Mock Draft 1: Post-Free Agency…Right Where It Should Be

Now that the NFL offseason has settled down a bit, it’s time to take a step back and see if and how the 2015 NFL draft has been affected as a result of the free agency signings and trades.  Because, you know, the NFL is sooooooo predictable and boring.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – QB Jameis Winston, Florida State

2. Tennessee Titans – DT Leonard Williams, Southern Cal

3. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska

4. Oakland Raiders – WR Amari Cooper, Alabama

5. Washington Redskins – DE Dante Fowler Jr., Florida

6. New York Jets – QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon

7. Chicago Bears – DT Danny Shelton, Washington

8. Atlanta Falcons – DE/OLB Shane Ray, Missouri

9. New York Giants – LB Shaq Thompson, Washington

10. St. Louis Rams – OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa

11. Minnesota Vikings – WR DeVante Parker, Louisville

12. Cleveland Browns – WR Kevin White, West Virginia

13. New Orleans Saints – CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State

14. Miami Dolphins – CB Jalen Collins, Louisiana State

15. San Francisco 49ers – DE Arik Armstead, Oregon

16. Houston Texans – WR/TE Devin Funchess, Michigan

17. San Diego Chargers – DT Malcom Brown, Texas

18. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri/Oklahoma

19. Cleveland Browns – OT La’el Collins, Louisiana State

20. Philadelphia Eagles – OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M

21. Cincinnati Bengals – DE/OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson

22. Pittsburgh Steelers – S Landon Collins, Alabama

23. Detroit Lions – DT Eddie Goldman, Florida State

24. Arizona Cardinals – LB Eli Harold, Virginia

25. Carolina Panthers – OT Ereck Flowers, Miami (FL)

26. Baltimore Ravens – DE/OLB Alvin “Bud” Dupree, Kentucky

27. Dallas Cowboys – RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

28. Denver Broncos – C/G Cameron Erving, Florida State

29. Indianapolis Colts – OT Andrus Peat, Stanford

30. Green Bay Packers – TE Maxx Williams, Minnesota

31. Seattle Seahawks – WR Jaelen Strong, Arizona State

32. New England Patriots – CB P.J. Williams, Florida State

Once again…totally how this will go.

Cap-Strapped: Options Available for the Baltimore Ravens

If you have a vested interest in the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, you may have been a little disappointed for the past week and a half.  Torrey Smith and Haloti Ngata, two quintessential Ravens from their most recent Super Bowl run, have either signed elsewhere or been traded.  Darian Stewart, a more than capable defensive back, signed with the Broncos.  Owen Daniels followed departed offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak to the Broncos as well.  Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee also got a well deserved pay raise from a team in Chicago that desperately needs defensive assistance.  Each of the now former Ravens were plucked away by a team that had a well-documented positional void due to roster construction and free agency.  The Ravens have only filled one of these departed slots by signing safety Kendrick Lewis.  The most positive move by GM Ozzie Newsome was the shrewd re-signing of running back Justin Forsett to a three-year deal.  For the second year in a row, Forsett represents a great value signing.  That’s what smart franchises do – they make thrifty decisions.  They do not blindly throw cap space at a problem.  They place more emphasis on player development through the draft and undrafted free agents.

That being said, it had to be crushing when nearly every “smart” or “buy-low” option spurned the Ravens for other squads.  It seems like nearly every receiver mentioned in the same sentance with Baltimore ultimately signs elsewhere, the most recent being Stevie Johnson and the San Diego Chargers.  Tight end Scott Chandler would have been a perfect fit; he decided to sign with New England.  The cornerback market is ridiculous in and of itself, so it stands to reason that the Ravens could not agree to terms with upper tier corners like Tramon Williams and Perrish Cox. So where can the Ravens turn to reload the arsenal?

