Here are some numbers from the 2019 NFL Draft
Schools with the most players taken:
10 Alabama
9 Ohio State
8 Georgia
8 Oklahoma
7 Texas A&M
7 Washington
6 Clemson
6 Miami
6 Mississippi
6 Notre Dame
6 Penn State
0 Cal
Half of Clemson's six players drafted were the defensive linemen selected in the first round.
Cal did have four players signed as undrafted free agents!
Draft Picks by position:
DBs-51
LBs-39
WRs-27
RBs-26
OTs-21
DEs-19
DTs-19
TEs-16
OGs-15
QBs-11
C-4
K-2
P-2
LS-1
A sad one:
49 of the 144 players that declared for the draft with college eligibility went undrafted. Some, if not all, will still get a shot as undrafted free agents. Something should be done. Those that don't get the football shot for which they had dreamed should be able to return to college.
The Minnesota Vikings came out of the draft with twelve players. I haven't seen a Vikings draft class that large since the days when the draft had that many rounds (1991).
Here are some more draft numbers from the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
5-10 Height of first overall pick Kyler Murray. He’s the shortest quarterback drafted in nearly two decades.
1982-83 The last time a team — the Baltimore Colts — used first-round choices on quarterbacks in consecutive years before the Cardinals. 1982 pick Art Schlichter (No. 4 overall) was a legendary bust. The next year’s mulligan at No. 1, John Elway, claimed he’d rather play for the Yankees than the Colts, and was promptly traded to Denver.
8. Defensive linemen chosen among the first 20 picks.
0. Previous times that two tight ends from the same school were drafted in the first round. Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson was selected eighth by the Lions and fellow Hawkeye Noah Fant was chosen 20th by the Broncos.
23. Picks made before the first wide receiver or running back was selected. The Raiders took Alabama running back Josh Jacobs at No. 24. The Ravens used the next pick on Oklahoma receiver Marquise Brown.
1. Cornerbacks drafted in the first round. The Giants used the 30th pick to select Deandre Baker from Georgia.
1. Players drafted in the first round who came from outside the Football Bowl Subdivision. Houston took offensive tackle Tytus Howard from Alabama State from the FCS.
1995. The last time a Big Ten quarterback (Penn State’s Kerry Collins) was drafted in the first round before Dwayne Haskins.
0. USC or UCLA players selected in the first two rounds. That hadn’t happened since 1965.
6. Quarterbacks drafted on Saturday, the last of which was Penn State’s Trace McSorley (by the Ravens).
110. The first special teamer went to San Francisco, which drafted Utah punter Mitch Wishnowsky at No 110.
145. The next special teamer taken was also from Utah. Placekicker Matt Gay was drafted by Tampa Bay at No. 145.
13. Consecutive years in which the SEC has led all conferences for most players drafted. It finished with 64 this year — 11 more than last year — including nine first-rounders.
254. Total picks made. The final pick, Mr. Irrelevant, was UCLA tight end Caleb Wilson by the Cardinals.
600,000. Approximate three-day attendance in Nashville. “Far outkicked our coverage, our dreams, our thoughts,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Way bigger than anything we could’ve imagined.”
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Monday, April 29, 2019
AFC Picks
The 2019 NFL Draft is complete. Here's a look at each AFC team's haul.
Baltimore Ravens
1. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
3. Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
3. Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
4. Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
4. Ben Powers, OG, Oklahoma
4. Iman Marshall, CB, USC
5. Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M
6. Trace McSorley, QB, Penn State
Favorite pick: Justice Hill
Cincinnati Bengals
1. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
2. Drew Sample, TE, Washington
3. Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
4. Ryan Finley, QB, North Carolina State
4. Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State
4. Michael Jordan, OG, Ohio State
6. Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M
6. Deshaun Davis, LB, Auburn
6. Rodney Anderson, RB, Oklahoma
7. Jordan Brown, CB, South Dakota State
Favorite pick: Jonah Williams
Cleveland Browns
2. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
3. Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU
4. Sheldrick Redwine, S, Miami
5. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
5. Austin Seibert, K, Oklahoma
6. Drew Forbes, OG, Southeast Missouri
7. Donnie Lewis, CB, Tulane
Favorite pick: Greedy Williams
Pittsburgh Steelers
1. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
2. Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo
3. Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
4. Benny Snell, RB, Kentucky
5. Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan
6. Sutton Smith, Edge, Northern Illinois
6. Isaiah Buggs, DT, Alabama
6. Ulysees Gilbert, LB, Akron
7. Derwin Gray, OT, Maryland
Favorite pick: Devin Bush
Buffalo Bills
1. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
2. Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma
3. Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
3. Dawson Knox, TE, Mississippi
5. Vosean Joseph, LB, Florida
6. Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami
7. Darryl Johnson, Edge, North Carolina A&T
7. Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College
Favorite pick: Dawson Knox
Miami Dolphins
1. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
3. Michael Dieter, OG, Wisconsin
5. Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Wisconsin
6. Isaiah Prince, OT, Ohio State
7. Chandler Cox, RB, Auburn
7. Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington
The Dolphins draft really can't be viewed accurately without including the trade for Josh Rosen.
Favorite pick: Josh Rosen
New England Patriots
1. N'Keal Harris, WR, Arizona State
2. Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
3. Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan
3. Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
3. Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
4. Hjalte Froholdt, OG, Arkansas
4. Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
5. Byron Cowart, DT, Maryland
5. Jake Bailey, P, Stanford
7. Ken Webster, CB, Mississippi
Favorite pick: Joejuan Williams
Since the Logan Mankins pick more than a decade ago every Patriots pick looks like a good pick once they make it.
New York Jets
1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
3. Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
3. Chuma Edoga, OT, USC
4. Trevon Wesco, TE, West Virginia
5. Blake Cashman, LB, Minnesota
6. Blessuan Austin, CB, Rutgers
Favorite pick: Trevon Wesco
Houston Texans
1. Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
2. Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky
2. Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois
3. Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State
5. Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas
6. Xavier Crawford, CB, Central Michigan
7. Cullen Gullaspia, FB, Texas A&M
Favorite pick: Lonnie Johnson
Indianapolis Colts
2. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
2. Ben Banogu, Edge, TCU
2. Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
3. Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford
4. Khari Willis, S, Michigan State
5. Marvell Tell, S, USC
6. E.J. Speed, LB, Tarleton State
6. Gerri Green, Edge, Missippi State
7. Jackson Barton, OT, Utah
7. Javon Patterson, C, Mississippi
Favorite pick: Rock Ya-Sin
Jacksonville Jaguars
1. Josh Allen, Edge, Kentucky
2. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
3. Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
3. Quincy Williams, LB, Murray State
5. Ryquell Armstead, RB, Temple
6. Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State
7. Dontavius Russell, DT, Auburn
Favorite pick: Josh Allen
Allen at #7 was the steal of the draft in my book.
Tennessee Titans
1. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
2. A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
3. Nate Davis, OG, Charlotte
4. Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
5. D'andre Walker, Edge, Georgia
6. David Long, LB, Michigan
Favorite pick: Amani Hooker
Denver Broncos
1. Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
2. Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
2. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
3. Dre'mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
5. Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon
6. Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado
Favorite pick: Dalton Risner
Kansas City Chiefs
2. Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
2. Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
3. Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
6. Reshad Fenton, CB, South Carolina
6. Darwin Thompson, RB, Utah State
7. Nick Allegretti, OG, Illinois
Favorite pick: Khalen Saunders
Los Angeles Chargers
1. Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
2. Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
3. Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
4. Drue Tranquill, LB, Notre Dame
5. Easton Stick, QB, North Dakota State
6. Emeke Egbule, LB, Houston
7. Cortez Broughton, DT, Cincinnati
Favorite pick: Jerry Tillery
Oakland Raiders
1. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
1. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
1. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
2. Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
4. Maxx Crosby, Edge, Eastern Michigan
4. Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
4. Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
5. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
7. Quinton Bell, Edge Prairie View A&M
Favorite pick: Josh Jacobs
Baltimore Ravens
1. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
3. Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
3. Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
4. Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
4. Ben Powers, OG, Oklahoma
4. Iman Marshall, CB, USC
5. Daylon Mack, DT, Texas A&M
6. Trace McSorley, QB, Penn State
Favorite pick: Justice Hill
Cincinnati Bengals
1. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
2. Drew Sample, TE, Washington
3. Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
4. Ryan Finley, QB, North Carolina State
4. Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State
4. Michael Jordan, OG, Ohio State
6. Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M
6. Deshaun Davis, LB, Auburn
6. Rodney Anderson, RB, Oklahoma
7. Jordan Brown, CB, South Dakota State
Favorite pick: Jonah Williams
Cleveland Browns
2. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
3. Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU
4. Sheldrick Redwine, S, Miami
5. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
5. Austin Seibert, K, Oklahoma
6. Drew Forbes, OG, Southeast Missouri
7. Donnie Lewis, CB, Tulane
Favorite pick: Greedy Williams
Pittsburgh Steelers
1. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
2. Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo
3. Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
4. Benny Snell, RB, Kentucky
5. Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan
6. Sutton Smith, Edge, Northern Illinois
6. Isaiah Buggs, DT, Alabama
6. Ulysees Gilbert, LB, Akron
7. Derwin Gray, OT, Maryland
Favorite pick: Devin Bush
Buffalo Bills
1. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
2. Cody Ford, OG, Oklahoma
3. Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
3. Dawson Knox, TE, Mississippi
5. Vosean Joseph, LB, Florida
6. Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami
7. Darryl Johnson, Edge, North Carolina A&T
7. Tommy Sweeney, TE, Boston College
Favorite pick: Dawson Knox
Miami Dolphins
1. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
3. Michael Dieter, OG, Wisconsin
5. Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Wisconsin
6. Isaiah Prince, OT, Ohio State
7. Chandler Cox, RB, Auburn
7. Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington
The Dolphins draft really can't be viewed accurately without including the trade for Josh Rosen.
Favorite pick: Josh Rosen
New England Patriots
1. N'Keal Harris, WR, Arizona State
2. Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
3. Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan
3. Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
3. Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
4. Hjalte Froholdt, OG, Arkansas
4. Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
5. Byron Cowart, DT, Maryland
5. Jake Bailey, P, Stanford
7. Ken Webster, CB, Mississippi
Favorite pick: Joejuan Williams
Since the Logan Mankins pick more than a decade ago every Patriots pick looks like a good pick once they make it.
New York Jets
1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
3. Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
3. Chuma Edoga, OT, USC
4. Trevon Wesco, TE, West Virginia
5. Blake Cashman, LB, Minnesota
6. Blessuan Austin, CB, Rutgers
Favorite pick: Trevon Wesco
Houston Texans
1. Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
2. Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky
2. Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois
3. Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State
5. Charles Omenihu, DE, Texas
6. Xavier Crawford, CB, Central Michigan
7. Cullen Gullaspia, FB, Texas A&M
Favorite pick: Lonnie Johnson
Indianapolis Colts
2. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
2. Ben Banogu, Edge, TCU
2. Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
3. Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford
4. Khari Willis, S, Michigan State
5. Marvell Tell, S, USC
6. E.J. Speed, LB, Tarleton State
6. Gerri Green, Edge, Missippi State
7. Jackson Barton, OT, Utah
7. Javon Patterson, C, Mississippi
Favorite pick: Rock Ya-Sin
Jacksonville Jaguars
1. Josh Allen, Edge, Kentucky
2. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
3. Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
3. Quincy Williams, LB, Murray State
5. Ryquell Armstead, RB, Temple
6. Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State
7. Dontavius Russell, DT, Auburn
Favorite pick: Josh Allen
Allen at #7 was the steal of the draft in my book.
Tennessee Titans
1. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
2. A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
3. Nate Davis, OG, Charlotte
4. Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
5. D'andre Walker, Edge, Georgia
6. David Long, LB, Michigan
Favorite pick: Amani Hooker
Denver Broncos
1. Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
2. Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
2. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
3. Dre'mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
5. Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon
6. Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado
Favorite pick: Dalton Risner
Kansas City Chiefs
2. Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
2. Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
3. Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
6. Reshad Fenton, CB, South Carolina
6. Darwin Thompson, RB, Utah State
7. Nick Allegretti, OG, Illinois
Favorite pick: Khalen Saunders
Los Angeles Chargers
1. Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
2. Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
3. Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
4. Drue Tranquill, LB, Notre Dame
5. Easton Stick, QB, North Dakota State
6. Emeke Egbule, LB, Houston
7. Cortez Broughton, DT, Cincinnati
Favorite pick: Jerry Tillery
Oakland Raiders
1. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
1. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
1. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
2. Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
4. Maxx Crosby, Edge, Eastern Michigan
4. Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
4. Foster Moreau, TE, LSU
5. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
7. Quinton Bell, Edge Prairie View A&M
Favorite pick: Josh Jacobs
Sunday, April 28, 2019
NFC Picks
The 2019 NFL Draft is complete. Here's a look at each NFC team's haul.
Minnesota Vikings
1. Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
2. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
3. Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State
4. Dru Samia, OG, Oklahoma
5. Cameron Smith, LB, USC
6. Armon Watts, DT, Arkansas
6. Marcus Epps, S, Wyoming
6. Olisaemeka Udoh, OT, Elon
7. Kris Boyd, CB, Texas
7. Dillon Mitchell, WR, Oregon
7. Olabisi Johnson, WR, Colorado State
7. Austin Cutting, LS, Air Force
That's a big draft class.
Favorite pick: Garrett Bradbury
The Vikings offensive line has been bad. It's been the sort of bad the team hasn't seen from a position group since the horrid cornerback days of the early 2000s. In one pick, it feels like the offensive line is finely on the proper path.
Chicago Bears
3. David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
4. Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
6. Duke Shelley, CB, Kansas State
7. Kerrith Whyte, RB, Florida Atlantic
7. Stephen Denmark, CB, Valdosta State
Favorite pick: David Montgomery
Detroit Lions
1. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
2. Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
3. Wil Harris, S, Boston College
4. Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
5. Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
6. Travis Fulgham, WR, Old Dominion
6. Ty Johnson, RB, Maryland
7. Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
7. P.J. Johnson, DT, Arizona
Favorite pick: Jahlani Tavai
Green Bay Packers
1. Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
1. Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
2. Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
3. Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
5. Kingsley Keke, DT, Texas A&M
6. Ka'dar Hollman, CB, Toledo
6. Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame
7. Ty Summers, LB, TCU
Favorite pick: Elgton Jenkins
Dallas Cowboys
2. Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida
3. Connor McGovern, OG, Penn State
4. Tony Pollard, RB, Memphis
5. Michael Jackson, CB, Miami
5. Joe Jackson, DE, Miami
6. Donovan Wilson, S, Texas A&M
7. Mike Weber, RB, Ohio State
7. Jalen Jelks, Edge, Oregon
Favorite pick: Trysten Hill
Perhaps it's just me, but the Cowboys selecting Michael Jackson and Joe Jackson gave me a chuckle.
