Following yesterday's NFC Team's "Richard Sherman's" here are the AFC Team's "Richard Shermans." These are players selected in the later rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft that I believe have a shot at NFL success. Just like the above mentioned Richard Sherman.
Baltimore Ravens
Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State, 5th round
Judon was one of my favorite small school players. He pretty much lived in the backfield of opposing teams. With Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil not getting any younger Judon could get on the field early and often.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple, 7th round
The Steelers defense has undergone a complete makeover in recent years. Matakevich doesn't quite fit the athletic mold of the rest of the players emerging in this new defense. His football instincts make up for his average athleticism. He just gets to the ball.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cody Core, WR, Mississippi, 6th round
Core was the "other guy" to Laquon Treadwell in the Mississippi's offense. He has some unique skills and size that can't be taught. The Bengals lost their receiving depth this offseaon. Core could help replenish it.
Cleveland Browns
Scooby Wright III, LB, Arizona, 7th round
The Browns have a few players that could be their "Richard Sherman." Jordan Payton, Spencer Drango, Rashard Higgins could all shine early for a team desperate for football players. Payton and Higgins are skilled and polished receivers that could contribute early. But I have to go with Scooby. He probably would have been drafted a few rounds earlier if not for an injury last season. He was a tackling machine in 2014.
New England Patriots
Devin Lucien, WR, Arizona State, 7th round
Another offensive player that I watched take apart Cal. The Patriots always find a spot for receivers with a knack for getting open.
Buffalo Bills
Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas, 5th round
Williams might have been among the first backs chosen if a foot injury hadn't wiped out his 2015 season. If he can stay healthy he could be a steal.
New York Jets
Charone Peak, WR, Clemson, 7th round
Clemson has been a receiver factory recently. That alone probably brought Peak some attention. He has terrific size and speed.
Miami Dolphins
Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA, 7th round
Duarte was a big, productive receiver in college. The Dolphins hope that he's an agile, productive tight end in the NFL. Perhaps they see a little Charles Clay in him.
Indianapolis Colts
Joe Haeg, T, North Dakota State, 5th
This was a huge draft for North Dakota State. Haeg and Carson Wentz brought a lot of football attention to the itty-bitty college. Haeg could have gone as early as the second day. The Colts got him in the fifth. He could help them early.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame, 5th round
Day joins an incredible number of versatile defensive linemen in Jacksonville. The Jaguars now have about six players that can play any spot on the defensive line. That makes for a ridiculous rotation. Day should become a part of it.
Houston Texans
D.J. Reader, DT, Clemson, 5th round
Reader is likely the heir apparent to Vince Wilfork. He should see the field this year to give the big guy some rest.
Tennessee Titans
LeShaun Sims, CB, Southern Utah, 5th round
It might take a year or two to adjust to the NFL but Sims has the size and talent to be a productive starter for the Titans. Kinda like Richard Sherman.
Denver Broncos
Connor McGovern, G, Missouri, 5th round
McGovern was one of my favorite day two offensive linemen. The Broncos selected him on day three. The need for offensive linemen is high in Denver so McGovern could play early. He has the size, strength, and ability to play early.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford, 5th round
Hogan's ceiling may not be all that high but he's a smart, capable passer. All he did at Stanford was win.
San Diego Chargers
Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M, 6th round
Mike Scifres has been one of the league's better punter for years. His play dropped last year. Teams don't draft punters to wait around for a while. Kaser should be the Chargers punter for years. Starting this year.
Oakland Raiders
Vadal Alexander, G, LSU, 7th round
The Raiders have put together one of the best offensive lines in the league. Their interior line is the best. So, Alexander is probably the wrong pick for this spot. He's still the pick. There was a time when he was considered one of the best guards in the draft. A likely 2nd round pick. The Raiders found him in the 7th round.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
NFC Team's "Richard Shermans"
Richard Sherman rose from a lowly fifth-round pick to one of the best cornerbacks in the league. In a sad attempt to recognize his achievements and to further explore all corners of the 2016 NFL Draft here's a look at a late-round pick from each team that could soon shine for that team.
Minnesota Vikings
Kentrell Brothers, LB, Missouri, 5th round
2015 2nd round pick Eric Kendricks did a fine job at middle linebacker as a rookie last year. If Brothers is the same instinctive, runner stopper in the NFL that he was at Missouri, Kendricks might find his permanent home at weak-side linebacker.
Green Bay Packers
Trevor Davis, WR, Cal, 5th round
The Packers had a pick in the 5th and a pick in the 6th. Stanford tackle Kyle Murphy was their 6th round pick. Cal always trumps Stanford. Always! Davis' explosive athleticism got him drafted. He's a project at receiver.
Chicago Bears
Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan, 7th round
The Bears don't have a lot of depth behind Alson Jeffery and Kevin White. Baverman could see some early playing time. He can drive a corner nuts.
Detroit Lions
Joe Dahl, G, Washington State, 5th round
It was a surprise to see Dahl still available on the third day of the draft.
Washington Redskins
Matthew Ioannidis, DT, Temple, 5th round
Ioannidis is one of those rugged, high-effort tough-guys that simply makes a defensive line better.
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Mills, S, LSU, 7th round
If Mills plays to his talent the Eagles found a starter in the 7th.
Dallas Cowboys
Rico Gathers, TE, Baylor, 7th round
The Cowboys hope that they found the next Antonio Gates. A basketball player that decided to give football a try.
New York Giants
Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA, 5th round
I thought that Perkins could go as early as the 2nd round. Perhaps that's because Cal couldn't find a way to get him to the ground. The Bears defense made Perkins look like a first round pick.
New Orleans Saints
Daniel Lasco, RB, Cal, 7th round
Another Cal player gets the nod. Lasco probably would have been drafted on the second day if he hadn't missed most of the 2015 season to injury. He shined at the Scouting Combine.
Carolina Panthers
Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma, 5th round
The Panthers drafted three corners. Sanchez was the third. The Panthers need them to play early.
Atlanta Falcons
Wes Schweitzer, G, San Jose State, 6th round
Nice size and feet for a late-round pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Caleb Benenoch, OL, UCLA, 5th round
Benenoch has experience at both guard and tackle and the talent to eventually start.
Seattle Seahawks
Kenny Lawler, WR, Cal, 7th round
Another Cal player! It helps that so many were selected late in the draft. Lawler's touchdown-scoring ability in the red zone is such that it wouldn't have been a surprise if he was selected much earlier. He has to show that he can be a threat down the field rather than just a jumpball-specialist.
Arizona Cardinals
Harlan Miller, CB, Southeastern Louisiana, 6th round
Miller was one of the top small school sleepers. He has the talent to earn some playing time early on a very good defense.
San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State, 6th round
Another player that I expected to be drafted much earlier. Whenever the Spartans needed a big play it seemed that Burbridge was the player to make it.
Los Angeles Rams
Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Mississippi, 6th round
Thomas seemed to gather more attention late in the draft evaluation process. He's a talented player with terrific hands. He'll have a chance to make a Rams team that needs some receivers.
Tomorrow: The AFC "Richard Shermans"
Tomorrow: The AFC "Richard Shermans"
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Change
The Minnesota Vikings were 5-10-1 in 2013. They weren't very good. Josh Freeman even started a game at quarterback. That game was a disaster on Monday Night Football. Leslie Frazier coached the team. A trio of quarterbacks led the team on the field. Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel, and Freeman. They did close the season with three wins in the their final five games. Perhaps in an effort to save Frazier's job. It didn't work. Nearly everything has changed in Minnesota since that 2013 season.
Here's the 2013 Vikings roster.
WR Greg Jennings
T Matt Kalil
G Charles Johnson
C John Sullivan
G Bradnon Fusco
T Phil Loadholt
TE John Carlson
WR Jerome Simpson
QB Christian Ponder
RB Adrian Peterson
FB Jerome Felton
DE Jared Allen
DT Kevin Williams
DT Letroy Guion
DE Brian Robison
LB Chad Greenway
LB Erin Henderson
LB Marvin Mitchell
CB Chris Cook
CB Josh Robinson
S Jamarca Sanford
S Andrew Sendejo
Injuries knocked out starting tight end Kyle Rudolph and safety Harrison Smith for about half the season. Even with those players in place this is a team that is destined to struggle. A lot had to change. It started with the hiring of Mike Zimmer as head coach a few weeks after the season finally came to an end. He brought a new attitude and direction. He gave general manager Rick Spielman the blue prints for the team that he wanted to put on the field and it didn't include a lot of the players that were on the roster. Spielman and his personnel people went out and found the players that would fit. The Vikings roster has undergone a nearly complete turnover in only two years, Here's a (too early) look at a projected lineup for the 2016 season.
WR Stefon Diggs
T Matt Kalil
G Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
G Bradnon Fusco
T Andre Smith
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Laquon Treadwell
QB Teddy Bridgewater
RB Adrian Peterson
FB Zach Line
DE Everson Griffen
DT Sharrif Floyd
DT Linval Joseph
DE Danielle Hunter
LB Chad Greenway
LB Eric Kendricks
LB Anthony Barr
CB Xavier Rhodes
CB Trae Waynes
S Harrison Smith
S Michael Griffin
Four offensive starters from 2013 are projected starters today. Five, if Phil Loadholt can return from the injury that wiped out his 2015 season and win the right tackle competition with Andre Smith. Only Chad Greenway remains as a starter on defense and he'll be facing the most serious competition of his career for the spot.
That's a lot of change in only two years. Even the coaching staff has had a nearly complete makeover. Only special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, special teams assistant Ryan Ficken, receivers coach George Stewart and running backs coach Kevin Stefanski remain from Frazier's staff. And Stefanski coached tight ends for Frazier. Stefanski has some true Vikings staying power. His tenure with the team dates back to the Brad Childress' first year in 2006.
A lot has changed since 2013. Even the stadium. That 2013 Vikings team played in the Metrodome. That piece-o-shit was blown up not long after that 2013 season ended. Much like the team. The Minnesota Vikings will open the beautiful US Bank Stadium this season.
So much change. The biggest change has been the excitement and hope for the Vikings. Now and for the future. Everything started turning in the right direction when Rick Spielman tapped Mike Zimmer as the Vikings head coach in January of 2014.
Here's the 2013 Vikings roster.
WR Greg Jennings
T Matt Kalil
G Charles Johnson
C John Sullivan
G Bradnon Fusco
T Phil Loadholt
TE John Carlson
WR Jerome Simpson
QB Christian Ponder
RB Adrian Peterson
FB Jerome Felton
DE Jared Allen
DT Kevin Williams
DT Letroy Guion
DE Brian Robison
LB Chad Greenway
LB Erin Henderson
LB Marvin Mitchell
CB Chris Cook
CB Josh Robinson
S Jamarca Sanford
S Andrew Sendejo
Injuries knocked out starting tight end Kyle Rudolph and safety Harrison Smith for about half the season. Even with those players in place this is a team that is destined to struggle. A lot had to change. It started with the hiring of Mike Zimmer as head coach a few weeks after the season finally came to an end. He brought a new attitude and direction. He gave general manager Rick Spielman the blue prints for the team that he wanted to put on the field and it didn't include a lot of the players that were on the roster. Spielman and his personnel people went out and found the players that would fit. The Vikings roster has undergone a nearly complete turnover in only two years, Here's a (too early) look at a projected lineup for the 2016 season.
WR Stefon Diggs
T Matt Kalil
G Alex Boone
C John Sullivan
G Bradnon Fusco
T Andre Smith
TE Kyle Rudolph
WR Laquon Treadwell
QB Teddy Bridgewater
RB Adrian Peterson
FB Zach Line
DE Everson Griffen
DT Sharrif Floyd
DT Linval Joseph
DE Danielle Hunter
LB Chad Greenway
LB Eric Kendricks
LB Anthony Barr
CB Xavier Rhodes
CB Trae Waynes
S Harrison Smith
S Michael Griffin
Four offensive starters from 2013 are projected starters today. Five, if Phil Loadholt can return from the injury that wiped out his 2015 season and win the right tackle competition with Andre Smith. Only Chad Greenway remains as a starter on defense and he'll be facing the most serious competition of his career for the spot.
That's a lot of change in only two years. Even the coaching staff has had a nearly complete makeover. Only special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, special teams assistant Ryan Ficken, receivers coach George Stewart and running backs coach Kevin Stefanski remain from Frazier's staff. And Stefanski coached tight ends for Frazier. Stefanski has some true Vikings staying power. His tenure with the team dates back to the Brad Childress' first year in 2006.
A lot has changed since 2013. Even the stadium. That 2013 Vikings team played in the Metrodome. That piece-o-shit was blown up not long after that 2013 season ended. Much like the team. The Minnesota Vikings will open the beautiful US Bank Stadium this season.
