We're getting closer to beginning of training camp and there are still plenty of talented veteran free agents on the market. Here are my Top Ten available free agents:
1. John Abraham, DE: He may be 35 years old but Abraham is coming off a season in which he recorded 10 sacks and forced six fumbles. The 13 year veteran still has plenty left in the tank and could be lethal if used as a situational pass rusher.
2. Eric Winston, OT: It's surprising that Winston hasn't been signed yet when you consider the number of teams that could use some help at left or right tackle. He'll more than likely be signed by Summer's end but a player of his caliber is usually on an NFL roster this time of year.
3. Kerry Rhodes, FS: Rhodes was released by the Cardinals after an impressive season in 2012 where he recorded four interceptions. Rhodes has always been a solid safety and could start for a number teams. He'll be 31 by the start of the regular season and will probably receive some training camp invites.
4. Brandon Lloyd, WR: Lloyd was released after one disappointing season in New England. He was reported to have been a bad locker room guy while with the Patriots and hasn't garnered any attention since his release. Still, Lloyd is a talented receiver who can still provide quality play.
5. Richard Seymour, DL: Seymour seems to have set the bar at a certain number in regards to a contract. He's said that if no teams are willing to sign him to the contract which he wants that he has no problem retiring. There have been reports that he and the Falcons have been in discussions but the talks seem to have hit a speed bump.
6. Brandon Moore, OG: Moore is probably most known for his part in the infamous "butt fumble" last season. Which is unfortunate because he's a hell of a football player. He's 33 years old but offensive lineman have a pretty long shelf life in the NFL and it never hurts to have a wise veteran lineman on your team.
7. Vonta Leach, FB: Leach was cut by the Ravens and has attracted several teams' interest. As far as true full backs go, there aren't many in the league better than Leach. He's like a bulldozer, running over anything in his path. He remains unsigned but recently said that he feels the Dolphins are the best fit for him.
8. Beanie Wells, RB: Beanie Wells is just four years removed from being picked in the first round. He's been inconsistent and injuries have hampered him throughout his career. But the fact that he's just 24 years old and has plenty of untapped potential should intrigue a number of teams, as long as he's healthy.
9. Willis McGahee, RB: An infusion of youth at running back in Denver sent McGahee searching for a new home. He suffered a knee injury that cut his 2012 campaign short but he's overcome injuries before and as a Bronco he showed he can still play at a high level. Likely no longer a starting back, he could provide quality depth to a team that lacks it; like the Buccaneers.
10. Vince Young, QB: Young hasn't played in the league since 2011. At 30 years old he's still young. He's always been a very talented player and has a record of 31-19 in his career. I don't know why he hasn't received more interest from all the teams whose quarterback situations are in shambles. Jamarcus Russell has received interest from teams as he attempts his comeback so I have to believe that Young should be able to do the same.
About Me
- Justin Sullivan
- Simply put, I am a football fanatic. I'm well-informed on the game- its players, statistics, history, rules, etc. I love the sport and I enjoy sharing my point of view.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Brady faces his biggest test yet in 2013
There is no doubt that Tom Brady is going to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. He has won three of the five Super Bowl appearances he's made, thrown for nearly 45 thousand yards, has been voted to eight Pro Bowls and is a two time first-team All Pro. Now entering his 14th season, he faces the biggest test of his career. In an offseason that saw him lose his best pal and go-to-receiver of the past six seasons in Wes Welker, his other worldly tight end Rob Gronkowski undergo two surgeries, and his Swiss army knife Aaron Hernandez arrested for first degree murder, Brady has just one familiar face to throw to in practice and he can't even throw to him! (I'm talking about you, Julian Edelman).
I feel better about the Pats defense than I do about their offense and that's saying something. Reports say Gronk is expected to be out until at least week six of the regular season. So, for the remainder of the offseason I fully expect Brady and the receivers to be working overtime to develop good chemistry, timing, rhythm, and knowledge of the system. Remember that these receivers are learning a very complex Patriots offense and it's not always an easy transition to make- just ask Joey Galloway and Chad Johnson. With NFL rosters currently at 90 players the Pats have 17 receivers on their roster and I would expect 9-11 of them to make the final cut. On paper this receiving corps looks to have very good potential, but that's if they develop a solid chemistry with their quarterback. One thing the offense does have going for them, though, is their running game. The Patriots led the NFL with 25 rushing touchdowns in 2012. Stevan Ridley broke out last year and is expected to carry that momentum into this season. While fan favorite Danny Woodhead signed with San Diego the Pats have a suitable replacement and possible upgrade in Shane Vereen. Without their dynamic duo at tight end- one of which will not be returning- it's possible that we see offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels change up the offense a little bit with less two tight end sets.
The only other season where Brady was throwing to a group of somewhat, "unknowns," was in 2006 when he was passing to Reche Caldwell, Doug Gabriel, Troy Brown, Chad Jackson, Jabar Gaffney, Benjamin Watson, Daniel Graham, and David Thomas. Recently, former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick- currently an analyst for the NFL Network- had this to say about what a successful 2013 season for Brady would do for his future in Canton, "Forget five years after he retires. Just do it at the end of the season." That got a chuckle out of me, I loved the statement and agree with him entirely. It's going to be a true test to the greatness of Tom Terrific working with so many new faces but if there's one thing we should know about him, it's this: never count out #12.
