NFL commissioner mass emailed a form letter to all NFL fans today, marking the end of another season/beginning of another off-season. Read the whole thing in its entirety after the jump

To NFL Fans:

Now that another remarkable NFL season has concluded, let me express my gratitude on behalf of all 32 NFL teams for your incredible support. Record numbers of you watched at home, made your way to the stadium, and connected with the NFL in numerous other ways during the 2011 season. Your love of football is what makes the NFL special.

We are proud of the quality of the game today. From the individuals and team skills on display in every game to the record-breaking achievements of future Hall of Famers, the 2011 season was extraordinary on many levels.

It finished up with some of the most exciting playoff games of recent years leading to a tense, drama-filled Super Bowl between the Giants and Patriots that was the most-watched show in the history of television. What a tribute to our players, coaches, and fans!

As good as it’s been, I believe the NFL’s best days are ahead. Our responsibility in leading the league is to protect and enhance the bond between our game and the passionate fans who sustain it. We know we have to earn your trust every day and prove we are worthy of your amazing support.

Our commitment to improve everything we do is ongoing. We are not done yet. From the game on the field to the fan experience at home — and everything in between — there are ways we can do even better. We owe it to you, the fans, to believe in better and strive for more. Our game has always evolved and that will continue. I encourage you to visit our new web site – NFL.com/evolution – to explore how the game has improved over the past century. There are more good changes to come.

Our mission is captured very simply in these four words:
Forever forward. Forever football. Thank you once again for your passion and commitment to the game we all love.
Roger Goodell

In case you needed any more evidence that the NFL is truly king in America, Super Bowl XLVI is the most-watched television program in U.S. history and the highest-rated Super Bowl in 26 years, according to fast national data released by The Nielsen Company.

The game was seen by a record 111.3 million viewers (6:31-9:58 p.m. ET), topping last year’s 111.0 for Super Bowl XLV on Fox and is the biggest audience to watch a television program in U.S. history. I guess the lockout didn’t hurt interest in the game after all.

MOST-WATCHED PROGRAMS IN U.S. TELEVISION HISTORY:

1. 111.3 Million – Super Bowl XLVI, Patriots vs. Giants, NBC
2. 111.0 Million – Super Bowl XLV, Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Fox
3. 106.5 Million – Super Bowl XLIV, New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts, CBS
4. 106.0 Million – M.A.S.H. Finale, CBS
5. 98.7 Million – Super Bowl XLIII, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals, NBC

Very promising trends here for Roger Goodell. 4/5 most tv programs are Super Bowls, and it’s the most recent four! If these trends continue, the financial pie will only get bigger and sweeter for the NFL.

HIGHEST-RATED SUPER BOWL IN 26 YEARS: Sunday’s game earned a 47.0 rating and a 71 share, a gain of two percent from last year’s 46.0/69 for Super Bowl XLV and is the highest-rated Super Bowl since 1986 (Bears-Patriots, Super Bowl XX, 48.3/70). The 47.0 rating is the 6th highest in Super Bowl history.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

Maybe the hottest 31-year-old on the planet, dating the coolest 50-year-old planet, Stacy Keibler has been an internet media sensation (well, more than usual anyway) lately because of her relationship with Hollywood’s ultimate bachelor George Clooney. And that’s the extent of celebrity gossip discussion on this site.

Keibler is burning up the bandwidth because she just did a new bikini shoot. And since the former WWE diva was also once a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader- this post is therefore a NFL story.

Here’s another link you should check out, Keibler’s cheerleader outfit photo shoot

And just for the heck of it, here’s a couple pics from her Ravens cheerleader days, and a hot wrestling era pic. Keibler is to having a sweet ass what the Kenyans are to running marathons and the Irish are to getting drunk.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site that generates millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports 

He does regular weekly radio spots in Chicago and Cleveland and has appeared on live shows all across the world from Houston to New Zealand. You can follow him on Twitter

No doubt the biggest turning point in Super Bowl XLVI was the embarrassing drop by Wes Welker on what would’ve been at least a 30 yard gain, possibly a touchdown, on the final drive in which New England held the lead. Sure, Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch made some drops, but Hernandez is still developing his game and Branch is extremely mediocre.

Welker on the other hand, had 22 catches more than anyone in the NFL this season, and he’s developed a reputation as the greatest slot receiver in the game’s history. So for him to blow such an easy catch like that, a grab he’s made 100s of time…kind of looked like what you’d see when someone’s point-shaving.

While New York Giants fans celebrated their victory at the Parade in New York City – Boston locals got a 900 pound sweet surprise courtesy of Pawngo, the first online pawn shop, in the center of Copley Square in the heart of Boston.  900 pounds, or 8,000 bars of Nestle Butterfingers were piled high with a sign entitled, “Thank you Wes Welker” – making everyone in the area stop to take pictures, grab a bar, and have a laugh.

Photo Credit: Katherine Castro Photography.

