#Vea amaris

[oc-cafe]

Stories, skelons and tits

Vea tires easily, they are after all, still recovering. They ask me for water and give me no answers. 

I lead them to the kitchen, which is now mostly deserted, the servants having long disappeared into their beds. Some of the messengers mill about outside, just having returned from their various tasks. I wonder what it must be like for them, refugees who made their home in serving a kingdom that they don’t consider as their own, never in the same spot, swift as Dhoruba’s wings and  ever changing like the waves of Baharini’s waters . 

I do not wish to become them. 

“How do you know where everything in your castle is?” Vea shakes their silently and I notice the silver glinting through their hair. 

“Zuri, my sister, and I used to play here with the other children.I suppose we learnt all the hiding spots and the rooms along the way...” I trail off, voices of the past now deafening.  

There I had bandaged Eren’s cuts when they’d fallen into some bush while we had been playing, there Zuri had burnt her dress, there were the places my father had taught me how to clean the stems of flowers, there I had prepared soup with him, there I had found Gabriel and Zuri kissing for the first time, there was the grate I had cut open my hand on, there was the place my father had gently taught me the healing salves, there was that, there was this, memories washed over me, drowning me.  

“What was it like?” I barely hear Vea but some distant part of my brain computes their question. 

“It was fun, loud and absolutely lovely.” I smile a little as I think of the girls I used to know. So many of us drifted away as the war waged on, I wonder what they’re doing now. 

“It seems so.” One of them was called Vriti,  she used  to be popular, her parents had been immigrants from Alinthi, her father a merchant and her mother the head healer, they’d left five and a half years into the war. She’d been barely thirteen. She had a sister, older than her by three years, I think her name had been Reet or something of that sort. 

“Do you miss those days?” Vea asks, leading me out of memory lane. Thousands of names cross my mind, Adunbi, Aziza, Badru,  Chioke, people I used to know, with faces that sacrificed themselves to time. 

“Desperately.” I don’t know why I don’t lie but something about them compels me to tell them the truth. They sigh softly, fixing their glasses, they stretch their legs out in front of them, letting their cane lie at their side as they sit down on the kitchen stool. 

I pour them a glass of water, allowing silence to fill the room. Neither of us say a word, simply enjoying the feel of the cool night air. The utter silence leaves me with a heavy heart but a clear head. 

And a clear head is what I need right now. 

It matters not that my heart still weighs me down, that the grief seems to smother me until I can scarcely breathe, it matters only that the answers I need are within my reach. 

Speaking of which, 

“Vea. You promised me a story.” 

“Impatient, are we?” They sigh again, and I bristle. They sigh quite a bit.  

“Yes, well. I wasn’t allowed to be at the forefront of the war.”

“Be greatful for that.” They sit up sharply, eyes flashing with an emotion I cannot name. 

“Yes, whatever. Now, story.” 

“Fine. There’s people under the sea and they were allies until they weren’t.” 

“Oh okay… then- wait..What.” People under the sea? Did they hit their head on their way here? 

Do I need to hit them on their head?   “Yes Princess, there’s people under the sea. They’re called Skelons, they’ve got blue hair, and they can breathe underwater, they’re Baharini’s bitches.” 

I burst into laughter, they really had me going for a moment there. I really thought they had something important to say.

“Yeah, of course, and the next thing you’re gonna tell me is that fucking Baharini’s real.” I really did inherit my father’s sailor mouth. 

They gave me a sheepish look. 

Abeba’s tits. 

They have got to be kidding. 

“And do you have any evidence to back up this outrageous claim?”  

“Am I not proof enough?” I give them a quick once over, a broken nose, a few scrapes and bruises and broken glasses.

“Right, your….state is supposed to prove to me that there are people living under the sea?” “Not people princess!” They stand up, eyes wild. 

“They’re  monsters. We would be fools to believe otherwise!” All this excitement seems to be getting to them. 

“Look! Look at this and tell me that a man could do this-” 

“Kiongozi Amaris! Please! Get a hold of yourself!” I attempt to still their wild hands as they work furiously to rip off their tunic but ultimately, I fail. 

They shrug off my hand and continue  frantically unbuttoning their tunic. 

Well. This is not how I anticipated this evening to go. 

Maybe I could still make a run for it. 

I take a step back. 

And Vea steps forward. 

Or I could just punch them in the face and run. 

That’s probably not gonna work. 

I’m not very strong. Or good at running. Or… punchy. Is that a word? 

Fuck it. 

I’ll just drown them in the sea. 

Let ‘em be with their sea monsters. 

“Princess I know what this seems like and I’m sorry- I promise  I’m not trying to impose myself on you or somethin-” 

“Then could you kindly put your clothes back on?”

“I will… just- this is something you have to see to believe.” They finally shrug their clothes off and I scramble to cover my eyes. 

Wait. 

This is literally my castle. 

I can look wherever I please. 

I peel my fingers off my face and finally look at Vea. 

Bandages cover most of their body, except a few portions. 

The wrappings around those areas seem to have rotten and fallen away,I reach forward, my hand just barely brushing the edge of the gaping hole in their abdomen. 

It's hypnotising, it's almost as if their blood poisons the wound. I let my fingers brush the edge, and travel further up, tracking the path of scars, exploring the openings between bandages, and letting them tell me a story no words could ever describe.

Because no mortal weapon could ever have inflicted this kind of trauma, because swords and arrows can only cut so deep.

But these?

These are claw marks.

Claw marks that grow grey and luminescent blue under the gaze of the gentle summer moon.

Claw marks that shift and sway like the waves of the ocean that crash against our shore.

Claw marks that resemble the ones embedded into my city's walls from where Baharini once severed her village away.

A/N: Once again, not beta read, but then again when is it?

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[tiredguyswag]

me @ vea

[transienturl]

Q: How much do I know about sports off the top of my head? I’m bored, so let’s find out.

NFL:

NFC West (one of the strongest divisions ever):

Seattle Seahawks. Key (and less-key) players: Russell Wilson (QB), DK Metcalf (WR), Tyler Lockett (WR), Freddie Swain (WR), Greg Olsen (TE), Colby Parkinson (TE), Damien Lewis (G), Duane Brown (T), Ethan Pocic (C, I think?), Chris Carson (RB), Rashaad Penny (RB), Travis Homer (RB), Michael Dickson (P), help what’s the kicker’s name, Jamal Adams (S), Quandre Diggs (S), Bobby Wagner (LB), KJ Wright (LB), Jordyn Brooks (LB), Poona Ford (DI), Jarran Reed (defensive... line somewhere), Shaquill Griffon (CB), Quinton Jefferson (CB), Tre Flowers (CB), Benson Mayowa (DE), Carlos Dunlap (DE), Alton Robinson (DE), Shaquem Griffon (DE), god I can’t remember the new slot corner but he’s pretty good I think. Coach: Pete Carroll. OC: Brian Schottenheimer. DC: Ken Norton, Jr. GM: John Schneider. Owner: Jody Allen. Notes: Every game is close. Used to always run, but this year always throws. Quarterback is basically magic. Defense is severely lacking. My home team, obviously.

San Francisco 49ers. Key players: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB), George Kittle (TE), many fast running backs, Raheem Mostert is one of them, Trent Williams (T), Richard Sherman (CB), Nick Bosa (DE). Coach: Kyle Shanahan. Notes: Running game scheme is a work of staggering genius. Best player is a tight end for some reason. Went to the Super Bowl last year.

Arizona Cardinals. Key players: Kyler Murray (QB), Larry Fitzgerald (WR), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Christian Kirk (WR), Budda Baker (S), Patrick Peterson (CB). Coach: Kliff Kingsbury. Notes: Runs many wide receivers, in scheme Kingsbury got from coaching college. Used to be bad, but getting better each year. Kyler is very small.

Los Angeles Rams. Key players: Jared Goff (QB), Cooper Kupp (WR), Andrew Whitworth (T), Darrell Henderson (RB), Aaron Donald (DI), Johnny Hekker (P). Coach: Sean McVay. DC: Used to be Wade Phillips, but not anymore. Notes: Runs a lot of plays from the same formation. Coach is very smart. Made the Super Bowl two years ago. Best player is a defensive tackle, for some reason.

NFC East (the worst division in NFL history):

New York Giants. Key players: Daniel Jones (QB), Saquon Barkley (RB). Coach: Joe, uh... Douglas. GM: Dave Gettleman. Notes: Spent a huge amount of draft capital on players the numbers said weren’t worth it. Seems accurate.

Philadelphia Eagles. Key players: Carson Wentz (QB), Jalen Hurts (backup QB), literally everyone else is injured. Oh, Jason Peters (T). Coach: Doug Peterson. GM: Howie Roseman. Notes: Everyone is injured. Everyone. Went to the Super Bowl 3 years ago and won with their backup QB.

Dallas Cowboys. Key players: Dak Prescott (QB, injured), Andy Dalton (backup QB, injured), No one of note (third-string QB), Amari Cooper (WR), CeeDee Lamb (WR), Ezekiel Elliott (RB), Leighton Vander Esch (LB), Greg Zuerlein (K), I could probably name more if I tried hard enough. Coach: Mike McCarthy. GM: Jerry Jones. Owner: Also Jerry Jones. Notes: Every year they have good players and lose anyway. Paid their running back instead of their quarterback. Also, now they have no healthy quarterback.

