Mocking a QB to the Detroit Lions is lazy

Firstly, this is not discounting that Malik Willis (or Kenny Pickett) is or will be a bad QB in the NFL. In fact, I think that Malik Willis can be a top QB if he falls to a team with a proper coaching staff and with adequate weapons around him. He is an exciting prospect, but raw. He will be 23 years old in his first NFL game, and hasn’t really solidified himself as the QB1 in a draft class that lacks high-end talent in his position. In my opinion, he would be a fantastic 2nd-round project with incredible upside, however not worthy of the #2 pick.

The Detroit Lions have glaring holes in their defense. There is a desperate need for an elite pass-rusher. Unfortunately, this draft is missing a Bosa or Myles Garrett or Chase Young. Hutchinson/Thibodeaux/Walker are great but not elite talents. However, whether it be any of those three, the Lions will get a much needed improvement to their defense as compared to drafting a QB that may or may not be better than the one they have. If I thought that Kyle Hamilton was the next Ed Reed, then I would support him being drafted to the Lions, yet I don’t see that. An EDGE rusher is the only position the Lions can draft at #2 that will make sense.

Now, trading down makes the most sense. Loading up on draft capital in a class that lacks high-end talent but is deemed to have a pool of good talent is a fan’s wet dream. If the Lions move down, I would look for guys like S Kyle Hamilton, DT Jordan Davis, or EDGE Jermaine Johnson. I think all three of these guys will be day 1 starters for the Lions, while the organization also has more draft capital to build this team.

Malik Willis is a “We’re a QB away from being great” type pick. If he ends up in Pittsburgh or Washington, I think he’s going to be great. Pittsburgh has great weapons for him, and he can sit behind a serviceable Trubisky for a year or two. Washington traded for Carson Wentz who is nothing more than a bridge QB. They have a great defense, good weapons on offense, but are missing a QB to take them over the edge in an otherwise weak NFC East.

In the end, please stop mocking a QB to the Lions. If they do indeed draft Malik Willis, then I’ll tip my cap to the lazy bloggers, but he better be a top-5 QB for that not to be the beginning of the end of the Holmes/Campbell era.

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2021 Fantasy Football Draft/Pass: Quarterbacks

The Draft/Pass series will be going over every positional group, and I may even dabble into IDP. The positional rankings I will be using is FantasyPros so there will be a consistency throughout this, even though I do not totally agree with them. My opinion on each player is my own, and I would love to hear why you agree or disagree. THIS IS ALSO FOR 1 QB LEAGUES, NOT SUPERFLEX.

Draft

Matthew Stafford, LA Rams

Ryan Gaydos/FOX

Former Detroit Lions superstar Matthew Stafford begins the 2021-22 campaign in sunny Los Angeles after being traded earlier this year. Stafford takes over an offense that has far more weapons than his Detroit teams have had the past decade, even with the unfortunate loss of Cam Akers. With Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Van Jefferson, and Tyler Higbee all returning, the Rams drafted receivers Tutu Atwell in the 2nd round, Jacob Harris in the 4th, and Ben Skowronek in the 7th. Darrell Henderson will serve as the lead back with Akers going down (news broke as I was writing this) and the involvement of Xavier Jones will be certainly needed.

Stafford enters in on FantasyPros at #12. This criminally underrates what Stafford is capable of. He was the #15 in fantasy points despite only playing 100% snaps in only 12 games. This was also with a WR group consisting of Marvin Jones Jr., Quintez Cephus, Danny Amendola, and Marvin Hall. My selection of Stafford being here may be due to my own hometown bias, but Stafford was the life of the Lions for a long time and we are all excited to see what he will be able to do in LA and what this Rams team has to offer. His ADP should be much higher than it is. I would consider him a top 5 candidate for the 2021 season.

Daniel Jones, NY Giants

Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

This will come as a shock and I will either look like a genius or an idiot for this take, but the Giants have the weapons to be a scary offense next year. It all comes down to Daniel Jones taking care of the football. He’s had 39 turnovers the past two years, but showed signs of improvement his sophomore season. Entering his third season, he now has Saquon Barkley returning at some point early in 2021 and a true WR1 in Kenny Golladay coming over from Detroit this offseason. The Giants drafted WR Kadarius Toney in the 1st round of the 2021 draft, but reports have come out stating that Toney will be a project WR and will make the biggest impact in the return game. His role as a receiver is not immediately pressing with Golladay, Shepard, Slayton, and TE Evan Engram being the target-men for Daniel Jones.

Daniel Jones comes in on FantasyPros as their #21 QB. In 14 games last season, he was ranked #24 on Sleeper, so a slight rise is not very controversial on FantasyPros, but I think Daniel Jones can crack the top 15 IF HE CAN TAKE CARE OF THE FOOTBALL. This strictly relies on Daniel Jones taking that step forward because I think this is his last chance to show that he deserved being the #6 overall draft pick and replacing Eli Manning. This is a make it or break it year for Daniel Jones, and I’m betting on him making it.

