#BIA I IT TOOK ME YEARS BUT HERE IS THE STARTER I PROMISED YOU

[mangaien]

      “  - - - so hey evans... is that your shampoo which smells or ? “ james was it was a question that had lingered on his mind far to long.  not that james felt that much shame usually - and if it had been anything beyond him admitting he was basically smelling her hair - he would have asked a long time ago.... but james did have some amount of tact in his body.  feeling like they where at a point where he could ask this without her thinking he was a weirdo

                              starter for @doeeyeful​

[versacexs]

i know that i’ve only really been here for a month or two, but a couple days ago i hit 300 followers (and i’m already almost at 400 wowie, ya’ll are crazy) i know that i’m absolute shit at getting to replies but i am trying to! school has got my ass whipped and i’m trying my best to love all of you. but i figured that since i hit a big milestone, i would make one of these...bias lists or follow forevers. i really love all of you.

BEST FRIENDS/PPL I REALLY CARE ABOUT A LOT !!

@athousandheartsandtwoeyes - i know that you haven’t really opened up for interactions with anyone else yet but i just want ppl to know that i love you lmao. dean, you’ve been my friend for fucking forever and finally really getting to write with you on here is a blessing. i love our ships and i’m honestly really proud how you took to tumblr rp’ing so easily !! you mean the world to me, ily.

@thecollectxve - friend!!! i know we haven’t really interacted yet on here, i keep trying to see when you post starter calls or memes but i always find them after they hit the cap number or days after they’re posted fsklhd and my anxiety is like ‘nah’ but! i seriously love you, you’ve been such a core person in my life and i know we don’t talk as much because i’m a shit with super bad messaging tendencies. but i love you and miss you so much !! you have all of my uwus

@mimos-psychi - aiden, you’ve been a friend to me since i joined the voltron rpc like...near the beginning of the year i think? i know i kinda was dead for a few months on my shiro blog, but i seriously love you and our ship with kuron, and i’m looking forward to interacting with you again with adam! and maybe we can revive our other ship. idk, i just seriously love writing with you. you’re the best <3

@stupidcvpid - um hi, hello, annyeong, this is my rp baby. we have so many threads but it’s all okay because i love every single one of them? and she has so many other muses that i want to love lmfao. i love writing with you katie, you seriously are so great and i really love talking to you ooc. you were like...the first person to make me feel really welcome when i made this blog because to be honest, i left my last one because the krpc can be so suffocating. you’re so sweet and i honestly don’t know what i would do without you!

@museaspect - another friend who i’ve rekindled our friendship with back from one of my old blogs. she was the first person i ever really had a singleship muse with and even now i can’t imagine shipping hyungwon with anyone else other than her muses? rome is like...my baby. they were engaged and i felt so bad for leaving my blog in the dust because she was the only thing i really kept enjoying on that blog. i know i’m a shit with replying but i really hope we can bring our babies back, i love them with all my heart. i also love hoshi too so uhm...👀 hit me up, i want my vampire boi back

AWESOME PPL WHO I’VE COME TO LOVE !!

@strawbxrryblxssxms - i know we don’t talk a whole bunch ooc because, again, my messaging tendencies are crap and i’m a lot better on discord, but i seriously love you. our ships give me some serious uwus, and your writing is great. we have like a billion threads but i don’t care because i love all of them and i love all of your muses!

@cheiian - hi, if you want quality follow this bb!! their blog is 10/10, their muses are 10/10 and honestly, i know we don’t talk much, but when i first made this blog they let me rant to them about monsta x because i had just saw them so like...automatic friend. plus they have k-drama muses which are...a rarity and i love them.

@fantasticbxby - we only recently started plotting/talking but!! i love you!! it’s really nice to have a fellow VAMPZ in the rpc, and i promise im gonna make the other gif icons for the boys so we can both use them lmao! i think you have more muses than me tbh but i just want to love them all, i seriously love your writing and i cant wait to actually write with you!! 

@profcnd - i know we’re both new here but i love you, you’re just the sweetest bean and we already have like 3 things going on but i feel like we’re gonna have more because i just love your blog! so much! you’re also really understanding that i take a while to get to things and i appreciate that wayyyy more than you know. ily <3

@snhynwoo - hyunwoo and jimin ;;; they have my whole heart ;;; honestly, i never expected to get so whipped for a ship so quickly. normally, when i write jimin he’s really hesitant and hard to get to interact with anyone but he CLINGED to hyunwoo and now im...just trash for them. your writing is amazing, you’re super sweet and im sorry i take so long to reply sometimes!! you were one of the first people to make me feel welcome in the krpc, and ily friend <3

@hiddcnscrts - we’d been mutuals for a while but because i’m terrible at messaging people we only really started interacting recently? but uhm, i love kyle and chaewon, i love seeing you on my dash, and you’re the sweetest person i’ve met on here. you deserve so much love. 

@trivic - we just met but!! hi, i’ve admired your writing on your old blog for AGES and i’m so glad we finally get to write together!! you’re like my writing senpai and ily, don’t be surprised if one day i just randomly spam you with ask memes!

@elskct​ - if you don’t follow them, do it. i know we haven’t interacted either but they have...all of my uwus. the mun is super sweet, the muses are great, and i just in general love them. they’re really supportive and just...follow them !! you were also my first follower so...i love you so much ; A ;

MUTUALS/PPL I HAVEN’T INTERACTED WITH MUCH BUT STILL LOVE UWU

@dashdasxorphans​ @limctless​ @featherxjimin​ @hoseokwrite​ @ycungwings​ @underpressurc​ @ofamoral​ @safehavens​ @ofwildblossoms​ @blvsphemovs​ @skyhighhell​ @sanctvms​ @gallaxians​ @monalisa-club​ @yvvra​ @busanbunnie​ @dancxtaem​ @ghculboy​ @bnnytrts​ @flcrdemaga​ @orientalskies​ @peachedsin​ @mervcilleux​ @criticalbeavty​ @siinbii​ @cnamity​ @hypericns​ @warsinmyhead​

and of course, just all of my lovely mutuals in general (i have...a lot bc i love everyone tbh) it means so much to me that you all like my blog enough to follow my slow, dumb ass. i love all of you. <3

[solaciummeae]

Alright fam, I’ve got to get to sleep soon. But I felt I needed to make a follow up post to this one here: CLICK ME. This isn’t a vague blog, this isn’t directed at anyone in particular but just kind of a general I think you guys should know.

I’m sure y’all have noticed that there are a couple people who show up on my blog A LOT. One of which being an extremely talented and beautiful woman by the name of Veronica or @deadbeatcentral. I’ve had people make comments about this connection, I’ve had others who seem to dislike seeing so much of her on my blog. And I guess I kind of just want to set the record straight. For my own sanity as well as feeling safe enough on my own blog to be here with you guys.

