#Robert Ifedi

[ruleof3bobby]

THE NOVICE (2021) Grade: C

Starts off strong, think they got a little confused on what story they wanted 2 tell exactly. They were trying to throw 2 many obstacles her way and never focusing on any. Ending was average.

[paulbenedictblog]

%news%

New Post has been published on %http://paulbenedictsgeneralstore.com%

Fox news Non-QB FAs who are in line for big paydays - NFL.com

Fox news

The free-agent marketplace is more durable to project than it has been in years, per dozens of NFL executives and others conversant within the panorama.

Many negotiations are on end as everyone awaits the outcomes of the gamers' ongoing vote on a new collective bargaining settlement, which is now scheduled to end dreary Saturday evening. Planning isn't very easy. And the twice-adjusted closing date for making use of franchise and transition tags now butts up in opposition to the opening of the negotiating window at noon ET on Monday, atmosphere the stage for a 52-hour free-for-all till the league 365 days commences at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18.

The impact of a "no" vote by the gamers on the proposed CBA can not be overstated by manner of short-timeframe spending: Groups may perchance well perchance perchance moreover use both tags, restricting extra top gamers from getting their stunning charge on the beginning market. Altered accounting tips in a "Closing League 365 days" under the new CBA would limit signing bonuses. The extra tags and accounting tips, alongside with the existing funding rule for contracts, would roughly rating a $175 million impact on participant spending in 2020, per NFL and NFLPA projections. If there may perchance be a "yes" vote, there can be changes to the salary cap, greater minimal salaries, extra roster spots, advantages, and so forth., which the perimeters estimate would combine for a total shift of roughly $700 million.

Adding to the madness that awaits: a unparalleled list of quarterbacks who live unsigned for 2020, led by Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Dak Prescott, Jameis Winston, Teddy Bridgewater and Ryan Tannehill.

With all that in mind, and with out a single label formally positioned as of this posting, right here's a glimpse at some non-QB free brokers who may perchance well perchance perchance find yourself getting extra money than you're taking into consideration:

Defensive backs

Byron Jones isn't very a mammoth title out of doors of Dallas, thanks in section to proper two occupation interceptions. But groups demand the versatile aged first-round come by to repeat $16 million to $18 million a 365 days in free agency, making him the absolute top-paid defensive back in NFL ancient past. Fellow cornerbacks James Bradberry (Panthers) and Trae Waynes (Vikings) also resolve to land upwards of $12 million per 365 days, and can smartly find yourself closer to $16 million. With John Elway announcing he'll franchise label Justin Simmons if the Broncos can not figure out a protracted-timeframe deal, Anthony Harris (Vikings) is in line to be the tip security within the marketplace and must aloof push $14 million a 365 days. Vonn Bell (Saints), Jimmie Ward (49ers) and Devin McCourty (Patriots) must aloof all manufacture out smartly, too.

(UPDATE: The Broncos applied the franchise label on Simmons.)

Tight ends

In a 365 days with few headliners at the non-QB skill positions, and Hunter Henry seemingly to be tagged by the Los Angeles Chargers absent a protracted-timeframe deal, Austin Hooper (Falcons) must aloof be one among free agency's immense winners after consecutive 70-take seasons. Watch Hooper to reset a tight end market that wanted resetting, with an APY over $10 million.

(UPDATE: The Chargers positioned the franchise label on Henry.)

Linebackers

The Rams may perchance well perchance perchance moreover label Cory Littleton. If not, groups take into consideration his contract may perchance well perchance perchance moreover very smartly be per the likes of Carolina's Shaq Thompson and Jacksonville's Myles Jack, which implies upwards of $13.5 million a 365 days. Web not be surprised if Joe Schobert (Browns) cracks the $10 million value, as smartly.

Offensive linemen

Nate Solder and Trent Brown rating reset the deal with market in free agency the past two years, respectively. Next up may perchance well perchance perchance moreover very smartly be Jack Conklin (Titans), whom NFL executives take into consideration may perchance well perchance perchance moreover repeat $17 million a 365 days. Bryan Bulaga (Packers) is expected to manufacture smartly for a quickly-to-be 31-365 days-outmoded factual deal with with a protracted bother ancient past, potentially touchdown within the $10 million to $12 million vary. Germain Ifedi (Seahawks) may perchance well perchance perchance moreover potentially push toward that identical vary. The market is also expected to be sturdy for a pair young gamers who rating mostly been reserves: Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Eagles) and George Fant (Seahawks). Both gamers may perchance well perchance perchance moreover repeat $10 million a 365 days, and perchance extra. Then there may perchance be the guard market, the set Brandon Scherff is seemingly to be franchise tagged if the Redskins can not prolong him, however Joe Thuney (Patriots), Andrus Peat (Saints), Greg Van Roten (Panthers) and Graham Glasgow (Lions) must aloof all manufacture smartly.

