Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The Importance of Sports as a Temporary Escape
Hello friends.
It has been almost exactly 3 months since my last post. In it, I discussed how the sporting achievements of the Rio Olympics (and there were many amazing ones) may have blinded us from the very real concerns about Rio as a viable host, the IOC selection process, and Ryan Lotche being a moron of epic proportions. Since then, I have been distracted by the real world. Sure, I have still been following sports. I got to enjoy my Nationals playoff push before they lost in the first round... again. Both my fantasy football teams are doing well. The Skins are being competitive, and have a winning record at the moment. Syracuse football, while probably not going to a bowl this year, at least has been more exciting to watch, and NCAA football has been quite compelling. NCAA basketball, the NHL, and NBA are all underway. Hell, the friggin Cubs won the World Series! So, sports have been there while I have been busy with work, and the election, the depression from that result, and trying to push forward. I have missed writing, but haven't really had much to say. I think that may change in the coming months.
You may not have the same political or world views as me (though you should, cause I'm awesome), but I think we can all agree that having sports as a means of escapism is exactly what the world needs right now. The entire Washington DC area, my home, has been walking around in a daze for the past week. The only things that seem to have snapped anyone out of it were the Skins' win over the Vikings this past Sunday, and the very exciting game between Georgetown and Maryland last night. It has helped us restore a bit of normalcy in what we fear may become increasingly frustrating and dark times. Sports are something familiar, with happy memories, even in cities like DC that haven't won anything since 1992. They are a security blanket that we can rely on to shield us from the Boogey Man of reality, even if just for a few hours.
This isn't to say that sports cannot play a very important part in the real and political worlds. History has given us many examples of how sports can be ahead of the curve when it comes to social issues, even when it lags further behind on some others. Recently, stories like the protests during the National Anthem, the gender pay gap in US Soccer, and leagues failure to act with immediacy regarding domestic violence issues have all been part of our national sports discussion. This is a good thing, because it means the conversations about these issues are at least being had in a wider forum, as they should be. What makes sports so special, though, is that after the off-field issues are discussed, there is still the on-field product to enjoy. We can sit back in our chair and yell at the refs instead of at each other. We can be united, temporarily, in the love of the game.
We shouldn't ignore the very real issues facing our country and our world. Lord knows there are a lot of them. We shouldn't accept the (my opinion) upcoming potentially-awful administration and the abhorrent platform it represents as the new normal. Americans, especially those in my generation and younger, should stand up and help make change whenever and however we can. But that can be exhausting, and sometimes we need a break. That is where sports can come in. We can rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy the games we have loved our entire lives. We can come together, with thousands of strangers, and actually agree on something for a while. And who knows, maybe we can even be inspired. That Cinderella team making the Final Four can show us nothing is impossible if we work hard enough. That improbable comeback in the final minutes can remind us nothing is over as long as we keep persevering. That cursed franchise that finally wins it all can prove to us that no matter how impossible it may feel, no matter how many times we are beaten down, we can still be victorious in the end. Sports can give all of this to us, and that is why it is such an important escape.
I'll be writing more soon, and I hope that my posts may help momentarily take your mind off your troubles.
The Cubs managed to get through 108 years of troubles. I bet we can make it through the next 4.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Olympic Tunnel Vision
In lead up to the Olympics, Rio's health risks, crime risks, lack of infrastructure, funding, and competency all over shadowed the athletics. Then Russia's entire team was almost kicked out, but was allowed to compete because the IOC is corrupt and has no spine. Since the games started, the athletes made us forget all of that. Team USA has looked amazing. Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky may as well be merpeople, they swim so fast. Simon Manuel made history. Kerri Walsh-Jennings got yet another Olympic medal. The Final Five stole our hearts. When you are in a bar and Jamaica's Usain Bolt runs in a final, the entire room stops what they are doing to watch the fastest man alive. Then these moronic uber-jock swimmers "got robbed" and we looked at crime again. Oh no! Ryan Lochte says he was robbed at gunpoint. Rio is the worst place in the world!
It turns out they were just drunken idiots who vandalized a bathroom, and were held by a security officer (with a gun) until an agreement was made to pay for the damages. Now that has overshadowed everything, from the awesome athletics to the genuine concerns that should still exist about Rio, such as the British athlete who legitimately was mugged, or the severed leg found floating on the sailing course. The later is particularly disturbing, because the police's response that "It was probably someone murdered by the drug gangs, who was dumped in one of the rivers that flows into the bay," seems rather nonchalant.
Why is it so impossible to be able to talk about or concentrate on more than 1 thing at once with the Olympics? Surely, we as logical, thinking creatures can comprehend the following ideas all together:
- Locthe et al are idiots;
- Rio still has a lot of crime, legitimate infrastructure concerns, and health risks;
- Not all people in Rio are criminals. A majority are great hosts, though some of their fans have no exactly acted in a welcoming or sportsmanlike fashion at times;
- The IOC is still extremely corrupt;
- Olympic athletes are amazing and awe-inspiring.
It has been an interesting two weeks. Hopefully, we will look back on the Rio Olympics as both a triumph of sport and a cautionary tale about idiocy, crime, or corruption. We should always be able to concentrate on more than one thing. When our worldwide tunnel vision latches on to one hot-button issue, or one TMZ-esque story, we miss everything else that could tell us so much more. Whether they be inspiring or disturbing, these things are still important parts of the entire scene.
Friday, July 15, 2016
WWE Raw/Smackdown Mock Draft
Hello friends. I am back. It has been a while, I know, but the real world got in the way for a while. I've missed the Stanley Cup finals (bah), and missed the NBA finals (well done LeBron), and most of the first part of the MLB season, but let's be honest: The biggest sports and entertainment news of the recent weeks has been the brand split for the WWE!
That's right, WWE is going back to Raw and Smackdown will have exclusive rosters, titles, and PPVs. Within the wonderful kayfabe (scripted) world of pro wrestling, Vince McMahon's two children will run the respective brands and compete with each other, hopefully making wrestling fans like me very happy. This upcoming Tuesday, on the premier of Smackdown Live (finally being shown live on the night it happens, instead of recorded for Thursday or Friday broadcasts), we will have the return of the WWE Draft. New storylines, new talent, new feuds: Everything is possible now! Because I am obsessed with all sorts of drafts, I decided to recruit my wrestling smart mark (or smark, which just means a fan obsessed with wrestling, the backstage stuff, etc) padawan Colin to conduct a draft. I will be representing Smackdown, and Colin will be in charge of Monday Night Raw. Just a quick note- we kept almost all of the talent at NXT off limits. There are a few people taken, but they are about to be called up to the main roster anyway. He let me have the #1 pick, and we've got 30 rounds to go through. Due to the depths of the draft, I will not analyze all the picks. Plus, if you don't like WWE, you don't care. So, let's get to it!
Round 1
Smackdown- Seth Rollins
Raw- John Cena
No surprises here. I take possibly the best wrestler and best overall talent on the roster. Rollins will be the face of Smackdown for years to come. Colin takes the overall face of the company for over a decade, John Cena. He gets to stay on the flagship show, appeal to the kids and the public at large, and continue to be Mr. WWE.
Round 2
Smackdown- AJ Styles
Raw- Brock Lesnar
I am thrilled, because AJ Styles and Seth Rollins are the two best wrestlers in the world. Visions of them headlining Wrestlemania are running through my head. Raw again goes with the biggest name, the crossover star Brock Lesnar. His appeal is undeniable, since his headlining fight for UFC 200 drew the biggest PPV buyrate the company has ever had. Even if he only appears 5 times a year, he is worth the pick.
Round 3
Smackdown- Bray Wyatt
Raw- Kevin Owens
Entirely possible that my current 2 favorite wrestlers went this round. I chose Bray Wyatt because he needs to be away from the Raw writers. With so much potential, Bray could be the new Undertaker. He just needs to be let loose, which is what I will let him do. Colin takes KO, who is on par with Rollins and Styles in terms of work rate. He is beloved by smarks everywhere, and could be the top heel on Raw forever.
Round 4
Smackdown- Cesaro
Raw- Dean Ambrose
I get another indy darling and an amazing worker. Raw gets the current WWE Champion, so Smackdown will have a tournament for our new title.
Round 5
Smackdown- Roman Reigns
Raw- Charlotte
I get Vince's favorite guy coming off of a wellness suspension. He will no longer play the good guy character Vince wants him to be. He isn't the next John Cena. He isn't the next Rock. But he can be the best villain in the world. Raw gets the WWE Women's Champion. Charlotte is fantastic, so no issues with that pick there.
Round 6
Smackdown- Finn Balor
Raw- Sasha Banks
Both are super popular, with more potential than anyone in the company. Both are future champions.
Round 7
Smackdown- Sami Zayn
Raw- The Miz
The kings of the midcard have started. Everything that Zayn can do in the ring, Miz does on the mic.
Round 8
Smackdown- The New Day
Raw- Enzo & Cass
Excellent tag teams, extremely over with the crowd, extremely entertaining. Plus, I get all 3 members of the New Day. Points for Smackdown!
Round 9
Smackdown- Becky Lynch
Raw- Randy Orton
I have started my Women's division with the Irish Lasskicker. I think her ring work is extremely underrated, so she will be given a chance to shine on Smackdown. Raw gets the 2nd most consistent WWE talent behind John Cena. Randy Orton is a no-doubt Hall of Famer, can fit anywhere on the card, and can be face or heel.
Round 10
Smackdown- Bayley
Raw- Dolph Ziggler
My Women's division foundation continues with the former NXT champion. We now each have 2 of the "4 Horsewomen" who made women's wrestling relevant again. In Ziggler, Raw gets a top wrestler who can put over anyone, and may finally get another shot at the WWE title with half of the roster out of the way.
Round 11
Smackdown- Rusev (with Lana)
Raw- Paige
Another female wrestler gone in Paige to Raw, and Rusev, who has a ton of potential, comes to Smackdown.
Round 12
Smackdown- Natalya
Raw- Alberto Del Rio
I think I get THE BEST female wrestler on the roster in Nattie. Raw gets a solid top-to-midcard guy in ADR, who gets to stay on the same show as his real life girlfriend Paige.
Round 13
Smackdown- Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows
Raw- Chris Jericho
AJ Styles' running mates, Anderson and Gallows aka The Club join the Phenomenal One on Smackdown. Chris Jericho, when he is around, is still an amazing talent who can work with anyone on the roster.
Round 14
Smackdown- Baron Corbin
Raw- American Alpha
Baron Corbin is the prototypical WWE superstar in size and stature. He has shown some promise in his short time on the main roster. American Alpha, while still on NXT, will be on the main roster very soon. The combined athletic ability and pedigree of Chad Gable and Jason Jordan cannot be overstated.
Round 15
Smackdown- Neville
Raw- Mauro Ranallo
The first big surprise of the draft! Announcer Mauro Ranallo drafted to be the voice of Monday Night Raw. His UFC/non-WWE background has been a welcome departure from Michael Cole's overselling, and he has been one of the best announcers on WWE TV since his arrival. In Neville, I get a high flyer with big match ability. While he is on the smaller size, his move set could make him a huge star.
Round 16
Smackdown- Emma
Raw- Nikki Bella
Round 17
Smackdown- Apollo Crews
Raw- Luke Harper
Round 18
Smackdown- Breezango (tag team of Tyler Breeze & Fandango)
Raw- The Dudley Boyz
Round 19
Smackdown- Corey Graves
Raw- The Undertaker
The legend that is the Undertaker may only wrestle once a year, but his impact will always be felt. As for my pick, I could not let the best color analyst in WWE join the best play by play guy, so I took for NXT superstar turned announcer Cory Graves. Undertaker, Graves. Get it?
Round 20
Smackdown- Braun Stroman
Raw- Mark Henry
Round 21
Smackdown- The Lucha Dragons
Raw- Sheamus
Round 22
Smackdown- Zack Ryder
Raw- The Big Show
Round 23
Smackdown- Dana Brooke
Raw- Naomi
Round 24
Smackdown- The Social Outcasts
Raw- Jack Swagger
Round 25
Smackdown- Renee Young
Raw- Darren Young
A history-making round, perhaps? I choose Renee to be the 1st ever female play-by-play announcer in WWE history. She has done it before on NXT, and has shown her skill hosting the PPV preshows. Raw gets Darren Young, most famous currently for publicly coming out of the closet last year. His brave decision and talent could allow him to be a trailblazer for equality in the industry.
Round 26
Smackdown- Summer Rae
Raw- Erick Rowan
Round 27
Smackdown- The Vaudvillans
Raw- Titus O'Neil
Round 28
Smackdown- Eva Marie
Raw- Golden Truth (tag team of Goldust and R-Truth)
Round 29
Smackdown- Daniel Bryan (GM)
Raw- Paul Heyman (GM)
Vince McMahon decided that each of his children would have to pick a GM to run their brand on a day-to-day basis. I chose former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, who is rumored to actually be the Smackdown GM that will be announced on Monday. Colin chose Paul Heyman, an ingenious way to keep the founder of ECW and possibly the best talker in the company around when his client Brock Lesnar is not.
Round 30
Smackdown- The Usos
Raw- Kane
Supplemental Announcer Free Agent picks (each show needs announce team of 2, plus backstage interviewer)-
Smackdown- JoJo for backstage
Raw- Byron Saxton for color commentary, Cathy Kelly for backstage
Rosters:
Smackdown Raw
Seth Rollins John Cena
AJ Styles Brock Lesnar
Bray Wyatt Kevin Owens
Cesaro Dean Ambrose
Roman Reigns Charlotte
Finn Balor Sasha Banks
Sami Zayn The Miz
The New Day Enzo & Cass
Becky Lynch Randy Orton
Bayley Dolph Ziggler
Rusev (with Lana) Paige
Natalya Alberto Del Rio
Anderson & Gallows Chris Jericho
Baron Corbin American Alpha
Neville Mauro Ranallo
Emma Nikki Bella
Apollo Crews Luke Harper
Breezango Dudley Boyz
Corey Graves The Undertaker
Braun Stroman Mark Henry
Lucha Dragons Sheamus
Zack Ryder Big Show
Dana Brooke Naomi
Social Outcasts Jack Swagger
Renee Young Darren Young
Summer Rae Erick Rowan
Vaudvillans Titus O'Neil
Eva Marie Golden Truth
Daniel Bryan (GM) Paul Heyman (GM)
The Usos Kane
JoJo Byron Saxton/Cathy Kelly
So there you have it! Almost every wrestler on the current WWE main roster was taken. I think that these shows would both thrive with their new talent. I'd like to thank Colin for participating in this little endeavor, and thank you for taking the time to read it.
That's right, WWE is going back to Raw and Smackdown will have exclusive rosters, titles, and PPVs. Within the wonderful kayfabe (scripted) world of pro wrestling, Vince McMahon's two children will run the respective brands and compete with each other, hopefully making wrestling fans like me very happy. This upcoming Tuesday, on the premier of Smackdown Live (finally being shown live on the night it happens, instead of recorded for Thursday or Friday broadcasts), we will have the return of the WWE Draft. New storylines, new talent, new feuds: Everything is possible now! Because I am obsessed with all sorts of drafts, I decided to recruit my wrestling smart mark (or smark, which just means a fan obsessed with wrestling, the backstage stuff, etc) padawan Colin to conduct a draft. I will be representing Smackdown, and Colin will be in charge of Monday Night Raw. Just a quick note- we kept almost all of the talent at NXT off limits. There are a few people taken, but they are about to be called up to the main roster anyway. He let me have the #1 pick, and we've got 30 rounds to go through. Due to the depths of the draft, I will not analyze all the picks. Plus, if you don't like WWE, you don't care. So, let's get to it!
Round 1
Smackdown- Seth Rollins
Raw- John Cena
No surprises here. I take possibly the best wrestler and best overall talent on the roster. Rollins will be the face of Smackdown for years to come. Colin takes the overall face of the company for over a decade, John Cena. He gets to stay on the flagship show, appeal to the kids and the public at large, and continue to be Mr. WWE.
Round 2
Smackdown- AJ Styles
Raw- Brock Lesnar
I am thrilled, because AJ Styles and Seth Rollins are the two best wrestlers in the world. Visions of them headlining Wrestlemania are running through my head. Raw again goes with the biggest name, the crossover star Brock Lesnar. His appeal is undeniable, since his headlining fight for UFC 200 drew the biggest PPV buyrate the company has ever had. Even if he only appears 5 times a year, he is worth the pick.
Round 3
Smackdown- Bray Wyatt
Raw- Kevin Owens
Entirely possible that my current 2 favorite wrestlers went this round. I chose Bray Wyatt because he needs to be away from the Raw writers. With so much potential, Bray could be the new Undertaker. He just needs to be let loose, which is what I will let him do. Colin takes KO, who is on par with Rollins and Styles in terms of work rate. He is beloved by smarks everywhere, and could be the top heel on Raw forever.
