IEM themselves released a video the day before with highlights of the event so for (findable HERE). I posted this video to Facebook with the comment “Why I love e-sports”, which led to a comment from a contact stating “for the record… video games are not, and never will be sport”.

Now, I have a big problem with this statement, as I believe it is based upon a primitive and incorrect definition of what sport actually is. In my opinion, it is the view of those who believe sport to be the realm of physical activity and define it to mean as such. So naturally, when looking at obvious sports such as American Football, Soccer, Badminton and Squash, it makes sense to define it as such. It is also easy to see why e-sports would not be seen as sports under this definition.

However, under that definition, it can also be argued that events such as Formula 1, Snooker and Chess are not sports as they do not primarily rely upon physical activity as their means of competition, relying instead on the building of a team race-car, calculating the necessary action upon the cue-ball to score points and logically assessing the next tactical move to both attack and defend in order to achieve victory respectively. However, ask anyone on the street and all of the above will be defined as sports. The IOC and other competitive bodies recognise the above as sports, which must logically mean that the true definition of sport is different from the primitive one.

SportAccord is an “organisation for all international sports federations as well as organisers of multi-sports games and sport-related international associations”. (SOURCE). From FIFA (Soccer) and FIBA (Basketball) to FMJD (Draughts), it represents many of the worlds governing bodies.

It has provided a definition of sports that has been agreed upon by all of these bodies (SOURCE) and which I believe to be more fitting of describing what a sport actually is. With this definition, a sport is where an activity:

• has an element of competition
•  is in no way harmful to living creatures
• does not rely on equipment provided by a single supplier (excluding proprietary games), and
• does not rely upon luck for victory (I.e. requires skill to win).

In order to apply this to e-sports, I will use the three games competed in at IEM – StarCraft 2 (RTS), League of Legends (MOBA) and Counter-Strike 1.6). Given the nature of these games, they’re competitive nature is unquestionable and given their format, they obviously do not harm living creatures.

Despite what some SC2 pros will say (IdrA….), all of these games require a degree of skill to become successful – LoL has the build orders and team composition at the start with the drafts, Counter-Strike requires map knowledge, accurate mouse control and teamwork and StarCraft requires the skill to read your opponents strategy from scouting and react to it through your own play, manifested in both macro-management of resources and production and micro-management of individual units to make them as effective as possible.

The only point of possible contention with this definition is the reliance on a single provider for “equipment”. Within this definition, it does not mean equipment such as mice and keyboards, it means the format for playing the actual game, which is naturally developed and provided by a single party (ActivisionBlizzard for SC2, Riot Games for LoL and Valve for CS1.6) However, it has been defined that this rule is excluded for proprietary games (originally for sports such as Arena Football), so it would qualify under this rule and thus accepting these games as a correct definition of sport.

The only question that remains is the lack of a universal governing body for competitive gaming, but such an undertaking would be impossible with the hundreds of games that are competed upon every day at both offline events, online tournaments and the causal nature of many organisations, it would be a logistical nightmare in order for a single body to cover all of gaming. Thus the task usually falls to the largest organisations, with smaller organisations and casual players usually following their lead.

Hopefully this entry will open the eyes of those who do not believe that e-sports truly deserve that moniker and I ask them to see the highlights of any major tournament in the past few months and look at where e-sports is going in the future to see that it is becoming a major market for growth in the world and won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

ADDENDA – I may edit or add to this article over the next couple of days as comments and critisisms come in.

Every year, Valentines Day turns some singles into depths of despair. Sure, all the couples go out and express their affection (and fair play to them), and some of the singles (myself included) take the meaning of the ‘holiday’ in such a way that you can celebrate both your singleness (e.g. take an hour and go do a hobby or go out with friends) and all of your close friends. But it also turns all the insecure singles who say such things as “another year without a Valentine ;___; *forever alone*” and “OMG why are they’re no good men/women anywhere”, into the stereotypical ice-cream chugging facebook spammers.

