Flea Flicker Pre-Combine Mock Draft

Here's the next mock. The just-before-the-combine mock.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2.   New York Giants-Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3.   Indianapolis Colts-Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
4.   Cleveland Browns-Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB. Alabama
5.   Denver Broncos-Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
6.   New York Jets-Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
8.   Chicago Bears-Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
10. Oakland Raiders-Derwin James, S, Florida State
11. Miami Dolphins-Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
12. Cincinnati Bengals-Connor Williams, T, Texas
13. Washington Redskins-Vita Vea, DT, Washington
14. Green Bay Packers-Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
15. Arizona Cardinals-Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
16. Baltimore Ravens-Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Orlando Brown, T, Oklahoma
18. Seattle Seahawks-Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
19. Dallas Cowboys-Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
20. Detroit Lions-Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
21. Buffalo Bills-James Daniels, C, Iowa
22. Buffalo Bills-Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
23. Los Angeles Rams-Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia
24. Carolina Panthers-Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
25. Tennessee Titans-Billy Price, C, Ohio State
26. Atlanta Falcons-Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
27. New Orleans Saints-Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Will Hernandez, G, UTEP
30. Minnesota Vikings-Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
31. New England Patriots-Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Chukwuma Okafor, T, W. Michigan

The coin flip to determine the actual 49ers-Raiders #9-#10 draft order will be done at 9:30 PST Friday morning.

Some Salary Cap Stats

The NFLPA released some salary cap numbers yesterday. They released the total cash spending and the cap space carryover totals for all 32 NFL teams.

Total Cash Spending

Rank	Team	Total Spending ($)	Percent of Cap
1	Cowboys	115,657,816	69.26
2	Chiefs	141,989,251	85.02
3	Jets	143,077,302	85.68
4	Colts	143,413,700	85.55
5	Texans	144,037,247	86.25
6	Ravens	149,279,599	89.39
7	Bills	150,558,572	90.15
8	Broncos	152,550,645	91.35
9	Saints	155,934,789	93.37
10	Buccaneers	156,869,554	93.93
11	Rams	159,196,856	95.33
12	Chargers	160,576,022	96.15
13	Bengals	160,805,196	96.29
14	Giants	162,642,177	97.39
15	Titans	164,244,613	98.35
16	Steelers	165,073,198	98.85
17	Cardinals	167,857,009	100.51
18	Seahawks	168,609,106	100.96
19	Patriots	168,966,580	101.18
20	Eagles	170,639,789	102.18
21	Vikings	172,864,565	103.51
22	Raiders	173,285,032	103.76
23	Redskins	173,781,455	104.06
24	Falcons	173,881,620	104.12
25	49ers	174,571,390	104.53
26	Browns	177,107,417	106.05
27	Bears	179,232,211	107.32
28	Dolphins	179,426,565	107.44
29	Jaguars	181,441,120	108.65
30	Packers	183,229,638	109.72
31	Panthers	198,760,706	119.02
32	Lions	204,466,793	122.44

Total Spending: $5,274,027,533             
League-wide Percentage Average: 98.69

The 2018 League year is the second year of the four-year rolling average period for minimum cash spending.

During this period:
Each club must spend a cash minimum of 89% of the salary cap.
The league-wide cash minimum must reach 95% of the salary cap.

Cap Carryover From 2017 Into 2018

Rank	Team	Carryover($)
1	Browns	58,900,000
2	49ers	56,000,000
3	Titans	30,300,000
4	Jaguars	27,700,000
5	Jets	17,300,000
6	Colts	16,800,000
7	Buccaneers	15,100,000
8	Vikings	13,700,000
9	Bills	11,500,000
10	Bengals	10,600,000
11	Broncos	10,200,000
12	Texans	9,900,000
13	Cowboys	7,800,000
14	Raiders	7,600,000
15	Bears	7,600,000
16	Panthers	4,400,000
17	Rams	4,300,000
18	Lions	4,100,000
19	Steelers	4,000,000
20	Packers	3,900,000
21	Ravens	3,200,000
22	Patriots	3,000,000
23	Chargers	2,600,000
24	Chiefs	2,600,000
25	Cardinals	1,600,000
26	Redskins	1,400,000
27	Falcons	1,100,000
28	Seahawks	547,000
29	Eagles	514,000
30	Giants	365,000
31	Saints	287,000
32	Dolphins	64,000

I'm sure that it's easily explained but at a glance it's remarkable that teams like the Browns and 49ers can have giant carryover amounts yet still be spending in excess of the salary cap.

What are the Cowboys doing?

Free Agency Draft

How about placing the NFL free agency talent on teams just as the college talent is done? A draft. This is a perfect and pointless way to pass the days before this week's Scouting Combine. Free agency and draft stuff will really heat up when all of the league's decision-makers gather in Indianapolis. Some of the players involved in this draft won't actually be available for the taking due to signings or taggings (Brees and Bell, in particular). But they are available now. So here it is. A Free Agency Draft.

