The Minnesota Vikings defense was dealt a significant blow this week when defensive tackle Michael Pierce decided to opt out of playing this season. It's been a weird offseason. It's going to be a weird season. Pierce made his difficult decision because of health concerns during a global pandemic. His own health as well as the health of his family is more important than football. Both he and members of his family are at a greater risk than most due to serious asthma issues. No one can judge Pierce's decision. It's disappointing but it's his health.
And it was a horseshit move by Pro Football Talk to compare Cameron Heyward's asthma decision to the one that Pierce made. Two different people. Two different decisions. I didn't see them comparing the decisions of every player that opted out to those that didn't.
There was no new Vikings player that I was more excited to see this season than Pierce. He was signed in free agency to replace Linval Joseph as the team's block-eating, run-stuffing nose tackle. At a supposed 6'4" and 330lbs, Joseph looks like a mountain. At 6'-zero and 340lbs, Pierce looks like a boulder. I couldn't wait to see the Juggernaut on the football field. I'll just have to wait a little longer.
Without Pierce available, the Vikings enter training camp with seven defensive tackles on the roster.
Armon Watts
Jaleel Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Jalyn Holmes
James Lynch
Hercules Mata'afa
David Moa
After Joseph's departure and before Pierce's arrival, I was intrigued by the potential of Armon Watts and Jaleel Johnson in the middle of the Vikings defensive line. Watts flashed as a rookie at the end of last season. The Vikings had him spelling Joseph at nose tackle. Most current depth charts out there have Watts and Johnson at nose tackle with incumbent Shamar Stephen as the starter at three-technique. I'm not sure what Mike Zimmer and Andre Patterson have in mind without Pierce but I'd sure like to see Watts at three-technique and Johnson at nose. At 6'5" and 295 lbs, Watts simply looks more like a penetrating defensive tackle than a run-stuffing nose tackle. At 6'3" and 316 lbs, Johnson looks more the nose tackle part. Of course, looks and ability don't always tell the same story. The best interior run-stuffer on the team is Stephen. I'd prefer to see him play that role than three-technique. For too long, the missing ingredient on the Vikings defense has been a consistent interior pass rush. I think that Watts can fill that role. Jalyn Holmes was drafted in the fourth round in 2018 to potentially provide that missing ingredient. James Lynch was drafted in the fourth round this year for the same reason. Hercules Mata'afa has been the wildcard since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He's unique in that he's quick, strong, and little. At least he was little. He came into the league at about 250 lbs. He's supposedly closer to 290 lbs now. David Moa is an undrafted rookie so he's pretty much a mystery to me.
So, seven defensive tackles are currently on the roster. With Pierce, I thought that the Vikings might keep as many as six defensive tackles on the 53-man roster. The competition for roster spots was going to be so fierce I thought that the always reliable Stephen might be on the bubble. Without Pierce, it's a different story. Again, I'd like to see Watts and Johnson as the starting interior pair. But Johnson might not be the run-stuffer that the team needs. That player has to keep the linebackers clean. Johnson is playing for his second contract. He's had some nice moments and he might be the best combination of run-stuffer/pass rusher on the roster but does he provide enough of either? Especially run-stuffer, in my starting pair scenario. Stephen is a fundamentally sound football player and especially strong against the run but is that enough to keep him on the roster when so much more is needed from his position? If he starts, or doesn't start, I hope that he's on the roster as mostly a smallish nose tackle. Holmes, Lynch, and Mata'afa are the pass rushers of the group and are probably battling for two spots. Lynch is the most intriguing of the three and is probably in the lead despite not yet stepping on a football field for the Vikings. He might even wind up as the starter at three-technique. I can easily see that happening if the coaches see both Watts and Johnson as nose tackles.
In my opinion, the following defensive tackles will be on the Vikings roster.
Armon Watts
Jaleel Johnson
James Lynch
From there, I think that Shamar Stephen and Jalyn Holmes will join them. Hercules Mata'afa might force the team to still keep six. If he's at 290 lbs and can play as fast as he did at 250 lbs, he'd be tough to cut.
No matter how the starters shake out I'm sure that all of the defensive tackles will have a significant role. Rotation will be key on the defensive line without Pierce to anchor the middle of it.
Even though I've yet to see Michael Pierce in a Vikings uniform I'm going to miss him. I hope that he and his family stay safe and healthy.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
NFL Top 100: 10-1
It's finally here! The Top 10 Players in the NFL as voted on by the players of the NFL. NFL Network aired the final two episodes of the Top 100 Players of 2020 last night. In those two episodes the Top 10 Players in the NFL were revealed.
10. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
9. Stephon Gilmore, CB, New England Patriots
8. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Arizona Cardinals
7. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
6. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
5. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
4. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
3. Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams
2. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
With Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey reaching Top 10 heights perhaps the running back isn't dead in the NFL. With two apiece, running backs even matched receivers in the Top 10.
While expected, defense is underrepresented with only two players. Chandler Jones is one defender that could've/should've been included been in the Top 10.
George Kittle probably had the best, most fun, highlight clip of the entire NFL Top 100 list. In preparation fun for the 2017 NFL Draft I had Kittle as my third or fourth round pick in every single one of my Minnesota Vikings mock drafts. I still don't understand how he made it to the fifth round.
I don't think that there's a single person that follows the NFL in the slightest that sees Patrick Mahomes as the third best quarterback in the league.
But this is the player's list. They voted on it.
I don't really understand the people that get a bellyache over this list. It's fun. The reveals are fun. The best part of the player reveals is the commentary. I don't even think that it matters where the players place on the list as long as they are on the list. Sure, I'd love to see a load of Vikings scattered throughout the top of the rankings. It'd probably be a refection of a terrific season. They had five players on this year's list. Six, if you count the sadly departed Stefon Diggs. While I think that Anthony Harris should've made it, five feels about right.
Speaking of the commentary, Darius Slay was this year's star.
The NFL Top 100 is also a fun lead-up to the start of a new season. Perhaps it's a recency thing but I think that I prefer jamming the episodes into a handful of days. That wasn't the case when it was trotted out last season. I had grown so accustomed to the multi-month reveals. The first episode aired soon after the draft and ran into July. A weekly focus on only ten reveals was nice but ten weeks can start to feel a little long. Three episodes a night for three nights is a little much but it allows for the Top 10 to have it's own night. Maybe one episode a night for nine nights and a two episode finale on the tenth night. I don't know. I do know that I'm starting to think that shorter might be better.
10. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
9. Stephon Gilmore, CB, New England Patriots
8. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Arizona Cardinals
7. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
6. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
5. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
4. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
3. Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams
2. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
With Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey reaching Top 10 heights perhaps the running back isn't dead in the NFL. With two apiece, running backs even matched receivers in the Top 10.
While expected, defense is underrepresented with only two players. Chandler Jones is one defender that could've/should've been included been in the Top 10.
George Kittle probably had the best, most fun, highlight clip of the entire NFL Top 100 list. In preparation fun for the 2017 NFL Draft I had Kittle as my third or fourth round pick in every single one of my Minnesota Vikings mock drafts. I still don't understand how he made it to the fifth round.
I don't think that there's a single person that follows the NFL in the slightest that sees Patrick Mahomes as the third best quarterback in the league.
But this is the player's list. They voted on it.
I don't really understand the people that get a bellyache over this list. It's fun. The reveals are fun. The best part of the player reveals is the commentary. I don't even think that it matters where the players place on the list as long as they are on the list. Sure, I'd love to see a load of Vikings scattered throughout the top of the rankings. It'd probably be a refection of a terrific season. They had five players on this year's list. Six, if you count the sadly departed Stefon Diggs. While I think that Anthony Harris should've made it, five feels about right.
Speaking of the commentary, Darius Slay was this year's star.
The NFL Top 100 is also a fun lead-up to the start of a new season. Perhaps it's a recency thing but I think that I prefer jamming the episodes into a handful of days. That wasn't the case when it was trotted out last season. I had grown so accustomed to the multi-month reveals. The first episode aired soon after the draft and ran into July. A weekly focus on only ten reveals was nice but ten weeks can start to feel a little long. Three episodes a night for three nights is a little much but it allows for the Top 10 to have it's own night. Maybe one episode a night for nine nights and a two episode finale on the tenth night. I don't know. I do know that I'm starting to think that shorter might be better.
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
NFL Top 100: 40-11
The NFL Top 100 continued on NFL Network last night with the football players ranked 40-11. The excitement is building.
40. Danielle Hunter, Edge, Minnesota Vikings
39. Tyrann Mathieu, S, Kansas City Chiefs
38. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
37. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Los Angeles Rams
36. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
35. Minkah Pitzpatrick, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
34. Joey Bosa, DE, Los Angeles Chargers
33. Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
32. Shaquil Barrett, Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
31. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
The 40-31 group is interesting in that it contains some of the least vocal stars:
Danielle Hunter
Chris Godwin
Nick Chubb
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Aaron Jones
Saquon Barkley
with a couple of the most vocal stars:
Tyrann Mathieu
Jalen Ramsey
Danielle Hunter has played five seasons and he's only 25. Incredible.
30. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29. Quenton Nelson, OG, Indianapolis Colts
28. Richard Sherman, CB, San Francisco 49ers
27. Jamal Adams, S, Seattle Seahawks
26. Von Miller, Edge, Denver Broncos
25. T.J. Watt, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers
24. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
23. Cameron Jordan, Edge, New Orleans Saints
22. Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
21. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
I believe that Dalvin Cook is the highest ranked Vikings player since Adrian Peterson.
Tom Brady will be happy with his receivers in Tampa Bay, #38 Chris Godwin and #30 Mike Evans. I'd have those rankings reversed.
20. DeShaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans
19. Khalil Mack, Edge, Chicago Bears
18. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
17. Nick Bosa, Edge, San Francisco 49ers
16. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
15. Chandler Jones. Edge. Arizona Cardinals
14. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks
12. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
11. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons
It appears that a change in the quarterback hierarchy has taken place. Long-time Top 10 throwers are now in the Second 10 and some youngsters are now in the Top 10.
With players ranked 100-11 revealed it's pretty easy to shake out the Top 10.
Patrick Mahomes
Lamar Jackson
Russell Wilson
Christian McCaffrey
Derrick Henry
Michael Thomas
DeAndre Hopkins
George Kittle
Aaron Donald
Stephon Gilmore
As is usually the case, the defense is underrepresented. Chandler Jones, for one, should be in the Top 10. Perhaps in place of his new teammate. But this is the player's list.
I count nine offensive linemen on NFL Top 100.
Brandon Brooks
Jason Kelce
Ryan Ramczyk
Tyron Smith
Ronnie Stanley
Laremy Tunsil
David Bakhtiari
Zack Martin
Quenton Nelson
How is Mitchell Schwartz not one of them? It's been a running joke that he's never made a Pro Bowl while being the league's best right tackle for years. The players omitting him from their own rankings is equally absurd.
40. Danielle Hunter, Edge, Minnesota Vikings
39. Tyrann Mathieu, S, Kansas City Chiefs
38. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
37. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Los Angeles Rams
36. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns
35. Minkah Pitzpatrick, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
34. Joey Bosa, DE, Los Angeles Chargers
33. Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
32. Shaquil Barrett, Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
31. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
The 40-31 group is interesting in that it contains some of the least vocal stars:
Danielle Hunter
Chris Godwin
Nick Chubb
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Aaron Jones
Saquon Barkley
with a couple of the most vocal stars:
Tyrann Mathieu
Jalen Ramsey
Danielle Hunter has played five seasons and he's only 25. Incredible.
30. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29. Quenton Nelson, OG, Indianapolis Colts
28. Richard Sherman, CB, San Francisco 49ers
27. Jamal Adams, S, Seattle Seahawks
26. Von Miller, Edge, Denver Broncos
25. T.J. Watt, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers
24. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
23. Cameron Jordan, Edge, New Orleans Saints
22. Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
21. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
I believe that Dalvin Cook is the highest ranked Vikings player since Adrian Peterson.
Tom Brady will be happy with his receivers in Tampa Bay, #38 Chris Godwin and #30 Mike Evans. I'd have those rankings reversed.
20. DeShaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans
19. Khalil Mack, Edge, Chicago Bears
18. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
17. Nick Bosa, Edge, San Francisco 49ers
16. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
15. Chandler Jones. Edge. Arizona Cardinals
14. Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks
12. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
11. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons
It appears that a change in the quarterback hierarchy has taken place. Long-time Top 10 throwers are now in the Second 10 and some youngsters are now in the Top 10.
With players ranked 100-11 revealed it's pretty easy to shake out the Top 10.
Patrick Mahomes
Lamar Jackson
Russell Wilson
Christian McCaffrey
Derrick Henry
Michael Thomas
DeAndre Hopkins
George Kittle
Aaron Donald
Stephon Gilmore
As is usually the case, the defense is underrepresented. Chandler Jones, for one, should be in the Top 10. Perhaps in place of his new teammate. But this is the player's list.
I count nine offensive linemen on NFL Top 100.
Brandon Brooks
Jason Kelce
Ryan Ramczyk
Tyron Smith
Ronnie Stanley
Laremy Tunsil
David Bakhtiari
Zack Martin
Quenton Nelson
How is Mitchell Schwartz not one of them? It's been a running joke that he's never made a Pro Bowl while being the league's best right tackle for years. The players omitting him from their own rankings is equally absurd.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
NFL Top 100: 100-41
For ten years the players of the NFL have voted to determine the best players of the NFL. For ten years the results of the vote have been released on NFL Network with commentary from the players. The commentary is the best part. It's informative, often hilarious, and always entertaining. Over the first several years, NFL Network started revealing the rankings soon after the draft. It was a multi-month long process. It was condensed to about a week last year. It was further condensed this year to just four days. No matter how it's packaged, The NFL Top 100 Players is a fun way to ramp up to a new season. It's also one of the few instances when it's the players ranking the players. The first three evenings revealed the players ranked from 100-41. Here are those players.
100. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
99. Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
98. Brandon Brooks, OG, Philadelphia Eagles
97. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
96. Chris Carson, RB, Seattle Seahawks
95. Frank Clark, Edge, Kansas City Chiefs
94. Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia Eagles
93. Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears
92. Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
91. Grady Jarrett, DT, Atlanta Falcons
It's about time for Budda Baker. The 90s feel a little low for Brandon Brooks, Frank Clark, and Grady Jarrett but there are a lot of terrific football players in the NFL. Some terrific players have to wind up ranked in the 90s.
When Jason Kelce was revealed it was mentioned that he's the first brother of three sets of brothers on the list. That, of course, got me thinking about those brothers. Jason and Travis Kelce, Joey and Nick Bosa, and J.J. and T.J. Watt must be the three.
90. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
89. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
88. Jaylon Smith, LB, Dallas Cowboys
87. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
86. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens
85. Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
84. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
83. Eric Kendricks, LB, Minnesota Vikings
82. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, New Orleans Saints
81. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
It's great to see finally see Eric Kendricks included among the best football players in the league.
It's a little early for rookies Kyler Murray and DK Metcalf. Each had a handful of scintillating moments but each also had many more moments in which they looked like intriguing rookies.
80. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
79. Calais Campbell, DL, Baltimore Ravens
78. Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys
77. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
76. Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints
75. Earl Thomas, S, Baltimore Ravens
74. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens
73. Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
72. Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
71. Jurrell Casey, DT, Denver Broncos
With three in this group, and four so far, it's no surprise to see the Baltimore Ravens well represented on The NFL Top 100.
I always find it interesting to see NFL Top 100 Players on new teams. So far, Darius Slay, Calais Campbell, and Jurrell Casey are listed with teams for whom they have yet to play. Tom Brady, Jamal Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, DeForest Buckner, and Stefon Diggs should join them as players that have made an offseason relocation. Stars get traded. It's part of the game. It still surprises me because these are supposed to be the players around which teams are built.
70. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
69. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
68. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans
67. Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints
66. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Houston Texans
65. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks
64. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings
63. Preston Smith, Edge, Green Bay Packers
62. David Bakhtiari, OT, Green Bay Packers
61. Jarvis Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns
#64 is way too low for Harrison Smith.
Larry Fitzgerald is still great.
Fred Warner has made a quick ascent up the linebacker ranks.
60. Logan Ryan, S, Free Agent
59. Odell Beckham, Jr., WR, Cleveland Browns
58. Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings
57. Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
56. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts
55. Zack Martin, OG, Dallas Cowboys
54. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills
53. Marcus Peters, CB, Baltimore Ravens
52. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
51. Todd Gurley, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The Vikings have a QB on the Top 100!
Stefon Diggs has yet to play a game in his new uniform but I miss him already.
50. Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts
49. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys
48. Za'Darius Smith, Edge, Green Bay Packers
47. Tre'Davious White, CB, Buffalo Bills
46. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
45. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
44. Mark Ingram, RB, RB Baltimore Ravens
43. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, San Francisco 49ers
42. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
41. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Free Agent
Logan Ryan and Jadeveon Clowney are ranked among the Top 60 Players of 2020. Neither has signed with a team. It's been a weird offseason.
It was mentioned in one of the six episodes that the Ravens tied the Saints for the most players on this year's list. Seven. So far, six Ravens have been revealed. So only Lamar Jackson made the Top 40.
A clip of Drew Brees and Russell Wilson at the Pro Bowl was played when Preston Smith was revealed. It was played again when Za'Darius Smith was revealed. In the clip, Brees and Wilson are chatting about the impact that each Smith has had on the Packers pass rush. It's a funny clip because Kirk Cousins is standing with Brees and Wilson with apparently nothing to add. He faced the Smiths twice that season. Maybe he added his opinion off-camera. The clip is also funny because the ~6'3" Cousins towers over his itty-bitty passing peers.
My favorite part of the NFL Top 100 has always been the commentary. Some of the players are hilarious. Ike Taylor and Mike Daniels have stood out in that regard. Some of the commentary is really informative. I often think of Luke Kuechly's breakdown of Charles Clay from one of the early seasons. Funny and/or informative, the commentary is always entertaining. Darius Slay has impressed this year.
The Vikings have five players on the Top 100. Looks like Dalvin Cook and Danielle Hunter made the Top 40.
Players ranked 40-11 will be revealed tonight.
100. Lavonte David, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
99. Darren Waller, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
98. Brandon Brooks, OG, Philadelphia Eagles
97. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
96. Chris Carson, RB, Seattle Seahawks
95. Frank Clark, Edge, Kansas City Chiefs
94. Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia Eagles
93. Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears
92. Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
91. Grady Jarrett, DT, Atlanta Falcons
It's about time for Budda Baker. The 90s feel a little low for Brandon Brooks, Frank Clark, and Grady Jarrett but there are a lot of terrific football players in the NFL. Some terrific players have to wind up ranked in the 90s.
When Jason Kelce was revealed it was mentioned that he's the first brother of three sets of brothers on the list. That, of course, got me thinking about those brothers. Jason and Travis Kelce, Joey and Nick Bosa, and J.J. and T.J. Watt must be the three.
90. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
89. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
88. Jaylon Smith, LB, Dallas Cowboys
87. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
86. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens
85. Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
84. Cameron Heyward, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
83. Eric Kendricks, LB, Minnesota Vikings
82. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, New Orleans Saints
81. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
It's great to see finally see Eric Kendricks included among the best football players in the league.
It's a little early for rookies Kyler Murray and DK Metcalf. Each had a handful of scintillating moments but each also had many more moments in which they looked like intriguing rookies.
80. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
79. Calais Campbell, DL, Baltimore Ravens
78. Tyron Smith, OT, Dallas Cowboys
77. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
76. Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints
75. Earl Thomas, S, Baltimore Ravens
74. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Baltimore Ravens
73. Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
72. Josh Jacobs, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
71. Jurrell Casey, DT, Denver Broncos
With three in this group, and four so far, it's no surprise to see the Baltimore Ravens well represented on The NFL Top 100.
I always find it interesting to see NFL Top 100 Players on new teams. So far, Darius Slay, Calais Campbell, and Jurrell Casey are listed with teams for whom they have yet to play. Tom Brady, Jamal Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, DeForest Buckner, and Stefon Diggs should join them as players that have made an offseason relocation. Stars get traded. It's part of the game. It still surprises me because these are supposed to be the players around which teams are built.
70. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
69. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
68. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans
67. Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints
66. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Houston Texans
65. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks
64. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings
63. Preston Smith, Edge, Green Bay Packers
62. David Bakhtiari, OT, Green Bay Packers
61. Jarvis Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns
#64 is way too low for Harrison Smith.
Larry Fitzgerald is still great.
Fred Warner has made a quick ascent up the linebacker ranks.
60. Logan Ryan, S, Free Agent
59. Odell Beckham, Jr., WR, Cleveland Browns
58. Kirk Cousins, QB, Minnesota Vikings
57. Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers
56. DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts
55. Zack Martin, OG, Dallas Cowboys
54. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills
53. Marcus Peters, CB, Baltimore Ravens
52. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
51. Todd Gurley, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The Vikings have a QB on the Top 100!
Stefon Diggs has yet to play a game in his new uniform but I miss him already.
50. Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts
49. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys
48. Za'Darius Smith, Edge, Green Bay Packers
47. Tre'Davious White, CB, Buffalo Bills
46. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
45. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans
44. Mark Ingram, RB, RB Baltimore Ravens
43. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, San Francisco 49ers
42. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
41. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Free Agent
Logan Ryan and Jadeveon Clowney are ranked among the Top 60 Players of 2020. Neither has signed with a team. It's been a weird offseason.
It was mentioned in one of the six episodes that the Ravens tied the Saints for the most players on this year's list. Seven. So far, six Ravens have been revealed. So only Lamar Jackson made the Top 40.
A clip of Drew Brees and Russell Wilson at the Pro Bowl was played when Preston Smith was revealed. It was played again when Za'Darius Smith was revealed. In the clip, Brees and Wilson are chatting about the impact that each Smith has had on the Packers pass rush. It's a funny clip because Kirk Cousins is standing with Brees and Wilson with apparently nothing to add. He faced the Smiths twice that season. Maybe he added his opinion off-camera. The clip is also funny because the ~6'3" Cousins towers over his itty-bitty passing peers.
My favorite part of the NFL Top 100 has always been the commentary. Some of the players are hilarious. Ike Taylor and Mike Daniels have stood out in that regard. Some of the commentary is really informative. I often think of Luke Kuechly's breakdown of Charles Clay from one of the early seasons. Funny and/or informative, the commentary is always entertaining. Darius Slay has impressed this year.
The Vikings have five players on the Top 100. Looks like Dalvin Cook and Danielle Hunter made the Top 40.
Players ranked 40-11 will be revealed tonight.
Monday, July 27, 2020
Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Battles
Training camp will be a little different this year. Instead of jumping into a football routine teams will ease into it. As long as the players, coaches, everyone can pass a couple of medical tests. A global pandemic has changed everyone's routine. Minnesota Vikings rookies, quarterbacks, and select veterans reported to the Eagan facility for training camp on Thursday. Tests first. Then wait. A second test. Hopefully, everyone has two negative tests. The rest of the team is scheduled to report to Eagan tomorrow to start their medical testing process. Fun times. If everyone passes with two negative tests, the whole team can start working toward the 2020 NFL season. That work starts with eight days of strength and conditioning. Teams have to jam what's usually done in spring OTA's into eight days in August. After the strength and conditioning, the first football practice can be held August 12. 14 sessions of padded practices can start August 17. It's a different sort of NFL training camp. The team that holds the Lombardi Trophy in early February will probably be the team that best handles this different sort of training camp and football season. Even though we're still a few weeks from actual, on-field football work it's still easy to get excited about some of the Vikings' training camp battles. Several long-time defensive starters departed this offseason. There will be wide-open competition for those positions. Offensive line has been a shaky, fluid group for far too long. Due to recent high-end draft pick additions, there are finally promising players in place to stabilize the offensive line. They must step up and grab their opportunity. The offensive line has been a problem for far too long. Training camp is a fun, hopeful time. Despite the rocky road to get there this year it's finally almost here. Here are some of the intriguing Vikings' training camp battles that will take place in Eagan.
Offensive line:
Much of the competition will depend on the left tackle decision. Ezra Cleveland was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft to be the left tackle of the future. Whether he's the left tackle of the present is a decision that needs to be made real soon. Perhaps it's already been made. It's tough to make that decision without ever actually working with Cleveland on the field but this isn't a normal time. With a very condensed training camp the rookie is in for a crash course of NFL line play. At least he could have one of the league's best pass rushers lining up opposite him in Danielle Hunter. Sundays will often be easier than practice. My projected 2020 Vikings offensive line looks something like this:
I do think that Cleveland's crash course on NFL left tackle will be fruitful. That would bump incumbent left tackle Riley Reiff to left guard. I also like having an experienced left tackle lining up next to a rookie left tackle. They only assured offensive line positions are held by Garret Bradbury and Brian O'Neill. They are set, hopefully, for a very long time. If my left side projection is accurate, right guard is the only position truly up for grabs. Second-year Dru Samia has some work to do. One of the things that I like about his play is that there's some nastiness to it. I think that this line might need a little bit of that. I don't think that Nick Bosa would've gotten away so easily with his cheap shot on Brian O'Neill in the playoffs if Samia was on the field. That horseshit play still gnaws at me. Anyway, despite not having any evidence for it there's something about Samia that reminds me of Anthony Herrera. He strikes me as a player that may not ever be a standout of the line but he's the sort of player that's always solid and, more importantly, holds the line together. Of course, this offensive line model depends entirely on what the Vikings' decision-makers decide to do on the left side of the line. After a solid rookie season at center, Pat Elflein struggled in his second season. He moved to left guard last year and his struggles worsened. Maybe there's a chance he can play more like his rookie season at left guard this season and Reiff, and his hefty contract, becomes a training camp casualty. For now, I see right guard as the lone, wide-open position on the offensive line. The competition could include Samia, Elflein, Dakota Dozier, and Aviante Collins, perhaps the most athletic of the team's offensive linemen. A couple darkhorse contenders are a couple late-round picks from itty-bitty colleges. 2019 sixth-round pick out of Elon, Oli Udoh, and 2020 seventh-round pick out of Washburn, Kyle Hinton. The guard competition in Eagan will be fun to watch.
Armon Watts
Offensive line:
Much of the competition will depend on the left tackle decision. Ezra Cleveland was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft to be the left tackle of the future. Whether he's the left tackle of the present is a decision that needs to be made real soon. Perhaps it's already been made. It's tough to make that decision without ever actually working with Cleveland on the field but this isn't a normal time. With a very condensed training camp the rookie is in for a crash course of NFL line play. At least he could have one of the league's best pass rushers lining up opposite him in Danielle Hunter. Sundays will often be easier than practice. My projected 2020 Vikings offensive line looks something like this:
| LT | Ezra Cleveland |
| LG | Riley Reiff |
| C | Garrett Bradbury |
| RG | Dru Samia |
| RT | Brian O'Neill |
I do think that Cleveland's crash course on NFL left tackle will be fruitful. That would bump incumbent left tackle Riley Reiff to left guard. I also like having an experienced left tackle lining up next to a rookie left tackle. They only assured offensive line positions are held by Garret Bradbury and Brian O'Neill. They are set, hopefully, for a very long time. If my left side projection is accurate, right guard is the only position truly up for grabs. Second-year Dru Samia has some work to do. One of the things that I like about his play is that there's some nastiness to it. I think that this line might need a little bit of that. I don't think that Nick Bosa would've gotten away so easily with his cheap shot on Brian O'Neill in the playoffs if Samia was on the field. That horseshit play still gnaws at me. Anyway, despite not having any evidence for it there's something about Samia that reminds me of Anthony Herrera. He strikes me as a player that may not ever be a standout of the line but he's the sort of player that's always solid and, more importantly, holds the line together. Of course, this offensive line model depends entirely on what the Vikings' decision-makers decide to do on the left side of the line. After a solid rookie season at center, Pat Elflein struggled in his second season. He moved to left guard last year and his struggles worsened. Maybe there's a chance he can play more like his rookie season at left guard this season and Reiff, and his hefty contract, becomes a training camp casualty. For now, I see right guard as the lone, wide-open position on the offensive line. The competition could include Samia, Elflein, Dakota Dozier, and Aviante Collins, perhaps the most athletic of the team's offensive linemen. A couple darkhorse contenders are a couple late-round picks from itty-bitty colleges. 2019 sixth-round pick out of Elon, Oli Udoh, and 2020 seventh-round pick out of Washburn, Kyle Hinton. The guard competition in Eagan will be fun to watch.
Receiver:
It would be a shock if the Vikings' receiver depth chart wasn't topped by Adam Thielen and top pick Justin Jefferson. That leaves competition for the 3rd receiver role as well as every spot below that. The contenders:
Tajaé Sharpe
Olabisi Johnson
Chad Beebe
I'd probably rank the contenders in the above order. I liked the addition of Tajaé Sharpe in the offseaon. After an impressive rookie season, he seemed to drift down the receiving priority list of the Tennessee Titans. He's a very good route runner with very good hands. Both are strong qualities for a receiver that seemed to fall out of favor with those looking only for a physical freak. Olabisi Johnson was a rookie surprise for the Vikings last season. When Thielen was lost for several games, Johnson stepped up and played well. Like Sharpe, he's very good in all the ways that a receiver needs to be a very good player but he isn't going scare the hell out of the defense. He's just going to get first downs and keep the offense on the field. That works. Chad Beebe remains a mystery as he seems to get hurt just as he's starting to impress. He has to stay healthy. Other contenders:
K.J. Osborn
Dillon Mitchell
Quartney Davis
I have K.J. Osborn penciled in as the Vikings' punt returner. That alone should get him on the roster. Hopefully, he can provide something as a receiver as well. As a rookie last season, Dillon Mitchell didn't look much like the receiver that I saw play at Oregon. Was he overwhelmed by the NFL? Who knows? If he plays like the player that I saw in college, he could move up the depth chart. Quartney Davis looks and feels like a receiver that should've been, at worst, a mid-round draft pick. Instead, he wasn't drafted. Until I see him play, he's a mystery.
Defensive Tackle:
The competition to start next to new nose tackle Michael Pierce should be one of the most intriguing competitions in Eagan. An effective interior pass rush can make even the most deadly passers look mediocre. Since Kevin Williams, the Vikings have been looking for an interior defensive lineman that can consistently get into the face of the quarterback. Shariff Floyd was on the verge of becoming that sort of player but a bungled knee surgery ripped away his football career. The Vikings' got a strong season from Sheldon Richardson in 2018 but couldn't afford to re-sign him in 2019. That's it. It's been a long, mostly fruitless search. Hopefully, a player, or more, emerges this year. There are several contenders.
Armon Watts
Jaleel Johnson
Shamar Stephen
Jalyn Holmes
James Lynch
Hercules Mata'afa
I really like the potential of Armon Watts at three-technique. I've seen a lot of depth charts out there that list him as a backup to Pierce at nose tackle. Maybe the Vikings see him there as well. Who knows? I don't. I'd like to see him next to Pierce and not behind him on the depth chart. Before Pierce was signed in free agency, I liked Watts and Jaleel Johnson as the team's interior pair. If I had to guess the top two contenders at three-technique, I'd go with Watts and and fourth-round pick James Lynch. As a rookie, Lynch might be best suited as a situational pass rusher. Rather than one player making the position his own it might be more likely that the defensive line interior is one of constant rotation. Each player seems to be uniquely skilled. Shamar Stephen is the run-stuffer. Lynch, Jalyn Homes, and Hercules Mata'afa are the pass rushers. Watts and Johnson are the best combination of the two. It'll be almost as interesting to see how many of the defensive tackles the Vikings try to fit on the roster as it is to see which one starts next to Pierce.
