Month: February 2016

Predicting the NFL Combine Stock Risers

 

The NFL Combine kicks off on Friday as these athletes begin to compete in order to improve their draft stock. Each year, several players improve their stock while others may hurt their stock. These former college stars are going to do their best to show their athletic ability and potential at the next level. Which players are going to move up the board leading t0 the draft? Let’s find out!

NFL Combine Risers:

Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

A couple months ago, Paxton Lynch was a favorite as the first overall pick of the draft. He has a big frame and a strong arm. Right now, Lynch is the number 3 quarterback on most big boards. Also, his poor performance in his final game at Memphis didn’t help his case. Going into the combine, Lynch will get to show off his arm strength and his versatility. His big frame shows his potential, which will get scouts excited. If Lynch performs well, he can be back in the conversation of Jared Goff and Carson Wentz as the first pick, making this draft even more interesting.

Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

The more I watch Corey Coleman, the more and more impressed I get. Although he is listed at only 5’11”, he has one of the highest verticals of the athletes competing in Indianapolis. He is very fast and has some of the best hands in all of college football last season. He is able to go up and compete for catches, as shown by his 20 receiving touchdowns in 2015. I think Coleman will solidify himself as the best receiver in this class come the draft. I think with his athletic ability, he will translate very well to the NFL.

Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

Another Baylor player here on the list, Andrew Billings is a beast. Three years ago, Billings broke a record set by Mark Henry for the most combined weight lifted in the bench press, squat, and deadlift. Billings is one of the strongest men competing the draft, and he will hope to put up the most reps in the bench press competition. Last season, Billings was one of the best run stoppers in the country. Using his unique strength, he was able to dominate the trenches. After the combine, Billings may rise as one of the best defensive tackles in the draft.

Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State

Right now, Jalen Ramsey is the highest ranked player on my board. He is also one of the most athletic players in all of the combine. Last year, we saw Byron Jones shatter many records, and Ramsey may be putting up similar numbers. Ramsey is a unique player that can play all over the defensive secondary. This makes him a hot pick in the NFL Draft. I expect Ramsey to be in the top 3 of all the defensive backs in each competition. This will improve his stock even more, making him almost a lock as a top 5 pick.

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

Braxton Miller is a hit or miss player. After making the transition to the wide receiver position last year at Ohio State, Miller excelled very well. He had a solid Senior Bowl and is continuing to rise up the draft boards. After playing all over the Ohio State offense throughout his career, it displays his capability to convert to the NFL. He will be one of the fastest players at the combine and will be competitive in other events. With only one year of experience and already showing a lot of good signs, Miller has a lot of room to improve. Come the draft, Miller very well could be a mid to late first round selection.

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Top 10 Players Entering the 2016 CFB Season

The 2016 college football season is just around the corner. With several great players moving on to the NFL, including Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, the door is open for new players to step up and prove themselves. Which players are going to step up? Who is going to have a breakout season? Which players are going to lead their team into the College Football Playoff? Let’s dig in on my list of the Top 10 Players Entering the 2016 CFB Season!

10. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA (So.)

2015-16 Stats: 292/487,  3670 YDs, 23 TDs, 11 INTs

It may be a little bit of a stretch here, but Josh Rosen has one of the highest upsides in all of college football. A natural pocket passer, Rosen led UCLA to eight wins. He had a solid first year at UCLA despite being only a true freshman. Coming back, he will feel more comfortable having a year under his belt. I think he will drastically improve his efficiency this year with a decrease in interceptions. He is a potential dark horse for the Heisman this fall.

9. JT Barrett, QB, Ohio State (Jr.)

2015-16 Stats: 93/147, 992 YDs, 11 TDs, 4 INTs; 115 CAR, 682 YDs, 11 TDs

While JT Barrett missed significant amount of time last fall due to a suspension and a split of time with Cardale Jones, he still was a major threat on the field. Coming back this season, Barrett will look to match his numbers from 2014, for which accounted for 47 touchdowns, playing in only 12 games. He will also be asked to take a bigger role on the offense will Cardale Jones, Ezekiel Elliot, Braxton Miller, and Michael Thomas all moving on to the NFL. Ohio State will build their offense around Barrett, making him an early favorite as Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2016.

