Thursday, January 7, 2016

Names and faces: Danny Amendola, Calvin Johnson


Top 100 Players of 2015: Calvin Johnson

Published 3:53pm, Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Photo: Steven Senne, Associated Press

New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola speaks with reporters in the team"s locker room at Gillette Stadium after a football practice, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots are to host an NFL divisional playoff game Jan. 16, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola speaks with reporters in the team"s locker room at Gillette Stadium after a football practice, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots are to ... more Photo: Steven Senne, Associated Press

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during warm ups before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during warm ups before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Photo: Rick Osentoski, Associated Press

Names and faces: Danny Amendola, Calvin Johnson

Danny Amendola

The New England Patriots wide receiver is catching grief from his Rhode Island neighbors over a temporary carport. Amendola erected the metal structure behind his 1774-built home in Providences College Hill Historic District last month so that he can get to practice on time in a snowstorm. The home sits on Benefit Street, a hillside thoroughfare filled with colorful restored clapboard homes featured on countless postcards. Neighbors complain the carport is a blemish on the communitys atmosphere. Amendola has declined to comment on the complaints.

Calvin Johnson

The Lions wide receiver has drawn comparisons to Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders in Detroit. Both made spectacular plays for the Lions. Off the field, they were quiet and humble. They might have one more thing in common this offseason: retirement at age 30. Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future, said Johnson, who is said to be seriously contemplating retirement and is not saying if he will restructure his contract, which counts $24 million against the salary cap next season.

Associated Press

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Names-and-faces-Danny-Amendola-Calvin-Johnson-6741483.php

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Teen Wolf: Tyler Posey says Scott will rise, but not without a new "dark wisdom"


Teen Wolf (Season 5) | ‘They’re All Going to Die’ Official Promo | MTV

Scott McCall has faced many enemies. Hes literally died and come back to life. But what lies ahead when Teen Wolf returns for season 5B? Can he salvage his pack (and his friendship with Stiles)?

We spoke with star Tyler Posey about whats next for our favorite teenage werewolf.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Last season, Scott hit rock bottom. I mean, he literally died. So is he emotionally on the mend at this point?TYLER POSEY: Yeah definitely. I think at this point, he has to take a look in the mirror, literally and metaphorically, and accept that hes hit rock bottom, know that hes got nothing left to lose and hes alive, so he might as well come back and make his rise. Its a relatable thing for everybody. Ive gone through it, when youre at a really low point and all you have left is to pick yourself up and move on. Thats Scotts plan is to take a long look at himself in the mirror and figure out his next plan of action, because hes still the True Alpha, hes still Scott McCall, hes just got to make a rise.

In terms of him dying. Will we see any effects from that?Him dying affects him physically and mentally. Physically, I dont know if Im allowed to say what, but mentally, accepting that youre going to die does something to somebody. I think Scotts mentality was that Beacon Hills is probably a better place if Im dead. Accepting that does a huge thing to somebody so he kind of carries this weight of that acceptance the entire season and for the rest of his life. He has this more grown-up outlook on life. Hes still the badass, hes still a really good leader and just wants to save people, but hes got this dark wisdom. I love it. Its my favorite thing that I think Ive ever played with Scott.

Is his primary focus getting his pack back together?Absolutely. Last season, his pack all got separated from him. So first and foremost, [he has]to get the pack back together, but you cant get the pack back together if Stilinski is injured, so we have to get Stilinski healthy and then start regrouping the pack back together. For Scott to rebuild himself, he has to rebuild his pack.

Stilinskis injury more or less forces Scott and Stiles to talk. Does the threat of the Beast and everything else force them to finally forgive each other?I dont know if theyre forced to forgive each other. I think theyre both rational human beings, so I think they know how much they actually love each other and they come to realize that they both had mis-information. I dont know if theyre forced to reconcile, I think they just want to out of pure love for one another and friendship. This situation forces them to start mending things again but after that, I think its all their own will power.

