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deadsetobsessions · 4 months

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AU List

Hello! Welcome! This is my attempt at keeping the AU's boiuncing around in my head in order. They should be mostly in chronological order.

Some of them are getting turned into full length fics! The list (and it's open to suggestions) can be found here: Fic List

A couple of things:

Please feel free to write your own fics based on any of these! No need to ask, simply link it so I can also read it <3

If you have any specific scenarios you have an idea for and would like me to write- my asks/prompts are always open! I can't guarantee quality as I do most of my writing at like, 3 AM but I'll try my best!

I don't condone racism, bigotry, homophobia, etc.. I do not welcome it here. I acknowledge that I have biases that I've yet to unlearn. If there's something that makes you feel unwelcome in the things I write, please let me know and I will fix it ASAP.

I write these mostly on little to no sleep (that’s when I get creative I guess?) so good luck.

Squatter! Danny Raises Tim AU:

[Here] In which Tim finds a squatter (Danny) in his house and gets a brother.

[Here] AU of Squatter!Danny where Tim finds Danny squatting in the Nest as Red Robin and thinks he's a coffee-fueled hallucination.

[Here] Tim and Danny stalks the Dynamic Duo and freaks them out.

[Here] Tim and Danny goes shopping, Jazz Fenton casually suggests murder as a means of sibling adoption.

[Here] Tim meets Jason! Robin and fanboys his way into thinking he could become Robin. Danny tries to temper Tim’s stalking habits.

[Here] Family Bonding

Ghost King and the Justice League:

[Here] The JLA summons Danny and Constantine regrets his poor life decisions.

[Here] Writing Prompt: Ghost King!Danny can hear the screams of the Joker's victims.

[Here] Batman tells Hal Jordan to babysit the unconscious Ghost King because Hal’s neon green.

[Here] Zatanna helps the dying ghost boy by repairing his grave and hunting down the GIW

[Here] Zatanna retrieves the gravestones of Phantom's subjects and gives him a safe space to grieve.

[Here] Ghost King!Danny babysits Wonder Woman at the behest of the Goddess Hera.

[Here] Ghost King!Danny munches on some demons.

[Here] Local space ghost scolds superhero club because they littered in space.

[Here] The OG Young Justice team summons Danny in a private school bathroom

[Here] The JLA failed to prevent cultists from summoning the ghost king. Luckily, they get Danny instead, who seems to be the king's assistant.

Alcoholic! Danny Adopts Jason Todd AU: (Fic)

[Here] Alcoholic!Danny saves Jason Todd from a mugger and gives up alcohol to be a big brother.

[Here] Alcoholic! Danny confronts his stalker, buys chili dogs for his new little brother, and kills a pedo in that order.

[Here] Going Sober!Danny meets Batman, and then gives his new little brother an apartment and tells him he can go to school.

[Here] Going Sober! Danny takes his little brother back to school shopping

Spider in Gotham AU: (Fic)

[Here] In which Peter Parker gets isekai'd and shrunk, commits crime, and adopts a Gothamite street kid for a brother.

[Here] In which Peter Parker’s alternate memories haunt him in the form of nightmares, his identity gets made by his roommate, and he talks to a concerned vigilante with poor sleeping habits about his own poor sleeping habits.

Gotham! Danny and His Bats:

[Here] Writing Prompt: Cryptid Danny predates the Bats.

[Here] In which Danny is both Tim Drake and Gotham's City Spirit.

[Here] Writing Prompt: Danny and Gotham’s Bay that’s full of dead bodies, ghosts, and a very alive Red Hood

[Here] Gotham Spirit Phantom has a moment of introspection and would like people to stop blowing parts of the city up

[Here] AU of Gotham Spirit Phantom where Danny has no idea what universe he got reborn in and proceeds to have a bad time and decides to DIY mental health.

[Here] AU of Gotham Spirit Phantom where Danny has no idea what universe he got reborn in, pt. 2: Danny bullies Bruce into self care.

[Here] Writing Prompt: Shade! Jason stumbles across a ghost Danny, adopts him, gets turned into a full-fledged ghost, eats cookies, and gets pulled back into his human body.

Danny in Gotham:

[Here] Accidental Crime Lord! Danny Phantom and his takeover ft. a gaggle of orphans and a stressed Batman

[Here] Writing Prompt Lawyer!Danny Fenton and heroism within the confines of the law.

[Here] Lawyer! Danny prompt fulfillment

[Here] Coffee Shop Owner! Danny enforces the shop's neutrality by beating up the Joker with a chair and accidentally seduces the Red Hood.

[Here] New to the City! Danny dropkicks Red Hood in his stupid red helmet

[Here] Danny vs. Mr. Muffins

[Here] In which Bruce, Alfred, and Dick grieves while Danny wonders why they were grieving on an empty grave.

[Here] In which Danny did not get the memo about Gotham's pharmaceutical companies

Sea Cryptic! Danny AU:

[Here] Sea Cryptic! Danny cleans up beach after local vigilante explodes his plane over the ocean.

[Here] Sea Cryptic! Danny cleans the Gotham bay and does broke college student things.

[Here] Sea Cryptic! Danny extorts money from Batman for blankets.

[Here] Sea Cryptic! Danny makes a friend and calls Red Robin broke.

[Here] Sea Cryptic! Danny makes Batman a debtor and makes friends with the best vigilante recyclers in Gotham.

[Here] Tim asks Danny to introduce Tim to Danny, Jason has a post-zombie crisis.

[Here] Batman tries to adopt another kid, Danny gets Vlad flashbacks, and the Bats finds out that Jason is stinky.

Danny Gets Yeeted (Yoted?) Into Gotham AU:

[Here] Danny gets dropped on the Batmobile and acquires minions

[Here] IOU One (1) Big (Harvey) Dent

[Here] Danny trolls the Waynes by telling them he's died before (and pretending he doesn't know they're vigilantes).

[Here] Tim makes bad excuses for vigilante injuries and Danny forgets about the knife embedded in his stomach.

[Here] Sleepy, assassin-trained Damian accidentally stabs civilian Danny and feels bad about it.

[Here] Danny's Knife Collection (but not just knives).

[Here] Ghostbusters but they don't actually catch the ghost (Danny)

[Here] Danny’s in the goddamn walls!

[Here] Danny's first family game night: trauma, eating paint, and aiming the Bat cannon at the GCPD and firing feral vigilantes out of it.

[Here] Cassandra Cain (former Feral Child) reassures Danny (who is Ghost Feral) that they're siblings.

[Here] Danny gets ice-cream with Duke, Bruce vs. (corrupt) CPS

[Here] Danny does gardening with Alfred

Danielle "Dani"/"Ellie" Phantom:

[Here] "Ellie" visits Gotham and encounters a Stinky Red Hood.

[Here] "Dani" trades "removing corrupted ectoplasm" for "a meeting with Batman about the GIW" ft. Stinky Red Hood and a confused Nightwing.

[Here] A paralegal gets reincarnated/isekai’ed as Danielle “Nellie” Phantom, Prompt

Gremlin Genius! Timothy Drake:

[Here] Toddler! Tim is irritated at his heroes for showing up late at their own Gala.

[Here] Tower Scene AU

Reincarnated as Gamer! Timmy Drake (fem Tim): (Fic)

[Here] The Dissociative Experience™️ of realizing your afterlife is a cosmic oopsie (and that you’re now playing a game as a female Tim Drake).

[Here] Art for the fic

New Tim-line, Who Dis? AU:

[Here] Time Traveling! Tim has a crisis on a plane and hires Deathstroke to off the Joker.

[Here] Time Traveling! Tim takes over Bludhaven's underground at nine years old by terrorizing them and takes out his big brother's enemies via blackmail and Amanda Waller.

[Here] Tim Drake Vs. The Education System round 2

[Here] Dick Grayson remembering his dumbass, self-sacrificing little brother from a different Tim-line.

Prompts Found:

[Here] Tim is a sleeping cat and the law is: you can't move.

[Here] Heartbroken Danny leaves Dick Grayson with a table full of cold anniversary dinner.

[Here] Tim beefs with Superman.

[Here] Triplet Tim

[Here] Triplet Tim Pt. 2

[Here] Triplet Tim Pt. 3

[Here] Triplet Tim Pt. 4

[Here] Triplet Tim Pt. 4.5

[Here] The Trio escapes Amity via train

[Here] Dick Grayson plays dumb... a bit too dumb

[Here] Reverse Trope Prompt- Too many beds (dcxdp)

[Here] Reverse Trope Prompt- accidentally kidnapping a mafia boss (dcxdp)

Thoughts about DC/DP:

[Here] Richard Grayson's successful image change

[Here] DC vs. The Fan Ability of Saying "No"

[Here] Jason's Pit Madness

[Here] Gotham's City Planners

[Here] Jason and Cass discusses their kill/no kill policies and comes to an understanding about each other.

[Here] Danny can be a twink OR he could be buff as hell.

[Here] DC Canon is soup.

[Here] Damian's relationship with art throughout his short life.

[Here] Ra’s could have revolutionized the medical field but decided to be a creep and clone a minor

[Here] Tim Drake is that troll from Trolls the movies, Branch

[Here] Butter Sock

[Here] Gotham city’s unanimous agreement not to fish dead bodies out of the bay

[Here] Danny in Hogwarts.

[Here] Reincarnation Manhwa + the Bats

[Here] The Bats, Supernatural AU

[Here] Jason's sick fic

[Here] Damian is lost in Amity Park

[Here] Tim, Danny, and floating down a river in a wine barrel

[Here] Reincarnated into Damian Wayne's older sister.

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junker-town · 4 years

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What should the Bucs do about Jameis Winston?

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Winston leads the NFL in passing, but he still turns the ball over WAY too much. That leaves the Bucs with a big decision to make about their free-agent-to-be quarterback.

NFL teams fall into three categories. There are those teams that have established franchise quarterbacks, those teams that have quarterbacks on rookie contracts and still believe they are building a franchise player, and then those in the middle.

The teams in the middle don’t have a clear future at quarterback. They either have aging quarterbacks, injured quarterbacks, or veterans who just aren’t good enough. The most common version of a “middle” team is one with a quarterback at the end of a rookie deal that it’s not convinced is “the guy.”

One such team in that category is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jameis Winston is a good QB — with one GLARING flaw

Tampa Bay selected Jameis Winston with the first pick in the 2015 draft, and his career has been filled with turnovers. Many turnovers. Through his first four seasons, Winston played in a total of 56 games (started 54) and threw 58 interceptions and fumbled 38 times! That’s by far the most of any quarterback during that time period. It got so bad last season that he was benched more than once for backup Ryan Fitzpatrick.

But, when you dig just a tad deeper, you can see it wasn’t all bad. Winston had a positive expected points added (EPA) number for those four seasons, ranking between 10 and 14 in each year among quarterbacks. That, plus his natural ability, made it easy for new coach Bruce Arians to stick with Winston for this season to see where this could end up.

Winston’s talent is a perfect fit for Arians’ high-flying offense. Combine Winston’s arm strength, Arians’ downfield passing attack, and the receiver duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and you have a high-powered attack on paper. And if you look at this passing attack on paper still, it’s been rolling.

Winston has started every game for the Bucs this season. He’s leading the NFL in passing yards and has 30 touchdown passes. That’s good. But ... TURNOVERS! Again. For the fifth season in a row, Winston can’t stop turning the ball over. He’s sitting at 24 interceptions through 14 games. He needs six more in the final two weeks to be the first QB in NFL history with 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He’s also put the ball on the ground 12 times, with five of those fumbles being lost. That’s 29 times this season he’s turned the ball over. That’s not good. It’s hard to win that way.

However, and this is important, not all interceptions are created equal. Throwing interceptions themselves aren’t a concern — you’re going to turn the ball over when you throw so much, especially downfield. The issue with Winston is he keeps making the same mistake, as we can see here with Cover 3 dropping linebackers:

I looked at Jameis Winston's 20 INTs this year and noticed some common threads...Eight involved Cover-3. (Yes, the Titans one looks two-deep, but the safety drops back). Green is the intended receiver's route. pic.twitter.com/c2CE2PdtY7

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) November 26, 2019

That’s not an issue you expect a fifth-year quarterback to have. That said, Winston’s 2019 season does give some hope for the future.

Winston is seventh in the NFL at completing passes that lead to a first down. Winston is 13th in EPA, which actually puts him ahead of Aaron Rodgers.

QB stats after yesterday. Does not include MNF obviously pic.twitter.com/W516mqPfP9

— new-age analytical (@benbbaldwin) December 16, 2019

Looking at all his advanced stats, he’s generally the same guy this season, just more turnovers.

So the question becomes: What do the Bucs do with Winston after this season?

If Tampa Bay lets Winston walk, who are the options to fill that job? Do the Bucs go with a first-round rookie quarterback? There are only three of them who could possibly start now and those three — Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert — will be gone by the time the Bucs pick.

Does Tampa Bay push for Teddy Bridgewater, who will be the No. 1 target for any team looking for a veteran quarterback in free agency? Do they attempt to draft a quarterback, sign a veteran, and stay stuck in the middle?

That’s too many question marks, when the answer is sign Jameis Winston. The Bucs need to sign Winston to a short-term deal, but something that satisfies both parties. Winston gets guaranteed money, most likely two seasons, and the Bucs aren’t tied to him for the long haul. And the main reason I’d sign him is Bruce Arians.

Arians is a quarterback whisperer. Outside of Andy Reid, no one has been better at developing quarterbacks in the last 20 seasons. And we are seeing the development happen this season. Winston will finish with nearly 40 touchdowns and 5,000 yards. Yes, the turnovers are bad and yes, Arians needs to hope that in a second season in this offense Winston reduces his mistakes. Is it naïve to believe this will happen? Of course. In year 5, you are who you are.

But the Bucs don’t have a better option, in my opinion. Winston is arguably just as good as the free agent options and the draft isn’t loaded with sure quarterback picks. I need to believe that Arians can work his magic on Winston. The best case, Winston drops his interceptions by 10 next season. What if Winston throws for 5,000 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions? Are you not taking that if you’re Tampa? I am.

That’s why I think the Bucs need to re-sign Winston.

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unclescurvy · 7 years

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2017 NFL MOCK DRAFT

April 23, 2017

This is a five-round mock draft with projected trades. This will be updated at least once more before the draft.

ROUND ONE

1. Cleveland – DE/OLB Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

This is becoming the surest of things. Myles Garrett is probably the best player in this draft, and the Browns happen to need his services badly. The rumors of a Trubisky pick here are laughable.

2. Cleveland (PROJ. TRADE W/SF) – QB Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina

What do you do when you covet two players in the first round and you’ve got loads and loads of ammunition? You unload and go get your guys. The Browns make a blockbuster deal with the Niners (# 12, 33, and 52 this year, plus a 2nd round selection in 2018) and go secure the quarterback they covet: hometown boy Mitchell Trubisky. Whether or not he deserves to be drafted here doesn’t matter. The Browns know the only way they can be sure to get him is by securing the first two picks.

3. Carolina (PROJ. TRADE W/CHI) – RB Leonard Fournette, LSU

The Panthers extended Jonathan Stewart’s contract by a year, but he’s never been someone the team can rely on to stay healthy for an entire season. Carolina has fallen in love with Fournette, and they have to get ahead of Jacksonville to secure him (Tom Coughlin has made multiple statements about improving the running game there). They trade next year’s first rounder as well as their top 2nd-round pick to move from 8 to 3.

