Here are my winners and losers for the 2020 NFL draft. I loved the Minnesota Vikings drafts class as well as the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. I was much more critical of the draft classes of the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers, today I’ll explain why I believe these teams were either winners or losers of the 2020 NFL draft. To still get Tua at number 5 overall then draft a solid offensive lineman in Austin Jackson to protect their young stud QB and get a cornerback to play opposite Byron Jones in Noah Igbinoghene who has legit pro-bowl potential. I still believe with Tua’s health and state of the roaster that this Dolphins team is a year away but this draft class will go a long way to making this team relevant once again. With a fairly old roaster, the Vikings are clearly in win-now mode with their 2020 draft selections and I believe they had a fantastic draft. To get Wide receiver Justin Jefferson to replace Stefon Diggs was potentially one of the best value picks of the draft the big talented wideout should be an immediate impact player for the Vikings. Then to get Ezra Cleveland who many had graded as a first-rounder in the second round to help bolster their o-line very solid draft for the Minnesota Vikings. The Indianapolis Colts did not have a first-round pick due to the Deforst Buckner trade none the less Chris Ballard and company blew me away with their work. To get Michael Pitman Jr who I think can start right away at wide receiver opposite Ty Hilton and then to Nab Jonathan Taylor with their second pick In the second round was a steal. Jonathan Taylor ran for over 6000 yards in his three years in Wisconsin and can help take some of the workload off Marlon Mack and allow the colts to not pay Marlon Mack long term with such a young stud in house. Not to mention grabbing Jacob Eason in the 4^th round this kid has 1^st round arm talent hopefully he can develop into something special for the Colts he most certainly possesses the potential. The New England Patriots typically are one of the best at drafting in the NFL but I couldn’t help but be a bit stunned that they never drafted a young QB at any point in the draft. No doubt they bolstered an already fairly strong Defence but at a variety of different points they passed on Jalen Hurts, Jake Fromm and Jacob Eason I don’t understand I guess its Jarred Stidham long term for the Patriots. The Green Bay Packers selected Jordan Love in the first round which I don’t mind I think he has immense potential but to draft a running back in the second round it seems like Green Bay’s only intent was to replace both of their Aarons. To not draft a wide receiver in a loaded class at that position is just a flat-out mistake. I think the Packers will look back on this draft as the one that closed the Aaron Rodgers era because of not drafting him adequate help but also a draft that starts a new era for them with Jordan Love.     

NFL

The first-ever virtual NFL draft is right around the corner and quite frankly I can not wait. Yes, I understand this won’t be our normal NFL draft but its real sports news that matters during these extremely tough times. I think this year’s draft class is one of the strongest in recent memory. So, here is the preview of who would be my first six picks for this year’s NFL draft. I believe we’ll see three quarterbacks’ go in first 6 picks of the draft, starting with Joe Burrow to the Cincinnati Bengals at number one. Then Chase young the Stud defensive end to the Washington redskins. At number the third pick I believe its time for the Detroit lions to give Matthew Stafford a number one target before his window to win closes entirely so they should take Jerry Jeudy. At 4 I think New York will get the new face of the Giants Defence and select Isiah Simmons. Then with the 5^th pick, the Dolphins get their face of the franchise with Tua Tagovailoa. Then the chargers will get their new Qb to replace Phillip Rivers and select Justin Herbert.    

NBA

In the wake of the seemingly never-ending fallout from COVID-19, the NBA will be hosting a horse tournament among past and present players male and female players. I think this is a great idea all participants will be at their own self-isolated home gyms and it’s a bit of a release for everyone in these dark times.    

MLB

It was reported earlier this week that the MLB is exploring the potential option of having all teams gathering in Arizona and playing a condensed season in empty venues. Quite frankly I think this is a great idea and what all professional sports leagues need to start considering. I understand playing in empty venues is nobody’s goal but if it’s a potential way to complete these seasons it is a no brainer. The MLB has said that if this option is feasible they would use their spring training divisions. If this is the case and I understand this is a hypothetical I think the Toronto Blue Jays could be one of the biggest beneficiaries. This would remove the blue jays from the staggeringly tough Al East and put them in a much better scenario. They would still be in a division with the New York Yankees but would know have Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers in their division. If this is the case I think a wild card spot is totally attainable for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020            

NHL

The hockey world is morning the loss of Colby Cave this morning. He suffered a brain bleed earlier this week and had been put into a medically induced coma ultimately dying this morning. Colby cave was 25 years old from Battleford Saskatchewan who was never drafted to the NHL.  He spent 4 years in the WHL with the Swift Current Broncos then another three years in the minors with the Providence Bruins (Boston’s AHL team) before debuting in the NHL. He played a total of 67 NHL games before we lost this hard-working good genuine young man. A small-town kid who had his dreams come true and life cut far too short. RIP Colby Cave you’ll be missed forever and never forgotten.

With all of the seemingly endless fallout from the Covid-19 virus I could easily talk about that and the effect it is having on the sports world. I think we all could use some actual sports content over more coverage of Covid-19 and by no means am I downplaying the severity of the virus I just think it’s good to have a bit of a release during these tough times. I’ll still touch on the Impact of Covid-19 but first some actual sports news.

