Up until the release of Mock Draft #8 late last night, we’re been using the same version of our draft creation software that was used last season for the 2008 NFL draft. This software does not have a formal name, but I will refer to it as “SimuDraft” for the purpose of this blog entry. SimuDraft v2009 will have its debut next week on November 25th - it will be used in generating Consensus Mock Draft #9.
For the past few months we’ve been working on the 2009 version of SimuDraft. This revision requires each team to be assigned either a “3-4″ or a “4-3″ defense. You can find the currently assigned defenses here: http://www.drafttek.com/teamother2009.html
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Rick McGlothlin, Drafttek.com Senior Writer
Well it was another exciting slate of games in the NFL and week eleven gave us a couple of firsts. The Bengals and Eagles played to a tie, which is the first in an NFL game since it last happened on nearly the same day back in 2002. Also, in the storied history of the NFL, today was the first time a game ever ended with a final score of 11-10, as Pittsburgh edges San Diego.
As the season gets close to the games where final playoff placement begins, there were some key games that kept a few clubs in contention for the playoffs, and others close to the top pick in the 2009 draft in New York City next April. Here then are my tentative power rankings prior to Monday Night’s matchup (that really won’t affect the top 10 at all) for week eleven in the NFL.
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Rick McGlothlin - Drafttek.com Senior Writer
Well gang, there are some great games on tap in Week Eleven of the NFL and I have six that I think will provide some great drama throughout the day, beginning with the resurgent Ravens offense going up against the mighty Giant defense. And of course the traditional throwdown between the Cowboys and the Skins should be a slugfest as well. So getcha popcorn ready, er, that’s a tired line these days.
Just enjoy the day of football at hand and check out the Marquee Matchups below:
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Drafttek’s Midseason College Football Awards
Michael Schottey-NFL Correspondent/Senior Writer
11/10/08
Mac’s latest NFL Awards article got me thinking. Now, normally I would just blatantly steal his idea and write a new award article (only mine would be right whereas his was ridiculously wrong). Instead, I’ll go my own road. With a few months to go in the college football season, here are my picks for the hardware.
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Rick McGlothlin, Drafttek.com Senior Writer
1.(1) Tennessee (9-0) - Exceptional job by the Titans to go into the Windy City, not be able to run the ball effectively, and still come out with a big win. Kerry Collins wasn’t great, but he made some key throws to his receivers even though the Bear defense knew it was coming. And the Titan D made it difficult for Grossman to feel comfortable all day, forcing him into some mistakes. Next week it’s a divisional game at Jacksonville.
2.(2) NY Giants (8-1) - On the road at division rival Philadelphia, the defending champs were tested early but overcame a 7-0 deficit to jump back in front and remain ahead through the first half. After trailing in the second half and rallying to take the lead in the 3rd quarter by 3 points, New York thwarted several comeback attempts by the Eagles down the stretch to notch victory #8.
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Rick McGlothlin, Drafttek.com Senior Writer
As the NFL prepares to venture into the second half of the season, I thought I would post some of my mid-season award winners for you to think about and debate. With the shift in power in the AFC, along with the surprise teams around the entire NFL making their presence felt, many obvious names will be left off the awards list in favor of some new ones.
Presently I have the Titans on top of the NFL with an undefeated record, followed by the Giants, Steelers and Carolina. That would be some quality conference championship games if they took those four today and placed them into the final conference game of the year. Of those four teams, I have a sneaking suspicion that two of those will fall out prior to the January matchups because it always seems to turn out that way.
So with all that in mind, here are my selections for the unknown (and surely unhearalded) Mac’s Mid-Year Awards.
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You’ve likely noticed the new look website. Prior to today, the site was built and managed in-house. Unfortunately our web skills we’re not up to speed with our programming abilities and world-class football expertise. The new design is tighter and more professional. But more importantly, the page pop right up. In the past page loads have at times been excruciatingly slow as we we’re frequently reminded of.
What was formerly referred to as our “Primary Simulation” is now called the “Consensus Mock Draft”. The consensus part reflects the team needs input provided by our staff of 20 team specialists. But the plan now is to reserve use of the word “simulation” solely for our new user interactive tool, the Online Draft Simulator. Did I mention that its free of charge??
On to revision 6 of the In-season consensus mock. The Detroit Lions are the most enigmatic team with respect to the draft. Barring a Duante Culpepper led second half comeback, the Lions are almost certain to score a top five 5 pick. And with further deterioration of the Dallas Cowboys v2009 product, Detroit could pick up another selection in the top 20.
Philadelphia OTOH is the other team with two first rounders, owning Carolina’s from a draft day trade. Both those teams are strong for 2009, and we project that the Eagles will end up with two very late first round selections.
-Warren@Drafttek.com
Rick McGlothlin, Drafttek.com Senior Writer
Just inside the halfway point in the 2008 NFL seaon, the “Final Four” of the playoffs look to be Pittsburgh vs Tennessee in the AFC, and the NY Giants vs Carolina in the NFC. Of course there is plenty of time in this wacky season for even more bizarre twists and turns, but there are three dominant teams (the Giants and Steelers, and the Titan defense with a twist of power running on offense) and then everyone else right now. Should be a wild ride the rest of the way.
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