NFL Mid-season Report

We're at the midway point of the 2014 NFL season.  Already we've seen multiple passing records broken, a defensive player become a legitimate candidate for MVP, and one heck of a National Anthem.  Although the playoff picture is still a blur, we have a pretty good idea of which teams will succeed, and not, for the rest of the season.  Here are some key points displayed in that first half, as well as what to focus on in the coming months.

DeMarco Murray is on pace to gain 2,104 rushing yards this season; an NFL record.

 

How 'bout Them Cowboys
After losing the first game of the season to the San Francisco 49ers in the Jerry Dome, the Dallas Cowboys have gone 6-2, including going undefeated on the road, and boast the league's best running attack.  So how has a team that has gone 8-8 the past three consecutive seasons suddenly become a championship hopeful?  Turns out time may be the answer.

Beginning with their first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cowboys have been choosing smart, safe players to build upon.  Dez Bryant was that pick.  The next draft brought in starting left tackle Tyron Smith, starting strong side linebacker Bruce Carter, who's having the best season of his career so far, and the current league-leading rusher DeMarco Murray.  Morris Claiborne was drafted a year later, and when he's healthy, he contributes.  The 2013 Draft started bringing the team together with depth in pass-catchers Terrance Williams and Gavin Escobar, as well as adding starters Travis Frederick at center and J.J. Wilcox and strong safety.  The latest draft proved this team would rather win games than be flashy, when the front office picked starting right guard Zack Martin with the 16th overall pick instead the much advertised Johnny Manziel.

But America's Team didn't stop there.  After making a big splash in the 2012 off-season by signing cornerback Brandon Carr, the Cowboys continued to make gutsy moves in free agency.  Additions Justin Durant in 2013 and Henry Melton and Rolando McClain in 2014 have all had stellar starts to the season.
After three seasons of mediocrity, the assembling of these many parts is finally paying off.  The Dallas Cowboys have had their best nine games to start a season since 2009, and despite losing their past two games to Washington and Arizona, with four of their remaining seven opponents below .500,  the Cowboys still have plenty of time to finish with the top record in football.
  


How 'bout Them... Lions?
The Cowboys aren't the only team achieving the unexpected.  The Detroit Lions, if the season ended today, would be the number two seed for the NFC in the playoffs.  The defense is first in the league in total yards and points allowed, giving up a mere 15.8 points per game.  The hiring of head coach Jim Caldwell has led to a new level of performance unreachable with the old organization.

Head Coach Mike Pettine(left) and hometown quarterback Brian
 Hoyer have led the Cleveland Browns to a 5-3 record, including
wins against the Saints and Steelers.

Along with the Lions, the Browns, Dolphins, and Bills are proving parity in the NFL is as present as ever.  Those three AFC teams have five wins each and are all well in the playoff hunt, just two wins away from first place in the conference.  On the other end, the once strong NFC South is looking like the worst division in pro football.  The Falcons are 2-6 despite having an undefeated division record, and the Buccaneers have won one game.  It is the only division in which no one has an above .500 record.
Last season, everyone was asking if the resurgent Kansas City Chiefs are "for real".  These final eight weeks of the 2014 season will show us which teams are.




Rookie Receivers: They Are Who We Thought They Were
Heading into the 2014 NFL Draft, it was clear to many scouts what the top position in the draft was: wide receiver.  The drafted proved that theory correct.  Fifteen receivers were taken in the first three rounds, more than any other position.  But it wasn't hype that led to this.  These young play-makers are building bright careers and are driving the NFL to new heights through the air.

First, some statistics.  Fourteen of these rookie receivers have more than 200 yards receiving this season.  Four of those already have more than 35 receptions.  Seven are all on pace to break 800 total receiving yards by the end of the season, an NFL record.  That will be more hitting that benchmark than there were the past two seasons combined.  Five of them- Sammy Watkins of the Buffalo Bills, Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kelvin Benjamin of the Carolina Panthers, and Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns of the Jacksonville Jaguars- are currently leading their respective teams in most if not all major receiving categories.
Currently leading all rookies in receiving yards, speedster Sammy Watkins was valued highly by Buffalo, as they traded up to the fourth pick in the draft to get him.   Mike Evans was drafted three picks later by the Bucs to compliment an aging Vincent Jackson, but since then he has taken over the number one receiving spot as a tall, physical Z receiver.  Kelvin Benjamin was the man Carolina had been desperately seeking since the departure of Steve Smith, and while I personally felt he needed one more year in college to develop his game, he has since proven me wrong.  Jacksonville, despite drafting the highly rated Marqise Lee, are led by two other first year receivers in Allen Robinson and the undrafted Allen Hurns.  New Orleans' Brandin Cooks, Pittsburgh's Martavis Bryant, Cleveland's Taylor Gabriel, Philadelphia's Jordan Matthews, Green Bay's Davante Adams, Arizona's John Brown, and the Giants' Odell Beckham Jr.  are also all making a difference on the field.

New rules about defending receivers have given offensive coordinators the freedom to draw up more pass-heavy playbooks.  These incredible pass-catchers will not only continue to perform, but will get better with time.

Kelvin Benjamin is tied with Sammy Watkins, Allen Hurns, and Martavis Bryant for most receiving
TDs by a rookie this season, with 5.