NFL

Tom Brady stunned the NFL world this past week by leaving the New England Patriots. Tom Brady signed a two year 50 – million dollar deal fully guaranteed contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I am a die-hard Indianapolis Colts fan and Payton manning was no doubt my favorite player of all time. The Patriots and Brady tormented the Colts for years ripping fans hearts outs, and Payton Manning was one of the all-time best But I conceived the notion of him being the greatest QB of all time a long time ago. The Best QB and arguably best football player ever is Tom Brady. Tom Brady through the course of 20 fantastic seasons as the QB of the Patriots Won six Super Bowls appeared in nine, he won the NFL MVP three times and was selected to the pro bowl 14 times. Tom Brady is the GOAT and I don’t think its any debate. As I touched on earlier I am a die-hard Indianapolis Colts Fan and they signed a star veteran QB as well inking Philip Rivers to a one-year 25-million-dollar deal. I am probably in the minority here but I think Rivers to the Colts is a far better move the Brady to the Bucs. Rivers is almost 4 full years younger than Brady threw for more yards last year than Brady and had a higher completion percentage. Yes, Brady threw one more touch down then Rivers last year and yes, he also threw for significantly fewer interceptions. I believe father time will finally catch Tom in Tampa Bay has weapons all over that offence they also have a very mediocre O-line and a QB who will be 43 at the start of next season and has never been very mobile I think the Bucs miss the playoffs in an extremely tough division. Whereas Philip Rivers with the Colts has a fantastic O-line solid running back in Marlon Mack if there able to add a solid number 2 wide receiver in the draft to relieve some pressure of TY Hilton. Not to mention a defense that is only getting better I think the AFC Championship game is a very possible expectation for this team.

NHL

The NHL season has been paused as a result of the Covid-19 virus, I am hoping that we at least see some conclusion to the playoffs and get to crown a Stanley Cup Champion, but I think we’ve seen the last of regular season hockey this year. So, I thought why not do some award winners predictions.

MVP – Leon Draisaitl – Edmonton Oilers  

ROY – Quinn Hughes – Vancouver Canucks

Norris (top d man) – Roman Josi – Nashville Predators

Vezina (top Goalie) – Tuukka Rask – Boston Bruins

Selke – Patrice Bergeron – Boston Bruins

Coach of the year – Dave Tippet – Edmonton Oilers

NBA

The NBA season is also on pause as a result of Covid-19 and multiple players have tested positive in the NBA. Hopefully, we see a postseason though I am doubtful here are my award winners’ predictions fir this past NBA season.

MVP – Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks

DPO (Defensive player of the year) – Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers

ROY – Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies

Coach of the year – Frank Vogel – Los Angeles Lakers

Most improved – pascal Siakam – Toronto Raptors

MLB

I believe baseball is the sport that could potentially benefit the most from Covid-19. With the season paused which would have started this week a shortened season is in sight. If we get baseball this year. So, say the MLB is forced to 80 – 90 game seasons almost cut their current season in half. I think this would be outstanding for them because of the increased importance of every game and not such a long 162 game season.

NBA

Originally for this portion of my blog, I was going to write about Lebron James passing Kobe Bryant for number 3 on the all-time scoring list. With the sudden news of Kobe Bryant dying in a devastating helicopter crash, I thought I’d write about Kobe’s legacy and his rise to being one of the all-time greats. His career began with the draft-night trade, he was originally selected by the Charlotte Hornets 13^th overall but was traded to the Lakers straight out for Vlade Divac. The Lakers would end up Signing Shaquille O’Neil and the beginning of one of the greatest dynasties was born. The Shaq and Kobe Lakers would go on to become only the fifth team in NBA history to win three consecutive championships. Shaq would end up getting in a feud with Kobe and got a trade to Miami. Kobe’s story was far from over with Shaq leaving it finally became Kobe’s team. January 22^nd, 2006 Lakers V.S Raptors Kobe Bryant goes off for 81 points the second-most points by a player in a game in NBA history. In 2008 he would go on to capture his first and only MVP. In 2009 it was time for Kobe to be the guy on a championship team and finally win a championship with him as the superstar. The Lakers would go on to repeat the next year giving Bryant 5 championships in his career. All and all Bryant played 20 seasons in the NBA he appeared in 18 all-star games made 7 finals and won 5 championship he’s currently 4^th on the all-time scoring list

MLB

The Astros have found their next manager naming Dusty Baker their next bench boss. I think it’s a good safe hire for the team. With all of the turmoil from the sign-stealing scandal to hire someone with such a great track record makes complete sense. Baker with over 1800 regular-season wins in his career it’s a great choice to try and keep the championship window open for the Astros.

NFL

Super Bowl preview Chiefs VS 49ers. I think we’re truly in for an all-time classic. With Patrick Mahomes and the star-studded chiefs offense going against Nick Bosa and arguably the best defense in the NFL this year. I believe the Chiefs will try and make the 49ers have a shootout with them. Try and make Jimmy Garoppolo and the Niners offense keep up with Mahomes and the Chiefs. That won’t be the 49ers’ strategy at all, they are going to try and run the ball and control the clock and keep the best player in Football (Patrick Mahomes) off of the field. Prediction for the game 34-31 Chiefs win and Mahomes wins super bowl MVP.

NHL 

Battle of Alberta recap. Early on in the contest Kassian and Tkachuk finally had their long-anticipated fight in what was an extremely spirited game. Both teams battled extremely hard and went back and forth all night. David Rittich, in my opinion, was the player of the game he played outstanding and made a number of top-notch saves. I genuinely believe the Oilers deserved better hitting two posts in the shootout and losing in heartbreaking fashion. The two teams face off again this Saturday in what’s sure to be another spirited tilt.

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