Bruce Feldman is one of the best writers/reporters/insiders covering college football. This past week he ranked the 25 best college football coaches. It's an interesting list.
1. Nick Saban, Alabama
2. Dabo Swinney, Clemson
3. James Franklin, Penn State
4. Ed Orgeron, LSU
5. Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma
6. Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M
7. Kirby Smart. Georgia
8. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame
9. Kyle Whittingham. Utah
10. Scott Satterfield, Louisville
11. Gary Patterson, TCU
12. Mike Leach, Mississippi State
13. Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
14. Dan Mullen, Florida
15. P.J. Fleck, Minnesota
16. Matt Campbell, Iowa State
17. David Shaw, Stanford
18. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
19. Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
20. Lance Leipold, Buffalo
21. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State
22. Ken Niumatalolo, Navy
23. Chip Kelly, UCLA
24. Mario Cristobal, Oregon
25. Mike Norvell, Florida State
Just missed the cut:
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
Luke Fickell, Cincinnati
Justin Wilcox, Cal
Bryan Harsin, Boise State
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Neal Brown, West Virginia
Josh Heupel, UCF
Some thoughts:
I was initially surprised to see James Franklin at #3. Then I thought more about the state of the Penn State program when he stepped into the job. He did a phenomenal job at Vanderbilt. He's led Penn State to three 11-win seasons in six seasons and a Big 10 title in 2016. #3 seems about right.
The Top 25 college football coaches of only a couple years ago probably had David Shaw in the Top 10. The only thing that’s changed is the quality of players.
Scott Frost at UCF probably makes this list.
Scott Satterfield is soaring up the college coaching ranks.
It’s going to be fun watching Mike Leach in the SEC.
Justin Wilcox is going to move into the Top 25 next year. He’s making me even prouder to be a Golden Bear.
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Friday, March 6, 2020
Looking at the Vikings Picks in the Athletic's 3-Round Mock
The Athletic's Dane Brugler posted his post-combine mock draft this week. It's a three-rounder so it's packed with fun draft stuff. I'm focusing on the predictions that he made for the first three picks of the Minnesota Vikings.
1. (25) Austin Jackson, OT, USC
2. (58) Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
3. (89) Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
I love the first two players. I'm not sold on the third. The main issue that I have with Brugler's predictions is the lack of a cornerback. Free agency could change things but as it stands now corner is one of the Vikings' greatest needs. Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, two of the team's top three corners, are set to be free agents in a couple weeks. Xavier Rhodes could be a cap casualty. The Vikings could be entering the 2020 NFL Draft with a severely depleted cornerback group. As much as I like the potential of Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, and Kris Boyd the Vikings probably need to address the corner position early in the draft. A quick look at the players that Brugler predicts being available for the Vikings in the second and third rounds provide a couple solutions:
In the second round, Mississippi State corner Cameron Dantzler is still available.
In the third round, Ohio State corner Damon Arnette is still available.
I hate to pass on Antoine Winfield and I'm a fan of Cameron Dantzler. It's a tough choice. If I knew for sure that the Vikings could get a player the caliber of Arnette in the third, I probably lean toward Winfield over Dantzler in the second.
Brugler presents another temptation in that he has Colorado receiver Laviska Shenault available at the Vikings' second round pick. As tempting as Shenault may be there are so many talented receivers in this draft. At the moment, I probably prefer a receiver like Rhode Island's Isaiah Coulter in the fourth or fifth over Shenault in the second. Especially if it's at the expense of Winfield.
So, in Brugler's mock I'm currently liking the following three-round Vikings haul:
1. (25) Austin Jackson, OT, USC
2. (58) Antoine Winfield, S, Minnesota
3. (89) Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Perhaps, the greatest temptation of Brugler's three-round mock:
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Brugler has Hurts going to the Las Vegas Raiders withn the 17th pick of the third round. This is eight picks before the Vikings. If the Vikings' decision-makers really like Hurts as a long-time solution at quarterback, they have to seriously think about trading up if he gets that close to them. Hell, they have to seriously consider taking him with their second round pick. There's no monkeying around with a trade if a quarterback that you really like is sitting there.