This blog that you’re looking at? Started like five years ago on my first archive. Back then I was his-andor-hers, and if you followed me back then-- my blog was garbage. I was new to indie and had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t have a fancy theme. My graphics were all over the place. My writing was a lot worse than it is today. Basically I was a mess. I struggled to get anyone to interact with me because from the surface-- I didn’t seem like someone other people would want to interact with.

The blog you see today has come light years from that one. It’s actually organized, you can find things, I have real muse pages, a real muse directory, the works.

But for those of you who don’t know? Vera is the single reason I’m even here today. It was her original indie that I followed from my personal back in the day for a hot minute before she convinced me to make an indie of my own. Back then I had two muses, Dyson Thornwood && Emma Harper. Dyson was my favorite canon from Lost Girl which I was currently watching at the time and Emma was my only original character aside from a very underdeveloped Zoey who wasn’t even on the blog yet. I had three verses, all fandom.

Basically, I started with nothing. I was nothing. But this girl took interest in me and encouraged me to continue. Slowly and gradually my blog improved, I took on more characters and more verses-- and most importantly, my writing itself got better. It didn’t happen overnight, it happened over the course of years.

But the one constant through those years? Through all the blogs that I’ve had on here? Was Vera. She stuck with me even when I didn’t fucking deserve it and was complete garbage. And for anyone who might think I give her too much attention? I’m gonna let you in on a little secret that there was a time when it felt like I was interacting with everyone but her. Because despite staying friends-- our writing had a kind of hiatus for a while, which is what most people don’t know.

She never once complained about my absence or our lack of writing. She didn’t make me feel guilty for having other shit going on. She understood. Just like she always has. She has cared about me through thick and thin and today? Our friendship is stronger than it’s ever been.

So I just need you guys to understand, that when you see a lot of stuff involving her? It’s because she’s my best friend. And not by something so trivial as favoritism-- but because she fucking earned that position in my life. 

She is the reason I’m even here on Tumblr Indie-- if not for her I’d still be a lame ass personal somewhere and not even know this world exists. She’s also been one of the single most influential people in my writing-- let alone my life. I have learned so much from her and my writing, characters, verses, etc-- have improved because she saw potential and didn’t give up on me. Albeit my writing can still be trash-- but it wouldn’t be at the level it is today without her.

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. This girl has been writing circles around me since she was 14. So much so that I mistook her for an adult when we first met because of the person she is and because of how freaking incredible her mind and heart are.

So really, I just need you guys to understand. She was the original. She was the reason I came to indie. She continues to inspire me every single day. She’s basically the muse of my muses. Even when I can’t write-- she can coax it out of me.

And truthfully-- if you don’t like her because you see me going crazy about her all the time? It’s your loss. Because she is literally the most beautiful person I know. Inside and Out. She’s the most open minded individual I know, the way she looks at and perceives life in general-- her heart. She’s so chill, I’m pretty sure I’ve never actually seen her get upset-- about anyone or anything. Even when I had to tell her that people were making comments about our relationship. Like you guys don’t understand. She is the best person I know. Hell, she fucking saved me from one of the darkest times of my life-- twice. She’s the reason I’ve been getting through a tough time.

Frankly, there aren’t even words. But just know that-- she is so good I’m pretty sure she’s going to be an angel someday. And this isn’t bias-- this is truth, founded in solid knowledge of who she is.

So please please please give her a chance. I love this girl more than life, and it hurts when people who don’t understand make assumptions based on what they see surface level. If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t even have me.

I’m posting this because it needed to be put out into the universe. Because honestly? I can’t stop posting about her or our muses because they’re the lifeblood of this blog.

This isn’t to say I don’t want to interact with others. I am dying to interact with new people. It’s just to say that it is my blog. And she’s an important part of it because her characters and worlds are so tightly and intricately interwoven with mine. I don’t want to feel guilty for having a lot of posts that she’s featured on.

I promise that if you and I are actively writing, you will see plenty from our stuff. But I can’t post things that aren’t happening. I can’t make up activity. And truth be told, I’ve thrown out tons of starter calls, opens, and memes and no one has replied to any of it. So if you wanted to interact with me? All you have to do is hit like on a starter call or answer a starter or send in a meme. But that decision is on you. I can’t make you send me things.

So don’t confuse me posting a lot of stuff between me and her as me not wanting to interact with anyone else. It is purely because she is the only one who is interacting with me even when no one else is.

I’m sorry this got so long. Bless you if you read it all. These things take explaining. And the situation needed to be addressed. Please don’t hate my best friend. She’s pretty perfect and doesn’t deserve it.

[undercovermcdfan]

Travlyn. Where did they go on their honeymoon?

title: Life on overload (must we make aspectacle of love)

pairing(s): travlyn

summary: people always said their lovewould burn out too quickly; travis was delighted how wrong they were.Honeymoon. MCD. Travlyn

a/n: I know this is a question, but Ilike to answer it with a fic. So, thank you for letting me indulge in myfavorite thing!!! Writing sappy stuff for my otp. Basically, the run down isthat this takes place far in the future and I’ll keep it very very vague howmany years down the line. Inspo song is Overload by John Legend ft. Miguel

warning(s): vague adult humor, fluff, textbookdiscrimination

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day two

“It’s a quite… um, a fixer-upper, I suppose?”

He laughed, resting his hand on the worn woodenstructure—otherwise known as his childhood home he spent oh so many years in.The hike from the main village hub to the dinky cabin hidden in the forestedmountain top of Enki’s island normally didn’t take long, but between supplygathering to drag up and Katelyn near fighting with merchants to simply sell them the supplies extended thehours that would normally take from the port to his old home. “Quiteoptimistic, aren’t you,” Travis mused, throwing her smile, “But I know thisplace as well as I know myself—there’s a reason I had us drag up so much stuff,love.”

Katelyn sighed. “We had to be a weird kind of newlyweds,” adjustingher pack, a smile appeared on her lips as she stepped forward, “I never eventhought of marriage, much less the idea of rebuilding my husband’s old home asa honeymoon but here we are.”

“Here we are…” he softly repeated, looking at the homebefore him. Nostalgia weighed heavily but also other, more complicated feelingstoo. For all the years spent here, to return felt almost damning—to hismother’s wish, to the curse this place one held on him, a symbol of isolation,a symbol of close-minded mentality he was chained to…

But there’s warmth, like a kindling fire, of the memories itkept. He took in a deep breath of the mountain air and Katelyn lock their fingerstogether, nudging slightly. “Travis, are you going to give me a tour of yourhome? Or are you going to be a terrible host and make me wait here?”

