Dear Fantasy

 

It doesn't seem that long ago I was using the dial up internet in my dads office to log into NFL.com to play pick 3 fantasy. Tommy Maddox Plaxico and Hines Ward were my go to guys. Even though I was dipping my toes into the realm of fantasy football I was still a football purest. I'd watch the Sunday Ticket  every week absorbing all the football knowledge and just enjoying the greatest game on earth. Of course nothing trumpt my love for the black and yellow. Hence my homer picks in the early days of fantasy football. As the years went on I started playing in numerous yahoo public leagues. Dominating against guys you didn't know was an unrivaled thrill when you're 12-13 years old. I fell in Love with the game of Fantasy Football. Eventually I would find myself back in Houston and attending the great school of ole Klein High. It's there where I made friends that invited me to join my first ever competitive league with people I knew. Ebers league. Yes, the one he tried to rig for himself to win by giving himself Peyton Manning and making the scoring as QB heavy as you've ever seen (you scoundrel). And yes, it was also a 2 QB league before those were a thing. Maybe Ebers was just ahead of his time. Even though Ebers structured things largely in his favor I found a way to win thanks to my first muddog move. Starting Marques Colston at TE. Man that felt cool and I felt so smart. After that I was ready for the big leagues. I was ready... for PWS.

Although I continued to compete in many other leagues over the next 17 years no league had my attention like PWS. PWS would always be the only league that had my heart. It was a love so deep that I gave PWS my mind body and soul. Everything I had. My absolute all. The goal every season wasn't to win money or to win X amount of titles. There was only one goal each year. Win a PWS title. Year 1 my hopes died with Ronnie Brown tearing his ACL at the time being the number 1 back in fantasy. I went into year 2 so focused. So hungry. So ready to win. As fate would have it I would share those feelings with the man that would become my Muddog Brother. Tyler Branch. He selflessly shared his team with me so we could make room for Clark Kendall and Ebers. It's hard to put into words the bond formed by sharing a team with someone in your main league. Going through a full seasons trials and tribulations together. Making countless trades in our favor together. Talking line up decisions and negotiating deals at practice or even the sidelines during the Friday Night Lights. All we cared about was winning it all. Then all our hardwork went down the drain as the menace to society known as Antonio Bryant robbed us of our destiny. A loss like that you never get over. That pain sticks with you. You can either let it tear you down or motivate you. Year 3 I had to face the grind of the season alone as Branch and I had our own teams again. I made a pre draft trade and had my whole draft mapped out based on that deal. I couldn't wait to unleash that blueprint for a championship. It wasn't until draft day that I would learn my trade partner wasn't holding up his end of the deal. This burned a rage in me so deep that my first Fuck you draft was born and from those ashes came the Golden Arms. Brees Palmer Schaub McNabb Bulger and yes even Trent Green would all be drafted by yours truly. Even though I devoted my draft at that point to screwing over members of the league the way I had been screwed I was still able to put together a contender. Lead by Jamaal Charles and Drew Brees. The 2 guys who were my franchise players. They carried me into the semis where I would be taught a very valuable lesson. Don't Trust Beat Writers. Those guys are scum. I had stashed Jerome Harrison for 3 weeks for that week 15 match up against the worst run defense in football only to have beat writers sway me based on their Sunday morning reports that Harrison wasn't going go start. All he did was rush for 286 yards and 3 scores that day. I would lose by 7 points which meant I would leave my Muddog Brother alone in the finals. It was our goal to give the middle finger to league by having a Muddog Final that year. I let him down. I let myself down. Yet another haunting loss that stays with me even today. That failure however, would take my game to another level. Year 4 I drafted 5 RBs in the first 6 rounds. I used them to form one of the greatest teams the league has ever seen. Once again with Brees and Charles but this time much much more. McFadden, TD leader Dwayne Bowe, Mike Wallace, Mike twinkie Town Tolbert and the legend Joe Webb would prove to be the sidekicks needed to hoist my first ever PWS Championship despite being locked out of my Yahoo account for the final few weeks of the season. It seems like just yesterday I was in my room watching Charles and Bowe shread the Titans defense on that fateful day. What a feeling. Watching Jamaal Charles run in the open field was the remedy to my soul and watching Drew Brees drop back in a clean pocket warmed my heart even on the coldest of days. That Championship was so sweet. The only thing sweater .... a championship Repeater. 

