Cal football has announced several future opponents in recent weeks. Some of those opponents have added some shine to the Golden Bears future schedules. Cal's football program felt a little lost during the last couple years under head coach Jeff Tedford. It got even worse during the Sonny Dykes days. Almost from the moment Justin Wilcox was hired as head coach in 2017 it felt like the football program was changing in Berkeley. It hasn't always been pretty but it felt different. On and off the field. On the field, the defense was immediately improved. That wasn't too difficult as Dykes played no defense. The offense was rarely pretty. Cal is 20-18 in the three seasons under Wilcox. Each season has been more promising than the last. He's led a dramatic re-build of the football program. That re-build is reflected in the upcoming football schedules. Cal is going to Notre Dame. There are few colleges with a bigger football name. TCU, Auburn, Florida, and Minnesota have all scheduled a home/away series with Cal. 2025 is the only season of the next ten that doesn't currently include a Power 5 school. That season has an open date and there's time to find one. Perhaps the Irish will come to Berkeley.
2020: at UNLV, TCU, Cal Poly
2021: Nevada, at TCU, Sacramento State
2022: UC Davis, at North Texas, at Notre Dame
2023: Auburn, San Jose State
2024: UC Davis, at Auburn, San Diego State
2025: UNLV, at San Diego State
2026: at UNLV, at Florida
2027: Florida
2028: Wyoming, at Minnesota
2029: at Wyoming, Minnesota
Cal's football schedule has often been dotted with the likes of Mississippi, Purdue, Michigan State, Tennessee, Miami but I can't recall a ten-year stretch like the above. Assuming they find a Power 5 school for the 2025 season, Cal will face a prominent national team in each season of the coming decade. I love seeing the Golden Bears step up their non-conference competition. Cruising into the conference schedule with patsies (even when Cal could be considered a fellow patsy) always felt counterproductive. If Cal is to schedule "lesser" schools I prefer those schools to be regional. They are doing that with the likes of Cal Poly, Sacramento State, UC Davis, San Jose State, San Diego State, and to a less regional extent with the Nevada schools. Maybe with the upcoming semi-weekly migration of Raiders fans to Las Vegas, Cal sees a manufactured east bay-Nevada connection. As for more natural, regional rivalries, there was a time when the Bay Area boasted a nice number football powers. Cal, Stanford, St. Mary's, Santa Clara, and USF could play football with any team in the nation. That was a long time ago. Cal, Stanford, and San Jose State are now the lone FBS schools in Northern California. I like seeing San Jose State on Cal's schedule. Other than being a short plane ride away, I like seeing games against San Diego State, despite recent troubling games against the Aztecs. I like seeing the Nevada schools as well, despite a particular troubling game against the Wolfpack. I think that Rashaad Penny and Colin Kaepernick have each scored again against Cal. Losing to Cal Poly, Sacramento State, and UC Davis are not options. Stanford lost to Davis a few years ago and it will never be forgotten. A few years after that stunning game I was in the Davis student store. There were TVs scattered about the store playing highlights of the game on a loop. Not an option.
Cal football has a promising present and future. The team, recruiting classes, coaching staff, and even a questioning student body reflect that. The upcoming schedule reflects it as well.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Friday, February 14, 2020
Each Team's "Must Re-sign" Free Agent
We're still more than a month from NFL free agency. When thinking about free agency, most people look at the free agent players that each team should add to their roster. Perhaps it's because my football foundations were built in a 1970s NFL without free agency, I prefer to look at the free agent players that each team should re-sign. I like roster consistency. Here's a look at the free agents that each team must find a way to re-sign.
NFC
Minnesota Vikings
Anthony Harris, S
The Vikings aren't in a great salary cap situation and it's going to take a decent safety salary to keep Anthony Harris. The Vikings have been looking for a player like Harris to pair with Harrison Smith at safety since they drafted Smith in 2012. They finally found that player in Harris. The Vikings have to find a way to keep him.
Green Bay Packers
Blake Martinez, LB
Blake Martinez might not be the flashiest player or well known but he's always around the football. He should be well known because his name is mentioned on nearly every tackle.
Chicago Bears
Nick Kwiatkoski, LB
Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks get most of the attention on a very good defense. But I watched Nick Kwiatkoski wreck a lot of offensive plans.
Detroit Lions
A'Shawn Robinson, DT
The Lions are piecing together a nice defensive line. A'Shawn Robinson might be the most talented player on that line.
Philadelphia Eagles
Ronald Darby, CB
The biggest problem with the Eagles secondary in recent years has been health. When Ronald Darby is healthy he's a promising corner. The sort of corner they need to re-sign.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott, QB
It's a mystery as to why this deal isn't done. The Cowboys have plenty of cap room. They know that Dak Prescott will get a good chunk of that cap room. He's the quarterback. The going rate for a good to very good quarterback is going to be at least $35 million. And Prescott is closer to very good than good.
New York Giants
Leonard Williams, DL
Leonard Williams hasn't played up to his draft projections. That's why he isn't playing for the Jets. He's very talented. Still young. Maybe the new Giants coaching staff can get the best from Williams.
Washington Redskins
Brandon Scherff, G
I wouldn't mind seeing Brandon Scherff in Minnesota. But that's a dream that's too expensive to become real. The Redskins need to re-sign one of the best guards in the league.
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees, QB
The only thing that keeps Drew Brees from being on the Saints next year is retirement.
Carolina Panthers
James Bradberry, CB
This one's just a stab as I'm not sure what Matt Rhule and his coaching staff are going to do with the players that they are inheriting.
Atlanta Falcons
De'Vondre Campbell, LB
I don't see De'Vondre Campbell going anywhere.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston, QB
Bruce Arians lives by his "No risk it. No Biscuit" offense. There's probably no quarterback that better fits that belief than Jameis Winston.
San Francisco 49ers
Arik Armstead, DL
The 49ers defense was terrific last season and Arik Armstead finally played like the player that the team drafted in the first round. The strength of the defense is the versatility and rotation of the defensive line. Armstead has become an important part of that.
Seattle Seahawks
Jarran Reed, DT
The Seahawks defense is much better when Jarran Reed is on the field.
Los Angeles Rams
Cory Littleton, LB
Cory Littleton was probably the best player on the Rams defense not named Aaron Donald.
Arizona Cardinals
Kenyan Drake, RB
It's amazing that the Cardinals were able to add a player of Kenyan Drake's ability in an in-season trade. It helps that the Dolphins were giving players away. The Cardinals offense started playing much better once Drake was added to it.
AFC
Baltimore Ravens
Matt Judon, LB
The Ravens keep finding edge rushers like Matt Judon on the second and third days of the draft. That ability might give the team the confidence to let him walk. At some point the Ravens have to keep one of these players that they develop.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Javon Hargrave, NT
It was a tossup between Javon Hargrave and edge rusher Bud Dupree. Re-signing an impact player in the middle of the Steelers defensive line appealed to me more.
Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green, WR
Keeping a talented, reliable, veteran receiver makes a lot of sense for a team that's probably turning the offense over to rookie quarterback Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns
Joe Schobert, LB
I see Joe Schobert as the leader of a young defense that has a lot of talent but needs a little direction.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady, QB
No matter how fun it is for the talking heads to "place" Tom Brady all over the league I can't see his return not happening.
Buffalo Bills
Quinton Spain, OG
The Bills added damn every available mid-level offensive lineman in free agency last year. Quenton Spain was one that found a roster spot.
Miami Dolphins
Evan Boehm, OG
The Dolphins traded away most of the players that would be considered "must re-signs." I'll go with a guard that I liked when he was with the Colts. Maybe he can be a building block for a new, decent Dolphins offensive line.
New York Jets
Robby Anderson, WR
Sam Darnold needs an explosive playmaker. Robby Anderson is one of those.
Houston Texans
Bradley Robey, CB
The Texans have stocked up on corners over the past several months. Bradley Robey is the best of the bunch.
Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill, QB
Derrick Henry, RB
I could not decide between the two. The Titans need both.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Castonzo, OT
The Colts have built one of the best offensive lines in the league. Anthony Castonzo is the veteran leader of that line. They need him to keep that role for a couple more years.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Yannick Ngakoue, DE
Yannick Ngakoue is the sort of player that smart teams keep.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones, DT
Chris Jones is another player that I'd love to see in Minnesota. The Chiefs might not have won the Super Bowl without him. The Chiefs can not let him leave.
Denver Broncos
Von Miller, LB
He's on the wrong side of 30 but Von Miller is still one of the best pass rushers in the game.
Los Angeles Chargers
Hunter Henry, TE
No matter who plays quarterback for the Chargers he'll need Hunter Henry on the field.
Las Vegas Raiders
Karl Joseph, S
Karl Joseph was one of my favorite players in the 2016 NFL Draft. I really like the Raiders safety combination of Joseph and Johnathan Abram.
NFC
Minnesota Vikings
Anthony Harris, S
The Vikings aren't in a great salary cap situation and it's going to take a decent safety salary to keep Anthony Harris. The Vikings have been looking for a player like Harris to pair with Harrison Smith at safety since they drafted Smith in 2012. They finally found that player in Harris. The Vikings have to find a way to keep him.
Green Bay Packers
Blake Martinez, LB
Blake Martinez might not be the flashiest player or well known but he's always around the football. He should be well known because his name is mentioned on nearly every tackle.
Chicago Bears
Nick Kwiatkoski, LB
Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks get most of the attention on a very good defense. But I watched Nick Kwiatkoski wreck a lot of offensive plans.
Detroit Lions
A'Shawn Robinson, DT
The Lions are piecing together a nice defensive line. A'Shawn Robinson might be the most talented player on that line.
Philadelphia Eagles
Ronald Darby, CB
The biggest problem with the Eagles secondary in recent years has been health. When Ronald Darby is healthy he's a promising corner. The sort of corner they need to re-sign.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott, QB
It's a mystery as to why this deal isn't done. The Cowboys have plenty of cap room. They know that Dak Prescott will get a good chunk of that cap room. He's the quarterback. The going rate for a good to very good quarterback is going to be at least $35 million. And Prescott is closer to very good than good.
New York Giants
Leonard Williams, DL
Leonard Williams hasn't played up to his draft projections. That's why he isn't playing for the Jets. He's very talented. Still young. Maybe the new Giants coaching staff can get the best from Williams.
Washington Redskins
Brandon Scherff, G
I wouldn't mind seeing Brandon Scherff in Minnesota. But that's a dream that's too expensive to become real. The Redskins need to re-sign one of the best guards in the league.
New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees, QB
The only thing that keeps Drew Brees from being on the Saints next year is retirement.
Carolina Panthers
James Bradberry, CB
This one's just a stab as I'm not sure what Matt Rhule and his coaching staff are going to do with the players that they are inheriting.
Atlanta Falcons
De'Vondre Campbell, LB
I don't see De'Vondre Campbell going anywhere.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston, QB
Bruce Arians lives by his "No risk it. No Biscuit" offense. There's probably no quarterback that better fits that belief than Jameis Winston.
San Francisco 49ers
Arik Armstead, DL
The 49ers defense was terrific last season and Arik Armstead finally played like the player that the team drafted in the first round. The strength of the defense is the versatility and rotation of the defensive line. Armstead has become an important part of that.
Seattle Seahawks
Jarran Reed, DT
The Seahawks defense is much better when Jarran Reed is on the field.
Los Angeles Rams
Cory Littleton, LB
Cory Littleton was probably the best player on the Rams defense not named Aaron Donald.
Arizona Cardinals
Kenyan Drake, RB
It's amazing that the Cardinals were able to add a player of Kenyan Drake's ability in an in-season trade. It helps that the Dolphins were giving players away. The Cardinals offense started playing much better once Drake was added to it.
AFC
Baltimore Ravens
Matt Judon, LB
The Ravens keep finding edge rushers like Matt Judon on the second and third days of the draft. That ability might give the team the confidence to let him walk. At some point the Ravens have to keep one of these players that they develop.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Javon Hargrave, NT
It was a tossup between Javon Hargrave and edge rusher Bud Dupree. Re-signing an impact player in the middle of the Steelers defensive line appealed to me more.
Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green, WR
Keeping a talented, reliable, veteran receiver makes a lot of sense for a team that's probably turning the offense over to rookie quarterback Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns
Joe Schobert, LB
I see Joe Schobert as the leader of a young defense that has a lot of talent but needs a little direction.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady, QB
No matter how fun it is for the talking heads to "place" Tom Brady all over the league I can't see his return not happening.
Buffalo Bills
Quinton Spain, OG
The Bills added damn every available mid-level offensive lineman in free agency last year. Quenton Spain was one that found a roster spot.
Miami Dolphins
Evan Boehm, OG
The Dolphins traded away most of the players that would be considered "must re-signs." I'll go with a guard that I liked when he was with the Colts. Maybe he can be a building block for a new, decent Dolphins offensive line.
New York Jets
Robby Anderson, WR
Sam Darnold needs an explosive playmaker. Robby Anderson is one of those.
Houston Texans
Bradley Robey, CB
The Texans have stocked up on corners over the past several months. Bradley Robey is the best of the bunch.
Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill, QB
Derrick Henry, RB
I could not decide between the two. The Titans need both.
Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Castonzo, OT
The Colts have built one of the best offensive lines in the league. Anthony Castonzo is the veteran leader of that line. They need him to keep that role for a couple more years.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Yannick Ngakoue, DE
Yannick Ngakoue is the sort of player that smart teams keep.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones, DT
Chris Jones is another player that I'd love to see in Minnesota. The Chiefs might not have won the Super Bowl without him. The Chiefs can not let him leave.
Denver Broncos
Von Miller, LB
He's on the wrong side of 30 but Von Miller is still one of the best pass rushers in the game.
Los Angeles Chargers
Hunter Henry, TE
No matter who plays quarterback for the Chargers he'll need Hunter Henry on the field.
Las Vegas Raiders
Karl Joseph, S
Karl Joseph was one of my favorite players in the 2016 NFL Draft. I really like the Raiders safety combination of Joseph and Johnathan Abram.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Throwback Thursday: All-Time HBCU NFL Team
This Flicker was originally posted on 7/5/18.
The NFL's history is filled with players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The talent that's come out of these schools rivals, even exceeds, that of the "big time" conferences. Some of the best of that talent can be seen in this All-Time NFL Team of players from HBCUs.
The NFL's history is filled with players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The talent that's come out of these schools rivals, even exceeds, that of the "big time" conferences. Some of the best of that talent can be seen in this All-Time NFL Team of players from HBCUs.
Quarterback
Steve McNair, Alcorn State
Running Backs
Walter Payton, Jackson State
Leroy Kelly, Morgan State
Leroy Kelly, Morgan State
Receivers
Jerry Rice, Mississippi Valley State
John Stallworth, Alabama A&M
John Stallworth, Alabama A&M
Tight End
Shannon Sharpe, Savannah State
Offensive Line
Roosevelt Brown, Morgan State
Art Shell, Maryland-Eastern Shore
Jackie Slater, Jackson State
Rayfield Wright, Fort Valley State
Larry Little, Bethune-Cookman
Art Shell, Maryland-Eastern Shore
Jackie Slater, Jackson State
Rayfield Wright, Fort Valley State
Larry Little, Bethune-Cookman
Defensive Line
Deacon Jones, South Carolina State/Mississippi Valley State
Willie Davis, Grambling State
Buck Buchanan, Grambling
Michael Strahan, Texas Southern
Willie Davis, Grambling State
Buck Buchanan, Grambling
Michael Strahan, Texas Southern
Linebackers
Robert Brazile, Jackson State
Willie Lanier, Morgan State
Harry Carson, South Carolina State
Willie Lanier, Morgan State
Harry Carson, South Carolina State
Defensive Backs
Willie Brown, Grambling State
Mel Blount, Southern
Aeneas Williams, Southern
Mel Blount, Southern
Aeneas Williams, Southern
Ken Houston, Prairie View A&M
The talent on this team is ridiculous.
22 players. 21 are honored in Canton.
The one player not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the quarterback. Steve McNair.
Black colleges have sent an abundance of talent to the NFL at all positions but quarterback. I wonder if that has more to do with the league's coaches being so unwilling for so long to give a black quarterback a shot. Many think that Warren Moon was the first great black quarterback. Even he was forced to start his throwing career in Canada due to the racial prejudices of coaches. Doug Williams and James Harris had some fine moments. Maybe they would've had more if their path was less rocky. Maybe Parnell Dickinson could've been the first great black quarterback if he'd been given a chance. Joe Gilliam? Eldridge Dickey? Charles Brackins? Willie Thrower? None had the opportunities routinely given to modestly talented white quarterbacks.
HBCUs have sent much more football talent than the above All-Time Team to the NFL. Here are some of the players that I had to reluctantly leave on the bench.
Lem Barney
Elvin Bethea
Richard Dent
Bob Hayes
Charlie Joiner
Emmitt Thomas
That's six Pro Football Hall of Famers sitting on the bench. The talent doesn't end there. Here's a few players that have a strong case for Canton induction.
Roger Brown
L.C. Greenwood
Ken Riley
Donnie Shell
Otis Taylor
Everson Walls
Just silly with talent. The talent was at these "small" schools because it wasn't welcome at the "big" schools. The smart NFL teams sent scouts to the schools in the 1960s and early 1970s. The 1960s Kansas City Chiefs benefited greatly. So did the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers. It's really no surprise that the rise in the scouting of the HBCUs coincided with the escalating AFL-NFL wars. There were more professional teams and it resulted in a hotly contested race for talent. The AFL had the edge at these long-neglected schools and it helped catch the NFL and force a merger in only seven years. Despite being loaded with talented players and greatly impacting the NFL the Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long been over there on the periphery of college and professional football. It's well past time to celebrate these schools and the players that played there. The Black College Football Hall of Fame has been inducting players since 2010. It's a grassroots effort that's slowly gaining traction and now they're getting some support from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They deserve more support and attention. Just look at the players. Silly with talent.
***
The talent on this team is ridiculous.
22 players. 21 are honored in Canton.
The one player not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the quarterback. Steve McNair.
Black colleges have sent an abundance of talent to the NFL at all positions but quarterback. I wonder if that has more to do with the league's coaches being so unwilling for so long to give a black quarterback a shot. Many think that Warren Moon was the first great black quarterback. Even he was forced to start his throwing career in Canada due to the racial prejudices of coaches. Doug Williams and James Harris had some fine moments. Maybe they would've had more if their path was less rocky. Maybe Parnell Dickinson could've been the first great black quarterback if he'd been given a chance. Joe Gilliam? Eldridge Dickey? Charles Brackins? Willie Thrower? None had the opportunities routinely given to modestly talented white quarterbacks.
HBCUs have sent much more football talent than the above All-Time Team to the NFL. Here are some of the players that I had to reluctantly leave on the bench.
Lem Barney
Elvin Bethea
Richard Dent
Bob Hayes
Charlie Joiner
Emmitt Thomas
That's six Pro Football Hall of Famers sitting on the bench. The talent doesn't end there. Here's a few players that have a strong case for Canton induction.
Roger Brown
L.C. Greenwood
Ken Riley
Donnie Shell
Otis Taylor
Everson Walls
Just silly with talent. The talent was at these "small" schools because it wasn't welcome at the "big" schools. The smart NFL teams sent scouts to the schools in the 1960s and early 1970s. The 1960s Kansas City Chiefs benefited greatly. So did the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers. It's really no surprise that the rise in the scouting of the HBCUs coincided with the escalating AFL-NFL wars. There were more professional teams and it resulted in a hotly contested race for talent. The AFL had the edge at these long-neglected schools and it helped catch the NFL and force a merger in only seven years. Despite being loaded with talented players and greatly impacting the NFL the Historically Black Colleges and Universities have long been over there on the periphery of college and professional football. It's well past time to celebrate these schools and the players that played there. The Black College Football Hall of Fame has been inducting players since 2010. It's a grassroots effort that's slowly gaining traction and now they're getting some support from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They deserve more support and attention. Just look at the players. Silly with talent.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Minnesota Vikings Draft Stuff
The Minnesota Vikings season ended three weeks too soon. The Super Bowl is over. It's the NFL's offseason. The new league year doesn't officially start until March 18 but it's the offseason. The Vikings have reconstructed their coaching staff. Now it's time to rebuild the roster. They are in a salary cap bind so they won't be able to buy their issues away. The Draft will be the path to the roster rebuild. It should be the path even when they're flush with cash. Making a splash free agency is always fun but history has shown that it's not the best way to build an NFL roster. Besides, the draft is far more fun. That's why maniacs have been doing mock drafts for this draft since the last draft ended. With compensatory picks still to be determined, the Vikings could have as many as 10 picks in the April 23-25 Draft. That's just to start. General manager Rick Spielman has a tendency to move around in the draft. Here's an early look at some Minnesota Vikings draft stuff.
