Rookies of the Year

Happy Draft Day!

As I mentioned in my post a couple days ago, the 2011 NFL Draft starts TODAY! To some of you this may be a regular Thursday for the books, but for football diehards, it's like the best thing ever.

You get to see the new talent your team acquires and who your opponents grab. It also gets you pumped for football season (even though if it DOES happen, it's still a few months away). Basically, it's an excuse for us football fans to get together, down some adult beverages and talk sports. I'll take it.

Each year there are loads of pro-football newbies with tons of talent. Draft analysts spend months predicting which players NFL teams will choose and which rookies get picked up. Though different analysts have different opinions, there are always some college stars whose names stick out.

Take a look at some of the most talked about rookies to grace this year's draft:

Patrick Peterson, Cornerback/Return Specialist, LSU

photo via Zimbio

Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

photo via EveryJoe


Von Miller, Linebacker, Texas A&M

photo via Fox Sports

Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn

photo via Jonathon Hood Show

A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia

photo via SI

Julio Jones, Wide Reciever, Alabama

photo via NYDaily News

Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri

photo via Mizzou Nation

Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson

photo via CBSCharlotte

Robert Quinn, Defensive End, North Carolina

photo via Fox Sports

and though he doesn't top the draft lists, he's my personal favorite for more reasons than just his QB skills (hello dark-tall-and-handsome stud muffin)...

Christian Ponder, Quarterback, Florida St.

photo via BleacherReport

No one knows for sure where these football wonders will end up by Saturday, but one thing's for sure - they'll go quick. 

Make sure to check out the draft between now and Saturday to see who your team goes home with. And keep your fingers crossed that the NFL dickwads can get their situation straightened out and give us a chance to see these rookies tear it up. 


Have a great draft weekend!

Cosmo Clue:

Many of the same college studs top different draft analysts' lists.


Wondering what the rookies do pre-draft day? Check out this video. 

Can't get to a TV? Stay online here to catch the draft live.

Draft Day

Though the NBA & NHL playoffs are uber exciting right now, we need to take a break and switch gears to football and the NFL. Yes, the amazing, exciting, fabulous sport that may or may not be in affect this year. But even with all the lockout lameness, the 2011 NFL Draft is still happening.

photo via MJB News

Draft analysis' (and most likely your boyfriend and every guy you come into contact with) have been yapping about the draft for months. The time is finally here (almost!). 

Since the draft can be sort of confusing, most guys aren't willing to help. Whatever you do, just don't ask a guy how the process works during it. You'll either get snapped at, shushed away or given a nasty blank stare. It's like talking to us during an episode of Sex & the City. It's just off-limits.

To prep you for draft day and to forgo the mean looks from your guy, I'm here to help. Here are some of the basics on the draft. 

photo via NYDaily News

What is the draft? 

The NFL teams choose eligable rookies out of college to join their teams. 

When is it? 

Round 1 (there are different rounds) starts on Thursday. Round 7 (the last round) wraps up on Saturday.

Where does it take place?

At Radio City Music Hall in NYC.

photo via MMA Spot

Who gets to pick first?

NFL teams' selections depend on their record from last season (with the exception of the Super Bowl teams, who always go last). Basically, selections go from the worst teams choosing first, to the best teams choosing last. It's the one time that coming in last comes in handy. Here is a list of the draft order for Round 1.

Who do the NFL teams pick?

Most NFL teams figure out where their teams need help, and draft a player who dominates in certain positions. For example: If a team doesn't have a great QB, they'll usually look for a rookie with a good arm and so on. Having holes on a squad plays a huge role in where and who the team will draft. Also, some teams will draft a player, even though they already have a stud in that position, to start making a future-franchise superstar.

Who attends the draft?

Some big-wigs in the NFL, fans, analysts, rep's for the teams, etc., and a record 25 rookie players are scheduled to attend this year. The team's owners, coaches and personnel stay off-site, in their local areas, phoning in selections and deals.

photo via Cincy Jungle

How many players get drafted? 

There are 7 rounds, and an NFL team picks a player per round. 224 players are selected to teams each year (32 NFL teams). There is no limit to how many rookies can declare though, and many players will go undrafted.

I could get real complicated and try to explain how NFL teams can swap round picks with other teams, but I won't. I've only had one cup of coffee today and my brain just won't go there. If you want to be a draft day know-it-all, read up on it for yourself here.

 So whether the draft means nothing to you, or everything, at least now you won't have to ask the boys about it. You're pretty much a draft day diva now. Congratulations!

Wondering who the rookies are that will go quickly in the draft? Stay tuned for Thursday's post!

Cosmo Clue:

The NFL Draft takes place this Thursday-Sunday.

More on everything draft right here.

Playoffs and beyond

While hangin' at a sports bar last night, one of my not-so-into-sports girlfriends asked me a sincere question: "Wait..why is there a baseball AND hockey game on?!" 

This may sound ridiculous to some of you ladies in love with the game, but I can see where she's coming from. There is a lot going on in the world of sports right now, and it's not always easy to keep up. NBA Playoffs, NHL Playoffs, MLB regular season and an NFL Draft on the horizon...it's a busy, busy time.

Let's get caught up on all the latest sports buzz - short and sweet style.  

NBA Playoffs:

16 teams are currently competing in the first round of playoffs. The series lasts until the first team wins 4 games. More here.

Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics makes a game-winning shot in Game 1 vs. the New York Knicks

 photo via NBA

NHL Playoffs:  

Hockey is also in playoff mode and it runs a lot like basketball. 16 teams are dueling it out in Round 1, trying to win 4 games first. More here.