1.   Cleveland Browns-Drew Brees, QB
2.   New York Giants-Le'Veon Bell, RB
3.   Indianapolis Colts-DeMarcus Lawrece, DE
4.   Cleveland Browns-Sheldon Richardson, DT
5.   Denver Broncos-Kirk Cousins, QB
6.   New York Jets-Ezekiel Ansah, DE
7.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Trumaine Johnson, CB
8.   Chicago Bears-Jimmy Graham, TE
9.   San Francisco 49ers-Andrew Norwell, OG
10. Oakland Raiders-Malcolm Butler, CB
11. Miami Dolphins-Star Lotulelei, DT
12. Cincinnati Bengals-Kyle Fuller, CB
13. Washington Redskins-Dontari Poe, DT
14. Green Bay Packers-Eric Reid, S
15. Arizona Cardinals-Sam Bradford, QB
16. Baltimore Ravens-Sammy Watkins, WR
17. Los Angeles Chargers-Dion Lewis, RB
18. Seattle Seahawks-Justin Pugh, OG
19. Dallas Cowboys-Morgan Burnett, S
20. Detroit Lions-Aaron Colvin, CB
21. Buffalo Bills-Case Keenum, QB
22. Buffalo Bills-Weston Richburg, C
23. Los Angeles Rams-Trey Burton, TE
24. Carolina Panthers-Allen Robinson, WR
25. Tennessee Titans-Jerick McKinnon, RB
26. Atlanta Falcons-Jack Mewhort, OG
27. New Orleans Saints-Nigel Bradham, LB
28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Avery Williamson, LB
29. Jacksonville Jaguars-Nate Solder, OT
30. Minnesota Vikings-Lamarcus Joyner, S
31. New England Patriots-Vontae Davis, CB
32. Philadelphia Eagles-Tahir Whitehead, LB

Or something like that.

PFF's Top Returning Pac-12 Football Players

Much of the next two months will be focused on college football players that won't be returning to their college campuses. Here's a look at some from the Pac-12 that will be returning to their respective campuses.

Pro Football Focus's Top-50 Returning Pac-12 Football Players

50. Michael Pitman Jr., WR, Jr., USC, PFF rating: 80.5
50. Chigozie Nnoruka, DT, R-Jr., UCLA, 80.5
49. Julian Blackmon, CB, Jr., Utah, 80.7
47. Jalen Thompson, S, Jr., Washington State, 81.1
47. Jake Luton, QB, R-Jr., Oregon State, 81.1
44. Nathan Eldridge, C, R-Jr., Arizona, 81.4
44. Brady Aiello, OT, R-Jr., Oregon, 81.4
44. Tony Ellison, WR, R-Sr., Arizona, 81.4
43. Ryan Bouman, OLB, R-So., Washington, 81.6
42. Jordon Scott, DT, So., Oregon, 81.8
41. Jake Browning, QB, Sr., Washington, 82.0
40. Patrick Laird, RB, R-Sr., Cal, 82.1
38. Vic Wharton III, WR, R-Sr., Cal, 82.2
38. Chris Bounds, TE, R-Jr., Colorado, 82.2
37. Kyle Williams, WR, Jr., Arizona State, 82.4
35. Kaleb McGary, OT, R-Sr., Washington, 82.6
35. Jake Curhan, OT, R-So., Cal, 82.6
34. Tyler Huntley, QB, Jr., Utah, 82.9
32. Chuma Edoga, OT, Sr., USC, 83.5
32. Chase Hansen, S, R-Sr., Utah, 83.5
31. Greg Gaines, DT, R-Sr., Washington, 83.6
30. Ugo Amadi, CB, Sr., Oregon, 83.7
29. Steven Montez, QB, R-Jr., Colorado, 83.8
28. Kanawai Noa, WR, Sr., Cal, 83.9
26. Austin Joyner, CB, R-Jr., Washington, 84.3
26. Calvin Throckmorton, OT, R-Jr., Oregon, 84.3
25. Khalil Tate, QB, Jr., Arizona, 84.4
23. Tyler Vaughns, WR, R-So., USC, 84.8
23. Kaden Smith, TE, R-So., Stanford, 84.8
22. Myles Gaskin, RB, Sr., Washington, 84.9
20. Hunter Dale, S, Sr., Washington State, 85.0
20. Taylor Rapp, S, Jr., Washington, 85.0
19. Patrick Mekari, OT, Sr., Cal, 85.2
16. Nate Herbig, OG, Jr., Stanford, 85.4
16. Cameron Smith, ILB, Sr., USC, 85.4
15. Andre James, OT, R-Jr., UCLA, 85.5
13. Jordan Miller, CB, Sr., Washington, 85.6
13. Nate Meadors, CB, Sr., UCLA, 85.6
12. Ben Burr-Kirven, ILB, Sr., Washington, 85.8
11. Andre Dillard, OT, R-Sr., Washington State, 85.9
10. Zack Moss, RB, Jr., Utah, 86.2
  9. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, R-Jr., Stanford. 86.4
  8. N'Keal Harry, WR, Jr., Arizona State, 86.7
  7. Justin Herbert, QB, Jr., Oregon, 87.2
  6. Byron Murphy, CB, R-So., Washington, 87.3
  5. Manny Wilkins, QB, R-Sr., Arizona State, 87.8
  4. Troy Dye, ILB, Jr., Oregon, 88.1
  3. Jalen Jelks, DE, R-Sr., Oregon, 88.2
  2. Bryce Love, RB, Sr., Stanford, 90.5
  1. Caleb Wilson, TE, R-Jr., UCLA, 93.3

