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

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!

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)

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

​

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.  

Image Credit: https://images.dailyhive.com/20180328140821/nhl-draft-lottery.png

*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

​

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:

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: ​

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.

​Image Found Online