Author Archives: @devansh0429

Christian Sam Film Review: The Linebacker New England Needs?

So for about a month, I have been continually raving about how New England will get an athletic, fast first-round linebacker in Rashaan Evans or Leighton Vander Esch. Well, it didn’t work out like that. In fact, the Patriots did not draft a linebacker until the fifth round, where they took Ja’whaun Bentley and Christian Sam. Sam is referred to as the type of linebacker I have been wanting. Let’s get an understanding of how he really plays.

Against the Run

Sam is very patient in run defense. He waits for the play to develop to get the best position on the runner to make the tackle.

With his quickness, he uses a side-step move a lot to get past offensive linemen and tackle the runner.

The side-step move doesn’t work every time. He tries it here with no luck. He gets taken out of play.

The thing is that Sam isn’t great at taking on contact. His quickness and patience are his strengths in the run game. He puts his shoulder down here and tries to lead with power. The fullback consumes him with ease.

Analysis

Sam is fairly decent in the run game. He consistently makes tackles, as shown in the first clip against Oregon. His side step move is not consistent and can take him out of play. He also is helpless if a lineman can lock him or limit his movement. All that being said, he is a smart, instinctive, and dependable player. Although he is undersized, he still makes his presence known against the run.

Against the Pass

Sam is extremely gifted in coverage. He matches up with running backs well, as shown here. He takes away the quarterback’s check down option. This forces the quarterback to scramble and eventually get sacked.

His football IQ and diagnosis are very high. He immediately recognizes the screen and tackles the back for a loss of yards.

Sam is dropped into a zone coverage here. His reaction time is fast and therefore makes an excellent pass breakup.

Open-field tackling is a thing of beauty right here.

Analysis

This is where Sam can bring the most help to the team. He matches up with well with running backs, which is something the Patriots had trouble with in the playoffs (Corey Clement and Corey Grant still haunt my nightmares). Sam has a high football IQ, is stellar in zone coverage, and is a sure-fire tackler.

Conclusion

Thus, Christian Sam definitely has the potential to be an amazing linebacker. His cover skills are a dire necessity. He is most likely going to be a rotational player, but there is a chance he could overtake Elandon Roberts as starting middle linebacker. Although, the more likely prospect for that role is Marquis Flowers.

No matter what happens, expect to see Sam to still be wearing a Patriots uniform come September. Hopefully, you readers out there get a better understanding of the type of player Sam is. Is he the linebacker the Patriots need? Only time can tell.

The New England Bulldogs?

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In the first round of the 2018 NFL draft, the Patriots selected two Georgia players: LT Isaiah Wynn and RB Sony Michel – both filling a need of those departed in free agency. Wynn, although undersized, was a dominating pass protector for the Bulldogs in a division filled with elite pass rushers. Michel was electric on the field for Georgia, averaging 7.9 yards per carry and has even received comparisons to Alvin Kamara.

Image result for sony michel and isaiah wynn

Photo Credit: Boston Herald

The chemistry between these players will be amazing. Michel and Wynn have known each other since high school and were roommates in college. They are both thrilled to start their career together. When they entered Foxborough, the pair had heard from the Georgia alumni. “David Andrews shot me a text this morning,” Michel said. “Ran into Malcolm just a while ago and it was just great to know Georgia players are back together…”

The Patriots’ Affinity for Georgia Players

Past Bulldogs, such as Malcolm Mitchell and David Andrews, have strived in the Patriots’ system. Mitchell was a fourth-round pick who was a key part of New England’s 2016 Super Bowl win. Andrews went undrafted and worked his way into a starting role in 2015. One other note of importance is that Patriots’ legend Richard Seymour, was also a Bulldog.

Georgia’s Response to the Draft

On Twitter, the Georgia Bulldogs, apart from congratulating their players, posted this in response to the Patriots’ first-round selections:

With all the beautiful weather this week, make sure you take some time to visit our updated North Campus! 👇 pic.twitter.com/KYKNCwRCfq

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 30, 2018

It seems that Gillette Stadium has just been a second home for former Bulldogs.

Boston Sports Extra Mock Draft 2.0: Pats Get Brady’s Heir?

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Quarterback abundance. Trading a whole city to move up in the draft. Cleveland having the first pick. This 2018 draft has it all, and will definitely go down as one to remember. At least five quarterbacks are expected to be taken in the first round with the draft class being compared to the one in 1983. Mock drafts are mostly horribly wrong, but they are fun to do.

