New York Jets Mock Draft 1.0 (Post Combine)

February 25, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

First Round: Amari Cooper WR Alabama

With the sixth pick in the upcoming draft, it looks like the Jets will probably miss out on both Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. If Mariota does fall to the Jets, New York could trade him to Philadelphia for a plethora of draft picks. However, in this mock draft there will be no trade scenarios and will be based on a seven round mock draft. With the pick the Jets would draft Amari Copper out of Alabama.

Cooper would be a great fit for the Jets who desperately need a playmaker to team with Eric Decker. While the Jets have the money to spend in free agency, reports from inside the organization have reported that the Jets will use that cap space for corner backs and interior line men. While the offensive line needs to be upgraded and Brandon Scherff would be a nice piece for New York, the team desperately needs play makers and will likely release Percy Harvin due to his large cap hit. Cooper can take over a game and has the size and explosiveness to be a number one receiver for whoever plays quarterback in New York. In my mock draft, he is the second receiver off the board as the Raiders take Kevin White out of West Virginia. The reason? White is two inches taller at 6’3 and ran a 4.35 40 yard dash compared to Cooper’s 4.42 time. The Raiders love big recovers who are fast and White would fit the build. However, the Jets would get a receiver who could make an impact from day one in Cooper.

Round 2: Byron Jones CB Connecticut

There is no question that the Jets secondary was abysmal last season. With Todd Bowles already stressing the need for corners in his defense the question will be when, not if the Jets draft a corner. Even if the team brings in a free agent corner, Dee Milliner’s injury concerns and the lack of depth at the position are still a huge problem. Jones is freak athlete who jumped 44 1/2 inches in the vertical leap and broke the combine record with a broad jump of over twelve feet. While his play on the field has some concerns, there is no question that his explosiveness and size at 6’1 and 199 pounds make him a great prospect. Jones has struggled in zone defenses, but has proven he is a solid man and press cover corner which fits perfectly into Bowles system.

While this may seem a little early, Bowles could look at Jones as a player he could mold into a great NFL corner. Jones also could be extra valuable to the Jets because New York has to play New England twice a year. With New England using big tight ends on the outside and in the slot, Jones’ size and explosiveness could help Bowles slow down Tom Brady’s tight ends.

Round 3: Duke Johnson RB Miami

With running backs falling in the last few drafts the Jets could get a steal in round three with Johnson. While the Jets already have Chris Ivory, Johnson’s speed and shiftiness as a runner would make him a perfect complementary piece. The best way to take pressure off whoever New York’s quarterback is going to be next season is to run the ball. While he may not be a full-time back right away, his ability to catch on third downs and ability to break off big runs would make Johnson a valuable part of the Jets offense. Scouts compare Johnson to Lesean McCoy and if he is anything like McCoy is in Philadelphia, New York would get another explosive playmaker on the offense.

Round 4: Denzel Perryman ILB Miami

Back to Miami again. Unless something dramatically changes it looks like David Harris will hit the open market and will probably get a big contract that the Jets cannot match. With a base 3-4 defense Todd Bowles and the Jets could use a second middle linebacker behind Demario Davis in the draft. Perryman ran a 4.78 at the combine and is slightly undersized at 5-11 and 236 pounds. However, he would be a great fit in the Jets defense with both great instincts and tackling. Perryman is great against the run and led the Hurricanes with 110 tackles and 9.5 tackles for a loss. On top of that, he has the athleticism and versatility to stay on the field on passing downs, one achilles heel for David Harris. While the Jets can improve most of their woes in free agency, losing Harris could be a big blow. However, Perryman could be a day one starter and could form a formidable tandem with Davis in the middle of the Jets defense for years to come.

Round 5: Corey Crawford DE Clemson

There is no question the defensive line is the strongest position on the New York Jets. However, this unit still could use some depth. Todd Bowles says that his defense is about versatility and having the ability to adjust. Crawford could be a player that would thrive under Bowles. The 6’5 283 pound defensive end from Clemson showed his versatility playing all the positions on the defensive line will also lining up as a stand up 3-4 outside linebacker. With Bowles switching between 4-3 and 3-4 fronts, and player with the versatility like Crawford gives the Jets a solid backup at multiple positions.