(UPDATE: The Redskins positioned the franchise label on Scherff.)

Broad receivers

Beyond Amari Cooper, who looks destined to follow the Cowboys, the handiest receiver NFL executives demand to really accumulate paid immense is the Jets' Robby Anderson. A generational WR class within the draft figures to depress the market total, however Anderson aloof may perchance well perchance perchance moreover land a deal within the $12 million to $15 million vary.

Defensive linemen

Chris Jones (Chiefs) is expected to be franchise tagged -- and presumably Arik Armstead (49ers) -- however varied D-linemen will hit the market and hit it immense. Groups would not be surprised if Javon Hargrave (Steelers) commands conclude to $14 million a 365 days -- mammoth money for a nose deal with. Jarran Reed (Seahawks), D.J. Reader (Texans), David Onyemata (Saints) and A'Shawn Robinson (Lions) may perchance well perchance perchance moreover all land north of $10 million, too.

Scuttle rushers

The franchise label is seemingly to accumulate off several names right here, including Yannick Ngakoue (Jaguars), Matt Judon (Ravens) and Bud Dupree (Steelers). So, for these who're making not shatter the financial institution for Jadeveon Clowney, you're having a glimpse at a community of scamper rushers who may perchance well perchance perchance moreover all land within the $12 million to $15 million vary. That'd be one more mammoth payday for 2 veterans: Robert Quinn (Cowboys), who enjoyed a revival closing season with 11.5 sacks in Dallas, and Jason Pierre-Paul (Buccaneers), who had 8.5 sacks in 10 video games after strolling back from a fractured neck. Dante Fowler Jr. may perchance well perchance perchance moreover land in that identical vary if the Rams make not franchise label him. Markus Golden -- coming off a 10-sack season with the Giants, his second time in double figures -- and Shaq Lawson (Funds) must aloof manufacture smartly, too.

(UPDATE: The Jaguars and Ravens frail the franchise label on Ngakoue and Judon, respectively.)

Apply Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero.

[sportsleague365]

Not long after the Buccaneers hired Bruce Arians as their head coach in January, we learned that Arians’ new OC, Byron Leftwich, would be calling the team’s offensive plays and that Arians considered Leftwich a rising star in the coaching ranks. And as Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports, Arians’ confidence in Leftwich is such that Arians himself is not even in Jameis Winston‘s quarterbacks meeting rooms — despite Arians’ reputation as a quarterback whisperer — and Leftwich is running those meetings. This is a critical campaign for Winston, who is playing under his fifth-year option, and therefore something of a crossroads for the franchise itself. Leftwich has a lot on his plate for a young coach, but Arians clearly believes he is up to the task. Now for more from the NFC: * Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic believes that the Cardinals will cut Robert Nkemdichebefore he plays another snap for the club. The former first-round pick was recently arrested for driving on a suspended license, and police found a credit card case that had a white powdery residue consistent with cocaine inside. Somers says that police decided not to test the case and elected to simply destroy it instead, but it’s still not a good look for Nkemdiche. The fact that the defensive lineman is still recovering from a knee injury and is due a $400K roster bonus if he is still on the club on the fifth day of training camp could complicate matters, but Somers still expects Nkemdiche to be gone sooner rather than later. * Seahawks OT Jamarco Jones, a fifth-round draft choice in 2018, did not see any regular season action during his rookie campaign, as he suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener that put him on the shelf for the whole year. Still, he flashed potential last training camp, and Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times expects him to make the club as a backup tackle. And, with George Fant and Germain Ifedi eligible for free agency in 2020, Jones could position himself nicely for a starting role next year. * Condotta also expects the Seahawks to continue exploring pass rush options and secondary help. * We heard earlier today that the Lions are exploring a deal with free agent DTDomata Peko. #ArizonaCardinals #BruceArians #ByronLeftwich

[3sportsguns]

Bearly Open Window

Prepare for the worst and be surprised has to be the saying for Bears fan everywhere. With the dominant defense and young offense the double doink loss to the Eagles in 2018 sucked, but seemed like a lump for a team that will be back multiple times, but history says this window could already be closing.

Since the turn of the century the Chicago Bears have made the playoffs only five times with a record of 3-5 with three one and done appearances. Two seasons after putting together a stingy defense the cap is starting to stack up on that side of the ball; Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn and Eddie Jackson got paid this off season, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Kyle Fuller and soon Roquan Smith. Four of the top five earners are on defense and the window of the cheap quaterback looks to be about over.