I feel better about the Pats defense than I do about their offense and that's saying something. Reports say Gronk is expected to be out until at least week six of the regular season. So, for the remainder of the offseason I fully expect Brady and the receivers to be working overtime to develop good chemistry, timing, rhythm, and knowledge of the system. Remember that these receivers are learning a very complex Patriots offense and it's not always an easy transition to make- just ask Joey Galloway and Chad Johnson. With NFL rosters currently at 90 players the Pats have 17 receivers on their roster and I would expect 9-11 of them to make the final cut. On paper this receiving corps looks to have very good potential, but that's if they develop a solid chemistry with their quarterback. One thing the offense does have going for them, though, is their running game. The Patriots led the NFL with 25 rushing touchdowns in 2012. Stevan Ridley broke out last year and is expected to carry that momentum into this season. While fan favorite Danny Woodhead signed with San Diego the Pats have a suitable replacement and possible upgrade in Shane Vereen. Without their dynamic duo at tight end- one of which will not be returning- it's possible that we see offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels change up the offense a little bit with less two tight end sets.
The only other season where Brady was throwing to a group of somewhat, "unknowns," was in 2006 when he was passing to Reche Caldwell, Doug Gabriel, Troy Brown, Chad Jackson, Jabar Gaffney, Benjamin Watson, Daniel Graham, and David Thomas. Recently, former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick- currently an analyst for the NFL Network- had this to say about what a successful 2013 season for Brady would do for his future in Canton, "Forget five years after he retires. Just do it at the end of the season." That got a chuckle out of me, I loved the statement and agree with him entirely. It's going to be a true test to the greatness of Tom Terrific working with so many new faces but if there's one thing we should know about him, it's this: never count out #12.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Aaron Hernandez arrested, cut by Patriots
Aaron Hernandez has been arrested on five gun charges and one charge of murder. The Patriots responded to the arrest by releasing their "Joker" tight end. This is a huge hit to New England's offense. The only Patriots receiver who has caught multiple passes from Tom Brady and is expected to be healthy for the start of the regular season is Julian Edelman. The tight end position is a huge concern following the release of Hernandez. Expect the Patriots to sign a free agent like Dallas Clark or Travis Beckum. According to Gregg Rosenthal the Patriots made the decision last week that if Hernandez was arrested, they would cut him loose. The 23 year old Hernandez is a wealthy man which means it's possible he pays off the victim's family or reaches a plea bargain. You can watch the live court hearing now on ESPN among other sports stations.
Monday, June 24, 2013
NFL Top 100 Players of 2013: Recap, predicting the order of the top ten, and ten players who got snubbed.
The NFL Network's annual countdown of the top 100 player's in the league today (voted by the players only) is nearing the end. We crack the top ten players on the list Thursday night. Here is a recap of the list thus far: (Italic is my prediction)
100-91: Dennis Pitta, Trent Williams, Maurice Jones-Drew, Heath Miller, Dashon Goldson, Max Unger, Daryl Washington, Anquan Boldin, Gerald McCoy, Troy Polamalu.
90-81: Percy Harvin, Cameron Wake, Jacoby Jones, Bernard Pollard, London Fletcher, Charles Woodson, Steve Smith, Lance Briggs, Logan Mankins, Colin Kaepernick.
80-71: Dwight Freeney, Luke Kuechly, Joe Staley, Aaron Hernandez, Matthew Stafford, Brandon Flowers, Robert Mathis, Antonio Gates, Mario Williams, Trent Richardson.
70-61: Chad Greenway, Tim Jennings, Demaryius Thomas, Darrelle Revis, Earl Thomas, Dwayne Bow, Alfred Morris, Stephen Tulloch, Chris Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger.
60-51: Jared Allen, Derrick Johnson, Victor Cruz, Doug Martin, Terrell Suggs, Jason Pierre-Paul, Julius Peppers, Champ Bailey, Vincent Jackson, Russell Wilson.
50-41: Richard Sherman, Justin Houston, Duane Brown, Tony Gonzalez, Cam Newton, LeSean McCoy, Wes Welker, Eli Manning, Haloti Ngata, Jason Witten.
40-31: Ndamukong Suh, Roddy White, Vernon Davis, NaVorro Bowman, Geno Atkins, Dez Bryant, Charles Tillman, Patrick Peterson, Frank Gore, Clay Matthews.
30-21: Vince Wilfork, Justin Smith, Joe Thomas, Brandon Marshall, Julio Jones, Rob Gronkowski, Marshawn Lynch, Andrew Luck, Larry Fitzgerald, Reggie Wayne.
20-11: Jamaal Charles, Joe Flacco, Ed Reed, Matt Ryan, A.J. Green, Robert Griffin III, Andre Johnson, Ray Rice, DeMarcus Ware, Drew Brees.
10-1: Arian Foster, Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Von Miller, Calvin Johnson, Peyton Manning, J.J. Watt, Adrian Peterson.
With lists like these comes plenty of controversy and debate. Naturally, there are going to be players left off the list who deserve to be on it, a.k.a players who got "snubbed." Here's my top ten players who got snubbed:
1. Jairus Byrd- Safety
2. Jerod Mayo- Linebacker
3. Jimmy Graham- Tight End
4. Kyle Williams- Defensive Tackle
5. Marshal Yanda- Guard
6. Antonio Cromartie- Cornerback
7. Randall Cobb- Wide Receiver
8. John Sullivan- Center
9. Jerome Felton- Fullback
10. Andy Lee- Punter
I know what you're thinking, and no, I'm not kidding about the punter.
100-91: Dennis Pitta, Trent Williams, Maurice Jones-Drew, Heath Miller, Dashon Goldson, Max Unger, Daryl Washington, Anquan Boldin, Gerald McCoy, Troy Polamalu.
90-81: Percy Harvin, Cameron Wake, Jacoby Jones, Bernard Pollard, London Fletcher, Charles Woodson, Steve Smith, Lance Briggs, Logan Mankins, Colin Kaepernick.
80-71: Dwight Freeney, Luke Kuechly, Joe Staley, Aaron Hernandez, Matthew Stafford, Brandon Flowers, Robert Mathis, Antonio Gates, Mario Williams, Trent Richardson.