Washington [used to have a racist name]. Key players: Dwayne Haskins (benched QB), Alex Smith (QB... whose leg does not work), Kyle Allen (QB), Terry McLaurin (WR), Chase Young (DE), Montez Sweat (DE). Coach: Ron Rivera. Owner: Dan Snyder, who is the worst human being in the NFL, and that is saying a lot. Notes: No one cares about the football, Dan Snyder should be in jail. Also, Ron Rivera has cancer and Alex Smith’s leg injury almost killed him, so those guys deserve better.

NFC North:

Detroit Lions. Key Players: Matthew Stafford (QB), um, I should remember some more. Jeff Okudah (CB). Coach: Matt Patricia. Notes: Stafford deserves better. Patricia keeps signing ex-Patriots players, and it doesn’t work, presumably because the good ones are current-Patriots-players.

Minnesota Vikings. Key players: Kirk Cousins (QB), Adam Thielen (WR), Justin Jefferson (WR), Dalvin Cook (RB), many good defensive players whose names I don’t know. Coach: Mike Zimmer. Notes: Historically a good defense and just missing a competent QB. Paid a lot for an average QB; defense sucks now for some reason. Also, runs a lot.

Chicago Bears. Key Players: Mitchell Trubisky (QB), Nick Foles (QB), Allen Robinson (WR), Khalil Mack (DE). Coach: Matt Nagy. Notes: Has been wasting great defensive performances with poor to average quarterback play since World War II.

Green Bay Packers. Key Players: Aaron Rodgers (QB), Davante Adams (WR), Allan Lazard (WR), Aaron Jones (RB), Jamaal Williams (RB), Robert Tonyan (TE), David Bakhtiari (T), Za’Darius Smith (DE), Preston Smith (DE). Coach: Matt LaFleur. GM: Brian Gutekunst. Owner: “The fans.” Notes: Has started a hall-of-famer at quarterback every season since before you were born. Winning big but the analytics say they’re getting a bit lucky lately.

NFC South:

Atlanta Falcons. Key players: Matt Ryan (QB), Julio Jones (WR), I forgot the new WR’s name but he looks legit, Todd Gurley (RB). Coach that was recently fired: Dan Quinn. Notes: Have become known for inexplicably blowing enormous leads late in games. It’s quite funny, at this point.

New Orleans Saints. Key players: Drew Brees (QB), Michael Thomas (WR), Alvin Kamara (RB), Taysom Hill (listed as backup QB but just kinda does weird shit on offense), Jameis Winston (backup QB), Cam Jordan (DE), I should remember the cornerback’s name. Coach: Sean Payton. Notes: Known for having tons of talent every year, salary cap be damned, and then losing in heartbreaking fashion in the playoffs. Brees is getting old.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Key players: Tom Brady (QB), Mike Evans (WR), Chris Godwin (WR), this one WR who can go eat shit, Rob Gronkowski (TE), Antoine Winfield Jr (S), Vita Vea (DI). Coach: Bruce Arians. Notes: Signed Tom Brady. It’s working pretty well. Defense is top-tier. The most balanced team.

god, who is the other NFC south team, uh...  hold on, lemme get back to you.

AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers

Cleveland Browns

um... Cincinnati Bengals? Maybe?

AFC East:

New York Jets

New England Patriots

Miami Dolphins

Buffalo Bills

AFC South:

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Tennessee Titans

uhh... Indianapolis Colts.

AFC West:

Denver Broncos

Kansas City (I think this name should be changed too, honestly)

Las Vegas Raiders

I guess this must be the Los Angeles Chargers?

Oh, so the other NFC South team is the Carolina Panthers. Of course. Key players: Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Christian McCaffrey (RB and also arguably their best receiver), Yetur Gross-Matos (DE). Coach: Matt Rhule. Notes: Rebuilding their team this year, but quietly doing pretty well, considering.

Alright, I’m gonna stop there. Didn’t even get to the other half of the NFL, let alone started to try and list NBA/MLB/NHL teams, which would have gone extremely poorly. Story for another day.

Also, uh, yeah, this is a normal amount to know about football as someone who doesn’t watch football, oooobviously...

[thesportssoundoff]

A Dumb Draft Exercise

It's a Friday night and we're all locked in so I decided to do something a touch different. I took the current NFL draft order and then looked up the last five NFL drafts (2015-2019) to see who was picked at spots. Using the teams as they stand after one long (and it feels it) week of free agency, I picked ONE player selected at that set position to try and do a retro draft. Each team picked ONE player picked over the last five years at that specific spot (so at 1 overall, you could only draft 1st overall). How different would your favorite team look? Welll.....

1. Cincinnati- QB Kyler Murray (2019)

The first round picks of the past five years consist of four QBs (Jameis Winston, Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield and Murray) alongside premiere edge rusher Myles Garrett. As is often the case with top pick QBs tasked with saving bad franchises, each becomes less and less attractive as the years go by and they hit the ceiling of "damn good but not quite franchise saver" over and over. I went with Murray because while I think Goff is vastly underrated by most fans, Murray's got the ability and personality to drastically change an organization that feels like it's been hankering for a chance over the past five years. Murray was one of the NFL's brightest stars last year and figures to only improve, especially if you put him under the watchful gaze of an offensive guru (of sorts) in Zac Taylor.

2. Washington- DE Nick Bosa (2019)

Was REALLY torn with Carson Wentz and Nick Bosa for the Redskins. There's a lot of dead-ish weight here with Mitch Trubisky and Marcus Mariota and while Saquon may be the best player in theory, no team needs to take a running back in the top 5 (or in the first round at all). Assuming the Redskins are truly comfortable with Dwayne Haskins then taking Nick Bosa and pairing him up in the front four along with the likes of Montez Sweat, Matt Ionidis and Daron Payne would probably be a formidable ass crew.  Basically the Chase Young strategy.

3. Detroit- DE Joey Bosa (2016)

How about the Bosa Bros going back to back! One would assume tht if the Lions wanted a QB, they're GOING to have their pick of the proverbial litter on the back end. After all after Cincy, they'll have Tua, Herbert and Love at their disposal if taking a QB so amuses them. Instead operating under the belief that the Lions feel comfortable with Stafford for MAYBE one more year, it leaves us to choose from Joey Bosa, Solomon Thomas and Dante Fowler. Bosa is likely on his way to a multiple pro bowl career while Thomas may just grade out as average and Fowler is on his third team now. Easy choice if ya ask me.

4. NY Giants- WR Amari Cooper (2015)

The Giants would be picking from a variety of offensive players; two of which are current Dallas Cowboys. You have Amari Cooper, Zeke Elliott, Leonard Fournette on offense and then Denzel Ward at cornerback as pretty much your only other option. Give me Amari Cooper as he'd immediately step in and make an offense consisting of Daniel Jones, Barkley, Golden Tate and a two tight end threat of Evan Engram and Kaden Smith a pretty damn formidable one.

5. Miami- OLB Bradley Chubb (2018)

This WOULD be easy in theory. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey would've been a FINE choice here but the Dolphins have Xavien Howard and Byron Jones on the back end. With Jalen Ramsey out of the picture, you have an interesting linebacker in Devin White, a superb guard in Brandon Scherff and my selection Bradley Chubb. With so much locked in on the defense, Chubb (if healthy) steps in as an immediate premiere pass rusher. Barely edges out Brandon Scherff. BARELY.

6. LA Chargers- OG Quinton Nelson (2018)

Man! The Chargers would have their glut of talent to choose from if they so desired. Want an elite strong safety? Jamal Adams was picked 6th in 2018. Want a QB to groom and develop? Daniel Jones went here in 2019. If you want a flexible havoc inducing DL piece? Leonard Williams in 2015 went 6th overall. Ronnie Stanley is a pretty damn good tackle as well.  Quinton Nelson is a top 3 guard in just two seasons and figures to continue to improve. It's not a premiere position for a lot of people but Nelson bucks the trend.

7. Carolina- QB Josh Allen (2018)

Funny bit? We have two Josh Allens here as Josh Allen from Wyoming and Josh Allen from Kentucky both went 7th overall. Both would be tremendous picks given the Panthers needs (an elite edge or a QB). Deforest Buckner finally hit on his potential and got paid paid for it as well, fitting in interestingly here as a potential flexible front line piece. The Panthers just paid Teddy Bridgewater relatively big time money but if you have the chance to take a really athletic strong armed QB who has shown strides in two seasons, you should do it. Imagine Allen throwing it to the likes of DJ Moore and Christian McCaffery.

8. Arizona- RB Christian McCaffery (2017)

THIS one was hard given the lack of obvious options. Do you need more receiving options? If so TE TJ Hockenson was picked 8th. Christian McCaffery is probably the best player at this spot but again, running backs and top 10s and etc etc etc. Nuke Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk are on paper a superb trio of WRs and you also have Kenyan Drake at RB. Vic Beasley is a good pass rusher who has sort of lost his way as a player (hence the one year prove it deal). Give me McCaffery I guess. I think he'd do wonders in Kingbsury's offense and I suppose you can make he and Drake work together. That's why head coaches get paid.

9. Jacksonville- OT Mike McGlinchey (2018)

There's not a lot of obvious fits for a tanking team like the Jaguars. DT Ed Oliver would be intriguing but I have no idea how he fits in with the Jaguars defense. The likes of Leonard Floyd (recently released), Ereck Flowers (failed tackle turned kinda failed guard), John Ross (oft injured speedster) are other options. Lastly there's Mike McGlinchey who was starting at right tackle for the Super Bowl 49ers. The Jaguars have spent picks at both tackle spots but McGlinchey is better.

10. Cleveland- QB Patrick Mahomes (2017)

Fuck. Would the Browns even with Baker Mayfield flirt with taking Patrick Mahomes? Who cares. Mayfield can be traded. If you have the chance to grab the best QB in the NFL, you do it. Easy peasy.

