2019 NFL Mock Draft on Draft Day

Didn’t have a whole lot of time to put this together, so I’ll grade the picks and add comments after the draft.

1. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

   Had the Giants trading up for a bit, but going to switch back to the Cards staying pat and drafting Kyler, one year after drafting Josh Rosen with the 10th overall pick.

2. 49ers DE Nick Bosa

   Before picking up Dee Ford from the Chiefs in Free Agency, Defensive End was a huge weakness for the Niners. Now, an edge rusher is still very much needed, but Bosa is also the “Best Player Available”. So long as a QB goes number 1, the Niners should make a quick decision albeit another EDGE-needy team calling the 49ers, and offering a massive haul of draft capital

3. (Lions trade w/ Jets) DE Josh Allen

   After Losing Ezekiel Ansah to Free Agency, the Lions will call up the Jets in order to secure the drafts’ safest EDGE prospect.

4. (Redskins trade with Raiders) QB Dwayne Haskins, OSU

5. Buccaneers DT Quinnen Williams, Alabama

6. Giants QB Daniel Jones, Duke

7. Jaguars OT Jawaan Taylor, Florida

8. Jets (Via Lions) Ed Oliver DT, Houston

9. Bills TE T.J. Hockenson

10. Broncos QB Drew Lock, Missouri

11. Bengals Devin White ILB, LSU

12. Packers Devin Bush ILB, Michigan

13. Dolphins DE/DT Rashan Gary, Michigan

14. Falcons OT Jonah Williams, Alabama

15. Raiders (Via Redskins) OT Andre Dillard, Washington State

16. Panthers Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Clemson

17. Giants EDGE Montez Sweat, Miss. St.

18. Vikings OG Cody Ford, Oklahoma

19. Titans TE Noah Fant, Iowa

20. Steelers CB Greedy Williams, LSU

21. Seahawks DE Brian Burns, DE, FSU

22. Ravens WR D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss

23. Texans Dalton Risner, OT, OG, C

24. Raiders Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma

25. Eagles Chauncey Gardner Johnson, S, Florida

26. Colts Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson

27. Raiders Irv Smith JR., TE, Alabama

28. Chargers Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson

29. Seahawks Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

30. Packers Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware

31. Rams Garrett Bradbury, OG/C, NC State

32. Patriots WR A.J. Brown, Ole Miss

    I changed it a lot here in the last 20 minutes so idk how I feel about this lol.

Quick Sunday Conference Championship Predictions

NFC Championship

2. Los Angeles Rams @ 1. New Orleans Saints

If I thought the first 8 games were hard to predict, then today’s two championship games would appear to be complete toss-ups. The key going into today’s game is the health of both squads, and one of the two appears to be in full strength, whilst the other has accumulated a few injuries in the last week. The Rams have been healthy throughout the playoffs, and key players Aqib Talib and CJ Anderson were not available(or on the team yet) in the week 9 contest in which the Saints won 45-35. A huge factor in the Saints success to this point has been their Elite Run defense, however Sheldon Rankins (8 sacks), perhaps the teams best run-stopper, is out on the d-line after suffering a torn achilles last week vs the Eagles. On offense for the Saints, Keith Kirkwood, who had a TD last week, and Benjamin Watson, the team’s #1 Tight End, are out with minor injuries. That said it’s not like the Saints didn’t beat the Rams when they had Cooper Kupp, because they did, and surely that’ll make guarding Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks a little easier. The Saints planted a below-average offensive performance after three weeks without meaningful football last week, and I’d expect them to look closer to form against the Rams. Next Man-up approach will see Austin Carr (WR), Josh Hill (TE), and Taylor Stallworth (DT) have a tick-up in snaps, and I’ll think they’ll use the New Orleans Crowd to overcome any obstacles the Rams have to throw their way

Los Angeles Rams 31

New Orleans Saints 34

2. New England Patriots @ 1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Patriots are UNDERDOGS, I repeat- UNDERDOGS. And when the Patriots are underdogs, that is not a good sign for the opposing team. And maybe this is a circumstance of Clemson vs Alabama, when Clemson is clearly better, but it’s hard to pick against Bama; Regardless I picked Clemson to win that game, in yet I’m picking the Patriots in this one- the Alabama equivalent of the NFL. Eric Berry is back, Spencer Ware is back, Sammy Watkins is back (returned last week), and I’m continuing to ignore the signs that a healthier team is better equipped to win on such a big stage. If I think the Saints can exploit the Rams whilst using the next man up motto, the kings of that motto- the Patriots- can do the same + they are very healthy at the moment. Brady + Belichick will mess with are minds once more, and prove that last weeks good-looking Chiefs defense was actually just a fluke after all. Point-After-Touchdown-riots (nickname for the Patriots)

Patriots 40

@

Chiefs 34

(In OT)

I suppose those who wanted to see a rematch of the 2018 regular season’s most exciting game- Chiefs Rams - will have to settle for a matchup of two 40+ year old quarterbacks, A.K.A. a battle of G.O.A.T’s

Quick Sunday Divisional Round Predictions

Yesterday I went 1 for 2 partially because I selfishly wanted to see Saints vs Cowboys 2.0, but I’ll try to limit the excuses for today’s picks.

5. Chargers @ 2. Patriots

Just like everyone else, I’d much prefer to see the Patriots get punched in the mouth today against a truly “better” Chargers team. That said I can’t ignore the fact that Phillip Rivers in 0-7 all-time vs Tom Brady, and were talking about a Patriots team coming off a bye, playing in Foxboro. It would be great if today were to become the day football historians look back on as the day the Patriots realized their years of super bowl and AFC championship trips were to be discontinued by NFL-ix (play on words for Netflix), but let’s take off the 3D glasses and realize we’ve seen this movie before, just this time it’s not as flashy. The Better offense has won every NFL game so far this postseason (you could debate Bears over Eagles), and the Chargers and Patriots are a push. On one hand the Chargers have Flashier weapons, but the most important of the bunch- Melvin Gordon- warmed up with braces on his knees and self-proclaimed himself to not be 100%. If your gonna beat the Patriots In Foxboro, in the playoffs, after a bye no-less, EVERYONE that is a key to your success up to this point must play to 100% of their regular season form. I get that this is the least-talented Brady/Belichick team that has been awarded a bye, but you or someone you know has doubted them more than ever before- No Josh Gordon, Brady playing “average”- and nevertheless were all gonna be sitting on the couch after the game questioning why we ever doubted the ending to a movie we’ve seen as many times as we’ve watched “Home Alone”. Brady 8 vs Rivers 0

Chargers 27

Patriots 31

6. Eagles @ 1. Saints

“Big Dick Nick “ Foles has arrived in the “The Big Easy” and he’s in for a rude awakening. Philly’s defense is only merely better than the New Orleans’ but in terms of offense Philly is no-match, and they experienced that first hand when they fell 48-7 to the Saints on 11/18 (week 11) in the same location they’ll play this afternoon- The Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints haven’t played a meaningful game since week 16, as they rested many important starters in their week 17 home loss to the Carolina Panthers. In truth, the only game the Saints have lost this year at home with Drew Brees was week 1 vs the Buccaneers, a game in which the offense put up 40 points. Given 3 weeks to rest, I’d expect the Saints offense to be riding high, but also having avidly prepared for a much different Eagles team this time around. Carson Wentz was the Eagles quarterback last time these two teams met, but since then the Eagles have won 6 of 7 including their last 4 games with Nick Foles as the starter. Shouldn’t matter though, because Drew Brees and Sean Payton happen to be the only QB/HC pair who has defeated Nick Foles in his career, and that game was played five years ago during Nick Foles career year, in Philly. Also, you wanna guess what happened the last time this QB/HC duo had the #1 seed and a three week break? They won their first game 45-14 and went on to win the super bowl that’s what. Give me ‘Nawlins.

Saints 34

Eagles 23

Quick Saturday Divisional Round Predictions

Last Week’s results: 2-2

The two I got wrong last week were the Eagles over the Bears and the Colts over the Texans, but let me explain myself. First of all I live in Bear country, so even though I sensed a potential Eagle upset brewing, it was hard to ignore the coverage of persistent Bears fans who felt this postseason would be a special one. Anyway, I came a Cody Parkey post and crossbar-hitting kick away from 3-1. I picked the Texans over the Colts as more of a homage to my preseason super bowl pick - Saints vs Texans - than anything else as well. You could also tell that the Texans didn’t wakeup ready to play postseason football, at least in comparison to the Colts. I couldn’t have expected that, but here are my picks for Saturday’s games.

6. Colts @ 1. Chiefs

A large portion of people seem convinced that at least one heavily favored team will lose this week, and I tend to agree. For most of the week I’ve been thinking the surprise upset may come from this very game because of the Colts play of late on Offense and Defense has had them peaking at the right time- having won 10 out of 11 after a rough 1-5 start. That said, on Game Day (today) I’ve started to shift towards a confidence in the Chiefs, for a few reasons. The Colts offense clicked from the get-go in Houston, but I believe the Texan’s stadium (NRG Stadium) used it’s retractable roof, making the cooler weather easier to adapt to, and even then the Colts only scored once after the first two drives of the game, which luckily for them resulted in 7 points apiece (14 points in first two drives). Patty Mahomes should be fired up to end the theory that he can’t win a big game, and given that he and Andy Reid (17-3 career regular season + 3-1 career post-season record after a bye) had two weeks to prepare for a playoff game in the very advantageous Arrowhead Stadium, I think they’ll get the job done. However, if the Colts win it’ll take a serious defensive effort, and another superb start on offense and defense. I very much doubt this stat will continue after todays game, but if the last 11 games are any indication, maybe all the Colts need to do to win is score at all- only lost in past 11 games was by the score 6-0 to the Jaguars.

Chiefs 37 Colts 29

4. Cowboys @ 2. Rams

Once again the Cowboys find themselves in a very tough game to predict from an outsiders perspective. The Rams have been fairly ignored in the media this week, at least to the point that one could be forgiven for forgetting that they started the season 8-0 and finished with a co-lead of the best record in the NFL- 13-3. Sean McVay, along with Bill Belichick, Andy Reid, and Sean Payton, who all sported bye weeks last week, are probably the four coaching minds anyone would be foolish to bet against off a bye. Call me foolish but I think youngster Sean might get a bit humbled on Saturday night, and here’s why. The Cowboys have access to the secret to beating the Rams, and unlike most NFL teams they can exploit it in order to overcome the Rams strengths. The Cowboys have already seen the Bears completely demolish the Rams, and they themselves have already shut down the only offense in the NFC fiercer than the Rams, the Saints, whom the Cowboys defense held to 10 points. Once again we run into a situation where the hotter team- Cowboys have won 8 of 9 ( 23-0 L to Colts) after 3-5 start- runs into the better team, whom may have already played their best football. unlike the Colts, the Cowboys have the recipe for victory + it helps that LA is the least advantageous home-field in the playoffs. Give me the ‘Boys.

Cowboys 23 @ Rams 20

Quick Wildcard Round Predictions

6. Colts 27  @      3. Texans 30

Mathieu,  Clowney, Watt, Watson, and Hopkins were a big reason why I thought this Texans team could find themselves in the Super Bowl this season. Add in Demaryius Thomas to a low-key elite receiving core( Hopkins, Fuller, Coutee) and it’s no surprise the Texans are in the position that they are- hosting a playoff game. Lamar Miller has played good football as of late, despite inconsistency across the offensive line that had led to unpredictable rushing performances throughout most of the season. The Colts are the hotter team, and won in Houston on December 9th, but as Colin Cowherd said their just a “good story”. Maybe next year for the Colts, but it’ll still come down to 2018’s most sensational kicker Kai’imi Fairbairn to seal a spot in the divisional round. If the Colts win it’ll likely have to start fast on offense and defense behind great starts by top notch rookies Darius Leonard and Quenton Nelson which allows for excellent performances by Marlon Mack and Andrew Luck. Other than those already mentioned Eric Ebron is an X-factor for the Colts. Additionally, T. Y. Hilton will need to play better than his injury designation (ankle) would indicate. 

             5. Seahawks  23 @  4. Cowboys 24

Super hard to predict this game, and if the seeds were swapped the home-field would likely decide the contest. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is undoubtedly a better version of Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, but there are obviously other factors. For one, underrated Chris Carson is the best RB for the Seahawks and NFL-elite Ezekiel Elliot is the best for the Cowboys. When in doubt bet on the Cowboys O-line and the surprisingly exciting Dallas defense.

