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.

Little Giants? New York’s Draft Grade

May 13, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Round 1: Odell Beckham Jr.
A playmaker for Eli, but the Giants had other needs

And with the twelfth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the New York Giants select…….. Odell Beckham Jr., wide receiver, LSU. The New York Giants needed a receiver in this draft, but it was a stretch to get Beckham here. Don’t get me wrong, he is a terrific receiver and adds a playmaker for the Giants. However, given the depth of this draft at receiver and who was available the Giants could have done better. One thing the Giants have been great at is finding wide outs in later rounds. They already have Cruz and Randle who are wideouts that can stretch the field. If anything, they needed a bigger target to fill Nicks’ shoes by being a red zone threat and the go to target on third down. With other great prospects available like Aaron Donald who would have been a perfect fit on the defensive line or Zack Martin to bolster the offensive line Beckham was a stretch. Receiver was a need, but not one of the Giants biggest needs. Also, would it kill Jerry Reese to draft a linebacker? Seriously? CJ Mosley could have been the Giants middle linebacker for the next decade and sured up the defense. With other better options available and the depth of receiver in this draft, this pick could have been used better. Grade: C –
Round 2: Weston Richburg
The center of attention

This pick does address the woes on the offensive line, but still is another stretch pick. Richburg is considered one of the top centers in the draft but the confusing thing is that the best center was still there. Marcus Martin is the best center in the draft and was available when the Giants picked. If anything, the Giants could have waited another round or two to pick Richburg. Richburg is a good leader and a center who can pull effectively in the running game. He does have the tool set to compete and probably be the starting center in 2014. However, with the best center still on the board and better players like Troy Nicklas and Jace Amaro available at tight end, another position of need, this was another stretch pick the Giants didn’t necessarily need to make. Grade: C
Round 3: Jay Bromley
Beefing up the defense

Another pick, another stretch. Projected as a fifth round pick, the Giants decided to boost their defensive line with Syracuse’s Jay Bromley. Bromley projects to be a rotational defensive tackle that is a solid pass rusher and run stopper. The issue is he is not an upgrade over what they already have and will have minimal impact next season. By passing Donald in the first round, the Giants should have used to pick to address other needs. Plus Louis Nix, a better defensive tackle, was available. he would have been a better pick or even Auburn’s Tre Mason at running back. With other players available on the offensive line and at linebacker, the Giants could have once again used this pick better. Grade: C –
Round 4: Andre Williams
Giants next great running back?

With Rashad Jennings already in the fold, Williams will be a great complement in the Giants backfield. He may not be a dynamic back or make catches out of the backfield, but he is a tough in between the tackles runner. Williams is a solid back who just runs the ball well. He projects to be a 20-25 carry back and could be the feature back for the Giants attack sooner than later. With great value and helping to take pressure off of Eli with the running game, this pick could turn out being one of the steals of the draft. Grade: A+
Round 5: Nat Berhe
Depth in the secondary

The Giants did address the depth at safety, however once again there were better options available. The problem is that Berhe maybe a great backup/role player for the Giants, but there were starters available. True, Berhe has the potential to be a starter down the line, but the Giants could have upgraded the offensive line with Cyril Richardson at guard who could start from day one. Also, Aj McCarron was still available and would have been a great backup for Eli Manning. There’s no question he is an upgrade over Curtis Painter. While it’s not a bad pick, it could have been better by addressing the offensive line or backup quarterback. Grade: C
Round 5: Devon Kennard
Good news linebacker, bad news late pick at linebacker

Devon Kennard is a solid pick for the Giants here. Kennard may not be a physically dominating player, but his intangibles and motor make him a football player that’s hard to dislike. His versatility makes him an instant backup for the Giants as he fills the depth at linebacker in both the middle and outside. He will not be a starter, but will be a valuable backup and special teams player who will make the roster from day one. The only thing that I do not like about this is once again the Giants leave the need at linebacker on the back burner. With plenty of talent in the first four rounds at the position it’s a head scratcher why the position wasn’t addressed earlier. Overall a solid pick that addresses the depth chart. Grade: B
Round 6: Bennett Jackson
Addressing the secondary