New York Giants
1. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
1. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
1. Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
3. Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
4. Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
5. Ryan Connelly, LB, Wisconsin
5. Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
6. Corey Ballentine, CB, Washburn
7. George Asafo-adjei, OT, Kentucky
7. Christopher Slayton, DT, Syracuse
Favorite pick: Dexter Lawrence
Philadelphia Eagles
1. Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
2. Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
3. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
4. Shareef Miller, Edge, Penn State
5. Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern
Favorite pick: Miles Sanders
Washington Redskins
1. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
1. Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
3. Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
4. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
4. Wes Martin, OG, Indiana
5. Ross Pierschbacher, C, Alabama
5. Cole Holcomb, LB, North Carolina
6. Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State
7. Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison
7. Jordan Brailford, Edge, Oklahoma State
Favorite pick: Jimmy Moreland
Atlanta Falcons
1. Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
1. Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington State
4. Kendall Sheffield, CB, Ohio State
4. John Cominsky, DE, Charleston
5. Qadree Ollison, RB, Pittsburgh
5. Jordan Miller, CB, Washington
6. Marcus Green, WR, Louisiana-Monroe
Favorite pick: Chris Lindstrom
Carolina Panthers
1. Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
2. Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
3. Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
4. Christian Miller, Edge, Alabama
5. Jordan Scarlett, RB, Florida
6. Dennis Daley, OT, South Carolina
7. Terry Godwin, WR, Georgia
Favorite pick: Will Grier
New Orleans Saints
2. Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
4. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida
6. Saquan Hampton, S, Rutgers
7. Alize Mack, TE, Notre Dame
7. Kaden Elliss, LB, Idaho
Favorite pick: Erik McCoy
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Devin White, LB, LSU
2. Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
3. Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
3. Mike Edwards, S, Kentucky
4. Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa
5. Matt Gay, K, Utah
6. Scott Miller, WR, Bowling Green
7. Terry Beckner Jr., DT, Missouri
Favorite pick: Devin White
Arizona Cardinals
1. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
2. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
2. Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
3. Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
4. Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
5. Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
6. Keesean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
6. Lamont Gaillard, C, Georgia
7. Joshua Miles, OT, Morgan State
7. Michael Dogbe, DE, Temple
7. Caleb Wilson, TE, UCLA
Favorite pick: Zach Allen
Los Angeles Rams
2. Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
3. Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis
3. David Long, CB, Michigan
3. Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma
4. Greg Gaines, DT, Washington
5. David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
7. Nick Scott, S, Penn State
7. Dakota Allen, LB, Texas Tech
Favorite pick: Taylor Rapp
San Francisco 49ers
1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
3. Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
4. Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Utah
5. Dre Greenlaw, LB, Arkansas
6. Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford
6. Justin Skule, OT, Vanderbilt
6. Tim Harris, CB, Virginia
Favorite pick: Jalen Hurd
Seattle Seahawks
1. L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
2. Marquise Blair, S, Utah
2. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
3. Cody Barton, LB, Utah
4. Gary Jennings, WR, West Virginia
4. Phil Haynes, OG, Wake Forest
4. Ugo Amadi, CB, Oregon
5. Ben Burr-kirven, LB, Washington
6. Travis Homer, RB, Miami
6. Demarcus Christmas, DT, Florida State
7. John Ursua, WR, Hawaii
Favorite pick: Demarcus Christmas
Simply for the name.
Minnesota Vikings
1. Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
2. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
3. Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State
4. Dru Samia, OG, Oklahoma
5. Cameron Smith, LB, USC
6. Armon Watts, DT, Arkansas
6. Marcus Epps, S, Wyoming
6. Olisaemeka Udoh, OT, Elon
7. Kris Boyd, CB, Texas
7. Dillon Mitchell, WR, Oregon
7. Olabisi Johnson, WR, Colorado State
7. Austin Cutting, LS, Air Force
That's a big draft class.
Favorite pick: Garrett Bradbury
The Vikings offensive line has been bad. It's been the sort of bad the team hasn't seen from a position group since the horrid cornerback days of the early 2000s. In one pick, it feels like the offensive line is finely on the proper path.
Chicago Bears
3. David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
4. Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
6. Duke Shelley, CB, Kansas State
7. Kerrith Whyte, RB, Florida Atlantic
7. Stephen Denmark, CB, Valdosta State
Favorite pick: David Montgomery
Detroit Lions
1. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
2. Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
3. Wil Harris, S, Boston College
4. Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson
5. Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
6. Travis Fulgham, WR, Old Dominion
6. Ty Johnson, RB, Maryland
7. Isaac Nauta, TE, Georgia
7. P.J. Johnson, DT, Arizona
Favorite pick: Jahlani Tavai
Green Bay Packers
1. Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan
1. Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
2. Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
3. Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
5. Kingsley Keke, DT, Texas A&M
6. Ka'dar Hollman, CB, Toledo
6. Dexter Williams, RB, Notre Dame
7. Ty Summers, LB, TCU
Favorite pick: Elgton Jenkins
Dallas Cowboys
2. Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida
3. Connor McGovern, OG, Penn State
4. Tony Pollard, RB, Memphis
5. Michael Jackson, CB, Miami
5. Joe Jackson, DE, Miami
6. Donovan Wilson, S, Texas A&M
7. Mike Weber, RB, Ohio State
7. Jalen Jelks, Edge, Oregon
Favorite pick: Trysten Hill
Perhaps it's just me, but the Cowboys selecting Michael Jackson and Joe Jackson gave me a chuckle.
New York Giants
1. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
1. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
1. Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
3. Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
4. Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
5. Ryan Connelly, LB, Wisconsin
5. Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
6. Corey Ballentine, CB, Washburn
7. George Asafo-adjei, OT, Kentucky
7. Christopher Slayton, DT, Syracuse
Favorite pick: Dexter Lawrence
Philadelphia Eagles
1. Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
2. Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
3. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
4. Shareef Miller, Edge, Penn State
5. Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern
Favorite pick: Miles Sanders
Washington Redskins
1. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
1. Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
3. Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
4. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
4. Wes Martin, OG, Indiana
5. Ross Pierschbacher, C, Alabama
5. Cole Holcomb, LB, North Carolina
6. Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State
7. Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison
7. Jordan Brailford, Edge, Oklahoma State
Favorite pick: Jimmy Moreland
Atlanta Falcons
1. Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
1. Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington State
4. Kendall Sheffield, CB, Ohio State
4. John Cominsky, DE, Charleston
5. Qadree Ollison, RB, Pittsburgh
5. Jordan Miller, CB, Washington
6. Marcus Green, WR, Louisiana-Monroe
Favorite pick: Chris Lindstrom
Carolina Panthers
1. Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
2. Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
3. Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
4. Christian Miller, Edge, Alabama
5. Jordan Scarlett, RB, Florida
6. Dennis Daley, OT, South Carolina
7. Terry Godwin, WR, Georgia
Favorite pick: Will Grier
New Orleans Saints
2. Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
4. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, Florida
6. Saquan Hampton, S, Rutgers
7. Alize Mack, TE, Notre Dame
7. Kaden Elliss, LB, Idaho
Favorite pick: Erik McCoy
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Devin White, LB, LSU
2. Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
3. Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
3. Mike Edwards, S, Kentucky
4. Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa
5. Matt Gay, K, Utah
6. Scott Miller, WR, Bowling Green
7. Terry Beckner Jr., DT, Missouri
Favorite pick: Devin White
Arizona Cardinals
1. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
2. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
2. Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
3. Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
4. Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
5. Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
6. Keesean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
6. Lamont Gaillard, C, Georgia
7. Joshua Miles, OT, Morgan State
7. Michael Dogbe, DE, Temple
7. Caleb Wilson, TE, UCLA
Favorite pick: Zach Allen
Los Angeles Rams
2. Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
3. Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis
3. David Long, CB, Michigan
3. Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma
4. Greg Gaines, DT, Washington
5. David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin
7. Nick Scott, S, Penn State
7. Dakota Allen, LB, Texas Tech
Favorite pick: Taylor Rapp
San Francisco 49ers
1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
3. Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
4. Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Utah
5. Dre Greenlaw, LB, Arkansas
6. Kaden Smith, TE, Stanford
6. Justin Skule, OT, Vanderbilt
6. Tim Harris, CB, Virginia
Favorite pick: Jalen Hurd
Seattle Seahawks
1. L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
2. Marquise Blair, S, Utah
2. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
3. Cody Barton, LB, Utah
4. Gary Jennings, WR, West Virginia
4. Phil Haynes, OG, Wake Forest
4. Ugo Amadi, CB, Oregon
5. Ben Burr-kirven, LB, Washington
6. Travis Homer, RB, Miami
6. Demarcus Christmas, DT, Florida State
7. John Ursua, WR, Hawaii
Favorite pick: Demarcus Christmas
Simply for the name.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Rounds 2 & 3
Day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft is complete. Here it is.
Round 2
1. Arizona Cardinals-Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
2. Indianapolis Colts-Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
3. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
4. San Francisco 49ers-Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
5. Carolina Panthers-Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
6. Buffalo Bills-Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
8. Oakland Raiders-Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
9. Denver Broncos-Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
10. Denver Broncos-Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
11. Detroit Lions-Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
12. Green Bay Packers-Elgton Jenkins, OG, Mississippi State
13. New England Patriots-Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
14. Cleveland Browns-Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
15. Seattle Seahawks-Marquise Blair, S, Utah
16. New Orleans Saints-Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
17. Indianapolis Colts-Ben Banogu, DE, TCU
18. Minnesota Vikings-Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
19. Tennessee Titans-A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
20. Cincinnati Bengals-Drew Sample. TE, Washington
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
22. Houston Texans-Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky
23. Houston Texans-Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois
24. Kansas City Chiefs-Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
25. Philadelphia Eagles-J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
26. Dallas Cowboys-Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida
27. Indianapolis Colts-Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
29. Los Angeles Rams-Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
*30. Arizona Cardinals-Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
31. Kansas City Chiefs-Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
32. Seattle Seahawks-D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
*The Cardinals got the #30 pick from the Dolphins in exchange for franchise-quarterback-for-a-year Josh Rosen.
I was trying to keep track of the second round trades but they were coming at such a rate that it became more chore than fun. The draft is supposed to be fun.
Round 3
1. Arizona Cardinals-Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
2. Pittsburgh Steelers-Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo
3. San Francisco 49ers-Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
4. New York Jets-Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
6. Los Angeles Rams-Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis
7. Giants used pick on Sam Beal in 2018 Supplemental Draft
8. Denver Broncos-Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
9. Cincinnati Bengals-Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
10. Chicago Bears-David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
11. Buffalo Bills-Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
12. Green Bay Packers-Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
13. Washington Redskins-Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
14. New England Patriots-Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan
15. Miami Dolphins-Michael Dieter, OG, Wisconsin
16. Los Angeles Rams-David Long, CB, Michigan
17. Cleveland Browns-Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU
18. Detroit Lions-Will Harris, S, Boston College
19. Tennessee Titans-Nate Davis, OG, Charlotte
20. Pittsburgh Steelers-Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
21. Kansas City Chiefs-Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
22. Baltimore Ravens-Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
23. Houston Texans-Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State
24. New England Patriots-Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
25. Seattle Seahawks-Cody Barton, LB, Utah
26. Indianapolis Colts-Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford
27. Dallas Cowboys-Connor McGovern, OG, Penn State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
29. New York Jets-Chuma Edoga, OT, USC
30. Baltimore Ravens-Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
32. New York Giants-Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
33. Buffalo Bills-Dawson Knox, TE, Mississippi
34. Los Angeles Rams-Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma
35. Jacksonville Jaguars-Quincy Williams, LB, Murray State
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mike Edwards, S, Kentucky
37. Carolina Panthers-Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
38. New England Patriots-Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
39. Minnesota Vikings-Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State
Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman took on his "Trader Rick" personna in the third round. He traded down four times. In doing so the Vikings turned the 18th pick of the third round into a later third and four day 2 picks. Spielman annually sets a target of 10 draft picks. He's now at 12 for this draft. If there's any trading today I'd imagine it's to move up if there's a player that they covet. The Vikings now have the means to do so.
Vikings Picks:
Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
It was widely expected that the Vikings would select a tight end. I was expecting it to happen in the third or the fourth round but then I wasn't expecting Smith to available with the 18th pick of the second round. He's a first round talent. Smith should line up all over the field to create mismatches. The Vikings offense got more versatile and unpredictable.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State
The Vikings needed a back to compliment Dalvin Cook and to replace Latavius Murray. The Vikings' fondness for Mattison was probably seen in the four third round trade backs before they finally selected him. They knew that they could get him with a later pick so why not accumulate a load of extra picks and still get him. Mattison is a powerful back with nice balance, vision, and tackle-breaking talents.
Picks that I liked:
1. Indianapolis Colts-Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
2. New England Patriots-Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
3. Minnesota Vikings-Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
4. Houston Texans-Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky
5. Dallas Cowboys-Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida
6. Los Angeles Rams-Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
7. San Francisco 49ers-Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
8. New England Patriots-Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan
9. Kansas City Chiefs-Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
It's on to the final four rounds. And nine picks by the Vikings. Maybe.
Round 2
1. Arizona Cardinals-Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
2. Indianapolis Colts-Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
3. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
4. San Francisco 49ers-Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
5. Carolina Panthers-Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
6. Buffalo Bills-Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
8. Oakland Raiders-Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
9. Denver Broncos-Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State
10. Denver Broncos-Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
11. Detroit Lions-Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
12. Green Bay Packers-Elgton Jenkins, OG, Mississippi State
13. New England Patriots-Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
14. Cleveland Browns-Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
15. Seattle Seahawks-Marquise Blair, S, Utah
16. New Orleans Saints-Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
17. Indianapolis Colts-Ben Banogu, DE, TCU
18. Minnesota Vikings-Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
19. Tennessee Titans-A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi
20. Cincinnati Bengals-Drew Sample. TE, Washington
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
22. Houston Texans-Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky
23. Houston Texans-Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois
24. Kansas City Chiefs-Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
25. Philadelphia Eagles-J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
26. Dallas Cowboys-Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida
27. Indianapolis Colts-Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
29. Los Angeles Rams-Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
*30. Arizona Cardinals-Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
31. Kansas City Chiefs-Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia
32. Seattle Seahawks-D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
*The Cardinals got the #30 pick from the Dolphins in exchange for franchise-quarterback-for-a-year Josh Rosen.
I was trying to keep track of the second round trades but they were coming at such a rate that it became more chore than fun. The draft is supposed to be fun.
Round 3
1. Arizona Cardinals-Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
2. Pittsburgh Steelers-Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo
3. San Francisco 49ers-Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
4. New York Jets-Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
5. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
6. Los Angeles Rams-Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis
7. Giants used pick on Sam Beal in 2018 Supplemental Draft
8. Denver Broncos-Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
9. Cincinnati Bengals-Germaine Pratt, LB, North Carolina State
10. Chicago Bears-David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
11. Buffalo Bills-Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
12. Green Bay Packers-Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
13. Washington Redskins-Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State
14. New England Patriots-Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan
15. Miami Dolphins-Michael Dieter, OG, Wisconsin
16. Los Angeles Rams-David Long, CB, Michigan
17. Cleveland Browns-Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU
18. Detroit Lions-Will Harris, S, Boston College
19. Tennessee Titans-Nate Davis, OG, Charlotte
20. Pittsburgh Steelers-Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
21. Kansas City Chiefs-Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
22. Baltimore Ravens-Jaylon Ferguson, DE, Louisiana Tech
23. Houston Texans-Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State
24. New England Patriots-Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
25. Seattle Seahawks-Cody Barton, LB, Utah
26. Indianapolis Colts-Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford
27. Dallas Cowboys-Connor McGovern, OG, Penn State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
29. New York Jets-Chuma Edoga, OT, USC
30. Baltimore Ravens-Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
32. New York Giants-Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
33. Buffalo Bills-Dawson Knox, TE, Mississippi
34. Los Angeles Rams-Bobby Evans, OT, Oklahoma
35. Jacksonville Jaguars-Quincy Williams, LB, Murray State
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mike Edwards, S, Kentucky
37. Carolina Panthers-Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
38. New England Patriots-Yodny Cajuste, OT, West Virginia
39. Minnesota Vikings-Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State
***
Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman took on his "Trader Rick" personna in the third round. He traded down four times. In doing so the Vikings turned the 18th pick of the third round into a later third and four day 2 picks. Spielman annually sets a target of 10 draft picks. He's now at 12 for this draft. If there's any trading today I'd imagine it's to move up if there's a player that they covet. The Vikings now have the means to do so.
Vikings Picks:
Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
It was widely expected that the Vikings would select a tight end. I was expecting it to happen in the third or the fourth round but then I wasn't expecting Smith to available with the 18th pick of the second round. He's a first round talent. Smith should line up all over the field to create mismatches. The Vikings offense got more versatile and unpredictable.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State
The Vikings needed a back to compliment Dalvin Cook and to replace Latavius Murray. The Vikings' fondness for Mattison was probably seen in the four third round trade backs before they finally selected him. They knew that they could get him with a later pick so why not accumulate a load of extra picks and still get him. Mattison is a powerful back with nice balance, vision, and tackle-breaking talents.
