NFl 2014 Quick Predictions
Super Bowl: Saints over Broncos
MVP: Adrian Peterson
OPOY: Peyton Manning
DPOY: J.J. Watt
ROY: Mike Evans
Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer
NFC Playoff Field:
1 New Orleans
2 Green Bay
3 San Francisco
4 Washington
5 Seattle
6 Minnesota
AFC Playoff Field:
1 Denver
2 New England
3 Indianapolis
4 Cincinnati
5 San Diego
6 Pittsburgh
Surprise Team of the Year: Washington Redskins
Disappointment of the Year: Baltimore Ravens
MVP: Adrian Peterson
OPOY: Peyton Manning
DPOY: J.J. Watt
ROY: Mike Evans
Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer
NFC Playoff Field:
1 New Orleans
2 Green Bay
3 San Francisco
4 Washington
5 Seattle
6 Minnesota
AFC Playoff Field:
1 Denver
2 New England
3 Indianapolis
4 Cincinnati
5 San Diego
6 Pittsburgh
Surprise Team of the Year: Washington Redskins
Disappointment of the Year: Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy Do's and Don'ts:
Don't: Pick Eddie Lacy in Round 1.
Lacy shouldered the load for the Packers offense after Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb went down last year. He had 284 carries at 4.1 YPC for 1,178 yards and a whopping 11 touchdowns was the driving force of the Pack. This year, Rodgers is back and this team will once again do what it does best, pass the ball. Lacy's touchdowns and carries are sure to decrease, but his YPC might actually go up in a more efficient overall offense. While I do expect some improvement out of Lacy, I am sure that a drop in fantasy points awaits, not an increase like ESPN analysts have falsely preached. As it sits I have lacy rated #9 on my Fantasy RB Rankings.
Do: Draft Toby Gerhart
The former Stanford stud has waited his time behind the best running back in the game and offers an unusual blend of fresh legs and veteran experience. With Chad Henne at quarterback and a dearth of competition at the RB spot, Gerhart could easily stumble into 300 carries. Jag's coaches have lauded Gerhart as a true 3-down back who can block, catch and stay in on goal-line situations. Few true feature backs exist in the new pass-happy league, so why not grab one in the 5th round as your #2 RB or Flex starter.
Don't: Draft any QB not named Peyton Manning in Round 1
The Quarterback position is so deep in football, there are a lot of reasons why you should wait on a passer. If he isn't Peyton Manning, I'm sure some quarterback that you could get in the seventh round that would put up virtually identical numbers. Even if he is Peyton Manning, getting a quality running back in the first round is so important that I would likely take 8 different running backs before him. Manning willed fantasy owners to victory last year and I've seen him taken as high as #1 overall in some drafts, which I might add, is ridiculous. Manning is a first round lock but I wouldn't take any other QB until at least the 4th round.
Do: Pick up both Patriots RBs
Yes, I think having both Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen on your roster is a good idea. As Tom Brady's age has risen, so has the running game in New England. Now, without LeGarratte Blount and a fully healthy Vereen, this duo looks absolutely dynamic. Vereen tore it up as a backfield pass catcher early last season before his injury, and Ridley disappointed big-time as an average second round pick. Both now could be had on your bench in a 10 team league at the same time. And why not? Ridley is being vastly underrated even though he is only a year removed from a 12 TD 12,000 yard season! Vereen is a pass catching machine in an offense with a lack of pass catching talent. I do not know which of these guys will have a better season, but I know that the Pats run game is going to be fantastic.
Don't: Draft Vernon Davis
I struggle with this one as a 49er fan. Davis just finished the year out as the #2 fantasy tight end, so he will be a high commodity in drafts. Sadly, he is one I'm avoiding. The year before this, he had a terrible year as the #15 rated tight end in fantasy. With a full season of Stevie Johnson, Michael Crabtree and Bruce Ellington now in the mix, Davis will likely see a lot less targets and red-zone opportunities. Even second year tight-end Vance McDonald is expected to garner more playing time. Davis gave McDonald a decent amount of time to wow the coaching staff during his relatively brief and unnecessary holdout Davis is coming off of a great year, but a regression is clearly ahead.
Do: Draft Arian Foster 6th overall
Arian Foster is coming off the first major injury of his career and people are wondering how he will bounce back. He is switching offenses now as well, so is he just a system back? What people should really do is look at his body of work, look at the Texans offense and rightfully make up their mind to draft this guy. Foster is the last of 6 great running backs who you need to build your fantasy team around. He has the potential to lead the league in rushing with Ryan Fitzpatrick as his QB and a downgrade in backup RB from Ben Tate to Andre Brown. I am not worried about Foster's injury at all. He lives a vegan lifestyle and does hours of yoga each day to be the best version of himself. He is sure to get mass carries and a huge chunk of his team's touchdowns. Why not draft him in the first round?
Lacy shouldered the load for the Packers offense after Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb went down last year. He had 284 carries at 4.1 YPC for 1,178 yards and a whopping 11 touchdowns was the driving force of the Pack. This year, Rodgers is back and this team will once again do what it does best, pass the ball. Lacy's touchdowns and carries are sure to decrease, but his YPC might actually go up in a more efficient overall offense. While I do expect some improvement out of Lacy, I am sure that a drop in fantasy points awaits, not an increase like ESPN analysts have falsely preached. As it sits I have lacy rated #9 on my Fantasy RB Rankings.
Do: Draft Toby Gerhart
The former Stanford stud has waited his time behind the best running back in the game and offers an unusual blend of fresh legs and veteran experience. With Chad Henne at quarterback and a dearth of competition at the RB spot, Gerhart could easily stumble into 300 carries. Jag's coaches have lauded Gerhart as a true 3-down back who can block, catch and stay in on goal-line situations. Few true feature backs exist in the new pass-happy league, so why not grab one in the 5th round as your #2 RB or Flex starter.
Don't: Draft any QB not named Peyton Manning in Round 1
The Quarterback position is so deep in football, there are a lot of reasons why you should wait on a passer. If he isn't Peyton Manning, I'm sure some quarterback that you could get in the seventh round that would put up virtually identical numbers. Even if he is Peyton Manning, getting a quality running back in the first round is so important that I would likely take 8 different running backs before him. Manning willed fantasy owners to victory last year and I've seen him taken as high as #1 overall in some drafts, which I might add, is ridiculous. Manning is a first round lock but I wouldn't take any other QB until at least the 4th round.
Do: Pick up both Patriots RBs
Yes, I think having both Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen on your roster is a good idea. As Tom Brady's age has risen, so has the running game in New England. Now, without LeGarratte Blount and a fully healthy Vereen, this duo looks absolutely dynamic. Vereen tore it up as a backfield pass catcher early last season before his injury, and Ridley disappointed big-time as an average second round pick. Both now could be had on your bench in a 10 team league at the same time. And why not? Ridley is being vastly underrated even though he is only a year removed from a 12 TD 12,000 yard season! Vereen is a pass catching machine in an offense with a lack of pass catching talent. I do not know which of these guys will have a better season, but I know that the Pats run game is going to be fantastic.
Don't: Draft Vernon Davis
I struggle with this one as a 49er fan. Davis just finished the year out as the #2 fantasy tight end, so he will be a high commodity in drafts. Sadly, he is one I'm avoiding. The year before this, he had a terrible year as the #15 rated tight end in fantasy. With a full season of Stevie Johnson, Michael Crabtree and Bruce Ellington now in the mix, Davis will likely see a lot less targets and red-zone opportunities. Even second year tight-end Vance McDonald is expected to garner more playing time. Davis gave McDonald a decent amount of time to wow the coaching staff during his relatively brief and unnecessary holdout Davis is coming off of a great year, but a regression is clearly ahead.
Do: Draft Arian Foster 6th overall
Arian Foster is coming off the first major injury of his career and people are wondering how he will bounce back. He is switching offenses now as well, so is he just a system back? What people should really do is look at his body of work, look at the Texans offense and rightfully make up their mind to draft this guy. Foster is the last of 6 great running backs who you need to build your fantasy team around. He has the potential to lead the league in rushing with Ryan Fitzpatrick as his QB and a downgrade in backup RB from Ben Tate to Andre Brown. I am not worried about Foster's injury at all. He lives a vegan lifestyle and does hours of yoga each day to be the best version of himself. He is sure to get mass carries and a huge chunk of his team's touchdowns. Why not draft him in the first round?
Fantasy Rankings
Quarterbacks:
Kings
1. Peyton Manning
2. Aaron Rodgers
3. Drew Brees
The only QB I will take in the first round this season. Manning had the best QB season ever last year and isn't slowing down. He single-handedly lifted teams to championships last season. I have Manning #7 on my draft board after the top 6 RBs. Rodgers and Brees are the only two other QBs who are sure to give you 20 points and more a game with the occasional "40-point win you the game outburst."
Young Guns
4. Andrew Luck
5. RG3
6. Mattew Stafford
7. Colin Kaepernick
8. Cam Newton
9. Nick Foles
The new wave of NFL Qb's make up a confusing second-tier QB list. Not much separates these guys which is why I elect to take a QB late in the 8-9th round. Andrew Luck has limitless potential and has a much improved supporting cast. RG3 didn't have a single rushing touchdown last year, but he wasn't healthy from the start. Expect around 4 rushing touchdowns and his first 4,000 yard passing season. Stafford figures to stumble into a ton of points by virtue of commanding the leagues most pass-happy offense. Kaepernick and Newton will both dazzle you with incredible plays but will suffer with bouts of inconsistency deep in the season. Nick Foles is a mystery going into his first full NFL season but his numbers last season were Herculean.
Quality Starters
10. Matt Ryan
11. Tony Romo
12. Russell Wilson
13. Tom Brady
14. Jay Cutler
15. Phillip Rivers
There are 15 quality fantasy starters in the NFL and most leagues are around 10-12 players. Why select a QB so high when you could get Matt Ryan or Tony Romo in the 8th round? Matt Ryan is a lock to throw 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns which will more than get you by in fantasy. Tony Romo goes off randomly for 40 points and wins your inferior squad the game just like he does with his own Cowboys. Tom Brady is somehow underrated? After a bit of a struggle in 2013, I anticipate a huge 40 touchdown season on the horizon. I'd advise taking Rivers in the 10th round over Luck in the 4th.
Backups
16. Andy Dalton
17. Alex Smith
18. Ben Roethlisberger
19. Carson Palmer
20. Eli Manning
21. Joe Flacco
22. Ryan Tannehill
23. Geno Smith
24. Josh McCown
25. Johnny Manziel
You probably don't want any of these guys starting for your team, but they all have decent upside. Geno Smith may be a bit of a surprise at 23 but he had 5 different 30-point games last season! Eli Manning could easily move up to the next tier if he can adjust to his new offense and cut down on interceptions. Manziel may not even start for his team but he would be a great stash on a team since he has top 10 upside. If you are starting one of these guys, there is either something seriously wrong with your team or you are a genius.
Running Backs:
Kings
1a. Jamaal Charles
1b. Adrian Peterson
1c. LeSean McCoy
If you happen to land a top 3 pick, take any one of these guys to carry your team. I would pick whichever you like better as they all have tremendous upside. I have Charles first because of his receiving totals and McCoy last due to the Darren Sproles addition.
Beasts
4. Matt Forte
5. Marshawn Lynch
6. Arian Foster
Forte has tremendous versatility and will dominate the stat sheet running and receiving. Lynch is the most physical runner in the NFL and is a lock to score at least 8 touchdowns despite his current holdout. Foster has fallen down peoples boards after an injury ridden season but definitely has 1,500 yard capability as he must carry a Ryan Fitzpatrick ridden team.
Solid Backs
7. DeMarco Murray
8. Alfred Morris
9. Eddie Lacy
10. Ryan Matthews
Murray continues to improve and if healthy he could easily be a top 5 talent. Morris looks to have a bounce back year for a much improved offense after an average campaign. I'm not as sold on Lacy as some people but I think he's a lock for 1,000 yards. Ryan Matthews became a true feature back last season and will likely be the Chargers' offensive centerpiece.
Hit Or Miss Champions
11. Toby Gerhart
12. Andre Ellington
13. Le'Veon Bell
14.Giovani Bernard
15. Reggie Bush
16. Shane Vereen
17. CJ Spiller
Any of these 7 guys could have huge seasons or fall by the wayside. I struggle with drafting upside or "sure thing" prospects from this list. Gerhart, Ellington, Bell and Bernard are all hoping to take a step forward and be "the guy" for their respective teams. Reggie Bush will compete with Joique Bell, Theo Riddick and Mikel Leshoure for carries which may put a dent in his touches. CJ Spiller is a roller coaster for fantasy owners but is still somehow being over-drafted. Shane Vereen is the real wildcard here and an especially good pick in PPR leagues.
Starters
18. Montee Ball
19. Zac Stacy
20. Doug Martin
21. Bishop Sankey
22. Fred Jackson
23. Frank Gore
These guys should all be starters for somebody. Montee Ball has never done anything in his career so I think the second round is a little high, but RB's have always done well with Peyton Manning. Stacy may loose value with the addition of Tre Mason similar to the Carlos Hyde impact on Frank Gore. Bishop Sankey should get the ball enough times to warrant atleast a flex spot. Doug Martin is an unknown coming off an injury and sharing backfield duties. If you want to piss off a friend who has CJ Spiller, draft the old man Fred Jackson and watch him steal Spiller's TDs.
Relative Obscurity
24. Ray Rice
25. Chris Johnson
26. Ben Tate
27. Stevan Ridley
28. Rashad Jennings
29. Trent Richardson
30. Joique Bell
You don't likely want to start any of these guys, but you wouldn't mind any of them giving you quality depth. Ben Tate and Rashad Jennings are stepping into new starting roles but have many obstacles to overcome to be worth a starting spot. Ray Rice, CJ2K, Ridley and Richardson are coming off abysmal seasons but could each be a steal come draft day. Bell is an unknown for me since I doubt that he will have as many touches as last season, but he is valuable in PPR leagues.
Kings
1. Peyton Manning
2. Aaron Rodgers
3. Drew Brees
The only QB I will take in the first round this season. Manning had the best QB season ever last year and isn't slowing down. He single-handedly lifted teams to championships last season. I have Manning #7 on my draft board after the top 6 RBs. Rodgers and Brees are the only two other QBs who are sure to give you 20 points and more a game with the occasional "40-point win you the game outburst."
Young Guns
4. Andrew Luck
5. RG3
6. Mattew Stafford
7. Colin Kaepernick
8. Cam Newton
9. Nick Foles
The new wave of NFL Qb's make up a confusing second-tier QB list. Not much separates these guys which is why I elect to take a QB late in the 8-9th round. Andrew Luck has limitless potential and has a much improved supporting cast. RG3 didn't have a single rushing touchdown last year, but he wasn't healthy from the start. Expect around 4 rushing touchdowns and his first 4,000 yard passing season. Stafford figures to stumble into a ton of points by virtue of commanding the leagues most pass-happy offense. Kaepernick and Newton will both dazzle you with incredible plays but will suffer with bouts of inconsistency deep in the season. Nick Foles is a mystery going into his first full NFL season but his numbers last season were Herculean.
Quality Starters
10. Matt Ryan
11. Tony Romo
12. Russell Wilson
13. Tom Brady
14. Jay Cutler
15. Phillip Rivers
There are 15 quality fantasy starters in the NFL and most leagues are around 10-12 players. Why select a QB so high when you could get Matt Ryan or Tony Romo in the 8th round? Matt Ryan is a lock to throw 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns which will more than get you by in fantasy. Tony Romo goes off randomly for 40 points and wins your inferior squad the game just like he does with his own Cowboys. Tom Brady is somehow underrated? After a bit of a struggle in 2013, I anticipate a huge 40 touchdown season on the horizon. I'd advise taking Rivers in the 10th round over Luck in the 4th.
Backups
16. Andy Dalton
17. Alex Smith
18. Ben Roethlisberger
19. Carson Palmer
20. Eli Manning
21. Joe Flacco
22. Ryan Tannehill
23. Geno Smith
24. Josh McCown
25. Johnny Manziel
You probably don't want any of these guys starting for your team, but they all have decent upside. Geno Smith may be a bit of a surprise at 23 but he had 5 different 30-point games last season! Eli Manning could easily move up to the next tier if he can adjust to his new offense and cut down on interceptions. Manziel may not even start for his team but he would be a great stash on a team since he has top 10 upside. If you are starting one of these guys, there is either something seriously wrong with your team or you are a genius.
Running Backs:
Kings
1a. Jamaal Charles
1b. Adrian Peterson
1c. LeSean McCoy
If you happen to land a top 3 pick, take any one of these guys to carry your team. I would pick whichever you like better as they all have tremendous upside. I have Charles first because of his receiving totals and McCoy last due to the Darren Sproles addition.
Beasts
4. Matt Forte
5. Marshawn Lynch
6. Arian Foster
Forte has tremendous versatility and will dominate the stat sheet running and receiving. Lynch is the most physical runner in the NFL and is a lock to score at least 8 touchdowns despite his current holdout. Foster has fallen down peoples boards after an injury ridden season but definitely has 1,500 yard capability as he must carry a Ryan Fitzpatrick ridden team.
Solid Backs
7. DeMarco Murray
8. Alfred Morris
9. Eddie Lacy
10. Ryan Matthews
Murray continues to improve and if healthy he could easily be a top 5 talent. Morris looks to have a bounce back year for a much improved offense after an average campaign. I'm not as sold on Lacy as some people but I think he's a lock for 1,000 yards. Ryan Matthews became a true feature back last season and will likely be the Chargers' offensive centerpiece.
Hit Or Miss Champions
11. Toby Gerhart
12. Andre Ellington
13. Le'Veon Bell
14.Giovani Bernard
15. Reggie Bush
16. Shane Vereen
17. CJ Spiller
Any of these 7 guys could have huge seasons or fall by the wayside. I struggle with drafting upside or "sure thing" prospects from this list. Gerhart, Ellington, Bell and Bernard are all hoping to take a step forward and be "the guy" for their respective teams. Reggie Bush will compete with Joique Bell, Theo Riddick and Mikel Leshoure for carries which may put a dent in his touches. CJ Spiller is a roller coaster for fantasy owners but is still somehow being over-drafted. Shane Vereen is the real wildcard here and an especially good pick in PPR leagues.
Starters
18. Montee Ball
19. Zac Stacy
20. Doug Martin
21. Bishop Sankey
22. Fred Jackson
23. Frank Gore
These guys should all be starters for somebody. Montee Ball has never done anything in his career so I think the second round is a little high, but RB's have always done well with Peyton Manning. Stacy may loose value with the addition of Tre Mason similar to the Carlos Hyde impact on Frank Gore. Bishop Sankey should get the ball enough times to warrant atleast a flex spot. Doug Martin is an unknown coming off an injury and sharing backfield duties. If you want to piss off a friend who has CJ Spiller, draft the old man Fred Jackson and watch him steal Spiller's TDs.
Relative Obscurity
24. Ray Rice
25. Chris Johnson
26. Ben Tate
27. Stevan Ridley
28. Rashad Jennings
29. Trent Richardson
30. Joique Bell
You don't likely want to start any of these guys, but you wouldn't mind any of them giving you quality depth. Ben Tate and Rashad Jennings are stepping into new starting roles but have many obstacles to overcome to be worth a starting spot. Ray Rice, CJ2K, Ridley and Richardson are coming off abysmal seasons but could each be a steal come draft day. Bell is an unknown for me since I doubt that he will have as many touches as last season, but he is valuable in PPR leagues.
NFL Draft Grades By Zack Penn, 5/19/14
New England Patriots
Grade: D+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 29) Florida DT, Dominique Easley
This pick may have been a slight reach, but this kid is a top 10 talent if his knee recovers. He is the perfect person to go to work next to Vince Wilfork and rush the passer. But how soon will he play?
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 30) Eastern Illinois QB, Jimmy Garoppolo
This seems like a thrown away pick to me. If this kid is the second coming of Aaron Rodgers then I understand but picking an unproven guy out of a small school who won't see the field for years.
Overall Draft: I was disappointed in the Patriots draft strategy. The James White running back pick doesn't make sense to me, I felt he should have been undrafted. I don't see any year one starters in this class, but if Garoppolo becomes great, this could be the draft that holds this franchise together.
New Orleans Saints
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 27) Alabama SS, Vinnie Sunseri
Sunseri was incredibly dynamic for the back-end of Alabama's defense before he tore his ACL. If an injury occurs in the secondary, Sunseri will be able to step in right away without a blip on the radar. He can eventually be a starter. Great value in the 5th round.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 26) Nebraska CB, Stanley Jean-Baptiste
I love this kids potential. He has a huge frame and great vertical, but this kid is extremely raw and may struggle in coverage as a rookie. I feel like the Saints are expecting him to contribute right away and that is why I don't like this pick.
Overall Draft: The Saints went for the homerun in the first round with Brandin Cooks. Didn't love the pick but I loved the fit. Khairi Fortt and Sunseri were great mid-round choices which. The Saints had a clear plan in this draft and they executed.
New York Giants
Grade: C-
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 13) Boston College RB, Andre Williams
Williams has the potential to start from the Giants from day 1. He is a beast on the field who not only runs through people, but runs away from them with surprising quickness. He doesn't have great hands, but he is a solid early down runningback option.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 12) LSU WR, Odell Beckham Jr.
I thought this was definitely a reach. His measurables and 40 yard dash time likely pushed him up boards, but on tape I thought this guy was a second round pick. Receivers don't transition well to the NFL and I expect a disappointing year from Beckham Jr.
Overall Draft: I thought the Giants reached for people with their picks, but they did address clear needs. Since this team didn't address the TE need, I expect them to pick up Jermichael Finley in post-draft free agency.
New York Jets
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 17) Texas Tech TE, Jace Amaro
Amaro is the perfect TE/WR hybrid for the Geno Smith. He is a mismatch for linebackers and corners and will be a reliable redzone threat. Eric Decker breathed a sigh of relief when Amaro was picked.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 16) Maryland CB, Dexter McDougle
McDougle is insanely fast but he is more of a speed guy than anything. He probably would have been available a few rounds later as he has poor technique and looses his man in zone coverage too often.
Overall Draft: The Jets had 12 picks and filled their roster several interesting picks. Calvin Pryor could be the hammer that transforms the Jets secondary into something more than formidable.
Oakland Raiders
Grade: A+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 5) Buffalo OLB, Khalil Mack
Maybe the best player in this draft, Mack is incredibly versatile as he plays the run, rushes the passer and drops into coverage well. The Raiders are lucky that he fell to them at #5.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 16) Utah CB, Keith McGill
McGill is 6'3" and has great potential but his off field issues will overshadow his whole career. Arrests and suspensions are not what the Raiders need.
Overall Draft: The Raiders had my favorite draft haul of anyone and they get my only A+ grade. Way to save your job Reggie McKenzie. 4 starters in round 1-4 looks pretty good to me. A good crop of young talent to mesh with their recently acquired veterans in free agency. Next step, securing a winning record.
Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 10) Vanderbilt WR, Jordan Matthews
Great step in replacing DeSean Jackson. Matthews is big, fast and has great hands. He could be the best receiver in this draft when its all said and done. They will put him on the outside with Riley Cooper and have Maclin play slot, great lineup.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 26) Louisville OLB, Marcus Smith
Seemed like a reach to me, Smith likely would have gone an entire round later. He is a system fit in terms of height/weight/speed but he wasn't necessarily dominant in college.
Overall Draft: Some good picks but some reaches. I'm kind of tired of hearing about "Chip Kelly guys" when they are really just regular players. Josh Huff, a "Chip Kelly guy" was a total reach in the third round.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 14) Notre Dame DE, Stephon Tuitt
First round talent in the mid second, filled a relative need as a plug and play starter. This kid is versatile and will be able to play a few different spots in the rotation. As a Notre Dame guy, he has the experience to slide right into Dick LeBeau's complicated scheme.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 15) Ohio State OLB, Ryan Shazier
I thought this was a reach and I think Shazier and last years first round pick Jarvis Jones will both wind up as busts. This kid is fast but he isn't disciplined on the edge and is a below average tackler. He has a lot of room to improve before he can contribute.
Overall Draft: I really liked the additions of Dri Archer, Martavius Bryant, and Jordan Zumwalt. They all can provide great value and be potential starters. Archer was drafted a little early but his speed kills. Bryant is just a physical freak out wide and Zumwalt is an absolute stud. I liked most of their draft except for the Shazier pick.
San Diego Chargers
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 18) Georgia Tech OLB, Jeremiah Attaochu
The Chargers needed a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker and they got a great value with Attaochu. He brings a high motor and dedication to his game, even though he is still a raw prospect. In a couple years, this guy will be a pro bowler.
Worst Pick: Round 5 (Pick 25) Arkansas State NT, Ryan Carrethers
Short arms, small hands, and below average quickness will hold this kid back from being anything. He may make the team but I doubt that he gets any shot to come into a game. The Chargers just picked up another big body with this pick.
Overall Draft: The Chargers had a great first two picks and did well with what they had. After Verett and Attaochu, they just didn't pick up that many good players. Tevin Reese in the 7th round can fly. Two contributors is a decent haul though.
San Francisco 49ers
Grade: A
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 6) South Carolina WR, Bruce Ellington
With the addition of Stevie Johnson, Bruce Ellington turns receiver from a weakness to a strength for the 49ers. Not only does he fill the 49ers need of a speed guy to take the top off a defense, he can return punts and kicks. I thought about picking Chris Borland here, but ILB is only a short term need.
Worst Pick: Round 6 (Pick 4) SMU CB, Kenneth Acker
Acker isn't even a bad pick but I have a hard time believing he will make the roster. The 49ers stockpiled corners in the backend of the draft and Acker is probably the least skilled of the bunch.
Overall Draft: The 49ers did a great job filling short and long term needs in this draft. They got some key offensive and defensive additions that could contain as many as 8 starters down the line. Trent Baalke is at it again.
Seattle Seahawks
Grade: C-
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 23) Alabama WR, Kevin Norwood
I think Norwood will actually be a better option than second round pick Paul Richardson once the season rolls around. Norwood was highly regarded by the Alabama coaching staff and will go to work with a chip on his shoulder
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 32) Missouri OT, Justin Britt
Graded by many as a 6th round pick, this kid is likely destined for a role as a swing linemen backup who can fill multiple positions. He isn't fast and doesn't necessarily excel at any level of the game so this pick is definitely questionable.
