Combine standouts and other thoughts

Jerick Mckinnon, a QB turned running back from division 1-AA Georgia Southern participated in six events at the combine. Mckinnon also finished as a top performer in six events at the combine. In addition to the 40 and the bench press, Mckinnon took part in the vertical and broad jumps as well as the 3-cone drill and 20 yard shuttle. Mckinnon posted an impressive 4.41 at the 40 and 32 reps (more than most linemen) at the bench press competition. Mckinnon was the only non-lineman (with the exception of future blocking TE Joe Don Duncan) to place in the top 15 performers in the bench press. Mckinnon’s on absolutely no one’s draft boards at the moment even though he compiled over 2,800 yards and 32 touchdowns over his last two seasons at Georgia Southern. Obviously it takes more than an impressive combine performance to make it in the NFL, history’s shown that. Mckinnon’s performance on the field and combine show should put him in strong contention for a third round/late second round selection for teams willing to risk taking a small school player.

The fastest wide receiver in the draft (considering 40 time) is Brandin Cooks. The Oregon State speedster clocked in at 4.33. The second fastest wide receiver is John Brown, who clocked in at 4.34. Brown played his college football at Pittsburg State (no ‘h’) of Kansas. He recorded 61 receptions for 1198 yards (that’s almost 20 yards per reception) in his Senior campaign as well as showing versatility as a kick/punt returner on special teams. Brown’s speed and versatility will likely catch the eyes of draft-day bargain hunters looking for depth (or possible starters) in the receiving corps.

Baylor RB Lache Seastrunk finished as the top performer (so far) in both the vertical jump and the broad jump. Seastrunk could stand to gain a little weight, but his impressive combine and time at Baylor should find him leaving no later than the 3rd round with a job.

Michigan OT Taylor Lewan ended the day as the fastest offensive lineman with a sub 4.9 40. His performance timed with Cyrus Kouandjio’s pedestrian showing in the 40 and bench press boost Lewan up the draft board to arguably the third best lineman available.

The supposed trade conversation between Jimmy Haslam and Jim Harbaugh sounds like middle school lunch table gossip.

Minnesota and Oakland will be left trying to convince themselves Derek Carr is worth a top ten first round pick after Manziel, Bridgewater, and Bortles are gone.

The pressure is already on Browns coach Mike Pettine as former coach Rob Chudzinski was fired after one season. Look for Pettine to draft and make moves in free agency to win now as opposed to setting pieces in place for the future (See Mike Singletary, 2010).

New England, Denver, and Green Bay will (and should) select a QB somewhere in day two.  Watching Green Bay implode last season is a cautionary tale to any team not ensuring they have a solid backup quarterback. That and Manning and Brady are older than dirt, their respective ball clubs need to start grooming replacements. Brock Osweiler and Ryan Mallett have promise but don’t look ready to lead an AFC powerhouse after one dirty hit.

Dri Archer will never be good unless he gains some weight. He needs to hang out with Tim Tebow. Bulk up. Speed kills in the NFL, but it doesn’t matter how fast you are if you can’t make it past the line of scrimmage. Warrick Dunn was small (180) but he could take hits and keep pushing the pile. Archer needs to hit the weight room if he wants to be taken seriously in the NFL.

Speaking of being tiny. It doesn’t matter how tall Johnny Manziel is. He’s a powerhouse. He could be 6’5″ and bust or be 5’9″ and be an absolute star. He’s proven himself on the highest stages of college football and he’s only been legally allowed to purchase alcohol for about 3 months. His penchant for running wild is worrisome, but his fiercely competitive spirit, throwing arm, and knack for making something out of nothing remind me of Jake Locker (except hopefully he’ll be better than Jake Locker).

Post combine second round mock

33. Houston Texans – Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama OT

34. Washington Redskins – Yawin Smallwood, Conn ILB

35. Cleveland Browns – Zach Mettenberger, LSU QB

36. Oakland Raiders – Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State WR

37. Atlanta Falcons – Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State OG

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morgan Moses, Virginia OT

39. Jacksonville Jaguars – Carlos Hyde, OSU RB

40. Minnesota Vikings – Lamarcus Joyner, FSU CB

41. Buffalo Bills – Calvin Pryor, Louisville FS

42. Tennessee Titans – Bishop Sankey, Washington RB

43. NY Giants – David Yankey, Stanford OG

44. St. Louis Rams – Trent Murphy, Stanford OLB/DE

45. Detroit Lions – Odell Beckham, LSU WR

46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Marcus Roberson, Florida CB

47. Baltimore Ravens – Allen Robinson, Penn State WR

48. Dallas Cowboys – Deonne Bucannan, Washington State SS

49. NY Jets – Kyle Van Noy, BYU OLB

50. Miami Dolphins – Tre Mason, Auburn RB

51. Chicago Bears – Dee Ford, Auburn DE

52. Arizona Cardinals – Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois QB

53. Green Bay Packers – Terrence Brooks, Florida State FS

54. Philadelphia Eagles – Jaylen Watkins, Florida CB

55. Cincinnati Bengals – Antonio Richardson, Tennessee OT

56. San Francisco 49ers – Bashaud Breeland, Clemson CB

57. San Diego Chargers – Paul Richardson, Colorado WR

58. New Orleans Saints – Christian Jones, Florida State ILB

59. Indianapolis Colts – Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt WR

60. Carolina Panthers – Davante Adams, Fresno State WR

61. San Francisco 49ers – Scott Crichton, Oregon State DE

62. New England Patriots – Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame DT

63. Denver Broncos – Pierre Desir, Lindenwood, CB

64. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Niklas, Notre Dame TE

Newer, better Mock Draft (5/7/2014)

Full seven round mock draft

1. Houston Texans – Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina DE

The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain claims Houston now has their crosshairs set on physical specimen Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney makes a lot of sense as the number one selection. He has the highest ceiling in the draft class and defensive ends are more coveted than ever before. Houston needs a starting QB, and regardless of what I believe they apparently feel that selecting a passer in the second round in order to take Clowney in the first will best help the franchise move forward.

2. St. Louis Rams (through Washington Redskins) – Khalil Mack, Buffalo OLB

Jeff Fisher’s not taking a tackle number two overall. They want to trade out of here. They should take Greg Robinson. And they should trade out of this pick. But neither of those things will happen. Les Snead is left with Sammy Watkins or Khalil Mack at number two.  Mack is a great pass rusher and will benefit any team he joins, including St. Louis. Mack will be a great pick for St. Louis if they don’t find a trade partner.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars –  Sammy Watkins, Clemson WR

Rumors have surfaced of Jacksonville taking Jake Matthews at number three. Johnny Manziel is a strong candidate for this position as well. Watkins makes the most sense here. He’s a sure thing and can make a huge impact for whoever lines up at QB in 2014 and in years to come.

4. Cleveland Browns – Mike Evans, Texas A&M WR

Cleveland will want to take a “value” player here and take a passer at number twenty-six or thirty-five. Rumors are favoring a strong link between Evans and Cleveland at number four. Evans would pair well with Josh Gordon as he is a huge target and Cleveland’s passer would suddenly have a devastating passing offense with Mike Evans, Josh Gordon, and Jordan Cameron in the passing game.

5. Oakland Raiders – Greg Robinson, Auburn OT

Oakland doesn’t seem like they want to take Carr or even Bridgewater here  at number five. If McKenzie wants to follow the “best player available” formula then Robinson makes himself the natural selection here. Robinson is a beast of a tackle and would allow Oakland to cut loose one of their overpriced free agent OL signings this offseason and be a stalwart LT for the next decade in black and silver.

