2011 NFL Draft - Defensive Line Prospects

2011 NFL Draft - Defensive Line Prospects
by Jon Wagner-Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

1. Da’Quan Bowers – DE – 6-3 / 280 / Clemson (4.64, 22 BR)

A former ESPN.com No. 1 high school prospect (Clemson’s first ever), Bowers is a legitimate NFL strong-side run stopper who regularly takes on and sheds multiple blockers. Bowers is also a dangerous pass rusher, possessing a strong upper body and good explosion out of the stance. He stepped in as a true freshman and led all Clemson defensive linemen with 47 tackles, averaging a tackle once every 10.21 snaps. Bowers proved he can be a big-game player when he had 11 tackles as a sophomore against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game. As a junior, last season, Bowers was second on Clemson with 63, while leading the Tigers in tackles for loss (24 – for 150 total yards), sacks (15.5), and quarterback pressures (17). Bowers comes with the red flag of a previous knee injury which might still affect him. If so, he could fall to the middle of the first round. But, if Bowers quells those doubts with strong workouts, he should be selected as Top 10 overall pick.

2. Robert Quinn – DE – 6-4 / 265 / North Carolina (4.62, 22 BR)
Following Bowers, we stay in the ACC with Robert Quinn, who was suspended for the entire 2010 season after an infamous agent scandal that sent shockwaves through the North Carolina program. Quinn also draws concerns from scouts because of a tumor located in the base of his brain. Fortunately, Quinn’s (in general, first and foremost, and secondly, as a football player) health appears okay, as he’s had no issues since he had surgery on the tumor after he left high school. As far as Quinn’s agent-related suspension for accepting benefits, the consensus is that Quinn was simply naïve and made bad decisions, but the fact that he was involved should still have scouts taking some initial precautions before selecting Quinn, who has been compared to New York Giants’ 2010 first-round pick, former South Florida star Jason Pierre-Paul. Another reason for being cautious with the 20-year-old Quinn is his inexperience after the admitted Dallas Cowboy fan played just two seasons as a Tar Heel, thanks to last year’s suspension. Still, as a freshman, Quinn finished third in the voting for the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors (starting 12 games while posting 34 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, and two sacks). The next year, he finished with 52 tackles and was a first-team All-ACC selection while finishing second in the ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting. Quinn can explode off of the snap with a good burst off the edge and an ability to force fumbles. He also has good agility, balance, closing speed, and good strength to drag down ball carriers. If the suspension and lack of experience are overlooked, Quinn could be a very selection.

3. Cameron Jordan – DE – 6-4 / 287 / California (4.74, 25 BR)
Jordan has the experience (he played in 50 of 51 games in four years at California) and genes (his father, Steve Jordan, played at Brown University before spending 13 years, including six pro-bowl seasons, with the Minnesota Vikings) to have a good NFL career. After playing 13 games as a true freshman reserve, Jordan was a starter and All-Pac-10 honorable mention as both a sophomore and junior. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 and All-American honorable mention honors as a senior. Jordan is a strong, stout run stopper with long arms and good pursuit. He locates the ball well and very rarely takes a snap off, with a good bull rush, helped by a powerful upper and lower body, to force his opponent backwards and into the pocket.

4. J.J. Watt – DE – 6-5 / 290 / Wisconsin (4.81, 34 BR)
Watt is a good athlete who in high school, lettered twice each in basketball and baseball, and once more, in track and field. In 2007, Watt played 14 games as a tight end at Central Michigan (which he chose over Cincinnati, Minnesota, Colorado, and Northern Illinois), catching eight passes for 77 yards. He redshirted the following year before switching to defensive end in his native Wisconsin, starting 13 games for the Badgers. By 2010, Watt learned his new position quickly, blossoming into a consensus first-team All-Big Ten end and team MVP, along with being named to Academic All-Big Ten team. Watt comes with great character and an outstanding work ethic, and although he lacks ideal speed for the position, he’s a versatile, experienced end whose size and hustle could have him picked earlier.

5. Adrian Clayborn – DE – 6-3 / 281 / Iowa (4.78, 17 BR)
Clayborn knows all about overcoming the long odds it takes to become a first-round NFL prospect. In fact, he had to get by a condition since birth just so he could play contact sports. Clayborn suffered nerve damage in his neck and right arm during birth which had doctors advising against Clayborn playing a contact sport in high school. So, what did he do? He ended up being the 2005 Missouri Player of the Year as a senior tight end/linebacker in St. Louis. From there, Clayborn redshirted in 2006 at Iowa before having a standout career for four years as a Hawkeye. After limited action as a freshman, Clayborn posted 50 tackles and ranked second on his team with eight tackles for loss. Clayborn started 13 games at defensive end the following year, recording 70 tackles (20 for loss) and 11.5 sacks, while forcing four fumbles. He was also the MVP in Iowa’s Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. As a senior, Clayborn was a consensus All-American, again starting 13 games, notching 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Clayborn doesn’t have a typical explosive first step, but he’s a strong pass rusher with a good rip move and good closing speed to the quarterback. He’s also a stout run defender with good leverage and an ability to change direction well.

6. Ryan Kerrigan – DE – 6-4 / 267 / Purdue (4.67, 31 BR)
Kerrigan’s nickname is “Superman” because of his great strength and constant, all-out hustle. After appearing in 12 games as a freshman with 18 sacks, Kerrigan was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore. A year later, he posted 66 tackles, including 18.5 for loss. As a senior, Kerrigan was a team co-captain and he received his team’s defensive MVP award, along with becoming Purdue’s first unanimous All-American since 1980. Kerrigan’s height and length make it tough to see over him, and if opposing quarterbacks hang on to the ball for too long, there’s a good chance that Kerrigan will chase them down. Against the run, Kerrigan is a smart defender who keeps to his assignments, yet he’ll get down the line to get to a ball carrier on plays that are run away from him. What Kerrigan might lack in ideal speed for an end, he makes up for in sheer hustle and a willingness to take on the role as the leader of a defense.

7. Aldon Smith – DE – 6-4 / 263 / Missouri (4.74, 20 BR)
Smith lacks experience having played just two years in college, but that was enough to be named to the Big 12 coaches’ all-conference first team. After redshirting in 2008, Smith immediately impressed a year later, winning the Big 12 Newcomer and Freshman of the Year awards, as well as being named as a first-team Freshman All-American thanks to 64-tackle season that included 19 stops for loss. Smith missed three games early last season due to a leg injury, but he still posted 48 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Smith has terrific length and great quickness to the quarterback. Some believe he can eventually become a top-notch NFL pass rusher. He’s also a proven tackler and a versatile, strong edge run defender in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Despite the relative inexperience, Smith seems to have natural raw ability and a good upside.