I brought back Brees and Charles for my title defense crew but also drafted a young gun QB in Matthew Stafford as trade bait. In preseason we would have one of the biggest hold out scares we've seen with Chris CJ2K Johnson threatening to sit the season out. The thought of having Charles and CJ2K on the same team never seemed possible. It was beyond my wildest dreams. So I did the unthinkable. I traded away my Franchise Drew Brees in a deal for Chris Johnson and I pushed all my chips in on Stafford. My roster was absolutely loaded. Charles Johnson Felix Jones and Joseph Addai at RB. Brandon Marshall Kenny Britt Jermichael Finely and Dallas Clark as pass catchers . Well, my repeat dreams seemed all but dashed just a few short weeks later as Charles Britt Addai Jones and Clark were all out for the year. Johnson was a bust through the first half and Stafford was banged up. Sitting at 2-4 my season seemed all but over. That's when I put my faith in a man named Tim Tebow. After picking him up I would proceed to have the greatest management season I have ever had to this day. I flipped Marshall for the unknown Victor Cruz. I flipped Finely for Roy Helu and Jordan Reed. I picked up CJ Spiller and Denarius Moore. I wouldn't lose another game. Running the table to go back to back. 

I've told the behind the scenes story of the 2012 season. The chase for the unthinkable. A 3 peat. Many mistakes were made that year that I still think about from time to time. I carry every failure with me. I would go on a downward spiral in the coming years. Largely in part to enduring the streak of most points against in league history that still stands true today, but no excuses. Fight like a champion. That mantra was never more true than 2014 when I turned an 0-6 squad into one of the best teams to never win a title by assembling a cast of Rodgers Dez Julio DJax McCoy and rookie year Hyde and Hill. Rallying to make the post season but coming up short in painful fashion. 

Years past and I suffered many painful losses. The Mahomes Gurley season. The Muddog reunion season where we lit $96 on fire and still won the regular season despite facing 9 seperate player suspensions that year. A team truly worthy of the Muddog title. Last but not least The Josh Allen Tyreek Hill Justin Jefferson Aiyuk CMC Ekeler Conner and cameo Kittle Squad. The redeem team. Cruising to the finals only to have the worst week of the season due to covid and injuries. Nothing is worse than 2nd place. Those haunting losses kept me going. Kept pushing my obsession to win further and further.

PWS has been my main obsession. For all 17 years. It started from the beginning. In year 1 I was with my girlfriend watching the Jags Texans game. A mostly meaningless game for me aside from my back up QB David Garrard. Did I start him? No, I had Drew Brees, but did I want to see how he looked for future reference? Absolutely! Unfortunately, my girlfriend wanted to have sex so she turned the game off and made her move. I'm sure most guys would have gladly accepted the advance and gone with it. I am not most guys. I positioned her away from the TV where only I could see. Then I snuck my hand over to the remote to put the game back on and muted it. I just had to know if Garrard was good enough to start during Brees' bye week. That's how obsessed I was with PWS. As the years went on and I got into sports betting and it became obvious to me that my fantasy team took presidence over sports bets regardless of the amount on the line. One MNF game I had KC to cover and KC ml to close out 2 parlays both paying out 1k+. Late 4th Q Marlon Mack rushed for a game sealing TD. Something that would have felt like a punch in the stomach if not for Marlon Mack being in my starting line up. Did it effect my match up outcome? Not in the slightest, but did it add more points to my team and make it look more boss ass ? Hell yeah it did. That's all that really mattered to me.

 

Year 17 just like every other year was championship or bust for me. Of course I was particularly hungry to go back to back again. On draft day two individuals not so subtly tried to throw a wrench in my perceived draft plans not once, but twice. I've outgrown bias. I've outgrown "man crushes". Players are just numbers to me. By the time we draft I've already done hundreds of drafts and experimented with countless player combinations. Something these two know little of. I was the last guy to get a player, but that player was the Sun God. Him and Etienne were my Favorites despite Lamb being the higher scorer. They lead me to another repeat. So all sun shine and rainbows right ?

2 years ago we had blatant collusion and despite many texting me individually about it they didn't speak up in the league chat and ultimately nothing was done about it. It really bothered me. Last year when it seemed history was repeating itself I was extremely vocal about it and a league member essentially quit because of it. Whether it's instances like those or when the majority of the league banded together to change the league settings in effort to take away what they thought was my competitive advantage despite it being open opportunity for everyone the joy the league once gave me has been gone and gone for some time now. I've tried to give back to the league over the years and make it more fun and exciting with my PWS dundies my in season blog posts and IG live interviews. This year I decided to pick what I thought was an amazing destination where we'd make memories that we'd never forget. Instead of there being excitement for the draft and the location I was made out to be a villain that doesn't care about the league. I've given the league all I have to give. I can't do it anymore. 