6. Atlanta Falcons – Jake Matthews, Texas A&M OT

The Falcons have major needs on defense and saw their offensive line struggle in 2013. Matthews might be the safest selection in the draft. Matthews performed at an elite level at A&M and should be able to start right away at RT helping Atlanta’s offense return to form and giving Ryan more time in the pocket. Matthews might be the most gifted lineman in the draft when it comes to excelling at his craft.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M QB

Lovie Smith is a historically successful defensive coach on a historically successful defensive franchise in Tampa Bay. So of course their first round selection will be the psychopathic, runs around like a maniac, unconventional quarterback Johnny Manziel. Tampa’s hiring of Josh McCown shows they don’t trust Glennon as the future of the franchise. Tampa missed out on all the sexy picks with Mike Evans jumping up through the draft in the eleventh hour. Manziel can without question be great and with a season behind Josh McCown grow into a disciplined passer and help Tampa Bay become relevant again.

8. Minnesota Vikings – Blake Bortles, Central Florida QB

Bortles is widely considered the best ‘prototypical’ passer in the draft. Anthony Barr, who would fit well in Minnesota, has lost some value in the eyes of top drafting NFL franchises. The franchise can never move forward until they take a passer. They could look for Mettenberger or Garoppolo in the second by taking a Justin Gilbert or Taylor Lewan here, but the franchise has the best chance to return to relevance with the best passer. And the best passer is Blake Bortles.

9. Buffalo Bills – Taylor Lewan, Michigan OT

Lewan boosted his stock at the combine with the fastest 40 time among O linemen with 4.87 and has great size at 6’7″ and 307 lbs. Lewan is a top prospect and will help Manuel develop as a passer by giving him more time to go through his progressions. Building the offensive line is essential for a struggling franchise and Lewan looks to start at the tackle position for the next ten years.

10. Detroit Lions – Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State CB

Gilbert’s the top corner in the draft and would help Detroit’s defense recover from a forgetful 2013. Teams really need three “starting” cornerbacks now with the league being pass-oriented the way that it is. The Lions’ safeties really are an underrated pair and Gilbert makes the most sense for Detroit unless they move up for Watkins/Evans at number ten. Detroit could also decide Odell Beckham is worth the tenth overall pick.

11. Tennessee – Anthony Barr, UCLA OLB

Tennessee’s defense showed resilience but could benefit significantly with a pass rusher like Barr. Barr entered the offseason as the number one ranked pass-rushing OLB on many boards but saw his draft stock get leapfrogged by small school Khalil Mack. Barr would make an excellent addition to a rising Titans’ defense.

12. New York Giants – Zack Martin, Notre Dame OT

Martin’s a top G/T prospect from Notre Dame. He lacks ideal size for the tackle position but’s shown effective pass and run blocking skill at Notre Dame and played well in the BCS title game against powerhouse Alabama. Martin can start at guard for the Giants if they like Will Beatty at left tackle in 2014. Otherwise they can put Pugh at left tackle and have Martin play right tackle as he’s a skilled player with experience at both left and right tackle.

13. St. Louis Rams – Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama FS

The Rams have significant depth issues at the safety position. Trumaine Johnson should be able to take over where Cortland Finnegan left off last season. Clinton-Dix is the top safety in the draft and would fill an important position for St. Louis likely from week one.

14. Chicago Bears – Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh DT

Chicago ranked dead last in run defense last season. Donald’s the top rated DT in the draft right now. Donald and Jay Ratliff together could wreak havoc on opposing offenses in the NFL for years to come. Donald’s stock has risen dramatically since the end of the college season.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Odell Beckham, LSU WR

Pittsburgh lost two receivers important to their offense in Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery. Beckham’s jumped up draft boards in the past week and Pittsburgh’s been tied to his name in reports on walterfootball.com. Pittsburgh will be looking for height in other receivers (Donte Moncrief or Martavis Bryant)  perhaps in the second or third rounds. Pittsburgh also has needs at cornerback and offensive line and could look to draft a corner like Kyle Fuller or a tackle, but Beckham is a blue chip prospect that Roethlisberger would thrive throwing the ball to.

16. Dallas Cowboys – Calvin Pryor, Louisville FS

Pryor’s a big, playmaking safety that Dallas needs now that they have to face mastermind Chip Kelly twice a year. Timmy Jernigan would fit here at number sixteen, but he’s not a playmaker like Aaron Donald. Pryor can be a legitimate difference maker and and start for Dallas from week one.

17. Baltimore Ravens – Eric Ebron, UNC TE

Baltimore has major needs at offensive line, wide receiver, and safety. Many analysts have Ebron going in the top 12. If available here Baltimore could select him solely as a value player. Baltimore’s receiver group may not struggle as it did last season with Marlon Brown having more time to develop and 34-year young Steve Smith at wide receiver.

18. New York Jets – Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State CB

Rex Ryan can select one of the drafts’ top corners if Dennard becomes available at number eighteen. Dennard and Miliner will help reestablish the Jets notoriously stingy defensive reputation for 2014. Dennard’s play speaks for itself at Michigan State as a key starter on arguably the best secondary in college football.

19. Miami Dolphins – Morgan Moses, Virginia OT

Miami released starting tackles Tyson Clabo and Bryant Mckinnie. And traded troubled young OT Jonathan Martin to San Francisco. Even with the signing of Branden Albert, Miami has a need at OT. Moses has years of starting experience at both right and left tackle. The FA signing of Earl Mitchell and the resigning of Randy Starks suggest they will not draft a DT with this selection. Miami could take JaWuan James at number 19 here. James didn’t even play left tackle in College, so I can’t imagine he’d be drafted before teammate Antonio Richardson or rising OT Joel Bitonio.

20. Arizona Cardinals – Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville QB

Arizona could very easily choose at add an “instant impact” piece in the first round. Bridgwater doesn’t look like the type of player to start week one. Drafting a player like Kony Ealy or Dee Ford would boost Arizona’s pass rush in the best division in football. Bridgewater is a cranial young passer and would come into ideal circumstances for a young passer: A good team, a veteran starter, and strong receivers (Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd). In 2015 or 2016 Bridgewater could surface as a talented young passer with all the skills to succeed in the NFL for years to come.

21. Green Bay Packers – Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois S

Jimmie Ward played for small Northern Illinois as a Strong Safety. At 193 lbs, he might be better suited to free safety, a major position of need for Green Bay. Ward will step in and look to contribute as a turnover machine, how he made a name for himself at Northern Illinois.

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandin Cooks, Oregon State WR

The OSU speedster looks like the most natural fit to replace the departed DeSean Jackson at WR. Philly has needs on defense but Chip Kelly’s made his name as a speed guy on offense. Drafting Brandin Cooks here (if available) would make perfect sense for the Eagles. Philadelphia would benefit with a starting safety but likely will not be able to take Pryor or even Jimmie Ward at number 22.

23. Kansas City Chiefs – Cody Latimer, Indiana WR

Ever since Latimer’s 4.4 40 time at his Pro Day he’s been skyrocketing up mock drafts. Latimer’s 15 yards per reception at Indiana and size/speed combination will make him a fierce weapon in the passing game. Latimer can quickly become Alex Smith’s new favorite target. Latimer isn’t the tallest or the fastest receiver in the draft, but he possesses a strong combination of the two and (most importantly) great hands at Indiana.

24. Cincinnati Bengals – Kyle Fuller, Va. Tech CB

Fuller brings talent and youth to the corner position for Cincinnati. Jones and Kirkpatrick are adequate at their position, but drafting Fuller will at worst bring in a great nickelback, a more valuable position in today’s NFL. Fuller’s boosted up draft boards after the season’s end. Fuller has good size and a strong 40 time who can fortify the Bengal’s defense.

25. San Diego Chargers – Jason Verrett, TCU CB

The Chargers need to improve at the cornerback position, as Derek Cox became a major liability for San Diego’s defense throughout the season. Even if Verrett only starts in the nickel, he should provide an upgrade in a defense that will face Peyton Manning at least twice more. Verrett was a consistent and talented player at TCU through winning and losing seasons and had an excellent showing at the combine.