11. NY Jets- CB Marshon Lattimore (2016)

This one came down to Lattimore or Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick can do so much across a secondary and his swiss army knife toolset was amplified in a Pittsburgh secondary that left to his devices where he could roam free and fuck shit up. On the other hand, Marshon Lattimore represents one of the NFL's rare commodities; a star shutdown cornerback. Plus with Marcus Maye and Jamal Adams tie up the safety spots pretty well.

12. Las Vegas- QB Deshaun Watson (2017)

The Raiders are openly flirtatious with moving on from Derek Carr. Deshaun Watson would step in and be a massive upgrade. There's also not much here either given how 90% of the players are DL and the Raiders have plenty of names and faces they like there. Maxx Crosby, Maliek Collins, John Hankins and Clelin Ferrell to name a few.

13. San Francisco f/IND- OG Laremy Tunsil (2016)

Take the 49ers OL with Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey and Laken Tomlinson and then slide in Laremy Tunsil at RG. That's an absurd OL. There also weren't many options to really delve into either depending on how you feel about Da'Ron Payne and Vita Vea.

14. Tampa Bay- DE Marcus Davenport (2018)

Pick 14 over the past five years is a bit of a dry spell unfortunately. The best player on the list is DeVante Parker and the Bucs clearly have a collection of damn good WRs. Shaq Barrett and JPP are in place for 2020 but could the Bucs use Davenport as a third rusher and move him inside on pass rush downs. Not a lot of good ideas here unfortunately.

15. Denver- RB Melvin Gordon (2015)

Easy peasy! I mean Denver just signed him! That's a bit of a cheapie but let's keep with it. Gordon fitshere (and nobody else does).

16. Atlanta- LB Tremaine Edmunds (2018)

Edmunds with Deion Jones? Sign me up! The only other option that makes sense here is Marlon Humphrey at corner which would be an equally fine pick.

17. Dallas- S Derwin James (2018)

Given that Arik Armstead and John Allen would be 3-technique types in this defense, it makes sense we would ONCE again look at the safety market! Yay! The Cowboys scheme in 2018 apparently didn't like Derwin James as much as the media thought they did but this is a brand new scheme and a new way to play. Derwin James would edge out Keanu Neal (who BTW when healthy is an amazing safety) by virtue of being more of the chess piece the Cowboys need.

18. Miami f/PIT- C Ryan Kelly (2017)

Again there's a glut of corners here but the Dolphins have their fair share. As such, turn your attention over to a glut of centers---who they also just signed a guy for. Ryan Kelly is a pro bowl center though and you can make exceptions for that.

19. Las Vegas f/CHI- LB Leighton Vander-Esch (2018)

One of the better linebackers in the NFL prior to his neck injury, LVE was a friggin' elite athlete who could still redefine what NFL linebackers look like. His defensive coordinator is there as well (as the DL coach) and I bet Gruden would love his leadership and his ability as an off ball linebacker. This one is easy enough.

20. Jacksonville f/LAR- TE Noah Fant (2019)

The Jaguars are in the midst of a rebuild of sorts but unfortunately there's no immediate building block pieces at 20. It came down to Frank Ragnow (a versatile OL with upside) or Noah Fant and I opted for tight end Noah Fant since Minshew could use a reliable safety blanket. Assuming Fant can control his drops of course.

21. Philadelphia- WR Will Fuller (2016)

The Eagles could REALLY use some targets for Carson Wentz. Last year in clutch games they were relying on JJ Arceaga-Whiteside and Boston Scott for targets outside of their tight ends. Wouldn't have a problem going with FS Darnell Savage either who also went at 21.

22. Minnesota f/BUF- DE Bud Dupree (2015)

I don't know if the Vikings NEED an edge but even if they don't, there's really no options here. Josh Doctson was a flop in Washington, Charles Harris was a flop in Miami, Rashaan Evans plays the same spot as their glut of damn good linebackers and Andre Dillard is an unproven tackle for Philly to this point. Hit or miss here.

23. New England- Isaiah Wynn (2018)

I mean they drafted him here. Easy enough. Although would they take TE Evan Engram all things being equal?

24. New Orleans- WR DJ Moore (2018)

The Saints did grab Emmanuel Sanders but DJ Moore, Sanders and Michael Thomas is a whole different world of WR depth. There's also pretty much nobody else here worthy of snagging either.

25. Minnesota- WR Marquise Brown (2019)

HOLLYWOOD! The Vikings just traded away Stefon Diggs and could use an infusion of playmaker at their WR spot to help assist their TE room, Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen. Marquise Brown would give Kirk Cousins a souped up version of Jamison Crowder; a WR-3 he relied heavily on in Washington.

26. Miami f/HOU- DE Montez Sweat (2019)

So the Dolphins have signed a lot of DE and we also gave them Bradley Chubb earlier BUT Montez Sweat is going to terrorize the NFL for the next 5-10 years and so he and Chubb combined? That's big time pass rush. Also, again, not much to really select from here either.

27. Seattle- CB Byron Jones (2015)

If you drew up a make and model for a Seahawks DB? It looks like Byron Jones. Byron just got paid big time money by Miami It's Byron vs Tre White and Byron fits the mold a bit better. Could also see Seattle liking Kenny Clark. Lots of good defensive players at 27.

28. Baltimore- OG Laken Tomlinson (2015)

Let Tomlinson battle it out with the interior OL the Ravens have currently. There's really not much here, it's either Tomlinson or DT Jerry Tillery.

29. Tennessee- TE David Njoku (2017)

Funny story, the 2016 1st round pick here was forfeited via deflategate. With just four names to choose from (and not really much to talk about either way), the Titans take David Njoku. Njoku has struggled with his role in Cleveland and the Titans do have some solid tight ends already in place but Njoku would be a pretty nice flier. Most of the guys here at 29 are just not good unless you're a Taven Bryan truther.

30. Green Bay- LB TJ Watt (2017)

And Cowboys fans across the globe shudder in horror. Yes, the Packers have two really good DEs in the Smith brothers. There's nobody else here who comes remotely close to the pure value TJ Watt has. Let him rush from the left side and rack up the sacks. You can figure it out somehow I figure. Let Preston Smith play 3-tech or something!

31. San Francisco- LB Reuben Foster (2017)

On one hand, the less said about Foster the better. On the other, there's really nobody else here who would come close. Unless you're a Germaine Ifedi fan?

32. Kansas City- DT Malcolm Brown (2015)

For any other team in any other league, this is Lamar Jackson. The Chiefs are really set at QB for the next 10-15 years so we'll have to take a pass. Instead Malcolm Brown is pretty much the only other really good value play. Big thumpy 1-tech/nose tackles are usually found later on in the draft but Brown is a good one and the Chiefs truthfully don't need much else either.

[mitchintille]

2020 Mock Draft (Pre-combine)

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Alas, it is finally here. Draft season has officially kicked into full gear, and that means it’s time for yet another installment of a mock draft that will undoubtedly be ridiculously wrong come April. With that being said, I sincerely hope you enjoy!

1. Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The Bengals are widely regarded as one of the most incompetent front offices in all of sports, and nothing that they can do with this pick would shock me. With that being said, it is with almost 100% certainty that Joe Burrow will be a Bengal. Sharpie it in.

2. Washington Redskins - Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Another pick that is almost entirely locked in. Young is one of the best defensive prospects to come out in recent memory. His blend of athleticism, raw power, and moxie is a match made in heaven for new head coach Ron Rivera. Young is a transcendent type talent with true superstar potential, and should be snatched up within seconds assuming they don’t trade down.

  *TRADE*

3. Miami Dolphins - Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

This should come as a surprise to no one. A team with a trajectory pointing directly upwards and a bevy of picks at their disposal, the Dolphins trade up to assure they land their franchise QB. Tua is a polarizing prospect, coming off an historically great career which saw him cement his legacy as early as his Freshman year. He is deadly accurate with a knack for creating plays outside the structure. His riddling injury concerns are valid, but should the medicals come back clear, there is not a better player in the class in my eyes. 

4. New York Giants - Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama 

Back to back Bama players here, as new coach Joe Judge establishes a trend from his first pick as the new coach. Build. The. Trenches. Wills is a highly athletic tackle with the ability to play in space; not to mention he is far and away the most pro ready run blocker at his position group as well. The Giants have a tendency to be unpredictable come draft time, but I can’t see them ignoring the glaring holes on their offensive line for another off-season. 

*TRADE*

5. Detroit Lions - Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State 

Win-win for the Lions here as they collect additional picks and the best corner prospect to come out since Jalen Ramsey.

6. Los Angeles Chargers - Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The writing is on the wall here. Philip Rivers and the Chargers have decided to mutually part ways after a disappointing season for both parties. Insert Justin Herbert. The live armed QB is the NFL prototype of what one should look like. Tall, athletic, big arm, smart. Herbert is not going to be for everyone, but with the Chargers’ throw heavy offense, he should develop nicely for them and give them (somewhat) a sense of continuity.

7. Carolina Panthers - Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn 

Admittedly, this is a bit of a mystery pick for me. The Panthers have been non-committal to whether or not they view Cam Newton as their QB of the future, meaning a possible huge void will be created if they indeed let him walk. Assuming the draft shakes out with the top three QB’s going in the first six picks, the Panthers are left in a BPA position. Brown is the type of mauler up front the Panthers desperately lacked last year, fielding one of the league’s worst run defenses. He is a plug and play type player who should see the field and contribute immediately.