PWS you have been my greatest passion for 17 years, but I can't be obsessed with you anymore.

Brett I'll never forget when you picked up Seyi Ajirotutu and started him the week he exploded against Kareem Jackson. I'll never forget us making the first ever draft trade year 1 when you moved up for Shaun Alexander. I'll never forget you making the best ball mania Finals.

Dylan I'll never forget the week you broke the scoring record. I'll never forget you getting Cam Newton for nothing his rookie year. I'll never forget all your players dieing and I'll never forget you rallying from a seemingly dead season to be just a Bengals Cheifs OT away from the ship last year.

Sam I'll never forget you dressing up as the nature boy before the draft started. I'll never forget you picking up Odell Beckhem. I'll never forget you trading half your team for Deshaun Watson hours before he suffered a season ending injury in practice. I'll never forget your desire for trades. I'll never forget watching games with you at Kirbys icehouse.

Drew I'll never forget you taking over THE BOSS ASSES. Having atrocious luck, but bouncing back to have one of the greatest runs I've ever seen from someone in fantasy. I'll never forget our Sky house Monday night games or watching butker steal the ship from you only for you to rally and win it all the very next year. I'll also never forget you showing up late to the draft room last year. Vegas am I right ?

George I'll never forget you ruining the muddogs championship season. I'll never forget you bringing the trophy back in shambles. I'll never forget all your savy trades for big names. I'll never forget your "joke" bid. I'll never forget you still owe me and Branch dinner from our chase for 3 bet. 

Ebers I'll never forget the look on your face when you drafted Michael Jenkins. I'll never forget you finding out you traded Darren McFadden to the muddogs in the film room. I'll never forget Blake Bortles carrying you to a championship. 

Phillip I'll never forget you stealing a kicker from me at 4am. I'll never forget Robbies Redemption. I'll never forget you making the greatest trade that never was because it was Vetoed. I'll never forget giving you a Joel Kloppenstein card at the first ever PWS dundies.

Soliz I'll never forget you grilling outside holemans house on draft day. I'll never forget you on laubachs shoulders as freak the mighty and bumping your head on the door frame. I'll never forget you making homemade tortillas with me. I'll never forget the draft we were both so drunk we traded mahomes back and forth mid draft 3 times.

Mike I'll never forget the draft you had to call drew for picks and you saying "I'm out" as soon as you heard a players name before even knowing what the bid was. I'll never forget our legendary bidding war on zeke for the first ever player over $100 @ #103. I'll never forget the curse of the jalapeño cake. I'll never forget you trying to form a super team every year instead of a championship team.

Holeman I'll never forget meeting you and talking about the Panthers freshman year. I'll forget you inviting me to be a part of PWS. I'll never forget our mutual love for the greatest back in PWS history Jamaal Charles. I'll never forget you flipping Hopkins for a massive haul that won you a ship. I'll never forget you drafting Rams WR Allen Robinson. 

Thanks for the memories PWS. I'll always love you. I just can't be in love with you anymore.

Lastly, to Branch. My Muddog Brother, my biggest regret is not winning one together. In all my years playing fantasy I've never had fun like I did when we were the Muddogs. You're the best comanager anyone could ever ask for. Never stop believing. Your ship is sailing soon. Give em hell!

BOSS ASSES Out

2023 NFL Draft Preview: QB Prospects & ChatGPT

 

The year is 2004 & Alex Proyas’ blockbuster “I, Robot” is hitting theaters. Detective Del

Spooner (Will Smith) is charged with investigating the death of a US Robotics scientist who

happened to be developing a “humanoid” robot. Fast forward to 2023, and Artificial Intelligence

is sweeping the planet. From fake Drake songs (banger, by the way) to full on business plans and

sitcom scripts, ChatGPT, and its potential, has the internet in a frenzy.

With the NFL draft only a few days away, I thought it would be interesting to preview the next

crop of football’s superstars while integrating this new AI technology. I asked ChatGPT to rank a

few of the 2023 quarterback prospects to get a feel for how a bunch of code that I don’t really

understand views talent versus my highly un-qualified, untrained eye. 

Below is the prompt I fed ChatGPT.