26. Cleveland Browns – Derek Carr, Fresno State QB

Carr regained his traction as one of the draft’s best passers. Cleveland and Oakland early on showed more interest in the Fresno State product that in Manziel and Carr’s passing production explains why. Throwing to Mike Evans will help Cleveland quickly turn around its’ offense. Derek Carr has a cannon of an arm and gaudy offensive production at Fresno State. He can help Cleveland’s offense turn the corner in 2014.

27. New Orleans Saints – Bradley Roby, Ohio State CB

New Orleans was a mess last season. Then Sean Payton came back from suspension and all was well in Mercedes Benz Superdome as the Saints went 11-5 and trotted into the playoffs. The biggest difference came on defense. The players largely remained the same, but the coaching restored them to a respectable unit.

Corner is likely New Orleans’ biggest need as Jabari Greer is not the answer at the position. Roby showed great speed at the combine and competed against major competition at Ohio State.

28. Carolina Panthers – Marqise Lee, USC WR

Carolina needs an OT but most of the 1st round caliber Tackles are gone by now. Unless they want to gamble their first round pick on a risk like Cyrus Kouandjio, they will be better off selecting a wide receiver with true number one potential and adding a tackle later in the draft.Lee’s a terrific talent at Wide Receiver and will quickly become Newton’s true number one.

29. New England Patriots – Jace Amaro, Texas Tech TE

The Patriots offense flourished with Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski leading the way. Gronkowski is beginning to show symptoms of the injury bug. Aaron Hernandez is in prison. Amaro’s a major talent who will allow Josh McDaniels to make the Patriots offense deadly again. New England could move out of the first to take a DL prospect and add more picks like they did in 2013.

30. San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State WR

San Francisco has a major need at corner, as they lost their two starting corners (Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers) in free agency. They would also benefit by taking a talent in the front seven (OLB/DE) or a speedster at wideout. Benjamin isn’t a “speedster” like Brandin Cooks or Odell Beckham but he’s an enormous target at 6’5″ and 240 lbs. If Benjamin can improve his catching and stay in shape he will be an absolute nightmare to defend. His 40 time of 4.61 was just slightly slower than top tight end prospects Eric Ebron’s 4.60 time and an inch taller.

31. Denver Broncos – C.J. Mosley, Alabama ILB

Denver badly needs an intimidating force at inside linebacker. Mosley can step in and contribute immediately to push Denver back to the big game. Other pieces added in free agency (Ward, Ware, Talib) allow Denver to focus on the middle of the defense to push back against running teams and the short passing game.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Xavier Su’a-filo, UCLA OG

Seattle’s below average offensive line play was masked by Marshawn Lynch’s tough running and Wilson’s quick decision making. Losing Russell Okung to injury hampered the O-line as well. The ‘Hawks could use a bruising guard like Su’a-filo even as a backup to prevent offensive breakdowns. Wilson caught flak for uncharacteristically poor play in the weeks coming up to SuperBowl and the offensive line struggles were related. Seattle’s shocking loss to a very underrated Arizona team at home saw their O line failing to perform against The Cardinals’ very aggressive defense.

Round Two

33. Houston Texans – Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois QB

34. Washington Redskins – Ryan Shazier, OSU OLB

35. Cleveland Browns – Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama OT

36. Oakland Raiders – Zach Mettenberger, LSU QB

37. Atlanta Falcons – Terrence Brooks, Florida State FS

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington TE

39. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tom Savage, Pitt QB

40. Minnesota Vikings – LaMarcus Joyner, FSU CB

41. Buffalo Bills – Deone Bucannan, Washington State SS

42. Tennessee Titans – Bishop Sankey, Washington RB

43. NY Giants – David Yankey, Stanford OG

44. St. Louis Rams – Marcus Roberson, Florida CB

45. Detroit Lions – Dion Bailey, USC S

46. Pittsburgh Steelers – Pierre Desir, Lindenwood CB

47. Dallas Cowboys – Kony Ealy, Missouri DE

48. Baltimore Ravens – Davante Adams, Fresno State WR

49. NY Jets – Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt WR

50. Miami Dolphins – Carlos Hyde, OSU RB

51. Chicago Bears – Marcus Martin, USC C

52. Arizona Cardinals – Timmy Jernigan, Florida State DT

53. Green Bay Packers – Chris Borland, Wisconsin ILB

54. Philadelphia Eagles – Rashede Hageman, Minnesota DE/DT

55. Cincinnati Bengals – Joel Bitonio, Nevada OT

56. San Francisco 49ers – Jaylen Watkins, Florida CB

57. San Diego Chargers – Antonio Richardson, Tennessee OT

58. New Orleans Saints – Dee Ford, Auburn DE

59. Indianapolis Colts – Craig Loston, LSU SS

60. Carolina Panthers – JaWuan James, Tennessee OT

61. San Francisco 49ers – Scott Crichton, Oregon State DE

62. New England Patriots – Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame DE/DT

63. Denver Broncos – Bashaud Breeland, Clemson CB

64. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Niklas, Notre Dame TE

 

Round Three

65. Houston Texans – Shayne Skov, Stanford ILB

66. Washington Redskins – Kenny Ladler, Vanderbilt FS

67. Oakland Raiders – Kyle Van Noy, BYU OLB

68. Atlanta Falcons – Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona RB

69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Louis Nix III, Notre Dame DT

70. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trent Murphy, Stanford OLB/DE

71. Cleveland Browns – Jeremy Hill, LSU RB

72. Minnesota Vikings – Allen Robinson, Penn State WR

73. Buffalo Bills – Arthur Lynch, Georgia TE

74. New York Giants – Andre Williams, BC RB

75. St. Louis Rams – Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas DE

76. Detroit Lions – Paul Richardson, Colorado WR

77. San Francisco 49ers – Ahmad Dixon, Baylor SS

78. Dallas Cowboys – Dominique Easley, Florida DT

79. Baltimore Ravens – Carl Bradford, ASU OLB

80. New York Jets – Jeremiah Attaochu, Ga. Tech OLB

81. Miami Dolphins – DeMarcus Lawrence, Boise State DE

82. Chicago Bears – Brock Vereen, Minnesota SS

83. Cleveland Browns – Preston Brown, Louisville ILB

84. Arizona Cardinals – Marcus Smith, Louisville DE

85. Green Bay Packers – C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa TE

86. Philadelphia Eagles – Dakota Dozier, Furman OG

87. Kansas City Chiefs – Cyril Richardson, Baylor OG

88. Cincinnati Bengals – Kareem Martin, UNC DE

89. San Diego Chargers – Jarvis Landry, LSU WR

90. Indianapolis Colts – Tre Mason, Auburn RB

91. New Orleans Saints – Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss WR

92. Carolina Panthers – Louchiez Purifoy, Florida CB

93. New England Patriots – Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State OG

94. San Francisco 49ers – Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska CB

95. Denver Broncos – Trevor Reilly, Utah OLB

96. Minnesota Vikings – Martavis Bryant, Clemson WR

97. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brandon Linder, Miami OG

98. Green Bay Packers – Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin WR

99. Baltimore Ravens – Billy Turner, North Dakota State OT

100. San Francisco 49ers – Travis Swanson, Arkansas C

 

