By John Sarianides The NFL released their 2017 schedules tonight. On paper, the Patriots have a difficult schedule to navigate through if they want to win their third Super Bowl in four years. Here are five thoughts on their 2017 schedule. 1. Open the Season with 5 of 8 at Home: The Patriots open the season with five of their first eight games at home. The NFL season kicks off…
By John Sarianides With the NFL Draft one week from today, business is starting to pick up in terms of players and draft picks. Here are three thoughts I have on three of the top stories heading into draft week. 1. McCaffery Will Go in the Top 10: Personally, I wouldn’t take Stanford running back Christian McCaffery with a top ten pick but who the hell am I to make…
By John Sarianides The Patriots have been on the news a lot the past couple of days. Here my thoughts on four of the biggest stories concerning the team. 1st Down: Aaron Hernandez Commits Suicide: Look, I am not going to get on my high horse and lecture you on why Hernandez is a scumbag and how I have no sympathy for him and his family. People can formulate their…
By John Sarianides The Patriots signed Buffalo Bills restricted free agent running back Mike Gillislee to a two year, $6.4 million dollar offer sheet. Gillislee is scheduled to make $4 million dollars in year one of the deal. The Bills have five days to match the offer but all indications are that they won’t. If they don’t, the Patriots would have to surrender their fifth round pick in the upcoming…
By John Sarianides The 2017 wide receiver class isn’t as “loaded” as we’ve seen in the last few years but there is enough talent at the top that three to possibly four receivers should go in the first round. Here are my top twenty receivers 1. Mike Williams, Clemson, 6-3 225, NFL Comparison: Michael Floyd Strengths – Big possession receiver who runs good routes and can separate from tight coverage…
By John Sarianides Patriots fans got all lathered up last week when the Tennessee Titans released veteran cornerback Jason McCourty. McCourty of course is the twin brother of Patriots free safety Devin McCourty. Patriots Nation is clamoring for Bill Belichick to sign the other McCourty but there are a couple of hurdles that have to be cleared before the Patriots do that. One is Malcolm Butler. The Patriots are in…
By John Sarianides This is the best tight end class in the last ten years. The tight end position has been devoid of talent in recent years but this loaded class will put the position back on the map. As many as four tight ends could go in the first 60 picks. Here are my top twenty tight ends. 1. O.J Howard, Alabama, 6-6 251, NFL Comparison: Julius Thomas Strengths -Howard…
By John Sarianides I don’t buy the rumors that Florida State running back Dalvin Cook will be dropping out of the first round. How does a super productive running back (5,399 yards and 48 touchdowns) with that type of talent not go in the first round? I know he didn’t test well at the combine but give me a break! Cook is the best all around back in this loaded…
By John Sarianides Every year a handful of teams will discover that diamond in the rough in the draft that will change the fortunes of their team. Most of the time, that player is from a small school. The Patriots took a chance on an undrafted free agent cornerback from West Alabama named Malcolm Butler. Butler competed, made the team and the rest is history. Here are ten diamonds in…
By John Sarianides The Center position has experienced a renaissance of sorts in the NFL. Now more than ever, teams need a smart, tough, reliable center who can communicate and hold their own versus a shade or nose tackle. Here are my top ten centers for the 2017 draft. 1. Pat Elflein, Ohio State, 6-3 303, NFL Comparison: Ryan Kelly Strengths -Strong who run blocker who has quick hands and can…