NFL Mock Draft

I've had a flurry of requests for a mock draft as followers are looking for a more informed look into Thursdays draft, and just as importantly which cereal each pick would be.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU, Raisin Bran.  No one really knew of Burrow in his original uniform (OSU), but he became a star in his new colors (LSU).  Similarly, the first Raisin Bran was Skinner's, but it wasn't until Kellog's Raisin Bran came along that this staple became a star in the Breakfast Lineup

2. Washington Redskins, Tua Tagovailoa, QB, AlabamaChase Young: DE, OSU.  Cap'n Crunch.  One of the best tasting cereals you can find, but there is always the chance of injury lurking....

3. Detroit Lions: Chase Young: DE, OSU.  Boo Berry.  He's scary for opposing QB's.
4. New York Giants: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson, Honey Nut Cheerios.  Simmons is versatile and dang good in the back 7 of a defense, just like Honey Nut Cheerios are versatile as breakfast, a snack, or really any meal as needed.
5. Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon.  Grape Nuts.  Herbert is big, strong, and has a gun for an arm.  Just what you want in a QB.  Grape Nuts pack a punch and fill you up.  Just what you want in a cereal.  But is it as good as you thought it would be??
6. L.A. Chargers: Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama.  Wheaties.  Nothing flashy, but as good as it gets.
7. Carolina Panthers: Jeff Okudah, CB, OSU.  Frosted Flakes.  He's Great!
8. Minnesota Vikings (From Arizona): Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia. Chicken & Waffles Honey Bunches of Oats.  When you think Georgia, you think of Chicken and Waffles.
**Minnesota is desperate for a tackle and trades picks 22 (2020), 58 (2020), and a 2021 1st Round Pick
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida.  Marshmallow Matey's.  I can argue it is the best marshmallow cereal.  C.J. makes an argument as the best CB.
10. Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville.  Raisin Nut Bran.  How do more people not love this power packed cereal?  Becton might be the best OT in the draft in 3 years.
11. New York Jets: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama.  Cheerios.  A lot of others are trying to get to the top spot, but Jeudy is the top WR, just like Cheerios is the top cereal for sales.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma.  Raisin Bran Crunch.  Flashier and gaining on Raisin Bran in popularity, but can't catch the original.  Lamb has gained steam, but isn't Jeudy.
13. Arizona Cardinals (From Indianapolis via S.F): Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn.  Honey Bunches of Oats.  An anchor for cereal, like Brown is for a defense.
** Arizona trades picks 22 and 58 (via MN) to move up 9 spots.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa.  Corn Flakes.  He's from Iowa, what did you expect him to be?
15. Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama.  Golden Crisp.  All that sugar, you have to be fast.
16. Atlanta Falcons: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina.  Reese's Puffs.  Came out of nowhere to become a star.
17. Dallas Cowboys: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State.  Fruit Loops.  Solid, but nothing too special.
18. Miami Dolphins: Josh Jones, OL, Houston.  Multigrain Cheerios.  He'll protect your QB like Multigrain Cheerios can protect your health.
19. Oakland Raiders: K'Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU.  Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berries.  He'll get after it.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn. Special K Red Berries.  Most people know his counterpart on the Auburn D Line, but Davidson isn't far behind, and could be better.  Same goes for Red Berries.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU. Golden Grahams.  He shines in big spots.
22. San Francisco 49ers (From MN, via Arizona): Denzwl Mims, WR, Baylor.  Apple Jacks.  A lot of green in the uniform, but more style than substance in my opinion.
23. New England Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State.  Morning Summit.  Could be great, but expensive to try.  Love could be great, but will be expensive (pick wise) to take a chance on.
24. New Orleans Saints: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma.  Fruity Pebbles.  A lot of hype, but I'm not sold.
25. Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU. Waffle Crisp.  Great with the right fit, but not for everyone.
26. Miami Dolphins: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU.  Kix.  Solid fit in most situations.  Queen can fit in most situations too.
27. Seattle Seahawks: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa. Corn Pops.  a) He's from Iowa.  b) How do more people not like him?????
28. Baltimore Ravens: Ezra Cleveland, OL, Boise State.  Cocoa Crispies.  Not often thought of, but always very good.
29. Tennessee Titans: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama. Lucky Charms.  More hype than his brother, but probably won't be as good in the NFL.  Everyone loves Lucky Charms, but it's not as good as it's counterpart Marshmallow Matey's.
30. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State.  Smacks.  Not as good as Golden Crisp, but just as much sugar.  Aiyuk is close to as fast as Ruggs III, but not as good.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah.  Tootie Fruities.  Not quite as good as the name brand (fruit loops), but close, and much cheaper.  Same goes with Johnson and the top CB's.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU. Frosted Mini Wheats.  In a draft with a lot talk about CB's, he is somewhat forgotten by some people.  Frosted Mini Wheats are somewhat forgotten in the realm of great cereal.