8. Cameron Heyward – DE – 6-5 / 294 / Ohio State (4.92)
One of the bigger ends in the draft, Heyward is also one of the slower ones. But, the son of the late NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward had a breakout junior season two years ago (when he was named a second-team All-Big Ten player in helping lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win) and he hasn’t looked back since. Last season, Heyward had a strong performance in Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl and earned a first-team All-Big Ten award. He was also voted a team captain before finishing his career with 157 tackles, 34 for loss, and 14.5 sacks as a four-year starter with 45 starts. Heyward isn’t a true outside pass rushing threat, but he finds ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks regardless of where he lines up, with excellent quickness of the snap, especially for his size. Heyward is a solid tackler who will often follow plays downfield. Overall, Heyward brings a great attitude, an even better work ethic, and a lot of talent in a slower but bigger package. He could be a first-round steal if he slips too far, but don’t expect him to stay on the board for too long.

9. Jabaal Sheard – DE – 6-3 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.68)
Sheard was a top high school prospect out of Florida and he produced right away for Pittsburgh, lettering as a true freshman as a reserve end in 2007. As a sophomore, he started all 13 games, posting 45 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He just about duplicated that the following year, with 42 tackles, 10.5 for loss (again), and five sacks. As a senior, Sheard posted 52 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and nine sacks. Sheard attacks the line with a forceful bull rush, although he lacks ideal explosiveness. Against the run, Shears hold the line of scrimmage well, with good leverage, and he stays active until he makes the play. All 32 teams were in attendance for Sheard pro day on 3/25/11, including Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin.

10. Christian Ballard – DE – 6-4 / 283 / Iowa (4.75)
After not doing much as a freshman, Ballard broke through in his sophomore season with 40 tackles before posting 54 tackles and 5.5 sacks while starting all 13 games as a junior. Last year, the big defensive end was a Big Ten honorable mention. Ballard possesses good speed for his big size, while using an effective swim move and an ability to fight through double-team blocks. He’s also a solid run defender capable of penetrating the backfield while using good length and strong hands to disengage blockers and wrap up ball carriers.

11. Allen Bailey – DE – 6-3 / 285 / Miami (4.71, 27 BR)
Out of “The U,” Bailey will continue Miami’s tradition of bringing talented big guys to the NFL, after being a highly-touted national prospect. Bailey played mostly on special teams as a true freshman and made just four starts at defensive end while playing in 12 games as a sophomore. But, as a junior he led Miami with seven sacks while leading all Hurricane linemen with 34 tackles, playing both end and tackle. Bailey had 45 sacks and once again, a team-leading seven sacks as a senior, starting all 13 of Miami’s games, mostly at end, but moving inside on occasional third-down situations. That versatility is an obvious strength, but so is Bailey’s good upper and lower body strength, which Bailey uses to disengage from blocks. He has decent, but not overwhelming, quickness off the snap, relying on a bull rush to get to the quarterback.

12. Pernell McPhee – DE – 6-3 / 278 / Mississippi State (4.91, 20 BR)
McPhee didn’t take a usual route to FBS college football or to the NFL draft. He only played one year of high school football. After that, he initially signed with Southern Mississippi but was forced to go to junior college because of academic issues. When he finally arrived at Mississippi State in 2009, McPhee totaled 56 tackles and five sacks while starting all 12 games for the Bulldogs. Last year, he was a first-team All-SEC selection even though he didn’t produce quite as much as the year before. McPhee is best against the run, holding his ground well with lots of strength. As a pass rusher, McPhee has a good swim move along with an effective rip and spin move, but he’s best as a bull rusher.

13. Pierre Allen – DE – 6-4 / 273 / Nebraska (4.78)
Allen played on the same line as Ndamukong Suh, but first, he redshirted in 2006 and added 40 pounds of muscle before playing for Nebraska the following year. As a sophomore, he had 52 tackles and five sacks before posting a nearly identical season (51 tackles and five sacks) as a junior. Allen was named as a first-team All-Big 12 end as a senior, after posting 65 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Allen is a capable run stopper with a nice blend of quickness and strength. He hustles to chase down ball carriers, but he he’s not the most effective pass rusher, failing to disengage from blocks enough, with some inconsistency in anticipating the snap.

14. Ricky Elmore – DE – 6-5 / 255 / Arizona (4.88, 26 BR)
After redshirting in 2006, Elmore became the leader of Arizona’s defense, but he’d have to fit into a 4-3 scheme, since although he’s tall, he’s a little light to play in a 3-4 scheme. Elmore didn’t break out until his junior season, when he had 44 tackles and led the Pac-10 with 10.5 sacks, receiving an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. He again led the Pac-10 with 11 sacks as a senior while earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors. Elmore plays with a high motor and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He has a fast rush off the edge, good inside moves. Elmore recognizes plays well and is a good tackler. There is a question on what Elmore will be at the next level however, as he wasn’t nearly as productive against top competition as he was against mediocre and bad teams.

15. Greg Romeus – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.79)
A former high school basketball star in Florida, Romeus will have a very good NFL career if he continues on the path he was on in college. He was named a Freshman All-American after redshirting in 2006. He then became a second-team All-Big East selection the following year, recording 51 tackles and 7.5 sacks. And, he stepped up to being Big East Co-Defensive Player of the year as junior and senior. Romeus has great size for an NFL pass-rushing end, with good closing speed and an effective bull rush, possessing a long reach and big hands. Romeus uses his strong upper body strength to rip the ball from running backs and receivers. He does however, need to learn how to hustle more, through the entire play, especially after his teammates make initial contact.

16. Ugo Chinasa – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Oklahoma State (4.63, 22 BR)
Chinasa became a leader on the Oklahoma State defense after redshirting in 2006 and contributing on a limited basis the following two years. In 2009, he set a new career high with 30 tackles to go along with 6.5 sacks. Chinasa finished his senior season with 32 tackles, including 25 solo stops, to lead the Cowboys’ down linemen in each of those categories. With a strong upper body and a good reach, Chinasa sheds blocks well, closes to the quarterback quickly, and shows great awareness in man coverage, especially running stride for stride with tight ends. Against the run, Chinasa is a strong, wrap-up tackler. However, he is inconsistent with the energy he brings and e can get stood up at the line.

17. Cliff Mathews – DE – 6-4 / 257 / South Carolina (4.81, 17 BR)
A two-way starter (tight end and defensive end) in high school, Matthews stepped in as an outside linebacker as a freshman and was named to the coaches’ All-SEC team. He moved to defensive end the following season where he posted 32 tackles and 3 sacks. As a junior, the fairly under-sized end was known for his all-out hustle on nearly every play, as he was named as one of four team captains. He recorded 47 tackles (35 solo) and seven sacks that year. Matthews was again a team captain and named to the coaches’ All-SEC second team as a senior. He started all 13 games that year, posting 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Overall, Matthews is considered an extremely hard-working, high-effort player, with a great quickness and athleticism, and considerable raw talent for his size. He could be a nice steal later on in the draft.