So much change. The biggest change has been the excitement and hope for the Vikings. Now and for the future. Everything started turning in the right direction when Rick Spielman tapped Mike Zimmer as the Vikings head coach in January of 2014.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Top 30 Undrafted Players In NFL History
NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt has been around pro football and the scouting game for more than a half century. He recently ranked his Top 30 undrafted players in NFL history. Here they are.
30. Wes Welker, WR
29. Marion Motley, RB*
28. Drew Pearson, WR
27. Chris Harris, CB
26. Brian Waters, G
25. Dave Grayson, DB
24. Larry Little, G*
23. Nate Newton, G
22. Jason Peters, T
21. Adam Vinatieri, K
20. Priest Holmes, RB
19. Coy Bacon, DL
18. Donnie Shell, S
17. James Harrison, LB
16. Rod Smith, WR
15. Joe Jacoby, T
14. Antonio Gates, TE
13. Tony Romo, QB
12. John Randle, DT*
11. Emmitt Thomas, CB*
10. Cornell Green, CB
9. Cliff Harris, S
8. Lou Groza, T/K*
7. Joe Perry, RB*
6. Willie Wood, CB*
5. Willie Brown, CB*
4. Warren Moon, QB*
3. Emlen Tunnell, S*
2. Dick "Night Train" Lane, CB*
1. Kurt Warner, WB
*Hall of Fame player
Gil Brandt has forgotten more about football than most people will ever know but he's out of his mind ranking Kurt Warner #1. I'd start with game-changing players Night Train or Tunnell and go from there. Warner should be on the list but in the back half of it. He's hurt by the late start to his career. He's hurt more by the mediocre, at best, years in the middle of his career. Those are the little things that kept him out of the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. I'd also move Marion Motley up at least 20 spots. There are some that played against him that would put him among the best in the game's history regardless of when or whether they were drafted.
It's great to see historically under-appreciated players like Coy Bacon and Dave Grayson get some attention here.
It seems that Brandt has a little bit of a Cowboys bias. That's to be expected as he was probably the one that scouted and signed some of the players on this list. The Cowboys signed the following:
Drew Pearson
Brian Waters
Dave Grayson
Coy Bacon
Tony Romo
Cornell Green
Cliff Harris
All but Waters and Romo were signed on Brandt's watch.
Nate Newton wasn't initially signed by the Cowboys but he played the majority of his career in Dallas.
This is an excellent look at some players that started their NFL career at the bottom but worked their way to the top.
Friday, May 27, 2016
NFL Top 100: 70-61
First off, I sure do miss Ike Taylor's commentary for these things. Steelers fans might feel differently but his retirement this offseason is a bigger blow to the Top 100 list than the Pittsburgh defense. Just kidding. Maybe.
On Wednesday the NFL Network revealed the next ten players of their Top 100 list. Players 70-61.
70. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
69. LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills
68, T.J. Ward, S, Denver Broncos
67. Andrew Whitworth, T, Cincinnati Bengals
66. Earl Thomas, S, Seattle Seahawks
65. Marcus Peters, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
64. Reshad Jones, S, Miami Dolphins
63. Gerald McCoy, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
62, Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos
61. NaVorro Bowman, LB, San Francisco 49ers
It's great to see NaVorro Bowman return to his very deserving status as one of the league's best football players. He missed the entire 2014 season while recovering from the brutal knee injury that he suffered in the 2013 playoffs. He's back and it's great to see.
This was safety week. Maybe it's due to the flood of athletic tight ends into the league. Maybe it's due to the flock of receivers that offenses are putting on the field. Maybe it's simply due to the impact of terrific football players like Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, and Troy Polamalu. The safety position has been increasing in importance. They used to just sit back on their heels and wait for things to come to them. Now safeties are making plays all over the field. Every teams wants one. Or two. Or even three. Teams can't have enough versatile, difference-makers at the back of their defense. Players that can cover tight ends and slot receivers. Players that can come up and make tackles at the line of scrimmage. Players like T.J. Ward. Earl Thomas, and Reshad Jones. I was very surprised that Thomas wasn't in the top half of this list. Jones was dynamite last season for the Dolphins.
It will be interesting to see how Demaryius Thomas fares with a quarterback other than Peyton Manning throwing to him. His production started to dip last year as Manning struggled. One would think that Thomas should be fine seeing as he managed to make plays back when Tim Tebow was wildly flinging footballs somewhere in his vicinity.
It was great to see Carlos Dunlap pop up on the list. He's played in the shadows of Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson, and even Domata Peko on the Bengals defensive line. He was terrific last year and is deserving of this recognition.
Next Wednesday, players 60-51.
On Wednesday the NFL Network revealed the next ten players of their Top 100 list. Players 70-61.
70. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
69. LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills
68, T.J. Ward, S, Denver Broncos
67. Andrew Whitworth, T, Cincinnati Bengals
66. Earl Thomas, S, Seattle Seahawks
65. Marcus Peters, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
64. Reshad Jones, S, Miami Dolphins
63. Gerald McCoy, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
62, Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos
61. NaVorro Bowman, LB, San Francisco 49ers
It's great to see NaVorro Bowman return to his very deserving status as one of the league's best football players. He missed the entire 2014 season while recovering from the brutal knee injury that he suffered in the 2013 playoffs. He's back and it's great to see.
This was safety week. Maybe it's due to the flood of athletic tight ends into the league. Maybe it's due to the flock of receivers that offenses are putting on the field. Maybe it's simply due to the impact of terrific football players like Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, and Troy Polamalu. The safety position has been increasing in importance. They used to just sit back on their heels and wait for things to come to them. Now safeties are making plays all over the field. Every teams wants one. Or two. Or even three. Teams can't have enough versatile, difference-makers at the back of their defense. Players that can cover tight ends and slot receivers. Players that can come up and make tackles at the line of scrimmage. Players like T.J. Ward. Earl Thomas, and Reshad Jones. I was very surprised that Thomas wasn't in the top half of this list. Jones was dynamite last season for the Dolphins.
It will be interesting to see how Demaryius Thomas fares with a quarterback other than Peyton Manning throwing to him. His production started to dip last year as Manning struggled. One would think that Thomas should be fine seeing as he managed to make plays back when Tim Tebow was wildly flinging footballs somewhere in his vicinity.
It was great to see Carlos Dunlap pop up on the list. He's played in the shadows of Geno Atkins, Michael Johnson, and even Domata Peko on the Bengals defensive line. He was terrific last year and is deserving of this recognition.
Next Wednesday, players 60-51.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Throwback Thursday: NFL All-2000s Team
This one isn't thrown back all that far as we're still in the 2000s. Here's one look at the best players of the past decade and a half,
Quarterback
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
You can't go wrong with either Brady or Peyton Manning. Brady gets the nod here simply because of his four Super Bowl wins.
Running backs
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers, Jets
Receivers
Randy Moss, Vikings, Patriots, Raiders, Titans, 49ers
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Tight end
Rob Gronkowski. New England Patriots
Apologies to Tony Gonzalez, but Gronkowski is really something else.
Tackles
Jonathan Ogden, Baltimore Ravens
Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
Guards
Steve Hutchinson. Seahawks, Vikings, Titans
Alan Faneca, Steelers, Jets, Cardinals
Larry Allen probably should be one of the guards but his very best years were before 2000.
Center
Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive ends
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
Julius Peppers, Panthers, Bears, Packers
Defensive tackles
Warren Sapp, Buccaneers, Raiders
Kevin Williams, Vikings, Seahawks, Saints
Linebackers
Derrick Brooks
Brian Urlacher
Ray Lewis
Patrick Willis deserves to be included but there's only room for three on this team. On another day I might have Willis over Urlacher.
Cornerbacks
Charles Woodson, Raiders, Packers
Darrelle Revis, Jets, Buccaneers, Patriots
Safeties
Ed Reed, Ravens, Texans, Jets
Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
No offense to Brian Dawkins but this might be the easiest position to pick.
Kicker
Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
Punter
Shane Lechler, Raiders, Texans
Returner
Devin Hester, Bears, Falcons
Quarterback
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
You can't go wrong with either Brady or Peyton Manning. Brady gets the nod here simply because of his four Super Bowl wins.
Running backs
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers, Jets
Receivers
Randy Moss, Vikings, Patriots, Raiders, Titans, 49ers
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Tight end
Rob Gronkowski. New England Patriots
Apologies to Tony Gonzalez, but Gronkowski is really something else.
Tackles
Jonathan Ogden, Baltimore Ravens
Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
Guards
Steve Hutchinson. Seahawks, Vikings, Titans
Alan Faneca, Steelers, Jets, Cardinals
Larry Allen probably should be one of the guards but his very best years were before 2000.
Center
Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive ends
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
Julius Peppers, Panthers, Bears, Packers
Defensive tackles
Warren Sapp, Buccaneers, Raiders
Kevin Williams, Vikings, Seahawks, Saints
Linebackers
Derrick Brooks
Brian Urlacher
Ray Lewis
Patrick Willis deserves to be included but there's only room for three on this team. On another day I might have Willis over Urlacher.
Cornerbacks
Charles Woodson, Raiders, Packers
Darrelle Revis, Jets, Buccaneers, Patriots
Safeties
Ed Reed, Ravens, Texans, Jets
Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
No offense to Brian Dawkins but this might be the easiest position to pick.
Kicker
Adam Vinatieri, Patriots
Punter
Shane Lechler, Raiders, Texans
Returner
Devin Hester, Bears, Falcons
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
AFC Breakout Players
Here's a look at potential breakout players for each AFC team. As with yesterday's NFC teams, most are players I believe will break out. Others are players that I believe their teams need to have break out.
Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Boyd, WR
Perhaps this choice is because Boyd was one of my favorite receivers in the draft. He's a solid, polished, aggressive pass-catcher. Most receivers take a while to adjust to the NFL. Boyd is more ready than most. The Bengals have had a fleet of receivers to play opposite all-everything A.J. Green. This past free agency stripped them of that depth. Boyd is a great start to replenishing it.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Artie Burns and Sean Davis, DBs
The Steelers offense will win a lot of games. The defense has been undergoing a youth movement. Some of those young players have established themselves in the front seven. The secondary has to get better. Burns and Davis were their first two draft picks. They need to get ready quickly.
Cleveland Browns
Robert Griffin III, QB
This one is almost too easy. The best thing going for Griffin is the presence of new head coach Hue Jackson. He's an excellent coach in general and quarterback coach in particular. He should have had a head coaching job years ago. But, this is about the Browns new quarterback. This could be Griffin's last chance as NFL starter. He has the talent to excel. He's shown that he can excel.
Baltimore Ravens
Mike Wallace, WR
The Ravens have a bunch of players that can break out or needs to break out. Any of the injured players. Several of the picks from a terrific draft. I'll go with free agent addition Wallace. He hasn't done a lot since he left the Steelers a few years ago. Wallace and Joe Flacco should be a beautiful combination.
New England Patriots
Dion Lewis, RB
Picking a running back as a break out player for the Patriots seems like a stupid choice. Running back is a disposable product for the team. It's just that Lewis was brilliant for the Patriots before he was injured. So brilliant that he was given a contract extension. An extension for a Patriots back! That's inconceivable! If Lewis is healthy and stays healthy he's a great weapon for the offense.
New York Jets
Ryan Clady, T
D'brickashaw Ferguson was a left tackle staple for the Jets for such a long time. He's retired now. That void forced the Jets to obtain Clady from the Broncos in a trade. Before injuries robbed him of two of the last three seasons Clady was one of the best tackles in the league. If he's healthy and stays healthy the Jets might have upgraded the position.
Buffalo Bills
LeSean McCoy, RB
McCoy gained nearly 900 yards in 12 games so it's not like he played poorly in his first season in Buffalo. It's just that he gained nearly 3,000 yards in his previous two seasons with the Eagles. He's a dynamic runner. The Bills need him to be a dynamic runner for 16 games.
Miami Dolphins
Laremy Tunsil, T
Tunsil has to put the disaster that was his draft weekend behind him and become the dominant player that he has the talent to be. If he keeps his life off the football field clean his presence on the Dolphins line will do wonders.
Indianapolis Colts
Arthur Jones, DL
One has to figure that the Colts offense will improve if Andrew Luck is healthy and on the field the entire season. The offensive line has to improve but it's the defense that really has to break out if the Colts really want to be the Super Bowl contenders that everyone expected them to be last year. Jones was a terrific player for the Ravens and I thought that he'd be a difference-making free agent signing for the Colts in 2015. He didn't see much of the playing field. An ankle injury ended his season before it started. He has to get healthy, stay healthy, and play like the player that he was in Baltimore.
Houston Texans
Brock Osweiler, QB
The Texans gave Osweiler a ridiculous contract to pry him away from the Broncos. If he can play to a level even close to deserving of that contract the Texans could contend this year. They have so many pieces in place. Osweiler just has to be more Drew Brees and less Scott Mitchell as a free agent addition.
