Seriously, though, if this weekend didn’t prove how the NFL is all about speed now, then I don’t know what will. Gone are the days where the big, no-neck dudes reign supreme. In today’s NFL, it’s about the more svelte, quick-burst type guys, even at historically beefy positions like D-tackle, D-end, and middle linebacker. Just look at all of the hype surrounding Montez Sweat (DE, Mississippi State) after his 4.41-second performance in the 40 this weekend. That’s an excellent time for anyone to post, but that’s absolutely insane for a defensive lineman. He probably just vaulted himself into the top 10 (top 15, at minimum) after that one. Even Michigan’s Rashan Gary – with his 6’5″, 282-pound frame – posted an impressive 4.58-second mark and undoubtedly moved himself even further up in the first round, too. There were also four linebackers who posted times 4.5 seconds and below. If there’s one area the Pats desperately need to improve, it’s speed over the middle of the defense (e.g. a linebacker with sideline-to-sideline ability). Fortunately, it looks like there might be some help in this year’s crop.
But we’ll get to that. I think it’s important to address how many possible bust situations this combine has created. A lot of guys with not a lot of production in college but eye-popping results in Indianapolis.
I think the best example of a “look before you leap” candidate this year is wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from Ole Miss. Besides Sweat, this is the dude who has been getting the most attention in Indy, and rightfully so. It all started last week with him looking like he was formed straight from Zeus’s forehead on Instagram.
Then, the guy ran a 4.33-second 40-time, posted 27 reps on the bench press, and almost jumped through the roof of Lucas Oil Stadium with a 40.5-inch vertical – all at 6’3″ and 228 pounds. But let’s not forget that this guy has just 67 catches in 21 college games (although he did average over 21 yards per catch in 2018). So, again, all the measurables are there with this guy, and then some, but I’m not sure if he’s truly worthy of a spot in the top half of the first round. At least, he certainly doesn’t come without risk. I’d be more comfortable with a guy like Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry, who posted just as many reps on the bench, is about the same size (6’4″, 213 pounds), and has over 200 catches and 25 total TDs over the past three years.
JB: Yup! Metcalf is certainly going to now be picked higher than necessary. I actually REALLY like his teammate from Ole Miss, A.J Brown. He has Q Boldin-like (<3) size (6’0 226lb) and caught over 1,300 yards with 6 TDs this year.
Moving onto the Pats, one of the funkier things about looking at their drafts is that obviously you have to always keep the past season in mind. Not to sound like jackass New England fans but we’re always a top team year to year so it’s sort of difficult to peg where our most glaring need is, especially in the top few rounds. Where do you think positionally we could use some draft help?
Mattes: Wide receiver is the most obvious, and there could be some good guys to be had at the end of Round 1. I’ve seen as many as three or four wideouts being taken in the first round of some mocks; there’s just not really a consensus as to how the top ones all shake out. Metcalf and Brown are likely to be gone early on, but I wouldn’t mind a guy like Harry at No. 32. I’m also a really big fan of Marquise Brown from Oklahoma.
Tight end is another area they should look at, whether Gronk comes back or not. The reason why is because there’s actually a very rare amount of tight end talent near the top of the draft, and it could be worth nabbing one of them, possibly by even trading up in the first round to do so. Somehow, two of them are from Iowa, T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, with the former being more of a pass-catching/blocking combo (a la Gronk) and the latter being a more athletic, Evan Engram-esque type. Alabama’s Irv Smith Jr. is another solid option, and he caught everything thrown his way in the gauntlet drill this weekend. I know I’m on the record as saying they shouldn’t reach on a tight end this year just because we’re nearing the end with Gronk, but if any of these guys are somehow still there at the end of the first round, Belichick shouldn’t even blink before handing in the card.
Finally, I’d like to see them add to the defensive front, especially at linebacker and especially in terms of speed. I just want guys who can cover someone – ANYONE – over the middle of the field and who don’t look like their feet are stuck in concrete half the time. We could also use some reinforcements along the line with the potential to lose three rotation guys in free agency, most notably Trey Flowers. Fortunately, this draft is absolutely LOADED in terms of pass-rushing talent, so the Pats can probably wait on selecting one. Although perhaps an interior guy with some ability to get to the quarterback (Ohio State’s Dre’Mont Jones and Notre Dame’s Jerry Tillery come to mind) wouldn’t be a bad choice at 32.