He laughed, pulling out a key from his pocket and stickingit in the door. As it flew open, he turned to her. She walked forward,intending to walk past but he held up a hand— before her questioning gaze meethis spirited glint, she found herself being lifted, legs and back supported asshe gave a surprise “What the—“

“Our house, love,” Travis grinned, taking a step in, “You mean ourhouse.”

She snorted, her arms wrapping his neck as she rolled hereyes, “Don’t you think it’s a little cliché for me to be carried in?”

“If it’s a cliché, it means there’s some sentimental valueto it, my dear.”

“Sentimental and you do go hand in hand…” she hummed,pressing her lips against the curse of his jaw, “Just because we’re married,don’t you dare treat me like your damsels from your romance novels?”

“A damsel? No. I’m just actualizing a promise I made tomyself,” he chuckled, ticklish from her slow-moving lips and hmm sound of consideration. “So where doyou want to go first?”

“Our bedroom would be nice.”

He raised a brow, smile turning devilish. “Interestingchoice, my dear.”

Her cheeks flushed, “I just want to see the state of what I haveto sleep in! Lucinda given us some potions to help with the cleanup….” Hisexpression didn’t fade, and she averted her gaze, burying her face against him,her voice muffled, “And… Travis, we’remarried.”

“I know,” he whispered, “it’s amazing.”

“Quite. And there’s certain things I should expect,” shesaid softly, “we walked for hours to get here, dragging so many materials—all Iwant is a nice bath and you at this very moment, but bath is unlikely and we’renewlyweds. So…”

“…we’ll check the bedroom first, love.”

She smiled.

day 16

The house was coming along nicely.

Though, Travis admitted that he lost his touch withmaintenance—he grown soft in his years of fighting and living in Brightportwith Katelyn—, the house wasn’t as bad as condition he was expecting.

For starters, the home was smaller than he remembered. Withall the books that took up space already and the ones they brought, it was evensmaller. Two rooms, a single bath,not quite stylish like the homes within the village at the bottom of themountain but it had a humble charm to it. Their calloused hands welcomed newblisters and roughness from work, patching the holes and replacing rotted woodas they slowly cleaned within.

Thank Irene forLucinda, Katelyn would often mention as she sparingly used the potionsgifted from the witch herself as a house warming/wedding present. The potioncontained the ability of restoration of non-magical and non-living objects, andthe potency was above average thanks to it being made by… well, Lucinda. Old furniture, damaged by theyears and weather, restored to almost new as well as a quick and lazy fix up ofthe rooms that require more than just a basic knowledge of home repair.

They officially moved in by the second week, the kitchenbeing stocked and fixed up to his own liking and Katelyn’s indifference. Theyrotated between the inn room that was a midway spot of their home and thevillage, slowly bringing more and leaving more.

Katelyn insisted they set up the second room, his old room,as his studio. She left her training dummy in an unoccupied corner of the home,with her murmuring about making a proper place once the weather thawed and theycould hire somebody to build. They ate dinner at sunset, slept with a warm firecozying their room and waking in tangled limbs, laughs and morning-breathkisses.

He’d would often catch her in front of the mirror, appearingat her appearance and long hair—it grown out since the last time she cut it,and knowing the look she held, she felt it was long overdue for another.

“It’s a hassle to clean,” she sighed, as he brushed herhair, “There’s never enough warm bath water to get through it all.”

He hummed, running his fingers through the curly softness.

“It’s efficient. And signifies a fresh start, you know,” sheleaned back to him, glancing up with a smile, “What do you think?”

“If it makes you happy, I say go for it.”

She softened her look, shutting her eyes as she said, “A conwould be this not being necessary anymore.”

“Mhm.”

“No more practicing your skills at making subpar braids.”

“True.”

“What if I cut it all off? Not shoulder length, chin or evenup to my ear,” she pushed back her hair from her face, glancing up, “All gone.”

“…well,” he grinned, pressing a kiss to her forehead,“Anything you choose, I guarantee I’ll be a sucker for. I got quite the biasfor you, love.”

Her smile widened, reaching up and letting her fingerstrail, shutting his eyes as she chuckled, “Stop that.”

He laughed. “You cannot silence the truth, my dear!” Heleaned down more, arms wrapping around her waist, and mercilessly, started hisattack of kisses.

“Oh my Irene,” she squirmed slightly, half-heartedly tryingto push him away but she succumb to strangled laughs that escaped and loudsnorts as it rolls into a genuine one.

Safe to say, she did end up cutting her hair but not to thelevel she suggested. Smiling, she turned toward his waiting form by thedoorway, expectant look as she waited for him to voice his thoughts.

“You look adorable.”

She rolled her eyes, then proceeded to twist a lock aroundher finger. “Thank you…” she patted space beside her, grabbing the scissors,“So what about—“

“Suddenly I remembered this very important thing I had todo!”

“It’s only trim! Travis, come back—Travis, I promise it’s just a—“ her laughsechoed through the house, as he ducked out and she, indulging in the chase,followed.

Day 28

The village tolerated his presence—realizing he was going tostay a while. Though they were thankful for the tyranny of the Demon Warlocksuddenly gone away and acknowledged, finally, Travis must’ve done somethingabout it… prejudices don’t suddenly evaporate.

“I’m sorry,” a shopkeeper said, with a genuinely apologeticlook, “But a… you know. You both are my first costumers and I wouldn’t like totempt the fates with, um, bad luck of you making a purchase.”

Travis’s face was trained pleasantness, smile and a soft“Oh, of course.” started already on his lips but as per their routine, Katelyndidn’t let him finish. Her eyes darken, and though the merchant towered her, heseemed to shrink under her gaze.

“You superstitious fool,”she grabbed the coin purse from Travis, “it is way too early for this amount of idiocy. Bad luck? Bad luck.” She scoffed, her voice goingfrom amused disbelief to mumbling as she walked around the store, collectingwhat they needed. “Every time I think this village isn’t so bad, people like you remind me it isn’t so.”

“Ma’am.”

“Don’t you talk to me,” she snapped, “I can’t promise what Imight do if you say something and I find myself getting offended again.”

Travis watched from the door way, awkwardly glancing fromKatelyn’s ranting to the frightened merchant—and he felt his smile go from fauxpoliteness of a friendly half demon to genuine and affectionate smile of aloving husband.

She slammed the money on the counter, not looking back or caring if she paid him too little or toomuch. The merchant didn’t call out with a correction, watching in stunnedsilence as the furious woman walked out, head held high, face etched with anicy calm expression.

He asked if she wanted him to carry the items she forcefullypurchased.

She shook her head.

