Is Marcus Mariota the Real Deal?

Marcus Mariota has exploded upon the scene early on in preseason looking like a comfortable passer in the pocket, taking snaps from under center and out of the shotgun. Last night, Mariota played in Nashville for the first time against one of the leagues most talented fronts, the Saint Louis Rams. He didn't bat an eye once.

Already, this early in the game, Mariota has thrown 16 passes and completed 12 of them, a 75% completion rate. Yes, his first pass was a pick six, and he should have had a pick against Saint Louis, but the point is that Mariota finished in Atlanta with 7 other passes that resulted in completions. Dexter McCluster dropped his first TD pass. Mariota is looking like a true student of the game learning quickly.

His footwork is pristine, and helps him move out of trouble. His accuracy is uncanny, making every throw so far. He's calm, composed. His helmet went out for 2 plays last night, to where he couldn't communicate with Ken Whisenhunt for the play. He didn't loose his cool. He jogged to the sideline and took the plays to the huddle. Whisenhunt was more then impressed.

Most of all, Mariota is a leader. He wants his teammates to follow him, and if anyone improves Tennessee's chances in the AFC South his season, its Marcus.

Earlier this season, I told Pete Priscoe that Winston was a bust, but Mariota was the real deal. I believe I just still may be correct on that prediction. We will see how Winston performs tonight. However, Mariota is the real deal. Watch him begin the turnaround in Nashville.

ACL's and other muscle Tears- Why Now?

    This NFL offseason has been full of an unusual amount of injuries to key players on the practice field and in preseason games, and an almost unending stream of torn ACL's are among the configuration. Jordy Nelson, a Packers star WR,  is the latest of key players to go down with a torn ACL.

    ACL tears were rare in the early days of football all the way until about 2010. Why are these injuries picking up now?

    Stretch and hold forms of stretching is bad for the health of an athlete, according to drgangemi.com. Stretching before a game or practice in the way athletes, including NFL players, do is scientifically proven to do more harm then good to a player, and here is why.

    Stretching and holding stretches your muscles out, and stretches them longer then they normally are. This technique makes them weaker, and allows the muscles to tear easier. Malachy McHugh, the director of research at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma reported to the New York Times that “There is a neuromuscular inhibitory response to static stretching. The straining muscle becomes less responsive and stays weakened for up to 30 minutes after stretching, which is not how an athlete wants to begin a workout.”

        The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas did a study on stretching muscles in this way, and found that by stretching your right leg, you not only weakened muscles in your knee and calves that were stretched, but that you could weaken other muscles that weren't stretched.

    So, why do NFL players and pretty much all athletes still stretch in this way? Mostly out of habit. Yes, stretching allows muscles to be loosened, but the idea is to keep the muscle where it is supposed to be. Dynamic stretching habits allow this to happen, and protect the muscles from overstretching.

    Until NFL trainers and coaching staffs recognize this, expect to see a lot more players going down with these injuries, simply because they've opened their muscles to overstretching and they've worn out and torn.

AFC East Overview

SCHEDULES

Buffalo

1. Indianapolis

2. New England

3. @ Miami

4. New York Giants

5. @ Tennessee

6. Cincinnati

7. @ Jacksonville

8. ~BYE~

9. Miami

10. @ New York Jets

11. @ New England

12. @ Kansas City

13. Houston

14. @ Philadelphia 

15. @ Washington 

16. Dallas

17. New York Jets

Miami

1. @ Washington

2. @ Jacksonville

3. Buffalo

4. New York Jets

5. ~BYE~

6. @ Tennessee

7. Houston

8. @ New England

9. @ Buffalo

10. @ Philadelphia

11. Dallas

12. @ New York Jets

13. Baltimore

14. New York Giants

15. @ San Diego

16. Indianapolis

17. New England

New England

1. Pittsburgh

2. @ Buffalo

3. Jacksonville

4. ~BYE~

5. @ Dallas

6. @ Indianapolis

7. New York Jets

8. Miami

9. Washington

10. @ New York Giants

11. Buffalo

12. @ Denver

13. Philadelphia

14. @ Houston

15. Tennessee

16. @ New York Jets

17. @ Miami

New York Jets

1. Cleveland

2. @ Indianapolis

3. Philadelphia

4. @ Miami

5. ~BYE~

6. Washington

7. @ New England

8. @ Oakland

9. Jacksonville

10. Buffalo

11. @ Houston

12. Miami

13. @ New York Giants

14. Tennessee

15. @ Dallas

16. New England

17. @ Buffalo

-BUFFALO, MIAMI, ON THE RISE-

          The defensing Super Bowl Champions have lost key players on both sides of the ball. They've gained, and still probably have the best team in the AFC East. However, catching up in terms of talent quickly is Miami and Buffalo. Doug Marone left the Bills shortly after the 2014 season, and the Bills found his replacement in former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan. Ryan, known for his smash mouth talk and love for defense, traded Kiko Alonso to the Eagles for LeSean "Shady" McCoy. The Dolphins have built a great passing game for Ryan Tannehill to throw out of. I believe this will be Tannehill's season. The Jets are still struggling and are signing as much talent as they can to join the team.