Overall Draft: Seattle did a lot of trading down to acquire more talent, but I didn't particularly like their draft class. I have always felt that Paul Richardson is too frail to do much in the NFL and Britt was a reach. I'd love to see Arkansas FB Kiero Small get on the field. At 5'8" 244 he has the frame of a bowling ball.
St. Louis Rams
Grade: A-
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 13) Pittsburgh DT, Aaron Donald
Donald has potential to make the Rams one of the best defenses in the NFL. The NFC West is all about winning in the trenches and Donald's arrival will put a scare into the divisions two dynamic young QBs.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 10) Utah State SS, Mo Alexander
St. Louis came in with a need at safety and Alexander will unfortunately not do much to help. A year off of football after an off-field incident is never a good way to transition into the NFL, especially not out of a smaller school. Alexander will challenge for and maybe even win the safety spot, but he will be a below average NFL player.
Overall Draft: One of the more impressive draft hauls, the Rams clearly got better on both interior lines, added a dynamic nickel corner and a change of pace RB who knows their #2 overall pick well. The Rams didn't take any receivers like I suggested they wouldn't, but that may have been a bad move. Sammy Watkins would have made sense for this team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 7) Texas A&M WR, Mike Evans
This pick felt like a no brainer to me. Pairing Evans with Vincent Jackson is scary for defensive coordinators to think about. Whether its Josh McCown or Mike Glennon throwing it to him, Evans is a dynamic athlete and could be an all-pro kind of athlete.
Worst Pick: Round 5 (Pick 3) Tennessee State OG, Kadeem Edwards
Edwards has phenomenal size but has poor technique and tight hips. Not only that, he hasn't exactly gone up against the greatest competition. The Bucs likely needed to address their line before the 5th round but it didn't happen.
Overall Draft: I was really surprised by the all offensive draft by the new Lovie Smith regime. Evans, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins and RB Charles Sims will all make this offense more versatile and explosive in the passing game. With the health of Doug Martin, this offense could easily be a top 10 unit if not top 5.
Tennessee Titans
Grade: C+
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 22) Wasington RB, Bishop Sankey
Sankey has a chance to step in and be the bell cow from day one in this pretty weak offense. This kid can be featured in the offense with limited receiving talent out wide and a quarterback who likes to throw check down passes. Sankey was bound to be the top runningback taken.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 11) Michigan OT, Taylor Lewan
I really like Lewan but I thought Tennessee could have helped themselves a lot more with this pick. Trading up to 6 with Atlanta to get Mike Evans would have been a great move or even trading down and taking a pass rusher, but Lewan was a pretty good value just outside the top 10.
Overall Draft: The Titans got pretty good value in every round but they had a limited number of picks. They also failed to get a receiver or corner, which were both relative needs. Jake Locker better play out of his mind this year. Rookie Zach Mettenberger could see the field by week 10.
Washington Redskins
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 6 (Pick 10) Baylor RB, Lache Seastrunk
Seastrunk was one of my favorite players in the draft and I think he is vastly underrated. He is speedy and dynamic with the ball in his hands. He sounds great as a complementary back to Alfred Morris and could run the option with RG3 extremely well.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 15) Stanford OLB, Trent Murphy
Murphy isn't a very explosive athlete but he is pretty relentless in pursuit. His weight, speed, and length are all in question but his heart and work ethic are not which I like to see in players. Work ethic can only cover up so much in the NFL though.
Overall Draft: Washington could have had a great draft if they still had the #2 pick. They would have Khalil Mack right now instead of Murphy. Ryan Grant and Morgan Moses were a pair of great offensive pickups who could contribute this season, especially Moses. Not a lot of starters in this draft, but some good talent and value was found.
Grade: D+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 29) Florida DT, Dominique Easley
This pick may have been a slight reach, but this kid is a top 10 talent if his knee recovers. He is the perfect person to go to work next to Vince Wilfork and rush the passer. But how soon will he play?
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 30) Eastern Illinois QB, Jimmy Garoppolo
This seems like a thrown away pick to me. If this kid is the second coming of Aaron Rodgers then I understand but picking an unproven guy out of a small school who won't see the field for years.
Overall Draft: I was disappointed in the Patriots draft strategy. The James White running back pick doesn't make sense to me, I felt he should have been undrafted. I don't see any year one starters in this class, but if Garoppolo becomes great, this could be the draft that holds this franchise together.
New Orleans Saints
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 27) Alabama SS, Vinnie Sunseri
Sunseri was incredibly dynamic for the back-end of Alabama's defense before he tore his ACL. If an injury occurs in the secondary, Sunseri will be able to step in right away without a blip on the radar. He can eventually be a starter. Great value in the 5th round.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 26) Nebraska CB, Stanley Jean-Baptiste
I love this kids potential. He has a huge frame and great vertical, but this kid is extremely raw and may struggle in coverage as a rookie. I feel like the Saints are expecting him to contribute right away and that is why I don't like this pick.
Overall Draft: The Saints went for the homerun in the first round with Brandin Cooks. Didn't love the pick but I loved the fit. Khairi Fortt and Sunseri were great mid-round choices which. The Saints had a clear plan in this draft and they executed.
New York Giants
Grade: C-
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 13) Boston College RB, Andre Williams
Williams has the potential to start from the Giants from day 1. He is a beast on the field who not only runs through people, but runs away from them with surprising quickness. He doesn't have great hands, but he is a solid early down runningback option.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 12) LSU WR, Odell Beckham Jr.
I thought this was definitely a reach. His measurables and 40 yard dash time likely pushed him up boards, but on tape I thought this guy was a second round pick. Receivers don't transition well to the NFL and I expect a disappointing year from Beckham Jr.
Overall Draft: I thought the Giants reached for people with their picks, but they did address clear needs. Since this team didn't address the TE need, I expect them to pick up Jermichael Finley in post-draft free agency.
New York Jets
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 17) Texas Tech TE, Jace Amaro
Amaro is the perfect TE/WR hybrid for the Geno Smith. He is a mismatch for linebackers and corners and will be a reliable redzone threat. Eric Decker breathed a sigh of relief when Amaro was picked.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 16) Maryland CB, Dexter McDougle
McDougle is insanely fast but he is more of a speed guy than anything. He probably would have been available a few rounds later as he has poor technique and looses his man in zone coverage too often.
Overall Draft: The Jets had 12 picks and filled their roster several interesting picks. Calvin Pryor could be the hammer that transforms the Jets secondary into something more than formidable.
Oakland Raiders
Grade: A+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 5) Buffalo OLB, Khalil Mack
Maybe the best player in this draft, Mack is incredibly versatile as he plays the run, rushes the passer and drops into coverage well. The Raiders are lucky that he fell to them at #5.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 16) Utah CB, Keith McGill
McGill is 6'3" and has great potential but his off field issues will overshadow his whole career. Arrests and suspensions are not what the Raiders need.
Overall Draft: The Raiders had my favorite draft haul of anyone and they get my only A+ grade. Way to save your job Reggie McKenzie. 4 starters in round 1-4 looks pretty good to me. A good crop of young talent to mesh with their recently acquired veterans in free agency. Next step, securing a winning record.
Philadelphia Eagles
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 10) Vanderbilt WR, Jordan Matthews
Great step in replacing DeSean Jackson. Matthews is big, fast and has great hands. He could be the best receiver in this draft when its all said and done. They will put him on the outside with Riley Cooper and have Maclin play slot, great lineup.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 26) Louisville OLB, Marcus Smith
Seemed like a reach to me, Smith likely would have gone an entire round later. He is a system fit in terms of height/weight/speed but he wasn't necessarily dominant in college.
Overall Draft: Some good picks but some reaches. I'm kind of tired of hearing about "Chip Kelly guys" when they are really just regular players. Josh Huff, a "Chip Kelly guy" was a total reach in the third round.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 14) Notre Dame DE, Stephon Tuitt
First round talent in the mid second, filled a relative need as a plug and play starter. This kid is versatile and will be able to play a few different spots in the rotation. As a Notre Dame guy, he has the experience to slide right into Dick LeBeau's complicated scheme.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 15) Ohio State OLB, Ryan Shazier
I thought this was a reach and I think Shazier and last years first round pick Jarvis Jones will both wind up as busts. This kid is fast but he isn't disciplined on the edge and is a below average tackler. He has a lot of room to improve before he can contribute.
Overall Draft: I really liked the additions of Dri Archer, Martavius Bryant, and Jordan Zumwalt. They all can provide great value and be potential starters. Archer was drafted a little early but his speed kills. Bryant is just a physical freak out wide and Zumwalt is an absolute stud. I liked most of their draft except for the Shazier pick.
San Diego Chargers
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 18) Georgia Tech OLB, Jeremiah Attaochu
The Chargers needed a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker and they got a great value with Attaochu. He brings a high motor and dedication to his game, even though he is still a raw prospect. In a couple years, this guy will be a pro bowler.
Worst Pick: Round 5 (Pick 25) Arkansas State NT, Ryan Carrethers
Short arms, small hands, and below average quickness will hold this kid back from being anything. He may make the team but I doubt that he gets any shot to come into a game. The Chargers just picked up another big body with this pick.
Overall Draft: The Chargers had a great first two picks and did well with what they had. After Verett and Attaochu, they just didn't pick up that many good players. Tevin Reese in the 7th round can fly. Two contributors is a decent haul though.
San Francisco 49ers
Grade: A
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 6) South Carolina WR, Bruce Ellington
With the addition of Stevie Johnson, Bruce Ellington turns receiver from a weakness to a strength for the 49ers. Not only does he fill the 49ers need of a speed guy to take the top off a defense, he can return punts and kicks. I thought about picking Chris Borland here, but ILB is only a short term need.
Worst Pick: Round 6 (Pick 4) SMU CB, Kenneth Acker
Acker isn't even a bad pick but I have a hard time believing he will make the roster. The 49ers stockpiled corners in the backend of the draft and Acker is probably the least skilled of the bunch.
Overall Draft: The 49ers did a great job filling short and long term needs in this draft. They got some key offensive and defensive additions that could contain as many as 8 starters down the line. Trent Baalke is at it again.
Seattle Seahawks
Grade: C-
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 23) Alabama WR, Kevin Norwood
I think Norwood will actually be a better option than second round pick Paul Richardson once the season rolls around. Norwood was highly regarded by the Alabama coaching staff and will go to work with a chip on his shoulder
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 32) Missouri OT, Justin Britt
Graded by many as a 6th round pick, this kid is likely destined for a role as a swing linemen backup who can fill multiple positions. He isn't fast and doesn't necessarily excel at any level of the game so this pick is definitely questionable.
Overall Draft: Seattle did a lot of trading down to acquire more talent, but I didn't particularly like their draft class. I have always felt that Paul Richardson is too frail to do much in the NFL and Britt was a reach. I'd love to see Arkansas FB Kiero Small get on the field. At 5'8" 244 he has the frame of a bowling ball.
St. Louis Rams
Grade: A-
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 13) Pittsburgh DT, Aaron Donald
Donald has potential to make the Rams one of the best defenses in the NFL. The NFC West is all about winning in the trenches and Donald's arrival will put a scare into the divisions two dynamic young QBs.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 10) Utah State SS, Mo Alexander
St. Louis came in with a need at safety and Alexander will unfortunately not do much to help. A year off of football after an off-field incident is never a good way to transition into the NFL, especially not out of a smaller school. Alexander will challenge for and maybe even win the safety spot, but he will be a below average NFL player.
Overall Draft: One of the more impressive draft hauls, the Rams clearly got better on both interior lines, added a dynamic nickel corner and a change of pace RB who knows their #2 overall pick well. The Rams didn't take any receivers like I suggested they wouldn't, but that may have been a bad move. Sammy Watkins would have made sense for this team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 7) Texas A&M WR, Mike Evans
This pick felt like a no brainer to me. Pairing Evans with Vincent Jackson is scary for defensive coordinators to think about. Whether its Josh McCown or Mike Glennon throwing it to him, Evans is a dynamic athlete and could be an all-pro kind of athlete.
Worst Pick: Round 5 (Pick 3) Tennessee State OG, Kadeem Edwards
Edwards has phenomenal size but has poor technique and tight hips. Not only that, he hasn't exactly gone up against the greatest competition. The Bucs likely needed to address their line before the 5th round but it didn't happen.
Overall Draft: I was really surprised by the all offensive draft by the new Lovie Smith regime. Evans, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins and RB Charles Sims will all make this offense more versatile and explosive in the passing game. With the health of Doug Martin, this offense could easily be a top 10 unit if not top 5.
Tennessee Titans
Grade: C+
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 22) Wasington RB, Bishop Sankey
Sankey has a chance to step in and be the bell cow from day one in this pretty weak offense. This kid can be featured in the offense with limited receiving talent out wide and a quarterback who likes to throw check down passes. Sankey was bound to be the top runningback taken.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 11) Michigan OT, Taylor Lewan
I really like Lewan but I thought Tennessee could have helped themselves a lot more with this pick. Trading up to 6 with Atlanta to get Mike Evans would have been a great move or even trading down and taking a pass rusher, but Lewan was a pretty good value just outside the top 10.
Overall Draft: The Titans got pretty good value in every round but they had a limited number of picks. They also failed to get a receiver or corner, which were both relative needs. Jake Locker better play out of his mind this year. Rookie Zach Mettenberger could see the field by week 10.
Washington Redskins
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 6 (Pick 10) Baylor RB, Lache Seastrunk
Seastrunk was one of my favorite players in the draft and I think he is vastly underrated. He is speedy and dynamic with the ball in his hands. He sounds great as a complementary back to Alfred Morris and could run the option with RG3 extremely well.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 15) Stanford OLB, Trent Murphy
Murphy isn't a very explosive athlete but he is pretty relentless in pursuit. His weight, speed, and length are all in question but his heart and work ethic are not which I like to see in players. Work ethic can only cover up so much in the NFL though.
Overall Draft: Washington could have had a great draft if they still had the #2 pick. They would have Khalil Mack right now instead of Murphy. Ryan Grant and Morgan Moses were a pair of great offensive pickups who could contribute this season, especially Moses. Not a lot of starters in this draft, but some good talent and value was found.
Dallas Cowboys
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 16) Notre Dame OG/OT, Zack Martin
Instead of making the Jerry Jones move, the 'Boys elected to pick Martin, who round out their offensive line and could be the thing that makes this offense elite. Martin can play every offensive line position but will likely stick at Left Guard.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 19) Iowa OLB, Anthony Hitchens
Hitchens was fairly productive in college but projected as a Free-agent pick up, let alone an early day 3 pick. Dallas is so poor on defense that any depth will help, but I don't think Hitchens belongs on an NFL field at the moment.
Overall Draft: The Cowboys had a few good selections in Martin and DE Demarcus Lawrence in the first two rounds, but didn't do much else. They drafted 5 defensive players in the seventh round to help with depth and picked up a good value in WR Devin Street. Not a flashy draft for America's Team but they have made some slight improvements.
Denver Broncos
Grade: D+
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 24) Indiana WR, Cody Latimer
Latimer is an intriguing selection and makes me wonder what place Wes Welker will have on the team. Latimer will join Welker, Demarius Thomas, and free agent pickup Emmanuel Sanders as targets in this pass-heavy offense. Latimer combines size and and projects as a great second fiddle for Demarius Thomas.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 32) Ohio State CB, Bradley Roby
Roby is fast, and has prototypical size for the position, but on tape he gets burnt way too often. He lacks natural ballhawk skills and is not exceptional in any area of coverage. As a 49ers fan, I was glad we passed on this kid. I think he has first round bust written all over him.
Overall Draft: The Broncos went with an interesting array of picks. Michael Schofield's development could make or break how well this draft goes for the Broncos. Boise State Center Matthew Pardis was a great value pick in the 6th round and could eventually be a starter in this league. I hate the Bradley Roby pick and it weighed their draft grade down.
Detroit Lions
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 8) BYU OLB, Kyle Van Noy
Ezekial Ansah last season and his partner Van Noy this year. I am loving it. Van Noy can rush the passer, hold the edge in the run game and is exceptional in coverage. He will also be able to play multiple positions on defense. Great pick for the Lions.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 33) Utah State CB, Nevin Lawson
A CB who could have been found in the seventh round, Lawson simply wasn't a good value in the 4th round. Short, unpolished and inconsistent are the three words that have followed Lawson throughout the draft process, not a good combination.
Overall Draft: DT Caraun Reid and WR T.J. Jones were both great value in the fifth and sixth rounds respectively. The key will be how Matthew Stafford responds to the Eric Ebron pick. Ebron adds versatility to the offense and if Stafford can't succeed with this supporting cast, he never will.
Green Bay Packers
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 21) Alabama FS, HaSean Clinton-Dix
I didn't think Clinton-Dix would fall this far, but the Packers are sure glad he did. Green Bay has gotten burnt by Colin Kaepernick on the ground and through the air. The most rangy safety in the draft will help instantly.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 34) California TE, Richard Rodgers
For a TE who bases his game off of his receiving talent, Rodgers breaks in and out on routes are incredibly dull. He fails to create separation far too often and in college would need to use his size to win his matchups. In the 3rd round, the Packers could have found a much better value.
Overall Draft: The Packers got great late value receivers in Jared Abbredaris and Jeff Janis, and a pretty good fill in for James Jones in Davante Adams. I thought the Packers found great value through out the draft Khyri Thornton could be a great prospect at DT if/when B.J. Raji eventually moves on.
Houston Texans
Grade: A
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 1) South Carolina DE, Jadeveon Clowney
How is their best pick not the best player in the draft? Clowney is the most talented defensive prospect in the last 10 years, so why not put him next to the best defensive player in the NFL. Time to get creative Romeo Crennel.
Worst Pick: Round 6 (Pick 1) Alabama DE, Jeoffrey Pagan
I give this spot to Pagan because he was their first pick that wasn't great. Pagan was an Alabama starter, but he lacked production and was basically the worst player on their Defensive Line. Somehow that is still good enough to get drafted.
Overall Draft: The Texans added 4 starters with their first 4 picks and then got a QB to groom in the 4th. Tom Savage could have the most potential of any QB in this draft and will get a fair chance to compete with and learn from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Indianapolis Colts
Grade: D
Best Pick: Round 3 (Pick 26) Ole Miss WR, Donte Moncrief
Moncrief is raw, but he is in a perfect position to learn behind Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks for a year before taking over the reigns for Nicks and eventually Wayne. Moncrief has all the physical tools of a #1 receiver.
Worst Pick: Not Picking a Safety
After losing Antoine Bethea, I was sure that the Colts would make an assertive effort to find a a safety to fill his spot. Brock Vereen would have been a perfect candidate.
Overall Draft: The Colts only had 5 picks so they were very limited in what they could do. I don't see any of their picks contributing on day 1 and I doubt the Jack Mewhort will be able to hold his own at Tackle.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 29) Penn State WR, Allen Robinson
Robinson is a big, physical receiver who is capable of making Jag's fans completely forget about Justin Blackmon. Although he lacks elite breakaway speed, Robinson will form a beautiful trifecta with other rookie Marqise Lee and Cecil Shorts. He will play the possession receiver and redzone target role. Don't be surprised if he eventually becomes Blake Bortles favorite target.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 3) UCF QB, Blake Bortles
Speaking of Bortles, his selection was a bit perplexing. I thought they could have traded back a couple spots back and gotten a first or second round pick next year. Instead they decided to stash their 3rd overall pick away. Shad Khan can be patient with this developmental prospect, but for how long? I would have liked to see them pull the trigger on Blake Bortles.
Overall Draft: The Jags whole draft is based around their Bortles selection, so this could be an A+ or an F in a few years. I liked their strategy of doubling down at receiver but I'm a bit worries about this teams pass rush ability.
Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: D+
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 24) Oregon WR/RB, DeAnthony Thomas
Thomas will step in and likely upgrade Dexter McCluster's role as a faster and slightly bigger option. Jamaal Charles saw a lot of looks in the passing game that Thomas may inherit because of his dynamic ability in space. I am a big believer that Thomas will be a much better NFL player than Steelers pick Dri Archer.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 23) Auburn DE, Dee Ford
I don't see the need here really. He likely will only play on 3rd downs, but is great insurance if Justin Houston walks in 2015 free agency. The only way that people won't question this pick is if Ford develops into a Peyton Manning nightmare.
Overall Draft: I hated the Chiefs draft because I thought they completely ignored the receiver position. Dwayne Bowe showed last year that he needs a second fiddle to get open. I liked the DeAnthony Thomas fit and Aaron Murray will look nice holding Alex Smith's clipboard, but their draft haul left a lot to be desired.
Miami Dolphins
Grade: D-
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 31) Montana OLB, Jordan Tripp
Tripp is a guy who has constantly overachieved due to playing his heart out. He has trouble sometimes with shedding blocks but has amazing sideline to sideline quickness. Tripp can contribute from day one on special teams while he works his way up the depth chart. Don't sleep on this kid as a potential starter someday soon.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 19) Tennessee OT, JaWuan James
I didn't like either Tackle prospect that Miami picked. This kid would have been available in the second round easily and Miami would have done much better trying to trade up for Taylor Lewan or Zach Martin. This pick smelled like desperation.
Overall Draft: Besides Jordan Tripp the only player I liked in this draft haul is TE Arthur Lynch, and even he is just an average two-way guy. Jarvis Landry's ceiling is Hines Ward, but I don't think he has the speed to separate from corners. He is too small to be a legitimate red zone threat either. Slow slot receivers don't exactly make it in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings
Grade: A
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 5) Stanford OG, David Yankey
I have no idea how Yankey fell this far. Maybe it is because his lack of athleticism, but this kid simply makes it happen in the running game. He could be a major contributor on offense if he gets a chance. Seriously, this kid is a hammer who Adrian Peterson will love.
Worst Pick: Round 6 (Pick 6) Virginia Tech CB, Antone Exum
This pick shows how much I like the Vikings draft because it isn't even a bad one. Exum is simply a risky pick. A great talent who has been injured for most of his career. This will likely be a waste of a draft pick, but Exum still has potential to be a starter.
Overall Draft: The Vikings had their cake and ate it too with a great first round. Then they grabbed Scott Crichton in the 3rd round, a great value and a potential starter for this team. Teddy Bridgewater is the safest bet of any QB in this class and could thrive in Minnesota's offense right away.
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 16) Notre Dame OG/OT, Zack Martin
Instead of making the Jerry Jones move, the 'Boys elected to pick Martin, who round out their offensive line and could be the thing that makes this offense elite. Martin can play every offensive line position but will likely stick at Left Guard.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 19) Iowa OLB, Anthony Hitchens
Hitchens was fairly productive in college but projected as a Free-agent pick up, let alone an early day 3 pick. Dallas is so poor on defense that any depth will help, but I don't think Hitchens belongs on an NFL field at the moment.
Overall Draft: The Cowboys had a few good selections in Martin and DE Demarcus Lawrence in the first two rounds, but didn't do much else. They drafted 5 defensive players in the seventh round to help with depth and picked up a good value in WR Devin Street. Not a flashy draft for America's Team but they have made some slight improvements.
Denver Broncos
Grade: D+
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 24) Indiana WR, Cody Latimer
Latimer is an intriguing selection and makes me wonder what place Wes Welker will have on the team. Latimer will join Welker, Demarius Thomas, and free agent pickup Emmanuel Sanders as targets in this pass-heavy offense. Latimer combines size and and projects as a great second fiddle for Demarius Thomas.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 32) Ohio State CB, Bradley Roby
Roby is fast, and has prototypical size for the position, but on tape he gets burnt way too often. He lacks natural ballhawk skills and is not exceptional in any area of coverage. As a 49ers fan, I was glad we passed on this kid. I think he has first round bust written all over him.
Overall Draft: The Broncos went with an interesting array of picks. Michael Schofield's development could make or break how well this draft goes for the Broncos. Boise State Center Matthew Pardis was a great value pick in the 6th round and could eventually be a starter in this league. I hate the Bradley Roby pick and it weighed their draft grade down.
Detroit Lions
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 8) BYU OLB, Kyle Van Noy
Ezekial Ansah last season and his partner Van Noy this year. I am loving it. Van Noy can rush the passer, hold the edge in the run game and is exceptional in coverage. He will also be able to play multiple positions on defense. Great pick for the Lions.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 33) Utah State CB, Nevin Lawson
A CB who could have been found in the seventh round, Lawson simply wasn't a good value in the 4th round. Short, unpolished and inconsistent are the three words that have followed Lawson throughout the draft process, not a good combination.
Overall Draft: DT Caraun Reid and WR T.J. Jones were both great value in the fifth and sixth rounds respectively. The key will be how Matthew Stafford responds to the Eric Ebron pick. Ebron adds versatility to the offense and if Stafford can't succeed with this supporting cast, he never will.
Green Bay Packers
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 21) Alabama FS, HaSean Clinton-Dix
I didn't think Clinton-Dix would fall this far, but the Packers are sure glad he did. Green Bay has gotten burnt by Colin Kaepernick on the ground and through the air. The most rangy safety in the draft will help instantly.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 34) California TE, Richard Rodgers
For a TE who bases his game off of his receiving talent, Rodgers breaks in and out on routes are incredibly dull. He fails to create separation far too often and in college would need to use his size to win his matchups. In the 3rd round, the Packers could have found a much better value.
Overall Draft: The Packers got great late value receivers in Jared Abbredaris and Jeff Janis, and a pretty good fill in for James Jones in Davante Adams. I thought the Packers found great value through out the draft Khyri Thornton could be a great prospect at DT if/when B.J. Raji eventually moves on.
Houston Texans
Grade: A
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 1) South Carolina DE, Jadeveon Clowney
How is their best pick not the best player in the draft? Clowney is the most talented defensive prospect in the last 10 years, so why not put him next to the best defensive player in the NFL. Time to get creative Romeo Crennel.
Worst Pick: Round 6 (Pick 1) Alabama DE, Jeoffrey Pagan
I give this spot to Pagan because he was their first pick that wasn't great. Pagan was an Alabama starter, but he lacked production and was basically the worst player on their Defensive Line. Somehow that is still good enough to get drafted.
Overall Draft: The Texans added 4 starters with their first 4 picks and then got a QB to groom in the 4th. Tom Savage could have the most potential of any QB in this draft and will get a fair chance to compete with and learn from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Indianapolis Colts
Grade: D
Best Pick: Round 3 (Pick 26) Ole Miss WR, Donte Moncrief
Moncrief is raw, but he is in a perfect position to learn behind Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks for a year before taking over the reigns for Nicks and eventually Wayne. Moncrief has all the physical tools of a #1 receiver.