 Tonight, AFC North leaders Cincinnati host division rival Cleveland in a Thursday Night Football showdown.  That division is the only division with all winning records.  As we move into November and edge closer to the playoffs, the 2014 NFL season continues to captivate fans across the country.

2014 NFL Season Predictions

2014 Season Predictions:

NFL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS
-NFC NORTH                        -NFC SOUTH
 Packers    (11-5)                   Saints       (11-5)
 Vikings    (8-8)                     Falcons      (10-6)
 Bears       (7-9)                     Panthers    (9-7)
 Lions       (7-9)                     Buccaneers (7-9)

-NFC EAST                            -NFC WEST
 Eagles      (12-4)                    Seahawks (12-4)
 Cowboys  (7-9)                      Cardinals  (10-6)
 Redskins  (7-9)                      49ers        (9-7)
 Giants      (6-10)                    Rams        (3-13)

-AFC NORTH                         -AFC SOUTH
 Bengals    (8-8)                     Colts        (10-6)
 Steelers   (8-8)                      Jaguars    (9-7)
 Ravens    (7-9)                      Titans      (7-9)
 Browns    (6-10)                    Texans     (5-11)

-AFC EAST                            -AFC WEST
 Patriots    (11-5)                    Broncos    (12-4)
 Dolphins  (6-10)                    Chiefs       (11-5)
 Jets         (6-10)                    Chargers   (7-9)
 Bills         (3-13)                    Raiders     (4-12)


NFL AWARDS
-NFL MVP: Peyton Manning
-NFL Offensive POY: Peyton Manning
-NFL Defensive POY: Patrick Peterson
-NFL Offensive ROY: Blake Bortles
-NFL Defensive ROY: Jadeveon Clowney
-NFL Comeback POY: Julio Jones
-NFL Coach of the Year: Chip Kelly


DIVISION LEADERS
AFC                                  NFC
-Broncosxyz*                       -Eaglesxyz*
-Patriotsxyz                         -Seahawksxyz
-Coltsxy                                 -Saintsxy
-Bengalsxy                          -Packersxy

WILD CARD TEAMS
AFC                                  NFC
-Chiefsx                              -Falconsx
-Jaguarsx                            -Cardinalsx

(x:wild card, xy:divison, xyz:1st-rnd bye, xyz*:home-field advantage)



PLAYOFFS
Wild Card                Division             Conference            Super Bowl

 Falcons                   Saints                           
 Packers                   Seahawks              Eagles
                            NFC                              vs.                     Eagles
 Cardinals                Packers                 Seahawks
 Saints                      Eagles
                                                                        2014 NFL Champion:  Denver Broncos
 Chiefs                    Colts
 Bengals                  Patriots                 Broncos
                            AFC                              vs.                    Broncos
 Jaguars                   Chiefs                   Patriots
 Colts                      Broncos



OTHER PREDICTIONS
-Browns switch to Johnny Manziel halfway through the season, Manziel throws for 1,400+ yds, rushes for 200+ yds
-Mark Ingram rushes for 10+ TDs
-Bishop Sankey rushes for 1,200+ yds, 9+ TDs
-Eagles forge the highest offensive yardage and points total of the season
-Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu combine for 8+ INTs, lead Cardinals defense to league-low in passing yards against

-With the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select:
The loss of Sam Bradford will prove too damaging for an already struggling team.  The big question heading into the off-season will be whether or not to draft a new quarterback.

-Most Improved Team: Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta will prove that last season was a fluke.  With the return of Julio Jones and a meaner, nastier defense, the Falcons will regain form and return to the playoffs.  The Jaguars and Cardinals were also considered for this spot.

-Super Bowl XLIX Champion: Denver Broncos
Last season, the Broncos made it all the way to the big game before falling flat on their face.  Without the Seahawks defense standing in their way this time, Peyton Manning, DeMarcus Ware and co. will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Glendale, retaining Peyton's status as arguably the best ever.


Week 1 starts tonight.

2014 NFL Season Preview

Football is back.

Four nights ago, the New York Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills 17-13 under the lights of the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton.  Training camps have been under way for a little over two weeks, and already plenty of intriguing stories have been making rounds.  Here are some of the top questions surrounding camps heading into the preseason and eventually the 2014 regular season.


-Which rookie quarterbacks will start for their teams this season?
There is a youth movement at the quarterback position in the NFL.  More and more franchise GMs are willing to risk letting a rookie quarterback lead their offense.  The 2011 season saw three rookie quarterbacks throw over 300 passing attempts.  The 2012 season had five.  Last season had three, and even that was a lacking draft class at the position.  I wouldn't be surprised if this season puts up another three or four.  The Jaguars made it clear Blake Bortles was their future under center by drafting him third overall.  The Browns, while reports say Brian Hoyer may be having the better training camp and will start the team's  first preseason game, will probably start Johnny Manziel a majority of the season, unless Hoyer is consistent and puts on a pro bowl worthy performance(which I wouldn't be surprised to see).  The Vikings snatched up in my opinion the best rookie passer in the draft in Teddy Bridgewater, and there's no reason he shouldn't be starting week one.  The Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr may have a bit more work to do to supplant Matt Schaub as Oakland's man.  Lastly, I will bring up a far less popular rookie in Tajh Boyd.  Boyd is currently fourth on the Jets' depth chart behind Geno Smith, Michael Vick, and Matt Simms.  He probably won't get much if any playing time this season, but if he impresses in the preseason, if Smith under-performs, and if Vick gets injured, Boyd may just have a chance to show Rex Ryan he is the future quarterback for the Jets.