Round Four

101. Houston Texans – Telvin Smith, Florida State OLB

102. Washington Redskins – Victor Hampton, South Carolina CB

103. Atlanta Falcons – Colt Lyerla, Oregon TE

104. New York Jets – Chris Smith, Arkansas DE

105. Jacksonville Jaguars – Weston Richburg, Colorado State C

106. Cleveland Browns – DaQuan Jones, Penn State DT

107. Oakland Raiders – Jerick McKinnon, Georgia Southern RB

108. Minnesota Vikings – Terrance West, Towson RB

109. Buffalo Bills – Christian Kirksey, Iowa OLB

110. St. Louis Rams – A.J. McCarron, Alabama QB

111. Detroit Lions – Jordan Tripp, Montana OLB

112. Tennessee Titans – David Fales, San Jose State QB

113. New York Giants – Will Clarke, West Virginia DE

114. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Sutton, ASU DT

115. New York Jets – Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma WR

116. Miami Dolphins – Jack Mewhort, OSU OT

117. Chicago Bears – Robert Herron, Wyoming WR

118. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina DT

119. Dallas Cowboys – Walt Aikens, Liberty CB

120. Arizona Cardinals – Adrian Hubbard, Alabama OLB

121. Green Bay Packers – Bruce Ellington, South Carolina WR

122. Philadelphia Eagles – Christian Jones, FSU ILB

123. Cincinnati Bengals – Aaron Murray, UGA QB

124. Kansas City Chiefs – Ed Reynolds, Stanford FS

125. San Diego Chargers – Keith McGill, Utah CB

126. New Orleans Saints – Ryan Grant, Tulane WR

127. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Coleman, Rutgers WR

128. Carolina Panthers – T.J. Jones, Notre Dame WR

129. San Francisco 49ers – Mike Davis, Texas WR

130. New England Patriots – Garrett Gilbert, SMU QB

131. Denver Broncos – Josh Huff, Oregon WR

132. Seattle Seahawks – Chris Davis, Auburn CB

133. Detroit Lions – Philip Gaines, Rice CB

134. Baltimore Ravens – Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama SS

135. Houston Texans – DeAndre Coleman, Cal DT

136. Detroit Lions – L’Damian Washington, Missouri WR

137. New York Jets – Jake Murphy, Utah TE

138. Baltimore Ravens – Glenn Carson, Penn State ILB

139. Atlanta Falcons – Ego Ferguson, LSU DT

140. New England Patriots – Lache Seastrunk, Baylor RB

Round Five

141. Houston Texans – Michael Campanaro, Wake Forest WR

142. Washington Redskins – Seantrel Henderson, Miami OT

143. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Rashaad Reynolds, Oregon State CB

144. Jacksonville Jaguars – A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State TE

145. Cleveland Browns – Michael Sam, Missouri DE

146. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Schofield, Michigan OT

147. Atlanta Falcons – James Hurst, UNC OT

148. Minnesota Vikings – Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley WR

149. Buffalo Bills – Ross Cockrell, Duke CB

150. Jacksonville Jaguars – Yawin Smallwood, UConn ILB

151. Tennessee Titans – Antone Exum, Va. Tech CB

152. New York Giants – Anthony Johnson, LSU DT

153. St. Louis Rams –  Matt Patchan, BC OT

154. New York Jets – Tre Boston, UNC FS

155. Miami Dolphins – Morgan Breslin, USC OLB

156. Chicago Bears – Devonta Freeman, FSU RB

157. Pittsburgh Steelers – Josh Mauro, Stanford DE

158. Dallas Cowboys – Prince Shembo, Notre Dame OLB

159. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dontae Johnson, N.C. State FS

160. Arizona Cardinals – John Brown, Pittsburg State WR

161. Green Bay Packers – Brett Smith, Wyoming QB

162. Philadelphia Eagles – Jordan Zumwalt, UCLA OLB

163. Kansas City Chiefs – Taylor Hart, Oregon DE

164. Cincinnati Bengals – Caraun Reid, Princeton DT

165. San Diego Chargers – Brandon Thomas, Clemson OG

166. Indianapolis Colts – Daniel McCullers, Tennessee DT

167. New Orleans Saints – Nevin Lawson, Utah State CB

168. Carolina Panthers – Tyler Gaffney, Stanford RB

169. New Orleans Saints – James Gayle, Va. Tech DE

170. San Francisco 49ers – Trai Turner LSU OG

171. Denver Broncos – Lamin Barrow, LSU ILB

172. Seattle Seahawks – Logan Thomas, Va. Tech QB

173. Pittsburgh Steelers – Charles Sims Jr., West Virginia RB

174. New York Giants – Steele Divitto, BC ILB

175. Baltimore Ravens – Antonio Andrews, WKU RB

176. Green Bay Packers – Chris Boswell, Rice K

Round Six

177. Houston Texans – Marion Grice, ASU RB

178. Washington Redskins – James White, Wisconsin RB

179. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tajh Boyd, Clemson QB

180. Cleveland Browns – Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State SS

181. Houston Texans – Chris Watt, Notre Dame OG

182. Atlanta Falcons – Justin Ellis, La. Tech DT

183. Chicago Bears – Christian Bryant, Ohio State FS

184. Minnesota Vikings – Joe Don Duncan, Dixie State TE

185. Buffalo Bills – Ed Stinson, Alabama DE

186. Tennessee Titans – Ryan Carrethers, Arkansas State DT

187. New York Giants – Ricardo Allen, Purdue CB

188. St. Louis Rams – Shamar Stephen, Conn DT

189. Detroit Lions – Storm Johnson, UCF RB

190. Miami Dolphins – Cody Hoffman, BYU WR

191. Chicago Bears – Jeremiah George, Iowa State ILB

192. Pittsburgh Steelers – Deion Belue, Alabama CB

193. Kansas City Chiefs – Chandler Jones, San Jose State WR

194. Baltimore Ravens – Aaron Lynch, USF DE

195. New York Jets – Max Bullough, Michigan State ILB

196. Arizona Cardinals – Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State RB

197. Green Bay Packers – Cameron Fleming, Stanford OT

198. New England Patriots – Tyler Larsen, Utah State C

199. Cincinnati Bengals – Russell Bodine, UNC OG

200. Kansas City Chiefs – Kenny Guiton, Ohio State QB

201. San Diego Chargers – Ronald Powell, Florida OLB

202. New Orleans Saints – Dri Archer, Kent State RB

203. Indianapolis Colts – Kevin Norwood, Alabama WR

204. Carolina Panthers – Kevin Pierre-Louis, BC OLB

205. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brent Urban, Virginia DE

