Gisele Rips Patriots Receivers

First off, I was wrong. I had Gisele Bundchen pegged as this super model arm candy trophy wife that didn’t know the rules of the game. To tell you the truth, I didn’t think she’d even be at the Super Bowl let alone liping off Tom Brady’s teammates post game.

“You (have) to catch the ball when you’re supposed to catch the ball. My husband cannot (bleeping) throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can’t believe they dropped the ball so many times.”

Check out this link for of a video of the blonde-bombshell telling reporters just how she really felt about Sunday’s outcome.

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Madonna Upstaged by MIA’s Finger

For the most part, Madonna delivered an entertaining Super Bowl half time performance that started strong and looked to easily beat out last year’s performer the Black Eyed Peas. Reaching into a bag of resources to not completely bore us, Madonna was smart to bring out guests Cee Lo, Nicki Minaj and dance rockers LMFAO to perform with her. Yet, the show will unfortunately be remembered by guest star MIA’s performance where she flipped the bird to the camera. The gesture, accompanied by a barely disguised expletive, came during a performance of Madonna’s new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin.”‘ At the end of her lines, M.I.A. appeared to sing “I don’t give a (expletive),” although it was hard to hear clearly.

Personally I don’t care whether it happened or not, but it will be the talk of the week by the media as they recap the game.

If you remember the NFL was suppose to have installed a delay feature for the Super Bowl to cut away for instances like this one. The NFL blamed a failure in NBC’s delay system for allowing the gesture to be seen. Spokesman Brian McCarthy said M.I.A. did not do anything similar during rehearsals and the league had no reason to believe she would pull something like that during the actual show.

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Top 5 NFL Coaches of 2011

Conventional wisdom says that Jim Harbaugh is going to win the Coach of the Year. The rookie San Francisco 49er coach is worthy, but there is a coach who didn’t have as much success this season, but deserves consideration. If I had a vote for COY – which I don’t – my vote would go to another coach who oversaw even a more incredible turnaround. Here is one guy’s top five – okay, I cheated, top six coaching rankings for the 2011 season.

5. Tom Coughlin/Bill Belichick

Both of these guys get overlooked every year, especially Belichick. It is because year in and year out their teams are solid. This year Belichick’s team overcame one of the NFL’s worst defenses, but still found a way to put together another great regular season and of course a run back to the Super Bowl. How good is ‘The Hoodie’ and his staff? For the second time they filled a glaring hole on defense by moving a wide receiver to a defensive back and got decent production out of him.

Coughlin’s Giants also had injuries to major players to deal with and partly because of that, struggled in the early part of the season. When the chips were down in the second half of 2011 Coughlin’s team was on point again. They got healthy and played great football down the stretch beating the top two seeds on the road to get back to the Super Bowl.

4.  Marvin Lewis

As the 2011 season approached, I thought the Bengals were going to be terrible. They were coming off a last place 4-12 season and they were destined to lose quarterback Carson Palmer. They replaced Palmer with rookie Andy Dalton. Historically starting a rookie quarterback in Week One is a recipe for disaster. Dalton wasn’t even a first round pick, but somehow Lewis and his staff were able to get their rookie quarterback – and receiver A.J. Green – on the same page as the rest of the offense. They were able to do it fast. They made it to the playoffs with a rookie quarterback who had to play against some of the toughest defenses in the league.

How is this for a rookie season baptism? Dalton had to face the top three defenses – yardage wise – in the league. He faced Pittsburgh (twice), Baltimore (twice) and Houston(twice including the playoffs). Believe it or not, the Cleveland Browns ranked tenth in the league and of course Dalton had to play them twice as well. Playing seven games against top ten defenses with a rookie quarterback and winning nine games with a playoff berth as well – Coach of the Year consideration in my book.

3. Gary Kubiak

Yes he had one of the league’s best rushing attacks and one of the league’s best defenses, but this is a team that had not made the playoffs in its history. Add to that the injuries the team had to overcome to not only make the playoffs, but win a playoff game is remarkable.

