Flea Flicker Top 5 Draft Prospects By Position

The 2023 Scouting Combine is in the books. Here’s a knee-jerk, post-Combine look at the top prospects at each position. 

Quarterbacks

1. Bryce Young, Alabama

2. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

3. Anthony Richardson, Florida

4. Will Levis, Kentucky

5. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

Running Backs

1. Bijan Robinson, Texas

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

3. Devon Achane, Texas A&M

4. Tyjae Spears, Tulane

5. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

Wide Receivers

1. Jaxon Smith-Nikgba, Ohio State

2. Jordan Addison, USC

3. Zay Flowers, Boston College

4. Quentin Johnston, TCU

5. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Tight Ends

1. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame

2. Dalton Kincaid, Utah

3. Darnell Washington, Georgia

4. Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa

Offensive Tackles

1. Peter Skoronski. Northwestern

2. Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

3. Broderick Jones, Georgia

4. Anton Harrison, Oklahoma

5. Darnell Wright, Tennessee

Interior Offensive Linemen

1. John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota

2. O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida

3. Steve Avila, TCU

4. Cody Mauch, North Dakota State

5. Andrew Vorhees, USC

Edge Rushers

1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama

2. Tyree Wilson, Texas A&M

3. Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

4. Keion White, Georgia Tech

5. Myles Murphy, Clemson

Defensive Tackles

1. Jalen Carter, Georgia

2. Bryan Bresee, Clemson

3. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh

3. Maxi Smith, Michigan

4. Gervon Dexter Sr., Florida

Linebackers

1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas

2. Trenton Simpson, Clemson

3. Daiyan Henley, Washington State

4. Jack Campbell, Iowa

5. DeMarvion Overshown, Texas

Cornerbacks

1. Devon Witherspoon, Illinois

2. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon

3. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

4. Deonte Banks, Maryland

5. Cam Smith, South Carolina

Safeties

1. Brian Branch, Alabama

2. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M

3. Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State

4. Christopher Smith, Georgia

5. Jammie Robinson, Florida State

It’s Tagging Time

The NFL’s deadline for restricting player movement with the franchise tag was yesterday. Six teams took advantage of the tag. 

Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders

Franchise tag salary: $18.937 million

Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Franchise tag salary: $10.091 million

Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Franchise tag salary: $11.345 million

Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Franchise tag salary: $10.091 million

Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

Franchise tag salary: $10.091 million

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

Franchise tag salary: $32.416 million

Lamar Jackson receiving the non-exclusive tag, as did the other five, was the biggest surprise. On paper, the 26-year old, former MVP is available to the rest of the league. All a team has to give is a huge contract and two first-round picks. That feels like a bargain for a 26-year old, former MVP. The funny thing about the situation is that soon after the tagging deadline teams started announcing that they aren’t interested in pursuing Jackson. Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, and Las Vegas Raiders revealed that they won’t be part of the chase for the 26-year old, former MVP. Very strange. Those teams can always change their mind. Anyway, I don’t think that the move is as risky for the Ravens as many have made it out to be. The Ravens have the option to match any offer a team makes to Jackson. In the 30 years of free agency and the franchise tag, it’s been quite rare for a tagged player to switch teams. But Lamar Jackson is a 26-year old, former MVP quarterback. 

The New York Giants had a busy, very productive day. They took it to the deadline but they managed to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to an extension. That allowed them to use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley. Since the end of the season, it looked like the Giants would only be able to keep one of the two. In the end, they were able to keep both of their offensive leaders. 

Half of the franchise tags went to running backs. 

Other than Lamar Jackson receiving the non-exclusive franchise tag, the surprise of tagging time was a player that didn’t get tagged. The Kansas City Chiefs decided not to tag left tackle Orlando Brown for a second consecutive season. Team and player still have a few days to come to an agreement before unrestricted free agency but it looks like the Chiefs might be in the market for a new blind-side protector for Patrick Mahomes. A top left tackle might be available to the rest of the league. I can see the Chicago Bears being first in line to take advantage. 