8. Jabrill Peppers, CB/S, Michigan (Jr.)

2015-16 Stats: 45 TKLs, 5.5 TFL, 0 INTs; 18 CAR, 72 YDs, 2 TDs

While his numbers aren’t as impressive as another player on this list, Jabrill Peppers is one of the best athletes in college football. Ranked by many the second best recruit coming out of high school, Peppers has proved to be every bit of exciting as we expected. For this reason, Michigan does their best to get him on the field; whether it is his natural defensive position, a return man, or even a ball carrier on the offense. I think he will make a tremendous leap this season on the defensive side of the ball. Jim Harbaugh is one of the best coaches in college football, and will bring the best out of him in the 2016 CFB season.

7. Desmond King, CB, Iowa (Sr.)

2015-16 Stats: 72 TKLs, 8 INTs, 1 TD

The 2015 Jim Thorpe Award winner elected to return to Iowa for his senior season. King was a ball hawk all season long, wracking up 8 interceptions, good for 2nd best in the country. He was the best player for an Iowa team that finished 12-2 in 2015. King is also an effective return player, setting up his offense in good situations each time he touches the ball. It may be tough for King to match his numbers in 2016, but he is still one of the best cornerbacks in the nation.

 

6. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State (Jr.)

2015-16 Stats: 229 CAR, 1691 YDs, 19 TDs; 24 REC, 244 YDs, 1 TD

Dalvin Cook is one of the most underrated players in college football. After becoming more of a piece in the offense in 2015 after the departure of Jameis Winston, Cook was very tough to stop. He is a tough runner with good break away speed. Although he had a poor performance in their bowl game, he had several great moments of 2015. One game to look at is the rivalry game against Florida, where Cook rushed for 183 yards and two touchdowns against one of the best rushing defenses in the SEC. Ultimately, Cook will be a major factor in helping Florida State contend with Clemson for the ACC Championship.

5. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M (Jr.) 

2015-16 Stats: 59 TKLs, 19.5 TFL, 11.5 SKs, 1 INT

Ranked the highest defensive player on the list, Myles Garrett deserves every bit of recognition. Listed at 6’5″ and 260 pounds, he is the best edge rusher in the country. He has been dominating this position since his true freshman season at Texas A&M. Many, including myself, believe Garrett will be a top 5 pick come the 2017 NFL Draft when he is eligible. Either way, Garrett is going to enjoy his time giving quarterbacks in the SEC nightmares over the next season.

4. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma (Sr.)

2015-16 Stats: 269/395, 3700 YDs, 36 TDs, 7 INTs; 141 CAR, 405 YDs, 7 TDs

Baker Mayfield has one of the best stories in college football. After becoming the starting quarterback of Texas Tech as a true freshman from walking-on, he had a good season even though he missed significant time. After making the move to Oklahoma and sitting out a year, Mayfield took over full duties as the Sooner play caller. He had a tremendous season, leading the Sooners to the College Football Playoff. After just coming up short as a Heisman Finalist, look for Mayfield to do his best to make it to New York next year. Mayfield is a well-trusted leader that will give everything he has to get Oklahoma back into the postseason.

3. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU (Jr.)

2015-16 Stats: 300 CAR, 1953 YDs, 22 TDs; 19 REC, 253 YDs, 1 TD

While Leonard Fournette may have been overshadowed by Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, he was still a dominant force in the SEC. With little help on the offensive side of the ball, Fournette carried this LSU team to a very good start to the season. Watching Fournette play, it is hard to find any weaknesses. He has tremendous size and can run away from some of the fastest defensive backs. Also, he have proved to run through most linebackers in between the tackles. There has been speculation that Fournette may sit out this year in order to preserve himself for the NFL, but I don’t think it is true. He is a serious contender for the Heisman in 2016, so expect another big year from this guy.