8. Arizona Cardinals - Ceedee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Do the Cardinals have more pressing needs than a wide receiver? Yes, absolutely. But in the case of Lamb, he has all the ability and potential to be a true WR1 in the league. His familiarity with the Cardinals’ scheme and QB Kyler Murray is simply too irresistible to pass on for Kingsbury and Keim.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars - Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

A once strong and dependent LB corps quickly saw a rapid decline after the sudden retirement of Telvin Smith last off-season. The Jags recently retained both Doug Marrone and DC Todd Wash, and with their recent track record of picking the best available defensive player, it’s hard to assume they’d pass on a player of Simmons’ caliber. A true chess piece, seeing snaps at seemingly every position on the field last season, Simmons’ versatility should be coveted given the direction the NFL is heading towards. 

10. Cleveland Browns - Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

New head coach Kevin Stefanski should be foaming at the mouth if Wirfs is still on the board. The recently hired Stefanski is well known for his wide zone run scheme featuring heavy dosages of play action. Insert Wirfs. A freakish athlete for his size who is only scratching the surface of what he can become. Wirfs’ natural agility and raw strength is exactly what the Browns need to upgrade their dire situation at offensive tackle. 

11. New York Jets - Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

It’s simple, the Jets need to draft offensive line to protect their young QB. The Jets are in need of a serious makeover on the offensive line, and while Rome wasn’t built in a day, Thomas, a 3 year starter at Georgia, is the perfect benchmark towards repairing a withered offensive line.

12. Las Vegas Raiders - Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

This screams Raiders to me. The Raiders have plenty needs, but a true WR1 is something this offense has been lacking since...well...Amari Cooper. But nonetheless, Mayock has shown a tendency to draft players from big time schools. Jeudy fits the billing, as he is the most gifted route running prospect we’ve seen in a long time, and a guy Gruden will undoubtedly be pounding the table for. 

13 - Indianapolis Colts - Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

The term “polarizing prospect” is thrown around loosely each and every draft season, but there is truly no other way to describe Jordan Love. The Utah State product saw his stock rise after a very a productive 2018 season, only to be minimized by a drastically underwhelming 2019 campaign. Love’s supporting cast is, in my mind, one of the worst in recent memory in regards to QB prospects. No other prospect’s career trajectory is more team dependent than Love, and the Colts are the perfect fit. Love can sit a year behind Jacoby Brissett in Frank Reich’s QB friendly offense. His skill sets as a QB are exactly the type that the new NFL is targeting, and with the opportunity to sit for a year and learn might be exactly what is needed to tap into Love’s full potential.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Sigh. Given the impending loss of Ndamukong Suh, Kinlaw could plug and play into the league’s reigning top run defense. Personally, I am not as high on Kinlaw as most. A nagging knee injury and questionable production are legit concerns of mine, but how he wins is a perfect complement to Vita Vea. If Kinlaw’s repertoire expands, there is some serious Chris Jones-esque potential there. Nonetheless, this is more of a continuity pick than anything else. 

15. Denver Broncos - Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The idea of pairing Henry Ruggs was very tempting to me, but given the depth in this year’s receiver class, Becton is the safe choice here. It is imperative that they invest in protecting Drew Lock, and the 6′7 behemoth should give them an immediate upgrade over Garrett Bolles.

16. Atlatna Falcons - AJ Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

With the recent release of Vic Beasley, it is no secret that the Falcons should be looking to add EDGE depth. Epenesa is not the twitchiest player, but his high pass rush ceiling and savvy run defense are a dream fit for Dan Quinn.

17- Dallas Cowboys - Grant Delpit, Safety, LSU

This is another one of those picks that feels somewhat mysterious to me. Yet given the need at safety and the fact that they tried making a push at the trade deadline to acquire Jamal Adams last season, it would not shock me to see them go this direction. Delpit, the 2019 Jim Thrope award winner, is a fast twitch, instinctive eraser in the back end. His tackling concerns are valid, but I fully expect him to clean that issue up early on in his career.

18. Miami Dolphins - Josh Jones, OT, Houston 

With a roster lacking talent at seemingly every position, it is best to build from the ground up. After selecting their franchise QB in Tua, they double down and select the athletic Jones to begin solidifying their offensive front. 

19. Las Vegas Raiders - Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

The Raiders have no talent in their secondary. Seriously. Fulton isn’t exactly the flashiest player, but his body of work has proven time and time again that he can hang with the best of them. His Football IQ and moxie provide the Raiders a nice building block towards reshaping that secondary. 

20. Jacksonville Jaguars - CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

After going defense with their first pick, the Jags double down and keep building towards that elite 2017 defense they once had. Henderson has faced several ups and downs throughout his career, but his athleticism and potential are higher than anyone else in the class not named Jeffrey Okudah. With the Jags defensive front seeing a hopeful improvement, Henderson should plug in nicely alongside AJ Bouye.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

A true burner. Ruggs gives me some Tyreek Hill/Hollywood Brown type vibes. The Bama product offers world class speed, and is a more well rounded receiver than given credit for. Desean Jackson and Alshon Jeffrey are only getting older, and Ruggs provides a much needed deep threat that Carson Wentz has been so desperately lacking the past few seasons.

22. Buffalo Bills - Tee Higgins. WR, Clemson

A 6′5 target with the best hands in the draft is the exact type of receiver the Bills have been lacking for years. Josh Allen gets a new best buddy in Higgins, who has the wingspan and strength to win contested catches and collect errant throws from the gunslingin’ Allen. Higgins has true WR1 potential, and pairing him with John Brown could be what the Bills need to unlock Allen’s full potential. 

23. New England Patriots - Xavier Mckinney, Safety, Alabama

The impending free agency of Devin McCourty leaves the Pats in a bit of a pickle. Whether the Pats decide to resign him or not, it can’t hurt to gain some youth at the Safety position. Patrick Chung is aging and beginning to show signs of decline. Enter Mckinney. Nick Saban bestowed the same responsibilities on him that he once did with Minkah Fitzpatrick. Mckinney is a versatile, high IQ player whose instincts should quickly prove to be useful for Belichick.

24. New Orleans Saints - Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

I can’t envision a scenario where the Saints look a different direction if Reagor is still on the board. An absolute freak of nature, Reagor is expected to dominate the combine. He once posted a ridiculous sub 4.3 40 and an absurd 26 foot (!!!) long jump. Did I mention the fact that all of this was while he was still in high school? Reagor is a true vertical threat, but also serves plenty of value as a return specialist and gadget type player. He is the exact type of player that Sean Payton covets, and while he has all of the makings to become a WR1 in this league, being the Robin to Michael Thomas’ Batman is simply a pairing that cannot be resisted. 

25. Minnesota Vikings - Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

This one feels obvious to me. After investing into the offensive line the last two drafts, the depth in the draft allows the Vikings an opportunity to go out and grab a toolsy corner. Xavier Rhodes looked like a shell of what he was once last season, and that pricey contract still looms large. Both Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander are heading towards free agency, and given Mike Zimmer’s penchant for drafting very athletic corners with good ball skills, this fit seems plausible. 

26- Miami Dolphins - Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

The ideal chess piece for Brian Flores. Baun’s unique skill set is reminiscent of Kyle Van Noy, as his versatility offers loads of endless opportunities for Flores’ defense. He has all of the traits to play off the ball and offers plus blitz skills, and would give the Dolphins a much needed infusion of talent on the defensive side.

27- Seattle Seahawks - Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame

The Seahawks last two first round picks have been bizarre to say the least, so don’t be surprised if the twitchy Okwara ends up as the pick. After investing into LJ Collier last season- who is now 25 years old and has recorded one (!) pressure in his young career- it is obvious that the Seahawks are still searching for an answer on the edge outside of Jadeveon Clowney. Okwara is a bit rough around the edges, but offers an intriguing athletic profile and runs with a very high motor. He’s going to need to add play strength early in his career, but his burst and bend might be too tempting to pass on.

28. Baltimore Ravens - Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

As competitive of a player as there is in this draft. Murray is the type of natural, vocal leader that the Ravens organization seems to covet. His blend of power and speed is something that should mesh immediately in that locker room, and given the Ravens recent track record of drafting Oklahoma players (Mark Andrews, Hollywood Brown, Orlando Brown), Murray seems like an ideal fit. 

29. Tennesee Titans - K’lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Chaisson fits the mold of a Titans defender. Highly athletic, versatile, and bendy off the edge, adding Chaisson to an already talented defense could be the missing piece they need towards taking that next step to being elite. Chaisson offers plenty of risk, but a guy like Mike Vrabel should be able to milk all of the potential out of him that he can get.

30. Green Bay Packers - Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

The former JUCO product burst onto the scene this year with a whopping 65-1192-8 stat line. His pure speed and natural after the catch ability is something that offense has long been lacking. Pairing this dynamic playmaker next to Davante Adams would solve what was a very lackluster group last season.

31. San Francisco 49ers - Cesar Ruiz, OC, Michigan

Starting center Weston Richburg is coming off a torn patellar tendon, and the interior depth is showing signs of aging. Ruiz, a late riser, has all of the tools and youth to slide nicely into that unit. An intelligent and experienced player, Ruiz movement skills for his size would be an ideal fit in Shanahan’s offense. 

32. Kansas City Chiefs - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU

Behind Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi, the depth at defensive tackle leaves plenty to be desired. Blacklock is an athletic specimen who offers plenty of juice to be a high end player. Coming off a 2018 season in which he missed due to a torn Achilles, Blacklock displayed the same explosiveness he had in 2017. While his processing needs some work, he is the type of high ceiling player that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnulo could get the most out of. 