Photo Credit: USA Today

The Patriots have two picks in the first round this year, and there has been a plethora of rumors about them moving up in the draft to select their quarterback of the future. It is impossible to know exactly what Belichick will do come draft day, but let’s try anyways. This is Boston Sports Extra’s second and final mock draft:

1. Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield, QB

Yes, I know. Ten million other mock drafts have Sam Darnold as this pick. However, Cleveland has a lot riding on this pick. They have to look at the intangibles here. Mayfield is a born leader with a fiery determination. He has that prove-it mentality and is willing to do whatever it takes. Cleveland could use his command of the offense, and he can be the future of their franchise.

2. Buffalo Bills – Sam Darnold, QB (via mock trade with NYG)

I have read so much on how Dave Gettleman will go with a running back or defensive player here. The Bills have been desperate to trade up, so I’m thinking of a way to satisfy everyone’s needs here. Bills get their man to develop along with AJ McCarron. Stay tuned for the Giants.

3. New York Jets – Josh Rosen, QB (via IND)

The Jets traded THREE second round picks, as well as number six to move up to this spot. They have been linked to Mayfield, but with him off the board they take a proven passer in Mr. Chosen Rosen.

4. Cleveland Browns – Saquon Barkley, RB

They passed on him at number one, but they won’t here. Barkley is a rare talent and can be a humongous spark in this revamped team. Imagine having Mayfield, Barkley, and Landry leading that offense. Kinda scary if you think about it.

5. Denver Broncos – Josh Allen, QB

Elway has had a serious problem trying to find the future quarterback for this team in the draft. Paxton Lynch might have been the biggest waste of a first round pick that I have seen. The Broncos go with the strong-armed quarterback in Allen to develop behind Keenum who, let’s face it, is not a long term plan at quarterback.

6. Indianapolis Colts – Bradley Chubb, DE (via NYJ)

They traded down and still got arguably the best defensive player in this draft. The Colts could go with Quentin Nelson to protect Andrew Luck, but Chubb is too good a prospect to pass up.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derwin James, S

James is an amazing talent at his position. He’s learned from Pro-Bowlers, Landon Collins and Jalen Ramsey, and he’s ready to make a difference, no matter the team. The Buccaneers would greatly improve their secondary by adding James, who has that certain attitude and skill set they need.

8. Chicago Bears – Quentin Nelson, OG

The Bears have been focused on building around Mitchell Trubisky, and will continue here. With Josh Sitton gone, this seems like the perfect pick. Another option they could go with here is Tremaine Edmunds.

9. San Francisco 49ers – Roquan Smith, LB

Man, the 49ers just can’t stop winning. They won five straight with Jimmy G. They won the coin flip to get this pick, and they draft an absolute stud with it. Reuben Foster, who had great promise, will be cut if he is found guilty of his charges. That leaves a hole in the roster which Smith can definitely fill.

10. Oakland Raiders – Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Raiders can use all the help on defense they can. Their secondary looks better with Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin, so they look to improve their linebacker corps with arguably the best linebacker in the class.

11. Miami Dolphins – Vita Vea, DT

Dolphins have shown interest in drafting a quarterback, but choose to address a 307 pound hole in the defense. Vea is an absolute MONSTER. If you don’t believe me, watch his film against UCLA – or against anyone to be honest. Perfect fit for the Hawaiian who will love the beaches in South Florida.

12. New York Giants – Harold Landry, DE (via mock trade with BUF)

I mentioned how I had a way before how Buffalo and New York can get what they need. Harold Landry is an absolute beast with amazing technique. He can absolutely replace JPP.

13. Washington Redskins – Marcus Davenport, DE

Davenport is an untapped freak of nature. He can complement Jonathan Allen on a defensive line that faces Zeke and Ajayi twice a year.

14. Green Bay Packers – Denzel Ward, CB

Ward is the perfect person to pair with Kevin King to improve the Packers depleted secondary. Another option here could be a pass rusher.

15. Arizona Cardinals – Calvin Ridley, WR

Arizona could go quarterback, but instead choose to develop a wide receiver under the great Larry Fitzgerald. Look for them to draft an offensive linemen in the later rounds to protect their injury-prone quarterback.

16. Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson, QB

Flacco is on the back end of his career, so the Ravens could look to develop an amazing athlete. They addressed the wide receiver position in free agency, but can still go with that here if it’s someone they really love.

17. Los Angeles Chargers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB

The influx of quarterback picks allowed Fitzpatrick to fall. Chargers would definitely not pass him up, and he would be an amazing replacement for Tre Boston.