Once again right idea, just a little too late. With better prospects in the earlier rounds, drafting Jackson here is a decent pick but just comes off as better late than never from the Giants brass. A very good athlete Jackson is a raw corner who will need time to develop. If he hopes to make the 53 man roster he must become a good special teams player. He could be depth at corner, but is probably below the fourth spot on the depth chart and will better suited to the practice squad. With Daniel McCullers still available at defensive tackle, it seems like the Giants took on the wrong project at this point. Best case scenario is that Jackson becomes a slot corner for the Giants or a solid backup. Worse case, he will be unemployed by the start of 2014. Grade B –

Overall Grade: C
Not the best year for Big Blue

Giants fans may think this grade is harsh, but if it wasn’t for the Andre Williams pick this grade would be at least a C -. Why so harsh you say? The Giants came in with only a handful of draft picks and needed to make everyone count. By not trading back to acquire more picks the Giants decided to stretch for prospects with better options on the board. They did not address the tight end position at all in the draft despite having solid options in rounds 2-3 and capable projects later on. The Giants went after a very good receiver, who I think will be great Giants fans, but there were better options available at the time and he doesn’t fit the big target receiver the Giants need. While Beckham will be a good pairing with Cruz, the Giants missed out on talented players that could have made a bigger impact. In round 2, they did draft a center but not the best one available and one that would have been available later. Also, they passed on talented tight ends that would have helped Eli. The big problem for the Giants was that in rounds 1-3 they reached for players that were late round picks while avoiding talented players who could have had a bigger impact. In the later rounds they did add some critical depth, but outside of Williams these players do not look like contributors outside of backups in 2014. Last year was a rough one for the Giants. However, 2014 could be worse as the Giants neglected key holes on their defense and offensive line. It’s great Eli has more weapons, but what good will that do if he is on the turf? I could be wrong about this draft and the Giants may have made some great picks. But as of now Big Blue looks more like the Little Giants after the 2014 NFL Draft.

Report Card: Jets 2014 NFL Draft Grades

May 12, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Calvin Pryor: Round 1
Jets went defense in round one? Is anyone really surprised

And with the 18th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the New York Jets select…. Calvin Pryor, Safety, University of Louisville. While people may not like this pick because it did not fit the biggest needs on the team, the Jets still needed help in their depleted secondary. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix maybe the more polished prospect at this point, but Pryor’s upside and ability to be a thumper in the run game makes him a perfect fit for Rex’s defense. With the best wideouts and corners off the board, it’s better that the Jets took one of the better players available rather than reaching. Also, this pick helps the cornerback issue because Pryor’s range will help the corners with his coverage over the top. Plus, receivers may think twice coming over the middle knowing the Louisville slugger is patrolling center field. Hey, we’ve seen the Seattle blueprint for big hitting safeties and that’s worked out pretty well for them. Grade: A
Jace Amaro: Round 2
Big target for Geno or Michael

Looks like Geno Smith will finally have a security blanket in 2014. A potential first round prospect picked up in round two, Amaro is a versatile weapon who can lineup all over the field. What he lacks in run blocking, Amaro makes up for with great hands and the ability to get open in space. With tight ends becoming more utilized in passing games anyways, this pick gives the Jets another legitimate weapon on offense and a big target in the middle of the field. Whenever a player is compared to Gronkowski, that usually is a good indication that he makes plays on offense. This could be a steal for the Jets based on Amaro’s versatility. Grade A+
Dexter McDougle: Round 3
Guess third time is not the charm

With two great picks, the Jets stumbled with their third selection. McDougle is the biggest stretch for the Jets in this draft and the big question is why they picked him so early? With a good receiver in Donte Moncrief on the board and a possible starting guard in Gabe Jackson, McDougle looked like a player who would be available later where the Jets had a plethora of late round picks. There were also some other great corner prospects like Pierre Desir that they could have gotten down the line. While he did run a 4.4 40 at his pro day, the problem I have with this pick is the fit. True, he has the speed to play slot corner, but McDougle is better in a zone defensive scheme. His struggles in man coverage in college make it a head scratcher why the Jets wanted him in a defense where corners need to play great man coverage. While I hope to be proven wrong, this pick seems like a mistake. Grade: D+
Jalen Sanders: Round 4
Another head scratcher