[librospdfgratismundoepub]

Despierta: Hijas de la Luna - Anne Aband (2021)

Amaris nunca pensó que ella podría ser nada más que una camarera con solo una ilusión: que Josh, el hermano de su mejor amiga, se fijase en ella. El día que una mujer impresionante, Sabine, la visita, todo empieza a cambiar. Le dice que ella pertenece a una estirpe de guerreras, las hijas de la Luna, por mucho que ella no se vea así. A partir de ese momento, la misma Luna la inicia, y comienzan…

[carnatkjfl]

Capítulo 03 - Amigos de viaje

  Gustavo entró a la carreta y se dio cuenta que todo era más espacioso de lo que parecía por fuera, habían pequeñas almohadas de colores y sábanas para una mejor comodidad, algo que lo impresionó, pero su expresión fue algo más seria de lo que sentía, sin embargo, esa expresión seria la captó el hombre gordo, quien pensó que el joven estaba despreciando su humilde carreta, pues en la mente del hombre gordo, el joven era alguien superdotado en las artes mágicas o en las artes del combate, por lo que se sintió algo decaído. Cuando Gustavo entró, notó un olor floral llegar a su nariz, por lo que rápidamente volteó y, se dio cuenta que, en una de las esquinas, se encontraba una joven leyendo un libro, la joven era muy hermosa, de cabellos negros y ojos inocentes, su figura no podía notarse por su ropa y por su postura, pero eso no le importó a Gustavo, para él, solo existía una mujer: la dama de su relicario.

  —Disculpen mi descortesía —Dijo Gustavo repentinamente—. Mi nombre es Gustavo Montes, mucho gusto. —Dijo, aunque no era precedente de una familia de alta cuna, había sido educado para ser un hombre de fuertes valores.

  —Gusto'vo. —Dijo repentinamente la joven, alzando la vista con duda, nunca había escuchado un nombre tan raro.

  —No —Negó con la cabeza y, sonrió—, Gustavo. —Repitió lentamente.

  —Gustoc. —Dijo la joven.

  —No —Volvió a sonreír—, Gus-ta-vo.

El hombre gordo se quedó sentado con una sonrisa, aunque nunca había escuchado un nombre y apellido tan extraño, la manera en cómo se comportaba con su hija, le daba buenas sensaciones, por lo que no interrumpió su debate.

  —Es muy raro. —Dijo, con una expresión de confusión.

  —¿Tendría el privilegio de darme su nombre?

La joven lo miró sorprendida, nunca nadie se había atrevido a pedirle su nombre, pero debía reconocer que le gustó la manera en cómo el joven lo había solicitado.

  —Me llamo Amaris Cuyu. —Dijo y, al terminar, volvió a su lectura.

  —Mucho gusto dama Cuyu. —Dijo, pero notó que la joven ya no le prestaba atención.

  —No te preocupes joven amigo, así es mi hija, ama tanto los libros, que aveces se olvida de lo que pasa alrededor suyo —Dijo el hombre gordo— y, por cierto, también se me olvidó presentarme, mi nombre es Kenver Cuyu y, soy un mercader de objetos mágicos de bajo nivel. —Dijo. Gustavo lo miró, quiso preguntar a qué refería con objetos mágicos, pero prefirió no hacerlo, pensaba que era descortés.

  —Mucho gusto, señor Cuyu.

  —Puedo hacerte una pregunta. —Kenver lo miró.

  —Por supuesto. —Asintió.

  —¿Provienes de una familia noble o real? —Ya no aguantaba la curiosidad.

  —No. —Dijo Gustavo. No sabía porque lo habían confundido con alguien de alta clase, si claramente usaba su uniforme de cadete militar.

  —Cierto, dijiste que pertenecías a una escuela de soldados —Gustavo asintió—. ¿Tu familia es militar? —Gustavo pensó por un momento antes de contestar.

  —Mi abuelo y, mi abuela, aparte de mis tíos pelearon en la guerra de independencia... creo que sí, provengo de una familia militar, fue por eso que me aceptaron en la mejor escuela militar de México, aparte... —Guardó silencio, sintió que la demás información era innecesaria.

Kenver asintió, no conocía la guerra de la que hablaba el joven, pero reconocía una frase de esa oración: la mejor y, eso en su lengua significaba que el joven tenía mucho talento.

  —Es un gusto conocer a un joven tan sobresaliente como usted. —Dijo, no sabía porque, pero sentía que el joven enfrente suyo mentía sobre su procedencia, talvez en verdad era un noble, o alguien de sangre real, pero creía que no quería decirlo para que no lo tratarán diferente.

  —Señor Cuyu, podría contarme un poco más sobre la ciudad a la que nos dirigimos. —Kenver asintió, el joven le había contestado todas sus preguntas, por lo que sus sospechas hacia él habían desaparecido, o al menos la mayor parte.

  —La ciudad de Agucris es una de las 8 grandes ciudades del reino de Atguila, liderada por la familia noble de tercera clase: Besdet. Aunque Agucris no es considerada de las primeras ciudades del reino, su poder militar es considerable, además de que posee una mazmorra, lo que hace que se puedan obtener orbes con mayor facilidad. —Gustavo se sintió muy confundido con toda la información recibida.

  —¿Qué son las mazmorras? —Kenver se sorprendió por la sorpresiva pregunta.

  —¿En serio no sabes que son las mazmorras? —Gustavo negó con la cabeza—. Eres del —Le iba hacer una pregunta referente a dónde quedaba su lugar de nacimiento, pero se detuvo, ya le había contestado y, hasta él se sentiría hostigado si le preguntaban muchas lo mismo, por lo que prefirió contestarle su duda—... Las mazmorras son lugares donde habitualmente viven las bestias mágicas, monstruos o criaturas poderosas, su origen todavía se desconoce, pues existen desde antes que los reinos existieran, pero, aunque hay muchos peligros en ellas, también hay muchos beneficios. Por ejemplo, lo que tú tienes en tus manos, se llama orbe mágico y, cada bestia, monstruo o criatura poderosa desprende uno al morir y, entre más poderosa sea la cosa que lo posee, más poderoso es el orbe. El orbe mágico sirve para hacer herramientas, artefactos y armas mágicas, lo que le da a nuestro pueblo, una ventaja, aunque esas cosas son algo caras, por supuesto. —Gustavo estaba anonadado, no conocía nada sobre lo que el hombre gordo le estaba diciendo, pero su confusión disminuyó rápidamente, había algo dentro de su mente que aceptaba la nueva información, lo que provocaba que se sintiera un poco más cómodo con el nuevo mundo.

  —Ya estamos cerca. —Dijo el cochero.

Amaris dejó su libro a un lado, sacó la cabeza por delante, para ver la ciudad de Agucris.

  —Vea la magnífica ciudad por sí mismo, señor Gustoc. —Dijo Amaris. Gustavo sonrió al escuchar la manera en cómo pronunciaba su nombre, pero no le importó, asintió y se acercó al frente y, con calma sacó la cabeza.

Frente a la carreta, se encontraban decenas de carretas, además de carruajes y, personas caminando. A lo lejos, se veía un muro enorme, tan grande que no sabía cómo expresarlo.

  —Esperaba esa expresión. —Dijo Amaris con una sonrisa.

[junker-town]

Here’s our latest NFL mock draft, right after the combine

Where Tua Tagovailoa will end up is one of the biggest question marks of the 2020 NFL Draft.

A potential bombshell was dropped at the NFL Scouting Combine. What happens if Washington doesn’t draft Chase Young?

The NFL Scouting Combine is a wrap, and it’s leading to some serious speculation about the second overall pick.

We all know that the Cincinnati Bengals are poised to take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow first overall. But headlines were made when new Washington head coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media about his intentions with the second pick in the draft.

“Everything is an option,” Rivera said when asked about Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. “We’re not closing the door on anything.”

For now, that opens things up to discussion about Washington not taking Ohio State’s Chase Young. Here’s a look at how that could alter the first round, as well as some players who helped their stock at the combine.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Offseason needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, linebacker

Forget that silly false narrative — Burrow has no problem playing for the Bengals. Adding to that, Bengals player personnel director Duke Tobin all but shot down the notion of trading the first pick in the draft. Put that together and the case is even stronger that Burrow is the No. 1 pick.

2. Washington: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Offseason needs: Offensive tackle, pass rusher, wide receiver, cornerback

You can’t dismiss the fact that Rivera was not part of the organization when it drafted Dwayne Haskins last year. And while Rivera said a team can win with Haskins, this seemed like much more of a damning quote.

“He’s not anointed, that’s for sure,” Rivera said during his media session. “I expect him to come in and compete and work, and we’ll see what happens.”

3. Detroit Lions: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

Offseason needs: Cornerback, defensive tackle, pass rusher, wide receiver

No one will be happier if Tagovailoa goes second than the Lions. That leaves Young, the best player in the draft, for them. After giving Trey Flowers a five-year, $90 million contract last offseason, the Lions would have a lot of money tied up in their pass rush. But defensive ends of Young’s caliber make it worth it.

4. New York Giants: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Offseason needs: Offensive tackle, pass rusher, linebacker, cornerback

Simmons, somehow, exceeded expectations at the combine with his insane workout. Call him a Derwin James clone. Or a taller Thomas Davis. No matter the comparison you prefer, Simmons is going to be a star in the NFL.

5. Miami Dolphins: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Offseason needs: Quarterback, pass rusher, offensive tackle, running back, cornerback

Herbert stole the show during the quarterback portion of combine workouts, but not so much that he becomes one of the first two quarterbacks off the board. But if Tagovailoa is the No. 2 pick, the Dolphins could sit back at No. 5 and take Herbert.

