tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83035651188610680012024-02-08T08:05:46.962-08:00BenD's Sports WorkThe workings of Ben D.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-84327977564514203392019-11-19T13:42:00.001-08:002019-11-19T13:42:18.686-08:00Germany vs Northern Ireland - Germany Player Ratings - EURO Qualifiers 11/19/19Goalkeeper:<br />
Marc Andre Ter-Stegen - 6<br />
Ter Stegen didn't have much to do this game, but he was fine in possession. The lone goal allowed was not his fault.<br />
<br />
Defenders:<br />
Jonas Hector - 4<br />
Hector was full of mistakes today, but he made up for them with a few beautiful crosses into the box.<br />
<br />
Johnathan Tah - 6<br />
Tah did fine defensively, but he wasn't called on to do much this game.<br />
<br />
Emre Can - 4<br />
Can started as a center back and fouled Northern Ireland's striker on a consistent basis before moving to midfield where he promptly would give the ball away when in possession.<br />
<br />
Lukas Klostermann - 7<br />
Klostermann got up the pitch well and had some nice crosses against Northern Ireland's star left back.<br />
<br />
Midfield:<br />
Toni Kroos - 8<br />
Kroos played well in possession. He was not really bothered by the lack of pressure from Northern Ireland's defense, and he picked out some dangerous passes accompanied with some long range shots.<br />
<br />
Joshua Kimmich - 8<br />
Kimmich started in the midfield and looked like the world's best midfield maestro. Perhaps the best field general Germany has had since Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kimmich's passing and possession were gorgeous while also threatening with through balls and lob passes into the box. Moving to right back in the 65th minute, he promptly became an attacking threat and nearly came away with a goal and an assist in only 35 minutes at the position.<br />
<br />
Ilkay Gundogan - 5<br />
Gundogan is one of Germany's most technically precise players, but he did not come quite on top of his game for this matchup. His ability to remain in possession was not quite there today, and he oftentimes couldn't find the last man.<br />
<br />
Attackers:<br />
Julian Brandt - 4<br />
Julian Brandt had a terrible game until he netted a magnificent finish in extra time. His passing and ball control were awful, although he did find Serge Gnabry for his third goal of the game. Racing down the pitch, he made a good skill move on the defender and completed a terrific finish to put the game at 6-1.<br />
<br />
Serge Gnabry - 10<br />
Gnabry was flawless today. His finishing and skills were on full display against a weaker Northern Ireland side, and he ends the European qualifications with more goals than matches played.<br />
<br />
Leon Goretzka - 7<br />
Goretzka did not play exceptionally well except for his two goals. His first tap-in was a bit lucky, but his second was a beautiful strike from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner with no chance for the keeper.<br />
<br />
Substitutes:<br />
Niklas Stark - 6<br />
Stark played well for his 35 minutes of playing time with multiple clearances that worked out well for the Germans who were never in any real trouble of conceding after Northern Ireland scored early.<br />
<br />
Suat Serdar - 5<br />
Serdar didn't make much of a difference with his skills, but he had great positioning and excellent hustle up and down the pitch.<br />
<br />
Nadiem Amiri - 5<br />
Amiri came on late for the man of the match Serge Gnabry, and he made an impact with his crosses and decent positioning in the offensive half.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-71072415385379429332019-09-22T19:14:00.002-07:002019-09-22T19:14:43.408-07:00FC Bayern vs FC Koln - Bayern Player RatingsGoalkeeper:<br />
Manuel Neuer - 7<br />
Neuer churned out another solid performance with some great saves, but he wasn't really troubled for most of the match.<br />
<br />
Defenders:<br />
Benjamin Pavard - 8<br />
Pavard's natural position seems to be at right back where he has played absolutely phenomenal for the Bayern squad. He consistently got forward and was always a threat to find a dangerous pass. He was not careless with the ball and didn't experience a mental lapse as we have seen in previous Bayern games.<br />
<br />
Jerome Boateng - 8<br />
Boateng looks like the best central defender FC Bayern has, but for some reason, the FC Bayern front office does not want to play him (as well as Joachim Low apparently). Boateng is very good with possession and is always in the right position when Bayern has the ball. Defensively, he can be a bit slow sometimes, but he shows his experience and still is very skillful.<br />
<br />
Niklas Sule - 8<br />
Sule is perhaps the most careless central defender in possession, but he makes a very large impact defensively. His clearances prevent goal scoring opportunities for the opposing squad. Also, his long balls connected with their targets on a typical basis.<br />
<br />
Lucas Hernandez - 8<br />
Hernandez played well getting up the pitch and defending the wings but because of his lack of speed (relative to opposing wingers), he nearly ended up with a red card. However, other than his reckless challenge, Hernandez played very well, especially on the offensive.<br />
<br />
<br />
Midfielders:<br />
Joshua Kimmich - 9<br />
Kimmich always had the right idea in midfield, especially in the attacking third. He used his defensive skills to consistently win the ball back for his team.<br />
<br />
Corentin Tolisso - 7<br />
Tolisso ended his streak of poor performances by playing fairly well and being disciplined in his positioning. In the past, we have seen Tolisso push forward into the box on nearly every play which sometimes led to Bayern's exposure in the midfield on counter attacks. However, Tolisso's positioning was exceptional, and he did well to play dangerous balls forward and into the box.<br />
<br />
Ivan Perisic - 9<br />
Perisic has looked dominant in a Bayern shirt proven by his 2 goals and 2 assists in 2 games. His work rate is out of this world, and he is a winger that will help push Bayern into Champions League contention.<br />
<br />
Philippe Coutinho - 8<br />
Coutinho showed his skill once more with his exemplary vision and good attacking positioning. He scored a penalty, and he found Robert Lewandowski, Ivan Perisic, and the likes on a consistent basis. While he played a superb game, his pass precision could use improvement.<br />
<br />
Serge Gnabry - 7<br />
Gnabry has excelled at the international level, but he has been somewhat disappointing for Bayern in recent matches. With Coutinho acting as the maestro in the attacking half, Gnabry has been counted on less for the Bavarians. If Gnabry gets his touches, I have no doubts he will be back to scoring goals in the near future for his club.<br />
<br />
Robert Lewandowski - 8<br />
Lewandowski was clinical once more, netting two goals. Lewandowski and Coutinho seem to have already established a strong friendship and attacking partnership, and Lewandowski's hot streak in front of net will continue if the pair continue to link up.<br />
<br />
<br />
Substitutes:<br />
Javi Martinez - 7<br />
Javi Martinez came in for Jerome Boateng at center back, and he played very well. Transitioning from the midfield to the heart of the defense, Martinez used his passing skills to help Bayern play successfully out of the back. With his superior defensive skillset, Martinez looks perfect as a maestro playing on the back line. Props to Niko Kovac to switching him back to center back like Pep Guardiola did back in his Bayern days.<br />
<br />
Thomas Muller - 7<br />
Muller is a very consistent player for Bayern, and he has been very, very good as a substitute in recent matches. He is relentless in pursuit and typically makes the right plays. However, his finishing and skillset have diminished quite massively in the past 5 years.<br />
<br />
Mickael Cuisance - 7<br />
Cuisance could be the young stud that Bayern thought they had found in Renato Sanches. While Cuisance's potential will never be as high as Sanches's, he has played very well in the same role. He has the ability to find the right man in the attack and is also aggressive in defense. He reminds me of a young Toni Kroos.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-86358464071051586972019-09-09T20:26:00.004-07:002019-09-09T20:26:32.388-07:00Germany vs Northern Ireland Euro Qualifiers Player RatingsPlayer Ratings<br />
Manuel Neuer GK - 8<br />
Neuer had a very good game in goal, and he made several crucial saves that would have seen Northern Ireland either take control or level the game.<br />
<br />
Marcel Halstenberg LB - 4<br />
In the first half, Halstenberg was constantly out of position. It was obvious that the team needs wingers on the wings instead of left backs and right backs (imagine that!). However, he started off the second half with an absolutely fantastic volley to get Germany up 1-0. He also got forward better in the second half, but he consistently gave away possession and was weak defensively at times.<br />
<br />
Niklas Sule CB - 7<br />
Sule got Germany out of some sticky situations in the back with several good clearances but had his usual mistakes while in possession.<br />
<br />
Matthias Ginter CB - 4<br />
Ginter was very okay until he got hurt and substituted in the 39th minute. He used his body to prevent attacking chances for Norther Ireland, but he did not make any major impact for Germany.<br />
<br />
Lukas Klostermann LB - 4<br />
Created opportunities but didn't put away the opportunities given to him. Perhaps the only German player who knew how to play his position and had all the right ideas; however, his execution was poor at best.<br />
<br />
Toni Kroos CM - 3<br />
Kroos once again turned in a very poor performance. His midfield general abilities have declined astronomically at this point for the German national team, and if Low was not a completely bullheaded manager, he would have already been exploring options to replace Kroos at the 6.<br />
<br />
Joshua Kimmich CM - 7<br />
Kimmich won the ball back well and made several nice passes in the attacking third. However, it remains to be seen if his skills would still be better served at right back instead of stuck in the middle alongside the dreadful Toni Kroos.<br />
<br />
Julian Brandt LM - 4<br />
Brandt gave the ball away on a consistent basis in the first half but was able to turn out a semi-decent second half. Brandt wasted countless opportunities within the first 30 minutes, but he did make some dangerous plays afterwards.<br />
<br />
Marco Reus CAM - 2<br />
Reus was either wasting chances or not making an impact. The man who Low suggested would be one of his new leaders after he cut three of he squad's top players, has been in dreadful form for the national side recently. This was an embarrassing performance. I would consider changing my name if I were him.<br />
<br />
Serge Gnabry RM - 6<br />
Gnabry was the only attacker who seemed even slightly comfortable with Low's new freestyle formation in the attacking third. Gnabry was running around making as many plays as possible, unfortunately he also caused some chances to disappear. However, his goal in the 92nd minute after nice link up play with youngster Kai Havertz was a nice way to cap off the game.<br />
<br />
Timo Werner ST - 4<br />
Werner was constantly wasting chances in the first half, but by the time of his substitution, he had already been improving his performance for quite some time. Germany needs Werner to be in his Leipzig form, but the managerial tactics do not allow him to fully showcase his goalscoring ability.<br />
<br />
Substitutes:<br />
Johnathan Tah CB - 7<br />
Tah redeemed himself after a ghastly performance against the Netherlands. Coming in for Ginter in the 40th, Tah played the ball cool and composed to his teammates. He also saved a goal... rather clumsily, but he saved it.<br />
<br />
Kai Havertz CAM - 7<br />
Havertz played well in a Germany jersey for the first time in a long time, and he impressed with several nice passes in his limited playing time. He played much better than his central attacking midfield partner Marco Reus.<br />
<br />
Emre Can CM - 7<br />
Can linked up with his teammates several times in his short span of playing time. He looked comfortable and confident in possession and was able to pick out the right man almost every time. Would love to see Can start in Kimmich's position and Kimmich be moved to right back.<br />
<br />
Altogether, a win is a win. That said, whenever Germany plays Northern Ireland or teams of that caliber, it should be a 2-0 dominant performance at the minimum. Low's tactics no longer work in the modern game of football. The players he has cut (Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller, among others) would have solidified perhaps the top international defense and also added another goalscorer who can play either as a 9 or a 10. In summary, Low needs to be fired. The sooner, the better. As soon as Low is gone, this team can start moving forward. The tactics are holding back the stars of Germany. For proof, stars like Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos, Timo Werner, Joshua Kimmich, and even Marco Reus who play extraordinarily well for their club teams, are competing at an average level at best on the international level. The players cannot succeed when following Low's tactics anymore.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-77718398840452882772019-06-04T11:17:00.000-07:002019-06-04T11:17:03.606-07:00U20 USA Men vs France World Cup Player RatingsThe United States under-20 men's national team has defeated France 3-2 on Sebatian Soto's two goals and Justin Rennick's game winner. The USA took the initial lead before falling behind 2-1. The French dominated possession and shots on target, but the Americans survived and played well on the counter attack. I rate each American player's performance in this round of 16 performance before they move on to battle Ecuador in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.<br />
<br />
<br />
Goalkeeper<br />
Brady Scott - FC Koeln - Bundesliga 2<br />
Rating: 3<br />
Scott, while not the reason for either goal, displayed awful positioning and terrible reflex on the first French goal which he should have been able to stop. His laziness to get back in goal off of the rebound off the post for France's second goal proved backup goalkeeper David Ochoa might have been the better choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
Defenders<br />
Chris Gloster - Hannover 96 II - Regionalliga<br />
Rating: 7.5<br />
Gloster played very well pushing up the left side of the pitch and played dangerous balls through to his attacking teammates. Gloster was also able to show off his dribbling abilities versus the slower French defenders, and he showed why he is a key part to this national team.<br />
<br />
Aboubacar Keita - Columbus Crew - MLS<br />
Rating: 3.5<br />
Keita was the reason for both French goals as his footwork on the first goal allowed the French attackers to run right past him, while his indecision whether or not to attack the ball on the second allowed French winger Moussa Diaby to steal it away and outrun him to the free shot on goal which ultimately rebounded straight to Nabil Alioui who put it in the back of the net.<br />
<br />
Chris Richards FC Bayern II - 3. Liga<br />
Rating: 6.5<br />
Richards silently did his job most of the game until the USA had to make their final stand in the last ten minutes of the game. Richards shut down opposing strikers and wingers which allowed the US to move on to the quarterfinals against Ecuador.<br />
<br />
Sergino Dest - Ajax - Eredivisie<br />
Rating: 9<br />
It is hard to tell which was more impressive: Dest's defense or his offense. On offense, he consistently pushed up the wing and made key impacts for the US attack including a bullet from long range that bounced off keeper Alban Lafont's hands straight to the feet of Justin Rennicks who put it away for US's third and final goal of the game.<br />
<br />
Mark McKenzie - Philadelphia Union - MLS<br />
Rating: 3.5<br />
McKenzie came in as a sub for Soto in the late game to try to prevent a French goal with around seven minute remaining in regular time. McKenzie then fouled French star Mickael Cuisance right outside the American box, but fortunately for him and the US, the referee didn't see it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Midfielders<br />
Paxton Pomykal - FC Dallas - MLS<br />
Rating: 5<br />
Pomykal had an okay game. He was not involved too much with play, but he did make some valuable stops on the defensive side. However, he gave the ball up too often on his runs towards goal.<br />
<br />
Brandon Servania - FC Dallas - MLS<br />Rating: 5.5<br />
Servania dropped back and played more of a defensive role in the midfield, and he played well. His short passes found their mark more often than not, and he regained possession for his side well enough.<br />
<br />
Richie Ledezma - PSV Eindhoven - Eredivisie<br />
Rating: 9.5<br />
Ledezma started the game as an attacking midfielder and played very well making threatening runs that forced the French center backs to step up before he killed them with through balls. His through ball to Sebastian Soto for the Americans first goal of the game was flawless, and he was dangerous in his attacking role the whole game. Later, he moved back into a more defensive center midfield role, and his passes were precise and visionary.<br />
<br />
Forwards<br />
Sebastian Soto - Hannover 96 - Bundesliga 2<br />
Rating: 9<br />
Soto netted two of the US's goals in clinical fashion and has proven himself to be the US's best number 9 so far. He has now scored 3 goals in his last 4 matches at this World Cup, and he could be the one to take the reigns from Jozy Altidore on the senior team in a couple years.<br />
<br />
Timothy Weah - PSG - Ligue 1<br />
Rating: 8.5<br />
Weah's incredible pace allowed him to stretch the French defense, and he passed the ball well across the middle to set up great chances for his teammates. Weah has developed into an absolute star.<br />
<br />
Ulysses Llanez - VFL Wolfsburg u19 - German Youth League<br />
Rating: 8.5<br />
Llanez came on for de la Fuente and then subsequently showed why he should have started the match. He nearly hammered in a shot from considerable distance before using his skills and passing display to help secure the victory for the Americans.<br />
<br />
Justin Rennicks - New England Revolution - MLS<br />
Rating: 7.5<br />
Rennicks scored the game-winner after Sergino Dest's bullet shot bounced off the hands of French goalkeeper Alban Lafont. Rennicks ran well and gave full effort since coming on as a substitute, and his passes were crisp and dangerous through balls for attacking partners Soto and Weah.<br />
<br />
Konrad de la Fuente - FC Barcelona Juvenil A - UEFA Youth League<br />
Rating: 2<br />
De La Fuente's World Cup is hopefully over. For USA fans everywhere, I hope it is. De la Fuente, deemed the next American star, has been horrific. He consistently dribbles into two or three defenders and loses the ball. It is very rare that he passes, but he excels at giving up possession.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-41271422521958416432019-06-02T21:50:00.001-07:002019-06-02T21:50:27.085-07:00USA U20 Men's National Team Player Ratings - Group StagesWith the men's u-20 FIFA World Cup advancing into the knockout rounds, with the US involved in the lucky bunch moving on, I grade every player's performance to this point from 1-10, with 10 being the highest.<br />
<br />
Goalkeepers<br />
Brady Scott - FC Koln - Bundesliga 2<br />
Rating: 6.5<br />
Scott started the first two of three group stage games, and he played fairly well. It would be hard to fault him for either of the goals he conceded versus Ukraine. He did hold a clean sheet against Nigeria.<br />
David Ochoa - Real Salt Lake - MLS<br />
Rating: 7<br />
Ochoa played well in his sole start against Qatar; although he did have a shaky start. Positioning and handling are two skills Ochoa needs to improve upon, but he was able to post a clean sheet in the US's final group game which helped them claim the second spot in their group.<br />
<br />
<br />
Defenders<br />
Aboubacar Keita - Columbus Crew - MLS<br />
Rating: 5<br />
Keita is a talented player, but he makes far too many mistakes. While he played fairly well against Ukraine and Nigeria, his performace against Qatar was awful, and he is lucky he did not cost his team a knockout stage berth.<br />
<br />
Chris Richards - Bayern II - 3. Liga<br />
Rating: 8<br />
Richard, the young Bayern II star, has had a very good tournament thus far. Like may of FC Bayern's talented center backs, Richards is cool and composed with the ball and finds the right passes. Also, he is very good at snuffing out attacks.<br />
<br />
Mark McKenzie - Philadelphia Union - MLS<br />
Rating: 5<br />
McKenzie is a very talented youngster, but his positioning in the right back position was awful in the USA's last group game. He consistently allowed the opposition's wings whatever space they would like, before sprinting out once they received the ball.<br />
<br />
Chris Gloster - Hannover 96 II - Regionalliga<br />
Rating: 8<br />
Gloster contributed very well to the attack up the wing and made many very good runs that should have been taken more advantage of by his teammates. If Gloster gets the ball on the wing, he can be very dangerous.<br />
<br />
Sergino Dest - Ajax - Eredivisie<br />
Rating: 6.5<br />
Dest played well as a full back attacking up the wings, but he made a few defensive mistakes including one that contributed majorly to the opening goal for Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Matthew Real - Philadelphia Union - MLS<br />
Rating: 5<br />
Although he didn't get to play too much, Real looked like an able defensive replacement as a wing back but failed to give manager Tab Ramos the attacking prowess provided by others on the roster.<br />
<br />
<br />
Midfielders<br />