Some thoughts:

Is there any end to the Washington Huskies defensive assembly line. They've sent a bunch of players to the NFL in recent years but they have seven defensive players on this list.

Stanford has a similarly endless assembly line of tight ends. Every year they send at least one to the NFL. It looks like Kaden Smith will be the next one.

Cal's offensive line has slowly improved since the days it looked like they were trying to get Jared Goff killed. Two tackles on this list and a promising recruiting class must have the quarterbacks and running backs happy in Berkeley.

Compensatory Picks

The NFL announced the recipients of the Compensatory Picks for the 2018 NFL Draft. These are the picks that are handed to teams to compensate them for net free agent losses of the year before. With four picks each, the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys got their usual generous helping of picks. Since the league started awarding these extra picks in 1994 the Packers have received 42 and the Cowboys have received 41. Only the Baltimore Ravens (49) have received more. The Minnesota Vikings are on the other end of things. The two sixth round Compensatory Picks this year are a bonanza. They've only received 19 since 1994. That's mostly due to their tendency to sign their own players rather than letting them move on to other teams. As a result, the Vikings are usually shut out of Compensatory Pick game. Here's how this year's 32 extra picks were distributed.


2018 Compensatory Picks

(Round-overall selection, team)

3-97 Cardinals

3-98 Texans

3-99 Broncos

3-100 Bengals

4-133 Packers

4-134 Cardinals

4-135 Giants

4-136 Patriots

4-137 Cowboys

5-170 Bengals

5-171 Cowboys

5-172 Packers

5-173 Cowboys

5-174 Packers

6-207 Packers

6-208 Cowboys

6-209 Chiefs

6-210 Raiders

6-211 Texans

6-212 Raiders

6-213 Vikings

6-214 Texans

6-215 Ravens

6-216 Raiders

6-217 Raiders

6-218 Vikings

7-251 Chargers

7-252 Bengals

7-253 Bengals

7-254 Cardinals

7-255 Buccaneers

7-256 Falcons

The two additional sixth round picks gives the Vikings a total of seven picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Round 1-30th
Round 2-62nd
Round 3-94th
Round 5-167th
Round 6-204th

Round 6-213th

Round 6-218th

The Vikings sent their 4th round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of the Sam Bradford trade. Not that it matters here but the Eagles then flipped the pick to the Miami Dolphins for Jay Ajayi. The Vikings sent their 7th round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for Tramaine Brock.

Personally, I think that the NFL should stop handing out these extra picks. Most teams are managing the salary cap well. If they want to keep their player they have the cap space, or means to create space, to do so. The cases in which a team loses a player that they truly want to keep are becoming rare. Theses picks have become more gifts than compensation. The teams that play the Compensatory Pick game the best (the Ravens, Packers, Cowboys) are letting players go knowing that these picks are coming in return. They want the picks more than the player. Why should they be compensated for losing a player that wasn't really in their long-term plans? The days of the Compensatory Picks being a need are long gone. Besides, these extra picks really hack up the draft order. 

Breer's Mock Draft

Here' a mock draft by a media honk that's a little different than most. Sports Illustrated/MMQB's Albert Breer actually created this mock based on discussions with decision-makers and evaluators across the NFL and four months of reporting on this class of college football players. He then had his mock vetted by "guys" from eight teams. How come I can't get that sort of access?

Here's Albert Breer's pre-Combine, vetted Mock Draft.

1. Cleveland: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Drafting a quarterback high has a lot to do with comfort level, and I think John Dorsey will find himself most comfortable with Darnold—despite his funky delivery—because of his off-the-charts intangibles.

2. N.Y. Giants: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
I’ve put Josh Rosen in this spot consistently. Why did I move him out? My feeling is, in the end, Allen will be a better personality fit with Dave Gettleman and Pat Shurmur.

3. Indianapolis: Bradley Chubb, EDGE, N.C. State 
Chubb might be the safest pick in the draft (though that can be the kiss of death, ask Aaron Curry), and he fulfills Chris Ballard’s desire to get more athletically imposing at a premium position.

4. Cleveland (from Houston): Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
Barkley is the draft’s best player, but the non-premium position makes him a wild card. I like the idea of pairing him with a rookie quarterback, like Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott two years ago.