6. Los Angeles Chargers: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Offseason needs: Quarterback, offensive tackle, cornerback, guard

Arguably no team will be hit harder by Tagovailoa going second than the Chargers. It would mean there’s a strong possibility on missing out on Herbert and going into next season either starting Tyrod Taylor or a free agent signing. Whomever is the quarterback in Los Angeles needs an improved line. If the Chargers can fix their line and add a couple of pieces here and there, they could be one of the surprise teams in the NFL next season.

7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Offseason needs: Linebacker, defensive tackle, cornerback, quarterback

If three quarterbacks go in the first five picks, the Panthers can find themselves in position to get one of the draft’s elite players. Brown, at 325 pounds, is a powerhouse defensive tackle who can stuff the run and get after the quarterback. As new head coach Matt Rhule reshapes Carolina’s roster, Brown could be the centerpiece on defense.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Offseason needs: Offensive tackle, defensive tackle, wide receiver, pass rusher

It’s hard to decide who had the single most impressive combine, but you can’t go wrong saying it was Wirfs. He set a record for offensive linemen in the broad and vertical jumps, and he had the fast 40-yard dash time of all blockers in Indy this year. That was all at 320 pounds, too. Wirfs’ athleticism is legendary. The craziest thing? It’s all evident when you watch him play.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Offseason needs: Cornerback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety

Okudah had a brief injury scare at the combine, but it in no way should impact his draft stock. If the Jaguars target a defensive player and Simmons is gone, Okudah should get the nod over anyone else. He can lock down lead receivers for Jacksonville, and take a lot of the pressure off veteran A.J. Bouye.

10. Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

Offseason needs: Offensive tackle (both sides), safety, linebacker, slot cornerback

Becton tipped the scales at the combine at 364 pounds and still managed to run the 40-yard dash in 5.1 seconds. That’s a lot of force at play. More importantly, Becton has shown he uses his size against defenders, both at the edge and in space.

11. New York Jets: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Offseason needs: Pass rusher, offensive tackle, wide receiver, cornerback

Leading up to the start of free agency, there are rumors of the Jets being the landing spot for Titans right tackle Jack Conklin — unless they are not. What happens with Conklin will determine what the Jets do with the 11th pick. If Conklin signs elsewhere, the Jets could take the fifth offensive tackle in first 11 picks. In most drafts that would be ridiculous. But in any other year, a player like Thomas would be in contention for the first five picks.

12. Las Vegas Raiders: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Offseason needs: Wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, quarterback

The Raiders could have their pick of wide receivers if we do see a big run on offensive tackles. Raiders general manager Mike Mayock explained what he’s looking for in a wide receiver, and Lamb fits the bill nicely.

13. Indianapolis Colts: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Offseason needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, defensive lineman

The Colts seem poised to sign a veteran quarterback this offseason, with Philip Rivers the likeliest possibility. If that happens, the Colts will be in win-now mode. With a good offensive line and solid running game, Indianapolis’ offense could be rounded out with a sure thing of a wide receiver like Jeudy.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

Offseason needs: Quarterback, pass rushing defensive tackle, pass rusher, offensive tackle

Kinlaw sat out the combine because of tendinitis, but it shouldn’t ding his draft prospects. For the Buccaneers, Kinlaw would give them the type of pass-rushing interior defensive lineman that they need next to Vita Vea.

15. Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Offseason needs: Wide receiver, offensive tackle, cornerback, linebacker

Although Ruggs didn’t break John Ross’ 40-yard dash record, he still had an excellent combine. That means the discussion point will be about whether or not he’s jumped over Jeudy or Lamb. The Broncos should hope not. Ruggs is a perfect complement to Courtland Sutton and would give Denver a strong wide receiver duo.

16. Atlanta Falcons: K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

Offseason needs: Edge rusher, interior pass rusher, cornerback, offensive tackle

Whether it’s Takkarist McKinley or Vic Beasley, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has shown he has a preferred type of pass rusher. This draft’s version is Chaisson, a speedy standup rusher with good athleticism.

17. Dallas Cowboys: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Offseason needs: Safety, cornerback, defensive tackle, pass rusher

With the fate of Amari Cooper, Byron Jones, and Dak Prescott up in the air, the Cowboys are the most intriguing team going into free agency. What happens with that trio will determine the direction Dallas takes in the first round. Jones is the most likely to leave, putting defensive back squarely at the top of the team’s needs. McKinney bowed out of the combine with cramps, but he’s considered by many as the top safety this year.

18. Miami Dolphins (via Pittsburgh Steelers): A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

Offseason needs: Quarterback, pass rusher, offensive tackle, running back, cornerback

If Epenesa slips past Atlanta and Dallas, the Dolphins should pounce. While they do need offensive line help, good pass rushers are hard to come by. Epenesa can play inside or outside for the Dolphins.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (via Chicago Bears): Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Offseason needs: Wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, quarterback

While everyone is rightfully excited about what the offensive linemen and wide receivers did at the combine, it’s easy to overlook Murray’s performance. He ran a 4.52-second 40 and had good vertical, bench press, and broad jump numbers. There’s some ambiguity to his exact position as a linebacker, but the Raiders need a talent like him on their defense.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars: (via Los Angeles Rams): Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

Offseason needs: Cornerback, wide receiver, linebacker, safety

Jefferson was a first-round player before the combine and did well to bolster his draft status. Jefferson is a stellar slot receiver with speed and sure hands.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Offseason needs: Wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, safety

There was plenty of speculation from NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah during the combine broadcast that Henderson is a top-15 pick. If he happens to drop to this range, the Eagles should snag him. Philadelphia has multiple free agent cornerbacks, and Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones just haven’t developed as expected.

22. Buffalo Bills: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Offseason needs: Pass rusher, big wide receiver, interior defensive lineman, cornerback

With Tee Higgins sitting out the combine and Laviska Shenault limited by injury, Reagor could rise ahead of them in April. Reagor may not be the 6’2 or 6’3-type of receiver the Bills need, but he plays bigger than his 5’11 size, and he showed it with a 42-inch vertical leap.

23. New England Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Offseason needs: Pass rusher, tight end, offensive tackle, quarterback

Even if the Patriots get Tom Brady back, or acquire a veteran quarterback, they should strongly consider Love if he’s available. Love is a project, but the Patriots could refresh their franchise if he’s coached up correctly.

24. New Orleans Saints: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

Offseason needs: Cornerback, interior offensive lineman, wide receiver, quarterback

A cornerback will be intriguing here, but in Drew Brees’ final years, the Saints could stack their offense for a Super Bowl push. Shenault didn’t do much in Indianapolis and has to undergo surgery. In other words, you have to trust what Shenault did at Colorado to justify a first-round pick.

25. Minnesota Vikings: Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Offseason needs: Cornerback, offensive line, defensive tackle, wide receiver

If Jackson and Houston’s Josh Jones are both available, the Vikings should flip a coin and choose whichever one it lands on. Both are a step below the top four offensive tackles, but have starting ability as rookies. Jackson is a quick blocker and handles speed rushers nicely. In a division with Khalil Mack, Za’Darius Smith, and potentially Young, the Vikings will need that type of blocker.

26. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans): Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Offseason needs: Quarterback, pass rusher, offensive tackle, running back, cornerback

If the Dolphins come out of the first round with a new starting quarterback, pass rusher, and offensive tackle, that’s an A+ draft. That’s right, we’re already talking about draft grades.

27. Seattle Seahawks: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia

Offseason needs: Pass rusher, wide receiver, interior offensive lineman, offensive tackle

Going into the combine, people were sleeping on the massive Wilson. Maybe it’s because he was only a redshirt sophomore and sat out Georgia’s bowl game. But the long-limbed, 350-pound right tackle looked good at the combine and may have pushed his way into the first round.

28. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Offseason needs: Linebacker, wide receiver, pass rusher, cornerback

I’m sticking with this pick from last week. Queen suffered a hamstring injury at the combine, yet still put up a 4.5 in the 40. That shows his athleticism to a degree. It’s the type of athleticism Baltimore needs on defense.

29. Tennessee Titans: Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame

Offseason needs: Pass rusher, offensive tackle, quarterback, tight end

A leg injury limited Okwara to only doing the bench press at the combine, which is unfortunate. Several teams in this range are after a pass rusher, but Okwara might slide over concerns about his health. If he does, Tennessee could take a chance in the back for the first round and find a partner for Harold Landry.

30. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

Offseason needs: Wide receiver, linebacker, offensive lineman, tight end

This would be a great spot for either Jefferson or Reagor, but both were gone in this scenario. This is actually a tough draw all around for the Packers. The best offensive linemen and linebackers are all gone, and there isn’t a tight end worth a first-round pick this year. Aiyuk is a fringe first-round player with his ability to get deep and make a play after the catch.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Offseason needs: Safety, cornerback, offensive lineman, linebacker

Despite an impressive showing by Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger at the combine, I’m still sticking with Delpit to the 49ers. With Jimmie Ward potentially gone in free agency, the 49ers can find his replacement near the end of the first round.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Offseason needs: Linebacker, cornerback, running back, offensive lineman

Between Fulton, Clemson’s A.J. Terrell, or Mississippi State’s Cameron Dantzler, the Chiefs should have some solid cornerback options with the 32nd pick. Fulton had 25 passes defensed the last two seasons and comes out of an LSU program that knows how to develop secondary players.

[oc-cafe]

No one killed the King.

It’s been three days, seven hours, nine minutes and exactly sixty nine seconds since Vea Amaris broke into our ballroom, collapsed on the floor and cried. In the past three days, seven hours, nine minutes, and exactly sixty nine, well seventy seconds since then, a lot has happened. My mother has decided to acknowledge herself as the queen until I breach eighteen. After that, I will be the ruler, and she an advisor.

