#anthony: he has a bowler had with a question mark on it

[donavanhall]

Acts of Translation

Late in February 2021, I was walking through the Long Island Pine Barrens, along the beginning of the Paumanok Trail.  The snow-covered path was marked by the patterned boot tracks of other hikers (only two or three at the most) and the cloven hoof-marks of deer.  The sky above the trees was pale blue, tinged with gray.  The air was cool, crisp, dry.  With each step, my boots compacted the icy slush and sometimes my boot would shift, sliding on the heavy, dense snowpack so that I’d have to compensate with a movement of my upper body and arms to keep my balance and to prevent myself from slipping.

The fourth branch of Jacques Roubaud’s “the great fire of London”, a volume called Poésie: (récit) — I prefer the French title since Poetry: (a story) is less poetic and loses a sense of meaning that I think should be there, poésie to my ear implies a movement that is lost in the more static English word, poetry, and récit (and perhaps this is peculiar to me and has nothing to do with actual French) suggests narration closer to that when a storyteller speaks to a listener who receives the récit and so completes the action, a story doesn’t necessarily require a reader — begins with the Narrator (Roubaud) moving through space, in this case, the space is urban, the streets Paris.

Early in December 1994, I was walking in Paris.  The sky was gray, low, the air humid, warm.

For walking in Paris, I wear a blue K-way jacket, and a cap, also blue.  The K-way was a gift, not something I’d picked out.  It was light, blue, waterproof, costly.

For walking in the woods, I wear an olive green jacket made by Patagonia that zips up the front and has a little pocket over the left breast where I can store my phone for easy access.  Around my neck, I wear my “Doctor Who scarf” knitted by my mother.  (The scarf isn’t a replica of any of the long scarves worn by the Fourth Doctor, played by actor Tom Baker, but a spirited recreation of the sort that anyone familiar with the various scarves featured in Season 12 through 17 of the TV show would immediately recognize.)  On my head I wear a black bowler hat I purchased at the museum shop of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 2018 when I took my mother and son to the Magritte exhibit. (The next summer, I would take my wife and son to Brussels to tour the permanent Magritte exhibit at the Musée de Beaux Arts.  The study of Magritte’s art and writing is a principal concern of my Project.)  The clerk at the shop said this style of bowler hat is the exact same one worn by René Magritte when he was alive.  So it should be no surprise that I’m pleased with it and wear it every opportunity I get, and especially when I’m out on my daily walk.

Before the pandemic, I walked every afternoon through the pine barrens.  This was easy enough since the office where I perform my paid work (not at all literary) is located in the middle of the pine barrens.  There are a network of trails that lead through the woods that are immediately accessible from the back door of the building where I work.  A year ago, my office was closed, so that I now work from home.  Now my afternoon walks (usually) are taken along the streets in the neighborhood where I live in the village of Long Neck.  I’ve become a familiar sight in the neighborhood as the man in the bowler hat.  My neighbors wave to me and sometimes will view my unusual headwear as an occasion for conversation.  What kind of hat is that? asked one neighbor.  Another fellow walker assumed I’m a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of A Clockwork Orange, a novel by Anthony Burgess.  I’m more a fan of the book than I am a fan of the movie, but my bowler hat is most deliberately a nod to Magritte and not to Alex and his three droogs.  Throughout the pandemic, Magritte and his art has been my life line.

On his walks in Paris, Roubaud doesn’t wear a bowler — his cap is of a different sort.

I bought the cap in New York, at J.J. Hat Center, at the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street.  It’s a hat made in Scotland and the salesperson assured me that it was the same exact style of cap worn by Sean Connery in the film The Untouchables. It’s no surprise that I’m happy with it.

After I’m vaccinated and I feel like taking the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station again, maybe I’ll go to the J.J. Hat Center myself and shop for a hat.  Although according to “the internet” J.J. Hat Center is now located at 310 Fifth Ave (between 31st & 32nd), not far from Penn at all.  If/when I do go in to the city, I’ll want to pay a visit to the Fountain Pen Hospital.  A man can never have too many hats or too many fountain pens.

I could go along in this vein for quite some time, this leisurely stroll through Roubaud’s Poésie: (récit) allowing his text to guide my own thoughts, reveries, musings, etc.  The resulting text would function as a companion text.  I’m walking along with Roubaud in Paris as he moves from the National Library, past familiar restaurants, along familiar streets…

I passed between the tops or periscopes of the licorice icebergs of the Buren columns, making sure not to slip on their outgrowths/extensions [? the French word is excroissances, but it’s not obvious to me what these outgrowths or extensions might be], on the damp grills, slimy, soaped with crushed beige leaves.  And I made it through with no accidents to Place Colette, on the right side of the Théâtre-Français.  This route was well known to me.

...but Roubaud himself is not walking with me, only his text, or perhaps he is with me as an invented copy of an imaginary Roubaud that I carry within myself as I read and as I walk along the snow-covered Paumanok Trail thinking of his book, or books (one book in seven volumes called collectively “the great fire of London”).

I read the first two and a half branches (the first three volumes to be translated into English), starting with Branch One: Destruction in the fall of 2018.  Without really intending to, I wrote a little book of jottings while reading Roubaud’s novel.  I called my little book, In the Labyrinth of Forking Paths, since “the great fire of London” is “a story with interpolations and bifurcations” with actual links indicating different narrative paths the reader can take during their wandering reading.  I was reminded (though only a little) of the choose-your-own-adventure books (published by Bantam) I read when I was a kid.  One of my early attempts at writing fiction was a “literary” choose-your-own-adventure called (imaginatively enough) Into the Labyrinth (a slight variation on a title of one of Alain Robbe-Grillet’s novels, Dans le labyrinthe, with whose hyper-descriptive nouveau roman style I’d become bewitched, a style ideally suited to such text adventures).  (I published my Into the Labyrinth as an interactive fiction designed for a media platform that worked only on those early generation iPods.  I have no idea if anyone ever read/played my interactive fiction even though according to the app, mine was the most downloaded story.  It was certainly the longest.)  I won’t claim that I have been waiting for the remaining four volumes to be translated into English.  In fact, I felt a certain level of contentment with the artificial truncation of the novel — I had read all that I could, all that was available in English, so now I could move on to other things, like reading the works of Miklós Szentkuthy.  Procuring and reading the rest of “the great fire of London” wasn’t a tempting prospect until Anthony, author of the blog, Time’s Flow, mentioned that he’d purchased the remaining volumes in French and would be making an attempt to read them.  That was all it took.  If Anthony was going to do it, then so would I.  I ordered copies from a bookseller in France and they arrived last Friday in the post.  So when did I get the idea to translate these remaining four volumes into English myself?  Was it a serious idea or just another of my fanciful projects?  Project 7139: translated two thousand pages of Jacques Roubaud’s “the great fire of London” into English.  (For the record, I’m currently working on Project 3 which I started twenty years ago.  Project 4 is “write a masterpiece that will establish my literary reputation.”  That one might take awhile.)  Certainly, I would read these other branches.  Or would I?  My track record for finishing big projects is not stellar.  (The first time I read Proust, it took me ten years.)