70-61: Chad Greenway, Tim Jennings, Demaryius Thomas, Darrelle Revis, Earl Thomas, Dwayne Bow, Alfred Morris, Stephen Tulloch, Chris Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger.
60-51: Jared Allen, Derrick Johnson, Victor Cruz, Doug Martin, Terrell Suggs, Jason Pierre-Paul, Julius Peppers, Champ Bailey, Vincent Jackson, Russell Wilson.
50-41: Richard Sherman, Justin Houston, Duane Brown, Tony Gonzalez, Cam Newton, LeSean McCoy, Wes Welker, Eli Manning, Haloti Ngata, Jason Witten.
40-31: Ndamukong Suh, Roddy White, Vernon Davis, NaVorro Bowman, Geno Atkins, Dez Bryant, Charles Tillman, Patrick Peterson, Frank Gore, Clay Matthews.
30-21: Vince Wilfork, Justin Smith, Joe Thomas, Brandon Marshall, Julio Jones, Rob Gronkowski, Marshawn Lynch, Andrew Luck, Larry Fitzgerald, Reggie Wayne.
20-11: Jamaal Charles, Joe Flacco, Ed Reed, Matt Ryan, A.J. Green, Robert Griffin III, Andre Johnson, Ray Rice, DeMarcus Ware, Drew Brees.
10-1: Arian Foster, Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Von Miller, Calvin Johnson, Peyton Manning, J.J. Watt, Adrian Peterson.
With lists like these comes plenty of controversy and debate. Naturally, there are going to be players left off the list who deserve to be on it, a.k.a players who got "snubbed." Here's my top ten players who got snubbed:
1. Jairus Byrd- Safety
2. Jerod Mayo- Linebacker
3. Jimmy Graham- Tight End
4. Kyle Williams- Defensive Tackle
5. Marshal Yanda- Guard
6. Antonio Cromartie- Cornerback
7. Randall Cobb- Wide Receiver
8. John Sullivan- Center
9. Jerome Felton- Fullback
10. Andy Lee- Punter
I know what you're thinking, and no, I'm not kidding about the punter.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Aaron Hernandez suspect in homicide case
As you may have heard, Patriots tight end has made headlines for all the wrong reasons as he is considered a suspect in a homicide. Ever since he and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski were drafted by the Patriots in 2010, I've continued to see Gronk making headlines as a "knucklehead" partying with his shirt off and what not and to say the least, it took some time for me to get used it. Because it doesn't resemble the "Patriot way," that I (and all Pats fans) have become accustomed to. And hearing of Hernandez's recent situation I am thrilled knowing that Gronk is just dancing and having fun.
Since being named a possible suspect in the homicide of 27 year old Odin Lloyd, who was said to be an "associate" of Hernandez, reports have surfaced regarding Hernandez's plummet in the 2010 draft that saw him fall to the fourth round. Up until now, I thought he fell due to his reported issues using marijuana during his years at the University of Florida, but apparently NFL front offices were wary of selecting him for different reasons. Reports have stated that Hernandez may have had gang relations in his hometown of Bristol, Connecticut. Tom E. Curran of Comcast Sports Net New England said in a recent article that, "Hernandez has been a full-time project for the Patriots in terms of trying to keep him focused and monitoring his decision-making." All of this time I thought that Hernandez was the more mature and responsible of the two tight ends the Patriots drafted three years ago; seeing how he conducted himself and that he was very dedicated to his craft. Boy, was I wrong. It's also been said in reports that Hernandez had been trying to distance himself from the crowd he associated with for so long.
Regardless of what happens to Hernandez in this case it should be a wake-up call. He is 24 years old, one of the most dynamic tight ends the league has ever seen, he has the potential to do great things, and he has an infant daughter who needs him. So many NFL players before him have ruined their careers all because of poor choices and hanging around with the wrong crowd. A man's life was taken and if Hernandez had anything to do with it- and as of now, it sure sounds like he did- then he should be punished and suffer the consequences. I'm tired of professional athletes getting off easy because they can pay people off.. Odin Lloyd had some form of family and now they have lost him- their son, brother, cousin, nephew, etc.- at the young age of 27. My thoughts, and hopefully yours, are with his family at this time.
Since being named a possible suspect in the homicide of 27 year old Odin Lloyd, who was said to be an "associate" of Hernandez, reports have surfaced regarding Hernandez's plummet in the 2010 draft that saw him fall to the fourth round. Up until now, I thought he fell due to his reported issues using marijuana during his years at the University of Florida, but apparently NFL front offices were wary of selecting him for different reasons. Reports have stated that Hernandez may have had gang relations in his hometown of Bristol, Connecticut. Tom E. Curran of Comcast Sports Net New England said in a recent article that, "Hernandez has been a full-time project for the Patriots in terms of trying to keep him focused and monitoring his decision-making." All of this time I thought that Hernandez was the more mature and responsible of the two tight ends the Patriots drafted three years ago; seeing how he conducted himself and that he was very dedicated to his craft. Boy, was I wrong. It's also been said in reports that Hernandez had been trying to distance himself from the crowd he associated with for so long.
