Build or Destroy: RB Tony Hunt

Tony Hunt is as blue-collar as the region where he excelled on the college level. Without the press coverage, this humble back has had a career similar to greats Blair Thomas, Ki-Jana Carter, Curtis Enis, and Larry Johnson. I have had the privilege to watch Hunt in person and on television the last two seasons and I will tell you that he is as sure of a thing as it comes among this group of senior running backs.

At 6-2, 230 lbs., the first thing you realize is that he has that ideal bulk scouts crave for. Hunt will not kill defenders with breakaway speed, but you need to wrap up his legs to take him down, and even then he could still break away because his legs are constantly churning. You would think that he has taken ballet lessons as a kid because he has tremendous balance. He would be a great fit for the West Coast offense as he has dependable hands and would be a great check-down target in the flats.

Tony Hunt reminds me of Edgerrin James, not just because of his motor, but his ability to pass block. I don't think he would have a problem catching on with the blocking scheme on the next level, which is a major plus if you compare him to Kenny Irons or Marshawn Lynch. He is also very durable and seems to get better as the game progresses.

As for the negatives, I already mentioned that he will not break off long runs, by no means is he of the Willie Parker breed. Hunt also has a tendency to deliver a blow rather than make a shifty juke to avoid contact, as his moves are not quite there.

The bottom line is that Tony Hunt is the classic North to South running back that will be an adequate starter in the NFL. He wears a hard hat, not a business suit, isn't flashy, and his humbleness is respectable and reminds you of some of the great, humble players from the Joe Paterno breed. Right now he is more of a 2nd round pick, and I could see him staying that way even though he is worthy of a mid-first round grade. The combine can only help his value as everybody is expecting him to run in the mid 4.50's. Tony Hunt has already accepted an invitation to this year's Senior Bowl at the end of January.

Keep an eye on Hunt, he could make a splash like Joseph Addai or turn out like Najeh Davenport.

