Thursday, November 8, 2018
Predictions on the New Teams for MLB's Top 10 Free Agents
The Hot Stove has been turned on, and the cast iron skillet that is the MLB free agency rumor mill is starting to smoke. All the talk has focused on the two young superstars, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, but there are some other amazing players out there in need of a new (or old) home. To that end, here are my predictions for where baseball's top 10 free agents will end up.
1. Bryce Harper- Los Angeles Dodgers
I see this race coming down to the Cubs, Dodgers, and Nationals. I think Philly will get their man (see #2 on this list), and the Yankees will concentrate on pitching. I don't think the Cardinals or Giants will offer the kind of money Scott Boras is looking for. So, we then look at the Cubs, Dodgers, and Nats. The Cubs have great fans, history, a great young team, and Bryce's buddy Kris Bryant. That is one hell of a selling point. However, if Harper was to take a decade-plus long deal, that means that a lot of money that could be used to keep Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez would suddenly be gone. The Cubs have the resources to go over the luxury tax and be fine, but are they willing to? The Nats are the hometown team, and I believe are willing to pay him the money, but I also think they see the other holes in the roster, and future extensions for Anthony Rendon and Trea Turner. Plus, Juan Soto and Victor Robles have been groomed as "Bryce Insurance". They can keep the team competitive or better, though maybe with less star power. The Dodgers, on the other hand, love their star power. It is LA, after all. And they have money and aren't afraid to spend it. They already have Bellinger, Puig, Hernandez, Peterson, and Kemp? So what?! Harper is the kind of star those LA fans come out for. I, for one, will be heartbroken to see him in any other uniform than the Nats, but I am mentally preparing myself for the image of him, courtside at a Laker game on an off day, chatting with LeBron.
2. Manny Machado- Philadelphia Phillies
Now that Harper is gone, there is the other wunderkind. The Phillies have wanted Machado so badly it could almost be called tampering. They have a need at both 3B and SS, and Machado can play both. They have boatloads of money they can throw at Machado as well. And finally, Phillies president Andy McPhail drafted Machado, and has a great relationship with him. I think that this may be the most slam-dunk move of the offseason.
3. Patrick Corbin- New York Yankees
The Yankees need pitching. The Yankees have money. Patrick Corbin is the best pitcher on the market. The Bronx Bombers have solid young pieces in position that make signing Harper or Machado unnecessary. They take all of that capital, and move it on to Patrick Corbin. I could also see them trading one or two of their top young prospects, along with some lower down in the minors, for the likes of Corey Kluber. The Red Sox just won it all. The fans will demand the Yankees do whatever they can to make sure that doesn't happen in 2019.
4. Dallas Keuchel- Washington Nationals
As I mentioned in a previous post, the Nats could use the money they have after Bryce goes elsewhere to fill some major holes on their team, including a quality lefty for the rotation. They will also need a player with a bit of a name to help ease the pain of the game's biggest star playing elsewhere. Keuchel may not be Max Scherzer, but he is an upgrade over Gio Gonzalez, and could be the best #3 pitcher in baseball. Penciling him in every 5th game behind Max and Stephen Strasburg will go a long way to solving one of the big issues from the 2018 season.
5. Craig Kimbrel- Atlanta Braves
The Vulture goes home. The Braves shocked the world by winning the NL East, and have a solid young core of players in place to stay competitive for years. Their only big issue? Their bullpen. They had major issues putting away teams last year. They splurge, and bring back one of the game's premier closer in Kimbrel, who will help anchor a re-vamped bullpen, and those 20,000 or so Braves fans that actually exist will start thinking about another NL East dynasty.
6. Josh Donaldson- St. Louis Cardinals
This is another signing that has been rumored for a while, all the way back to trade talk last year. The Cardinals need a star player with a big name that can produce for them at the hot corner, but doesn't demand the same amount of money as Harper or Machado. Enter Donaldson, a former AL MVP who is still an MVP-caliber player when healthy. He provides more lineup depth, and protection for Jose Martinez and Marcell Ozuna. It is a good fit.
7. Nathan Eovaldi- Boston Red Sox
You come onto a great team, and turn it into an all-time great one? You win a World Series? That is the kind of performance that makes a mid-season trade acquisition worth keeping. The Red Sox could repeat if they keep most of their stellar team intact. I think they offer Eovaldi an extra year to stay in the AL East and compete for titles.
8. Michael Brantley- Atlanta Braves
Those pesky Braves make another signing, and bring in an experienced OF bat to replace the older Nick Markakis. Brantley is a career .295 hitter, who can help solidify the power of that young Braves lineup with Freeman, Acuna, and Albies.
9. AJ Pollock- Chicago White Sox
Call this more of a panic move than anything else. The White Sox are ridiculously young, but they will need to show they are committed to winning in order to draw the quality free agents other teams can. In order to do that, they take a chance on talented-yet-oft-injured AJ Pollock to man an outfield spot. When healthy, he is clearly leaps and bounds better than the projected White Sox outfielders. If he can stay off the DL, it could be a massive steal.
10. JA Happ- Los Angeles Angels
Has there been a more disappointing team over the past decade than the Angels? Let me put it this way- Everyone rags on Bryce Harper and the Nats for not winning a playoff series. Guess what? Mike Trout's Angels have never even won a playoff game! With Shohei Ohtani only hitting next year as he recovers from Tommy Johns, the Angels need a capable arm in their rotation. Happ was great in Toronto and dominant in New York. He can spend the final few years of his career in sunny So-Cal, as the Angels try to make one more push before Mike Trout takes his talents elsewhere.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
What if Bryce Leaves?: How the Nats Can Spend $40 Million
At some point, every Nationals fan has come face to face with a very real possibility: Bryce Harper, the face of the franchise and arguably the most recognizable player in baseball, may be wearing a different uniform next season. He has even brought that "Who will he choose" theme into his new MLB: The Show cover. It is possible a team like the Giants or Dodgers will break the bank and sign him for the next decade. Maybe Bryce decides he wants to play with his buddy Kris Bryant in Chicago. The point is, the Nats could be without their star next year, and with an extra $40 million or so in cash to spend. How might the Nats use that money to make the team better?
First, we have to address the outfield, where the Nats don't have to spend anything. The only reason that the Nationals are even considering letting Bryce Harper walk is that they have Juan Soto and Victor Robles ready to go. Soto had arguably the greatest season any teenager has ever had, including Harper. Robles has had flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time. Slot them in every day with Adam Eaton, with a Gold Glove-level 4th outfielder in Michael A. Taylor, and you still have one of the better young outfields in baseball. Yes, I believe that Soto/Robles/Harper would be even better, but that is not the scenario we are dealing with.
Next, there is a certain other soon-to-be free agent that helps drive the Nats. They could use a good chunk of that money on extending Anthony Rendon. I would be thrilled if they do that, because he has been the Nationals' most consistent player for years. However, I think good old Scott Boras will try to get his client to test free agency after the 2019 season. We will assume the extension doesn't happen before the season.
So, what to do with all that money? The three biggest holes on the roster, now that the Nationals signed Trevor Rosenthal to help boost the bullpen, are starting pitcher, catcher, and second base. Gio Gonzalez won't be coming back to DC, nor will Daniel Murphy. Catcher has been a big issue since Wilson Ramos left, and none of the Nats prospects are ready to take over. If my last name were suddenly Lerner or Rizzo, here is how I would spend the cash (salaries based on MLB Trade Rumors' projections):
- Sign LHP Dallas Keuchel to a 4-year, $82 million deal ($20.5 million per year). Scherzer, Strasburg, Keuchel. That is one hell of a big three in any rotation. The Nats can not only replace Gio Gonzalez as the staff lefty, they can upgrade. While Keuchel may never regain his Cy Young form, he still is coming off a year with a sub-4 ERA, produces a ton of ground balls, and doesn't give up many home runs. If he does happen to get back to his 2015 ways, it is a steal of a contract. Cheaper option- J.A. Happ, 3-year, $48 million ($16 million per year). Has put up better numbers than Keuchel, but is 36. Wade Miley may be the cheapest option, at about $6 million per year, but is a step below the other two. Either way, the Nats need to add a lefty back into their rotation.
- Bring back Wilson Ramos with a 3-year, $36 million deal ($12 million per year). Talk about a signing that will make fans happy. Everybody in DC loves the Buffalo, and we would be thrilled to have him back with a Curly W on his chest. Ramos has caught 800 innings the past two years, so he can still cut it behind the plate. He knows the staff, he knows the culture. Most importantly, he can hit. The Nationals catchers (Matt Wieters, Spencer Kieboom, and Pedro Severino) combined for a dismal .212 average and an awful .615 OPS in 2018. Ramos, between TB and Philly, hit .306 with an OPS of .845. This is a no-brainer. He may also be able to sub in at 1B when called on. The "cheaper" option? Trade for JT Realmuto. He may be the best every day catcher in the game, but he will come at a massive prospect cost. The Marlins supposedly asked for both Robles and Soto before the season. That is simply impossible if Bryce leaves. If they are willing to take a deal based around prospects like Luis Garcia or Carter Kieboom, then it may be doable.
- Sign DJ LeMahieu to a 2-year, $18 million contract ($9 million per year). I, along with many others, see Carter Kieboom as the National's 2B of the future. However, he has yet to play 2B in his professional career. Since it may take a season or two, why not fill in with a former NL batting champ with Gold Glove defense? LeMahieu is coming off a "down year", where he hit .276 and had a .749 OPS, but is still one of the best defensive second basemen in the game. Plugging him in for 2 years while a prospect learns the position better is ideal. Cheaper option? A 1-year, $10 million shot with Brian Dozier might work, in case he bounces back. Maybe take a flyer on Josh Harrison for less. Or, if Howie Kendrick recovers fast from his achillies tear, plug him in. LeMahieu is the best option until one of the Nats' top prospects is ready, though.
So, Keuchel, Ramos, LeMahieu comes out to $41.5 million worth of salary for next year. Substitute JA Happ for Keuchel, and it becomes $37 million. Throw in a cheap lefty bench bat, and you have a great free agent class. Both of these seem relatively doable, and would be a good use of funds. The Nats may not be as exciting or star studded without Bryce, but they would fill in some gaps that hurt the team this past season. Plus, if you look at the lineup and rotation, it is still pretty impressive:
1. Adam Eaton RF
2. Trea Turner SS
3. Anthony Rendon 3B
4. Juan Soto LF
5. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
6. Victor Robles CF
7. DJ LeMahieu 2B
8. Wilson Ramos C
Rotation- Scherzer (R), Strasburg (R), Keuchel/Happ (L), Roark (R), Ross (R)
That team can still compete for the NL East title and a World Series. It gives the young players in DC a chance to shine outside of Bryce's shadow. If Harper doesn't come back, that is how I'd spend that money.
First, we have to address the outfield, where the Nats don't have to spend anything. The only reason that the Nationals are even considering letting Bryce Harper walk is that they have Juan Soto and Victor Robles ready to go. Soto had arguably the greatest season any teenager has ever had, including Harper. Robles has had flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time. Slot them in every day with Adam Eaton, with a Gold Glove-level 4th outfielder in Michael A. Taylor, and you still have one of the better young outfields in baseball. Yes, I believe that Soto/Robles/Harper would be even better, but that is not the scenario we are dealing with.
Next, there is a certain other soon-to-be free agent that helps drive the Nats. They could use a good chunk of that money on extending Anthony Rendon. I would be thrilled if they do that, because he has been the Nationals' most consistent player for years. However, I think good old Scott Boras will try to get his client to test free agency after the 2019 season. We will assume the extension doesn't happen before the season.
So, what to do with all that money? The three biggest holes on the roster, now that the Nationals signed Trevor Rosenthal to help boost the bullpen, are starting pitcher, catcher, and second base. Gio Gonzalez won't be coming back to DC, nor will Daniel Murphy. Catcher has been a big issue since Wilson Ramos left, and none of the Nats prospects are ready to take over. If my last name were suddenly Lerner or Rizzo, here is how I would spend the cash (salaries based on MLB Trade Rumors' projections):
- Sign LHP Dallas Keuchel to a 4-year, $82 million deal ($20.5 million per year). Scherzer, Strasburg, Keuchel. That is one hell of a big three in any rotation. The Nats can not only replace Gio Gonzalez as the staff lefty, they can upgrade. While Keuchel may never regain his Cy Young form, he still is coming off a year with a sub-4 ERA, produces a ton of ground balls, and doesn't give up many home runs. If he does happen to get back to his 2015 ways, it is a steal of a contract. Cheaper option- J.A. Happ, 3-year, $48 million ($16 million per year). Has put up better numbers than Keuchel, but is 36. Wade Miley may be the cheapest option, at about $6 million per year, but is a step below the other two. Either way, the Nats need to add a lefty back into their rotation.
- Bring back Wilson Ramos with a 3-year, $36 million deal ($12 million per year). Talk about a signing that will make fans happy. Everybody in DC loves the Buffalo, and we would be thrilled to have him back with a Curly W on his chest. Ramos has caught 800 innings the past two years, so he can still cut it behind the plate. He knows the staff, he knows the culture. Most importantly, he can hit. The Nationals catchers (Matt Wieters, Spencer Kieboom, and Pedro Severino) combined for a dismal .212 average and an awful .615 OPS in 2018. Ramos, between TB and Philly, hit .306 with an OPS of .845. This is a no-brainer. He may also be able to sub in at 1B when called on. The "cheaper" option? Trade for JT Realmuto. He may be the best every day catcher in the game, but he will come at a massive prospect cost. The Marlins supposedly asked for both Robles and Soto before the season. That is simply impossible if Bryce leaves. If they are willing to take a deal based around prospects like Luis Garcia or Carter Kieboom, then it may be doable.
- Sign DJ LeMahieu to a 2-year, $18 million contract ($9 million per year). I, along with many others, see Carter Kieboom as the National's 2B of the future. However, he has yet to play 2B in his professional career. Since it may take a season or two, why not fill in with a former NL batting champ with Gold Glove defense? LeMahieu is coming off a "down year", where he hit .276 and had a .749 OPS, but is still one of the best defensive second basemen in the game. Plugging him in for 2 years while a prospect learns the position better is ideal. Cheaper option? A 1-year, $10 million shot with Brian Dozier might work, in case he bounces back. Maybe take a flyer on Josh Harrison for less. Or, if Howie Kendrick recovers fast from his achillies tear, plug him in. LeMahieu is the best option until one of the Nats' top prospects is ready, though.
So, Keuchel, Ramos, LeMahieu comes out to $41.5 million worth of salary for next year. Substitute JA Happ for Keuchel, and it becomes $37 million. Throw in a cheap lefty bench bat, and you have a great free agent class. Both of these seem relatively doable, and would be a good use of funds. The Nats may not be as exciting or star studded without Bryce, but they would fill in some gaps that hurt the team this past season. Plus, if you look at the lineup and rotation, it is still pretty impressive:
1. Adam Eaton RF
2. Trea Turner SS
3. Anthony Rendon 3B
4. Juan Soto LF
5. Ryan Zimmerman 1B
6. Victor Robles CF
7. DJ LeMahieu 2B
8. Wilson Ramos C
Rotation- Scherzer (R), Strasburg (R), Keuchel/Happ (L), Roark (R), Ross (R)
That team can still compete for the NL East title and a World Series. It gives the young players in DC a chance to shine outside of Bryce's shadow. If Harper doesn't come back, that is how I'd spend that money.
Monday, November 5, 2018
And We Are Back. What. A. Summer!
Sometime around 11:00 PM on June 7th, 2018, I found myself outside Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, hugging my girlfriend, on the verge of tears. Happy tears. Very, very happy tears. I had just seen my Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup, and ran over to join in with the celebration at F and 7th St, NW. Joy embraced the city for weeks after, from the parade, to the endless amounts of drinking, to blasting "We Are The Champions" while swimming in a fountain. Then, sometime around Labor Day, most of us woke up to a frightful sight: The Washington Nationals.
To say that I haven't been writing for a few months because of my beloved Nats is only partially true. As per usual, the real world can get in the way of a hobby. I have been busy living my life and being happy... then going to Nats Park and being sad. I don't quite know what happened to my favorite team. Bryce Harper's early season struggles, the disappearance of Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark as reliable rotation pieces, the complete lack of contribution from the catcher position- it was all awful. In the end, they still finished with a winning record, 82-80, and in 2nd place, but that isn't acceptable for a team with such high hopes. Now, with Haper's tenure in DC possibly at an end, we Nats fans face what could be a long, cold winter (though Juan Soto's gleaming smile may be the light that guides us to spring). Nevertheless, I will try to fight through the gloom to give you more content on here. After all, there are some pretty great things going on:
- SYRACUSE IS GOING TO A BOWL GAME, AND IS RANKED! *ahem* Sorry, did I shout that?
- The Caps are back to defend the Cup, and every fan I meet has a big smile on their face, as if a great weight has been lifted. It is lovely.