2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford (Jr.)

2015-16 Stats: 337 CAR, 2019 YDs, 8 TDs; 45 REC, 645 YDs, 5 TDs; 15 PR, 130 YDs, 1 TD; 37 KR, 1070 YDs,  1 TD

The numbers just keep increasing for this guy. It was hard to argue that Christian McCaffrey wasn’t the most exciting player of the season. He broke NFL legend Barry Sanders’ record for all-purpose yards, accounting for a staggering 3864 yards. He posted 368 yards in the Rose Bowl (also a record) in a blowout win against Iowa. McCaffrey lines up all over the field and can beat you in so many ways. He is easily the best player in the Pac-12 this fall, and coming up just short on our list as number one. He is a serious threat for any team and is likely the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy winner in 2016.

1. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson (Jr.)

2015-16 Stats: 333/491, 4104 Yds, 35 TDs, 13 INT; 207 CAR, 1105 YDs, 12 TDs

After watching the National Championship game between Alabama and Clemson, it was clear that Watson may have been the best player in college football LAST year. After putting up 40 points against the best defense in the land, Alabama, Watson showed us how good of an athlete he is. After punishing opponents with his arm and legs all season long, he continued to do it on the biggest stage, despite being only a sophomore. Even though he came up short, the Heisman finalist led the Tigers to a 14-1 record. Also, Clemson is a likely favorite as the preseason number one team next season. Watson is a smart player with good leadership. Going into the 2016 CFB season, he is the best player that will be walking on the fields on Saturdays.

 

 

Agree or disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

 

 

Key: YDs = Yards, TDs = Touchdowns, CAR = Carries, REC = Receptions, TKLs = Tackles, TFL = Tackles For Loss, INTs = Interceptions, SKs = Sacks, PR = Punt Returns, KR = Kick Returns

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Dates to Remember: NFL

Feb. 16: Teams can designate franchise or transition players

Possible Tag Canidates

  • Von Miller
  • Brock Osweiler
  • Justin Tucker
  • Cordy Glenn
  • Josh Norman
  • Alshon Jeffery
  • Eric Berry
  • Mohammed Wilkerson
  • Kirk Cousins

Feb. 23-29: NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

March 1: Deadline to designate franchise or transition players is 4 p.m. Franchise tags are one-year fully guaranteed contracts for players set to become free agents.

March 7-9: Teams can begin to contact and enter into contract negotiations with agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents March 9. Contracts cannot be signed until 4 p.m. March 9.

Top Free Agents (excluding tag candidates)

  • QB: Sam Bradford, Ryan Fitzpatrick
  • RB: Doug Martin, Lamar Mille, Matt Forte
  • WR: Marvin Jones, Travis Benjamin, Rueben Randle
  • TE: Ladarius Green, Coby Fleener, Zach Miller
  • T: Ryan Shraeder, Donald Penn, Russel Okung
  • G: Kelechi Osemele, Alex Boone, Jeff Allen
  • C: Stefen Wisniewski, Ben Jones
  • DE: Oliver Vernon, Robery Ayers, Jason Pierre-Paul
  • DT: Malik Jackson, Nick Fairley, Damon Harrison
  • OLB: Bruce Irvin, Tamba Hali, Aldon Smith
  • LB: Brandon Marshall, Derrick Johnson, Danny Trevathan
  • CB: Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Casey Heyward
  • S: Eric Weddle, Mark Barron
  • Specialists: Adam Vinateri, Mason Crosby, Bryan Anger

March 9: By 4 p.m., teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents with expiring deals and to whom they want to retain a right of first refusal or compensation.

March 9: By 4 p.m., all teams must be under the 2016 salary cap.

Teams with most cap space

  • Raiders (79,000,000)
  • Jaguars (75,000,000)
  • 49ers (57,000,000)

Teams with least cap space

  • Bills (1,000,000)
  • Saints (2,000,000)
  • Dolphins (2,400,000)

*cap values are rounded; found at Spotrac

March 9: Free agency begins at 4 p.m.

