Junior, Concussions, and Depression
by HB-NOLA on May 3, 2012 9:59 AM CDT
Hearing the news of Junior Seau's death was surprising. To hear that it was an apparent suicide (and for the sake of this commentary, I will assume that the current reports of suicide are correct while acknowledging that they are not conclusive) was shocking. At least, it was initially. After a few moments reflection, though, I remembered that suicide is in fact much more common than
What has been the most shocking to me, however, is how quickly various commentators have jumped to the conclusion that this was ultimately a result of chronic brain injury. No doubt Junior took plenty of shots to the head. And there is no doubt that he suffered multiple concussions. But I cannot help but be appalled at the automatic connection, as though only some form of brain trauma could possibly cause such aberrant behavior.
The truth is that clinical depression and suicide are far more prevalent than anyone wants to admit or reports. It's much easier to point the finger at some unreachable assailant, instead of accepting the fact that a person may simply no longer wish to live. That concept is so foreign to anyone that is enjoying or even muddling through life that to contemplate someone as successful, popular, and loved as Seau could do it without some external cause is all but impossible. I'm here to tell you that it is not only possible but likely. Concussions are bad. Repeated brain trauma can be deadly. Neither is necessary nor sufficient to account for suicidal depression. And the fact that all of the "experts" are so ready to place the blame on concussions, instead of, oh, I don't know, considering that maybe Junior suffered from severe depression after having to retire from the one profession he's known all his life ... it's just inexcusable.
I am deeply saddened by Junior's death, whatever the cause. I am even sadder that apparently no one in the public sphere (with the possible exception of Marcellus Wiley) has even allowed for the fact clinical depression, as opposed to brain trauma, could be the cause.
You know that stupid Cymbalta commercial? "Depression hurts". It doesn't just hurt ... it kills.
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Ed Werder and his source
by Nola5712 on May 3, 2012 7:50 AM CDT
Ed Werder has reported on Sportscenter that the NFL and Gooddell fabricated evidence for the 2010 and 2011 season. I'm kind of surprised to wake up and not see something on this already posted.
Greetings from Niner Fan
by Andy Reno on May 2, 2012 7:38 PM CDT
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My Specific Problem with Roger Goodell and Bountygate- is Goodell Qualified?
by Philinwood on May 2, 2012 11:56 AM CDT
I don't think Goodell is qualified to make unilateral decisions or even to be involved in decisions that are this closely tied to actions on the field. I think he is qualified to deal with the dollars and cents of the NFL, being an Economics major and having a background in front - office things. But, when it come to things that happen within the lines of the playing field and the locker room, well for God sakes' this guy never even played college football let alone NFL football. How can someone truly know what goes through the mind and what motivates and influences NFL players and be able to look at onfield issues if he never engaged in the activity that this game is all about?
When the last time you played fooitball was high school, aren't you somewhat removed from how the game has changed over decades and how it has evolved? Isn't your perspective quite different than someone who has been in the trenches? His reality is just slightly above the level of the average fan when it comes to really having a significant, realistic working knowledge of what it is like to be an NFL player. He needs to have a panel of individuals who have been there, and done that and know the trials, tribulations, temptations, joys and agonies of actually being in the NFL that would advise him and rule on matters.
Again, when it has to do with economics, procedures, legalities, and things that are non- pigskin related, he should be considered qualified. But, and this is just my humble opinion, when it comes to knowing anything about the onfield game and what goes on and what the players experience, he needs help in that area.
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Analysis of Draft
by Ajun Cajun on Apr 30, 2012 9:10 AM CDT
Below is the combined rating from all the services I could find and a short blurb about each player from the combine and other services. Except for Toon, the Saints took players that had big question marks, but plenty of potential. Except for the sixth pick I don't think they took anyone that doesn't have a chance of making the roster. I don't know what it is about the sixth pick in the draft, but the Saints have trouble selecting anyone in the sixth round. I hate that pick the most. The kid can't pass block and has weight issues. Not to mention, at 62, I'm a better athlete than he is.