18. Brandon Blair – DE – 6-6 / 276 / Oregon (4.92, 26 BR)
The 2010 Oregon Ducks were known for their prolific offense, but Blair didn’t let himself get too overshadowed by his teammates on the other side of the ball. After redshirting in 2006, the space-eating Blair became a proficient run stopper as a freshman reserve. By his junior year, Blair was the top tackler (with 45) among Oregon’s defensive linemen, and as a senior, he had 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, to earn All-Pac-10 second team honors. Even with his big size, Blair has good quickness off the snap to compliment long arms, a strong upper body, and good leg drive to bull rush blockers back into the pocket. Blair lacks agility to keep up with quicker players is space however, and he’s already 26 years of age after spending two years on a church mission between high school and playing football at Oregon.

19. Markus White – DE – 6-4 / 266 / Florida State (4.86, 14 BR)
After beginning his college career at junior college, White played three years at Florida State, initially learning as the understudy to former All-American Seminole Everette Brown in 2008. He learned well, starting 12 games and making 38 tackles the following year before having a big senior season, starting all 13 games while recording 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks. White accomplished that mostly by virtue of a high motor and an explosive pass rush but he had a low output for his bench press which raises questions about his strength, and needs to be a better run stopper as well.

20. Ryan Winterswyk – DE – 6-4 / 268 / Texas (4.96, 18 BR)
With a surname that begins with “Winter,” couldn’t you just see Winterswyk ultimately playing in a place like Chicago or Green Bay? Well, if he gets to the NFL at all, it certainly won’t be for a lack of drive or effort, and even talent. Winterswyk went from a walk-on redshirt in 2006 to an honorable freshman All-American the following year, and a first-team All-WAC end in each of his final three seasons at Boise State. Due to injuries, he was also used as a tight end as a senior. He finished his career at Boise State with 168 career tackles while ranking fourth in school history with 21.5 career sacks. Not bad for a former walk-on at a school known for offense.

21. Eddie Jones – DE – 6-2 / 258 / Texas (4.79)
Easily the smallest end listed thus far, Jones ironically starred in college in the biggest state in the nation, and he came up big with a final-minute tackle at the 1-yard line to secure Team Texas’ 13-7 victory over Team Nation in the NFLPA All-Star game in February. Another fifth-year end who redshirted in 2006, Jones was integral as a sophomore in helping Texas (the University, not Team Texas, that is) lead the Big 12 in scoring defense. Jones didn’t do any one thing great, but he did a little of everything, including some solid special teams play as a junior.

22. Lazarius Levingston – DE – 6-4 / 292 / LSU (4.93, 20 BR)
Levingston was a four-year letter winner, recording 70 tackles in 48 games at LSU, playing three years at defensive end before moving to tackle as a senior.

23. Karl Klug – DE – 6-3 / 275 / Iowa (4.81, 22 BR)
Klung was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in his final two years at Iowa. He a hustling hard worker who had 65 tackles as a junior (his first year as a starter). Klung has good quickness off the snap but he can be moved off blocks, especially against double teams.

24. Cheta Ozougwu – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Rice (4.84, 26 BR)
A former high school basketball star, Ozougwu was a defensive leader for Rice, where he started in 43 games. He broke in as a true freshman with 43 tackles and was an All-Conference USA first-team selection as a senior. He’s a good bull rusher despite being undersized and a wrap-up tackler. Ozougwu also has good awareness in coverage but because of his size, he might be seen as a tweener without a true position at the next level.

25. D’Aundre Reed – DE – 6-4 / 261 / Arizona (4.81, 30 BR)
Reed has a quick first step and long arms to help disengage from blocks, but he’s not a great run stopper and lacks a deep repertoire of pass rush moves.

26. Steven Friday – DE – 6-3 / 228 / Virginia Tech (4.66)
Possibly the best player with day of the week for a surname to ultimately play in the NFL since Jeff Saturday, Friday was a playmaker for Virginia Tech whether sacking the quarterback, making tackles for loss, or forcing fumbles.

27. Clay Nurse – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Illinois (4.87)
Speaking of surnames (after mentioning Steven Friday), this defensive end from Illinois could fittingly make opposing quarterbacks have the need for a nurse, as when DE Nurse had four sacks in a win over Minnesota in his senior season, during which Nurse earned honorable mention All-Big ten honors.

28. Kentrell Lockett – DE – 6-5 / 241 / Mississippi (4.78)
Lockett was named to the ALL-SEC third team with 39 tackles and five sacks as a junior and was a team captain as a senior, but he played in just three games that year after he suffered an ACL injury.

29. Demarcus Dobbs – DE – 6-2 / 281 / Georgia (4.87)
Dobbs lacks height for an end but a powerful lower body gives him good leverage at the point of attack. He projects as a possible reserve strong-side reserve in a 4-3 scheme. Like the Baltimore Ravens’ Michael Oher on the other side of the ball, Dobbs is an inspirational player who spent much of his youth in and out of foster homes before earning a scholarship to Georgia.

30. Jonathan Freeny – DE – 6-3 / 242 / Team (4.78)
Freeny was a second team All-Big East selection as a junior and was a major contributor on Rutgers’ defensive line.

31. Justin Trattou – DE – 6-4 / 255 / Florida (4.70)

32. Markell Carter – DE – 6-4 / 252 / Central Arkansas (4.76)

33. Gabe Miller – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Oregon State (4.63)

34. Zane Parr – DE – 6-6 / 275 / Virginia (4.95)

35. Craig Marshall – DE – 6-5 / 276 / South Florida (4.76)

36. Junior Tui’one – DE – 6-4 / 265 / Utah (4.74)

37. Roberto Davis – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Northwest Missouri State

38. Damario Ambrose – DE – 6-3 / 260 / Arkansas (4.80)

39. Jake Laptad – DE – 6-4 / 260 / Kansas (4.89)

40. Robert Eddins – DE – 6-2 / 242 / Ball State (4.79)

41. DeQuinn Evans – DE – 6-2 / 257 / Kentucky (5.06)

42. David Bedford – DE – 6-4 / 248 / South Florida (4.73)

43. Kiante Tripp – DE – 6-5 / 293 / Georgia (4.89)

44. Michael Lemon – DE – 6-3 / 274 / North Carolina State (4.85)

45. Alex Albright – DE – 6-5 / 250 / Boston College (4.82)

46. Ronnell Brown – DE – 6-2/ 270 / James Madison (4.84)

47. Rodney Gnat – DE – 6-2 / 249 / Louisville (4.80)

48. Lucas Patterson – DE – 6-4 / 293 / Texas A&M (5.12)

49. Duke Lemmens – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Florida (4.76)

50. Antoine Carter – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Auburn (4.76)

Holding a Death in Your Hands: What Autopsy Reports Tell Us about How Someone Lived

“The red/blue/green/yellow pants were cut prior to examination, revealing blue/red/white underwear. Black/white/green shoes were removed.”

“On the left dorsal hand is a monochromatic tattoo stating ‘kitten’ with an abstract design.”

These are the kinds of phrases that greet me every time I pick up an autopsy report. I have the job of reviewing our clinic’s mortality reports. Since it’s a clinic for the homeless, a lot of our patients’ deaths are medical examiner’s cases. When I started reading autopsy reports regularly, one thing I didn’t expect was their respectful, lyrical descriptions of extreme violence and suffering.

“When first viewed, the decedent is clad only in a white towel, which is wrapped around the genital region. The towel remains with the body.”