San Jose Sharks beat the Los Angeles Kings in overtime in Game 3

 photo via Fox News

MLB: 

 The season is in full swing and the Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be the team with the most controversy so far. First, a San Francisco Giants fan was brutally attacked at a Dodger game, and the victim ended up in critical condition. Now, the Dodgers owner is leaving the team $400+ million in debt and in the hands of the MLB. More on the Dodger drama here.

Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt

photo via zimbio

NFL: 

Though the league is in a lockout, as I mentioned in my last post, there is still a draft. The draft will start Thursday, April 28th and will continue until the 30th. Stay posted for a blog post committed to draft day soon! If you want to get ahead of the game, look here.

One of the most talked about players going into the draft, QB Cam Newton

photo via Every Joe

Whether you're a football, baseball, basketball or hockey junkie, you're a happy girl right now. Plan your weekend around the TV and all the sporty goodness that spring has to offer. It doesn't matter if you're couch sluggin' in your favorite sweats, or being a social butterfly at the bar, just don't miss out.

(And by the way, my beloved San Diego Padres have been in somewhat of an early-season slump. Go ahead and say a pray for them tonight. Thank you.)

Cosmo Clue:

Baseball, basketball and hockey are all in season and the NFL Draft happens next week.

Football On Hold

I first reported on the NFL Lockout in this post, but since then a lot has happened.

I'm sure you've heard tidbits here and there, so I'll try to make it as easy as possible. Here's the latest lowdown:

The NFL owners have basically "locked out" the players, a.k.a the players aren't able to practice on regular turf or enter the locker rooms, and as of now, there won't be a 2011-2012 NFL season. Tear.

The owners feel that the players are making too much money and deserve pay cuts. The players feel that the owners are being greedy and need to take the cut... 

Star players like Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady aren't shy about voicing their opinions on the situation, and there has even been a lawsuit filed against the NFL. The players want what they have been receiving in the past: health care for their families, same number of games, lots of $ and to play the game.

New Orleans Saints QB, Drew Brees, heading to court

photo via Kentucky

Most fans are taking the players side. Without an NFL season, there would be a huge loss for not only players, the cities they play in, those employed by the NFL and everyone that deals with the sport, but it would also crush loyal fans.

Not having football in America is like Snooki not having a spray tan, like not having McDonald's breakfast when you're hungover, like not having spiked eggnog on Christmas!   

Football is a necessity to many Americans, including myself. Life would suck without it. There are only so many Sundays sans full-contact sports that one girl can handle. 

photo via Boston

Until further negotiations take place, we're pretty much stuck. Hopefully the tides will turn and come August, we'll be crammed in a bar, sporting jerseys and rooting on our fav NFL team. Fingers crossed!

Cosmo Clue:

There is an NFL Lockout taking place and as of now, there will not be a football season this year. 

Want more? Click here.

Also, check out how football star Chad Ochocinco plans to pay the bills if the lockout continues.

Hockey Heaven

For all you hockey-loving ladies, congratulations! Today marks the start of the 2011 NHL Playoffs.

The 16 NHL teams who have advanced to the playoffs will start making their way towards the Stanley Cup today. 

 photo via The Hockey Zone

The Stanley Cup is the trophy that the top team is awarded. The coolest thing about the Cup? Unlike other professional trophies, there is only one Stanley Cup. There isn't a new one made every year—it's passed from champion to champion. All members of the winning team not only get their names etched into the trophy, but they also each get to spend one day with it. They can bring it home to share with their loved ones and locals, or drink champagne out of it solo on the couch. It's up to them.

For all my CA girls...the San Jose Sharks, LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks have all made it to the playoffs this season. So whether for you rep The Bay, LA or Orange County, try to catch some hockey hunks duking it out this week. 

Warning: If you don't like fights, blood and really hot guys, hockey might not be for you.

photo via Hockey God Online

Cosmo Clue:

The NHL Playoffs start today.

For a full schedule and more info, click here.

Mustache Watch

Mustaches seem to be taking over the world. 

 From hipsters, to average joes, and now to famous athletes - staches are everywhere.

photo via Thought Pantry

 While some (and by some, I mean very few) can pull off a mustache without looking like a serial killer or a dirty dude, most end up looking really creepy. Forgetting to shave and ending up with a little sexy stubble is definitely okay in my book, but creating a child molester look on purpose is not.

Athletes seem to be the latest group of guys jumping on this hairy wagon and that ain't okay. Here are some of the newest facial hair owners in the big leagues:

Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants

Zito has a lot of issues, a nasty stache just being the latest. 

 photo via FanGraph

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Cutie patootie Rodgers was a babe before he took on the handle bar look. 

photo via Chicago Now

George Parros, Anaheim Ducks

This hockey player is proud of the uber-creep stache.

photo via Shaving Stuff

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

The star QB joked around with this look for a commercial. Let's hope he sticks to his cleanly shaven upper lip. 

photo via Obsessed With Sports

Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants

While Wilson has been sporting his facial hair for a while now, it did bring him a World Series ring. Can't dis that.

photo via Bleacher Report

While Tom Selleck successfully rocks a mustache - and I'm pretty sure he exited the womb sporting it - it's not for everyone. These boys need to buy some razors and get shaving. Quick.

Cosmo Clue:

Mustaches are creepy.

Apologies to all the mustache-sporting boys (and girls?) reading.

Lagging

Hello, hello!

First off, I want to apologize on my bipolar blogging.

I was doing such a good job staying on top of my posts, and then I was offered an internship that I couldn't pass up. Fortunately, it involves sports and I'm loving it, but unfortunately, it takes up pretty much all my free time, a.k.a blogging time. 

I'm going to try to squeeze in posts more often because I love doing it and I need to keep you ladies in check. 

Thank you to all my avid followers, I seriously appreciate all the support and positive feedback. 

If you ever have any sports related questions, just email me at chelseambecker@gmail.com