Dymeck's Draft Board: Initial Release of the Mock Draft

1. Detroit Lions - QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame (6-4, 228) The Lions need a lot, and most likely will be looking for their quarterback of the future. Quinn brings all of the intangibles a franchise is looking for to the table.
2. Oakland Raiders - OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (6-8, 313) The Raiders have the undaunting task of improving their offensive line, and it starts with Joe Thomas. Thomas is only one year removed from a major knee injury though, but he is the best offensive lineman prospect on the draft board.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Troy Smith, Ohio State (6-1, 215) If Jon Gruden sticks around, this pick could easily be DE Gaines Adams, but the front office will be looking for the next Vince Young, especially after witnessing Young turn-around a putrid offense.
4. Arizona Cardinals - OT Levi Brown, Penn State (6-5, 328) Levi Brown isn't considered a top 5 pick necessarily, but many think of him as being in the 6-15 range. Whether or not Dennis Green is fired, solidifying this offensive line is the only way to go in the first round.
5. Houston Texans - RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (6-2, 218) The Texans' need to right the ship on offense, as the defense may be turning the corner with DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams. Adrian Peterson is a nice cinderblock to build a foundation upon.
6. Washington Redskins - DE Gaines Adams, Clemson (6-5, 260) The Redskins need to get more pressure on opposition and besides Cornelius Griffin, they have little to offer on the defensive line. Gaines Adams is a top 3 prospect that will fall due to team needs.
7. Cleveland Browns - WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-5, 235) While the Browns need to solidify their 3-4 defense, they don't have the luxury on passing up Calvin Johnson. Joe Jurevicius is getting old and Dennis Northcutt has played his way out of the starting gig alongside Braylon Edwards.
8. St. Louis Rams - CB Leon Hall, Michigan (5-11, 194) The Rams need help at both cornerback and safety but will lock up a first round cornerback for the second straight season. He is a strong hitter who has a nose for the ball.
9. San Francisco 49ers - WR Dwayne Jarrett, Southern Cal (6-5, 210) The 49ers need help in the secondary but lack a true playmaker at the wide receiver position. Antonio Bryant is nothing but a good #2. Jarrett has the talent to have a good impact on QB Alex Smith in just his first season.
10. Green Bay Packers - DT Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State (6-3, 295) The Packers lack a true defensive tackle that is starting grade. They swap out role players and backups every Sunday. They could go with a defensive back here but in this draft, defensive backs are a dime a dozen.
11. Minnesota Vikings - WR Sidney Rice, South Carolina (6-4, 202) The Vikings will pass on Ted Ginn Jr, because they already have one wide receiver that has questionable hands (Troy Williamson). Sidney Rice is a reputable playmaker that silences his critics with his play and not his mouth.
12. Carolina Panthers - QB Jamarcus Russell, Louisiana State (6-6, 260) The Panthers need to start grooming a quarterback of the future because Jake Delhomme is regressing. At one point, the Panthers were one of the trendiest Super Bowl picks but the quarterback play has been horrendous.
13. Miami Dolphins - OLB Paul Posluszny, Penn State (6-2, 238) Donnie Spragan has been a porous linebacker that struggles to get pressure on the quarterback. This defense is just one step away from being great and Posluszny could be the final piece of the puzzle.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Daymeion Hughes, California (6-2, 188) Offensive line help is needed but the value for a guy like OT Joe Staley isn't here at this pick. Hughes is an impact corner that plays like Champ Bailey did in college.
15. Buffalo Bills - CB Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh (6-0, 200) Revis is a junior that is expected to declare. With CB Nate Clements expected to move on, the Bills will be stuck without an impact player in the secondary.
16. Tennessee Titans - WR Ted Ginn, Jr., Ohio State (6-0, 180) The Titans are lacking a true impact wide receiver that can break the game wide open. He has some issues with dropped passes and disappearing at times, but his services will be appreciated in a growing offense.
17. Atlanta Falcons - DT Alan Branch, Michigan (6-6, 331) Some see Branch as a top 10 prospect, but I don't see it yet. Grady Jackson is old and the Falcons strongest asset is it's defensive line. Branch is a great addition here.
18. New York Jets - DT Frank Okam, Texas (6-5, 315) The Jets need a big, run stuffing nose tackle in their 3-4 set. Okam or Alan Branch would be nice additions here. The Jets could also go after a cornerback here.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - S LaRon Landry, Louisiana State (6-2, 202) Michael Lewis will be moving on and Sean Considine is not the answer alongside Brian Dawkins. Landry was a first round grade pick last year if he came out early. This ballhawk would come in and start immediately.
20. Kansas City Chiefs - DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville (6-1, 317) With Ryan Sims looking like a bust, Herm Edwards will put his defensive mentality to the test and draft this brilliantly educated youngster from Louisville.
21. Denver Broncos - RB Marshawn Lynch, California (5-11, 217) Face it, Mike Shanahan is struggling with his blocking scheme and running game with average tailbacks. He needs a game breaker. A new Terrell Davis or Clinton Portis. Enter Marshawn Lynch.
22. New York Giants - CB Antoine Cason, Arizona (6-0, 182) This secondary is putrid. They cut William James and get worse. Cason is a gamer and his play is similar of Daymeion Hughes from California.
23. New England Patriots (from Seattle) - S Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame (6-0, 210) Sorry, but this pick makes perfect, absolute sense. Rodney Harrison is getting old and this secondary is starting to lack a true game day wonder. Enter the Mohawk sporting, jacked up hitting safety from Charlie Weis' Fighting Irish.
24. Dallas Cowboys - OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan (6-5, 300) If Joe Staley played at a BCS school, he would get a top 10 grade. Not many scouts have a lot of footage on him and therefore his value is lower. Ten years from now we should be comparing Joe Staley to Steve Hutchinson.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars - OLB Earl Everett, Florida (6-3, 234) The Jaguars will need to start looking for the future behind Mike Peterson. Everett could come in and compete with Clint Ingram for the job. The Jags could also go the route of defensive back but could shore up someone like Tanard Jackson (Syracuse) in the second round.
26. Cincinnati Bengals - S Michael Griffin, Texas (6-0, 205) The Bengals' woes on defense keep getting worse. The secondary is up in arms and Dexter Jackson will not finish his career as a Bengal.
27. New Orleans Saints - CB Marcus McCauley, Fresno State (6-1, 205) McCauley is like a blue-nosed Pitbull on the field. He brings speed and strength and solidifies this secondary that is overachieving in 2006.
28. New England Patriots - ILB Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (6-2, 240) Age and injuries are putting a damper on this once great linebacker group. Willis is a solid performer that is not getting the attention he deserves. He has a good mentality and would fit in nice with the team concept in Foxboro.
29. Baltimore Ravens - I/OLB H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh (6-0, 240) Adalius Thomas will probably test the waters of free agency and Ray Lewis is getting older. Blades would be a great compliment to both Lewis and Bart Scott.
30. Indianapolis Colts - DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee (6-4, 300) The run defense needs addressed. Cory Simon can't stave off injuries and the linebackers are playing poorly. There is no excuse for the Colts to not draft a defensive tackle here.
31. Chicago Bears - OLB Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma (6-1, 230) With Lance Briggs expected to be gone this March, the Bears need to refortify their linebacker corps. Alexander packs a punch similar to Shawne Merriman without the raw and natural ability.
32. San Diego Chargers - ILB Buster Davis, Florida State (5-10, 240) Randall Godfrey and Donnie Edwards are almost ancient and will be extinct in a few years. With a guy like Davis, you get the all-around athlete that LaVar Arrington should have been. Come on, you know he will be good, his name is Buster!