- The Wizards are playing again, and may have taken the Skins' mantle of "Most Dysfunctional Team"
- The Skins, for the moment, are in first place in the NFC East. Adrian Peterson looks solid. The defense has looked great in most games. Alex Smith is still getting there, but he has no WRs to speak of. We will check in with them closer to the playoffs.
- NCAA basketball starts tomorrow, NCAA football is in full swing, the NBA and NHL have games every night, and we still have half a NFL season to go! It is the most wonderful time of the year!
And yet, part of me is still waiting to hear that news about our beloved #34. Will Bryce come back to DC? Will a team like the Giants break the bank for him? If so, what could the Nats get with that money (check back to see that column). It is a fun time to follow and write about sports. I am happy to be back doing it. Thanks for reading.
To say that I haven't been writing for a few months because of my beloved Nats is only partially true. As per usual, the real world can get in the way of a hobby. I have been busy living my life and being happy... then going to Nats Park and being sad. I don't quite know what happened to my favorite team. Bryce Harper's early season struggles, the disappearance of Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark as reliable rotation pieces, the complete lack of contribution from the catcher position- it was all awful. In the end, they still finished with a winning record, 82-80, and in 2nd place, but that isn't acceptable for a team with such high hopes. Now, with Haper's tenure in DC possibly at an end, we Nats fans face what could be a long, cold winter (though Juan Soto's gleaming smile may be the light that guides us to spring). Nevertheless, I will try to fight through the gloom to give you more content on here. After all, there are some pretty great things going on:
- SYRACUSE IS GOING TO A BOWL GAME, AND IS RANKED! *ahem* Sorry, did I shout that?
- The Caps are back to defend the Cup, and every fan I meet has a big smile on their face, as if a great weight has been lifted. It is lovely.
- The Wizards are playing again, and may have taken the Skins' mantle of "Most Dysfunctional Team"
- The Skins, for the moment, are in first place in the NFC East. Adrian Peterson looks solid. The defense has looked great in most games. Alex Smith is still getting there, but he has no WRs to speak of. We will check in with them closer to the playoffs.
- NCAA basketball starts tomorrow, NCAA football is in full swing, the NBA and NHL have games every night, and we still have half a NFL season to go! It is the most wonderful time of the year!
And yet, part of me is still waiting to hear that news about our beloved #34. Will Bryce come back to DC? Will a team like the Giants break the bank for him? If so, what could the Nats get with that money (check back to see that column). It is a fun time to follow and write about sports. I am happy to be back doing it. Thanks for reading.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 7
Well, here it is. The last round. This has been fun. Let's finish it out.
1 (219). New England Patriots- Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane
2 (220). Pittsburgh Steelers- Tanner Lee, QB, Nebraska
3 (221). Indianapolis Colts- Kamrin Moore, CB, Boston College
4 (222). Houston Texans- Brendon Mahon, OG, Penn State
5 (223). San Francisco 49ers- Nantrell Jamerson, S, Wisconsin
6 (224). Chicago Bears- Jaryd Jones-Smith, OG, Pittsburgh
7 (225). Denver Broncos- KC McDermott, OG, Miami
8 (226). Seattle Seahawks- Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State
9 (227). San Francisco 49ers- Taylor Hearn, OG, Clemson
10 (228). Oakland Raiders- Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami
11 (229). Miami Dolphins- Cody O'Connell, OG, Washington State
12 (230). Jacksonville Jaguars- Kurt Benkert, QB, Virginia
13 (231). Washington Redskins- David Bright, OT/G, Stanford
14 (232). Green Bay Packers- James Hearns, OLB, Louisville
15 (233). Kansas City Chiefs- Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State
16 (234). Carolina Panthers- Marcus Baugh, TE, Ohio State
17 (235). New York Jets- Rick Leonard, OT, Florida State
18 (236). Dallas Cowboys- Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford
19 (237). Detroit Lions- Christian Sam, OLB, Arizona State
20 (238). Baltimore Ravens- Coleman Shelton, OC, Washington
21 (239). Green Bay Packers- Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, USF
22 (240). San Francisco 49ers- Grant Haley, CB, Penn State
23 (241). Washington Redskins- Dylan Cantrell, WR, Texas Tech
24 (242). Carolina Panthers- Rashard Fant, CB, Indiana
25 (243). Kansas City Chiefs- Nick Gates, OT, Nebraska
26 (244). Atlanta Falcons- Deandre Goolsby, TE, Florida
27 (245). New Orleans Saints- KJ Malone, OG, LSU
28 (246). Pittsburgh Steelers- Dejon Allen, OT, Hawai'i
29 (247). Jacksonville Jaguars- Skai Moore, OLB, South Carolina
30 (248). Seattle Seahawks- Tony Brown, CB, Alabama
31 (249). Cincinnati Bengals- Damon Webb, S, Ohio State
32 (250). Seattle Seahawks- Trey Quinn, WR, SMU
33 (251). Los Angeles Chargers- Chris Worley, ILB, Ohio State
34 (252). Cincinnati Bengals- Rashaan Gaulden, CB, Tennessee
35 (253). Cincinnati Bengals- Taylor Stallworth, DT, South Carolina
36 (254). Arizona Cardinals- Bradley Bozeman, OC, Alabama
37 (255). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brett Toth, OT, Army
38 (256). Atlanta Falcons- Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque
There you have it. All 7 rounds. All 256 picks. Thank you for following along, especially if you read all of the mock. It is a passion project of mine. I love it, I love writing it, and I love sharing it with you. I hope to get a few of these picks right, and I will have my winners and losers some time on Sunday or Monday, most likely.
Enjoy the Draft. I hope your team finds the right guy for their biggest need. Hope springs eternal for the 2018 season, starting tomorrow night. It is after midnight here on the East Coast. It is officially Draft Day!
1 (219). New England Patriots- Ade Aruna, DE, Tulane
2 (220). Pittsburgh Steelers- Tanner Lee, QB, Nebraska
3 (221). Indianapolis Colts- Kamrin Moore, CB, Boston College
4 (222). Houston Texans- Brendon Mahon, OG, Penn State
5 (223). San Francisco 49ers- Nantrell Jamerson, S, Wisconsin
6 (224). Chicago Bears- Jaryd Jones-Smith, OG, Pittsburgh
7 (225). Denver Broncos- KC McDermott, OG, Miami
8 (226). Seattle Seahawks- Jordan Thomas, TE, Mississippi State
9 (227). San Francisco 49ers- Taylor Hearn, OG, Clemson
10 (228). Oakland Raiders- Kendrick Norton, DT, Miami
11 (229). Miami Dolphins- Cody O'Connell, OG, Washington State
12 (230). Jacksonville Jaguars- Kurt Benkert, QB, Virginia
13 (231). Washington Redskins- David Bright, OT/G, Stanford
14 (232). Green Bay Packers- James Hearns, OLB, Louisville
15 (233). Kansas City Chiefs- Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma State
16 (234). Carolina Panthers- Marcus Baugh, TE, Ohio State
17 (235). New York Jets- Rick Leonard, OT, Florida State
18 (236). Dallas Cowboys- Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford
19 (237). Detroit Lions- Christian Sam, OLB, Arizona State
20 (238). Baltimore Ravens- Coleman Shelton, OC, Washington
21 (239). Green Bay Packers- Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, USF
22 (240). San Francisco 49ers- Grant Haley, CB, Penn State
23 (241). Washington Redskins- Dylan Cantrell, WR, Texas Tech
24 (242). Carolina Panthers- Rashard Fant, CB, Indiana
25 (243). Kansas City Chiefs- Nick Gates, OT, Nebraska
26 (244). Atlanta Falcons- Deandre Goolsby, TE, Florida
27 (245). New Orleans Saints- KJ Malone, OG, LSU
28 (246). Pittsburgh Steelers- Dejon Allen, OT, Hawai'i
29 (247). Jacksonville Jaguars- Skai Moore, OLB, South Carolina
30 (248). Seattle Seahawks- Tony Brown, CB, Alabama
31 (249). Cincinnati Bengals- Damon Webb, S, Ohio State
32 (250). Seattle Seahawks- Trey Quinn, WR, SMU
33 (251). Los Angeles Chargers- Chris Worley, ILB, Ohio State
34 (252). Cincinnati Bengals- Rashaan Gaulden, CB, Tennessee
35 (253). Cincinnati Bengals- Taylor Stallworth, DT, South Carolina
36 (254). Arizona Cardinals- Bradley Bozeman, OC, Alabama
37 (255). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Brett Toth, OT, Army
38 (256). Atlanta Falcons- Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque
There you have it. All 7 rounds. All 256 picks. Thank you for following along, especially if you read all of the mock. It is a passion project of mine. I love it, I love writing it, and I love sharing it with you. I hope to get a few of these picks right, and I will have my winners and losers some time on Sunday or Monday, most likely.
Enjoy the Draft. I hope your team finds the right guy for their biggest need. Hope springs eternal for the 2018 season, starting tomorrow night. It is after midnight here on the East Coast. It is officially Draft Day!
JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 6
2 rounds left. Almost at the end, and the draft is less than 24 hours away from starting! Keep on rolling!
1 (175). Cleveland Browns- Davin Bellamy, OLB, Georgia
2 (176). Los Angeles Rams- Shaun Dion Hamilton, ILB, Alabama
3 (177). Houston Texans- David Wells, TE, San Diego State
4 (178). Indianapolis Colts- Andre Smith, ILB, UNC
5 (179). New York Jets- Colby Gossett, OG, Appalachian State
6 (180). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin
7 (181). Chicago Bears- DJ Reed, CB, Kansas State
8 (182). Arizona Cardinals- Joe Noteboom, OT, TCU
9 (183). Los Angeles Rams- Deontay Burnett, WR, USC
10 (184). San Francisco 49ers- J'Mon Moore, WR, Missouri
11 (185). Oakland Raiders- Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State
12 (186). Green Bay Packers- Danny Johnson, CB, Southern
13 (187). Buffalo Bills- Brandon Lingen, TE, Minnesota
14 (188). Cleveland Browns- Siran Neal, CB, Jacksonville State
15 (189). New Orleans Saints- Kyle Allen, QB, Houston
16 (190). Baltimore Ravens- Jaylen Samuels, FB/HB, NC State
17 (191). Los Angeles Chargers- Maea Teuhema, OG, LSU
18 (192). Dallas Cowboys- Trevon Young, DE, Louisville
19 (193). Dallas Cowboys- Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
20 (194). Los Angeles Rams- Leon Jacobs, OLB, Wisconsin
21 (195). Los Angeles Rams- Jaleel Scott, WR, New Mexico State
22 (196). Kansas City Chiefs- Troy Apke, S, Penn State
23 (197). Carolina Panthers- Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern
24 (198). New England Patriots- Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan
25 (199). Tennessee Titans- Davon Grayson, WR, East Carolina
26 (200). Atlanta Falcons- Dimitri Flowers, FB, Oklahoma
27 (201). New Orleans Saints- Tre Flowers, S, Oklahoma State
28 (202). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia
29 (203). Jacksonville Jaguars- Chris Campbell, CB, Penn State
30 (204). Minnesota Vikings- Simmie Cobbs, WR, Indiana
31 (205). Washington Redskins- Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami
32 (206). Philadelphia Eagles- Trayvon Henderson, S, Hawai'i
33 (207). Green Bay Packers- John Atkins, DT, Georgia
34 (208). Dallas Cowboys- Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham
35 (209). Kansas City Chiefs- Jamil Demby, OT, Maine
36 (210). New England Patriots- Chandon Sullivan, CB, Georgia State
37 (211). Houston Texans- Jeremy Reaves, S, South Alabama
38 (212). Oakland Raiders- Michael Dickson, P, Texas
PUNTER ALERT! PUNTER ALERT! PUNTER ALERT!
39 (213). Minnesota Vikings- Olasunkanmi Adenyi, DE, Toledo
40 (214). Houston Texans- Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh
41 (215). Baltimore Ravens- Chase Litton, QB, Marshall
42 (216). Oakland Raiders- Tegray Scales, OLB, Indiana
43 (217). Oakland Raiders- D'Montre Wade, CB, Murray State
44 (218). Minnesota Vikings- Cole Madison, OT, Washington State.
One. Round. Left. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
1 (175). Cleveland Browns- Davin Bellamy, OLB, Georgia
2 (176). Los Angeles Rams- Shaun Dion Hamilton, ILB, Alabama
3 (177). Houston Texans- David Wells, TE, San Diego State
4 (178). Indianapolis Colts- Andre Smith, ILB, UNC
5 (179). New York Jets- Colby Gossett, OG, Appalachian State
6 (180). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin
7 (181). Chicago Bears- DJ Reed, CB, Kansas State
8 (182). Arizona Cardinals- Joe Noteboom, OT, TCU
9 (183). Los Angeles Rams- Deontay Burnett, WR, USC
10 (184). San Francisco 49ers- J'Mon Moore, WR, Missouri
11 (185). Oakland Raiders- Allen Lazard, WR, Iowa State
12 (186). Green Bay Packers- Danny Johnson, CB, Southern
13 (187). Buffalo Bills- Brandon Lingen, TE, Minnesota
14 (188). Cleveland Browns- Siran Neal, CB, Jacksonville State
15 (189). New Orleans Saints- Kyle Allen, QB, Houston
16 (190). Baltimore Ravens- Jaylen Samuels, FB/HB, NC State
17 (191). Los Angeles Chargers- Maea Teuhema, OG, LSU
18 (192). Dallas Cowboys- Trevon Young, DE, Louisville
19 (193). Dallas Cowboys- Quin Blanding, S, Virginia
20 (194). Los Angeles Rams- Leon Jacobs, OLB, Wisconsin
21 (195). Los Angeles Rams- Jaleel Scott, WR, New Mexico State
22 (196). Kansas City Chiefs- Troy Apke, S, Penn State
23 (197). Carolina Panthers- Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern
24 (198). New England Patriots- Darius Phillips, CB, Western Michigan
25 (199). Tennessee Titans- Davon Grayson, WR, East Carolina
26 (200). Atlanta Falcons- Dimitri Flowers, FB, Oklahoma
27 (201). New Orleans Saints- Tre Flowers, S, Oklahoma State
28 (202). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Trenton Thompson, DT, Georgia
29 (203). Jacksonville Jaguars- Chris Campbell, CB, Penn State
30 (204). Minnesota Vikings- Simmie Cobbs, WR, Indiana
31 (205). Washington Redskins- Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami
32 (206). Philadelphia Eagles- Trayvon Henderson, S, Hawai'i
33 (207). Green Bay Packers- John Atkins, DT, Georgia
34 (208). Dallas Cowboys- Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham
35 (209). Kansas City Chiefs- Jamil Demby, OT, Maine
36 (210). New England Patriots- Chandon Sullivan, CB, Georgia State
37 (211). Houston Texans- Jeremy Reaves, S, South Alabama
38 (212). Oakland Raiders- Michael Dickson, P, Texas
PUNTER ALERT! PUNTER ALERT! PUNTER ALERT!
39 (213). Minnesota Vikings- Olasunkanmi Adenyi, DE, Toledo
40 (214). Houston Texans- Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh
41 (215). Baltimore Ravens- Chase Litton, QB, Marshall
42 (216). Oakland Raiders- Tegray Scales, OLB, Indiana
43 (217). Oakland Raiders- D'Montre Wade, CB, Murray State
44 (218). Minnesota Vikings- Cole Madison, OT, Washington State.
One. Round. Left. Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 5
3 rounds left. Teams still have holes to fill. Time to find those guys who may not be as hyped, but are just as important to the teams they go to.
1 (138). Green Bay Packers- Jeromy Irwin, OG, Colorado
2 (139). New York Giants- Matt Pryor, OT, TCU
3 (140). Indianapolis Colts- Breeland Speaks, DE, Ole Miss
4 (141). Seattle Seahawks- Toby Weathersby, OT, LSU
5 (142). Washington Redskins- Nick DeLuca, ILB, North Dakota State
6 (143). San Francisco 49ers- Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan
7 (144). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dorance Armstrong Jr, DE, Kansas
8 (145). Chicago Bears- Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State
9 (146). Seattle Seahawks- Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest
10 (147). New Orleans Saints- Brian Allen, OC, Michigan State
11 (148). Pittsburgh Steelers- Oren Burks, OLB, Vanderbilt
12 (149). Denver Broncos- Mark Walton, RB, Miami
13 (150). Cleveland Browns- RJ McIntosh, DT, Miami
14 (151). Cincinnati Bengals- Timon Parris, OT, Stony Brook
15 (152). Arizona Cardinals- Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers
16 (153). Detroit Lions- Justin Jones, DT, NC State
17 (154). Baltimore Ravens- DeShon Elliot, S, Texas
18 (155). Los Angeles Chargers- Chad Thomas, DE, Miami
19 (156). Philadelphia Eagles- Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State
20 (157). New York Jets- Kentavius Street, DE, NC State
21 (158). Cincinnati Bengals- Will Clapp, OG, LSU
22 (159). Oakland Raiders- Tracy Walker, S, Louisiana
23 (160). Denver Broncos- Mike McCray, ILB, Michigan
24 (161). Carolina Panthers- Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
25 (162). Tennessee Titans- Folorunso Fatukasi, DT, UConn
26 (163). Washington Redskins- Skyler Phillips, OC/G, Idaho State
27 (164). New Orleans Saints- Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah
28 (165). Pittsburgh Steelers- Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
29 (166). Buffalo Bills- Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
30 (167). Minnesota Vikings- Godwin Igwebuike, S, Northwestern
31 (168). Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
32 (169). Philadelphia Eagles- Jack Cichy, ILB, Wisconsin
33 (170). Cincinnati Bengals- Logan Woodside, QB, Toledo
34 (171). Dallas Cowboys- Durham Smythe, TE, Notre Dame
35 (172). Green Bay Packers- Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame
36 (173). Oakland Raiders- John Kelly, RB, Tennessee
37 (174). Green Bay Packers- Stephen Roberts, S, Auburn
Only 2 rounds left! Has your favorite player gone yet? If not, check back in Rounds 6 and 7!