March 20-23: Annual league meeting in Boca Raton, Florida. Preseason schedule released.

April 4: Teams with new head coaches can begin organized team activities

Teams with new head coaches

  • Titans
  • Buccaneers
  • Giants
  • 49ers
  • Eagles
  • Browns
  • Dolphins

April 18: Teams with returning head coaches can begin organized team activities.

April 28-30: 2016 NFL draft in Chicago.

April 30: After the last pick of the draft, teams can sign undrafted free agents who were eligible for the 2016 draft.

July 15: By 2 p.m., teams that designated a franchise or transition player must sign him to a multi-year contract or extension or have him play on the tag, meaning that he cannot receive a contract extension until the end of the regular season.

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Way-Too-Early 2016 NFL Power Rankings

Next season, I hope to make weekly Power Rankings of the NFL teams. Before I make my preseason rankings, I thought I would make some very early rankings before the offseason even starts. Coming off a Super Bowl 50 win, will the Broncos be number 1? Let’s find out!

Way-Too-Early 2016 NFL Power Rankings

Rank Prev Team Rec* +/- Note
1. NR Carolina Panthers 15-1 0 Return Cam and very, very good defense
2. NR New England Patriots 12-4 0 Because they have Tom Brady
3. NR Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6 0 Bell, Ben, and offense will be healthy in 2016
4. NR Arizona Cardinals 13-3 0 Palmer and company looking for better finish of season
5. NR Seattle Seahawks 10-6 0 Lose many linemen and Beast Mode, but return Wilson
6. NR Denver Broncos 12-4 0 Best defense in the NFL, QB is major question
7. NR Green Bay Packers 10-6 0 Rodgers gets his weapons back on offense
8. NR Cincinnati Bengals 12-4 0 Look to end their long losing streak in postseason
9. NR Minnesota Vikings 11-5 0 Defense is solid, still have AP
10. NR Dallas Cowboys 4-12 0 Romo/Dez will be healthy for the full season
11. NR Indianapolis Colts 8-8 0 Luck returns, need help on defense
12. NR Kansas City Chiefs 11-5 0 Look to compete against Denver for the division
13. NR Houston Texans 9-7 0 Watt/Defense are great, need a QB
14. NR Washington Redskins 9-7 0 Need to re-sign Cousins this offseason
15. NR New York Jets 10-6 0 Defense is solid and just missed postseason in 2015
16. NR Oakland Raiders 7-9 0 Carr/Cooper are very scary when healthy
17. NR Atlanta Falcons 8-8 0 Julio Jones is one of the best WRs in the game
18. NR Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 0 Bortles improved, defense needs help
19 NR Buffalo Bills 8-8 0 Solid season in 2015, look to get over hump this year
20. NR Los Angeles Rams 7-9 0 Several questions on their offense
21. NR Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-10 0 Winston is great, looks for better 2016
22. NR Detroit Lions 7-9 0 Lose Calvin Johnson, which will hurt them
23. NR Philadelphia Eagles 7-9 0 This roster has too many questions (Including QB)
24. NR Baltimore Ravens 5-11 0 Flacco is back, need more offensive weapons
25. NR Miami Dolphins 6-10 0 New coach will help Tannehill out tremendously
26. NR New Orleans Saints 7-9 0 Terrible defense, still have Brees
27. NR San Diego Chargers 4-12 0 A lot of work is needed on this team
28. NR Tennessee Titans 3-13 0 Mariota is solid, need to protect him better
29. NR San Francisco 49ers 5-11 0 Lost too many key players in last 2 seasons
30. NR New York Giants 6-10 0 One of the worst defenses in the NFL
31. NR Chicago Bears 6-10 0 Lost Off Cord, Cutler will struggle
32. NR Cleveland Browns 3-13 0 Way too many unanswered questions for this team

 

*Records reflect 2015 NFL season

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2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

2016 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 (Post Super Bowl/Senior Bowl, 2-10-16)

Sadly, the 2015 NFL season has come to an end with the Broncos defeating the Panthers in Super Bowl 50. With all the locks picked, the official order for the 2016 NFL Draft is set. This is my second mock draft of the season and several new faces have emerged in the first round. Following a strong senior bowl, quarterback Carson Wentz is rising quickly up big boards. This player is almost a lock as a top 10 pick. What other players are rising? Let’s find out in my second version of my 2016 NFL Mock Draft.

