Here are the AFC Jenga Pieces. The players that are so important to their team's success that their removal would cause the whole thing to fall. Quarterbacks are not included because their selection would be too easy and less fun.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Le'Veon Bell, RB
Antonio Brown and Ryan Shazier are options but Le'Veon Bell gets the nod. Even though the Steelers have managed to navigate successfully through Bell's injuries and suspensions he takes the offense to a whole other level.
Baltimore Ravens
Marshall Yanda, G
Marshall Yanda's the best guard in the league and solidifies their line. The Ravens line continues to be solid despite the losses of fine players like Kelechi Osemele and Ricky Wagner.
Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green, WR
The Bengals have added a lot of young offensive talent recently. Until those players step up A.J. Green makes the offense an explosive one.
Cleveland Browns
Joe Thomas, T
Joe Thomas has been the best tackle in the league pretty much since the day he was drafted in 2007.
New England Patriots
Devin McCourty, S
As long as Bill Belichick is directing things on the sideline and Tom Brady is directing things on the field it doesn't seem to matter who the Patriots put on the field. They just keep churning the roster and winning games. They won a Super Bowl without Rob Gronkowski. Devin McCourty and Dont'a Hightower are the only other players that they made significant commitments to retain. So, I'll go with McCourty.
Miami Dolphins
Jay Ajayi, RB
The Dolphins started winning last year when Jay Ajayi started getting significant carries.
New York Jets
Leonard Williams, DL
Who knows what's going on with the Jets. They committed heavily to defensive linemen in recent drafts. Of Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Leonard Williams it's easiest to see Williams still on the team in four years.
Buffalo Bills
LeSean McCoy, RB
The Bills offense goes as LeSean McCoy goes.
Indianapolis Colts
T.Y. Hilton, WR
Rookie safety Malik Hooker could be the pick in a couple of years. Until then the explosive T.Y. Hilton's the pick.
Tennessee Titans
Taylor Lewan, T
If I had to pick a left tackle to succeed Joe Thomas as the annual best in the game, Taylor Lewan's the pick.
Houston Texans
J.J. Watt, DE
J.J. Watt missed most of the 2016 season and the Texans defense was still really good. A lot of that had to do with emergence of Jadeveon Clowney. When healthy, Watt is still the most disruptive defensive player in the league. Watt and Clowney on the field together will be a nightmare for offenses.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jalen Ramsey, CB
Jalen Ramsey would be a real easy choice if he wasn't such a knucklehead on the field at times. As it is he's still an easy choice. He's only played a single NFL season and he's already shown Defensive Player of the Year potential. That's not often seen from a cornerback.
Kansas City Chiefs
Eric Berry, S
After making quick work of cancer Eric Berry returned to his dominant football ways. Justin Houston deserves a lot of consideration.
Oakland Raiders
Khalil Mack, DE
On a team with offensive playmakers like Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and now Marshawn Lynch, Khalil Mack is still the face of the team for me. He wrecks offenses.
Denver Broncos
Von Miller, LB
Football's most sought after difference-makers are quarterbacks and pass rushers. Von Miller is one of the best, if not the best, pass rusher in the league.
San Diego Chargers
Joey Bosa, DE
Again, it's all about the pass rusher and the AFC West is loaded with quality pass rushers. As with Jalen Ramsey, it only took a rookie season to see the disrupting potential of Joey Bosa. If he builds on his tremendous rookie season he'll approach the likes of division peers Mack and Miller.
Friday, June 30, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Throwback Thursday: Gil Brandt's Best Quarterbacks
Very long-time scout and football analyst Gil Brandt started revealing his "Best of..." lists on twitter a couple weeks ago. It appears that they were such a hit that they are coming fast and furious and likely hitting a wider audience on NFL.com. Here are the best quarterbacks that Brandt's seen.
16. Drew Brees
15. Jim Kelly
14. Fran Tarkenton
13. Warren Moon
12. Sammy Baugh
11. Troy Aikman
10. Terry Bradshaw
9. Dan Marino
8. Roger Staubach
7. Johnny Unitas
6. Brett Favre
5. John Elway
4. Otto Graham
3. Joe Montana
2. Peyton Manning
1. Tom Brady
Tom Brady has had a big few days. #1 on the NFL Network's Top 100 Players for 2017 and #1 on Gil Brandt's All-Time Best Quarterbacks list. He's been in great need of this sort of affirmation.
These Best Quarterbacks lists are often a little too focused on the players from recent generations. The passing generations. Nearly every new rule change since the late 1970s has made it easier to throw the ball. Quarterbacks are kept safe and receivers can run relatively free of abuse. Moving the ball through the air has become so much easier that quarterbacks from the first 50+ years of the NFL can't be compared to those of the last 40. It's great to see Brandt acknowledge some of the great throwers from the old days. Otto Graham guided the Cleveland Browns to the championship game in each of his ten seasons, winning seven of those games. Not even Brady can claim that sort of appearance consistency in championship games. I like seeing Graham on these lists. Sammy Baugh too. Both are often overlooked because they played before the Super Bowl was a thing. It's also great to see Brandt appreciate Fran Tarkenton a little.
I'm actually a little surprised to see Brandt rank Roger Staubach way down there at #8. Before I checked the list I guessed that he'd put the quarterback that he scouted and drafted in the top-5. Staubach was great and very deserving of a top-10 ranking. As a young Minnesota Vikings fan that damn Staubach scared me more than any other quarterback of the era. No lead was safe when he had the ball at the end of a game.
Where's Aaron Rodgers?
16. Drew Brees
15. Jim Kelly
14. Fran Tarkenton
13. Warren Moon
12. Sammy Baugh
11. Troy Aikman
10. Terry Bradshaw
9. Dan Marino
8. Roger Staubach
7. Johnny Unitas
6. Brett Favre
5. John Elway
4. Otto Graham
3. Joe Montana
2. Peyton Manning
1. Tom Brady
Tom Brady has had a big few days. #1 on the NFL Network's Top 100 Players for 2017 and #1 on Gil Brandt's All-Time Best Quarterbacks list. He's been in great need of this sort of affirmation.
These Best Quarterbacks lists are often a little too focused on the players from recent generations. The passing generations. Nearly every new rule change since the late 1970s has made it easier to throw the ball. Quarterbacks are kept safe and receivers can run relatively free of abuse. Moving the ball through the air has become so much easier that quarterbacks from the first 50+ years of the NFL can't be compared to those of the last 40. It's great to see Brandt acknowledge some of the great throwers from the old days. Otto Graham guided the Cleveland Browns to the championship game in each of his ten seasons, winning seven of those games. Not even Brady can claim that sort of appearance consistency in championship games. I like seeing Graham on these lists. Sammy Baugh too. Both are often overlooked because they played before the Super Bowl was a thing. It's also great to see Brandt appreciate Fran Tarkenton a little.
I'm actually a little surprised to see Brandt rank Roger Staubach way down there at #8. Before I checked the list I guessed that he'd put the quarterback that he scouted and drafted in the top-5. Staubach was great and very deserving of a top-10 ranking. As a young Minnesota Vikings fan that damn Staubach scared me more than any other quarterback of the era. No lead was safe when he had the ball at the end of a game.
Where's Aaron Rodgers?
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
NFC Jenga Pieces
This is another offseason exercise pilfered from Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah's Move The Sticks podcast. Jenga Pieces. The two football analysts picked a player from each team whose removal would topple that team. In order to make it interesting and more of a challenge quarterbacks were removed from the equation. Here are my Jenga Pieces for each of the 16 NFC teams.
Minnesota Vikings
Harrison Smith, S
Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph are tempting but so much of what the Vikings do on defense is dependent on the versatility of Harrison Smith.
Green Bay Packers
Mike Daniels, DL
Jordy Nelson gets some consideration but as long as Aaron Rodgers is guiding the offense it often doesn't seem to matter who else is on the field with him. Mike Daniels has passed Clay Matthews as the most disruptive player on the Packers defense.
Detroit Lions
Darius Slay, CB
Ziggy Ansah was my first choice but injuries slowed him last season and others stepped up. I think the Lions would have a much more difficult time replacing Darius Slay. He's quietly emerged as one of the better corners in the league.
Chicago Bears
Jordan Howard, RB
If it wasn't for that rookie duo in Dallas, Jordan Howard would've gotten a lot more attention for his excellent first season. He took over several games.
New York Giants
Landon Collins, S
Landon Collins exploded on the scene last season. He made so many big, game-changing plays.
Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher Cox, DL
Fletcher Cox takes apart offenses. That's tough to replace. Tackle Lane Johnson is a consideration. When a suspension sidelined him last season the offense struggled.
Washington Redskins
Trent Williams, T
Trent Williams controls his side of the field.
Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott
While I think that Ezekiel Elliott's immediate NFL success had much to do with the outstanding offensive line in front of him he still turned the Cowboys offense into a versatile and explosive one. He also made things much easier for his rookie quarterback. Linebacker Sean Lee deserves some consideration. It was great to see what he could do with a relatively injury-free season.
Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones, WR
The Falcons have a lot of offensive weapons but Julio Jones is a beast. The Falcons young defense is loaded with potential Jenga Pieces.
Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly, LB
Luke Kuechly is still the best all-around linebacker in the league.
New Orleans Saints
Cameron Jordan, DE
Cameron Jordan's one of the best defensive ends in the league but it feels like he's risen to that level quietly.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans, WR
Mike Evans' size and ability to control contested catches often makes Jameis Winston's job an easy one.
Seattle Seahawks
Earl Thomas, S
Despite having a bunch of difference-making defensive players the Seahawks defense really missed Earl Thomas when his season ended early last year.
Arizona Cardinals
David Johnson, RB
The Cardinals offense now runs on David Johnson's versatility.
Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald, DT
Enough said.
San Francisco 49ers
NaVorro Bowman, LB
I'm not writing off NaVorro Bowman just yet. Until one of the young, talented defensive players steps up Bowman's leadership is important, if not critical.
Minnesota Vikings
Harrison Smith, S
Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph are tempting but so much of what the Vikings do on defense is dependent on the versatility of Harrison Smith.
Green Bay Packers
Mike Daniels, DL
Jordy Nelson gets some consideration but as long as Aaron Rodgers is guiding the offense it often doesn't seem to matter who else is on the field with him. Mike Daniels has passed Clay Matthews as the most disruptive player on the Packers defense.
Detroit Lions
Darius Slay, CB
Ziggy Ansah was my first choice but injuries slowed him last season and others stepped up. I think the Lions would have a much more difficult time replacing Darius Slay. He's quietly emerged as one of the better corners in the league.
Chicago Bears
Jordan Howard, RB
If it wasn't for that rookie duo in Dallas, Jordan Howard would've gotten a lot more attention for his excellent first season. He took over several games.
New York Giants
Landon Collins, S
Landon Collins exploded on the scene last season. He made so many big, game-changing plays.
Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher Cox, DL
Fletcher Cox takes apart offenses. That's tough to replace. Tackle Lane Johnson is a consideration. When a suspension sidelined him last season the offense struggled.
Washington Redskins
Trent Williams, T
Trent Williams controls his side of the field.
Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott
While I think that Ezekiel Elliott's immediate NFL success had much to do with the outstanding offensive line in front of him he still turned the Cowboys offense into a versatile and explosive one. He also made things much easier for his rookie quarterback. Linebacker Sean Lee deserves some consideration. It was great to see what he could do with a relatively injury-free season.
Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones, WR
The Falcons have a lot of offensive weapons but Julio Jones is a beast. The Falcons young defense is loaded with potential Jenga Pieces.
Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly, LB
Luke Kuechly is still the best all-around linebacker in the league.
New Orleans Saints
Cameron Jordan, DE
Cameron Jordan's one of the best defensive ends in the league but it feels like he's risen to that level quietly.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans, WR
Mike Evans' size and ability to control contested catches often makes Jameis Winston's job an easy one.
Seattle Seahawks
Earl Thomas, S
Despite having a bunch of difference-making defensive players the Seahawks defense really missed Earl Thomas when his season ended early last year.
Arizona Cardinals
David Johnson, RB
The Cardinals offense now runs on David Johnson's versatility.
Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald, DT
Enough said.