And that's some Vikings draft fun based on one analyst's prediction of the first three rounds.
1. (25) Austin Jackson, OT, USC
2. (58) Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
3. (89) Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
I love the first two players. I'm not sold on the third. The main issue that I have with Brugler's predictions is the lack of a cornerback. Free agency could change things but as it stands now corner is one of the Vikings' greatest needs. Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, two of the team's top three corners, are set to be free agents in a couple weeks. Xavier Rhodes could be a cap casualty. The Vikings could be entering the 2020 NFL Draft with a severely depleted cornerback group. As much as I like the potential of Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, and Kris Boyd the Vikings probably need to address the corner position early in the draft. A quick look at the players that Brugler predicts being available for the Vikings in the second and third rounds provide a couple solutions:
In the second round, Mississippi State corner Cameron Dantzler is still available.
In the third round, Ohio State corner Damon Arnette is still available.
I hate to pass on Antoine Winfield and I'm a fan of Cameron Dantzler. It's a tough choice. If I knew for sure that the Vikings could get a player the caliber of Arnette in the third, I probably lean toward Winfield over Dantzler in the second.
Brugler presents another temptation in that he has Colorado receiver Laviska Shenault available at the Vikings' second round pick. As tempting as Shenault may be there are so many talented receivers in this draft. At the moment, I probably prefer a receiver like Rhode Island's Isaiah Coulter in the fourth or fifth over Shenault in the second. Especially if it's at the expense of Winfield.
So, in Brugler's mock I'm currently liking the following three-round Vikings haul:
1. (25) Austin Jackson, OT, USC
2. (58) Antoine Winfield, S, Minnesota
3. (89) Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Perhaps, the greatest temptation of Brugler's three-round mock:
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Brugler has Hurts going to the Las Vegas Raiders withn the 17th pick of the third round. This is eight picks before the Vikings. If the Vikings' decision-makers really like Hurts as a long-time solution at quarterback, they have to seriously think about trading up if he gets that close to them. Hell, they have to seriously consider taking him with their second round pick. There's no monkeying around with a trade if a quarterback that you really like is sitting there.
And that's some Vikings draft fun based on one analyst's prediction of the first three rounds.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Throwback Thursday: Some of the Best Linebacker Trios
I've been reading Joe Zagorski's fine book America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker: The Story of NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier. Despite Lanier's Kansas City Chiefs thumping the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV, I've always been intrigued by the team. I really like a lot of the Chiefs players from those teams, especially several of the defensive players. Six of those defensive players from that Chiefs Super Bowl team have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Buck Buchanan, Curley Culp, Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier, Emmitt Thomas, and Johnny Robinson. Reading about Lanier got me thinking about some of the best linebacker trios in the history of the league. In my opinion, those trios starts with the group that Lanier led.
1960s Kansas City Chiefs
Bobby Bell
Willie Lanier
Jim Lynch
When I think of this terrific group I can't help but dream about Bobby Bell playing for the Vikings. They drafted him out of Minnesota in the 1963 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, this was during the signing wars with the AFL. The Chiefs drafted him as well. Bell signed with the Chiefs. I dream about him playing behind the Vikings' great defensive line. Maybe Super Bowl IV would've gone a bit differently. It does in those dreams. Willie Lanier and Jim Lynch were both drafted in 1967 to compete for the middle linebacker spot. Lynch actually won the competition in training camp but it didn't take long for Chiefs head coach Hank Stram to realize that the defense was better with both on the field and Lanier in the middle. Stram's offense was considered ahead of it's time but it was the Chiefs defense that was the key to the team's winning ways in the late 1960s. This linebacker trio was the soul of one of the greatest, most underrated defenses.
1970s Pittsburgh Steelers
Jack Ham
Jack Lambert
Andy Russell
Unlike the Chiefs, the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers defense isn't underrated. From front to back, they were great. They fielded a ferocious pass rush, a fine secondary, and linebackers that were ideally suited to play in Bud Carson's zone defense. Jack Ham could play sideline to sideline. Jack Lambert could blitz, fill run lanes, and drop and cover the middle of the field. The two Jacks played their way into Canton. Andy Russell isn't in the Hall of Fame but he did get to seven Pro Bowls.
