#Danny Michael Davis is back which adds more potential

[livingcorner]

Hell’s Kitchen Winners Where Are They Now?

Hell’s Kitchen features Gordon Ramsay as Head Chef alongside two sous chefs to support the contestants in the competition.

You're reading: Hell’s Kitchen Winners Where Are They Now?

Each week there are a number of challenges to test the culinary skills of the contestants, who are all competing for a prize of their own restaurant or the option of working alongside top chefs including Gordon.

Below you can read about the Hell’s Kitchen winners in order and find out what happened next the Hell’s Kitchen Winners from Season 1 to Season 18.

Michael Wray was a professional chef from Fort Collins, Colorado. His dishes were well received by both Gordon and critics and Michael Wray was the Hell’s Kitchen season 1 winner. His choice of prize was to either open his own restaurant or to travel to London to apprentice with Gordon in one of his restaurants.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Michael accepted to work with Gordon but once he realised the strains this would put on his family, he decided not to take up the prize.

He went on to be Head Chef at The Standard in Los Angeles before moving to Arizona. He planned to open his open restaurant HK One, ran his own knife company and taught culinary classes.

In recent years he suffered the loss of his newborn daughter, marriage breakdown and the loss of his home. He has a fundraiser to help raise funds for a food truck, please consider donating here.

Heather West was a Sous Chef from Port Jefferson, New York. Heather was the Hell’s Kitchen Season 2 winner due to her determination and leadership skills.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Heather was Senior Chef at Terra Rossa at the Red Rock Casino in Nevada.

She then moved around restaurants working as Head Chef at Monteray Restaurant, Jellyfish Restaurant, Broadway Grill before moving to Schafers in Port Jefferson. She married in 2014 and has two children.

Rock Harper was an Executive Chef from Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia. He was the Hell’s Kitchen season 3 winner due to his confidence in the kitchen, his leadership skills and ability to motivate the team.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Rock worked his year contract at Terra Verde restaurant.

Following this he worked at Ben’s Next Door as Executive Chef, was an instructor at Stratford University and wrote a cookbook called “44 Things Parents Should Know about Healthy Cooking for Kids”.

He appeared on Chef Wanted and won an Executive Chef position at The Precinct but didn’t take up the position. He has been also involved with many businesses in an advisory capacity.

Read more: Kitchen cabinet kickboards

Christina Machamer was a student from St. Louis, Missouri. She was the Hell’s Kitchen season 4 winner due to her great potential.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Christina was offered the position of Senior Sous Chef rather than Executive Chef and she worked at London West Holywood for 10 months before moving to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro.

After leaving her position, she returned to school where she trained to be a sommelier and now lives in Napa valley. She was Director of Wine and Culinary at B Cellars Vineyards & Winery and now manages the Caldwell Vineyard. She is also a personal chef.

Danny Veltri was an Executive Chef from Edgewater, Florida.Danny was the Hell’s Kitchen season 5 winner due to his growth on the show, he showed Gordon he had all the necessary skills to be crowned the winner due to his talent and maturity.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Danny took up position as a Sous Chef at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey but left after a few months.

He started his own catering company called Back From Hell Catering before moving to Gnarly Surf Bar & Grill, which he helped opened with other investors. He was arrested in 2012 for DUI.

Dave Levey was an Executive Chef from San Diego, California. He was the Hell’s Kitchen season 6 winner due to his natural ability in the kitchen.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Dave took up the position at Araxi Restaurant until the end of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The position he was offered turned out to be a line cook position and not a Head Chef position as he had expected.

He returned to New Jersey where he worked in a number of kitchens and he was arrested as part of a drugs bust in 2014 but was not charged. Dave is currently Head Baker at Mara’s Café & Bakery in Denville.

Holli Ugalde was a Banquet Chef from San Bernardino, California. She was the Hell’s Kitchen season 7 winner due to her growth in confidence and ability during the process.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Holli was not given the position in London due to visa issues, something Holli disputes. She claims she isn’t even sure they applied for it as she never completed any paperwork and instead accepted an undisclosed amount of cash as her prize.

She briefly returned to being a Chef in a hotel in Florida before starting a lifestyle programme called SENS Wellness and is also an Eco-Luxe Designer at Colheita Lighting.

Nona Sivley was a Sous Chef from Atlanta, Georgia. She was the Hell’s Kitchen season 8 winner due to her impressive improvement during the series and her passion for cooking.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Nona took up the Head Chef position at LA Market, with her winning menu being add to the restaurant menu. She left after three years to help her mentor Kerry Simon open his first restaurant Pork & Beans. After the restaurant opened she started her own catering business called Sizzling Peach.

Paul Niedermann was a Sous Chef from Davie, Florida. Paul was the Hell’s Kitchen Season 9 winner due to his passion and determination and he dedicated the win to his mother who had passed away a few months prior.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Paul went to work at BLT Steak but not as Head Chef. He left to become Executive Chef at Hudson at Waterway East and was later Exeucitve Chef at Racks Restaurant Management Group.

Paul is currently Corporate Executive Chef at SALT7.

Christina Wilson was a Chef from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the Hell’s Kitchen season 10 winner beating Justin in the final due to her passion, talent and leadership skills.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Christina took the Head Chef position at Gordon Ramsay Steak before moving to become Executive Chef at Gordon Ramsay BurGR in Planet Hollywood Casino. She works closely with Gordon, now overseeing both his Vegas restaurants as Executive Corporate Chef.