On this single body there was a “well-healed scar on the posterior midline neck.” And on the left chest. And on the anterior right shoulder. And on the right volar forearm near the antecubital fossa. And on the lateral right wrist. And on the right dorsal forearm. And on the left dorsal forearm near the elbow. And on the upper right buttock. And on the right anterior upper thigh. And on the dorsolateral right lower leg. And on the posterior left thigh. And on the anterior left thigh. And on the anterior left thigh near the left knee. And on the left back. In addition, the fifth and seventh ribs had healed fractures.

Read more...

Unemployment Zealotry and the Frustrations of a Jobs Advocate

There is a great deal to be said about Unemployment Zealotry and the Frustrations of being a Jobs Advocate. The job does not suffer fools or lend itself to the faint hearted or thin skinned. Zealotry is a sacrificial calling as it turns out - but one never really sets out to go on such a quest. Often it is thrust upon you by circumstance or necessity. Such is the case of one Unemployed Zealot: Paladinette.

When blowing the whistle on corrupt mortgage lending at a nationwide lender landed her in the unemployment line, it was not the “bounce back” experience she expected. That was several years, thousands of resumes and too few interviews ago for the 50-something California girl.

“San Diego is the best place to live on earth, unless you are unemployed, single, no children, passed 50 and determined to fight for your survival. Then it does not seem so perfect,” according to Paladinette.

“Employers all use the impersonal internet to weed out the hundreds of applicants for every job opening (not the lame figure of 5 or 6 the media wants you to believe) and nobody gives you the chance to allow your talents and personality to stand out in the crowd of applicants. There are employers all over this county totally missing out on the incredible talent and drive I bring to whatever I do. It is their loss!”

There is a pool of over 7 million unemployed UI Exhaustees in exactly the same predicament and America is suffering greatly as a result. This seven million is in addition to the rest of those unemployed Americans who are still collecting UI benefits, for now - yet still cannot find a job to support themselves or their families. This is NOT the America I remember reading about when in school.

The one thing that the long term UI exhaustees really need is a resurrection of the American manufacturing sector, which is not likely to happen as long as the US corrupt Clown Congress is committed to rewarding their campaign finance buddies (the big corporations , banks and big oil) with endless tax breaks and financial incentives for every job they take away from American shores.

The frustrations of a Jobs Advocate like Paladinette do not begin and end with Congress or the White House pandering to the rich - which had obviously been the case since Obama took office. The frustration is really with the American people’s refusal to get out in the streets of America and DEMAND this perfidious conduct by our elected leaders STOP NOW and be replaced with economic patriotism, fairness and an altruistic mandate focused upon OUR COUNTRY rather than every other country in the world.

Already in Libya, the USA has spent over ten times what the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) determined it would cost to implement HR 589 and save hurting Americans from hunger and homelessness. Obviously the “powers that be (elected)” couldn’t care less about the well being of America or those hurting within her shores - only those hurting abroad.

Perhaps ‘It's not what you say, but how you say it’ as demonstrated in the attached video.

What if we all just demanded: AMERICAN JOBS so WE CAN SURVIVE? After a week or 10 days of 7 million people taking to the streets everywhere in The USA - Wall Street would demand that Congress do something and Washington would respond FAST!

The problem is nobody is getting out in the streets to demand anything.

Last Thanksgiving, I told you about a radio show dedicated to the Unemployment Crisis in America: Jobless Talk going off the air (actually the net) as month after month of unfruitful job search had finally rendered the Host of that show (Paladinette - me) flat broke. No way to continue the efforts without the money to survive. Before Christmas, a benefactor committed to seeing American Jobless fight on, stepped forward and for the last 6 months gave me the piece of mind that comes with knowing you have the simple necessities like food, shelter and internet.

I could never adequately convey the gratitude I feel for this wonderful, generous act. I felt the best way to thank this person was to continue the fight and look feverishly for work during this reprieve. Now as the six months comes to an end, I am no closer to being employed than I was back in November. Don’t tell me that the unemployment problem in America is improving because I know better! First hand that it is NOT - especially in California. - and I have been looking for a job in 2 states. (OK now has one of the fastest growing economies for hiring in the USA currently)

During my long battle for a JOBS Bill and UI extension for the 99ers, I have discovered tons of wonderful people along my journey. Great people wasting away - like me, they just want to work hard for some lucky employer and feed their families - but since Congress and Obama are only focused upon more tax breaks for the already under taxed wealthy Americans - and spending money on worthless ‘war like’ activities across the globe, CONGRESS refuses to do their jobs and Obama refuses to LEAD this country for the benefit of ALL (as promised during his campaign)

The only Hope Obama has brought has been to the GOP and wealthiest in this country and the only change is what may be left for the poor: Nickels & Dimes!

So, once again, very shortly I may be facing a difficult choice. Like you, who have been forced to hang on with nothing left to hang on to - I will attempt to find a way through on “a wing and a prayer.” The Congress has done NOTHING to even attempt to resolve this emergency crisis in our country and the American Masses have done nothing to force Washington to change their “Business as Usual” lame attempts at governing - between their all too frequent (over paid) vacations.

With Washington still out this week on holiday and considering the precious little they accomplish when they are in session - it is unlikely that HR 589 or any real help for the hurting millions of UI exhaustees will materialize before their next 2 week vacation in May, 2011. One thing for sure is:

UNLESS or UNTIL you take to the streets and demand what you want and need to survive - Congress will do NOTHING but continue to do NOTHING at all ... except collect their pay and take more vacations. It is really up to you.

[If you like what I write please donate so I can keep on fighting for the 99ers! Thank You!]

Paladinette Seeks "Net-roots" Nomination

Tireless Advocate for America's Unemployed masses, Paladinette is seeking your "Net-roots" Nomination to secure sponsorship to Netroots Nation, the biggest progressive conference of the year in June 2011.

YOU CAN HELP: by nominating ME - Donalee King below.

With extremist legislation pending in so many states, it is more important than ever that our movement is strong and unified. From bloggers and life-long activists to young leaders, the people powering the progressive movement are more effective when connected.

Netroots Nation, the biggest progressive conference of the year, is an unparalleled opportunity for activists and bloggers from all over the country to engage with and learn from one another.

But it's not free and some great people can't afford to make it on their own. DFA is committed to sponsoring a diverse group of bloggers and activists -- so that they can attend this important conference in June.

Do you know an activist in your community who should attend Netroots Nation, but needs help getting there? Nominate an activist leader from your community today.

DFA (Democracy for America) is a grassroots organization powered by over one million members across the country. They support an open selection process and invite DFA members and netroots activists everywhere to vote for the applicants they believe deserve a scholarship. After approval from the nominee, this information will be made public so the netroots can get to know more about him or her.

The scholarship is made possible by donations from DFA Members, bloggers and activists, they want to give you a chance to nominate someone you know who deserves a scholarship, but might not have otherwise have heard about this opportunity.

Fill out a few short questions about the nominee, and then they'll get an email asking them to finish the application. With your nomination and support, they could win a scholarship to Netroots Nation in Minneapolis this June!

