NFL Draft Order

All but the final two picks of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft are set. 

1.   Chicago Bears

2.   Houston Texans

3.   Arizona Cardinals

4.   Indianapolis Colts 

5.   Seattle Seahawks (from Denver Broncos)

6.   Detroit Lions (from Los Angeles Rams)

7.   Las Vegas Raiders

8.   Atlanta Falcons

9.   Carolina Panthers

10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans Saints)

11. Tennessee Titans

12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)

13. New York Jets

14. New England Patriots

15. Green Bay Packers

16. Washington Commanders

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

18. Detroit Lions

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

20. Seattle Seahawks 

21. Los Angeles Chargers 

22. Baltimore Ravens

23. Minnesota Vikings

24. Jacksonville Jaguars 

25. New York Giants

26. Dallas Cowboys

27. Buffalo Bills

28. Cincinnati Bengals 

29. Denver Broncos (from San Francisco 49ers through Miami Dolphins)

The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos are fighting over the 30th and 31st picks.

There are only 31 picks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft because the Dolphins lost their pick for cheating. More accurately, they lost their first round pick for tampering with players and coaches that were under contract with other teams. 

Teams with multiple first round picks:

Houston Texans (2nd and 12th)

Seattle Seahawks (5th and 20th)

Detroit Lions (6th and 18th)

Philadelphia Eagles (10th and 30th/31st)

Teams with no first round picks:

Los Angeles Rams

New Orleans Saints 

Cleveland Browns

San Francisco 49ers

Miami Dolphins

And Then There Were Two

Super Bowl LVII is set.

Philadelphia Eagles vs Kansas City Chiefs

The two teams got to the big game in very different ways. The Chiefs had to work for it. The Eagles had to do very little. 

The Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals have a nice little rivalry going. The Bengals had taken the previous three games between the two teams, including last year’s AFC Championship game. Each win was by three points. With a hobbled Patrick Mahomes leading the way, the Chiefs outlasted the Bengals in this year’s AFC Championship game by three points. 23-20.

The Chiefs dominated most of the first half. Despite that dominance, they only had a 13-6 halftime lead. The Bengals did well to hold the Chiefs to two field goals and a single touchdown. The second half had the feel of a boxing match with each team trading punches. Each scored a touchdown in the third quarter. The Bengals scored a tying touchdown early in the fourth quarter. 

The Chiefs and Bengals are best known for explosive offenses and the terrific quarterbacks that lead them.  This AFC Championship game was more about the resilient defenses that mostly kept the offenses in check. After the Bengals touchdown that tied the score at 20 early in the fourth quarter, the defenses squashed each attempt to break the tie. It felt like the game was destined for overtime. Just like last year’s AFC Championship game. Skyy Moore’s 29-yard punt return to near midfield with just over 30 seconds to play set the Chiefs an opportunity to win the game in regulation. A gritty first down run by Mahomes and the out-of-bounds hit that ended it moved the ball to the Bengals 27-yard line. Harrison Butker drilled the 45-yard field goal with three seconds on the clock. The Chiefs only had to survive a desperation kick return. They did.

The AFC Championship game was entertaining. The NFC Championship game was not. 

The Eagles defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-7. It was a terrible game as it was decided on the 49ers first possession of the game. The Eagles opened the game with a touchdown drive. It was a touchdown that they shouldn’t have had an opportunity to score. On fourth-and-three from the 49ers 35-yard line, Jalen Hurts threw a pass that DeVonta Smith supposedly caught at the six-yard line. He didn’t. The Eagles rushed to the line for their gifted first down before the 49ers could decide to challenge. It was the first big break of the game for the Eagles. It wasn’t the biggest. That came moments later when 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was knocked out of the game with an elbow injury. The rookie quarterback started the season as the team’s third quarterback. Trey Lance was lost for the season. Jimmy Garoppolo was lost for the season. Purdy led the 49ers on a season resurgence and seven-game win streak. The magic ended on the 49ers sixth offensive play in the NFC Championship game. Purdy couldn’t throw the ball more than a few yards. Josh Johnson entered the game. His pro football journey is so extensive that he makes all other journeyman quarterbacks look sedentary. A now limited offense did eventually tie the game at seven but it couldn’t last. Things turned even more bleak when Johnson left the game in the third quarter with a concussion. Purdy re-entered the game but couldn’t throw. Despite a multi-score deficit, the 49ers were forced to run into a defense that knew it. The 49ers offense simply couldn’t play to an NFL standard, let alone a championship standard. The Eagles coasted into the Super Bowl. 

This game was a joke. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen a team with a Super Bowl path easier than the one the Eagles took to Super Bowl LVII. 

The Super Bowl is now set. Hopefully, it’s more like the AFC Championship game and nothing like the NFC Championship game. 

Flea Flicker Conference Championship Predictions

The 32 teams have been whittled down to the best four teams. Here are guesses at the Conference Championship games.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

The Bengals have won the recent games between these two teams. I believe that a hobbled Patrick Mahomes will find a way. That being said, I wouldn’t mind a Bengals win. I just want an AFC win in the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: 49ers

I’ve seen enough of both teams and their fans. No matter which team wins this game I hope it’s their last win of the season. 

All - Time Final Four Team

Just to pass the time until the Conference Championship games, here’s an All-Time Team made up of some of the best players in the franchise histories of the four teams. The Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers have the longest and strongest histories of the four teams. Only the Eagles have played all their days in the NFL. The 49ers got their professional start in the All-America Football Conference. The Kansas City Chiefs were an original member of the rival American Football League. The Cincinnati Bengals were the final team to join the AFL. All four have varied, interesting, and successful histories. Great players too. Here are some of them.

Offense

Quarterback

Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers

Running Back

Steve Van Buren, Philadelphia Eagles

Fullback

Joe Perry, San Francisco 49ers

Wide Receivers

Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers

Otis Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs

Tight End

Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs

Tackles

Anthony Munoz, Cincinnati Bengals

Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Guards

Will Shields, Kansas City Chiefs

Larry Allen, San Francisco 49ers

Center

Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles 

Defense

Defensive Ends

Reggie White, Philadelphia Eagles

Fred Dean, San Francisco 49ers

Defensive Tackles

Leo Nomellini, San Francisco 49ers

Buck Buchanan, Kansas City Chiefs

Linebackers

Bobby Bell, Kansas City Chiefs

Willie Lanier, Kansas City Chiefs

Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles

Cornerbacks

Jimmy Johnson, San Francisco 49ers

Deion Sanders, San Francisco 49ers

Safeties

Ronnie Lott, San Francisco 49ers

Johnny Robinson, Kansas City Chiefs

Special Teams

Kicker

Jan Stenerud, Kansas City Chiefs

Punter

Tommy Davis, San Francisco 49ers

Returner

Dante Hall, Kansas City Chiefs

NFL Coaching Tracker

The NFL’s first head coaching domino fell on Thursday as the Carolina Panthers passed over interim head coach Steve Wilks and hired former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich. Three head coaches were fired during the 2022 season. 

-Carolina Panthers fired Matt Rhule

-Denver Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett

-Indianapolis Colts fired Frank Reich

All three fired head coaches quickly found new jobs. Rhule is the head coach at Nebraska. Hackett was hired yesterday as the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets. Reich is now the head coach of the Panthers. “Failures” at their previous jobs didn’t keep these three coaches from getting new jobs.

Two coaches were fired after the conclusion of the 2022 season. The Arizona Cardinals fired Kliff Kingsbury. The Houston Texans fired Lovie Smith after a single season. It was the second consecutive season in which the Texans gave a minority head coach a single season to do something with very little. I’m not sure why any coach seeking a head coach opportunity would consider the Texans. Especially if that coach is a minority. On a lighter note, Kingsbury isn’t taking calls as he’s basking in his new found freedom on the other side of the world. 

Here’s a look at the coaching situations of the teams looking for head coaches and coordinators. The most important coaching search, the Minnesota Vikings search for a defensive coordinator is, of course, listed first. 