Like I say, I fall in that second category. Sure, I don’t get cards, but who cares? I did stuff for me today – I went to lectures, did a bit of work, had a group project meeting, played a little bass, tidied the kitchen for the couple I live with to cook their meal together later on in the evening and then headed out to the uni’s Battle of the Bands heat and cheered on a very good friend of mine. I also made a point to let my closest friends know during the day that I truly appreciate them, especially at a time where some quite severe personal issues have arisen for me over the last couple weeks. No cataclysmic meltdown. Which lead me to think something on the drive home – what leads some singles to such misery?

Everyone has a fantastic support network of friends that would be there for you in the drop of a hat in a crisis. So what if your not in a relationship or getting laid tonight? Why not appreciate that you have people who legitimately appreciate, support and love you for who you are – isn’t Valentines simply a day to express the love you have for other people? Does the factor of it being platonic or sexual matter? To many, I’m sure it doesn’t. But I’m also sure many people are already dismissing me as an idiot with no clue what I’m talking about. To those people I ask to read the following few paragraphs.

I thought I’d do a little research on what people look for in a relationship partner. By and large, the same few key phrases kept coming up: humorous, good listener, personality, common interests, courage, honesty, kindness, trustworthy, work ethic, cute, clean, playful, sweet, not serious or clingy or too touchy – the list keeps going on and on through the usual buzzwords.

This leads me to two points – One, these words (barring looks unless you really are that shallow) describe what many people are also looking for in friends as well as potential boy/girl-friends. So surely if the two are very similar in qualities, surely then it would make sense that you can treat them as the same and appreciate friends as much as you would a partner.

Second, ask yourself why do you want a relationship? Do you gain any substantial benefit from being in one over being single? Sure, you have the chance to appease your natural desire to copulate with another human and your need for intimacy is met and potentially gain a relationship where you can mutually support and provide for each other for life. But ask yourself what do you lose as well – chances are you lose time that was for yourself and other friends. Maybe you don’t have as much time to do that hobby you enjoy. Maybe you can’t afford to go out to dinner with a significant other and out with friends and have to ration your spending. I’m not saying one is better than the other, but ask yourself truly what the real reason you want someone for, and is desiring such a thing worth the negative feelings?

So in 2013, when your in the same situation, don’t become all woe is me and the like. Realise that you have all the love you need in the world – and hey, who knows, that next friend you make might just be the one to give you it all.

–

This was a point I was developing at the start, but didn’t really tie in to the final article or have a finishing point, so I’ve put it as a separate point. It leads on from the point of what people desire in a relationship and sort of extends upon the equivalence between a friend and a relationship partner.

Most of the people I know have many of these traits, and only two or three of them differ vastly from person to person – personality and common interests. Naturally, factors like trustworthiness will help create a strong relationship, but without a personality that is considered attractive to you and any common interest (with very few exceptions), there can be no form of social bonding, whether be it friend or relationship partner.

Think about your best same-gender friend. Now why do you hang out with them? I’m willing to bet that 99% have said something that is about their personality that draws you in. or a common interest that you both share. In my case, and I’m willing to guess again that for most of you, it’s both.

Now apply that to either a relationship partner or someone you are attracted to. Once again, I’m willing to bet that it’s one of these two factors that is the key, if not both. Yes, physical looks are a factor, but if you were offered the choice between a relative 10 who hated everything you stood for or a relative 5 who shared every view and interest you want in a partner, who would you choose?

Let’s be honest, if I asked you to list five criteria who you look in a potential relationship partner, you could do it quite easily. Similar taste in music and entertainment, interested in debating current affairs, appreciates that I play video games (and may even want to join in), supports me for who I am regardless and isn’t a vegetarian. See, not that hard. Now, apply those to your friends. Chances are, many of them also apply to them.

1) Find a new theme, cause this one is stale.

Already done, and it is much clearer to see and much easier on the eye

2 ) Decide what I will use this blog for/schedule

Hopefully I will do a few small posts a week. Some of these will be focused upon American Sports, most likely Football. Topics will mostly include the Vikings as a primary focus, but will also include mock drafts up until the draft and other observations and predictions. Another few will be on the subject of my new found passion, StarCraft 2. From GSL to Evil Geniuses to a series I will dub ‘Battle From Bronze’, where I will hopefully journal my travels from the depths of Bronze League up until I reach my goal of Diamond League by learning the fundemental mechanics of the game and building up from there, not relying upon the cheap tactics of cheese, expect a reasonable amount of noob-level content . Finally, I will continue to do my insights into some news stories that are either debateable or simply idiotic and link videos that I come across on my journeys around the interwebs.