He would like to say, this was a rare occurrence but twohours didn’t go by before Katelyn was reminded of his status within thevillage.

“You can buy here but it…”

“He’s one of the good ones, but still…”

“I’m sorry but it knows the rules and I sell these products to customers.”

Katelyn always gave her threats—one more word and they willfeel the wrath of Irene’s top general and they never tempted further. Sometimeshe’d ask if she was okay, and she was an honest person, she never did answer;she instead gave a complicated look, sadness and anger wrapped in exhaustion,maybe whispering to him a “I love you, Travis.”

When they return to the inn that became a second home andgreeted with wide smiles of a kindly older women who ran it, Katelyn collapsedon the bed with a groan and hugging the pillow close. “This place is hell,” shewhined, muffled against the pillow, “I use to think O’kasis deserved that titlebut no—this is hell.”

Travis chuckled, settling at the edge of the bed and hereached out for her hand. She accepted his hand readily, giving him a smallsqueeze. “You know you’re pretty hot whenever your threatening forty-year-oldbigoted merchants.”

She moved the pillow, enough so she could squint at him, agaze of ‘you’re unbelievable’ conveying perfectly at him.

Travis shrugged and thumbed the back of her hand, smiling,“I’m being honest. I can think about… two occasions where I wanted to kiss youmore than right now.” He pressed a small kiss to her knuckles, “I love you somuch.”

“I love you too,” she said back but there’s hesitation toher voice. The anger died and replace by sadness, sorrowful and almost pitying,as she softly continued, “You’re a good man, Travis. I didn’t question why youwanted to come back here but…” she smiled, interlocking their fingers, “I’llfollow you and remind you, stubbornly so, I love you more than thisIrene-forsaken island could ever.”

He laughed. She chuckled.

“I know. I know, and… I might not always speak up, I doappreciate what you do,” he softly said, leaning closer and she scooted, makingroom on the bed. He tossed the pillow aside, and she reached up, gentlytouching his cheek, “I can’t change their minds immediately… but that doesn’tmatter with you here. It doesn’t feel as scary anymore.”

They kissed, softly and comforting; her hand cupped the backof his head and his trailed down her side, squeezing her thigh.

When they pulled away, she whispered, out of breath: “Wait—Iforgot to send out our letters.”

He groaned, leaning his head against her shoulder, “Do wehave to go back? I was hoping to go home tomorrow.”

“And we will—but I promised to send updates to Liochant andthe others.”

He pouted.

“You could sleep in while I do that. Then I’ll come back andwe’ll go home together.”

“…I’ll come with,” he sighed, giving a small peck under herjaw, “Might as well check on the Doc; I didn’t get a chance today anyways.”

She nodded, running her fingers through his hair and shuther eyes. “Mmhm, we should invest in horses.”

“We should.”

“I’ll ask Liochant to send over some more money from mysavings.”

“And that he should come for a visit,” Travis chuckled, “Imiss that kid and the way he just… his anxious way of functioning.”

“Be nice,” she laughed, tugging at his ear, “Liochant isn’ta kid; you could learn a bit of manners from him, you know.”

“I’m good.”

“Sure you are,” she rest her cheek against the top of hishead, “You always are.”

Day 57

Katelyn rubbed her abdomen, quietly looking out the window;her legs crossed and blanket draped over her, she watched the pounding rain asrain roared outside. She could hear Travis in the kitchen, setting up theirdinner—he insisted making the curry Liochant sent a recipe for, and though thethought of rice was making her sick, she smiled at his enthusiasm.

He didn’t know.

Not yet, at least.

The doctor stated she was at least two months along. ButTravis thought she wasn’t feeling well, tired from debating whether they shouldexpand the home—he insisted it was fine for now, even though more and more itgot cluttered; she insisted they needed more space, though keeping her reasons why under lock and key.

In their living room, paintings hung all around—some ofherself, of himself, of both, and smaller ones of their friends but the largestby far was a woman with long, curly white hair, green eyes calmly looking downat her as her face, eyes and freckles familiar, a reserved smile and modestdress was worn. A painting made from memory, tears and he stubbornly draggedalong with them, fretting over with their trip to Enki’s island.

Six years. Many failed attempts and tears, a painting ofTravis’s mother.

He told her he could always do better, but she doubted heeven believed that—it was breath-taking work, and the years spent on it shown.She loved it as much as he did himself.

Cradling her drink, she found her mirroring a smile at thepainting, softly saying: “It’s been a while since we last talked. I have somegood news.”

Day 198

She attempted to get up but before she could make thetall-tale sign of an attempt, he was already at her side, flustered and smilingas he insisted she should sit while he get her more tea.

Lucinda, amused, shook her head and Aphmau laughed. Isabel,on the other, looked absolutely fascinated; eyes darting from Katelyn toTravis, she watched as Katelyn quietly thanked him and he beamed, pressing aquick peck to her forehead.

“I know we always joked about it, but…” Lucinda trailed, offas her eyes followed Travis’s disappearing form, “I’m honestly surprised he’staking to this fatherhood thing better than we expected.”

Katelyn chuckled, blushing, “Well… He has a good heart. AndI always suspected this was something he was looking forward to.”

“How do you know?” Isabel piqued, tilting her head, “BecauseI was out of the loop with Travis being anything like that.”

Katelyn, tucking her hair behind her ear, sat up a little asher hand placed on her large belly—“Twins,”Lucinda said the moment her eyes laid on Katelyn, “Boy. He really doesn’t makeit easy for you.”—and she rubbed her neck. “When I told him, two thingshappened—firstly, he cried. Looking at me, surprised and I almost thought hewas upset with it until he started sniffling, tears instantaneous.” Lucinda,Aphmau and Isabel laughed. Katelyn smiled softly, “And secondly, he wouldn’tlet go of me for the hour after, whispering Weshould go to the doctor and Oh myIrene, I love you so much. I feel like it was pretty transparent what hewas feeling.”

“Well—“ Travis’s voice interrupting them, pursued lips ashanded Katelyn her cup, “In my defense, I was kind of surprised. I didn’tthink… this would have happened so fast.”

“But it did.” Aphmau pointed out, cupping her chin with agrin, “And I’m going to be a God-mother.”

“Hey, who said you’re going to be the god mother!” Lucindaretorted, “If anything, I’m the obvious choice.”

“Well, Lady Aphmau istechnically a God…dess, and a mother. I feel the irony would be a missedopportunity.”

Travis and Aphmau naturally laughed, while Lucinda sputteredat Isabel’s point. Katelyn shook her head. “I missed this,” she softly said.Travis squeezed her shoulder, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Will you be saying that for the next week?” he whispered.

She rolled her eyes, looking fondly at her friends.

“Maybe a week is pushing it.”