Pick Team Player Position College
1. Tennessee Titans Laremy Tunsil OT Ole Miss
2. Cleveland Browns Carson Wentz QB North Dakota State
3. San Diego Chargers Joey Bosa DE Ohio State
4. Dallas Cowboys Jalen Ramsey CB/S Florida State
5. Jacksonville Jaguars DeForest Buckner DE Oregon
6. Baltimore Ravens Ronnie Stanley OT Notre Dame
7. San Francisco 49ers Jared Goff QB California
8. Miami Dolphins Myles Jack OLB UCLA
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vernon Hargreaves III CB Florida
10. New York Giants Ezekiel Elliott RB Ohio State
11. Chicago Bears Reggie Ragland ILB Alabama
12. New Orleans Saints Noah Spence OLB Western Kentucky
13. Philadelphia Eagles Paxton Lynch QB Memphis
14. Oakland Raiders Mackenzie Alexander CB Clemson
15. Los Angeles Rams Laquon Treadwell WR Ole Miss
16. Detroit Lions A’Shawn Robinson DT Alabama
17. Atlanta Falcons Jaylon Smith OLB Notre Dame
18. Indianapolis Colts Jack Conklin OT Michigan State
19. Buffalo Bills Shaq Lawson DE Clemson
20. New York Jets Leonard Floyd OLB Georgia
21. Washington Redskins Andrew Billings DT Baylor
22. Houston Texans Connor Cook QB Michigan State
23. Minnesota Vikings Taylor Decker OT Ohio State
24. Cincinnati Bengals Corey Coleman WR Baylor
25. Pittsburgh Steelers Eli Apple CB Ohio State
26. Seattle Seahawks Cody Whitehair OG Kansas State
27. Green Bay Packers Michael Thomas WR Ohio State
28. Kansas City Chiefs Darron Lee OLB Ohio State
29. Arizona Cardinals Jarran Reed DT Alabama
30. Carolina Panthers Jonathan Bullard DE Florida
31. Denver Broncos Robert Nkemdiche DT Ole Miss

 

Discussion of the Top 10

 

1.) Tennessee Titans

The Pick: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

Discussion: Just like the previous mock, the Titans are going to pick the best tackle available in Larmey Tunsil. This pick would give Marcus Mariota the best protection and help the Titans in the near future.

 

2.) Cleveland Browns

The Pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Discussion: Wow, has Wentz shot up boards. Heading into the combine later this month, Wentz is the best quarterback available. Cleveland needs a new leader, so they will take their best chance on Wentz.

 

3.) San Diego Chargers

The Pick: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Discussion: At this point, Bosa is arguably the best player in this draft and the best defensive lineman. He is a versatile athlete that can play multiple positions on San Diego’s defense. Bosa is too good of a player to let fall any further on the draft boards.

4.) Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S , Florida State

Discussion: On my board, I have Ramsey as the best player overall. Dallas could use some help in the secondary with Brandon Carr hitting the market. I think Ramsey could play either safety or corner, which shows his athleticism.

 

5.) Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

Discussion: Buckner is one of the most intriguing players of this draft. He has a big size and is very quick. He could play a lot of different positions on the defensive line. Jacksonville needs some serious help on the defensive side of the ball and Buckner would benefit this team early in the season.

 

6.) Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

Discussion: With several options here for the Ravens, Stanley seems like the safest pick. Stanely dominated this past season at Notre Dame and will be a great tackle in the NFL.