Round 4
Smackdown- Cesaro
Raw- Dean Ambrose
I get another indy darling and an amazing worker. Raw gets the current WWE Champion, so Smackdown will have a tournament for our new title.
Round 5
Smackdown- Roman Reigns
Raw- Charlotte
I get Vince's favorite guy coming off of a wellness suspension. He will no longer play the good guy character Vince wants him to be. He isn't the next John Cena. He isn't the next Rock. But he can be the best villain in the world. Raw gets the WWE Women's Champion. Charlotte is fantastic, so no issues with that pick there.
Round 6
Smackdown- Finn Balor
Raw- Sasha Banks
Both are super popular, with more potential than anyone in the company. Both are future champions.
Round 7
Smackdown- Sami Zayn
Raw- The Miz
The kings of the midcard have started. Everything that Zayn can do in the ring, Miz does on the mic.
Round 8
Smackdown- The New Day
Raw- Enzo & Cass
Excellent tag teams, extremely over with the crowd, extremely entertaining. Plus, I get all 3 members of the New Day. Points for Smackdown!
Round 9
Smackdown- Becky Lynch
Raw- Randy Orton
I have started my Women's division with the Irish Lasskicker. I think her ring work is extremely underrated, so she will be given a chance to shine on Smackdown. Raw gets the 2nd most consistent WWE talent behind John Cena. Randy Orton is a no-doubt Hall of Famer, can fit anywhere on the card, and can be face or heel.
Round 10
Smackdown- Bayley
Raw- Dolph Ziggler
My Women's division foundation continues with the former NXT champion. We now each have 2 of the "4 Horsewomen" who made women's wrestling relevant again. In Ziggler, Raw gets a top wrestler who can put over anyone, and may finally get another shot at the WWE title with half of the roster out of the way.
Round 11
Smackdown- Rusev (with Lana)
Raw- Paige
Another female wrestler gone in Paige to Raw, and Rusev, who has a ton of potential, comes to Smackdown.
Round 12
Smackdown- Natalya
Raw- Alberto Del Rio
I think I get THE BEST female wrestler on the roster in Nattie. Raw gets a solid top-to-midcard guy in ADR, who gets to stay on the same show as his real life girlfriend Paige.
Round 13
Smackdown- Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows
Raw- Chris Jericho
AJ Styles' running mates, Anderson and Gallows aka The Club join the Phenomenal One on Smackdown. Chris Jericho, when he is around, is still an amazing talent who can work with anyone on the roster.
Round 14
Smackdown- Baron Corbin
Raw- American Alpha
Baron Corbin is the prototypical WWE superstar in size and stature. He has shown some promise in his short time on the main roster. American Alpha, while still on NXT, will be on the main roster very soon. The combined athletic ability and pedigree of Chad Gable and Jason Jordan cannot be overstated.
Round 15
Smackdown- Neville
Raw- Mauro Ranallo
The first big surprise of the draft! Announcer Mauro Ranallo drafted to be the voice of Monday Night Raw. His UFC/non-WWE background has been a welcome departure from Michael Cole's overselling, and he has been one of the best announcers on WWE TV since his arrival. In Neville, I get a high flyer with big match ability. While he is on the smaller size, his move set could make him a huge star.
Round 16
Smackdown- Emma
Raw- Nikki Bella
Round 17
Smackdown- Apollo Crews
Raw- Luke Harper
Round 18
Smackdown- Breezango (tag team of Tyler Breeze & Fandango)
Raw- The Dudley Boyz
Round 19
Smackdown- Corey Graves
Raw- The Undertaker
The legend that is the Undertaker may only wrestle once a year, but his impact will always be felt. As for my pick, I could not let the best color analyst in WWE join the best play by play guy, so I took for NXT superstar turned announcer Cory Graves. Undertaker, Graves. Get it?
Round 20
Smackdown- Braun Stroman
Raw- Mark Henry
Round 21
Smackdown- The Lucha Dragons
Raw- Sheamus
Round 22
Smackdown- Zack Ryder
Raw- The Big Show
Round 23
Smackdown- Dana Brooke
Raw- Naomi
Round 24
Smackdown- The Social Outcasts
Raw- Jack Swagger
Round 25
Smackdown- Renee Young
Raw- Darren Young
A history-making round, perhaps? I choose Renee to be the 1st ever female play-by-play announcer in WWE history. She has done it before on NXT, and has shown her skill hosting the PPV preshows. Raw gets Darren Young, most famous currently for publicly coming out of the closet last year. His brave decision and talent could allow him to be a trailblazer for equality in the industry.
Round 26
Smackdown- Summer Rae
Raw- Erick Rowan
Round 27
Smackdown- The Vaudvillans
Raw- Titus O'Neil
Round 28
Smackdown- Eva Marie
Raw- Golden Truth (tag team of Goldust and R-Truth)
Round 29
Smackdown- Daniel Bryan (GM)
Raw- Paul Heyman (GM)
Vince McMahon decided that each of his children would have to pick a GM to run their brand on a day-to-day basis. I chose former WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, who is rumored to actually be the Smackdown GM that will be announced on Monday. Colin chose Paul Heyman, an ingenious way to keep the founder of ECW and possibly the best talker in the company around when his client Brock Lesnar is not.
Round 30
Smackdown- The Usos
Raw- Kane
Supplemental Announcer Free Agent picks (each show needs announce team of 2, plus backstage interviewer)-
Smackdown- JoJo for backstage
Raw- Byron Saxton for color commentary, Cathy Kelly for backstage
Rosters:
Smackdown Raw
Seth Rollins John Cena
AJ Styles Brock Lesnar
Bray Wyatt Kevin Owens
Cesaro Dean Ambrose
Roman Reigns Charlotte
Finn Balor Sasha Banks
Sami Zayn The Miz
The New Day Enzo & Cass
Becky Lynch Randy Orton
Bayley Dolph Ziggler
Rusev (with Lana) Paige
Natalya Alberto Del Rio
Anderson & Gallows Chris Jericho
Baron Corbin American Alpha
Neville Mauro Ranallo
Emma Nikki Bella
Apollo Crews Luke Harper
Breezango Dudley Boyz
Corey Graves The Undertaker
Braun Stroman Mark Henry
Lucha Dragons Sheamus
Zack Ryder Big Show
Dana Brooke Naomi
Social Outcasts Jack Swagger
Renee Young Darren Young
Summer Rae Erick Rowan
Vaudvillans Titus O'Neil
Eva Marie Golden Truth
Daniel Bryan (GM) Paul Heyman (GM)
The Usos Kane
JoJo Byron Saxton/Cathy Kelly
So there you have it! Almost every wrestler on the current WWE main roster was taken. I think that these shows would both thrive with their new talent. I'd like to thank Colin for participating in this little endeavor, and thank you for taking the time to read it.
Monday, May 2, 2016
NFL Draft- 10 Takeaways from Days 2 and 3
Another NFL Draft has come and gone. It was a weird one, but full of some very memorable moments. Some players slipped, some teams reached, but in the end 253 young men got to hear their name called as they headed off to start their NFL careers. Here are a few of my thoughts on Days 2 and 3 of the Draft, covering Rounds 2-7.
1. Connor Cook fell because he lacked intangibles? That sounds fairly silly to me. Mel Kiper said in one of the draft podcasts that if Cook had Kirk Cousins' intangibles, he'd be a 1st round pick. As it is, he slipped to Oakland Round 4, pick 100, and is now the backup of an entrenched young starter in Derek Carr. It may be the worst possible situation for a player that could have been the heir apparent to Tony Romo in Dallas, or legitimate competition to RG3 in Cleveland. So, what are these intangibles that Cook lacks? Leadership, I suppose. Many teams were hung up on the fact that he wasn't a captain of his team as a senior starting QB. They see that, and deduce that he cannot be a strong leader in the huddle or the locker room. I have no idea if that is a legitimate issue. All I know is that he won a lot in college, and Michigan State QBs are better than average-good backup QBs in this league. At worst, Cook could be Drew Stanton. At best, he is Kirk Cousins (maybe even better). Now, barring an injury to Carr, we may never find out.
2. Last year, the Cleveland Browns had a massive need at receiver, and they drafted one- Vince Mayle. Vince was recovering from a broken thumb, was cut early in the regular season, and ended 2015 on the Cowboys practice squad. Cleveland then lost Travis Benjamin, their best wideout, to the Chargers this offseason. So, coming into the Draft, WR was still a big need for the Browns. Well, at least this new front office crew is trying. They drafted 5 (yes 5!) wide receivers! If they can hit on 3 of them, this is genius. They hit on 2, it is a solid draft class. Hell, if they hit on 1, he will be one of the best Browns wideouts in recent history. While I think the Corey Coleman pick was a reach with the other guys that were there, the Browns showing some effort in establishing an actual professional WR corps may be a good sign of things to come.
3. Some teams wish they had as good of a NFL Draft has the Ravens had in the 4th Round. Tavon Young, Temple; Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati; Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska; Willie Henry, DT, Michigan; and Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech. 5 picks that all fit needs. The Ravens need a ton of help in their secondary, and Young (and 7th Rounder Maurice Canady from UVA) can compete right away for playing time opposite Jimmy Smith. The same can be said about Chris Moore (and Keenan Reynolds, who I will get to), since Steve Smith and Breshaud Perriman are both recovering from injury. Alex Lewis can develop into a starting right tackle, or can bump inside to guard. He adds great depth behind #1 pick Ronnie Stanley. Willie Henry is a versatile D-lineman who fits the mold of a Ravens defender- tough, explosive, and even played for the other Coach Harbaugh at Michigan. Finally, Kenneth Dixon, #2 all-time in touchdowns in the NCAA, may be the most talented RB on the Ravens roster the second he suits up. It was a round played perfectly by Ozzie Newsome, and should provide immediate benefits.
4. A bit of homer-ism, but I am very happy for Stanford QB (and Gonzaga College High School grad) Kevin Hogan, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in Round 5. Let's look at the way they talk about Hogan- extremely smart, winner, great athlete, less than ideal arm strength. That sounds an awful lot like Alex Smith to me. Now he can develop and learn behind Smith, and under the tutelage of Andy Reid. It really was the perfect situation for a great young man who continues to make his fellow Gonzaga alums proud.
5. Round 2 began with some serious good feelings. Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack, both Top 5 talents whose stock was hurt due to knee injuries, were drafted early in the day. The joy on their faces is why I love the draft so much. Both of these young men will get a chance to live their dream of playing in the NFL. Smith will probably have to redshirt for a year in Dallas, but if he is able to recover to 80% of the promise he showed before his injury, then the Cowboys got a steal. The same can be said for Myles Jack in Jacksonville. He is healthy now, but there is a question about whether or not his knee will hold up over time. Even a 5-year career, with Jack's talent, makes his value exceptional where they drafted him. Speaking of the Jaguars...
6. The Jacksonville Jaguars won the draft, and they only took 7 guys. The Titans, with their commitment to protecting Mariota, and the Ravens, with the moves mentioned above, are right there with them, but the Jags ability to get both Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack to help improve a suspect defense is fantastic. 6 of the players that they took were on defense. Add that young talent to their free agent additions, and add that defense to their explosive young offense, the Jaguars could make the biggest jump in terms of wins next season, and will compete for a playoff spot.
7. I already mentioned Day 2's good moments. Day 3 provided a half hour of awesomeness in the form of picks 180 and 182. The first pick came in the form of Moritz Boehringer from Germany, a young man who became a fan of the NFL after watching Adrian Peterson videos on Youtube. Really, you have to see how it played out right here. A great moment. The kid is the 1st player ever to be drafted directly from Europe, and says he wants to be the NFL's Dirk Nowitzki. Not to be outdone, two picks later the Ravens drafted Keenan Reynolds out of Navy. Reynolds, the NCAA all-time leader in touchdowns, is the classiest, highest-character guy in the entire draft. He is a legend at the Naval Academy. I hope he is able to work out a deal with the Navy to serve his commitment concurrently, much as Patriots longsnapper and former Midshipman Joe Cardona has done. He clearly has a nose for the end zone, could be an excellent slot receiver and return man, and his QB background opens up the offense for some special trick plays. There could be no greater locker room presence than Keenan Reynolds, and it is thrilling to see he will get his chance to play so close to Annapolis. Everyone in Germany is rooting for Boehringer. Everyone in America should be rooting for Keenan Reynolds.
8. The Buffalo Bills made possibly the ultimate boom or bust QB pick when they took Cardale Jones in the 4th Round. We know that Jones has all the physical attributes, and showed flashes of brilliance in his first 3 games as a starter, winning the Big 10 Championship game, the National Semifinal, and the National Championship two seasons ago. However, last season he was inconsistent, inaccurate, and lost his starting job to JT Barrett. If he is able to sit and learn how to play in the NFL, and is able to work on his accuracy and mechanics, then this could be a major coup in Buffalo. They have Tyrod Taylor in place as their starter for the next 2 seasons, but have already said that they will not sign him to an extension. Furthermore, they said they will likely not pick up the 5th year option on backup EJ Manuel, a former 1st round pick from Florida State. This means that Jones has 2 full seasons before he is the only QB on the roster. He needs to take that time to learn, grow, and turn his game into that of a successful NFL starting signal-caller.
9. Punters and Kickers! Punters and Kickers! I don't always get picks right in my mock draft. In fact, I usually get them very wrong. But that I called Tampa Bay getting Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo made me very happy. What is even better is that the Buccaneers actually traded up into the 2nd round to get him, ahead of my Round 3 projection. Aguayo is the most accurate kicker in NCAA Division I history, and the Bucs are in desperate need of kicking consistency. He never missed a field goal from inside 40 yards. That sounds perfect now that the extra point is a 35-yard kick. A thing of beauty taking a kicker that high. And then, 4 punters were drafted, most notably my man Riley Dixon from Syracuse. If you happen to follow me or @NunesMagician on twitter, then you know the deep, undying love Cuse fans have from Dixon. To see him get drafted by Denver, and have a legit shot at being their starter since their incumbent punter is set to make over $3 million next season, and count $4 million against the salary cap. Dixon is a talented and cheap alternative. Plus, he is super-athletic. He once hurdled an LSU defender on a fake punt! And I know Denver has some QB issues. Why wouldn't you want a guy that throws clutch TD passes to win games in OT? That's Riley Dixon!
10. The Redskins had a great, though not flashy, draft. Again, a bit close to home since I am a Skins fan. The Doctson pick surprised me, but I like it the more I look at it. Su'a Cravens was one of my favorite players in the draft, and if they Skins use him at strong safety, he could be a nightmare for players coming across the middle. He's also an excellent run defender. The same can be said about Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple and Steven Daniels, ILB, Boston College. Both players were chosen to help improve the #28 rush defense from a year ago. Kendall Fuller, of the NFL CB Fuller family, should be a great pick if he comes back from a knee injury 100%. Adding Josh Norman and Fuller alongside Bashaud Breeland and Quinton Dunbar gives the Skins depth, youth, and talent at one of their biggest need positions. They can now afford to cut injured and disappointing CB Chris Culliver after June 1 and save $8 million on the cap. Nate Sudfeld is a big arm QB that needs a ton of refinement and coaching. He will be able to sit behind Captain Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy as he develops. Keith Marshall has blazing speed, and could be an excellent complimentary back and kick returner if he can stay healthy. Hell, Scot McCloughan was able to get 3 new draft picks for next year as well, getting a 2017 4th, 5th, and 6th for moving back in the Draft. Really, my only complaint about this draft is that the Redskins did not address their situation at center. Hopefully they are able to find some depth there. But on the whole, I love the class. Let's see how they develop.
I hope you all enjoyed the Draft as much as I did. It is one of my favorite sports weekends of the year. Now, let's take a break from football for two months, enjoy the NBA/NHL playoffs, the MLB season heating up, and the beginning of summer before mini-camps open in July.
1. Connor Cook fell because he lacked intangibles? That sounds fairly silly to me. Mel Kiper said in one of the draft podcasts that if Cook had Kirk Cousins' intangibles, he'd be a 1st round pick. As it is, he slipped to Oakland Round 4, pick 100, and is now the backup of an entrenched young starter in Derek Carr. It may be the worst possible situation for a player that could have been the heir apparent to Tony Romo in Dallas, or legitimate competition to RG3 in Cleveland. So, what are these intangibles that Cook lacks? Leadership, I suppose. Many teams were hung up on the fact that he wasn't a captain of his team as a senior starting QB. They see that, and deduce that he cannot be a strong leader in the huddle or the locker room. I have no idea if that is a legitimate issue. All I know is that he won a lot in college, and Michigan State QBs are better than average-good backup QBs in this league. At worst, Cook could be Drew Stanton. At best, he is Kirk Cousins (maybe even better). Now, barring an injury to Carr, we may never find out.