“I bet three days.”

“I’ll give it four, I’m generous.”

Day 302

A boy and a girl.

Their ruddy complexion and tuffs of pale blue hair,yelling with lungs they definitely inheritedfrom him and short temper from her.

Hughes was bit clingier than his younger sister—if he wasn’theld while awake, he’ll let anybody know of his displeasure. Luckily for him,his father was perfectly alright with spoiling him like so. Eponine was quieterbut that didn’t mean she was less trouble; her hands grabbed whatever it could,always hungry and particular how she should be held.

Sleep was more of a fantasy for the two of them.

But between their exhausted yawns and half-dazed way offunctioning now, there wasn’t a moment of regret.

“Look, Hughes, it’s your mama—“ Travis said, smiling wide ashe angled the way he held their son, purple eyes landed at her and the baby letout a gurgled sound. Katelyn, smiling, waved back at Hughes attempts to reach out.“Isn’t she lovely?” He cleared his voice, making it a higher pitched andsofter, “Gee, ma, you look absolutely radianttoday.”

“In your sister’s puke and unwashed hair?”

“Of course! You’rethe prettiest ma ever.”

She chuckled, rolling her eyes. “I feel like you’rebuttering me up.”

Travis smiled, kissing their son’s forehead as said softly, “Don’tquestion our son—he has a point, love.”

“Hmm, I have the sneaking suspicion you fed him some lines.”

“How dare! He expressed those thoughts, independent of meand my influence,” he laughed, walking over and settling down beside her, “he’s asmart cookie, Katelyn.”

She hummed in return, resting her head on his shoulder. “Of course.They both are. Fussy, stubborn but smart—like their parents.”

“Just like their parents,” he whispered, resting his headagainst her.

But peace doesn’t last long. Hughes, taking in a deepbreath, let out a powerful cry suddenly—and being startled awake, naturally,Eponine joined in the crying.

They both sighed. “I guess that was nice while it lasted.”

day 364

“I feel like…” Katelyn started, biting her lip, “staying alittle longer wouldn’t hurt.”

Travis straighten, looking up from Eponine and his mouthagape. “What.”

“Just a little bit. Until they’re strong enough to travel bysea… they’re my kids too, and I fear my sea sickness could’ve spread to them.”

But her face gave it away; with a light flush and avertedeyes, it spelt something else out.

But he let it go, with an “Of course.”

day 640

Hughes continued to lean against his mother, as his sisterdarted away—awkward steps which Travis matched, worriedly hovering over hisdaughter’s escape.

Safe to say who inherited what. She rubbed soothing circles,humming an old hymn to calm her son’s nerves. He gave a small whine and burped—shefelt pity for the small boy.

Eponine, on the other hand, was like her father; naturallytaking to the sea— with a shout of utter glee as she near falls but Travisscooping her up before any damage could be done. Normally, Travis would beenjoying himself; but between a ill wife and son, and a daughter who thoughtescaping their room was an appropriate game, he could see his nerves beingfrayed.

Hughes’ skin, darken to a greyish skin tone, eyes moreintensely purple and small bumps otherwise as horns protrude from his head. Hedidn’t like his demonic form, Travis explaining that it must’ve left him drainsince it naturally didn’t come to either of the kids unless they were upset.Hughes wore a teary-eyed expression, wiggling closer and closer, as if hismother could ease away all his pain and her heart ached at this gesture as shedid best she could.

Maybe the move was a bad idea, she wanted to say.

But she been away from her responsibilities for far too long—andthough they put love back into their home on Enki’s island… both agreed thiswas the right choice. Travis wouldn’t allow his kids to grow up in such a toxicenvironment.

A knock at their door pulled her out of her thoughts andbefore she could ask who it was—a familiar face throws it open and the form ofannoyed Zenix, curious yet at eased Vylad and the culprit who opened the door,Laurance, smiling at all four of them.

Eponine immediately had her arms outstretched, a gleefulreach for Laurance who laughed and walked over to Travis as Zenix shut the doorand Vylad approached her, all giving hellos.

“I felt like you two needed a break. We’ll be in Brightportin a couple of hours—so…”

Travis gave a relieved smile, whispering a quiet thanks butKatelyn hesitated. “I don’t know… I got this. Hughes prefers me to hold him, itseems.”

Laurance furrowed his brows, “I would suggest taking himwith you but…”

Travis looked at her and she bit her lip, rubbing her thumbagainst her son’s forehead as he weakly whines “Mama…”

“Maybe you three and Travis could take Eponine up; she’dprobably like watching the seagulls and stuff.”

“I wont go,” Travis said, and Laurance nodded. Taking theirdaughter in his arms, he smiled as he softly asked her, “Do you wanna see somecool clouds, Nina? You been cooped up here way too long.” She giggled, thenreached over to Zenix. Laurance laughed, handing her to Zenix, who gave his ownsmile and with that, all three left.

Travis joined her on the bed, one arm around her shoulderswhile the other hand rested on hers that laid on Hughes’s back.

“How is he doing?”

“He’ll live, but…” Katelyn frowned, “I’m so sorry,sweetheart. You just had to get my seasickness, didn’t you?”

“I suppose sons really do take after their mothers.”

“Especially him,” she chuckled. Travis pressed a kiss to hisforehead, then her temple. From the corner of her eyes, she could see his formshift; horns start to show, sharpen teeth and purple eyes gave way. Not hisfull form—they realized, a bit ago, it distressed the kids in ways they didn’tquite understand but for now, Travis kept way.

“It’ll be over soon,” he said reassuringly.

“Mmhmm,” she smiled, shutting her eyes, “Soon you’ll seeUncle Liochant, Auntie Isabel, Mama Aph…”

“Also, Alina—she’s dying to see you again. Lilith too.”

She hummed again, in agreement. “You’ll love it inBrightport. We have such a big home—you could have your own room, if you want.”

“He probably wouldn’t though,” Travis said, laughing, “hecan barely sleep alone in the same bed.”

“And there’s no shame in that.”

“Oh yeah, definitely not,” Travis patted his head, “I mean,I sleep with your mother to this day, so I cannot judge. It’s always nicer thansleeping alone.”

She hummed again. Leaning against him, she sighed as sheshut her eyes. “Just a few more hours.”

“A few more, love.”

She laughed, shaking his head, “I hope I can make it.”

He laughed too, howdramatic he said but nothing more. Soon, she felt herself slipping intosleep; her arms empty, as Travis pry away their son, who didn’t make much of afuss beside a small confused whine.

It’s strange, almost two years ago, they left Brightportwith the intention of just spending a few months. A few months became a year.Then two. Now they returned with two children, a home left behind and…amusingly, being more in love and loved than they started.