“Pawngo Gives Wes Welker a 900 Pound Sweet Ending For a Bitter Season”

I still think the comments made by Gisele were a over the line. And Tom Brady didn’t have a perfect game either. Still, there’s already talk that Welker could be done in New England. And I don’t think this publicity stunt will help the cause to keep him around. And in Welker’s defense, he really took the drop and the loss very hard, and did not shirk responsibility for not corralling that crucial throw. And you gotta feel for him on this- when we make mistakes at our job are 111.3 million people watching? No one pays $3.5 to advertise for 30 seconds at our jobs.

From The Penalty Flag:

They might want to hold off bashing a potential free agent that has averaged 111 receptions in the last five years and has been Brady’s most consistent receiver.

It was Welker’s first drop with the Patriots that was 10 yards or more downfield and only having five drops all season, Welker blames himself.

“The ball is right there. I’ve just got to make the play. It’s a play I’ve made a thousand times in practice and everything else. It comes to the biggest moment of my life and don’t come up with it. It’s discouraging,” Welker told reporters.

“It hit me right in the hands. I mean, it’s a play I never drop, I always make. The most critical situation and I let the team down.

“We work on it all the time and try to make plays. It’s one that will take a while to shake off, that’s for sure,” he added.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

Welcome to the second round. For the first round of this mock draft go here.

 33. St. Louis Rams, Kendall Wright, WR/KR, Baylor

Rams need another vertical weapon, RG3′s running mate who helped him get the Heisman is the most decorated WR in Baylor Bears history.

34. Indianapolis Colts, Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

One of the best rated prospects at the position. Should fit into the system well, and likely make an impact right away.

35. Minnesota Vikings,  Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Go here for more on Adams

according to The Scores Report:

He’s massive at 6-foot-7 and 323 pounds, with an 82 1/2 –inch wingspan and huge 11-inch hands. Despite his size, he’s a good athlete with natural bend and is being viewed as a left tackle at the next level (as opposed to some college prospects that are forced to move to the right side because of limitations in their game). He was suspended the first two games of the 2009 season for violating team rules, was cited in January of ’09 for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia (chargers were eventually dropped) after being stopped for running a stop sign, and was part of the group that was suspended for “Tattoogate.” But he has all of the physical tools to become a top 15 pick in April.

36. Tampa Bay,  Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Barron is already widely considered a strong NFL prospect. NFLDraftScout.com, a website that rates current college players based on their NFL potential, rates Barron as the second best safety in his class. The website also projects him going in the late first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

For more on Barron go here

37. Cleveland Browns, LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Peyton Hillis will not be back with the team in 2012, and the Browns don’t have any other starting tailback/feature back candidates on their roster.

James is averaging a national best 149.6 yards on the ground while running for 1,646 yards; 4th in the country. Despite missing two games with a dislocated elbow.

He’s the school’s all-time leading rusher; just 77 yards shy of 5,000. Just don’t confuse with LeGarrette Blount, which is surprisingly easier to do than you think. James took over for the now Tampa Bay Buccaneers tailback at Oregon when Blount was suspended for his involvement in that brawl in 2009.

For more on James go here

For more on the Browns draft.

Oregon Ducks cheerleaders performing at the Rose Bowl

Here’s more videos of the cheerleaders performing at the Rose Bowl

In the meantime, for volume 1 of our Oregon Ducks cheerleader gallery go here

For volume 2 of our Oregon Ducks cheerleader gallery go here

38. Jacksonville, Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

39. Washington,  Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

From Scores Report:

This isn’t regarded as a very strong draft for pass rushers but Ingram is a raw talent that can get to the quarterback in a variety of ways. He’s a three-technique defensive lineman who proved he could consistently beat blockers on the inside while at South Carolina. That said, 4-3 and 3-4 teams will take a long look at him because he exhibits a fast first step and good burst off the ball. He does a nice job of shedding blockers in the run game as well so again, he’ll intrigue teams that run a 3-4.

40. Carolina,  Jared Crick, DE/DT, Nebraska

Jared Crick has really torn up opposing offenses in his three years with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Ndamukong Suh’s alma mater. Crick is a dominating player in his own right; but he’s not like Suh. Infractions aside, Suh is a beast among beasts, and the search is on for NFL teams to find the next game-changing DL in his mold. Crick’s name comes up often in this specific discussion because well obviously he played with Suh and wears the same uniform. But Crick has his own legacy to build.

“Suh and I are completely different people, completely different players,” Crick said when asked about how the media is quick to label him the next Suh.

“People just kind of see defensive tackle at Nebraska and think oh he must be like Suh, but I’m really not. He’s a great player, but our games are not alike in any fashion. We’re great friends, but we have completely different games,” he continued.

Getting more specific:

“We have different personalities, Suh is at the big time now, but we’re both humble guys. So that’s a similarity. But when we were playing together, he was more the bigger, stronger guy, more the anchor guy, and I was the quicker guy who would have to beat the 1-on-1 in order for the defensive line to succeed, and that’s still true now,” Jared said.

