Category: NFL

ESPN published an article titled “Biggest off season questions for each NFL team,” so me, being the smart-ass I am will take those questions and answer them in an 8-part series (1 for each division.)

Houston Texans

Q: What’s next at quarterback?

A: On March 9th the Houston Texans signed Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million contract. Brock Osweiler threw for almost 2,000 yards in just seven starts last year for the Denver Broncos. I feel like this is a good fit and a good signing for the Texans, I believe that this will carry Houston to their third ever playoff win in the history of the franchise.

Short Answer: Osweiler carries Houston to a playoff win

Indianapolis Colts

Q: Can the Colts fix their offensive line?

A: For Andrew Luck’s sake I certainly hope so. The Center and the Guard positions are Indianapolis’ biggest weaknesses and of course they probably won’t draft an offensive lineman in the first round… Center is never a first round position and the Guards in this draft are subpar. Overall I do not believe this will be fixed this year.

Short Answer: NO

Jacksonville Jaguars

Q: Can the Jaguars spend their way to respectability?

A: It seems like that is what Jacksonville is trying to do. They have already made big splashes with signings of Malik Jackson (6 years, $90 million)  and Tashaun Gibson (5 years, $35.5 million) and in my latest mock draft I have them picking Joey Bosa, and if Bosa doesn’t fall to the 5th pick they will still get a fantastic player in UCLA LB Myles Jack. So the answer is yes, the Jaguars will become a respectable team this year

Short Answer: Yes

Tennessee Titans

Q: What will the team do with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft?

A: Well that is the question isn’t it. In 2/3 of my mock drafts (including the most recent one) I have the Titans drafting Mississippi OT Laremy Tunsil who is far and away the best offensive lineman in the draft and the offensive line is Tennessee’s biggest weakness. However, there is always a possibility that the Titans go with arguably the best player in the draft, Joey Bosa.

Short Answer: Draft Tunsil, but don’t be surprised if they change it up and go with Bosa

#1 – Tennessee Titans

The Pick: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

#2 – Cleveland Browns

The Pick: Jared Goff, QB, California

#3 – San Diego Chargers

The Pick: Jalen Ramsey, FS, Florida State

#4 – Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

#5 – Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: Joey Bose, DE, Ohio State

#6 – Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

#7 – San Francisco 49ers

The Pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

#8 – Miami Dolphins

The Pick: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

#9 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State

#10 – New York Giants

The Pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

#11 – Chicago Bears

The Pick: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

#12 –  New Orleans Saints

The Pick: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

#13 – Philadelphia Eagles

The Pick: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

#14 – Oakland Raiders

The Pick: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

#15 – Los Angeles Rams

The Pick: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

#16 – Detroit Lions

The Pick: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

#17 – Atlanta Falcons

The Pick: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

#18 – Indianapolis Colts

The Pick: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

#19 – Buffalo Bills

The Pick: Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville

#20 – New York Jets

The Pick: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

#21 – Washington Redskins

The Pick: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

#22 – Houston Texans

The Pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

#23 – Minnesota Vikings

The Pick: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

#24 – Cincinnati Bengals

The Pick: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

#25 – Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pick: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

#26 – Seattle Seahawks

The Pick: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

#27 – Green Bay Packers

The Pick: Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky

#28 – Kansas City Chiefs

The Pick: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

#29 – Arizona Cardinals

The Pick: William Jackson III, CB, Houston

#30 – Carolina Panthers

The Pick: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

#31 – Denver Broncos

The Pick: Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State

ESPN published an article titled “Biggest off season questions for each NFL team,” so me, being the smart-ass I am will take those questions and answer them in an 8-part series (1 for each division.)

Baltimore Ravens

Q: Will the Ravens make sure they recapture their identity as a run-first team?

A: The Ravens weren’t very good last year and were behind for most of their games. It’s very hard to be a run-first team when you’re playing from behind. I do think the Ravens will go back to running the ball effectively enough that they don’t need to play from behind, they might have to after Joe Flacco’s reconstructive knee surgery.

Short Answer: With Flacco coming back from surgery, I hope so

Cincinnati Bengals

Q: Is the Bengals’ championship window narrowing?

A: The Bengals have suffered a lot of injuries that have derailed their championship hopes the past few years. That is less of a problem than just bad luck. For example, last year with Andy Dalton and his thumb surgery. Despite players such as Adam “Pacman” Jones and George Iloka possibly leaving in free agency the Bengals have proven they can rebuild through the draft, and I have confidence.

