1. Ryan Kelly, Alabama, 6-4 311: Kelly is big for a center. He has long arms and is strong at the point of attack. He is a high I.Q player who understands fronts and the blocking schemes he’s playing in. Terrific run blocker who fits into double teams and gets movement. Solid short area pass blocker who moves well laterally and can punch and recoil. Kelly has moved into the…
1. Joey Bosa, Ohio State, 6-5 269: I really enjoy watching Bosa play. He has a big time motor and is active all along the line of scrimmage. Bosa is strong at the point of attack. He can anchor down against the run and hold the edge. He wins many of his one on one battles against tackles with his get off. Bosa is a good tackler who finishes ball…
1. DeForest Buckner, Oregon, 6-7 291: I really like Buckner’s size and length. He’s strong at the point of attack. He does a great job extending out on blockers, separating and getting into his pursuit angle. Buckner is a terrific interior pass rusher who wins with power and quickness. He can line up as a three technique or play a five technique defensive end based on the front. Buckner has…
Tom Brady learned a valuable lesson today. The NFL always win. Brady’s four game suspension was reinstated today meaning that Brady will have to serve a four game suspension to start this season. Brady can appeal the suspension and he probably will but his options are limited. We all agree that today’s reinstatement of Brady’s suspension is a joke but it’s not s surprise. You had to think the NFL…
1. Reggie Ragland, Alabama, 6-1 247 Ragland is a smart, instinctive linebacker who processes his keys quickly and makes good reads. He takes good angles and gets to the ball quickly. Ragland takes good angles in coverages and he does a great job reading the quarterback, feeling the route and breaking on it. He’s physical and a sound tackler. Not as fast as you’d want from your middle linebacker. I…
Arizona Cardinals: CB, OLB, ILB, NT Needs Breakdown: The Cardinals need to draft a cornerback who can play opposite Patrick Peterson. This draft has four corners who could potentially go in the first round so the Cardinals should be able to fill the need. Linebacker has been an issue for this team. I know defensive coordinator James Bettcher likes playing Deone Buchanan at the MIKE linebacker but that’s not a…
Atlanta Falcons: S, OT, TE, WR Needs Breakdown: The Falcons have been active in free agency signing Mohammed Sanu, Alex Mack and Courtesy Upshaw this off-season. Even with those moves, the Falcons still have several needs to fill. They need a safety that can make plays against the pass and support the run. The Falcons also need a right tackle. It was a sore spot for Atlanta last season. Jacob…
1. Myles Jack, UCLA, 6-1 245: Jack is a tremendous athlete who has played both running back and outside linebacker at UCLA. Jack has great instincts. He reads his keys well, located the football and finishes plays. He moves well laterally and can work through traffic. Jack is a fundamentally sound, physical tackler. Jack is a three down player who can cover ground in zone coverage and his can marry a…
The Green Packers have owned the NFC North in recent years however that domination was put on hold last season when the Minnesota Vikings won the division. The rest of the division is closing the gap on the Packers but there is still a gap there. All four teams in this division have significant needs. Here are my thoughts. Chicago Bears: DT, CB, WR, TE Needs Breakdown: The Bears need…
The Redskins signing of Josh Norman is big news for several reasons. One, it weaken the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers significantly. Two, it strengthens a Redskins team that is on the cusp of being a contender. Redskins owner Daniel Synder has always spent money, so the signing of Norman is not a surprise. However, as we’ve learned, not all of those signings have panned out through the years. The…