Greg Wyshynski and Emily Kaplan debate which playoff teams are in the biggest amount of trouble, what the solution is to the postseason player safety issue and Snoop Dogg’s hockey tutorials. Plus, CSN Washington’s Alan May and “Catfish Guy” Jacob Waddell.
John Elway had to throw away any thoughts of taking a passer when the draft’s best (and can’t-miss) edge rusher fell right into his lap at No. 5. Miller celebrated as much as Chubb did with this selection, as the All-Pro now has a tag-team partner to wreak havoc on quarterbacks and revive a sagging pass rush. The backbone of the Broncos’ defense is still standing tall.
The Bills gifted the Bucs two second-rounders for a mild five-pick climb up the board, and Tampa Bay still ended up with a stud at No. 12 in Washington’s Vita Vea, the best defensive tackle in the draft. Tampa Bay has remade its interior front around Gerald McCoy, and Vea should get plenty of chances to eat space right next to him. The Bucs wisely are trying to copy the Eagles inside and outside.
It was surprising when Reed, fresh off being the heart of soul of the Miami Hurricanes’ defense, had to wait so long to hear his name called in the draft, eventually by the Ravens. But Baltimore, where he was paired with Ray Lewis in the middle of the field for many seasons, turned out to be ideal spot for Reed’s range and elite ball-hawking skills. He is one of the smartest, most instinctual defenders in NFL history.
Polamalu’s career is a lesson to those who have so much trouble thinking about safety tweeners early in the draft. Polamalu was equal parts linebacker and cornerback, so in essence, the Steelers got three players for one in this hard-hitting free/strong hybrid.
He was as nasty on the field as he was nice off the field. Polamalu’s energy and effort provided the backbone of Pittsburgh’s defense for many seasons. There were several good defenders drafted in ’03, including Kevin Williams, Terrell Suggs and Nnamdi Asmougha. Polamalu trumps them all.
Not far away from Mount Tai, Lawson began his long, humble climb back to the NBA, and he quickly began to realize all the things he’d taken for granted.