1 (138). Green Bay Packers- Jeromy Irwin, OG, Colorado
2 (139). New York Giants- Matt Pryor, OT, TCU
3 (140). Indianapolis Colts- Breeland Speaks, DE, Ole Miss
4 (141). Seattle Seahawks- Toby Weathersby, OT, LSU
5 (142). Washington Redskins- Nick DeLuca, ILB, North Dakota State
6 (143). San Francisco 49ers- Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan
7 (144). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dorance Armstrong Jr, DE, Kansas
8 (145). Chicago Bears- Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State
9 (146). Seattle Seahawks- Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest
10 (147). New Orleans Saints- Brian Allen, OC, Michigan State
11 (148). Pittsburgh Steelers- Oren Burks, OLB, Vanderbilt
12 (149). Denver Broncos- Mark Walton, RB, Miami
13 (150). Cleveland Browns- RJ McIntosh, DT, Miami
14 (151). Cincinnati Bengals- Timon Parris, OT, Stony Brook
15 (152). Arizona Cardinals- Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers
16 (153). Detroit Lions- Justin Jones, DT, NC State
17 (154). Baltimore Ravens- DeShon Elliot, S, Texas
18 (155). Los Angeles Chargers- Chad Thomas, DE, Miami
19 (156). Philadelphia Eagles- Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State
20 (157). New York Jets- Kentavius Street, DE, NC State
21 (158). Cincinnati Bengals- Will Clapp, OG, LSU
22 (159). Oakland Raiders- Tracy Walker, S, Louisiana
23 (160). Denver Broncos- Mike McCray, ILB, Michigan
24 (161). Carolina Panthers- Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
25 (162). Tennessee Titans- Folorunso Fatukasi, DT, UConn
26 (163). Washington Redskins- Skyler Phillips, OC/G, Idaho State
27 (164). New Orleans Saints- Kylie Fitts, DE, Utah
28 (165). Pittsburgh Steelers- Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
29 (166). Buffalo Bills- Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State
30 (167). Minnesota Vikings- Godwin Igwebuike, S, Northwestern
31 (168). Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Izzo, TE, Florida State
32 (169). Philadelphia Eagles- Jack Cichy, ILB, Wisconsin
33 (170). Cincinnati Bengals- Logan Woodside, QB, Toledo
34 (171). Dallas Cowboys- Durham Smythe, TE, Notre Dame
35 (172). Green Bay Packers- Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame
36 (173). Oakland Raiders- John Kelly, RB, Tennessee
37 (174). Green Bay Packers- Stephen Roberts, S, Auburn
Only 2 rounds left! Has your favorite player gone yet? If not, check back in Rounds 6 and 7!
JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 4
Day 3 of the Draft is Saturday. There are some future Hall of Famers that will be taken. We just may not know them yet. It all starts with Round 4.
1 (101). Green Bay Packers- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma
2 (102). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kameron Kelly, S, San Diego State
3 (103). Houston Texans- Jordan Atkins, TE, UCF
4 (104). Indianapolis Colts- Will Richardson, OT, NC State
5 (105). Chicago Bears- Andrew Brown, DE, Virginia
6 (106). Denver Broncos- Will Dissly, TE, Washington
7 (107). New York Jets- Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
8 (108). New York Giants- Tre'Quan Smith, WR, UCF
9 (109). Washington Redskins- JC Jackson, CB, Maryland
10 (110). Oakland Raiders- Brandon Parker, OT, NC A&T
11 (111). Miami Dolphins- Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin
12 (112). Cincinnati Bengals- Kevin Toliver, CB, LSU
13 (113). Denver Broncos- Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
There's Elway's QB of the future. He can learn under Case Keenum.
14 (114). Cleveland Browns- Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
15 (115). Chicago Bears- Hercules Mata'afa, DT, Washington State
16 (116). Dallas Cowboys- Wyatt Teller, OG, Virginia Tech
17 (117). Detroit Lions- Sean Welsh, OG, Iowa
18 (118). Baltimore Ravens- Gerard Avery, ILB, Memphis
19 (119). Los Angeles Chargers- Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
20 (120). Seattle Seahawks- Shaquem Griffin, OLB/S, UCF
I love this man. I'd have him going in the 2nd or 3rd round if the Seahawks had a pick there. He could be reunited with his twin brother Shaquill, and can be an immediate impact player on special teams, throwing downs, and learn to be a Deone Buchanan-like combo safety. Just ask Auburn how dominant Shaq Griffin can be. Don't get hung up on the fact that he has one hand (he caught the ball better than most LBs at the Combine anyway). Pay attention to the havoc he causes offenses. He is a star.
21 (121). Buffalo Bills- Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
22 (122). Kansas City Chiefs- Deadrin Senat, DT, USF
23 (123). Miami Dolphins- Dorian O'Daniel, OLB, Clemson
24 (124). Los Angeles Rams- Scott Quessenberry, OC, UCLA
25 (125). Tennessee Titans- Da'Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama
26 (126). Atlanta Falcons- Chris Herndon, TE, Miami
27 (127). New Orleans Saints- Jeff Holland, OLB, Auburn
28 (128). San Francsico 49ers- Kalen Bullage, RB, Arizona State
29 (129). Jacksonville Jaguars- Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh
30 (130). Philadelphia Eagles- Cedric Wilson, WR, Boise State
31 (131). Miami Dolphins- Keke Coutce, WR, Texas Tech
32 (132). Philadelphia Eagles- Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State
33 (133). Green Bay Packers- Fred Warner, ILB, BYU
34 (134). Arizona Cardinals- Auden Tate, WR, Florida State
35 (135). Los Angeles Rams- Sam Jones, OG, Arizona State
36 (136). Los Angeles Rams- Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
37 (137). Dallas Cowboys- Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
Over halfway done. 3 rounds left! Thanks for reading!
1 (101). Green Bay Packers- Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB, Oklahoma
2 (102). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kameron Kelly, S, San Diego State
3 (103). Houston Texans- Jordan Atkins, TE, UCF
4 (104). Indianapolis Colts- Will Richardson, OT, NC State
5 (105). Chicago Bears- Andrew Brown, DE, Virginia
6 (106). Denver Broncos- Will Dissly, TE, Washington
7 (107). New York Jets- Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Notre Dame
8 (108). New York Giants- Tre'Quan Smith, WR, UCF
9 (109). Washington Redskins- JC Jackson, CB, Maryland
10 (110). Oakland Raiders- Brandon Parker, OT, NC A&T
11 (111). Miami Dolphins- Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin
12 (112). Cincinnati Bengals- Kevin Toliver, CB, LSU
13 (113). Denver Broncos- Luke Falk, QB, Washington State
There's Elway's QB of the future. He can learn under Case Keenum.
14 (114). Cleveland Browns- Marcus Allen, S, Penn State
15 (115). Chicago Bears- Hercules Mata'afa, DT, Washington State
16 (116). Dallas Cowboys- Wyatt Teller, OG, Virginia Tech
17 (117). Detroit Lions- Sean Welsh, OG, Iowa
18 (118). Baltimore Ravens- Gerard Avery, ILB, Memphis
19 (119). Los Angeles Chargers- Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky
20 (120). Seattle Seahawks- Shaquem Griffin, OLB/S, UCF
I love this man. I'd have him going in the 2nd or 3rd round if the Seahawks had a pick there. He could be reunited with his twin brother Shaquill, and can be an immediate impact player on special teams, throwing downs, and learn to be a Deone Buchanan-like combo safety. Just ask Auburn how dominant Shaq Griffin can be. Don't get hung up on the fact that he has one hand (he caught the ball better than most LBs at the Combine anyway). Pay attention to the havoc he causes offenses. He is a star.
21 (121). Buffalo Bills- Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
22 (122). Kansas City Chiefs- Deadrin Senat, DT, USF
23 (123). Miami Dolphins- Dorian O'Daniel, OLB, Clemson
24 (124). Los Angeles Rams- Scott Quessenberry, OC, UCLA
25 (125). Tennessee Titans- Da'Shawn Hand, DE, Alabama
26 (126). Atlanta Falcons- Chris Herndon, TE, Miami
27 (127). New Orleans Saints- Jeff Holland, OLB, Auburn
28 (128). San Francsico 49ers- Kalen Bullage, RB, Arizona State
29 (129). Jacksonville Jaguars- Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh
30 (130). Philadelphia Eagles- Cedric Wilson, WR, Boise State
31 (131). Miami Dolphins- Keke Coutce, WR, Texas Tech
32 (132). Philadelphia Eagles- Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State
33 (133). Green Bay Packers- Fred Warner, ILB, BYU
34 (134). Arizona Cardinals- Auden Tate, WR, Florida State
35 (135). Los Angeles Rams- Sam Jones, OG, Arizona State
36 (136). Los Angeles Rams- Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
37 (137). Dallas Cowboys- Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
Over halfway done. 3 rounds left! Thanks for reading!
JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 3
Rolling along into Round 3 of the 2018 NFL Mock Draft. This will mostly be a list of the picks and players, but I will comment if there are interesting selections. Here we go!
1 (65). Buffalo Bills- Brian O'Neill, OT, Pitt
2 (66). New York Giants- Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
When healthy, he might be the best back in the draft. Mel Kiper thinks he will be like Alvin Kamara.
3 (67). Indianapolis Colts- Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
4 (68). Houston Texans- Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
The Texans gave Cleveland both of their first picks this year, first to take Brock Osweiler, and then to move up and get DeShaun Watson. So their first pick of the draft is a big man for the middle of their D-line. The player comp from NFL.com is former Patriot and Texan Vince Wilfork.
5 (69). New York Giants- Arden Key, DE, LSU
6 (70). San Francisco 49ers- Braden Smith, OG, Auburn
7 (71). Denver Broncos- Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
8 (72). New York Jets- Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State
9 (73). Miami Dolphins- Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
10 (74). San Francisco 49ers- Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
11 (75). Oakland Raiders- Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State
12 (76). Green Bay Packers- Desmond Harrison, OT, Western Georgia
13 (77). Cincinnati Bengals- Frank Ragnow, OC, Arkansas
Has been mentioned in the 1st Round in some of the most recent mocks. I don't see it.
14 (78). Washington Redskins- Rashaad Penny, RB, Sand Diego St.
A complete running back who can play every down, or compliment Christ Thompson and Samaje Perine. Fills a big need. Alex Smith is best when he has a good run game.
15 (79). Arizona Cardinals- MJ Stewart, CB, UNC
16 (80). Houston Texans- Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan
17 (81). Dallas Cowboys- Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas
18 (82). Detroit Lions- Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
19 (83). Baltimore Ravens- Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
20 (84). Los Angeles Chargers- Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
21 (85). Carolina Panthers- Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State
22 (86). Kansas City Chiefs- Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State
23 (87). Los Angeles Rams- Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State
24 (88). Carolina Panthers- Martinas Rankin, OL, Mississippi State
25 (89). Tennessee Titans- Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
26 (90). Atlanta Falcons- Daesean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
27 (91). New Orleans Saints- Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
28 (92). Pittsburgh Steelers- Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
A bit of LeVeon Bell insurance.
29 (93). Jacksonville Jaguars- Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia
30 (94). Minnesota Vikings- Holton Hill, CB, Texas
31 (95). New England Patriots- Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
The Patriots get the next heir-apparent to Tom Brady.
32 (96). Buffalo Bills- Mason Cole, OC, Michigan
33 (97). Arizona Cardinals- Kyzir White, S, West Virginia
34 (98). Houston Texans- Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
35 (99). Denver Broncos- Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State
36 (100). Cincinnati Benglas- Duke Dawson, CB, Florida
Some big names still on the board. Will they go in Round 4? Read on and find out!
1 (65). Buffalo Bills- Brian O'Neill, OT, Pitt
2 (66). New York Giants- Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
When healthy, he might be the best back in the draft. Mel Kiper thinks he will be like Alvin Kamara.
3 (67). Indianapolis Colts- Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida
4 (68). Houston Texans- Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
The Texans gave Cleveland both of their first picks this year, first to take Brock Osweiler, and then to move up and get DeShaun Watson. So their first pick of the draft is a big man for the middle of their D-line. The player comp from NFL.com is former Patriot and Texan Vince Wilfork.
5 (69). New York Giants- Arden Key, DE, LSU
6 (70). San Francisco 49ers- Braden Smith, OG, Auburn
7 (71). Denver Broncos- Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama
8 (72). New York Jets- Jerome Baker, OLB, Ohio State
9 (73). Miami Dolphins- Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College
10 (74). San Francisco 49ers- Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
11 (75). Oakland Raiders- Derrick Nnadi, DT, Florida State
12 (76). Green Bay Packers- Desmond Harrison, OT, Western Georgia
13 (77). Cincinnati Bengals- Frank Ragnow, OC, Arkansas
Has been mentioned in the 1st Round in some of the most recent mocks. I don't see it.
14 (78). Washington Redskins- Rashaad Penny, RB, Sand Diego St.
A complete running back who can play every down, or compliment Christ Thompson and Samaje Perine. Fills a big need. Alex Smith is best when he has a good run game.
15 (79). Arizona Cardinals- MJ Stewart, CB, UNC
16 (80). Houston Texans- Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan
17 (81). Dallas Cowboys- Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas
18 (82). Detroit Lions- Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
19 (83). Baltimore Ravens- Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma
20 (84). Los Angeles Chargers- Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State
21 (85). Carolina Panthers- Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio State
22 (86). Kansas City Chiefs- Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State
23 (87). Los Angeles Rams- Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State
24 (88). Carolina Panthers- Martinas Rankin, OL, Mississippi State
25 (89). Tennessee Titans- Josey Jewell, ILB, Iowa
26 (90). Atlanta Falcons- Daesean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
27 (91). New Orleans Saints- Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
28 (92). Pittsburgh Steelers- Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama
A bit of LeVeon Bell insurance.
29 (93). Jacksonville Jaguars- Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia
30 (94). Minnesota Vikings- Holton Hill, CB, Texas
31 (95). New England Patriots- Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
The Patriots get the next heir-apparent to Tom Brady.
32 (96). Buffalo Bills- Mason Cole, OC, Michigan
33 (97). Arizona Cardinals- Kyzir White, S, West Virginia
34 (98). Houston Texans- Parry Nickerson, CB, Tulane
35 (99). Denver Broncos- Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State
36 (100). Cincinnati Benglas- Duke Dawson, CB, Florida
Some big names still on the board. Will they go in Round 4? Read on and find out!
JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 2
The Draft is so close we can almost taste it. It tastes like Gatorade and loud suits. Round 1 was posted last night, so we start tonight with Round 2! There will be some explanation, but not as much as in Round 1. Also, please remember that I do not project trades.
1 (33). Cleveland Browns- Connor Williams, OT/G, Texas
Joe Thomas missed the first games of his future Hall of Fame NFL career, and decided that was a good enough run. They need to add offensive line talent, and Williams (when healthy) has the talent of a Top 10 pick.
2 (34). New York Giants- Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
Speaking of needed OL help... The Giants were awful. Wynn comes in to replace Justin Pugh, and can be paired with Nate Solder to protect Eli and Darnold going forward.
3 (35). Cleveland Browns- Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Does LSU produce more awesome defensive backs that anyone else? Possibly. Jackson adds another strong defender to a talented young defense, and Cleveland continues to run the Draft.
4 (36). Indianapolis Colts- Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Another Bayou Bengal off the board. The Colts rushing game is not terribly good, and Frank Gore is now in Miami. A bruising but explosive back like Guice will help Andrew Luck ease back into playing, and means he won't have to throw the ball 60 times a game.
5 (37). Indianapolis Colts- Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Another Indy pick, and now they land a rush player that may be the the next Freeney or Mathis if he can add some muscle and maintain his speed.
6 (38). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
Doug Martin is out in Oakland now, so the Bucs need a true starting RB to play alongside Jameis Winston.
