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Draft Grades

4/28/2019

0 Comments

 
Andrew Miller: Lead Draft Analyst at WCBN Sports
ROUND 1

1) Arizona Cardinals- Kyler Murray QB, Oklahoma
B+
2) San Francisco 49ers- Nick Bosa EDGE, OSU
A+
3) New York Jets- Quinnen Williams DT, Alabama
A
4) Oakland Raiders- Clellin Ferrell EDGE, Clemson
C+
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Devin White LB, LSU
A
6) New York Giants- Daniel Jones QB, Duke
F+
7) Jacksonville Jaguars- Josh Allen EDGE, Kentucky
A+
8) Detroit Lions- TJ Hockenson TE, Iowa
A-
9) Buffalo Bills- Ed Oliver DT, Houston
A+
10) Pittsburgh Steelers- Devin Bush LB, Michigan
A+
11) Cincinnati Bengals- Jonah Williams OT, Alabama
A-
12) Green Bay Packers- Rashan Gary EDGE, Michigan
B
13) Miami Dolphins- Christian Wilkins DL, Clemson
B
14) Atlanta Falcons- Chris Lindstrom OG, Boston College
B-
15) Washington Redskins- Dwayne Haskins QB, OSU
A
16) Carolina Panthers- Brian Burns EDGE, FSU
A-
17) New York Giants- Dexter Lawrence DL, Clemson
C-
18) Minnesota Vikings- Garrett Bradberry OC, NC State
A
19) Tennessee Titans- Jeffery Simmons DT, Miss St.
B+
20) Denver Broncos- Noah Fant TE,  Iowa
A-
21) Green Bay Packers- Darnell Savage S, Maryland
B-
22) Philadelphia Eagles- Andre Dillard OT, WSU B+
23) Houston Texans- Titus Howard OT, Alabama St.
C+
24) Oakland Raiders- Josh Jacobs RB, Alabama A
25) Baltimore Ravens- Marquise Brown WR, Oklahoma
A-
26) Washington Redskins- Montez Sweat EDGE  
A-
27) Oakland Raiders- Jonathan Abrams S, Miss St.
B+
28) LA Chargers- Jerry Tillery DT, Notre Dame  
A
29)  Seattle Seahawks- LJ Collier DE, TCU
B-
30) New York Giants- Deandre Baker CB, Georgia
D
31) Atlanta Falcons-Kaleb McGary OT, Washington
B
32) New England Patriots- N’Keal Harry WR, ASU
B+


ROUND 2

33) Arizona Cardinals- Byron Murphy CB, Washington
    A-
34) Indianapolis Colts- Rock Ya-Sin CB, Temple
    B+
35) Jacksonville Jaguars- Jawaan Taylor OT, Florida
    A+
36) San francisco- Deebo Samuel WR, South Carolina
    A
37) Carolina Panthers- Greg Little OT, Ole Miss
    C
38) Buffalo Bills- Cody Ford OG, Oklahoma
    A+
39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sean Bunting CB, Central Michigan
    B-
40) Oakland Raiders- Trayvon Mullen CB, Clemson     
    B
41) Denver Broncos- Dalton Risner OT, Kansas State
    B+
42) Denver Broncos- Drew Lock QB, Mizzou
    B
43) Detroit Lions- Jahlani Tavai LB, Hawaii
    D+
44) Green Bay Packers- Elgton Jenkins C, Miss St.
    A
45) New England Patriots- Joejuan Williams CB, Vanderbilt
    B
46) Cleveland Browns- Greedy Williams CB, LSU
    A+
47) Seattle Seahawks- Marquis Blair S, Utah
    C
48) New Orleans Saints-Erik McCoy OC, Texas A&M
    B+
49) Indianapolis Colts- Ben Banogu EDGE, TCU
    B-
50) Minnesota Vikings- Irv Smith Jr. TE, Alabama
    B+
51) Tennessee Titans- AJ Brown WR, Ole Miss
    A
52) Cincinnati Bengals- Drew Sample TE, Wash
    C-
53) Philadelphia Eagles- Miles Sanders RB, Penn St.
    B
54) Houston Texans- Lonnie Johnson CB, Kentucky
    A
55) Houston Texans- Max Scharping OT, Northern Illinois
    B-
56) Kansas City Chiefs- Mecole Hardman WR, Georgia
    B+
57) Philadelphia Eagles- JJ Arcega Whiteside WR, Stanford
    B
58) Dallas Cowboys- Trysten Hill DL, UCF
    B
59) Indianapolis Colts- Parris Campbell WR, OSU
    B
60) LA Chargers- Nasir Adderley S, Delaware
    A
61) LA Rams- Taylor Rapp S, Washington
    A
62) Arizona Cardinals- Andy Isabella WR, Umass
    C-
63) Kansas City Chiefs- Juan Thornhill S, Virginia
    A
64) Seattle Seahawks- DK Metcalf WR, Ole Miss
    B+

ROUND 3
65) Arizona Cardinals- Zach Allen DE, BCU
    C+
66) Pittsburgh Steelers-  Diontae Johnson WR, Toledo
    C
67) San Francisco 49ers- Jalen Hurd WR, Baylor
    C-
68) New York Jets- Jachai Polite EDGE, Florida
    B-

69) Jacksonville Jaguars- Josh Oliver TE, San Jose St.
    B
70) LA Rams- Darrell Henderson RB, Memphis
    C-
71) Denver Broncos- Dre’Mont Jones DT, OSU
    A
72) Cincinnati Bengals- Germain Pratt LB, NC State
C
73) Chicago Bears- David Montgomery RB, Iowa State
B
74) Buffalo Bills- Devin Singletary RB, FAU
    A-
75) Green Bay Packers- Jace SternBerger TE, Texas A&M
    B+
76) Washington Redskins- Terry Mclaurin WR, OSU
    B+
77) New England Patriots- Chase Winovich EDGE, Michigan
    A+
78) Miami Dolphins- Michael Deiter OG, Wisconsin
    A-
79)  LA Rams- David Long CB, Michigan
    B+
80) Cleveland Browns- Sione Takitaki LB, BYU
    C-
81)  Detroit Lions- Will Harris S, BCU
    C-
82) Tennessee Titans- Nate Davis G, Charlotte
    B-
83)  Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Layne CB, Michigan State
    A
84) Kansas City Chiefs- Khalen Saunders DT, W. ilinois
    C+
85) Baltimore Ravens- Jaylon Ferguson EDGE,  LA Tech
    A
86) Houston Texans- Kahale Warring TE, SDSU
    C+
87) New England Patriots- Damien Harris RB, Alabama
    B-
88) Seattle Seahawks- Cody Martin, Utah
    D
89) Indianapolis Colts- Bobby Okereke LB, Stanford
    A
90) Dallas Cowboys- Connor McGovern G, Penn State
    B
91) LA Chargers- Trey Pipkens OT, Sioux Falls     
    C-
92) New York Jets- Chuma Edoga OT, Jets
    B-
93) Baltimore Raven- Myles Boykin WR, Notre Dame
    A-
94) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jamel Dean CB. Auburn
    C-
95) New York Giants- Oshane Ximines EDGE, Old Dominion
    A-
96) Buffalo Bills- Dawson Knox TE, Ole Miss
    A
97) LA Rams- Bobby Evans OT, Oklahoma
    B-
98) Jacksonville Jaguars- Quincy Williams S, Murray State
    C-
99) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Edwards S, Kentucky
    D
100) Carolina Panthers- Will Grier QB, Carolina
    C
101) New England Patriots- Yodny Cajuste OT, WVU
    A
102) Minnesota Vikings- Alexander Mattison RB, Boise State
    D


ROUND 4

103) Arizona Cardinals- Hakeem Butler WR, Iowa St.
    A-
104) Cincinnati Bengals- Ryan Finley QB, NC State
    B-
105) New Orleans Saints- Chauncey Gardner Johnson S, Florida
    A+
106) Oakland Raiders- Maxx Crosby DE, EMU
    B
107) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Anthony Nelson DL, Iowa    
    B+
108) New York Giants- Julien Love CB, Notre Dame
    A+
109) Indianapolis Colts- Khari Willis S, MSU
    B
110) San Francisco 49ers- Mitch Wishnowsky P, Utah
    P for Punter in the 4th round (F)
111) Atlanta Falcons- Kendall Sheffield CB, OSU
    B+
112) Washington Redskins- Bryce Love RB,  Stanford
    C-
113) Baltimore Ravens- Justice Hill RB, Ok St
    A
114) Minnesota Vikings- Drew Samia OG,  Oklahoma
    A
115) Carolina Panthers- Christian Miller EDGE, Alabama
    A+
116) Tennessee Titans- Amani Hooker S, Iowa
    A
117) Detroit Lions- Austin Bryant EDGE, Clemson
    B+
118)  New England Patriots- Hjalte Froholdt G, Arkansas
    A
119)  Cleveland Browns- Sheldrick Redwine DB,
    B+
120) Seattle Seahawks- Gary Jennings WR, WVU
    C-
121) New York Jets- Trevon Wesco TE, WVU
    B-
122) Pittsburgh Steelers- Benny Snell RB, Kentucky
    C
123) Baltimore Ravens- Ben Powers OG, Oklahoma
    B-
124) Seattle Seahawks- Phil Haynes G, Wake Forest
    B-
125) Cincinnati Bengals- Renell Wren DL, ASU
    B
126) Chicago Bears- Riley Ridley WR, Georgia
    A+
127) Baltimore Ravens- Iman Marshall CB, USC
    A+
128) Dallas Cowboys- Tony Pollard RB, Memphis
    D
129) Oakland Raiders- Isaiah Johnson CB, Houston
    A
130) LA Chargers- Drew Tranquill LB, Notre Dame
    B+
131) Washington Redskins-Wes Martin G, Indiana
    A
132) Seattle Seahawks- Ugo Amadi S, Oregon
    B-
133) New England Patriots- Jarrett Stidham QB, Auburn
    A
134) LA Rams- Greg Gaines DL, Washington
    B
135) Atlanta Falcons- John Cominsky DE, Charleston
    B-
136) Cincinnati Bengals- Michael Jordan OG, OSU
    A
137) Oakland Raiders- Foster Moreau TE, LSU
    A+
138) Philadelphia Eagles- Shareef Miller EDGE, Penn St.
    B-

ROUND 5

139) Arizona Cardinals- Deionte Thompson S, Alabama
    A+
140) Jacksonville Jaguars- Ryquell Armstead RB, Temple
    A+
141) Pittsburgh Steelers- Zach Gentry TE, Michigan
    D+
142) Seattle Seahawks- Ben Burr-Kirven LB, Washington
    B-
143) New York Giants- Ryan Connelly LB, Wisconsin
    C
144) Indianapolis Colts- Marvell Tell III S, USC
    A-
145) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Matt Gay K, Utah
    A---Guayo all over again, F
146) Detroit Lions- Amani Oruwariye CB, Penn State
    A+
147) Buffalo Bills- Vosean Joseph LB, Florida
    A
148) San Francisco 49ers- Dre Greenlaw LB, Arkansas
    C+
149) Oakland Raiders- Hunter Renfrow WR, Clemson
150) Green Bay Packers- Kingsley Keke DT, Texas A&M
    C-
151) Miami Dolphins- Andrew Van Ginkel LB, Wisconsin
    B-
152) Atlanta Falcons- Qadree Ollison RB, Pittsburgh
    B+
153) Washington Redskins- Ross Pierschbacher OG, Alabama
    A
154) Carolina Panthers- Jordan Scarlett RB, Florida
    D-
155) Cleveland Browns- Mack Wilson LB, Alabama
    A+
156) Denver Broncos- Justin Hollins EDGE, Oregon
    B
157) New York Jets- Blake Cashman LB, Minnesota
    B
158) Dallas Cowboys- Michael Jackson CB, Miami
    B
159) New England Patriots- Byron Cowart DT, Maryland
    A
160) Baltimore Ravens- Daylon Mack DT, Texas A&M
    B-
161) Houston Texans- Charles Omenihu EDGE, Texas
    D
162) Minnesota Vikings- Cameron Smith LB, USC
    A
163) New England Patriots- Jake Bailey P, Stanford
    P----unters are okay when you have 10 picks (C+)
164) Indianapolis Colts- E.J Speed LB, Tarleton State
    D
165) Dallas Cowboys- Joe Jackson EDGE, Miami
A
166)  LA Chargers- Easton Stick QB, NDSU
    C
167)  Philadelphia Eagles- Clayton Thorson QB, Northwestern
    A
168) Tennessee Titans- D’Andre Walker EDGE, Georgia
    A-
169) LA Rams- David Edwards OT, Wisconsin
    A
170) Cleveland Browns- Austin Seibert K, Oklahoma
    K--an you believe they got the second best Kicker (C+)
171) New York Giants- Darius Slayton- WR, Auburn
    B+
172) Atlanta Falcons- Jordan Miller CB, Washington
    B
173) Washington Redskins- Cole Holcomb LB, North Carolina
    B-