Kubiak and his staff had to overcome injuries to four of their top players. Arian Foster was out for much of the first half of the season. Mario Williams was out almost the entire year and Matt Schaub was lost for the season about half way through the year. Elite wide receiver Andre Johnson was limited to about half a season due to separate hamstring ailments. To make things worse they lost second string quarterback Matt Leinart in his first game replacing Schaub.

It didn’t matter. Kubiak and the Texans put together a solid first half of the season, played good enough in the second half of the season and actually won a playoff game – and almost a second – with a third string quarterback.

2. Jim Harbaugh

Most people are going to have Harbaugh at number one and with good reason. He took a franchise that had been struggling for years and in one season took them to overtime in the NFC Championship Game. He was able to take a good defense and help make it great and was the first coach to get solid, consistent play from quarterback Alex Smith. The team won seven more regular season games than the year before and although played in the league’s worst division proved many experts wrong by beating most people’s dark horse Super Bowl pick – the New Orleans Saints – at their own game, not with defense, but with offense.

1. John Fox

Fox’s Broncos were coming off a disaster of a season. They won just four games and finished last in the AFC West. This year the team made a four game improvement, won the division and a playoff game. It was a weak division and they ended with a .500 record, but the brilliance of Fox goes far beyond the numbers.

You could say the Broncos got lucky during their long string of wins in the middle of the season and you would be right, but the reason Fox should get the nod is that he did something coaches just don’t do in the NFL. His team was going nowhere so he changed his entire thought process and figured out a way to get his team winning. Fox recognized the team wasn’t going anywhere with Kyle Orton at quarterback so he made the switch to Tim Tebow. Everyone knows how the story ended, but what goes under-appreciated is Fox and his staff role in the transition.

Fox changed the entire way the team did business on the field. They went from a conventional 21st century offense to an offense out of the 1940’s in a matter of weeks. They did it on the fly without the benefit of training camp or even an off-season. Fox found a way to win seven of the last eleven games with a quarterback who had trouble completing the most elementary of NFL pass routes. I don’t think the approach they had to take this year has a chance of working long term, but for this year, with that talent, the job John Fox did makes him the runaway coach of the year for 2011.

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Super Bowl XLVII

Sunday, February 5th 6:30 PM EST from Indianapolis (NBC)

Vegas line: New England -3 (ML -135) o/u 55

Perhaps the greatest day of the year is finally upon us: Super Bowl Sunday! The final game of another amazing NFL season where we will crown a new champion and eat and drink ourselves into a stupor in what has become one of the biggest party days on the calendar.

This year we get a rematch of what is commonly agreed upon as the greatest upset in the modern history of the game, the Super Bowl XLII classic between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. That game saw the Giants, 14 point underdogs, shock the world and end the undefeated Patriots run at immortality.

It won’t be such a surprise if the Giants pull it off this time. The Pats are slim three point favorites in the rematch, but most fans, players and prognasticators seem to be siding with New York. Despite the heavy action for the G-Men, Vegas has yet to adjust the +3 number accordingly….suspicious or trap?

Take a look at the Gridironexperts SuperBowl picks here and ridiculous prop bets. Use the comments thread below to make your own predictions.

Giants

It’s amazing that every year Giants head coach Tom Coughlin is supposedly on the hot seat. He’s been able to instill discipline into his teams and seems to be adept at getting the most out of them. It’s not an accident that he has this club in it’s second big-game appearance in four years.

As for the offense, you can’t spell ELITE without Eli. Upon playing in his second Super Bowl in four seasons, Eli Manning should now definitively be in the elite group of top-notch quarterbacks. The passing game is what makes this offense works….these aren’t your father’s G-Men.

New York actually finished last in the NFL in rushing this season. The rushing attack has improved over the playoffs, so expect New York to try to establish a ground game early, to set up play-action opportunities downfield. Both backs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will be involved, with Bradshaw commanding the lion’s share of the totes and Jacobs acting in a short yardage and change-of-pace role. D.J. Ware could also see about 4-5 touches.

