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Ali Marpet

Ali Marpet

Ali Marpet made history in 2015 as the highest ever draft pick from a Division III school (Hobart) when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the Offensive Lineman in the Second Round.

Marpet won the starting job at Right Guard as a rookie, where he played two years before he was shifted to Center for a year as Tampa Bay had a need to fill, and thought he could perform adequately.  The year after, Marpet was moved back to the Guard position, this time on the left side, and held his ground for four years, including his final one where he was chosen for the Pro Bowl, and protected the legendary Tom Brady on the road to a Super Bowl win.

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Ervin Santana

Ervin Santana
Ervin Santana had a long career as a Starting Pitcher in the Major Leagues. Although he surpassed 150 career Wins, he did so in bunches.

The Dominican hurler made his debut for the Angels in 2005 and had 30 Wins against 16 Losses in his first two years, but his ERA was well over four. Santana had a bad 2007 season (7-14, 5.76 ERA), but he responded with his best year as an Angel, going 16-7 with a 3.49 ERA and made it to the All-Star Game. Santana finished in the top ten in Cy Yung voting, but it would take another ten years before he could do it again. Throughout his career, Santana had good years mixed with others where he had an ERA near five or above, but he was always good enough to remain a starter.

Santana was traded to Kansas City with one year left on his contract and signed with Atlanta as a free agent for another year before joining Minnesota in 2015. It was as a Twin that Santana had his best year, with a 16-8 record and a 3.28 ERA. He led the American League in Complete Games (5), Shutouts (3), and earned his second and last All-Star Game appearance, with another top ten finish for the Cy Young.

Santana dealt with finger issues and other injuries and only appeared in eight games over the following two seasons (the last year as a member of the Chicago White Sox). He had one final year in the Majors with a return to Kansas City, where he pitched out of the pen, and he retired with 151 Wins against 129 Losses.
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Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson quickly proved to be a complete package as a running back. He was an All-American in his first season at Oklahoma and made history as the first freshman to be the runner-up for the Heisman. Peterson played two more seasons with the Sooners, but ankle issues prevented him from having the same impact in those years. Despite scouts' concerns about his past injuries, Peterson was highly regarded. Minnesota drafted him with their seventh overall pick, and his injuries did not hamper him as some had expected.

Peterson proved that he possessed all the skills the scouts had predicted he would. He was a speedy athlete with a strong frame who could outperform you in outrunning, overpowering, and outmaneuvering you. The Running Back confidently claimed that he would win the Offensive Rookie of the Year title, and he successfully did so by rushing for 1,341 Yards, scoring 12 Touchdowns, and setting a record for the most rushing yards in a single game (296). Even though Peterson had achieved similar results in his freshman year in college, doubters still wondered if he could remain durable over the next few seasons. Nevertheless, Peterson proved them wrong yet again.

Peterson won his first Rushing Title (1,760) as a sophomore and his first Rushing Touchdown Title (18) in his third season. He was a First Team All-Pro in both of those years. As a result, Peterson was the top Running Back in the National Football League at the start of the 2010s.

Peterson remained a top player over the next two seasons, scoring a dozen touchdowns each year. However, in 2011, he suffered a significant injury that was a major setback for his career. Peterson tore his ACL and MCL and was unlikely to return to the field until Game 1 in 2012. Despite this challenge, Peterson approached his recovery with the same determination he showed on the field against defenders.

Peterson's 2012 season was truly remarkable, especially considering the challenges he faced during the off-season. Despite this, he managed to stay healthy and had the best performance of his career. He won two titles that season - the Rushing Title (with 2,097 yards) and the Yards From Scrimmage Title (with 2,314 yards), both career-highs. Peterson was also awarded the AP MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Awards. It was a season that will go down in history and is arguably the most outstanding offensive year in the history of the Minnesota Vikings.

Adrian Peterson rushed for 1,266 yards in the 2013 season, which was an emotional year for him due to the tragic loss of his two-year-old son at the hands of his mother's live-in boyfriend. The following season, Peterson faced child abuse allegations and was only able to play in one game. As a result, he was suspended for the entire season.

However, Peterson returned in the 2015 season with a vengeance, gaining 1,485 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. This performance was a significant achievement for him, as he topped the NFL in both categories for the first time. Although he had better performances earlier in his career, this season was Peterson's last All-Pro year. In the six years that followed, he struggled with injuries and moved from team to team.

Despite these challenges, Peterson still had moments of greatness, such as in the 2018 season when he played for the Washington Redskins and gained close to 2,000 yards in his two years there. He also had brief runs with Arizona, New Orleans, Detroit, Tennessee, and Seattle. Throughout his career, he amassed 14,918 rushing yards, 17,808 all-purpose yards, and 126 touchdowns, along with numerous individual awards.