The Picks. Current and projected.
1. #25 overall
2. #57 overall
3. #89 overall
4. TBD (picks in rounds 4-7 will be affected by the Compensatory picks)
4. TBD (projected Compensatory pick for loss of Sheldon Richardson)
6. TBD
7. TBD (acquired from Dolphins for Danny Isidora)
7. TBD
7. TBD (projected Compensatory pick for loss of Tom Compton)
7. TBD (projected Compensatory pick for loss of Trevor Siemian)
The Vikings traded their fifth round pick to the Ravens for kicker Kaare Vedvik. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time.
The Needs.
1. offensive line
2. cornerback
3. 3-technique
Free agency re-signings/signings could change those needs but the Vikings don't really have the cap space to change them significantly.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has been an annual top need for so long. The rookie seasons of guard Dru Samia and tackle Oli Udoh were redshirt seasons. The hope here is that Samia will be able to step into a starting role this season. If Pat Elflein doesn't make a huge jump this offseason his three-year run as a Vikings starter (2 at center, 1 at left guard) is likely over. Udoh was drafted in the sixth as a raw, small school project with intriguing size and talent. In very limited snaps as a rookie he looked promising. He actually looked more promising than Samia in those limited snaps. In a perfect world, Samia and Udoh are ready to step in this season and become franchise cornerstones on the offensive line for a long time. Udoh, in particular, is intriguing. In preseason games and the Week 17 "preseason" game against the Bears, he often made defenders disappear. He has mammoth size (6'5" 325 lbs) and he appears to move well despite that size. He also seems to play a little angry. The Vikings could use a little angry on the offensive line. The biggest question is whether he can move well enough to fit the Vikings zone blocking scheme. He's such an intriguing football player. The offensive line must improve. The defensive line of the Bears, Packers, and 49ers destroyed them in the biggest games of the season. That can't happen again if the Vikings have hopes of making it past the divisional round of the playoffs. The offensive line must get better. Right tackle Brian O'Neill has improved considerably in his two seasons. He looks like he will be a very good, at least, player for a long time. Center Garrett Bradbury had some rookie struggles but he often flashed the ability that made him a first round pick. Riley Reiff is an average left tackle in the latter years of his career. There's been chatter that he could move to guard. I'm not sold on that. I'd rather see the line get better and younger. O'Neill and Bradbury are the only offensive linemen on the roster that can be considered foundation players. I hope that Samia joins them this year. He has the talent to make an impact at one of the guard spots. Veteran Josh Kline has a couple more years as a reliable starter at the other guard spot. I think that Udoh has potential. At present, it's only potential. If he emerges, it's probably at right tackle. In that case, perhaps O'Neill can move to left tackle. But the Vikings aren't in a position to plan on a raw, intriguing, mammoth tackle emerging as an impact starter at tackle in his second season. The Vikings need to improve the offensive line with a player more ready to start immediately. That sort of tackle is found in the first round. If he can develop the reaction/quickness for reach blocks and getting to the second level, maybe Udoh can eventually bump inside to guard and replace Kline in a year or two. Who knows? Maybe with the addition of a nice left tackle in the draft the Vikings have their five cornerstone linemen for as long as they can keep them.
Cornerback
Cornerback has been a team strength for a few years. Head coach Mike Zimmer has emphasized the position. So has the team's drafts. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander have been the top trio for a few years. Waynes and Alexander are on track to be free agents. The Vikings cap situation makes it challenge to re-sign Waynes or Alexander, let alone both. Rhodes could be a cap casualty. 2020 could be a complete overhaul of the cornerback position in Minnesota. If Waynes, Alexander, and Rhodes all depart Minnesota, the top of the cornerback depth chart could look like this:
Mike Hughes
Holton Hill
Kris Boyd
Despite being an oft-injured first round pick, an undrafted free agent, and a seventh-round pick, I kinda like this trio. There was something missing from the Vikings corners last season. Perhaps a hungry group of talented cornerbacks with something to prove is just what this team needs. Mike Hughes is a former first round pick with loads of talent. He just has to stay healthy. If injuries hadn't derailed each of his first two seasons he might've wrestled a starting spot away from Rhodes, Waynes, or Alexander. Hughes just has to stay on the field and one side of the Vikings defensive backfield will be fine. Holton Hill showed raw talent and a lot of potential as an undrafted rookie in 2018. Injuries forced him into the starting lineup against the Saints that season and he looked the part. A couple of suspensions cost him half of the 2019 season. If he can rid himself of the off-field demons that wrecked his draft prospects and his second season, he could develop into an impact player. Kris Boyd developed through his rookie season into a standout player on special teams. He also held up when given opportunities on defense. That isn't glowing praise but he showed some abilities that could be molded into a solid NFL corner. Perhaps even better. Hughes alternated at times with Alexander at nickel. He's the team's top corner moving forward so I'm guessing that he now has a full-time spot on the outside. With the potential contractual departures, I'm projecting Hill as the starter on the other side. Boyd could be next man up at nickel. A darkhorse contender for the role is CFL export Marcus Sayles. His size (5'10" 180lbs) and play remind me of Antoine Winfield. That's a wild comparison as Winfield is one of the best corners in franchise history and one of the best nickel corners I've ever seen. But there are some similarities to his game. Maybe, just maybe, Sayles has a football career trajectory similar to that of Cameron Wake. There's a beautiful dream. Anyway, I actually feel pretty good about the Vikings corners. Part of that is because I like the potential of the players that are sure to be on the roster. The other part of that is a trust in Zimmer getting the best out of those players. Still, cornerback is a need. A lot of things have to go right for my hopeful projections to become reality. Hughes has to stay healthy. Hill has to stay out of trouble. Boyd has to develop. Sayles is a CFL export that has done nothing in the NFL.