POWER

    The highest paid defensive player in NFL history,

and possibly the most sought after free agent, Suh left

Detroit for a lucrative $114M deal over 6 years. Suh 

is a beast on the defensive line, known for his extreme

violent and aggressive play. He completes the defensive 

line in Miami and puts them on the list of best defensive

lines in the league. 

MIAMI

BEST OF THE DIVISION

Best QB- Tom Brady, NE

Best RB- LeSean McCoy, BUF

Best WR1- Brandon Marshall, NYJ

Best WR2- Sammy Watkins, BUF

Best TE- Rob Gronkowski, NE

Best OT- Nate Solder, NE

Best OG- Willie Colon, NYJ

Best C- Nick Mangold, NYJ

Best DE- Mario Edwards, BUF

Best DT- Ndamukong Suh, MIA

Best 3/4 OLB- Quinton Coples, NYJ

Best 4/3 OLB- Jamie Collins, NE

Best 3/4 ILB- David Harris, NYJ

Best 4/3 ILB- Jarod Mayo, NE

Best CB- Darrelle Revis, NYJ

Best S- Devin McCourty, NE

Best K- Steven Gostkowski, NE

Best P- Brandon Fields, MIA

Best Coach- Bill Belechick, NE

~ROOKIE SPOTLIGHT~

DT Leonard Williams, New York Jets

Williams plays any position on the defensive line and is effective in both run defense and pass rush. At 6'5" and 300 pounds, he's an explosive player with the sky as the limit for his ceiling. Considered by most as the best prospect in the draft, Williams falling to #6 was a blessing for the Jets, and Williams caught on fast. "I want Tom Brady to be my first sack," he told the press after being drafted. Williams is already a Jet at heart, 

Player Ratings Explained

    With the new season approaching, our player rankings and team previews will be hitting the web over the summer. So, when our ratings come out, we want you to understand what they mean. Here are our player rankings explained.

QUARTERBACKS

    Quarterbacks are given 2 ratings, their pass rating and their run rating. A sample quarterback would look like this:

12 QB Tom Brady (4-1)

    The first rating is the Pass Rating. In Tom Brady's case, it's 4. Mainly based off of a passer rating of a quarterback, quarterbacks have 5 different pass ratings they can receive. 

     1-Camp arm on a low talent depth chart

     2-Below average QB 

     3-Average QB

     4-Above average QB

     5-All-Pro QB

    The second rating is the run rating. It detects the QB's ability to scramble or run for gains. In Tom Brady's case, it's 1. Quarterbacks can receive 5 different run ratings. 

     1-Average QB Sneak player.

     2-Master QB Sneak player

     3-Below average scrambler

     4-Average scrambler

     5-All-Pro Scrambler.

RUNNING BACKS

    Running Backs are given 2 different ratings, their run rating and their receiving rating. A sample Running Back would look like this:

25 RB LeSean McCoy (4-2)

    The first rating is the run rating. It mainly is based off the average yards per attempt, running backs have 5 different passer ratings they can receive. 

     1-Camp runner on a low talent depth chart

     2-Below average runner

     3-Average runner

     4-Above Average runner

     5-All-Pro Running Back

    The second rating is a catch rating. It detects the running backs ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and turn them upfield for gains. There are 3 ratings a Running Back can receive for receiving talents.

     1-Below average receiver

     2-Average screen back

     3-Incredible screen back

    Fullbacks receive the same ratings.

WIDE RECEIVERS

    Wide Receivers are given one rating, their receiving rating, and in rare circumstances, Wide Receivers are given a run rating. A sample Wide Receiver would look like this:

15 WR Brandon Marshall (3)

    The one rating above is the receiving rating. Receiving Ratings are based mainly off the average yards per catch a receiver makes. Receivers can receive 5 different receiving ratings. 

     1-Camp Receiver on low talent depth chart (Very rare ranking)

     2-Below average receiver

     3-Slot receiver

     4-Deep Threat receiver

     5-Extreme deep threat

    In rare circumstances, Receivers receive a rushing ranking. Receivers can receive 3 different rush rankings. A sample receiver rush ranking would look like this:

18 WR Percy Harvin (3-5)

     3-Below average receiver runner

     4-Average receiver runner

     5-Hybrid receiver runner

TIGHT ENDS

    Tight Ends receive one ranking, their receiver ranking. A sample Tight End would look like this:

85 TE Tyler Eifert (3)

     Tight Ends can receive 5 different receiver rankings. 

      1-Camp Receiver on low talent Depth Chart

      2-Below average receiver

      3-Average receiver

      4-Deep threat receiver

      5-Extreme deep threat receiver

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

    Offensive Linemen receive one ranking, based on their blocking ability. A Sample Offensive Lineman would look like this:

66 RG David DeCastro +2

    Offensive Linemen can receive 3 different blocking ratings. 

      +1-Average Lineman

      +2-Solid Starter

      +3-All Pro Player

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

    Defensive Linemen receive one ranking, based on their playing ability. A sample Defensive Lineman would look like this:

99 NT Marcell Dareus +3

    Defensive linemen can receive 3 different rankings. 

