Eli Manning- Future Hall of Famer, And the Numbers Prove It

This week, the last place New York Giants decided that they would rather have Geno Smith start than a future Hall of Fame QB.  That's right, Eli has been benched for a guy that couldn't even start on the Jets.  How in the hell is this happening?  I understand wanting to get young guys reps, but Davis Webb should be starting if that is the case, not Geno.  Geno Smith couldn't even beat Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl, much less the NFC East.  The Giants have completely botched this, and there has been an outpouring of support among fans, former teammates, and players for Eli Manning.  Yet, there are some talking heads out there (Hi Mike Wilbon!) who seem to not care at all about Eli, completely disregard his career, insist that he is done, and vehemently think he does not belong in the Hall of Fame.  I, your humble blogger, have returned from my real-world exile to dive back into the world of stats and sports to show that, Yes Virginia, Eli is a Hall of Fame quarterback already!

First thing is the very obvious- Eli Manning has two Super Bowl rings.  He beat Tom "I'm the Best" Brady twice in Super Bowls.  He won the MVP in both of those games.  His two rings are more than the following Hall of Famers have-  Jim Kelly, Kurt Warner, Dan Marino, Brett Favre, and Fran Tarkenton.  Quite the list, and that is just based off of the Big Game.

Next, we can look at that Ripken-esque Iron Man streak that is coming to an end this week not because of injury, but because of managerial incompetence.  Eli has started 210 straight games.  The last time Eli Manning was not the starting QB for the Giants was in 2004.  Only Favre has a longer streak for a QB (at an insane 297 straight games).  Manning has been the rock on which the Giants built any kind of franchise success since he was drafted.  He holds every single Giants passing record.  He is the best QB the Giants have ever had, period.

Still not convinced?  How about we look at some numbers?!  Numbers never lie, so they say.  Surely, holes can be poked in my argument about Eli, right?  Wrong.  All the numbers back up Eli Manning's claim to Canton.  Let's start with touchdowns.  Eli Manning is currently tied (with draft class buddy Phillip Rivers) for 7th on the all-time touchdown list with 334.  That's right, 7th.  And he will surely move above current #6 holder Fran Tarkenton, who has 342, by the end of his career.  Need more perspective?  He has 34 more than John Elway.  He has 126 more touchdowns than Kurt Warner, who just got into the Hall of Fame.

What about completions, you say?  Eli is 6th all time with 4,319.  He is only behind Favre, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Brady, and Marino.  He is 910 ahead of Joe Montana, the man who mastered the completion-friendly West Coast offense.  He is 1,421 ahead of Troy Aikman.  He is 1,652 ahead of Steve Young, and 1,653 ahead of Kurt Warner.  All of these men are already in the Hall of Fame.  How could you keep out a player who has so thoroughly thrashed their numbers?

Yards!  They could have all been short touchdown passes, right?  Wrong again, my friend.  Eli Manning is currently 7th in career passing yards.  1,300 more than Warren Moon, who is in the HoF.  Over 10,000 more than Montana.  Over 15,000 more than Jim Kelly.  Around 18,000 more than Young, Aikman, and Warner.  Are you ready to just accept that he is an all-time great QB?

Probably not, right?  Because there is still passer rating.  That fun amalgamation of numbers that is supposed to provide us with a look at a QB's efficiency and effectiveness on the field. Is Eli top 10 in that?  Huh?

No, he isn't.  He is tied for 39th.

But, before you start rejoicing that your last chance to keep a deserving man from enshrinement has worked, would you like a list of modern QB's with a lower passer rating that are already in the Hall of Fame?  Aikman, Moon, Elway.  I could provide a list of guys that didn't play after 1985, but I don't want to be that long-winded (seriously how the hell is Joe Namath in the Hall of Fame?).  Oh, and just so we can debunk the value of the Passer Rating stat a bit, I can give you some names of guys that are ahead of Eli Manning on the Passer Rating list too, that will never get close to the Hall of Fame, like David Garrard, Jeff Garcia, Daunte Culpepper, Chad Pennington, and Matt Schaub.  Hell, Tony Romo is #4 all time on this list, and he was oft-injured and has no rings.

Face it folks.  It is all there, black and white, clear as crystal.  The precedent of who is already in the Hall of Fame only strengthen's his claim more.  Eli Manning will be in the Hall of Fame, probably sooner than you would like.  He is more than deserving.  He should probably go in on the first ballot, to be honest.  And, with a career like he has had, he certainly deserves a better sendoff than the ones the New York Giants are giving him.

DC = Dealing Cousins: Why The Skins Must Trade Kirk Now

It may be a good thing that Ringling Brothers has decided to shut down, because we already have the circus here in DC, and that isn't even political commentary (I'll save that for twitter).  No, it is those darn Washington Redskins again.  The franchise, which seems to be allergic to consistent success since resident Keebler Elf-turned-billionaire Dan Snyder purchased the team, is currently in the process of scaring off the best QB they have had since Mark Rypien.  After low-balling Kirk Cousins with a contract, the powers that be (Snyder and his lapdog Bruce Allen) inexplicably decided to attempt to spin public opinion in their favor by shaming Kirk for not signing that deal.  What they did not mention, of course, was that Kirk would have been leaving millions on the table in order to stay with a franchise that has made it abundantly clear they do not want him.  Hell, why would a NFL team want a good QB anyway?