206. New England Patriots – E.J. Gaines, Missouri CB

207. Denver Broncos – Crockett Gilmore, Colorado State TE

208. Seattle Seahawks – Tevin Reese, Baylor WR

209. New York Jets – George Atkinson III, Notre Dame RB

210. New York Jets – Anthony Fera, Texas K

211. Houston Texans – Ryan Groy, Wisconsin OG

212. Cincinnati Bengals – Lonnie Ballentine, Memphis FS

213. New York Jets – Brock Coyle, Montana ILB

214. St. Louis Rams – Connor Shaw, South Carolina QB

215. Pittsburgh Steelers – Devin Unga, BYU ILB

Round Seven

216. Houston Texans – Howard Jones, Shepherd OLB

217. Washington Redskins – Avery Williamson, Kentucky ILB

218. Cleveland Browns – Terrance Mitchell, Oregon CB

219. Oakland Raiders – Damon Magazu, ECU FS

220. Atlanta Falcons – Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State FS

221. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Devon Kennard, USC OLB

222. Jacksonville Jaguars – Devin Street, Pittsburgh WR

223. Minnesota Vikings – Pat O’Donnell, Miami P

224. Buffalo Bills – Parker Graham, Ok. State OT

225. Carolina Panthers – Keith Wenning, Ball State QB

226. St. Louis Rams – John Urschel, Penn State OG

227. Detroit Lions – Cassius Marsh, UCLA DE

228. Tennessee Titans – Jeremy Gallon, Michigan WR

229. Dallas Cowboys – Shaquille Richardson, Arizona CB

230. Pittsburgh Steelers – Nickoe Whitley, Mississippi State FS

231. Dallas Cowboys – Jeff Mathews, Cornell QB

232. Indianapolis Colts – Alden Darby, ASU SS

233. New York Jets – Spencer Long, Nebraska OG

234. Miami Dolphins – Marcus Lucas, Missouri WR

235. Oakland Raiders – Tyler Starr, South Dakota OLB

236. Green Bay Packers – Andrew Jackson, WKU ILB

237. Philadelphia Eagles – De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon RB

238. Dallas Cowboys – Cornelius Lucas, Kansas State OT

239. Cincinnati Bengals – Dezmen Southward, Wisconsin SS

240. San Diego Chargers – Jay Prosch, Auburn FB

241. St. Louis Rams – Khairi Fortt, Cal OLB

242. San Francisco 49ers – Jay Bromley, Syracuse DT

243. San Francisco 49ers – David Fluellen, Toledo RB

244. New England Patriots – Carlos Fields Jr., Winston-Salem State ILB

245. San Francisco 49ers – Bennie Fowler, Michigan State WR

246. Denver Broncos – Casey Pachall, TCU QB

247. Seattle Seahawks – Khyri Thornton, Southern Mississippi DT

248. Dallas Cowboys – Jonathan Dowling, WKU FS

249. St. Louis Rams – Xavier Grimble, USC TE

250. St. Louis Rams – Jacques Washington, Iowa State SS

251. Dallas Cowboys – Darrin Reaves, UAB RB

252. Cincinnati Bengals – Dede Lattimore, USF ILB

253. Atlanta Falcons – Nate Freese, Boston College K

254. Dallas Cowboys – Dustin Vaughan, West Texas A&M QB

255. Atlanta Falcons – Marcel Jensen, Fresno State TE

256. Houston Texans – Ryan Hewitt, Stanford FB

You are reading the title

Stuff this post is about

Julio Jones’ injury, the future whooping of Jacksonville by Denver, Aldon Smith and guns, Tony Romo isn’t terrible, Matt Flynn is terrible, 2014 QB draft class

Julio Jones suffered a season ending foot injury. Or is going to have season ending surgery on his foot. Or both. Either way the 1-4 Atlanta Falcons just lost the NFL’s receptions and receiving yards leader (among wide receivers) for the season. The Falcons also lost Steven Jackson to injury earlier in the season who has yet to return. The Falcons can also expect to start next game without their other starting receiver Roddy White. Matty Ice will look to thirty-seven year old vegan Dorian Gray to somehow overcome quintuple coverage to help out on offense. The blows to the depth chart should be softened by their next game at home against the Mike Glennon led-Buccaneers. Bucs’ head coach Greg Schiano is doing his best to get fired but hasn’t pulled it off yet. Atlanta could help him get one step closer a week from this Sunday, October 20th at the Georgia dome.

Jacksonville is going to play a football game against Denver. Peyton Manning has scored more than four times as many touchdowns as the Jacksonville offense has. Jacksonville is statistically cringe worthy. They are dead last in offensive scoring (10.2 points per game) and 31st out of 32 in defensive scoring (points allowed) at allowing 32.6 points per game. Denver is of course number one in offense. There are not words to describe how absurd this matchup is. Expect to see backup qb Brock Osweiler in the game for Denver by the third quarter, barring an actual remotely close contest of skill. Manning’s greatest challenge will be trying to feed all of the hungry mouths on offense with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker and the running back trio all fighting for the ball. Denver has put decent teams to bed this season with a sound fierceness. If nfl games are allowed to be called, It wouldn’t be surprising for either coach to want to keep the game to three quarters.

Aldon Smith, 49ers ‘stud’ pass rusher has been charged with owning an illegal “assault weapon.” That’s good they clarified it was an assault weapon, and not a cuddling weapon or minor annoyance weapon. The incident related to the charge took place in June of 2012 with former ‘9ers TE Delanie Walker. Walker also discharged his firearm but will not be charged as he didn’t fire off an assault weapon. Remember folks, make sure to drunkenly fire off your murder weapons only if they aren’t legally classified as ‘assault’ weapons. Smith currently resides in rehab for his second DUI arrest in as many years.

Antonio Ramiro Romo threw five touchdowns and for over 500 yards against the Denver Broncos this past weekend, a stellar performance. Yet Romo somehow manages to receive the blame for Dallas’ loss. Quarterbacks do not play defense. If he had thrown for three touchdowns and zero interceptions we would be talking about how underrated he is. Only a handful of passers could have gotten Dallas as close as Romo did to beating Denver. The almighty Broncos scraped by on a field goal. Romo doesn’t always play like a top five quarterback, but this past Sunday he did.

Watching the clock tick to zero in the Dallas/Denver game brought me back to a scene from a movie based around gratuitous violence and “historical events”, Zack Snyder’s 300. Tony Romo (in Sunday’s contest against Denver) was not unlike the spartan King Leonidas. Like Leonidas from the phenomenally exaggerated 300 Romo did not slay the proverbial dragon. Leonidas was slain in battle by the Persian emperor as did the Cowboys fall to the Broncos. Also, like Leonidas from 300, Romo proved that “even a god-king can bleed” as Denver for the first time in 2013 didn’t enter the fourth quarter with the utmost confidence the game would end with a ‘W.’ The Broncos while widely recognized as the top team in the NFL, are now beatable thanks to a valiant effort by Dallas.

Matt Flynn was finally released from Oakland, losing the third string spot to Matt McGloin. You might be wondering who Matt McGloin is. It doesn’t matter who he is. (He’s an unspectacular UFA QB from Penn State). What matters is Flynn has made 14.5 million dollars in his brief time with both Seattle and Oakland. Flynn started one game since his 480 yard, six touchdown performance against a (then) very bad Patriots defense. Some people might think Flynn is a failure for not being able to stay on an NFL roster after being brought in (twice) to be “the guy.” Flynn might actually be a genius, he now has 14.5 million dollars and doesn’t have to put his body or mind at serious risk. A risk that many other NFL players willingly do for a lot less money than Flynn made away with.

People that get paid to talk about football claim the quarterback draft class of 2014 could potentially be very deep if the underclassmen available to declare for the draft do so. According to Yahoo’s own Eric Edholm as many as nine quarterbacks could merit draft status in the first two rounds should they enter the draft. After looking at obvious names such as Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater, other names surface such as Heisman hopeful Clemson QB Tajh Boyd, SEC career passing yardage record holder Aaron Murray, and Alabama’s two time BCS championship winning quarterback A.J. McCarron. A number of NFL teams should be in the market for a new QB as 2013 so far has been a year of disparity at the position. Teams like Oakland, Tampa, Jacksonville, Arizona, Cleveland, and now Minnesota are possibly looking to upgrade at the QB position immediately in the draft. Other teams, mainly New England and Denver would be wise to invest in the future with Brady and Manning turning 37 and 38 respectively before the start of next season. This is also assuming neither heavily seasoned veteran will decide to hang up the cleats at the seasons’ end. The players of the NFL draft seem to to get bigger, stronger, and faster every year. With the passing offense growing more and more important every year, a talented quarterback likewise becomes more important for teams to field in order to keep up.

Tell the people you love that you love them.

Good night and Good luck.

Preseason AFC East breakdown

Buffalo Bills

2012 record: 6-10, 3rd place AFC East (tied with NY Jets)

Notable offseason losses: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Donald Jones, LB Nick Barnett, SS George Wilson, QB Tarvaris Jackson

Notable offseason acquisitions: HC Doug Marrone, QB Kevin Kolb, WR Da’Rick Rogers

Notable draft picks: QB E.J. Manuel, WR Robert Woods, LB Kiko Alonso

Dave’s 2013 record prediction: 9-7

The winds of change blow in Buffalo. New head coach Doug Marrone brings experience as a former offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and head coach of the Syracuse Orange. Buffalo selected the first QB in the draft with E.J. Manuel who should challenge Kevin Kolb for the starting job as the weeks progress in Buffalo. Kolb has shown he can perform as a competent backup in tight spots (see Philadelphia), but has struggled in the past as a starting quarterback (see Arizona). Kolb should perform the buffer role to help Manuel ease into the pro game.