     +1-Average Player

     +2-Pass rusher

     +3-All-Pro caliber player

LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE BACKS

    Linebackers and Defensive Backs receive two different rankings, one based on their pass rush, the other based on their coverage. A sample Linebacker or Defensive Back would look like this:

50 MLB AJ Hawk (W/GB) +1(0) 

    The first rating is the pass rush rating. Based on the number of sacks per game, linebackers and Defensive Backs can receive 3 different rankings in this category.

     +1-Average Player

     +2-Effective Pass Rusher

     +3-All-Pro Pass Rusher

    The second rating is the coverage ranking. It is determined by the number of projected interceptions in 2015. 

2015 AFC Outlook

PREDICTIONS

MVP- Andrew Luck, IND
Offensive Player of the Year- Ryan Tannehill, MIA
Defensive Player of the Year- JJ Watt, HOU
Offensive Rookie of the Year- Amari Cooper, OAK
Defensive Rookie of the Year- Kevin Johnson, HOU
Coach of the Year- Bill O'Brian, HOU

    The reining world champions, the New England Patriots, are looking to reclaim their title in style despite the fact that they're missing a couple key pieces in Darrelle Revis, Vince Wilfork, Shane Vereen and Dan Connolly. The Patriots will have their hands full, just in their division, as the Bills and Dolphins are now major threats to take the division. The stakes are high in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and the Patriots are looking to bounce over every obstacle.

    The AFC West division is wide open as the Broncos take steps back and the Chargers and Chiefs move forward. Watch the Broncos stay alive because of their defense, and the Chiefs take the steps to claim the division crown.

    The AFC North continues to be the toughest division to play in, the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals all making a run for the division crown. The Browns seem to have degressed since last season, so I'm not considering them in a run for the title.

    The Colts continue to dominate the AFC South, although they now have a competitor- the Houston Texans. The Texans are growing into a solid team with Bill O'Brians coaching. If Ryan Mallet can grow into an elite QB, the Texans will be a force to be reconned with.

First Round Geniuses

    There were 32 picks made in the first round. Some of those picks made fans cry for joy. Others shocked the nation. Then, there were some picks that left my mind spinning, thinking of the teams being built up. Here are those 5 picks from round 1.

11. Trae Waynes, Michigan State- Minnesota Vikings

    This is the first pick that blew my mind. Waynes reminded me of Richard Sherman when I saw him on tape, just his physicality, his coverage, his enthusiasm was perfect. Add him to a secondary with Xavier Rhodes, Josh Robinson and Captain Munnerlyn, Minnesota truly has a group of scary and elite corners for the Vikings to build the rest of their defense on. I think its a group who will be feared in the league for years to come.





13. Andrus Peat, Stanford- New Orleans Saints

    This is a truly great pick. Peat is considered a top 15 pick talent all around the board, Add him to an experienced and re-vamped Saints offensive line, who added All-Pro Center Max Unger from Seattle, and your giving your QB of the future a strong line for him to play around.








20. Nelson Agholor, USC- Philadelphia Eagles

    With Riley Cooper and Jordan Matthews in Philadelphia, Chip Kelly landed the best hands of the draft with a 4.42 40 yard dash speed player to eventually take over from Cooper. Matthews, who had a great rookie season in 2014, and Agholor are the pair for the future, a great pick by Chip Kelly.







23. Shane Ray, Missouri- Denver Broncos

    Ray dropped a potential 10 to 15 spots after a failed drug test was added to Ray's resume. However, the Broncos traded up 5 spots to add Ray to their defense. With DeMarcus Ware on one side and Ray playing on the other, Denver could have one of the fiercest pass rushing duos in recent history. I think it was a fabulous pick based on the fact that Denver has added yet another pass rusher to their defense.



30. Damarius Randall, Arizona State- Green Bay Packers

    Randall was considered by many as the best safety prospect entering the draft. The Packers added HaHa Clinton-Dix last season, and he played a phenominal rookie season. Adding Randall this year to play beside Clinton-Dix could end up big. Green-Bay has solidified their back end for the next decade.







    The NFL Draft is always full of surprises, especially in the first round. But these are the picks that surprised me first and most of all. They were ingenious, and well thought picks adding even more strength to teams. That's how you make a good football team.

Tim Tebow is Signing with the Eagles

    Well well well, Chip. Looks like he finally got a college football legend and he's determined to use him for good in the NFL. I'm sure there are a lot of Eagle fans that are enraged by the signing, but that's okay. The jury is out... How much has he improved?

    Tebow worked out and improved his technique, at a place both Tom Brady and Drew Brees told the young QB about. Tebow has thrown so many balls without playing in an actual game, and he must have impressed the Eagles, who are trying to ship 3rd string QB Matt Barkley.

    How big of an impact is this on the rest of the league? Well, the glorious return for some of Tebow, who engineered the miracle season behind the Broncos in 2011, taking them to the divisional playoff round with stats that defied the very nature of football. Yes, he threw inaccurately, yes, he was ecstatic at some points. However, Tim found a way to win. I think that's all that matters.