San Francisco 49ers
NaVorro Bowman, LB
I'm not writing off NaVorro Bowman just yet. Until one of the young, talented defensive players steps up Bowman's leadership is important, if not critical.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
NFL's Top 100 Players for 2017: 10-1
And then there were 10. The NFL Network concluded their Top 100 Players for 2017 with the long-awaited reveal of the Top 10.
10. Matt Ryan
9. Le'Veon Bell
8. Odell Beckham Jr.
7. Ezekiel Elliott
6. Aaron Rodgers
5. Khalil Mack
4. Antonio Brown
3. Julio Jones
2. Von Miller
1. Tom Brady
Tom Brady is the first player to repeat as #1. He topped the inaugural Top 100 list in 2011.
It's nice to see two defensive players in the Top 5.
It's nice to see two defensive players in the Top 5.
Here's the order that I predicted.
10. Ezekiel Elliott
9. Odell Beckham Jr.
8. Von Miller
7. Julio Jones
6. Antonio Brown
5. Matt Ryan
4. Le'Veon Bell
3. Aaron Rodgers
2. Khalil Mack
1. Tom Brady
Well, I got the top player right.
9. Odell Beckham Jr.
8. Von Miller
7. Julio Jones
6. Antonio Brown
5. Matt Ryan
4. Le'Veon Bell
3. Aaron Rodgers
2. Khalil Mack
1. Tom Brady
Well, I got the top player right.
This Top 100 list is often criticized. Why anyone takes lists such as these so seriously to draw outrage is always a surprise to me. This list is interesting because it's based on a vote by the players. It's not some deep-thinker on a lap top or a polling of media that's made up of many that have rarely touched a football. It's a fun list intended to fill up some of the void that is the slowest part of the offseason. I enjoy this list and look forward to each week's reveal. Sure, I think that Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph should've been somewhere on the list but it's not going to keep me up at night bellyaching about it. NFL Network started this list in 2011. It helped take up the time that was taken from us by the mind-numbing lockout. It was a dark time and the list provided a little bit of light. From the very beginning the most entertaining part of each reveal episode was the player commentary. I'd rather hear a player talking about a peer than some non-playing talking head. Much of the commentary was hilarious. Ike Taylor was a riot during the early seasons. Just as Charles James, Mike Daniels, and Micheal Bennett are informative and often hilarious now. A viewer can actually learn some football if he/she bottles their annoyance with the rankings and actually listens to the players talking about their peers. I still recall Luke Kuechly teaching me about the nuances of Charles Clay's game as if it was yesterday. It was great, interesting football stuff. It's just one ranking of the best players in the NFL.
Vikings that I'd like to see on the 2018 list.
Harrison Smith
Xavier Rhodes
Everson Griffen
Danielle Hunter
Eric Kendricks
Anthony Barr
Stefon Diggs
Dalvin Cook
Sam Bradford
Kyle Rudolph
That's damn ambitious. It would include over half the defense and about a third of the offense. If that happens perhaps the Vikings are closing the season in their own stadium in February.
Congratulations to all 100 players that made this year's list and especially Tom Brady on his return to the top. Now, it's on to training camps.
Vikings that I'd like to see on the 2018 list.
Harrison Smith
Xavier Rhodes
Everson Griffen
Danielle Hunter
Eric Kendricks
Anthony Barr
Stefon Diggs
Dalvin Cook
Sam Bradford
Kyle Rudolph
That's damn ambitious. It would include over half the defense and about a third of the offense. If that happens perhaps the Vikings are closing the season in their own stadium in February.
Congratulations to all 100 players that made this year's list and especially Tom Brady on his return to the top. Now, it's on to training camps.
Monday, June 26, 2017
Guessing The Top 10 of The NFL's Top 100
The NFL Network will reveal the Top 10 players of their Top 100 Players of 2017 rankings. The programming tonight will consist of two one hour-long episodes with five players revealed in each. That allows for twice as much time to cover each of these special players. In advance of that I'm going to guess the order of Top-10. This is one of those "why the hell not" exercises.
10. Ezekiel Elliott
9. Odell Beckham Jr.
8. Von Miller
7. Julio Jones
6. Antonio Brown
5. Matt Ryan
4. Le'Veon Bell
3. Aaron Rodgers
2. Khalil Mack
1. Tom Brady
Or something like that. It sure would be nice to see more defensive players on top of Top-whatever lists. They play the game too. Personally, I'd have Aaron Donald among the Top 10 instead of Ezekiel Elliott or Odell Beckham Jr. But that's just me. Injuries likely kept Luke Kuechly from being revealed tonight. Despite this preference for more defensive representation all of the above ten players are among the best in the game. Besides, this list is meant to be more fun than accurate. We'll see the real thing tonight.
10. Ezekiel Elliott
9. Odell Beckham Jr.
8. Von Miller
7. Julio Jones
6. Antonio Brown
5. Matt Ryan
4. Le'Veon Bell
3. Aaron Rodgers
2. Khalil Mack
1. Tom Brady
Or something like that. It sure would be nice to see more defensive players on top of Top-whatever lists. They play the game too. Personally, I'd have Aaron Donald among the Top 10 instead of Ezekiel Elliott or Odell Beckham Jr. But that's just me. Injuries likely kept Luke Kuechly from being revealed tonight. Despite this preference for more defensive representation all of the above ten players are among the best in the game. Besides, this list is meant to be more fun than accurate. We'll see the real thing tonight.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Makeup Of A Roster
Every NFL roster is put together differently. Here's a look at how the Minnesota Vikings obtained the players that make up their current 89-man roster.
Draft
First Round
Harrison Smith (2012)
Sharrif Floyd (2013)
Xavier Rhodes (2013)
Anthony Barr (2014)
Teddy Bridgewater (2014)
Trae Waynes (2015)
Laquon Treadwell (2016)
Second Round
Kyle Rudolph (2011)
Eric Kendricks (2015)
Mackensie Alexander (2016)
Dalvin Cook (2017)
Third Round
Jerick McKinnon (2014)
Danielle Hunter (2015)
Pat Elflein (2017)
Fourth Round
Brian Robison (2007)
Everson Griffen (2010)
Jarius Wright (2012)
T.J. Clemmings (2015)
Willie Beavers (2016)
Jaleel Johnson (2017)
Ben Gedeon (2017)
Fifth Round
Stefon Diggs (2015)
Kentrell Brothers (2016)
Rodney Adams (2017)
Danny Isidora (2017)
Sixth Round
Antone Exum Jr. (2014)
Moritz Boehringer (2016)
David Morgan (2016)
Bucky Hodges (2017)
Seventh Round
Shamar Stephen (2014)
Jabari Price (2014)
Austin Shepherd (2015)
Edmond Robinson (2015)
Stephen Weatherly (2016)
Jayron Kearse (2016)
Stacy Coley (2017)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (2017)
Elijah Lee (2017)
Jack Tocho (2017)
Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents
Linval Joseph (2014)
Tom Johnson (2014)
Terence Newman (2015)
Alex Boone (2016)
Emmanuel Lamur (2016)
Riley Reiff (2017)
Mike Remmers (2017)
Latavius Murray (2017)
Datone Jones (2017)
Case Keenum (2017)
"Street" Free Agents
Joe Berger (2011)
Andrew Sendejo (2014)
Kevin McDermott (2015)
Bishop Sankey (2016)
Cayleb Jones (2016)
Kai Forbath (2016)
Terrell Sinkfield (2017)
Nick Truesdell (2017)
Reid Fragel (2017)
Taylor Symmank (2017)
Ryan Quigley (2017)
Marshall Koehn (2017)
Michael Floyd (2017)
Will Sutton (2017)
Undrafted Free Agents
Marcuc Sherels (2010)
Adam Thielen (2013)
Zac Kerin (2014)
Anthony Harris (2015)
Taylor Heinicke (2015)
Isaac Fruechte (2015)
Tre Roberson (2016)
Kyle Carter (2016)
C.J. Ham (2016)
RJ Shelton (2017)
Shaan Washington (2017)
Eric Wilson (2017)
Caleb Kidder (2017)
Aviante Collins (2017)
Freddie Tagaloa (2017)
Wes Lunt (2017)
Tashawn Bower (2017)
Horace Richardson (2017)
Sam McCaskill (2017)
Dylan Bradley (2017)
Josiah Price (2017)
Terrell Newby (2017)
Trade
Jeremiah Sirles (2015)
Nick Easton (2015)
Sam Bradford (2016)
Practice Squad Pilfering
Rashod Hill (2016)
-The Vikings plucked Hill from the Practice Squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2016 season.
By The Numbers:
Draft: 39
Free Agency: 46
Trade: 3
Practice Squad Pilfering: 1
When the roster is trimmed to 53 in September, drafted players will easily outnumber those added through some form of free agency. The free agency numbers are currently bloated a bit by the 13 undrafted free agents added at the conclusion of April's draft. Those players have the longest odds of making the team. That was also once said about Marcus Sherels and Adam Thielen and both are top notch contributors now. Sherels has been given long odds of making the team in nearly all of his eight training camps with the Vikings and he's always still standing when the season starts.
The Vikings roster has been nearly completely turned over since Rick Spielman was promoted to general manager in 2012. Only five players joined team before then.
Brian Robison (2007)
Everson Griffen (2010)
Marcus Sherels (2010)
Kyle Rudolph (2011)
Joe Berger (2011)
Only ten players joined the team before Mike Zimmer was named coach in 2014.
Brian Robison (2007)
Everson Griffen (2010)
Marcus Sherels (2010)
Kyle Rudolph (2011)
Joe Berger (2011)
Harrison Smith (2012)
Jarius Wright (2012)
Sharrif Floyd (2013)
Xavier Rhodes (2013)
Adam Thielen (2013)
This is definitely a team put together in the four years that Spielman and Zimmer have been together. That's hardly a surprise when a coach is given at least four years.
The Vikings are a young team. The core of the team is made up of mostly players aged 23-26 years with youngish experienced players like Everson Griffen, Kyle Rudolph, Harrison Smith, and Xavier Rhodes sprinkled into the mix. Then they have ancient to truly ancient players like Brian Robison and Terence Newman to often guidance and wisdom. Actually, they aren't ancient. Robison is a youthful 34 and Newman will be an age-defying 39 by the time the season starts.
This roster makeup exercise will have to be repeated when it's trimmed to the final 53 players.
Draft
First Round
Harrison Smith (2012)
Sharrif Floyd (2013)
Xavier Rhodes (2013)
Anthony Barr (2014)
Teddy Bridgewater (2014)
Trae Waynes (2015)
Laquon Treadwell (2016)
Second Round
Kyle Rudolph (2011)
Eric Kendricks (2015)
Mackensie Alexander (2016)
Dalvin Cook (2017)
Third Round
Jerick McKinnon (2014)
Danielle Hunter (2015)
Pat Elflein (2017)
Fourth Round
Brian Robison (2007)
Everson Griffen (2010)
Jarius Wright (2012)
T.J. Clemmings (2015)
Willie Beavers (2016)
Jaleel Johnson (2017)
Ben Gedeon (2017)
Fifth Round
Stefon Diggs (2015)
Kentrell Brothers (2016)
Rodney Adams (2017)
Danny Isidora (2017)
Sixth Round
Antone Exum Jr. (2014)
Moritz Boehringer (2016)
David Morgan (2016)
Bucky Hodges (2017)
Seventh Round
Shamar Stephen (2014)
Jabari Price (2014)
Austin Shepherd (2015)
Edmond Robinson (2015)
Stephen Weatherly (2016)
Jayron Kearse (2016)
Stacy Coley (2017)
Ifeadi Odenigbo (2017)
Elijah Lee (2017)
Jack Tocho (2017)
Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents
Linval Joseph (2014)
Tom Johnson (2014)
Terence Newman (2015)
Alex Boone (2016)
Emmanuel Lamur (2016)
Riley Reiff (2017)
Mike Remmers (2017)
Latavius Murray (2017)
Datone Jones (2017)
Case Keenum (2017)
"Street" Free Agents
Joe Berger (2011)
Andrew Sendejo (2014)
Kevin McDermott (2015)
Bishop Sankey (2016)
Cayleb Jones (2016)
Kai Forbath (2016)
Terrell Sinkfield (2017)
Nick Truesdell (2017)
Reid Fragel (2017)
Taylor Symmank (2017)
Ryan Quigley (2017)
Marshall Koehn (2017)
Michael Floyd (2017)
Will Sutton (2017)
Undrafted Free Agents
Marcuc Sherels (2010)
Adam Thielen (2013)
Zac Kerin (2014)
Anthony Harris (2015)
Taylor Heinicke (2015)
Isaac Fruechte (2015)
Tre Roberson (2016)
Kyle Carter (2016)
C.J. Ham (2016)
RJ Shelton (2017)
Shaan Washington (2017)
Eric Wilson (2017)
Caleb Kidder (2017)
Aviante Collins (2017)
Freddie Tagaloa (2017)
Wes Lunt (2017)
Tashawn Bower (2017)
Horace Richardson (2017)
Sam McCaskill (2017)
Dylan Bradley (2017)
Josiah Price (2017)
Terrell Newby (2017)
Trade
Jeremiah Sirles (2015)
Nick Easton (2015)
Sam Bradford (2016)
Practice Squad Pilfering
Rashod Hill (2016)
-The Vikings plucked Hill from the Practice Squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2016 season.