Johnny Manziel performs in a passing drill at Cleveland Browns training camp.

-Who is the best cornerback in the league?
We've heard it from just about everyone this summer.  The Jets' second year man Dee Milliner, who only had three interceptions last season, said it.  Even Packers offensive guard T.J. Lang had to tweet it:

Since everybody else is saying it, I might as well join. I am the best corner in the NFL.
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) July 2, 2014

There are a few front-runners for this title; Richard Sherman of the Seahawks, Patrick Peterson of the Cardinals, Joe Haden of the Browns, and Darrelle Revis of the Patriots.  But one, by statistics and overall public opinion, holds the crown: Richard Sherman.  In 2013 he led the league in interceptions(8) and tied for 2nd in pass deflections(24).  Over the past three seasons, Sherman intercepted one of every eight passes thrown his way.  He has incredible instincts to go along with his sizable frame of 6'3", 195 lbs.  Sherman plays similarly to how DBs like Charles Woodson and Asante Samuel used to play; high risk, high reward, and with Sherman it's mostly the latter.  However, Patrick Peterson is close.  He can shadow a receiver better than anyone, and he plays all over the field, drawing comparisons to Deion Sanders.  The stats weren't all there last season, but the stats don't tell everything.  This argument will surely become a heated competition come week one.

Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks lost a few cogs in their "Legion of Boom", including Brandon Browner(right) to the New England Patriots.

-Can the Seattle Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl Champions?
Over the past ten seasons, the task of repeating the previous season's performance as the team at the top has become more and more improbable.  The Super Bowl Champions have a target slapped on their backs, often a small exodus occurs, and in the end they even struggle to make the postseason the following year.  This season, the Seattle Seahawks are given the chance to break history.  However, many of the other 31 contenders will be looking to deny them that title.  The defending AFC Champion Denver Broncos have licked their wounds from one of the most lopsided Super Bowls in recent memory, and maybe even got better, with ex-Steeler receiver/return man Emmanuel Sanders replacing Eric Decker, Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware joining the defense, and Peyton Manning returning just as hungry as ever.  Within that same division, Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to prove last season was no fluke.  The Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons want to prove their 2013 seasons were just that.  The New England Patriots now boast an impressive secondary of their own.  Mark December 7th on the calendar; the Seahawks travel to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the new-look Philadelphia Eagles in what could be the game of the year.  The Eagles not only gave Nick Foles the starting job this offseason, but also added more ammunition in rookies Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff, gained a year's worth of experience in Chip Kelly's bizarre but effective play style, and slotted Darren Sproles next to LeSean McCoy in what will be a terror for opposing defenses.  The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts also got better in numerous areas.  The San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers, despite having taken a step back since last year, still are both extremely formidable threats.  Some even claim the Browns and Jaguars have evolved into playoff teams.

The Saints and Eagles are each considered top five favorites to win the Super Bowl.  Here, then-Saint now-Eagle Darren Sproles fights through defenders in the 2013 wild card matchup between the two teams.

The next four weeks will be tests not only for teams as a whole but for individuals.  As the Cinicinnati Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis said, "you learn the team and how to play the game in training camp, but you make the team in the preseason games".  As teams gear up for their first preaseason matches tonight and into the weekend, all of them are fighting for the title of Super Bowl XLIX Champions.

Top 2014 Team Drafts

The 2014 NFL Draft was filled with storylines.  Nine defensive backs were chosen in the first round.  Popular names like Jadeveon Clowney, Johnny Manziel, and Michael Sam participated.  Many analysts feel it is pointless to grade a team's draft class, especially right after the draft, but it is necessary heading into the off-season to address what teams are focusing on and what else they will need to do to improve their rosters.  These draft classes were tougher to grade than last year's, with the Bills, Steelers, Titans, and Jets just missing the cut (even though I feel Boyd could surprise and challenge Vick and Geno for the Jets' starting QB job).  Here are the best team drafts of 2014, again with grades included:

Blake Bortles was the first quarterback taken off the board at the 2014 NFL Draft.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Grade: A
Notable Draft Picks:
Rnd. 1, pick 3(3rd overall): Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Rnd. 2, pick 7(39th overall): Marqise Lee, WR, USC
Rnd. 2, pick 29(61st overall): Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
Rnd. 3, pick 29(93rd overall): Brandon Linder, OG, Miami
Rnd. 4, pick 14(114th overall): Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma
Rnd. 5, pick 4(144th overall): Telvin Smith, MLB, Florida State
Rnd. 7, pick 7(222nd overall): Storm Johnson, HB, Central Florida
The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted their franchise quarterback with the 3rd pick in the draft.  Then they went ahead and got him two complementary pass catchers to throw to and a guard to block for him, and on top of that brought in his college running back.  Include drafting two solid defensive players and signing a ton of promising free agents, and you have one heck of an off-season.  Bortles has both the tangibles and intangibles to be Jacksonville's quarterback of the future, and will be leading an offense with a talented young receiving corps and a growing offensive line.  Colvin, Smith, and Johnson should find their spots on a roster that is pointing towards a bright future for this rapidly improving franchise.