Alex Mendez - SC Freiburg u-19 - German Youth League<br />
Rating: 6.5<br />
Mendez was one of the US's most impactful players through the group stages and proved his long shots can be quite dangerous. However, he consistently failed to finish his opportunities. His passing display was average to good. Unfortunately, he will miss the match against France after picking up his second yellow card in the Qatar game.<br />
<br />
Chris Durkin - DC United - MLS<br />
Rating: 5<br />
Durkin started all three games for the United States, and he was very inconsistent. In his first game (against Ukraine), he had a horrible performance in which he gave the ball away nearly every possession and was unable to slow down the opposition in the midfield defensively. He excelled against Nigeria where his relentless defensive hustle allowed the US to create a few turnovers, and he found the right passes. Against Qatar, he had an average performance where he turned the ball over too many times but still slowed down the Qatar attack slightly. When he's on his game, he's a game changer.<br />
<br />
Paxton Pomykal - FC Dallas - MLS<br />
Rating: 7<br />
The FC Dallas midfielder has enjoyed a fine World Cup so far and was the team's foremost playmaker in the Ukraine loss and Nigeria win. I would not be surprised if he became a midfield stud for a European team within the next decade.<br />
<br />
Brandon Servania - FC Dallas - MLS<br />
Rating: 6.5<br />
Servania has provided the US with a decent attacking option out of the midfield. Club teammates with Pomykal, the two thrived as a duo despite the loss against Ukraine. Servania loves to surge ahead and make runs into the box, but he can be a liability defensively.<br />
<br />
Richie Ledezma - PSV Eindhoven - Eredivisie<br />
Rating: 8<br />
While Ledezma has only played one game and was a substitute in his lone appearance, his performance against Qatar after checking in was near flawless. He made exhilarating runs down the flank with some hard, exciting crosses into the middle and nearly scored as his long-distance shot banged against the crossbar.<br />
<br />
<br />
Forwards<br />
Konrad de la Fuente - FC Barcelona Juvenil A - UEFA Youth League<br />
Rating: 4<br />
De la Fuente has been beyond disappointing in this World Cup, and I would love to see him replaced by Ledezma on the wing. While de la Fuente is supposed to be one of the US's brightest young stars, already playing for FC Barcelona II at 18 years of age, he oft gives up possession after dribbling into two or three defenders. His crosses are inaccurate, and he can't get a shot off because of his lack of ball control. So far, Konrad de la Fuente's potential has looked like a subpar American soccer play at best.<br />
<br />
Sebastian Soto - Hannover 96 - Bundesliga 2<br />
Rating: 7<br />
Soto netted two goals against Nigeria and displayed excellent hold up play against Qatar. While he gives away possession just a bit too much to be considered a US star at this point, he has been one of this side's biggest attacking threats throughout the group stages.<br />
<br />
Timothy Weah - PSG - Ligue 1<br />
Rating: 7<br />
Weah started off the tournament as the center striker in Tab Ramos's lineup, but he was quickly moved outside where he has thrived as a winger. His speed and dribbling ability allow him to make quick cuts and make runs past the opponent's back line. He scored the game winner against Qatar and nearly netted a brace but couldn't finish one-on-one with the keeper. While Weah's play has been quite good, his finishing needs much help if he is to be considered a star one day.<br />
<br />
Ulysses Llanez - VFL Wolfsburg u-19 - German Youth League<br />
Rating: 7<br />
Llanez, like Ledezma, hasn't gotten very much playing time this World Cup, but when he did get on the pitch,(versus Qatar), made beautiful runs and crossed the ball nicely into the box or earned corners. A Ledezma/Llanez pairing would be very fun to see as the tournament progresses.<br />
<br />
Justin Rennicks - New England Revolution - MLS<br />
Rating: 5<br />
Rennicks is a capable forward, but he hasn't been able to show much of his ability yet. However, his hustle and willingness to run and not give up have earned him our hearts.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-49135303715800256142019-05-25T22:25:00.002-07:002019-05-25T22:25:40.133-07:00What is Wrong with the US Men's Soccer Team?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The US men’s national soccer team isn’t
going anywhere no matter what it may seem. Some argue that the focus needs to
be on the youth and getting them experience and developing them; some say we
need the right manager and the best players if we want to win, but both are
wrong. The truth is the US men’s team is going to fail no matter what. Young
American soccer players who play in the MLS will never win a major
international tournament. Former American stars like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey,
Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore have all played in Europe, and
the US men’s team won’t get better until their players start playing overseas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams played
in the German Bundesliga this past campaign, and both experienced fine years.
Pulisic nearly helped Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title, while Adams helped
his RB Leipzig squad secure second in the DFB Pokal. Both of their squads’
dreams were crushed by the German giants, Bayern Munich who formerly employed a
young American winger by the name of Julian Green. While Green has played
overseas for most of his career, he still has not really broken on to the
international scene for the US men’s team which is a rare case for Americans playing
in Europe. So, while it won’t happen in all cases, playing for European teams
will prepare players for the tough international battles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">American heroes like Landon Donovan (Bayer
Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur),
Tim Howard (Manchester United, Everton), Michael Bradley (Borussia
Moenchengladbach, Aston Villa, AS Roma), and Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar,
Sunderland) all have had tremendous success In the men’s national team after
playing for European clubs. In fact, when the US team was at its best, it
boasted Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra who also played overseas for Fulham.
These players are proof that it is vital for America to start loaning or
transferring their players to Europe for necessary development that will
greatly benefit the international men’s soccer situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-86639689089886431012019-05-24T20:51:00.001-07:002019-05-24T20:51:15.442-07:00What Each of the 7 Biggest Clubs Should Do This Summer<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With the 2018-19 season closing and the summer transfer window approaching, I delve into what each of these world class clubs should do this summer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">FC Barcelona<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Sign Antoine Griezmann<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While he arguably shouldn’t be the top
priority for Barcelona considering their defense is weaker than their attack, Griezmann
would add a whole new dimension to FCB’s striking core. Like Messi, Griezmann
can score, facilitate, and dribble. The combo would be deadly, especially with
a star finisher like Luis Suarez in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Sign Matthis De Ligt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Signing De Ligt would be a massive help
for Barca’s back line. The 19-year old was a star at Ajax this past season, and
he would do wonders for Camp Nou alongside his fellow Ajax player Frenkie de
Jong who recently signed with Barca. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Sign Filipe Luis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Filipe Luis has already rejected an offer
from Borussia Dortmund as he expects to receive an offer from Barcelona. His
free transfer would relieve Barca from paying too much for a 33-year old left
back, but Luis will provide some much needed depth at left back as Jordi Alba
struggled down the stretch and is only getting older. Ideally, Barca would
bring back Alex Grimaldo to start at left back, but with Jordi Alba still on
the roster, it seems as if Luis is the more likely option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Real Madrid <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Sign Eden Hazard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hazard has been linked to Madrid for forever,
and this could be the perfect timing to complete a move. Hazard enjoyed a
remarkable season in the Premier League while Real struggled in all
competitions. Now with Zinedine Zidane back at the helm, and Gareth Bale
sitting on the bench, it seems that Hazard is the perfect for Madrid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Sign Kylian Mbappe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mbappe is the world’s best youngster at
this point, and with Madrid’s inability to score goals, he would be a perfect
signing. Mbappe has recently hinted at a departure from his current French
club, and Zidane would be wise to throw his hat in the ring. Mbappe will
instantly bring a whole new aspect to lacking Madrid attack that failed to
perform with Karim Benzema at the 9. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Sign Alex Sandro<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Madrid’s massive rebuild also requires defensive
help. Sandro performed well in Juventus this year, and he would be in a
rotation for a starting left back role with Marcelo who got beat defensively
far too much last season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Paris Saint-Germain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Keep Kylian Mbappe and Neymar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The first priority for PSG needs to be to
keep their two superstars. While Edinson Cavani is a clinical star at the 9, Neymar
and Mbappe are the true superstars which make PSG’s attack so lethal. The
French club has already spent so much on securing their talents, if they spend
even more money to make them stay, they will secure one of Europe’s finest
attacks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Sign Paul Pogba/Wilfred Ndidi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Even with Ander Herrera on the way, PSG
needs some more defensive midfield help. If PSG wants to spend even more money
to create their super-squad, Paul Pogba would be the obvious choice. Pogba will
demand a high transfer fee and a high salary, but he will be able to make a
difference on the pitch box-to-box. Meanwhile, Ndidi is a much cheaper option,
but he has a wonderful work rate and is great at winning back possession. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Sign Kalidou Koulibaly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The center back would make an instant
impact on a defense that is actually pretty weak despite boasting some big
names. Alongside Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, Koulibaly would be a solid
addition and security blanket for PSG.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Manchester United<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Sell Alexis Sanchez, Sign Gareth Bale<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Yes, you heard me: Gareth Bale. Bale is so
out-of-favor in Madrid right now that United could swoop in and get him for
cheap. Sanchez has been horrible since his return to Manchester but selling him
will leave United with a more friendly wage budget as well as a wide open right
wing. Bale could very well return to his prior form if given a chance to return
to the Premier League.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Sell Ashley Young, Sign Aaron
Wan-Bissaka<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While United needs to sell most of their
players in order to complete their rebuild, signing Wan-Bissaka, arguably the Premier
League’s best right back last season, is also very important to rebuilding the
defense. Ashley Young was absolutely terrible (and overpaid).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Sign Mauro Icardi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With all the rumors pointing towards Romeluu
Lukaku leaving for Inter Milan, Icardi will most likely be put out of a job by
the talented Belgian. Icardi could very well be a fit in Ole Gunner’s system, but
he will be on a rotation with Marcus Rashford at the 9.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">FC Bayern Munich<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Sign Leroy Sane<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sane is one of the world’s best young
wingers, and he could come relatively cheap to the German giants. Signing Sane
would allow Bayern to push Gnabry to the inside of their formation behind Lewandowski
as a replacement for the aging Thomas Muller and the departing James Rodriguez.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Sign Erik Ten Hag as manager<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ten Hag had a wonderful year in Ajax this
season and is known for his ability to develop young players. With Bayern going
through a rebuild, Ten Hag is the right man for the job. Also, signing him
might lure one of his young stars from his current team. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Sign Matthis De Ligt <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Signing the world’s best young defender
would go a long way to bolster Bayern’s defense. If Bayern signs Ten Hag, this
could be a very possible option. The signings of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin
Pavard would allow Bayern a lot of freedom when it comes to the futures of
Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Liverpool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Sign Memphis Depay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Depay would give Liverpool even more
attacking help alongside Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino. While it
seems unlikely all four could share the pitch at the same time, it seems very
possible Depay could outplay Firmino and claim the starting striker spot to
further improve Liverpool’s newly redesigned attack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Sign Kai Havertz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Havertz would give Klopp a young attacking
midfield general who distributes the ball well and can also score goals when
needed. Havertz might develop nicely under his fellow German coach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Sign backup fullbacks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne
gone, plus the uncertain future of James Milner, Klopp needs some depth at the fullback
positions. Former FC Bayern backup Rafinha could be an option as a free
transfer and/or perhaps Dutchman Denzel Dumfries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-56337158477390074812019-05-24T19:14:00.000-07:002019-05-24T19:14:35.758-07:00FC Bayern Munich 2019 Summer Moves: Keep or Sell?With FC Bayern nearly losing the Bundesliga title to their rival club Borussia Dortmund, the club needs some major renovations. Many fans and pundits are calling for a major overhaul, and I explore what FC Bayern should do with each player in their squad.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Goalkeepers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Manuel Neuer – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Neuer still has a case for being the best goalkeeper
in the world, and as long as he is, he will not be replaced in Bayern. However,
there has already been some thought in finding a young prodigy to develop until
the time is right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sven Ulreich – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ulreich has filled his backup duties well so
far in Bayern. With Neuer being oft injured this campaign, Ulreich has stepped
up and played like a top goalkeeper. However, he will not be securing a
starting job at another world class club because of his sometimes
head-scratching mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Christian Fruchtl – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fruchtl is a young goalie who could be
groomed to become Bayern’s next starter if Neuer holds down his position for
the next 5 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Full Backs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Joshua Kimmich – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Kimmich is the best right back in the
world, and he led the Bundesliga in assists this past season. Kimmich will be
counted on to be a leader for many more years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">David Alaba – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Alaba is regarded as one of the world’s
best left backs, and he will continue to start at the left back role even after
an inconsistent season at Bayern and the arrival of Lucas Hernandez.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rafinha – Release<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rafinha enjoyed a fine career at Bayern,
but he is no longer world class material. Bayern decided to let his contract
run out, and he will be joining another team this summer where he will most
likely get more minutes on the pitch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Center Backs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Niklas Sule – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Current manager Niko Kovac has praised
Niklas Sule as his number 1 center back, and despite the arrivals of Lucas Hernandez
and Benjamin Pavard, Sule will be counted on to start and perform for Bayern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mats Hummels – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hummels is a German staple in Bayern’s
defense. Hummels is a sound player with good tactics, but he can make sloppy
mistakes in the back. While his play was far from great, he improved over the
course of the season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Jerome Boateng – Sell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Boateng used to be considered one of the
world’s best center backs before a disastrous World Cup and past campaign for
Bayern. He has become lazy and sloppy when making tackles and has proven to be
a liability for the Bundesliga champions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Central Midfield<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thiago – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thiago is the midfield general at Bayern;
he is a lock to start almost every game, and he ensures that Bayern keeps
possession and stay in control of the game. He was easily one of the best
players in the Bundesliga this season, and his consistent performances are what
managers rely on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Corentin Tolisso – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tolisso showed signs of immense potential
last season before being kept on the bench because of injuries. Tolisso could
be the next Thiago for Bayern, and his skill could eventually lead to a consistent
starting role with the Bavarian giants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Renato Sanches – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sanches does not get much playing under
Niko Kovac, and he could ask for a transfer or a loan soon. Sanches is a very
aggressive player who sprinkles in phenomenal plays with technical mistakes. However,
he is still young, and Bayern should keep him at least for the time being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wingers + Attacking midfielders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Arjen Robben – Release<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Robben decided it was time for him to go,
which signals an end of an era in Bayern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Franck Ribery – Release<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ribery also decided to leave the club in
the summer, which means neither piece of the Robbery duo will be intact after Bayern’s
DFB Pokal Final against RB Leipzig. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Kingsley Coman – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Coman was one of Bayern’s best players
this year despite missing time with injuries. Coman has made sure that he has a
starting spot in Bayern’s squad next year with his fantastic performances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">James Rodriguez – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While it seems very likely that James will
be leaving for Real Madrid after his loan deal expires, it would be best for the
German club to keep him. Keeping James in the rotation with the young Leon
Goretzka and the proven, consistent Thomas Muller would give whoever manages Bayern
next year an option at the attacking midfield spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Serge Gnabry – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Gnabry played very well on the opposite
wing of Coman this past season and has become one of Germany’s most talked
about young stars. His ability to score goals is unrivaled by any other winger
in the Bundesliga besides the likes of Marco Reus and Arjen Robben.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Leon Goretzka – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Goretzka plays very well at the attacking
midfield position, as his positioning is nearly flawless. He always finds