“Rank the following quarterback prospects: Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Levis, Anthony

Richardson, & Hendon Hooker ”

Below is what the robot spit back at me, with my analysis in red.

“As an AI language model, I do not have access to the most recent data and scouting reports to

make an accurate assessment of the current crop of quarterback prospects. However, based on

general ranking factors, here is the ranking of these quarterbacks:”

(This big, bad computer program doesn’t even have access to current data and statistics?

Advantage, humans.)

1. Bryce Young

     - He has impressive physical attributes, mental processing skills, and potential to

    develop into a successful NFL quarterback.

    - Impressive physical attributes, huh? Nothing screams “NFL QB” like a 5’10” QB

    that drank enough water before the NFL Combine to make the good people of

    Flint, Michigan blush, just to weigh in at over 200 pounds. All that aside, I think

    ChatGPT is correct in its ranking of Young. Despite his small frame, he is the

    most polished quarterback in this class. 

2. CJ Stroud

    - He has shown great potential and impressive production in his college career so

    far, with good physical attributes and mental processing skills.

    - Sensing a theme with the language ChatGPT uses. In this case, it’s correct in that

    Stroud has good physical attributes. However, there are concerns with his mental

    processing skills under pressure and with a collapsing pocket. Stroud had the

    luxury of playing with NFL-caliber guys along the offensive line and skill

    positions.(You mean to tell me there’s ANOTHER Marvin Harrison?) 

    I do agree with ranking Stroud in the second spot, though.

3. Anthony Richardson

    - He has shown impressive physical attributes, but may need to develop his mental

    processing skills and consistency.

    - The computer nailed this one. Anthony Richardson might be the most physically

    gifted quarterback the NFL has ever seen. (Think Cam Newton, but MORE

    athletic). However, his accuracy leaves much to be desired. He hasn’t shown the

    ability to cycle through his progressions and deliver an accurate ball. Even though

    his ceiling is sky-high, I don’t feel comfortable ranking him at number three,

    though he’s not much further down my board at number four.

4. Hendon Hooker

    - He has shown good production in college and has solid physical attributes, but

    may need to improve his mental processing and decision making skills.

    - This one is fun. Hooker is interesting considering he had a very successful college

    career, though it was cut short by a torn ACL. He’ll also be 25 years old when

    drafted. Anytime a quarterback 25 or older is drafted, my mind immediately races

    to Brandon Weeden. Quarterbacks typically need a couple years to adjust to the 

    NFL game and I’d have a hard time giving the keys to Hooker, who I have as my

    fifth ranked QB.

5. Will Levis

    - He has shown potential in his college career so far, but needs more consistent

    production and improvement in his mental processing skills.

    - Levis is currently the odds-on favorite to be drafted with the second pick. While I

    don’t agree with Levis as the second QB taken, I like him more than the computer

    does. He had a stellar 2021 season behind a good offensive line but struggled with

    consistency in 2022 behind an offensive line that was weaker than Johnny

    Manziel’s liver in 2014. Levis has a rocket arm, quick release, & the athleticism to 

    escape a collapsing pocket. I have him ranked as my number three QB in this class.

Overall, ChatGPT did a decent job in evaluating the incoming rookie quarterback class, though it

lacks the nuance to truly evaluate human attributes. That being said, the following quote from

2004’s I, Robot rings surprisingly relevant in 2023.

“Human beings have dreams. Even dogs have dreams, but not you, you are just a machine. An

imitation of life. Can a robot write a symphony? Can a robot turn a... canvas into a beautiful

masterpiece?” That answer is an emphatic yes.

Mock draft 1.5 ?

 

After being overwhelmed with excitement from the NFL Combine I put together an early March mock draft. I only released the first 12 picks as sort of a teaser. So I guess we will call this one Mock Draft 1.5.

First we begin by editing who has the number 1 pick. Instead of projecting a trade with the Colts I now know that pick has been dealt to the Panthers. My initial thoughts were the Panthers would move up to 5 to land combine darling Anthony Richardson. Now that they have moved up to numero uno they seem primed to take CJ Stroud. What if they loved all three of Young, Stroud and Richardson? You could move back to 4 and let the Colts have their pick of the litter. Doing so would open the door for someone like the Raiders to move up to 3 and crash your party. Do you take your chances ? What if there was another option ? Remember when the then San Diego Chargers drafted Eli Manning at 1 then waited for the Giants to be on the clock before making a trade ? Why not try to do the same thing ? Let's dive in.