4. Jacksonville – DE/OLB Solomon Thomas, Stanford

The Jags just barely miss out on Leonard Fournette, who would have been their choice, so they go back to the drawing board. Jacksonville was in the bottom half of the league in sacks for the second straight year. Solomon Thomas has the prototypical size and speed for the Jags’ defense, and he could make an immediate impact.

5. Tennessee (THRU LA RAMS) – SS Jamal Adams, LSU

Pure safeties just don’t get drafted higher than #5. Period. I don’t see Jamal Adams as the sort of once-in-a-lifetime athlete who would change that history. The Titans signed Jonathan Cyprien to play the strong side in free agency, but he could be moved to free safety to accommodate Jamal Adams. This guy has Rodney Harrison-like potential to be one of the very best safeties in the league for a long time… but I just don’t see him going any higher than this.

6. NY Jets – FS Malik Hooker, Ohio State +

If the Jets don’t fall in love with any of the quarterbacks, they will roll with Josh McCown, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg and select the promising ball-hawk Malik Hooker. He doesn’t have much to offer in the run game, but the Jets are more concerned with finding someone to stop Rob Gronkowski and the lesser Gronk clones that are cluttering the league. Hooker has a nose for the ball like few others, and he could lead the league in interceptions within the next few years. Or he could be the biggest bust of this year’s class.

7. LA Chargers – CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State +

The Chargers made a great free agent pickup last year in former-Packer Casey Hayward. He and Jason Verrett may form a strong partnership in 2017, but Verrett has had a lot of trouble staying healthy. And if the team opts to keep him in 2018, he’ll cost them around $8 million. It may be time for the first cornerback to come off the board here: Marshon Lattimore has spent the off-season separating himself from a fine, fine group of corners as the very best of the crop.

8. Chicago (PROJ. TRADE W/CAR) – DT Jonathan Allen, Alabama +

The Bears need defense more than anything, and one of this year’s best college defenders falls into their lap. Rumors of chronic shoulder injuries drop a man with top-three talent down to #8, but he’s certainly worth the risk here. Jonathan Allen is the sort of talent the entire city can rally around.

9. Cincinnati – DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee

The Bengals gave up on the Margus Hunt experiment, and they’re considering what life will look like without Michael Johnson, whose contract will expire next year. Barnett helps the team improve their defensive end rotation for this year and perhaps they’ve found their starter next to Carlos Dunlap next year.

10. Buffalo – TE O.J. Howard, Alabama

The Bills have almost no receiving talent beyond the oft-injured Sammy Watkins. He desperately needs help. Howard might be the most well-rounded tight end to come on the scene since Jason Witten. He’ll help in all aspects of the offense, but his receiving skills will be most needed.

11. New Orleans – RB/WR Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

This would be the sort of WTF? Moment that makes drafts interesting, wouldn’t it? The Saints need defense and they need it badly, but instead they bolster their offense with the obscene athleticism of Christian McCaffrey. Mark Ingram remains the lead back in 2017, but his contract is voidable next year. And there isn’t much talent behind him. This pick makes more sense than it does on first glance.

12. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/CLE THRU PHI) – QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

The Niners trade down with Cleveland and select their quarterback of the future. Many, many teams are crushed that they couldn’t pull the trigger on Mahomes themselves. He’ll have to sit behind Brian Hoyer for at least half a season as the team breaks down Mahomes’ awful technique, and they’ll teach him how to be a pro. He seems willing and eager to learn. His natural gifts but unwieldy technique remind me of Brett Favre coming out of school. He needed time to develop too.

13. Houston (PROJ. TRADE W/ARZ) – QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson

Houston is SO CLOSE to making a serious run in the playoffs, they know they’re just a quarterback away. They can’t go into this season with Tom Savage as their uncontested signal caller, and they waited too long for the guy they really wanted, Pat Mahomes. They package their 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks to go up to Arizona’s spot and grab Deshaun Watson. What he lacks in pinpoint accuracy and arm strength, he makes up for in leadership and heart. He makes everyone around him better. That’s a rare quality.

14. Philadelphia (THRU MIN) – CB Tre’Davious White, LSU

The Eagles are said to covet a cornerback at this spot, and they’ll practically have their pick of the litter. Who knows if they’ll covet the speed of an Adoree Jackson or the size of a Kevin King. On my board, Tre’Davious White is the 2nd best CB available, so here he sits. He’s part of the great lineage of LSU cornerbacks, and he’s got the skills to play man or cover at an elite level.

15. Indianapolis – RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State *

The Colts cannot take the risk of going into another season with Frank Gore as their starter. He served admirably last year, but his days of greatness are long behind him. Dalvin Cook is said to have less-than-admirable athleticism despite his college numbers and some behavioral issues worthy of concern, but the Colts take a risk on him.

16. Baltimore - WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan

The Ravens lost Steve Smith to retirement and they are cautiously optimistic that a late-season surge from Breshad Perriman could signify improve play in 2017. However, wide receiver has been an anemic position for the team practically since they left Cleveland for Baltimore. Joe Flacco needs targets – especially scoring threats. Corey Davis is a touchdown magnet – a perfect addition to Flacco’s choice of targets.

17. Washington – CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State

The Redskins took quite a few blows this off-season, losing both key players and key coaches. They were also fairly quite in free agency. They need to draft carefully. They’ll take a flyer on speedy corner Gareon Conley to pair with Josh Norman. Bashaud Breeland got burned repeatedly last year and may have to transition to free safety, and Kendall Fuller is better off as a nickel.

18. Tennessee – WR Mike Williams, Clemson

The Titans took big risks with their receivers in 2016 by trading Dorial Green-Beckham to Philadelphia, cutting Justin Hunter and letting Andre Johnson retire mid-season. This became a team built on the run and the short passing game thanks largely to 32-year old tight end Delanie Walker. The team clearly needs another option in the passing game. Mike Williams may be the best deep-ball receiver in this year’s class. He’s got certain Dez Bryant qualities without the problem attitude.

19. Tampa Bay – OLB Haason Reddick, Temple

The Bucs made quite a few splashes in free agency this year, but they’ve neglected their linebacking group, which is thin at best. Lavonte David is as good as they come on the weak side, Kwon Alexander showed some promise in the middle, but the strong side is a gaping hole. Enter Combine darling Haason Reddick. His ascent has been staggering, and if he lands in the top 20, you’ll probably hear me cheering from wherever you happen to be watching the draft.

20. Denver – OT Garett Bolles, Utah

Right tackle Donald Stephenson graded out as the worst at his position among starters last year. And as of this moment, he’s slated to start again. That cannot happen. The Broncos must upgrade their o-line immediately, and Bolles might help. He’s only played top-tier college football for one year so he might completely flop in the pros, but his off-season workouts and prototypical body type for the position suggest he just might make it as an NFL tackle yet. He and a rejuvenated Ty Sambrailo will fight for the two starting spots.

21. Detroit – TE David Njoku, Miami

The Lions have made waves this off-season about upgrading their tight end position, and if Njoku falls to them, he will almost certainly be their pick. He’s an excellent receiver and a willing - if pedestrian - blocker. Detroit forgoes the option on Eric Ebron next year and hands the starting role to Njoku, but in the meantime they make a forbidding duo.

22. Miami – DE Charles Harris, Missouri

The Dolphins are a better team than most folks outside Miami know. But with the release of Mario Williams, they’re left with a question mark at defensive end. Andre Branch was re-signed in free agency, and William Hayes came over from the Rams (presumably to be closer to the mermaids). But Hayes will be 32 when camp starts, and he can’t be counted on beyond this year. Charles Harris might be a little small to take on the punishment of playing a 4-3 end in the NFL, but the trainers will work on bulking him up for the campaigns ahead.

23. NY Giants – OLB Jarrad Davis, Florida +

Word on the street is that Jarrad Davis is a hot name among scouts and GMs. He performed quite well at the Combine, and he’s been killing it at his individual meetings. If he lasts this long, the Giants will pounce on him; they may even be willing to trade up to get him. The team certainly needs linebacking help.

24. Oakland – CB Adoree’ Jackson, USC

Cornerback D.J. Hayden split in free agency this year and Travis Carrie will be up for it in 2018. And honestly no Raiders CB was especially great in 2017 despite the team’s record. Can you imagine the old Al Davis Raiders passing up a speedster like Adoree’ Jackson?

25. Arizona (PROJ. TRADE W/HOU) - QB Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame

The Cardinals trade back with the Texans and still get the developmental quarterback they were looking for. Kizer has the prototypical NFL build with a strong-enough arm, but his accuracy and footwork are a mess. A year or two behind Carson Palmer and learning from Bruce Arians will be a very good thing for him.

26. Seattle - CB Kevin King, Washington

The Seahawks need offensive line help desperately, so perhaps they’ll do the right thing and select Forrest Lamp or Garett Bolles here, but the rumor is they covet the hometown gargantuan cornerback Kevin King. He fits right in with Seattle’s tradition of playing massive corners to counteract the effects of big receivers, and King can do that. But if he gets matched up with a quick smaller wide out, his lack of fluidity will be exposed.

27. Kansas City - WR John Ross, Washington +

The Chiefs need receivers. This much is true. And John Ross has shown that he’s worthy of a first-round selection. But I’m having trouble imagining the diminutive Ross on the same team as the smaller-than-ideal Jeremy Maclin and Tyreek Hill. But I’m also having trouble seeing the Chiefs pass on him if he’s available. The Lollipop Guild may do wonders in K.C., who knows!

28. Dallas – DE DeMarcus Walker, Florida State

The Cowboys are rumored to be pretty committed to upgrading their defensive line this year. Walker would be a great player to fall to them. He was amazingly productive against top-level competition throughout his college career. He’s probably the most NFL-ready defensive end available this year, and his positive attitude may be the very thing that will turn around a guy like Randy Gregory.

29. Green Bay – SS Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

One of the biggest questions of the draft: Where will the celebrated Jabrill Peppers end up? He played practically every position on defense for Michigan (and some not on defense). Plenty of teams have a desire for a player who can fill more than one spot (the Pats, the Cardinals, the Rams, etc). The Packers lost Swiss army knife Micah Hyde to free agency, and Peppers might be the guy to replace him.

30. Pittsburgh – DE/OLB Takkarist McKinley, UCLA

When Pittsburgh re-signed James Harrison, it was yet another acknowledgement that they haven’t been able to replace him despite their many attempts. The Jarvis Jones experiment is over; time to start the Takkarist McKinley experiment. Takk is a raw lump of clay, but he’s natural gifts are significant. He’s just got a nose for the quarterback and the will to get there. Playing in a rotation with Harrison would be a great thing for him as he learns to control his body and bait his blockers.

31. Atlanta - DE/OLB Jordan Willis, Kansas State

Not many mock drafters have Willis going in the first round, but there are rumors that he may go as high as #23 to the Giants. It’s been quite a run on pass-rushers in the first round, so the Falcons feel lucky they can snag him here. Willis was a Senior Bowl standout, and when coaches went back to look at his tape after that, they finally noticed that he’s one of the hard-working, craftiest ends in the college game. His upside is tremendous as he’s constantly adding to his bag of tricks.

32. New England (PROJ. TRADE W/NO THRU NE) - OT Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin +

The Patriots dealt New Orleans this pick in the Brandin Cooks deal, and I predict they’ll get it right back when they deal CB Malcolm Butler to New Orleans on draft day. With the pick, the Pats bolster their offensive line. New England is scheduled to have tackles Nate Solder and LaAdrian Waddle hit free agency next year. With the cutting of Sebastian Vollmer, that leaves the team quite vulnerable at such a key position. They roll the dice on the one-year-wonder Ryan Ramczyk. They’ll give him a year of development to see if he can take over for Solder. Remember: Matt Light and Nate Solder were on the team together in 2011. The Pats do draft replacements early.

ROUND TWO

33. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/CLE) - FS Budda Baker, Washington

34. San Francisco - SS Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut

35. Jacksonville – G Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky

36. Chicago – CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado

37. LA Rams – DE Taco Charlton, Michigan

38. LA Chargers – QB Davis Webb, California

39. NY Jets – TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss

40. Chicago (PROJ. TRADE W/CAR) – OT Cam Robinson, Alabama

41. Cincinnati – ILB Reuben Foster, Alabama +*

42. New Orleans – CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama

43. Philadelphia – RB Alvin Kamara, Tennessee

44. Buffalo – CB Quincy Wilson, Florida

45. Arizona – ILB Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

46. Indianapolis – OLB T.J. Watt, Wisconsin

47. Baltimore – RB Joe Mixon, Oklahoma *

48. Minnesota – OLB Ryan Anderson, Alabama

49. Washington – DT/NT Caleb Brantley, Florida

50. Tampa Bay – WR Zay Jones, East Carolina

51. Denver – ILB Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State

52. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/CLE THRU TEN) – CB Sidney Jones, Washington +