Picks that I liked:
1. Indianapolis Colts-Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
2. New England Patriots-Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
3. Minnesota Vikings-Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
4. Houston Texans-Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky
5. Dallas Cowboys-Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida
6. Los Angeles Rams-Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
7. San Francisco 49ers-Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
8. New England Patriots-Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan
9. Kansas City Chiefs-Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
It's on to the final four rounds. And nine picks by the Vikings. Maybe.
Friday, April 26, 2019
The Real First Round
The Real Draft is finally here.
1. Arizona Cardinals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Oakland Raiders-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU
6. New York Giants-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
9. Buffalo Bills-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
10. Pittsburgh Steelers-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
12. Green Bay Packers-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan
13. Miami Dolphins-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
14. Atlanta Falcons-Chris Lindstron, G, Boston College
15. Washington Redskins-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
16. Carolina Panthers-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
17. New York Giants-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
18. Minnesota Vikings-Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
19. Tennessee Titans-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
20. Denver Broncos-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
21. Green Bay Packers-Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
22. Philadelphia Eagles-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
23. Houston Texans-Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
24. Oakland Raiders-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
25. Baltimore Ravens-Marquise Browns, WR, Oklahoma
26. Washington Redskins-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
27. Oakland Raiders-Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
29. Seattle Seahawks-L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
30. New York Giants-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
31. Atlanta Falcons-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
32. New England Patriots-N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Draft Day Trades:
There were six draft day trades involving some of the above picks. The surprising thing about the trades was that none was made to move up for a quarterback. Teams have a tendency to do such a thing.
1. Steelers swapped some picks with the Broncos to move from #20 to #10 to select Michigan LB Devin Bush.
2. Packers swapped some picks with the Seahawks to move from #30 to #21 to select Michigan edge rusher Rashan Gary.
3. Eagles swapped some picks with the Ravens to move from #25 to #22 to select Washington State OT Andre Dillard.
4. Redskins gave some picks to the Colts jump back into the first round at #26 to select Mississippi edge rusher Montez Sweat.
5. Giants gave some picks to the Seahawks to jump back into the first round at #30 to select Georgia CB Deandre Baker.
6. Falcons gave some picks to the Rams to jump back into the first round at #31 to select Washington OT Kaleb McGary.
Some first round thoughts:
The most significant pick of the first round was, of course, the Minnesota Vikings selection of North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury. I'm thrilled with this pick. A few weeks ago, I had finally settled on Bradbury and Alabama OL Jonah Williams as my first round favorites for the Vikings. One of the surprises of the first round was the lack of offensive linemen in the first half of it. Andre Dillard and Jawaan Taylor were each supposed to be selected as high as the top-10. Dillard slipped to #22. Taylor, the assumed top tackle in the draft, is still on the board. That's just another example of how little anyone knows as to how the teams actually see these players. Only Jonah Williams and Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom had been selected before the 18th pick. The Vikings had their choice of damn near the entire offensive line class and they chose Bradbury. He was one of the safest, most NFL-ready players in the draft and the ideal offensive line pick for the outside zone scheme being installed by new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and the Kubiak gang. Bradbury's floor is high. His ceiling is potentially very high. He's a "plug-and-play" center. Pat Elflein will move to left guard. The Vikings improved two positions with the selection of Garrett Bradbury. The Vikings have yet to anoint their new offensive lineman as their new center. Instead, the company line is that workouts, training camp, and preseason will sort out which player plays where. In pencil, I have Bradbury as the center and Elflein as the guard.
First round picks that I liked:
Garrett Bradbury, of course
Jaguars selection of Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen
Steelers trade up for Michigan LB Devin Bush
Bengals selection of Alabama OT Jonah Williams
Dolphins selection of Clemson DT Christian Wilkins
Redskins selection of Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins
Packers trade up for Maryland S Darnell Savage
Chargers selection of Notre Dame DT Jerry Tillery
I suppose that the Jaguars (Allen) and Redskins (Haskins) can be called brilliant for having the patience to wait for the players that they coveted to fall to them. It can also be called blind luck. In the case of the Jaguars and Redskins, I'm calling blind luck. I thought that Allen was, at worst, the second best player in this draft. As such, there's no way that he's on the board at #4, let alone #7. I had Haskins as the best quarterback. There were pre-draft rumors, for what that's worth, that the Redskins were desperately trying to jump into the top-5 for a quarterback. If their opinions on the position were similar to mine they got their guy without trading away a bunch of picks.
More Josh Allen:
This was the second consecutive draft in which a player named Josh Allen was selected with the seventh pick.
Clemson fielded one of the best defensive lines college football has ever seen. Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant, and Albert Huggins were terrific players on the field and tremendous men off of it. Wilkins, Ferrell, and Lawrence were among the first 17 players selected last night. Bryant and Huggins should be drafted, perhaps as early as tonight. Congratulations to them. The manner in which Dabo Swinney is running the program at Clemson should be the model for college football.
Surprise picks of the first round:
Raiders selecting Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell
Andre Dillard falling to #22
Jawaan Taylor falling out of the first round.
Only one cornerback selected
After my praising of Clemson and those great defensive linemen it might be contradictory to list Ferrell as a surprise pick. His selection surprised me for a couple reasons. I expected Wilkins to be the first of the Tiger defensive lineman to be drafted and I expected Ferrell to be selected at least a dozen picks later than #4.
1. Arizona Cardinals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Oakland Raiders-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU
6. New York Giants-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
9. Buffalo Bills-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
10. Pittsburgh Steelers-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
12. Green Bay Packers-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan
13. Miami Dolphins-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
14. Atlanta Falcons-Chris Lindstron, G, Boston College
15. Washington Redskins-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
16. Carolina Panthers-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
17. New York Giants-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
18. Minnesota Vikings-Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
19. Tennessee Titans-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
20. Denver Broncos-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
21. Green Bay Packers-Darnell Savage, S, Maryland
22. Philadelphia Eagles-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
23. Houston Texans-Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
24. Oakland Raiders-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
25. Baltimore Ravens-Marquise Browns, WR, Oklahoma
26. Washington Redskins-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
27. Oakland Raiders-Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
29. Seattle Seahawks-L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
30. New York Giants-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
31. Atlanta Falcons-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
32. New England Patriots-N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
Draft Day Trades:
There were six draft day trades involving some of the above picks. The surprising thing about the trades was that none was made to move up for a quarterback. Teams have a tendency to do such a thing.
1. Steelers swapped some picks with the Broncos to move from #20 to #10 to select Michigan LB Devin Bush.
2. Packers swapped some picks with the Seahawks to move from #30 to #21 to select Michigan edge rusher Rashan Gary.
3. Eagles swapped some picks with the Ravens to move from #25 to #22 to select Washington State OT Andre Dillard.
4. Redskins gave some picks to the Colts jump back into the first round at #26 to select Mississippi edge rusher Montez Sweat.
5. Giants gave some picks to the Seahawks to jump back into the first round at #30 to select Georgia CB Deandre Baker.
6. Falcons gave some picks to the Rams to jump back into the first round at #31 to select Washington OT Kaleb McGary.
Some first round thoughts:
The most significant pick of the first round was, of course, the Minnesota Vikings selection of North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury. I'm thrilled with this pick. A few weeks ago, I had finally settled on Bradbury and Alabama OL Jonah Williams as my first round favorites for the Vikings. One of the surprises of the first round was the lack of offensive linemen in the first half of it. Andre Dillard and Jawaan Taylor were each supposed to be selected as high as the top-10. Dillard slipped to #22. Taylor, the assumed top tackle in the draft, is still on the board. That's just another example of how little anyone knows as to how the teams actually see these players. Only Jonah Williams and Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom had been selected before the 18th pick. The Vikings had their choice of damn near the entire offensive line class and they chose Bradbury. He was one of the safest, most NFL-ready players in the draft and the ideal offensive line pick for the outside zone scheme being installed by new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and the Kubiak gang. Bradbury's floor is high. His ceiling is potentially very high. He's a "plug-and-play" center. Pat Elflein will move to left guard. The Vikings improved two positions with the selection of Garrett Bradbury. The Vikings have yet to anoint their new offensive lineman as their new center. Instead, the company line is that workouts, training camp, and preseason will sort out which player plays where. In pencil, I have Bradbury as the center and Elflein as the guard.
First round picks that I liked:
Garrett Bradbury, of course
Jaguars selection of Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen
Steelers trade up for Michigan LB Devin Bush
Bengals selection of Alabama OT Jonah Williams
Dolphins selection of Clemson DT Christian Wilkins
Redskins selection of Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins
Packers trade up for Maryland S Darnell Savage
Chargers selection of Notre Dame DT Jerry Tillery
I suppose that the Jaguars (Allen) and Redskins (Haskins) can be called brilliant for having the patience to wait for the players that they coveted to fall to them. It can also be called blind luck. In the case of the Jaguars and Redskins, I'm calling blind luck. I thought that Allen was, at worst, the second best player in this draft. As such, there's no way that he's on the board at #4, let alone #7. I had Haskins as the best quarterback. There were pre-draft rumors, for what that's worth, that the Redskins were desperately trying to jump into the top-5 for a quarterback. If their opinions on the position were similar to mine they got their guy without trading away a bunch of picks.
More Josh Allen:
This was the second consecutive draft in which a player named Josh Allen was selected with the seventh pick.
Clemson fielded one of the best defensive lines college football has ever seen. Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Austin Bryant, and Albert Huggins were terrific players on the field and tremendous men off of it. Wilkins, Ferrell, and Lawrence were among the first 17 players selected last night. Bryant and Huggins should be drafted, perhaps as early as tonight. Congratulations to them. The manner in which Dabo Swinney is running the program at Clemson should be the model for college football.
Surprise picks of the first round:
Raiders selecting Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell
Andre Dillard falling to #22
Jawaan Taylor falling out of the first round.
Only one cornerback selected
After my praising of Clemson and those great defensive linemen it might be contradictory to list Ferrell as a surprise pick. His selection surprised me for a couple reasons. I expected Wilkins to be the first of the Tiger defensive lineman to be drafted and I expected Ferrell to be selected at least a dozen picks later than #4.
It's on to Round 2.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Final Flea Flicker Mock Draft
Draft day is finally here. Before the real one, here's one last pretend draft.
1. Arizona Cardinals-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
4. Oakland Raiders-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU
6. New York Giants-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
9. Buffalo Bills-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan
10. Denver Broncos-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
12. Green Bay Packers-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
13. Miami Dolphins-Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
14. Atlanta Falcons-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
15. Washington Redskins-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
16. Carolina Panthers-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
17. New York Giants-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
18. Minnesota Vikings-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
19. Tennessee Titans-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
20. Pittsburgh Steelers-Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
21. Seattle Seahawks-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
22. Baltimore Ravens-Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
23. Houston Texans-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
24. Oakland Raiders (from Bears)-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
25. Philadelphia Eagles-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
26. Indianapolis Colts-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
27. Oakland Raiders (from Cowboys)-Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
29. Seattle Seahawks (from Chiefs)-D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
30. Green Bay Packers (from Saints)-A.J. Brown, Mississippi
31. Los Angeles Rams-Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
32. New England Patriots-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Now, it's finally time for the real one.
1. Arizona Cardinals-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
4. Oakland Raiders-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU
6. New York Giants-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
9. Buffalo Bills-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan
10. Denver Broncos-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
12. Green Bay Packers-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
13. Miami Dolphins-Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
14. Atlanta Falcons-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
15. Washington Redskins-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
16. Carolina Panthers-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
17. New York Giants-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
18. Minnesota Vikings-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
19. Tennessee Titans-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
20. Pittsburgh Steelers-Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
21. Seattle Seahawks-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
22. Baltimore Ravens-Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
23. Houston Texans-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
24. Oakland Raiders (from Bears)-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
25. Philadelphia Eagles-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
26. Indianapolis Colts-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
27. Oakland Raiders (from Cowboys)-Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
29. Seattle Seahawks (from Chiefs)-D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
30. Green Bay Packers (from Saints)-A.J. Brown, Mississippi
31. Los Angeles Rams-Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
32. New England Patriots-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Now, it's finally time for the real one.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Minnesota Vikings' First Round History
The 2019 NFL Draft will be the 59th in Minnesota Vikings franchise history. Over those 59 years the Vikings have made 59 first round selections. Here are those first round selections:
1961: Tommy Mason, RB, Tulane
1962: No Pick
1963: Jim Dunaway, DT, Mississippi
1964: Carl Eller, DE, Minnesota
1965: Jack Snow, WR, Notre Dame
1966: Jerry Shay, DT, Purdue
1967: Clinton Jones, RB, Michigan State
Gene Washington, WR, Michigan State
Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame
1968: Ron Yary, OT, USC
1969: No Pick
1970: John Ward, OT, Oklahoma State
1971: Leo Hayden, RB, Ohio State
1972: Jeff Siemon, LB, Stanford
1973: Chuck Foreman, RB, Miami
1974: Fred McNeill, LB, UCLA
Steve Riley, OT, USC
1975: Mark Mullaney, DT, Colorado State
1976: James White, DT, Oklahoma State
1977: Tommy Kramer, QB, Rice
1978: Randy Holloway, DE, Pittsburgh
1979: Ted Brown, RB, North Carolina State
1980: Doug Martin, DE, Washington
1981: No Pick
1982: Darrin Nelson, RB, Stanford
1983: Joey Browner, S, USC
1984: Keith Millard, DE, Washington State
1985: Chris Doleman, LB, Pittsburgh
1986: Gerald Robinson, DE, Aubrun
1987: D.J. Dozier, RB, Penn State
1988: Randall McDaniel, OG, Arizona State
1989: No Pick
1990: No Pick
1991: No Pick
1992: No Pick
1993: Robert Smith, RB, Ohio State
1994: DeWayne Washington, CB, North Carolina State
Todd Steussie, OT, California
1995: Derrick Alexander, DE, Florida State
Korey Stringer, OT, Ohio State
1996: Duane Clemons, DE, California
1997: Dwayne Rudd, LB, Alabama
1998: Randy Moss, WR, Marshall
1999: Daunte Culpepper, QB, Central Florida
Dimitrius Underwood, DE, Michigan State
2000: Chris Hovan, DT, Boston College
2001: Michael Bennett, RB, Wisconsin
2002: Bryant McKinnie, OT, Miami
2003: Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
2004: Kenechi Udeze, DE, USC
2005: Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina
Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
2006: Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
2007: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
2008: No Pick
2009: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
2010: No Pick
2011: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
2012: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
2013: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
2014: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
2015: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
2016: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
2017: No Pick
2018: Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
A breakdown:
Hall of Famers:
Carl Eller
Alan Page
Ron Yary
Chris Doleman
Randall McDaniel
Randy Moss
Adrian Peterson will join this list.
By position:
Quarterbacks (4):
Tommy Kramer
Daunte Culpepper
Christian Ponder
Teddy Bridgewater
Running backs (10):
Tommy Mason
Clinton Jones
Leo Hayden
Chuck Foreman
Ted Brown
Darrin Nelson
D.J. Dozier
Robert Smith
Michael Bennett
Adrian Peterson
Receivers (7):
Jack Snow
Gene Washington
Randy Moss
Troy Williamson
Percy Harvin
Cordarrelle Patterson
Laquon Treadwell
Offensive linemen (8):
Ron Yary
John Ward
Steve Riley
Randall McDaniel
Todd Steussie
Korey Stringer
Bryant McKinnie
Matt Kalil
Defensive linemen (18):
Jim Dunaway
Carl Eller
Jerry Shay
Alan Page
Mark Mullaney
James White
Randy Holloway
Doug Martin
Keith Millard
Gerald Robinson
Derrick Alexander
Duane Clemons
Dimitrius Underwood
Chris Hovan
Kevin Williams
Keneche Udeze
Erasmus James
Sharrif Floyd
Linebackers (6):
Jeff Siemon
Fred McNeill
Chris Doleman
Dwayne Rudd
Chad Greenway
Anthony Barr
Cornerbacks (4):
DeWayne Washington
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mike Hughes
Safeties (2):
Joey Browner
Harrison Smith
Picks that thrilled me to the point of hyperventilation:
Joey Browner
Randall McDaniel
Dwayne Rudd
RANDY MOSS
Chris Hovan
Bryant McKinnie
Chad Greenway
Adrian Peterson
Percy Harvin
Harrison Smith
Anthony Barr
Teddy Bridgewater
I had watched a lot of Darrin Nelson at Stanford and he was a terrific back. I was thrilled when the Vikings drafted him but my thrill was muted a bit by the fact that Marcus Allen was still available.