Clowney was the first defensive player to go #1 in the draft
since 2006, when the Texans selected Mario Williams.

2. Houston Texans
Draft Grade: A-
Notable Draft Picks:
Rnd. 1, pick 1(1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Rnd. 2, pick 1(31st overall): Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA
Rnd. 3, pick 1(65th overall): C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa
Rnd. 3, pick 19(83rd overall): Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame
Rnd. 4, pick 35(135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh
Rnd. 6, pick 1(177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama
Rnd. 6, pick 5(181st overall): Alfred Blue, HB, LSU
Rnd. 6, pick 35(211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn
Rnd. 7, pick 1(216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt
When you draft a prospect who's touted as the greatest defensive player since Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor, you make this list.  Even if he was the first pick in the draft.  Clowney, paired up with fellow draftee Nix and 2012 defensive MVP J.J. Watt, will make opposing quarterbacks scared stiff. Su'a-Filo and Fiedorowicz should assist the blocking on the offensive side of the ball, and it's also worth noting that Prosch helped pave the way for Auburn's #1 ranked running game last season.  Hal is an undersized but underrated cornerback out of the defensive-focused SEC.  Savage's hype was just that- hype, and Houston is still desperate at receiver after Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, but this draft is a definite boost after taking a big step back in 2013.


3. Minnesota Vikings
Draft Grade: A-
Notable Draft Picks:
Rnd. 1, pick 9(9th overall): Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Rnd. 1, pick 32(32nd overall): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Rnd. 3, pick 8(72nd overall): Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State
Rnd. 3, pick 32(96th overall): Jerick McKinnon, HB, Georgia Southern
Rnd. 5, pick 5(145th overall): David Yankey, OG, Stanford
Rnd. 6, pick 6(182nd overall): Antone Exum, CB, Virginia Tech
In just the previous three drafts combined, the Minnesota Vikings have addressed every component of a football roster in the 1st round except for the one they don't need(running back).  This draft was perhaps the most important of those three, as they picked up a raw yet dynamic pass rusher in Barr as well as their franchise quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater.  Both were the top prospect at their respective positions in my draft rankings, and both will fill key spots for a team on the cusp of becoming a regular playoff contender.  The only reasons this isn't ranked ahead of the Texans draft class are that Crichton, McKinnon, and Yankey are average talents at best, and there aren't as many notable draft picks as Houston had.  Nabbing Antone Exum with a 6th round pick however is an absolute steal.

For the third consecutive year, the Vikings had more than one first round draft pick.

Here are a few other teams that impressed at the draft:


Atlanta Falcons
Draft Grade: B+
Notable Draft Picks: Jake Matthews, Ra'Shede Hageman, Dezmen Southward, Devonta Freeman, Prince Shembo, Ricardo Allen, Yawin Smallwood
After an extremely disappointing 2013 campaign, Atlanta knew it needed to get bigger and nastier on both sides of the ball.  They've achieved that this off-season, collecting big-bodied linemen and aggressive playmakers.  Freeman is my 5th ranked halfback and Smallwood is from the same mold as fellow Husky and now Oakland Raider Sio Moore.


Chicago Bears
Draft Grade: B
Notable Draft Picks: Kyle Fuller, Ego Ferguson, Will Sutton, Ka'Deem Carey, David Fales
Three of the four NFC North teams had great drafts, the Lions being the exception.  Here, the Bears got better on defense, maintaining a group of exceptional cornerbacks and bolstering the defensive line.  Carey and Fales are decent backups to Matt Forte and Jay Cutler, respectively.


Green Bay Packers
Draft Grade: B+
Notable Draft Picks: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Davante Adams, Khyri Thornton, Richard Rodgers, Carl Bradford, Jared Abbrederis, Jeff Janis
I would've preferred Calvin Pryor to Clinton-Dix, but he's still a fantastic pick, and Pryor was already taken by then.  The receivers the Packers drafted are near-perfect targets for Aaron Rodgers, and Green Bay may not have made this list without them.


San Francisco 49ers
Draft Grade: A-
Notable Draft Picks: Jimmie Ward, Carlos Hyde, Marcus Martin, Chris Borland, Brandon Thomas, Bruce Ellington, Dontae Johnson, Aaron Lynch
San Francisco seems to either hit or miss in the draft under Jim Harbaugh.  This class is another success.  A lot of guys fill first team needs, including Ward at safety next to Eric Reid, Borland next to Patrick Willis with Bowman remaining out until at least mid-season, and Martin at center                                                           after the departure of Jonathan Goodwin.


St. Louis Rams
Draft Grade: B+
Notable Draft Picks: Greg Robinson, Aaron Donald, Lamarcus Joyner, Tre Mason, E.J. Gaines, Garrett Gilbert, Michael Sam
Reuniting Mason and his top college run-blocker Robinson is a great move.  Donald, Joyner, Gaines and Sam provide depth to an increasingly volatile defense.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft Grade: B
Notable Draft Picks: Mike Evans, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Charles Sims
Even though the back half of their draft class leaves something to be desired, grabbing two big-bodied pass-catchers in Evans and Seferian-Jenkins is a huge boost to the young offense, and although there will be a battle at the quarterback position, Lovie Smith and company should appoint Josh McCown as the starter to lead them.

