NFL's Future

At this point it would be bold not to predict Chip Kelly trading for Marcus Mariota, so I’m leaving any trade talk of No. 2 off this list. I could see as many as eight to ten trades taking place tonight, including two or three before we reach 9:00 PM EST. Without giving away anymore predictions here’s five predictions to keep in mind leading up to tonight’s festivities.

The Fun Begins at No. 2 and Doesn’t Stop Until Chicago

As I alluded to in the lead in, the odds are in favor of Tennessee dealing the second pick to Philly, Cleveland or anyone else that is willing to give up a king’s ransom. I don’t see the fun ending there as the next four picks could be in play. First, Jacksonville could be a prime target for someone that wants to come up for Leonard Williams or Dante Fowler. Ditto for Oakland. As I alluded to in my mock draft last night I think Jacksonville values Todd Gurley very highly and would love to move down the board a bit to secure the guy who may be No. 1 on their board. Oakland would probably run the Leonard Williams card to Rodger but if he’s off the board, look for teams to swoon over Dante Fowler at this spot. With Shane Ray and Randy Gregory falling by the wayside, edge rush needy teams could come calling at this pick. Next up is Washington, who would probably love to get out of their pick. If Fowler is there, expect him to be there pick. If he’s not a team may be able to move up on the relative cheap as they could target an offensive lineman down the board at a cheaper price tag. While I think the Jets want to get out of No. 6 – little chance Fowler makes it down this far – I’m not sure the market won’t be dried up by a flurry of trades ahead of them. That said, if Amari Cooper remains on the board at No. 6 teams may decide to pull the trigger at a relatively inexpensive price tag. Read the rest of this entry » «Five (Not-So) Bold Predictions for Tonight’s First Frame»

It’s a rebound year for me. After putting up competitive showings in The Huddle Report’s Mock Draft contest, I fell flat last year. I’m all in this year as it could very well be my final year covering the draft. Some of these picks are major risks and won’t fit traditional mock draft thought. Knowing this I’m either going to go big or finish dead last. It’s a year of all or nothing.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

This one is in the books. Right it down with a Sharpie.

2. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

This is where the wheels come off the draft. Is it a smokescreen? No clue but somehow I don’t think the Titans brass is worried about fit with Whisenhunt – who won 2 games in 2014. If they can’t find a suitable offer, he’s the guy here. Read the rest of this entry » «Final 2015 NFL Mock Draft»

For the last five years, NFL’s Future has competed in The Huddle Report’s top 100 and mock draft competition. To me, this is a vital barometer for readers to judge the content and authority of the publisher. While it may be “guesswork” or “luck”, trust me there is skill involved in pegging the right players to the right teams and attributing the top 100 players that will be drafted. And, here is the sports betting sites comparison report drafted and published at sportwetten vergleich blog specifically for the sports fans to bet on their favorite player.

It’s also equally important for reader’s to understand that this is not NFLF Top 100 but rather an exercise in guessing the top 100 players drafted – two very drastically different exercises. As always it’s my hope that all these forums will be that you judge me by. Without further ado, here’s my submission to the top 100 drafted. Read the rest of this entry » «Huddle Report Top 100 2015 NFL Draft Prospects (Final)»

One week until we have all the answers we’ve sought over the course of the last 6+ months (some of us longer). It’s been a long, arduous road to get to this point. The answer to No. 1 is almost assuredly set but after that it gets shaky – to say the least. I typically don’t mock trades, but I think someone trades up to No. 2 to land Marcus Mariota. While it’s a risky move, many teams have likely fallen in love with Mariota’s potential. Today we take a look at 2-rounds of mock draft fun. This mock will be the final version until my Huddle Report submission next Wednesday.

Every year, I grade out a boatload of players. With each passing year that list shrinks as time limits itself on me more and more each year. Normally, I would rank a top 150 after combing through 200+ prospects throughout the year. My approach is neither scientific nor rational in some cases but based highly on a gut feel on players. In some cases this has led to successes (i.e. Russell Wilson) and others catastrophic misses (i.e. Johnny Manziel).

With so many time constraints this year, I felt comfortable grading and ranking around 70 players – with nearly 120 players evaluated. So this top 70 isn’t an exact science of a true evaluation of the top 70 players because I didn’t make it around to some guys I would have liked to (Tre McBride, Marcus Hardison and a host of others).

Of importance to note is that I don’t play doctor or character police as I don’t have access to that type of information. So when you see guys like Todd Gurley or Dorial Green-Beckham rated so highly – know that I’ve not factored in medical or off-the-field issues. These rankings are solely based on what I can see with my own two eyes.