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator

Candidates:

Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/LB coach

Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks associate head coach for defense

Ryan Nielsen, New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator/DL coach

Mike Pettine, Minnesota Vikings assistant head coach

After Brian Flores interviewed yesterday, all have had an initial interview. 

Head Coach

Carolina Panthers

Hired:

Frank Reich

Interviewed:

Jim Caldwell, former Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions head coach

Ken Dorsey, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator 

Mike Kafka, New York Giants defensive coordinator

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots LB coach

Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

Frank Reich, former Indianapolis Colts head coach

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Steve Wilks, Carolina Panthers interim coach

Arizona Cardinals

Interviewed (scheduled/completed)

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/LB coach

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator 

Vance Joseph, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator

Frank Reich, former Indianapolis Colts head coach

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

Denver Broncos

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Jim Caldwell, former Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions head coach

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan head coach

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator 

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

David Shaw, former Stanford head coach

Houston Texans

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Thomas Brown, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator 

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator 

Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Indianapolis Colts

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator

Rich Bisaccia, Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator 

Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator

Wink Martindale, New York Giants defensive coordinator 

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator 

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator 

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts interim head coach

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Bubba Ventrone, Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator 

Offensive Coordinator

New England Patriots

Hired: 

Bill O’Brien, Alabama offensive coordinator

Interviewed:

Keenan McCardell, Minnesota Vikings WR coach

Nick Caley, New England Patriots TE coach

Bill O’Brien, Alabama offensive coordinator 

New York Jets

Hired:

Nathaniel Hackett

Interviewed:

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills QB coach

Marcus Brady, former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator 

Nick Caley, New England Patriots TE coach

Nathaniel Hackett, former Denver Broncos head coach

Klint Kubiak, Denver Broncos pass game coordinator/QB coach

Chad O’Shea, Cleveland Browns pass game coordinator 

Kevin Patullo, Philadelphia Eagles pass game coordinator

Baltimore Ravens

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Chad O’Shea, Cleveland Browns WR coach/pass game coordinator 

Justin Outten, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator 

Zac Robinson, Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills QB coach

Thomas Brown, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach

Greg Olson, Los Angeles Rams senior offensive assistant

Zac Robinson, Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator

Luke Steckel, Tennessee Titans TE coach

Los Angeles Rams

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Mike LaFleur, former New York Jets offensive coordinator

Austin King, Chicago Bears assistant OL coach

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Jim Bob Cooter, Jacksonville Jaguars passing game coordinator

Keenan McCardell, Minnesota Vikings WR coach

Klint Kubiak, Denver Broncos passing game coordinator

Washington Commanders

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Charles London, Atlanta Falcons QB coach

Pat Shurmur, former offensive coordinator 

Eric Studesville, Miami Dolphins associate head coach/RB coach

Ken Zampese, Washington Commanders QB coach

Thomas Brown, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach

Defensive Coordinator

Cleveland Browns

Hired: 

Jim Schwartz, Tennessee Titans senior defensive assistant

Interviewed:

Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks associate head coach for defense

Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/ LB coach

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots LB coach

Dennard Wilson, Philadelphia Eagles defensive pass game coordinator 

Miami Dolphins

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Anthony Campanile, Miami Dolphins LB coach

Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks associate head coach for defense 

Vic Fangio, former Denver Broncos head coach

Kris Richard, New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator/DB coach

And Now There Are Four

Over this past weekend, the Minnesota Vikings requested interviews with three coaches for their defensive coordinator vacancy.

Brian Flores - Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/LB coach

Sean Desai - Seattle Seahawks associate head coach-defense

Ryan Nielsen - New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator/DL coach

Ryan Nielsen interviewed with the Vikings on Monday. Sean Desai had his interview on Tuesday. Brian Flores is scheduled to have his interview today. Yesterday, a familiar name became the fourth candidate for the job. Vikings assistant head coach Mike Pettine threw his name into the defensive coordinator ring as he interviewed for the job. 

When the Vikings hired relative youngster Kevin O’Connell to be a first-time head coach, it was a fine idea to hire a relative old-timer like Pettine to assist him. O’Connell first met Pettine when both joined the New York Jets in 2009. O’Connell was working to stay in the league as a quarterback. Pettine was in his first year as a defensive coordinator. Over two years together with the Jets, the quarterback apparently made an impression on the defensive coach. As head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Pettine gave O’Connell his first coaching opportunity as the team’s quarterbacks coach in 2015. When O’Connell received his first head coach opportunity with the Vikings, he hired Pettine to assist him. Now, he’s apparently the fourth candidate to become the next defensive coordinator of the Vikings. 

If I were to be so bold as to rank the four candidates, it’d look something like this:

1a. Brian Flores

1b. Sean Desai

2. Ryan Nielsen

3. Mike Pettine

Of the four candidates, I easily prefer Flores and Desai. The only negative to both is that each might be a year or two away from a head coach opportunity. But that’s always the price of success. As for Nielsen, I just don’t know enough about him. From outside the organization, it’s tough to know his impact on a very good Saints defense when he’s the co-defensive coordinator for a defensive-minded head coach. I prefer Pettine remaining in his advisory role with the Vikings. His run as the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers is still too fresh. It was so up and down that I was disappointed when it ended. I liked that the Packers defense was an under-performing group. Despite those feelings about his last job, Pettine is an excellent football coach. His defenses in New York were annually among the league’s best. 

I’d still like to see former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard as a candidate. He’s well known to O’Connell and Pettine. Leonhard and O’Connell were teammates with the Jets. Wherever Pettine coached: Baltimore, New York, Buffalo, and Cleveland. Leonhard was soon there. Familiarity doesn’t alway mean interest but I was always impressed with what Leonhard did with the Badger defense. And he was a tough, smart, overachieving, reliable player in the league for ten years. 

Minnesota Vikings Reserve/Future Signings

One of the first things that signal the end of an NFL season and the start of the preparation for the next season is the signing of players to future/reserve deals. Those signings start with players that ended the season on the team’s practice squad. The Minnesota Vikings have signed several such players in the days since their season sadly ended three games too early.

Signed to Reserve/Future Deals

Trishton Jackson, WR

Blake Proehl, WR

Tay Gowan, CB

Nick Muse, TE

Benton Whitley, OLB

Josh Sokol, C

T.J. Smith, DL

Curtis Weaver, OLB

Curtis Weaver is new to the Vikings. He was released by the Cleveland Browns during the 2022 season. Weaver was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His only game experience was six snaps in a 2021 game for the Browns. He was a college teammate of Alexander Mattison and Ezra Cleveland at Boise State.

Three (so far) members of the Vikings 2022 practice squad have decided to pursue opportunities with other teams.

Kyle Hinton, G - signed with the Atlanta Falcons

Dan Chisena, WR - signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Myles Dorn, S - signed with the Carolina Panthers

Kyle Hinton was a seventh round pick of the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent most of his two years in Minnesota on the practice squad but did appear in two games. 

Dan Chisena was originally signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He was the team’s gunner for two seasons but spent nearly all of the 2022 season on the practice squad. 

Of the practice squad players that bolted to other teams, Myles Dorn had the most game time with the Vikings. He appeared in 14 games since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He was such a staple on the Vikings practice squad/special teams/defensive backfield that his two years with the team felt more like four. 

The following players that finished the 2022 season on the Vikings practice squad remain unsigned:

Ryan Connelly

Bobby Evans

Bryant Koback

Parry Nickerson

James O’Shaugnessy

Josh Rosen

Bryant Koback did visit with the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday. 

Now, it’s back to waiting for defensive coordinator news. 

NFL Coaching Tracker

While the defensive coordinator search of the Minnesota Vikings is the vacancy that interests me the most, there are several coaching and general manager vacancies across the league. Here is a look at how those searches are progressing. The best place to start is the Vikings search for a new defensive coordinator.

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator

Candidates:

Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/LB coach

Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks associate head coach for defense

Ryan Nielsen, New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator/DL coach

-Nielsen interviewed yesterday.