By The Numbers:
Draft: 39
Free Agency: 46
Trade: 3
Practice Squad Pilfering: 1
When the roster is trimmed to 53 in September, drafted players will easily outnumber those added through some form of free agency. The free agency numbers are currently bloated a bit by the 13 undrafted free agents added at the conclusion of April's draft. Those players have the longest odds of making the team. That was also once said about Marcus Sherels and Adam Thielen and both are top notch contributors now. Sherels has been given long odds of making the team in nearly all of his eight training camps with the Vikings and he's always still standing when the season starts.
The Vikings roster has been nearly completely turned over since Rick Spielman was promoted to general manager in 2012. Only five players joined team before then.
Brian Robison (2007)
Everson Griffen (2010)
Marcus Sherels (2010)
Kyle Rudolph (2011)
Joe Berger (2011)
Only ten players joined the team before Mike Zimmer was named coach in 2014.
Brian Robison (2007)
Everson Griffen (2010)
Marcus Sherels (2010)
Kyle Rudolph (2011)
Joe Berger (2011)
Harrison Smith (2012)
Jarius Wright (2012)
Sharrif Floyd (2013)
Xavier Rhodes (2013)
Adam Thielen (2013)
This is definitely a team put together in the four years that Spielman and Zimmer have been together. That's hardly a surprise when a coach is given at least four years.
The Vikings are a young team. The core of the team is made up of mostly players aged 23-26 years with youngish experienced players like Everson Griffen, Kyle Rudolph, Harrison Smith, and Xavier Rhodes sprinkled into the mix. Then they have ancient to truly ancient players like Brian Robison and Terence Newman to often guidance and wisdom. Actually, they aren't ancient. Robison is a youthful 34 and Newman will be an age-defying 39 by the time the season starts.
This roster makeup exercise will have to be repeated when it's trimmed to the final 53 players.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Ranking The Divisions
NFL analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks ranked the league's eight divisions on a recent Move the Sticks podcast. A very interesting podcast, by the way. Flea Flicker says "check it out." I found the topic and the exercise fun. The perfect thing to pass the football slow down of the next month.
Jeremiah's Rankings
1. AFC West
2. NFC South
3. NFC East
4. AFC North
5. NFC North
6. AFC South
7. NFC West
8. AFC East
Brooks' Rankings
1. NFC East
2. AFC West
3. NFC South
4. AFC South
5. NFC North
6. AFC North
7. NFC West
8. AFC East
Flea Flicker Rankings
1. AFC West
2. NFC South
3. NFC East
4. NFC North
5. AFC North
6. AFC South
7. NFC West
8. AFC East
It appears that I see the NFL's divisions much like Jeremiah. Only the two North's are flipped.
Despite having the NFC East at #3 I'm not as sold on the four teams from that division as Jeremiah and especially Brooks. Maybe I'm a little biased but I really wanted to rank the NFC North ahead of the NFC East. I didn't because of the Chicago Bears. I think that any of the four teams in the NFC East can take the division. I can't say that about the NFC North. I'd be surprised if the Bears don't have a top-5 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The AFC South might not be one of the most talented divisions right now, although it appears to be heading in the right direction, but it could be one of the most interesting. And entertaining.
It's important to keep in mind that the NFL is so unpredictable. All of these rankings could look ridiculous before the upcoming season even gets into October.
Jeremiah's Rankings
1. AFC West
2. NFC South
3. NFC East
4. AFC North
5. NFC North
6. AFC South
7. NFC West
8. AFC East
Brooks' Rankings
1. NFC East
2. AFC West
3. NFC South
4. AFC South
5. NFC North
6. AFC North
7. NFC West
8. AFC East
Flea Flicker Rankings
1. AFC West
2. NFC South
3. NFC East
4. NFC North
5. AFC North
6. AFC South
7. NFC West
8. AFC East
It appears that I see the NFL's divisions much like Jeremiah. Only the two North's are flipped.
Despite having the NFC East at #3 I'm not as sold on the four teams from that division as Jeremiah and especially Brooks. Maybe I'm a little biased but I really wanted to rank the NFC North ahead of the NFC East. I didn't because of the Chicago Bears. I think that any of the four teams in the NFC East can take the division. I can't say that about the NFC North. I'd be surprised if the Bears don't have a top-5 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The AFC South might not be one of the most talented divisions right now, although it appears to be heading in the right direction, but it could be one of the most interesting. And entertaining.
It's important to keep in mind that the NFL is so unpredictable. All of these rankings could look ridiculous before the upcoming season even gets into October.
Friday, June 23, 2017
It's About Time
Justin Wilcox has "unofficially" been the head football coach of the University of California since the middle of January. This past week he "officially" became the head football coach. The wheels of bureaucracy move that slowly. His contract to do what he's been doing for about six months was finally finalized and approved.
Congratulations Coach! It's about time.
This is Justin Wilcox's first shot as a head coach. It's a bit of a coming home as his first non-graduate assistant job was at Berkeley. He was Cal's linebacker coach from 2003-05. He's been a defensive coordinator ever since with stops at Boise State, Tennessee, Washington, USC, and Wisconsin. It should be a nice change to have a defensive-minded coach guiding the Bears as they have played essentially no defense in each of the past four seasons. It was stunning and mind-numbing to watch.
Here are some of the details of Justin Wilcox's long-awaited contract to coach the University of California Golden Bears football team.
~5-year deal that runs through 2021
~base salary of $250,000 per year
~talent fee, which is guaranteed, ranges from $1.25 million in the first year to $2.5 million in the final year
~the total annual compensation averages $1.9 million
Wilcox is the lowest paid coach in the Pac-12 by approximately $500,000 annually. This isn't unexpected considering this is his first head coaching opportunity.
~received a $100,000 signing bonus
~if Wilcox is fired without cause, Cal would owe 100% of the remaining base pay and talent fee
No one that's fond of Cal wants to think about Wilcox possibly being fired, with or without cause, at the moment. There's been too much of that lately.
No one that's fond of Cal wants to think about Wilcox possibly being fired, with or without cause, at the moment. There's been too much of that lately.
~the contract has a series of incentive bonuses. For the 2017-18 seasons Wilcox can earn the following:
-$100,000 if the Bears win six regular season games
-$325,000 if the Bears win eight regular season games
-$25,000 if the Bears beat Stanford (that's way too low!)
There are also a series of bonuses tied to the Bears academic performances, including a $60,000 bonus if the team GPA is at least 3.0.
There's a real good chance that Justin Wilcox is the highest paid employee on the Berkeley campus. It's still about $1 million less than Cal paid Sonny Dykes last season and about $7 million less than the crazy salary that Michigan paid Jim Harbaugh. But this is Berkeley. And that's Michigan. When it comes to the importance of football on the respective campuses only the colors are similar.
It's about time that Justin Wilcox finally got his contract. Go Bears!
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Throwback Thursday: Gil Brandt's Best Linebackers
Long-time scout Gil Brandt has been treating us with his lists of the best football players that he's had the pleasure to witness. Last week it was the defensive linemen. This week it's the linebackers.
1. Lawrence Taylor
2. Derrick Thomas
3. Dick Butkus
4. Ray Nitschke
5. Ted Hendricks
6. Derrick Brooks
7. Bobby Bell
8. Ray Lewis
9. Bill George
10. Kevin Greene
11. Chuck Howley
12. Jack Ham
13. Junior Seau
14. Joe Schmidt
15. Dave Robinson
A fine list. I'd like to see Bulldog Turner and Chuck Bednarik on it but it's a fine list.
The biggest surprise on the list is likely Chuck Howley. With Dave Robinson finally getting his Hall of Fame nod in 2013 it left Howley as the only one of Brandt's linebackers not honored in Canton. That's assuming that Ray Lewis is inducted soon after he's eligible. There's plenty of debate over Howley's Hall of Fame candidacy. It's obvious where Brandt stands on the issue. That's no surprise seeing as Howley played 13 years with Brandt's Dallas Cowboys. 6 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pros say he's not wrong.
Personally I'd have Jack Ham and Joe Schmidt closer to the Top-5.
Other than Turner and Bednarik, I'm surprised that Jack Lambert and Willie Lanier didn't make the cut but who does Brandt bump? And it's his list, not mine. Here's mine.
1. Lawrence Taylor
2. Jack Ham
3. Ray Nitschke
4. Dick Butkus
5. Joe Schmidt
6. Derrick Brooks
7. Bobby Bell
8. Bulldog Turner
9. Willie Lanier
10. Chuck Bednarik
11. Jack Lambert
12. Ted Hendricks
13. Ray Lewis
14. Bill George
15. Junior Seau
At least that's how I see the best linebackers today.
1. Lawrence Taylor
2. Derrick Thomas
3. Dick Butkus
4. Ray Nitschke
5. Ted Hendricks
6. Derrick Brooks
7. Bobby Bell
8. Ray Lewis
9. Bill George
10. Kevin Greene
11. Chuck Howley
12. Jack Ham
13. Junior Seau
14. Joe Schmidt
15. Dave Robinson
A fine list. I'd like to see Bulldog Turner and Chuck Bednarik on it but it's a fine list.
The biggest surprise on the list is likely Chuck Howley. With Dave Robinson finally getting his Hall of Fame nod in 2013 it left Howley as the only one of Brandt's linebackers not honored in Canton. That's assuming that Ray Lewis is inducted soon after he's eligible. There's plenty of debate over Howley's Hall of Fame candidacy. It's obvious where Brandt stands on the issue. That's no surprise seeing as Howley played 13 years with Brandt's Dallas Cowboys. 6 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pros say he's not wrong.
Personally I'd have Jack Ham and Joe Schmidt closer to the Top-5.
Other than Turner and Bednarik, I'm surprised that Jack Lambert and Willie Lanier didn't make the cut but who does Brandt bump? And it's his list, not mine. Here's mine.
1. Lawrence Taylor
2. Jack Ham
3. Ray Nitschke
4. Dick Butkus
5. Joe Schmidt
6. Derrick Brooks
7. Bobby Bell
8. Bulldog Turner
9. Willie Lanier
10. Chuck Bednarik
11. Jack Lambert
12. Ted Hendricks
13. Ray Lewis
14. Bill George
15. Junior Seau
At least that's how I see the best linebackers today.
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Another Now And Then
I can't shake the changes in the Minnesota Vikings offense from the opening day of the 2016 NFL season to now. It's not the same offense. From the players to the coaching staff.
| Possible 2017 Starters | 2016 Opening Day Starters | ||
| WR | Adam Thielen | Charles Johnson | |
| LT | Riley Reiff | Matt Kalil | |
| LG | Alex Boone | Alex Boone | |
| C | Pat Elflein | Joe Berger | |
| RG | Joe Berger | Brandon Fusco | |
| RT | Mike Remmers | Andre Smith | |
| TE | Kyle Rudolph | Kyle Rudolph | |
| WR | Stefon Diggs | Stefon Diggs | |
| QB | Sam Bradford | Shaun Hill | |
| RB | Dalvin Cook | Adrian Peterson | |
| FB | C.J. Ham | Zach Line |
It's barely recognizable. And I'm only guessing that the Vikings even have a fullback on the roster, let alone in the starting lineup. Only Alex Boone, Kyle Rudolph, and Stefon Diggs return return at the same position at which they started in 2016. Joe Berger likely moves from center to right guard. The changes only start with the personnel.
A similar turnover took place with the coaches on the offensive side of the ball.