Picks that disappointed so, so much as players:
Dwayne Rudd
Bryant McKinnie
I was thrilled when both players were drafted but I can't remember ever being thrilled watching either play. Rudd put more energy into celebrating routine plays than he ever put into actually making plays. For the entirety of his career, McKinnie simply showed no energy and no interest while he was on the field. He made one Pro Bowl, probably because Brett Favre made him look better than he was, and was sent home before the game was even played. Who does that? McKinnie being sent home from the Pro Bowl was much less surprising than his actually being selected for the game. I've never been one to hate the players that play for the team that I love but I hated seeing these two players play for the Vikings. I was more thrilled when they left than I was when they were drafted.
As a youngster in California, I fell for the Vikings in the early 1970s. The first draft that I really remember following was the 1976 draft that brought James and Sammy White to Minnesota. Thanks to the tremendous work of Joel Buschbaum, Paul Zimmerman, and Mel Kiper I gradually started to understand the football fun of the NFL Draft. I can't wait for the 2019 edition.
1961: Tommy Mason, RB, Tulane
1962: No Pick
1963: Jim Dunaway, DT, Mississippi
1964: Carl Eller, DE, Minnesota
1965: Jack Snow, WR, Notre Dame
1966: Jerry Shay, DT, Purdue
1967: Clinton Jones, RB, Michigan State
Gene Washington, WR, Michigan State
Alan Page, DT, Notre Dame
1968: Ron Yary, OT, USC
1969: No Pick
1970: John Ward, OT, Oklahoma State
1971: Leo Hayden, RB, Ohio State
1972: Jeff Siemon, LB, Stanford
1973: Chuck Foreman, RB, Miami
1974: Fred McNeill, LB, UCLA
Steve Riley, OT, USC
1975: Mark Mullaney, DT, Colorado State
1976: James White, DT, Oklahoma State
1977: Tommy Kramer, QB, Rice
1978: Randy Holloway, DE, Pittsburgh
1979: Ted Brown, RB, North Carolina State
1980: Doug Martin, DE, Washington
1981: No Pick
1982: Darrin Nelson, RB, Stanford
1983: Joey Browner, S, USC
1984: Keith Millard, DE, Washington State
1985: Chris Doleman, LB, Pittsburgh
1986: Gerald Robinson, DE, Aubrun
1987: D.J. Dozier, RB, Penn State
1988: Randall McDaniel, OG, Arizona State
1989: No Pick
1990: No Pick
1991: No Pick
1992: No Pick
1993: Robert Smith, RB, Ohio State
1994: DeWayne Washington, CB, North Carolina State
Todd Steussie, OT, California
1995: Derrick Alexander, DE, Florida State
Korey Stringer, OT, Ohio State
1996: Duane Clemons, DE, California
1997: Dwayne Rudd, LB, Alabama
1998: Randy Moss, WR, Marshall
1999: Daunte Culpepper, QB, Central Florida
Dimitrius Underwood, DE, Michigan State
2000: Chris Hovan, DT, Boston College
2001: Michael Bennett, RB, Wisconsin
2002: Bryant McKinnie, OT, Miami
2003: Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
2004: Kenechi Udeze, DE, USC
2005: Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina
Erasmus James, DE, Wisconsin
2006: Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
2007: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
2008: No Pick
2009: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
2010: No Pick
2011: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
2012: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
2013: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
2014: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
2015: Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State
2016: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
2017: No Pick
2018: Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
A breakdown:
Hall of Famers:
Carl Eller
Alan Page
Ron Yary
Chris Doleman
Randall McDaniel
Randy Moss
Adrian Peterson will join this list.
By position:
Quarterbacks (4):
Tommy Kramer
Daunte Culpepper
Christian Ponder
Teddy Bridgewater
Running backs (10):
Tommy Mason
Clinton Jones
Leo Hayden
Chuck Foreman
Ted Brown
Darrin Nelson
D.J. Dozier
Robert Smith
Michael Bennett
Adrian Peterson
Receivers (7):
Jack Snow
Gene Washington
Randy Moss
Troy Williamson
Percy Harvin
Cordarrelle Patterson
Laquon Treadwell
Offensive linemen (8):
Ron Yary
John Ward
Steve Riley
Randall McDaniel
Todd Steussie
Korey Stringer
Bryant McKinnie
Matt Kalil
Defensive linemen (18):
Jim Dunaway
Carl Eller
Jerry Shay
Alan Page
Mark Mullaney
James White
Randy Holloway
Doug Martin
Keith Millard
Gerald Robinson
Derrick Alexander
Duane Clemons
Dimitrius Underwood
Chris Hovan
Kevin Williams
Keneche Udeze
Erasmus James
Sharrif Floyd
Linebackers (6):
Jeff Siemon
Fred McNeill
Chris Doleman
Dwayne Rudd
Chad Greenway
Anthony Barr
Cornerbacks (4):
DeWayne Washington
Xavier Rhodes
Trae Waynes
Mike Hughes
Safeties (2):
Joey Browner
Harrison Smith
Picks that thrilled me to the point of hyperventilation:
Joey Browner
Randall McDaniel
Dwayne Rudd
RANDY MOSS
Chris Hovan
Bryant McKinnie
Chad Greenway
Adrian Peterson
Percy Harvin
Harrison Smith
Anthony Barr
Teddy Bridgewater
I had watched a lot of Darrin Nelson at Stanford and he was a terrific back. I was thrilled when the Vikings drafted him but my thrill was muted a bit by the fact that Marcus Allen was still available.
Picks that disappointed so, so much as players:
Dwayne Rudd
Bryant McKinnie
I was thrilled when both players were drafted but I can't remember ever being thrilled watching either play. Rudd put more energy into celebrating routine plays than he ever put into actually making plays. For the entirety of his career, McKinnie simply showed no energy and no interest while he was on the field. He made one Pro Bowl, probably because Brett Favre made him look better than he was, and was sent home before the game was even played. Who does that? McKinnie being sent home from the Pro Bowl was much less surprising than his actually being selected for the game. I've never been one to hate the players that play for the team that I love but I hated seeing these two players play for the Vikings. I was more thrilled when they left than I was when they were drafted.
As a youngster in California, I fell for the Vikings in the early 1970s. The first draft that I really remember following was the 1976 draft that brought James and Sammy White to Minnesota. Thanks to the tremendous work of Joel Buschbaum, Paul Zimmerman, and Mel Kiper I gradually started to understand the football fun of the NFL Draft. I can't wait for the 2019 edition.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Final Flea Flicker Top 50 Draft Prospects
I can't stop juggling these poor guys.
1. Nick Bosa, Edge, Ohio State
2. Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
3. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
5. Devin White, LB, LSU
6. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
7. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
8. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
9. Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan
10. Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi State
11. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
12. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
13. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
14. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
15. Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
16. Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
17. Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
18. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
19. Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
20. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
21. Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
22. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
23. Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Clemson
24. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
25. Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
26. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
27. Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
28. Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
29. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
30. Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
31. Jonathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
32. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
33. Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
34. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
35. Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
36 Darnell Savage, Maryland
37. Lonnie Johnson Jr., Kentucky
38. N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
39. Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
40. Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
41. Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
42. A.J. Brown, WR, Oklahoma
43. Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
44. Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
45. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
46. Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
47. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
48. Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
49. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
50. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
It never ceases to amaze that every year there are prospects that start to get the attention they always deserved so late in the draft evaluation process. Hopefully it's just the "experts" in the media that are late to the party and the teams are aware of these talented football players from the start. Maryland safety Darnell Savage and Kentucky corner Lonnie Johnson Jr. are a couple of the late-risers this year.
1. Nick Bosa, Edge, Ohio State
2. Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
3. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
5. Devin White, LB, LSU
6. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
7. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
8. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
9. Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan
10. Montez Sweat, Edge, Mississippi State
11. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
12. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
13. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
14. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
15. Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama
16. Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State
17. Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
18. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
19. Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
20. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
21. Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
22. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
23. Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Clemson
24. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
25. Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
26. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
27. Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
28. Chris Lindstrom, G, Boston College
29. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
30. Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
31. Jonathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
32. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
33. Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
34. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
35. Erik McCoy, C, Texas A&M
36 Darnell Savage, Maryland
37. Lonnie Johnson Jr., Kentucky
38. N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
39. Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
40. Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
41. Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
42. A.J. Brown, WR, Oklahoma
43. Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
44. Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware
45. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
46. Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
47. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
48. Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
49. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
50. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi
It never ceases to amaze that every year there are prospects that start to get the attention they always deserved so late in the draft evaluation process. Hopefully it's just the "experts" in the media that are late to the party and the teams are aware of these talented football players from the start. Maryland safety Darnell Savage and Kentucky corner Lonnie Johnson Jr. are a couple of the late-risers this year.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Final Flea Flicker Top 5 Draft Prospects By Position
I really have to stop looking at and adjusting these rankings. The draft is Thursday.
Quarterbacks
1. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
2. Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
3. Drew Lock, Missouri
4. Will Grier, West Virginia
5. Daniel Jones, Duke
Running Backs
1. Josh Jacobs, Alabama
2. Miles Sanders, Penn State
3. Damien Harris, Alabama
4. David Montgomery, Iowa State
5. Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic
Wide Receivers
1. Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
2. Hakeem Butler, Iowa State
3. A.J. Brown, Mississippi
4. N'Keal Harry, Arizona State
5. Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Tight Ends
1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
2. Noah Fant, Iowa
3. Irv Smith Jr., Alabama
4. Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M
5. Dawson Knox, Mississippi
Offensive Tackles
1. Jonah Williams, Alabama
2. Jawaan Taylor, Florida
3. Andre Dillard, Washington State
4. Cody Ford, Oklahoma
5. Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Offensive Guards/Centers
1. Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State
2, Chris Lindstrom, Boston College
3. Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State
4. Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
5. Michael Jordan, Ohio State
Edge
1. Nick Bosa, Ohio State
2. Rashan Gary, Michigan
3. Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
4. Brian Burns, Florida State
5. Clellin Ferrell, Clemson
Defensive Tackles
1. Quinnen Williams, Alabama
2. Ed Oliver, Houston
3. Christian Wilkiins, Clemson
4. Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
5. Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Outside Linebackers
1. Josh Allen, Kentucky
2. Chase Winovich, Michigan
3. Terrill Hanks, New Mexico State
4. Vosean Joseph, Florida
5. Chase Hansen, Utah
Inside Linebackers
1. Devin White, LSU
2. Devin Bush, Michigan
3. Mack Wilson Alabama
4. Tre Lamar, Clemson
5. Germaine Pratt, North Carolina State
Cornerbacks
1. Greedy Williams, LSU
2. Byron Murphy, Washington
3. Rock Ya-Sin, Temple
4. Deandre Baker, Georgia
5. Lonnie Johnson Jr., Kentucky
Safeties
1. Taylor Rapp, Washiington
2. Jonathan Abraham, Mississippi State
3. Nasir Adderley, Delaware
4. Darnell Savage, Maryland
Quarterbacks
1. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
2. Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
3. Drew Lock, Missouri
4. Will Grier, West Virginia
5. Daniel Jones, Duke
Running Backs
1. Josh Jacobs, Alabama
2. Miles Sanders, Penn State
3. Damien Harris, Alabama
4. David Montgomery, Iowa State
5. Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic
Wide Receivers
1. Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
2. Hakeem Butler, Iowa State
3. A.J. Brown, Mississippi
4. N'Keal Harry, Arizona State
5. Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Tight Ends
1. T.J. Hockenson, Iowa
2. Noah Fant, Iowa
3. Irv Smith Jr., Alabama
4. Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M
5. Dawson Knox, Mississippi
Offensive Tackles
1. Jonah Williams, Alabama
2. Jawaan Taylor, Florida
3. Andre Dillard, Washington State
4. Cody Ford, Oklahoma
5. Dalton Risner, Kansas State
Offensive Guards/Centers
1. Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State
2, Chris Lindstrom, Boston College
3. Elgton Jenkins, Mississippi State
4. Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
5. Michael Jordan, Ohio State
Edge
1. Nick Bosa, Ohio State
2. Rashan Gary, Michigan
3. Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
4. Brian Burns, Florida State
5. Clellin Ferrell, Clemson
Defensive Tackles
1. Quinnen Williams, Alabama
2. Ed Oliver, Houston
3. Christian Wilkiins, Clemson
4. Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
5. Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Outside Linebackers
1. Josh Allen, Kentucky
2. Chase Winovich, Michigan
3. Terrill Hanks, New Mexico State
4. Vosean Joseph, Florida
5. Chase Hansen, Utah
Inside Linebackers
1. Devin White, LSU
2. Devin Bush, Michigan
3. Mack Wilson Alabama
4. Tre Lamar, Clemson
5. Germaine Pratt, North Carolina State
Cornerbacks
1. Greedy Williams, LSU
2. Byron Murphy, Washington
3. Rock Ya-Sin, Temple
4. Deandre Baker, Georgia
5. Lonnie Johnson Jr., Kentucky
1. Taylor Rapp, Washiington
2. Jonathan Abraham, Mississippi State
3. Nasir Adderley, Delaware
4. Darnell Savage, Maryland
5. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Florida
Sunday, April 21, 2019
CBS' Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft
CBS Sports' R.J. White took on the bold task of a seven-round mock draft. With trades! Mock drafts are a blast and the lifeblood of fans during draft season. Draft season is that mind-numbing, yet entertaining time, that's beginning to run about 12 months. Mock drafts are a blast despite being wildly inaccurate. Anyway, White tackled seven rounds of mocking fun. With trades. Here's what he came up with for the Minnesota Vikings.
|
R.J.'s thoughts.
This class ended up being light on offensive linemen as the Vikings chose to solidify their excellent defense in the middle rounds, but in Round 1 they get an excellent pass-protecting left tackle in Dillard, a selection that allows the Vikings to kick Riley Reiff to guard and find two upgrades at their biggest weakness with one stroke of the pen.
The Vikings start Day 2 with a Mike Zimmer special in Ya-Sin who is still getting better and should be coached up into a starter at corner for the team. Saunders plugs a hole on the inside and should give the team a disruptive presence once he develops.
Rather than waiting until No. 120 to pick, the Vikings package two of their late picks to hop up 11 spots and nab a weakside linebacker in Hanks who can also serve as Anthony Barr insurance thanks to the pass-rush skills he showed in college, where he had 23.5 tackles for loss over the last two years. Ozigbo is a bruiser at running back who can emerge as the team's complement to Dalvin Cook, while Jones is another lottery ticket for the interior of the offensive line.
The Vikings start Day 2 with a Mike Zimmer special in Ya-Sin who is still getting better and should be coached up into a starter at corner for the team. Saunders plugs a hole on the inside and should give the team a disruptive presence once he develops.
Rather than waiting until No. 120 to pick, the Vikings package two of their late picks to hop up 11 spots and nab a weakside linebacker in Hanks who can also serve as Anthony Barr insurance thanks to the pass-rush skills he showed in college, where he had 23.5 tackles for loss over the last two years. Ozigbo is a bruiser at running back who can emerge as the team's complement to Dalvin Cook, while Jones is another lottery ticket for the interior of the offensive line.
***
My thoughts.