18. Seattle Seahawks – Mike McGlinchey, OT

Seattle’s reign is over. There are so MANY holes on this team. I think the first option they should go is to protect their quarterback so he doesn’t run like a chicken with his head cut off every play. Look for Seattle to draft cornerback here as another option.

19. Dallas Cowboys – D.J. Moore, WR

Goodbye, Dez Bryant. Hello, D.J. Moore. Dak gets another weapon, so he doesn’t have to rely on Zeke for their offense to be productive. We saw last year how that turned out.

20. Detroit Lions – Da’ron Payne, DT

Lions need help on the interior. Matty P should love the ‘Bama product. Welcome to the House of Payne.

21. Cincinatti Bengals – Will Hernandez, OG

Bengals drafts Hernandez to have a powerful player for Joe Mixon to run behind.

22. New York Giants – Derrius Guice, RB (via mock trade with BUF)

Instead of taking Saquon at No. 2, they trade down and take an end to replace JPP and a running back to give a spark their offense desperately needs. Guice’s 2016 season was remarkable, and he would be rated higher if it wasn’t for his injury plagued 2017.

23. New England Patriots – Rashaan Evans, LB

If Rosen and Mayfield are off the board early, Patriots won’t trade up. Instead they elect to pick an absolute Saban-bred stud in Evans. If you want to know why, then click here.

24. Carolina Panthers – Jaire Alexander, CB

Alexander is not far behind from Ward as a top cornerback. Hip movement is fluid and coverage is excellent. He honestly shouldn’t fall this far.

25. Tennessee Titans – Leighton Vander Esch, LB

Mike Vrabel will love having this extremely athletic linebacker to help the depleted core. ‘Nuff said.

26. Atlanta Falcons – Taven Bryan, DT

I still think Bryan is a perfect fit for Atlanta. His versatility on the line can help a team who lost both Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn.

27. New Orleans Saints – Mike Gesicki, TE

I’m sticking with my pick if Gesicki here. The trio of Thomas, Kamara, and Gesicki is a matchup nightmare. Brees will love having a Jimmy Graham-like target

28. Pittsburgh Steelers – Josh Jackson, CB

Jackson has a lack of experience, but his seven interceptions this year should not go unnoticed. Maybe he can finally help the Steelers beat the Patriots this year (probably not).

29. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert, TE

Defense is definitely not the priority here. If I were the Jaguars, I would go with Mason Rudolph here. However, this is the same team that just gave Bortles a long contract, so I doubt they will listen to me. I don’t think Austin Sefarian- Jenkins is a No. 1 tight end, so Goedert seems like the more likely approach for the Jag.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Connor Williams, OT

Vikings spent big bucks on a flashy, new quarterback and now have to make sure that they can protect him.

31. New England Patriots – Justin Reid, S

Patriots fans are probably scared of drafting this player because he is a Stanford safety, and our last Stanford safety is absolutely terrible (*cough* Jordan Richards). Well, you guys can RELAX. Reid is the real deal- smart, versatile, and great in coverage.

32. Philadephia Eagles – Hayden Hurst, TE

Yeah, I particularly don’t like making a pick here to make this team better (I’m not salty, you are). Anyways, the GM of the Eagles doesn’t think like that. Looking at the Eagles depth chart, they don’t have a lot of holes in the roster. There is not a lot of depth behind Zach Ertz, however. Enter Hurst, a huge catch machine who can create matchup issues for opposing defenses.

So Where’s Brady’s Heir?

Photo Credit: NESN

I do realize what I put in the title. I’m not about clickbait garbage. I do think the Patriots will draft their future quarterback – just not in the first round. Mason Rudolph at No. 43 is a potential prospect. Other later round picks could be Kyle Lauletta, Luke Falk, Logan Woodside, and Alex McGough.

Draft Battle: Rashaan Evans vs. Leighton Vander Esch

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If you have been following the draft closely, two names you might have heard come up for the Patriots are Rashaan Evans and Leighton Vander Esch. Both are talented first round linebackers that can fill a huge need. If both are available at pick 23, who would be the best pick for New England? I analyze and compare both players in this first installment of Draft Battle.

Measurables

Evans

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 234 lbs

Vertical Jump: 30.0 inches

Broad Jump: 116.0 inches

3-Cone Drill: 6.95 seconds

20 Yd Shuttle: 4.36 seconds

*Evans chose not to run the forty on Alabama’s Pro Day because he did not want to be defined as one single position. This caused his draft stock to fall as many teams made their way out there especially for that.