Round 7: Hayes Pullard ILB USC

As stated before not only is it likely that the Jets will lose David Harris, but that their depth at middle linebacker is thin. Even with Davis and Perryman, the depth at middle linebacker is still an issue and the Jets could be an injury away from a disaster. Pullard was a tackling machine at USC with 377 tackles over the past four season with the Trojans. His aggressiveness has gotten him in trouble with numerous penalties and an ejection for targeting last season. Still Pullard has proven that he is a tackling machine. While he may not be as polished and ready as Perryman, Pullard could be a versatile linebacker in Todd Bowles defense who can move around and make plays on special teams where he led the Trojans in coverage. A solid all-around player Pullard would be a nice piece on the Jets defense.

Priority Free Agent: Tyler Varga FB/RB Yale

While he could be picked in the draft, if Varga is available after the draft the Jets should go after him immediately. With Tommy Bohanon struggling at full back, the Jets could use one in Varga. As a running back in college, Varga ran for 1,423 in his senior season with 26 touchdowns. He has a nose for the end zone and proved it in the Senior Bowl, with two rushing touchdowns. While he may need to develop as a blocker, Varga showed at the Senior Bowl that he is able to block well as a full back, but his value is versatility. Varga can not only block but run with the ball effectively. In essence New York would not only get a full back, but also a running back that can line up in the backfield or as a full back depending on the situation. Todd Bowles has stressed that he wants versatile players on New York next season, and Varga could be a player that fits the mold perfectly.

America’s Grade: Dallas Cowboys Draft Grade

May 23, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 4 Comments

Round 1: Zach Martin

Protecting Tony Romo

With the first pick, much to the dismay of Cowboys fans, Dallas selected offensive lineman Zach Martin. Despite the pleas to draft Johnny Football, the Cowboys made the right pick. Trust me, it would have been entertaining to see Jerry World have Manziel in the center ring, but with the enormous contract of Tony Romo that would never happen. In order to protect their muli-million dollar man at quarterback, the Cowboys made the smart selection of Martin. He started every game in college and can play every position on the line. He will be a day one starter at tackle or guard and was the safest pick for Dallas at this point. Could become staple on their offensive line for next decade.

Grade: A

Round 2: Demarcus Lawrence

Demarcus Ware’s Replacement?

Without question the Cowboys defense was abysmal last season. Not only did the team struggle on the field, but with arguably their best playmaker in Demarcus Ware heading to Denver, this defense has problems everywhere. To address the rebuilding, the Cowboys are relying on Lawrence to be the foundation. An outside pass rusher who can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt, his flexibility means that he can moved all round in the Cowboys defense. He maybe lacking in run defense, there is no question that Lawrence can get to the quarterback. He has some big shoes to fill in Ware’s absence, but could be a consistent double-digit sack artist if utilized correctly. Dallas needs to get after the quarterback and believe that Lawrence will be happy to oblige.

Grade: A

Round 4: Anthony Hitchens

A big reach

With 5 picks in the seventh round, it’s puzzling why the Cowboys would pick a player who projected to be there. Hitchens was a productive player in college but at 6’0 and 240 pounds Hitchens will at best be a backup in the Cowboys new 4-3 defense. He fits the mold for an outside backer, but with Bruce Carter already at the weak linebacker position, Hitchens will probably be just a backup and only see a few snaps this season. With other needs and talent still available, the Cowboys stretched for a backup next season.

Grade: D+

Round 5: Devin Street

Another weapon for Romo

The Cowboys made a nice pick with Street here in the fifth round. Despite lacking elite speed, Street’s 6’3 size and great hands make him a nice red zone target for Tony Romo. With Dez Bryant the clear number one receiver on the depth chart, Street could work his way up into the number two or three spot by the end of the season. Terrance Williams will be opposite Bryant opening day, but don’t be surprised if Street becomes a solid third receiver for Cowboys. A good pick, but the Cowboys offense is not the problem. Would have been better off improving their terrible defense but at least they get a nice offensive piece.