It's difficult being critical of this mock seeing as I like all of the players that are part of it. The main problem that I have with it is giving up picks to move up for a linebacker. I like Terrill Hanks and the Vikings have spent some time with him. If Anthony Barr had been lost in free agency, I'd love the pick. I'd also love the trade up to secure the pick. However, Barr wasn't lost in free agency. Giving up draft currency for a player that doesn't fill an immediate need just feels like a waste. White calls the pick insurance for Barr. I'm don't much care for trading up for a player that at best might see the field. If the Vikings were to give up picks for a player I'd rather it be for one that played on the offensive line, tight end, or safety. It's damn near impossible to pass up Rock Ya-Sin at #50. The Vikings are currently stacked at corner. That stack is a little shaky with Mike Hughes recovering from a torn ACL and Holton Hill's four-game suspension. Despite having a lot of talented corners there would be a place for Ya-Sin.
Picks that I liked the most:
Andre Dillard
Khalen Saunders
Devin Ozigbo
I like this mock. It's better than most. Swap the Jacksonville trade for picks of another offensive lineman (perhaps Nate Davis or Dru Samia are still on the board), a tight end (Dawson Knox), and a safety/receiver (Amai Hooker/Jalen Hurd) and I'd love this mock.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Minnesota Vikings Pre-draft Offensive Line
The Minnesota Vikings top priority of this offseason was, and still is, improving the offensive line. With a scarcity of cap space, making the necessary improvements through free agency wasn't expected. C/G Brett Jones was re-signed and G Josh Kline and G Dakota Dozier were signed. Those three players boosted the number of offensive linemen on the roster to 12.
Unless the Vikings clear a chunk of cap room and make a trade to improve the offensive line, further additions will come from the draft. It's been expected and projected that the Vikings will select at least two offensive linemen early in the draft.
The Vikings brought 15 offensive linemen to training camp last year. It's a sound bet that they bring at least that many this year.
On paper, I see the current starting offensive line looking like this:
I have Dakota Dozier at left guard but any one of Dozier, Brett Jones, Danny Isidora, maybe even Aviante Collins could be penciled in there. However, a starting lineup in April means very little. A lot will change between now and September. The draft should bring at least one new starter and perhaps two others that make the 53-man roster.
Of the 12 offensive linemen currently on the roster I see only four locks:
Riley Reiff
Pat Elflein
Josh Kline
Brian O'Neill
At least 2 draft picks will make the roster. That boosts the number of "locks" to six. The Vikings will likely carry 8 or 9 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster. That leaves at least 8 players battling for 2 or 3 spots. That's a lot of competition. Hopefully, something positive will come from it. Returning players typically have an edge in the competition for roster spots. The Vikings have a bunch of new offensive coaches and some old coaches in new places. That sort of coaching turnover and the expected introduction of new schemes and philosophies might eliminate the edge that returning players might ordinarily have. In an effort to improve the offensive line, everything and everyone must be open to change.
If the Vikings are to return to the NFC Championship game, and hopefully beyond, the offensive line has to improve. It's that simple. Better talent and the competition that comes with it will help. Better coaching and a better scheme will help as well.
| T | Riley Reiff |
| C | Pat Elflein |
| G | Josh Kline |
| T | Brian O'Neill |
| T | Rashod Hill |
| C/G | Brett Jones |
| G | Dakota Dozier |
| G | Danny Isidora |
| T | Aviante Collins |
| T | Adam Bisnowaty |
| T | Storm Norton |
| C | Cornelius Edison |
Unless the Vikings clear a chunk of cap room and make a trade to improve the offensive line, further additions will come from the draft. It's been expected and projected that the Vikings will select at least two offensive linemen early in the draft.
The Vikings brought 15 offensive linemen to training camp last year. It's a sound bet that they bring at least that many this year.
On paper, I see the current starting offensive line looking like this:
| LT | Riley Reiff |
| LG | Dakota Dozier |
| C | Pat Elflein |
| RG | Josh Kline |
| RT | Brian O'Neill |
I have Dakota Dozier at left guard but any one of Dozier, Brett Jones, Danny Isidora, maybe even Aviante Collins could be penciled in there. However, a starting lineup in April means very little. A lot will change between now and September. The draft should bring at least one new starter and perhaps two others that make the 53-man roster.
Of the 12 offensive linemen currently on the roster I see only four locks:
Riley Reiff
Pat Elflein
Josh Kline
Brian O'Neill
At least 2 draft picks will make the roster. That boosts the number of "locks" to six. The Vikings will likely carry 8 or 9 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster. That leaves at least 8 players battling for 2 or 3 spots. That's a lot of competition. Hopefully, something positive will come from it. Returning players typically have an edge in the competition for roster spots. The Vikings have a bunch of new offensive coaches and some old coaches in new places. That sort of coaching turnover and the expected introduction of new schemes and philosophies might eliminate the edge that returning players might ordinarily have. In an effort to improve the offensive line, everything and everyone must be open to change.
If the Vikings are to return to the NFC Championship game, and hopefully beyond, the offensive line has to improve. It's that simple. Better talent and the competition that comes with it will help. Better coaching and a better scheme will help as well.
Friday, April 19, 2019
Draft Day Blunders
USA Today's Nate Davis recently posted a deep dive of draft day futility. "NFL Draft's 100 Biggest Busts: Which Picks, Trades Proved To Be Whiffs?" 100 misses! There have yet to be 100 drafts! Davis explains his choices but most of these need no explanations.
1. QB Ryan Leaf, 2nd overall 1998, Chargers
2. OT Tony Mandarich, 2nd overall 1989, Packers
-Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders followed
3. QB JaMarcus Russell, 1st overall 2007, Raiders
-Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch,
Darrelle Revis followed
4. QB Jeff George, 1st overall 1990, Colts
5. RB Lawrence Phillips, 6th overall 1996, Rams
6. Jets' decisions to trade down in 1997
-dropped from No. 1 to No. 6, passing on Orlando Pace
-dropped from No.6 to No. 8, passing on Walter Jones
-passed on Tony Gonzalez
-all for James Farrior
7. Colts' decision to draft John Elway No. 1 in 1983
8. QB Robert Griffin III, 2nd overall 2012, Redskins
9. Rams' haul for Robert Griffin III
-of Michael Brockers, Janoris Jenkins, Isaiah Pead, Rokevious Watkins,
Alec Ogletree, Stedman Bailey, Zac Stacy and Greg Robinson only
Brockers remains on the team from the haul that the Rams received.
10. OLB Aundray Bruce, 1st overall 1988, Falcons
11. RB Bo Jackson, 1st overall 1986, Buccaneers
-Jackson had vowed never to play in Tampa, believing the team
deliberately cost him his baseball eligibility at Auburn while trying
to strongarm him into a football-only career. The Bucs selected him
anyway.
12. OT Robert Gallery, 2nd overall 2004, Raiders
13. RB Blair Thomas, 2nd overall 1990, Jets
14. Bills' decision to draft Tom Cousineau No. 1 in 1979
-This was probably the pick that introduced me to the idea of a
"draft bust."
15. Seahawks' decision to trade down in 1977
-The Seahawks gifted the Cowboys, already one of the strongest teams
in the league, Tony Dorsett. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl in 1977.
16. QB Art Schlichter, 4th overall 1982, Colts
17. QB Jack Thompson, 3rd overall 1979, Bengals
18. DE Dion Jordan, 3rd overall 2013, Dolphins
19. WR Johnny "Lam" Jones, 2nd overall 1980, Jets
20. DT Steve Niehaus, 2nd overall 1976, Seahawks
21. Buccaneers' decision to trade down in 1978
-The trade handed Earl Campbell to the Oilers.
22. P Russell Erxleben, 11th overall 1979, Saints
23. K Steve Little, 15th overall 1978, Cardinals
24. OLB Vernon Gholston, 6th overall 2008, Jets
25. QB Kelly Stouffer, 6th overall 1987, Cardinals
26. WR Troy Williamson, 7th overall 2005, Vikings
-The sad thing about this pick was that I liked it at the time. As soon as
games were played I saw that every catch was a challenge for
Williamson.
27. TE Kyle Brady, 9th overall 1995, Jets
28. QB Sam Bradford, 1st overall 2010, Rams
29. Browns' haul for Julio Jones
-This trade was Jones for NT Phil Taylor, WR Greg Little, FB Owen
Marecic and QB Brandon Weeden. Advantage Falcons.
30. Browns' 2012 draft
-Nothing good came of this draft. The Browns even sent four picks to
Minnesota to move up one spot to take Trent Richardson.
31. Browns' 2014 draft
-Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel in the first.
32. QB Brady Quinn, 22nd overall 2007, Browns
-These were dark drafting days in Cleveland.
33. QB Akili Smith, 3rd overall 1999, Bengals
34. WR Charles Rogers, 2nd overall 2003, Lions
35. QB Heath Shuler, 3rd overall 1994, Redskins
36. DE Andre Wadsworth, 3rd overall 1998, Cardinals
37. QB Rick Mirer, 2nd overall 1993, Seahawks
38. Bears' 1997 trade for QB Rick Mirer
39. DE Mike Mamula, 7th overall 1995, Eagles
40. Raiders' 2011 trade for QB Carson Palmer
41. Colts' 1992 draft
-The Colts had the first two picks in the draft.
1. DT Steve Emtman
2. LB Quentin Coryatt
Injuries dismantled Emtman's career.
Saddling a player or a draft pick with the bust tag isn't really fair to
the player or the team. I believe that Emtman would've been a beast
if he'd had better luck with injuries.
42. RB Ki-Jana Carter, 1st overall 1995, Bengals
43. DT Dan "Big Daddy" Dan Wilkinson, 1st overall 1994, Bengals
44. Todd Blackledge, Tony Eason, Ken O'Brien
-If these three hadn't been part of a draft that included John Elway,
Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino perhaps history would be more kind.
Eason did get his team to a Super Bowl.
45. DT Gabe Rivera, 21st overall 1983, Steelers
-I hope that this pick made the list more for Marino still being on
the board when it was made than the car accident that left Rivera
paralyzed.
46. Bears' first-round running backs
-Brad Muster (23rd overall pick, 1994)
-Rashaan Salaam (21st in 1995)
-Curtis Enis (5th in 1998)
-Cedric Benson (4th in 2005)
-Neal Anderson (27th in 1986) was pretty good for a little while.
-It's tough to replace Walter Payton.
47. RB Leroy Keyes, 3rd overall 1969, Eagles
-The Steelers selected Joe Greene with the next pick.
48. Cowboys' 2000 trade for WR Joey Galloway
-Two first rounders for Galloway. Ouch.
-The Seahawks selected Shaun Alexander with one of the picks.
-Perhaps this one-sided deal balanced out the Dorsett deal.
49. QB Steve Spurrier, 3rd overall 1967, 49ers
50. QB J.P. Losman, 22nd overall 2004, Bills
Nate Davis selected 100 draft day blunders. I only have the stomach for 50. Besides, the Vikings selection of Christian Ponder with the 12th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft checked in at #53.
Congratulations to Davis on a fun, interesting, and scary study of many of the worst draft day decisions ever made.
1. QB Ryan Leaf, 2nd overall 1998, Chargers
2. OT Tony Mandarich, 2nd overall 1989, Packers
-Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, Deion Sanders followed
3. QB JaMarcus Russell, 1st overall 2007, Raiders
-Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch,
Darrelle Revis followed
4. QB Jeff George, 1st overall 1990, Colts
5. RB Lawrence Phillips, 6th overall 1996, Rams
6. Jets' decisions to trade down in 1997
-dropped from No. 1 to No. 6, passing on Orlando Pace
-dropped from No.6 to No. 8, passing on Walter Jones
-passed on Tony Gonzalez
-all for James Farrior
7. Colts' decision to draft John Elway No. 1 in 1983
8. QB Robert Griffin III, 2nd overall 2012, Redskins
9. Rams' haul for Robert Griffin III
-of Michael Brockers, Janoris Jenkins, Isaiah Pead, Rokevious Watkins,
Alec Ogletree, Stedman Bailey, Zac Stacy and Greg Robinson only
Brockers remains on the team from the haul that the Rams received.
10. OLB Aundray Bruce, 1st overall 1988, Falcons
11. RB Bo Jackson, 1st overall 1986, Buccaneers
-Jackson had vowed never to play in Tampa, believing the team
deliberately cost him his baseball eligibility at Auburn while trying
to strongarm him into a football-only career. The Bucs selected him
anyway.
12. OT Robert Gallery, 2nd overall 2004, Raiders
13. RB Blair Thomas, 2nd overall 1990, Jets
14. Bills' decision to draft Tom Cousineau No. 1 in 1979
-This was probably the pick that introduced me to the idea of a
"draft bust."
15. Seahawks' decision to trade down in 1977
-The Seahawks gifted the Cowboys, already one of the strongest teams
in the league, Tony Dorsett. The Cowboys won the Super Bowl in 1977.
16. QB Art Schlichter, 4th overall 1982, Colts
17. QB Jack Thompson, 3rd overall 1979, Bengals
18. DE Dion Jordan, 3rd overall 2013, Dolphins
19. WR Johnny "Lam" Jones, 2nd overall 1980, Jets
20. DT Steve Niehaus, 2nd overall 1976, Seahawks
21. Buccaneers' decision to trade down in 1978
-The trade handed Earl Campbell to the Oilers.
22. P Russell Erxleben, 11th overall 1979, Saints
23. K Steve Little, 15th overall 1978, Cardinals
24. OLB Vernon Gholston, 6th overall 2008, Jets
25. QB Kelly Stouffer, 6th overall 1987, Cardinals
26. WR Troy Williamson, 7th overall 2005, Vikings
-The sad thing about this pick was that I liked it at the time. As soon as
games were played I saw that every catch was a challenge for
Williamson.
27. TE Kyle Brady, 9th overall 1995, Jets
28. QB Sam Bradford, 1st overall 2010, Rams
29. Browns' haul for Julio Jones
-This trade was Jones for NT Phil Taylor, WR Greg Little, FB Owen
Marecic and QB Brandon Weeden. Advantage Falcons.
30. Browns' 2012 draft
-Nothing good came of this draft. The Browns even sent four picks to
Minnesota to move up one spot to take Trent Richardson.
31. Browns' 2014 draft
-Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel in the first.
32. QB Brady Quinn, 22nd overall 2007, Browns
-These were dark drafting days in Cleveland.
33. QB Akili Smith, 3rd overall 1999, Bengals
34. WR Charles Rogers, 2nd overall 2003, Lions
35. QB Heath Shuler, 3rd overall 1994, Redskins
36. DE Andre Wadsworth, 3rd overall 1998, Cardinals
37. QB Rick Mirer, 2nd overall 1993, Seahawks
38. Bears' 1997 trade for QB Rick Mirer
39. DE Mike Mamula, 7th overall 1995, Eagles
40. Raiders' 2011 trade for QB Carson Palmer
41. Colts' 1992 draft
-The Colts had the first two picks in the draft.
1. DT Steve Emtman
2. LB Quentin Coryatt
Injuries dismantled Emtman's career.
Saddling a player or a draft pick with the bust tag isn't really fair to
the player or the team. I believe that Emtman would've been a beast
if he'd had better luck with injuries.
42. RB Ki-Jana Carter, 1st overall 1995, Bengals
43. DT Dan "Big Daddy" Dan Wilkinson, 1st overall 1994, Bengals
44. Todd Blackledge, Tony Eason, Ken O'Brien
-If these three hadn't been part of a draft that included John Elway,
Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino perhaps history would be more kind.
Eason did get his team to a Super Bowl.
45. DT Gabe Rivera, 21st overall 1983, Steelers
-I hope that this pick made the list more for Marino still being on
the board when it was made than the car accident that left Rivera
paralyzed.
46. Bears' first-round running backs
-Brad Muster (23rd overall pick, 1994)
-Rashaan Salaam (21st in 1995)
-Curtis Enis (5th in 1998)
-Cedric Benson (4th in 2005)
-Neal Anderson (27th in 1986) was pretty good for a little while.
-It's tough to replace Walter Payton.