Tennessee Titans
DeMarco Murray, RB
The Titans could be one of the most interesting and fun teams in the league. Marcus Mariota is an exciting, young quarterback. If Murray can be stay healthy and be the explosive runner that sliced up defenses in 2014, the pressure on Mariota will decrease greatly. The Titans also added Alabama bruiser Derrick Henry in the draft so Murray has some help in the run game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dante Fowler, Jr., DE
The Jaguars selected Fowler with the third pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to provide a potent pass rushing presence on the edge. He tore his ACL before he even got to training camp. As with several players on this list he has to get healthy and stay healthy. The Jaguars have a promising offense with a pack of intriguing, young, skill position players. They need players like that on the defensive side of the ball. Fowler's pass rushing is a must.
Denver Broncos
Shane Ray, LB
The Broncos won the Super Bowl with their dominant defense. They still have potent pass rushers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware but they could really use 2015 draft day steal Ray to step on the field more often. Ware is much closer to the end of his career than the start. Miller is still a force of nature and should be for many more years. It's time for Ray to play a bigger role.
Kansas City Chiefs
Dee Ford, LB
This is a similar situation to that in Denver with Shane Ray. Tamba Hali has been terrorizing quarterbacks for a long time. Ford was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to be Hali's pass rushing heir. It's his time to step in more while Hali is still an impact player.
San Diego Chargers
Melvin Gordon, RB
The Chargers traded up a few spots in the 2015 NFL Draft to secure Gordon in the first round. His initial season in the NFL wasn't a bust but it was far from the impact expected. 3.5 yards/carry and five fumbles aren't great. While he may never be an explosive, game-breaking back he can be a very productive, chain-moving back. The Chargers can control the clock with him and he can help quarterback Philip Rivers stay relatively young. An improved offensive line will help both Gordon and Rivers.
Oakland Raiders
Kelechi Osemele, G
Osemele has been one of the better guards in the league for a few years now. The Raiders paid him like he one of the best offensive linemen in the league. They had a lot of money to spend and they sure spent it. A lot of it went to Osemele. His addition gives the Raiders the best interior line in the league. On paper. Now he has to earn that huge contract on the field.
Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Boyd, WR
Perhaps this choice is because Boyd was one of my favorite receivers in the draft. He's a solid, polished, aggressive pass-catcher. Most receivers take a while to adjust to the NFL. Boyd is more ready than most. The Bengals have had a fleet of receivers to play opposite all-everything A.J. Green. This past free agency stripped them of that depth. Boyd is a great start to replenishing it.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Artie Burns and Sean Davis, DBs
The Steelers offense will win a lot of games. The defense has been undergoing a youth movement. Some of those young players have established themselves in the front seven. The secondary has to get better. Burns and Davis were their first two draft picks. They need to get ready quickly.
Cleveland Browns
Robert Griffin III, QB
This one is almost too easy. The best thing going for Griffin is the presence of new head coach Hue Jackson. He's an excellent coach in general and quarterback coach in particular. He should have had a head coaching job years ago. But, this is about the Browns new quarterback. This could be Griffin's last chance as NFL starter. He has the talent to excel. He's shown that he can excel.
Baltimore Ravens
Mike Wallace, WR
The Ravens have a bunch of players that can break out or needs to break out. Any of the injured players. Several of the picks from a terrific draft. I'll go with free agent addition Wallace. He hasn't done a lot since he left the Steelers a few years ago. Wallace and Joe Flacco should be a beautiful combination.
New England Patriots
Dion Lewis, RB
Picking a running back as a break out player for the Patriots seems like a stupid choice. Running back is a disposable product for the team. It's just that Lewis was brilliant for the Patriots before he was injured. So brilliant that he was given a contract extension. An extension for a Patriots back! That's inconceivable! If Lewis is healthy and stays healthy he's a great weapon for the offense.
New York Jets
Ryan Clady, T
D'brickashaw Ferguson was a left tackle staple for the Jets for such a long time. He's retired now. That void forced the Jets to obtain Clady from the Broncos in a trade. Before injuries robbed him of two of the last three seasons Clady was one of the best tackles in the league. If he's healthy and stays healthy the Jets might have upgraded the position.
Buffalo Bills
LeSean McCoy, RB
McCoy gained nearly 900 yards in 12 games so it's not like he played poorly in his first season in Buffalo. It's just that he gained nearly 3,000 yards in his previous two seasons with the Eagles. He's a dynamic runner. The Bills need him to be a dynamic runner for 16 games.
Miami Dolphins
Laremy Tunsil, T
Tunsil has to put the disaster that was his draft weekend behind him and become the dominant player that he has the talent to be. If he keeps his life off the football field clean his presence on the Dolphins line will do wonders.
Indianapolis Colts
Arthur Jones, DL
One has to figure that the Colts offense will improve if Andrew Luck is healthy and on the field the entire season. The offensive line has to improve but it's the defense that really has to break out if the Colts really want to be the Super Bowl contenders that everyone expected them to be last year. Jones was a terrific player for the Ravens and I thought that he'd be a difference-making free agent signing for the Colts in 2015. He didn't see much of the playing field. An ankle injury ended his season before it started. He has to get healthy, stay healthy, and play like the player that he was in Baltimore.
Houston Texans
Brock Osweiler, QB
The Texans gave Osweiler a ridiculous contract to pry him away from the Broncos. If he can play to a level even close to deserving of that contract the Texans could contend this year. They have so many pieces in place. Osweiler just has to be more Drew Brees and less Scott Mitchell as a free agent addition.
Tennessee Titans
DeMarco Murray, RB
The Titans could be one of the most interesting and fun teams in the league. Marcus Mariota is an exciting, young quarterback. If Murray can be stay healthy and be the explosive runner that sliced up defenses in 2014, the pressure on Mariota will decrease greatly. The Titans also added Alabama bruiser Derrick Henry in the draft so Murray has some help in the run game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Dante Fowler, Jr., DE
The Jaguars selected Fowler with the third pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to provide a potent pass rushing presence on the edge. He tore his ACL before he even got to training camp. As with several players on this list he has to get healthy and stay healthy. The Jaguars have a promising offense with a pack of intriguing, young, skill position players. They need players like that on the defensive side of the ball. Fowler's pass rushing is a must.
Denver Broncos
Shane Ray, LB
The Broncos won the Super Bowl with their dominant defense. They still have potent pass rushers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware but they could really use 2015 draft day steal Ray to step on the field more often. Ware is much closer to the end of his career than the start. Miller is still a force of nature and should be for many more years. It's time for Ray to play a bigger role.
Kansas City Chiefs
Dee Ford, LB
This is a similar situation to that in Denver with Shane Ray. Tamba Hali has been terrorizing quarterbacks for a long time. Ford was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to be Hali's pass rushing heir. It's his time to step in more while Hali is still an impact player.
San Diego Chargers
Melvin Gordon, RB
The Chargers traded up a few spots in the 2015 NFL Draft to secure Gordon in the first round. His initial season in the NFL wasn't a bust but it was far from the impact expected. 3.5 yards/carry and five fumbles aren't great. While he may never be an explosive, game-breaking back he can be a very productive, chain-moving back. The Chargers can control the clock with him and he can help quarterback Philip Rivers stay relatively young. An improved offensive line will help both Gordon and Rivers.
Oakland Raiders
Kelechi Osemele, G
Osemele has been one of the better guards in the league for a few years now. The Raiders paid him like he one of the best offensive linemen in the league. They had a lot of money to spend and they sure spent it. A lot of it went to Osemele. His addition gives the Raiders the best interior line in the league. On paper. Now he has to earn that huge contract on the field.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
NFC Breakout Players
Here's a look at a potential breakout player from each NFC team. Most are players that I believe will break out for their team. Others are players that I believe their teams need to have break out. We'll, of course, start with the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil, T
The Vikings need left tackle Kalil to play more like the player that he was as a rookie and less like the player that he's been the three years since. Last year was an improvement but the Vikings need him to be much better. Adding left guard Alex Boone in free agency should help Kalil in particular and the line in general. If Kalil doesn't play to an acceptable level this could be his last year in Minnesota. Many analysts would put quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in this spot. I think that improved play across the offensive line will make an improved Bridgewater a given.
Green Bay Packers
Datone Jones, DE
Jones was drafted in the first round in 2013 to give the Packers a pass rush from someone other than Clay Matthews. He has eight career sacks. That isn't enough.
Detroit Lions
Marvin Jones, WR
A better choice might be found on defense but I'm going with Jones. Calvin Johnson has been a field-tilting, offensive staple for the Lions since 2007. Jones was added in free agency to fill the hole brought about by Johnson's sudden retirement. That's a tough task. I've really liked Jones since his Cal days. He's no Calvin Johnson (who is?) but he's a polished, talented receiver.
Chicago Bears
Kevin White, WR
An injury wiped out White's entire rookie season. The Bears drafted him with the seventh pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to be an immediate offensive weapon. He and Alshon Jeffery should be a devastating duo. He has to get on the field, stay on the field, and be the difference=making receiver that he drafted to be.
New York Giants
All of their defensive free agents
The Giants spent a ridiculous amount of money to land defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, and corner Janoris Jenkins. Those players have to earn those contracts.
Washington Redskins
Kirk Cousins, QB
Many talking-heads have been questioning the Redskins use of the franchise tag rather than a long-term contract to retain their starting quarterback for the 2016. $19 million is a lot to pay for a single season but there's no commitment for future seasons. Are the Redskins unsure of their current offensive leader? Who knows? But they need Cousins to play well if they have any interest in defending their NFC East title.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sam Bradford, QB
I want to see Bradford play well simply because of all of the heat that he's received for not being happy about his team adding quarterback Carson Wentz with the second pick in the draft. If he's felt slighted by the Eagles, so be it. It's his career, his life, his business.
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys looked like Super Bowl contenders in 2014 when Romo and Bryant were healthy and doing what they do. And DeMarco Murray was running wild. The Cowboys have the players to dominate on offense. Their defense should be fine despite some serious issues at defensive end. Romo and Bryant have to stay on the field. If Elliot is anything like he was at Ohio State the Cowboys offense could be scary explosive.
Carolina Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin, WR
Quarterback Cam Newton took home the MVP award with Ted Ginn as his top wideout. Ginn dropped a quarter of the passes thrown his way. That's just sad. Lucky for Newton that he had a tight end like Greg Olsen. Benjamin missed the 2015 with a torn ACL. His return gives Newton a dynamic outside threat. Imagine Newton with a dynamic outside threat that doesn't drop the ball so much.
New Orleans Saints
Brandin Cooks, WR
In only two seasons Cooks has shown the potential to be an elite receiver. He just seems to disappear for stretches of games. With Drew Brees still throwing the football for the Saints Cooks should get the opportunity to be the elite receiver that he has the talent to be.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vernon Hargreaves, CB
The Buccaneers should have a solid offense. The defense has to improve if they expect to contend with the Panthers in their division. With defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebackers Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander they have some playmakers in the front seven. They need someone to step up in the secondary. First round pick Hargreaves has the talent to be a difference-making player.
Atlanta Falcons
Austin Hooper, TE
It might be a stretch to pick a third-round tight end as a breakout player. Defensive end Vic Beasley and his ridiculous first step might be a better choice. Quarterback Matt Ryan was better and more confident when Tony Gonzalez was an option in the Falcons offense. Hooper has the talent to be a factor early. Even if he did come from Stanford.
Seattle Seahawks
The offensive line. Anyone on the offensive line
The Seahawks might be the only team in the history of football that considers the offensive line an afterthought. It's incredible. But hey, they won a Super Bowl. First round pick Germain Ifedi could be a good one. Perhaps spending that first round pick on an offensive lineman is the start of a philosophy change.
San Francisco 49ers
Carlos Hyde, RB
No matter who ends up starting at quarterback for the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert, a potent running game will do wonders for the offense. Carlos Hyde is a terrific back when healthy. Perhaps new head coach can get a season out of him like he got out of LeSean McCoy a few years ago.
Arizona Cardinals
Chandler Jones, DE
If there was a weakness on the Cardinals defense last season it was their ability to get to the quarterback on a consistent basis. They even had to bring in veteran Dwight Freeney midseason to add some edge pressure. Jones was one of the best pass rushers in the league. Players like that don't become available too often. He's an excellent addition to an already strong defense.
Los Angeles Rams
Pharoh Cooper, WR
The Rams committed heavily to land their franchise quarterback. They traded a bunch of picks to get the top pick and the opportunity to select Jared Goff. Because of the trade they didn't pick again until the fourth round. That's where they found Cooper. He was an explosive college football player. The Rams need him to be an explosive professional football player.
Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil, T
The Vikings need left tackle Kalil to play more like the player that he was as a rookie and less like the player that he's been the three years since. Last year was an improvement but the Vikings need him to be much better. Adding left guard Alex Boone in free agency should help Kalil in particular and the line in general. If Kalil doesn't play to an acceptable level this could be his last year in Minnesota. Many analysts would put quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in this spot. I think that improved play across the offensive line will make an improved Bridgewater a given.
Green Bay Packers
Datone Jones, DE
Jones was drafted in the first round in 2013 to give the Packers a pass rush from someone other than Clay Matthews. He has eight career sacks. That isn't enough.
Detroit Lions
Marvin Jones, WR
A better choice might be found on defense but I'm going with Jones. Calvin Johnson has been a field-tilting, offensive staple for the Lions since 2007. Jones was added in free agency to fill the hole brought about by Johnson's sudden retirement. That's a tough task. I've really liked Jones since his Cal days. He's no Calvin Johnson (who is?) but he's a polished, talented receiver.
Chicago Bears
Kevin White, WR
An injury wiped out White's entire rookie season. The Bears drafted him with the seventh pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to be an immediate offensive weapon. He and Alshon Jeffery should be a devastating duo. He has to get on the field, stay on the field, and be the difference=making receiver that he drafted to be.
New York Giants
All of their defensive free agents
The Giants spent a ridiculous amount of money to land defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, and corner Janoris Jenkins. Those players have to earn those contracts.
Washington Redskins
Kirk Cousins, QB
Many talking-heads have been questioning the Redskins use of the franchise tag rather than a long-term contract to retain their starting quarterback for the 2016. $19 million is a lot to pay for a single season but there's no commitment for future seasons. Are the Redskins unsure of their current offensive leader? Who knows? But they need Cousins to play well if they have any interest in defending their NFC East title.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sam Bradford, QB
I want to see Bradford play well simply because of all of the heat that he's received for not being happy about his team adding quarterback Carson Wentz with the second pick in the draft. If he's felt slighted by the Eagles, so be it. It's his career, his life, his business.
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys looked like Super Bowl contenders in 2014 when Romo and Bryant were healthy and doing what they do. And DeMarco Murray was running wild. The Cowboys have the players to dominate on offense. Their defense should be fine despite some serious issues at defensive end. Romo and Bryant have to stay on the field. If Elliot is anything like he was at Ohio State the Cowboys offense could be scary explosive.
Carolina Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin, WR
Quarterback Cam Newton took home the MVP award with Ted Ginn as his top wideout. Ginn dropped a quarter of the passes thrown his way. That's just sad. Lucky for Newton that he had a tight end like Greg Olsen. Benjamin missed the 2015 with a torn ACL. His return gives Newton a dynamic outside threat. Imagine Newton with a dynamic outside threat that doesn't drop the ball so much.
New Orleans Saints
Brandin Cooks, WR
In only two seasons Cooks has shown the potential to be an elite receiver. He just seems to disappear for stretches of games. With Drew Brees still throwing the football for the Saints Cooks should get the opportunity to be the elite receiver that he has the talent to be.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vernon Hargreaves, CB
The Buccaneers should have a solid offense. The defense has to improve if they expect to contend with the Panthers in their division. With defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebackers Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander they have some playmakers in the front seven. They need someone to step up in the secondary. First round pick Hargreaves has the talent to be a difference-making player.
Atlanta Falcons
Austin Hooper, TE
It might be a stretch to pick a third-round tight end as a breakout player. Defensive end Vic Beasley and his ridiculous first step might be a better choice. Quarterback Matt Ryan was better and more confident when Tony Gonzalez was an option in the Falcons offense. Hooper has the talent to be a factor early. Even if he did come from Stanford.
Seattle Seahawks
The offensive line. Anyone on the offensive line
The Seahawks might be the only team in the history of football that considers the offensive line an afterthought. It's incredible. But hey, they won a Super Bowl. First round pick Germain Ifedi could be a good one. Perhaps spending that first round pick on an offensive lineman is the start of a philosophy change.
San Francisco 49ers
Carlos Hyde, RB
No matter who ends up starting at quarterback for the 49ers, Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert, a potent running game will do wonders for the offense. Carlos Hyde is a terrific back when healthy. Perhaps new head coach can get a season out of him like he got out of LeSean McCoy a few years ago.
Arizona Cardinals
Chandler Jones, DE
If there was a weakness on the Cardinals defense last season it was their ability to get to the quarterback on a consistent basis. They even had to bring in veteran Dwight Freeney midseason to add some edge pressure. Jones was one of the best pass rushers in the league. Players like that don't become available too often. He's an excellent addition to an already strong defense.
Los Angeles Rams
Pharoh Cooper, WR
The Rams committed heavily to land their franchise quarterback. They traded a bunch of picks to get the top pick and the opportunity to select Jared Goff. Because of the trade they didn't pick again until the fourth round. That's where they found Cooper. He was an explosive college football player. The Rams need him to be an explosive professional football player.
Monday, May 23, 2016
OTAs Are Here!
Organized Team Activities. OTAs. This is a silly name for the NFL's offseason workouts. For the past month teams have been restricted to mostly strength and conditioning and some, very limited football drills. 26 of the 32 teams will kick off the first of their ten allotted days of football fun today or tomorrow. The Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers started last week. The Los Angeles Rams are waiting until next week. Those crazy Rams seem to do a few things differently in the offseaon. The ten days of OTAs will be spread over the next few weeks. No live contact is allowed in these activities but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted. The coaches finally get to do something productive. Prior to these practices the coaches have been mostly gagged and their hands tied. Even if their players can't get too physical with each other they are allowed to do things that resemble football. And the coaches get to coach. All of the OTAs are voluntary. That still means mandatory for the coaches as they are none too pleased with the players that "workout" on their own. A mandatory minicamp follows the completion of the ten OTAs. Despite the restrictions, these practices are the start of football preparations for the 2016 NFL season. It's an exciting time. Football's back!
Here's the offseason schedule for all 32 teams.
Here's the offseason schedule for all 32 teams.
| OTA AND MINI-CAMP SCHEDULE | |||
| TEAM | FIRST DAY | OTA | MINICAMP |
| Arizona Cardinals | Apr. 18 | May 17-19 May 24-26 May 31 June 1-3 | June 7-9 |
| Atlanta Falcons | Apr. 18 | May 23-24 May 26 May 31 June 1 June 3 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Baltimore Ravens | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 June 1-3 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Buffalo Bills | Apr. 18 | May 23-24 May 26 May 31 June 1 June 3 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Carolina Panthers | Apr. 25 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Chicago Bears | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 June 1-3 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Cleveland Browns | Apr. 4 | May 17-19 May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 | Apr. 19-22 (v) June 7-19 |
| Dallas Cowboys | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-8 | June 14-16 |
| Denver Broncos | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 13-16 | June 7-9 |
| Detroit Lions | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Green Bay Packers | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Houston Texans | Apr. 18 | May 23-24 May 26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-7 June 9-10 | June 14-16 |
| Indianapolis Colts | Apr. 18 | May 17-19 May 24-26 May 31 June 1-3 | June 7-9 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Apr. 18 | May 23-24 May 26 May 31 June 2-3 June 6-7 June 9-10 | June 14-16 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 7-10 | June 14-16 |
| Los Angeles Rams | Apr. 18 | May 31 June 1 June 3 June 7-8 June 10 | June 14-16 |
| Miami Dolphins | Apr. 11 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | Apr. 26-28 (v) June 14-16 |
| Minnesota Vikings | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| New England Patriots | Apr. 18 | May 23-24 May 26 June 1-2 June 13-14 June 16 | June 7-9 |
| New Orleans Saints | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| New York Giants | Apr. 11 | May 23-24 May 26 June 1-3 June 6-7 June 9-10 | Apr. 26-28 (v) June 14-16 |
| New York Jets | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Oakland Raiders | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Apr. 4 | May 17-19 May 24-26 May 31 June 1-3 | Apr. 19-21 (v) June 7-9 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| San Diego Chargers | Apr. 18 | May 23-25 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| San Francisco 49ers | Apr. 4 | May 17-19 May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 | Apr. 26-28 (v) June 7-9 |
| Seattle Seahawks | Apr. 18 | May 23-24 May 26 May 31 June 1 June 3 June 6-7 June 9 | June 14-16 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | Apr. 26-28 (v) June 14-16 |
| Tennessee Titans | Apr. 11 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
| Washington Redskins | Apr. 18 | May 24-26 May 31 June 1-2 June 6-9 | June 14-16 |
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Flea Flicker's Favorite Football Flicks Revisited
Having just watched My All-American (2015), now apparently named Courage. I was once again thinking about my favorite football movies. My All-American won't make this list but it was entertaining. It's the inspirational story of former University of Texas football player Freddie Steinmark, his drive to excel on the football field as an undersized safety, and his courageous battle with bone cancer. It's a tear-jerker in the mold of Brian's Song, Something for Joey, and The Express. Finn Wittrock is believable as Steimark and the football action is good. It's a fine movie. If I had to rank it I'd put it a notch below The Express among those football tear-jerkers. It did get me thinking about my favorite football flicks. Here they are.
20. The Waterboy (1998)
A guilty pleasure movie. The football action is outrageously entertaining.
19. Leatherheads (2008)
This movie depicting the very early days of professional football would probably be higher on the list if I hadn't entered into it with such high expectations. It's an entertaining movie but probably one that I need to see again. Maybe it gets replaced on this list by The Replacements.
18. The Express (2008)
This tragic story of Ernie Davis. It might be higher if not for some liberties taken with history. Like Art Modell being the Browns owner in the 1950s.
17. Invincible (2006)
The improbable football career of NFL-walk-on Vince Papale. Who doesn't love a story like this?
16. All The Right Moves (1983)
The most amazing thing about this movie is that Tom Cruise is actually believable as a high school cornerback.
15. When The Game Stands Tall (2015)
You just knew that someone was going to make a movie about the incredible story of coach Bob Ladouceur and the De La Salle High Spartans. This was a nicely done look at the season that saw the loss that ended their 151-game win streak as well the win that was arguably the greatest in school history.
14. We Are Marshall (2006)
The remarkable rise of a town, a university, and a football team from a devastating plane crash. A great story.
13. Rudy (1993)
Some people love this movie. Others hate it. I guess that I'm in the middle.
12. The Program (1993)
Despite being a fictional story it probably touches frighteningly close to the truth.
11. Any Given Sunday (1999)
Oliver Stone with a football movie? Never would have pegged that pairing.
10. The Longest Yard (1974)
It's a classic. And Joe Kapp's in it. And Ray Nitschke.
9. Draft Day (2014)
Some of the trades are ridiculous but it's a very entertaining look at the greatest non-playing day on the football calendar.
8. Brian's Song (1971)
This one set the bar for tear-jerker football movies. Great story. Memorable performances.
7. Knute Rockne: All-American
A timeless look at one of football's great coaches.
6. Everybody's All-American (1988)
Adapted from the terrific book by Frank Deford. A great, depressing movie.
5. Paper Lion (1968)
Another movie adapted from a terrific book. Alan Alda is excellent as George Plimpton. So excellent that I often picture Alda when I think of Plimpton.
4. Heaven Can Wait (1978)
A terrific remake of Here Come's Mr. Jordan (1941) with a football spin. There was a time when this was my favorite movie of any genre.
3. Undefeated (2011)
This is probably the only football movie to take home an Academy Award. It won for Best Documentary. A great story. A great movie.
2. Remember The Titans (2000)
Great movie. Entertaining movie. You have Denzel Washington but you also have unknown youngsters like Ryan Gosling, Hayden Panettiere, and Donald Faison.
1. Friday Night Lights (2006)
Buzz Bissinger's book was outstanding. The movie was good but Friday Night Lights earns the top spot on this list because of the unbelievable television series. They may have lost some traction in the second season but they sure regained it and never lost it again. This series was one of the best things that I've ever seen on television.
There it is. Until next time.
There it is. Until next time.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Cal Players In The NFL
The University of California Golden Bears haven't seen a lot of football success in recent decades. They haven't been to the Rose Bowl since 1959. They have more bad seasons than good since then. Include eight total wins in my three years on that campus. Cal made some noise under Bruce Snyder in the early 1990s and again in the 2000s under Jeff Tedford. Maybe Sonny Dykes will make some noise of his own. Despite all that football mediocrity Cal still manages to send a surprising number of players on to the NFL. They routinely rank among the top-10 colleges for alumni in the league despite rarely ranking near that on the football field. Cal currently has 41 former players on NFL rosters. Here they are.