It’s the Giants’ receiving corps that will pose major problems for the Patriots’ 32nd ranked pass defense. New England has been simply awful all season in coverage and this is the best group of wide-outs they’ve faced. Hakeem Nicks is the main receiver and redzone threat, but emerging Victor Cruz might be just as good. Both have the ability to stretch the field and outrun the secondary. Mario Manningham is a dangerous slot receiver option and very difficult for linebackers to cover.

Expect better than usual rushing numbers in this game, and don’t be surprised if Manningham ends up making a big contribution.

Patriots

New England is an interesting comparison to New York…both teams have prolific passing games, are led by All-Pro signal-callers, struggle in the run game and have bad defenses. Though the Pats have the league’s lousiest D, the Giants aren’t much better. They rank 27th, and the winner of this game will have the distinction of having the worst ranked championship defense in history.

We all know about the greatness of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. This is their fifth Super Bowl together. Brady will look to join Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana as the only four-time Super Bowl champions in league history.

Like the Giants, the Patriots offense is predicated on establishing a strong aerial attack. But rather than a group of strong wide receivers, the pats win with the NFL’s deadliest 1-2 punch at tight end. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are both nightmare matchups for any opposing team. They’re both just too big, strong and fast.

Gronkowski sets NFL records for touchdowns scored for the position and has 20 TD’s in 18 games. He’s nursing a high ankle sprain but should be good to go for the game. Hernandez is a threat as Brady’s preferred target in and around the goal line and has even been garnering several carries a game…what can’t these guys do?

Wes Welker is a fantastic slot receiver and had yet another ho-hum 100+ catch season. With the Pats running so many two tight end sets, Deion Branch is the main outside threat that will challenge a suspect Giants secondary. Chad Ochocinco’s reward for finally making it to a Super Bowl will likely to be inactive. He has made next to zero contribution and his signing will go down as a huge mistake for the club.

Predictions

The Giants have the ability to get an excellent pass-rush by just rushing four. This will allow them to drop seven into coverage and attempt to slow down the Patriots passing attack. This will actually set up opportunities for New England’s rushing attack. Look for better than expected numbers from BenJarvus Green-Ellis. A darkhorse sleeper for MVP: Stevan Ridley.

New York will likely try to keep the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands as much as possible by attempting to get Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs involved early and often. This could keep the scoring down.

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Super Bowl Picks

The ruined Patriots perfect season has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the New England faithful. Eli Manning led the winning drive and was well deserving of the MVP award as the super underdogs beat the perfect Pat’s in a thrilling 17-14 victory back in 2008.

This time round the term “underdog” doesn’t apply to either club and should be tossed from any descriptions. Both teams seem equality deadly on offense while the few weak spots on either team make it hard to find vulnerable targets to go after. Two great quarterbacks will battle for what should be an exciting Super Bowl Sunday.

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10 Ridiculous Super Bowl Prop Bets

The Super Bowl is big for so many reasons. The players and fans of both teams have their hearts set on being Super Bowl Champions, but there are so many other elements to Super Bowl Sunday. Companies and brands dump millions into advertising to capture the worlds attention in hope of selling their crap to the public, this years going rate is $3.5 million for a 30 second spot. There are also the big movie trailers that try to hype up this years hottest must-see blockbusters. The art form of a “Must-See” movie trailer can’t be denied these days, yet spending millions of dollars to miss your mark is huge, even crippling. Lets also not forget about the bars, pubs and restaurants that fan’s will be attending all over the world, each hosted location will have a chance to pull in their biggest single day earnings of the year. Yet the real hidden gem of this yearly mega-event doesn’t come with a side of fries.

I’ll admit it, I drop more cash on food, beverages and “friendly wagers” on Super Bowl Sunday than any other NFL day of the year. But for big name online sportsbooks or Las Vegas Casinos, money trades hands like you could only imagine. I tried my best to research what was invested at last year’s game, I tried to find something on who lost or even profited the most from last years Super Bowl, but whatever number I found would surely be only the tip of the iceberg. With bets as crazy as calling “Head’s” or “Tails” for the games kickoff, you know if you looked hard enough, the insane prop bets would surely be worth a laugh.