Kirk Cousins will be playing this season under his second straight franchise tag.  If the Skins decide to put the transition tag on him after the year, or franchise him again, he will be making between $28.8 million and $35 million for one season, and then he will be able to leave anyway.  The Skins have messed this entire situation up like no other franchise possibly could.  To call Dan Snyder's front office a dumpster fire is insulting to hard-working, patriotic dumpster fires all over this nation.  At this point, the best thing to do may be to call it quits now, and get what you can for a QB in his prime.  So, here are the 5 options for what the Redskins can do with Kirk Cousins.

1. Come to your senses and sign him long term!

This one my be too little too late.  I believe Kirk wants to be in DC.  I don't believe he wants to play for the Washington Redskins.  Maybe he can just live here?  The odds of Snyder et al finally paying him what he can get on the open market are slim to none.  Remember, Derek Carr is coming off a season where he broke his leg, and just became the highest paid QB in NFL history.  If Kirk Cousins stays healthy and plays like he has the past 2 years, he will get a bigger contract.  The Skins should have signed him then, they probably won't now.

2. Tag him, then let him walk.

This is stupid, and might be what they do.  Someone will offer him more money that the Skins are willing to pay, and he will be out the door.  Maybe it is ok, because Doug Williams loves the third string QB.

3. Trade him to the Cleveland Browns for a 1st round pick, 4th/5th round pick, and Brock Osweiler.

The Skins want a QB from the same draft class with starting experience for under $20 million a year?  Brock is their man!  He was recently sent to Cleveland in a salary dump move usually reserved just for the NBA.  In the same transaction, the Browns got Houston's 2018 1st round pick.  Send Brock, the pick, and a lower round pick (since the Skins will take that contract from them) in exchange for the real starting QB that the Browns have lacked since coming back into the league.  It may just be for 1 year, but it gives Deshone Kizer more time to develop behind a guy with real experience and success.

4. Trade him to the San Francisco 49ers for a 1st round pick and either Matt Barkley or Brian Hoyer.

The worst kept secret in the world is that new 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wants Kirk in the Bay area.  Kirk's agent has even mentioned that Kirk would like that reunion too, since the Shanahans always liked Cousins more than they did RG3.  Trade him to SF where he will be happy and likely sign an extension, and get a pick and another QB to compete for the starting job in DC until the new next big thing is found.

5. Trade him to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff and a 2nd round pick.

Not sure why more people aren't discussing this as a possibility.  Rams fans are already turning on Goff after a poor/non-existent rookie season.  While rookie QBs Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz looked like true pros, Goff struggled in the little time he spent on the field, to the point where Coach Jeff Fisher lost his job.  The Rams' new head coach?  Former Redskins Offensive Coordinator and Kirk Cousins friend Sean McVay.  It is almost too perfect.  The Redskins can give the Rams an instant star and franchise player.  The Rams can send back a former #1 pick going into his second season to possibly be the next franchise QB (that won't get paid a fair amount), and a pick as a kicker.  This might be the best case scenario for everyone involved. 

I still don't understand how the Skins played this one so poorly.  However, it is what fans of their have come to expect.  If they actually had sustained success, I think half the population of the DMV area would die of shock.  Kirk Cousins helped guide this franchise to the playoffs, and out of the muck that was the broken RG3 era.  The best way to repay him not may not be to pay him, it may be to let him escape the carnage.  He can move on, the team can move on, and there will be a new starting QB for the Washington Redskins.  Now, where can I get a Nate Sudfeld jersey? 

600 Posts

So apparently my Round 7 of the NFL Mock was the 600th post on this blog.  Real life constantly gets in the way of my time to jot down my ideas and musings, but it is a nice milestone to reach.  Thanks for reading.  I am going to try to write more, including at least one post today, in the lead up to football season.  Hope you will enjoy it.

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 7

Here it is!  The last round of my mock.  Round 7.  Thank you all for sticking through this, and for reading whatever you read, even if it was just your own team's picks.  It means a lot.  Hope you enjoyed the other posts as well.  Away we go with a team that isn't the Browns!

Round 7

1. San Francisco 49ers: Delano Hill, S, Michigan

2. Washington Redskins: Ryan Switzer, WR, UNC

3. Chicago Bears: Michael Rector, WR, Stanford

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Speedy Noil, WR, Texas A&M

5. Miami Dolphins: Sam Tevi, OT, Utah

6. New York Jets: Jordan Sterns, S, Oklahoma State

7. LA Chargers: Sojourn Shelton, CB, Wisconsin

8. Seattle Seahawks: Praise Martin-Oguike, DE, Temple

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Kyle Fuller, OC, Baylor

10. Dallas Cowboys: Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Georgia

11. New Orleans Saints: De'Veon Smith, RB, Michigan State

12. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Senior, OT, Mississippi State