In addition to the name and email address of your nominee, you will need to provide certain information to complete the process. You will be asked

• Tell about the nominee in 250 words or less
• Tell why your nominee deserves a Netroots Nation Scholarship
• How has the nominee inspired others to get involved politically, to blog or to take action online?

There certainly are hundreds of deserving candidates for this scholarship, but Paladinette (Donalee King) EMAIL: beztchoice@gmail.com is ready and willing to take your 99ers message to the Netroots convention this June if given the chance to do so by this scholarship honor. Thanks!

[If you like what I write please donate so I can keep on fighting for the 99ers! Thank You!]

Royal Wedding: Who Cares? Americans Ask WHERE are the JOBS!

With all the media buzz over the Royal Wedding these days, on this side of the pond America asks: Who Cares? Ed Schultz even mentioned on his MSNBC political hour last night how only 6% of Americans care anything about this overpriced and over covered media event. Ed Schultz taking time in his show to discuss the Royal Wedding may be testimony as to how hard up for political news the media is while Congress vacations - but America is asking WHERE are the JOBS?

It would seem that the media would cover the real problems and struggles of the 99ers and other UI exhaustees during this “Political Lull” in the Washington News Cycle - but NOPE! Even the media couldn’t care less about hungry, homeless, hurting Americans - but millions of dollars being spent on the offspring of wealthy Non- Americans (to an audience of only 6%) is getting weeks, months and hours of media attention. In fact, the Ed Schultz show will be preempted later this week for (you guessed it) coverage leading up to the Royal Wedding. Unbelievable.

I guess that those who work to keep the advertiser dollars rolling in for the news shows have realized that 99ers have no money to buy ANYTHING so why waste their time giving air time to the ugly side of what is really happening in the USA. It is time that the MILLIONS of US Unemployed (exhaustees included) get out and make news the media cannot ignore!

Yesterday, a letter appeared on Congress.org addressed to: Governor Mark Dayton, Sen. Linda Higgins and Rep. Bobby Champion - all of Minnesota. The letter reads in part:

H.R. 589 has been deliberately ignored, to date. The American job hunters cannot afford this. HR 589 needs your support, and it needs to be voted on.

The Star Tribune today has an interesting investigative piece which shows that at least in my region, millions of dollars earmarked for the creation of jobs, but created nothing. I am sure this is happening across the nation.

Maybe that money could be recouped and used toward funding the UI extension. Ditto the money that went toward bailing out GM and the banking industry.

Many of us are subsisting on temporary jobs and jobs that nobody else wants, but even these jobs have dried up. Most of us do not qualify for food support, housing support or another "nets" that are supposed to exist, and women without dependents are treated like dirt.

In the meantime, please remember that job hunting is difficult under the best of circumstances. Job hunting in this economy is even more difficult. Job hunting without money for food, shelter and transportation is the next thing to impossible. I have done it, and am looking at doing it again.

The Sun Tribune article referred to above Where are the jobs? is a great example of what is happening all over the USA with “seed” money that was apparently never planted in fertile ground.

From the article:

Millions of dollars in subsidies to boost hiring among private employers throughout Minnesota have often come up short of jobs, 125 businesses got subsidies tied to job creation but didn't deliver.

More than 650 job-creation deals were put together from 2004 to 2009 (in MN alone) that handed companies state and local tax breaks, low-interest loans, grants or other benefits. Of those, 125 companies didn't meet their hiring commitments as business stalled, early jobs gains were wiped out by recession or firms failed entirely.

At least 46 of the subsidized companies produced no lasting jobs. The data showed that 56 companies received $37 million in such subsidies but created just 551 of the 2,111 jobs that they promised -- or $66,725 per new job.

Overall, 17,300 jobs were created in Minnesota by companies receiving an array of state or local subsidies during the six-year period, while the state's private sector employment declined by 77,200. The results show the limitations of government programs to spur business and jobs, economists say.

Faribault Woolen Mills promised to keep the state's oldest factory operating with the help of $575,000 in state and local loans. In 2009, the factory was closed, sending the last 36 employees out the door.

Excelsior Energy, said it could put 150 people to work at a coal power plant on the Iron Range. Another 1,000 workers would be needed during construction.

Excelsior borrowed $9.5 million from a state development agency. It got another $32 million in grants from the federal government and a utility renewable energy fund to develop clean-coal gasification technology.

After nine years, nothing has been built.

"Lawyers, lobbyists and consultants have been the beneficiaries of this $9.5 million," said state Rep. Tom Anzelc.

Excelsior executives have contributed $134,000 since 2001 to political candidates and groups of both parties. Congress enacted one law to help the project. The Minnesota Legislature passed two bills benefiting the company and is considering a third.

This misspent money or unused stimulus boils down to nothing more than fraud, waste and abuse by the wealthy thieves in America we call Politicians. Do you know how many jobs I could create if somebody gave me $850 billion to do so? And I assure you it would not cost $66,000 per job created.

It is time we put money in the hands of the millions of 99ers in America, as we are the only ones with public, proven methods of making every dollar stretch - else we would not have lasted this long on nothing at all!

With 19 states refusing to take advantage of the money Washington set aside for the “so called” 13 month extension of UI benefits last December, 99ers need to ask Washington:Where is the Money?

This money was already allocated and thus, if it is not going to be spent, it is ready and available to offset the cost of a PAID FOR extra Tier (or additional weeks to an existing Tier) to extend UI benefits for those who desperately need them.

Why every 99er in America is not constantly calling the Republican leadership in the House and the Democratic sponsors of HR 589 every single day demanding they look into this “new way” to fund a 99er extension now is beyond me.

Call Congress Toll Free: (877) 762-8762 and ask to speak with each of the following members: Rep Sheila Jackson Lee, Speaker Boehner, Eric Cantor, Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Bobby Scott (D-Va.)

Then call the White House Comments line 202-456-1414 or contact Obama and give him a piece of your mind as to how you feel about his constantly having plenty of money to help every other country’s hurting masses but NOT Americans. http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Also it is time to relentlessly slam the main Stream Media with calls, letters to the editor, emails. Use the I-Reporter links almost all websites of your local and National media darlings have available for your submissions. FLOOD them with stories of homeless, struggling families, foreclosure signs, interview America’s hungry children in your community (get parental permission) and use your flip video cameras to make better, more substantial news reports than some rich offspring getting married over seas.

PLEASE CNN, MSNBC, ABC, FOX, CBS - STOP helping Washington Hide the TRUTH that America is HURTING BAD! Granting hours of news coverage for only 6% of your American viewing public is shameful and irresponsible - no matter how much money you gouged for each advertising minute.

It is time you did your job too. You have watched Washington do little or NOTHING for so long now that you the American Media have degraded into the sin of sloth at best or at worst engaged in a conspiracy of hiding the truth from the average American who knows only what they hear from you!