Vander Esch

Height: 6’4″

Weight: 256 lbs

40-yard dash: 4.65 seconds

Bench Press: 20 reps

Vertical Jump: 39.5 inches

Broad Jump: 124.0 inches

3-Cone Drill: 6.88 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.15 seconds

60-Yard Shuttle: 11.57 seconds

Analysis

For every category Evans did participate in, Vander Esch performed better. One thing the Patriots defense lacked was that second-level athleticism. At a pure physical standpoint, Vander Esch takes the cake.

ADVANTAGE: LVE

Playstyle

Evans

Rashaan Evans is a fierce versatile linebacker who can excel at wherever he is placed on the field. He displays a consistent use of power and finesse to win against offensive linemen, and it showed in his performance in 2017. He led the Crimson Tide defense with 13 tackles for loss and six sacks. Evans is best rushing the passer and stopping the run, but he can win in coverage as well. His versatility is one of his greatest strengths.

Injuries have always hurt the New England defense, and Belichick will love that he can play him almost anywhere in the front seven. Speaking of injuries, Evans can and has played through pain and still does well. He isn’t perfect however. Evans plays with so much power that sometimes he can overshoot the ball carrier and allow him to get by. His instincts are up there, but still need improvement. However, Evans is an explosive hard-hitting linebacker who can match up well for the Patriots.

Vander Esch

Leighton Vander Esch is a long, athletic playmaker who just came off an amazing year. The 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year totaled 141 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 4 sacks, 4 pass-breakups, and 4 fumbles. In other words, he is a tackle machine. He strives at open-field tackling and has loose hips with great change of direction. His instincts are top-notch, and his coverage is spectacular. His biggest weakness is navigating through traffic and getting off blocks. He seriously struggles with blockers and even sometimes takes himself out of play just to avoid them. However, his athleticism and instincts could make him a great piece in a postion needing some help.

Analysis

If you think about it, Evans and Vander Esch are kind of opposites when it comes to playstyle. Evans is a compact, powerful linebacker who can play a couple different positions. Vander Esch is a long, instinctive linebacker who primarily plays inside. In my opinion, Evans’ playstyle is more of a necessity for the Patriots.

ADVANTAGE: EVANS

Conclusion

If both are available at 23 (provided the Patriots don’t trade up for a quarterback), Rashaan Evans should be the choice here. The difference in athleticism is there, but is not much. The biggest tipping factor for me at least is on how the two players deal with blocks. Rashaan Evans is ferocious and has the mentality of a winner. He comes from a system Bill Belichick loves, and can be the player New England needs him to be.

The Biggest Steal of the Draft Might Not Be Who You Think

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“Long ago, in the far away land of ancient Greece, there was a golden age of powerful gods, extraordinary heroes, and greatest and strongest of all these Heroes was the mighty Hercules. But what is the measure of a true hero? Now, that is what our story…”

Okay, okay. I know that is the wrong Hercules, but hear me out. Hercules Mata’afa could be one of the biggest draft steals this year. He is a defensive linemen that lists at 6’ 1” and 254 pounds. You read that right. Mata’afa has been doubted all his life because of his size. However, that didn’t stop him from leading the Pac-12 for tackles for loss and sacks. How is it this compact player can do this?

Analysis

For starters, Mata’afa was a state finalist in wrestling. This allows him to possess more power than his frame displays. He also shows a quick initial burst that constantly lets him win against offensive linemen. Mata’afa has a level of effort and toughness that is unmatched on the football field. All of this translates to a hard-working productive player on the football field.

There has been a lot of confusion on where he would play in the NFL. Teams don’t see how he can be playing the interior defensive line, which is the place where he is most productive from. They also are worried how his size and skill level converts in the NFL. Pro Football Focus compared him to Tedy Bruschi, who was an undersized nose tackle at the University of Arizona before switching to outside linebacker on the Patriots. Mata’afa is definitely a developmental project as he can get eaten up by offensive linemen at times if he doesn’t get that initial quick burst and his hand usage is a bit raw.

Fit with the Patriots?

Mata’afa has heart and determination, something the Patriots love in a player. Like stated above, he has been doubted all his life and is looking for someone to give him a chance, which is a very common trait the New England organization has. The Patriots already have bigger beefier defensive linemen in Danny Shelton and Malcolm Brown, so it is a low risk-high reward pick. Belichick could have fun running schemes with this kid. Who knows? Him and Shelton can give our defensive line some Hawaiian Punch.

Conclusion

Thus, this power-driven, fast, undersized player can be a steal for the Patriots or any other team that picks him. He has great potential and can strive with the proper guidance. If you think about it, maybe his story is kind of similar to the real Hercules…

Julian Edelman is a True Patriot

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“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work,” as said by retired four-star general, Colin Powell.