himself in the right spot and reminds a little bit of a younger Thomas Muller. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Alphonso Davies - Keep</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If Kovac stays on as Bayern manager, staying at Bayern will be the best thing for his career. Under Kovac, Davies saw time that he might not have received under a different manager. If he continues to get opportunities with the first team, his career should take off at Bayern.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thomas Muller – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While Muller is no longer the goal scoring
threat he used to be, he still makes the right plays and finds openings for
himself and his teammates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Strikers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Robert Lewandowski – Keep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While Bayern needs to invest in a backup for
the aging striker from Poland, Lewandowski is widely regarded as the world’s
best striker, and Bayern will do everything they can to keep him wearing the
red and blue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Players Incoming:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Lucas Hernandez LB/CB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Benjamin Pavard CB/RB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Likely Signings:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Callum Hudsoin-Odoi RW/LW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Leroy Sane LW<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Timo Werner ST<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-30503925570983084002019-05-02T13:12:00.002-07:002019-05-02T13:12:29.601-07:00NFC East Draft Grades1. Washington Redskins - A<br />
The Redskins killed this draft. Their first two picks were both steals, and the interior line help they secured will benefit them greatly. Finding Harmon and Moreland in the later rounds were incredible picks.<br />
Dwayne Haskins QB - A<br />
Haskins is the quarterback of the future in Washington, and they didn't even have to trade up to get him. Time will tell if he gets to immediately start over the likes of Case Keenum and possibly Alex Smith who is supposed to miss more time after his broken leg.<br />
Montez Sweat OLB/DE - A<br />
Sweat was a STEAL at 26 overall. The 'Skins, after losing pass rusher Preston Smith, add an arguably just as, if not more, talented edge defender in Sweat who will turn into one of the league's best outside linebackers.<br />
Terry McLaurin WR - B-<br />
McLaurin is fun to watch. He's a very fast receiver who has the ability to burn most defensive backs. The real question is if he is talented enough to make it on the field as a receiver and not just a returner.<br />
Bryce Love RB - A-<br />
Love was college football's best runner two years ago. After his torn ACL, he fell big time to the 'Skins who again got a major steal. Love and Guice will be able to dominate defenses as a solid one-two punch. Chris Thompson will be a viable pass-catching option as well.<br />
Wes Martin G - B<br />
Ross Pierschbacher C/G - B+<br />
Pierschbacher and Martin both are brought into shore up the weak interior of this O-Line. With Haskins, Love, and Guice looking like they'll be taking over, the Redskins want to make sure they won't have to deal with pressure coming up the middle at them.<br />
Cole Holcomb LB - B-<br />
Kelvin Harmon WR - A-<br />
Harmon is a very talented receiver who slipped a little bit on draft day. He reminds me of Corey Davis in tight space: somehow, he always makes an incredible catch and comes down with the ball. When contested, Harmon is one of the best 50/50 ball receivers in the class.<br />
Jimmy Moreland CB - A-<br />
Moreland was a solid pick, especially so late in the draft. He's an exceptional playmaker and will haul in his fair share of interceptions with some nice returns attached.<br />
Jordan Brailford OLB - C+<br />
<br />
2. Philadelphia Eagles - A-<br />
Eagles made a move for the future while securing a couple of potential offensive playmakers.<br />
Andre Dillard T - A-<br />
Dillard is an excellent offensive tackle who will learn the ropes from two of the NFL's best in Jason Peters and Lane Johnson before eventually replacing Peters at left tackle. While you usually want your first round pick to make an impact right away, Dillard has enough talent to warrant taking him here even if he won't start his rookie season.<br />
Miles Sanders RB - B+<br />
The Eagles filled a need with Sanders who is somewhat inexperienced as a college running back, but he does have a lot of potential. While Sanders isn't the best runner in this class, the Eagles could have done much worse.<br />
JJ Arcega-Whiteside WR - B+<br />
Arcega-Whiteside will give Philly another good red zone option beside Alshon Jefferey and Zach Ertz. With DeSean Jackson returning though, Arcega-Whiteside might be pressed to find playing time.<br />
Shareef Miller DE - B<br />
Miller is the second Penn State player taken by Philadelphia, and he will be looked to immediately jump into the rotation at defensive end.<br />
Clayton Thorson QB - C+<br />
<br />
3. Dallas Cowboys - B<br />
The 'Boys brought in some more depth on both lines and grabbed a couple of DBs to help shore up the secondary... not too bad.<br />
Trysten Hill DT - B<br />
Hill is a bit of reach here in the second round after barely playing last year, but his talent shows in the tape. The defensive staff in Dallas like him, and he just adds more depth to an already well-rounded Dallas D-Line.<br />
Connor McGovern G - B<br />
Left guard has been an issue for Dallas ever since the departure of Ronald Leary, and McGovern will hopefully be able to either fill it or backup a promising Connor Williams.<br />
Tony Pollard RB - B-<br />
Pollard backed up Darrell Henderson at Memphis, but he is a great return man. His speed and size allow him to play running back and receiver and could be a Tavon Austin sort of weapon for the Cowboys offense.<br />
Michael Jackson CB - C+<br />
Joe Jackson DE - B<br />
Jackson is a physical defensive end who will come in and immediately get some rotational snaps with the Cowboys. The defensive line was already one of the best in the league, and it just got better with the addition of Jackson.<br />
Donovan Wilson S - B-<br />
There's a big gap at safety for the Cowboys after they failed to sign Earl Thomas, and Donovan Wilson will be competing with Jeff Heath for starting snaps.<br />
Mike Weber RB - B-<br />
Weber is a solid pick here to help give Ezekiel Elliott his occasional break.<br />
Jalen Jelks DE - C+<br />
<br />
4. New York Giants - C+<br />
The Giants made some strange picks this draft, but they did really work on the corner position and bring in a couple other valuable pieces.<br />
Daniel Jones QB - C+<br />
The most disappointing pick in the NFL draft, GM Dave Gettleman opted to take Duke QB Daniel Jones at 6 instead of record setting Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins or just waiting to 17 to take a quarterback. While Jones is a decent player, even as the 6th pick he'll be sitting for a couple years behind the washed up Eli Manning.<br />
Dexter Lawrence DT - B+<br />
Lawrence's big body will clog up the middle in DC James Bettcher's 3-4 defense, but the Giants seem like they already have that position covered with Damon Harrison. Lawrence's snaps will be limited as a backup, but when he's in offenses will have a hard time running the ball up the middle.<br />
DeAndre Baker CB - B<br />
Baker is my top rated corner in the draft, but his attitude is poor. If he can stay away from suspensions and being a cancer in the locker room, he could be a star. He is essentially an Eli Apple 2.0.<br />
Oshane Ximines OLB - C+<br />
Ximines was a talented pass rusher, but he lacks the size to be dominant straightaway in the NFL.<br />
Julian Love CB - B<br />
Love was one of the best corners in college football last year. Pairing him with DeAndre Baker could be a match made in heaven for the Giants secondary.<br />
Ryan Connelly LB - C+<br />
Darius Slayton WR - C<br />
Corey Ballentine CB - B-<br />
The Giants really went after the cornerback position, and they fared pretty well. The depth they've assembled in this draft has been a great start to re-loading their defense. Now it looks like offense is their sole problem... Good thing they'll probably be back with some high draft picks next year.<br />
George Asafo-Adjei T - C+<br />
Chris Slayton DT - CBDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-52245963082936694922019-05-01T13:54:00.001-07:002019-05-02T10:41:27.206-07:00NFC West Draft Grades1. Arizona Cardinals - A<br />
The Cardinals draft was near perfect, and a strong sign that if Arizona doesn't bounce back to being a top 20 team this year, they will for sure in the next three years.<br />
Kyler Murray QB - A<br />
The Cardinals got their quarterback in the future in Kyler Murray who has all the tools to dominate under Kliff Kingsbury. Murray will be able to use his legs and arm to quickly become one of the league's best dual-threat quarterbacks.<br />
Byron Murphy CB - A-<br />
With the rumors that Patrick Peterson is becoming unsettled in Arizona, the Cardinals needed to take a defensive back high in this draft. Murphy is one of the best in this class, and if he isn't forced to replace Peterson, the pair could develop into one of the best CB tandems.<br />
Andy Isabella WR - A-<br />
Isabella is a quick slot receiver that lives off of route running and gaining separation for catches. Separation was not easy to come by for Cards receivers last year, and it didn't help that Josh Rosen seldom got them the ball when they did find some space. With Isabella, the Cards get a Julian Edelman/Cole Beasley type guy who will make a huge impact if utilized in the right manner.<br />
Zach Allen DE - B+<br />
The Cardinals did well in bringing in another defensive end. The talent in the front seven had been dwindling ever since the departure of Bruce Arians. Allen will be able to contribute right away.<br />
Hakeem Butler WR - A-<br />
While Butler is not great with his hands (lots of dropped passes), he is tremendous value in the fourth round. His big body and athleticism could lead him to become one of this draft's best receivers, but that will only happen if he can learn to catch the ball on a consistent basis.<br />
Deionte Thomspon - A<br />
Thompson, another tremendous value at where he came off the board, was a star safety at Alabama. There is no reason to expect him to change now that he's in the NFL, and he could be one of the steals of the draft.<br />
Keesean Johnson WR - B<br />
Johnson has good hands and will be able to add some more depth to a receiver corps that now boasts Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and himself. Murray will have plenty of options to go to, but Fitzgerald and Johnson might be the most sure-handed of the group.<br />
Lamont Gaillard C - B-<br />
Gaillard is a quality pick because it fills the need at offensive line. If they want to be successful, the Cardinals have to keep Murray upright, and the line from last year simply isn't good enough. Gaillard might be counted on to jump in right away.<br />
Joshua Miles T - B-<br />
Miles is another quality pick simply because of the lack of talent on the OL. Marcus Gilbert is a star at the tackle position, but DJ Humphries is unreliable at best. If Humphries continues to struggle, Miles could make a push to start over him in his rookie season.<br />
Michael Dogbe DT - C+<br />
Caleb Wilson TE - C+<br />
<br />
2. Los Angeles Rams - B+<br />
The Rams did well to address certain positions of need, but they could've gotten some better value.<br />
Taylor Rapp S - A-<br />
Rapp will finish off an already strong secondary after Lamarcus Joyner left for Oakland in free agency.<br />
Darrell Henderson RB - A<br />
The Rams got my my top rated running back in the draft in Henderson, and he will make an immediate impact amid Todd Gurley's injury concerns. Henderson can be the CJ Anderson for the Rams in 2019, but eventually his talent will be too great, and he will look for a starting gig elsewhere.<br />
David Long RB - C+<br />
Drafting RBs back to back is never a great option, but I really didn't like this pick especially after picking up a guy like Henderson. Long will either beat out Henderson for the lead backup role, or sit on the bench all year.<br />
Bobby Evans G - B-<br />
The Rams get a big powerful guy to put on the inside of their line to break open holes for Gurley and Henderson/Long.<br />
Greg Gaines DT -<br />
David Edwards T - B<br />
Nick Scott S - B-<br />
Dakota Allen LB - B<br />
Dakota Allen had tremendous value in the 7th round is one of the best 7th round picks you'll see this year. If he makes it on to the field this year, I think he could have a nice year as a rotational player in the Rams front seven.<br />
<br />
3. Seattle Seahawks - B<br />
The Seahawks made some good moves, but reached in a few places.<br />
LJ Collier DE - C+<br />
Collier is a good player, but he was a major reach in the first round. He should get some valuable snaps at defensive end as a replacement for Frank Clark, but he will have nowhere near the same sort of impact.<br />
Marquise Blair S - B<br />
With Kam Chancellor hanging it up, and Earl Thomas enjoying his last days in Baltimore, the 'Hawks desperately needed help at safety. Blair should be able to contribute, but he will be a work-in-progress for the next few years.<br />
DK Metcalf WR - B<br />
Metcalf has the physical ability to dominate in this league, but there is some concern with his agility and footwork. Metcalf is a physical freak, so if he can progress in certain areas of his game, he could be the best receiver in this draft.<br />
Cody Barton LB - B-<br />
Gary Jennings WR - C+<br />
Phil Haynes G - B-<br />
Haynes will be expected to be one of the pieces to rebuild and revitalize this offensive line. No one wants to see Russell Wilson on the ground, especially after he's sucking over 150 million dollars out of their pockets.<br />
Ugo Amadi CB - C+<br />
Ben Burr-Kirven LB - C+<br />
Travis Homer RB - C+<br />
Homer was a solid pick, especially since Seattle doesn't have a true RB1 at the moment, but it might've been a better move for the 'Hawks to nab a runner earlier in the draft.<br />
Demarcus Christmas DT - B+<br />
Christmas is a very good football player, and if he can stay healthy, he can be a dominant force on this young Seahawks' defensive line.<br />
John Ursua WR - D+<br />
<br />
4. San Francisco 49ers - B-<br />
The Niners continue to improve their roster, and if Jimmy G can finally stay healthy, they have a chance to be a decent team this year. However, this draft, even though it was fine, could've gone a lot better.<br />
Nick Bosa DE - A<br />
Bosa is the best edge defender in this draft by far, and he will easily become a consistent Pro-Bowler in the NFL.<br />
Deebo Samuel WR - B+<br />
Samuel has good speed and was a good pickup for the 49ers who need targets for their franchise QB.<br />
Jalen Hurd WR - C+<br />
Hurd is a former running back that didn't really excel as either a runner or a receiver so it will be interesting to see how he is used in this offense. Of the few coaches that can maximize the potential of an offensive player by moving him around in an offense, Kyle Shanahan is one of them.<br />
Mitch Wishnowsky P - C+<br />
Wishnowsky is an amazing punter, and I can see how John Lynch might have gotten excited and jumped the gun a bit by taking him in the 4th round, but if he's not going to be there for your next pick, why not, am I right? Anyways, this guy is a phenomenal player, but the value for a punter in round 4 just isn't there most the time.<br />
Dre Greenlaw LB - B-<br />
The Niners helped fill some depth in a position of need with Greenlaw. After losing Patrick Willis, NaVarro Bowman, Aldon Smith, and now Rueben Foster, San Francisco's linebackers have been dropping like flies.<br />
Kaden Smith TE - B-<br />
Stanford consistently produces good tight ends, and it looks like they're continuing the trend with Kaden Smith. Even though San Francisco already has Pro-Bowler George Kittle, Smith will play a nice backup role to the young star.<br />
Justin Skule T - B-<br />
Tim Harris CB - C+<br />
The 49ers really needed a corner 4 or 5 rounds earlier than this. But, Harris is better than nothing I guess. Harris will come in and play a few rotational snaps for San Fran this year, but Lynch and Shanahan need to get some further help at this position across from Richard Sherman.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-62993100443506957502019-04-29T11:56:00.000-07:002019-04-29T11:56:07.652-07:002019 AFC East Draft Grades<br />
1. Buffalo Bills - A<div>
<div>
The Bills got some valuable additions at the line on both sides of the ball with 7 of their 8 selections being players who will take at least a portion of their snaps at the line of scrimmage.<br />Ed Oliver DT/DE - A+</div>
<div>
Oliver supposedly has the most potential out of any of his draftmates and could become the next interior rusher and run stopper Buffalo has needed since the decline of franchise icon Kyle Williams.<br /><div>
Cody Ford T/G - A</div>
<div>
Ford will bring some much needed help to a weak offensive line. Securing Ford in the second round was one hell of a pick by Buffalo. </div>
<div>
Devin Singletary LB - B-</div>
<div>
Dawson Knox TE - B-</div>
<div>
Vosean Joseph LB - B+</div>
<div>
Jaquan Johnson S - A-</div>
<div>
Johnson is a hard hitting safety who has the potential to become a big-time player who fits the same sort of mold as Kam Chancellor. </div>
<div>
Darryl Johnson Sr DE - C+</div>
<div>
Tommy Sweeney TE - C+</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. New England Patriots - A-</div>
<div>
The Pats got another weapon for Tom Brady while also filling some gaps on the defensive side.<br /><div>
N'Keal Harry WR - A-</div>
<div>
Harry is a big receiver who has the potential to be a Dez Bryant/Brandon Marshall sort of player for the Pats. If he stays in New England his entire career, and Tom Brady plays 4 more years, I think Harry will be in the hall of fame when it all comes to a close.</div>
<div>
Joejuan Williams CB - A-</div>
<div>
Williams is a smart player that fits right into Bill Bellichick's scheme and system. Williams has plenty of size and could become one of the league's best physical lockdown corners. His arrival at the Patriots gives New England some secondary size they haven't seen since Brandon Browner. </div>
<div>
Chase Winovich DE - B+</div>
<div>
Damien Harris RB - B</div>
<div>
Harris is a good player, but he will struggle to find any reps behind young studs Sony Michel and James White not to mention Jeremy Hill and Rex Burkhead. </div>
<div>
Yodny Cajuste T - B</div>
<div>
Hajalte Frodholt G - B-</div>
<div>
Froholt is a very physical interior lineman and could be groomed by the greatest OL coach of all-time, Dante Scarnecchia, to become a full-fledged starter in New England within the next 5 years.</div>
<div>
Jarrett Stidham QB - C+</div>
<div>
Stidham struggled immensely his last year in Auburn, so he fell to the Patriots in the fourth round. While Stidham obviously has talent, I don't believe he's the answer in New England. </div>
<div>
Byron Cowart DT - C+</div>
<div>
Jake Bailey P - C+</div>
<div>
Trading up to take a punter is a strange move, but the Pats executed it on day 3 of the draft. Bailey will be expected to replace Ryan Allen by the end of the season.</div>
<div>
Ken Webster CB - C+</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Miami Dolphins - C+</div>
<div>
While the Dolphins might not have had a lot of picks, they made up for quantity with quality in their first two selections for sure. </div>
<div>
Christian Wilkins DT -A</div>
<div>
The 'Fins secured the second best true DT in the draft in Wilkins. His big body will be a huge issue interior offensive linemen especially on run plays. </div>
<div>
Michael Deiter G - B-</div>
<div>
Andrew van Ginkel LB - C+</div>
<div>
Isaiah Prince T - B</div>
<div>
Chandler Cox FB - C</div>
<div>
Myles Gaskins RB - C</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. New York Jets - C+</div>
<div>
The Jets landed two top defenders in the first two rounds and then proceed to bring in a big body TE in Trevon Wesco. </div>
<div>
Quinnen Williams DT - A+</div>
<div>
Arguably the best player in the draft, the Jets now get to pair Williams with Leonard Williams and DC Gregg Williams to officially be underway in their DL rebuilding project. With another piece or two, this Gang Green DL could be quite scary. </div>
<div>
Jachai Polite LB - B+</div>
<div>
Polite was very highly rated going into the draft and possesses great speed and burst to chase down runners or the quarterback. His run defense needs some improvement, but other than that he has all the tools to be a successful outside 3-4 linebacker. </div>
<div>
Chuma Edoga T - C+</div>
<div>
Trevon Wesco TE - C+</div>
<div>
Blake Cashman LB - B-</div>
<div>
Blessuan Austin CB - C</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-39963195437803182432019-04-25T21:41:00.003-07:002019-04-25T22:28:32.105-07:002019 NFL Draft Round 1 Analysis<ol>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Kyler Murray –
Arizona Cardinals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Cardinals land their quarterback of the future in
Murray. The arrival of Kliff Kingsbury signaled the end of the short yet bitter
Josh Rosen experiment. With Murray under center, the Cardinals offense
immediately gets better. If the Cardinals can fix up their offensive line in
the next few rounds, this offense could be deadly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Nick Bosa – San Francisco
49ers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Bosa is the best defensive end in the draft and easily
one of the most physically gifted. He will be a monster from the edge for San
Francisco especially paired with DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Solomon
Thomas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 49ers D-Line is built for
the next 10 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Quinnen Williams –
New York Jets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Gregg Williams landed his guy in Quinnen Williams.