Buffalo clearly drafted for need as former USC standout Robert Woods comes into challenge David Nelson for a starting spot left by departed Donald Jones at wide receiver. Additionally, former Oregon Duck Kiko Alonso looks to be the natural replacement for former starting linebacker Nick Barnett. Former Tennessee Tech wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers failed to get drafted, but Buffalo signed the controversial talent this offseason with hopes that he’ll bring a spark to the offense.

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Buffalo Bills rookie wideout Robert woods

On defense, Buffalo has a surprisingly talented defensive line. Established star Mario Williams accrued a healthy 10.5 sacks last season while defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus collected 5 and 5.5 respectively. That’s a lot of pressure coming only from the defensive line. While Buffalo did not statistically speaking have a great defense last season, and gave up oodles of yards on the ground, they performed respectably against the pass. Safety Jairus Byrd intercepted five passes, defended six more, and forced four fumbles. Second round pick Kiko Alonso should help turn things around on a defense that ranked second to last in rushing last season.

Miami gets all the attention for bringing in plenty of free agent talent, but Buffalo may challenge New England for the AFC East crown this season. If Marrone (an offensive mind) and Manuel can get the ball rolling on offense, all the tools are there for Buffalo to assemble a very balanced attack. Running back Fred Jackson is one of the very top running backs in the league when healthy. C.J. Spiller has proven his worth as a very talented runner averaging six yards per carry to break 1,200 yards this past season. Wide receiver Stevie Johnson broke out two seasons ago and tight end Scott Chandler has a nose for the endzone. If Manuel can live up to first round pick expectations, Buffalo may catch many teams sleeping in the coming season.

Miami Dolphins

2012 record: 7-9, 2nd place AFC East

Notable offseason losses: RB Reggie Bush, OT Jake Long, DB Sean Smith

Notable offseason acquisitions: WR Mike Wallace, TE Dustin Keller, WR Brandon Gibson

Notable draft picks: LB Dion Jordan, CB Jamar Taylor

Dave’s 2013 record prediction: 8-8

Miami is undergoing the Oregon Ducks treatment this offseason with brand new uniforms hoping to inspire change in the team atmosphere. That and the drafting of former Oregon Duck Dion Jordan should help. Expectations are high in Miami with budding second year QB Ryan Tannehill and a host of receiving options including: Mike Wallace, Dustin Keller, Brandon Gibson, and hometown hero Brian Hartline. NFL.com pundits suggest that second year running back Lamar Miller will have a breakout year in the absence of Reggie Bush. While Miller has done little to hint of any breakout NFL performance, the talent is there for Miami’s offense to break out if Tannehill can take the next step.

Miami RB Lamar Miller
Miami RB Lamar Miller

Miami ranked seventh in scoring defense last season, with an average of 19.8 points per game allowed. Their most glaring weakness appeared in their inability to stop the pass ranking 27th out of 32 in passing yards allowed per game. The addition of first and second round picks OLB Dion Jordan and CB Jamar Taylor should bolster Miami’s pass defense.

Miami may be looking to eventually replace the departed left tackle Jake Long with the drafting of OT Dallas Thomas. Long left some big shoes to fill in Miami, widely regarded as one of the, if not the best left tackle in the game.

By and large, Miami’s season rests on Tannehill’s shoulders. The load a starting quarterback carries can be daunting, especially in a system built around the pass, which, looking at the team’s recent free agent acquisitions, appears to be the direction Philbin and his team are moving in. Watch for the new-look Dolphins to make a run for a wild card spot in the AFC this coming season.

New England Patriots

2012 record: 12-4, 1st place AFC East

Notable offseason losses: WR Wes Welker, TE Aaron Hernandez, WR Brandon Lloyd

Notable offseason acquisitions: WR Danny Amendola, WR Donald Jones, RB LeGarrette Blount

Notable draft picks: WR Aaron Dobson, OLB Jamie Collins

Dave’s 2013 record prediction: 11-5

New England may have the least familiar offense in the AFC east this coming season with the way their offseason has developed. Wide receiver Wes Welker defected in free agency to the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos. Former receivers Deion Branch, Brandon Lloyd, and Donte Stallworth were not asked to return to the team. Former running back Danny Woodhead left for San Diego. Star tight end Aaron Hernandez has been arrested for murder and was cut by the team. Other star tight end Rob Gronkowski has had medical issues since week eleven of the 2012 season, but is expected to return by the start of the NFL season.

Brady, Belichick & Co. have led an offense into the playoffs with lesser known players before. Before Wes Welker was a star in New England, he was a walk-on at Texas Tech, undrafted in the NFL, and waived by San Diego. Part of Welker’s former responsibilities included returning kicks and making kicks. Welker is now a highly-respected star receiver on a high-powered Denver offense after his tenure in New England.

In his prime, Deion Branch won a Super Bowl MVP award in 2004 as a New England Patriot and netted New England a first round pick for 2007 in a trade with Seattle. Branch never fulfilled his potential outside of New England, and actually got traded back to New England from Seattle for a fourth round pick. The Patriots offense should rank in the top seven in scoring regardless of who is catching the ball this season.

New England’s defense got involved in many a shootout this past season, ranking 29th in passing yards allowed with 271.4 per game. New England drafted two pass rushers and two defensive backs in the draft, likely hoping to address defensive needs well enough to propel them further into the playoffs.

New England will likely face stiffer competition in the division this season as Buffalo and Miami have undergone significant change on offense, though the Belichick-Brady formula has not changed, suggesting the Patriots will again take the division crown.

New York Jets

2012 record: 6-10, 3rd place AFC East

Notable offseason losses: CB Darrelle Revis, RB Shonn Greene, TE Dustin Keller, S LaRon Landry

Notable offseason acquisitions: RB Chris Ivory, TE Kellen Winslow

Notable draft picks: CB Dee Milliner, DL Sheldon Richardson, QB Geno Smith

Dave’s 2013 record prediction: 5-11

The Jets stumbled this past season with a struggling offense and an aging defense. The Jets pass defense stood strong ranking 2nd overall in fewest passing yards allowed per game, but were gashed by the run and allowed 23.4 points per game. Since their dominant 2010 season, the Jets offense has failed to put up quite as many points, but more importantly, the notoriously stingy Jets defense has been much more beatable in the past two seasons. The loss of star corner Darrelle Revis should only exacerbate this issue. Instead of relying on former first round picks Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson to fill the role, the team drafted first round pick Dee Milliner out of Alabama early to shore up the secondary in a division with Mike Wallace, Stevie Johnson, and whoever Tom Brady feels like throwing to this season.

The Jets offense looked, at times, like the keystone cops. The forcing of Tim Tebow into roles he was clearly never meant for and the infamous Mark Sanchez butt-fumble underscore some of the issues the Jets faced on offense. The drafting of Geno Smith should push Sanchez to raise his competitiveness throughout camp, and the season. Smith, widely considered as the number one quarterback prospect in the NFL draft, may be the future of the offense in New York if Sanchez doesn’t put together an uncharacteristically impressive season in 2013.

With the departure of Shonn Greene, Jets running back Chris Ivory will likely assume the starting role. Ivory rushed for 700+ yards and five touchdowns over twelve games in his rookie season in New Orleans in 2010.

Ivory, while no doubt reliable, is not thought of as one of the NFL’s dominant running backs. Dustin Keller, former Jets tight end and arguably their most effective receiving option, left for division rival Miami. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Kellen Winslow was brought in and is expected to claim the starting tight end spot in camp. The Jets face an uphill battle in an improving AFC East. Miami and Buffalo are priming to climb into the 8-9 win column this season, and Rex Ryan has more questions than answers on offense this season.