Worst Pick: Not Picking a Safety
After losing Antoine Bethea, I was sure that the Colts would make an assertive effort to find a a safety to fill his spot. Brock Vereen would have been a perfect candidate.
Overall Draft: The Colts only had 5 picks so they were very limited in what they could do. I don't see any of their picks contributing on day 1 and I doubt the Jack Mewhort will be able to hold his own at Tackle.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 29) Penn State WR, Allen Robinson
Robinson is a big, physical receiver who is capable of making Jag's fans completely forget about Justin Blackmon. Although he lacks elite breakaway speed, Robinson will form a beautiful trifecta with other rookie Marqise Lee and Cecil Shorts. He will play the possession receiver and redzone target role. Don't be surprised if he eventually becomes Blake Bortles favorite target.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 3) UCF QB, Blake Bortles
Speaking of Bortles, his selection was a bit perplexing. I thought they could have traded back a couple spots back and gotten a first or second round pick next year. Instead they decided to stash their 3rd overall pick away. Shad Khan can be patient with this developmental prospect, but for how long? I would have liked to see them pull the trigger on Blake Bortles.
Overall Draft: The Jags whole draft is based around their Bortles selection, so this could be an A+ or an F in a few years. I liked their strategy of doubling down at receiver but I'm a bit worries about this teams pass rush ability.
Kansas City Chiefs
Grade: D+
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 24) Oregon WR/RB, DeAnthony Thomas
Thomas will step in and likely upgrade Dexter McCluster's role as a faster and slightly bigger option. Jamaal Charles saw a lot of looks in the passing game that Thomas may inherit because of his dynamic ability in space. I am a big believer that Thomas will be a much better NFL player than Steelers pick Dri Archer.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 23) Auburn DE, Dee Ford
I don't see the need here really. He likely will only play on 3rd downs, but is great insurance if Justin Houston walks in 2015 free agency. The only way that people won't question this pick is if Ford develops into a Peyton Manning nightmare.
Overall Draft: I hated the Chiefs draft because I thought they completely ignored the receiver position. Dwayne Bowe showed last year that he needs a second fiddle to get open. I liked the DeAnthony Thomas fit and Aaron Murray will look nice holding Alex Smith's clipboard, but their draft haul left a lot to be desired.
Miami Dolphins
Grade: D-
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 31) Montana OLB, Jordan Tripp
Tripp is a guy who has constantly overachieved due to playing his heart out. He has trouble sometimes with shedding blocks but has amazing sideline to sideline quickness. Tripp can contribute from day one on special teams while he works his way up the depth chart. Don't sleep on this kid as a potential starter someday soon.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 19) Tennessee OT, JaWuan James
I didn't like either Tackle prospect that Miami picked. This kid would have been available in the second round easily and Miami would have done much better trying to trade up for Taylor Lewan or Zach Martin. This pick smelled like desperation.
Overall Draft: Besides Jordan Tripp the only player I liked in this draft haul is TE Arthur Lynch, and even he is just an average two-way guy. Jarvis Landry's ceiling is Hines Ward, but I don't think he has the speed to separate from corners. He is too small to be a legitimate red zone threat either. Slow slot receivers don't exactly make it in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings
Grade: A
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 5) Stanford OG, David Yankey
I have no idea how Yankey fell this far. Maybe it is because his lack of athleticism, but this kid simply makes it happen in the running game. He could be a major contributor on offense if he gets a chance. Seriously, this kid is a hammer who Adrian Peterson will love.
Worst Pick: Round 6 (Pick 6) Virginia Tech CB, Antone Exum
This pick shows how much I like the Vikings draft because it isn't even a bad one. Exum is simply a risky pick. A great talent who has been injured for most of his career. This will likely be a waste of a draft pick, but Exum still has potential to be a starter.
Overall Draft: The Vikings had their cake and ate it too with a great first round. Then they grabbed Scott Crichton in the 3rd round, a great value and a potential starter for this team. Teddy Bridgewater is the safest bet of any QB in this class and could thrive in Minnesota's offense right away.
Arizona Cardinals
Grade: D
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 20) Notre Dame TE, Troy Niklas
Niklas was the second best two-way tight end in the draft and is a plug in starter from day 1. Even so, he could likely have been available in the Third round and I saw this pick as a little bit of a reach.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 27) Washington State SS, Deone Bucannon
Bucannon is a thumper in the running game, but struggled mightily in pass coverage at times. He reminds me of former 49ers safety Taylor Mays. Arizona better hope that isn't the type of player they are getting
Overall Draft: I don't think the Cardinals added any difference makers in the draft and frankly thought they reached on every pick but DE, Ed Stinson in the 5th round. Arizona is relying on their young talent to develop this year and if they don't, this could be the team that falls to the wayside in the NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 6) Texas A&M OT, Jake Matthews
Khalil Mack would have been better but Jake Matthews is a Day 1 starter who will keep Matt Ryan upright. Matthews was the safest of the top Tackle prospects and easily the best pass protector. Perfect for what Atlanta does
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 4) Wisconsin FS, Dezmen Southward
Southward wasn't a terrible pick but the short armed Free Safety would have been available much later in the draft. Atlanta hasn't been good at drafting for their secondary and I anticipate a dismal career from Dezmen Southward.
Overall Draft: The Falcons started the draft off well with Matthews and DT Ra'Shede Hagemen, and ended it will with a couple 7th round stud OLBs in Yawin Smallwood and Tyler Starr. The Falcons got better on offense, defense and special teams in this draft, even if it was only marginal.
Baltimore Ravens
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 16) Florida State NT, Timmy Jernigan
Timmy Jernigan was a first round value in the middle of the second who will form a great tag team with Haloti Ngata. Jernigan is great against the run and will create lanes for first round pick C.J. Mosely to scrape off of.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 38) Coastal Carolina RB, Lorenzo Taliaferro
The Ravens were looking to add some firepower to the running game in the draft. They not only waited too long to pick up a real impact guy, they reached for a player they could have gotten in the seventh round. Lache Seastrunk, Marion Grice and Tyler Gaffney were all on the board when Taliaferro was picked.
Overall Draft: The Ravens went for substance over splash with their picks and decided to get back to their defensive Raven ways. Mosely, Jernigan and FS Terrance Brooks will all see the field this year. Unfortunately, their offense likely won't see any benefit from this draft unless TE Crockett Gilmore exceeds all expectations.
Buffalo Bills
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 9) Duke CB, Ross Cockrell
Sammy Watkins was a great pick, but in terms of value, the Bills best pick was Cockrell. With prototypical size, great burst and ball skills, Cockrell has all the makings of an impact cornerback. He was a huge steal in the fourth round.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 12) Alabama OT, Cyrus Kouandjo
Bad knees and struggles in pass protection. Not the kind of guy you want to trust with your quarterback's life.
Overall Draft: The Bills found value in every round but the second and put together a pretty good draft class. They don't quite get an A grade because they took too many questionable offensive linemen and sacrificed too much for Sammy Watkins, but I really like their overall draft haul. Don't sleep on ILB Preston Brown.
Carolina Panthers
Grade: C+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 28) Florida State WR, Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin gives Cam Newton an instant go to guy. I felt like they should have gone for a more speedy guy since they have nobody to take the top off the defense right now, but I love Benjamin's upside. The only problem with this pick may be all the weight on this undeveloped prospects shoulders.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 28) Missouri DE, Kony Ealy
I didn't nessecarily dislike this pick, I just felt that the Panthers needed to address their need at OT. Ealy is a high celing guy and was a good value with the pick, but Cam Newton is going to be sacked a few more times. Virginia OT Morgan Moses would have been a much better pick here in my opinion.
Overall Draft: Carolina came into the draft with too many needs and too little picks but they managed to at least find some starting caliber talent in the first 3 rounds. The secondary and offensive line may be suspect this year. If Cam Newton fails to step forward or the defense takes a step back, this could be a quick fall in the NFC South.
Chicago Bears
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 14) Virginia Tech CB, Kyle Fuller
Fuller was overlooked throughout most of the draft process and definitely deserved to be selected top 15. He is a day 1 starter and a cornerstone player for Chicago to build around as they move into a new team era.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 18) Arizona State DT, Will Sutton
After taking Ego Ferguson in the second, why would you reach for Will Sutton in the third? It just doesn't make sense to me. Sutton is a first round talent with a bad work ethic, causing him to fall off some team's draft boards entirely. Why take Sutton with Ferguson already picked and Jay Ratliff recently resigned?
Overall Draft: The Bears got some good value in the fourth round with RB Ka'Deem Carey and FS Brock Vereen, but came away with an overall underwhelming haul. If Kyle Fuller is a bust, this year's Bears class could be horrible.
Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 24) Alabama QB, A.J. McCarron
A guy who could easily be better than their starter landed in Cincinnati's lap. McCarron is hungry and ready to show the world that he is better than the guys picked before him. This kid has championship pedigree.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 23) Louisiana State RB, Jeremy Hill
Nothing against the player, I just simply don't think he is an upgrade over current RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis. This pick makes me feel much worse about Gio Bernard's fantasy numbers next season.
Overall Draft: Cincy added some solid talent but failed to address their need at safety or OT. Darqueze Dennard and Will Clarke will be leaders on this defense in a few years, mark my words.
Cleveland Browns
Grade: A-
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 22) Texas A&M QB, Johnny Manziel
Obvious choice, Manziel was not only the best QB prospect, but the most dynamic overall offensive player. He instantly brings attitude, celebrity, and an incredibly versatile skill set to a Browns team that is suddenly worth rooting for.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 7) Iowa OLB, Christian Kirksey
I don't dislike Kirksey but I thought he was picked a little too high here. He may be able to play either inside or outside linebacker but I don't see him ever starting at either position.
Overall Draft: The Browns did more than their share of wheeling and dealing but came out on top with 4 impact prospects and 2 prospects who strengthen their depth. I thought the Pierre Desir pick was exceptional and showed just how commited Mike Pettine is to bringing that Seahawk style of play. Cleveland's secondary could be one of the best in the league. The Browns did work for having a limited amount of picks.
Grade: D
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 20) Notre Dame TE, Troy Niklas
Niklas was the second best two-way tight end in the draft and is a plug in starter from day 1. Even so, he could likely have been available in the Third round and I saw this pick as a little bit of a reach.
Worst Pick: Round 1 (Pick 27) Washington State SS, Deone Bucannon
Bucannon is a thumper in the running game, but struggled mightily in pass coverage at times. He reminds me of former 49ers safety Taylor Mays. Arizona better hope that isn't the type of player they are getting
Overall Draft: I don't think the Cardinals added any difference makers in the draft and frankly thought they reached on every pick but DE, Ed Stinson in the 5th round. Arizona is relying on their young talent to develop this year and if they don't, this could be the team that falls to the wayside in the NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons
Grade: B-
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 6) Texas A&M OT, Jake Matthews
Khalil Mack would have been better but Jake Matthews is a Day 1 starter who will keep Matt Ryan upright. Matthews was the safest of the top Tackle prospects and easily the best pass protector. Perfect for what Atlanta does
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 4) Wisconsin FS, Dezmen Southward
Southward wasn't a terrible pick but the short armed Free Safety would have been available much later in the draft. Atlanta hasn't been good at drafting for their secondary and I anticipate a dismal career from Dezmen Southward.
Overall Draft: The Falcons started the draft off well with Matthews and DT Ra'Shede Hagemen, and ended it will with a couple 7th round stud OLBs in Yawin Smallwood and Tyler Starr. The Falcons got better on offense, defense and special teams in this draft, even if it was only marginal.
Baltimore Ravens
Grade: B
Best Pick: Round 2 (Pick 16) Florida State NT, Timmy Jernigan
Timmy Jernigan was a first round value in the middle of the second who will form a great tag team with Haloti Ngata. Jernigan is great against the run and will create lanes for first round pick C.J. Mosely to scrape off of.
Worst Pick: Round 4 (Pick 38) Coastal Carolina RB, Lorenzo Taliaferro
The Ravens were looking to add some firepower to the running game in the draft. They not only waited too long to pick up a real impact guy, they reached for a player they could have gotten in the seventh round. Lache Seastrunk, Marion Grice and Tyler Gaffney were all on the board when Taliaferro was picked.
Overall Draft: The Ravens went for substance over splash with their picks and decided to get back to their defensive Raven ways. Mosely, Jernigan and FS Terrance Brooks will all see the field this year. Unfortunately, their offense likely won't see any benefit from this draft unless TE Crockett Gilmore exceeds all expectations.
Buffalo Bills
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 4 (Pick 9) Duke CB, Ross Cockrell
Sammy Watkins was a great pick, but in terms of value, the Bills best pick was Cockrell. With prototypical size, great burst and ball skills, Cockrell has all the makings of an impact cornerback. He was a huge steal in the fourth round.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 12) Alabama OT, Cyrus Kouandjo
Bad knees and struggles in pass protection. Not the kind of guy you want to trust with your quarterback's life.
Overall Draft: The Bills found value in every round but the second and put together a pretty good draft class. They don't quite get an A grade because they took too many questionable offensive linemen and sacrificed too much for Sammy Watkins, but I really like their overall draft haul. Don't sleep on ILB Preston Brown.
Carolina Panthers
Grade: C+
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 28) Florida State WR, Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin gives Cam Newton an instant go to guy. I felt like they should have gone for a more speedy guy since they have nobody to take the top off the defense right now, but I love Benjamin's upside. The only problem with this pick may be all the weight on this undeveloped prospects shoulders.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 28) Missouri DE, Kony Ealy
I didn't nessecarily dislike this pick, I just felt that the Panthers needed to address their need at OT. Ealy is a high celing guy and was a good value with the pick, but Cam Newton is going to be sacked a few more times. Virginia OT Morgan Moses would have been a much better pick here in my opinion.
Overall Draft: Carolina came into the draft with too many needs and too little picks but they managed to at least find some starting caliber talent in the first 3 rounds. The secondary and offensive line may be suspect this year. If Cam Newton fails to step forward or the defense takes a step back, this could be a quick fall in the NFC South.
Chicago Bears
Grade: C
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 14) Virginia Tech CB, Kyle Fuller
Fuller was overlooked throughout most of the draft process and definitely deserved to be selected top 15. He is a day 1 starter and a cornerstone player for Chicago to build around as they move into a new team era.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 18) Arizona State DT, Will Sutton
After taking Ego Ferguson in the second, why would you reach for Will Sutton in the third? It just doesn't make sense to me. Sutton is a first round talent with a bad work ethic, causing him to fall off some team's draft boards entirely. Why take Sutton with Ferguson already picked and Jay Ratliff recently resigned?
Overall Draft: The Bears got some good value in the fourth round with RB Ka'Deem Carey and FS Brock Vereen, but came away with an overall underwhelming haul. If Kyle Fuller is a bust, this year's Bears class could be horrible.
Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: B+
Best Pick: Round 5 (Pick 24) Alabama QB, A.J. McCarron
A guy who could easily be better than their starter landed in Cincinnati's lap. McCarron is hungry and ready to show the world that he is better than the guys picked before him. This kid has championship pedigree.
Worst Pick: Round 2 (Pick 23) Louisiana State RB, Jeremy Hill
Nothing against the player, I just simply don't think he is an upgrade over current RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis. This pick makes me feel much worse about Gio Bernard's fantasy numbers next season.
Overall Draft: Cincy added some solid talent but failed to address their need at safety or OT. Darqueze Dennard and Will Clarke will be leaders on this defense in a few years, mark my words.
Cleveland Browns
Grade: A-
Best Pick: Round 1 (Pick 22) Texas A&M QB, Johnny Manziel
Obvious choice, Manziel was not only the best QB prospect, but the most dynamic overall offensive player. He instantly brings attitude, celebrity, and an incredibly versatile skill set to a Browns team that is suddenly worth rooting for.
Worst Pick: Round 3 (Pick 7) Iowa OLB, Christian Kirksey
I don't dislike Kirksey but I thought he was picked a little too high here. He may be able to play either inside or outside linebacker but I don't see him ever starting at either position.
Overall Draft: The Browns did more than their share of wheeling and dealing but came out on top with 4 impact prospects and 2 prospects who strengthen their depth. I thought the Pierre Desir pick was exceptional and showed just how commited Mike Pettine is to bringing that Seahawk style of play. Cleveland's secondary could be one of the best in the league. The Browns did work for having a limited amount of picks.
NFL Mock Draft 4.0
By Zack Penn 4/24/14
1 Houston Texans: QB, Johnny Manziel Texas A&M
All signs point to the Texans taking a QB in this spot over the best player in the draft. The Texans traded Matt Schaub and have no confidence in formerly undrafted 2nd year player Case Keenum. Manziel is the best playmaker in the draft. His Pro Day not only showcased his improvisational skills and accuracy, it gave him the momentum as the top QB prospect going forward. When Houston declared that they liked Khalil Mack better than Clowney, I knew they'd take a QB with the #1 pick.
Later Rounds? If Houston decides to take Clowney and go for a QB in the second round it would be hard to imagine Derek Carr for obvious reasons. Maybe A.J. McCarron or Jimmy Garoppolo? Cyrus Kouandjio would be a good building block at tackle for the offensive line if they want to build a solid interior. Quick footed Joel Bitonio could be a good fit at Guard or Tackle in the Texans zone-blocking scheme.
Previous Pick: Same
1 Houston Texans: QB, Johnny Manziel Texas A&M
All signs point to the Texans taking a QB in this spot over the best player in the draft. The Texans traded Matt Schaub and have no confidence in formerly undrafted 2nd year player Case Keenum. Manziel is the best playmaker in the draft. His Pro Day not only showcased his improvisational skills and accuracy, it gave him the momentum as the top QB prospect going forward. When Houston declared that they liked Khalil Mack better than Clowney, I knew they'd take a QB with the #1 pick.
Later Rounds? If Houston decides to take Clowney and go for a QB in the second round it would be hard to imagine Derek Carr for obvious reasons. Maybe A.J. McCarron or Jimmy Garoppolo? Cyrus Kouandjio would be a good building block at tackle for the offensive line if they want to build a solid interior. Quick footed Joel Bitonio could be a good fit at Guard or Tackle in the Texans zone-blocking scheme.
Previous Pick: Same
2 St. Louis Rams: DE, Jadeveon Clowney South Carolina
The Rams are salivating at the thought of Houston passing up on Clowney. What a way to jump into the running for the NFC West Crown than to nab the best defensive prospect in the last 10 years! The Rams don't have a need at the defensive end position but the possible addition of Clowney would be too much to pass up for any team with a stable QB situation. The recent reports of the Rams interest in quarterbacks looks like a classic smokescreen for a team that may be looking to trade out of this pick.
Later Rounds? The Redskins gave St. Louis their early pick, so I'll cover their needs in this spot. The Skins need to improve everywhere on defense. Any impact player that is available early in the second should be there's. Jackson Jeffcoat, Stephon Tuitt, Jason Verrett, anyone who can help this team. RG3 wasn't the big problem last year, it was the atrocious defense. Look for inside linebacker help as well with London Fletcher's possible retirement.
Previous Pick: Same
The Rams are salivating at the thought of Houston passing up on Clowney. What a way to jump into the running for the NFC West Crown than to nab the best defensive prospect in the last 10 years! The Rams don't have a need at the defensive end position but the possible addition of Clowney would be too much to pass up for any team with a stable QB situation. The recent reports of the Rams interest in quarterbacks looks like a classic smokescreen for a team that may be looking to trade out of this pick.
Later Rounds? The Redskins gave St. Louis their early pick, so I'll cover their needs in this spot. The Skins need to improve everywhere on defense. Any impact player that is available early in the second should be there's. Jackson Jeffcoat, Stephon Tuitt, Jason Verrett, anyone who can help this team. RG3 wasn't the big problem last year, it was the atrocious defense. Look for inside linebacker help as well with London Fletcher's possible retirement.
Previous Pick: Same
3 Jacksonville Jaguars: QB, Blake Bortles UCF
The more I think about it, the more I start to believe that Shad Khan will make this move. Bortles showed off strong mechanics at the combine to go with his ideal 6'5" 232 pound frame. Though he isn't the WOW prospect that Johnny Manziel is, Bortles is a bigger bodied guy who doesn't need to rely on is legs to make plays. He stands tall and moves naturally in the pocket unlike former Jags pick Blaine Gabbert. Giving the hometown kid a shot would be good for ticket sales as well, making this an even more ideal pairing.
Later Rounds? The Jags would love it if DE Dee Ford of Auburn would fall to them in the second. The Jags still have a big need at pass rusher as always. Long and versatile Jackson Jeffcoat out of Texas would be a great pick for Gus Bradley's 4-3/3-4 hybrid scheme. Don't be surprised if the Jags pick up an explosive runningback like Lache Seastrunk or Bortles teammate Storm Johnson in the later rounds to team up with Toby Gerhart.
Previous Pick: Same
The more I think about it, the more I start to believe that Shad Khan will make this move. Bortles showed off strong mechanics at the combine to go with his ideal 6'5" 232 pound frame. Though he isn't the WOW prospect that Johnny Manziel is, Bortles is a bigger bodied guy who doesn't need to rely on is legs to make plays. He stands tall and moves naturally in the pocket unlike former Jags pick Blaine Gabbert. Giving the hometown kid a shot would be good for ticket sales as well, making this an even more ideal pairing.
Later Rounds? The Jags would love it if DE Dee Ford of Auburn would fall to them in the second. The Jags still have a big need at pass rusher as always. Long and versatile Jackson Jeffcoat out of Texas would be a great pick for Gus Bradley's 4-3/3-4 hybrid scheme. Don't be surprised if the Jags pick up an explosive runningback like Lache Seastrunk or Bortles teammate Storm Johnson in the later rounds to team up with Toby Gerhart.
Previous Pick: Same
4 Cleveland Browns: WR, Sammy Watkins Clemson
Drafting Sammy Watkins here puts any QB the Browns start into a good situation. The offensive potential of Watkins, Josh Gordon, TE Jordan Cameron and Ben Tate would make the Browns into a playoff caliber offense. Just get a QB that can get the ball to Gordon and Watkins on the outside and we're good!
Later Rounds? This team would love to pick up an athletic guard like Xavier Su'a-Filo out of UCLA. They will likely try to find a quick footed complementary back to new addition Ben Tate. If the QB position isn't addressed at #4, Derek Carr will likely be the pick at #26. The Browns may look to find pass rushing depth throughout the draft. Don't be surprised if Mike Pettine drafts a couple players with "chips" on their shoulders.
Previous Pick: Same
Drafting Sammy Watkins here puts any QB the Browns start into a good situation. The offensive potential of Watkins, Josh Gordon, TE Jordan Cameron and Ben Tate would make the Browns into a playoff caliber offense. Just get a QB that can get the ball to Gordon and Watkins on the outside and we're good!
Later Rounds? This team would love to pick up an athletic guard like Xavier Su'a-Filo out of UCLA. They will likely try to find a quick footed complementary back to new addition Ben Tate. If the QB position isn't addressed at #4, Derek Carr will likely be the pick at #26. The Browns may look to find pass rushing depth throughout the draft. Don't be surprised if Mike Pettine drafts a couple players with "chips" on their shoulders.
Previous Pick: Same
5 (Trade up) Tennessee Titans: OLB, Khalil Mack Buffalo
If Sammy Watkins doesn't fall to them, I think the Raiders will look to trade down with this pick. The Titans do not desperately need an outside linebacker but as they switch to a 3-4 defense, Mack would be the perfect impact player. This team played well on defense to start the season but fizzled at the end. Mack's imposing rushing presence could make him the ring leader that Tennessee's defense is looking for.
Later Rounds? Tennesse has said that they won't take a Corner or Halfback in the first round, but both positions will likely be addressed at some point in the draft. At Safety, Vinnie Sunseri is underrated despite playing for Alabama and would be a draft gem for the Safety needy Titans. Craig Loston would bring in experience out of LSU. With Kenny Britt out, Tennessee would love to add a WR like Dante Moncrief in the 4th round. Moncrief is a freak athlete who combines size and speed but doesn't have the great hands or route running to make him an early pick.
Previous Pick: Mack to Raiders
If Sammy Watkins doesn't fall to them, I think the Raiders will look to trade down with this pick. The Titans do not desperately need an outside linebacker but as they switch to a 3-4 defense, Mack would be the perfect impact player. This team played well on defense to start the season but fizzled at the end. Mack's imposing rushing presence could make him the ring leader that Tennessee's defense is looking for.
Later Rounds? Tennesse has said that they won't take a Corner or Halfback in the first round, but both positions will likely be addressed at some point in the draft. At Safety, Vinnie Sunseri is underrated despite playing for Alabama and would be a draft gem for the Safety needy Titans. Craig Loston would bring in experience out of LSU. With Kenny Britt out, Tennessee would love to add a WR like Dante Moncrief in the 4th round. Moncrief is a freak athlete who combines size and speed but doesn't have the great hands or route running to make him an early pick.
Previous Pick: Mack to Raiders
6 Atlanta Falcons: OT Greg Robinson Auburn
Atlanta has needs on defense, but they also need to keep franchise QB Matt Ryan upright and to improve their running game. Big tackle Greg Robinson fits right in with Atlanta's offense and will be great in run blocking and in the screen game. Don't be surprised if this team tries to trade up and get the coveted Jadeveon Clowney.
Later Rounds? If Khalil Mack falls to the Falcons, they may take him and grab Morgan Moses or rising Nevada product Joel Bitonio at the tack spot. If Robinson is the pick, look for OSU guy Scott Crichton's pass rushing ability to be on display in Atlanta. Drafting a running back is probably a good idea after Stephen Jackson's poor season. Replacement for Tony Gonzalez? Troy Niklas is a complete tight end who'd be available in the 3rd round. Maybe even Arthur Lynch on Day 3.
Previous Pick: Same
Atlanta has needs on defense, but they also need to keep franchise QB Matt Ryan upright and to improve their running game. Big tackle Greg Robinson fits right in with Atlanta's offense and will be great in run blocking and in the screen game. Don't be surprised if this team tries to trade up and get the coveted Jadeveon Clowney.