2014 NFL Mock Draft

My 2014 NFL Mock Draft:

mock draft without trades:

-1.  Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

-2.  Rams(from Redskins): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

-3.  Jaguars: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

-4.  Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

-5.  Raiders: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

-6.  Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

-7.  Buccaneers: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

-8.  Vikings: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

-9.  Bills: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

-10.  Lions: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan St.

-11.  Titans: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma St.

-12.  Giants: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame

-13.  Rams: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

-14.  Bears: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

-15.  Steelers: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

-16.  Cowboys: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

-17.  Ravens: C.J. Mosley, MLB, Alabama

-18.  Jets: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

-19.  Dolphins: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

-20.  Cardinals: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno St.

-21.  Packers: Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville

-22.  Eagles: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

-23.  Chiefs: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon St.

-24.  Bengals: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn

-25.  Chargers: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida St.

-26.  Browns(from Colts): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

-27.  Saints: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

-28.  Panthers: Davante Adams, WR, Fresno St.

-29.  Patriots: Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

-30.  49ers: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

-31.  Broncos: Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA

-32.  Seahawks: Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

mock draft including trades, signified by (( )).

-1.  Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

-2.  Rams(from Redskins): Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

-3.  Jaguars: Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

-4.  Browns: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

-5.  Raiders: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

-6.  Falcons: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

-7.  Lions((from Buccaneers)): Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan St.

-8.  Vikings: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

-9.  Bills: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

-10.  Buccaneers((from Lions)): Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

-11.  Titans: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma St.

-12.  Giants: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame

-13.  Cowboys((from Rams)): Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

-14.  Bears: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

-15.  Steelers: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

-16.  Jets((from Rams((from Cowboys)): Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

-17.  Ravens: C.J. Mosley, MLB, Alabama

-18.  Rams((from Jets)): Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida St.

-19.  Jaguars((from Dolphins)): Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

-20.  Cardinals: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno St.

-21.  Packers: Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville

-22.  Eagles: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

-23.  Chiefs: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon St.

-24.  Bengals: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn

-25.  Chargers: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

-26.  Browns(from Colts): Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

-27.  Saints: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

-28.  Panthers: Davante Adams, WR, Fresno St.

-29.  Vikings((from Patriots)): Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

-30.  49ers: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska

-31.  Broncos: Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA

-32.  Jets((from Seahawks)): Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Top 5 Prospects By Position

We're nearly seven days away from the start of the 2014 NFL Draft.  Here are my rankings of the top five prospects at each position:

Jimmy Garoppolo holds EIU's career passing yards and TDs records,
beating Sean Payton's and Tony Romo's numbers.

Quarterback
1. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
2. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
3. Blake Bortles, Central Florida
4. Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois
5. Derek Carr, Fresno State

Running Back
1. Bishop Sankey, Washington
2. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
3. Tre Mason, Auburn
4. Devonta Freeman, Florida State
5. Storm Johnson, Central Florida

Wide Receiver
1. Sammy Watkins, Clemson
2. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

Sammy Watkins is widely considered the top receiver in the draft.

3. Mike Evans, Texas A&M
4. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
5. Marqise Lee, USC

Tight End
1. Eric Ebron, North Carolina
2. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
3. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
4. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa
5. Troy Niklas, Notre Dame

Center
1. Marcus Martin, USC
2. Travis Swanson, Arkansas
3. Bryan Stork, Florida State
4. Russell Bodine, North Carolina

Gabe Jackson was a two-time team captain at Mississippi State.

5. Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma

Guard
1. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State
2. Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA
3. Trai Turner, LSU
4. David Yankey, Stanford
5. Cyril Richardson, Baylor

Offensive Tackle
1. Greg Robinson, Auburn
2. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
3. Taylor Lewan, Michigan
4. Zack Martin, Notre Dame

Daniel McCullers(#98) is freakishly imposing at a monstrous 6'7" 352 lbs.

5. Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama

Defensive Tackle
1. Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
2. Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
3. Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota
4. Daniel McCullers, Tennessee
5. Will Sutton, Arizona State

Defensive End
1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
2. Kony Ealy, Missouri
3. Dee Ford, Auburn
4. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
5. Kareem Martin, North Carolina

Chris Borland won numerous accolades during his college career, including
2009 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the
Year.

Outside Linebacker
1. Anthony Barr, UCLA
2. Khalil Mack, Buffalo
3. Kyle Van Noy, BYU
4. Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
5. Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech

Inside Linebacker
1. C.J. Mosley, Alabama
2. Chris Borland, Wisconsin
3. Preston Brown, Louisville
4. Max Bullough, Michigan State
5. Christian Jones, Florida State

Cornerback

Jason Verrett helped lead TCU's defense to an FBS tied-for-6th best 19
interceptions in 2013.

