Training Camp Report: NFC East and NFC North

Training camps are finally underway around the NFL.  This is the start of a four day, four post series where I will examine the biggest question mark surrounding each team in each division, beginning with the NFC East and NFC North.

The Redskins are hoping Robert Griffin III can return to this form and make a run for the championship in 2013.

NFC EAST

Washington Redskins
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q:  How will Robert Griffin III's injury and absence in the preseason affect the offense?

RGIII's media coverage has grown to almost Tebow-esque proportions.  Everyone is waiting to see if he'll follow up his magical rookie year that included a 102.4 QB rating with a sophomore campaign that'll be just as if not more successful.  The Redskins front office is being safe with his injury in holding him out of the presesason.  They don't want to be overly aggressive in getting their top offensive weapon back on the field.  Kirk Cousins played fantastic as his backup, and should be able to fill in again if RGIII falls.

A:  Not Much.  Pierre Garcon claimed earlier last week they can be the "best offense ever".  With a growing receiving corps., a durable workhorse running back, and either quarterback at the helm, they have a respectable shot.

New York Giants
(2012 record: 9-7)
Q:  How effective will the new running game be?

Two seasons ago, Earth(Brandon Jacobs) and Fire(Ahmad Bradshaw)(no Wind in Derrick Ward) were arguably the best running back tandem in the NFL as they won their second Super Bowl in four years.  Now, both are gone, and two young second-year backs are eager to prove themselves.  David Wilson's second pro play from scrimmage was a fumble.  On special teams however, his incredible burst and overall speed that he also showed at Virginia Tech were on full display, and hinted at his true potential out of the backfield.  His 20-pounds heavier counterpart Andre Brown is more of a balanced half back with a bit more unpredictability.

A:  Very.  While head coach Tom Coughlin has moved from a run-based offense to an air it out passing attack, he knows the value of having a reliable running game, and will bring out the best in these two young stars.

Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys are ready to be a top 5
team in the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys
(2012 record: 8-8)
Q:  Can Tony Romo lead his team to an NFL Championship?

The Cowboys are the most put together team in this division.  They've bolstered their offensive line and have solid playmakers at nearly every position.  Dez Bryant is now an extremely dominant deep threat, after ranking 3rd in the league in receiving touchdowns and 6th in receiving yards in 2012.  The remaining receivers are reliable, as is the rest of the offense.  On the other side of the ball, DeMarcus Ware leads an amped up defense with promising defenders like Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr who combined for 108 total tackles as cornerbacks.

A:  It's possible.  Romo has the best overall team he's ever had in Dallas.  He needs to show this year that he can lead them to the top.

Philadelphia Eagles
(2012 record: 4-12)
Q:  Will Chip Kelly's specific spread offense be successful?

The Eagles went from "dream team" to cellar dweller in two seasons.  Last season, while the placed near the middle of the league in offensive yards, they were ranked 28th in total touchdowns with a mere 29, and owned a league-worst -24 turnover differential.  They had players with the right talent, but simply did not have a brain trust who knew what to do with it.  By hiring new head coach Chip Kelly from Oregon, it shows the organization wants to go in a radically new direction with the offense.

A:  It's tough to predict.  Many teams have had a newfound success with the option, but none were as unique as Kelly's will be.  With speedsters DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Domenic Hixon and Michael Vick, as well as the stable Nick Foles, he has the tools that could make it work.


NFC NORTH



Aaron Rodgers must work without veterans
Greg Jennings and Donald Driver in 2013.

Green Bay Packers
(2012 record: 11-5)
Q:  What will the team do at safety?

Charles Woodson departed from the Packers this offseason and joined his original squad in the Oakland Raiders.  The 2013 draft was full of capable safeties, so when the Packers didn't pick any, many draft personnel were bewildered.  The team was consistently overwhelmed down the middle of the field in 2012, both by slot receivers and scrambling quarterbacks.  Now Morgan Burnett, who has six career interceptions, is their top safety, with M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian alternating beside him.

A:  It seems clear that the coaching staff is satisfied with their current depth at the position, and as long as the younger players continue to learn, they should be able to contain most offenses as Aaron Rodgers and the commanding Packer offense fight to regain the Lombardi Trophy.

Minnesota Vikings
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q:  Will the three first-round draft picks be effective?