13. Arizona Cardinals: Grover Stewart, DT, Albany State (GA)

14. Minnesota Vikings: Jon Heck, OT, UNC

15. Carolina Panthers: Jordan Morgan, OG, Kutztown (PA)

16. LA Rams: Max Redfield, S, Notre Dame

17. Washington Redskins: Cameron Lee, OG, Illinois State

18. Tennessee Titans: Caleb Peterson, OG, UNC

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bug Howard, WR, UNC

20. Denver Broncos: Jerry Ugokwe, OT, William & Mary

21. New England Patriots: Gabe Marks, WR, Washington State

22. Miami Dolphins: Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE, Miami (FL)

23. New York Giants: Jermaine Grace, OLB, Miami (FL)

24. Oakland Raiders: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
Honestly, I have no idea how Dede fell this far based on talent.  Lots of people like him in the Round 2 range.  Others have him down here in Round 7 because of his size (very thin), age (23), and character issues.  Regardless, he has enough talent where this would be a steal for the Raiders.

25. Houston Texans: Damore'ea Stringfellow, WR, Mississippi

26. Oakland Raiders: Avery Moss, DE, Youngstown State

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Corey Levin, OG, Chattanooga

28. Dallas Cowboys: AJ Jefferson, DE, Mississippi State

29. Green Bay Packers: Ezra Robinson, CB, Tennessee State

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Lorenzo Jerome, S, St. Francis PA

31. Atlanta Falcons: Dwayne Thomas, CB, LSU

32. Detroit Lions: Ben Boulware, LB, Clemson

33. Cincinnati Bengals: Zane Gonzalez, K, Arizona State
KICKER!

34. Denver Broncos: Seth Russell, QB, Baylor

35. Denver Broncos: Ahmad Thomas, S, Oklahoma


And there we have it!  A labor of love for sure.  I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did putting it together.  Now, kick back, have a drink, and enjoy the draft!  And remember to go out and get some fresh air on Saturday evening when it is all over.  Again, thank you so much for reading!

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 6

The penultimate round of the JFLANland mock is here.  You may not recognize the names, but one of these players will be great.

Round 6

1. Cleveland Browns: Jeremiah Ledbetter, DE, Arkansas

2. Baltimore Ravens: Nazair Jones, DT, UNC

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jessamen Dunker, OG, Tennessee State

4. Cleveland Browns: Jon Toth, OC, Kentucky

5. LA Rams: Bryan Cox, OLB, Florida

6. LA Chargers: Charles Walker, DT, Oklahoma

7. New York Jets: Chase Roullier, OC, Wyoming

8. Carolina Panthers: Travis Rudolph, WR, Florida State

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Deatrich Wise Jr, DE, Arkansas

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech

11. Buffalo Bills: Jalen Reeves-Maybin, OLB, Tennessee

12. New Orleans Saints: Carroll Phillips, OLB, Illinois

13. Arizona Cardinals: Isaac Rochell, DE, Notre Dame

14. San Francisco 49ers: Cole Luke, CB, Notre Dame

15. Minnesota Vikings: Ejuan Price, OLB, Pitt

16. New England Patriots: Dare Ogunbowale, RB, Wisconsin

17. Washington Redskins: Noble Nwachukwu, DE, West Virginia

18. San Francisco 49ers: Tanner Vallejo, LB, Boise State

19. Denver Broncos: Garrett Sickels, DE, Penn State

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matt Milano, OLB, Boston College

21. Detroit Lions: Channing Stribling, CB, Michigan

22. Miami Dolphins: Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State

23. New York Giants: Pharaoh Brown, TE, Oregon

24. Oakland Raiders: Aviante Collins, OT, TCU

25. Washington Redskins: Collin Buchanan, OT, Miami (OH)

26. Seattle Seahawks: Chad Wheeler, OT, USC

27. Pick Forfeited by the Chiefs!

28. Dallas Cowboys: Marquel Lee, OLB, Wake Forest

29. Green Bay Packers: Ricky Seals-Jones, WR/TE, Texas A&M

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Connor Harris, LB, Lindenwood

31. Tennessee Titans: Danny Isidora, OG, Miami (FL)

32. Detroit Lions: Steven Taylor, OLB, Houston

33. Kansas City Chiefs: Traven Dural, WR, LSU

34. Cincinnati Bengals: Avery Gennesy, OT, Texas A&M

35. Kansas City Chiefs: Ken Ekanem, DE, Virginia Tech


Almost done!

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 5

They may not be starters right away, but guys taken in Round 5 can still be contributors both right away and with a little seasoning.  Here's how I see it going down:

Round 5

1. Cleveland Browns: Tanzel Smart, DT, Tulane

2. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M

3. Chicago Bears: Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Conor McDermott, OT, UCLA

5. LA Rams: George Kittle, TE, Iowa

6. New York Jets: TJ Logan, RB, UNC

7. LA Chargers: Josh Carraway, OLB, TCU

8. Carolina Panthers: Josh Harvey-Clemons, S, Louisville

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State

10. Washington Redskins: Blair Brown, LB, Ohio

11. Philadelphia Eagles: Rayshawn Jenkins, S, Miami (FL)

12. Buffalo Bills: Ashton Lampkin, CB, Oklahoma State

13. Arizona Cardinals: Amba Etta-Towo, WR, Syracuse
Hey, a Cuse guy!  Amba only had one year of production, but that's because he was only at Cuse for a year.  He broke all the records of Art Monk and Marvin Harrison.  That has to count for something.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Eric Saubert, TE, Drake