Trey Lance, SF 49ers

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

I’m going to say it, this situation reeks of Patrick Mahomes and KC when he was drafted. Cannon arm, viewed as a project, and had suitable weapons around him. With that said, I do not have Patrick Mahomes expectations. Trey Lance is coming from a good D-II program, but he has not played against D-I defenses. What Trey Lance has going for him though is Jimmy Garoppolo ahead of him on the depth chart, which will help him adjust to both the playbook and the speed of the NFL. The 49ers have two solid, young receivers in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Ayuik, along with one of the top TEs in the league with George Kittle. Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell were among the draft selections for San Francisco which will bolster the running back group that lost Jerrick McKinnon and Tevin Coleman. I would expect Sermon to take that RB1 spot sooner than Lance takes the QB1 spot, but having young talent that are progressing will help Lance become more comfortable in this offense.

Drafting Lance high is a gamble, because he could start Week 1 this season, or be held out until Week 1 next season. I think that he will find a middle ground there, with the likelihood of him getting a chance sooner rather than later if Jimmy G continues to regress. Trey Lance instantly makes this offense more polarizing, boosting the value of all receivers and Kittle. Lance’s ability to push the ball down field and throw sideline to sideline with zip on the ball makes Ayuik a target for fantasy owners as well. Trey Lance is not going to be a starter for your teams immediately, but he will be your starter heading into the playoffs and for years beyond.

Pass

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

Kliff Kingsbury will not take Arizona to the next level. This has more to do with Coach Kingsbury than it has to do with Kyler Murray. I think Murray is a great QB and has shown that he is deserving of being a top QB drafted. However, I will not be biting at his current ADP. Arizona did no improve their running game, their offensive line consists of almost all new guys, and it seems as if it is only bringing in guys on their last leg i.e. James Conner, AJ Green, JJ Watt, and Rodney Hudson.

Kyler Murray was the #1 QB on Sleeper last season and comes in at #3 on FantasyPros this season. He has a top receiver in DeAndre Hopkins, but after that, I’m not a fan of this offense. If Kyler has to continue to run for his life, Arizona will be on a downward spiral. I do not like the lack of usage at their TE position. I hate their rushing game. Outside of Hopkins, Kyler has no true weapons. If Kyler slips and 5 QBs are taken before him, I would consider. Taking him after Mahomes and Allen is a risk that I am staying away from.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The first pick of the 2021 NFL Draft has been compared to the likes of Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning. The talent is there, but Lawrence is missing what Luck and Manning had. In his rookie year, Luck had Reggie Wayne and rookie TY Hilton as targets. Peyton, although he had a terrible rookie year, had Marvin Harrison and Marshall Faulk. Jacksonville does not have any weapons that are comparable to what Luck and Manning had. Lawrence is going to be a great QB, but I would hold off in 2021 because I do not think Urban Meyer will last long as the head coach in Jacksonville.

Like I said, the talent is there. I just hate the situation, which is similar to Kyler Murray. Trevor Lawrence will be a great QB in this league, but I don’t believe that he will have the fantasy relevance this season for him to be one of the top players in his position to be taken. Do not rely on him to be your starter, but look for him as a backup because of his possible upside.

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurts is at the helm of the Eagles after Carson Wentz’s departure to Indy. A major problem with the Eagles is that they have been missing a star receiver to help out Wentz and now Hurts. The addition of Jalen Raegor last season has been an improvement, but he is not the alpha that will bolster their offense. Drafting DeVonta Smith, however, will. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will be a great weapon for his former and current QB.

The issue at hand is that Hurts is currently QB11 on FantasyPros. Braking into QB1 territory for a guy with a new coach, new weapons, but most importantly, rumors swirling around Deshaun Watson. Drafting Hurts at his current ADP is an incredible risk considering that Watson is not off the table. Further, it seems as if negotiations have occurred between the Texans and Eagles, which shows that Hurts may not be Nick Sirianni’s guy. I would recommend fading Hurts this season, until it is determined that he will be the franchise guy in Philly for the years to come.

Grading the Detroit Lions’ free-agent signings

The 3-12-1 Lions entered the off-season with a dumpster fire defense. Flashback to Week 1, many believed that this defense would carry the load. Signing Trey Flowers and Mike Daniels, while also having Da’Shawn Hand, A’Shawn Robinson, and Damon “Snacks” Harrison. Fans hoped for Jarad Davis to improve, yet it shows that he is not a suitable MIKE for this team. We scratched our heads at the Tavai pick, yet he showed some flashes throughout the season. Then the Quandre Diggs trade happened, which seemingly spiraled everything out of control. Injuries upon injuries struck this team, and now, here we are. Slay traded to Philly for a 3rd and 5th. Kennard released. Snacks released. Glasgow released. Daniels let go. Melvin let go. Sam Martin let go. McKissic let go. What did we get back in return? Well, let’s go through everything.