ROUND 6

174) Arizona Cardinals- KeeSean Johnson WR, Fresno St.
    C-
175) Pittsburgh Steelers-Sutton Smith EDGE, Northern Illinois
    B
176) San Francisco 49ers- Kaden Smith TE, Stanford
    B-
177) New Orleans Saints- Saquan Hampton S, Stanford
    B-
178) Jacksonville Jaguars- Gardner Minshew QB, Washington State
    B
179) Arizona Cardinals- Lamont Gaillard C, Georgia
    B+
180) New York Giants- Corey Ballentine CB, Washington
    D
181) Buffalo Bills- Jajuan Johnson CB, Miami
    A
182) Cincinnati Bengals- Trayveon Williams RB, Texas A&M
    A-
183)  San Francisco 49ers- Justin Skule OT, Vanderbilt
    C-
184) Detroit Lions- Travis Fulgham WR, Old Dominion
    B

185) Green Bay Packers- Ka’dar Hollman CB, Toledo
    B+
186) Detroit Lions- Ty Johnson RB, Maryland
    B
187) Denver Broncos- Juwann Winfree WR, Colorado
    B
188) Tennessee Titans- David Long Jr. LB, WVU
    A
189) Cleveland Browns- Drew Forbes OT, Southern Missouri State
    C+
190) Minnesota Vikings- Armon Watts DT, Arkansas
    B
191) Minnesota Vikings- Marcus Epps S, Wyoming
    B-
192) Pittsburgh Steelers- Isaiah Buggs DL, Alabama
    A
193) Green Bay Packers- Dexter Williams RB, Notre Dame
    A
195) Houston Texans- Xavier Crawford CB, Central Michigan
    B-
196) New York Jets- Blessuan Austin
    C+
197) Baltimore Ravens- Trace McSorley QB, Penn State
    D+
198) San Francisco 49ers- Tim Harris CB, Virginia
    B
199) Indianapolis Colts- Gerri Green EDGE, Miss St.
    A
200) LA Chargers- Emeke Egbule LB, Houston
    B-
201) Kansas City Chiefs- Rashad Fenton CB, South Carolina  
    B
202) Miami Dolphins- Isaiah Prince OT, OSU
    A-
203) Atlanta Falcons-Marcus Green WR, Louisiana Monroe
    B
204) Seattle Seahawks- Travis Homer RB, Miami
    D
205) Chicago Bears- Duke Shelley CB, Kansas State
    B+
206) Washington Redskins- Kelvin Harmon WR, NC State
    A
207)  Pittsburgh Steelers- Ulysees Gilbert III LB, Akron
    B+
208) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Scott Miller WR, Bowling Green
    C+
209) Seattle Seahawks- Demarcus Christmas DT, FSU
    A
210) Cincinnati Bengals- Deshaun Davis LB, Auburn
    B-
211) Cincinnati Bengals- Rodney Anderson RB, Oklahoma
    C
212) Carolina Panthers- Dennis Daley OT, South Carolina
    B+
213) Dallas Cowboys- Donovan Wilson S, Texas A&M
B
214) Kansas City Chiefs- Darwin Thompson RB,  Utah St
    D

ROUND 7

215)  Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Terry Beckner DT, Missouri
    A
216) Kansas City Chiefs- Nick Allegretti G, Illinois
    A-
217) Minnesota Vikings- Kris Boyd CB, Texas
    A-
218) Dallas Cowboys- Mike Weber RB, OSU
    A
219) Pittsburgh Steelers- Derwin Gray OT, Maryland
    B
220) Houston Texans- Cullen Gillaspia RB, Texas A&M
    B
221) Cleveland Browns- Donnie Lewis Jr. CB, Tulane
    B-
222) Chicago Bears- Kerrith Whyte Jr. RB, FAU
    D
223) Cincinnati Bengals- Jordan Brown CB, SDSU
    C+
224) Detroit Lions- Isaac Nauta TE, Georgia
    A
225) Buffalo Bills- Darryl Johnson JR. EDGE
    B-
226) Green Bay Packers- Ty Summers LB, TCU
    B
227) Washington Redskins- Jimmy Moreland CB, JAmes Madison
    A
228) Buffalo Bills- Tommy Sweeney TE, Boston College
    A
229) Detroit Lions- PJ Johnson DL, Arizona
    B
230) Oakland Raiders- Quinton Bell DE, Prairie View A&M
    B-
231) New Orleans Saints- Alize Mack TE, Notre Dame
    B-
232) New York Giants- George Asafo-Adjei OT, Kentucky
    B+
233) Miami Dolphins- Chandler Cox, Auburn
    C+
234) Miami Dolphins- Myles Gaskin RB, Washington
    D+
235) Jacksonville Jaguars- Dontavius Russell DT, Auburn
    A
236) Seattle Seahawks- John Ursua WR, Hawaii
    C+
237) Carolina Panthers- Terry Godwin WR, Georgia
    B+
238) Chicago Bears- Stephen Denmark CB, Valdosta St
    B-
239) Minnesota Vikings- Dillon Mitchell WR, Oregon
    A
240) Indianapolis Colts- Jackson Barton OT, Utah
    B
241) Dallas Cowboys- Jalen Jelks DE, Oregon
    C+
242) LA Chargers- Cortez Broughton DT, Cincinnati
    A-
243) LA Rams- Nick Scott S, Penn State
    B
244) New Orleans Saints- Kaden Elliss LB, Idaho
    B
245) New York Giants- Chris Slayton DT, Syracuse
    B
246) Indianapolis Colts- Javon Patterson C, Ole Miss
    B+
247) Minnesota Vikings- Olabisi Johnson- Colorado St
    C
248) Arizona Cardinals- Joshua Miles OT, Morgan St
    B+
249) Arizona Cardinals- Michael Dogbe DE, Temple
    C+
250) Minnesota Vikings- Austin Cutting LS, Air Force
    L-----ong Oh’ Snap, this it the right place to take a Long Snapper (B)
251) LA Rams- Dakota Allen LB, Texas Tech
    A
252) New England Patriots- Ken Webster CB, Ole Miss
    A
253) Washington Redskins- Jordan Brailford DE, OK St.
    B
254)  Arizona Cardinals- Caleb Wilson TE, UCLA
    A

0 Comments

Randomly Generated Draft Grades

4/27/2019

0 Comments

 
​By Daniel Thompson

12 months of big boards and mock drafts all gone in 48 hours. What can be done now to squeeze more just an ounce more of content out of all that hard work? I’m sure some 2020 mock drafts have already been posted, but that does require new scouting. Let’s not ring in a new draft calendar just yet. It is now draft grades season! You may have read ESPN’s big board, but now football bloggers can remind you which teams did and did not agree with them. Waiting for picks to see how draft picks turn out takes at least three years if we’re going to give players a fair shake, and that’s just too long! Nowadays teams have scouting and analytics departments. They have private interviews with prospects and their coaches no one else will ever see. They know their team fits and plans for the future better than anyone else. Nonetheless, knowing all of this is not as reassuring as seeing a beat writer put an A- by your favorite team. So I’ll stop testing your patience and let you see the grades I gave to every team, just let me explain how I used a computer model to grade every team’s draft performance given the picks they entered the draft with.


In all honesty, I don’t work for an NFL FO. I could watch film and claim I know how each team did, but that would take a long time and I still wouldn’t be as good as NFL front offices, so I automated the process. Here’s how I used the R language to create a computer model that graded all 32 teams’ drafts. I generated 32 random numbers. We’ll follow a normal distribution and use an 82% B- average and a standard deviation of 8 to get some interesting scores while still making it likely no one gets an F or exceeds 100. I ran one simulation to output 32 normally distributed numbers and assigned the numbers to all 32 teams based off alphabetical order. So the first number was assigned to Arizona and the last was assigned to Washington. Here’s the source code for my computer model if you are inspired to run a similar simulation.


draftgrades <- rnorm(32, 82, 8)


So without further ado, here are the draft grades produced by my model:


ARIZONA CARDINALS
B
Looks like the jury is still out there on Kyler Murray. Sure is frustrating even computers have to wait and see how it works out.


ATLANTA FALCONS
    C+
My empirical model must have thought Atlanta was not getting great value for trading up to draft to first round linemen.


BALTIMORE RAVENS
    C-
The model was not high on the Ravens’ selections. Time to start over for next year.


BUFFALO BILLS
    B+
My model seems to confirm that the Bills were able to draft players who slid for no reason at all.


CAROLINA PANTHERS
    C
The Panthers received a raw score of 76.1 in my model. Sorry Panthers, it was not your draft.


CHICAGO BEARS
    B
Bears seemed to have found average value given their lack of draft capital.


CINCINNATI BENGALS
    B+
With a raw score of 87.8, it appears the Bengals are trending upward in the first year of their regime change.


CLEVELAND BROWNS
    C
This model must not like cornerbacks who don’t tackle.


DALLAS COWBOYS
    B-
With a raw score of 82.8, this is right on par with the Cowboys 8-8 status quo.


DENVER BRONCOS
    A
Congratulations Broncos! Drew Locke was a smash hit and I can assure you Noah Fant was the correct value pick. With a 96.7 raw score, you had the second best draft.


DETROIT LIONS
    D+
The duality of life. We now reach our lowest score of 68.2. Drafting a TE in the top 10 just seems to be objectively wrong.


GREEN BAY PACKERS
    B-
This will not please Aaron Rodgers.


HOUSTON TEXANS
    A-
When the Texans front office professionals drafted Tytus Howard, it's possible they knew something Mel Kiper didn’t after 5 minutes of tape.


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
    C
Sometimes you can’t avoid regression after a great year.


JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
    A-
Josh Allen and Jawaan Taylor were no-brainers. How could 5,000 mock drafters be wrong?


KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
    B
With a raw score of 83.4 the Chiefs were quite forgettable. I’m sure they’re fine with that for now.


LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
    B
I can’t remember who they drafted.


LOS ANGELES RAMS
    C+
Too much trading annoyed me.


MIAMI DOLPHINS
    B
The Dolphins hedged their bets with the Josh Rosen trade. The model recognizes that.


MINNESOTA VIKINGS
    B
Just part of the Vikings long march back to mediocre.


NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
    C
I’ll have to fix the model for next year and remind it Bill Belichick has never made a mistake as a general manager. Never.


NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
    C+
Did they pick anyone beside Erik McCoy? Model seems to have not liked him.


NEW YORK GIANTS
    B
Okay, so the point of this was that teams know their needs and the players they were interested better than anyone else, and no one really knows how good a player is going to be. I even defended the OBJ trade as not the worst thing ever for the Giants. But Daniel Jones blows. D- draft.


NEW YORK JETS
    C-
With a raw score of 71.0 my model is reminding the world that there is no such thing as a perfect prospect. Don’t fly too close to the sun Quinnen.


OAKLAND RAIDERS
    B
Just doing an adequate job with all those picks should be enough to help turn the Raiders around. Good job Jon.


PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
    B+
The received an 87.7 raw score. I’m not going to pretend like I know much about Andre Dillard.


PITTSBURGH STEELERS
    A+
No Michigan bias here. With a 98.6 raw score, the Steelers found the most value in the draft.


SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
    C
I swear this model does not favor Michigan players and discriminate against Ohio State players. Although I don’t know. I didn’t program the rnorm function.


SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
    C
D.K. Metcalf will never work out. How did the Seahawks fall for him?


TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
    B
Devin White is as advertised.


TENNESSEE TITANS
    A-
Hometown advantage likely played a large role in the Titans' success.


WASHINGTON REDSKINS
    B+
See, I gave Buckeyes a chance.

Before this report card and all of the others are exposed in hindsight, just remember, there is a universe where these grades are exactly right.

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Detroit Lions First Round Recap: Do You Believe in Ghosts?

4/25/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
By: Alex Drain

The Detroit Lions selected TJ Hockenson #8 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft tonight and I'm here to break down the pros and cons. 

The Pros: Hockenson wouldn't be going in the top ten without being a generational TE prospect, which he is. In a world in which everyone overuses the term "generational" in relation to draft prospects of every sport, Hockenson fits that in terms of tight ends because well... he's the highest a tight end has been picked since 2006. And that certainly wasn't an overpick either, as Hockenson was #7 on the big board of The Athletic ($) as well as SB Nation and Sporting News. Most all scouting reports have little-to-nothing bad to say about him. They tend to be along the lines of "woulda been cool to see him more in college" and "can fine tune his blocking". If you want an incredible athlete at tight end, Hockenson is it, with elite explosiveness, good speed, and great agility. He also doesn't have the drop issues of a certain Lions tight end of years past, dropping just one pass last year compared to 49 catches. He's also incredibly well rounded and NFL ready. In a position where the prospects often take years to develop into respectable players at the pro level, Hockenson can probably step in and be a plus-plus receiver and blocker right away. The Lions need help blocking for Kerryon Johnson. Hockenson provides it. The Lions need a safety valve receiver after trading Golden Tate. Hockenson can be it. The Lions have perpetually neglected the tight end position and it has hurt them, badly. Take a look at the top 10 offenses in the NFL: nearly all of those teams have high end, productive tight ends. Kelce, Gronk, OJ Howard, Ertz, Hooper, (gulp) Ebron/Doyle. This is a pattern and well, the Lions haven't had it. Now they've got a guy who could be great. Hockenson gives them three young playmakers at the key skill positions in Johnson, Kenny Golladay, and Hockenson to build an offense around. 