15. Baltimore Ravens: Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming

16. Minnesota Vikings: Jadar Johnson, S, Clemson

17. San Francisco 49ers: Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brian Allen, CB, Utah

19. New England Patriots: Tyler Orlosky, OC, West Virginia

20. Tennessee Titans: Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas

21. Detroit Lions: Jonnu Smith, TE, Florida International

22. Miami Dolphins: Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State

23. New York Giants: Jarron Jones, DT, Notre Dame

24. Oakland Raiders: Joe Williams, RB, Utah

25. Houston Texans: Tashawn Bower, OLB, LSU

26. Pick Forfeited by the Seahawks!

27. Kansas City Chiefs: CJ Beathard, QB, Iowa

28. Buffalo Bills: Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M

29. Green Bay Packers: David Sharpe, OG, Florida

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Corn Elder, CB, Miami (FL)
CORN ELDER!  Greatest name in the draft, or possibly any draft.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Stacy Coley, WR, Miami (FL)

32. Cleveland Browns: Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo

33. Cincinnati Bengals: Matt Dayes, RB, NC State

34. Denver Broncos: Scott Orndorff, TE, Pitt

35. Miami Dolphins: Ben Braden, OG, Michigan

36. Arizona Cardinals: Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah

37. Kansas City Chiefs: DJ Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
The all-time NCAA rushing leader can be another explosive weapon for Andy Reid's offense.

38. Cleveland Browns: John Chesson, WR, Michigan

39. Green Bay Packers: Hardy Nickerson, LB, Illinois

40. New England Patriots: Devonte Fields, OLB, Louisville

41. Miami Dolphins: Nathan Gerry, S, Nebraska



2 more rounds to go!  Stay tuned!

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 4

Some great players can be found in Round 4.  There may be a couple of surprises, some good stories, and at least one future Pro Bowler.  Here is my take.

Round 4

1. Cleveland Browns: Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia

2. San Francisco 49ers: Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ethan Pocic, OC, LSU

4. Chicago Bears: Nico Siragusa, OG, San Diego State

5. LA Rams: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova

6. LA Chargers: John Johnson, S, Boston College

7. Washington Redskins: ArDarius Stewart, WR, Alabama

8. Carolina Panthers: Chad Hansen, WR, California

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee

10. Chicago Bears: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson

11. Pick Forfeited by Patriots! Hooray Deflategate!

12. Philadelphia Eagles: Cole Hikutini, TE, Louisville

13. Arizona Cardinals: Howard Wilson, CB, Houston

14. Minnesota Vikings: Keionta Davis, DE, Chattanooga

15. Indianapolis Colts: Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois

16. Baltimore Ravens: Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, DT, USC

17. Washington Redskins: Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami (FL)

Yep, a QB.  The growing assumption among fans is that management has completely screwed up the Kirk Cousins situation, so he will be leaving.  That leaves DC needing yet another QB.  May as well take a chance on Kaaya.

18. Tennessee Titans: Ben Gedeon, ILB, Michigan

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marlon Mack, RB, USF

20. Denver Broncos: Rudy Ford, S, Auburn

21. Detroit Lions: Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson

22. Minnesota Vikings: Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan

23. Oakland Raiders: Keith Kelsey, LB, Louisville

24. Houston Texans: Damien Mama, OG, USC

25. New England Patriots: Julien Davenport, OT, Bucknell

26. Kansas City Chiefs: Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar

27. Dallas Cowboys: Nate Hairston, CB, Temple

28. Green Bay Packers: KD Cannon, WR, Baylor

29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan

30. Atlanta Falcons: Adam Bisnowaty, OG, Pitt

31. Indianapolis Colts: Vince Biegel, OLB, Wisconsin

32. Cincinnati Bengals: Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama

33. Philadelphia Eagles: Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington

34. New York Giants: James Connor, RB, Pitt

Not a dry eye in the house as Connor, and Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, gets the call into the big time.  He has a great chance to become the starter too, and at worst he is a great compliment Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen.  Even with a pick by the Giants, the Philadelphia crowd will cheer...  maybe...  Ok probably not.

35. LA Rams: Noah Brown, WR, Ohio State

36. Houston Texans: Marquez White, CB, Florida State

37. San Francisco 49ers: Montae Nicholson, S, Michigan State

38. Indianapolis Colts: Shaquill Griffin, CB, UCF

Only 3 rounds to go!  Has your favorite player gone yet?  Someone from your school?  If not, keep reading Round 5-7 to see who comes next!

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3

Round 3 it is!  Keep on rolling.  As the rounds go along, I won't do as much breakdown.  From now on, if there is something important to say, I will say it.  Otherwise, I'll just list the picks.  Cleveland starts us off again.