Is Wiggins on the Move?

ESPNTWINCITIES contributor Joe Bagodonuts recently told me he heard talk of a potential blockbuster trade in the works involving the Wolves and up and coming star Andrew Wiggins.

He is hearing that the need for a shake up in Toronto and  desire for Devin Booker to play for a winner, Andrew Wiggins may be the answer to both. A trade centered on sending Wiggins to Toronto, DeMar DeRozan to Phoenix, and Devin Booker to Minnesota would solve everyone's problems.

Booker would give Minnesota a 3 point shooting threat who can feed off Karl Anthony Towns. This allows KAT to become a bigger post presence which solves two problems Minnesota needs to address. Wiggins gives Toronto a much needed change while giving them a Canadian born star, and DeRozen ensures Phoenix doesn't lose a star when everyone knows they can pay 50 cents on the dollar to obtain one. Phoenix can also get a piece to build around with Ayton and DeRozen like OG Anunoby or the Raptors pick if they prefer.

With all three teams needing a win for the fanbase and change for the team, this might make the most sense for everyone.

How much is Nick Saban worth to Alabama? If he goes to Texas, we will find out....And the Gophers should listen

IF, and that is a very big if, Texas is able to persuade Nick Saban to leave Alabama, how much will it cost?  That is, how much is Nick Saban actually worth to Texas, and to Alabama.  Having a top team in college football means more fans, more team gear sold and most importantly more donations.  Whether it be mandatory donations for seats or voluntary donations to a school because the program is getting exposure, in the end donations are donations.  And the Minnesota Gophers need to watch and learn.

Nick Saban already makes an amazing amount of money, and it probably is not enough.  Texas would easily be able to justify a 7, 8 or even 10 million dollar salary if Saban was able to do at Texas what he is doing now at Alabama.  As for Minnesota, if they were willing to pony up 3, 4 or 5 million for a football coach, they would also easily be able to justify it.  How???  Donations.  For instance, right now you can sit inside the 20's at TCF Bank stadium for as little as $100 a seat in donations.  How much is it at Texas, Ohio State and Alabama?  Well over $1,000.  That is a difference of $900 for some 10,000 tickets.  You do the math.  That is $9 million a year in donations, at the very very least.

I hope Jerry Kill can earn that kind of money, and if he can, we should pay him.  If a few years down the road we find out he can't take us to the top, then we need to really see what the great schools do, because if you get a good coach he will be worth every penny.

Congrats to Drew Horwood

Who is Drew Horwood you ask?  Drew is one of only nine Jeopardy contestants to ever win eight consecutive days in a row and is a local Minnesotan who grew up in Maple Grove, attended the U of M and lives in Minneapolis.  His amazing run was a lot of fun to follow as every game he won depended on a bold Daily Double or smart Final Jeopardy clue.

Congratulations to our new home town hero Drew!

Flipping Awesome

Talked with one of my insiders tonight. Word on the street is there is a good chance Flip takes the job as the next coach of the Gophers. I still can't confirm the rumors,  but it would be a great hire if we get a guy who loves Minnesota and wants to be here. My insider also is so confident in Flip that he guarantees a B1G championship in the next 4 years if we hire him.  He thinks all of the worries with recruiting and the difference coaching guys in college in the NBA is "hogwash" because Flip can flat out coach, he is a guy that people like and his experience coaching in the NBA is a huge selling point since he knows what kids need to do to improve their game and become a next level player.  Stay tuned. I am holding his reputation to it.

A late, but heart felt goodbye

I know that it has been a few months now, but I was so heart broken that King and I Thai, home to one of my top 3 Pad Thai's in the Twin Cities, closed, that I have been unable to write about it until now.  I still remember the first time I went there with my eldest son, the warm atmosphere, comfortable booths, and of course the delicious peanut covered Pad Thai dish served to us with a perfect blend of spices.  I am not sure if it is tears of sorrow or tears of spice, but either way I shed I tear for a great restaurant that is no more.

Cheech Harvin is officially gone.....

I know Percy Harvin has had some difficult times in Minnesota with the migraines, injuries and problems avoiding weed when an imminent test is coming (like the combine), but for all the problems he had, he made up for it in explosive plays.  His blazing speed, ability to juke any defender and all out effort that allowed him to plow over defenders was something special that we will not be able to replace.  Let's hope the Vikings use the pick wisely because we only have so many years of All Day left, and we don't want to waste any more building for the future when we have quite possibly the best running back to play the game.