Cal Football Blog

Marvin Jones will be coming out of smoke in striped orange and black in the near future.

Just like that, the 2012 NFL draft has come and gone. There were a record number of deals on day 1, followed by a ton of surprise picks in day 2 (one notably, Bryan Anger by the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick #70), then a whole gang of Cal Bears picked up in day 3 followed by free agency.

- I’d like to take a section to post on commending the Colts for making the right choice and taking Andrew Luck #1. There seemed to be a huge steam and bandwagon building for Robert Griffin III after a Heisman season capped with that 67 point swiss knife through butter thrashing of Washington’s defense which lead to the firing of Nick Holt. The case I kept hearing for RGIII was #1 Big XII was a better conference than the Pac-12 last year (not going to disagree) and #2 the “mobile” quarterback and the “new era” of having a QB’s feet be a weapon. The Big XII hasn’t been stellar product lately producing quarterbacks in the early rounds (Colt McCoy, Blaine Gabbert, Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman).   Furthermore, last I checked, the most freakish and physically gifted quarterbacks (Michael Vick and Vince Young) still haven’t been able to advance their teams past the Conference Championship game. We are still a throwing/QB driven league. Yes, Aaron Rodgers and Big Ben are mobile. But mobile enough just to keep plays extended. I wouldn’t say there are too many drawn up run plays for them. In addition, I would say Luck is pretty mobile himself and strong (just ask Sean Cattouse) and his combine measurable compares more favorably to Cam Newton than RGIII’s. I hope Sam Bradford and Luck’s story prove to seniors, staying an extra year won’t necessarily damage your stock unless you have dis-functional franchises such as the Redskins or Raiders picking first.

- I’m excited to see Mitchell Schwartz line up with Alex Mack and create stellar running holes for Trent Richardson. The offensive line did wonders for the Browns 2 years ago making a huge name out of Peyton Hillis.

- Mychal Kendricks will get a great chance to start immediately for the Eagles joining Nnamdi in what should be a much improved Eagle’s defense. The linebacking core for the Eagles is no doubt still small (Casey Matthews, Clay’s “little” brother, started for the Eagles last year). Kendricks is a bit under-sized but plays with a huge motor and intensity and I believe he will represent the Pac-12 player of the year well.

- I feel happy for Bryan Anger to be drafted in the 3rd round. But I feel bad in the sense all the experts/gurus/writers out there will be slamming Jacksonville again for drafting another Cal player (remember Tebow vs. Alualu two years ago? I am curious on how well Tyson will do in a 3rd season healthy). 3rd round is probably a bit high for a punter, but I would love to see Anger boot a bunch of 70 yard punts for what will likely be a struggling Jags’ offense this coming year.

- Marvin Jones will have a great opportunity as a #2 receiver in Cincinnati. Jones would play opposite of rookie sensation A.J. Green. Rotoworld believes Jones should beat out the field.

Hope to see these guys get their names called Friday (or maybe even Thursday!). Best of luck guys and go Bears!

Mychal appears as the #3 ILB on the board

Mitchell would be a great 2nd or 3rd round steal for a team in need of an Offensive Tackle.

Mychal links:

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_20456067/ex-cal-star-mychal-kendricks-believes-he-measures

http://www.thereporter.com/localsports/ci_20459168/small-cal-linebacker-ready-do-big-things

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-04-01/mychal-kendricks-nfl-draft-2012-linebackers-cal

Mitchell links:

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/04/17/draft-spotlight-cal-ot-mitchell-schwartz/

http://ebonybird.com/2012/04/24/setting-the-talent-board-for-the-draft/

It’s almost draft time. While there doesn’t appear to be any Bears likely to sneak into the first round, (our three year streak: Alex Mack, Tyson Alualu/Jahvid Best, Cameron Jordan is likely over) Cal will likely have a handful of 2nd day picks, as well as several late round picks who could compete early for playing time.

Marvin Jones works out in Indianapolis at the NFL combines

Marvin Jones has had favorable comparisons to another former Cal Bear’s (DeSean Jackson) teammate, Jeremy Maclin. Jones has been commented as “having a big catch radius” and here’s a good in depth draft review. Marvin has been rumored and targeted by many teams including the: Patriots, Niners, and Texans.

Mychal Kendricks is soaring up the draft boards. Kendricks was originally projected as a 4th or 5th round grade earlier in the season, but his high motor/speed and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award has definitely helped his cause to rise into the 1st round range. Kendricks might be a bit small for MLB, so a move to OLB could be possible, especially in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Mychal has visited the Ravens (Ray Lewis replacement?), Steelers, and Rams in recent weeks.