Round 3

1. Cleveland Browns: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma

Well, what is there to say?  Mixon punched a woman in the face, was suspended, came back, played well.  The NFL has issues when it comes to dealing with domestic violence or any kind of assault on women.  They just don't get it.  Anyway, Cleveland needs a running back, and Mixon would be in the first round if it wasn't for these issues.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Derek Rivers, OLB, Youngstown State

3. Chicago Bears: Dorian Johnson, OG, Pitt

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte

5. LA Rams: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State

6. New York Jets: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA

7. LA Chargers: Antonio Garcia, OG, Troy

8. New England Patriots: Duke Riley, ILB, LSU

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida

10. Baltimore Ravens: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

11. Buffalo Bills: Zach Banner, OT, USC

It can't be a JFLANland Mock without me insisting the Bills take O-line.

12. New Orleans Saints: Connor Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington

13. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Jones, S, NC State

14. Baltimore Ravens: Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama

15. Minnesota Vikings: Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa

16. Indianapolis Colts: Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma

17. Washington Redskins: Pat Elflein, OC, Ohio State

18. Denver Broncos: DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State

19. Tennessee Titans: Desmond King, CB/S, Iowa

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama

21. Detroit Lions: Carlos Henderson, WR, LA Tech

22. Minnesota Vikings: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas

23. New York Giants: Davis Webb, QB, California

The possible heir to Eli Manning?  Why not?

24. Oakland Raiders: Jake Butt, TE, Michigan

25. Houston Texans: Anthony Walker Jr, LB, Northwestern

26. Seattle Seahawks: Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Montravias Adams, DT, Auburn

28. Dallas Cowboys: Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn

29. Green Bay Packers: Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

Big Ben has now considered retirement for two offseasons in a row.  At some point, the Steelers have to think about a next option. Dobbs has a bunch of potential, and showed flashes of brilliance this past season.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA

32. New England Patriots: Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State

33. Miami Dolphins: Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky

34. Carolina Panthers: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

35. Philadelphia Eagles: Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio

36. Tennessee Titans: Trey Hendrickson, DE, Florida Atlantic

37. Denver Broncos: Mack Hollins, WR, UNC

38. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State

39. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee

40. Kansas City Chiefs: Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU

Not sure why, but one of my favorite names in the draft.

41. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan Legget, TE, Clemson

42. Seattle Seahawks: Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M

43. New York Jets: Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech

The Day 3 rounds will be coming up later today!  Thank you all, so much, for reading.  Hopefully this will foster some debate for all of you that care enough.

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

Back at it with Round 2 of the Mock Draft.  Now that Round 1 is posted, I am of course expecting massive trades that would shift everything around.  If that happens, I may try to make some edits.  Or not.  I don't know yet.  Anyway, Round 2 begins the same way Round 1 did, with those pesky Browns.

1. Cleveland Browns: Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
The only things more spectacular than Obi's name was his Combine.  He wowed everyone with insane measurables. 6'4, 32.5" arms, 4.40 40 yard dash, 44" vertical, 141" broad jump.  He is a freak.  He is also a raw talent, which is why he slips to Round 2.  If the Browns can coach him up and mold him into a NFL player, he will be something special.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
Call it Kirk Cousins insurance.  Everyone expects the Redskins QB to leave DC after this season and reunite with former OC Kyle Shanahan.  However, there is always a chance the Skins come to their senses and pay Kirk the way he deserves.  Drafting Mahomes gives them a developmental QB that can make all the throws, but still needs to adjust to a pro-style offense.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: David Njoku, TE, Miami (FL)
The current starting TEs for the Jags are Mychal Rivera and Marcedes Lewis.  Neither are the game-breakers that Blake Bortles needs.  Jacksonville continues their offensive upgrade with Njoku, who is only a step or two below OJ Howard.

4. Chicago Bears: Evan Engram, TE, Mississippi
Same deal as the Jags.  The Bears are in need of an upgrade over Zach Miller.  I am sure new QB Mike Glennon would appreciate a great target like Engram now that his best WR is in Philadelphia.

5. LA Rams: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
The team with all the needs in the world goes with one of the best players on the board.  White is a top-tier coverage man who, if he bulks up and works on tackling, can be a prototypical CB in the NFL.

6. LA Chargers: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
Name the Chargers best WR...  The oft-injured Keenan Allen?  The inconsistent Travis Benjamin?  Dontrelle Inman?  They need help.  Zay Jones is 6'2, 200, with star potential.

7. New York Jets: Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
I don't know how a team that has had rather good defenses can always be in need of pass rushers, but that's the Jets for you.  Bowser can rush the passer and drop into coverage with the best of them.  Maybe the Jets finally find their guy on the edge.

8. Carolina Panthers: Jordan Willis, DE/OLB, Kansas State
A super-productive (26 sacks) edge rusher added onto that Panthers D would be terrifying, especially with future Hall of Famer Julius Pepper there to teach him.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Moton, OG, Western Michigan
The Bengals lost some big pieces of their OL in free agency.  Moton is a consistent starter who can play any position on the line.  The perfect plug-and-play guy for a team with many needs up front.

10. New Orleans Saints: Budda Baker, S, Washington
One of my favorite players in the draft going to a team that needs all the defensive help.  Budda Baker may be the best center fielder-type safety in the draft.  Great ball skills, and can lay a hard hit too.  The only concern is his size, but comparisons to Bob Sanders (also on the smaller side) could mean an excellent pro career.