               5. Chargers 20 @ 4. Ravens 17
Many may not know this, but the Ravens defense is neck and neck with the Bears for the top defense in the NFL. That said, one would have to think the Chargers have the motivation to beat a team that cost them the #1 seed in the AFC just two weeks ago. Even with all the motivation in the world, if the Chargers defense can’t slow down Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, the Ravens will likely see themselves through to a matchup with either the Chiefs(If Texans Win) or Patriots ( if Colts win). I’m willing to bet the Chargers defense will up their play on the road against a big-time opponent in the Baltimore Ravens. It wasn’t long ago that the Chargers appeared destined for greatness (After win @ Chiefs), and the Ravens looked destined to be sitting on the couch watching football after a 4-5 start to the 2018 season. We’ll see who’s hot, and who’s not Saturday night.

                6. Eagles 21 @   3. Bears 23
Coming into the season it appeared that the Bears would pale in comparison to the Philadelphia Eagles, even after acquiring Khalil Mack from the Raiders. The Eagles still have most of the players from the talented super bowl squad, and shouldn’t be overly fearful of cold weather Chicago. I believe the Bears have a lot more to lose, but will also be ready for the Eagles. There isn’t a single easy pick for Wildcard weekend, but I’ll predict Cody Parkey to come up clutch against his former team with 3 field goals to extend the Bears first postseason since the 2010-11 season. The Bears received great news with the return to practice yesterday by Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, and Taylor Gabriel this week. They’ll need all three to play well against the defending champs. Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard will still be essential against the the front line of the Eagles D, because the Bears won’t want to rely on Mitch Trubisky’s deep ball in the fourth quarter of the Bears most important game since the NFC championship game vs the Packers in 2010-11.

Why the New Orleans Saints Should Not use Draft Capital on Drew Brees's Heir-Apparent Part 2: The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Drew Brees is perhaps the single most important sports figure in the history of not just the Saints, but all of New Orleans sports heroes of present and past. In a nation where the NFL is far-and-away the most popular sport, Brees stands as the main source in resurrecting a city that gave the world Jazz music and is properly nicknamed the “Big Easy”- because of all the joy that can be had in “NOLA” for a generous price.

Ever since 2014 when the Sean Payton-Drew Brees tandem failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008, The (currently) 39 year old Brees has been the topic of media-outlets from all over. An article from the 2014 season claimed the Saints organization “wish (ed) they had done this in previous years” in regards to planning to draft a quarterback high in the draft. When the saints did indeed draft a quarterback with the 75th pick in the 2015 draft, I was floored but many were excited for what they called Brees’s “heir-apparent”. The excitement probably came from the media people like those over at fanbuzz.com who called Brees’s 2014 season one of his worst in New Orleans, not elite, and contemplated the thought of the Saints moving in to the top 5 of the draft to select either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota.

Domino Effect

Sure it was only a third round-pick that the Saints spent on Grayson, thank god, but one has to keep in mind how valuable even the 75th pick is to a team who has just missed out on the playoffs. Some of you may be thinking: in hindsight that was obviously a bad pick, but what should they have done instead? It’s quite obvious what they should’ve done if you look at what unfolded later in the third round- LSU DE Danielle Hunter(88th) and NIU RB David Johnson(86th). If you recall the Saints had the 78th pick(P.J. Williams) in addition to the 75th(Grayson), so it is entirely possible that the Saints could’ve obtained both the all-pro running back and young defensive end who’s already secured 25.5 sacks in three seasons.

Ok, so Johnson was a diamond-in-the-rough of sorts, so the Saints would’ve probably not selected him, but Hunter having been at LSU would’ve definitely been a possibility. Keeping in mind what the Saints logistically would’ve been trying to do in this draft to recoup after having the leagues 31st ranked defense, Defensive End would’ve been an ideal position to draft as Hunter could’ve played a similar role to what’s currently expected of Marcus Davenport. The saints were a mess in the secondary in 2014, so P.J. Williams made sense, but imagine if the saints had both Mark Ingram, and David Johnson for the past 3 seasons. If you were to look up Danielle Hunter, the first or second article listed would say- “Vikings Danielle Hunter is the NFL’s best Pass Rusher that nobody’s talking about”. Your welcome if hearing that the reason why the Minneapolis Miracle occurred was because of the Saints drafting Garrett Grayson, but we may have had the number one seed if we had only dismissed the urge to draft a QB.

Update

Danielle Hunter leads the NFL with 11.5 sacks as of November 6th. Ironically, Hunter (37 career sacks) has recorded a sack in all but one game- vs the Saints.

The Truth

Put simply the talk about adding the “heir-apparent” has been a non-stop crisis, but was Brees even regressing to the degree of meriting concern? No, simply put he was still a great QB, and had only been viewed as “struggling” because he had one of the most consistently worst defensive units in the history of the NFL. And because of his own high bar, Drew Brees led the NFL in passing yards in that “terrible” 2014 season, with 4,952  yards, the 11th highest total ever and nearly another 5,000 yard season for Brees. Also, that 2014 season included the 10th highest comp. % season at the time. You don’t have to take my word for it though, because in 2015 and 2016 when the media continued to create the same ‘ole “Drew Brees isn’t that great anymore” headliner, the Saints defenses were setting records of their own in an embarrassing way- 2015: Most Passing touchdowns ever allowed(45) and 2016: League-worst passing defense. It’s probably worth mentioning the 2012 defense allowed the most total yards ever(7042). All in all, this means that since the 2009-10 Saints team won the super bowl, every Saints team ranked in the bottom two in defense has failed to make the playoffs, and any team inside the top 30 has made the playoffs. That’s not a whole lot to ask of a defense, so just leave my boy Drew Brees out of your discouraging articles, it’s less his fault than your entitled to think.

(Actual Stats) Now that you know how bad the Saints defense has been, it’ll probably help to see how great the offense has been. Since 2006, when Drew Brees joined the Saints, their offense ranks 1st in the NFL and their Defense ranks last(32nd). Additionally it is the Passing Offense(Brees) that carries the Saints to the #1 overall offense, because the Rushing Offense has been average in a majority of Brees’s seasons. Brees has led the NFL in passing yards seven times(NFL Record)- Brees has five of the nine 5000 yard seasons ever- and passing touchdowns four times in his twelve seasons in New Orleans. Furthermore his accuracy is off-the-charts with 3 of the 4 best completion % seasons in the history of the NFL, including a record-best 72% in 2017, so he clearly hasn’t slowed down.

2018 Brees

Importantly for this entire argument, Drew Brees’ 2018 campaign is one of his bests. I’ll admit to having written the first three sections of this paper before the season even started, and that’s what makes Drew Brees so special- I could see this season coming, but because of all his doubters, and lack of press compared to other greats, few others could too.

He was the best in the business in 2009 and 2011 but there was no MVP to show for. Now in 2018 he’s the NFL’s leader in Completion Percentage, with an unreal 76.3% conversion rate. His touchdown to interception ratio is 18-1, which if maintained would give him the best ratio of any QB in any season in NFL history.  His 120.6 passer rating is 1.9 off of the greatest single-season mark- Aaron Rodgers 2011 season that is higher despite Rodgers recording less good #’s in every meaningful stat. Lastly, Brees is nearly on pace for another 5000 yard season thanks to four out of eight games thus far with well over 300 yards (346 vs Rams, 363 vs Redskins, 396 vs Falcons, and 439 vs Buccaneers), and has positioned the Saints for a first-round bye in the uber-competitive NFC playoffs thanks to a 7-1 record. If Brees keeps these marks up, and is not named MVP at the end of the season, there should be riots. On October 21st (week 7), against the Ravens, Brees became the third QB ever - Favre and Manning - to beat every team in the NFL. He had beaten the first 31 already by 2013, but failed to defeat the Ravens when he last faced them in 2014.

Drew Brees’s lack of supporting cast

Every great QB has played with a pro-bowl wide-receiver. Drew Brees hadn’t until last season- Michael Thomas. Before Michael Thomas, Brees’s top wide-receivers in his career were Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Kenny Stills, Willie Snead, and Eric Parker (San Diego). If that list seems to lack stars, that’s the point. Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills, and Willie Snead are the only former receivers of Brees to have similar success with another quarterback, but neither have produced a better season elsewhere than they had in full-seasons with Brees. Cooks had more yards, more touchdowns, and a higher catch % in each of his two full-seasons with Brees than he had with Tom Brady. Kenny Stills had more receiving yards in 7 starts for the Saints in 2014 than he had while starting all 16 games for the Dolphins in 2017. Stills also had a 76% catch rate in 2014 with Brees, opposed to a high of 55% in his 3 seasons with the Dolphins. Similarly Ted Ginn went from having one of the worst catch %’s in the league w/ 2015 MVP Cam Newton, to having one of the best in the league in 2017 in his first season with Brees.

The purpose of addressing the receivers in Drew Brees’s career has a point in the outlook of preparing for the next era. No matter how confident the organization is in a new quarterback, they must consider the fact that no receiver in Drew Brees’s career has made the Pro Bowl without him. What all this means is that even if the Saints feel like they have enough offensive weapons to be successful with someone new, it is reasonable to assume the receivers are much less effective with “insert name here”. All in all, the Saints are much better off waiting until the Drew Brees era is over, or he’s severely declined, before bringing the future franchise quarterback to the huddle.

Why the New Orleans Saints Should Not use Draft Capital on Drew Brees's Heir-Apparent Part 1: The QB TREE

The QB Tree

At this point there is a “coaching tree” of quarterbacks that the Saints have either used draft capital on or have been rumoured to want. Most notably, the Saints were expected to draft Patrick Mahomes had Marshon Lattimore not been available.

Patrick Mahomes

Had the Saints drafted Patrick Mahomes, the NFL would be very different today. Even though Patrick Mahomes is perhaps the favorite to win the MVP, if not Brees, the Saints clearly made the right decision in not drafting him. Why? I’m sure at the very least your thinking the Saints 2018 super bowl odds increase by taking Mahomes out of KC, but that is not the case. Had the Saints drafted Mahomes their offense remains unchanged with him on the bench, whilst their horrid pass defense, becomes even more so with the absence of Lattimore.

Drafting Mahomes would also lead the Saints to not draft Marcus Davenport,  and instead a cornerback assuming they don’t want their 3-deep to be- Ken Crawley, P.J. Williams, and Justin Hardee -almost certainly the least star-studded corner trio in the league. To conclude, keep in mind Patrick Mahomes is the best-case qb they could’ve drafted by far, and they would be a worst team had they drafted him. In case you're wondering the Saints would’ve had to trade a similar draft capital as they did for Davenport to get corner Jaire Alexander- and would have to hope he’s better than Marshon Lattimore to get close to evening the gap made had they drafted Mahomes. Had the Saints stuck with the 27th pick they would’ve probably gotten Mike Hughes, who is already on IR.  

Resolve

Lattimore + Davenport > Mahomes, Alexander/Hughes

The right-hand side would produce nothing on field for remaining of 2018 had they not moved a 2019 1st or 2nd rounder for Jaire Alexander (Hughes on IR, and Mahomes on bench). Lattimore is the Saints #1 CB and the reigning NFL rookie of the year on defense. Davenport has been better than Alexander, and has a higher-ceiling for the future.

Update

Saints traded a 2019 4th round pick + 2020 7th round pick to Giants for CB Eli Apple. This trade occurred because Crawley and P.J. Williams weren’t good enough to guard NFL team’s #2 and #3 wideouts. Imagine if Crawley and P.J. were the Saints #1 and #2 corners before this trade. That would likely be the case had the Saints drafted Patrick Mahomes.

Lamar Jackson

Had the Saints drafted Lamar Jackson, the best they could hope is that he contributes close to that of Taysom Hill. A majority of the media and fans wanted the Saints to select Jackson when they traded up in the draft. Had that happened the Saints would’ve just used the same draft capital on a higher-ceiling version of the team’s 3rd-string quarterback, as they did for rising-star Marcus Davenport. In addition to the Saints hurting their defense without improving their offense had they made this selection (Jackson), they would’ve likely had to gone defense instead of drafting Tre’Quan Smith- who had 2 touchdown catches in week 5, one of which was shipped to the hall of fame (Drew Brees all-time passing yards record). Which reminds me that this article is about Drew Brees just as much as it is about the Saints. Even if the Saints stayed at pick #27 and selected Lamar Jackson, this would still mean that the Saints would likely have had to select a defensive player instead of Smith, because otherwise they would’ve had to wait until the 4th round to draft defense, and 0 Saints drafted after the third round made the initial 53 man roster. With Ted Ginn on IR, that Smith pick is looking very important. Brought into fruition, Smith and Davenport were the only drafted players that made the roster (Boston Scott and Will Clapp are on practice squad) and by drafting Jackson the Saints would likely have neither. In conclusion the Saints could’ve had a 2018 draft class with zero production on the field had they done what the media wanted them to do.

