Peyton Hillis beats Matty Ice to advance in ESPN's Madden bracket

Don't look now, but Cleveland's own Peyton Hillis is in serious contention for the Madden 12 cover. Hillis beat out Ray Rice in the first round, and Matty Ice in the second round. I'll be honest, I like Natty Ice as much as Matt Ryan does, but his nickname alone doesn't give him the nod over Hillis in my mind (but it's still awesome). Hillis is now matched up against Jamaal Charles of the Chiefs. Get out and vote people. I'll put the link at the bottom.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR PEYTON HILLIS!

Random Old Indians Baseball Card Of The Day

Straight gangster stache.

Mock Draft v. 1.5: Picks 11-20

Here's part II of my 2011 NFL Mock Draft v.1.5

11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, OLB/DE, UNC

Quinn fits the Texans nicely as the adopt a new 3-4 defense. OLB Connor Barwin is an interesting prospect, but he is far from proven. Quinn would give new defensive coordinator Wade Philips a pass rushing threat to go along with solid inside linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing, who looks to move from the outside.

Keep an eye on: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

12. Minnesota Vikings: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Bowers won't fill a huge need for the Vikings, but he is a talent too good to pass up at this point. Paired with Jared Allen, the Vikings could have to rushers that could be constantly in the backfield. Another scenario is the Vikings trying to move down and get some value, targeting a quarterback in the later picks.

Keep an eye on: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

13. Detroit Lions: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Lions have other needs, but they cannot afford to have Matt Stafford keep getting injured. The top of the offensive line class isn't clear, but I can't see the first lineman taken be more of an athlete than tackle (Nate Soldier) or never played left tackle in college (Tyron Smith). That leaves Anthony Costanzo and Carimi. I give Carimi the nod based on a hunch, plus, his predecessor at Wisconsin has had some success thus far in the NFL, setting a good precedent for Badger linemen (Joe Thomas).

Keep an eye on: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

14. St. Louis Rams: Cameron Jordan, DL, Cal

Rams coach Steve Spanuolo loves his defensive line, but needs more than just Chris Long. James Ball played well, but isn't
exactly in his prime age-wise. Cameron Jordan is a talented player that could play inside or outside in the 4-3 defense. Athletic for his size, Jordan is the kind of player that Spagnuolo groom into a serious playmaker no matter where he lines him up.

Keep an eye on: Aldon Smith, DE, Missou

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams' futures uncertain, Miami is going to need to fix its running game. Ingram is a solid prospect who draws way too many comparisons to Emmitt Smith. However, new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll loves the ground-and-pound, and Ingram is a potential workhorse in the NFL.

Keep an eye on: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE, Mizzou

Defensive end is a big need for Jacksonville. Aaron Kampman had an ACL injury last year, and outside of him there isn't much to speak of. A lot of people mention the name Ryan Kerrigan in this pick but I think Aldon Smith is a better fit here. He's very raw but has a ton of potential.

Keep an eye on: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

17. New England Patriots: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue

Kerrigan fits the mold of a Belichick player: overachiever, hard worker. He'd be a nice addition to a young linebacking corps of Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo. OLB is a area of need for the Pats, Rob Ninkovich doesn't exactly strike fear into opposing offenses.

Keep an eye on: Cam Hayward, DL, Ohio St.

18. San Diego Chargers: Adrian Clayborn, DL, Iowa

Clayborn was once thought of as a top 5 or top 10 prospect, but dropped after a sub-par Senior season. Aside from head coach, there isn't much cause for concern for the Chargers. They can afford to take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player such as Clayborn.

Keep an eye on: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor

19. New York Giants: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Giants need to address their offensive line. Tyron Smith or one of the other offensive tackles should be big contenders for this pick. Smith falls in this mock because of his experience playing on the left side, but it seems that a lot of teams are enticed by his play regardless.

Keep an eye on: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona

Tampa addressed the interior of its defensive line nicely last year with Brian Price and Gerald McCoy. However, the pass rush still suffered, as the Bucs only had 26 sacks last season. Even with so many DE/OLB off the board, Tampa's young core gives it an opportunity to take a chance on a flier such as Reed.