For more on Crick go here

41. Buffalo, Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama

Josh Chapman served as the backup to All-American Terrence Cody during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, and is currently regarded as one of the better nose guard prospects in his class. Chapman talked about how well and how seriously they take stopping the run.

“That’s about being physical up front and basically establishing a new line of scrimmage. And our guys go out and compete every day and want to stop the run. That’s our main goal here, make the team one dimensional,” Chapman said.

For more on Chapman go here

42. Miami, Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego

43. Seattle, Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

Marvin McNutt, Jr. set the school record for career touchdown receptions with an 80-yarder on Saturday.  He added two more scoring receptions in the second period, giving him 24 for his career; breaking the previous mark of 21, held by former San Diego Charger Tim Dwight (1994-97) and Danan Hughes (1989-92).

McNutt, Jr., who hails from St. Louis, led Iowa receivers with six receptions for 184 yards and three touchdowns.  The receiving yards and touchdown receptions were career bests.  McNutt is kind of like former West Virginia Mountaineers college basketball star Kevin Pittsnogle- a college star who has a small cult following; partially because of his unique name.

Go here for more on McNutt!

44. Kansas City, Aaron Henry, S, Wisconsin

Besides being one of the best interviews in college football, the Wisconsin Badgers Aaron Henry is also a talented prospect at the safety position.

The senior Henry will enter the NFL Draft this spring and as of now ranks as a top-five safety. With a strong showing prior to the draft, he could go as high as the second round, but shouldn’t go any lower than the third or fourth round.The biggest knack on Henry is his tackling. He’s been known to whiff on defenders from time-to-time and doesn’t have the large body-size to to take down big receivers with ease. He’s not a horrible tackler, but it’s not his strong suit.

For more on Henry

45. Dallas, David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

46. Philadelphia, Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State

Brewster discussed the value of leadership.

“One thing we talk about before games is we need that poise.”

And the confidence comes from doing, and doing under pressure.

“You can practice as much as you want, but until you get in that game and bullets are flying, you can’t get that experience any other way. Game reps is the best experience you can get. After you go out there the first time, every time after that is just another day at the office,” he said.

Brewster is a 6-5, 293 Junior from Orlando, FL with three years of starting experience. He’s a NFL ready talent, but it’s difficult to predict where centers will get taken on draft day. The best at the position don’t often get picked until the third round at the earliest. Therefore “Brewster’s Millions” (yeah, you knew it was coming, an ’80s pop culture reference, I just couldn’t past that up) will likely have to wait to 2012. I doubt he’ll forgo his senior season.

Go here for more on Brewster

47. New York Jets, Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

Mark Sanchez on the way out? Looking that way. I don’t think Cousins is the heir apparent, but he’s certainly a smart, well-rounded quality prospect that will get a shot.I love this soundbite from Big Ten media day, it shows you how Cousins has that work ethic which guarantees he’ll make it- in some capacity, somewhere.

“I’ll always feel overlooked, I’m always looking for motivation. I just told my brother the other day: I said Kyle, go on the internet and look up every article you can. Go find every preseason magazine you can, and compile a list, of all the quotes, articles, anything that disrespects us, or doesn’t give us our due,” Cousins told the media at conference media day in August.

I’m sorry I put you as #3 in preseason QB power rankings. And State to finish where I did. Today, they’re Rose Bowl favorites. “P4RB” was their preseason slogan. “Prepare for Rose Bowl.” With Cousins at the helm, it may happen. Because as this video attests, he’s not just good at football, but good at life.

For more on Cousins.

48. New England Patriots, Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

David has a special NFL role model.

“Ray Lewis, I just like his style of play and the type of motivator he is. I try to copy him as much as I can, but at the same time do my style, stuff he can do I can’t do and stuff I can do he can’t do. So I just take bits and pieces of that.” David said.

Go here for more on David

49. San Diego, Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

50. Chicago Bears, Kelechi Osemele, G, Iowa State

51. Philadelphia, Brandon Washington, G/OT, Miami

52. Tennessee, Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

53. Cincinnati Bengals, Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

54. Detroit Lions, Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

55. Atlanta, Ben Jones, C, Georgia

56. Pittsburgh, Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

Zeitler figures to be a 2-4 round prospect and his considered a tremendous talent. He’s leaner and meaner than many o-linemen. Often you see some chub sticking out when it comes to the big guys up front, you don’t see any of that with Zeitler.

Coming out of high school, he was ranked the third-best player in Wisconsin and No. 39 offensive lineman in the nation by Rivals.com, fourth-best player in the state and 22nd-best offensive lineman in the nation by Scout.com

For more on Zeitler go here.

57. Denver, Chris Polk, RB, Washington

58. Houston, Alameda Ta’amu, NT, Washington

59. New Orleans, Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia

60. Green Bay Packers, Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

61. Baltimore, Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

62. San Francisco, Lucas Nix, G, Pittsburgh

63. New England Patriots, Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

58. NY Giants, Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

See ya in the 3rd  round? Maybe?