Grade: B

Round 7: Ben Gardner

Building up D-Line

A puzzling pick. Despite their needs on the defensive line the main problem for the Cowboys is rushing the passer. Gardner is an above average run stuffer who struggles rushing the passer. If anything the only reason this pick makes sense is if the Cowboys still are unsure about what base defense to use. While they are transitioning to a 4-3, Gardner would be a solid 3-4 end and could be a backup plan if the 4-3 does not pan out. Either way, if the Cowboys do decide to stick with the 4-3 the 264 pound Gardner can’t play inside. Will have to play well on special teams or could be cut be end of training camp. Could be the case of square peg trying to fit into round hole.

Grade: D+

Round 7: Will Smith

Not that Will Smith

No, not Will Smith the actor, although you never know with Jerry Jones in his constant quest to be in the spotlight. Smith is a better prospect here in the seventh round then Hitchens was in round four. Good size and speed has the tools to develop into a versatile outside linebacker. Fits 4-3 mold and despite average run stopping skills and raw pass rushing ability, Smith is great in coverage. If he develops could be a nice role player on defense and special teams. Has more upside then Hitchens and could be a dark horse to be a late season starter and compete for a starting job next season.

Grade: B

Round 7: Ahmad Dixon

Cowboys finally address woeful secondary

Is it just me or is Jerry Jones sticking to Texas prospects? Maybe trying to make up for not drafting Johnny Manziel by drafting players his fellow Texans will know. The safety position was a disaster in Dallas last season. While the team could have addressed this in round one, Dallas waited to the seventh to add depth to the safety position. Dixon is a stout run stopping safety, whose limitations in pass coverage mean he is better suited for strong safety position. Wilcox and Heath maybe in front on the depth chart right now, but if Dixon can learn the playbook and work on his coverage, then he maybe a backup for 2014. Unlikely to start this year, but could be a nice project in two to three years if given time to develop.

Grade: B –

Round 7: Ken Bishop

Run stopper

Cowboys could see Bishop developing into a future run stopper in their 4-3 scheme. Small school prospect who will be better off in rotational role, will have to prove his worth to make 53 man roster. Could be destined to make practice squad in order to develop or could be a training camp casualty. Despite drafting two linebacker already, Yawin Smallwood was available and could have been a steal here. Missed opportunity for the boys.

Grade: C

Round 7: Terrance Mitchell

Steal in seventh round

How Mitchell was available in the seventh round I will never know. Good size makes up for lack of explosive speed and burst. Very raw player with a decent ceiling. Could make a strong case to be third cornerback on the depth chart next season or at very least fourth corner. Provides very good depth and young prospect. Left school too early, but if developed correctly could become a very good corner.

Grade: A –

Overall Grade: B –

Some hits and missed, but overall a solid draft considering lack of picks

With only four picks in the first sixth rounds, the Cowboys were under a lot of pressure to get it right. While it would have benefitted them to probably move up by trading some of their five seventh round picks, the Cowboys were limited in the top end of this draft. Zack Martin may not have been the pick Cowboys fans wanted but he was the pick they needed. A safe pick that will shore up the offensive line and help Demarco Murray and Tomy Romo instantly. The loss of Demarcus Ware is a big one on an already depleted defense but Lawrence will be a nice addition and whose pass rushing ability will fit either the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. After two great picks, the Cowboys whiffed in round four. The problem? Not only did they select better linebacking prospects in the seventh round, but also missed out on some good receivers and safeties available. Street is a nice edition in round five, but receiver wasn’t a primary need for this team. Despite eventually filling all of their needs, Dallas waited until the very end of the seventh round to it. There were some nice developmental picks in the seventh round, but it’s hard to imagine all five making the fifty-three man roster or even the practice. The good news is that the Cowboys did not completely screw up this draft and take Manziel in round one. The bad news is, their will be minimal impact by these prospects this year as these players will probably make their impact down the road after some development. They may have a lot of holes, especially on defense, but the silver lining is the Cowboys are still in the NFC East. No team significantly improved in the draft or free agency in this division and I still believe Dallas is the second best team in the division. I predict 8-8 in 2014, but at least this draft is keeping the Cowboys heading in the right direction instead of heading for a complete disaster.