Vea Amaris is now well enough to sit up straight, well partially. Their ministers  have already received a letter, explaining where their acting ruler is, as their father’s whereabouts are unknown.  Eren left early yesterday morning, determined to find King Amom. 

There’s so  much to do. Father’s funeral has already been held. We had no body to bury so we buried his falchion, even though he never used it. He stuck to his daggers until the very end, but they were lost at sea along with his beloved bow and arrow, if only we had them. 

Grief weighs down every move in the castle, Zuri can no longer be seen sketching the horizon or taking one of her long walks on the beach, she’s shut herself in her wing and has allowed no one to see her. She’s even stopped taking her meals with mother and I! 

I wish I could fault her, blame her, but it would be hypocritical of me. If I could, I would  hide away in my room as well, but I have duties. I am expected to rule while my mother recovers from the shock, she is still queen but I am still the heir. I still have to lead my people, I still have to look after Vea, soothe our agitated allies before they turn on us, defend my kingdom and most importantly, find my father’s killer.

There aren’t any leads to follow, I haven’t been allowed near Vea, therefore I cannot question them about his death. There’s no ship to inspect, no bodies, no witnesses, nothing. Nothing. NOTHING. 

Nothing’s such a horrible word, there’s no point to it. It’s the only lie we accept. Every question in the world could be answered with those seven letters, but it’s never nothing, is it? There’s always something, or someone. 

This is basically a long winded way of saying, I’m sneaking into Vea’s hospital room to ask them questions about my father’s brutal murder. Yay! This will definitely not backfire, Amaris is… reasonable, for the lack of a better word. 

My shoes are off, and all that could give away my identity is hidden away in my room, where I’ve arranged a few cushions to pretend that I’m asleep in my room. The borrowed (read: stolen) servant’s gown is slightly uncomfortable but nondescript enough that no one will pay attention to me. 

Now. I have a royal to harass. 

-X-

I quietly make my way around the clinic, careful to stay on my guard, while Ababyomi may be out for now, she’s sure to return soon, and she knows every single nurse that works for her. The second she’s back, I’m screwed.  The other nurses mill about restlessly, currently the only patient in the castle is Vea. That makes my work a lot harder. I manage to disappear behind the curtain that separates my mark from me and my questions. Vea looks less pitiful today, the swelling around their eyes has gone down, making them look less racoonish. The blood that clung to their armour and skin that night, has been painstakingly cleaned, the only trace of their injuries are the stitches that line most of their body. 

They cock their head to the side, and sit up. Their smile is tired and their hands barely obey them when they lift it in a silent gesture. “You’re welcome here.” It’s small and silent, a mutual understanding. We’ve both lost our fathers and for tonight, there is to be no mention of the war, only a grim compromise. 

 I’ll tell you what you want to know, and you’ll tell me what I want to know. No ifs, no buts. 

“Good evening, Vea.” I drag a chair next to their bed, allowing my body to finally rest. For the past three days, I’ve done nothing but run around, and deal with agitated allies. A few moments of rest and relaxation was much needed.  “Daraja. I am truly sorry about your father, I wish I could have done more , helped him, somehow.” 

“You still can, help me find who killed him, Vea. Please.” I want to scream and cry but diplomacy helped us before, perhaps it can again. 

“I’ll  help however I can…. For a  price.” 

“A price?” “Nothing is ever free Princess.” They smile at me softly, their gaze carries no heat, a simple aura of cool intellect hidden by a weak exterior. 

“I’m aware, name your price.” “A walk around the palace?” Well. That was…surprising. 

“Uh. Sure.”  What could possibly go wrong?

  -X-

After a nerve wracking  escape from the clinic, we wander around in the gardens, there is not a single soul in sight. Only Vea and I. 

For a few moments neither of us speak, the only sound passing between us is that of their cane sounding against the cobblestones. 

“So.”  A brave attempt at breaking the tension, a failed one but brave nonetheless. 

“Right.” “I don’t know how to start.” A beat. 

“I’ll tell you exactly what happened and then you can decide what you want to do with me.”  Vea offers, their gaze turned away from me.  They don’t wait for an answer.

“We set sail almost immediately after the treaty was signed. He didn’t want to wait until dinner, he didn’t want to wait a second longer. All he could talk about were his girls, he talked about Zuri and The queen but mostly, he talked about you and how proud he was of you. He really loved you Daraja.” The weather is exceptionally warm, even my eyes are perspiring.  

“  I wish both of us could have made it home Daraja, I really do, but when those monsters took me…” 

“Monsters? Took you? Wha-” WHAT MONSTERS? LITERAL? FIGURATIVE? ELABORATE. 

“They didn’t tell you, did they?” Of couuuurse they did, I’m just pretending not to know. Read the garden Amaris. 

“I’m sorry, um I forgot that Aiga wasn’t aware of  the skelons.”  Skelons? What? 

“Skelons?”

“It’s a long story…” “I’ve got time.” 

A/N: Has this been beta read? Absolutely not no. Has this been posted after a billion years? Absolutely yes. 

I apologise for the incredibly long hiatus, I really didn't mean to do that. I’m really hoping y’all haven’t lost interest yet.

Mod Tag: @tiredguyswag@ne0npurplefantasies

Taglist (send an ask to be added or removed): @ghostdragoncookie @jewishdainix @ialmostdonothingnew @just-call-me-a-god @death-and-the-lady13 @fierreth-who @mister-finally-found-himself @coffeelovinggayidiot @pinkyy-promises @sassychaostrash @lesbiansayaishii @a-cloud-for-dreams @brkh96 @i-likestuff86 @redvelvetpdf @xx0yeet-everything0xx

[tiredguyswag]

new info dropped, vea is my son boy (gender neutral) now

[elrincondelfanatico]

Los playoffs de la MLB estan al rojo vivo! Y con los mismos nuestros expertos ( Angel e Ivan ) hicieron un excelente analisis de lo sucedido en los juegos. De igual manera, Roberto hizo su pregunta de la semana de la MLB.

Platicamos del motociclismo donde Mark Marquez se corona como campeon de la temporada 2019.

Y al entrar a la seccion de la NFL, Roberto dio unos tips muy buenos respecto a como es que deben de elegir a sus jugadores de fantasy no desde la manera tradicional ni logica, sino la manera real y correcta para hacerlo.

Para prueba basta un boton.

Estos WR son los que previo la temporada parecia que iban a hacer mas puntos de fantasy:

Julio Jones, ATL Antonio Brown, OAK/NE Odell Beckham Jr., CLE AJ Green, CIN DeAndre Hopkins, HOU

Sin embargo, estos son los 3 mejores WR acorde a nuestro fantasy en lo que va de la temporada 2019:

Amari Cooper, DAL Mike Goodwin, TB Michael Thomas, NO

Pueden escuchar nuestro podcast en Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5SHBdgnCVqz7Qciqqvb1dH Puedes descargar nuestro podcast desde iTunes ( https://itunes.apple.com/mx/podcast/el-rincon-del-fanatico/id477929626?mt=2). https://www.facebook.com/elrincondelfanatico/ para que veas los posts de la NFL que postearemos de manera semanal.

[usatrendingsports]

2018 NFL Draft: Replacements for the highest 20 underclassmen leaving school early

As ordinary, the suspense has been taken out of declaration day. Monday marks the deadline for underclassmen to declare for particular eligibility with the NFL forward of the 2018 draft.

You’ll find the complete record of underclassmen who’ve already finished so proper right here. However who replaces the perfect of the perfect?

These are the 20 juniors you simply do not change. Certain, there are alternatives at every of those faculties. However there may be additionally a cause these star gamers are popping out early.

They’ve finished sufficient … with out getting paid.

In alphabetical order, this is the highest 20 underclassmen who’ve declared and who their respective groups hope will change their manufacturing subsequent season.

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming: Whereas Allen solely went 16-11 as a starter, he led the Cowboys to the 2016 Mountain West title sport. Meaning the sting of New 12 months’s Six relevance. It seems like a battle will begin led by senior Nick Smith (Three.9 GPA in finance), who stuffed in for a few video games when Allen damage his shoulder. Redshirt freshman Tyler Vander Waal will see the sector for the primary time, whereas early enrollee Sean Chambers, a three-star from Kerman, California, might even be within the combine. Not one of the three are getting comparisons, like Allen, to John Elway simply but.

Josh Adams, RB, Notre Dame: The very best bets are senior Dexter Williams (9.2 yards per carry) or Tony Jones Jr. That includes both one means changing a robust franchise again who briefly grew to become a prime Heisman challenger.

Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma: The lack of Baker Mayfield’s favourite goal is much less about Andrews than changing Mayfield himself. Kyler Murray will likely be throwing to a deep receiving corps. The subsequent man up at tight finish is sophomore Grant Calcaterra, who caught 10 passes as a promising freshman.

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: There will not be one other one like him for a very long time. That does not imply Penn State is not a prime 10 program going into 2018. Rising junior Miles Sanders is extra of a velocity man. James Franklin in contrast Sanders’ arrival with Barkley in place to Aaron Rodgers coming in and studying below Brett Favre at Inexperienced Bay. Excessive reward.

Can Miles Sanders actually step in for the nice Saquon Barkley? USATSI

Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma: In all probability the important thing to Mayfield profitable the Heisman when you think about his blindside obligations. Proper sort out Bobby Evans will almost definitely transfer to left sort out to switch Brown. Evans was graded second within the Massive 12 and prime 10 nationally amongst tackles, forward of even Brown, in accordance with Professional Soccer Focus.