Short Answer: No

Cleveland Browns

Q: Who will be the Browns’ next quarterback?

A: In my latest mock draft I have the Cleveland Browns taking Jared Goff, a quarterback from California, but I doubt the Tennessee Titans will take a quarterback with the #1 pick while they have Mariota at the helm so the Browns have their own pick of quarterbacks at the #2 pick whether it be Goff or Paxton Lynch (Memphis) or Carson Wentz (North Dakota State).

Short Answer: Jared Goff

Pittsburgh Steelers

Q: Would an upgraded secondary put the Steelers over the top?

A: In the first three rounds of NFL.com’s latest NFL mock draft they only have the Steelers taking one secondary player, and I think it isn’t the Steelers’ biggest need. the Steelers are better off taking an outside linebacker or upgrading their offensive line, at least in round #1. The steelers aren’t that far off from an NFL Title, but secondary isn’t the place they need to be upgraded at.

Short Answer: No

ESPN published an article titled “Biggest off season questions for each NFL team,” so me, being the smart-ass I am will take those questions and answer them in an 8-part series (1 for each division.)

Buffalo Bills

Q: Will the Bills continue to decline on defense?

A: According to espn.go.com (I’m not sure if you’ve heard of them) The Bills dropped from 1st in defensive expected points added to just 14th in the league. A few days ago Mario Williams was released so it might get even worse. Most people have the Bills taking a edge rusher in their mock drafts, and I have them taking outside linebacker Darron Lee.

Short Answer: Not if they play the draft right

Miami Dolphins

Q: Can Adam Gase fix Ryan Tannehill?

A: Former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase was hired as Miami’s head coach over the offseason and one of his main selling points is the magic he works with quarterbacks, he even made Jay Cutler into an actual NFL-Starter level quarterback. I do think he can do the same thing with Ryan Tannehill as long as they build their offensive line in the later rounds of the draft.

Short Answer: Yes

New England Patriots

Q: How will the Deflategate saga end for Tom Brady?

A: On March 3rd, the day this article is published a federal court in downtown Manhattan will hear the NFL’s appeal of Deflatgate, the scandal involving Tom Brady deflating footballs. Each side will have 15 minutes to argue the highlights of their report. The ruling is expected in up to 3 months. Paul Clement, who is one of the nations best appellate lawyers will argue for the NFL, however, as good as he is the NFL won’t win.

Short Answer: A win for Brady

New York Jets

Q: Will they keep their defensive line together?

A: Jets nose tackle Damon Harrison is rumored to test free agency over the off season and according to spotrac.com he is trending up in value and is ranked as the number seven defensive tackle in the NFL. I feel like he will leave in free agency because of the money the Jets will give to Muhammad Wilkerson, so to answer your question: No, they can’t.

Short Answer: No

ESPN published an article titled “Biggest off season questions for each NFL team,” so me, being the smart-ass I am will take those questions and answer them in an 8-part series (1 for each division.)

Arizona Cardinals

Q: What is the state of their two best players?

A: There is really no way to predict how Tyrann Mathieu will compate to earlier this year after having reconstructive knee surgery. On the other hand Carson Palmer has been an NFL Most Valuable Player candidate, but in big games the Fresno, CA native has faltered, and in the NFC Championship Game, he threw 4 interceptions and fumbled the ball twice.

Short Answer: Carson can’t play on the big stage

Los Angeles Rams (That’s gonna be hard to get used to)

Q: What’s the plan at quarterback?

A: In my Mock Draft I had the Philadelphia Eagles drafting Carson Wentz with the #13 pick, but now that Philadelphia has resigned Bradford. That would possibly let Wentz drop to #15 (The Lions [#14] don’t need one) and that is where the Rams sit. Wentz’s stock has been rising throughout the offseason, and going in the top half of the draft is certainly reasonable.

Short Answer: CARSON WENTZ

San Francisco 49ers

Q: Will new coach Chip Kelly embrace quarterback Colin Kaepernick?

A: Colin Kaepernick is a dual threat quarterback, and someone that Head Coach Chip Kelly would hypothetically be his guy. Kaepernick got benched last season so the 49ers might go after Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch in the draft. However, as I said earlier Kaepernick fits the former Oregon coach’s style. So yes, I do believe Kelly will embrace Kaep.

Short Answer: YES

Seattle Seahawks

Q: Do the Seahawks need to fix their offensive line?