She has appeared on Hell’s Kitchen as a Sous Chef on seasons 15, 17 and 18. She also worked in the kitchen behind the scenes on Hotel Hell and 24 Hours to Hell and Back where she trains chefs and helps develop new menus.

Ja’Nel Witt was an Executive Chef from Houston, Texas. Ja’Nel was the Hell’s Kitchen season 11 winner but did not take up the position after allegedly failing a drugs test, she was however offered the $250,000 prize money.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Ja’Nel was Executive Chef at Corner Table before moving to Sammy’s Steakhouse. She is currently Executive Chef at Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant. Ja’Nel also did a number of cookery demonstrations, events and hosted cookery classes.

Scott Commings was an Executive Chef from Woodstock, Illinois. He was the Hell’s Kitchen season 12 winner due to his passion, determination and leadership skills.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Scott took up his position as the Head Chef at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace before becoming Executive Chef of Freedom Beat at The Downtown Grand Hotel and Casino. He is also Co-Founder of BLT Foods Las Vegas. In 2018 he opened Stove in Las Vegas with co-owner Antonio Nunez.

Read more: What is a Kitchen Range? | THOR Kitchen

La Tasha McCutchen was a Kitchen Supervisor from Winter Haven, Florida. La Tasha was the Hell’s Kitchen season 13 winner due to her strong leadership skills, cooking ability and her determination.

After Hell’s Kitchen, La Tasha took up the head chef position at Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City for a year before becoming a Private Chef. She also does pop up dining events and cookery demonstrations.

Meghan Gill was an Executive Chef from Roanoke, Virginia. Meghan was the Hell’s Kitchen season 14 winner due to her passion, determination and leadership skills.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Meghan took up the winners head chef position at Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill at Caesars Atlantic City.

Ariel Malone was a Country Club Chef from Hackensack, New Jersey. She was the Hell’s Kitchen season 15 winner due to her confidence in the kitchen, cooking ability and her outspoken nature.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Ariel took up the head chef position at BLT Steak at Bally’s Las Vegas until January 2017 before moving on to other opportunities. She has had three children including twin girls.

Kimberly Ann Ryan was an Event Chef from Traverse City, Michigan. Kimberly was the Hell’s Kitchen season 16 winner due to her skills, drive and command in the kitchen.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Kimberly took up the head chef position at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar at The Venetian Las Vegas.

Michelle Tribble was from New York City and competed in season 14, where she came in 3rd place.

Michelle was the Hell’s Kitchen season 17 winner based on her performance in the finale and throughout the season.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Michelle up the position of Head Chef at the Caesars Palace Hell’s Kitchen in Las Vegas with a salary of $250,000.

Ariel Contreras-Fox was from Brooklyn, New York, is a veteran contestant and competed in season 6, where she finished in 3rd place.

Ariel Contreras-Fox was the Hells Kitchen Season 18 winner due to her tremendous growth since her original appearance on Hell’s Kitchen. She proved her talent, leadership and determination throughout and offered runner up Mia a position.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Ariel took up the position as Executive chef position at Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada until March 2020.

In May 2020 she became Vice President of Culinary at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle, Del Frisco’s Grille, and Dos Caminos.

Kori Sutton was an Executive Chef from Los Angeles, California. Kori Sutton was the Hell’s Kitchen season 19 winner.

After Hell’s Kitchen, Kori continued to offer private chef services and will take up the position of Head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Restaurant in Lake Tahoe.

Source: https://livingcorner.com.au Category: Kitchen

source https://livingcorner.com.au/hells-kitchen-winners-where-are-they-now/

#livingcornernews

[wsmith215]

Jarrett Stidham big NFL draft winner as Patriots’ roster takes shape – New England Patriots Blog

After selecting 10 players in the 2020 NFL draft, and then agreeing to terms with 14 rookie free agents, the New England Patriots’ roster has a much different look than it did last week. The biggest question, however, remains right at the top: Is Jarrett Stidham ready to take over the reins at quarterback?

The 2019 fourth-round draft choice was arguably the biggest winner of draft weekend when the Patriots passed on not only Jordan Love at No. 23, but then every other quarterback in the draft as well. That further cleared his path to earn the QB1 job, although coach Bill Belichick isn’t just going to hand it to him. Stidham will still have to duplicate what he did last preseason, when Belichick tabbed him over Brian Hoyer for the all-important No. 2 job.

Belichick knows what Hoyer can do. It’s a point he made after the Patriots signed him in 2017 following the trade of Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers.

As for what Stidham can do, there’s more of a blind spot because he simply hasn’t had the opportunity. And therein lies the intrigue for what’s ahead for the Patriots as their 90-man roster has taken shape (* = rookie).

Quarterbacks (4)

Stidham, Hoyer, J’Mar Smith*, Brian Lewerke*

Right now the New England quarterback job is Jarrett Stidham’s to lose. Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire

The Patriots usually carry only three quarterbacks, because there are only so many snaps to go around. But in an offseason when all the learning is virtual, it makes it easier to add a fourth player, which also sparks memories of 2000, when the fourth quarterback behind Drew Bledsoe, John Friesz and Michael Bishop was a youngster named Tom Brady.