The Cons:​ This was the kind of pick that brought a certain type of Detroit Lions fan out of the woodwork. You know who I'm talking about. The S.O.L. types. The people who log onto twitter.com ready to complain about how the Lions will never succeed until the Ford Family is cleansed from the earth. The type of people who go to dinner parties ready to share stories of Reggie Rogers, Joey Harrington, and Titus Young. They, let's just say, detested this pick. Why? Eric. Ebron. Because this is the type of pick that tests whether you believe in ghosts or not. It was a top 10 tight end, with a defensive tackle taken immediately after. Yes, Hockenson will be compared to Ed Oliver until the end of time, for better or worse, no matter how fair or unfair it may be. Oh and who was the last first round tight end taken before Ebron by Detroit? Brandon Pettigrew, who was fine but never became a star. It's a pick that gives you the deja vu, "here we go again" feeling that haunts every Lions fan. All of that said, there don't seem to be many Lions fans who actually dislike the pick *for the player*. It tends to be some combination of "Ebron Don't Take A Oliver Tight End Ebron In The First Oliver Round Ever Ebron Again As Oliver Long As I Live Ebron". But no pressure, TJ, I'm sure the fans will love you. 

The Reality: None of this matters! Drafts are judged by what happens, not what will happen because no one can predict the future. I'm old enough to remember when the Lions emerged from the 2011 NFL Draft as the consensus winners and then.... they emerged with a first rounder that never fully panned out, two catastrophic second round busts, and literally nothing else. So ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. None of us know anything about sports and none of us will. Call me up in 2024. 

ImageCredit:https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pybgjLyQzkRnvgxcyFtiH-vcx3Q=/0x0:4076x2655/1200x800/filters:focal(1613x1146:2265x1798)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62996234/usa_today_11433495.0.jpg
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The Most Important Mock Draft You'll Read Today: Mr. Irrelevant

4/25/2019

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Everyone makes a big fuss out of the first round, and sometimes the second and third. But that leaves most of the picks out, and who actually can keep track of a 7-round mock draft? Plus we all know the last pick of the draft is one of the top moments of the three day event every year without fail. Everyone claims to love Mr. Irrelevant when the absurd jersey with 256 on the back gets whipped out, but no one ever talks about him beforehand. So without further ado, I will go ahead and attempt to forecast the most uncertain draft pick: number 256.

Let's try to learn from history. Last year I predicted Nebraska QB Tanner Lee would be selected by the Falcons with the 256th overall pick, citing the need for a backup QB younger than Matt Schaub. In reality, Lee went 203rd overall in the 6th round to the Jaguars. He spent all but Week 17 on the practice squad last year before being promoted to the active roster for the last game. Also, the Falcons ended up trading the last pick to the Redskins who took Trey Quinn, WR out of SMU. He actually had a pretty good year, despite two stints on IR, he finished his rookie season with 9 receptions, one of which was a TD, and 75 yards. Good for Trey. Now on to this year.

The Cardinals hold both the first and the last pick, which might be awkward when whoever the Cardinals choose tonight isn't invited to the Mr. Irrelevant party that all of the other rookies get to go to. But let's assume the Cardinals don't see this runaway freight train of a locker room distraction hurling at them and say no trades in this mock draft. Let's limit the positions of interest to the Cardinals' needs, Okay, so every position is still on the board. Well let's look at last year again. Three of the final four picks were all WRs. Larry Fitzgerald has to retire eventually, so let's explore this position more. I'll checkout Walterfootball.com 's WR big board since he scouts every player with a chance at being drafted. 33 Wide receivers were taken last year, so let's just scroll down to the mid 30s. And we have our winner! Antoine Wesley, WR, form Texas Tech is our Mr. Irrelevant. Of course his biggest plus outside of his 6-4 206 lb frame is where he went to school. Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury was fired from his alma mater Texas Tech this off-season. Kingsbury would have been Wesley's coach for each of Wesley's three seasons in Lubbock. Plus he knows Patrick Mahomes. So long as the NCAA basketball refs aren't involved, Texas Tech should catch a couple breaks and steal the show with Mr. Irrelevant. Congrats Cardinals and Red Raiders!
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The Best and Only 2019 Mock Draft You Need to Read

4/25/2019

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Image courtesy of http://www.thesportshero.com/nfl-mock-draft-the-avengers-edition/
By: Austin Falco (@AustinFalco)


Today is a big – nay, humongous – day for everyone across the USA. There has been so much buzz about what moves are going to be made and who will end up where when all is said and done after the 3-hour spectacle this Thursday night. But it’s finally here and all the speculation can stop. We’re finally going to get answers, find out the fate of our favorite players we’ve been watching grow for years, and see what the lay of the land will be for the years to come.

Avengers: Endgame is going to be amazing.

What? Is there something else happening on Thursday night? I kid, I kid. I know the NFL draft is a big deal this time of year. But let’s get real: it’s the secondary attraction to the event 22 movies and 11 years in the making, the event causing some theaters to stay open for 72 hours straight, the event that caused Fandango to have their most profitable day EVER on pre-sales alone.

But hey, I’ll compromise. I promised a mock draft so that’s what you’ll get, complete with NFL teams and team needs courtesy of Evan Silva and Josh Norris of RotoWorld. The picks just won’t be the players you were expecting.

Ground rules for this: every character confirmed to be alive after “The Snap” will be drafted, everyone confirmed to be dead is off the board, and anyone in the middle is fair game. Also, NO ENDGAME SPOILERS ALLOWED. I’ll do a deeper dive for the Top 10, then a line or two for the rest, so let’s get started:

1. Arizona Cardinals
Team needs: DL, OL, Pass Catcher (PC)
The pick: DL/OL Thanos, Titan
Without a doubt, the #1 prospect on the board. A two-way player in the trenches, he addresses needs on both sides of the line. Nobody’s getting through the massive 985 lb. frame with impeccable technique [see: beginning of Infinity War vs. Hulk] and it doesn’t matter if you’re in max protect, he’s gonna get to the QB [see: end of Infinity War vs. everybody] with that gauntlet of his. Sure-fire #1, easy pick here.

2. San Francisco 49ers
Team needs: PC, Secondary (SEC), Edge Rusher (EDGE)
The pick: DB/WR Captain America, Army
Another two-way standout, Steve Rodgers’ size/speed/strength combo would be a huge asset on the outside. Jamming receivers to a standstill off the line, sprinting past DBs, or coming up big in run support, he’s a guy that can really do it all and deserves this lofty draft stock.

3. New York Jets
Team needs: OL, EDGE, CB
The pick: OL Korg, Sakaar
    This might be a little bit of a reach at 3rd overall, but I’m going by team needs here. Leverage could be an issue and it’ll be a little tough for a QB to throw over his stature, but he’s 2045 lbs. of raw, immovable rock just waiting to be sculpted into the next great LT.

4. Oakland(?) Raiders
Team needs: EDGE, TE, CB
The pick: ?? Thor, Asgard
    An incredible athlete who could be a star but with some obvious flaws (aim for the head), Thor is the perfect fit for a couple of roles for the Raiders. As an edge rusher, his strength/speed is hard to stop. As a TE, he can be a real mismatch with amazing hands. I mean, have you ever seen him drop his hammer flying at crazy speeds?

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team needs: DL, SEC, RB
The pick: RB Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, Air Force
    Simply put: this is an absolute steal. Captain Marvel is probably the single most talented prospect out there. I have her as a running back because of the way she can single-handedly tear through a defense [see: end of Captain Marvel vs. Kree], but she can honestly play anywhere and be successful. A good coach (not Nick Fury) should use her early and often for maximum success.

6. New York Giants
Team needs: QB, Front 7 (F7), SEC
The pick: QB Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Iowa
    I’ll admit there are potential concerns over size and age/mobility, but when he can release from anywhere at any time with pinpoint accuracy and anticipation, those are irrelevant. Hawkeye has to be the #1 QB in the draft, and he’ll be a star in New York as long as he’s got someone who can actually catch his passes around.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Team needs: PC, OL, RB
The pick: WR/RB, Valkyrie, Asgard
    Valkyrie’s just the type of all-around athlete that can transform an offense, which is exactly what the Jags need. As an Asgardian warrior, she possesses speed and strength that very few prospects have and her years of service have her technique down to a T. Polished and powerful, she’s a great pick here in the top 10 for Jacksonville.

8. Detroit Lions
Team needs: SEC, EDGE, PC
The pick: EDGE M’Baku, Wakanda
    M’Baku’s raw physical talent is something that will most definitely attract the Lions’ gaze. He’s got brute strength for days and good speed to pair with it, but could really use some refinement when it comes to technique. Also a coachable player willing to conform to the system and be a team player [see: end of Black Panther].

9. Buffalo Bills
Team needs: DL, OL, TE
The pick: DT Bruce Banner/The Hulk, Harvard
    This seems really low for The Hulk on the surface, and I get that argument. The Green Guy is unstoppable when he’s locked in. But there are some big issues here. He’s prone to taking plays (or movies) off and he has some serious discipline issues that really restrict him to playing on the DL alone, unlike some of the other prospects in this draft.

10. Denver Broncos
Team needs: OL, QB, ILB
The pick: QB Kraglin, Xandar
    Admittedly, this is probably a reach, especially with some of the big names - notably Iron Man - still on the board. But if you’re looking for a QB, you could do worse than the guy who inherited an arrow that can weave its way through a defense and hit its mark. He’s gonna need time to develop, but Joe Flacco starting can allow that. Elway loves him some QBs, so this is where I see him going.
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Image courtesy of https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Kraglin_Obfonteri
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Team needs: QB, OL, LB
The pick: LB James Rhodes/War Machine, Air Force
    Before Iron Man? Yes. He’s got more size to stand up in the middle of the defense in run support and is used to leading his troops into battle.

12. Green Bay Packers
Team needs: PC, OL, DL
The pick: OL Bill Foster, Berkeley
    If he can get back to his Goliath glory days, he’s an unmovable force when it comes to protection. Leverage is a potential issue, so he falls to here.

13. Miami Dolphins
Team needs: OL, SEC, DL
The pick: FS Redwing, Air Force
    Technically a drone of Falcon’s in the MCU, I’m taking license here and saying the drone lives. He can roam sideline-to-sideline and swat (shoot) down anything in his vicinity.

14. Atlanta Falcons
Team needs: DL, OL, QB
The pick: OL Wong, Kamar-Taj
    Wong can create a magic shield at will to hold back defenders. May struggle to create it fast enough against elite pass rushers, though. Also undersized should the whole “magic shield” thing not work out.

15. Washington Professional Football Team
Team needs: QB, PC, EDGE
The pick: QB Tony Stark/Iron Man, MIT
    Potential steal this last. Red flags with age, but targeting systems are still as good as ever. Potential injury concerns with left arm and long standing PTSD/paranoia concerns.

16. Carolina Panthers
Team needs: EDGE, OL, SEC
The pick: EDGE Nebula, Parts Unknown
    Undersized but with a mean streak. Capable of using her cyborg parts to either overpower or finesse her way past blockers. Not always a team player, but a common goal can get her in line.

17. New York Giants
Team needs: QB, Front 7 (F7), SEC
The pick: SEC Okoye, Wakanda
    The Giants need help at every level of the defense. Okoye may be undersized, but she is fierce in coverage and will stick to her assignment like she sticks to T’Challa’s side. You can count on her to do her job at all times.

18. Minnesota Vikings
Team needs: OL, PC, Pass Rusher (PR)
The pick: OL Happy Hogan, Stark Industries
    Committed to the safety of his teammates and the QB. Will do anything, including giving his life, for the sake of doing his job. Rough exterior, but a genuinely good and loyal teammate that would be great for locker room chemistry.

19. Tennessee Titans
Team needs: PR, PC, CB
The pick: OLB Natasha Romanov/Black Widow, Red Room
    Another undersized pass rusher, Black Widow is more than capable of rushing in and winning vs numbers and larger opponents on the OL [see: Iron Man 2]. Great motor and a chip on the shoulder mentality.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Team needs: F7, PC, OL
The pick: EDGE Karl Mordo, Kamar-Taj
    Has decent size and a wide variety of tricks up his sleeve. Potential locker room cancer that will turn on teammates (note: hasn’t stopped the Steelers before).