Yes, I am a little known blogger/journalist calling out the “MSM” (main stream media) for their utter failures as journalists - in not exposing Americans to the real truth of how bad things really are out here on Main Street! But, like politicians - I really doubt the MSM has the character to feel the shame they have brought upon themselves by this cataclysmic failure on their part and just like Washington Politicians, they (the MSM) are only concerned about the almighty dollar - only difference is the campaign dollar$ vs advertising dollar$. But aCourtesan is still a Trull no matter what form of payment is used for their favors.

[If you like what I write please donate so I can keep on fighting for the 99ers! Thank You!]

Rumor: Two NFL Draft Prospects Test Positive For Marijuana

 Picture from Kelly Lambert's photo blog

Editor's note: this is only a rumor. When Justin Houston of Georgia, and Christian Ballard of Iowa tumbled down Gil Brandt's and the National Football Post's big boards, they didn't really give an explanation. Now, it may have came to light.

Jay Glazer reports on twitter that Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard and Georgia 4-3 defensive end/3-4 outside linebacker Justin Houston both failed drug tests at the NFL combine for marijuana.

Testing positive at the NFL combine can tell you one thing. These players are just downright stupid. They know they are going to the NFL combine well in advance of the February date, and they know damn well they are going to be drug tested at it. How long marijuana can stay in your system is kind of up in the air, but it can stay in there for as little as two days, to as long as a month depending on your metabolism and other factors. It just means that these guys, for whatever reason, risked testing positive before the biggest job interview they will ever face in their entire lives.

Before this positive test, Justin Houston was regarded as a mid to late first round draft choice, and Christian Ballard has been commonly placed in the second round. It should be known that back in 2009 Justin Houston was suspended 2 games by the Bulldog program for testing positive for marijuana.

Of course this is misinformation season, so take these tests can be taken with a grain of salt. Last year a draft website incorrectly stated that not Packers OLB Clay Matthews and Texans LB Brian Cushing tested positive for PED's. Officials came out and said that the positive test reports were lies, but Cushing tested positive later and was suspended 4 games by the NFL.

2011 NFL Draft Mike Mayock Cam Newton Blast Irresponsible

Just when it looks like the rhetoric leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft was subsiding, NFL Network's Mike Mayock got on The Dan Patrick Show to start it back up again. Mayock's statement - that "I just don't know if he cares enough" - about Newton was plainly irresponsible, given he'd not shared it with the Heisman Trophy winner, and wasn't based on any substantial evidence.

Rather than issue any really valuable view of the National Champion, Mayock managed to dig up concerns that much of the criticism of Newton prior to the 2011 NFL Draft is because he's black.

NFL Network Analyst and legendary NFL defensive tackle Warren Sapp hit the ceiling, saying "What has Cam done that people feel he doesn't want to be great?" It's a good question to ask Mayock, but the Twitter-verse wasn't waiting. It erupted in protest; here are some of the tweets:

AubOrange Justin Lee
Does Mike Mayock have any "gut feelings" about any of the white quarterbacks?

Twyc3 THE REAL ME
Mike Mayock needs to get a fucking clue. Cam Newton throw 14 more red then Gabbert and ran 4 over 1500yds and 25 tds he the 1st place winner

Akeiro85 Akinola Fashola
I'm sorry mike mayock your my boy but give cam newton a chance! @nfl I hope he goes no.1 and proves all his haters wrong!

Swandawg62 Dan Swanson
@PaulPabst Warren Sapp just sprung a leak over Mike Mayock's comments on today's show regarding Cam Newton. Go… (cont) http://deck.ly/~Ng82W

C_DA_KID C.J.
@QBKILLA I'm glad u called out Mike Mayock on Cam Newton, if it was Gabbert he wouldn't have said that shit.

It's interesting that the USA Today picked up the anti-Cam Newton statement by Mayock, but not Warren Sapp's counter-blast. This space attacked the USA Today for a very racist take on Newton a few weeks ago.

This 2011 NFL Draft just may be the first one with so many openly race-tinged points of view expressed about one NFL Draft prospect. Sad.

Stay tuned.

2011 NFL Draft Prospects with Checkered Pasts

Here's a list of NFL prospects for this upcoming draft who have had run-ins with the law during college. Will the Bengals or Raiders draft every single one? Are Bengals and Raiders are criminals jokes getting old? Only time will tell.

Kenrick Ellis - DT - Hampton: booted from South Carolina for multiple violations of unspecified team rules. IT's rumored that the team rules violated were due to multiple failed drug tests.

Cam Newton - QB - Auburn: Arrested after being found with a stolen laptop from a UF student. He painted over the laptop and wrote "CAM NEWTON" on it, which must have been to show it was his. Later left UF to not be suspended/expelled for academic cheating/

Ryan Mallett - QB - Arkansas: Arrested for Public Intoxication in 2009 after transferring from Michigan. Has rampant rumors of "drug addiction"

Jimmy Smith - CB - Colorado: failed a drug test back in 2007, and had two charges of minor in possession during his time with the Buffs.

Mitch Mustain - QB - Mizzou: After transferring to USC from Arkansas, he was arrested for selling prescription drugs on CraigsList.

Chris Rucker - CB - Michigan State: Went to jail when he received the second DUI of his Spartans career last October. The newest one he was also given a warning for leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Also suspended with many other Michigan State players in connection with an on campus brawl.

Derrell Johnson-Koulianos - WR - Iowa: Arrested on 7 charges, including: four counts of possession of controlled substances, two counts of unlawful possession of prescription drugs and one count of keeping a drug house. During a search they found police found cocaine, marijuana, prescription drugs (pamoate, diazepam, hydromorphone hydrochloride and zolpidem tartrate pills), scales, $3,000 cash, and other items used in selling drugs.

Blaine Gabbert - QB - Missouri: Was involved in a drunk pizza parlor brawl that left his brother, teammate Tyler Gabbert with a broken nose, and LB Andrew Gachkar requiring stitches in his hand. Underage at the time, no charges were brought up even though they had "varying levels of intoxication".

Robert Aurich - LB - UMD: Arrested after being shitfaced wasted in which he kicked and shoved police who were trying to get him out of a bar. He even challenged the police, "Do you think you can take me to the ground? I’ll beat you up right now."

Brandon Hogan - CB - WVU: Arrested for DUI after driving on the wrong side of the road last September, and disorderly conduct/public urination back in April of last year.

Niles Paul - WR - Nebraska: Arrested for MIP and Public Urination last June, and for DUI, Driving under a suspended license, and MIP  in April of 2009.

Kyle Theret - S - Minnesota: Arrested for DUI after police saw him strike a parked car and pulling away.

Terrance Toliver - WR - LSU: Arrested for disturbing the peace by fistic encounter; disturbing the peace by public intoxication and resisting an officer March of last year.

Mike Hartline - QB - Kentucky: Arrested last December for second degree disorderly conduct, alcohol intoxication in a public place, and failure to notify the department of transportation of an address change after a woman called police saying that he had assaulted her.

Scooter Berry - DL - WVU: Arrested for Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct in October of 2009.

Jock Sanders - WR - WVU: Arrested for DUI when he crossed the yellow lines in February of 2009, and before that for an assault outside of a club.