Cornerbacks:
Cornerback is probably the highlight competition of Vikings' training camp. That tends to happen when a team loses the top three players at the position from the year before. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander are gone. With five career starts, Mike Hughes is the most experienced cornerback on the roster. He's 23. The only corner older than 23 is CFL import Marcus Sayles. He's 25. The Vikings have a very young and very talented cornerback group. This competition is going to be a blast. The leading contenders to start opposite Hughes look something like this:
Jeff Gladney
Holton Hill
Cameron Dantzler
Kris Boyd
Jeff Gladney (1st round) and Cameron Dantzler (3rd round) are rookies. Holton Hill is entering his third year. Kris Boyd is entering his second. If I were to be so bold as to guess the Week 1 starters I'd go with Hughes and Gladney. That's really not so bold. Both were selected in the first round of their respective drafts to be eventual starters. Now is that time. I really like Gladney. His feisty play has me thinking that he's going to be the team's top corner as soon as this season. Things get more interesting when considering the team's cornerbacks in nickel. Seeing as the Vikings are in nickel far more than they are in base, this is significant. I currently like Holton Hill as the third corner. In nickel, Gladney and Hill should be on the outside and Hughes moves inside. It'll also be nice to get Hill's 6'2" size on the field. As much as I like Gladney's physicality against a receiver of any size, putting 5'10" corners on Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Courtland Sutton, DK Metcalf, etc can be worrisome. Cameron Dantzler also provides 6'2" size. Fifth-round pick Harrison Hand and undrafted free agent Nevelle Clarke should provide even more spice to the corner compeition. I'm more thrilled about the cornerback group being populated by all these young players than if the Vikings had brought back one or more of the departed veterans. Part of that is the sad fact that those veterans didn't play that great last season but it's mostly due to the intriguing talent of these young football players. There are seven corners that I really want to see on the roster. That doesn't include Sayles and I loved the way that he played in Canada. His size and versatile, aggressive play reminded me of Antoine Winfield. The cornerback competition is going to be a blast.
One other position competition that may not really be a competition:
Weakside Linebacker. Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks drive the linebacker position. The weakside linebacker is only on the field for about a third of the defensive snaps. That position has been Ben Gedeon's for a couple years. A concussion last season gave Eric Wilson an opportunity. He took advantage and I believe that he's jumped Gedeon for the weakside spot moving forward. I really think that fourth-round rookie Troy Dye will challenge Wilson and Gedeon for the job. He made plays all over the field for four years at Oregon. While nowhere near the freak athlete of Arizona Cardinals rookie S/LB Isaiah Simmons, Dye played linebacker at Oregon a lot like Simmons played the position at Clemson. I think that Dye will be a factor in the Vikings' weakside linebacker competition.
It's fun thinking about the Vikings' potential position battles. Unfortunately, despite being on the eve of training camp we're still weeks away from the start of those competitions. The wait should only build the anticipation of them.
Sunday, July 26, 2020
2019 Minnesota Vikings Initial 53-man Roster
I can't get over the roster-churn of the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. The changes touched the defense far more than the offense. Change can be good and some was probably needed on that side of the football team. The Vikings had five years of remarkable defensive consistency but there's always an end date in the NFL. I'll soon start focusing more on what is rather than what was but today's not that day. Here's a glimpse at the Vikings' 53-man roster from less than a year ago.
Offense (25 Players)
Quarterbacks (2)
8 Kirk Cousins
4 Sean Mannion
Running Backs (5)
33 Dalvin Cook
25 Alexander Mattison
23 Mike Boone
31 Ameer Abdullah
30 C.J. Ham
Receivers (4)
14 Stefon Diggs
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olabisi Johnson
12 Chad Beebe
Tight Ends (4)
82 Kyle Rudolph
84 Irv Smith Jr.
83 Tyler Conklin
86 Brandon Dillon
Offensive Line (10)
71 Riley Reiff
65 Pat Elflein
56 Garrett Bradbury
64 Josh Kline
75 Brian O'Neill
69 Rashod Hill
78 Dakota Dozier
73 Dru Samia
61 Brett Jones
74 Oli Udoh
Defense (25 Players)
Defensive Line (10)
97 Everson Griffen
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Linval Joseph
99 Danielle Hunter
91 Stephen Weatherly
92 Jalyn Holmes
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Ifeadi Odenigbo
51 Hercules Mata'afa
96 Armon Watts
Linebackers (5)
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
42 Ben Gedeon
50 Eric Wilson
40 Kentrell Brothers
Cornerbacks (6)
29 Xavier Rhodes
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
38 Kris Boyd
32 Mark Fields
Safeties (4)
22 Harrison Smith
41 Anthony Harris
27 Jayron Kearse
39 Marcus Epps
Special Teams (3 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long Snapper
58 Austin Cutting
Reserve/Non-Football Injury
Tashawn Bower, DE
Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform
David Morgan, TE
Suspended
Holton Hill, CB
Gone:
14 Stefon Diggs
64 Josh Kline
89 David Morgan
97 Everson Griffen
98 Linval Joseph
91 Stephen Weatherly
90 Tashawn Bower
40 Kentrell Brothers
29 Xavier Rhodes
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
27 Jayron Kearse
39 Marcus Epps
6 Matt Wile
Despite being on the initial 53-man roster, Matt Wile never punted for the Vikings in 2019. Britton Colquitt was signed before the first game.
I knew that change was coming. I knew that change was needed. It's still startling to see so much change on the Vikings' defense. In a single offseason. The change wasn't limited to the players. The defensive coaching staff underwent significant shuffling as well. Perhaps the sustained stability was the reason for so much change this offseason. Nothing lasts forever. Five defensive starters (Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander) are gone. Two top situational players (Stephen Weatherly, Jayron Kearse) are gone. That's seven of the top 13-14 defensive players of only a year ago. Griffen remains unsigned. Until he's signed by another team there's a chance that he could return. I think that it becomes more remote with each day.
The players that I'll miss the most are easily Stefon Diggs and Everson Griffen. It'll be rough seeing both in a football uniform that isn't the Minnesota Vikings.
Maybe I can now focus more on the current Minnesota Vikings football team.
Offense (25 Players)
Quarterbacks (2)
8 Kirk Cousins
4 Sean Mannion
Running Backs (5)
33 Dalvin Cook
25 Alexander Mattison
23 Mike Boone
31 Ameer Abdullah
30 C.J. Ham
Receivers (4)
14 Stefon Diggs
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olabisi Johnson
12 Chad Beebe
Tight Ends (4)
82 Kyle Rudolph
84 Irv Smith Jr.
83 Tyler Conklin
86 Brandon Dillon
Offensive Line (10)
71 Riley Reiff
65 Pat Elflein
56 Garrett Bradbury
64 Josh Kline
75 Brian O'Neill
69 Rashod Hill
78 Dakota Dozier
73 Dru Samia
61 Brett Jones
74 Oli Udoh
Defense (25 Players)
Defensive Line (10)
97 Everson Griffen
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Linval Joseph
99 Danielle Hunter
91 Stephen Weatherly
92 Jalyn Holmes
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Ifeadi Odenigbo
51 Hercules Mata'afa
96 Armon Watts
Linebackers (5)
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
42 Ben Gedeon
50 Eric Wilson
40 Kentrell Brothers
Cornerbacks (6)
29 Xavier Rhodes
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
38 Kris Boyd
32 Mark Fields
Safeties (4)
22 Harrison Smith
41 Anthony Harris
27 Jayron Kearse
39 Marcus Epps
Special Teams (3 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long Snapper
58 Austin Cutting
Reserve/Non-Football Injury
Tashawn Bower, DE
Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform
David Morgan, TE
Suspended
Holton Hill, CB
***
Gone:
14 Stefon Diggs
64 Josh Kline
89 David Morgan
97 Everson Griffen
98 Linval Joseph
91 Stephen Weatherly
90 Tashawn Bower
40 Kentrell Brothers
29 Xavier Rhodes
26 Trae Waynes
20 Mackensie Alexander
27 Jayron Kearse
39 Marcus Epps
6 Matt Wile
Despite being on the initial 53-man roster, Matt Wile never punted for the Vikings in 2019. Britton Colquitt was signed before the first game.
I knew that change was coming. I knew that change was needed. It's still startling to see so much change on the Vikings' defense. In a single offseason. The change wasn't limited to the players. The defensive coaching staff underwent significant shuffling as well. Perhaps the sustained stability was the reason for so much change this offseason. Nothing lasts forever. Five defensive starters (Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander) are gone. Two top situational players (Stephen Weatherly, Jayron Kearse) are gone. That's seven of the top 13-14 defensive players of only a year ago. Griffen remains unsigned. Until he's signed by another team there's a chance that he could return. I think that it becomes more remote with each day.
The players that I'll miss the most are easily Stefon Diggs and Everson Griffen. It'll be rough seeing both in a football uniform that isn't the Minnesota Vikings.
Maybe I can now focus more on the current Minnesota Vikings football team.
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Draft Pick Signings
The start of training camps was sure to ignite what had been a very slow draft pick signing process. On Tuesday, half of the players that were selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft had signed their first contract. That 50% signing rate was pretty much the case for all players selected in the draft. At the start of this week, only 130 of the 255 drafted players had signed their first contract. The stagnant signings changed over this week. The opening of training camps, more accurately the reporting of the rookies, brought about a signing flurry over the past few days. Nearly all of the 32 teams started getting draft pick signings done.
First Round Signings:
1. Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State-Signed
3. Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State-Signed
4. New York Giants-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama-Signed
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn-Signed
8. Arizona Cardinals-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson-Signed
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida-Signed
10. Cleveland Browns-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama-Signed
11. New York Jets-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville-Signed-Signed
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama-Signed
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Tristan Wirfs, OG, Iowa-Signed
14. San Francisco 49ers-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina-Signed
15. Denver Broncos-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama-Signed
16. Atlanta Falcons-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson-Signed
17. Dallas Cowboys-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma-Signed
18. Miami Dolphins-Austin Jackson, OT, USC-Signed
19. Las Vegas Raiders-Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
20. Jacksonville Jaguars-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU-Signed
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU-Signed
22. Minnesota Vikings-Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU-Signed
23. Los Angeles Chargers-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
24. New Orleans Saints-Ceasar Ruiz, C, Michigan
25. San Francisco 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State-Signed
26. Green Bay Packers-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State-Signed
27. Seattle Seahawks-Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
28. Baltimore Ravens-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU-Signed
29. Tennessee Titans-Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
30. Miami Dolphins-Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn-Signed
31. Minnesota Vikings-Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU-Signed
32. Kansas City Chiefs-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia-Signed
24/32 first round picks signed.
The other rounds (as of 7/24/20):
2nd round: 25/32 have signed
3rd round: 33/42
4th round: 33/40
5th round: 30/33
6th round: 33/35
7th round: 32/41
210/255 draft picks signed.
It took nearly three months for teams to sign 130 draft picks. In a handful of days this week teams signed about 80 draft picks. This hacked-up offseason felt like 2010 when it comes to signing draft picks.
21 teams have completed the task of signing their draft picks.
Minnesota Vikings
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Carolina Panthers
Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Washington
Three teams have yet to sign any of their draft picks.
Los Angeles Rams
New Orleans Saints
The Rams routinely sign their draft picks as a bunch after having the new players sit through some financial and life instruction.
The great majority of the unsigned draft picks are those of six teams.
Las Vegas Raiders-6 picks
Los Angeles Chargers-5 picks
Los Angeles Rams-9 picks
New Orleans Saints-4 picks
New York Giants-6 picks
Seattle Seahawks-6 picks
That's 36 of the 45 unsigned.
The Minnesota Vikings had the most draft pick signing work to do. Their 15-member draft class was the largest ever for a seven-round draft. Due to the hacked-up nature of this offseason, the Vikings decided to put off the signing of their giant draft class until the last minute. On Wednesday morning they kicked off the signing flurry with the signing of their first pick, LSU receiver Justin Jefferson. Around midday Thursday, with the signing of their second first round pick, TCU corner Jeff Gladney, the Vikings had their entire 15-member draft class signed and ready for training camp.
4. James Lynch, DT, Baylor-Signed
4. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon-Signed
5. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple-Signed
5. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)-Signed
6. Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State-Signed
6. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan-Signed
7. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State-Signed
7. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa-Signed
7. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State-Signed
7. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn-Signed
Now, the Vikings can turn their attention to that Dalvin Cook extension before the veterans report next week.
First Round Signings:
1. Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State-Signed
3. Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State-Signed
4. New York Giants-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama-Signed
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn-Signed
8. Arizona Cardinals-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson-Signed
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida-Signed
10. Cleveland Browns-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama-Signed
11. New York Jets-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville-Signed-Signed
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama-Signed
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Tristan Wirfs, OG, Iowa-Signed
14. San Francisco 49ers-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina-Signed
15. Denver Broncos-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama-Signed
16. Atlanta Falcons-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson-Signed
17. Dallas Cowboys-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma-Signed
18. Miami Dolphins-Austin Jackson, OT, USC-Signed
19. Las Vegas Raiders-Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
20. Jacksonville Jaguars-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU-Signed
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU-Signed
22. Minnesota Vikings-Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU-Signed
23. Los Angeles Chargers-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
24. New Orleans Saints-Ceasar Ruiz, C, Michigan
25. San Francisco 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State-Signed
26. Green Bay Packers-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State-Signed
27. Seattle Seahawks-Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
28. Baltimore Ravens-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU-Signed
29. Tennessee Titans-Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
30. Miami Dolphins-Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn-Signed
31. Minnesota Vikings-Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU-Signed
32. Kansas City Chiefs-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia-Signed
24/32 first round picks signed.
The other rounds (as of 7/24/20):
2nd round: 25/32 have signed
3rd round: 33/42
4th round: 33/40
5th round: 30/33
6th round: 33/35
7th round: 32/41
210/255 draft picks signed.
It took nearly three months for teams to sign 130 draft picks. In a handful of days this week teams signed about 80 draft picks. This hacked-up offseason felt like 2010 when it comes to signing draft picks.
21 teams have completed the task of signing their draft picks.
Minnesota Vikings
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Carolina Panthers
Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Washington
Three teams have yet to sign any of their draft picks.
Los Angeles Rams
New Orleans Saints
The Rams routinely sign their draft picks as a bunch after having the new players sit through some financial and life instruction.
The great majority of the unsigned draft picks are those of six teams.
Las Vegas Raiders-6 picks
Los Angeles Chargers-5 picks
Los Angeles Rams-9 picks
New Orleans Saints-4 picks
New York Giants-6 picks
Seattle Seahawks-6 picks
That's 36 of the 45 unsigned.
The Minnesota Vikings had the most draft pick signing work to do. Their 15-member draft class was the largest ever for a seven-round draft. Due to the hacked-up nature of this offseason, the Vikings decided to put off the signing of their giant draft class until the last minute. On Wednesday morning they kicked off the signing flurry with the signing of their first pick, LSU receiver Justin Jefferson. Around midday Thursday, with the signing of their second first round pick, TCU corner Jeff Gladney, the Vikings had their entire 15-member draft class signed and ready for training camp.
1. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU-Signed
1. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU-Signed
2. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State-Signed
3. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State-Signed
4. D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina-Signed4. James Lynch, DT, Baylor-Signed
4. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon-Signed
5. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple-Signed
5. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)-Signed
6. Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State-Signed
6. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan-Signed
7. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State-Signed
7. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa-Signed
7. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State-Signed
7. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn-Signed
Now, the Vikings can turn their attention to that Dalvin Cook extension before the veterans report next week.