5. Denver: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
The fifth and sixth picks could hinge on where Kirk Cousins lands. I’m going with a Case Keenum/Rosen pairing in Denver, and this could be a grand slam. Rosen is the most gifted QB in this year’s crop.

6. N.Y. Jets: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
This is assuming the Jets get Cousins. Nelson is a generational guard prospect, widely considered better than fellow Irish alum Zack Martin at the same stage. And he’ll bring nastiness.

7. Tampa Bay: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
What you’re getting here is a Malcolm Jenkins-type player—corner/safety versatility that’s incredibly valuable in today’s NFL—and a front-of-the-program guy.

8. Chicago: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
The only knock on Ward is that he’s short. Outside of that? He’s worthy to carry on the rich recent lineage of Buckeye DBs going pro. And Vic Fangio will love his ability to play man.

9. San Francisco: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
Edmunds came on my radar late in the season. He’s a freak, built for the K.J. Wright/De’Vondre Campbell role in the Niners’ Seattle-style scheme.

10. Oakland: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
The Raiders would be lucky in this scenario—their biggest hole would be filled by the best available player. Smith is a heat-seeking sideline-to-sideline linebacker who could man the Oakland middle for a decade.

11. Miami: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Call this a hunch. Senior Bowl week once again showed teams Mayfield’s bravado isn’t for everyone, but I like the match with Adam Gase. Ryan Tannehill is turning 30 and has $0 guaranteed left on his deal.

12. Cincinnati: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
All eyes were on Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton last year, but Cincinnati’s biggest problem was the decline of its offensive line. This NFL legacy helps them fix it.

13. Washington: Marcus Davenport, EDGE, Texas-San Antonio
So I really wanted to put Davenport higher than this—and believe he’ll go before 13. Just watch. The converted receiver from a mid-major school will put on a show in Indianapolis.

14. Green Bay: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
New coordinator Mike Pettine covets corners who can man receivers up, and that’s the rangy Jackson’s specialty. Once a receiver, Jackson is just scratching the surface of his potential.

15. Arizona: Da’Ron Payne, DL, Alabama
New coach Steve Wilks is coming from Carolina, where a dominant defense was built up the middle with stout interior defensive linemen. And Payne is a great value at 15.

16. Baltimore: Connor Williams, OT, Texas
Williams is coming off a knee injury, but was very highly thought of at the beginning of the year. If he’s right, the Ravens can bookend him with Ronnie Stanley for years to come.

17. L.A. Chargers: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Protecting an aging Philip Rivers is paramount, and Russell Okung is 30. That makes McGlinchey a good candidate to come in as a right tackle/eventual successor at left tackle.

18. Seattle: Derwin James, S, Florida State
James is an incredible athlete and tough as nails, but he didn’t come back from his 2016 knee injury at the level he played at as a freshman. That said, he could be Seattle’s next Kam Chancellor.

19. Dallas: Vita Vea, DT, Washington
There’s a lot of buzz around what this 340-pounder might show athletically in Indianapolis. And a big couple days certainly could bump him higher than this.

20. Detroit: Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
Landry was well regarded coming into 2017, and had a good, not great final year at BC. But he’s still solid, and seems like Matt Patricia’s kind of player (as well as Ziggy Ansah insurance).

21. Buffalo: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
I’ve had Sutton higher than this. I’ve since heard teams were a tad disappointed in his 2017 season. But he’s got huge potential, and is both Sean McDermott’s kind of receiver and person.

22. Buffalo (from Kansas City): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Marcell Dareus is gone and Kyle Williams is 34 with an expired deal. Yes, Hurst is short, and may not quite look the part. But he produces, and fits the KK Short role in McDermott’s D.

23. Carolina: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
Oliver is another player who came on my radar late, and fits the NFL’s desire for longer corners. And the Panthers could use a potential star at the position.

24. L.A. Rams: Billy Price, C, Ohio State
Center is vital in Sean McVay’s offense, and John Sullivan filled the role ably last year. But Price has the head and the physical mentality to be an ideal long-term solution there for the Rams.

25. Tennessee: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Evans closed the year on fire for the champion Tide, and could pair with or replace impending free agent Avery Williamson.

26. Atlanta: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
While there are some questions about his instincts, Bryan has all the athleticism and toughness that Dan Quinn looks for in his defensive linemen, and gives the Falcons a layer of depth there.

27. New Orleans: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
The Saints have fewer pressing needs than they’ve in a while, allowing them to add another young slash weapon to their offense who will also juice to their return units.

28. Pittsburgh: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Le’Veon Bell’s gigantic tag number complicates negotiations on a long-term deal, and Guice would give the Steelers a logical heir to the throne.

29. Jacksonville: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Unless they deem a QB worthy of going here, the Jags help the one they already have with the most pro-ready receiver in the draft. It’s sensible given Allen Robinson’s uncertain future.

