NFL's Future

Rogers headed to the NFL after his tumultuous collegiate career

Josh Ward of The Sports Animal WNML in Knoxville, Tennessee announced via Twitter today that Tennessee Tech WR Da’Rick Rogers will enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Da’Rick Rogers is being honored at Tennessee Tech’s Senior Day. The school announced he will enter the NFL draft this year.

— Josh Ward (@Josh_Ward) November 10, 2012

Rogers has had a tumultuous collegiate career.  Da’Rick Rogers committed to the Tennessee Volunteers following a brief flirtation with the Georgia Bulldogs.  Rogers made an immediate impact on the field and became an All-SEC receiver at UT.  Unfortunately, as successful as he was on the field, he was equally unsuccessful off the field, leading to his suspension from the Volunteers football team.

Rogers cleared the air on the reason for his indefinite suspension by saying “there were a couple of drug tests.”  Those failed drug tests led to Rogers joining the Tennessee Tech football team for the 2012 season.  Heading into this week, Rogers racked up 50 catches for 765 yards and 9 TD’s.

Rogers was widely considered a first round pick before his suspension despite being only a junior.  There is no doubting the 6’3″, 206 pound receivers on the field talent.  It’s the off-the-field issues that could push Rogers into the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.  Rogers will need to show improved decision-making and maturity during the pre-draft process if he wishes to get back into the first round.  He’s certainly talented enough.

Last week, I got off to a hot start and cooled as they day progressed to finish at 8-6.  This takes our season mark to 70-47 against the spread.  No complaints with that but let’s see if we can get hot this week.

Sorry, missed the deadline on Thursday night’s game.

New York Giants (-4.5) at Cincinnati

The Bengals are struggling right now and they are the popular pick in the upset.  I can’t see the Giants going down in consecutive weeks to AFC North opponents.

GAME PREDICTION:  New York 27, Cincinnati 21

Denver (-4.5) at Carolina

This one has gimme written all over it, which scares me off.  I’m going with Carolina at home and don’t ask why…just a gut feeling.

GAME PREDICTION:  Carolina 24, Denver 20 Read the rest of this entry » «NFL Week Ten Picks Against the Spread»

Shocker at the top of Profetta’s first 2013 NFL Mock Draft

1. Kansas City Chiefs- A.J. McCarron QB Alabama (Jr.)

Just like the Redskins in the ’12 NFL Draft, the Chiefs absolutely cannot leave Radio City Music Hall without a franchise quarterback in tow. The question is no longer whether Geno Smith or Matt Barkley is worth the first overall pick. Smith is potentially a franchise QB, but #1 seems a reach at this point. Barkley is more Jimmy Clausen than Andrew Luck. The new question is whether there’s a college QB who could emerge late and fill the void at the top of the 2013 NFL Draft, ala Sam Bradford in 2010.

The answer is as obvious as a punch in the mouth, yet most of us have overlooked it. It’s not Tyler Bray or Tyler Wilson. It’s definitely not Logan Thomas. It’s McCarron. He isn’t a noodle-armed Alabama game-manager like Jay Barker or Greg McElroy. McCarron is a former blue-chip recruit with ideal size, deadly accuracy, a strong-enough arm, and a Manningesque feel for the game. He has ample experience in a pro-style offense and is carved from wood thanks to brutal SEC competition and weekly practices vs. a defensive unit that might make a few NFL teams envious. Most importantly, he’s a flat-out winner. What’s not to like?

Also considered: QB Geno Smith, DT Star Lotulelei/Johnathan Hankins…In the event that K.C. swings a trade for a young veteran QB with some upside (Ryan Mallett, Kirk Cousins, Matt Flynn), the next order of business for the new Chiefs braintrust would be to let Pioli mistakes Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson hit the bricks. The D-line could be in need of rebuilding.     

2. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia (Jr.)

The Jags are last in the NFL in sacks…again. It seems that I’ve been typing the previous sentence since the days of Jeff Lageman and Tony Brackens.

Gene Smith is a dead man walking in Jacksonville, so it’s unclear who will be calling the shots in the war room come April 25th. One of Smith’s fatal flaws during his tenure in Jacksonville has been his habit of getting too cute with his Draft Day decisions, i.e., reaching to fill needs (Tyson Alualu) and investing too many premium picks on slow-to-develop small school guys (Will Rackley, D’Anthony Smith, etc.). Whoever the new GM may be, he would be wise to distance himself from his predecessor’s mistakes by simply selecting the BPA. Jones is arguably the top prize in the 2013 NFL Draft and the most explosive pass-rushing prospect. Need meets value.