General Manager

Arizona Cardinals

Hired:

Monti Ossenfort, Tennessee Titans director of player personnel

Interviewed:

Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears assistant GM

Quentin Harris, Arizona Cardinals VP of player personel

Joe Hortiz, Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel

Jerry Reese, former New York Giants GM

Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals VP of pro personnel

Tennessee Titans

Hired:

Ran Carthon, San Francisco 49ers director of player personnel

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Malik Boyd, Buffalo Bills director of pro personnel

Glenn Cook, Cleveland Browns assistant GM/VP of player personnel

Ryan Cowden, Tennessee Titans VP of player personnel

Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears assistant general manager

Quentin Harris, Arizona Cardinals VP of player personnel

Monti Ossenfort, Tennessee Titans director of player personnel

Head Coach

Arizona Cardinals

Interviewed (scheduled/completed)

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/LB coach

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator 

Vance Joseph, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator

Frank Reich, former Indianapolis Colts head coach

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

Carolina Panthers

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Jim Caldwell, former Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions head coach

Ken Dorsey, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator 

Mike Kafka, New York Giants defensive coordinator

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots LB coach

Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

Frank Reich, former Indianapolis Colts head coach

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Steve Wilks, Carolina Panthers interim coach

Denver Broncos

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Jim Caldwell, former Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions head coach

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan head coach

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator 

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

David Shaw, former Stanford head coach

Houston Texans

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Thomas Brown, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator 

Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator 

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator 

Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator 

Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Indianapolis Colts

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator

Rich Bisaccia, Green Bay Packers special teams coordinator

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator 

Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator

Wink Martindale, New York Giants defensive coordinator 

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator 

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator 

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator 

Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts interim head coach

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Bubba Ventrone, Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator 

Offensive Coordinator

New England Patriots

Hired: 

Bill O’Brien, Alabama offensive coordinator

Interviewed:

Keenan McCardell, Minnesota Vikings WR coach

Nick Caley, New England Patriots TE coach

Baltimore Ravens

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Chad O’Shea, Cleveland Browns WR coach/pass game coordinator 

Justin Outten, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator 

Zac Robinson, Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviewed (scheduled/completed):

Greg Olson, Los Angeles Rams senior offensive assistant

Zac Robinson, Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator

Luke Steckel, Tennessee Titans TE coach

Thomas Brown, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach

Los Angeles Rams

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Mike LaFleur, former New York Jets offensive coordinator

Austin King, Chicago Bears assistant OL coach

New York Jets

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills QB coach

Marcus Brady, former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator 

Nick Caley, New England Patriots TE coach

Nathaniel Hackett, former Denver Broncos head coach

Klint Kubiak, Denver Broncos pass game coordinator/QB coach

Chad O’Shea, Cleveland Browns pass game coordinator 

Kevin Patullo, Philadelphia Eagles pass game coordinator

Washington Commanders

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Charles London, Atlanta Falcons QB coach

Pat Shurmur, former offensive coordinator 

Eric Studesville, Miami Dolphins associate head coach/RB coach

Ken Zampese, Washington Commanders QB coach

Thomas Brown, Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach

Defensive Coordinator

Cleveland Browns

Hired: 

Jim Schwartz, Tennessee Titans senior defensive assistant

Interviewed:

Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks associate head coach for defense

Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/ LB coach

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots LB coach

Dennard Wilson, Philadelphia Eagles defensive pass game coordinator 

Miami Dolphins

Interviewed (scheduled/requested):

Anthony Campanile, Miami Dolphins LB coach

Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks associate head coach for defense 

***

Of course, all of the teams looking for a new head coach will also be looking for offensive and defensive coordinators once their new head coach is hired. The Vikings are competing with one team for a DC now. They will eventually be competing with six teams for a DC. Although, the head coach candidates are coming to interviews with a DC in mind. Perhaps the coaches seeking DC jobs on their own are currently unattached. Who knows? We should know all of the hires soon after the Super Bowl. The wait is excruciating. 

The Final Four

After a weekend of Divisional Playoff games, the NFL’s Final Four is set.

NFC Championship

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles

AFC Championship 

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

While I had season-long visions and hopes that the Minnesota Vikings would be part of the final four fun, these are the four best teams in the league. It’s also an evenly matched final four as serious arguments can be made for each to be the last team standing. 

Some Divisional Thoughts:

Chiefs 27 

Jaguars 20

It’s incredible that the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs are going to their fifth consecutive AFC Championship game. The Chiefs would’ve had an easier path if Mahomes hadn’t suffered a high ankle sprain against the Jaguars. He warriored his way through this game and I’m sure he’ll do the same moving forward. The Chiefs hopes for another Super Bowl rest on that ankle. 

The Jaguars are going to be a problem. The AFC boasts a load of brilliant and potentially brilliant quarterbacks. Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow top the group. Justin Herbert has the outrageous talent and potential to join those elite three. Some already have him in that group. I might have Trevor Lawrence already ahead of Herbert. Lawrence has won more and he’s won more with less talent around him. Granted, the Chargers have been so injury-plagued recently that they’ve rarely had all of their talent on the field at the same time. I just think that the Jaguars with Lawrence are on the verge of joining the Chiefs, Bengals, and Bills at the top of the AFC. 

Eagles 38

Giants 7

I heard some rumblings before this game that the Giants might give the Eagles some problems. Those doing the rumbling thought that the Giants looked so damn good in the Wild Card round against the Vikings. Well, the Vikings defense is terrible. The Giants did what they wanted on offense and they still had to survive a final, potentially game-winning drive to beat the Vikings. At best, the Giants are a mediocre team. The Eagles blowout of the Giants was more expected than a surprise. Now, the same people that propped up the Giants for slicing up the Vikings are building up the Eagles as an unstoppable force for beating up a mediocre Giants team. The Jalen Hurts-led Eagles haven’t played a worthy opponent in months. They haven’t played a team like the 49ers this season. 

Bengals 27

Bills 10

The Bengals looked great. The Bills looked worn out. The Bengals are peaking at the right time. Perhaps they struggled a bit against the Baltimore Ravens last week. That can happen against a rugged division opponent. The Bengals didn’t seem to struggle at all against the Bills. 

Joe Burrow is just different. I can’t believe that this is only his third season in the league. And his first season was cut short by a knee injury. He plays like a seasoned 10-year veteran. Burrow and the Bengals are looking to beat the Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs for the fourth consecutive time. 

Cowboys 19

49ers 12

The Cowboys might be the dumbest good team I’ve ever seen. The mistakes they made in the final few minutes of the game should’ve been drilled out of them in training camp. Or high school. Their final gadget play was ridiculous. I get that trick plays can look horrible when the defense is on to it but this play was doomed before it even got started. The Cowboys lined up in their wild formation with running back Ezekiel Elliott at center and and everyone else split to either sideline. The 49ers called timeout to talk about how to handle it. When the teams return to the field, the Cowboys stuck to their wild formation. It was so damn clear that Elliott was going to get a lateral. Why else would a team line up one of their best ball carriers as an ineligible receiver if he wasn’t going to be part of the play in some way? The 49ers immediately flattened Elliott and took him out of the play. KaVontae Turpin caught Dak Prescott’s short pass over the middle but Elliott wasn’t in place to receive the lateral. He was flat on his back. The objective was obvious. The play was stupid. The Cowboys deserved to lose simply because of it. They are in serious need of a football clinic. 

Down the stretch of this season and into the playoffs, the Bengals and 49ers have been playing their best football. If that continues, it’ll set up the third Bengals-49ers Super Bowl. 

Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Candidates

The Minnesota Vikings fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell on Thursday. The defense that he coordinated was a problem all season. If that was ever in question, it’s no longer a question after yesterday’s New York Giants-Philadelphia Eagles Divisional Playoff game. The Giants offense that easily sliced through the Vikings defense so easily in two games looked mediocre, at best, against an aggressive Eagles defense. Aggressiveness, or lack of, was a problem with the Vikings defense. It looked and felt like the defense let opposing offenses come to them. Between the 20s, the Vikings defense willingly allowed yards. That’s no way to play defense in the NFL. A change had to be made and the Vikings initiated that change with the firing of Donatell. Now, it’s time to find a new defensive coordinator. This weekend, the Vikings requested interviews with three coaches.

Brian Flores, Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach

Ryan Nielsen, New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator

Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks associate head coach

Brian Flores and Sean Desai would be outstanding additions. I vaguely remember Ryan Nielsen’s playing days at USC. Other than that, I know very little about him. His specialty is the defensive line and the Saints have had a strong defensive line. So, he has that going for him. It helps when you have Cameron Jordan as an anchor. If he brings a disciplined yet aggressive defense, I’m all for it. 

Since Thursday, two defensive coordinator candidates immediately topped my wish list.

1. Jim Leonhard

2. Sean Desai

Jim Leonhard has been a dynamite defensive coordinator for Wisconsin since 2017. He currently has no job so no interview request needs to be made. I have no idea if he’s on the Vikings radar but some of the team’s top decision-makers know him well. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell was Leonhard’s teammate for a couple seasons with the New York Jets. Assistant head coach Mike Pettine coached Leonhard for about half of his 10-year playing career. All of Leonhard’s coaching career has been at the college level. The jump to the league can be tricky but he’s not naive to the demands of the NFL. He managed a 10-year playing career. 

I have no idea why Brian Flores wasn’t on my initial wish list. Perhaps it was because I figured that his next NFL job would be another head coaching shot. He’s a candidate, and reportedly a strong candidate, for the Arizona Cardinals. In my opinion, Vikings DC is a better spot than Cardinals head coach. But that’s just me. 

As far as I know, the interview requests have yet to accepted or scheduled. As a big fan of completion, I’m hoping that both happen soon. All I do know is that Brian Flores and Sean Desai are outstanding candidates. I’m hoping that Jim Leonhard gets an opportunity. As for Ryan Nielsen, I have some research to do. 

The search for the Minnesota Vikings next defensive coordinator has begun. 

Flea Flicker Divisional Predictions

Here are guesses at the Divisional games.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

If there’s a blowout in the Division games, it’s probably this one.

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

Against an NFL defense, I don’t expect the yards to come as easy as they did last week for this Giants offense.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

I’m expecting, hoping for a beauty. 

Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

I’m hoping for a blowout. Usually, I want both these teams blown out. 

If it were up to me, both Super Bowl teams would come from the AFC. 

Minnesota Vikings Need A DC

A big reason why the Minnesota Vikings aren’t playing playoff football this week was the team’s defense. It’s a team game. Offense, defense, special teams. All played a role in the team’s 13-4 regular season record. All played in a role in the too early offseason. Despite some late-game takeaways and red zone stands, the defense was a season-long problem. Opposing offenses routinely sliced through the Vikings defense as if they were playing against air. A change was needed and the Vikings decision-makers decided that defensive coordinator Ed Donatell had to go. 

The announcement was made through a statement from head coach Kevin O’Connell:

“Today I informed Ed Donatell we will be going in a different direction at defensive coordinator in 2023. While this was a difficult decision because of the tremendous respect I have for Ed as a person and a coach, I believe it is the right move for the future of our football team.

I want to thank Ed for his commitment to the Vikings this past season, for the positive impact he had on our players and coaches and for his role in helping me as a first-year head coach lay this foundation. We all wish Ed and his wife, Shari, only the best in the future. 

We will immediately begin our search to fill this critical role as we continue to build a championship standard for the Minnesota Vikings.”

It’s harsh to put all the Vikings defensive woes on one person. The woes were many. Coaching, scheme, execution, everything, everywhere. The most obvious woe was the passive play. It routinely looked and felt like the defense waited for the offense to come to them. That sort of passive play will never work in the NFL. It doesn’t work at any level of football. A change was needed and the Vikings are making the needed change. 

The Vikings now need a defensive coordinator. 

I’ve whittled my defensive coordinator wish list to two:

Sean Desai 

Jim Leonhard

It’s easy to start with Sean Desai as he was a finalist for the Vikings defensive coordinator job a year ago. Perhaps he would’ve gotten the job if he wasn’t so young, 38. One of the appeals of Donatell a year ago was his extensive coaching experience. At the time, O’Connell was 36 and a first-time head coach. An extremely veteran coach on the other side of the ball felt like a fine idea. It was a fine idea until we saw that defense on the field. From the start, O’Connell wanted a defensive coach from the Vic Fangio coaching tree. Desai was the young gun from that tree. Donatell was the old hat. Perhaps this time, he goes with the young gun. From all accounts, Desai would be a terrific hire. He’s had a single season as a defensive coordinator. That was in 2021 with the Chicago Bears. He spent this past year as the associate head coach and defensive assistant of the Seattle Seahawks. In that role, he successfully helped a defensive transition. That’s something that would be demanded of him in Minnesota. Desai learned from Fangio as a defensive quality control coach for the Bears from 2015-18. Those four years were apparently enough to become committed to the in-demand defensive scheme. He’s a quick learner and effective teacher. That can be seen in his unique background. Desai earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy and political science, with a minor in biology, from Boston University in 2004. He earned his master’s in higher and post-secondary education from Columbia in 2005. He didn’t stop there. He earned his doctorate in educational administration from Temple in 2008. He was even an adjunct professor for two years. Doctors aren’t often found on a football coaching staff. Desai isn’t the usual football coach. He’s a thinker. He’s a schemer. And, he’s most definitely a teacher. 

Jim Leonhard has been a dynamite college defensive coordinator at Wisconsin since 2017. He finished the 2022 season as the team’s interim head coach after the firing of Paul Chryst. It’s pretty easy to be drawn to Leonhard. His tremendous coaching success at the college level is one draw. His current availability is another. Perhaps most importantly is his long relationship with Vikings assistant head coach Mike Pettine. About half of Leonhard’s 10-year playing career was in places that Pettine coached. Ravens, Jets, Browns. Wherever the coach went the player wasn’t far behind. I can’t imagine Leonhard not being a consideration. While not in the Fangio tree, one of the great traits that Leonhard’s shown at Wisconsin is an adaptability to the traits of his players. He aggressively attacks offenses while leaving leaving his defensive backs in man-to-man coverage. He challenges offenses and keeps them guessing through innovative play-calling. All of that sounds the complete opposite of the 2022 Vikings defense. That’s a fine place to start. Perhaps the only question with Leonhard is whether he can replicate his college success at the NFL level. Unlike most coaches making that transition, he played in the league for ten years. 

I feel that I’m most drawn to Jim Leonhard as the next Vikings defensive coordinator. While Leonhard and Sean Desai top my wish list, there are certainly several other candidates. Some of those:

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach

Dennard Wilson, Philadelphia Eagles defensive passing game coordinator/DB coach

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos DC

And certainly others.

Hopefully, Kevin O’Connell gets his defensive coach. And, most importantly, gets the right coach this time. 

Some Minnesota Vikings 2022 Superlatives

I was hoping to be thinking about this about a month from now. The Minnesota Vikings weren’t supposed to be starting the offseason until after the Super Bowl. Not this year. Maybe next year. Hopefully soon. I didn’t want this Vikings season to end because it was so damn much fun. I wanted that fun to continue. I wanted to continue to enjoy this team. Now, the season and the fun is sadly done. Here are some of the players and a coach that helped make the 2022 Minnesota Vikings one of the most enjoyable teams and seasons I’ve ever known. 

Most Valuable Player

Justin Jefferson, WR

There’s really no other choice. From ripping apart the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 to his ridiculous catch that ignited the comeback against the Buffalo Bills, Jefferson was brilliant in his third season.