3) Go through old posts and remove ones that don’t apply or are just plain stupid.

Still to do but by and large, most of the posts may in fact stay.

I will put up a GSL Ro32 prediction post in a day or so, but until then, live loud everybody.

Well, I want that to change. Naturally, since I do actually like having people who take the time to read this have things to read now and again. So here’s what I plan to do

• Find a new theme, cause this one is stale.
• Decide what I will use this blog for – likely a combination of my thoughts and opinions on sports, news events and other comedic (if I’m capable of such) outputs.
• Go through old posts and remove ones that don’t apply or are just plain stupid.
• Create a posting schedule (sports likely twice a week, news when it happens, a video that isn’t EpicMealTime each week).

So yeah, bear with me for a few days, I’ll get there….eventually.

Following Uplink, Darwinia and DEFCON, there new game, Subversion, looks to be a really interesting project, sending fans into a massive state of addiction and paranoia. Best described by the team themselves

“Subversion is going to be set in a modern High Tech environment, with you taking “mission control” over a team of skilled operatives in a hostile High Security building. You will be using Sabotage, Social Engineering and Grifting, custom Electrical and Mechanical devices, Distractions, Hacking, Stealth, Acrobatics, Precision demolitions, Trickery, whatever gets the job done. In the best case scenarios your enemies will never know you were even there. When things go wrong, a well prepared escape plan and well timed precision violence will get you out of a tight spot – or maybe not.”

It would probably be better for you to see it rather than to try and keep explaining it. Enjoy!

So Chris Delay at Introversion Software (company behind Uplink, Darwinia and DEFCON) decided to create a tech demo one afternoon combining a Minecraft-style game engine with the Bullet Physics system and this was the result.

It’s worth noting that he did this in a couple hours, so obviously some of the physics are not realistic or properly coded, but it does make you wonder, could engines like Frostbite integrate this in the future with the might of EA and hundred’s of coders behind them? The results could be incredible.

Full blog post and technical information HERE

1 – CAR: Newton, Cam – QB – Auburn
Do I still believe this pick should be Gabbert? Personally, yes. But Ron Rivera is convinced that Newton is the future, so he will be the pick.

2 – DEN: Dareus, Marcell – DT – Alabama
Denver needs some DT help as they lose their three lead DT’s to the eventual free agency, and are switching back to the 4-3.

3 – BUF: Gabbert, Blaine – QB – Missouri
Chances (and rumours) are that this pick could be Von Miller. Even though the Bills seem to have an odd approach to the draft, you must have a franchise quarterback in this league to succeed and Gabbert fits nicely.

4 – CIN: Green, A.J. – WR – Georgia
With Jonathan Joseph a free agent, drafting Patrick Peterson may send him out of town. Even with that though, Cincinatti will most likely be going for a real offensive draft here, as they lose T.O, and Benson, will likely trade Ochocinco while he still has some value, and Carson Palmer has said he’s prepared to retire over coming back. Jay Gruden would love to get a QB here, but there isn’t one available, so he will go for his staple big reciever in Green.

5 – ARI: Miller, Von – OLB – Texas A&M
Most will probably going ‘WTF no peterson?!’, but even as talent goes, Von Miller is close in relative talent level, plus rush linebacker is a greater need for the Cardinals than corner.

The rest of the first round after the jump!

6 – CLE: Peterson, Patrick – CB – LSU
Could be Julio Jones, and they did just spend a #7 pick on Joe Haden, but Peterson is the best corner prospect in a long time, and it would be stupid for the Browns to pass him up. Plus good recievers can be found in the second round.

7 – SF: Quinn, Robert – DE – North Carolina
Arguments can be made for the Prince, but they really need pass rush help.