    Chip Kelly has shown everyone that he doesn't care about stats. If he did, people like Tim Tebow wouldn't be signed. Why would he want DeMarco Murray on his team if the stats show that after a 400 carry season, he can't run healthy anymore? It's the talent that he's concerned about. And Tim Tebow must have improved a ton for Chip to want him on the team so badly.

    I forsee Tebow actually coming back, and playing a lot like Michael Vick when the Eagles gave him his last chance. Tebow sure isn't 30, and he has a few more good years on him. I can't wait to see how he's improved.

The Raiders are interested in Adrian Peterson

    So... The Oakland Raiders would like Adrian Peterson to join their team in 2015.

    NFL Insider Ian Rapoport said that he was told by a source who is informed of the team's thinking that the team has become interested in acquiring the 30 year old Running Back. This becomes interesting, because the team has lost Darren McFadden, a 1st round pick in 2008 who really never got the chance to play consistently healthy, and signed former Redskins backup Roy Helu Jr.

    Acquiring Peterson would give Derek Carr and the rest of an offense a boost that the Raiders haven't seen in a very long time. However, one must wonder whether the Raiders have the cards to do so?

    The Vikings are willing to let Peterson go, but it would be a lucrative deal that would be in the Vikings favor. Maybe the #4 overall pick for the 3 time all pro?

    Would the Raiders be willing to do that? At the moment, Oakland is in perfect position to draft a WR who will boost the passing game, or a defensive player to compliment last season's addition Khalil Mack. Either way, the Raiders really can't afford to give up the #4 pick for anyone.

    Even Adrian Peterson?

    Let's face the facts. Yes, Peterson has had a phenomenal career in the NFL. He's run for 10190 yards over 8 seasons, despite running for a total of 75 in 1 game last season, and 91 total TD's. But he's 30 years old. He has 2054 career carries. Remember that he had an ACL surgery back in 2011, and sometimes that will wear out, especially after a long 2097 yard season back in 2012.

    The Raiders can snatch a back in the 2nd or 3rd round who can develop into a great player, maybe not a Peterson, for a lot cheaper then the Raiders would pay to have Adrian Peterson.

    The Raiders aren't one player away from winning the Super Bowl. I really like what Reggie McKenzie is doing in there, but adding Peterson would be a typical mistake that the Raiders make to try and excite the fan base.

    That's not a good reason to sign Adrian Peterson.

Around the League- April 15th, 2015

Aaron Hernandez Looses Court Case
    Aaron Hernandez was found guilty of first degree murder in a trial from an incident from 2013 that has taken over a year to conclude. Hernandez has been sentenced to prison for life, with no possibility of parole, and still has another murder case to sit through.

Lions Gain 5th Round Pick
    The Lions have sent backup DE George Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, along with a 7th round pick, for one of the Buccaneers two 5th round picks. Johnson had signed a 3 year $9 million contract with Tampa Bay last week, but being a RFA (Restricted Free Agent) Detroit contested the terms of the contract.

Chargers Add Offensive Lineman
    The Chargers have added former Buffalo Bills OT Chris Hairston, who worked with two of the Chargers coaches, Joe D'Alessandris and Andrew Dees, in his first two seasons in Buffalo before they joined the Chargers ship in 2013. Hairston is a former 4th round pick out of Clemson, with 31 career starts over 3 seasons, having missed 2013 with a non-football illness.


   

Chris Borland Takes Steps to Tear the 49ers Apart a Little More

    "I just honestly want to do what's best for my health. From what I've researched and what I've experienced, I don't think it's worth the risk."

     A big defensive football player, straight out of college after 1 year of impressive football, a season of 14 games with 8 starts, a sack, 2 interceptions picked off of Eli Manning, and 107 tackles, don't forget the 16 tackle game against Seattle and the 15 tackle game against Saint Louis, Borland was going to be the key replacement of Patrick Willis this upcoming season and a pivotal building block on the regrouping 49ers defense.

    Borland had thought the situation over very well and for a long time, consulting family and friends along the way. "I feel largely the same, as sharp as I've ever been. For me, it's wanting to be proactive," Borland told Outside the Lines. "I'm concerned that if you wait 'til you have symptoms, it's too late. There are a lot of unknowns. I can't claim that X will happen. I just want to live a long, healthy life, and I don't want to have any neurological diseases or die younger than I would otherwise."

    This brings back memories of the Junior Seau story, where the young man committed suicide in 2012, and it was found that he had serious head trauma concerns that either he or his doctor had hidden. With players like Jason Worilds and Jake Locker retiring early and unexpectedly too, one has to wonder what's hitting the league besides old news.

    Borland had started thinking of a retirement plan early into last season, in fact, preseason week 4, he wrote his parents to tell them he thought his NFL career would be brief. "I just thought to myself, 'What am I doing? Is this how I'm going to live my adult life, banging my head, especially with what I've learned and know about the dangers?'"