3rd round
Akiem Hicks, DT/NT, Regina University (Canada)
Height: 6-5. Weight: 318.
40 Time: 5.21.
Bench: 26.
Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-0.
Arm: 35 1/8. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-6. Combined rating 3.26
Hicks was decent at the Combine, but doing well in his team interviews were probably more critical than having a big field performance. The Canada product Hicks caught scouts attention by flashing at the East-West Shrine practices. He is a large man who has some quickness and athleticism.
Hicks was at LSU before leaving the program in January of 2010. He was signed out of the community college ranks prior to that. Hicks has physical tools, but teams will need to do research into his background.
It's not that I don't like this pick. He has the potential to be a great dt, but he has character issues. Do the Saints with their current problems want a player with character flaws? I also question the pick because of who was left on the board at this point. Brandon Thompson had dropped and was available. He was projected as a solid second rounder. He is not a pass rusher, but a run stopper. He dropped because of the emphasis on pass rushing skills. Chris Givens and Ladarius Green were available, both would have been solid picks. I really like Green's chances of going to the Pro Bowl in 3 years.
Hicks could be a great player or he could be a bust. Of the fifteen services I examined he was rated from a second rounder to a sixth rounder. That is a huge gamble for a team without a first or second round pick.
Grade: B
4th round
Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
40 Time: 4.54.
Vertical: 37.5.
Hand: 9.
Projected Round (2012): 2-4. Combined Rating 3.27
Toon was solid at the Combine and his 40 time was better than expected. He is a quality prospect for the second day. Toon flashed at times, but Wisconsin simply didn't throw him the ball that much, as the team featured a ground attack. He caught 64 passes for 926 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011. Toon would have better production if he played on a team that wasn't based in the run game.
Toon has nice size, runs good routes, and has good hands. He also blocks extremely well. The wide out did a nice job of developing some quick chemistry with new quarterback Russell Wilson. Toon does not have special speed. That and durability seem to be the missing aspects of his game.
To me this was the best pick of the draft for the Saints. Toon was rated no worse than a high fourth round pick in the fifteen services I examined. He was rated as high as a top second round pick by two services. It broke down to 3 services rated him 2, 5 services rated him 2-3 and 7 services rated him 2 - 4. His projection score was 79th player overall, which was a top 3rd rounder. At this point, he was the best player on the board by combined rating score.
Grade: A+
5th Round
Corey White, SS, Samford
Height: 5-11. Weight: 206.
40 Time: 4.47.
Vertical: 37.5.
Hand: 9 3/8.
Projected Round (2012): 5-FA. Combined Rating 5.27
White is an up-and-coming prospect out of Samford who has great size for a cornerback and could be moved back to safety at the next level given his skill set. He has been a consistent tackler and run defender. He could benefit from playing at the back of a defense and working toward the line of scrimmage to be more involved in run support than he would be from his corner position. He could struggle athletically at corner. Look for him to be taken in the late rounds as a project and special teams contributor.
White is very strong in run support, where he takes great angles toward the ball. He uses his feet to track runners and fit on them to make plays. He approaches ball carriers like a safety would, which bodes well for a position switch. White displays good athletic ability when near a receiver with the ball is in the air, but he can struggle getting to that point. All these skill sets combine to make him a stronger and more intriguing safety than corner, especially given his size.
White is not a great athlete for the corner position. He is a bit of an awkward runner and can struggle in transitions. He stutters his feet through movements and in and out of breaks, which makes it difficult for him to cover closely in man-to-man schemes. He is a bit late in reacting to plays because of his slow footwork, and the same is true of his reactions when working in zone.
Another Roman Harper, he is a great run supporter, but has coverage issues. He has great size, but lacks quickness to the ball. He has hand issues. He was only rated on 11 of the 15 services, which means 4 services didn't think he warranted even a look. Not really good for a fifth round pick.