Sweat, determination, and hard work is what got Julian Edelman where he is today. He came into the NFL as a seventh-round quarterback out of Kent State. Now, he is a star wide receiver with two Super Bowls to his name. He made this illustrious transition because he took action to achieve success. Julian Edelman is a true Patriot, not only for this organization, but for the country.

Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards 2017 - Show

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Story

Recently, Julian Edelman took action on a matter unrelated to football. The wide receiver just potentially saved lives. According to the New York Times, he received a DM from one of his followers that read, “Dude, there is a kid in your comment section saying he is going to shoot up a school, I think you should alert the authorities.” Edelman notified his assistant who then called 911. They located the boy in Port Huron, Michigan. The 14-year old had admitted to posting the threat and two rifles belonging to the mother were also found. He is now in a juvenile-detention center.

Thoughts

Edelman, and the person who notified him, are both heroes to this country. The fact is that the boy could have shot up a school and killed people. People with families who love them. As a South Florida boy myself, I can see the effects of the lives lost on people close to me from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting. It can change one’s whole perception on life. Mass shootings should never happen, and I for one am proud of the students at MSD who are bringing about change. I also want to personally praise Julian Edelman and the boy who notified him. Hearing about this down here, you don’t understand how much this means. You guys are true Patriots. Thank you.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Boston Sports Extra Mock Draft 1.0

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After a crazy free agency, teams are left with different needs. BSE projects how the first round will look like in its first mock draft:

1.Cleveland Browns – Sam Darnold, QB

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Darnold is the best QB in the draft, and someone they desperately need. Tyrod Taylor is not a long-term plan, and the addition of Carlos Hyde means that they really don’t need Barkley here. QB of the future is the pick here.

2.New York Giants – Saquon Barkley, RB

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl - Penn State v Washington

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Barkley gives the Giants a spark in their offense and takes pressure off Manning. They could also trade down to the Bills if they get a good deal.

3.New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) – Josh Rosen, QB

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They gave up three second-round picks to move up three spots. The most polished passer in the draft is the right pick here especially with the Jets’ addition of Terrelle Pryor.

4.Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans) – Denzel Ward, CB

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With Barkley gone, the Browns go to their true top need outside of quarterback: a true lockdown corner.

5.Denver Broncos – Quenton Nelson, OG

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The Broncos addressed their QB need with the signing of Case Keenum and pick someone to protect him with one of the most bust-proof prospects in the draft. The Broncos had a terrible offensive line unit last year, so Nelson is the pick here.

6.Indianapolis Colts (via New York Jets) – Bradley Chubb, DE

Bradley Chubb North Carolina v North Carolina State

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Chubb is arguably the best defensive player in the draft, and falls to the team that needs a pass-rusher the most.

7.Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Minkah Fitzpatrick, S

CFP National Championship presented by AT&T - Alabama v Georgia

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With the additions of Vinny Curry and JPP, the Buccaneers look to improve their secondary with the best player available.

8.Chicago Bears – Tremaine Edmunds, LB

Edmunds is considerably the best and most versatile linebacker because he can rush the passer, drop back in coverage, and can stop the run. The Bears can use him effectively as they need someone who can consistently do this.

9.San Francisco 49ers – Derwin James, S

Photo Credit: Getty Images

While it is not a dire need, the 49ers take a great hard-hitting safety. The pick makes sense to bolster the secondary along with Richard Sherman and the fact that starting safety, Eric Reid, is a free agent.

10.Oakland Raiders- Roquan Smith, LB

Photo Credit: Getty Images

After addressing the secondary in free agency, the Raiders choose someone who can help them from Day 1. Smith is a fast, athletic playmaker which is a player the Raiders defense desperately needs.

11.Miami Dolphins – Vita Vea, DT

Vita Vea PlayStation Fiesta Bowl - Penn State v Washington

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Vea can fill a Ndamukong Suh sized hole left in the Dolphins defense. A QB can be a pick here but doesn’t seem likely after the Brock Osweiler signing. He is the best interior DL according to Mike Mayock.

12.Buffalo Bills (via Cincinnati Bengals) – Josh Allen, QB

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The QB-needy Bills’ best bet is to roll with McCarron and Allen, two young quarterbacks with great promise.

13.Washington Redskins – Mike Hughes, CB

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Redskins lost Kendall Fuller and are likely to lose Bashaud Breeland. They draft a two-phase playmaker that can also contribute as a kick returner.