    49ers General Manager Trent Baalke wished Borland the best from the 49ers team website. "While unexpected, we certainly respect Chris’ decision," Baalke explained. "From speaking with Chris, it was evident that he had put a great deal of thought into this decision. He was a consummate professional from day one and a very well respected member of our team and community. Chris is a determined young man that overcame long odds in his journey to the NFL and we are confident he will use the same approach to become very successful in his future endeavors. We will always consider him a 49er and wish him all the best."

    Players and fans alike are praising Borland for his decision, and wishing him and Patrick Willis the best in future days to come.

2015 Offseason Swap Up Part 1- Defensive Linemen

    Some of the biggest money of 2015 is being invested and paid to defensive linemen. No one is going to forget the $114 million deal to Ndamukong Suh. Suh's face might as well be put in the NFL Mount Rushmore up there with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisburger.

    Defensive Linemen will be the first part of this series where we look at some of the key free agent and trade arrivals around the NFL this season.

1. Ndamukong Suh, Miami Dolphins 

6-4, 307 pounds. 2nd overall pick of 2010. /ehn-DAHM-uh-kehn SOO/

Year     Age  Tm Pos No.    G   GS   Sk  Int  Yds   TD  Lng   PD   FF  Fmb   FR  Yds   TD  Tkl  Ast Sfty AV
2010*+    23 DET  DT  90   16   16 10.0    1   20    0   20    3    1    0    1   17    1   48   17      15
2011      24 DET  DT  90   14   14  4.0    0    0    0    0    1                            26   13       6
2012*     25 DET  DT  90   16   16  8.0    0    0    0    0    2                            25   10      12
2013*+    26 DET  DT  90   16   16  5.5    0    0    0    0    6    1    0    0    0    0   36   12    1 15
2014*+    27 DET  DT  90   16   16  8.5    0    0    0    0    3                            46    8      17
Career                     78   78 36.0    1   20    0   20   15    2    0    1   17    1  181   60    1 65

    Suh is considered the top free agent, hands down, of 2015. Coming off his best season as a pro, Suh has never missed a game to an injury, and is a strong, powerful beast on the line of scrimmage.

    His reputation has built himself into the leagues "most feared player". Suh consistently get's behind the line to make plays and get to QB's in rushes, and it happens so much it's scary. He's a hard hitter, a strong tackler, he loves contact, and he's fast, something not often found in defensive linemen.

   He's going to fit well in Miami's 4-3 scheme, playing alongside Cameron Wake, Oliver Vernon and Earl Mitchell, Miami looks scarier then usual, and Suh is leading the charge. I see another potential all-pro season ahead for the young man from Nebraska, and a surge in the Miami defense with a special player like Suh in town.

The deal- 6 years, $114 Million, $60 million guaranteed.

2. Darnell Docket, San Francisco 49ers

6-4, 293 lbs. 64th overall pick in 2004.

Year     Age  Tm    Pos No.    G   GS   Sk  Int  Yds   TD  Lng   PD   FF  Fmb   FR  Yds   TD  Tkl  Ast Sfty AV
2004      23 ARI     UT  90   16   15  3.5    1   20    0   20    3    1    0    1   -4    0   33    6       9
2005      24 ARI rdt/UT  90   16   16  0.5    1   14    0   14    3    1    0    0    0    0   19   10       7
2006      25 ARI     UT  90   16   16  2.0    1   -1    0   -1    2    1    0    2   24    0   36   14       6
2007*     26 ARI    rde  90   16   16  9.0    0    0    0    0    1    2    0    2    0    0   43   15      10
2008      27 ARI     DT  90   16   16  4.0    0    0    0    0    1    1    0    3   24    1   37   12       7
2009*     28 ARI     DT  90   16   16  7.0    1    3    0    3    2    1    1    1    0    0   42    9      13
2010*     29 ARI     DT  90   15   15  5.0    0    0    0    0    1    1    0    3    0    1   45    7      10
2011      30 ARI     DT  90   16   16  3.5    0    0    0    0    1    1    0    2    0    0   35   16       9
2012      31 ARI     DT  90   15   14  1.5    0    0    0    0    4                            23   11       8
2013      32 ARI     DT  90   16   16  4.5                                                     36   10       8
2014      33 ARI         90    0                                                                             0
Career                       158  156 40.5    4   36    0   20   18    9    1   14   44    2  349  110      87

    Dockett was a beast his entire career in Arizona. Despite missing 2014 with a torn ACL, Dockett still has signed a 2 year deal with San Francisco and is expected to be a standout in 2015 replacing Justin Smith on the line.

    Dockett has played in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, but his Pro-Bowl seasons always came when playing in the 3-4, where he can play every position on the line. He's a run snuffer for sure, stuffing holes and consistently making tackles to hold run plays in check.

    San Francisco want's him to help the young players that the team will most likely draft to replace him by the end of his contract learn the defense. They have yet to sign any other defensive linemen, and players can always use an experienced player to mentor the other men.

The deal- 2 years, $7.5 million, $2 million guaranteed.