 

7.) San Francisco 49ers

The Pick: Jared Goff, QB, California

Discussion: The 49ers are in rebuilding mode after losing several players in the last two seasons. With rumors of Colin Kaepernick wanting out of San Franscisco, the 49ers will look for a quarterback with their first pick. They nab area quarterback Jared Goff of California. Goff has a lot of potential and is a very skilled thrower that will succeed in the NFL.

 

8.) Miami Dolphins

The Pick: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

Discussion: Jack is an interesting player. Coming off an injury that ended his 2015 season, he fell on team’s boards. He plans on competing at the combine, which will help his stock. He is great athlete that the Dolphins would not be able to pass on if he is available for their pick.

 

9.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

Discussion: The Buccaneers need some help in the secondary after they solidified their offense in last year’s draft. Hargreaves III is a great player that dominated during his college career. The Bucs are familiar with him, so this pick makes a lot of sense.

 

10.) New York Giants

The Pick: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

Discussion: While the Giants may look to the defensive side of the ball, they decide to pick Ezekiel Elliott of Ohio State. With OBJ making plays in the passing game, Elliott would be a great running back that would create balance in New York’s offense.

 

What do you think? Leave a comment below!

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Weekly Round-Up – Feb. 7th, 2016

1. Super Bowl Thoughts

Tom: WHAT A GAME! I loved it. DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. I could have been better with some more offense but it was great seeing defensive play after play. Von, Wolfe, Ware everyone was going above and beyond for Denver. Carolina had a heck of a defensive performance as well, mostly overshadowed by the turnovers on offense and Cam being Cam. Congrats to Peyton for riding that defense. Congrats to Ware for finally getting his ring. Congrats for that front office for going and getting all those guys. One thing I think is unfair is everyone’s reaction to Cam. Who cares what he was thinking on that fumble. Either idea is a good shot in the dark, play the bounce or not get hurt oh well. Yes he was a little more flamboyant with his reactions and everything but still he played at a high level this year. He made it to the Super Bowl. He probably could have handled it better but oh well. His press conference was bullshit. What else is he suppose to say? Obviously he feels terrible they lost. Let him get along with his day and go interview the coach.

Josh: This game was every bit of what I expected. Defense, defense, and defense. Boy, wasn’t Denver’s playing on a different level? They could make a serious case as one of the best ever. They held Cam to just 10 points after he lit up the scoreboard with 49 in the NFC Championship. Both Denver touchdowns were basically scored by the defense (They actually scored on one and the set the offense up inside the 5 on the other). I just can’t say enough of how well they played. D-Ware and Von Miller played their best games and were disrupting the pass game all day. Cam couldn’t get into any rhythm because he was constantly getting hit on each play. Also, I think it is time we say goodbye to one of the best men to ever throw a ball, Peyton Manning. No doubt in my mind he retires out on top this offseason. It will be tough for me as he was one of my favorite players growing up as a kid. Looking ahead, I think both Denver and Carolina will be favorites in the playoffs next season. Denver will re-sign Von Miller and hope to retain most of their defense. Carolina will take a step down from 15-1, but should still be in the 11+ win category if they bring back Josh Norman. Overall, it was a good season of football and I cannot wait for next fall.

2. Johnny Manziel Controversy

Tom: This kid needs so much help. I just read the report from his (I hope ex girlfriend). He needs to get help now. Ryan Leaf as everyone knows as a huge screw up said he needs help. Better listen buddy. He is not only going to kiss the NFL goodbye but it very well could be his life either locked up or worse.

Josh: Manziel honestly makes me sick. From one of the most exciting CFB players of all-time, to a bum in the NFL. Yes, he hates Cleveland and always has. Does that give him a reason for his off the field issues? People are willing to help, but he’s too stupid to get it. He is one of the biggest headcases in the NFL. What a waste of talent. I hope he never sees the field again. Honestly, who hits their girlfriend? I can’t believe I was a fan of you at some point.

3. Terrell Owens Misses HOF

Tom: It is definitely a shock. It seemed that this year might have been a make-up year with Harrison and Calvin Pace. Owens should have been a first ballot. There is not doubt in anyone that he won’t get inducted very soon. His tweet seemed pretty up-beat about the whole situation. Obviously it sucks however, he knows he is getting in. We will just have to wait another year, I guess.