She suppose this wasn’t quite a honeymoon, since it wasanything but relaxing and lounging… yet sincerely, she felt only fuller andhappier.

She mumbled sleepily, ”I love you.”

“Get some rest, love,” he said back but she already wasthere. Smiles on both their faces, leaning against each other as they listenedto the sway of the ocean and heartbeats.

[heatbun4-blog]

Lukewarm Stove: Cardinals and Donaldson, Trading for Profar, Yankees’ Targets, Dozier, More

I had a rough morning. I slept through my alarm – haven’t done that in a while – and was promptly greeted by snow when I took my dog outside. I wasn’t even done griping about how early it gets dark and how the Cubs are clearly broke (I kid), but now I already gotta deal with snow? Come on, universe.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cardinals are not as interested in Bryce Harper as those on the outside want them to be. Rosenthal concedes that some teams hide their intentions – like the Cubs, right??! … He asked through a stream of tears – but the Cardinals appear to be more interested in adding a corner infielder than outfielder. And thanks to Matt Carpenter’s ability to play first and third, that player could be native to either spot. And to that end, you’ll be happy to hear Manny Machado, like Harper, is not expected to be a free agent target of the Cardinals, either. Instead, Mike Moustakas or Josh Donaldson could be the guy (and the Cardinals were connected to both in trade rumors over the season, so that does make sense). For what it’s worth, I’m starting to think Donaldson would be a pretty great addition for the Cubs on the right deal, too, but if the Cardinals are seriously looking at him, and if there is a perception that the Cubs could be interested, too, that could mean some intentionally misleading rumors are in our future. Be advised.

Aside from those two, the Cardinals might also consider a trade for Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt, guesses Rosenthal, whom we already know is available. And since the Cardinals would also be willing to move Paul DeJong from shortstop to third base, that means they could theoretically add to first, third, or short and move everyone else accordingly. That’s a lot of options.

Also from Rosenthal: the acquisition cost of Indians starters, the Marlins futile efforts to extend J.T. Realmuto, and the Reds interest in trading prospects (or even Scooter Gennett) for starting pitching. Check it out.

According to Joel Sherman, the Rangers are interested in trading for starting pitching and have Jurickson Profar to offer. Meanwhile, the Yankees are potentially interested in trading for someone like Profar, and have Sonny Gray to offer. But thanks to a down season and impending free agency, Gray, alone, isn’t enough to foot the bill. But that has me thinking: Wouldn’t Profar be an interesting target for the Cubs? I believe they could reasonably trade from their starting depth to make it happen and the Cubs/Rangers love trading together.

Sure, Profar was an above-average hitter for only the first time last season, after a long path of struggles and injuries, but he’s still just 25-years-old and is capable of playing shortstop. If the Cubs move on from Addison Russell – which, in my opinion, they should – getting someone to back up Javy Baez at short is a priority. And getting someone with Profar’s upside (he’s a former TOP prospect) would be promising and exciting. Just food for thought. Food that most teams are probably also happy to consider chewing.

Jon Heyman dumps notes on every team at FanCred and Cubs sources have apparently told him they are not required to stay under the luxury tax threshold this year. But I’m not so sure that report makes any sense. The Cubs are already WELL past the initial luxury tax threshold and are right up against the second tier. So … whether they like it or not, they’re probably going over. The real question is whether that top tier will be a motivating factor and that remains unclear/unanswered by this report.

The LA Times appeals to Andrew Friedman and the city of Los Angeles for the apparent lack of interest in Bryce Harper. According to Dylan Hernandez, the city needs a star baseball player, like Harper, and they have the money to do it. Of course, that doesn’t change the multiple reports that the Dodgers (and Cubs) are likely to sit this one out. We shall see.

And everything gets weirder when you consider how plainly “out” on Bryce Harper the Yankees appear to be, too, and how even their interest in Manny Machado might be cooling. If the Cubs, Yankees, and Dodgers are all actually out on Harper and Machado, the Phillies might be the offseason’s biggest winners before it starts. (I half kid, because you KNOW there will still be a ton of teams in on those guys.)

In any case, Joel Sherman discusses the Yankees many desires and plans this offseason – primarily,  grabbing a starter, like free agent Patrick Corbin or trade targets like Corey Kluber or Carlos Carrasco, about whom the Yankees already met with the Indians.

But the Indians aren’t the only team with starters the Yankees covet:

I think the Mariners are going to play a big role in this offseason, depending on how far they take their roster tear-down, and the Yankees’ moves will be interesting to follow, too, particularly how much they spend in free agency. (Note last night’s rumor about the Cubs and Dee Gordon, by the way.)

How about Brian Dozier as the back-up (Harper), back-up (Machado), back-up (Marwin Gonzalez), back-up (Jed Lowrie), back-up (McCutchen/Donaldson), back-up plan:

Some additional info, and I agree with everything Brett says here:

Do I think Dozier could have some magic left? Sure, absolutely. Am I willing to gamble on that when there are so many other interesting options out there? I mean, not yet, unless the Cubs are convinced he’s actually a better option than a number of the guys who – from the outside – seem a better investment.

Jon Heyman confirms that versatility is in. Specifically, that means the Nationals, Yankees, and Reds are all interested in Josh Harrison, and literally all “but one team” is interested in Marwin Gonzalez. I was also interested in Gonzalez for the Cubs, but honestly, I don’t think they need to go out of their way to get him, though it sounds like that would be necessary.

One of this offseason’s biggest mysteries is how the New York Mets will operate in free agency and trade, with a new (former player-agent) GM. On the one hand, I can see them spending wildly based on a perceived competitive window (with Jacob deGrom there for two more years), as well as the reputation of their new GM Brodie Van Wagenen. But on the other hand … #Mets. Here’s the latest:

Also keep in mind on the Mets: they could be facing a division with three *very* good teams at the top next year.

Willson Contreras had some issues last season and the Cubs still need a quality, veteran back-up, but I am happy with him as the Cubs starter, and even happier that they’ve got a young guy with upside to stick behind the plate. It’s not easy to find a good catcher, but I think Willson Contreras is great – ups and downs and all. More on the catcher front:

Interestingly, the Braves have Kurt Suzuki as their outgoing 1B catcher, another guy who could be a Cubs target.

If you’d like to be reminded why Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are impressive, just take a look at various GMs discussing the importance of playoff performance on free agency. While most GMs tout the importance of playoff experience and how huge those appearances can pump up a FA’s case, Epstein and Hoyer respond with phrases like “case-by-case basis,” and mention sample size, recency bias, and focusing on what real adjustments were made instead of the results. Yeah, they’re good ones.