Desmond Trufant, CB (Atlanta Falcons)

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

With Slay gone, many were hoping for Byron Jones. The Lions play the most man-to-man defense in the NFL, therefore, the available pool of corners that fit our scheme slims down. The former first round pick back in 2013 has been the CB1 for the Falcons, leading their secondary. What worries me is that this could be another situation like Mike Daniels, where an aging player is released by their team and we sign them after they come off a serious injury.

THE GOOD: Trufant is able to fill a massive hole at CB1 with the departure of Darius Slay.

THE BAD: Concerns with injuries, as well as Trufant is turning 30 later this year. This signing satisfies the Lions’ need for a CB1 for the short-term, but will need to invest in a younger CB somewhere in the near future. With the third pick in the draft this year, Okudah seems like a strong possibility to be this successor to Trufant.

GRADE: B

Jamie Collins, LB (New England Patriots)

Winslow Townson, Associated Press

Patricia likes the guys that he has experience with back in New England. Jamie Collins is a linebacker that is a great fit for the Lions because of his ability to cover tight-ends and running-backs. A revamp of this defense is much needed, so bringing in veterans that understand the culture that Patricia is trying to develop.

THE GOOD: Collins has experience in Patricia’s scheme and is capable of playing at an incredibly high level. He has been very productive over the course of his career, particularly with New England.

THE BAD: Collins is currently 31 years old and just signed to Detroit on a three-year deal worth $30M. I’m not a huge fan of the deal itself, but if Detroit is able to get similar production to what he did with New England last year, Collins will be a great addition to this defense.

GRADE: B+

Halapoulivaati Vaitai, OT (Philadelphia Eagles)

Dave Zangaro/NBC Sports

The offensive line for the Lions had question marks looming since the departure of TJ Lang. Taylor Decker appeared to be a star early, however, has not been able to keep it all together. Frank Ragnow has been awesome at center, but that is really it. Glasgow seemed to be a solid guard, yet Quinn thought otherwise. Rick Wagner proved to be overrated and overpaid with his release. The key factor at play is what the Lions are going to do with Tyrell Crosby. Many believed he would get his chance at RT, yet the Lions signing Big V to a 5-year $50M contract, I find it hard to believe that Big V is going to sit behind Crosby making that much money.

THE GOOD: Vaitai has sat behind two of the best tackles in the game, Lane Johnson and Jason Peters. With Cory Undlin (former Eagles coach) joining Detroit’s staff, one can assume that Undlin saw promise in Vaitai.

THE BAD: A 5-year $50M deal for a player that has been unproven is concerning.

GRADE: C (with B upside)

Chase Daniel, QB (Chicago Bears)

Lions fans know Chase Daniel as the backup that defeated them on Thanksgiving Day back in 2018. Daniel is a career backup, spending time on the Saints, Chiefs, Eagles, and Bears throughout his 10-year career. He’s been proven to be competent, which has not been the case for backup QB’s in Detroit for the last few years.

THE GOOD: Stafford going down last year derailed the season. Chase Daniel will be able to come in, per anything to happen to Stafford, and bring the Lions success.

THE BAD: There is not really anything bad about this deal. I’m interested to see what the Lions do in this year’s draft and see if they invest a late pick in a developmental QB to sit behind both Stafford and Daniel.

GRADE: A

Danny Shelton, DT (New England Patriots)

I understand that the casual fan hearing the Lions signing another former Patriot is annoying, but I’d rather look at the player. Shelton is a solid run-stuffer on the interior of the defensive line. Shelton will be replacing Snacks, who had a similar role. I’m sure the Lions were looking to purse Chris Jones (franchise tagged by KC) and DJ Reader (signed to CIN), but luckily were able to grab a solid DT in Shelton.

THE GOOD: Value. Shelton signed to a 2-year $8M deal with Detroit, which is significantly less than that of Snacks’ former contract. This allowed Detroit to grab another piece for the defensive line.

THE BAD: Shelton is not the premier run-stuff player that Snacks was. Also, Shelton has been used more as a rotational piece than a solidified starter. This will be another case, like Vaitai’s, to see what kind of player he really is being a starter.

GRADE: B-

Nick Williams, DT (Chicago Bears)

Mentioned above, Shelton signing his deal allowed for Nick Williams signing with Detroit. Williams is a 29-year old vet, with experience on numerous teams. Last year, Williams was able to get to the QB 6 times, which is great for an interior lineman. A pass-rushing interior lineman is much needed on Patricia’s defense, which Williams is able to do.