Lorenzo Alexander, LB, Buffalo Bills
Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
Tyson Alualu, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
C.J. Anderson, RB, Denver Broncos
Stephen Anderson, TE, Houston Texans
Bryan Anger, P, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keith Browner, DE, Chicago Bears
Deandre Coleman, DT, Miami Dolphins
Chris Conte, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trevor Davis, WR, Green Bay Packers
Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Khairi Fortt, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Chris Harper, WR, New England Patriots
Maurice Harris, WR, Washington Redskins
DeSean Jackson, WR, Washington Redskins
Marvin Jones, WR, Detroit Lions
Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints
Mychal Kendricks, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Kyle Kragen, DE, Denver Broncos
L.P. LaDouceur, LS, Dallas Cowboys
Daniel Lasco, RB, New Orleans Saints
Kenny Lawler, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Alex Mack, Atlanta Falcons
Chris McCain, LB, Miami Dolphins
Stefan McClure, DB, Indianapolis Colts
Brandon Mebane, DT, San Diego Chargers
Darius Powe, WR, New York Giants
Jordan Rigsbee, OL, Carolina Panthers
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
Richard Rodgers, TE, Green Bay Packers
Jeremy Ross, WR, New York Jets
Mitchell Schwartz, T, Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Schwenke, C, Tennessee Titans
Craig Stevens, TE, Tennessee Titans
Nick Sundberg, LS, Washington Redskins
Giorgio Tavecchio, K, Oakland Raiders
Bryce Treggs, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Shane Vereen, RB, New York Giants
Darius White, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Steven Williams, CB, San Diego Chargers
Cal's presence in the NFL is of course highlighted by one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Aaron Rodgers. Maybe Jared Goff joins him among the quarterback hierarchy. Who knows? The Rams thought enough of him to trade a bunch of picks to move up to the #1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft for the opportunity to select him.
Aaron Rodgers isn't the only productive Cal player in the NFL. About half of the above players are impact players for their teams. Several of those are among the best at their positions.
10 of the 41 Cal players in the NFL are receivers. A strong, perhaps surprising, number. DeSean Jackson has probably been surpassed by Keenan Allen and possibly even Marvin Jones as the top former Golden Bears currently catching passes in the league. Allen was on his way to elite status when injuries ended his 2015 season. If he can stay healthy he could be one of the best. Jones might not have the natural athletic talent of Jackson or Allen but he does so many things right. He's simply a solid, polished, productive receiver. He also has the unenviable task of stepping into the spot long held by Calvin Johnson with the Lions. Cal's receiving presence in the league was boosted greatly by rookies. 5!
Trevor Davis
Kenny Lawler
Bryce Treggs
Darius Powe
Maurice Harris
The Packers selected Davis in the fifth round. He caught passes from Goff in college. Now he'll catch passes from Rodgers. Nice Cal continuity. Davis was the most explosive of Cal's flock of receivers. That explosiveness got him drafted. The Seahawks drafted Lawler in the seventh round. Some analysts projected him as high as a third or fourth round pick. He probably dropped in the draft due to what Cal didn't ask him to do. He didn't move the chains much or run many deep routes. He was Goff's most frequent target when Cal got close to the end zone. Lawler's ability to catch passes (mostly touchdowns) in the confined area of the red zone is what got him drafted. Treggs, Powe, and Harris were signed by their respective teams as undrafted free agents. Despite not being drafted, Treggs might actually be the most complete of the rookie receivers from Cal. Like Marvin Jones before him, he does so many things right. Treggs is also a Cal receiving legacy. His father, Brian Treggs, was one of the Cal players that made some noise under Bruce Snyder in the early 1990s.
If Cal doesn't get the nod as Receiver U, maybe they can get it for Long Snapper U. L.P. LaDouceur is entering his 12th season as the Cowboys long snapper. Nick Sundberg is entering his seventh season as the Redskins long snapper. They join David Binn as longtime NFL long snappers that started their craft in Berkeley. Binn snapped for the Chargers for 100 years (actually 18). Accurately throwing a football behind you while upside down is an under-appreciated talent.
One player that really deserves some attention is Lorenzo Alexander. He's one of my all-time favorite Cal football players. He was a defensive tackle in college but has moved around a lot in the NFL. Perhaps time has exaggerated his accomplishments but I feel like he made more big plays than any Cal defender I can remember. Maybe Deltha O'Neal tops him. Maybe not. Alexander went undrafted in 2005 perhaps because he was undersized for an NFL defensive tackle. He may have been undersized for a college defensive tackle. He's just a very good football player. That got him signed by the Panthers. He made their practice squad as a rookie. And the Ravens practice squad in his second season. It was when the Redskins plucked him from that practice squad that his NFL career really got started. He played seven seasons in Washington and he played everywhere. He played some defensive tackle. He even played some offense as an extra blocker. He played some linebacker. He played a lot of special teams. He turned into one of the best special teams players in the league. He was rewarded for that play with a Pro Bowl spot in 2012. He was also twice chosen as the Redskins nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He's been great on and off of the football field.
Congratulations and Good Luck to all of the Golden Bears in the NFL.
Lorenzo Alexander, LB, Buffalo Bills
Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
Tyson Alualu, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
C.J. Anderson, RB, Denver Broncos
Stephen Anderson, TE, Houston Texans
Bryan Anger, P, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keith Browner, DE, Chicago Bears
Deandre Coleman, DT, Miami Dolphins
Chris Conte, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trevor Davis, WR, Green Bay Packers
Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Khairi Fortt, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Chris Harper, WR, New England Patriots
Maurice Harris, WR, Washington Redskins
DeSean Jackson, WR, Washington Redskins
Marvin Jones, WR, Detroit Lions
Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints
Mychal Kendricks, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Kyle Kragen, DE, Denver Broncos
L.P. LaDouceur, LS, Dallas Cowboys
Daniel Lasco, RB, New Orleans Saints
Kenny Lawler, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Alex Mack, Atlanta Falcons
Chris McCain, LB, Miami Dolphins
Stefan McClure, DB, Indianapolis Colts
Brandon Mebane, DT, San Diego Chargers
Darius Powe, WR, New York Giants
Jordan Rigsbee, OL, Carolina Panthers
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
Richard Rodgers, TE, Green Bay Packers
Jeremy Ross, WR, New York Jets
Mitchell Schwartz, T, Kansas City Chiefs
Brian Schwenke, C, Tennessee Titans
Craig Stevens, TE, Tennessee Titans
Nick Sundberg, LS, Washington Redskins
Giorgio Tavecchio, K, Oakland Raiders
Bryce Treggs, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Shane Vereen, RB, New York Giants
Darius White, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Steven Williams, CB, San Diego Chargers
Cal's presence in the NFL is of course highlighted by one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Aaron Rodgers. Maybe Jared Goff joins him among the quarterback hierarchy. Who knows? The Rams thought enough of him to trade a bunch of picks to move up to the #1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft for the opportunity to select him.
Aaron Rodgers isn't the only productive Cal player in the NFL. About half of the above players are impact players for their teams. Several of those are among the best at their positions.
10 of the 41 Cal players in the NFL are receivers. A strong, perhaps surprising, number. DeSean Jackson has probably been surpassed by Keenan Allen and possibly even Marvin Jones as the top former Golden Bears currently catching passes in the league. Allen was on his way to elite status when injuries ended his 2015 season. If he can stay healthy he could be one of the best. Jones might not have the natural athletic talent of Jackson or Allen but he does so many things right. He's simply a solid, polished, productive receiver. He also has the unenviable task of stepping into the spot long held by Calvin Johnson with the Lions. Cal's receiving presence in the league was boosted greatly by rookies. 5!
Trevor Davis
Kenny Lawler
Bryce Treggs
Darius Powe
Maurice Harris
The Packers selected Davis in the fifth round. He caught passes from Goff in college. Now he'll catch passes from Rodgers. Nice Cal continuity. Davis was the most explosive of Cal's flock of receivers. That explosiveness got him drafted. The Seahawks drafted Lawler in the seventh round. Some analysts projected him as high as a third or fourth round pick. He probably dropped in the draft due to what Cal didn't ask him to do. He didn't move the chains much or run many deep routes. He was Goff's most frequent target when Cal got close to the end zone. Lawler's ability to catch passes (mostly touchdowns) in the confined area of the red zone is what got him drafted. Treggs, Powe, and Harris were signed by their respective teams as undrafted free agents. Despite not being drafted, Treggs might actually be the most complete of the rookie receivers from Cal. Like Marvin Jones before him, he does so many things right. Treggs is also a Cal receiving legacy. His father, Brian Treggs, was one of the Cal players that made some noise under Bruce Snyder in the early 1990s.
If Cal doesn't get the nod as Receiver U, maybe they can get it for Long Snapper U. L.P. LaDouceur is entering his 12th season as the Cowboys long snapper. Nick Sundberg is entering his seventh season as the Redskins long snapper. They join David Binn as longtime NFL long snappers that started their craft in Berkeley. Binn snapped for the Chargers for 100 years (actually 18). Accurately throwing a football behind you while upside down is an under-appreciated talent.
One player that really deserves some attention is Lorenzo Alexander. He's one of my all-time favorite Cal football players. He was a defensive tackle in college but has moved around a lot in the NFL. Perhaps time has exaggerated his accomplishments but I feel like he made more big plays than any Cal defender I can remember. Maybe Deltha O'Neal tops him. Maybe not. Alexander went undrafted in 2005 perhaps because he was undersized for an NFL defensive tackle. He may have been undersized for a college defensive tackle. He's just a very good football player. That got him signed by the Panthers. He made their practice squad as a rookie. And the Ravens practice squad in his second season. It was when the Redskins plucked him from that practice squad that his NFL career really got started. He played seven seasons in Washington and he played everywhere. He played some defensive tackle. He even played some offense as an extra blocker. He played some linebacker. He played a lot of special teams. He turned into one of the best special teams players in the league. He was rewarded for that play with a Pro Bowl spot in 2012. He was also twice chosen as the Redskins nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He's been great on and off of the football field.
Congratulations and Good Luck to all of the Golden Bears in the NFL.
Friday, May 20, 2016
NFL Top 100: 80-71
The third episode of NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2016 aired on Wednesday and it was a great one. It was a great one due to the appearance of the first two Minnesota Vikings players. Yes! Here are the players that ranked 80-71.
80. Derrick Johnson, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
79. Ryan Kalil, C, Carolina Panthers
78. Chris Ivory, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
77. Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
76. Linval Joseph, DT, Minnesota Vikings
75. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
74. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos
73. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings
72. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
71. Calais Campbell, DE, Arizona Cardinals
The only knock on Linval Joseph's 2015 season was the foot injury that kept him out of four games. When he was on the field he was dominant. He'd been a solid starter with great potential for most of his first five years in the league. He was great in his sixth. Harrison Smith was deserving of notice before this year. He should soar up this list in coming years. He's simply one of the best safeties in the league.
The only complaint that I have with Joseph's and Smith's presence on this list was the commentary provided for them. The comments from the players are the best part of this program. It usually comes from opponents. Except for some nice words from Kyle Long on dealing with Joseph on the field all comments for the two Vikings players came from their teammates. Hearing Capatin Munnerlyn, Xavier Rhodes, Andrew Sendejo, Teddy Bridgewater, and Stefon Diggs talk about Joseph and Smith was great but I'd like to have heard from their opponents.
The Vikings had a single player on the Top 100 Players of 2015 list last year. They have already doubled that total. Going into the Top 100 Players of 2016 I figured that five Vikings had a legitimate shot at being included. Linebacker Anthony Barr, Joseph, Smith, defensive end Everson Griffen, and running back Adrian Peterson. It's already been revealed that Barr just missed it at #101. If he can stay healthy he'll be a future fixture. If Griffen is to make it he'll have to be revealed soon as I seriously doubt that he makes the Top 50. Peterson shouldn't appear until the very last episode.
Some in the media have bitched about Jamaal Charles' "disrespectful" showing at #75. Especially coming on the heels of his #12 ranking last year. Charles dropped from 12 to 75 because he was injured during the 2015 NFL season. A torn ACL is never a good thing for a running back. The fact that Charles is still ranked in the top 75 is a sign of the respect that the players have for him.
This is an interesting group of 10. Chris Ivory is a violent runner that strikes fear in defenders tasked with getting him to the ground. He takes that tough running from the Jets to Jaguars this year. He joins Jordan Reed, Linval Joseph, Harrison Smith, and Doug Baldwin as Top 100 deserving first-timers. Baldwin has complained often about the lack of respect that comes his way. He's getting some respect now and he deserves it. He was terrific last year.
Next up: 70-61. Training camp is right around the corner.
80. Derrick Johnson, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
79. Ryan Kalil, C, Carolina Panthers
78. Chris Ivory, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
77. Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
76. Linval Joseph, DT, Minnesota Vikings
75. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
74. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos
73. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings
72. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
71. Calais Campbell, DE, Arizona Cardinals
The only knock on Linval Joseph's 2015 season was the foot injury that kept him out of four games. When he was on the field he was dominant. He'd been a solid starter with great potential for most of his first five years in the league. He was great in his sixth. Harrison Smith was deserving of notice before this year. He should soar up this list in coming years. He's simply one of the best safeties in the league.