Sam Darnold, QB, USC: Reclassified freshman J.T. Daniels has a shot together with redshirt freshman Jack Sears. Daniels was already the No. 1 prospect within the 2019 class. Now Daniels — the Gatorade nationwide participant of the yr — has an opportunity to be the man this yr if he follows by way of on his dedication. USC has had a bunch of success with Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei merchandise. Do Matt Barkley and Matt Leinart ring a bell?

Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: Leonard Fournette begat Guice who begat … who? The Subsequent One at LSU must be a difference-making energy runner in Ed Orgeron’s second full season as head coach. Three gamers — none who ran for a complete of 100 yards in 2017 — have a shot: senior Nick Brossette, sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire and junior Lanard Fournette. Sure, he is the youthful brother of Leonard. 4-star signee Chris Curry is also within the combine. Clip and save for additional use this fall. The Tigers lose 92 p.c of their 2017 speeding complete.

Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State: The Buckeyes’ fearsome entrance takes an enormous hit as Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes are additionally leaving. However solely at Ohio State can that line be simply as fearsome. Joey Bosa’s brother Nick is the following nice one after posting eight.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.

Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa: You do not simply change the nation’s greatest defensive again. Iowa’s All-American had freshman Matt Hankins beginning reverse him. The opposite nook initiatives to be junior Manny Rugamba, who was suspended and misplaced his beginning job final season. Iowa simply appears to pump out difference-making defensive backs (see: Desmond King).

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville: How do you change a Heisman winner? You do not. However Jawon “Puma” Move — that is actually his identify — will attempt. As a freshman, the 6-foot-Four, four-star from Georgia handed for 238 yards in mop-up obligation. Motive to be optimistic: In that restricted taking part in time, Move truly had the next passer ranking than Jackson.

Will one of many sport’s greatest names be one in every of its greatest gamers in 2018? USATSI

Ronald Jones II, RB, USC: Solely 4 gamers had extra speeding touchdowns than Jones’ 19 final season. Solely 4 different Trojans have extra profession speeding yards. That is a giant ask for the following man up at Troy. Freshman Stephen Carr averaged 5.5 yards per carry getting solely 6.5 carries per sport. Additionally watch redshirt junior Vaeve Malepeai and junior Aca’Cedric Ware. Collectively they mixed for barely greater than half of Jones’ 1,550 yards. 

Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M: Some of the productive school gamers lately, Kirk will not get replaced by one participant. No different Aggie apart from Kirk had numbers in all 4 all-purpose classes (speeding, receiving, punt return, kick return). The closest factor to it’s tailback Trayveon Williams, the main rusher and third-leading receiver.

Hercules Mata’afa, DT, Washington State: The most effective inside offensive line disturbers within the nation, the All-American contributed to what was Mike Leach’s best-ever protection. Redshirt junior Nnamdi Oguayo, one other undersized lineman, began six video games posting 4 sacks and 7 TFLs.

Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama: Nick Saban covets that noseguard who can occupy two linemen within the A and B hole. Payne was that man this season turning into each the Sugar Bowl and School Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship defensive MVP.  Saban additionally loses Payne’s backup in senior Joshua Frazier. Changing Payne is a real concern with Saban wanting on the 2018 recruiting class for assist or rising senior Johnny Dwight.

Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn: The bigger concern is the best way to change among the finest 1-2 combos within the nation? Gus Malzahn can be shedding 2017 workhorse Kerryon Johnson. The Tigers will not be as deep at tailback Kam Martin was the following man up with 453 yards however solely 16 of his 74 carries got here when the rating was inside a landing both approach.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: From Julio Jones to Amari Cooper to Ridley, Saban normally options an NFL-quality edge receiver who can stretch the protection. With Ridley gone to the NFL, search for Jerry Jeudy to fill it. Jeudy was a distant second this season in receiving with 14 catches averaging virtually 19 yards.

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA: Who is aware of who Chip Kelly needs with what is out there on the roster? Redshirt sophomore Devon Modster is the quarterback with expertise and had been backing up Rosen. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, an incoming freshman from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, is a chance. That is vital as a result of Gorman runs an offense much like Kelly’s well-known unfold.

Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama: The largest information might not be that that Scarbrough left however that rising senior Damien Harris stayed. Harris ran for precisely 1,000 yards and is inside 1,300 yards of Derrick Henry’s faculty file.

Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia: Whoever replaces Georgia’s Will linebacker will likely be in comparison with one of many program’s all-time greatest. Rising senior Juwan Taylor — in Smith’s recruiting class — will seemingly get a shot however the competitors will likely be unbelievable. Senior Natrez Patrick is predicted again, however is he dependable after getting remedy for substance abuse? Sophomore Monty Rice has essentially the most upside. Whoever it’s, the following man should have velocity — maybe Smith’s greatest trait. Any dialogue of Georgia in 2018 begins with the linebackers with center linebacker Reggie Carter additionally leaving.   

Vita Vea, DT, Washington: CBS Sports activities’ Chris Trapasso believes Vea “could be the strongest prospect in your entire draft.” Greg Gaines, a rising senior, is already a U-Dub defensive position starter however seems like the following nice one. He graded out the fifth-best D-lineman within the Pac-12 and a top-20 nationally run stopper. Gaines missed solely 5 tackles in 520 snaps.

Connor Williams, OT, Texas: The Longhorns acquired a very good take a look at the longer term as Williams, a 2016 All-American, began solely 5 video games in 2017 as a result of damage (solely 28 in his three-year profession). Search for Elijah Rodriguez, an rising expertise, who missed your entire common season with an ankle damage however then performed within the bowl sport. That could be sufficient. As Williams’ alternative at left sort out, Rodriguez will likely be a central determine in Tom Herman creating a difference-making quarterback.

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[oc-cafe]

I PRESENT TO YOU

the main cast. because i need to finish the story but i'm also a chronic procrastinator so RIP

First up, Princess Daraja Adesina!!! 

You know her and you love her!!! Please welcome our main character!! 

she/her

Daraja is our main character, one of the most resourceful and curious people from our story and I think she's really cool! Let us know what you think!

Okay next up from the land, is of course the wonderful Eren Abbas, we love her

he/she/they

This is our captain! Daraja's best friend and companion! Literally so smart, I love them. He's a fierce friend and a fiercer warrior,  may or may not be a pirate.She's pretty laid back and easy going but ruthless on the battlefield, and is the same age as Daraja.

they/she

Hot as-sass-in lady, also known as Sloan.

They're our catalyst!! Coincidentally (’coincidentally’, what are you talking about Fire, you named her) her codename is also Catalyst, you'll see why. She is so done with everyone's bullshit, girlboss. Could probably snap you in half, what could the the tattoo mean 👀👀👀👀👀

she/they

All hail the queen!

Welcome Serkis Celestine! Beloved Queen of the Skelons, feared and respected by her enemies, she's a benevolent and young ruler. Ascending the throne after her parents mysteriously disappear, will she be able to save her kingdom? Just  an enemy to our princess, right?

she/her

Najiba Celestine! She's the inventor who didn't believe in the the rigid rules of court life,so she left. Serkis's baby sister, the kindest soul and the youngest character (15). 

they/them

Vea Amaris

Secrets and revels are the two things this character specialises in. Amaris is the heir to the Mensonges. The signing between Mensonges and Aiga (daraja's  kingdom) is vital to the development of both kingdoms, but who will truly benefit?

@thisismisogynoir @nirmaanazakti @ghostdragoncookie @sassychaostrash

[oc-cafe]

BATTLECROWN 2022

THE TRAILER'S HERE!!!!

Character Art credit: Mod Ares

(Most) Backgrounds: Mod Sam

Editing credit: Mod Sam and Mod🔥

Taglist (send an ask to be added or removed): @thisismisogynoir @ghostdragoncookie @minaglobe @quakeismyhero @ialmostdonothingnew @gravitational-potential-energy @death-and-the-lady13 @otbyosh @fierreth-who @mister-finally-found-himself @coffeelovinggayidiot @pinkyy-promises @sassychaostrash @pasiithea @planet-alicorn @cool-way-to-die @brkh96 @i-likestuff86

Mod Tag: @permanently-exhausted @desifandom

[oc-cafe]

Masterpost for The Royalty Representation Project Works

Boundless

Battlecrown

[oc-cafe]

TW/CW: Death, Murder, Mentions of Blood

"A decade long war, resolved in a matter of mere minutes? I knew something was up."

After years of turmoil and bloodshed,a war's finally come to an end, and another has begun. After Vea Amaris shows up at her doorstep, claiming that her father is dead, Daraja must ascend the throne and find his killer.

What will she do when she finds that there may be another story hidden between the lines? One that involves the mysterious shape shifters in the sea? Will she be able to unearth the plot that threatens her kingdom? Or will she burn to ashes, drowned in misery?

Coming Soon

~~~

Mod Sam here once again, with a disclaimer that I kinda went ehh with the background so I used a free online background. etc etc anyway.

This story was written by Mod Fire!

Taglist (send an ask to be added or removed): @thisismisogynoir @ghostdragoncookie @mina-globes-and-maps @quakeismyhero @ialmostdonothingnew @gravitational-potential-energy@death-and-the-lady13 @otbyosh @fierreth-who @mister-finally-found-himself @coffeelovinggayidiot @pinkyy-promises @sassychaostrash @lesbiansayaishii @planet-alicorn @cool-way-to-die @brkh96 @i-likestuff86

Mod Tag: @permanently-exhausted @always-protect-the-face