Another clear question for the Vikings is will Adrian Peterson repeat his performance from last season, but I feel the answer is too obvious.  He absolutely obliterated defenses even when they stacked eight players in the box, and that's not going to change this season.  With such a dominant weapon, the Vikings front office realized the opportunity in front of them, and drafted three strong needs in the first round in defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, cornerback Xavier Rhodes, and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.

A:  Absolutely.  Leslie Frasier has shown that he can develop rookies succesfully, and with the solid 2013 draft, the Vikings now legitimately threaten the defending NFC Central champs.

Chicago Bears
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q:  Can Jay Cutler be an elite quarterback?

The Bears defense was devastating to all offenses in 2012.  Even without it's old leader Brian Urlacher, it will continue to be a concern of opposing offenses.  The Bears offense is a different story.  They have proven they cannot win the championship with just a great defense and a solid running game, and therefore have been building a stronger passing attack to head the offense.  Brandon "The Beast" Marshall, up and coming receiver Alshon Jeffery, and newly acquired tight end Martellus Bennett combine for one of the top receiving threats in the league.  After reinforcing the offensive line through both the draft and free agency, Jay Cutler is out of excuses.

A:  Doubtful.  Even with all the tools a quarterback would need to go far in the playoffs, Cutler may simply not have the raw throwing ability and talent to make the necessary plays.



Detroit Lions Training Camp.

Detroit Lions
(2012 record: 4-12)
Q:  Is this team disciplined enough to battle playoff teams?

The Lions have had countless off the field problems.  On the field, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Ndamukong Suh are clear leaders.  However, this team isn't going anywhere with all their extra baggage.  The immaturity of the coaching staff as well as the roster needs to stop.

A:  Not yet.  Just as some believe they have turned this mostly disastrous franchise around, something happens that drops the expectations back down to a harsh reality. 

Dog Days of Football

This is the time of year when football news is few and far between.  The stories of the previous season are a memory.  As "training camp month" begins, new stories will form as predictions become reality(or not), and teams will start to mold into the on-the-field products fans long to see each fall.

Top 2013 Team Drafts

With the 2013 NFL Draft now over, it is time to analyze.  This draft saw many rarities, from three teams only drafting five players, to no running back being selected in the first round since 1963.  What it lacked in star power, it produced in depth, and therefore many teams picked up many solid players.  Only a select few teams however truly aced the draft.
Here's a look at my top three best team drafts of the 2013 NFL Draft, with grades included:

Vikings GM Rick Spielman(far left) and Head Coach Leslie Frazier(far right) look on happily as Minnesota's first round
draft trio displays their new jerseys to the media.

1. Minnesota Vikings
Draft Grade: A
Notable Draft Picks:
Rnd. 1, pick 23: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Rnd. 1, pick 25: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St.
Rnd. 1, pick 29: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Rnd. 4, pick 23: Gerald Hodges, OLB, Penn St.
Rnd. 7, pick 7: Michael Mauti, MLB, Penn St.
Rnd. 7, pick 23: Everett Dawkins, DT, Florida St.
This is an obvious choice.  GM Rick Spielman's brilliance was on full display as he and his team managed to snag three picks in the first round, and didn't even lose a 2014 draft pick to do it.  Many draft gurus were shocked to see Sharrif Floyd fall as far as he did.  The Vikings, already with two picks in the first round, decided he was worth whatever risk other teams were repelled from him for.  Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson fill the most obvious needs on the team, boosting the air attacks on both sides of the ball.  Fellow Penn State linebackers Gerald Hodges and Michael Mauti have a chance to make an impact, at least on special teams, and Everett Dawkins provides depth for an already crushing, run-stopping defense.  After stunning experts and making the playoffs last season, the Vikings continue their achievement streak with the best draft of 2013.

2. St. Louis Rams

The Rams' brass drafting college teammates Tavon Austin and Stedman
Bailey is the best thing to happen to Sam Bradford in the NFL.

Draft Grade: A
Notable Draft Picks:
Rnd. 1, pick 8: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Rnd. 1, pick 30: Alec Ogletree, MLB, Georgia
Rnd. 3, pick 9: T.J. McDonald, FS, USC
Rnd. 3, pick 30: Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia 
Rnd. 4, pick 16: Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
Rnd. 5, pick 16: Brandon McGee, CB, Miami
Rnd. 5, pick 27: Zac Stacy, HB, Vanderbilt
Growing up as a 49ers fan, it is tough to say this, but this is my favorite team draft.  While all three of these drafts are deep, this one may be the most.  The drafting of WVU duo Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey, along with Bama tackle Barrett Jones' protection, sparks life in a seriously lacking passing attack.  Alec Ogletree is flexible in that he can play any linebacker position.  T.J. McDonald and Brandon McGee help a growing secondary.  Zac Stacy is a great pick with great timing.  They don't need a top running back as most think they do because I believe Daryl Richardson will blossom this year after racking up 638 total yards behind Steven Jackson.  All together, these newly acquired weapons give the Rams more ammunition in a very stacked NFC West.