New England Patriots Draft Grade

May 20, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Round 1: Dominique Easley

Easley a debatable pick

With their first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Patriots selected Dominique Easley from Florida. The first thing that surprised me was that the Patriots did not trade this pick to gain later picks especially in the second round. While Easley does offer versatility on the defensive line, a key in the Patriots defense, the problem is that they would have been better off with a run stopping nose tackle. Also, the value here is questionable. At best Easley was a third or fourth round pick. Why? Despite his pass rushing and play-making ability Easley has multiple red flags when it comes to health. With two ACL injuries in college already, durability is a major concern. Despite his flexibility in the Patriots defense, Easley being just on the field is a major concern in 2014. Also, with multiple late round picks, the Patriots could have picked him up much later and addressed safety position or added another play-maker on offense. A reach pick with injury concerns, this could come back to haunt New England. Grade: C –

Round 2: Jimmy Garoppolo

Tom Brady’s heir?

A great pick in terms of preparing for the future. Ryan Mallet is a great backup, but with his quick release and accuracy Garoppolo is a perfect fit for New England’s passing attack. One great thing about the Patriots is that they plan for the future. The hope is that in three or four years if Tom Brady decides to retire Geroppolo will be ready to step right in. This would be an A+ pick, except that it doesn’t help the Patriots in the present. Grade: A-

Round 4: Bryan Stork

Versatile backup

Stork is a versatile center who can play all along the offensive line. A long-term project in terms of becoming a full-time starter his versatility makes it easy to see why the Patriots drafted him. Once again, the Patriots stretched for a player who would have been available much later. With some very good cornerbacks and tight end prop sects available, the stretch for Stork could have cost the Patriots a starter. Grade: B –

Round 4: James White

White the right choice?

After losing their leading rusher to free agency, the Patriots needed to beef up the running back position. By passing on the talented Andre Williams earlier in the round New England took White late in round four. Despite never being the full-time back at Wisconsin, White excelled as a rotational player. He will be a nice rotational piece in the Patriots offense, but it will be hard to imagine White getting more than a handful of touches in 2014. Another reach for a player who could have been picked much later. Fills a need, but nothing more than adding to the depth chart. Grade: C

Round 4: Cameron Fleming

Beefing up the offensive line

A steal in round four, Fleming is the best value pick for the Patriots to this point. A massive right tackle with quick feet, Fleming is a powerful run blocker who has steadily improved in pass protection. With an offensive line starting to get long in the tooth, Fleming could push for a starting job at right tackle or inside at guard. Worse case scenario is that he will be a backup this season, but he has the upside to be a starter within three seasons for New England. Very smart player and a great football student, sounds like a Belichick kind of football player. Grade: B+

Round 6: Jon Halapio

Threes company

A head scratcher especially with two picks already being used on the offensive line. The offensive line maybe aging, but it’s not the biggest concern on the Patriots. Halapio is a decent run blocker, but his athleticism has been called into question. With poor pass blocking in college, it’s hard to imagine Halapio seeing action in 2014. A practice squad player at best, he could be released by Patriots before the season. Costs the Patriots a pick they could have used somewhere else. Grade: D+

Round 6: Zach Moore

Edge rusher

A division 2 standout at 6’5 and 270 pounds, Moore defiantly has the raw tools to be an effective pass rushing outside linebacker. The good news is that Belichick could use him as an effective situational pass rusher until he fully develops into an everyday player. With a great upside and a low side of being a situational pass rusher, Moore could be a dark horse for the best pick for the Patriots in this draft. Grade: B +

Round 6: Jemea Thomas

Addressing the secondary

Even with Darrelle Revis, you still need more than one corner. Thomas could compete with Logan Ryan as the number 2 corner, but will probably play in the slot. His flexibility to play at safety also adds versatility to the Patriots defense. At 5’9 his size does limit him, but he is an all around solid football player. No great attributes, but no major flaws wither. Could be a versatile role player in 2014. Grade: B