30. Minnesota: Arden Key, EDGE, LSU
I’m really thinking Key will fall out of the first round, and could keep on falling. He has a lot of off-field questions to answer, and wasn’t great on the field last year. His potential, though, is limitless.

31. New England: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
The Patriots need pieces in the front seven, and Vander Esch would give them insurance for Dont’a Hightower, as well as perhaps his eventual replacement.

32. Philadelphia: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Jason Peters is 36 and expensive, and the Eagles have shown steadfastly that they want to keep Lane Johnson on the right side. So they get a year ahead on left tackle by plucking Miller here.

Throwback Thursday: All-Time "Favorites" Team

Here's a twist on the usual All-Time NFL Team. It's a team made up of my favorite players from the nearly hundred years of NFL football. Some might be among the best to ever play their position. Some might not be the best. They are just some of my favorite players. Also, none of them played for the Minnesota Vikings. No Alan Page, Cris Carter, Randall McDaniel, Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, etc., etc. I can't have an All-Time team loaded with Vikings every time.

Here's an All-Time Team of My Favorite Players. Players that didn't play for the Minnesota Vikings.

Quarterback
Johnny Unitas
Unitas=Quarterback. He's kinda getting lost to history and Tom Brady's recent excellence. Unitas will always be synonymous with quarterbacking to me. I feel like I might've become a Baltimore Colts fan if I'd been born about a decade earlier. Lenny Moore, Jim Parker, Alan Ameche, Raymond Berry, Gino Marchetti, Art Donovan, and especially Unitas. That's a team that's real easy to like.

Halfback
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Clark's more split-T tailback than halfback but I had to have him in my backfield. He's one of my favorites. He's a fantastic football player. His being a part of the inaugural Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a clear sign of that. He may also have been the nicest man to ever play the game.

Fullback
Jim Brown
It's Jim Brown.

Receivers
Don Hutson
Mac Speedie
Hutson was so far ahead of his time that it didn't seem fair. NFL defenses simply weren't ready for a receiver like him. I wish that I had been able to see him play live. I grew up listenting to my father's tales of the All-America Football Conference. He was a San Francisco 49ers fan but he had a great appreciation for Paul Bown and the Cleveland Browns. Mac Speedie was one of my favorites. As a kid I loved his name. As a football fan I loved his game. He should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tight End
Tony Gonzalez
My appreciation for Gonzalez started with his time at Cal. It was a year too short but he was a lot of fun while he was there. He was fun on the basketball court as well. Cal has sent a lot of players to the NFL but not a lot of great players. Gonzalez is one of the great ones.

Tackles
Jonathan Ogden
Joe Thomas
Ogden has intrigued me as a player and as a person. There was just something about him. It felt like football was just part of who he is and not all of who he is. Whether true or not, he sure was great at football. He was one of the best tackles of my lifetime. For nearly ten years I don't think I'd ever heard Thomas speak. Now that I've heard him speak, write, and tweet I find that he's a riot. On the field, he's been the only bright light in Cleveland for too long.

Guards
Jim Parker
Larry Allen
Parker could've been a tackle or a guard on this team. The fact that he could play both at a Hall of Fame level is remarkable. Allen crushed anyone in front of him. To see an NFL player come out of itty-bitty Sonoma State was a mild surprise. To see a Hall of Fame beast of a guard come out of itty-bitty Sonoma State was so surprising that it didn't seem possible. Great football players can come from anywhere.

Center
Mel Hein
For 15 years Hein never left the field. And he was named the NFL's MVP in 1938. A center!

Defensive Ends
Gino Marchetti
Reggie White
Not only did my father treat me to tales of the All-America Football Conference he treated me to tales of the University of San Francisco's great football teams of the early 1950s. Marchetti was one of four Pro Football Hall of Famers (5 with Pete Rozelle) that played on those USF teams and one of the best pass rushers in NFL history. White was simply a game-changing defensive football player. One of my most vivid memories of him was a game against the Vikings. For some reason the Vikings coaching staff thought that it'd be a fine idea to have Cris Carter chip White. I've never seen a grown man fly like that.

Defensive Tackles
Bill Willis
Gene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb
Willis was a terrific football player. Too fast and strong for the offensive linemen tasked with stopping him. He played a middle guard position that doesn't exist in modern defenses. He'll play a 3-technique position on this team. And he'd dominate. It's possible, maybe even likely, that the idea of "Big Daddy'" was better than the player. Who cares? It's "Big Daddy." Few players his size have ever moved like he could. Just the thought of dealing with "Big Daddy" impacted offenses before they and he stepped on the field.

Linebackers
Lawrence Taylor
Joe Schmidt
Jack Ham
Taylor changed the game more than any other player in my lifetime. He wrecked offenses. He terrified quarterbacks. "The Blind Side" became a thing. Middle linebacker might be the most contested position on this team. And the names are great. Huff, Butkus, Nitschke, Nobis, Lambert. I'm going with Schmidt. He often gets pushed aside in favor of Nitschke and Butkus but Schmidt was a fantastic football player on a really fun Lions team. Ham often played in the shadows of his own teammates on the Steelers "Steel Curtain" defense. Greene, Lambert, Blount. To these eyes, Ham was the best. Sometimes it felt like there were about four of him running around the field.