11. Philadelphia Eagles: Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
The Eagles pass on McCaffery in Round 1, and get their RB here.  Great agility and burst out of the backfield, plus an above-average receiver, gives the Eagles a true 3-down back.

12. Buffalo Bills: Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
They pass on a WR in Round 1 and get a guy who has the potential to be their best WR in Round 2.  Juju's 2016 wasn't the best, but he was also heavily covered.  He isn't a speedy game-breaker like Sammy Watkins, but would be a perfect compliment to him.

13. Arizona Cardinals: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
I have been saying the Cardinals have needed to draft their next QB for years.  Carson Palmer's age showed last season.  Kizer is raw, but would have at least a year to learn the system.  He may have the most raw potential of any QB in this draft.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
If they aren't protecting Andrew Luck, they have to make sure that they are able to stop the other team. Brantley is a top guy inside, and can stop the run well.  He can also occupy enough guys inside to help the edge rushers a lot.

15. Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
He has some off the field issues, but he may be the best pass-rusher left, and Terrell Suggs will turn 35 in October.  They need an heir-apparent on the edge.

16. Minnesota Vikings: Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple
He started 43 games at left tackle, but may be a better guard in the NFL.  The Vikings address their biggest need with their first overall pick in the draft.

17. Washington Redskins: Marcus Williams, S, Utah
A SAFETY FOR THE REDSKINS!  My Skins signed DJ Swearinger, and are transitioning Su'a Cravens to full time safety, However, both of them are strong safeties.  Marcus Williams is a big time center field safety who will be able to cover the back end well.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Maye, S, Florida
A good weapon against the run and in coverage for a team that could use some help on the back end of their defense.

19. Denver Broncos: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
A first round talent that has just fallen due to his position.  The Broncos sweep him up and plug him into that front 7 right away.

20. Cleveland Browns: Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State
The Browns pick again, and take a Buckeye that they can plug into the slot to make a ton of plays.  Cleveland needs a ton of help at WR with Terrelle Pryor now in DC.

21. Detroit Lions: Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
Upgrading that defense is their top priority.  Taco Charlton off the edge is a start.  Shoring up the middle with McMillan is the next step.

22. Miami Dolphins: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
Great ball skills, though some concerns about his speed.  Still, every team needs guys that can cover.

23. New York Giants: Kendall Beckwith, LB, LSU
He is coming off of an ACL injury, but Beckwith was a 3-year starter for a top defense, and fits the Giants biggest need at this point.

24. Oakland Raiders: Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan
A big run-stuffer in the middle to occupy space, and free up Khalil Mack on the edge even more.  The Raiders could be the team that makes that big step a la the Falcons in 2016.

25. Houston Texans: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pitt
Another Pitt QB to compete with Tom Savage.  Peterman may be pro-ready right now, and would instantly be in the discussion to start.  Bill O'Brien may have finally found his guy here in the second round.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Natural cover guy who is super competitive.  He'd fit into the Seahawks atmosphere.  They have been looking for that nickle corner that can become their next starter.  Lewis is that guy.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
Another cover guy who can also return kicks if Tyreke Hill needs a breather.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland
6'6", 278, small-school superstar.  Jason Witten won't play forever, and giving Dak another big weapon could make that offense even better.

29. Green Bay Packers: TJ Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
It is almost too perfect, isn't it?  JJ's little brother, who is also super-productive, going from Madison to Green Bay?  Why not?  Lots of mocks are now having the Packers taking him in the 1st round.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama
ESPN's best scouts call Anderson a tweener-type, perfect for the Ravens or Steelers style of defense.  Here are the Steelers taking him.  Tough, great intangibles, and a fit for the team.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson
If the Falcons had a great rusher off the edge, or a push up the middle, they could have gotten to Tom Brady and won the Super Bowl.  They got their edge rusher in Harris in Round 1.  Watkins can penetrate up the middle, and moves great for his size.

32. Carolina Panthers: Jermaine Eluemunor, OT, Texas A&M
The Panthers need help across their offensive line.  Eluemunor played both guard and tackle in college.  He will find a niche and fit it well.



Rounds 3-7 coming later today!  Thanks for reading!

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Welcome, friends, to NFL Draft week!  For some of you draft nerds like me, this is one of the best weeks of the year: speculation, rumors, teams getting better, mistakes, and Mel Kiper's hair.  There is nothing better!  Below is my humble attempt at Round 1 of this mock draft.  I did not project any trades, though I am sure there will be some.  I just took the players I thought may be the best fit for the given team, or take who I thought a team would reach for based on need.

Check back later for Rounds 2-7!

And with that, the Cleveland Browns are on the clock:

Round 1

1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

They can't take a QB here.  They just can't.  Garrett seems to be the consensus #1 pick and #1 player in the Draft.  The Browns need help everywhere.  He has to be the pick.  Let's just hope he isn't another Courtney Brown.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

This is a defensive draft, for sure, and Solomon Thomas may be just as good as Garrett.  He has risen up the ranks a bit until settling in as the potential #2 pick across most mocks, and I don't disagree.  Again, the 49ers need everything, so why not start with a workhorse D-Lineman?

