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Congradulations to the 2008-2009 STANLEY CUP CHAMPION PITTSBURGH PENGUINS!

City of Champions baby! Hey as  Philadelphian I am happy to see a Pennsylvania team represent. Think about it, PA has the World Series, the Super Bowl and now the Stanley Cup! Obviously the 76ers already blew the chance for a PA sweep of major titles.

Go Sixers ……….  and take the Flyers with you!

But hey Bucco’s let’s get it going!

Did I mention 6 weeks until SWINE FLU! PIGSKIN BABY!

I was never one to get caught up in OTA’s because there is not much to take from them. All in all the purpose of these mini camps is to begin to build a mindset for the summer of Hades.

Also it is helpful for the young bucks and new kids on the block to get on the same page with the program. Usually the rookies are inundated with information just to see how quickly they can absorb and apply details. Then the coaching staff will review the ability of grasping and the football acumen of the rookies and decide how to proceed in the future.

The returning 2nd and 3rd year players are also examined as to what sunk in from their previous experience within the system. There will be a certain amount of expectation but also a dose of reality compared to the projections of their progress from prior camps and seasons.

OTA’s is also a good time for the veterans to go through the motions but more importantly help the younger players develop and be a counter weight to the pressure applied from management and coaches. They can help the kids mentally and emotionally.

The true barometer will come in August when things are more up to speed and the urgency is woven in and around the team. Hopefully from the 1st to 53rd + men who show up at training camp they are using this time to get ready to rock the summer and thus prepare for another run at the Lombardi Trophy!

I wanted to give a shout out to the Penguins who are hanging tough with the Perfect Storm called the Detroit Red Wings. The strong finish in the 3rd period Tuesday hopefully will be a springboard for the rest of the series. Being out-shot 26 to 11 in the first 2 periods in a 2-2 tie was nerve racking. But to out-shoot the mighty Red Wings 10 – 3 in the 3rd and score twice was a huge jolt to the confidence of the “spinning wheels in mud” Penguins.

If they can get off on Chris Osgood early they may take a tie back to Detroit. And at the time I wrote this it was the case:

And the Penguins were nursing a 4-2 lead! Go PENGUINS!

I don’t get it? I really don’t. The recent reports of James Harrison declining to go to the White House are silly.

Personally I find it seriously misguided to link this as meaning anything. Even if it is some kind of political statement from Harrison, it is hardly worth the ink that it takes or production and airtime to report this.

Some will say it is unpatriotic or that is news because he was the Defensive player of the Year, and that you can’t turn down the White House. What?
First of all what does football and Harrison’s accomplishments have to do with anything connected world events and US activities?

I mean I am a sports addict tried and true, but sports is a business and a form of entertainment. Nothing more and nothing less. Does the surgeon who saved the most lives in a year get invited to the White House? Does the most efficient Fire or Police department of the year meet the Prez? And I am not saying that the President can’t or shouldn’t invite the sports champions either I am just putting a perspective on it.

And for those frauds who claim this has anything to do with loyalty I need to ask you a simple question.
Isn’t this what America is supposed to be about? Freedom of choice?
Yeah, yeah I know I am probably in the minority here but really why is this even a story?
Of course that makes me look stupid for posting this doesn’t it? That may be a fair and valid point.

Not to sound like I am making an excuse but my point is more about the media’s obsession with making controversy out of nothing. And this is as nothing as it gets.

Who really cares if James Harrison goes to the White House? I just want to know if he is going to be healthy and strong for the 2009 season and that’s where it ends for me.

Obviously I hope he has quality life and that the world is a better place tomorrow but at the end of the day we don’t need to examine every decision these athletes make do we?

You want to know something? I am so disgusted with Government corruption that I wouldn’t care to go either. Not as a political statement but just as a personal principle. I have no desire to meet self important people who pretend they give a rat’s tushy about me or anyone else.
And for anyone suggesting that because the President is an African American that Harrison should have an extra reason to go is again infusing their personal agenda or opinion on him.

Clearly being the first African American President is of historical precedent but again that doesn’t have to be a concern of Harrison or anyone who doesn’t want it to be.
What’s next? We find out he won’t drive a Chevrolet or eat apple pie?

Oh my God, tell me that isn’t so.(sarcasm)

I am still recovering from all the draft intensity while I am enjoying the early MLB season. And although I am a Flyers fan, (BOOOOO) I am quite happy to see the Penguins carry the Pennsylvania banner. They are a fun team to watch. Sid the Kid quietly showed that while Ovechkin is a shooting and scoring machine, the Kid can push his team to greater heights.