Justin Houston - DE/OLB - Georgia: Suspended 2 games by the Bulldogs for failing drug tests.

Noel Devine - RB - WVU: Arrested in 2008 for assault in a battery that occurred outside of a club. Allegedly stole one of Deion Sanders' vehicles, a Cadillac Escalade, and drove it to the airport after he had been living with Sanders.

Rickey Thenarse - S - Nebraska: Arrested last December and suspended for their bowl game when he was found passed out in a car and charged with DUI, impeding traffic, and driving on a suspended license.

Trevor Hankins - P - Arizona State: Arrested for DUI last November when he made an illegal U-Turn when he "lost his wallet"

Mikel LeShoure - RB - Illinois: In 2008 a fight with teammate Wide Receiver Jeff Cumberland left him with a broken jaw, and he was suspended for violation of team rules the very next year.

Martez Wilson - LB - Illinois: Was involved in a bar fight, which he eventually lost via stabbing.

Quan Sturdivant - LB - UNC: Along with NCAA Violations, he was arrested for marijuana possession. Charge was eventually dropped in a deferred prosecution agreement.

Mark Dell - WR - Michigan State: Suspended along with Chris Rucker and many others in connection with an on campus brawl.

Scott Lutrus - LB - UCONN: Arrested for interfering with an officer after he fought with an officer after they were called to an on campus fight. Charges were later dropped.

Obie Ezeh - LB - Michigan: Arrested for OWI after he stuck a light pole.

Titus Young - WR - Boise State: Charged with MIP, suspended for most of 2008 season for violation of team rules.

Jabaal Sheard - DE/OLB - Pittsburgh: Charged with  charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct when he got into a fight, threw a man through a window while police batoned him, jumped on the bloody man and started pounding him before being subdued with Pepper Spray.

Jon Baldwin - WR - Pittsburgh: Charged with misdemeanor indecent assault stemming from an incident with a female on a bus.

Adrian Clayborn - DL - Iowa: Charged with misdemeanor charge of assault causing bodily injury after he confronted a Taxi driver who honked at him during a traffic jam.

Judge Nelson LIfts Lockout,..but is it really Over??

A commentary(short) By Dr. Football(Dr. Bill Chachkes)

Late today Judge Susan Richard Nelson effectively ended almost 6 week long Lockout between the NFL players and the NFL owners. Almost as soon as the result was public, the NFL released the following statement:

(From NFLMedia.com)

NFL STATEMENT



"We will promptly seek a stay from Judge Nelson pending an expedited appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. We believe that federal law bars injunctions in labor disputes. We are confident that the Eighth Circuit will agree. But we also believe that this dispute will inevitably end with a collective bargaining agreement, which would be in the best interests of players, clubs and fans. We can reach a fair agreement only if we continue negotiations toward that goal."

So who has really won, If both sides claim a victory? Well, the fans for one have at least a temporary stay of execution with regard to the 2011 season. The Judge is saying that once again, the owners are wrong to expect "indentured servitude" to continue, that Athletes DO have rights as humans. Rights to a safe(at least as safe as possible) work place, and maybe it's finally time for the Pre-1993 Players to get some help with medical costs and a better pension........

Maybe.....

So what happens now? Most likely if the NFL loses on appeal(maybe) and they are forced to begin "offseason activities" as usual, within a few days after the next ruling the 2010 rules will be in place for player movement and free agency will begin in at least some form.... Giants Defensive Lineman Osi UMenyiora said in his released statement “A win for the players and for the fans." Several Teams' Players Association reps are telling players tonight that until another judge grants the NFL a stay, they can go back to their facilities and work out and get treatment....
Maybe.....

Then the owners and players can get back to the table and get a new deal done before training camp......

Maybe.....

Oh how I hate when the legal system invades sports....

Mcdonald's Beating Arrest - Chrissy Lee Polis Hate Crime Victim

This, yet another update in a beating case that this blogger calls an American Tragedy. An arrest has been made in the McDonald's Baltimore County Beating of Chrissy Lee Polis. A girl by the name of Teonna Monae Brown was taken into custody and charged with first - and second - degree assault. And investigators are still, as of this writing, working to determine if Brown should be convicted of a hate crime.

Frankly, now that Chrissy Lee Polis has talked to the media, it does look clearly like a hate crime from this space and because she's transexual. (I also have to add that, in an earlier blog post, I used the term "tranny," but while it was taken by some as derogatory, it was not used that way or intended to be; the term was learned by this blogger by someone who is herself transexual - part of the wonderful diversity of San Francisco Bay Area life. Regardless of the term, what happened to Chrissy Lee Polis on April 18th is at issue, and that was completely wrong.)

The question in all of this is "Where are Teonna Monae Brown's parents?" According to reports, Brown is but 14 years old. She's obviously a juvenile. Her parents should shoulder some blame for her actions.

McDonald's Is At Fault

I totally disagree with the people who say McDonald's Restaurant is not at fault, and Chrissy Lee Polis herself, who said "They stood there - six McDonald's employees - and all did nothing." So, since they work for McDonald's Corporation, the firm has to pay the price. Moreover, Ms. Polis herself wants to sue McDonald's.

So those who say that McDonald's should not be at fault - tell that to Chrissy Lee Polis.

There's a lot of ugliness coming from this, from people looking to blame anyone black, to people making awful comments on YouTube about Chrissy Lee Polis herself, to... Well, it goes on.

Everyone needs to take a deep breath and stop and think. Because there's little of that, that has been done here thus far.

As I've said before, and will say again, a lot of teenagers act like this in 2011 - not just black teenagers. Moreover, a lot of the profiles of commenters on YouTube.com report them to be between 17 to 28 years old - just around the same age range as the girls involved in the Chrissy Lee Polis beating, from attacker to victim. And the majority of commenters are typing pretty vile stuff. But it's come to the point where there comments are countered by those from more reasoned minds.

Finally, anyone who claims this blogger can't deal with what happened and call society for what it is, doesn't read my stuff:  Oakland uptown beating shows young black male problem.

Stay tuned.

Big Talent From the Small Schools

(the 11th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters)

Big Talent from the Small Schools

By Jay Horn-Special Contributor-Football Reporters Online



The 2011 Draft is jam-packed with talented players from non-FBS schools. 56 players from ‘small schools’ (Divisions 1-AA, 2, 3, and NAIA) where invited to this year’s NFL Combine. The conventional wisdom is shifting from the day when scouts only looked at a couple standouts from these lower-tier divisions. Recently, a number of impact players have come from “less” than the Division-1 farm system.



In 2008, Brandon Carr from perennial D-II power Grand Valley State broke in as a starting cornerback for the KC Chiefs after being taken in the 5th round, in 2009 RB Bernard Scott was a 6th round pick from Abilene Christian who dazzled the NFL in his rookie season with big kick-off returns and steady production in the backfield for the Cincinnati Bengals. Also that year, WR Johnny Knox, Scott’s teammate at ACU, has been extremely productive since entering the League as a 5th round pick with the Bears. Another ACU product, OT J’Marcus Webb, was taken in the 7th round and has earned a starting role with the Bears as well.