Next up on the league calendar, legal tampering. 

The Sad Release Of Eric Kendricks

When an NFL team is about $25 million over the salary cap some tough decisions are coming. The Minnesota Vikings entered this offseason about $25 million over the salary cap. They have some tough decisions to make. The first was officially made yesterday. It was a painful decision. The Vikings released linebacker Eric Kendricks. 

Kendricks was part of the Vikings beautiful 2015 Draft Class. 

Round 1: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

Round 2: Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA

Round 3: Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU

Round 5: Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

There were six other players drafted but it was those four that made the Vikings 2015 draft class special. Now, only Hunter remains. Kendricks was the first member of the 2015 draft class to earn a starting role. Since that first start, fourth game of his rookie season, he’s been one of most impactful and most underrated off the ball linebackers in the league. Despite playing at a Pro Bowl and All-Pro level for nearly all of his eight seasons, Kendricks was invited to one Pro Bowl and named All-Pro once. Both came in 2019. Injuries peppered his last couple seasons but at his peak, more than six of his eight seasons, few linebackers could do what he did. Few had his versatility. Few had his impact. As great as Kendricks was on the field, he was even better off of it. Few players have touched and cared about his community more. I miss him already. 

I feel like I’ve known Eric Kendricks since he was a teenager. His brother, Mychal, was one of my favorite Cal players. I hoped that the younger brother would follow his older brother to Berkeley. He didn’t. Eric, sadly, headed south to UCLA. Instead of becoming a Golden Bear he became a baby bear. I had to deal with Eric Kendricks in those awful jerseys for four seasons. Professionally, I hoped that he’d be wearing Vikings purple. Sure enough, draft day was a happy day and Eric Kendricks became a Viking. He’s been one of my favorites ever since. 

The release of Kendricks is a sad day for Vikings football and Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eagan, Bloomington, etc. 

The Vikings released the following statements about Kendricks:

Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah:

As a Pro Bowler and team captain, a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and a leader of the Vikings social justice efforts, Eric leaves a powerful, permanent legacy within our organization and the Minnesota community. While he is best known as a playmaker and respected linebacker across the league, Eric’s contributions to the Vikings extend far beyond the field because of his selfless and unwavering commitment to improving societal issues. I have the utmost respect for Eric and wish him and Ally, along with their growing family, continued success in their next chapter.

Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell:

It is extremely difficult to start more than 100 games in this league, but Eric has been a staple in the locker room since he entered the NFL. During my first year as head coach, Eric played a critical role as a captain and a member of the leadership council in helping establish the culture we want in Minnesota. He was a consistent mentor to his younger teammates, and his tireless work ethic set a standard for others to emulate. I’m thankful to have had the chance to coach Eric as a player and get to know him as a person. I know he and Ally will have an immediate positive impact on their next team and community.

Vikings Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf:

Eric’s impact on our franchise over the past eight years has been immeasurable. At the core of our defense, Eric exemplified perfectly what it means to be a Minnesota Viking. He was the ultimate competitor and an incredible leader who set a high standard and consistently carried himself with class. Off the field, Eric set an example for others with his passion for giving back and using his platform to drive positive change. We especially appreciate his immediate contributions as an original member of the team’s social justice committee and his partnership with us in the fight against social and racial inequities. We are grateful to Eric and his wife, Ally, and look forward to watching them continue to make a difference in the future.

While football is fun, at the professional level, it’s also a business. Thank you for everything, Eric Kendricks. 

Flea Flicker Top 50 Draft Prospects

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books. The stunning performances of the past few days shouldn’t impact team opinions as much as they always do. Here’s a post-Combine look at some of the best draft prospects.