Recurring trends in NFL dynasties

Qualities of an NFL dynasty

The Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys. These teams come to mind when someone mentions the phrase: “NFL dynasty,” a franchise that repeatedly wins NFL championships in a short period of time. These teams during their dynasty period exhibited similar qualities that propelled them to championships. Here are some qualities that I feel significantly boost a franchises’ likelihood of becoming a repeat champion over a short period of time.

A patient leader

Franchises that win multiple championships in a short period of time do so with stability at the head coaching position for a reason. Bill Belichick led the 2001-2004 New England Patriots to three super bowl wins in four years’ time. Belichick has built a reputation on discipline, an ‘us against the world’ team mentality, and situational game-planning. Chuck Noll, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 – 1991, led the Steelers to four super bowl wins between 1975 – 1980. Coach Noll led his team to multiple championships in part due to his development of a stout defense (nicknamed the steel curtain), drafting highly talented players, and emphasizing player fundamentals. Bill Walsh, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, led his team to super bowl wins in 1981, 1984, and 1988. Walsh was instrumental to his teams’ success for instituting the west coast offense an offensive philosophy that emphasizes the short pass. Clearly stable and talented coaching is instrumental to forming a football club that can compete year after year at a high level.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick

Emphasis on the draft rather than free agency

Historically successful franchises build their team through the NFL draft. And they do so well. The Green Bay Packers, one of the most successful NFL franchises in NFL history, drafted many of their current star players. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver Jordy Nelson, linebacker Clay Matthews, and many other starting players were all drafted directly by Green Bay and played an integral role in Green Bay’s  2010 championship season.

Some franchises try to patch holes in their offense/defense through free agency. Sometimes an already successful franchises can add a key free agent to help them “get over the hump.” For example, when San Francisco signed Deion Sanders for the 1994 season, Sanders played an integral role in the 49ers super bowl championship that season. But he could not have done that had San Francisco not already assembled a stellar cast including Steve Young, Ricky Watters, and Jerry Rice. Signing a valuable free agent can make a difference for the team, but the ‘meat and potatoes’ for building a successful franchise must come from drafting high-caliber NFL talent.

Accruing quality depth

Successful franchises have quality backups that can perform well in the place of starters. As games get late into the third or fourth quarter, players can get injured or tired and in need of a break. Many teams are struck with injury, successful teams will push onward even when their star running back or linebacker is lost to injury. Championship caliber teams will have backup linebackers, linemen, and other position players that can come in and perform just as well as the starters. They don’t have to be flashy or even look good. They just have to be dependable. Players like this will accept a backup role on a championship caliber team because they know they are talented, and are interested more in winning games than in getting paid as much as possible. Reliable backups can mean the difference between making or not making the playoffs in the face of devastating injury*.

Operating on principles rather than trends

Truly successful NFL franchises make decisions based on correct principles rather than current trends. As the league has evolved to a more pass-friendly game, some franchises will still play to their strengths, even if that means building an offense around the running game. San Francisco and Seattle, two of the NFL’s very best teams, build their offenses around a great running offense. A great defense pairs well with a tough running attack because running the ball takes lots of time off the clock. This gives the defense plenty of time to rest. If the defense can keep opposing offenses to less than 14-16 points per game, a running offense will be enough to score sufficient points while still keeping the clock running. Even though offenses are passing now more than ever (evidenced in 2011 when Matthew Stafford, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees each threw for over 5,000 passing yards** in one season***), Seattle and San Francisco rely on sound football principle, regardless of popular NFL trends, which has led them deep into the playoffs in recent seasons.

San Francisco RB Frank Gore
San Francisco RB Frank Gore
Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch
Seattle RB Marshawn Lynch

At the end of the day many teams struggle just to post a check in the ‘W’ column, never mind trying to win one or multiple super bowl championships. Even still, some franchises consistently perform at a high level, yet fail to capitalize on their position with a championship win. The Buffalo Bills are a prime example of this. They went to four straight super bowls in the early 90’s. Let me say that again. The Buffalo Bills went to FOUR STRAIGHT SUPER BOWLS.  And lost each one. If you make it to multiple NFL championship games, your organization is clearly very well run. The final game rests upon the shoulders of the players and the coach to outperform their opponents. The general manager, owner, front office and much of the staff can only have so much impact on a team’s actual super bowl performance the day of the game. Becoming an NFL dynasty is a team effort, which probably explains why NFL dynasties are so difficult to form.

* 1999 St. Louis Rams. Backup quarterback Kurt Warner started in place of injured Trent Green and led the team to an NFL championship and led the greatest show on turf, one of the NFL’s highest scoring offenses ever.

** Former Miami quarterback Dan Marino holds the only other 5,000+ passing yard season in 1984. Many NFL pundits argue that Marino’s record of 5,084 yards in 1984 is more impressive than recent records due to the difference in the climate of the game and difference in rules 25+ years ago.

*** NY Giants Eli Manning got close, with 4,933 yards in the same season.

All images courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org.

The evolving tight end

The NFL Tight End position is changing how the game is played, and the importance for defenses to have athletic linebackers and large defensive backs.

NFL tight ends have become a prominent element in many passing attacks. In 2011, the New England Patriots found themselves blessed with an abundance of talent at the tight end position. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez had an historic season as the two combined for over 2,200 yards receiving and 24 touchdowns.

Aaron_Hernandez_cropped
Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez

What position player led their team in receptions for the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, and the Pittsburgh Steelers? You guessed it, the tight end. With the premium placed on pass rushers and shutdown corners, tight ends become even more central to an offense’s ability to move the chains.

Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez
Former Oakland Raiders tight end Brandon Myers
Former Oakland Raiders tight end Brandon Myers
Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham

Larger, more physical corners such as Richard Sherman, Charles Tillman (both 6’ 2”), and Brandon Browner (6’ 4”) make it more difficult for wide receivers to make a play on the ball in tight coverage and provide more balanced match ups against 6’ 5’’, 6’ 6’’ tight ends. The need for an increase in larger, more aggressive corners like Browner show evidence of the uptick in tight end usage in the passing game.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner
Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman
Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman

Young passers learn to lean on tall, athletic tight ends that can break away from the linebackers assigned to cover them. Alex Smith developed a healthy on the field relationship with Vernon Davis in San Francisco, Christian Ponder with Kyle Rudolph, as well as Andrew Luck with Dwayne Allen.

Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph
Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis

With the amount of talent at the tight end position, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a fan.

*All images courtesy of Wikimedia creative commons.

Six breakout players for the 2013 NFL season

Tony Moeaki – Kansas City Chiefs tight end

301px-Tony_Moeaki
Tony Moeaki

Starting Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith has a history of developing a close on-the-field relationship with his Tight End. While starting in San Francisco, Alex Smith leaned heavily on Vernon Davis and his otherworldly athleticism to move the chains through the air. Vernon Davis led the 49ers in receiving yards for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Kansas City’s new passer can be expected to likewise look to Tony Moeaki to help find holes in coverages.

The 252-pound, 6 foot-3 University of Iowa product has proven himself as an effective weapon in the Kansas City offense with Matt Cassel at quarterback. Bringing in Alex Smith should help Tony Moeaki surface as one of the premier NFL tight ends.

Emmanuel Sanders – Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

Pittsburgh wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders
Pittsburgh wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders

With the departure of Mike Wallace in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will have a chance to step in and take the spotlight on the field. Sanders’ teammate, Antonio Brown is a talented wide receiver who has proven his worth, but made it into the endzone only seven times in the last two season combined. A full slate of games should afford Sanders several opportunities to show off his ability to break away from defenders and into the end zone.