Round 7: Jeremy Gallon

Finally a weapon, but too late

A small 5’7 receiver, Gallon could be used as a slot receiver in New England. With an offense that utilizes the middle field and especially the slot receiver, Gallon could be another great weapon for Brady. He will have to have a great training camp to make opening roster and could help his chances if he can show potential as a punt/kick returner. This pick does address the offense, but waiting until the last pick was a mistake by the Patriots: Grade: B

Overall Grade: C

This was a very uncharacteristic draft for the Patriots. With no trading down to accumulate additional picks, the Patriots stood pat in 2014. Unfortunately, they stretched in the early rounds for players and while they did get some great value picks late and the Patriots have the tendency to draft a questionable player who turns into a star, this draft has more questions than answers. If anything, the late round picks have more upside then the early picks. The other problem is that this team did not address all of their needs. They ignored the tight end position, which has been devastated over the past two seasons and safety. With the importance of both these positions for what the Patriots like to do, completely ignoring both of these positions came as a big surprise. Finally, while they did shore up the future at quarterback, they did not help their current quarterback. Can the Patriots give Brady some weapons? With the lack of tight ends and wide receivers, it was a shock that the Patriots waited until round seven to get Brady a target. Round 7! If the Patriots want to win another Super Bowl, surround Brady with weapons. Tom Brady can make average players into good players, but he needs elite play-makers to make New England a Super Bowl contender. Take a note from Denver, give your quarterback some weapons. With a great group of receivers and tight ends in this draft, the Patriots missed the boat. The Patriots are still a playoff team, but with this poor draft they are not a true Super Bowl Contender.

Falling Star: Sam Bradford on trading block?

May 3, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Rams are looking to move Bradford

After bring the first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft it looked like Sam Bradford was poised to be the Rams’ franchise quarterback. After signing the largest rookie deal in league history, $78 million dollars over six years, Bradford backed this up by winning the NFL Rookie of the Year in 2010. However, in the spring of 2014, the Rams maybe looking to move their franchise quarterback and Draft his replacement in the upcoming draft.

When healthy, there is no question that Bradford is a talented quarterback, but injury issues and his massive contract may have become to large of a burden for St. Louis to bear. With $27 million dollars owed over the next two seasons in guaranteed money, it’s hard for the Rams to have faith in Bradford’s health. In the Rams last 48 games, Bradford has only started 33 of those games. With the Rams culminating a plethora of young talent the past three off seasons, they could be just a quarterback away from competing in the talented NFC West.

Sources from Rams camp have said this week that the club is looking to trade Bradford and that St. Louis is seriously considering taking Johnny Manziel with their number 2 pick. While this may seem high, there has also been talks that the Rams could also wait at pick 13 in the hopes that Manziel or Bortles could fall to them. While this is a plausible scenario, the big question is can the Rams trade Bradford and will there be a market for him?

There are teams that are desperately looking for quarterbacks, but the Rams will probably not get a high return on Bradford because of his injury history and contract. Even if the Rams agree to swallow a significant portion of the contract, they still at best would fetch maybe a mid round selection or two for Bradford. I propose that the Rams keep Bradford and draft a quarterback. In that scenario you get a talented backup to Bradford who can sit and learn while Bradford can hopefully stay healthy. If he gets hurt, then the Rams have a viable backup to take over. If Bradford plays all, then he will be easier to trade and command a higher value after next offseason. Worst case scenario, Bradford is terrible or hurt, and the Rams go their first round quarterback to take over. While there is still a lot that can happen before the Draft, this is one story we will have to keep our eyes on.

Overlooked: AJ Mccarron not being taken seriously

April 28, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Despite his college success, Mccarron is still not a top QB in this class

The NFL Draft has become a game of numbers. With more intervals and statistics than ever, it creates an overload of information when trying to judge these college players. Heck, it’s come to the point where we are asking ridiculous questions about every asset of a player’s life. Before we know it a players draft stock could plummet just because he had a cough at the combine. However, one stat that constantly gets overlooked is the most important one, winning.