A similar turnover took place with the coaches on the offensive side of the ball.
| 2017 Coaches | 2016 Coaches | ||
| Offensive Coordinator | Pat Shurmur | Norv Turner | |
| Quarterbacks | Kevin Stefanski | Scott Turner | |
| Running Backs | Kennedy Polamalu | Kevin Stefanski | |
| Wide Receivers | Darrell Hazell | George Stewart | |
| Asst Wide Receivers | Drew Petzing | Drew Petzing | |
| Tight Ends | Clancy Barone | Pat Shurmur | |
| Offensive Line | Tony Sparano | Tony Sparano | |
| Asst Offensive Line | Andrew Janocko | Hank Fraley | |
A few coaches were promoted and a couple were hired to replace the four that left. As with the players, this looks like a whole other team. Tony Sparano and Drew Petzing are the only coaches with the same title that they held to start the 2016 season.
Kevin Stefanski is about a year or two away from an offensive coordinator gig somewhere in the league. It would be great if his shot came in Minnesota seeing as he's been there for a while. He's the longest-tenured coach on the Vikings staff. He was hired as an assistant offensive coach by Brad Childress in 2006. Since then, he's coached tight ends, running backs, and now quarterbacks. He's not far from being ready for the top offensive coaching job. If this new Vikings offense takes off, Pat Shurmur and Kevin Stefanski could be moving up the coaching ladder. For Shurmur, it'd be a return. For Stefanski it'd be a deserved opportunity.
It's great to see young coaches advance through the Vikings coaching ranks. Stefanski is the best example of this. Drew Petzing and Andrew Janocko started as coaching assistants/quality control and now have position responsibilities. They are making the long coaching climb.
It's great to see young coaches advance through the Vikings coaching ranks. Stefanski is the best example of this. Drew Petzing and Andrew Janocko started as coaching assistants/quality control and now have position responsibilities. They are making the long coaching climb.
Football is such a team game that it's not really fair to single out single players or units but the Vikings offense has held the team back in recent years. The line has been a mess. Injuries wrecked it last year but they weren't exactly blowing defenses off the ball when healthy. The offense has to improve. On paper, it looks improved. It's definitely different. We won't know how the changes translate to the field until the players step on that field and the games are real.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
NFL's Top 100 Players for 2017: 20-11
NFL Network's countdown of the Top 100 Players for 2017 is nearing the end. Players ranked 20-11 were revealed last night.
20. Luke Kuechly, LB
19. Patrick Peterson, CB
18. Tyron Smith, T
17. A.J. Green, WR
16. Drew Brees, QB
15. Aaron Donald, DT
14. Dak Prescott, QB
13. Eric Berry, S
12. David Johnson, RB
11. Derek Carr, QB
I guessed the Top 20 yesterday and simply forgot about Eric Berry. That's not right and a foolish over site.
The biggest surprise for me in this recent reveal is Aaron Donald. He's a Top 10 Player. I'd have him in the Top 10 over Odell Beckham Jr. The commentary of Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett on Donald was the highlight of last night's show.
The commentary on the Top 100 players by the peers has always been the highlight of this annual list.
With Luke Kuechly, Patrick Peterson, Aaron Donald. and Eric Berry on this side of #10 it likely leaves only two defensive players in the Top 10, pass rushers Von Miller and Khalil Mack. That's not enough defensive players. Donald should be in the most elite group of ten.
It's great to see an offensive lineman ranked this high but #17 still feels low for Tyron Smith.
When you get this high on the list it's tough to complain about any of the rankings. All of the players are great. Who do you bump?
With the reveal of the players ranked 20-11, it's pretty clear that next week's Top 10 will include these players.
Tom Brady
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Ryan
Le'Veon Bell
Ezekiel Elliott
Julio Jones
Antonio Brown
Odell Beckham Jr.
Von Miller
Khalil Mack
20. Luke Kuechly, LB
19. Patrick Peterson, CB
18. Tyron Smith, T
17. A.J. Green, WR
16. Drew Brees, QB
15. Aaron Donald, DT
14. Dak Prescott, QB
13. Eric Berry, S
12. David Johnson, RB
11. Derek Carr, QB
I guessed the Top 20 yesterday and simply forgot about Eric Berry. That's not right and a foolish over site.
The biggest surprise for me in this recent reveal is Aaron Donald. He's a Top 10 Player. I'd have him in the Top 10 over Odell Beckham Jr. The commentary of Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett on Donald was the highlight of last night's show.
The commentary on the Top 100 players by the peers has always been the highlight of this annual list.
With Luke Kuechly, Patrick Peterson, Aaron Donald. and Eric Berry on this side of #10 it likely leaves only two defensive players in the Top 10, pass rushers Von Miller and Khalil Mack. That's not enough defensive players. Donald should be in the most elite group of ten.
It's great to see an offensive lineman ranked this high but #17 still feels low for Tyron Smith.
When you get this high on the list it's tough to complain about any of the rankings. All of the players are great. Who do you bump?
With the reveal of the players ranked 20-11, it's pretty clear that next week's Top 10 will include these players.
Tom Brady
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Ryan
Le'Veon Bell
Ezekiel Elliott
Julio Jones
Antonio Brown
Odell Beckham Jr.
Von Miller
Khalil Mack
Monday, June 19, 2017
Guessing The Top 20 Of NFL's Top 100
NFL Network's countdown of the Top 100 Players of 2017 continues tonight with the players ranked from 20-11. This is the player's list as they are the voters. Their list has reached the best of the best. This is a Flea Flicker attempt at guessing those 20 best players. It's one of those "it's June" exercises.
Tom Brady
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Ryan
Drew Brees
Derek Carr
Dak Prescott
Le'Veon Bell
David Johnson
Ezekiel Elliott
Julio Jones
Antonio Brown
A.J. Green
Odell Beckham Jr.
DeAndre Hopkins
Tyron Smith
Aaron Donald
Khalil Mack
Von Miller
Luke Kuechly
Patrick Peterson
Those are the players that haven't been revealed that should be on the list somewhere. It feels a bit early for Dallas Cowboys rookie duo of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott to rank with the best but they were dynamite right out of the NFL gates. DeAndre Hopkins is the biggest surprise of the bunch for me. His great 2015 season got him into the best of the best last year but his production dropped last year. The players apparently understood that the drop was mostly due to the shaky quarterbacking of the Houston Texans.
Here's a stab at the Top 10.
Tom Brady
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Ryan
Le'Veon Bell
David Johnson
Julio Jones
Antonio Brown
Aaron Donald
Khalil Mack
Von Miller
If that's accurate we'll see the following revealed tonight.
Drew Brees
Derek Carr
Dak Prescott
Ezekiel Elliott
A.J. Green
Odell Beckham Jr.
DeAndre Hopkins
Tyron Smith
Luke Kuechly
Patrick Peterson
Drew Brees
Derek Carr
Dak Prescott
Ezekiel Elliott
A.J. Green
Odell Beckham Jr.
DeAndre Hopkins
Tyron Smith
Luke Kuechly
Patrick Peterson
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Best Draft Picks of the Century From Cal
College Football analyst Chase Goodbread is doing a series on NFL.com's CFB 24/7 of the best draft picks of this century from various top colleges. He ranks the players based on a formula in which they receive points for honors they've acquired in their NFL career, including Pro Bowls and being selected first-team All-Pro. The formula further factors in the round in which each player was drafted.
So far, Goodbread has tackled Ohio State, Miami, USC, LSU, Florida, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Stanford, Penn State, Nebraska, etc. He's releasing his picks for a new college every few days through the end of June. It helps to build the thrill for the upcoming college football season. His picks for Cal are scheduled for Monday. In advance of that here are my picks for the Golden Bears. My picks are by sight rather than a formula.
Flea Flicker's Best Draft Picks Of The Century From Cal
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB
Drafted by: Green Bay Packers, Round 1, 2005
No explanation needed for this one.
2. Marshawn Lynch, RB
Drafted by: Buffalo Bills, Round 1, 2007
Lynch was very good with the Bills and great with the Seahawks. Now he's come out of retirement to play for his hometown Oakland Raiders. If his encore is as great as his Seahawk years there should be a spot for him in Canton. My goodness, a Hall of Fame speech from Lynch would be wonderful to hear and see.
3. Alex Mack, C
Drafted by: Cleveland Browns, Round 1, 2009
Mack has been one of the best, if not the best, center in the league for the past few seasons. He spent the first seven years of his career losing often in Cleveland. He traded that for winning often in Atlanta last offseason. With the Falcons he might finally get the attention that he's long deserved.
4. DeSean Jackson, WR
Drafted by: Philadelphia Eagles, Round 2, 2008
Jackson is one of the best deep receiving threats in league history. He's also been a game-changing returner on occasion. If only he'd stop some of the knucklehead stuff.
5. Nnambi Asomugha, CB
Drafted by: Oakland Raiders, Round 1, 2003
For most of the eight years that Asomugha played with the Raiders he was one of the 2-3 best corners in the game. For a couple of years he was the best. Quarterbacks didn't even attempt to challenge him. The last couple years of his career got a little rough when he played in a defense that didn't suit him in Philadelphia.
Honorable Mentions: Keenan Allen, Brandon Mebane, Scott Fujita, Deltha O'Neal, Mavin Jones
Just for comparisons and giggles, here are Goodbread's picks for the best draft picks from Stanford.
1. Richard Sherman
2. Andrew Luck
3. David DeCastro
4. Eric Heitman
5. Oshiomogho Atogwe
The first three are solid but advantage Cal. Go Bears!
So far, Goodbread has tackled Ohio State, Miami, USC, LSU, Florida, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Stanford, Penn State, Nebraska, etc. He's releasing his picks for a new college every few days through the end of June. It helps to build the thrill for the upcoming college football season. His picks for Cal are scheduled for Monday. In advance of that here are my picks for the Golden Bears. My picks are by sight rather than a formula.
Flea Flicker's Best Draft Picks Of The Century From Cal
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB
Drafted by: Green Bay Packers, Round 1, 2005
No explanation needed for this one.
2. Marshawn Lynch, RB
Drafted by: Buffalo Bills, Round 1, 2007
Lynch was very good with the Bills and great with the Seahawks. Now he's come out of retirement to play for his hometown Oakland Raiders. If his encore is as great as his Seahawk years there should be a spot for him in Canton. My goodness, a Hall of Fame speech from Lynch would be wonderful to hear and see.
3. Alex Mack, C
Drafted by: Cleveland Browns, Round 1, 2009
Mack has been one of the best, if not the best, center in the league for the past few seasons. He spent the first seven years of his career losing often in Cleveland. He traded that for winning often in Atlanta last offseason. With the Falcons he might finally get the attention that he's long deserved.
4. DeSean Jackson, WR
Drafted by: Philadelphia Eagles, Round 2, 2008
Jackson is one of the best deep receiving threats in league history. He's also been a game-changing returner on occasion. If only he'd stop some of the knucklehead stuff.
5. Nnambi Asomugha, CB
Drafted by: Oakland Raiders, Round 1, 2003
For most of the eight years that Asomugha played with the Raiders he was one of the 2-3 best corners in the game. For a couple of years he was the best. Quarterbacks didn't even attempt to challenge him. The last couple years of his career got a little rough when he played in a defense that didn't suit him in Philadelphia.
Honorable Mentions: Keenan Allen, Brandon Mebane, Scott Fujita, Deltha O'Neal, Mavin Jones
Just for comparisons and giggles, here are Goodbread's picks for the best draft picks from Stanford.
1. Richard Sherman
2. Andrew Luck
3. David DeCastro
4. Eric Heitman
5. Oshiomogho Atogwe
The first three are solid but advantage Cal. Go Bears!
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Schedule
The Minnesota Vikings will be holding their 2017 Training Camp on the campus of the Minnesota State University-Mankato for the 52nd consecutive year. It used to be the norm for NFL teams to move away from home and into tiny college dorm rooms for training camp. It's become a rarity recently and the Vikings are one of the few teams that still jam giant men into those tiny rooms. Mankato is a wonderful tradition.
The Vikings released their training camp schedule yesterday. They are doing things a little different this year. Select quarterbacks, rookies, players who have yet to accrue a season, and select injured players will report a few days before the bulk of the team reports. Many teams have been doing this for a while. The Vikings haven't been one of those teams. Instead, the entire team reported on a single day. Not so this year.