The only complaint that I have with Joseph's and Smith's presence on this list was the commentary provided for them. The comments from the players are the best part of this program. It usually comes from opponents. Except for some nice words from Kyle Long on dealing with Joseph on the field all comments for the two Vikings players came from their teammates. Hearing Capatin Munnerlyn, Xavier Rhodes, Andrew Sendejo, Teddy Bridgewater, and Stefon Diggs talk about Joseph and Smith was great but I'd like to have heard from their opponents.
The Vikings had a single player on the Top 100 Players of 2015 list last year. They have already doubled that total. Going into the Top 100 Players of 2016 I figured that five Vikings had a legitimate shot at being included. Linebacker Anthony Barr, Joseph, Smith, defensive end Everson Griffen, and running back Adrian Peterson. It's already been revealed that Barr just missed it at #101. If he can stay healthy he'll be a future fixture. If Griffen is to make it he'll have to be revealed soon as I seriously doubt that he makes the Top 50. Peterson shouldn't appear until the very last episode.
Some in the media have bitched about Jamaal Charles' "disrespectful" showing at #75. Especially coming on the heels of his #12 ranking last year. Charles dropped from 12 to 75 because he was injured during the 2015 NFL season. A torn ACL is never a good thing for a running back. The fact that Charles is still ranked in the top 75 is a sign of the respect that the players have for him.
This is an interesting group of 10. Chris Ivory is a violent runner that strikes fear in defenders tasked with getting him to the ground. He takes that tough running from the Jets to Jaguars this year. He joins Jordan Reed, Linval Joseph, Harrison Smith, and Doug Baldwin as Top 100 deserving first-timers. Baldwin has complained often about the lack of respect that comes his way. He's getting some respect now and he deserves it. He was terrific last year.
Next up: 70-61. Training camp is right around the corner.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Throwback Thursday: All-Time NFC North Team
The NFC North has been an NFL division since realignment in 2002. Here's one look at the best players to play each position in the short history of this thrilling division.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Running backs
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Fullback
John Kuhn, Green Bay Packers
Receivers
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings
Moss only played in the NFC North for three seasons (2010 doesn't count). That's enough for me. His was that great.
Tackles
Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers
Bryant McKinnie, Minnesota Vikings
This isn't a strong position. McKinnie had all of the talent to be a dominant tackle. One of the best. But he never seemed to care enough about the game. At least he made a lot of money.
Guards
Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings
Kyle Long, Chicago Bears
Center
Matt Birk, Minnesota Vikings
Defensive ends
Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears
Defensive tackles
Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
Kevin Willaims, Minnesota Vikings
Linebackers
Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears
Cornerbacks
Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers
Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings
Safeties
Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
Nick Collins, Green Bay Packers
Kicker
Jason Hanson, Detroit Lions
Punter
Nick Harris, Detroit Lions
Returner
Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Running backs
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Fullback
John Kuhn, Green Bay Packers
Receivers
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings
Moss only played in the NFC North for three seasons (2010 doesn't count). That's enough for me. His was that great.
Tackles
Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers
Bryant McKinnie, Minnesota Vikings
This isn't a strong position. McKinnie had all of the talent to be a dominant tackle. One of the best. But he never seemed to care enough about the game. At least he made a lot of money.
Guards
Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings
Kyle Long, Chicago Bears
Center
Matt Birk, Minnesota Vikings
Defensive ends
Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears
Defensive tackles
Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
Kevin Willaims, Minnesota Vikings
Linebackers
Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears
Cornerbacks
Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers
Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings
Safeties
Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
Nick Collins, Green Bay Packers
Kicker
Jason Hanson, Detroit Lions
Punter
Nick Harris, Detroit Lions
Returner
Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Vikings Linebackers
The Minnesota Vikings have added a lot of young talent to the roster in the past few years. Having seven first round picks from 2012-14 helps. That increase in talent will make for some tough roster decisions this August. Some of the toughest of those decisions will come at linebacker. Here are the linebackers currently on the roster.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Chad Greenway
Emmanuel Lamur
Audie Cole
Edmond Robinson
Travis Lewis
Brandon Watts
Kentrell Brothers
Jake Ganus
Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks were high picks in the last two drafts. They were also UCLA teammates and should be Vikings teammates for hopefully a long time. At strong-side linebacker, Barr is on the verge of elite status. If he isn't already there. There are few players of his size (6'5" 255 lbs) in the league that can do things that he does. He can do anything expected of a linebacker. He's a disruptive pass rusher on the edge or on a blitz. He can run with backs and tight ends in coverage. He can defend the run sideline to sideline. As terrific as he's been in his first two seasons it just feels like he's barely tapped his potential. Kendricks might not have natural physical gifts of his long-time friend and teammate but he's a solid football player that has a knack for big plays. He started at middle linebacker for most of his rookie season. That's a tough spot for a rookie. He played well and often excelled. At 6' and 235 lbs he doesn't have ideal middle linebacker size but he doesn't look undersized on the field. Still, it's probably the reason that head coach Mike Zimmer said after the 2015 NFL Draft that Kendricks could eventually move to weak-side linebacker. No matter what happens it's pretty much a given that Barr and Kendricks will be 2/3 of the Vikings linebacker trio for a long time. Chad Greenway has been a linebacker staple in Minnesota since his first start in 2007. It's outstanding to see him back for one more season. His return is probably as important for his stability and leadership as it is for his play on the field. With the emergence of Barr and Kendricks, Greenway's on-field role has been reduced. He comes out for nickel packages which now covers about 2/3 of the defensive snaps. That reduced role lessens the toll on his 33-year old body. Despite his veteran status and proven talent he will likely face training camp competition from free agent addition Emmanuel Lamur. Zimmer is very familiar with Lamur from their time together with the Cincinnati Bengals. He's not the typical free agent addition coming to a new team. He's as comfortable with this defense as any Vikings linebacker. Edmond Robinson was a seventh-round pick out of itty-itty Newberry in the 2015 NFL Draft. He might be the player that comes the closest to Barr in terms of natural athletic talent. That alone could secure Robinson a roster spot as Barr has missed a few games in each of his two seasons. Robinson is a tremendously talented but raw football player. He still held his own when he got some playing time last season when injuries hit the linebacker position. He has a bright future if he continues to progress. Audie Cole probably comes the closest to the physical size that Zimmer would like at middle linebacker. Despite being a little limited athletically, he's been great in a couple of starting opportunities. I suppose the question has always been whether he can be an impact starter on a week-to-week basis. The fact that he's never been able to nail down that starting spot would appear to answer that question. His continued roster presence will probably be the toughest decision of a few tough decisions with this group. Brandon Watts is a speedy linebacker that has done some nice work when given a shot. Injuries have slowed his development a bit. Travis Lewis was added in free agency as much for his strong special teams play as his linebacker talent. When he was signed I figured that he was a lock for the roster. I'm not so sure now. Kentrell Brothers was the lone linebacker added in the draft. Based on his play last year I assumed that Kendricks was the Vikings middle linebacker of the present and future. I'm not so sure now. Brothers could be the player that bumps Kendricks to the outside spot that Zimmer suggested a year ago. Brothers is the prototypical middle linebacker in every way but height. Like Kendricks, he's 6' but at 245 lbs he's at least 10 lbs heavier. He's not as quick as Kendricks but he's a bigger, stronger football player. More importantly, his top traits are his smarts and instincts. He quickly recognizes where he's supposed to be and he gets there in a hurry. He seems like the ideal middle linebacker even if he's a little shorter than Zimmer might like. Jake Ganus is an undrafted free agent and has a long road to the NFL in front of him. It is a road that a lot of football players have succeeded in traveling. All that really matters is that he has his shot at the NFL.
My guess is that the following are locks for the roster.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Chad Greenway
Kentrell Brothers
And Greenway will probably place strong competition from Lamur. The two may even split time in the base defense.
The Vikings usually keep six linebackers on the roster. I can see many combinations from the top nine players being part of the six. And who knows, maybe Ganus surprises everyone and forces his name into that conversation. But, here's my stab at the Vikings linebackers for 2016.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Chad Greenway
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
I wouldn't be surprised if the special teams talents of Travis Lewis forces the Vikings to keep seven linebackers.
It wasn't too long ago that the Vikings linebacker position was a serious weakness. Those days are long gone. The talent now at the position will force some tough decisions in a few months.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Chad Greenway
Emmanuel Lamur
Audie Cole
Edmond Robinson
Travis Lewis
Brandon Watts
Kentrell Brothers
Jake Ganus
Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks were high picks in the last two drafts. They were also UCLA teammates and should be Vikings teammates for hopefully a long time. At strong-side linebacker, Barr is on the verge of elite status. If he isn't already there. There are few players of his size (6'5" 255 lbs) in the league that can do things that he does. He can do anything expected of a linebacker. He's a disruptive pass rusher on the edge or on a blitz. He can run with backs and tight ends in coverage. He can defend the run sideline to sideline. As terrific as he's been in his first two seasons it just feels like he's barely tapped his potential. Kendricks might not have natural physical gifts of his long-time friend and teammate but he's a solid football player that has a knack for big plays. He started at middle linebacker for most of his rookie season. That's a tough spot for a rookie. He played well and often excelled. At 6' and 235 lbs he doesn't have ideal middle linebacker size but he doesn't look undersized on the field. Still, it's probably the reason that head coach Mike Zimmer said after the 2015 NFL Draft that Kendricks could eventually move to weak-side linebacker. No matter what happens it's pretty much a given that Barr and Kendricks will be 2/3 of the Vikings linebacker trio for a long time. Chad Greenway has been a linebacker staple in Minnesota since his first start in 2007. It's outstanding to see him back for one more season. His return is probably as important for his stability and leadership as it is for his play on the field. With the emergence of Barr and Kendricks, Greenway's on-field role has been reduced. He comes out for nickel packages which now covers about 2/3 of the defensive snaps. That reduced role lessens the toll on his 33-year old body. Despite his veteran status and proven talent he will likely face training camp competition from free agent addition Emmanuel Lamur. Zimmer is very familiar with Lamur from their time together with the Cincinnati Bengals. He's not the typical free agent addition coming to a new team. He's as comfortable with this defense as any Vikings linebacker. Edmond Robinson was a seventh-round pick out of itty-itty Newberry in the 2015 NFL Draft. He might be the player that comes the closest to Barr in terms of natural athletic talent. That alone could secure Robinson a roster spot as Barr has missed a few games in each of his two seasons. Robinson is a tremendously talented but raw football player. He still held his own when he got some playing time last season when injuries hit the linebacker position. He has a bright future if he continues to progress. Audie Cole probably comes the closest to the physical size that Zimmer would like at middle linebacker. Despite being a little limited athletically, he's been great in a couple of starting opportunities. I suppose the question has always been whether he can be an impact starter on a week-to-week basis. The fact that he's never been able to nail down that starting spot would appear to answer that question. His continued roster presence will probably be the toughest decision of a few tough decisions with this group. Brandon Watts is a speedy linebacker that has done some nice work when given a shot. Injuries have slowed his development a bit. Travis Lewis was added in free agency as much for his strong special teams play as his linebacker talent. When he was signed I figured that he was a lock for the roster. I'm not so sure now. Kentrell Brothers was the lone linebacker added in the draft. Based on his play last year I assumed that Kendricks was the Vikings middle linebacker of the present and future. I'm not so sure now. Brothers could be the player that bumps Kendricks to the outside spot that Zimmer suggested a year ago. Brothers is the prototypical middle linebacker in every way but height. Like Kendricks, he's 6' but at 245 lbs he's at least 10 lbs heavier. He's not as quick as Kendricks but he's a bigger, stronger football player. More importantly, his top traits are his smarts and instincts. He quickly recognizes where he's supposed to be and he gets there in a hurry. He seems like the ideal middle linebacker even if he's a little shorter than Zimmer might like. Jake Ganus is an undrafted free agent and has a long road to the NFL in front of him. It is a road that a lot of football players have succeeded in traveling. All that really matters is that he has his shot at the NFL.
My guess is that the following are locks for the roster.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Chad Greenway
Kentrell Brothers
And Greenway will probably place strong competition from Lamur. The two may even split time in the base defense.
The Vikings usually keep six linebackers on the roster. I can see many combinations from the top nine players being part of the six. And who knows, maybe Ganus surprises everyone and forces his name into that conversation. But, here's my stab at the Vikings linebackers for 2016.
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Chad Greenway
Emmanuel Lamur
Kentrell Brothers
Edmond Robinson
I wouldn't be surprised if the special teams talents of Travis Lewis forces the Vikings to keep seven linebackers.