A key to success in the modern NFL is have a cheap quaterback and load up all around him to maximize the chances, but the number two overall pick may soon no longer have Chicago to call his home. It was quite clear the biggest problem for the Monsters of the Midway was their second year signal caller Mitchell Trubisky. General Manager Ryan Pace may have gotten the pick wrong, but credit for at least trying to do something about it

Management has already said it'll be an open competition between Trubisky and newly acquired Nick Foles. While Foles has had an up and down career as a starter, there's no denying his playoff success and is probably an improvement on Trubisky with a very talented team around him. The move alone signals management's understanding of the clock ticking on them and the Bear's chances to find success.

The closing window is also exacerbated by the fact Pace doesn't have a first round pick in 2020, but no one is arguing against the Mack trade, but they do have the 43 and 50 pick in the second round. Chicago has two 2nd rounders, a 4th, 5th, two in the 6th and two in the 7th, though that's unlikely what they'll finish with. Plenty of mock drafts already have the Bears trading at least one of the 2nd round picks to get pack in to the 3rd or load up on some more day three picks. That seems very likely, though I'd expect Pace to make at least one of the picks in the 2nd to get an impact player like a WR, S, CB or OL.

Another impact WR next to Allen Robinson, more OL help to boost the running game (besides Germain Ifedi, a S next to Jackson and depth for the rest of the defensive levels are my needs for Chicago. A mock draft from fansided has Pace selecting:

OL – Erza Cleveland -- Boise State

CB – Damon Arenette -- Ohio State

WR – Tyler Johnson -- Minnesota

TE – Harrsion Bryant -- FAU

RB – Patrick Taylor Jr. -- Memphis

S – Shyheim Carter -- Alabama

DE – D.J. Wonnum -- South Carolina

This draft gives them two possible day one starters at OL and CB, where they need the most help, another WR to give whoever is under center another weapon and depth at positions of need. Personally I think Chicago stays away from a RB and looks for line or LB depth.

In the NFC North the Bears talent has them up there near the top, the Lions are in a long rebuild in my opinion, but the truth is they won the division in a year of awful for Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers bounced back last season but many found their record inflated but Green has some of the most picks in the draft. Minnesota has a very talent roster, though it has started to lose some pieces and Kirk Cousins is still under center.

If we get a 2020 season, please let that be the case, it's a make or break year in Chicago. Not only could Trubisky be on his way out but Pace and Matt Nagy could have their jobs on the line. The quarterback position has always alluded the Windy City and it could be the case where it's back to the drawing board because Foles is not the long term answer. For 2021 when Chicago gets it's 1st round picks back the new GM could be back looking for a signal caller while trying to maximize a defense that's just getting more and more expensive.

[cinemashedng]

Okay, Muna is gonna take all my money when it comes out!!😍😍😍😍 . Watch the full trailer on Cinemashed.com (website link in bio). . ‘Muna’ is the story of a spirited girl raised by her grandmother; the last surviving member of their family. Muna’s driving desire to provide a better life for herself and grandmother in the land of milk and honey, leads to shady characters that will change the trajectory. Landing her smack dab into the hands of traffickers. . That experience turns her once golden heart into one driven by stone cold revenge on those who stole her innocence. In her grand plan, love was never on the agenda. When secrets and betrayal complicate her strategy, she has a tough decision to make. . Will she remain a prisoner of her past or allow love to set her free? The story is by Award Winning author Unoma Nwankwor, screenplay by Kevin Nwankwor, Joe Leone , Liam Parry and directed by Kevin Nkem Nwankor (‘Tempting Fate’). ’Muna’ stars Adesua Etomi in the leading role, along Adam Huss, Sharon Ifedi, Robert Miano and Onyeka Onwenu and many other great actors. . #cinemashed #munathemovie #munamovie #muna #nollywood #trailer #movietrailer #adesuaetomi #falz https://www.instagram.com/p/BySHOzNnOIn/?igshid=z49lfg5peaw2

[albertoromano]

Necesidades de los equipos de la división NFC Oeste.

Una de las divisiones con mayores contrastes, fue la NFC Oeste, Los Ángeles Rams accedieron al Super Bowl y los Arizona Cardinals poseen el primer pick del draft 2019, Seattle Seahawks accedió a postemporada vía comodín y los San Francisco 49ers vieron como su temporada finalizo prematuramente, cuando Jimmy Garappolo quedo en la lista de lesionados en la semana 3.

Estas son las 3 principales necesidades de cada equipo y como podrían solucionarlas:

Arizona Cardinals.

Record 2018: 3-13

Cap Space: $43,674,446 – 12o en la liga.