Also considered: QB Geno Smith…Blaine Gabbert has been a disappointment, but in fairness to him, he’s been given very little to work with and is barely 23 years old. Aside from anomalies like Luck and Griffin, it usually takes three years to get a solid read on a young QB. Gabbert has showed some improvement and even a little grit this year. Let’s give the kid a healthy shoulder, more to work with, and one more season before we put him on a cross. DE/OLB Damontre Moore…I still think that Jones is the top pass-rusher available, but Moore is nipping at his heels. DT Star Lotulelei/Johnathan Hankins…Terrance Knighton has one foot out the door and first-rounder Alualu has been a relative disappointment. The Jaguars have no hope of competing with Houston in the AFC South if they can’t stop the run.     Read the rest of this entry » «Profetta’s 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Surprise, Surprise at No. 1»

0% chance Joe Flacco makes it to the open market

There are a ton of questions flying into the email about upcoming free agents.  Unfortunately, fans are already looking forward to next year as this season has been packed in.  I’m with you.  Instead of fielding each individual email, this will serve as a reference point for the 2013 NFL free agent class.  Here’s a team-by-team look at free agency.

Arizona Cardinals

S Kerry Rhodes

RB LaRod Stephens-Howling

TE Todd Heap

LB Joey Porter

DL Vonnie Holliday

CB Michael Adams

CB Greg Toler

OT D’Anthony Batiste

S Rashad Johnson

S James Sanders

CB A.J. Jefferson (RFA)

Atlanta Falcons

CB Brent Grimes

TE Tony Gonzalez

OT Will Svitek

C Todd McClure

DL Vance Walker

RB Antone Smith (RFA)

TE Michael Palmer (RFA) Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Free Agents»

This week’s 2013 NFL Mock Draft will be based on Mocking the Draft’s draft order with my take on the playoffs.  

Will Geno Smith’s recent struggles cause him to fall in the 2013 NFL Draft

1. Kansas City Chiefs – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

Romeo has passed off the defense and will be passing over the HC duties at the end of the season.  It’s been bad in KC and things don’t look brighter without a competitive quarterback.  Geno Smith may not be a No. 1 pick in any other year but KC’s need drives this pick.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Jacksonville has no pass rush and they were just manhandled by Detroit.  It’s ugly in Jacksonville and owner Shad Khan isn’t pleased, probably spelling the end to Gene Smith’s tenure as GM.  Moore is the most dynamic, productive pass rusher in the country.  Moore has said he doesn’t intend on leaving A&M after this season, but so does everyone when they are ten weeks in.  The lure of going in the top 5 will be too much to pass on for Moore and he makes a wise decision by entering the 2013 NFL Draft.

3. Cleveland Browns – Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

James Michael-Johnson has been a bright spot for the Browns defense.  That said, he could be in for a move to the weakside with Jones’ arrival in Cleveland.  The Browns need playmakers on this defense and Jones is the best in the draft at doing so.  Jones ability to rush the passer and force turnovers will be a welcomed addition for the new coaching staff that will inevitably be in place at season’s end.

4. Carolina Panthers – Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

The Panthers DE’s have been outstanding this season.  Unfortunately they get little help on the inside.  Hankins is a big body defender that has a lightning quick first step.  He’s a force against the run and can apply pressure to the quarterback.  His ability to make plays in the backfield will have him going before Star Lotulelei.

5. St. Louis Rams (f/WAS) – Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

The trade with Washington will pay off if the Rams are able to lock in Luke Joeckel.  Joeckel is a worthy top five selection that can secure the blindside for Sam Bradford for a decade.  Joeckel has been very impressive in 2012 and showed that he can be an elite tackle.

6. Tennessee Titans – Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

The Titans have some young talent at DT but none in the realm of Star Lotulelei.  Lotulelei gives the Titans a force in the middle making everyone around him better.  Certainly there are bigger needs for the Titans but adding a stud DT is never a bad idea.

7. Cincinnati Bengals – Barkevious Mingo, OLB, LSU

Mingo will blaze the combine and excel in pre-draft workouts but the reality is that he hasn’t been as productive as you would like for someone of his skill level.  Mingo’s versatility to put his hand in the dirt and stand up could intrigue the Bengals. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Mock Draft: Damontre Moore rising, Matt Barkley falling»

Joe Staley was drafted 28th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.  Staley was an All Pro in 2011 and made the 2012 Pro Bowl team.  Staley, like Fisher, is a former Chippewa of Central Michigan University.

The obvious comparisons between Staley and Fisher just don’t cut it.  Staley was viewed as a finesse tackle prospect with superb athleticism for the position.  As good as of an athlete as Staley was/is, Fisher may be even better.  Fisher came into CMU as a 6’7″, 260 tackle that looked as if he would need time to develop.  That couldn’t have been further from the truth.  Fisher has been an impact player for the Chippewa’s since stepping foot on campus.  His struggles to keep weight on his enormous frame appear to be a thing of the past with Fisher checking in at 305 mark this offseason.

With athletic tackles being taken high in recent drafts (see Tyron Smith/Nate Solder), Fisher is viewed by many in the scouting community as someone that could emerge as a top 15 pick come April’s draft.  We will put this assessment to the test in a film study session featuring Central Michigan versus Iowa.  Iowa’s defensive line is down from year’s past but they still present challenges from an athletic standpoint. Fisher lines up across from Dominic Alvis a junior defensive end for most of the day.  This is an absolutely dominating performance as Fisher graded out extremely high as he has for most of the season.