A: Obviously Seattle needs some new talent on their offensive line. But you can’t ignore the fact that despite what seems like an awful offensive line the Seahawks are one of the greatest offenses in the NFL. With multiple 100-yard rushing games, on paper yes but at the end of the day I feel like the Seahawks should go after something on the defense in the draft.

Short Answer: On paper yes, but they should actually target defense in the draft

#1 – Tennessee Titans

The Pick: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

#2 – Cleveland Browns

The Pick: Jared Goff, QB, California

#3 – San Diego Chargers

The Pick: Jalen Ramsey, FS, Florida State

#4 – Dallas Cowboys

The Pick: A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

#5 – Jacksonville Jaguars

The Pick: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss

#6 – Baltimore Ravens

The Pick: Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

#7 – San Francisco 49ers

The Pick: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame

#8 – Miami Dolphins

The Pick: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

#9 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Pick: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon

#10 – New York Giants

The Pick: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson

#11 – Chicago Bears

The Pick: Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State

#12 – New Orleans Saints

The Pick: Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

#13 – Philadelphia Eagles

The Pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

#14 – Oakland Raiders 

The Pick: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama

#15 – Los Angeles Rams

The Pick: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

#16 – Detroit Lions

The Pick: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State

#17 – Atlanta Falcons

The Pick: Noah Spence, DE, Easterm Kentucky

#18 – Indianapolis Colts

The Pick: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State

#19 – Buffalo Bills

The Pick: Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State

#20 – New York Jets

The Pick: Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame

#21 – Washington Redskins

The Pick: Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor

#22 – Houston Texans

The Pick: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

#23 – Minnesota Vikings

The Pick: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

#24 – Cincinnati Bengals

The Pick: Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

#25 – Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pick: Jonathan Bullard, DE Florida

#26 – Seattle Seahawks

The Pick: Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State

#27 – Green Bay Packers

The Pick: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss

#28 – Kansas City Cheifs

The Pick: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State

#29 – Arizona Cardinals

The Pick: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

#30 – Carolina Panthers

The Pick: Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson

#31 – Denver Broncos

The Pick: Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn

ESPN published an article titled “Biggest off season questions for each NFL team,” so me, being the smart-ass I am will take those questions and answer them in an 8-part series (1 for each division.)

Atlanta Falcons

Q: Is quarterback Matt Ryan on the right track under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan?

A: The Falcons defense got a big overhaul last year, moving from 27th in points allowed all the way up to 14th in the league. On the offensive side of the ball, that didn’t happen. In fact it might have gotten worse. Last year Atlanta’s prize quarterback threw 14 interceptions, this year he threw 16, which is the most interceptions of any quarter back in the NFC South.

Short Answer: NO

Carolina Panthers

Q: What is the psychological fallout from the Super Bowl?

A: The Panthers were 17-1 going into the big game this year and blew most of their opponents out. Cam Newton dabbed and celebrated and told anyone that disliked him for it to “stop him,” and then someone stopped him. Carolina was embarrassed by the Broncos and after the game Cam Newton stormed out of the press conference. Your an NFL athlete. You can’t do that.

Short Answer: We’ve seen it in Newton’s press conference

New Orleans Saints

Q: Can New Orleans fix its defense while creating cap flexibility?

A: The salary cap! Always one of my favorite topics (it really isn’t).  Okay so I assume answering this question starts with who they should draft and to me that person is either Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville) or one of the Alabama DT’s (Jaraan Reed/A’Shawn Robinson). After that it’s all about restructuring current contracts as 15% of New Orleans’ current cap space for players not even on the roster.

Short Answer: Yes

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Q: Will the team keep running back Doug Martin?

A: Doug Martin was named to my list of runningbacks that were the most underrated at the start of the season. The combo of Jameis Winston and Doug Martin worked better than anyone could possibly expect. Now that the team has a stable quarterback they can sign Martin to a bigger deal. According to spotrac.com it would be around the range of 4 years and 27.8 Million Dollars.

Short Answer: Yes

ESPN published an article titled “Biggest off season questions for each NFL team,” so me, being the smart-ass I am will take those questions and answer them in an 8-part series (1 for each division.)

Chicago Bears

Q: How much ground can the Bears gain on defense?

As much hate as Jay Cutler gets. It’s the defense of Chicago that is really costing them. The Bears defense ranked 26th in the league in ESPN’s Expected Points Added (EPA). Vic Fangio, Chicago’s defensive coordinator is talented at what he does and bringing in A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama) is the logical draft pick at number 11 in my opinion. They will gain ground, but be reasonable, expect a top-20 defense next season.