3. Chicago Bears: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

An amazing safety is hard to find (I know. I am a Redskins fan. We still haven't replaced Sean Taylor). Jamal Adams may be the best overall safety in the draft.  Chicago needs quality guys in the secondary to play against Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford, after all.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Back to back LSU players go.  I think this may be the biggest no-brainer outside of the #1 pick.  The Jaguars need to know what their offense can really do, and that means it has to have some balance.  Their rushing attack isn't great, and Fournette would instantly be their top back.  Doug Marrone was the coach of the Bills when they had the #1 rushing attach in the NFL.  He will bring that to Jacksonville.

5. Tennessee Titans: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

The Titans sprint up to the podium with this pick.  Their biggest need is for a true shut down corner, and Lattimore is the best in the draft.  Easy pick.

6. New York Jets: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC

Oh, Jets.  You have no QB.  That isn't to say that I like Trubisky that much.  I much prefer Deshaun Watson.  And I could definitely see another team that likes Mitch trading up to the Jets, which I am sure they would love.  But for now, it is their biggest need, and Trubisky seems to be everyone's top guy.

7. LA Chargers: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

Another team that needs a bit of everything.  Allen's value here is too much to pass up. I just won't get used to calling them the LA Chargers anytime soon.

8. Carolina Panthers: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

For some odd reason, folks seem to be saying that Dalvin Cook is falling.  I have no idea why.  I have said for two years that I think Cook must cover himself in non-stick spray or something, cause he is impossible to bring down.  If Christian McCaffery is the pick instead, I wouldn't be surprised.  The Panthers need another weapon to take some pressure off Cam.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Bill Polian hates him because he is slow.  I counter with the argument that he broke Reggie White's sack record, which means he can play.  The Bengals add another weapon on that defense to team with Vontaze Burfict.

10. Buffalo Bills: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

I've seen just about every position mocked to the Bills, from passer to pass rusher to receiver.  But, Malik Hooker has better ball skills than Jamal Adams, and would instantly be an impact player in a depleted secondary.  Plus, this draft is deep enough in WRs where the Bills can get a solid one in Round 2 (spoiler).

11. New Orleans Saints: Hassan Reddick, LB, Temple

Has anyone risen up the ranks since the season ended like Reddick?  He is just the type of player that the Saints need in that defense, and one they haven't had in the middle since Jonathan Vilma retired.

12. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Why trade up and get Trubisky when you can stay put and get a national champion QB?  As I said before, I am a Watson guy.  I think he has that "It" factor that will make him a solid QB, if not a star.  He also has the ability to keep plays alive with his legs, which he may need in that division with those pass rushers.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

Foster's talent is only overshadowed by his potential off-the-filed issues.  He got in a shouting match at a hospital at the Combine.  He apparently had a diluted urine sample, which may mask drug issues.  However, the Cardinals have dealt with these kinds of players before in Tyrann Mathieu, and it payed off.  I think it will again.

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Well... I think that the Eagles biggest need is in the secondary.  However, Conley may be facing rape charges off the field, so his placement in the first round is now somewhat questionable, or at least would be if the NFL actually cared about women's issues at all.  They don't, so Conley stays in this spot.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky

PROTECT ANDREW LUCK!  That is the name of the game.  The Colts are nothing without him.  Lamp is the best offensive lineman in the draft.  And I do not buy into the "don't take guards in the first round" nonsense.  Take the guy that best suits your biggest need.  That's how you get better.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

The Ravens offense hasn't really been the same since it lost Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin.  True, they haven't had a solid running game either, but going with a super-productive player like Davis to help stretch the field for Joe Flacco and that offense will help immensely.  I could also see another O-lineman here as well.

17. Washington Redskins: Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford

Positions the Skins do not need to address with this pick: OLB, WR.  Everything is in play.  As a Skins fan, I am praying that Adams or Hooker falls to 17, but there is no way that is happening.  I think McCaffery is the guy because of what he brings to every facet of the offense.  However, if he is gone and Dalvin Cook is here, I still say the Skins go RB.  The really interesting thing will be if all the RBs are gone.

18. Tennessee Titans: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

That light blue blur you just saw whizz by was the Titans running up to the podium again.  A big, super-talented possession receiver with amazing hands is exactly what they need to pair with Marcus Mariota.  Williams may be the best wideout in the draft.  The Titans have an A+ first round adding him and Lattimore.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama

That's right, an Alabama offensive player going with all these amazing defenders.  Jameis Winston gets the top tight end in a draft, who by all accounts is also a high-character guy.  He could instantly become a Greg Olson-level weapon.

20. Denver Broncos: Garrett Boles, OT, Utah

The Broncos need all the help they can on the O-line to protect whoever is their starting QB.  Boles may have the biggest upside of any tackle in the draft.

21. Detroit Lions: Taco Charlton, DL, Michigan

Taco Time in Detroit!  They need to be able to put pressure on Aaron Rodgers, so drafting the top pass-rusher available is the answer.  He can play any position on the line, and imagine the built in jersey sales for a Michigan player going to Detroit.

22. Miami Dolphins: Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA

The Fins add a great end rusher who will be able to disrupt offenses in the AFC East.  Takk has an amazing motor, and will make sure to give maximum effort.  Team him outside with Wake, with Suh inside, and you'd have quite the defensive front.