Running backs (6)

Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Damien Harris, Brandon Bolden, J.J. Taylor*

From top to bottom, this is potentially the best position group on offense. A competition between Michel and Harris for the top spot could bring out the best in both runners, while Taylor — an undrafted free agent from Arizona — will be an interesting player to watch from a Dion Lewis-type perspective (undersized playmaker facing longer odds to stick).

Fullbacks (2)

Jakob Johnson, Dan Vitale

The Patriots utilize the position as much as any team, and after the retirement of James Develin on Monday, Johnson and free-agent signee Vitale (Green Bay Packers) provide more options, while versatile tight end Dalton Keene — the third-round pick from Virginia Tech (101st overall) — will factor into the mix.

Tight ends (6)

Matt LaCosse, Devin Asiasi*, Dalton Keene*, Ryan Izzo, Rashod Berry*, Jake Burt*

play

0:47

Check out highlights of UCLA’s versatile tight end Devin Asiasi.

If Asiasi (third round, No. 91) can get up to speed quickly, he has a chance to be TE1, but that might be asking a lot in a virtual offseason. The Patriots finished last in the NFL in tight end receptions and targets last season, but that is poised to change with more options for coordinator Josh McDaniels to tap.

Wide receivers (13)

» Patriots’ 2020 draft analysis for every pick » Belichick: QB-less draft wasn’t ‘by design’ » Patriots’ draft brings back 2001-type feel » Rohrwasser: Tattoo is not of militia group » ESPN+: Mel Kiper Jr.’s grade for Patriots

Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Mohamed Sanu, Damiere Byrd, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski, Marqise Lee, Devin Ross, Quincy Adeboyejo, Will Hastings*, Sean Riley*, Isaiah Zuber*, Jeff Thomas*

Belichick noted how the Patriots invested a first-round pick in Harry last year, and technically used a 2020 second-rounder to bring Sanu aboard, so he hardly views the cupboard as bare. He’s banking on improvement from young pass-catchers. The undrafted group of Hastings (Auburn), Riley (Syracuse), Zuber (Mississippi State) and Thomas (Miami) will all get a long look, with Thomas viewed as worthy of a draftable grade.

Offensive tackles (5)

Isaiah Wynn, Marcus Cannon, Yodny Cajuste, Korey Cunningham, Justin Herron*

Cajuste, a 2019 third-round draft pick from West Virginia who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, is healthy again. If he elevates to the swing tackle role and Cannon can return to form, it would strengthen a position that was a trouble spot in 2019 (in part because of injuries).

Center (2)

David Andrews, Dustin Woodard*

Andrews says he is cleared to return after missing 2019 because of blood clots in his lungs, but the Patriots still need an insurance policy behind him, which is why nabbing Woodard (Memphis) in the seventh round might be one of their most important selections.

Guards (6)

• Inside Packers’ gamble on Jordan Love • Jets’ Mekhi Becton: ‘When he walks in a room, you feel it’ • ‘Moment won’t be too big’ for Jarrett Stidham, says his former coach • Fun and football: The legacy Joe Staley leaves on the NFL • Frank Reich makes progress on makeover of Colts’ offense

Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason, Hjalte Froholdt, Michael Onwenu*, Jermaine Eluemunor, Najee Toran

Froholdt, a 2019 fourth-round pick from Arkansas who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, is healthy again and pairs with 2020 sixth-rounder Onwenu (Michigan) to fill the pipeline with youth and depth.

Defensive tackle (7)

Lawrence Guy, Beau Allen, Byron Cowart, Adam Butler, Nick Thurman, Bill Murray*, Courtney Wallace*

The Patriots are banking on Allen, a free-agent signing from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, filling the void created by Danny Shelton’s free-agent departure, as well as 2019 fifth-round pick Cowart (Maryland) contributing more.

4-3 defensive end (2)

Deatrich Wise Jr., Nick Coe

The Patriots use a multiple-front defense, with the pieces fitting differently depending on whom they are playing, and Wise and the undrafted Coe (Auburn) would factor into the mix more in a four-man front.

3-4 outside linebacker (8)

John Simon, Chase Winovich, Anfernee Jennings*, Derek Rivers, Shilique Calhoun, Brandon Copeland, Tashawn Bower, Trevon Hill*

play

0:42

Catch some standout moments of former Alabama outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings’ career with the Crimson Tide.

Replacing Kyle Van Noy will be a challenge, and it might take more than one player given his versatile skill set. Winovich (2019 third round) offers a high-upside pass-rush option, while Jennings (third round, Alabama) is a physical player who impressed scouts with his toughness.

3-4 inside linebacker (7)

Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Josh Uche*, Terez Hall, Cassh Maluia*, De’Jon Harris*, Kyahva Tezino*

play

0:45

Check out some of the highlights of former Michigan defensive end Josh Uche.

Uche, the second-round pick from Michigan, was viewed by some teams as more of an off-the-line linebacker because of his size (6-foot-1, 245 pounds), but his pass-rushing skills should also make him part of sub packages in obvious non-running situations.

Cornerback (8)

Relive the NFL’s greatest games, original series and more. Watch on ESPN+

Stephon Gilmore, Jason McCourty, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams, D’Angelo Ross, Lenzy Pipkins, Myles Bryant*

This is arguably the deepest position on the entire roster, led by the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year (Gilmore), and returns completely intact from 2019.