Regardless of what happens to Hernandez in this case it should be a wake-up call. He is 24 years old, one of the most dynamic tight ends the league has ever seen, he has the potential to do great things, and he has an infant daughter who needs him. So many NFL players before him have ruined their careers all because of poor choices and hanging around with the wrong crowd. A man's life was taken and if Hernandez had anything to do with it- and as of now, it sure sounds like he did- then he should be punished and suffer the consequences. I'm tired of professional athletes getting off easy because they can pay people off.. Odin Lloyd had some form of family and now they have lost him- their son, brother, cousin, nephew, etc.- at the young age of 27. My thoughts, and hopefully yours, are with his family at this time.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tebow won't be limited to quarterback in New England
I've seen reports stating, "Tebow was brought to New England to play quarterback," while others say, "Tebow will be studying a great deal at tight end." Limiting him to just one position defeats the purpose of having him on your team. If there's one thing that's true about this guy it's that he's a football player. Not a quarterback but a football player. I think that the Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is going to get creative. I expect to see Tebow lined up in the backfield with Tom Brady. And specifically on goal-to-go situations where he can run the ball in, complete a short pass for a touchdown or catch a dump off from Brady. He's being given the opportunity to develop as a quarterback and learn from one of the greatest to ever play the position. However, there is no denying Tebow's presence on the field- it causes the defense to account for the myriad of options that could be thrown at them. For Belichick and McDaniels, the possibilities are endless.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Patriots sign Tim Tebow
No, this is not a joke, the New England Patriots have signed the polarizing figure that is Tim Tebow. Just days after Bill Belichick addressed the rumor spread by a piece written by Yahoo! Sports' Mike Silver stating that Belichick "hated" Tebow as a player. Well, that Silver guy should feel pretty stupid. Unless this is just a way of getting back at him by Belichick; crazy and unlikely, I know, but it wouldn't be strangest thing that's happened.
I'm not a Tebow fan, to put it mildly. I hate the hype that surrounds him considering he's a terrible quarterback. The Jets weren't successful in using him as a half back/tight end and on special teams. The Jets didn't have an offensive mind that was able to capitalize on Tebow's strengths. Josh McDaniels will come up with specific packages for him and get very creative. He's 6'3" 235lbs and looks more like a linebacker than a quarterback. His mechanics are terrible and he's a poor thrower. So, who better to backup than Tom Brady?
There is no denying Tebow's athleticism and ability to run the football. He's been reluctant to switch positions in the past but I have a feeling that after an offseason where it was widely believed he wouldn't play another down in the NFL, he's going to be a little more open to it this time around.
I'm not a Tebow fan, to put it mildly. I hate the hype that surrounds him considering he's a terrible quarterback. The Jets weren't successful in using him as a half back/tight end and on special teams. The Jets didn't have an offensive mind that was able to capitalize on Tebow's strengths. Josh McDaniels will come up with specific packages for him and get very creative. He's 6'3" 235lbs and looks more like a linebacker than a quarterback. His mechanics are terrible and he's a poor thrower. So, who better to backup than Tom Brady?
There is no denying Tebow's athleticism and ability to run the football. He's been reluctant to switch positions in the past but I have a feeling that after an offseason where it was widely believed he wouldn't play another down in the NFL, he's going to be a little more open to it this time around.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
2014 NFL Draft's Top 5 prospects at every position| Defense
I listed my Top 5 prospects on offense for next year's draft. Now, let's take a look at the defensive side of the football.
Defensive Tackle:
1. Louis Nix III, Notre Dame- Nix deserves a lot of credit for Manti Te'o's incredible season in 2012, demanding double teams and making life easier for his former teammate. At 6'3" 340lbs Nix is huge but has rare quickness for his size. He reminds me of Patriots' defensive tackle Vince Wilfork in that regard. If Nix doesn't regress in 2013 he should be penciled in as the first defensive tackle drafted.
2. Will Sutton, Arizona State- At 6'1" 288lbs Sutton is considered undersized for a defensive tackle. But there's no denying his talent. He's a terrific pass rusher; he piled up 13 sacks last season. If he's not an anchor against the run teams may look to play him at end and move him inside to rush the passer.
3. Anthony Johnson, LSU- Johnson has great speed for his size earning him the nickname "The Freak". He's force at the line of scrimmage and very explosive off the snap. If he can be a force in his junior year it would do wonders for his draft stock.
4. Daniel McCullers, Tennessee- McCuller is a mountain of a man at 6'6" 377lbs. He is still raw and has to improve in several areas but he has a lot of upside.
5. Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma St.- Barnett was very disruptive up front for the Cowboys. In 2012 he was named the Big XII Defensive Newcomer of the Year. With his first season in the Big XII under his belt Barnett should have a better senior season.
Defensive End:
1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina- Unless you've been under a rock for the past year you know who Jadeveon Clowney is. This young man is a freak of nature. His size and athleticism draws comparison to Julius Peppers when he came out of college in 2002.
2. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame- Tuitt is a beast. His 6'6" 300lb frame has surprising quickness and burst. He's extremely talented as we saw last season when he recorded 12 sacks. If Tuitt decides to enter the draft next year he's an automatic first rounder.
3. Trent Murphy, Stanford-
4. Aaron Lynch, South Florida- It's scary to think that Notre Dame once had Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, and Louis Nix as their defensive line. Unfortunately for the Irish, Lynch was homesick and transferred to South Florida. Having to sit out 2012 due to the transfer rules Lynch is expected to come right in and wreak havoc. He's got the skill to do it.
5. Scott Chrichton, Oregon St.-
Outside Linebacker:
1. Kyle Van Noy, BYU- Van Noy excels in each aspect of the position; playing the run, rushing the passer, and pass coverage. He's especially good at the latter. He's an overall exceptional linebacker.
2. Anthony Barr, UCLA- Barr was an unknown Bruins fullback until the UCLA coaching staff decided to move him to defense. Barr totaled 83 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his first season on defense. He is a terrific pass rusher who explodes off the snap and punishes the quarterback, just ask Matt Barkley.
3. C.J. Mosley, Alabama- Mosley plays sideline to sideline and is a leader on the Crimson Tide's stellar defense. He's solid in pass coverage (5 career interceptions) and always seems to be around the ball.
4. Ryan Shazier, Ohio St.- Shazier will be viewed as a "tweener" due to his size (6'2" 225lb) but I don't believe it's going to be problem for him. He's explosive and aggressive. He had a terrific sophomore season posting 115 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, 11 pass break ups, one interception, and three forced fumbles.
5. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama- Hubbard looks like the quintessential 3-4 outside linebacker. He's big (6'6" 252lb) and gets after the quarterback. He recorded seven sacks last year, his first season as a starter.
Inside Linebacker:
1. Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky- Jackson is a thumper in its truest sense. The 6'1" 265 pound linebacker stones anybody who gets in his way. He also plays well against stronger competition like LSU, Alabama, and Kentucky.
2. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee- Johnson shone on a poor Volunteers squad in 2012. The sophomore tallied 138 tackles, good for fifth in the country. He was also their short-yardage running back too, scoring six rushing touchdowns.
3. Eric Kendricks, UCLA- Kendricks burst onto the scene last year and put up a heck of a season; 151 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, three fumble recoveries (2 TDs), and four forced fumbles. He's the Bruins' middle linebacker and can also plat outside. If he wants to be in the middle in the pros he's going to have add weight to his 6'0 228lb frame.
4. Shayne Skov, Stanford- Skov surprised many by returning for his fifth year at Stanford. His play doesn't "wow" anyone but he's a solid run defender and pretty good blitzer. A good 2013 season would really help his draft stock.
5. Max Bullough, Michigan St.- Bullough is a tough and physical run-stuffing linebacker. He put up a solid junior campaign for the Spartans and returns for his senior year in 2013. There are questions about whether or not he is a three down linebacker.
Cornerback:
1. Bradley Roby, Ohio St.- Roby is an aggressive corner who has good instincts. He's got good speed and should continue to improve in his junior year.
2. Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida- Purifoy has great size to be a press man corner at the next level. He had a good sophomore season for the Gators often being assigned to cover receivers one on one. He's such a talent that the Gators plan on using him at wide receiver as well as cornerback in 2013.
3. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon- Ekpre-Olomu was a turnover machine for the Ducks last season as he picked off four passes and forced six fumbles. He has good instincts and should build off a solid sophomore season but still has some things to work on.
4. Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma- Colvin has good size at 6'0 181lb and is a good press man corner. He could lament himself into first round consideration with a solid senior season.
5. Deshazor Everett, Texas A&M- Everette was impressive in his first season as a starter, also the Aggies' first season in the SEC, as he recorded 56 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.
Safety:
1. Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State- Zimmerman isn't the biggest or fastest guy but he's smart and instinctive. He's had a productive career at Kansas State and looks to add to that with another good year as a senior. He's recorded 10 interceptions in his career as a Wild Cat.
2. Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, Alabama- Better known as Haha Clinton-Dix, the Crimson Tide safety had a great sophomore season that saw him intercept five passes. He should be even better this season now that he'll be a starter.
3. Ed Reynolds, Stanford- Reynolds broke out last year as he lead the nation in interception return yards with 361 off of six picks. He has a nose for the football and should build off his stellar sophomore season and continue to be listed as one of the top safeties in college football.
4. Kenny Ladler, Vanderbilt- Ladler really pops out when watching the Vanderbilt defense. He throws himself at ball carriers and plays from sideline to sideline.
5. Dion Bailey, USC- Bailey played safety and outside linebacker for the Trojans. He excels in pass coverage and the ability to play safety and linebacker will help him when he goes to the pros.
Defensive Tackle:
1. Louis Nix III, Notre Dame- Nix deserves a lot of credit for Manti Te'o's incredible season in 2012, demanding double teams and making life easier for his former teammate. At 6'3" 340lbs Nix is huge but has rare quickness for his size. He reminds me of Patriots' defensive tackle Vince Wilfork in that regard. If Nix doesn't regress in 2013 he should be penciled in as the first defensive tackle drafted.
2. Will Sutton, Arizona State- At 6'1" 288lbs Sutton is considered undersized for a defensive tackle. But there's no denying his talent. He's a terrific pass rusher; he piled up 13 sacks last season. If he's not an anchor against the run teams may look to play him at end and move him inside to rush the passer.
3. Anthony Johnson, LSU- Johnson has great speed for his size earning him the nickname "The Freak". He's force at the line of scrimmage and very explosive off the snap. If he can be a force in his junior year it would do wonders for his draft stock.
4. Daniel McCullers, Tennessee- McCuller is a mountain of a man at 6'6" 377lbs. He is still raw and has to improve in several areas but he has a lot of upside.
5. Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma St.- Barnett was very disruptive up front for the Cowboys. In 2012 he was named the Big XII Defensive Newcomer of the Year. With his first season in the Big XII under his belt Barnett should have a better senior season.
Defensive End:
1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina- Unless you've been under a rock for the past year you know who Jadeveon Clowney is. This young man is a freak of nature. His size and athleticism draws comparison to Julius Peppers when he came out of college in 2002.
2. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame- Tuitt is a beast. His 6'6" 300lb frame has surprising quickness and burst. He's extremely talented as we saw last season when he recorded 12 sacks. If Tuitt decides to enter the draft next year he's an automatic first rounder.
3. Trent Murphy, Stanford-
4. Aaron Lynch, South Florida- It's scary to think that Notre Dame once had Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, and Louis Nix as their defensive line. Unfortunately for the Irish, Lynch was homesick and transferred to South Florida. Having to sit out 2012 due to the transfer rules Lynch is expected to come right in and wreak havoc. He's got the skill to do it.
5. Scott Chrichton, Oregon St.-
Outside Linebacker:
1. Kyle Van Noy, BYU- Van Noy excels in each aspect of the position; playing the run, rushing the passer, and pass coverage. He's especially good at the latter. He's an overall exceptional linebacker.
2. Anthony Barr, UCLA- Barr was an unknown Bruins fullback until the UCLA coaching staff decided to move him to defense. Barr totaled 83 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his first season on defense. He is a terrific pass rusher who explodes off the snap and punishes the quarterback, just ask Matt Barkley.