The Vikings released their training camp schedule yesterday. They are doing things a little different this year. Select quarterbacks, rookies, players who have yet to accrue a season, and select injured players will report a few days before the bulk of the team reports. Many teams have been doing this for a while. The Vikings haven't been one of those teams. Instead, the entire team reported on a single day. Not so this year.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS 2017 TRAINING CAMP PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Sunday, July 23
3:00 – 5:00 pm Check-in at Julia Sears Dorm (Select Vikings)
Monday, July 24
10:30 – 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
2:45 – 4:30 pm (Practice)
Tuesday, July 25
10:30 – 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
2:45 – 4:30 pm (Practice)
Wednesday, July 26
9:00 – 10:45 am (Practice)
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Check-in at Julia Sears Dorm
Thursday, July 27
10:30 – 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Friday, July 28
10:30 – 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Saturday, July 29
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Sunday, July 30
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Monday, July 31
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Tuesday, August 1
Players Day Off
Wednesday, August 2
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Thursday, August 3
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Friday, August 4
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Saturday, August 5
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
7:15 – 9:30 pm (Night practice in Blakeslee Stadium)
Sunday, August 6
Players Day Off
Monday, August 7
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Tuesday, August 8
10:30 - 11:30 am (Walk-thru)
3:00 – 5:00 pm (Practice)
Wednesday, August 9
Travel to Buffalo
Thursday, August 10
Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills – 6:00 pm CT
Friday, August 11
Players Day Off
Please Note: All practices, times and interviews are approximate and subject to change
All walk-thrus are held in Blakeslee Stadium
Friday, June 16, 2017
Vikings Ring of Honor
The Minnesota Vikings will be honoring two of their pass-catching greats this year. Randy Moss and Ahmad Rashad will be receiving their well-deserved induction into the team's Ring of Honor during the 2017 NFL season. Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf notified both players of the honor Wednesday morning. Both were conveniently in the Minneapolis area.The Vikings took advantage of the opportunity to surprise both at the team facilities.
“Randy and Ahmad are two of the most recognizable and decorated players in Vikings history,” said Wilf. “They were great players who made their marks on the NFL during their careers and were highly respected by teammates and opponents. They are as proud of their Vikings roots as we are to have them in our football family forever. Both Randy and Ahmad deserve this team honor, and we look forward to inducting them into the Ring of Honor during the 2017 season.” -Mark Wilf
Ahmad Rashad's induction has taken a while seeing as he retired about 35 years ago but the Vikings didn't start doing this until 1998. They had some catching up to do. Rashad was one of the best receivers of his era and I truly believe that he'd be honored in Canton if he'd played his entire career with the Vikings. Rashad spent his best years were spent catching passes from Tommy Kramer but only three years with Fran Tarkenton simply wasn't enough.
Randy Moss. What can anyone say about Randy Moss that hasn't already been said. He was a ridiculous football player. A physical freak. Before his rookie season in 1998 he said that he was going to take the league apart. He did. Defenses had no answer. The Green Bay Packers drafted defensive backs in the first three rounds of the 1999 NFL Draft to try and contend with Moss after being unable to do so in 1998. It was so much fun to watch him play football. As with Rashad, it would've been great if Moss had played his entire career in Minnesota.
Ahamd Rashad and Randy Moss will be the first Ring of Honor inductees since 2013 and the first inducted at US Bank Stadium. The Vikings didn't induct any players while they played their home games at the University of Minnesota during the 2014-15 seasons while the new stadium was being built. There was enough going on during the inaugural season of US Bank Stadium that the team chose not to induct any players in 2016. The additions of Rashad and Moss will bring the Vikings Ring of Honor to 23 members.
Currently looking splendid in that purple jacket:
Fran Tarkenton
Alan Page
Jim Finks
Bud Grant
Paul Krause
Fred Zamberletti
Jim Marshall
Ron Yary
Korey Stringer
Mick Tingelhoff
Carl Eller
Cris Carter
Bill Brown
Jerry Burns
Randall McDaniel
Chuck Foreman
John Randle
Scott Studwell
Chris Doleman
Matt Blair
Joey Browner
Congratulations to Ahmad Rashad and Randy Moss on their inductions into the Vikings Ring of Honor.
“Randy and Ahmad are two of the most recognizable and decorated players in Vikings history,” said Wilf. “They were great players who made their marks on the NFL during their careers and were highly respected by teammates and opponents. They are as proud of their Vikings roots as we are to have them in our football family forever. Both Randy and Ahmad deserve this team honor, and we look forward to inducting them into the Ring of Honor during the 2017 season.” -Mark Wilf
Ahmad Rashad's induction has taken a while seeing as he retired about 35 years ago but the Vikings didn't start doing this until 1998. They had some catching up to do. Rashad was one of the best receivers of his era and I truly believe that he'd be honored in Canton if he'd played his entire career with the Vikings. Rashad spent his best years were spent catching passes from Tommy Kramer but only three years with Fran Tarkenton simply wasn't enough.
Randy Moss. What can anyone say about Randy Moss that hasn't already been said. He was a ridiculous football player. A physical freak. Before his rookie season in 1998 he said that he was going to take the league apart. He did. Defenses had no answer. The Green Bay Packers drafted defensive backs in the first three rounds of the 1999 NFL Draft to try and contend with Moss after being unable to do so in 1998. It was so much fun to watch him play football. As with Rashad, it would've been great if Moss had played his entire career in Minnesota.
Ahamd Rashad and Randy Moss will be the first Ring of Honor inductees since 2013 and the first inducted at US Bank Stadium. The Vikings didn't induct any players while they played their home games at the University of Minnesota during the 2014-15 seasons while the new stadium was being built. There was enough going on during the inaugural season of US Bank Stadium that the team chose not to induct any players in 2016. The additions of Rashad and Moss will bring the Vikings Ring of Honor to 23 members.
Currently looking splendid in that purple jacket:
Fran Tarkenton
Alan Page
Jim Finks
Bud Grant
Paul Krause
Fred Zamberletti
Jim Marshall
Ron Yary
Korey Stringer
Mick Tingelhoff
Carl Eller
Cris Carter
Bill Brown
Jerry Burns
Randall McDaniel
Chuck Foreman
John Randle
Scott Studwell
Chris Doleman
Matt Blair
Joey Browner
Congratulations to Ahmad Rashad and Randy Moss on their inductions into the Vikings Ring of Honor.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Throwback Thursday: Gil Brandt's Best Defensive Linemen
Very longtime NFL scout, so longtime that he damn-near invented scouting, Gil Brandt recently treated his twitter followers with his list of best defensive linemen in NFL history. It's an interesting look from a man that's seen a lot of football.
Brandt's Best Defensive Ends
1. Reggie White
2. Deacon Jones
3. Bruce Smith
4. J.J. Watt
5. LeRoy Selmon
6. Doug Atkins
7. Gino Marchetti
8. Carl Eller
9. Chris Doleman
10. Michael Strahan
11. Jason Taylor
12. Harvey Martin
13. Willie Davis
14. Ed "Too Tall" Jones
15. Claude Humphrey
16. Dan Hampton
17. Howie Long
18. Fred Dean
19. Julius Peppers
20. Richard Dent
There aren't too many surprises here. Assuming that J.J. Watt and Julius Peppers are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame about five years after they retire 19 of the above are honored in Canton. "Too Tall" Jones is the lone Canton outcast. It's safe to say that Brandt sees that as a mistake. All that I can say about that is that as a young fan of the Minnesota Vikings I hated seeing Jones and Harvey Martin on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
Brandt's Best Defensive Tackles
1. Joe Greene
2. Bob Lilly
3. Arnie Weinmeister
4. Merlin Olsen
5. Randy White
6. Buck Buchanan
7. Curley Culp
8. Jerome Brown
9. John Randle
10. Cortez Kennedy
11. Alan Page
12. Joe Klecko
13. William Perry
14, Warren Sapp
15. Henry Jordan
16. Aaron Donald
17. Art Donovan
18. Ray Childress
19. Ernie Stautner
20. Alex Karras
There are some surprises here. First of all, Brandt is out of his mind with Alan Page way down at #11. It must be that Vikings-Cowboys rivalry of the 1970's that's forced such poor judgement. On more serious matters, it's sad as much as it's great to see Brandt's appreciation of Jerome Brown. Brown's career and, much more importantly, his life were far too short. Aaron Donald has made quite an impression in only three seasons. How far up this list might he climb? Jerome Brown, Joe Klecko, Aaron Donald, Ray Childress, and Alex Karras are the non-Hall of Famers on the list. If he continues to progress as he has, Donald will get there. Klecko and Karras should already be there. Along with Lavvie Dilweg, Al Wistert, Mac Speedie, and Jerry Kramer, Karras has long been on my personal short list of the Hall's most glaring omissions. I will have to revisit Childress' career. I've always thought of him as a very good player but if Brandt thought enough of him to place him between Art Donovan and Ernie Stautner I need to take another look.
It sounds like Gil Brandt will be doing this for the other positions. I look forward to that.
Brandt's Best Defensive Ends
1. Reggie White
2. Deacon Jones
3. Bruce Smith
4. J.J. Watt
5. LeRoy Selmon
6. Doug Atkins
7. Gino Marchetti
8. Carl Eller
9. Chris Doleman
10. Michael Strahan
11. Jason Taylor
12. Harvey Martin
13. Willie Davis
14. Ed "Too Tall" Jones
15. Claude Humphrey
16. Dan Hampton
17. Howie Long
18. Fred Dean
19. Julius Peppers
20. Richard Dent
There aren't too many surprises here. Assuming that J.J. Watt and Julius Peppers are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame about five years after they retire 19 of the above are honored in Canton. "Too Tall" Jones is the lone Canton outcast. It's safe to say that Brandt sees that as a mistake. All that I can say about that is that as a young fan of the Minnesota Vikings I hated seeing Jones and Harvey Martin on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
Brandt's Best Defensive Tackles
1. Joe Greene
2. Bob Lilly
3. Arnie Weinmeister
4. Merlin Olsen
5. Randy White
6. Buck Buchanan
7. Curley Culp
8. Jerome Brown
9. John Randle
10. Cortez Kennedy
11. Alan Page
12. Joe Klecko
13. William Perry
14, Warren Sapp
15. Henry Jordan
16. Aaron Donald
17. Art Donovan
18. Ray Childress
19. Ernie Stautner
20. Alex Karras
There are some surprises here. First of all, Brandt is out of his mind with Alan Page way down at #11. It must be that Vikings-Cowboys rivalry of the 1970's that's forced such poor judgement. On more serious matters, it's sad as much as it's great to see Brandt's appreciation of Jerome Brown. Brown's career and, much more importantly, his life were far too short. Aaron Donald has made quite an impression in only three seasons. How far up this list might he climb? Jerome Brown, Joe Klecko, Aaron Donald, Ray Childress, and Alex Karras are the non-Hall of Famers on the list. If he continues to progress as he has, Donald will get there. Klecko and Karras should already be there. Along with Lavvie Dilweg, Al Wistert, Mac Speedie, and Jerry Kramer, Karras has long been on my personal short list of the Hall's most glaring omissions. I will have to revisit Childress' career. I've always thought of him as a very good player but if Brandt thought enough of him to place him between Art Donovan and Ernie Stautner I need to take another look.
It sounds like Gil Brandt will be doing this for the other positions. I look forward to that.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Top Jersey Sales For May
Seeing which player's jerseys is selling well is kinda fun. Here are the top selling NFL jerseys for the month of May.
1. Marshawn Lynch
2. Tom Brady
3. Dak Prescott
4. Ezekiel Elliott
5. DeShaun Watson
6. Derek Carr
7. Odell Beckham Jr.
8. Carson Wentz
9. Julio Jones
10. Rob Gronkowski
11. James Conner
12. Aaron Rodgers
13. Matthew Stafford
14. Antonio Brown
15. Khalil Mack
16. Julian Edelman
17. Colin Kaepernick
18. Von Miller
19. Matt Ryan
20. Dez Bryant
21. Russell Wilson
22. Jason Witten
23. Cam Newton
24. Drew Brees
25. Adrian Peterson
New players to the NFL and players on new teams will always have an edge in jersey sales. Unless you're Tom Brady. Doesn't every Patriots fan already have a Brady jersey? At least one? Oakland-native Marshawn Lynch was sure to be a jersey-selling hit with his new team. The only surprise might be how easily his jersey outsold that of Adrian Peterson. Another great back with a new team.