2. Last year, the Cleveland Browns had a massive need at receiver, and they drafted one- Vince Mayle. Vince was recovering from a broken thumb, was cut early in the regular season, and ended 2015 on the Cowboys practice squad. Cleveland then lost Travis Benjamin, their best wideout, to the Chargers this offseason. So, coming into the Draft, WR was still a big need for the Browns. Well, at least this new front office crew is trying. They drafted 5 (yes 5!) wide receivers! If they can hit on 3 of them, this is genius. They hit on 2, it is a solid draft class. Hell, if they hit on 1, he will be one of the best Browns wideouts in recent history. While I think the Corey Coleman pick was a reach with the other guys that were there, the Browns showing some effort in establishing an actual professional WR corps may be a good sign of things to come.
3. Some teams wish they had as good of a NFL Draft has the Ravens had in the 4th Round. Tavon Young, Temple; Chris Moore, WR, Cincinnati; Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska; Willie Henry, DT, Michigan; and Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech. 5 picks that all fit needs. The Ravens need a ton of help in their secondary, and Young (and 7th Rounder Maurice Canady from UVA) can compete right away for playing time opposite Jimmy Smith. The same can be said about Chris Moore (and Keenan Reynolds, who I will get to), since Steve Smith and Breshaud Perriman are both recovering from injury. Alex Lewis can develop into a starting right tackle, or can bump inside to guard. He adds great depth behind #1 pick Ronnie Stanley. Willie Henry is a versatile D-lineman who fits the mold of a Ravens defender- tough, explosive, and even played for the other Coach Harbaugh at Michigan. Finally, Kenneth Dixon, #2 all-time in touchdowns in the NCAA, may be the most talented RB on the Ravens roster the second he suits up. It was a round played perfectly by Ozzie Newsome, and should provide immediate benefits.
4. A bit of homer-ism, but I am very happy for Stanford QB (and Gonzaga College High School grad) Kevin Hogan, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in Round 5. Let's look at the way they talk about Hogan- extremely smart, winner, great athlete, less than ideal arm strength. That sounds an awful lot like Alex Smith to me. Now he can develop and learn behind Smith, and under the tutelage of Andy Reid. It really was the perfect situation for a great young man who continues to make his fellow Gonzaga alums proud.
5. Round 2 began with some serious good feelings. Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack, both Top 5 talents whose stock was hurt due to knee injuries, were drafted early in the day. The joy on their faces is why I love the draft so much. Both of these young men will get a chance to live their dream of playing in the NFL. Smith will probably have to redshirt for a year in Dallas, but if he is able to recover to 80% of the promise he showed before his injury, then the Cowboys got a steal. The same can be said for Myles Jack in Jacksonville. He is healthy now, but there is a question about whether or not his knee will hold up over time. Even a 5-year career, with Jack's talent, makes his value exceptional where they drafted him. Speaking of the Jaguars...
6. The Jacksonville Jaguars won the draft, and they only took 7 guys. The Titans, with their commitment to protecting Mariota, and the Ravens, with the moves mentioned above, are right there with them, but the Jags ability to get both Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack to help improve a suspect defense is fantastic. 6 of the players that they took were on defense. Add that young talent to their free agent additions, and add that defense to their explosive young offense, the Jaguars could make the biggest jump in terms of wins next season, and will compete for a playoff spot.
7. I already mentioned Day 2's good moments. Day 3 provided a half hour of awesomeness in the form of picks 180 and 182. The first pick came in the form of Moritz Boehringer from Germany, a young man who became a fan of the NFL after watching Adrian Peterson videos on Youtube. Really, you have to see how it played out right here. A great moment. The kid is the 1st player ever to be drafted directly from Europe, and says he wants to be the NFL's Dirk Nowitzki. Not to be outdone, two picks later the Ravens drafted Keenan Reynolds out of Navy. Reynolds, the NCAA all-time leader in touchdowns, is the classiest, highest-character guy in the entire draft. He is a legend at the Naval Academy. I hope he is able to work out a deal with the Navy to serve his commitment concurrently, much as Patriots longsnapper and former Midshipman Joe Cardona has done. He clearly has a nose for the end zone, could be an excellent slot receiver and return man, and his QB background opens up the offense for some special trick plays. There could be no greater locker room presence than Keenan Reynolds, and it is thrilling to see he will get his chance to play so close to Annapolis. Everyone in Germany is rooting for Boehringer. Everyone in America should be rooting for Keenan Reynolds.
8. The Buffalo Bills made possibly the ultimate boom or bust QB pick when they took Cardale Jones in the 4th Round. We know that Jones has all the physical attributes, and showed flashes of brilliance in his first 3 games as a starter, winning the Big 10 Championship game, the National Semifinal, and the National Championship two seasons ago. However, last season he was inconsistent, inaccurate, and lost his starting job to JT Barrett. If he is able to sit and learn how to play in the NFL, and is able to work on his accuracy and mechanics, then this could be a major coup in Buffalo. They have Tyrod Taylor in place as their starter for the next 2 seasons, but have already said that they will not sign him to an extension. Furthermore, they said they will likely not pick up the 5th year option on backup EJ Manuel, a former 1st round pick from Florida State. This means that Jones has 2 full seasons before he is the only QB on the roster. He needs to take that time to learn, grow, and turn his game into that of a successful NFL starting signal-caller.
9. Punters and Kickers! Punters and Kickers! I don't always get picks right in my mock draft. In fact, I usually get them very wrong. But that I called Tampa Bay getting Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo made me very happy. What is even better is that the Buccaneers actually traded up into the 2nd round to get him, ahead of my Round 3 projection. Aguayo is the most accurate kicker in NCAA Division I history, and the Bucs are in desperate need of kicking consistency. He never missed a field goal from inside 40 yards. That sounds perfect now that the extra point is a 35-yard kick. A thing of beauty taking a kicker that high. And then, 4 punters were drafted, most notably my man Riley Dixon from Syracuse. If you happen to follow me or @NunesMagician on twitter, then you know the deep, undying love Cuse fans have from Dixon. To see him get drafted by Denver, and have a legit shot at being their starter since their incumbent punter is set to make over $3 million next season, and count $4 million against the salary cap. Dixon is a talented and cheap alternative. Plus, he is super-athletic. He once hurdled an LSU defender on a fake punt! And I know Denver has some QB issues. Why wouldn't you want a guy that throws clutch TD passes to win games in OT? That's Riley Dixon!
10. The Redskins had a great, though not flashy, draft. Again, a bit close to home since I am a Skins fan. The Doctson pick surprised me, but I like it the more I look at it. Su'a Cravens was one of my favorite players in the draft, and if they Skins use him at strong safety, he could be a nightmare for players coming across the middle. He's also an excellent run defender. The same can be said about Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple and Steven Daniels, ILB, Boston College. Both players were chosen to help improve the #28 rush defense from a year ago. Kendall Fuller, of the NFL CB Fuller family, should be a great pick if he comes back from a knee injury 100%. Adding Josh Norman and Fuller alongside Bashaud Breeland and Quinton Dunbar gives the Skins depth, youth, and talent at one of their biggest need positions. They can now afford to cut injured and disappointing CB Chris Culliver after June 1 and save $8 million on the cap. Nate Sudfeld is a big arm QB that needs a ton of refinement and coaching. He will be able to sit behind Captain Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy as he develops. Keith Marshall has blazing speed, and could be an excellent complimentary back and kick returner if he can stay healthy. Hell, Scot McCloughan was able to get 3 new draft picks for next year as well, getting a 2017 4th, 5th, and 6th for moving back in the Draft. Really, my only complaint about this draft is that the Redskins did not address their situation at center. Hopefully they are able to find some depth there. But on the whole, I love the class. Let's see how they develop.
I hope you all enjoyed the Draft as much as I did. It is one of my favorite sports weekends of the year. Now, let's take a break from football for two months, enjoy the NBA/NHL playoffs, the MLB season heating up, and the beginning of summer before mini-camps open in July.
Friday, April 29, 2016
10 Thoughts on Round 1 of the NFL Draft
Well, last night was a weird first round. Between attempted blackmail, prospects falling, cut off dress shirts, reaches, and the Cowboys, a lot of unexpected things went down. Here are the 10 big takeaways I had from Draft Night 1, and none of them involve the QBs taken at 1 or 2.
1. The Cowboys went for star power over need. Don't get me wrong here- Ezekiel Elliot is a great prospect. Hands down the best back coming out of college. Yet he doesn't fit any real need on Dallas. They have Darren McFadden and added my man Alfred Morris. That should be more than enough to keep their high powered offense going, if Romo can stay healthy of course. What they needed was help on the defense. They were middle of the road in every sense of the word last year, and they have lost Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. I get that Joey Bosa went to the Chargers and he should have been the pick, but Jalen Ramsey or Deforest Buckner would have filled a bigger need that Elliot.
2. That was an interesting evening for Laremy Tunsil, huh? 10 minutes before the draft starts, someone hacks his account and posts an old video of him smoking weed out of a gas mask. Suddenly, he sees Ronnie Stanley and Jack Conklin get taken before him, and the presumptive #1 pick a month ago falls to #13. He lost millions of dollars. Next, the hackers post text messages of him asking coaches at Ole Miss for money to pay for his mother's electric bill. The idiocy of NCAA players not getting paid aside, this means Tunsil had to address those questions after being drafted, and said he did get money from them. I am unsure if this is different from the event which led to his suspension for improper benefits, but it is still a concern for a team. Now, however, he claims to be drug and issue free. For his sake, I hope so. South Beach isn't the best place for a guys with issues. The Dolphins are taking a risk on an extremely talented kid. If his issues are only with the NCAA rules and not with the NFL going forward, then getting Tunsil at 13 was a steal.
3. The first pick for the 49ers under Chip Kelly seemed to make some sense. DeForest Buckner is a great talent, played at Oregon, and fits a need. To be honest, the 49ers have needs everywhere. So I have no issue with that pick. I am extraordinarily confused, however, with trading back into the 1st round to take Joshua Garnett, the guard from Stanford. He or Cody Whitehair (who I like more) would have been there in the 2nd Round where they were picking (pick 37 overall). With all the great defensive talent that fell, there wasn't going to be a run on guards. To give up two picks, including a second, to move up was foolish.
4. Speaking of reaches, everyone seems to dislike the Giants pick of Eli Apple at 10. I had him going at 13, so it wasn't as much of a stretch to me. Where I had the problem was that they could have taken Vernon Hargreaves, or fit a more important need, like taking Tunsil to keep Eli Manning upright. If they were able, they could have traded back and probably still gotten Apple. Like I said, not as much of a stretch for me, but at least they now lead the NFL in guys named Eli.
5. The Titans won Round 1. By trading back from the #1 pick, they got a mighty haul, including a 1st and 3rd next year from the Rams. Then, they were still able to move up and get Jack Conklin, one of the top 3 tackles in the Draft. There is no denying Conklin's ability- just look at how good Michigan State was both running and passing behind him. He handled the likes of Bosa and Buckner quite easily. The question was where he was graded vs Tunsil. It seems like it was close enough that Tunsil's red flags pushed Conklin past him, since Conklin in an ultimate character guy. Now the Titans have him and Taylor Lewan entrenched at OT for years to come, making sure their franchise QB Marcus Mariota stays upright and healthy. A great draft so far.
6. Something about Ole Miss players and character issues, huh? Robert Nkemdiche's off the field issues were apparently supposed to cost him his chance at being drafted in Round 1. The Cardinals felt differently, and got a Top 5 talent (when he wants to play) at pick 29. Paired with Calais Campbell and Chandler Jones, Nkemdiche could make the Cardinals D-line the best in football. But the issues off the field for Robert (and possibly Jones too) have to be monitored. Its a boom or bust pick. If he can concentrate on the job paying him millions of dollars, then he should make fans in Arizona very happy.
7. Myles Jack is still on the board. This shocks me. I understand that he has some fairly significant questions about his knee. I also know he is a Top 10 talent. This isn't necessarily like Jaylon Smith, where teams aren't sure he'd ever be able to run at a high level again. Jack is running right now. The question is whether or not he needs microfracture surgery down the road. Now that he has fallen to Round 2, I think he is a complete steal. Long-term durability can be a concern for a guy in Round 1. Round 2, it is more than worth the risk. Expect Jack to be off the board fast. I'd personally like it (for my team) if he fell to the Redskins, but he won't last that long.
8. There was a run on WRs in the early 20s. The Texans traded up 1 pick (just to make sure another team didn't?) to draft speedster Will Fuller out of Notre Dame. The Redskins, now at pick 22, surprised everyone and took Josh Doctson from TCU, perhaps the most complete WR in the draft. I was very confused at first. WR isn't the biggest need the team had, but when a player like that comes to you, what harm is there in adding another weapon. Plus, Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson will both be free agents after the 2016 season. I doubt Washington will keep both of them, and even re-signing one may not be possible. Doctson comes in, can gain experience behind those veterans, then team with Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed, and Kirk Cousins to form an excellent young passing attach. The Vikings didn't have to move at all and still got Laquon Treadwell from Ole Miss. They have Stefon Diggs as a deep threat, but needed that Anquan Boldin-type possession WR. Treadwell should build a great chemistry with Teddy Bridgewater. The surprise WR pick was Baylor's Corey Coleman to the Browns at 15. I'd put Coleman as the #4 WR at best, and had Cleveland getting him in the 2nd Round. He doesn't run routes well, and had too many drops in college. However, his speed and playmaking ability is undeniable, and he certainly fits a massive need for the Browns. Maybe RG3 convinced them to reach for his fellow Baylor Bear instead of going with a safer pick like Doctson or Treadwell?
9. The Broncos found their QB of the future, and his name is Brock Osweiler 2.0... I mean Paxton Lynch. Yes, the man who is comparable to Osweiler in his measurable is now under the tutelage of John Elway and Gary Kubiak. I thought the best spot for Paxton would be the Cardinals, since he has to sit for a while and learn how to play the NFL game. Now, unless the Broncos are prepared to enter the season with Mark Sanchez as their starter, they are going to have to throw the kid to the fire sooner than expected. Lynch has all the physical tools and a great mindset. The issues is adjusting to the NFL game. A Super Bowl championship certainly buys the franchise some time to take calculated risks, and this was a 6'7" one.
10. There are still some great players available. Myles Jack, Jarran Reed, A'Shawn Robinson, Andrew Billings, Reggie Ragland, Mackensie Alexander, Noah Spence, Vonn Bell... And that's just on defense! Heisman winner Derrick Henry is on the board. My top guard Cody Whitehair is still there too. QBs like Connor Cook and Christian Hackenberg need a home. A lot of talented guys will hear there names called on Day 2.
Hope you enjoyed last night's weirdness. Rounds 2 and 3 start tonight at 7 pm ET. I'll try to type up my reactions tomorrow tonight or during Day 3. Have a great weekend everyone!
1. The Cowboys went for star power over need. Don't get me wrong here- Ezekiel Elliot is a great prospect. Hands down the best back coming out of college. Yet he doesn't fit any real need on Dallas. They have Darren McFadden and added my man Alfred Morris. That should be more than enough to keep their high powered offense going, if Romo can stay healthy of course. What they needed was help on the defense. They were middle of the road in every sense of the word last year, and they have lost Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. I get that Joey Bosa went to the Chargers and he should have been the pick, but Jalen Ramsey or Deforest Buckner would have filled a bigger need that Elliot.
2. That was an interesting evening for Laremy Tunsil, huh? 10 minutes before the draft starts, someone hacks his account and posts an old video of him smoking weed out of a gas mask. Suddenly, he sees Ronnie Stanley and Jack Conklin get taken before him, and the presumptive #1 pick a month ago falls to #13. He lost millions of dollars. Next, the hackers post text messages of him asking coaches at Ole Miss for money to pay for his mother's electric bill. The idiocy of NCAA players not getting paid aside, this means Tunsil had to address those questions after being drafted, and said he did get money from them. I am unsure if this is different from the event which led to his suspension for improper benefits, but it is still a concern for a team. Now, however, he claims to be drug and issue free. For his sake, I hope so. South Beach isn't the best place for a guys with issues. The Dolphins are taking a risk on an extremely talented kid. If his issues are only with the NCAA rules and not with the NFL going forward, then getting Tunsil at 13 was a steal.
3. The first pick for the 49ers under Chip Kelly seemed to make some sense. DeForest Buckner is a great talent, played at Oregon, and fits a need. To be honest, the 49ers have needs everywhere. So I have no issue with that pick. I am extraordinarily confused, however, with trading back into the 1st round to take Joshua Garnett, the guard from Stanford. He or Cody Whitehair (who I like more) would have been there in the 2nd Round where they were picking (pick 37 overall). With all the great defensive talent that fell, there wasn't going to be a run on guards. To give up two picks, including a second, to move up was foolish.