1. Panthers - CJ Stroud 

This is reading the tea leaves and connecting dots. Stroud is now the betting favorite to end up as the 1st overall pick. The Panthers made this move after Stroud put on an absolute clinic at the combine. A stage Bryce Young didn't compete on and Josh McCown, the Panthers QB coach loves Stroud for what that's worth. Whether he goes number 1 or 2 he is worth the shot. The man is silky-smooth. He throws the ball effortlessly and with pristine accuracy (69.3 career completion %). He consistently hits his WRs in stride and throws away from defenders to give his guys every opportunity to make plays after the catch. His effectiveness as a runner is a major question and amplified further by his unwillingness to run the 40. He's still the most polished passer in this class and a slam dunk top 5 pick with franchise altering upside.

2. Texans - Bryce Young 

Rejoice . I know a lot of Texans fans want Bryce Young and all signs point to that once pipe dream coming to fruition after the Panthers trade. Young is a special talent and potential franchise changer. The concerns of his size were quelled a bit by his 204 lb combine weigh in. He's locked in to the top 2 spots.

3. Cardinals - Will Anderson

After losing Chandler Jones and JJ Watt in back to back off-seasons this is the perfect opportunity for the Cardinals to reload the edge. Anderson is seen by most as the top edge prospect in the draft. I am in the minority disagreeing with that assessment but right now he's the most likely candidate for the 3rd overall selection. 

4. Colts - Anthony Richardson 

There could be a handful of teams trying to move up to 3 to select Anthony Richardson. I think the Cardinals would have to be blown away to move down as they are in position to take whoever they view as the drafts top defensive player. Fresh off one of the greatest combine performances of all time AR15 looks primed to crack the top 5. His throwing portion of the combine was uneven, but partially due to Stroud throwing flawlessly after him in every drill. His elite athleticism should trump those concerns. The only question to me is if he stays with the Colts or if we see a draft day swap and his talents plus picks head to Carolina in exchange for CJ Stroud. Crazy to trade up to number one only to essentially trade back down? Perhaps, but the Panthers supporting cast is about as bleak as it gets. Richardsons elite athleticism can make up for that. 

5. Seahawks - Jalen Carter

 At one point do you stop the slide and take the best defensive player in the draft if not the best overall player? I think Pete Carrol is just the man for Carter despite the off field and pro day concerns.

6. Lions - Devon Witherspoon 

After Christian Gonzalez just crushed the combine it's possible he gets the nod for first corner off the board. Witherspoon is still my number 1 corner. The passer rating on targets his way was just 25.3.... 25.3 on 62 targets. His plays in the run game and tenacity attacking  short passes just scream a Dan Campbell guy.

7. Raiders - Will Levis

With Anthony Richardson off the board Will Levis is the last remaining QB that projects as a top 10 pick. His throwing performance at the combine was uneven at best, but the Raiders don't have much of a choice. McDaniels has to swing. Even if they land Jimmy Garoppolo they still likely look to draft a QB with their first pick.

8. Falcons - Tyree Wilson

The Falcons need a lot. It's possible they look to trade down if 4 QBs are already off the board. I'm going to assume they keep the pick for now and slot Wilson in to give them much needed pass rush juice after generating just 21 sacks last season (2nd worst). Wilson can be slow off the snap at times as he has a bad habit of standing straight up before exploding forward, but his rush generates some serious heat at the college level. If he works on his first step he can be dangerous. Prime examples Here.

9. Bears - Christian Gonzalez

Here are some Bears defensive stats from last season: league lowest 20 sacks and 43 QB hits. 94.4 opponent passer rating (7th worst) opponent completion % 67.2 (5th worst) Y/A 8.0 LEAGUE WORST! They desperately need pass rushers. With Wilson and Carter off the board I believe they can pivot to the secondary. Christian Gonzalez is 6'1" 197 and ran a 4.38 forty with a 41.5 vertical. He projects as a shutdown corner and that is a highly sought after commodity. Surely he can help improve on those numbers.

10. Eagles - Bijan Robinson

The Eagles have such a luxury here. They don't really have any holes. They won the NFC with ease and now they have 2 first round picks including this 10th overall selection. It does feel a bit rich for a RB here especially with how deep this RB class is (gibbs achane), but if the Eagles don't think he will be around at 30 they might just take the plunge and upgrade an already lethal rushing attack. Bijan is an elite 3 down back that would be an absolute nightmare to stop behind their line.