Safety (8)

Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger*, Terrence Brooks, Cody Davis, Malik Gant, Adarius Pickett

Dugger, the team’s top draft pick (second round, No. 37) from Lenoir-Rhyne, projects to help immediately on special teams and in sub packages. He’s the type of fast, explosive athlete the Patriots will need to call on to get through the AFC and to defend the likes of Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson.

Specialists (6)

K: Justin Rohrwasser*

P: Jake Bailey

LS: Joe Cardona

Coverage: Matthew Slater, Justin Bethel, Brandon King

Belichick has noted several times how fortunate he has been to go from Adam Vinatieri to Stephen Gostkowski at kicker, and now the attention turns to Rohrwasser, the fifth-round pick from Marshall.

Source link

The post Jarrett Stidham big NFL draft winner as Patriots’ roster takes shape – New England Patriots Blog appeared first on The Bleak Report.

from WordPress https://bleakreport.com/jarrett-stidham-big-nfl-draft-winner-as-patriots-roster-takes-shape-new-england-patriots-blog/

#Sports Report

[ballercentraltmblr-blog]

NBA Western Conference Predictions

Welcome to part two of the conference predictions. This part will be the very stacked and dangerous Western Conference. After a crazy offseason the West became even more Wild. With the Warriors dynasty now over with Kevin Durant moving on to Brooklyn and Klay injured and most likely out for the season there will be a ton of teams looking to grab the West crown.

8th Seed

At the 8th Seed we have the San Antonio Spurs who had the 7th Seed last year with a 48-34 record. They pushed a very talented Nuggets team to seven games but couldn’t advance to the second round. They basically have the same roster from last season with rookie Keldon Johnson from Kentucky joining the squad. They will be getting back two injured guards in Dejounte Murray and Derrick White who both were having good seasons until their injuries happen. Expect Derrick White to be a candidate for most improved this year. They have reliable veterans like LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay, Marco Belineli, and Patty Mills and as long as they have the greatest coach in the league in Gregg Poppovich they will always be a lock in the playoffs especially in a crowded West.

7th Seed

At the 7th Seed we have the Utah Jazz. They were the 5th Seed last year with a 50-32 record. They were knocked out of the first round by the Houston Rockets last year. They had a decent offseason with losing Derrick Favors they added former Grizzlies guard Mike Conley Jr. and former Pacers forward Bojan Bogdanovic. This team is on the rise with rising star Donovan Mitchell leading the way along with their two time defensive player of the year in Rudy Gobert and Australian sharpshooter Joe Ingles expect this team to be a dangerous lower seed due to the amount of talent in the West.

6th Seed

At the 6th seed we have the Portland Trailblazers who finished with the third seed and got all the way to the conference finals thanks to the heroics and amazing play from their point guard Damian Lillard but got swept by the Warriors. They had an amazing season despite losing center Jusuf Nurkic to a gruesome injury. This offseason they acquired the talents of former Miami center Hassan Whiteside by trading away Meyers Leonard and Mo Harkless. They also drafted Nasir Little from North Carolina. They are also expecting production from now second year players Afernee Simmons and Gary Trent Jr. We already know what Dame and CJ can do it’s up to the supporting cast including Whiteside to see how the trailblazers do this season. Once Jusuf Nurkic comes back this could be a scary team come playoff time.

5th Seed

At the fifth seed we have the defending Western Conference champs in the Golden State Warriors. They ended the regular season last year with the number one seed with a 57-25 record. They lost to the Raptors in the finals in 6 games after losing both KD and Klay to injuries. Now with Klay recovering from a torn ACL and KD moving on to Brooklyn this team looks completely different. They also lost Shaun Livingston to retirement, trades away Iggy for picks, and Boogie went to the Lakers. They also gained some help. They acquired rookie Jordan Poole in the draft and willie Cauley Stein in free agency. The biggest addition they had was acquiring D’Angelo Russell from the Nets looking to be a substitute Splash Bro while Klay recovers. They may not be the dynasty they once was but they still have Steph Curry and Draymond plus DLO so expect them to be competitive still.

4th Seed

At the number four seed we have the Houston Rockets. They finished as the number four seed last year with a 53-29 record. They lost to the Warriors once again but this time in the second round. After the playoffs they had a drama filled offseason where they ended up trading Chris Paul for James Harden’s former Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook forming yet another star duo in the NBA. They also added Tyson chandler to help bolster the big men group. Playing the right way this Harden and Westbrook duo can be one of the most lethal duos in the NBA. Once they get their chemistry right again like their time in OKC the league should be very afraid.

3rd Seed

At the number three seed we have the Denver Nuggets. They finished as the number two seed last year with a 54-28 record. They got knocked out of the second round by the Portland Trailblazers in shocking fashion. They are still one of the top teams in this league. Not only did they add Jerami Grant from the Thunder and Bol Bol from the draft they get back Michael Porter Jr. who is expected to be contending for the rookie of the year award. With Nikola Jokic being one of the top centers in the nba and Jamal Murray being one of the rising your guards in the NBA expect this Nuggets team to fight with the best of the NBA.