Josh: I cannot believe this. T.O. is not a HOF???? All-time, he is 2nd in receiving yards, 6th in catches, and 3rd in receiving touchdowns, yet was not selected into the Hall Of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He is arguably one of the most athletic receivers of all-time. Now, everyone is asking why Marvin Harrison got in. I think they should both be in, so people shouldn’t take anything away from Harrison. I am just shocked at this. T.O. should be in next year, for sure.

 

Comment other topics you would like discussed next week!

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Super Bowl Prediction

Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers

Number 1 defense vs Number 1 offense.

Peyton’s potential last ride vs Cam’s first dance

Why I Would Pick Denver:

The defense is spectacular. The Broncos in my opinion have four starting OLBs. Their depth is insane on that front seven. Peyton obviously has been studying all day and night for this game. He is going to know what the Panthers are going to do on every formation and route they show. Peyton will have the thirst for going out on top as will Demarcus Ware. Von Miller is looking for a big pay day and a huge Super Bowl day will only help that. The only thing lacking is the run game. I do not think the Broncos will be able to lean on that, but it could be opened with some short dumpoffs, screens, and short passes. If the Broncos can keep the game manageable with short fields and get pressure on Cam. I think the game is theirs.

Why I Would Pick Carolina:

All year they proved they were the best. They have pretty much dominated (at least a half) every playoff game. They can create turnovers and Kuechly is a huge key. He is the best cover linebacker in the game right now. Cam has the big play potential every snap. Cam has been getting results with a very lacking receiver core. These guys are hungry to prove they are the best. The only thing holding them back is Cam’s completion percentage and lack of experience.

My Gut Feeling:

Peyton wants so bad to go out on top. Broncos by a touchdown.

My Researched Opinion:

The Panthers are on a tear. Panthers by two touchdowns.

My Final Prediction:

Broncos 24-20

MVP:

50% Peyton Manning predicted stats: 24/38, 259 yds, 2 tds, 1 int

40% Demarcus Ware predicted stats: 6 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble

10% Brandon McManus predicted stats: 3/3 XP 1/1 54 yards, 1/1 59 yds

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Super Bowl 50 Preview/Predictions

Super Bowl 50 Preview/Predictions

Finally, Super Bowl 50 is here. The Denver Broncos beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to represent the AFC. Carolina continued their dominating ways as they easily handled the Arizona Cardinals on their way to the NFC Championship. With this likely being Peyton Manning’s last game in the NFL, how much does he have left in the tank? Manning threw 17 interceptions in the regular season, but has thrown zero in the playoffs. Will the Panther’s defense be able to get the best of Peyton? Cam Newton continued to show us why he is the NFL MVP last week. Undoubtedly, the test against the Denver defense will by far be his hardest. Denver forced two Tom Brady interceptions last week, a rare stat line against Brady. They were also constantly putting pressure on him and knocking him to the ground. Will they be able to do the same against Cam? Which team will go home as Super Bowl Champions?

Carolina Panthers (15-1) vs Denver Broncos (12-4)

  • Kickoff: 5:30 PM CST
  • Location: Levi’s Stadium (San Clara, CA)
  • Odds: CAR -5.5
  • Over/Under: 45.

Case for Carolina: The Panthers just keep on winning. It is as simple as that. Carolina made a joke out of Carson Palmer and the Cardinals in the NFC Championship. Going into this game, Carolina has earned their place as the favorite to win. Cam continues to play on another level than every other quarterback and the defense is improving every week. The no-name receiving corp for Cam is also playing exceptionally well in the playoffs to this point. This team must feel very confident going against Peyton Manning considering his arm strength is weaker than his younger years. In oder to win this game, Carolina needs to jump out to an early lead, which they are definitely capable of doing. Denver’s offense isn’t built to make a comeback, especially against a defense as good as Carolina’s. Look for the Panther’s offense to take some shots early in the game and attempt to run away with this game.