53. Detroit – OLB Tyus Bowser, Houston

54. Miami – DT Carlos Watkins, Clemson

55. NY Giants – DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova

56. Oakland – DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State

57. Arizona (PROJ. TRADE W/HOU) – CB Fabian Moreau, UCLA +

58. Seattle – OT Dion Dawkins, Temple

59. Kansas City – G Dan Feeney, Indiana

60. Dallas – SS Justin Evans, Texas A&M

61. Green Bay – OLB Tim Williams, Alabama *

62. Pittsburgh – CB Teez Tabor, Florida

63. Atlanta – DT Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama

64. Carolina (THRU NE) - DE Carl Lawson, Auburn +

ROUND THREE

65. Cleveland – WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington

66. San Francisco – WR Chris Godwin, Penn State

67. Chicago – WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC

68. Jacksonville – TE Jake Butt, Michigan +

69. LA Rams – WR Curtis Samuel, Ohio State

70. NY Jets – WR DeDe Westbrook, Oklahoma

71. LA Chargers – FS Marcus Williams, Utah

72. New England (THRU CAR) – CB Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson

73. Cincinnati – RB D’Onta Foreman, Texas

74. Baltimore (THRU PHI) – C Ethan Pocic, LSU

75. Buffalo – DE Trey Hendrickson, Florida Atlantic

76. New Orleans – DE/OLB Dawuane Smoot, Illinois

77. Arizona – G Dorian Johnson, Pittsburgh

78. Baltimore – CB Jourdan Lewis, Michigan

79. Minnesota – RB Brian Hill, Wyoming

80. Indianapolis – OT Antonio Garcia, Troy

81. Washington – RB Samaje Perine, Oklahoma

82. Denver – RB Jeremy McNichols, Boise State

83. Tennessee – CB Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado

84. Tampa Bay – FS Desmond King, Iowa

85. Detroit – DT Chris Wormley, Michigan

86. Minnesota (THRU MIA) – OT Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

87. NY Giants – RB Kareem Hunt, Toledo

88. Oakland – DT Larry Ogunjobi, North Carolina-Charlotte

89. Arizona (PROJ. TRADE W/HOU) – ILB Anthony Walker, Northwestern

90. Seattle – SS Eddie Jackson, Alabama +

91. Kansas City – ILB Kendell Beckwith, LSU +

92. Dallas – DT Montravius Adams, Auburn

93. Green Bay – G Isaac Asiata, Utah

94. Pittsburgh – TE Adam Shaheen, Ashland

95. Atlanta – OT Roderick Johnson, Florida State

96. New England – DE/OLB Tarell Basham, Ohio

97. Miami (COMP. PICK) – CB Damontae Kazee, San Diego State

98. Carolina (COMP. PICK) – G Nico Siragusa, San Diego State

99. Philadelphia (COMP. PICK THRU BAL) – C Pat Elflein, Ohio State

100. Tennessee (COMP. PICK THRU LA RAMS) – DT Elijah Qualls, Washington

101. Denver (COMP. PICK) – LB Alex Anzalone, Florida +

102. Seattle (COMP. PICK) – QB Brad Kaaya, Miami

103. New England (COMP. PICK THRU CLE) – LB Duke Riley, LSU

104. Kansas City (COMP. PICK) – OT Jermaine Eluemunor, Texas A&M

105. Pittsburgh (COMP. PICK) – QB Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh

106. Seattle (COMP. PICK) - DT Charles Walker, Oklahoma

107. NY Jets (COMP. PICK) - OT Adam Bisnowaty, Pittsburgh

ROUND FOUR

108. Cleveland – DT Jarron Jones, Notre Dame

109. San Francisco – CB Jalen Myrick, Minnesota

110. Jacksonville – C Tyler Orlosky, West Virginia

111. Chicago – SS Josh Jones, NC State

112. LA Rams – WR Amara Darboh, Michigan

113. LA Chargers – WR Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M

114. Washington (THRU NYJ) – DT Jaleel Johnson, Iowa

115. Carolina – SS Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville *

116. Cincinnati – DT Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA +

117. Chicago (THRU BUF) – WR Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech

New England (THRU NO) selection forfeited

118. Philadelphia – DT Davon Godchaux, LSU

119. Arizona – WR Jehu Chesson, Michigan

120. Minnesota – SS Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech

121. Indianapolis – OT Conor McDermott, UCLA

122. Baltimore – DE/OLB Carroll Phillips, Illinois

123. Washington – WR ArDarius Stewart, Alabama

124. Tennessee – CB Howard Wilson, Houston

125. Tampa Bay – RB Marlon Mack, South Florida

126. Denver – TE Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech

127. Detroit – WR Chad Hansen, California

128. Minnesota (THRU MIA) – OT Chad Wheeler, USC

NY Giants pick moved to end of 4th round

129. Oakland – DE Deatrich Wise, Jr., Arkansas +

130. Houston – SS Montae Nicholson, Michigan State

131. New England (THRU SEA) – CB Rasul Douglas, West Virginia

132. Kansas City – CB Corn Elder, Miami

133. Dallas – FS Marcus Maye, Florida +

134. Green Bay – RB Wayne Gallman, Clemson

135. Pittsburgh – RB James Conner, Pittsburgh +

136. Atlanta – QB Josh Dobbs, Tennessee

137. Indianapolis (THRU NE) – G Aviante Collins, TCU

138. Cincinnati (COMP. PICK) – WR Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky

139. Philadelphia (COMP. PICK THRU CLE) – OLB Vince Biegel, Wisconsin

140. NY Giants – TE Jordan Leggett, Clemson

141. LA Rams (COMP. PICK) – WR Noah Brown, Ohio State

142. Houston (COMP. PICK THRU CLE) – TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama

143. San Francisco (COMP. PICK) - RB Jamaal Williams, BYU

144. Indianapolis (COMP. PICK) – DT Vincent Taylor, Oklahoma State

ROUND FIVE

145. Cleveland – WR Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois

146. San Francisco – OT Will Holden, Vanderbilt

147. Chicago – CB Cameron Sutton, Tennessee

148. Jacksonville – DE Derek Rivers, Youngstown State

149. LA Rams – DE/OLB Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M

150. NY Jets – CB Shaquil Griffin, Central Florida

151. LA Chargers – OT David Sharpe, Florida

152. Carolina – WR K.D. Cannon, Baylor

153. Cincinnati – G Danny Isidora, Florida

154. Washington (THRU NO) – ILB Richie Brown, Mississippi State

155. Philadelphia – CB Brian Allen, Utah

156. Buffalo – WR Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech

157. Arizona – C Kyle Fuller, Baylor

158. Indianapolis – ILB Blair Brown, Ohio

159. Baltimore – DT Nazair Jones, North Carolina

160. Minnesota – WR Travan Dural, LSU

161. San Francisco (THRU WAS) – WR Ryan Switzer, North Carolina

162. Tampa Bay – TE Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas

163. New England (THRU DEN) – FS Delano Hill, Michigan

164. Tennessee – WR Malachi Dupree, LSU

165. Detroit – RB T.J. Logan, North Carolina

166. Miami – ILB Connor Harris, Lindenwood

167. NY Giants – K Zane Gonzalez, Arizona State

168. Oakland – FS John Johnson, Boston College

169. Houston – OT Julie’n Davenport, Bucknell

Seattle’s selection forfeited

170. Kansas City – G Zach Banner, USC

171. Buffalo (THRU DAL) – CB Marquez White, Florida State

172. Green Bay – ILB Jayon Brown, UCLA

173. Pittsburgh – ILB Ben Gedeon, Michigan

174. Atlanta – SS Tedric Thompson, Colorado

175. Cleveland (THRU NE) – OT Dan Skipper, Arkansas

176. Cincinnati (COMP. PICK) – OLB Devonte Fields, Louisville

177. Denver (COMP. PICK) – DT Ryan Glasgow, Michigan

178. Miami (COMP. PICK) – OLB Javancy Jones, Jackson State

179. Arizona (COMP. PICK) – G Damien Mama, USC

180. Kansas City (COMP. PICK) – RB Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State

181. Cleveland (COMP. PICK) – FS Jordan Sterns, Oklahoma State

182. Green Bay (COMP. PICK) – WR Fred Ross, Mississippi State

183. New England (COMP. PICK) – C Jon Toth, Kentucky

184. Miami (COMP. PICK) – TE George Kittle, Iowa

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ratemallet93-blog · 5 years

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The Bear’s Den, November 20, 2018

BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!

BEARRRSSSS

Dannehy: The Bears Are For Real - Da Bears Blog - Much of the focus for the 2018 Chicago Bears has centered around Mitch Trubisky and the offense, but the key to this season’s success is and has always been the defense.

Dickerson: Chicago Bears forced to quickly turn focus to Detroit Lions - ESPN - Bears coach Matt Nagy won’t be watching the game film from his team’s Sunday night victory over the Vikings as with a game against Detroit on Thursday afternoon he’s focusing on the Lions.

Joniak: Home-Field Advantage Back For Bears - 670 The Score - The Bears are 5-1 at Soldier Field this season.

Emma: Bears List QB Mitchell Trubisky (Right Shoulder) On Injury Report - 670 The Score - The Bears did not practice Monday, but Trubisky would’ve been held out.

5@5: How Good Are The Bears? - 670 The Score - The Mully & Haugh crew debates a five-pack of questions every weekday.

Talarico: Bears Put Rest of NFL on Notice With 'Signature' Win - Da Bears Brothers Blog - The Bears finally picked up that signature win, and their path to the playoffs is clearer than any of us imagined it would be.

Osen: 5 Takeaways from Chicago's Victory Over the Minnesota Vikings - Da Bears Brothers Blog - Here are five takeaways from the Bears' Sunday Night victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Ellis: Bears list Mitch Trubisky on injury report with right shoulder issue - NBC Sports Chicago - Ummmmm what?

Stankevitz: Bears grades - A closer look at Mitch Trubisky's night against a good defense - NBC Sports Chicago - Mitch Trubisky made some poor throws and bad decisions, but also did some good things to make sure the Bears could hold on to a win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

Stankevitz: The first-place Bears are being themselves, and for once, that’s a good thing - NBC Sports Chicago - Being the Bears used to mean losing. A lot. It now means winning and conducting orchestras in the end zone.

Ellis: Why Bears fans should root for the Chiefs during tonight's Monday Night showdown - NBC Sports Chicago - There's more at stake tonight for the Bears than one might initially realize.

Kane: Bears list quarterback Mitch Trubisky on injury report after he hurt his right shoulder against the Vikings - Chicago Tribune - The Bears didn’t practice Monday, but they listed quarterback Mitch Trubisky on their injury report with a right shoulder injury.

Medina: "Work Smarter, Not Harder" and Other Matt Nagy Notes Ahead of Week 12 - Bleacher Nation - The shortest of short-weeks has the Bears doing things differently than they are accustomed.

Medina: Mitch Trubisky (Throwing Shoulder) Lands on the Bears Injury Report - Bleacher Nation - Mitch Trubisky popping up on the injury report with an injury to his throwing shoulder isn't good news.

Medina: The Bears' Defense Is Getting Some Much-Deserved Love - Bleacher Nation - The star-studded defense was shining brightly on Sunday Night Football.

Rosenthal: ESPN's 'MNF' crew could learn a lot from how Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth called Bears-Vikings - Chicago Tribune - The work of Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth on NBC's "Sunday Night Football" during the Bears and Vikings game could teach a valuable lesson to ESPN's much-derided rookie "Monday Night Football" announcers Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten and Booger McFarland" on how to call a game in prime time.

Bear Download podcast: Bears make statement with impressive win vs. Vikings - Chicago Tribune - Dan returns to the show as he and Rich recap the Bears' 25-20 win over the Vikings. They share lasting impressions from an invigorating night at Soldier Field (1:05 mark),...

Kane: 'Who do you block?' Khalil Mack's return and Akiem Hicks' rise have been rough for Bears' opponents - Chicago Tribune - On a night when the Bears defense made plays all over the field, Khalil Mack continued to show he’s back after two games away because of a sprained right ankle with a couple of jaw-dropping feats.

Kane: Bears’ prime-time celebration is short-lived with Lions on tap Thursday - Chicago Tribune - There simply aren’t enough hours in Matt Nagy’s days this week to dwell on the victory that moved the Bears to 7-3 and extended their NFC North lead.

Rosenbloom: A Bears TD drive that took up almost half a quarter? More of that, please. - Chicago Tribune - The Bears ran 13 plays, covered 82 yards and ate up 7:13 to puncture the vaunted Vikings defense. Matt Nagy’s play calling was pantsing defensive master Mike Zimmer on the other side and Nagy’s players were executing almost perfectly. The whole thing was suitable for framing.

Biggs: By creating a road map for Jordan Howard, Bears ground game able to provide the balance Vikings lacked - Chicago Tribune - The Bears were able to create balance in their play calling and get running back Jordan Howard downhill for enough success on the ground to keep the Vikings off balance. Conversely, the Vikings had their third-worst rushing day in 20 years.

Wiederer: Soldier Field hasn't seen this much fun in years as Bears ace prime-time test - Chicago Tribune - In what was the Bears’ biggest all-around test of the season so far, Matt Nagy’s team embraced the increased spotlight, rose to meet the moment and defeated the Vikings 25-20.

Kane & Campbell: Bears kicker Cody Parkey's perfect night vs. Vikings 'rewarding' after rough week - Chicago Tribune - Bears kicker Cody Parkey made two first-half field-goal attempts Sunday night, easing concerns after hit the upright four times on missed kicks the previous week.

Osen: Stifling Defense Carries Bears Over Vikings in Primetime - Bears Brothers Podcast - Chicago's defense stepped up with a primetime-worthy performance and carried the Bears to victory.

Chicago Bears-Minnesota Vikings Postgame Show: Bears Claim Control of NFC North with Statement Win - Da Bears Brothers Podcast - Da Bears Brothers share their comprehensive game recap with their instant analysis and insight on the Chicago Bears Week 11 win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Potash: Playoffs? Pro Bowl? Coach of the Year? Upstart Bears prepared to handle success - Sun Times - The last time the Bears were over .500 after 10 games, they went into the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis at 6-4 in 2011

Kenney: Are the Bears Super Bowl bound? Mike Ditka seems to think so - Sun Times - Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka believes there's a good chance the Bears could be Super Bowl bound this season

Finley: How will Bears manage a 'crazy' 85-hour turnaround between games? - Sun Times - Bears players reported to Halas Hall on Monday afternoon for treatment and classroom work. They won’t even review the film of Sunday’s win

Jahns: Five takeaways, including a look at the Bears' third-down success - Sun Times - From Mitch Trubisky's success on third downs to Akiem Hicks' big day, here are five takeaways from the Bears' 25-20 win against the Vikings.

Morrissey: A healthy Khalil Mack makes Bears a force to be reckoned with - Sun Times - A good defense becomes a ferocious, feral defense when the outside linebacker is healthy, as the poor Vikings found out in a prime-time Bears victory.

Kenney: Bears players hand out turkeys to families ahead of Thanksgiving - Sun Times - Bears kicker Cody Parkey and punter Pat O'Donnell handed out turkeys at the YWCA in Gurnee as part of the players' social justice initiative.

Finley: Matt Nagy - Alex Smith's grisly leg injury 'absolutely crushed me' - Sun Times - Matt Nagy was sitting in his hotel room Sunday afternoon, working on his play call sheet, when he heard about his friend Alex Smith.

Good, bad and best - How the Bears fared in Week 11 vs. Vikings - Sun Times - Here’s how three Bears fared in Sunday night’s 25-20 win against the Vikings at Soldier Field.

Potash: On cue, Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks and Bears’ defense rise to the occasion - Sun Times - Jackson delivered the decisive blow early in the fourth quarter — intercepting a Kirk Cousins pass and returning the pick 27 yards for a touchdown.

Brad Biggs' 10 thoughts on the Bears' 25-20 prime-time win over the Vikings - Chicago Tribune - 10 thoughts after the Bears defeated the Vikings 25-20 Sunday night at Soldier Field to win their fourth straight game, the longest winning streak since the 2012 season.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Raiders 2019 NFL draft order after week 11: All three first round picks drop - Silver And Black Pride - The Raiders have not scored a touchdown in 9 quarters and have been outscored 75-9 over that time.

KNOW THY ENEMY

Stock Market Report: Bears - Daily Norseman - The Vikings had a chance to take control of the NFC North. As has been their trademark through their painful history, they didn’t.

After the Vikings’ loss to the Bears, here are some things to think about - Daily Norseman - It was ugly for most of the night.

Packers’ season now rests on two games: at Minnesota and at Chicago - Acme Packing Company - At 4-5-1, Green Bay somehow still has a shot at the playoffs and even the division. Winning two divisional road games could set up Run The Table™ 2.0. Ken's Note: Typical cheezehead take, a crappy team can ignore everybody else but the two top teams left.

RandWell-paid Cousins taking Mauer's place in angry fan pecking order - StarTribune.com - Welcome to the Monday edition of The Cooler, when sometimes it's actually nice when the weekend is over.

Detroit Lions injury report: Marvin Jones, Kerryon Johnson OUT on Monday - Pride Of Detroit - The Lions could be missing two key offensive weapons on a short week.

Injury update: Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson ‘week-to-week’ with sprained knee - Pride Of Detroit - Looks like Kerryon avoided a long-term injury.

Detroit Lions podcast: Panthers game recap, rants against tanking - Pride Of Detroit - PODcast is dropping some truth and breaking down more from the Lions victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Mike Zimmer needs to be on the hot seat - Daily Norseman - Forget his record

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears Week 11: Five Game-Changing Plays - Daily Norseman - Looking back at the most important plays from the 25-20 loss in Chicago.

Packers TE Jimmy Graham will “try” to play against Vikings, DL Mike Daniels out - Acme Packing Company - One injured Packer might still suit up on Sunday, while at least one of his teammates will definitely be out with a fairly significant injury.

Mizutani: Dalvin Cook was ‘hyped’ about primetime matchup ... until game plan changed - TwinCities Pioneer Press - Dalvin Cook finished with 9 carries for 12 yards and had a costly fumble in the first half of the Vikings vs. Chicago Bears on Sunday, Nov. 18.

After 10 games, here are 5 things Packers must do to turn season around - Packers News - How can the Packers take advantage of the six games that remain on the schedule? We offer up five answers.

More analytics say Packers’ decision to punt was wrong choice - PackersWire - All the numbers suggest Mike McCarthy made the wrong decision to punt on fourth down in Seattle.