What do you think?
JB: While I agree WR is a huge position of need and would love to grab Harry or M.Brown we just don’t have the history of drafting them that high. Action Jackson was the only one we’ve even reached into RD2 for to my memory (I’m probably forgetting a couple). Maybe Belichick just likes to stick to vets who can prove they can do the “little” things at WR the “right way” (he loves the little things).
I agree the DL could use the pick as much as any other positional group. Dre’Mont Jones is an excellent call. I could also see them looking local and grabbing Zach Allen out of BC. Allen is a similar size ( 6’4 280lb) as Jones but is more an End to Jones’ Tackle. He’s got a little Trey Flowers in him as he is a guy who can play the edge on 1st and 2nd and then move inside on passing downs. Finally, if he is around, and this is a HUGE if, I wouldn’t mind landing Dexter Lawrence, a DT from Clemson. He is a MAMMOTH tackle (350lb) who we could potentially use as a run stuffer a la Big Vince.
What about past round 1? Any wildcards you like for the Pats or otherwise?
Mattes: You are correct, sir: Belichick has never taken a wide receiver in Round 1. But hey, there’s a first time for everything, right? We shall see.
And nice choice with Allen there. He’s very Flowers-like in that he can both defend the run and rush the quarterback. As far as Dexter Lawrence goes, while I’m not denying how much of a force he can be, I think Lawrence Guy proved last season that he is more than capable of being our big run-stuffer. Sure, we could always use more than one, but I think there’s much more value to be had in bringing in high-end talent at other positions with such a high pick. Like I mentioned above with Jones and Tillery, I wouldn’t mind bringing in more guys who can bring some interior pressure at first and then looking at guys who play more on the outside a little later on.
As far as a wild card pick at the end of Round 1, don’t be shocked if the team decides to bring in more help on the offensive line. Even after what was an historic year for the O-line as a whole, we’re likely going to lose Trent Brown in free agency this offseason. And Isaiah Wynn, who wasn’t even a full-time left tackle in college, is coming off a tough injury and is entirely unproven. What if he doesn’t work out? Also, Joe Thuney is scheduled to be a free agent after next season. With an aging QB and a much bigger focus on the ground game going forward, Belichick could continue to bolster the boys up front. (Kansas State’s Dalton Risner is a name to keep an eye on near the end of the first.)
What about some late-round guys? Who are some sneaky sleepers for the folks?
JB: I think Thuney is a prototypical “guy we’ll actually pay” but the OL is something I’m never going to be comfortable with. I like Risner a lot. That’d be a great get. I also like Mike Jordan (yup) out of Ohio State. He’s a bit of an odd fit as he’s about 6’6 but projected as an interior lineman. He is a Pats-type player, though, as he can play multiple positions (Guard or Center). To add to that though people are saying “no way” to Jordan being a Tackle, I think even either of us, weighing maybe 300lb combined, could probably play a down or two after a couple months training with Dante Scarnecchia.
O YOU WANT TO TALK SLEEPERS?
Keeping with the Pats you have to love David Sills. Once offered a scholarship by the USC Trojans as the next big thing at QB, his career didn’t pan out under center and he ended being a productive WR for the West Virginia Mountaineers. He still has the QB size (6’4 210lb) and you can’t ever wipe the “QB brain” for the game, something you know Belichick would love. He’s not freaky-athletic, posting a 4.57 and a 37.5 jump, but maybe a big body who can move the chains.
Next the cure to your TE ills we have Donald Parham out of the powerhouse known as Stetson. He is from the Jimmy Graham-Tony G mould where he began on the hardwood and transitioned to football. That’s the high school hardwood. He then had to prove himself for a few years on the Hatters football team before going off for 1,300+ yards and 8 TDs this past year. O and he’s 6’8. Parham might never be a blocking talent but a jump-ball end zone threat? Maybe.