47. RB Leroy Keyes, 3rd overall 1969, Eagles
-The Steelers selected Joe Greene with the next pick.
48. Cowboys' 2000 trade for WR Joey Galloway
-Two first rounders for Galloway. Ouch.
-The Seahawks selected Shaun Alexander with one of the picks.
-Perhaps this one-sided deal balanced out the Dorsett deal.
49. QB Steve Spurrier, 3rd overall 1967, 49ers
50. QB J.P. Losman, 22nd overall 2004, Bills
***
Nate Davis selected 100 draft day blunders. I only have the stomach for 50. Besides, the Vikings selection of Christian Ponder with the 12th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft checked in at #53.
Congratulations to Davis on a fun, interesting, and scary study of many of the worst draft day decisions ever made.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Throwback Thursday: All-Time #1 Team
The 2019 NFL Draft kicks off in Nashville in two weeks. With the draft always in mind this time of year here's an All-Time team made up of players taken #1 overall in their respective drafts. Fun stuff.
Quarterback
Peyton Manning (1998)
Manning takes a tough decision over John Elway, Troy Aikman, and Terry Bradshaw
Running back
Earl Campbell (1978)
O.J. Simpson (1969)
It would be nice to replace Simpson with Bill Dudley or Charley Trippi. On the field, Simpson was dynamite.
Receivers
Irving Fryar (1984)
Keyshawn Johnson (1996)
Tight end
Leon Hart (1950)
There weren't tight ends as we currently know them until the 1960s. Hart had all the skills to be a great one before there was a name for the position.
Tackles
Ron Yary (1968)
Orlando Pace (1997)
Guards
Ken Rice (1961)
Jake Long (2008)
Pickings are slim at guard. Rice is the only guard picked #1 and that was by the Buffalo Bills in the 1961 AFL Draft. Long gets moved from tackle to guard in order to fill a complete offensive line.
Center
Chuck Bednarik (1949)
Defensive ends
Lee Roy Selmon (1976)
Bruce Smith (1985)
There's a nice pair of ends.
Defensive tackles
Buck Buchanan (1963)
Russell Maryland (1991)
Linebackers
Chuck Bednarik (1949)
Tommy Nobis (1966)
Aundray Bruce (1988)
It was a bit of a surprise to see so few linebackers selected with the top pick. The third spot was tough to fill. Bruce edges Tom Cousineau on the basis of his 11-year career. Very sad. It's only fitting that Bednarik gets the nod on offense and defense.
No defensive backs have been selected with the top pick.
If it wasn't known before it's certainly known now, quarterbacks and running backs have been the most frequent #1 pick. Linemen, tackles on offense and ends on defense, have made their presence felt. With passing becoming the preferred method of moving the football the running back numbers at the top of the draft have been on the decline in recent years. The last back to be selected #1 was Ki-Janna Carter in 1995. Quarterbacks have been the top pick 15 times since then. Three offensive tackles, four defensive ends, and a receiver were the other top picks since Carter. With all of this passing in the NFL maybe we'll finally see some defensive backs taken #1 but I doubt it.
Quarterback
Peyton Manning (1998)
Manning takes a tough decision over John Elway, Troy Aikman, and Terry Bradshaw
Running back
Earl Campbell (1978)
O.J. Simpson (1969)
It would be nice to replace Simpson with Bill Dudley or Charley Trippi. On the field, Simpson was dynamite.
Receivers
Irving Fryar (1984)
Keyshawn Johnson (1996)
Tight end
Leon Hart (1950)
There weren't tight ends as we currently know them until the 1960s. Hart had all the skills to be a great one before there was a name for the position.
Tackles
Ron Yary (1968)
Orlando Pace (1997)
Guards
Ken Rice (1961)
Jake Long (2008)
Pickings are slim at guard. Rice is the only guard picked #1 and that was by the Buffalo Bills in the 1961 AFL Draft. Long gets moved from tackle to guard in order to fill a complete offensive line.
Center
Chuck Bednarik (1949)
Defensive ends
Lee Roy Selmon (1976)
Bruce Smith (1985)
There's a nice pair of ends.
Defensive tackles
Buck Buchanan (1963)
Russell Maryland (1991)
Linebackers
Chuck Bednarik (1949)
Tommy Nobis (1966)
Aundray Bruce (1988)
It was a bit of a surprise to see so few linebackers selected with the top pick. The third spot was tough to fill. Bruce edges Tom Cousineau on the basis of his 11-year career. Very sad. It's only fitting that Bednarik gets the nod on offense and defense.
No defensive backs have been selected with the top pick.
If it wasn't known before it's certainly known now, quarterbacks and running backs have been the most frequent #1 pick. Linemen, tackles on offense and ends on defense, have made their presence felt. With passing becoming the preferred method of moving the football the running back numbers at the top of the draft have been on the decline in recent years. The last back to be selected #1 was Ki-Janna Carter in 1995. Quarterbacks have been the top pick 15 times since then. Three offensive tackles, four defensive ends, and a receiver were the other top picks since Carter. With all of this passing in the NFL maybe we'll finally see some defensive backs taken #1 but I doubt it.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
More Minnesota Vikings Coaches
As I was passing the time between a fading free agency and the 2019 NFL Draft I discovered that the coaching staff of the Minnesota Vikings had increased from 23 to 25. Two Strength and Conditioning coaches were added. Austin Livingston and Chula Loomis are now part of the Vikings coaching staff. I'm not sure if they were hired as interns or full-time assistants. I do know that they were added to help make the team better.
Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Coordinators
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Stefanski
Defensive Coordinator: George Edwards
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Assistants
Assistant head coach/offensive adviser: Gary Kubiak
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Receivers: Drew Petzing
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Assistant Offensive Line: Andrew Janocko
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: A. C. Patterson
Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Defensive Backs: Jerry Gray
Assistant Defensive Backs: Jeff Howard
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle
Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Coordinators
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Stefanski
Defensive Coordinator: George Edwards
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Assistants
Assistant head coach/offensive adviser: Gary Kubiak
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Receivers: Drew Petzing
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Assistant Offensive Line: Andrew Janocko
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: A. C. Patterson
Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Defensive Backs: Jerry Gray
Assistant Defensive Backs: Jeff Howard
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Derik Keyes
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Austin Livingston
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chula Loomis
The addition of Gary Kubiak and friends have received most of the attention, deservedly so, but I can't wait to see what Kevin Stefanski and Marwan Maalouf bring to the team. At the time, hiring John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator last offseason felt like a huge addition. However, there was also a feel of desperation to it. A "Let's get one of the masterminds of the offense that thrashed our defense and won the Super Bowl" sort of desperation. The right thing all along was probably to promote Stefanski to replace Pat Schumur. It's easy to say that now as hindsight tends to rewrite how we felt in the moment. Stefanski gets his long deserved shot at calling an offense now. I'm thrilled to see how he does. Even if he's getting assistance from the Kubiak gang. As for Maalouf, I think that Mike Priefer was, and is, a terrific special teams coordinator. I also think that the Vikings special teams units were starting to look a little stale. They were solid but there didn't seem to be a lot of energy. Miami's special teams units played with energy, aggressiveness. That could be seen in the manner in which they went after blocking punts and kicks. I hope that Maalouf brings that sort of energy and aggressiveness to the Vikings's special teams.
The addition of Gary Kubiak and friends have received most of the attention, deservedly so, but I can't wait to see what Kevin Stefanski and Marwan Maalouf bring to the team. At the time, hiring John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator last offseason felt like a huge addition. However, there was also a feel of desperation to it. A "Let's get one of the masterminds of the offense that thrashed our defense and won the Super Bowl" sort of desperation. The right thing all along was probably to promote Stefanski to replace Pat Schumur. It's easy to say that now as hindsight tends to rewrite how we felt in the moment. Stefanski gets his long deserved shot at calling an offense now. I'm thrilled to see how he does. Even if he's getting assistance from the Kubiak gang. As for Maalouf, I think that Mike Priefer was, and is, a terrific special teams coordinator. I also think that the Vikings special teams units were starting to look a little stale. They were solid but there didn't seem to be a lot of energy. Miami's special teams units played with energy, aggressiveness. That could be seen in the manner in which they went after blocking punts and kicks. I hope that Maalouf brings that sort of energy and aggressiveness to the Vikings's special teams.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Vikings Roster By College
Here's a little something to pass the last few days before the draft. The Minnesota Vikings roster broken down by the colleges that the players attended.
UCLA
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Kevin McDermott
Notre Dame
Kyle Rudolph
Harrison Smith
Greer Martini
Cincinnati
Mike Boone
Eric Wilson
Clemson
Mackensie Alexander
Jayron Kearse
Florida State
Dalvin Cook
Xavier Rhodes
Iowa
Jaleel Johnson
Riley Reiff
LSU
Tashawn Bower
Danielle Hunter
Michigan
Ben Gedeon
Matt Wile
Michigan State
Kirk Cousins
Trae Waynes
Ohio State
Pat Elflein
Jalyn Holmes
Pittsburgh
Brian O'Neill
Adam Bisnowaty
Texas
Holton Hill
Duke Thomas
Toledo
Storm Norton
Jordan Martin
Augustana (S.D.)
C.J. Ham
California
Devante Downs
-Go Bears!!!
Central Florida
Mike Hughes
Central Michigan
Tyler Conklin
Concordia-Moorhead
Brandon Zylstra
Connecticut
Shamar Stephen
East Carolina
Linval Joseph
Fresno State
Derron Smith
Furman
Dakota Dozier
Jacksonville State
Roc Thomas
Kent State
Josh Kline
Louisville
Cole Hikutini
Maryland
Stefon Diggs
Miami (Fla)
Danny Isidora
Minnesota State-Mankato
Adam Thielen
Mississippi
Laquon Treadwell
Nebraska
Ameer Abdullah
Northern Colorado
Kyle Sloter
Northern Illinois
Chad Beebe
Northern Iowa
Karter Schult
Northwestern
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Oklahoma
Jeff Badet
Oklahoma State
Dan Bailey
Oregon State
Sean Mannion
Penn State
Curtis Cothran
Portland State
Cornelius Edison
Regina (Canada)
Brett Jones
Rice
Jordan Taylor
South Florida
Reshard Cliett
Southern Illinois
Craig James
Southern Mississippi
Rashod Hill
Texas Christian
Aviante Collins
Texas-San Antonio
David Morgan
Tulane
Ade Aruna
USC
Everson Griffen
Vanderbilt
Steven Weatherly
Virginia
Anthony Harris
Washington State
Hercules Mata'afa
Now, there's some roster fun.
UCLA
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Kevin McDermott
Notre Dame
Kyle Rudolph
Harrison Smith
Greer Martini
Cincinnati
Mike Boone
Eric Wilson
Clemson
Mackensie Alexander
Jayron Kearse
Florida State
Dalvin Cook
Xavier Rhodes
Iowa
Jaleel Johnson
Riley Reiff
LSU
Tashawn Bower
Danielle Hunter
Michigan
Ben Gedeon
Matt Wile
Michigan State
Kirk Cousins
Trae Waynes
Ohio State
Pat Elflein
Jalyn Holmes
Pittsburgh
Brian O'Neill
Adam Bisnowaty
Texas
Holton Hill
Duke Thomas
Toledo
Storm Norton
Jordan Martin
Augustana (S.D.)
C.J. Ham
California
Devante Downs
-Go Bears!!!
Central Florida
Mike Hughes
Central Michigan
Tyler Conklin
Concordia-Moorhead
Brandon Zylstra
Connecticut
Shamar Stephen
East Carolina
Linval Joseph
Fresno State
Derron Smith
Furman
Dakota Dozier
Jacksonville State
Roc Thomas
Kent State
Josh Kline
Louisville
Cole Hikutini
Maryland
Stefon Diggs
Miami (Fla)
Danny Isidora
Minnesota State-Mankato
Adam Thielen
Mississippi
Laquon Treadwell
Nebraska
Ameer Abdullah
Northern Colorado
Kyle Sloter
Northern Illinois
Chad Beebe
Northern Iowa
Karter Schult
Northwestern
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Oklahoma
Jeff Badet
Oklahoma State
Dan Bailey
Oregon State
Sean Mannion
Penn State
Curtis Cothran
Portland State
Cornelius Edison
Regina (Canada)
Brett Jones
Rice
Jordan Taylor
South Florida
Reshard Cliett
Southern Illinois
Craig James
Southern Mississippi
Rashod Hill
Texas Christian
Aviante Collins
Texas-San Antonio
David Morgan
Tulane
Ade Aruna
USC
Everson Griffen
Vanderbilt
Steven Weatherly
Virginia
Anthony Harris
Washington State
Hercules Mata'afa
Now, there's some roster fun.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Minnesota Vikings Roster After A Few More Additions
The Minnesota Vikings players report to the spectacular Eagan facilities today to start offseason workouts. That makes this a fine time to take a look at the Vikings roster. But then anytime is a fine time to take a look at the Vikings roster. Despite having microscopic cap space the Minnesota Vikings have managed to add a few players. Five came as a result of the recent fall of the Alliance of American Football. Here's the current roster. It's a very fluid thing.
Despite reports last week that Sean Mannion had signed there has been no official press release from the Vikings that he has signed. That doesn't mean that he hasn't signed or won't sign it just means that it's not yet official. For the purpose of this look at the Vikings roster, Sean Mannion is one of the three quarterbacks on it.
Quarterback
8 Kirk Cousins
1 Kyle Sloter
Sean Mannion
Halfback
33 Dalvin Cook
31 Ameer Abdullah
44 Mike Boone
32 Roc Thomas
Fullback
30 C.J. Ham
Wide Receiver
14 Stefon Diggs
19 Adam Thielen
11 Laquon Treadwell
12 Chad Beebe
15 Brandon Zylstra
85 Jeff Badet
Jordan Taylor
Tight end
82 Kyle Rudolph
89 David Morgan
83 Tyler Conklin
83 Cole Hikutini
Offensive Line
71 Riley Reiff
63 Danny Isidora
65 Pat Elflein
64 Josh Kline
75 Brian O'Neill
69 Rashod Hill
61 Brett Jones
Dakota Dozier
76 Aviante Collins
78 Adam Bisnowaty
72 Storm Norton
67 Cornelius Edison
Defense
Defensive Line
97 Everson Griffen
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Linval Joseph
99 Danielle Hunter
91 Stephen Weatherly
94 Jaleel Johnson
92 Jalyn Holmes
90 Tashawn Bower
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
61 Ade Aruna
51 Hercules Mata'afa
66 Curtis Cothran
Karter Schult
Linebacker
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
42 Ben Gedeon
50 Eric Wilson
57 Devante Downs
40 Kentrell Brothers
43 Reshard Cliett
45 Greer Martini
Cornerback
29 Xavier Rhodes
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
36 Craig James
34 Duke Thomas
Safety
22 Harrison Smith
41 Anthony Harris
27 Jayron Kearse
25 Derron Smith
35 Jordan Martin
Special Teams
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long snapper
Despite reports last week that Sean Mannion had signed there has been no official press release from the Vikings that he has signed. That doesn't mean that he hasn't signed or won't sign it just means that it's not yet official. For the purpose of this look at the Vikings roster, Sean Mannion is one of the three quarterbacks on it.