While walking in the snow in the pine barrens, I thought about why I was being pulled back into Roubaud’s book.  What was it about his very long prose that attracted me?  Was this a momentary literary crush or had I fallen for “the great fire of London”?  If this were a romance, you could say that Roubaud and I met in the fall of 2018 and spent some time together, mostly walking.  We shared our mutual interests, talking about poetry, literature, and mathematics.  I learned a great deal about haikai (haiku and haibun), gained a new appreciation of the works of Charles Dickens, and was introduced to Nicholas Bourbaki, and then resumed my own mathematical studies after a hiatus of twenty years, this time beginning with set theory and topology.  And then it was over.  He had to go.  We parted ways.

Then two and half years later, Roubaud pops up again at a party hosted by a friend, this time we’re speaking French — my French is better now, so it’s much easier for us to talk and now I feel something different than I did before.  We’re making a real connection.  I can feel it.  And Roubaud seems somehow changed.  When we first met, I was the one who was paying attention to Roubaud, accompanying a new master, and learning new things.  Now, this new Roubaud, this French-speaking Roubaud is interested in me, keeps asking me questions, asking for my opinion. Then it dawns on me.  Roubaud has chosen me.  You’re the one, he says.  I’ve picked you.

Of course, this isn’t an exclusive relationship.  Such is the way with authors and their books.  Readers must share the objects of their affection, but still it feels different when a book chooses you rather than you choosing it.

I’m choosing you.  I’m ready whenever you are.  Shall we begin?

[kingracetrack]

A small guide to the Newsies of 1992

So I know no one asked for this, but I once found a picture that had all the boys named next to their picture but it wasn’t a comprehensive cast picture as it was missing a few boys. So I did my best to get you all your named newsies, plus a few bonus guys, and the Delancey Brothers (because I still get them confused). I gave a brief description so you get an idea of how to find them in the movie, and how they are different from their stage personas.

The picture of all the boys (not each of their own faces) is the a few seconds before the picture for Denton’s big King of New York article is snapped. its not as showy as it is on stage, but a bit more realistic to how the boys probably would have reacted to having their picture taken. Jack does end up smiling for the picture.

Principles (These are your main actors, singers, and “dancers” - the whole package so to speak)

Jack Kelly - Also known as Cowboy, and has a real name of Francis Sullivan. He is easily picked out from a crowd because of the Red Bandana and the cowboy hat, a symbol of his dream of going to Santa Fe and where he gets his nick name. Has a famous “break dance” in Santa Fe, where he then steals a horse, his lasso skills were cut out of the movie but can be seen in the extras. he wears the lasso as a belt, he uses it to also carry papers, and it is used in Seize the Day.

David Jacobs - The new kids. He is the “Walkin’ Mouth” as dubbed by Spot, when they go to Brooklyn. His father was hurt in the factor, has a birthday during the movie, and his sister and Jack kiss at the end of the movie.

Crutchy Morris - The kid we all know. He is happy go lucky and always looking positive. He does not like being carried, and in probably his only moment of “anger” declares that to Jack when Jack and David go to the refuge to get him. He also does something to Snyder’s sauerkraut. Dances in each song he is in, with special choreography to work around the fact that he has a crutch.

Les Jacobs - David’s little brother, who is “near ten”. He is more innocent and less abrasive than the b-way version. He save’s Denton’s article by wrapping it around a hot dog that I would save too cause the thing looked delicious.

Racetrack Higgins - Named after a real kid, it was put out there at one point his first name is Anthony. He has a flare for tap dancing, and can play harmonica. He also gambles. His voice is the first you hear in the movie giving us a gorgeous little prologue, he also has the first singing line, where he accuses Snipeshooter of stealing his cigar. He sells at Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, and has that line in King of New York.

Spot Conlon - The enigma, the mysterious Brooklyn leader that is the literal definition of 5 ounces of whoop ass. Gabriel Damon came to the table wanting a cane, and became good with a slingshot, Brooklyn’s weapon of choice. He is most well known for his red suspenders and cane.

Kid Blink - With a name inspired by the historical strike leader, he is most easily spotted because of his eye patch. He is one of the main dancers in the movie, and does all the moves with ease as if he could see out of both eyes. He also has a gorgeous smile.

Mush Meyers - Known for being the “dumb” in the glum and dumb line from the beginning of King of New York spoken by Racetrack. He is often easily spotted for normally wearing just his undershirt, and cut off pants. He is possibly the most innocent and naive of the boys, and is very hurt when Jack becomes a Scab.

Boots - Besides Crutchy, this is one of your happiest newsies. He is the one that declares Spot makes everyone a bit nervous. He also arrives to Brooklyn with some shooters, because you don’t go to Brooklyn without a gift. He isn’t the best singer, but he gives his all, and besides Crutchy and Jack he has a solo in The World Will Know.

Snipeshooter - Your all around little smart ass. He steals cigarette butts, which is where his name originates from. He is the “shrimp” that the Delancey’s throw to the ground in Carryin’ the Banner. He also brings up crooked politicians in the same song, and gets hats chunked at him.

Soloists (including some above, these are the guys that have the solos)

Jack Kelly

David Jacobs

Crutchy Morris

Les Jacobs

Racetrack Higgins

Spot Conlon

Kid Blink

Mush

Boots

Snipeshooter

Skittery - Skittery is known as the glum in the same line that Mush is referred to as dumb. He is famously known for wearing a pink shirt throughout the movie. My choir teacher from high school claims he has the best voice, and he does have that very good “broadway quality” voice.

Specs - Specs easily spotted because of bowler hat, and glasses. Specs famously sings “since when did you become me mudda” in Carryin’ the Banner. He is more known for his dancing, which Kenny Ortega mentions when he lists off his more principle dancers. He also claims Jack Kelly is an unusual name when Snyder visits the lodging house.

Principle Dancers (again some are listed above)

Jack Kelly

Kid Blink

Mush

Pie Eater - Is one of the principle dancers that Kenny Ortega has been known to name when mentioning his best dancers in the movie. He is easy to miss, but you’ll notice him doing more of the jumps and tumbling moves.

Bumlets - Possibly the best dancer in the movie. Is known for the famous spin on the fan, that was his idea. He has a tan hat, and typically has a stick with him. He along with Dutchy, Skittery, Pie Eater were in a show called Round House that featured them acting, singing, and dancing. In a video on youtube the choreographer calls him out for being the most prepared and knowing all the choreography

Dutchy - Known for his blond hair and glasses. His most notably seen before Snyder comes to the lodging house, he is painting sign and asking if he spelt it right. This has lead many to believe he might be dyslexic.

Skittery

Swifty - His full nick name is “Swifty the Rake.” He is another dancer, often named by Kenny Ortega. He is tall, and his hat looks almost too small for his head.

Snitch - Snitch is one of the first boys we see, he sucks his thumb at the very beginning when the boys are sleeping. He is one of the three boys who does the hand game portion in King of New York closer to the end.

Itey - He is also one of those early boys we catch sight of. He shares a bed with Snitch, and does not like feet in his face. He is one of the other three boys who do the hand game portion of King of New York, against David, Jack, and Denton.

Specs

Jake - Jake is another one of those blink and you’ll miss him newsies. However just look for the overalls his signature clothing item and you’ll find him. He also wears a hat that is not the typical newsie hat. He is the third of the boys that does the hand game against Jack, David, and Denton in King of New York.

Snoddy - He is most recognized for the two armbands he wears with his long sleeve shirts. You’ll miss him if you don’t look for him.

Honorable Mentions

Ten Pin - Whether Ten Pin is a newsie or not is not known. What is known is that he seems to be the boss of the boys in The Refuge. He calls Crutchy a gimp, which Jack is visibly not a fan of. He has been in the refuge at least a while since he knows Jack pretty well.