1960s Green Bay Packers
Dave Robinson
Ray Nitschke
Lee Roy Caffey
Like the Chiefs and Steelers, the 1960s Green Bay Packers had a linebacker trio made up of two Hall of Famers and a solid, reliable third. Dave Robinson, like Bobby Bell and Jack Ham, could do just about everything. Blitz, play the run, cover. Ray Nitschke, like Willie Lanier and Jack Lambert, was a beast in the middle of the defense. Lee Roy Caffey played in the long shadows of his teammates but played really well, earning Pro Bowl, All-Pro nods and a place on the Packers 75th anniversary All-Time team.
1960s Chicago Bears
Joe Fortunato
Dick Butkus
Larry Morris
Joe Fortunato
Bill George
Larry Morris
I'll take the Bears trio with a young Dick Butkus over the one with an aging Bill George. I just wanted to give mention to the ridiculous hand-off that the Bears had at the middle linebacker position. From 1952-73 the middle of the Bears defense was managed by Hall of Famers George or Butkus. Joe Fortunato and Larry Morris was on either side of those Hall of Famers from 1959-65. That's a long, strong run of linebacker talent.
1985 Chicago Bears
Otis Wilson
Mike Singletary
Wilber Marshall
Mike Singletary was really good for longer than the outside linebackers. He had a great Hall of Fame career. From 1984-86, I thought that Otis Wilson and Wilber Marshall were the stars of this trio.
2000 Baltimore Ravens
Peter Boulware
Ray Lewis
Jamie Sharper
Ray Lewis carries this group. The 2000 Ravens defense was so dominant that it seems like each position group should be considered among the best in league history. The strength of this defense was the whole rather than the individual parts.
One more (just for giggles):
2000s Minnesota Vikings
Chad Greenway
E.J. Henderson
Ben Leber
It may not rank with the trios listed above it but I really liked this group. I think that it edges out the 1970s trio of Matt Blair/Jeff Siemon/Fred McNeil as the best in Vikings franchise history.
I've always favored the 4-3 so it's easy for me to focus on the league's best linebacker trios. That isn't fair to some of the best linebacker groups in league history.
Some Foursomes:
1980s New York Giants
Carl Banks
Gary Reasons
Harry Carson
Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor is one of the best football players to ever play and arguably the game's best defensive player. Harry Carson is in honored in Canton. I was a big fan of Carl Banks. I'd like to see his Hall of Fame case make it to serious discussion among the voters. Gary Reasons was a solid football player. The late-1980s Giants annually trotted out a dominant defense. This linebacker group was the main reason that dominance.
1980s New Orleans Saints
Rickey Jackson
Sam Mills
Vaughan Johnson
Pat Swilling
Rickey Jackson is in the Hall of Fame. Sam Mills is an annual contender to join him. A Hall of Fame argument can be made for Pat Swilling. Vaughan Johnson was a fine football player with several Pro Bowl nods. Individually, they were terrific. As a group, they were one of the best in league history. The New Orleans Saints had been consistent losers from the moment the team entered the NFL in 1967. That consistent losing ended about the time that this linebacker group was put together in the late 1980s. They put on a show.
1960s Kansas City Chiefs
Bobby Bell
Willie Lanier
Jim Lynch
When I think of this terrific group I can't help but dream about Bobby Bell playing for the Vikings. They drafted him out of Minnesota in the 1963 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, this was during the signing wars with the AFL. The Chiefs drafted him as well. Bell signed with the Chiefs. I dream about him playing behind the Vikings' great defensive line. Maybe Super Bowl IV would've gone a bit differently. It does in those dreams. Willie Lanier and Jim Lynch were both drafted in 1967 to compete for the middle linebacker spot. Lynch actually won the competition in training camp but it didn't take long for Chiefs head coach Hank Stram to realize that the defense was better with both on the field and Lanier in the middle. Stram's offense was considered ahead of it's time but it was the Chiefs defense that was the key to the team's winning ways in the late 1960s. This linebacker trio was the soul of one of the greatest, most underrated defenses.