In the past, Scott has been able to go toe-to-toe with most villains. But this Beast sounds pretty big. Is Scott at all going to feel useless against this huge opponent?If anything, Scotts feeling more useful than ever. The feeling useless all happened last season, so now its just his comeback in his life. They dont know anything about these creatures. They dont know if Parrish is a good guy or a bad guy so those questions are up in the air, so Scott still has to maintain the protector and hes still got to be there just in case their information is wrong. I dont think Scott feels useless at all. I think he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve.

So youre saying size doesnt matter? Size does not matter.

I feel like Teen Wolf seasons need subtitles. What would this one be?Teen Wolf Season 5B: The True Alpha Rises. Its so good I got the chills! [Laughs]

Teen Wolf premieres season 5B tonight at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

Source: http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/05/teen-wolf-tyler-posey-season-5b-premiere

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"Downton Abbey" creator"s new book mixes Victorian era with modern tech


Downton Abbey | Starts Sunday 20 September
  • ListenThe Thread Question: What books should "Downton Abbey" fans read?

    Jan 5, 2016

    9min 18sec
  • Everybody loves "Downton Abbey": Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visited with show creator Julian Fellowes last spring. This spring, Fellowes will release a new novel set in a wealthy London neighborhood.Chris Jackson | Getty Images Get more book news from The Thread

    Every week, The Thread tackles your book questions, big and small. Ask a question now.

    This week"s question: With "Downton Abbey" winding down, what books should fans read?

    This may be the final season of the popular BBC drama, but show creator Julian Fellowes is following it up with a novel, "Belgravia."

    Just like Downton Abbey, the book promises to be filled with aristocratic drama and British manners. "Belgravia" will be published in the spring, right in time to comfort those suffering from dowager-withdrawal.

    Fellowes, however, is pulling a publishing trick from the days of Charles Dickens for "Belgravia": The novel will be serialized. The book"s ten installments will be released week by week, in the manner of 19th-century serials.

    Charles Dickens popularized the serial form when he published his works in weekly magazine installments. According to "Consciousness and the Novel," this "became the standard form for the initial publication of novels in the Victorian age."

    The Victorian publication style fits perfectly for the era of "Belgravia," which is named for the wealthy London neighborhood where the drama unfolds.

    From Grand Central Publishing:

    Julian Fellowes"s "Belgravia" is the story of a secret that unravels behind the porticoed doors of London"s grandest postcode. Set in the 1840s when the upper echelons of society began to rub shoulders with the emerging industrial nouveau riche, "Belgravia" is peopled by a rich cast of characters. But the story begins on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. At the Duchess of Richmond"s now legendary ball, one family"s life will change forever.

    The big difference will be that Dickens never had an app. Fellowes" novel installments will be delivered one by one as an e-book or audio book through a custom app. Readers will be able to switch between reading or listening as they choose.

    The app will also include extra content including maps of London, family trees and details about the fashions of the era. Fellowes" co-collaborators on the project are authors Lindy Woodhead and Imogen Edwards-Jones.

    In the press release from Grand Central, Fellowes said, "I was very intrigued by the idea from the start. To marry the traditions of the Victorian novel to modern technology, allowing the reader (or listener) an involvement with the characters and the background of the story and the world in which it takes place that would have not been possible until now, and yet to preserve within that the strongest traditions of story-telling, seems to me a marvelous goal and a real adventure."

    Source: http://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/01/06/books-downton-abbey-creator-new-book-belgravia

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    NFL Playoff Picture 2016: AFC, NFC Wild-Card Scenarios and Week 17 Predictions


    Predicting the AFC Playoff Picture (Week 13) | NFL NOW

    Three of the NFL"s four wild-card spots remain unsettled entering the 17th and final week of the regular season, but that will change on Sunday when all 32 teams are in action.

    In the AFC, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers are vying for a playoff spot, and while the Kansas City Chiefs have already clinched at least a wild-card berth, they can still win the AFC West with a victory and a Denver Broncos loss.

    Things aren"t quite as complicated in the NFC, as the winner of theSunday Night Footballclash between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings will take the NFC North, while the loser will settle for the wild card.