THE GOOD: The Lions needed to improve their defensive line personnel. Further, they needed players that have the ability to rush the QB, which Williams showed he was able to do last season.

THE BAD: Williams broke out in his fifth season with the Bears. It is unknown why he wasn’t able to get his career going earlier with Kansas City or Miami, but maybe the Lions found a diamond in the rough.

GRADE: C+

 

 

 

 

Talent Disparity in College Football: Inner Monologue Vol.6

As we make our way into the 2019 season of college football, the CFP rankings currently sit as Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, and Oklahoma. Familiar teams continue their dominance, most notably Alabama and Clemson. This goes all the way back to when the College Football Playoff began in the 2014-15 season. Alabama has played in the playoffs every year. Clemson missed the inaugural playoff, but has made every playoff after. Oklahoma has made the playoff 3 of the 5 years. These three teams are seemingly dominating their respected conferences and schedules with relative ease. Sure, they may have a game each year that goes to the last few minutes or OT, but they always prevail. Then you have the likes of Ohio State and Georgia who always get so close, yet OSU has made the trip twice and Georgia once. So what gives?

If you go back and look at who has been dominating the recruiting game, it’s easy to guess. From 2016 to 2019, Alabama has 58 Five Star recruits, Georgia has 47, Clemson has 26, Ohio State has 34. Now if you look at a team like Michigan, they have 12. Notre Dame has 2. Florida has 8. The drop off is incredible. Now, people like to come back with the argument of having four and three star recruits. Sure, let’s have that argument.

2019				2018
	5-Stars	4-Stars	3-Stars	5-Stars	4-Stars	3-Stars
Alabama	11	58	13	12	51	18
Ohio State	13	47	25	11	55	17
Georgia	14	45	25	14	47	24
Clemson	7	33	33	9	37	24
Michigan	4	36	38	4	40	39
Florida	1	39	35	2	33	43
Notre Dame	1	46	35	1	43	38

The disparity is clear. Then the question becomes, why is this happening? Well, as I mentioned before, who has been competing for National Championships? Kids want to win rings, and they are going to the schools that are giving them the best chance to. With a four team playoff, there are not many teams to pick from. As you can see, Alabama and Georgia are the top teams in the SEC, Ohio State is the best team in the B1G 10, and Clemson is a sure winner of the ACC.

Then we look at which teams are putting players in the NFL. In the 2019 NFL Draft, Alabama led the country with 10 players drafted, Ohio State being second with 9 players, and fifth being Georgia with 7. As far as conferences go, SEC is dominating recruiting, which in turn, the SEC is dominating the draft year in and out with 64 players being drafted last year alone. The numbers speak for themselves.

Is there a problem with this? Alabama has created a dynasty. Clemson may be creating a dynasty. Georgia is giving Bama a run for their money. Ohio State looks like the best team in the country, and has been the best team in the B1G 10 the last few years. Oklahoma has nobody keeping up with them in the B1G 12. With these trends continuing, I don’t see much of these teams dropping out of the playoff race. Rather, I think they will just continue to grow putting themselves into a whole other tier of college football, leaving the “have-nots” playing for nothing. Is this discouraging? Sure. Is it fair? I don’t see what’s wrong with the principles of this. This is the consequence of giving the people what they wanted, the college football playoff.

If there was to be a solution to this, it would have to be an expansion in the college football playoff. Moving to 8 teams would allow for recruits to have a better chance of getting their ring, while being on a team that they have an immediate impact. These five star recruits are waiting an extra year or two to see the field because the five star recruits at their position from the year’s prior are in their spot. Some people have been proposing that expanding to a 12 or 16 team playoff would be even better, but then it becomes teams are playing that don’t belong. If the playoffs were to start today, would people really want to see a game between #1 Alabama vs #16 Boise State. I mean, let’s be honest, the spread would be about 31 points. With an 8 team system, we would be looking at #1 Alabama playing against #8 Wisconsin (Jonathan Taylor). That would be far more interesting, especially seeing how JT handles himself against a stout Alabama defense.

My case is that disparity in college football is a reality. These broadcasters and analysts that are saying that the amount of 5-star recruits a team has compared to another doesn’t matter are absolute idiotic. The same teams are landing the big name recruits, and these same teams are playing in January. I just want to bring to light that recruiting is a big factor in how teams are playing, coaching aside. It’s easier to go out on the field on Saturday with a 5-star team than it is coaching up a team of 3-star players. Of course not all five stars pan out, but I’m not considering the outliers because, well, they are outliers. The college football system is among the most exciting brand of sports, but the disparity is making the game predictable and repetitive.

End of an Era: Andrew Luck Out, Jacoby Brissett In

Andrew Luck announced his retirement August 25th, leaving fans around the league stunned. My first reaction was that the Colts will be in the running for a lottery ticket to the Tua/Herbert sweepstakes next April. After pondering this thought, I realized that the Indianapolis Colts are still primed to be a playoff team. Hear me out.