It wasn't too long ago that the Vikings linebacker position was a serious weakness. Those days are long gone. The talent now at the position will force some tough decisions in a few months.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Jaguars Defense
Recent editions of the Jacksonville Jaguars have been highlighted by intriguing offensive talent and an inability to get out of the top-5 of the NFL Draft. Gus Bradley was hired to coach the Jaguars in 2013 mostly because of the successful four-year run that he had as the coordinator of the smothering Seattle Seahawks defense. In his three years leading the Jaguars, Bradley has posted 4-12, 3-13, and 5-11 records. Despite the underwhelming won-lost totals the Jaguars are considered by many to be a team on the rise. Much of that has to do with that intriguing offensive talent. A lot more of it has to do with the explosive potential of several players that has been added to the defensive side of the ball.
Here's an early look at the Jaguars possible defensive starters.
DE Malik Jackson
DT Sen'Derrick Marks
DT Roy Miller
DE Dante Fowler Jr.
LB Telvin Smith
LB Paul Posluszny
LB Myles Jack
CB Davon House
CB Jalen Ramsey
S Jonathan Cyprien
S Tashaun Gipson
First of all, the Jaguars benefited greatly from the unfortunate draft day fall of UCLA linebacker Myles Jack. He was supposed to be one of the top picks but dropped out of the first round due to uncertainties with the knee that he injured early last season. He's ready to go now and the Jaguars were the lucky ones to land him early in the second round. With Dante Fowler Jr. returning from a training camp knee injury that wiped out his 2015 rookie season this defense will basically be boosted by the addition of three top-5 rookie talents. Fowler, Jack, and Jalen Ramsey. If those three players stay on the field all season this defense can only improve.
Dante Fowler Jr. was the first non-quarterback taken in the 2015 NFL Draft. That basically means that he was the best football player in the draft. At least in the eyes of the Jaguars decision-makers. He was supposed to provide an immediate impact as an edge rusher for a team that desperately needed one. That hope ended early in training camp when Fowler was lost for the season with a knee injury. If his recovery is complete and he can stay healthy he has the talent to terrorize quarterbacks off of the edge. In passing situations third-round pick Yannick Ngakoue could come in to provide a speedy pass rushing compliment opposite Fowler. The Jaguars added defensive lineman Malik Jackson in free agency. After playing a significant role in the Denver Broncos drive to the Super Bowl title, Jackson was one of the biggest prizes in the offseason bidding wars. The Jaguars had more than enough money to add him to their defense. His addition also gives the Jaguars an incredible number of versatile, end/tackle-combo defensive linemen. Jackson, Sen'Derrick Marks, Tyson Alualu, Jared Odrick, Mike Bennett, and rookie Sheldon Day. All six can play anywhere along the line. Players of this sort can give a defensive line tremendous flexibility and a rotation that will give an opposing offensive line fits. Marks has been the Jaguars best defensive player and one of the better interior linemen in the entire league for a few years now. Unfortunately he's coming off a knee injury that kept him out of the first five games of the 2015 season and a torn triceps injury that ended his return after four games. If he's healthy and stays healthy, this line should be a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.
At linebacker, there's probably no team in the league that can match the speed and explosiveness of the outside duo of Telvin Smith and Myles Jack. Those two can cover so much ground that middle linebacker Paul Posluszny probably only needs to cover the spot on which he's standing. That really isn't fair to Posluszny as he's a tremendously instinctive linebacker. His speedy partners don't really have to cover for him. The great thing about this trio of linebackers is that none has to leave the field in passing situations. Smith and Jack have the size and speed to cover tight ends and backs. Jack was even used as a nickel corner at UCLA on occasion. This versatility gives Bradley and defensive coordinator Todd Walsh the ability to disguise their intentions and their coverages Not only are the Jaguars extremely flexible on the defensive line they are extremely flexible at linebacker.
Jalen Ramsey isn't the only new addition to the secondary. Tashaun Gipson was added in free agency. He had a down year last year but it was a rough year for the entire Cleveland Browns defense. If he plays to the level that he played in the previous two seasons he should be an excellent addition. Jonathan Cyprien has had some great moments and some not so great moments. If he can play with more consistency the Gipson-Cyprien safety duo could be one of the better duos in the league. Davon House was a free agent addition in 2015. He's a talented corner with very good size and he had a solid first season with the Jaguars. In his first four years with the Green Bay Packers House always looked the part of a starting corner. He just never got the chance to be a starter. The Jaguars were more than happy to give him that chance. He should only get better. Then there's Jalen Ramsey. He can do it all in the secondary. Some draft analysts saw him as the best safety in the draft. Others saw him as the best corner in the draft. He was both. There were times last season in which Arizona Cardinals do-everything defensive back Tyrann Mathieu rivaled J.J. Watt as the most disruptive defensive player in the NFL. Several people compared Ramsey to Mathieu. Watching Ramsey play actually rekindled my memories of Kenny Easley. No matter the comparison, Ramsey should be a disruptive player in the back of the Jaguars defense for a long time. He can do all the things expected of a top corner and all the things expected of a top safety,
Gus Bradley was hired as the coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars because of the work that he's done with defenses. The defensive results haven't been that great through hist first three seasons in Jacksonville. The Jaguars now have the players to field a solid, if not dominant, defense. On paper, they look great. Now, they have to look great on the field. The common theme through each level of this defense is versatility. The excessive number of defensive linemen that can play multiple positions should be illegal. The ability to keep all three linebackers on the field in nearly any offensive situation allows the coaches to better disguise their intentions. The secondary became more versatile the moment Ramsey was selected with the fifth pick of the draft. The offense has received any attention that has been directed towards the Jaguars in recent years. It's now time for the defense to get some.
Here's an early look at the Jaguars possible defensive starters.
DE Malik Jackson
DT Sen'Derrick Marks
DT Roy Miller
DE Dante Fowler Jr.
LB Telvin Smith
LB Paul Posluszny
LB Myles Jack
CB Davon House
CB Jalen Ramsey
S Jonathan Cyprien
S Tashaun Gipson
First of all, the Jaguars benefited greatly from the unfortunate draft day fall of UCLA linebacker Myles Jack. He was supposed to be one of the top picks but dropped out of the first round due to uncertainties with the knee that he injured early last season. He's ready to go now and the Jaguars were the lucky ones to land him early in the second round. With Dante Fowler Jr. returning from a training camp knee injury that wiped out his 2015 rookie season this defense will basically be boosted by the addition of three top-5 rookie talents. Fowler, Jack, and Jalen Ramsey. If those three players stay on the field all season this defense can only improve.
Dante Fowler Jr. was the first non-quarterback taken in the 2015 NFL Draft. That basically means that he was the best football player in the draft. At least in the eyes of the Jaguars decision-makers. He was supposed to provide an immediate impact as an edge rusher for a team that desperately needed one. That hope ended early in training camp when Fowler was lost for the season with a knee injury. If his recovery is complete and he can stay healthy he has the talent to terrorize quarterbacks off of the edge. In passing situations third-round pick Yannick Ngakoue could come in to provide a speedy pass rushing compliment opposite Fowler. The Jaguars added defensive lineman Malik Jackson in free agency. After playing a significant role in the Denver Broncos drive to the Super Bowl title, Jackson was one of the biggest prizes in the offseason bidding wars. The Jaguars had more than enough money to add him to their defense. His addition also gives the Jaguars an incredible number of versatile, end/tackle-combo defensive linemen. Jackson, Sen'Derrick Marks, Tyson Alualu, Jared Odrick, Mike Bennett, and rookie Sheldon Day. All six can play anywhere along the line. Players of this sort can give a defensive line tremendous flexibility and a rotation that will give an opposing offensive line fits. Marks has been the Jaguars best defensive player and one of the better interior linemen in the entire league for a few years now. Unfortunately he's coming off a knee injury that kept him out of the first five games of the 2015 season and a torn triceps injury that ended his return after four games. If he's healthy and stays healthy, this line should be a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.
At linebacker, there's probably no team in the league that can match the speed and explosiveness of the outside duo of Telvin Smith and Myles Jack. Those two can cover so much ground that middle linebacker Paul Posluszny probably only needs to cover the spot on which he's standing. That really isn't fair to Posluszny as he's a tremendously instinctive linebacker. His speedy partners don't really have to cover for him. The great thing about this trio of linebackers is that none has to leave the field in passing situations. Smith and Jack have the size and speed to cover tight ends and backs. Jack was even used as a nickel corner at UCLA on occasion. This versatility gives Bradley and defensive coordinator Todd Walsh the ability to disguise their intentions and their coverages Not only are the Jaguars extremely flexible on the defensive line they are extremely flexible at linebacker.
Jalen Ramsey isn't the only new addition to the secondary. Tashaun Gipson was added in free agency. He had a down year last year but it was a rough year for the entire Cleveland Browns defense. If he plays to the level that he played in the previous two seasons he should be an excellent addition. Jonathan Cyprien has had some great moments and some not so great moments. If he can play with more consistency the Gipson-Cyprien safety duo could be one of the better duos in the league. Davon House was a free agent addition in 2015. He's a talented corner with very good size and he had a solid first season with the Jaguars. In his first four years with the Green Bay Packers House always looked the part of a starting corner. He just never got the chance to be a starter. The Jaguars were more than happy to give him that chance. He should only get better. Then there's Jalen Ramsey. He can do it all in the secondary. Some draft analysts saw him as the best safety in the draft. Others saw him as the best corner in the draft. He was both. There were times last season in which Arizona Cardinals do-everything defensive back Tyrann Mathieu rivaled J.J. Watt as the most disruptive defensive player in the NFL. Several people compared Ramsey to Mathieu. Watching Ramsey play actually rekindled my memories of Kenny Easley. No matter the comparison, Ramsey should be a disruptive player in the back of the Jaguars defense for a long time. He can do all the things expected of a top corner and all the things expected of a top safety,
Gus Bradley was hired as the coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars because of the work that he's done with defenses. The defensive results haven't been that great through hist first three seasons in Jacksonville. The Jaguars now have the players to field a solid, if not dominant, defense. On paper, they look great. Now, they have to look great on the field. The common theme through each level of this defense is versatility. The excessive number of defensive linemen that can play multiple positions should be illegal. The ability to keep all three linebackers on the field in nearly any offensive situation allows the coaches to better disguise their intentions. The secondary became more versatile the moment Ramsey was selected with the fifth pick of the draft. The offense has received any attention that has been directed towards the Jaguars in recent years. It's now time for the defense to get some.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Where Did They Come From?
Even two weeks after the last pick was announced I can't get enough of the NFL Draft.
NFL.com's Chase Groodbread recently broke down the 253 draft picks by state. Here are the results.
32-Texas
30-Florida
26-California
15-Georgia
14-Ohio
10-Illinois
9-Pennsylvania
8-North Carolina
7-Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina
6-Alabama, Arizona, Indiana
5-Louisiana, Tennessee
4-Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia, Washington
3-Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, Wisconsin, Washington D.C.
2-Connecticut, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah
1-Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska
Florida had the most players selected in the first round with seven.
The most publicized international player selected in the draft was Germany's Moritz Bohringer but he wasn't the only foreign-born player. David Onyemata and Germain Ifedi were born in Nigeria. Adam Gotsis was born in Australia.
Other draft tally nuggets (also courtesy of Chase Goodbread's fine work):
Ohio State topped the colleges with 12 players selected.
The SEC was the conference leader. Again.
Here's how the Power Five conferences broke down.
SEC: 51
Big Ten: 47
Pac-12: 32
ACC: 26
Big-12: 26
Other conferences:
AAC: 10
Conference USA: 10
Mountain West: 9
Mid-American: 6
Sun Belt: 3
Fun stuff!
NFL.com's Chase Groodbread recently broke down the 253 draft picks by state. Here are the results.
32-Texas
30-Florida
26-California
15-Georgia
14-Ohio
10-Illinois
9-Pennsylvania
8-North Carolina
7-Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, South Carolina
6-Alabama, Arizona, Indiana
5-Louisiana, Tennessee
4-Arkansas, Missouri, Virginia, Washington
3-Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, Wisconsin, Washington D.C.
2-Connecticut, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah
1-Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska
Florida had the most players selected in the first round with seven.
The most publicized international player selected in the draft was Germany's Moritz Bohringer but he wasn't the only foreign-born player. David Onyemata and Germain Ifedi were born in Nigeria. Adam Gotsis was born in Australia.
Other draft tally nuggets (also courtesy of Chase Goodbread's fine work):
Ohio State topped the colleges with 12 players selected.
The SEC was the conference leader. Again.
Here's how the Power Five conferences broke down.
SEC: 51
Big Ten: 47
Pac-12: 32
ACC: 26
Big-12: 26
Other conferences:
AAC: 10
Conference USA: 10
Mountain West: 9
Mid-American: 6
Sun Belt: 3
Fun stuff!