2nd Seed

At the number two seed there are the Los Angeles Lakers. They finished with the number 10 seed last year with a 37-45 record. After a rough season with a lot of injuries including LeBron getting hurt they shook the team up and traded away most of the young core including Ball, Ingram, and Hart for former Pelicans star Anthony Davis. They also signed a ton of free agents to help LeBron and AD like Danny Green, Dwight Howard, Avery Bradley, Quinn Cook, etc. They also signed Boogie Cousins but he suffered yet another injury which puts his career in jeopardy. This team looks like a title contender but they have to be healthy and get their chemistry together. Lebron and AD have the potential to be the best duo in the league as long as both of them stay healthy. They need to be healthy as the Battle of LA will be going on all year long.

1st Seed

At the number one seed we have the LA Clippers. They finished with the 8th Seed last year with a 48-34 record as they lost to the Warriors in the first round. They pulled off the impossible this summer by signing Kawhi Leonard which no one thought they would and also traded away a number of players and picks for Paul George turning them into the best defensive team in the NBA and instant title contenders. They already had talent like two sixth man of the year candidates in Lou Will and Montrezl Harrell, one of the best defensive guards in the NBA in Pat Beverley, and one of the best coaches in the league in Doc Rivers. They just need a star or two for them to become championship contenders and they got them. This team is my pick to win the championship this year and rightfully so. They can lock up any position and any team. Good luck to the rest of the league.

There are my Western Conference predictions!!!!! Hope you enjoyed this 2 part article and I will see you guys later!!! Enjoy opening night and good luck to your teams!!!

[buddyrabrahams]

10 NFL teams that have improved the most this offseason

The 2019 NFL offseason has been a wild one featuring major shakeups across the board and some blockbuster trades few could have seen coming. As such, the landscape has changed across the league and new teams suddenly find themselves in positions of power.

But which teams have made the greatest strides? Which teams have positioned themselves for a run at the playoffs? And which teams appear poised to take it all the way to the Super Bowl?

Here’s a look at which 10 teams have improved the most this offseason (so far).

10. Jacksonville Jaguars

Despite a miserable year in 2018, the Jaguars feel like they’re a team close to breaking out. However, one of their downfalls has been less-than-stellar production at the quarterback position, which was immediately shored up when they signed former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles to take control under center. That alone propels Jacksonville forward, but the little pieces may add up as well. Geoff Swaim gives Foles a big tight end target over the middle and Alex McGough provides a little depth at the quarterback position. There are still some key losses they’ll need to replace, but quarterback was very clearly the big fix Jacksonville needed.

9. New England Patriots

Considering New England has lost Trey Flowers, Trent Brown, Malcom Brown, Cordarrelle Patterson, Eric Rowe and Dwayne Allen this offseason, you may find yourself wondering how they’ve improved. Well, it’s simple… they’re the Patriots. They have this remarkable ability to plug and play, while also bringing in quality talent at a low cost. Such was the case when they acquired defensive lineman Michael Bennett from the Philadelphia Eagles. They also added Patriots-like fits with running back Brandon Bolden, tight end Matt LaCosse, defensive lineman Mike Pennel, wide receivers Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris, cornerback Terrence Brooks and others. They also re-signed cornerback Jason McCourty, which was an important move. Oh yeah, and they will be loading up on compensatory picks in the future.

8. Tennessee Titans

Compared to the noise made by several other teams on this list, the Titans have flown quietly under-the-radar in free agency. However, the moves they have made could have quite an impact in 2019. The trade to acquire quarterback Ryan Tannehill should not be overlooked as it provides Tennessee solid insurance at one of the most important positions in football. Meanwhile, adding Adam Humphries not only gives the Titans a potential 1,000-yard receiver, but it should also help open things up for Corey Davis on the other side. The team also shored up a weakness at guard by adding Rodger Saffold and re-signing Kevin Pamphile, but the big moves came on defense. Tennessee added a quality pass rusher in Cameron Wake and re-signed big-hitting safety in Kenny Vaccaro, who tends to be a tad underrated.

7. Detroit Lions

At first glance, the Lions appeared to focus on surrounding Matthew Stafford with offensive talent to begin free agency, adding running backs Kerwynn Williams and Mark Thompson, wide receivers Danny Amendola and Brandon Reilly, tight end Jesse James, and offensive lineman Oday Aboushi, but their biggest strides came on the defensive side of the ball. Detroit changed their defensive landscape with the additions of pass rusher Trey Flowers, cornerback Justin Coleman, and safety Andrew Adams, who has showed a steady improvement in recent years. There are still some in-house decisions to be made for Detroit, but if they’re able to bring back their key role players, they’ll find themselves in a good position entering the 2019 season.

6. Washington Redskins

Under Daniel Snyder, the Redskins are frequently champions of the offseason, and 2019 will be no different. Their first truly big splash came when they signed safety Landon Collins to a mega-deal, giving them a big-time talent in their secondary. They were also able to lure veteran cornerback and former Collins teammate Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out of retirement. On the offensive side of the ball, they made a smart decision in re-signing running back Adrian Peterson, while also acquiring quarterback Case Keenum from the Denver Broncos. Keenum could very well start for the Redskins in 2019, but if nothing else, will provide quality depth and experience.