Offensive Player of the Year

Kirk Cousins, QB

Many of his legion of critics honked all season that this wasn’t Kirk Cousins’ best season. It’s not surprising. I doubt that those critics even watch the games. They just configure the stats to support a narrative. This was Cousins’ best season and it isn’t close. 13 wins, 11 one-score wins and repeated late-game comebacks (including one from an amazing 33-point deficit) and the quarterback isn’t playing well? That’s some manufactured nonsense. I’m hoping that this season was just the first step of a very successful few seasons with Kirk Cousins and Kevin O’Connell guiding the Vikings. 

Defensive Player of the Year

Danielle Hunter, OLB

This is a tough one as the 2022 Vikings defense was terrible. Za’Darius Smith was the best defensive player over the first half of the season. Danielle Hunter was good to very good throughout the season. 

Special Teams Player of the Year

Ryan Wright, P

Ryan Wright was terrific in his rookie season. 47.4 average, 32 punts downed inside the 20, and a single touchback. He repeatedly flipped the field for his team. Only a couple of his 73 punts failed to achieve their intended purpose. 

Newcomer of the Year

T.J. Hockenson, TE

This was probably going to Za’Darius Smith until the Vikings made the in-season trade for T.J. Hockenson. It was a thunderbolt of a trade as players of his talent and age are rarely moved in the middle of the season. Hockenson immediately became the team’s #2 receiving threat after Jefferson. He’s the Vikings franchise tight end moving forward. 

Comeback Player of the Year

Danielle Hunter, OLB

After missing nearly all of the last two seasons, Danielle Hunter’s return to form was a revelation. Despite playing in a new defense that rarely worked as intended, he consistently made his return felt throughout the season. 

Most Improved Player of the Year

Garrett Bradbury, C

After three disappointing seasons, Garrett Bradbury finally played close to the player that the Vikings thought they were getting with a first round pick. He enters free agency this offseason. Was his improved play enough for the team to bring him back? 

Assistant Coach of the Year

Matt Daniels, Special Teams Coordinator

It wasn’t always pretty but special teams might’ve been the most reliable unit. There were too many missed extra point kicks. There was a back-breaking kick return score allowed. There was an unfortunate fake punt allowed. The low moments were few. The high moments were many. The 2022 Vikings special teams unit was a strength and contributed greatly to many of the 13 wins. 

Minnesota Vikings Procedural Stuff

Nope. Still stings. 

I’m not ready to call this Minnesota Vikings season done. This season and this team was too damn much fun. With this defense, I’m not sure how much further this team could’ve gone in the playoffs. The San Francisco 49ers would’ve been a formidable foe but one thing that this Vikings team has repeatedly done is surprise. I do know that they should’ve gone further than they did. Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve. Fast approaching 50 years, every Vikings season I’ve ever known has ended with those words. A few have been easy to pack away. The Les Steckel year, injury-ravaged years, transition years, talent-lacking years. This season won’t be easy to pack away. It still stings.

No matter when a team’s season ends, the process to the next season never rests. The day after the 2022 season ended, the Vikings had decisions to make on some of their young players. On Monday, the team announced the signing of six players from the practice squad to futures contracts.

Trishton Jackson, WR

Blake Proehl, WR

Tay Gowan, CB

Nick Muse, TE

Benton Whitley, OLB

Josh Sokol, C

All six now have more 2023 team security than the 15 players slated to become free agents in a couple months.

Dalvin Tomlinson

Patrick Peterson

Chandon Sullivan

Duke Shelley

Garrett Bradbury

Alexander Mattison

Irv Smith Jr.

Jonathan Bullard

Austin Schlottman

Andrew DePaola

Greg Joseph

Olabisi Johnson

Oli Udoh

Nick Mullens

Kris Boyd

It’s a little early to truly get into the possible re-signings of the above players but Dalvin Tomlinson, Duke Shelley, and Andrew DePaola are the players that immediately jump out as must-resigns. Tomlinson is probably the only one of the three that might be pretty pricey. It’d be nice to have several others back but those three stand out. 

As for draft position, the loss in the Wild Card round earns the Vikings the 24th pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Technically, they will pick 23rd as the Miami Dolphins lost their first round pick for dirty deeds. The Vikings are currently slated to have only four picks in the draft.

1st round

3rd round

4th round (Detroit)

5th round

Where’d the other picks go?

2nd round: The Vikings sent this pick and a 2024 third-round selection to the Detroit Lions for tight end T.J Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and a 2024 conditional pick (fourth- or fifth-rounder).

4th round: The Vikings sent this pick (and a 2022 fifth-round pick) to the Cleveland Browns in order to move up in the fourth round of the 2022 draft to select Akayleb Evans.

6th round: The Vikings traded this pick to the Houston Texans for defensive lineman Ross Blacklock.

7th round: This pick has belonged to a few teams over the years. The Vikings originally traded this pick to the Denver Broncos in 2021 for defensive end Stephen Weatherly. The pick currently belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Due to a net free agent loss in the 2022 offseason, the Vikings are expected to receive either a fifth- or two sixth-round compensatory picks. I’ve seen reports of both. That would give them the following picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

1st round

3rd round

4th round (Detroit)

5th round

5th round 

-or

1st round

3rd round

4th round (Detroit)

5th round

6th round

6th round

I can’t decide now which is better.

Not having a pick in the second round is tough but Hockenson is definitely worth it. Who knows? In his first draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah turned an early-ish 2022 first round pick into late first round and multiple 2nd round selections. 

Now, it’s back to reliving the thrills of a Vikings season that ended far too soon. 

The Player’s First All-Pro Team

Annual All-Pro Teams have always been named by those that watch the game. For the first time, the NFLPA released an All-Pro team crafted by the players. Those that play the game finally have a say. The voting is novel as the players voted on the players that they play against. Centers voted for interior defensive linemen and off-the ball linebackers. Receivers voted on defensive backs. I’d imagine quarterbacks voted on the entire defense. Players who missed more than five games through Week 15 were ineligible. 

The first player’s All-Pro team appears to be a very selective team:

-only 18 of the league’s 32 teams are represented

-only nine of the 14 playoff teams are represented

-no Bengals, Bills, Dolphins, Buccaneers, or Jaguars

-with four each, the Chiefs and 49ers have the most players on the team

The First Player’s All-Pro Team

Offense

Quarterback

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Running Back

Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

Fullback

Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ers

Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders 

Tight End

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive Tackles

Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive Guards

Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns

Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys

Center

Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles

Defense

Defensive Ends

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns 

Interior Defensive Linemen

Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams

Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Nose Tackle

Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants

Off-the-Ball Linebackers

Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Cornerbacks

Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles 

Safeties

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers

Derwin James Jr., Los Angeles Chargers 

Special Teams

Kicker

Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks

Punter

Tommy Townsend, Kansas City Chiefs 

Kick Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons 

Punt Returner

KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys

Core Special Teamer

Jeremey Reaves, Washington Commanders

Justin Hardee, New York Jets 

Long Snapper

Morgan Cox, Tennessee Titans

***

The biggest question with this team is: “Where’s Micah Parsons?” 

Or Andrew DePaola?

Vikings - Giants

Poof! Just like that, the 2022 season of the Minnesota Vikings is done. That’s how the playoffs work. This surprising, thrilling season was too damn much fun to end so soon. So suddenly. The Vikings lost to the New York Giants, 31-24. 

It was the Vikings first and last one-score loss of the season. They’d found a way to pull out the 11 previous close games. They had the opportunity to put a better end to this game. Down seven, the Vikings had the ball and plenty of time. Instead of the end zone, the “drive” stalled at midfield. The final play of the Vikings surprising, thrilling season had Kirk Cousins throwing to T.J. Hockenson for three yards on 4th-and-eight. That’s not the way to close out a playoff game. Hell, it’s not the way to close out any game. Perhaps a better, more appropriate fourth down play would’ve been a downfield throw to a covered Justin Jefferson. Put the ball on your best player. Let him make a play. It was the play before the final play that was the missed opportunity. Cousins had K.J. Osborn for a first down. The pass was to Osborn’s chest and the defender was able to make a play on it. If the pass had led Osborn more, the “drive” would’ve continued. A different, better ending would’ve then been possible. 

