Raks New England Sports Blog

 Rondo was stacking up the Dimes tonight vs the Bobcats…

Rajon Rondo dished out 16 dimes and Kendrick Perkins added 19 pts, 9 rebs and 4 blocks as the celts defeated the bobcats 108-100.  KG hit some clutch 17 footers down the stretch and Ray Allen sunk four free throws to seal the deal. The celtics host Hotlanta Hawks on Sunday. Also Tony Allen was out with a strained calf.

Asante Samuel has officially left the patriots and singed with the Eagles. The contract is rumored to be in the 10 million dollar range. It will be interesting to see

what the patriots do with their corner back position; Will Randall Gay stay , Do they sign Ty Law, Do they Draft a CB at number 7 , Do they try to trade for Lito Shepard

I did play Corner back in High School next to now Green Bay Packer Corner Back Will Blackmon so if worse comes to worse I will sign for the league minimum. My agent and myself still havent not received any calls though, Matt Walsh must have taken my scouting and high light tapes with on his way to Hawaii.

Special teams standout and back up WR Kelly Washington has re-uped with the Pats. Kelly did not get many snaps on the offense side of the ball because of the stockpile of WRs we had. Kelly will get a shot at more looks at WR this season with Stallworth leaving.

NFL free agency has begun! Get your popcorn ready! and look for many of these players gettting Straight cash homey!

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe reports that Teddy Bruschi and the Patriots have agreed to a contract

Linebacker Tedy Bruschi isn’t ready to retire just yet.

Bruschi and the Patriots have agreed to terms on an undisclosed contract, ensuring that the fan favorite will return for his 13th season with the club, according to a league source.

Bruschi, who turns 35 in June, started all 16 regular-season games and all three playoff contests. He led the Patriots in tackles during the regular season (99), as well as solo tackles (69).

Awesome news! Bruschi still has games left in his tank. He will be a cruical part of our run next year. I thought if he did retire it would have been extremely hard to replace him. I am extremly happy about his decsion and on that note:

Cheers to Bruschi! Now everyone crack a cold one for Teddy! Cheers!

Its offical Sam I Am has been released. Now he must clear waivers to sign with the celtics.  Signs point to that he will clear and his choice is the celtics.

The Los Angeles Clippers today waived point guard Sam Cassell.

In 38 games played this season, Cassell averaged 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 25.7 minutes per game. In his 15th NBA season, Cassell had missed the last four games with a sprained right wrist while missing 12 games earlier in the season with a strained left calf.

“After weighing all of the options and after conversations with Sam we believe this is the best solution for this team,” stated Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor. “We know and appreciate the many contributions Sam made during the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Cassell brings leadership and expirence to the point guard spot. I believe that Sam will bring us over the top and closer to a championship here in Boston. He has been there before and he also knows how to run an offense and work the refs.

 Ty Waving Hello to the Patriots and good bye to the Chiefs.

usatoday.com

After being released (or about to be released) by the Kansas City Chefs (snickers comerical), Ty Law could be coming home.

“Hey, you know what? My heart was always with the Patriots. I always have been. This is where it all started for me,” said Law. So of course, it’s a final step for the Patriots. It’s football. I’m just looking forward to playing football wherever that might be, and just play for a contender. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”

“It’ll be interesting to see if they’re interested,” said Law, who played for the Pats from 1995-2004.” Boston Herald

Ty Law was one of my all time favorite Patriot. He is getting up there in age but he knows the system and knows how Bilicheck and the Patriots work. Since Assante is all but gone Law would fit in nicely. He would also be a great tutor for all young d-backs on the Patriots.

According to the Boston Globe PJ Brown is now wearing Green and signed with the celtics.

According to Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge , P.J. Brown will sign with the Celtics soon. It is uncertain when the forward will begin practice with the team or play in his first game.

Updated:

P.J. Brown is in the building, looking dapper in a gray suit. Brown and his wife will sit courtside and watch tonight’s game.

PJ gives the celtics some playoff grit and expirence. He has played in 81 playoff games with 4 different teams. The celtics still have one more spot to fill for the playoff rosters.

BIG GAME TONIGHT for the celts vs the new look cavs

Assante Samuel

According to Pro Football Talk, Assante seems to be a done deal in signing with New Orleans.

Randy Moss

Now for good news, AOL sports reports that the Pats and Moss are close to a long term Deal.

Receiver Randy Moss is expected to sign a multi-year deal to remain with the New England Patriots, according to two league sources,

Boston Herald

Noted that the Pats are in talks with Kelly Washington, Randall Gay and Lonnie Paxton.

Also in a not surprising move the Pats have let Eugene Wilson go. Wilson seemed to get less and less minutes as the year went on. Meriweather or Sanders should step into his role so its not a big loss.  

 Update: Faulk passes drug test and will not have enter NFLs substances abuse program.

Another Patriot is smoking away the pain of the Super Bowl lost. According to the Boston Globe Kevin Faulk (Cheech) was found with marijuana.

Patriots running back Kevin Faulk has been charged with marijuana possession after he was found with four hand-rolled cigars filled with the illegal substance while attending a concert in his home state of Louisiana, Capt. John Babin of the Lafayette (La.) Metro Narcotics Task Force said today.

A couple weeks before back up CB Willie Andrews was found with marijuana.