3-technique
The 3-technique defensive tackle position is very important in Zimmer's defense. It's very important in every 4-3 defense. Despite that importance, Zimmer has rarely had an impact player at the position in his six years as the Vikings head coach. Sharrif Floyd was supposed to be that player. A freak accident during surgery sadly ruined his NFL career. Sheldon Richardson was terrific for one season but they couldn't afford to keep him. Shamar Stephen played the position last season. He's excellent against the run but doesn't create much havoc as a pass rusher. Jaleel Johnson can do a bit of both but needs to both more often. Jalyn Holmes has a little more pass rusher in him but might not be as strong in run support. Hercules Mata'afa is more of a situational pass rusher. The player that I really like for the 3-technique spot is Armon Watts. He really started to shine at the end of last season. But I think that the coaches see him as a nose tackle. Perhaps it's due to their respective sizes but I like Johnson as the eventual replacement to Linval Joseph at nose and Watts at 3-technique. The more I think about the players that the Vikings have at defensive tackle the less I think that the position is one of the team's top needs. The 3-technique position can make such an impact and Zimmer has so rarely had a player at the position that can completely disrupt the offense. If that sort of player (Javon Kinlaw!) falls into their lap at 25, they grab him. Personally, I think that Watts can be dynamite at the position. But I'm just sitting in a chair viewing from a distance.
Other team needs:
1. Receiver
2. Safety
Receiver
The Vikings could use a third receiver that can take some of the obvious passing down pressure off of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Olabisi Johnson was a nice surprise as a rookie. He has a future with the team. The Vikings need a receiver that can beat coverage with some explosive abilities or one that can beat it with a size/strength advantage. A receiver with both attributes would be nice but those are hard to find. The third receiver need is lessened a bit by the immense potential of tight end Irv Smith Jr. His rookie season was just a slight taste of what he might be able to do. He has the talent to tilt the field. It'd be nice if the Vikings can add an explosive receiver in the draft, one that can return kicks as well.
Safety
Much of what the Vikings can do in free agency begins with what they do with Anthony Harris. He's developed into one of the top safeties in the league. He's also set to become a free agent on March 18. If the Vikings re-sign him, it'll take a deal that makes him one of the highest paid safeties in the league. He and Harrison Smith would be one of the top safety duos in the league. The team would only need to add depth behind them. If they Vikings don't re-sign Harris, Harrison Smith will be the only safety with a contract that puts him on the roster in 2020. The position then becomes one of the team's biggest draft needs.
Those are the needs of the Vikings as I currently see them. The team doesn't have the cap room to seriously address those needs in free agency. I really like some of the young players that are in position to see more playing time (especially Mike Hughes and Armon Watts) but their impact is all just hopeful projections at this point. Very hopeful.
The Picks. Current and projected.
1. #25 overall
2. #57 overall
3. #89 overall
4. TBD (picks in rounds 4-7 will be affected by the Compensatory picks)
4. TBD (projected Compensatory pick for loss of Sheldon Richardson)
6. TBD
7. TBD (acquired from Dolphins for Danny Isidora)
7. TBD
7. TBD (projected Compensatory pick for loss of Tom Compton)
7. TBD (projected Compensatory pick for loss of Trevor Siemian)
The Vikings traded their fifth round pick to the Ravens for kicker Kaare Vedvik. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time.
The Needs.
1. offensive line
2. cornerback
3. 3-technique
Free agency re-signings/signings could change those needs but the Vikings don't really have the cap space to change them significantly.
Offensive Line
The offensive line has been an annual top need for so long. The rookie seasons of guard Dru Samia and tackle Oli Udoh were redshirt seasons. The hope here is that Samia will be able to step into a starting role this season. If Pat Elflein doesn't make a huge jump this offseason his three-year run as a Vikings starter (2 at center, 1 at left guard) is likely over. Udoh was drafted in the sixth as a raw, small school project with intriguing size and talent. In very limited snaps as a rookie he looked promising. He actually looked more promising than Samia in those limited snaps. In a perfect world, Samia and Udoh are ready to step in this season and become franchise cornerstones on the offensive line for a long time. Udoh, in particular, is intriguing. In preseason games and the Week 17 "preseason" game against the Bears, he often made defenders disappear. He has mammoth size (6'5" 325 lbs) and he appears to move well despite that size. He also seems to play a little angry. The Vikings could use a little angry on the offensive line. The biggest question is whether he can move well enough to fit the Vikings zone blocking scheme. He's such an intriguing football player. The offensive line must improve. The defensive line of the Bears, Packers, and 49ers destroyed them in the biggest games of the season. That can't happen again if the Vikings have hopes of making it past the divisional round of the playoffs. The offensive line must get better. Right tackle Brian O'Neill has improved considerably in his two seasons. He looks like he will be a very good, at least, player for a long time. Center Garrett Bradbury had some rookie struggles but he often flashed the ability that made him a first round pick. Riley Reiff is an average left tackle in the latter years of his career. There's been chatter that he could move to guard. I'm not sold on that. I'd rather see the line get better and younger. O'Neill and Bradbury are the only offensive linemen on the roster that can be considered foundation players. I hope that Samia joins them this year. He has the talent to make an impact at one of the guard spots. Veteran Josh Kline has a couple more years as a reliable starter at the other guard spot. I think that Udoh has potential. At present, it's only potential. If he emerges, it's probably at right tackle. In that case, perhaps O'Neill can move to left tackle. But the Vikings aren't in a position to plan on a raw, intriguing, mammoth tackle emerging as an impact starter at tackle in his second season. The Vikings need to improve the offensive line with a player more ready to start immediately. That sort of tackle is found in the first round. If he can develop the reaction/quickness for reach blocks and getting to the second level, maybe Udoh can eventually bump inside to guard and replace Kline in a year or two. Who knows? Maybe with the addition of a nice left tackle in the draft the Vikings have their five cornerstone linemen for as long as they can keep them.