Resolve

Davenport + Smith > Lamar Jackson + 3rd round defender

Davenport + Smith > Lamar Jackson + Smith + 4th round defender

Even had the Saints followed up drafting Jackson with drafting Tre’Quan Smith, they would’ve been better off with the decision of drafting Davenport and Smith. The Saints 4th round pick would’ve likely not made the team since in actuality that is what happened. You’d also have to have a cold-heart to want to taint with the beautiful moment of Brees’s 62-yard record-setting td pass to Smith and what followed afterwards.

Teddy Bridgewater

The Saints badly messed up by drafting Garrett Grayson (mentioned in part two) in the third round, and the Saints decision to trade a third-rounder for Bridgewater is only a little more acceptable under one precaution- he elects to stay this offseason. Bridgewater has a $2.3 million cap hit this season, but the Saints would almost certainly have to pay more to secure him as a back-up in 2019.

Drew Brees isn’t going to retire after winning MVP, a second Super Bowl, and people need to understand that. The current Saints are built to last when it comes to being a Super-Bowl contender. Drew Brees said he wants to play to 45 a few seasons ago and recently, in 2018, noted that it’s still a possibility. A betting man should assume that he’ll likely hang the cleats up a little earlier than 45, at say 42 or 43, and that’s the approach I believe the Saints should take. As it stands, Teddy Bridgewater will likely command offers between $10-15 million in free agency, maybe more. Most people would agree to rather having Bridgewater than Mike Glennon, and yet Glennon got a 3-year, $45 contract from Chicago in 2017, despite zero starts in the prior two seasons. QB contracts are constantly inflating, and the Saints can’t possibly afford to pay Bridgewater more than 5-8 million and still expect to extend actual starters- Ingram, Te’o, Crawley, P.J. Williams, Davison, Lutz- let alone Pro Bowl wide-receiver Michael Thomas who’ll likely ask for a hefty extension. Therefore the Saints may have just thrown away a 3rd round pick by drafting Bridgewater. If they get the sense that he’ll walk in free agency, hopefully they can trade him for a 3rd round pick back- which would allow the Saints to walk out a slight-winner in the trade for Bridgewater.

Resolve

3rd round pick > Teddy Bridgewater’s impending contract to back-up Drew Brees

How the Saints Should Plan for Post-Brees Era

How I see it is that the Saints aren’t going to win the super bowl in year 1 post-Brees so why pay(Draft/Trade/Free agency) for players that make it harder for Brees to win a second super bowl in New Orleans, while he’s still around. Even with the talent around Brees on offense, an average quarterback would likely fail to reach the playoffs due to a predictably weak/average defense in the near future. If Drew Brees retires after the 2020 season, a likely time-frame, they could trade up for Trevor Lawrence, who scouts have called the best QB recruit of the past 10 seasons, and is already better than most NFL Quarterbacks according to Trent Dilfer (a former QB). Or they could play an entire season with Taysom Hill before drafting a top-notch QB early in the first round. Regardless of whether you like this idea or not, it’s more than likely there is no smooth route to the post-Brees era, so the Saints should put every ounce of effort/draft capital/cap room into getting the players Brees needs to deliver another championship. In other words, I’m suggesting that Mickey Loomis and Gael Benson treat Brees like Lebron in terms of giving him the reigns of the GM, and I’m perfectly okay with saying that. Additionally if Brees retires after the 2019 season they would have to trade less to get Lawrence, because they’d likely have a higher draft pick after a season led by a different QB. The 2011 Colts went 2-14 the year that Peyton Manning was lost due to a neck injury/surgery, even though the roster still included three potential future NFL HOFers in Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, and Robert Mathis. Drew Brees is currently the only player on the Saints destined for the Hall, and given the decline the Colts had from AFC South champs to NFL’s worst in one season before receiving Andrew Luck as a consolation, The Saints have reason to hope for a similar turnaround once their G.O.A.T. retires.

P.S. I understand that Peyton didn’t retire after his neck injury but I’d hope you get the point that the Saints could draft a stud once Brees is no longer around.  

NFL MOCK DRAFT 2018

Here's my final and first mock before the draft. My top 5 just a couple days ago was-- 1. Darnold, 2. Barkley, 3. Mayfield, 4. Rosen(Bills), 5. Allen-- but then reports came out that the Browns were down to Mayfield and Allen. (Update as of 3 pm central on Draft Day afternoon) Ok this is ridiculous but now I think 1.Mayfield 2. Barkely 3. Rosen 4. Darnold(Bills) 5. Allen but let's hope I don't have to update again. So disregard the top 5 below unless it's right :)

#1 CLEVELAND BROWNS 

JOSH ALLEN, QB, WYOMING 6'5, 230 

Why not Mayfield? Baker has been compared to either Drew Brees or Johnny Manziel-- the latter a disaster and the former a more-than-ideal option at the QB position whom would turn down $40 million a year to play for the Browns because he's just been that successful in New Orleans. Both Manziel and Mayfield are Heisman-winning QB's who's teammates feed off swagger from, but because of this give-off an arrogant presence. I really like Mayfield, and I don't have off-the-field- concerns, but Josh Allen has 'Aaron Rodgers Arm Strength' and an underdog nature that Mayfield just cannot compete with when it comes to an 'All Time-Bad' 1-31 Browns team.

#2 NEW YORK GIANTS

SAQUON BARKLEY, RB, PENN STATE 6'0, 235

Saquon 'Will' be great. Interviews of this man show-off his immense modesty and ability to leave all-effort on the field regardless of the administration he represents. I don't need to say more cuz' this is a no-brainer,   Giants rush to the podium. SAQUON V. ZEKER 2 TIMES PER SEASON.

#3 NEW YORK JETS

SAM DARNOLD, QB, USC 6'4 225

This will be between Mayfield and Darnold, but the Jets will like the opportunity to scoop up the #1 pick on most mocks for the past 2 months. Not confident in this pick, but the Jets would have to take advantage of quite possibly the safest option of any QB in this draft

#4 BUFFALO BILLS(Trade via Cleveland for picks #12, #56, and #65)

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA 6'4 220

It would seem to make sense for the Bills to draft Mayfield considering his star power and "definite" consideration to be the #1 pick, but I'm sticking with the Bills striking the trade in order to draft Rosen. With a lot of these picks I try to look into a crystal ball, and currently I see Josh Rosen eating his words twice a year against Tom Brady and the Patriots. For those who don't know what I'm speaking towards- Rosen said he will win the most super bowls ever, even if Brady wins 1 or 2 more. Bills: "You say you can beat Brady" Rosen: "YEA"(confidence-filled) Bills: Hell that's good enough for Me....(Trade announced).... Goodell: ..And with the 4th pick the Bills select..... JOSH Rosen

#5 DENVER BRONCOS

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma 6'1 215

Baker said he aint fallin out of the top 5. He Aint den. Case Keenum would otherwise be the starter. Imagine Johnny Manziel if he didn't party AF and didn't consider almost becoming a convict. OK but better.... Moving on...

#6 Indianapolis Colts

Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State 6'4 275

You telling me you can get the #1 defensive player in the draft after trading down 3 spots to get the same player. It's simple and safe. Big Chubb to INDY

#7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Derwin James, S, Florida State 6'3 212

Derwin James isn't a no-brainer by any means, but the Bucs seem to have made a trend out of drafting any top-end Floridian talent(Also vernon Hargreaves and idc whoelse). Point is FSU has produced great secondary talent( IE: Ramsey, Rhodes, Joyner, Robinson, Cromartie, etc.) and bucs need secondary talent/production

#8 Chicago Bears

Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame 6'5 330

Not many have Quenton Nelson of Notre Dame falling to this position, but when they do he isn't passed up by the Bears who have a young QB who the franchise is building around. First QB drafted in 2017(Trubisky) and First Offensive-Lineman drafted in 2018(Nelson) symbolizes the Bears 'trusting the process' of what happens when you sign a dude named Jay Cutler to a ridiculous deal.

#9 San Francisco 49ers

Roquon Smith, LB, Georgia 6'1 225

This is close to a no-brainer. The 49ers have always had great linebacker play, but off-the-field concerns(Aldon Smith, Reuben Foster, etc.) have forced the 49ers to move away from  a few of these players. Roquon is both powerful and speedy and will hopefully for the niners sake- keep his head in the game.

#10 Oakland Raiders

Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State 5'11 190

When in doubt, draft an OSU player. No, seriously, It worked for the Saints who've added 3 secondary players, and 2 receivers in the last 2 seasons to the effects of transitioning from playoff outlier --> to super bowl contenders for at least the next couple seasons. Denzel Ward is probably also the closest to 2017-18 NFL DROTY of the Saints Marshon Lattimore as well so I'd make the pick. Will u Raiders? 

#11 Miami Dolphins

Tremaine Edmunds, OLB, Virginia Tech 6'5 250

Dolphins could look to Vita Vea to reheal the loss of Suh on the defensive-line but the value of the drafts #2 linebacker is arguably more valuable, at least I'd argue.

#12 Browns(via Bills)

Minkah Fitzpatrick, S/CB, Alabama 6'1 200

Browns will get a steal if Minkah falls here, if browns stay put at #4 he'd more than likely be considered as well.

#13 Washington Redskins

Vita Vea, DT, Washington 6'5 340

Washington get the d-line pairee to play inside whilst Kerrigan and Orakpo get to the quarterback.

#14 Green Bay Packers

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama 6'1 190

First WR off-the-board goes to the Packers because all they've got is Devante Adams, Randall Cobb, and... Geronimo Allison? yea its either Jimmy Graham there or a stud on a 2x National Championship while Graham can play the Tight end slot, well because, he's a Tight End(full-respect to Graham in that he can play WR but besides the quality + depth point).

#15 Arizona Cardinals

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville 6'3 250

Once a Cardinal.. Always A Cardinal. Just makes sense because the Cardinals are filled with athletes, and i'd laugh if your going to argue that Bradford is a better athlete(not racist just c'mon man). Oh yea we also heard from somebody 16 months ago or so that he's 10 times better than Michael Vick. Who Said it? Oh yea that too; Michael Vick.

#16 Baltimore Ravens

Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU 6'4 215

Good measurables and a team who sought after Dez Bryant(actually saying something btw). Compettitor on the roster to Snead but the Ravens would obviously have to hope Sutton is even better given the pick position.

#17 San Diego Chargers

Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama 6'2 310

Big tumble. Chargers go BPA cuz' as their free agency suggests, they don't have a glaring need.

#18 Seattle Seahawks

Mike Mcglinchey, OT, Notre Dame 6'7 290

2nd offensive lineman(also Notre Dame) available at 18 and the Seahwaks are on the clock. Seahawks like to draft OL so it'd be a likely pick here. 

#19 Dallas Cowboys 

Leighton Vander-Esch, LB, Boise State 6'4 260

I've heard he's unlikely to fall out of the top 20. WR wanting Cowboy fans responded to the tweet in dismay as their team is the 19th pick. Sorry Cowboy Fans, hopefully your happy about later on(see Kristaps Porzingis)

#20 Detroit Lions

Marcus Davenport, DE, USTA 6'7 255

Definitely one of my favorites int he draft and I could see the Colts taking a sniff at pick 6 but the lions seem like a nice landing spot for the surprisingly speedy 'Khalil Mack-esque experiment'.

#21 Cincinnatti Bengals

James Daniels, C, Iowa 6'3 310

James Daniels is the big boy the Bengals will need if their ever going to reestablish a high-power running game.

#22 Buffalo Bills

Billy Price, C, Ohio State 6'3 300

His name is Billy, say no-more. ight the Bills could use a linemen, in general, but also for their new QB, Josh, so it all works out...

#23 New England Patriots

Joshua Jackson, CB, Iowa 6'1 190

Steal for the pats who often make any good player look great, but Jackson has a real chance to be a plug-in Malcolm Butler with possibly a few more action plays given his interception numbers at Iowa.

#24 Carolina Panthers

DJ Moore, WR, Maryland 6'0 215

Panthers really need a wide receiver, and they've looked at Moore quite a bit. Makes sense.

#25 Tennessee Titans

Taven Bryan, ILB, Florida 6'4 290

High-riser that's stats arent the tell of the story he's going to bring to the NFL. Dude was a combine monster and the Falcons really want to take him. Well too bad cuz he's in the Nash now.

#26 Atlanta Falcons

Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia 6'2 300

Go with the Georgia boy instead and hope he can protects Georgia's icy man- Matt Ryan.