Morris Delancey - One of the infamous brothers. He is known to not be able to count to 10 with his shoes on... well that’s the rumor. Sarah Jacobs (David’s sister) calls him a stupid ape and punches him. He is the one who is often quicker to fight. Jack flips his hat off in Carryin’ the Banner.

Oscar Delancey - The more talktative of the brothers. He’s got a slightly higher pitched voice. He’s slightly shorter.

? number 1 - The first question mark newsie we see that I listed you will find everywhere. He doesn’t have a listed name, but I always called him “Tumbler”. He is easily the smallest of the newsies. He is often thrown around by them during dances cause he is small. And he is known to give us that iconic newsie image, which is pictured above.

? number 2 - The second quetion mark newsies that I listed again you will see in the background. He is also the first newsie we see in the lodging house. He is snapping his fingers, which is where I got my nickname for him “Snaps”.

? number 3 - Pictured below is the third question mark. He is honestly here because well... he’s in his underwear and wet... I’m a horrible person I know. He is famous for saying, “Goin’ somewhere Kelly?” after he gets out of the water, when Jack, David, and Boots go to Brooklyn. He’s everyone’s second favorite Brooklyn Newsie, lets be real.

[paulbenedictblog]

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Fox news Ranking draft classes, 1-32: Ravens, 'Boys thrive - NFL.com

Fox news

Why provide on the spot grades on the picks of potentialities who've but to make a selection out an NFL snap? Well, you are finding out this, aren't you? Brooding in regards to the makeup of every roster and the factors surrounding every take, Gennaro Filice and Dan Parr strive a division-by-division evaluate of the 2020 NFL Draft. Establish in mind that these grades are in step with draft hauls alone -- picks traded for dilapidated gamers were now not taken into fable. Click on here for those fleshy breakdowns.

Below you would obtain a rating, from 1 to 32, of the 2020 draft classes.

» Spherical 1: (No. 28 general) Patrick Queen, LB, LSU. » Spherical 2: (55) J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 3: (71) Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M; (92) Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas; (98) Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio Reveal; (106) Tyre Phillips, OG, Mississippi Reveal. » Spherical 4: (143) Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan. » Spherical 5: (170) Broderick Washington, DT, Texas Tech. » Spherical 6: (201) James Proche, WR, SMU. » Spherical 7: (219) Geno Stone, S, Iowa.

PARR: Baltimore one way or the opposite managed to search out very fair staunch worth in nearly every spherical. It appears to be like unfair that they sort this yr after yr, if truth be told. Queen fills the void that had been lingering since C.J. Mosley departed closing offseason and can fair scurry sideline to sideline, wreaking havoc along with his explosiveness despite being undersized. Dobbins provides one other dose of electricity to the Ravens' extremely charged backfield and the worth modified into too lawful to scurry up, even though there were extra urgent needs. Oh, and likewise you better reflect Eric DeCosta did work with four third-spherical picks, pouncing so that you can add -- you guessed it -- good worth within the heart allotment of the draft. Harrison is a downhill attacker who will complement Queen at 'backer, and Madubuike will aid retain blockers off of those two. We're intrigued by Duvernay, who might well maybe change staunch into a spark hotfoot within the slot if he improves as a route runner. There are Hall-of-Fame remarkable shoes to bear at guard following the retirement of Marshal Yanda, nonetheless Phillips and Bredeson appear enjoy finest suits for the Ravens' strength working game. We approve of the resolution to trade up in Spherical 6 for Proche, who has the ball skills and competitiveness to be remarkable extra productive than his athletic traits would lead you to reflect. And the absolute best blueprint about touchdown Stone with take 219, on the subject of 100 slots lower than where Jeremiah valued him? There were the handiest crew that had his top worth absorb two varied rounds. Well performed, Ravens.

» Spherical 1: (No. 17 general) CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma. » Spherical 2: (51) Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama. » Spherical 3: (82) Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma. » Spherical 4: (123) Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa; (146) Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin. » Spherical 5: (179) Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah. » Spherical 7: (231) Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison.

FILICE: What a distinction drafting on a $250 million mega yacht makes! Jerry Jones spent the virtual draft aboard the Bravo Eugenia, a predictably glitzy atmosphere for the league's final showman proprietor. But separated from COO Stephen Jones, vp of player personnel Will McClay and new head coach Mike McCarthy, Jerrah modified into flying with out a parachute. No person modified into there to snatch the draft card out of the boss' hand, might well maybe fair still he were tempted to sort one thing enjoy drafting Johnny Manziel over Zack Martin. No topic. The Well-known particular person King fully beaten this draft, logging broad worth in every of his first six picks while concurrently filling roster needs. Lamb modified into a present from the Draft Gods. Or now not it's a player you fair staunch have to absorb the 2nd half of Spherical 1, no topic how your draft needs stack up. However the exact brilliance of the Cowboys' draft is how they discovered techniques to bear holes after making the quasi-luxurious take at huge receiver. Diggs modified into a cornerback many mocked to Dallas at No. 17 -- as a substitute, the Cowboys landed him 34 slots later. Gallimore bought some first-spherical buzz all around the pre-draft process -- Dallas nabbed him midway thru the third. After which on Day 3, the 'Boys made a substitute of want-essentially essentially based mostly picks who might well maybe deal outproduce their respective draft slots. Robinson's a lengthy, trusty duvet man who excelled in a pair of coverages at Tulsa and posted some appealing numbers in Indy. Biadasz took a step encourage closing season at Wisconsin due to accidents, or else he would've been lengthy passed by the time Dallas came on the clock at No. 146. Now he's tossed into the heart battle with dilapidated Joe Looney and 2019 third-rounder Connor McGovern. If Biadasz can procure luminous again, the Cowboys might well maybe close up changing one Badgers pivot (the now not too lengthy ago retired Travis Frederick) with one other. And Anae enters the NFL with a barely refined scurry-speeding arsenal, which might well maybe fair still aid Dallas substitute the 11.5 sacks and 13 TFLs that left with Robert Quinn in free agency.

» Spherical 1: (No. 22 general) Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU; (31) Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU. » Spherical 2: (58) Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise Reveal. » Spherical 3: (89) Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi Reveal. » Spherical 4: (117) D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina; (130) James Lynch, Edge, Baylor; (132) Troy Dye, LB, Oregon. » Spherical 5: (169) Harrison Hand, CB, Temple; (176) K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla.). » Spherical 6: (203) Blake Brandel, OG, Oregon Reveal; (205) Josh Metellus, S, Michigan. » Spherical 7: (225) Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan Reveal; (244) Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa; (249) Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi Reveal; (253) Kyle Hinton, OG, Washburn.