21. Seattle Seahawks
Team needs: OL, SEC, PC
The pick: CB/WR Nakia, Wakanda
    Remarkable athlete that has fallen due to positional uncertainty. Can comfortably slide into several spots, but struggles to stay at one spot. Loyal, great locker room presence.
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Image courtesy of https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Nakia
22. Baltimore Ravens
Team needs: PR, ILB, WR
The pick: EDGE Miek, Sakaar
    On the smaller side and definitely too small without his exoskeleton. Quick, good instincts and expert in hand technique. Promising prospect.

23. Houston Texans
Team needs: OL, CB, PR
The pick: CB Ava Starr/Ghost, England
    Expert at disguising coverages, given she literally disappears. Occasionally has issues knocking the ball down, given she can also be intangible, causing this drop.

24. Oakland(?) Raiders
Team needs: EDGE, TE, CB
The pick: CB Scott Lang/Ant-Man, San Quentin State Prison
    Lacks elite physical tools, probably restricting him to a zone-coverage scheme. Ability to shrink and grow at will is an asset in disguising coverages. Takeaways are his calling card.

25. Philadelphia Eagles
Team needs: OL, SEC, LB
The pick: CB Sharon Carter, CIA
    Lack of film makes her hard to grade. Has shown flashes of great man-to-man skills and ability to disguise herself, but ultimately hard to take much higher because of limited exposure at the highest level.

26. Indianapolis Colts
Team needs: PR, PC, SEC
The pick: WR Rocket Racoon, Halfworld
    Lack of size limits him to the slot, but his quickness allows him to get off the lines quickly and change-of-direction skills should get him open in space.

27. Oakland(?) Raiders
Team needs: EDGE, TE, CB
The pick: CB Pepper Potts, Stark Industries
    Constantly used to defending in the press, Pepper’s not the most gifted athlete, but she could easily step up into a management role. We all know the Raiders could use some help there.

28. Los Angeles Chargers
Team needs: OL, DL, SEC
The pick: DL, Luis, San Quentin State Prison
    Sturdy frame could be useful once in an NFL weight program. Has experience duking it out in the trenches, but biggest red flag is tendency to shy away from physical conflict.

29. Seattle Seahawks
Team needs: OL, SEC, PC
The pick: OL Ned Leeds, Midtown School of Science and Technology
    Real project. Not physically gifted, but smart and willing to learn. Physics knowledge will help him gain leverage early on and a rigorous training program could complement that.

30. Green Bay Packers
Team needs: PC, OL, DL
The pick: WR Jane Foster, Culver
    Doesn’t possess elite physical skills, but is elite mentally. Could be an asset on option routes, game planning, and offensive consulting to finally make Aaron Rodgers happy.

31. Los Angeles Rams
Team needs: OL, DL, SEC
The pick: FS Howard the Duck
    Off-field habits are a concern, as is size. Hasn’t seen much playing time, but in theory could be an asset flying sideline-to-sideline. Definitely a raw project.

32. New England Patriots
Team needs: DL, PC, LT
The pick: QB Cassie Lang, Brookemont Elementary School
    Young, moldable project that already shows signs of leadership and initiative. Will take time to develop, but Brady still has plenty of years left in him for her to grow and learn from the best.



Special thanks to RotoWorld's Draft Needs (https://www.rotoworld.com/article/draft-decisions/nfl-draft-needs-schedule)
and
 the Marvel Cinematic Universe Fandom site (https://marvelcinematicuniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Marvel_Cinematic_Universe_Wiki)
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Draft Kings Final 3-Round Mock Draft With Trades

4/24/2019

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WCBN Draft Analysts: ⚉ Andrew Miller ⚉ Pat Schaeffer ⚉ Alex Kremer

ROUND 1
1) Arizona Cardinals (Pat)- Kyler Murray QB, Oklahoma
2) SF 49ers (Kremer)- Nick Bosa EDGE, OSU
3) NY Jets (Miller)- Josh Allen EDGE, Kentucky
4) Oakland Raiders (Kremer)- Quinnen Williams DT, Alabama
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Kremer)- Devin White LB, LSU
6) NY Giants (Pat)- Dwayne Haskins QB, OSU
7) Jacksonville Jaguars (Pat)- Jawaan Taylor OT, Florida
TRADE
Redskins  Receive:No.8 ovr + 2020 3rd rnd Lions Receive:No.15 ovr + 2020 2nd rnd +2020 5th rnd
8) Washington Redskins (via DET) (Kremer)- Drew Lock QB, Mizzou
9) Buffalo Bills (Miller)- Jonah Williams OL, Alabama
10) Denver Broncos (Kremer)- Devin Bush LB, Michigan
11) Cincinnati Bengals (Pat)- Rashan Gary EDGE, Michigan
12) Green Bay Packers (Miller)- Montez Sweat EDGE, Miss St.
13) Miami Dolphins (Miller)- Ed Oliver DT, Houston
14) Atlanta Falcons (Pat)- Clellin Ferrell EDGE, Clemson
15) Detroit Lions (via WASH) (Miller)- Greedy Williams CB, LSU
16) Carolina Panthers (Kremer)- Cody Ford OL, Oklahoma
17) NY Giants (via CLE) (Pat)- Andre Dillard OT, Wash St.
18) Minnesota Vikings (Pat)- T.J. Hockenson TE, Iowa
TRADE
Packers Receive: No.19 ovr Titans Receive:  No.30 ovr+2020 3rd+ 115 ovr
19) Green Bay Packers (via TEN) (Miller)- Noah Fant TE, Iowa
20) Pittsburgh Steelers (Pat)- Byron Murphy CB, Washington
21) Seattle Seahawks (Miller)- Brian Burns EDGE, FSU
22) Baltimore Ravens (Kremer)- Garrett Bradbury OC, NC State
23) Houston Texans (Kremer)- Dalton Risner OT, Kansas St.
24) Oakland Raiders (via CHI) (Kremer)- Josh Jacobs RB, Alabama
25) Philadelphia Eagles (Miller)- Nasir Adderley S, Delaware.
26) Indianapolis Colts (Pat)- D.K. Metcalf WR, Ole Miss
27) Oakland Raiders (via DAL) (Kremer)- Rock Ya-Sin CB, Temple
28) LA Chargers (Miller)- Christian Wilkins DL, Clemson
29) Seattle Seahawks (via KC) (Miller)- Deandre Baker CB, Georgia
30) Tennessee Titans (via GB)  (via NO)) (Miller)- Jeffery Simmons DL, Miss St.
31) LA Rams (Kremer)- Jonathan Abrams S, Miss St.
32) NE Patriots (Pat)- Jerry Tillery DL, Notre Dame

ROUND 2
33) Arizona Cardinals (Pat)- Marquise Brown WR, Oklahoma
34) Indianapolis Colts (via NYJ) (Pat)- Dexter Lawrence DL, Clemson
35) Oakland Raiders (Kremer)- Lonnie Johnson CB, Kentucky
36) San Francisco 49ers (Kremer)- Deebo Samuel WR, S Carolina
37) NY Giants (Pat)- A.J. Brown WR, Ole Miss
38) Jacksonville Jaguars (Pat)- N’Keal Harry WR, ASU
39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Kremer)- Trayvon Mullen CB, Clemson
40) Buffalo Bills (Miller)- Hakeem Butler WR, Iowa St.
41) Denver Broncos (Kremer)- Irv Smith Jr. TE, Alabama
42) Cincinnati Bengals (Pat)- Daniel Jones QB, Duke
43) Detroit Lions (Miller)- Chris Lindstrom OG, Boston College
44) Green Bay Packers (Miller)- Chauncey Gardner-Johnson S, Florida
45) Atlanta Falcons (Pat)- Justin Layne CB, MSU
46) Washington Redskins (Kremer)- Taylor Rapp S, Washington
47) Carolina Panthers (Kremer)- Jaylon Ferguson EDGE, LA Tech
48) Miami Dolphins (Miller)- Elgton Jenkins OC. Miss St.
49) Cleveland Browns (Miller)- Yodny Cajuste OT, WVU
50) Minnesota Vikings (Pat)- Connor McGovern OG, PSU
51) Tennessee Titans (Miller)- Erik McCoy OC, Texas A&M
52) Pittsburgh Steelers (Pat) - Chase Winovich EDGE, Michigan
53) Philadelphia Eagles (via BAL) (Miller)- Tytus Howard OT, Alabama St.
54) Houston Texans (via SEA (Kremer)- Zach Allen DE, Boston College
55) Houston Texans (Kremer)- Deionte Thompson S, Alabama
56) NE Patriots (via CHI) (Pat)- Kaleb McGary OL, Washington
57) Philadelphia Eagles (Miller)- Mack Wilson LB, Alabama
58) Dallas Cowboys (Kremer)- Dre’Mont Jones DL, OSU
59) Indianapolis Colts (Pat)-  Jachai Polite EDGE, Florida
60) LA Chargers (Miller)- Jarrett Stidham QB, Auburn
61) Kansas City Chiefs (Pat)- L.J Collier DE, LSU
62) NO Saints (Miller)- Darnell Savage S, Maryland
63) Kansas City (via LAR) (Pat)- Juan Thornhill S, Virginia
64) NE Patriots (Pat)- Parris Campbell WR, OSU

ROUND 3
65) Arizona Cardinals (Pat)- Julien Love CB, Notre Dame
66) Pittsburgh (via Oakland) (Pat)- Kelvin Harmon WR, NC State
67) SF 49ers (Kremer)- Amani Oruwariye CB, PSU
68) NY Jets (Miller)- Sean Bunting CB, Central Michigan
69) Jacksonville Jaguars (Pat)- Jace Sternberger TE, Texas A&M
70) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Kremer)- David Montgomery RB, Iowa St.
71) New York Giants- FORFEITED
72) Denver Broncos (Kremer)- Greg Little OT, Ole Miss
73) Cincinnati Bengals (Pat)- Vosean Joseph LB, Florida
74) NE Patriots (via DET) (Pat)- Will Grier QB, WVU
75) Buffalo Bills (Miller)- Dawson Knox TE, Ole Miss
76) Green Bay Packers (Miller)- Bobby Okereke LB, Stanford
77) Washington Redskins (Kremer)- Oshane Ximines EDGE, Old Dominion
78) Carolina Panthers (Kremer)- Riley Ridley WR, Georgia
79) Miami Dolphins (Miller)- Trayveon Williams RB, Texas A&M
80) Atlanta Falcons (Pat)- Miles Sanders RB, PSU
81) Cleveland Browns (Miller)-  David Long CB, Michigan
82) Minnesota Vikings (Pat)- Joejuan Williams CB, Vanderbilt
83) Tennessee Titans (Miller)- Christian Miller EDGE, Alabama
84) Pittsburgh Steelers (Pat)- Amani Hooker S, Iowa
85) Seattle Seahawks (Miller)- Mecole Hardman WR, Georgia
86) Baltimore Ravens (Kremer)- JJ Arcega-Whiteside WR, Stanford
87) Houston Texans (Kremer)- Kris Boyd CB, Texas
88) Chicago Bears (Pat)- Devin Singletary RB, FAU
89) Detroit Lions (via PHI) (Miller)- D’Andre Walker EDGE, Georgia
90) Indianapolis Colts (Pat)- Isaiah Johnson CB, Houston
91) Dallas Cowboys (Kremer)- Charles Omenihu DL, Texas
92) LA Chargers (Miller)- Germaine Pratt LB, NC State
93) KC Chiefs (Pat)- Darrell Henderson RB, Memphis
94) NYJ (via NO) (Miller)- Jamel Dean CB, Auburn
95) LA Rams (Kremer)- Michael Deiter OG, Wisconsin
96) NY Giants (via NE) (Pat)- Ben Banogu EDGE, TCU
97) Washington Redskins (Kremer)- Jahlani Tavai LB, Hawaii
98) NE Patriots (Pat)- Josh Oliver TE, San Jose St.
99) Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR) (Pat)- Joe Jackson EDGE, Miami
100) LA Rams (Kremer)- Trysten Hill DT, UCF
101) Carolina Panthers (Kremer)- Anthony Nelson DE, Iowa
102) NE Patriots (Pat)- Jaquan Johnson S, Miami
103) Baltimore Ravens (Kremer)- Porter Gustin EDGE, USC

​
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Grading the Detroit Lions' Free Agent Signings

4/20/2019

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By: Alex Drain

The NFL free agency period is finally drawing to a close. With most all free agents off the market, the attention of the league has shifted to the Draft, coming up this Thursday night. But before the Detroit Lions can dive in, it’s time to look back at free agency and hand out some grades.