Two rookies are among the top-25. DeShaun Watson at #5 is really no surprise. He's a new, young quarterback on a new team. The sales are a pretty clear indication of the fan's favorite in the quarterback competition of the Houston Texans. The bigger rookie surprise is Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner at #11. He might be a third round pick. He might be playing behind one of the league's best backs in LeVeon Bell. But Conner beat cancer and he played at Pitt. He already had a nice Pittsburgh fan base before the Steelers drafted him.
The biggest surprise of the top-selling jersey's for May has to be Colin Kaepernick at #17. He's unemployed with little on the horizon that might change that situation. His jersey is obviously popular for what he's doing off the field and probably for what he did on the sidelines last season. The NFL and any team with a shaky quarterback group should take notice of this.
Team Rankings:
Dallas Cowboys: 4 (Prescott, Elliott, Bryant, Witten)
Oakland Raiders: 3 (Lynch, Carr, Mack)
New England Patriots: 3 (Brady, Gronkowski, Edelman)
Atlanta Falcons: 2 (Jones, Ryan)
Pittsburgh Steelers: 2 (Conner, Brown)
New Orleans Saints: 2 (Brees, Peterson)
That leaves nine teams with one. And 17 teams with none among the top-25.
Khalil Mack and Von Miller are the only defensive players. Offense sells.
1. Marshawn Lynch
2. Tom Brady
3. Dak Prescott
4. Ezekiel Elliott
5. DeShaun Watson
6. Derek Carr
7. Odell Beckham Jr.
8. Carson Wentz
9. Julio Jones
10. Rob Gronkowski
11. James Conner
12. Aaron Rodgers
13. Matthew Stafford
14. Antonio Brown
15. Khalil Mack
16. Julian Edelman
17. Colin Kaepernick
18. Von Miller
19. Matt Ryan
20. Dez Bryant
21. Russell Wilson
22. Jason Witten
23. Cam Newton
24. Drew Brees
25. Adrian Peterson
New players to the NFL and players on new teams will always have an edge in jersey sales. Unless you're Tom Brady. Doesn't every Patriots fan already have a Brady jersey? At least one? Oakland-native Marshawn Lynch was sure to be a jersey-selling hit with his new team. The only surprise might be how easily his jersey outsold that of Adrian Peterson. Another great back with a new team.
Two rookies are among the top-25. DeShaun Watson at #5 is really no surprise. He's a new, young quarterback on a new team. The sales are a pretty clear indication of the fan's favorite in the quarterback competition of the Houston Texans. The bigger rookie surprise is Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner at #11. He might be a third round pick. He might be playing behind one of the league's best backs in LeVeon Bell. But Conner beat cancer and he played at Pitt. He already had a nice Pittsburgh fan base before the Steelers drafted him.
The biggest surprise of the top-selling jersey's for May has to be Colin Kaepernick at #17. He's unemployed with little on the horizon that might change that situation. His jersey is obviously popular for what he's doing off the field and probably for what he did on the sidelines last season. The NFL and any team with a shaky quarterback group should take notice of this.
Team Rankings:
Dallas Cowboys: 4 (Prescott, Elliott, Bryant, Witten)
Oakland Raiders: 3 (Lynch, Carr, Mack)
New England Patriots: 3 (Brady, Gronkowski, Edelman)
Atlanta Falcons: 2 (Jones, Ryan)
Pittsburgh Steelers: 2 (Conner, Brown)
New Orleans Saints: 2 (Brees, Peterson)
That leaves nine teams with one. And 17 teams with none among the top-25.
Khalil Mack and Von Miller are the only defensive players. Offense sells.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
NFL's Top 100 Players For 2017: 30-21
NFL Network's countdown of the best players in the league continued last night with those ranked from 30-21.
30. Earl Thomas, S
29. Mike Evans, WR
28. Landon Collins, S
27. LeSean McCoy, RB
26. Travis Kelce, TE
25. Joe Thomas, T
24. Russell Wilson. QB
23. Rob Gronkowski, TE
22. Ben Roethlisberger, QB
21. Richard Sherman, CB
There's no real surprises in this group. That should be expected with the list hitting the better of the best.
Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans returned to the Top 100 after missing it last year. New York Giants safety Landon Collins is the only newbie. He emerged as a game-changer in his second year in the league. For some reason it feels like he's been in the league for more than two years. His pick-6 in London against the Los Angeles Rams was one of the best runs of 2016. Unless his second-year success gets to head Collins should get used to being a part of this list.
Travis Kelce and LeSean McCoy made big leaps from last year to this year. Kelce jumped 65 spots from 91 to 26. McCoy has been all over the list in his career. From #5 in 2014 to #69 last year to #27 this year. Injuries have been a big reason for the movement.
If there's a surprise in this group it might be Russell Wilson at #24. He fought through nagging injuries through most, if not all, of the season. As a result, his play in the first several games was very un-Wilson-like.
Joe Thomas, Rob Gronkowski, Ben Roethlisberger, and Richard Sherman usually make their annual appearance on the list in this range, or higher. No matter where Thomas is ranked it always feels too low.
Next week: the first half of the Top 20.
30. Earl Thomas, S
29. Mike Evans, WR
28. Landon Collins, S
27. LeSean McCoy, RB
26. Travis Kelce, TE
25. Joe Thomas, T
24. Russell Wilson. QB
23. Rob Gronkowski, TE
22. Ben Roethlisberger, QB
21. Richard Sherman, CB
There's no real surprises in this group. That should be expected with the list hitting the better of the best.
Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans returned to the Top 100 after missing it last year. New York Giants safety Landon Collins is the only newbie. He emerged as a game-changer in his second year in the league. For some reason it feels like he's been in the league for more than two years. His pick-6 in London against the Los Angeles Rams was one of the best runs of 2016. Unless his second-year success gets to head Collins should get used to being a part of this list.
Travis Kelce and LeSean McCoy made big leaps from last year to this year. Kelce jumped 65 spots from 91 to 26. McCoy has been all over the list in his career. From #5 in 2014 to #69 last year to #27 this year. Injuries have been a big reason for the movement.
If there's a surprise in this group it might be Russell Wilson at #24. He fought through nagging injuries through most, if not all, of the season. As a result, his play in the first several games was very un-Wilson-like.
Joe Thomas, Rob Gronkowski, Ben Roethlisberger, and Richard Sherman usually make their annual appearance on the list in this range, or higher. No matter where Thomas is ranked it always feels too low.
Next week: the first half of the Top 20.
Monday, June 12, 2017
10 Things
I'm stealing this idea from Sports Illustrated and Monday Morning Quarterback writer Peter King. And probably others as well. Here are 10 Things that have been on my mind recently. Perhaps it'd be more original if I only thought about eight things.
1. I'd like to believe that Colin Kaepernick's continued unemployment has nothing to do with collusion, a word that has become way to common these ridiculous days, but it's hard not to wonder when Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll tosses out his remarkable reason for not signing the quarterback. "He's too good to be a backup." Or something like that. I've never heard of a player not being added to a roster because he's "too good." It's just too stupid to believe.
2. More on the Kaepernick front. I've stayed away from the nonsense surrounding his protests simply because I prefer to stick to football. It's more simple and more fun. That doesn't mean that I haven't thought about it. Kaepernick had every right to do what he did. I also think that it was necessary due to the sad fact that this country is completely out of control in regards to race relations and basic respect for others. The 1968 anthem protests of Tommie Smith and John Carlos were a little before my awareness of things like that but I feel that Kaepernick's actions has ignited more positive conversation about this country's disappointing race issues than any single act in my lifetime. That's a good thing.
3. One last thing on respect for the National Anthem. Throughout all of this protest nonsense I've thought about the Bud Grant-coached Minnesota Vikings teams of the late 1960s into the 1980s. They practiced standing for the playing of the National Anthem. The flag and the song were that important to Grant. The entire team was lined up along the sideline, helmet under one arm, perfectly still. The team was something beautiful to behold during those few minutes. Those Vikings teams actually practiced for the playing of the National Anthem. Imagine that. Compared to them, every team on the opposite sideline and nearly every fan in the stands were disrespecting the flag and the song. Compared to them, every other team might as well have been kneeling. The contrast was that striking.
4. Football is fun.
5. Training camps are creeping closer. But mid-June to mid-July is the longest ~30 days on the football calendar.
6. I'm going to lose my damn mind if another reporter asks Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer or general manager Rick Spielman about Teddy Bridgewater's rehab timeline. Both are asked the question at every opportunity. Even if it was asked the day before. Or earlier in the same damn day. I can answer the question for them. No one knows when Bridgewater will return and that answer won't change no matter how many times the question is asked. Every injury is different. Every person is different. Every recovery is different. Bridgewater will be back when his doctor's clear him.
7. More Bridgewater. I find it a little unethical and very irresponsible for doctors that haven't treated a player's injury to give a diagnosis for that particular player's injury. Sure, they can speak to the general injury and that can be quite informative to a naive and gullible public but speaking to the specific's of a particular player, a particular injury, and a particular recovery isn't right.
8. When word got out that the New York Jets will either trade or release receiver Eric Decker, Vikings fans and beat writers were all over the possible addition of the receiver. Why? Is it his Minnesota roots? Is it his size and receiving skills? Or is it simply because every player that becomes available should be a target of the Vikings? It's good business practice for every team to at least consider each player that comes available. I doubt that Decker will be anything more than a consideration for the Vikings. They added Michael Floyd, a similarly sized and experienced receiver with Minnesota ties, a few weeks ago. It's no stretch to think that the team would like to see last year's top draft pick Laquon Treadwell, a similar sort of receiver, develop into the player that they drafted him to be. Adding Decker could get in the way of that development. Personally, I'd rather see the Vikings develop a youngster like Isaac Fruechte, another big receiver with Minnesota ties, than add an older player. Decker's 30 and injuries are starting to come with greater frequency. Despite his skills and experience I'm not sure that he would even make the team. Even if he did it could come at the expense of a player with greater future upside.
9. People in a lather over Adrian Peterson's "five more years" goal haven't been paying attention. He's been setting goals such as this since he entered the league in 2007. He routinely sets high goals, perhaps impossible goals, for himself. He always has and always will. 2,500 yards? That's his goal every season. Why set a goal that's within reach when you want to reach further? Peterson's drive to do more, do what hasn't been done, do what can't be done is what's made him the best running back of his generation, of any generation. I'm going to miss seeing him in a Minnesota Vikings uniform.
10. As much as I'm going to miss #28 I'm excited to see the Vikings' new runners. Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, and Jerick McKinnon.
There's ten of the things that I've been thinking about recently.
1. I'd like to believe that Colin Kaepernick's continued unemployment has nothing to do with collusion, a word that has become way to common these ridiculous days, but it's hard not to wonder when Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll tosses out his remarkable reason for not signing the quarterback. "He's too good to be a backup." Or something like that. I've never heard of a player not being added to a roster because he's "too good." It's just too stupid to believe.
2. More on the Kaepernick front. I've stayed away from the nonsense surrounding his protests simply because I prefer to stick to football. It's more simple and more fun. That doesn't mean that I haven't thought about it. Kaepernick had every right to do what he did. I also think that it was necessary due to the sad fact that this country is completely out of control in regards to race relations and basic respect for others. The 1968 anthem protests of Tommie Smith and John Carlos were a little before my awareness of things like that but I feel that Kaepernick's actions has ignited more positive conversation about this country's disappointing race issues than any single act in my lifetime. That's a good thing.
3. One last thing on respect for the National Anthem. Throughout all of this protest nonsense I've thought about the Bud Grant-coached Minnesota Vikings teams of the late 1960s into the 1980s. They practiced standing for the playing of the National Anthem. The flag and the song were that important to Grant. The entire team was lined up along the sideline, helmet under one arm, perfectly still. The team was something beautiful to behold during those few minutes. Those Vikings teams actually practiced for the playing of the National Anthem. Imagine that. Compared to them, every team on the opposite sideline and nearly every fan in the stands were disrespecting the flag and the song. Compared to them, every other team might as well have been kneeling. The contrast was that striking.