    Here is a rundown of the wild-card scenarios worth keeping an eye on in Week 17, along with predictions for how those races will play out.

    AFC Standings

    AFC Playoff Picture Entering Week 17 1 New England Patriots 12 3 2 Denver Broncos 11 4 3 Cincinnati Bengals 11 4 4 Houston Texans 8 7 5 Kansas City Chiefs 10 5 6 New York Jets 10 5 7 Pittsburgh Steelers 9 6 8 Indianapolis Colts 7 8

    NFL.com

    NFC Standings

    NFC Playoff Picture Entering Week 17 1 Carolina Panthers 14 1 2 Arizona Cardinals 13 2 3 Green Bay Packers 10 5 4 Washington Redskins 8 7 5 Minnesota Vikings 10 5 6 Seattle Seahawks 9 6

    NFL.com

    Wild-Card Scenarios

    Week 17 Wild-Card Scenarios New York Jets Clinch Wild Card with win or tie OR PIT loss or tie Pittsburgh Steelers Clinch Wild Card with win AND NYJ loss Denver Broncos Clinch AFC West with win or tie OR KC loss or tie, clinch Wild Card with loss AND KC win Kansas City Chiefs Clinch AFC West with win AND DEN loss, clinch Wild Card with loss or tie OR DEN win or tie Green Bay Packers Clinch NFC North with win or tie, clinch Wild Card with loss Minnesota Vikings Clinch NFC North with win, clinch Wild Card with loss or tie

    ESPN.com

    Week 17 Predictions

    New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

    The Buffalo Bills are once again outside the playoff field, but they still have something to play for on Sunday in the form of potentially keeping rivals the New York Jets out of the playoffs.

    Buffalo has already beaten Gang Green once this year, and head coach Rex Ryan would love to do it again, although he hasn"t let on there is any extra meaning going up against his former team, according to Tyler Dunne of theBuffalo News:

    First off, it"s about getting the win. We know were facing a team that"s red hot, a team that"s probably as talented as anybody out there. When you look at iteven from a statistical standpointI think the defense is sixth and the offense is eighth. This team is a complete football team. No surprise they had the record they had. But just to get a win. I don"t care if were playing East Carolina, you want to get a win. Period. There"s no question about it.

    Conversely, former Bills and current Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick conceded there was a certain symmetry to having a chance to clinch a playoff spot against the team that gave him his first extended chance at being a starter, per ESPN"s Ed Werder:

    Added motivation aside, the fact remains the Jets must beat a team on the road it already fell short against at home.

    A win won"t do much for the Bills aside from allowing them to enter the offseason on a high note, but several players have something to play for, including quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who will be looking to prove he deserves another season as Buffalo"s starter.

    With Taylor and Buffalo"s running game firing on all cylinders as of late, the Bills will pull off the upset against New York and give the Pittsburgh Steelers a chance to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

    Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns

    If Buffalo manages to upend the Jets, then the door will be open for Pittsburgh to assume the No. 6 seed in the AFC, assuming it can beat the rival Cleveland Browns on the road.

    The Steelers can"t afford to take anything for granted after losing to the Baltimore Ravens last time out, but the stars are aligned for them to make up for that defeat as Cleveland will be without quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has a concussion, according to SportsCenter.

    That means Pittsburgh will go up against the unheralded Austin Davis. In addition to that, Cleveland seems to have checked out as a team, which bodes well for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the explosive Steelers offense.

    The Steelers desperately need to win this game in order to keep their postseason hopes alive, and they have a chance to send Browns head coach Mike Pettine packing in the process. While no rivalry game is a given, Pittsburgh will simply be too much for a Browns team that is in disarray.

    San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos

    The Denver Broncos could find themselves in any number of positions on Sunday as they could seize the No. 1 seed, remain in the No. 2 seed or even fall into a wild-card spot depending upon what happens in their game and a couple of others.

    If the Broncos lose to the San Diego Chargers, then the Kansas City Chiefs can take the AFC West crown by beating the Oakland Raiders.

    Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler has a chance to ensure Denver will secure a first-round bye, but he"ll have to deal with an interesting dynamic, as future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is expected to be healthy enough to be the backup, according to SportsCenter.

    That could add some pressure on the 25-year-old signal-caller"s shoulders, but he insists his focus is solely on beating the Bolts rather than being named the starter, per Mike Klis of 9News in Denver:

    Obviously it means a lot. It shows I think that Coach believes in me, but once again, that"s not where my focus is. Like I"ve said before, whether I"m the starter, whether I"m the backup, I"m going to prepare the same exact way. I"m going to give this team everything I have every single week. Certainly to answer your question, yes, it means a lot, but that"s not really where my focus is. It feels good, but at the same time, I have a job to do this week.

    Osweiler certainly won"t have to get the job done on his own, as he has plenty of playmakers on offense and arguably the best defense in the league to support him as well.

    According to the Chargers" official Twitter account, offensive coordinator Frank Reich is most concerned with Denver"s defense and the challenges it will present:

    The Broncos can"t afford to let their guard down despite San Diego"s struggles this season since divisional games can be tricky, plus the Chargers always have a shot with Philip Rivers at quarterback.

    With a bye within reach and the defense continuing to play dominant football, though, the Broncos will close out the season with a win and render what the Chiefs do moot.

    Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers

    The final game of the regular season will pit the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers in a clash for NFC North supremacy.

    Green Bay will take the division with a win or tie, which would keep the Vikes in a wild-card spot, but Minnesota can ascend to the No. 3 seed and swap places with the Pack if it manages to pull off the upset at Lambeau Field.

    Minnesota has been the better team lately as it rides a two-game winning streak into Week 17. Green Bay, meanwhile, is coming off a 38-8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

    That may not matter, though, as the Packers beat Minnesota 30-13 on the road earlier in the season, shutting down running back Adrian Peterson in the process.

    Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn"t played great in recent weeks, but he tends to rise to the occasion in big games, especially at Lambeau Field. Because of that, the Packers will put Week 16"s beatdown behind them and come through with an NFC North-winning performance.

    Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.

    Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2604186-nfl-playoff-picture-2016-afc-nfc-wild-card-scenarios-and-week-17-predictions

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    2016 NFL Mock Draft: With the order (mostly) set, who goes where?


    McShay releases first 2016 Mock Draft

    At long last, we have at least some semblance of a 2016 NFL draft order. The top 20 spots have been claimed by the non-playoff teams, with the final 11 (New England lost its Round 1 pick) will be divvied up amongst the clubs still alive.

    The order used for this mock was distributed by the NFL earlier in the week, with Nos. 2131 based on team records and strength-of-schedule tiebreakers.

    • 1

      OT, Ole Miss

      Tunsil was not the top-ranked prospect onour last Big Boardbut he was close, and he will be there for many before all is said and done. Its rather easy to see the match here, tooTunsil can be Marcus Mariotas blindside protector, while Taylor Lewan slides to RT. Tunsils agility would only help him mesh with the mobile Mariota.

    • 2

      QB, Cal

      So much for my theory that Johnny Manziel would straighten up and earn a shot at the 16 starting gig. The thought of taking another QB this high probably makes Browns fans nauseous, but if Manziel is out,the revamped front office has to accept it. Goff is the draft"s best QB prospect and could compete early.

      PERLOFF: Cleveland should be optimistic after innovativeDePodesta hire

    • 3

      DE, Ohio State

      Ronnie Stanley would be awfully appealing in this scenario for a San Diego team crushed again by injuries up frontthe gap betweenTunsiland Stanley is tiny, if there is one. ButBosafalling into the Chargers" lap at No. 3 would be a pleasant surprise. He"s a scheme-versatile force who dominates opponents with his power along the line.

    • 4

      LB, UCLA

      The 2015 season was miserable for the Cowboys, but picking within the top five is a decent consolation prize for a team that can be in playoff contention again soon. Even with Bosa off the board, Dallas has its choice of dynamic defensive playmakers here. Assuming Jack"s health checks out, he might provide the most bang for the buck. The UCLA star is a rangy and athletic option at linebacker.