23. New York Giants: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

Erick Flowers hasn't been what the Giants thought he would be yet.  Ramczyk may not be spectacular, but he may be the safest and most consistent OT in the entire draft.  That is what the Giants need.

24. Oakland Raiders: Kevin King, CB, Washington

The Raiders are only a few pieces away from being a top notch NFL team.  They have drafted so well recently, it should be a surprise.  David Amerson is solid, but King's size and skill could make him their best CB from Day 1.

25. Houston Texans: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

First round talent, second round effort.  Seems like pick 25 may be a perfect spot for the Texans.  I don't think they go all in on a QB yet, since they like Tom Savage enough to start him.  Maybe they will learn from their past mistakes and finally draft OL to protect a young QB.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

The Seahawks get the most out of their defensive players as possible.  McDowell's effort is a little touch and go.  Once he gets to Pete Carroll and that locker room, he will turn into a Pro Bowl talent.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

He is Mel Kiper's top LB.  He is apparently an awesome guy.  I think he is a great fit for an aging defense.  Their linebacking corp is getting old and oft-injured.  Davis is the kind of guy to rejuvenate it.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan

Big name, super-talented, super-versatile player?  Sounds like a fit for the Cowboys.  They need help in the secondary, of course, and Peppers can cover or move up in the box and tackle.  He could also find a way to work his way into some offensive sets.  How about a fun single wing with Dak and Zeke on the goal line?  I also don't really buy his diluted sample as being a red flag, since he stated at the time he was sick and was over-hydrating.

29. Green Bay Packers: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

The Packers cannot cover at all.  Secondary is their biggest need.  Wilson is the best pick right here.  Furthermore, (spoiler alert) the player many have going here may find his way to Green Bay in Round 2.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: John Ross, WR, Washington

Best player on the board, perfect compliment to take pressure off Antonio Brown, and 4.22 speed?  If John Ross can stay healthy, that Steelers offense will be great yet again.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Charles Harris, OLB, Missouri

The Falcons were a few stops or first downs away from being Super Bowl champions.  Adding a premiere pass rusher in Harris could be that final piece to the championship puzzle.

32. New Orleans Saints: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Another Crimson Tide defender to finish out Round 1.  I don't think the Saints are going to get Malcolm Butler from New England, so they need to add a playmaker in the secondary.  Humphrey and Reddick instantly boost an otherwise woeful defense.

Rounds 2-7 coming tomorrow!  Thanks for reading!

Coming Soon- The 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Hello there friends,

Baseball season, NBA and NHL playoffs, the NCAA Tournament, and the real world.  Too much to talk about.  So, you may continue not hearing much from me until I actually have time to finish my labor of love, my 2017 NFL Mock Draft.  I hope to have it up the weekend before the draft, so keep an eye out for it.  As always, if you want to keep up to date with my thoughts on sports (and everything else) on a more "real-time" basis, follow @JFLANland on twitter.

Official JFLANland Super Bowl 51 Prediction

The big game is finally here.  Patriots vs Falcons. #1 scoring defense vs the most explosive offense in football.  Tom Brady, possibly the greatest of all time, vs Matt Ryan, the NFL MVP.  Storylines abound, but you have had two weeks of all that.  What is my pick?

Patriots 27, Falcons 24

I don't even know who I want to win this game, to be honest.  I, like the rest of America, am tired of the Patriots being so good.  It isn't that we hate them, it is just that most of us will never see our team (in any sports) be as dominant as the Patriots have been over the past 15 years.  Yes, Brady may be the best ever.  Yes, Bill Belichick may be the best coach ever.  But every great empire has to come to an end eventually.  Will I be angry if the Patriots win?  Nope.  But I won't be thrilled either.

Then there is Atlanta.  The plucky underdog.  The only team with a player from Syracuse (go Dwight Freeney!).  I wouldn't be angry if they won either.  But, Atlanta is an awful sports town.  It is, I'm sorry.  If you can't sell out World Series games, you don't deserve a championship in any sport.  That said, the Georgia Dome sounded pretty loud during the playoffs.  I also dislike Matt Ryan, since he went to Boston College (What? I hold grudges, and they killed the Big East. Let me be angry!).  However, it is easy to overlook my grudge and admit how fantastic he and that offense have been this season.  He deserved the MVP once Derek Carr went down.  I'd be fine if the Falcons were hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the night.

In the end, I just don't think it is wise to bet against Brady and Belichick.  That said, I won't be upset with the outcome, either way.  This is the most unenthusiastic I have been about a Super Bowl in a while.  Let's just hope it is a great game, much like all the other Super Bowls these Patriots have been in.

Enjoy the game!

When the Real World Gets in the Way

Hello friends.

The past 2ish weeks have been pretty awful in America, huh?  Well, 2017 seems to be off to a pretty dismal start.  So, as you have seen, I haven't been writing.  I know I come on here every few months and apologize for it, but this time I just haven't been thinking about writing at all.  Sure, I have started looking at some NFL mock drafts.  I have some ideas for things to write this week too.  But, on the whole, I can't concentrate as much on sports as I would like due to current events. So, I will try to do a bit better as we move forward.  It is a good escape for me, and hopefully a couple of you like reading it as well.

Cheers!