Despite the off-field controversies, Peterson is regarded as one of the greatest running backs in history and has the statistics and awards to back it up.
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A.J. Bouye

A.J. Bouye

Undrafted in 2013, A.J. Bouye signed with the Houston Texans and made the team.  Used as the third or fourth Cornerback for his first three years, he started 11 Games in 2016 and proved himself to be good enough to start for any team.  A free agent, Bouye signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he promptly had his best season, where he had a career-best six Interceptions, was a Second Team All-Pro and went to his only Pro Bowl.  Bouye never had a year like that again, and he played four more years, two with the Jags and one each with Denver and Carolina.

He had 14 Interceptions and 366 Combined Tackles.

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Tyler Eifert

Tyler Eifert

Tyler Eifert won the 2012 John Mackey Award as the nation’s top Tight End, so it was expected that he would be the first of his position taken in the following draft, which he was when he was drafted 21st overall by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Eifert had a good run with the Bengals, playing seven years there, peaking with a 13-touchdown/615-yard season in 2015, when he was named to the Pro Bowl. He struggled to remain healthy through most of his career, as in three of his seasons in Cincinnati he played in four Games or less. Eifert closed his career with a year in Jacksonville and accumulated 2,501 Yards and 26 Touchdowns.

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WrestleMania 40 picks and predictions

WrestleMania 40 picks and predictions

WrestleMania has long been celebrated as the pinnacle of professional wrestling entertainment, drawing fans from across the globe to witness the spectacle of athleticism, drama, and storytelling that unfolds within the squared circle. As the wrestling world gears up for the 40th iteration of this event, anticipation reaches a fever pitch, with fans speculating on the outcomes of the highly anticipated matchups. 

WrestleMania 40 is shaping up to be a landmark event featuring a card that promises to showcase wrestling talent and deliver on the intense rivalries and captivating storylines that have been brewing.

Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes

This colossal collision has been brewing for months. Cody Rhodes, the prodigal son returning from AEW, set his sights on the ultimate prize – the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship held by the seemingly invincible Roman Reigns. 

It was a lengthy journey, but Rhodes vs. Reigns II is now confirmed as the main event for WrestleMania. Initially, WWE seemed poised for a Reigns vs. Rock showdown, but overwhelming fan demand prompted a change in plans, returning Cody to the main event scene where many felt he belonged. 

Cody is widely expected to conclude his narrative by capturing the WWE title. This will allow Roman Reigns to feud with The Rock, setting the stage for their headline match at WrestleMania 41.

This one's a toss-up. While Reigns' reign has been historic, the narrative leans towards Rhodes' triumphant return. For their upcoming Universal Championship match, Cody Rhodes is the favorite at -600 odds, while Roman Reigns is the underdog at +350. However, a potential twist could involve interference, setting up a future rematch.

Seth Rollins & Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns & The Rock: 

Night one throws a massive curveball with this tag team clash. The Rock, a legend returning to the grandest stage, teams up with Reigns, adding another layer of intrigue. 

The upcoming tag team match at WrestleMania between Roman Reigns and The Rock and Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins is poised to be the most significant in the event's history. The Rock challenged Cody and Seth with significant implications for Night 2. 

If Rock and Roman emerge victorious, Cody's match with Roman will adhere to Bloodline Rules. Conversely, if Rhodes secures the win, he will earn a one-on-one shot against Reigns for the title with no outside interference allowed. 

It adds to The Rock's first substantial match since WrestleMania 28. Given WWE's penchant for dramatic twists, it's no surprise that Reigns and Rock are favored. On Sunday night, WWE promises fans an unforgettable main event with all the bells and whistles. This could be a strategic move by WWE to preserve Roman's reign while giving fans a dream match experience.

Expect a thrilling encounter, but the odds favor Reigns and The Rock. They are listed at -500, indicating they are the clear favorites to win. On the other hand, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are the underdogs at +300, suggesting an upset. This match is not just about the rivalry between the two teams but also the individual dynamics within each pairing. 

Betting on the event is expected to play a huge part in the fan's engagement with the event. Using the PrizePicks promo code can offer special bonuses to enhance your WWE betting experience. 

Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre (World Heavyweight Championship): 

A clash of two former champions with unfinished business. Rollins, the current titleholder, faces the ever-resilient Drew McIntyre.With the focus on the main event, Rollins might retain here. However, McIntyre's victory wouldn't be a surprise, setting the stage for future championship pursuits.

Drew McIntyre is expected to defeat Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. McIntyre is the clear favorite at -300 odds, while Rollins is the underdog at +350, indicating that a victory for him would be considered an upset.