He has great potential, but he is a clone of what we already have. I would have liked them go after someone who could intercept the ball a bit. Again this was a pick that confused me. Terrell Manning was on the board. He was an outside linebacker that was on all 15 services and was projected to be in the 3-4 range. I was begging them to take him. He came out early and that was a mistake, but he has pass rushing skills, something we need at linebacker. I think he could have been a spot starter this season.
Grade: B-
6th round
Andrew Tiller, G/T, Syracuse
Height: 6-4. Weight: 324.
40 Time: 5.50.
Bench: 31.
Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 10.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA. Combine rating 6.9
Tiller arrived at Syracuse over 400 pounds but dropped weight in order to break into the lineup. He is not a very good athlete despite the weight loss. Tiller needs to develop more skills than just being a power-drive blocker. He also has to improve his pass protection. Tiller did not impress at the Combine.
Tiller has NFL size for the guard position. He is a below-average athlete, which hurts his ability to contribute early at the next level. A strong, positional blocker who really excels in the run game, where he can overpower defenders. His footwork is his Achilles heel and the likely reason he will probably be delegated to the practice squad during his first few years.
Tiller excels as a run blocker. Although not very explosive, if he is able to get his hands on defensive linemen he is generally able to move them out of the play. Size and strength are the shining attributes of his game.
Tiller is a non-explosive interior lineman who struggles in pass protection. It seems he hasn't honed in on a stance and pass-set that he feels comfortable with, as when gets too high at times and can be caught off balance by powerful pass rushers. He struggles in space to work upfield and get his hands on linebackers, and would really excel more in a zone blocking scheme.
Terrible pick. He is a first cut player. He would have been a terrible free agent pick up, much less a draft pick. I don't know what it is about the sixth round, but the Saints cannot pick anyone at this pick. They should just trade all their sixth round picks. They have some sort of mental block at this pick.
Tiller has weight issues. He can't pass block for a team that features the pass. Winston Guy was available. He would have been a great pick up for a strong safety. He can catch. He has good speed and size and is a devastating hitter. He was projected as a 5th rounder in most services.
Grade: F
7th round
Marcel Jones, T, Nebraska
Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.
40 Time: 5.68.
Bench: 13.
Arm: 33 5/8. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-6. Combine rating 5.26
Jones is one of the top offensive tackles in the class after starting for two years on some highly productive Nebraska offensive lines. He has the size and footwork to compete for a job at left tackle at the next level, and such prospects often have second or third round value. Jones is no different, and he has the talent to start early in his NFL career. Look for him to make a move to the right side, though, as he is less reliable powering off his right foot and isn't quite at the level to start immediately protecting on the left side.
He is a polished run blocker from his time spent in the Nebraska offense, but he is an accomplished pass protector as well. He has size to block any defensive end in the NFL and a pass set and anchor to stop a bull rush. He is athletic enough to recover against pro defensive ends and would be a physically imposing player on any offensive line. He likely will need to begin his NFL career on the right side as he develops the flexibility and reliability to be a blindside blocker.
Jones can struggle at times in space, as he is a big man and can take a few steps to get going. He is reliable at sustaining blocks once there but can struggle to throttle down and set on linebackers.
This may have been the best pick for value in the draft. He was rated highly by the combine services. He was actually projected by two services as a second round pick. Overall, he was projected as a top quarter fifth rounder, but many had him moving up in the draft. He could actually get some playing time for the Saints.
Grade: A+
Overall, it wasn't a spectacular draft, but how could it be with no first two day picks.
Overall Grade: B-
Title Change: Draft Discussion, coldpizza welcome.
by Ajun Cajun on Apr 25, 2012 2:43 AM CDT
However, I do like the draft as I have posted in my memories, I used to take all the data from differing draft mags and such and create a data base that would identify where most players fell in the draft. I have been pretty successful in locating player positions in the draft. Here is what I see for the Saints:
3rd Round
Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
Height: 6-6. Weight: 237.
40 Time: 4.53. 10-Yd Split: 1.58.
Bench: 16. Vertical: 34.5.