Scott Boras discusses the future for Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez, each of whom could be premier free agents (again, in Martinez’s case) after the 2019 season.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2018/11/09/lukewarm-stove-cardinals-and-donaldson-trading-for-profar-yankees-targets-dozier-more/

[greyenvy-a-blog]

so 2016 is officially over and i felt the desire to put together a bias list / follow forever ( i havent made one of these in a long time lmao what are they called anymore ) basically i made it to 100 followers within 2 weeks of having this blog ( which has never happened to me before!!! ) and i am now halfway to 200 and its only been a month. this is crazy! already i have made some really cool friends because the got fandom is probably one of the most excepting fandoms i have ever joined. without further ado, here is my lil list for this blog, a list of friends, of people i wanna get to know better, idk. but its a list lol.

the dragon’s hoard aka the squad aka the fam aka my homies <3:

@ofwolvesandroses hiii! you are first on this list for the fact that you were the very first person to actually do things with me on this blog!!! i am so grateful that you took a chance to rp with me when i was still so new to everything got and was only a few seasons in. thank you!

@ycngrose you popped up in my ims within the first few days and announced us friends and for that i am forever happy. i need to talk to you more because you are so cool and i love margaery so much. keep on keepin on.

@snxwbvrnbvstard della! the first person to add me on skype from this fandom. the #1 person who puts up with infinite amounts of crack. you are so kind and so wonderful and i am so sorry that i throw trash at you 24/7 but i cant help it. thank you for putting up with me.

@wolf-queen-named-stark i owe you starters lmao. i love how you are always in my notifications / activity feed and i love throwing headcanons at you and i need to do it more. please have a good 2017!

@withthedog you like or reply to everything i post and i love you for it. i love your blog sm please be happy this year.

@yngwolfrobb tbh you should not be so far down this list omg. we have plotted years worth of stuff for theon and robb in mod verse and i love every second of it. my left side satan!!! <3 ps: your playlist has 40+ songs and i am not sorry.

@thedemonhunterscousin who puts up with theon and jazz and especially theon. i love how we can write and headcanon such different relationships between theon and sarah depending on whether it got or mod verse.

@cerseilionesslannister who has also put up with crack from me lmao <3 and who put up with me screaming about robb’s death on skype. thank you for being there for me during that trial lol

@slysmiles #theon squad ilu and your theon and hope we can do more twin things soon.

@scarredforeternity-forlove for being so kind to me and for being patient and waiting 900000 years for that reply!!!

@oopsijustdied  i would feel bad if i didnt say that i loved my own sister lmao

and i am sure i missed people!!! so please forgive me if i did. if we have talked at all, i promise you deserve to be on this list and that i love you. i wish you all a wonderful year. <3 i was gonna list everyone who follows me but i dont have the patience i am so sorry its 2am and i am sleepy. but thank you for everyone who followed me and continued to follow even though i post so much crack and ooc posts.

[packernet]

New Post has been published on https://www.packernet.com/blog/2017/10/10/packers-2018-nfl-draft/

Packers 2018 NFL Draft

https://s3.amazonaws.com/seriouslysimplepodcasting/Packernet/episode%2044.mp3

*Be sure to listen to the podcast above. There was a change in the first round that I forgot so consider the first round a bonus round!*

Ladies and gentleman I’ve discovered something amazing. It’s called Fanspeak, and as a draft junkie, I’m completely hooked. It basically allows you to do a full 7 round mock draft as the Packers GM while simulating the rest of the teams draft picks. Also, it took into account all the compensatory picks so it gives you all 12 picks the Packers should be receiving in 2018. They aren’t paying me to say this by the way I’m just a draft junkie and am beyond excited.

With all that said, I decided I would use their tool to do my first ever, full 7 round, 12 pick mock draft for the Green Bay Packers with a little insight for each player. The research done on my part is cursory but consider it prep work for both of us.

Before we get started, I do want to point out that YouTube highlights are not where I do my homework. I just no longer have the time to create gifs or great plays so highlights are what you get. I would strongly encourage you to check out Draft Breakdown if you want a closer look at these guys.

Round 1 Pick 30

This is the first time I’ve watched film on Bradley Chubb and I’m shocked I haven’t heard more about him at this point. Granted PFF has Chubb at the top of their big board but for a lot of others, Chubb is your standard late first, early second player.

Perhaps that’s fair considering I see a lot of T.J. Watt in him. He is a monster of a man with enough burst off the line to beat a tackle clean but also the long arms and strength to throw a tackle off of him if need be. There is no doubt in my mind Chubb is a difference maker and if he were to fall to the Packers, the Packers would have the opportunity to draft a can’t miss day 1 starter in the first round.

At 6’4 275 pounds, Chubb would be the largest OLB on the team but his overall athleticism shouldn’t dissuade the Packers and Dom Capers from taking him. After all, if 6’7 287 pound Julius Peppers can make it work, so can Chubb. He would also be a great fit for the Dom Capers NASCAR package. Although not seen as much in 2017, Chubb would be an ideal candidate to play along the line of scrimmage in that alignment.

Looking deeper at his PFF stats for 2017, Chubb is ranked outside of the top 10 (comfortably) in pass rush productivity but that is entirely based on his low number of sacks. His total of 25 pressures is the highest of anyone I could find (I scanned 50 or so). His PRP is about the same whether he is rushing from the left or the right and is run stop percentage is ranked top 5 in the nation. In other words, the guy is a monster in every phase of the game, in every part of the field. He’s a play maker plain and simple.

Highlights

Round 2, Pick 30

I wanted so badly to draft Brandon Facyson here but the incredibly impressive play of Hamilton disuaded me. Facyson showed flashes of incredible ability at corner but how many early round picks are the Packers going to throw at corners that do some things well and other things not so well. After all it’s the not so good qualities that end up getting exploited while the positive qualities are left on the shelf.

But enough about Facyson. Shaun Hamilton is listed as a 3rd day player by PFF but this is Fanspeak day and I have to say, I’m not upset with the Packers pick. Hamilton plays with his hair on fire and his play speed is what stands out. His ability to knife through the line to make a tackle in the backfield is nearly as exciting as watching him run stride for stride with running backs out of the backfield. He is in every way a Packers ILB. Speed, speed, and more speed.

Considering how good Blake Martinez is playing against the run and how promising Josh Jones is in the Nitro package, Hamilton could slide in as the every down back and pair with Martinez or Jones depending on the situation and overall game plan.

Looking back over his career at Alabama, Hamilton doesn’t really blow you away with his stats or rankings. His tackling efficiency (19th) and yards per tackle (17th) are the only 2 advanced PFF stats that have him ranked in the top 50. So far in 2017, his pass rush productivity has gone up but overall his production has stagnated or worse.