Jacoby Brissett is a competent quarterback. He is no Andrew Luck, but he is better than your team’s backup. Brissett was in the same quarterback room as Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo to start his career. The Patriots drafted Brissett in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft, who many presumed would be battling Garoppolo to be the predecessor to Tom Brady’s throne. On September 2, 2017, Brissett was traded to the Indianapolis Colts to takeover at QB for, at the time, injured Andrew Luck. He would complete the season for the Colts leading them to a 4-11 record as starter. Not great, but that was with a 34 year old running back in Frank Gore, and two real targets in TY Hilton and Jack Doyle. With that, the Colts were consumed by the injury bug and it hit them hard. That team is completely renovated.

Now, transitioning from that 2017 team to the 2019 team, Brissett has more experience learning the Colt’s offense while sitting behind Luck. Furthermore, the Colts have brought in valuable assets including Devin Funchess and Eric Ebron. They drafted Quinton Nelson in 2018, who has been a superstar talent at their left guard position. In April’s draft, the Colts selected receiver Parris Campbell who will provide explosive speed to the receiving group. Marlon Mack returns as the leading back, rounding out the offensive group.

If anything, Brissett comes out and is able to give Indy 7 wins. I truly do believe he can get them to 10 or 11 wins, depending on how things play out. All hope is not lost, but Indy is going to feel the difference now that Luck is out indefinitely. Regardless, Jacoby Brissett is someone who I deem respectable and competent to be an NFL starter.

Don’s Top 10 Quarterbacks: 2019 College Football Rankings

While doing the Top 10 Running Backs and Wide Receivers, I struggled with the lists because of how much talent there is in college in those positions. While making this list, I found that the top 3 QB’s are no doubt in my mind. However, after that, no QB really gave me the definite, concrete evidence on why they are top 10. I did not include QB’s that are going into their first starting season because they do not have tape for me to really judge. At the end of the season, I do expect Justin Fields and Jacob Eason to crack the top 10. Let’s get into it.

Honorable Mention: Jordan Love, Utah State; Adrian Martinez, Nebraska; Ian Book, Notre Dame; Justin Fields, Ohio State; Jacob Eason, Washington 

10. D’Eriq King, Houston

via Houston Athletics

D’Eriq King comes in at the 10 spot after an incredible first season at Houston. Throwing for 36 touchdowns and rushing for 14, King might be the best dual-threat QB in college. King has a chance to solidify himself as a top QB this year when he opens the season against Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma week 1. I expect that game to be the typical, exciting, high-scoring game that all fans need and love. Week 1, Houston vs Oklahoma, get ready.

9. K.J. Costello, Stanford

via Grant Shorin, Stanford Athletics

Stanford is coming off an 8-4 season with a bowl win against a tough Pittsburgh team. Leading this is QB KJ Costello, who threw for over 3,500 yards and added 29 touchdowns with that. The problem I see with Costello is his 11 interceptions. Costello is a 2020 NFL prospect, so I’m expecting him to bring those interceptions down. With Whiteside now playing on Sundays, Costello needs to find a way to lead Stanford past a tough schedule.

8. Mason Fine, North Texas

via North Texas Athletics

Mason Fine is heading into his senior season at North Texas with almost 10,000 yards under his belt. He’s been the CUSA Player of the Year for the past two seasons, and has only progressed forward. Look for Mason Fine to have a terrific year, with NFL scouts eyeing him. A 4,000 yard season with 35+ touchdowns is expected, and I think will be the bar for Fine.

7. Shea Patterson, Michigan

via Michigan Athletics

Out of everyone on this list, everybody’s job is relatively safe. Shea Patterson, on the other hand, must deal with two promising QB’s behind him on the depth chart, Dylan McCaffery and Joe Milton. Patterson’s numbers do not jump off the sheet, but, with Josh Gattis now leading Michigan’s offense, I’m hoping, as all Michigan’s fans are, that Patterson lights it up this season.

6. Sam Ehlinger, Texas

via Texas Athletics

When talking about dual threats, Sam Ehlinger is in that conversation. Over the last few years, critics have talked about whether “Texas Football” is back. Well, Ehlinger has made Texas relevant again. In 2018, Ehlinger threw for nearly 3,300 yards with 25 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Along with that, Ehlinger rushed for 480 yards and 16 touchdowns. Texas and Ehlinger’s true test this season will be week 2 when LSU comes into town.

5. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma

via Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

What a roller coaster Jalen Hurts and his story has been over the course of his college career. He went from being the 2016 SEC Player of the Year and leading the Crimson Tide to two national championship games (2016 & 2017) to being benched in the 2017 National Championship, to then end up transferring to Oklahoma. This story is one that I will be most intrigued with this season, just because I want Oklahoma to take down Alabama because of this whole situation. Hurts has some big shoes to fill as well, with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray being the last two QB’s that have played for Oklahoma.

4. Jake Fromm, Georgia

via Jeff Sentell/DawgNation

Jake Fromm broke out during his freshmen season, leading Georgia to the National Championship. Many believed he would be the next face of college football, and although he has not played poorly, he hasn’t been what everyone once believed. Regardless, Fromm is still a top 5 QB, with a Georgia team that should make some noise in 2019. Look for Fromm to make or break his NFL draft stock this season.

3. Justin Herbert, Oregon

via Oregon Athletics

Justin Herbert may have been the number one overall pick if he would have entered the 2019 NFL Draft. However, Herbert decided to return to the Oregon Ducks with hopes of leading them to the title game. Physically, Herbert may be the most gifted of all NFL Draft prospects. However, he needs to improve his completion percentage and interception rate to really bring this Oregon team to the next level.

2. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

via Sports Illustrated

Here is what is going to bring the argument to the table. Lawrence vs Tagovailoa. At first, I had Lawrence ahead of Tua, no questions asked. That’s just from what I watched during last year’s national championship game. I think Lawrence is a heisman favorite this year, and he will lead Clemson to another national championship. He threw for over 3,000 yards with 30 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. Along with this, he is returning Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross to his weaponry. This offense has the possibility of being an all-time great unit.

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

via Alabama Athletics

Tua Tagovailoa is the best QB in college. He was just shy of throwing for 4,000 yards last season and added 43 touchdowns to that number. It’s easy to hate Alabama, and I love seeing them down, but I can’t bet against Tua. He throws to three of the best college receivers in the nation. Me saying that should take away some sort of acknowledgement because it could be said that they make him look better than he is, but I think that Tua would excel with anyone catching his ball. The Tua vs Lawrence argument is going to be a fun thing to watch.

Don’s Top 10 Running Backs: 2019 College Football Rankings

With the 2019 CFB season right around the corner, I wanted to see which players I should be on the lookout for. After digging around, I decided that I should just watch the top players, write some notes about them, and put them in my own order. For the first edition of this mini series, I decided to start with running backs. I conducted a list of 30 backs from numerous sources. I then committed a cardinal sin of only watching their highlight tapes. I then narrowed that list down to 15 players, watched a few games of each, and then made my final judgement. Enjoy!

1. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

via AP PHOTO/NATI HARNIK

Jonathan Taylor is the best running back in college football, period. In his two years at Wisconsin, he has 4,174 yards with 29 touchdowns on 606 carries. Those yards and touchdowns are quarterback stats. Unfortunately, the Heisman has been taken from him due to record breaking quarterbacks. Regardless, look at his film. Look at his highlights. Jonathan Taylor runs harder than anyone I have looked at heading into the 2019 season. He isn’t much of a threat in the passing game, which I am not a fan of, but he doesn’t need to be. Wisconsin just hands him the ball and lets him do his business. Mind you, he is also playing in the Big-10, these aren’t Big-12 defenses. Look for Taylor to make a push for the Heisman once again this season.

2. D’Andre Swift, Georgia

via Joe Robbins

I could make an argument for Etienne being here at two as well, but I’m putting Swift ahead of him based on the fact that Swift is both quick and powerful. His numbers do not reflect those of Swift’s, but that’s due to the loaded backfield that Georgia has each year. I’m looking forward to the 2020 Draft to see the Swift vs Etienne arguments to be the number one back taken. Even though Taylor is the best running back in college, Swift and Etienne should and, most likely, will be taken before him due to the fact that they can be a weapon in the passing game.

3. Travis Etienne, Clemson

via Carl Ackerman Jr

Out of the three, Travis Etienne is definitely the most dangerous in open space. Even more so, Etienne has the ability to find open space regularly. He doesn’t have to bulldoze defenders like Taylor, he just out runs them. Like Swift, he has a predominant role in Clemson’s passing game. I would not be surprised if Etienne ends up being at the top of this list once the 2019 season ends, he’s that good. Last year, Etienne accumulated over 1,600 yards with 24 touchdowns. That is one season alone. Again, this is based on limited film review, but 24 touchdowns in one season should be enough for him to be at the top of this board. This should be another great season for Etienne and the Clemson Tigers.

4. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt

via USA Today

Go on YouTube, type in Ke’Shawn Vaughn vs Baylor, and enjoy the show. Vaughn is a top tier talent stuck on a terrible team with terrible offensive-line. Honestly, his situation is like Barry Sanders’ in a way. Vaughn is also the truth because he is in the SEC, where they do send plenty of defensive players into the draft. In the two games I watched from last year, Vaughn is an asset in the pass game, however, Vandy’s QB is utter garbage and can’t get him the ball. I’m looking forward to see what he’s going to bring heading into this season.

5. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State

 via AP PHOTO/JAY LAPRETE

Now with Mike Weber gone, J.K. Dobbins enters the 2019 season as the sole ball carrier for the Buckeyes. While watching Dobbins, I noticed a few things. One, he’s super shifty. One he gets passed the line, he can makes linebackers look lost trying to grab him. Secondly, if they do grab him, he is able to shake them off and maintain balance throughout his run. Lastly, he has incredible vision. As he navigates across the line of scrimmage, Dobbins seems to always know exactly where and how he is going to create a big run. I expect Dobbins to be Justin Fields’ best weapon this next season.

6. C.J. Verdell, Oregon

via Twitter @EricEvansPhoto

CJ Verdell is the exact running back you would expect from the Oregon Ducks. He’s fast, he’s elusive, and he can catch the ball. Playing with speed at the tempo Oregon plays with is a tough task, but Verdell has not disappointed me while watching his film. He’s a perfect target for Justin Herbert, usually able to make at least one defender miss. What Verdell lacks is physicality, however, as I mentioned, he makes up in speed. This Oregon team should be able to make a run in the Pac-12.

7. Cam Akers, Florida State

via AP Photo/Chuck Burton

Similarly to Vaughn, Cam Akers is stuck with a garbage team. I actually felt bad for him while watching his film because his QB can’t throw and his line can’t block. He had a down year last year, mainly due to injury issues. Reports came out that Akers is now one-hundred percent and looking to prove a point. Well, I’m hoping that Florida State fixes their line issues because Akers is a special talent. Like most of the other backs mentioned, he has a role in the passing game, but as I said, his QB is trash. If Florida State is back to where they need to be, Akers can show why he is a top back in the NCAA.

8. A.J. Dillon, Boston College

via AP Photo/Michael Conroy

I’ll admit, I was wrong about A.J. Dillon. Initially, I was going to leave him off this list. Luckily, I actually watched some of his tape and thank the lord I did. A.J. Dillon is a big kid, 245lbs at 6’0. That’s fullback size. However, he’s quicker than I thought he would be. The most surprising thing about all of what I saw was that he is actually a weapon in Boston College’s pass game. I am going to be looking at Dillon a lot closer this next season to truly see what his impact is.

9. Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma

via 24/7 Sports

I was unsure whether or not Brooks would even be on Oklahoma’s roster this season due to some allegations against him, however, it is likely that he will be rejoining the Sooners. Therefore, I believe he belongs on this list. Brooks explodes through the line, which is good and bad. He’s so fast through that his offensive line doesn’t have time to reach the second layer of defense. However, Brooks has the speed and agility to make tacklers miss. While watching his film, he was used in the passing game, but usually as a check down. I’m intrigued on how Brooks and this Sooners team will be without Murray this next year.

10. Najee Harris, Alabama

via rolltide.com

Rounding out the list is Najee Harris. I’ll be honest, if Harris was on any other team in college football, he would probably be a top 5 back right now. However, with the crowded and talented backfield down their in Alabama, Harris still remains in my top 10. Stat wise, Harris isn’t jumping off the sheet for anyone. It’s his film and his size. Najee runs hard, and loves to jump over defenders. Mind you, he’s 6’2 and 230lbs. Similar size to A.J. Dillon, I think Najee is the best back Alabama has had in the last few years. I’m hoping he will be able to shine a bit more this season, however, Alabama has quite the receiving core so I would expect them to utilize them more than their backfield.

Honorable Mention: Zach Moss, Utah; Eno Benjamin, Arizona State; Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU 

 

Brain Dead Local Sports Media (Inner Monologue vol. 5)

After the 2019 NFL Draft, all of the arm chair draft experts and Facebook general managers emerged out of their caves to create chaos. Don’t get me wrong, the draft could’ve been a lot prettier. Personally, I think this is a make or break draft for Bob Quinn. Regardless, I’m not going to act like I’ve scouted these kids for hundreds of hours. I’ve scouted them for a couple hours making my own mock drafts, but I’m not the expert. I pick who I want and who I think is best for the team. I picked Brian Burns to be a Lion, but I’m not upset with Hockenson. I picked Greedy in the second, but I’m not upset with the Tavai pick, just scratching my head a little bit.