Friday, July 24, 2020
Minnesota Signing Flurry
In recent years the Minnesota Vikings had established a routine of signing their draft picks within a week or two of the draft. It was a beautiful routine. This offseaon has been a different sort of offseason. The draft pick signing process has been a slow one across most of the league. As of last week, the Vikings had been one of the least active draft pick-signing teams. There was an obvious reason for that. The rookies weren't allowed on the team's football fields or in the team's building. No physicals, no practices, no contact meant no contract. It was a choice. With training camps finally given the go-ahead, the rookies were finally coming to Minnesota. And the Vikings had a lot of rookies coming to Minnesota. 15 of them. No NFL team had ever selected so many players in a seven-round draft. Yesterday was reporting day for the 15 draft picks so the Vikings finally got down to signing them on Wednesday.
The 15:
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
Before Wednesday, only one of the Vikings' 15 draft picks had signed his first NFL contract.
7. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
Stanley jumped the start of the signings and got his rookie deal done way back on July 13.
Wednesday's signings:
4. James Lynch, DT, Baylor
4. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
5. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)
6. Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State
7. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
Top pick Justin Jefferson got the flurry going with a bang. The Vikings have often started the signing of their draft picks from back to front. They'd start with the late round picks and work their way toward the early round picks. Starting the day with Jefferson was a flashy start.
An interesting nugget from the Wednesday rookie signings was that they left the five defensive backs. And Kenny Willekes. A one day DB holdout? And Kenny Willekes.
Thursday's signings:
1. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
3. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
5. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
6. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
7. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State
7. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
When Jeff Gladney signed his rookie deal yesterday, the Vikings had their entire, record-breaking, 15-member draft class signed. It was a two day signing flurry. For a team that had made it a routine to sign their draft class a week, or two, after they were drafted it felt strange to take it to training camp arrival day. But it's been a strange offseason. Now, it's time for football. Actually, it's time for some medical testing. And then some conditioning. And finally some football.
The 15:
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
Before Wednesday, only one of the Vikings' 15 draft picks had signed his first NFL contract.
7. Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
Stanley jumped the start of the signings and got his rookie deal done way back on July 13.
Wednesday's signings:
1. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
2. Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
4. D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina4. James Lynch, DT, Baylor
4. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
5. K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla)
6. Blake Brandel, OL, Oregon State
7. Kyle Hinton, G, Washburn
Top pick Justin Jefferson got the flurry going with a bang. The Vikings have often started the signing of their draft picks from back to front. They'd start with the late round picks and work their way toward the early round picks. Starting the day with Jefferson was a flashy start.
An interesting nugget from the Wednesday rookie signings was that they left the five defensive backs. And Kenny Willekes. A one day DB holdout? And Kenny Willekes.
Thursday's signings:
1. Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
3. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
5. Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
6. Josh Metellus, S, Michigan
7. Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan State
7. Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi State
When Jeff Gladney signed his rookie deal yesterday, the Vikings had their entire, record-breaking, 15-member draft class signed. It was a two day signing flurry. For a team that had made it a routine to sign their draft class a week, or two, after they were drafted it felt strange to take it to training camp arrival day. But it's been a strange offseason. Now, it's time for football. Actually, it's time for some medical testing. And then some conditioning. And finally some football.
The Biggest Signing of the Signing Flurry.
It was a signing other than the rookie signings that was the biggest signing on Wednesday. It was reported that the Vikings and Mike Zimmer were finalizing an agreement on a contract extension. The extension is reportedly for three years so Zimmer is now set to be the Vikings head coach through the 2023 season. Yesterday brought news that Zimmer had agreed to the contract extension. So there it is. The Vikings and Zimmer have rid themselves of the mind-numbing question that was sure to hover over training camp and the season. The question shouldn't return until the 2023 offseason. Hopefully after a fistful of Super Bowl titles. It's a fairly safe assumption that a contract agreement of similar duration will soon be announced for general manager Rick Spielman.
It was a signing other than the rookie signings that was the biggest signing on Wednesday. It was reported that the Vikings and Mike Zimmer were finalizing an agreement on a contract extension. The extension is reportedly for three years so Zimmer is now set to be the Vikings head coach through the 2023 season. Yesterday brought news that Zimmer had agreed to the contract extension. So there it is. The Vikings and Zimmer have rid themselves of the mind-numbing question that was sure to hover over training camp and the season. The question shouldn't return until the 2023 offseason. Hopefully after a fistful of Super Bowl titles. It's a fairly safe assumption that a contract agreement of similar duration will soon be announced for general manager Rick Spielman.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Throwback Thursday: Favorite Hall of Fame Classes
This Flicker was originally posted on 8/4/19.
It's Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend. I'm here in Canton.
Honor the Heroes of the Game
Preserve Its History
Promote Its Values
Celebrate Excellence Everywhere
Canton is a magical place. The city is amazing. The people are fantastic.
Being here to see the enshrinement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 got me thinking about some of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes. Separating Hall Classes from other Hall Classes is a foolish thing to do. They're all great. They're Hall of Famers. Anyway, I still managed to separate some of my favorite Hall Classes.
The three that I list first are separated from the rest simply because I was present for them.
Class of 2013
Larry Allen
Cris Carter
Curley Culp
Jonathan Ogden
Bill Parcells
Dave Robinson
Warren Sapp
Cris Carter finally makes it to Canton. His induction inspired me to make my first trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I have no idea why I'd never visited before. If I needed inspiration, Alan Page should've done it. Bud Grant should've done it. Apparently, it took Carter's induction. The increasing frustration that I felt each of the the previous five years that he didn't make it probably played a role. Whatever the reason, I finally made the trip to this magical place. It was more than I'd ever imagined.
And Carter was joined by an outstanding Class.
Class of 2018
Bobby Beathard
Robert Brazile
Brian Dawkins
Jerry Kramer
Ray Lewis
Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
Brian Urlacher
Randy Moss brought me back to Canton. I added the Sunday Round table discussion to my Hall of Fame itinerary and it turned out to be a highlight of the weekend. Every future Enshrinement weekend visit will include it. This was a fun Hall Class. An added bonus was Owens' decision to do his own thing.
A curious aspect to my first two Hall of Fame Classes is this:
A Vikings receiver:
Cris Carter
Randy Moss
A Lombardi Packer:
Dave Robinson
Jerry Kramer
A Raven:
Jonathan Ogden
Ray Lewis
An Oilers defender:
Curley Culp
Robert Brazile
Class of 2019
Champ Bailey
Pat Bowlen
Gil Brandt
Tony Gonzalez
Ty Law
Kevin Mawae
Ed Reed
Johnny Robinson
In 2011, Les Richter became the first player from Cal to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tony Gonzalez will be the second. I was in the Memorial Stadium stands for every one of his home games. It's not like I watched his first baby steps because he was running from the moment he put on that Golden Bear uniform. But it feels like I've watched him grow into a Hall of Fame player. The same will be true for Aaron Rodgers five years after he retires from the game. Despite be a Vikings fan, I hope that isn't for a while.
With Ogden, Lewis, and now Ed Reed, one might think that I was a Ravens fan by my Canton visits.
And now for the rest of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes:
Class of 1963
Sammy Baugh
Bert Bell
Joe Carr
Dutch Clark
"Red" Grange
George Halas
Mel Hein
"Pete" Henry
Cal Hubbard
Don Hutson
"Curly" Lambeau
Tim Mara
George Preston Marshall
"Blood"McNally
Bronko Nagurski
Ernie Nevers
Jim Thorpe
Seeing as the Hall of Fame opened 43 years after the start of the APFA/NFL, the early Classes are ridiculous. The voters had some catching up to do. We have the NFL because of the above 17 people.
Class of 1965
Guy Chamberlin
"Paddy"Driscoll
Daniel Fortmann
Otto Graham
Sid Luckman
Steve Van Buren
Bob Waterfield
Along with Dutch Clark (1963) and Jimmy Conzelman (1964), Guy Chamberlin and Paddy Driscoll have been some of my favorite lesser known legends from the league's early decades. Add in ridiculous game-winners like Otto Graham and Sid Luckman.
Class of 1967
Chuck Bednarik
Charles Bidwill, Sr.
Paul Brown
Bobby Layne
Daniel F. Reeves
Ken Strong
Joe Stydahar
Emlen Tunnell
Bobby Layne and Emlen Tunnell are the players that really make this Class one of my favorites.
Class of 1971
Jim Brown
Bill Hewitt
"Bruiser" Kinard
Vince Lombardi
Andy Robustelli
Y.A. Tittle
Norm Van Brocklin
This Class isn't just one of my favorites it's one of the best by any measure.
Class of 1972
Lamar Hunt
Gino Marchetti
Ollie Matson
"Ace" Parker
This Class is a personal favorite because of Gino Marchetti and Ollie Matson. My father was at the University of San Francisco during that duo's incredible time there. He often chatted with Matson before one of their classes together. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is home to several USF players and one particular sports information director. Marchetti and Matson top the list.
Class of 1973
Raymond Berry
Jim Parker
Joe Schmidt
For a tiny Class, this one's stacked.
Class of 1975
Roosevelt Brown
George Connor
Dante Lavelli
Lenny Moore
Any Class that Lenny Moore was part of was going to be among my favorites. If I was born a decade earlier I'm certain that I would've been a Baltimore Colts fan. Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Jim Parker, Gino Marchetti, Art Donovan. Those are some of my favorite from one of my favorite football decades.
Class of 1977
Frank Gifford
Forrest Gregg
Gale Sayers
Bart Starr
Bill Willis
Gale Sayers and Bill Willis are the keys to this Class for me. Any of the five could highlight a Hall Class.
Class of 1979
Dick Butkus
Yale Lary
Ron Mix
Johnny Unitas
Butkus and Unitas. Those names scream football.
Class of 1980
Herb Adderley
"Deacon" Jones
Bob Lilly
Jim Otto
Deacon Jones and Bob Lilly. Nuff said.
Class of 1983
Bobby Bell
Sid Gillman
Sonny Jurgensen
Bobby Mitchell
Paul Warfield
With Bobby Bell, Bobby Mitchell, and Paul Warfield this is another Class with personal favorites.
Class of 1985
Frank Gatski
Joe Namath
Pete Rozelle
O.J. Simpson
Roger Staubach
This is one of the flashier Classes. For about eight years.
Class of 1986
Paul Hornung
Ken Houston
Willie Lanier
Fran Tarkenton
Doak Walker
The Minnesota Vikings finally had a Hall of Famer. This Class would be among my favorites even if Fran Tarkenton wasn't part of it.
Class of 1988
Fred Biletnikoff
Mike Ditka
Jack Ham
Alan Page
Alan Page.
Class of 1993
Dan Fouts
Larry Little
Chuck Noll
Walter Payton
Bill Walsh
Any Class with Walter Payton was going to rate high. Throw in Bill Walsh and Chuck Noll and this one's a keeper.
Class of 1994
Tony Dorsett
Bud Grant
Jimmy Johnson
Leroy Kelly
Jackie Smith
Randy White
I'm really glad that my favorite Vikings were part of terrific Hall Classes.
Class of 2000
Howie Long
Ronnie Lott
Joe Montana
Dan Rooney
Dave Wilcox
This one's a Dream Class for all of my 49er friends. Dan Rooney feels out of place in this Bay Area-centric Class.
Class of 2004
Bob Brown
Carl Eller
John Elway
Barry Sanders
This is a fun one. There's no denying that John Elway and Barry Sanders were the headliners of this Class. But Carl Eller, of course, and his on-field rival Bob Brown were the personal highlight.
Class of 2005
Benny Friedman
Dan Marino
Fritz Pollard
Steve Young
The only negative to this wonderful Class was that it had taken so damn long for Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman to be inducted. There isn't a single reason for them to not have been a part of one of the first 5-10 Hall of Fame Classes. They both certainly should've made it while they were alive.
On induction day, Grit Young sure took advantage of the fact that only two members of this Class were alive. The length of his presentation speech changed the way that presenters presented.
Class of 2006
Troy Aikman
Harry Carson
John Madden
Warren Moon
Reggie White
Rayfield Wright
A wonderful Class. I just wish that Reggie White had lived to experience it.
Class of 2009
Bob Hayes
Randall McDaniel
Bruce Smith
Derrick Thomas
Ralph Wilson, Jr.
Rod Woodson
Despite a load of annual honors during his playing career I wasn't entirely sure that the voters would view Randall McDaniel's career as I had. He was one of the best guards that I've ever seen. He rivaled John Hannah. Rod Woodson, Bruce Smith, and Derrick Thomas were also among the best I'd ever seen at their respective positions.
Class of 2010
Russ Grimm
Rickey Jackson
Dick LeBeau
Floyd Little
John Randle
Jerry Rice
Emmitt Smith
Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith obviously headlined this Class but it was mostly about John Randle for me. As with McDaniel the year before, I wasn't entirely sure how the voters would view Randle's career. When asked their favorite all-time player, more Vikings fans respond Randle than perhaps any other player.
Class of 2011
Richard Dent
Marshall Faulk
Chris Hanburger
Les Richter
Ed Sabol
Deion Sanders
Shannon Sharpe
This Class is a favorite because Les Richter is the first Pro Football Hall of Famer from Cal. It only starts there. Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders were two of the most fun players to watch in my lifetime. And then there's Ed Sabol. He made football better. And it's pretty damn great in my book.
It's Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend. I'm here in Canton.
Honor the Heroes of the Game
Preserve Its History
Promote Its Values
Celebrate Excellence Everywhere
Canton is a magical place. The city is amazing. The people are fantastic.
Being here to see the enshrinement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 got me thinking about some of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes. Separating Hall Classes from other Hall Classes is a foolish thing to do. They're all great. They're Hall of Famers. Anyway, I still managed to separate some of my favorite Hall Classes.
The three that I list first are separated from the rest simply because I was present for them.
Class of 2013
Larry Allen
Cris Carter
Curley Culp
Jonathan Ogden
Bill Parcells
Dave Robinson
Warren Sapp
Cris Carter finally makes it to Canton. His induction inspired me to make my first trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I have no idea why I'd never visited before. If I needed inspiration, Alan Page should've done it. Bud Grant should've done it. Apparently, it took Carter's induction. The increasing frustration that I felt each of the the previous five years that he didn't make it probably played a role. Whatever the reason, I finally made the trip to this magical place. It was more than I'd ever imagined.
And Carter was joined by an outstanding Class.
Class of 2018
Bobby Beathard
Robert Brazile
Brian Dawkins
Jerry Kramer
Ray Lewis
Randy Moss
Terrell Owens
Brian Urlacher
Randy Moss brought me back to Canton. I added the Sunday Round table discussion to my Hall of Fame itinerary and it turned out to be a highlight of the weekend. Every future Enshrinement weekend visit will include it. This was a fun Hall Class. An added bonus was Owens' decision to do his own thing.
A curious aspect to my first two Hall of Fame Classes is this:
A Vikings receiver:
Cris Carter
Randy Moss
A Lombardi Packer:
Dave Robinson
Jerry Kramer
A Raven:
Jonathan Ogden
Ray Lewis
An Oilers defender:
Curley Culp
Robert Brazile
Class of 2019
Champ Bailey
Pat Bowlen
Gil Brandt
Tony Gonzalez
Ty Law
Kevin Mawae
Ed Reed
Johnny Robinson
In 2011, Les Richter became the first player from Cal to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tony Gonzalez will be the second. I was in the Memorial Stadium stands for every one of his home games. It's not like I watched his first baby steps because he was running from the moment he put on that Golden Bear uniform. But it feels like I've watched him grow into a Hall of Fame player. The same will be true for Aaron Rodgers five years after he retires from the game. Despite be a Vikings fan, I hope that isn't for a while.
With Ogden, Lewis, and now Ed Reed, one might think that I was a Ravens fan by my Canton visits.
And now for the rest of my favorite Hall of Fame Classes:
Class of 1963
Sammy Baugh
Bert Bell
Joe Carr
Dutch Clark
"Red" Grange
George Halas
Mel Hein
"Pete" Henry
Cal Hubbard
Don Hutson
"Curly" Lambeau
Tim Mara
George Preston Marshall
"Blood"McNally
Bronko Nagurski
Ernie Nevers
Jim Thorpe
Seeing as the Hall of Fame opened 43 years after the start of the APFA/NFL, the early Classes are ridiculous. The voters had some catching up to do. We have the NFL because of the above 17 people.