8 – TEN: Fairley, Nick – DT – Auburn
The Titans needs a big body to pair with Jason Jones. There are questions about work ethic and maturity issues, but I think they would be willing to over look that. One interesting factoid – the new DL coach for the Titans coached Fairley at Auburn

9 – DAL: Smith, Tyron – OT – USC
The Cowboys must protect Tony Romo in order to succeed. Prince Amukamara could have been my other choice, but rumour has it that Dallas isn’t that interested in him.

10 – WAS: Jones, Julio – WR – Alabama
They will be hoping for Robert Quinn, but will be more than happy with Julio Jones who fills a position of need in the wake of Santana Moss’s likely departure.

11 – HOU: Smith, Aldon – DE – Missouri
Houston will be looking for 3-4 personell for the new defence, and Aldon Smith fits the bill just fine.

12 – MIN: Amukamara, Prince – CB – Nebraska
I’ve seen a lot of mocks put Jake Locker here and to be honest, I think it’s a bad move for the Vikes if they do that – his accuracy is terrible, as is his decision making. I honestly believe that the Vikes should try and trade down with someone and obtain picks to select Christian Ponder at the bottom of the first and then a tackle in the second. However, since I’m not doing trades in this one, and the fact that he’s still available, I will instead be addressing the cornerback need.

13 – DET: Castonzo, Anthony – OT – Boston College
Detroit will be pissed on missing out on Amukamara by one pick. Jeff Backus in my opinion (regardless of what the stats or pundits say) is a terrible left tackle, and would be much better served on the right. Castonzo would help Detroit acomplish that.

14 – STL: Liuget, Corey – DT – Illinois
The rams need an upgrade next to Fred Robbins, and Corey Liuget fits the bill perfectly.

15 – MIA: Ingram, Mark – RB – Alabama
Most likely will be a trade down for Mike Pouncey (the popular pick), but assuming no trades, I have to believe Ingram will be the pick, even with concerns of an arthritic knee.

16 – JAX: Kerrigan, Ryan – DE – Purdue
Case could be made for J.J.Watt, but Kerrigan is the sort of player the Jaguars like to draft, and happens to fill a position of need.

17 – NE: Jordan, Cameron – DE – California
NE really need some pass rush, and again Watt could be the pick here, but Jordan has experience and flexibility all across the line, something that will likely appeal to Bill Belichick

18 – SD: Watt, J.J. – DE – Wisconsin
The Chargers lose Jacques Cesaire to Free Agency, but he needed to be replaced anyway. Watt is a great player and a great fit for the Chargers.

19 – NYG: Solder, Nate – OT – Colorado
Probably would prefer a rush lineback here, so could trade down for Akeem Ayers (I hear Pouncey draws interest from the Steel City), but here, the best value is at OT.

20 – TB: Clayborn, Adrian – DE – Iowa
The Bucs need defensive end help and Clayborn is probably the best player on the board.

21 – KC: Carimi, Gabe – OT – Wisconsin
In a previous draft, I called this pick a lock for NT Phil Taylor, as Pioli would be looking for his Wilfork. However, Taylor has got an inoperable condition on his foot which has only recently come to light, and will likely see him drop out the first round altogether. Chances are now that they will look to upgrade OT and finally get rid of Branden Albert.

22 – IND: Pouncey, Mike – OG – Florida
Would probably want an OT or DT, thus would possibly trade down, maybe to get value for Andy Dalton or Colin Kaepernick. Polian likes to spend first rounders on offensive players and pass rushers, and Pouncey is a great talent. Chances are the Steelers will come calling.

23 – PHI: Smith, Jimmy – CB – Colorado
They would love to trade up and get the Prince and they have the ammunition for it, but in lieu of that, Jimmy Smith is the next best thing.

24 – NO: Heyward, Cameron – DE – Ohio State
Heyward has the size that the Saints like, plus he fits a need in the end spot opposite Will Smith. Could be Da’Quan Bowers as well, but his atrotious Pro Day and health concerns will likely take him out of the first round.

25 – SEA: Wilkerson, Muhammad – DT – Temple
Can play both 4-3 DT and LE in the 3-4 in the hybrid scheme Seattle run and gives insurance in case they lose their free agents.

26 – BAL: Williams, Aaron – CB – Texas
Baltimore could lose three of it’s top corners to free agency, and will likely need to replace the ones they lose. Top player on their board would likely be Cameron Heyward though – possibly a trade up?