Danny Amendola, WR, 1 year, $4.5 M
This got no one excited but I don’t have any problems with it. The Lions’ offense suffered big time after losing Golden Tate last season. Not having a warm body at slot receiver was a big problem, and signing Amendola gives Stafford a security blanket once again. He’s a sure-handed guy, a veteran leader, and even though he’s 33, he still had 575 yards and 59 catches last season in Miami. I think he’s probably got at least one good year left in him and that’s the length of his contract. I expect that the Lions will probably draft a slot receiver, perhaps in the 2nd-4th rounds and that Amendola can be a one year mentor to whoever that is.

Grade: B-

Justin Coleman, CB, 4 years, $36 M
This was one of the more surprising moves, as Coleman was not a top name. Upon further review, I’m perfectly happy with this deal. Coleman was excellent in Seattle as a nickel corner, receiving one of the best Pro Football Focus coverage grades at that position in all of football, and he’s not shabby on the outside either. His overall grade of 69 was brought down by less than average run defense, but given how good the Lions are at run defending at many other positions, it can be tolerated as long as Coleman can cover, which he can. At 26 years old this season, Coleman will be a piece the Lions can install into their secondary for several years, alongside Tracy Walker, Quandre Diggs, and Darius Slay. Coleman is essentially replacing Nevin Lawson, who was cut over the weekend. Lawson’s slot coverage grade was 62.5 last season, while Coleman’s grade over the past two seasons has average 85.2, a massive upgrade. Point is, he’s a good player and I want good players on the team. Is the contract (which makes Coleman the highest paid nickel in the league) a bit pricey? Yes, but if you watched the Super Bowl, you should have learned the importance of a good slot corner and the Lions had nobody good there last season. Now they do. Not a home run, but a clear upgrade. Give it a B.

Grade: B

Trey Flowers, DE, 5 years, $90 M
It’s a pretty damn fun feeling when your team signs the best player on the market. Trey Flowers has been a guy on my radar for awhile because he was a clear match for the Lions based on his New England past and what he offers: sound play, positional versatility, and youth. Well the match was too perfect not to happen. Flowers is a guy whose traditional stats, 7.5 sacks, don’t jump off the charts. But coaches rave about him and the analytics back it up. He’s a dude. His 90+ PFF grade as an edge defender last season was top five in the league and he’s one of the few players who graded out as elite in both run defense and pass rush. He can play at any spot along the defensive line and like Coleman, is only 26 this upcoming season, meaning he can be an anchor of the Lion defense for years. His run defense prowess makes the already stout Lions Run D even better, while being a clear upgrade in pass rush. In early October, the man playing this position for Detroit was Kerry Hyder, who was a 50 grade player. Going from a 50 grade to a 90 grade is a win. Period. And it now gives the Lions one of the league’s best defensive fronts, featuring FOUR 85+ grade guys: Da’Shawn Hand, A’Shawn Robinson, Snacks Harrison, and Trey Flowers. Sign. Me. Up. Yes, it’s an expensive deal, but that’s the price of doing business. Za’Darius Smith and CJ Mosley both got $16.5 M a year and they are not nearly as good as Flowers. If he plays as well as he’s played in New England, he will be worth every penny. Absolute home run signing, in my opinion.

Grade: A

Jesse James, TE, 4 years, $25 M
I really like this move. One piece in the mysterious decline of the Lion offense in 2018 was the fact that they never had a competent tight end. While I get that the Jim Bob Cooter system didn’t lean heavily on tight ends, the position is not like your appendix. You do actually need one. And with Darrell Bevell coming in, it seems like the Lions really want to use a tight end, especially in run blocking for the explosive Kerryon Johnson, who will likely be the focal point of the offense this year. Jesse James was never the feature guy in Pittsburgh, but he’s improved every year and he’s only going to be 25 in June. He’s not a short term fix, but rather a potential long term solution. At 6’7”, he’s got a big body and his 75% catch rate is far better than what Eric Ebron ever posted in Detroit. Well rounded, he’s a plus blocking tight end who also caught 30 balls for 423 yards in 2018, with the potential to do more. James is a logical fit and reduces the need for a tight end in the draft. His contract will pay him $6.25 M a year, which is around 16th in the NFL for a Tight End and will likely slide out of the top 20 as more guys are signed, which is very reasonable, and the guaranteed money ($11 M) gives the Lions a probable out after 2020, if needed.

Grade: A-

Oday Aboushi, G, 1 year, $2 M
I don’t think Aboushi will be a starter, but he certainly can be if needed. Aboushi is a bit of a journeyman in the NFL and will turn 28 in the summer, but he’s not a bad pickup and if this signing results in the release of Kenny Wiggins, which I think it could, that would be an upgrade. Aboushi’s pass blocking grade was actually very good last season for Arizona, at 77.8, while he struggled in run blocking, at 54.2. Still, those are both higher than Wiggins’ posted, with his numbers being 63.8 and 48.6, respectively. At only $2 M, he presents a good depth upgrade and still gives the team cap flexibility. This isn’t a move that is going to be franchise altering, but NFL teams need depth, and this is a good depth move.

Grade: B

Rashaan Melvin, CB, 1 year, $3.5 M
Melvin was an undrafted free agent out of college who bounced around as mostly a special teams player, getting the occasional work at corner, including a stint with, surprise, the New England Patriots. It wasn’t until 2016 that he finally broke through and he posted two very good seasons. His PFF grade in the 2016 with Indianapolis was 74.2, and he started again in 2017, posting an even better grade of 77.9, which coronated him as one of the top 25 corners in the NFL. This good performance allowed Melvin to sign a hefty $5.5 M contract with the Raiders last offseason, but he had a very disappointing 2018, with his grade declining to just over 60. The Lions scooped him up at a far reduced price of $3.5 M on a one year deal to essentially replace Nevin Lawson. I’m a fan of this deal, since it’s very low risk, high reward. Melvin’s grade last season wasn’t all that different from Lawson, so if he bottoms out again, it’s not like he’s going to be worse than what you already had. However, unlike Lawson, his 2016-17 campaigns indicate he has the capacity to be an above average NFL corner if things pan out. At age 29, he’s not a long-term fix, but ideally he’s a good veteran to keep the seat warm for a year until the Lions can get another corner ready to go, hopefully someone from the draft. The best case is vintage Rashean Mathis, the worst case is Nevin Lawson 2.0. For a cheap deal, I’m fine with that.

Grade: B-

Andrew Adams, S, 1 year, $920K
Adams was another undrafted free agent and he’s had an even stranger career arc. In 2016, as a rookie UDFA, he came out of nowhere to seize the starting job on the vaunted Giants defense. He started 13 games for a unit that was one of the best in the NFL and he posted a 79.4 grade from PFF. For a split second, Adams was a rising star in the league. But he lost the starting job in training camp 2017, only starting 4 games that year and he was cut before the 2018 season. The Bucs signed him mid-last year and he appeared in 9 games for Tampa, posting a lackluster 59.4 grade, allowing the Lions to nab him at the cheap cost of $920K. This is a move that will have no one excited but is not a bad pick up. Like Melvin, he has a high ceiling, as we saw only a couple of years ago, and with the cost of the deal, there’s essentially no risk. Adams can compete against Tavon Wilson in training camp for the right to be the third safety if the Lions go into 3 safety looks and if not, he of course can still be a special teams player. At 26, Adams is still pretty young, and the Lions feel like there is more to unearth. Regardless, it’s a solid depth signing.

Grade: C

CJ Anderson, RB, 1 year, $3 M
The Lions needed to get a backup running back and CJ Anderson is definitely a solid get. At 28 years old, he should have a bit more left in the tank than LeGarrette Blount did, which is to say, he has something in the tank at all. Anderson has averaged 4.5 YPA for his career and while he was excellent in Los Angeles, I wouldn’t expect the same level of play with the Lions. Still, as a much beefier running back than Kerryon Johnson, he should prove to be an effective contrast and coming at a very cheap price, this was a very solid move for Detroit.

Grade: B-

Overall Thoughts about Free Agency

I’m very satisfied with the free agency period this season. At the end of the day, the question should always be: did the team get better? Last season, it was not terribly clear, as the Lions didn’t add anyone that moved the needle. This year? It’s an obvious yes. They signed four clear starters and upgraded at all four positions, and added four more guys who will see the field who aren’t awful. I will do more writing about the defense later in the offseason, but they added substantial firepower to what was already a vastly improving defense and have now constructed what may well be an elite defensive front and also a not-too-shabby secondary. There are still holes to fill in the draft (guard, DE, TE, CB) but the team did what they needed to do in order to improve. I’m simply glad that they decided to shell out for real players rather than try to be cheap. That philosophy didn’t work last season and it’s the sort of strategy that leaves you with a starting line of Kerry Hyder, Ricky Jean Francois, Sylvester Williams, and Eli Harold. I’d much rather overpay for good players than be cheap and sign not NFL caliber guys. And that’s what they did. So I’m content. Onto the draft.

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The NHL Draft Lottery is a Joke

4/9/2019

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Picture
By: Alex Drain

Tonight was the NHL Draft Lottery, with the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers winning the Jack/Kakko sweepstakes and the Chicago Blackhawks taking the third selection. My beloved Detroit Red Wings fell to sixth and while you might be thinking that I am writing this as a salty Wings fan, in reality, this is far from it. I don't really have any major issue with the Red Wings picking sixth, as it was after all, the most likely scenario entering lottery-night. Rather, the issues I have with the Lottery are related to basically everything else about the process: 

Why the Hell Did New Jersey Win Again?
Maybe my biggest problem with the lottery process is simply that the same teams seem to win over and over again. In the 10 years of this decade (2010-2019), the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils will have combined for six of the ten lottery wins. That's absurd. If you win once, you should not be able to win again for at least three years. If you want to truly eradicate tanking, that's one way to do it. That said, the same teams winning over and over again doesn't really hurt competitive balance in the sense that Edmonton is still bad. Indeed, when I researched the whole process back in February, the teams who have netted the most top 5 picks over the last 5-10 years generally are still the worst teams, since they have been so chronically inept that they stay in those same positions perpetually. Winning this lottery probably won't turn New Jersey into a dynasty. Jack Hughes will be a good player and Nico Hischier is another really nice piece but they have a lot of other roster holes to fill. If they become a championship team, it will be because they built a robust roster, not because they got lucky. They could very well turn into the Oilers 2.0 with Hughes and Hischier being their version of McDavid and Draisaitl for all we know. So I suppose my big issue with the Devils winning again is simply that it doesn't feel fair to the rest of the league. If you want to promote parity in the league, promoting parity in the lottery process could be nice too. 

Chicago Shouldn't Be in the Top Three
Much in the way we need to reform it so that the same pitiful teams don't keep winning, we need to stop mediocre to good teams from jumping up, too. This is the third straight year that a team in the teens of odds has moved into the top three, after Philadelphia in 2017 and Carolina last year. That also should not happen. My argument would be the same if this were Florida or Minnesota, but Chicago encapsulates the issue perfectly. The Blackhawks have won three championships this decade, have multiple superstars on their team, and finished six points out of the playoffs, and now they get to pick 3rd while Los Angeles, who finished 13 points worse, gets to pick two slots behind them. Luckily Chicago is only picking third, so they don't get either Kakko or Hughes, but the problem still exists. The lottery should be for actually bad teams, not solid squads who just didn't put it all together. How about capping the lottery so that only the worst 10 teams are eligible for the prize? 

Let's Talk About The Leak
If there was ever one moment to encapsulate the chronic incompetence of NHL management, it would be them leaking the results of their own draft lottery on national TV by accident while going to a commercial break. Yes, this image showing New Jersey, Chicago, and New York getting top three picks began circulating shortly before the lottery began, and guess what, it was exactly correct. If there's one thing that literally cannot happen in a draft lottery, it's leaking the results early. It undermines the integrity of the process and opens you up to a host of conspiracies, especially when the three lucky teams are all big market franchises. But we shouldn't put anything past a league that has cancelled a cumulative two complete seasons over the last 25 years. The moment the Blackhawks jumped up in the true reveal, it was all ruined, because we all knew the leak was legit. Just completely fucking embarrassing. 

A Note For Red Wings Fans
This is not a terrible result. Yes, we all wanted our fantasies to come true, but picking sixth isn't bad. This is a draft that has a clear top two and then the next five guys (to me) could go in any order. If the "big five" after Hughes and Kakko are Podkolzin, Cozens, Byram, Zegras, and Turcotte, Detroit will get to pick between at least two of those five at pick #6. That's not shabby in the slightest. I will do plenty of draft scouting in the next two months, but as it stands right now, I would be thrilled with Alex Turcotte or Bowen Byram, for example. While all the attention goes to the top of the draft, there are elite players everywhere to be found. After all, the Red Wings right now have a 22 year-old center who was picked at #15 and is now a consensus top 25 center in the league and only getting better. Mika Zibanejad was pick 6. Mark Scheifele was pick 7. Mikko Rantanen was pick 10. Sean Monahan was pick 6. Bo Horvat was pick 9. Timo Meier was pick 9. Zach Werenski was pick 8. If whoever the Red Wings pick at #6 is as good as any of those guys, or Larkin for that matter, it will be a successful draft. It's also true that it's hard to predict how the draft will go down. No one saw Filip Zadina, a consensus top three talent, falling to #6 last year, but it happened. A lot of time to go, but Detroit will be getting a high end talent and that's what matters. 