Class of 1965
Guy Chamberlin
"Paddy"Driscoll
Daniel Fortmann
Otto Graham
Sid Luckman
Steve Van Buren
Bob Waterfield
Along with Dutch Clark (1963) and Jimmy Conzelman (1964), Guy Chamberlin and Paddy Driscoll have been some of my favorite lesser known legends from the league's early decades. Add in ridiculous game-winners like Otto Graham and Sid Luckman.
Class of 1967
Chuck Bednarik
Charles Bidwill, Sr.
Paul Brown
Bobby Layne
Daniel F. Reeves
Ken Strong
Joe Stydahar
Emlen Tunnell
Bobby Layne and Emlen Tunnell are the players that really make this Class one of my favorites.
Class of 1971
Jim Brown
Bill Hewitt
"Bruiser" Kinard
Vince Lombardi
Andy Robustelli
Y.A. Tittle
Norm Van Brocklin
This Class isn't just one of my favorites it's one of the best by any measure.
Class of 1972
Lamar Hunt
Gino Marchetti
Ollie Matson
"Ace" Parker
This Class is a personal favorite because of Gino Marchetti and Ollie Matson. My father was at the University of San Francisco during that duo's incredible time there. He often chatted with Matson before one of their classes together. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is home to several USF players and one particular sports information director. Marchetti and Matson top the list.
Class of 1973
Raymond Berry
Jim Parker
Joe Schmidt
For a tiny Class, this one's stacked.
Class of 1975
Roosevelt Brown
George Connor
Dante Lavelli
Lenny Moore
Any Class that Lenny Moore was part of was going to be among my favorites. If I was born a decade earlier I'm certain that I would've been a Baltimore Colts fan. Johnny Unitas, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Jim Parker, Gino Marchetti, Art Donovan. Those are some of my favorite from one of my favorite football decades.
Class of 1977
Frank Gifford
Forrest Gregg
Gale Sayers
Bart Starr
Bill Willis
Gale Sayers and Bill Willis are the keys to this Class for me. Any of the five could highlight a Hall Class.
Class of 1979
Dick Butkus
Yale Lary
Ron Mix
Johnny Unitas
Butkus and Unitas. Those names scream football.
Class of 1980
Herb Adderley
"Deacon" Jones
Bob Lilly
Jim Otto
Deacon Jones and Bob Lilly. Nuff said.
Class of 1983
Bobby Bell
Sid Gillman
Sonny Jurgensen
Bobby Mitchell
Paul Warfield
With Bobby Bell, Bobby Mitchell, and Paul Warfield this is another Class with personal favorites.
Class of 1985
Frank Gatski
Joe Namath
Pete Rozelle
O.J. Simpson
Roger Staubach
This is one of the flashier Classes. For about eight years.
Class of 1986
Paul Hornung
Ken Houston
Willie Lanier
Fran Tarkenton
Doak Walker
The Minnesota Vikings finally had a Hall of Famer. This Class would be among my favorites even if Fran Tarkenton wasn't part of it.
Class of 1988
Fred Biletnikoff
Mike Ditka
Jack Ham
Alan Page
Alan Page.
Class of 1993
Dan Fouts
Larry Little
Chuck Noll
Walter Payton
Bill Walsh
Any Class with Walter Payton was going to rate high. Throw in Bill Walsh and Chuck Noll and this one's a keeper.
Class of 1994
Tony Dorsett
Bud Grant
Jimmy Johnson
Leroy Kelly
Jackie Smith
Randy White
I'm really glad that my favorite Vikings were part of terrific Hall Classes.
Class of 2000
Howie Long
Ronnie Lott
Joe Montana
Dan Rooney
Dave Wilcox
This one's a Dream Class for all of my 49er friends. Dan Rooney feels out of place in this Bay Area-centric Class.
Class of 2004
Bob Brown
Carl Eller
John Elway
Barry Sanders
This is a fun one. There's no denying that John Elway and Barry Sanders were the headliners of this Class. But Carl Eller, of course, and his on-field rival Bob Brown were the personal highlight.
Class of 2005
Benny Friedman
Dan Marino
Fritz Pollard
Steve Young
The only negative to this wonderful Class was that it had taken so damn long for Fritz Pollard and Benny Friedman to be inducted. There isn't a single reason for them to not have been a part of one of the first 5-10 Hall of Fame Classes. They both certainly should've made it while they were alive.
On induction day, Grit Young sure took advantage of the fact that only two members of this Class were alive. The length of his presentation speech changed the way that presenters presented.
Class of 2006
Troy Aikman
Harry Carson
John Madden
Warren Moon
Reggie White
Rayfield Wright
A wonderful Class. I just wish that Reggie White had lived to experience it.
Class of 2009
Bob Hayes
Randall McDaniel
Bruce Smith
Derrick Thomas
Ralph Wilson, Jr.
Rod Woodson
Despite a load of annual honors during his playing career I wasn't entirely sure that the voters would view Randall McDaniel's career as I had. He was one of the best guards that I've ever seen. He rivaled John Hannah. Rod Woodson, Bruce Smith, and Derrick Thomas were also among the best I'd ever seen at their respective positions.
Class of 2010
Russ Grimm
Rickey Jackson
Dick LeBeau
Floyd Little
John Randle
Jerry Rice
Emmitt Smith
Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith obviously headlined this Class but it was mostly about John Randle for me. As with McDaniel the year before, I wasn't entirely sure how the voters would view Randle's career. When asked their favorite all-time player, more Vikings fans respond Randle than perhaps any other player.
Class of 2011
Richard Dent
Marshall Faulk
Chris Hanburger
Les Richter
Ed Sabol
Deion Sanders
Shannon Sharpe
This Class is a favorite because Les Richter is the first Pro Football Hall of Famer from Cal. It only starts there. Marshall Faulk and Deion Sanders were two of the most fun players to watch in my lifetime. And then there's Ed Sabol. He made football better. And it's pretty damn great in my book.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Minnesota Vikings 87-man Roster
On the eve of rookies, quarterbacks, and select veterans reporting to the team's facility for training camp, it's a fine time to take another look at the 87-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings. The unfortunate thing about the Vikings' 87-man roster is that there are 87 players on it. Due to the global pandemic, it looks like every team will have to trim their roster to 80 players before training camp even starts. And just like that, as many as 317 football players with NFL dreams will be without NFL jobs. It doesn't feel right but there are a lot of things aren't right about these times. Imagine if this country's decision-makers had made decisions closer to the right decisions from the start. We'd be a whole lot closer to back to normal. But that's another story. This story is about the players that will be arriving for Vikings' training camp over the next week.
Offense (44 Players)
Quarterbacks (4)
8 Kirk Cousins
4 Sean Mannion
3 Jake Browning
7 Nate Stanley
Running Backs (5)
33 Dalvin Cook
25 Alexander Mattison
23 Mike Boone
31 Ameer Abdullah
35 Tony Brooks-James
Fullbacks (2)
30 C.J. Ham
40 Jake Bargas
Receivers (12)
19 Adam Thielen
18 Justin Jefferson
81 Olabisi Johnson
11 Tajaé Sharpe
17 K.J. Osborn
12 Chad Beebe
16 Davion Davis
15 Alexander Hollins
13 Dillon Mitchell
14 Quartney Davis
85 Dan Chisena
89 Bralon Addison
Tight Ends (5)
82 Kyle Rudolph
84 Irv Smith Jr.
83 Tyler Conklin
86 Brandon Dillon
89 Nakia Griffin-Stewart
Offensive Tackles (7)
71 Riley Reiff
75 Brian O'Neill
72 Ezra Cleveland
69 Rashod Hill
76 Aviante Collins
74 Oli Udoh
62 Blake Brandel
Guards (6)
65 Pat Elflein
73 Dru Samia
78 Dakota Dozier
68 Kyle Hinton
67 Brady Aiello
60 Tyler Higby
Centers (3)
56 Garrett Bradbury
61 Brett Jones
63 Jake Lacina
Defense (40 Players)
Defensive Ends (7)
99 Danielle Hunter
96 Ifeadi Odenigbo
57 D.J. Wonnum
79 Kenny Willekes
92 Anthony Zettel
90 Stacy Keely
52 Eddie Yarbrough
Defensive Tackles (8)
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Michael Pierce
92 Jalyn Holmes
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Armon Watts
51 Hercules Mata'afa
66 James Lynch
60 David Moa
Linebackers (9)
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
50 Eric Wilson
42 Ben Gedeon
59 Cameron Smith
45 Troy Dye
47 DeMarquis Gates
48 Blake Lynch
49 Jordan Fehr
Cornerbacks (11)
21 Mike Hughes
20 Jeff Gladney
24 Holton Hill
27 Cameron Dantzler
38 Harrison Hand
29 Kris Boyd
34 Nevelle Clarke
26 Nate Meadors
32 Mark Fields
36 Marcus Sayles
37 Kemon Hall
Safeties (5)
22 Harrison Smith
41 Anthony Harris
44 Josh Metellus
39 Brian Cole II
46 Myles Dorn
Special Teams (3 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
2 Britton Colquitt
Long Snapper
58 Austin Cutting
Offense (44 Players)
Quarterbacks (4)
8 Kirk Cousins
4 Sean Mannion
3 Jake Browning
7 Nate Stanley
Running Backs (5)
33 Dalvin Cook
25 Alexander Mattison
23 Mike Boone
31 Ameer Abdullah
35 Tony Brooks-James
Fullbacks (2)
30 C.J. Ham
40 Jake Bargas
Receivers (12)
19 Adam Thielen
18 Justin Jefferson
81 Olabisi Johnson
11 Tajaé Sharpe
17 K.J. Osborn
12 Chad Beebe
16 Davion Davis
15 Alexander Hollins
13 Dillon Mitchell
14 Quartney Davis
85 Dan Chisena
89 Bralon Addison
Tight Ends (5)
82 Kyle Rudolph
84 Irv Smith Jr.
83 Tyler Conklin
86 Brandon Dillon
89 Nakia Griffin-Stewart
Offensive Tackles (7)
71 Riley Reiff
75 Brian O'Neill
72 Ezra Cleveland
69 Rashod Hill
76 Aviante Collins
74 Oli Udoh
62 Blake Brandel
Guards (6)
65 Pat Elflein
73 Dru Samia
78 Dakota Dozier
68 Kyle Hinton
67 Brady Aiello
60 Tyler Higby
Centers (3)
56 Garrett Bradbury
61 Brett Jones
63 Jake Lacina
Defense (40 Players)
Defensive Ends (7)
99 Danielle Hunter
96 Ifeadi Odenigbo
57 D.J. Wonnum
79 Kenny Willekes
92 Anthony Zettel
90 Stacy Keely
52 Eddie Yarbrough
Defensive Tackles (8)
93 Shamar Stephen
98 Michael Pierce
92 Jalyn Holmes
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Armon Watts
51 Hercules Mata'afa
66 James Lynch
60 David Moa
Linebackers (9)
55 Anthony Barr
54 Eric Kendricks
50 Eric Wilson
42 Ben Gedeon
59 Cameron Smith
45 Troy Dye
47 DeMarquis Gates
48 Blake Lynch
49 Jordan Fehr
Cornerbacks (11)
21 Mike Hughes
20 Jeff Gladney
24 Holton Hill
27 Cameron Dantzler
38 Harrison Hand
29 Kris Boyd
34 Nevelle Clarke
26 Nate Meadors
32 Mark Fields
36 Marcus Sayles
37 Kemon Hall
Safeties (5)
22 Harrison Smith
41 Anthony Harris
44 Josh Metellus
39 Brian Cole II
46 Myles Dorn
Special Teams (3 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
2 Britton Colquitt
Long Snapper
58 Austin Cutting
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Draft Pick Signings
With the NFL confirming that training camps will be fully open by July 28, it's time to take a look at the signing status of the players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. This hacked-up offseason has made it a slow process. The draft pick signings have picked up since the league's training camp announcement. It's picked up to the point where the signings as of mid-July are at typical mid-May levels.
First Round Signings:
1. Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State-Signed
4. New York Giants-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama-Signed
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn-Signed
8. Arizona Cardinals-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson-Signed
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida-Signed
10. Cleveland Browns-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama-Signed
11. New York Jets-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville-Signed
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Tristan Wirfs, OG, Iowa
14. San Francisco 49ers-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina-Signed
15. Denver Broncos-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson-Signed
17. Dallas Cowboys-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
18. Miami Dolphins-Austin Jackson, OT, USC-Signed
19. Las Vegas Raiders-Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
20. Jacksonville Jaguars-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU-Signed
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU-Signed
22. Minnesota Vikings-Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
23. Los Angeles Chargers-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
24. New Orleans Saints-Ceasar Ruiz, C, Michigan
25. San Francisco 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State-Signed
26. Green Bay Packers-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State-Signed
27. Seattle Seahawks-Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
28. Baltimore Ravens-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
29. Tennessee Titans-Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
30. Miami Dolphins-Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn-Signed
31. Minnesota Vikings-Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
32. Kansas City Chiefs-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia-Signed
16/32 first round picks signed.
The other rounds (as of 7/21/20):
2nd round: 17/32 have signed
3rd round: 19/42
4th round: 19/40
5th round: 19/33
6th round: 24/35
7th round: 16/41
130/255
Even with the recent surge of signings, just over half of the players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft have signed their first contract. With every rookie expected to report to their respective team by the end of this week, it's likely that nearly every one of the remaining 125 unsigned draft picks will sign their first contract over the next few days.
Seven teams have completed the task of signing their draft picks.
Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills
Cleveland Browns
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles
Nine teams have yet to sign any of their draft picks.
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams
New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers
Washington
The remaining 16 teams are somewhere in between.
When Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley signed his rookie contract last week, I thought that the Minnesota Vikings were finally tackling the business of signing their draft picks. A week later, the seventh-round pick remains the team's only draft pick to sign his contract. Over recent years, the Vikings have made it routine to sign their draft picks within a week or two of selecting them. This has been a different sort of offseason. The rookies are expected to report to the Vikings' training facility on Thursday. It's a safe guess that in addition to some medical testing that the 14 draft picks that haven't signed their first professional football contract will finally do so.
First Round Signings:
1. Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State-Signed
4. New York Giants-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama-Signed
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn-Signed
8. Arizona Cardinals-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson-Signed
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida-Signed
10. Cleveland Browns-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama-Signed
11. New York Jets-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville-Signed
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Tristan Wirfs, OG, Iowa
14. San Francisco 49ers-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina-Signed
15. Denver Broncos-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson-Signed
17. Dallas Cowboys-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
18. Miami Dolphins-Austin Jackson, OT, USC-Signed
19. Las Vegas Raiders-Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
20. Jacksonville Jaguars-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU-Signed
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU-Signed
22. Minnesota Vikings-Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
23. Los Angeles Chargers-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
24. New Orleans Saints-Ceasar Ruiz, C, Michigan
25. San Francisco 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State-Signed
26. Green Bay Packers-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State-Signed
27. Seattle Seahawks-Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
28. Baltimore Ravens-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
29. Tennessee Titans-Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
30. Miami Dolphins-Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn-Signed
31. Minnesota Vikings-Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
32. Kansas City Chiefs-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia-Signed
16/32 first round picks signed.
The other rounds (as of 7/21/20):
2nd round: 17/32 have signed
3rd round: 19/42
4th round: 19/40
5th round: 19/33
6th round: 24/35
7th round: 16/41
130/255
Even with the recent surge of signings, just over half of the players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft have signed their first contract. With every rookie expected to report to their respective team by the end of this week, it's likely that nearly every one of the remaining 125 unsigned draft picks will sign their first contract over the next few days.
Seven teams have completed the task of signing their draft picks.
Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills
Cleveland Browns
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles
Nine teams have yet to sign any of their draft picks.
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams
New Orleans Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers
Washington
The remaining 16 teams are somewhere in between.
When Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley signed his rookie contract last week, I thought that the Minnesota Vikings were finally tackling the business of signing their draft picks. A week later, the seventh-round pick remains the team's only draft pick to sign his contract. Over recent years, the Vikings have made it routine to sign their draft picks within a week or two of selecting them. This has been a different sort of offseason. The rookies are expected to report to the Vikings' training facility on Thursday. It's a safe guess that in addition to some medical testing that the 14 draft picks that haven't signed their first professional football contract will finally do so.
Monday, July 20, 2020
Health And Safety Aren't Negotiable
The NFL has confirmed the July 28 start of training camp. There's still an "if" in the football going forward equation. If the NFL and NFLPA can finally agree to the necessary safety protocols, training camp will start. Players went after the league on social media yesterday demanding those safety protocols. It appears that the NFL has a plan. At least, NFL teams have submitted plans. The NFLPA has to agree to the plans.
from Tom Pelissero:
All 32 teams have submitted infectious disease emergency response plans, which have been approved by NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills as well as joint infectious disease experts, per source. Union also must approve before teams can have more than 20 players in building.
Seeing as the players have a role in the "if" it seems that their twitter stampede might've been less about a solution than part of the problem. There's a negotiation going on and that's a problem. Health and safety aren't negotiable.
The NFL and NFLPA have a common goal. A 2020 NFL season. The typical NFL-NFLPA mind-numbing negotiations are about money, revenue sharing, money, discipline, and money. These negotiations are about providing a safe work environment for the players, coaches, and staff at an extraordinary time. There shouldn't even be a negotiation. This is about the health and safety of people. That's not negotiable. Money shouldn't even be part of the equation. The league wants two preseason games. They'll say that those two games are necessary for the evaluation of personnel. It's really about the TV money that two preseasons games will bring. The NFLPA wants no preseason games so that there will be a longer acclimation period in place. The NFL isn't thinking about player health and safety with their stand on the number of preseason games. That's not right. If neither side can budge, meet in the middle with a single preseason game that allows for the recommended 21-day acclimation period. Compromise can still be a good thing even in the middle of a global pandemic. Testing should be done with the frequency that the medical experts suggest. That shouldn't require a negotiation. Use some common sense. I know that it's in short supply these days but find some. Most of what's holding up a contented NFLPA and even the NFL are decisions that really aren't for either to make. Listen to the medical experts. Use common sense. Be smart. Don't be a dick.
from Tom Pelissero:
All 32 teams have submitted infectious disease emergency response plans, which have been approved by NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills as well as joint infectious disease experts, per source. Union also must approve before teams can have more than 20 players in building.
Seeing as the players have a role in the "if" it seems that their twitter stampede might've been less about a solution than part of the problem. There's a negotiation going on and that's a problem. Health and safety aren't negotiable.
The NFL and NFLPA have a common goal. A 2020 NFL season. The typical NFL-NFLPA mind-numbing negotiations are about money, revenue sharing, money, discipline, and money. These negotiations are about providing a safe work environment for the players, coaches, and staff at an extraordinary time. There shouldn't even be a negotiation. This is about the health and safety of people. That's not negotiable. Money shouldn't even be part of the equation. The league wants two preseason games. They'll say that those two games are necessary for the evaluation of personnel. It's really about the TV money that two preseasons games will bring. The NFLPA wants no preseason games so that there will be a longer acclimation period in place. The NFL isn't thinking about player health and safety with their stand on the number of preseason games. That's not right. If neither side can budge, meet in the middle with a single preseason game that allows for the recommended 21-day acclimation period. Compromise can still be a good thing even in the middle of a global pandemic. Testing should be done with the frequency that the medical experts suggest. That shouldn't require a negotiation. Use some common sense. I know that it's in short supply these days but find some. Most of what's holding up a contented NFLPA and even the NFL are decisions that really aren't for either to make. Listen to the medical experts. Use common sense. Be smart. Don't be a dick.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Minnesota Vikings Newbies
Due to this hacked-up offseason, there's been no on-field football work for the Minnesota Vikings. Players new to the team have yet to be seen in a Vikings uniform. Perhaps we've even forgotten who some of the new players are. Perhaps we've forgotten that they made an NFL record 15 selections in a seven-round draft. The Vikings needed rookies in numbers this year because salary cap constraints greatly limited them in free agency. That's seen in the itty-bitty free agent class. The NFL confirmed yesterday that training camps will open July 28. Rookies are to report July 21. Quarterbacks and injured players are to report July 23. The remaining players are to join their teammates on July 28. The Vikings Newbies will finally be Vikings players. Here's a re-introduction of the players new to the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.
Free Agents Signed
Michael Pierce, NT, Baltimore Ravens
Tajaé Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans
Anthony Zettel, DE, San Francisco 49ers
DeMarquis Gates, LB, (XFL)-Houston Roughnecks
Marcus Sayles, CB, (CFL)-Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Bralon Addison, WR, (CFL)-Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Michael Pierce is the headliner of this itty-bitty free agency class. He steps into the giant role filled so well by Linval Joseph. I like this exchange as Joseph was approaching the end of his prime years while Pierce is in the middle of his. Tajaé Sharpe will compete for the third receiver role. Anthony Zettel has bounced around the league and should be a factor in the defensive end competition. Of the XFL and CFL imports, Marcus Sayles is the most intriguing. Partly due to his size but mostly due to his physical, versatile play, he reminds me of Antoine Winfield. I loved Winfield's game so I'm intrigued by Sayles.
Draft Picks
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
It's stupid to fall so hard for a rookie class that has to yet step on a professional football field. The more I think about these 15 players the more I like them. 53-man roster projections have bounced through my head that includes all 15 of the draft picks. Justin Jefferson, Jeff Gladney, and Ezra Cleveland could be rookie starters. I wouldn't be too surprised if James Lynch and Troy Dye made it five rookie starters. I have K.J. Osborn as the punt returner. A draft class of 15 is a load and all 15 have a legitimate roster shot.
Undrafted Free Agents
Brady Aiello, OL, Oregon
Nevelle Clarke, CB, Central Florida
Jake Bargas, FB, North Carolina
Dan Chisena, WR, Penn State
Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
Myles Dorn, CB, North Carolina
Jordan Fehr, LB, Appalachian State
Nakia Griffin-Stewart, TE, Pittsburgh
Tyler Higby, OL, Michigan State
Jake Lacina, OL, Augustana
Blake Lynch, LB, Baylor
David Moa, DT, Boise State
The Vikings prioritized the signings of Nevelle Clarke and Quartney Davis so they are the undrafted players to watch. Myles Dorn, Nakia Griffin-Stewart, Tyler Higby could challenge for roster spots. Jake Lacina is the son of former Vikings offensive lineman Corbin Lacina.
Free Agents Signed
Michael Pierce, NT, Baltimore Ravens
Tajaé Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans
Anthony Zettel, DE, San Francisco 49ers
DeMarquis Gates, LB, (XFL)-Houston Roughnecks
Marcus Sayles, CB, (CFL)-Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Bralon Addison, WR, (CFL)-Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Michael Pierce is the headliner of this itty-bitty free agency class. He steps into the giant role filled so well by Linval Joseph. I like this exchange as Joseph was approaching the end of his prime years while Pierce is in the middle of his. Tajaé Sharpe will compete for the third receiver role. Anthony Zettel has bounced around the league and should be a factor in the defensive end competition. Of the XFL and CFL imports, Marcus Sayles is the most intriguing. Partly due to his size but mostly due to his physical, versatile play, he reminds me of Antoine Winfield. I loved Winfield's game so I'm intrigued by Sayles.
Draft Picks
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
It's stupid to fall so hard for a rookie class that has to yet step on a professional football field. The more I think about these 15 players the more I like them. 53-man roster projections have bounced through my head that includes all 15 of the draft picks. Justin Jefferson, Jeff Gladney, and Ezra Cleveland could be rookie starters. I wouldn't be too surprised if James Lynch and Troy Dye made it five rookie starters. I have K.J. Osborn as the punt returner. A draft class of 15 is a load and all 15 have a legitimate roster shot.
Undrafted Free Agents
Brady Aiello, OL, Oregon
Nevelle Clarke, CB, Central Florida
Jake Bargas, FB, North Carolina
Dan Chisena, WR, Penn State
Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
Myles Dorn, CB, North Carolina
Jordan Fehr, LB, Appalachian State
Nakia Griffin-Stewart, TE, Pittsburgh
Tyler Higby, OL, Michigan State
Jake Lacina, OL, Augustana
Blake Lynch, LB, Baylor
David Moa, DT, Boise State
The Vikings prioritized the signings of Nevelle Clarke and Quartney Davis so they are the undrafted players to watch. Myles Dorn, Nakia Griffin-Stewart, Tyler Higby could challenge for roster spots. Jake Lacina is the son of former Vikings offensive lineman Corbin Lacina.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Hall of Fame Future?
Talk of Fame Network does it again with another interesting, thought-provoking article. Clark Judge compiled a list of players that will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the next five years. Hall of Fame discussion is often passionate and always interesting. It's fun to look ahead so here's a look ahead.
CLASS OF 2021
DE Jared Allen
RB Steven Jackson
WR Calvin Johnson
OL Logan Mankins
QB Peyton Manning
LB Jerod Mayo
TE Heath Miller
CB Charles Tillman
DL Justin Tuck
QB Michael Vick
WR Wes Welker
DT Kevin Williams
DB Charles Woodson
Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson have a history. They were finalists for the same Heisman Trophy. They were both drafted at the top of the 1998 NFL Draft. They should enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame together next summer. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Calvin Johnson make it in his first year. While dominant at times I not so sure that Johnson was dominant consistently enough to make it in his first year. It'd like to see Jared Allen make it in his first year but I think that he might have a short wait. With the number of edge rushers becoming eligible over the next few years there's going to be a receiver-like logjam at the position. Kevin Williams is a personal favorite of mine. He was the best to play his position in the 2000s. Seeing Richard Seymour turned away at the Hall of Fame door year after year has me worried about Williams' chances. Logan Mankins, Charles Tillman, and Wes Welker have strong Hall of Fame cases.
CLASS OF 2022
WR Anquan Boldin
LB Chad Greenway
WR Andre Johnson
C Nick Mangold
DE/LB Mario Williams
QB Tony Romo
DE Robert Mathis
WR Steve Smith
LB DeMarcus Ware
DT Vince Wilfork
Steve Smith and DeMarcus Ware top this class of first-year eligible players. If Calvin Johnson made it in 2021, I think that Smith makes it this year. Personally, I think that Smith is more deserving of making it in his first year than Johnson. Despite that, if Johnson had to wait a year I think that Smith should have to wait a year. My guess is that the voters will induct both receivers in their first year. Anquan Boldin and Andre Johnson join a line of deserving receivers that has been a Hall of Fame constant for more than a decade. It still amazes me that the voters made Cris Carter wait six years. Robert Mathis joins Jared Allen in an edge rusher line that's going to grow. Allen is at the front of it. Nick Mangold has a strong Hall of Fame case but could have a Kevin Mawae-like wait.
CLASS OF 2023
LB Navorro Bowman
S Kam Chancellor
CB Antonio Cromartie
DE/LB Elvis Dumervil
G Jahri Evans
DE/LB Dwight Freeney
LB James Harrison
CB/KR Devin Hester
P Shane Lechler
RB DeMarco Murray
QB Carson Palmer
CB Darrelle Revis
OT Joe Thomas
Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas are the headliners. Dwight Freeney joins Jared Allen and Robert Mathis in the edge rusher line. If Allen hasn't made it yet, this is the year. Devin Hester and Shane Lechler will have advocates among the special teamer crowd.
CLASS OF 2024
TE Antonio Gates
RB Jamaal Charles
TE Rob Gronkowski
DE Chris Long
QB Andrew Luck
PK Sebastian Janikowski
WR Jordy Nelson
DT Haloti Ngata
DE Julius Peppers
RB Jonathan Stewart
C Max Unger
DT Kyle Williams
I guess that Rob Gronkowski is on the list until he plays a game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When that happens, Julius Peppers becomes the only first-year eligible with a shot in the first year. This Hall of Fame Class should be an opportunity for the voters to get the best of the players that have been waiting too long.
CLASS OF 2025
LB Lorenzo Alexander
TE Vernon Davis
LB Luke Kuechly
QB Eli Manning
S Eric Weddle
Luke Kuechly should make it in his first year. Eli Manning's Hall of Fame discussion will be interesting.
CLASS OF 2021
DE Jared Allen
RB Steven Jackson
WR Calvin Johnson
OL Logan Mankins
QB Peyton Manning
LB Jerod Mayo
TE Heath Miller
CB Charles Tillman
DL Justin Tuck
QB Michael Vick
WR Wes Welker
DT Kevin Williams
DB Charles Woodson
Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson have a history. They were finalists for the same Heisman Trophy. They were both drafted at the top of the 1998 NFL Draft. They should enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame together next summer. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Calvin Johnson make it in his first year. While dominant at times I not so sure that Johnson was dominant consistently enough to make it in his first year. It'd like to see Jared Allen make it in his first year but I think that he might have a short wait. With the number of edge rushers becoming eligible over the next few years there's going to be a receiver-like logjam at the position. Kevin Williams is a personal favorite of mine. He was the best to play his position in the 2000s. Seeing Richard Seymour turned away at the Hall of Fame door year after year has me worried about Williams' chances. Logan Mankins, Charles Tillman, and Wes Welker have strong Hall of Fame cases.
CLASS OF 2022
WR Anquan Boldin
LB Chad Greenway
WR Andre Johnson
C Nick Mangold
DE/LB Mario Williams
QB Tony Romo
DE Robert Mathis
WR Steve Smith
LB DeMarcus Ware
DT Vince Wilfork
Steve Smith and DeMarcus Ware top this class of first-year eligible players. If Calvin Johnson made it in 2021, I think that Smith makes it this year. Personally, I think that Smith is more deserving of making it in his first year than Johnson. Despite that, if Johnson had to wait a year I think that Smith should have to wait a year. My guess is that the voters will induct both receivers in their first year. Anquan Boldin and Andre Johnson join a line of deserving receivers that has been a Hall of Fame constant for more than a decade. It still amazes me that the voters made Cris Carter wait six years. Robert Mathis joins Jared Allen in an edge rusher line that's going to grow. Allen is at the front of it. Nick Mangold has a strong Hall of Fame case but could have a Kevin Mawae-like wait.
CLASS OF 2023
LB Navorro Bowman
S Kam Chancellor
CB Antonio Cromartie
DE/LB Elvis Dumervil
G Jahri Evans
DE/LB Dwight Freeney
LB James Harrison
CB/KR Devin Hester
P Shane Lechler
RB DeMarco Murray
QB Carson Palmer
CB Darrelle Revis
OT Joe Thomas
Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas are the headliners. Dwight Freeney joins Jared Allen and Robert Mathis in the edge rusher line. If Allen hasn't made it yet, this is the year. Devin Hester and Shane Lechler will have advocates among the special teamer crowd.
CLASS OF 2024
TE Antonio Gates
RB Jamaal Charles
TE Rob Gronkowski
DE Chris Long
QB Andrew Luck
PK Sebastian Janikowski
WR Jordy Nelson
DT Haloti Ngata
DE Julius Peppers
RB Jonathan Stewart
C Max Unger
DT Kyle Williams
I guess that Rob Gronkowski is on the list until he plays a game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When that happens, Julius Peppers becomes the only first-year eligible with a shot in the first year. This Hall of Fame Class should be an opportunity for the voters to get the best of the players that have been waiting too long.
CLASS OF 2025
LB Lorenzo Alexander
TE Vernon Davis
LB Luke Kuechly
QB Eli Manning
S Eric Weddle
Luke Kuechly should make it in his first year. Eli Manning's Hall of Fame discussion will be interesting.