Later Rounds? If Khalil Mack falls to the Falcons, they may take him and grab Morgan Moses or rising Nevada product Joel Bitonio at the tack spot. If Robinson is the pick, look for OSU guy Scott Crichton's pass rushing ability to be on display in Atlanta. Drafting a running back is probably a good idea after Stephen Jackson's poor season. Replacement for Tony Gonzalez? Troy Niklas is a complete tight end who'd be available in the 3rd round. Maybe even Arthur Lynch on Day 3.
Previous Pick: Same
7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR, Mike Evans Texas A&M
Tampa Bay has a slight need at WR all of the sudden with the trade of Mike Williams to the Bills. Some scouts feel that Evans made Johnny Manziel and not the other way around. Evans has incredible leaping ability and pairing him with Vincent Jackson would look a lot like the Bears receiving duo of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jefferey. Josh McCown is game.
Later Rounds? The Buccaneers need a strong edge rusher and will probably consider the Kyle Van Noy (BYU) or Ryan Shazier (Ohio State). The Bucs need to find a tight end and if Jace Amaro fell to the second, they would love to draft him. A.C. Leonard forced teams to put the film on after his 4.5 40 at the combine. Colt Lyerla looked dominant when he was with the Oregon Ducks, but can the Bucs overlook his issues? Don't be surprised if you see one of these guys in a Tampa uni next season.
Previous Pick: Marquise Lee
Tampa Bay has a slight need at WR all of the sudden with the trade of Mike Williams to the Bills. Some scouts feel that Evans made Johnny Manziel and not the other way around. Evans has incredible leaping ability and pairing him with Vincent Jackson would look a lot like the Bears receiving duo of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jefferey. Josh McCown is game.
Later Rounds? The Buccaneers need a strong edge rusher and will probably consider the Kyle Van Noy (BYU) or Ryan Shazier (Ohio State). The Bucs need to find a tight end and if Jace Amaro fell to the second, they would love to draft him. A.C. Leonard forced teams to put the film on after his 4.5 40 at the combine. Colt Lyerla looked dominant when he was with the Oregon Ducks, but can the Bucs overlook his issues? Don't be surprised if you see one of these guys in a Tampa uni next season.
Previous Pick: Marquise Lee
8 Minnesota Vikings: QB, Teddy Bridgewater Louisville
The most pro ready QB prospect in the draft won't fall past #8 to the Vikings. Bridgewater would have the potential to succeed early on offense with Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, A.P. and TE Kyle Rudolph at his disposal. The Vikings want a steady QB situation and Bridgewater is a breath of fresh air as apposed to the wildly inaccurate Christian Ponder.
Later Rounds? The Vikings secondary was trash this past season so adding Marcus Roberson or Kyle Fuller would be a great idea in the second. Defensive End is another key missing piece after the departure of Jared Allen. This could be a team that scored 25 points a game and gives up 30 next year, yikes!
Previous Pick: Same
The most pro ready QB prospect in the draft won't fall past #8 to the Vikings. Bridgewater would have the potential to succeed early on offense with Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, A.P. and TE Kyle Rudolph at his disposal. The Vikings want a steady QB situation and Bridgewater is a breath of fresh air as apposed to the wildly inaccurate Christian Ponder.
Later Rounds? The Vikings secondary was trash this past season so adding Marcus Roberson or Kyle Fuller would be a great idea in the second. Defensive End is another key missing piece after the departure of Jared Allen. This could be a team that scored 25 points a game and gives up 30 next year, yikes!
Previous Pick: Same
9 Buffalo Bills: OT, Jake Matthews Texas A&M
A solid building block at RT across from Cordy Glenn? Yes please! The Bills would love to solidify the offensive line with the best pass protector in the draft. ILB C.J. Mosely would be a good fit for this Bills team that doesn't have a Mike linebacker at the moment.
Later Rounds? Jace Amaro would be welcomed warmly as a big improvement over Scott Chandler if he fell to the second round. UConn LB Yawin Smallwood would bring a big presence to a paper thin linebacking core that Kiko Alonso could not hold up himself. Shayne Skov could be had at LB in the later rounds. If Buffalo stumbled upon a good safety, they could end this Jarius Byrd money nonsense forever.
Previous Pick: Same
A solid building block at RT across from Cordy Glenn? Yes please! The Bills would love to solidify the offensive line with the best pass protector in the draft. ILB C.J. Mosely would be a good fit for this Bills team that doesn't have a Mike linebacker at the moment.
Later Rounds? Jace Amaro would be welcomed warmly as a big improvement over Scott Chandler if he fell to the second round. UConn LB Yawin Smallwood would bring a big presence to a paper thin linebacking core that Kiko Alonso could not hold up himself. Shayne Skov could be had at LB in the later rounds. If Buffalo stumbled upon a good safety, they could end this Jarius Byrd money nonsense forever.
Previous Pick: Same
10 Detroit Lions: FS, Haha Clinton-Dix Alabama
Detroit's secondary has been futile ever since I can remember. The oft-injured Louis Delmas is now gone and Detroit has a clear need on the back end. Enter Clinton-Dix the most rangy free-safety in the draft who will effect the run and passing game. If Detroit doesn't take him, expect them to take a cornerback with their first pick.
Later Rounds? CB Kyle Fuller would be welcomed in the second round if they were available. Bradley Roby is another solid talent who could play multiple corner positions. Detroit will address their secondary in this draft heavily. They may also grab a slot receiver to give Matt Stafford yet another receiving option.
Previous Pick: Same
Detroit's secondary has been futile ever since I can remember. The oft-injured Louis Delmas is now gone and Detroit has a clear need on the back end. Enter Clinton-Dix the most rangy free-safety in the draft who will effect the run and passing game. If Detroit doesn't take him, expect them to take a cornerback with their first pick.
Later Rounds? CB Kyle Fuller would be welcomed in the second round if they were available. Bradley Roby is another solid talent who could play multiple corner positions. Detroit will address their secondary in this draft heavily. They may also grab a slot receiver to give Matt Stafford yet another receiving option.
Previous Pick: Same
11 (Trade back) Oakland Raiders: TE, Eric Ebron North Carolina
Oakland's offense would look pretty sweet with an addition like Ebron. The versatile TE will be a mismatch for safeties and backers and will give new starter Matt Schaub an intermediate safety valve. Ebron has explosive speed for the position and has more big play ability than most of the top players at his position in the NFL. The Raiders would surprise people with this pick but I really like the fit.
Later Rounds?
The Raiders need a receiver in this receiver deep draft, so they are in luck. SEC legend Jordan Matthews pushed himself up draft boards with his 4.46 40 yard dash that wiped out his speed concerns. Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandin Cooks are other candidates for the Raiders. The Raiders could take wild card Antonio Richardson as a project at Tackle or grab the even bigger Miami product Seantrel Henderson. Don't be surprised if the Raiders take a QB like Jimmy Garropolo to groom.
Previous Pick: Darqueze Dennard to Titans
Oakland's offense would look pretty sweet with an addition like Ebron. The versatile TE will be a mismatch for safeties and backers and will give new starter Matt Schaub an intermediate safety valve. Ebron has explosive speed for the position and has more big play ability than most of the top players at his position in the NFL. The Raiders would surprise people with this pick but I really like the fit.
Later Rounds?
The Raiders need a receiver in this receiver deep draft, so they are in luck. SEC legend Jordan Matthews pushed himself up draft boards with his 4.46 40 yard dash that wiped out his speed concerns. Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandin Cooks are other candidates for the Raiders. The Raiders could take wild card Antonio Richardson as a project at Tackle or grab the even bigger Miami product Seantrel Henderson. Don't be surprised if the Raiders take a QB like Jimmy Garropolo to groom.
Previous Pick: Darqueze Dennard to Titans
12 New York Giants: DT, Aaron Donald Pittsburgh
The best New York Giants teams that I have witnessed have had a common denominator. Dominant defensive line. Aaron Donald could help the Giants pass rush with his great leverage and speed rushing ability. Donald would compliment defensive stalwart Jason Pierre-Paul and looks to me like a slightly more polished version of Dontari Poe.
Later Rounds? The Giants should look to improve their offensive line in a multitude of ways. OG's Gabe Jackson or Xavier Su'a-Filo would help depth. Trading back into the first round to get someone like Zach Martin would be a bold move that I would like for the Giants. Despite the arrival of Jon Beason, the G-Men are still lacking playmaking ILBs. Shayne Skov perhaps?
Previous Pick: Justin Gilbert
The best New York Giants teams that I have witnessed have had a common denominator. Dominant defensive line. Aaron Donald could help the Giants pass rush with his great leverage and speed rushing ability. Donald would compliment defensive stalwart Jason Pierre-Paul and looks to me like a slightly more polished version of Dontari Poe.
Later Rounds? The Giants should look to improve their offensive line in a multitude of ways. OG's Gabe Jackson or Xavier Su'a-Filo would help depth. Trading back into the first round to get someone like Zach Martin would be a bold move that I would like for the Giants. Despite the arrival of Jon Beason, the G-Men are still lacking playmaking ILBs. Shayne Skov perhaps?
Previous Pick: Justin Gilbert
13 St. Louis Rams: OT, Taylor Lewan Michigan
The Rams really want Clinton-Dix here but instead take a guy who will help keep Sam Bradford upright. Lewan put on a show at the pro day and his draft stock is rising. Lewan dominated at Michigan and would fit in well under coach Jeff Fischer. Jake Long is coming off of an ACL tear and Roger Saffold is expected to slide into a Guard position.
Later Rounds? The Rams probably want to fortify their secondary and would like the big corner Pierre Desir of Lindenwood. The 6'1" ball hawk has been rising up draft boards because of his potential. Offensive guard Gabe Jackson from Mississippi State is a grinder who would upgrade the Rams line if he was available in the second.
Previous Pick: Haha Clinton-Dix
The Rams really want Clinton-Dix here but instead take a guy who will help keep Sam Bradford upright. Lewan put on a show at the pro day and his draft stock is rising. Lewan dominated at Michigan and would fit in well under coach Jeff Fischer. Jake Long is coming off of an ACL tear and Roger Saffold is expected to slide into a Guard position.
Later Rounds? The Rams probably want to fortify their secondary and would like the big corner Pierre Desir of Lindenwood. The 6'1" ball hawk has been rising up draft boards because of his potential. Offensive guard Gabe Jackson from Mississippi State is a grinder who would upgrade the Rams line if he was available in the second.
Previous Pick: Haha Clinton-Dix
14 Chicago Bears: SS, Calvin Pryor Louisville
The back-end of Chicago's defense was a mess this past season and nothing has really been done to fix it. Pryor is a heavy hitter who can create turnovers just like the Bears like. The Bears may trade back with this pick if they aren't completely sold on Pryor.
Later Rounds? The Bears need to build from the interior on offense and defense. Cyril Richardson is a big OG out of Baylor who has the frame of an impact road grader. On defense, ASU DT Will Sutton would be a good fit on the Bears line. If the Bears feel like its time to move on from the highly paid Julius Peppers, Kony Ealy could be the pick here.
Previous Pick: C.J. Mosley
The back-end of Chicago's defense was a mess this past season and nothing has really been done to fix it. Pryor is a heavy hitter who can create turnovers just like the Bears like. The Bears may trade back with this pick if they aren't completely sold on Pryor.
Later Rounds? The Bears need to build from the interior on offense and defense. Cyril Richardson is a big OG out of Baylor who has the frame of an impact road grader. On defense, ASU DT Will Sutton would be a good fit on the Bears line. If the Bears feel like its time to move on from the highly paid Julius Peppers, Kony Ealy could be the pick here.
Previous Pick: C.J. Mosley
15 Pittsburgh Steelers: CB, Justin Gilbert Oklahoma State
Gilbert would be a great guy for Ike Taylor to mentor before he eventually hangs up his cleats. Gilbert has the physical tools of a dominant cornerback but his footwork and route breaks are slightly inconsistent. Gilbert is fast and physical and the Steelers would love to have him at #15.
Later Rounds? The Steelers need to upgrade their offensive line, but none of the top 3 tackles fall to them here. Nevada product Joel Bitonio has gotten some looks from the Steelers and could be the pick in the second round. Versatile Stephon Tuitt would be a great fit on the defensive interior as a second round selection.
Previous Pick: Mike Evans
Gilbert would be a great guy for Ike Taylor to mentor before he eventually hangs up his cleats. Gilbert has the physical tools of a dominant cornerback but his footwork and route breaks are slightly inconsistent. Gilbert is fast and physical and the Steelers would love to have him at #15.
Later Rounds? The Steelers need to upgrade their offensive line, but none of the top 3 tackles fall to them here. Nevada product Joel Bitonio has gotten some looks from the Steelers and could be the pick in the second round. Versatile Stephon Tuitt would be a great fit on the defensive interior as a second round selection.
Previous Pick: Mike Evans
16 Dallas Cowboys: DE, Anthony Barr UCLA
Anthony Barr would step in for Demarcus Ware nicely and would provide the Cowboys with a speedy presence off the edge. He will have to get bigger to play DE in a 4-3 defense, but I'm sure Barr is up to the challenge. The Cowboys need to contine to revamp their defensive line and Anthony Barr would be a great addition.
Later Rounds? If Dallas takes someone else, Jackson Jeffcoat of Texas would be an obvious fit at DE in the second round for Dallas. Late in the draft, USF DE Aaron Lynch would be a good value pick. Safety has been a position of need since Roy Williams career started going down hill and the Cowboys really need to find one this year. Calvin Pryor of Louisville is a great coverage but ideally, this team would like to draft Haha Clinton-Dix here.
Previous Pick: Same
Anthony Barr would step in for Demarcus Ware nicely and would provide the Cowboys with a speedy presence off the edge. He will have to get bigger to play DE in a 4-3 defense, but I'm sure Barr is up to the challenge. The Cowboys need to contine to revamp their defensive line and Anthony Barr would be a great addition.
Later Rounds? If Dallas takes someone else, Jackson Jeffcoat of Texas would be an obvious fit at DE in the second round for Dallas. Late in the draft, USF DE Aaron Lynch would be a good value pick. Safety has been a position of need since Roy Williams career started going down hill and the Cowboys really need to find one this year. Calvin Pryor of Louisville is a great coverage but ideally, this team would like to draft Haha Clinton-Dix here.
Previous Pick: Same
17 Baltimore Ravens: FS, Jimmie Ward Northern Illinois
Matt Elam and Ward would make for a great, youthful combination. The Ravens at their core are a defensive team and adding this rangy safety would further drive home that point. Ward is an even better fit than Pryor because the Ravens see Elam as a SS. Ward could finally fill Ed Reed's play-making void. With the addition of WR Steve Smith, the draft attention turns to Safety.
Later Rounds? Offensive Tackle and Center are other needs for the Ravens. Travis Swanson of Arkansas is the consensus top Center and will probably be there in the second round. CB Pierre Desir is a guy I could see the Ravens targeting.
Previous Pick: Calvin Pryor
Matt Elam and Ward would make for a great, youthful combination. The Ravens at their core are a defensive team and adding this rangy safety would further drive home that point. Ward is an even better fit than Pryor because the Ravens see Elam as a SS. Ward could finally fill Ed Reed's play-making void. With the addition of WR Steve Smith, the draft attention turns to Safety.
Later Rounds? Offensive Tackle and Center are other needs for the Ravens. Travis Swanson of Arkansas is the consensus top Center and will probably be there in the second round. CB Pierre Desir is a guy I could see the Ravens targeting.
Previous Pick: Calvin Pryor
18 New York Jets: CB, Darqueze Dennard
The Jets love for their corners to press and Dennard specializes in just that. The Jets may be wary of drafting a CB in the first after picking up Dee Milliner last year but I doubt that Rex Ryan cares. Dennard is a much different player than Milliner as he is not a ball-hawk but more of an in-your-face physical presence.
Later Rounds? The Jets need to grab more playmakers. Odell Beckham Jr. would be a great fit or even a big bodied guy like Brandon Coleman (6'6") from Rutgers. Xavier Su'a-Filo would be a great addition at Guard in the second round.
Previous Pick: Eric Ebron
The Jets love for their corners to press and Dennard specializes in just that. The Jets may be wary of drafting a CB in the first after picking up Dee Milliner last year but I doubt that Rex Ryan cares. Dennard is a much different player than Milliner as he is not a ball-hawk but more of an in-your-face physical presence.
Later Rounds? The Jets need to grab more playmakers. Odell Beckham Jr. would be a great fit or even a big bodied guy like Brandon Coleman (6'6") from Rutgers. Xavier Su'a-Filo would be a great addition at Guard in the second round.
Previous Pick: Eric Ebron
19 Miami Dolphins: OT/OG, Zach Martin Notre Dame
It's no secret that Miami needs offensive linemen. Martin could start at Guard or Tackle from day 1 and would really help out Ryan Tannehill. Martin has been projected as a Pro Bowl guard by some scouts and although he fills a position of need, he is also the best player available on the board at #19.
Later Rounds? The Dolphins need to improve their pass rush and would like to add someone to complement Cameron Wake in the second round. The Dolphins spent a lot of money on Mike Wallace last season but I expect them to draft a WR at some point in this draft. Miami also really needs a CB.
Previous Pick: David Yankey
It's no secret that Miami needs offensive linemen. Martin could start at Guard or Tackle from day 1 and would really help out Ryan Tannehill. Martin has been projected as a Pro Bowl guard by some scouts and although he fills a position of need, he is also the best player available on the board at #19.
Later Rounds? The Dolphins need to improve their pass rush and would like to add someone to complement Cameron Wake in the second round. The Dolphins spent a lot of money on Mike Wallace last season but I expect them to draft a WR at some point in this draft. Miami also really needs a CB.
Previous Pick: David Yankey
20 Arizona Cardinals: OLB, Ryan Shazier Ohio State
John Abraham is 35 and won't be asked to start much longer. Shazier is a quick but undersized edge rusher who could compliment Calais Campbell inside extremely well. With the top tackles off the board, Arizona would do well to add the explosive Shazier to an already dominant defense that is on the upswing.
Later Rounds? The Cardinals desperately need to improve at OT so a guy like Antonio Richardson might be an option here. Richardson's counterpart JuWuan James may be a good fit as well. Arizona should take a QB somewhere in the draft this year. Maybe they will be the ones to partake in the Logan Thomas project. Zach Mettenberger has franchise QB potential in the 3-4th round.
Previous Pick: Kony Ealy
John Abraham is 35 and won't be asked to start much longer. Shazier is a quick but undersized edge rusher who could compliment Calais Campbell inside extremely well. With the top tackles off the board, Arizona would do well to add the explosive Shazier to an already dominant defense that is on the upswing.
Later Rounds? The Cardinals desperately need to improve at OT so a guy like Antonio Richardson might be an option here. Richardson's counterpart JuWuan James may be a good fit as well. Arizona should take a QB somewhere in the draft this year. Maybe they will be the ones to partake in the Logan Thomas project. Zach Mettenberger has franchise QB potential in the 3-4th round.
Previous Pick: Kony Ealy
21 (Trade up) Carolina Panthers: WR, Marquise Lee USC
With no pressing needs, Green Bay can afford to trade back right here. The Panthers need a reliable receiver and are fortunate to get Lee here. Lee suffered a down season due to injuries and shoddy quarterback play, but really he is a top 10 talent. Lee would have been the top receiver taken in last years draft. He looks to some like a young Reggie Wayne and would fit in great with Cam Newton's young offense.
Later Rounds?
With Jordan Gross retiring, Carolina has a glaring need at OT. Too bad an elite one isn't available here. Perhaps Morgan Moses in the second round? After a 13-3 season, reigning COY Ron Rivera needs to avoid taking a step back by all means necessary with a strong draft in 2014.
Previous Pick: Dee Ford to Green Bay
With no pressing needs, Green Bay can afford to trade back right here. The Panthers need a reliable receiver and are fortunate to get Lee here. Lee suffered a down season due to injuries and shoddy quarterback play, but really he is a top 10 talent. Lee would have been the top receiver taken in last years draft. He looks to some like a young Reggie Wayne and would fit in great with Cam Newton's young offense.
Later Rounds?
With Jordan Gross retiring, Carolina has a glaring need at OT. Too bad an elite one isn't available here. Perhaps Morgan Moses in the second round? After a 13-3 season, reigning COY Ron Rivera needs to avoid taking a step back by all means necessary with a strong draft in 2014.
Previous Pick: Dee Ford to Green Bay
22 Philadelphia Eagles: CB, Kyle Fuller Virginia Tech
Fuller is an underrated corner who plays well in zone or man coverage. The Eagles were horrible on defense last year and need to improve everywhere. A CB who can cover Dez Bryant and the new rival DeSean Jackson looks like a priority for Chip Kelly's squad.
Later Rounds? The Eagles will look for defense all over the draft so they should draft a safety, outside linebacker and defensive end. The best defensive player on the board, regardless of position should be the Eagles pick every time. Brandin Cooks would provide a similar style of play of the now missing DeSean Jackson
Previous Pick: Same
Fuller is an underrated corner who plays well in zone or man coverage. The Eagles were horrible on defense last year and need to improve everywhere. A CB who can cover Dez Bryant and the new rival DeSean Jackson looks like a priority for Chip Kelly's squad.
Later Rounds? The Eagles will look for defense all over the draft so they should draft a safety, outside linebacker and defensive end. The best defensive player on the board, regardless of position should be the Eagles pick every time. Brandin Cooks would provide a similar style of play of the now missing DeSean Jackson
Previous Pick: Same
23 Kansas City Chiefs: WR, Odell Beckham Jr. LSU
Jamaal Charles led KC in receptions and receiving yards last season. Good for my fantasy team but not good for KC overall. Dwayne Bowe played horribly and Dexter McCluster is nothing more than a slot receiver/gimmick play guy. Odell Beckham Jr. can stretch the field and is one of the most gifted playmakers in the draft.
Later Rounds? The Chiefs could upgrade at ILB with Yawin Smallwood in the 2nd or 3rd. A DT project like Rashede Hagemen would be a potentially huge threat for the Chiefs. Remember, the Dontari Poe project worked this season after a year of nothing. Hagemen could be a similar story.
Previous Pick: Kelvin Benjamin
Jamaal Charles led KC in receptions and receiving yards last season. Good for my fantasy team but not good for KC overall. Dwayne Bowe played horribly and Dexter McCluster is nothing more than a slot receiver/gimmick play guy. Odell Beckham Jr. can stretch the field and is one of the most gifted playmakers in the draft.
Later Rounds? The Chiefs could upgrade at ILB with Yawin Smallwood in the 2nd or 3rd. A DT project like Rashede Hagemen would be a potentially huge threat for the Chiefs. Remember, the Dontari Poe project worked this season after a year of nothing. Hagemen could be a similar story.
Previous Pick: Kelvin Benjamin
24 Cincinnati Bengals: DE, Kony Ealy Missouri
The Bengals lost Michael Johnson to Tampa Bay and Geno Atkins is coming off of a serious injury. Ealy has long arms, quick feet and explosive potential. He could fit into a productive defensive line rotation and would allow their defense to transition smoothly from the loss of Coordinator Mike Zimmer and Michael Johnson.
Later Rounds? The Bengals need a corner and safety as well! I've previously mocked Bradley Roby and Calvin Pryor in this spot because of their sheer need for play makers, but I think they could find a play making talent like Marcus Roberson or or Victor Hampton in a later round. The Bengals should be looking defense, but don't be surprised if they find a WR in this deep draft.
Previous Pick: Aaron Donald
The Bengals lost Michael Johnson to Tampa Bay and Geno Atkins is coming off of a serious injury. Ealy has long arms, quick feet and explosive potential. He could fit into a productive defensive line rotation and would allow their defense to transition smoothly from the loss of Coordinator Mike Zimmer and Michael Johnson.
Later Rounds? The Bengals need a corner and safety as well! I've previously mocked Bradley Roby and Calvin Pryor in this spot because of their sheer need for play makers, but I think they could find a play making talent like Marcus Roberson or or Victor Hampton in a later round. The Bengals should be looking defense, but don't be surprised if they find a WR in this deep draft.
Previous Pick: Aaron Donald
25 San Diego Chargers: CB, Jason Verrett TCU
Verrett is small but plays much bigger than he is. The Chargers porous defense came together somewhat towards the end of the season, but the loss against the Broncos in the playoffs shut them down. Perhaps adding a physical presence at corner would help. Verrett takes over games at corner and was easily TCU's MVP this season.
Later Rounds? The Chargers will look for help at OLB and OG later in the draft. Kyle Van Noy could be a good option! This offensive line was much improved from last year and was instrumental in the resurgence of Phillip Rivers. An additional piece on the line could put this offense to new heights. Lastly, WR is a position that San Diego will likely invest in. At this point, Kennan Allen is the only reliable receiver for this team. Picking up a big man like Martavis Bryant or Brandon Coleman would be classic San Diego.
Previous Pick: Same
Verrett is small but plays much bigger than he is. The Chargers porous defense came together somewhat towards the end of the season, but the loss against the Broncos in the playoffs shut them down. Perhaps adding a physical presence at corner would help. Verrett takes over games at corner and was easily TCU's MVP this season.
Later Rounds? The Chargers will look for help at OLB and OG later in the draft. Kyle Van Noy could be a good option! This offensive line was much improved from last year and was instrumental in the resurgence of Phillip Rivers. An additional piece on the line could put this offense to new heights. Lastly, WR is a position that San Diego will likely invest in. At this point, Kennan Allen is the only reliable receiver for this team. Picking up a big man like Martavis Bryant or Brandon Coleman would be classic San Diego.
Previous Pick: Same
26 Cleveland Browns: QB, Derek Carr
The Browns get their man here and are ready to pair him up with Sammy Watkins. Derek Carr has the best overall arm talent of any QB in the draft and can sling it to any part of the field. The Browns would look like geniuses if they take my advice on draft strategy. Their offense could catapult them to a 10 win season.
Later Rounds? Indy gave up this pick for T-Rich. They will likely look for interior road graders to help T-Rich in the draft as well as outside weapons for Andrew Luck. With the aging Marvin Harrison out last year, T.Y. Hilton was the only option for a team with championship aspirations. That will not cut it. Expect a game changing receiver with the first pick for Indy.
Previous Pick: Same
The Browns get their man here and are ready to pair him up with Sammy Watkins. Derek Carr has the best overall arm talent of any QB in the draft and can sling it to any part of the field. The Browns would look like geniuses if they take my advice on draft strategy. Their offense could catapult them to a 10 win season.