Lastly I’m going with Justin Hollins out of Oregon. He is an edge rusher, probably a 3/4 OLB, who steadily progressed over his career with the Ducks rather than making one giant “leap”. His teammate and fellow pass rusher Jalen Jelks is getting more burn on the draft circuit, but Hollins might end up being the better player.
O and ya I know, Tyree Jackson is gigantic and fast and can throw the ball hard.
Mattes: HA! Tyree Jackson is a MONSTER (think Cam Newton but two inches taller). I think probably the funniest moment of the weekend is former NFL stud receiver Steve Smith having to go over to tell Jackson to stop throwing the ball so damn hard at receivers in the gauntlet drill. But being so raw and after playing for a small school like Buffalo, I think there are much better options on which to take a stab at QB, even though he’d be a blast to watch.
Speaking of, one of my big sleepers for the Pats is Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson. A 32-to-27 TD-to-INT ratio over the past two seasons might give some people pause, but he’s started more games (53) than anyone in Big Ten history and has more wins than any other N.U. Wildcat that ever lived. He’s also posted two straight seasons with QB ratings over 120. What’s most impressive, though, is that he played a full season of football in 2018 after tearing his ACL just last January. So he’s one tough S.O.B., and he’s also 6’4″, 226 pounds. Above all, though, his last name is “Thor-son.” Just think of how much fun we could have with that name.
I also like Anthony Nelson, a D-end from Iowa. Like A LOT. The 6’7″ defensive end might be one of the draft’s best-kept secrets due to an abnormal amount of talent depth at the position this year. His 9.5 sacks were good for second in the Big Ten last season, after totals of 6.0 and 7.5, respectively, in his previous two years. He has the ability to play in multiple schemes, potentially even as a standup linebacker, and the guy also recorded the fifth-fastest 40-time for all D-lineman at the Combine this weekend. He could stand to add some beef to his sub-275-pound frame, but he could be a steal in the middle rounds.
JB: Well buddy we have about a month and a half left before we see how this all plays out. And before that we have the Pro Days and all the other little rumors trickling in. I’d argue from now until April 25th is the fun part.
ESPN – The Montreal Alouettes released quarterback Johnny Manziel on Wednesday, saying he “contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play” in the Canadian Football League. The CFL said Manziel is not eligible to sign with another team in the league, which had his full rights for two seasons.
“We are disappointed by this turn of events. Johnny was provided a great deal of support by our organization, in collaboration with the CFL, but he has been unable to abide by the terms of his agreement,” Alouettes general manager Kavis Reed said in a statement. “We worked with the league and presented alternatives to Johnny, who was unwilling to proceed.”
It is unclear what Manziel did to violate the agreement with the Alouettes and the CFL.
Manziel, 26, played for the Alouettes last season in an attempt to resurrect his career. In eight games, he completed 106 passes in 165 attempts for 1,290 yards, with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Montreal traded two players and two first-round picks to Hamilton last July for Manziel’s rights.
Next stop XFL? I don’t know what Johnny may have done here, but it’s probably not a great sign that a guy with a long and checkered past filled with drinking and drug problems randomly gets cut on a Wednesday afternoon.
Manziel has not played well in the CFL either, which was disappointing with the lesser competition he was facing north of the border, but he did suffer a concussion early on last season so that couldn’t have helped. Normally I would say this is probably the end of the line for a player, but as luck would have it not one but TWO new football leagues have recently sprung up as options.
It might be a little late in the season for a quarterback to jump into the AAF seeing as its already Week 3 of a 10 game season, but hey bums like Christian Hackenberg are getting benched as we speak so you never know.
However…the XFL begins play in 2020. You know Vince McMahon loves a star and the bad boy persona of Johnny Football could be the perfect poster child for the XFL’s inaugural season. With just under a year until XFL play begins it would give Manziel a full offseason to get in shape, learn the playbook and ingratiate himself with a new team. All of which is a moot point if he is dealing with some bigger life problems. Who knows, but the guy was so fun to watch at A&M, I hope he gets his life back on track, even if it’s XFL or bust at this point.
PFT – The Patriots are set to lose linebackers coach and de facto defensive coordinator Brian Flores to the Dolphins after the Super Bowl and that will make two years in a row that the team’s top defensive assistant has moved on for a head coaching job.