TL;DR: Draft lotteries suck. NHL management is a joke. Don't gamble your savings on ping pong balls. Life is okay for Red Wings fans.  

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Miller's 7 Round Mock Draft

4/9/2019

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*No.71 NYG Forfeited                *No.188 Wash Forfeited
ROUND 1

1) Arizona Cardinals- Kyler Murray QB, Oklahoma
    Everyone with a source in the NFL seems to say this will be the pick come draft night. The Cards are gonna wanna give Kliff his guy and Josh Rosen just won’t be it. They better not leave without a legitimate plan to trade Rosen and get back some of that capital they lost trading up for him last year.

2) San Francisco 49ers- Nick Bosa EDGE, OSU
    I know the Niners just traded for and signed Dee Ford. I know they have Solomon Thomas. I know it feels like all the 49ers do is draft D Line. When a generational type player like Nick Bosa falls into your lap, you jump at the opportunity. Should be a no brainer for the Niners who could be a sleeper team come this fall.

3) New York Jets- Josh Allen EDGE, Kentucky
    Quinnen Williams is still on the board, but if you look at the Jets roster, the absence of an EDGE pass rusher really sticks out. Josh Allen is just the guy to help. He may not be elite in the run game, but his ability to rush the passer and drop back into coverage is world class. The Jets could have one of the most formidable defense in the NFL next year if all pans out well.

4) Oakland Raiders- Quinnen Williams DT, Alabama
    When the Raiders traded Khalil Mack they put themselves into a full rebuild. When the Raiders traded for Antonio Brown, they gave themselves a three year window for that rebuild. They need to bank on elite talent and Quinnen Williams gives them an opportunity to get the highest graded DT for me ever, while the position is still at a premium without being that expensive for a second contract.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Rashan Gary EDGE, Michigan
    The Buccaneers are in the same boat as the Raiders where they need to bet on elite talent and hope it pans out. In walks Rashan Gary, the definition of elite traits. His production at Michigan is less than desired. It matters a lot, but in this instance he is just too special an athlete to pass on in a huge position of need for the Bucs. Gary has an interesting conversation around him in this draft.

6) New York Giants-Dwayne Haskins QB, OSU
    It IS time. The Giants have to invest in the future at the QB position for a post Eli Manning world. Don’t believe the smokescreens the Giants have put up; Haskins is the guy they want and it will probably not be at 6 when all is said. The Giants had a shot to pair him with an improved O Line and the best WR and RB in football, but it is still in their best interest to take their QB.

7) Jacksonville Jaguars- Jonah Williams OL, Alabama
    The Jaguars are one of the elite rosters in the NFL with one of the most rapidly dwindling windows for a Super Bowl. The Jags have invested in Nick Foles and need to improve on the O Line if they are going to run the power offense that the Jags want to run. Getting Williams gives the Jaguars an All-Pro caliber lineman at any position on the offensive line.

8) Detroit Lions- Devin White LB, LSU
    The Lions have taken many steps to vastly improve their defense. They invested in Trey Flowers, but still need help at pass rusher and LB. Devin White projects as a MLB, but Matt Patricia probably sees a whole bunch of roles for White. He could use him in coverage, as an EDGE Rusher, an interior blitzer, and as a traditional MLB. In a defense that values versatility, Devin White is Matt Patricia’s dream. This man has no weaknesses.

9) Buffalo Bills- Jawaan Taylor OT, Florida
    The Bills need to protect Josh Allen. They have a guy to build around, now they need to get him weapons and protection. It may be a little too early for a receiver so they may as well get the best lineman available in Jawaan Taylor.

10) Denver Broncos- Drew Lock QB, Mizzou
    John Elway needs to get his next QB right. All reports say that Elway is in love with Lock and hs physical tools. While I am not certain about his future in the NFL, I am positive he has all the traits to do so. Maybe sitting behind Flacco for a year in the pass happy Mile High Stadium is the best situation for Drew Lock.

11) Cincinnati Bengals- Devin Bush LB, Michigan
    The Bengals need to get ready for a long and lengthy rebuild in the future. For that rebuild they need to get leaders and elite players. They may have found the perfect prospect for that in Devin Bush. An elite MLB prospect, his sideline quickness and instincts popped on tape. And most importantly moving forward, he is a natural born leader.

12) Green Bay Packers- Montez Sweat EDGE, Miss St
    The Packers have two picks in the first round and have a couple of distinct needs to address. The first and most present is the pass rush. Nick Perry and Clay Matthews are now gone, and weren’t much help to begin with. Getting an athletic freak like Montez Sweat will help fix the Packers No.1 weakness on their defense.

13) Miami Dolphins- Ed Oliver DT, Houston
    One of the feistiest players in this entire class. Ed Oliver has slipped in the eyes of most draft analysts. That has to do with the fact that Houston for some reason had him play NT, and he was triple teamed every play. He is still an elite player, and with the Dolphins officially Tanking for Tua, they have to take the best player available, they will get the steal of the draft with Oliver.

14) Atlanta Falcons- Greedy Williams CB, LSU
    Greedy is an elite player in this class. His man coverage ability is top notch and his athletic ability is stunning. For some reason he seems to have fallen in the scouting community, but personally I think the Falcons would get a steal with greedy at 14. The Falcons need him too, with the decline of Desmond Trufant on the horizon.

15) Washington Redskins- Daniel Jones QB, Duke
    This should definitely not be the pick. I am personally not a fan of Jones as a franchise QB. In all honesty the Redskins should try to get Josh Rosen from the Cards. But since I can’t select Josh Rosen I’ll give them the 6th best QB in this class that everyone says is the 4th.

16) Carolina Panthers- Clelin Ferrell EDGE, Clemson
    The Panthers need EDGE help and they needed it yesterday. Their best pass rusher just retired at the age of 39. Clelin Ferrell seems like the obvious pick. To a lot of people he screams classic high floor, low ceiling. There is nothing wrong with High floor. I learned this lesson with Joey Bosa. To me I see Clelin as a surprise star EDGE rusher in the NFL.

17) New York Giants (via Browns)- D.K. Metcalf WR, Ole Miss
     If this happens I will feel bad for D.K. He does not deserve to be in the shadow of Odell, but this pick makes too much sense for the Giants. They need a WR who can pinpoint the ball opposite Sterling Shepard. D.K. has a lot of God-given ability that can make him the best wide receiver in this class if he learns to run routes.

18) Minnesota Vikings- Andre Dillard OT, WSU
    It is very simple the Vikings need OT help bad. Watching Kirk Cousins try to read coverages in 2 seconds was not fun. They need to help him stay on his feet. Andre Dillard is an immediate upgrade from Riley Reiff. Dillard may be the best pass protector in this class, something the Vikings need with all those weapons they have.

19) Tennessee Titans- T.J. Hockenson TE, Iowa
    It is pretty simple here. Delanie Walker is getting super old. The Titans need a replacement. TJ is by far the best player on the board (unless Fant is more your speed). The Titans could use a great blocker with the run heavy system they run. To me, this seems like a no brainer. Hockenson should go higher, but with the needs the other teams have, the Titans would get a steal at 19.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers- Brian Burns EDGE, FSU
    A lot of the great players for the Steelers needs are already gone by this point, but Brian Burns offers a high upside pick for a team that really could use EDGE help. Bud Dupree isn’t working out and giving the power rushing TJ Watt a speed rusher on the other side seems like an interesting prospect.

21) Seattle Seahawks- Cody Ford OL, Oklahoma
    The Seahawks are almost done finishing their O Line rebuild. They could use one more first round investment to put them over the top. With Ford you could play him anywhere they need to fill a gap. He can play both tackles (preferably right) or succeed at guard. Either way, for a team that ran more than any other team, one last O Line improvement could really help.

22) Baltimore Ravens- Garrett Bradberry OC, NC State
    This team normally doesn’t take lineman early, but given that their needs are vastly different than what’s available, I’m sure they will gladly take the leap on a great center. They do need one since Jansen left after all. He fits the traditional Ravens mold after all: big, powerful, and a mauler. For a team that wants to run the ball like they do it makes too much sense.

23) Houston Texans- Byron Murphy CB, Washington
    Byron Murphy fixes a long standing hole for the Houston Texans in their secondary. Kevin Johnson has not worked out. They need to improve because their current window is starting to close and the secondary has burned them as of late.

24) Oakland Raiders (via Bears)- Noah Fant TE, Iowa
    The Raiders are in a position to exclusively bet on talent and Noah Fant has to be the best player at this spot. His elite athleticism could make him the best TE in football one day. He has special traits and is elite with the ball in his hands. After giving up Amari they need to get elite stars at their positions. Fant’s chances are just as good as T.J. Hockenson's.

25) Philadelphia Eagles-  Taylor Rapp S, Washington
    The Eagles really need to sure up their secondary. Malcolm Jenkins is getting up there in years. And they do need a good in line safety. The secondary was a weakness for the Champs last year and they could use a good no.2 safety opposite Jenkins. Rapp may have run a slow 40 and that is a knock. But I‘d bet on his short area quickness.

26) Indianapolis Colts- Jeffery Simmons DL, Miss St
    Chris Ballard knows a thing or two about value. This pick is so obvious to me. He fills a need on the DLine. Would be a top 7 player if it wasn’t for off the field concerns or an ACL injury.  Jeffery Simmons is one of those huge guys with incredible burst that we only see every once in a while. He’s an amazing space eater as well as an impressive rusher inside, which has become a premium in today's NFL. Reminds me a lot of Richard Seymour in that way. Everything about this pick seems like a low risk, high reward steal for Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts.

27) Oakland (via Cowboys)- Josh Jacobs RB, Alabama
    The Raiders need to walk out of here with pieces and Josh Jacobs is undoubtedly a great piece. This back has star potential in the NFL. He bounces off blockers and is incredible in the pass game with little wear and tear on him. As a great in between the tackles runner, grabbing Josh Jacobs gives the Raiders a great way to keep the pressure off Derek Carr. The Raiders may have found a focal point of their new offense.

28) LA Chargers- Rock Ya-Sin CB, Temple
    The Chargers are a team looking to contend with a glaring hole at LB. However Mack Wilson feels like a reach here and they may as well take the perfect guy for Gus Bradley’s Cover 2 Press-Bail system. Rock Ya-Sin is a big and long, physical corner with really good ball skills who excels in zone coverage (sound like anyone else Bradley coached?). His physicality at the line really impresses me. He may be a late riser but could peak out as the second corner taken in this class. He fills a need now that Jason Verett has left.

29) Kansas City Chiefs- Deandre Baker CB, Baker
    The Chiefs signed Bashaud Breeland in the offseason but him and Kendall Fuller is not gonna solve their secondary. They need another guy they can trust in the ever competitive AFC. Putting Baker will give the Chiefs the best corner available and a possibly formidable secondary now with the Honey Badger involved.

30) Green Bay Packers (via Saints)- A.J. Brown WR, Ole Miss
    The second receiver off the board is one who I think perfectly fits the style of play the Packers like to run. A good route runner with amazing hands and upside after the catch. I think putting him opposite Davante Adams is a perfect blend of need and fit. The Packers have been trying to give Rodgers a No.2 option and it finally seems to be happening.

31) LA Rams- Nasir Adderley S, Delaware
    The Rams are trying to retool for a playoff run again, but they have lost key contributors on the defensive side. They need to replace Lamarcus Joyner in the secondary. They have signed Eric Weddle yes, but they could use a man with single high stardom potential. Adderly has had experience at both corner and safety will give him a huge advantage in today's NFL.

32) New England Patriots- Christian Wilkins DL, Clemson
    With the Patriots missing both Malcolm Brown and Trey Flowers, the Pats are gonna have to replace a large hole on the Defensive Line. This pick reminds me a lot of the Malcolm Brown pick a few years ago. A Great penetrator who can do a good job at clogging lanes and enforcing his will.