5. Green Bay Packers

The Packers have a few needs on the offensive side of the ball that will likely be addressed in the 2019 NFL Draft, but with Aaron Rodgers under center, that’s rarely a concern anyway. The addition of guard Billy Turner was a solid one, but there’s more to be done there. However, where Green Bay really needed help was on the defensive side of the ball, which is exactly how they approached free agency. In addition to adding linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, the Packers also signed free safety Adrian Amos. If the Packers can find themselves one more big-time defensive playmaker, they’ll really be in business.

4. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers feel like a team on the brink of success, and believing they are just a few pieces away, general manager John Lynch came out firing. San Francisco signed a potential starting running back in Tevin Coleman early and then added wide receiver Jordan Matthews as an extra weapon for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. However, it’s on the defensive side of the ball where the 49ers made the biggest impact, acquiring pass rusher Dee Ford from the Kansas City Chiefs and adding linebacker Kwon Alexander to complement him. They also signed linebacker David Mayo and cornerback Jason Verrett for good measure.

3. New York Jets

It’s been an odd offseason for the Jets, who started by hiring Adam Gase as their new head coach before adding Dowell Loggains and the infamous Gregg Williams as their offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. They then started aggressively in free agency only to find themselves rebuffed by linebacker Anthony Barr. But that didn’t discourage Gang Green who pressed forward by signing Le’Veon Bell, the best running back available, as well as receivers Jamison Crowder, Joshua Bellamy and Stacy Coley. Additionally, the Jets acquired starting offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele from the Raiders, and signed C.J. Mosley to anchor their defense. Add in kicker Chandler Catanzaro, defensive end Charles Tapper, and cornerback Brian Poole, and it’s been a busy offseason for New York.

2. Oakland Raiders

Not only did the Raiders acquire Antonio Brown in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they also went out and signed Tyrell Williams and J.J. Nelson, giving them one of the best wide receiver corps in the NFL. Offensive lineman Trent Brown was added to help protect Derek Carr, while Johnathan Hankins was re-signed on the defensive side of the ball. He is joined by former Giants defensive end Josh Mauro, who is projected to start, and safety Lamarcus Joyner. There’s still some work to be done, but Oakland is off to a solid start.

1. Cleveland Browns

The Browns began the offseason by naming Freddie Kitchens as their head coach and then hiring Todd Monken and Steve Wilks as their offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. But that was just the tip if the iceberg. At the onset of free agency, Cleveland made an AFC-altering trade with the New York Giants, acquiring linebacker Olivier Vernon and superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. They also took a chance and signed running back Kareem Hunt, who will be suspended the first eight games of the regular season, while adding defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to shore up things in the trenches. Things are shaping up nicely for the Browns, who are considered by many to be an AFC North favorite.

from Larry Brown Sports https://ift.tt/2CowQVv

[medproish]

There is already an underclassmen declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, and it’s arguably the best prospect in the nation.

In March, defensive tackle Ed Oliversaid he was going pro after his junior season at Houston. He’ll have a line of star defensive tackles behind him. A cursory glance toward next year’s draft shows that defensive tackle is the strongest position.

Figuring out where to peg them all was challenging in this initial 2019 mock draft. These early mock drafts aren’t really about getting picks right a year out. My first 2018 mock was a disaster. Instead, they’re more about creating a base on which players to follow during the college football season.

The draft order is based on the latest regular season win projections from the Westgate Superbook (via USA Today) so spare me the complaints and go put your money on it.

1. Cleveland Browns: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

After trading Danny Shelton to the New England Patriots, the Browns could be in the market for a defensive tackle in 2019. Flip a coin on Lawrence and Ed Oliver of Houston. A left tackle will also be considered by the Browns if second-round pick Austin Corbett struggles on the outside.

2. Arizona Cardinals: Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

If the Cardinals want to start running more four-man fronts with new head coach Steve Wilks, they’ll need to bring in the personnel for it. Oliver is going to go into the college football season as the top draft prospect for many.

3. New York Jets: Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

The Jets got their quarterback, now they just need a lot of parts around him. Williams is an impressive blocker and goes into the season as the top tackle prospect.

4. Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

There is no obvious top quarterback for the 2019 draft, but Herbert is the front runner. He has an impressive arm and threw for 1,750 yards and 13 touchdowns in just eight games last season.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Can you call something a value pick a year before the draft even starts? Sure, this is sort of silly anyway. Besides, if Jason Pierre-Paul happens to struggle in his first season in Tampa there’s an out in his contract after the season. Bosa is just too good to drop any further. He’s in the running with Oliver as being the lead draft prospect.

6. New York Giants: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

The Giants sure do sound committed to seeing if fourth-round pick Kyle Lauletta can be Eli Manning’s successor. Lets assume he is, just for fun. If so, that opens New York to landing Wilkins, a player some like more than teammate Dexter Lawrence.

7. Chicago Bears: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson

That’s right, back-to-back Clemson defensive linemen, and three in the top seven picks. Ferrell might have been a first-round pick had he entered this year’s draft.

8. Indianapolis Colts: David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin

Indianapolis smartly drafted two starting guards in Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith in the top 40 this year. But there is still a need at right tackle for the Colts. Wisconsin is loaded on the offensive line next season, and Edwards is arguably the best piece.

9. Buffalo Bills: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

Last season Brown set an Ole Miss season record with 1,252 receiving yards to go along with 11 touchdowns. That landed him on the SEC all-conference first team. If Kelvin Benjamin struggles, the Bills could let him walk after the season and draft his replacement.