27 – ATL: Rudolph, Kyle – TE – Notre Dame
Biggest riser between the last draft and now. Tony Gonzales is entering the final stages of his career, possibly even retiring this season if the lockout carries on. Rudolph is likely the highest player on the board.

28 – NE: Ayers, Akeem – OLB – UCLA
NE need a new bookend for their line opposite Vollmer, but Sherrod is likely an early second rounder, and will likely be taken with pick #33 or a traded pick. Having solved their defensive end problem, they will look to solve the rush linebacker issue with Ayers.

29 – CHI: Watkins, Danny – OT – Baylor
Can play both Guard and Tackle and will help the Bears protect their glass cannon.

30 – NYJ: Houston, Justin – DE – Georgia
Would have liked Phil Taylor, but will likely be scared off by his foot condition. Aside from him, the Jets will be looking extensively at Justin Houston to beef up the pass rush against the inevitable matchups against Manning, Brady and Roethlisburger.

31 – PIT: Harris, Brandon – CB – Miami
Everyone and their grandma knows that Pittsburgh will want to trade up for Mike Pouncey. At this pick though, it’s a catch-22 as there are not many prospects that fit the system. That said, the Steelers are looking to upgrade Bryant McFadden and Harris is the best DB available.

32 – GB: Reed, Brooks – DE – Arizona
Will play rush linebacker opposite Clay Matthews, and has drawn some comparisons to him, although he is not as naturally talented.

1 – CAR: Gabbert, Blaine – QB – Missouri
2 – DEN: Dareus, Marcell – DT – Alabama
3 – BUF: Newton, Cam – QB – Auburn
4 – CIN: Green, A.J. – WR – Georgia
5 – ARI: Miller, Von – OLB – Texas A&M
6 – CLE: Quinn, Robert – DE – North Carolina
7 – SF: Peterson, Patrick – CB – LSU
8 – TEN: Fairley, Nick – DT – Auburn
9 – DAL: Amukamara, Prince – CB – Nebraska
10 – WAS: Jones, Julio – WR – Alabama
11 – HOU: Watt, J.J. – DE – Wisconsin
12 – MIN: Smith, Tyron – OT – USC
13 – DET: Smith, Aldon – DE – Missouri
14 – STL: Liuget, Corey – DT – Illinois
15 – MIA: Ingram, Mark – RB – Alabama
16 – JAX: Kerrigan, Ryan – DE – Purdue
17 – NE: Castonzo, Anthony – OT – Boston College
18 – SD: Wilkerson, Muhammad – DT – Temple
19 – NYG: Solder, Nate – OT – Colorado
20 – TB: Jordan, Cameron – DE – California
21 – KC: Ayers, Akeem – OLB – UCLA
22 – IND: Carimi, Gabe – OT – Wisconsin
23 – PHI: Smith, Jimmy – CB – Colorado
24 – NO: Clayborn, Adrian – DE – Iowa
25 – SEA: Bowers, Da’Quan – DE – Clemson
26 – BAL: Heyward, Cameron – DE – Ohio State
27 – ATL: Reed, Brooks – DE – Arizona
28 – NE: Pouncey, Mike – OG – Florida
29 – CHI: Harris, Brandon – CB – Miami
30 – NYJ: Houston, Justin – DE – Georgia
31 – PIT: Taylor, Phil – DT – Baylor
32 – GB: Watkins, Danny – OG – Baylor

1 – CAR: Gabbert, Blaine – QB – Missouri
Wolves Pick: Blaine Gabbert (by Marcus Cross)

2 – DEN: Dareus, Marcell – DT – Alabama
Wolves Pick: Da’Quan Bowers (by Charlie Southgate)

3 – BUF: Newton, Cam – QB – Auburn
Wolves Pick: Nick Fairley (by Charlie Southgate)

4 – CIN: Green, A.J. – WR – Georgia
Wolves Pick: Cam Newton (by Charlie Southgate)

5 – ARI: Miller, Von – OLB – Texas A&M
Wolves Pick: Von Miller (by Marcus Cross)

6 – CLE: Bowers, Da’Quan – DE – Clemson
Wolves Pick: Patrick Peterson (by Jack O’Mahony)