Selecciones en Draft 2019: 7.

Mayores necesidades: 1) Offensive Tackle, 2) Center, 3) Defensive End.

Los Arizona Cardinals, tienen demasiados huecos en su roster a excepción de QB y RB, pero su prioridad numero 1 es proteger mejor a Josh Rosen y darle mas espacios a su corredor estrella David Johnson la línea ofensiva jugo lamentablemente, fueron el equipo numero 29 en mas capturas de QB, con 3.2 en promedio por partido y se necesitara reemplazar a varios elementos de la línea debido al mal nivel mostrado de los OT , D.J. Humphries y Andre Smith y el C Mason Cole. El DE Robert Nkemdiche no ha cumplido con las expectativas y solo ha generado 4.5 capturas en 3 temporadas con el equipo y necesitan un complemento que quite dobles marcajes, para su jugador estrella Chandler Jones.

Como podrían solucionarlo: Los Cardinals, tienen dos opciones con el primer pick global de este draft 2019, la primera escoger al mejor prospecto de este año Nick Bosa (Ohio State) o hacer un trade hacia atrás para adquirir mas selecciones y llenar las necesidades que presenta el equipo, deberán de optar por la segunda, si así lo hicieran, tendrían la oportunidad de seleccionar mas jugadores para su línea ofensiva con excelentes prospectos como: OT Jawaan Taylor (Florida) en la primera ronda y C Garrett Bradburry (NC State) en la segunda ronda del draft.

Los Angeles Rams.

Record 2018: 13-3, subcampeones del Super Bowl.

Cap Space: $32,441,386 – 15oen la liga

Selecciones en Draft 2019: 4.

Mayores necesidades: 1) Defensive Lineman, 2) Safety, 3) Guard.

Los subcampeones de la NFL, tienen pocas cosas que mejorar y el equipo tiene suficiente talento para seguir llegando a instancias de campeonato por muchos años, pero, esta temporada baja podrían perder varios elementos titulares vía agencia y deberán de ser arreglados, Dante Fowler Jr. después de ser adquirido vía trade por parte de los Jaguars demandara un lucrativo contrato y no se espera que los Rams, se lo concedan. Lamarcus Joyner bajo mucho su nivel después de una temporada de All-Pro en 2017 y no se espera que sea retenido esta offseason. El G Rodger Saffold fue el eslabón débil de una excelente línea ofensiva y también será agente libre.

Como podrían solucionarlo: Debido a la poca cantidad de selecciones disponibles en este draft, deberán de firmar a varios jugadores en la agencia libre a contratos de 1 año y las opciones mas viables podrían ser: DE Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles), S Tyraan Mathieu (Houston Texans) o G Ramon Foster (Pittsburgh Steelers). Su estrategia en el draft deberá de escoger al mejor jugador disponible, cuando estén en el reloj.

San Francisco 49ers.

Record 2018: 4-12.

Cap Space: $76,027,950 – 5o en la liga.

Selecciones en Draft 2019: 5.

Mayores necesidades: 1) Defensive Lineman, 2) Safety 3) Wide Receiver.

Jugadores de altas selecciones en drafts anteriores como Solomon Thomas (4 capturas en su carrera), no han tenido el impacto que 49ers esperaban y ahora necesitan encontrar un nuevo caza mariscales. El cuerpo de profundos, fue una debilidad constantemente la temporada pasada y fue el equipo con menor cantidad de INT el año pasado. Jimmy Garappolo necesita un arma mas confiable vía aérea debido a que su mejor wide receiver, la temporada pasada fue Kendrick Bourne con 487 yardas recibidas, Marquise Goodwin y Dante Pettis, lucen con un futuro prometedor, pero han tenido varias lesiones y no han terminado de evolucionar.

Como podrían solucionarlo: El escenario ideal seria que pudieran conseguir hacer un trade hacia atrás, pero, si los 49ers, eligen en el segundo pick global, probablemente seleccionaran a Quinnen Williams (Alabama) y tendrían a su caza mariscales para los próximos 10 años Debido a la poca cantidad de selecciones en el draft, la posición de Safety, deberá de ser solucionada, en agencia libre algunas opciones podrían ser: S Earl Thomas (Seattle Seahawks). Después de que Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers), anunciara su despedida vía Twitter, hace mucho sentido que San Francisco adquiera al mejor receptor de la NFL y podría costar solamente una selección de segunda ronda.

Seattle Seahawks.

Record 2018: 10-6, eliminados en ronda de Wild Card.

Cap Space: $52,930,849 – 8o en la liga.

Selecciones en Draft 2019: 4.

Mayores necesidades: 1) Defensive End, 2) Safety, 3) Offensive Tackle.