ROUND 2
    
33) Arizona Cardinals- Trayvon Mullen CB, Clemson
34) Indianapolis Colts (via Jets)- N’Keal Harry WR, ASU
35) Oakland Raiders- Mack Wilson LB, Alabama
36) San Francisco 49ers- Jonathan Abrams S, Miss St
37) New York Giants- Dalton Risner OT, Kansas State
38) Jacksonville Jaguars- Irv Smith Jr TE, Alabama
39) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sean Bunting CB, Central Michigan
40) Buffalo Bills- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown WR, Oklahoma
41) Denver Broncos- Jerry Tillery DL, Notre Dame
42) Cincinnati Bengals- Jarrett Stidham QB, Auburn
43) Detroit Lions- Chase Winovich EDGE, Michigan
44) Green Bay Packers- Chauncey Gardner-Johnson S, Florida
45) Atlanta Falcons- Kaleb McGary OT, Washington
46) Washington Redskins- Hakeem Butler WR, Iowa St.
47) Carolina Panthers-Greg Little OT, Ole Miss
48) Miami Dolphins- David Montgomery RB, Iowa State
49) Cleveland Browns- Yodny Cajuste OT, WVU
50) Minnesota Vikings- Dexter Lawrence DT, Clemson
51)Tennessee Titans- Jaylon Ferguson EDGE, La. Tech
52) Pittsburgh Steelers- David Long CB, Michigan
53) Philadelphia Eagles (from Ravens)- Bobby Okereke LB, Stanford
54) Houston Texans (via Seahawks)- Elgton Jenkins OC, Miss St
55) Houston Texans- Kelvin Harmon WR, NC State
56) New England Patriots (via Chicago)- Oshane Ximines EDGE, Old Dominion
57) Philadelphia Eagles- Tytus Howard OT, Alabama State
58) Dallas Cowboys- Jachai Polite EDGE, Florida
59) Indianapolis Colts- Julian Love CB, Notre Dame
60) LA Chargers- Dre'mont Jones DL, OSU
61) Kansas City Chiefs- Erik McCoy OC, Texas A&M
62) New Orleans Saints- Kendall Sheffield CB, OSU
63) Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams)- Deebo Samuel WR, South Carolina
64) New England Patriots- Dawson Knox TE, Ole Miss

ROUND 3

65) Arizona Cardinals- L.J. Collier DL, TCU
66) Pittsburgh Steelers- Darnell Savage S, Maryland
67) San Francisco 49ers- Justin Layne CB, Michigan State
68) New York Jets- Connor McGovern G, Penn State
69) Jacksonville Jaguars- Tyree Jackson QB, Buffalo
70) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Trayveon Williams RB, Texas A&M
71) Denver Broncos- Lonnie Johnson CB, Kentucky
72) Cincinnati Bengals- Parris Campbell WR, OSU
73) New England Patriots (via Lions)- Christian Miller EDGE, Alabama
74) Buffalo Bills- Damien Harris RB, Alabama
75) Green Bay Packers- Vosean Joseph LB, Florida
76) Washington Redskins- Amani Hooker S, Iowa
77) Carolina Panthers- Juan Thornhill S, Virginia
78) Miami Dolphins- Chris Lindstrom OG, BCU
79) Atlanta Falcons- Mike Weber RB, OSU
80) Cleveland Browns- Mike Edwards S, Kentucky
81) Minnesota Vikings- David Edwards OT, Wisconsin
82) Tennessee Titans- CB Joejuan Williams, Vanderbilt
83) Pittsburgh Steelers- Riley Ridley WR, Georgia
84)  Seattle Seahawks-Caleb Wilson TE, UCLA
85) Baltimore Ravens- LB Germaine Pratt, NC State
86) Houston Texans- Jace Sternberger TE, Texas A&M
87) Chicago Bears- Mike Bell S, Fresno St
88) Detroit Lions(via Eagles)- Michael Dieter OG, Wisconsin
89) Indianapolis Colts- Devin Singletary RB, FAU
90) Dallas Cowboys- Andy Isabella WR, UMass
91) LA Chargers- Clayton Thorson QB, Northwestern
92) Kansas City Chiefs- Miles Sanders RB, Penn State
93) New York Jets (via New Orleans)- Amani Oruwariye CB, Penn State
94) LA Rams- Isaiah Johnson CB, Houston
95) New York Giants (via New England)- Charles Omenihu EDGE, Texas
96) Washington Redskins- D’Andre Walker EDGE, Georgia
97) New England Patriots- Ryan Finley QB, NC State
98) Jacksonville Jaguars- Justice Hill RB, Ok St
99) LA Rams- Austin Bryant EDGE, Clemson
100) Carolina Panthers-Gerald Willis DL, Miami
101) New England Patriots- Ben Powers OG, Oklahoma
102) Baltimore Ravens-  Mecole Hardman WR, Georgia

ROUND 4
103) Arizona Cardinals- Michael Jordan OG, OSU
104) San Francisco 49ers- J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford
105) New York Jets- Myles Boykin WR, Notre Dame
106) Oakland Raiders- Beau Benzschawel OG, Wisconsin
107) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Joe Jackson DE, Miami
108) NY Giants- Maxx Crosby EDGE, E Michigan
109) Jacksonville Jaguars- Anthony Johnson Wr, Buffalo
110) Cincinnati Bengals- Anthony Nelson DL, Iowa
111) Detroit Lions- Isaac Nauta TE, Georgia
112) Buffalo Bills- Zach Allen DE, Boston College
113) Baltimore Ravens (via Broncos)- Isaiah Buggs DL, Alabama
114) Green Bay Packers- David Long Jr. LB, WVU
115)Carolina Panthers-Josh Oliver TE, San Jose State
116) Miami Dolphins- Will Grier QB, WVU
117) Atlanta Falcons- Tre Lamar LB, Clemson
118) Green Bay Packers- (via Redskins)- Savion Smith CB, Alabama
119) Cleveland Browns- Foster Moreau TE, LSU
120) Minnesota Vikings- Martez Ivey OG, Florida
121) Tennessee Titans- David Sills V WR, WVU
122) Pittsburgh Steelers- Terez Hall, Mizzou
123) Baltimore Ravens- Isaiah Prince OL, OSU
124) Seattle Seahawks- Jamel Dean CB, Auburn
125) Denver Broncos- Emeke Egbule LB, Houston
126) Chicago Bears- Elijah Holyfield RB, Georgia
127) Philadelphia Eagles- Iman Marshall CB, USC
128) Dallas Cowboys- Jaquan Johnson S, Miami
129) Indianapolis Colts- Renell Wren DL, ASU
130) LA Chargers- Drew Tranquill LB, Notre Dame
131) Buffalo Bills- Mitch Hyatt OL, Clemson
132) NY Giants- Sheldrick Redwine S, Miami
133) LA Rams- Chuma Edoga OL, USC
134) New England Patriots- Jamal Peters CB, Miss St
135) Indianapolis Colts- Terry McLaurin WR, OSU
136) Dallas Cowboys- Lil’Jordan Humphrey WR, Texas
137) Atlanta Falcons- Drew Sample TE, Washington
138) Philadelphia Eagles-Trysten Hill DL, UCF

ROUND 5

139) Arizona Cardinals- Kaden Smith TE, Stanford
140) Oakland Raiders(via Jets)- Brett Rypien QB, Boise State
141) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Raiders)- Rodney Anderson RB, Oklahoma
142) NY Giants (via 49ers)- Nate Harvey LB, E. Carolina
143) NY Giants- Lorenzo Neal DL, Purdue
144) Cleveland Browns (via Jags) - Jonathan Leadbetter DL, Georgia
145) Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Ugochuku Amanda S, Oregon-
146) Detroit Lions- Damarkus Lodge WR, Ole Miss
147) Buffalo Bills- Terrell Hanks LB, New Mexico St.
148) Denver Broncos- Nate Davis OL, Charlotte
149)  Cincinnati Bengals- Andre James OT, UCLA
150) Green Bay Packers- Ryan Bates OL, Penn St.
151) Miami Dolphins- Michael Jackson CB, Miami
152) Atlanta Falcons- Ben Banagu EDGE, TCU
153) Washington Redskins- Ryquell Armstead RB, Temple
154) Carolina Panthers- Dillon Mitchell WR, Oregon
155) Cleveland Browns- Justin Hollins EDGE,Oregon
156) Denver Broncos (via Vikings)- Darius Slayton WR, Auburn
157) Tennessee Titans- Bobby Evans OL, Oklahoma
158) Buffalo Bills (via Steelers)- Corey Ballentine CB, Washburn
159) Seattle Seahawks- Malik Carney EDGE, North Carolina
160) Baltimore Ravens- Darrell Henderson RB, Memphis
161) Houston Texans- Ross Pierschbacher OL, Alabama
162) Chicago Bears- Demarcus Christmas DL, FSU
163) Philadelphia Eagles- Kris Boyd WR, Texas
164) Indianapolis Colts- Sutton Smith EDGE, N. Illinois
165) Dallas Cowboys- Dru Samia OL, Oklahoma
166) LA Chargers- Hunter Renfroe WR, Clemson
167) Kansas City Chiefs- Shareef Miller EDGE, Penn St
168) New Orleans Saints- Zach Gentry TE, Michigan
169) LA Rams- Drue Tranquill LB, Notre Dame
170) Cleveland Browns (via Patriots)- T.J. Edwards LB, Wisconsin
171) NY Giants- Mark Fields CB, Clemson
172) Atlanta Falcons- Byron Cowart DL, Maryland
173) Washington Redskins- Amani Bledsoe DL, Oklahoma

ROUND 6

174) Arizona Cardinals- Daniel Wise DE, Kansas
175) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Raiders)- Chad Hansen LB, Utah
176) San Francisco 49ers- Karan Higdon RB, Michigan
177) New Orleans Saints (via Jets)- Ryquell Armstead RB, Temple
178) Jacksonville Jaguars- Chidi Okeke OL, Tenn St.
179) Arizona Cardinals (via Bucs)- Stanley Morgan Jr WR, Nebraska
180) NY Giants- Devine Ozigbo RB, Nebraska
181) Buffalo Bills- Dontavius Russell DL, Auburn
182) Denver Broncos- Olisaemeka Udoh OL, Elon
183) Cincinnati Bengals- Jamal Garcia-Williams EDGE, UAB
184) Detroit Lions- Te'von Coney LB, Notre Dame
185) Green Bay Packers- Tommy Sweeney TE, Boston College
186) Atlanta Falcons- Easton Stick QB, NDSU
187) Carolina Panthers- Jordan Brown, SDSU
188) Miami Dolphins- Jakobi Meyers WR, NC State
189) Cleveland Browns- Cole Tracy K, LSU
190) Minnesota Vikings- Carl Granderson EDGE, Wyoming
191) Baltimore Ravens (via Titans)- Penny Hart WR, Georgia St.
192) Pittsburgh Steelers- Nate Herbig OL, Stanford
193) Baltimore Ravens- Lamont Gaillard OL, Georgia
194) Green Bay Packers (via Seattle)- John Cominsky DL, University of Charleston
195) Houston Texans- Dennis Daley OL, South Carolina
196) New York Jets (via Bears)- Hamp Cheevers CB, Boston College
197) Philadelphia Eagles- Porter Gustin EDGE, USC
198) Cincinnati Bengals (via Cowboys)- Bryce Love RB, Stanford
199) Indianapolis Colts- Paul Adams OL, Mizzou
200) LA Chargers- Trey Pipkins OL, Sioux Falls
201) Kansas City Chiefs- Ken Webster CB, Ole Miss
202) New Orleans Saints- Corbin Kaufusi DL, BYU
203) LA Rams- Benny Snell RB, Kentucky
204) Detroit Lions (via Patriots)- Dexter Williams RB, Notre Dame
205) New England Patriots- Ricky Walker DL, Va Tech
206) Washington Redskins- Tommy Sweeney TE, Boston College
207) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Cardinals)- Kahale Warring TE, SDSU
208) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Eagles) - Keesean Johnson WR, Fresno St
209) Minnesota Vikings- Jalin Moore RB, Appalachian St.
210) Cincinnati Bengals- Blake Cashman LB, Minnesota
211) Cincinnati Bengals- Blace Brown CB, Troy
212 San Francisco 49ers- Javon Peterson OL, Ole Miss
213) Cincinnati Bengals- Albert Huggins DL, Clemson
214) Kansas City Chiefs- Jackson Barton OL, Utah