Later Rounds? Indy gave up this pick for T-Rich. They will likely look for interior road graders to help T-Rich in the draft as well as outside weapons for Andrew Luck. With the aging Marvin Harrison out last year, T.Y. Hilton was the only option for a team with championship aspirations. That will not cut it. Expect a game changing receiver with the first pick for Indy.
Previous Pick: Same
27 New Orleans Saints: OLB, Dee Ford Auburn
Rob Ryan would love to have Ford's quick first step on the outside rush. Ford helped himself a lot with strong senior bowl and pro day performances. The Auburn product projects as a 3-4 OLB better than a 4-3 DE because of his blazing speed off the edge.
Later Rounds? This is another team who needs cornerbacks! Their offensive line has been picked apart by free agency in recent years and is now starting to need help. Project guys like last years pick Terron Armstead would be warmly welcome. New Orleans is not afraid to draft players from obscure backgrounds so drafting a kid like Pierre Desir from Lindenwood would make sense.
Previous Pick: Stephon Tuitt
Rob Ryan would love to have Ford's quick first step on the outside rush. Ford helped himself a lot with strong senior bowl and pro day performances. The Auburn product projects as a 3-4 OLB better than a 4-3 DE because of his blazing speed off the edge.
Later Rounds? This is another team who needs cornerbacks! Their offensive line has been picked apart by free agency in recent years and is now starting to need help. Project guys like last years pick Terron Armstead would be warmly welcome. New Orleans is not afraid to draft players from obscure backgrounds so drafting a kid like Pierre Desir from Lindenwood would make sense.
Previous Pick: Stephon Tuitt
28 (Trade down) Green Bay Packers: TE, Jace Amaro Texas Tech
Amaro would be a perfect fit in Green Bay. Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson do a great job on the outside while Amaro racks up receptions inside the hashmarks against defenders who just can't compete with his size and speed. Amaro is the kind of player who Aaron Rodgers could go to in the redzone. This pick could get the Packers back in championship conversations.
Later Rounds?
UCLA standout Jordan Zumwalt is underrated and could be a great ILB for Green Bay. At CB, Deion Belue from Alabama is an outstanding athlete who is really explosive and could make some big plays on special teams. The Packers always find quality gems in the draft and this draft is very deep.
Previous Pick: Jordan Matthews to Carolina
Amaro would be a perfect fit in Green Bay. Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson do a great job on the outside while Amaro racks up receptions inside the hashmarks against defenders who just can't compete with his size and speed. Amaro is the kind of player who Aaron Rodgers could go to in the redzone. This pick could get the Packers back in championship conversations.
Later Rounds?
UCLA standout Jordan Zumwalt is underrated and could be a great ILB for Green Bay. At CB, Deion Belue from Alabama is an outstanding athlete who is really explosive and could make some big plays on special teams. The Packers always find quality gems in the draft and this draft is very deep.
Previous Pick: Jordan Matthews to Carolina
29 New England Patriots: DT, Ra'Shede Hageman Minnesota
Hageman is a developmental player at this point, so learning from Vince Wilfork for a year would be more than ideal. Hageman shows flashes of brilliance with his incredible speed on top of strong arms. If he can avoid taking plays off, the Minnesota prospect could develop into a beast.
Later Rounds? The Patriots will litter the draft with all sorts of trades most likely and will probably spend picks in a multitude of ways. Protecting Brady has to be a priority, but adding outside weapons may be a must. Danny Amendola is a potential cut after a poor season so don't be surprised to see a late round flyer on a high potential receiver like Martavius Bryant. Adding an athletic tight end might be on the teams mind as well
Previous Pick: Jace Amaro
Hageman is a developmental player at this point, so learning from Vince Wilfork for a year would be more than ideal. Hageman shows flashes of brilliance with his incredible speed on top of strong arms. If he can avoid taking plays off, the Minnesota prospect could develop into a beast.
Later Rounds? The Patriots will litter the draft with all sorts of trades most likely and will probably spend picks in a multitude of ways. Protecting Brady has to be a priority, but adding outside weapons may be a must. Danny Amendola is a potential cut after a poor season so don't be surprised to see a late round flyer on a high potential receiver like Martavius Bryant. Adding an athletic tight end might be on the teams mind as well
Previous Pick: Jace Amaro
30 San Francisco 49ers: WR, Kelvin Benjamin Florida State
With few needs and a late pick in the first, the 49ers simply go with the best player available and that is Benjamin. Benjamin is 6'5" 240 lbs with only 4% body fat! That is insane! Benjamin is a raw right now, but could become Colin Kaepernick's best friend as a huge target who will go up and snatch a ball out of the air.
Later Rounds? The 49ers would love to draft a future replacement for Justin Smith at some point in this draft. With one of their many early round picks. CB is also a position of need, especially after the Chris Culliver incident. Drafting a QB like David Fales or Aaron Murray to be groomed as a backup would be in the 49ers interest as well.
Previous Pick: Same
With few needs and a late pick in the first, the 49ers simply go with the best player available and that is Benjamin. Benjamin is 6'5" 240 lbs with only 4% body fat! That is insane! Benjamin is a raw right now, but could become Colin Kaepernick's best friend as a huge target who will go up and snatch a ball out of the air.
Later Rounds? The 49ers would love to draft a future replacement for Justin Smith at some point in this draft. With one of their many early round picks. CB is also a position of need, especially after the Chris Culliver incident. Drafting a QB like David Fales or Aaron Murray to be groomed as a backup would be in the 49ers interest as well.
Previous Pick: Same
31 Denver Broncos: MLB, C.J. Mosley Alabama
Mosley is a top 15 talent, so a fall to 31 would be met with joy by the Broncos. Mosley has great cover skills and is a great sideline to sideline player in perfect mold for Jack Del Rio's defense. Mosley is the rare kind of MLB who can guard TE's.
Later Rounds? With Champ Bailey's departure Chris Harris' ACL tear and DRC's departure, Denver may need a corner in this draft opposite new addition Aqib Talb. Stanley Jean-Baptiste is a 6'3" CB from Nebraska who can cover the big receivers in the league and could possibly man up with Rob Gronkowski in a pivotal game with NE. Offensive line help will probably be on the way in the draft.
Previous Pick: Zach Martin
Mosley is a top 15 talent, so a fall to 31 would be met with joy by the Broncos. Mosley has great cover skills and is a great sideline to sideline player in perfect mold for Jack Del Rio's defense. Mosley is the rare kind of MLB who can guard TE's.
Later Rounds? With Champ Bailey's departure Chris Harris' ACL tear and DRC's departure, Denver may need a corner in this draft opposite new addition Aqib Talb. Stanley Jean-Baptiste is a 6'3" CB from Nebraska who can cover the big receivers in the league and could possibly man up with Rob Gronkowski in a pivotal game with NE. Offensive line help will probably be on the way in the draft.
Previous Pick: Zach Martin
32 Seattle Seahawks: TE, Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Seattle gets the best overall TE in the draft because this guy can block and catch. He will give Seattle the big receiving presence they lack and will help Marshawn Lynch find outside holes. Seferian-Jenkins makes impact plays in every game, through catching or blocking and would add another interesting dynamic to the defending champs.
Later Rounds? Seattle will probably bring an outside receiver to the fold. Devin Street or Cody Latimer perhaps? Latimer is a strong kid who tore it up at Indiana this year and would be a good special teams guy as well. Adding another linebacker could help this team. It seems like Seattle finds value in the later rounds every year.
Previous Pick: Same
Seattle gets the best overall TE in the draft because this guy can block and catch. He will give Seattle the big receiving presence they lack and will help Marshawn Lynch find outside holes. Seferian-Jenkins makes impact plays in every game, through catching or blocking and would add another interesting dynamic to the defending champs.
Later Rounds? Seattle will probably bring an outside receiver to the fold. Devin Street or Cody Latimer perhaps? Latimer is a strong kid who tore it up at Indiana this year and would be a good special teams guy as well. Adding another linebacker could help this team. It seems like Seattle finds value in the later rounds every year.
Previous Pick: Same
Who Will sign Desean Jackson?
By Zack Penn, 3/29/14
Washington Redskins: The 'Skins will be Jackson's first visit as a free-agent on Monday and would combine with Pierre Garcon to make a sweet tandem if signed. The Redskins are known for making splashy moves and would love to give RG3 some help coming off of a sophomore slump. Jackson may be interested in playing his former team twice a year in the NFC East as well. Washington has roughly 7 million in cap space, but will it be enough to sign Jackson?
Oakland Raiders: Jackson's favorite team is an obvious fit. The local kid who attended CAL would sure up the Raiders receiving core and they have the salary cap space for him. DeSean has even reached out to the Raiders. Let's face it, his personallity is a fit. I can imagine the Raiders picking up Jackson and Sammy Watkins 5th overall! It would rain touchdowns in Oakland.
Kansas City Chiefs: KC is an obvious fit for Jackson because of his former coach Andy Reid. Reid drafted Jackson and knows exactly what an explosive talent he is. Jackson's speed would compliment possession receiver Dwayne Bowe and would perhaps provide insurance if the Chiefs release the overpaid Bowe. Alex Smith isn't nessecarily known for his big arm which may scare away Jackson, who thrives on deep routes, but Kansas City would be an intriuging option.
New York Jets: The Jets were reportedly on the market to trade for Jackson before his release and would love to put him next to their newly signed Eric Decker, who suits the #2 receiver role better anyway. Mike Vick and Jackson would have an instant rapport and would bring the deep ball back to NY. Vick has said that he would love to play with Jackson again. Maybe DeSean feels the same?
San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco doesn't really have the cap space to sign Jackson, but he would be an incredible fit. In addition to blowing the top off of defenses for the 49ers, Jackson would assume the punt and kick return duties. Competing with Seattle is difficult and signing Jackson could be the '9ers answer to the Percy Harvin signing one year later. Though it's unlikely, Jackson in Red and Gold would be a great pairing.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills are looking to help out young quarterback E.J. Manuel and Jackson's speed would be ideal. Stevie Johnson is more suited to be a #2 option, but has been forced into double teams frequently as the only passing option. If the Bills passing offense became formidable, their offense would be one of the more exlosive in the league with a bevy of running back talent.
My Prediction: I predict that the Oakland Raiders will sign Jackson. With a great amount of cap space, a need at receiver and the interest of Jackson himself, they should be the frotrunners. Expect something like a 5 year $40 million deal for the explosive receiver who could change a team's identity with his signing.
Oakland Raiders: Jackson's favorite team is an obvious fit. The local kid who attended CAL would sure up the Raiders receiving core and they have the salary cap space for him. DeSean has even reached out to the Raiders. Let's face it, his personallity is a fit. I can imagine the Raiders picking up Jackson and Sammy Watkins 5th overall! It would rain touchdowns in Oakland.
Kansas City Chiefs: KC is an obvious fit for Jackson because of his former coach Andy Reid. Reid drafted Jackson and knows exactly what an explosive talent he is. Jackson's speed would compliment possession receiver Dwayne Bowe and would perhaps provide insurance if the Chiefs release the overpaid Bowe. Alex Smith isn't nessecarily known for his big arm which may scare away Jackson, who thrives on deep routes, but Kansas City would be an intriuging option.
New York Jets: The Jets were reportedly on the market to trade for Jackson before his release and would love to put him next to their newly signed Eric Decker, who suits the #2 receiver role better anyway. Mike Vick and Jackson would have an instant rapport and would bring the deep ball back to NY. Vick has said that he would love to play with Jackson again. Maybe DeSean feels the same?
San Francisco 49ers: San Francisco doesn't really have the cap space to sign Jackson, but he would be an incredible fit. In addition to blowing the top off of defenses for the 49ers, Jackson would assume the punt and kick return duties. Competing with Seattle is difficult and signing Jackson could be the '9ers answer to the Percy Harvin signing one year later. Though it's unlikely, Jackson in Red and Gold would be a great pairing.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills are looking to help out young quarterback E.J. Manuel and Jackson's speed would be ideal. Stevie Johnson is more suited to be a #2 option, but has been forced into double teams frequently as the only passing option. If the Bills passing offense became formidable, their offense would be one of the more exlosive in the league with a bevy of running back talent.
My Prediction: I predict that the Oakland Raiders will sign Jackson. With a great amount of cap space, a need at receiver and the interest of Jackson himself, they should be the frotrunners. Expect something like a 5 year $40 million deal for the explosive receiver who could change a team's identity with his signing.
Free Agency Madness
By Zack Penn 3/11/14
Cleveland Browns: The Browns added a pair of NFC West hard hitters to the defense in Karlos Dansby (Arizona) and Donte Whitner (San Francisco). However, these signings are slightly risky as they are both aging and are making big money. Dansby will probably play through his 2 year 12 million dollar deal, but Whitner's 4 year deal might not stand the test of time. For this upcoming season however, coach Mike Pettine has a pair of plug-in starters to work with. Prepare for this team to draft offense!
Grade: B+
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders lost their top 2 guys that they had hoped to resign. Lamarr Houston to the Bears and Jared Veldheer to the Cardinals. Instead of getting Veldheer, the Raiders paid even more for Roger Saffold (42.5 mill over 5 years), a noticable downgrade. The Raiders failed to keep the promising Rashad Jennings so they have opted to resign the quazi-hated Darren McFadden to a 1 year 4 million dollar deal. Raiders fans hoping for a wise spending spree have been dissapointed thus far.
Grade: D
New York Giants: The G-Men signed a pair of running backs after promising fans they wouldn't see David Wilson as the starter. They nabbed the talented quick-footed Rashad Jennings, and the tough Peyton Hillis. I like the signings, but I would have rather seen Toby Gerhart in Hillis' role. They also overpayed Seahawk's situational pass rusher O'Brien Schofield and grabbed a starting quality guard from the Chiefs in Geoff Schwartz. Don't be surprised if the Giants add another linemen in the offseason.
Grade: C
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers quickly filled Donte Whitner's void at Strong Safety with Antoine Bethea for a lower price and steady play. Good move. Resigning the reliable Phil Dawson was another top priority for this team. Trading a 6th round pick for Blaine Gabbert was a classic 49ers move. Jim Harbaugh will be able to put back the pieces of Gabbert's broken career or will simply cut him next offseason. Trading for Jonathon Martin could be a risky move but its perfect situation for Martin. He steps into a solid locker room with his former college coach and will likely see time as an extra linemen in the team's heavy run sets. I'd like to see the 49ers grab a CB like Captain Munnerlyn who can make big plays in the slot, they did resign Eric Wright, however.
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa bolstered their defense in picking up DE Michael Johnson and CB Alterraun Verner. Johnson fills a need on the D-line for a pass rusher and allows the Bucs not to have to reach for one in the draft. Verner would but the bookend on a great secondary or will be Darrelle Revis insurance should the team elect to trade or release him. The Bucs are looking to the defense now so that they can draft the best offensive player on the board at 7 overall.
Grade: A-
Cleveland Browns: The Browns added a pair of NFC West hard hitters to the defense in Karlos Dansby (Arizona) and Donte Whitner (San Francisco). However, these signings are slightly risky as they are both aging and are making big money. Dansby will probably play through his 2 year 12 million dollar deal, but Whitner's 4 year deal might not stand the test of time. For this upcoming season however, coach Mike Pettine has a pair of plug-in starters to work with. Prepare for this team to draft offense!
Grade: B+
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders lost their top 2 guys that they had hoped to resign. Lamarr Houston to the Bears and Jared Veldheer to the Cardinals. Instead of getting Veldheer, the Raiders paid even more for Roger Saffold (42.5 mill over 5 years), a noticable downgrade. The Raiders failed to keep the promising Rashad Jennings so they have opted to resign the quazi-hated Darren McFadden to a 1 year 4 million dollar deal. Raiders fans hoping for a wise spending spree have been dissapointed thus far.
Grade: D
New York Giants: The G-Men signed a pair of running backs after promising fans they wouldn't see David Wilson as the starter. They nabbed the talented quick-footed Rashad Jennings, and the tough Peyton Hillis. I like the signings, but I would have rather seen Toby Gerhart in Hillis' role. They also overpayed Seahawk's situational pass rusher O'Brien Schofield and grabbed a starting quality guard from the Chiefs in Geoff Schwartz. Don't be surprised if the Giants add another linemen in the offseason.
Grade: C
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers quickly filled Donte Whitner's void at Strong Safety with Antoine Bethea for a lower price and steady play. Good move. Resigning the reliable Phil Dawson was another top priority for this team. Trading a 6th round pick for Blaine Gabbert was a classic 49ers move. Jim Harbaugh will be able to put back the pieces of Gabbert's broken career or will simply cut him next offseason. Trading for Jonathon Martin could be a risky move but its perfect situation for Martin. He steps into a solid locker room with his former college coach and will likely see time as an extra linemen in the team's heavy run sets. I'd like to see the 49ers grab a CB like Captain Munnerlyn who can make big plays in the slot, they did resign Eric Wright, however.
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa bolstered their defense in picking up DE Michael Johnson and CB Alterraun Verner. Johnson fills a need on the D-line for a pass rusher and allows the Bucs not to have to reach for one in the draft. Verner would but the bookend on a great secondary or will be Darrelle Revis insurance should the team elect to trade or release him. The Bucs are looking to the defense now so that they can draft the best offensive player on the board at 7 overall.
Grade: A-
The Final 4 we all knew was in store:
The NFC Championship Game features perhaps the two best teams in the NFL and the future of the game. The Seahawks and 49ers will likely be the best rivalry of the NFL for years to come because of their youth, coaching and overall talent scouting ability. Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson are two of the most polarizing players in the game. Kaep is a guy that Ron Jaworski said could be the best in the NFL in the not too distant future who has the arm, the legs, the mind, and the personality of a man born the dominate at QB. Wilson on the other hand, has revolutionized the idea that quarterbacks need to be a certain height. At just over 5'11", Wilson boasts vision that is second in the league only to Peyton Manning and leadership like Tom Brady. He is at his best when he scrambles out into a vintage Fran Tarkenton flashback. Right now, Wilson is the best young quarterback in the NFL and that is including Andrew Luck. Wilson may be without the oft-injured Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice on Sunday, but the Seahawks still have three reliable receivers in Golden Tate, Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin. This game also pits the two best defenses in the league against one another. The Legion of Boom and the best linebacking core in the NFL will trade stop for stop all night and the game will probably come down to whoever wins the turnover battle.
The Seahawks are the favorite in this one simply because of the home field advantage, but I think the 49ers simply have the better players. Its hard for me to even write that down when I think about the Seahawk's incredible depth on the d-line, and at running back, cornerback and wide receiver. Maybe with a healthy Percy Harvin and Brandon Browner in the mix, the Seahawks would have a better squad but even then it would be a hard decision. The 49ers just simply have too much talent overall. They had 8 players make the pro bowl and that list doesn't even have Michael Crabtree, Donte Whitner, Aldon Smith or Kaepernick. The 49ers impressed me much more with their smack down of Carolina than the Seahawks win over the 'Aints and the momentum should carry this team to a super bowl victory.
49ers 20 Seahawks 16
The AFC Championship Game is the other side of the coin. For the first time since 2006, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, the two best quarterbacks of the generation, square off in the playoffs. Will Tom Brady take Peyton Manning's 55 touchdown record and shove it up his ass? Maybe. Only if he has help from LeGarrette Blount. If your a real football fan, you've known about Blount at least since the day he threw a punch that basically ended his college football career at Oregon. You know that he had a great rookie year with Tampa Bay and you know he dropped off the face of the Earth after being traded basically for a 7th round pick. It is funny to think about how the two X-factors on both sides of the ball for the Pat's were acquired in trades with the Buccaneers (hint: Aqib Talib). What this game is about is pride. This is about the true meaning of the pocket-passer. No athletic ability whatsoever besides a cannon arm and natural anticipation. One of the most consistent things that I have known in my young life are that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are the most consistent players in the NFL. Peyton is on his way to a 5th MVP and I always argue for him as the best QB in NFL history, but he needs to win this one for that to be valid. He needs to push Tom Brady and his Ugg slippers out of the way and show that this season wasn't just about breaking every passing record in the book, it was about a championship.
If the Patriots win, it won't be Tom Brady that won them the game, it will be the running game. Stevan Ridley was dominant as the bell cow in 2012, Shane Vereen is the best pass catching running back in the AFC and LeGarrette Blount had the best run of the entire 2011 season. Neither of these defenses can be seriously relied on so this on should be a barn burner, but I just think the Patriots are the better team. What sucks for these two teams is that the winner will likely lose to the winner of the NFC Championship game since those are the two best teams.
Broncos 32 Patriots 35
The Seahawks are the favorite in this one simply because of the home field advantage, but I think the 49ers simply have the better players. Its hard for me to even write that down when I think about the Seahawk's incredible depth on the d-line, and at running back, cornerback and wide receiver. Maybe with a healthy Percy Harvin and Brandon Browner in the mix, the Seahawks would have a better squad but even then it would be a hard decision. The 49ers just simply have too much talent overall. They had 8 players make the pro bowl and that list doesn't even have Michael Crabtree, Donte Whitner, Aldon Smith or Kaepernick. The 49ers impressed me much more with their smack down of Carolina than the Seahawks win over the 'Aints and the momentum should carry this team to a super bowl victory.
49ers 20 Seahawks 16
The AFC Championship Game is the other side of the coin. For the first time since 2006, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, the two best quarterbacks of the generation, square off in the playoffs. Will Tom Brady take Peyton Manning's 55 touchdown record and shove it up his ass? Maybe. Only if he has help from LeGarrette Blount. If your a real football fan, you've known about Blount at least since the day he threw a punch that basically ended his college football career at Oregon. You know that he had a great rookie year with Tampa Bay and you know he dropped off the face of the Earth after being traded basically for a 7th round pick. It is funny to think about how the two X-factors on both sides of the ball for the Pat's were acquired in trades with the Buccaneers (hint: Aqib Talib). What this game is about is pride. This is about the true meaning of the pocket-passer. No athletic ability whatsoever besides a cannon arm and natural anticipation. One of the most consistent things that I have known in my young life are that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are the most consistent players in the NFL. Peyton is on his way to a 5th MVP and I always argue for him as the best QB in NFL history, but he needs to win this one for that to be valid. He needs to push Tom Brady and his Ugg slippers out of the way and show that this season wasn't just about breaking every passing record in the book, it was about a championship.
If the Patriots win, it won't be Tom Brady that won them the game, it will be the running game. Stevan Ridley was dominant as the bell cow in 2012, Shane Vereen is the best pass catching running back in the AFC and LeGarrette Blount had the best run of the entire 2011 season. Neither of these defenses can be seriously relied on so this on should be a barn burner, but I just think the Patriots are the better team. What sucks for these two teams is that the winner will likely lose to the winner of the NFC Championship game since those are the two best teams.
Broncos 32 Patriots 35
NFL Power Rankings: Divisional Playoffs
#1: San Francisco 49ers 12-4 (Up next @ Carolina): In the freezing cold, Kaepernick torched the Packers on the ground once again. Every time Kaepernick sees open field in front of him, he should take off because he is frankly the fastest player on the field once he gets going. Having won 7 straight, the 49ers come into Carolina healthy and ready to avenge their former 10-9 loss. Last time they played Carolina, Vernon Davis and Eric Reid both were injured and Mike Iupati was not playing. The 49ers are the hottest team in the NFL right now.
#2: Seattle Seahawks 13-3 (Up next vs. New Orleans): Yes, the two best teams in the NFL reside in the NFC West and play twice a year. Yes, they will likely meet in the NFC championship. And yes the budding rivalry boasts the two best rosters in pro football. But first, this team needs to drop the Saints like they did in week 13. It likely won't be as easy this time and the Seahawks went 2-2 after smashing the Saints, but I trust them at home against a Saints team with a poor track record on the road.
#3: Denver Broncos 13-3 (Up next vs. San Diego): Denver got some rest for their receivers while they prepare for a shootout. With no Von Miller and an overall shaky defense, the Broncos will have to rely on their talent out wide to win them this game. Denver's two lowest point totals of the season were against San Diego (28 and 20) so this one is going to be really important to Peyton Manning. Peyton may wrap up his 5th MVP this year but he will always be questioned without a second super bowl ring.
#4: Carolina Panthers 12-4 (Up next vs. San Francisco): Defense wins championships, and if Carolina wins the whole dance, Luke Keuchly and his wrecking crew will be the reason why. Having Cam Newton also helps! And a fresh DeAngelo Williams doesn't hurt either. Too bad for Carolina that they have to deal with the hottest team in the NFL right now because I think they could beat Seattle if the two met. Carolina is a huge surprise team this year, but like the Chiefs, they will fall in the playoffs.
#5: New England Patriots 12-4 (Up next vs. Indianapolis): Tom Brady and the Patriots take their right of passage as a player in the divisional round and take on Indianapolis. Overall I think every AFC team in the playoffs is flawed, but the Patriots flaws could most easily be overcome. Ridley, Vereen, and Blount have been the backbone of this team with a dominant ground presence to compliment Tom Brady's clutch throws. However, with the absence of legit threats on the outside, I don't like this teams chances in a big shootout. Not against Luck or Manning.
#6: New Orleans Saints 11-5 (Up next @ Seattle): If the Saints can run it like they did against Philly last Sunday, they have a chance against Seattle. If not, good luck relying on Marques Colston and Lance Moore against Richard Sherman, Walter Thurmond and Earl Thomas. I'm not saying that Colston isn't a good receiver, I just don't think he has much of a chance against Sherman in Seattle. Jimmy Graham needs a couple touchdowns and the Saints need to limit turnovers for a win on the road against arguably the best team in the league.
#7: Indianapolis Colts 11-5 (Up next @ New England): I thought Indy was cooked at Lucas Oil stadium when they went down by 28, shame on me for not believing in Luck. Seriously though, someone besides T.Y. Hilton needs to step up this week because Aqib Talib will likely limit Hiltons impact. Andrew Luck gets a chance at an all time great in the playoffs and will probably rise to the occasion as usual. Has anyone done more with less this year then the two quarterbacks in this game? Not likely.
#8: San Diego Chargers 9-7 (Up next @ Denver): San Diego is the dark horse of the NFL playoffs and are arguably the most complete team in the AFC right now. Phillip Rivers and Ryan Matthews are both having outstanding years with Keenan Allen playing third fiddle as the Offensive R.O.Y. while the defense has gotten better, healthier, and even has Melvin Ingram back. Ingram is on my watch list for DPOY next year and needs to make an impact this week to keep the great Manning on his toes.