Cornerbacks
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Mike Haynes
Not only was "Night Train" an outstanding football player he has one of the best nicknames. Ever. He also has one of the best origin stories. Junior College to Fort Ord service football to "walk-on" NFL player to the Hall of Fame. I was tempted to pair "Night Train" with Mel Blount and have two linebacker-sized men playing a position that's meant for quicker, smaller players. Instead, Haynes plays opposite "Night Train." Haynes was the epitome of the perfect cornerback to this young fan. I thought that he was the best in the game when he was with the New England Patriots. He seemed to get even better when he got to the Oakland Raiders.

Safeties
Ed Reed
Troy Polamalu
These two players were so much fun to watch. They were both safeties but their games were so different. Reed was so smooth roaming the field. Polamalu played with manic fury. Each seemed to know the intentions of the offense before the ball was snapped. Each got to the ball in a very different manner.

Kicker
Glenn Presnell
Presnell was part of an outstanding Detroit Lions backfield that included Dutch Clark. He was also an excellent kicker. Perhaps ahead of his time. He kicked an NFL-record 54-yard field goal in 1934. A mark that wasn't surpassed until 1953.

Punter 
Sammy Baugh
Baugh was close to making this team at a few positions. Great quarterback. Great defensive back. Great punter. Great football player.

Returner
Ollie Matson
Aanother one of my father's USF pals.

It's Taggin' Time

Yesterday was the first day that NFL teams could place the franchise or transition tag on one of their soon-to-be free agents. The two-week window to apply those tags closes at 4 p.m. ET on March 6.

Teams have three different tagging options to attempt to retain a player for the 2018 season: 1) Non-exclusive tag; 2) exclusive tag; 3) transition tag.

From NFL.com.

Non-exclusive franchise tag: This is the most commonly used tag. When people refer to the "franchise tag" they are generally talking about the non-exclusive version. It is a one-year tender offer for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position over the last five years, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The player can negotiate with other teams. The player's current team has the right to match any offer, or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if he signs with another club.

Exclusive franchise tag: A one-year tender offer to a player for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position for the current year, or 120 percent of his previous salary, whichever is greater. The player cannot negotiate with another team. The bump in pay scale (current average salary versus averaging of the past five years of data) means only the very best -- players for whom teams would gladly give up two first-round picks to sign -- receive this tag (Kirk Cousins and Le'Veon Bell received the exclusive tag last season).

Transition tag: The transition tag is generally a half-measure to try and keep a player but not necessarily at the premium price. The transition designation is a one-year tender offer for an amount that is the average of the top 10 salaries at the position -- as opposed to top five for the franchise tag. It guarantees the original club the right of first refusal to match any offer the player might receive from another team. The tagging club is awarded no compensation if it chooses not to match.

***

Players can sign the tender at any point after they are tagged. Until the tender is signed the team can rescind the franchise/transition tag. Once the tender is signed the player's salary is guaranteed for the season. Tagged players have until 4 p.m. ET on July 16 to negotiate a multi-year contract with the team. After this date, the player may only sign a one-year contract with the team.

The contract values for each player position and tagging level will not be determined until the final salary cap number is officially set.

The number of players tagged in a given year has varied wildly since the franchise and transition tags were introduced when free agency started in 1993. From 19 in 2012 to only five last year. This year has a low-end feel. The Dallas Cowboys have said that they will use the franchise tag on defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. We'll probably know soon if they actually do so. The Miami Dolphins have placed the non-exclusive on receiver Jarvis Landry.

Other players with a chance to get tagged:

Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions
Allen Robinson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Sammy Watkins, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Seattle Seahawks

I've seen some reports that possible targets Carolina Panthers guard Andrew Norwell and Chicago Bears corner Kyle Fuller will become free agents because their teams aren't inclined to tag them.

Let the taggin' begin.

Safest Draft Prospects

NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter recently posted his list of the 10 Safest Prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft.

1.   Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2.   Billy Price, C/OG, Ohio State
3.   Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
4.   Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
5.   Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
6.   Harrison Phillips DT, Stanford
7.   Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
8.   Justin Reid, S, Stanford
9.   Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
10. Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State

It's interesting to see Bradley Chubb ranked so high simply because of the position that he plays. The many times that teams have fallen in love with freakishly talented defensive ends only to see them fail miserably on the field kinda ruined things for pass rushing prospects.

Offensive linemen often populate these "safe" lists so it's no surprise to see four on Reuter's list.

Here's my 10 Safest Draft Prospects.

1.   Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2.   Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
3.   Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
4.   Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
5.   Billy Price, C/OG, Ohio State
6.   Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
7.   Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
8.   James Daniels, C, Iowa
9.   Harrison Phillips DT, Stanford
10. Any Wisconsin Offensive Lineman

The more I read about Minkah Fitzpatrick the more I think that there's no way that he'll allow himself to fail at anything.