Williams is a dominant force down the middle and will butcher NFL centers and
guards alike. Now that he’s together with yet another Williams (Leonard
Williams), his play could quickly elevate him to one of the NFL’s best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Clelin Ferrell –
Oakland Raiders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Wow. A HUGE surprise here for Oakland. Instead of
snagging one of the best pass rushers in the draft (Josh Allen) or a talent
that dominates every down in the middle of the field (Devin White) or a
positionless front seven player with immense potential (Ed Oliver), Jon Gruden
elects to go with Clelin Ferrell who was predicted to go into the 20s. Strange
pick, but Ferrell will definitely improve this terrible Raiders pass rush. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Devin White –
Tampa Bay Buccaneers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Devin White is almost the exact same player as Roquan
Smith coming out of college last year. He is fast, great pursuit skills, and
has the potential to dominate on every down. Buccaneers fans will love him next
to Lavonte David as a replacement for Kwon Alexander. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Daniel Jones – New
York Giants<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Also a shocking pick, Giants fans were not happy with
the selection of Duke QB Daniel Jones. However, Jones might turn out to be a
Pro-Bowl caliber QB who could lead this team to the playoffs once Eli Manning
retires and some talent decides to join this team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Josh Allen –
Jacksonville Jaguars<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Jags got the best player available in Josh Allen.
Allen logged 17 sacks with Kentucky last year, and his stock has skyrocketed
these past few weeks. With former top 3 pick Dante Fowler Jr. now taking snaps
in Los Angeles for the Rams, there is a wide open spot alongside Myles Jack and
Telvin Smith for Allen to start immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">TJ Hockenson –
Detroit Lions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Hockenson was coveted by Matt Patricia’s former boss
Bill Bellichick so it’s no surprise that he fits into Patricia’s offensive
scheme as well. After Ebron was dealt to Indianapolis, the Lions have missed a
consistent stud at the TE position. Hockenson will fill that need and give the
Lions what could be the next Rob Gronkowski.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Ed Oliver –
Buffalo Bills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Bills snagged one of the players with the highest
potential in Ed Oliver. Oliver will start from Day 1 for a Bills team that has
a lot of holes to fill. Oliver can take snaps on the interior of the D-Line,
but he can move outside as well at DE and even OLB. If he’s utilized properly,
he can become one of the best at wreaking havoc upon offenses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Devin Bush – Pittsburgh Steelers (TRADE with Denver
Broncos)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Bush was the second best interior linebacker in the
draft and for a good cause. He is very quick on his feet with good speed to
chase down running backs and mobile quarterbacks. On a team that’s missing a
good starting interior linebacker with the absence of Ryan Shazier, Bush will
be able to take his game to the next level next to another young star
linebacker in TJ Watt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jonah Williams – Cincinnati Bengals <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Bengals bolstered their tackle position with a
solid selection in Jonah Williams. Andy Dalton will be loving this pick,
especially since it was rumored that the Bengals were looking to take a
quarterback to replace him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Rashan Gary – Green Bay Packers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Gary, who was rumored to be one of the New York Giant’s
primary targets at number 6, will be expected to make an impact right away for
the Packers. Gary’s athleticism will serve him very well as he looks to spark
the rebuild of the Green Bay defense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Christian Wilkins – Miami Dolphins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Wilkins was supposedly locked in for the Falcons at
14, but the Dolphins snagged him one pick beforehand. Since the departure of
Ndamukong Suh, the Dolphins have not been able to find a dominant franchise
presence in the middle of their line. Now, with Wilkins and his big body, the ‘Fins
will have no issue clogging up the middle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Chris Lindstrom – Atlanta Falcons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Falcons shore up their offensive line to keep stars
Matt Ryan and Devonta Freeman safe and hopefully of the injury list. The
Falcons look fairly well-rounded as a whole and stacked offensively on the
surface, time will tell if they can finally use that talent to its full
potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Dwayne Haskins – Washington Redskins<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Haskins was the number one ranked quarterback coming
into the draft and a favorite to go to the Giants at 6 fighting with Rashan
Gary. However, the Giants opted for a different quarterback which lead to
Haskins falling to the Redskins at 15. With Alex Smith only getting older and
possibly not playing this year after breaking his leg last season, Haskins
could be thrown into the fire in his first NFL season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Panthers were able to secure one of the best edge
rushers in the draft at number 16. Burns will be a quick, athletic outside
rusher for Carolina for years to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Dexter Lawrence – New York Giants<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">While getting shocked and angry reactions after
reaching to take Daniel Jones at 6, the Giants did not seek to make things any
better at number 17. Lawrence is a heck of a player and will clog the middle of
the line for New York, he was not the sexiest pick the Giants could’ve taken
especially with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Garrett Bradbury – Minnesota Vikings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Bradbury will finally bring some interior help to the
Minnesota offensive line to help open up some holes for Dalvin Cook and give
some time to veteran Kirk Cousins. This offense of the Vikings could wind up
becoming very deadly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jeffery Simmons – Tennessee Titans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Titans grabbed another dominant interior defender
in Simmons who will help establish the defensive scheme coach Vrabel has been
seeking to install in Tennessee. This could be the start of a dominant
Tennessee defense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Noah Fant – Denver Broncos (TRADE with Pittsburgh
Steelers)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Broncos secured a pair of picks for moving down 10
selections just to take a player who will fit their offense perfectly. Joe
Flacco will have his Jason Witten-like security blanket to find on every down
in Noah Fant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Darnell Savage Jr – Green Bay Packers (TRADE with
Seattle Seahawks)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Packers moved up to take Darnell Savage which was
a very questionable move because Savage was not projected to go until the
mid-second round. However, Savage is a good player who will seek to fill the
safety position for the Pack for a long time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Andre Dillard – Philadelphia Eagles (TRADE with
Baltimore Ravens)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Dillard cements an already solid offensive line in
Philly. Wentz will certainly have plenty of protection around him. The Eagles
are making all the right moves to ensure that Wentz doesn’t go down hurt again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Tytus Howard – Houston Texans<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Even with top rated tackle Jawaan Taylor still on the
board, the Texans opted for Tytus Howard instead. Howard will have to start
right away for the Texans whose offensive line struggles were very obvious
during the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Josh Jacobs – Oakland Raiders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">With Marshawn Lynch retiring, Gruden secured his
running back of the future in ex-Alabama stud Josh Jacobs. Jacobs does not have
much experience, but he plays with the physical style that Gruden likes out of
his starting runners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Marquise Brown – Baltimore Ravens (TRADE with
Philadelphia Eagles)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Brown is a super speedy receiver that will finally
give Baltimore a replacement for Steve Smith who left a few years ago for
retirement. The Ravens are very fast on offense with Lamar Jackson, Mark
Ingram, and Marquise Brown all together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Montez Sweat – Washington Redskins (TRADE with
Indianapolis Colts)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Sweat is one of the best edge defensive
line/linebackers in the draft, but he has had some off-field issues which has
hurt him. Sweat will be a difference maker on defense for this Washington team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Johnathan Abram – Oakland Raiders<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Raiders use their final first rounder on Abram to
shore up their secondary. With Ferrell already drafted to help with the pass
rush, Abram will be looked upon to cap the defense and lock down the deep balls
behind a solid cornerback group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jeffery Tillery – Los Angeles Chargers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A pass rushing interior defensive linemen who will
bring some youth to an aging DT group for the Chargers. He fills a need inside
between already proven pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">29.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">LJ Collier – Seattle Seahawks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">After dealing away Frank Clark, the ‘Hawks were
desperate for some edge defenders in the draft. Collier was a good starting
step even though he was a bit of a reach based off pre-draft ratings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">30.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">DeAndre Baker – New York Giants (TRADE with Green Bay
Packers)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Baker is one of the highest rated CBs in the class,
and he will make an impact for this New York team who just lost safety Landon
Collins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">31.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Kaleb McGary – Atlanta Falcons (TRADE with Los Angeles
Rams)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Falcons moved up just to take their second
offensive lineman of the draft. McGary and Lindstrom will pair well together in
Atlanta as they continue to revamp their offensive line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">32.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">N’Keal Harry – New England Patriots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">After signing Demaryius Thomas, the Pats brought in
some more help for Tom Brady. With Rob Gronkowski gone, Kraft and Bellichick
have made it a priority to find big, athletic receivers for Brady to get the
ball to. If Harry remains healthy and stays in New England, he could easily
develop into a Hall-of-Famer.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-58026343155285649902019-03-27T22:25:00.003-07:002019-03-27T22:25:36.652-07:00Ranking the Sweet 161. Duke Blue Devils<br />
Even after a narrow escape from UCF, the Zion, RJ, and Cam trio remains on top. With a defender like Tre Jones at the point, and Javin down low doing a decent job replacing the injured star center Marques Bolden, the Blue Devils reign supreme.<br />
<br />
2. North Carolina Tar Heels<br />
The Tar Heels boast one of the best freshmen scorers in the nation in Coby White as well as an athletic freak Nassir Little. Luke Maye destroyed the Washington Huskies' defense with his vision and shooting abilities.<br />
<br />
3. Gonzaga Bulldogs<br />
The Bulldogs absolutely ripped the Baylor Bears apart. Rui Hachimura and Brandon Clarke form the best big man duo in the NCAA and are leading this team to what could be an elite eight berth.<br />
<br />
4. Virginia Cavaliers<br />
This Cavaliers team has its ups and downs, but the squad as a whole knows how to find open looks and knock down shots.<br />
<br />
5. Kentucky Wildcats<br />
Kentucky has one of the best defenses left in the tournament, but their offense remains in question. PJ Washington's status is such a major factor in whether this team could go all the way.<br />
<br />
6. Michigan State Spartans<br />
Michigan State's depth is what has pushed them this far in the tournament. Despite Cassius Winston playing out of his mind, the rest of the team has stepped up and gotten the job done.<br />
<br />
7. Tennessee Volunteers<br />
Tennessee's combo of Admiral Schofield and Grant Williams will help this offensively loaded Tennessee squad to get the ball in the basket repeatedly. If the Vols can get boards and start to clamp down on other teams, the sky's the limit.<br />
<br />
8. Houston Cougars<br />
One of the most underrated teams left in the tournament, the University of Houston men's basketball program has burst onto the scene this year. This team is talented and works hard. Quite the combination for a sweet 16 team.<br />
<br />
9. Michigan Wolverines<br />
Michigan's defense is what has propelled them this far in the tournament. While the team lacks the big names that schools like Duke, North Carolina, and Gonzaga all boast, Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis lead this team offensively, and they will need to make a splash if this team wants to make a push for the title.<br />
<br />
10. Texas Tech Red Raiders<br />
Texas Tech is another school which boasts top-notch defense. In fact, they are the best defensive team left in the tournament. Jarrett Culver is really the Red Raiders entire offense. He leads the team in points (18.7), rebounds (6.3), and assists (3.7).<br />
<br />
11. Florida State Seminoles<br />
Florida State might be ranked too low here, but their ability to repeatedly turn the ball over makes them settle in at 11. However, their size and length ensure that they will not get beat on the boards which can make a huge impact, especially on the offensive end.<br />
<br />
12. Louisiana State Tigers<br />
Tremont Waters has used this season and this tournament to showcase his skills. He has proven that he is a phenomenal player, and he can make spectacular plays. If their is an issue with this LSU team, it is bouncing back after they lost their head coach Will Wade to a big NCAA scandal.<br />
<br />
13. Auburn Tigers<br />
This Auburn team is a classic run-and-gun squad. They will get after you defensively and force you to make quick, smart decisions with the ball. Then, after forcing a turnover or getting a rebound, they will push the floor and penetrate and kick. This team loves to shoot the deep ball. If they're feeling it, Auburn can beat any team in the NCAA.<br />
<br />
14. Purdue Boilermakers<br />
Purdue has had a very good year with Carsen Edwards leading the charge. They've taken down Michigan State and Villanova this year. The question is do they have enough firepower on both ends to get the job done once more.<br />
<br />
15. Oregon Ducks<br />
Imagine if the Ducks still had Bol Bol. They could be serious title contenders right now. Unfortunately for Ducks faithful, Bol is done for the year with injury. However, Peyton Pritchard has done a phenomenal job stepping up on the offensive end and leading this team with his scoring and passing. Kenny Wooten has been an absolute force down low.<br />
<br />
16. Virginia Tech Hokies<br />
The combination of Justin Robinson and Kerry Blackshear Jr. is lethal, and the other teams left have a right to fear the Hokies. As a team, Virginia Tech shoots the 3-ball extremely well, but I think if VT has any hope at advancing towards that national championship, they're going to have to some big performances out of their two stars.<br />
<br />BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-77692013252022279122019-01-30T22:10:00.003-08:002019-01-30T22:10:57.524-08:00Best Landing Spots for Anthony DavisTop 5 Teams for Anthony Davis<br />
1. Boston Celtics<br />
The Celtics are the best place for AD because of their great ball movement offense and their fantastic defensive gameplan. AD will no longer be left alone to carry the burden on both ends of the court, and will be paired along multiple other stars. His development under Brad Stevens could also help him fulfill the entirety of his potential.<br />
<br />
2. Los Angeles Lakers<br />
The Lakers are a good landing spot for AD because they boast the best player in the league along with several knockdown shooters on the perimeter as well as two of the league's best passers in Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball. While some of these assets will most likely be traded in order to attain AD, the foundation will remain.<br />
<br />
3. Portland Trail Blazers<br />
Playing with an All-Star backcourt like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will not only help Anthony Davis's efficiency, but also the efficiency of Lillard and McCollum. The inside-outside game will be the strongest in the league and could be the missing piece that this Portland team has been searching for.<br />
<br />
4. Phoenix Suns<br />
While the Suns have the second worst record in the NBA right now and a terrible coaching staff to go along with it, Devin Booker has expressed his high interest in making a superteam in Phoenix. He could recruit his fellow Kentucky Wildcat alumnus Anthony Davis. Alongside rookie big man DeAndre Ayton and emerging offensive star TJ Warren, AD could make a huge difference in the desert. Including help Devin Booker lead the Suns to their first playoff berth since the Steve Nash era.<br />
<br />
5. Miami Heat<br />
While Davis would have to resume his carrying-the-team heroics, he would be able to pair up with another star big man in Hassan Whiteside. Whiteside and Davis would team to be the best post defending combo in the league and would shut down opposing teams in the paint. However, offensively Davis would have to carry the majority of the burden especially with Dwayne Wade retiring and Goran Dragic getting older.<br />
<br />
Most Likely Teams for AD<br />
1. Los Angeles Lakers<br />
Magic Johnson and the Lakers seem ready to do whatever it takes to get AD. Even if it means separating with LA's own: the Ball family. Look for a possible package to include Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and a few draft picks. This blockbuster could wreck LAL in the post-LeBron era by ridding the Lakers of their youthful stars.<br />
<br />
2. Boston Celtics<br />
Reports are that the Celtics will aggressively pursue Davis before the Feb 7 trade deadline to ensure that Davis does not get moved until the offseason. Once the offseason comes, the Celtics are open to dealing anyone or anything barring Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum for AD. The reason why the Celtics cannot make a move before the deadline is because both Kyrie and AD's contracts are under the 'Rose Rule', and the league does not allow for a single team to have two players with such contracts on their roster at the same time.<br />
<br />
3. New York Knicks<br />
The Knicks have already been feeling around the trade market looking for interest in their 'stars.' The Knicks have also been very active in trying to spark trade talks for AD. It is possible that AD looks to pair up with another established big man for the second time in his career. If it happens, AD will be hoping it lasts longer this time around.<br />
<br />
4. Chicago Bulls<br />
The Bulls really want AD. Is it because they have 11 wins? Maybe. But if the Bulls can hold on to their lottery pick in this year's draft and also somehow secure Anthony Davis, a team of Ja Morant/RJ Barrett, Zach Lavine, Jabari Parker, Lauri Markannen, and Anthony Davis seems pretty formidable.<br />