Keep an eye on: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

Mock Draft 1.5: Top 10 Picks

I'll finish the entire mock in the next few days, but here is my top 10:


1. Carolina Panthers: Blane Gabbert, QB, Mizzou

I wanted to mock Cam Newton here so bad, cause Adam Schefter predicted it. However, owner Jerry Richardson has been pretty hesitant on playeDrs with character issues, and Newton definitely has a few red flags after a tumultuous season at Auburn. Gabbert is the call here because Jimmy Clausen did all he could to look like the second coming of Bubby Brister this year. I just dont see any other options, rumor has it Da'Quan Bowers has failed two physicals and Marcell Dareus is dropping as well. QB is the only option I see Carolina going. Unlike other teams, they dont have reason to bluff.

Keep an eye on: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

 2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama

Defense, defense, defense. John Fox is bringing a new scheme and Denver's defense is terrible. Dareus, like many other top prospects in this class brings rave reviews and an opportunity for the Broncos to remold that front four. With Robert Ayers and Elvis Dumervil on the outsides, Denver has a decent base for its new base defense.

Keep an eye on: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Chan Gailey and co. love playmakers, even when they don't need them (see Spiller, CJ). Newton provides a high risk/high reward prospect that could provide a spark to the Buffalo offense. Personally, I would stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick for the short-term instead of getting a QB who's going to either sit or not play as well as Fitz in 2011, but this is Chan Gailey we're talking about.

Keep an eye on: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

4. Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, UGA

With the two top QB's off the board, dont look for the Bengals to reach that far for a Ryan Mallet or any other QB. Green is the best player availible at this point, and it just so happens that the Bengals may be trying to lure Carson Palmer into staying. Ochocino is on the hot seat, as usual, and Green could be a great replacement for either him or T.O.

Keep an eye on: Gabbert/Newton

5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

With no top tier qb's left on the board, look for the Cardinals to address their dire linebacker unit. Von Miller can give the Cards a great rusher from the outside, though he is a bit undersized for a 3-4 defense. However, Whisenhunt and co. come from Pittsburgh, a team and system that does very well on accenting players strengths.   

Keep an eye on: Patrick Peterson


6. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Ideally, Heckert would love to land a defensive lineman here I would think. However, with Bowers having failed, according to SI's Peter King, two physicals with two separate teams and Nick Fairley slipping down draft boards, Patrick Peterson is by far the best player available. Heckert comes from that school of thought, and don't look for him to abandon it come draft day.

Keep an eye on: Da'Qwan Bowers, DE, Clemson

7. San Francisco 49ers: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Once again, with the two top QB's gone, San Fran has to look at its other needs. Amukamara is a player who can immediately step in and contribute in the secondary, taking the pressure off overpaid veteran Nate Clements. The Niners are a team that you shouldn't be surprised by if they try to trade up for one of the quarterbacks.

Keep an eye on: Alden Smith, OLB/DE, Mizzou

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Once the top candidate for the first overall pick, it looks as though Fairley has slipped. He's still an elite prospect, but his one-year-wonder persona isn't helping him. Tennessee would jump at the chance to scoop him up at #8 and pair him with 2010 first round pick Derrick Morgan, bringing a breath of fresh air to a once powerful front four.

Keep an eye on: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

9. Dallas Cowboys: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Watt is the ideal 5 technique, (3-4 tackle). He has the size and strength to hold his own on the defensive line and occupy blockers. Jay Ratliff is a force at the nose, and Igor Olshansky is the only serviceable defensive end on the roster. Rob Ryan will be pressing for some players that can help pass rushers DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer get even more pressure.

Keep an eye on: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama  


We all know Dan Snyder loves big names, and with the performance that Jones put on at the combine, his name has been shooting up draft boards. Some have argued that his workout has put him a hair ahead of AJ Green, but I don't see that being the case. Donovan McNabb had trouble last year and seems to be on thin ice, if he even makes it to the season. However, I'm assuming he will and Shanahan and co. will need to provide him with some weapons.

Keep an eye on: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC

Random Indians Baseball Card Of The Day

Throughout this 2011 Cleveland Indians season we will be posting a random old Indians baseball card here for all of you fans to enjoy. Just a little thing to stay interested if our World Series run falls apart.

Here is the first of many great ones to come. Nothing like starting the year off with David Justice. A fan favorite during his few years here in Cleveland when we ran shit in the AL Central. Good times.

If you have any sugestions for a RIBCD tweet at us @ClevelandsRocks