As soon as I heard comparisons to Antoine Winfield I fell for Denzel Ward. If he works and plays in a manner anything close to Winfield he'll be a success in the NFL.

Flea Flicker Pre-pre-Combine Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects

Here's a knee-jerk, mildly informed look at the Top 50 Prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft.

1.   Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
2.   Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3.   Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama
4.   Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
5.   Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
6.   Derwin James, S, Florida State
7.   Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
8.   Vita Vea, DT, Washington
9.   Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
10. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
11. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio
12. Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
13. Connor Williams, OT, Texas
14. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
15. Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
16. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
17. Sam Darnold, QB, USC
18. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
19. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
20. James Daniels, C, Iowa
21. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
22. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
23. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
24. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
25. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
26. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
27. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
28. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
29. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
30. Arden Key, DE, LSU
31. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
32. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas Tech
33. Billy Price, C, Ohio State
34. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
35. Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
36. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
37. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
38. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
39. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
40. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
41. Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
42. DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
43. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
44. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
45. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
46. Will Hernandez, OG, Texas-El Paso
47. Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
48. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
49. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
50. Devante Downs, LB, California

Vikings Give Offense A Coaching Boost

It looked like the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff was complete when they hired Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator and retained quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski. They weren't. Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL was the first to report that the Vikings are expected to add Todd Downing to the coaching staff as a senior offensive assistant. It's a surprising title seeing as Downing's only 37. The move gives the Vikings another promising offensive mind and perhaps some coaching security.

Downing spent last season as the offensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders. Prior to that he was the Raiders quarterbacks coach and was instrumental in Derek Carr's impressive rise from 2015-16. It was coaching work that earned Downing the Pro Football Focus Quarterbacks Coach of the Year in 2015. He's also been a quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills as well as an assistant coach with the St, Louis Rams. He got his NFL coaching start with the Vikings as a research and development intern from 2001-02. He was bumped up to football systems analyst and offensive quality control coach from 2003-05. He was on his NFL coaching path. Downing isn't just returning to his coaching roots. As an Eden Prairie native he's coming home.

Assuming there are no more coaching moves, the Vikings have a full offensive coaching staff.

OC: John DeFilippo
QBs: Kevin Stefanski
RBs: Kennedy Polamalu
WRs: Darrell Hazell
TEs: Clancy Barone
OL: Tony Sparano
Senior Offensive Assistant: Todd Downing


This is a group with an interesting combination of experience. All but Stefanski have offensive coordinator experience on either the college or NFL level. Stefanski's the youngest but has the most tenure with the team. He's been with the Vikings since 2006, longer than any other coach on the entire staff. DeFilippo's work throughout his career but especially his recent work with the Eagles quarterbacks has made him a hot candidate for head coaching job. He received some, possibly serious, head coaching consideration this year from the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals. If things go well with the Vikings offense in 2018, DeFilippo could be the hottest head coaching candidate in 2019. His time in Minnesota isn't expected to be a long one. That had to be part of the reason why the Vikings prevented Stefanski from joining their 2017 offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur with the New York Giants. If, more likely when, DeFilippo leaves for a team of his own Stefanski will likely replace him as the Vikings offensive coordinator. Downing adds further offensive consistency and security.

Black College Hall Of Fame Inductions

The Black College Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was inducted and celebrated last Saturday at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The 7-member Class represents three Super Bowl rings, 18 Pro Bowl selections, and several Black College Football championships. Here is that class of college football greats.

HAROLD CARMICHAEL (Player)

Wide Receiver … Southern University (1967-1970) … Began collegiate career as a walk-on … Member of the SWAC Hall of Fame … Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 7th round of the 1971 NFL Draft … Eagles (1971-1983) … Dallas Cowboys (1984) … 14 seasons … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … NFL receptions leader (1973) … NFL 1970s All-Decade Team … Retired as the Eagles' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns (79) … Born on September 22, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida.

RAYMOND CHESTER (Player)

Tight End … Morgan State University (1966-1969) … Member of Morgan State’s 1968 undefeated team, scoring the Bears’ only touchdown in their historic victory over Grambling at Yankee Stadium … Member of 1970 College All-Star team … Selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 24th overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft … Raiders (1970-1972; 1978-1981) … Baltimore Colts (1973-1977) … NFL Rookie of the Year (1970) … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … Super Bowl Champion (1980) … Born on June 28, 1948 in Cambridge, Maryland.

THOMAS “HOLLYWOOD” HENDERSON (Player)

Linebacker … Langston University (1971-1974) … Started collegiate career as a walk-on … Led Langston to 11-2 record and NAIA playoff berth in 1973 … Two-time NAIA All-American … Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year (1974) … Selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 18th overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft … Cowboys (1975-1979) … Also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Oilers and Miami Dolphins … seven seasons … NFL Pro Bowl selection (1978) … Super Bowl Champion (1977) … Born on March 1, 1953 in Austin, Texas.