#2: Seattle Seahawks 13-3 (Up next vs. New Orleans): Yes, the two best teams in the NFL reside in the NFC West and play twice a year. Yes, they will likely meet in the NFC championship. And yes the budding rivalry boasts the two best rosters in pro football. But first, this team needs to drop the Saints like they did in week 13. It likely won't be as easy this time and the Seahawks went 2-2 after smashing the Saints, but I trust them at home against a Saints team with a poor track record on the road.
#3: Denver Broncos 13-3 (Up next vs. San Diego): Denver got some rest for their receivers while they prepare for a shootout. With no Von Miller and an overall shaky defense, the Broncos will have to rely on their talent out wide to win them this game. Denver's two lowest point totals of the season were against San Diego (28 and 20) so this one is going to be really important to Peyton Manning. Peyton may wrap up his 5th MVP this year but he will always be questioned without a second super bowl ring.
#4: Carolina Panthers 12-4 (Up next vs. San Francisco): Defense wins championships, and if Carolina wins the whole dance, Luke Keuchly and his wrecking crew will be the reason why. Having Cam Newton also helps! And a fresh DeAngelo Williams doesn't hurt either. Too bad for Carolina that they have to deal with the hottest team in the NFL right now because I think they could beat Seattle if the two met. Carolina is a huge surprise team this year, but like the Chiefs, they will fall in the playoffs.
#5: New England Patriots 12-4 (Up next vs. Indianapolis): Tom Brady and the Patriots take their right of passage as a player in the divisional round and take on Indianapolis. Overall I think every AFC team in the playoffs is flawed, but the Patriots flaws could most easily be overcome. Ridley, Vereen, and Blount have been the backbone of this team with a dominant ground presence to compliment Tom Brady's clutch throws. However, with the absence of legit threats on the outside, I don't like this teams chances in a big shootout. Not against Luck or Manning.
#6: New Orleans Saints 11-5 (Up next @ Seattle): If the Saints can run it like they did against Philly last Sunday, they have a chance against Seattle. If not, good luck relying on Marques Colston and Lance Moore against Richard Sherman, Walter Thurmond and Earl Thomas. I'm not saying that Colston isn't a good receiver, I just don't think he has much of a chance against Sherman in Seattle. Jimmy Graham needs a couple touchdowns and the Saints need to limit turnovers for a win on the road against arguably the best team in the league.
#7: Indianapolis Colts 11-5 (Up next @ New England): I thought Indy was cooked at Lucas Oil stadium when they went down by 28, shame on me for not believing in Luck. Seriously though, someone besides T.Y. Hilton needs to step up this week because Aqib Talib will likely limit Hiltons impact. Andrew Luck gets a chance at an all time great in the playoffs and will probably rise to the occasion as usual. Has anyone done more with less this year then the two quarterbacks in this game? Not likely.
#8: San Diego Chargers 9-7 (Up next @ Denver): San Diego is the dark horse of the NFL playoffs and are arguably the most complete team in the AFC right now. Phillip Rivers and Ryan Matthews are both having outstanding years with Keenan Allen playing third fiddle as the Offensive R.O.Y. while the defense has gotten better, healthier, and even has Melvin Ingram back. Ingram is on my watch list for DPOY next year and needs to make an impact this week to keep the great Manning on his toes.
NFL Power Rankings 5th Edition:
I apologize because I have not been able to post in a while because my computer is broken, but I will be back writing full time soon!
#1: San Francisco 49ers 11-4 (Previously #4): The '9ers look like the most complete team in the NFL right now. Colin Kaepernick honestly should run the ball more! Every time he ran the ball Monday night it seemed to be a big play or a first down. Crabtree has improved every game and the Niner offense looks almost as good as the defense as of late. If the Rams can pull an upset over the reeling Seahawks this week, the 49ers could get the 2 seed which would give an extra week of rest for Mike Iupati to get back to the lineup.
#2 Denver Broncos 12-3 (Previously #2): Denver is the most consistent team in a weak AFC and that is why I see them making the super bowl. Then again, with Peyton Manning's playoff record, all bets are off. Peyton will surely collect his 5th MVP after this year, but until he wins a second super bowl, my argument with Brady and Montana fans that Peyton is the Quarterback G.O.A.T. still has holes. If it's snowing in New York come Super Bowl Sunday, I don't like Peyton's chances.
#3 Carolina Panthers 11-4 (Previously #8): The Panthers defense is the difference between this year's team and last year's. Cam Newton had a horrible day on Sunday up until about the last drive. Had the defense not completely shut down Drew Brees, ESPN would be flooded with segments about how the Panthers will choke in the playoffs and angry Carolina fans wishing the team would have stuck with Matt Moore (probably not, but people are crazy). Instead, here the Panthers are, with a win and a first round bye in playoffs.
#4 Seattle Seahawks 12-3 (Previously #1): The Seahawks have looked pedestrian at home occasionally and it has to do with the offense. Mainly the injuries at WR where Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin have left Russell Wilson sad and lonely. Seriously though, Carson Palmer got picked 4 times and the Cardinals still won. Marshawn Lynch can't be there only offense against a team like the 49ers or Panthers. The Seahawks better show up against the Rams this week or they will end up the 5th seed in the playoffs and give up their home-field advantage.
#5 New England Patriots 11-4 (Previously #6): Classic Patriots. No Gronk, coming off a loss to the Dolphins, everyone talking about the Ravens upsetting the Pats making the playoffs. And BOOM, the Patriots blow up Baltimore 41-7 and show the NFL the difference between contender and pretender. I don't know if its how good the Pats are or how bad the Ravens are, but it is probably both. The LeGarrette Blount trade has made New England's running game one of the deepest in the league which has carried this team all year.
#6 Philadelphia Eagles 9-6 (Previously Unranked): Philly laid a smackdown on a Bears team that I thought was pretty good. LeSean McCoy is the hero of the Eagles team and the Philly rushing offense is #1 in the league. McCoy's consistency has made the quarterback job much easier for Nick Foles who is sporting a 25:2 TD:INT ratio. The Eagles weak pass defense will be tested against Dez Bryant and the Cowboys, but I think the Eagles will walk away with the division and will book a game with the Saints in the playoffs.
#7 Cincinnati Bengals 10-5 (Previously #9): Marvin Jones has stepped up at WR for the Bengals and it has made Andy Dalton's job much easier. Jones has 9 touchdowns on 46 receptions, pretty good. The Bengals have had a great combination of scoring and playing defense this year and have reached 40 points 4 different times. Andy Dalton has 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns already but he also has 16 picks. This offense is much more dynamic with Giovani Bernard in, but Bernard has had some pass blocking issues. Cincy can ruin rival Baltimore's season with a win Sunday.
#8 New Orleans Saints 10-5 (Previously #7): The arrow for the Saints is pointing down after they have dropped 2 in a row and won 1 of their last 6 on the road. The Saints can't afford a letdown to the upset-minded Bucs on Sunday or they may lose their playoff spot. Championship teams can run and can stop the run. The Saints can't do either, especially lately. With Kenny Vaccaro out, the defense should falter even further. Sean Payton has been a coach of the year candidate this year but outside of Brees and Jimmy Graham, this team is extremely flawed.
#9 Indianapolis Colts 10-5 (Previously #5): Player A has 149 rushing attempts for 433 yards (2.9 ypc) and 3 total touchdowns. Player B has 90 attempts for 506 yards (5.6 ypc) and 7 total touchdowns. Who would you rather play? Player A is Trent Richardson and player B is Donald Brown. The Browns clearly won the Trent Richardson trade which is pretty ironic. The Colts have looked terrible at times and have been blown out by mediocre teams like St. Louis, but they have beaten up on super bowl contenders like the 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos, and Chiefs. Teams better watch out if Indy gets another great WR this offseason.
#10 Arizona Cardinals 10-5 (Previously #16): One of the hottest teams in the league right now, Arizona has won 7 of 8 and could still miss the playoffs if they beat the 49ers next week. Imagine what this team could do with a real quarterback! I'm slightly picking on Calais Campbell who said "We have a real QB now" at the beginning of the season, but seriously, Carson Palmer threw 4 picks and AZ still managed to win. After a big win against Seattle, this team feels like they could beat anybody. Sad that they could be left out of the dance.
#11 Kansas City Chiefs 11-4 (Previously #3): Ahh, the beneficiaries of a last place schedule. Besides early wins against Dallas and Philly in week 2 and 3 respectively, KC hasn't beaten a winning team this year. Jamaal Charles is this offense he needs the ball in his hands 30 times a game. Last week KC lost to the Colts because Charles didn't get enough carries in the redzone. This team is the feel goodstory of the year, but I don't think they stand a chance in playoffs. However, you never know. Alex Smith could play out of his mind and rattle off a few wins and play San Fran in the super bowl in an epic matchup. I can dream.
#12 San Diego Chargers 8-7 (Previously Unranked): San Diego hasn't lost a game by more than 10 this year. Who was that against? THE RAIDERS! Seriously! The Chargers have played to their competition all year and their secondary has played poorly, but they are still in the playoff hunt. Ryan Matthews and Phillip Rivers are playing great which is a good sight for Charger fans. Next year Malcolm Floyd and Melvin Ingram will be back and this team could be a surprise division winner.
#13/14 Chicago Bears 8-7 (Previously #10) Green Bay Packers 7-7-1 (Previously #11): The Bears got spanked on prime time TV and I was embarrassed for them. They had a chance to win the division, but instead they were blown away 54-11. Good thing for Chicago that Green Bay is playing poorly. Aaron Rodgers should be back for this game which may be enough to help GB outscore the depleted Chicago D. The winner will likely play the 49ers and get smashed, but either team would be happy to make the playoffs considering the injuries this year.
#15 Dallas Cowboys 8-7 (Previously #13) Dallas makes everything look so difficult. With Romo out, I think their defense will be exposed as the sole reason that this team is stuck in the mud. Romo has had several comebacks this year and often gets the blame for the terrible D. The Eagles could run all over Dallas' historic, worst defense in NFL history, or Kyle Orton could miraculously pull a win out of his ass. You never know with the NFL. I'd rather see the Eagles potent offense in the playoffs.
#16 Miami Dolphins 8-7 (Previously Unranked): Miami's worst line in the NFL has been a pair of led boots for this team. Their offense can't get started or establish any sort of rythym with Tannehill constantly on the ground and constantly having to throw the ball away. He isn't helped by the complete lack of a run game either. It's win and in for Miami against the Jets, but the Jets extremely solid D-Line should make this a struggle for Tannehill. At the end of year 2, will Tannehill have improved enough to carry this team?
#1: San Francisco 49ers 11-4 (Previously #4): The '9ers look like the most complete team in the NFL right now. Colin Kaepernick honestly should run the ball more! Every time he ran the ball Monday night it seemed to be a big play or a first down. Crabtree has improved every game and the Niner offense looks almost as good as the defense as of late. If the Rams can pull an upset over the reeling Seahawks this week, the 49ers could get the 2 seed which would give an extra week of rest for Mike Iupati to get back to the lineup.
#2 Denver Broncos 12-3 (Previously #2): Denver is the most consistent team in a weak AFC and that is why I see them making the super bowl. Then again, with Peyton Manning's playoff record, all bets are off. Peyton will surely collect his 5th MVP after this year, but until he wins a second super bowl, my argument with Brady and Montana fans that Peyton is the Quarterback G.O.A.T. still has holes. If it's snowing in New York come Super Bowl Sunday, I don't like Peyton's chances.
#3 Carolina Panthers 11-4 (Previously #8): The Panthers defense is the difference between this year's team and last year's. Cam Newton had a horrible day on Sunday up until about the last drive. Had the defense not completely shut down Drew Brees, ESPN would be flooded with segments about how the Panthers will choke in the playoffs and angry Carolina fans wishing the team would have stuck with Matt Moore (probably not, but people are crazy). Instead, here the Panthers are, with a win and a first round bye in playoffs.
#4 Seattle Seahawks 12-3 (Previously #1): The Seahawks have looked pedestrian at home occasionally and it has to do with the offense. Mainly the injuries at WR where Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin have left Russell Wilson sad and lonely. Seriously though, Carson Palmer got picked 4 times and the Cardinals still won. Marshawn Lynch can't be there only offense against a team like the 49ers or Panthers. The Seahawks better show up against the Rams this week or they will end up the 5th seed in the playoffs and give up their home-field advantage.
#5 New England Patriots 11-4 (Previously #6): Classic Patriots. No Gronk, coming off a loss to the Dolphins, everyone talking about the Ravens upsetting the Pats making the playoffs. And BOOM, the Patriots blow up Baltimore 41-7 and show the NFL the difference between contender and pretender. I don't know if its how good the Pats are or how bad the Ravens are, but it is probably both. The LeGarrette Blount trade has made New England's running game one of the deepest in the league which has carried this team all year.
#6 Philadelphia Eagles 9-6 (Previously Unranked): Philly laid a smackdown on a Bears team that I thought was pretty good. LeSean McCoy is the hero of the Eagles team and the Philly rushing offense is #1 in the league. McCoy's consistency has made the quarterback job much easier for Nick Foles who is sporting a 25:2 TD:INT ratio. The Eagles weak pass defense will be tested against Dez Bryant and the Cowboys, but I think the Eagles will walk away with the division and will book a game with the Saints in the playoffs.
#7 Cincinnati Bengals 10-5 (Previously #9): Marvin Jones has stepped up at WR for the Bengals and it has made Andy Dalton's job much easier. Jones has 9 touchdowns on 46 receptions, pretty good. The Bengals have had a great combination of scoring and playing defense this year and have reached 40 points 4 different times. Andy Dalton has 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns already but he also has 16 picks. This offense is much more dynamic with Giovani Bernard in, but Bernard has had some pass blocking issues. Cincy can ruin rival Baltimore's season with a win Sunday.
#8 New Orleans Saints 10-5 (Previously #7): The arrow for the Saints is pointing down after they have dropped 2 in a row and won 1 of their last 6 on the road. The Saints can't afford a letdown to the upset-minded Bucs on Sunday or they may lose their playoff spot. Championship teams can run and can stop the run. The Saints can't do either, especially lately. With Kenny Vaccaro out, the defense should falter even further. Sean Payton has been a coach of the year candidate this year but outside of Brees and Jimmy Graham, this team is extremely flawed.
#9 Indianapolis Colts 10-5 (Previously #5): Player A has 149 rushing attempts for 433 yards (2.9 ypc) and 3 total touchdowns. Player B has 90 attempts for 506 yards (5.6 ypc) and 7 total touchdowns. Who would you rather play? Player A is Trent Richardson and player B is Donald Brown. The Browns clearly won the Trent Richardson trade which is pretty ironic. The Colts have looked terrible at times and have been blown out by mediocre teams like St. Louis, but they have beaten up on super bowl contenders like the 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos, and Chiefs. Teams better watch out if Indy gets another great WR this offseason.
#10 Arizona Cardinals 10-5 (Previously #16): One of the hottest teams in the league right now, Arizona has won 7 of 8 and could still miss the playoffs if they beat the 49ers next week. Imagine what this team could do with a real quarterback! I'm slightly picking on Calais Campbell who said "We have a real QB now" at the beginning of the season, but seriously, Carson Palmer threw 4 picks and AZ still managed to win. After a big win against Seattle, this team feels like they could beat anybody. Sad that they could be left out of the dance.
#11 Kansas City Chiefs 11-4 (Previously #3): Ahh, the beneficiaries of a last place schedule. Besides early wins against Dallas and Philly in week 2 and 3 respectively, KC hasn't beaten a winning team this year. Jamaal Charles is this offense he needs the ball in his hands 30 times a game. Last week KC lost to the Colts because Charles didn't get enough carries in the redzone. This team is the feel goodstory of the year, but I don't think they stand a chance in playoffs. However, you never know. Alex Smith could play out of his mind and rattle off a few wins and play San Fran in the super bowl in an epic matchup. I can dream.
#12 San Diego Chargers 8-7 (Previously Unranked): San Diego hasn't lost a game by more than 10 this year. Who was that against? THE RAIDERS! Seriously! The Chargers have played to their competition all year and their secondary has played poorly, but they are still in the playoff hunt. Ryan Matthews and Phillip Rivers are playing great which is a good sight for Charger fans. Next year Malcolm Floyd and Melvin Ingram will be back and this team could be a surprise division winner.
#13/14 Chicago Bears 8-7 (Previously #10) Green Bay Packers 7-7-1 (Previously #11): The Bears got spanked on prime time TV and I was embarrassed for them. They had a chance to win the division, but instead they were blown away 54-11. Good thing for Chicago that Green Bay is playing poorly. Aaron Rodgers should be back for this game which may be enough to help GB outscore the depleted Chicago D. The winner will likely play the 49ers and get smashed, but either team would be happy to make the playoffs considering the injuries this year.
#15 Dallas Cowboys 8-7 (Previously #13) Dallas makes everything look so difficult. With Romo out, I think their defense will be exposed as the sole reason that this team is stuck in the mud. Romo has had several comebacks this year and often gets the blame for the terrible D. The Eagles could run all over Dallas' historic, worst defense in NFL history, or Kyle Orton could miraculously pull a win out of his ass. You never know with the NFL. I'd rather see the Eagles potent offense in the playoffs.
#16 Miami Dolphins 8-7 (Previously Unranked): Miami's worst line in the NFL has been a pair of led boots for this team. Their offense can't get started or establish any sort of rythym with Tannehill constantly on the ground and constantly having to throw the ball away. He isn't helped by the complete lack of a run game either. It's win and in for Miami against the Jets, but the Jets extremely solid D-Line should make this a struggle for Tannehill. At the end of year 2, will Tannehill have improved enough to carry this team?
NFL Power Rankings 3rd Edition:
#1 Seattle Seahawks 8-1 (Previously #1): Even though the Seahawks looked suspect for the entire first half against Tampa, they still stay at the top spot. Good teams find a way to win against the odds and I am pretty sure that the real Seahawks are the ones who outscored the Buccaneers 27-3, not the ones who fell to down 21-0 to start the game off. The Seahawks benefit from a weak schedule and probably will have an easy time winning 13 or 14 games this year. Percy Harvin could be back from here on out.
#2 Denver Broncos 7-1 (Previously #4): The Broncos have had a lot of time to watch film of the Kansas City team that they will be seeing 2 of the next 4 weeks. Though KC is undefeated, Denver will likely be the favorite by around a touchdown, and they should be. The key to Denver's success against the Chiefs is the turnover battle. Knowshon Moreno had better hold on to the ball because Tamba Hali and Justin Houston will be going for the strip every play. Denver is easily the favorite to be the AFC's #1 seed in my opinion.
#3 Kansas City Chiefs 9-0 (Previously #3): The Chiefs are the only undefeated team, but I remain a skeptic. This opportunistic defense has feasted on 4 backup quarterbacks this year and have seemed less then perfect. I don't think that their offense is very good because Alex Smith has trouble finishing drives, and doesn't have a legit offensive weapon outside of Jamaal Charles. Smith's ineffectiveness in the redzone was probably a big reason the Kaepernick got the nod when the torch was passed. The Chiefs have their first real test of the year after the bye against Denver, which will tell us who they really are.
#4 San Francisco 49ers 6-2 (Previously #4): Yes I have them ahead of the Colts, even though the Colts won the head to head matchup. I just think that the '9ers would win if the two teams squared up right now. Since their week 3 loss, the 49ers have rediscovered themselves as a power team and have put up 32 points at least in the last 5 games. San Fran hopes to get Aldon Smith, Tank Carradine, and Mario Manningham into this week's game against Carolina after the bye. The 3 additions will be nice when Kaepernick meets Cam at Candlestick in a battle of two of the hottest teams in the league.
#5 Indianapolis Colts 6-2 (Previously #2): The Colts take a dip in the rankings because they haven't look as consistent as the 4 teams above. Reggie Wayne's injury was apparent in the first half against Houston, but T.Y. Hilton rose to the occasion. Other than Andrew Luck, I really have no confidence in how consistent this offense can be. Trent Richardson is just....yeah....its all bad. The Browns are sitting at 4-5 having a party in GM Michael Lombardi's name. St. Louis is better than Houston and the Colts will have to play better to get away with a win next week.
#6 New England Patriots 7-2 (Previously #8): Tom Brady and co made fools out of the old, slow, Steeler defense and heads into the bye week. This team will probably win 11 or 12 games, but come playoff time, they are going to get run over. Allowing 131 rushing yards per game, 31st in the league. The Pats D-line has been a shell of itself without Vince Wilfork. This team is a lot less talented than Patriots teams of the past and probably will flounder in the playoffs against Indy or maybe even Kansas City. This team is again fortunate to be in such a consistently shitty division.
#7 New Orleans Saints 6-2 (Previously #6): The Saints go down a few pegs after an puzzling loss to the Jets. That's what happens when you have no receivers and Darren Sproles goes down. The Saints put up just 6 point in the second half and managed only 41 yards rushing on 13 attempts. Even in this passing league, if you only have 13 rushing attempts in a game, you usually lose. The next two games against the Cowboys and 49ers are important for the Saints playoff hopes and for their overall confidence. This is not as complete of an offense for the Saints as in recent years.
#8 Carolina Panthers 5-3 (Previously #14): The Panthers have won 4 straight with the classic NFL mantra, "Run the ball and stop the run." The Panthers have not only beaten teams these last 4 games, they have blown them out en route to looking like a potential division winner. The hot streak is put to the test against the juggernaut San Francisco team with a similar style. I really wish that the Panthers could trot out a receiver opposite Steve Smith who's not named Ted Ginn or Brandon LaFell. The two leave me, and the entire Carolina fan base feeling uninspired. Luke Keuchly vs. Kaepernick. Cam Newton vs. Patrick Willis. It's going to be a good one.
#9 Cincinnati Bengals 6-3 (Previously #7): Just when the Bengals start stringing together wins and start becoming a trendy super bowl pick, Andy Dalton throws a monkey wrench in their momentum. Dalton threw 0 touchdowns and 3 picks and got sacked in the endzone for the walk-off OT Dolphin win. Just when I start to think, maybe I should ease up on the Dalton hate after a shellacking against the Jets, Dalton restores my confidence in the fact that he will never lead the Bengals to an AFC Championship game, let alone a Super Bowl. The loss of Geno Atkins may hurt more than the loss in the game since the Bengals are still up 2 games in the division. Geno Atkins was their biggest game changer on a top 10 defense that could potentially become bottom 10 now.
#10 Chicago Bears 5-3 (Previously #15): Everything went right for the Packers on Monday night and they looked dominant on both sides of the ball. Josh McCown has taken advantage of the huge catching radius of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jefferey, and Martellus Bennett. While Clay Matthews watched from the sideline, the Bears O-Line gave McCown all day to through with hardly a sniff of a pass rush. The Packers had to call exotic corner/outside linebacker blitzes to create pressure which led to man coverage against some of the most physically dominant WRs in the NFL. This is the biggest win of the season for the Bears, especially coming on the back of Josh McCown. With Jay Cutler possibly back in the fold next week, the momentum should keep the Bears rolling.
#11 Green Bay Packers 5-3 (Previously #10): For the sake of the cheese-heads, I hope that Aaron Rodgers isn't out for too long. Seneca Wallace showed us just how quick of a release Rodgers truly has by getting sacked a million times. Eddie Lacy didn't manage much in the 4th quarter, but was the only offensive weapon for Green Bay today. The Packers secondary looked like the CAL Bears secondary, getting juked out and basically manhandled by the big Chicago receivers. I really wish the Packers had kept Vince Young after the preseason. I think he could have actually led them to victory if he played in this game.
#12 Detroit Lions 5-3 (Previously #12): Detroit is going to be competing with Carolina for the #6 seed in the NFC playoffs for the whole season. Realistically I don't think that Detroit can catch Green Bay for the division title. They have a much tougher schedule, and can't count on 300 yards receiving from Calvin Johnson every night. Detroit has a 3 game stretch later in the season against Green Bay, Philly, and Baltimore that will really define their entire season. They could win all of them or lose all of them, it depends on what Lions team shows up to play.
#13 Dallas Cowboys 5-4 (Previously NR): The Cowboys have lost 3 games by a combined 5 points. If just two of those had gone the other way, we'd be talking about this team's super bowl chances, their 3 game division lead, and how Tony Romo is in line for an All-Pro appearance. Instead, were thinking aloud about how Dallas is going to choke again this year. If Dallas wins on Sunday Night Football against the Saints, the Cowboys will be in firm control of the division. If not, get ready for the Eagles to become the pick to win the NFC East. The media won't let Dez Bryant stay out of the spotlight.
#14 New York Jets 5-4 (Previously #13): If you told me the Jets would be 5-4 before this year started, I would laugh. Look who's laughing now. Just a week after suffering the biggest blowout of the year, the unsuspecting Jets put New Orleans into submission with a dominating run defense. Geno Smith has looked much better than I expected, despite the 8-13 TD:INT ratio, and is on pace to throw for 3,000 yards. Not too long ago, that was seen as a major achievement. Chris Ivory finally looked like the guy the Jets envisioned him to be when they traded for him and the Saints backfield looked miserable. If the Jets win at Buffalo this week, they could be looking at a wildcard spot.
#15 Tennessee Titans 4-4 (Previously #16): Chris Johnson finally had a good day even though Shonn Greene is back to take away his goal line carries. St. Louis is also known to have huge lapses on a week to week basis in the run defense game so maybe this wasn't entirely the break through that gets Chris Johnson back to 2010 form. The Titans get to play the Jags twice over their final 8 games, but also have to play the Colts twice. Tennessee was on my potential playoff newcomers list and I still think they could make the playoffs if they win 9 or 10 games.
#16 Arizona Cardinals 4-4 (Previously NR): The Cardinals are quietly in the playoff hunt and are excited about 7.7 yards per carry from 6th round pick Andre Ellington. The explosive Clemson product has secured the Cardinals feature back role for now. If Arizona wins their next two, winnable, games with the Texans and Jags, this team will be 6-4 and competing for the playoffs. Imagine how good they would be if they had someone better than Carson Palmer! The Cardinals are getting better on offense every year, but their solid front 7 is getting older and has an expiration date on speed.
#2 Denver Broncos 7-1 (Previously #4): The Broncos have had a lot of time to watch film of the Kansas City team that they will be seeing 2 of the next 4 weeks. Though KC is undefeated, Denver will likely be the favorite by around a touchdown, and they should be. The key to Denver's success against the Chiefs is the turnover battle. Knowshon Moreno had better hold on to the ball because Tamba Hali and Justin Houston will be going for the strip every play. Denver is easily the favorite to be the AFC's #1 seed in my opinion.