      BANKS: 10 storylines to watch in NFL playoffs

    • 5

      S/CB, Florida State

      It was painfully obvious again this year that Jacksonville needs to add talentany talentto its underachieving defense. The Jaguars did just fire defensive coordinator Bob Babich, but coach Gus Bradley could get max value from a player like Ramsey, who can float from corner to safety or be a permanent fixture either spot.

    • 6

      CB, Florida

      Dont let his shaky bowl performance fool you: Hargreaves is a legit NFL shut-down corner ready to happen. He more than held his own in some difficult matchups this season, showing a willingness to be physical coupled with the awareness to find the football.

    • 7

      OT, Notre Dame

      Getting Anthony Davis back from retirement would help (and possibly change the Round 1 plan), but Stanley is a top-10 option with experience on both the left and right sides. The 6"5" tackle uses his long arms and quick footwork to get defenders moving. With Joe Staley turning 32 this summer, planning for the future at left tackle is a smart play.

      WATCH: 49ers head coaching job one of the most attractive

    • 8

      DE, Clemson

      I had Lawson at No. 16 on the December Big Board and that might have been underselling him. This dude"s a beast. He comes at blockers with a variety of moves and rarely, if ever, takes a play off. The Dolphins will need help off the edge next season, and Lawson can bring it.

    • 9

      DE, Oregon

      This is another team that must get better up front, particularly at the end spot, and another player with dominant traits, just sitting there for the taking. Buckner is a monster, at 6"7", 300pounds. He might be a more natural fit in a 34, but his run-stuffing talent would allow him to make an immediate impact in a 43, with room to grow as a pass-rusher.

    • 10

      WR, Ole Miss

      Eli Manning will need more help along the line at some point, but ... man, Treadwell and Odell Beckham Jr. together? Much like the Beckham pick a couple years back, this would be a best-player-available choice of a prospect who just might be a superstar. Bonus: He"s a tenacious blocker downfield in the run game.

      BANKS: Black Monday SnapsOptions for replacing Coughlin

    • 11

      LB, Alabama

      We"re well within the rangeperhaps even a bit below itwhere Notre Dame"s Jaylon Smith should land if his knee injury turns out to be minor. (More on him after pick 31.) Ragland, the AP Defensive Player of the Year, won"t linger very long either. He can cover but excels downhill vs. the run. A great fit for Vic Fangio"s linebacker-needy defense.

    • 12

      OLB, Ohio State

      Absolutely one of my favorite prospects to watch in this class, Lee covers a ton of ground in the blink of an eye. More importantly, he covers therightgroundin other words, he"s not just aimlessly sprinting but diagnoses the action to find his target.The redshirt sophomore also notched 11 sacks in just two seasons.

    • 13

      OT, Ohio State

      Back-to-back Buckeyes. The race to be the third tackle off the board could come down to Decker and fellow Big Ten standout Jack Conklin, who appears just a few lines later here. Decker needs a big Senior Bowl week, but if he gets it his athleticism helps set him apart. He could be a long-time NFL left tackle, and the Eagles need to start planning for life after Jason Peters.

    • 14

      CB, Clemson

      The Raiders best corner this season? Improbably, it was Washington cast-off David Amerson. D.J. Hayden (Round 1, 2013) hasnt panned out at all the way Oakland hoped and T.J. Carrie (Round 7, 2014) is a work in progress. Enter Alexander, a touch undersized at 5"11" but aprospect with true No. 1 cornerback potential, especially in man-to-man assignments.

      TRASK: All owners should hire like Al Davis

    • 15

      QB, Memphis

      St. Louis (or wherever this team will be playing next season) absolutely has to find an answer at quarterback. Jeff Fishers uninspiring tenure has been derailed by constant issues there. The benefit the Rams have in the presence of Case Keenum and Nick Folesis that they could ease the high-upside, low-polish Lynch along, perhaps with 2017 in mind.