Friday, July 17, 2020
Overflowing Senior Pool
Talk of Fame Network routinely generates interesting, thought-provoking content. Rick Gosselin did it this time with his "Exploring the abyss that is the senior pool of HOF candidates." Gosselin has been a member of the Hall of Fame's selection panel for 25 years, including the last 16 years on the senior sub-committee. He's been in the thick of the Hall of Fame discussions. He doesn't think that enough players have been brought to those discussions. Even after the monster, 20-member Centennial Hall of Fame Class, there are so many players that have never had their careers discussed by the Hall's senior committee. Not getting that discussion is the start of deserving players falling through the cracks and then forgotten. Hall of Fame voting started in 1963. It's ludicrous that players from the 1920s are still peppering Hall of Fame Classes in the 2000s. Fritz Pollard, Benny Friedman, and Duke Slater should've been a part of any of the first dozen Classes. Lavvie Dilweg should've been with them but he still hasn't received the Canton call that he deserves. Dilweg is waiting at the surface of an overflowing senior pool of players that deserve to have their careers discussed. Gosselin has a list of 90 such players. It's such an expansive list that he can make a full football team from the players that he has on it. So he did. He can even go five deep at some positions.
Rick Gosselin's team of senior players whose careers merit Hall of Fame discussion.
Quarterback
Ken Anderson
Halfback
Larry Brown
Fullback
Pat Harder
Receivers
Billy Wilson
Sterling Sharpe
Tight End
Ron Kramer
Offensive Tackle
George Kunz
Jim Tyrer
Offensive Guard
Walt Sweeney
Ed Budde
Center
Jeff Van Note
Defensive End
Harvey Martin
Jim Marshall
Defensive Tackle
Keith Millard
Tom Sestak
Outside Linebacker
Maxie Baughn
Chuck Howley
Middle Linebacker
Randy Gradishar
Cornerback
Ken Riley
Everson Walls
Safety
Eddie Meador
Dick Anderson
Kicker
Gino Cappelletti
Punter
Jerrell Wilson
Kick Returner
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson
While I'm sure that they are on Gosselin's list, I'm surprised that his team didn't include Lavvie Dilweg and Al Wistert. Both should've been in the Hall of Fame long ago. I'm guessing that since Dilweg and Wistert are two of the best known Hall of Fame snubs that Gosselin just wanted to give attention to others.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons are under-represented in the Hall of Fame. Fans of those teams should be happy to see a couple of their players get some attention here.
Falcons: George Kunz, Jeff Van Note
Bengals: Ken Anderson, Ken Riley
It's a good bet that Falcons offensive tackle Mike Kenn is on Gosselin's list as well.
As a Minnesota Vikings fan, I liked seeing Jim Marshall and Keith Millard on this team. They are an interesting pair to include. If Millard had the longevity of Marshall, he'd already be in Canton. If Marshall had ever reached the height of Millard's brief career, he'd be there as well. If I was to be so bold as to pick a couple Vikings players to be on this team those players would be Chuck Foreman and Joey Browner.
Hall of Fame discussion vs Hall of Fame inclusion
Gosselin isn't calling for all 25 players on this team or every player on his list to get measured for spiffy gold jackets. He's simply saying that their careers should be discussed by the voters. To be honest, if these players aren't even being discussed the voters aren't meeting their responsibility. There are players that are automatic Hall of Famers. Then there are players that require some discussion. In the case of the senior pool, all of them require discussion. Sometimes that's simply because some of the voters never saw the player play. In the case of some of the more senior players, none of the voters have seen them play. As a result, a history lesson is required. It's a flawed system due to the simple fact that it's based on opinions. Education is the only way to improve the system and discussion is the only way to educate. There are football historians out there that know far more about some of the players than the Hall of Fame voters. In a perfect Hall of Fame voting world I'd like to think that they'd listen to those historians. Rick Gosselin and Talk of Fame Network do a fine job of initiating discussion. I hope that the rest of the voters are listening and joining the discussion.
Rick Gosselin's team of senior players whose careers merit Hall of Fame discussion.
Quarterback
Ken Anderson
Halfback
Larry Brown
Fullback
Pat Harder
Receivers
Billy Wilson
Sterling Sharpe
Tight End
Ron Kramer
Offensive Tackle
George Kunz
Jim Tyrer
Offensive Guard
Walt Sweeney
Ed Budde
Center
Jeff Van Note
Defensive End
Harvey Martin
Jim Marshall
Defensive Tackle
Keith Millard
Tom Sestak
Outside Linebacker
Maxie Baughn
Chuck Howley
Middle Linebacker
Randy Gradishar
Cornerback
Ken Riley
Everson Walls
Safety
Eddie Meador
Dick Anderson
Kicker
Gino Cappelletti
Punter
Jerrell Wilson
Kick Returner
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson
***
While I'm sure that they are on Gosselin's list, I'm surprised that his team didn't include Lavvie Dilweg and Al Wistert. Both should've been in the Hall of Fame long ago. I'm guessing that since Dilweg and Wistert are two of the best known Hall of Fame snubs that Gosselin just wanted to give attention to others.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons are under-represented in the Hall of Fame. Fans of those teams should be happy to see a couple of their players get some attention here.
Falcons: George Kunz, Jeff Van Note
Bengals: Ken Anderson, Ken Riley
It's a good bet that Falcons offensive tackle Mike Kenn is on Gosselin's list as well.
As a Minnesota Vikings fan, I liked seeing Jim Marshall and Keith Millard on this team. They are an interesting pair to include. If Millard had the longevity of Marshall, he'd already be in Canton. If Marshall had ever reached the height of Millard's brief career, he'd be there as well. If I was to be so bold as to pick a couple Vikings players to be on this team those players would be Chuck Foreman and Joey Browner.
Hall of Fame discussion vs Hall of Fame inclusion
Gosselin isn't calling for all 25 players on this team or every player on his list to get measured for spiffy gold jackets. He's simply saying that their careers should be discussed by the voters. To be honest, if these players aren't even being discussed the voters aren't meeting their responsibility. There are players that are automatic Hall of Famers. Then there are players that require some discussion. In the case of the senior pool, all of them require discussion. Sometimes that's simply because some of the voters never saw the player play. In the case of some of the more senior players, none of the voters have seen them play. As a result, a history lesson is required. It's a flawed system due to the simple fact that it's based on opinions. Education is the only way to improve the system and discussion is the only way to educate. There are football historians out there that know far more about some of the players than the Hall of Fame voters. In a perfect Hall of Fame voting world I'd like to think that they'd listen to those historians. Rick Gosselin and Talk of Fame Network do a fine job of initiating discussion. I hope that the rest of the voters are listening and joining the discussion.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Throwback Thursday: "Son of Bum's" Best
This Flicker was originally posted on 8/7/18.
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is entering his 41st year as an NFL coach. Head coach, coordinator, position coach, he's done a lot and he's seen a lot. He's coached some of the best defensive players of the last five decades. In a conversation on Adam Schefter's podcast Phillips was asked to pick an All Time "Son of Bum" defense, a defense made up of the best players that he ever coached. The available talent is so ridiculous that he couldn't even narrow the line down to his preferred three, let alone four.
Line
Reggie White
Bruce Smith
Curley Culp
Elvin Bethea
J.J. Watt
Aaron Donald
Phillips never really picked his starters but he did focus on Reggie White and Bruce Smith. It's fairly safe to say that those all-time greats are his ends. Curley Culp was the first great nose tackle so he fits nicely between White and Smith. That leaves a bench of Elvin Bethea, J.J. Watt, and Aaron Donald. Nasty.
Linebackers
Rickey Jackson
Karl Mecklenburg
Robert Brazile
Von Miller
Phillips' most glowing words were for Karl Mecklenburg. Perhaps that's due to the failure of history to give the former Broncos do-everything linebacker his proper respect. Mecklenburg was great and deserves Hall of Fame consideration. Phillips has DeMarcus Ware on this team's bench. I was actually surprised how little Phillips said of Ware. I'm sure that was less a slight to Ware than a need to talk up Mecklenburg. Welcome to Canton, Robert Brazile. It's about damn time.
Secondary
Aqib Talib
Chris Harris
Steve Atwater
Dennis Smith
All Broncos from two different eras. The corners, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, are from the current era. The safeties are from a much earlier, much different era. Terence Newman was the only other defensive back that Phillips mentioned. Eric Allen and Antoine Winfield are two corners that I thought might come up but Phillips had both for only a year or two. Steve Atwater finally received his Canton call this year.
Hall of Famers:
Reggie White
Bruce Smith
Curley Culp
Elvin Bethea
Robert Brazile
Rickey Jackson
Steve Atwater
Arguably should be in the Hall:
Karl Mecklenburg
On their way to Canton:
J.J. Watt
Aaron Donald
Maybe:
Aqib Talib
Chis Harris
Dennis Smith
Wade Phillips has been one of the most successful defensive coaches in league history. That's seen in his success. At every stop, and there's been a lot of stops, he quickly flips the defense into a solid unit. That success is also seen in the ridiculous talent that he's coached.
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is entering his 41st year as an NFL coach. Head coach, coordinator, position coach, he's done a lot and he's seen a lot. He's coached some of the best defensive players of the last five decades. In a conversation on Adam Schefter's podcast Phillips was asked to pick an All Time "Son of Bum" defense, a defense made up of the best players that he ever coached. The available talent is so ridiculous that he couldn't even narrow the line down to his preferred three, let alone four.
Line
Reggie White
Bruce Smith
Curley Culp
Elvin Bethea
J.J. Watt
Aaron Donald
Phillips never really picked his starters but he did focus on Reggie White and Bruce Smith. It's fairly safe to say that those all-time greats are his ends. Curley Culp was the first great nose tackle so he fits nicely between White and Smith. That leaves a bench of Elvin Bethea, J.J. Watt, and Aaron Donald. Nasty.
Linebackers
Rickey Jackson
Karl Mecklenburg
Robert Brazile
Von Miller
Phillips' most glowing words were for Karl Mecklenburg. Perhaps that's due to the failure of history to give the former Broncos do-everything linebacker his proper respect. Mecklenburg was great and deserves Hall of Fame consideration. Phillips has DeMarcus Ware on this team's bench. I was actually surprised how little Phillips said of Ware. I'm sure that was less a slight to Ware than a need to talk up Mecklenburg. Welcome to Canton, Robert Brazile. It's about damn time.
Secondary
Aqib Talib
Chris Harris
Steve Atwater
Dennis Smith
All Broncos from two different eras. The corners, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, are from the current era. The safeties are from a much earlier, much different era. Terence Newman was the only other defensive back that Phillips mentioned. Eric Allen and Antoine Winfield are two corners that I thought might come up but Phillips had both for only a year or two. Steve Atwater finally received his Canton call this year.
Hall of Famers:
Reggie White
Bruce Smith
Curley Culp
Elvin Bethea
Robert Brazile
Rickey Jackson
Steve Atwater
Arguably should be in the Hall:
Karl Mecklenburg
On their way to Canton:
J.J. Watt
Aaron Donald
Maybe:
Aqib Talib
Chis Harris
Dennis Smith
Wade Phillips has been one of the most successful defensive coaches in league history. That's seen in his success. At every stop, and there's been a lot of stops, he quickly flips the defense into a solid unit. That success is also seen in the ridiculous talent that he's coached.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Future
The Minnesota Vikings have struggled for too many years to build a quality offensive line. Hopefully, those struggles are coming to an end. There are reasons for optimism:
That's a youthful line. At 31, Reiff is the veteran leader. It's good to have a veteran leader on a line that includes a third-year player (O'Neill), two second-year players (Bradbury, Samia), and a rookie (Cleveland). I also like a long-time starting left tackle lining up next to a rookie left tackle. If Cleveland has an issue he can look to his right for experienced advice. Samia is the outlier of this hopefully developing offensive line group. He's the one mid-round pick (2018 4th round) As a result, he's the one player that wasn't ushered into the position that he's probably going to play. He also brings a little bit of nasty to his play. As long as it doesn't bring drive-crushing penalties, an offensive line needs a little bit of nasty.
-the introduction of Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme
-the employment of coaches to implement and teach it
-the addition of talented players to play it
After a disappointing 2018 season, Kubiak and his trio of coaching friends arrived in Minnesota to assist freshly promoted offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski. This combination worked so well that quarterback Kirk Cousins had his best season, the Vikings arguably became an offensive team, they upset the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the playoffs, and Stefanski was hired to be the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Kubiak is now the offensive coordinator. He and his trio of coaching friends are a year more familiar with the players that they teach and coach. The players are now a year more familiar with the coaches and the scheme in which they play. Perhaps most importantly, the players are more talented and a better fit for this particular blocking scheme. In each of the past three drafts, the Vikings have selected an offensive lineman in the first or second round.
2018: Brian O'Neill, RT, 2nd round
2019: Garrett Bradbury, C, 1st round
2020: Ezra Cleveland, LT, 2nd round
Those three players must become offensive line cornerstones. O'Neill is real close to being that player. Despite a sometimes rough rookie season, Bradbury often flashed as the player that the Vikings drafted him in the first round to be. Cleveland is obviously an unknown but he's strikingly similar to O'Neill as a prospect. Hopefully his NFL development follows a similar progression. I'm so eager to see Cleveland start that development that I'm hoping that he starts at left tackle as a rookie. This would move incumbent Riley Reiff to left guard. This would give the Vikings a projected 2020 offensive line that looks something like this.
| LT | Ezra Cleveland |
| LG | Riley Reiff |
| C | Garrett Bradbury |
| RG | Dru Samia |
| RT | Brian O'Neill |
That's a youthful line. At 31, Reiff is the veteran leader. It's good to have a veteran leader on a line that includes a third-year player (O'Neill), two second-year players (Bradbury, Samia), and a rookie (Cleveland). I also like a long-time starting left tackle lining up next to a rookie left tackle. If Cleveland has an issue he can look to his right for experienced advice. Samia is the outlier of this hopefully developing offensive line group. He's the one mid-round pick (2018 4th round) As a result, he's the one player that wasn't ushered into the position that he's probably going to play. He also brings a little bit of nasty to his play. As long as it doesn't bring drive-crushing penalties, an offensive line needs a little bit of nasty.
It just feels like the Vikings are finally heading in one unified direction with the offensive line. It's a very good feeling. I can't help but rush things along and gaze ahead to the Vikings offensive line of a few years from now.
| LT | Ezra Cleveland |
| LG | Oli Udoh |
| C | Garrett Bradbury |
| RG | Dru Samia |
| RT | Brian O'Neill |
Seeing as Reiff is the only player on the projected 2020 offensive line not on his rookie deal it only follows that he's the only player not on the future offensive line. Cleveland, Bradbury, and O'Neill are givens. They were each drafted in early rounds to be cornerstones. In my future, they develop into cornerstones. I'm hoping that Samia makes right guard his position for the long haul. He just strikes me as a glue-type player. He might not ever be a standout of the line but he's the sort of player that can hold the line together. He could be a right guard like David Dixon once was. Or Anthony Herrera. At least that's how I see Samia's potential in the Vikings offensive line without ever having seen him as a full time part of it. I really like the raw talent and potential of a couple recent late-round, small school offensive linemen. The Vikings selected Oli Udoh out of itty bitty Elon in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was drafted as a tackle. In preseason appearances last year he engulfed and overpowered edge rushers. In an opportunity against the Chicago Bears in Week 17, he handled Khalil Mack on a snap or two. As a late-round, small school rookie, Udoh was impressive. So impressive that I think that he might have a future as the Vikings left guard. The Vikings selected Kyle Hinton out of itty bitty Washburn in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. If he'd played at Iowa or Wisconsin, he might've been a Day 2 pick. He's yet to step on a professional football field so it's all guesses at this point. He's a roster wildcard right now because of his small school roots. He's a factor in the Vikings offensive line future because he's a talented football player. I think that Udoh and Hinton are the top contenders on the current roster to be the Vikings left guard in 2021. Simply because I've seen promising potential in preseason games and one late season game, Udoh has the edge.