Mike Zimmer rips Vikings over turnover woes - 247Sports - Mike Zimmer has done all he can to make the appropriate adjustments to the Minnesota Vikings defense after some early season struggles, but the head coach is still pulling his hair out over his offense’s turnover woes. Minnesota gave the ball away another three times in Sunday night’s 25-20 loss to the Chicago Bears on the road and Zimmer pulled no punches in his postgame press conference.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Infante: Make no mistake about it these Bears are for real - Windy City Gridiron - Sunday’s game confirmed that the Bears are, in fact, a force to be reckoned with.

Wiltfong: Bears vs. Vikings Snap counts, stats, and more - Windy City Gridiron - We’ll list out the complete playing time breakdown, and spotlight a few individual and team statistics from the Chicago Bears in their 25-20 win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Wiltfong: Adam Shaheen and Aaron Lynch in concussion protocol for the Bears - Windy City Gridiron - The Chicago Bears have been very lucky in the health department all season long, but they had two players exit last night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with concussion symptoms. Today they...

Leming: Chicago Bears - Game balls after a 25-20 Sunday night victory - Windy City Gridiron - We hand out our game balls to the best players in Week 11’s crucial Bears’ win on prime time.

Duerrwaechter: Bears vs. Vikings notes from a tough 25-20 victory - Windy City Gridiron - ECD subs in for Jacob Infante once again as the Bears record the win and a strong grip on the division in their return to Sunday Night Football.

WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS

2 Minute Drill - Website - iTunes - Andrew Link; Steven’s Streaming – Twitch – Steven Schweickert; T-Formation Conversation - Website - iTunes - Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; WCG Radio - Website - iTunes - Robert Zeglinski

THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following is not permitted in comments, FanPosts, usernames or anywhere else in an SB Nation community: Comments, FanPosts or usernames that are intolerant or prejudiced; racial or other offensive epithets; Personal attacks or threats on community members; Gendered insults of any kind; Trolling; Click link for full information.

The Bear’s Den Specific Guidelines – The Bear’s Den is a place for Chicago Bears fans to discuss Chicago Bears football, related NFL stories, and general football talk. It is NOT a place to discuss religion or politics or post political pictures or memes, and any posts that do this will be deleted and the poster will be admonished. We do not allow comments posted where the apparent attempt is to cause confrontation in the community. We do not allow gender-directed humor or sexual assault jokes. The staff of WCG are the sole arbiters of what constitutes “apparent attempt to cause confrontation”. We do not allow the “calling out” of other members in any way, shape or form. Posts that do this will be deleted on sight. Bottom line, it’s fine to debate about football, but personal jabs and insults are strictly prohibited. Additionally, if you keep beating the same dead horse over and over and fail to heed a moderator’s warning to stop, you will be banned.

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter:

WCG Contributors: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Andrew Link; Ken Mitchell; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Whiskey Ranger; Robert Zeglinski; Like us on Facebook.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/11/20/18103916/chicago-bears-2018-season-news-updates-analysis-game-ten-minnesota-vikings-trubisky-mack-hicks-nagy

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florenciolampkin · 6 years

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Radiant Barriers: Are They Worthwhile?

A radiant barrier is one of many measures used to keep heat out of the home.

Paul Proctor is CEO of R E Roofing and Construction, Inc.

Did anyone else notice the increase in temperature over Labor Day weekend? We certainly did! That’s why we thought it would be a perfect time to publish this guest post about radiant barriers by Paul Proctor of R E Roofing and Construction, Inc.

If you’re concerned about your home’s energy efficiency, you’ve probably heard about radiant barriers. But what do you actually know about them? Do they really work? And how should they be installed? In the following article, we’ll address these and other questions about radiant barriers.

The impact of solar radiation

Before learning about radiant barriers, it’s helpful to get an idea of how solar radiation affects temperatures in the home. As explained in an article published by Green Builder Media, radiation from the sun travels through space, enters the Earth’s atmosphere and eventually hits our roofs. It’s estimated that the amount of unfiltered radiant energy that strikes one square foot of roof surface is about 250 BTUs. If you take the average roof area of 3,000 square feet and divide that by two (since typically only half of a roof’s surface gets direct sunlight), that creates a whopping 375,000 BTUs. To gain some context, consider that the average stove range has about 7,000 BTUs per burner. In a word: hot!

Unfortunately, all that heat accumulating on the roof doesn’t just stay there—it radiates into the attic and eventually ends up in the living area of the home. In many cases, this requires a lot of air conditioning. Specifically, to offset 375,000 BTUs of solar heat gain, you’re looking at more than 31 tons of air conditioning! In terms of energy bills, that’ll take a big bite out of the average wallet.

The impact of solar radiation is further exacerbated by the fact that many homes’ attic air ducts contain leaks. This causes the ducts to draw in and distribute hot air throughout the home, which requires the air conditioner to work even harder. The result: more energy consumption and more money spent.

Measures to combat solar heat gain

Fortunately, there are several ways to allay the effects of solar radiation on the home. These include supplementary measures like insulation, ventilation, roof materials, air duct and attic sealing, and, of course, radiant barriers. However, since all of these measures play an important role in reducing in-home temperatures, it’s worth looking at each before we discuss the one at hand.

Air duct and attic sealing not only improves energy efficiency, it’s the best way to improve a home’s indoor air quality. You can have your air ducts tested for leakage at any time (and, if necessary, repaired). However, measures to prevent leakage from other areas of the attic can only be implemented during initial construction or a reroof project when the roof is removed and all areas of the attic are accessible.

Insulation traps much of the hot air from your attic and prevents it from migrating into the living space below. In the Bay Area, depending on the climate zone, R-30 to R-60 attic insulation is required for new homes and a recommended upgrade for existing homes.

Ventilation is the means by which hot attic air is removed from your home. This can be accomplished with properly sized and situated passive or power ventilators. The appearance and effectiveness of ventilators can vary, so you’ll need to do some research before choosing. Installing and/or upgrading ventilation is usually done at the time your home is built or during reroofing.

Roofing materials are a major determiner of how much solar radiation is permitted to enter the home. Today, all roofing materials are rated for solar reflectivity; the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the materials will be.

Understanding radiant barriers

And now, let’s look at radiant barriers. A radiant barrier is a shiny, foil-like material that reflects radiant heat from the sun. It’s typically installed in the attic, just below the roof, where the majority of radiant heat enters the home. Radiant barriers are available in rolls; laminated onto sheets of plywood, OSB and rigid insulation; or as a spray-on substance.

Of course, the big question is, “Do they work?” In theory, yes. Depending on the circumstances, a radiant barrier can lower the temperature in an attic by 20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this doesn’t mean the temperature of the home will be that much cooler. As cited by the author of the aforementioned Green Builder Media article, following an application of a spray-on radiant barrier, he saw a 20 F drop in his attic’s temperature. This translated to a mere 2 F drop in the temperature of his living space. Clearly not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless.

In terms of your own home, the next question on your mind is likely:

“Will I benefit from installing a radiant barrier?”

How much you’ll benefit from a radiant barrier will depend on two primary factors:

Environmental factors and supplementary measures

If your home is well-shaded during much of the day, a radiant barrier likely won’t be worthwhile, as there isn’t much solar radiation hitting the roof. Additionally, if your home is well-ventilated and well-insulated, with well-sealed air ducts and an energy-efficient roof, a radiant barrier may not have much of an impact. However, if your home lacks these measures, a radiant barrier can provide an affordable, easy-to-apply means of supplementing them.

Correct application

For a radiant barrier to perform effectively, it needs to be applied properly. For example, there must be an airspace of at least one inch between the radiant barrier and the underside of the roof. Since there is currently no universal building code governing the application of radiant barriers, you must rely on your local building department (most of which have not yet established their own guidelines) or the good practices of your builder or roofing contractor.

To summarize, a radiant barrier can be a helpful measure to reduce temperatures in the home and, in turn, the need for supplementary air conditioning. However, a radiant barrier’s effectiveness is dependent upon a variety of factors, including climate, roof efficiency and proper installation. Also, a radiant barrier is just one of several ways to reduce home heat gain, so be sure to consider the full spectrum of your options.

To read more contributions from Paul Proctor, visit his Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Profile. He also contributed this previous guest blog.

The post Radiant Barriers: Are They Worthwhile? appeared first on Diamond Certified.

Radiant Barriers: Are They Worthwhile? published first on https://australianriskservices.tumblr.com/

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thornburgrealty · 6 years

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medproish · 6 years

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SportsPulse: Shaquem Griffin, a one-handed linebacker who made history by being drafted by the Seahawks, on what motivates him and the crazy story of how he found out he got drafted. USA TODAY Sports

NFL draft grades for all 32 teams.(Photo: USA TODAY Sports)

NFL draft grades — an annual exercise of hubris as “draft experts” tell the league’s front office executives and scouts how they performed over the course of three days. (And let’s note here, it’s virtually impossible to assign any fair assessment to a player until he’s been a pro for at least three seasons.)

But in this era of instant gratification, who wants to wait until 2021? With that take it FWIW caveat, our “first impression, ahem, grades” for all 32 teams:

TRACKER: Round 1 | Round 2-3 | Round 4-7

New York Giants: A+

New GM Dave Gettleman just nailed it. First, give him credit for taking Penn State RB Saquon Barkley at No. 2 rather than reaching for a quarterback. Expect Barkley’s impact to be wide-reaching in the short and long run. G Will Hernandez and OLB Lorenzo Carter should be starters by training camp. And Richmond QB Kyle Lauletta (Round 4) might quickly push aside 2017 third rounder Davis Webb as Eli Manning’s backup and, perhaps, eventual successor.

Atlanta Falcons: A

Looks like another masterful job by GM Thomas Dimitroff. He didn’t overthink it when WR Calvin Ridley was sitting there at No. 26 or when CB Isaiah Oliver was there at No. 58. Neither addressed a need, yet both provide significant upgrades to an already stacked roster. DL Deadrin Senat did fill a crack in Round 3.

Chicago Bears: A

At No. 8, they may have gotten the draft’s best linebacker, Georgia’s Roquan Smith, who’s plenty capable of expanding on a proud Chicago tradition. At No. 39, they may have gotten the draft’s best center in Iowa’s James Daniels. And, after trading up to No. 51, yes, they just may wind up getting the most impactful receiver with Memphis’ Anthony Miller. Bravo, Ryan Pace.

Denver Broncos: A

GM John Elway must be living right with a gift like pass rusher Bradley Chubb sitting there at No. 5. He could restore this defense to dominance. Third-round RB Royce Freeman could make Broncos Country forget C.J. Anderson, and second-round WR Courtland Sutton may eventually do the same to Demaryius Thomas. Elway appeared to find a lot of potential contributors in the middle rounds. And given how well QB Case Keenum has apparently fit into this locker room, probably wise for Elway to resist the urge to draft another quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals: A-

They were staring at a bleak future in a division that seems laden with young quarterbacking royalty. But GM Steve Keim pulled a rabbit out of his hat by obtaining pick No. 10 for UCLA QB Josh Rosen. It’s worth wondering if Bruce Arians regrets retiring now that Rosen and second-round WR Christian Kirk should be connecting for years as part of a promising trio that includes RB David Johnson.

More: One-handed NFL prospect Shaquem Griffin embraces the opportunity to prove doubters wrong — again

More: Nine NFL veterans who have been put on notice after NFL draft

Jacksonville Jaguars: A-

If QB Blake Bortles was held in higher regard, we’d be talking about this team as a juggernaut. First-round DT Taven Bryan, second-round WR D.J. Chark and third-round S Ronnie Harrison might all make instant splashes as rookies if they played elsewhere. But all will have to scrap for snaps here. Sixth-round QB Tanner Lee comes with a nice level of buzz and might prove a viable fallback down the road if Bortles falters.

New England Patriots: A-

Their evaluation always requires a deeper dive, though Bill Belichick did fill several needs (even if he’d cringe at that framing). Isaiah Wynn, assuming he can handle an NFL tackle’s responsibilities despite projections he’d fit better at guard, could take over for Nate Solder. RB Sony Michel is far more explosive than Dion Lewis was. Second-round CB Duke Dawson eases the Malcolm Butler divorce. The Pats also swung a deal for San Francisco RT Trent Brown, who’s started 26 games over the past two seasons, and picked up Chicago’s second-round pick in 2019. The head scratcher was the decision not to take a quarterback who could develop behind Tom Brady … unless LSU’s Danny Etling surprises on a Brady-esque level.

New York Jets: A-

GM Mike Maccagnan’s gamble to trade up three spots to No. 3 (for three second rounders) paid off more handsomely than he probably could have imagined. Eight months ago, Jets fans wondered if their team would go 0-16 in order to secure QB Sam Darnold. New York finished 5-11 but got Darnold, who’d likely win an election as the draft’s top passing prospect, anyway. Now, will he end the Jets’ perpetual quest for a franchise passer? Third-round DL Nathan Shepherd and fourth-round TE Chris Herndon could both be Week 1 starters, though that says as much about the state of the roster as it does about their readiness.

Baltimore Ravens: B+

This draft feels befitting of outgoing GM Ozzie Newsome’s Lombardi-plated legacy. Yes, major gamble taking QB Lamar Jackson, but it could pay off in spades — and may as well get that fifth-year option with a roll of the dice like this after Newsome deftly worked back into the end of Round 1. Hayden Hurst, a former minor league pitcher who may be more accurate right now than Jackson (57% completion rate at Louisville), and Mark Andrews form a nifty tight end duo that should pay immediate dividends to Joe Flacco and to Jackson eventually. Third-round T Orlando Brown and fifth-round WR Jordan Lasley are classic risk-reward types. And nice to see Newsome get two more players from his alma mater, fourth-round Alabama CB Anthony Averett and sixth-round C Bradley Bozeman.

Buffalo Bills: B+

Must admire GM Brandon Beane’s aggressiveness in his first draft, as he completed his weeks-long trek up the board to get Wyoming QB Josh Allen at No. 7 before dealing up a second time Thursday night for Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds at No. 16. Both have massive ceilings but should be afforded the patience to develop. Third-round DT Harrison Phillips will become a fan favorite (he somehow managed to make 103 tackles last year from a position not known for staggering numbers). However will Beane regret not doing more to replace retired linemen Eric Wood and Richie Incognito?

Green Bay Packers: B+

Interesting maiden draft for GM Brian Gutekunst. A trade with the Saints netted a 2019 first rounder. The Pack’s first two picks were understandably spent on corners Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson. Super-sized WR Equanimeous St. Brown (6-5, 214) is an intriguing project who went later than expected in Round 6. But did Gutekunst really need to draft a punter and a long snapper?

Houston Texans: B+

Remarkable haul given they didn’t pick until Round 3. S Justin Reid and OL Martinas Rankin should step into starting roles. Keep an eye on sixth-round DE Duke Ejiofor, who could flourish opposite J.J. Watt. And don’t forget, the Texans’ first rounder was spent last year in their maneuver to get Deshaun Watson. Worth it.

Los Angeles Chargers: B+

Getting S Derwin James at No. 17 was a steal. GM Tom Telesco never stopped infusing talent into an already formidable defense, thought it did need to get much better against the run. LB Uchenna Nwosu, DT Justin Jones and LB Kyzir White may collectively elevate the Bolts to Super Bowl dark horse. Telesco is clearly confident QB Philip Rivers, 36, isn’t slowing down.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+

GM Jason Licht was aggressive, winding up with three second rounders, while wisely procuring toughness. First-round DT Vita Vea, second-round CBs M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis and third-round G Alex Cappa addressed needs while bringing attitude. Round 2 RB Ronald Jones is a home run waiting to happen as Doug Martin’s replacement.