11. Titans - Peter Skoronski 

The Titans are in trouble. Rebuild ? Reload ? Mike Vrabel is one of the best coaches in the league and I'm sure wants to figure out a way to reload, but I don't see a path for that. Their best player is fighting father time and their QB1 is pretty lame. They just released Taylor Lewan so no matter what they decide they are going to need to upgrade their OL. Skoronski strikes me as a Vrabel guy.

12. Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Does Demeco Ryans go defense here? Probably, but wouldn't it be more fun to pair Bryce Young with a talented WR? JSN is an elite route runner. Just ask Steve Smith Sr! He claims Njigba has a PHD in route running. He seperates with ease and despite the concerns about his speed he is dangerous after the catch. He posted some of the best agility numbers at the combine over the last 15 years and is sure to have his stock climb as we approach the Draft. 

13. *TRADE* Packers - Jordan Addison 

I think it's actually happening Jets fans. Following the Brett Favre blue print it appears Mr. Rodgers is coming to your neighborhood. It's a bit early to have any idea what the 2023 Packers are going to look like, but it appears they are ready for Love. Will they be looking in all the wrong places with Rodgers gone? Only time will tell, but I personally would find great irony in them finally taking a WR round 1 in their first season without Rodgers. Seems fitting and would fill what is still a large void especially with Allen Lazard likely to be wooed to another team in Free Agency. Addison would compliment Watson really well as a much more polished route runner.

14. Patriots - Lukas Van Ness

Aside from the fact Dupree would approve of him he's 6'5" 272 running 4.58 and nicknamed Hercules. LVN is one of the top edge prospects in the draft. Watch an example here of him getting down the line and exploding up the field. With zero playoff wins sans Brady Coach Belicheck may just look to the Greek Gods for help. He also blocked 2 punts and we all know Bill loves his special teams.

15. Packers - Nolan Smith

The Packers are another team in serious need of pass rushing juice. Is 15 too high for Nolan Smith ? Is this an overreaction to his other worldy combine performance? Perhaps, but fortune favors the brave. After running 4.38 and adding a vertical of 41.5 I think it is infact worth the risk at 15. You can't teach speed and elite athleticism. Raw or not you don't get many opportunities to draft people with his kind of upside.

16. *TRADE* Chiefs - Quentin Johnston 

With Frank Clark out the door KC is going to have to address the edge but this class is deep. Last off-season KC traded away Tyreek Hill and their offense didn't skip a beat. However, their deep strikes weren't there. With extra picks I think the Cheifs will aggressively target a downfiled threat for Mahomes. Johnston averaged 17.8 ypc last season. Would be a perfect fit.

17. Steelers - Joey Porter Jr

Jordan Addison and Njigba are off the board. 2 of the 3 top corners are off the board. Only one thing to say. Bring him home. Not just because of his family ties to the burgh and not just because he would fill a need. Jr is a 6'2 1/2" corner that just ran 4.46. He only surrendered 143 yards last season. He projects to be a press corner with shut down label potential. Bring him home.

18. Lions - Calijah Kancey

More beef for Dan Campbells defense. Kancey blazed a 4.67 forty at the combine. There's concerns about his arm length and ability to fight double teams, but his college production (30 hurries and 8 sacks) lined up with elite combine metrics. He received a grade of 91.8 from PFF. He's worth the risk of run game liability if he can generate pressure up the middle with Hutchinson attacking from the edge.

19. Bucs - Bryan Bresee

Do the Bucs have any idea what their QB situation is going to look like in the post Brady era ? Are they serious about Trask ? Will famous Jamies Winston return to save the franchise? While that's getting resolved I'm going to go ahead and slot Bryan Bresee here. The Bucs gave up 4.5 ypc last season which is unacceptable with Vita Vea. They could use the extra help. Bresee can play NT, three-technique and even edge if needed. His versatility and strong presence in the run game can bring the bucs D-Line back to glory.

20. Seahawks - O'Cyrus Torrence

Perhaps a bit rich here, but Gabe Jackson is on the wrong side of 30 and only received a grade of 55 by PFF last season. Upgrading the guard position could make Kenneth Walker and the run game down right scary. Not to mention Torrence didn't allow a single hit on his QB last season. Editor note Gabe Jackson has been cut. I think we were on to something

21. Chargers - Paris Johnson Jr 

I think the Chargers could definitely look to bring in another playmaker at WR. They might not think Zay Flowers gives enough diversity from Keenan Allen to take the plunge.  They have gone OL the last 2 drafts in round 1 so why not 3 in a row and upgrade their right tackle position? Paris played both right guard and left tackle in college and seems both versatile and willing to play any spot when called upon.