    • 16

      DT, Alabama

      Robinson looks like a 10-year NFL vet. The 320-pounder plays above his experience at times, too, thriving with purposeful power. What I mean by that is Robinson can use his frame and hands to get into gaps, but he isn"t a robot about it. He"ll sniff out where the O-line is moving and make sure to stay active.

    • 17

      DT/DE, Ole Miss

      Hopefully, the Nkemdiche picture becomes a lot clearer as the draft process unfolds. Right now, it"s almost impossible to guess where he might land. Talent-wise, he"s a top-10 prospect with insane levels of athleticism for a 300-pounder. But there are significant red flags, highlighted by last month"s fall from a hotel window, out of a room where police discovered marijuana.

    • 18

      OT, Michigan State

      And here"s the aforementioned Michigan State lineman. Personally, I see Decker as someone who projects out to be a left tackle. Conklin can play left tackle, right tackle or possibly even guard, but it"s hard to say that LT is his sure homehence his spot a notch below Decker. The Colts should be happy to take him, though. When healthy, Conklin is an intelligent, hard-nosed force. He has yet to declare for the draft.

      FARRAR: Colts surprise by extending Pagano

    • 19

      DE, Oklahoma State

      Ogbah also remains undecided about his NFL future, although the expectation is that he"ll turn pro. He is coming off a 12.5-sack, 16.5-tackles for loss yearhis burst on the corner is about what you"d expect from someone with those numbers. Especially if Mario Williams is gone, the Bills will be looking for more pass-rushing pop.

    • 20

      OLB, Georgia

      The Jets" potent D-line is just begging for a force to pair with it at outside linebacker. Lorenzo Mauldin showed glimpses, but Floyd is a better prospect. The redshirt junior also showed this season that he can do a little bit of everything at linebacker, meaning he doesn"t have to be stuck in a rush-only role.

    • 21

      WR, TCU

      Washington can take its pick between Doctson and Ohio State"s Michael Thomas for the big receiver it needsDoctson stands 63, 195. His height, hands, leaping ability and body control combine in a highlight-reel package. While thenuances of playing receiver at the NFL position will take time, the Redskins" stable of reliable pass-catchers could leave Doctson to do his thing.

      BURKE: Cousins at helm of red-hot Redskins heading into playoffs

    • 22

      RB, Ohio State

      There are other fits for Elliott higher in Round 1, and I won"t quibble if he pushes near the top 10. The Buckeyes" back is an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate waiting to happen, thanks to his three-down abilities as a runner, pass-catcher and blocker. This is a special offensive player.

    • 23

      G/T, LSU

      Outside of having to swap in Alejandro Villanueva for an injured Kelvin Beachum, the Steelers have enjoyed continuity along their line all yearthe other four starters all played nearly 1,100 snaps each. But with Beachum and Ramon Foster both impending free agents, will that be the case in 2016? Drafting Alexander would ease any concerns. He thrived for LSU at guard, then started at tackle this year.

    • 24

      CB, Virginia Tech

      A knee meniscus tear limited Fuller to just three games this season, but he is expected to be 100% in the near future. The younger brother of Chicagos Kyle Fuller, Kendall could be just what Seattle is missing opposite Richard Sherman. Clean up his technique a bit and the Seahawks will have another confident, aggressive corner that loves to play up on receivers.

    • 25

      OT, Indiana

      The Packers noted draft-and-develop approach means that a starting tackle likely will not be top priority headed into the off-season. However, as weve seen of late, they"re desperate for depth at OT and Spriggs could develop into a special player. The developing prospect was downright brilliant at times for Indiana, finding the second level and burying defenders.

    • 26

      S, Duke

      Eric Berry (a potential free agent) and Ron Parker handled the majority of Kansas Citys safety snaps in 2015, but Husain Abdullah also saw nearly 500 of his own. The Chiefs dont hesitate to take advantage of what three-safety looks can give them. Cash is competent in coverage, so long as he is not asked to play deep much in Cover-1, and hes a wrecking ball in the box.