<br />
5. Toronto Raptors<br />
The Raptors want AD just so they can convince Kawhi to stay. While Leonard has enjoyed an impressive season in Canada, AD would essentially replace out of favor Jonas Valunciunas or perhaps even the in form Serge Ibaka. Really, the Raptors just want to make a splash here in order to try to keep their golden boy from escaping to LA.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-89716202563072058462018-12-16T23:30:00.000-08:002018-12-16T23:30:14.270-08:00Week 15 Power RankingsThere is not an analysis for every team, but the power rankings for Week 15 of the 2018-19 NFL season are listed below. Hope you enjoy!<br />
<br />
1. New Orleans Saints<br />
Drew Brees is the obvious MVP. His touchdown to interception ratio is unbelievable, and leading this Saints team to an 11-3 start is tremendous especially with the inconsistency of the defense.<br />
<br />
2. Kansas City Chiefs<br />
Back to back quarterback shout outs must be well deserved, and Patrick Mahomes deserves this one. An incredible first year as a starter he has been absolutely magnificent and re-shaped the game much like Stephen Curry re-shaped NBA basketball. Mahomes has begun to turn the league into a high-scoring pass-based system just as Stephen Curry turned the NBA towards a three point centered game.<br />
<br />
3. Los Angeles Rams<br />
While Todd Gurley is obviously one of the most physically gifted players in the NFL, his mental awareness could use some work. While the Rams entire roster is so loaded that they should theoretically never be losing, in tight situations at the ends of games, Todd Gurley has got to know to get out of bounds. He didn't against Philadelphia, and he cost his team a very good chance at sending the game into overtime.<br />
<br />
4. Los Angeles Chargers<br />
Phillip Rives has established himself as the most underrated player in the NFL. He should be a frontrunner for MVP alongside Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes, but instead he silently assassinates opposing defenses to carry his team to an 11-3 record.<br />
<br />
5. Chicago Bears<br />
Tarik Cohen has become the newest small and quick phenomenon in the NFL. A great pass-catcher and good runner, Cohen has sparked this offense to life this year. The real story is the impact of Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks on the other side of the ball, though. These two guys have single handedly destroyed game plans this year. Of course it helps when the rest of the defense is loaded with young All-Pro talents like Eddie Jackson, Adrian Amos, and Kyle Fuller.<br />
<br />
6. Houston Texans<br />
Ever since the trade for Demaryius Thomas, the Texans have been going off. While Thomas's production certainly does not show that he is the reason for their recent success, the offense has begun to click better than ever and have landed themselves the 2 seed in the AFC which could prove very beneficial if they can hold on to it for the playoffs.<br />
<br />
7. Pittsburgh Steelers<br />
JuJu Smith-Schuster has become one of the best receivers in the NFL in such a short time. The kid is incredible. The combination of Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Eli Rogers, and the indestructible offensive line is enough to scare any team. Usually, Big Ben and the Steelers' O likes to stall out come playoff time, but this year, this offensive line is the best the Steel Curtain has had to offer in over 5 years.<br />
<br />
8. New England Patriots<br />
The Patriots are too inconsistent. Either the offense is off and the defense is on or the offense is on and the defense is off. While credit must also be given to opposing teams, last-second lateral plays should never be game-winners and 10 points in an hour's worth of football is unacceptable. Once the offense and defense get in sync though, this team could be scary... very scary.<br />
<br />
9. Philadelphia Eagles<br />
Nick Foles is the best quarterback for the Eagles. Carson Wentz might have more skill, but Foles has shown repeatedly that he can get the job done in Philly under Doug Pederson. Now that Wentz is hurt yet again, Foles has transformed this Eagles offense into a very scary machine. Michael Bennett continues to dominate on the defensive end, and if the Eagles can somehow wiggle their way into the playoffs, the odds for a back-to-back world champion wouldn't be too bizarre.<br />
<br />
10. Minnesota Vikings<br />
<br />
11. Indianapolis Colts<br />
<br />
12. Baltimore Ravens<br />
Lamar Jackson has provided the spark that this Ravens team needed. The Louisville speedster has lead the Ravens to an 8-6 overall record on the year and favorable odds for a playoff spot.<br />
<br />
13. Seattle Seahawks<br />
14. Dallas Cowboys<br />
The offense is repulsive. Dak Prescott was a one-season wonder for the 'Boys and could qualify to be the league's best backup quarterback someday. For now, looks like Jerry Jones wants to stick with the former Mississippi State standout. Ezekiel Elliot, rookie Blake Jarwin, and newcomer Amari Cooper are the only bright spots right now for this Cowboys offense.<br />
<br />
15. Green Bay Packers<br />
The Packers are not a great team, but as long as Aaron Rodgers is taking the snaps at quarterback, the Pack will always have a chance to win.<br />
<br />
16. Tennessee Titans<br />
<br />
17. Miami Dolphins<br />
<br />
18. Atlanta Falcons<br />
<br />
19. Carolina Panthers<br />
<br />
20. Cleveland Browns<br />
After the coaching change, Baker Mayfield's deep balls have been a thing of beauty. Baker is getting more freedom, and he is looking good in orange and brown. Hopefully interim head coach Gregg Williams stays on permanently after a 4-2 start.<br />
<br />
21. Washington Redskins<br />
Unfortunate events for the 'Skins have lead to a fall down the rankings. First, Alex Smith's leg breaks and gets infected, then Colt McCoy goes down after leading Washington admirably, and then Mark Sanchez is suddenly the starter. Even Josh Johnson looks like a God-send compared to the washed up Mark Sanchez. The defense is stingy though and could quite possibly carry D.C. to a playoff appearance.<br />
<br />
22. New York Giants<br />
23. Denver Broncos<br />
Bradley Chubb looks like he could be even better than Von Miller some day. The kid is an absolute beast attacking the quarterback. Might I say Khalil Mack 2.0. Phillip Lindsay has really stepped on as an every down back for the Broncos who need to bring in much more young offensive talent if they want to compete.<br />
<br />
24. Cincinnati Bengals<br />
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers<br />
26. Jacksonville Jaguars<br />
The Jags have underperformed this year after a dominant last season earned them incredibly high expectations. Blake Bortles's starting days in Jacksonville are officially over now that the staff has decided even a former Browns quarterback would be worth starting over the multi-million dollar man. Perhaps Tom Coughlin and the front office make a move for Baltimore's out-of-favor man Joe Flacco.<br />
<br />
27. Detroit Lions<br />
28. Buffalo Bills<br />
Josh Allen is one of the best scramblers in the league. If he can improve in every facet of the passing game, he could be special. In other news, the Bills need a complete overhaul at almost every position.<br />
<br />
29. San Francisco 49ers<br />
The Niners find themselves in a bad spot once again because Jimmy G just can't stay healthy, and the backup quarterbacks just aren't quite up to par. However, once Jimmy G comes back, this team could be dangerous.<br />
30. New York Jets<br />
31. Oakland Raiders<br />
Jon Gruden has successfully run this team into the ground by ridding himself of nearly all playmakers on both sides of the ball. Hopefully he can re-stock with all the draft picks he has assembled.<br />
32. Arizona Cardinals<br />
While Josh Rosen has been awful and could set the franchise record for interceptions in only half a decade and David Johnson can't find any gaps behind an offensive line that couldn't block against PeeWee football players and an incapability to stop the run, Larry Fitzgerald continues to show how great of receiver he is. If he had a capable team around him, the league would be talking this guy up as one of the best in the business even at his age. Fitz's successor Christian Kirk also played very well this season before being placed on Injured Reserve last week. Hope this first round pick can turn around all the woes the Cardinals are having right now. My prediction: probably not.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-79732109244234666192017-05-11T19:29:00.004-07:002017-05-23T15:19:06.598-07:00Starters for Every AFC Team in 2017The AFC doesn't get much attention nowadays, but some of the league's best play in the American Football Conference. Including perhaps the greatest team the NFL has ever seen, the New England Patriots. Here's just a preview of what you can expect come late August.<br />
<br />
New England Patriots<br />
QB Tom Brady<br />
RB James White<br />
WR Julian Edelman<br />
<span style="color: lime;">WR Brandin Cooks</span><br />
WR Chris Hogan<br />
TE Rob Gronkowski<br />
LT Nate Solder<br />
LG Joe Thuney<br />
C David Andrews<br />
RG Shaq Mason<br />
RT Marcus Cannon<br />
<br />
The greatest quarterback of all time returns once more to lead one of the most talent-heavy teams in the past 20 years to a Super Bowl crown. James White will have to fight off newcomer Mike Gillislee from Buffalo for the starting RB job if Blount does not sign his tender to return to New England. Hogan will share snaps from the slot with Danny Amendola and Malcolm Mitchell. The offensive line remains intact after a wonderful season.<br />
<br />
DE Trey Flowers<br />
DT Malcolm Brown<br />
DT Alan Branch<br />
DE Rob Ninkovich<br />
LB Dont'a Hightower<br />
LB Kyle Van Noy<br />
CB Malcolm Butler<br />
<span style="color: lime;">CB Stephon Gilmore</span><br />
CB Eric Rowe<br />
S Devin McCourty<br />
S Duron Harmon<br />
<br />
Trey Flowers and Malcolm Brown impressed last year and dominated offensive linemen as 23 year olds. Now with more experience, the young duo will be expected to deliver in an even bigger way in 2017. Alan Branch is in my opinion the best run stuffer in the league. While he may not come down with a lot of sacks, he will dominate opposing backfields. Van Noy returns for a second season in New England as an outcast from Detroit. It took its time, but Bellichick turned him into a quality all-around linebacker. The secondary combination of Butler and Gilmore will be nearly undefeatable. Two shutdown corners in the same secondary along with an elite man-to-man corner and two ball-hawking safeties... Talk about no fly zone.<br />
<br />
Miami Dolphins<br />
QB Ryan Tannehill<br />
RB Jay Ajayi<br />
WR Jarvis Landry<br />
WR DeVante Parker<br />
WR Kenny Stills<br />
<span style="color: lime;">TE Julius Thomas</span><br />
LT Laremy Tunsil<br />
LG Kraig Urbik<br />
C Mike Pouncey<br />
RG Jermon Bushrod<br />
RT Ja'Wuan James<br />
<br />
Jay Ajayi is Miami's best offensive player. If Miami wants to put up points, they're gonna have to give the ball to Ajayi 30+ times a game. While Jarvis Landry is a dynamic playmaker, Ryan Tannehill's incositency will make it hard for Miami to put up touchdowns in the pass game. The new addition of Julius Thomas provides the Dolphins with another receiving option, but, as mentioned earlier, Tannehill will have to improve tremendously to do any damage throwing the ball.<br />
<br />
DE Cameron Wake<br />
DT Ndamukong Suh<br />
DT Jordan Phillips<br />
DE Andre Branch<br />
OLB Kiko Alonso<br />
<span style="color: lime;">MLB Lawrence Timmons</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">OLB Raekwon McMillan</span><br />
CB Byron Maxwell<br />
CB Xavien Howard<br />
S Reshad Jones<br />
S Nate Allen<br />
<br />
Cameron Wake returns again... Even as age slowly deters his playing abilities, he is still Miami's best pass-rushing option other than the overpaid tantrum-tosser Ndamukong Suh. Andre Branch will provide decent pressure from the outside, but age also plays a factor for him. Pushing Kiko Alonso outside, the old, coverage liability Lawrence Timmons will act as a leader for a weak Miami defense. Raekwon McMillan will have to fight veteran Koa Misi for the starting job across from Alonso. Maxwell has already proved to be an overpaid corner, and that he would be better suited as CB2, but the Dolphins don't have many options at corner. Nate Allen is another weakness the Miami front office may want to address.<br />
<br />
Buffalo Bills<br />
QB Tyrod Taylor<br />
RB LeSean McCoy<br />
WR Sammy Watkins<br />
WR Andre Holmes<br />
<span style="color: red;">WR Zay Jones</span><br />
TE Charles Clay<br />
LT Cordy Glenn<br />
LG Richie Incognito<br />
C Eric Wood<br />
RG John Miller<br />
<span style="color: red;">RT Dion Dawkins</span><br />
<br />
Only time will tell if Tyrod Taylor survives in Buffalo after disloyalty and distrust from the front office. LeSean McCoy returns as a quick back along with playmaker Sammy Watkins who will be a free agent at the end of the year. Rookie Zay Jones will not give the production many Buffalo fans were hoping for in a terrible WR corps. Incognito is a staple on a rough looking offensive line.<br />
<br />
DE Jerry Hughes<br />
DT Marcell Dareus<br />
DT Kyle Williams<br />
DE Shaq Lawson<br />
LB Lorenzo Alexander<br />
LB Preston Brown<br />
LB Reggie Raggland<br />
CB Ronald Darby<br />
<span style="color: red;">CB Tre'Davious White</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">S Micah Hyde</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">S Jordan Poyer</span><br />
<br />
While the dominant front seven stays together, it's a sad thing when you have a Cleveland castaway starting at safety (Jordan Poyer). Other than that, if this group of players can bond together, they could be a very strong squad in 2017.<br />
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New York Jets<br />
<span style="color: lime;">QB Josh McCown</span><br />
RB Matt Forte<br />
WR Eric Decker<br />
WR Quincy Enunwa<br />
<span style="color: red;">WR Ardarius Stewart</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">TE Jordan Leggett </span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">LT Kelvin Beachum</span><br />
LG James Carpenter<br />
C Wesley Johnson<br />
RG Brian Winters<br />
RT Ben Ijalana<br />
<br />
McCown is one of the most underrated QBs in the league... That said, he's still not a great quarterback. Eric Decker and Enunwa are two big targets that don't consistently create a lot of space so McCown is going to have to be spot on especially with his WR3 being an unproven rookie. The offensive line is hurting with the loss of captain Nick Mangold. Overall, Matt Forte is the Jets' only reliable option right now.<br />
<br />
DL Muhammed Wilkerson<br />
DL Leonard Williams<br />
DL Sheldon Richardson<br />
OLB Jordan Jenkins<br />
MLB David Harris<br />
OLB Darron Lee<br />
<span style="color: lime;">CB Morris Claiborne</span><br />
CB Buster Skrine<br />
<span style="color: red;">S Jamal Adams</span><br />
S Calvin Pryor<br />
<span style="color: red;">S Marcus Maye</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
While the Jets continue to shop Sheldon Richardson in an attempt to free up cap space, their secondary has improved dramatically from a traumatic 2016. Although not true CB1 material, Claiborne will be called upon starting day one. The additions of rookies Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye allows head coach Todd Bowles to return to his 3 safety defensive formation. If Bowles can bring in some corner and linebacker help over the next couple of years, this defense could be good... <i>very </i>good.<br />
<br />
<br />
AFC South<br />
Jacksonville Jaguars<br />
QB Blake Bortles<br />
<span style="color: red;">RB Leonard Fournette</span><br />
WR Allen Robinson<br />
WR Allen Hurns<br />
WR Marqise Lee<br />
TE Marcedes Lewis<br />
<span style="color: lime;">LT Branden Albert</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">LG Cam Robinson</span><br />
C Brandon Linder<br />
RG AJ Cann<br />
RT Jermey Parnell<br />
<br />
While the Jags held on to struggling QB Blake Bortles, they brought in former LSU stud Fournette to run the backfield while bringing in some protection for their new young QB-RB duo. This offense is absolutely loaded... especially if Branden Albert can return to his Kansas City form.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;">DE Calais Campbell</span><br />
DT Malik Jackson<br />
DT Abry Jones<br />
DE Dante Fowler Jr<br />
OLB Telvin Smith<br />
MLB Myles Jack<br />
OLB Paul Posluszny<br />
<span style="color: lime;">CB AJ Buoye</span><br />
CB Jalen Ramsey<br />
<span style="color: lime;">S Barry Church</span><br />
S Tashaun Gipson<br />
<br />
Campbell was second only to Dont'a Hightower as the best free agent on the market this offseason. He can wreck an opposition's backfield from any spot on the defensive line. The Jags are placing a lot of faith in youngster Myles Jack in the middle linebacker spot as they move longtime star Paul Posluszny outside. The additions of Buoye and Church only bolster an already strong secondary.<br />
<br />
Tennessee Titans<br />
QB Marcus Mariota<br />
RB DeMarco Murray<br />
WR Rishard Matthews<br />
<span style="color: red;">WR Corey Davis</span><br />
WR Tajae Sharpe<br />
TE Delanie Walker<br />
LT Taylor Lewan<br />
LG Quinton Spain<br />
C Ben Jones<br />
RG Josh Kline<br />
RT Jack Conklin<br />
<br />
This Tennessee offense was popping last year. DeMarco Murray was back to his pro-bowl shenanigans while talented backup Derrick Henry complemented Murray perfectly. This running duo could become the next Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman backfield to lead their team to the Super Bowl.<br />
<br />
DE Jurrell Casey<br />
<span style="color: lime;">DT Sylvester Williams</span><br />
DE Karl Klug<br />
OLB Derrick Morgan<br />
MLB Avery Williamson<br />
MLB Wesley Woodyard<br />
OLB Brian Orakpo<br />
<span style="color: lime;">CB Logan Ryan</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">CB Adoree' Jackson</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">S Jonathan Cyprien</span><br />
S Kevin Byard<br />
<br />
The Titans shored up a terrible secondary this offseason adding ex-New England stud Logan Ryan and USC's dynamic but raw Adoree' Jackson. Cyprien was a run stuffer in Jacksonville and is one of the league's brightest young stars at the safety position.<br />
<br />
Indianapolis Colts<br />
QB Andrew Luck<br />
RB Frank Gore<br />
WR TY Hilton<br />
WR Donte Moncrief<br />
TE Jack Doyle<br />
<span style="color: red;">TE Erik Swoope</span><br />
LT Anthony Castonzo<br />
LG Jack Mewhort<br />
C Ryan Kelly<br />
RG Joe Haeg<br />
RT Le'Raven Clark<br />
<br />
The Colts didn't do much on offense this offseason leaving Luck to his own devices when the right side of his shaky offensive line comes crashing down on him. Other than that, Erik Swoope looks to bust in as a starter over the under-performing speedster Philip Dorsett.<br />
<br />
DE Kendall Langford<br />
<span style="color: lime;">DT Johnathan Hankins</span><br />
DE Henry Anderson<br />
<span style="color: lime;">OLB Jabaal Sheard</span><br />
MLB Sean Spence<br />
MLB Edwin Jackson<br />
<span style="color: lime;">OLB John Simon</span><br />
CB Vontae Davis<br />
CB Darius Butler<br />
<span style="color: red;">S Malik Hooker</span><br />
S Clayton Geathers<br />
<br />
The signings of Johnathan Hankins and Jabaal Sheard were huge as they are some of the best at stopping the run. The talent at inside linebacker could use some help, but the front office has done well to improve a previously terrible, slow defense. Malik Hooker looks to become the best ball-hawk the league has seen since Ed Reed while improving his tackling ability.<br />
<br />
Houston Texans<br />
<span style="color: red;">QB Deshaun Watson</span><br />
RB Lamar Miller<br />
WR DeAndre Hopkins<br />
WR Will Fuller<br />
WR Jalen Strong<br />
TE CJ Fiedorowicz<br />
LT Duane Brown<br />
LG Xavier Su'a-Filo<br />
C Nick Martin<br />
RG Jeff Allen<br />
RT Chris Clark<br />
<br />
The Texans want to win now, so I have them starting rookie QB Deshaun Watson over the handpicked veteran Tom Savage. Miller has proven to be a valuable piece in Houston, but may grow unhappy with his touches in a pass-happy Bill O'Brien offense. Explosive former Ohio State quarterback looks to burst on to the NFL scene as a dynamic WR possibly in place for ASU standout Jalen Strong.<br />
<br />
DE JJ Watt<br />
DT DJ Reader<br />
DE Brandon Dunn<br />
OLB Jadeveon Clowney<br />
MLB Bernardrick McKinney<br />
MLB Brian Cushing<br />