14.Green Bay Packers – Marcus Davenport, DE

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The Packers pick a player that adds much-needed pass rush off the edge.

15.Arizona Cardinals – Baker Mayfield, QB

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One thing the Cardinals have learned over the years is you can never have too many quarterbacks. Bradford is injury-prone, and Glennon lost his job to a rookie. Mayfield is the pick here. Another option would be a wide receiver who can learn from the great Larry Fitzgerald.

16.Baltimore Ravens – Calvin Ridley, WR

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Ridley is the top-rated receiver in the draft and falls to the Ravens, who is needing offensive weapons even after signing Michael Crabtree.

17.Los Angeles Chargers – Lamar Jackson, QB

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The Chargers choose to groom their quarterback of the future with their pick here. Jackson could strive under the coaching of Anthony Lynn.

18.Seattle Seahawks – Mike McGlinchey, OT

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Seattle had an abysmal offensive line unit in 2017. Here is a player that can tremendously improve it.

19.Dallas Cowboys – Maurice Hurst, DT

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Hurst is a first round talent that has shown he can disrupt the passer and get off blocks.

20.Detroit Lions – Da’Ron Payne, DT

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The Lions found their workhorse back in LeGarrette Blount with Ameer Abdullah to complement him. Here, they draft a player who can stop the run and rush the passer on the interior defensive line.

21.Cincinnati Bengals (via Buffalo Bills) – Will Hernandez, OG

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Cincinnati picks Hernandez to improve the interior offensive line and give Joe Mixon a powerful player to run behind. He may lack height but makes up for it in strength and toughness. He has all received comparisons to Pro-Bowler Richie Incognito.

22.Buffalo Bills – Rashaan Evans, LB

Rashaan Evans CFP National Championship presented by AT&T - Alabama v Georgia

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The Bills look on defense after targeting a quarterback with their first pick. Evans is a fast and skilled tackler who can fill the hole of tackle leader, Preston Brown.

23.Los Angeles Rams – Courtland Sutton, WR

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The Rams pick a big-bodied receiver to replace Sammy Watkins and give Jared Goff a new target.

24.Carolina Panthers – Ronnie Harrison, S

Ronnie Harrison Alabama v Mississippi State

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The Panthers are looking for a leader and difference-maker at safety. Harrison fits the bill.

25.Tennessee Titans – Harold Landry, OLB

Harold Landry Quick Lane Bowl - Boston College v Maryland

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The Titans need a consistent pass-rusher. Landry displays the quickness and hustle to get to the quarterback.

26.Atlanta Falcons – Taven Bryan, DT

Taven Bryan SEC Championship - Alabama v Florida

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Bryan is a versatile player who can play both tackle and end. He should help the Falcons right away, especially with the losses of Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn.

27.New Orleans Saints – Mike Gesicki, TE

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The Saints draft class of 2017 might have been one of the best. They filled a lot of holes on their team last year. One thing they do need is a new weapon for Brees to take the load off Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. The trio would be a nightmare for defenses to guard if they pick this athletic touchdown machine.

28.Pittsburgh Steelers – Leighton Vander Esch, LB

Mountain West Championship - Fresno State v Boise State

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With Ryan Shazier out for the 2018 season, the Steelers look for a capable inside linebacker in the Boise State product.

29.Jacksonville Jaguars – Dallas Goedert, TE

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Although they signed Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, the Jaguars could look to add a long playmaker capable of being a go-to guy for Blake Bortles.

30.Minnesota Vikings – Jaire Alexander, CB

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With 39 year old Terrence Newman likely to leave in free agency, the Vikings draft a tough physical corner who can replace Newman as the nickel.

31.New England Patriots – Lorenzo Carter, OLB

Many mock drafts have New England drafting a tackle with the loss of Nate Solder. However, the resigning of LaAdrian Waddle, return of Tony Garcia, and signing of Matt Tobin provide the team with enough depth. Garcia does have to get back to football shape, but his college tape shows that he is a more than capable linemen. In the meantime, Waddle can start while Garcia can develop. He was drafted because the Patriots planning a future without Solder. In turn, New England looks to add talent and depth to a depleted core group. The Patriots have shown interest and could use someone like Carter who is fast, athletic, and capable of getting to the quarterback.

32.Philadelphia Eagles – Hayden Hurst, TE

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The Eagles do not have a lot of holes on their team. Behind Zach Ertz, there is no real depth. Therefore, the Eagles draft Hurst who is a big-bodied catch-and-run threat who fits perfectly in the scary Eagles offense.

