FanHouse Freddy Keiaho

Occasionally FanHouse's resident referee will chime in with thoughts on major topics relating to officiating. We call it The Zebra Report.

I guess I should first introduce myself, considering I'm under the moniker of "FanHouse's resident referee." I have been a football official for the past ten years ... or since I was 20. I've been a certified professional high school official for the past eight years, and have had the pleasure of working several high-profile games, including ones with nationally ranked teams.

I'm also not stupid. I realize the NFL officials are much better and more experienced than I am ... and this puts me in the minority, apparently, when it comes to fans of the NFL. Over the early weeks of the NFL season, I've seen nothing but whining about the officiating and talk of how embarrassing it has become. This is usually done by someone that knows nothing about the rules, and/or has obvious bias. Most arguments are flawed, lacking a grasp of the real rules, and the spirit of said rules.

This is why I have decided to initiate this column. We'll run it as often as controversial calls occur. While I am less qualified than the NFL officials, I'm not hampered by bias or a "CYA" mentality like the NFL league office. I will call it as a I see it.

There are four incidents in particular we'll review today. Check them out after the jump.

1st Round (30th) - Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

• Addai has some big shoes to fill. With Edgerrin James leaving for Arizona in the off-season, the backfield now consists of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai. Addai is a 5-11, 215 lbs running back who ran a 4.49 at the combine. He has been praised for his pass blocking ability and field vision. On the other hand, he has been criticized for his upright running style and lack of explosiveness through holes. My guess is he will be the starter by week 8.
  

2nd Round (62nd) - Tim Jennings, CB, Georgia

• Jennings was a 3 year starter at Georgia. During his last 2 years he was all-conference. Despite his size at 5-8, Jennings has been praised for his athleticism. His main criticism stands with his ability to read the defense. Jennings will most likely not make a push for the starting job in 2006, but look for him as a surprise in '07

3rd Round (94th) - Freddy Keiaho, OLB, San Diego State

• Keiaho had 113 tackles in 2005, leading his team at SDSU. He was named to the first team all-conference as a starter during his senior year. One problem with Freddy is his size for a NFL style linebacker. He is only 5-11, 227 lbs. However, he could make up for this with his speed and field vision He is currently listed at 3rd on the depth chart for LOLB.

5th Round (162nd) - Michael Toudouze, T, TCU

• Toudouze is a 6-5 1/2, 303 pound tackle who has been a starter since his sophomore year. He was awarded all-conference honors while at TCU.

6th Round (199th) - Charlie Johnson, OG, Oklahoma State

• Johnson received all-conference honors at Tight End before he moved to OG as a senior.

6th Round (207th) - Antoine Bethea, S, Howard

• During his senior season at Howard, Antoine received first team all-conference honors.

7th Round (238th) - T.J. Rushing, CB, Stanford

• See my blog here about Rushing