7 (39). Chicago Bears- Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
The tape says that Brown is a 1st round prospect. The workouts say he will be lucky to go by Round 4. I think the Bears roll the dice that the player on tape is the real guy, and he can protect Mitchell Trubisky for years.
8 (40). Denver Broncos- Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
They already have Demariyus Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but both are getting up there in age, and will be free agents after the 2019 season. The Broncos could let Kirk learn for a year or two from them, and then take over as the #1 guy.
9 (41). Oakland Raiders- Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
The Raiders defense slipped big time last year. Adding a talented corner along with Tremaine Edmunds will instantly improve that side of the ball.
10 (42). Miami Dolphins- Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Yes, I said that Ryan Tannehill shouldn't be rushed out of town. But the Dolphins seem to have soured on him. This way, they get Vea in Round 1, and still get a prolific passer in Rudolph to groom for the future.
11 (43). New England Patriots- Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC
The Patriots didn't sack Nick Foles once in the Super Bowl. Belichick and co. want to change that for the next big game.
12 (44). Washington Redskins- Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
With Su'a Cravens in Denver, the Skins have a big hole at safety. Harrison can be that strong thumper from the secondary that will help with run defense and to intimidate WRs going over the middle.
13 (45). Green Bay Packers- DJ Chark, WR, LSU
The Packers cut Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb isn't what he used to be, and Davante Adams needs help. DJ Chark wowed the combine, is a burner down field, but also has excellent height at 6'3.
14 (46). Cincinnati Bengals- Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
You have to be able to stop the run in a division with the LeVeon Bell and possibly Saquon Barkley. Phillips gives the Bengals talent and depth on that DL.
15 (47). Arizona Cardinals- Billy Price, OC, Ohio State
Doctors informed teams that Price is expected to be ready for training camp after recovering from a torn pectoral suffered at the Combine. This is great news for the young man, who may actually sneak into Round 1. The Cardinals have a need, and he fits well here.
16 (48). Los Angeles Chargers- Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
Phillip Rivers may not have that many more years left. The Chargers would be smart to invest in the OL to keep him upright.
17 (49). Indianapolis Colts- BJ Hill, DT, NC State
More defense for the Colts, who need to address a ton of needs.
18 (50). Dallas Cowboys- Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Hurst was cleared by doctors after a possible heart issue. Now, he will reunite with Taco Charlton to sure up the D line in Big D.
19 (51). Detroit Lions- Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
The Lions last 100-yard rusher was Reggie Bush on November 28th, 2013. I know folks say running backs are devalued now, but this is ridiculous. Michel is a big play waiting to happen, and should FINALLY end that drought.
20 (52). Baltimore Ravens- Geron Christian, OT, Louisville
The Ravens have a hole at right tackle. Christian can play Day 1, or kick inside to guard if needed.
21 (53). Buffalo Bills- Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest
The Bill's defense carries them. Adding a playmaking safety only makes it better.
22 (54). Kansas City Chiefs- Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Marcus Peters got traded away, so the Chiefs need another corner. Davis is the best on the board.
23 (55). Carolina Panthers- Cortland Sutton, WR, SMU
Cam Newton is a great QB, but he has a tendency to throw the ball a bit high. No issue for Sutton, who is big, physical, and can jump out of the building.
24 (56). Buffalo Bills- James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
The Bills will need weapons for their new QB. Washington made a bunch of huge plays in OK State's spread offense, even if his route running is still a bit raw.
25 (57). Tennessee Titans- Austin Corbett, OG/C, Nevada
The Titans are set at tackle, but could use more talent on the interior of their line.
26 (58). Atlanta Falcons- Rasheem Green, DE, USC
More pass rush for Dan Quinn, who can never have enough edge rushers.
27 (59). San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Jimmy G needs more weapons on offense. Miller is a great deep threat, who could develop into Garoppolo's favorite target.
28 (60). Pittsburgh Steelers- Terrell Edmunds, S, Virginia Tech
Tremaine's brother goes to help the Steelers' secondary, which was exposed in the playoffs by none other than Blake Bortles.
29 (61). Jacksonville Jaguars- Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
The Jags lost Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson to free agency. They need to add another weapon, in the off chance Doug Marrone lets his team throw the ball.
30 (62). Minnesota Vikings- Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Kirk Cousins loves to throw to tight ends. They add another pass catcher to pair with Kyle Rudolph in 2 TE sets.
31 (63). New England Patriots- Darius Leonard, OLB, South Carolina State
More rushers, more defense. Tom Brady will make the offense run, so they need to add weapons on D.
32 (64). Cleveland Browns- Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
The Browns receivers aren't awful, but they could always use another solid option for their new QB.
2 down, 5 to go! Thanks for reading!
1 (33). Cleveland Browns- Connor Williams, OT/G, Texas
Joe Thomas missed the first games of his future Hall of Fame NFL career, and decided that was a good enough run. They need to add offensive line talent, and Williams (when healthy) has the talent of a Top 10 pick.
2 (34). New York Giants- Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
Speaking of needed OL help... The Giants were awful. Wynn comes in to replace Justin Pugh, and can be paired with Nate Solder to protect Eli and Darnold going forward.
3 (35). Cleveland Browns- Donte Jackson, CB, LSU
Does LSU produce more awesome defensive backs that anyone else? Possibly. Jackson adds another strong defender to a talented young defense, and Cleveland continues to run the Draft.
4 (36). Indianapolis Colts- Derrius Guice, RB, LSU
Another Bayou Bengal off the board. The Colts rushing game is not terribly good, and Frank Gore is now in Miami. A bruising but explosive back like Guice will help Andrew Luck ease back into playing, and means he won't have to throw the ball 60 times a game.
5 (37). Indianapolis Colts- Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
Another Indy pick, and now they land a rush player that may be the the next Freeney or Mathis if he can add some muscle and maintain his speed.
6 (38). Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
Doug Martin is out in Oakland now, so the Bucs need a true starting RB to play alongside Jameis Winston.
7 (39). Chicago Bears- Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma
The tape says that Brown is a 1st round prospect. The workouts say he will be lucky to go by Round 4. I think the Bears roll the dice that the player on tape is the real guy, and he can protect Mitchell Trubisky for years.
8 (40). Denver Broncos- Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
They already have Demariyus Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but both are getting up there in age, and will be free agents after the 2019 season. The Broncos could let Kirk learn for a year or two from them, and then take over as the #1 guy.
9 (41). Oakland Raiders- Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado
The Raiders defense slipped big time last year. Adding a talented corner along with Tremaine Edmunds will instantly improve that side of the ball.
10 (42). Miami Dolphins- Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Yes, I said that Ryan Tannehill shouldn't be rushed out of town. But the Dolphins seem to have soured on him. This way, they get Vea in Round 1, and still get a prolific passer in Rudolph to groom for the future.
11 (43). New England Patriots- Uchenna Nwosu, OLB, USC
The Patriots didn't sack Nick Foles once in the Super Bowl. Belichick and co. want to change that for the next big game.
12 (44). Washington Redskins- Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama
With Su'a Cravens in Denver, the Skins have a big hole at safety. Harrison can be that strong thumper from the secondary that will help with run defense and to intimidate WRs going over the middle.
13 (45). Green Bay Packers- DJ Chark, WR, LSU
The Packers cut Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb isn't what he used to be, and Davante Adams needs help. DJ Chark wowed the combine, is a burner down field, but also has excellent height at 6'3.
14 (46). Cincinnati Bengals- Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
You have to be able to stop the run in a division with the LeVeon Bell and possibly Saquon Barkley. Phillips gives the Bengals talent and depth on that DL.
15 (47). Arizona Cardinals- Billy Price, OC, Ohio State
Doctors informed teams that Price is expected to be ready for training camp after recovering from a torn pectoral suffered at the Combine. This is great news for the young man, who may actually sneak into Round 1. The Cardinals have a need, and he fits well here.
16 (48). Los Angeles Chargers- Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon
Phillip Rivers may not have that many more years left. The Chargers would be smart to invest in the OL to keep him upright.
17 (49). Indianapolis Colts- BJ Hill, DT, NC State
More defense for the Colts, who need to address a ton of needs.
18 (50). Dallas Cowboys- Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
Hurst was cleared by doctors after a possible heart issue. Now, he will reunite with Taco Charlton to sure up the D line in Big D.
19 (51). Detroit Lions- Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
The Lions last 100-yard rusher was Reggie Bush on November 28th, 2013. I know folks say running backs are devalued now, but this is ridiculous. Michel is a big play waiting to happen, and should FINALLY end that drought.
20 (52). Baltimore Ravens- Geron Christian, OT, Louisville
The Ravens have a hole at right tackle. Christian can play Day 1, or kick inside to guard if needed.
21 (53). Buffalo Bills- Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest
The Bill's defense carries them. Adding a playmaking safety only makes it better.
22 (54). Kansas City Chiefs- Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn
Marcus Peters got traded away, so the Chiefs need another corner. Davis is the best on the board.
23 (55). Carolina Panthers- Cortland Sutton, WR, SMU
Cam Newton is a great QB, but he has a tendency to throw the ball a bit high. No issue for Sutton, who is big, physical, and can jump out of the building.
24 (56). Buffalo Bills- James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
The Bills will need weapons for their new QB. Washington made a bunch of huge plays in OK State's spread offense, even if his route running is still a bit raw.
25 (57). Tennessee Titans- Austin Corbett, OG/C, Nevada
The Titans are set at tackle, but could use more talent on the interior of their line.
26 (58). Atlanta Falcons- Rasheem Green, DE, USC
More pass rush for Dan Quinn, who can never have enough edge rushers.
27 (59). San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis
Jimmy G needs more weapons on offense. Miller is a great deep threat, who could develop into Garoppolo's favorite target.
28 (60). Pittsburgh Steelers- Terrell Edmunds, S, Virginia Tech
Tremaine's brother goes to help the Steelers' secondary, which was exposed in the playoffs by none other than Blake Bortles.
29 (61). Jacksonville Jaguars- Jordan Lasley, WR, UCLA
The Jags lost Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson to free agency. They need to add another weapon, in the off chance Doug Marrone lets his team throw the ball.
30 (62). Minnesota Vikings- Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Kirk Cousins loves to throw to tight ends. They add another pass catcher to pair with Kyle Rudolph in 2 TE sets.
31 (63). New England Patriots- Darius Leonard, OLB, South Carolina State
More rushers, more defense. Tom Brady will make the offense run, so they need to add weapons on D.
32 (64). Cleveland Browns- Deon Cain, WR, Clemson
The Browns receivers aren't awful, but they could always use another solid option for their new QB.
2 down, 5 to go! Thanks for reading!
JFLANland 2018 NFL Mock Draft- Round 1
It is here! Draft week is upon us. The set is all done in Jerry World. The analysts have all finished their mocks. The agents have made their pitches, the players their visits, and the teams their Big Boards. Now, it is my turn. After an intense few days, which followed months of research, I present to you my 2018 Mock Draft. As always, I do not project trades, and this is a combination of what I think teams will do and what I think they should do. Thank you in advance for reading, and please let me know any critiques or comments you may have. Here we go! With the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select...
1. Cleveland Browns- Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Browns finally get their QB of the future on the big man from the small school. While Darnold or Rosen may be the safer picks, I think that the Browns love what Allen can be. He has been compared to Carson Wentz and Big Ben. That's pretty good company. New Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley had Ben in Pittsburgh, so could do wonders with that kind of potential. He can sit behind Tyrod Taylor for a year, learn the game and the offense, and then start in 2019.
2. New York Giants- Sam Darnold, QB, USC
If Darnold had gone #1, this wouldn't be a QB. However, with possibly the safest and most talented QB in the draft there, I think the Giants pull the trigger on him. He will be able to sit behind Eli Manning, a similar-style QB, and step in right away when Eli retires or leaves NY. Darnold is better than Davis Webb, and the Giants simply can't pass up on this prospect.
3. New York Jets- Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Jets traded up to get a QB, and they pick the biggest name and the biggest personality. They may have to give him a babysitter whenever he isn't on the field, but his love of the game, competitive fire, accuracy, and winning pedigree cannot be questioned. He will light the fire in the Jets that they haven't had for a while. With that talented defense, even slightly above average QB play could make them a contender.
4. Cleveland Browns- Saquon Barkely, RB, Penn State
The Browns win the draft! Barkely might be the best player in the entire draft, and the Browns are able to secure both him and their QB in the first 4 picks. He is too good to pass up on here, and the Browns fans would immediately love him. He would be the face of the franchise over the QB, because he will come in right away with the potential to be a top 10 running back in the league as a rookie. Gil Brandt called him the next Mashall Faulk. You have to take him here.
5. Denver Broncos- Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Well, the Broncos are a little disappointed that none of their top 3 QBs fell to them. They will take a good hard look at Josh Rosen, but in the end, John Elway will remember he won a Super Bowl with a sub-par Peyton Manning being carried by an epic defense. Taking the best defensive player available to pair with Von Miller will give AFC West QBs nightmares. Plus, Case Keenum was a Pro Bowl QB last year, and is an instant upgrade to the Broncos previous QBs.
6. Indianapolis Colts- Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Assuming Andrew Luck still has arms, can still throw a football, and will actually take the field this year (all big assumptions), the Colts would do well to protect their $150 million franchise QB. Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Much like a Zack Martin or Brandon Scherff, he is good enough on the inside that he will make the rest of the line better. The Colts will actually be able to protect their QB, run the ball, and compete in games now.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Brent Grimes isn't exactly a young man, so corner is a big need area for the Bucs. Denzel Ward is the latest excellent corner prospect from Ohio State, and would be able to come in and play immediately if needed. Pairing him with Vernon Hargreaves would give the Bucs one of the best young corner combos in the league.
8. Chicago Bears- Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
This is the Bears. The Monsters of the Midway. They play defense. They have linebackers like Butkus, Urlacher, and Singletary. This pick would be the Bears getting back to their true identity. Smith is that thumper in the middle of the defense that can do it all, or move outside to pass rush with his exceptional speed. He will come in and immediately be the best player on the defense.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama
Is he a corner? Is he a safety? Well, all the 49ers need to know is that he is a fantastic football player who will immediately help their secondary. I think he will primarily play safety, but is so talented and versatile that he will never need to be subbed out. Even better, Richard Sherman will be able to teach him everything he knows.
10. Oakland Raiders- Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech
The Raiders need to give Khalil Mack a little help on defense, and Edmunds is the kind of physical freak that Al Davis would have loved. He is still just 19, and is still learning how good he can be. NFL.com says his player comp is Brian Urlacher. Who wouldn't want to draft that? Plug him in on the defense for the next decade and be happy with the results.
11. Miami Dolphins- Vita Vea, DT, Washington
I don't buy the "Dolphins taking a QB" talk. They got to the playoffs with a healthy Ryan Tannehill. Instead, I think they have to address that Suh-sized hole in the middle of their defensive line. Vea is a super-athletic nose tackle who will be able to help with both the pass rush and stopping the run.
12. Buffalo Bills- Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
So, I don't project trades. That said, I think that the Bills will get Rosen, but somewhere in the Top 10. They have the capital to move up and get their man. AJ McCarron isn't their long term solution, based on what they paid him. Rosen's commitment to football has been questioned (not sure why), but his ability and talent never has been. He may be the most pro-ready QB in the draft, and could compete for the starting job right away.
13. Washington Redskins- Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
The player comp is Ndamukong Suh. Payne took over the National Championship game, essentially shutting down Georgia's offense by himself. He would be paired with former teammate Jonathan Allen in Washington, and help the worst rush defense in the league, finally solving one of the longest lingering issues for the Skins.
14. Green Bay Packers- Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Packers need help in the secondary, and Jaire Alexander is super-talented. He put on a show at the combine, running a 4.38 40 and excelling in all the drills. He could be an upgrade over both Tramon Williams or Kevin King. A shut down corner is needed in a division that now has both Matt Stafford and Kirk Cousins.
15. Arizona Cardinals- Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
From one team of Cardinals to another. Arizona needs to finally address their QB of the future question, and the Heisman-winning QB is the best QB available. He is a dynamic playmaker with his feet, and throws a great deep ball. He can potentially be a new Mike Vick, and the team could build their offense towards what he does best. The idea of running a read option with Jackson and David Johnson would give defensive coordinators fits.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Ravens just signed Willie Snead, but he isn't the answer. DJ Moore may be the better WR in the long run, but I think the Ravens and their fans have fallen in love with Ridley. He can come in and immediately be the #1 option for Joe Flacco. He has explosive speed, is a crisp route runner, and has great hands. It is a no-brainer pick for a team that needs all the help it can get on offense.
17. Los Angeles Chargers- Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Chargers will be over the moon to get this guy at 17. With comps to Eric Berry, he would be able to come in and fill that void at safety that has existed for the Chargers since Eric Weddle left. He would be the best player in the secondary the first day he shows up for practice.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
A tall corner with a ton of ability? That sounds like Seahawks football to me. The Legion of Boom lost Richard Sherman, and Jackson could come in and start opposite Shaq Griffin. The Hawks could also trade back, since they don't pick again until Round 4, but I think that Jackson would be the best fit for their franchise.