OLB Whitney Mercilus<br />
CB Jonathan Joseph<br />
CB Kareem Jackson<br />
S Andre Hal<br />
S Corey Moore<br />
<br />
The defensive line is the weakest it has been in years. While edge rushers Watt, Clowney, and Mercilus are all dominant, the run stopping ability of Houston is questionable at best. McKinney and Cushing are going to be called upon to provide a perfect balance of run stuffing and pass coverage over the course of 2017.<br />
<br />
AFC North<br />
Pittsburgh Steelers<br />
QB Ben Roethlisberger<br />
RB Le'Veon Bell<br />
WR Antonio Brown<br />
WR Martavis Bryant<br />
WR Eli Rogers<br />
<span style="color: red;">WR JuJu Smith-Schuster</span><br />
LT Alejandro Villanueva<br />
LG Ramon Foster<br />
C Maurkice Pouncey<br />
RG David DeCastro<br />
RT Marcus Gilbert<br />
<br />
The Steelers just added another playmaker to an already loaded offense. This is the speediest, most explosive receiving corps that the NFL has ever seen. If all his options keep clean off the field and manage to hold on to the football, Big Ben should have a field day picking apart defenses.<br />
<br />
DE Cameron Heyward<br />
DT Javon Hargrave<br />
DT Stephon Tuitt<br />
DE James Harrison<br />
OLB Bud Dupree<br />
MLB Ryan Shazier<br />
<span style="color: red;">OLB TJ Watt</span><br />
CB William Gay<br />
CB Ross Cockrell<br />
S Sean Davis<br />
S Mike Mitchell<br />
<br />
While the Steelers did add TJ Watt in the first round, many fans were hoping for some secondary help. Artie Burns, Ross Cockrell, and William Gay could not get the job done for the Steel City last year, and the same group heads out for a beating again in 2017. Tomlin needs defensive backs... now.<br />
<br />
Cincinnati Bengals<br />
QB Andy Dalton<br />
RB Jeremy Hill<br />
WR AJ Green<br />
WR Brandon LaFell<br />
<span style="color: red;">WR John Ross</span><br />
TE Tyler Eifert<br />
LT Cedric Ogbuehi<br />
LG Clint Boling<br />
C Russell Bodine<br />
<span style="color: lime;">RG Andre Smith</span><br />
RT Jake Fisher<br />
<br />
The return of Andre Smith helps Cincinnati tremendously as they lost star guard Kevin Zeitler to Cleveland in free agency. Also, the addition of 40 yard dash record holder is a good one, but a reach at number 9. Look for LaFell to outplay the Washington product even after he recovers from injury.<br />
<br />
DE Carlos Dunlap<br />
DT Geno Atkins<br />
DT Andrew Billings<br />
DE Michael Johnson<br />
OLB Vontaze Burfict<br />
<span style="color: lime;">ILB Kevin Minter</span><br />
CB Dre Kirkpatrick<br />
CB Adam Jones<br />
CB Darqueze Dennard<br />
S George Iloka<br />
S Shawn Williams<br />
<br />
The Bengals brought in Kevin Minter from Arizona and Bird Gang fans know that the Bengals will not be disappointed with their new addition. Other than that, a relatively solid (barring the secondary) Cincy defense remained intact for 2017.<br />
<br />
<br />
Baltimore Ravens<br />
QB Joe Flacco<br />
RB Terrance West<br />
WR Mike Wallace<br />
WR Breshad Perriman<br />
TE Dennis Pitta<br />
TE Crockett Gilmore<br />
LT Ronnie Stanley<br />
LG Alex Lewis<br />
C John Urschel<br />
RG Marshal Yanda<br />
RT James Hurst<br />
<br />
The Ravens kept the offense the same in 2017 except they do welcome back two promising tight ends in the injury prone one-season wonder Dennis Pitta along with youngster Crockett Gilmore. Quarterback Joe Flacco's performance is slipping quite traumatically, and the Ravens better find their quarterback of the future quick.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">DE Chris Wormley</span><br />
DT Brandon Williams<br />
<span style="color: red;">DE Tim Williams</span><br />
OLB Terrell Suggs<br />
MLB CJ Mosley<br />
<span style="color: red;">OLB Tyus Bowser</span><br />
CB Jimmy Smith<br />
<span style="color: lime;">CB Brandon Carr</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">CB Marlon Humphrey</span><br />
S Eric Weddle<br />
<span style="color: lime;">S Tony Jefferson</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br /></span>
The Ravens defense is one of the most improved units in the NFL this offseason. The collective potential of Chris Wormley, Tim Williams, Tyus Bowser, and Marlon Humphrey is huge for a team that has been lacking their identity on defense since the departure of Ray Lewis. Bringing in solid starters Brandon Carr and Tony Jefferson gives the Ravens a particularly strong secondary. Only time will tell if the Ravens' rookies will work out as they seek to give the city its hard-nosed defensive mentality back.<br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br /></span>
Cleveland Browns<br />
QB Cody Kessler<br />
RB Isaiah Crowell<br />
<span style="color: lime;">WR Kenny Britt</span><br />
WR Corey Coleman<br />
WR Ricardo Louis<br />
<span style="color: red;">TE David Njoku</span><br />
LT Joe Thomas<br />
LG Joel Bitonio<br />
<span style="color: lime;">C JC Tretter</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">RG Kevin Zeitler</span><br />
RT Austin Pasztor<br />
<br />
The Browns did well to add many valuable pieces to their offense this offseason. While Deshone Kizer is a better quarterback than the underrated Cody Kessler, Sashi Brown and the Browns will take the patient approach to building a franchise powerhouse. Kizer will most likely start the second half of the season unless Kessler gets injured earlier, and I have the Browns predicted to win 6 games in 2017. This record will allow them to hit the jackpot in the draft for the second straight year and proceed with their plans for NFL domination.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">DE Myles Garrett</span><br />
DT Danny Shelton<br />
<span style="color: red;">DT Larry Ogunjobi</span><br />
DE Emmanuel Ogbah<br />
OLB Jamie Collins<br />
ILB Christian Kirksey<br />
CB Joe Haden<br />
CB Jamar Taylor<br />
CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun<br />
<span style="color: red;">S Jabrill Peppers</span><br />
S Ibraheim Campbell<br />
<br />
Myles Garrett brings a whole new aspect to a Browns' defense that has been lacking a superstar pass rusher for over a decade. While the young Emmanuel Ogbah has potential and could very well log double digit sacks, Garrett comes in as a rookie looking to hit 20+ in his first season. While the linebacking group could use some work, staples like Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey are already in place. Joe Haden and Jamar Taylor lead a relatively average cornerback group aided by the freakish athlete Jabrill Peppers and Cleveland veteran Ibraheim Campbell.<br />
<br />
<br />
AFC West<br />
Oakland Raiders<br />
QB Derek Carr<br />
<span style="color: lime;">RB Marshawn Lynch</span><br />
WR Amari Cooper<br />
WR Michael Crabtree<br />
<span style="color: lime;">WR Cordarrelle Patterson</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">TE Jared Cook</span><br />
LT Donald Penn<br />
LG Kelechi Osemele<br />
C Rodney Hudson<br />
RG Gabe Jackson<br />
RT Austin Howard<br />
<br />
Marshawn Lynch brings a toughness that the Oakland backfield hasn't seen since Bo Jackson and Marcus Allen in the late 80s early 90s. While Lynch is nowhere near as good as these Oakland greats, if he can start where he left off in Seattle a year ago, the Raiders will possess one of the league's best offenses. Cordarelle Patterson might not get too many snaps as he fights out Seth Roberts, but he will provide Oakland with some key special teams play.<br />
<br />
DE Khalil Mack<br />
DT Justin Ellis<br />
DT Jihad Ward<br />
DE Mario Edwards Jr<br />
OLB Aldon Smith<br />
MLB Cory James<br />
OLB Jelani Jenkins<br />
CB Sean Smith<br />
<span style="color: red;">CB Gareon Conley</span><br />
S Karl Joseph<br />
<span style="color: red;">S Obi Melifonwu</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red;">Credit to the Oakland Raiders who nabbed one of the best steals of the draft in safety Obi Melifonwu from UCONN, Melifonwu will develop into a Byron Jones sort of player in Oakland will complement Karl Joseph nicely. The front seven needs quite a bit of help as Aldon Smith is suspended indefinitely by the commissioner and Khalil Mack remains the only consistently productive player in that group. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<br />
Los Angeles Chargers<br />
QB Philip Rivers<br />
RB Melvin Gordon III<br />
WR Keenan Allen<br />
<span style="color: red;">WR Mike Williams</span><br />
WR Tyrell Williams<br />
TE Hunter Henry<br />
<span style="color: lime;">LT Russell Okung</span><br />
LG Orlando Franklin<br />
C Matt Slauson<br />
<span style="color: red;">RG Forrest Lamp</span><br />
RT Joe Barksdale<br />
<br />
Philip Rivers will use his multitude of targets to his benefit in 2017 and lead his team to 28+ PPG in 2017. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen have the potential to be two of the league's best receivers while Melvin Gordon is one of the best pass-catching backs out there. With the Chargers searching for a new identity after their move to Los Angeles, Antonio Gates will be pushed aside by the young and exciting Hunter Henry.<br />
<br />
DE Joey Bosa<br />
DT Brandon Mebane<br />
DE Corey Liuget<br />
OLB Melvin Ingram<br />
MLB Denzel Perryman<br />
MLB Jatavis Brown<br />
OLB Kyle Emanuel<br />
CB Jason Verrett<br />
CB Casey Hayward<br />
S Dwight Lowery<br />
S Jahleel Addae<br />
<br />
Joey Bosa was the defensive rookie of the year last year, and it was well deserved. Playing across from veteran Corey Liuget, Bosa will give the Chargers one of the best pass rushing attacks they've ever seen. After losing Manti Te'o, the Chargers need to find some help at linebacker to go along with Melvin Ingram.<br />
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<br />
Denver Broncos<br />
QB Trevor Siemian<br />
RB CJ Anderson<br />
WR Demaryius Thomas<br />
WR Emmanuel Sanders<br />
WR Cody Latimer<br />
TE Virgil Green<br />
<span style="color: red;">LT Garett Bolles</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;">LG Ronald Leary</span><br />
C Matt Paradis<br />
RG Max Garcia<br />
<span style="color: lime;">RT Menelik Watson</span><br />
<span style="color: lime;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: lime;">Siemian will beat out first rounder Paxton Lynch for the starting job as he has proven to be the better quarterback over the course of the past year. CJ Anderson will start the year as the starter over Jamaal Charles but could easily lose that job as the season continues. Thomas and Sanders are both phenomenal receivers but will have to make up for a terrible slot receiver group lead by Cody Latimer. The offensive line has a brand new look in Mile High and could actually be a decent unit in 2017. </span><br />
<br />
DE Derek Wolfe<br />
<span style="color: lime;">DT Domata Peko</span><br />
DE DeMarcus Walker<br />
OLB Von Miller<br />
MLB Brandon Marshall<br />
MLB Todd Davis<br />
OLB Shane Ray<br />
CB Chris Harris Jr<br />
CB Aqib Talib<br />
S TJ Ward<br />
S Darian Stewart<br />
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Domata Peko will replace the young Sylvester Williams as a starting DT and will plug a hole left open since Malik Jackson. DeMarcus Walker will be the surprise of the year for a Denver defense and will be a solid edge lineman. Shane Ray looks to replace the legend that was DeMarcus Ware at OLB while the secondary remains intact.<br />
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Kansas City Chiefs<br />
QB Alex Smith<br />
RB Spencer Ware<br />
WR Jeremy Maclin<br />
WR Tyreek Hill<br />
WR Chris Conley<br />
TE Travis Kelce<br />
LT Eric Fisher<br />
LG Parker Ehringer<br />
C Mitch Morse<br />
RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif<br />
RT Mitchell Schwartz<br />
<br />
Andy Reid and the Chiefs found their quarterback of the future in Patrick Mahomes, but Smith is the starter for the foreseeable future. Spencer Ware looks to replace Arrowhead legend Jamaal Charles, while Tyreek Hill will look to back up his unbelievable 2016 campaign. If Kelce can keep himself in check (he won't), the Chiefs could be looking at the most efficient offenses in the NFL.<br />
<br />
DE Chris Jones<br />
<span style="color: lime;">DT Bennie Logan</span><br />
DE Allen Bailey<br />
OLB Justin Houston<br />
MLB Derrick Johnson<br />
MLB Ramik Wilson<br />
OLB Dee Ford<br />
CB Marcus Peters<br />
CB Phillip Gaines<br />
S Eric Berry<br />
S Ron Parker<br />
<br />
Bennie Logan is a great, underrated player that will do a fine job replacing Dontari Poe. Tamba Hali will be one of the league's best rotational players off the edge. Justin Houston, Marcus Peters, and Eric Berry are the Chiefs' biggest names and are expected to all have major years this season.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-24244266297964108352017-05-11T17:34:00.002-07:002017-05-11T17:36:44.788-07:00Cardinals OffseasonThe Arizona Cardinals were the biggest dissapointment of 2016. A pretty big thing to say considering both of last year's Super Bowl contenders (Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos) missed the playoffs. Denver's excuse: loss of starting quarterback Peyton Manning to retirement. Carolina's excuse: loss of star cornerbacks Josh Norman to Washington and Bene Benwikere to Miami (currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals). The Cardinals excuse: None. Bruce Arians's squad were the favorites from the NFC to make the Super Bowl. Instead, they missed the playoffs and were good enough at being bad to secure a top 15 pick. Fortunately for Cardinals fans, superstar receiver and face of the franchise for the past 13 years Larry Fitzgerald opted to return for another year along with starting quarterback Carson Palmer. While Arians retained his top offensive duo, lots of work was needed on the defensive side of the ball.<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">Additions</span><br />
Haason Reddick LB (Draft)<br />
Reddick will step into a starting role in the Cardinals upgraded linebacker corps as a rookie this year. He has been called one of the best players in the draft and can use his speed to match up well in man coverage with running backs and tight ends. Reddick can also double as pass rusher, although he lacks tremendous strength. Overall, Reddick will join up with Deone Buccanon and Daryl Washington (if he gets reinstated) to roam the middle of the Cardinals defense.<br />
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Budda Baker S (Draft)<br />
Baker was a steal in the 2nd round and will replace last year's starter Tony Jefferson who opted for Baltimore in free agency. While Baker will have to outplay Bethea for snaps, he will become one of Arizona's key starters in the next 3 years.<br />
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Chad Williams WR (Draft)<br />
While the Cardinals went defense over offense in the first two rounds, Chad Williams is a good selection here. Williams is a dominant wide receiver that could be the next David Johnson (also a 3rd round selection) for the Cardinals if he can bring his intensity to the top level.<br />
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Dorian Johnson G (Draft)<br />
Johnson is a great selection by Arians especially with the loss of starter Earl Watford. Johnson will fight for a starting guard spot and could become a staple on an average Cardinals O-Line.<br />
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Will Holden T/G (Draft)<br />
Holden will have to develop before he breaks the lineup, but he has the potential to replace aging Jared Veldheer at RT some day.<br />
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TJ Logan RB (Draft)<br />
Logan is a talented running back and was a steal in the 5th round. While he may never develop into a top tier running back, Logan will be an above-average rotational back who can give superstar David Johnson some rest.<br />
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Johnathon Ford S (Draft)<br />
With a depleted Cardinals secondary, Ford looks to make the roster as a rookie. Most likely though, he will not see the field much as the Bird Gang will have to be patient with his growth.<br />
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Phil Dawson K (Free Agency - San Francisco 49ers)<br />
Dawson, 37, is a very reliable kicker and an obvious upgrade from the often inaccurate Chandler Catanzaro. Though he costs more money, Dawson will make extra points a routine process in the desert opposed to a prayer.<br />
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Antoine Bethea (Free Agency - San Francisco 49ers)<br />
Bethea has had an exceptional career in Indianapolis and San Francisco, and Cardinal fans hope to see a continuation of his skills despite his old age. Bethea will be the favorite to start at the SS position in 2017 but will have to hold out rookie Budda Baker for that job as the season progresses.<br />
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Karlos Dansby LB (Free Agency - Cleveland Browns)<br />
Dansby is the prodigal son of the Cardinals franchise. He's there, he's gone, he's there, he's gone, and he's there again. Dansby's best years have been in Arizona with the biggest play of his career coming at home in the NFC Championship game against Green Bay where he forced an Aaron Rodgers fumble and returned it to the house for an OT win.<br />
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Jarvis Jones OLB/DE (Free Agency - Pittsburgh Steelers)<br />
Jones was underwhelming to say the least in the Steel City, but Arians will look to fulfill his potential as he joins the Bird Gang. Jones is a boom or bust signing here as I believe he will record either 5 or less or double-digit sacks in 2017. <br />
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<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Losses</span><br />
Calais Campbell DE/DT (Free Agency - Jacksonville Jaguars)<br />
Campbell is the most dominant player to have ruled the defensive side of the ball for Arizona since the glory days of Darnell Dockett and Adrian Wilson. Jacksonville, with tons upon tons of cap space, was able to offer a deal Campbell couldn't refuse. With his departure, the talent on the front seven of Arizona has diminished greatly.<br />
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Kevin Minter LB (Free Agency - Cincinnati Bengals)<br />
Minter is just one of the many recent defensive LSU successes to thrive in the NFL alongside Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Morris Claiborne, and others. Minter really progressed in 2016 and played well as an OLB on running downs. Although his pass coverage could use some help, his run-stopping ability is underrated, and he will be a major piece in the Cincy defense. Reddick and Dansby will be called upon to take over at Minter's former position.<br />
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Tony Jefferson S (Free Agency - Baltimore Ravens)<br />
Jefferson was a top 3 strong safety last year, and he was rewarded in Baltimore. While the strong safety position has not been a key position for Arians as a coach since he had Antoine Bethea in Indianapolis a few years ago, Jefferson developed into a true superstar in a versatile Cardinals defense. Budda Baker and previously mentioned Antoine Bethea have been called on to replace the young stud.<br />
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DJ Swearinger S (Free Agency - Washington Redskins)<br />
Swearinger, like Jefferson, had a massive year in 2016. Most teams counted Swearinger out, but Arians took the risk, and it paid off big time for a struggling Arizona squad. Only signed to a one-year deal, Swearinger walked into free agency looking for a big payday the Cardinals could not afford, especially with the FS position already locked down by Tyrann Mathieu.<br />
<br />
Earl Watford G (Free Agency - Jacksonville Jaguars)<br />
Watford is a decent guard who played well for Arizona in 2016. He will help Jacksonville build a new offensive line to protect rookie running back Leonard Fournette and strong-armed quarterback Blake Bortles. Rookies Dorian Johnson and Will Holden will be looked on to fill Watford's open position if they are not beat out by Kaleb Johnson or Cole Toner who are already on the Cardinals roster.<br />
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Chandler Catanzaro K (Free Agency - New York Jets)<br />
Catanzaro is the epitome of inconsistency. While many Cardinals fans wanted to wait and see with him last year, Arians has finally sent the bust packing. In a move that might eventually kick the Bird Gang in the butt, Catanzaro will get his chance to develop on a rebuilding Jets roster that is stacking themselves with potential talent. For now, Dawson is a much appreciated upgrade in a loaded offense looking to win now.<br />