1. Jason Verrett, TCU

2. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
3. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
4. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
5. Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska

Safety
1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
2. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
3. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
4. Deone Bucannon, Washington State
5. Terrence Brooks, Florida State

2014 NFL Draft: Underrated Talent

The 2013 NFL Draft was considered a draft with few great players but countless good players.  The 2014 NFL Draft will be different.  Some of these underrated prospects have the potential to break records right out of the gate, while others will take time before becoming stars of the gridiron.

For ex-scouts Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, Teddy Bridgewater is the top QB in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Teddy Bridgewater
Height:  6'2" Weight:  214 lbs.
Position:  Quarterback
College:  Louisville
This is one of the toughest quarterback classes to figure out in recent memory.  That said, Teddy Bridgewater is my top pick at the position.  He doesn't possess the pizzazz of Johnny Manziel or the velocity of Blake Bortles, but his accuracy, poise, mechanics, and drive are what will make him the finest signal-caller of his class.  Bridgewater had a breakout season in 2012 when he ranked 6th in FBS in completion percentage with 68.5%, 7th in passer rating with 160.5 and led the Cardinals to an upset win against Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.  His 2013 campaign was even better, in which he led Louisville to a one-loss season and improved his statistics in virtually every major passing category.
Perhaps Bridgewater's best attribute is his fundamentals.  He is a very technically sound quarterback, with impressive intangibles, mental toughness, and a high football IQ.  Through all these factors, he has a perfect pro comparison in Aaron Rodgers.  Likely to be drafted early in the 1st round, Teddy Bridgewater will be the turning point for any team in need of a sterling, franchise quarterback.
NFL Comparison: Aaron Rodgers

Storm Johnson runs away from Baylor linebacker
Eddie Lackey for one of his three TDs in the
2013 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Storm Johnson
Height:  6'0" Weight:  209 lbs.
Position:  Running Back
College: UCF
Central Florida's top prospect in the 2014 draft is quarterback Blake Bortles.  Their number two prospect is Storm Johnson.  A transfer from the U in 2011, Storm racked up an AAC-high of 1,139 rushing yards in 2013 and 14 rushing touchdowns- tied for third in UCF history.  He, like Bridgewater, has a very accurate NFL comparison in Frank Gore.  Both are downhill runners with not the highest top speed, but they utilize their exceptional vision and tough-to-bring-down running style to advance their way through defenses.  What Storm lacks in power compared to Gore, he surpasses him in shiftiness and agility.  A 2013 First-team All-AAC member, Storm Johnson should be one of the few running backs drafted on day 2 in May.
NFL Comparison: Frank Gore


Odell Beckham Jr.
Height:  5'11" Weight:  198 lbs.
Position:  Wide Receiver

Odell Beckham Jr. made countless displays of athleticism at
LSU, including this acrobatic catch against UAB and
this jaw-dropping touchback against Georgia.

College:  LSU
Wide Receivers are often considered the biggest draft risks each year.  Despite this, my first 2014 mock draft had eight wide receivers drafted in the first round.  In one of the best receiver groups I've ever seen, Odell Beckham Jr., along with Clemson phenom Sammy Watkins, Oregon State's Brandin Cooks, USC's Marqise Lee, and Texas A&M's Mike Evans, will be the toast of the class.  Beckham had a stellar 19.5 yards per catch in 2013; second most of FBS players with 50+ catches and .7 behind Evans. He also averaged a respectable 26.4 yards per kick return.  At LSU, he and Jarvis Landry were the top wideout duo in all of college football.  He has slot receiver speed and sets the standard for creating separation and going up and grabbing a pass.  Odell Beckham Jr. will give any offense(and special teams unit) an extremely potent new weapon.
NFL Comparison: Victor Cruz

Kony Ealy
Height:  6'4" Weight:  273 lbs.
Position:  Defensive End
College:  Missouri
Missouri's defensive end Michael Sam made waves this offseason when he made public that he will be the NFL's first openly gay player.  The Tigers' other defensive end, Kony Ealy, is also a highly touted prospect with a promising future.  A First-team All-SEC selection, Ealy terrorized offensive lines along with Sam, together generating a combined 20.5 sacks in 2013.  He can perform a wide variety of moves to get to the quarterback, a rarity in seasoned pass-rushers that's starting to become a coveted trait in younger athletes.  On top of his impressive physical stature and skills, he is an extremely team-oriented player.  Always putting his teammates first, Kony Ealy's numerous positives are what make him a bright, dependable draft prospect.
NFL Comparison: Trent Cole

Kony Ealy forces a sack-fumble on Auburn QB Nick Marshall in the 2013 SEC Championship game.

Jimmie Ward's(#15) ability to attack downhill is perhaps his
strongest suit.

Jimmie Ward
Height:  5'11" Weight:  193 lbs.
Position:  Strong Safety
College:  Northern Illinois
Northern Illinois' best draft prospect is not quarterback Jordan Lynch, it's Jimmie Ward.  He is a prototypical safety; severely aggressive towards the ball, attacks downhill, and seems to be everywhere at once when on the field.  He excels at making plays right at the point of contact, and has the additional plus of being a dynamic special teams player.  While he may take a season or so to mature into a pro, Third-team All-American Jimmie Ward is definitely a product worth being patient with.
NFL Comparison: Ed Reed




These next five prospects are even more undervalued:


Silas Redd

Silas Redd shows quick patience against Syracuse.