Build or Destroy: Brady Quinn

Are you ready for the Brady Quinn propaganda wave that will soon hit your boob tube? Quinn has unquestionable talent but whether or not that will translate to success on the NFL field will be determined a year from now. I have had plenty of chances to watch Quinn play and must say he is a great college quarterback that would put up great, if not record breaking numbers, if he played at a better, more talented college program, e.g. Florida, Michigan, Oklahoma.

Quinn is a wonderful signal caller getting groomed by one of the best in football on any level, Charlie Weis. Remember, Weis groomed Tom Brady from a 6th round draft pick into a Super Bowl M.V.P. Weis deserves some credit for Quinn's accomplishments in rewriting the Fighting Irish record books.

He is a prototypical passer, with the standard size scouts look for. He will not hold on to the ball as he makes quick decisions in check-down scenarios. His ball placement is the best this draft will have to offer, giving his receivers opportunities to exponentiate their yards after catch (YAC) average. Quinn plays with a high level of respect for the game and his intangibles are light years ahead of Troy Smith's or Jamarcus Russell's.

On the other hand, I am not too keen on Brady Quinn's poise. He has looked collective on the college football field, but on the professional level, things change. His accuracy after 30 yards is in question, as his spiral unwinds and the ball placement gets awkward.

There are not too many bad things you can say about Quinn. His completion percentage has risen every season since his sophomore season. His touchdown to interception ratio has improved every year as well. Brady Quinn holds 36 school records at Notre Dame.

Quinn has all the tools to compete on the NFL level and it looks like he is destined for the Motor City. If there are any NFL team's that can kill any hopes of a Hall of Fame career, it is Detroit. The Lions haven't had an elite season from a quarterback since Scott Mitchell in 1995. The ex-factor is Detroit Lions general manager Matt Millen. If he quits or is fired, things could finally do in the right direction for Detroit.

Now, as for my gut instinct, I do not know if Quinn's college accomplishments and personal talent will translate to success on the NFL level. He will not have Charlie Weis in his corner, and with where he is projected to go in the NFL draft, he will either go to a team that is missing leadership, talent, an offensive line, or a winning strategy to turn around a tradition of losing.

As far as fantasy football goes, his upside is comparable to Carson Palmer. On the other hand, his downside is comparable to that of a healthy Chris Simms. I just hope he accepts an invitation to the Senior Bowl so we can see how he works with a wide array of coaches and experts telling him different things all day long. Only there will the true assessment of Brady Quinn's NFL potential begin.