Two fateful passes ended the Vikings season. Cousins and the passes he threw weren’t the reason for the sudden, disappointing end to this surprising, thrilling season. The Vikings defense made the Giants offense look like the 2007 New England Patriots. Or 1998 Minnesota Vikings. The Giants offense sliced through the Vikings defense. It was easy. So easy. The Giants first five possessions:

1. 5 plays, 75 yards, 3:12: Touchdown

2. 4 plays, 81 yards, 2:03: Touchdown

3. 20 plays, 85 yards, 10:52: Field Goal

4. 4 plays, end of half. 

5. 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:23: Touchdown

20 plays! 10:52! Come on. The only thing good about that nonsense is that the Vikings “held” the Giants to a field goal. 

The first Giants punt came with 4:12 remaining in the third quarter. The problem wasn’t so much what the Giants offense did. The problem was how easily they did it. Daniel Jones looked more like Steve Young than Daniel Jones. He passed easily to wide open receivers. He ran easily when needed. The Vikings were on their heels with him throughout the game. One of the league’s most mediocre quarterbacks looked like one of it’s best. 

With the ease with which the Giants offense moved through the Vikings defense, it’s remarkable that the game was within reach at the end. That’s due to Cousins. When the Vikings offense wasn’t hurting themselves with a dropped pass here, an offsides there, a too-cute gadget play, and a Dalvin Cook slip, they were often doing to the Giants defense what the Giants offense was doing to theirs. Some might point to Cousins’ final pass as the tipping point for this loss. They’d be wrong. Cousins was the reason that the game was within reach. 

The Vikings needed a takeaway. The Giants wouldn’t oblige. 

All playoff losses are painful. In nearly fifty years of following the Vikings, I’ve seen plenty. Every playoff appearance has ended with a loss. Perhaps it’s a recency thing but this one is especially painful. This team and this season was so damn much fun. I wanted more time with these players and this team. I’m not ready for some the offseason changes that feel inevitable. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

The Minnesota Vikings host the New York Giants in the Wild Card round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs. It’s the Vikings first playoff appearance since the 2019 season. It’s nice to see that playoff drought end. The Vikings made a roster move in advance of the big game. Offensive tackle Blake Brandel was activated from injured reserve. The offensive line has been taking some significant injury hits in recent weeks. Brian O’Neill’s Achilles. Garrett Bradbury’s back. Brandel’s knee. Austin Schlottman’s ankle. Bradbury is reportedly, and thankfully, returning to the field today. Brandel is back and provides depth and potentially snaps at right tackle. The Vikings depleted offensive line is as healthy as it can be for the playoffs. In advance of the playoff game against the Giants here’s a look at the roster of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (23)

Quarterback (2)

Kirk Cousins

Nick Mullens

Running Back (4)

Dalvin Cook

Alexander Mattison

Kene Nwangwu

Ty Chandler 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson

Adam Thielen

K.J. Osborn

Jalen Reagor

Jalen Nailor

Tight End (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Irv Smith Jr.

Johnny Mundt

Tackle (4)

Christian Darrisaw

Oli Udoh

Blake Brandel

Vederian Lowe

Guard (3)

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Chris Reed

Center (1)

Garrett Bradbury

Defense (27)

Defensive Line (7)

Harrison Phillips

Dalvin Tomlinson

Jonathan Bullard

Ross Blacklock

James Lynch

Khyiris Tonga

Esezi Otomewo 

Outside Linebacker (5)

Danielle Hunter

Za’Darius Smith

D.J. Wonnum

Patrick Jones II

Luiji Vilain

Inside Linebacker (5)

Eric Kendricks

Jordan Hicks

Brian Asamoah II

Troy Dye

William Kwenkeu

Cornerback (6)

Patrick Peterson

Duke Shelley

Cam Dantzler, Sr.

Chandon Sullivan

Kris Boyd

Kalon Barnes

Safety (4)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Special Teams (3)

Kicker

Greg Joseph

Punter

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper

Nick DePaola

***

Practice Squad

Dan Chisena, WR

Ryan Connelly, LB

Myles Dorn, S

Bobby Evans, OT

Tay Gowan, CB

Kyle Hinton, OG

Trishton Jackson, WR

Bryant Koback, RB

Nick Muse, TE

Parry Nickerson, CB

James O’Shaugnessy, TE

Blake Proehl, WR

Josh Rosen, QB

T.J. Smith, DL

Josh Sokol, C

Benton Whitley, OLB

Injured Reserve

Andrew Booth, Jr., CB

Lewis Cine, S

Ben Ellefson, TE

Akayleb Evans, CB

Thomas Hennigan, WR

Olabisi Johnson, WR

Brian O’Neill, OT

Austin Schlottman, C

Kenny Willekes, DE

Flea Flicker Wild Card Predictions

The 2022 NFL Playoffs begin today. Here are some guesses at the Wild Card games. 

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

The biggest question in this game is probably the 49ers margin of victory.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Chargers

While the Jaguars are finally headed in the right direction, the Chargers feel like the team that can take down any team.

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

Like the Seahawks-49ers game, the margin of the Bills victory is the biggest question.

New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

As they did on Christmas Eve, the Vikings take care of the Giants. Hopefully, it doesn’t take another 61-yard field goal to do it. 

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

The two teams played last week. Without Lamar Jackson, the Ravens won’t fare any better.

Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Cowboys

In another money grab, the NFL decided to jam a playoff game onto Monday night. No matter how the league slices it, a team playing a late Monday night game will be at a competitive disadvantage in the Divisional round. It’s possible, even likely, that the Cowboys or Buccaneers will play a team with a week of rest, the Philadelphia Eagles. Sounds fair. 

As for this game, the only team in the playoffs with a losing record, the 8-9 Buccaneers host the 12-5 Cowboys. The guess here is that Tom Brady has a short playoffs. 

Flea Flicker 2022 NFL Honors

It’s time for some awards. The real NFL Honors will be handed out the week of the Super Bowl. Here are  the Flea Flicker 2022 NFL Honors.

MVP

Patrick Mahomes

Offensive Player of the Year

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Defensive Player of the Year

Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints 

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets

Comeback Player of the Year

Danielle Hunter, OLB, Minnesota Vikings

Coach of the Year

Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings

And, here’s a stab at an All-Pro Team

2022 All-Pro Team

Offense

Quarterback

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Running Back

Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

Fullback

C.J. Ham, Minnesota Vikings

Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders 

Tight End

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive Tackles

Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive Guards

Joe Thuney, Kansas City Chiefs

Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys

Center

Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles

Defense

Defensive Ends

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns 

Defensive Tackles

Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams

Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Linebackers

Matthew Judon, New England Patriots

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

Cornerbacks

Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

Sauce Gardner, New York Jets

Safeties

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin Simmons, Denver Broncos

Special Teams

Kicker

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens 

Punter

Ryan Wright, Minnesota Vikings

Kick Returner

Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons 

Punt Returner

Marcus Jones, New England Patriots

2023 NFL Draft Order

With the 2022 NFL regular complete, the 2023 NFL Draft order is set for those teams not involved in the playoffs. 

1.   Chicago Bears

2.   Houston Texans

3.   Arizona Cardinals 

4.   Indianapolis Colts

5.   Seattle Seahawks (Denver Broncos)

6.   Detroit Lions (Los Angeles Rams)

7.   Las Vegas Raiders

8.   Atlanta Falcons

9.   Carolina Panthers

10. Philadelphia Eagles (New Orleans Saints)

11. Tennessee Titans

12. Houston Texans (Cleveland Browns)

13. New York Jets

14. New England Patriots

15. Green Bay Packers

16. Washington Commanders 

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

18. Detroit Lions

For most of the season, it felt like the Houston Texans had the top pick secured. Sitting Justin Fields for the season finale was a not so subtle that the Chicago Bears wanted that first pick. They lost. The Texans won. The Bears have the first pick. The question now is whether they actually use it. Personally, I’d rather they not draft Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter. So, trade that pick Ryan Poles! Or use the Arizona Cardinals brilliant blueprint and draft a quarterback shortly after trading up for one. 