1970s Pittsburgh Steelers
Jack Ham
Jack Lambert
Andy Russell
Unlike the Chiefs, the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers defense isn't underrated. From front to back, they were great. They fielded a ferocious pass rush, a fine secondary, and linebackers that were ideally suited to play in Bud Carson's zone defense. Jack Ham could play sideline to sideline. Jack Lambert could blitz, fill run lanes, and drop and cover the middle of the field. The two Jacks played their way into Canton. Andy Russell isn't in the Hall of Fame but he did get to seven Pro Bowls.
1960s Green Bay Packers
Dave Robinson
Ray Nitschke
Lee Roy Caffey
Like the Chiefs and Steelers, the 1960s Green Bay Packers had a linebacker trio made up of two Hall of Famers and a solid, reliable third. Dave Robinson, like Bobby Bell and Jack Ham, could do just about everything. Blitz, play the run, cover. Ray Nitschke, like Willie Lanier and Jack Lambert, was a beast in the middle of the defense. Lee Roy Caffey played in the long shadows of his teammates but played really well, earning Pro Bowl, All-Pro nods and a place on the Packers 75th anniversary All-Time team.
1960s Chicago Bears
Joe Fortunato
Dick Butkus
Larry Morris
Joe Fortunato
Bill George
Larry Morris
I'll take the Bears trio with a young Dick Butkus over the one with an aging Bill George. I just wanted to give mention to the ridiculous hand-off that the Bears had at the middle linebacker position. From 1952-73 the middle of the Bears defense was managed by Hall of Famers George or Butkus. Joe Fortunato and Larry Morris was on either side of those Hall of Famers from 1959-65. That's a long, strong run of linebacker talent.
1985 Chicago Bears
Otis Wilson
Mike Singletary
Wilber Marshall
Mike Singletary was really good for longer than the outside linebackers. He had a great Hall of Fame career. From 1984-86, I thought that Otis Wilson and Wilber Marshall were the stars of this trio.
2000 Baltimore Ravens
Peter Boulware
Ray Lewis
Jamie Sharper
Ray Lewis carries this group. The 2000 Ravens defense was so dominant that it seems like each position group should be considered among the best in league history. The strength of this defense was the whole rather than the individual parts.
One more (just for giggles):
2000s Minnesota Vikings
Chad Greenway
E.J. Henderson
Ben Leber
It may not rank with the trios listed above it but I really liked this group. I think that it edges out the 1970s trio of Matt Blair/Jeff Siemon/Fred McNeil as the best in Vikings franchise history.
I've always favored the 4-3 so it's easy for me to focus on the league's best linebacker trios. That isn't fair to some of the best linebacker groups in league history.
Some Foursomes:
1980s New York Giants
Carl Banks
Gary Reasons
Harry Carson
Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor is one of the best football players to ever play and arguably the game's best defensive player. Harry Carson is in honored in Canton. I was a big fan of Carl Banks. I'd like to see his Hall of Fame case make it to serious discussion among the voters. Gary Reasons was a solid football player. The late-1980s Giants annually trotted out a dominant defense. This linebacker group was the main reason that dominance.
1980s New Orleans Saints
Rickey Jackson
Sam Mills
Vaughan Johnson
Pat Swilling
Rickey Jackson is in the Hall of Fame. Sam Mills is an annual contender to join him. A Hall of Fame argument can be made for Pat Swilling. Vaughan Johnson was a fine football player with several Pro Bowl nods. Individually, they were terrific. As a group, they were one of the best in league history. The New Orleans Saints had been consistent losers from the moment the team entered the NFL in 1967. That consistent losing ended about the time that this linebacker group was put together in the late 1980s. They put on a show.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Daniel Jeremiah's 2020 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Daniel Jeremiah gets no rest. He spends days evaluating every on-field happening at the Scouting Combine. Then he has to turn around and generate a mock draft. Because of his platform everyone will have an opinion on each of his 32 predictions.