4. Speaking of reaches, everyone seems to dislike the Giants pick of Eli Apple at 10. I had him going at 13, so it wasn't as much of a stretch to me. Where I had the problem was that they could have taken Vernon Hargreaves, or fit a more important need, like taking Tunsil to keep Eli Manning upright. If they were able, they could have traded back and probably still gotten Apple. Like I said, not as much of a stretch for me, but at least they now lead the NFL in guys named Eli.
5. The Titans won Round 1. By trading back from the #1 pick, they got a mighty haul, including a 1st and 3rd next year from the Rams. Then, they were still able to move up and get Jack Conklin, one of the top 3 tackles in the Draft. There is no denying Conklin's ability- just look at how good Michigan State was both running and passing behind him. He handled the likes of Bosa and Buckner quite easily. The question was where he was graded vs Tunsil. It seems like it was close enough that Tunsil's red flags pushed Conklin past him, since Conklin in an ultimate character guy. Now the Titans have him and Taylor Lewan entrenched at OT for years to come, making sure their franchise QB Marcus Mariota stays upright and healthy. A great draft so far.
6. Something about Ole Miss players and character issues, huh? Robert Nkemdiche's off the field issues were apparently supposed to cost him his chance at being drafted in Round 1. The Cardinals felt differently, and got a Top 5 talent (when he wants to play) at pick 29. Paired with Calais Campbell and Chandler Jones, Nkemdiche could make the Cardinals D-line the best in football. But the issues off the field for Robert (and possibly Jones too) have to be monitored. Its a boom or bust pick. If he can concentrate on the job paying him millions of dollars, then he should make fans in Arizona very happy.
7. Myles Jack is still on the board. This shocks me. I understand that he has some fairly significant questions about his knee. I also know he is a Top 10 talent. This isn't necessarily like Jaylon Smith, where teams aren't sure he'd ever be able to run at a high level again. Jack is running right now. The question is whether or not he needs microfracture surgery down the road. Now that he has fallen to Round 2, I think he is a complete steal. Long-term durability can be a concern for a guy in Round 1. Round 2, it is more than worth the risk. Expect Jack to be off the board fast. I'd personally like it (for my team) if he fell to the Redskins, but he won't last that long.
8. There was a run on WRs in the early 20s. The Texans traded up 1 pick (just to make sure another team didn't?) to draft speedster Will Fuller out of Notre Dame. The Redskins, now at pick 22, surprised everyone and took Josh Doctson from TCU, perhaps the most complete WR in the draft. I was very confused at first. WR isn't the biggest need the team had, but when a player like that comes to you, what harm is there in adding another weapon. Plus, Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson will both be free agents after the 2016 season. I doubt Washington will keep both of them, and even re-signing one may not be possible. Doctson comes in, can gain experience behind those veterans, then team with Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed, and Kirk Cousins to form an excellent young passing attach. The Vikings didn't have to move at all and still got Laquon Treadwell from Ole Miss. They have Stefon Diggs as a deep threat, but needed that Anquan Boldin-type possession WR. Treadwell should build a great chemistry with Teddy Bridgewater. The surprise WR pick was Baylor's Corey Coleman to the Browns at 15. I'd put Coleman as the #4 WR at best, and had Cleveland getting him in the 2nd Round. He doesn't run routes well, and had too many drops in college. However, his speed and playmaking ability is undeniable, and he certainly fits a massive need for the Browns. Maybe RG3 convinced them to reach for his fellow Baylor Bear instead of going with a safer pick like Doctson or Treadwell?
9. The Broncos found their QB of the future, and his name is Brock Osweiler 2.0... I mean Paxton Lynch. Yes, the man who is comparable to Osweiler in his measurable is now under the tutelage of John Elway and Gary Kubiak. I thought the best spot for Paxton would be the Cardinals, since he has to sit for a while and learn how to play the NFL game. Now, unless the Broncos are prepared to enter the season with Mark Sanchez as their starter, they are going to have to throw the kid to the fire sooner than expected. Lynch has all the physical tools and a great mindset. The issues is adjusting to the NFL game. A Super Bowl championship certainly buys the franchise some time to take calculated risks, and this was a 6'7" one.
10. There are still some great players available. Myles Jack, Jarran Reed, A'Shawn Robinson, Andrew Billings, Reggie Ragland, Mackensie Alexander, Noah Spence, Vonn Bell... And that's just on defense! Heisman winner Derrick Henry is on the board. My top guard Cody Whitehair is still there too. QBs like Connor Cook and Christian Hackenberg need a home. A lot of talented guys will hear there names called on Day 2.
Hope you enjoyed last night's weirdness. Rounds 2 and 3 start tonight at 7 pm ET. I'll try to type up my reactions tomorrow tonight or during Day 3. Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, April 28, 2016
JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 7
Here it is. The end of the line, and of weeks of work. Round 7. Thank you all for reading.
Round 7
1 (222). Tennessee Titans- Aaron Green, RB, TCU
2 (223). Cleveland Browns- Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Miss
3 (224). San Diego Chargers- Kevin Peterson, CB, Oklahoma State
4 (225). Seattle Seahawks- Mike Bercovici, QB, Arizona State
5 (226). Jacksonville Jaguars- Trae Elston, S, Ole Miss
6 (227). Miami Dolphins- Deiondre' Hall, CB, Northern Iowa
7 (228). Denver Broncos- David Morgan II, TE, Texas-San Antonio
8 (229). Pittsburgh Steelers- Darion Griswold, TE, Arkansas State
9 (230). Chicago Bears- Pearce Slater, OT, San Diego State
10 (231). Miami Dolphins- Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan
11 (232). Washington Redskins- DJ Pettway, DE, Alabama
12 (233). Philadelphia Eagles- Nile Lawrence-Stample, DE, Florida State
13 (234). Oakland Raiders- Caleb Bennenoch, OT, UCLA
14 (235). New York Jets- LeShaun Simms, CB, Southern Utah
15 (236). Detroit Pistons- Parker Ehinger, OG, Cincinnati
16 (237). New Orleans Saints- Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Drew Brees won't be there forever. It may be time to find his heir.
17 (238). Atlanta Falcons- Jordan Walsh, OG, Iowa
18 (239). Indianapolis Colts- Jake Rudock, QB, Michigan
Jim Harbaugh's old QB now gets backed up by his most recent QB.
19 (240). Minnesota Vikings- DJ Foster, RB, Arizona State
20 (241). New York Jets- Clayton Fejedelem, S, Illinois
21 (242). Washington Redskins- Luke Rhodes, ILB, William & Mary
22 (243). New England Patriots- Jake Coker, QB, Alabama
23 (244). Minnesota Vikings- Cre'von LeBlanc, CB, Florida Atlantic
24 (245). Cincinnati Bengals- Antwione Williams, OLB, Georgia Southern
25 (246). Pittsburgh Steelers- Anthony Zettel, DT/DE, Penn State
26 (247). Seattle Seahawks- Dan Vitale, FB/HB/TE, Northwestern
27 (248). Green Bay Packers- Tre Madden, RB, USC
28 (249). Kansas City Chiefs- Nick Richter, OT, Richmond
29 (250). New England Patriots- Nila Kasitati, OG, Oklahoma
30 (251). Philadelphia Eagles- Elijah Shumate, S, Notre Dame
31 (252). Carolina Panthers- Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon
32 (253). Denver Broncos- Chris Swain, FB, Navy
That's it! All 7 rounds in the books! Thank you so much for following along. Most of these picks will be wrong. Some will be right. I hope that your team gets better, and that your favorite players from college find a place in the NFL. Enjoy the 2016 NFL Draft everyone!
Round 7
1 (222). Tennessee Titans- Aaron Green, RB, TCU
2 (223). Cleveland Browns- Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Miss
3 (224). San Diego Chargers- Kevin Peterson, CB, Oklahoma State
4 (225). Seattle Seahawks- Mike Bercovici, QB, Arizona State
5 (226). Jacksonville Jaguars- Trae Elston, S, Ole Miss
6 (227). Miami Dolphins- Deiondre' Hall, CB, Northern Iowa
7 (228). Denver Broncos- David Morgan II, TE, Texas-San Antonio
8 (229). Pittsburgh Steelers- Darion Griswold, TE, Arkansas State
9 (230). Chicago Bears- Pearce Slater, OT, San Diego State
10 (231). Miami Dolphins- Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan
11 (232). Washington Redskins- DJ Pettway, DE, Alabama
12 (233). Philadelphia Eagles- Nile Lawrence-Stample, DE, Florida State
13 (234). Oakland Raiders- Caleb Bennenoch, OT, UCLA
14 (235). New York Jets- LeShaun Simms, CB, Southern Utah
15 (236). Detroit Pistons- Parker Ehinger, OG, Cincinnati
16 (237). New Orleans Saints- Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Drew Brees won't be there forever. It may be time to find his heir.
17 (238). Atlanta Falcons- Jordan Walsh, OG, Iowa
18 (239). Indianapolis Colts- Jake Rudock, QB, Michigan
Jim Harbaugh's old QB now gets backed up by his most recent QB.
19 (240). Minnesota Vikings- DJ Foster, RB, Arizona State
20 (241). New York Jets- Clayton Fejedelem, S, Illinois
21 (242). Washington Redskins- Luke Rhodes, ILB, William & Mary
22 (243). New England Patriots- Jake Coker, QB, Alabama
23 (244). Minnesota Vikings- Cre'von LeBlanc, CB, Florida Atlantic
24 (245). Cincinnati Bengals- Antwione Williams, OLB, Georgia Southern
25 (246). Pittsburgh Steelers- Anthony Zettel, DT/DE, Penn State
26 (247). Seattle Seahawks- Dan Vitale, FB/HB/TE, Northwestern
27 (248). Green Bay Packers- Tre Madden, RB, USC
28 (249). Kansas City Chiefs- Nick Richter, OT, Richmond
29 (250). New England Patriots- Nila Kasitati, OG, Oklahoma
30 (251). Philadelphia Eagles- Elijah Shumate, S, Notre Dame
31 (252). Carolina Panthers- Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon
32 (253). Denver Broncos- Chris Swain, FB, Navy
That's it! All 7 rounds in the books! Thank you so much for following along. Most of these picks will be wrong. Some will be right. I hope that your team gets better, and that your favorite players from college find a place in the NFL. Enjoy the 2016 NFL Draft everyone!
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 6
Almost done. Here we go.
Round 6
1 (176). Cleveland Browns- Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas
2 (177). Los Angeles Rams- Austin Blyth, OC, Iowa
3 (178). San Francisco 49ers- Ben Braunecker, TE, Harvard
4 (179). San Diego Chargers- Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple
5 (180). Minnesota Vikings- De'Vondre Campbell, OLB, Minnesota
6 (181). Jacksonville Jaguars- Ron Thompson, DE, Syracuse
First Orangeman gone! Hope at least one guy from my Alma Mater is taken.
7 (182). Baltimore Ravens- Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook
8 (183). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA
9 (184). New York Giants- Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State
10 (185). Chicago Bears- Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State
11 (186). Miami Dolphins- Jared Norris, ILB, Utah
12 (187). Washington Redskins- Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford
The Skins need to develop a young QB just in case Kirk doesn't pan out. Bringing in a local product (Hail Gonzaga!) would be a smart move.
13 (188). Philadelphia Eagles- Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois
14 (189). Dallas Cowboys- Cody Core, WR, Ole Miss
15 (190). Los Angeles Rams- DeMarcus Robinson, WR, Florida
16 (191). Detroit Lions- Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State
17 (192). Buffalo Bills- Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech
18 (193). Tennessee Titans- Rees Odhiambo, OG, Boise State
19 (194). Oakland Raiders- Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State
20 (195). Houston Texans- Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky
21 (196). New England Patriots- Romeo Okwara, DE, Notre Dame
22 (197). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
23 (198). San Diego Chargers- DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech
24 (199). Cincinnati Bengals- De"Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State
25 (200). Green Bay Packers- Donte Deayon, CB, Boise State
26 (201). Jacksonville Jaguars- Avery Young, OT, Auburn
27 (202). Detroit Lions- Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana
28 (203). Kansas City Chiefs- DJ Reader, DT, Clemson
29 (204). New England Patriots- Jordan Lucas, S, Penn State
30 (205). Arizona Cardinals- Kyle Friend, OC, Temple
31 (206). Chicago Bears- James Crowder, DE, Southern Utah
32 (207). San Francisco- Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia
33 (208). New England Patriots- Jayden Mickens, WR, Washington
34 (209). Baltimore Ravens- Geronimo Allison, WR, Illinois
35 (210). Detroit Lions- Dadi Lhomme Nicolas, OLB, Virginia Tech
36 (211). San Francisco 49ers- Cody Kessler, QB, USC
I know, I had them take Hackenberg. I don't trust him, and Kessler would provide an experienced alternative who was a winner in college.
37 (212). Dallas Cowboys- Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia
38 (213). San Francisco 49ers- Adam Gotsis, DT, Georgia Tech
39 (214). New England Patriots- Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia
40 (215). Seattle Seahawks- Joe Thuney, OG, NC State
41 (216). Dallas Cowboys- Tyrius Powell, S, Ohio State
42 (217). Dallas Cowboys- Henry Kriegercoble, TE, Iowa
43 (218). Buffalo Bills- Ka'imi Fairbairn, K, UCLA
44 (219). Denver Broncos- Kavon Frazier, S, Central Michigan
45 (220). Pittsburgh Steelers- Aziz Shittu, DE, Stanford
46 (221). New England Patriots- Keenan Reynolds, RB/WR/QB, Navy
The best player in NCAA last year gets his name called by one of the premier franchises. He deserves to be drafted, and could be the next great weapon for the Patriots. They also need all the positive press they can get.
Almost done. One more round to go.
Round 6
1 (176). Cleveland Browns- Brandon Allen, QB, Arkansas
2 (177). Los Angeles Rams- Austin Blyth, OC, Iowa
3 (178). San Francisco 49ers- Ben Braunecker, TE, Harvard
4 (179). San Diego Chargers- Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple
5 (180). Minnesota Vikings- De'Vondre Campbell, OLB, Minnesota
6 (181). Jacksonville Jaguars- Ron Thompson, DE, Syracuse
First Orangeman gone! Hope at least one guy from my Alma Mater is taken.
7 (182). Baltimore Ravens- Victor Ochi, OLB, Stoney Brook
8 (183). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA
9 (184). New York Giants- Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State
10 (185). Chicago Bears- Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State
11 (186). Miami Dolphins- Jared Norris, ILB, Utah
12 (187). Washington Redskins- Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford
The Skins need to develop a young QB just in case Kirk doesn't pan out. Bringing in a local product (Hail Gonzaga!) would be a smart move.
13 (188). Philadelphia Eagles- Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois
14 (189). Dallas Cowboys- Cody Core, WR, Ole Miss
15 (190). Los Angeles Rams- DeMarcus Robinson, WR, Florida
16 (191). Detroit Lions- Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State
17 (192). Buffalo Bills- Jeff Driskel, QB, Louisiana Tech
18 (193). Tennessee Titans- Rees Odhiambo, OG, Boise State
19 (194). Oakland Raiders- Beau Sandland, TE, Montana State
20 (195). Houston Texans- Brandon Doughty, QB, Western Kentucky
21 (196). New England Patriots- Romeo Okwara, DE, Notre Dame
22 (197). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
23 (198). San Diego Chargers- DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech
24 (199). Cincinnati Bengals- De"Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State
25 (200). Green Bay Packers- Donte Deayon, CB, Boise State
26 (201). Jacksonville Jaguars- Avery Young, OT, Auburn
27 (202). Detroit Lions- Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana
28 (203). Kansas City Chiefs- DJ Reader, DT, Clemson
29 (204). New England Patriots- Jordan Lucas, S, Penn State
30 (205). Arizona Cardinals- Kyle Friend, OC, Temple
31 (206). Chicago Bears- James Crowder, DE, Southern Utah
32 (207). San Francisco- Daryl Worley, CB, West Virginia
33 (208). New England Patriots- Jayden Mickens, WR, Washington
34 (209). Baltimore Ravens- Geronimo Allison, WR, Illinois
35 (210). Detroit Lions- Dadi Lhomme Nicolas, OLB, Virginia Tech
36 (211). San Francisco 49ers- Cody Kessler, QB, USC
I know, I had them take Hackenberg. I don't trust him, and Kessler would provide an experienced alternative who was a winner in college.