#27 New Orleans Saints

Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston College 6'3 250

Saints seem to always label DE as a must every off-season which is why drafting a concensus round 1 grade DE makes so much sense. The Saints have only drafted 2 in the 1st round during the Payton-Brees Era(Will Smith, and Cam Jordan) and both made a pro bowl shortly after being drafted. The reson for only drafting 2 so high despite it being a constant need, or a must, is because they like big defensive ends who still actively get to the QB with speed. That's why Hubbard actually makes the most sense, in yet I'm not picking him for the saints(easily could've). Landry is a couple inches shorter, 20 pounds lighter, and significantly faster than Hubbard but he feels like a better pairing to Cam Jordan. Saints could easily go either way but I'd say that Hubbard is a more standout Trey Hendrickson with the chance to be a Ryan Kerrigan while Landry can be the Vic Beasley to counter the Falcons. Take your pick.. P.S. there isn't a bad one.

#28 Pittsburgh Steelers

Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama 6'3 235

Ryan Shazier is not guaranteed to be the same player, but even if he somehow is, the Steelers would like to  another linebacker stud.

#29 Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville 5'10 190

Missed much of last season due to injury, but the Jags need to bank on Alexander being able to slide in to Aaron Colvin's vacant slot seat and produce from day 1 on the job. Colvin and Saints rookie' Lattimore were the only elgible secondary players in the NFL to allow 0 touchdowns last season

#30 Minnesota Vikings

Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State 6'5 270

I could see the Vikings and Patriots flipping selections, but the crystal ball results are leaning towards Hubbard sliding in on the opposite EDGE as NFL Pro Bowler Everson Griffen.

#31 New England Patriots

Will Hernandez, G, UTEP 6'3 330

Lost tackle Nate Solder to the Giants, but the Patriots could switch up the line for the primarily guard playing Hernandez.

#32 Philadelphia Eagles

Connor Williams, OT, Texas 6'6 290

Dude a beast and whomever the Eagles pick to play QB their going to need OL depth inorder to make another super bowl run possible, especially if Lane Johnson wants to be a doofus again

20 possible First Rounders: Dallas Goedert, Derrius Guice, Maurice Hurst, Hayden Hurst, Sony Michel, Malik Jefferson, Kolton Miller, Mike Gesicki, Orlando Brown, Mike Hughes, Ronald Jones III, Mark Andrews, Harrison Phillips, Mason Rudolph, Frank Ragnow, Ronnie Harrison, Justin Reid, Isaiah Oliver, Carlton Davis, Arden Key

Big Ten Basketball predictions + SB LII update

Big ten basketball in 2018 is currently trending down in the eyes of many viewers, with only two ranked teams(as of Jan 12), and about 3 other teams with a realistic chance of making the tourney. Let's see where they all stand...

3 Predictions(bold?)

1. Indiana, Nebraska, and Penn State finish 6th, 7th, and 8th with 10 wins but miss out on NCAA Tourney due to missed opportunities in Non-conference

Indiana is the school hit the most by non-conference as they lost to Indiana State(21) and IPFW(20) by a combined 41 points and only lost to ranked teams Duke(10) and Seton Hall(16) by a combined 26 and Louisville by 9. Saying they made things unnecessarily hard on themselves would be an understatement.

Nebraska's key miss helped them more then it hurt as they only lost 73-72 to a highly-talented Kansas team. Nebraska's 3 other NC losses have fewer positives-- UCF(9), Creighton(10), and St. Johns(23). Creighton and Kansas are the only games they could've afforded to lose, and even then it would hurt to have missed those resume buildings wins when they've also already missed out on road wins against conference rulers Purdue and Michigan State.

Penn State

State didn't hurt themselves in non-conference play until a few days before Christmas, but it will sting for the rest of the season unless they can shock people in conference play. That loss was a 71-70 defeat to Rider of the MAA, a solid team in their conference but a much worse loss on paper then 7 and 11 point losses to Texas A&M(Home, 11) and NC State(Road, 7).

2. Illini finally hit rock-bottom

Strangely I was between stating the above statement and predicting that every team in the BIG will finish with at least 5 wins, this should give room for both to happen. All of the Illini's 5 conference losses have been by 10 or less in respectable fashion and could've definitely pulled off 2 or 3 of them. I'm just going to speculate that things could fall apart if they aren't able to garner road wins over Nebraska and Wisconsin upcoming as a precursor to playing host to MSU. I'll put them down for 4-14, and a tie for last with a Hawkeyes team that came into their house and stool their first victory(1-5) in OT. Illinois will need to hope that either Mark Smith and Trent Frazier continue to make strides on the court and/or 5☆ HS senior 🔶Ayo Dosunmo🔷 is all he's cracked up to be.

3. Purdue Repeats as champions; Outright, and make a splashy dance as well

The Boilers are playing like not only the best team in the big ten but quite possibly the nation. While they're not one of the all-time great teams this conference has produced, they have all the factors of a team like the 2015-16 Villanova Wildcats. College Basketball is asking for a team to hold the reigns of the up and down sleigh ride that is the sport, and the two teams leading the race are those Wildcats and These boilers. Still thinking about the comparison between these boilers and the National Champion winning Villanova Wildcats? Veteran Leadership, past disappointment, defense, improved/sustained guard and bigs play to go along with the absence of a superstar or imminent future NBA player. Both Purdue and '16 Nova start 4 upperclassmen to go along with an X-factor lower-classmen guard; Jalen Brunson for the Wildcats and Carsen Edwards for the Boilermakers. Both teams consist of players who've made the tourney every year of their career and have underperformed(2016-17 Purdue debatable). Both teams have averaged similar totals in three key departments during conference play(only 5 games for Purdue)-- FG % is 47.2 for Nova and 48 for Purdue, PPG is 77.6 for Nova and 76 for Purdue, and on defensive side Purdue allows 65.2 PPG and Nova allowed 65.9. Purdue has scored 85.2 PPG in the entire season, with 63.6 points allowed(same exact as Nova) and a 50.1% shooting percentage that includes a 41.6% mark from 3. Alright maybe this is getting a little over-the-top so I'll just finish by saying that both teams take care of the ball very well and have 11 combined players amongst the top of their lineups that shot at least 35% from 3... and that's a good sign when your a defensive team leading your conference's in points and least allowed(both were/are 1st or close to in both categories).

Yea so that took awhile....

Big Ten Standings

1. Purdue Boilermakers 27-4, 16-2

Putting them down for a hiccup and an MSU road loss( or another upset loss)

2. Michigan State Spartans 27-4, 15-3

Needing OT to beat Rutgers in East Lansing makes me feel a lot better about giving a team that was 2018's first #1 ranked team 3 conference losses in a "weak Conference"

3. Ohio State 22-9, 13-5

I think their actually legit and giving them 5 losses seems disrespecful even by the way they've played recently-- tossing MSU and Maryland with a look of ease

4. Michigan 23-8, 12-6

Very good and young team that will probably slip up a few times on the road but look very crisp at home.

5. Maryland 22-9, 11-7

Awfully vunerable away from home as suggested by their last two road games-- 91-69 loss to OSU and 91-61 to MSU, but will be capable of knocking off anyone at home; needed in order to stay afloat in basketball relevancy.

6. Indiana 17-13, 10-8

Just a team that's running under the radar(for valid reason) but can still prove dangerous for a lot of foes, even with forward De'Ron Davis out for the season

7. Nebraska 19-12, 10-8

Putting together a solid bounce-back season, even if there isn't a W to point to in prove of their resurgence.

8. Penn State 20-11, 10-8

I know your wondering why I put them in reverse record, the answer is that a tiebreaker between the three teams will determine the BTT seeding

9. Minnesota 20-11, 9-9

Having Coffey out for awhile and the best defensive player in the conference( basic statistics, otherwise probably Dakota Mathias of Purdue) out for the year as well (we'd expect, Reggie Lynch that is). Mason, Mcbrayer, and especially Murphy will provide a solid team but their height is at a big disadvantage with Lynch gone( height has more effect than just rebounding, otherwise wouldnt be a problem (Murphy has 17 DD's despite being only 6'6).

10. Wisconsin 16-15, 9-9

Wisconsin lost a bunch of games down the stretch last year because team's figured out how to stop Hayes, Koenig, and Happ. Now it's just Happ, and he pretty much is only good for one thing-- the reliable layup/post presence, but you can still hack-a-shaq him and he'll make about 50 out of 100. You say Davison is a good player? sure, I haven't watched but can guess he's just the product of a weak lineup where someones got to be scoring. That said Wisconsin is Wisconsin and that's all the reasoning I feel I need for why they'll get to 500.

11. Northwestern 18-13, 9-9

Could it even be that there's two 3-way tie's for a record? I guess so. Northwestern is a team that'll plot somewhere in the 8-10 - 10-8 range i don't think there's much question to be had. 8-10 seems a bit harsh and 10-8 seems too optimistic so I went with 9 wins and I guess a tiebreaking defeat( you can put them at 9 if you want because they should matchup well when it comes to tiebreaking prospects.)

12. Rutgers 16-15, 6-12

Their not that bad. They lost two games to MSU, one was tied at half, the other tied at regulation's end. I think Steve Pikieli is going to have to take advantage of some winnable games this season, and I think Rutgers will be bottom-dwellers(in the most literal term, cuz still kind of are) no longer.

13. Iowa 13-18, 4-14

When your gut says they'll win 5 you should probably go with it, but this is not a very good basketball team and 4 wins would not be terrible given how it's going so far.

14. Illinois 14-17, 4-14

Welp, better luck next year

NFL Playoff Update

#4 Saints 24 @ #2 Vikings 22

#6 Falcons 23 @ #1 Eagles 20

#3 Jaguars 17 @ #2 Steelers 23

#5 Titans 20 @ #1 Patriots 21

AFC Championship

# 2 Steelers 34 

@

# 1 Patriots 30

NFC Championship

#6 Falcons 23

@

#4 Saints 31 

Super Bowl LII

#2 Steelers 31

#4 Saints 27

Early Season Playoff Predictions Review, Awards, and Super Bowl

OCT 24: New England Patriots(12-4)(#1 Seed)

Jan 5: Patriots 13-3(#1 Seed)

Difference: The Patriots were 5-2 when this prediction was made. Record would've been spot on had the Steelers won a controversial week 15 game against these Patriots

GRADE: In October pundits weren't too sure about handing the Patriots the #1 seed, they had lost home games to both the Chiefs and Panthers, and most nearly lost a third game at home to the Texans. At this point, they were only a few weeks removed from having the leagues last-place defense

=A

OCT 24: Pittsburgh Steelers(11-5)(3rd seed)

Jan 5: Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3(2nd seed)

Difference: Those super close games that they won-- 10 point 4th QC vs Bengals, 11 point 4th QC vs Ravens, and GWF vs Packers. If they lose two of those their 11-5, if they lose all 3 but beat the Patriots they're also 11-5. Also, this prediction was made with the expectation that the Texans would be a formidable opponent(they still had Watson), and that the Steelers would lose in Houston(Projected #2 seed)

GRADE: The Steelers were also 5-2 in late October, and 11-5 was probably the safest prediction that could've been made at the time. Couldn't have expected 3-2--> 13-3

Grade: B

OCT 24: Jacksonville Jaguars(10-6) 5th seed

Jan 5: Jaguars(10-6) 3rd seed

Difference: Again this would be right on if I didn't think so highly of the Texans, but other than that there isn't much to say

Grade: This was a 4-3 team who hadn't been to the playoffs in 10 years. 

=A

OCT 24: Kansas City Chiefs(9-7) 4th seed

Jan 5: Chiefs 10-6 4th seed

Difference: Chiefs decided to win the last 4 games. The Chiefs started the season 5-0 and finished 4-0. That means they were 1-6 in games played in the middle of the season.

Grade: The Chiefs were 5-2 when the prediction was made that they would finish as a 9-7 football team. They had lost to the Steelers by 6 and the Raiders on the road by 1 so not many people were ready to remove the Chiefs from Super Bowl consideration, but I had. It was only a matter of time before teams guarded Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt was slowed down-- leaving only Kelce and Smith-- and no Super Bowl.