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-Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
7. Carolina Panthers-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
8. Arizona Cardinals-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
10. Cleveland Browns-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
11. New York Jets-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
13. Indianapolis Colts-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
15. Denver Broncos-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
16. Atlanta Falcons-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
17. Dallas Cowboys-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
22. Buffalo Bills-Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State
23. New England Patriots-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
24. New Orleans Saints-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
25. Minnesota Vikings-Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)-Austin Jackson, OT, USC
27. Seattle Seahawks-Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
28. Baltimore Ravens-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
29. Houston Texans-Josh Jones, OT, Houston
30. Green Bay Packers-Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
31. San Francisco 49ers-Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
32. Kansas City Chiefs-Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
The eye-catching prediction here is Justin Herbert conveniently falling into the laps of the New England Patriots at #23. This will probably have a small army of thrilled fans and another small army of angry fans. It's a mock draft. In early March.
The following fell out of Jeremiah's first mock:
A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Marlon Davidson, Edge, Auburn
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin
Entering the mock draft silly season, I liked corners Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney if the Minnesota Vikings didn't go with an offensive tackle in the first round. In the past week, Kristian Fulton has joined those two corners as first round favorites. I'm still a bigger fan of the Vikings going with a tackle, if the right one is available, but I wouldn't be disappointed if Jeremiah's current prediction for the team is accurate.
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-Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
5. Miami Dolphins-Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
6. Los Angeles Chargers-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
7. Carolina Panthers-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
8. Arizona Cardinals-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
9. Jacksonville Jaguars-Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
10. Cleveland Browns-Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
11. New York Jets-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
12. Las Vegas Raiders-Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
13. Indianapolis Colts-Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
15. Denver Broncos-Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
16. Atlanta Falcons-Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
17. Dallas Cowboys-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
22. Buffalo Bills-Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State
23. New England Patriots-Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
24. New Orleans Saints-Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
25. Minnesota Vikings-Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
26. Miami Dolphins (from Texans)-Austin Jackson, OT, USC
27. Seattle Seahawks-Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
28. Baltimore Ravens-D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
29. Houston Texans-Josh Jones, OT, Houston
30. Green Bay Packers-Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
31. San Francisco 49ers-Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
32. Kansas City Chiefs-Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
The eye-catching prediction here is Justin Herbert conveniently falling into the laps of the New England Patriots at #23. This will probably have a small army of thrilled fans and another small army of angry fans. It's a mock draft. In early March.
The following fell out of Jeremiah's first mock:
A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Marlon Davidson, Edge, Auburn
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin
Entering the mock draft silly season, I liked corners Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney if the Minnesota Vikings didn't go with an offensive tackle in the first round. In the past week, Kristian Fulton has joined those two corners as first round favorites. I'm still a bigger fan of the Vikings going with a tackle, if the right one is available, but I wouldn't be disappointed if Jeremiah's current prediction for the team is accurate.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Flea Flicker Post-Combine Mock Draft
The Scouting Combine is in the books. It's time for the first post-Combine mock draft.
1. Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
4. New York Giants-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
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-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
10. Cleveland Browns-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
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-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
17. Dallas Cowboys-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-Austin Jackson, OT, USC
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. Tennessee Titans-A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
30. Green Bay Packers-Denzel Sims, WR, Baylor
31. San Francisco 49ers-Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
32. Kansas City Chiefs-Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Until the next one.
1. Cincinnati Bengals-Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
2. Washington Redskins-Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions-Isaiah Simmons, S, Clemson
4. New York Giants-Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
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-Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
10. Cleveland Browns-Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
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-Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons-K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU
17. Dallas Cowboys-C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
18. Miami Dolphins (from Steelers)-CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Bears)-Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Rams)-Austin Jackson, OT, USC
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. Tennessee Titans-A.J. Espenesa, Edge, Iowa
30. Green Bay Packers-Denzel Sims, WR, Baylor
31. San Francisco 49ers-Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
32. Kansas City Chiefs-Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Until the next one.
Monday, March 2, 2020
Flea Flicker Post-Combine Top 5 2020 NFL Draft Prospects By Position
The Scouting Combine is done. The event shouldn't change how I see the players because the real football that they've been doing for years is so much more important. Still, I couldn't help but re-evaluate how I see some players. Maybe, it's a recency thing. Whatever it is, after the Combine performances I completely overhauled my offensive tackle rankings and made some tweaks to some other positions from last time to this time.