Case for Denver: Denver is hot right now, taking down the best quarterback in the NFL in the AFC Championship. While many believe that Denver will get blown out again in the Super Bowl, as they did two years ago, I think they are wrong. Denver’s defense is the best in the NFL. No chance this team is allowing more than 25 points, no matter how good Cam Newton is. To stop Carolina’s offense, Denver will need to stop the rushing attack. Jonathon Stewart is a good runner, along with Cam Newton on the scramble. The front 7 for Denver are up for the challenge and will force the Panthers into tough pass situations. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are hungry and playing their best football. It will be a challenge to contain Cam in the pocket, but these two edge rushers are more than ready. They will force turnovers and give Peyton short fields to work with, just like they did against the Patriots. Offensively, the Broncos must play perfect. If they turn the ball over to Cam, they have little to no chance of taking this game. Denver will give everything they have to help Peyton win his last NFL game.

Prediction: Denver 20, Carolina 17

MVP Prediction: Peyton Manning, QB, Denver – 21/35, 237 YDs, 2 TDs

Confidence: Very, very low

Difference of Game: Denver’s defense doing just enough to put Cam in tough situations on each drive.

 

 

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Weekly Round-Up – Jan. 31st, 2016

1. Biggest Risers/Fallers from the Senior Bowl

Tom: I think Braxton Miller really improved his stock. After only playing one year at receiver he has pushed himself into the first round with a great display of speed, quickness, and athleticism. I think Shawn Oakman also made a few bucks with his play. Many believe him to be a project, which he still may be. However, he can make an impact right away.

Josh: Outside of Carson Wentz who is the most obvious player here, I was really impressed with Noah Spence. After playing at Ohio State and moving to Eastern Kentucky, this player dominated at both schools. At the Senior Bowl, there was no doubt he was the best player on the field. I see Spence playing either defensive end or an edge rushing outside linebacker in the NFL. Spence proved to be a top 15 pick come the draft. One player that hurt his stock was Shawn Oakman. His size doesn’t show much of a translation to the NFL. With his lean lower half of his body, it makes me question his ability to stop the run in the NFL.

2. Pro Bowl Thoughts

Tom: Did not watch it…. Looked at some stats…. I kind of loses the meaning when half the actual pro bowlers call in sick and you have half the league getting a call asking if they are “healthy”. Sure it would be fun for a rookie or a retiring vet. At the end of the day the NFL needs to keep the accolades and get rid of the game.

Josh: I don’t know if I want to talk about the actual game played or the game in general. Either way, both are unimportant. The Pro Bowl has been a joke for years now (I mean, Teddy Bridgewater was there….). It is literally the biggest waste of time. Defensively, you can’t do anything. What is the point of even keeping score? I think I saw a video of OBJ playing safety? I can’t. Just replace it with a skills challenge or something in Hawaii. Or nothing. I don’t care, because I probably won’t watch it.

3. Rams Relocation/Chargers Staying/Raiders Options

Tom: I just do not believe that L.A. is a football city. Sure they pack the stands for basketball but that has been a huge part of the city for some time and also for almost every celebrity. We will see if it works. I like the Chargers decision not to play second fiddle to the Rams in L.A. I would love to see them move to San Antonio or Oklahoma City where a fan base will actually show up to games. I think the Raiders are stuck for now. They badly need to improve their showcase on the field (which i felt they did this year) and then worry about where they play. Although it would be nice for them not to split with a baseball team.

Josh: At one point, I think ESPN tweeted that the Chargers were moving to LA, then they replied to themselves saying they weren’t, so I was confused. I like the idea of LA getting a team, but do they really need two? If the Chargers don’t like San Diego, there are several other cities that would be willing to host an NFL team. I know money is a big issue, so this might lead the Chargers to LA because they could share a stadium. Either way, I hope to see the Chargers stay put in San Diego. If they do make a move, I hope they choose the powder blue as their color.

 

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