Sunday, May 15, 2016
NFL Top 100: 90-81
NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2016 continued on Wednesday with the reveal of the players ranked from 90-81. As has been said here many times this is a fun list. It's the player's list and that makes it fun. Others don't see it that way. The overriding reaction to each week's installment is criticism. That really shouldn't be a surprise as every ranking no matter what's being ranked is a magnet for criticism. This is simply a fun list and the best thing about it is the players talking about their peers. The commentary is terrific. Even if the players aren't talking about the players that the vigilant critics prefer. Besides, all the NFL really cares about is the fact that people are talking about the rankings, the program, and ultimately their product. Even if they are bitching about it.
Here are the players ranked 90-81.
90. Matt Forte, RB, New York Jets
89. Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
88. Cameron Heyward, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
87. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
86. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
85. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
84. Tamba Hali, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
83. Telvin Smith, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
82. Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans
81. Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
First of all, it looks very, very strange to see "RB, New York Jets" follow Matt Forte.
Tops among this week's criticism was actually a ranking from last week. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck at 92. There was some criticism simmering last week but it didn't start to boil until until a couple quarterbacks popped up this week. The appearance of Cousins and Smith seemed to magnify Luck's suspicious spot at 92. People tend to forget that these annual player lists are based on the previous season with an eye to the next. Luck only played in seven games last season due to injuries. He also struggled in those seven games mostly due to those injuries. The fact that he's even on this list at all is a testament to how highly his peers think about him. Adrian Peterson dropped about 60 spots on the 2015 list after missing nearly all of the 2014 season.
It's just a list of players.
Prompted by the presence of two members of the Jacksonville Jaguars in this group of ten, it was mentioned that five Jaguars made the list this year. That's a very surprising number. Jacksonville is a team that appears to be on the rise. An already promising offense was boosted by a draft class filled with defensive players with great potential. They are a team to watch but they haven't done anything yet. They were 5-11 as recently as last season. The surprising Jaguars presence on this list was highlighted by Allen Hurns at 89. He's a fine player but he's the #2 receiver on his own team to Allen Robinson. That fact alone makes his presence at 89 surprising. It's made silly by the presence of more accomplished receivers like Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry, and Jeremy Maclin among the players ranked 100-91.
Still, it's just a list of players. Presented with entertaining commentary. It's fun and I look forward to seeing the reveal of players ranked 80-71 this Wednesday.
Here are the players ranked 90-81.
90. Matt Forte, RB, New York Jets
89. Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
88. Cameron Heyward, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
87. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
86. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
85. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
84. Tamba Hali, LB, Kansas City Chiefs
83. Telvin Smith, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
82. Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans
81. Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
First of all, it looks very, very strange to see "RB, New York Jets" follow Matt Forte.
Tops among this week's criticism was actually a ranking from last week. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck at 92. There was some criticism simmering last week but it didn't start to boil until until a couple quarterbacks popped up this week. The appearance of Cousins and Smith seemed to magnify Luck's suspicious spot at 92. People tend to forget that these annual player lists are based on the previous season with an eye to the next. Luck only played in seven games last season due to injuries. He also struggled in those seven games mostly due to those injuries. The fact that he's even on this list at all is a testament to how highly his peers think about him. Adrian Peterson dropped about 60 spots on the 2015 list after missing nearly all of the 2014 season.
It's just a list of players.
Prompted by the presence of two members of the Jacksonville Jaguars in this group of ten, it was mentioned that five Jaguars made the list this year. That's a very surprising number. Jacksonville is a team that appears to be on the rise. An already promising offense was boosted by a draft class filled with defensive players with great potential. They are a team to watch but they haven't done anything yet. They were 5-11 as recently as last season. The surprising Jaguars presence on this list was highlighted by Allen Hurns at 89. He's a fine player but he's the #2 receiver on his own team to Allen Robinson. That fact alone makes his presence at 89 surprising. It's made silly by the presence of more accomplished receivers like Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry, and Jeremy Maclin among the players ranked 100-91.
Still, it's just a list of players. Presented with entertaining commentary. It's fun and I look forward to seeing the reveal of players ranked 80-71 this Wednesday.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Free Agency Winners?
I suppose the players that won in free agency are those that came away from it with the most money. Whether the new team that gave them all that money is the right football fit is rarely holds much importance. At least initially. Players that don't quite fit with their new teams is why big free agency signings rarely turn out to be all that great on the field. Here's a look at the biggest contracts viewed three different ways.
Largest contracts by overall base value
1. Malik Jackson, DE, Jacskonville Jaguars: $85.5 million, six years
2. Olivier Vernon, DE, New York Giants: $85 million, five years
3. Josh Norman, CB, Washington Redskins: $75 million, five years
4. Brock Osweiler, QB, Houston Texans: $72 million, four years
5. Janoris Jenkins, CB, New York Giants: $62.5 million, five years
6. Kelechi Osemele, G, Oakland Raiders: $58.5 million, five years
7. Russell Okung, T, Denver Broncos: $53 million, five years
8. Damon Harrison, DT, New York Giants: $46.2 million, five years
9. Mark Barron, LB, Los Angeles Rams: $45 million, five years
10. Alex Mack, C, Atlanta Falcons: $45 million, five years
Largest contracts by annual average
1. Brock Osweiler, QB, Houston Texans: $18 million
2. Olivier Vernon, DE, New York Giants: $17 million
3. Josh Norman: $15 million
4. Malik Jackson: $14.25 million
5. Janoris Jenkins: $12.5 million
6. Kelechi Osemele: $11.7 million
7. Russell Okung, T, Denver Broncos: $10.6 million
8. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants: $10 million
9. Sean Smith, CB, Oakland Raiders: $9.5 million
10. (tie)Damon Harrison, DT, New York Giants: $9.25 million
Bruce Irvin, LB, Oakland Raiders: $9.25 million
Largest contracts by fully guaranteed money
1. Olivier Vernon, DE, New York Giants: $40 million
2. Brock Osweiler, QB, Houston Texans: $37 million
3. Josh Norman: $36.5 million
4. Malik Jackson: $31.5 million
5. Janoris Jenkins: $28.8 million
6. Kelechi Osemele: $25.4 million
7. Damon Harrison, DT, New York Giants: $20 million
8. Alex Mack, C, Atlanta Falcons: $20 million
9. Brandon Brooks, G, Philadelphia Eagles
10. (tie)Mark Barron, LB, Los Angeles Rams: $15 million
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean Smith, CB, Oakland Raiders
The New York Giants were all in on free agency in 2016.
Data from Over the Cap. Lists from Pro Football Rumors.
Largest contracts by overall base value
1. Malik Jackson, DE, Jacskonville Jaguars: $85.5 million, six years
2. Olivier Vernon, DE, New York Giants: $85 million, five years
3. Josh Norman, CB, Washington Redskins: $75 million, five years
4. Brock Osweiler, QB, Houston Texans: $72 million, four years
5. Janoris Jenkins, CB, New York Giants: $62.5 million, five years
6. Kelechi Osemele, G, Oakland Raiders: $58.5 million, five years
7. Russell Okung, T, Denver Broncos: $53 million, five years
8. Damon Harrison, DT, New York Giants: $46.2 million, five years
9. Mark Barron, LB, Los Angeles Rams: $45 million, five years
10. Alex Mack, C, Atlanta Falcons: $45 million, five years
Largest contracts by annual average
1. Brock Osweiler, QB, Houston Texans: $18 million
2. Olivier Vernon, DE, New York Giants: $17 million
3. Josh Norman: $15 million
4. Malik Jackson: $14.25 million
5. Janoris Jenkins: $12.5 million
6. Kelechi Osemele: $11.7 million
7. Russell Okung, T, Denver Broncos: $10.6 million
8. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants: $10 million
9. Sean Smith, CB, Oakland Raiders: $9.5 million
10. (tie)Damon Harrison, DT, New York Giants: $9.25 million
Bruce Irvin, LB, Oakland Raiders: $9.25 million
Largest contracts by fully guaranteed money
1. Olivier Vernon, DE, New York Giants: $40 million
2. Brock Osweiler, QB, Houston Texans: $37 million
3. Josh Norman: $36.5 million
4. Malik Jackson: $31.5 million
5. Janoris Jenkins: $28.8 million
6. Kelechi Osemele: $25.4 million
7. Damon Harrison, DT, New York Giants: $20 million
8. Alex Mack, C, Atlanta Falcons: $20 million
9. Brandon Brooks, G, Philadelphia Eagles
10. (tie)Mark Barron, LB, Los Angeles Rams: $15 million
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean Smith, CB, Oakland Raiders
The New York Giants were all in on free agency in 2016.
Data from Over the Cap. Lists from Pro Football Rumors.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Early Signings
It's great to see nearly all of the 32 NFL teams breeze through the signings of the players selected in the draft. The 2011 CBA was supposed to make the process much easier as it put an end to the outrageous salaries for players that had yet to take an NFL snap. The contract numbers for each rookie was determined by where they were selected in the draft. The CBA essentially introduced a rookie wage scale dependent on draft position. The player agents don't really have much to do. Well, there's some negotiation as to when and how the contracts are to be paid. It still took the teams a few years to figure out how to approach this new and easy rookie-signing world. Initially, some rookies still weren't signed until the start of training camp. Now, teams start signing their rookies a couple of days after the draft. That's what the Minnesota Vikings did with seven of their eight draft picks. They had all but first round pick Laquon Treadwell signed before last weekend's rookie minicamp. After failing to do so in that first week the Vikings signed Treadwell yesterday. They had their entire draft class signed 12 days after the draft ended. There were a couple of years in which they still hadn't accomplished that feat 12 days into training camp. If anything good came out of the new CBA the early and easy signing of draft picks is it.
The Vikings aren't the only team that got a nice jump on the signing of their draft picks. The Atlanta Falcons were the first team to do so when they completed the task on May 5. A stunning five days after the draft. The Arizona Cardinals completed the signing of their draft class on Tuesday. Always the last to sign, even the players selected in the first round are agreeing to their predetermined contracts at a pretty nice clip. 14 so far. Here they are.
The Vikings aren't the only team that got a nice jump on the signing of their draft picks. The Atlanta Falcons were the first team to do so when they completed the task on May 5. A stunning five days after the draft. The Arizona Cardinals completed the signing of their draft class on Tuesday. Always the last to sign, even the players selected in the first round are agreeing to their predetermined contracts at a pretty nice clip. 14 so far. Here they are.
1. QB Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams: Not signed.
2. QB Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles: Signed four-year, $26.6 million deal.
3. DE Joey Bosa, San Diego Chargers: Not signed.
4. RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys: Not signed.
5. CB Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars: Not signed.
6. OT Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens: Not signed.
7. DE DeForest Buckner, San Francisco 49ers: Signed four-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
8. OT Jack Conklin, Tennessee Titans: Not signed.
9. LB Leonard Floyd, Chicago Bears: Not signed.
10. CB Eli Apple, New York Giants: Signed a four-year, $15.1M deal.
11. CB Vernon Hargreaves, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Signed a four-year deal. Terms of deal were not disclosed.
12. DT Sheldon Rankins, New Orleans Saints: Signed a four-year deal. Terms of deal were not disclosed.
13. OT Laremy Tunsil, Miami Dolphins: Signed a four-year, $12.46M deal.
14. S Karl Joseph, Oakland Raiders: Signed a four-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
15. WR Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns: Not signed.
16. OT Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions: Signed a four-year, $10.96 million deal.
17. S Keanu Neal, Atlanta Falcons: Signed a four-year, $10.7M deal.
18. C Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts: Signed a four-year, $10.4M deal.
19. DE Shaq Lawson, Buffalo Bills: Not signed.
20. LB Darron Lee, New York Jets: Not signed.
21. WR Will Fuller, Houston Texans: Not signed.
22. WR Josh Doctson, Washington Redskins: Signed a four-year, $10.05M deal.
23. WR Laquon Treadwell, Minnesota Vikings: Signed a four-year deal. Terms not disclosed.
24. CB William Jackson III, Cincinnati Bengals: Not signed.
25. CB Artie Burns, Pittsburgh Steelers: Not signed.
26. QB Paxton Lynch, Denver Broncos: Not signed.
27. DT Kenny Clark, Green Bay Packers: Not signed.
28. OL Joshua Garnett, San Francisco 49ers: Not signed.
29. DT Robert Nkemdiche, Arizona Cardinals: Signed a four-year, $8.6M deal.
30. DT Vernon Butler, Carolina Panthers: Not signed.
31. OT Germain Ifedi, Seattle Seahawks: Signed a four-year, $8.27M deal.
Rookie signings used to drag out so long. Vikings tackle Bryant McKinnie even took his to about Halloween in 2003. Painful times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)