19. Dallas Cowboys- DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
Did you hear the Cowboys cut Dez Bryant? That hasn't been major news or anything. They now have a group of also-rans at receiver, and need to replace their best playmaker. Cue DJ Moore, who has the size, speed, and ability to come in and be that #1 guy for Dak Prescott and company. At worst, he is a great WR2.
20. Detroit Lions- Marcus Davenport, DE, UT-San Antonio
Raw and from a small school, Davenport nevertheless wowed scouts with his play and ability. The Lions could pair him with Ziggy Ansah and wreck havoc on the NFC. Davenport would play DE for the Lions, but has the agility and ability to drop into space as a 3-4 OLB if they switch their base.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Vontaze Burfict will miss the first month of the season, and isn't exactly a spring chicken. Bringing a thumper like Evans into the mix will allow that defense to keep their intensity and swagger. He can run sideline to sideline, and does well in both run-stopping and the pass rush.
22. Buffalo Bills- Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
It sounds like Richie Incognito doesn't want to come back to Buffalo, so O-line help becomes an immediate need. Hernandez is a great pass-blocker, but an elite run blocker. He would be able to give Shady McCoy massive holes to run through, and will help keep Josh Rosen upright as he takes the reigns in Buffalo.
23. New England Patriots- Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
The Patriots manage to get the best tackle in the draft all the way at 23. They lost Nate Solder to the Giants, so they need to be able to find his replacement. McGlinchey can play left or right tackle, and can help keep the ageless wonder Tom Brady upright for yet another playoff run.
24. Carolina Panthers- Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
The first player from the real National Champions is off the board. Mike Hughes fits an immediate need. The Panthers secondary hasn't looked the same since Josh Norman took his talents to DC. Hughes is a playmaker, as was evident by how well he played in the Peach Bowl vs Auburn. He can also return kicks if Christian McCaffery doesn't want to.
25. Tennessee Titans- Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College
The Titans are set on offense, with their QB, RB, OL all solid, and spending last year's first round pick on a wide out. Adding a strong pass rush would help bring their team to the next level, not just making the playoffs, but competing realistically for an AFC Championship. Harold Landry can get after the QB with a huge burst. If he hones his technique a little, he can be a monster edge rusher.
26. Atlanta Falcons- Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
The Falcons lost Dontari Poe to free agency, so they need help in the middle of that defensive line. Bryan, much like Poe, is an amazing athlete for a big guy. He has the ability to not just stop the run, but pursue a player downfield if need be. He would be a Day 1 starter for the Falcons as they look to return to the Super Bowl.
27. New Orleans Saints- Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Drew Brees has running backs, wide outs, a decent defense, and a good OL. The thing he has been missing in recent years was a standout tight end. Coby Fleener was a disappointment, and Ben Watson is older. Goedert is a superb pass-catching tight end, who would instantly become Brees' favorite red zone target.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
The Steelers love linebackers. They lost Ryan Shazier to a scary injury, and may never get him back. Vander Esch can be that kind of dynamic defensive stopper that the Steelers love. He can play both inside and out, can cover, and can rush the passer. He would be a great fit in black and yellow.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
What a difference a year makes. The Jaguars are picking very late in the first round thanks to their incredible defense, a stellar running game, and Blake Bortles not messing up too much. As a run-first team, they need to keep that OL as strong as possible. Miller is an excellent run-blocking tackle, who will help Leonard Fournette guide the Jags back to the playoffs.
30. Minnesota Vikings- James Daniels, OG/C, Iowa
You don't sign a QB to a massive contract if you can't protect him. While Kirk Cousins has some mobility, he would rather be able to work out of a clean pocket. Daniels, playing at guard, would be an immediate upgrade. He also has the versatility to play center if needed.
31. New England Patriots- Justin Reid, S, Stanford
The Patriots secondary was exposed in the Super Bowl by Nick Foles. They need to add more play makers and smart defenders. Justin, younger brother of All-Pro safety Eric Reid, is better in coverage than his older brother, and can help shore up that secondary for the future.
32. Philadelphia Eagles- Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
The Super Bowl champions don't have that many holes on their roster. However, they did lose Trey Burton to Chicago, and Zach Ertz seems to miss time every year. Hurst isn't the best blocker, but he is an excellent weapon in the passing game. Line him up in the slot vs a safety or a linebacker, and he could school them all day with his size and leaping ability.
So there you go! Round 1 in the books! Look for Rounds 2-7 to come tomorrow night, and as always, enjoy the Draft!
1. Cleveland Browns- Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Browns finally get their QB of the future on the big man from the small school. While Darnold or Rosen may be the safer picks, I think that the Browns love what Allen can be. He has been compared to Carson Wentz and Big Ben. That's pretty good company. New Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley had Ben in Pittsburgh, so could do wonders with that kind of potential. He can sit behind Tyrod Taylor for a year, learn the game and the offense, and then start in 2019.
2. New York Giants- Sam Darnold, QB, USC
If Darnold had gone #1, this wouldn't be a QB. However, with possibly the safest and most talented QB in the draft there, I think the Giants pull the trigger on him. He will be able to sit behind Eli Manning, a similar-style QB, and step in right away when Eli retires or leaves NY. Darnold is better than Davis Webb, and the Giants simply can't pass up on this prospect.
3. New York Jets- Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The Jets traded up to get a QB, and they pick the biggest name and the biggest personality. They may have to give him a babysitter whenever he isn't on the field, but his love of the game, competitive fire, accuracy, and winning pedigree cannot be questioned. He will light the fire in the Jets that they haven't had for a while. With that talented defense, even slightly above average QB play could make them a contender.
4. Cleveland Browns- Saquon Barkely, RB, Penn State
The Browns win the draft! Barkely might be the best player in the entire draft, and the Browns are able to secure both him and their QB in the first 4 picks. He is too good to pass up on here, and the Browns fans would immediately love him. He would be the face of the franchise over the QB, because he will come in right away with the potential to be a top 10 running back in the league as a rookie. Gil Brandt called him the next Mashall Faulk. You have to take him here.
5. Denver Broncos- Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
Well, the Broncos are a little disappointed that none of their top 3 QBs fell to them. They will take a good hard look at Josh Rosen, but in the end, John Elway will remember he won a Super Bowl with a sub-par Peyton Manning being carried by an epic defense. Taking the best defensive player available to pair with Von Miller will give AFC West QBs nightmares. Plus, Case Keenum was a Pro Bowl QB last year, and is an instant upgrade to the Broncos previous QBs.
6. Indianapolis Colts- Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame
Assuming Andrew Luck still has arms, can still throw a football, and will actually take the field this year (all big assumptions), the Colts would do well to protect their $150 million franchise QB. Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman in the draft. Much like a Zack Martin or Brandon Scherff, he is good enough on the inside that he will make the rest of the line better. The Colts will actually be able to protect their QB, run the ball, and compete in games now.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Brent Grimes isn't exactly a young man, so corner is a big need area for the Bucs. Denzel Ward is the latest excellent corner prospect from Ohio State, and would be able to come in and play immediately if needed. Pairing him with Vernon Hargreaves would give the Bucs one of the best young corner combos in the league.
8. Chicago Bears- Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
This is the Bears. The Monsters of the Midway. They play defense. They have linebackers like Butkus, Urlacher, and Singletary. This pick would be the Bears getting back to their true identity. Smith is that thumper in the middle of the defense that can do it all, or move outside to pass rush with his exceptional speed. He will come in and immediately be the best player on the defense.
9. San Francisco 49ers- Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama
Is he a corner? Is he a safety? Well, all the 49ers need to know is that he is a fantastic football player who will immediately help their secondary. I think he will primarily play safety, but is so talented and versatile that he will never need to be subbed out. Even better, Richard Sherman will be able to teach him everything he knows.
10. Oakland Raiders- Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech
The Raiders need to give Khalil Mack a little help on defense, and Edmunds is the kind of physical freak that Al Davis would have loved. He is still just 19, and is still learning how good he can be. NFL.com says his player comp is Brian Urlacher. Who wouldn't want to draft that? Plug him in on the defense for the next decade and be happy with the results.
11. Miami Dolphins- Vita Vea, DT, Washington
I don't buy the "Dolphins taking a QB" talk. They got to the playoffs with a healthy Ryan Tannehill. Instead, I think they have to address that Suh-sized hole in the middle of their defensive line. Vea is a super-athletic nose tackle who will be able to help with both the pass rush and stopping the run.
12. Buffalo Bills- Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
So, I don't project trades. That said, I think that the Bills will get Rosen, but somewhere in the Top 10. They have the capital to move up and get their man. AJ McCarron isn't their long term solution, based on what they paid him. Rosen's commitment to football has been questioned (not sure why), but his ability and talent never has been. He may be the most pro-ready QB in the draft, and could compete for the starting job right away.
13. Washington Redskins- Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama
The player comp is Ndamukong Suh. Payne took over the National Championship game, essentially shutting down Georgia's offense by himself. He would be paired with former teammate Jonathan Allen in Washington, and help the worst rush defense in the league, finally solving one of the longest lingering issues for the Skins.
14. Green Bay Packers- Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
The Packers need help in the secondary, and Jaire Alexander is super-talented. He put on a show at the combine, running a 4.38 40 and excelling in all the drills. He could be an upgrade over both Tramon Williams or Kevin King. A shut down corner is needed in a division that now has both Matt Stafford and Kirk Cousins.
15. Arizona Cardinals- Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
From one team of Cardinals to another. Arizona needs to finally address their QB of the future question, and the Heisman-winning QB is the best QB available. He is a dynamic playmaker with his feet, and throws a great deep ball. He can potentially be a new Mike Vick, and the team could build their offense towards what he does best. The idea of running a read option with Jackson and David Johnson would give defensive coordinators fits.
16. Baltimore Ravens- Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Ravens just signed Willie Snead, but he isn't the answer. DJ Moore may be the better WR in the long run, but I think the Ravens and their fans have fallen in love with Ridley. He can come in and immediately be the #1 option for Joe Flacco. He has explosive speed, is a crisp route runner, and has great hands. It is a no-brainer pick for a team that needs all the help it can get on offense.
17. Los Angeles Chargers- Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Chargers will be over the moon to get this guy at 17. With comps to Eric Berry, he would be able to come in and fill that void at safety that has existed for the Chargers since Eric Weddle left. He would be the best player in the secondary the first day he shows up for practice.
18. Seattle Seahawks- Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
A tall corner with a ton of ability? That sounds like Seahawks football to me. The Legion of Boom lost Richard Sherman, and Jackson could come in and start opposite Shaq Griffin. The Hawks could also trade back, since they don't pick again until Round 4, but I think that Jackson would be the best fit for their franchise.
19. Dallas Cowboys- DJ Moore, WR, Maryland
Did you hear the Cowboys cut Dez Bryant? That hasn't been major news or anything. They now have a group of also-rans at receiver, and need to replace their best playmaker. Cue DJ Moore, who has the size, speed, and ability to come in and be that #1 guy for Dak Prescott and company. At worst, he is a great WR2.
20. Detroit Lions- Marcus Davenport, DE, UT-San Antonio
Raw and from a small school, Davenport nevertheless wowed scouts with his play and ability. The Lions could pair him with Ziggy Ansah and wreck havoc on the NFC. Davenport would play DE for the Lions, but has the agility and ability to drop into space as a 3-4 OLB if they switch their base.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Vontaze Burfict will miss the first month of the season, and isn't exactly a spring chicken. Bringing a thumper like Evans into the mix will allow that defense to keep their intensity and swagger. He can run sideline to sideline, and does well in both run-stopping and the pass rush.
22. Buffalo Bills- Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
It sounds like Richie Incognito doesn't want to come back to Buffalo, so O-line help becomes an immediate need. Hernandez is a great pass-blocker, but an elite run blocker. He would be able to give Shady McCoy massive holes to run through, and will help keep Josh Rosen upright as he takes the reigns in Buffalo.
23. New England Patriots- Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
The Patriots manage to get the best tackle in the draft all the way at 23. They lost Nate Solder to the Giants, so they need to be able to find his replacement. McGlinchey can play left or right tackle, and can help keep the ageless wonder Tom Brady upright for yet another playoff run.
24. Carolina Panthers- Mike Hughes, CB, UCF
The first player from the real National Champions is off the board. Mike Hughes fits an immediate need. The Panthers secondary hasn't looked the same since Josh Norman took his talents to DC. Hughes is a playmaker, as was evident by how well he played in the Peach Bowl vs Auburn. He can also return kicks if Christian McCaffery doesn't want to.
25. Tennessee Titans- Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College
The Titans are set on offense, with their QB, RB, OL all solid, and spending last year's first round pick on a wide out. Adding a strong pass rush would help bring their team to the next level, not just making the playoffs, but competing realistically for an AFC Championship. Harold Landry can get after the QB with a huge burst. If he hones his technique a little, he can be a monster edge rusher.
26. Atlanta Falcons- Taven Bryan, DT, Florida
The Falcons lost Dontari Poe to free agency, so they need help in the middle of that defensive line. Bryan, much like Poe, is an amazing athlete for a big guy. He has the ability to not just stop the run, but pursue a player downfield if need be. He would be a Day 1 starter for the Falcons as they look to return to the Super Bowl.
27. New Orleans Saints- Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State
Drew Brees has running backs, wide outs, a decent defense, and a good OL. The thing he has been missing in recent years was a standout tight end. Coby Fleener was a disappointment, and Ben Watson is older. Goedert is a superb pass-catching tight end, who would instantly become Brees' favorite red zone target.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
The Steelers love linebackers. They lost Ryan Shazier to a scary injury, and may never get him back. Vander Esch can be that kind of dynamic defensive stopper that the Steelers love. He can play both inside and out, can cover, and can rush the passer. He would be a great fit in black and yellow.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
What a difference a year makes. The Jaguars are picking very late in the first round thanks to their incredible defense, a stellar running game, and Blake Bortles not messing up too much. As a run-first team, they need to keep that OL as strong as possible. Miller is an excellent run-blocking tackle, who will help Leonard Fournette guide the Jags back to the playoffs.
30. Minnesota Vikings- James Daniels, OG/C, Iowa
You don't sign a QB to a massive contract if you can't protect him. While Kirk Cousins has some mobility, he would rather be able to work out of a clean pocket. Daniels, playing at guard, would be an immediate upgrade. He also has the versatility to play center if needed.
31. New England Patriots- Justin Reid, S, Stanford
The Patriots secondary was exposed in the Super Bowl by Nick Foles. They need to add more play makers and smart defenders. Justin, younger brother of All-Pro safety Eric Reid, is better in coverage than his older brother, and can help shore up that secondary for the future.
32. Philadelphia Eagles- Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina
The Super Bowl champions don't have that many holes on their roster. However, they did lose Trey Burton to Chicago, and Zach Ertz seems to miss time every year. Hurst isn't the best blocker, but he is an excellent weapon in the passing game. Line him up in the slot vs a safety or a linebacker, and he could school them all day with his size and leaping ability.
So there you go! Round 1 in the books! Look for Rounds 2-7 to come tomorrow night, and as always, enjoy the Draft!
Thursday, March 29, 2018
JFLANland 2018 MLB Season Preview
Here we are, the night before the first pitch of the 2018 season. For the next seven months, there will always be something on TV, always a sports argument to be had, always a wish for Angel Hernandez and CB Buckner to retire gracefully instead of trying to ruin games with their awful calls. Yes, baseball is back. It also means that I have something to write about now that Syracuse has been eliminated from the tournament, and since I can't start my NFL mock draft until teams stop trading all their damn picks. And for that, for my evenings spent at Nats Park, and for getting to stay up til 1 AM to watch live games on MLB Network, I am grateful. So, in honor of the new season, here are a few predictions for the season. We will start with my division standings:
AL East
1. New York Yankees
2. Boston Red Sox
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Tampa Bay Rays
The Yankees have a new "Murderer's Row" in Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez, with capable players like Brett Gardener, Didi Gregorious, and Neil Walker around them, plus a few solid young prospects that can fill in when needed. They will be able to outscore teams easily. Furthermore, they have a rather good rotation- Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray, the veteran CC Sabathia, and young pitcher Jordan Montgomery. I think they will just squeak past the Red Sox to take the AL East, though the Sox will grab one of the Wild Cards
AL Central
1. Cleveland Indians
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Detroit Tigers
It is a boring pick, sure, but the Indians are so talented, it is hard to imagine them having much of a drop off from last year's stellar campaign. The Twins will keep it close though, having added quality pitching in Lance Lynn and Jake Odorizzi to what was already a playoff team. I think the big surprise this year could be the Chicago White Sox. They are chocked full of young talent, led by eventual ace Lucas Giolito, Yoan Moncada, and Avisail Garcia. While they won't be a Wild Card team, getting close to .500 will be a big accomplishment.
AL West
1. Houston Astros
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California...