Tight End

In reality, any tight end worth having on the roster as an integral piece of the offense has already been signed this offseason.  One way to improve the position is to take whatever measure or deal with the devil necessary to keep Dennis Pitta healthy.  When healthy, he has proven to be a reliable target for Joe Flacco and completely worthy of his contract.  However, he last had a healthy season in 2012.  His hip issues are a major concern, but if he can find a way to remain healthy, tight end all of a sudden becomes a strength.  Crockett Gilmore would serve as a sufficient second option in this scenario.  A second scenario would be adding a tight end through the draft.  Personally, I would be inclined to select Devin Funchess if the team really was unsure of Pitta’s health.  I know he has been mentioned as a wide receiver, but he would actually be playing a tight end dressed up as a wide receiver.  His measurables (6’4″ 232 lbs) are completely in line with a tight end, but he could still play on the outside as many offenses have afforded their more athletic players at the position.  Later round options exist in Florida State’s Nick O’Leary, Iowa State’s E.J. Bibbs, and Notre Dame’s Ben Koyack, but Michigan’s Funchess offers a lot of versatility.

Defensive Back

Even with the addition of Lewis, the defensive backfield needs shoring up.  Gambling on the healthy return of a player is once again an option.  Jimmy Smith’s healthy return from a foot injury would move Lardarius Webb to the second corner spot and Asa Jackson into the nickel package.  A starting secondary of Smith, Webb, Lewis, and Will Hill could secure the passing defense.  Should the Ravens decide to add an extra body, free agency could provide someone like Kyle Wilson who performs better in the slot or Terrance Newman at a low cost.  In the draft, Marcus Peters from Washington or Florida State’s P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby could be available in the first round near the 26th pick.  A different option would be enticing if Alabama’s Landon Collins falls to the latter portion of the first round.  Collins would be a selection of the best available player regardless of position and have more value and reward than a needs induced draft pick.  Still, it could seem redundant after selecting Matt Elam and Terrance Brooks with early picks the last two drafts.   Later rounds could yield someone like TCU’s Kevin White or Ifo-Ekpre  Olomu from Oregon at corner and Mississippi’s Cody Prewitt at safety.

Front Seven

Ngata’s absence will likely signal increased playing time for 2014 second round selection Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams.  Despite their reported interest in Terrance Knighton earlier in free agency, it makes sense that the Ravens would stand pat with what they have on the defensive line until the draft where they may spend a pick to add more developmental depth.  The linebacker position is similarly stocked as the top performers still return.  Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs may have a harder time getting to the quarterback without Ngata, but that remains to be seen.  There is youth on the edge, particularly at defensive end, that may begin to produce.  The Ravens have reportedly kicked the tires on Missouri DE/LB Shane Ray, but that would require a trade into the upper portion of the first round.  While they have the pick ammunition, that is not how Newsome and company typically operate.

Wide Receiver

Stevie Johnson would have been a great fit, and Dwayne Bowe is likely to be off the market  soon as well.  Greg Jennings remains the best option that would not reduce any future compensatory selections.  Denarius Moore could fill the missing skill set provided by Torrey Smith, and Hakeem Nicks could be worth a small deal.  During his time as a Giant, he was able to provide a significant threat within the offense.  Of the existing options on the roster, Marlon Brown could take a step forward if given more playing time.  With respect to the draft, Funchess has already been discussed as a hybrid TE/WR.  Arizona State wideout Jaelen Strong would be another big-bodied receiver available when the Ravens pick in the first round.  Ohio State wide receiver Devin Smith is another solid candidate to replace Smith’s speed.  If the Ravens wait to select a receiver, Southern Cal’s Nelson Agholor, Miami’s Phillip Dorsett, and Central Florida’s Breshad Perriman could be targeted in the second round and would bring some athletic qualities not present on the roster at present.  Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett could replace the departed Jacoby Jones as a kick returner and be a vicious slot weapon.  A pair of Maryland receivers (Stefon Diggs and Deon Long) could be worth a mid-round flier due to their worth should they remain healthy.  Do not expect the Ravens to go after Dorial Green-Beckham due to the baggage, despite his massive stature.

Regardless of what the Ravens do from here in free agency, it will consist of financially responsible moves aimed to make the Ravens stronger in 2015 and beyond.   It may be surprising to see so many new faces in the Ravens line-up, but their player development and scouting capabilities will be on full display.