A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame

Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

For the first round of this mock draft go here.

This mock is listed in the following databases: FF Toolbox, DC Pro Sports Report, Walter Football

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

We have a second round to this mock draft  and also made a few changes, starting right near the top. In most cases, but not all, team needs come courtesy of National Football Post

By the way, I handed out my award for the dumbest decision of an underclassman to go pro early. Go here to see which player got it.

You can also check out The Sports Bank’s 2012 NBA Mock Draft by clicking here.

1. Indianapolis Colts, Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Ind team needs: QB, CB, DT, OG

The Colts are to being bad at football what white 18-34 year old women are to watching “Grey’s Anatomy.” (See what I did there- a little local pop culture reference).

Yes, Luck was extremely nuts to give up all that money that comes with being the #1 pick. And yes, that’s unprecedented, a #1 overall staying in school. We’ll never know why, we just know he’s going to be the first pick next year. As of now.

Luck as a NFL prospect, possibly the #1 NFL Draft prospect,- his strong arm, excellent read-and-recognitions, quickness and mobility, poise and intelligence on the field or his excellent standing off of it.

In preparation for his match-up with Luck and his Stanford last year, Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly discussed what impresses him most about the redshirt quarterback.

“He was hitting the wide field, go route, intermediate, and the thing that really got my attention is his ability to run. I think he had a 50 something yard run for a touchdown. So his ability, his escapability, I didn’t know what it was. I now know what it is. The guy is extremely athletic, as well, and he can run. So he brings a big dimension to the table and not just throwing the football,” Kelly said.

To learn more about Andrew Luck GO HERE

2. St. Louis Rams, Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Stl. team needs: WR, DT, OT, DB, FS

You can say the Rams have bigger needs at other positions but Kalil is one of those franchise building LTs, as he’s one of the best OL prospects to come along in quite some time. We all know QBs are the highest paid, the men who protect the blind side of those signal callers are the next highest paid.

Kalil is a 6-7, 295 junior tackle from Corona, CA. He may have to add some muscle weight to become a star at the next level, or maybe over to a different position. Kalil blocked a PAT against Notre Dame last season and shows a lot of agility and movement for a big guy.

Go here for more on the Rams draft

For more on Kalil go here

For bikini photos of the USC Song Girls (their cheerleaders) swim charity event go here

3. Minnesota Vikings, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Min team needs: WR, OT, DT, FS

This past season there was a big disparity between the Vikes and the rest of their division. They have plenty of needs on both sides of the ball, but I’m finally sold on Christian Ponder as the new future QB. His numbers are ugly, but I believe he as the tools. Time to get him a real weapon to work with. The departure of Sidney Rice hurt the team badly; maybe this will fix that hole.

Go here for more on the Vikings draft

In the scouts’ eyes, Blackmon is rated way ahead, way ahead of South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery currently. Blackmon’s size and agility make him able to stretch out and corral any balls thrown anywhere near his vicinity.

Coming out of Plainview High School in Ardmore, Oklahoma, he was ranked a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, and the#91 wide receiver prospect in the class of 2008. Yet today, three years later, he’s the only true franchise WR in this class.

For more on Blackmon go here

4. Cleveland Browns, Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Cle team needs: WR, CB, DE, OLB

Griffin, a junior from Copperas Cove, Texas has been sensational so far this season. Through 10 games, Griffin has amassed 4,122 yards of total offense and 38 touchdowns. He leads the nation in total offense (412.20 yards per game) and points responsible for (23.0 points per game) and ranks second overall in passing efficiency with a 191.65 rating.

Griffin has established himself this season as a true NFL QB prospect; and one with great mobility.

Go here for more on the Browns draft

Go here for much more on Griffin

5. Tampa Bay, Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

T.B. team needs: FS, RB, OLB, CB

Welcome to the era of franchise level cornerbacks. This used to be a position where you’d only see the Deion Sanders types go in the top 5. Now as the league rules require you to pass in order to win, the need for top level talent to defense, break up and intercept those passes becomes ever more pressing. Claiborne, along with Patrick Peterson and the Honey Badger Tyrann Matthieu are making LSU the nation’s first and foremost CBU.

Claiborne started 12 games in 2010 and recorded 37 tackles and a team leading five interceptions. He was named a second team All-SEC selection.

This year he had a dominating season and won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in college football.

Go here for much more on Claiborne

6. Washington, Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Was team needs: QB, DE, CB, RT, OG

Is this a stretch? Of course, but so was every QB taken after Cam Newton in the 2011 draft. Signal callers are more over-drafted than every other position, and Tannehill is no excpetion. When Landry Jones and Matt Barkley decided to return to school, his stock jumped way up. It’s not the only place he’s out-kicking  his coverage in life.

Look at this fiance, model Lauren Ufer;

Go here for more pics of Tannehill’s hot fiance.