Still, to watch him is to get get excited about him so let’s just bask in it shall we?

Round 3, Pick 30

If I did want to take a shot at a guy with a lot of upside at corner, I feel a little more comfortable going in the 3rd round, especially with a second 3rd round pick coming up.

Anthony Averett is the second Alabama player in 2 picks and it’s probably my bias at play. How can you not like Alabama players? They are fast physical monsters.

What I really like about the guy is his versatility. He plays a ton along the boundary and holds up well most times but also can impress across the middle, an area the Packers struggle.

A senior, Averett was given his first opportunity to start in 2016. Over that time he allowed 32 receptions on 64 targets, for 440 yards, and 2 touchdowns. That’s a passer rating of 82.8 when targeted. So far this year, Averett has allowed 14 catches on 26 targets for 177 yards and a touchdown. That’s good for a 72.1 passer rating.

He’s a senior but he’s young, he’s physical, and he’s getting better every day. Here’s some highlights.

Round 3, Pick 38

This pick is considered a reach by Fanspeak but I’m okay with it. Although I had to travel down the board, I passed a lot of positions that are either already stacked or have already been drafted for. Beyond that, I settled on a talent with starter potential at the end of the third that fills a massive need for the Green Bay Packers.

From what I can tell Scott Quessenberry is a prototypical guard. The kind that can not slide out to tackle, for those wondering. He great in small spaces giving up nothing in pass protection and has enough power to get push on those crucial 3rd and 1 plays. The concern comes in when we talk about lateral movement which does come into play in the NFL where interior pressure is becoming more and more prevalent (See Aaron Donald).

Over his previous 2 years, Quessenberry allowed 32 hurries, 3 hits, and just 4 sacks on 1,123 snaps giving him a pass blocking efficiency grade of 97.0. Quessenberry is holding strong at about that average in 2017 as he currently has a PBE grade of 97.1.

Here’s a little film of Quessenberry at center.

Round 4, Pick 30

I was hoping the Packers would take a shot at Teez Tabor in the draft but unfortunately he was drafted by division rival Detroit Lions. We instead got Josh Jones. I think I’m okay with that outcome.

Duke Dawson isn’t the tallest corner at 5-10 but don’t be too quick to call him a slot corner. So far in 2017 after filling in for two great corners now in the NFL, Dawson to date has allowed a 58.1 passer rating when targeted in the slot in the slot. Impressive, yes, but nothing compared to his 29.2 passer rating allowed on the boundary. The absolutely insane number comes by way of 9 receptions for 56 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions on 138 coverage snaps.

Dawson is the kind of high upside talent that is perfect in a 2018 draft in which the Packers can take a lot of swings at the position. The lack of production at the position should give Dawson a very real shot at a starting position, despite the insane amount of bodies.

Round 6, Pick 30

The Packers attempted to shore up the offensive interior earlier and will probably need more than 1 but in the 6th round sits Ike Boettger, an offensive tackle for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Boettger is currently out with an Achilles injury which will likely hurt his draft stock, but considering the Packers are drafting for depth here, we can afford to give him rest as well as train him up for the future.

Although his 2017 season is over, there is plenty to like over the course of his career at Iowa. Over 1,164 snaps Boettger gives up inside pressure once every 113 snaps, good for top 25 in the country. He also has only given up an outside pressure once every 340 snaps, which ranks top 5 in the nation. His weakness seems to be with the bullrush, where he ranks outside of the top 100, giving up a pressure once ever 24 snaps.

Round 6, Pick 33

Although he doesn’t get much love from PFF,  Arrion Springs is an impressive athlete. Looking at his Hudl profile out of high school, Springs ran the 40 yard dash in 4.49 seconds. A time that would have probably put him in the top 20 in the 2017 draft, and would make him one of the faster corners on the team.

His shuttle time, something Kevin King dominated in 2017, would be top 5 had he jumped in the 2017 combine out of high school. Bottom line, you can expect these times to have improved since high school and with the Packers looking to add athleticism and specifically, speed, to the corner group, Springs has the physical traits necessary to develop into a great corner in the NFL.

Looking at his 2014-2016 stats, Springs had given up 75 receptions on 143 targets for 811 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He added 1 interception and 10 pass deflections. He also accounted for 84 tackles in that span.

To date in 2017, Springs has allowed 10 receptions on 26 attempts for 152 yards and a touchdown. He has no interceptions on the year so far but is only allowing a 71.3 passer rating when targeted.

Round 6, Pick 39

Frank Herron is my wildcard of the group. At 6’4 278 pounds, he is without question a 4-3 defensive end. That said, the Packers have been using a little more 4-3 this year with Clay Matthews playing as a 4-3 OLB. If the Packers are serious about employing this in certain situations, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to get a guy that can be a hybrid in those situations. He can play as a down end in a 4-3 and possibly a defensive lineman in the base 3-4, especially in passing situations, similar to how the Packers now use Dean Lowry.

PFF was of little help having no information on the now graduated Frank Herron. With that I simply have his stats to work with and rather than tell you, how about I just show you…

Round 7, Pick 24

The talented junior from New Smyrna Beach, Florida has been a standout since day 1. A three star recruit out of high school, D’Cota Dixon started for the badgers in his first year. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee ending injury after just 3 games. In 2015, Dixon picked up right where he left off starting all 13 games for the Badgers.

Starting in 2016, Dixon made the move to full time safety. As a safety in 2016, Dixon made 60 tackles, 1 sack, 4 interceptions, and 4 pass deflections.

So far this season, Dixon has racked up 39 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a pass deflection and a pick. Those number put him on track for 109 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions. Not bad!

Round 7, Pick 30

Last but certainly not least, in the 7th round I have the Packers drafting offensive guard, Wyatt Teller. Teller is a guy I already mocked to the Packers once before and I had him going in round 3. When I saw him sitting on the board at the end of the 7th, it wasn’t even a question in my mind he was coming to Green bay.

Currently PFF has Wyatt Teller listed as their 5th overall guard prospect, and they expect him to be drafted in day 2. For those reasons, I don’t expect this pick to be reality but who am I to doubt the mighty Fanspeak big board.

Considered to be a mauler, Teller would be an ideal candidate to stop in for Jahri Evans when the time comes for him to retire. Currently ranked as a top 5 player in run blocking efficiency, Teller could pay off in a big way in regards to getting our new batch of running backs moving a lot more north than south.

If, however, Jahri isn’t planning to hang up the boots anytime soon, perhaps Teller could replace the “jack of all trades, master of none” Lane Taylor. In addition to being a great run blocker, Teller is currently ranked in the top 10 in pass blocking efficiency, something that will come in handy when helping David Bakhtiari hold down Aaron Rodgers blind side.