-Morgantown Sports Guy

Big and T-Rich: The one surefire way Trent Richardson can rehabilitate his career

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The 2012 rookie class had so much promise as it entered the National Football League.  Two franchise quarterbacks, a franchise left tackle, a shutdown corner, a hard hitting safety, an electric wide receiver, and an uber-productive linebacker were just some of the highlights.  Oh, and there was the little matter of the most highly regarded running back since Darren McFadden.  Three short years later…oh my gosh that draft was brutal.  I even have a low opinion of Ryan Tannehill and have no qualms stating that he should have probably been drafted higher…heck he could be the best non-Luck or Wilson quarterback in that draft (I’m looking at you RGIII).  Justin Blackmon can’t stay active due to off-field mistakes, Mark Barron is on his second team, Robert Griffin III has been injured and inconsistent when healthy, and Morris Claiborne has been underwhelming.

Then there’s the matter of that franchise altering running back.  I think that term still applies to Trent Richardson, if only because he altered both the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts.  The recently waived Richardson is now free to choose his next destination, which will hopefully have a better ending than the trade-induced marriage to what should have been “The Greatest Show on Turf 2.0.”

Things started out so promising for T-Rich in Cleveland.  In his rookie season, Richardson produced 950 yards in 15 games for the Browns.  Sure, the Browns stunk, but the future looked so promising with the foundation of Richardson as the focal point of the offense.  Richardson was so highly regarded after his rookie season that he became a projected top 10 fantasy football producer in his sophomore season.  The poor souls that selected him in the first round of 2013’s fantasy draft include myself…not by design – electrical issues caused my first two draft selections to be auto-drafted.  THANKS FOR NOTHING ESPN FANTASY PROJECTIONS!

Richardson began his second season gaining only 105 yards for the Browns in their first two contests, both in losing efforts.  The injury bug struck in Indianapolis which fortunately allowed the Browns front office to do something they seldom choose to do:  make an intelligent roster move.  The Cleveland Browns, one year removed from selecting Trent Richardson 3rd overall in the NFL draft, traded him to the Indianapolis Colts for a first round pick in the 2014 draft.  The Colts were immediately praised for their roster engineering which paired the 1st and 3rd picks in the 2012 draft.  In hindsight, the trade was actually highway robbery by the Browns organization (or at least it would have been if they didn’t decide to parlay their two first round selections in 2014 for the right to select Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel).

As a Colt, Richardson was highly unproductive.  In 29 games for Indianapolis, T-Rich produced a pedestrian 977 yards – 27 more yards than he produced in his rookie season.  Some blame could definitely be placed on the offensive line, especially during the 2013 season; however, Richardson just didn’t run like he did for Cleveland as a rookie.  Don’t even get me started on his production at Alabama, either.

His lack of production in Indianapolis spelled doom for his time as a Colt as he was made inactive during the 2014-2015 playoffs and was supplanted as the starter by Dan Herron, who is most notably not a first round draft pick.  Richardson was waived by the Colts on March 12th.

Where does Trent Richardson go from here?  He has overstayed his welcome in two cities after only three seasons.  It would not be a stretch to say that Richardson is damaged goods at this point.  If he wants to make his NFL career work, he desperately needs a career rehabilitation.  Where would a running back like Trent Richardson fit best?

If I were T-Rich, I would have have already set up a meeting with Bill Belichick.  A move to the New England Patriots would be great for Richardson’s image and self-esteem.  Sure the Patriots have Jonas Gray and LeGarette Blount already in the fold; Trent Richardson has more natural talent than the pair combined, as evidenced by his elite recruiting rank and his production as a member of the Crimson Tide.  Richardson also would represent a slightly more versatile option than Blount and Gray because of his (in my opinion, underrated) receiving skills (113 career receptions for 912 yards and 2 TDs).  Sure, he’s no Shane Vereen, and he definitely isn’t the most versatile free agent running back on the market; however, he would present an opportunity for Belichick and the Patriots to have something they have rarely had during his tenure – a three-down running back that has a bona fide pedigree.  Better yet, they would be able to obtain him while his value is low, a strategy employed by the Patriots on many occasions (a la Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Julian Edleman, Blount (twice), Brandon LaFell, etc.).