Cincinnati Bengals: B

There may not be a Pro Bowler among C Billy Price, S Jessie Bates, DE Sam Hubbard, LB Malik Jefferson or RB Mark Walton. Yet all could quickly contribute for a franchise that generally doesn’t get enough recognition for drafting effectively.

Dallas Cowboys: B

Leighton Vander Esch dismissed rumors about his neck, though medical concerns have sadly become commonplace in Dallas’ linebacker room. Assuming he’s OK, he was a good decision in Round 1 rather than reaching for a receiver. Jerry Jones and Co. got leapfrogged in the second round by Philadelphia, which took TE Dallas Goedert … who might have been a fine replacement for Jason Witten. Still, the Cowboys got an excellent player 50th overall in Connor Williams, who will further strengthen what’s arguably the league’s top O-line. WR Michael Gallup (3rd round) and TE Dalton Schultz (4th) won’t make anyone forget Dez Bryant or Witten, but that shouldn’t be the expectation. Trading for versatile Tavon Austin was a low-risk investment at the cost of a sixth rounder. Fifth-round QB Mike White could give Cooper Rush a summer battle to be Dak Prescott’s backup.

Kansas City Chiefs: B

Low on sex appeal, and that’s fine. The buzz factor was burned up when this year’s first rounder was used to snag QB Patrick Mahomes in 2017. But DL Chris Jones will surely appreciate quality reinforcements Breeland Speaks and Derrick Nnadi.

Miami Dolphins: B

First-round DB Minkah Fitzpatrick should be a slam dunk, not to mention a potentially effective Gronk antidote. Shame TEs Mike Gesicki (2nd round), who can be a downfield weapon, and Durham Smythe (4th), a blocker, couldn’t be melded into one player, but they do eliminate a need. Third-round LB Jerome Baker and fourth-round RB Kalen Ballage have significant boom-or-bust quotients. The void left by DT Ndamukong Suh’s release remains.

Philadelphia Eagles: B-

Champs often draft for depth, and GM Howie Roseman traded down to get more. Stealing TE “Dallas” Goedert in Jerry Jones’ backyard was a nice touch. But getting Florida State pass rusher Josh Sweat in Round 4 might wind up being Roseman’s best pick.

Tennessee Titans: B-

They’re banking that quality trumps quantity given trades reduced them to a four-player bounty. Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry could herald the passing of the torch in the linebacking corps. They better. Unwarranted Tom Brady comparisons have been endlessly attached to sixth-round QB Luke Falk, who was naturally picked 199th (just like Brady in 2000). It would be a win if Falk merely pans out as a reliable backup to Marcus Mariota.

Detroit Lions: C+

Second rounder Kerryon Johnson will get the headlines, assuming he can break with recent tradition and hold up better than other highly drafted Lions tailbacks. Otherwise, new coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn were busy fortifying their lines, starting with first-round C Frank Ragnow.

Oakland Raiders: C+

Drafts are replete with boom-or-bust prospects. Jon Gruden’s return produced what looks like a boom-or-bust draft. Trading a third rounder to Pittsburgh for WR Martavis Bryant could be a coup … if Bryant’s head is screwed on soundly. Gruden clearly prioritized offensive tackles, correctly moving down in Round 1 for Kolton Miller before taking North Carolina A&T’s Brandon Parker in the third. Were either overdrafted in a thin tackle class? Stay tuned. LSU pass rusher Arden Key will enter the building with extensive personal issues, while Michigan DT Maurice Hurst is a medical risk. If it all pans out, Gruden should take a preliminary trip to Vegas. Otherwise, at least his $100 million line of credit can withstand a few hits.

Pittsburgh Steelers: C+

Terrell Edmunds was a reach in the first round, though the defense did need safety help. But this draft is more likely to be defined by Oklahoma State stars James Washington and Mason Rudolph, potential heir apparents to WR Antonio Brown and QB Ben Roethlisberger, respectively. GM Kevin Colbert traded up for Rudolph, apparently concerned the Bengals would take him. Rudolph and Washington were a deadly combo in Stillwater, and it’s rare to see a team import both ends of such a connection. If it works out, Edmunds will be relegated to bonus status.

San Francisco 49ers: C+

Taking Mike McGlinchey at No. 9 would have felt like a huge reach last week, but it became apparent closer to the draft that the Niners couldn’t wait to get him. Still, too high a price for a right tackle whose value might have been inflated in a weak draft at the position? Second rounder Dante Pettis adds immediate juice to the special teams, but at 6-1 and 186 pounds may be too slight to hold up at receiver. Third-round LB Fred Warner is additional insurance as the Niners prepare for the extended or permanent absence of 2017 first rounder Reuben Foster.

Cleveland Browns: C

This will be viewed as a seminal draft. But did GM John Dorsey properly leverage the wealth of assets left behind by analytics-driven predecessor Sashi Brown? Ultimately, it boils down to No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, whom Dorsey apparently couldn’t live without. If Mayfield lives up to his billing, the rest is gravy. But debate remains as to whether Darnold, Allen or even Rosen should have been the choice. Given RB Nick Chubb was taken in Round 2, also worth questioning if Saquon Barkley should have gotten the call at No. 1 with the guarantee that a quarterback — possibly even Mayfield — would have remained available at No. 4. Then there’s the notion that DE Bradley Chubb was a much better option with that fourth pick than CB Denzel Ward given how hard it is to collect quality pass rushers (even though Myles Garrett is already aboard), and the wealth of corner options in this draft. At the top of Round 2, Austin Corbett must prove he can play tackle at the pro level. If not, what does Dorsey do with one of his highly paid interior linemen? And even fourth-round WR Antonio Callaway, who’s talented but comes with drug and disciplinary issues, seems like a misadventure for a franchise that’s had so many issues with Josh Gordon.

Los Angeles Rams: C

Very hard to peg this. GM Les Snead gave up his first-round pick for WR Brandin Cooks, who’s currently under contract for one more year. Snead used his second rounder last year in a trade for WR Sammy Watkins, and that turned out to be a rental. In terms of players Snead actually drafted, fifth rounders Micah Kiser, an inside linebacker, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, an edge player, may have the best chance to play now.

Carolina Panthers: C-

First-round WR DJ Moore is a nice player, but how much does he diversify an offense that already has so many short-area passing targets (Devin Funchess, Greg Olsen, Christian McCaffrey, Curtis Samuel). Second-round CB Donte Jackson provides 4.3 speed. But at 5-11 and 178 pounds, won’t he be seriously overmatched by NFC South WRs like Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Mike Evans?

Indianapolis Colts: C-

GM Chris Ballard snagged three second rounders from the Jets (two in this draft) to move down three spots. He still got the player, Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson, who might have been pick had Indy stayed put. Perfect choice. However, those Round 2 picks … OLB Darius Leonard, G Braden Smith, pass rusher Kemoko Turay and DE Tyquan Lewis — all felt like possible reaches for a roster that can’t afford more misses.

Minnesota Vikings: C-

Coach Mike Zimmer is surely happy to add a third first-found corner (Mike Hughes) to his secondary. Hughes will help in nickel packages and as a returner right away. Beyond that, hard to see many rookies here who will play immediately — unless second-round T Brian O’Neill proves he’s ahead of schedule from a strength standpoint.

Washington Redskins: C-

First-round DL Da’Ron Payne is made to order for the league’s worst run defense, and fifth-round NT Tim Settle will also help. In second-round RB Derrius Guice, Washington took a player who could add offensive rocket fuel … assuming concerns that apparently scared so many teams off prove unfounded. T Geron Christian and S Troy Apke are physically gifted but unlikely to contribute for some time.

New Orleans Saints: D

Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis had an epic draft in 2017, but this one seems fraught with peril. When they surrendered next year’s first rounder to jump from 27th to 14th in the first round, it appeared like a calculated gamble for QB Lamar Jackson. But New Orleans actually paid that hefty price for DE Marcus Davenport, a tantalizing prospect but one who may not be ready to advance the all-or-nothing Super Bowl mandate this move clearly signals. Third-round WR Tre’quan Smith could offset the loss of Willie Snead but also looks no better than a No. 4 wideout option if Cam Meredith is healthy.

Seattle Seahawks: D

Let’s begin by saying that GM John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll have built a powerhouse while making draft “graders” look silly. Yet still … RB Rashaad Penny seemed like a first-round reach on merit and especially because Seattle already had several backs on the roster. No qualms with USC DE Rasheem Green in Round 3, but the decision to virtually ignore the corner and offensive line (again) crops is puzzling. (Seattle did take OT Jamarco Jones in Round 5 but after taking a punter 19 picks earlier.)

***

Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

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NFL Mock Draft — 2018

Welcome to my annual 1st round mock draft!

Why I lead off like an announcer I will never know..

Before I get into my picks I need to get something off my chest, it’s obviously quarterback related, because with this years draft how could it not. It’s my ranking of the top 5 quarterbacks, yes FIVE. This whole nonsense of Lamar Jackson not being in the mix of the top quarterbacks is simply ridiculous.

Josh Rosen. Over this draft process I’ve read and heard a lot on how Rosen is the most pro ready and natural thrower of all the quarterbacks. So why is he not in contention for the 1st overall pick, mainly cause Cleveland isn’t the most intelligent, but I feel the real reason, not this ‘he’s too smart’ thing (actually), I believe it’s his injury concerns with sustaining two concussions as well as a shoulder injury in his final collegiate season.

Lamar Jackson. Picture Michael Vick, but more committed to the game (early in his career that is), will put in the time and not just rely on his God given ability. He could add a bit of weight to his frame, but overall he is the most dynamic player in this draft. And no, he’s not a wide receiver, that was simply an ignorant statement to make.

Sam Darnold. Has the potential to be the best all around/overall quarterback in this years draft. Has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback (height, weight, health). Biggest knock on him is the turnovers in college, and that’s where you have to wonder if it was the talent around him or his decision making.

Baker Mayfield. Let me just go on the record with that I do not like Mayfield, I think he’s too arrogant, cocky and immature to last long in the NFL, however, he won games and no matter how much I am not a fan of his character you can’t deny that he can win. Now there is the whole height thing, but I don’t think that’s the biggest flaw; when Ryan Leaf and Johnny Manziel are mentioned within the same sentence as you, red flags will be raised. Tread lightly.

Josh Allen. He’s big, he’s tall, he has a cannon for an arm and could very well be the next Carson Wentz! Look, if people keep telling themselves that or saying that they will believe it, and a lot of people believe that, I just don’t. When (Lamar) Jackson was getting trashed about his accuracy and Allen is being praise, yet he had a lower average I just don’t get it. The only way Allen can be successful is if he sits behind an experienced veteran. The ceiling is there, but the floor is also very, very low.

Without any further ado, this is my prediction for the 1st round for the 2018 NFL draft:

Please note that I will not be predicting trades in this mock; they are inevitable, a mock draft is already a guessing game so why add to the fire with trades.

1. Cleveland Browns — Quarterback, Josh Allen 

Let’s be honest, Cleveland is going to screw this up, they just are, and the real sad part that it may not be the talent around Allen, and you know what it may not be Allen himself - he does have the potential to be great, but that’s the thing, potential and Hue Jackson don’t coexist. Sorry Cleveland, but you deserve better then Hue Jackson and his average of 0.5 wins a season. Good luck, Josh!

2. New York Giants — Quarterback, Sam Darnold

You guys all know Sam, he’s the quarterback that has been predicted to go to Cleveland for months on months. New York said they wanted Darnold and that he is the only quarterback they like out of the bunch. Darnold gets a chance to learn behind a successful quarterback who too turnovers the ball more than you’d like.

3. New York Jets — Quarterback, Josh Rosen

Baker Mayfield is the flashier, more Joe Namath pick, but Todd Bowles does not strike me as the flashy guy, nor do I think he cares. Rosen is the best pure passer in this draft and he gets to learn behind a real pro in Josh McCown (All the Joshs!). This further makes you wonder why they even bothered bringing in Teddy Bridgewater for the year.

4. Cleveland Browns — Defensive End, Bradley Chubb

Hue Jackson said he fantasizes of teaming up Myles Garrett and Bradley Chubb; I’ll refrain from making an innuendo joke on how Hue gets a chubby… Look this pick is a solid pick because you can never go wrong with multiple pass rushers, just ask the Philadelphia Eagles.

5. Denver Broncos — Running Back, Saquon Barkley

I mean C.J. Anderson was just released 10 days before the draft, it just makes too much sense + Case Keenum is good, he proved this last year, so why not equip him with the best player in the draft which also happens to be one of Denver’s biggest needs.

6. Indianapolis Colts — Offensive Guard, Quenton Nelson

Andrew Luck is going to be back… right?… maybe?… Look I have no idea, but I do know that Indianapolis finally has to upgrade their line. Nelson is in the running with Barkley for one of the best and safest picks in the draft. Guard isn’t a sexy pick, though sometimes you need to go against the grain. Protection isn’t for everyone, but sometimes you need to play it safe.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Offensive Tackle, Mike McGlinchey

I had Minkah Fitzpatrick in this spot but I couldn’t commit to it as Dirk Koetter is now grasping at straws on how to make Jamesis Winston somewhat competent. McGlinchey shores up the offensive line giving Winston the time he needs to connect with 2017 free agent acquisition DeSean Jackson.

8. Chicago Bears — Cornerback, Denzel Ward

Chicago had surprisingly a pretty decent defence last year; though in a division with the likes of Rodgers, Stafford and Cousins, you can never have enough talent at the cornerback position. Ward is the best pure corner in the draft and Chicago is banking on him being like ex-college teammate Marshon Lattimore of New Orleans.

9. San Francisco 49ers — Wideout, Calvin Ridley

Linebackers (Roquan) Smith and (Tremaine) Edmunds have been flipping back and forth for the 9ers since mocks came out but I just have a feeling that this pick has the ripple effect of Jimmy Garoppolo. Ridley is slightly undersized, but so was Sammy Watkins when he came out of Clemson. He is a fluid runner that can hopefully be for them what Buffalo thought/wanted Watkins to be for them.

10. Oakland Raiders — Linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds

I’m going to do my best Jon Gruden impression in describing Tremaine Edmunds:  Tremaine Edmunds, man, wow, I mean that guy is a freak, I call him Freak-a-Leek. Man that’s crazy, it’s like Pablo Petey went to Virginia Tech or something man. He’s a joker as well, you know why, he makes you laugh but not cause you’re happy, cause you’re scared man. Wow. 

But seriously, this kid is 6’5, 250lbs and he’s not even 20, just let the resinate with you. Edmunds has the potential to not only be a sideline to sideline linebacker, but could also rush the passer as well - scary next to Khalil.

11. Miami Dolphins — Defensive Tackle, Vita Vea

Adam Gase still believes in Ryan Tannehill, why I do not know, especially with Jackson and Mayfield still on the board. Miami goes with Vea in a lateral move in shipping off Suh and plugging in Vea. Miami is basically where they were to begin the off-season just without a significant cap hit owed to one player. Vea is however the most dominant interior defensive lineman in the draft, and with him it will allow Wake and newly added Quinn to put pressure on the quarterback.

12. Buffalo Bills — Quarterback, Baker Mayfield

This is the dream scenario for Buffalo, as they don’t want to use the 12th pick to reach for Mason Rudolph and they hate any quarterback that reminds them of Tyrod Taylor, sorry Lamar, it’s not you, it’s Buffalo. Mayfield brings the spark and excitement back(?) to northwestern New York where he has some pieces to be successful in LeSean McCoy and Kelvin Benjamin. Buffalo may actually be the most ideal place for Mayfield to land, as the media market is very small and unless he’s going to Niagara Falls on a weekly basis there are very few places for him to get into trouble.