=A+

OCT 24: Tennesee Titans(10-6), 6th seed

Jan 5: Titans 9-7, 5th seed

Difference: Had them stealing a game in Pittsburgh😬, otherwise, the record is spot on

Grade: They were 4-3 and were coming off of a victory over the Browns where they scored 0 td's (12-9 in OT) so it's safe to say they were/are a very flawed football team. AFC wasn't that strong this season, and it felt like the Titans were going to hang on to a playoff spot the whole season

=A

OCT 24: Buffalo Bills (9-7) 7th seed(First Out)

Jan 5: Bills 9-7, 6th seed

Difference: I had 3 teams in the AFC South making it(Ludicrous right?)

and that pushed the Bills out because I had the Texans in

Grade: If the Bills had missed out on one of the tiebreakers or I updated after Deshaun Watson went down this would be right on with record and seed

Grade: A+

My NFC Predictions were highlighted by me being WAYYY off on the Vikings(8-8 vs 13-3)

Projected NFC Seed Line

1. Eagles 12-4

2. Saints 11-5

3. Rams 10-6

4. Lions 10-6

5. Seahawks 10-6

6. Cowboys 9-7

Once again my predictions look bad because of one faulty prediction of how the Vikings final 9 games would play out. I predicted a 5-2 team would finish 9-7 for absolutely no reason other than a lack of faith in Case Keenum. Also, the 2016 Vikings went from 5-0 --> 8-8 but regardless my prediction of the Vikings season is worthy of...

Grade: F

The Rest of my predictions were ok(mostly) believe-it-or-not.

1. Prediction Eagles (12-4)   1. Reality Eagles (13-3)

I predicted them to win the super bowl when they were 6-1 with Carson Wentz and they looked like they would until they lost him

Grade: A

2. Prediction Saints(11-5) 2.  Reality Vikings 13-3

Having already addressed the Vikings, I'll grade the Saints prediction here. I got the Saints record right on and they would've gotten the 4th seed like they did in real life had I had the Vikings playing the way they did and the Rams winning one more game. But that doesn't have to do with how the Saints played this season. The Saints were 4-2 and I expected they'd be 11-5 with a big contribution from Ingram and Kamara.

Grade: A+

3. Prediction Rams(10-6) 3. Reality Rams 11-5

At the time of this prediction, the Rams were 5-2 and held a lost to the Seahawks, Naturally, the Seahawks were still expected to win the division. I only predicted the Rams to go 5-4 the rest of the way so I won't give myself too much credit

Grade: A

4. Prediction Lions(10-6) 4. Reality Saints(11-5)

This was a bad prediction but considering I thought the Viking would only win 9 games it's not awful. the Lions were only a game away from winning 10 games and could've won the North with the 9 they ended up with.

Grade: D

5. Prediction Seahawks(10-6) 5. Reality Panthers 11-5

Ugh The Seahawks were a win off, but still would've missed the playoff. I also had the Panthers only winning 8 games😴.

Grade: D+

6. Prediction Cowboys(9-7)  6. Reality Falcons 10-6

The Cowboys did finish 9-7, but I predicted the Falcons to win 8 games. I thought the Falcons luck would run out at some point, but they proved me wrong.

Grade: B-

Playoff Predictions

4. Chiefs 31

(Advance to face either Pats or Steelers)

5. Titans 20

 

3. Jaguars 24

(Advance to face Steelers)

6. Bills 23

4. Chiefs 23

1. Patriots 38

2. Steelers 30

3. Jaguars 27

2. Steelers 28

 

1. Patriots 27

AFC Representative

NFC Playoffs

3. Rams 31

(Advance to play either Vikings or Eagles)

6. Falcons 27

4. Saints 31

(Advance to Play Eagles)

5. Panthers 27

3. Rams 30

2. Vikings 28

1. Eagles 20

4. Saints 24

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

4. Saints 27

3. Rams 23

NFC Representative

NFL AWARDS

OFFENSIVE ROTY: WEEK 9: Leonard Fournette

Actual (projected) OROTY

Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints

Defensive ROTY: Week 9: Marshon Lattimore

Actual(projected) DROTY

Marshon Lattimore, CB, Saints

Defensive Player of the Year: Week 9: Campbell

Actual(projected) DPOTY

Aaron Donald, DT, Rams(50-50 w/Campbell)

Offensive Player of the Year: Week 9: Todd Gurley

Actual(projected) OPOTY

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams

NFL MVP: Week 7: Carson Wentz

Actual(projected)

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots

NFL Coach of the Year

Sean McVay, Rams

Super Bowl LII

2. Steelers 31

4. Saints 23

Super Bowl MVP

Le'Veon Bell: 112 rushing, 1 rushing td, 6 rec. 47 yds, 1 rec. td

                SUPER BOWL LII CHAMPIONS

                     PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Thanks for reading, press the heart❤️ if you read this, or even saw this. 

NFL Midseason Awards List

Due to crashes that didn't let me save/post this; the information is based on games up to 11/6 because I tried to post it on 11/8.

 

Offensive Rookie Of The Year

1. Leonard Fournette

(6 games) 596 Rushing(99.3 RYPG), 6 TD-- 136 receiving, 1 TD

Odds to win award: 5-1

2. Deshaun Watson

(7 games) 1699 Passing, 19 TD/8 INT, 269 Rushing, 2 TD

Odds to win award: 9-2

3. Kareem Hunt

(9 games) 800 Rushing(88.9 RYPG), 4 TD-- 331 receiving, 2 TD

Odds to win award: 5-2

4. Alvin Kamara

(8 games) 311 Rushing, 3 TD-- 341 receiving, 2 TD

Odds to win award: 16-1

Defensive Rookie Of The Year

 

1. Marshon Lattimore

31 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 FF, 10 PBU

As of Week 9: (37.4/158.3 Passer Rating Allowed)

Fun Fact: 36.9 = Passer Rating equivalent to throwing the ball into the dirt; Lattimore had a PRA of 28.8 before allowing one catch for 13 yards to Bucs star Mike Evans in week 9

Odds to Win Award: 4/5

2. Tre'Davious White

31 tackles, 1 interception, 1 FF, 12 PBU

As of Week 8: (81.1 Passer Rating Allowed)

Odds to Win Award: 3-1

3. Marcus Maye

45 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 FF

Odds to Win Award: 40-1

4. Jamal Adams, SS, Jets

43 tackles, 2 sacks

Odds to Win Award: 35-1

NFL MVP

1. CARSON WENTZ

2262 Passing, CP 60.5, 23 TD/5 INT, 221 Rushing- 104.1

Odds to Win Award: 2-1

2. Tom Brady

2541 Passing, CP 66.7, 16 TD/2 INT- 106.5

Odds to Win Award: 7-2

3. Alex Smith

2444 Passing, CP 69.6, 18/1 INT, Passer Rating- 113.9

Odds to Win Award: 13-2

4. Drew Brees

2214 Passing, CP 71.6, 13/4 INT, Passer Rating- 105

Odds to Win Award: 14-1

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Calais Campbell 

34 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 FF

Odds to Win Award: 2-1

2. Aaron Donald

19 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 FF

Odds to Win Award: 4-1

3. Demarcus Lawrence

31 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 3 FF

Odds to Win Award: 6-1

4. Jalen Ramsey

26 tackles, 2 int

Odds to Win Award: 9-1

5. Everson Griffen

29 tackles, 10 sacks, 2 FF

Odds to Win Award: 10-1

Offensive Player of the year

1. Todd Gurley, RB, Rams

(8 games) 686 Rush Yds., 7 td’s; 29 rec. 338 rec. Yds, 3 td’s

Odds to Win Award: 8-1

2. Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs

(9 games) 800 Rushing(88.9 RYPG), 4 TD-- 331 receiving, 2 TD

Odds to Win Award: 2-1

3. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers

(8 games) 835 rec. yds, 3 td's

Odds to Win Award: 5-2

4. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers

(8 games) 760 rush. Yds.,  5 td’s; 35 rec., 219 rec. Yds.

Odds to Win Award: 9-2

 

Rest Of Season NFL Predictions (POST week 7) (Subject to change)

It's been a pretty crazy season so far-- Here are my rest of season + Playoff Predictions as of week 7

AFC NORTH Winner

1st Place Pittsburgh Steelers(3rd seed, 11-5)

AFC SOUTH WINNER

HOUSTON Texans(2nd seed, 11-5)

AFC EAST WINNER

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(1st seed, 12-4)

AFC WEST WINNER

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4th Seed, 9-7) 

AFC FIRST WILDCARD (5th SEED)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(10-6, AFC SOUTH)

AFC SECOND WILDCARD (6th SEED)

TENNESEE TITANS (10-6, AFC SOUTH)

NFC NORTH WINNER

DETROIT LIONS(10-6, 4th seed)

NFC SOUTH WINNER

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (11-5, 2nd seed)

NFC EAST WINNER

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (12-4, 1st seed)

NFC WEST WINNER

ST. LOUIS RAMS(10-6, 3rd seed)

NFC FIRST WILDCARD (5th SEED)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (10-6, NFC WEST)

NFC SECOND WILDCARD (6th SEED)

DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7, NFC EAST)

7-10 seeds NFC And AFC:

NFC: 7. Washington (9-7) 8. Minnesota (9-7) 9. Green Bay (9-7)                  10. Atlanta (8-8)

AFC: 7. BUFFALO (9-7) 8. MIAMI (8-8) 9. DENVER (8-8)                           10. BALTIMORE (7-9)

PLAYOFFS

SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

MY PLAN is to update this at least couple more times before the field of 12 is officially set

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NBA Mock Draft

NBA MOCK DRAFT WITH A WEEK TO GO

 

1. Boston Celtics

BIGGEST NEED: POWER FORWARD

NEED FIT: JOSH JACKSON, SF/PF, KANSAS

or JOHNATHAN ISAAC, PF, FSU

BEST AVAILABLE: MARKELLE FULTZ, PG, Washington

THE PICK: MARKELLE FULTZ

2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

BIGGEST NEED: POINT GAURD

NEED FIT: LONZO BALL, PG, UCLA

or DE'AARON FOX, PG, KENTUCKY

BEST AVAILABLE: LONZO BALL

THE PICK: JOSH JACKSON, SF/PF

3. PHILADELPHIA 76ers

BIGGEST NEED: SHOOTING GAURD

NEED FIT: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

BEST AVAILABLE: LONZO BALL, PG, UCLA

THE PICK: LONZO BALL

4. PHEONIX SUNS

BIGGEST NEED: SMALL FORWARD

NEED FIT: JAYSON TATUM, SF, DUKE

BEST AVAILABLE: DE'AARON FOX, PG, Kentucky

THE PICK: JAYSON TATUM

5. SACRAMENTO KINGS

BIGGEST NEED: POINT GAURD

NEED FIT: DE'AARON FOX, PG, KENTUCKY

BEST AVAILABLE: DE'AARON FOX

THE PICK: DE'AARON FOX

6. ORLANDO MAGIC

BIGGEST NEED: POINT GAURD

NEED FIT: Dennis Smith, PG, NC State

BEST AVAILABLE: Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

THE PICK: Malik Monk

7. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

BIGGEST NEED: Small Forward

NEED FIT: JOHNATHAN ISAAC, SF/PF, FSU

BEST AVAILABLE: JOHNATHAN ISAAC

THE PICK: JOHNATHAN ISAAC

8. NEW YORK KNICKS

BIGGEST NEED: Point Guard

NEED FIT: Dennis Smith Jr, PG, NC State

BEST AVAILABLE: Dennis Smith Jr

THE PICK: Dennis Smith Jr

9. DALLAS MAVERICKS

BIGGEST NEED: Power Forward/Center

NEED FIT: LAURI MARKANEN, PF, ARIZONA

BEST AVAILABLE: LAURI MARKANEN

THE PICK: LAURI MARKANEN

10. SACRAMENTO KINGS

BIGGEST NEED: ANYTHING but Shooting Guard 

NEED FIT: Frank Ntilikina, PG, FRANCE, Zach Collins PF/C, Gonzaga, JUSTIN JACKSON, SF, NORTH CAROLINA, OG ANUNOBY, SF/PF, INDIANAA

BEST AVAILABLE: Frank Ntilikina

THE PICK: OG ANUNOBY

11. CHARLOTTE HORNETS

BIGGEST NEED: SMALL FORWARD, Power Forward 

NEED FIT:  Zach Collins PF/C, Gonzaga, JUSTIN JACKSON, SF, NORTH CAROLINA,

BEST AVAILABLE: Frank Ntilikina, PG, France

THE PICK: DONOVAN MITCHELL, SG, LOUISVILLE

12. DETROIT PISTONS

BIGGEST NEED: Shooting Guard 

NEED FIT: LUKE KENNARD, SG, DUKE

BEST AVAILABLE: Frank Ntilikina, PG, FRANCE

THE PICK: Frank Ntilikina, FRANCE

13. DENVER NUGGETS 

BIGGEST NEED: Point Guard or Center

NEED FIT: Derrick White, PG/SG, COLORADO, JARRETT ALLEN, C, TEXAS

BEST AVAILABLE: Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga

THE PICK: JARRETT ALLEN

14. MIAMI HEAT

BIGGEST NEED: Power Forward

NEED FIT: John Collins, PF, WAKE FOREST 

BEST AVAILABLE: Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga

THE PICK: John Collins

15. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

BIGGEST NEED: Power Forward or Center

NEED FIT: Zach Collins, PF/C, Gonzaga 

BEST AVAILABLE: Zach Collins

THE PICK: Zach Collins

16. CHICAGO BULLS

BIGGEST NEED: Small Forward, Power Forward or Center

NEED FIT: Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina, Justin Patton, C, Creighton 

BEST AVAILABLE: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke

THE PICK: Justin Jackson

17. Milwaukee Bucks

BIGGEST NEED: Point Guard or Center

NEED FIT: Justin Patton, C, Creighton 

BEST AVAILABLE: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke

THE PICK: Justin Patton

18. INDIANA PACERS

BIGGEST NEED: BACKCOURT

NEED FIT: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke

BEST AVAILABLE: Luke Kennard

THE PICK: Luke Kennard

NOTE: Kennard will probably go between 8-12 but I sensed that he might be seen as most similar to Kyle Singler instead of Klay Thompson. If I were to re-due it i'd have him earlier to the Pistons, but I'm just going to let this stand.