Game Day Wonders Week 15

Injuries are starting to pile up and heavyweight fantasy performers are dinged up this week. Darrell Jackson, Keenan McCardell, Chester Taylor, Jake Delhomme, Marques Colston, and Joe Horn could all miss action this week, as they try to rebound from health issues. Just call me the "Clean up Man," as I will resolve your fantasy playoff nightmares. Every player mentioned above has played an important role to some fantasy owner out there. Therefore, it is important that you play and sit the right fantasy performer's this week.

The Hot List

• Last week, I mentioned D.J. Hackett in the Flog as a sleeper to watch. Well, what do you know, the kid delivered. His numbers on the season surpassed those he had as a rookie (2005) as he snatched 4 receptions for 104 yards and 1 touchdown. With Darrell Jackson ailing and expected to miss Thursday night's game, Hackett is an intriguing play. Also, Bobby Engram will finally be back and implemented into the game plan. The 49ers are allowing nearly 2 passing touchdowns per game. If you are looking for that insidious play at the flex position or even at your #3 wide receiver slot, don't look past week D.J. Hackett. He will not be starting, as Nate Burleson will start along side Deion Branch, but we will see plenty of 4-receiver sets. Hackett has scored at least once in two of the previous three games. Hackett is the Devery Henderson of the Seattle Seahawks, show this kid some love! I am projecting Hackett to haul in 5 receptions for 78 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Somehow, some way, Michael Vick will put up big fantasy points this week. There is speculation that he will play at running back. I can't see head coach Jim Mora doing so, no matter what the circumstances are even if he has completely low-balled Matt Schaub. Dallas' run defense is one of the best in the league and they will completely shut down any running back not named Warrick Dunn that Atlanta throws at them. As for Michael Vick, I could see him running on the Cowboys, and even making some big passing plays too. Dallas is tied at 28^th in total sacks on opposing quarterbacks. In a game where I expect to see a lot of points scored from Romo's side and Vick's side, Michael Vick is a dependable fantasy asset this week if you own Jake Delhomme, Matt Leinart, or Steve McNair. I am expecting Vick to see 195 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 89 rushing yards, and 1 rushing touchdown this week against Dallas. Vick hasn't had a rushing score since week 6, he is well overdue.
• Remember in the off-season where everyone that the running back situation in Green Bay would get messy and be anti-fantasy in football terms? Well, Ahman Green has balled that theory up! Any hopes of a pre-season Najeh Davenport or Samkon Gado takeover simply evaporated. Green currently has 867 rushing yards, 270 receiving yards, and 6 total touchdowns. He will be running against a profoundly regressing run defense in the Lions. Running backs are pretty much guaranteed a score against Detroit as they have allowed 14 in 13 games. They are also giving up 130 rushing yards per game. Earlier this year, when the Lions' run defense looked semi-impressive, Green totaled 131 yards and 1 touchdown against Detroit, a statistical standpoint that is consistent with what Detroit is allowing. I think Green will go off this Sunday. Expect 104 rushing yards, 76 receiving yards and 1 touchdown from Green.