3. C.J. Mosley, Alabama- Mosley plays sideline to sideline and is a leader on the Crimson Tide's stellar defense. He's solid in pass coverage (5 career interceptions) and always seems to be around the ball.
4. Ryan Shazier, Ohio St.- Shazier will be viewed as a "tweener" due to his size (6'2" 225lb) but I don't believe it's going to be problem for him. He's explosive and aggressive. He had a terrific sophomore season posting 115 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, 11 pass break ups, one interception, and three forced fumbles.
5. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama- Hubbard looks like the quintessential 3-4 outside linebacker. He's big (6'6" 252lb) and gets after the quarterback. He recorded seven sacks last year, his first season as a starter.
Inside Linebacker:
1. Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky- Jackson is a thumper in its truest sense. The 6'1" 265 pound linebacker stones anybody who gets in his way. He also plays well against stronger competition like LSU, Alabama, and Kentucky.
2. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee- Johnson shone on a poor Volunteers squad in 2012. The sophomore tallied 138 tackles, good for fifth in the country. He was also their short-yardage running back too, scoring six rushing touchdowns.
3. Eric Kendricks, UCLA- Kendricks burst onto the scene last year and put up a heck of a season; 151 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, three fumble recoveries (2 TDs), and four forced fumbles. He's the Bruins' middle linebacker and can also plat outside. If he wants to be in the middle in the pros he's going to have add weight to his 6'0 228lb frame.
4. Shayne Skov, Stanford- Skov surprised many by returning for his fifth year at Stanford. His play doesn't "wow" anyone but he's a solid run defender and pretty good blitzer. A good 2013 season would really help his draft stock.
5. Max Bullough, Michigan St.- Bullough is a tough and physical run-stuffing linebacker. He put up a solid junior campaign for the Spartans and returns for his senior year in 2013. There are questions about whether or not he is a three down linebacker.
Cornerback:
1. Bradley Roby, Ohio St.- Roby is an aggressive corner who has good instincts. He's got good speed and should continue to improve in his junior year.
2. Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida- Purifoy has great size to be a press man corner at the next level. He had a good sophomore season for the Gators often being assigned to cover receivers one on one. He's such a talent that the Gators plan on using him at wide receiver as well as cornerback in 2013.
3. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon- Ekpre-Olomu was a turnover machine for the Ducks last season as he picked off four passes and forced six fumbles. He has good instincts and should build off a solid sophomore season but still has some things to work on.
4. Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma- Colvin has good size at 6'0 181lb and is a good press man corner. He could lament himself into first round consideration with a solid senior season.
5. Deshazor Everett, Texas A&M- Everette was impressive in his first season as a starter, also the Aggies' first season in the SEC, as he recorded 56 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.
Safety:
1. Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State- Zimmerman isn't the biggest or fastest guy but he's smart and instinctive. He's had a productive career at Kansas State and looks to add to that with another good year as a senior. He's recorded 10 interceptions in his career as a Wild Cat.
2. Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, Alabama- Better known as Haha Clinton-Dix, the Crimson Tide safety had a great sophomore season that saw him intercept five passes. He should be even better this season now that he'll be a starter.
3. Ed Reynolds, Stanford- Reynolds broke out last year as he lead the nation in interception return yards with 361 off of six picks. He has a nose for the football and should build off his stellar sophomore season and continue to be listed as one of the top safeties in college football.
4. Kenny Ladler, Vanderbilt- Ladler really pops out when watching the Vanderbilt defense. He throws himself at ball carriers and plays from sideline to sideline.
5. Dion Bailey, USC- Bailey played safety and outside linebacker for the Trojans. He excels in pass coverage and the ability to play safety and linebacker will help him when he goes to the pros.
2014 NFL Draft's Top 5 prospects at every position| Offense
The 2014 NFL Draft is a just under a year away, but it's never too early to look ahead. Here are my top five prospects at every offensive.
Quarterback:
1. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville- Bridgewater led the Louisville Cardinals to an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl win over the Florida Gators. He has a very high football IQ and is expected to be the first signal caller off the board next year and possibly the number one overall pick.
2. Tajh Boyd, Clemson- Boyd improved his game in his junior season and showed plenty of improvement in his game. The 6'1" 225-pounder has a strong, accurate arm and can take a hit. I expect him to improve in his senior season.
3. Aaron Murray, Georgia- Murray had a good season last year but he's struggled against elite defenses like Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama. He needs to improve against better competition to be a first round pick.
4. A.J. McCarron, Alabama- McCarron is a winner, having helped lead the Crimson Tide to back-to-back National Titles in 2011 and 2012. In his three years playing for Alabama he's completed 66.7 percent of his passes and thrown 49 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions.
5. David Fales, San Jose St.- Fales was a junior college transfer who broke out last year at San Jose St. He doesn't face elite competition and that will be a knock on him when he enters the draft. But, he's got terrific accuracy, decent mobility, good size, and great stats.
Running Back:
1. De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon- Thomas isn't built like a running back. He's lean. But his playmaking ability is off the charts. He, more than any player I've seen, is always a threat to score with the ball in his hands.
2. Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona- Carey led the nation in rushing in 2012 when he ran for 1,929 yards and scored 23 touchdowns. He's a quick back with physicality to his game. If he can put on some more muscle without losing speed it'd help his draft stock.
3. Silas Redd, USC- Redd transferred from Penn State to USC after the infamous child abuse scandal. In his first season with Southern Cal he racked up 905 yards and five touchdowns. Redd has good speed and shows an ability to break tackles. Look for him to have an excellent senior season in 2013.
4. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor- Seastrunk may fly under the radar due to Baylor's passing game the past couple seasons. But the Bear's running back has a good combination of size and speed and is expected to serve a larger role on offense this season.
5. Damien Williams, Oklahoma- Williams had a pretty good season in 2012 running 946 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 176 carries. He displayed good receiving ability catching 29 passes. He's a solidly built back who could breakout in 2013.
Wide Receiver:
1. Marqise Lee, USC- Lee was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2012, maybe I should just stop there? I would, but with quarterback Matt Barkley now in the NFL it'll be interesting too see how Lee's stats are effected by it in 2013.
2. Sammy Watkins, Clemson- Watkins is an extremely explosive athlete who has great speed an moves with the ball in his hands. He's a game changer.
3. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt- Matthews has good hands and runs clean routes. His production took a huge leap his junior year and he'll look to build on that in his final year.
4. Brandon Coleman, Rutgers- Coleman is an imposing target. His 6-foot-6 225-pound frame make him a nightmare for cornerbacks. Scouts are going to question his speed when he enters the draft but he'll be a force regardless of his 40 yard dash time.
5. Mike Evans, Texas A&M- Like Coleman, Mike Evans is a big man. At 6'5" 225lbs he uses his basketball background to his advantage against smaller defenders. His quarterback Johnny Manziel got all the attention last year but Evans was a huge reason for Manziel's success.
Tight End:
1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington- Team's are looking for the next Rob Gronkowski and Sefarian-Jenkins is the closest thing since Gronk was drafted in 2010. With great size (6'6" 267lbs) and athletic ability he has the potential to be great. However off field problems have hurt him. If he can stay out of trouble you can pencil him in as a first round pick.
2. Eric Ebron, North Carolina- Ebron was the Tar Heels' second leading receiver in 2012 catching 40 passes for 625 yards and four scores. He has all the intangibles teams look for in a tight end.
3. C.J. Federowicz, Iowa- Federowicz has the size teams look for in a tight end (6'7" 265lbs). He's a good and willing blocker and if he continues to work on his pass catching it'll help his draft stock considerably.
4. Colt Lyerla, Oregon- Lyerla was one of many weapons used in the Ducks offense last year. He shows terrific athleticism but could stand to add some weight. It'll be interesting to see how he, and the Ducks offense as a whole, fair this season under new head coach Mark Helfrich.
5. Xavier Grimble, USC- Grimble displayed good receiving ability last season and with Robert Woods in the NFL and Marquise Lee commanding a single high safety, Grimble should have plenty of opportunities this season.
Interior Offensive Lineman:
1. Cyril Richardson, Baylor- A massive man at 6'5" 335lbs Richardson has played at both guard and tackle for the Baylor Bears. He's more effective at guard and will likely play the position in the pros. He's a mauler in the run game but would be wise to improve his pass protection.
2. Zack Martin, Notre Dame- Martin is Notre Dame's starting left tackle but will likely be moved inside at the next level. At 6'4 305lbs Martin is built more like a guard in a zone blocking scheme. His versatility will help him in the pros.
3. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi St.- Jackson, like Richardson, is a mauler in the run game but should look to improve his pass blocking. He played well against Alabama and LSU last year. If he plays well against the Bulldog's tough 2013 schedule, he'll start opening eyes.
4. Bryan Stork, Florida St.- Stork has experience playing at center and guard at Florida St. That versatility with serve him well in the pros. He's improved each year and I'd expect that trend to continue.
5. Anthony Steen, Alabama- Anthony Steen was overlooked because he played on a prolific offense and offensive line. He was overshadowed by his line mates D.J. Fluker, Chance Warmack, and Barrett Jones; all of whom are now in the NFL. Steen, along with teammate Kouanjio, are now "the guys." Steen finished 2012 without giving up a single sack or committing a single penalty. Very impressive.
Offensive Tackles:
1. Taylor Lewan, Michigan- Lewan enters his fourth straight season at Michigan as the starting left tackle. With a great senior season he can supplant himself as the top left tackle in college football. Lewan has the nastiness teams want in their offensive lineman and plays with a mean streak.
2. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M- Son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, Jake will be moving over to left tackle since Luke Joeckel is a Jacksonville Jaguar. Matthews is smart and technically sound. Look for him to fight for that label of "top left tackle" with Taylor Lewan.
3. Cyrus Kouanjio, Alabama- Kouanjio protected A.J. McCarron's blindside and plowed defenders for Eddie Lacy in 2012 helping Alabama win the National Championship. He's quick and athletic for his size and another impressive season should cement him as a first round pick.
4. James Hurst, North Carolina- Hurst has the size and quickness teams look for in a tackle. Hurst will start his season off with a mighty test as he squares off with Jadeveon Clowney.
5. David Yankey, Stanford- Yankey did a good job for the Cardinals at left tackle last year and should continue to improve. He'll face some very good pass rushers this season and the results will help scouts decide if he's better suited at tackle or guard.
Quarterback:
1. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville- Bridgewater led the Louisville Cardinals to an 11-2 record and a Sugar Bowl win over the Florida Gators. He has a very high football IQ and is expected to be the first signal caller off the board next year and possibly the number one overall pick.
2. Tajh Boyd, Clemson- Boyd improved his game in his junior season and showed plenty of improvement in his game. The 6'1" 225-pounder has a strong, accurate arm and can take a hit. I expect him to improve in his senior season.
3. Aaron Murray, Georgia- Murray had a good season last year but he's struggled against elite defenses like Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama. He needs to improve against better competition to be a first round pick.
4. A.J. McCarron, Alabama- McCarron is a winner, having helped lead the Crimson Tide to back-to-back National Titles in 2011 and 2012. In his three years playing for Alabama he's completed 66.7 percent of his passes and thrown 49 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions.