Thanks to trades of quarterbacks, the Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, and Detroit Lions will have two first round picks. The Texans are nicely set up at #2 and #12. The Lions at #6 and #18. The Seahawks at #5 and a yet-to-be determined pick. The Lions are in a great place. They just missed the playoffs. Over the last half of the season, they were easily one of the better 10-12 teams in the league. They are on the cusp of being a serious contender and they have the #6 and #18 picks. The same can be said of the Seahawks. The biggest question for both teams is probably whether the current quarterback is the answer. 

Without the #5 and #6 picks that they definitely earned, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams, respectively, aren’t in a good place. The Broncos even fired the head coach that they just hired. Sean McVay will take some time to think about his future. Now might be a very good time for him to step away. Both teams very much need the first round picks that they don’t have. At least the Rams got a Super Bowl out of the deal. The Broncos have Russell Wilson. I’d rather have the draft picks. 

It must be nice to have the playoffs and a Top-10 pick. The Seahawks have that. So do the Philadelphia Eagles. Thanks to 2022 draft maneuvering, they have the #10 pick that the New Orleans Saints earned. 

It’s fun to see the Green Bay Packers sitting in a non-playoff draft spot. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 18 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings cruised past the Chicago Bears in the season finale. The 29-13 win was the team’s first multi-score win since the season-opener against the Green Bay Packers. In between were 11 tense, single-score wins. The 16-point win over the Bears was a whole team affair. Everyone played. Here are some of the players that made the first relaxing win in a while possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

K.J. Osborn, WR

The Vikings offense mostly moved the ball at will against the Bears. There were six scores. There was only one punt. That came on the final possession. Individually, K.J. Osborn moved the ball the most. 

5 catches, 117 yards

Osborn’s 66-yard catch and run on the third play of the Vikings first possession got the good things going. He broke 100 yards in the first half. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Duke Shelley, CB

Duke Shelley gets the nod for his first career interception. As a 2019 sixth-round pick of the Bears, he took great joy in taking the ball from the team that dumped him in August. Shelley has been a revelation for the Vikings defense. He was signed to the practice squad on September 6 and promoted to the active roster on November 12. He’s taken advantage of every opportunity and risen to unquestioned starter in recent weeks. His played his way into must re-sign status. If he can handle the demands of the nickel position as well as he’s handled those on the outside, I like him there moving forward. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Kick Coverage 

If not for another missed extra point, this would’ve gone to Greg Joseph. He made all three field goal attempts but only made two of three extra point attempts. After giving up a big kick return touchdown to Keisean Nixon last week against the Packers, the Vikings kick coverage needed to rebound. Velus Jones Jr. is a threat to score every time the ball’s in his hands. He had a ridiculous 42-yard touchdown run in this game. The Vikings kick coverage kept Jones in check. He returned four for 82 yards with a long of 25. 

Vikings - Bears

The Minnesota Vikings closed the 2022 regular season with a 29-13 win over the Chicago Bears. It was a full-team win. Every active player saw the field. Punter Ryan Wright probably saw the least action. He didn’t punt until the final possession. He did hold the ball for six place kicks. The Vikings offense was always on the move. The only three-and-out was the last possession that resulted in that lone punt. Eleven players caught passes for 341 yards. It was that sort of game. The starters played the first half. The backups played the second half. Everyone played. The Vikings won. It’s on to the playoffs. 

The 16-point win was only the second multi-score win of the season. The Vikings started the season with a 16-point win over the Green Bay Packers. They closed the season with a 16-point win over the Bears. In between were 11 tense, single-score wins. 

After a horrible, sloppy, mistake-filled game against the Packers in Week 17, the Vikings needed a return to confident and consistent play. Despite playing only the first half, Kirk Cousins and the offensive starters found confidence and consistent play. Cousins was efficient: 17/20, 225 yards and a touchdown. The starters scored 16 points. It should’ve been more. It would’ve been a field goal more if not for hacked-up play calling and execution over the final seconds of the first half. From the Bears five-yard line, the Vikings ran two questionable plays that didn’t threaten the end zone and only kept the clock running. A rushed field goal was good but strangely taken off the board while both teams were in the locker room. Replay review found 12 Vikings on the field. The ridiculous sequence resulted in a 16-6 halftime lead. 

Nick Mullens replaced Cousins in the second half and continued the offensive efficiency. He completed 11/13 for 116 yards. His only blemish was an interception that was more great catch than poor throw. After a few seasons of no confidence in Sean Mannion as a backup it was actually refreshing to see Mullens play well. 

It was all Vikings backups in the second half. Offense and defense. The backups played well. Granted, it was against a Bears team simply playing out a bad season. It was a bad season that earned them the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Other than the quarterback, the Bears mostly went with their starters from opening kick to finish. At quarterback, Nathan Peterman, with a little peppering of Tim Boyle, played in place of Justin Fields. The quarterbacking strategy was probably a poorly disguised way to get that first pick. Whatever it was, it played a big role in the Vikings fairly easy win. 

Other than the hacked-up final seconds of the first half, the only disappointment with the game was Justin Jefferson falling well short of Calvin Johnson’s single season record for receiving yards. The Vikings, rightly, saw a healthy roster as more important than individual goals. Jefferson needed nearly 200 yards to catch Johnson. He finished the game with four catches for 38 yards. If the record was more realistically in reach, I’m sure the strategy would’ve been different. Jefferson finishes a brilliant regular season with 128 catches for 1,809 receiving yards. Both totals led the league. Johnson’s record and 2,000 yards will be next season’s goal. Now, Jefferson’s goal is ripping up the playoffs. 

After last week’s very costly Packers game, the Vikings had no new injuries against the Bears. Well, Dalvin Cook and Chandon Sullivan were each helped from the field but they seem fine. 

The Vikings finished Kevin O’Connell’s first season as head coach with a sparkling 13-4 record. Now, it’s time for some playoff football. First up, a Sunday rematch with the New York Giants. 

Flea Flicker Week 18 Predictions.

It’s Week 18. The final week of the 2022 NFL Season. Here are some guesses at today’s games.

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings and Bears are looking at this game very differently. The Vikings reconfigured offensive line need some game time together. They also don’t want to stumble into the playoffs. They definitely stumbled against the Green Bay Packers last week. The Bears are probably playing/not playing for the #1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Buccaneers

If both teams are playing to win, it’s the Buccaneers

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

Here’s hoping that the Bills, and actually the whole league, are ready to play some football.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Bengals

Here’s hoping that the Bengals are ready to play some football.

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Texans

If both teams are playing to win, I have more faith in the Texans right now.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins still have playoff dreams.

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Panthers

The Panthers are playing frisky football.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers 

Pick: Steelers

The Steelers still have playoff dreams.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos

Pick: Chargers

The Broncos have a shot only if the Chargers have nothing to gain.

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers 

Pick: 49ers

I don’t think that the 49ers can lose this game even if they tried. 

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Seahawks

The defending champs end the season with another loss. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Cowboys

I don’t see Sam Howell beating the Cowboys.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

Pick: Lions

Ha! Both teams miss the playoffs. 

My Time All -Time Chicago Bears Team

I picked an All-Time Chicago Bears Team in advance of the season’s first Minnesota Vikings-Chicago Bears game. Here’s a different look at the Bears in advance of the season’s second Vikings-Bears game. It’s a team made up of some of the best Bears players during my time as a Vikings fan. With two Super Bowl appearances and one very memorable win, Chicago has had some fine teams and great players. 