7 – SF: Peterson, Patrick – CB – LSU
Wolves Pick: Marcell Dareus (by Jack T)

8 – TEN: Quinn, Robert – DE – North Carolina
Wolves Pick: Robert Quinn (by Ben Nagle-Taylor)

9 – DAL: Amukamara, Prince – CB – Nebraska
Wolves Pick: Prince Amukamara (by Jason Cross)

10 – WAS: Jones, Julio – WR – Alabama
Wolves Pick: Julio Jones (by Stu Coles)

11 – HOU: Smith, Aldon – DE – Missouri
Wolves Pick: Cameron Jordan (by Ben Nagle Taylor)

12 – MIN: Fairley, Nick – DT – Auburn
Wolves Pick: A.J. Green [Traded to SD] (by Jack T)

13 – DET: Smith, Tyron – OT – USC
Wolves Pick: Aldon Smith [Traded to TB] (by Jason Cross)

14 – STL: Liuget, Corey – DT – Illinois
Wolves Pick: Corey Liuget (by Marcus Cross)

15 – MIA: Ingram, Mark – RB – Alabama
Wolves Pick: Mark Ingram (by Demi Omisakin)

16 – JAX: Watt, J.J. – DE – Wisconsin
Wolves Pick: J.J Watt (by Charlie Southgate)

17 – NE: Solder, Nate – OT – Colorado
Wolves Pick: Tyron Smith [Traded to PHI] (by Stu Coles)

18 – SD: Wilkerson, Muhammad – DT – Temple
Wolves Pick: TBD [Traded to MIN]

19 – NYG: Castonzo, Anthony – OT – Boston College
Wolves Pick: TBD

20 – TB: Clayborn, Adrian – DE – Iowa
Wolves Pick: TBD [Traded to DET]

21 – KC: Carimi, Gabe – OT – Wisconsin
Wolves Pick: TBD

22 – IND: Pouncey, Mike – OG – Florida
Wolves Pick: TBD

23 – PHI: Smith, Jimmy – CB – Colorado
Wolves Pick: TBD [Traded to NE]

24 – NO: Jordan, Cameron – DE – California
Wolves Pick: TBD

25 – SEA: Williams, Aaron – CB – Texas
Wolves Pick: TBD

26 – BAL: Heyward, Cameron – DE – Ohio State
Wolves Pick: TBD

27 – ATL: Kerrigan, Ryan – DE – Purdue
Wolves Pick: TBD

28 – NE: Ayers, Akeem – OLB – UCLA
Wolves Pick: TBD

29 – CHI: Sherrod, Derek – OT – Mississippi St.
Wolves Pick: TBD

30 – NYJ: Taylor, Phil – DT – Baylor
Wolves Pick: TBD

31 – PIT: Harris, Brandon – CB – Miami
Wolves Pick: TBD

32 – GB: Watkins, Danny – OT/G – Baylor
Wolves Pick: TBD

As my university American Football Team (Go Wolves!) prepares to do a mock draft of our own, team-mates are assuming the roles of GMs across the NFL in making decisions for the franchises they represent. The Vikings were already taken, so in addition to my in-depth review that I am planning to write for them, I will also be looking at my initial second choice, the New York Jets. But when deciding on what other team I would do, I didn’t go for one of my other crushes in the Ravens, as that would be too easy. Instead, I went for one of the most interesting options in the draft – what will Carolina do at #1?

It’s always a quandry for teams at the top of the draft, as the money involved is so high and picks can seem obvious, but as  can be seen in many instances (JaMarcus Russell over Adrian Peterson, Troy Williamson over Aaron Rodgers, Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers etc.), top 10 picks can be some of the hardest to nail down, and can often cost a head coach, scouting director and GM their reputation and jobs with a team reasonably quickly, as well as setting a franchise back for many years. So assuming the role as GM for the NFL’s worst team last year, this is what I came up with:

Looking at the roster and the talent that is available, I believe that this pick can be spent on one of three areas: a quarterback, a defensive tackle, or a wide receiver.