The 2015 NFL Draft is on the clock as we are less than 4 weeks away. In 30 days we will have the answers to what we’ve been speculating on for months now.

With Tampa Bay essentially locking their sights on Jameis Winston at No. 1 our attention turns to Tennessee. Will it be Leonard Williams or Marcus Mariota? Mariota may not be a typical fit for Ken Wisenhunt’s offense but can the Titans afford to pass on a guy with the upside of Mariota at the premium position in the league. By the nature of my selection I think that answer is no but I leaned several times towards Williams. I’d say at this point it’s 51-49 in my mind.

Beyond the top two this draft only gets more intriguing. As a bonus for reading this long-winded mock, I offer up a preview of a way too early look at the 2016 NFL Draft.

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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

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The Bucs appear to be sold on Winston as their franchise QB. While I don’t agree that it is the right pick, no one can blame them given the need. I can’t see a scenario playing out where Winston makes this team an instant contender. I see him making some splash plays – at the same time taking them out of games with turnovers. Given time, Winston may develop into a solid NFL passer – I just don’t see the attributes to suggest he’s a franchise changing QB.

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2. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

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Count me in the group that doesn’t buy that Tennessee is selecting any not named Marcus Mariota (or Jameis Winston if by chance Lovie passes). I just can’t see this organization tying it’s wagon to Zach Mettenberger by passing on Mariota. Worst case scenario, you let Mettenberger play this season (Mariota has some developing to do) and turn the reins over to Mariota next season if Mett can’t push this team to respectability.

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3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

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I’ll be shocked if the Jags pass on Leonard Williams – my top rated player in the draft. However, it makes sense given the need for a true pass rusher for Gus Bradley’s defense. Beasley has the speed to be an immediate impact rusher and this is a perfect fit for him. Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Mock Draft – April 3»

The annual free agent prediction article draws more vitriol than any non-QB draft-related article on the site. With a loaded class of free agents this year’s predictions may be more polarizing than any other. Combine that with the fact that teams have more expendable cash than ever before and it’s a free agency perfect storm.

Rarely do splash free agent signings pan out over the long haul. However, with the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Randall Cobb and potentially Darrelle Revis hitting the open market that historical perspective may be changing course.

Come next Tuesday the doors open, so we will be finding out where some of the big fish land by this time next week. With this in mind, here’s my predictions on how free agency will pan out.

Ndamukong Suh – Record breaking deal with Miami

Suh’s franchise tag number kept Detroit at bay. Now, Suh will test the open market. Unfortunately for Detroit fans I don’t Suh making it past his first visit. All signs point to Miami as a player for Suh. While they don’t (currently) have enough cap space to get this monstrous deal done we are likely to see the exodus of Mike Wallace and others to make it work.

Darrelle Revis – Stay in New England

Revis shouldn’t technically be on this list but we’ll leave him there as he won’t be back on his current deal. Revis got a taste of winning in New England and will have to consider leaving a winning culture for less green pastures elsewhere. New England is likely to lose Devin McCourty so losing Revis would be detrimental to a much improved secondary last season. Revis will get paid on another short deal (2-3 years, probably frontloaded) to stay in Foxborough.

Randall Cobb – Monster deal in Oakland

The Packers drafted Davante Adams with the possibility of losing Randall Cobb in mind. Cobb will be paid like a true No. 1 receiver because of his versatility to impact the game in so many facets. Oakland is likely to out price the competition at a $10-11M/year deal – leaving all other bidders in the dust. While it’s a ton of money, Oakland needs to surround its young, promising QB with weapons at all costs. Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Free Agency Predictions»

With the NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis, we’ll see boards moving all over the place in next week or so. As usual we’ll see a whole lot of overreaction in the national media – however teams that draft well realize the function of the event and move minimally. It can’t be said enough – the NFL Combine is a piece (a small one at that) of a player’s overall evaluation. Teams will be paying close attention to the medicals and confirming what they’ve seen on tape. Pay close attention to positional drills as they are telling of physical tools that transfer to the field. While the 40-yard dash is sexy, it has little correlation to a player’s on-field ability.

The most hyped story leading up the event is which QB’s will throw. It matters the least. If we learned one thing from last year, it was the overvaluing of how a player throws in shorts and t-shirt.