1.   Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

2.   Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama

3.   Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

4.   Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

5.   C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

6.   Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern

7.   Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech

8.   Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

9.   Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

10. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

11. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State

12. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

13. Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson

14. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

15. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

16. Jordan Addison, WR, USC

17. Brian Branch, DB, Alabama

18. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia

19. Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

20. Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson

21. Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

22. Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia

23. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

24. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

25. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee 

26. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

27. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

28. Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech

29. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

30. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

31. Jalen Hyatt, WR, Tennessee

32. O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida

33. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

34. John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota

35. Steve Avila, G, TCU

36. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

37. Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson

38. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

39. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

40. Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati

41. Joe Tippman, G, Wisconsin

42. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

43. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Kansas State

44. Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

45. BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU

46. Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan

47. Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

48. Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn

49. Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M

50. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

All-Time NFL Scouting Combine Team

The 2023 Scouting Combine wraps up today with the offensive linemen and running backs. The Scouting Combine has been a thing since 1982. It’s been a televised event since 2004. It was a big damn secret for the 20 years in between. Just for giggles, here’s an All-Time Team of players that made their way through the poking and prodding of the Scouting Combine. Basically, it’s an All-Time Team of players that played in the league between 1982 and today. Maybe a player, or more, from this year’s Combine will be on this team in about 20 years.

All-Time NFL Scouting Combine Team

Offense 

Quarterback

Tom Brady

Running Backs

Adrian Peterson

Barry Sanders

Wide Receivers

Jerry Rice

Randy Moss

Tight End

Travis Kelce

Offensive Tackles

Anthony Munoz

Jonathan Ogden

Guards

Randall McDaniel

Steve Hutchinson

Center

Dermontti Dawson

Defense

Defensive Ends

Bruce Smith

Reggie White

Defensive Tackles

Aaron Donald

Cortez Kennedy

Linebackers

Derrick Brooks

Ray Lewis

Patrick Willis

-it’s mind-boggling that Patrick Willis isn’t in the Hall of Fame

Cornerbacks

Deion Sanders

Rod Woodson

Safeties

Ed Reed

Troy Polamalu

Is The Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff Complete?

The Minnesota Vikings inched closer to filling out their coaching staff. Earlier this offseason, assistant defensive line coach A’Lique Terry departed to coach the offensive line at Oregon. To replace Terry, the Vikings swiped a coach from Deion Sanders’ freshly completed Colorado coaching staff. Patrick Hill is coming to Minnesota to assist with the defensive line. Soon after becoming the head coach of the Denver Broncos, Sean Payton hired Vikings assistant special teams coach Ben Kotwica to coordinate the Broncos special teams. To replace Kotwica, the Vikings again turned to the college ranks. Dalmin Gibson was hired away from Southern Illinois to assist special teams coordinator Matt Daniels. Gibson was the special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach for the Salukis. 

The Vikings have yet to announce the additions of Patrick Hill and Dalmin Gibson. I’ve only seen the addition of Hill through Colorado sources. One of those sources was Deion Sanders’ son. More sources have reported the addition of Gibson, including NBC Sports/Pro Football Talk. Perhaps the Vikings are waiting for the completion of the Scouting Combine to announce these coaching additions. 

Last season, Sam Siefkes assisted with the Vikings linebackers. If one were to take a look at the Vikings coaching roster on the team website, he still assists with the Vikings linebackers. The Arizona Cardinals claim something different. As of a couple weeks ago, he’s coaching their linebackers. The Cardinals are actively collecting former Vikings coaches. It’s fairly safe to assume that Siefkes’ move to Arizona is accurate and the Vikings website has yet to be updated. That leaves the question: “will the Vikings hire an assistant LB coach?” If so, they have one more coach to hire. If not, the Vikings coaching staff appears complete. 

Here’s the Vikings current coaching staff. 

2023 Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff (so far?)

Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell

Assistant Head Coach: Mike Pettine

Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips

Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores

Special Teams Coordinator: Matt Daniels

Offense:

Quarterbacks: Chris O’Hara

Assistant Quarterbacks: Grant Udinski

Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs: Curtis Modkins

Receivers: Keenan McCardell

Assistant Receivers/Quality Control: Tony Sorrentino

Pass Game Coodinator/Tight Ends: Brian Angelichio

Offensive Line: Chris Kuper

Assistant Offensive Line: Justin Rascati

Pass Game Specialist/Game Management Coordinator: Ryan Cordell

Quality Control: Derron Montgomery

Defense:

Defensive Line: Chris Rumph

Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill

Outside Linebackers/Pass Rush Specialist: Mike Smith

Inside Linebackers: Mike Siravo

Assistant Linebackers: ?

Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones

Assistant Defensive Backs: Roy Anderson

Quality Control: Lance Bennett

Quality Control: Steve Donatell

Special Teams:

Assistant Special Teams: Dalmin Gibson

NFL Head Coach And Coordinator Changes

With the Philadelphia Eagles recently replacing their departed coordinators, all of the head coach and coordinator jobs have been addressed. Although the defensive play calling of the Buffalo Bills is somewhat in doubt. Leslie Frazier decided to step away from coaching for the 2023 season. Head coach Sean McDermott coordinated defenses for eight years prior to coming to Buffalo. They’ll work something out for 2023 and either welcome Frazier back or address the issue in 2024. 

Here’s a summary of this year’s head coach and coordinator changes. 

5 Head Coach Changes:

Arizona Cardinals

In: Jonathan Gannon

Out: Kliff Kingsbury

Carolina Panthers

In: Frank Reich

Out: Matt Ruhle/Steve Wilks

Denver Broncos

In: Sean Payton

Out: Nathaniel Hackett

Houston Texans

In: DeMeco Ryans

Out: Lovie Smith

Indianapolis Colts

In: Shane Steichen

Out: Frank Reich/Jeff Saturday

16 Offensive Coordinator Changes

Arizona Cardinals

In: Drew Petzing

Out: essentially Kliff Kingsbury

Carolina Panthers

In: Thomas Brown

Out: Ben McAdoo

Denver Broncos

In: Joe Lombardi

Out: Justin Outten

Houston Texans

In: Bobby Slowik

Out: Pep Hamilton

Indianapolis Colts

In: Jim Bob Cooter

Out: Marcus Brady

Baltimore Ravens

In: Todd Monken

Out: Greg Roman

Dallas Cowboys

In: Brian Schottenheimer

Out: Kellen Moore

Kansas City Chiefs

In: Matt Nagy

Out: Eric Bieniemy 

Los Angeles Chargers

In: Kellen Moore

Out: Joe Lombardi

Los Angeles Rams

In: Mike LaFleur

Out: Liam Coen

New England Patriots 

In: Bill O’Brien

Out: group think

New York Jets

In: Nathaniel Hackett

Out: Mike LaFleur

Philadelphia Eagles

In: Brian Johnson

Out: Shane Steichen

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In: Dave Canales

Out: Byron Leftwich

Tennessee Titans

In: Tim Kelly

Out: Todd Downing

Washington Commanders

In: Eric Bieniemy 

Out: Scott Turner

-Half of the league’s teams swapped out their offensive coordinators. 

13 Defensive Coordinator Changes

Minnesota Vikings

In: Brian Flores

Out: Ed Donatell

-This is the biggest, most significant coaching change of the year. Skol!

Arizona Cardinals

In: Nick Rallis

Out: Vance Joseph

Carolina Panthers

In: Ejiro Evero

Out: Steve Wilks/Al Holcomb/Phil Snow

Denver Broncos

In: Vance Joseph

Out: Ejiro Evero

Houston Texans

In: Matt Burke

Out: essentially Lovie Smith

Indianapolis Colts

In: Gus Bradley retained his position

Atlanta Falcons

In: Ryan Nielsen

Out: Dean Pees

Buffalo Bills

In: Sean McDermott?

Out: Leslie Frazier

Cleveland Browns

In: Jim Schwartz

Out: Joe Woods

Los Angeles Chargers

In: Derrick Ansley

Out: Renaldo Hill

Miami Dolphins

In: Vic Fangio

Out: Josh Boyer

New Orleans Saints

In: Joe Woods

Out: Kris Richard/Ryan Nielsen

Philadelphia Eagles

In: Sean Desai

Out: Jonathan Gannon