Por primera vez en muchos años la línea ofensiva no es la prioridad numero 1 para los Seahawks. La contratación de Mike Solari como offensive lineman coach, fue una de las mejores la temporada pasada y mejoro significativamente el rendimiento de la línea, donde si podría quedar un hueco enorme para la temporada siguiente, es en otro costado de la línea de scrimmage, el DE Frank Clark después de sumar 32 capturas en las ultimas 3 temporadas, se ha ganado un lucrativo contrato y podría cambiar de equipo. Earl Thomas uno de los fundadores de la Legion of Boom, se marchara a otro equipo, después de su inconformidad, por haber sido designado, como jugador franquicia la temporada pasada y sufriera una lesión muy grave que finalizo su temporada. A pesar de que la línea ofensiva haya mejorado y haya hecho que el ataque por tierra el mejor de la liga con 154.9 yardas terrestres, pero German Ifedi sigue sin jugar a un buen nivel y es una posición a mejorar.

Como pueden solucionarlo: Debido a la buena posición financiera de cap space que los Seahawks tienen, su prioridad deberá de ser, volver a firmar a Frank Clark y otorgarle el contrato que se merece.. La posición de Safety es una de las mas profundas de este draft y deberán de seleccionar en primera ronda a uno de estos jugadores: Deionte Thompson (Alabama) o Nassir Adderley (Delaware). Al no tener selección de segunda ronda, ya en la tercera, una opción que haría mucho sentido para sustituir a Ifedi seria el RT Yodny Cajuste (West Virginia).

[junker-town]

2018 NFL mock draft: 2 rounds show the strengths of this year’s rookie class

Could Lamar Jackson tumble in the second round if there’s a run on running backs?

With the 2018 NFL draft still more than 70 days away, and a few weeks until free agency starts, mock drafts are sort of in a holding pattern. To spice things up a bit, this week’s mock draft goes through two rounds.

1. Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, QB, USC

Whether it’s Darnold, Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma or Josh Rosen of UCLA, there still shouldn’t be a strong consensus on the quarterback the Browns should take with the No. 1 pick in the draft. Darnold just sort of feels like a holding pattern with the top pick until we hear more from new Browns GM John Dorsey at the NFL Scouting Combine.

2. New York Giants: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA

Similar to the Browns, there shouldn’t be a consensus on the quarterback the Giants take with the second pick. Rosen has some injury concerns, and may be a player where you always wonder about his durability. When Rosen is healthy, though, he’s a classic pocket passer with a quick release and good arm strength and athleticism.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State

Going with Quenton Nelson with the third pick would be a surprise choice, but a logical one because he’s considered by some as the best player in the draft this year. Still, guard isn’t as high of a value in the top five as a pass rusher. Chubb may not be a super athlete for a pass rusher, but he does everything well as a defensive end.

4. Cleveland Browns (via Houston Texans): Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

Although Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick is a popular choice for the Browns, Barkley is as well. For the Browns, much of this offseason needs to be about fixing the NFL’s worst offense. The Browns actually have a pretty good offensive line, so a player like Barkley could thrive if he’s utilized.

5. Denver Broncos: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

Are the Broncos in a rebuild? If they take a quarterback here, it would signify as much. But if Denver makes a big splash on a quarterback in free agency, it’s more of a soft rebuild. If they do that, fixing the offensive line is a must. An offensive tackle would be the preference, but there just isn’t one worth this high of a choice. Nelson is considered by some as the draft’s top player

6. New York Jets: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma

Missing out on Cousins and seeing Barkley and Nelson gone would make for a bad Jets offseason. In an ideal situation they’d get the veteran quarterback and another top piece for the offense. If they fail to do that, going after a quarterback in the first round needs to happen. In this case, that’s Mayfield. An even more ideal scenario would be to get Mayfield and let him sit behind a solid starter like one of the Vikings quarterbacks.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

With Chubb, Barkley and Nelson all gone, the Buccaneers could turn to whomever they consider to be the draft’s top offensive tackle. For me, that’s Brown. He’s a massive blocker on the edge and beats defenders with his sheer size and power.

8. Chicago Bears: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

If Fitzpatrick goes to a team like Chicago it would be as a cornerback. It’s not exactly a stretch for him since he often played in the slot in nickel coverage.

9. San Francisco 49ers: Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech

Few players in this draft have as much raw potential and upside than Edmunds, who doesn’t turn 20 until May. Edmunds excels when he make a read, quickly react and use his athleticism to shut down a play.

10. Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Oakland has badly needed a player who can captain the defense, and Smith can be that guy. Georgia players rallied around the instinctive linebacker, and Raiders players would too.