#3 Kansas City Chiefs 9-0 (Previously #3): The Chiefs are the only undefeated team, but I remain a skeptic. This opportunistic defense has feasted on 4 backup quarterbacks this year and have seemed less then perfect. I don't think that their offense is very good because Alex Smith has trouble finishing drives, and doesn't have a legit offensive weapon outside of Jamaal Charles. Smith's ineffectiveness in the redzone was probably a big reason the Kaepernick got the nod when the torch was passed. The Chiefs have their first real test of the year after the bye against Denver, which will tell us who they really are.
#4 San Francisco 49ers 6-2 (Previously #4): Yes I have them ahead of the Colts, even though the Colts won the head to head matchup. I just think that the '9ers would win if the two teams squared up right now. Since their week 3 loss, the 49ers have rediscovered themselves as a power team and have put up 32 points at least in the last 5 games. San Fran hopes to get Aldon Smith, Tank Carradine, and Mario Manningham into this week's game against Carolina after the bye. The 3 additions will be nice when Kaepernick meets Cam at Candlestick in a battle of two of the hottest teams in the league.
#5 Indianapolis Colts 6-2 (Previously #2): The Colts take a dip in the rankings because they haven't look as consistent as the 4 teams above. Reggie Wayne's injury was apparent in the first half against Houston, but T.Y. Hilton rose to the occasion. Other than Andrew Luck, I really have no confidence in how consistent this offense can be. Trent Richardson is just....yeah....its all bad. The Browns are sitting at 4-5 having a party in GM Michael Lombardi's name. St. Louis is better than Houston and the Colts will have to play better to get away with a win next week.
#6 New England Patriots 7-2 (Previously #8): Tom Brady and co made fools out of the old, slow, Steeler defense and heads into the bye week. This team will probably win 11 or 12 games, but come playoff time, they are going to get run over. Allowing 131 rushing yards per game, 31st in the league. The Pats D-line has been a shell of itself without Vince Wilfork. This team is a lot less talented than Patriots teams of the past and probably will flounder in the playoffs against Indy or maybe even Kansas City. This team is again fortunate to be in such a consistently shitty division.
#7 New Orleans Saints 6-2 (Previously #6): The Saints go down a few pegs after an puzzling loss to the Jets. That's what happens when you have no receivers and Darren Sproles goes down. The Saints put up just 6 point in the second half and managed only 41 yards rushing on 13 attempts. Even in this passing league, if you only have 13 rushing attempts in a game, you usually lose. The next two games against the Cowboys and 49ers are important for the Saints playoff hopes and for their overall confidence. This is not as complete of an offense for the Saints as in recent years.
#8 Carolina Panthers 5-3 (Previously #14): The Panthers have won 4 straight with the classic NFL mantra, "Run the ball and stop the run." The Panthers have not only beaten teams these last 4 games, they have blown them out en route to looking like a potential division winner. The hot streak is put to the test against the juggernaut San Francisco team with a similar style. I really wish that the Panthers could trot out a receiver opposite Steve Smith who's not named Ted Ginn or Brandon LaFell. The two leave me, and the entire Carolina fan base feeling uninspired. Luke Keuchly vs. Kaepernick. Cam Newton vs. Patrick Willis. It's going to be a good one.
#9 Cincinnati Bengals 6-3 (Previously #7): Just when the Bengals start stringing together wins and start becoming a trendy super bowl pick, Andy Dalton throws a monkey wrench in their momentum. Dalton threw 0 touchdowns and 3 picks and got sacked in the endzone for the walk-off OT Dolphin win. Just when I start to think, maybe I should ease up on the Dalton hate after a shellacking against the Jets, Dalton restores my confidence in the fact that he will never lead the Bengals to an AFC Championship game, let alone a Super Bowl. The loss of Geno Atkins may hurt more than the loss in the game since the Bengals are still up 2 games in the division. Geno Atkins was their biggest game changer on a top 10 defense that could potentially become bottom 10 now.
#10 Chicago Bears 5-3 (Previously #15): Everything went right for the Packers on Monday night and they looked dominant on both sides of the ball. Josh McCown has taken advantage of the huge catching radius of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jefferey, and Martellus Bennett. While Clay Matthews watched from the sideline, the Bears O-Line gave McCown all day to through with hardly a sniff of a pass rush. The Packers had to call exotic corner/outside linebacker blitzes to create pressure which led to man coverage against some of the most physically dominant WRs in the NFL. This is the biggest win of the season for the Bears, especially coming on the back of Josh McCown. With Jay Cutler possibly back in the fold next week, the momentum should keep the Bears rolling.
#11 Green Bay Packers 5-3 (Previously #10): For the sake of the cheese-heads, I hope that Aaron Rodgers isn't out for too long. Seneca Wallace showed us just how quick of a release Rodgers truly has by getting sacked a million times. Eddie Lacy didn't manage much in the 4th quarter, but was the only offensive weapon for Green Bay today. The Packers secondary looked like the CAL Bears secondary, getting juked out and basically manhandled by the big Chicago receivers. I really wish the Packers had kept Vince Young after the preseason. I think he could have actually led them to victory if he played in this game.
#12 Detroit Lions 5-3 (Previously #12): Detroit is going to be competing with Carolina for the #6 seed in the NFC playoffs for the whole season. Realistically I don't think that Detroit can catch Green Bay for the division title. They have a much tougher schedule, and can't count on 300 yards receiving from Calvin Johnson every night. Detroit has a 3 game stretch later in the season against Green Bay, Philly, and Baltimore that will really define their entire season. They could win all of them or lose all of them, it depends on what Lions team shows up to play.
#13 Dallas Cowboys 5-4 (Previously NR): The Cowboys have lost 3 games by a combined 5 points. If just two of those had gone the other way, we'd be talking about this team's super bowl chances, their 3 game division lead, and how Tony Romo is in line for an All-Pro appearance. Instead, were thinking aloud about how Dallas is going to choke again this year. If Dallas wins on Sunday Night Football against the Saints, the Cowboys will be in firm control of the division. If not, get ready for the Eagles to become the pick to win the NFC East. The media won't let Dez Bryant stay out of the spotlight.
#14 New York Jets 5-4 (Previously #13): If you told me the Jets would be 5-4 before this year started, I would laugh. Look who's laughing now. Just a week after suffering the biggest blowout of the year, the unsuspecting Jets put New Orleans into submission with a dominating run defense. Geno Smith has looked much better than I expected, despite the 8-13 TD:INT ratio, and is on pace to throw for 3,000 yards. Not too long ago, that was seen as a major achievement. Chris Ivory finally looked like the guy the Jets envisioned him to be when they traded for him and the Saints backfield looked miserable. If the Jets win at Buffalo this week, they could be looking at a wildcard spot.
#15 Tennessee Titans 4-4 (Previously #16): Chris Johnson finally had a good day even though Shonn Greene is back to take away his goal line carries. St. Louis is also known to have huge lapses on a week to week basis in the run defense game so maybe this wasn't entirely the break through that gets Chris Johnson back to 2010 form. The Titans get to play the Jags twice over their final 8 games, but also have to play the Colts twice. Tennessee was on my potential playoff newcomers list and I still think they could make the playoffs if they win 9 or 10 games.
#16 Arizona Cardinals 4-4 (Previously NR): The Cardinals are quietly in the playoff hunt and are excited about 7.7 yards per carry from 6th round pick Andre Ellington. The explosive Clemson product has secured the Cardinals feature back role for now. If Arizona wins their next two, winnable, games with the Texans and Jags, this team will be 6-4 and competing for the playoffs. Imagine how good they would be if they had someone better than Carson Palmer! The Cardinals are getting better on offense every year, but their solid front 7 is getting older and has an expiration date on speed.
Fantasy Busts: Half year edition
10. Michael Vick: After starting the season with two huge weeks and taking the NFL by storm with Chip Kelly's "innovative new style," Vick and Kelly have come back to Earth. After an ineffective start to the last game led to a benching, reality has come crashing down to owners of Vick. Vick is not the answer as a quarterback for the Eagles or your fantasy team in the future.
9. Marques Colston: After a touchdown in week one gave him a respectable 12.80 point performance, Colston has not been the guy that people drafted him to be. In his last 3 games he has only 4.40 points total and the emergence of Kenny Stills is a reason why. Colston was thought of as a solid #2 option at receiver this year, has been outscored this year by the likes of Donnie Avery, Marlon Brown, and Jeremy Kerley.
8. Mike Wallace: The big Miami free agent signing has been a bust for his new team and his owners in fantasy. Taken 16th overall among receivers, way before players like Jordy Nelson, Eric Decker, and Desean Jackson, Wallace has struggled to find chemistry with the inconsistent, young Ryan Tannehill. Mike Wallace needs Big Ben and Big Ben needs him back.
7. David Wilson: Wilson was expected to be a breakout candidate this year. The potentially explosive runner cannot get out of his own way and had 2 fumbles on opening night. Wilson had -2.10 points that night while starting in more leagues. After a few more abysmal weeks, he's ended up on the Inactive List. As David Wilson's hopes of being an NFL star and fantasy stud have faded, so have the Giants playoff hopes, and your fantasy teams playoff hopes.
6. Arian Foster: After a 4 attempt, 11 point day, its safe to say that the #2 taken player in all ESPN fantasy drafts, has been a bust. Through 7 games, Foster has had 745 yards combined but only 2 total touchdowns. His lack of end-zone trips has given him the 10th most points among running-backs, a far cry from his #2 draft position. The entire Texans team has been a dissapointment.
5. Tom Brady: This ranking is the fault of the Patriots receiving core than Tom himself. After being drafted 4th among all QB's, he has been 19th among them during the season behind Terelle Pryor and Geno Smith. YIKES! He has had 3 games of under 7.2 points and has only 1 game with above 20 points. Tom might be a good guy to buy low right now if you need a QB. If you drafted him, you should have known better with these wide-outs.
4. Roddy White: Seeing action in the first 5 games, White amassed 12.9 points. White was taken in the third round on average and has been the worst pick of the year on more than a few teams. Falcons fans who drafted White, Julio Jones, and Steven Jackson are 0-8 in their leagues! But seriously, if White could get healthy at any point this season, he would inherit some of the points Harry Douglas has gotten in recent weeks and would be a solid start. Buy low on Roddy White now if you can!
3. Steven Jackson: Nobody expected this from Jackson. Maybe the Rams did good in getting rid of him. Drafted #16th on average, Jackson is simply too far past his prime and has been injured most of the year while giving only 20.30 fantasy points the whole season. Hopefully the people who drafted Steven Jackson handcuffed him with Jacquizz Rodgers.
2. C.J. Spiller: After being overvalued by many fantasy fanatics, C.J. Spiller snuck into the bottom of the first round, taken 10th overall on average. Spiller is playing more like he did every year but 2012. Looks explosive while he's in, but is often injured and competes with Fred Jackson for playing time. Spiller has only 1 touchdown and hasn't been the pass catcher expected with only 36 total yards. Spiller was a down right shitty pick this year.
1. Ray Rice: Ranking 34th among all running-backs, Ray Rice has had a forgettable season. After a super bowl win and the loss of Anquan Boldin, fantasy owners figure that Ray Rice would get a great share of catches and made him the 4th back taken in the draft. 3 games with 1 point or less and only two games with more than 10 points have left fantasy owners in tears. A good running-back has been hard to find this year and Ray Rice has turned out to be Fool's Gold.
9. Marques Colston: After a touchdown in week one gave him a respectable 12.80 point performance, Colston has not been the guy that people drafted him to be. In his last 3 games he has only 4.40 points total and the emergence of Kenny Stills is a reason why. Colston was thought of as a solid #2 option at receiver this year, has been outscored this year by the likes of Donnie Avery, Marlon Brown, and Jeremy Kerley.
8. Mike Wallace: The big Miami free agent signing has been a bust for his new team and his owners in fantasy. Taken 16th overall among receivers, way before players like Jordy Nelson, Eric Decker, and Desean Jackson, Wallace has struggled to find chemistry with the inconsistent, young Ryan Tannehill. Mike Wallace needs Big Ben and Big Ben needs him back.
7. David Wilson: Wilson was expected to be a breakout candidate this year. The potentially explosive runner cannot get out of his own way and had 2 fumbles on opening night. Wilson had -2.10 points that night while starting in more leagues. After a few more abysmal weeks, he's ended up on the Inactive List. As David Wilson's hopes of being an NFL star and fantasy stud have faded, so have the Giants playoff hopes, and your fantasy teams playoff hopes.
6. Arian Foster: After a 4 attempt, 11 point day, its safe to say that the #2 taken player in all ESPN fantasy drafts, has been a bust. Through 7 games, Foster has had 745 yards combined but only 2 total touchdowns. His lack of end-zone trips has given him the 10th most points among running-backs, a far cry from his #2 draft position. The entire Texans team has been a dissapointment.
5. Tom Brady: This ranking is the fault of the Patriots receiving core than Tom himself. After being drafted 4th among all QB's, he has been 19th among them during the season behind Terelle Pryor and Geno Smith. YIKES! He has had 3 games of under 7.2 points and has only 1 game with above 20 points. Tom might be a good guy to buy low right now if you need a QB. If you drafted him, you should have known better with these wide-outs.
4. Roddy White: Seeing action in the first 5 games, White amassed 12.9 points. White was taken in the third round on average and has been the worst pick of the year on more than a few teams. Falcons fans who drafted White, Julio Jones, and Steven Jackson are 0-8 in their leagues! But seriously, if White could get healthy at any point this season, he would inherit some of the points Harry Douglas has gotten in recent weeks and would be a solid start. Buy low on Roddy White now if you can!
3. Steven Jackson: Nobody expected this from Jackson. Maybe the Rams did good in getting rid of him. Drafted #16th on average, Jackson is simply too far past his prime and has been injured most of the year while giving only 20.30 fantasy points the whole season. Hopefully the people who drafted Steven Jackson handcuffed him with Jacquizz Rodgers.
2. C.J. Spiller: After being overvalued by many fantasy fanatics, C.J. Spiller snuck into the bottom of the first round, taken 10th overall on average. Spiller is playing more like he did every year but 2012. Looks explosive while he's in, but is often injured and competes with Fred Jackson for playing time. Spiller has only 1 touchdown and hasn't been the pass catcher expected with only 36 total yards. Spiller was a down right shitty pick this year.
1. Ray Rice: Ranking 34th among all running-backs, Ray Rice has had a forgettable season. After a super bowl win and the loss of Anquan Boldin, fantasy owners figure that Ray Rice would get a great share of catches and made him the 4th back taken in the draft. 3 games with 1 point or less and only two games with more than 10 points have left fantasy owners in tears. A good running-back has been hard to find this year and Ray Rice has turned out to be Fool's Gold.
NFL Power Rankings: 2nd Edition
#1 Seattle Seahawks 6-1 (LW #2): Seattle put up a good game against a solid Arizona defense and deserves the #1 spot. Russell Wilson is rounding into form and was spraying the ball all over the field against an adequate secondary. The secondary is the best in the league by far and the Cardinals had to work the formations to get Walter Thurmond covering Larry Fitzgerald to give him a chance. The Seahawks will eat up inaccurate QBs like Carson Palmer all day on any day and that is what makes them the best right now. How many times can they pick off Kellen Clemens next Monday?
#2 Indianapolis Colts 5-2 (LW #6): Andrew Luck pulls off the win of his young career and silences every analyst predicting the Colts to take a step back this year. The Colts have beaten the 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos this year, all teams that were thought to be the best in the league at one point. The Colts are the model of balanced team this year and the bits and pieces that they have picked up from different teams have worked well collectively. The Reggie Wayne injury really hurts but I think that Coby Fleener and Darius Heyward-Bey can pick up the slack. Where are you Trent Richardson?
#3 Kansas City Chiefs 7-0 (LW #4): The only remaining undefeated team squeaked by Houston and has swept the state of Texas, 17-16 both times. Alex Smith just knows how to win! Maybe Jim Harbaugh's magic rubbed off on him. Smith again has the benefit of a top NFL defense. They give up the least points per game with 11.6, and have the most sacks in the league. The 7-0 start has everyone overlooking the fact that none of their rookies have shown up except 49er's cut 7th rounder Marcus Cooper at cornerback. The 49ers are happy about the 7-0 record. Two more wins for Smith and KC and the Niners get KC's 2nd round pick next year.
#4 Denver Broncos 6-1 (LW #1): We knew that they would stumble at some point. Giving up a league high 28 points per game is going to make you lose once in a while, even when you score 42 a game. The Broncos will have a really hard time against teams like Seattle, San Fran, and even New Orleans. Luckily for them, those teams are all in the NFC. Peyton could drop 7 touchdowns again this week against Washington, but what happens after that against the KC-D? This last loss opens up questions of how well this team is built for the playoffs. A question that Peyton knows all too well.
#5 San Francisco 49ers 5-2 (LW #7): A solid win over a Titans team that I really like has the Niners jump the Saints. Indy's win also makes this team look great. Besides their losses to this week's #1 and #2 teams, they have had all solid wins. This week they head on a vacation to London to relax. Just kidding, but honestly, they play Jacksonville. I wonder who will win the NFC Best if the Niners finish 12-4, which i anticipate that they will. When Crabtree and Manningham are back in the fold at receiver, this may be the most complete offense in the NFL. Look out Seattle!
#6 New Orleans Saints 5-1 (LW #5): The Saints went down by one in the ranking on a bye week because of the big Colts win and the big Patriots loss. I am worried about New Orleans this week in a trap game against a Buffalo team that takes it to the wire. 5 of the Bills 7 games have been decided by 3 or less. Drew Brees' receivers have caught only 43 of his 157 passes, good for about 27%. They are just not getting separation and it is eventually going to cost this team. I suggest this team taking Marquise Lee in the draft! Or Mike Evans if he falls far enough.
#7 Cincinnati Bengals 5-2 (LW #9): Another good win for the Bengals and A.J. Green. Green makes Andy Dalton look like an adequate quarterback! Giovani Bernard outplayed Reggie Bush, but that wasn't really hard as Bush struggled to find running room. This team is clearly the best in a poor NFC North and should walk away with the division. I'm excited to see how Rex Ryan deals with A.J. Green next week in a big game with the Jets.
#8 New England Patriots 5-2 (LW #3): The Patriots should have known that the Jets always show up to play them. How did Geno Smith out duel Tom Brady? How did Tom Brady not throw a touchdown, again? How could the Patriots pay Danny Amendola all that money to be in the training room? The list of questions goes on. The rest of the AFC East is better this year and the Patriots are worse, but is it enough for the Patriots to lose hold of the division? Good thing Gronk is back.
#9 Dallas Cowboys 4-3 (LW #14): The Cowboys finally get consecutive wins and get ready for a game against Detroit that will define the first half of the season. Could they finish 8-8 again this year and win the division? Probably. Luckily they play in the NFC Least. I don't think that Detroit's secondary can do anything to slow down the Romo to Dez Bryant connection and that will probably be the team's saving grace in this game with Demarco Murray and Demarcus Ware doubtful to play. No matter how you look at it, the 17-3 win over Philly was the statement win that Dallas doesn't usually get within the division.
#10 Green Bay Packers 4-2 (LW # 10): The injuries pile on even more as Jermichael Finley went down. Luckily for the cheese heads, the easiest part of the schedule has just begun. In the next few weeks looks something like this, Vikings, Bears, Eagles, Giants, Vikings. That is a very achievable 5 wins in 5 weeks scenario for a team that should be close to healthy afterwards. The injuries to the Bears makes the schedule look especially good with Jay Cutler out. Aaron Rodgers will have to carry this team like we all know that the former MVP can. Green Bay may have one of the easiest schedules in the league this year.
#11 San Diego Chargers 4-3 (LW #15): An easy win over the doormat of the league at Jacksonville puts the Chargers in the thick of the playoff hunt heading into the bye. It isn't exactly a good time for a bye as this team has had momentum the last few weeks. The Chargers have a very tough schedule and will need Ryan Matthews to continue to improve. Just as we thought we were going to give up on Phillip Rivers and Matthew both all together, they flip the switch on. They are both playing their best football right now and the Chargers remain in 3rd in their division and 3 games behind first place. That's just the way it goes for the Chargers.
#12 Detroit Lions 4-3 (LW #11): The loss to the Bengals was disappointing for a team who played pretty well. Matthew Stafford looked whole again with Calvin Johnson back and the two lit it up for a pair of touchdowns, but it wasn't enough. Detroit still has the makings of a playoff team, but I don't think that they can keep pace with the Packers. When Joique Bell comes back, I expect Reggie Bush to run better with less pressure on him, and for the offense to operate at a high-powered tick. Bell and Bush have been arguably the best 1-2 punch when healthy this year. If the defense steps it up, the Lions could be headed back to the playoffs.
#13 New York Jets 4-3 (LW NR): J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! Who says Rex Ryan is going to be fired! at 4-3 and only 1 game back in the division, the Jets have turned their franchise from laughingstock to contender. The kicker is, next year they have the 0-6 Buccaneers first round draft pick! They could get Jadeveon Clowney in the draft! That would be Rex's dream and Tom Brady's nightmare! I don't think Geno Smith is very good, but he is no more inaccurate than Mark Sanchez, and he can run. Also, he is getting better every week and the playbook is opening up for him. Chris Ivory's health is a key component in this teams success.
#14 Carolina Panthers 3-3 (LW NR): Another big win this week has the Panthers looking in a positive direction. Especially with a meeting with Tampa Bay on the horizon. Gil Brandt's suggestion of trading Jonathon Stewart to the NY Giants for Hakeem Nicks couldn't make more sense. Nicks would be a huge threat opposite Steve Smith and the Panthers don't need Stewart anyways with DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert in the backfield. Even if they had to offer Stewart and a 3rd round pick for Nicks, I would take it. If they don't pick up a receiver, I would go for Texas A&M's Mike Evans in the first round of the draft. The 6'5" standout speedster would be an amazing option as Cam's new best friend.
#15 Chicago Bears 4-3 (LW #8): The Lance Briggs loss is big. The Cutler loss is absolutely huge. If Tillman is out for any extended period of time, it would be the dagger. The Bears, who looked great before this weeks loss, will likely watch as another season goes down the tube. After a bye this week. A huge game against Green Bay will show what kind of team they will be after all the injuries. Alshon Jeffery has to be worried. He is in the middle of a break out season that may be compromised by Josh McCown's lack of arm strength. I worry for the Bears.
#16 Tennessee Titans 3-4 (LW #13): The Titans fall 3 spots after a physical beat down from the 49ers. They are a good team, just not good enough to beat the best of them. They have 3 straight losses to 3 teams that are in my top 5. If they can split the series with Indianapolis which could happen, this team could make the playoffs. Jake Locker has the intangibles to do big things with this team. Chris Johnson doesn't have a single rushing touchdown this year. CUT HIM! He is bound to score at some point, but you can't being paying a guy this much money to be this average.
#2 Indianapolis Colts 5-2 (LW #6): Andrew Luck pulls off the win of his young career and silences every analyst predicting the Colts to take a step back this year. The Colts have beaten the 49ers, Seahawks, and Broncos this year, all teams that were thought to be the best in the league at one point. The Colts are the model of balanced team this year and the bits and pieces that they have picked up from different teams have worked well collectively. The Reggie Wayne injury really hurts but I think that Coby Fleener and Darius Heyward-Bey can pick up the slack. Where are you Trent Richardson?
#3 Kansas City Chiefs 7-0 (LW #4): The only remaining undefeated team squeaked by Houston and has swept the state of Texas, 17-16 both times. Alex Smith just knows how to win! Maybe Jim Harbaugh's magic rubbed off on him. Smith again has the benefit of a top NFL defense. They give up the least points per game with 11.6, and have the most sacks in the league. The 7-0 start has everyone overlooking the fact that none of their rookies have shown up except 49er's cut 7th rounder Marcus Cooper at cornerback. The 49ers are happy about the 7-0 record. Two more wins for Smith and KC and the Niners get KC's 2nd round pick next year.
#4 Denver Broncos 6-1 (LW #1): We knew that they would stumble at some point. Giving up a league high 28 points per game is going to make you lose once in a while, even when you score 42 a game. The Broncos will have a really hard time against teams like Seattle, San Fran, and even New Orleans. Luckily for them, those teams are all in the NFC. Peyton could drop 7 touchdowns again this week against Washington, but what happens after that against the KC-D? This last loss opens up questions of how well this team is built for the playoffs. A question that Peyton knows all too well.
#5 San Francisco 49ers 5-2 (LW #7): A solid win over a Titans team that I really like has the Niners jump the Saints. Indy's win also makes this team look great. Besides their losses to this week's #1 and #2 teams, they have had all solid wins. This week they head on a vacation to London to relax. Just kidding, but honestly, they play Jacksonville. I wonder who will win the NFC Best if the Niners finish 12-4, which i anticipate that they will. When Crabtree and Manningham are back in the fold at receiver, this may be the most complete offense in the NFL. Look out Seattle!
#6 New Orleans Saints 5-1 (LW #5): The Saints went down by one in the ranking on a bye week because of the big Colts win and the big Patriots loss. I am worried about New Orleans this week in a trap game against a Buffalo team that takes it to the wire. 5 of the Bills 7 games have been decided by 3 or less. Drew Brees' receivers have caught only 43 of his 157 passes, good for about 27%. They are just not getting separation and it is eventually going to cost this team. I suggest this team taking Marquise Lee in the draft! Or Mike Evans if he falls far enough.
#7 Cincinnati Bengals 5-2 (LW #9): Another good win for the Bengals and A.J. Green. Green makes Andy Dalton look like an adequate quarterback! Giovani Bernard outplayed Reggie Bush, but that wasn't really hard as Bush struggled to find running room. This team is clearly the best in a poor NFC North and should walk away with the division. I'm excited to see how Rex Ryan deals with A.J. Green next week in a big game with the Jets.
#8 New England Patriots 5-2 (LW #3): The Patriots should have known that the Jets always show up to play them. How did Geno Smith out duel Tom Brady? How did Tom Brady not throw a touchdown, again? How could the Patriots pay Danny Amendola all that money to be in the training room? The list of questions goes on. The rest of the AFC East is better this year and the Patriots are worse, but is it enough for the Patriots to lose hold of the division? Good thing Gronk is back.