Finally, the Jets took a receiver! Problem is it didn’t make a lot of sense. At 5’9 with very good speed, Sanders seems to be destined for special teams and a slot receiver. Problem? Jeremy Kerley has already established himself as a very good slot receiver. With Kerley ahead on the depth chart the only reason this pick makes some sense is because Kerley is an upcoming free agent and the Jets wanted a backup plan. While that’s all well and good, Sanders still figures to be at best a fourth receiver this season. He has upside, but this seemed like a stretch where the Jets could have addressed other needs. Grade: C –
Shaq Evans: Round 4
Loading up at receiver

This may be my favorite receiver pick in the draft. Evans is just a solid football player. While he doesn’t have a particular attribute that sets him apart, he is just a consistent receiver who makes catches. He reminds me of another very good Jets wide out, Jerricho Cotchery. He might not be a game changer, but has the upside to be a great number 2 possession receiver who moves the chains and makes critical catches. Evans could be a dark horse to be the Jets #2 receiver for opening day. Grade: A-
Dakota Dozier: Round 4
Small school, big potential

It’s almost appropriate that an offensive linemen has the name Dozier. While he was a very good left tackle at Furman Southern, Dozier has the potential to be a very good guard in the NFL. There’s no question, this guy is a road grater. While he still is a raw player, with the right coaching Dozier could be a starter on the line this season or be groomed into a full-time starter within three years. Worst case scenario for 2014, is that Dozier provides the interior line with depth. With tremendous upside and great run blocking ability, this looks like a match made in heaven for the Jets ground and pound philosophy. At least this means that Vlad Ducasse era is officially over. Jets fans rejoice! Grade:B+

Jeremiah George: Round 5
More depth in the middle

This pick adds some depth to the middle linebackers. If things go right George could be third on the depth chart by the end of camp. While he is undersized, George is a solid run defender. While at times he may get overwhelmed, Ryan is known for either coaching his players up or putting them in the right fit for the defense. It may not be an impact pick, but it still provides depth to a position where the Jets were thin. Grade: B

Brandon Dixon Round 6:
Another piece in the “Seattle Blueprint”

Seattle in New York anyone? This pick just screams Seattle blueprint for a defense. A small school prospect from Northwest Missouri St., Dixon has the size at 5’11 that teams are now looking for. A raw player with huge upside, he may see limited time this season but could eventually be a starter if coached properly down the road. If training camp goes well, Dixon may even push to be the third corner on the depth chart. A pick with a lot of potential, this could be a diamond in the rough that also addresses the woeful depth at corner. Grade B+
Quincy Enunwa: Round 6
More targets more success?

Another receiver? Must be the Jets. Though he may be a sixth round pick, Enunwa maybe pushing not only for a spot on the roster, but pushing Stephen Hill out-of-town. At 6’2 and 225, Enunwa is a great fit in the Jets west coast offense as a Z or X receiver. If he can work on his hands, Enunwa is a good route runner and can be another reliable target. While he lacks the elite speed as a wideout, like Evans he could be a solid possession receiver that at least provides depth. However, as a sixth round pick on a team now filled with receivers, Enunwa will have to have a strong camp to avoid the practice squad or worse the unemployment line. Grade: B
Round 6: Ik Enemkpali
Dark horse pass rusher?