FILICE: Since he started working Minnesota's drafts encourage in 2007, Rick Spielman has impressively drafted 16 Pro Bowlers. Peaceful, his past few prospect hauls haven't proven on the subject of as fruitful because the glory classes of 2015 and prior. Consequently, we have now viewed an uptick in heat on the GM's seat. Earlier to January's Wild Card Weekend upset of the Saints, Spielman bought a public vote of self perception from Vikings proprietor Mark Wilf. However the actual fact stays that the GM's contract -- enjoy that of head coach Mike Zimmer -- is determined to expire after the 2020 season. So this particular feels enjoy a function-or-ruin draft class for Spielman. At this 2nd -- days after the picks were made and lengthy sooner than anybody's attach aside to make a selection out a exact, dwell NFL snap -- I judge Rick nailed it. And now not fair staunch because he made half the picks to your total draft. (OK, 15 to be staunch.) The Vikings' first three picks might well maybe thoroughly produce three Day 1 starters. Jefferson replaces Stefon Diggs reverse Adam Thielen within the receiving corps, while Gladney and dilapidated CB Mike Hughes will hit the starting up lineup following the departures of Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes. Cleveland might well maybe command the sort out slot reverse Brian O'Neill, kicking Riley Reiff inner to guard and giving Minnesota essentially the most athletic bookend duo within the league -- a extremely appealing chance, given how remarkable the Vikings' starting up air-zone blueprint relies on OL mobility. One Day 3 take to retain an admire on is Dye. A lengthy, athletic linebacker with legit coverage chops, the 6-foot-3 231-pounder led Oregon in tackles all over every of the past four seasons. He might well maybe maybe be small to particular teams responsibility in Year 1, nonetheless do now not be surprised if Dye within the waste joins Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr at the starting up lineup, giving the Vikes a versatile linebacking corps very finest to the stylish game.

» Spherical 1: (No. 8 general) Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson. » Spherical 3: (72) Josh Jones, OT, Houston. » Spherical 4: (114) Leki Fotu, DT, Utah; (131) Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU. » Spherical 6: (202) Evan Weaver, LB, Cal. » Spherical 7: (222) Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona Reveal.

FILICE: Three years ago, Steve Keim spent his first-spherical handle hybrid defender Haason Reddick. When requested how the Temple product would fit into Arizona's protection, the Cardinals general supervisor gushed: "That is the benefit of it -- it's now not important," Keim talked about at the time. "We are going to obtain a location for him. Whether or now not it be early as a rusher or as a stack-backer, he has bought sufficient skills to be a distinction maker for us, and we'll obtain the luminous location for him on our protection." Three years and 20 begins later, Reddick stays a particular person with out a role. Basically, sooner than the draft closing week, The Athletic's Michael Lombardi talked about the old No. 13 general take's "one other man for the Cardinals that they would gladly scurry on from." Oof. Now Arizona faces the equivalent extra or less questions in regards to the 6-foot-4, 238-pound freak of nature with the 4.39 40-yard speed. How will Simmons be deployed in Vance Joseph's protection? "He'll be a linebacker," the defensive coordinator talked about. "But we drafted this man due to what we seen him sort at Clemson. So, the things he did there, he'll sort for us also. As some distance as overlaying tight ends, and again, he'll be an grief solver. Clearly, every game notion is varied and, as complications reach along and he can solve them for us he'll positively be a candidate to sort those things for us." Now, it must be pointed out that, while the Reddick experiment has been a total failure, the Cardinals sort have a pair of success tales on the role-player entrance. Tyrann Mathieu grew to alter staunch into a Defensive Player of the Year candidate as a roving playmaker, Deone Bucannon instant served because the LB/S prototype and Budda Baker -- drafted 23 picks after Reddick -- continues to redefine the safety role. Here is hoping Joseph and Co. have the luminous notion to maximise Simmons' uncommon skill attach aside. One thing I'm barely particular of: Arizona bought a interact in Day 2 and Day 3. Jones, a battle-tested left sort out with NFL traits, had no industrial lasting till Spherical 3. And Benjamin, an starting up-field nightmare who came off the board in Spherical 7, might well maybe hit some home runs within the huge-starting up home created by Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

» Spherical 1: (No. 1 general) Joe Burrow, QB, LSU. » Spherical 2: (33) Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson. » Spherical 3: (65) Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming. » Spherical 4: (107) Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian Reveal. » Spherical 5: (147) Khalid Kareem, DE, Notre Dame. » Spherical 6: (180) Hakeem Adeniji, OG, Kansas. » Spherical 7: (215) Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue.

PARR: Our one quibble with the Bengals' draft modified into the resolution to wait till Spherical 6 to handle the offensive line after now not at the side of to it in free agency, nonetheless general, this modified into good work. Sure, the Burrow take appears to be like enjoy a no-brainer, nonetheless it surely's still a sizable one that at once rejuvenates the franchise. He's coming off the handiest yr ever by a college quarterback. And Cincinnati modified into well-organized so that you can add one other weapon for him to kick off Spherical 2. Higgins might well maybe change into one other A.J. Green in due time, nonetheless for now, they procure to crew up collectively, increasing a tandem that can maybe maybe sort barely about a injury to defenses. Linebacker modified into this crew's biggest want on protection, and we're followers of all three gamers they selected at the role, even supposing we would have potentially modified into to the offensive line over Davis-Gaither in Spherical 4. Wilson is a future starter, and Bailey might well maybe provide broad worth for a seventh-spherical take if he's ready to forestall healthy. Kareem is now not going to wow anybody with explosiveness or athleticism, nonetheless he can provide trusty depth off the threshold. We loved what the Bengals did after they within the waste selected an offensive lineman. Adeniji has a huge gamble to invent staunch into a starting up guard and modified into Jeremiah's top worth of Spherical 6.

» Spherical 1: (No. 9 general) CJ Henderson, CB, Florida; (20) K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU. » Spherical 2: (42) Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado. » Spherical 3: (73) DaVon Hamilton, DT, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 4: (116) Ben Bartch, OT, St. John's (Minn.); (137) Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan Reveal; (140) Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami. » Spherical 5: (157) Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn; (165) Collin Johnson, WR, Texas. » Spherical 6: (189) Jake Luton, QB, Oregon Reveal; (206) Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech. » Spherical 7: (223) Chris Claybrooks, CB, Memphis.

PARR: Jacksonville came into this draft in rebuilding mode and did a appealing job of at the side of a boatload of skill while also filling most of its top needs. There modified into a apparent void at corner following the trades of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, so the Henderson take made hundreds of sense -- and the equivalent goes for the Chaisson substitute, with Yannick Ngakoue making an strive out of town. Touchdown the 2nd-handiest corner and edge rusher within the draft? That'll work. Shenault's stock took successful all around the review process due to sturdiness issues. He provides barely about a upside nonetheless a lower ground, too. If all of it comes collectively for him, the Jaguars might well maybe reach away with three first-spherical values from this draft. Hamilton went barely sooner than expected, nonetheless has a huge gamble to invent staunch into a starter, and we cherished the Bartch take. Build now not sleep on the undersized Scott as a future starting up nickel corner, both. We mustn't have minded seeing the Jags gamble on a prospect with barely extra upside than Quarterman late in Spherical 4, nonetheless he might well maybe fair still be a tight backup at inner 'backer. GM Dave Caldwell added extra depth at positions of want in a while Day 3, nonetheless the first takeaway here is he ended up tying for the league-high by drafting eight gamers from NFL Network draft knowledgeable Daniel Jeremiah's top 150 potentialities, at the side of three of his top 36. That is lawful news for Duval County.

» Spherical 1: (No. 5 general) Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama; (No. 18) USC OT Austin Jackson; (No. 30) Auburn CB Noah Igbinoghene. » Spherical 2: (39) Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana; (56) Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama. » Spherical 3: (60) Brandon Jones, S, Texas. » Spherical 4: (111) Solomon Kindley, OG, Georgia. » Spherical 5: (154) Jason Strowbridge, DE, North Carolina; (164) Curtis Weaver, edge rusher, Boise Reveal. » Spherical 6: (185) Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU. » Spherical 7: (246) Malcolm Perry, RB, Navy.