37 (212). Dallas Cowboys- Keith Marshall, RB, Georgia
38 (213). San Francisco 49ers- Adam Gotsis, DT, Georgia Tech
39 (214). New England Patriots- Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB, West Virginia
40 (215). Seattle Seahawks- Joe Thuney, OG, NC State
41 (216). Dallas Cowboys- Tyrius Powell, S, Ohio State
42 (217). Dallas Cowboys- Henry Kriegercoble, TE, Iowa
43 (218). Buffalo Bills- Ka'imi Fairbairn, K, UCLA
44 (219). Denver Broncos- Kavon Frazier, S, Central Michigan
45 (220). Pittsburgh Steelers- Aziz Shittu, DE, Stanford
46 (221). New England Patriots- Keenan Reynolds, RB/WR/QB, Navy
The best player in NCAA last year gets his name called by one of the premier franchises. He deserves to be drafted, and could be the next great weapon for the Patriots. They also need all the positive press they can get.
Almost done. One more round to go.
JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 5
Another day, another round of the Draft. After all, its only one more sleep til Draft Day!
Round 5
1 (140). Tennessee Titans- Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah
2 (141). Cleveland Browns- Evan Boehm, OC, Missouri
3 (142). San Francisco 49ers- Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama
4 (143). Oakland Raiders- Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford
5 (144). Denver Broncos- Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa
6 (145). San Francisco 49ers- Malick Collins, DT, Nebraska
7 (146). Jacksonville Jaguars- Bralon Addison, WR, Oregon
8 (147). Miami Dolphins- Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina
9 (148). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska
10 (149). New York Giants- Jayron Kearse, S, Clemson
11 (150). Chicago Bears- Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
He would have been a 1st Round pick if he came out after winning the National Championship. Now he goes late, but gets to sit behind Jay Cutler for a bit and refine his game. If Cutler struggles, the Bears fans may start clamoring for Jones.
12 (151). Detroit Lions- Harlan Miller, CB, SE Louisiana
13 (152). New Orleans Saints- Travis Feeney, OLB, Washington
14 (153). Philadelphia Eagles- Kevon Seymour, CB, USC
15 (154). Oakland Raiders- Roger Lewis, WR, Bowling Green
16 (155). Indianapolis Colts- DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, William & Mary
17 (156). Buffalo Bills- Briean Boddy-Calhoun, CB, Minnesota
18 (157). Denver Broncos- James Bradberry, CB, Samford
19 (158). Washington Redskins- KJ Dillon, S, West Virginia
20 (159). Houston Texans- Morgan Burns, CB, Kansas State
21 (160). Minnesota Vikings- Tom Hackett, P, Utah
Punters are people too!
22 (161). Cincinnati Bengals- Justin Simmons, S, Boston College
23 (162). Kansas City Chiefs- Jocoby Brissett, QB, NC State
24 (163). Green Bay Packers- Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
25 (164). Philadelphia Eagles- Denver Kirkland, OG, Arkansas
26 (165). Kansas City Chiefs- CJ Prosise, RB, Notre Dame
27 (166). Houston Texans- Daniel Lasco, RB, Cal
28 (167). Arizona Cardinals- Glenn Gronkowski, FB/HB/TE, Kansas State
Mini Gronk goes to add even more weapons to an explosive Cardinals offense.
29 (168). Carolina Panthers- Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State
30 (169). Detroit Lions- Kelvin Ferguson, RB, Florida
31 (170). Arizona Cardinals- Jatavis Brown, OLB, Akron
32 (171). Seattle Seahawks- Paul McRoberts, WR, SE Missouri State
33 (172). Cleveland Browns- Tavon Young, CB, Temple
34 (173). Cleveland Browns- Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU
Winner of the "Name of the Draft" award
35 (174). San Francisco 49ers- Kevin Crawley, CB, Colorado
36 (175). San Diego Chargers- Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State
Only two more rounds to go! Has your favorite college player gone yet? Where will all the remaining QBs go? We'll find out shortly.
Round 5
1 (140). Tennessee Titans- Jason Fanaika, DE, Utah
2 (141). Cleveland Browns- Evan Boehm, OC, Missouri
3 (142). San Francisco 49ers- Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama
4 (143). Oakland Raiders- Blake Martinez, ILB, Stanford
5 (144). Denver Broncos- Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa
6 (145). San Francisco 49ers- Malick Collins, DT, Nebraska
7 (146). Jacksonville Jaguars- Bralon Addison, WR, Oregon
8 (147). Miami Dolphins- Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina
9 (148). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Alex Lewis, OT, Nebraska
10 (149). New York Giants- Jayron Kearse, S, Clemson
11 (150). Chicago Bears- Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
He would have been a 1st Round pick if he came out after winning the National Championship. Now he goes late, but gets to sit behind Jay Cutler for a bit and refine his game. If Cutler struggles, the Bears fans may start clamoring for Jones.
12 (151). Detroit Lions- Harlan Miller, CB, SE Louisiana
13 (152). New Orleans Saints- Travis Feeney, OLB, Washington
14 (153). Philadelphia Eagles- Kevon Seymour, CB, USC
15 (154). Oakland Raiders- Roger Lewis, WR, Bowling Green
16 (155). Indianapolis Colts- DeAndre Houston-Carson, S, William & Mary
17 (156). Buffalo Bills- Briean Boddy-Calhoun, CB, Minnesota
18 (157). Denver Broncos- James Bradberry, CB, Samford
19 (158). Washington Redskins- KJ Dillon, S, West Virginia
20 (159). Houston Texans- Morgan Burns, CB, Kansas State
21 (160). Minnesota Vikings- Tom Hackett, P, Utah
Punters are people too!
22 (161). Cincinnati Bengals- Justin Simmons, S, Boston College
23 (162). Kansas City Chiefs- Jocoby Brissett, QB, NC State
24 (163). Green Bay Packers- Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
25 (164). Philadelphia Eagles- Denver Kirkland, OG, Arkansas
26 (165). Kansas City Chiefs- CJ Prosise, RB, Notre Dame
27 (166). Houston Texans- Daniel Lasco, RB, Cal
28 (167). Arizona Cardinals- Glenn Gronkowski, FB/HB/TE, Kansas State
Mini Gronk goes to add even more weapons to an explosive Cardinals offense.
29 (168). Carolina Panthers- Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State
30 (169). Detroit Lions- Kelvin Ferguson, RB, Florida
31 (170). Arizona Cardinals- Jatavis Brown, OLB, Akron
32 (171). Seattle Seahawks- Paul McRoberts, WR, SE Missouri State
33 (172). Cleveland Browns- Tavon Young, CB, Temple
34 (173). Cleveland Browns- Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT, TCU
Winner of the "Name of the Draft" award
35 (174). San Francisco 49ers- Kevin Crawley, CB, Colorado
36 (175). San Diego Chargers- Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State
Only two more rounds to go! Has your favorite college player gone yet? Where will all the remaining QBs go? We'll find out shortly.
JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 4
Keep rolling along.
Round 4
1 (99). Cleveland Browns- Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
2 (100). Cleveland Browns- Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
I love this guy. Outside of Zeke Eliiot, the best all-purpose back in the draft in my opinion.
3 (101). Dallas Cowboys- Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
4 (102). San Diego Chargers- Leonte Carrou, WR, Rutgers
5 (103). Jacksonville Jaguars- Spencer Drango, OG, Baylor
6 (104). Baltimore Ravens- Cole Toner, OT, Harvard
7 (105). San Francisco 49ers- Tyler Matakevich, ILB, Temple
8 (106). Chicago Bears- Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia
9 (107). Miami Dolphins- Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
10 (108). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
11 (109). New York Giants- Joe Dahl, OG, Washington Stsate
12 (110). Los Angeles Rams- Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma
13 (111). Detroit Lions- Willie Beavers, OT, Western Michigan
14 (112). New Orleans Saints- Kenny Lawler, WR, Cal
15 (113). Los Angeles Rams- Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
16 (114). Oakland Raiders- DJ White, CB, Georgia Tech
17 (115). Atlanta Falcons- Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
18 (116). Indianapolis Colts- Keivarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
19 (117). Buffalo Bills- Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
20 (118). New York Jets- Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
I think Dak has the talent to be a NFL QB. If he sits for a year and learns, I expect good things. Certainly a leader with all the intangibles a franchise would want.
21 (119). Houston Texans- Jerrell Adams, TE, South Carolina
22 (120). Washington Redskins- Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass
23 (121). Minnesota Vikings- Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
24 (122). Cincinnati Bengals- Max Tuerk, OC, USC
25 (123). Pittsburgh Steelers- Graham Glasgow, OG/C, Michigan
26 (124). Seattle Seahawks- Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
27 (125). Green Bay Packers- Bryce Williams, TE, East Carolina
28 (126). Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State
29 (127). Chicago Bears- Kolby Listenbee, WR, TCU
30 (128). Arizona Cardinals- Johnathan Jones, CB, Arizona
31 (129). Carolina Panthers- Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
32 (130). Baltimore Ravens- Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota
33 (131). Green Bay Packers- Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss
34 (132). Baltimore Ravens- Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
35 (133). San Francisco 49ers- Issac Seamalo, OG, Oregon State
36 (134). Baltimore Ravens- Sean Davis, S, Maryland
37 (135). Dallas Cowboys- Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin
38 (136). Denver Broncos- Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas
39 (137). Green Bay Packers- Jordan Peyton, WR, UCLA
40 (138). Cleveland Browns- Nick Vigil, ILB, Utah State
41 (139). Buffalo Bills- Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
Round 4 in the books. Round 5 coming up next, with some more familiar names, and some future late-round superstars.
Round 4
1 (99). Cleveland Browns- Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
2 (100). Cleveland Browns- Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
I love this guy. Outside of Zeke Eliiot, the best all-purpose back in the draft in my opinion.
3 (101). Dallas Cowboys- Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame
4 (102). San Diego Chargers- Leonte Carrou, WR, Rutgers
5 (103). Jacksonville Jaguars- Spencer Drango, OG, Baylor
6 (104). Baltimore Ravens- Cole Toner, OT, Harvard
7 (105). San Francisco 49ers- Tyler Matakevich, ILB, Temple
8 (106). Chicago Bears- Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia
9 (107). Miami Dolphins- Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
10 (108). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
11 (109). New York Giants- Joe Dahl, OG, Washington Stsate
12 (110). Los Angeles Rams- Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma
13 (111). Detroit Lions- Willie Beavers, OT, Western Michigan
14 (112). New Orleans Saints- Kenny Lawler, WR, Cal
15 (113). Los Angeles Rams- Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
16 (114). Oakland Raiders- DJ White, CB, Georgia Tech
17 (115). Atlanta Falcons- Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
18 (116). Indianapolis Colts- Keivarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
19 (117). Buffalo Bills- Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia
20 (118). New York Jets- Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
I think Dak has the talent to be a NFL QB. If he sits for a year and learns, I expect good things. Certainly a leader with all the intangibles a franchise would want.
21 (119). Houston Texans- Jerrell Adams, TE, South Carolina
22 (120). Washington Redskins- Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass
23 (121). Minnesota Vikings- Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
24 (122). Cincinnati Bengals- Max Tuerk, OC, USC
25 (123). Pittsburgh Steelers- Graham Glasgow, OG/C, Michigan
26 (124). Seattle Seahawks- Eric Striker, OLB, Oklahoma
27 (125). Green Bay Packers- Bryce Williams, TE, East Carolina
28 (126). Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Burbridge, WR, Michigan State
29 (127). Chicago Bears- Kolby Listenbee, WR, TCU
30 (128). Arizona Cardinals- Johnathan Jones, CB, Arizona
31 (129). Carolina Panthers- Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
32 (130). Baltimore Ravens- Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota
33 (131). Green Bay Packers- Fahn Cooper, OT, Ole Miss
34 (132). Baltimore Ravens- Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
35 (133). San Francisco 49ers- Issac Seamalo, OG, Oregon State
36 (134). Baltimore Ravens- Sean Davis, S, Maryland
37 (135). Dallas Cowboys- Joe Schobert, OLB, Wisconsin
38 (136). Denver Broncos- Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas
39 (137). Green Bay Packers- Jordan Peyton, WR, UCLA
40 (138). Cleveland Browns- Nick Vigil, ILB, Utah State
41 (139). Buffalo Bills- Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
Round 4 in the books. Round 5 coming up next, with some more familiar names, and some future late-round superstars.
JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 3
Here we go with Round 3. There will be less analysis in all the rounds going forward, but I will make sure to comment on the big names that go.
Round 3
1 (64). Tennessee Titans- Christian Westerman, OG/C, Arizona State
2 (65). Cleveland Browns- Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
3 (66). San Diego Chargers- Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
4 (67). Dallas Cowboys- Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
5 (68). San Francisco 49ers- Jeremy Cash, S, Duke
6 (69). Jacksonville Jaguars- Nick Martin, OC, Notre Dame
7 (70). Baltimore Ravens- Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay say he has the best hands in the draft.
8 (71). New York Giants- Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
9 (72). Chicago Bears- Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
10 (73). Miami Dolphins- Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
11 (74). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State
Kicker! The Bucs needed help at that position, why not take the best guy available?
12 (75). Oakland Raiders- Devonte Booker, RG, Utah
13 (76). Tennessee Titans- Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
14 (77). Cleveland Browns- Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
15 (78). New Orleans Saints- Landon Turner, OG, UNC
16 (79). Philadelphia Eagles- Charone Peake, WR, Clemson
17 (80). Buffalo Bills- John Theus, OT, Georgia
18 (81). Atlanta Falcons- Keanu Neal, S, Florida
19 (82). Indianapolis Colts- Deion Jones, OLB, LSU
20 (83). New York Jets- Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
21 (84). Washington Redskins- Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
Josh Norman fits the need, but you can never have too many CBs.
22 (85). Houston Texans- Jack Allen, OC, Michigan State
23 (86). Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford
24 (87). Cincinnati Bengals- Kentrell Brothers, ILB, Missouri
25 (88). Green Bay Packers- Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
26 (89). Pittsburgh Steelers- Jalen Mills, FS, LSU
Has the cover skills a thumper like Su'a Cravens lacks.
27 (90). Seattle Seahawks- Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
28 (91). New England Patriots- Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama
29 (92). Arizona Cardinals- TJ Green, S, Clemson
30 (93). Carolina Panthers- Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
Could also be an option for the Skins if they decide to go the safety route.
31 (94). Denver Broncos- Connor McGovern, OT/G, Missouri
32 (95). Detroit Lions- Dominique Alexander, ILB, Oklahoma
33 (96). New England Patriots- Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
34 (97). Seattle Seahawks- Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State
35 (98). Denver Broncos- Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas
There we go. Count down the seconds til the Draft starts. Round 4 coming soon!
Round 3
1 (64). Tennessee Titans- Christian Westerman, OG/C, Arizona State
2 (65). Cleveland Browns- Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
3 (66). San Diego Chargers- Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
4 (67). Dallas Cowboys- Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor
5 (68). San Francisco 49ers- Jeremy Cash, S, Duke
6 (69). Jacksonville Jaguars- Nick Martin, OC, Notre Dame
7 (70). Baltimore Ravens- Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State
Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay say he has the best hands in the draft.
8 (71). New York Giants- Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
9 (72). Chicago Bears- Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana
10 (73). Miami Dolphins- Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
11 (74). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State
Kicker! The Bucs needed help at that position, why not take the best guy available?
12 (75). Oakland Raiders- Devonte Booker, RG, Utah
13 (76). Tennessee Titans- Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
14 (77). Cleveland Browns- Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
15 (78). New Orleans Saints- Landon Turner, OG, UNC
16 (79). Philadelphia Eagles- Charone Peake, WR, Clemson
17 (80). Buffalo Bills- John Theus, OT, Georgia
18 (81). Atlanta Falcons- Keanu Neal, S, Florida
19 (82). Indianapolis Colts- Deion Jones, OLB, LSU
20 (83). New York Jets- Austin Hooper, TE, Stanford
21 (84). Washington Redskins- Will Redmond, CB, Mississippi State
Josh Norman fits the need, but you can never have too many CBs.
22 (85). Houston Texans- Jack Allen, OC, Michigan State
23 (86). Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Murphy, OT, Stanford
24 (87). Cincinnati Bengals- Kentrell Brothers, ILB, Missouri
25 (88). Green Bay Packers- Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
26 (89). Pittsburgh Steelers- Jalen Mills, FS, LSU
Has the cover skills a thumper like Su'a Cravens lacks.
27 (90). Seattle Seahawks- Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
28 (91). New England Patriots- Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama
29 (92). Arizona Cardinals- TJ Green, S, Clemson
30 (93). Carolina Panthers- Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
Could also be an option for the Skins if they decide to go the safety route.
31 (94). Denver Broncos- Connor McGovern, OT/G, Missouri
32 (95). Detroit Lions- Dominique Alexander, ILB, Oklahoma
33 (96). New England Patriots- Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
34 (97). Seattle Seahawks- Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State
35 (98). Denver Broncos- Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas
There we go. Count down the seconds til the Draft starts. Round 4 coming soon!
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 2
Back for more with Round 2 of the 2016 NFL Mock Draft!
1 (32). Cleveland Browns- Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
The Browns need WRs. Desperately. Why not get RG3 another Baylor man?
