RG3 Lands on Cover of NCAA Football 13
Chalk up another honor for former Baylor QB Robert Griffin III.
The Heisman Trophy winner was announced yesterday as the cover athlete for EA Sports’ NCAA Football ’13. Griffin will not be alone on the cover, however, as EA Sports has announced that a former Heisman Trophy winner will join Griffin, and will be determined by fan vote. Fans can choose one of the following college football legends: former USC running back Marcus Allen, former Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie, former Ohio State running back Eddie George, former Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard, former Oklahoma State University running back Barry Sanders, former Georgia running back Herschel Walker, former Florida State quarterback Charlie Ward and former University of Houston quarterback Andre Ware. Voting begins on March 12.
So Grimlins, do you agree with EA’s choice for the cover athlete? If not, who would you have chosen? Which former Heisman winner do you want to see join RG3 on the cover? Let us know in the comments.
NFL Draft Primer – Buffalo Bills
With the 2011 NFL Draft just over a month away, it’s time to start taking a deeper look at the need areas for each team, and how they might fill those needs through this year’s draft class. We’ll do this by division, and focus on each team’s top three areas of need. Let’s start with the AFC East and the Buffalo Bills.
BUFFALO BILLS
2010 Record: 4-12
1st Round Pick: #3
1. Quarterback – It’s hard to fault Ryan Fitzpatrick for the Bills’ offensive woes, considering his lack of support along the offensive line. However, Fitzpatrick is nothing more than a stop-gap solution, and the Bills aren’t good enough in other areas to be successful with a sub-par signal-caller.
Picks That Fit – If the Bills chose to take a QB at #3 overall, both Blaine Gabbert of Missouri and Cam Newton of Auburn could still be on the board. If given the choice, look for the Bills to go with Newton, for the same reasons they selected C.J. Spiller in the first round last year: they need excitement. Newton would provide that instantly.
2. Offensive Tackle – As mentioned before, the Bills have had a difficult time moving the ball on offense in large part because of a lackluster starting crew along the line. They drafted arguably the most electrifying player in last year’s draft, but Spiller was bottled up for much of last season because there was simply nowhere to run. They need help across the entire line, but it has to start with an anchor at tackle.
Picks That Fit – There’s not a tackle worth taking at #3 overall, but there should be some solid options in Round 2. Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod is a punishing run blocker who also has the pass blocking skills to become a quick starter at either tackle spot. Villanova’s Benjamin Ijalana would also be a possibility.
3. Outside Linebacker/Cornerback – These are equal areas of need. Draft bust Aaron Maybin set the OLB unit back considerably, so the Bills might be wary of spending a high pick on another 3-4 edge rusher. That said, the need remains for a dynamic pass-rushing presence at the position. Leodis McKelvin is locked in at one corner spot, but if the Bills lose Drayton Florence to free agency, this will create an even bigger need at CB.
Picks That Fit – The Bills are positioned extremely well to fill either of these needs with a top talent at the #3 pick. Whether it’s Texas A&M OLB Von Miller or LSU CB Patrick Peterson, Buffalo could fill a big need with one of the best overall players available.
Who do YOU want on the cover of NCAA Football 12?
That’s right, you fans of collegiate polygonal pigskin. EA Sports wants you to decide who graces the cover of NCAA Football 12.
The choices are:
Alabama RB Mark Ingram
Auburn DT Nick Fairley
Washington QB Jake Locker
Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray
So head on over to the NCAA Football Facebook page and cast your vote, and be sure to leave a comment here letting us know who you voted for and why!
http://www.facebook.com/easportsncaafootball
2
2011 NFL DRAFT – Top 5 Players by Position
With the Scouting Combine in the books, it’s time to look at the top talents available in this year’s NFL Draft. Here are my Top 5 players by position. This list represents who I think are the best overall players, not how high I project them to be selected.
I’ve included separate lists for defensive ends and outside linebackers, based on whether they would fit best in a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.
As always, bring the feedback.
QB
RB
FB
WR
TE
OT
OG
C
DE
DT
OLB
ILB
CB
S
K
P
Stay tuned for more Grim draft coverage, including player features, exclusive interviews, and our official mock draft.
-2