22. Ravens - Myles Murphy

What will the Ravens do ? The only thing I can say for sure that they will or won't do is that they will not be giving Lamar Jackson a fully guaranteed contract. I'm sure they would love to leap ahead of the Steelers and take a corner, but unfortunately they don't really have the ammo. Murphy is one of the highest ranked pass rushers in this class. He didn't compete at the combine aside from the bench press, but he shows good athleticism on film. Here he chases down Zay Flowers.

23. Vikings - Deonte Banks

Without a 2nd round pick and with needs at multiple defensive positions along with needing a replacement for Adam Thielen the Vikings are a prime trade down candidate. Without a partner that makes sense currently I pencil in Banks. 6'0" 197 lb corner that blazed a 4.35 forty and impressed with his 42" vertical. Banks wasn't the most productive of college corners but his athleticism profile has the looks of a first round talent. He likely won't need to be too productive in year one to help upgrade a secondary that gave up the 2nd most passing yards and 3rd most Y/A.

24. Jags - Dawand Jones

Both tackles for the Jags were underwhelming last year. Both receiving grades of 61 or less by PFF. Jones gave up exactly zero sacks and zero QB hits last season. At 6'8" 374 lbs Jones is a mountain. His lateral ability is a question mark by some, but he performed more than adequately in combine drills. The big thing that stands out to me after watching some of his film is the defenders seem to immediately hit the ground every time he down blocks. He's called big Thanos by some, but this guy should be nicknamed IHOP

25. Giants - Zay Flowers

The Giants have to take a WR round 1 right? They just gave Daniel Jones a 160 million dollar contract. He's going to need weapons to throw to. Zay is a dynamic playmaker and pristine route runner. Just listen to Steve Smith talk about him. Zay Flowers might just be baby AB. He would agree with you too calling himself a combination of Steve Smith and AB. 

26. Cowboys  - Michael Mayer

With Dalton Schultz likely gone the Cowboys are going to have a pretty large void to fill. Rumors are they are looking for another WR, but Michael Gallup should be much more productive this season being over a year removed from his ACL tear. Schultz served as a great security blanket for Dak and Mayer would do more than fill those shoes. He can shake defenders and make difficult catches in traffic.

27. Bills - Brian Branch 

The Bills are in cap trouble and very unlikely to be able to afford to bring back Jordan Poyer. Brian Branch is the top safety in the class with an overall grade of 89.5 by PFF. He would fill a huge void in the Bills secondary.

28. Bengals - Darnell Wright 

Film of Wright neutralizing Will Anderson (gave up zero pressures) has made it's waves which shines more light on a talented player. He performed well at the combine and gave up zero sacks last season. Would be a welcomed addition by Joe Burrow.

29. Saints - Will Mcdonald 

Marcus Davenport is set to be a FA and the Saints are unlikely to bring back his services being well over the cap as it is. Mcdonald is an athlete and profiles as one of the drafts best pass rushing prospects. Would slide right into the starting line up day one for the Saints.

30. Eagles - Emmanuel Forbes

The Eagles have granted big play Slay permission to seek a trade. This all but certainly spells his end in an Eagles uniform. Philly can fill that void immediately with Forbes. His size is highly scrutinized but when production meets athleticism you simply can't ignore it. Forbes had 6 INTs and surrendered a passer rating of just 44.7 last season en route to a grade of 87.2 by PFF. He registered 6 pick sixes in his college career . That's an FBS record. Then for an encore went to the combine and posted a 4.35 forty and 37.5 in vert. Forbes is one of my favorite prospects in the entire class.

31. Commanders - Jack Campbell

Campbell graded out at 91.7 by PFF then lit up the combine. Campbell posted the top 3 cone and shuttle times out of all LBs in addition to a 4.65 forty and 37.5 in vertical. For 6'5" 250 lb Jack can really move and should be one of the biggest risers since the combine. 

Mock Draft 1.0

 

It's merely the first week of March, but the combine just ended and I have that NFL draft fever. A fever so high I'm doing something I've never done before. A March Mock Draft.