PARR: This modified into the Dolphins' draft to manipulate. They entered it with essentially the most picks within the league, at the side of three first-rounders, and traditional the capital about to boot to they might maybe maybe maybe. We enjoy the peril they were willing to make a selection out with their first substitute. Tagovailoa's likely modified into too sizable to scurry up, even with the injury issues. Jackson and Igbinoghene went sooner than many expected them to, nonetheless in those two gamers, Miami will have a future starting up left sort out and a advanced, aggressive, physical nickel encourage -- are trying to be lawful at those spots to have interplay in this day's NFL. We're now not here to strongly dock the Fins for those choices, even though a case will also be made that they were reaches. The Igbinoghene take foreshadowed the Dolphins' theme for Day 2 of the draft, because the grasp notion of at the side of advanced, physical, extremely efficient skill modified into fully published with the picks of Hunt, Davis and Jones. Huge fan of the work they did on the defensive line on Day 3, touchdown a Senior Bowl standout (Strowbridge) and a likely interact in Weaver, who did now not allow below-average explosiveness to retain him from racking up 34 sacks over the past three seasons. Final nonetheless now not least, Perry -- he of two,017 speeding yards closing season -- has a huge gamble to have an effect on a situation as a versatile contributor who might well well aid on offense and particular teams. Now, the merits of drafting a lengthy snapper might well maybe maybe be debatable, nonetheless all in all, a terribly good haul here.

» Spherical 1: (No. 3 general) Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 2: (35) D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia. » Spherical 3: (67) Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame; (75) Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 4: (121) Logan Stenberg, OG, Kentucky. » Spherical 5: (166) Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin; (172) Jason Huntley, RB, Fresh Mexico Reveal. » Spherical 6: (197) John Penisini, DT, Utah. » Spherical 7: (235) Jashon Cornell, DT, Ohio Reveal.

FILICE: After spending months broadcasting all around the universe that the Lions were starting up for industrial at No. 3, GM Bob Quinn ended up keeping the take and taking the luminous player. Brooding about want, positional worth, blueprint fit and skill of the true prospect, the Okudah substitute modified into fully/because it is going to be predictable. The same can't be talked about about Detroit's 2nd-rounder. Despite the truth that the Lions haven't accomplished within the tip half of the league in speeding offense since Barry Sanders' retirement closing millennium, Detroit modified into now not in most cases talked about as a likely touchdown situation for Swift. In all likelihood because this similar Lions regime aggressively centered Kerryon Johnson thru 2nd-spherical trade-up fair staunch two years ago. Or maybe it modified into all that presumptuous pre-draft chatter about Swift being the handiest first-spherical encourage in this class. As soon as that designation truly utilized to Clyde Edwards-Helaire on draft night, even supposing, and Swift fell into the 2nd spherical, the Lions pounced. As you would surmise by the grade atop this blurb, I'm now not here to lecture anybody in regards to the folly of spending precious draft currency on a working encourage. Basically, I applaud this take. Johnson, who has a lengthy injury historic past going encourage to his Auburn days, has overlooked on the subject of half the video games in his two NFL seasons. And while Bo Scarbrough modified into a pleasurable shock down the stretch of a lost season, let's now not faux his 4.2 yards per carry portended future stardom. With all due respect to Pro Bowl wideout Kenny Golladay, this offensive roster is now not precisely bursting at the seams with electric playmakers. Swift brings appealing juice to the speed and scurry video games. Early in Spherical 3, Quinn attempted to bear a void that is marred Patricia's protection two years working: edge bustle. In a draft class light on top-close sack artists, Okwara might well maybe close up as a third-spherical coup. Quinn and Patricia also endured their ardour accomplishing of rebuilding the offensive line with a pair of mid-spherical guards: one who focuses on scurry blockading (Jackson) and one who belligerently mauls opponents within the bottom game (Stenberg).

» Spherical 1: (No. 10 general) Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama. » Spherical 2: (44) Grant Delpit, S, LSU. » Spherical 3: (88) Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri; (97) Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU. » Spherical 4: (115) Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic. » Spherical 5: (160) Slash Harris, C, Washington. » Spherical 6: (187) Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan.

PARR: Baker Mayfield must be resting more straightforward at the 2nd. GM Andrew Berry proficient him with an enormous upgrade at the sort out situation, signing Jack Conklin in free agency to man the luminous aspect, and then he went out and drafted a new left sort out with the 10th general take. Wills modified into the tip player at his role on many boards. He might well maybe fair still be conserving the blindside for the next decade. The following-biggest want for this club modified into at security, and Berry checked that box by plucking Delpit. Concerns about his tackling knocked him out of the first-spherical conversation, nonetheless there's still hundreds to enjoy about his game as a instant, instinctive free security. We stumble on barely about a upside within the Elliott take. He can provide a push from the inner. We're now not as smitten by the Phillips substitute. Linebacker modified into a want and Phillips led a skill-well off LSU protection in tackles closing season, nonetheless he might well maybe now not change into larger than a backup/particular-teams contributor at the next level. We mustn't have minded seeing the Browns scurry in a course rather than tight on the subject of originate Day 3 with Austin Hooper and David Njoku (who fair staunch had his fifth-yr option picked up despite his disappointing 2019 season) already on the roster. That talked about, have you viewed NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein's comp for Bryant? Or now not it's George Kittle! So, we're now not going to argue with taking a shot on that extra or less player. Harris affords some depth on the inner O-line, and Peoples-Jones modified into rate a flyer in Spherical 7 even supposing he never lived as much as his billing at Michigan.

» Spherical 1: (No. 14 general) Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina; (25) Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona Reveal. » Spherical 5: (153) Colton McKivitz, OT, West Virginia. » Spherical 6: (190) Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia. » Spherical 7: (217) Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee.

FILICE: Continuously, within the wake of the three-day crew-constructing bonanza that is the NFL draft, it be exhausting to wrap your head all around the thinking that went staunch into a explicit franchise's general haul. That is most positively NOT the case with San Francisco's 2020 draft class. Every take had a motive. With the full money the 49ers have poured into their definitive role personnel -- defensive line -- DeForest Buckner unfortunately ended up being the outlandish man out. The Niners fair staunch might well maybe now not pay him the money he modified into due, so that they flipped him for a valuable-spherical take ... and then traditional that handle a youthful, more cost-effective version of Buckner in Kinlaw. Cherish Buckner, Emmanuel Sanders modified into one other proficient dilapidated the Niners fair staunch might well maybe now not fit into their wage cap. So they let him stroll to Fresh Orleans ... and traditional their 2nd first-spherical handle a high playmaker at wideout in Aiyuk. San Francisco mitigated the retirement of franchise stalwart Joe Staley by trading for Trent Williams, nonetheless they still wanted depth at the sort out role. Insert McKivitz, who has skills on the left and luminous aspect -- and can fair be San Francisco's swing sort out in Year 1. In the meantime, anybody who's watched Kyle Shanahan's offense of late knows how essentially the most important a role Kyle Juszczyk performs. Well, the versatile H-encourage's getting up in age and heading into the closing yr of his contract. Might maybe well maybe Woerner be groomed because the eventual substitute? And lastly, Jennings is precisely the extra or less YAC monster Lil Shanny likes to operate. Build now not dwell on the 4.72 40 -- he has interact likely as a broad-slot playmaker. Calculated drafting from stem to stern.