 

19. ATLANTA HAWKS

BIGGEST NEED: Small Forward

NEED FIT: Semi OJELEYE, SF/PF/, SMU

BEST AVAILABLE: IKE ANIGBOGU, C, UCLA

THE PICK: Semi OJELEYE

20. Portland Trailblazers

BIGGEST NEED: FRONTCOURT

NEED FIT: Harry Giles, C, Duke, T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA, Tyler Lydon, SF/PF, Syracuse

BEST AVAILABLE: IKE ANIGBOGU, C, UCLA

THE PICK: Harry Giles

21. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

BIGGEST NEED: Small Forward or Power Forward

NEED FIT: T.J. Leaf, PF, UCLA

BEST AVAILABLE: IKE ANIGBOGU, C, UCLA

THE PICK: T.J. Leaf

22. BROOKLYN NETS

BIGGEST NEED: Frontcourt

NEED FIT: Caleb Swanigan SF/PF/C, PURDUE

BEST AVAILABLE: IKE ANIGBOGU, C, UCLA

THE PICK: D.J. WILSON, PF, MICHIGAN

23. TORONTO RAPTORS

BIGGEST NEED: Frontcourt

NEED FIT: Caleb Swanigan SF/PF/C, PURDUE

BEST AVAILABLE: IKE ANIGBOGU, C, UCLA

THE PICK: Tyler Lydon, SF/PF Syracuse

24. UTAH JAZZ

BIGGEST NEED: Shooting Guard or Power Forward

NEED FIT: Caleb Swanigan SF/PF/C, PURDUE

BEST AVAILABLE: IKE ANIGBOGU, C, UCLA

THE PICK: Caleb Swanigan

25. ORLANDO MAGIC

BIGGEST NEED: Point Guard 

NEED FIT: Derrick White, PG/SG, COLORADO

BEST AVAILABLE: IKE ANIGBOGU, C, UCLA

THE PICK: IKE ANIGBOGU

26. Portland Trailblazers

BIGGEST NEED: FRONT COURT

NEED FIT: Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

BEST AVAILABLE: Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia

THE PICK: Isaiah Hartenstein, PF/C, Germany

27. Brooklyn Nets

BIGGEST NEED: FRONT COURT

NEED FIT: Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

BEST AVAILABLE: Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia

THE PICK: Jordan Bell, PF, OREGON

28. LOS ANGELES LAKERS

BIGGEST NEED: FRONT COURT

NEED FIT: Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

BEST AVAILABLE: Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia

THE PICK: Frank Jackson, SG, DUKE

29. SAN ANTONIO SPURS

BIGGEST NEED: Shooting Guard or Center

NEED FIT: Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

BEST AVAILABLE: Terrance Ferguson, SG, Australia

THE PICK: Terrence Ferguson

30. UTAH JAZZ

BIGGEST NEED: Shooting Guard or Power Forward

NEED FIT: Derrick White, PG/SG, COLORADO, IVAN RABB, PF/C, CALIFORNIA

BEST AVAILABLE: Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

THE PICK: Derrick White

31. ATLANTA = Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

32. PHEONIX = TONY BRADLEY, C, NORTH CAROLINA

33. ORLANDO = JAWUN EVANS, PG, OKLAHOMA STATE

34. SACRAMENTO = KYLE KUZMA, PF, UTAH

35. ORLANDO = DILLON BROOKS, SF, OREGON

36. PHILADELPHIA = JOSH HART, SG, VILLANOVA

37. BOSTON = ANZEJS PASECNIKS, C, LATVIA

38. CHICAGO = IVAN RABB, PF/C, CALIFORNIA

39. PHILADELPHIA = THOMAS BRYANT, C, INDIANA

40. NEW ORLEANS = TYLER DORSEY, SG, OREGON

41. CHARLOTTE = MATTHIAS LESSORT, PF/C, FRANCE

42. UTAH = FRANK MASON, PG, KANSAS

43. HOUSTON = JOHNATHAN MOTLEY, PF/C, BAYLOR

44. NEW YORK = STERLING BROWN, SG, SMU

45. HOUSTON = P.J. DOZIER, SG, SOUTH CAROLINA

46. PHILADELPHIA = ALEC PETERS, PF, VALPARAISO

47. INDIANA = MONTE MORRIS, PG, IOWA STATE

48. MILWAUKEE = EDMOND SUMNER, PG, XAVIER

49. DENVER = JONAH BOLDEN, PF, AUSTRALIA

50. PHILADELPHIA = DWAYNE BACON , SF, FLORIDA STATE

51. DENVER = DEVIN ROBINSON, SF/PF, FLORIDA

52. WASHINGTON = CAMERON OLIVER, PF, NEVADA

53. BOSTON = JARON BLOSSOMGAME, SF/PF, CLEMSON

54. PHEONIX = NIGEL WILLIAMS-GOSS, PG, GONZAGA

55. UTAH = WESLEY IWUNDU, SG, KANSAS STATE

56. BOSTON = SINDARIUS THORNWELL, SG, SOUTH CAROLINA

57. BROOKLYN = ISAIAH HICKS, PF, NORTH CAROLINA

58. NEW YORK = ALBERTO ABALDE, SF, SPAIN

59. SAN ANTONIO = ALPHA KABA, C, FRANCE

60. ATLANTA = DAMYEON DOTSON, SG, HOUSTON

True NFL Most Valuable Season of last 15 seasons

OFFENSE

Top QB Seasons

1. PEYTON MANNING 2013, 13-3, MVP, OPY, 5477yds, 55 tds, 68.3 comp. %

4. Aaron Rodgers 2011, 14-1, MVP, 4643, 45 tds, 68.3 comp. %

Peyton Manning wins out in a battle of more valuable, due to having the greatest statistical season ever. Aaron Rodgers would've had a better argument if it weren't for Matt Flynn coming into the season finale and throwing for 480 yards and 6 touchdowns on the road with an offense that featured Greg Jennings(Pro bowler), Jordy Nelson(15 td season), and Randall Cobb(future pro bowler). 

3. TOM BRADY 2007, 16-0, MVP, OPY, 4806, 50 tds, 68.9 comp. %

This one is tough because Tom Terrific went 16-0, but there is some clear insight here. Moss had 23 touchdowns that year, an NFL record. The Saints on the other hand spread the ball around a lot. Only one of Drew Brees's wideouts had more than 8 touchdowns, that was Jimmy Graham(11), and Brees still threw for 46 td's. 5 players on the saints caught at least 6 touchdowns, there were only 3 such players for the Patriots. Also,  7 saints RB/WR/TE's totaled over 425 yards, and Brees managed to reach nearly 5500 passing yards. There were 4 weapons of Brady that had over 425 yards for the Patriots, and Brady threw for 670 less yardage.

2. DREW BREES 2011, 13-3, OPY, 5476yds, 46 tds, 71.2 comp. %

Who was more valuable, Peyton Manning, or Drew Brees?

Drew Brees was more valuable. Why? because none of his targets have been nearly as good since departing New Orleans. Wes Welker, and Eric Decker have had better seasons. Decker followed up a 1250+ yard, 11 td in 2013 with a similarly good season of 1000+, and 12 td's with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Mark Ingram is the only skill position player still remaining from the 2011 Saints roster, and zero players have garnered a 1000 yard receiving season elsewhere. Wes Welker had 5 1000 yard seasons alone elsewhere, but in fairness in was earlier in his career, and with the services of Tom Brady. But, Lance Moore totaled almost 1700 yards, and 14 touchdowns in 2011 and 2012 with Brees, but preceded to never reach 350 receiving yards in 2014 and 2015 with solid quarterbacks Matthew Stafford, and Ben Roethlisberger. In conclusion, Peyton Manning had a slightly more impressive statline than Brees, but Brees had his success with less-proven players, that were benefits of Brees's tremendous ability to spread the rock. 

Top RB Seasons

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, 2006, 14-2, MVP, OPY,  1815 rushing yds, 28 rushing td's, 56 rec., 508 yds, 3 td's  

4.  Chris Johnson, 2009, 8-8, OPY, 2006 rushing yards, 14 rushing td's, 50 rec., 503 yds, 2 td's

Definitely LaDanian. 2006 was QB, Phillip Rivers first season of starting in the league. Going 14-2 in your first season as QB only happens when you can hand off 2 td's a game to one player. Phillip Rivers probably needed this season to adjust, therefore helping the chargers in the long run. Chris Johnson's numbers aren't as good, and his team won 8 games. No player has ever won mvp on a 8 win team since the institution of the 16 game regular season.

3. Priest Holmes, 2003, 13-3, All-Pro, 1420 rushing yds, 27 td's, 74 rec., 690 rec. yds, 0 td's

Both of these players made 3 pro bowls, but none after these seasons. Considering that one was MVP and OPY, and the other had neither, the MVP advances.

2. Shaun Alexander, 2005, 13-3, MVP, OPY, 1880 rushing yards, 27 rushing td's, 15 rec., 78 yds, 1 td

Who was more valuable Ladainian or Alexander?

LaDainian, easy.

Note: Originally had Adrian Peterson seeded, and I'm not sure it was right to take him out.

Top WR Seasons

1. Randy Moss, 2007, 16-0, All-Pro, 98 rec., 1493 rec. yards, 23tds

Got to say Randy Moss here. Julio Jones took a step back in 2016, and it's easy to say that didn't hurt the team given their super bowl appearance. On the other hand, it's easy to say that Randy Moss helped the team obtain an 18-0 start to the season.

4. Julio Jones, 2015, 8-8, All-Pro, 136 rec., 1871 rec. yards, 8tds

3. Marvin Harrison, 2002, 10-6, All-Pro, 143 rec., 1722 rec. yards, 11 tds

Antonio Brown played in a more pass-happy league in 2014, than Harrison did in 2002. Antonio Brown only had to compete with Marcus Wheaton, Le'veon Bell, Heath Miller, Martavis Bryant for Roethlisberger's 4952 passing yards, and 32 td's. Manning threw for 4200 yards and 27 td's in 2002, which was considered elite at the time. My point is Harrison competed with Reggie Wayne, and still garnered 41% of the yards, and 41% of the td's for a Colts team just getting started with a long playoff run. per example, Antonio Brown grab 34% of the yards, and 41% of the td's. It's a tough decision, but Antonio Brown season is an average NFL-leading season these days, but Harrison's was the best since Torry Holt, and Jerry Rice multiple years before.

2. Antonio Brown, 2014, 11-5, All-Pro, 129 rec., 1698 rec. yards, 13 tds

Who was more valuable Moss or Harrison?

Outside of Randy Moss who had 23 of Brady's 50 touchdowns in '07, no Patriots WR has ever caught more than 9 touchdowns from "The Golden Boy"(TB12). Meanwhile.. Manning receivers Brandon Stokley, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark combined for 6 additional 10+ td seasons, proving that Harrison was more of a system WR, opposed to an extreme talent. Marvin Harrison was very special, but Randy Moss est plus speciale(french) and the holder of the greatest wide receiver season of the millennium.