2 (33). Tennessee Titans- William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Flying up draft boards. Could go in Round 1. A steal here for a Titans team that needs secondary help.
3 (34). Dallas Cowboys- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
The heir to Tony Romo is picked. If he had Kirk Cousins' intangibles, he'd be one of the top QBs.
4 (35). San Diego Chargers- Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Antonio Gates isn't getting any younger. Henry can learn from the best before taking over.
5 (36). Baltimore Ravens- Noah Spence, OLB/DE, Eastern Kentucky
Ravens double down on the pass rush. Spence can work outside while Buckner stays in.
6 (37). San Francisco 49ers- Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
That's right. Chip takes a QB that he thinks he can fix. Shell-shocked Hackenberg tries to get his mojo back.
7 (38). Jacksonville Jaguars- Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
A solid pass rusher to work off the end opposite Dante Fowler.
8. (39). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
More pass rush for a team that needs to stop 3 great offenses.
9 (40). New York Giants- Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Eli needs more weapon? MORE WEAPONS! OBJ gets a running mate as well. Don't worry, the D will come soon.
10 (41). Chicago Bears- Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Bears defense really is bad. They need to draft more help.
11 (42). Miami Dolphins- Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida
Pass rush for those days Suh takes off.
12 (43). Tennessee Titans- Karl Joseph, SS, WVU
Titans get the top true safety on the board
13 (44). Oakland Raiders- Vonn Bell, SS, Ohio State
Tweener, could be a CB, but help in the secondary regardless.
14 (45). Tennessee Titans- Tyler Boyd, WR, Pitt
More help for Mariota. A consistent threat with a ton of experience, excellent hands, and great body control in the air.
15 (46). Detroit Lions- Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
D-line help may be their biggest need. Someone needs to take pressure off Zeke Ansah
16 (47). New Orleans Saints- Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Another Fuller in the NFL. He should be a solid CB. Helps a dismal Saints secondary.
17 (48). Indianapolis Colts- Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
More offensive line help. Protect Andrew Luck at all costs.
18 (49). Buffalo Bills- Pharoh Copper, WR, South Carolina
A weapon opposite Sammy Watkins. More of a possession guy than a playmaker, but a good compliment.
19 (50). Atlanta Falcons- Scooby Wright, ILB, Arizona
A 1st round pick until he hurt his knee. His recovery has gone well. He could be a steal here.
20 (51). New York Jets- Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
They got Ferguson's replacement in Ryan Clady. Coleman adds depth.
21 (52). Houston Texans- Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Clowney hasn't panned out yet, and Watt needs help on that line.
22 (53). Washington Redskins- Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Could be a 1st rounder. Fits a need for a team that couldn't stop the run.
23 (54). Minnesota Vikings- Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
Almost as good as Cody Whitehair. A plug-and-play guy.
24 (55). Cincinnati Bengals- Sterling Shephard, WR, Oklahoma
Bengals lost Sanu and Marvin Jones. They need help at wideout.
25 (56). Seattle Seahawks- Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Here is the Heisman winner. It is a perfect fit. He is a one-cut, downhill runner, who can pick up where Marshawn Lynch left off.
26 (57). Green Bay Packers- Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
BJ Raji walking away leaves a giant hole in the middle of that line.
27 (58). Pittsburgh Steelers- Su'a Cravens, S/LB, USC
He will smack you in the mouth and make you like it. The perfect cover guy that can play up in the box.
28 (59). Kansas City Chiefs- Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame
If Smith doesn't get hurt, he is a Top 5 pick. Every team is worried about his knee, but I think that the Chiefs are deep enough to take a risk on a super talented guy here.
29 (60). New England Patriots- Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Tom Brady got destroyed by the Broncos pass rush. Luckily, he is now suspended for the first 4 games, so he will have extra time to recover. Clark will help protect Jimmy Garoppolo instead.
30 (61). New England Patriots- Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
Second of their back to back picks finds a replacement passrusher for Chandler Jones.
31 (62). Carolina Panthers- Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Josh Norman leaving for DC leaves a huge void in that secondary. Burns is the best available.
32 (63). Denver Broncos- Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State
Another defensive player helping to fill holes caused by free agency.
There is Round 2! Feel free to comment or reach out. Tell me picks you love, picks you hate, anything like that. Watch for Rounds 3-7 the rest of the week!
1 (32). Cleveland Browns- Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
The Browns need WRs. Desperately. Why not get RG3 another Baylor man?
2 (33). Tennessee Titans- William Jackson III, CB, Houston
Flying up draft boards. Could go in Round 1. A steal here for a Titans team that needs secondary help.
3 (34). Dallas Cowboys- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
The heir to Tony Romo is picked. If he had Kirk Cousins' intangibles, he'd be one of the top QBs.
4 (35). San Diego Chargers- Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
Antonio Gates isn't getting any younger. Henry can learn from the best before taking over.
5 (36). Baltimore Ravens- Noah Spence, OLB/DE, Eastern Kentucky
Ravens double down on the pass rush. Spence can work outside while Buckner stays in.
6 (37). San Francisco 49ers- Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
That's right. Chip takes a QB that he thinks he can fix. Shell-shocked Hackenberg tries to get his mojo back.
7 (38). Jacksonville Jaguars- Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
A solid pass rusher to work off the end opposite Dante Fowler.
8. (39). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
More pass rush for a team that needs to stop 3 great offenses.
9 (40). New York Giants- Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Eli needs more weapon? MORE WEAPONS! OBJ gets a running mate as well. Don't worry, the D will come soon.
10 (41). Chicago Bears- Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
The Bears defense really is bad. They need to draft more help.
11 (42). Miami Dolphins- Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida
Pass rush for those days Suh takes off.
12 (43). Tennessee Titans- Karl Joseph, SS, WVU
Titans get the top true safety on the board
13 (44). Oakland Raiders- Vonn Bell, SS, Ohio State
Tweener, could be a CB, but help in the secondary regardless.
14 (45). Tennessee Titans- Tyler Boyd, WR, Pitt
More help for Mariota. A consistent threat with a ton of experience, excellent hands, and great body control in the air.
15 (46). Detroit Lions- Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
D-line help may be their biggest need. Someone needs to take pressure off Zeke Ansah
16 (47). New Orleans Saints- Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Another Fuller in the NFL. He should be a solid CB. Helps a dismal Saints secondary.
17 (48). Indianapolis Colts- Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
More offensive line help. Protect Andrew Luck at all costs.
18 (49). Buffalo Bills- Pharoh Copper, WR, South Carolina
A weapon opposite Sammy Watkins. More of a possession guy than a playmaker, but a good compliment.
19 (50). Atlanta Falcons- Scooby Wright, ILB, Arizona
A 1st round pick until he hurt his knee. His recovery has gone well. He could be a steal here.
20 (51). New York Jets- Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
They got Ferguson's replacement in Ryan Clady. Coleman adds depth.
21 (52). Houston Texans- Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
Clowney hasn't panned out yet, and Watt needs help on that line.
22 (53). Washington Redskins- Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
Could be a 1st rounder. Fits a need for a team that couldn't stop the run.
23 (54). Minnesota Vikings- Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
Almost as good as Cody Whitehair. A plug-and-play guy.
24 (55). Cincinnati Bengals- Sterling Shephard, WR, Oklahoma
Bengals lost Sanu and Marvin Jones. They need help at wideout.
25 (56). Seattle Seahawks- Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama
Here is the Heisman winner. It is a perfect fit. He is a one-cut, downhill runner, who can pick up where Marshawn Lynch left off.
26 (57). Green Bay Packers- Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
BJ Raji walking away leaves a giant hole in the middle of that line.
27 (58). Pittsburgh Steelers- Su'a Cravens, S/LB, USC
He will smack you in the mouth and make you like it. The perfect cover guy that can play up in the box.
28 (59). Kansas City Chiefs- Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame
If Smith doesn't get hurt, he is a Top 5 pick. Every team is worried about his knee, but I think that the Chiefs are deep enough to take a risk on a super talented guy here.
29 (60). New England Patriots- Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Tom Brady got destroyed by the Broncos pass rush. Luckily, he is now suspended for the first 4 games, so he will have extra time to recover. Clark will help protect Jimmy Garoppolo instead.
30 (61). New England Patriots- Kamalei Correa, OLB, Boise State
Second of their back to back picks finds a replacement passrusher for Chandler Jones.
31 (62). Carolina Panthers- Artie Burns, CB, Miami (FL)
Josh Norman leaving for DC leaves a huge void in that secondary. Burns is the best available.
32 (63). Denver Broncos- Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State
Another defensive player helping to fill holes caused by free agency.
There is Round 2! Feel free to comment or reach out. Tell me picks you love, picks you hate, anything like that. Watch for Rounds 3-7 the rest of the week!
Monday, April 25, 2016
JFLANland 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Round 1
Well, here it is, the moment we've all been waiting for. Finally, after a year, an exciting season, a crazy offseason that just got weirder with Deflate-Gate coming back, the 2016 NFL Draft is almost upon us. There have been crazy trades which have caused me to pull out some of my hair and redo my mock twice. All of the drama may be gone with the first two picks now that the Rams and Eagles have said they will take quarterbacks. The rest of the Draft, however, is up in the air completely. This is my best attempt to prognosticate what may happen, and is the first part of a full 7 Round Mock Draft. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope there are no more trades. To be clear, I do not project any trades in this mock, though I'd really like to. For example, I'd love to say that Sam Bradford gets traded to the 49ers, or that Colin Kaepernick gets traded to the Broncos. But I cannot, because that would just make my life harder. So, this is what you get. Thank you so much for reading. Here we go. With the 1st pick in the 2016 NFL Draft....
1. Los Angeles Rams- Jared Goff, QB, Cal
It seems to be the worst kept secret in the league right now. The Rams gave up a hefty ransom to move up and select a QB. The feel like they can win right now if they get consistent QB play, which they haven't gotten from Nick Foles or Case Keenum. Goff provides the experience that Carson Wentz does not have, and will be ready to go sooner. He should be the starter by Week 5, if not right out of the gate.
2. Philadelphia Eagles- Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
The Eagles say they are happy with whoever the Rams don't take. I hope that is true, because while Wentz is talented, he is not that experienced. It is a move that makes some sense when you are willing to sit him for more of the first year, if not all of it, while Doug Pederson teaches Wentz how to be a NFL QB. However, with Sam Bradford demanding a trade today, it is possible Wentz will be thrown to the fire earlier than expected.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
This pick makes so much sense to me it isn't even funny. Yes, they have a need in the secondary, but the Chargers have committed to Phillip Rivers long term. They need to keep him upright and get the most out of their rapidly closing window. Tunsil has the biggest upside, moves fluidly, and can dominate the line of scrimmage. If any questions about his motor prove to be unfounded, then the Chargers may have the foundation of their O-line for the next decade.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Greg Hardy gone. Randy Gregory suspended. Why is anyone in Dallas talking about taking a running back? Yes, I think Ezekiel Elliot will be a great player. But I think that the Cowboys have a bigger need along that defensive line. Bosa is a safe pick who could give Eli, Kirk, and Wentz fits for years. You have to take him if he is there.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
The Jags had a massive offseason, adding Malik Jackson, Chris Ivory, Tashaun Gipson, and Prince Amukamara. They are looking to solidify a mediocre defense so that they can compete in a division with Andrew Luck, Marcus Mariota, and Houston's shiny new toy, Brock Osweiler. Ramsey can play either safety or corner, and has excellent cover skills, even if he doesn't always pick the ball off. Adding him could be the final piece in an overhaul that bring Jacksonville back to the playoffs.
6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
I had Ronnie Stanley hear in each of my first two mocks. I think he is the right pick. However, Baltimore gave Eugene Monroe a bunch of money to play left tackle. Plus Stanley may not transition to right tackle well. And hey, its the Ravens. They are defined by defense. DeForest Buckner is a physical freak, super athletic, and will fit right in with that culture in the Ravens locker room.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
So, you know how I said Stanley may not be a great right tackle? Don't tell Chip Kelly that. Chip will play him wherever he wants to. I do think there is something very special about Stanley, who is more of a finesse tackle that Tunsil is. However, as he matures, and Joe Staley gets older, the move may be to switch Staley over to the right side. Which ever way they choose to play it, the 49ers should have solid bookend tackles protecting whoever the hell is playing QB for them.
8. Cleveland Browns- Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Browns got a nice haul of picks from the Eagles, and are able to take a little bit of a risk here. There is some concern about Jack's knee, but if the Browns doctor approves, then they could get the best overall player in the draft. Jack can go sideline to sideline, tackle, and rush the passer. He would be the heart of that Browns defense.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
The Buccaneers main need is in the secondary. If Ramsey falls this far (he won't), he would be the obvious pick. Here, they take the best pure corner that can start right away. With Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan in the same conference, the Bucs need someone to stop the pass just as much as they need Jameis Winston to go out there and sling it.
10. New York Giants- Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
If Elliot is here at 10, the Dolphins will do almost anything to trade up and take him. But like I said, I don't project trades. Plus, the Giants could use Elliot too. The running back by committee that the Giants have now isn't bad, but they have the chance to draft the clear #1 RB on the board, as well as the best player available. Pair him with Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr? As as fan of the Washington football team, I know I don't want to see that twice a year.
11. Chicago Bears- Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
The Bears used to be defined by their defense. Now they cannot stop anyone. Lee is the best pass rusher available, only a hair below Myles Jack, and ahead of him if Jack's knee turns out to be a problem. He'd come in and give O-linemen fits. This is the first step in getting the Bears back to being the Monsters of the Midway.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
I've got to say, this is the most consistent pick in all the mock drafts I have seen outside of the the QBs at the top. The Saints just couldn't stop anyone. Rankins can stuff the run and be a mainstay on their defensive line for years. Of course, this is the Saints, so if they don't take a defensive lineman, I am sure they'd just take another weapon for Drew Brees.
13. Miami Dolphins- Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
No Elliot, and the Dolphins are crushed. They need guys that can play everywhere except for at DT. So, why not go with a guy in the secondary from possibly the most talented team in college last year? Eli Apple is a bit raw, but has the size and speed that projects well to the next level. He was already a 2nd team All Big Ten corner as a red shirt sophomore, and can develop into a true shutdown corner at the NFL level.
14. Oakland Raiders- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Oakland Raiders have made some big strides recently. They have a franchise QB in Derek Carr. They have a go-to WR in Amari Cooper. They signed some key free agents in Kelichi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, and Sean Smith. Now, they can draft a franchise left (or right) tackle to keep their QB upright and competing. The last thing they want is for Derek to get shell-shocked like his older brother David was in Houston from taking too many sacks. Conklin is rising up draft boards fast, and could be taken before Stanley in the Top 10.
15. Tennessee Titans- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Titans may trade back up to get Stanley, Tunsil, or Conklin. But if they stay at 15 and still land Decker, they they will have already won the draft with 1 pick. Like the Raiders, the Titans have a young franchise QB that they need to keep healthy. Marcus Mariota got hit way too much last season. Plug in Decker on the opposite side of Taylor Lewan, and he should be upright for much longer.
16. Detroit Lions- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Let's see, what happened to the Lions this offseason... Oh yeah, their best player decided to retire. No more Megatron. That leaves a pretty damn big hole on the outside. Treadwell doesn't have the elite speed that Calvin Johnson did coming out of college, but he is a playmaker. He can pair well with Matt Stafford, who frankly needs all the help he can get in that division. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones cannot do it by themselves. Treadwell would compliment their speed with his hands and size.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
According to ESPN's draft gurus Todd McShay and the king, Mel Kiper Jr, seeing Floyd around this late would be a massive surprise. I am not one to disagree with them often, but I just don't see Top 10 in this guy. I think that the Falcons would be a great spot for him. They could pair him with Vic Beasley on the opposite side to get after those great QBs in the NFC South. Plus, it never hurts to sell season tickets to a new stadium in Atlanta opening in 2017 then with a former Georgia Bulldog as a defensive star.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
The Colts need to draft offensive linemen. They need to draft a lot of offensive linemen. They may need to draft an entire new offensive line. Unless they trade up to take one of the Top 4 tackles, or trade back to get one of the second tier guys, they will be stuck without an option at tackle. Ryan Kelly is an option, but they need guards just as much (if not moreso) than a center. Whitehair is the #1 guard on the board, and fits a need. Think Zach Martin or Brandon Scherff- plug in, play, and be happy you don't hear his name for mistakes often.
19. Buffalo Bills- Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The Bills are a Rex Ryan team. They will be built around defense. Depending on who you talk to, Reed is even better than Sheldon Rankins, who went to the Saints at 12. He could stuff the run and anchor the defensive line for Rex. Yes, they have Marcel Dareus, but Kyle Williams is older, and is coming back from a knee injury. Another option? The guy that is taken next.
