block as well.

PROPOSED RULE: A ban on teams overloading one side of the defensive line on point-after and field-goal attempts.

What the proposal would change: “During a field-goal attempt or a Try Kick: (1) No more than six Team B players may be on the line of scrimmage on either side of the snapper at the snap; Penalty: For illegal formation by the defense, loss of 5 yards from the previous spot. (2) Team B players not on the line of scrimmage at the snap cannot push players on the line of scrimmage into the offensive formation. Penalty: For unnecessary roughness, loss of 15 yards from the previous spot.”

I don’t know about this rule. What is wrong with loading up one side or the other trying to block a kick? The NFL Committee is saying that after reviewing tape that there were lots of injuries. Okay, if they say there are a lot of injuries, I will believe them. I just think it is making kicking field goals and extra points too easy.

Out of these three rules, the one that makes the most sense to me has to be eliminating the chop blocks. If you are not allowed to dive at a quarterbacks legs, then you shouldn’t be able to dive at anybodies legs.

What do you think as an NFL fan? Do you like the proposed rule changes for players safety? What kind of rule changes would you like to see?

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Owners are set to meet in Arizona this week.  Maybe they want to scout some late spring training?  At any rate, they always trickle out a few new rule changes that they plan to try to adopt in advance of the meeting.  One of the more controversial rules that’s been leaked out is a new rule barring ball carriers from lower their heads outside the tackle box.

In another sign that the days of punishing, physical running backs like Jim Brown and John Riggins are coming to an end, the NFL is considering a rules change that would penalize runners for lowering their heads and initiating contact with tacklers.

Members of the NFL’s Competition Committee revealed today that they want to see a new rule that would make it a personal foul for either a runner or a tackler to engage in head-first contact with the crown of the helmet when running into each other outside the tackle box.

It seems like a silly rule and kind of takes away from the very spirit of football itself.  One Chicago Bear took particular exception to this proposal and wasn’t bashful about expressing his point of view as Matt Forte took to the Twitterverse in his own protest:  (more…)