Per a report from the Senior Bowl, former NFL head coach Greg Schiano is a likely addition to the top of the defensive staff for the 2019 season. Schiano is in Mobile to talk to teams and NFL Media reports that “the spot that appears likely” is on Bill Belichick’s staff in New England.
Now this is just a rumor in the wind so we have no idea if it’s actually true or not, but we still wanted to blog about it because this would be WILDLY out of character for Bill Belichick. The man *always* promotes from within.
“While Schiano has never worked with Belichick, the Patriots coach has endorsed Schiano as a coach on more than one occasion since his son and current Patriots assistant Steve played for Schiano at Rutgers.”
Belichick likes to bring in young, smart guys and run them through the ringer until they either quit, move on, or become a football mind in his own mold. We very rarely see a big name come off the street to take over either side of the ball for Belichick. (Despite my downright mayoral campaign for the Pats to bring in former Oregon and Eagles and current UCLA head coach Chip Kelly to lead the offense….the pieces were all there!) Despite all that it never happened.
Just take a look at their last 5 defensive coordinators and their last 3 offensive coordinators (Bill has only ever had 3 OC’s in 18 years as coach of the Pats, that’s insane) and how long they had been with the team before. (Note: I am making a couple of assumptions here with titles since Brian Flores wasn’t technically the “defensive coordinator” he was still the man in charge of the Pats defense.)
Defensive Coordinators
- Brian Flores (14 years)
- Matt Patricia (8 years)
- Dean Pees (2 years + bonus points for 3 years coaching at Navy)
- Eric Mangini (5 years w/ Pats + 3 years w/ Jets + 1 year with Browns)
- Romeo Crennel (3 years w/ Jets + 10 years w/ Giants)
Offensive Coordinators
- Josh McDaniels (8 years)
- Bill O’Brien (4 years)
- Josh McDaniels (5 years)
- Charlie Weis (3 years w/ Jets + 3 years w/ Giants)
And before you point to guys like Charlie Weis who didn’t have prior Patriots coaching experience under Belichick, Bill was the new HC in town and whats the first thing he did? Brought in guys he knew intimately from his time with the Browns, Jets, and Giants. Belichick has NEVER worked with Schiano at any level, which is why this is even more out of character. Maybe Bill sees the cupboards are bare and he can’t very well promote his son to defensive coordinator (yet) so why not bring in a guy he respects and at least in theory is on the same page philosophically. This is all before we even get into Schiano’s head coaching record at Rutgers (68-67) and his NFL coaching record in Tampa Bay (11-21).
Again it’s just out of character for Belichick, but as a man in his 60’s he may look around and see the well is dry as the rest of the league has come with a straw to suck any bit of water they can from that very well.
Or maybe, just maybe, this has been Belichick’s great white whale. After yearsss of drafting player after player from Rutgers, Bill finally gets his guy, the man who made it all possible; the former Rutgers head coach himself.
ESPN – Rashan Gary is living his dream as the founder and CEO of his own sports agency. The defensive end, projected to be one of the top picks in the NFL draft, has fulfilled a vision he had as a high school star in New Jersey and developed in his mind the past three years at Michigan.
“I always had a dream of playing in the NFL and leaving a legacy,” Gary said in an interview with The Associated Press. “The older I got, I understood that football is not forever. This is a step to take care of my family in the long run. Starting this agency is a way I can definitely do that in my years on the football field and the years when I’m not on the football field.”
Gary has already recruited one NFL prospect to Rashan Gary Sports. He hopes to land more players from Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL by promoting the agency as a way athletes can make the most out of their earning potential.
“It’s going to change the game,” Gary told the AP. “Now players know the power they have, and taking this step is big for me, my family and my dream.”
Love the hustle from Rashan Gary here. Without having any insights as to how this business will be set up, this is smart as all hell by Gary. This is not some guy just deciding he wants to represent himself because he doesn’t see the value in paying an agent and would rather just mortgage his future earnings on his own understanding of NFL contracts. This is a guy setting up a legitimate business because he knows the average NFL athlete plays for less than 5 years so he wants to build something for the long term. As a first round pick in the NFL Rashan Gary has an incredible amount of leverage, which unless he goes on to become an All-Pro type of player, that is leverage that will dissipate slowly over the next few years. Take advantage of the leverage you have now and build something that will last a lot longer than 5 years.