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Marcus Cooper CB (Free Agency - Chicago Bears)<br />
Cooper excelled last year as a CB2 sharing snaps with veteran Tyvon Branch across from Patrick Peterson. While Cooper is not and never will be a shutdown corner, he can jump on passing routes and his ball skills are fantastic. The Bears will be deeply satisfied with their new ball hawking corner, but might be a little disturbed in his mediocre press coverage. Arians has let the cornerback position slide recently with his 2nd cornerback being called a "failure in progress" by the coach. Fans will look to see a huge increase in quality from the second year man Brandon Williams. Harlan Miller might also see the field some as the Cardinals defensive backs coach look desperately for someone to step in to Cooper's role.<br />
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Alex Okafor OLB (Free Agency - New Orleans Saints)<br />
Okafor has always been a decent player in the decent, but he never got much playing time. That will not be an issue in New Orleans as he is the favorite to start at OLB under Sean Payton. While Okafor was a nice rotational pass rusher in Arizona, he was underutilized by Arians so his departure will not hurt the defense too much. Again, Karlos Dansby will be looked upon to step in as an upgrade for Okafor.<br />
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All in all, the Cardinals offense is loaded while the defense, although upgraded at linebacker, could use help on the defensive line and secondary. 2017 might be Arians last shot to deliver a ring to the most likely retiring Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald.<br />
<br />BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-34795434433925329232017-05-04T15:46:00.001-07:002017-05-11T17:36:44.794-07:00Cleveland Browns Rebuilding ProjectThe ragging on the Cleveland Browns by football analysts has dumbed down this offseason as more positive talk encompasses the Dawg Pound. This sudden appearance of the smallest inch of hope for Cleveland football is strange considering they are coming off their worst season in franchise history (0-16). Here are some of the moves that critics say will have the Dawg Pound back into contention in the next 5 years.<br />
<br />
1) Draft Picks + Brock Osweiler<br />
Cleveland has 2 first round draft selections in 2018 and 3 second rounders to accompany those. While trading down from pick #12 this year was a well-advised move by the Browns, acquiring Brock Osweiler (and his MASSIVE contract) and a 2nd round pick next year was deemed a brilliant move by critics. Osweiler's contract is one thing, but he is a terrible locker room leader who argues with coaches and teammates alike. Osweiler is a typical diva except without the talent. The sooner he is out of Cleveland, the better. That said, the Cleveland Browns' draft picks will pave the way for them in the future.<br />
<br />
2) Newly Acquired Young Talent<br />
Getting Myles Garrett, sure-fire superstar, Jabrill Peppers, versatile, freak athlete, and David Njoku, another freak athlete, Deshone Kizer, underrated quarterback, Roderick Johnson, solid right tackle, and Caleb Brantley, troubled yet dominant potential inside, in the 2017 draft pushed the Cleveland team forward. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson will lead the backfield tandem for Cleveland once again as Johnson looks to stay healthy in a season where both backs could surpass 1,000+ yards behind a much improved offensive line with the potential to be the best in football. Garrett will become Cleveland's freak defensive end following in the footsteps of JJ Watt and Von Miller. Njoku will replace the solid Gary Barnidge who has held down the tight end position for a few years now. Peppers will work at running back, wide receiver, quarterback (in wildcat formations), strong safety, and linebacker for the Browns in 2017 as he is the most gifted athlete in the NFL. The Browns could either thrust Kizer into a leadership role on day one, or they could bench him and be patient with his development for half to the entirety of the season. Personally, I feel like Kizer would be better if he is thrust into a starting position at the start of the season rather than waiting for his chance. Behind a strong O-Line, injuries to your new quarterback are not relevant at this point. With all this young potential and talent flying around the field, the Browns only need one or two more drafts to solidify themselves as a top, young powerhouse in the league.<br />
<br />
3) Recently Acquired Young Talent<br />
Danny Shelton DT<br />
The Browns picked up Shelton in the first round of the 2015 draft, and while Shelton has not developed as quickly as 2014 defensive tackle draftee Aaron Donald, he has been solid at an otherwise weak point of attack in Cleveland.<br />
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Emmanuel Ogbah DE/OLB<br />
Also drafted last year, Ogbah's rookie year was spent playing in Cleveland which let his pass rushing skills pass under the radar. He is the favorite to play across from rookie Myles Garrett in 2017 and could see his first double digit sack season in only his second year as a professional.<br />
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Cody Kessler QB<br />
While Browns' quarterbacks have been famously ridiculed for seemingly the past 100 years, Kessler played decently in '16. If Hue Jackson looks to keep Kizer on the bench to start the year (like how Johnny Manziel's career began... or ended technically), Kessler will be the starting QB in Cleveland. And while Browns fans have the right not to be excited about their sophomore QB, Kessler will do well to gain extra experience under his belt and become one of the league's best backup quarterbacks after Kizer takes over.<br />
<br />
Duke Johnson RB<br />
Johnson spends most his time in the training room seeing as he is seemingly never healthy. However, Johnson still possesses the same talent the NFL world saw from him when he ran for over 1,500 yards and 10 TDs at Miami. If he can stay on the field, he will be one of Cleveland's best playmakers.<br />
<br />
Corey Coleman WR<br />
While Coleman may not be WR1 material, his contributions are extremely valuable to a growing offensive core. Coleman will most likely be Cleveland's top safety blanket over the next 10 years while also possessing some big play ability from time to time.<br />
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Joel Bitonio G<br />
As offensive linemen have become more and more valuable in the NFL, Bitonio has been one of the position's best in Cleveland over the last 3 years despite only playing 5 games in 2016.<br />
<br />
3) Acquired Veterans<br />
Jamie Collins LB<br />
Kevin Zeitler G<br />
JC Tretter C<br />
Kenny Britt WR<br />
Jamar Taylor CB<br />
Demario Davis LB<br />
<br />
4) Franchise Veterans<br />
Joe Haden CB<br />
Joe Thomas T<br />
Joel Bitonio G<br />
John Greco G<br />
Christian Kirksey LBBDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-62149549266998177452017-05-02T12:48:00.002-07:002017-05-11T17:36:44.799-07:00Cowboys Draft RatingsThe 2017 NFL Draft ended Sunday, and the Dallas Cowboys looked to have posted their second straight phenomenal draft. Some picks are better than others, but let's break it down:<br />
<br />
Round 1 - A-<br />
Taco Charlton DE Michigan<br />
Charlton will be an instant upgrade an awful front seven in Dallas. Charlton is a pure pass rusher who can get to the quarterback quickly. Charlton reminds me of former Patriots DE and now Cardinals OLB Chandler Jones and could make a position switch to an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense if needed. Overall, solid pick by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, and Charlton has much potential, but only time will tell if the Big D lands another Randy Gregory or uncovers the next Chandler Jones.<br />
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Round 2 - A<br />
Chidobe Awuzie CB Colorado<br />
Awuzie was widely acknowledged as a top pick in the 2nd round if he made it out of the bottom of the 1st. The Cowboys lost two starting corners in Brandon Carr (Baltimore) and Morris Claiborne (New York Jets) this offseason and Awuzie will fill their shoes nicely. Fantastic pick by the Jones family as Awuzie will blossom into a top tier NFL cornerback.<br />
<br />
Round 3 - C+<br />
Jourdan Lewis CB Michigan<br />
This would be a solid pick if Lewis would not currently stand accused of domestic violence charges. That said, Jerry Jones praised the young man's on and off-field character which could ease the anxiety of some Cowboys fans. Greg Jackson, current Cowboys safeties coach, coached at Michigan while Lewis and 1st round pick Charlton played there and probably vouched for Lewis to the Jones family. The Cowboys really addressed the secondary in this draft, and if Lewis can keep clean off the field, he could be a great fit in Dallas.<br />
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Round 4 - A-<br />
Ryan Switzer WR North Carolina<br />
Switzer is a Julian Edelman/Cole Beasley type. A small, quick receiver with great hands who can make plays after the catch. Switzer could develop into one of the NFL's best receivers as time goes on. The Dallas receiving corps in only getting older, and Switzer is a great start to a new generation.<br />
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Round 6 - B+<br />
Xavier Woods S Louisiana Tech<br />
Woods will bring more depth to the safety spot of the Dallas defense. Could battle with Jeff Heath for the starting SS job come August.<br />
<br />
Marquez White CB Florida State<br />
As said before, the Cowboys desperately need cornerback help after losing both Carr and Claiborne. White will be able to contribute as a role player in the secondary much like Anthony Brown did last year.<br />
<br />
Round 7 - B<br />
Joey Ivie DT Florida<br />
The reason why the Cowboys 7th round grade is so high is because of the amount of picks they had. While they lost their 5th rounder, the 'Boys did well to secure more picks in the later part of the draft. With the loss of Terrell McClain, the Cowboys will be forced to send the inconsistent Cedric Thornton into battle alongside Tyrone Crawford. If Ivie develops well, he might become a good rotational player for Dallas.<br />
<br />
Noah Brown WR Ohio State<br />
Ezekiel Elliott was a major factor for this selection as he encouraged the front office to pursue his former teammate. Brown looks to be a very good deep threat in the NFL and is an excellent blocker. However, his open-field skills could use some work as well as his ability to contribute in short to intermediate routes. He is very inexperienced (50 collegiate targets including 49 in 2016) and will need time to grow.<br />
<br />
Jordan Carrell DE Colorado<br />
The Cowboys nab their second Buffalo of the draft in Carrell who joins an already overcrowded defensive line rotation. However, while the rotation may be overcrowded, there is almost no above-average talent in the group which could work in Carrell's favor as he fights for a position on the roster.<br />
<br />BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-494670229793447142017-04-05T08:19:00.000-07:002017-04-05T08:19:31.072-07:002017 NFL Mock Draft1) Cleveland Browns - Myles Garret DE<br />
Garrett is the sure-fire first pick of this draft. Easily the best/most athletic player in the class.<br />
<br />
2) San Francisco 49ers - Solomon Thomas DE<br />
Solomon Thomas would shore up the oen position new GM John Lynch has not attacked yet, defensive line. Thomas would start across from fellow youngster DeForest Buckner and could give the Bay their best pass rush since the Jim Harbaugh days.<br />
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3) Chicago Bears - Jamal Adams S<br />
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4) Jacksonville Jaguars - Leonard Fournette RB<br />
Fournette would give the Jags another option than Blake Bortles' inconsistent arm. Fournette could get 20-30 carries per game in an Ezekiel Elliott like effort in his rookie year.<br />
<br />
5) Tennessee Titans - Mike Williams WR<br />
Mike Williams, the only receiver in the class ready to dominate NFL defenses from day 1, will provide Marcus Mariota with a true WR1... something he has missed his entire career (although props to Kendall Wright for his above-average production these past couple of years).<br />
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6) New York Jets - Mitchell Trubisky QB<br />
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7) Los Angeles Chargers - Malik Hooker S<br />
The next Ed Reed will come in for a rebuilding Chargers team that needs a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball. Hooker needs to develop into the league's best ball-hawking safety if LA wants any chance at a playoff spot.<br />
<br />
8) Carolina Panthers - Johnathan Allen DE<br />
After losing their young, promising defensive end Kony Ealy to the Patriots, the Panthers added Julius Peppers for what might be a 'farewell tour.' The Panthers' average age for their defensive end unit stands at 29.5 years old. Allen would be able to provide Carolina with their youngest star pass rusher since Julius Peppers did so from 2002 until 2009.<br />
<br />9) Cincinnati Bengals - OJ Howard TE<br />
The Bengals will chase after the two tight end set that Bill Bellichick has made so popular over the years. Howard would team with fellow star Tyler Eifert to form a formidable receiving duo at the TE spot in Cincy. Andy Dalton would be in heaven.<br />
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10) Buffalo Bills - Marshon Lattimore CB<br />
Bills get a top 5 talent at number 10 who can step in immediately and replace Stephon Gilmore who signed with the Patriots in free agency.<br />
<br />
11) New Orleans Saints - Takkarist McKinnley DE<br />
McKinnley played extremely well at UCLA and looks to bring that dominance into the NFL. Sean Payton looks to find a piece opposite of Cameron Jordan and McKinnley would fill that role perfectly in a run-stopping Saints defense.<br />
<br />
12) Cleveland Browns - Deshaun Watson QB<br />
The Browns pick another quarterback... This time though, Cleveland has built a tough offensive line to protect him while also securing receiving options like Kenny Britt, Corey Coleman, and Gary Barnidge. As well as a top check-down option in Duke Johnson. Watson might be able to lead the Dawg Pound to a "decent" 6-7 win season as a rookie.<br />
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13) Arizona Cardinals - Marlon Humphrey CB<br />
Humphrey, a real first round talent, would be able to outperform last year's bust Brandon Williams for the second starting CB spot across from Patrick Peterson. Humphrey and Peterson could develop into one of the league's best cornerback duos.<br />
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14) Philadelphia Eagles - Reuben Foster LB<br />
The Eagles get a physical, intimidating player to secure the middle of their defense.<br />
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15) Indianapolis Colts - Forrest Lamp OG/OT<br />
Said by many to be the best offensive lineman in the draft, Lamp will be given a chance to protect one of the league's best in Andrew Luck, and if he can keep Luck safe, the Colts have a real shot at being a top team in the AFC.<br />
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16) Baltimore Ravens - John Ross WR<br />
With the departures of Steve Smith (retirement) and Kamar Aiken (free agency), the Ravens find their next speedy star in Washington's John Ross.<br />
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17) Washington Redskins - Corey Davis WR<br />
The departures of Pierre Garcon and Desean Jackson leave the 'Skin's receiving corps a little shaky. But, Davis would be able to step in for Washington and provide a decent year making expensive newly signed Terrelle Pryor expendable next year.<br />
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18) Tennessee Titans - Gareon Conley CB<br />
Conley could develop into a shutdown cornerback if given the tools. The Titans have improved their secondary tremdously with the additions of CB Logan Ryan and S Johnathan Cyprien. Conley would play CB3 for the Titans until he replaces the aging Jason McCourty.<br />
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19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cam Robinson OT/OG<br />
The Bucs main priority is to keep Jameis Winston on his feet. What Winston wants, Winston gets in Tampa as the Bucs front office tries their hardest to make him feel comfortable in the pocket. With Robinson, the Bucs would get a massive blocker who could have some developmental issues like another Alabama prospect Greg Robinson.<br />
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20) Denver Broncos - Ryan Ramczyk OT<br />
It's no secret John Elway has been going after offensive line talent this offseason, and Ramczyk would provide Elway with a top-notch tackle who could keep his young quarterbacks in Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch safe.<br />
<br />
21) Detroit Lions - David Njoku TE<br />
Stafford has been lacking a top tier tight end since the early years of Brandon Pettigrew, and Njoku would fix that. Njoku would come in and outplay Eric Ebron to earn the starting spot. Ebron would be getting touches as a running back, wide receiver, and as a tight end in two tight end sets.<br />
<br />
22) Miami Dolphins - Derek Barnett DE<br />
Barnett is a very talented player, and is a favoriet to go #11 to the Saints. However, he falls all the way to 22 where the Dolphins pick him up to replace/play opposite of longtime star Cameron Wake.<br />
<br />
23) New York Giants - Garrett Bolles OT<br />
While the Giants did go out and sign ex-Raider Menelik Watson, they also lost tackle Marshall Newhouse. Bolles would fill a position of need for the Giants, and would look to hold pressure off of Eli Manning long enough to find the best receiving corps in football (Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepherd).<br />
<br />
24) Oakland Raiders - Dalvin Cook RB<br />
While the Raiders could go LB here (perhaps Zach Cunningham), Dalvin Cook would fill a need in the Oakland backfield. Cook would replace Latavius Murray who signed with Minnesota, and become the Raiders primary option at running back.<br />
<br />
25) Houston Texans - Patrick Mahomes QB<br />
The Texans will keep Mahomes in Texas, but will let Tom Savage start the year as Bill O'Brien attempts to develop his young quarterback.<br />
<br />
26) Seattle Seahawks - Kevin King CB<br />
Matches the blueprint of the best Seattle CB in the past decade: Richard Sherman. He's long, athletic and might open the door for a Sherman trade in the future.<br />
<br />
27) Kansas City Chiefs - Christian McCaffrey RB<br />
The Chiefs, after letting their superstar offensive weapon in Jamaal Charles walk, will look to McCaffrey as their next multi-purpose back.<br />
<br />
28) Dallas Cowboys - Jabril Peppers S<br />
The Cowboys will get one of the most exciting players in the draft, and the Jones family will be beloved once again (even after letting SIX defensive starters walk in free agency).<br />
<br />
29) Green Bay Packers - TJ Watt OLB<br />
The Pack won't be able to resist the temptations of TJ Watt. Watt is one of the safer picks in the draft which will encourage GM Ted Thomspon. Watt will step in as a starter after Green Bay let ex-starter Julius Pepper leave to join his former team in Carolina.<br />
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30) Pittsburgh Steelers - Charles Harris DE<br />
The Steelers get a steel-tough player in Harris who fits well in Pittsburgh alongside veterans James Harrison and Cameron Heyward.<br />
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31) Atlanta Falcons - Haason Reddick OLB/DE<br />
Reddick would improve the Falcons' pass rush while also giving depth in one of the NFL's youngest linebacking groups headlined by Vic Beasley Jr and Deion Jones.<br />
<br />
32) New Orleans Saints - Adoree' Jackson<br />
Sean Payton has shown he does not have too much of an issue with character concerns, and Payton has also displayed the Saints' terrific need for secondary help. In come Adoree' Jackson. Jackson has the skills to be a starting cornerback, but his character and off-field issues might drag down his performance in the NFL. Budda Baker the safety from Washington could be chosen if the Saints cannot overcome the risk in Jackson's big boom or bust profile.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-14659752972232429802017-04-02T16:25:00.001-07:002017-04-04T08:23:58.156-07:002017 NFL Draft Positional RankingsWith only 25 days remaining until the draft, I put together a ranking of the top 5 players at each position and where they may end up. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Quarterback<br />