Cornerback
Cornerback has been a team strength for a few years. Head coach Mike Zimmer has emphasized the position. So has the team's drafts. Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander have been the top trio for a few years. Waynes and Alexander are on track to be free agents. The Vikings cap situation makes it challenge to re-sign Waynes or Alexander, let alone both. Rhodes could be a cap casualty. 2020 could be a complete overhaul of the cornerback position in Minnesota. If Waynes, Alexander, and Rhodes all depart Minnesota, the top of the cornerback depth chart could look like this:
Mike Hughes
Holton Hill
Kris Boyd
Despite being an oft-injured first round pick, an undrafted free agent, and a seventh-round pick, I kinda like this trio. There was something missing from the Vikings corners last season. Perhaps a hungry group of talented cornerbacks with something to prove is just what this team needs. Mike Hughes is a former first round pick with loads of talent. He just has to stay healthy. If injuries hadn't derailed each of his first two seasons he might've wrestled a starting spot away from Rhodes, Waynes, or Alexander. Hughes just has to stay on the field and one side of the Vikings defensive backfield will be fine. Holton Hill showed raw talent and a lot of potential as an undrafted rookie in 2018. Injuries forced him into the starting lineup against the Saints that season and he looked the part. A couple of suspensions cost him half of the 2019 season. If he can rid himself of the off-field demons that wrecked his draft prospects and his second season, he could develop into an impact player. Kris Boyd developed through his rookie season into a standout player on special teams. He also held up when given opportunities on defense. That isn't glowing praise but he showed some abilities that could be molded into a solid NFL corner. Perhaps even better. Hughes alternated at times with Alexander at nickel. He's the team's top corner moving forward so I'm guessing that he now has a full-time spot on the outside. With the potential contractual departures, I'm projecting Hill as the starter on the other side. Boyd could be next man up at nickel. A darkhorse contender for the role is CFL export Marcus Sayles. His size (5'10" 180lbs) and play remind me of Antoine Winfield. That's a wild comparison as Winfield is one of the best corners in franchise history and one of the best nickel corners I've ever seen. But there are some similarities to his game. Maybe, just maybe, Sayles has a football career trajectory similar to that of Cameron Wake. There's a beautiful dream. Anyway, I actually feel pretty good about the Vikings corners. Part of that is because I like the potential of the players that are sure to be on the roster. The other part of that is a trust in Zimmer getting the best out of those players. Still, cornerback is a need. A lot of things have to go right for my hopeful projections to become reality. Hughes has to stay healthy. Hill has to stay out of trouble. Boyd has to develop. Sayles is a CFL export that has done nothing in the NFL.
3-technique
The 3-technique defensive tackle position is very important in Zimmer's defense. It's very important in every 4-3 defense. Despite that importance, Zimmer has rarely had an impact player at the position in his six years as the Vikings head coach. Sharrif Floyd was supposed to be that player. A freak accident during surgery sadly ruined his NFL career. Sheldon Richardson was terrific for one season but they couldn't afford to keep him. Shamar Stephen played the position last season. He's excellent against the run but doesn't create much havoc as a pass rusher. Jaleel Johnson can do a bit of both but needs to both more often. Jalyn Holmes has a little more pass rusher in him but might not be as strong in run support. Hercules Mata'afa is more of a situational pass rusher. The player that I really like for the 3-technique spot is Armon Watts. He really started to shine at the end of last season. But I think that the coaches see him as a nose tackle. Perhaps it's due to their respective sizes but I like Johnson as the eventual replacement to Linval Joseph at nose and Watts at 3-technique. The more I think about the players that the Vikings have at defensive tackle the less I think that the position is one of the team's top needs. The 3-technique position can make such an impact and Zimmer has so rarely had a player at the position that can completely disrupt the offense. If that sort of player (Javon Kinlaw!) falls into their lap at 25, they grab him. Personally, I think that Watts can be dynamite at the position. But I'm just sitting in a chair viewing from a distance.
Other team needs:
1. Receiver
2. Safety
Receiver
The Vikings could use a third receiver that can take some of the obvious passing down pressure off of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Olabisi Johnson was a nice surprise as a rookie. He has a future with the team. The Vikings need a receiver that can beat coverage with some explosive abilities or one that can beat it with a size/strength advantage. A receiver with both attributes would be nice but those are hard to find. The third receiver need is lessened a bit by the immense potential of tight end Irv Smith Jr. His rookie season was just a slight taste of what he might be able to do. He has the talent to tilt the field. It'd be nice if the Vikings can add an explosive receiver in the draft, one that can return kicks as well.
Safety
Much of what the Vikings can do in free agency begins with what they do with Anthony Harris. He's developed into one of the top safeties in the league. He's also set to become a free agent on March 18. If the Vikings re-sign him, it'll take a deal that makes him one of the highest paid safeties in the league. He and Harrison Smith would be one of the top safety duos in the league. The team would only need to add depth behind them. If they Vikings don't re-sign Harris, Harrison Smith will be the only safety with a contract that puts him on the roster in 2020. The position then becomes one of the team's biggest draft needs.
Those are the needs of the Vikings as I currently see them. The team doesn't have the cap room to seriously address those needs in free agency. I really like some of the young players that are in position to see more playing time (especially Mike Hughes and Armon Watts) but their impact is all just hopeful projections at this point. Very hopeful.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Minnesota Vikings Add Another Coach
Just when it felt like the Minnesota Vikings 2020 coaching staff was complete, head coach Mike Zimmer decided that he needed another voice/teacher/opinion in the room. The Vikings announced yesterday that Dom Capers has been hired. Zimmer has been in the football coaching profession since 1979. Capers has been at it even longer. He got his start as a graduate assistant at Kent State in 1972. Zimmer was thrilled with the coaching impact that Gary Kubiak had last season as an adviser on the offensive side of the ball. Perhaps he's hoping that Capers can provide a similar impact this season on the defensive side of the ball. Some seem to be surprised by the choice as each advocates two different defensive philosophies. Zimmer has coached a 4-3 defense for most of his coaching career. Capers has favored a 3-4 defense. It's my guess that Capers was appealing to Zimmer because of those differences. Football offenses are always evolving. Defenses have to evolve as well. No defensive coach can expect to succeed if they just keep trotting out the same defense year after year. While still being mostly effective, the Vikings defense has remained the same since Zimmer's first year in 2014. Same players, same scheme, same voices. Perhaps things had grown a little stale. Change can be good and in the last month there has been a lot of changes on the coaching staff. That's especially true on defense. Adding Capers is the most intriguing move of all. Perhaps the Vikings will throw an occasional 3-4 front at offenses. They don't really have the personnel to do it as their base but I can envision a situational front that includes Linval Joseph over the center, Jalyn Holmes and Armon Watts at ends, and Danielle Hunter and Anthony Barr rushing off the edge. Who knows? Hercules Mata'afa is a unique pass rusher that the team seems to like but they haven't really found a role for him. Perhaps Capers has some ideas. It's always good for a defense on occasion to do something unexpected. Throwing something new at an offense is good and anything Capers adds will be new. I always liked the "amoeba" defense that he ran at times as the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. The New England Patriots used something similar a couple years ago and the Vikings offense fell apart against it. Having seven, or more, players milling about the line of scrimmage before the snap doesn't give the offense any clues. The offense doesn't know which players are rushing and which players aren't until the snap. I didn't like when Capers, or Bill Belichick, did against the Vikings but I'd be thrilled to see Zimmer and Capers incorporate it into the defensive game plan. Capers has been a successful defensive coach longer than Zimmer. I think that it's safe to assume that Zimmer, Capers, new co-defensive coordinators Andre Patterson and Adam Zimmer, and the rest of the defensive coaches will come up with some unique defenses. I can't wait to see it.