7. Jacksonville, Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Jax teams needs: WR, OT, FS, CB

I’m not sold on Blaine Gabbert as the future in Jax, but there’s nothing the Jags can do here without trading way up. They should look into protecting him better now. Start with the 6-6, 304 protector of the Andrew Luck blind side. Martin is all world and a franchise building prospect.

8. Miami Dolphins,  Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa Hawkeyes

The Hawkeyes really know how to produce O Linemen: the big cornfed boys of the Upper Midwest.

Reiff (6-foot-6, 300 pounds) was named first team All-Big Ten by both league coaches and media in 2011 after earning second-team honors in 2010.  He was also named first-team All-America in 2011 by Pro Football Weekly and also earned All-America recognition from Phil Steele’s College Football, SI.com, and Yahoo! Sports.

Go here for much more on Reiff

For more on Iowa Hawkeyes Cheerleader Rebecca Hodge, the new Miss Iowa

9. Carolina, Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Car team needs: OG, WR, LB, DT

It’s been fun watching last year’s #1 overall pick Cam Newton throw for a ton of yards, but the Panthers will end up right back here as long as they keep giving up just as many yards as they throw for.

Kirkpatrick is a big, physical defensive back with speed and agility. He won the Bobby Johns Defensive Back Award and captured the Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award in the spring.

Hightower sung his praises:

“He’s one of those guys who stepped up a lot in trying to be one of those vocal leaders on the team, trying to get everyone amped up and ready to go.”

To learn more about Kirkpatrick GO HERE

10. Buffalo, Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Buf team needs: OT, DL, WR

You can never have enough pass-rushers, especially when you play the Patriots twice a year. Upshaw could have the most “upside” on that Bama defense; which really says something given how many pro prospects are on the team.

Courtney Upshaw is considered one of the best pass-rushing outside linebackers of his class and a potential first-round pick in this draft.

Upshaw is most known for his recovery of a Garrett Gilbert fumble on an Eryk Anders sack with just 3:08 remaining in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, that sealed the title for the Crimson Tide.

Go here for much more on Upshaw

11. Kansas City,  David DeCastro, G, Stanford

KC team needs: OT, NT, ILB, FS

One of the top rated OL prospects in a pretty deep class, and a great fit in K.C.

12. Seattle, Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

Sea team needs: QB, DE, CB, WR

Is this a stretch? Of course, but so was every QB taken after Cam Newton in the 2011 draft. Signal callers are more over-drafted than every other position, and Tannehill is no exception.

Tavaris Jackson is not the long term answer, period.

13. Arizona, Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Arizona team needs: OT, TE, OLB, CB

They could use first pick on some more help blocking up front. Did you see how the Pittsburgh DL made the Cards’ OL their prison bitch in midseason? Then again Coples is too good a prospect to pass up, and no one could fault Arizona for augmenting their pass rush. Certainly not the weak corners, who would no doubt like the help.

14. Dallas, Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dal team needs: OG, CB, DE, WR

Alfonzo Dennard is a 5-foot-10, 205-pound senior from Rochelle, Ga who had 4 INTs and 7 PBUs last year. He returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown in the NU regular-season win at Washington. Dennard was good enough to consider jumping to the NFL last season, but obviously elected to return.

He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection last season despite being overshadowed by New York Giants first-round draft pick and teammate Prince Amukamara.

To learn more about Dennard go here

By the way, you may have heard a thing or two about Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Melissa Kellerman, the girl inadvertently tackled by Jason Witten on the sidelines Thanksgiving day. You can see many more pics of her, including some bikini shots here

15. Philadelphia Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Phi team needs: LB, OG, OT, DT

I never thought I’d have the Eagles picking this high, and it could get even worse as Vince Young’s supposed “dream team” is looking like a nightmare right now. Very tough to figure where ILBs will go. They tend to get under-drafted. Kuechly is the real deal though, a very bright spot on a very bad team.

16. NY Jets, Brandon Jenkins, OLB/DE, Florida State

NYJ team needs: OG, OLB, DE, WR

A natural pass rusher who continues to grow into his frame and who excels with his speed rush. Probably his best trait is his quickness off the ball. Has good instincts, knows how to play the game and react to the ball.

17. Cincinnati Bengals, Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Cin team needs: RB, OG, CB

Richardson should be a much better pro than his predecessor in Mark Ingram. Richardson can bench press a Buick, power clean a Ford and decline press an Oldsmobile. He’s got DB speed with DL strength.

Richardson also talked about the influence Ingram has had on his career.

“He’ll always have a big role in my life. I try to follow in his footsteps, he’s one of the best running backs I’ve ever seen come through the collegiate level and play the game. He helped me out a lot with my vision, he had great vision. He could stop on a dime and cut real fast, that’s one thing I tried to pick up from him,” Richardson said.

Many runners have influenced Richardson, including Reggie Bush and the Vikings Adrian Peterson.

Richardson is frequently compared to Emmitt Smith, but his physique and running style are more similar to Earl Campbell. He’s also drawn comparisons to Michael Turner the Burner and O.J. Simpson (on the field, not off of it, of course).