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Texas Rangers
5. Oakland Athletics
Again, not a shocking pick. The defending World Series champions are so talented and deep, it would be shocking if they didn't win the division. They get a full season of Justin Verlander, and they added Gerrit Cole from the Pirates. The Angels, from wherever they claim to be from these days, tried to keep pace by adding Justin Upton, Zack Cozart, and "the Japanese Babe Ruth", Shohei Ohtani. I think Ohtani, at the beginning of the season, will be more of a distraction than a benefit, and the Angels fall short of the Wild Card again.
NL East
1. Washington Nationals
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. New York Mets
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Miami Marlins
Yes, I picked my team to win. Everyone else is too, so deal with it. I would put the Mets 2nd, but they have to prove to everyone they can stay healthy for a year. I think that the Phillies, on the back of Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta, will take a big step forward, making everyone here in DC sweat until at least mid-September, if not all the way to the end of the season. The Braves are still a year or two away, and the Marlins... well, you've always got the Dolphins... Heat... The U was pretty solid this year, right?
NL Central
1. Chicago Cubs
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
Hey Chicago, whaddaya say. The Cubs will win the division, barring something very surprising. The Brewers will make the playoffs though, having added so much talent in their lineup, led by Christian Yelich. The Cardinals will be right there til the end of the season, and may be the team to spoil my predictions. The Reds have young prospects to go along with the Grumpy Canadian Joey Votto, but even a (spoiler) MVP season from him won't keep them competitive in a very good division. The Pirates are in full rebuild mode, whether they want to admit it or not.
NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
3. Colorado Rockies
4. San Francisco Giants
5. San Diego Padres
Talk about a talented division. This is essentially a crap-shoot of the top 4, even the Giants. Adding Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutcheon were big for the Giants. Unfortunately, Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija are already hurt, and that will mean they need to get on a big roll once they are fully healthy. The Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Rockies will compete all season like they did last year, but I think the Dodgers will just pull ahead in the last week and win the division, with the runner up Diamondbacks snagging the second Wild Card.
Now is where many writers have given their World Series picks. I am too much of a fan of the Nationals to say another team will make it, but I hope to God they at least advance to the NLCS. Whoever wins the NL, though, will be facing the Houston Astros in the World Series. Now, how about some awards?
AL MVP
There are a ton of worthy candidates in the AL. You've got the 3 Yankees sluggers, Mookie Betts, JD Martinez, Jose Altuve, Mike Trout, Jose Ramirez, etc. However, I am going to pick Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor to win the AL MVP. He finished 5th in the MVP voting last season, and will have that "best player on the best team" vibe going. I think he pushes his average closer to .300, and wins a tight, nowhere near unanimous race to take home the hardware.
NL MVP
Joey Votto. The voters have shown they are willing to award greatness, even if it isn't on the best team, or even a good team. Votto lost by 2 points to Stanton last year, and I would argue he should have won it over the former Marlin. He will beat out Nolan Arenado, the Cubs duo of Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, the Nats duo of Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon, and Paul Goldschmidt.
AL Cy Young
It is really hard to bet against Corey Kluber, right? Even with Chris Sale, the Astros trio, Severino, and others right there with him, I think Corey Kluber can pull it off again and win another Cy Young.
NL Cy Young
I am not a bold enough fan that I would pick either Max Scherzer or Stephen Strasburg, though I think they will both be in the conversation if they can stay healthy, as will DeGrom, Syndergaard, and others. But it is impossible not to bet on Clayton Kershaw, assuming his back holds out. He finished second last year even though he missed a month of the season. That is an amazing pitcher.
So there you have it. As I am typing this, we are just under 12 hours from the start of the season. Let's make it a good one, full of competition, hard play, peanuts, cracker jack, beer, hot dogs, home runs, limited mound visits, clutch hits, amazing catches, and a ton of happiness. It is America's pastime after all. Enjoy it. Play ball!
AL East
1. New York Yankees
2. Boston Red Sox
3. Toronto Blue Jays
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Tampa Bay Rays
The Yankees have a new "Murderer's Row" in Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gary Sanchez, with capable players like Brett Gardener, Didi Gregorious, and Neil Walker around them, plus a few solid young prospects that can fill in when needed. They will be able to outscore teams easily. Furthermore, they have a rather good rotation- Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray, the veteran CC Sabathia, and young pitcher Jordan Montgomery. I think they will just squeak past the Red Sox to take the AL East, though the Sox will grab one of the Wild Cards
AL Central
1. Cleveland Indians
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Kansas City Royals
5. Detroit Tigers
It is a boring pick, sure, but the Indians are so talented, it is hard to imagine them having much of a drop off from last year's stellar campaign. The Twins will keep it close though, having added quality pitching in Lance Lynn and Jake Odorizzi to what was already a playoff team. I think the big surprise this year could be the Chicago White Sox. They are chocked full of young talent, led by eventual ace Lucas Giolito, Yoan Moncada, and Avisail Garcia. While they won't be a Wild Card team, getting close to .500 will be a big accomplishment.
AL West
1. Houston Astros
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of California...
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Texas Rangers
5. Oakland Athletics
Again, not a shocking pick. The defending World Series champions are so talented and deep, it would be shocking if they didn't win the division. They get a full season of Justin Verlander, and they added Gerrit Cole from the Pirates. The Angels, from wherever they claim to be from these days, tried to keep pace by adding Justin Upton, Zack Cozart, and "the Japanese Babe Ruth", Shohei Ohtani. I think Ohtani, at the beginning of the season, will be more of a distraction than a benefit, and the Angels fall short of the Wild Card again.
NL East
1. Washington Nationals
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. New York Mets
4. Atlanta Braves
5. Miami Marlins
Yes, I picked my team to win. Everyone else is too, so deal with it. I would put the Mets 2nd, but they have to prove to everyone they can stay healthy for a year. I think that the Phillies, on the back of Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta, will take a big step forward, making everyone here in DC sweat until at least mid-September, if not all the way to the end of the season. The Braves are still a year or two away, and the Marlins... well, you've always got the Dolphins... Heat... The U was pretty solid this year, right?
NL Central
1. Chicago Cubs
2. Milwaukee Brewers
3. St. Louis Cardinals
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
Hey Chicago, whaddaya say. The Cubs will win the division, barring something very surprising. The Brewers will make the playoffs though, having added so much talent in their lineup, led by Christian Yelich. The Cardinals will be right there til the end of the season, and may be the team to spoil my predictions. The Reds have young prospects to go along with the Grumpy Canadian Joey Votto, but even a (spoiler) MVP season from him won't keep them competitive in a very good division. The Pirates are in full rebuild mode, whether they want to admit it or not.
NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
3. Colorado Rockies
4. San Francisco Giants
5. San Diego Padres
Talk about a talented division. This is essentially a crap-shoot of the top 4, even the Giants. Adding Evan Longoria and Andrew McCutcheon were big for the Giants. Unfortunately, Madison Bumgarner and Jeff Samardzija are already hurt, and that will mean they need to get on a big roll once they are fully healthy. The Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Rockies will compete all season like they did last year, but I think the Dodgers will just pull ahead in the last week and win the division, with the runner up Diamondbacks snagging the second Wild Card.
Now is where many writers have given their World Series picks. I am too much of a fan of the Nationals to say another team will make it, but I hope to God they at least advance to the NLCS. Whoever wins the NL, though, will be facing the Houston Astros in the World Series. Now, how about some awards?
AL MVP
There are a ton of worthy candidates in the AL. You've got the 3 Yankees sluggers, Mookie Betts, JD Martinez, Jose Altuve, Mike Trout, Jose Ramirez, etc. However, I am going to pick Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor to win the AL MVP. He finished 5th in the MVP voting last season, and will have that "best player on the best team" vibe going. I think he pushes his average closer to .300, and wins a tight, nowhere near unanimous race to take home the hardware.
NL MVP
Joey Votto. The voters have shown they are willing to award greatness, even if it isn't on the best team, or even a good team. Votto lost by 2 points to Stanton last year, and I would argue he should have won it over the former Marlin. He will beat out Nolan Arenado, the Cubs duo of Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, the Nats duo of Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon, and Paul Goldschmidt.
AL Cy Young
It is really hard to bet against Corey Kluber, right? Even with Chris Sale, the Astros trio, Severino, and others right there with him, I think Corey Kluber can pull it off again and win another Cy Young.
NL Cy Young
I am not a bold enough fan that I would pick either Max Scherzer or Stephen Strasburg, though I think they will both be in the conversation if they can stay healthy, as will DeGrom, Syndergaard, and others. But it is impossible not to bet on Clayton Kershaw, assuming his back holds out. He finished second last year even though he missed a month of the season. That is an amazing pitcher.
So there you have it. As I am typing this, we are just under 12 hours from the start of the season. Let's make it a good one, full of competition, hard play, peanuts, cracker jack, beer, hot dogs, home runs, limited mound visits, clutch hits, amazing catches, and a ton of happiness. It is America's pastime after all. Enjoy it. Play ball!
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
March Madness 2018 Weekend 1- Terriers, Nuns, and the Return of the Orange
Well, that was some kind of weekend huh? While we were all out enjoying our pints around St. Paddy's, there were some major upsets happening. March Madness doesn't even begin to define it.
- Arizona, with arguably the best player in the country, lost to Buffalo.
- Loyala-Chicago, led by a 98-year old nun, has stampeded into the Sweet 16.
- My beloved Syracuse Orange, the last team into the tournament, has already won 3 games in 5 days on its way to breaking America's hearts and brackets.
- The UMBC Terriers became the first 16-seed in the history of men's basketball to beat a #1, as it absolutely dominated UVA by 20, much to the delight of literally everyone... except UVA fans, of course.
- Xavier, Cincinnati, UNC, Miami, Aurbun- All gone. Nevada, Florida State, Kansas State- Still dancing.
So, what to look forward to next weekend?
Midwest
In what can only be called the only true blue-blood bracket remaining, Syracuse gets to play potential spoiler again as it faces arguably the most talented team in the country, ACC foes Duke. How torn the nation must be, having to decide between the team that didn't deserve to be there but wins, and the team everyone historically hates that, of course, still has Grayson Allen. The winner of the matchup gets to take on the winner of #1 seed Kansas and the upset-minded Clemson Tigers, who completely dominated #4 Auburn in the Round of 32. I'd guess that a Duke/Kansas matchup may be the result folks get on Sunday, but who knows with the way this tournament has gone so far. In the end, Duke's talent may be just too much for anyone else to handle.
East
The East bracket is the only one in which only teams that were Top 5 seeds remain, led by #1 seed Villanova. They have been dominant so far, as has their weekend opponent, the West Virginia Mountaineers. The winner will take on upstart Texas Tech, who will look to take advantage of an injury to Purdue's second leading scorer, Isaac Haas. One of these 1-seeds must make it through, and Villanova may be experienced enough to pull it off.
South
Either Nevada or Loyola will be in the Elite 8, as the two upstart Cinderellas meet in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. The winner may have a a decent chance to get to the Final Four as well, as neither Kansas State nor Kentucky is without flaws. I'd put my money on John Calipari, though, to bring his team through to San Antonio.
West
Florida State vs Gonzaga. Michigan vs Texas A&M. What has happened to the West regional? Michigan survived by a miracle over Houston, and A&M dominated the defending champs IN CHARLOTTE! Maybe they peaked early, and Michigan is just lucky enough to advance. They'd have to take on the winner of the Noles and Gonzaga, who should be able to punch their ticket back to the Final Four if they play at their best.
So, I supposed those are my picks for the Final Four. Villanova vs Duke, and Gonzaga vs Kentucky. Of course, I had UVA, Arizona, and Michigan State in my original Final Four, so buyer beware.
Enjoy the games!
- Arizona, with arguably the best player in the country, lost to Buffalo.
- Loyala-Chicago, led by a 98-year old nun, has stampeded into the Sweet 16.
- My beloved Syracuse Orange, the last team into the tournament, has already won 3 games in 5 days on its way to breaking America's hearts and brackets.
- The UMBC Terriers became the first 16-seed in the history of men's basketball to beat a #1, as it absolutely dominated UVA by 20, much to the delight of literally everyone... except UVA fans, of course.
- Xavier, Cincinnati, UNC, Miami, Aurbun- All gone. Nevada, Florida State, Kansas State- Still dancing.
So, what to look forward to next weekend?
Midwest
In what can only be called the only true blue-blood bracket remaining, Syracuse gets to play potential spoiler again as it faces arguably the most talented team in the country, ACC foes Duke. How torn the nation must be, having to decide between the team that didn't deserve to be there but wins, and the team everyone historically hates that, of course, still has Grayson Allen. The winner of the matchup gets to take on the winner of #1 seed Kansas and the upset-minded Clemson Tigers, who completely dominated #4 Auburn in the Round of 32. I'd guess that a Duke/Kansas matchup may be the result folks get on Sunday, but who knows with the way this tournament has gone so far. In the end, Duke's talent may be just too much for anyone else to handle.
East
The East bracket is the only one in which only teams that were Top 5 seeds remain, led by #1 seed Villanova. They have been dominant so far, as has their weekend opponent, the West Virginia Mountaineers. The winner will take on upstart Texas Tech, who will look to take advantage of an injury to Purdue's second leading scorer, Isaac Haas. One of these 1-seeds must make it through, and Villanova may be experienced enough to pull it off.
South
Either Nevada or Loyola will be in the Elite 8, as the two upstart Cinderellas meet in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night. The winner may have a a decent chance to get to the Final Four as well, as neither Kansas State nor Kentucky is without flaws. I'd put my money on John Calipari, though, to bring his team through to San Antonio.
West
Florida State vs Gonzaga. Michigan vs Texas A&M. What has happened to the West regional? Michigan survived by a miracle over Houston, and A&M dominated the defending champs IN CHARLOTTE! Maybe they peaked early, and Michigan is just lucky enough to advance. They'd have to take on the winner of the Noles and Gonzaga, who should be able to punch their ticket back to the Final Four if they play at their best.
So, I supposed those are my picks for the Final Four. Villanova vs Duke, and Gonzaga vs Kentucky. Of course, I had UVA, Arizona, and Michigan State in my original Final Four, so buyer beware.
Enjoy the games!
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Where Will Kirk Cousins End Up? Part 3- Minnesota Vikings
The Super Bowl has come and gone, the Redskins traded for Alex Smith, and Kirk Cousins is a free agent. In Part 3 of this continuing story, we look at possibly the new leader for Cousins' services, the Minnesota Vikings.
The first evidence that the Vikings want Cousins, aside from the reports saying so, is that they currently have no quarterbacks signed for next year. They aren't going to put the franchise tag on Case Keenum, even though he led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. They will be letting Teddy Bridgewater test free agency, because they are still uncertain of how he is recovering from his catastrophic knee injury. One could imagine them bringing him back for a cheaper deal than Keenum, but probably as a backup. Finally, the oft-injured Sam Bradford is an unrestricted free agent as well. Needless to say, they are in desperate need of having at least one signal-caller on the roster. Cousins could be viewed as an upgrade at the position, so he could be worth the expense for a team that was so close to the Super Bowl.
So, why should Kirk Cousins pick the Vikings? A bunch of reasons. As I said, they were one win away from the Super Bowl. They have a super-talented defense, which was #1 in total defense last season. They have a solid running game in Latavius Murray, Jerick McKinnon, and Dalvin Cook, who is coming off of his ACL injury. Their offensive line played great most of the season, allowing Keenum all the time he needed to put up Pro Bowl numbers. Kyle Rudolph is a Top 10 tight end amd fantastic Red Zone weapon. Finally, they may have the best wide receiver corp in the NFL. Stefon Diggs is an exceptional playmaker. Adam Thieland has turned into one of the best possession receivers in recent memory. If Laquon Treadwell develops like the front office hopes he does, Cousins would have a plethora of weapons to work with. Plus, he would get to play all of his home games indoors (and a road game inside in Detroit) every year, which are ideal conditions for a QB.
Another reason why it makes sense to bring in Kirk Cousins is that he is a "mid-western" guy. Born in Illinois, raised in Holland, MI, and a graduate of Michigan State, Cousins would be closer to home in Minnesota than he would be with almost any other team. I am sure that would help sell the massive contract Cousins would get to the Vikings fans.
The only hold up to making this happen, other than Cousins' own decision, may be potential salary cap implications. While the Vikings can afford him (they have over $50 million in cap space), they will have to sign Anthony Barr and Stefon Diggs to contracts following next season. Having a QB eating up so much cap space won't help matters. However, if Cousins puts them over the top and they win a Super Bowl, I don't think the fans will complain much.
The Minnesota Vikings would be a great landing spot for Kirk Cousins. They make sense from almost every aspect. They are a team that could be just one piece away. I would not be surprised at all if this is the final landing spot of the hottest free agent on the market.