What’s in it for Richardson?  First and foremost, he would be part of a roster that will continue to defy both age and roster construction standards and compete in some capacity for both the AFC title and the Super Bowl.  Rings never hurt, right?  More importantly, Richardson can recuperate his image as a football player and dynamic running back while in New England.  Sometimes all a downtrodden player needs is some of Belichick’s coaching to bring out the inner strength.  Richardson could then parlay his above average play within the Patriots offense into a bigger contract in a year or two on a team desperate for a lead running back.  He can chase his championship with New England and then get his big payday.  That’s an easy win-win.

T-Rich could accomplish his career turnaround in other locations, but they have more flaws than Foxboro.  Baltimore just paid Forsett to be its leading runner and has more pressing needs to use limited cap-space.  Richardson would never get the ball in Seattle because, let’s face it, second-fiddle to Marshawn Lynch isn’t the most glamorous position.  San Francisco is currently a mess, so who knows what kind of team they will shake out to be for 2015-2016.  San Diego has a vacancy at running back, but the current regime has yet to prove that it can develop an elite running back let alone challenge Denver and Kansas City.  Cincinnati has a split backfield as it is, and Richardson would likely represent a mixture of their current stable.  Detroit could have some potential, but the franchise just moved on from an under-performing running back with a lot of hype.  This is not to say that these teams have been linked as suitors or could be options, but instead that they could offer or have offered in the recent past a chance to be successful and chase a championship.  Ultimately, these teams cannot offer two things that the New England Patriots can:  a chance to be coached by Bill Belichick and the fortune of playing alongside Tom Brady.  It’s a destination which offers the rare chance to stay grounded and still put up amazing statistics because no player could ever be in the spotlight due to the media attention warranted by Belichick, Brady, and Rob “Party Bus” Gronkowski.  Above all else, Trent Richardson could certainly use that.

-Morgantown Sports Guy

What’s so different about this? Isn’t sports just…you know…SPORTS???

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Very few times in life do we get the chance to do something that we love.  Sometimes the career paths we choose are made for intents other than the pure excitement generated during our most beloved activities.  Money, desirable work schedule, family, loved ones, health, benefits – these factors among a diverse range of others cause us to think carefully about how we will make our livelihood and what becomes relegated to a secondary hobby.  Often it seems these hobbies are what we truly enjoy.  They are used to relax and lower the stress in our lives because we flat out enjoy the activity.  That’s what the collective term “sports” is to me.

I often get berated (very politely I might add) for “sportsing” – a word probably not created but definitely used on a daily basis by a group of my friends.  “Sportsing” is when a person talks, reads, listens, argues, watches, and generally becomes immersed in sports.  From a young lad I have been sportsing, considering the fact that the first word uttered by my toddler vocal chords was ball.  I sports when I wake up, eat food, watch television, do homework, and even when I probably should be doing more important things.  Sportsing is my hobby that takes me away from the real world stress that I create for myself.  It is one of my very few ways to escape and unwind.

Within the past few years, I have been influenced greatly by popular sites such as ESPN.com, Grantland, and BleacherReport.  Particularly, the latter two speak the most to my view of sports.  The way Bill Simmons structures an argument and captures a point, while totally being biased toward his team(s) is potentially the model for the new wave of non-corporate sports journalism, ie. not chained by impartiality rules of large media outlets.  What is the best way to engage a sports fan and garner some sort of reaction? The answer is simply having a polarizing opinion which does not have to be outlandish but definitely could include personal bias or homerism.  We argue over which fan base is the greatest, which teams generally suck at roster construction, why we have faith in team executives, and why we are happy not to be fans of the rival team.  It’s divisive.  It’s human.  By reaching out to our innate tendency to favor a team or player over others, it breeds arguments and the spread of ideas.  When points are based in analytics, we ask if a real, tangible trend exists and what that means for the players or teams involved in the equation.  Sports journalism is progressively moving out of “just the facts” to “how can the facts be manipulated to my advantage” and “how can statistics predict success in sports.”

I am not saying that Simmons or any other writer is an idol or role model.  Everyone has their easily visible flaws.  However, there is definitely a market for biased opinion on topics people care about.  This blog is a way to say, “Yes, I am definitely a homer. Here’s why, and here’s my take on the hot sports stories.”  Hopefully reading the posts will gradually spread my ideas and the concepts upon which they are based.

– Morgantown Sports Guy