20. New York Jets- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Yes, Shaq would also be a smart choice for Buffalo, what with the departure of Mario Williams. But he fits in with the Jets too. They need a solid pass rusher on the opposite side of last year's #1 pick, Leonard Williams. They could be a dominant force in the AFC if they are able to come together. Now if they only had a quarterback.
21. Washington Redskins- Ryan Kelly, OC, Alabama
The surprise signing of Josh Norman means that corner isn't a top need. The free agent signing of Kendall Reyes added depth along the D-line, though they cold still draft there. But the reason the Redskins were able to succeed last year was because Kirk Cousins played well. Getting Ryan Kelly to anchor that offensive line would be the perfect pick to help in his development. Plug him in next to Brandon Scherff. Rebuild the Hogs. Do it!
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
The Texans have a truly great playmaking wideout in DeAndre Hopkins. They also have a new QB in Brock Osweiler. But they don't have a great second option to stretch the field. This is why Will Fuller is the perfect pick. He is a speedster than help take advantage of Brock's big arm. He will also force safeties to play deeper, taking the double team off Hopkins and opening up the middle of the field for intermediate routes by tight ends. He dropped some easy balls with the Irish, but Bill O'Brien should be able to coach him up into a true threat.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Vikings may get the best all around wideout in the draft. He is an excellent route runner, though he wasn't asked to do it that much in TCU's spread offense. He has great hands, good speed, and would compliment Stefon Diggs well. Teddy Bridgewater would be a very happy man with those two WRs.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
When you play in the same division with the Steelers and Ravens, you are going to have to stop the run. Billings is a super athlete for his size, who can stop the run and even get to the passer on the inside. He also has elite power to collapse the pocket from the middle. The Bengals don't really have a glaring need that fits with the player available, and the thought of Billings next to Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap should make Marvin Lewis grin.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson
All players in the NFL draft have the ability to make it in the NFL. Not everyone has the confidence. This does not apply to Alexander. To say his self-confidence is high would be an understatement. He has the right ability and the right swagger to fit in with the Steelers, who are in desperate need for secondary help.
26. Seattle Seahawks- A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Seahawks lost Brandon Mebane in free agency. If Robinson falls to them, they get his immediate replacement. Robinson is a big body in the middle, with one scout saying his proportion was "beautiful for an interior lineman". Nick Saban has made some pretty good guys on both the O and D lines. Robinson could be another in that long list.
27. Green Bay Packers- Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Packers are doing backflips with this pick. Ragland was one of the leaders of that National Championship defense. and will start immediately in the middle of that Packers defense. Plus, his addition would mean they cold move Clay Matthews back to an outside rusher, creating the havoc he became known for a few years ago.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
The Chiefs can never have enough pass rushers, and Tamba Hali isn't a spring chicken. This is a pick for depth with a quality player in Dodd. He had three sacks in the National Championship game against Alabama, and has been compared to Michael Bennett. It would be foolish of a team like the Chiefs to pass on that kind of talent this late in the 1st round.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Yes, a 3rd QB in Round 1. I am sure someone is going to trade back into the 1st Round to take him and he won't be there for Arizona, but the Cardinals are certainly the best fit for Lynch. Taking his raw talent, size, and ability, letting him sit behind Carson Palmer, and learn under Bruce Arians? Cardinals fans should be doing cartwheels if he is the pick.
30. Carolina Panthers- Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Michael Oher was fine during the regular season last year. Then the Super Bowl happened, and Cam got knocked around. The Panthers need to develop another tackle if they want to stay on top of the NFC. Ifedi is raw, but super-talented.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
If it wasn't for some character questions, Nkemdiche would be a Top 5 pick, maybe even #1 overall before trades. I think that Denver and John Elway know how to win a title with defense, and see a top talent available at 31. They will take a chance on him being behaved, because if he is, he is the steal of the draft. Plug him in to replace Malik Jackson, sit back, and worry about the offense.
There is Round 1! I will update it if there are any massive trades before Thursday. I really hope there aren't. The next few rounds will not have as much of a breakdown, though will highlight important picks or players with few words. I hope you enjoy. Keep an eye out for the rest of the mock this week!
1. Los Angeles Rams- Jared Goff, QB, Cal
It seems to be the worst kept secret in the league right now. The Rams gave up a hefty ransom to move up and select a QB. The feel like they can win right now if they get consistent QB play, which they haven't gotten from Nick Foles or Case Keenum. Goff provides the experience that Carson Wentz does not have, and will be ready to go sooner. He should be the starter by Week 5, if not right out of the gate.
2. Philadelphia Eagles- Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
The Eagles say they are happy with whoever the Rams don't take. I hope that is true, because while Wentz is talented, he is not that experienced. It is a move that makes some sense when you are willing to sit him for more of the first year, if not all of it, while Doug Pederson teaches Wentz how to be a NFL QB. However, with Sam Bradford demanding a trade today, it is possible Wentz will be thrown to the fire earlier than expected.
3. San Diego Chargers- Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
This pick makes so much sense to me it isn't even funny. Yes, they have a need in the secondary, but the Chargers have committed to Phillip Rivers long term. They need to keep him upright and get the most out of their rapidly closing window. Tunsil has the biggest upside, moves fluidly, and can dominate the line of scrimmage. If any questions about his motor prove to be unfounded, then the Chargers may have the foundation of their O-line for the next decade.
4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Greg Hardy gone. Randy Gregory suspended. Why is anyone in Dallas talking about taking a running back? Yes, I think Ezekiel Elliot will be a great player. But I think that the Cowboys have a bigger need along that defensive line. Bosa is a safe pick who could give Eli, Kirk, and Wentz fits for years. You have to take him if he is there.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State
The Jags had a massive offseason, adding Malik Jackson, Chris Ivory, Tashaun Gipson, and Prince Amukamara. They are looking to solidify a mediocre defense so that they can compete in a division with Andrew Luck, Marcus Mariota, and Houston's shiny new toy, Brock Osweiler. Ramsey can play either safety or corner, and has excellent cover skills, even if he doesn't always pick the ball off. Adding him could be the final piece in an overhaul that bring Jacksonville back to the playoffs.
6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
I had Ronnie Stanley hear in each of my first two mocks. I think he is the right pick. However, Baltimore gave Eugene Monroe a bunch of money to play left tackle. Plus Stanley may not transition to right tackle well. And hey, its the Ravens. They are defined by defense. DeForest Buckner is a physical freak, super athletic, and will fit right in with that culture in the Ravens locker room.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
So, you know how I said Stanley may not be a great right tackle? Don't tell Chip Kelly that. Chip will play him wherever he wants to. I do think there is something very special about Stanley, who is more of a finesse tackle that Tunsil is. However, as he matures, and Joe Staley gets older, the move may be to switch Staley over to the right side. Which ever way they choose to play it, the 49ers should have solid bookend tackles protecting whoever the hell is playing QB for them.
8. Cleveland Browns- Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Browns got a nice haul of picks from the Eagles, and are able to take a little bit of a risk here. There is some concern about Jack's knee, but if the Browns doctor approves, then they could get the best overall player in the draft. Jack can go sideline to sideline, tackle, and rush the passer. He would be the heart of that Browns defense.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
The Buccaneers main need is in the secondary. If Ramsey falls this far (he won't), he would be the obvious pick. Here, they take the best pure corner that can start right away. With Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan in the same conference, the Bucs need someone to stop the pass just as much as they need Jameis Winston to go out there and sling it.
10. New York Giants- Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
If Elliot is here at 10, the Dolphins will do almost anything to trade up and take him. But like I said, I don't project trades. Plus, the Giants could use Elliot too. The running back by committee that the Giants have now isn't bad, but they have the chance to draft the clear #1 RB on the board, as well as the best player available. Pair him with Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr? As as fan of the Washington football team, I know I don't want to see that twice a year.
11. Chicago Bears- Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
The Bears used to be defined by their defense. Now they cannot stop anyone. Lee is the best pass rusher available, only a hair below Myles Jack, and ahead of him if Jack's knee turns out to be a problem. He'd come in and give O-linemen fits. This is the first step in getting the Bears back to being the Monsters of the Midway.
12. New Orleans Saints- Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
I've got to say, this is the most consistent pick in all the mock drafts I have seen outside of the the QBs at the top. The Saints just couldn't stop anyone. Rankins can stuff the run and be a mainstay on their defensive line for years. Of course, this is the Saints, so if they don't take a defensive lineman, I am sure they'd just take another weapon for Drew Brees.
13. Miami Dolphins- Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
No Elliot, and the Dolphins are crushed. They need guys that can play everywhere except for at DT. So, why not go with a guy in the secondary from possibly the most talented team in college last year? Eli Apple is a bit raw, but has the size and speed that projects well to the next level. He was already a 2nd team All Big Ten corner as a red shirt sophomore, and can develop into a true shutdown corner at the NFL level.
14. Oakland Raiders- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
The Oakland Raiders have made some big strides recently. They have a franchise QB in Derek Carr. They have a go-to WR in Amari Cooper. They signed some key free agents in Kelichi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, and Sean Smith. Now, they can draft a franchise left (or right) tackle to keep their QB upright and competing. The last thing they want is for Derek to get shell-shocked like his older brother David was in Houston from taking too many sacks. Conklin is rising up draft boards fast, and could be taken before Stanley in the Top 10.
15. Tennessee Titans- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Titans may trade back up to get Stanley, Tunsil, or Conklin. But if they stay at 15 and still land Decker, they they will have already won the draft with 1 pick. Like the Raiders, the Titans have a young franchise QB that they need to keep healthy. Marcus Mariota got hit way too much last season. Plug in Decker on the opposite side of Taylor Lewan, and he should be upright for much longer.
16. Detroit Lions- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Let's see, what happened to the Lions this offseason... Oh yeah, their best player decided to retire. No more Megatron. That leaves a pretty damn big hole on the outside. Treadwell doesn't have the elite speed that Calvin Johnson did coming out of college, but he is a playmaker. He can pair well with Matt Stafford, who frankly needs all the help he can get in that division. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones cannot do it by themselves. Treadwell would compliment their speed with his hands and size.
17. Atlanta Falcons- Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
According to ESPN's draft gurus Todd McShay and the king, Mel Kiper Jr, seeing Floyd around this late would be a massive surprise. I am not one to disagree with them often, but I just don't see Top 10 in this guy. I think that the Falcons would be a great spot for him. They could pair him with Vic Beasley on the opposite side to get after those great QBs in the NFC South. Plus, it never hurts to sell season tickets to a new stadium in Atlanta opening in 2017 then with a former Georgia Bulldog as a defensive star.
18. Indianapolis Colts- Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
The Colts need to draft offensive linemen. They need to draft a lot of offensive linemen. They may need to draft an entire new offensive line. Unless they trade up to take one of the Top 4 tackles, or trade back to get one of the second tier guys, they will be stuck without an option at tackle. Ryan Kelly is an option, but they need guards just as much (if not moreso) than a center. Whitehair is the #1 guard on the board, and fits a need. Think Zach Martin or Brandon Scherff- plug in, play, and be happy you don't hear his name for mistakes often.
19. Buffalo Bills- Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
The Bills are a Rex Ryan team. They will be built around defense. Depending on who you talk to, Reed is even better than Sheldon Rankins, who went to the Saints at 12. He could stuff the run and anchor the defensive line for Rex. Yes, they have Marcel Dareus, but Kyle Williams is older, and is coming back from a knee injury. Another option? The guy that is taken next.
20. New York Jets- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Yes, Shaq would also be a smart choice for Buffalo, what with the departure of Mario Williams. But he fits in with the Jets too. They need a solid pass rusher on the opposite side of last year's #1 pick, Leonard Williams. They could be a dominant force in the AFC if they are able to come together. Now if they only had a quarterback.
21. Washington Redskins- Ryan Kelly, OC, Alabama
The surprise signing of Josh Norman means that corner isn't a top need. The free agent signing of Kendall Reyes added depth along the D-line, though they cold still draft there. But the reason the Redskins were able to succeed last year was because Kirk Cousins played well. Getting Ryan Kelly to anchor that offensive line would be the perfect pick to help in his development. Plug him in next to Brandon Scherff. Rebuild the Hogs. Do it!
22. Houston Texans- Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
The Texans have a truly great playmaking wideout in DeAndre Hopkins. They also have a new QB in Brock Osweiler. But they don't have a great second option to stretch the field. This is why Will Fuller is the perfect pick. He is a speedster than help take advantage of Brock's big arm. He will also force safeties to play deeper, taking the double team off Hopkins and opening up the middle of the field for intermediate routes by tight ends. He dropped some easy balls with the Irish, but Bill O'Brien should be able to coach him up into a true threat.
23. Minnesota Vikings- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Vikings may get the best all around wideout in the draft. He is an excellent route runner, though he wasn't asked to do it that much in TCU's spread offense. He has great hands, good speed, and would compliment Stefon Diggs well. Teddy Bridgewater would be a very happy man with those two WRs.
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
When you play in the same division with the Steelers and Ravens, you are going to have to stop the run. Billings is a super athlete for his size, who can stop the run and even get to the passer on the inside. He also has elite power to collapse the pocket from the middle. The Bengals don't really have a glaring need that fits with the player available, and the thought of Billings next to Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap should make Marvin Lewis grin.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackenzie Alexander, CB, Clemson
All players in the NFL draft have the ability to make it in the NFL. Not everyone has the confidence. This does not apply to Alexander. To say his self-confidence is high would be an understatement. He has the right ability and the right swagger to fit in with the Steelers, who are in desperate need for secondary help.
26. Seattle Seahawks- A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Seahawks lost Brandon Mebane in free agency. If Robinson falls to them, they get his immediate replacement. Robinson is a big body in the middle, with one scout saying his proportion was "beautiful for an interior lineman". Nick Saban has made some pretty good guys on both the O and D lines. Robinson could be another in that long list.
27. Green Bay Packers- Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Packers are doing backflips with this pick. Ragland was one of the leaders of that National Championship defense. and will start immediately in the middle of that Packers defense. Plus, his addition would mean they cold move Clay Matthews back to an outside rusher, creating the havoc he became known for a few years ago.
28. Kansas City Chiefs- Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
The Chiefs can never have enough pass rushers, and Tamba Hali isn't a spring chicken. This is a pick for depth with a quality player in Dodd. He had three sacks in the National Championship game against Alabama, and has been compared to Michael Bennett. It would be foolish of a team like the Chiefs to pass on that kind of talent this late in the 1st round.
29. Arizona Cardinals- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
Yes, a 3rd QB in Round 1. I am sure someone is going to trade back into the 1st Round to take him and he won't be there for Arizona, but the Cardinals are certainly the best fit for Lynch. Taking his raw talent, size, and ability, letting him sit behind Carson Palmer, and learn under Bruce Arians? Cardinals fans should be doing cartwheels if he is the pick.
30. Carolina Panthers- Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Michael Oher was fine during the regular season last year. Then the Super Bowl happened, and Cam got knocked around. The Panthers need to develop another tackle if they want to stay on top of the NFC. Ifedi is raw, but super-talented.
31. Denver Broncos- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
If it wasn't for some character questions, Nkemdiche would be a Top 5 pick, maybe even #1 overall before trades. I think that Denver and John Elway know how to win a title with defense, and see a top talent available at 31. They will take a chance on him being behaved, because if he is, he is the steal of the draft. Plug him in to replace Malik Jackson, sit back, and worry about the offense.
There is Round 1! I will update it if there are any massive trades before Thursday. I really hope there aren't. The next few rounds will not have as much of a breakdown, though will highlight important picks or players with few words. I hope you enjoy. Keep an eye out for the rest of the mock this week!
Saturday, April 23, 2016
NFL Mock Draft Coming Soon!
My yearly labor of love, the JFLANland Mock Draft, will be dropping soon. With only 5 days until the first pick, the tension is building... well, maybe not with the top 2, but everything after that is in flux. The blockbuster trades by the Rams and Eagles have forced me to redo my mock twice now, hence its late arrival. I will try to get all seven rounds to you, my faithful few readers, as soon as possible.
Monday, March 21, 2016
NCAA Tournament Reactions: Part 1
The first weekend of the NCAA Tournament is done, and there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth (most of it from East Lansing, Michigan). Here are just a few of my reactions from the big weekend, saving my favorite for last:
- The ACC was pretty dominant. They went 12-1, with the only team failing to make the Sweet 16 being those perennial tournament disappointments, the Pitt Panthers. The conference is set to make $30 million thanks to this, which I imagine will be shared amongst the entire ACC. So, you are welcome BC.
- So the ACC has been great. The Pac-12? Not so much. Only 1 of the 7 Pac-12 teams has made it to the Sweet 16, and that is Oregon. Hell, only 2 made it out of the Round of 64, with Utah advancing before getting trounced by Gonzaga. The Ducks now have to face a very good (and very hate-able) Duke team, who is very capable of upsetting the #1 seed.