Offense

Quarterback

Jim McMahon

Running Back

Walter Payton

Fullback

Roland Harper

Wide Receivers

Brandon Marshall

Alshon Jeffery

Tight End

Greg Olsen

Tackles

Jimbo Covert

James Williams

Guards

Mark Bortz

Tom Thayer

Center

Jay Hilgenberg

Defense

Defensive Ends

Richard Dent

Khalil Mack

Defensive Tackles

Dan Hampton

Wally Chambers

Linebackers

Lance Briggs

Mike Singletary

Brian Urlacher

Cornerbacks

Charles Tillman

Donnell Woolford

Safeties

Gary Fencik

Dave Duerson

Special Teams

Kicker

Robbie Gould

Punter

Brad Maynard

Returner

Devin Hester

Minnesota Vikings Roster

The Minnesota Vikings lost to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17. It was painful. Perhaps even more painful than the lost game were the players lost to injury. Right tackle Brian O’Neill suffered a torn Achilles and center Austin Schlottman suffered a broken ankle. Both are done for the season. With the playoffs a week away, it’s a brutal blow to the offensive line, the offense, and the roster. The Vikings were forced to tweak the roster at a time when teams desperately need stability. Championships are often won by the teams that best deal with injuries. The Vikings were fairly injury-free over the first half of the season. They haven’t been as fortunate over the second half of the season. Schlottman had been playing in place of starting center Garrett Bradbury for a few weeks. Until Bradbury returns, the Vikings will dipping deep to field a center. Guard Chris Reed replaced Schlottman against the Packers. His first snap in that game was his first in the NFL. To say things didn’t go well is an understatement. To provide some depth, and snapping experience, at the position, the Vikings signed Greg Mancz. In his eight seasons in the league, he’s started 32 games, including all 16 with the Houston Texans in 2016. More recently, he was with the Cleveland Browns. Mancz was released just before Christmas so he hasn’t been sitting around for months waiting for a call. Moving forward, the hope is that Bradbury returns. He’s trending that way but his return won’t be this week’s season finale against the Chicago Bears. For that game, it’s probably Reed. Mancz has a lot of catching up to do. The center-quarterback exchange between Reed and Kirk Cousins has to get a whole lot better than it was against the Packers. That was ugly. So ugly. As for right tackle, O’Neill is a huge loss. Oli Udoh will step in for him. He was terrible at right guard last season but he was forced into that role. He’s always been more comfortable and more natural at tackle. If Blake Brandel returns from injured reserve, he may also be an option. To provide further tackle depth, the Vikings signed Bobby Evans, recently released by the Los Angeles Rams, to the practice squad. 

That game on the spongy, slippery Lambeau turf was costly. 

The Vikings roster currently sits at 52. That open spot might be for tight Irv Smith Jr. or defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard. Both have been designated to return from injured reserve. Here’s a look at the Vikings roster by position after the most recent roster tweaks. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart

Offense (23)

Quarterback (2)

Kirk Cousins

Nick Mullens

Running Back (4)

Dalvin Cook

Alexander Mattison

Kene Nwangwu

Ty Chandler 

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson

Adam Thielen

K.J. Osborn

Jalen Reagor

Jalen Nailor

Tight End (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse

Tackle (3)

Christian Darrisaw

Oli Udoh

Vederian Lowe

Guard (3)

Ezra Cleveland

Ed Ingram

Chris Reed

Center (2)

Garrett Bradbury

Greg Mancz

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Harrison Phillips

Dalvin Tomlinson

Ross Blacklock

James Lynch

Khyiris Tonga

Esezi Otomewo 

Outside Linebacker (5)

Danielle Hunter

Za’Darius Smith

D.J. Wonnum

Patrick Jones II

Luiji Vilain

Inside Linebacker (5)

Eric Kendricks

Jordan Hicks

Brian Asamoah II

Troy Dye

William Kwenkeu

Cornerback (6)

Patrick Peterson

Duke Shelley

Cam Dantzler, Sr.

Chandon Sullivan

Kris Boyd

Kalon Barnes

Safety (4)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Special Teams (3)

Kicker

Greg Joseph

Punter

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper

Nick DePaola

***

Practice Squad

Dan Chisena, WR

Ryan Connelly, LB

Sheldon Day, DL

Myles Dorn, S

Bobby Evans, OT

Tay Gowan, CB

Kyle Hinton, OG

Trishton Jackson, WR

Bryant Koback, RB

Parry Nickerson, CB

James O’Shaugnessy, TE

Blake Proehl, WR

Josh Rosen, QB

T.J. Smith, DL

Josh Sokol, C

Benton Whitley, OLB

Injured Reserve/Designated for Return

Irv Smith, Jr., TE

Jonathan Bullard, DL

Injured Reserve

Andrew Booth, Jr., CB

Blake Brandel, OT

Lewis Cine, S

Ben Ellefson, TE

Akayleb Evans, CB

Thomas Hennigan, WR

Olabisi Johnson, WR

Brian O’Neill, OT

Austin Schlottman, C

Kenny Willekes, DE

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Finalists

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 15 Modern-era Finalists for the Class of 2023 on Wednesday. 

The Finalists: 

• Jared Allen, Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
• Willie Anderson, Offensive Tackle – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Raven
• Ronde Barber, Cornerback/Safety – 1997-2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Dwight Freeney, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Seattle Seahawks, 2017 Detroit Lions
• Devin Hester, Punt Returner/Kick Returner/Wide Receiver – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens
• Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
• Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans
• Albert Lewis, Cornerback – 1983-1993 Kansas City Chiefs, 1994-98 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
• Darrelle Revis, Cornerback – 2007-2012 New York Jets, 2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2014 New England Patriots, 2015-16 New York Jets, 2017 Kansas City Chiefs
• Joe Thomas, Offensive Tackle – 2007-2017 Cleveland Browns
• Zach Thomas, Linebacker – 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys
• DeMarcus Ware, Linebacker/Defensive End – 2005-2013 Dallas Cowboys, 2014-16 Denver Broncos
• Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
• Patrick Willis, Linebacker – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
• Darren Woodson, Safety – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys

***

Three of the finalists are in their first year of eligibility:

Dwight Freeney

Darrelle Revis

Joe Thomas

Ten of the finalists were finalists in 2022:

Jared Allen

Willie Anderson

Ronde Barber

Devin Hester

Torry Holt

Andre Johnson

Zach Thomas

DeMarcus Ware

Reggie Wayne

Patrick Willis

Two are finalists for the first time after very long waits:

Albert Lewis

Darren Woodson

Albert Lewis is in his 20th year of eligibility. Woodson is in his 15th year of eligibility. This is Lewis’ first and only shot before he plunges into the very crowded Senior Pool. 

So, which of the deserving finalists will be in Canton next summer? Here’s a guess.

Joe Thomas

Darrelle Revis

Jared Allen

Devin Hester 

Patrick Willis

Joe Thomas and Darrelle Revis should sail through in their first year of eligibility. After those two, things get a little tricky. With Dwight Freeney joining annual finalists Jared Allen and DeMarcus Ware, a logjam of pass rushers is forming. Julius Peppers will soon join them. All are deserving of a Hall of Fame bust. All should get one soon. Allen has been waiting the longest. In my opinion, he’s up first. I’ve been wrestling with the Hall of Fame credentials of Devin Hester. He touched the ball only a handful of times each game. Despite limited opportunities, few players impacted a game more. As a Minnesota Vikings fan, Hester scared the hell out of me. Every punt return. Every kick return. That feels like a player that should be honored in Canton. Patrick Willis has been a Hall of Fame puzzle. In my opinion, he should’ve made it in his first year of eligibility. He was the best off the ball linebacker I’d seen since Jack Ham. Yet, in four years of eligibility, he’s been a finalist twice. Twice! It’s a mystery. His weird wait should end. 

The five Modern-era players should be joined by Senior Finalists:

Chuck Howley

Joe Klecko

Ken Riley

and Contributor Finalist:

Don Coryell

Giving a nine-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023:

Joe Thomas

Darrelle Revis

Jared Allen

Devin Hester 

Patrick Willis

Chuck Howley

Joe Klecko

Ken Riley

Don Coryell

I like that Pro Football Hall of Fame Class. If that’s the Class, I might have to make a trip to Canton in August.