Height:  5'10" Weight:  212 lbs.
Position:  Running Back
College:  USC
Silas Redd is an example of a running back who, due to multiple factors such as injuries and a crowded position group, received limited playcalls throughout his college career.  In the NFL nowadays, most teams create playbooks around halfback committees anyways.  Redd has many underrated running back characteristics, from effective pass protection to a constant leg drive.  Teams looking to add consistency to their backfield would benefit from snatching Silas Redd in later rounds.
NFL Comparison: Fred Jackson

Jeff Janis
Height:  6'3" Weight:  219 lbs.
Position:  Wide Receiver
College:  Saginaw Valley State
If Beckham Jr. and Watkins are the top prospects of this receiver class, then Jeff Janis could be the biggest steal.  After surprising many with a blazing 4.42 40 at the NFL Combine, Janis' draft stock soared, and deservedly so.  He has the strong receiving game to back up his speed, showing physicality deep down-field, and carrying a passion for the game with him throughout.  Despite playing in division II his college career, Jeff Janis will jump at the chance an NFL team should surely grant him, and they won't regret it.
NFL Comparison: Eric Decker

Will Sutton

Despite his height, Will Sutton weighs in at a heavy 303 lbs.

Height:  6'0" Weight:  303 lbs.
Position:  Defensive Tackle
College:  Arizona State
Will Sutton is a stout defensive tackle.  He is shorter than most defensive lineman in the NFL, and sometimes plays like it.  There are also times when he will make plays most defensive lineman in the NFL can't.  He has a rare body-type some franchise GMs will shudder at.  But surprise may be his best tool.  With a widely impressive resume and football genes(his father played in the NFL for five seasons), Will Sutton is another diamond in the rough draft prospect.
NFL Comparison: B.J. Raji

Jeremiah George
Height:  5'11" Weight:  234 lbs.
Position:  Middle Linebacker
College:  Iowa State
As a sports statistician, I worked the 2013 Cy-Hawk Trophy game in which, although Iowa State lost, Jeremiah George produced a team-high 13 tackles.  He has an excellent mental game and is a forceful leader on defense.  George currently lacks the size to truly be the top tackler in an NFL defense, but if he can gain some muscle, he would have considerable potential.
NFL Comparison: Colin McCarthy

Stanley Jean-Baptiste
Height:  6'3" Weight:  218 lbs.
Position:  Cornerback
College:  Nebraska
When I first saw Stanley Jean-Baptiste make a play, I thought he was an undersized, athletic outside linebacker.  As a former wide receiver, Jean-Baptiste has the explosive instincts to not only gravitate towards the ball, but to catch it, shown in his team-leading 4 interceptions and 12 pass deflections in 2013.  He led all cornerbacks in the vertical jump at the NFL Combine with a 41.5" leap, and tied for 3rd at the position with a 10'8" broad jump.  Stanley Jean-Baptiste may be the most underrated prospect in the entire draft, and has all the prized features to flourish at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Charles Woodson

Stanley Jean-Baptiste, who played in JUCO out of high school, had two pick-sixes in his college career, this one against
Southern Mississippi in 2013.

With less than four weeks to go before the 2014 NFL Draft, these prospects' dreams are that close to becoming reality.

2013 NFL Season

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson commemorated his Super Bowl performance to his father, who passed away four years ago, but for Wilson, was "watching from the 50 yard line".

So ends the 2013 NFL season.

Right off the bat, we saw what kind of season this was going to be; a season dominated by the passing attack.  In week 1, only three players racked up over 100 rushing yards, and one wasn't even a running back(Terrelle Pryor).  Throughout the year, quarterbacks threw for 7 touchdowns in a game, a perfect passer rating, and 5,000 yards.  We saw a veteran signal-caller play so ridiculously well that it's embarrassing how many experts(including myself) didn't pick him to be MVP from the start.
Perhaps one of the most interesting stats of the NFL, that this season supported, has to do with scoring teams winning the Super Bowl.  The fact is, none of the top eight highest scoring teams have.  And while all those passing stats are significant, they didn't matter when it came to the playoffs.  The four quarterbacks who led their teams to their respective conference championship games were ranked 1, 6, 16, and 20 in season passing yards, and 4,9,12, and 19 in season passer rating.  When it comes to the championship, you need more than just a potent offense.  A tenacious defense is needed to not only stop, but demoralize the opposing team.  This is exactly what the world champion Seattle Seahawks did last night, and now they hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in franchise history.

During the offseason, teams make moves and transactions in hopes of achieving that glory. 
As the NFL Combine, NFL Draft, and the rest of the offseason fly by, a new champion will eventually be crowned, and will make their mark in NFL history.

NFL Playoffs: Conference Championships

Conference Championship picks:

Wes Welker will be facing his former team, and while he never had as low receiving yardage on New England as he's had
on Denver, he has more touchdowns this season than he ever had in a season with Brady throwing him the ball.