After years of frustrating offensive line play in Minnesota, I'm optimistic of a better offensive line future. That optimism is because there's finally a plan. There's a proven scheme in place. There are coaches with a track record of successfully coaching the scheme. There are finally talented offensive linemen on the roster that are ideally suited to the scheme. It's a refreshing combination that hopefully leads to a bright future for the team and safer future for it's quarterback and running backs.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Finally
As a young football fan in the 1970s I always felt discomfort over the name of Washington's football team. I was also uncomfortable with many of the early Bugs Bunny cartoons. Even as a 10-year old, it was easy to see the offensive depictions of Native Americans that were all around me. Football and cartoons were a big part of my childhood. Even more astonishing than the offensive name of the Washington football team was the sad fact that no one seemed to care that it was offensive. I guess that's what happens when everything and everyday is scripted by middle-aged white men.
This offensive name was chosen, embraced, and nurtured by the most blatantly racist team owner in the NFL. In those early years of the league, perhaps as many as all of the owners had some racist leanings. None celebrated their racism more, or made it more obvious, than George Preston Marshall. Everything about this idiot screamed racism and hate. Including the name that he chose for his football team.
Finally. That name is no more.
But not quite yet. Yesterday, the Washington football team released one of the most ridiculous statements I've ever seen from an NFL team. In a statement announcing the retiring the offensive name, the offensive name was used seven times. It's not going away easy but at least it's going away. Finally.
When a person, football team, whatever does the right thing it'd be nice if they did so for the right reason. The Washington football team has done two significant "right" things in their history.
1. 1962. The team integrated. Finally.
2. 2020. The team dropped their offensive name. Finally.
Nice job. On both occasions the team's owner was FORCED to do the right thing. In 1962, the racist Marshall reluctantly integrated his football team because the federal government FORCED him to do so. In 2020, Dan Snyder finally decided to do what he has repeatedly said he'd never do. It took the threat of sponsors walking away from the team for him to do the right thing. Simple greed FORCED him to finally drop his team's offensive name.
Doing the right thing shouldn't be so damn hard.
This offensive name was chosen, embraced, and nurtured by the most blatantly racist team owner in the NFL. In those early years of the league, perhaps as many as all of the owners had some racist leanings. None celebrated their racism more, or made it more obvious, than George Preston Marshall. Everything about this idiot screamed racism and hate. Including the name that he chose for his football team.
Finally. That name is no more.
But not quite yet. Yesterday, the Washington football team released one of the most ridiculous statements I've ever seen from an NFL team. In a statement announcing the retiring the offensive name, the offensive name was used seven times. It's not going away easy but at least it's going away. Finally.
When a person, football team, whatever does the right thing it'd be nice if they did so for the right reason. The Washington football team has done two significant "right" things in their history.
1. 1962. The team integrated. Finally.
2. 2020. The team dropped their offensive name. Finally.
Nice job. On both occasions the team's owner was FORCED to do the right thing. In 1962, the racist Marshall reluctantly integrated his football team because the federal government FORCED him to do so. In 2020, Dan Snyder finally decided to do what he has repeatedly said he'd never do. It took the threat of sponsors walking away from the team for him to do the right thing. Simple greed FORCED him to finally drop his team's offensive name.
Doing the right thing shouldn't be so damn hard.
Monday, July 13, 2020
Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster?
I projected a Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster a couple months ago. Seeing as this hacked-up offseason has allowed for no on-field, full team work the past two months there's really no reason to make changes to those projections. To be honest, whether it's in early May or mid July or late August, there's really only one reason to ever do a roster projections. It's fun. Thinking about the roster of the Vikings is fun. I'm having fun.
2020 Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster?
Offense (25 Players)
Quarterbacks (2)
Kirk Cousins
Sean Mannion
I've never been a fan of keeping only two quarterbacks on the active roster. It doesn't take much for the third quarterback to be as critical to the team as the backup quarterback. Losing Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford before the season was a week old reinforced those feelings. It seems that the way of the present NFL is two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and a developmental quarterback on the practice squad. Personally, I'm more fond of rookie Nate Stanley or Jake Browning than Sean Mannion but I'm not in the quarterback room. Rumor has it that Mannion is an excellent #2 in the quarterback room.
Running Backs (4)
Dalvin Cook
Alexander Mattison
Mike Boone
Ameer Abdullah
I could see Ameer Abdullah being on the outs if a roster spot is needed for another position (defensive tackle/receiver/tight end).
Fullback (1)
C.J. Ham
Receivers (5)
Adam Thielen
Justin Jefferson
Olabisi Johnson
Tajaé Sharpe
K.J. Osborn
I've seen several in the Vikings universe say that K.J. Osborn shouldn't make the roster for punt returns alone. The Vikings keeping Osborn for punt returns alone wouldn't be an extraordinary move seeing as Marcus Sherels made the roster for years simply because he was a terrific punt returner. I think that Osborn can and will provide something as a receiver in addition to those punt returns. It's tough to leave Chad Beebe off the roster. If he can stay on the field maybe he earns a spot on the roster. I'm curious to see undrafted free agent Quartney Davis. He could be a wildcard. I wouldn't be surprised if 2019 seventh-round pick Dillon Mitchell is a roster factor. It felt like he was a little overwhelmed in his first training camp. He didn't look anything like the receiver that I watched at Oregon.
Tight Ends (3)
Kyle Rudolph
Irv Smith Jr.
Tyler Conklin
With the team's use of multiple tight ends it wouldn't be a surprise if four tight ends make the roster. If a fourth emerges. Brandon Dillon and rookie free agent Nakia Griffin-Stewart are the contenders.
Offensive Line (10)
Ezra Cleveland
Riley Reiff
Garrett Bradbury
Dru Samia
Brian O'Neill
Rashod Hill
Pat Elflein
Dakota Dozier
Oli Udoh
Aviante Collins
If he's ready for the NFL, second-round pick Ezra Cleveland is the starting left tackle and the offensive line adjusts accordingly. I'm guessing that adjustment would involve Riley Reiff moving to left guard. Despite being one of the starting five for each of his three seasons in the league, Pat Elflein might be fighting for his roster life this summer. Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, and Brian O'Neill are the offensive line cornerstones moving forward. They were drafted to be that. They must develop into that. Unless he has some Matt Kalil-like decline, O'Neill is already there. I expect giant strides from Bradbury this season. There were moments last season when he flashed the player that he can be. Those moments were surrounded by stretches during which he looked like a rookie center with a lot on his plate. He's a smart, hard working, talented football player. The comparisons of Cleveland to O'Neill are natural. Both were drafted in the second round as big, raw, athletic offensive tackles nicely suited for a zone blocking offense. It's only natural to expect Cleveland to match O'Neill's development progression. The hope here, and probably within the team, is that Dru Samia joins Cleveland, Bradbury, and O'Neill as an offensive line cornerstone. If Reiff does slide to left guard, it allows for a young player like Oli Udoh another year to develop. An offensive line wildcard is seventh-round rookie Kyle Hinton. He could force his way into a roster spot, perhaps at the expense of versatile veteran Dakota Dozier or talented but oft-injured Aviante Collins. Like Udoh, Hinton's a small school player that might need a little NFL seasoning before he's ready. Like Udoh last season, he might show enough in training camp that the Vikings can't cut him.
Defense (25 Players)
Defensive Ends (4)
Danielle Hunter
Ifeadi Odenigbo
D.J. Wonnum
Kenny Willekes
If Everson Griffen returns, this changes. Free agent Anthony Zettel should challenge for a spot but I'm going with the rookie Kenny Willekes. That would leave only rookies behind Danielle Hunter and Ifeadi Odenigbo.
Defensive Tackles (5)
Michael Pierce
Armon Watts
Jaleel Johnson
Jalyn Holmes
James Lynch
The defensive tackle competition might be the most interesting of training camp. Shamar Stephen is a disappointing cut here. Hercules Mata'afa is a tough cut. He's such an intriguing football player. The defensive tackle competition will be so great and the roster-trimming so difficult that I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings find a way to keep six.
Linebackers (6)
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Eric Wilson
Ben Gedeon
Cameron Smith
Troy Dye
For about 2/3 of the defensive snaps, Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are the Vikings linebackers. Eric Wilson emerged as the team's third best linebacker when an injury to Ben Gedeon gave him an opportunity late last season. I can see Gedeon reclaiming his starting job. Or getting cut. Concussions are always concerning. I'm concerned about his concussions. After watching Troy Dye for four years at Oregon, I can see him starting as a rookie. Linebacker is a position that could go light if there's a need at another position.
Cornerbacks (6)
Mike Hughes
Jeff Gladney
Holton Hill
Cameron Dantzler
Kris Boyd
Harrison Hand
The cornerback competition might be as interesting as the defensive tackle competition. I might be putting a lot of faith in rookie corners Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, and Harrison Hand but I really like their potential. Especially Gladney. Undrafted free agent Nevelle Clarke might force his way into the competition as well. Some national talking heads see the Vikings cornerback position as a weakness. They honk about the team losing their top three corners from last season. They fail to also honk about the unfortunate fact that the Vikings corners didn't play all that great last season. I see this young, talented cornerback group as a potential strength. Mike Hughes has to stay on the field.
Safeties (4)
Harrison Smith
Anthony Harris
Josh Metellus
Brian Cole II
Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris are the best safety pair in the league. Roster opportunities are there for rookies Josh Metellus, Brian Cole II, and undrafted free agent Myles Dorn as Smith and Harris are the only veterans on the roster.
Special Teams (3 Players)
Kicker
Dan Bailey
Punter
Britton Colquitt
Long Snapper
Austin Cutting
Until the next Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster projection. Hopefully there will be some training camp practices between that one and this one.
2020 Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster?
Offense (25 Players)
Quarterbacks (2)
Kirk Cousins
Sean Mannion
I've never been a fan of keeping only two quarterbacks on the active roster. It doesn't take much for the third quarterback to be as critical to the team as the backup quarterback. Losing Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford before the season was a week old reinforced those feelings. It seems that the way of the present NFL is two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and a developmental quarterback on the practice squad. Personally, I'm more fond of rookie Nate Stanley or Jake Browning than Sean Mannion but I'm not in the quarterback room. Rumor has it that Mannion is an excellent #2 in the quarterback room.
Running Backs (4)
Dalvin Cook
Alexander Mattison
Mike Boone
Ameer Abdullah
I could see Ameer Abdullah being on the outs if a roster spot is needed for another position (defensive tackle/receiver/tight end).
Fullback (1)
C.J. Ham
Receivers (5)
Adam Thielen
Justin Jefferson
Olabisi Johnson
Tajaé Sharpe
K.J. Osborn
I've seen several in the Vikings universe say that K.J. Osborn shouldn't make the roster for punt returns alone. The Vikings keeping Osborn for punt returns alone wouldn't be an extraordinary move seeing as Marcus Sherels made the roster for years simply because he was a terrific punt returner. I think that Osborn can and will provide something as a receiver in addition to those punt returns. It's tough to leave Chad Beebe off the roster. If he can stay on the field maybe he earns a spot on the roster. I'm curious to see undrafted free agent Quartney Davis. He could be a wildcard. I wouldn't be surprised if 2019 seventh-round pick Dillon Mitchell is a roster factor. It felt like he was a little overwhelmed in his first training camp. He didn't look anything like the receiver that I watched at Oregon.
Tight Ends (3)
Kyle Rudolph
Irv Smith Jr.
Tyler Conklin
With the team's use of multiple tight ends it wouldn't be a surprise if four tight ends make the roster. If a fourth emerges. Brandon Dillon and rookie free agent Nakia Griffin-Stewart are the contenders.
Offensive Line (10)
Ezra Cleveland
Riley Reiff
Garrett Bradbury
Dru Samia
Brian O'Neill
Rashod Hill
Pat Elflein
Dakota Dozier
Oli Udoh
Aviante Collins
If he's ready for the NFL, second-round pick Ezra Cleveland is the starting left tackle and the offensive line adjusts accordingly. I'm guessing that adjustment would involve Riley Reiff moving to left guard. Despite being one of the starting five for each of his three seasons in the league, Pat Elflein might be fighting for his roster life this summer. Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, and Brian O'Neill are the offensive line cornerstones moving forward. They were drafted to be that. They must develop into that. Unless he has some Matt Kalil-like decline, O'Neill is already there. I expect giant strides from Bradbury this season. There were moments last season when he flashed the player that he can be. Those moments were surrounded by stretches during which he looked like a rookie center with a lot on his plate. He's a smart, hard working, talented football player. The comparisons of Cleveland to O'Neill are natural. Both were drafted in the second round as big, raw, athletic offensive tackles nicely suited for a zone blocking offense. It's only natural to expect Cleveland to match O'Neill's development progression. The hope here, and probably within the team, is that Dru Samia joins Cleveland, Bradbury, and O'Neill as an offensive line cornerstone. If Reiff does slide to left guard, it allows for a young player like Oli Udoh another year to develop. An offensive line wildcard is seventh-round rookie Kyle Hinton. He could force his way into a roster spot, perhaps at the expense of versatile veteran Dakota Dozier or talented but oft-injured Aviante Collins. Like Udoh, Hinton's a small school player that might need a little NFL seasoning before he's ready. Like Udoh last season, he might show enough in training camp that the Vikings can't cut him.
Defense (25 Players)
Defensive Ends (4)
Danielle Hunter
Ifeadi Odenigbo
D.J. Wonnum
Kenny Willekes
If Everson Griffen returns, this changes. Free agent Anthony Zettel should challenge for a spot but I'm going with the rookie Kenny Willekes. That would leave only rookies behind Danielle Hunter and Ifeadi Odenigbo.
Defensive Tackles (5)
Michael Pierce
Armon Watts
Jaleel Johnson
Jalyn Holmes
James Lynch
The defensive tackle competition might be the most interesting of training camp. Shamar Stephen is a disappointing cut here. Hercules Mata'afa is a tough cut. He's such an intriguing football player. The defensive tackle competition will be so great and the roster-trimming so difficult that I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings find a way to keep six.
Linebackers (6)
Anthony Barr
Eric Kendricks
Eric Wilson
Ben Gedeon
Cameron Smith
Troy Dye
For about 2/3 of the defensive snaps, Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are the Vikings linebackers. Eric Wilson emerged as the team's third best linebacker when an injury to Ben Gedeon gave him an opportunity late last season. I can see Gedeon reclaiming his starting job. Or getting cut. Concussions are always concerning. I'm concerned about his concussions. After watching Troy Dye for four years at Oregon, I can see him starting as a rookie. Linebacker is a position that could go light if there's a need at another position.
Cornerbacks (6)
Mike Hughes
Jeff Gladney
Holton Hill
Cameron Dantzler
Kris Boyd
Harrison Hand
The cornerback competition might be as interesting as the defensive tackle competition. I might be putting a lot of faith in rookie corners Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, and Harrison Hand but I really like their potential. Especially Gladney. Undrafted free agent Nevelle Clarke might force his way into the competition as well. Some national talking heads see the Vikings cornerback position as a weakness. They honk about the team losing their top three corners from last season. They fail to also honk about the unfortunate fact that the Vikings corners didn't play all that great last season. I see this young, talented cornerback group as a potential strength. Mike Hughes has to stay on the field.
Safeties (4)
Harrison Smith
Anthony Harris
Josh Metellus
Brian Cole II
Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris are the best safety pair in the league. Roster opportunities are there for rookies Josh Metellus, Brian Cole II, and undrafted free agent Myles Dorn as Smith and Harris are the only veterans on the roster.
Special Teams (3 Players)
Kicker
Dan Bailey
Punter
Britton Colquitt
Long Snapper
Austin Cutting
Until the next Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster projection. Hopefully there will be some training camp practices between that one and this one.
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