4. Football is fun.
5. Training camps are creeping closer. But mid-June to mid-July is the longest ~30 days on the football calendar.
6. I'm going to lose my damn mind if another reporter asks Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer or general manager Rick Spielman about Teddy Bridgewater's rehab timeline. Both are asked the question at every opportunity. Even if it was asked the day before. Or earlier in the same damn day. I can answer the question for them. No one knows when Bridgewater will return and that answer won't change no matter how many times the question is asked. Every injury is different. Every person is different. Every recovery is different. Bridgewater will be back when his doctor's clear him.
7. More Bridgewater. I find it a little unethical and very irresponsible for doctors that haven't treated a player's injury to give a diagnosis for that particular player's injury. Sure, they can speak to the general injury and that can be quite informative to a naive and gullible public but speaking to the specific's of a particular player, a particular injury, and a particular recovery isn't right.
8. When word got out that the New York Jets will either trade or release receiver Eric Decker, Vikings fans and beat writers were all over the possible addition of the receiver. Why? Is it his Minnesota roots? Is it his size and receiving skills? Or is it simply because every player that becomes available should be a target of the Vikings? It's good business practice for every team to at least consider each player that comes available. I doubt that Decker will be anything more than a consideration for the Vikings. They added Michael Floyd, a similarly sized and experienced receiver with Minnesota ties, a few weeks ago. It's no stretch to think that the team would like to see last year's top draft pick Laquon Treadwell, a similar sort of receiver, develop into the player that they drafted him to be. Adding Decker could get in the way of that development. Personally, I'd rather see the Vikings develop a youngster like Isaac Fruechte, another big receiver with Minnesota ties, than add an older player. Decker's 30 and injuries are starting to come with greater frequency. Despite his skills and experience I'm not sure that he would even make the team. Even if he did it could come at the expense of a player with greater future upside.
9. People in a lather over Adrian Peterson's "five more years" goal haven't been paying attention. He's been setting goals such as this since he entered the league in 2007. He routinely sets high goals, perhaps impossible goals, for himself. He always has and always will. 2,500 yards? That's his goal every season. Why set a goal that's within reach when you want to reach further? Peterson's drive to do more, do what hasn't been done, do what can't be done is what's made him the best running back of his generation, of any generation. I'm going to miss seeing him in a Minnesota Vikings uniform.
10. As much as I'm going to miss #28 I'm excited to see the Vikings' new runners. Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, and Jerick McKinnon.
There's ten of the things that I've been thinking about recently.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Finally
The Sporting News recently reported that the Minnesota Vikings promoted Kelly Kleine to college scouting coordinator. The significance of this is that she is a she. Great for her and for the women that are waiting and able to play a greater role in a profession that has been dominated by men.
Sporting News reported that 14 women currently work in football operations. That's a very small number considering the number of people that work on that side of the business for the 32 teams. It's a start. With each new hire more doors open and the opportunities for more women in football grow. That's a good thing. Women can negotiate contracts, scout, and coach as well as men. More importantly they tend to not take these jobs, especially in football, for granted.
Kelly Kleine got her start with the Vikings as a media relations intern. She made the jump to the football side of things in 2013 as a scouting assistant. That was her opportunity and she took advantage.
"She does about 1,000 different things," Vikings general manager told Alex Marvez of the Sporting News. "She basically has her hands in all day-to-day operations on the personnel side."
"One thing we always try to identify are self-starters who have the work ethic and attention to detail where you can trust them to carry out whatever assignment is given them," Spielman said in the Sporting News interview. "In our eyes, it's not about being a man or a woman or what religion or race you are. It's who is most qualified regardless."
Kleine exceeded the expectations of her job and now she's a football scout. A job dominated by men in the NFL for nearly 100 years.
Kleine is the latest example of female employees given the opportunity to advance through the Vikings organization. The team promoted three women to vice president positions on the business side of operations last year. Anne Doepner is the director of football administration. She handles compliance issues with the NFL management council for all collective bargaining issues. She also negotiated the contracts of the Vikings 2017 draft picks.
Congratulations to Kelly Kleine, Anne Doepner, and all of the women that are finally getting their shot in football.
Sporting News reported that 14 women currently work in football operations. That's a very small number considering the number of people that work on that side of the business for the 32 teams. It's a start. With each new hire more doors open and the opportunities for more women in football grow. That's a good thing. Women can negotiate contracts, scout, and coach as well as men. More importantly they tend to not take these jobs, especially in football, for granted.
Kelly Kleine got her start with the Vikings as a media relations intern. She made the jump to the football side of things in 2013 as a scouting assistant. That was her opportunity and she took advantage.
"She does about 1,000 different things," Vikings general manager told Alex Marvez of the Sporting News. "She basically has her hands in all day-to-day operations on the personnel side."
"One thing we always try to identify are self-starters who have the work ethic and attention to detail where you can trust them to carry out whatever assignment is given them," Spielman said in the Sporting News interview. "In our eyes, it's not about being a man or a woman or what religion or race you are. It's who is most qualified regardless."
Kleine exceeded the expectations of her job and now she's a football scout. A job dominated by men in the NFL for nearly 100 years.
Kleine is the latest example of female employees given the opportunity to advance through the Vikings organization. The team promoted three women to vice president positions on the business side of operations last year. Anne Doepner is the director of football administration. She handles compliance issues with the NFL management council for all collective bargaining issues. She also negotiated the contracts of the Vikings 2017 draft picks.
Congratulations to Kelly Kleine, Anne Doepner, and all of the women that are finally getting their shot in football.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
First Round Signing Tracker
I haven't been paying as much attention to the first round signings this year. That's mostly due to the Minnesota Vikings not having one. Their draft started in the second round. Here are the first round signings through Friday, per NFL.com.
2. QB Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears
3. DE Solomon Thomas, San Francisco 49ers
4. RB Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars: Fournette has signed his four-year, fully guaranteed contract, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source. There is no offset language in the contract, Rapoport added.
5. WR Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans
6. S Jamal Adams, New York Jets
7. WR Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers: The team announced with a Twitter video that the former Clemson receiver signed his rookie deal on May 11. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $19.75 million, fully guaranteed.
8. RB Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers: Signed a deal worth $17.2 million, per Rapoport. The contract includes a $10.7 million signing bonus.
9. WR John Ross, Cincinnati Bengals: Signed a deal worth $17.1 million with a $10.6 million signing bonus, per Rapoport.
10. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
11. CB Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints: Signed his rookie contract with the team on June 2, the Saints announced.
12. QB Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans: Watson's deal is worth $13.85 million and has a signing bonus of $8.22 million, a source informed of the situation told Rapoport.
13. LB Haason Reddick, Arizona Cardinals: The team announced that they have signed Reddick to a four-year contract.
14. DE Derek Barnett, Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles and Derek Barnett have agreed to terms on a four-year contract, the team announced.
15. S Malik Hooker, Indianapolis Colts: Signed a four-year deal worth $12.6 million, including a $7.3 million signing bonus, on May 18, Rapoport reported.
16. CB Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens: Signed a deal worth $11.9 million fully guaranteed, per Rapoport. It included a $6.8 million signing bonus.
17. DE Jonathan Allen, Washington Redskins: Signed a four-year, $11.6 million contract on May 11, per Rapoport. The deal included a $6.6 million signing bonus.
18. CB Adoree' Jackson, Tennessee Titans: Signed rookie contract on May 23, the team announced.
19. TE O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Howard signed his rookie deal May 22.
20. OT Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos: NFL Network's James Palmer reported the offensive tackleagreed to terms on his rookie contract on May 11. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $11 million, fully guaranteed, with a $6.2 million signing bonus.
21. LB Jarrad Davis, Detroit Lions: Signed a rookie contract. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $10.97 million, fully guaranteed, with a $6.1 million signing bonus.
22. OLB Charles Harris, Miami Dolphins: Signed his Dolphins rookie contract on May 24, the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
23. TE Evan Engram, New York Giants
24. CB Gareon Conley, Oakland Raiders
25. S Jabrill Peppers, Cleveland Browns
26. DE Takkarist McKinley, Atlanta Falcons: The team announced the pass rusher agreed to terms on his rookie deal on May 11.
27. CB Tre'Davious White, Buffalo Bills: Signed a rookie deal on May 18, the team announced.
28. DE Taco Charlton, Dallas Cowboys: Signed a rookie deal. Per Rapoport, the deal is worth $8.65 million ($7.12 million fully guaranteed), with a $5.4 million signing bonus.
29. TE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
30. OLB T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
31. LB Reuben Foster, San Francisco 49ers: Signed a rookie deal on June 9, the team announced. Rapoport reports Foster's deal includes a $4.7 million signing bonus and guarantees into the fourth year of the contract.
32. OT Ryan Ramczyk, New Orleans Saints
When it comes to the signing of rookies the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement has been a blessing. The signings are a breeze now because the contract parameters are basically scripted by where the players are drafted. Thankfully, holdouts are rare. But a Joey Bosa will pop up on occasion. With training camps nearly two months away 21 of the 32 first round picks are signed.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Top Heisman Trophy Candidates
College football writer Chase Goodbread kicked off his 17 for '17 series on NFL.com's College Football 24/7. He kicked it off with his top 17 candidates for the 2017 Heisman Trophy.
17. Derwin James, S, Florida State
16. Jalen Hurts, QB, Florida State
15. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
14. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
13. Deondre Francois, QB, Florida State
12. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
11. Mason Randolph, QB, Oklahoma State
10. Jake Browning, QB, Washington
9. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
8. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
7. Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
6. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
5. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
4. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
3. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
I wonder if Baker Mayfield is still the top candidate with Wednesday's news that Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is stepping away from the game.
My vote, if I had one, is for Derwin James. He's great but I want to see a defensive player win this award again. It took returns and offensive touches for Charles Woodson to take home the Heisman 20 years ago. James just takes apart offenses.
Everyone knows that the Heisman's an offensive award so my early money's on Saquon Barkley taking it home.
Chase Goodbread contributes some interesting topics, lists and thoughts with his series. So far this college offseason he's brought readers the fastest players, the top players that stayed in college, and impact transfers. He'll have more throughout the summer.
17. Derwin James, S, Florida State
16. Jalen Hurts, QB, Florida State
15. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
14. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
13. Deondre Francois, QB, Florida State
12. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
11. Mason Randolph, QB, Oklahoma State
10. Jake Browning, QB, Washington
9. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
8. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
7. Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
6. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
5. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
4. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
3. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
I wonder if Baker Mayfield is still the top candidate with Wednesday's news that Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is stepping away from the game.
My vote, if I had one, is for Derwin James. He's great but I want to see a defensive player win this award again. It took returns and offensive touches for Charles Woodson to take home the Heisman 20 years ago. James just takes apart offenses.
Everyone knows that the Heisman's an offensive award so my early money's on Saquon Barkley taking it home.
Chase Goodbread contributes some interesting topics, lists and thoughts with his series. So far this college offseason he's brought readers the fastest players, the top players that stayed in college, and impact transfers. He'll have more throughout the summer.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Throwback Thursday: NFL/AFL All-Decade Team 1960s
There's and NFL All-Decade Team for the 1960s. There's an All-Time AFL Team, which is basically an All-Decade Team for the 1960s since they only played in that decade. Why not a combined NFL/AFL All-Decade Team for the 1960s? Here's a Flea Flicker version of that team.
Quarterback
John Unitas
Running backs
Jim Brown
Gale Sayers
Receivers
Lance Alworth
Charley Taylor
Charley Taylor
Tight end
John Mackey
Tackles
Forrest Gregg
Ron Mix
Guards
Jerry Kramer
Billy Shaw
Center
Jim Otto
Defensive ends
Deacon Jones
Willie Davis
Willie Davis
Defensive tackles
Bob Lilly
Merlin Olsen
Merlin Olsen
Linebackers
Bobby Bell
Ray Nitschke
Dave Robinson
Ray Nitschke
Dave Robinson
Cornerbacks
Herb Adderley
Willie Brown
Safeties
Johnny Robinson
Larry Wilson
Larry Wilson
Kicker
Jan Stenerud
Punter
Don Chandler
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
NFL's Top Players For 2017: 40-31
NFL Network continued it's march through their Top 100 Players for 2017. On Monday the players ranked 40-31 were revealed.
