New England Football Journal®

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…

By John Sarianides Forrest Lamp, Dan Feeney and Dion Dawkins will all be drafted in the first two rounds. The rest of this of this guard class will probably go end of day and day three. This is a deep group with several starts that could potentially start in the future. Here are our top ten guards for the 2017 draft. 1. Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky, 6-4 309, NFL Comparison: Zach…

By John Sarianides Alright kiddos. Here is my third of five mock drafts. To quote Trump: Enjoy!  1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M: After an impressive pro day, Garrett is even more of a lock as the number one overall pick. 2. San Francisco 49ers: Jamal Adams, S, LSU: The Niners would trade this pick if the right offer came along. If not. They’ll take the versatile Adams….

By John Sarianides Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes is garnering a lot of attention thus far in the pre draft process. Several teams attended his pro day last week and some of those teams have set up visits with him.  I can see why teams like Mahomes and why they would draft him in the first round. Here are three reasons why I wouldn’t draft Mahomes in the first round. …

By John Sarianides The 2017 offensive tackle class is not as good as we have seen in recent years but there is still enough talent in this group that four to five starters could emerge from the group. 1. Garrett Bolles, Utah, 6-5 297, NFL Comparison: Anthony Castanzo -Bolles is athletic and can get to the second level and seal linebackers with ease. -Moves well laterally and is effective on run…