Here’s a look at just how dominating Fisher was in this contest and why he is viewed as the top senior tackle prospect and potential top 15 pick in April’s draft. At all of 6’7″ Fisher is expected to struggle in space with athletic linebackers, safeties, and corners.  It’s always tough for taller tackles to break down to block smaller defenders.  On this play, Fisher is asked to pull and attack the outside linebacker that has come down as a hanger on the play. Read the rest of this entry » «Eric Fisher Film Study»

Barner set a new Oregon single game rushing record against the Trojans in a big PAC 12 win

Week ten of the college football season was jam packed with exciting finished, including two undefeated teams almost going down.  Here’s a look at a few of the 2013 NFL Draft prospects that helped or hurt their draft stock.

RISING

Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon, Senior

The biggest knock on Barner coming into the season was whether he was able to carry the load at the next level.  With Oregon blowing out many of its opponents Barner hasn’t had the opportunity to tote the ball with any consistency.  That changed on Saturday when Barner ran 38 times for the Ducks against USC.  Barner was unstoppable as he amassed 324 yards and 5 TD’s on the night.  The 5’11″, 195 senior may have helped himself this week as he looks to jump into the second day of April’s draft.

Matt Elam, SS, Florida, Junior

With the cream of this safety crop struggling to find their way in 2012, Elam is emerging as the top safety prospect for 2013.  Elam continued his spectacular season on Saturday as the Gators were able to hold on to the victory over Missouri.  Elam was a force in run support with 6 tackles, picked a pass off and took it 42 yards, and played centerfield as well as anyone can expect.  Elam’s versatility in all facets of the game could have him coming off the board late on day one if he declares. Read the rest of this entry » «Week Ten 2013 NFL Draft Rising and Falling»

That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Micheal Profetta is back with his NFL picks against the spread.  Micheal will be re-joining the NFL’s Future team on a more frequent basis.  As always we will await Profetta’s first mock draft of the season, but here’s his NFL week nine picks against the spread.

Denver (-4) at Cincinnati

The Bengals are fresh off their bye and desperately need a win at home to remain relevant in the muddled AFC playoff picture. The Broncos are 1-10 in their last 11 games in the Eastern time zone. This contest may have the makings of an upset, but I’m not betting against Peyton Manning and Co. right now.

Game Prediction: Broncos 33, Bengals 20

Arizona at Green Bay (-10)

The Cardinals offense is a poop sandwich. However, Ray Horton’s defensive unit travels well. The Packers should make it four wins in a row going into their bye, but their banged-up secondary invites the backdoor cover.

Game Prediction: Packers 23, Cardinals 17 Read the rest of this entry » «Profetta’s NFL Week Nine Picks Against the Spread»

We went .500 in week eight pushing the season record to 62-41.  After consecutive weeks of struggles we look to get back to our winning ways in week nine.

Kansas City at San Diego (-7.5)

San Diego has to come out with some heart against the lowly Chiefs.  At home, I’m taking the Chargers despite the 7.5 points.

GAME PREDICTION:  San Diego 31, Kansas City 17

Buffalo at Houston (-10.5)

On paper this is a major mismatch but I think the Bills show some heart on the road.  One of the league’s best running teams versus the league’s worst rush defense.  Should spell trouble but I think the Bills keep this one close enough to cover the 10.5.

GAME PREDICTION: Houston 24, Buffalo 21

Chicago (-3.5) at Tennessee

Tennessee is hot after a poor start but that ride may end against a good Chicago defense.

GAME PREDICTION:  Chicago 17, Tennessee 13 Read the rest of this entry » «NFL Week Nine Picks Against the Spread»

How high could Werner go?

The defensive end position is a premium position in the NFL and receives premium pay for the good ones.  With the influx of higher octane passing games came the need for better, faster pass rushers.  The 2013 class has a chance to be a special one

For continuity purposes, we will use the player’s collegiate position despite the fact that some of these guys will stand up in the NFL. 

The junior class of pass rushers is loaded with talent but the senior class is not far behind them.  Guys like Dion Jordan and Cornellius Carradine have emerged this season giving this senior class a few headliners.  Until declarations have been made we will keep the classes separated.  Here’s a look at the 2013 NFL Draft defensive end rankings. 

Seniors

1. Dion Jordan I Oregon I 6’6” I 249

There is no denying the physical talents of Dion Jordan.  He has special physical tools but hasn’t yet played at a consistent level to earn the right to be thought of as a top 10 pick in April’s draft.  Jordan doesn’t produce huge sack numbers because he drops into coverage which is likely what he’ll be doing in the NFL as a standup linebacker.  The Aldon Smith comparison have already come and will continue.  With solid pre-draft workouts, Jordan could work his way into Aldon Smith range.

DRAFT PROJECTION:  1

2. Ezekiel Ansah I BYU I 6’5” I 270

Ansah is about as raw as they come but you couldn’t draw up a better looking defensive end.  His physical tools are plentiful with an enormous ceiling.  Three years ago, teammates had to show the Ghana native how to put on equipment.  Now he’s a legitimate pro prospect with a second round grade.  Enormous ceiling with this guy.

DRAFT PROJECTION:  2

Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Defensive End Rankings»