ROUND 7

215) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Cardinals)-  Matt Gay K, Utah
216) Kansas City Chiefs (via 49ers)- Gardner Minshew QB, Wash St.
217) New York Jets- David Bada DE, Germany
218) Oakland Raiders-  Qadree Ollison RB, Pittsburgh
219) Pittsburgh Steelers (via Tampa Bay)- Durval Neto DT, Brazil
220) Houston Texans (via Giants)- Alec Eberle OL, FSU
221) Cleveland Browns- C.J. Konrad TE, Kentucky
222) Chicago Bears (via Broncos)- Nick Fitzgerald QB, Miss St.
223) Cincinnati Bengals- Deshaun Davis CB, Auburn
224) Detroit Lions- Jalen Hurd WR, Baylor
225) Buffalo Bills- Mitch Wishnowsky P, Utah
226) Green Bay Packers- Preston Williams WR, Colorado St
227) Washington Redskins- Trevon Wesco FB, WVU
228) Buffalo Bills (via Carolina)-Tyler Jones OL, NC State
229) Detroit Lions(via Dolphins)- Montre Hartage CB, Northwestern
230) Atlanta Falcons- Jake Bailey P, Stanford
231) New Orleans Saints( via Browns)- Marvel Tate III S, USC
232) NY Giants (via Vikings)- Gary Jennings WR, WVU
233) Miami Dolphins (via Titans)- Felton Davis WR, MSU
234) Miami Dolphins (via Steelers)- Marquise Blair S, Utah
235) Oakland Raiders (via Seahawks)- Will Harris S, Boston College
236) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Ravens)- Alec Ingold FB, Wisconsin
237) Denver Broncos (via Texans)- Malik Grant S, Marshall
238) Chicago Bears- Keelan Doss WR, UC Davis
239) New England Patriots (via Eagles)- Travis Fulgham WR, Old Dominion
240) Indianapolis Colts- Olive Sagapolu DL, Wisconsin
241) Dallas Cowboys- Alize Mack TE, Notre Dame
242) LA Chargers- Cameron Smith LB, USC
243) New England Patriots (via Chiefs)- Derrick Baity CB, Kentucky
244) New Orleans Saints- Jahlani Tavai LB, Hawaii
245) New York Giants (via Rams)- D’Cota Dixon S, Wisconsin
246) New England Patriots- Delvon Randall S, Temple
247) Minnesota Vikings- Kyle Shurmur QB, Vanderbilt
248) Arizona Cardinals- Myles Gaskin RB, Washington
249) Arizona Cardinals- Khari Willis S, MSU
250) Minnesota Vikings- Joe Giles-Harris
251) LA Rams- Tyre Brady WR, Marshall
252) New England Patriots- L.J. Scott RB, MSU
253) Washington Redskins- Alijah Holder CB, Stanford
254) Arizona Cardinals- Jamell Garcia-Williams EDGE, UAB

​
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The Masters Preview

4/1/2019

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By Eric Margolin

As April begins and the Azaleas start to bloom, the sports world turns its eyes from the madness of the NCAA tournament to the serene winds in eastern Georgia. For one weekend out of the year the most watched sport on television doesn’t involves slamming into other humans at top speed. Here, finesse is valued over brute force. Accuracy and consistency are more important than flashy ball movement. As thousands flock to the banks of the Savannah River, it’s clear as day.

It’s Masters season.

The Course
At the height of the Great Depression, most of the more refined things in America were folding, but Augusta was just beginning. Built on a former plant nursery, the Augusta National Course was designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie as Jones’ dream course. The original course was influenced by the Old Course at St. Andrews, but has undergone many changes since its inception, crafting the hodgepodge of architecture styles we see today.

At 7,768 yards long Augusta National has never been given an official slope or course rating, showing just how hard the course is. There are 41 bunkers, 6 water hazards, and 100 acres of fairways between the first tee box and the last flagstick. The fairways and rough are primarily composed of ryegrass while the greens are bentgrass. Both of these grow extremely quickly, and require constant maintenance so they look like they do on Masters Sunday.

While there are many iconic stretches of what many consider the best course in golf, Amen Corner sticks out as the most well-known. The second shot on 11th, all of 12th, and the first shot of 13th were nicknamed “Amen Corner” by Herbert Wind.
The 11th is a 505-yard par-4. With a slight dogleg left, the tee shot isn’t a problem for most pros. But to get on the green in regulation a player has to hit their ball over massive pond up the left side. Look for competitors to aim their tee shots up the right side of the fairway in an attempt to take the water out of play. Once safely on, putting is usually not a problem on the 11th.
The 12th is an entirely different beast. One of golf’s most famous holes, “Golden Bell” is a 155-yard par-3. Seemingly easy right? Wrong. From the tee, golfers have to clear Rae’s creek onto a horizontal green that is protected by bunkers on both the front and the back. Varying winds change this whole from a nine-iron to a six-iron daily. The pin placement (usually the front right of the green) makes the hole even harder. All in all, the 12th hole is one that will ruin a player’s weekend.
The 13th is a short par-5 (only 510 yards) but plays an L shaped dogleg left and requires near perfect accuracy to go for the green in two. After the tee shot, “Azalea” is a relatively easy hole which most pros should get at least a par. There has been talk of expansion, but nothing official has been released yet.

Like all good things, there has been some controversy surrounding the Augusta National course. Golf Digest has reported that the water hazards are the perfect shade of blue because they inject food dye into it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the greens were spray painted because I fully believe nothing in the world is that green. But in general, The Augusta National Golf Club will test every facet of a player’s game, proving the winner to be a true master of his craft.

The History
 
Here are some quick facts about golf’s most prestigious tournament. Augusta National Golf Club opened in 1933, hosting the first Masters Tournament in 1934. The course record is a 63 (recorded by Greg Normand and Nick Price) while the 4 round tournament record is a 270 (recorded by Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth). The legendary Jack Nicklaus has the most Masters wins (6) while Woods is the youngest player to ever win (21). Woods also holds the record for the largest margin of victory (12 strokes). The purse at the Masters ($11,000,000) is the second largest of any PGA tournament, only behind The Players Championship. Starting in 1949, the winner of the Masters has received a green jacket, one of the most coveted items in the sport. There have been 15 non-Americans to win the Masters (and 37 Americans).
Some of the sport’s most iconic moments have occurred on the Augusta grass including:
Gene Sarazen’s “shot heard round the world”
Picture
 Bubba Watson’s tree shot
Arnold Palmer’s finishing birdies
Picture
Phil Mickelson’s 20-footer to win the jacket
 Tiger’s chip in on 16
Phil’s tree shot
Jack Nicklaus’s birdie to win his last major
However, the history of the Masters isn’t all great shots and exciting wins. The tournament and club are often marred with controversy due to its strict membership rules. African Americans were barred from membership until 1990 and women were barred until 2012. The club required caddies to be black but barred black golfers from the Masters until 1975, furthering the image of segregation within golf. Since 1975 there have been two people of color to win the tournament: Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. This year the field is projected to contain 15-20 people of color, meanwhile Augusta will hold the first Augusta National Women’s Amateur.  


Last Year’s Tournament
Last year’s tournament saw Patrick Reed (now the second ranked golfer in the world) win his first major, leading for the final three rounds. Reed had 24 eagles or birdies over four rounds to finish with a final score of 15 under, beating out Rickie Fowler by one stroke. 

Tiger Woods competed in his first major since spinal fusion surgery finishing T-32, while Jordan Spieth blew a day one lead but still finished 3rd. John Rahm finished 4th, the highest of any non-American. 

Some other notable events: ​
Defending champion Sergio Garcia hits five consecutive balls into the water on 15
Patrick Reed hit an approach to 14-feet on 13

Masters 2018: Patrick Reed | 13th Hole, Round 3 pic.twitter.com/tsd9MjeYRf

— Masters Highlights (@MastersMoments) April 7, 2018
and Jordan Spieth exercised his demons on the 12th ​
What’s New This Year
While much of the Augusta National Golf Course has remained the same, the 5th hole was lengthened by 40 yards and two new bunkers were added to the left of the fairway in the landing zone. 

For those of you who only watch golf once a year there will be some other distinct differences in the way the game looks. New PGA rules to modernize the sport have drastically changed the look and feel of the game. Players now drop from knee height instead of shoulder height, the time to search for a ball has been shortened from five minutes to three minutes, there are no penalties for an accidental double hit, spike mark damage on the green can be repaired, if a ball accidentally moves on the green it can be replaced without penalty, and most notably, golfers can now putt with the flagstick in the hole if they so choose. All of these rules are meant to speed up and simplify the game of golf, which at its core shouldn’t be complex. The best players will be the ones who can put the ball in the cup in the least strokes, an obvious, but oft forgotten point. 

This Year’s Contenders

The Old Guard: 
Tiger Woods (Vegas Odds: 12/1): Even though he hasn’t won a major since 2007, how can you bet against the best golfer to ever play the game? Fresh off a Tour Championship win and top 8 finish at the WGC Dell Technologies Tournament, Woods is primed to make a run for his fifth green jacket, moving one step closer to 18 majors and 82 tour wins.
  


Phil Mickelson (Vegas Odds: 28/1): The Lefty has won the Masters three times and ended his winless streak last season. He beat Tiger in “The Match” and won the Pebble Beach Pro-Am shooting a bogey free final round. With his impeccable short game and high-risk high-reward style, Phil can’t be counted out.


The Past Winners:
Bubba Watson (Vegas Odds: 35/1):  Another lefty, the self-taught Watson has won the Masters twice and had a stellar season thus far. While he has yet to win on tour this calendar year, Bubba’s power off the tee puts him in contention at every tournament he plays in. He is ranked 16th in the WGR and seems primed to put his stamp on Augusta.


Jordan Spieth (Vegas Odds: 20/1): Spieth has been in an undeniable slump this year. In eight starts he hasn’t finished higher than T-35 and has been a mess all around. He is 204th in strokes gained off the tee, 213th in driving accuracy, 186th in putts per round in the final round, and 189th in putt percentage inside 10 feet. Why does he have a chance to win? He has 3 major championships, holds the record for the lowest tournament score at Augusta and is only 25 years old. If he can get everything to come together like in 2015, Spieth has a serious chance to win his second green jacket in five years.


Patrick Reed (Vegas Odds: 40/1): He won it last year, why can’t he do it again? Reed has been the epitome of average this year on the course. He hasn’t won on tour this year, but his consistently made cuts and played good golf. Augusta brings out the best golfer in every pro, especially those who have won in the past. While there have only been three defending champions to win the Masters the following year (and the last two have missed the cut the year after their title), Reed’s consistency could be key if the rest of the field falters. 


The “Finally Group”:
Dustin Johnson (Vegas Odds: 10/1): Johnson is the top ranked golfer in the world but has never finished higher than T-4 at the Masters. He has won a tour title in each of his first 12 seasons and has 20 career wins on tour. He is 7th in FedEx Cup points and has been incredibly consistent this year. He is 2nd in strokes gained this season and top 50 in almost every measurable in the sport. Johnson should be one of the favorites to win his first green jacket this year.
 


Brooks Koepka (Vegas Odds: 14/1): Koepka is third in the WGR and has three major titles under his belt. The reigning PGA Player of the Year crushes the ball off the tee and seems to always end up at the top of leaderboards in majors (he has won 3 of the last 6 he has competed in). The only part of his game that needs work is his putting (181st in strokes gained on the green) but with a win under his belt this season, he will be a tough out at Augusta this year.

Rory McIlroy (Vegas Odds: 8/1): Rory comes in with the best odds to win the Masters and for good reason. He has had 6 top 10 finishes this season and ranks 1st in total strokes gained. He has made the cut in every tournament he has competed in, finishing in the top 6 in 6 consecutive starts. After losing 7 straight times when placed in the final pairing on Sunday, Rory finally got that monkey off his back, winning The Players with a score of -16. He has finished in the top 10 at 5 consecutive masters and is having the best statistical season of his PGA career. He is rightfully the favorite to win.
 

Rickie Fowler (Vegas Odds: 20/1): Always the bridesmaid never the bride seems to be an apt description for Rickie Fowler. He has finished second at every major during his career, but has never won. The most popular golfer on tour not named Tiger has come so close so many times, it’s weird to choose him as a favorite. Fowler finally won his fifth tour event this year, and maybe now is the time for a win. 

The Hot Group:
Bryson DeChambeau (Vegas Odds: 16/1): The man who is bringing science to golf is one of the hottest players heading into the masters. After closing out 2018 with 2 FedEx Cup playoff wins, DeChambeau has 1 tour win this season and 7 made cuts this season. He has championed the new “flagstick in” style of putting and is consistently working on ways to improve his game. While he has never finished higher than T-21 at the Masters, his continual improvement makes him a contender this year.

Xander Schauffele (Vegas Odds: 35/1): Schauffele has two wins on tour this year, and the former PGA Rookie of the Year seems ready to make a run. While he has only made the cut at the Masters 1 time he is ranked 2nd in FedEx Cup points and 4th in total strokes gained. Every time he steps on the course he shows he is ready to win his first major, and the Masters is a good start.

Matt Kuchar (Vegas Odds: 40/1): Kuchar has never won a major but has a win at The Players and two wins this season. His short gamei is one of the best in golf and his driving accuracy is top 5. There has been some controversy around Kuchar this season in regards to his caddie, but he is still one of the top golfers in the world and has the potential to win a green jacket. 

Paul Casey (Vegas Odds: 30/1): Casey has finished in the top 15 in the past 3 Masters and has 1 win on tour this year. Everything about Casey’s game says he is ready to take the next step into the upper echelon of golf except his putting (183rd in strokes gained on the green). He has 3 top 10 finishes this year and there’s no reason he can’t win his first Masters this year.




With tons of great storylines heading in, this year’s Masters has the potential to be one of the best of all time. Can Tiger complete his comeback tour with a major? Will we have a new winner donning the green jacket? Will those slumping continues their slump or break out to put on a show? All these questions will be answered by the time Game of Thrones premieres on April 14th.

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