Arm: 34 1/2. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/24/12: Green had a decent performance at the Senior Bowl, and followed that up with a good showing at the Combine. His 40 time had expectations to be a solid number and he hit it.
In the first three games of the 2011 season, Green had one catch for a loss of one yard. After that, he became much more productive, finishing 2011 with 51 receptions for 606 yards and eight touchdowns. Green had an excellent end to the year with five receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown against San Diego State. His other 100-yard receiving game came against Louisiana Monroe with 13 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Green is undersized and needs to gain some bulk in order to block at the next level.
4th Round
Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 235.
40 Time: 4.53.
Bench: 32.
Vertical: 38.5. Broad: 10-4.
Arm: 32.
Projected Round (2012): 3-5.
4/25/12: Davis recorded 69 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one interception in 2011. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl, but Davis held his own against the better competition. He is fast and has some physicality.
At the Combine, Davis showed off his rare combination of skills. He sprinted a very fast 40 time and was one of the leaders on the bench press. His vertical and broad jump measurements were excellent and showed his explosion. At his pro day, Davis had another quality performance. He is a sleeper prospect who could be a big reward in the NFL.
5th Round
· Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
. Height: 5-10. Weight: 182.
40 Time: 4.42. 10-Yd Split: 1.45.
Vertical: 38.
Broad: 10-0.
Hand: 8 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
4/24/12: Wright totaled 66 receptions for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season. He had a massive performance with 13 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns against Texas A&M. Wright's senior production raised his stock, but that bump was hurt by not producing much against LSU's talented secondary. The senior had two receptions for 27 yards and a score versus the Tigers. Wright's stock took another hit when he weighed in smaller than expected at the East-West Shrine Game. He did well at the Combine.
In 2010, Wright caught 42 passes for 788 yards and five scores. As a sophomore the year before, he had 41 receptions for 681 yards and five scores. Wright projects as a slot receiver in the NFL.
6th Round
Julian Miller, DE, West Virginia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Arm: 34 1/8. Hand: 9.
Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
4/26/12: Miller had 57 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles in 2011. West Virginia didn't do the redshirt senior any favors by moving him around the line, including playing him at defensive tackle this year.
The Mountaineers even lined Miller up as a nose tackle in a 3-4 set on some passing downs. Moving him to the inside killed his pass-rushing opportunities, but he finished the regular season strong with a four-sack game against Pittsburgh.
Miller played better this year than his 2011 stats indicate. He was tough against the run and held his ground well at the point of attack. Miller also got more pass pressure than his stats reflect. He has a quality combination of strength and speed and could be a good sleeper prospect.
Miller played well at the East-West Shrine in January, but did not work out at the Combine.
7th Round
Sean Cattouse, SS, California
Height: 6-2. Weight: 211.
40 Time: 4.68. 10-Yd Split: 1.65.
Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-6.
Arm: 33.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Cattouse had 76 tackles, two interceptions, two passes broken up and a sack this season. His two interceptions came against Presbyterian. Cattouse looked better than expected at the Combine.
All this could change if one player were to fall to the Saints' pick and that would Brandon Taylor.
3rd Round
Brandon Taylor, FS, LSU
Height: 5-11. Weight: 209.
40 Time: 4.50.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-10.
Arm: 31 1/4. Hand: 9 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/25/12: In recent months, Taylor has seen a justified surge in his draft stock. He was being underrated for a long time and ranked behind inferior safeties. Taylor played well in 2011. Even with a lot of playmakers around him, he still produced. Taylor had 71 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, five passes broken up, one sack and two interceptions this season. Taylor had strong games against West Virginia, Florida and Alabama. Fast and physical, he was the third-leading tackler for LSU in 2011.
Taylor strikes players with some violence. He is fast and doesn't shy away from getting physical. At the Senior Bowl, his physicality stood out along with quality instincts and anticipation. Taylor's Combine 40-yard dash time was very impressive as well. Others rate him lower, but he is a sleeper prospect who could surprise in the NFL.