    • 27

      WR, Ohio State

      Another receiver who can go up and get it. Like Doctson-to-Washington a bit earlier, adding Thomas to Minnesota would provide a complementary piece to whats already there and a target Teddy Bridgewater could trust to win b***s in tough spots. Long way to go, but Thomas sure looks destined to be a Round 1 choice.

    • 28

      DT, UCLA

      If the Bengals want a straight one-for-one replacement for nose tackle Domata Peko, they can wait. Or they can nab someone like Clark, an upgrade on the veteran Peko in a lot of ways. The UCLA product can play with strength and anchor; he also could wander to various spots up front, from at least zero- to three-tech.

    • 29

      DE, Alabama

      Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe both are approach free agency, so the Broncos could be in search for reinforcements soon. Allen deserves Round 1 consideration regardless. He could fit in either a 43 or 34, but for Denvers purposes Allens knack for pushing the pocket from inside fits. The 280-pounder notched 12 sacks this season.

    • 30

      DT, Alabama

      No surprise Alabama is headed to the title game when you see the incredible talent on their defense. Reed is another key figure, a 313-pound load insidethe duo of he and AShawn Robinson together, with Reed helping collapse things between the tackles, is borderline unfair. Rodney Gunter has been fine for Arizona, but he shouldn"t keep the Cardinals from adding interior competition.

    • 31

      DE, Michigan State

      Continue to believe Calhoun belongs in Round 1, even though his size (6"5", 250) runs him a little light for a traditional 43 NFL end. Calhoun finished his final Michigan State season with 10.5 sacks, a career high. The Spartans rarely took him off the field, which is a testament to his skill set.

    A few more quick thoughts here before we wrap up:

    Connor Cook would have been my third Round 1 quarterback, had I not gone with Elliott to Houston. (Denver also could be a QB spot late, depending on what happens with Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler.) Im more convinced at the moment that QB3 comes off the board via a team trading back into Round 1San Francisco? Philadelphia?

    New Englands erased first-round pick is significant for that reason, too. Losing a Round 1 selection is a significant punishment on its own, but Bill Belichick loves to wheel and deal come draft time. The Patriots slot would have been an obvious one to toss out in a trade-down scenario.

    The player I most wanted to fit in Round 1 but didn"t: USCs Sua Cravens. Hes a top-20 prospect, in my mind, but also a bit of a tough match in this type of exercise. The hybrid linebacker/safety could wind up playing strictly the former in the NFL. Odds are, though, there will be fewer direct fits for him because his best usage might come on a team willing to let him wander a bit.

    Look for a bunch of running backs drafted on Day 2. Alabamas Derrick Henry has a very real chance to be gone by then, but close behind him are the likes of Devontae Booker, Kenneth Dixon, Kareem Hunt, Paul Perkins, Alex Collins and others. It"s a really deep class.

    The news on Jaylon Smiths knee injury is devastatingmultiple outlets revealed that he tore his ACL and MCL in Notre Dame"s bowl game. ESPNs Darren Rovell reported earlier that Smith had a $5 million loss-of-value insurance policy in case he fell out of Round 1. Smith is probably going to cash that. Prior to the injury, he had a top-10 shot.

    Source: http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/01/06/2016-nfl-mock-draft-laremy-tunsil-jared-goff

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    Kaitlyn Bristowe, Shawn Booth Wedding Planning? Why "Bachelorette" Stars Are ...


    "Bachelorette" Kaitlyn Bristowe, Fiance Shawn Talk Wedding Plans

    Are Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth planning their wedding? The former Bachelorette and her fianc appeared on Bachelor Live Monday night, where they confirmed that they still don"t have a date. In fact, they say they want a lot of time together before they rush into anything.

    Chris Harrison started the interview by noting all the crazy stories about Kaitlyn and Shawn"s relationship. There are rumors the couple has broken up, and that Kaitlyn is already pregnant. But Kaitlyn insisted that they just laugh off all the speculation.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON KAITLYN"S WEDDING PLANS

    "I think if you read the headlines, it"s like, "They"ve broken up," but then if you actually read the article they"re like, "Just kidding, they haven"t,"" Kaitlyn said. "It"s really weird. But yeah, we"re good."