13. Washington Redskins — Defensive Back, Minkah Fitzpatrick

The slide stops at lucky number 13! Fitzpatrick’s slide has less to do with his abilities and more for the teams ahead of them going for players that fit their scheme and need. Fitzpatrick can play in either the slot corner position but I believe his best spot may be safety; he’s a very rangy and ballhawking defensive back that will bring stability on the back end for Washington.

14. Green Bay Packers — Linebacker, Roquan Smith

Like Rodgers back in 2005 falling to them, Green Bay lucks out in getting a top talent that somehow fell to them. Roquan is the linebacker Green Bay has needed for what seems like forever now. Smith will shore up the linebacking corps and allow Matthews and Perry to get back to what they do best, focusing solely on rushing the passer.

15. Arizona Cardinals — Quarterback, Lamar Jackson

Jackson trades in his Louisville cardinal for the Arizona cardinal. Teaming Jackson and his all world abilities with David Johnson and an ageless Larry Fitzgerald just makes sense. Steve Wilks was part of a team (Carolina) that had a running quarterback (Cam Newton) so he has seen the pros that the mobility can bring to the game. The fact that Arizona signed Sam Bradford means nothing, as two years ago Philadelphia resigned Bradford then traded up to get Carson Wentz, it’s just science.

16. Baltimore Ravens — Defensive Tackle, Da’Ron Payne

This is what Ozzie Newsome does, he drafts Alabama players, and with his final draft as GM for the Baltimore Ravens, he says why not. Payne also works with the rotation alone the defensive line and further anchors that position. Baltimore could use more playmakers on the offensive side, none available (to them) are worth drafting this high.

17. Los Angeles Chargers — Safety, Derwin James

Derwin James has the potential to burst on the scene like Eric Berry and Earl Thomas; he’ll make an already solid defence and take them to dominant/elite status. If Jason Verrett can stay healthy LA may have one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

18. Seattle Seahawks — Edge Rusher, Marcus Davenport

With the release of Michael Bennett, Seattle is in desperate need of restoring what used to be a once dominant defence. Davenport brings not only size but also versatility and could be that chess piece that Seattle has desperately been needing. With the back end not as potent as it once was, Seattle needs to get to the quarterback faster; Davenport helps tremendously.

19. Dallas Cowboys — Cornerback, Josh Jackson 

Dallas needs more impact players for their defence, and with a not so elite pass rush they need guys who can cover. Jackson, a taller ballhawking corner can team up with second year player, Chidobe Awuzie and then allow Byron Jones to move to safety (his more natural position) and Dallas will have solely built up their secondary that desperately needs to make the jump to help out their middle of the pack pass rush.

20. Detroit Lions — Edge Rusher, Harold Landry

Detroit has one pass rusher that strikes fear into opposing offensive lineman, Ezekiel Ansah, that’s it, that’s all; Matt Patrica needs to bring in an impactful player to take the focus solely off Ansah. Landry (like Davenport) has the ability to play with his hand in the dirt or as a stand up edge rusher.

21. Cincinnati Bengals — Offensive Guard, Will Hernandez

Hernandez is the second best guard in the draft after Nelson; his height is a bit on the shorter side, however his power and footwork make up for anything he may be lacking physically. Andy Dalton borders on the line of not great and passable, and the only way Cincinnati has a prayer in the AFC North is if he can be protected and they have a solid run game. Hernandez brings the physically back to the Bengals that was solely lacking last year.

22. Buffalo Bills — Offensive Tackle, Orlando Brown

Bit of a reach here for Brown, but Buffalo is hoping that what Baker Mayfield told them that Brown is an ideal left tackle and someone who he trusts in blocking for him from college and into the NFL. Brown was horrible at the combine, I mean dreadful, but his game tape was fantastic; he is the player that will define if the combine measurables mean absolutely nothing.

23. New England Patriots — Offensive Tackle, Connor Williams

Brady is 41 and Nate Solder just left via free agency, look just because it’s obvious doesn’t make it not true. Williams fills a massive need for New England and provides much needed leadership along a line that is good but not great.

24. Carolina Panthers — Edge Rusher, Sam Hubbard

Carolina needs to (finally) address their aging pass rush, Julius Peppers can’t play forever, (I mean he probably could) and there hasn’t been a player ready to take the reigns from him. Enter Hubbard, he has all the measurables to be a dominant pass rusher, but it is his athleticism that leaves something to be desired, however Hubbard can use his tremendous motor to get off blockers.

25. Tennessee Titans — Tight End, Michael Gesicki

Mike Vrabel was brought in to be creative for Marcus Mariota; Gesicki gives them a younger option to learn behind a real pro in Delaine Walker, who is still serviceable but is getting up there in age. A young core of playmakers is being brewed in Tennessee, and Gesicki could be that final piece that could make the Titans a dangerous offence, if they gel.

26. Atlanta Falcons — Cornerback, Mike Hughes

Hughes is what Dan Quinn thinks is the final piece to creating a secondary that resembles what he had in Seattle as their defensive coordinator. Hughes isn’t the biggest corner in the draft but his coverage makes up for his lack of height, think Jason Verrett of the Chargers but who can stay healthy.

27. New Orleans Saints — Tight End, Dallas Goedert

New Orleans, and especially Drew Brees, has missed a game changer at the tight end ever since they traded Jimmy Graham away to Seattle. Goedert may as well be a Jimmy Graham clone, and seeing as New Orleans tried to sign their former tight end but failed, why not get a younger, significantly cheaper option. Goedert would be the perfect compliment to the outside presence of Mike Thomas and the dual threat of Kamara and Ingram. This offence would be downright scary.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers — Linebacker, Rashaan Evans

I don’t mean to be the bearer or bad news, but Ryan Shazier isn’t coming back. Don’t get me wrong he is a tremendous story, an inspirational story but for his short term and long term health, his career is over. Enter Evans who can anchor the middle of a linebacking corp that has severally been lacking a dominant presence, even when Shazier was in the lineup the group left something to be desired. Evans hits like a linebacker but has the speed of a safety.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars — Wideout, Courtland Sutton

Jacksonville has a lot of number 2 wideouts but not a true number 1, big bodied wideout to keep the defence honest. Sutton will give the Jags what they had briefly with Allen Robinson. Sutton isn’t the fastest in this years draft but with his size he can out muscle the majority of corners. You can’t teach 6’4.

30. Minnesota Vikings — Offensive Tackle, Kolton Miller

When you pay 84M guaranteed for your quarterback you want to keep him upright, hell, you don’t want him to be touched, ever. So solidifying the offensive line, which made great strides with it’s upgrades last year isn’t a bad idea.

31. New England Patriots — Linebacker, Leighton Vader Esch

New England has needed a big rangy linebacker ever since Chandler Jones was shipped off. Vader Esch just looks like a Patriot, not just because he’s white, but he reminds you of a Mike Vrabel, Rob Nikovich do everything linebacker except he can rush the passer and easily get around blockers with his enormous wingspan.

32. Philadelphia Eagles — Running Back, Derrius Guice

Your Super Bowl Champions just keep getting better and better! If Philadelphia wants to reduce the amount of hits and runs Carson Wentz receives the best way is to keep the ball on the ground and let the running backs do the damage. Guice is a luxury pick who teams up with an already formidable running back core in Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, (pending return off injury) Darren Sporles. Guice will be the hammer that LeGarrette was, but with more juice (I’m horrible) in his legs.

Thank you for taking the time and hope you enjoyed reading what I believe, but will ultimately not even come close to unfolding in Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft!

If only I lasted as long as my articles..

Enjoy the Draft on Thursday!

#nfl #nfl mock draft #nfl draft

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unclescurvy · 7 years

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2017 NFL MOCK DRAFT, FINAL

April 27, 2017

ROUND ONE

1. Cleveland – DE/OLB Myles Garrett, Texas A&M

This is the surest of things. Myles Garrett is probably the best player in this draft, and the Browns happen to need his services badly.

2. Cleveland (PROJ. TRADE W/SF) – QB Mitchell Trubisky, North Carolina

3. Carolina (PROJ. TRADE W/CHI) – RB Leonard Fournette, LSU

4. Jacksonville – DE/OLB Solomon Thomas, Stanford

5. Tennessee (THRU LA RAMS) – SS Jamal Adams, LSU

6. NY Jets – FS Malik Hooker, Ohio State +

7. LA Chargers – CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State +

8. Chicago (PROJ. TRADE W/CAR) – DT Jonathan Allen, Alabama +

9. Cincinnati – RB/WR Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

This would be the first WTF? pick of the first round (there’s at least one every year, be honest). Why would the Bengals add McCaffrey to an already crowded backfield? Well, Rex Burkhead split for New England, Jeremy Hill is a free agent after this year, and Giovanni Bernard is no guarantee to start the season at full strength after sustaining an ACL tear in November. The Bengals usually draft for the future, not the present, and they’ve shown an interest in shaking up their running backs. This isn’t as strange a pick as it would initially seem.

10. Buffalo – TE O.J. Howard, Alabama

11. New Orleans – DE/OLB Derek Barnett, Tennessee

The Saints could spend every pick this year on defensive players and they still might need more help improving that side of the ball. Derek Barnett is an amazingly accomplished pass-rusher with the wheels to be able to make the transition to outside linebacker.

12. Houston (PROJ. TRADE W/SF VIA CLE THRU PHI) – QB Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

The Niners trade down TWICE in the first round. Houston is SO CLOSE to making a serious run in the playoffs, they know they’re just a quarterback away. They can’t go into this season with Tom Savage as their uncontested signal caller, so they make a big deal for the QB that head coach Bill O’Brien has fallen in love with: Pat Mahomes. They package their 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks to go up to San Fran’s spot.

13. Arizona – QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson

The Cardinals could go in many directions here, but they want to secure one of the first-round developmental quarterbacks as Carson Palmer may be on his last legs. Watson is a leader through and through. What he lacks in pinpoint accuracy, he makes up for in making the players around him better. That’s an invaluable quality. Perhaps under the tutelage of Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer, he can improve his accuracy too.

14. Philadelphia (THRU MIN) – OLB Haason Reddick, Temple

The Eagles keep it in Philly by selecting local star Haason Reddick. They stick with “the best player on the board” theory, and Reddick has been shooting up draft boards since the off-season started. The team has long been connected to cornerbacks, but there will be plenty of starting-caliber defensive backs on Day Two.

15. Indianapolis – RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State *

The Colts cannot take the risk of going into another season with Frank Gore as their starter. He served admirably last year, but his days of greatness are long behind him. If you only judge him by his game tape, Dalvin Cook has top-five talent. It’s been a rough off-season for him though, and his stock is down. That plays to Indy’s advantage.

16. Baltimore - WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan

17. Washington – CB Tre’Davious White, LSU

The Redskins took quite a few blows this off-season, losing both key players and key coaches. They were also fairly quiet in free agency. White can solve a few problems for the team: he’s an improvement over Breshaud Breeland across from Josh Norman, AND it allows the team to transition Breeland to free safety, where he’s likely to perform better and replace the aged DeAngelo Hall.

18. Tennessee – WR Mike Williams, Clemson

19. Tampa Bay – OT Garett Bolles, Utah

The Bucs have given left tackle Donovan Smith a couple of years to adjust to the pro style of play, and he just hasn’t improved enough to justify leaving him at that key position. They’ll have to reshuffle the line yet again to protect Jameis Winston. They’ll roll the dice on Garrett Bolles, who showed well on tape last year but has very little top-tier playing experience.

20. Atlanta (PROJ. TRADE W/DEN) – DE Charles Harris, Missouri

The Falcons give up their 1st and 2nd round picks to move up 11 spots to grab the last of their top-graded pass-rushers: Charles Harris. Atlanta knows what its main weakness is: getting to the quarterback. And after the way they let Tom Brady and James White roll over their exhausted defense, they know they have to get this pick right. They feel having a presence like Harris on the field could have made the difference in the Super Bowl, and they may be right.

21. Detroit – TE David Njoku, Miami

22. Miami – DE/OLB Takkarist McKinley, UCLA

The Dolphins are a better team than most folks outside Miami know. But with the release of Mario Williams, they’re left with a question mark at defensive end. Andre Branch was re-signed in free agency, and William Hayes came over from the Rams (presumably to be closer to the mermaids). But Hayes will be 32 when camp starts, and he can’t be counted on beyond this year. Takk is a raw lump of clay, but he’s natural gifts are significant. He’s just got a nose for the quarterback and the will to get there.

23. NY Giants – OLB Jarrad Davis, Florida +

24. Oakland – CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado

Cornerback D.J. Hayden split in free agency this year and Travis Carrie will be up for it in 2018. And honestly no Raiders CB was especially great in 2017 despite the team’s record. Awuzie hits like a linebacker and has instincts that we haven’t seen since a radioactive spider bit Peter Parker.

25. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/HOU) - WR John Ross, Washington +

The Niners trade back twice and accumulate quite a few picks on Day Two. They need the numbers more than they need one impact player. Being able to draft the fastest receiver in NFL Combine history at #25 is a great sign that the Niners will be able to find quality talent later in the draft. John Ross will serve as a deep threat in Kyle Shananhan’s offense, and that will open things wide up for Pierre Garcon and Vance McDonald underneath.

26. Seattle - CB Kevin King, Washington

27. Kansas City - G Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky

The Chiefs would have loved to have grabbed Reuben Foster here, but the fact that he’s already in the league’s drug program scares them off. Instead, they bolster the inside of their offensive line with this year’s top guard prospect, Forrest Lamp. The team isn’t sure if Parker Ehinger can come back from his ACL tear and concussion issues from 2016. I can already see the “I Love Lamp!” t-shirts in Arrowhead.

28. Dallas – DE DeMarcus Walker, Florida State

The Cowboys are rumored to be pretty committed to upgrading their defensive line this year. Walker was amazingly productive against top-level competition throughout his college career. He’s a better fit at 4-3 defensive end than Randy Gregory is, so he’ll stay on the field more and allow Dallas to use Gregory only on passing downs, perhaps kicking Walker inside for a little extra push toward the quarterback.

29. Green Bay – FS Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut

The Packers lost a very useful tool this off-season, Micah “Swiss Army Knife” Hyde. A safety who could guard slot receivers like a corner. That’s exactly what Obi Melifonwu is. He’s not going to challenge for a starting job any time soon, but he comes in as their nickel corner and the top backup to Ha Ha Clinton Dix.

30. Pittsburgh – DE/OLB Jordan Willis, Kansas State

Not many mock drafters have Willis going in the first round, but there are rumors that he may go as high as #23 to the Giants. It’s been quite a run on pass-rushers in the first round, so the Steelers feel lucky they can snag him here. Willis was a Senior Bowl standout, and when coaches went back to look at his tape after that, they finally noticed that he’s one of the hardest-working, craftiest ends in the college game. His upside is tremendous as he’s constantly adding to his bag of tricks.

31. Denver (PROJ. TRADE W/ATL) - OT Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin +

Denver trades down and still finds one of the top tackles available. Right tackle Donald Stephenson graded out as the worst at his position among starters last year. And as of this moment, he’s slated to start again. That cannot happen. The Broncos must upgrade their o-line immediately, and Ramczyk might help. He’s only played top-tier college football for one year so he might completely flop in the pros, but his off-season workouts and prototypical body type for the position suggest he just might make it as an NFL tackle yet. He and a rejuvenated Ty Sambrailo will fight for the two starting spots.