40. Vic Beasley, DE
39. Bobby Wagner, LB
38. Fletcher Cox, DT
37. Aqib Talib, CB
36. Tyreek Hill, WR/KR
35. J.J. Watt, DE
34. Kam Chancellor, S
33. DeMarco Murray, RB
32. Marcus Peters, CB
31. Matthew Stafford, QB
It's nice mix of youth and veteran.
Vic Beasley disappointed some as a rookie in 2015. It was another example of many expecting too much too early from top picks. He still had his moments. Watching him against the Vikings during that rookie season two things stood out with Beasley. First of all, seeing someone coming off the edge wearing #44 is more than a little strange. Second of all, and most importantly, he comes off the line as if he's shot out of a cannon. I came away from that one game during a frustrating rookie season thinking that Beasley could be a real problem for offensive lines if he can get all of his talents together. Well, he got all of his talents together in 2016.
Three players returned to the Top 100 after an absence of a year or more.
Bobby Wagner
DeMarco Murray
Matthew Stafford
Welcome back.
Surprises.
J.J. Watt
Tyreek Hill
Watt called his ranking a joke due to his spending nearly all of the 2016 season on the sideline. He only played in three games. I have no problem with the ranking. People, and apparently some of the players, tend to forget that this list presents the best players, in the view of the players, for the upcoming season. It's impacted greatly by past performances but it's also a projection. When healthy, Watt is one of the best players in the league. His injury-thrashed season dropped him from #3 in 2016 to #35 but he's still one of the best.
Tyreek Hill admitted to having chills when his name was revealed. He was a game-changer for the Chiefs and nightmare for opponents as a rookie in 2016. He's going to attract a lot of attention whenever he's on the field and the Chiefs play him all over the field. It's tough to defend against his sort of speed.
It's interesting that corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters are in the same block of ten. They are the older and younger versions of the same sort of players. Feisty, agressive, big-play corners. They are also a little on the wild side. They can snap. But they are both terrific football players first.
Next week: 30-21.
40. Vic Beasley, DE
39. Bobby Wagner, LB
38. Fletcher Cox, DT
37. Aqib Talib, CB
36. Tyreek Hill, WR/KR
35. J.J. Watt, DE
34. Kam Chancellor, S
33. DeMarco Murray, RB
32. Marcus Peters, CB
31. Matthew Stafford, QB
It's nice mix of youth and veteran.
Vic Beasley disappointed some as a rookie in 2015. It was another example of many expecting too much too early from top picks. He still had his moments. Watching him against the Vikings during that rookie season two things stood out with Beasley. First of all, seeing someone coming off the edge wearing #44 is more than a little strange. Second of all, and most importantly, he comes off the line as if he's shot out of a cannon. I came away from that one game during a frustrating rookie season thinking that Beasley could be a real problem for offensive lines if he can get all of his talents together. Well, he got all of his talents together in 2016.
Three players returned to the Top 100 after an absence of a year or more.
Bobby Wagner
DeMarco Murray
Matthew Stafford
Welcome back.
Surprises.
J.J. Watt
Tyreek Hill
Watt called his ranking a joke due to his spending nearly all of the 2016 season on the sideline. He only played in three games. I have no problem with the ranking. People, and apparently some of the players, tend to forget that this list presents the best players, in the view of the players, for the upcoming season. It's impacted greatly by past performances but it's also a projection. When healthy, Watt is one of the best players in the league. His injury-thrashed season dropped him from #3 in 2016 to #35 but he's still one of the best.
Tyreek Hill admitted to having chills when his name was revealed. He was a game-changer for the Chiefs and nightmare for opponents as a rookie in 2016. He's going to attract a lot of attention whenever he's on the field and the Chiefs play him all over the field. It's tough to defend against his sort of speed.
It's interesting that corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters are in the same block of ten. They are the older and younger versions of the same sort of players. Feisty, agressive, big-play corners. They are also a little on the wild side. They can snap. But they are both terrific football players first.
Next week: 30-21.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
He's Back!
Yesterday was Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer's birthday and he received the birthday gift that he wanted. After eight eyes surgeries in as many months his doctors cleared him to return to the football field. He had missed the first six practices of the OTA portion of the offseason. The Vikings were so concerned about Zimmer's ability/acceptance of staying away from those practices that they sent him to his Kentucky ranch. Perhaps under guard, the coach was able to watch video of the six practices that he was forced to miss. He was supposed to be resting and recuperating but it's hard to imagine Zimmer doing either when there's football teaching to be done. Teaching and coaching football techniques are the aspects of the job that Zimmer enjoys most. The time spent in Kentucky worked as the doctors gave their ok to return. Mike Zimmer is back on a football field.
The Vikings are holding their final four OTAs this week. Monday-Thursday. They wrap up their offseason program with a mandatory minicamp next week. June 13-15. Then it's on to training camp in Mankato in late July. Here's hoping that nothing keeps Zimmer from being a part of all of it.
While Zimmer was recuperating in Kentucky, defensive line coach Andre Patterson took over some of the head coach's administrative duties. I believe that Zimmer also mentioned that linebacker coach and son Adam Zimmer helped some in this capacity as well. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, defensive coordinator George Edwards, and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, of course, handled their respective units. The volume of the practices must have been turned down a few notches without the booming constructive instructions of the head coach.
Welcome back, and happy birthday, Coach!
The Vikings are holding their final four OTAs this week. Monday-Thursday. They wrap up their offseason program with a mandatory minicamp next week. June 13-15. Then it's on to training camp in Mankato in late July. Here's hoping that nothing keeps Zimmer from being a part of all of it.
While Zimmer was recuperating in Kentucky, defensive line coach Andre Patterson took over some of the head coach's administrative duties. I believe that Zimmer also mentioned that linebacker coach and son Adam Zimmer helped some in this capacity as well. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, defensive coordinator George Edwards, and special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, of course, handled their respective units. The volume of the practices must have been turned down a few notches without the booming constructive instructions of the head coach.
Welcome back, and happy birthday, Coach!
Monday, June 5, 2017
Cornerback Tandems
NFL Media Analyst Ike Taylor recently ranked his top cornerback tandems in the NFL heading into the 2017 season.
1. A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars
-"A lot of people are going to disagree with me here, but it won't be the first time or the last."-Taylor
2. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
-"a lot of the success is credited to Aqib Talib's leadership and football knowledge."
-"The Broncos' best all-around cornerback, Harris is often on the island and often shutting down any receiver he faces."
-"Bradley Roby is the chess piece to this secondary. He can play inside or outside the numbers, but I think we'll see him in the slot this fall."
3. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
-"Jenkins has the best eyes of any cornerback in the league."
4. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
-"He(Hayward) understands combination routes and situational football, which helped him lead the league with seven INTs."
5. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
-"Malcolm Butler doesn't get the credit he deserves."
It's tough to disagree with any of Taylor's views on corners. He played the position at a high level for a long time so he knows it better than most of those that try to judge it. I still disagree with him. I see the five tandems that he separated from the rest a little differently. If Gilmore pairs nicely with Butler in New England this year I'd probably rank the above five in nearly reverse order of Taylor's rankings. Butler is a feisty corner that just sticks to receivers. He's also one of the most fun players to watch in the league. I've liked Gilmore since he first stepped on the field for the Buffalo Bills but moving to a new team is always an unknown. If Verrett and/or Hayward were a couple inches taller they'd probably be appreciated more but they're great as is. The only question with the two is how Verrett returns from a torn ACL. The Green Bay Packers are likely regretting greatly letting Hayward slip away from them. The corner tandem of the Giants could shoot to the top if Apple becomes the player that they drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft to be. Jenkins emerged last season as one of the best in the league. The only thing that can slow the Broncos corners is the age that might soon be catching them. The shocker of Taylor's rankings is the Jaguars duo of Ramsey and Bouye at #1. I just don't see how a pair that are so unproven can be the best. Ramsey has a single season in the league. Granted, he was great in that single season but it's still a single season. He also shown that there's a wildness to his game that can snap at anytime. A Vontaze Burfict-like stupidity that can hurt his team as much as his tremendous talent can help it. He has to control that if he's ever going to take full advantage of his abilities. Bouye rode a great half of a season to a huge free agent payday. The talent is there in Jacksonville but Ramsey and Bouye are too much of an unknown, apart and together, for me to put them at #1.
Flea Flicker Top 5 Corner Tandems.
1. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
2. Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes (and Terence Newman and Mackensie Alexander), Minnesota Vikings
3. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
4. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
5. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
I realize that rankings such as these these often rely a great deal on projections. After all, I'm projecting a great deal on the big step that Trae Waynes is about to make this year. I'm just holding off a bit on anointing the Jaguars duo as the best of the best with so little game time for either and zero game time together.
I really think that no other team can field four corners like the Vikings. Rhodes is one of the best in the league. If he can build on his terrific 2016 season he could be the best. Waynes is ready for a starting shot. Newman is still steady at a soon-to-be 39. He can fill in anywhere. Outisde, in the slot, possibly even safety. He's also a coach on the field. Alexander is the wildcard. He's likely taking over the nickel role that Captain Munnerlyn played so well for a couple seasons. Rhodes, Waynes, and Alexander could be the best corner trio in the league for years to come. If the Vikings can keep them all together.
1. A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars
-"A lot of people are going to disagree with me here, but it won't be the first time or the last."-Taylor
2. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
-"a lot of the success is credited to Aqib Talib's leadership and football knowledge."
-"The Broncos' best all-around cornerback, Harris is often on the island and often shutting down any receiver he faces."
-"Bradley Roby is the chess piece to this secondary. He can play inside or outside the numbers, but I think we'll see him in the slot this fall."
3. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
-"Jenkins has the best eyes of any cornerback in the league."
4. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
-"He(Hayward) understands combination routes and situational football, which helped him lead the league with seven INTs."
5. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
-"Malcolm Butler doesn't get the credit he deserves."
It's tough to disagree with any of Taylor's views on corners. He played the position at a high level for a long time so he knows it better than most of those that try to judge it. I still disagree with him. I see the five tandems that he separated from the rest a little differently. If Gilmore pairs nicely with Butler in New England this year I'd probably rank the above five in nearly reverse order of Taylor's rankings. Butler is a feisty corner that just sticks to receivers. He's also one of the most fun players to watch in the league. I've liked Gilmore since he first stepped on the field for the Buffalo Bills but moving to a new team is always an unknown. If Verrett and/or Hayward were a couple inches taller they'd probably be appreciated more but they're great as is. The only question with the two is how Verrett returns from a torn ACL. The Green Bay Packers are likely regretting greatly letting Hayward slip away from them. The corner tandem of the Giants could shoot to the top if Apple becomes the player that they drafted him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft to be. Jenkins emerged last season as one of the best in the league. The only thing that can slow the Broncos corners is the age that might soon be catching them. The shocker of Taylor's rankings is the Jaguars duo of Ramsey and Bouye at #1. I just don't see how a pair that are so unproven can be the best. Ramsey has a single season in the league. Granted, he was great in that single season but it's still a single season. He also shown that there's a wildness to his game that can snap at anytime. A Vontaze Burfict-like stupidity that can hurt his team as much as his tremendous talent can help it. He has to control that if he's ever going to take full advantage of his abilities. Bouye rode a great half of a season to a huge free agent payday. The talent is there in Jacksonville but Ramsey and Bouye are too much of an unknown, apart and together, for me to put them at #1.
Flea Flicker Top 5 Corner Tandems.
1. Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward, San Diego Chargers
2. Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes (and Terence Newman and Mackensie Alexander), Minnesota Vikings
3. Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. (Bradley Roby), Denver Broncos
4. Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore, New England Patriots
5. Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple (and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie), Denver Broncos
I realize that rankings such as these these often rely a great deal on projections. After all, I'm projecting a great deal on the big step that Trae Waynes is about to make this year. I'm just holding off a bit on anointing the Jaguars duo as the best of the best with so little game time for either and zero game time together.
I really think that no other team can field four corners like the Vikings. Rhodes is one of the best in the league. If he can build on his terrific 2016 season he could be the best. Waynes is ready for a starting shot. Newman is still steady at a soon-to-be 39. He can fill in anywhere. Outisde, in the slot, possibly even safety. He's also a coach on the field. Alexander is the wildcard. He's likely taking over the nickel role that Captain Munnerlyn played so well for a couple seasons. Rhodes, Waynes, and Alexander could be the best corner trio in the league for years to come. If the Vikings can keep them all together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)