    Shawn Booth and Kaitlyn Bristowe joined Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici for a "Bachelor" double date.

    Chris then tried to probe Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth for more details on their upcoming wedding. Kaitlyn joked that they wanted to get married on April Fools" Day. But Shawn confirmed that there is no date is sight.

    SEE MORE ADORABLE PHOTOS OF SHAWN AND KAITLYN HERE ...

    "It"s been just a crazy few months, and [we"re] just enjoying it," Shawn said.

    Kaitlyn agreed. "I don"t know if you guys know, but it"s quite rushed on the show. So we"re not rushing anything right now, because we"re so happy. We have all of our life."

    Watch Kaitlyn and Shawn on Bachelor Live.

    But while Kaitlyn and Shawn are not making wedding plans just yet, she has revealed a few details about the ceremony. She told Bridesmagazine last month that she wants Whitney BischofforBecca Tilley in her wedding party. And unlike some brides, she doesn"t want to spend big money on her wedding dress.

    KAITLYN AND SHAWN JUST TOOK A HUGE STEP IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP! DETAILS ...

    "I will most likelysplurge on the open bar, and save on my dress. I"m good at finding good deals!" sheadmitted.

    Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth are happily in love, even though they are in no rush to get married.

    Kaitlyn and Shawn also have to decide if they will get married on TV. Both stars have said they would be open to the idea, but they would also want a separate wedding for their close family and friends.

    "We havent ruled out a televised wedding yet but what we definitely want to do is something small and closer with our friends, without cameras," Shawnsaidover the summer."So maybe do two separate weddings. Were not sure. Still stuff we got to kind of figure out."

    Would you watch Kaitlyn and Shawn"s wedding on TV? Let us know your take in the comments section below!

    Source: http://www.hollywoodtake.com/kaitlyn-bristowe-shawn-booth-wedding-planning-why-bachelorette-stars-are-no-rush-get-127096

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    Singer Craig Strickland made it out of lake before succumbing to hypothermia


    BACKROAD ANTHEM"s CRAIG STRICKLAND Found Dead

    (Courtesy FoxNews.com)

    The body of country singer Craig Strickland was found in a thick tree and brush area on Monday, authorities told to FOX411.

    "This thick tree line made it difficult to locate Strickland, who was wearing camouflage hunting gear," a statement from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol explained.

    Strickland was the lead singer of the Arkansas-based country-rock band Backroad Anthem. He disappeared during severe storms on Dec. 27 while on a duck hunting trip with friend Chase Morland.

    The pair"s capsized boat was found that day. Morland"s body was recovered from the lake on Dec. 28.

    The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division found Strickland"s body Monday morning, authorities said.

    "Stricklands body was located within the original search area known as Bear Creek Cove," authorities stated.

    The Oklahoma Highway Patrol stated the bodies of Morland and Strickland were found in the same general area.

    "Strickland and Morland had a 1977 Flat Bottom John Boat with no motor, and other hunting equipment such as an ice chest and decoys. These items created a "debris field" along the shore line. Both Strickland and Morland were located near this area."

    The singer"s wife, Helen, shared the news of his death on Twitter.

    #CraigStrickland was found today. He is safe with his Father in Heaven. Thank you Lord for leading us to him today. I will praise you, Amen.

    The country singer was 29.

    His wife, Helen, also described her husband"s final moments in an Instagram post.

    "The night of the accident he had fought his way out of the water and up a hill before the stages of hypothermia set in. He experienced no pain in his final moments and simply felt like he was falling asleep," she said.

    She thanked fans for their prayers and support.

    "There was not a more peaceful way for him to go into the arms of our Lord," she wrote, "and I know your prayers had a role in making that happen."

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    Source: http://www.wdrb.com/story/30890968/singer-craig-strickland-made-it-out-of-lake-before-succumbing-to-hypothermia

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