3. San Francisco 49ers
Draft Grade: A-
Notable Draft Picks:
Rnd. 1, pick 18: Eric Reid, FS, LSU
Rnd. 2, pick 8: Cornellius Carradine, DE, Florida St.
Rnd. 2, pick 23: Vance McDonald, TE, Rice
Rnd. 3, pick 26: Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn
Rnd. 4, pick 31: Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
Rnd. 4, pick 34: Marcus Lattimore, HB, South Carolina
Rnd. 5, pick 24: Quinton Dial, DE, Alabama
The Rams had a phenomenal draft.  The 49ers struck gold too.  The defending NFC champs bolstered an already formidable team.  After trading up to draft Eric Reid which filled a need at safety post-Dashon Goldson's departure, San Francisco picked up Cornellius Carradine, along with two other defensive ends later in the draft, to fill the void left by Isaac Sopoaga and the bound to retire soon Justin Smith.  Offensively, the Niners drafted Vance McDonald, proving that two solid tight ends is considered a necessity in today's NFL.  Quinton Patton has the skills to play outside at receiver, complimenting Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, where he can immediately contribute.  Finally, we come to Marcus Lattimore.  My favorite player in the game today is Frank Gore.  He's tough, can receive, loves to pass block(a rarity in half backs), and has incredible field vision.  As much as he is a 49er forever, he can't play forever.  If San Francisco was to draft any back, this was the best choice.  Lattimore's horrific injury may be a gift in the long run.  He will sit behind Gore, learn from him, and only become better at what he is already talented at.  While they just missed out on a ring this past season, the 49ers may have just given themselves the upgrade to push them to the top.

Eric Reid holds up his 49ers draft jersey with his daughter at the 2013 NFL Draft.

Other Excellent Team Drafts:


Arizona Cardinals
Draft Grade: B+
Notable Draft Picks: Jonathan Cooper, Kevin Minter, Tyrann Mathieu, Alex Okafor, Stepfan Taylor, Ryan Swope, Andre Ellington
These are almost all rock solid picks with a low chance of busting.  The only need the Cardinals didn't address in the draft or during post-draft free agency is quarterback, something I still believe they lack.  Carson Palmer is not the answer.

Cincinnati Bengals
Draft Grade: A-
Notable Draft Picks: Tyler Eifert, Giovani Bernard, Margus Hunt, Sean Williams, Sean Porter, Rex Burkhead, Cobi Hamilton
The first three picks could all be considered first round prospects.  The only reason this isn't one of my top three team drafts is the latter half lacks potential.

Green Bay Packers
Draft Grade: B+
Notable Draft Picks: Datone Jones, Eddie Lacy, David Bakhtiari, Jonathan Franklin, Micah Hyde, Charles Johnson, Sam Barrington
GM Ted Thompson drafted many players that perfectly fit Green Bay's playing style.  I could see all the notable picks starting at some point.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Grade: B+
Notable Draft Picks: Luke Joeckel, John Cyprien, Dwayne Gratz, Ace Sanders, Denard Robinson, Josh Evans, Demetrius McCray
Joeckel is the best offensive lineman in the draft(yes, better than Eric Fisher).  New Head Coach Gus Bradley's presence was noticed as five of Jacksonville's eight picks are defensive backs.  This could be the most exciting season ever for Jaguars fans, with a radically new team(and jersey).

Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft Grade: A-
Notable Draft Picks: Jarvis Jones, Le'Veon Bell, Markus Wheaton, Shamarko Thomas, Landry Jones
This is an urgently efficient team draft in that the first four notable picks could all start a considerable amount of games this season.  Head Coach Mike Tomlin and co. still showed aggressiveness while only trading up once.  Wheaton and Thomas were two of my favorite prospects heading into the draft.


San Diego Chargers
Draft Grade: B+
Notable Draft Picks: D.J. Fluker, Manti T'eo, Keenan Allen, Steve Williams
This is again a team draft where the first three picks were all considered to go in the first round. It is a classic example of a GM mixing needs with the best players available.