(1)Denver Broncos vs. (2)New England Patriots
With the exceptions of the Texans and Falcons, just about every team that was expected to go far this season, did.  In fact, the Broncos, Seahawks, Patriots, and 49ers were probably the top four most popular picks to win the Super Bowl at the beginning of the season.  When these four teams go at it today, we won't get anything less than expected.  The Broncos and Patriots square off first, after a wild week 12 shootout between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady that ended with the wind(literally) favoring New England.  Peyton however is 6-0 in rematches within a season since 2008, and Brady has been putting up mostly pedestrian numbers his entire 2013 campaign.  Last week, both teams shifted their play-calling to the run game, something they had done at other points in the season, and succeeded.  This time around, both squads will need their entire offenses.  That bodes well for Denver, who has the better offensive attack, and while defense is usually just as important, this playoff game won't feature much of it.  In Manning-Brady XV, not even the great Brady-Belichick duo will be ably to stop The Sheriff.

Prediction: Broncos 34  Patriots 30

Michael Crabtree has a solid 31 receptions for 435 yards and 1 touchdown in 7 games this season(including postseason)

(1)Seattle Seahawks vs. (5)San Francisco 49ers
The last time any team made it to the Super Bowl in consecutive seasons, Tom Brady was winning his third NFL championship.  The San Francisco 49ers plan to be next.  At the C-Link tonight, the 49ers and Seattle Seahawks go at it for the fifth time in two seasons.  The Seahawks found out on Friday they won't have their game-changing playmaker Percy Harvin.  This greatly affects their offense in that they will need to rely more on their core players Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.  This usually wouldn't be a problem for Seattle, but they're playing San Francisco, against whom Wilson performs average at best, and, no matter how well "Beast Mode" has done in the past, has a defense built to abolish the run.  Since 1990, teams from the same division have met in the conference championship four times.  The road team has won three of them.  Even with the Seahawks defense and Legion of Boom playing their best, Kaepernick, Gore, and the rest of the 49ers will emerge victorious, and head to a showdown of epic proportions at MetLife Stadium.

Prediction: Seahawks 16  49ers 24

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round

Divisional Round picks:

Marshawn Lynch will turn on his "beast mode"
against the Saints.

(1)Seattle Seahawks vs. (6)New Orleans Saints
Since 2005, when a six-seed plays a one-seed in the playoffs, the six-seed has won six of eight total matchups.  The Seahawks, when playing a team twice in a season, have only won both games five of twenty times.  After this weekend, that number will be six.  In a battle of short statured quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Drew Brees will have to rely on their entire supporting casts to get a win.  Both teams have a strong pass-rush and an average offensive line.  This will force both teams adjust, which in turn will boil the game down to one factor; the 12th Man.  New Orleans painted a Seahawk logo on their turf and blared crowd noise through the Superdome speakers, but it isn't the same effect.  Even with all the favorable statistics, this is where the Saints quest for a second Super Bowl trophy in four years will come to an end.  Also, I'm feeling a Bobby Wagner pick at some point.

Prediction: Seahawks 34  Saints 20

Tom Brady hasn't had his best season, but hasn't slowed
when it comes to the playoffs.

(2)New England Patriots vs. (4)Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck may be the hottest name in the NFL right now.  That game last Saturday in Indy was one of the best playoff comebacks by an individual player I've ever seen.  Luck will look to duplicate that performance at Gillette Stadium tonight.  The Colts blindsided the Patriots earlier this week by signing ex-Patriot receiver Deion Branch, looking to fill a void in the receiving corps.  New England has some holes too.  However, even though they've struggled at various points in the season, I can't see Tom Brady losing this one.  His playoff experience and knack for making heroes out of nobodies on offense will carry the Patriots to the next round.

Prediction: Patriots 31  Colts 17

(2)Carolina Panthers vs. (5)San Francisco 49ers

With 120 individual tackles, 5 sacks, 11 passes defensed,
2 INTs, 4 FFs, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive TD,
NaVorro Bowman is a Defensive POY candidate.

With Michael Crabtree active, the 49ers are undefeated this season.  Yes, I know that's only six games, but it's not without evidence.  The last time these two teams played each other, it was a nose to the grindstone fight, with only one touchdown scored and both quarterbacks throwing under 170 yards.  Crabtree didn't play, and San Francisco's speedy tight end Vernon Davis and rookie safety Eric Reid both left due to injury before the final whistle blew in favor of Carolina.  In Cam vs. Kaep 2.0, the outcome will be reversed.  While these teams are extremely similar- both have a dual-threat QB, a mediocre receiving corps., and a dominant defense, especially their front sevens- the one with the playoff experience, home crowd, and hottest hand(s) will move on to the NFC Championship.

Prediction: Panthers 17  49ers 20

Peyton Manning broke nearly all major passing records this
season, including passing yards and passing TDs in a season.

(1)Denver Broncos vs. (6)San Diego Chargers
Peyton Manning had arguably the best season a quarterback has ever had in the NFL.  He and the "four horsemen" have created the most potent offense in league history.  Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker, and Julius Thomas each have 10 or more touchdown receptions.  Knowshon Moreno has 10 rushing touchdowns.  All these factors will bring the San Diego Chargers' season to an end.  The Broncos only lost three games all season, but the Chargers are riding their own 5-game winning streak into this matchup.  But while many point to San Diego's upset of Denver earlier this season, people forget Denver handled the first contest between these two division rivals.  Peyton will do it again Sunday in a high-scoring affair.

Prediction: Broncos 42  Chargers 31