The Cold List

• Things are starting to snowball in St. Louis and I expect Marc Bulger to have another lackluster performance in fantasy terms. Everybody is running on the Raiders and therefore Oakland still has the league's top ranked pass defense. They are only 1 of six defenses to have more interceptions than touchdowns allowed though. Bulger's numbers have significantly taken a hit since since week 9 until last week. I think we will see his late mid-season numbers once again, whether it is his fault or his line's fault. Either way, I hope you have a better option this week. I am expecting Bulger to pass for 166 yards and 0 touchdowns as Steven Jackson runs all over the Raiders.
• From a statistical viewpoint, Laveraneus Coles is a great play this week, as he goes up against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Although, I expect Chad Pennington to struggle in spreading the ball around as the offensive line's demise continues. Rookies D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold were major letdowns last week and it resulted in a poor offensive output from the Jets. I expect the same again this week, even if Coles will be matched up against a horrendous secondary. The Jets average talent has been getting by with great coaching from Eric Mangini. With that said, NFL coaching does not win fantasy championships. Expect Coles to grab 4 receptions for 31 yards and 0 touchdowns.
• If you have to start Tony Gonzalez, then you must, but I recommend looking for other options if you play with a flex position. Gonzalez will be needed to block this week as Kansas City tries to fend off the Chargers' awesome defensive rush. Sure, he had 6 catches for 138 yards earlier this season against San Diego, but this offensive is starting to look more like a Herm Edwards offense. Also, Gonzalez hasn't scored a touchdown on a top 16 pass defense since week 13 of 2005. Like I said, you might have to start him, but if you have other options, go with them. Tony Gonzalez should haul in 3 receptions for 27 yards and zero scores.

Silent but Deadly

• Since I am expecting a poor performance from Tony Gonzalez, you may ask yourself, who is a viable option over him. We seen a good performance from Tony Scheffler last week as he appeared to be a dependable target for fellow rookie Jay Cutler. I think we will see this relationship grow even more this week as Cutler faces a vulnerable secondary and linebacker corps in Arizona. I do expect Scheffler to prosper for a second consecutive week. I would be surprised if he doesn't bring in 5 receptions for 49 yards and 1 touchdown.

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Charge it to the Game

Vince Young, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Marcus McNeill? After breaking his left hand in August, who would have thought that McNeill would be one of the top left tackles in the NFL, in just one season? Why isn't he being considered as the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year? Oh yeah, he has also played with a broken right hand as well.

The blind side of Philip Rivers has not one scratch on it, thanks to the physical and overbearing play of the 6-7, 335 lbs. hard charging rookie known as Marcus McNeill. He is also a critical piece in the offensive clog that has led to a record breaking season from LaDainian Tomlinson. Face it, offensive linemen do not get respect. The last offensive linemen to make splashes in the national media are undoubtedly Steve Hutchinson and Orlando Pace.

The case for McNeill is simple. He has given up virtually zero sacks, and has had a strong enough pull on the left side for Lorenzo Neal to push through and lead block for Tomlinson. Just study some tapes or watch McNeill himself, only if you can keep your eyes off of Tomlinson. If Cory Lekkerkerker has been starting, Philip Rivers would have hit the ground more than the 23 times he has been sacked this year. Marcus McNeill is also a Pro Bowl contender. He has man-handled the likes of Joey Porter this year with his rare ability for his size.

McNeill's accomplishments can't be seen on Stats, Inc., nor will they ever make the highlight reel.

History is against McNeill though, as only one offensive lineman has won the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year since its inception. In 1968, tackle Earl McCullouch from the Detroit Lions brought it home. If it is of any resolve, only 2 quarterbacks have ever won the award, as well as only 6 wide receivers.

Marcus McNeill's accomplishments should no longer go unnoticed. I am officially throwing his name into the ring of honor as a Rookie of the Year candidate, along side Vince Young and Maurice Jones-Drew. If he doesn't get at least 20% of the votes, we must charge it to not just the game, but the media.

The Fantasy Nosebleeds

Wonder-pick?

Three number one's. Three number one's! The late Ray Charles could see that Vince Young should have been the number one pick in the 2006 draft. Vince Young has led his Tennessee Titans' to three straight comeback victories while three former number 1 draft picks watched from the sidelines. Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and David Carr could do nothing but broil in sportsman's animosity. Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair deserves a mulligan for the drafting of Mario Williams over not just Reggie Bush, but Houston folk hero Vince Young. I must say, it is not Mario Williams' fault though. Regardless, the Texans' will have to revisit this nightmare twice a season as long as Vince Young is not lame, limp, or lazy. As for Jeff Fisher, where is his contract extension?

Enough with the pinpointing of error's, those are easier to address than success, it's now time to get back to our seats in the fantasy nosebleeds.