Biggest Risers and Fallers in Free Agency Thus Far

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In one of its craziest offseasons, the NFL has seen a flurry of free agent moves and trades. Which teams are likely to rise and improve? Which teams are likely to fall and decline?

Risers

Cleveland Browns – This was a gimme. The Browns looked like they belong playing in college football, with winning only one game in two years. What does new GM and resident savior in Cleveland do? John Dorsey reshaped this whole team by trading for Jarvis Landry, Tyrod Taylor, and Damarious Randall, and signing seven free agents, most notably being Carlos Hyde, T.J Carrie, Chris Hubbard, and Darren Fells. They did take a hit with the retirement of Joe Thomas, though. With a transformed offense and still having two of the top five picks, the only way this team can go is up.

Photo Credit: theplayoffs.com

Chicago Bears – One of the most complete offseason so far, the Bears have acquired good players in all three aspects of the game. They signed two receivers and a tight end in Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey “Philly Special” Burton, which gives now second-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky some much-needed weapons on offense. They also signed OLBs Aaron Lynch and Sam Acho, along with resigning Prince Amukamara to bolster the defensive side of the ball. The Bears also contain a high draft pick to address the defense too. Along with the signing of kicker Cody Parkey, these Bad News Bears have the chance to change their name.

Photo Credit: dynastyleaguefootball.com

Tennessee Titans – Am I upset that two of my favorite players are on different teams? Absolutely. Do I wish the best for them? Absolutely, they deserve it. The Titans now boast a two-headed monster with the shifty Dion Lewis and powerful Derrick Henry. Malcolm Butler is going to a secondary that already boasts the interceptions leader and a very promising rookie. There isn’t a lot of weakness on the team. Linebacker is the biggest need and will most likely be addressed in the first round of the draft. Face it, Titans are going to be a scary team this year.

Photo Credit: theplayoffs.com

Other risers: Rams, Texans, 49ers

Fallers

Seattle Seahawks – Russell Wilson might as well scramble every play with that offensive line that’s “protecting” him. Seattle also lacks a real run game although potential standout Chris Carson is returning from injury, and they lost pass catchers Paul Richardson and Jimmy Graham. The breakup of the Legion of Boom and losses of Michael Bennett and Sheldon Richardson leaves this team with too many needs on both sides of the ball.

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Detroit Lions – The Vikings got Cousins and Richardson, the Packers got Graham and Wilkerson, and the Bears got A-Rob and Taylor Gabriel (and more). All other teams in their division got better which leaves the Lions grasping for whatever leftovers they can get. They did sign LeGarrette Blount who will improve their otherwise nonexistent run game. However, the losses of Haloti Ngata, Tahir Whitehead, and Eric Ebron are drastic. Deshawn Shead and Devon Kennard can improve the team a little bit, but they are going to need a great draft, a couple more FA signings, and a bigger beard from a certain someone in their management.

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Arizona Cardinals – The solution to losing an injury prone quarterback? Get another one. And better yet, pay him $20 million a year. Especially when your offensive line needs serious improvement. Why not cut one of your best defensive players while you are at it? This was a pretty easy one. Sam Bradford is a high-risk player and the loss of Tyrann Mathieu is devastating.

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Other fallers – It was hard to really say if a team was a faller because many teams lost notable free agents, but made signings that could make up for it. Those teams would be neutral or undecided until further notice.

Draft Profile: Kyle Lauletta, QB at Richmond

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After trading Jimmy Garoppolo, it seems the Patriots might try to find their quarterback of the future. A potential prospect could be Kyle Lauletta, who is a 6’3” 215-pound quarterback out of Richmond. Lauletta was relatively unheard of until he threw for 198 yards and three touchdowns to be the MVP of the Senior Bowl. He received a 76.6 overall grade for his performance by Pro Football focus, second only to projected Top-10 pick Josh Allen.

Many NFL experts believe that he can be Tom Brady’s next heir. “Lauletta starred in the Senior Bowl last week, and I’m not the only draft analyst who came away from the game thinking he’d be a fine fit for New England,” NFL.com draft analyst, Chad Reuter writes. An article published by CBS sports says that Lauletta checks the boxes for things that Belichick loves and could be his perfect quarterback.

Stats

In 2017, he had 3,737 yards, 28 touchdowns, and completed 64.9 percent of his passes. Lauletta ranked 5th in total yards and 3rd in yards per game in the NCAA. He also ended up being Richmond’s all-time leading passer with 10,465 yards.