Last year, some of the NFL’s most exciting rookies came from ‘small schools.’ D-2 Tiffin Dragons RB Chris Ivory (who played only four games as a senior after suffering a broken leg) became a starter for the defending World Champion New Orleans Saints. GLIAC standout offensive tackle Jered Veldheer from Hillsdale, was taken in the 3rd round by the Raiders and was a fixture on the o-line starting at both center and tackle. Perhaps one of the best ‘feel good stories’ of this year was the success of former Chadron State and Harlon Hill winner RB Danny Woodhead. Originally drafted by the Jets and signed in 2008, Woodhead was cut, re-signed to the practice squad, then cut again and signed by the Patriots in 2010. He became one of the Patriots most productive offensive players, finishing the season with a career high 547 rushing yards on just 97 carries (5.64 per carry) and a TD. He also had 379 yards receiving on 34 catches with 5 TDs. His yards per rush was a Patriots team record and fourth in the NFL.



Who be this year’s Ivory, Veldheer or Woodhead? Here is a sampling of a few of the possibilities in the 2011 Draft:



OFFENSIVE PLAYERS:



OT Ben Ijalana – Villanova 6’ 3.6” 319 – 5.30 – 2nd-3rd round



WR Edmund Gates – ACU 5’ 11.5” 189 – 4.37 – 3rd - 5th round



RB Taiwan Jones – Eastern Washington - 5’ 11.4” – 4.40 – 3rd – 5th round


OG – Will Rackley – Lehigh - 6’ 3.3” 307 – 5.20 – 3rd - 5th round



C – Brandon Fusco – Slippery Rock – 6’ 4.1” 302 – 5.25 – 4th – 6th round



TE – Schuyler Oordt – Northern Iowa – 6’ 6.0” 261 – 5th – 7th Round



OT – David Mims – Virginia Union – 6’ 8.2 335 – 5.58 – 5th – 7th round



QB – Pat Devlin – Delaware – 6’ 3.3” 226 – 4.82 – 6th – 7th round



DEFENSIVE PLAYERS:



DT Kendrick Ellis – Hampton 6’ 5.0” 336 – 5.05 – 4th – 6th round



CB Korey Lindsey-Woods – Southern Illinois – 5’ 10.1 181 – 4.45 – 5th – 7th round



CB Buster Skrine – Chattanooga – 5’ 9.5 186 – 4.37 – 5th – 7th round



CB Ryan Jones – Northwest Missouri State – 5’ 11.0 197 – 4.42 – 4th – 6th round



DT Cedric Thornton – Southern Arkansas 6’ 3.5” 299 – 5.91 – 7th round - UDFA

Do Hotels Really Get Digital Media Marketing?

There's no quibble with the statement that social media, Internet marketing, blogging, micro-blogging, video-blogging (Save The Flip!) and SEO have all impacted the hotel industry, especially in the United States and Asia and Europe. But the ultimate case study example has not been done that shows how all of these siz aspects of digital media can be combined into one powerful event-related tool.

Or has it?

It has. And by this blogger at Zennie62.com and now Zennie62blog.com, several times, last year.

The reason I'm blogging about it, is because I'm not sure it was completely valued by the potential client this time around. I'm blogging about it because it's a novel sponsorship relationship that can really help a hotel brand's online visibility, especially if the hotel knows how to value it.

The approach calls for the following: a blogger with video channels, and interconnected Twitter, and Facebook pages, a large base of followers and subscribers, and a large set other social networking platforms, preferably interconnected, and a blog or website that's listed on Google News, Google Blog Search, Technorati.com, and other directories, and social bookmarking accounts on platforms like Reddit.com.

This approach works best for big events, like Comic Con the Oscars or The Grammys, or The Super Bowl or the NFL Draft. What the hotel has to understand is they're sponsoring the blogger, giving the person a room for multiple nights, in exchange for getting the hotel's name associated with coverage about the event during that period when the event is “hot:” searched for so much that it's a top trend.

(For example, "nfl mock draft" is a Google Trends sixth ranked search as of this update.)

(I also figured out a way to incorporate Twitter tweets into the effort for 2011. Follow Zennie62 at Twitter.com)

So, if someone does a search for "NFL Draft 2010" they're likely to find a news blog post with the hotel's name and website link in the first paragraph, as well as a video that also mentions the hotel as a sponsor. Moreover, for every celebrity or athlete that's at the event, the hotel's name and website enjoy that much additional exposure. Indeed, it's visibility that lasts well beyond the life of the event.

The one problem with hotels is some managers, interested in the quick-buck for the moment, either don't see or want to see the value of this approach. They generally want to know that your efforts are going to cause a hotel room sale the next day, when that's not how the marketing dynamic works.

What hotel people must understand is that the blogger is laying a platform online that's a lot like a billboard: you know there are a lot of people who can see it, you just have to make sure it's up and well-positioned so they can. Over time, the idea of using the hotel is placed in the head of the consumer.

It's up to the hotel to know how to track their exposure, or ask the blogger to set up a system for them to do so. One way is to make sure the hotel mangers sign up for Google Alerts, an app that sends an email of all of the blogs and stories that have the hotels keywords of concern pop-up. A good marketing effort can make a hotel's Google Alerts pop and ping like a pinball machine.

The second tool is the real time web traffic reporting system, so the hotel manager can see how web traffic is impacted, and under what conditions. The links from the blog will show up in the traffic report, as well as other location-based data about the potential patrons who saw the blog and clicked on it, then the website link.

The hotel could go a step beyond that and have a contest that asks the reader to do something: make a purchase of a room for a future event based on the use of a code associated with the blogger's event, or something like that.

But whatever the case, it's the hotel's job to track this for the next year after the event, because the blogger's planted this seed that will grow in some way.

The simple rule here is this: the more content produced, the more the hotel benefits from it. Period. In the case of one event last year, I produced 8 videos and 10 blog posts, that's 18 basic items of content that includes the name and website links of the hotel brand. And if the content is properly produced, it appears at the top of Google News for that topic for that day, creating buzz the hotel would have normally not seen related to that event.

What's bothersome to this blogger is that this approach is not completely understood and seen as a viable alternative to traditional forms of marketing sponsorship, and is well-worth the complementary room. The blogger benefits by being able to actually cover a story on-the-scene and make valuable content related to it.

What the blogger is also essentially doing is building a whole new website, a large one, to the hotel's benefit. A website of the size of 18 pages can cost upwards of $4,000 on the open market. It makes no sense to ask the blogger to pay the hotel for working for the hotel for a sponsorship openly presented to the public.

Getting hotel managers who “get” this is still “hit” or “miss,” as my experience shows. But the good news is many of the hotel's public relations people do.

Hopefully this blog posts helps to change some minds in the hotel industry.

(As a closing note, having a variation of this that calls just for banner ads, and not what's outlined here, is a no-no. The idea of this approach is that the hotel's name is seen in searches related to the event "forever" after the event. That can't happen with just a banner ad.)