» Spherical 1: (No. 13 general) Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa. » Spherical 2: (45) Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota. » Spherical 3: (76) Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt. » Spherical 5: (161) Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota. » Spherical 6: (194) Khalil Davis, DT, Nebraska. » Spherical 7: (241) Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple; (245) Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette.

FILICE: So, what's it gonna be, Bucs followers: Tompa Bay or Tampa Brady? GM Jason Licht continues to sort the total lot in his strength to attach the new franchise face within the handiest that you would judge of role to be triumphant, utilizing three of his first four picks on offensive needs. Wirfs appears to be like enjoy a hotfoot-and-play starter at luminous sort out, with supreme athleticism and essentially the most important lower physique I've ever laid eyes on at the NFL Scouting Mix. (Seriously, this man is a much superior species to me.) Spherical 3 frankly felt barely well off for Vaughn -- RB Zack Moss' violent, all-around game regarded plenty extra appealing at that level -- nonetheless the Buccaneers wanted one other backfield presence to enroll in Ronald Jones II, and it sounds as if the one-lower Vandy product modified into their man. Johnson might well maybe be the final portion to Tampa's loaded pack of scurry catchers, as a broad slot who runs the extra or less nuanced routes Brady will adore. The one defensive player Licht snatched within the first five rounds is a gem. A versatile security who's finest for this day's game, Winfield hits enjoy his dad and has the playmaking instincts you would query from someone who grew up in NFL locker rooms. "After I modified into youthful my dad would lay in his mattress along with his computer, and I might well maybe be sitting luminous subsequent to him staring at movie," Winfield talked about at the combine. Todd Bowles is gonna have an excellent time with this novice.

» Spherical 1: (No. 4 general) Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia. » Spherical 2: (36) Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama. » Spherical 3: (99) Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut. » Spherical 4: (110) Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA. » Spherical 5: (150) Shane Lemieux, C/OG, Oregon. » Spherical 6: (183) Cameron Brown, LB, Penn Reveal. » Spherical 7: (218) Carter Coughlin, Edge, Minnesota; (238) T.J. Brunson, LB, South Carolina; (247) Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota; (255) Tae Crowder, LB, Georgia.

FILICE: After starting up every of the earlier two drafts with a heroic take -- Saquon Barkley at No. 2 in 2018 and Daniel Jones at No. 6 in '19 -- Dave Gettleman played it safe this time around, taking the high-ground offensive sort out who might well maybe fair still aid maximize those mettlesome actions of yesteryear. Thomas did now not placed on the extra or less consideration-grabbing combine spectacle of some of the opposite Huge Four tackles, nonetheless he modified into a extremely embellished starter on a proficient Georgia crew all over every of his three years in Athens. And hey: He modified into Pro Soccer Focus' top-rated offensive sort out in this class. Dave Gettleman ... analytics acolyte?! Fresh York rightfully endured to pour sources into the offensive line with the third-spherical take of Peart (a developmental sort out with promising raw traits) and the fifth-spherical series of Lemieux (who might well maybe function a push to originate at center in Year 1). And the Giants backed up the free-agent signing of CB James Bradberry with two extra spirited additions to the secondary. After hitting on a hybrid security out of Alabama early within the 2nd spherical five years ago (Landon Collins), the Giants went encourage to that similar Tuscaloosa well for McKinney. And he might well maybe now not be the handiest rookie starter in Huge Blue's defensive backfield. Nickel cornerback is truly a starting up role in this day's NFL, and a range of evaluators -- NFL Media's Bucky Brooks incorporated -- judge Holmes has the physical profile to excel in that role on Sundays.

» Spherical 1: (No. 11 general) Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville. » Spherical 2: (59) Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor. » Spherical 3: (68) Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal; (79) Jabari Zuniga, edge rusher, Florida. » Spherical 4: (120) La'Mical Perine, RB, Florida; (125) James Morgan, QB, Florida Global; (129) Cameron Clark, OG, Charlotte. » Spherical 5: (158) Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia. » Spherical 6: (191) Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M.

PARR: Optimistic, all of us know there's low-ground likely with Becton. We also have heard that he's a 6-foot-7, 364-pound mountain of a one who mauls folk. So, Sam Darnold can relaxation barely more straightforward at night (and hopefully might well maybe fair now not want to wonder if Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs, who went a pair picks later, would were the easier take at No. 11). Oh, and GM Joe Douglas discovered a lawful worth in Spherical 2 even after trading down, enhancing Darnold's supporting solid again with the addition of Mims. If he can grasp a extra advanced route tree than he modified into requested to speed at Baylor, admire out. Douglas then modified into to his protection, snagging with out a doubt one of the heart-rounders who generated essentially the most buzz this spring. This is in a position to maybe well maybe be a sizable take if all of it comes collectively for the freakishly athletic Davis, dubbed the draft's " thriller man" by one general supervisor closing month. The Jets will have reached a minute to bear a want with the Zuniga take. The manufacturing (18.5 career sacks in four seasons) doesn't soar off the page, nonetheless accidents were a bugaboo. In all likelihood Gregg Williams can coax essentially the most out of a player who surely has proven flashes. Douglas might want to have enjoyed his time scouting within the Sunshine Reveal, as he added a pair extra Florida men to originate Day 3. Perine, who can churn out advanced yards, modified into a appealing want to bear a want within the encourage of Le'Veon Bell. We also weren't troubled by the resolution to make a selection out a shot on the broad-armed Morgan as a backup for Darnold. Same goes for the formulation Douglas closed things out on within the draft's last few rounds, checking off needs and finding good worth once extra with Hall in Spherical 5.

» Spherical 1: (No. 7 general) Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn. » Spherical 2: (38) Yetur Low-Matos, Edge, Penn Reveal; (64) Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois. » Spherical 4: (113) Troy Pleasure Jr., CB, Notre Dame. » Spherical 5: (152) Kenny Robinson, S, West Virginia. » Spherical 6: (184) Bravvion Roy, DT, Baylor. » Spherical 7: (221) Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, CB, Florida Global.

FILICE: If you watched the 2020 NFL Draft for five minutes, you heard the phrase "Rhule Restoration" 10 times. So, what precisely is that, apart from swiftly alliteration? Well, within the first draft of the Matt Rhule period, Carolina's Rhule Restoration consisted of carpet-bombing the protection with draftees -- ALL THE DRAFTEES. The Panthers grew to alter into the first crew within the overall-draft period to make utilize of all of their picks on defensive gamers. Or now not it's truly now not that magnificent, both. Carolina accomplished 31st in scoring protection closing season. ... After which with out a doubt one of the very handiest gamers in franchise historic past -- linebacker Luke Kuechly -- with out warning retired. ... After which the Panthers' CB1 signed a mega-address the Giants. ... After which they lost four experienced disruptors up entrance ( Mario Addison, Bruce Irvin, Dontari Poe and Vernon Butler), to boot to Eric Reid within the encourage close. Long fable instant, Carolina came into this draft with serious needs on all three levels of the protection. In Spherical 1, the Panthers passed on sort-the total lot playmaker Isaiah Simmons in want of a gargantuan anchor to blueprint around (Brown). In Spherical 2, they snagged a toolsy edge rusher to hunt reverse closing yr's first-spherical take, Brian Burns, and then traded encourage into the spherical to attain Chinn, an spirited hybrid who feels enjoy retailer-impress Simmons. Basically the most considerable Day 3 addition modified into Pleasure, who might well maybe push for early taking half in time in a cornerback rotation at the moment topped by the inconsistent Donte Jackson and the awesomely named/minimally proven Corn Elder. Rhule Restorers ... MOUNT UP!