The first evidence that the Vikings want Cousins, aside from the reports saying so, is that they currently have no quarterbacks signed for next year. They aren't going to put the franchise tag on Case Keenum, even though he led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game. They will be letting Teddy Bridgewater test free agency, because they are still uncertain of how he is recovering from his catastrophic knee injury. One could imagine them bringing him back for a cheaper deal than Keenum, but probably as a backup. Finally, the oft-injured Sam Bradford is an unrestricted free agent as well. Needless to say, they are in desperate need of having at least one signal-caller on the roster. Cousins could be viewed as an upgrade at the position, so he could be worth the expense for a team that was so close to the Super Bowl.
So, why should Kirk Cousins pick the Vikings? A bunch of reasons. As I said, they were one win away from the Super Bowl. They have a super-talented defense, which was #1 in total defense last season. They have a solid running game in Latavius Murray, Jerick McKinnon, and Dalvin Cook, who is coming off of his ACL injury. Their offensive line played great most of the season, allowing Keenum all the time he needed to put up Pro Bowl numbers. Kyle Rudolph is a Top 10 tight end amd fantastic Red Zone weapon. Finally, they may have the best wide receiver corp in the NFL. Stefon Diggs is an exceptional playmaker. Adam Thieland has turned into one of the best possession receivers in recent memory. If Laquon Treadwell develops like the front office hopes he does, Cousins would have a plethora of weapons to work with. Plus, he would get to play all of his home games indoors (and a road game inside in Detroit) every year, which are ideal conditions for a QB.
Another reason why it makes sense to bring in Kirk Cousins is that he is a "mid-western" guy. Born in Illinois, raised in Holland, MI, and a graduate of Michigan State, Cousins would be closer to home in Minnesota than he would be with almost any other team. I am sure that would help sell the massive contract Cousins would get to the Vikings fans.
The only hold up to making this happen, other than Cousins' own decision, may be potential salary cap implications. While the Vikings can afford him (they have over $50 million in cap space), they will have to sign Anthony Barr and Stefon Diggs to contracts following next season. Having a QB eating up so much cap space won't help matters. However, if Cousins puts them over the top and they win a Super Bowl, I don't think the fans will complain much.
The Minnesota Vikings would be a great landing spot for Kirk Cousins. They make sense from almost every aspect. They are a team that could be just one piece away. I would not be surprised at all if this is the final landing spot of the hottest free agent on the market.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Landing Spots for Arrieta, Cobb, and Lynn
Darvish is a Cub. Hosmer is a Padre. JD Martinez finally signed with the Red Sox. Even Tim Lincecum has returned to the majors after signing with the Rangers. But, even with Spring Training in full swing, there are three big free agent pitchers left unsigned. Jake Arrieta, Alex Cobb, and Lance Lynn have yet to find teams, and I think I can help them along. Here are my suggested landing spots for each of those three, and I have even gone to the trouble to not include my Nats, who could very easily sign any of them.
Jake Arrieta- The Philadelphia Phillies
This particular rumor has been gaining a lot of steam recently, and it makes a ton of sense. The Phillies are a young team on the rise, and they could use the leadership of the former Cy Young winner to vault to contention in the NL East a year or two early. Arrieta would be able to slot right in atop the Phillies rotation along with Aaron Nola as well, giving some of the younger arms like Nick Pavetta more time to develop. If Arrieta wants to join a World Series contender for this year, he may have to take less money. The Phillies, who have a ton of cash to spend, have a solid young base though, and could be major players in the incredible 2018-19 free agent class.
Lance Lynn- The Baltimore Orioles
This is a perfect matchup, much like with the Phillies, because the Orioles don't have many quality pitchers or experienced veterans in their rotation. Lynn would instantly provide them with a top flight starter. The real question is what the O's intentions are. Are they on the verge of being a team that dismantles everything and starts from scratch? Once they lose Manny Machado, they will be without a young star to build around. I think, for the sake of the fans, the Orioles will offer Lynn a 1 or 2 year contract that will give them an instant upgrade in the rotation, and try one final time to upset the evil empires in Boston and New York.
Alex Cobb- Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have made significant upgrades to their lineup, adding Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. However, they missed out on both Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, and their rotation could still use some help. Adding Alex Cobb would help the Brew Crew keep up with the Cubs and Cardinals in that division. Plus, the return of Jimmy Nelson from shoulder surgery would be like trading for another starter to join a solid rotation if Cobb was already there.
Jake Arrieta- The Philadelphia Phillies
This particular rumor has been gaining a lot of steam recently, and it makes a ton of sense. The Phillies are a young team on the rise, and they could use the leadership of the former Cy Young winner to vault to contention in the NL East a year or two early. Arrieta would be able to slot right in atop the Phillies rotation along with Aaron Nola as well, giving some of the younger arms like Nick Pavetta more time to develop. If Arrieta wants to join a World Series contender for this year, he may have to take less money. The Phillies, who have a ton of cash to spend, have a solid young base though, and could be major players in the incredible 2018-19 free agent class.
Lance Lynn- The Baltimore Orioles
This is a perfect matchup, much like with the Phillies, because the Orioles don't have many quality pitchers or experienced veterans in their rotation. Lynn would instantly provide them with a top flight starter. The real question is what the O's intentions are. Are they on the verge of being a team that dismantles everything and starts from scratch? Once they lose Manny Machado, they will be without a young star to build around. I think, for the sake of the fans, the Orioles will offer Lynn a 1 or 2 year contract that will give them an instant upgrade in the rotation, and try one final time to upset the evil empires in Boston and New York.
Alex Cobb- Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have made significant upgrades to their lineup, adding Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. However, they missed out on both Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, and their rotation could still use some help. Adding Alex Cobb would help the Brew Crew keep up with the Cubs and Cardinals in that division. Plus, the return of Jimmy Nelson from shoulder surgery would be like trading for another starter to join a solid rotation if Cobb was already there.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Yu Darvish to the Cubs: What Does It Mean?
Well, the rich got richer today, as the Chicago Cubs landed the top free agent pitcher on the market, Yu Darvish. They signed him to a 6-year, $126 million contract, which could be worth more up to $150 million with escalators, and an opt-out after 2016. So, the Cubs rotation of Darvish, Jon Lester, Jose Quintana, Kyle Hendricks, and Tyler Chatwood is easily one of the most formidable in all of baseball. The Cubs are likely the early favorite for the NL crown. But, what does this signing mean for the rest of MLB?
- The contract likely sets the market for Jake Arrieta, Lance Lynn, and Alex Cobb. Darvish was considered the top pitcher on the market, and only got $21 million a year for 6 years. That will likely be the most a player will get for years, so any higher annual salary will have to be for fewer years. A team like my Nationals could swoop in and grab Arrieta (who is represented by Scott Boras, the same agent as most of the Nats' stars), for a 3 year deal for around $65 million, minimizing the long term commitment and risk for the franchise while still giving Arrieta a nice pay day. It is more likely that, while Arrieta will get a deal like that, Lynn and Cobb may be stuck getting deals slightly under $100 million.
- The Brewers, Twins, and Dodgers were all linked to Darvish at some point. Now that he is off the market, look for those teams to get into the sweepstakes for the remaining FA's in a big way.
- This could be a loss for a team like the Orioles, who have expressed some interest in Lynn on a short term "show me" deal, but with those other teams missing out on Darvish, those scorned franchises may be more willing to offer Lynn and Cobb multi-year deals.
- An interesting note for fellow Nats fans- with this deal, the Cubs now have $144 million in salaries lined up for next season already, and that is before arbitration salaries for the likes of Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Hendricks, Javier Baez, and Addison Russell. Curiously, that may make it much harder for them to sign Bryce Harper. The Nationals, meanwhile, only have $88 million in salaries lined up for 2019 before arbitration for Anthony Rendon, Michael A. Taylor, and Tanner Roark. They will have the money to sign Bryce to a massive deal, and still have some left over to add pieces to their rotation. This, of course, assumes he would want to stay.
So, Yu has a home, the Cubs are even better, and the Hot Stove might finally heat up, all with Spring Training less than a week away. Baseball, here we come!
- The contract likely sets the market for Jake Arrieta, Lance Lynn, and Alex Cobb. Darvish was considered the top pitcher on the market, and only got $21 million a year for 6 years. That will likely be the most a player will get for years, so any higher annual salary will have to be for fewer years. A team like my Nationals could swoop in and grab Arrieta (who is represented by Scott Boras, the same agent as most of the Nats' stars), for a 3 year deal for around $65 million, minimizing the long term commitment and risk for the franchise while still giving Arrieta a nice pay day. It is more likely that, while Arrieta will get a deal like that, Lynn and Cobb may be stuck getting deals slightly under $100 million.
- The Brewers, Twins, and Dodgers were all linked to Darvish at some point. Now that he is off the market, look for those teams to get into the sweepstakes for the remaining FA's in a big way.
- This could be a loss for a team like the Orioles, who have expressed some interest in Lynn on a short term "show me" deal, but with those other teams missing out on Darvish, those scorned franchises may be more willing to offer Lynn and Cobb multi-year deals.
- An interesting note for fellow Nats fans- with this deal, the Cubs now have $144 million in salaries lined up for next season already, and that is before arbitration salaries for the likes of Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Hendricks, Javier Baez, and Addison Russell. Curiously, that may make it much harder for them to sign Bryce Harper. The Nationals, meanwhile, only have $88 million in salaries lined up for 2019 before arbitration for Anthony Rendon, Michael A. Taylor, and Tanner Roark. They will have the money to sign Bryce to a massive deal, and still have some left over to add pieces to their rotation. This, of course, assumes he would want to stay.
So, Yu has a home, the Cubs are even better, and the Hot Stove might finally heat up, all with Spring Training less than a week away. Baseball, here we come!
Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Cold Stove- Why Baseball's Best Free Agents Are Still Unsigned
Normally, right around the holidays, there is a flurry of MLB free agent moves or offseason trades. It looked like we may have been heading that way after the blockbuster trade that brought Giancarlo Stanton to the Yankees, but since then movement has been minimal. The Angels made some moves, getting Justin Upton and Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani. The Brewers bolstered their outfield with Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich. The Mets recently added Todd Frazier after bringing back Jay Bruce. After that? Not much. With the exception of the reliever market, and the continued Marlins fire sale, the Hot Stove has been extraordinarily cold.
You could field an entire team with the free agents remaining unsigned on the market, and that team could be pretty damn competitive. And here it is, your All Free Agent team:
1B- Eric Hosmer
2B- Neil Walker
3B- Mike Moustakas
SS- Eduardo Nunez
C- Johnathan Lucroy
LF- Carlos Gomez
CF- Carlos Gonzalez
RF- JD Martinez
Bench- Logan Morrison 1B/2B/LF
Bench- Lucas Duda 1B
Bench- Jon Jay OF
Bench- Carlos Ruiz C
Bench- Mark Reynolds 3B
SP- Yu Darvish
SP- Jake Arrieta
SP- Lance Lynn
SP- Alex Cobb
SP- Jaime Garcia
RP- Tony Watson
RP- Greg Holland
RP- Bud Norris
RP- Francisco Liriano
RP- Oliver Perez
RP- Trevor Rosenthal
RP- Zach Putnam
That is a ridiculous amount of proven major league talent that has yet to be signed, and pitchers and catchers report in a week. Now, I am not going to go so far as to claim collusion on the part of the MLB owners... But the agents will! Scott Boras is none too pleased with how this offseason has gone for many of his clients. MLBPA chief Tony Clark shared similar sentiments about teams refusing to spend money or be competitive. They are going as far as to set up a special spring training just for the unsigned players. What is the reason behind this super-slow market?
As Clark suggested, some teams may just be trying to hit the reset button, being as bad as they can be for a year or two, rebuilding their farm system with prospects, and then competing with mostly home-grown talent. After all, that worked for the Astros and the Cubs. However, some of these teams don't have as loyal of a fan-base of those teams, and they may not be able to keep their young talent if the rebuild takes too long, since they will be free agents eventually (this screams Marlins, who have traded away every good young player they have other than JT Realmuto, who wants to be traded).
The next reason might be teams saving up for the huge free agent class next year. Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, Charlie Blackmon, Dallas Keuchel, and maybe even Clayton Kershaw will all be available in the offseason, barring trades or extensions. Teams may be choosing to be thrifty this year so they can afford the massive contracts of these extremely talented players. The long-time rumor was that a player of Harper or Machado's caliber could sign a deal for around $400 million. But, if you don't land that player, you will have missed the opportunity to get an All Star like Hosmer, Darvish, or Martinez this year. Are teams really willing to risk the reality of being competitive now for the outside possibility of being a World Series favorite next year if they can get one of these players?
Finally, the last possibility is that teams may have started looking at the numbers on big contracts a little bit closer than they have in the past. MLB Network's wonderful Brian Kenny chimed in-
A lot of big contracts there that didn't work out. Is this, based on that performance, just a market correction? It isn't good for the players, who wanted that same money and number of years that has been there in recent years. But it might be good for a team that needs a piece or two now that could put them over the top. If a team needs a starter for one or two years, like my Washington Nationals, why not sign Jake Arrieta to a "show me" contract with a lucrative team option in the 2nd year? Bringing him in behind Scherzer, Strasburg, and with Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark, makes that the best rotation in the majors. If you are the Dodgers and see that your outfield might be the weakest part of your team, why not sign JD Martinez to a short, but lucrative, deal? It would not only bring a big bat to your lineup, but it would take him away from the division-rival Diamondbacks.
So, if it is a market correction, we may see some contracts that offer higher salaries per year, but only go for 3-5 seasons instead of 8-10. It would force the players to stay on that high level throughout their shorter contract, while still giving them the money that they wanted, just over the shorter amount of time. Personally, as a fan who doesn't get involved in that politics between the players and owners, I have no problem with that. If you tell me that I can have Bryce Harper for his age 26-30 seasons on a 5 year deal worth $200 million, I'd be ecstatic. Fans want their favorite players to stay on their teams. They want their teams to remain competitive.
At some point, the levee will break, and these players will all get signed. Some folks believe that Todd Frazier's 2-year, $17 million contract with the Mets may set the market for the mid-level players. The Twins have an offer out to Yu Darvish that could set the market for the Twins. The Red Sox have offered JD Martinez a deal over $100 million. If these deals go through, then the market should move fast as spring training begins. Until they are signed, however, we will just have to wait by the Cold Stove.
You could field an entire team with the free agents remaining unsigned on the market, and that team could be pretty damn competitive. And here it is, your All Free Agent team:
1B- Eric Hosmer
2B- Neil Walker
3B- Mike Moustakas
SS- Eduardo Nunez
C- Johnathan Lucroy
LF- Carlos Gomez
CF- Carlos Gonzalez
RF- JD Martinez
Bench- Logan Morrison 1B/2B/LF
Bench- Lucas Duda 1B
Bench- Jon Jay OF
Bench- Carlos Ruiz C
Bench- Mark Reynolds 3B
SP- Yu Darvish
SP- Jake Arrieta
SP- Lance Lynn
SP- Alex Cobb
SP- Jaime Garcia
RP- Tony Watson
RP- Greg Holland
RP- Bud Norris
RP- Francisco Liriano
RP- Oliver Perez
RP- Trevor Rosenthal
RP- Zach Putnam
That is a ridiculous amount of proven major league talent that has yet to be signed, and pitchers and catchers report in a week. Now, I am not going to go so far as to claim collusion on the part of the MLB owners... But the agents will! Scott Boras is none too pleased with how this offseason has gone for many of his clients. MLBPA chief Tony Clark shared similar sentiments about teams refusing to spend money or be competitive. They are going as far as to set up a special spring training just for the unsigned players. What is the reason behind this super-slow market?
As Clark suggested, some teams may just be trying to hit the reset button, being as bad as they can be for a year or two, rebuilding their farm system with prospects, and then competing with mostly home-grown talent. After all, that worked for the Astros and the Cubs. However, some of these teams don't have as loyal of a fan-base of those teams, and they may not be able to keep their young talent if the rebuild takes too long, since they will be free agents eventually (this screams Marlins, who have traded away every good young player they have other than JT Realmuto, who wants to be traded).
The next reason might be teams saving up for the huge free agent class next year. Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, Charlie Blackmon, Dallas Keuchel, and maybe even Clayton Kershaw will all be available in the offseason, barring trades or extensions. Teams may be choosing to be thrifty this year so they can afford the massive contracts of these extremely talented players. The long-time rumor was that a player of Harper or Machado's caliber could sign a deal for around $400 million. But, if you don't land that player, you will have missed the opportunity to get an All Star like Hosmer, Darvish, or Martinez this year. Are teams really willing to risk the reality of being competitive now for the outside possibility of being a World Series favorite next year if they can get one of these players?