Strengths

Great accuracy (had improved every day in Senior Bowl practices in Mobile)
Quick release and great mechanics (always has one smooth motion, no matter how far downfield the throw is)
Able to go through his reads quickly and find the open man
Great pocket presence and footwork (looks like an NFL veteran out there…)
Can throw accurate passes on the run and under pressure
Has decent athleticism
Has toughness required to take NFL hits (former lacrosse player)
Shown ability to make clutch red zone throws (example in Senior Bowl where he was able to make tight window passes after escaping pressure)
Ability to extend plays
Ability to adapt to new playbooks (played under 4 offensive coordinators in his 4 years at Richmond)
Great leader (double majors in business and leadership) and competitor

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Weaknesses

A bit of concern for his ACL tear
Arm strength (needs to put a lot of air under the ball to hit downfield targets)
May get panicked by pass rush and look for a way out too quickly
Can throw balls with a high trajectory that allows safeties or corners to catch up with receiver
Decision making not perfect

Comparison

Lauletta is like a more athletic Jared Goff. They both have similar builds and playing style, although Lauletta uses his feet a bit more. Goff, the first pick in 2016, made a sophomore leap due to new coaching. I feel that Lauletta is a lot like Goff coming into the NFL- promising but with a few downfalls that can lead to bad play. With the right coaching, Lauletta would be able to excel by taking advantage of his strengths to make plays… just like Goff did.

Photo Credit: Richmond.com

Conclusion

Kyle Lauletta has all the tools he needs to be an NFL caliber quarterback. He can be a great pick for the Patriots and can develop under Tom Brady to become a superstar in the next few years.

Winning More Super Bowls Than Brady?

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In an appearance on Good Morning Football, Deshaun Watson had said he wanted to win more Super Bowls than Tom Brady. “I always put my mentality with being the best, and Tom Brady is the best right now, so whatever I have to do to get to that level at age 40, that’s what I’m going to do”. He certainly has flashed the potential to do so, throwing for 1699 yards and 19 touchdowns in seven games, but can he develop into a quarterback better than Brady and win more Super Bowls?

Reasons He Can

One of Deshaun Watson’s major strengths is his mobility. He resembles Russell Wilson with his ability to extend plays out of the pocket with his arm or with his feet. An example of this was his 49-yard rushing touchdown against the Bengals in Week 2. On this play, the Bengals rushed four and were playing a deep zone on 3rd and 15. Carlos Dunlap provided pressure which caused Deshaun Watson to tuck it and run. He used his speed to pass the Bengals linebackers and, with great awareness, took advantage of the secondary playing far back to use blocks downfield to get in the end zone.

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He also has an amazing ability to move the ball downfield and using the pocket to his advantage, showing little hints of Brady in him. In the Texans’ Week 8 shootout with Seattle, Watson had edge defenders closing on him quick, so he stepped up in the pocket which allowed those defenders to be blocked. He then dropped a beautiful deep bomb to a wide-open Will Fuller for a 59-yard touchdown.

Watson has great speed, pocket presence, a big, accurate arm, and the ability to move the ball downfield. He gave the Texans offense a spark which they desperately needed. It is a shame that he got injured because the Texans’ season could have turned out differently.

Reasons He Can’t

However, there are some concerns about this Clemson product. Watson has shown the ability to make tight accurate throws to his receivers, but his throws are risky. He often throws to his receivers surrounded by coverage. This resulted in many big plays, but was also the cause of his interceptions. He needs to enhance his ability to go through his reads and try to always find the open man instead of just his favorite targets. Tom Brady does have his go-to receivers, but he creates mismatches and opportunities for them to get open, unlike Watson.

Another concern for Watson was his ACL tear. Looking at the Tom vs. Time videos, we can learn that pliability in muscles can lead to a longer career. How else can Tom Brady play at an MVP level at 40, while his longtime rival Peyton Manning looked like a shell of himself at 39? The ACL tear could have hampered the pliability of Watson’s muscles and therefore reducing the length of his career – not good when he wants to win five Super Bowls.

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The last concern is not about Watson himself, but his team. The Texans need to upgrade their offensive line and protect Watson. It will give him the time to make plays and move down the field. They should also revamp their secondary. For Watson to be successful, he needs a defense that he can rely on to stop the opposing offense from scoring points. This was evident in the losses against Kansas City and Seattle.

Conclusion

Thus, Watson does have the talent to be a star in the NFL. However, I do not believe that he will win as many Super Bowls as Brady. His skills still need to be honed and his injury can impact the rest of his career. There are too many factors working against Watson and the Texans’ ability to win games including the emergence of several young quarterbacks on other teams. Watson can be great, but he won’t surpass the greatest.