Too many times I’ve seen, “But no tightend should be picked that high” or “No linebackers are good from the second round historically” or “Ebron didn’t work” or “We have no idea who that player is”. There is a reason you’re at home drinking beer and watching the games on TV and not in the front office, and I’m very glad that’s the way it is. You have to understand that you’re kind of a dumbass sometimes. I am as well, I own it. But I’m not going to be ignorant like saying Tavai won’t be good because I don’t know who he is. I didn’t know Kamara real well coming out of the draft two years ago, I didn’t know Darius Leonard last year, and this year I don’t know Tavai. Am I going to judge him based on that? No, I’m going to go watch his film and base my decision off that. I’m not going to listen to dumbasses on the radio or the paper tell me this was a reach because they have no damn clue. These “grades” on the draft have to do with made up mock drafts. No the Lions didn’t draft a guard. They picked one up after the draft. No they didnt grab a tackle, oh wait, they did, after the draft. They drafted a running back in the sixth round. I’m certain that no matter what the Lions did in the draft, people would still find a way to bitch about something, because that’s what Lions fans do, bitch.

Lastly, how the hell does anyone know how these players will end up in the NFL? If Tavai or Hock don’t work out, then fire Bob Quinn and hire me. I’m okay with that. Regardless, let’s put the bottle down, sober up a little bit, and stop bitching in April. We’ll have no idea until September. Thank you, god bless.

Who is Will Harris?

The Detroit Lions moved up from their pick in the third round at 88 to Minnesota’s 81st to grab Boston College’s safety Will Harris. I’m familiar with Harris, only because I bet on Boston College three times last fall. Though we need help at corner and edge, an inbox safety like Will Harris will be an incredible asset to the Lions secondary and special teams unit. The Lions were in the running for former New York Giant Landon Collins, but the deal fell through. With the loss of Glover Quin, the Lions needed some added depth and a possible solution if Tracy Walker doesn’t work out, although I’m certain he will be a solid starter.

Will Harris played four years at Boston College. In 47 total games, he accumulated 225 tackles, 7.5 of those being for loss, and 1 career sack. He also had 5 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 6 fumble recoveries, and a touchdown. I watched film on Will Harris against Florida State and NC State. My takeaways from what I saw was that Harris can be an effective hybrid safety/linebacker, best playing on or near the line of scrimmage. He has okay pass coverage skills, but nothing to be blown away with. The best thing about Harris is when he pressures the QB, he delivers a blow. This may or may not be a problem with the changing NFL rules to protect QB’s. The main problem I have with Harris is his open field tackling is iffy, and he is more of a hitter than a form tackler. Not a bad thing, but something to consider.

Overall, not a bad pick at 81. I think he will be a special teams star for us, before developing into a positive strong safety. I think we can see Harris be used similarly to how the Chargers use Derwin James. I’m happy about this pick.

TJ Hockenson is not Eric Ebron, it’s okay

Look, I know you’re upset. Hear me out, we did not draft another Eric Ebron. TJ Hockenson is a dynamic TE. He is the “Y” TE that we need, which Ebron was an “F” TE. For reference, a Y TE is on the line next to tackles, while a F TE lines up in the slot and can line up in the backfield. Ebron was being used in Detroit as a Y, when he wasn’t much of a blocker. Since he has moved to Indy, look at what he has done since having more of an F role, it’s crazy when you use your players correctly, huh? Well now that we have Jesse James that could be an efficient F TE, Hockenson will be a great addition to our line and being a security blanket for Stafford. Now let me tell you about TJ himself.

At 6’5, 251lbs, Hockenson played TE for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was drafted by your Lions with the 8th pick of the NFL Draft. Lots of players were available here, so it would be pretty hard to fuck this up. TE is a need for the Lions, as is a CB, an EDGE, an OG, and a LB. All of these positions had players available, but having a player like Hockenson fall into your lap, it’s hard to pass on him. In 2018, Hockenson, a redshirt sophomore, played in 13 games, had 49 receptions for 760 yards and 6 touchdowns. These numbers don’t really jump off the screen at you but don’t forget that Noah Fant was drafted by the Denver Broncos 20th overall and was Hockenson’s teammate who also played TE. Fant had 39 receptions for 519 yards and 7 touchdowns. You throw half those balls to Hockenson and that’s when you’ll see how elite this kid actually is on paper. He plays at a high-level, comes from a school that has put out NFL TE talent, most notably George Kittle and Dallas Clark, and busts his ass.

Player comparisons aren’t that favorable for people, but Hockenson’s player comparison is to Kelce/Gronkowski. That’s one hell of a comparison, huh? Hockenson’s scouting report resembles Travis Kelce’s. “Good but not great athlete, big frame, physical blocker, and has the ability to stretch the field. Lacks explosive speed.” Hock will lineup next to the bigboys and block for our backs. Hell, two TE sets with James and Hock will be a deadly combination. My point is, put your pitchforks down, this is actually a decent pick for the Lions. It’s one of those that isn’t too flashy, but you’ll be glad to have him for the next 5 years. With that said, hopefully I convinced you. I will be doing more of these on each player the Lion’s draft, and then maybe some film room on each player. Thank you for your time, keep sippin that kool-aid.