I can see only one negative to the addition of Dom Capers. The ESPN Vikings beat writers spent all of last offseason questioning what Gary Kubiak did. Kevin Stefanski was the offensive coordinator. What was Kubiak's role? The possibility that he was there to assist ("assistant" was in his official title) Stefanski during his first year coordinating an offense simply eluded them. Those Kubiak questions were a part of damn near every article and podcast they wrote and recorded. It was a sad little bit and got old really quick. I dread the possibility that they pull it out again this offseason in questioning Capers' role with the defense. He's a senior defensive assistant coach. He'll assist the defense. Some of the Vikings beat writers just want to turn everything into some damn conspiracy. Maybe, just maybe, these coaching hires are made to try and improve the football team. Imagine that, a football team trying to get better.
Adding Capers wasn't the only change to the Vikings coaching staff. Assistant defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez left to become the defensive line coach on Herm Edwards' staff at Arizona State. It's a loss for the Vikings but a great opportunity for Rodriguez. Congratulations Coach Rodriguez.
Maybe the Vikings coaching staff isn't complete. I would think that a coach will be added to assist Andre Patterson with the defensive line. Especially, with his new co-defensive coordinator duties. Here's how the Vikings coaching staff looks until the next change.
Minnesota Vikings 2020 Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Offensive Coaches:
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Wide Receivers: Andrew Janocko
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Assistant Offensive Line: Phil Rauscher
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: AC Patterson
Defensive Coaches:
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Senior Defensive Assistant: Dom Capers
Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis
Special Teams Coaches:
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken
Kicking Consultant: Nate Kaeding
Strength and Conditioning:
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Derik Keyes
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle
I can see only one negative to the addition of Dom Capers. The ESPN Vikings beat writers spent all of last offseason questioning what Gary Kubiak did. Kevin Stefanski was the offensive coordinator. What was Kubiak's role? The possibility that he was there to assist ("assistant" was in his official title) Stefanski during his first year coordinating an offense simply eluded them. Those Kubiak questions were a part of damn near every article and podcast they wrote and recorded. It was a sad little bit and got old really quick. I dread the possibility that they pull it out again this offseason in questioning Capers' role with the defense. He's a senior defensive assistant coach. He'll assist the defense. Some of the Vikings beat writers just want to turn everything into some damn conspiracy. Maybe, just maybe, these coaching hires are made to try and improve the football team. Imagine that, a football team trying to get better.
Adding Capers wasn't the only change to the Vikings coaching staff. Assistant defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez left to become the defensive line coach on Herm Edwards' staff at Arizona State. It's a loss for the Vikings but a great opportunity for Rodriguez. Congratulations Coach Rodriguez.
Maybe the Vikings coaching staff isn't complete. I would think that a coach will be added to assist Andre Patterson with the defensive line. Especially, with his new co-defensive coordinator duties. Here's how the Vikings coaching staff looks until the next change.
Minnesota Vikings 2020 Coaches
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Offensive Coaches:
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Wide Receivers: Andrew Janocko
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Assistant Offensive Line: Phil Rauscher
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: AC Patterson
Defensive Coaches:
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Senior Defensive Assistant: Dom Capers
Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis
Special Teams Coaches:
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken
Kicking Consultant: Nate Kaeding
Strength and Conditioning:
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Derik Keyes
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle
Monday, February 10, 2020
Flea Flicker Mock Draft 1.0
It's so damn early to be doing this. I barely have a grasp of the top 50 players, let alone the top 32. Or the needs of the 32 teams. I have to start somewhere and it might as well be here.
1. Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4. New York Giants-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
8. Arizona Cardinals-Tristan Wirfs, OG, Iowa
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
10. Cleveland Browns-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
11. New York Jets-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
13. Indianapolis Colts-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
15. Denver Broncos-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
16. Atlanta Falcons-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
17. Dallas Cowboys-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
22. Buffalo Bills-Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
23. New England Patriots-Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
24. New Orleans Saints-Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
25. Minnesota Vikings-Josh Jones, OT, Houston
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
27. Seattle Seahawks-Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State
28. Baltimore Ravens-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
29. Houston Texans-A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
30. Green Bay Packers-Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
31. San Francisco 49ers-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
32. Kansas City Chiefs-Marlon Davidson, Edge, Auburn
I'll probably mention it often in the coming years but it's really weird to say, write, think Las Vegas Raiders.
There appears to be a lot of players in this draft with a "J" somewhere in their name. There are more than seems normal among the above possible first round picks. It's especially true of the top quarterbacks.
Joe Burrow
Justin Herbert
Jordan Love
Jacob Eason
Jalen Hurts
Jake Fromm
Jake Luton and James Morgan are also among the quarterbacks invited to the Scouting Combine. That's a lot of "Js." Tua Tagavailoa is the one top thrower that's free of the letter.
Mock Draft season is on.
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
4. New York Giants-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
8. Arizona Cardinals-Tristan Wirfs, OG, Iowa
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
10. Cleveland Browns-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
11. New York Jets-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
13. Indianapolis Colts-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
15. Denver Broncos-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
16. Atlanta Falcons-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
17. Dallas Cowboys-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
22. Buffalo Bills-Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
23. New England Patriots-Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
24. New Orleans Saints-Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
25. Minnesota Vikings-Josh Jones, OT, Houston
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
27. Seattle Seahawks-Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State
28. Baltimore Ravens-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
29. Houston Texans-A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
30. Green Bay Packers-Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
31. San Francisco 49ers-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
32. Kansas City Chiefs-Marlon Davidson, Edge, Auburn
I'll probably mention it often in the coming years but it's really weird to say, write, think Las Vegas Raiders.
There appears to be a lot of players in this draft with a "J" somewhere in their name. There are more than seems normal among the above possible first round picks. It's especially true of the top quarterbacks.
Joe Burrow
Justin Herbert
Jordan Love
Jacob Eason
Jalen Hurts
Jake Fromm
Jake Luton and James Morgan are also among the quarterbacks invited to the Scouting Combine. That's a lot of "Js." Tua Tagavailoa is the one top thrower that's free of the letter.
Mock Draft season is on.
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame Eligibles
When did the new Pro Football Hall of Fame Class become the old Class before their busts molded and jackets fitted? The modern-era members of the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class were announced a week ago and discussion has already turned to who's next? I guess that it's further proof of our puppy-like attention span. Rather than taking a stand I guess that I'm following the flock and looking at the players that will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the coming years.