McIntyre's recent success as a menacing heel and his victory in the Chamber has set the stage for a potential title win at WrestleMania. Despite not winning a world title since 2020, McIntyre now has the opportunity to do so against Seth "Freakin" Rollins.

However, there is a caveat to these odds related to McIntyre's contract status. There are rumors that his contract is set to expire after WrestleMania 40, and if he and WWE cannot come to terms on an extension, it may impact the match's outcome. If McIntyre is not planning to renew his contract, it might not make sense for him to win the championship.

Logan Paul vs. Randy Orton & Kevin Owens

Logan Paul will face Randy Orton and Kevin Owens at WrestleMania. Paul is the favorite at -400 odds. Orton follows at +250, while Owens is the underdog at +1,400, suggesting a significant upset if he wins. 

Paul has been vocal about his lack of a WrestleMania opponent, but he now has two formidable challengers. Owens and Paul have been embroiled in a long-standing feud, and Paul recently interfered in a match, costing Orton a victory in the Elimination Chamber. 

Given that SummerSlam will be held in Paul's home state of Ohio, he will likely retain the U.S. Championship until then, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already intense rivalry.

Final Thoughts

WrestleMania 40 promises a spectacular blend of dream matches, returning legends, and rising stars. With captivating storylines, high-stakes championship bouts, and the potential for unforgettable surprises, this two-night event will impact the wrestling world. 

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Russell Okung

Russell Okung

At Oklahoma State, Russell Okung won the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, cementing himself as a top draft pick for 2010.  He went sixth overall, going to Seattle and was the second Offensive Lineman taken behind likely Hall of Famer Trent Williams.  Okung did not have Williams’ career, but it was still pretty good.

Okung won the starting Left Tackle job as a rookie, starting the first 10 Games before a season-ending ankle injury took him out.  It was the same as a sophomore, only this time, after 12 Games, it was a pectoral injury that ended his year.  A healthy Okung went to his first Pro Bowl, but again in 2013, he missed significant time due to injury.  That did not take away from what was the best moment of his professional life, as Okung and the Seahawks won that year’s Super Bowl.  He played two more years with Seattle before testing free agency and landing with the Denver Broncos in 2016.

The Lineman was only a Bronco for one year and joined the Los Angeles Chargers, wherein, in 2017, he went to his second and last Pro Bowl.  After three years in L.A., he was traded to the Carolina Panthers and had one last NFL campaign.

Okung started all 131 of his NFL Games.

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Olivier Vernon

Olivier Vernon

Olivier Vernon had a nice collegiate career at the University of Miami, and the local pro team noticed, as the Miami Dolphins made the Defensive End a Third Round Pick in 2012.

Vernon became a starter as an NFL sophomore at Right Defensive End, and in that year, he had a career-best 11.5 Sacks.  Joining the New York Giants in 2016, Vernon was a Second Team All-Pro and would be a Pro Bowler in 2018.  He played two more years in Cleveland, and had a total of 63.5 Sacks over a nine-year run.

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Dexter Fowler

Dexter Fowler
A month before making his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies, Dexter Fowler was a United States Olympic Team member who won Bronze at the 2008 Olympics. Called up that September, Fowler was eighth in National League Rookie of the Year voting the following season and was the NL leader in Triples in 2010. Playing with the Rockies until 2013, Fowler was not a star but was a competent everyday player with above-average speed who could steal you a game.

Fowler was traded to Houston in 2014 and subsequently dealt to the Chicago Cubs a year later. He was only there for two seasons, but the second one is what his career is most known for. The year in question was 2016 when Fowler went to his only All-Star Game and helped lead the Cubs to their first World Series in 108 Years. Notably, Fowler made history as the first player to lead off a game by hitting a Home Run.

Fowler left Chicago as a Free Agent and played for the St. Louis Cardinals for four seasons. While declining, he had his two best power years, with 18 Home Runs in 2017 and 19 in 2019. Fowler was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, but a torn ACL held him to 7 Games, and he could not make a comeback.

The Outfielder had 1,306 lifetime Hits.
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Derek Holland

Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a former Starting Pitcher best known for his time with the Texas Rangers in the first half of the 2010s.

Though he was a 25th Round Pick in 2006 and not highly rated, Holland impressed in the Minors and made it to Texas in 2009 as part of their starting rotation. He had his best year in 2011, with a record of 16-5, and was the league leader with four shutouts. Holland played a crucial role in helping Texas reach the World Series, where he secured a win over the Yankees in the ALCS. Despite at least ten wins over the following two seasons, a series of injuries hindered the rest of his career.

He later played for Chicago (AL), San Francisco, Chicago (AL), Pittsburgh, and Detroit. Holland retired with an 82-83 record and is unlikely to appear on the ballot.
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