To learn more about Richardson go here

18. San Diego, Vontaze Bufict, LB, Arizona State

S.D. team needs: OT, NT, SS, ILB

The Chargers front seven is aging, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they kept picking at various positions there for the next couple of drafts. Bufict has seen his stock fall a little this year, because he’s had only a very so-so campaign. And the Sun Devils free fall as the year went on didn’t help. Still, Jake Plummer and Pat Tillman have shown you that Sun Devils can make it in the NFL. Plus, I think Bufict will make up for his lackluster numbers by his combine showing.

19. Chicago Bears, WR, Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Chi teams needs: OT, WR, FS, DL

Some people rate Floyd higher than I do, but do they know how poor his 40 time at the combine is likely to be? That’s a big reason he stayed in school another year. He’s been as good a receiver as any in the nation this year, but watch his stock fall in February.

With three alcohol related legal offenses during his time in South Bend, you know character concerns will be front and center. Of course, no story about Michael Floyd is complete without mentioning that the true key to his realization of that enormous potential is staying healthy. Floyd led all FBS wideouts in the nation with a 29.09 yards per catch average and he was tied for the national lead in receiving TDs when he suffered a broken collarbone against Michigan State in ’09.

But last year he only missed one game, and had his true breakout year. When you look at his stats and size, you see what makes him a blue-chip prospect. He’s passed up Golden Tate, Jeff Samardzjia and Tim Brown to claim all the major receiving records in ND history.

Go here for much more on Floyd

20. Tennessee, Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Ten team needs: DT, SS, OLB, OG

The Titans could use another weapon in their offense. Jeffrey is a tour de force, but imagine what he’d be if he had a real QB throwing to him. Stephen Garcia was a joke- perfect embodiment of a 10 cent head, million dollar arm.

21. Cincinnati Bengals, Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State Spartans

Cin team needs: RB, OG, CB

Too good a value to pass up here at this position.

Michigan State DT Jerel Worthy’s NFL Draft stock is about as high as anyone on the Spartans, or even anyone in the Big Ten. He also has a tattoo that entails everything that makes college football such an awesome game. Go here to see it. Take a closer look and notice the tattoo’s homage to the rivalry with Michigan. What an affront it is to the Wolverines, love it!

To learn more about Worthy go here

22. Cleveland, Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Cle team needs: OL, RB, LB, DT, SS

With a name like Mercilus, pronounced merciless, you have to be a college football player. And a player at the very aggressive attacking position of defensive end too- that helps. Illinois Fighting Illini junior DE Whitney Mercilus is just that; a man with a name built for his role like former Illini OL Eric Block, or current Buffalo Bills DB Reggie Corner.

“I do get a lot of comments, I just walk in public, and people hear my name, and they’re like really? Mercilus that’s your last name? Yeah, it’s a cool last name and you have to play with a name like mine,” Mercilus said.

If there’s one thing the coaches could change with Whitney, it’s getting him to be less timid.

“Yeah, it’s very opposite of my name. Same thing my teammates and former teammates have told me- You’ve got to play more aggressive, stop thinking, go faster, yo look at your last name. It makes no sense for you to be playing like this,” Mercilus said at media day.

Mercilus is a finalist for the lombardi award, and has come out of obscurity to lead the nation in sacks, and he’s among the national leaders in sacks and tackles for losses.

For more on Mercilus, go here

23. Detroit Lions, Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Det team needs: CB. LB, OT, OG

Yes, I know they just took Mikel Leshoure out of the Illinois in the last draft (the former Illini missed the season with a ligament tear), but this year illustrated the need for depth at this position. See Jahvid Best. You can get down to your third or fourth tailback more quickly than you’d think.

24. Pittsburgh Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Pitt team needs: OT, OG, DT, ILB

He’s kind of like a real life Alvin Mack from “The Program.” So dominant and so fast and so strong, you should have seen him push LSU’s QB back with such ease. And the Tigers signal caller is a big man himself.

For more on Hightower go here

25. Denver, Nick Perry, OLB/DE, USC

Den team needs: DT, CB, OG, RB

Welcome to the team where Jesus plays starting quarterback.

Denver keeps winning with Tim Tebow, even though his delivery and style is UGLY. Like actor Justin Long ugly; he’s that difficult to watch. Of course, people have overlooked just how much of an impact their #1 pick from last year, Von Miller has made. He’s the team’s true star. How about getting him some help, so he could become more dominating- say a versatile pass-rusher?

26. Houston, Peter Konz, OG/C, Wisconsin Badgers

Hou team needs: OG, NT, FS, DE

The Texans are the AFC NASCAR division champ, and draft in a very different position than they’re used to during their franchise’ short history. Houston should look for OL depth. Maybe to better protect those signal callers who keep getting hurt.

Konz is a redshirt junior from Neenah, Wisconsin who might declare early. Center prospects are hard to figure since they don’t often get drafted very high, but Konz could play another position in the NFL.