» Spherical 1: (No. 15 general) Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama. » Spherical 2: (46) KJ Hamler, WR, Penn Reveal. » Spherical 3: (77) Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa; (83) Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU; (95) McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas. » Spherical 4: (118) Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri. » Spherical 5: (178) Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Wooded discipline. » Spherical 6: (181) Netane Muti, OG, Fresno Reveal. » Spherical 7: (252) Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida; (254) Derrek Tuszka, edge rusher, North Dakota Reveal.

PARR: Take care of the formulation the Broncos kicked off their draft, snagging a Pro Bowl-caliber complement for Courtland Sutton and arguably the category' WR1. That modified into handiest the originate of John Elway's tour de power when it came to at the side of aid for with out a doubt one of the draft's biggest winners, Drew Lock, who made it particular he appreciated the difficulty by blasting out the cool sun shades face emoji thru Twitter quickly after the Broncos plucked one other receiver with their 2nd take. Hamler can flat out soar, giving Denver the sphere-stretcher it wanted. We would have loved to stumble on the crew draft a sort out at some level, nonetheless the squad did add aid for the inner O-line. Cushenberry is a hotfoot-and-play starter at center and Muti might well maybe listing to be a broad worth at guard if he can stop healthy (played in precisely 19 video games over four seasons due to injury). There's no denying there's some important bust likely with about a people of this class, at the side of the polarizing Okwuegbunam, which is why we tempered our enthusiasm for the personnel a minute. Plus, Ojemudia went surprisingly early, coming off the board at No. 77 after coming in at No. 148 on NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah's listing of the draft's top 150 potentialities. But there's plenty to enjoy here.

» Spherical 2: (No. 34 general) Michael Pittman, WR, USC; (41) Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin. » Spherical 3: (85) Julian Blackmon, S, Utah. » Spherical 4: (122) Jacob Eason, QB, Washington. » Spherical 5: (149) Danny Pinter, OG, Ball Reveal. » Spherical 6: (193) Robert Windsor, DT, Penn Reveal; (211) Isaiah Rodgers, CB, Massachusetts; (212) Dezmon Patmon, WR, Washington Reveal; (213) Jordan Glasgow, LB, Michigan.

PARR: There modified into no circulation for Indy in Spherical 1 after dealing its top take to the Niners for DeForest Buckner, nonetheless the Colts bought busy on Day 2, making a pair picks that ought to ship smiles to the faces of Philip Rivers and his many childhood. Pittman might well maybe even remind Rivers of his ancient scurry-to man with the Chargers, Vincent Jackson. The old Trojan has the scale to scurry up and procure it. Now, close your eyes for a 2nd and describe Taylor working within the encourage of Quenton Nelson and Co. ... Attain you stumble on a mess of defenders being pushed backward and a bruising encourage pummeling them? I sort. Indianapolis might well maybe rapidly be home to the league's mannequin strength speed game after Taylor, who racked up 6,000-plus speeding yards in three college seasons, joins forces with that entrance five. The Blackmon substitute did now not have the equivalent sizzle as Chris Ballard's first two picks. It regarded barely early for my taste, given his inconsistency in his first season after transferring from corner to security, nonetheless I'm in a position to achieve making an strive so that you can add depth within the secondary. Some folk were waiting for Eason to scurry in Spherical 2, so we can't argue with the worth within the fourth spherical. He gets to take a seat down within the encourage of Rivers -- and this will fair now not be a substandard take even though he never turns into larger than a tight backup, given how late the Colts were ready to procure him. Glasgow has a huge gamble to slice out a role as a particular-teams ace. It might well most likely maybe maybe were good to stumble on Indy add one other young edge rusher at some level.

» Spherical 1: (No. 24 general) Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan. » Spherical 3: (74) Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin; (105) Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton. » Spherical 7: (240) Tommy Stevens, QB, Mississippi Reveal.

FILICE: Heading into the draft, Fresh Orleans did now not have a single apparent want. With an NFL-handiest 37 wins over the past three fashioned seasons, the Saints boast to boot-rounded -- and battle-tested -- a roster as there's within the NFL this day. So it be no wonder they selected to package picks in a pair of trade-ups, leaving the draft with the league's smallest prospect haul. How does the category grade out? No longer too shabby. Spending a valuable-spherical handle an inner offensive linemen is now not precisely appealing, nonetheless that doesn't point out it be senseless. Ruiz modified into the tip pivot in his recruiting class out of high school, started at guard and center all over three appealing years of play in Ann Arbor and hits the NFL ready to originate on Day 1. (Incumbent luminous guard Larry Warford and his hefty cap hit seem like on borrowed time.) Baun provides Fresh Orleans a versatile linebacker within the Kyle Van Noy mould. He can provide stress off the threshold, nonetheless also has the athleticism and consciousness to retain his have in coverage. And Trautman's an spirited developmental prospect as a staunch Y tight close. At 6-5 and 255 kilos, he's equal parts receiver and blocker, nonetheless his transition from the FCS to the NFL is gonna make a selection time. Tiny class, broad likely.

» Spherical 2: (No. 54 general) A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa. » Spherical 3: (86) Zack Moss, RB, Utah. » Spherical 4: (128) Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF. » Spherical 5: (167) Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia. » Spherical 6: (188) Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern; (207) Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon Reveal. » Spherical 7: (239) Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh.

PARR: Brandon Beane took care of his biggest want closing month, giving up a package of picks, at the side of this yr's first-rounder, for WR Stefon Diggs. On the opposite hand, we're grading purely on the work performed on draft weekend here (their grade might well maybe be larger if the Diggs deal modified into being taken into fable). Beane still did a lawful job along with his closing capital, even supposing! He discovered a valuable-spherical-caliber player late in Spherical 2. Epenesa modified into once concept of a probable top-15 take, nonetheless fell out of want with the draft cognoscenti due in section to an NFL Scouting Mix workout that did now not encourage. That talked about, he filled Buffalo's top want entering the draft and modified into with out a doubt one of the handiest values within the draft, in step with NFL Network draft knowledgeable Daniel Jeremiah. We enjoy it, and can recount the equivalent ingredient for the series of Moss, a violent runner who fills the void left by Frank Gore. Now, we would have most popular to stumble on Buffalo scurry with a corner with its first handle Day 3 ( Josiah Scott? Amik Robertson?) with Josh Norman in decline and taking half in on a one-yr deal, nonetheless we realize the charm of continuing so that you can add weaponry for Josh Allen, and the Funds did obtain worth at the corner role with the series of Jackson within the final spherical. Davis has the scale and obtain radius to snag Allen's throws downfield and Hodgins is one other colossal tree who can scurry up and procure it. The Fromm take modified into an eyebrow-raiser, nonetheless we can't argue with the worth. Unfamiliar things happen on Day 3, as we were also surprised they determined to reel in Bass in Spherical 6, nonetheless hey, he modified into arguably the handiest kicker within the draft. Sorry, Stephen Hauschka.