- No one made the first weekend of the tournament as much fun as Northern Iowa. They managed to advance over Texas on one of the best buzzer beaters in the history of the NCAA tournament, a half court bank of the backboard. Then, as triumphant as that was, their epic collapse in the final 40 seconds vs Texas A&M was as heartbreaking as it was entertaining. Losing a double digit lead within the final minute to force double OT is insane. I'm going to miss those UNI Panthers, cause they bring the Madness to March.
- Kansas and UNC have played the part of favorite very well. They haven't really struggled, but it has also been clear they have yet to give their best effort. Since they will now be playing tougher games (Maryland and Indiana, respectively), it will be interesting to see if they will be able to turn on the jets and go into overdrive. They will need it to keep winning.
- Villanova made it to the 2nd weekend! They are a very good team. They could win it all, though the possibility of facing Miami and then either Kansas or Maryland is certainly not an easy road.
- Middle Tennessee State. What else do I really have to say? They shocked the world and destroyed many a bracket by beating Michigan State. It was a fairly dominant game, too. They cause massive eruptions of joys on their own campus, as well as UVA's and a certain other school...
- SYRACUSE IS IN THE SWEET 16!!!! Yes, my beloved alma mater handled both Dayton and Middle Tennessee State rather easily. It is pretty crazy, since so many people in the national media hated the fact that we were put into the tournament. Well, to paraphrase "Lord of the Flies", sucks to their collective assmar! I got very tired of hearing every single journalist or talking head with an ax to grind against Cuse bashing our record. Look, Syracuse had 5 wins vs the RPI Top 50. They played in (clearly) the best conference in all of NCAA basketball. They deserved to be in the tournament more than some other teams like Vanderbilt. And then, my boys actually showed up and beat the teams put in front of them. What more could you ask for?
I don't know if Syracuse can make it to the Elite 8. Gonzaga is the kind of team that could give us massive fits, since they are as big as us up front and can shoot. But even if Gonzaga does win, I still get until Friday night to rub the faces of every naysayer that doubted Cuse should be in the dance. It is beautiful.
Enjoy the second weekend of the tournament, everyone!
- The ACC was pretty dominant. They went 12-1, with the only team failing to make the Sweet 16 being those perennial tournament disappointments, the Pitt Panthers. The conference is set to make $30 million thanks to this, which I imagine will be shared amongst the entire ACC. So, you are welcome BC.
- So the ACC has been great. The Pac-12? Not so much. Only 1 of the 7 Pac-12 teams has made it to the Sweet 16, and that is Oregon. Hell, only 2 made it out of the Round of 64, with Utah advancing before getting trounced by Gonzaga. The Ducks now have to face a very good (and very hate-able) Duke team, who is very capable of upsetting the #1 seed.
- No one made the first weekend of the tournament as much fun as Northern Iowa. They managed to advance over Texas on one of the best buzzer beaters in the history of the NCAA tournament, a half court bank of the backboard. Then, as triumphant as that was, their epic collapse in the final 40 seconds vs Texas A&M was as heartbreaking as it was entertaining. Losing a double digit lead within the final minute to force double OT is insane. I'm going to miss those UNI Panthers, cause they bring the Madness to March.
- Kansas and UNC have played the part of favorite very well. They haven't really struggled, but it has also been clear they have yet to give their best effort. Since they will now be playing tougher games (Maryland and Indiana, respectively), it will be interesting to see if they will be able to turn on the jets and go into overdrive. They will need it to keep winning.
- Villanova made it to the 2nd weekend! They are a very good team. They could win it all, though the possibility of facing Miami and then either Kansas or Maryland is certainly not an easy road.
- Middle Tennessee State. What else do I really have to say? They shocked the world and destroyed many a bracket by beating Michigan State. It was a fairly dominant game, too. They cause massive eruptions of joys on their own campus, as well as UVA's and a certain other school...
- SYRACUSE IS IN THE SWEET 16!!!! Yes, my beloved alma mater handled both Dayton and Middle Tennessee State rather easily. It is pretty crazy, since so many people in the national media hated the fact that we were put into the tournament. Well, to paraphrase "Lord of the Flies", sucks to their collective assmar! I got very tired of hearing every single journalist or talking head with an ax to grind against Cuse bashing our record. Look, Syracuse had 5 wins vs the RPI Top 50. They played in (clearly) the best conference in all of NCAA basketball. They deserved to be in the tournament more than some other teams like Vanderbilt. And then, my boys actually showed up and beat the teams put in front of them. What more could you ask for?
I don't know if Syracuse can make it to the Elite 8. Gonzaga is the kind of team that could give us massive fits, since they are as big as us up front and can shoot. But even if Gonzaga does win, I still get until Friday night to rub the faces of every naysayer that doubted Cuse should be in the dance. It is beautiful.
Enjoy the second weekend of the tournament, everyone!
Monday, February 22, 2016
2016 NFL Combine Preview
Hello again, my faithful readers. We are in a bit of a lull right now in the sports world. Its the dog days of the NBA season, the NHL is starting to shift into playoff mode, NCAA isn't quite at March Madness, Spring Training has only just started, and the Super Bowl is over (congrats Broncos. Glad I was wrong). This is a time for numerous preview posts, since so much is coming up in the next few months. Hopefully, I will be able to get you a March Madness and MLB post soon, as well as my yearly labor of love- the full 2016 NFL Mock Draft. Speaking of the Draft, the NFL Scouting Combine starts tomorrow in Indianapolis. The yearly workout/interview/beauty pageant is always the unofficial beginning of the serious Draft season. Here are just a few of my thoughts as the Combine begins:
- Are two of the top linebacker prospects healthy? UCLA's Myles Jack and Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith are both recovering from serious knee injuries. They both have the talent to be Top 5 picks, and both have said their rehab is going well. This will be a chance for scouts, coaches, and fans to see if how far along in that process they are.
- Will character issues rear their ugly heads again? Last year, the big tumble down the draft from the Combine came in the form of Nebraska DE/OLB Randy Gregory. A projected Top 10 pick, Gregory failed a drug test at the Combine, fell into the 2nd round to the Cowboys (who seem to have no moral compass) and has now been suspended the first 4 games of 2016 for failing another test. Surely, this may cause some teams to again think twice about players with failed drug tests and character issues. The two biggest names in this draft that full under that cloud are Noah Spence of EKU, and former top prospect Robert Nkemdiche of Ole Miss. Both defensive linemen have had substance issues. Spence has admitted he was an addict, so much so that he was not only kicked out of Ohio State, but banned from the entire Big Ten. He also had a public intoxication incident this past May. Since then, he has passed numerous tests, but I am positive that teams will be asking him about his issues. Nkemdiche's case is a bit more mysterious. He has denied using synthetic marijuana, but was charged with possession after he famously "fell" out of a hotel window, resulting in being suspended from the Sugar Bowl. Scouts also seem to question his work ethic as well. Nkemdiche will need a great interview, and show a ton of intensity in workouts, if he wants to get himself back in the Top 20 conversation.
- Who will fail a drug test? As I mentioned before, this seems to be an issue every year. A couple of these young men simply don't understand that this is the most important job interview of their lives, and decide that the green of weed is more important than the green of money. I don't even think that smoking weed is the real issue. Hell, it is legal in a few states now. But the utter stupidity of smoking it before the Combine shows a massive lapse in judgement to me. That would be my biggest problem with whoever fails the tests.
- Is Ole Miss' Laremy Tunsil worthy of being the #1 pick? The Titans biggest need is O-line to protect Marcus Mariota. Tunsil is presumed to be the guy for them, but a poor showing could cost him dearly. Maybe a player like Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame, the #2 tackle on the board, could launch himself ahead of Tunsil with a superb workout. I expect both to be solid NFL linemen for a long time, but the difference in money from being picked #1 and #10 last year was in the neighborhood of $10 million of the life of their first contract. That's major money.
And now, because they deserve a section all to themselves, I present to you THE QUARTERBACKS!
- Who gets to be stuck in Cleveland? This may be one time when you don't want to be the first QB taken. The Browns are a massive joke of a franchise right now. Their owner, their GM, their new stats guys, advisers from the Mets, everything. North Dakota State's Carson Wentz seems to be the pick right now, with all of the physical tools, but no one is exactly sure of how good he is due to the level of his competition. Jared Goff of Cal was the #1 QB coming into the year, but didn't exactly shine the entire year. His up and down play may have come from being the best player on a mediocre team, and his measurables are all there as well. His arm may be the best of the bunch. Finally, how have we managed to forget about Paxton Lynch? Lynch was a revelation for Memphis this year, leading that team to one of their best seasons in recent memory. He has the size and mobility that could be comparable to an unpolished Cam Newton. He may not be the #1 pick, but he should find his name called in the 1st round.
- Does anyone like Connor Cook? I tend to see Michigan State QBs as projects. They are all pretty similar in the NFL. Drew Stanton is Brian Hoyer is Kirk Cousins. Similar skill set. Similar mindset. Comparable success if they are able to sit behind another QB and learn the system. Cook could be that kind of QB, but is there a team out there willing to take a steady/non-flashy QB to sit and learn for a few years instead of a guy with a ton of upside?
- Can Dak Prescott find a home? Prescott had a wonderful career at Mississippi State, and shined in the Senior Bowl. While his play may be a bit too Tebow-esque for some, he has shown good play-making ability with both his feet and his arm. He could fit well as a backup to Cam Newton, or even a project for Chip Kelly in San Francisco.
- The Hackenberg/Hogan dilemma. This is a personal one for me, since Kevin Hogan went to my high school (Hail Gonzaga!) and is the younger brother of my classmate Brian. All he did at Stanford was win. He took over for a legend in Andrew Luck, and kept the team competitive, guiding them to three Rose Bowl appearances and two victories in his 4 years as a started (they also steamrolled Maryland in the Fosters Farm bowl in 2014, a game in which Hogan earned MVP honors). He has been a model of consistency, toughness, and intelligence. Yet somehow, his name isn't mentioned anywhere near the top of the draft, nor the middle. Hogan is seen to be a late round prospect, and I am unsure why. Why does consistent winning in the PAC-12 not translate well to the pros?
The flipside of this coin is Christian Hackenberg of Penn State. Every scout drooled over this kid coming out of high school. Texans coach Bill O'Brien recruited him, and he had a great freshman year. Then O'Brien left, and Hackenberg fell apart. He has been fairly awful the past two seasons, leading a disastrous Penn State "offense". His completion percentage is below average, and he turns the ball over too often. Add into that the fact that Hackenberg was a human pinata (with injuries and missed games to show for it) thanks to a non-existent offensive line, and I don't see a player worth drafting. I see a gun-shy QB who was hit too much, and has forgotten how to play. Hackenberg has the measurables, but so does Hogan. They are the same size. Comparable arms, though Hackenberg's may bit a bit better, yet Hogan has better athleticism and mobility. If I am a GM, and I see the numbers and the track record of both players, do I take a guy who is a proven winner with some fixable mechanical issues to work on as my project, or a talented but extremely raw player that has to be rebuilt from the ground up due to an awful college system?
So there you go. A few thoughts before the workouts begin. Enjoy the Combine this week, and make sure you don't miss Rich Eisen running the 40. It is great every year.
- Are two of the top linebacker prospects healthy? UCLA's Myles Jack and Notre Dame's Jaylon Smith are both recovering from serious knee injuries. They both have the talent to be Top 5 picks, and both have said their rehab is going well. This will be a chance for scouts, coaches, and fans to see if how far along in that process they are.
- Will character issues rear their ugly heads again? Last year, the big tumble down the draft from the Combine came in the form of Nebraska DE/OLB Randy Gregory. A projected Top 10 pick, Gregory failed a drug test at the Combine, fell into the 2nd round to the Cowboys (who seem to have no moral compass) and has now been suspended the first 4 games of 2016 for failing another test. Surely, this may cause some teams to again think twice about players with failed drug tests and character issues. The two biggest names in this draft that full under that cloud are Noah Spence of EKU, and former top prospect Robert Nkemdiche of Ole Miss. Both defensive linemen have had substance issues. Spence has admitted he was an addict, so much so that he was not only kicked out of Ohio State, but banned from the entire Big Ten. He also had a public intoxication incident this past May. Since then, he has passed numerous tests, but I am positive that teams will be asking him about his issues. Nkemdiche's case is a bit more mysterious. He has denied using synthetic marijuana, but was charged with possession after he famously "fell" out of a hotel window, resulting in being suspended from the Sugar Bowl. Scouts also seem to question his work ethic as well. Nkemdiche will need a great interview, and show a ton of intensity in workouts, if he wants to get himself back in the Top 20 conversation.
- Who will fail a drug test? As I mentioned before, this seems to be an issue every year. A couple of these young men simply don't understand that this is the most important job interview of their lives, and decide that the green of weed is more important than the green of money. I don't even think that smoking weed is the real issue. Hell, it is legal in a few states now. But the utter stupidity of smoking it before the Combine shows a massive lapse in judgement to me. That would be my biggest problem with whoever fails the tests.
- Is Ole Miss' Laremy Tunsil worthy of being the #1 pick? The Titans biggest need is O-line to protect Marcus Mariota. Tunsil is presumed to be the guy for them, but a poor showing could cost him dearly. Maybe a player like Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame, the #2 tackle on the board, could launch himself ahead of Tunsil with a superb workout. I expect both to be solid NFL linemen for a long time, but the difference in money from being picked #1 and #10 last year was in the neighborhood of $10 million of the life of their first contract. That's major money.
And now, because they deserve a section all to themselves, I present to you THE QUARTERBACKS!
- Who gets to be stuck in Cleveland? This may be one time when you don't want to be the first QB taken. The Browns are a massive joke of a franchise right now. Their owner, their GM, their new stats guys, advisers from the Mets, everything. North Dakota State's Carson Wentz seems to be the pick right now, with all of the physical tools, but no one is exactly sure of how good he is due to the level of his competition. Jared Goff of Cal was the #1 QB coming into the year, but didn't exactly shine the entire year. His up and down play may have come from being the best player on a mediocre team, and his measurables are all there as well. His arm may be the best of the bunch. Finally, how have we managed to forget about Paxton Lynch? Lynch was a revelation for Memphis this year, leading that team to one of their best seasons in recent memory. He has the size and mobility that could be comparable to an unpolished Cam Newton. He may not be the #1 pick, but he should find his name called in the 1st round.
- Does anyone like Connor Cook? I tend to see Michigan State QBs as projects. They are all pretty similar in the NFL. Drew Stanton is Brian Hoyer is Kirk Cousins. Similar skill set. Similar mindset. Comparable success if they are able to sit behind another QB and learn the system. Cook could be that kind of QB, but is there a team out there willing to take a steady/non-flashy QB to sit and learn for a few years instead of a guy with a ton of upside?
- Can Dak Prescott find a home? Prescott had a wonderful career at Mississippi State, and shined in the Senior Bowl. While his play may be a bit too Tebow-esque for some, he has shown good play-making ability with both his feet and his arm. He could fit well as a backup to Cam Newton, or even a project for Chip Kelly in San Francisco.
- The Hackenberg/Hogan dilemma. This is a personal one for me, since Kevin Hogan went to my high school (Hail Gonzaga!) and is the younger brother of my classmate Brian. All he did at Stanford was win. He took over for a legend in Andrew Luck, and kept the team competitive, guiding them to three Rose Bowl appearances and two victories in his 4 years as a started (they also steamrolled Maryland in the Fosters Farm bowl in 2014, a game in which Hogan earned MVP honors). He has been a model of consistency, toughness, and intelligence. Yet somehow, his name isn't mentioned anywhere near the top of the draft, nor the middle. Hogan is seen to be a late round prospect, and I am unsure why. Why does consistent winning in the PAC-12 not translate well to the pros?
The flipside of this coin is Christian Hackenberg of Penn State. Every scout drooled over this kid coming out of high school. Texans coach Bill O'Brien recruited him, and he had a great freshman year. Then O'Brien left, and Hackenberg fell apart. He has been fairly awful the past two seasons, leading a disastrous Penn State "offense". His completion percentage is below average, and he turns the ball over too often. Add into that the fact that Hackenberg was a human pinata (with injuries and missed games to show for it) thanks to a non-existent offensive line, and I don't see a player worth drafting. I see a gun-shy QB who was hit too much, and has forgotten how to play. Hackenberg has the measurables, but so does Hogan. They are the same size. Comparable arms, though Hackenberg's may bit a bit better, yet Hogan has better athleticism and mobility. If I am a GM, and I see the numbers and the track record of both players, do I take a guy who is a proven winner with some fixable mechanical issues to work on as my project, or a talented but extremely raw player that has to be rebuilt from the ground up due to an awful college system?
So there you go. A few thoughts before the workouts begin. Enjoy the Combine this week, and make sure you don't miss Rich Eisen running the 40. It is great every year.
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