10. Washington: Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

He’s a cornerback, his name is Greedy, and he had six interceptions and 17 passes defended last season. What more do you need to know?

11. Denver Broncos: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

If you’re someone who liked Josh Allen in this year’s draft, Lock is similar in some ways. He’s a big quarterback at 6’4 and 225 pounds and a solid athlete. And like Allen, he’s struggled with accuracy, completing 58.2 percent of his passes last season.

12. Cincinnati Bengals: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

This offseason the Bengals added tackle Cordy Glenn and center Billy Price to the offensive line. They could take another season next draft with Little, who will challenge Williams and Edwards as the top tackle prospect.

13. Tennessee Titans: K’Neal Harry, WR, Arizona State

Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor didn’t produce much in their rookie seasons last year. If they struggle again the Titans could go into the 2019 draft looking for another wide out. Harry is a playmaker who will get some NFL-style coaching from Herm Edwards.

14. Seattle Seahawks: Trey Adams, OT, Washington

Yes, another 12 months of saying the Seahawks need to address their offensive line! Before tearing his ACL last October, Adams was considered by many as a first-round pick and potentially the best left tackle in the draft.

15. Oakland Raiders: Devin White, LB, LSU

We still don’t know the status of NaVorro Bowman at middle linebacker. The on-roster options don’t inspire much optimism either. White collected 133 tackles last season and should be an All-American this season.

16. Detroit Lions: Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

The Lions didn’t address their pass rush situation, and Ezekiel Ansah is in the final year of his contract. Gary isn’t a traditional speed edge rusher, but he can generate a power rush.

17. Baltimore Ravens: Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama

At this stage, Davis is too good to pass up and he’s a good fit on a team that runs a lot of odd fronts.

18. Kansas City Chiefs: Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia

The Chiefs didn’t draft a cornerback this year until the sixth round, so they may still be looking to find the replacement for Marcus Peters.

19. Houston Texans: Michael Jackson, CB, Miami

Kareem Jackson is a free agent after the season, so the Texans could potentially be in the market for a new cornerback.

20. Dallas Cowboys: Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami

There was a lot of talk during the draft that the Cowboys were in talks to trade for Earl Thomas. If they want to address safety next draft, Johnson was a second-team all-conference player who some thought would go pro.

21. San Francisco 49ers: T.J. Edwards, LB, Wisconsin

Who knows what’s going to happen with Reuben Foster. If his legal troubles persist, the 49ers could seek his replacement. Third-round pick Fred Warner is more of a coverage linebacker while Edwards is good at coming up against the run.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan

A transfer from Ole Miss, Patterson is already being referred to by Michigan coaches as a playmaker. In just seven games last season at Ole Miss, Patterson threw for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns. If he can quickly develop under Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, he could end up being one-and-done with the Wolverines.

23. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn

Stidham has to take a step forward in his development this season, but he has the type of raw tools you often see in a quarterback.

24. Carolina Panthers: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

Tight end is always a hard position to project a year out, but Fant looks like a good one. The 6’5, 241-pound junior to be caught 28 passes for 486 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He could replace Greg Olsen, who turns 34 next March and has been flirting with TV the past few offseasons.

25. Atlanta Falcons: Jeffrey Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

More defensive tackles for the Falcons. It’s like offensive linemen for the Seahawks.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Marvell Tell, S, Southern California

Lamarcus Joyner is playing on the franchise tag this season, and may price himself out of Los Angeles. Tell, who is about to begin his third season starting at USC, has a nose for the ball.

27. Green Bay Packers (via New Orleans Saints): Austin Bryant, Edge, Clemson

Four players from the same defensive line in the first round would probably be some type of record. The Packers didn’t add an edge rusher in the draft, and Bryant is decent at getting after the quarterback.

28. Minnesota Vikings: Josh Allen, Edge, Kentucky

You read that correctly. There’s another Josh Allen in the draft. The Vikings have several high price free agents coming up, including Anthony Barr. Like Barr, Anthony could be converted back to linebacker.

29. Green Bay Packers: Jake Bentley, QB, South Carolina

This one will probably be considered controversial. However, taking a first-round quarterback in 2019 would give the Packers a fifth-year option on a rookie deal. With Aaron Rodgers turning 35 in December, could Green Bay replace him when his contract runs out after the 2019 season.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State

The drama surrounding Le’Veon Bell in Pittsburgh isn’t going away. In Montgomery the Steelers may see a running back who can do some of the same things as Bell. At Iowa State last season he had 1,094 yards rushing and 35 receptions for 288 yards.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson

Look, I’m intrigued as anyone by Jordan Mailata, but the Eagles could go into next year’s draft looking for an offensive lineman. Hyatt considered going pro this year, and should be even better with another year of starting experience at Clemson.

32. New England Patriots: Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama

An Alabama linebacker just had to land in the first round. Jennings is lined up on the outside, and will go into the draft as a technically sound tackler with solid athleticism.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Source link

The post NFL mock draft 2019: Clemson will dominate the first round appeared first on trend views word.

#IFTTT #WordPress

[christophergill8]

Lewis aims to end latest private tax debt collection effort

The Internal Revenue Service's third attempt to bring in overdue tax money by using private debt collectors has been in place for less than a month, but some House members are already trying to halt it.