11. Miami Dolphins: Derwin James, S, Florida State

James may be listed as a safety but he’s more of a hybrid safety/linebacker. He has the ability to drop in coverage, but the size to be an effective tackler and blitzer.

12. Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Williams, OT, Texas

In this mock draft, each of the last five picks would be fits for Cincinnati. If the draft really played out in this fashion, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Bengals move back. But if they held at No. 12, taking the top available offensive lineman is the most viable outcome.

13. Washington: Vita Vea, DT, Washington

Washington would love to see Oakland pass on a player like Vea. That would open them up to taking the draft’s top interior defensive lineman. Vea can help improve the team’s run defense lining up next to Jonathan Allen.

14. Green Bay Packers: Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College

An ankle injury literally slowed Landry down for much of the 2017 season. He’s a pass rusher with a game built around initial burst and speed. When he’s healthy, Landry is arguably the draft’s top pure edge rusher.

15. Arizona Cardinals: Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

Since mock drafts are make believe anyway, lets pretend the Cardinals convince a veteran quarterback to sign this offseason because Larry Fitzgerald is coming back. If those two things happen, general manager Steve Keim could stick to his motto of best player available. In this case, it’s Ward by a long shot.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama

This is another best player available scenario, and Ridley would arguably fill Baltimore’s biggest need on offense. Ridley could help rejuvenate the career of Joe Flacco because he’s such a dependable pass catcher.

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Da’Ron Payne, DL, Alabama

Here is back-to-back Alabama players in a draft where the Crimson Tide could have another double-digit draft class. An interior defensive lineman is the biggest need this offseason for the Chargers, and Payne is a player who should be able to make a difference early in his career.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

It would be easy to complicate this pick by going after a running back like Derrius Guice of LSU or Ronald Jones II of USC or even going with a pass rusher. However, taking McGlinchey fills arguably a greater need. He can play right tackle, which could push Germain Ifedi to the inside, or even to the bench.

19. Dallas Cowboys: Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford

The ideal for Dallas should be moving off the No. 19 pick. That could mean going up for a player like Vea or Ridley or dropping back to get better value. Staying here, the choice was between Phillips and Georgia guard Isaiah Wynn. Phillips fits the one-technique spot the Cowboys badly need along the defensive line.

20. Detroit Lions: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

Bad stat time: The Lions haven’t had a player rush for 100 yards in a game since Reggie Bush in Week 13 of the 2013 season. That’s so bad the Browns have had 10 games where a player ran for at least 100 yards. Needless to say, the Lions need a feature back. Guice is a runner who always seems to be working forward and has a nice combination of power and balance.

21. Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

If the Cardinals and Chargers both pass on a quarterback in the first round, that would greatly benefit Buffalo. Allen has plenty of warts as a quarterback prospect, but he has the size and athleticism combination teams fall in love with during the offseason process.

22. Buffalo Bills (via Kansas City Chiefs): Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Kyle Williams will be 35 when next season starts, and the Bills need help up front on the defensive line. Hurst is a disruptive player up the middle and thrives when he can split gaps and create pressure.

23. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Until an edge rusher slips or the Rams make a move on a starter at cornerback in free agency, the old familiar pick of Jackson is the choice. If the Rams still had a second-round pick it would be easier to look at a different position. But by the time Los Angeles picks again at No. 87 there won’t be such obvious starters. An edge rusher like Josh Sweat of Florida State or Kemoko Turay of Rutgers would be interesting Day 3 picks if Robert Quinn gets cut.

24. Carolina Panthers: Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia

If the Panthers happen to lose guard Andrew Norwell in free agency it opens a big hole on the offensive line. Wynn would fit in perfectly at left guard, and in a pinch can even play tackle.

25. Tennessee Titans: Arden Key, Edge, LSU

The players who should be the top first round targets for Tennessee – Davenport, Jackson, Landry and Payne – are all gone here. That leaves the Titans to take a chance on Key and hope his athleticism is actualized as a pass rush specialist.

26. Atlanta Falcons: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

Although Bryan isn’t exactly a direct stylistic replacement for Dontari Poe, he would give the Falcons another disruptive player up the middle on defense. Bryan is at his best when he can use his aggressiveness create pocket pressure.