32. New Orleans (THRU NE) - CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama

The rumor is that New Orleans and New England can’t agree on terms for a trade involving CB Malcom Butler. If they can agree by draft day, this will be the pick the Saints give up. If they can’t get Butler, New Orleans will be perfectly happy to pay less for Marlon Humphrey and perhaps get an even better defender.

ROUND TWO

33. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/CLE) - CB Adoree’ Jackson, USC

34. San Francisco - SS Jabrill Peppers, Michigan *

35. Jacksonville – TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss

36. Chicago – FS Budda Baker, Washington

37. LA Rams – ILB Reuben Foster, Alabama +*

38. LA Chargers – QB Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame

39. NY Jets – CB Quincy Wilson, Florida

40. Chicago (PROJ. TRADE W/CAR) – OT Cam Robinson, Alabama

41. Cincinnati – DE Taco Charlton, Michigan

42. New Orleans – ILB Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt

43. Philadelphia – CB Fabian Moreau, UCLA +

44. Buffalo – RB Joe Mixon, Oklahoma *

45. Arizona – DT Carlos Watkins, Clemson

46. Indianapolis – OLB T.J. Watt, Wisconsin

47. Baltimore – RB Alvin Kamara, Tennessee

48. Minnesota – OLB Ryan Anderson, Alabama

49. Washington – ILB Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State

50. Tampa Bay – WR Zay Jones, East Carolina

51. Denver – CB Sidney Jones, Washington +

52. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/CLE THRU TEN) – CB Teez Tabor, Florida

53. Detroit – OLB Tyus Bowser, Houston

54. Miami – CB Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson

55. NY Giants – DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova

56. Oakland – DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State *

57. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/HOU) – OT Dion Dawkins, Temple

58. Seattle – G Dan Feeney, Indiana

59. Kansas City – QB Davis Webb, California

60. Dallas – SS Justin Evans, Texas A&M

61. Green Bay – OLB Tim Williams, Alabama *

62. Pittsburgh – CB Jourdan Lewis, Michigan

63. Denver (PROJ. TRADE W/ ATL) – DT Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama

64. Carolina (THRU NE) - DE Carl Lawson, Auburn +

ROUND THREE

65. Cleveland – WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington

66. San Francisco – TE Jake Butt, Michigan +

67. Chicago – WR Curtis Samuel, Ohio State

68. Jacksonville – WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC

69. LA Rams – WR Chris Godwin, Penn State

70. NY Jets – WR DeDe Westbrook, Oklahoma

71. LA Chargers – FS Desmond King, Iowa

72. New England (THRU CAR) – CB Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado

73. Cincinnati – DT Larry Ogunjobi, North Carolina-Charlotte

74. Baltimore (THRU PHI) – C Ethan Pocic, LSU

75. Buffalo – DE/OLB Dawuane Smoot, Illinois

76. New Orleans – DT Chris Wormley, Michigan

77. Arizona – G Dorian Johnson, Pittsburgh

78. Baltimore – DE/OLB Trey Hendrickson, Florida Atlantic

79. Minnesota – RB D’Onta Foreman, Texas

80. Indianapolis – OT Antonio Garcia, Troy

81. Washington – DT/NT Montravius Adams, Auburn

82. Denver – RB Samaje Perine, Oklahoma

83. Tennessee – CB Damontae Kazee, San Diego State

84. Tampa Bay – FS Marcus Williams, Utah

85. Detroit – DT Elijah Qualls, Washington

86. Minnesota (THRU MIA) – OT Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

87. NY Giants – RB Brian Hill, Wyoming

88. Oakland – DT Charles Walker, Oklahoma

89. San Francisco (PROJ. TRADE W/HOU) – ILB Anthony Walker, Northwestern

90. Seattle – SS Eddie Jackson, Alabama +

91. Kansas City – ILB Kendell Beckwith, LSU +

92. Dallas – DT Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA +

93. Green Bay – G Isaac Asiata, Utah

94. Pittsburgh – TE Adam Shaheen, Ashland

95. Atlanta – OT Roderick Johnson, Florida State

96. New England – DE/OLB Tarell Basham, Ohio

97. Miami (COMP. PICK) – OLB Alex Anzalone, Florida +

98. Carolina (COMP. PICK) – G Nico Siragusa, San Diego State

99. Philadelphia (COMP. PICK THRU BAL) – C Pat Elflein, Ohio State

100. Tennessee (COMP. PICK THRU LA RAMS) – CB Jalen Myrick, Minnesota

101. Denver (COMP. PICK) – TE Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech

102. Seattle (COMP. PICK) – QB Josh Dobbs, Tennessee

103. New England (COMP. PICK THRU CLE) – OT Jermaine Eluemunor, Texas A&M

104. Kansas City (COMP. PICK) – WR Amara Darboh, Michigan

105. Pittsburgh (COMP. PICK) – QB Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh

106. Seattle (COMP. PICK) - DT Jarron Jones, Notre Dame

107. NY Jets (COMP. PICK) - OT Adam Bisnowaty, Pittsburgh

ROUND FOUR

108. Cleveland – DT Jaleel Johnson, Iowa

109. San Francisco – CB Howard Wilson, Houston

110. Jacksonville – C Tyler Orlosky, West Virginia

111. Chicago – SS Josh Jones, NC State

112. LA Rams – WR Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M

113. LA Chargers – WR Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech

114. Washington (THRU NYJ) – DT Davon Godchaux, LSU

115. Carolina – SS Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville *

116. Cincinnati – CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State

117. Chicago (THRU BUF) – WR Jehu Chesson, Michigan

New England (THRU NO) selection forfeited

118. Philadelphia – DT Vincent Taylor, Oklahoma State

119. Arizona – WR Chad Hansen, California

120. Minnesota – SS Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech

121. Indianapolis – ILB Duke Riley, LSU

122. Baltimore – DE/OLB Carroll Phillips, Illinois

123. Washington – WR ArDarius Stewart, Alabama

124. Tennessee – WR Taywan Taylor, Western Kentucky

125. Tampa Bay – RB Jeremy McNichols, Boise State

126. Denver – WR Noah Brown, Ohio State

127. Detroit – WR Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois

128. Minnesota (THRU MIA) – OT Conor McDermott, UCLA

NY Giants pick moved to end of 4th round

129. Oakland – DE Deatrich Wise, Jr., Arkansas +

130. Houston – SS Montae Nicholson, Michigan State

131. New England (THRU SEA) – CB Rasul Douglas, West Virginia

132. Kansas City – CB Corn Elder, Miami

133. Dallas – FS Marcus Maye, Florida +

134. Green Bay – RB Kareem Hunt, Toledo

135. Pittsburgh – RB Marlon Mack, South Florida

136. Atlanta – QB Brad Kaaya, Miami

137. Indianapolis (THRU NE) – G Aviante Collins, TCU

138. Cincinnati (COMP. PICK) – WR Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech

139. Philadelphia (COMP. PICK THRU CLE) – RB Wayne Gallman, Clemson

140. NY Giants – TE Jordan Leggett, Clemson

141. LA Rams (COMP. PICK) – C Kyle Fuller, Baylor

142. Houston (COMP. PICK THRU CLE) – TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama

143. San Francisco (COMP. PICK) - OLB Vince Biegel, Wisconsin

144. Indianapolis (COMP. PICK) – DT Nazair Jones, North Carolina

ROUND FIVE

145. Cleveland – WR K.D. Cannon, Baylor

146. San Francisco – OT Chad Wheeler, USC

147. Chicago – CB Cameron Sutton, Tennessee

148. Jacksonville – DE Derek Rivers, Youngstown State

149. LA Rams – DE/OLB Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M

150. NY Jets – CB Shaquil Griffin, Central Florida

151. LA Chargers – OT Will Holden, Vanderbilt

152. Carolina – WR Ryan Switzer, North Carolina

153. Cincinnati – OLB Devonte Fields, Louisville

154. Washington (THRU NO) – G Danny Isidora, Florida

155. Philadelphia – CB Brian Allen, Utah

156. Buffalo – WR Travan Dural, LSU

157. Arizona – C Jon Toth, Kentucky

158. Indianapolis – CB Marquez White, Florida State

159. Baltimore – DT Ryan Glasgow, Michigan

160. Minnesota – WR Malachi Dupree, LSU

161. San Francisco (THRU WAS) – WR Fred Ross, Mississippi State

162. Tampa Bay – TE Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas

163. New England (THRU DEN) – FS Delano Hill, Michigan

164. Tennessee – TE George Kittle, Iowa

165. Detroit – RB James Conner, Pittsburgh +

166. Miami – ILB Richie Brown, Mississippi State

167. NY Giants – K Zane Gonzalez, Arizona State

168. Oakland – FS John Johnson, Boston College

169. Houston – OT David Sharpe, Florida

Seattle’s selection forfeited

170. Kansas City – G Zach Banner, USC

171. Buffalo (THRU DAL) – DE Isaac Rochell, Notre Dame

172. Green Bay – ILB Blair Brown, Ohio

173. Pittsburgh – ILB Connor Harris, Lindenwood

174. Atlanta – SS Tedric Thompson, Colorado

175. Cleveland (THRU NE) – OT Julie’n Davenport, Bucknell

176. Cincinnati (COMP. PICK) – G Damien Mama, USC

177. Denver (COMP. PICK) – DT Tanzel Smart, Tulane

178. Miami (COMP. PICK) – TE Michael Roberts, Toledo

179. Arizona (COMP. PICK) – G Collin Buchanan, Miami (OH)

180. Kansas City (COMP. PICK) – RB Jamaal Williams, BYU

181. Cleveland (COMP. PICK) – FS Jordan Sterns, Oklahoma State

182. Green Bay (COMP. PICK) – WR Artavis Scott, Clemson

183. New England (COMP. PICK) – C Chase Roullier, Wyoming

184. Miami (COMP. PICK) – G Jessamen Dunker, Tennessee State

ROUND SIX

185. Cleveland – ILB Jayon Brown, UCLA

186. Baltimore (THRU SF) – SS Lorenzo Jerome, St. Francis

187. Jacksonville – WR Damore’ea Stringfellow, Ole Miss

188. Cleveland (THRU CHI VIA HOU) – DE/OLB Garrett Sickels, Penn State

189. LA Rams – RB Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State

190. LA Chargers – NT Josh Augusta, Missouri

191. NY Jets – G Jordan Morgan, Kutztown

192. Carolina – OT Dan Skipper, Arkansas

193. Cincinnati – FS Rayshawn Jenkins, Miami

194. Philadelphia – DE Keionta Davis, UT-Chattanooga

195. Buffalo – CB Brendon Langley, Lamar

196. New Orleans – QB C.J. Beathard, Iowa

197. Arizona – DE/OLB Josh Carraway, TCU

198. San Francisco (THRU BAL) – C J.J. Dielman, Utah

199. Minnesota – OLB Javancy Jones, Jackson State

200. New England (THRU IND) – ILB Ben Gedeon, Michigan

201. Washington – FS Rudy Ford, Auburn

202. San Francisco (THRU DEN) – RB T.J. Logan, North Carolina

203. Denver (THRU TEN) – ILB Marquel Lee, Wake Forest

204. Tampa Bay – QB Jerod Evans, Virginia Tech

205. Detroit – ILB Ben Boulware, Clemson

206. LA Rams – CB Dwayne Thomas, LSU

207. NY Giants – OLB Steven Taylor, Houston

208. Oakland – WR Isaiah McKenzie, Georgia

209. Washington (THRU HOU) – RB De’veon Smith, Michigan

210. Seattle – OT J.J. Dielman, Utah +

KC selection forfeited

211. Dallas – WR Chad Williams, Grambling

212. Green Bay – TE Jonnu Smith, Florida International

213. Pittsburgh – FS Fish Smithson, Kansas

214. Tennessee (THRU ATL) – OLB/DE Avery Moss, Youngstown State

215. Detroit (THRU NE) – DE Bryan Cox, Jr., Florida

216. Kansas City (SUPP. PICK) – CB Nate Hairston, Temple

217. Cincinnati (SUPP. PICK) – DT/NT Caleb Brantley, Florida *

218. Kansas City (SUPP. PICK) – OT Erik Magnuson, Michigan

ROUND SEVEN

219. San Francisco (THRU CLE) – QB Trevor Knight, Texas A&M

220. Washington (THRU SF) – DE Jeremiah Ledbetter, Arkansas

221. Chicago – OLB Elijah Lee, Kansas State

222. Jacksonville – FB Freddie Stevenson, Florida State

223. Miami (THRU LAR) – RB Corey Clement, Wisconsin

224. NY Jets – ILB Harvey Langi, BYU

225. LA Chargers – G Adam Pankey, West Virginia

226. Seattle (THRU CAR) – OLB Ejuan Price, Pittsburgh

227. Cincinnati – ILB Riley Bullough, Mighican State

228. Dallas (THRU BUF) – OT Andreas Knappe, Connecticut

229. New Orleans – WR Robert Davis, Georgia State

230. Philadelphia – FS Dymonte Thomas, Michigan

231. Arizona – P Austin Rehkow, Idaho

232. Minnesota – ILB Jordan Evans, Oklahoma

233. Carolina (THRU IND VIA CLE) – OT Storm Norton, Toledo

234. LA Rams (THRU BAL) – DT DeAngelo Brown, Louisville

235. Washington – C Gavin Andrews, Oregon State

236. Tennessee – ILB Paul Magliore, Jr., Arizona

237. Tampa Bay – ILB Hardy Nickerson, Jr., Illinois

238. Denver – SS Johnathan Ford, Auburn

239. New England (THRU DET) – WR Jalen Robinette, Air Force

240. Jacksonville (THRU MIA) – OT Victor Salako, Oklahoma State

241. NY Giants – G Ben Braden, Michigan

242. Oakland – OLB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee

243. Houston – NT Josh Tupou, Colorado

244. Oakland (THRU SEA) – TE Eric Saubert, Drake

245. Kansas City – WR Quincy Adeboyejo, Mississippi

246. Dallas – WR Josh Malone, Tennessee

247. Green Bay – CB Channing Stribling, Michigan

248. Pittsburgh – SS Damarius Travis, Minnesota

249. Atlanta – CB Treston Decoud, Oregon State

250. Detroit (THRU NE) – FB Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech

251. Cincinnati (SUPP. PICK) – QB Garrett Fugate, Central Missouri

252. Denver (SUPP. PICK) – DE Hunter Dimick, Utah

253. Denver (SUPP. PICK) – RB Matt Dayes, North Carolina State

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medproish · 6 years

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Editor’s note: NFL.com analysts Lance Zierlein and Chad Reuter will provide overviews for eight position groups in the 2018 NFL Draft (April 26-28 on NFL Network and FOX), continuing today with edge defenders.

When it comes to positions that NFL teams value at a premium, it starts with the quarterback spot. However, following right behind QBs are the guys tasked with chasing and sacking those passers — the edge defenders.

By all accounts, this is not the year that you want to have a huge need for a 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end in the draft. N.C. State’s Bradley Chubb carries a substantial grade, so he is the exception, but the rest of the class appears to be light on slam-dunk early starters and producers.

Let’s explore the 2018 edge defender class.

Teams with greatest need for edge defender

1) Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are switching to a 4-3 defense under their new coaching staff and after posting the second-lowest sack total in the league last season (25), they must find a talented edge presence.

2) New York Giants: The Giants have a hole to address in their lineup after trading away Jason Pierre-Paul this off-season.

3) Buffalo Bills: The Bills finished with just 27 sacks last season — tied for third-fewest in the league — and need to find a rotational edge rusher to bolster that unit.