LEO 'LINCOLN LOCOMOTIVE' LEWIS (Player)

Running Back … Lincoln University (1951-1954) … Started every game and led the Blue Tigers to undefeated seasons in 1952 and 1953 … Still Lincoln’s all-time career leader in 4,457 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns … Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1955 NFL Draft, but elected to play in the Canadian Football League … Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1955-1966) … 12 seasons … Six-time All-Pro selection … Canadian Football Hall of Fame … College Football Hall of Fame … Born February 4, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa … Died August 30, 2013.

GREG LLOYD (Player)

Linebacker … Fort Valley State University (1984-1987) … Three-time All-SIAC selection … As a senior, was selected as the SIAC Player of the year … First Team SBN All-American … Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th Round of the 1988 NFL Draft) … Steelers (1988-1997) … Carolina Panthers (1998) … 11 seasons … Five Pro Bowl selections … Three-time All-Pro (1993-1995) … Two-time Steelers Team MVP … Member of the Steelers All-Time Team … Born May 26, 1965 in Miami, Florida.

EVERSON WALLS (Player)

Defensive Back … Grambling State University (1977-1980) … Named to Kodak 1-AA All-American Team and Black College All-American Team … Led nation with 11 interceptions as a senior … Signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1981 … Cowboys (1981-1989) … New York Giants (1990-1992) … Cleveland Browns (1992-1993) … 14 seasons … Four Pro Bowl selections … First Team All-Pro (1983) … Led the NFL in interceptions three seasons … Super Bowl Champion (1990) … SWAC Hall of Fame inductee … Born December 28, 1959 in Dallas, Texas.

BILL HAYES (Coach)

Winston-Salem State University (1976-1987), North Carolina A&T University (1988-2002) … Won four CIAA titles at Winston-Salem State … Ranked as the #1 team in Division II after consecutive undefeated regular seasons … As head coach of the Aggies, Hayes won three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles and made two Division I-AA playoff appearances … 1988 National Coach of the Year … Retired with a record of 195-104-2 … All-time winningest football coach at both schools … Born June 1, 1943 in Durham, North Carolina.

About the Black College Football Hall of Fame

The Black College Football Hall of Fame was established in October 2009 to honor the greatest football players and coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Its trustees are football legends Mel Blount, James Harris, Willie Lanier, Art Shell and Doug Williams. The Black College Football Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization.

www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org
www.Twitter.com/BCFHOF
www.Facebook.com/BlackCollegeFootballHOF
www.Instagram.com/BlackCollegeFootballHOF

Mike Mayock's 2018 NFL Draft Position Rankings

Except for a few weeks of free agency madness the next couple of NFL months will be filled with draft stuff. Mocks, Big Boards, position rankings, the works. Here's the first position rankings from one of the best. Mike Mayock. I'm surprised that he did one this early. I doubt that it was his choice.

Quarterback

1. Sam Darnold, USC
2. Josh Allen, Wyoming
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA
4. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
T-5. Lamar Jackson, Louisville
T-5. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State

Running Back

1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
2. Derrius Guice, LSU
3. Ronald Jones II, USC
4. Sony Michel, Georgia
5. Nick Chubb, Georgia

Wide receiver

1. Calvin Ridley, Alabama
2. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
3. Courtland Sutton, SMU
4. James Washington, Oklahoma State
T-5. Dante Pettis, Washington
T-5. DJ Moore, Maryland
T-5. Anthony Miller, Memphis

Tight end

1. Hayden Hurst, South Carolina 
2. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State 
3. Mike Gesicki, Penn State 
4. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma 
5. Will Dissly, Washington

Tackle

1. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame 
2. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma 
3. Connor Williams, Texas 
4. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon 
T-5. Martinas Rankin, Mississippi State 
T-5. Kolton Miller, UCLA

Interior OL

1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
2. Isaiah Wynn, Georgia
3. James Daniels, Iowa
4. Will Hernandez, UTEP
5. Billy Price, Ohio State

Interior DL

1. Vita Vea, Washington
2. Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
3. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
4. Taven Bryan, Florida
5. Harrison Phillips, Stanford

Edge rusher

1. Bradley Chubb, N.C. State
2. Marcus Davenport, UTSA
3. Arden Key, LSU
4. Harold Landry, Boston College
5. Sam Hubbard, Ohio State

Linebacker

1. Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech
2. Roquan Smith, Georgia
3. Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
4. Rashaan Evans, Alabama
5. Uchenna Nwosu, USC

Cornerback

1. Denzel Ward, Ohio State
2. Josh Jackson, Iowa
3. Mike Hughes, UCF
4. Isaiah Oliver, Colorado
5. Jaire Alexander, Louisville

Safety

1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama
2. Derwin James, Florida State
3. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama
4. Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest
5. Justin Reid, Stanford