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,…
Patriots Pulse Blog: 3 Reasons Why The Patriots Are Not Signing Johnny Manziel
Relax New England. The Patriots are not signing Johnny Manziel. I know they met with him on Tuesday after he threw at the Texas A&M Pro Day but they are not going to sign him. Bill Belichick has an affinity for athletic, running quarterbacks. After all, he has signed Doug Fluite and Tim Tebow in the past but here are three reasons why I don’t see the Patriots signing Manziel….
Fantasy Football: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down on NFL Free Agency
Several high profile players switched uniforms in free agency and through trades. Here are my thumbs up for players who I think will produce in their new home and a thumbs down for players who I don’t think will produce in their new home. Thumbs Up 👍 Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings: Cousins signing with the Vikings makes him a top five fantasy quarterback in 2018. He has a legit running…
NFL: Thoughts on the NFL Rule Changes
Image courtesy of Brian McCarthy/NFL P.R There were several new rules that were introduced at this week’s coaches and general manager meetings in Florida. Here are my thoughts on some new rule changes that were implemented. New Catch Rule: I think it is great that the NFL changed the catch rule and made it clearer for players and fans alike. I am sure it is no consolation to Cowboys fans after…
2018 NFL Draft: Memo to the Josh Allen Haters. All of the Quarterbacks in this Class Have Flaws
Josh Allen is the talk of this draft but some of the criticism of him is over the top. Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen is the most polarizing and talked about player in the 2018 draft. Allen has divided the scouting community and the media alike. You either love him or you loathe him as a prospect. Put me in the love him column. There is a lot to like about…
2018 NFL Draft: Scouting the Safeties
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…
2018 NFL Draft: Scouting the Cornerbacks
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….
Patriots Pulse Blog: The Patriots Add Two Intriguing Offensive Pieces in Hill and Patterson
The Patriots added two intriguing pieces this past weekend when they signed free agent running back Jeremy Hill and traded for return specialist Cordarelle Patterson. At 6-1 233, Hill is a big back who runs down hill and pushes the pile. He is a short yardage, goal line back who could complement the other running backs on the roster well. The Patriots signed Hill to a one year, $1 million…
Patriots Pulse Blog: Familiarity and Acquiring Players Go Hand and Hand With Bill Belichick
When it comes to acquiring players, Bill Belichick prefers to sign draft players or sign free agents from schools where he has or had a relationship with the head coach. Want proof? Look at the Patriots acquisitions this week. New England traded for cornerback Jason McCourty who played at Rutgers for Greg Schiano. Schiano and Belichick are good friends. They are so close in fact that Schiano almost joined the…
Patriots Pulse Blog: Patriots sign Adrian Clayborn. Meh…
The Patriots agreed to terms with free agent defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Terms of the deal were not disclosed but the former Atlanta Falcon finished with 9.5 sacks last season. Six of those sacks came in one game against the Dallas Cowboys. The 6-3 280 pound Clayborn can play both the five technique and nine technique defensive end spots. Clayborn is primarily a power rusher but he is also a…