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Jerry weighs in on the draft and catches up with a couple of tid bits from the Sox and Celtics.

Its official. I’m tired of the NFL draft and the spectacle that ESPN has turned it into. To me it represents everything that drives me crazy about the sports talk oriented media; way too much talking, speculating, arrogance, and a distain for anyone who disagrees. Combine this with the fact that no one who I’ve seen, heard or read has demonstrated that they are any better at predicting and/or matching players to teams than the amatuers among us, and then perhaps you will understand why the process annoys me so.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not without some excitement for me too, but I can’t help but feel that it’s a bit like opening Christmas presents. Even though it may have been something you asked for, there is still a very good chance that it won’t be the fit you were counting on. To top it all off, it’s at the minimum going to be months (if not years) before we even begin to have answers as to who got it right. Maybe this is why the Patriots, under Coach Bill, have at times seemed to have a real distain for the draft, looking for “value” rather than making the big splash. Given his overall success, it difficult to argue. Of course, there is always the Jets’ approach, who at times seem far more intent on making noise then actually improving themselves. But again, that’s just my opinion.

Seriously. Does this guy know anything we all don't? (ESPN.com)
Seriously. Does this guy know anything we all don’t? (ESPN.com)

I suppose, with all that in mind, it should not be a surprise that Belichick traded out of the first round. I would like to think that he addressed two definite needs; a linebacker who can cover the pass and a strong and fast deep threat, but as a wise man once said, only time will tell. The 6’5″, 250 pound OLB Jamie Collins from Southern Miss certainly looks like he can play the role of the pass-covering LB. He also seems to fit the Belichick desire for versatility, as he can play defensive end as well as safety. The selection of Aaron Dobson, the 6’3″, 203 pound WR from Marshall, has also met with positive reactions from most observers. The question will be more about his football intelligence and aptitude than it will be about his physical gifts, as he has clearly shown in college an ability to bring in anything thrown into his area. Let’s just hope he can find the right area.

I’m actually more fascinated by a couple of free agent signings that may signal a new trend if they are successful. Belichick went North this time, to the CFL, to sign the 22 year old Armand Armstead (Toronto) and the 25 year old Jason Vega (Winipeg). Armstead is a 6’5″, 298 pound DL, who played his college ball at USC. It is widely held that he was heading towards being a high round draft pick before suffering a heart attack in 2011, as a result of an injection of Toradol. Now completely healthy, he could be a real steal for the Pats, and a definite compliment to Vince on the defensive line. The 6’4″, 255 pound Vega is a local kid from Brockton, who played at Northeastern. He is being projected to play a Rob Ninkovich type role and could certainly provide depth for the defense.

HUBLET ALERTS #1:

Is Lester slowly reverting to 2012 form? (John Wilcox)
Is Lester slowly reverting to 2012 form? (John Wilcox)

The Red Sox are starting to look like the third place team I predicted they would be. My biggest concern is that Jon Lester is beginning to look like the Lester of 2012; fuming at umpires and pitching “good enough to win” without actually winning. I am not pleased that Middlebrooks isn’t hitting his weight, either.

HUBLET#2:

Is Griffin worth getting rid of a legendary Celtic? (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Do these Blake Griffin rumors really hold water? (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

As much as I would love to see Blake Griffin wearing green, the rumors around trading Garnett, Pierce, and Rivers (yes, Doc Rivers) to the Clippers for him, doesn’t make a great deal of sense to me. They do know that “Doc” is just a nickname, right?
Stay tuned…..

About Jerry Ballgame

The personification of "old school", Jerry Ballgame was born in the shadow of Dr. Naismith's peach basket, and baptized in that "Dirty Water." Designated by his "Uncle" Ted, to keep an eye on things, he's here to tell everyone what his view is like from the Hub of the Universe.