Ryan Tannehill – Miami Dolphins starting quarterback

Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill
Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill

2012 was the year of the rookie quarterback with three starting rookie quarterbacks heading into the playoffs, and rightfully so, as the play of Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin III, and Andrew Luck surpassed all expectations placed upon them in the preseason. Ryan Tannehill, another 1st year quarterback, did not end the regular season with a playoff berth or with an impressive rookie stat sheet. Fortunately for Tannehill, the acquisition of wide receivers Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson, and tight end Dustin Keller should help him overcome the hurt of missing the playoffs last season, having Brian Hartline as your top receiver, and being a rookie quarterback in the NFL.

The Dolphins are a new-look team this year, undergoing a change in logo and team uniforms not unlike the makeover the Oregon Ducks experienced in 2006. Hopes are high in Miami, with a host of new offensive weapons and the drafting of Dion Jordan, Tannehill may be leading the Dolphins into wild-card weekend if their opposition doesn’t plan for the budding star seriously.

Philip Rivers – San Diego Chargers starting quarterback

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers
San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers

To consider Rivers’ chances of bouncing back in 2013, one need only to look at his pool of available receivers. Malcom Floyd, (a healthy) Antonio Gates, Vincent Brown, rookie receiver Keenan Allen, and former 1st round pick Robert Meachem.

Vincent Brown was expected to splash onto the scene and perhaps become San Diego’s most effective target if not for an injury that ended his season before the preseason could even come to a close. Cal standout Keenan Allen fell to the Chargers in the 3rd round after concerns about his 40-time caused teams to pass on him. Allen ended up being taken two rounds later than he was initially projected to be drafted.

If you’re still not convinced, San Diego has a new head coach, Mike McCoy. Yes, the same Mike McCoy that took an ordinary NFL offense and geared it around the strengths of current NFL ‘punt-protector’ Tim Tebow to bring Denver into the playoffs and defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rivers is not nearly the project Tebow was in Denver, meaning McCoy and Rivers should be able to work together to help Rivers have likely his best season yet.

 

Eric Reid – San Francisco 49ers defensive back

In 2011, the 49ers had an overpowering defense coupled with a ball-control offense that led them to the playoffs only to lose to the veteran New York Giants. In 2012, the 49ers defense showed flaws in giving up the long pass, something that hampered them dearly in the Superbowl. Then San Francisco let go of good-but-not-great Safety Dashon Goldson in free agency. Goldson was looking to get paid more money than San Francisco was willing to part with. At the peak of day one in the NFL draft, San Francisco moved up in the first round to select Eric Reid, a star defensive back out of LSU.

It’s impossible to know how a rookie will handle the NFL. Eric Reid might be the biggest bust since Robert Gallery. His game tape suggests otherwise. Reid is a disciplined and rangy player that should take advantage of a 49ers defense chock-full of star talent. Aldon and Justin Smith should keeping opposing quarterbacks from making well-planned decisions often enough to afford Reid plenty of chances to knock down passes and finalize turnovers. Reid’s athleticism should also give ‘9ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio ample opportunity for a safety blitz if the need arises.

 

DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans wide receiver

Houston Texans Andre Johnson has been far and away the number one receiving threat for several years. For the past two years, Houston has fielded a star-studded offense and defense with which to terrorize opponents with. The drop-off between receiving talent after Andre Johnson is drastic enough to warrant Houston spending a first-round draft pick on the Clemson product. As NFL analyst Mike Mayock puts it, DeAndre Hopkins “took the game over” in the Chick-fil-A bowl against Louisiana State. If Hopkins can live up to the high expectations placed on him, he should open up coverages and make Houston an even more devastating passing offense to face.

*All images courtesy of wikimedia creative commons

The Julio Jones trade

DISCLAIMER: The following post regards professional football. If you are not interested in pro football, then please disregard this post.

Arthur Blank
Arthur Blank

In April of 2011, Arthur Blank (owner of the Atlanta Falcons) spearheaded a trade between the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons football teams for the Falcons to move up in the first round of the NFL draft in order to draft highly-coveted Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. In doing so the Falcons received the Browns 1st round pick (6th overall) and the Browns received the Falcons 1st round pick (27th overall), 2nd, and 4th round pick for the 2011 season, as well as the Falcons 1st and 4th round pick in the 2012 draft. After a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs to move up to select DT Phil Taylor in the 2011 draft, the Browns’ haul includes: defensive tackle Phil Taylor, from Baylor (1st round pick 2011), wide receiver Greg Little from North Carolina (2nd round pick), Owen Marecic, fullback from Stanford (4th round pick), and 1st round pick (2012 draft) Trent Richardson, running back from Alabama (the 4th round pick received from Atlanta for the 2012 draft was part of a package deal for Cleveland to move up into the number 3 spot in round 1 to select Trent Richardson). Atlanta surrendered five picks to acquire one man. Did they make the right choice? Is Arthur Blank a lunatic? Let’s look at the numbers.

Julio Jones, Wide Receiver has totalled 2,157 receiving yards with 133 receptions, 18 touchdowns at 16.2 yards per reception in 28 starts in his first two seasons in Atlanta. That’s an average of 1078.5 yards receiving, 66.5 receptions, 9 touchdowns per season, or per 14 starts. That’s a lot of production out of a young wide receiver who has steady competition between Roddy White and the ageless Tony Gonzalez.

Julio_Jones_catching_a_pass
Julio Jones

Cleveland Browns first 1st round pick, Phil Taylor has 23 starts, 49 total tackles, 5 sacks, 1 pass defended, and 1 forced fumble in his first two seasons. Not bad for an interior d-lineman.

521px-Phil_Taylor
Phil Taylor

Greg Little, wide receiver, the 2nd round pick, totalled 28 starts, 114 receptions, 1,356 yards receiving with 6 total touchdowns at 11.9 yards per reception.

547px-Greg_Little_2012
Greg Little

Owen Marecic, fullback, 4th round pick, totalled 6 starts in two season in Cleveland. Presumably Marecic’s impact in cleveland has been statistically insignificant. Fullbacks rarely get in the spotlight in the NFL, but Marecic is starting less than 1/5th of the time for Cleveland, meaning he is not considered a major asset to the offense.

Owen_Marecic
Owen Marecic

The Browns used the late round first pick as motivation for Minnesota to move from 3rd overall to 4th overall, apparently paranoid that Minnesota with running back king Adrian Peterson would spend their first round pick on a running back. This seems like it would have been an awful waste, as Minnesota, even though Adrian Peterson had been recovering from injury had a quality backup in Toby Gerhart. Cleveland could have easily used that pick to take a late round talent, such as Courtney Upshaw, Janoris Jenkins, or Coby Fleener.

609px-Trent_Richardson
Trent Richardson

Richardson would still have been available had Cleveland not moved up. Cleveland netted: a solid Defensive Tackle, an above average wide receiver in Greg Little, and a backup fullback. Atlanta netted a very talented wide receiver who has allowed Atlanta’s offense to go from good to great, even without a serious answer at the running back position now that Michael Turner has aged. Jones’ chemistry with the rest of the offense makes Atlanta a perennial NFC contender even with a defense that ranked in the bottom half in terms of total yards allowed. Attempting to predict who Atlanta would have drafted had they not moved up is nearly impossible. It is feasible that Atlanta could have drafted sufficient talent produce as many wins or more as they have gotten since taking Julio Jones. But Arthur Blank had a vision for his offense that involved a star wide receiver lining up parallel to Roddy White, and he fulfilled his vision, and the Falcons’ offense is one of the highest scoring in the league, averaging 26.2 points per game, good for 7th in the league. Cleveland collected a ragtag group of players who, while they do contribute to the team, do not do so nearly as much as Julio Jones does for Atlanta.

Sources:

(http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2011-01/2011-nfl-draft/story/falcons-trade-up-for-julio-jones-in-draft-shocker-with-browns

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2012/04/browns-trade-with-vikings-move-up-to-no-3-spot-in-draft/1#.UalGtGSgmBA)

*All images courtesy of Wikimedia creative commons