3. Haloti Ngata, Detroit Lions

6-4, 335 pounds. 12th overall pick of 2006. /ha-LOW-tee NAH-tah/

Year     Age  Tm Pos No.    G   GS   Sk  Int  Yds   TD  Lng   PD   FF  Fmb   FR  Yds   TD  Tkl  Ast Sfty  AV
2006      22 BAL rdt  92   16   16  1.0    1   60    0   60    2                            13   18        9
2007      23 BAL RDT  92   16   16  3.0    0    0    0    0    1    1    0    0    0    0   43   20        7
2008      24 BAL rde  92   16   16  1.0    2    8    0    7    6                            43   12       16
2009*     25 BAL  DT  92   14   13  1.5    0    0    0    0    1    1    0    1    0    0   25   10       12
2010*+    26 BAL  DT  92   16   15  5.5    0    0    0    0    4    0    0    1    0    0   46   17       17
2011*+    27 BAL  DT  92   16   16  5.0    0    0    0    0    6    2    0    3   28    1   36   28       18
2012*     28 BAL  DT  92   15   14  5.0    0    0    0    0    1                            33   18       13
2013*     29 BAL  NT  92   15   15  1.5    0    0    0    0    3                            23   29       11
2014      30 BAL  DT  92   12   12  2.0    2   16    0   13    8    2    0    0    0    0   20   15       11
Career                    136  133 25.5    5   84    0   60   32    6    0    5   28    1  282  167      114

    Haloti has had a storied NFL career. A 2 time AP 1st team All Pro, Ngata earned himself AP 2nd Team honors last season for the 4th time in his career, the 6th time he appeared on a AP All Pro team. His style of play and the layout of his career has him compared to the likes of Cortez Kennedy, Warren Sapp, and Richard Dent, all Hall of Fame caliber players.

    Haloti himself has played in 4-3 and 3-4 alignments, playing his rookie season as the teams RDT, and not playing well. While all of his great years have been out of the 3-4, the Lions are hoping that his veteran presence and natural playing ability will grace the defensive front suffering the loss of both Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, and put up some big numbers and play for the Lions desperately in need of some help.

    I think Haloti will perform just fine, in fact, he may overperform. Don't put it past the 31 year old man to perform when the time comes. He always has, and he always should.

The Deal- Ngata and Ravens 2015 7th round pick for Lions 2015 4th and 5th round picks.

4. Nick Fairley, Saint Louis Rams

6-5, 291 lbs, 13th overall pick of 2011

Year     Age  Tm Pos No.    G   GS   Sk  Int  Yds   TD  Lng   PD   FF  Fmb   FR  Yds   TD  Tkl  Ast Sfty AV
2011      23 DET      98   10    0  1.0                                                      9    6       1
2012      24 DET  dt  98   13    7  5.5    0    0    0    0    1    2    0    1    0    0   27    7       4
2013      25 DET  DT  98   15   15  6.0    0    0    0    0    1    2    0    2    4    1   22   13    1  8
2014      26 DET  dt  98    8    8  1.0                             1    0    0    0    0    8    6       4
Career                     46   30 13.5    0    0    0    0    2    5    0    3    4    1   66   32    1 17

    Fairley is another one of Detroits former 1st round draft picks that were spent on putting together a strong defensive line. However, Fairley struggled with injuries all of his career, which is why the Rams have signed him to a one year "Prove-it" deal.

    When he was healthy, he was one of the best defensive linemen in the league. Playing alongside Ndamukong Suh is always a big help, but the fact of the matter is this guy plays with a lot of talent when he does play. He's missed 9 games the past two seasons, and that's a not a big problem for a team who is stockpiling a ton of talent in their defensive line.

    Fairley has a problem with personal foul penalties, he's had 8 excepted in his career, and seeing how there are just 46 games, it's a bit of a worry. He plays rough, and the Rams love to play rough defensive players.

The Deal- 1 year, $5 million, all guaranteed.

5. Jared Odrick, Jacksonville Jaguars

6-5, 301 lbs, 28th overall of the 2010 draft

Year     Age  Tm      Pos No.    G   GS   Sk  Int  Yds   TD  Lng   PD   FF  Fmb   FR  Yds   TD  Tkl  Ast Sfty AV
2010      23 MIA      rde  98    1    1                                                           1    0       0
2011      24 MIA      wlb  98   16    7  6.0    1   39    0   39    2    1    0    0    0    0   20    1       4
2012      25 MIA      LDE  98   16   12  5.0    0    0    0    0    2                            26    9       7
2013      26 MIA   dt/rde  98   16    5  4.5    0    0    0    0    2    1    0    0    0    0   34    9       4
2014      27 MIA dl/DT/lb  98   16   16  1.0    0    0    0    0    5    1    0    1    0    0   23    6       6
Career                          65   41 16.5    1   39    0   39   11    3    0    1    0    0  104   25      21

    Odrick is a variety player. He plays so many different positions, he'll be a great fit in the Jaguars 4-3 scheme. Last season with Miami, Odrick played his first season of 16 starts, and he played pretty much any position on the defensive line, and a good bit of outside linebacker too.

    Odrick can be a great pass rusher. He can be a run stuffer. He has all the tools that Gus Bradley loves to have in his defensive linemen, and alongside Tyson Alualu and Chris Clemons, he's going to be a factor in that defense.