Short Answer: Top-20 defense next year (#26 in 2015)

Detroit Lions

Q: Can the Lions build a running game?

A: Detroit ranked dead last in the league in rushing yards and yards per rush this past year, and that has much to do with a weak offensive line. That isn’t the type of thing you can fix in just one offseason, but the Lions should consider selecting a tackle like Jack Conklin with their first round pick. It’s the first step in rebuilding a once great Detroit running game.

Short Answer: Not in the short term

Green Bay Packers

Q: What is the fallout from two really difficult seasons?

A: The Packers are 22-10 in their last two campaigns, just outside of the top 5 in the league. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, but Green Bay has had back-to-back Hall Of Fame quarterbacks and yet only has 2 Lombardi Trophy’s to show for it. I believe the Packers have to make a splash this year in the free agency market, even if that goes against Green Bay’s recent trend.

Short Answer: Pack should make a splash in FA

Minnesota Vikings

Q: Can the Vikings upgrade their protection of Teddy Bridgewater?

A: According to ESPN.go.com (You might have heard of them) Teddy Bridgewater was pressured the most of any quarterback in the NFL this past season. That’s a problem. However, there is good news for Vikings fans. ProFootballFocus projects  Joe Barksdale (OT) to be Minnesota’s #1 free agency target and NFL.com projects Cody Whitehair (OG) to be the Vikes’ top draft pick.

Short Answer: YES! 

ESPN published an article titled “Biggest off season questions for each NFL team,” so me, being the smart-ass I am will take those questions and answer them in an 8-part series (1 for each division.)

Dallas Cowboys

Q: How seriously should the Cowboys address their long-term QB situation?

A: They shouldn’t use the #4 overall pick on drafting a replacement for Romo, using that as a way to bolster Dallas’ struggling defense would be much smarter. However, Romo missed 3/4 of Dallas’ season this past year and Romo hasn’t played a full season since 2012 which means investing a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg would be very valuable.

Short Answer: Use a 2nd/3rd Round Pick on a QB

New York Giants

Q: How is the pass rush going to improve significantly?

A: The pass rush of the Giants has been a staple of the team for a long time. In New York’s past two Super Bowl winning years they have totaled for 52 sacks (2007) and 48 sacks (2011). This past year the Giants totaled for just 27 sacks. That’s a problem. Which is why I see the Giants drafting Shaq Lawson with the #10 overall pick in this year’s draft.

Short Answer: Draft Shaq Lawson at #10 Overall

Philadelphia Eagles

Q: How will the Sam Bradford situation play out?

A: There are three teams that will consider Bradford/ he will consider them: the Texans, the Browns, and the Eagles. I feel like he won’t sign with the Eagles unless they franchise him, and Bradford will probably get paid a couple more million dollars if he signs with Cleveland, but he has made 76 Million$ in his career and will probably sacrifice that to inherit a playoff ready team that’s missing piece is a quarterback.

Short Answer: Sign with the Houston Texans

Washington Redskins

Q: What type of contract will Kirk Cousins get?

A: Contract negotiations have apparently stopped between the Washington Redskins and Kirk Cousins. Although Head Coach Jay Gruden has said that he is confident that he and Cousins can work out some sort of deal I believe the most likley scenario is Cousins gets franchise tagged (about 20 million a year) which is Cousin’s market value via spotrac.com that means whatever happens Cousins wins.

Short Answer: Franchise Tag

#3 – Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons

Devonta Freeman was someone that was a lower tier starting running back at the beginning of the year, he then was a pro bowl captain in his first ever appearance. Freeman led the Falcons to a 7-0 start and were one of the only two teams to defeat the Carolina Panthers.

#2 – Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Doug Martin played about 1 season worth of games in the past two years because of injuries. He came back this year with a vengeance, rushing for 1,402 yards and 6 touchdowns. He came into the year with very low expectations from everyone and came out with First Team All-Pro Honors and was named to Madden’s Team of the Year.

#1 – Thomas Rawls, Seattle Seahawks

Thomas Rawls, an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan. No one would be able to predict his outbreak. He signed with the Seahawks as an extra running back because Marshawn Lynch was injured. Then Christine Michael got traded and Robert Turbin was injured Rawls found himself in the starting role. He shined, and in a game against the Vikings he made NFL history by being the first player to amount for 250 yds, 1 rushing TD, and 1 receiving TD.