We're 95 days away from the Hall of Fame game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.  As the off-season draws to a close, coaches and fans alike will be eager to see these rookie classes in action.

2013 NFL Mock Draft

It's Christmas for me.  I'm busy opening the present that is the nine hour pre-draft show on NFL Network.  My gift to you is my mock draft.

1.  Chiefs: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

2.  Jaguars: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

3.  Raiders: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

4.  Eagles: Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

5.  Lions: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

6.  Browns: Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU

7.  Cardinals: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

8.  Bills: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

9.  Jets: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

10.  Titans: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

11.  Chargers: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida St.

12.  Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida St.

13.  Jets(from Buccaneers): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

14.  Panthers: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

15.  Saints: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

16.  Rams: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

17.  Steelers: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

18.  Cowboys: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

19.  Giants: Alec Ogletree, MLB, Georgia

20.  Bears: Manti Te’o, MLB, Notre Dame

21.  Bengals: Eric Reid, S, LSU

22.  Rams(from Redskins): Kyle Long, OG, Oregon

23.  Vikings: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

24.  Colts: D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston

25.  Vikings(from Seahawks): Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

26.  Packers: Matt Elam, S, Florida

27.  Texans: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

28.  Broncos: Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

29.  Patriots: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise St.

30.  Falcons: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

31.  49ers: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

32.  Ravens: Arthur Brown, MLB, Kansas St.

The 2013 NFL season begins now.

A New Breed of NFL Quarterback

Dual-threat quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick are becoming more prevalent in the modern NFL.

(I wrote this paragraph shortly after Super Bowl XLVII.  It didn't fit into what I was writing then, but considering I haven't posted something new in a while and the NFL Draft is approaching, I felt it was appropriate to post now.)

Before Cam Newton, the mobile quarterback was becoming a dying breed.  Attaining one was looked at as more of a safeguard option than a championship plan, and passing was becoming the most popular way to win games.  After Cam's statistical success in the air and on the ground in 2011, teams reopened their playbooks to welcome this evolution of the most important position in the sport.  They devised new play formations, some already used at the collegiate level, and adapted them to fit in an NFL system.  Player personnel looked for athletic signal callers to lead their franchises.  Now, this new collection of play-makers is challenging the conventional QBs for a share of the title elite.  The latest high point of the scrambling quarterback came in the final game of the NFL post-season, where 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick challenged an underrated gunslinger in Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.  Using the pistol formation at its finest, thanks to offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Kaepernick went 7-3 in his first ten starts, and led a more than compelling playoff run to the Super Bowl.  While he failed to complete the final pass needed for a Niners championship, he helped cement the future of the mobile QB in the National Football League, and helped pave the way, along with Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, for hopeful newcomers like West Virginia's Geno Smith and Florida State's E.J. Manuel.  As these new competitors bring their specialized talent under center, the traditional play of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers will always be carried on, specifically by the Matthew Staffords, Andy Daltons, and Andrew Lucks of the league, leading to a truly intriguing future for the NFL quarterback.

2013 NFL Draft: Underrated Talent

My favorite phase of the complete NFL year is in full swing.  It is the phase when dreams of playing pro football begin to mold into reality for NFL hopefuls.  Franchises' personnel are creating and editing their prospects lists with hopes of finding ideal athletes.  These specific prospects may go into the NFL Draft undervalued, but they have the promising factors to rise to greatness.

 Tavon Austin displayed versatility in West Virginia's final regular season game of 2012 by catching four passes 

for 110 yards and rushing 12 times for 77 yards, an average of 27.5 yards per catch and 6.4 yards per carry.

Tavon Austin
Height:  5'8"  Weight:  174 lbs.
Position:  Wide Receiver
College:  West Virginia
If it weren't for his size, Tavon Austin would be my top pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.  After achieving ridiculous high school stats(2,660 rushing yards, 34 touchdowns), Austin continued to open eyes as a Mountaineer, snagging more than 100 receptions in both his junior and senior seasons.  He gained an astounding 2,910 all-purpose yards and scored 17 total touchdowns in 2012, enough to be named first-team All-American as an all-purpose player and awarded the Paul Hornung Award.
While it is a standard for NFL scouting profiles to list a pro player the prospect's play style is similar to, it is difficult to find a player for Austin, simply because there are few that have the unique skill set he possesses.  His ability to cut in a dime and keep his acceleration is unparalleled.  His hands, while small, assure scouts that he is a receiver first, everything else second.  He may lack the strength to compete with a select number of defensive backs in the NFL, but his speed(4.34 40-yard dash) would turn the match-up in his favor.  As an elite, multi-position athlete, Tavon Austin will be a centerpiece to any NFL offense.
NFL Comparisons: Andrew Hawkins, Percy Harvin

Joseph Fauria lays out for a dazzling touchdown grab as he helped UCLA
crush Colorado 45-6  in 2011.