I'm not going to do the same process for tight ends because no one ever considers a tight end to be MVP so I'll just rank the top 5

5. Jason Witten(2007) All-Pro, 96 rec., 1145, 7 td's

4. Tony Gonzalez(2004) 2nd-Team All-Pro, 102 rec., 1258 rec. yds, 7 td's

3. Antonio Gates(2004) All-Pro, 81 rec., 964 rec. yds, 13 td's

2. Jimmy Graham(2013) All-Pro, 86 rec., 1215 rec. yds, 16 td's 

1. Rob Gronkowski(2011) All-Pro, 90 rec., 1327 rec. yds(TE Record), 17 td's(TE Record)

Picture Montage of players who won each position below

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2017 NFL Draft Full First Round Mock Draft

1. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Biggest Needs: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Defense

All biggest needs taken from Yardbarker.com

Who they should pick: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

Who They will pick: Myles Garrett

I'm hoping that the Browns pick Garrett, as it is likely they'll still be able to select Trubisky or Watson with the 12th pick. Myles Garret is the much safer pick, and that's not even considering that punishing he'll do to the Browns if they don't pick him

2. San Francisco 49ers

Biggest Needs: Defensive Line, Secondary, Quarterback 

Who they should pick: Trade Down, or Solomon Thomas

Who They will pick: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

Seems like an easy marriage, but who knows if they'll put it together or yell smokescreen 

3. Chicago Bears

Biggest Needs: Defensive End, Inside Linebacker, Secondary

Who they should pick: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

Who They will pick: Jamal Adams, SS, LSU

Any pick at this point will most likely be a plug and start, especially at the secondary for the bears. They just have to choose between Safety(Adams, Hooker) or Corner(Lattimore). 

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest needs: Safety, Defensive Line, Quarterback, Offensive Line

Who they should pick: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama

Who They will pick: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

The Jaguars ignore a bigger need to get an potentially very exciting running back.

5. Tennesee Titans

Biggest needs: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Linebacker

Who they should pick: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State 

Who They will pick: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Oho State

Cornerback is a big need, otherwise the titans might pick best available(Hooker, Allen). Lattimore is probably the best available anyway, should be a great pick..

6. New York Jets

Biggest Needs: Running Back, Right Tackle, Tight End

Who they should pick: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Who They will pick: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

I don't know how they could pass up on the chance to pick the first QB. The Jets are one of the worst teams in the league, and they are weak at QB. Trubisky goes to the big apple.

7. Los Angeles Chargers

Biggest needs: Wide Receiver, Inside Linebacker, Quarterback

Who they should pick: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama

Who They will pick: Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama

Chargers choose best available over teammate ILB Reuben Foster.

8. Carolina Panthers

Biggest needs: Running Back, Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Secondary

Who they should pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford  

Who They will pick: Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State

Panthers pass on McCaffrey to draft possible top 5 pick Malik Hooker, who should be able to start right away in a secondary that gave up 450+ passing yards twice last season

9. Cincinnatti Bengals

Biggest needs: Offensive Line, Running Back, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Who they should pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford   

Who They will pick: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama

Foster should be able to go in and revive the Bengals defense. Bengals will pick him over the first wide receiver or tight end.

10. Buffalo Bills

Biggest needs: Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Cornerback, Linebacker

Who they should pick: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Who They will pick: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

The best available wideout leaves the green room after the bills call his name at 10. Expectation is he'll take Charles Clay's job .

11. ARIZONA CARDINALS( Trade up 2 spots with Saints, Give Saints 5th round pick(157th overall)

Biggest needs: Cornerback, Quarterback, Wide Receiver

Who they should pick: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Who They will pick: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech

The Cardinals fall in love with an absolutely mesmerizing arm, make sure they get their guy by jumping the Browns who are extremely likely to draft a QB. Throws 65 yards from his knee, and on the run

12. Cleveland Browns

Biggest needs: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Defense

Who they should pick: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Who They will pick: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

They'd be stupid not to pick arguably the best prospect, who also has a winning pedigree much stronger than any other QB remaining(Kizer, Webb, Peterman, etc.). 

13. New Orleans Saints

Biggest needs: Wide Receiver, Pass Rusher, Cornerback

Who they should pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

Who They will pick: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford 

Listen. If it weren't for Derek Barnett, Haason Reddick, and Gareon Conley still on the board this would be a no-brainer. First-off running back is more of a need than the average fan thinks. Behind Ingram,  there's Travaris Cadet(Undrafted, 2012) , Daniel Lasco(7th round, 2016), and Marcus Murphy(7th round, 2015). The last time the Saints had a player in the realm of Christian McCafrey's abilities, he set the NFL record for All-purpose yards. That was Darren Sproles, who gets probably a fifth the amount of touches in Philly, as he did in New Orleans. That's why this is the ideal spot for both camps, because when the Saints had Sproles they were good, very good. McCaffrey should be happy to land here, and not Philly where Sproles already resides. McCaffrey also appears to be better than Sproles was out of college.

14. Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest needs: Cornerback, Running Back, Linebacker

Who they should pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Who They will pick:  John Ross, WR, Washington

Lighting speed, fits the mold of an Eagles playmaker. The Eagles will liken the opportunity to put the big Alshon Jeffrey on one side, and the combines fastest-ever player on the other. I'm willing to bet that Carson Wentz approves.

15. Indianapolis Colts

Biggest needs: Offensive Line, Running Back, Pass Rusher

Who they should pick: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee  

Who They will pick:  Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Colts get lucky as possible top-10 pick Barnett falls to them. They need a pass-rusher and Barnett was one of the best of the best over the past two seasons, averaging 12 sacks and nearly 16 tackles for loss, not to mention the 14 sacks, and 19 TFL's this past season.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Biggest needs: Pass rusher, Wide Receiver, Running Back, Safety

Who they should pick: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Who They will pick:  Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

FBS All-time Receiving yards leader goes to Baltimore. Davis has to be both a safe and high-value pick given his 5,278 career receiving yards at WMU. There's very little bust potential as we already know Davis is really good at catching the ball, and surely should be able to get to 750+ yards next season given his credentials.

17. Washington Redskins

Biggest needs: Defensive Line, Running Back, Secondary

Who they should pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State 

Who They will pick:  Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

 Both Cook, and Conley could definitely find a suitor in the top 15, but the Redskins elect to draft a new RB to pair with their relatively in-experenced backfield.

18. Tennessee Titans

Biggest needs: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Linebacker 

Who they should pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State 

Who They will pick: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State 

Conley, Williams, and Reddick are all unexpectedly available at this point, but Conley is the one who hears his name called by Roger Goodell, and the Titans.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Biggest Needs: Center, Defensive End, Tight End

Who they should pick: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

Who They will pick: Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

Charlton should be a solid value pick here at an position of need for the bucks. Taco Bay has arrived.

20. Denver Broncos

Biggest Needs: Offensive Tackle, Linebacker, Running Back

Who they should pick: Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple

Who They will pick: Ryan Ramcyzk, OT, Wisconsin

Young QB's always need protection, and Ramcyzk might be the linemen Elway and the organization decides to pick up.

21. Detroit Lions

Biggest needs: Pass Rusher, Running Back, Linebacker

Who they should pick: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri

Who They will pick: Charles Harris, DE, Missouri

Charles Harris fits the mold of a great DE(6'3, 236), and he can also play outside linebacker.

22. Miami Dolphins

Biggest Needs: Cornerback, Linebacker, Tight End,

Who they should pick: Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple

Who They will pick: Haason Reddick, OLB, Temple

The Dolphins get lucky with Reddick dropping here, but they'll welcome him into one of their linebacker slots

23. New York Giants

Biggest needs: Running Back, Right Tackle, Tight End

Who they should pick: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Who They will pick: Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky

Mike Williams is the big slider currently, but the Giants will draft Lamp, and most likely try to switch him to right tackle instead. 

24. Oakland Raiders

Biggest needs: Defensive Line, Inside Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Running Back

Who they should pick: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Who They will pick: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Raiders race this letter to goodell right away, because Williams could have easily gone to the Chargers(7th), or Titans(5th) in the top 10 picks.

25. Houston Texans

Biggest needs: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Cornerback

Who they should pick: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Who They will pick: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Another good value pick, the Texans would probably feel fine picking Humphrey here.

26. Seattle Seahawks

Biggest needs: Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Cornerback

Who they should pick: Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan

Who They will pick: Garret Bolles, OT, Utah

I kind of liked the idea of selecting Peppers to replace Earl Thomas and/or Richard Sherman, who appear to be heading out the door soon(Thomas possibly retiring soon), but the Seahawks decide not to draft the Dynamic Michigan standout. Garret Bolles will be another late first-round draft pick(2016 also) for Pete Carroll's crew.

27. Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest needs: Running Back, Cornerback, Inside Linebacker, Quarterback

Who they should pick: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU

Who They will pick: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU

The Chiefs decide to draft White over three linebackers (Mckinley, LSU   Cunningham, Vanderbilt   Davis, Florida). The hope is that White pairs well with pro bowl corner Marcus Peters.

28. Dallas Cowboys

Biggest needs: Cornerback, Safety, Pass Rusher

Who they should pick: Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan

Who They will pick: Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan

The cowboys are usually rebellious, and Peppers fits at least one need without seeming risky at the 28th pick.

29. Green Bay Packers

Biggest needs: Cornerback, Offensive Guard, Pass Rusher

Who they should pick: T. J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin

Who They will pick:  T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin

Fans will love the pick, and worst case scenario is that he's nowhere near his brothers production. There doesn't seem much downside, and Clay Matthews may be getting a bit old.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest needs: Pass Rusher, Tight End, Wide Receiver

Who they should pick: David Njoku, TE, Miami

Who They will pick: David Njoku, TE, Miami

The #1 on the depth chart for the steelers is Jesse James, shall I say more. Is David Njoku the next Jimmy Graham(both raw prospects whom went to Miami), probably not, but he's the second tight end of the board in the 2017 draft.

31. Atlanta Falcons

Biggest needs: Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Defensive Line Depth

Who they should pick: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

Who They will pick: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

Defensive tackle has the best value remaining at #31 of all the Falcons needs. McDowell will add a lot of depth to an improved d-line under former Seattle D-coordinator Dan Quinn.

32. New Orleans Saints(possibly traded to New England to obtain Patriots Cornerback Malcolm Butler)

Biggest needs: Wide Receiver, Pass Rusher, Cornerback

Who they should pick: Takkarist McKinley, OLB/DE, UCLA

Who They will pick: Takkarist McKinley, OLB/DE, UCLA

There are a lot of good corners the Saints could possibly draft here, but many of them will still be available when the saints pick at #42. The defensive end/linebacker groups take a bigger drop from round 1 to 2, so the Saints should grab near consensus first round pick McKinley at the end of the first round if they still have the pick.

Thanks for Reading

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NBA Playoff predictions

Might as well get these out there before the first games

NBA PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS 

WEST FIRST ROUND

1. Golden State Warriors

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: GSW 4-0    POSTSEASON SERIES: GSW in 4

8. Portland Trail Blazers

Too much firepower and consistency from the Warriors. 

5. UTAH JAZZ

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: 3-1 LAC     POSTSEASON SERIES: 4-2 JAZZ

4. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Give me Rudy Gobert and Gordon Hayward's best year to date in a matchup over the uber-talented clippers.

3. HOUSTON ROCKETS

    REGULAR SEASON SERIES: 3-1 ROCKETS      POSTSEASON SERIES: 4-3 ROCKETS

6. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Wouldn't it be awkward if the Rockets lose after Harden sad that the MVP debate is about winning. It might nearly happen in the battle of 2017's two best stars.

7. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: TIED 2-2    POSTSEASON SERIES: SPURS IN 5

2. SAN ANTONIO SPURS

KAWHI LEONARD and the SPURS start the playoffs strong versus TONY ALLEN and the GRIZZLIES

ADVANCERS TO WEST SEMIFINALS

1. WARRIORS

 5. JAZZ

#3. ROCKETS

#2. SPURS

EAST FIRST ROUND

1. BOSTON CELTICS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: TIED 2-2    POSTSEASON SERIES: 4-2 CELTICS

8. CHICAGO BULLS

This series has the opportunity to be the best one in the East, as the Celtics are one of the least dominant #1's in the history of the NBA, and the Bulls are one of the better #8's in recent memory from the Eastern conference. I can't see this series going less than 6, but I can even see the BULLS winning the series.

5. ATLANTA HAWKS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: WIZARDS 3-1    POSTSEASON SERIES: HAWKS IN 6

4. WASHINGTON WIZARDS

The hawks are playing pretty well right now and hadn't clinched a playoff spot until the final week of the season, while the Wizards had known they'd be making the playoffs for awhile and were playing for higher seeding, but never seemed like a top 3 seeded team. We'll see who plays the best when it all matters.

6. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES:  RAPTORS 3-1     POSTSEASON SERIES: BUCKS in 7

3. TORONTO RAPTORS

MY 3rd upset pick once again comes from a team that lost their regular season series 3-1. I just like this bucks team, and their only going to get better.