***The Following Super Bowl Prop Bets are real ridiculous wagers you can make for the Super Bowl XLVI with an online sportsbook. I am not plugging any single sportsbook, I researched many providers to bring you these top 10 hilarious bets for a laugh.***

1. What Color will the Gatorade (or liquid) be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?  (If nothing is dumped wagers will be No Action. )

Odds:

• Clear/Water 7 to 4
• Orange 9 to 4
• Yellow 5 to 2
• Red 6 to 1
• Green 7 to 1
• Blue 10 to 1

My Thoughts: Cool bet, but knowing my luck it’s the color that makes no sense what so ever, like yellow or green. Someone somewhere has the inside track on this, I could see this being a loaded suckers bet. Maybe it’s me, maybe I have seen far too many CSI episodes or watched the movie Casino too many times, but couldn’t you just picture the underground betting community fixing this bet. They just need to find the guy that’s making to juice.

My Pick: I’m going to take Blue, both teams have blue in their color jersey scheme and the Colts (home turf) are blue….but wait…maybe that’s what they want  me to pick.

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2011 Best and Worst Value: Tight Ends

Since the 2011 fantasy season ended, you’ve had a brief period to recharge. Yet many of you already want to start planning your 2012 drafts. This column will deliver the jump start that you need to begin that process.

We will examine TEs that provided the best and worst value for their owners. This will be based upon their numbers, and where they were drafted. We’ll utilize standard scoring of six points per TD, and one point per 10 rushing/receiving yards in a 12-team league.

BEST VALUE

Rob Gronkowski

The fact that Gronkowski delivered extraordinary numbers during the regular season is hardly bulletin material. But his accomplishments become even more remarkable, when you consider that he was still available in the eighth round, before becoming the ninth TE selected… just after Marcedes Lewis. He then proceeded to lead all TEs with 17 TD receptions, which also surpassed the total of all WRs. With the addition of his lone rushing TD, his total of 18 trailed only LeSean McCoy for second overall. He also led his position with 1,327 receiving yards, which was also sixth among all receivers. His 90 receptions were second among TEs, and fifth best overall. He also was easily within the top 20 in scoring in fantasy leagues, and the enormity of his production has helped redefine the value of elite TEs to owners. As a result, be prepared for him to be selected in round two of your next drafts.

Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham’s output was nearly the equal of Gronkowski’s, and its impact upon the degree to which fantasy owners will now utilize elite TEs in their draft strategy is enormous. He was originally the sixth TE chosen, with an ADP of 74. He rewarded those who entrusting him with a sixth round selection, by leading all Tight ends with 99 catches, which was also the NFL’s highest total behind only Wes Welker and Calvin Johnson. His 1,310 yards were seventh overall, and second among TEs. His 11 TDs were the fourth highest among all receivers, and 10^th best overall. Without question, Jimmy Graham has vaulted into a tier with Gronkowski, that transcends all others at the position, and he will command at least a third round selection next summer.

Aaron Hernandez

If Hernandez happened to wear a different uniform, his 2011 accomplishments would be discussed even more extensively. Because even though teammate Gronkowski delivered an epic statistical explosion, Hernandez still managed to supply numbers that far exceeded his value. Fantasy owners made Hernandez just an 11^th round pick, as 12 TEs were chosen before him. Yet, he generated the fourth highest yardage total at his position (910), and was tied for fourth with 79 receptions. Plus, he surpassed 100 yards in three games, averaged 65 YPG, and scored seven times. While Gronkowski will collect an enormous number of receptions again next season, Hernandez will produce sufficiently to merit selection as a top five TE.