A.J. Green

I’ll get the ludicrous one out the way first – there is no way this pick will be a receiver. Despite Steve Smith losing the speed burst he relies on to be a big play threat, the rest of the corp not playing at all well and with A.J.Green sitting right there, it’s the smallest of the three considering they have no defensive tackles that could even be labelled as a serviceable starter, and the QB situation doesn’t look great.

Discussion into the QB and DT options after the jump.

“But Marcus”, I hear you all say, “they drafted Clausen in the second round last year, and they also have Matt Moore and Tony Pike on the roster, so surely they are all sorted right?”. Wrong. Matt Moore is a free agent and it is very unlikely he will be resigned due to the new regime under HC Ron Rivera and OC Rob Chudzinski (see below) When second stringer Jimmy Clausen made it in due to an injury to Moore, he was exposed to poor blocking (from an oft-injured offensive line), a receiving corp lacking in ability and some very questionable coaching.

However, this exposed the main problems that many draft analysts called out on him last year – his intangibles. Some of the body language he displayed was quite frankly disheartening, and his lack of leadership in tough situations should show up some massive red flags for the new coaching staff. He also made some very questionable reads in his play, even for a rookie, so it would be doubtful that Rivera would look to keep him.

Which brings me to my next point – many new coaches bring in their own guy in order to truly reform the program into their own. The extreme example of this is Josh McDaniels trading away his All-Pro QB in Jay Cutler and receiving Kyle Orton in return and basing the franchises offense around him. Obviously this didn’t end too well as McDaniels was fired this season, but it’s the approach that very often brings in the most success – Colt McCoy, Matthew Stafford, Matt Cassel (when traded to KC), Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, JaMarcus Russell – All brought in because of the ‘new regieme, new QB’ principle. Not always does it hold true, and some of the names above didn’t pan out (one in particular), but it generally holds true that you build the franchise around a new QB to define your leadership.

Blaine Gabbert

So what options are there? Well the only two prospects I would consider even taking at No. 1 are Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton. Newton is the prospect gaining most of the attention, and rightfully so, as his perceived HWS, Leadership and Durability are preferable to Gabbert’s, and although he was at Auburn for just one season, he led them to a national championship. However, there are concerns about his character due to thefts in 2008 and academic cheating whilst he was at Florida, as well as scrutiny into his decision making, as he tends to take too long to make the right read and then not trusting it once he makes the call.

With Gabbert, hardly any of these negatives exist. Sure, he comes from the spread system and has barely any experience of running an offence from under center, but all his other traits are incredible – accuracy, power, mobility, intelligence and leadership are all key traits that he has down to a tee. Not to mention he was an All-Academic for the Big 12 and never missed a game for Missouri. With Chudzinski utilising tight ends and shorter routes more often than the deep ball, Gabbert would be my preferable choice.

The other position to look at is defensive tackle, because, as I said earlier, they have no nameable starter on their roster.

Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley stands as the consensus best defensive tackle in the draft, as well as being in the debate for one of the best players in the draft. All of last season at Auburn, he dominated in both the pass and the run game by beating double teams, consistently beating blockers and possessing excellent technique. His work ethic has been questioned but you cannot question his production and his selection would form an anchor for the Panthers line for many seasons to come.

There is another reason why, if I was the General Manager of the Panthers, that Fairley could be the pick over Gabbert – the cash. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is known to be in the group of owners that doesn’t like paying big money to high draft picks, and therefore he would naturally push for the cheaper option of a defensive tackle over the riskier and more expensive option of a QB, and if it needed to be a key factor, then it would most likely be the pick, even with the large cap space the Panthers would have.

But let’s assume for a moment that I have the final say on the draft pick and roster movement, regardless of internal financial constraints. In my honest opinion, despite the fact that with Fairley, you can anchor your defensive line and your front seven for many years around him, I would have to advise the coaches on the ‘new regime, new quarterback’ principle in order to truly have an effect on the team and to develop someone for this year and then begin to build around them with the remaining picks and the following draft.

With that deliberation – With the first pick, in the 2011 NFL (Warwick Wolves Mock) Draft, the Carolina Panthers take – Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri. I would also look to ship WR Steve Smith out of town for more draft picks and to remove his negative character from the locker room in order to aid the development of Gabbert.