7. INDIANA PACERS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: CAVS 3-1     POSTSEASON SERIES: CAVS in 6

2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

The Cavaliers are entering the playoffs on a cold streak, but there's never a doubt that they'll show up for any playoff series. The Pacers come in hot, but that'll only be enough to take 2 from the Cavaliers in April.

ADVANCERS TO EAST SEMIFINALS

1. CELTICS

 5. HAWKS

6. BUCKS

#2 CAVALIERS

WEST SEMIFINALS

1. WARRIORS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: WARRIORS 2-1    POSTSEASON SERIES: WARRIORS IN 5

5. UTAH JAZZ

If the WARRIORS are UCONN, then the JAZZ are Mississippi State, except what you thought would happen, and not what did happen.

3. HOUSTON ROCKETS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: SPURS 3-1        POSTSEASON SERIES: SPURS in 6

2. SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Obviously another great matchup between Harden and Leonard, but Leonard has had the better performances both statistically and winning-wise against opposing MVP candidates. Look for history to repeat it self, and the Spurs to punch their ticket in 6. 

ADVANCERS TO WEST FINALS

#1 Warriors(circa '97-'10)

#2 SPURS(circa '89-'02

EAST SEMIFINALS

1. BOSTON CELTICS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: 2-1 HAWKS   POSTSEASON SERIES: CELTICS IN 7

5. ATLANTA HAWKS

IT(I guess I did something there) should be a good one. CELTS top Dwight hawks in 7

6. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: CAVS 3-1        POSTSEASON SERIES: CAVS IN 5

2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

When the Cavaliers play like they are accustomed to since the second arrival of Lebron James in Believe-land, they win a lot of basketball games, especially in the playoffs. The Bucks success story ends in 5, but it's no cakewalk for the cavs

ADVANCERS TO EAST FINALS

#1 CELTICS (circa 1976-1996

#2 CAVS (circa 1970-1983)

WEST FINALS

1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS(67-15)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: SPURS 2-1

POSTSEASON SERIES: WARRIORS IN 6

2. SAN ANTONIO SPURS(61-21)

This will be a highly anticipated matchup. There should be several great games, but at the end of the day the Spurs will only snag one more game than the Jazz did. For fans of the game with no horse in the race, there's no better series to watch.......or is there.

ADVANCER TO NBA FINALS

SORT OF>>>>>

EAST FINALS

1. BOSTON CELTICS(53-29)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES: 3-1 CAVS

POST-SEASON SERIES: 4-3 CAVS

2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

I'm going to take the Cavaliers in a 7-game series. The Celtics have many doubters, but taking the Cavs to 7 games should warrant some respect. When only a game away from advancing, the Cavs usually play very well. Ex. A: winning games 5 and 6 of the 2016 EC Finals by 38 and 26 points, and sweeping both their first and second round opponents. Got to like the Cavaliers experience in game 7.

ADVANCER TO NBA FINALS

NBA FINALS

1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

VS

#2 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

GAME 1: 99-93 WARRIORS

GAME 2: 131-128 CAVS

GAME 3: 104-102 WARRIORS

GAME 4: 118-107 WARRIORS

GAME 5: 112-99 CAVALIERS

GAME 6: 113-109 WARRIORS

NBA CHAMPION

MVP

DRAYMOND GREEN

FINALS STATS: 18.4 ppg 11.0 rpg 8.2 apg

Miscellaneous and predictions review

It's been a while since I posted something, but I'd like to review my predictions.

Let's first start with the College Football Playoff predictions

The Clemson Tigers were the 2016-17 CFP National Champions

I got 2/3 correct but correctly predicted Clemson to win the National Championship.

Prediction grade: B+

Reasoning: I assumed Alabama would win vs Washington but I thought I'd shoot for the stars w/ Washington. If you look at the stats I predicted, not many were accurate. Add in that I had Clemson scoring just over 30 points in the championship(as they did), and despite shooting a blank on the Ohio State game prediction(as everyone did), my prediction earns a high B.

Now it's time to review my Big Ten Basketball predictions

Since I only predicted the Big Ten's top 9 teams, I'll award 9 points to correctly predicting first place, 8 points for correctly predicting second place, and so on until 1 point is awarded 9th place. In order to award some points for proximity to correctness I'll award one less point for each placement I'm off.

Confusing I know but here we go

View fullsize

The Purdue Boiler makers were the 2016-17 Big Ten RegularSeason Champions

Ignoring the column, it's time to review...

1st place Prediction: Purdue

1st Place Reality: Purdue

                                                 POINTS: 9/9

2nd place prediction: Wisconsin

2nd place reality: Wisconsin

Points: 8/8

3rd place prediction: Indiana

3rd place reality: Maryland

Points: 0/7

I was 7 spots off here, but practically everyone thought Indiana would be top 3, they were barred by many crucial injuries after reaching a top 3 national ranking, and this resulted in them plummeting to outside the bubble and and a first-round NIT exit.

4th place prediction: Maryland

4th place reality: Minnesota

I was pretty close here

points: 5/6

5th place prediction: Michigan State

5th place reality: Michigan State

points: 5/5

Aye I'm doing pretty well here

6th place prediction: Michigan

6th place reality: Northwestern

points: 2/4

due to a 4-way tie between the 5th and 8th seeded teams, both Northwestern and Michigan had 10-8 records(as I predicted), but a Northwestern victory at the the buzzer over the maize n blue gave Northwestern the tiebreaker.

7th place prediction: Minnesota

7th place reality: Iowa

points: 0/3

I get zero points here, but if Minnesota were to lose one more(depending on who to), I may have hit it on the dot

8th place prediction: Northwestern

8th place reality: Michigan

points: 0/2

both the prediction and the reality finished tied for 5th, and I predicted their record correctly. Also Michigan won the big ten tournament so my prediction of 6th for them is closer than their seeding of 8th when it comes to their ceiling as a team.

9th place prediction: Ohio State

9th place reality: Illinois

points: -1/1

Ohio State finished tied for 10th, received the 11th seed in the big ten, and was a game off of 9th. So all in all I did pretty good. Each prediction was within a game and/or place of being correct except Indiana, whom had many tolling injuries.

Overall grade: A

Point total: 28/45

Average points: 3.11

Find someone else who had as accurate predictions. I bet 9/10 weren't as accurate.

Thanks for reading 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Wow, I didn't do anything about college football this year but here we go

CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL

1. ALABAMA 31

Jalen Hurts 17-28, 167 yds, 1 td + 6 rushes, 55 yds, 1 td
ArDarius Stewart    7 receptions, 89 yds, 1 td                                                  
 

4. WASHINGTON 34  

Jake Browning 25-36, 302 yds, 3 td

John Ross 11 reception, 155 yds, 2 td

PLAYSTATION FIESTA BOWL             

3. OHIO STATE 21

J.T. Barrett 15-27, 201 yds, 1 td + 7 rushes, 49 yds, 1 td

Curtis Samuel 13 rushes, 73 yds, 1 td + 3 receptions, 31 yds
 

2. CLEMSON 23 

Deshaun Watson 25-35, 291, 1 td + 11 rushes, 63 yds

Mike Williams 9 receptions, 101 yds

4. WASHINGTON     20

Jake Browning 28-39, 304 yds, 2 td

John Ross 7 reception, 142 yds, 2 td

CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PRESENTED BY AT&T

2. CLEMSON      31

Deshaun Watson 26-37, 300 , 2 td + 10 rushes, 53 yds, 1 td

Mike Williams 7 receptions, 92 yds, 1 td

BIG TEN BASKETBALL PREVIEW

I was going to do this before the season but clearly that didn't happen, anyway my draft has Purdue at #1 so I'm going to keep it that way.

BIG TEN BASKETBALL STANDINGS PROJECTION

1. PURDUE

PG: P.J. THOMPSON

SG: CARSEN EDWARDS

SG: DAKOTA MATHIAS

PF: CALEB SWANIGAN

C: ISAAC HAAS

I had Carson Edwards in the Starting lineup before the season but I had no idea it would be at the hands of replacing Vince. Therefore, I originally had Dakota out of the lineup, but with the known knowledge that he is contributing well, who knows when Vince will be back in the starting lineup. It's kind of like the Dallas Cowboys or any other team where if a lineup works why change it. Vince Edwards is still averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists off the bench. Purdue has zero seniors in the starting lineup but is still very experienced and has already been tested going in to big ten play on 4 healthy occasions. Being one of the best assisting teams in the nation, having a 3-point threat offense,  having 5 double digit scorers, and having three experienced NBA target bigs certainly helps. This team is coming to it's own and it's weaknesses are not evident.

Record: 14-4, 25-6

2. Wisconsin

PG: BRONSON KOENIG

SG: ZAK SHOWALTER

SF: NIGEL HAYES

PF: VITTO BROWN

PF: ETHAN HAPP

Unlike Purdue's Starting lineup that ranges in height from 5'10-7'2, Wisconsin ranges from 6'3-6'10 with no true center. But Wisconsin is a strong team all-around. Nigel Hayes and Vitto Brown are very physical players, Bronson Koenig is know for his smooth-clutch stroke, though Ethan Happ may be their best player. Happ, The tallest player on the team averages an elite 12.7 points and 9.6 rebounds along with dishing close to 3 assists per contest. Wisconsin has the looks of a Big Ten contender

Record: 13-5, 24-7

3. INDIANA

PG: JOSH NEWKIRK

SG: ROBERT JOHNSON

SG: JAMES BLACKMON JR.

PF: OG ANUNOBY

C: THOMAS BRYANT

The #1 offense in the Big Ten is no stranger to the Hoosiers, who also boast three NBA targets. The Hoosiers have 4 players averaging 12+ points and hold honor to being the only team in the Big Ten to have a team field goal percentage above 50%. On the defensive side of the ball, Indiana leads the Big Ten in defensive and total rebounds. OG Anunoby is an X-Factor and everyone on their team comes to play in the big games.

13-5, 24-7

4. MARYLAND

PG: MELO TRIMBLE

SG: ANTHONY COWAN

SG: KEVIN HUERTER

SF: JUSTIN JACKSON

PF: IVAN BENDER

I don't know about this, Maryland seems irrelevant this year, but so did the Dolphins

11-7, 23-8

5. MICHIGAN STATE 

PG: CASSIUS WINSTON

SG: JOSHUA LANGFORD

SG: ERON HARRIS

SF: MILES BRIDGES

PF: NICK WARD

This may be a Tom Izzo uber talented led team, but it's also a very young and small team(height-wise). I understand that experienced forward, Gavin Shilling could return at some point but for now the team will continue to have some letdown performances that come with starting 4 freshman in their first tastes of big ten opponents. That said, they'll do pretty well

RECORD: 11-7, 19-12

6. MICHIGAN

PG: DERRICK WALTON JR.

SG: MUHAMMAD-ALI ABDUR-RAHKMAN

SG: ZAK IRVIN

PF: D.J. WILSON

PF: MORITZ WAGNER

Their good enough to be a team that wins 7 at home and takes a few on the road.

RECORD: 10-8, 20-11

7. MINNESOTA

PG: NATE MASON
SG: DUPREE McBRAYER

SG: AMIR COFFEY

SF: JORDAN MURPHY

C: REGGIE LYNCH

Jordan murphy is 6'6 but he just had a 21 rebound game. Minnesota's star is a 6'8 freshman guard. Minnesota had built themselves as a threat against every team in the past with their ability to force turnovers, but despite a drastic drop in that department the team is jelling a lot more this year. This team will compete at a level we got used to seeing from Tubby Smith led Gopher teams.

RECORD: 10-8, 22-9

8. NORTHWESTERN

PG: BRYANT MCINTOSH

SG: SCOTTIE LINDSEY

SG: SANJAY LUMPKIN

SF: VIC LAW

C: BARRET BENSON

This may seem like a starting lineup of a non-contending team to many big ten fans. But I've got one thing to say; Northwestern finally made it. The NCAA's that is. Nothing else matters from there. Northwestern fans will be pleased with the chance to pick Northwestern to win it all in their march madness polls even if they end up with a busted bracket. Vic Law is a piece that Northwestern missed last season, that could of been the difference in them missing out on the dance last season. Bryant Mcintosh should be able to dish out a few key victories, so that the committee won't have a problem selecting them.

RECORD: 10-8, 21-10

9. OHIO STATE

PG: JaQUAN LYLE

SG: KAM WILLIAMS

SF: JAE'SEAN TATE

SF: MARC LOVING

C: TREVOR THOMPSON

Their quite skilled but they don't seem to mesh well enough to be a consistent competitor with the upper half of the league. This year their going to have to get it done in the big ten tourney to make the formal dance.

RECORD: 9-9, 19-12

FOR NOW I"M GOING to end it here as there's so much crap shooting in this league