1) Deshaun Watson - Clemson<br />
While Watson may need more time to develop than North Carolina product Mitchell Trubisky, Watson has all the tools to become the next, perhaps better, Russell Wilson.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks<br />
Projected Pick: #12 to the Cleveland Browns<br />
<br />
2) Mitchell Trubisky - North Carolina<br />
Trubisky will be able to start year 1 in the NFL. He has good poise in the pocket and can make almost any throw. However, he is a little inexperienced, but after getting a couple seasons under his belt, there is no reason why he shouldn't live up to his Aaron Rodgers comparisons.<br />
Team Fits: San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Houston, New York (Jets)<br />
Projected Pick: #6 to the New York Jets<br />
<br />
3) Patrick Mahomes - Texas Tech<br />
No player has soared higher up the draft boards in the last two months than Mahomes. Mahomes's stats are eye-popping. He logged a 50 touchdown season as a senior in high school. Then, as a true freshman, started 4 games for Texas Tech and threw for 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions with 6 touchdowns coming against Texas rival Baylor.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals<br />
Projected Pick: #25 to the Houston Texans<br />
<br />
4) Deshone Kizer - Notre Dame<br />
While Mahomes stock has soared, Kizer's has taken a bit of a hit recently. Once projected to land in the early to mid first round, Kizer is now viewed as a 2nd or 3rd round pick. However, his ability to move in the pocket and scramble grants him a position as one of the draft's top sleepers.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys<br />
<br />
5) Brad Kaaya - Miami<br />
Ole Miss's Chad Kelly is a close 6th here, but Kaaya has impressed scouts and could step in day 1 if need be to help a team. Possesses great leadership qualities as well.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions:<br />
Chad Kelly - Ole Miss<br />
Joshua Dobbs - Tennessee<br />
Nathan Peterman - Pitt<br />
<br />
Running Back<br />
1) Leonard Fournette - Louisiana State<br />
Fournette is the easy number 1 here as he is the perfect combination of power and speed... with emphasis on the power. At 240 pounds, Fournette wowed everybody with a 4.51 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. While he does not have the upside of ex-Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, he does have the ability to come in and rush for 1,700+ his rookie year.<br />
Team Fits: Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns<br />
Projected Pick: #4 to the Jacksonville Jaguars<br />
<br />
2) Dalvin Cook - Florida State<br />
Cook's production at Florida State was absolutely phenomenal, but has deep history of shoulder injuries which may cause him a slight fall in the draft. Still though, Cook has the potential to become a top 10 back in the league.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders<br />
Projected Pick: #29 to the Green Bay Packers<br />
<br />
3) Christian McCaffrey - Stanford<br />
McCaffrey is an "offensive weapon" to still the term from former Titans and now Los Angeles Chargers RB/WR Dexter McCluster. He can catch and he can run... Look for him to become the new Pierre Thomas or Darren Sproles... Both of whom played for Sean Payton in New Orleans (hint hint).<br />
Team Fits:<br />
New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay<br />
Projected Pick: #27 to the Kansas City Chiefs<br />
<br />
4) Alvin Kamara - Tennessee<br />
While Kamara is impressive on the field, his off-field issues have teams worried (much like Oklahoma product Joe Mixon). If a team takes a chance on Kamara, they will be getting a talented runner on the field, but also a potentially harmful one off the field.<br />
Team Fits: Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers<br />
<br />
5) D'onta Foreman - Texas<br />
Foreman surpasses Mixon merely because of the character concerns Mixon brings to the table. In his junior year (this past season), Foreman lead the nation with 184.4 yards per game. Foreman is one of the deepest sleepers in this running back class as he is one of the most talented runners out there. However, he also fumbled 6 times this past season which could scare scouts from taking him too early.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions:<br />
Joe Mixon - Oklahoma<br />
Kareem Hunt - Toledo<br />
James Conner - Pitt<br />
<br />
Wide Receivers<br />
1) Mike Williams - Clemson<br />
Williams is this draft's best receiver and posssesses great hands and a big frame accompanied with good bounce allowing him to beat almost any corner to a jump ball.<br />
Team Fits: Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers<br />
Projected Pick: #9 to the Cincinnati Bengals<br />
<br />
2) Corey Davis - Western Michigan<br />
Has the highest upside of any receiver in the draft, drawing comparisons to players like Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Marshall.<br />
Team Fits: Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers<br />
Projected Pick: #17 to the Washington Redskins<br />
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3) John Ross - Washington<br />
This speedster ran an NFL combine record 4.22 in the 40 yard dash. Would provide a great deep threat or route runner for a receiver needy team like the Ravens.<br />
Team Fits: New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, Seattle<br />
Projected Pick: #16 to the Baltimore Ravens<br />
<br />
4) JuJu Smith-Schuster - USC<br />
Smith-Schuster is a gifted receiver and athlete, but injuries could hurt his draft stock and career.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns<br />
<br />
5) Zay Jones - East Carolina<br />
The surprise of the senior bowl... Outplayed #1 receiver Mike Williams at the senior bowl and could become a key starter in the NFL within 3 years.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions:<br />
Dede Westbrook - Oklahoma<br />
ArDarius Stewart - Alabama<br />
Cooper Kupp - Eastern Michigan<br />
Josh Reynolds - Texas A&M<br />
Isaiah Ford - Virginia Tech<br />
<br />
<br />
Tight Ends<br />
1) OJ Howard - Alabama<br />
Howard and Myles Garrett are the two real freak athletes in this draft. Howard has great hands as well which will allow him to become the next Tony Gonzalez.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns<br />
Projected Pick: #10 to the Buffalo Bills<br />
<br />
2) David Njoku - Miami<br />
Njoku is a great tight end who could be compared to Antonio Gates or Julius Thomas.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins<br />
Projected Pick: #19 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers<br />
<br />
3) Evan Engram - Mississippi<br />
4) Bucky Hodges - Virginia Tech<br />
5) Gerald Everett - South Alabama<br />
<br />
Honorable Mention<br />
Jake Butt - Michigan<br />
<br />
Offensive Linemen<br />
1) Ryan Ramczyk - Wisconsin<br />
The best offensive tackle in the draft, Ramczyk is still seen to be picked at 15+.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals<br />
Projected Pick: #22 to the Miami Dolphins<br />
<br />
2) Forrest Lamp - Western Kentucky<br />
Lamp has drawn a lot of praise from scouts and draft analysts so far.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans<br />
Projected Pick: #15 to the Indianapolis Colts<br />
3) Garrett Bolles - Utah<br />
A solid tackle, high chance he gets picked late 1st round.<br />
Team Fits: Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos<br />
Projected Pick: #22 to the New York Giants<br />
<br />
4) Cam Robinson - Alabama<br />
An overrated blocker out of the nation's most prestigious football school, Robinson seeks to outdo former Crimson Tide star tackle Greg Robinson on the proffessional level.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans<br />
Projected Pick: #20 to the Denver Broncos<br />
<br />
5) Dan Feeney - Indiana<br />
Feeney has risen up draft boards rather smoothly and under the radar, but is one of the safest players in the draft.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions<br />
Pat Elflein - Ohio State<br />
Dion Dawkins - Temple<br />
Dorian Johnson - Pitt<br />
<br />
Defensive Linemen<br />
1) Myles Garrett - Texas A&M<br />
Freak athlete. Can't get any better of a pick than this. Combination of a JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney with Bud Dupree sort of acceleration.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
All<br />
Projected Pick: #1 to the Cleveland Browns<br />
<br />
2) Solomon Thomas - Stanford<br />
Viewed to be the second best player in the draft, could become a pro-bowler within his next 3 years.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets<br />
Projected Pick: #2 to the San Francisco 49ers<br />
<br />
3) Jonathan Allen - Alabama<br />
Top 5 player in the draft, Allen could be a huge success or a huge failure for a franchise.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers<br />
Projected Pick: #5 to the Tennessee Titans<br />
<br />
4) Takkarist McKinnley - UCLA<br />
Good player, will only get better. Can make plays in the backfield consistently. Will drop significantly on draft day, only because of the supreme talent this draft contains.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills<br />
Projected Pick: #31 to the Atlanta Falcons<br />
<br />
5) Taco Charlton - Michigan<br />
Good prospect, could become a great player if developed correctly.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions:<br />
Derek Barnett - Tennessee - Projected Pick: #11 to the New Orleans Saints<br />
Charles Harris - Missouri<br />
Malik McDowell - Michigan State<br />
Caleb Brantley - Florida<br />
<br />
<br />
Linebackers<br />
1) Reuben Foster - Alabama<br />
Big-time player, but has size and character concerns which could push him to the later part of the first round.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Cincinatti Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals<br />
Projected Pick: #18 to the Tennessee Titans<br />
<br />
2) Haason Reddick - Temple<br />
Could play defensive end but would excel as a Von Miller/Khalil Mack/Justin Houston type as an outside linebacker that occasionally lines up as a defensive end.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders<br />
Projected Pick: #21 to the Detroit Lions<br />
<br />
3) TJ Watt - Wisconsin<br />
Safest pick of the draft. Great athlete that could live up to or even outshine brother JJ's potential.<br />
Team Fits: Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers<br />
Projected Pick: #32 to the New Orleans Saints<br />
<br />
4) Tim Williams - Alabama<br />
Doubles as a defensive end<br />
Team Fits: Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans<br />
<br />
5) Alex Anzalone - Florida<br />
One of the biggest sleepers in the draft.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions:<br />
Zach Cunningham - Vanderbilt- Projected Pick: #24 to the Oakland Raiders<br />
Jarrad Davis - Florida<br />
Ben Boulware - Clemson<br />
Sleeper alert<br />
<br />
Cornerbacks<br />
1) Marshon Lattimore - Ohio State<br />
Top corner in the draft. Good to great cover skills that will only get better with time. Would be a nice fit in Todd Bowles' defense in New York if they don't reach for North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Tribusky.<br />
Team Fits: New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears<br />
Projected Pick: #8 to the Carolina Panthers<br />
<br />
2) Marlon Humphrey - Alabama<br />
Played well under extremely successful coach Nick Saban at Alabama and drew high praise from his former coach. Would do well as a late 1st or early 2nd rounder.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers<br />
Projected Pick: #13 to the Arizona Cardinals<br />
<br />
3) Gareon Conley - Ohio State<br />
Underrated prospect, but could blossom into a true lockdown corner. Potential to dominate from year one.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers<br />
Projected Pick: #14 to the Philadelphia Eagles<br />
<br />
4) Tre'Davious White - Louisiana State<br />
Very underrated corner, but could have some baggage coming into the NFL. Will go late in the 1st or early in the second.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinatti Bengals<br />
<br />
5) Chidobe Awuzie - Colorado<br />
Lightning fast corner out of Colorado that gets little to no credit for his solid contributions on the field.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions:<br />
Teez Tabor - Florida<br />
Adoree Jackson - USC<br />
Rasul Douglas -West Virginia<br />
Kevin King - Washington<br />
Quincy Wilson - Florida<br />
<br />
Safety<br />
1) Jamal Adams - Louisiana State<br />
Exciting prospect could become a stud in a top-tier defense. Comes from the same line as Eric Berry and could be an even better playmaker than the Chiefs star.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears<br />
Projected Pick: #3 to the Chicago Bears<br />
<br />
2) Malik Hooker - Ohio State<br />
Hooker is the best coverage safety in the draft and draws comparisons to superstar Ed Reed who dominated for the Baltimore Ravens in the early 2000s. Could become one of the NFL's best ball-hawking safeties in the next few years.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals<br />
Projected Pick: #7 to the San Diego Chargers<br />
<br />
3) Budda Baker - Washington<br />
Baker is a great talent, but with two top-10 talents ahead of him at his position, he will have to wait his turn on draft day.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals<br />
<br />
4) Marcus Williams - Utah<br />
Williams has flown up draft boards and is seen as someone who could take over the reins at safety in the next couple of years. Flashes HUGE potential.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans<br />
<br />
5) Josh Jones - NC State<br />
Athletic freak, reminds of Cowboys' free safety Byron Jones who holds the record at the NFL Combine for the broad jump.<br />
Team Fits:<br />
Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints<br />
<br />
Honorable Mentions:<br />
Desmond King - Iowa<br />
Marcus Maye - Florida<br />
Obi Melifonwu - UCONN<br />
Eddie Jackson - Alabama<br />
Deep sleeper alert... Dealing with major leg injury, but once fully healed could become star safety in the NFLBDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-32973951811418816622014-11-04T12:50:00.001-08:002014-11-04T12:50:06.069-08:00Quarterback Controversy in WashingtonRedskins head coach Jay Gruden stated that the jury is still out on who will be the long-term starter for his squad. Former Redskins first-round pick responded to that by saying the Redskins are his team and that he will lead them. Gruden has been unsure about his quarterbacks ever since RGIII dislocated his ankle earlier this year. Gruden put in then back up Kirk Cousins who played inconsistent to say the least. He threw far too many interceptions to not be producing at least 4 TDs a game. Cousins couldn't get the job done, as was shown when the 'Skins got blown out by a weak Giants squad. In stepped third stringer Colt McCoy who played exceptionally well in his two games under center. However, after McCoy's two games RGIII was fully recovered. Robert Griffin III was officially back in week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings where he played very average. The young QB is ready to fight his way for the starting position, but could his injuries prove just too much for him to handle against an experienced QB like McCoy. As for now, Gruden's words may have sparked something in Griffin III, but his words still ring true. The jury is out on who will be the Washington Redskins' starting quarterback of the future.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-23599057675439940212014-11-03T14:22:00.001-08:002014-11-03T14:22:39.087-08:00Klay Thompson Leads Undefeated WarriorsKlay Thompson has dominated these past games leading his team to a 3-0 record. Stephen Curry is usually the more recognized of the Splash Brothers, but this time Thompson is making a whirlpool. Thompson scored 41 and 29 points in GSW's pas two games. Thompson will continue to produce big numbers offensively while taking over some of Curry's burden to lead this team deep into the playoffs. Klay Thompson is finally moving his game past three-pointers and clutch shots. He now is specializing in leading a team full of young players ready to make a SPLASH in the NBA. With Thompson stepping up Curry can finally worry about getting his teammates the ball instead of having to put up shot after shot. The Warriors are a top team this year especially with players like Harrison Barnes and Klay Thompson maturing to become future greats in this Warriors franchise. PF David Lee is finally back from injury and looking to start where he left off. The Warriors were just starting to get their momentum with Curry and Lee producing HUGE numbers... Then Lee went down. It seemed that Golden State's season was doomed. On the contrary, players like Barnes, Thompson, and even backup PG Jarrett Jack started to take over Lee's workload. Eventually the Warriors eked their way into the playoffs. The Golden State Warriors can compete with the Thunder and Spurs for the best team in the West... Easily.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-33646106681527380642014-11-03T14:06:00.000-08:002014-11-03T14:06:32.687-08:00New England Best Team in NFL?After the Patriots blew out Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in week 9, there has been plenty of rumors of Brady being better than Peyton and the Pats being the best team in the NFL. Brady has played like his Hall of Fame self as of late and shows no sign of turning back now. The Patriots will win the Super Bowl if Brady, Gronkowski, and Edelman can all keep producing they way they have been these past few weeks. However, Peyton and the Broncos... The most consistent team in the NFL this year (except maybe for perhaps the Arizona Cardinals) seemed to be rushed and unsure against a strong Pats D. Manning was scared to death and had to run for his life nearly every passing down. His passes were inaccurate and lacked teh "zip" that they usually possess. The Broncos defense was completely worthless against Tom Brady's offense. New additions TJ Ward, Aqib Talib, and DeMarcus Ware could do nothing against the means of Gronk, Edelman, and Vereen. The Arizona Cardinals, though they lost big time to the Broncos, are better than Peyton's squad. If Carson Palmer and his Arizona team would have been completely healthy and ready for action (like they are now) they'd have beaten Manning out of Mile High city. With the Cards D working at such a high level, there might be no stopping Bruce Arian's roster. The Bird Gang are my favorites to win the NFC this year and take on the Patriots, yes you heard me, the Patriots in Super Bowl 49. Bill Bellichick and Tom Brady will find a way to beat the Cards out in the fourth quarter, but the young Cards squad will be ready to make a return appearance in Super Bowl 50.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303565118861068001.post-2876412798826100252014-11-03T13:39:00.004-08:002014-11-03T13:39:56.213-08:00Eagles without FolesThe Philadelphia Eagles have just lost young QB Nick Foles to a collarbone issue and he will be out for at least a month. Foles was taken down hard on his left shoulder area by Houston Texans' linebacker Whitney Mercilus. Foles walked off the field and was replaced by backup Mark Sanchez who recorded a strong showing against a somewhat weak Houston secondary. Sanchez tossed two touchdowns during his time on the field and lead the Eagles past the Texans 31-21. RB LeSean McCoy should also share some of Sanchez's credit. McCoy torched the Texans with his beastly speed, which opened up opportunities for Sanchez to shine. Mark Sanchez dominated during his college tenure at USC. He was regarded as one of the best QBs in all of college until he turned pro. He was drafted by the New York Jets and for awhile seemed to have turned the franchise into a winning organization. However, Ryan eventually stole Sanchez's key weapons and sabotaged his New York career. In free agency Sanchez opted to go to Philly and backup young star Nick Foles. Perhaps Chip Kelly's most under-the-radar signing this offseason could save his season and take the Eagles to the playoffs.BDrellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05132229411022012379noreply@blogger.com0