Anyway back to the Steelers draft. I should have made the point that part of my grade is based on the premise that the draft is a work in progress for every team.

Yes, failure is part of any successful draft. For example I thought Philadelphia had a great draft including the trades that went with it. And I would only give them a B.

Overly critical? Probably in some peoples view. But the draft is what it is. That is why it is important to have an organization that can develop players, not just pick them.

And I also feel the true grade of a draft comes in the 3rd or 4th year removed.

So in summary I was not upset with the Steelers draft but I was not “wow”ed either per say. That said I am confident a couple good players will come from this draft. For example, Hood will likely be a starter and Kubik and Shipley add at least some needed depth and competition.

I also think some needed deoth was added in need areas. Although they will need to consider linebackers in the near future as the present crop gets older or moves on.

What are they saying around the country?

GUITARPLAYERCRAZY – Grade C-

I was taught not to lie even if it hurts to tell the truth. I have enormous faith in this organization but I am not excited about this class of Draft picks. However I do believe there is wiggle room here. Evander Hood I believe has starter potential. I just don’t know why we didn’t go with a solid O-Lineman. I am not concerned with the emotions of the present group. Yes they hung in there but like it or not the Steelers offensive line is mediocre and must improve. At least for depth purposes and challenging the present depth chart.

That said I think Kraig Urbik could pan out as well as A.Q. Shipley. So in the end the depth issue may be settled. This may sound like I’m contradicting myself but I guess I disagree with the order they addressed their needs compared to quality available.

Mike Wallace may prove his value if he pays attention to details at the next level. He can stretch the field. Possible return man.

The Steelers did address their need of short yardage power back in Frank “the Tank” Summers but who knows if he is mentally ready for this league. He has the size and raw skills to run but is reportedly not enthusiastic about blocking. Look I don’t care if your Jim Brown, if a running back doesn’t block he is not worth much in the NFL. If he dedicates himself to change. Could be good.

The 2 DB’s and the DE may prove to have an impact down the road. DE Ra’Shon Harris has “sleeper” talent but underachiever in college reviews.

The TE David Johnson is intriguing however. Quite an athlete with good hands and instincts. They will find a place on the field for this guy.

This is one of those cross your fingers draft classes for me. I hope they make me eat crow on this one.

               Sporting News (Clifton)

               Grade- F

It’s hard to have an impressive draft after you win the Super Bowl and pick 32nd. Defensive tackle Evander “Ziggy” Hood could be a nice pickup on a line that needed to get younger. Wideout Mike Wallace is an intriguing deep threat.

Dallas Morning News

Grade- D

Urbik may be the most important selection because he addresses Pittsburgh’s most pressing need. Wallace can provide the deep speed that departed with Nate Washington. But there was too much reaching in the second day.

Walter-Football.com

Grade- A+

The Steelers made a number of great value picks that filled needs in Day 2, including Mike Wallace (receiver for Hines Ward’s eventual departure), Keenan Lewis (corner depth needed), Joe Burnett (more corner depth and return specialist) and Frank Summers (power back). A.Q. Shipley was a steal in Round 7. He could push Justin Hartwig out of the starting center gig.

NFL FANHOUSE

Grade- B+

MOCK DRAFT

Grade- 2.78 out of 4.0

MEL KIPER: ESPN

Grade-B

First-round selection Evander Hood was a good pick because he should fit in well as a defensive tackle in the Steelers’ system. I love third-round wide receiver Mike Wallace’s speed. Cornerback Joe Burnett and running back Frank Summers were good selections in the fifth round. Defensive tackle Ra’Shon Harris could be a steal out of the sixth round.

Jason Kole Yahoo

Grade- C+

Urbik could play right away, but will likely need some time to learn his craft because he lacks the pure athleticism to make up for mistakes. The bottom line is that this is a typical Steelers draft. Not particularly sexy, but very effective.

USA TODAY

Grade- B-

Steelers let the draft unfold and took the best player on their board, DT Evander “Ziggy” Hood. A need? Not really. Hood can get upfield and pressure from the inside and who has enough big people? Filled a need at CB with Keenan Lewis though some teams liked him more at S. Third-round OL Kraig Urbik will be a bit of a project. Tall but not overly bulky, he lacks the body type at OG and the skills for OT.

CBS SPORTSLINE

Grade- B

Best pick: Evander Hood was a nice pick in the first round because age is becoming an issue on their defensive line. Questionable move: Waiting until the third round to address the offensive line and doing so only once. Second-day gem: Fourth-round pick Mike Wallace is a speedy receiver who could help fill the void left by Nate Washington.