    I can see Odrick setting personal highs in his first season as a Jaguar, he just has the upside and the talent to do so. I think that last season, with Cameron Wake and Oliver Vernon getting the majority of the sacks, the Dolphins used him more as their run guard, and the Jaguars will use him to get at the QB again.

The deal- 5 years, $42.5 million, $22 million guaranteed.

The Indianapolis Colts are Building a Marquee Team

 

    The Indianapolis Colts finished last season with a disappointing blowout loss in New England to the Patriots in the AFC Conference Championship, amid the infamous "Deflate-gate scandal". It was a roller coaster season for the Colts, who finished with an 11-5 season and despite starting 0-2. I had called for an MVP season from Luck, who put up numbers that would normally yield so, 4761 yards, 40 TD's and 16 INT's, alongside 3 rushing TD's, but 13 fumbles, and a 96.5 passer rating made him look sorry compared to Aaron Rodgers, who put up video game perfect numbers again, and beat him, DeMarco Murray and Ben Roethlisburger out for the trophy.

    Luck is one of the best QB's in the NFL, and continues to improve with his uncanny throwing accuracy, his crazy playing style and veteran type leadership that has led the Colts to the playoffs the past 3 seasons. Arguably, you can say that Luck is the best QB in the league, combining his age, his talent and his stats.

    Luck is the reason that veteran players are joining the Colts this season. When former Houston Texan WR Andre Johnson, who has just signed with the Colts today, was asked what was the biggest factor in joining the Colts, he had two words. "Andrew. Luck." Former Niner Frank Gore, who signed with the Colts yesterday, told the press that he "Wanted to be with a team who's got a shot at the trophy", and "Start with Number Twelve, and you've got a chance."

    Frank Gore will be by no means the long term starter in Indianapolis. I think the Colts know this, and they know they are in desperate need of a running back who can be an Edgerrin James. Since James left the team to play for the Cardinals, the Colts have been unable to find a suitable player for that position. I really don't think that the Colts have really tried. Gore can be the next guy they use to mentor the next man they pick out of the draft, whether it be a player like Melvin Gordon, or a later round pick like David Cobb or Jeremy Langford. Gore signed a 3 year $21 million deal, with $12 million guaranteed.

    The Colts starters from last season are mainly intact, despite the fact that they are missing WR Reggie Wayne, who played 15 games last season, catching 64 passes for 779 yards and 2 TD's. 2015 will be Wayne's first season away from the Colts, Johnson's first year away from the Texans.

    What does Andre Johnson bring to the Colts? Johnson is a veteran receiver with over 1000 catches, and 2 100 catch seasons in the past 3 years. Last season, Johnson caught 80 catches for 936 yards, missing 1 game. With a couple young guys in Donte Moncrief, and Duron Carter, and the oldest WR on the team with Reggie Wayne is moving off is TY Hilton. Johnson, who has signed a 3 year, $21 million deal, can teach these young receivers some great technique, and build an even stronger receiving corps for Luck in the future.

    One of those key players that were picked up by the Colts on offense to boost the line was a strong run blocker in Todd Herremans. He's 32, but last season in Philadelphia he was out after week 9 with a foot injury, but he was a huge part in LeSean McCoy's league leading run in 2013. He can offer Frank Gore some good run support on a line the struggled a lot over the past few years.

    On Defense, the Colts have added veteran edge rusher Trent Cole, the former Philadelphia Eagle, to a 2 year $16 million deal. The Colts lacked an elite pass rusher in 2014, something they are looking to fix this season. Cole with the Eagles has registered 6.5 sacks last year, and he has 4 10+ sack seasons in his career. He's going to help Bjorn Werner, the teams edge rusher, a ton this season offering his advice.

    We'll see what the Colts dial up the rest of free agency, and in the draft, but I see a team that is improving rapidly, and that can be quite a challenge in 2015 for the rest of the AFC. With veteran leaders from other teams leaving money to join the Colts for a player like Andrew Luck, it makes this an exciting season for the Colts to run under.

 

Quietly Building Strength, the Cardinals are Looming Toward Super Bowl L

    The best teams in the NFL tend not to draft out of need, but to compliment the team. To bring the best out of each and every prospect that enters the team, through technique coaching, and complimentary playing, using everyone's skills on the field.

    And the Arizona Cardinals seem to do that with everyone they bring onto the team.

    Alright, maybe I'm jumping to quick conclusions. Year II of the Bruce Arians era was a stunning hit, the Cardinals being the best team in the league until Carson Palmer was lost for the season. Andre Ellington, a 6th round pick that the best draft analysts said wouldn't survive in the NFL struggled with injuries, but is still one of the better dual backs in the league. Larry Fitzgerald is still playing at his prime. Michael Floyd is maturing into an All-Pro by the looks of it, and a new deep explosive threat is up and coming in the form of John Brown.

    I had a chance to talk with a former player some weeks ago, Jovan Haye, who spent time on 5 different NFL teams after being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 6th round of the 2005 draft. He told me that back when he played, NFL teams appreciated veteran presence so much more then it does now. He was right. Most NFL teams are bringing in younger players, drafting out of need, and building leaders through hands on experience, not on observation.