#9 Dallas Cowboys 4-3 (LW #14): The Cowboys finally get consecutive wins and get ready for a game against Detroit that will define the first half of the season. Could they finish 8-8 again this year and win the division? Probably. Luckily they play in the NFC Least. I don't think that Detroit's secondary can do anything to slow down the Romo to Dez Bryant connection and that will probably be the team's saving grace in this game with Demarco Murray and Demarcus Ware doubtful to play. No matter how you look at it, the 17-3 win over Philly was the statement win that Dallas doesn't usually get within the division.
#10 Green Bay Packers 4-2 (LW # 10): The injuries pile on even more as Jermichael Finley went down. Luckily for the cheese heads, the easiest part of the schedule has just begun. In the next few weeks looks something like this, Vikings, Bears, Eagles, Giants, Vikings. That is a very achievable 5 wins in 5 weeks scenario for a team that should be close to healthy afterwards. The injuries to the Bears makes the schedule look especially good with Jay Cutler out. Aaron Rodgers will have to carry this team like we all know that the former MVP can. Green Bay may have one of the easiest schedules in the league this year.
#11 San Diego Chargers 4-3 (LW #15): An easy win over the doormat of the league at Jacksonville puts the Chargers in the thick of the playoff hunt heading into the bye. It isn't exactly a good time for a bye as this team has had momentum the last few weeks. The Chargers have a very tough schedule and will need Ryan Matthews to continue to improve. Just as we thought we were going to give up on Phillip Rivers and Matthew both all together, they flip the switch on. They are both playing their best football right now and the Chargers remain in 3rd in their division and 3 games behind first place. That's just the way it goes for the Chargers.
#12 Detroit Lions 4-3 (LW #11): The loss to the Bengals was disappointing for a team who played pretty well. Matthew Stafford looked whole again with Calvin Johnson back and the two lit it up for a pair of touchdowns, but it wasn't enough. Detroit still has the makings of a playoff team, but I don't think that they can keep pace with the Packers. When Joique Bell comes back, I expect Reggie Bush to run better with less pressure on him, and for the offense to operate at a high-powered tick. Bell and Bush have been arguably the best 1-2 punch when healthy this year. If the defense steps it up, the Lions could be headed back to the playoffs.
#13 New York Jets 4-3 (LW NR): J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! Who says Rex Ryan is going to be fired! at 4-3 and only 1 game back in the division, the Jets have turned their franchise from laughingstock to contender. The kicker is, next year they have the 0-6 Buccaneers first round draft pick! They could get Jadeveon Clowney in the draft! That would be Rex's dream and Tom Brady's nightmare! I don't think Geno Smith is very good, but he is no more inaccurate than Mark Sanchez, and he can run. Also, he is getting better every week and the playbook is opening up for him. Chris Ivory's health is a key component in this teams success.
#14 Carolina Panthers 3-3 (LW NR): Another big win this week has the Panthers looking in a positive direction. Especially with a meeting with Tampa Bay on the horizon. Gil Brandt's suggestion of trading Jonathon Stewart to the NY Giants for Hakeem Nicks couldn't make more sense. Nicks would be a huge threat opposite Steve Smith and the Panthers don't need Stewart anyways with DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert in the backfield. Even if they had to offer Stewart and a 3rd round pick for Nicks, I would take it. If they don't pick up a receiver, I would go for Texas A&M's Mike Evans in the first round of the draft. The 6'5" standout speedster would be an amazing option as Cam's new best friend.
#15 Chicago Bears 4-3 (LW #8): The Lance Briggs loss is big. The Cutler loss is absolutely huge. If Tillman is out for any extended period of time, it would be the dagger. The Bears, who looked great before this weeks loss, will likely watch as another season goes down the tube. After a bye this week. A huge game against Green Bay will show what kind of team they will be after all the injuries. Alshon Jeffery has to be worried. He is in the middle of a break out season that may be compromised by Josh McCown's lack of arm strength. I worry for the Bears.
#16 Tennessee Titans 3-4 (LW #13): The Titans fall 3 spots after a physical beat down from the 49ers. They are a good team, just not good enough to beat the best of them. They have 3 straight losses to 3 teams that are in my top 5. If they can split the series with Indianapolis which could happen, this team could make the playoffs. Jake Locker has the intangibles to do big things with this team. Chris Johnson doesn't have a single rushing touchdown this year. CUT HIM! He is bound to score at some point, but you can't being paying a guy this much money to be this average.
5 Thursday night football thoughts:
Seattle 34 Arizona 22
1. The Cardinals never really had a chance. Besides just being a less talented team overall, their pass first style just couldn't match up with the best secondary in the league. Carson Palmer is too inconsistent and was bound to add a few picks to his growing collection
2. Arizona's defense will keep them in every game this year. In the same way that they were only down 6-0 to the 49ers after two Palmer picks, after clearly being dominated in one half of football, the Cardinals only trailed 17-10. The lone touchdown came after a 1 play, 3 yard drive following a fumble.
3. I can't wait to see what Russell Wilson can do once Percy Harvin comes back. Golden Tate and Sidney Rice will be able to get open more often on the outside thanks to Harvin's inside threat, and Wilson is going to have a field day against vulnerable secondaries.
4. As much as I like Richard Sherman, its tough for me to think he is the best defensive back in the league. In my opinion, he isn't even the best DB in his own secondary. Not even the second best! Brandon Browner and Earl Thomas each had a pick and out shined Sherman as Seattle's top shelf guys who don't have top shelf mouths.
5. Carson Palmer is obviously not the future. If Arizona ends up under .500, I can see them grabbing the third quarterback drafted and picking up Brett Hundley or Aaron Murray. Either would likely be an upgrade to an offense that looks to be teetering on the line between average and above average.
State of the teams: The Seahawks are serious super bowl threats if they get home-field advantage in the playoffs, but every one knows that. I just wonder if they can handle the 49ers on the road. The Cardinals are 3-4, but would be tearing it up in the NFC East. They are underrated. I wish I could be seeing some Jonathon Cooper this year and so does Bruce Arians.
1. The Cardinals never really had a chance. Besides just being a less talented team overall, their pass first style just couldn't match up with the best secondary in the league. Carson Palmer is too inconsistent and was bound to add a few picks to his growing collection
2. Arizona's defense will keep them in every game this year. In the same way that they were only down 6-0 to the 49ers after two Palmer picks, after clearly being dominated in one half of football, the Cardinals only trailed 17-10. The lone touchdown came after a 1 play, 3 yard drive following a fumble.
3. I can't wait to see what Russell Wilson can do once Percy Harvin comes back. Golden Tate and Sidney Rice will be able to get open more often on the outside thanks to Harvin's inside threat, and Wilson is going to have a field day against vulnerable secondaries.
4. As much as I like Richard Sherman, its tough for me to think he is the best defensive back in the league. In my opinion, he isn't even the best DB in his own secondary. Not even the second best! Brandon Browner and Earl Thomas each had a pick and out shined Sherman as Seattle's top shelf guys who don't have top shelf mouths.
5. Carson Palmer is obviously not the future. If Arizona ends up under .500, I can see them grabbing the third quarterback drafted and picking up Brett Hundley or Aaron Murray. Either would likely be an upgrade to an offense that looks to be teetering on the line between average and above average.
State of the teams: The Seahawks are serious super bowl threats if they get home-field advantage in the playoffs, but every one knows that. I just wonder if they can handle the 49ers on the road. The Cardinals are 3-4, but would be tearing it up in the NFC East. They are underrated. I wish I could be seeing some Jonathon Cooper this year and so does Bruce Arians.
NFL Power Rankings: top 16 teams
#1: Denver Broncos 6-0: The Broncos decided not to hurt Shad Khan's feelings, unlike most other NFL teams. But I think Gus Bradley's D is getting better every week and holding Denver to 35 is something to be proud of. Peyton Manning has the best receiving corpse of his career top to bottom. I can't even imagine how many touchdowns Wes Welker is going to have by the end of the year. Time for Peyton's Homecoming!
#2: Seattle Seahawks 5-1: Even though the Seahawks have had some struggles in recent weeks, I think the win over the 49ers is still enough to keep them at #2. Russell Wilson is carrying this team on his arm and legs. Thursday nights matchup at Arizona could be a big day for Wilson with Calais Campbell out. Watch out for Jermaine Kearse to overtake Sidney Rice on the depth chart by the time Percy Harvin is back.
#3: New England Patriots 5-1: The compliments about if this season is Tom Terrific's best have poured on just a week after there were talks about how poor he has played. The NFL right? Anyways, defense is still the story of the year for this all-around solid Pats team. Once Rob-Gronk is back in the offense will be back to their high powered ways.
#4: Kansas City Chiefs 6-0: The Chiefs are a team that I have a hard time ranking. They are undefeated with no real marquee wins. A squeaker win against the Ryan Fitzpatrick led Titans team (gag) rivals a 17-16 win over America's Team as their best win, and neither of those is that big. With games against average teams upcoming, I could see the team with the 2013 draft's #1 pick being 9-0 ready for a week 11 showdown with the Broncos. Now that's primetime TV!
#5: New Orleans Saints 5-1: I thought they had it against the Patriots! Rob Ryan did too! I am genuinely worried about your teams receiving corpse when Nick Toon is your best playmaker. If Jimmy Graham is out for a while, where will Drew Brees turn? He can't throw it to Darren Sproles every play, or can he?
#6: Indianapolis Colts 4-2: Another reason to love the NFL, any team can beat any team. Exemplified Monday Night when a mediocre team took down one of the most impressive looking teams in the NFL. I still think the Colts could easily pull one out this week against the #1 Broncos. T.Y. Hilton is already the best receiver on this team, what a bright future. Also, the longer the season goes on the better the Trent Richardson trade looks for the Browns.
#7: San Francisco 49ers 4-2: Two losses to two of the best teams in the NFL and solid wins in every other game. I think Tennessee's defense can make the Sunday matchup close, but is there any way Ryan Fitzpatrick can beat the Golden Curtain? I doubt it. The 49ers are the lowest team in my rankings that could eventually move up to #1.
#8: Chicago Bears 4-2: The Bears are putting up the third most points in the league and for once, it's the defense who is holding them back (besides the corners). It figures that when they switch from a defensive minded coach to an offensive minded one, their team strength switches too. I guess the grass is always greener. I think this is the year Chicago can win the NFC North, but only because Green Bay is so badly injured.
#9: Cincinnati Bengals 4-2: I don't know what to think about this team! They come back against Green Bay and win it, lose to the Browns, beat the Pats 13-6, and then almost lose to Thad Lewis and the Bills! The Bi-polar team of the year. Andy Dalton is seriously inaccurate and I happen to be in the Andy Dalton Hater's Club because I have A.J. Green on my fantasy team. I'm ready to watch Giovanni Bernard vs. Reggie Bush this week in a tale of two very similar backs.
#10: Green Bay Packers 3-2: What may have been the only receiving corpse rivaling Denver's just got blown up last week when James Jones and Randall Cobb went down. I hear that James Jones might be able to play this weekend, but Cobb may be out until December. The loss of the teams most dynamic player may be offset by the notion that Eddie Lacy might just be alright. Maybe Alabama running backs aren't that overrated?? .... No they still are.
#11: Detroit Lions 4-2: This is the NFC North right here. Number 8-11 contains three teams contending for what is most likely two playoff spots. So who doesn't make it? Probably the Lions who may drop their next too games if Calvin Johnson doesn't get right real quick. Matt Stafford looks like Andy Dalton out there without him! Reggie Bush can't carry this team to a wild card birth by himself.
#12: Miami Dolphins 3-2: When we left off before the bye week, the Dolphins had dropped two in a row against the Saints and the defending champs. I still think Miami can make the playoffs, but only if Mike Wallace can get open more often. The dude only has 1 touchdown this year. Come on! How are you going to sit there and let Brian Hartline be the #1 guy? I'd like to see the O-line at least try to protect Tannehill (24 sacks in 5 games). Then we'll start really talking about playoffs.
#13: Tennessee Titans 3-3: I think the Titans are a playoff contender, but only when Jake Locker is healthy. I have really never liked Chris Johnson and I'm disappointed in Kenny Britt, but I love this defense. The Titans just lost close games to KC and Seattle without Locker and may have had enough to beat Seattle at CenturyLink Field if they had him.
#14: Dallas Cowboys 3-3: The Cowboys got back to .500 after an easy win against Washington. The defensive line was decimated however and may get consequently run over by LeSean McCoy this Sunday. The sparks will fly in that game as Philly's defense can't stop anybody, let alone Dez Bryant. It will probably come down to the Cowboys and Eagles in the NFC East, and I like the Cowboys to win it. But a letdown wouldn't be out of the ordinary for Yason Garrent and Yerry Yones.
#15: San Diego Chargers 3-3: I can't help but put the Chargers in my rankings after a 19-9 shocker over the Colts. The way they did it was just so.....UnChargerlike....(if that's a word). Maybe the Norv Turner Chargers didn't manage the clock or the ball, but not the Mike McCoy Chargers. They won the game with clock control and by not beating themselves, which Phillip Rivers has been doing ever since he has had 3...4....5....6.....and now 7 kids. Maybe this is lucky number 7 and P-Rivers can go back to the elite guy we once knew.
#16: Baltimore Ravens 3-3: Is this the coordinators fault again or is it just Ray Rice? Fans, analysts, and other NFL players, say that Ray Rice needs at least 20-25 touches a game. So why doesn't he get all those touches? It isn't like Bernard Pierce is playing well. Ray Rice has just not merited the touches this year. He has 2.8 yards per carry and isn't getting catches either. So is it the coordinators fault, the O-lines fault, or just Ray's? If this doesn't get turned around, .500 is where Baltimore will spend the lion's share of the season.
#2: Seattle Seahawks 5-1: Even though the Seahawks have had some struggles in recent weeks, I think the win over the 49ers is still enough to keep them at #2. Russell Wilson is carrying this team on his arm and legs. Thursday nights matchup at Arizona could be a big day for Wilson with Calais Campbell out. Watch out for Jermaine Kearse to overtake Sidney Rice on the depth chart by the time Percy Harvin is back.
#3: New England Patriots 5-1: The compliments about if this season is Tom Terrific's best have poured on just a week after there were talks about how poor he has played. The NFL right? Anyways, defense is still the story of the year for this all-around solid Pats team. Once Rob-Gronk is back in the offense will be back to their high powered ways.
#4: Kansas City Chiefs 6-0: The Chiefs are a team that I have a hard time ranking. They are undefeated with no real marquee wins. A squeaker win against the Ryan Fitzpatrick led Titans team (gag) rivals a 17-16 win over America's Team as their best win, and neither of those is that big. With games against average teams upcoming, I could see the team with the 2013 draft's #1 pick being 9-0 ready for a week 11 showdown with the Broncos. Now that's primetime TV!
#5: New Orleans Saints 5-1: I thought they had it against the Patriots! Rob Ryan did too! I am genuinely worried about your teams receiving corpse when Nick Toon is your best playmaker. If Jimmy Graham is out for a while, where will Drew Brees turn? He can't throw it to Darren Sproles every play, or can he?
#6: Indianapolis Colts 4-2: Another reason to love the NFL, any team can beat any team. Exemplified Monday Night when a mediocre team took down one of the most impressive looking teams in the NFL. I still think the Colts could easily pull one out this week against the #1 Broncos. T.Y. Hilton is already the best receiver on this team, what a bright future. Also, the longer the season goes on the better the Trent Richardson trade looks for the Browns.
#7: San Francisco 49ers 4-2: Two losses to two of the best teams in the NFL and solid wins in every other game. I think Tennessee's defense can make the Sunday matchup close, but is there any way Ryan Fitzpatrick can beat the Golden Curtain? I doubt it. The 49ers are the lowest team in my rankings that could eventually move up to #1.
#8: Chicago Bears 4-2: The Bears are putting up the third most points in the league and for once, it's the defense who is holding them back (besides the corners). It figures that when they switch from a defensive minded coach to an offensive minded one, their team strength switches too. I guess the grass is always greener. I think this is the year Chicago can win the NFC North, but only because Green Bay is so badly injured.
#9: Cincinnati Bengals 4-2: I don't know what to think about this team! They come back against Green Bay and win it, lose to the Browns, beat the Pats 13-6, and then almost lose to Thad Lewis and the Bills! The Bi-polar team of the year. Andy Dalton is seriously inaccurate and I happen to be in the Andy Dalton Hater's Club because I have A.J. Green on my fantasy team. I'm ready to watch Giovanni Bernard vs. Reggie Bush this week in a tale of two very similar backs.
#10: Green Bay Packers 3-2: What may have been the only receiving corpse rivaling Denver's just got blown up last week when James Jones and Randall Cobb went down. I hear that James Jones might be able to play this weekend, but Cobb may be out until December. The loss of the teams most dynamic player may be offset by the notion that Eddie Lacy might just be alright. Maybe Alabama running backs aren't that overrated?? .... No they still are.
#11: Detroit Lions 4-2: This is the NFC North right here. Number 8-11 contains three teams contending for what is most likely two playoff spots. So who doesn't make it? Probably the Lions who may drop their next too games if Calvin Johnson doesn't get right real quick. Matt Stafford looks like Andy Dalton out there without him! Reggie Bush can't carry this team to a wild card birth by himself.
#12: Miami Dolphins 3-2: When we left off before the bye week, the Dolphins had dropped two in a row against the Saints and the defending champs. I still think Miami can make the playoffs, but only if Mike Wallace can get open more often. The dude only has 1 touchdown this year. Come on! How are you going to sit there and let Brian Hartline be the #1 guy? I'd like to see the O-line at least try to protect Tannehill (24 sacks in 5 games). Then we'll start really talking about playoffs.
#13: Tennessee Titans 3-3: I think the Titans are a playoff contender, but only when Jake Locker is healthy. I have really never liked Chris Johnson and I'm disappointed in Kenny Britt, but I love this defense. The Titans just lost close games to KC and Seattle without Locker and may have had enough to beat Seattle at CenturyLink Field if they had him.
#14: Dallas Cowboys 3-3: The Cowboys got back to .500 after an easy win against Washington. The defensive line was decimated however and may get consequently run over by LeSean McCoy this Sunday. The sparks will fly in that game as Philly's defense can't stop anybody, let alone Dez Bryant. It will probably come down to the Cowboys and Eagles in the NFC East, and I like the Cowboys to win it. But a letdown wouldn't be out of the ordinary for Yason Garrent and Yerry Yones.
#15: San Diego Chargers 3-3: I can't help but put the Chargers in my rankings after a 19-9 shocker over the Colts. The way they did it was just so.....UnChargerlike....(if that's a word). Maybe the Norv Turner Chargers didn't manage the clock or the ball, but not the Mike McCoy Chargers. They won the game with clock control and by not beating themselves, which Phillip Rivers has been doing ever since he has had 3...4....5....6.....and now 7 kids. Maybe this is lucky number 7 and P-Rivers can go back to the elite guy we once knew.
#16: Baltimore Ravens 3-3: Is this the coordinators fault again or is it just Ray Rice? Fans, analysts, and other NFL players, say that Ray Rice needs at least 20-25 touches a game. So why doesn't he get all those touches? It isn't like Bernard Pierce is playing well. Ray Rice has just not merited the touches this year. He has 2.8 yards per carry and isn't getting catches either. So is it the coordinators fault, the O-lines fault, or just Ray's? If this doesn't get turned around, .500 is where Baltimore will spend the lion's share of the season.
TRADE TONY GONZALEZ!
After a stumble to 1-4 and an embarrassing loss, Atlanta enters a bye week learning that their best wideout, Julio Jones, is out for the year. You can believe me when I say that they won't be making the playoffs. When I first heard that there were talks of a Tony Gonzalez trade scenario, I figured it would never happen (It probably won't). But taking a look at the situation, a trade to one team in perticular really makes sense. The Falcons should trade Tony G. to the Kansas City Chiefs! Not only would Tony be put in a position to fulfill his dream of a super bowl, he would be reunited with his original team where his family is based and where he really wants to win a super bowl. The Falcons need to get younger on offense and defense, and could use extra draft picks this year that Gonzalez would demand. The Chiefs are currently starting an unknown in Seth McGrath and would likely love to grab Tony for a 4th or 5th round pick. Alex Smith loved Vernon Davis as a safety valve in San Francisco and Tony would benefit Dwayne Bowe on the outside with his need for a safety in coverage. Though the deal is unlikely to get done, I believe it would greatly benefit both teams and Tony.
Patriots Escaping the injuries:
The New England Patriots are 4-0 after a win against the Atlanta Falcons and Tom Brady has not been the whole reason. It has mostly been the defense. After the Patriots drafted Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower in the first round of the 2012 draft, NFL analysts thought the D was poised for massive improvement. It didn't come right away but the two have started to become a force for the Patriots. Aside from a vintage Tony Gonzalez game, the Pat's D continued their good year. The whole ordeal of the Patriots being 4-0 is that Amendola and Gronk are set to come back in the next couple weeks. When that happens, the real Patriots offense will be up for display. One where Tom Brady is putting up 4 touchdowns every Sunday with 9 receptions for Amendola and a pair of touchdowns to Gronkowski. Plus, Julian Edelman will look even better once Amendola comes back against weaker corners. LeGarrette Blount has even put up random highlights with the absence of Shane Vereen. The Patriots have had so many people step up, that the team who was in question as having too few offensive weapons a few weeks ago, may have the most playmakers on Offense by the end of the season. If you think the Pats looked good Sunday night, wait a few weeks till the offense really kicks into gear.
My Favorite "Glue Guy" NFL PLAYERS:
Marcel Reece: Reece is a guy who plays a position that is practically extinct, fullback. He is a rare breed when you look at the roster, but when you look to the field, you realize he is also a rare talent. Reece played wide receiver at University of Washington and ran a 4.42 at the combine which is better than all but 2 of the running backs at the 2013 combine. In today's throw first NFL, Reece is a hot commodity for the Raiders. Not only can he run fast and catch, but he runs hard and blocks hard. Last year, Reece started two games for the Raiders at halfback due to injuries and gave a valiant effort. He was the only Pro Bowler out of Oakland last year (albeit an alternate) and seems to be the lone bright spot on a team stuck in a Black Hole (I had to).
Delanie Walker: At tight end, at only 6 foot, Walker brings more to the position than would meet the eye. Not known as a flashy guy, Walker had some explosive catches last year as he established a great rapport with Colin Kaepernick. When Walker wasn't making big plays, he was doing the dirty work for the Niners offense. He lined up anywhere from on the line, out wide, or in the backfield, and would block the defense's best linebacker on every snap. He routinely made huge blocks that sprung Frank Gore and Colin Kaepernick to huge gains. Walker is the underrated signing of the 2013 offseason. Good move Titans.
Julian Edelman: The Patriots are famous for late round gems and Julian Edelman has been a model for the Patriot way ever since he was drafted in the 7th round out of Kent State. Since then, Edelman has found himself in roles in every facet of the game. In 2011, he was forced into a role on defense due to injury and recorded 18 tackles while recovering a few fumbles. He has 3 career punt return touchdowns, and now he is Tom Brady's top target with Danny Amendola injured. Without Edelman, the Patriots would be 1-2 right now.
Darren Sproles: The 5'6" running back has thrived in his time in the NFL in multiple roles. He went from a Chargers team with one of the best backfields in history (Ladanian Tomlinson, Michael Turner, Sproles) to being the definition of scat back on the Saints. Though Sproles only has 9 career rushing touchdowns entering his 9th season, he has posted 7 receiving touchdowns in back to back seasons. The Saints are the most dangerous team to cover linebackers in the entire NFL. How are you supposed to have a guy that can match up with both Sproles and Jimmy Graham? The two are a dynamic duo of opposites for the Saints and Drew Brees can thread the needle. The emergence of Sproles for the Saints has made teams like the Chiefs and Falcons look for similar backs in Dexter McCluster and Jaquizz Rodgers, respectively. This Saint is the glue guy that makes this offense the potent machine that it is.
NFL Potential Playoff Newcomers:
Tennessee Titans: The Titans went in to the offseason with a plan. After a 6-10 season and no playoff appearances since 2008, something needed to be done. At this point the Titans know that CJ2K is not the back that he is paid to be and that was made obvious with the signing of Shonn Greene (3 yrs, $10mill) but if there was any time for a big CJ year it's this year. New guards Andy Levitre and Chance Warmack should be able to produce huge holes against mid level interior lines. The team even added one of the best swiss army knife players in the game in Delanie Walker who should provide a blocking spark on linebackers that Jared Cook could never obtain. These upgrades, paired with a growing and more accurate Jake Locker should be able to win enough games to sneak into the playoffs if CJ plays well. However over 3 games, Chris Johnson has averaged 3.7 yards with no touchdowns. Every time i saw the Titans get into a goal line situation, CJ came off the field, showing that the coaches have lost all faith in his between the tackle ability. Even with Shonn Greene out, they still trusted Jackie Battle more than their "franchise player." The Titans are 2-1.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs surprised on Thursday night by handling the the Philadelphia Roadrunners on both sides of the ball. KC's defense (anchored by Justin Houston's 7.5 sacks, Tamba Hali, and Eric Berry), is scary good. The emergence of Dontari Poe is exactly what this team needed to establish domination on the line. Alex Smith knows how to control a game and put playmakers like Jamaal Charles in a position to score enough to win. Dwayne Bowe's average of 3 catches for 30 yards a game is not going to cut it for much longer. If Bowe gets going, there's no reason the Chiefs can't win 9 or 10 and sneak into the playoffs. The Chiefs are 3-0
Carolina Panthers: After starting the season 0-2, the Panthers took out their frustrations on a Giants team that wasn't ready for what they got. DeAngelo Williams looks reborn after a 120 yard day (If only Mike Tolbert didn't love stealing touchdowns) and Cam looked relatively sharp. Brandon LaFell looked the part with a pair of touchdowns but I'm still convinced that Cam needs another perimeter playmaker for the Carolina offense to be special. The Defense is the real story. After years of getting pounded on the ground due to a crap D-line and injuries to linebackers, the Panthers took DT's in first two rounds of the draft and got Thomas Davis and Jon Beason back in the fold. All this means nothing without the man in the middle, Luke Keuchly. All I needed was this preseason game to show me what i knew all along. Luke Keuchly is one of the best players in the NFL, period. After a pair of close, heartbreaking loses to start the season, week 3's 38-0 performance looked like a statement game to me. We will see where this goes. The Panthers are 1-2