Joseph Fauria
Height:  6'7"  Weight:  258 lbs.
Position:  Tight End
College:  UCLA
The recent evolution of the tight end over the past few years has prompted an increase in popularity at the position.  Many young players who were too big to be a wide receiver but too fast to be a lineman have welcomed the shift, as it is now a vital part of several offenses.  Joseph Fauria is one of those players.  The nephew of former NFL tight end Christian Fauria, Joseph has a lean, athletic build to go with his admirable height and reach.  He is a ball-seeking missile in the red zone, and despite other scouting reports, I believe will be solid in the open field after the catch.  His blocking may not be the best of the tight end prospects, but with long legs and great hands, JosephFauria will continue the trend of speed tight ends in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Jimmy Graham

Larry Warford
Height:  6'3"  Weight:  332 lbs.

Larry Warford allowed 0 sacks in his stellar senior season.

Position:  Offensive Guard

College:  Kentucky
A good offensive line is vital to the success of a football team.  The upcoming NFL Draft is loaded with promising linemen, and offensive guard Larry Warford is at the top of my list.  Despite his average number of bench press reps(28) at the NFL Combine, his game tape shows he can be the strongest player on the field.  Warford is the ideal size for a pro guard, shows terrific footwork, and is specifically strong at the role of pulling guard, something many NFL teams desire.  While his physical skills are excellent, perhaps his best trait is his character.  He is well-spoken, has a personable nature about him and a positive attitude. Overall, these countless qualities point to Larry Warford becoming a team captain and genuine leader of the franchise smart enough to acquire him.
NFL Comparison: Amini Silatolu


Cornelius Washington
Height:  6'4"  Weight:  265 lbs.
Position:  Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
College:  Georgia
There may have been no end of a defensive line in college football more feared than the right side of the Bulldogs 3-4 defense in 2012.  With the star prospect Jarvis Jones lined up behind him, Cornelius Washington was the assistance on the rush.  When it comes to talent however, he is an equal.  Washington impressed at the NFL Combine, showing burst on his 4.55 40-yard dash, displaying strength with 36 reps on the bench press, and shocking scouts with a 39" vertical jump.  He uses his long arms and legs to get inside through the B-gap and destroy offensive game plans.  While he is projected to be an outside linebacker in the NFL, I feel he would do better staying at his college position coming from a three-point stance, or playing a down OLB on the blitz in a 3-4 defense.  His off-the-field conduct may be an issue, as he was suspended 2 games for a DUI in 2011.  Possibly severely underrated, Cornelius Washington will cause trouble for many offensive linemen.
NFL Comparison: Aaron Kampman

   The 2012 Georgia Bulldogs had one of the most formidable defenses in college football, led by ILB Alec Ogletree(#9),
OLB Jarvis Jones(#29), and DE Cornelius Washington(#83).

USC Free Safety and team captain T.J. McDonald intercepts
 Arizona St. QB Taylor Kelly.

T.J. McDonald
Height:  6'2"  Weight:  215 lbs.
Position:  Free Safety
College:  USC
USC coaches knew the gift they were getting when T.J. McDonald, son of former Trojan safety Tim McDonald, committed to Southern California.  T.J., or Tim Jr., despite not playing a lot his freshman year, burst onto the second-team All-Pac-10 roster in just his second year at USC.  He continued his sound overall play throughout his college career, ending with 275 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 17 pass deflections, and 8 interceptions.  He plays with the tenacity of a true safety, producing hard hits and making his presence known on the field.  His height makes him a bit stiff for a defensive back, but T.J. McDonald is nevertheless a talented play-maker who will make any defensive coordinator happy.
NFL Comparison: Harrison Smith




Here are five more prospects I believe will surprise:

Collin Klein
Height:  6'5"  Weight:  226 lbs.
Position:  Quarterback
College:  Kansas St.
Most NFL experts say Collin Klein is at best a fullback/tight end in the NFL.  However, I believe he has the ability, given the right situation, to thrive at his college position.  Quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III, and Cam Newton have proven that the option can work in a pro system, and Collin Klein could continue that case.  I can see him leading a team using the pistol formation and other creative option formations.  He has an awkward throwing motion, and I question his deep pass accuracy, but Klein is phenomenal at play-action and has the capacity to succeed in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Colin Kaepernick

Mike James celebrates after running in the game winning touchdown against
Georgia Tech in overtime.  He had  four total touchdowns on the day.