Class of 2021
Jared Allen
Steven Jackson
Calvin Johnson
Logan Mankins
Peyton Manning
Jerod Mayo
Heath Miller
Charles Tillman
Justin Tuck
Michael Vick
Wes Welker
Kevin Williams
Charles Woodson
There are a couple players on this list that might already be fitted for that spiffy gold jacket. Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson were Heisman finalists together. They were in the same draft class. They should be in the same Hall of Fame Class. And it's the first Class for which they are eligible. I wouldn't be surprised if the voters allow Calvin Johnson to join them. For me, he was without question a first ballot Hall of Fame talent but I'm not so sure that he played to that level often enough. I'd like to see Jared Allen make it. He had a Hall of Fame career but I think that career was a tick below what it takes to make it in his first year. I also thought that about Jason Taylor and he made it in his first year. So, you never know. The voters are an unpredictable bunch. I can see Charles Tillman and Kevin Williams eventually making their way to Canton.
Class of 2022
Anquan Blodin
Chad Greenway
Andre Johnson
Mario Williams
Tony Romo
Robert Mathis
Steve Smith Sr.
DeMarcus Ware
Vince Wilfork
DeMarcus Ware, Steve Smith Sr., and Andre Johnson top this group of first-year eligibles. Personally, I see Jared Allen in his second year of eligibility as more deserving than Ware in his first. But that's just me. Smith, Johnson, and Anquan Boldin join a receiver queue that's again growing into a problem. There's a similar problem with edge rushers. Allen, Ware, Justin Tuck, Mario Williams, Robert Mathis are all deserving of consideration. With no clear-cut first ballot players, this year could be a good year to get in some of the players that have been waiting a while.
Class of 2023
NaVorro Bowman
Kam Chancellor
Antonio Cromartie
Elvis Dumervil
Dwight Freeney
James Harrison
Devin Hester
Shane Lechler
Nick Mangold
DeMarco Murray
Carson Palmer
Darrelle Revis
Joe Thomas
Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas are in. An argument can be made for Devin Hester. As a Minnesota Vikings fan, he scared the hell out of me. No returner has ever worried me more. Dwight Freeney and James Harrison find a place in the growing edge rusher line. I always thought that NaVorro Bowman was a terrific player. If teammate Patrick Willis isn't even a finalist in his first year of eligibility, I'm not sure that Bowman makes it very far.
Class of 2024
Antonio Gates
Jamaal Charles
Rob Gronkowski
Chris Long
Andrew Luck
Sebastian Janikowski
Jordy Nelson
Haloti Ngata
Julius Peppers
Jonathan Stewart
Max Unger
Kyle Williams
Rob Gronkowski is in. Antonio Gates could make it a two tight end Class. Julius Peppers jumps to the front of that edge rusher line. If Gronkowski has a first ballot classmate, Peppers is the one. Andrew was playing his way into Canton but he retired a few years short of making it.
Class of 2025
Lorenzo Alexander
Vernon Davis
Luke Kuechly
Eli Manning
Eric Weddle
Luke Kuechly is in. I don't care if he didn't have a 15-year career. He was the best in the game at his position from his first season. The Eli Manning Hall of Fame argument has already started. He might not make it in 2025 but it shouldn't be too longer after that.
I think that the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters need to refine their standards for first ballot Hall of Famers. When a player is presented for discussion in their first year of eligibility there should be zero doubts about their candidacy for the Hall. If there's the slightest hesitation, that player shouldn't be inducted on the first ballot. As it appears to be now, every player that had a really good career is ushered through the door. First ballot induction should be reserved for the players that had truly great careers. First ballot induction has to be special again. If it ever really was.
Class of 2021
Jared Allen
Steven Jackson
Calvin Johnson
Logan Mankins
Peyton Manning
Jerod Mayo
Heath Miller
Charles Tillman
Justin Tuck
Michael Vick
Wes Welker
Kevin Williams
Charles Woodson
There are a couple players on this list that might already be fitted for that spiffy gold jacket. Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson were Heisman finalists together. They were in the same draft class. They should be in the same Hall of Fame Class. And it's the first Class for which they are eligible. I wouldn't be surprised if the voters allow Calvin Johnson to join them. For me, he was without question a first ballot Hall of Fame talent but I'm not so sure that he played to that level often enough. I'd like to see Jared Allen make it. He had a Hall of Fame career but I think that career was a tick below what it takes to make it in his first year. I also thought that about Jason Taylor and he made it in his first year. So, you never know. The voters are an unpredictable bunch. I can see Charles Tillman and Kevin Williams eventually making their way to Canton.
Class of 2022
Anquan Blodin
Chad Greenway
Andre Johnson
Mario Williams
Tony Romo
Robert Mathis
Steve Smith Sr.
DeMarcus Ware
Vince Wilfork
DeMarcus Ware, Steve Smith Sr., and Andre Johnson top this group of first-year eligibles. Personally, I see Jared Allen in his second year of eligibility as more deserving than Ware in his first. But that's just me. Smith, Johnson, and Anquan Boldin join a receiver queue that's again growing into a problem. There's a similar problem with edge rushers. Allen, Ware, Justin Tuck, Mario Williams, Robert Mathis are all deserving of consideration. With no clear-cut first ballot players, this year could be a good year to get in some of the players that have been waiting a while.
Class of 2023
NaVorro Bowman
Kam Chancellor
Antonio Cromartie
Elvis Dumervil
Dwight Freeney
James Harrison
Devin Hester
Shane Lechler
Nick Mangold
DeMarco Murray
Carson Palmer
Darrelle Revis
Joe Thomas
Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas are in. An argument can be made for Devin Hester. As a Minnesota Vikings fan, he scared the hell out of me. No returner has ever worried me more. Dwight Freeney and James Harrison find a place in the growing edge rusher line. I always thought that NaVorro Bowman was a terrific player. If teammate Patrick Willis isn't even a finalist in his first year of eligibility, I'm not sure that Bowman makes it very far.
Class of 2024
Antonio Gates
Jamaal Charles
Rob Gronkowski
Chris Long
Andrew Luck
Sebastian Janikowski
Jordy Nelson
Haloti Ngata
Julius Peppers
Jonathan Stewart
Max Unger
Kyle Williams
Rob Gronkowski is in. Antonio Gates could make it a two tight end Class. Julius Peppers jumps to the front of that edge rusher line. If Gronkowski has a first ballot classmate, Peppers is the one. Andrew was playing his way into Canton but he retired a few years short of making it.
Class of 2025
Lorenzo Alexander
Vernon Davis
Luke Kuechly
Eli Manning
Eric Weddle
Luke Kuechly is in. I don't care if he didn't have a 15-year career. He was the best in the game at his position from his first season. The Eli Manning Hall of Fame argument has already started. He might not make it in 2025 but it shouldn't be too longer after that.
I think that the Pro Football Hall of Fame voters need to refine their standards for first ballot Hall of Famers. When a player is presented for discussion in their first year of eligibility there should be zero doubts about their candidacy for the Hall. If there's the slightest hesitation, that player shouldn't be inducted on the first ballot. As it appears to be now, every player that had a really good career is ushered through the door. First ballot induction should be reserved for the players that had truly great careers. First ballot induction has to be special again. If it ever really was.
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