Tony Gonzalez

Gonzalez assembled a decent 2010 season statistically, generating 70 catches for 656 yards, while scoring six times. But since those were the fewest number of receptions since 2002, and his lowest yardage total since 1998, many fantasy owners feared a continual decline in 2011. As a result, he was the 12^th TE drafted, which was after Marcedes Lewis, Owen Daniels, and Kellen Winslow among others. Gonzalez repaid those who selected him by finishing third among all TEs with 80 receptions. Gonzalez also ranked fifth at his position with 875 yards, while generating seven TDs. Despite his 2011 success, both Roddy White and Julio Jones will commandeer a sizable percentage of targets again in 2012, and their collective presence will make it exceedingly difficult for Gonzalez to match his 2011 numbers.

Dustin Keller

He was not exactly garnering a considerable amount of attention heading into last summers’ drafts, after producing 815 yards on 65 receptions in 2010. And there were undoubtedly games during the 2011 regular season, in which fantasy owners weren’t exactly enamored with Keller’s production. But considering that he was just the 17^th TE selected, he easily exceeded expectations. For the modest price of a 12^th round draft pick, Keller rewarded those who chose him, by finishing sixth at his position with 815 yards, and ranking ninth in receptions with 65, while establishing new career highs in both categories. While it might be difficult for him to place at such a high level again next season, he can be employed as a 10^th round selection, for those who choose not to utilize a lofty pick on their TE.

WORST VALUE

Jermichael Finley

His imposing physical ability, and the prolific nature of Green Bay’s offense, combined to make Finley a tremendously enticing choice on draft day. As a result, he became the second player at his position to be selected, as fantasy owners were willing to utilize a fourth round pick on the fourth-year TE. While he ultimately generated solid production overall, his numbers did not quite attain the level that one would prefer to see after making such a lofty investment. He did establish new highs in TDs (eight) and receiving yards (767), while also tying his career best with 55 catches. However, that reception total placed him just 14^th among all TEs, while his total yardage ranked only 12^th. Plus, three of his TDs were amassed in week 3 against Chicago, while he failed to reach the end zone in 11 other contests. While it is expected that he will return to Green Bay, considering the numerous options that Aaron Rodgers possesses, and the growing number of high quality TEs throughout the league, it is best to draft Finley no higher than the top eight at his position.

Dallas Clark

Although he missed 10 games in 2010 due to a torn ligament in his wrist, he appeared to be an excellent candidate for a massive resurgence in 2011. In fact, it was reasonable to anticipate numbers in the neighborhood of 2009, when he collected double digit TDs for the third time in his career, along with over 800 yards. Therefore, it made complete sense for fantasy owners to utilize a fifth round pick on Clark, which made him the fourth TE selected. However, what ensued was nothing short of disaster. Clark only amassed 352 yards, despite performing in 11 contests, which was just five more than he accumulated in six games during 2010. His two TDs were the fewest since his 2003 rookie year, and his 34 catches placed him 27^th among TEs, and were the least since 2005. His value in 2012 is uncertain as of now, since his status with the Colts, as well as the identity of his QB, is unclear.

Marcedes Lewis

After finishing 2010 tied for the league lead among all TEs with a career best 10 TDs, Lewis appeared capable of performing as a No. 1. He became the eighth TE selected, with an ADP of 94, as Gronkowski, Gonzalez and Hernandez were among those still available. However, despite starting 15 games, his output declined significantly. Lewis ranked a disappointing 21^st in receptions among all TEs with just 39. Plus, his paltry 460 yards also placed him 21^st, and were the fewest since 2008. The worst news for those who drafted him, was that he failed to score for the first time in his six year career. If his 2011 numbers, and the reality that Blaine Gabbert will still be under center, do not provide sufficient reasons to look elsewhere for your next TE, the fact that new HC Mike Mularkey has called Lewis “perhaps the best blocking tight end in the NFL” should.          

Owen Daniels

Despite the fact that Daniels had missed a total of 13 games in 2009-2010, fantasy owners displayed optimism, that he would experience a return to health, and high quality numbers in 2011. That image of an active Daniels collecting numerous passes from Matt Schaub, propelled him into becoming the seventh TE drafted, with an ADP of 74. Ultimately, he did in fact compete in 15 games. However, that makes the modest production that he attained even more disappointing, as he finished just 15th among TEs with both 54 receptions, and 677 receiving yards. While that enabled him to lead the Texans in both categories, his numbers were hardly a satisfactory reward for those who selected him. Even though Schaub was only able to perform in 10 contests, which impacted Daniels’ opportunities, he still, should not be among the top 10 TEs chosen next summer.

