2018 NFL Draft: Scouting the Linebackers

March 29, 2018

The linebacker position has changed in the NFL over the course of the past twenty years. Inside linebackers are two down specialists now. Outside linebackers are three down hybrids who rush the passer and drop into coverage. The days of the leveled linebackers who played all three downs are over. Here are my top twenty linebackers and ten thoughts on the position. XNOJOE’S Top 20 Linebackers 1.Tremaine Edmunds, 6-5 253,…

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2018 NFL Draft: Scouting the Safeties

March 23, 2018

Now more than ever, the safety position has become an integral part of the defense. gone are the days of your traditional free safety and strong safety. Safeties are now hybrids who have to be able to play in all three levels of a defense and play all three downs. The position has changed thanks in large part to more offenses running the spread offense. Defenses have to play more…

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2018 NFL Draft: Scouting the Cornerbacks

March 21, 2018

The cornerback position is one of the deepest positions in this year’s draft. There could be as many as five cornerbacks that go in the first round. Here are my top 20 cornerbacks and my thoughts on the position. XNOJOE’s Top 20 Cornerbacks 1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, 6-1 201, Alabama 2. Denzel Ward, 5-10, 191, Ohio State 3. Josh Jackson, 6-1 192, Iowa 4. Mike Hughes, 5-10 189, Central Florida 5….

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2018 NFL Draft: Mock Draft 1.0

March 5, 2018

Saquon Barkley might be the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson. That is why I have the Browns taking him first overall.  The combine is over. It is time to reveal our first of four mock drafts. Here goes! 1. Cleveland Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: Barkley killed it at the combine and reinforced the notion that he is the best player in this draft. General manager John…

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NFL Draft: Combine Thoughts and Other Tidbits from Around the League

March 2, 2018

The NFL Combine is upon us. That’s right. The yearly ritual where teams gather in Indianapolis to poke, prod, measure and test college football players. It has truly become a ridiculous spectacle where “draftniks” and so called experts gather and babble nonsense for five days. I don’t put as much stock into the combine as I used to because I am a firm believer that it is all about the…

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2018 NFL Draft: 3 Reasons Why the Quarterbacks Should Throw at the Combine

February 28, 2018

Coaches, front office executives and pundits alike routinely debate whether or not quarterbacks should throw at the combine. It used to be that if your were a lock to go in the top ten, you didn’t throw at the combine. You waited until your pro day. Times have changed however. More quarterbacks are opting to throw in Indianapolis. Why? It is a chance to impress coaches, scouts and executives alike…

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2018 NFL Draft: 15 Prospects to Watch at the Senior Bowl

January 25, 2018

Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports The 69th annual Senior Bowl will once again feature some of the best talent in the country. All eyes will be on the quarterbacks but there are other players in this game that have first round potential and could make an impact as rookies. Here are fifteen players to watch in this year’s game. 1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: Mayfield will be the story this week in…

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2018 NFL Draft: 10 Prospects to Watch for in the East, West Shrine Game

January 17, 2018

The 93rd East, West Shrine game will be played this Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida. The East, West Shrine game is the oldest college all-star game and it will feature some of the most talented seniors in the country. Here are ten players to watch in this year’s game. 1. Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern (West): Jackson had a tremendous career at Northwestern finishing with 5,440 yards and 41 rushing touchdowns. At…

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NFL Draft: Stacking the Top Quarterbacks In the 2018 NFL Draft

January 7, 2018

There could be as many as five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the draft this year.  Several teams including the Browns, Giants, Colts, Broncos, Jets, Cardinals, Jaguars, Bills and Redskins will all be in the market for a quarterback. Heck, even the Patriots will be in the market for one. They need to find Tom Brady’s eventual successor. It is too early to rank these quarterbacks as I…

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