Mitchell Schwartz had a good article written about him by the Washington Post. There’s a lot of Schwartz to Redskins rumblings. Remember, the Redskins gave up a ton to get RGIII, so any of their remaining picks comes at an absolute premium! Mitchell has also had ties to the Falcons, Rams, and Texans.

Bryan Anger has been rumored to get drafted by the Broncos, Panthers, and Rams. It would be nice to see Bryan slip into the 5th round (high for a punter). It’s good to see Anger’s two shanks in the Holiday Bowl hasn’t hurt his draft status.

D.J. Campbell is receiving heavy praise and flying under the radar as a safety prospect. Campbell has had two authors tout him as a potential draft day steal and has worked out with the Chargers since excelling at Cal’s pro day.

Ryan Longwell attempts a field goal against the Bears Sunday at the Metrodome

Ryan Longwell kicked himself into second all time in Minnesota’s scoring history after his field goal Sunday. Longwell did an interview last week with Minnesota announcers, talking about what it has been like to be so close to having an opportunity to kick a game winning NFC Championship field goal just 2 years ago, to now finishing 3-13. Longwell’s job as a placekicker is harder than most as he has to prepare kicking off to Devin Hester and now Randall Cobb 4 times a year as well.

Nnamdi Asomugha doesn’t regret choosing the Eagles over the Jets this offseason. Nnamdi believes the Eagles are going in the right direction building towards success next season.  Asomugha and teammate DeSean Jackson also received high praise from Darrelle Revis a couple weeks back.

Tony Gonzalez hauls in a catch against the Saints

Tony Gonzalez inked a 1 year extension with the Falcons on Monday even though he was speculating retirement if the NFL lockout didn’t end this season. Gonzo has been too focused on chasing his first playoff win to look back on his career which includes yet another trip to Hawaii this offseason.

Mike Gibson signed an extension to remain with the Seakhawks next season. Gibson was actually released earlier this season, but persevered to make the NFL roster again. The improved Seattle offensive line’s contribution to Marshawn Lynch’s resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Ron Rivera looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ron Rivera has enjoyed great success as a first year head coach and has found ways to put rookie Cam Newton into situations where he can prosper. Ron credited his psychology degree from Cal as what helped him get through his first season. He sat down recently with the Charlotte Observer to reflect on his first year and how he has extremely high expectations going into next season.

Lorenzo Alexander received a Pro Bowl invitation after public support from his coach Mike Shanahan for his role on the Redskins’ special teams. Lorenzo lost his starting linebacker job this season, but will train in Mixed Martial Arts this offseason in an attempt to cut weight. Alexander has worn many different hats during his time with the Redskins including being a liaison for the players during the lockout which won him the Media Good Guy Award this season.

As Spike Lee would say, "is it the shoes?"

Marshawn Lynch has been sporting new skittles cleats which he claims give him superpowers. Beast Mode snapped San Francisco’s season streak of not allowing a rushing TD and was able to top 100 yards which was the first against the Niners since 2009. Lynch rewarded fantasy owners who started him in their Fantasy Football Finals and it will be a hot topic if he resigns with the SeaChickens in the offseason.

DeSean Jackson caught 5 passes for 90 yards against the Cowboys to cap off a quiet, but effective game even though the Eagles knew ahead of time they were eliminated from playoff contention. Jackson realizes that next year is out of his control but he definitely wants return an Eagle next season. One possibility has Jackson going to Buffalo of all places? But needless to say, his punt returning skills itself still gives the Giants nightmares.

Cal hopes to do this to Texas QBs 2 days from now....legally of course

Alex Mack has been sticking up for his quarterback , Colt McCoy, and has accused Steeler’s James Harrison of headhunting. Cleveland’s offense has been terrible which might hurt Mack’s and Pro Bowler Joe Thomas’ stock as they approach free agency as they are rumored to file a lawsuit against the Browns? Mack has set a precedence for interior linemen to be drafted in the first round, as Stanford’s David DeCastro looks to be another first round interior lineman in the 2012 NFL draft as Mack and the Pouncey brothers were the years before.

Cameron Morrah looks be active in the Seattle community as he helped honor a sixth grade teacher for her continual excellence and ability to teach kids, as she was nominated for the Seattle Seahawk’s MVP award for teachers. On the field, Morrah hasn’t caught a lot of balls, but has been instrumental in big touchdown plays against the Niners, the Rams, and Eagles – which included a big block against NFL sack leader Jason Babins.