Don’t get me wrong, when I have a free minute I’ll be eyes glued to NFL Network this weekend. That said, you won’t see any drastic movement up or down my board. Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Draft Top 100»

With the Shrine and Senior Bowl’s in the books and the 2015 Champs identified it’s officially draft season. The NFL Scouting Combine is less than a week away from opening the gate leaving me with no other choice than to release a mock draft. After several pushes from some of you, I’ve completed two rounds for your perusal.  

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

This pick is likely to come down to Mariota and Winston…glad I don’t have to make this pick. I don’t see either being cornerstone, franchise QB’s but I like Mariota considerably more than Winston.                                                              

2. Tennessee Titans – Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska

The Titans could take whichever QB Tampa doesn’t select. However, I think they ride Mettenberger next season and take a pass rusher with this selection. The Titans beefed up their defensive coaching staff, now they need to add talent to the roster.                                                            

3. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida

This one was tough. I like Leonard Williams (my top rated player in this draft) but Gus Bradley needs a guy that can bring it off the edge. Fowler is a perfect scheme fit for Bradley and is my early odds-on favorite to win DROY honors.                                                              

4. Oakland Raiders – Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC

Oakland has to be ecstatic to team Khalil Mack and Leonard Williams up for the next 15 years. Obviously the Raiders hit a homerun in last years draft with Mack and Carr. This year’s effort would be off to a great start if they could land Williams.                                                           Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Mock Draft»

The 2014 NFL Draft set a record with 98 underclassmen declaring. With the college football season coming to a wrap in the next month, we will begin to slowly hear the names of this year’s early entrants. Underclassmen have until January 15 to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft. It’s unlikely we’ll see last year’s number topped but not out of the question. With names already rolling, we begin our yearly exercise of tracking early entrants. We’ll keep this list running as new names emerge leading up to January 15. New this year will be a rumor section to keep readers abreast of anything heard. 

Quarterbacks

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Jameis Winston, QB, Florida St.

Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Running Backs

B.J. Catalon, RB, TCU

Braylon Heard, RB, Kentucky

Buck Allen, RB, USC

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama

Dee Hart, RB, Colorado St.

Trey Williams, RB, Texas A&M

Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi St.

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

Duke Johnson, RB, Miami

Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise St.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Matt Jones, RB, Florida

Wide Receivers 

Tacoi Sumler, WR, Appalchian St.

Zach D’Orazio, WR, Akron

Jaquel Pitts, WR, Trinity International

DaVaris Daniels, WR, Notre Dame

George Farmer, WR, USC

Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona St.

Chris Harper, WR, Cal

Deontay Greenberry, WR, Houston

Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma

Nelson Agholor, WR, USC

Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

Nigel King, WR, Kansas

Shaq Roland, WR, South Carolina

Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

Devin Funchess, WR/TE, Michigan

Lemar Durant, WR, Simon Fraser

Tight Ends

Jesse James, TE, Penn St.

Jean Sifrin, TE, Massachusetts

Tyler Kroft, TE, Rutgers

Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota

Offensive Line

Patrick Miller, OT, Auburn

Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford

D.J. Humphries, OT, Florida

Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami

Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State

Jeremiah Poutasi, OT, Utah

Tyler Moore, OG, Florida

Defensive Line

David Irving, DT, Iowa St.

Ellis McCarthy, DT, UCLA

Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon

Eddie Goldman, DT, FSU

Darius Philon, DT, Arkansas

Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU

Mario Edwards, DE, Florida St.

Shane Ray, DE, Missouri

Christian Covington, DT, Rice

Xavier Cooper, DT, Washington St.

Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma

Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Miss

Deion Barnes, DE, Penn St.

Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska

Leonard Williams, DT, USC

Eli Harold, DE, Virginia

Linebackers

Darien Rankin, LB, North Carolina

Max Flores, LB, Northern Colorado

Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi St.

Max Valles, LB, Virginia

Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington

Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU

Dante Fowler, OLB, Florida

Cornerbacks

Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville

Jacoby Glenn, CB, UCF

Ronald Darby, CB, Florida St.

P.J. Williams, CB, Florida St.

Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St.

Alex Carter, CB, Stanford

Jalen Collins, CB, LSU

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Lorenzo Doss, CB, Tulane

Safeties

Chris Hackett, S, TCU

Landon Collins, S, Alabama

James Sample, S, Louisville

Gerald Holliman, S, Louisville

Durell Eskridge, S, Syracuse

Specialists

Easton Wahlstrom, LS, Arizona St.

Brad Pinion, P, LSU

Rumors
Read the rest of this entry » «2015 NFL Draft Underclassmen Tracker»