    We see that sometimes, this approach, has a tendency to backfire. Have we seen the Jet's players rally around Geno Smith? No. He was expected to be a leader straight out of college, and he's still working on it.
The NFL used to hire veteran players just to add their experience to the squad, and it built strong young players.

    So far, the major loss that Arizona has taken is Darnell Dockett, who left the team to sign with San Francisco, and Dockett missed the entire 2014 season with a bad knee. Despite his loss, Arizona featured a top defense, just with a slight weakness in a spot on the defensive line, notably, his spot. According to Dockett, he gave gave the Cardinals "two or three chances" to match the Niners offer, so obviously, Arizona thinks they have a solution at his position.

    Perhaps they hope the solution will be found in a free agent, as they will host former Indianapolis Colt DE Cory Redding in Tempe tomorrow. Redding tweeted that he is "looking forward to visiting." He's a 12 year veteran, and his presence will be greatly appreciated in the locker room.

    However, Arizona, in my opinion, isn't looking to fix their line with Redding as a long term solution. He's 34 now, and he played 715 snaps in Indianapolis last season. I think Arizona is looking to snatch a development lineman, perhaps a 2nd or 3rd round pick in Marcus Hardison from Arizona State. He is a high upside development pick, and under Redding's influence, he may turn into something Arizona would like to have.

    Also in the mix is former Atlanta Falcon DT Corey Peters. The Cardinals have just signed him today to a 3 year deal bringing in what is estimated to be $3.5 million per year. The interesting thing about Peters is why he chose the Cardinals over 6 other clubs. "Arizona’s entire approach was unique in that they had a plan for me," he said. "Throughout discussions, I thought I could be a good fit there." Peters is extremely versatile, and can play any position on the defensive line in the Cardinals 3-4 scheme, much like Dockett could.

    Another former Falcon is set to join the Cardinals, and that is Sean Weatherspoon. The Falcons Linebacker is very good friends with Peters, and although Weatherspoon missed all of 2014 with a ruptured Achilles tendon, he offers a strong veteran presence and support at the ILB spot that Arizona desperately needs. He's been inked reportedly into a 1 year $4 million deal.

    Add former Pittsburgh Steeler and Oakland Raider OLB LaMarr Woodley to add edge pressure, and I'm not sure what offenses are going to do to try and stop this defense from getting to the QB. Woodley missed a lot of football with the Raiders in 2014, playing in just 6 games and collecting 5 tackles, but he is a proven pass rusher and edge protector, and I think Woodley can be healthy and motivated in 2015 with Arians and comp.

    As if that's not enough news to add to the defense, Arizona is hosting former Broncos LB Nate Irving, someone else who can offer some strong support from the ILB position. Irving is a run stopper by nature, and is coming off of a November ACL tear. He still managed to collect 46 tackles, and can be cheap and helpful in the 2015 season for Arizona.

    Arizona has signed a beast in former Niner offensive guard Mike Iupati. Adding him to the LG position with Jason Veldheer at LT and Jonathan Cooper at RG is going to do nothing but bless the offense that runs behind them. Now having Iupati inked at 5 years $40 million, $22.5 of that guaranteed, the Cardinals have dished out $54 million worth of guaranteed money in the past 3 years to offensive linemen, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss.

    Iupati's arrival has been highly praised by Cardinals alike. Calais Campbell, the teams leader on defense, was thrilled to have him. "He's a beast." Iupati will offer an immediate support on the run game, and a lot of support in pass protection for Carson Palmer, or whoever is playing QB.

    A key player I think Arizona should re-sign is CB Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie played big last year, and I'm not convinced that the Cardinals defense is prepared to allow him to move on. According to current reports, Cromarties decision is down to either resigning with Arizona, the Jets or Cowboys.

    Cromartie is a perfect example of a veteran player that Arizona brought in with concerns on his physical condition, and he outplayed all of his critics, giving the Cardinals the best he had. When he signed his 1 year "trial" contract last season, Cromartie was a hit or miss prospect. He had struggled in New York with Rex Ryan and the Jets, bringing up concerns on his age whether he had outplayed his prime, but an impressive season has turned Cromartie into one of the top defensive free agents at his position on the market.

    Sitting at pick number 24 is pretty sweet for a team doing so well in free agency, so what can Arizona do with the draft to help the team? I think they're talent at the TE position is pretty low, but so is the collective pool entering the draft this season. Maxx Williams from Minnesota is the top contender in the first round, and he should be at least considered by the Cardinals for both his soft hands and his blocking ability. If they don't want to go with a TE, then a player such as OG Tre Jackson should still be on the board to add even more explosion to the offensive line. Remember, not much of this draft will be made out of need, most of it will be made to compliment the team.

    Arizona has too much talent not to cast a shadow in the Super Bowl contender talks. The most important thing for them at the current time is that they're still a solid team, they're basically adding talent everywhere. Arizona is quietly preparing to win Super Bowl L.