1. *Trade* Colts - Bryce Young 

I think it's pretty clear the Bears will be trading this pick. They need to acquire more Draft capital especially after losing the 32nd pick in the Claypool trade. I don't foresee the Texans giving up significant picks to move up one spot. I do however see the Colts wanting to jump Houston in effort to kill 2 birds with one stone. Block the Texans from "getting their guy" and landing a new Franchise QB in the process. Young is a special talent. The concerns of his size were quelled a bit by his 204 lb combine weigh in. He remains the leader in the club house for the top pick despite Stroud and AR15 on the rise.

2. Texans - CJ Stroud

I know a lot of Texans fans want Bryce Young, but rest easy. If that dream doesn't come to fruition the franchise can be proud to have CJ Stroud. The man is silky-smooth. He throws the ball effortlessly and with pristine accuracy. He consistently hits his WRs in stride and throws away from defenders to give his guys every opportunity to make plays after the catch. His effectiveness as a runner is a major question and amplified further to me by his unwillingness to run the 40. He's still the most polished passer in this class and a slam dunk top 5 pick as a franchise altering talent.

3. Cardinals - Will Anderson

After losing Chandler Jones and JJ Watt in back to back off-seasons this is the perfect opportunity for the Cardinals to reload the edge. Anderson is seen by most as the top edge prospect in the draft. I am in the minority disagreeing with that assessment but right now he's the most likely candidate for the 3rd overall selection. 

4. Bears - The Bears might find themselves in a unique spot if they do in fact trade down with the Colts. There could be a handful of teams trying to move up to 4 to select Anthony Richardson. It's also possible Jalen Carters situation isn't resolved and perhaps the Bears have moved him down a few spots on their board. For now I will slot Jalen Carter here to the Bears at 4 overall.

5. *TRADE* Panthers - Anthony Richardson

Fresh off one of the greatest combine performances of all time AR15 looks primed to crack the top 5. With the QB desperate Raiders and Falcons sitting at 7 and 8 along with a dark horse for a QB in the Lions the Panthers know they will need to make a move in order to get their guy. I believe Richardson is going to be the target of most QB needy teams. His throwing portion of the combine was uneven, but partially due to Stroud throwing after him in every drill. His elite athleticism should trump those concerns. 

6. Lions - Devon Witherspoon 

After Christian Gonzalez just crushed the combine it's possible he gets the nod for first corner off the board. Witherspoon is still my number 1 corner. The passer rating on targets his way was just 25.3.... 25.3 on 62 targets. His plays in the run game and tenacity attacking just scream a Dan Campbell guy.

7. Raiders - Will Levis

With Anthony Richardson off the board Will Levis is the last remaining QB that projects as a top 10 pick. His throwing performance at the combine was uneven at best, but the Raiders don't have much of a choice. McDaniels has to swing. Even if they land Jimmy Garoppolo they still likely look to draft a QB with their first pick.

8. Falcons - Tyree Wilson

The Falcons need a lot. It's possible they look to trade down if 4 QBs are already off the board. I'm going to assume they keep the pick for now and slot Wilson in to give them much needed pass rush juice.

9. Seahawks - Christian Gonzalez

The hawks struck gold in the draft last season with Tariq Woolen in round 5. Could they look to bring back the Legion of Boom secondary? Why not ? Christian Gonzalez is 6'1" 197 and ran a 4.38 forty with a 41.5 vertical.He projects as a shutdown corner and that is a highly sought after commodity.

10. Eagles - Bijan Robinson

The Eagles have such a luxury here. They don't really have any holes. They won the NFC with ease and now they have 2 first round picks including this 10th overall selection. It does feel a bit rich for Bijan here especially with how deep this RB class is, but if the Eagles don't think he will be around at 30 they might just take the plunge and upgrade an already lethal rushing attack. 

11. Titans - Peter Skoronski 

The Titans are in trouble. Rebuild ? Reload ? Mike Vrabel is one of the best coaches in the league and I'm sure wants to figure out a way to reload, but I don't see a path for that. Their best player is fighting father time and their QB1 is pretty lame. They just released Taylor Lewan so no matter what they decide they are going to need to upgrade their OL. Skoronski strikes me as a Vrabel guy.

12. Texans - Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Does Demeco Ryans go defense here? Probably, but wouldn't it be more fun to pair Stroud with his guy ? JSN is an elite route runner. Just ask Steve Smith Sr! He claims Njigba has a PHD in route running. He seperates with ease and despite the concerns about his speed he is dangerous after the catch. He posted some of the best agility numbers at the combine over the last 15 years and is sure to have his stock climb as we approach the Draft.