5. David Fales, San Jose St.- Fales was a junior college transfer who broke out last year at San Jose St. He doesn't face elite competition and that will be a knock on him when he enters the draft. But, he's got terrific accuracy, decent mobility, good size, and great stats.
Running Back:
1. De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon- Thomas isn't built like a running back. He's lean. But his playmaking ability is off the charts. He, more than any player I've seen, is always a threat to score with the ball in his hands.
2. Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona- Carey led the nation in rushing in 2012 when he ran for 1,929 yards and scored 23 touchdowns. He's a quick back with physicality to his game. If he can put on some more muscle without losing speed it'd help his draft stock.
3. Silas Redd, USC- Redd transferred from Penn State to USC after the infamous child abuse scandal. In his first season with Southern Cal he racked up 905 yards and five touchdowns. Redd has good speed and shows an ability to break tackles. Look for him to have an excellent senior season in 2013.
4. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor- Seastrunk may fly under the radar due to Baylor's passing game the past couple seasons. But the Bear's running back has a good combination of size and speed and is expected to serve a larger role on offense this season.
5. Damien Williams, Oklahoma- Williams had a pretty good season in 2012 running 946 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 176 carries. He displayed good receiving ability catching 29 passes. He's a solidly built back who could breakout in 2013.
Wide Receiver:
1. Marqise Lee, USC- Lee was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2012, maybe I should just stop there? I would, but with quarterback Matt Barkley now in the NFL it'll be interesting too see how Lee's stats are effected by it in 2013.
2. Sammy Watkins, Clemson- Watkins is an extremely explosive athlete who has great speed an moves with the ball in his hands. He's a game changer.
3. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt- Matthews has good hands and runs clean routes. His production took a huge leap his junior year and he'll look to build on that in his final year.
4. Brandon Coleman, Rutgers- Coleman is an imposing target. His 6-foot-6 225-pound frame make him a nightmare for cornerbacks. Scouts are going to question his speed when he enters the draft but he'll be a force regardless of his 40 yard dash time.
5. Mike Evans, Texas A&M- Like Coleman, Mike Evans is a big man. At 6'5" 225lbs he uses his basketball background to his advantage against smaller defenders. His quarterback Johnny Manziel got all the attention last year but Evans was a huge reason for Manziel's success.
Tight End:
1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington- Team's are looking for the next Rob Gronkowski and Sefarian-Jenkins is the closest thing since Gronk was drafted in 2010. With great size (6'6" 267lbs) and athletic ability he has the potential to be great. However off field problems have hurt him. If he can stay out of trouble you can pencil him in as a first round pick.
2. Eric Ebron, North Carolina- Ebron was the Tar Heels' second leading receiver in 2012 catching 40 passes for 625 yards and four scores. He has all the intangibles teams look for in a tight end.
3. C.J. Federowicz, Iowa- Federowicz has the size teams look for in a tight end (6'7" 265lbs). He's a good and willing blocker and if he continues to work on his pass catching it'll help his draft stock considerably.
4. Colt Lyerla, Oregon- Lyerla was one of many weapons used in the Ducks offense last year. He shows terrific athleticism but could stand to add some weight. It'll be interesting to see how he, and the Ducks offense as a whole, fair this season under new head coach Mark Helfrich.
5. Xavier Grimble, USC- Grimble displayed good receiving ability last season and with Robert Woods in the NFL and Marquise Lee commanding a single high safety, Grimble should have plenty of opportunities this season.
Interior Offensive Lineman:
1. Cyril Richardson, Baylor- A massive man at 6'5" 335lbs Richardson has played at both guard and tackle for the Baylor Bears. He's more effective at guard and will likely play the position in the pros. He's a mauler in the run game but would be wise to improve his pass protection.
2. Zack Martin, Notre Dame- Martin is Notre Dame's starting left tackle but will likely be moved inside at the next level. At 6'4 305lbs Martin is built more like a guard in a zone blocking scheme. His versatility will help him in the pros.
3. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi St.- Jackson, like Richardson, is a mauler in the run game but should look to improve his pass blocking. He played well against Alabama and LSU last year. If he plays well against the Bulldog's tough 2013 schedule, he'll start opening eyes.
4. Bryan Stork, Florida St.- Stork has experience playing at center and guard at Florida St. That versatility with serve him well in the pros. He's improved each year and I'd expect that trend to continue.
5. Anthony Steen, Alabama- Anthony Steen was overlooked because he played on a prolific offense and offensive line. He was overshadowed by his line mates D.J. Fluker, Chance Warmack, and Barrett Jones; all of whom are now in the NFL. Steen, along with teammate Kouanjio, are now "the guys." Steen finished 2012 without giving up a single sack or committing a single penalty. Very impressive.
Offensive Tackles:
1. Taylor Lewan, Michigan- Lewan enters his fourth straight season at Michigan as the starting left tackle. With a great senior season he can supplant himself as the top left tackle in college football. Lewan has the nastiness teams want in their offensive lineman and plays with a mean streak.
2. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M- Son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, Jake will be moving over to left tackle since Luke Joeckel is a Jacksonville Jaguar. Matthews is smart and technically sound. Look for him to fight for that label of "top left tackle" with Taylor Lewan.
3. Cyrus Kouanjio, Alabama- Kouanjio protected A.J. McCarron's blindside and plowed defenders for Eddie Lacy in 2012 helping Alabama win the National Championship. He's quick and athletic for his size and another impressive season should cement him as a first round pick.
4. James Hurst, North Carolina- Hurst has the size and quickness teams look for in a tackle. Hurst will start his season off with a mighty test as he squares off with Jadeveon Clowney.
5. David Yankey, Stanford- Yankey did a good job for the Cardinals at left tackle last year and should continue to improve. He'll face some very good pass rushers this season and the results will help scouts decide if he's better suited at tackle or guard.
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