Randy Moss must be pissed that he was invited on the car ride of Willie Andrews or to the concert with Kevin Faulk.

1.Miami Dolphins - Chris Long- DE- Virgina            Miami will want to move down but I dont think there will be any takers. While they will take a look at Matt Ryan I dont think they pull the trigger. Before I went with Dorsey in this spot but his recent injury status I do not think that Tuna will take a chance on him, Chris Long is the guy. Perfect edge rusher for the 3-4 scheme.

2. St. Louis Rams- Glen Dorsey DT LSU

      Chris Long would have been the ideal pick but Dorsey is too good to pass up.

3. Atlanta Falcons- Matty “ICE” Ryan  QB Boston College

        With the void that Mike Vick left the Falcons desperately need a QB and Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich are not going to cut it. While I wish that Matt Ryan (since I am a BC fan) does not end up here, he will probably be the pick.

4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden RB  Arkansas

       The Raiders have many needs and even though Justin Fargas came on big at the end of the year McFadden is the pick here. Paring McFadden with Russell could spell great things in the future. I love McFadden and think he ll be next years Adrian Peterson.

5. KC Chiefs- Jake Long - OT Michigan

        With Willie Roaf and Will Shields gone LJ had trouble gaining yards. Jake Long is a beast and will help open holes for LJ.

6.  NY Jets- Veron Gholston- OLB/DE Ohio State

         The Jets need to fill a gap at OLB for the 3-4 scheme and even though Gholston played DE for the Buckeyes, experts say that he will move to OLB in the NFL. The Patriots are also eyeing Gholston, so the Jets do two good things here block him from the Pats and fill a need.

7. THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS-  Aqib Talib CB Kansas

        I look for the Patriots to trade down here but if no one takes the bait Talib or McKlevin will fill a hole at CB. My feeling is that Assante will get big money on the FA market and leave the Pats. Talib is a playmaker who is physical and loves to jump routes ala Assante. Although at the NFL Combine numerous scouts said his technique was flawed. The NFL Network anyalists were all over Talib’s footwork.

I also see them looking at Kieth Rivers OLB at USC with Colvin leaving (if they trade down).  My hope is trade down, get some more picks. TRADE DOWN!

8. Baltimore Ravens - Brain Brohm- QB - Lousiville

Boller sucks, McNair is over the hill.  The Ravens need a QB and Brohm it is.

9. Bengals - Sedrick Ellis- DT- USC

Bengals need help on defense and fast. Ellis is quickly moving up everyones draft board. Defense is the pick here. Kieth Rivers is alos an option.

10. Saints - LEODIS MCKELVIN CB Troy

Saints like the Bengals need help on defense and fast. Corner back is a need they gave up way too much through the air last year.

11. Bills- Malcom Kelley- WR- Oklahoma

Bills could use a big WR to go along Lee Evans.

12. Broncos- Ryan Clady- OT - Boise

Clady is a beast and is of great value here. He opened holes for Boise State RB Ian Johnson and should do the same for Travis Henry.

13. Panthers  - Jeff Otah- OT- Pitt

Panthers could lose both of there tackles to Free agency so a tachle is a must in the first round or they could be in trouble next year.

14. Bears-  Joe Flacco- QB - Deleware

Yes, Joe Flacco from Deleware. Bears just signed both Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman to one year deals and are set up for failure. Look for them to be the bridge to a new QB. While it might be a reach at 14 Flacco has been impressing scouts.

15. Lions- Mike Jenkins- CB

Corner back is a need for the lions and jenkins is the best on the board.

16. Cardnals- Johnathan Stewart- RB Oregon

 Two reasons for selecting a RB here. Edge is getting old and needs a running mate. Also two RBs is the new fade in the NFL. Stewart is the perfect fit here.

17. Minnesota Viks- Derrick Harvey- DE Florida

A stud DE and impact rusher is a need for the Viks.

18. Texans- Rashard Mendenhall- RB Illinois

19. Eagles- Deshawn Jackson WR- California

A gamebreaker in Jackson is just what McNabb and the Eagles need.

20. Buccaneers- Mario Manningham- WR Michigan

21. Redskins Linas Sweed- WR

22. Cowboys- Felix Jones RB Arkansas

With Julius Jones all but gone Marion Barber needs a running mate.

23. Steelers- Kenny Phillips S-Miami

We all know how bad Antony Smith is after the Patriots exploited him and they need a step up at Saftey.

24. Titans- Phillip Merling- DE Clemson

Odom and Leboy are FAs so Def Line is a need.

25. Seattle- Fred Davis- TE USC

Fill a big need at TE with Pollard leaving and Davis gives them another threat on offense.

26. Jags. Calais Calvin- DE Miami

Another addition to a solid defense

27. Chargers- Reggie Smith DB Oklahoma

28. Cowboys- Early Douchet- WR - Lsu

Another weapon for Romo

29. Niners- Kieth Rivers- OLB USC

A steal this deep in the draft. I do not know if he will last this long but if he does the Niners will scoop him up to pair with Manny Lawson.

30. Packers- DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE CB

 The stud of the combines and work outs DRC gives them depth at Corner behind Harris, woodson and Blackmon.

31. Giants-Dan Connor- LB Penn State

Another steal this deep in the draft, one of the reasons why I want the Pats to trade down.