Zach Miller

Miller averaged 63 catches, 745 yards, and four TDs in 2009-2010, led the leading the Raiders in every major receiving category, and even garnered his first Pro Bowl selection in 2010. He then spurned a chance to resign with Oakland, in lieu of a more lucrative contract with Seattle. Since serious questions enveloped the QB position with his new team, fantasy owners were aware that his numbers could decline. He became the 14^th TE selected, with an ADP of 130. But that modest investment was still far too hefty, as Miller’s output plummeted sizably with the Seahawks. Even though he participated in 15 games, he ranked a lowly 41^st among all TEs in yardage with 233, and improved just slightly to 37^th in receptions (25). Worse, he failed to find the end zone during the entire season. Unless a radical change occurs at the QB slot, Miller is not worth drafting.

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Is Tom Coughlin a Hall of Fame Coach?

Just a few years ago this question would be ridiculous. Actually just two months ago this question would have been absurd, but if the New York Giants win on Sunday, the idea of Tom Coughlin being a Hall of Fame coach may be legit.

For years there have been rumors that Coughlin has been on his way out. The players hate his old school ways. How many times have we heard about the five minute early to meetings rule? They have had unexplainable losing streaks nearly every year, but most years his teams end up in the playoffs. Even when he coached the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars he nearly took the team to the Super Bowl in just the second year of existence. In his seven seasons in Jacksonville he went to two AFC championship games.

With the Giants, Tom Coughlin pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history when the Giants defeated the undefeated New England Patriots in 2008. Now he has his team back in the Super Bowl against the mighty Patriots for a rematch. If he wins he will have defeated Bill Belichick twice on the biggest stage, the only coach to beat the mighty Belichick even once in the Super Bowl.

The much criticized Coughlin has put together a 142-114 record in sixteen seasons. His teams have been to the playoffs nine of those years. With the expansion Jaguars he was able to turn an expansion team into a team with a winning record in just the second year. Those Jaguars were not a flash in the pan either. After struggling in year one, they made the playoffs four years in a row before starting to struggle in the 2000 season. Two of Coughlin’s worst years can almost be thrown out. His first year with the expansion Jaguars he was not going to win many games and his first year with the Giants he was starting a rookie quarterback – Eli Manning – for most of the season. No coach was going to find much success those two years. If you take out those two years he has had just three losing seasons.

Maybe the best argument for Coughlin in the Hall of Fame if he wins next week is this. If he wins he will join a list that includes Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, Don Shula, Chuck Noll, Tom Flores, Bill Walsh, Bill Parcells, Jimmy Johnson, George Seifert, Mike Shanahan and Belichick as coaches who have multiple Super Bowl championships. Half of those guys – assuming Belichick gets in – already have the ugly yellow Hall of Fame jacket in their closet.

Personally if the Giants win I am not ready to put the red faced one in the Hall of Fame, but if Coughlin wins on Sunday and his teams continue to show well over the next few years, as crazy as it sounds – Tom Coughlin will be worthy of Hall of Fame talk.

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Senior Bowl Stock Report

These days, there really is no extended break or off-season for fanatic football fans. The finale of the college football season is the annual Senior Bowl game played in Mobile, Alabama. That game pits graduating student-athletes from the north and south and gives them one final game before their potential professional careers begin.

The Senior Bowl also gives the participating players a chance to make an impression and get themselves noticed before February’s NFL Scouting Combine. Every year somebody creates a stir by having a big performance, either in the game itself or in the practice week held before the game.

This year was no exception. Several big names managed to make an impression on the hundreds of professional football scouts and personnel-men in attendance. Let’s take a look at some of the names that may have helped or hurt their potential 2012 NFL draft value.