This idea won’t be without its detractors though, particularly the old guard of established NFL executives like Gil Brandt.
“The first contract in the NFL is relatively simple with the pay pretty much predetermined whether you’re drafted 13th or 107th. I’m guessing some street-smart guy told him about this idea to set up his own agency to keep more of his money.”
That sounds like a guy who is afraid of going extinct if players start doing things in a new and different way than what he’s used to.
“Rashan Gary Sports is set up for players to take ownership of their intellectual property,” Clarke said. “Our model, which we’d rather keep quiet for now, helps players with their finances on the front end.”
Smart man. Sounds like a player they would love up in New England if we’re being honest.
ProFootballTalk – The Oakland Athletics expect Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray to declare for the NFL Draft this weekend….The report cites a source saying Murray is leaning toward playing football.
You know how the old saying goes, “the NFL Draft gets real shaken up when the Heisman Trophy winner suddenly decides to declare.” And that is exactly what is apparently the case folks. Rather than go play pro baseball for the Oakland A’s, who drafted him 8th overall, Kyler Murray intends to to enter the NFL Draft and possibly play pro football instead. The general public has been begging him to do this, as you know, he’s a Heisman winner, so while this is surprising it’s a logical choice.
What might be a little surprising is that Murray seems to be seen by many teams as a 1st round prospect. While other smaller, mobile QBs such as Baker Mayfield were denounced until the day of the draft because of their stature, Murray seems to have a clear path to Round 1. I mean, in this weak QB class he may now be the top talent to some teams. It could be that due to the success of Mayfield and a couple others, maybe pure stature just isn’t being looked at as much as long as the signal caller can make all the throws. Makes sense to me. Unless you have a 6’7″ center. Then no bueno.
There is also the possibility that teams don’t just see Murray as a QB. Maybe some team will look at the modern NBA and realize not all positions and players have to be concrete and static. A smart team may look at Murray and see a guy they can give a package of plays to at QB, which defenses will have to respect due to his arm and ability, and otherwise use at RB and WR. Think of any of the duel threat RBs in the league now, but then give them an arm and a lifetime of playing QB. Scary right?
This also puts a lot of question marks over the heads of incumbent starters on teams that have a new Head Coach. For instance, I know Kliff Kingsbury sang Josh Rosen’s praises, but would it be out of the realm of possibility that he has a thing for Murray and his ability to both run and pass? I for one can’t say “no” for sure.
Editor’s note: Some are speculating that Kingsbury could even trade Rosen and take Kyler No. 1 overall.
The next hurdle for Murray is whether or not the A’s allow him to go to the combine, which is scheduled for when he should in camp with the team. This would also require the approval of the MLB, which just LOVES aberrations from the norm.
Let the drama begin.
-Joey B.
CBS Sports – The First Responder Bowl between No. 25 Boise State and Boston College was canceled Wednesday due to severe weather in the area.
The game played at The Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, got underway Wednesday afternoon but was put into a weather delay with Boston College leading 7-0 with 5:08 in the first quarter. Lightning in the area caused the game to be delayed, and after a waiting period of nearly 90 minutes, officials got together and decided to cancel the game after peering at the local forecast. Thunderstorms and wind are expected to continue throughout the day and into the early morning hours, which ultimately made it impossible to attempt to get the postseason game in.
Even though Boston College led 7-0 at the time of the delay, the game was officially ruled a no contest, meaning neither team will be considered the winner or the loser, and any stats accumulated in the game do not count.
In the most minor league headline of all time, Boston College’s bowl game was postponed and then later cancelled with no plan to make up the game due to weather. I was really looking forward to the prestigious First Responder Bowl too.
It’s a shame too because I expected BC to get dusted by a Boise State team that I have not followed in years, yet still plays in the Mountain West so by default has to be better. Despite all that BC was leading 7-0 before the game was shut down so I guess we’ll never know. Welp only a few more days until real, actual college football games are back on TV. Until next season Eagles fans!
The 300s 