Quarterbacks
1. Joe Burrow, LSU
2. Tua Tagavailoa, Alabama
3. Jordan Love, Utah State
4. Justin Herbert, Oregon
5. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Running Backs
1. D'Andre Swift, Georgia
2. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
3. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
4. Cam Akers, Florida State
5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Wide Receivers
1. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
2. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
3. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
4. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado
Tight Ends
1. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
2. Hunter Bryant, Washington
3. Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
4. Adam Trautman, Dayton
5. Thaddeus Moss, LSU
Offensive Tackles
1. Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
2. Mekhi Becton, Louisville
3. Jedrick Wills, Alabama
4. Andrew Thomas, Georgia
5. Austin Jackson, USC
5. Josh Jones, Houston
Guards/Centers
1. Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU
2. Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
3. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
4. Netane Muti, Fresno State
5. Matt Hennessy, Temple
Defensive Tackles
1. Derrick Brown, Auburn
2. Javon Linlaw, South Carolina
3. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
4. Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
5. Ross Blacklock, TCU
Edge
1. Chase Young, Ohio State
2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
3. K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU
4. Marlon Davidson, Auburn
5. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
Linebackers
1. Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
2. Patrick Queen, LSU
3. Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
4. Zack Baun, Wisconsin
5. Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
Cornerbacks
1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
2. C.J. Henderson, Florida
3. Trevon Diggs, Alabama
4. Kristian Fulton, LSU
5. Jeff Gladney, TCU
5. Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State
Safeties
1. Xavier McKinney, Alabama
2. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
3. Grant Delpit, LSU
4. Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
5. Ashtyn Davis, California
Quarterbacks
1. Joe Burrow, LSU
2. Tua Tagavailoa, Alabama
3. Jordan Love, Utah State
4. Justin Herbert, Oregon
5. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Running Backs
1. D'Andre Swift, Georgia
2. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
3. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
4. Cam Akers, Florida State
5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Wide Receivers
1. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
2. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
3. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
4. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado
Tight Ends
1. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
2. Hunter Bryant, Washington
3. Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
4. Adam Trautman, Dayton
5. Thaddeus Moss, LSU
Offensive Tackles
1. Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
2. Mekhi Becton, Louisville
3. Jedrick Wills, Alabama
4. Andrew Thomas, Georgia
5. Austin Jackson, USC
5. Josh Jones, Houston
Guards/Centers
1. Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU
2. Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
3. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
4. Netane Muti, Fresno State
5. Matt Hennessy, Temple
Defensive Tackles
1. Derrick Brown, Auburn
2. Javon Linlaw, South Carolina
3. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
4. Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
5. Ross Blacklock, TCU
Edge
1. Chase Young, Ohio State
2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
3. K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU
4. Marlon Davidson, Auburn
5. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
Linebackers
1. Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
2. Patrick Queen, LSU
3. Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
4. Zack Baun, Wisconsin
5. Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State
Cornerbacks
1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
2. C.J. Henderson, Florida
3. Trevon Diggs, Alabama
4. Kristian Fulton, LSU
5. Jeff Gladney, TCU
5. Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State
Safeties
1. Xavier McKinney, Alabama
2. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
3. Grant Delpit, LSU
4. Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
5. Ashtyn Davis, California
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Most Influential Black Coaches
David Porter is the receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at The Apprentice School in Newport News, Virginia. I discovered him last year. Each day, for the 28 days of Black History Month, Porter posted an influential black football coach on Twitter. I hoped that he'd do the same thing this year. He did. And he had an extra day. There are so many influential black football coaches out there that Porter can keep doing these fun, informative introductions for years. Maybe, one day, NFL owners will finally take the time to get to know some of these coaches. Their league and football would be much better for it. They can start with #17 on this list. Here's David Porter's Most Influential Black Coaches for 2020.