27. New Orleans Saints: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

Tight ends are often the popular choice for the Saints in the first round, but they still need some talent at linebacker. Evans is a player who showed at Alabama he’s coming playing on the inside and occasionally blitzing from the edge. He’s a three-down player who sort of fills two needs for New Orleans. There should be tight end depth in the second round.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sam Hubbard, OLB, Ohio State

The reasoning here is somewhat similar to the Evans pick above it. The Steelers need a player who can create pressure off the edge because thus far Bud Dupree hasn’t been that player. As Hubbard gets stronger as a pro, he should be able to be that player. What makes this similar to Evans is that Hubbard at times worked on the inside at Ohio State. It’s impossible to find a linebacker with Ryan Shazier’s range, but Hubbard would give Pittsburgh a player who can be moved around pre-snap.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

The NFL is a copycat league, and there will be plenty of teams this offseason looking for their own version of Zach Ertz. In other words, a tight end who beats defenders with a mixture of crafty route running, athleticism and size. That’s basically Goedert in a nutshell.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Billy Price, G/C, Ohio State

With all the best defensive linemen gone, the Vikings could address the offensive line with their first-round pick. Price can play all three interior positions, and has NFL-ready power and smarts. He has to smooth out his technique a little bit, but he should make a big impact early in his career.

31. New England Patriots: Mike Hughes, CB, Central Florida

Hughes is a legit shutdown man cornerback on the outside and could be a riser after the combine. The Patriots should hope he lasts this long. He is a player who fits their system well and give New England an instant starter.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

Trey Burton is a free agent and Brent Celek could be a cap casualty, so tight end could emerge as a need for the Eagles this offseason. If both are gone a player like Andrews would be a nice addition. While he doesn’t blow a lot of people away as an athlete, he has excellent hands and is fast enough to get up the seam.

SECOND ROUND:

If the first round finishes with four quarterbacks gone, all eyes in the second round will be where Lamar Jackson of Louisville and, to a lesser extent, where Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State land. It could be troublesome for Jackson if he slips into Day 2.

The second round shows off the strengths of this draft at running back and cornerback. Particularly with running backs there could be a big run on them at the top of the round. There could also be a premium on pass rushers in this round for teams that may have missed out in the first round.

33. Cleveland Browns: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn

34. New York Giants: Ronald Jones II, RB, USC

35. Cleveland Browns (via Houston): D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

36. Indianapolis Colts: Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

37. New York Jets: James Daniels, C, Iowa

38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Edge, Oklahoma

39. Chicago Bears: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

40. Denver Broncos: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

41. New England Patriots (via Oakland): Rasheem Green, Edge, USC

42. Miami Dolphins: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

43. San Francisco 49ers: Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

44. Washington: Will Hernandez, G, UTEP

45. Green Bay Packers: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

46. Cincinnati Bengals: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

47. Arizona Cardinals: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

48. Los Angeles Chargers: Martinas Rankin, OT, Mississippi State

49. New York Jets (via Seattle): Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn

50. Dallas Cowboys: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State

51. Detroit Lions: Da’Shawn Hand, DL, Alabama

52. Baltimore Ravens: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

53. Buffalo Bills: Frank Ragnow, C/G, Arkansas

54. Kansas City Chiefs: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

55. Carolina Panthers: Dante Pettis, WR, Washington

56. Buffalo Bills (via L.A. Rams): Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis

57. Tennessee Titans: Tim Settle, DL, Virginia Tech

58. Atlanta Falcons: Braden Smith, G, Auburn

59. San Francisco 49ers (via New Orleans): Tyrell Crosby, OL, Oregon

60. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jessie Bates III, S, Wake Forest

61. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

62. Minnesota Vikings: Uchenna Nwosu, Edge, Southern California

63. New England Patriots: Fred Warner, LB, BYU

64. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia): Rashaun Gaulden, CB, Tennessee

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Seahawks show they’re ready for season in victory against the Chiefs

Another week in the preseason, and it was another Seattle Seahawks victory. The Seahawks played their starters into the third quarter, and they continued their strong play against a very good Kansas City Chiefs. But once the Seahawks second team players came in, the game slowed down to a crawling tempo. But Seattle was still able to hold off the Chiefs for a 26-13 victory. Let’s look how each phase of the Seahawks played.

Offense

The biggest question heading into this game was how well the offensive line was going to play. Already a question coming into the season, the group became even more of a question when left tackle George Fant tore his ACL and ended his season. Rees Odhiambo has been called upon to be the replacement for Fant, and he played very well in his place.

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Odhiambo uses his size and strength from playing as a guard to excel when run blocking. His only bad moment was when he gave up a sack in the third quarter. Odhiambo was stepping back preparing for an outside rush, but the Chiefs defender slapped Odhiambo’s hands down, and stepped inside for an easy sack. But other than that play, Odhiambo, played exceptionally well for his first start at left tackle. The only starting linemen that had a bad moment was Germain Ifedi, who had an ill-advised false start.