Quarterback
8 Kirk Cousins
1 Kyle Sloter
Sean Mannion
Halfback
33 Dalvin Cook
31 Ameer Abdullah
44 Mike Boone
32 Roc Thomas
Fullback
30 C.J. Ham
Wide Receiver
14 Stefon Diggs
19 Adam Thielen
11 Laquon Treadwell
12 Chad Beebe
15 Brandon Zylstra
85 Jeff Badet
Jordan Taylor
Tight end
82 Kyle Rudolph
89 David Morgan
83 Tyler Conklin
83 Cole Hikutini
Offensive Line
71 Riley Reiff
63 Danny Isidora
65 Pat Elflein
64 Josh Kline
75 Brian O'Neill
69 Rashod Hill
61 Brett Jones
Dakota Dozier
76 Aviante Collins
78 Adam Bisnowaty
72 Storm Norton
67 Cornelius Edison
Defense
Defensive Line
97 Everson Griffen
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Linval Joseph
99 Danielle Hunter
91 Stephen Weatherly
94 Jaleel Johnson
92 Jalyn Holmes
90 Tashawn Bower
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
61 Ade Aruna
51 Hercules Mata'afa
66 Curtis Cothran
Karter Schult
Linebacker
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
42 Ben Gedeon
50 Eric Wilson
57 Devante Downs
40 Kentrell Brothers
43 Reshard Cliett
45 Greer Martini
Cornerback
29 Xavier Rhodes
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
36 Craig James
34 Duke Thomas
Safety
22 Harrison Smith
41 Anthony Harris
27 Jayron Kearse
25 Derron Smith
35 Jordan Martin
Special Teams
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long snapper
47 Kevin McDermott
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Best Of What's Left
It's been on to the 2019 NFL Draft for most teams. That doesn't mean that free agency is over. Far from it. There are still some football players left. Even if they are a little older, a little broken. Here are 25 of the best of what's left.
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Los Angeles Rams
2. Ziggy Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions
3. Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Morris Claiborne, CB, New York Jets
5. Jamie Collins, LB, Cleveland Browns
6. Tim Jernigan, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
7. Corey Liuget, DT, Los Angeles Chargers
8. Zach Brown, LB, Washington Redskins
9. Glover Quin, S, Detroit Lions
10. Tre Boston, S, Arizona Cardinals
11. Jay Ajayi, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
12. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Green Bay Packers
13. Michael Crabtree, WR, Baltimore Ravens
14. Derrick Morgan, Edge, Tennessee Titans
15. Brent Urban, DL, Baltimore Ravens
16. Shane Ray, Edge, Denver Broncos
17. Nick Perry, Edge, Green Bay Packers
18. T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
19. Kelvin Benjamin,WR, Kansas CIty Chiefs
20. Jahleel Addae, S, Los Angeles Chargers
21. Aaron Lynch. Edge, Chicago Bears
22. Tom Johnson, DT, Minnesota Vikings
23. Jermaine Kearse, WR, New York Jets
24. Danny Shelton, DT, New England Patriots
25. Maxx Williams, TE, Baltimore Ravens
It wasn't all that long ago that about half of the above would've been signed during the early hours of free agency. Things change pretty fast in the NFL.
1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Los Angeles Rams
2. Ziggy Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions
3. Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Morris Claiborne, CB, New York Jets
5. Jamie Collins, LB, Cleveland Browns
6. Tim Jernigan, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
7. Corey Liuget, DT, Los Angeles Chargers
8. Zach Brown, LB, Washington Redskins
9. Glover Quin, S, Detroit Lions
10. Tre Boston, S, Arizona Cardinals
11. Jay Ajayi, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
12. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Green Bay Packers
13. Michael Crabtree, WR, Baltimore Ravens
14. Derrick Morgan, Edge, Tennessee Titans
15. Brent Urban, DL, Baltimore Ravens
16. Shane Ray, Edge, Denver Broncos
17. Nick Perry, Edge, Green Bay Packers
18. T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
19. Kelvin Benjamin,WR, Kansas CIty Chiefs
20. Jahleel Addae, S, Los Angeles Chargers
21. Aaron Lynch. Edge, Chicago Bears
22. Tom Johnson, DT, Minnesota Vikings
23. Jermaine Kearse, WR, New York Jets
24. Danny Shelton, DT, New England Patriots
25. Maxx Williams, TE, Baltimore Ravens
It wasn't all that long ago that about half of the above would've been signed during the early hours of free agency. Things change pretty fast in the NFL.
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Getting Some Things Done Before Things Get Going
The Minnesota Vikings kick off preparation for the 2019 season on Monday when the players report to the spectacular facilities in Eagan for the start of offseason workouts. In 12 days, the 2019 NFL Draft opens in Nashville. Big things are happening. In advance of those big things, the Vikings got some things done. In particular, they took care of one of their own.
In 2017, Adam Thielen signed a four-year, $19.246 million contract. It didn't take long for him to outplay that contract. An arguably top-10 receiver was about 50th among receivers in compensation. He was one of the greatest bargains in the NFL.
Some numbers:
2017: 91 catches, 1276 yards, 4 TDs
2018: 113 catches, 1373 yards, 9 TDs
-2 Pro Bowls
-is one of the most productive and efficient 3rd-down receivers in the league
-tied Charlie Hennigan's NFL record of eight consecutive games of 100 yards receiving to start a season
-electrified a Minnesota fan base that can't enough of the rags-to-riches story of the undrafted local kid
Two years into a new deal, Thielen had earned a better deal. He thought so. His agent thought so. Fans were told to think that so they thought so. Most importantly, the Vikings thought so. Yesterday the Vikings and Thielen agreed to a contract extension. It's a big one. Four years, $64 million. $35 million of which is guaranteed. There are incentives that could boost the total to $73 million. Many talking heads and fans are honking about a $16 million average per season. I'm no cap expert but I don't think it plays out that way. It's an extension, so Thielen is now under contract for six years. I'm estimating that the contract has about $11 million of old money and now has $64 million of new money. I see that as a six-year deal for $75 million, or $12.5 million average per season. However it works out, Adam Thielen's pay is more in line with his production. That's a good thing. The Vikings now have the well-compensated receiving duo of Thielen and Stefon Diggs under contract through 2024. That's a very good thing.
Before Thielen's contract extension, the Vikings had about $2 million in cap space. I've seen nothing official but it's been speculated/conjectured/reported that Thielen's cap number for 2019 dropped about $3 million as a result of this extension. The Vikings can now afford to sign their draft class!
In 2017, Adam Thielen signed a four-year, $19.246 million contract. It didn't take long for him to outplay that contract. An arguably top-10 receiver was about 50th among receivers in compensation. He was one of the greatest bargains in the NFL.
Some numbers:
2017: 91 catches, 1276 yards, 4 TDs
2018: 113 catches, 1373 yards, 9 TDs
-2 Pro Bowls
-is one of the most productive and efficient 3rd-down receivers in the league
-tied Charlie Hennigan's NFL record of eight consecutive games of 100 yards receiving to start a season
-electrified a Minnesota fan base that can't enough of the rags-to-riches story of the undrafted local kid
Two years into a new deal, Thielen had earned a better deal. He thought so. His agent thought so. Fans were told to think that so they thought so. Most importantly, the Vikings thought so. Yesterday the Vikings and Thielen agreed to a contract extension. It's a big one. Four years, $64 million. $35 million of which is guaranteed. There are incentives that could boost the total to $73 million. Many talking heads and fans are honking about a $16 million average per season. I'm no cap expert but I don't think it plays out that way. It's an extension, so Thielen is now under contract for six years. I'm estimating that the contract has about $11 million of old money and now has $64 million of new money. I see that as a six-year deal for $75 million, or $12.5 million average per season. However it works out, Adam Thielen's pay is more in line with his production. That's a good thing. The Vikings now have the well-compensated receiving duo of Thielen and Stefon Diggs under contract through 2024. That's a very good thing.
Before Thielen's contract extension, the Vikings had about $2 million in cap space. I've seen nothing official but it's been speculated/conjectured/reported that Thielen's cap number for 2019 dropped about $3 million as a result of this extension. The Vikings can now afford to sign their draft class!
Friday, April 12, 2019
Draft Attendees
23 of the top prospects will be in attendance when the 2019 NFL Draft opens on April 25 in Nashville. Unlike last year, when top pick Baker Mayfield decided not to attend the draft, the top pick this year will likely be on hand to receive that emotional hug from "the Goods." Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa, the best player in the draft, will be there. Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, the most exciting offensive player in the draft, will also be there. One of those two should be the first name called. It's even likely that at least nine of the first ten picks will be present for the hugs and photo-ops. The one no-show of the likely top 10 is Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury are the next highest players that won't be present. My current hope is that Bradbury's next destination is Minneapolis.
Here are the 23 prospects that will be in Nashville for the 2019 NFL Draft.
» Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
» Deandre Baker, DB, Georgia
» Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
» Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
» Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
» Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
» Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
» Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
» Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
» T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
» Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
» Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
» Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
» D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
» Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
» Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
» Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
» Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
» Devin White, LB, LSU
» Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
» Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
» Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
» Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Here are the 23 prospects that will be in Nashville for the 2019 NFL Draft.
» Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky
» Deandre Baker, DB, Georgia
» Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
» Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
» Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
» Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
» Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
» Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
» Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
» T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
» Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
» Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
» Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
» D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
» Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
» Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
» Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
» Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
» Devin White, LB, LSU
» Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
» Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
» Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
» Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Throwback Thursday: Greatest Player In Each Team's History
This Flicker was originally posted on May 28, 2015.
Here's another attempt to pass the slow time of the NFL offseason with a little trip down memory lane for each team. For some teams it's a short trip. Here is my look at the best player in each of the NFL's 32 team's history.
Minnesota Vikings
Alan Page, defensive tackle
-This spot might one day be taken by Adrian Peterson. Or, for the very optimistic, Teddy Brdgewater. For now, it's Alan Page. He was the first defensive player to be named Most Valuable Player. He could take over games like few defensive players that I've ever seen.
Green Bay Packers
Don Hutson, receiver
-Huston may be keeping the spot warm for Aaron Rodgers. You can't go wrong picking Don Hutson as the best Packer of all time. His statistics match this era far more than his. He changed the way that the game could be played.
Chicago Bears
Walter Payton, running back
-You could pick any one of several players from the Bears long, rich history. Luckman, Nagurski, Turner, Butkus, Sayers. Payton gets the nod.
Detroit Lions
Dutch Clark, quarterback
-Barry Sanders certainly deserves the pick here but I'm kinda partial to Clark. He might be the least known and least appreciated member of the first Pro Football Hall of Fame class. He could do it all on the football field.
San Francisco 49ers
Jerry Rice, receiver
-He's in the discussion for greatest player ever.
Seattle Seahawks
Walter Jones, tackle
-A few years down the road the discussion over the greatest Seahawks player will center around current players and Walter Jones. Maybe Steve Largent too. Until then, it's Walter Jones.
Arizona Cardinals
Charley Trippi, back
-Larry Fritzgerald is tempting. So is Ollie Matson and Paddy Driscoll. The Cardinals are the NFL's oldest team with continuous operations dating back to the 19th century. They also might have the most sad history. Three different cities in three different states. A lot of losses. I picked a great player from the team that won the franchise's only legitimate championship.
St. Louis Rams
Deacon Jones, defensive end
-You can't go wrong with Jones, Merlin Olsen, Marshall Faulk, or Eric Dickerson. Jones gets the nod for making the "sack" a thing.
New York Giants
Lawrence Taylor, linebacker
-Taylor simply changed the way that the game could be played on the defensive side of the ball.
Dallas Cowboys
Roger Staubach, quarterback
-Maybe it's because passing statistics are in a whole other orbit these days but I think that we tend to forget how good Staubach was. As an itty-bitty Vikings fan this guy killed me. There might not have been a better quarterback playing from behind late in the game.
Philadelphia Eagles
Reggie White, defensive end
-I wanted to pick Steve Van Buren. The Eagles won two NFL titles with him leading the way. Or Chuck Bednarik. That guy screamed football. In the end, I had to go with one of the best defensive players to ever play the game. It's unfortunate for the Eagles and their fans that White spent nearly as many years with other teams.
Washington Redskins
Sammy Baugh, quarterback
-No offense to Darrell Green, Sam Huff, Russ Grimm, and other Redskins greats but there's really no debate here.
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees, quarterback
-You could go with Hall of Famers Willie Roaf or Rickey Jackson but this current leader is the pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lee Roy Selmon, defensive end
-Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks had each other as well as other great players around them. For most of his career Selmon had little talent around him and he was still great.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith, receiver
-Due to the Panthers short history and Smith's terrific talents this is an easy choice.
Atlanta Falcons
Claude Humphrey, defensive end
-Deion Sanders is a possibility as his first five years in the league were with the Falcons but Humphrey is the pick. He was a pass rushing force.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Greene, defensive tackle
-The Steelers might have the most talent to choose from over the last 40 years. Greene was the heart of those great Steelers defenses of the 1970s.
Cleveland Browns
Jim Brown, running back
-The only surprise with this pick is that it wasn't an easy choice. Otto Graham gets some consideration.
Baltimore Ravens
Jonathan Ogden, tackle
-I always have difficulty dealing with the Ravens history. Technically, they are an expansion team. In reality, they have more relation to the Browns history than the current Browns. And the Ravens personnel people that scouted Ogden were Browns personnel people. That commentary aside, picking the best Ravens player is a difficult choice between Ogden, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed. It's a tossup and Ogden wins.
Cincinnati Bengals
Anthony Munoz, tackle
-This is an easy choice.
Oakland Raiders
Art Shell, tackle
-Shell was one of the best tackles to play the game. Willie Brown, Marcus Allen, Ted Hendricks are in contention.
Denver Broncos
John Elway, quarterback
-Another easy choice.
Kansas City Chiefs
Bobby Bell, linebacker
-The Chiefs defenses of the late 1960s were excellent. Five players from those defenses are in the Hall of Fame. Johnny Robinson should be the sixth. Bell might have been the best of the bunch.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady, quarterback
-Pretty easy choice.
New York Jets
Joe Namath, quarterback
-Few quarterbacks have had the arm talent of Namath. He changed the NFL. On the field and off.
Miami Dolphins
Dan Marino, quarterback
-It's tough to pass on players that won a couple of Super Bowls in the 1970s. Marino was the sort of football player that forces you to pass on players that won a couple of Super Bowls.
Buffalo Bills
Bruce Smith, defensive end
-Picking Smith over Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas is difficult.
Indianapolis Colts
Lenny Moore, running back
-This was the most difficult choice of all. Tomorrow or later today the choice is John Unitas or Peyton Manning. Maybe Gino Marchetti on another day. Moore was one of the most versatile backs to play the game. If he had played only running back he'd be in the Hall of Fame. If he had played only receiver he'd be in the Hall of Fame. He's in the Hall of Fame for playing a lot of both.
Tennessee Titans
Earl Campbell, running back
-So a player that was never a Titan and never played in Tennessee is the greatest player in the history of the Tennessee Titans. Yep.
Houston Texans
J.J. Watt, defensive end
-The second active player on this list. The Texans' short history and Watt's tremendous football talent make this choice automatic.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tony Boselli, offensive tackle
Another team with a short history. Boselli was one of the best offensive tackles in an era with great offensive tackles. If not for the shortness of his career, he'd be in the Hall of Fame already. Despite the shortness of his career, he should already be in the Hall of Fame.
Here's another attempt to pass the slow time of the NFL offseason with a little trip down memory lane for each team. For some teams it's a short trip. Here is my look at the best player in each of the NFL's 32 team's history.
Minnesota Vikings
Alan Page, defensive tackle
-This spot might one day be taken by Adrian Peterson. Or, for the very optimistic, Teddy Brdgewater. For now, it's Alan Page. He was the first defensive player to be named Most Valuable Player. He could take over games like few defensive players that I've ever seen.
Green Bay Packers
Don Hutson, receiver
-Huston may be keeping the spot warm for Aaron Rodgers. You can't go wrong picking Don Hutson as the best Packer of all time. His statistics match this era far more than his. He changed the way that the game could be played.
Chicago Bears
Walter Payton, running back
-You could pick any one of several players from the Bears long, rich history. Luckman, Nagurski, Turner, Butkus, Sayers. Payton gets the nod.
Detroit Lions
Dutch Clark, quarterback
-Barry Sanders certainly deserves the pick here but I'm kinda partial to Clark. He might be the least known and least appreciated member of the first Pro Football Hall of Fame class. He could do it all on the football field.
San Francisco 49ers
Jerry Rice, receiver
-He's in the discussion for greatest player ever.
Seattle Seahawks
Walter Jones, tackle
-A few years down the road the discussion over the greatest Seahawks player will center around current players and Walter Jones. Maybe Steve Largent too. Until then, it's Walter Jones.
Arizona Cardinals
Charley Trippi, back
-Larry Fritzgerald is tempting. So is Ollie Matson and Paddy Driscoll. The Cardinals are the NFL's oldest team with continuous operations dating back to the 19th century. They also might have the most sad history. Three different cities in three different states. A lot of losses. I picked a great player from the team that won the franchise's only legitimate championship.
St. Louis Rams
Deacon Jones, defensive end
-You can't go wrong with Jones, Merlin Olsen, Marshall Faulk, or Eric Dickerson. Jones gets the nod for making the "sack" a thing.
New York Giants
Lawrence Taylor, linebacker
-Taylor simply changed the way that the game could be played on the defensive side of the ball.
Dallas Cowboys
Roger Staubach, quarterback
-Maybe it's because passing statistics are in a whole other orbit these days but I think that we tend to forget how good Staubach was. As an itty-bitty Vikings fan this guy killed me. There might not have been a better quarterback playing from behind late in the game.
Philadelphia Eagles
Reggie White, defensive end
-I wanted to pick Steve Van Buren. The Eagles won two NFL titles with him leading the way. Or Chuck Bednarik. That guy screamed football. In the end, I had to go with one of the best defensive players to ever play the game. It's unfortunate for the Eagles and their fans that White spent nearly as many years with other teams.
Washington Redskins
Sammy Baugh, quarterback
-No offense to Darrell Green, Sam Huff, Russ Grimm, and other Redskins greats but there's really no debate here.
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees, quarterback
-You could go with Hall of Famers Willie Roaf or Rickey Jackson but this current leader is the pick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lee Roy Selmon, defensive end
-Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks had each other as well as other great players around them. For most of his career Selmon had little talent around him and he was still great.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith, receiver
-Due to the Panthers short history and Smith's terrific talents this is an easy choice.
Atlanta Falcons
Claude Humphrey, defensive end
-Deion Sanders is a possibility as his first five years in the league were with the Falcons but Humphrey is the pick. He was a pass rushing force.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Joe Greene, defensive tackle
-The Steelers might have the most talent to choose from over the last 40 years. Greene was the heart of those great Steelers defenses of the 1970s.
Cleveland Browns
Jim Brown, running back
-The only surprise with this pick is that it wasn't an easy choice. Otto Graham gets some consideration.
Baltimore Ravens
Jonathan Ogden, tackle
-I always have difficulty dealing with the Ravens history. Technically, they are an expansion team. In reality, they have more relation to the Browns history than the current Browns. And the Ravens personnel people that scouted Ogden were Browns personnel people. That commentary aside, picking the best Ravens player is a difficult choice between Ogden, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed. It's a tossup and Ogden wins.
Cincinnati Bengals
Anthony Munoz, tackle
-This is an easy choice.
Oakland Raiders
Art Shell, tackle
-Shell was one of the best tackles to play the game. Willie Brown, Marcus Allen, Ted Hendricks are in contention.
Denver Broncos
John Elway, quarterback
-Another easy choice.
Kansas City Chiefs
Bobby Bell, linebacker
-The Chiefs defenses of the late 1960s were excellent. Five players from those defenses are in the Hall of Fame. Johnny Robinson should be the sixth. Bell might have been the best of the bunch.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady, quarterback
-Pretty easy choice.
New York Jets
Joe Namath, quarterback
-Few quarterbacks have had the arm talent of Namath. He changed the NFL. On the field and off.
Miami Dolphins
Dan Marino, quarterback
-It's tough to pass on players that won a couple of Super Bowls in the 1970s. Marino was the sort of football player that forces you to pass on players that won a couple of Super Bowls.
Buffalo Bills
Bruce Smith, defensive end
-Picking Smith over Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas is difficult.
Indianapolis Colts
Lenny Moore, running back
-This was the most difficult choice of all. Tomorrow or later today the choice is John Unitas or Peyton Manning. Maybe Gino Marchetti on another day. Moore was one of the most versatile backs to play the game. If he had played only running back he'd be in the Hall of Fame. If he had played only receiver he'd be in the Hall of Fame. He's in the Hall of Fame for playing a lot of both.
Tennessee Titans
Earl Campbell, running back
-So a player that was never a Titan and never played in Tennessee is the greatest player in the history of the Tennessee Titans. Yep.
Houston Texans
J.J. Watt, defensive end
-The second active player on this list. The Texans' short history and Watt's tremendous football talent make this choice automatic.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tony Boselli, offensive tackle
Another team with a short history. Boselli was one of the best offensive tackles in an era with great offensive tackles. If not for the shortness of his career, he'd be in the Hall of Fame already. Despite the shortness of his career, he should already be in the Hall of Fame.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
The Preseason Schedule Is Out!
I'm surprised that there isn't a preseason schedule reveal on NFL Network. The regular season schedule reveal show is coming soon. Until then, we have the schedule of games that don't count. The NFL released the 2019 preseason schedule yesterday.
Here are the important games:
Week 1 (August 9): Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Week 2 (August 18): Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks
Week 3 (August 24): Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals
Week 4 (August 29): Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills
Here are all of the games:
2019 NFL preseason schedule
Aug. 1 (Hall of Fame Game, Canton, OH)
Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons (NBC)
Week 1 (Aug. 8-12, exact dates and times TBD)
New York Jets at New York Giants
Tennessee Titans at Philadelphia Eagles
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
New England Patriots at Detroit Lions
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins
Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens
Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders
Week 2 (Aug. 15-19)
Chicago Bears at New York Giants
Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Redskins
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings (Fox, Aug. 18)
New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (ESPN, Aug. 15)
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams
Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers
Detroit Lions at Houston Texans
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts
Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars
New England at Tennessee Titans
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos (ESPN, Aug. 19)
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers (CBS, Aug. 18)
Week 3 (Aug. 22-25)
Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions (CBS, Aug. 23)
Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Rams
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (Fox, Aug. 22)
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints at New York Jets
New York Giants at Cincinnati Bengals
Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans (NBC, Aug. 25)
San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs
Green Bay Packers vs. Oakland Raiders
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 4 (Aug. 29-30)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins
Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers
Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints
Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers
Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills
New York Giants at New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
Los Angeles Rams at Houston Texans
Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos
Here are the important games:
Week 1 (August 9): Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Week 2 (August 18): Minnesota Vikings vs Seattle Seahawks
Week 3 (August 24): Minnesota Vikings vs Arizona Cardinals
Week 4 (August 29): Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills
Here are all of the games:
2019 NFL preseason schedule
Aug. 1 (Hall of Fame Game, Canton, OH)
Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons (NBC)
Week 1 (Aug. 8-12, exact dates and times TBD)
New York Jets at New York Giants
Tennessee Titans at Philadelphia Eagles
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
New England Patriots at Detroit Lions
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints
Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins
Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens
Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders
Week 2 (Aug. 15-19)
Chicago Bears at New York Giants
Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Redskins
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings (Fox, Aug. 18)
New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers
Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (ESPN, Aug. 15)
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams
Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers
Detroit Lions at Houston Texans
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts
Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars
New England at Tennessee Titans
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos (ESPN, Aug. 19)
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers (CBS, Aug. 18)
Week 3 (Aug. 22-25)
Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions (CBS, Aug. 23)
Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Rams
Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (Fox, Aug. 22)
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints at New York Jets
New York Giants at Cincinnati Bengals
Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans (NBC, Aug. 25)
San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs
Green Bay Packers vs. Oakland Raiders
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 4 (Aug. 29-30)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins
Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers
Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints
Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers
Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills
New York Giants at New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
Los Angeles Rams at Houston Texans
Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars
Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Vikings Visits
The 2019 NFL Draft is creeping closer and NFL teams have been bringing prospects to their facilities for visits. Teams are allowed 30 visits but each team handles those differently. The Minnesota Vikings do most of their visits in bulk. They like to see how these soon-to-be professional football players interact with each other. It's a little sociology experiment. The groups of prospects can range from as few as four to as many as 20. Teams rarely release a list of these visits in full so they have to be pieced to together through statements, comments, tweets, etc. from team beat-writers, league insiders, agents, and the players themselves. 22 of the Vikings' visits have been revealed in some fashion. Here are the players that have had a sweet little meet-and-greet or will have a sweet little meet-and-greet with the Vikings coaches at the spectacular Eagan facilities.
2019 Minnesota Vikings Prospect Visits
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Devin Ozigbo, RB, Nebraska
Jeff Smith, WR, Boston College
Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
Nate Davis, OG, Charlotte
Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
Luke Gifford, LB, Nebraska
Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Wisconsin
Ryan Connelly, LB, Wisconsin
Terrill Hanks, LB, New Mexico State
Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
John Baron, K, San Diego State
Nick Fitzgerald, QB. Mississippi State
Jamell Garcia-Williams. Edge, Alabama-Birmingham
Andrew Beck, TE, Texas
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
Teams can meet with players with local ties and not have them count against the 30-visit limit. The Vikings have had or scheduled visits with two local players:
Donnell Greene, OL, Minnesota
Blake Cashman, LB, Minnesota
Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
Robbie Grimsley, S, North Dakota State
I wouldn't mind seeing the Vikings using their eight draft picks on Cody Ford, Jace Sternberger, Nate Davis, Jalen Hurd, Devin Oigbo, Jamell Garcia-Williams, Isaiah Johnson, and Nick Fitzgerald.
These visits are simply a part of the draft evaluation process. The Vikings, and every team, are just checking boxes. Teams use these visits to confirm things, both good and bad. "Who are these kids?" "Do they fit what we're trying to do here?" "Is he really an ass?" All sorts of questions concerning these prospects are out there and not all of them are answered on the field.
Just for giggles here's a look at the reported visits that the Vikings have had the last two years.
2018 Visits
Jeff Badet, WR, Oklahoma
Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State
Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Carolina State
Matthew Gono, G, Wesley
P.J. Hall, DT, Sam Houston State
Devontae, Harris, CB, Illinois State
Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Holton Hill, CB, Texas
Nyheim Hines, RB, North Carolina State
Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC
Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
Quentin Poling, LB, Ohio
Frank Ragnow, G/C, Arkansas
Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Jaylen Samuels, TE, North Carolina State
Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
Kemoko Turay, Edge, Rutgers
Jake Wieneke, WR, South Dakota State
Connor Williams, OT, Texas
The Vikings selected Mike Hughes in the first round and signed Holton after he went undrafted. Both made a positive impact as rookies and look like they will make an even bigger impact moving forward. Holt's four-game suspension to start the 2019 season isn't a great start to that "bigger impact moving forward." Jeff Badet was signed as an undrafted free agent and spent the season on the practice squad. He was signed to a reserve/futures contract in January.
2017 Visits
Rodney Adams, WR, South Florida
Dylan Bradley, DE, Southern Mississippi
Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State
Dan Feeney, G, Indiana
Worth Gregory, P, East Carolina
Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming
Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo
Josh Jones, S, North Carolina State
Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State
Brendan Langley, DB, Lamar
Elijah Lee, LB, Kansas State
Mitch Leidner, QB, Minnesota
Jack Lynn, LB, Minnesota
Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
Leon McQuay III, S, USC
Jaylen Myrick, CB, Minnesota
Dare Ogunbowale, RB, Wisconsin
Jonah Pirsig, T, Minnesota
Curtis Samuel, RB, Ohio State
Damarius Travis, S, Minnesota
Drew Wolitarsky, WR, Minnesota
The Vikings drafted Pat Elflein in the third round, Rodney Adams in the fifth round, and Elijah Lee in the seventh round. Dylan Bradley was signed as an undrafted free agent. Jaylen Myrick was also selected in the seventh round but it was the Jacksonville Jaguars that did the selecting. Four days after the Jaguars waived Myrick the Vikings signed him to the practice. He had a yo-yo-like presence on the practice squad throughout the 2018 season. The Vikings signed him to a reserve/futures contract after the season.
2019 Minnesota Vikings Prospect Visits
Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
Devin Ozigbo, RB, Nebraska
Jeff Smith, WR, Boston College
Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma
Greg Little, OT, Mississippi
Nate Davis, OG, Charlotte
Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
Luke Gifford, LB, Nebraska
Andrew Van Ginkel, LB, Wisconsin
Ryan Connelly, LB, Wisconsin
Terrill Hanks, LB, New Mexico State
Isaiah Johnson, CB, Houston
Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
John Baron, K, San Diego State
Nick Fitzgerald, QB. Mississippi State
Jamell Garcia-Williams. Edge, Alabama-Birmingham
Andrew Beck, TE, Texas
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Jalen Hurd, WR, Baylor
Teams can meet with players with local ties and not have them count against the 30-visit limit. The Vikings have had or scheduled visits with two local players:
Donnell Greene, OL, Minnesota
Blake Cashman, LB, Minnesota
Trey Pipkins, OT, Sioux Falls
Robbie Grimsley, S, North Dakota State
I wouldn't mind seeing the Vikings using their eight draft picks on Cody Ford, Jace Sternberger, Nate Davis, Jalen Hurd, Devin Oigbo, Jamell Garcia-Williams, Isaiah Johnson, and Nick Fitzgerald.
These visits are simply a part of the draft evaluation process. The Vikings, and every team, are just checking boxes. Teams use these visits to confirm things, both good and bad. "Who are these kids?" "Do they fit what we're trying to do here?" "Is he really an ass?" All sorts of questions concerning these prospects are out there and not all of them are answered on the field.
Just for giggles here's a look at the reported visits that the Vikings have had the last two years.
2018 Visits
Jeff Badet, WR, Oklahoma
Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State
Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
Jack Cichy, LB, Wisconsin
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Carolina State
Matthew Gono, G, Wesley
P.J. Hall, DT, Sam Houston State
Devontae, Harris, CB, Illinois State
Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
Holton Hill, CB, Texas
Nyheim Hines, RB, North Carolina State
Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida
Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC
Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
Quentin Poling, LB, Ohio
Frank Ragnow, G/C, Arkansas
Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Jaylen Samuels, TE, North Carolina State
Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
Kemoko Turay, Edge, Rutgers
Jake Wieneke, WR, South Dakota State
Connor Williams, OT, Texas
The Vikings selected Mike Hughes in the first round and signed Holton after he went undrafted. Both made a positive impact as rookies and look like they will make an even bigger impact moving forward. Holt's four-game suspension to start the 2019 season isn't a great start to that "bigger impact moving forward." Jeff Badet was signed as an undrafted free agent and spent the season on the practice squad. He was signed to a reserve/futures contract in January.
2017 Visits
Rodney Adams, WR, South Florida
Dylan Bradley, DE, Southern Mississippi
Pat Elflein, C, Ohio State
Dan Feeney, G, Indiana
Worth Gregory, P, East Carolina
Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming
Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo
Josh Jones, S, North Carolina State
Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State
Brendan Langley, DB, Lamar
Elijah Lee, LB, Kansas State
Mitch Leidner, QB, Minnesota
Jack Lynn, LB, Minnesota
Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
Leon McQuay III, S, USC
Jaylen Myrick, CB, Minnesota
Dare Ogunbowale, RB, Wisconsin
Jonah Pirsig, T, Minnesota
Curtis Samuel, RB, Ohio State
Damarius Travis, S, Minnesota
Drew Wolitarsky, WR, Minnesota
The Vikings drafted Pat Elflein in the third round, Rodney Adams in the fifth round, and Elijah Lee in the seventh round. Dylan Bradley was signed as an undrafted free agent. Jaylen Myrick was also selected in the seventh round but it was the Jacksonville Jaguars that did the selecting. Four days after the Jaguars waived Myrick the Vikings signed him to the practice. He had a yo-yo-like presence on the practice squad throughout the 2018 season. The Vikings signed him to a reserve/futures contract after the season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)