Finally, the last possibility is that teams may have started looking at the numbers on big contracts a little bit closer than they have in the past. MLB Network's wonderful Brian Kenny chimed in-
A lot of big contracts there that didn't work out. Is this, based on that performance, just a market correction? It isn't good for the players, who wanted that same money and number of years that has been there in recent years. But it might be good for a team that needs a piece or two now that could put them over the top. If a team needs a starter for one or two years, like my Washington Nationals, why not sign Jake Arrieta to a "show me" contract with a lucrative team option in the 2nd year? Bringing him in behind Scherzer, Strasburg, and with Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark, makes that the best rotation in the majors. If you are the Dodgers and see that your outfield might be the weakest part of your team, why not sign JD Martinez to a short, but lucrative, deal? It would not only bring a big bat to your lineup, but it would take him away from the division-rival Diamondbacks.
So, if it is a market correction, we may see some contracts that offer higher salaries per year, but only go for 3-5 seasons instead of 8-10. It would force the players to stay on that high level throughout their shorter contract, while still giving them the money that they wanted, just over the shorter amount of time. Personally, as a fan who doesn't get involved in that politics between the players and owners, I have no problem with that. If you tell me that I can have Bryce Harper for his age 26-30 seasons on a 5 year deal worth $200 million, I'd be ecstatic. Fans want their favorite players to stay on their teams. They want their teams to remain competitive.
At some point, the levee will break, and these players will all get signed. Some folks believe that Todd Frazier's 2-year, $17 million contract with the Mets may set the market for the mid-level players. The Twins have an offer out to Yu Darvish that could set the market for the Twins. The Red Sox have offered JD Martinez a deal over $100 million. If these deals go through, then the market should move fast as spring training begins. Until they are signed, however, we will just have to wait by the Cold Stove.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl LII Champions
My friend Matt Kirk is a die hard Eagles fan. I told him that the only chance they would win is if Nick Foles became Jeff Hostetler. He did a lot better than that. Foles went 28-43 for 373, 3 TD passes, a fluke pick, and a momentum-changing touchdown catch (what a call) in an epic MVP performance, as the Philadelphia Eagles knocked off the heavily-favored New England Patriots 41-33. It was an extremely entertaining game, full of great offensive play and, thankfully, lacking controversy. The refs did a great job, especially on the calls that were reviewed. They got them all correct (much to Cris Collinsworth's chagrin). And hey, the Eagles proved a lot of people (myself included) wrong.
Foles' sterling offensive performance was coupled with a balanced rushing attack from Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount. The defense made the biggest plays when they needed to, forcing a turnover with just over 2 minutes to go in the game. Brandon Graham was finally able to get to Tom Brady for the first sack of the game, knocking the ball out of his hands and setting the Eagles up to extend their lead to 8 points. After knocking down the final Hail Mary heave from Brady, the Eagles brought Philadelphia their first Super Bowl championship.
Congrats Philadelphia, the Eagles, and all my friends/family that have been waiting so long for this. Please don't burn the city down too much.
Now, let's start thinking about the Draft...
Foles' sterling offensive performance was coupled with a balanced rushing attack from Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount. The defense made the biggest plays when they needed to, forcing a turnover with just over 2 minutes to go in the game. Brandon Graham was finally able to get to Tom Brady for the first sack of the game, knocking the ball out of his hands and setting the Eagles up to extend their lead to 8 points. After knocking down the final Hail Mary heave from Brady, the Eagles brought Philadelphia their first Super Bowl championship.
Congrats Philadelphia, the Eagles, and all my friends/family that have been waiting so long for this. Please don't burn the city down too much.
Now, let's start thinking about the Draft...
JFLANland Super Bowl Pick
Well, it is finally here. The Big Game. Super Bowl LII. And here is my pick-
The Patriots. Of course.
I mean, they have made the AFC boring, and Super Bowls predictable, but that's because they are the best team in the NFL. I don't think that it will be that close either. I'll take the Patriots over the Eagles, 31-17.
The Patriots. Of course.
I mean, they have made the AFC boring, and Super Bowls predictable, but that's because they are the best team in the NFL. I don't think that it will be that close either. I'll take the Patriots over the Eagles, 31-17.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Where Will Kirk Cousins End Up? Part 2- Denver Broncos
The next team up in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes is the team that has already made the most vocal overtures to the former Skins QB- The Denver Broncos. Von Miller, the Broncos' star linebacker and face of the franchise, has gone on record saying Cousins could put them "over the edge". In truth, the Broncos are not that dissimilar from the team that won the Super Bowl a few years ago with an under-performing Peyton Manning at the helm. They have been held back by sub-par QB play from Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch. If John Elway is able to swing a deal, he could have an immediate upgrade in Cousins.
What would Cousins have to work with if he went to Denver? A fair amount. Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, CJ Anderson, and Devontae Booker are all under contract for the next two seasons. That collection is a better group of weapons than he has ever had in DC. The team also has high picks in this years draft after a down year, so they would be able to add to the arsenal for their new QB. Couple that with improvements to a defense that, while top 3 in yards allowed per game, fell to 22nd in points allowed, and the Broncos could immediately compete for the AFC title once again.
There are some issues in getting Kirk to Denver, however, and not just the possibility that he and his family may not want to live at altitude. The Broncos only have between $24-28 million in cap space, all of which would be eaten up by the massive contract that Cousins' agent thinks he deserves. They would need to do some creative cutting or restructuring to make sure they can afford Cousins while also have enough money to pay their draft picks and any other free agents. This could be a tough sell for high paid players like Miller or Thomas, and could cost them a weapon in Anderson, who has no dead cap hit and could save the team $4.5 million if he is cut. Elway would have to find the proper balance of saving and spending to put a competitive team around his new QB.
I believe that the consensus among writers and talking heads is that John Elway will find a way to sign Kirk Cousins. The team wants him and is letting everyone know. Elway knows he can win it all with a half-way decent QB and a solid defense. Cousins would give them a Top 10 QB that could give the offense the jolt it needs to not only compete in the AFC West, but for another Super Bowl championship. If they are just a QB away, and Cousins is their man, Elway needs to make it happen.
What do you think of Kirk Cousins and the Denver Broncos?
What would Cousins have to work with if he went to Denver? A fair amount. Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, CJ Anderson, and Devontae Booker are all under contract for the next two seasons. That collection is a better group of weapons than he has ever had in DC. The team also has high picks in this years draft after a down year, so they would be able to add to the arsenal for their new QB. Couple that with improvements to a defense that, while top 3 in yards allowed per game, fell to 22nd in points allowed, and the Broncos could immediately compete for the AFC title once again.
There are some issues in getting Kirk to Denver, however, and not just the possibility that he and his family may not want to live at altitude. The Broncos only have between $24-28 million in cap space, all of which would be eaten up by the massive contract that Cousins' agent thinks he deserves. They would need to do some creative cutting or restructuring to make sure they can afford Cousins while also have enough money to pay their draft picks and any other free agents. This could be a tough sell for high paid players like Miller or Thomas, and could cost them a weapon in Anderson, who has no dead cap hit and could save the team $4.5 million if he is cut. Elway would have to find the proper balance of saving and spending to put a competitive team around his new QB.
I believe that the consensus among writers and talking heads is that John Elway will find a way to sign Kirk Cousins. The team wants him and is letting everyone know. Elway knows he can win it all with a half-way decent QB and a solid defense. Cousins would give them a Top 10 QB that could give the offense the jolt it needs to not only compete in the AFC West, but for another Super Bowl championship. If they are just a QB away, and Cousins is their man, Elway needs to make it happen.
What do you think of Kirk Cousins and the Denver Broncos?
Friday, February 2, 2018
JFLANland's 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class
Tomorrow, some writers will lock themselves in the room, and when the Papal conclave-esque white smoke is seen billowing from the chimney, there will be new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are a few slam dunks, some guys that deserve to be in that aren't yet, and then every fan has their candidate from their team. There can be a maximum of 5 inductees (plus 2 possible senior committee selections), so here are my picks.
1. Randy Moss, WR.
Slam dunk #1. He might be the best receiver of his generation, despite some perceived attitude issues (but less than someone else who will be included later). I think it is a no-brainer.
2. Ray Lewis, LB
Slam dunk #2. The best linebacker of his generation, the master of motivation, and a media darling despite having something to do with a murder. Sure-fire 1st ballot player, to likely be joined next year by teammate Ed Reed.
3. Terrell Owens, WR
I think his time in HOF purgatory is over. The voters have made their point. TO wasn't liked by his teammates or the media. But he produced at an all-time great level, being the #2 WR all time in yards, #8 in receptions, and #3 in touchdowns. He is a hall of fame player, and deserves to be in.
4. John Lynch, S
There is about to be a backlog of safeties if they don't put one in this year, with both Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu coming up soon. While Brian Dawkins is equally as deserving as John Lynch (possibly more so), I think Lynch gets in because he has been on the ballot a little longer, with this his 5th year as a finalist. Plus, Lynch is now a mover and shaker in the NFL, as the GM of the 49ers. Always some fun politics going on in that room.
5. Joe Jacoby, OT
Damn it all, the Hogs need more than one Hall of Famer, Russ Grimm. They were the quintessential offensive line of the 1980s and early 1990s. They were so good, the Redskins were able to win three Super Bowls in that span with three different QBs, none of whom were Hall of Famers. They were the line that allowed for John Riggins to have a Hall of Fame career. There needs to be another Hog in the Hall of Fame, and that man is Joe Jacoby. This is his last year as a member of the modern era ballot, and I would hate to have such a deserving player need to wait for the Senior Committee. A member of the All-80s team, a 3-time Super Bowl Champion, the anchor of that line. Yes, Joe Jacoby is a Hall of Famer.
Those are my picks. Who would you have?
1. Randy Moss, WR.
Slam dunk #1. He might be the best receiver of his generation, despite some perceived attitude issues (but less than someone else who will be included later). I think it is a no-brainer.
2. Ray Lewis, LB
Slam dunk #2. The best linebacker of his generation, the master of motivation, and a media darling despite having something to do with a murder. Sure-fire 1st ballot player, to likely be joined next year by teammate Ed Reed.
3. Terrell Owens, WR
I think his time in HOF purgatory is over. The voters have made their point. TO wasn't liked by his teammates or the media. But he produced at an all-time great level, being the #2 WR all time in yards, #8 in receptions, and #3 in touchdowns. He is a hall of fame player, and deserves to be in.
4. John Lynch, S
There is about to be a backlog of safeties if they don't put one in this year, with both Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu coming up soon. While Brian Dawkins is equally as deserving as John Lynch (possibly more so), I think Lynch gets in because he has been on the ballot a little longer, with this his 5th year as a finalist. Plus, Lynch is now a mover and shaker in the NFL, as the GM of the 49ers. Always some fun politics going on in that room.
5. Joe Jacoby, OT
Damn it all, the Hogs need more than one Hall of Famer, Russ Grimm. They were the quintessential offensive line of the 1980s and early 1990s. They were so good, the Redskins were able to win three Super Bowls in that span with three different QBs, none of whom were Hall of Famers. They were the line that allowed for John Riggins to have a Hall of Fame career. There needs to be another Hog in the Hall of Fame, and that man is Joe Jacoby. This is his last year as a member of the modern era ballot, and I would hate to have such a deserving player need to wait for the Senior Committee. A member of the All-80s team, a 3-time Super Bowl Champion, the anchor of that line. Yes, Joe Jacoby is a Hall of Famer.
Those are my picks. Who would you have?
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Where Will Kirk Cousins End Up? Part 1- Arizona Cardinals
Greetings again, faithful readers. Now that Alex Smith is the new QB in DC, the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes has officially begun. No longer will this Top 10 QB be jerked around by a GM that never bothered to learn his name, or an owner more concerned with protecting a racist name than producing on the field. Instead, Kirk will have his pick of a bunch of teams that will want him to helm their offense over the next few years. This new series of posts will be dedicated to looking at the pros and cons of each of those suitors. We will begin with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals are in flux right now. David Johnson got hurt. Bruce Arians retired. Carson Palmer retired. Larry Fitzgerald might retire. New head coach Steve Wilks comes over from Carolina, where he served as the Panthers defensive coordinator. That is a lot of balls up in the air for a franchise. However, the signing of Kirk Cousins would instantly bring this team back to playoff contention, and will likely help Fitzgerald find a fountain of youth for another season or two.
The biggest thing holding the Cardinals back in recent years has been the quarterback play. When Palmer was on, he was fantastic. But the past two seasons, he has only been average or hurt, which kept a team that was 13-3 in 2015 to hovering at 8-8 this past season. In my past mock drafts, I have begged the Cardinals to take an heir apparent to Palmer, knowing his days were numbered. In fact, I told them to draft a guy in somewhere in the top 3 rounds every year since 2012. Those QBs? Nick Foles, Mike Glennon, Derek Carr, Brett Hundley, Paxton Lynch, DeShone Kizer. Some hits, some misses, but all could have done well with some time behind Palmer and the teachings of Bruce Arians. The only QBs that the Cardinals have drafted in that time? Ryan Lindley in 2012 (who last played in 2015), and Logan Thomas in 2014 (who is now a tight end in Buffalo). Instead, they stuck with Drew Stanton for far too long, and then picked up Blaine Gabbert this year. Kirk Cousins is a better QB than either of them, and would instantly boost their offense.
Cousins managed to throw for over 4,000 yards this past season after losing Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, not to mention Jordan Reed's injuries and Jamison Crowder's disappointing season and Terrelle Pryor's complete flop. Imagine what he will be able to do with Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson, not to mention JJ Nelson. If they were able to add another receiving weapon through the draft, Cousins could be in heaven. New offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was able to get 4,000 yards a year out of Philip Rivers when he was the head coach of San Diego. He should be able to get those same numbers out of Cousins, and a bounce-back season from Johnson on the ground would be the perfect compliment to the passing game.
The main concern for the Cardinals, as it likely will be for the rest of the suitors, is the price tag. Woody Paige of the Denver Post said he heard 6 years, $170 million is the goal from Cousins' agent, which would make him the highest paid player in NFL history. Roughly $80-90 million of that would be guaranteed money as well. Signing Kirk Cousins to that contract would eat up most of the remaining salary cap room the team has. Of course, they could make some moves to free up space, including freeing up almost $3 million if they release Adrian Peterson. Nevertheless, some teams may be hesitant to give that much money to one player, especially if they think they can find a comparable QB for less.
I think the Cardinals should make a run on Kirk Cousins, because they are a team that is only a few pieces away from competing for a NFC Championship. A consistent QB leading the offense would go a long way to pushing Arizona from 8-8 to title contenders again.
The Cardinals are in flux right now. David Johnson got hurt. Bruce Arians retired. Carson Palmer retired. Larry Fitzgerald might retire. New head coach Steve Wilks comes over from Carolina, where he served as the Panthers defensive coordinator. That is a lot of balls up in the air for a franchise. However, the signing of Kirk Cousins would instantly bring this team back to playoff contention, and will likely help Fitzgerald find a fountain of youth for another season or two.
The biggest thing holding the Cardinals back in recent years has been the quarterback play. When Palmer was on, he was fantastic. But the past two seasons, he has only been average or hurt, which kept a team that was 13-3 in 2015 to hovering at 8-8 this past season. In my past mock drafts, I have begged the Cardinals to take an heir apparent to Palmer, knowing his days were numbered. In fact, I told them to draft a guy in somewhere in the top 3 rounds every year since 2012. Those QBs? Nick Foles, Mike Glennon, Derek Carr, Brett Hundley, Paxton Lynch, DeShone Kizer. Some hits, some misses, but all could have done well with some time behind Palmer and the teachings of Bruce Arians. The only QBs that the Cardinals have drafted in that time? Ryan Lindley in 2012 (who last played in 2015), and Logan Thomas in 2014 (who is now a tight end in Buffalo). Instead, they stuck with Drew Stanton for far too long, and then picked up Blaine Gabbert this year. Kirk Cousins is a better QB than either of them, and would instantly boost their offense.
Cousins managed to throw for over 4,000 yards this past season after losing Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, not to mention Jordan Reed's injuries and Jamison Crowder's disappointing season and Terrelle Pryor's complete flop. Imagine what he will be able to do with Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson, not to mention JJ Nelson. If they were able to add another receiving weapon through the draft, Cousins could be in heaven. New offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was able to get 4,000 yards a year out of Philip Rivers when he was the head coach of San Diego. He should be able to get those same numbers out of Cousins, and a bounce-back season from Johnson on the ground would be the perfect compliment to the passing game.
The main concern for the Cardinals, as it likely will be for the rest of the suitors, is the price tag. Woody Paige of the Denver Post said he heard 6 years, $170 million is the goal from Cousins' agent, which would make him the highest paid player in NFL history. Roughly $80-90 million of that would be guaranteed money as well. Signing Kirk Cousins to that contract would eat up most of the remaining salary cap room the team has. Of course, they could make some moves to free up space, including freeing up almost $3 million if they release Adrian Peterson. Nevertheless, some teams may be hesitant to give that much money to one player, especially if they think they can find a comparable QB for less.
I think the Cardinals should make a run on Kirk Cousins, because they are a team that is only a few pieces away from competing for a NFC Championship. A consistent QB leading the offense would go a long way to pushing Arizona from 8-8 to title contenders again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)