Vince Young is currently lighting up fantasy scoreboards as well. He is ranked 14th among all quarterbacks in fantasy scoring. In his last 8 games, Young has been averaging 20.32 fantasy points per week. Only Drew Brees, Carson Palmer and Peyton Manning have put up similar or greater point totals in their last 8 games. I just wouldn't get caught up in the moment and depend on him in the playoffs, with Jacksonville and Buffalo on tap the next two weeks.

A 'Millen' Reasons to stay away

Kevin Jones will be out for the remainder of the 2006 season, so you may be looking at the Detroit Lions' depth chart for a replacement for the playoffs, since Jones was a huge, out of nowhere contributor for all of his owners.

First, let's examine the run defenses the Lions will face in the last three games of 2006. The Lions play in Green Bay, at home against Chicago, and in Dallas to wrap up their season. Green Bay is ranked 17th against the run, allowing an average of 120 yards per game and just about one touchdown a game to opposing running backs. Chicago is ranked 11th against the run but tonight will be a good measuring stick to see how DT Tommie Harris' injury will impact this front seven. The Bears have only allowed 5 rushing touchdowns all season. Dallas is ranked 6th against the run, allowing only 96 yards per game. Can these three team's be run on? Yes. Will Detroit run on them successfully, don't bet the big bucks on it.

Arlen Harris and Aveion Cason will share the rock in a running back by committee in Jones' absence. Both running backs were roster favorites from offensive coordinator Mike Martz's days in St. Louis. In week 12 action, where Kevin Jones missed the game versus the Dolphins on Thanksgiving Day, Arlen Harris and Aveion Cason combined for only 21 yards on 10 carries against a stout, very stout Miami run defense. Harris and Cason have never really gelled for any stretch at any time during their careers. Granted, opportunities were few, but why expect Italian leather when you know you will get pleather made in Thailand? Would you also put your fantasy football season on the line with Arlen Harris or Aveion Cason? If you do, you will be seating with me in the fantasy nosebleeds. (Matt Millen had nothing to do with this piece, but I though the sub-topic was funny, didn't you?).

One for the Birds

With injuries and poor performances from fantasy heavy or middleweight quarterbacks, like Tom Brady, Jake Delhomme, Matt Hasselbeck, and Marc Bulger, you might need to grab a new quarterback for that "just in case" scenario. Look no further than Jeff Garcia. In 3 games, he has 8 touchdowns compared to 0 interceptions. He is completing 60% of his passes and has a passer rating of 97.4. With the Giants, Cowboys, and Falcons on tap for the remainder of the season, Garcia is looking like a sexier play for all of you that have owned the major name duds.

Quincy Romo?

As expected, Tony Romo once again looked like an average quarterback. He made one big play last week and was annointed as the new Troy Aikman by all major news and media outlets. Minus the Thanksgiving day route, Romo has thrown 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions on the season. He should have one more interception than touchdown but Terrell Owens caught a deflected pass and scored. That pass was one of the worst placed balls I have seen all season. I think Romo is progressing though. I just am sane enough to realize that A.J. Feeley went 5-1 before, and earned a big paycheck just to bust later. Kyle Orton won how many games for the Bears last year? And Cowboys fans, please, when you revisit your recent history, you seem to skip from Aikman straight to Romo, but the narcotic-abusing Quincy Carter once led a streaking Cowboys squad to the playoffs as well. Don't get too big for your britches yet, or you will be stuck in the nosebleeds next to me, Arlen Harris, and Aveion Cason.

Of course, I will and have already heard the argument that numbers don't tell the whole story. That statement is absolutely right. I like Tony Romo. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a Jeff Hostetler, but a Tom Brady. Please stay tuned and don't miss my special Christmas Eve column on Tony Romo, it will be a winner!

This day in History

On this day in history, the sensational standout QB Charlie Ward from Florida State won the Heisman Trophy. This versatile star would walk off the football field and into Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks. Also, today is Errict Rhett's birthday, remember him? The boundless hype he received after the 1995 season was unbearable.

This has been me, myself, and I from the fantasy nosebleeds.