Go here for much more on Konz

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans), Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

NE team needs: SS, WR, DE, CB

The Pats pass defense is so abominable (6 of the first 8 passers they faced in 2011 hung 300+ yards on them) they need to get pass coverage help anywhere they can get it. All the personnel cuts in the back four have left them razor thin in depth.

Hayward (5-11, 188) should enter the draft with a well-earned reputation as a ballhawk. He seems like a second-round draft pick, but defenders who find the ball and seize often shoot up the charts. Playing in the SEC, and looking good against some of the best receivers will land Hayward in the first round.

By the way, here’s the “interesting” picture that Rob Gronkowski tweeted out to supermodel Kate Upton

Also, Gronks was forced to publicly apologize for these pics with adult film star Bibi Jones

28. Green Bay Packers, Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma

GB team needs: DE, OLB, SS, OG

The Pack do give up a lot of passing yards, and could use some help in the secondary.

Due to academic issues, Lewis had to skip his senior season and enter the draft; even though he really could have used another year to add more bulk and show league scouts that he can play multiple positions. The prevalence of the 3-4 defense in the league has created more need for outside pass-rushers and collegiate defensive ends who transition to outside linebackers in the professional ranks.

Learn more about Lewis here.

29. Baltimore, Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin Badgers

Bal team needs: OT, CB, SS, ILB

This isn’t the Ravens most pressing need, but imagine what Flacco could do pairing this rookie wideout with Anquan Boldin? There’d be a lot less Ray Rice screen patterns that’s for sure!

Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Badgers have emerged as an underrated hot-bed for NFL talent in the Midwest. The Badgers ability to develop professional talent peaked in 2011 when two of their alumni were drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, the Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt (11th overall) and the Chicago Bears OL Gabe Carimi (29th overall). Next in line for the Badgers in the NFL is senior wide-out Nick Toon. Just three games into the 2011 season, it appears imminent that Toon has the skills and big-play ability to become a main-stay on whatever NFL team calls his name in April of 2012.

For more on Nick Toon go here

30. San Francisco, Janoris Jenkins, DB, North Alabama

S.F. team needs: CB, WR, DE, OLB

Jenkins would go much higher if not for his multiple arrests. Niners can use help/depth at corner.

31. New England Patriots, Devon Still, DT, Penn State

You’d be hard pressed to find an All-American college football season as obscure and overlooked as Devon Still in 2011. Sure, the pedophilia scandal at Penn State is much bigger and more important than football.

And the media is treating it as such they should. Also, leading to Still’s relative obscurity is the fact that offense sells tickets, and gets the glory. Defense is overlooked. And as well know, the PSU offense is awfully bad, with the quarterbacking and passing game phantasmagoric.

However, Still, a 6-5, 310-pound senior is getting it done for a Penn State defense that ranks third nationally in points against (13.0 per game), trailing only Alabama and LSU.

The Nittany Lions’ defense is eighth nationally in yards allowed per game (287.3). Still has been Penn State’s defensive leader and is tied for 11th in the country in tackles for loss (16.5 for 75 yards), of which four of those are sacks for 34 yards in losses.

Go here for much more on Still

32. NY Giants, Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

NYG team needs: TE, DT, OT, LB

A good value pick for the Giants, as GM Jerry Reese is as much a value GM as it comes. Oh wait, it’s also a needs-based pick as the Giants have enured a lot of injury issues in the defensive front; highlighting the need to build depth there.

We added a second round of this mock draft for the first time in 2011-12! Here it is.

This mock is listed in the following databases: FF Toolbox, DC Pro Sports Report, Walter Football

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

This Super Bowl had advertisers playing to the middle and pandering to the mainstream even more than usual. There was lots of animals, talking babies (seriously E Trade? Don’t you think we’ve been sick of these for quite a while? This is all you got?) and of course scantily clad women acting risque. Yet it was a family-friendly car ad from Volkswagen that was named America’s favorite commercial in the ninth annual SpotBowl national poll.

SpotBowl is a creation of Pennsylvania-based marketing agency Pavone.

The Volkswagen spot starred an overweight pooch that sheds some weight so he can chase the new VW. I loved last year’s winner, the Darth Vader kid “using the force” with the auto-start.

This year’s Super Bowl lineup saw nearly half of its ads released beforehand by companies hoping to generate some pregame buzz. According to Pavone president and CEO Michael Pavone, the strategy took some of the anticipation out of the game for many ad fans.

“Overall, I think this year’s ads were better than in the past few years, but the element of surprise was definitely missing,” said Pavone. “It was kind of like finding out what you’re getting for Christmas before you open your presents.”

Other spots generating pregame buzz included Honda’s “Ferris Bueller” remake starring Matthew Broderick, which finished 13th in the poll. Acura’s ad starring Jerry Seinfeld finished seventh, while the E*TRADE baby, perhaps showing his age, finished toward the middle of the pack in 20th place.

Finishing in last place was Go Daddy’s “Heaven,” which featured race-car driver Danica Patrick and followed the company’s risqué Super Bowl advertising formula of years past. Go Daddy’s second ad, “Body Paint,” finished second to last.