4th Round
Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 252.
40 Time: 4.62. 10-Yd Split: 1.57.
Bench: 21. Vertical: 36.
Arm: 33. Hand: 9 3/4.
Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
4/24/12: Egnew posted better than expected measureables at the Combine. He had some nice moments at the Senior Bowl, but wasn't consistent enough to really help his stock. Through the Combine and Senior Bowl, Egnew has confirmed his grade as an early-round pick on the final day of the draft.
Egnew had a disappointing senior season. His production dropped off dramatically from 2010, and it doesn't look like he has the speed to be a receiving tight end in the NFL. Egnew had 50 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns this year. He had a big game against Iowa State with six receptions for 105 yards and a score. Egnew caught 12 passes for 69 yards against Baylor. Otherwise, he was quiet this season.
5th Round
Same as before see above.
6th Round
Same as before see above.
7th Round
Logan Harrell, DT, Fresno State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 278.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
4/25/12: Harrell had a quality season even though Fresno State struggled and failed to qualify for a Bowl. He totaled 71 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up and three forced fumbles this year. Harrell was held in check by Nebraska but played tough against Boise State. He plays physical football, has a fabulous motor and gives maximum effort.
At the next level, Harrell's best fit might be to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense and move inside to rush the passer on passing downs. If Harrell bulks up, he could be a potential five-technique. Harrell did not work out at the Combine.
Jonathan Vilma's new deal with New Orleans Saints
by St Jenkins on Apr 24, 2012 8:11 PM CDT
Details of Jonathan Vilma's new deal with New Orleans Saints reveal $2.2 million pay cut
Not too much good news lately, but this looks promising. Things are getting pretty slow if we are depending on me for a quick link, but what the heck. All we need now is to see Drew Brees signed and draft the best latter round draft picks in the history of the NFL and we should be all set for another season!
by The Armchair GM Championship
by Danny Kelly on Apr 23, 2012 2:03 PM CDT
By Ben Harbaugh and Danny Kelly, writers at Field Gulls.
The 2012 NFL Draft is almost upon us. Many NFL fans discuss the draft even more than regular season and it is easy to see why. The draft represents the future of the league. It can push a team to ultimate victory or leave them looking to next year's draft. Each pick symbolizes an opportunity for improvement. Success takes a team that much closer to the title, while failure leaves them that much farther away. The gravity of the situation is difficult to overstate.
Understandably, many of us don't like following such an event with our eyes closed. We've learned about the prospects and developed opinions for who we want our team to select. With opinion comes debate and intrigue. The sea of scouting fosters a sense of competition based on the desire to predict the outcome of the draft. However, until now there's never been a platform to give that sense of competition meaning. This year that changes. It's time to put your armchair GM skills to the test.
In a nutshell, the challenge is to predict the draft picks for your team of choice. You will rank the twenty prospects most likely to be selected by your team in the order you feel is likeliest. If your top player is picked then you score 20 points. If your second player is picked - 19 points. Third player -18 points, etc. Whoever accumulates the most points by the end of the draft is the winner. We will discuss tie breaking and the finer details of the rules in the competition after the jump.
NFL Draft: SBN - Top 4 Team Draft Picks Contest!
by Douglas M on Apr 23, 2012 2:32 AM CDT
***This post has been approved for All SBN NFL sites by SBNation***
Speculation, rumors, prospects and draft stock... We've read it for months now, and what have we learned? Well, I learned that I really hate the time period between the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft. How about you?
On April 26th, all our eyes will be firmly fixed on New York City, waiting for our favorite NFL team's draft picks. We've sliced and diced every combination imaginable in Mock drafts, right? Well how about a contest that will test your draft metal? Starting April 23th, and running till the 25th, you have a chance to prove you know your team's needs and wants. This contest is open to all SBNation NFL sites, and the prizes will be for the winner's favorite NFL team.
Welcome to the Turf Show Times "Top 4 Team Draft Picks Contest"!
Here's what you need to do to win:
