Yesterday was the NFC Breakout Players. Today is the other conference.
Baltimore Ravens
Marquise Brown, WR
It feels like it's only a matter of time before Marquise Brown breaks out. With his speed, a quarterback like he has, and a running game like his team has, Brown could break out big.
Cincinnati Bengals
Jessie Bates III, S
Truthfully, Jessie Bates has already broken out. But he plays in Cincinnati so few knew that he broke out.
Cleveland Browns
Greedy Williams, CB
The Browns have a pair of talented corners with a lot of potential in Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward. Williams should see a lot of passes come his way with the more established Ward on the other side of the field. Williams has the length, speed, and talent to make quarterbacks pay for coming his way.
Pittsburgh Steelers
James Washington, WR
The Steelers were probably hoping that James Washington would break out as soon as Antonio Brown departed. Sometimes it takes a little time and Steelers quarterback situation didn't help. With a healthy Ben Roethlisberger this feels like the time for Washington.
Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary, RB
I didn't see much of Devin Singletary as a rookie last season until the playoffs. He was impressive in the playoffs. So impressive that he was the only player that I considered for the Bills breakout player.
Miami Dolphins
Christian Wilkins, DT
Christian Wilkins was one of my favorite players in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has the talent, leadership, and character to be a franchise cornerstone.
New England Patriots
Jarrett Stidham, QB
Is it a breakout season if a quarterback in his first year as a starter guides his team to season-long playoff contention. If so, I think that Jarrett Stidham breaks out this year.
New York Jets
Quinnen Williams, DE
A lot was expected of Quinnen Williams as a rookie last season. If he can put his rookie season behind him as a learning experience I think that he can reach, or exceed, expectations in his second season. I don't trust Jets' defensive coordinator Gregg Williams at all. He shouldn't be coaching football at any level. But I trust Quinnen Williams as a football player.
Houston Texans
Tytus Howard, OT
It's nice to include some offensive linemen on a breakout list. Tytus Howard might've been selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft to be the Texans' cornerstone left tackle. Then they traded for Laremy Tunsil. That took some pressure off of Howard but it didn't take away his importance in the improvement of a bad offensive line.
Indianapolis Colts
Parris Campbell, WR
Injuries wrecked Parris Campbell's rookie season. Hamstring, sports hernia, broken hand, broken foot. Three surgeries. Who has three surgeries in a single season? For several years, the Colts' receiver group was TY Hilton and the rest. Now, the depth chart is topped by Hilton, Campbell, and rookie Michael Pittman Jr. That's a lot of wide receiver talent for Philip Rivers. Campbell might be the most physically gifted of the group. If he can avoid the injuries, his breakout seems certain.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Allen, DE
It can be argued that Josh Allen broke out last year as a rookie. I still can't believe that the Jaguars lucked into Allen with the seventh pick. He shouldn't have made it past the fifth pick. His 10.5 sack rookie season is only a start.
Tennessee Titans
Jeffery Simmons, DE
If Jeffery Simmons hadn't torn his ACL during pre-daft workouts, he probably would've been a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Titans benefited as they lucked into one of the draft's best players with the 19th pick. His rookie season was expected to be a redshirt season. Instead, Simmons played in nine games. He has some NFL experience going into his first healthy season. He should look more like the player that was supposed to be one of the first few picks of the draft than the player that was still still rehabbing during his rookie season.
Denver Broncos
Noah Fant, TE
Noah Fant had a prodcutive rookie season. It still felt like just a glimpse of the player that he has the potential to be. The Broncos have a nice collection of talented, young, offensive playmakers. Including second-year quarterback Drew Lock. A tight end is often the best friend of a young quarterback. Fant is a very talented friend.
Kansas City Chiefs
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
With multiple turbo-charged receivers blasting their way through opponent's secondaries and Travis Kelce finding open spaces, I think that I would be a running and receiving threat out of the Chiefs backfield. Andy Reid brought up former Eagles back Brian Westbrook as a comparison for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Westbrook was a nightmare for defenses. I imagine Edwards-Helaire will be a similar sort of nightmare for defenses.
Las Vegas Raiders
Darren Waller, TE
Most consider last year to be Darren Waller's breakout season. After all, 90 catches, 1145 yards is a breakout season. I think that he's just getting started. It's tough to improve on those numbers. The Raiders have added more playmakers to the offense. Josh Jacobs is probably going to get better. Waller might never again hit the statistical benchmarks that he set last season. Mostly because he won't have to hit them. There were times in which he was the Raiders' only offensive threat. He's now part of an offense with several threats. I think that will help him develop into an even better football player.
Los Angeles Chargers
Uchenna Nwosu, DE
I just have a feeling about Uchenna Nwosu. I was intrigued by him at USC. I was curious about him in advance of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has impact edge rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram ahead of him. Perhaps Jerry Tillery is a better choice for a breakout player from the Chargers' defensive line. There's just something about Nwosu. I think that he's going to break out this year.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Saturday, May 30, 2020
NFC Breakout Players
Considering potential breakout players for each of the 32 NFL teams can be a fun offseason topic. It's certainly more fun than talking about Dak Prescott's contract situation. Here's a shot at potential breakout candidates for each team. The NFC is up first.
Minnesota Vikings
Irv Smith Jr., TE
Irv Smith Jr. flashed on occasion as a rookie last season. I believe that the Vikings aren't as concerned as most talking heads with their depth at receiver because of the down-the-field pass catching potential of Smith. In Minnesota, the second tight end should see the field more than the third receiver. Smith could break out big.
Green Bay Packers
Jace Sternberger, TE
The Packers have been trying to find a tight end since the Mark Chmura days. Injuries limited Jace Sternberger to six games last year as a rookie. I doubt that Marcedes Lewis will keep him from the field in his second season. Sternberger's ability to help significantly in the passing game and running game probably has the Packers dreaming about a George Kittle of their own.
Chicago Bears
James Daniels, OG
It's fun to see a breakout offensive lineman. It can be argued that James Daniels has already broken out. But he plays guard so most of the football-watching world doesn't know anything about him. Daniels has fast become one of the better interior linemen in the league.
Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson, TE
Another tight end! The only thing that kept T.J. Hockenson from fully breaking out as a rookie was the injury that cut short his season. If everyone can stay on the field, Matthew Stafford has the best collection of weapons of his career.
New York Giants
Evan Engram, TE
Another tight end! I'm glad that I didn't go with Cole Kmet for the Bears. The breakout candidate for the Giants came down to Evan Engram or Darius Slayton. Daniel Jones needs a go-to receiver. I think that Engram is closer to being that player.
Philadelphia Eagles
Josh Sweat, DE
The Eagles have waited a few years for Derek Barnett to break out. This could be his year. Since he hasn't done it yet I'm going with a slightly younger player that could wrestle away some playing time. Josh Sweat. How could an edge rusher on a defensive line that includes Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and now Javon Hargrave not break out?
Washington Redskins
Terry McLaurin, WR
It was tempting to pick one of the talented players on a fast improving front seven. I'm going with receiver Terry McLaurin. He was one of the best rookies in the league last year. Whoever's throwing the football in Washington will be helped by one of the best young pass catchers in the league.
Dallas Cowboys
Backup Defensive Tackles
This is a stretch. In looking at the Cowboys' offseason depth chart, the defensive tackle situation stands out. Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe are high profile players edging toward the end of their respective careers. I really like the potential of the players behind them, second-year Trysten Hill and rookie Neville Gallimore. I don't just like their potential down the road. I like their potential this season.
New Orleans Saints
Marcus Davenport, DE
After playing at itty-bitty University of Texas-San Antonio, the third year feels like the right time for the immensely talented Marcus Davenport to have his breakout season.
Atlanta Falcons
Hayden Hurst, TE
Wouldn't it be something if Laquon Treadwell had his breakout season with the Falcons? I was surprised when the Ravens traded Hayden Hurst. The Falcons were wise to jump at the opportunity to acquire one of the most talented, young tight ends in the league. Atlanta has finally found a replacement for Tony Gonzalez.
Carolina Panthers
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Teddy Bridgewater was supposed to be the franchise quarterback for the Vikings. That changed during a routine practice drill just before the 2016 season. Everything changed for the Vikings and for Bridgewater. He finally gets the opportunity to be "the quarterback" for a team again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antoine Winfield, Jr., S
A lot has changed in Tampa Bay this offseason. I was thinking about picking Chris Godwin or Vita Vea but both have already broken out. They are just a little under the radar due to playing in Tampa Bay. Instead, I'll go with rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. I think that he'll immediately play his way onto the field. His size draws easy, and lazy, comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu and Budda Baker. His versatile and aware play is a better comparison.
San Francisco 49ers
Jalen Hurd, WR
The 49ers have put together one of the most interesting receiver groups in the league. As a rookie, Deebo Samuel established himself as a versatile, physical offensive weapon. Kyle Shanahan could spend the rest of his coaching days drawing up ways of getting the ball in the hands of Samuel. Before the season, I thought that fellow rookie Jalen Hurd was closer to the player that Samuel ended up being. He was a productive running back in college before he became an intriguing receiver. As a professional, he brings a bit of both. He's a developing receiver with running back skills and physicality. Basically, the 49ers have a couple of beasts at the receiver position. Samuel broke out last year. It's Hurd's turn this year. In the draft, the 49ers added another tough, physical receiver when they traded up to select Brandon Aiyuk. This trio of receivers are going to put some bruises on defensive backs.
Seattle Seahawks
Quandre Diggs, S
With the Lions, Quandre Diggs was starting to come into his own as one of the league's most promising, young safeties. Then he was surprisingly traded to the Seahawks in the middle of last season. If felt then, and still feels now, as if the Seahawks were gifted a player that might help Seahawks fans finally stop dreaming about Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
Los Angeles Rams
Van Jefferson, WR
Perhaps it's a stretch to predict a breakout season for a rookie receiver when Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods top the depth chart. In a draft loaded with receiver talent, Van Jefferson might be the one that was most ready to compete in the NFL. As Kupp did when he entered the league, Jefferson has down some of the more technical aspects of the position. If he can adjust to the speed of the NFL, he should be productive and perhaps "breakout," as a rookie.
Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Simmons, LB
Isaiah Simmons was one of the my favorite players to watch in college football the last couple seasons. He was one of my favorite players in the 2020 NFL Draft. He should be one of the most fun players to watch as his career develops in the NFL. It was ridiculous that the most repeated knock in his draft evaluation was "where does a team play him?" How can the ability to play everywhere be a negative? Just point him to the field and let him play some football. Let him do more as he learns more. But most importantly, just let him play football.
Next up: The AFC.
Minnesota Vikings
Irv Smith Jr., TE
Irv Smith Jr. flashed on occasion as a rookie last season. I believe that the Vikings aren't as concerned as most talking heads with their depth at receiver because of the down-the-field pass catching potential of Smith. In Minnesota, the second tight end should see the field more than the third receiver. Smith could break out big.
Green Bay Packers
Jace Sternberger, TE
The Packers have been trying to find a tight end since the Mark Chmura days. Injuries limited Jace Sternberger to six games last year as a rookie. I doubt that Marcedes Lewis will keep him from the field in his second season. Sternberger's ability to help significantly in the passing game and running game probably has the Packers dreaming about a George Kittle of their own.
Chicago Bears
James Daniels, OG
It's fun to see a breakout offensive lineman. It can be argued that James Daniels has already broken out. But he plays guard so most of the football-watching world doesn't know anything about him. Daniels has fast become one of the better interior linemen in the league.
Detroit Lions
T.J. Hockenson, TE
Another tight end! The only thing that kept T.J. Hockenson from fully breaking out as a rookie was the injury that cut short his season. If everyone can stay on the field, Matthew Stafford has the best collection of weapons of his career.
New York Giants
Evan Engram, TE
Another tight end! I'm glad that I didn't go with Cole Kmet for the Bears. The breakout candidate for the Giants came down to Evan Engram or Darius Slayton. Daniel Jones needs a go-to receiver. I think that Engram is closer to being that player.
Philadelphia Eagles
Josh Sweat, DE
The Eagles have waited a few years for Derek Barnett to break out. This could be his year. Since he hasn't done it yet I'm going with a slightly younger player that could wrestle away some playing time. Josh Sweat. How could an edge rusher on a defensive line that includes Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and now Javon Hargrave not break out?
Washington Redskins
Terry McLaurin, WR
It was tempting to pick one of the talented players on a fast improving front seven. I'm going with receiver Terry McLaurin. He was one of the best rookies in the league last year. Whoever's throwing the football in Washington will be helped by one of the best young pass catchers in the league.
Dallas Cowboys
Backup Defensive Tackles
This is a stretch. In looking at the Cowboys' offseason depth chart, the defensive tackle situation stands out. Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe are high profile players edging toward the end of their respective careers. I really like the potential of the players behind them, second-year Trysten Hill and rookie Neville Gallimore. I don't just like their potential down the road. I like their potential this season.
New Orleans Saints
Marcus Davenport, DE
After playing at itty-bitty University of Texas-San Antonio, the third year feels like the right time for the immensely talented Marcus Davenport to have his breakout season.
Atlanta Falcons
Hayden Hurst, TE
Wouldn't it be something if Laquon Treadwell had his breakout season with the Falcons? I was surprised when the Ravens traded Hayden Hurst. The Falcons were wise to jump at the opportunity to acquire one of the most talented, young tight ends in the league. Atlanta has finally found a replacement for Tony Gonzalez.
Carolina Panthers
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Teddy Bridgewater was supposed to be the franchise quarterback for the Vikings. That changed during a routine practice drill just before the 2016 season. Everything changed for the Vikings and for Bridgewater. He finally gets the opportunity to be "the quarterback" for a team again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antoine Winfield, Jr., S
A lot has changed in Tampa Bay this offseason. I was thinking about picking Chris Godwin or Vita Vea but both have already broken out. They are just a little under the radar due to playing in Tampa Bay. Instead, I'll go with rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. I think that he'll immediately play his way onto the field. His size draws easy, and lazy, comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu and Budda Baker. His versatile and aware play is a better comparison.
San Francisco 49ers
Jalen Hurd, WR
The 49ers have put together one of the most interesting receiver groups in the league. As a rookie, Deebo Samuel established himself as a versatile, physical offensive weapon. Kyle Shanahan could spend the rest of his coaching days drawing up ways of getting the ball in the hands of Samuel. Before the season, I thought that fellow rookie Jalen Hurd was closer to the player that Samuel ended up being. He was a productive running back in college before he became an intriguing receiver. As a professional, he brings a bit of both. He's a developing receiver with running back skills and physicality. Basically, the 49ers have a couple of beasts at the receiver position. Samuel broke out last year. It's Hurd's turn this year. In the draft, the 49ers added another tough, physical receiver when they traded up to select Brandon Aiyuk. This trio of receivers are going to put some bruises on defensive backs.
Seattle Seahawks
Quandre Diggs, S
With the Lions, Quandre Diggs was starting to come into his own as one of the league's most promising, young safeties. Then he was surprisingly traded to the Seahawks in the middle of last season. If felt then, and still feels now, as if the Seahawks were gifted a player that might help Seahawks fans finally stop dreaming about Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
Los Angeles Rams
Van Jefferson, WR
Perhaps it's a stretch to predict a breakout season for a rookie receiver when Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods top the depth chart. In a draft loaded with receiver talent, Van Jefferson might be the one that was most ready to compete in the NFL. As Kupp did when he entered the league, Jefferson has down some of the more technical aspects of the position. If he can adjust to the speed of the NFL, he should be productive and perhaps "breakout," as a rookie.
Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Simmons, LB
Isaiah Simmons was one of the my favorite players to watch in college football the last couple seasons. He was one of my favorite players in the 2020 NFL Draft. He should be one of the most fun players to watch as his career develops in the NFL. It was ridiculous that the most repeated knock in his draft evaluation was "where does a team play him?" How can the ability to play everywhere be a negative? Just point him to the field and let him play some football. Let him do more as he learns more. But most importantly, just let him play football.
Next up: The AFC.
Friday, May 29, 2020
NFL Rules Changes
Owners and league officials have been meeting from remote locations this week to hash out and vote on proposals to the NFL Rule Book. Going into and during these meetings, the most talked about proposals were alternatives to the onside kickoff and the addition of an official as "an eye in the sky" to assist the on field officials. The alternative to the onside kickoff didn't pass and the additional official proposal was withdrawn before it even got to a vote. So, the proposals that received the most attention didn't make the cut. It shouldn't be a surprise to see each proposal return in some fashion for a future vote. The following rule proposals did pass.
Approved 2020 Playing Rules Summary
1. By Philadelphia; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, to make permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful Try attempt.
2. By Competition Committee; expands defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but who has not had time to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an opponent.
3. By Competition Committee; prevents teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running.
Approved 2020 Bylaws Summary
1. By League Office; increases the number of players that may be designated for return from two to three. Incorporates interpretations applicable to bye weeks during the regular season and postseason.
After the manner in which the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans made a joke of the endings of a couple games last season, including a playoff game, it's no surprise that the third rule change passed. Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel each took advantage of penalty/clock loop-holes to make the final moments of a couple games pretty much unwatchable. If anything can force change in the NFL it's the possibility of a game becoming unwatchable. No one wants to see a team in punt formation for a minute or more of game time. I suppose it was a little funny to see Vrabel pulled his late game stunt against Belichick.
None of the new rules passed this year drastically changes how football is played. That hasn't always been the case. One of the things that has fascinated me about football is it's evolution. Baseball, basketball, hockey, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, etc are played today very much like they were played when they were played for the first time. Equipment has advanced, some field/court dimensions have been tweaked but the games today look very much like the games of long ago yesterdays. Even the sports from which football evolved, soccer and rugby, have changed little from their origins. Today's football games look little like the football games played in the late 1800s. It's fascinating stuff.
Approved 2020 Playing Rules Summary
1. By Philadelphia; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, to make permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful Try attempt.
2. By Competition Committee; expands defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but who has not had time to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an opponent.
3. By Competition Committee; prevents teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running.
Approved 2020 Bylaws Summary
1. By League Office; increases the number of players that may be designated for return from two to three. Incorporates interpretations applicable to bye weeks during the regular season and postseason.
***
After the manner in which the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans made a joke of the endings of a couple games last season, including a playoff game, it's no surprise that the third rule change passed. Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel each took advantage of penalty/clock loop-holes to make the final moments of a couple games pretty much unwatchable. If anything can force change in the NFL it's the possibility of a game becoming unwatchable. No one wants to see a team in punt formation for a minute or more of game time. I suppose it was a little funny to see Vrabel pulled his late game stunt against Belichick.
None of the new rules passed this year drastically changes how football is played. That hasn't always been the case. One of the things that has fascinated me about football is it's evolution. Baseball, basketball, hockey, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, etc are played today very much like they were played when they were played for the first time. Equipment has advanced, some field/court dimensions have been tweaked but the games today look very much like the games of long ago yesterdays. Even the sports from which football evolved, soccer and rugby, have changed little from their origins. Today's football games look little like the football games played in the late 1800s. It's fascinating stuff.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Throwback Thursday: Two Geniuses And A Ballboy
This Flicker was originally posted 4/11/13.
As with the lack of respect shown to any high school substitute teacher, the New York Giants assistant coach had no hope of bringing the team's offensive meeting room to order. But when the bespectacled offensive coach entered the room and simply cleared his throat, all fell silent.
Pat Summerall leaned over to Don Heinrich and asked, "Who the hell is that?"
"That's Lombardi," Heinrich replied, "and you'll know soon enough."
It's amazing now that there was a time when Vince Lombardi was an unknown offensive coach. That was the case in his 1958 introduction to Summerall. Lombardi would be called an offensive coordinator today. Even more amazing is that the Giants unknown defensive coach then was Tom Landry. Lombardi and Landry are football coaching icons. Thinking of them as unknown assistant coaches is like thinking of Bill Walsh as Paul Brown's slappy in Cincinnati and Bill Belichick as Ted Marchibroda's gofer in Baltimore. It just doesn't feel right.
1956-63 is considered the "golden years" of New York Giants football. They won it all in 1956. They played for it all in five of the six seasons from 1958-63. Only missing the title game in 1960. Jim Lee Howell was the head coach. He'd be the first to admit that Lombardi and Landry were the ones that actually coached the players. It's impossible to imagine a head coach today giving the freedoms to his assistants that Howell easily gave his brilliant assistant coaches. He never felt threatened by them and constantly acknowledged their skills and where the credit belongs. In fact, the head coach claimed that he was only there to make sure that the footballs were properly inflated. Howell was hired as head coach in 1954. He had the difficult task of replacing his own coach, the legendary Steve Owen. Tom Landry was already there as a player/coach but was made a full-time coach. Howell's first external hire was grabbing Vince Lombardi from Red Blaik's Army team. Howell's first order of business for his coaches was to catch the Cleveland Browns. Paul Brown's Browns were the NFL's dominant team as soon as they joined the NFL, after the folding of the All-America Football Conference, in 1950. The new kids on the block were the best kids on the block. The Browns played in every NFL title game from 1950-55. They won championships in 1950, '54, and '55. The schemes developed by Lombardi and Landry were done with the Browns in mind. Being in the same Eastern Conference, the Browns success was at the expense of the Giants success. The rivalry between the two teams became the NFL's best in the 1950's. It only took two years for the two Giants assistants to get past the Browns. They were helped by the retirement of Browns quarterback Otto Graham following the 1955 title game. Still, everything came together for the Giants in 1956. Frank Gifford was the perfect back for Lombardi's power sweep/option attack. Gifford was the NFL's MVP that season. Landry's defense, led by rookie middle linebacker Sam Huff, was brilliant. Landry's scheme and Huff's play was making a football-curious nation aware of this new "middle linebacker" position. For the first time in an NFL stadium there were chants of "defense,defense, defense...." The Giants were on top of the football world. The unknown assistant coaches were becoming known. Lombardi's last game with the Giants was the 1958 NFL Championship game against the Baltimore Colts, the "Greatest Game Ever Played." The Green Bay Packers grabbed him. That went so well that the Super Bowl trophy is named after the former Giants assistant coach. Landry's last game with the Giants was the 1959 NFL Championship game, also against the Colts. The expansion Dallas Cowboys grabbed him. He became a fixture in Dallas for an amazing 29 years. His Cowboys won five Conference and two Super Bowl titles. The two unknown coaching assistants that shared the same sideline in New York in the '50s were on opposite sidelines for two classic League Championship games a decade later. Lombardi won both. Howell retired following the 1960 season. Allie Sherman, who took over the offense from Lombardi, took over for Howell. The team that Howell, Lombardi, and Landry built played in three straight NFL Championship games from 1961-63. The Giants lost the first two to Lombardi's Packers.
There's no denying the football brilliance and historical significance of Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry. For nearly 35 years, one or both were cornerstones of the NFL. History has not been as kind to Jim Lee Howell. I've been guilty of too easily dismissing his importance to those great New York Giants teams. One of the most impressive aspects of Howell was that he simply didn't care if he got credit for the wins. He'd rather take the blame for a loss than take credit for a win. Fortunately, those Giants teams had far more wins than losses. Howell did far more than pump up the footballs. He should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply for managing the egos and demands of his assistant coaches. The ability of head coaches to manage and delegate authority is more appreciated today. Head coaches in the first half of the NFL's existence did much more scheming and teaching. With only a few coaches on a staff, they had to. Jim Lee Howell was one of the first, if not the first, head coaches to limit his duties to delegating and game managing. It was Howell that decided to send Pat Summerall out to kick about a 50-yard field goal against Cleveland in something of a blizzard in 1958. A field goal that Summerall made to force a playoff against the same Browns team a week later. A field goal that would eventually put them in the 1958 NFL Championship game. A field goal attempt that was strongly opposed by Lombardi and Landry.
As with the lack of respect shown to any high school substitute teacher, the New York Giants assistant coach had no hope of bringing the team's offensive meeting room to order. But when the bespectacled offensive coach entered the room and simply cleared his throat, all fell silent.
Pat Summerall leaned over to Don Heinrich and asked, "Who the hell is that?"
"That's Lombardi," Heinrich replied, "and you'll know soon enough."
It's amazing now that there was a time when Vince Lombardi was an unknown offensive coach. That was the case in his 1958 introduction to Summerall. Lombardi would be called an offensive coordinator today. Even more amazing is that the Giants unknown defensive coach then was Tom Landry. Lombardi and Landry are football coaching icons. Thinking of them as unknown assistant coaches is like thinking of Bill Walsh as Paul Brown's slappy in Cincinnati and Bill Belichick as Ted Marchibroda's gofer in Baltimore. It just doesn't feel right.
1956-63 is considered the "golden years" of New York Giants football. They won it all in 1956. They played for it all in five of the six seasons from 1958-63. Only missing the title game in 1960. Jim Lee Howell was the head coach. He'd be the first to admit that Lombardi and Landry were the ones that actually coached the players. It's impossible to imagine a head coach today giving the freedoms to his assistants that Howell easily gave his brilliant assistant coaches. He never felt threatened by them and constantly acknowledged their skills and where the credit belongs. In fact, the head coach claimed that he was only there to make sure that the footballs were properly inflated. Howell was hired as head coach in 1954. He had the difficult task of replacing his own coach, the legendary Steve Owen. Tom Landry was already there as a player/coach but was made a full-time coach. Howell's first external hire was grabbing Vince Lombardi from Red Blaik's Army team. Howell's first order of business for his coaches was to catch the Cleveland Browns. Paul Brown's Browns were the NFL's dominant team as soon as they joined the NFL, after the folding of the All-America Football Conference, in 1950. The new kids on the block were the best kids on the block. The Browns played in every NFL title game from 1950-55. They won championships in 1950, '54, and '55. The schemes developed by Lombardi and Landry were done with the Browns in mind. Being in the same Eastern Conference, the Browns success was at the expense of the Giants success. The rivalry between the two teams became the NFL's best in the 1950's. It only took two years for the two Giants assistants to get past the Browns. They were helped by the retirement of Browns quarterback Otto Graham following the 1955 title game. Still, everything came together for the Giants in 1956. Frank Gifford was the perfect back for Lombardi's power sweep/option attack. Gifford was the NFL's MVP that season. Landry's defense, led by rookie middle linebacker Sam Huff, was brilliant. Landry's scheme and Huff's play was making a football-curious nation aware of this new "middle linebacker" position. For the first time in an NFL stadium there were chants of "defense,defense, defense...." The Giants were on top of the football world. The unknown assistant coaches were becoming known. Lombardi's last game with the Giants was the 1958 NFL Championship game against the Baltimore Colts, the "Greatest Game Ever Played." The Green Bay Packers grabbed him. That went so well that the Super Bowl trophy is named after the former Giants assistant coach. Landry's last game with the Giants was the 1959 NFL Championship game, also against the Colts. The expansion Dallas Cowboys grabbed him. He became a fixture in Dallas for an amazing 29 years. His Cowboys won five Conference and two Super Bowl titles. The two unknown coaching assistants that shared the same sideline in New York in the '50s were on opposite sidelines for two classic League Championship games a decade later. Lombardi won both. Howell retired following the 1960 season. Allie Sherman, who took over the offense from Lombardi, took over for Howell. The team that Howell, Lombardi, and Landry built played in three straight NFL Championship games from 1961-63. The Giants lost the first two to Lombardi's Packers.
There's no denying the football brilliance and historical significance of Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry. For nearly 35 years, one or both were cornerstones of the NFL. History has not been as kind to Jim Lee Howell. I've been guilty of too easily dismissing his importance to those great New York Giants teams. One of the most impressive aspects of Howell was that he simply didn't care if he got credit for the wins. He'd rather take the blame for a loss than take credit for a win. Fortunately, those Giants teams had far more wins than losses. Howell did far more than pump up the footballs. He should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply for managing the egos and demands of his assistant coaches. The ability of head coaches to manage and delegate authority is more appreciated today. Head coaches in the first half of the NFL's existence did much more scheming and teaching. With only a few coaches on a staff, they had to. Jim Lee Howell was one of the first, if not the first, head coaches to limit his duties to delegating and game managing. It was Howell that decided to send Pat Summerall out to kick about a 50-yard field goal against Cleveland in something of a blizzard in 1958. A field goal that Summerall made to force a playoff against the same Browns team a week later. A field goal that would eventually put them in the 1958 NFL Championship game. A field goal attempt that was strongly opposed by Lombardi and Landry.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Salary Cap Space/It's Not A Rebuild
With an excess of available time, I was thinking about the salary cap status of each of the 32 NFL teams. Actually, I was thinking about the salary cap status of a single team and the other 31 teams tagged along. At the beginning of this odd offseason, many of the talking heads had some giggles over the salary cap situation of the Minnesota Vikings. A roster purge was inevitable. If there's a roster purge, there has to be a rebuild. I'm not so sure it's a rebuild if a team extends their $30 million quarterback for another two seasons. More on that later. For now, here's a salary cap look at the league's 32 teams.
Cap data from sportrac
Only each team's Top 51 contracts count against the salary cap during the offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons have yet to sign any of their six draft picks. Something's gotta give.
At least the New England Patriots have their entire 10-player draft class signed. They are the only team to accomplish that.
It's interesting to see that the four AFC South teams are among the Top 12 teams in available cap space.
The other 31 teams are just tagging along. This is about the Vikings.
On March 12, a week before the start of free agency, ESPN had the Vikings' with $1,504,204 in cap space. That placed them 32nd among the NFL's 32 teams in available cap space. What could they do with so little cap space? The talking heads honked about a roster purge and rebuild. Instead of a rebuild, the Vikings just went about their offseason business. That business included extending the expensive contract of their soon to be 32-year old quarterback. Talk of a roster rebuild should end there. This has been an offseason of change. There needed to be change. The Vikings had about six years of roster consistency on defense. Perhaps that roster consistency allowed a little stagnation to creep into that side of the ball. Whatever the reason, the defense last year didn't really look much like the strong defense of previous years. A lot of that was due to the play of the cornerbacks. That's why it shouldn't have been surprising to see the top three corners of a year ago depart this offseason. Maybe the defense needed a little shaking, a little change. To retain any number or combination of the three corners would've cost more than the Vikings could afford. Instead of keeping any combination of the three corners, the Vikings decided to keep safety Anthony Harris, a rapidly ascending player. Having excellent, veteran safeties Harrison Smith and Harris in the defensive backfield should help an exceedingly young, overhauled cornerback group. Mike Hughes is now the team's most experienced cornerback. He's only two years removed from his first round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. He's also yet to play a complete 16-game season. Holton Hill, Kris Boyd, and a load of rookies, including first-rounder Jeff Gladney, will populate the depth chart. There's a lot of talent there. There's also a lot of questions. There's something exciting about that. The defensive line will also look different. The Vikings' lone dive into the free agency pool brought defensive tackle Michael Pierce. Linval Joseph had been fantastic as a running stuffing force in the middle of the line for years. Unfortunately, he's nearing the end of his prime years. Pierce is entering his. As much as I loved Joseph's play, presence, and leadership this exchange should be an improvement. As long as he remains unsigned by another team there's a chance that defensive end Everson Griffen could return. Each day that he doesn't return seems to diminish the chances of it happening. In May, it appears that Ifeadi Odenigbo is in line to replace Griffen. Odenigbo played well last year in a rotational role. He should only get better with more experience and playing time. Until that actually happens, he's still an unknown.
This offseason brought a lot of change to the Vikings defense. There was one big change on offense. The trade of Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills was painful. It will always be painful as Diggs was one of my favorite players. For whatever reasons, he didn't want to be in Minnesota. Forcing a player into a situation in which he isn't happy rarely works out well for player or team. Something had to give. The Vikings got a nice return. They added Justin Jefferson, one of the best receivers in a strong receiver draft, with the first-round pick obtained in the trade. Until he proves otherwise, Jefferson is an unknown.
The funny thing about an NFL offseason is that things change. The Vikings started the offseason with a lot of national giggles. They were last in cap space and had a whole bunch of roster questions. They had players that they couldn't afford and free agents that they couldn't keep. Basically, they had an unsustainable roster and no cap space to improve it. A lot has changed since then. They made judicious roster decisions through the early days of free agency. Then they bolstered the roster with a robust, record-setting draft class of 15 football players. The Vikings got younger. They added more talent than they lost. Granted, most of the added talent is unproven talent. I'd rather go with unproven talent than declining talent. It isn't a stretch to say that the Vikings' current roster has more potential than it did this time last year. This offseason, the Vikings went from last in cap space with a lot to do in March to 18th in cap space with most of the work done in May.
It's not a rebuild.
Cap data from sportrac
| Rank | Team | Cap Space |
| 1 | Cleveland Browns | $37,400,428 |
| 2 | Washington Redskins | $35,418,052 |
| 3 | Miami Dolphins | $33,845,970 |
| 4 | Detroit Lions | $28,231,477 |
| 5 | Cincinnati Bengals | $24,333,471 |
| 6 | Indianapolis Colts | $24,324,770 |
| 7 | Los Angeles Chargers | $24,273,637 |
| 8 | Philadelphia Eagles | $22,233,008 |
| 9 | Jacksonville Jaguars | $21,111,472 |
| 10 | Buffalo Bills | $19,405,681 |
| 11 | Tennessee Titans | $19,365,260 |
| 12 | Houston Texans | $17,657,468 |
| 13 | Denver Broncos | $16,862,356 |
| 14 | New York Giants | $16,408,788 |
| 15 | Seattle Seahawks | $15,847,041 |
| 16 | San Francisco 49ers | $14,092,504 |
| 17 | Las Vegas Raiders | $12,930,093 |
| 18 | Minnesota Vikings | $12,341,635 |
| 19 | New York Jets | $11,913,959 |
| 20 | Green Bay Packers | $10,856,427 |
| 21 | Chicago Bears | $9,515,170 |
| 22 | New Orleans Saints | $9,455,846 |
| 23 | Baltimore Ravens | $8,107,038 |
| 24 | Arizona Cardinals | $6,985,230 |
| 25 | Carolina Panthers | $6,359,432 |
| 26 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $5,696,191 |
| 27 | Dallas Cowboys | $4,138,043 |
| 28 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | $3,751,955 |
| 29 | Los Angeles Rams | $2,533,512 |
| 30 | Kansas City Chiefs | $1,410,123 |
| 31 | New England Patriots | $1,056,604 |
| 32 | Atlanta Falcons | $963,409 |
Only each team's Top 51 contracts count against the salary cap during the offseason.
The Atlanta Falcons have yet to sign any of their six draft picks. Something's gotta give.
At least the New England Patriots have their entire 10-player draft class signed. They are the only team to accomplish that.
It's interesting to see that the four AFC South teams are among the Top 12 teams in available cap space.
The other 31 teams are just tagging along. This is about the Vikings.
On March 12, a week before the start of free agency, ESPN had the Vikings' with $1,504,204 in cap space. That placed them 32nd among the NFL's 32 teams in available cap space. What could they do with so little cap space? The talking heads honked about a roster purge and rebuild. Instead of a rebuild, the Vikings just went about their offseason business. That business included extending the expensive contract of their soon to be 32-year old quarterback. Talk of a roster rebuild should end there. This has been an offseason of change. There needed to be change. The Vikings had about six years of roster consistency on defense. Perhaps that roster consistency allowed a little stagnation to creep into that side of the ball. Whatever the reason, the defense last year didn't really look much like the strong defense of previous years. A lot of that was due to the play of the cornerbacks. That's why it shouldn't have been surprising to see the top three corners of a year ago depart this offseason. Maybe the defense needed a little shaking, a little change. To retain any number or combination of the three corners would've cost more than the Vikings could afford. Instead of keeping any combination of the three corners, the Vikings decided to keep safety Anthony Harris, a rapidly ascending player. Having excellent, veteran safeties Harrison Smith and Harris in the defensive backfield should help an exceedingly young, overhauled cornerback group. Mike Hughes is now the team's most experienced cornerback. He's only two years removed from his first round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. He's also yet to play a complete 16-game season. Holton Hill, Kris Boyd, and a load of rookies, including first-rounder Jeff Gladney, will populate the depth chart. There's a lot of talent there. There's also a lot of questions. There's something exciting about that. The defensive line will also look different. The Vikings' lone dive into the free agency pool brought defensive tackle Michael Pierce. Linval Joseph had been fantastic as a running stuffing force in the middle of the line for years. Unfortunately, he's nearing the end of his prime years. Pierce is entering his. As much as I loved Joseph's play, presence, and leadership this exchange should be an improvement. As long as he remains unsigned by another team there's a chance that defensive end Everson Griffen could return. Each day that he doesn't return seems to diminish the chances of it happening. In May, it appears that Ifeadi Odenigbo is in line to replace Griffen. Odenigbo played well last year in a rotational role. He should only get better with more experience and playing time. Until that actually happens, he's still an unknown.
This offseason brought a lot of change to the Vikings defense. There was one big change on offense. The trade of Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills was painful. It will always be painful as Diggs was one of my favorite players. For whatever reasons, he didn't want to be in Minnesota. Forcing a player into a situation in which he isn't happy rarely works out well for player or team. Something had to give. The Vikings got a nice return. They added Justin Jefferson, one of the best receivers in a strong receiver draft, with the first-round pick obtained in the trade. Until he proves otherwise, Jefferson is an unknown.
The funny thing about an NFL offseason is that things change. The Vikings started the offseason with a lot of national giggles. They were last in cap space and had a whole bunch of roster questions. They had players that they couldn't afford and free agents that they couldn't keep. Basically, they had an unsustainable roster and no cap space to improve it. A lot has changed since then. They made judicious roster decisions through the early days of free agency. Then they bolstered the roster with a robust, record-setting draft class of 15 football players. The Vikings got younger. They added more talent than they lost. Granted, most of the added talent is unproven talent. I'd rather go with unproven talent than declining talent. It isn't a stretch to say that the Vikings' current roster has more potential than it did this time last year. This offseason, the Vikings went from last in cap space with a lot to do in March to 18th in cap space with most of the work done in May.
It's not a rebuild.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
NFL Rules Proposals
During upcoming online league meetings, the NFL's owners will discuss some rules proposals. All proposals must be approved by 75% of the owners. Here are the proposals submitted by the Competition Committee and a few of the clubs.
from NFL Operations:
COMPETITION COMMITTEE RULES PROPOSALS
By the Competition Committee, to amend Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9, to expand defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but who has not had time to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an opponent.
By the Competition Committee, to amend Rule 4, Section 3, Article 2, to prevent teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running.
CLUB PLAYING RULES PROPOSALS
By Philadelphia; to amend Rule 15, Section 2, to make permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful Try attempt.
By Philadelphia; to amend Rule 6, Section 1, Article 1, to provide an alternative to the onside kick that would allow a team who is trailing in the game an opportunity to maintain possession of the ball after scoring (4th and 15 from the kicking team’s 25-yard line).
By Miami; to amend Rule 4, Section 3, Article 2, to provide the option to the defense for the game clock to start on the referee’s signal if the defense declines an offensive penalty that occurs late in either half.
By Baltimore and Los Angeles Chargers; to amend Rule 19, Section 2, to add a “booth umpire” as an eighth game official to the officiating crew.
By Baltimore and Los Angeles Chargers; to amend Rule 19, Section 2, to add a Senior Technology Advisor to the Referee to assist the officiating crew.
***
The Eagles and Ravens always seem to be proposing new rules. Are they wronged every year?
By the Competition Committee, to amend Rule 4, Section 3, Article 2, to prevent teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running.
After seeing the manner in which the Patriots and the Texans jacked with a couple of games last year, there was no doubt that this rule change was coming this offseason. It had better be approved unanimously. Or at worst, 30-2.
As a football traditionalist, I hate to see the onside kick eliminated. I've hated to see the kickoff gradually eliminated. There are ways to make the game as safe as possible without eliminating some of the things that have always been key elements of the game. Some of the alternatives feel "gimmicky" to me. Pretty soon they are going to haul out some Cornhole to settle on-field issues. I'm sure that I'll come around to any inevitable changes. There was a time when football traditionalists thought that the forward pass was "gimmicky."
Officiating has gotten so bad that having some "eyes in the sky" in the form of a booth umpire sounds like a fantastic idea. Alberto Riveron making decisions from New York was a disaster.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Minority Hiring
I had a more upbeat Flicker in mind for Memorial Day. Then I read Peter King's Football Morning In America column. King is one of best football writers. He's my favorite as he never ceases to approach football with a wonderful sense of curiosity. What he finds interesting about the game I find interesting. When he finds something interesting he really dives into it. This wasn't one of those fun, interesting columns. He doesn't like tackling the NFL's horrible track record of hiring minorities for head coaching and team management positions. There are loads of more fun, more exciting football topics. Even in May. Unfortunately, his job demands that he deals with some shitty topics on occasion. It isn't always pretty in the NFL. So, here I am, speaking again on the hiring inequality in the NFL. Thanks Peter.
In his column, King touches on nepotism within some of the league's teams as a possible reason for the lack of opportunities for minorities in the assistant coaching ranks. To get to one of the league's 32 head coaching positions, a coach has to start somewhere. If they aren't getting opportunities at the assistant coaching level they aren't on a track to get noticed. Is nepotism blocking some young minority coaches from getting that first opportunity in the league? King mentions it as a possibility. Head coaches fill their coaching staff with coaches they know and they do know their kids. King mentions four teams with father-son coaching combinations. The Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. He mentions the specific fathers and sons coaching on the Patriots, Seahawks, and Chiefs. It doesn't take long to detail those particulars as the assistant coaches in question are sons of the head coach. He doesn't mention the specific fathers and sons coaching with the Vikings. Perhaps that's because there are three fathers and three sons. It would take too long to explain each of the three. Or, perhaps it's because one of the Vikings' father-son tandems is African American. Defensive Coordinator Andre Patterson is a long-time coaching friend of Mike Zimmer. It was only natural that Patterson would come to Minnesota when Zimmer finally received his first head coaching opportunity in 2014. It also felt natural that AC Patterson would get an opportunity to break into the NFL coaching world as an offensive quality control coach on his father's team. A young African American football coach has to get an opportunity somewhere, somehow. In this case, nepotism helped that young African American football coach.
Now to the heart of the minority hiring matter. Talking heads around the football world have often tackled this issue. Everyone with an interest in the sport probably has an opinion on it. From internet idiots that honk nonsense like "whatta bout white running backs!" to people actually thinking about solutions. All possible solutions come from the right place but they all dance around the reason for the problem. There are too many owners that don't want to hire a black head coach. If you throw 20 old, rich, white men into a room, I'll bet that three-quarters have racist ideals. We see racist tendencies every single day. Everywhere. From walking along the street to the highest levels of the government. Fortunately, the number of people that truly want to see things change are increasing in numbers. But there's so much catching up to do. In my lifetime, I've seen NFL coaching staffs go from zero, or damn near zero, black assistant coaches to modest representation across all 32 teams. I've seen black quarterbacks routinely moved to less "thinky" positions to actually leading their teams. These modest changes took more than 40 years. Very slow. Some of today's black quarterbacks are among the most dominant football players in the league. Before we celebrate these slow and modest changes, take a look at the drafts in which those quarterbacks were selected. In the 2017 NFL Draft, Mitchell Trubisky was selected before Patrick Mahomes and DeShaun Watson. Perhaps the Chicago Bears were just stupid, a team that simply missed something. A year later, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen were selected in the top 10. Lamar Jackson was selected with the 32nd pick. If the Ravens hadn't traded into that spot, Jackson would've fallen out of the first round. As much as the opportunities have inched forward for black quarterbacks over my lifetime, more often than not they are considered after the white quarterbacks. The quarterback position has followed the same integration evolution as the other "thinking" positions. Middle linebacker, center, safety. There was a time when blacks weren't allowed to the play those positions either. The evolution has just been much, much slower for the quarterbacks. The reason for that is obvious. They are the face of the team. As is the head coach. Maybe a decade from now the black quarterbacks of today will be quarterback coaches and offensive coordinators. Those are the assistant coaches that are typically tapped to be head coaches. The opportunities for blacks have to grow even more before there's enough black head coaching candidates that even racist owners can't ignore them. But nothing will change until owners want to hire a person of color to be their head coach. When was the last time an old, rich, white man changed his mind on anything?
In his column, King touches on nepotism within some of the league's teams as a possible reason for the lack of opportunities for minorities in the assistant coaching ranks. To get to one of the league's 32 head coaching positions, a coach has to start somewhere. If they aren't getting opportunities at the assistant coaching level they aren't on a track to get noticed. Is nepotism blocking some young minority coaches from getting that first opportunity in the league? King mentions it as a possibility. Head coaches fill their coaching staff with coaches they know and they do know their kids. King mentions four teams with father-son coaching combinations. The Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. He mentions the specific fathers and sons coaching on the Patriots, Seahawks, and Chiefs. It doesn't take long to detail those particulars as the assistant coaches in question are sons of the head coach. He doesn't mention the specific fathers and sons coaching with the Vikings. Perhaps that's because there are three fathers and three sons. It would take too long to explain each of the three. Or, perhaps it's because one of the Vikings' father-son tandems is African American. Defensive Coordinator Andre Patterson is a long-time coaching friend of Mike Zimmer. It was only natural that Patterson would come to Minnesota when Zimmer finally received his first head coaching opportunity in 2014. It also felt natural that AC Patterson would get an opportunity to break into the NFL coaching world as an offensive quality control coach on his father's team. A young African American football coach has to get an opportunity somewhere, somehow. In this case, nepotism helped that young African American football coach.
Now to the heart of the minority hiring matter. Talking heads around the football world have often tackled this issue. Everyone with an interest in the sport probably has an opinion on it. From internet idiots that honk nonsense like "whatta bout white running backs!" to people actually thinking about solutions. All possible solutions come from the right place but they all dance around the reason for the problem. There are too many owners that don't want to hire a black head coach. If you throw 20 old, rich, white men into a room, I'll bet that three-quarters have racist ideals. We see racist tendencies every single day. Everywhere. From walking along the street to the highest levels of the government. Fortunately, the number of people that truly want to see things change are increasing in numbers. But there's so much catching up to do. In my lifetime, I've seen NFL coaching staffs go from zero, or damn near zero, black assistant coaches to modest representation across all 32 teams. I've seen black quarterbacks routinely moved to less "thinky" positions to actually leading their teams. These modest changes took more than 40 years. Very slow. Some of today's black quarterbacks are among the most dominant football players in the league. Before we celebrate these slow and modest changes, take a look at the drafts in which those quarterbacks were selected. In the 2017 NFL Draft, Mitchell Trubisky was selected before Patrick Mahomes and DeShaun Watson. Perhaps the Chicago Bears were just stupid, a team that simply missed something. A year later, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen were selected in the top 10. Lamar Jackson was selected with the 32nd pick. If the Ravens hadn't traded into that spot, Jackson would've fallen out of the first round. As much as the opportunities have inched forward for black quarterbacks over my lifetime, more often than not they are considered after the white quarterbacks. The quarterback position has followed the same integration evolution as the other "thinking" positions. Middle linebacker, center, safety. There was a time when blacks weren't allowed to the play those positions either. The evolution has just been much, much slower for the quarterbacks. The reason for that is obvious. They are the face of the team. As is the head coach. Maybe a decade from now the black quarterbacks of today will be quarterback coaches and offensive coordinators. Those are the assistant coaches that are typically tapped to be head coaches. The opportunities for blacks have to grow even more before there's enough black head coaching candidates that even racist owners can't ignore them. But nothing will change until owners want to hire a person of color to be their head coach. When was the last time an old, rich, white man changed his mind on anything?
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Sign Of The Times
In recent years, the Minnesota Vikings had crafted a routine of signing their draft picks within a week, or two, of the completion of the draft. For a Vikings fan that loves to see bureaucratic, procedural things out of the way, it was beautiful. The pre-2011 CBA days drove me nuts with rookie holdouts and last-minute signings. Perhaps the best thing to come out of that CBA was getting the out-of-control rookie deals under control. For too many reasons, this has been a different sort of offseason. It's been about a month since the 2020 NFL Draft and not one of the Vikings' 15 draft picks have signed their first NFL contract. The Vikings aren't the only team that's been slow to get their rookies signed. Only two first round picks have signed. The New England Patriots are the only team to have their entire rookie class signed. Good for them. They didn't have a first round pick and they didn't have the cap room to do anything but sign their entire class. Anyway, who cares about the Patriots? This is about the Vikings and a fan that misses the good old days of only a year ago.
The Vikings have yet to sign any of the 15 players that they selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.
4. James Lynch, DT, Baylor
4. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
5. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
5. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)
6. Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State
6. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
7. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State
7. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
7. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
7. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
That's a lot of signing to get done. During the great signing times of recent years, the Vikings often signed their draft picks back to front. They started with the late-round picks and worked their way toward the first round. Thanks to that 2011 CBA, rookie contracts are pretty much scripted. There isn't a lot of negotiating to do. It's really just a matter of getting to it and getting it done. This year, the Vikings have simply decided not to immediately get down to it. I believe that there are a couple of reasons for that. The biggest one being these unfortunate times. When the Vikings started aggressively signing their draft picks it was as an effort to get them signed before they stepped on the field for the rookie mini-camp. That mini-camp was held a week after the draft so they had a week to get the rookies signed. It felt like a race and it was a race that the Vikings front office came close to winning every year. There'd occasionally be an early-round draft pick, or two, that would be on the field for the mini-camp without a signed rookie deal. The end result of the signing race was that the entire rookie draft would be under contract before May was half complete. There's no signing race this year because there's no rookie mini-camp. The only team-player contact has been through a computer so there's apparently no need for a rookie contract. Different times.
While I believe that the canceled on-field work is a reason the Vikings have yet to sign their draft class, I don't believe that it's the only reason. They have a couple other signings that I'm certain they want to get done this offseason. Anthony Harris signed his franchise tag this past week. A long-term deal is probably next. Dalvin Cook has a year remaining on his rookie deal. The Vikings have often signed their cornerstone players to extensions with a year remaining on their current deal. Cook is most certainly a cornerstone player. I don't care that the disciples of analytics cry that teams shouldn't invest heavily in running backs. I beleive that the Vikings should put monetary faith in their young running back. He's a unique football player. The only real concern that I have with Cook and a contract extension is his injury history. I hope that his injuries are behind him, much like Robert Smtih got through a run of early injuries in the 1990s. Injuries will always be an issue in football but sometimes the team has to take a chance with a contract and hope that the player stays on the field. I think that Cook is the sort of player with which you take that chance. Sportrac and Over The Cap currently have the Vikings with just over $12 million in cap space. That includes Harris' $11.4 franchise tag cost for this season. The Vikings could just sign their picks and call the offseason done. I think that they want to get Harris and Cook deals done and I think that all of the signings have to be done in particular order. I'm guessing that Harris' long-term deal will lower his cap cost for this year. That savings could help with any possible increase in Cook's contract. Then the Vikings can finally get to those draft picks.
Or maybe, all of the Vikings' contract people are safe at home and focusing on their family and their own lives. Maybe they are just waiting for things to improve and they'll deal with this work stuff a little later than what I've come to consider normal. Who knows? I sure don't.
For a Vikings fan that has zero patience for bureaucratic delays, these are tough times. But there are many, more important things going on. So, I'll just safely wait for the better times to return.
1. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
1. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
2. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
3. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
4. D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina4. James Lynch, DT, Baylor
4. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
5. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
5. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)
6. Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State
6. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
7. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State
7. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
7. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
7. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
That's a lot of signing to get done. During the great signing times of recent years, the Vikings often signed their draft picks back to front. They started with the late-round picks and worked their way toward the first round. Thanks to that 2011 CBA, rookie contracts are pretty much scripted. There isn't a lot of negotiating to do. It's really just a matter of getting to it and getting it done. This year, the Vikings have simply decided not to immediately get down to it. I believe that there are a couple of reasons for that. The biggest one being these unfortunate times. When the Vikings started aggressively signing their draft picks it was as an effort to get them signed before they stepped on the field for the rookie mini-camp. That mini-camp was held a week after the draft so they had a week to get the rookies signed. It felt like a race and it was a race that the Vikings front office came close to winning every year. There'd occasionally be an early-round draft pick, or two, that would be on the field for the mini-camp without a signed rookie deal. The end result of the signing race was that the entire rookie draft would be under contract before May was half complete. There's no signing race this year because there's no rookie mini-camp. The only team-player contact has been through a computer so there's apparently no need for a rookie contract. Different times.
While I believe that the canceled on-field work is a reason the Vikings have yet to sign their draft class, I don't believe that it's the only reason. They have a couple other signings that I'm certain they want to get done this offseason. Anthony Harris signed his franchise tag this past week. A long-term deal is probably next. Dalvin Cook has a year remaining on his rookie deal. The Vikings have often signed their cornerstone players to extensions with a year remaining on their current deal. Cook is most certainly a cornerstone player. I don't care that the disciples of analytics cry that teams shouldn't invest heavily in running backs. I beleive that the Vikings should put monetary faith in their young running back. He's a unique football player. The only real concern that I have with Cook and a contract extension is his injury history. I hope that his injuries are behind him, much like Robert Smtih got through a run of early injuries in the 1990s. Injuries will always be an issue in football but sometimes the team has to take a chance with a contract and hope that the player stays on the field. I think that Cook is the sort of player with which you take that chance. Sportrac and Over The Cap currently have the Vikings with just over $12 million in cap space. That includes Harris' $11.4 franchise tag cost for this season. The Vikings could just sign their picks and call the offseason done. I think that they want to get Harris and Cook deals done and I think that all of the signings have to be done in particular order. I'm guessing that Harris' long-term deal will lower his cap cost for this year. That savings could help with any possible increase in Cook's contract. Then the Vikings can finally get to those draft picks.
Or maybe, all of the Vikings' contract people are safe at home and focusing on their family and their own lives. Maybe they are just waiting for things to improve and they'll deal with this work stuff a little later than what I've come to consider normal. Who knows? I sure don't.
For a Vikings fan that has zero patience for bureaucratic delays, these are tough times. But there are many, more important things going on. So, I'll just safely wait for the better times to return.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Best Bears
Perhaps in an effort to pass the time during this odd time, Cal Football recently had a series of fan polls to come up with the Best Golden Bears of the past 25 years. A poll with four players at each position was posted, fans voted, and the Best Bears at each position of the past 25 years was determined. Here are those Bears.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers
Running Back
Marshawn Lynch
Wide Receiver
DeSean Jackson
Tight End
Tony Gonzalez
Offensive Tackle
Mitchell Schwartz
Interior Offensive Lineman
Alex Mack
Interior Defensive Lineman
Lorenzo Alexander
Edge Rusher
Cameron Jordan
Linebacker
Mychal Kendricks
Defensive Back
Nnambi Asomugha
Returner
DeSean Jackson
Kicker
Giorgio Tavecchio
Punter
Bryan Anger
Long Snapper
L.P. Ladouceur
Nick Sundberg
***
Leave it to Cal to have two long snappers on this Best Bears list. After all, they are Long Snapper U. Even if they are the only ones that know it.
I'm fine with Nnambi Asmugha as Cal's best defensive back of the past 25 years but serious cases can be made for Detha O'Neal and Syd'Quan Thompson. O'Neal's performance in the 1999 Big Game might've been the best I've ever seen from a Golden Bear.
Many of the choices were automatic so there were few surprises. However. If the picks were entirely up to me, I'd make some changes.
Keenan Allen at receiver instead of DeSean Jackson.
Allen was the better college receiver and is a better professional receiver. In my Cal opinion, Allen is the best Cal receiver since Wesley Walker.
Evan Weaver at linebacker instead of Mychal Kendricks.
This is a tough one. Kendricks is one of my favorite Cal players. So is Weaver. Kendricks was a great Bear. Weaver was just a little better.
Ryan Longwell at kicker instead of Giorgio Tavecchio.
This is the surprise of the voting. I'm really surprised that Tavecchio got the vote over Longwell. Recency bias?
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers
Running Back
Marshawn Lynch
Wide Receiver
DeSean Jackson
Tight End
Tony Gonzalez
Offensive Tackle
Mitchell Schwartz
Interior Offensive Lineman
Alex Mack
Interior Defensive Lineman
Lorenzo Alexander
Edge Rusher
Cameron Jordan
Linebacker
Mychal Kendricks
Defensive Back
Nnambi Asomugha
Returner
DeSean Jackson
Kicker
Giorgio Tavecchio
Punter
Bryan Anger
Long Snapper
L.P. Ladouceur
Nick Sundberg
***
Leave it to Cal to have two long snappers on this Best Bears list. After all, they are Long Snapper U. Even if they are the only ones that know it.
I'm fine with Nnambi Asmugha as Cal's best defensive back of the past 25 years but serious cases can be made for Detha O'Neal and Syd'Quan Thompson. O'Neal's performance in the 1999 Big Game might've been the best I've ever seen from a Golden Bear.
Many of the choices were automatic so there were few surprises. However. If the picks were entirely up to me, I'd make some changes.
Keenan Allen at receiver instead of DeSean Jackson.
Allen was the better college receiver and is a better professional receiver. In my Cal opinion, Allen is the best Cal receiver since Wesley Walker.
Evan Weaver at linebacker instead of Mychal Kendricks.
This is a tough one. Kendricks is one of my favorite Cal players. So is Weaver. Kendricks was a great Bear. Weaver was just a little better.
Ryan Longwell at kicker instead of Giorgio Tavecchio.
This is the surprise of the voting. I'm really surprised that Tavecchio got the vote over Longwell. Recency bias?
Friday, May 22, 2020
Vikings' Projected Starters
Around The NFL editor, writer, podcaster Gregg Rosenthal is wrapping up his annual task of projecting the starting lineups of all 32 teams. He did the AFC last week. He's doing the NFC this week. On Tuesday, he posted his NFC North projections. This is a mammoth, thankless undertaking. It's mammoth because diving into the ~90-man roster of every team isn't small. It's thankless because there are surely fans of every team that disagree with his projections. Some will disagree simply for the sake of disagreeing. What sort of fans would they be if they didn't disagree with how a national writer views their team? Anyway, this is how Gregg Rosenthal sees, in May, the starting offense and defense of the 2020 Minnesota Vikings.
On offense, Rosenthal went with a second tight end rather than going with C.J. Ham at fullback or a third receiver. He isn't wrong as I'm pretty sure the Vikings will want to have Irv Smith Jr. on the field as much as possible. In his write-up, Rosenthal mentions Smith as a breakout candidate. He isn't wrong.
Ham will see the field plenty.
On defense, he projected the Vikings' nickel defense rather than their base. That's really no surprise as the Vikings are in nickel for about 2/3 of the snaps.
If the Vikings were forced to whip up a depth chart right now, I wouldn't be surprised if Rosenthal's projected starters were at the top of their respective positions. In that sense, he did a fine job, especially for a national writer. Come August, I'd be stunned if Pat Elflein is still the starting left guard and I'd be very surprised if Shamar Stephen is one of the starting defensive tackles.
My current projections for the Vikings' starters, using Rosenthal's offensive and defensive parameters, look something like this:
On offense, left guard is so wide-open that I can't even project the starter. I suppose that I'd like to see second-round rookie Ezra Cleveland as the starting left tackle and Reiff moving to left guard. That probably puts the five best offensive linemen on the field and that's been the stated goal of the coaches. The wildcard for the left guard spot might be second-year Oli Udoh. That would allow Reiff to hold down the left tackle spot until Cleveland is truly ready for the NFL.
On defense, I really like Armon Watts. I think that he'll be on the field a lot. Whether that's as the starter at 3-technique or as a significant part of the tackle rotation, it's up to him. The other candidate to start next to Michael Pierce is fourth-round rookie James Lynch. If he can be the pass rusher in the NFL that he was in college, he could be the Day 1 starter for the Vikings.
This is a fun May topic. Nice job Mr. Rosenthal. It's rare for a national writer to come in and accurately comment on and tinker with the Vikings' roster.
| Offense | Player | Defense | Player | |
| QB | Kirk Cousins | DE | Danielle Hunter | |
| RB | Dalvin Cook | DT | Shamar Stephen | |
| WR | Adam Thielen | DT | Michael Pierce | |
| WR | Justin Jefferson | DE | Ifeadi Odenigbo | |
| TE | Kyle Rudolph | OLB | Anthony Barr | |
| TE | Irv Smith Jr. | ILB | Eric Kendricks | |
| LT | Riley Reiff | CB | Mike Hughes | |
| LG | Pat Elflein | CB | Jeff Gladney | |
| C | Garrett Bradbury | CB | Holton Hill | |
| RG | Dakota Dozier | S | Harrison Smith | |
| RT | Brian O'Neill | S | Anthony Harris |
On offense, Rosenthal went with a second tight end rather than going with C.J. Ham at fullback or a third receiver. He isn't wrong as I'm pretty sure the Vikings will want to have Irv Smith Jr. on the field as much as possible. In his write-up, Rosenthal mentions Smith as a breakout candidate. He isn't wrong.
Ham will see the field plenty.
On defense, he projected the Vikings' nickel defense rather than their base. That's really no surprise as the Vikings are in nickel for about 2/3 of the snaps.
If the Vikings were forced to whip up a depth chart right now, I wouldn't be surprised if Rosenthal's projected starters were at the top of their respective positions. In that sense, he did a fine job, especially for a national writer. Come August, I'd be stunned if Pat Elflein is still the starting left guard and I'd be very surprised if Shamar Stephen is one of the starting defensive tackles.
My current projections for the Vikings' starters, using Rosenthal's offensive and defensive parameters, look something like this:
| Offense | Player | Defense | Player | |
| QB | Kirk Cousins | DE | Danielle Hunter | |
| RB | Dalvin Cook | DT | Armon Watts | |
| WR | Adam Thielen | DT | Michael Pierce | |
| WR | Justin Jefferson | DE | Ifeadi Odenigbo | |
| TE | Kyle Rudolph | OLB | Anthony Barr | |
| TE | Irv Smith Jr. | ILB | Eric Kendricks | |
| LT | Riley Reiff | CB | Mike Hughes | |
| LG | ? | CB | Jeff Gladney | |
| C | Garrett Bradbury | CB | Holton Hill | |
| RG | Dru Samia | S | Harrison Smith | |
| RT | Brian O'Neill | S | Anthony Harris |
On offense, left guard is so wide-open that I can't even project the starter. I suppose that I'd like to see second-round rookie Ezra Cleveland as the starting left tackle and Reiff moving to left guard. That probably puts the five best offensive linemen on the field and that's been the stated goal of the coaches. The wildcard for the left guard spot might be second-year Oli Udoh. That would allow Reiff to hold down the left tackle spot until Cleveland is truly ready for the NFL.
On defense, I really like Armon Watts. I think that he'll be on the field a lot. Whether that's as the starter at 3-technique or as a significant part of the tackle rotation, it's up to him. The other candidate to start next to Michael Pierce is fourth-round rookie James Lynch. If he can be the pass rusher in the NFL that he was in college, he could be the Day 1 starter for the Vikings.
This is a fun May topic. Nice job Mr. Rosenthal. It's rare for a national writer to come in and accurately comment on and tinker with the Vikings' roster.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Throwback Thursday: Minnesota Vikings Expansion Draft
The Minnesota Vikings entered the NFL as an expansion team in 1961. They took part in the 1961 NFL Draft that was held December 27-28 1960. That brought 20 rookies to the team. To help the new team be "competitive" with 12 existing teams and the Dallas Cowboys, the NFL allowed the Vikings the opportunity to pluck veterans from established teams through an Expansion Draft. The Cowboys were excluded from the plucking because they were entering their second season after going winless in their first. The 12 established teams listed eight of the 38 players on their roster and the Vikings selected three players from each team's list to fill their roster. Here are the 36 players that the Vikings plucked in the 1961 Expansion Draft.
Of the 36 players plucked in the 1961 Expansion Draft, the following made the 1961 Vikings' roster:
Grady Alderman
Bill Bishop
Ed Culpepper
Dick Haley
Jerry Huth
Gene Johnson
Don Joyce
Bill Lapham
Hugh McElhenny
Dave Middleton
Jack Morris
Rich Mostardo
Fred Murpy
Clancy Osborne
Dick Pesonen
Mike Rabold
Karl Rubke
Lebron Shields
Charlie Sumner
Frank Youso
1961 starters in bold
20 of the 36 made the team. 15 of the 20 that made the team started.
The entire offensive line:
and entire defensive backfield:
Hugh McElhenny is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for what he did before the Vikings dug him out of the 1961 Expansion Draft heap. He did have a little left in the tank as he made it to his final Pro Bowl in 1961.
Among the expansion draftees, McElhenny might've been the biggest name and made the biggest early impact. The best player, by an incredible margin, was Grady Alderman. In his 14 seasons with the Vikings he was selected to six Pro Bowls and named 1st Team All-Pro once. He ranks behind only Hall of Famers Ron Yary and Gary Zimmerman among the best offensive tackles in franchise history. In 2010, Alderman was named one of 50 Greatest Vikings. He should be in the team's Ring of Honor.
The Vikings were 3-11 in their first season. For good or bad, the 1961 Expansion Draft made up a significant part of the early teams.
| Player | Position | Original Team |
| Grady Alderman | OG | Detroit Lions |
| Tom Barnett | RB | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Byron Beams | OT | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Ken Beck | DT | Green Bay Packers |
| Bill Bishop | DT | Chicago Bears |
| Don Doll | OT | New York Giants |
| Ed Culpepper | DT | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Don Ellersick | WR | Los Angele Rams |
| Dick Haley | DB | Washington Redskins |
| Jerry Huth | OG | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Charlie Janerette | OG | Los Angele Rams |
| Gene Johnson | DB | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Don Joyce | DE | Baltimore Colts |
| Bill Kimber | WR | New York Giants |
| Bill Lapham | C | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Hugh McElhenny | RB | San Francisco 49ers |
| Dave Middleton | WR | Detroit Lions |
| Jack Morris | DB | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Rich Mostardo | DB | Cleveland Browns |
| Fred Murphy | WR | Cleveland Browns |
| Clancy Osborne | LB | San Francisco 49ers |
| Dick Pesonen | DB | Green Bay Packers |
| Mike Rabold | OG | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Perry Richards | WR | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Bill Roehnelt | LB | Washington Redskins |
| Karl Rubke | LB | San Francisco 49ers |
| Gene Selawski | OT | Cleveland Browns |
| Glenn Shaw | FB | Chicago Bears |
| Lebron Shields | DT | Baltimore Colts |
| Zeke Smith | LB | Baltimore Colts |
| Jerry Stalcup | LB | Los Angele Rams |
| Louis "Red" Stephens | OG | Washington Redskins |
| Charlie Sumner | DB | Chicago Bears |
| Dave Whitsell | DB | Detroit Lions |
| Paul Winslow | RB | Green Bay Packers |
| Frank Youso | OT | New York Giants |
Of the 36 players plucked in the 1961 Expansion Draft, the following made the 1961 Vikings' roster:
Grady Alderman
Bill Bishop
Ed Culpepper
Dick Haley
Jerry Huth
Gene Johnson
Don Joyce
Bill Lapham
Hugh McElhenny
Dave Middleton
Jack Morris
Rich Mostardo
Fred Murpy
Clancy Osborne
Dick Pesonen
Mike Rabold
Karl Rubke
Lebron Shields
Charlie Sumner
Frank Youso
1961 starters in bold
20 of the 36 made the team. 15 of the 20 that made the team started.
The entire offensive line:
| LT | Grady Alderman |
| LG | Jerry Huth |
| C | Bill Lapham |
| RG | Mike Rabold |
| RT | Frank Youso |
and entire defensive backfield:
| CB | Jack Morris |
| CB | Dick Pesonen |
| LS | Rich Mostardo |
| RS | Charlie Sumner |
Hugh McElhenny is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for what he did before the Vikings dug him out of the 1961 Expansion Draft heap. He did have a little left in the tank as he made it to his final Pro Bowl in 1961.
Among the expansion draftees, McElhenny might've been the biggest name and made the biggest early impact. The best player, by an incredible margin, was Grady Alderman. In his 14 seasons with the Vikings he was selected to six Pro Bowls and named 1st Team All-Pro once. He ranks behind only Hall of Famers Ron Yary and Gary Zimmerman among the best offensive tackles in franchise history. In 2010, Alderman was named one of 50 Greatest Vikings. He should be in the team's Ring of Honor.
The Vikings were 3-11 in their first season. For good or bad, the 1961 Expansion Draft made up a significant part of the early teams.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
2021 Scholarship Offers
There's always a daily flow of nonsense on the internet's social sites. Every now and then you can stumble across something interesting. I recently stumbled across this ranking of college's by their scholarship offers for the 2021 recruiting class. I found it interesting.
As a Cal alum, I like seeing Justin Wilcox and his coaches at the lower end of the offer list. It's shows a more personal touch. The Golden Bears typically add about 25 scholarship players in a given year. Of the 97 offers, they currently have seven verbal commitments. I love what Wilcox is doing in Berkeley. On-field success is starting to come. He's building a program in a manner that usually draws the attention of more prestigious football programs. Hopefully, he stays for a while. He and his coaches are bringing in better football talent with each year. If he remains committed to Berkeley and can convince recruits that he's committed that should continue. Presently, I'd guess that Cal has to offer about 150 to get to 25 commits. With more on-field success, they should get to 25 much quicker.
| Rank | Team | 2021 Offers |
| 1 | Nebraska | 392 |
| 2 | Tennessee | 392 |
| 3 | Kansas | 367 |
| 4 | West Virginia | 367 |
| 5 | Kentucky | 317 |
| 6 | Pittsburgh | 313 |
| 7 | Georgia Tech | 308 |
| 8 | Louisville | 306 |
| 9 | Virginia Tech | 305 |
| 10 | Michigan State | 299 |
| 11 | Syracuse | 288 |
| 12 | Mississippi | 285 |
| 13 | Boston College | 278 |
| 14 | Indiana | 277 |
| 15 | Iowa State | 276 |
| 16 | Michigan | 275 |
| 17 | Penn State | 270 |
| 18 | Maryland | 265 |
| 19 | Arizona State | 263 |
| 20 | Florida State | 255 |
| 21 | Vanderbilt | 254 |
| 22 | Rutgers | 252 |
| 23 | Virginia | 245 |
| 24 | LSU | 243 |
| 25 | Arkansas | 241 |
| 26 | Florida | 238 |
| 27 | Miami | 234 |
| 28 | Duke | 228 |
| 29 | Washington State | 225 |
| 30 | Colorado | 221 |
| 31 | South Carolina | 221 |
| 32 | Missouri | 216 |
| 33 | Purdue | 209 |
| 34 | Minneosta | 207 |
| 35 | Oregon | 200 |
| 36 | Arizona | 197 |
| 37 | Georgia | 196 |
| 38 | Texas A&M | 194 |
| 39 | Auburn | 193 |
| 40 | Alabama | 185 |
| 41 | Baylor | 181 |
| 42 | Wake Forest | 171 |
| 43 | Utah | 169 |
| 44 | Mississippi State | 166 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | 165 |
| 46 | Illinois | 158 |
| 47 | USC | 158 |
| 48 | Ohio State | 156 |
| 49 | NC State | 154 |
| 50 | Kansas State | 142 |
| 51 | Texas | 138 |
| 52 | Notre Dame | 130 |
| 53 | Texas Tech | 129 |
| 54 | North Carolina | 126 |
| 55 | Wisconsin | 120 |
| 56 | Oklahoma State | 117 |
| 57 | Oregon State | 111 |
| 58 | Iowa | 102 |
| 59 | California | 97 |
| 60 | Northwestern | 94 |
| 61 | TCU | 80 |
| 62 | Washington | 76 |
| 63 | UCLA | 75 |
| 64 | Clemson | 69 |
| 65 | Stanford | 42 |
Perhaps, I'm just naive but I was surprised by these scholarship offer numbers. It's only May of the 2021 recruiting cycle and colleges are approaching 400 scholarship offers. I suppose that I expected it to be a bit more personal. 150 offers by May feels excessive to me. Do some of the coaches of the teams at the top of this ranking simply offer every five-star player? There are only 85 scholarships to give. How many available scholarships can a college possibly have in a given year? What if every player with a Nebraska offer suddenly accepted that offer? Do they have to go back to those kids and yank the promise that they made. "No offer for you!" It doesn't feel fair or "nice" to the kids. Then again, when has college recruiting ever been a "nice" business.
As a Cal alum, I like seeing Justin Wilcox and his coaches at the lower end of the offer list. It's shows a more personal touch. The Golden Bears typically add about 25 scholarship players in a given year. Of the 97 offers, they currently have seven verbal commitments. I love what Wilcox is doing in Berkeley. On-field success is starting to come. He's building a program in a manner that usually draws the attention of more prestigious football programs. Hopefully, he stays for a while. He and his coaches are bringing in better football talent with each year. If he remains committed to Berkeley and can convince recruits that he's committed that should continue. Presently, I'd guess that Cal has to offer about 150 to get to 25 commits. With more on-field success, they should get to 25 much quicker.
Silly Stanford. They swim in such a small pool.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Some Football Thoughts
Here are some football thoughts that have been on my mind as I stumble through this odd offseason.
1. I grew up as a football fan in the 1970s with CBS' NFL Today pre-game show. As a result, I grew up knowing that it was a perfectly normal thing for a woman to cover sports. There's been a stream of very talented women covering sports since Phyllis George paved the way. Each has shown what George showed. It's a perfectly normal thing for a woman to cover sports. RIP Phyllis George.
2. The NFL's owner will vote today on the following proposals intended to improve the league's pathetic minority hiring:
5. In advance of today's vote to incentivize the hiring process, the league did expand the existing Rooney Rule yesterday. Now, teams have to interview at least 2 external minority candidates for head coach openings. They also have to interview at least 1 minority candidate for any coordinator job. In addition, teams must interview one external minority candidate for senior football operations and general manager jobs. Teams and the NFL league office must also include minorities and/or female applicants for senior-level positions, including club president jobs.
6. All of these hiring changes and proposed changes are terrific on paper but none of it matters until the owners are truly interested in expanding their searches and hiring the best men, or women, for these jobs.
7. Did anyone really think that the Minnesota Vikings were going to trade Anthony Harris this offseason? I sure didn't. Once they used the franchise tag I knew that he was in their plans for at least the 2020 season. Hopefully for much longer than that. Fans and talking heads point to Percy Harvin and Stefon Diggs as proof that the Vikings routinely trade players that they say won't be traded. Every player has a price tag. Every player can be traded. Even if a team isn't actively shopping a player the decision-makers wouldn't be doing their jobs if the didn't listen to offers. The Seahawks hit the price tag for Harvin. The Bills hit the price tag for Diggs. No team hit the price tag for Harris.
8. I sure miss the days when the Vikings had all of their draft picks signed before the draft was even two weeks old.
9. Speaking of Vikings' draft picks, I can't wait to see their cornerbacks on the football field.
10. Actually, I can't wait to see all of the football players on a football field. Even if it's just for a practice. And it's safe for everyone involved. Including the fans.
1. I grew up as a football fan in the 1970s with CBS' NFL Today pre-game show. As a result, I grew up knowing that it was a perfectly normal thing for a woman to cover sports. There's been a stream of very talented women covering sports since Phyllis George paved the way. Each has shown what George showed. It's a perfectly normal thing for a woman to cover sports. RIP Phyllis George.
2. The NFL's owner will vote today on the following proposals intended to improve the league's pathetic minority hiring:
- Teams can no longer prevent assistant coaches from interviewing for coordinator jobs on other staffs.
- Teams hiring a minority for a GM job will have their third-round draft position improved by 10 spots in the draft in the following year.
- Teams hiring a minority as head coach will have their third-round draft position improved by six spots in the draft in the following year.
- If the coach or GM is still employed entering the third season after their hire, the team’s fourth-round selection would be improved by five spots in that year’s draft.
- A team hiring a minority as quarterback coach would receive a fourth-round compensatory pick in the following year’s draft.
- The team losing an employee to be a minority head coach or GM would receive a third-round compensatory pick, and a team losing a minority coach who moved on to be a coordinator would get a fifth-round compensatory pick, in the following year’s draft.
So, the league's decision-makers are going the puppy-training route to improve the league's horrible track record of hiring minorities. "Good boy! You did the right thing. Here's a treat." Terrific. If incentives are what it takes to get owners to truly consider ALL qualified candidates for head coach, coordinator, and general manager positions then I suppose that it's a good thing. It's just sad that this is what it takes. ESPN's Louis Riddick has been through the league's hiring process. He was the runner-up to Dave Gettleman for the New York Giants' GM job in 2017. He told Peter King that if he was hired by a team with these proposals in place he'd have some issues. Would people in the organization question his hiring? Did he get this job because he’s the best man for the job, or did he get it at least in part because it gives us a big break in the draft? That's a messed-up way to start a new job. Everybody wants to be hired because they are the best person for the job. It's clear that Goodell and his peeps are desperate to improve this problem because these proposals reek of desperation. So, what's the solution? All I know is that way too often it feels like owners have made their decisions on a new head coach before the interview process even starts. It's either the veteran, white coach that's had success in the past or the hot, young white offensive coordinator that has ties to Andy Reid or Sean McVay. It's odd how that pattern ended when Eric Bieniemy was the next man up. The owners, on their own, have to want to hire a minority coach for no other reason than he, or she, is the best candidate for the job. Maybe that's simply too "pie in the sky." The reality is that some of the league's 32 owners simply don't want to hire minorities for the positions that front their organization. Draft pick incentives won't change that.
3. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if there are a few owners that would forfeit draft picks in order to keep hiring white head coaches.
3. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if there are a few owners that would forfeit draft picks in order to keep hiring white head coaches.
4. More on the incentives. Maybe it's just me but adding a compensatory pick is a better incentive than boosting a team's draft position.
5. In advance of today's vote to incentivize the hiring process, the league did expand the existing Rooney Rule yesterday. Now, teams have to interview at least 2 external minority candidates for head coach openings. They also have to interview at least 1 minority candidate for any coordinator job. In addition, teams must interview one external minority candidate for senior football operations and general manager jobs. Teams and the NFL league office must also include minorities and/or female applicants for senior-level positions, including club president jobs.
6. All of these hiring changes and proposed changes are terrific on paper but none of it matters until the owners are truly interested in expanding their searches and hiring the best men, or women, for these jobs.
7. Did anyone really think that the Minnesota Vikings were going to trade Anthony Harris this offseason? I sure didn't. Once they used the franchise tag I knew that he was in their plans for at least the 2020 season. Hopefully for much longer than that. Fans and talking heads point to Percy Harvin and Stefon Diggs as proof that the Vikings routinely trade players that they say won't be traded. Every player has a price tag. Every player can be traded. Even if a team isn't actively shopping a player the decision-makers wouldn't be doing their jobs if the didn't listen to offers. The Seahawks hit the price tag for Harvin. The Bills hit the price tag for Diggs. No team hit the price tag for Harris.
8. I sure miss the days when the Vikings had all of their draft picks signed before the draft was even two weeks old.
9. Speaking of Vikings' draft picks, I can't wait to see their cornerbacks on the football field.
10. Actually, I can't wait to see all of the football players on a football field. Even if it's just for a practice. And it's safe for everyone involved. Including the fans.
Monday, May 18, 2020
Anthony Harris Is Back. As Expected!
I love it when ridiculous offseason rumors come to an end. All offseason, there have been rumors that the Minnesota Vikings were looking to trade safety Anthony Harris. A trade was tirelessly hinted at before the draft and gained steam during it. That rumored trade obviously never happened. The only time I truly questioned whether Harris would continue his football career in Minnesota was prior to the Vikings using the franchise tag on him. That tag came with a salary of just over $11.4 million. I wasn't sure that a team with significant salary cap issues could afford to pay two safeties more than $10 million. And Harrison Smith must always be a constant in the Vikings' secondary. When the team's decision-makers decided to use the franchise tag to retain Harris I knew that he was in the team's on-field plans for, at least, the 2020 season. Sure, the Vikings had to listen to trade offers. They wouldn't be doing their jobs if they didn't. Unless a team came up with an offer that couldn't be refused I was near certain that Anthony Harris would remain with the Minnesota Vikings. Yesterday, it was reported that he's signed the franchise tender. Harris left little doubt as to his career plans on Twitter/Instagram.
Since arriving in Minnesota with uncertainty as an undrafted free agent in 2015, I have accomplished my dream of playing in the NFL going from practice squad, to making the active roster, to becoming a full-time starter, to leading the league in interceptions. During the past five years, Minnesota has become home and is where I want to continue to develop as a player only having scratched the surface!
Although it has been a strange offseason, time spent in isolation with family has been refreshing and energizing. This is just one step in God's plan for me and my family. I will let my agents and the Vikings work towards long term certainty in Minnesota, but I am excited to be back for the 2020 season.
I am continuing my focus on what it takes to be successful both as a team and as an individual. I am excited for the challenges the 2020 season will bring, but I am most excited for the opportunity to help bring a Super Bowl to Minnesota and the best fans in the country.
SKOL!
Hopefully, news of a long-term deal comes soon.
The Vikings lost their top three cornerbacks in free agency. That has resulted in a youth movement at the position. Mike Hughes is the veteran of the cornerback group and he's only two seasons removed from being drafted. As many as four rookies could populate the cornerback depth chart. It'll be nice to have safeties with the talent, knowledge, and experience of Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris back there with so many youngsters. Harris' assured return is huge. Hopefully, the Vikings can get him signed for much more than the 2020 season.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Pro Football Hall of Fame Snubs
The Athletic recently tackled the popular topic of Pro Football Hall of Fame snubs. The NFL writers at the site compiled and voted on a list of players and coaches they feel should have their bust in Canton. They voted on three categories: modern-era players, senior candidates, and coaches. Here are the results of The Athletic's look at the Pro Football Hall of Fame snubs.
The Modern-era players who received more than 30% of The Athletic NFL staff vote to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
John Lynch
Alan Faneca
Tony Boselli
Zach Thomas
Torry Holt
Reggie Wayne
The numbers from the vote weren't revealed. I'm assuming that the order of the players is from most votes to least. It certainly isn't alphabetical. I disagree with the order but strongly agree that all six should eventually make it to Canton. Whether they are truly being snubbed is another issue. My order would look like this.
Tony Boselli
Alan Faneca
Reggie Wayne
Torry Holt
John Lynch
Zach Thomas
Other than last year's mystifying treatment of Patrick Willis, the voter's handling of Tony Boselli is the most ridiculous since the five-year snub of Cris Carter. Simply put, Boselli should already be in Canton. His career might've been a bit shorter than preferred. He's definitely a quality over quantity player. For several years he was the best offensive tackle in the league during an era with a few Hall of Fame offensive tackles. It's long past time that he joins his peers.
Speaking of Patrick Willis. He should have a place among the above six "snubs." He's only been eligible for a year but he already feels snubbed. Willis not being among last year's 15 finalists is a snub.
Alan Faneca should make it soon. Personally, I felt that Steve Hutchinson was slightly more deserving. Now that Hutchinson's in the Hall, it's Faneca's turn. I hate position quotas but sometimes that's just how it works.
Speaking of position quotas, unless a player like Jerry Rice or Randy Moss enters the Hall voting game there will always be a wait for receivers. Over the past decade, the voters did whittle away at some of the receiver logjam. Unless all 32 teams suddenly install the veer there will always be an excess of receivers worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. The current passing game can turn just about any receiver into a Hall of Famer. If he can stay on the field long enough to pile up the stats. Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt will soon be joined by Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, and Andre Johnson. The receiver logjam is building again.
Safety is another position that's having Hall of Fame issues. The position was comically overlooked for decades by the voters. It was as if the voters simply pushed the safeties into a room with the special teamers. That's changed since the likes of Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed, and Troy Polamalu stormed the scene. Safeties are finally getting the Hall of Fame attention that all positions deserve. More deserving safeties have made John Lynch have to wait. He isn't being snubbed. He's waiting in a line that the voters created. Among eligible safeties, I'd put Darren Woodson in before Lynch. Perhaps LeRoy Butler as well. Charles Woodson is up next year. He was a corner for most of his career but I'd take his handful of safety years over Lynch's career at the position. Anyway, Lynch's wait is sure to come to an end soon. Probably sooner than I have it ending.
Maybe it's just me but it seems that Zach Thomas is getting more Hall attention now than he did when he first became eligible about five years ago. Should Sam Mills, another undersized linebacker, make it before him? Thomas had the more decorated career. Thomas achieved his honors while competing against Ray Lewis for most of them. Thomas was overlooked his entire career. He's being overlooked after it. I fear that Thomas finally makes it to Canton as a Senior candidate 20 years from now. He shouldn't wait that long.
The senior players who received more than 30% of The Athletic NFL staff vote to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Cliff Branch
Drew Pearson
Roger Craig
Ken Anderson
Joe Jacoby
Yes. I always thought that the NFL started in the 1970s. The Centennial Class finally got Duke Slater to Canton. People bitch about one of their favorites waiting a few years. Slater finally gained induction about 90 years after his final season. It can be argued that he should've made it before the Hall itself was a decade old. The senior snubs always start with players that played in the 1970s. I don't get it. It should start with the players that have been waiting the longest. The fact that they didn't live to see their day shouldn't be a reason for making them wait even longer. LaVern Dilweg has waited far too long. Al Wistert has waited far too long. The fact that neither were part of the Centennial Class is absurd.
Others receiving votes (less than 30%):
Roger Brown
Joey Browner
LaVern Dilweg
Joe Fortunato
Rnady Gradishar
L.C. Greenwood
Chuck Howley
Mike Kenn
Jim Marshall
Tommy Nobis
Jay Hilgenberg
Ken Riley
Andy Russell
Del Shofner
Jack Tatum
Everson Walls
How is Al Wistert not even listed among "others receiving votes"? Does The Athletic NFL staff believe that he's already inducted. That can easily happen seeing as Al Wistert should already be inducted.
The coaches who received more than 30% of The Athletic NFL staff vote to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Don Coryell
Tom Flores
Mike Holmgren
Dick Vermeil
I can see each making it but I'm not so sure that any are being snubbed. Each has Hall of Fame credentials on their side but none are Hall of Fame locks for a variety of reasons. My order would look like this:
Mike Holmgren
Dick Vermeil
Tom Flores
Don Coryell
I have Mike Holmgren at the top simply because he had the most sustained success. He took both teams that he coached to the Super Bowl, winning one. Perhaps he should've won more. It's really difficult to win more than winning a lot and Holmgren won a lot.
Dick Vermeil also took two teams to the Super Bowl, winning one. Taking his Eagles team to a Super Bowl might've been more impressive than winning a Super Bowl with the Rams.
Tom Flores would already be in the Hall of Fame if his coaching career was only his nine years with the Raiders. Unfortunately, he ended his coaching career with 2-14, 6-10, and 6-10 seasons with the Seahawks. Those that don't question his induction point to two Super Bowl titles. Those that question his induction say that he inherited those teams and ended his coaching days with a lot of losing. There's probably no other Hall of Fame candidate among The Athletic's snubs that causes me to flip-flop more. Flores is a puzzle for me. A lot of Hall of Fame coaches have ended their careers poorly. A lot of Hall of Fame coaches have fewer than two titles. Some have none. Flores broke barriers. He also won titles as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Very few in league history have done that.
I've long thought that Don Coryell should already be in the Hall of Fame. That's more for his offensive innovations than his coaching success. He did more to change the game than any coach on this list of snubs. There's definitely a place in Canton for a coach like Coryell. Recently, I've softened a bit on my "Coryell should be in the Hall" thoughts. Coryell couldn't coach one of the most explosive and talented offenses ever into a Super Bowl.
The 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame's 48-person Selection Committee have a tough job. It's also a thankless job. They have a job that gets tougher every year. Here are some of the players that will be added to the pool in the coming years.
Upcoming first-year eligibles:
2021
Peyton Manning
Charles Woodson
Calvin Johnson
Jared Allen
2022
Steve Smith
DeMarcus Ware
Anquan Boldin
Robert Mathis
Andre Johnson
2023
Joe Thomas
Darrelle Revis
Devin Hester
Dwight Freeney
James Harrison
2024
Antonio Gates
Julius Peppers
2025
Luke Kuechly
Eli Manning
One thing that I'd like to see the voters do is stop voting in so many of the first-year eligibles. Making it in the first year needs to be reserved for the players that were truly, truly, truly special. They should be the very best of the very best. They should be the players that the other great players look at with wonder. Making it to the Hall in the first year should mean something more than it currently does.
The Modern-era players who received more than 30% of The Athletic NFL staff vote to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
John Lynch
Alan Faneca
Tony Boselli
Zach Thomas
Torry Holt
Reggie Wayne
The numbers from the vote weren't revealed. I'm assuming that the order of the players is from most votes to least. It certainly isn't alphabetical. I disagree with the order but strongly agree that all six should eventually make it to Canton. Whether they are truly being snubbed is another issue. My order would look like this.
Tony Boselli
Alan Faneca
Reggie Wayne
Torry Holt
John Lynch
Zach Thomas
Other than last year's mystifying treatment of Patrick Willis, the voter's handling of Tony Boselli is the most ridiculous since the five-year snub of Cris Carter. Simply put, Boselli should already be in Canton. His career might've been a bit shorter than preferred. He's definitely a quality over quantity player. For several years he was the best offensive tackle in the league during an era with a few Hall of Fame offensive tackles. It's long past time that he joins his peers.
Speaking of Patrick Willis. He should have a place among the above six "snubs." He's only been eligible for a year but he already feels snubbed. Willis not being among last year's 15 finalists is a snub.
Alan Faneca should make it soon. Personally, I felt that Steve Hutchinson was slightly more deserving. Now that Hutchinson's in the Hall, it's Faneca's turn. I hate position quotas but sometimes that's just how it works.
Speaking of position quotas, unless a player like Jerry Rice or Randy Moss enters the Hall voting game there will always be a wait for receivers. Over the past decade, the voters did whittle away at some of the receiver logjam. Unless all 32 teams suddenly install the veer there will always be an excess of receivers worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. The current passing game can turn just about any receiver into a Hall of Famer. If he can stay on the field long enough to pile up the stats. Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt will soon be joined by Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin, and Andre Johnson. The receiver logjam is building again.
Safety is another position that's having Hall of Fame issues. The position was comically overlooked for decades by the voters. It was as if the voters simply pushed the safeties into a room with the special teamers. That's changed since the likes of Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed, and Troy Polamalu stormed the scene. Safeties are finally getting the Hall of Fame attention that all positions deserve. More deserving safeties have made John Lynch have to wait. He isn't being snubbed. He's waiting in a line that the voters created. Among eligible safeties, I'd put Darren Woodson in before Lynch. Perhaps LeRoy Butler as well. Charles Woodson is up next year. He was a corner for most of his career but I'd take his handful of safety years over Lynch's career at the position. Anyway, Lynch's wait is sure to come to an end soon. Probably sooner than I have it ending.
Maybe it's just me but it seems that Zach Thomas is getting more Hall attention now than he did when he first became eligible about five years ago. Should Sam Mills, another undersized linebacker, make it before him? Thomas had the more decorated career. Thomas achieved his honors while competing against Ray Lewis for most of them. Thomas was overlooked his entire career. He's being overlooked after it. I fear that Thomas finally makes it to Canton as a Senior candidate 20 years from now. He shouldn't wait that long.
The senior players who received more than 30% of The Athletic NFL staff vote to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Cliff Branch
Drew Pearson
Roger Craig
Ken Anderson
Joe Jacoby
Yes. I always thought that the NFL started in the 1970s. The Centennial Class finally got Duke Slater to Canton. People bitch about one of their favorites waiting a few years. Slater finally gained induction about 90 years after his final season. It can be argued that he should've made it before the Hall itself was a decade old. The senior snubs always start with players that played in the 1970s. I don't get it. It should start with the players that have been waiting the longest. The fact that they didn't live to see their day shouldn't be a reason for making them wait even longer. LaVern Dilweg has waited far too long. Al Wistert has waited far too long. The fact that neither were part of the Centennial Class is absurd.
Others receiving votes (less than 30%):
Roger Brown
Joey Browner
LaVern Dilweg
Joe Fortunato
Rnady Gradishar
L.C. Greenwood
Chuck Howley
Mike Kenn
Jim Marshall
Tommy Nobis
Jay Hilgenberg
Ken Riley
Andy Russell
Del Shofner
Jack Tatum
Everson Walls
How is Al Wistert not even listed among "others receiving votes"? Does The Athletic NFL staff believe that he's already inducted. That can easily happen seeing as Al Wistert should already be inducted.
The coaches who received more than 30% of The Athletic NFL staff vote to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Don Coryell
Tom Flores
Mike Holmgren
Dick Vermeil
I can see each making it but I'm not so sure that any are being snubbed. Each has Hall of Fame credentials on their side but none are Hall of Fame locks for a variety of reasons. My order would look like this:
Mike Holmgren
Dick Vermeil
Tom Flores
Don Coryell
I have Mike Holmgren at the top simply because he had the most sustained success. He took both teams that he coached to the Super Bowl, winning one. Perhaps he should've won more. It's really difficult to win more than winning a lot and Holmgren won a lot.
Dick Vermeil also took two teams to the Super Bowl, winning one. Taking his Eagles team to a Super Bowl might've been more impressive than winning a Super Bowl with the Rams.
Tom Flores would already be in the Hall of Fame if his coaching career was only his nine years with the Raiders. Unfortunately, he ended his coaching career with 2-14, 6-10, and 6-10 seasons with the Seahawks. Those that don't question his induction point to two Super Bowl titles. Those that question his induction say that he inherited those teams and ended his coaching days with a lot of losing. There's probably no other Hall of Fame candidate among The Athletic's snubs that causes me to flip-flop more. Flores is a puzzle for me. A lot of Hall of Fame coaches have ended their careers poorly. A lot of Hall of Fame coaches have fewer than two titles. Some have none. Flores broke barriers. He also won titles as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Very few in league history have done that.
I've long thought that Don Coryell should already be in the Hall of Fame. That's more for his offensive innovations than his coaching success. He did more to change the game than any coach on this list of snubs. There's definitely a place in Canton for a coach like Coryell. Recently, I've softened a bit on my "Coryell should be in the Hall" thoughts. Coryell couldn't coach one of the most explosive and talented offenses ever into a Super Bowl.
The 48 Pro Football Hall of Fame's 48-person Selection Committee have a tough job. It's also a thankless job. They have a job that gets tougher every year. Here are some of the players that will be added to the pool in the coming years.
Upcoming first-year eligibles:
2021
Peyton Manning
Charles Woodson
Calvin Johnson
Jared Allen
2022
Steve Smith
DeMarcus Ware
Anquan Boldin
Robert Mathis
Andre Johnson
2023
Joe Thomas
Darrelle Revis
Devin Hester
Dwight Freeney
James Harrison
2024
Antonio Gates
Julius Peppers
2025
Luke Kuechly
Eli Manning
One thing that I'd like to see the voters do is stop voting in so many of the first-year eligibles. Making it in the first year needs to be reserved for the players that were truly, truly, truly special. They should be the very best of the very best. They should be the players that the other great players look at with wonder. Making it to the Hall in the first year should mean something more than it currently does.
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