Opponents of the program question not only the collection system's costs and efficiency. They also worry that the use of private bill collectors will make it easier for crooks to create even more tax scams.

Rep. John Lewis makes his opening statement at last week's Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee hearing on the 2017 tax season. During his remarks, Lewis announced the introduction of a bill that would, in part, repeal the required use by the IRS of private bill collectors. (Click screenshot to watch full subcommittee hearing on YouTube.)

Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) on April 26 introduced the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2017. The first section of the measure, officially H.R. 2171, is titled "Protection of Taxpayers from Abusive Tax Collection Practices." Original cosponsors, all Democrats, are Reps. Suzan K. DelBene of Washington, Earl Blumenauer of Oregon and Danny K. Davis of Illinois.

Lewis, the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, announced his new taxpayer protection bill during his opening statement preceding that panel's hearing on the recently concluded main tax filing season.

"For the record, I want to be crystal clear — in today's world, private debt collection will only make a bad situation much worse," said Lewis. "We have been down this road before. It has been tried and tried again. Each and every single time, private debt collection fails. It creates confusion and wastes taxpayer dollars. Most importantly, the program does not help or serve the American people."

Twice tried, twice failed: This latest iteration of debt collectors going after delinquent taxpayers was mandated as part of a 2015 transportation bill. Advocates of the practice say it could bring the U.S. Treasury around $2.4 billion over the next 10 years from unpaid tax accounts the IRS has officially stopped pursuing.

Employees of the four debt collection agencies hired by the IRS — CBE Group, Conserve, Performant and Pioneer — must follow strict procedures to safeguard taxpayers' rights and privacy.

But skeptics like Lewis, which include the current and previous IRS commissioners and the National Taxpayer Advocate (and me), point to prior private tax collection problems during the 1996 and 2006 efforts, including reports of abuse from taxpayers.

The 1996 pilot program was cancelled after 12 months and a net loss of $17 million. By the time the 2006 effort was halted, the U.S. government reported a loss of almost $4.5 million to the federal government, which took into account $86.2 million spent on program administration costs and more than $16 million in commissions to the private collection agencies.

Adding to the unease over this version of private tax debt collection is the involvement of a company, Pioneer Credit Recovery, that was among the agencies fired by the Department of Education two years ago from its contract to collect delinquent student loan debt.

In ending that program, the Education Department said its review found inaccurate information was being given to borrowers at "unacceptably high rates."

Tax ID theft schemes complicate things: And now, noted Lewis, there's the added threat to taxpayers from con artists.

"Let me explain how things have changed since Congress last repealed this program," said Lewis in support of his legislation. "In the fall of 2013, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration began investigating a new wave of scams. Nearly two million victims received telephone calls from people pretending to be IRS or Department of Treasury employees. Some of us — even Members of this very Committee — received calls from these criminals."

Now efforts to fight this scam, noted Lewis, are hampered by the use of private collection agents:

"The thieves demand money; they claim that the victim owes unpaid taxes. To date, these criminals have swindled taxpayers out of $55 million. Before the return of the private debt collectors, our best defense for taxpayers was a simple and clear message: the agency will never call you. Now, there is confusion. The new message is that the IRS will not call you, but a private debt collector might. It makes absolutely no sense."

Lewis nailed it in that last remark, which bears repeating (and emphasizing): "The new message is that the IRS will not call you, but a private debt collector might. It makes absolutely no sense."

TIGTA has tax scam concerns, too: During that hearing, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration's (TIGTA) office also expressed concern about the private collection process, specifically the possibility that criminals will use it as the basis for added IRS impersonation scams.

"There's just a potential that people would use this new process to perpetrate scams that [are] already underway,” said TIGTA Deputy Inspector General for Audit Michael McKenney. To guard against that, McKenney said TIGTA believes the IRS needs to strengthen its process for authenticating taxpayer identities when they are being contacted by private debt collectors on behalf of the IRS.

McKenney also said TIGTA is concerned that there is no special private collector complaint mechanism through which the IRS could identify problems early on to improve the mandated debt collection program.

Union adds its support: The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), whose members include IRS personnel, lauded Lewis' bill.

"Rep. Lewis has wisely proposed a quick and easy way to stop this program before it does any more damage to the U.S. Treasury or to taxpayers," NTEU National President Tony Reardon said. 

"Repealing the IRS authority to use private collection agencies would save money and reduce taxpayers' exposure to identity theft and fraud," Reardon added. "We commend Rep. Lewis for trying to prevent the IRS from making this same mistake a third time."

NTEU's statement also noted that last week TIGTA announced that 11 people have been charged with crimes involving schemes to impersonate IRS agents and steal money from taxpayers by claiming they owed back taxes.

"Telephone scams are already a threat and allowing private companies to represent the IRS only compounds the problem," Reardon said.

You also might find these items of interest:

How to tell if that IRS agent on your porch is legit

Taxpayers targeted by private bill collectors will get letters before calls start

IRS urges taxpayers to be on guard against scams as private tax debt collection begins again

Advertisement

  from Tax News By Christopher http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DontMessWithTaxes/~3/JvIrQGVAepQ/john-lewis-aims-to-end-current-private-tax-debt-collection-effort-the-internal-revenue-service-third-attempt-to-bring-in-ove.html