Mike James
Height:  5'10"  Weight:  223 lbs.
Position:  Running Back
College:  Miami
The U is well known for developing NFL-ready players, and Mike James is one of them.  He had great Senior Bowl stats that reflected his physically tough style of play.  His durability and power are becoming increasingly rare in true running back prospects.  James is a very balanced workhorse back who keeps his legs moving, and will be a great addition to an NFL backfield.
NFL Comparison: Shonn Greene



Keenan Allen
Height:  6'2"  Weight:  206 lbs.
Position:  Wide Receiver
College:  California
The Golden Bear is already high up on many draft boards to begin with, but his skills are still underestimated.  Like Mike James, I feel Allen is very prepared for the pro game.  His body reach is unrivaled on the 2013 prospect panel, and he runs every part of the route tree to perfection.  He has very few negatives with countless positives.  As a dominant receiver all over the field, Keenan Allen has a budding future in the NFL that knows no boundaries.
NFL Comparison: Jordy Nelson

Amos has run past many defenders as a wide
 receiver for the Blue Raiders.

Anthony Amos
Height:  5'11"  Weight:  190 lbs.
Position:  Wide Receiver
College:  Middle Tennessee St.
Anthony Amos has been nearly non-existent in draft talks, despite his impressive body control and exceptional play-making.  With his strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game, and solid senior season stats(72 receptions for 992 yards and nine touchdowns), he has the potential to be a poor man's Wes Welker.
NFL Comparisons: Wes Welker, Danny Amendola


Devin Taylor
Height:  6'7"  Weight:  266 lbs.
Position:  Defensive End
College:  South Carolina
During his college career, Devin Taylor was not as praised as his defensive-line teammate, prodigy Jadeveon Clowney.  However, Taylor has incredible athleticism that will translate well at the NFL level.  His draft stock has been rising over the past few months, with a spectacular outing at the Shrine Game and a scout-pleasing NFL Combine performance.  He has big play ability that can change the momentum of a game.  Physically imposing at a freakish 6'7", I believe Taylor has the potential to be a first-round talent in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Julius Peppers

Devin Taylor runs an interception 55 yards back for a touchdown in 2011.

All draft classes have areas that shine and others that disappointment.  These future NFL stars will be the steals of the 2013 NFL Draft, with bright fortunes ahead of them.

2012 NFL Season

Ed Reed cherishes the Lombardi Trophy.

The 2012 NFL Season has come to a close.  Its epic finale is over as quickly as its preseason began.  And yet, the crusades of all thirty-two teams will forever be enshrined in the hearts and minds of many.  From the first training camp of the summer to the final whistle of Super Bowl XLVII, the world of football witnessed incredible performances, tragic losses, and dramatic finishes in its 43rd NFL Season.
It began with a bang.  On the emotional 11th anniversary of 9/11, teams scored a combined 791 points, a record high for week 1.  We saw the return of two of the best players at their positions in NFL history.  We saw a rookie quarterback become a league favorite in a day.  We saw all 32 teams begin their pursuit of that coveted championship.
As the season rolled on after its chaotic opening slate of games, new story lines formed.  Replacement referees nearly caused a boycott.  A quarterback who was a phenomenon the previous season struggled to bring in victories, until finally showing his passion and true skills by ending the teams rough season with a four-game winning streak.  A tie game occurred.  Two age-old records were broken, as  Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas' consecutive games with a touchdown pass record, and Calvin Johnson blew past Jerry Rice's receiving yards in a season mark.  Many playoff games came down to the final seconds.  A head coach made a risky decision to sit his talented starting quarterback for a young athletic leader, who ended up one play away from a championship.  Finally, we saw one of the greatest ever to play the game ride off into the sunset with the Super Bowl trophy in hand.

As the autumns come and go, memory becomes history.  Most teams feel a sense of defeat after a championship-less season, and the melancholic feeling that comes with starting all over again sinks in before being replaced with the hope and aspirations for the upcoming year.  The NFL landscape is ever-changing, and surely enough, players, coaches, executives, and other NFL staff will return before long, and once again begin this momentous journey towards football glory.