Thomas DeCoud reacts after an inteception

Thomas DeCoud is determined not to have Drew Brees break the single season passing record against the Falcon’s tonight on Monday Night Football. DeCoud feels as if the much maligned Falcon’s secondary is finally coming together as he collected another interception last week on Thursday Night Football, albeit against the lowly Jaguars.

Shane Verren talks to Boston columnist Mike Reiss. Verren has been battling a hamstring injury throughout the season, but will look to see a portion of the workload come playoff time.

The Hawk takes flight in an attempt to score a touchdown

Lavelle Hawkins began to take his career as a wide receiver more seriously this offseason and it has paid dividends in terms of playing time and production after Kenny Britt went down with an injury. Hawkins has received praise from the Titans’ offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and is expected to play an important role in the Titan’s playoff push and hopes to show off his touchdown celebration dances in the meantime.

Nick Sundberg answers some questions about playing long-snapper. Sundberg had a long journey to the NFL by ways of the UFL which gave him some recognition this past week. Sundberg has played a consistent long-snapper position this past year and if one of the few bright spots on a 4-8 Redskins team.

Scott Fujita looks on in at game at the Superdome

Scott Fujita’s season might be over on the field, but that hasn’t stopped him from making contribution off the field in support same-sex marraige which has received accolades from Bill Clinton. I think Jerome Simpson is glad Fujita’s season is over, as Scott clearly used Jedi tactics to shove Simpson aside after this fumble.

Andre Carter has been seeing a lot more double teams this season, especially after his 4 sack performance on Mark Sanchez and the Jets on Sunday Night Football. Carter thought his career was over before signing with the Patriots, after a mediocre 2010 following a superb 2009 in Washington and his excitement can be seen during this phone transcript.

Brian De La Puente has flourished in his starting role at Center

Brian De La Puente has been starting to earn the Saints’ trust as he snaps the ball to a former Super Bowl MVP and performed well on Sunday Night Football as he took advantage of Ndamukong Suh’s absence. Most Saints fans don’t know who De La Puente is, and that’s probably a good thing since centers are usually only called out after holding penalties or bad snaps. His improved play has given him a boost in his Madden 12 rating.

Zack Follet retired from the NFL earlier this season. But the Pain Train admitted Jay Culter was his favorite QB to hit because of the smirk he wore on his face. Follet currently is coaching football in Bucks, England.

Chris Conte has made a seamless transition from the Cal Bears to the Chicago Bear's secondary

3 Up

Chris Conte had a strong debut at the safety position on Sunday night football earning rave reviews from ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson and from the Chicago Tribune. Conte might want to send a thank you card to Jahvid Best for burning Chris Harris and Brandon Meriweather untouched for 88 yards on Monday night football which forced coach Lovie Smith to make a change in the secondary. Conte’s hard work on special teams and in practice contributed to his recent promotion.

Kyle Boller is tentatively the Raider’s starting quarterback for now after a season ending collarbone injury to Jason Campbell will end his 2011 season. Boller came in relief and largely played the role of caretaker completing 8 passes for 100 yards holding onto the 24-7 lead the Raiders built. Boller is going to have to hold off pressure from the fan base to play Terrelle Pryor as well as a possibility of the organization going out and recruit David Garrard or Carson Palmer. If Boller can hang on to the starting quarterback position, we might have an all Cal QB showdown in Green Bay on December 11th.

Andre Carter had two sacks and contributed to an outstanding game plan to confuse Tony Romo. The Patriot’s line play was its biggest question mark outside of wide receiver in last year’s loss to the Jets in the playoffs. Pro bowler Vince Wilfork handed Carter much complements after last weeks win over the Jets.

3 Down (Deltas)

Tyson Alualu has gotten off to a slow start in 2011 after a terrific rookie campaign. A nagging knee injury is to blame. However it didn’t stop Alualu from bull rushing LG Doug Legursky of the Steelers and dislocating his left toe this past Sunday.

Thomas DeCoud was largely the goat following last Sunday’s loss to the Packers where he gave up the big 70 yard bomb to James Jones and missed out on a potential sack of Aaron Rodgers the play before. DeCoud worked hard to earn his starting safety position back after a benching in the beginning of the year. DeCoud did pick off Cam Newton this past weekend on the final play of the game to pad his interception count.

Ryan Longwell , normally reliable and the only other Viking worth owning outside of Adrian Peterson at this point in fantasy, missed a 38 yard field goal near the end of the first half which pretty much eliminated any minute chance of a Viking’s comeback Sunday night. Longwell also failed to kick the ball into the end zone which lead to another Devin Hester kickoff return for a touchdown. Here’s an interesting article on how Longwell, along with his long snapper and punter, have been together for 6+ years contributing to what normally is a stable kicking environment in the Northern part of the country.