Joe Adams (WR/KR) Arkansas- Improved his stock tremendously with at Senior Bowl M.V.P. performance for the South. Caught eight passes for 133 yards in the game. Looks to be a very good slot-receiver candidate who will offer mis-match potential for linebackers or safties. Is also a tremendous kick returner, further increasing his value.

Chris Rainey (RB/WR) Florida- Draws favorable comparisons to fellow former Florida rb/wr hybrid Percy Harvin. Though smaller than Harvin, Rainey might be quicker and absolutely schooled elite cornerback prospect Janoris Jenkins in the Senior Bowl practices. Has major character concerns that will raise a red flag for some teams.

Kellen Moore (QB) Boise State- Moore was really hurt when he was officially measured in at under six feet tall. There are currently no NFL starters of that size. Further dropping his value was his struggles with accuracy, footwork and timing. Moore is a winner and should still be a late round pick, but he might have to explore changing positions.

Vinny Curry (DE/LB) Marshall- Improved his stock tremendously with a two sack, one pass deflected performance. At 6-3 265 lbs. has the ability to play either as a defensive end or five-technique. A strong showing at the Scouting Combine could move him up into the bottom of round one, where he could be targeted by teams utilizing the 3-4.

Jeff Fuller (WR) Texas A&M- Plagued by dropped passes all week. Minimal impact in the Senior Bowl game, catching three balls for 16 yards. Also looked to run sloppy routes. Still has impressive size, but now looks only to be a late round selection.

  Brandon Boykin (CB) Georgia- Had an excellent week of practice. Handled all receivers in practice fairly well. A bit on the small side (5’9″ 189 lbs.). Added bonus is that he could make an excellent kick and punt return man. A strong Combine showing could move him up into round two. UPDATE: Apparently Boykin suffered a broken leg in the Senior Bowl, but the injury isn’t considered serious and reports are that he should be healed and ready to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine.

Chris Polk (RB) Washington- Perhaps the most maligned player at the Senior Bowl. ESPN’s Todd McShay said he hurt his stock more than any other player. Yikes. Allegedly looked out of shape and slow. Started off the Senior Bowl with a couple of impressive runs, then disappeared. Value has fallen so much that it might not be a surprise to see him selected until  the third round. Still, he has time to recover and improve his standing at the Combine.

Janoris Jenkins (CB) North Alabama- Solidified his status as a first round pick. Had an excellent week of practice and should be the third cornerback selected in the 2012 NFL draft. Was dismissed from Florida, so there will also be some character concerns for Jenkins.

Russell Wilson (QB) Wisconsin- Like Kellen Moore, Wilson was hurt by the tape measure. He measured in at a paltry 5-10 1/2 203lbs. That would make him the shortest signal-caller in the entire NFL. Also struggled with consistency and accuracy throughout the Senior Bowl practice week. He’ll likely be a very late pick or even an undrafted free agent.

Doug Martin (RB) Boise State- Looked like the best running back at the Senior Bowl. Strong lower body with excellent speed, Martin has drawn comparisons to Ray Rice. Should be a top-five running back selection at the draft. Like Rice, could be selected in the second round.

Alfonzo Dennard (CB) Nebraska- Had a very poor showing. Looked slow and struggled in coverage. Also looked to have poor footwork and could be over-powered by bigger NFL receivers. Ended up missing the Senior Bowl game itself with a hip flexor injury. Went from consideration to be the third cornerback selected to maybe falling as low as the third round.

Mike Adams (OT) Ohio State- Also solidified his first round billing with an excellent week of practice. Shut down elite pass-rushers like Courtney Upshaw and Quinton Coples. Could be in consideration to go in the top twenty of the first round at the draft.

Other players with stock on the rise: Quinton Coples (DE) North Carolina, Juron Criner (WR) Arizona, Dwight Jones (WR) North Carolina, Bobby Wagner (LB) Utah State, Georgia Iloka (S) Boise State, Marvin Jones (WR) California, Isaiah Pead (RB) Cincinnati, Brandon Weeden (QB) Oklahoma State

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