4) Detroit Lions: The Lions will have Ezekiel Ansah for at least one more season (he signed his franchise tender this week). However, they still need more help when it comes to creating pressure off the edges.

5) Green Bay Packers: Veterans Clay Matthews and Nick Perry can still handle rush duties, but new blood is needed off the edge.

6) Kansas City Chiefs:Justin Houston keeps on producing. The Chiefs need to find a consistent option to complement him on the other side.

7) Seattle Seahawks:Michael Bennett and his 8.5 sacks are gone. Seattle needs to find his replacement.

Top 5 players at the position

1. Bradley Chubb, N.C. State: Chubb is a dynamic edge defender. He can put his stamp on a game with his pass-rushing talent and his ability to take on the running game. He’s clearly the best in this class at his position.

2. Harold Landry, Boston College: Landry lacks the size and length that teams prefer off the edge, but he has impressive flexibility to bend and trim the edge as a rusher.

3. Marcus Davenport, UTSA: Long-levered prospect with the tools and traits to become a much better pass rusher than he is now. He’s still in need of more play strength and technique as a run defender.

4. Sam Hubbard, Ohio State: Hubbard isn’t the most explosive edge rusher, but he’s a plus athlete with good length and the ability to do his job at the left defensive end spot or as a stand-up linebacker.

5. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia: Carter’s name had cooled on the scouting circuit until he turned in a solid 2017 and followed it up with a spectacular performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. NFL teams will likely explore his rush talent more than Georgia did.

Most overrated

Uchenna Nwosu, USC: Nwosu’s name has some heat on it in scouting circles, but I have to wonder if that’s mostly a result of the dearth of talent off the edge this year. There’s no doubt that Nwosu possesses the athletic traits teams look for from edge rushers, but he lacks the rush plan and rush tools that teams typically covet from a second-round talent, as he’s been billed. Nwosu lacks the plus play strength to set a strong edge and could get bumped into a role as a standard 4-3 linebacker with some sub-package rush potential. I don’t know that Nwosu’s 2017 sack production (9.5) is going to translate to the pros, and a team might overdraft him hoping that it will.

Most underrated

Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest: When I speak with scouts or team executives about edge-rusher prospects, Ejiofor’s name rarely comes up. He’s not overly explosive or athletic, but he employs a mature approach with violent hands and an innate feel for rush counters that serve him well on his path to the quarterback. Ejiofor has to win with skill over speed from the outside, but he really flashes on tape when allowed to rush from inside at defensive tackle. He’s still recovering from February labrum surgery. The surgery, combined with questions about his athleticism, could concern some teams, but he has the toughness, instincts, and skills to become a quality NFL starter. He deserves more notice.

Boom or bust

Kemoko Turay, Rutgers: When teams put together their profiles for what edge rushers should look and move like, Turay is the prototype. At 6-foot-4 5/8, Turay has a wingspan of 80 1/8 inches and has grown into his frame with good, lean muscle mass. Turay was a high school long-jump and triple-jump champ with plus explosion and a quality upfield burst as a rusher. His measurables might lead a team to draft him at some point on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3), but there are some caution signs with Turay. His sophomore and junior seasons were ravaged by shoulder injuries. As a senior in 2017, he managed a very meager total of 6 tackles for loss and 3 sacks despite playing in 12 games. Turay has the physical and athletic traits to become a good starter. He has a high ceiling, but the concern is he might also have a low floor.

Sleeper alert

Joe Ostman, Central Michigan: Ostman is a tightly muscled, short-armed defensive end. He lacks the physical makeup teams look for off the edge, but he plays with plus strength and body control to work against and around the blockers that try to stop him. While he might get knocked for level of competition (played in the MAC), his numbers at CMU’s pro day in the explosion testing (36.5-inch vertical, 10-foot-2 broad jump) and bench press (31 reps) could be indicative of how his physical tools will translate in the pros. Ostman’s rush plan is a little more advanced than most prospects in this year’s class, and he does a good job of utilizing quick, powerful hands to gain an advantage. He might not be picked until the fifth or sixth round, but he has a chance to outplay his draft slotting.

Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.

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junker-town · 6 years

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Which NFL teams are contenders and which are pretenders midway through 2017 season?

Heading into Week 9, 16 teams have a winning record. Which ones are for real?

We have now reached the halfway point in the 2017 NFL season. We are starting to get a good idea of each team’s strengths and weaknesses and who has a legit chance to make the playoffs. This won’t be a Super Bowl preview article, but rather how I think each team will fare coming down the stretch and if they have a chance to do damage in the postseason.

So it’s time for a favorite game: Contender or Pretender?

AFC

Let’s start with the AFC, which has the clearer picture at the top of the conference than the NFC. There are three 6-2 teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): Contender

The Steelers’ defense is under the radar because we focus all our attention on the shiny offensive parts, but it’s their defense that’s kept them afloat recently. Their defense is second in the NFL in points per game and it was on display Sunday against the Lions. They forced five red zone field goals — and no touchdowns — on the road. The Steelers’ offense will always have big-play ability with Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown and Big Ben, but they are around average in most offensive categories.

Kansas City Chiefs (6-2): Contender

The Chiefs’ offense is rolling. They lead the NFL in yards per play and have only committed three offensive turnovers. Alex Smith has turned into this downfield passing machine and the Chiefs are starting to get their offensive line healthy. Their concerns are once again on defense, where they still can’t stop the run. They are a bend-but-don’t-break defense, which I just don’t trust in the postseason. They also need to solve their Pittsburgh Steelers issue — the Chiefs have lost to them three times since last season — to win the conference.

New England Patriots (6-2): Contender

With Tom Brady at the helm, the Patriots are always contenders. Plain and simple. Their defense has improved over the last few weeks, too. They have missed Julian Edelman, who was Brady’s favorite target on third down, but have made due with the other parts on offense.

Buffalo Bills (5-2): Pretender

This will be a theme throughout this article, but it’s all about quarterback play. Last season, 11 of 12 playoff games were won by the better quarterback. Tyrod Taylor is playing well within the Bills’ offense, but they are near the bottom of the NFL in passing. In the playoffs, they will need a passing game to keep up with any of those three 6-2 teams.

The Bills’ staple of rushing the football is still there, but I don’t think that would be enough in the playoffs. The Bills’ defense can stop the run, but they are venerable against the pass without much of a pass rush. However, they are +14 in turnover margin, leading the NFL. That’s outstanding but it’s hard to always rely on forcing turnovers to win games

Miami Dolphins (4-3): Pretender

Jay Cutler? No thank you.

AFC South: Pretenders

Do you trust anyone in this division? The Titans’ secondary is still a huge issue and so is Marcus Mariota’s health. Whenever we assume the Titans will take the next step, they don’t. So I’ll believe it when it happens.

The Jaguars don’t pass the quarterback test, even though their defense can rush the passer. However, their defense is 32nd in rushing yards per play, which would be an issue against Kansas City or Pittsburgh.

The Texans’ defense can’t stop anyone, and while I love Deshaun Watson, they just traded their left tackle. Watson can’t carry this team if the defense can’t stop anyone.

NFC

The NFC is wide open and it will be awesome seeing how this shapes up.

Philadelphia Eagles (7-1): Contender

The Eagles have the best record in the NFL and it’s not a surprise why. Carson Wentz has vastly improved from year one to two. He actually has wide receivers who can catch the ball and a run game that can chew yards. They are also second in the NFL on third down, which shows how efficient the offense is on earlier downs and that allows the Eagles the ability to convert big on third down.

However, the loss of left tackle Jason Peters is a tough one for the Eagles. There’s no replacing him and the Eagles will try giving the new LT, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, some help to compensate for the loss of Peters. So that would worry me. The Eagles have an attacking defense, and are excellent against the run. This forces teams to be one-dimensional and allow the Eagles to rush the passer. Hopefully Ronald Darby comes back soon to bolster that secondary.

Minnesota Vikings (6-2): Pretender*

Look, the Vikings’ defense is nothing to be messed with. They are legit and can carry this team far. They can stop the run and rush the passer with much success. However, until I get proven wrong, I don’t trust Case Keenum in a playoff game. At some point, Keenum would have to carry this team to victory, and I don’t see it happening.

Like I said earlier, the better quarterback won almost every time in last year’s playoffs. That matters in the NFL, especially during crunch time. But they have an asterisk because of Teddy Bridgewater. Though he hasn’t proven anything in the playoffs, I want to see if he will be back this season. I might change my mind on the Vikings.

New Orleans Saints (5-2): Contender

I stand by what I wrote about the Saints last week. They are legit and have similar parallels to their 2009 Super Bowl-winning team.

Seattle Seahawks (5-2): Contender

I felt like the Seahawks were gliding under the radar before their game against Houston last weekend. Russell Wilson is a magician with the ball in his hands and does it all with a poor offense. Well, it was a poor offensive line until they traded for Duane Brown. What an outstanding job by the front office to get Wilson a blind side protector. The run game is still average to below average, but Wilson can carry this team, as he has done in the past.

Seattle’s defense is surprisingly average this season, but I wouldn’t want to see them in the playoffs, especially in Seattle.

Los Angeles Rams (5-2): Pretender

The Rams are the most improved team this season. It’s a great story. They just aren’t totally there yet. You have to know how to win intense, close games, and I don’t feel the Rams are there yet, as evidenced by their first Seahawks game. Show me they can win those close games against quality teams and I’ll change my mind.

Lastly, they have a rough schedule for the back eight: Texans, at Vikings, and Saints for a three-game stretch, and Eagles, at Seahawks, and at Titans for another. If they sneak into the playoffs, they will have earned it.

Carolina Panthers (5-3): Contender, but I don’t feel good about it

The Panthers’ defense is everything you’d ask for in a defense. They are aggressive, attacking, and physical. They get the job done. But that offense, yikes. So I’m putting them as a contender because, while I don’t exactly trust him, Cam Newton has shown some 2015 brilliance at times. He’s way too up and down, but if he’s up for a long stretch of time he can do some damage to an opposing defense

Atlanta Falcons (4-3): Contender

They clearly have issues on offense, but they have been there and done that, and I believe their offensive issues can be fixed. If they get hot, watch out for the Falcons.

Dallas Cowboys (4-3): Pretender

They still have to play the Eagles twice, plus the Chiefs, Seahawks, and Falcons. Ain’t happening. And without Zeke, for sure not happening.

Green Bay Packers (4-3): Pretender

Poor Packers. They had been playing so well until Aaron Rodgers got hurt.

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junker-town · 7 years

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Jason Garrett left Aaron Rodgers too much time. Why would any coach do that?

Garrett earned the NFL’s biggest coaching mistake of the week when he gave Aaron Rodgers a minute to beat the Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 5 in a bit of a tough spot. They were 2-2, haven’t really played up to their potential yet, and could’ve used a strong, signature win to stay in the thick of the NFC playoff race.

The Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers are always a formidable opponent, but the Cowboys were doing pretty well in Sunday’s game, jumping out to a 21-6 lead in the second quarter. But Rodgers did what he normally does, which is chip away at the deficit until the Packers had a 28-24 lead with 9:56 left in the fourth quarter.

Despite blowing a massive lead, the Cowboys seemingly had the upper hand anyway. All they had to do was use Ezekiel Elliott and their elite offensive line to grind out a slow scoring drive, leaving as little time as possible for Rodgers. This plan was going swimmingly, with the team driving down to the Packers’ 11-yard line with less than two minutes left.

Facing second-and-2, the plan should be simple, right? Pound Zeke up the gut and keep doing it until they reach the end zone. Instead, Jason Garrett committed the biggest coaching mistake of Week 5: He dialed up a pass play.

Dak Prescott missed Dez Bryant on the play, stopping the clock at 1:24. Instead of running Zeke and draining another 30+ seconds off the clock, the Cowboys gave Green Bay a free timeout. Granted, Prescott did score on the next play with a quarterback keeper, but the damage was done. Rodgers had exactly as much time as he needed to make the game-winning comeback.

Garrett tried to defend the call, but there’s really no defending putting the ball back in Rodgers’ hands and letting him do pretty much the exact thing he did last time he played at AT&T Stadium.

Jason Garrett says that the Cowboys’ primary concern in yesterday’s situation has to be to score a touchdown first. Can’t get “too cute.”

— David Helman (@HelmanDC) October 9, 2017

Now the Cowboys are facing a legitimate crossroads on their season. They slumped to 2-3, falling way behind the 4-1 Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East race. Prescott and Elliott haven’t been quite as electric as they were in their rookie seasons, and Zeke might still end up serving his six-game suspension this season. The defense dearly misses Sean Lee, who missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury.

The Cowboys now head into their Week 6 bye and Garrett needs to go back to the drawing board, because his team’s season is dangerously close to going off the rails. There are some real cracks on this roster, and dropping a winnable game to the Packers will only widen them.

So congratulations to Jason Garrett for the biggest coaching blunder of Week 5, but he was hardly the only one. Let’s take our weekly walk of shame.

Chuck Pagano nearly gives away the game multiple times

The Indianapolis Colts got a hard-fought overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers, but gosh almighty did Pagano try his best to blow this.

1) The 49ers set up a field goal at the end of the first half. Pagano called a timeout at the snap, because “icing the kicker” is the dirt-worst football trend that refuses to die. At least it backfired this time, with Phil Dawson doinking his first attempt and making it the second time. So Pagano handed the 49ers three free points, in case you’re wondering how this game got to overtime.

2) This game never should’ve gotten to OT in the first place. I’ll let Stampede Blue take it away.

On top of the disastrous performance from the defense in the 4th quarter, Pagano also demonstrated very poor time and game management skills. Late in the 4th quarter, with the 49ers down by 7 and in the red-zone, Pagano failed to leave any time on the clock for the Colts to drive down the field and potentially get a field goal to win in regulation. Pagano let the clock run down an additional 40 seconds, called a timeout, the 49ers scored and it left the Colts with no time to work with. They ended up taking a knee and had no chance to go down the field in regulation.

Jack Del Rio waves the white flag

The Oakland Raiders were in a rough spot, missing Derek Carr and scrapping with the Baltimore Ravens in a game they were playing from behind most of the time. Instead of showing any fight or killer instinct, Del Rio opted to surrender. He punted at fourth-and-3 from the Ravens’ 44-yard line, and y’all know how much punting from enemy territory gets me worked up. Doing it when the Raiders still had a chance, down 10 points, is base cowardice.

Per @pfref #Raiders 1st team to punt on 4th and 3 or less in 4th qtr down 2 scores in opponent's territory since Ari did it vs Minn 10/21/12

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 8, 2017

This was supposed to be a dream season for Raiders fans, but instead, they’re finding out why Del Rio was such an uninspired hire in the first place. At 2-3, their playoff hopes are suddenly hanging by a thread.

Mike Tomlin burns his challenges

What the hell was that, Pittsburgh Steelers? They barely showed up in a 30-9 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Ben Roethlisberger throwing five picks and the defense getting gashed by Leonard Fournette. Tomlin laid the groundwork for the collapse early, blazing through both of his challenges before even getting a chance to see the replay, and costing himself timeouts in the process.

First he challenged a clear first down by the Jaguars, for no real reason. Then it got worse. A pass to Antonio Brown bounced before he caught it, and Tomlin challenged it seconds after it was ruled incomplete. Surprise, both calls were upheld.

Between the impulse challenges and Roethlisberger openly wondering how much he has left, this Steelers team sure reeks of desperation despite a 3-2 start. I don’t know how a team with Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and proud playoff expectations can look this rudderless, but here we are. With a road trip to Kansas City looming, things could get worse before they get better.

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