2012 Draft Options for the Minnesota Vikings

Almost a full season after surprising the NFL by taking Christian Ponder 12th overall in the 2011 draft, the Vikings are looking to land another impact player in next April's draft.  While Ponder has looked promising, the Vikings are 2-10 on the year, and will likely be looking at a top-3 pick.  With a number of talented players on the roster - Adrian Peterson, Ponder, Percy Harvin, and Jared Allen just to name a few - if Minnesota can fill a few (albeit significant) holes, they may be able to return to significance sooner than later.  Here's a look at a few guys who will be on their draft list this offseason.

2012 Draft Options for the Carolina Panthers

After hitting a homerun with last years 1st overall pick, Cam Newton, the Panthers are on the right track in rebuilding their team.  Still, at 4-8 on the season, it's clear they still have a way to go.  Fortunately for them, Carolina will likely be looking at another top-10 pick.  In a draft filled with talent on both sides of the ball the Panthers should have no problem finding an impact player to help return the franchise to playoff contention.  Here's a look at a few of their top options:

New NBA CBA - What's Changed?

Don't feel like reading the CBA? Well, we didn't either, but we did it so we could all understand it.  Here is a look at some of the key points we've found thus far.  More to come on this, along with analysis of how this will affect specific teams and players.

Sportsbank's College Basketball Top 10

Only two weeks into the college basketball season, and we have already seen a handful of memorable games.  Michigan State has played through their usual stretch of impossible non-conference games... Coach K won his record 903rd game en route to winning the 28th Maui Invitational... and multiple preseason top-10s - UConn, Memphis and UNC - have been upset.  Despite the fact that the 2011-2012 season is still in its infancy, some teams have already established themselves as the ones to watch come March.  Here's Sportsbank's 1st top-10 rankings for the 2011-12 season.

1. Kentucky Wildcats 

Most people have had North Carolina atop their lists from day one, but after a surprising loss to UNLV, I had to give the nod to the 6-0 Wildcats.  Led by freshman PG Marquis Teague (11.7 PPG, 4 APG) and sophomore SG Doron Lamb (14.2 PPG), John Calipari has plenty of weapons at his disposal.  With three key freshmen, two sophomores and only one senior seeing significant playing time, the team is young.  If they can gel quickly and live up to the hype, Kentucky is poised to make another run to the Final Four this year... but their inexperience and lack of a true center may come back to haunt them.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State is off to a strong start.  The Buckeyes, led by Sophomore Jared Sullinger (who is averaging an impressive 18.8 PPG and 10.7 RPG) are 6-0, and already have an impressive win over a good Florida team.  Their next game, tomorrow night against Duke, will be a real measuring stick.  If they can pull off the 'W' against a second top-10 team, they'll keep the pressure on Kentucky for the #1 spot in the country.  To do that, however, they'll need more than just Sullinger.  Fortunately, it looks like Senior William Buford (17.7 PPG) and Sophomore PG Aaron Craft (5.5 APG) are up to the task.

Week 12 Start em/Sit em

Start em 

Brent Celek

Brent Celek is really emerging as a viable option for the Eagles. I’ve been talking up this guy for a few weeks now, and the trend seems to be continuing, as he’s become a major target for whomever the Eagles put in at QB.  Don’t be fooled by the way the Patriots secondary took apart the Chiefs… It’s not very good. Celek will continue to get his looks and I expect him to get into the endzone this week for the first time since Week 8.

Week 12 Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups

Another week down, another week closer to the fantasy postseason.  If you've been paying attention to the waiver wire (and had a little luck) you're probably in position to make a deep run in the playoffs.  If not... you may still have time!  With injuries piling up as the season wears on, new players will step in and show what they've got.  Here are a few players worth a look in the final weeks of the regular season.



1. Toby Gerhart, RB, Minnesota Vikings 

While he's no Adrian Peterson, it looks like Gerhart will be taking the carries for Purple Jesus in Week 12.  Peterson left the game against Oakland with a grade 1 high ankle sprain, an injury that's especially tough for a running back, and is doubtful for next weekends game against the Falcons.  Gerhart doesn't have Peterson's explosiveness, but he will be stepping into a run heavy offense where he will get most of the touches (including 3rd down's).  While his matchup in Atlanta isn't incredibly favorable, Gerhart does have value, especially as the 2-8 Vikings will be in no hurry to rush Peterson back onto the field.


2. Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions 

Lions running back Kevin Smith seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate the fantasy world in Week 11, rushing for 140 yards and 2 scores. While he has a tougher matchup this week against the 10-0 Packers, Smith still may be a decent 2RB or flex play as long as Jahvid best stays sidelined. Even if Best does return, it appears Smith has at least earned himself a timeshare in Detroit. Looking down the road, Smith has a very up and down schedule matchup-wise as he will face the Packers (twice), Vikings, Saints, Chargers and Raiders.  Bottom line, he's worth an add in most leagues... Just don't expect those monster numbers every week.  He's only owned in .8% of ESPN leagues, so he should be available.

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Sportsbank's Way-2-Early NFL Mock Draft Picks 1-10

So were not quite to the midway point of the 2011 NFL season... who says its too early to take a look at the upcoming draft?  We all know that Andrew Luck is destined to become next years number one pick, and likely a future franchise quarterback... but only one team will land the Stanford standout.  So what about the other 31 teams?   Surely there are a lot of other talented players to be had come next April, but who are they and where will they end up?  Here's my "way to early" 2012 NFL Mock Draft.

First of all, here are a few things to take note of.  Since we're only midway through the season, I've decided to make the draft order based on the current NFL standings after week 10.  For tiebreakers, I made my best assumption on where each team will end up based on their remaining schedule.  As always, the outcome will likely change dramatically between now and draft day.  Regardless, here is a good starting point to see who your team may take in this Aprils draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford


Regardless if Peyton Manning is healthy enough to play next year, Luck is the guy.  Arguably the best collegiate prospect since John Elway, at the most important position on the football field.  This would also be a great fit for Luck.  If the Colts let luck learn from Manning for a year, then trade Peyton for some weapons, they could regain their status as one of the NFL's elite for years to come.