1. Chili Davis-receivers coach/assistant special teams coordinator, New Mexico State
2. Alex Atkins-offensive line coach, Florida State
3. Dre' Bly-defensive backs coach, North Carolina
4. Mario Price-director of coaching education, AFCA
5. Ra'Shaad Samples-receivers coach, Southern Methodist
6. Jayden Everett- running backs coach, Akron
7. Willie Simmons-head coach, Florida A&M
8. Dawson Odums-head coach, Southern University
9. Corey Raymond-defensive backs coach, LSU
10. Connell Maynor-head coach, Alabama A&M
11. Reggie Barlow-head coach, Virginia State
12. Damon Wilson-head coach, Bowie State
13. Chris Marve-linebackers coach, Florida State
14. Ricky Brumfield-special teams coordinator, Virginia
15. Alvin Parker-head coach, Virginia Union
16. Vince Marrow-tight ends coach, Kentucky
17. Eric Bienemy-offensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
18. Travis Williams-co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach, Auburn
19. Emmett Jones-passing game coordinator/receivers coach, Kansas
20. Chip Vaughn-defensive backs coach, Air Force
21. De'Rail Sims-running backs coach, East Carolina
22. Latrell Scott-head coach, Norfolk State
23. Craig Yeast-head coach, Kentucky Wesleyan
24. Sherman Wood-head coach, Salisbury University
25. Elton Brown-offensive line coach, Newport News Apprentice School
26. Donald Hill-Eley, head coach, Alabama State
27. Tony Alford-assistant head coach/running backs coach, Ohio State
28. Fred McNair-head coach, Alcorn State
29. Damien Adams-offensive line coach, Campbell University
29. Carlos Locklyn-director of high school relations, Florida State
I really enjoyed being introduced to a new coach each day throughout the last two Februarys. There aren't enough days in Black History Month. Some of the coaches I knew from their playing careers. Some I knew from their coaching careers. Several I didn't know at all. Now I do and I thank Porter for that.
1. Chili Davis-receivers coach/assistant special teams coordinator, New Mexico State
2. Alex Atkins-offensive line coach, Florida State
3. Dre' Bly-defensive backs coach, North Carolina
4. Mario Price-director of coaching education, AFCA
5. Ra'Shaad Samples-receivers coach, Southern Methodist
6. Jayden Everett- running backs coach, Akron
7. Willie Simmons-head coach, Florida A&M
8. Dawson Odums-head coach, Southern University
9. Corey Raymond-defensive backs coach, LSU
10. Connell Maynor-head coach, Alabama A&M
11. Reggie Barlow-head coach, Virginia State
12. Damon Wilson-head coach, Bowie State
13. Chris Marve-linebackers coach, Florida State
14. Ricky Brumfield-special teams coordinator, Virginia
15. Alvin Parker-head coach, Virginia Union
16. Vince Marrow-tight ends coach, Kentucky
17. Eric Bienemy-offensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
18. Travis Williams-co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach, Auburn
19. Emmett Jones-passing game coordinator/receivers coach, Kansas
20. Chip Vaughn-defensive backs coach, Air Force
21. De'Rail Sims-running backs coach, East Carolina
22. Latrell Scott-head coach, Norfolk State
23. Craig Yeast-head coach, Kentucky Wesleyan
24. Sherman Wood-head coach, Salisbury University
25. Elton Brown-offensive line coach, Newport News Apprentice School
26. Donald Hill-Eley, head coach, Alabama State
27. Tony Alford-assistant head coach/running backs coach, Ohio State
28. Fred McNair-head coach, Alcorn State
29. Damien Adams-offensive line coach, Campbell University
29. Carlos Locklyn-director of high school relations, Florida State
I really enjoyed being introduced to a new coach each day throughout the last two Februarys. There aren't enough days in Black History Month. Some of the coaches I knew from their playing careers. Some I knew from their coaching careers. Several I didn't know at all. Now I do and I thank Porter for that.
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