The Seahawks were able to utilize a strong pass-run mix. Wilson was able to distribute the ball around to multiple players. But the most notable receiver was Jermaine Kearse. Kearse had not been given much of an opportunity, but this week was a coming-out party for Kearse this season. He had three receptions for 59 yards, which led the team.

Chris Carson had the best game among the running backs. Carson had eight carries for 46 yards, which came to a strong 5.8 yards per carry. He also made an impact receiving out of the backfield, with two catches for 44 yards. Carson saw significant playing time with Thomas Rawls and C.J Prosise out.

Russell Wilson continued with his strong preseason, finishing the game with 200 yards on 13/19 passing and a touchdown. Backup Trevone Boykin came into the game and played almost the entire third quarter, but struggled. Boykin went 0/6, and his only “completion” went to a Chiefs player.

Defense

The Seahawks defense was stellar against the Chiefs, only giving up two field goals. The defensive line generated a lot of pressure on Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, and did not allow him to have the time to hit his receivers. Smith finished the game 7/17 for only 44 yards. The majority of the offense for the Chiefs starters came from the running game. The Chiefs used a mix of Spencer Ware, Kareem Hunt and Charcandrick West to run down the throats of the Seattle defense. The biggest concern from Seattle was the lack of resistance in the middle of the field. But the Seattle defense was able to lock it down when the Chiefs were in Seahawks territory, and held the Chiefs to only field goals.

The majority of the damage done from the Chiefs offense was when rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes came into the game. The Seahawks backups did not have an answer for the strong-armed, dual-threat quarterback. Mahomes finished the game 8-15 for 70 yards. The Seahawks showed that their defense is almost ready for the regular season, but still have things to work on to be a shutdown defense.

Special Teams

The only Chiefs touchdown came in the second when De’Anthony Thomas returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. Thomas used his speed to burst past multiple Seahawks players, but a mistake from a Seattle player played a part in the touchdown. Jermaine Kearse took a bad angle to Thomas, causing him to overrun the play, and allowing Thomas to make a cut and run right past him into the open field. Giving up a kickoff for a touchdown is always a concern, showing the Seahawks that there is still progress to be made with the kickoff return group.

Kicker Blair Walsh was a bright spot for the Seahawks, hitting all of the kicks that he attempted. Walsh was tested from multiple ranges in this game, hitting from 41, 36, 21 and 47 yards. There is room for concern, however. Walsh’s second kick was from 41 yards on the left hash. Walsh missed the kick, hitting the right post. He was given another chance because of a defensive illegal formation, and nailed the kick from 36 yards.

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Examining the Seahawks preseason so far

Has the first three preseason games for the Seahawks shown that they are ready for the regular season? Short answer, yes. Long answer, still yes, but there is work to be done.

One of the chief problems for the Seahawks is their offensive line. The line looked to be shaping up with George Fant entering his second year at left tackle. But after his season-ending torn ACL, the Seahawks are scrambling to find a replacement. The next man up is Rees Odhiambo followed by newly acquired Matt Tobin.

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Veterans Luke Joeckel and Justin Britt will look to keep the line from falling apart. Right tackle is in the hands of second year player Germain Ifedi. The right guard position will be manned by either Mark Glowinski or Oday Aboushi. The Seahawks have made their moves to shore up the line following Fant’s injury. However, this doesn’t exactly fix the amount of penalties that the offensive line accrues. In 2016, the Seahawks offensive line had 35 penalties resulting in a total of 261 yards lost.

Since then the offensive line has undergone change, as Gary Gilliam and Bradley Sowell are no longer with the Seahawks. Ifedi, now having a full year under his belt, looks to continue his growth. Limiting penalties is all about playing smarter, but the bottom line is that Seattle’s offensive line needs to stay healthy and solidify themselves in their respective positions work better as a unit in order to limit the problems.

Enough of the ugly, let’s get to what’s most exciting about the Seahawks thus far. Seattle’s offense and defense have come out firing on all cylinders. Big plays by wide receiver Kasen Williams and Neiko Thorpe prove that Seattle has great depth, the starting offense has been balanced, yet explosive, and the starting defense is back to its Boom-ish identity. In particular, Rees Odhiambo looked more than capable in his first start at left tackle, showing the depth on the offensive line. While he’ll have to continue competing to keep his spot, his play Friday was encouraging to say the least.

Aside from the few costly penalties, there was a lot to like out of the line as a whole, in fact. They opened big holes in the running game, and managed to protect Russell Wilson, who in the first half was not sacked and was hit only once. It should suffice to say that the offensive line has improved greatly as a unit this offseason, but they do still have their work cut out for them. And as good as the entire team has looked, the team still has a lot of work to do if they want to make it to another Super Bowl.

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