In a sea of statistics bombarding every draft analyst ranging from bench presses, to forty yard dashes, and even mental tests, we forget that at the end of the day isn’t it all about winning? If it was all about the stats shouldn’t MIT professors be judging these players rather than NFL scouts? How is it that the winningest quarterback in the Draft class is not being taken seriously?

Lost in the three-horse quarterback race of Bortles, Manziel, and Bridgewater, most people have written off Alabama’s Aj Mccarron as a franchise quarterback. On pretty much every website, TV program, and draft special I have researched Mccarron isn’t even considered in the top 5 of this quarterback draft class. Blasphemous I say! If he falls to a team in the second round, he could be the steal of the 2014 Draft. Imagine if the Texans not only draft Jadeveon Clowney with the first pick but also get a great quarterback like Mccarron in the top of round 2. Houston could be back in the playoffs if they were able to pull that off.

There is no question that Mccarron is a winner

Why is Mccarron getting overlooked? He’s won two national championships as a starter and had the best record of any starter throughout his duration in college. In his career he has thrown for 77 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and thrown over 9,000 yards. Despite this, he still has little to no respect. Heck people know him more for his girlfriend, Katherine Webb, then his football career. People will say it’s because of the talent around him that made Mccarron successful, which is true that he had the most talented team in college. However, he also had to live with the highest expectations in college football. Did any other quarterback have that much pressure? Despite a 11-2 record in his senior year, a season which most programs would die for, was a complete failure by Alabama standards. If anything being able to perform under that pressure and unreasonable expectations should make NFL executives want him even more.

When studying Mccarron I compare his college career to that of a future Hall of Famer, Tom Brady. Now by no stretch of the imagination am I saying that Mccarron will be the next Tom Brady or a Hall of Famer, but both were in similar situations when drafted. Both were vastly underrated prospects, Brady was the seventh quarterback selected and Mccarron sits as the sixth or seventh quarterback on most draft boards. Brady and Mccarron were considered game managers with little room for improvement. However, the one thing both of them did in their college career was win. If put in the right system, Mccarron could be a day 1 starter and could be a solid starter in this league. Who knows? In time he could become one of the top starters in the league. Maybe ten years from now we will look back at this draft and say man, how did all of those quarterbacks go before Mccarron? He may not be the most gifted quarterback in the 2014 NFL Draft, but the one thing that AJ Mccarron has proven is he is a winner. And isn’t winning everything?

Barr Hopping: Should the Jets trade up?

April 16, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Would Barr be worth trading up for?

With less than a month to go before the NFL Draft, the New York Jets are preparing to find the pieces to get Gang Green back into the postseason. With a slew of Draft picks in a loaded draft, it looks like the Jets maybe able to do just that. While most people think the Jets should stay put with the 18th pick and select an offensive prospect, one intriguing possibility is trading up for one of the best defensive players in the draft.

There is no question that the Jets need offensive weapons. However, if they are able to sign Chris Johnson they may want to reconsider the top of their draft board. While wide receiver and tight end are vital needs for this team, the good news is that this draft is loaded at those positions with talented players being available in the second and third rounds. With that in mind, one player the Jets should consider trading up for is outside line back Anthony Barr. I know I know, the Jets need offensive pieces and help in the secondary. Why trade up? For starters this draft is loaded with talented corners and safeties that will be available from rounds 3-5, where the Jets have an abundance of picks. Using rounds 2-3 to address the offense, if the Jets can trade later draft picks or future picks to move up, it would be smart.

Of course the price has to be right, but if the Jets don’t give up too many picks, Barr would be perfect in green. As a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker, he could provide the dynamic speed pass rusher the Jets have been looking for. With the potential for double-digit sacks as a rookie and being compared to Demarcus Ware in terms of pass rushing, it’s clear that his presence in New York could be huge. The best way to help their depleted secondary could be by addressing the fronts seven. Passes can’t be completed when the quarterback is on the turf. With his flexibility to line up in different positions, Barr could make the Jets front seven one of if not the best unit in the league. Can you imagine the Jets stout defensive line with Coples and Barr as edge rushers? Talk about a nightmare for Tom Brady! If the Jets can make this deal a reality, Barr could become a dynamic playmaker for the Jets prolific defense.