It’s almost amazing that it took this long for Ryan to draft a defensive lineman. As a defensive end in college, Enemkpali figures to transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker in Ryan’s scheme. While he was a successful bull rusher in college it remains to be seen whether or not he can develop into a standup pass rusher. With Calvin Pace still on the team, it could give Enemkpali time to develop. However, I do not see him making the roster this year and he must perform well enough to make practice squad. With their scheme, Michael Sam would have been a better fit here. Grade: C
Tajh Boyd: Round 6
From son to father

You just knew that the Jets would draft someone from Clemson. With Rex’s son on the team, you just knew that Ryan would find at least one or two players he liked. With the quarterback battle between Smith and Vick, the Jets will now have a battle for the third quarterback spot between Simms and Boyd. Boyd was a dynamic playmaking quarterback in college but the question was could he be consistent enough in the pros? Hopefully he can develop and become the backup after Michael Vick leaves. It will be interesting if the will use him as an offensive weapon and possible try him out as a receiver Good pick for depth, but think Daniel McCullers could have been a steal to beef up the interior D-line. Grade: B-
Trevor Reiley: Round 7
The Diamond in the rough for the Jets

This maybe my favorite pick in the draft. I love this kid. The Jets stole Reiley in the seventh round and have a player who not only could make the opening day roster, but could become a very good starter in a short time. While he maybe 26, Reiley is a solid football player with a motor that does not quit. While he can be a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker, Reiley has the versatility to lineup all over the field. A competitive and hard as nails linebacker, he just screams Rex Ryan football player. He may not be the most athletic player on the field, but with his motor and football savvy Reiley could be a player teams will look back at and say why the heck did we not draft this kid? A player with versatility and who can impact special teams, this could be a great steal that the Jets have made. Grade A-
Final grade: B+: While the Jets may not have come away with an elite corner or big time receiver in this draft, they did get solid football players and provided much-needed depth to a roster that was incredibly thin. While I would have liked to see the Jets move up a few times to get a receiver or corner, they had a solid draft and clearly have a plan going forward. Despite the McDougle reach and waiting to the fourth round to address the wide out position, the Jets had a great draft and grabbed players in the later rounds with tremendous upside. While Pryor and Amaro will make instant impacts, this could be a draft where the impact will not be fully realized until 2 or 3 years down the road. Some people may not agree, but the Jets made the most selections in 2014. More picks, more chances for diamonds in the rough.

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.

Shark Bait: San Jose Blows 3-0 Lead

May 1, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Once again despite their talent, the Sharks are out early

What a difference a week makes! After embarrassing the Los Angeles Kings in three consecutive games, the San Jose Sharks once again gave their fan base the illusion of a Stanley Cup Contender. They had even done the impossible, make Jonathan Quick, one of the games best goaltenders, look like a turnstile with 17 goals to open up the series. However, the Sharks forgot that you have to win four games to advance.

After a 4-3 victory in LA for game 3, the Sharks folded like a cheap accordion. Forget about a collapse, talk about an implosion. In their final four games San Jose was outscored 18-5, and even that makes it sound closer than it actually was. Watching their pitiful performance last night, it was apparent that this team wasn’t even close to playing inspired hockey. Forget about still on the bus, the Sharks looked like they never made the trip back home. One thing is clear, the Sharks time is running out. In what can only be described as the decade dynasty of Despite this, in those ten years they have never played in a Stanley Cup Final and have lost in three conference finals even with high conference seedings and home ice advantage. Something needs to change in San Jose.

It’s great that the team is in the playoffs, but terrible that they can never deliver. Sharks fans should be embarrassed by the pitiful showing of this team in the playoffs. After this postseason it is clear that the San Jose Sharks are no predator in the National Hockey League. Instead, they are just shark bait for the Western Conference.

Michael Vick From Eight to Great?

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

Mystery solved! Today Michael Vick announced that he will wear the number 8 for the Jets next season. With Geno Smith already owning number 7 on the Jets, Vick has said that he choose the number 8 as tribute to one of his favorite players, Hall of Famer Steve Young. Vick has lofty expectations, and sounds like he believes that not only he will beat out Geno Smith in training camp, but get the Jets to the Super Bowl. He posted “I want to see everybody in there MV8 jerseys this year. I appreciate all the fans that helped. Fresh start..new me! #JetsNation #GangGreen #V8”. While his confidence is there, Vick still has a one way to go before the season. Even if he doesn’t beat out smith for the starting job, he has put himself in the perfect position to become the newest spokesman for V8. Will 8 be great? The Jets sure hope so.

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