For a complete list of the game’s winners and losers, visit SpotBowl.com

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

Tim Tebow for President in 2020? The video clip after the jump features Tim Tebow talking with David Feherty about future political aspirations during Golf Channel’s Feherty Live, a two-hour special that aired Saturday night on Golf Channel.

TEBOW ON POSSIBLE FUTURE IN POLITICS:

“It could be something in my future. If it’s something I care about…”

FEHERTY ON PUNCHING ROMNEY & GINGRICH

“We’ve got Romney and Gingrich out there at the moment, and I don’t know what anyone else thinks but they’ve got the faces you never get tired punching.”

The special stage performance was taped on Friday from the Super Bowl at the Indianapolis Repertory Theater, and will re-air as a special encore Monday night at 10 p.m. ET.

In addition to Tebow, appearing on stage with Feherty included professional golfer and Indiana native Fuzzy Zoeller, Super Bowl-winning quarterback and current NFL Network analyst Joe Theismann and former NFL coach and NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci. MCA Recording artist and country singer-songwriter Josh Kelley and his band also performed.

Feherty, whose critically acclaimed Golf Channel series, Feherty, has been described as “a cross between Oprah Winfrey and Johnny Carson” by The New York Times, has been dubbed “one of the funniest men in the game” by Yahoo! sports

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

Yesterday, as the entire world knows, the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. This gives the franchise 4 Super Bowl wins, to go along with their four NFL championships from the pre-Super Bowl era. All NFL fans know the name Wellington Mara, the Giants one time owner who is considered one of the league’s all time most important patriarchs.

However, the first Mara to own the team, and the builder of the family fortune was gambler/bookmaker Tim Mara, who bought the team for $500 in the early century. His son is Wellington who helped build up the brand to what it is today. The Maras still own half the team today. But now let’s take a look at Wellington’s granddaughters, and their “bodies of work.”

Kate Mara’s notable acting roles include appearances in the Academy Award-winning film Brokeback Mountain (2005), playing the daughter of Heath Ledger’s character, and on the Fox television series 24, as computer analyst Shari Rothenberg. She has since appeared in the feature films We Are Marshall (2006), Shooter (2007), Transsiberian (2008), Stone of Destiny (2008), and The Open Road (2009). Mara joined the cast of the HBO series Entourage for its sixth season, and appeared in Iron Man 2, Happythankyoumoreplease and 127 Hours. In 2011, she starred in the film Ironclad, and played Hayden McClaine on the FX series, American Horror Story.

As you can see, the Mara family has used it’s powerful connections and money to help these girls become big players on the entertainment industry stage. Rooney could end up being even more successful.

Rooney Mara made her acting debut in 2005 and has gone on to star in films including A Nightmare on Elm Street, the remake of the 1984 horror film, and The Social Network. Mara portrayed Lisbeth Salander, the title character in the 2011 version of the film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the first of three Sony Pictures films based on Stieg Larsson’s Millennium book series. She received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.

Watching the New York Giants 21-17 upset of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46 was extremely tough for Pats fans everywhere. I imagine it was even more difficult for those Boston fans in Indianapolis. Now imagine how hard it must have been for Gisele Bundchen, the Brazilian beauty who’s married to Pats QB Tom Brady.

A few Giants fans started heckling the supermodel with a $150 million net worth/United Nations Environmental Ambassador about Brady’s performance as she walked quickly through the concourse. Yes, even when you sit in the luxury suites, you’re still not safe from meathead Giants fans/unwashed masses.

From the Postgame:

After initially smiling and even trying to ignore the fans, Bundchen let her guard down just long enough to deliver a foul-mouthed defense of her man — and a sideswipe of his receivers.

“You (have) to catch the ball when you’re supposed to catch the ball,” she is heard saying. “My husband cannot [expletive] throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can’t believe they dropped the ball so many times.”

Pats receivers Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Aaron Hernandez all dropped passes. As a team, New England dropped at least four catchable balls.

Follow this link to see video of the incident

Now Brady was a little high on his delivery on some throws. And he made two really bone-headed throws that cost the team dearly: the grounding in the end zone safety to start the game, and the badly underthrown deep ball to Rob Gronkowski that resulted in an interception, the only turnover of the game. So Brady made his mistakes too.

However, Gisele has a point- Deion Branch had some really crucial drops and he also positioned himself poorly on other balls he should have caught. And the Wes Welker drop on 2nd down during the Patriots final drive in which they held the lead was a DRIVE KILLER and GAME CHANGER. Welker was second in the NFL in receiving yards, and the leader by a whopping margin of 22 in receptions. For someone of his esteem and accomplishment to drop a catchable ball like that…an incident like that looks like intentional point shaving. That grab could have been 6, and was guaranteed to be a huge gain keeping the drive alive at minimum.

After this specific drop, the Pats failed on 3rd down and had to punt the ball away. The Giants took the lead for good on the next drive.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.