» Spherical 1: (No. 2 general) Dart Younger, Edge, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 3: (66) Antonio Gibson, RB/WR, Memphis. » Spherical 4: (108) Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU; (142) Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty. » Spherical 5: (156) Keith Ismael, C, San Diego Reveal; (162) Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan. » Spherical 7: (216) Kamren Curl, S, Arkansas; (229) James Smith-Williams, Edge, North Carolina Reveal.

FILICE: On the close of the day, Washington made the take everybody anticipated within the originate of the yr. Younger is extensively concept of the tip general player in this draft class. Tossing him staunch into a defensive entrance that already involves a trio of recent first-spherical picks ( Montez Sweat, Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen), the underrated Matt Ioannidis and four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan straight provides Ron Rivera's Redskins an identity: QB NIGHTMARE FUEL. Bruce Allen left within the encourage of a roster that still has hundreds of holes, nonetheless new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has a game-wrecking personnel to work with up entrance. Constructing energy on energy is underrated. But after the no-brainer take at No. 2, Washington made three straight enhance-or-bust picks. Gibson's a hybrid playmaker with 4.39 speed, nonetheless he handiest posted one yr of important manufacturing at Memphis (stumble on: 12 touchdowns on fair staunch 71 touches). And the absolute best blueprint varied is he from with out a doubt one of closing yr's pleasurable surprises, Steven Sims Jr.? Are their skill sets redundant? In the meantime, fair staunch minutes after Washington ended the Trent Williams saga by trading the disgruntled left sort out to the 49ers for a pair of mid-spherical picks -- man, Mr. Allen particular botched this ... -- the 'Skins drafted the left sort out from the 2019 nationwide champion LSU Tigers. Charles is a proficient prospect, no query, nonetheless there is a motive he modified into still readily available on Day 3. He overlooked six video games in 2019 due to disciplinary complications and three in 2018 due to injury. Gandy-Golden's an spirited physical specimen out huge at 6-4 and 223 kilos, nonetheless the old Liberty Flame is obviously taking a broad step up in competition.

» Spherical 1: (No. 12 general) Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama; (No. 19) Ohio Reveal CB Damon Arnette. » Spherical 3: (80) Lynn Bowden, RB, Kentucky; (81) Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina; (100) Tanner Muse, LB, Clemson. » Spherical 4: (109) John Simpson, OG, Clemson; (139) Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech.

PARR: Ruggs might well maybe now not be the prototypical WR1 with dimension, nonetheless we're now not particular how remarkable that issues because he's instant sufficient to speed past fair staunch about every defender he'll stumble upon, and it be sluggish to counsel he's simply a deep menace. We mustn't have any grief with Vegas rolling the cube on him even with Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb still on the board. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden filled their biggest want with the take and now Derek Carr has no excuse for failing to throw the ball downfield. And credit to the resolution makers for now not stopping there when it came to upgrading the QB's supporting solid. A receiver modified into quarterback for Kentucky closing season, Bowden will originate off as a working encourage for the Raiders, nonetheless it surely's a safe wager we'll stumble on him lining up within the slot, too. He brings the style of edge this crew covets. A foot injury kept Edwards from working out at the NFL Scouting Mix, nonetheless if his hands make stronger, he has the scale and energy to alter staunch into a pleasant complementary portion in this recharged receiving corps. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein's player comp for him ( old Bears first-spherical bust David Terrell) is ghastly, even supposing. Now, Arnette at No. 19 modified into now not as broad of a reach as some are making it out to be, nonetheless it surely modified into still barely well off for my blood given that the 2nd-handiest edge rusher within the draft (K'Lavon Chaisson) modified into still readily available, among other suggestions that intrigued me larger than the Ohio Reveal corner. That talked about, corner modified into the crew's biggest want rather than receiver. We're very involved by the Robertson take. The aggressive dash runs trusty within the undersized slot man who must now not be underestimated.

» Spherical 1: (No. 16 general) A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson. » Spherical 2: (47) Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn. » Spherical 3: (78) Matt Hennessy, C, Temple. » Spherical 4: (119) Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno Reveal; (134) Jaylinn Hawkins, S, Cal. » Spherical 7: (228) Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse.

FILICE: Over the course of the pre-draft process, Jeff Okudah modified into extensively concept of the tip cornerback prospect, while C.J. Henderson established himself as CB2. However the third-handiest corner in this class? That modified into a hotly debated topic. When the Falcons weighed in with their resolution -- taking Terrell, an Atlanta native, at No. 16 general -- many disapproved, at the side of ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., who talked about the crew "reached for a want, straightforward and straightforward." I truly have a sneaking suspicion there's some recency bias at play here. Terrell, finally, had a tough night at the placement of job in his closing game, the College Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship. On the brightest stage of his taking half in career, Terrell modified into torched by LSU huge receiver Ja'Marr Dart. But let's be staunch: Who did now not procure torched by Ja'Marr Dart? The Biletnikoff Award winner caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns -- with the latter two marks atmosphere SEC records -- and he's poised to be a truly extremely selected player within the 2021 draft. Outside of that tough outing, Terrell acquitted himself barely darn well on the island. He's lengthy (6-1) and instant (4.42 40), too. And with everybody screaming "REACH!!" upon his substitute, the 21-yr-ancient might well maybe fair still enter the NFL with a barely broad chip on his shoulder. Very to stumble on how his career performs out.

» Spherical 1: (No. 29 general) Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia. » Spherical 2: (61) Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU. » Spherical 3: (93) Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian Reveal. » Spherical 5: (174) Larrell Murchison, DT, North Carolina Reveal. » Spherical 7: (224) Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii; (243) Chris Jackson, DB, Marshall.

PARR: With Jack Conklin's departure leaving a gap at luminous sort out, Titans GM Jon Robinson discovered an enormous human to bear it. At 6-6, 350 kilos, Wilson can maul folk off the threshold, nonetheless the methodology and footwork are going to might well maybe fair still be extra fixed for this take to pay off. Factual now, it appears to be like enjoy now not now not as much as a microscopic reach. On the opposite hand, Fulton modified into a impress late in Spherical 2. He's a pleasant fit who might well well aid substitute Logan Ryan. The Titans filled one other want with Evans, who might well maybe fair still be fun to gaze as a instant, one-lower runner to enrich Derrick Henry's strength. I'm now not seeing remarkable to have an interest in on Day 3 for Tennessee. Murchison might well maybe fit staunch into a rotation on the inner D-line and McDonald is going to want to tighten up his supply to have any shot of making it as a backup. I modified into surprised Robinson did now not make a selection an edge rusher in this draft, as I viewed it as with out a doubt one of the crew's biggest needs.

» Spherical 2: (No. 52 general) Cam Akers, RB, Florida Reveal; (57) Van Jefferson, WR, Florida. » Spherical 3: (84) Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama; (104) Terrell Burgess, S, Utah. » Spherical 4: (136) Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue. » Spherical 6: (199) Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 7: (234) Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor; (248) Sam Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio); (250) Tremayne Anchrum, OG, Clemson.

FILICE: Draft for want or make a selection the handiest player readily available? Or now not it's the age-ancient draft debate -- and one that is top o' mind with Los Angeles' draft class. For a range of of closing season, the O-line modified into viewed as a prime offender in L.A.'s offensive reversion. Consequently, after the Rams did now not ship in any new offensive linemen in free agency, you figured they'd toss some early draft capital at the grief closing week. No longer so remarkable. GM Les Snead waited till his closing substitute -- a compensation take at No. 250 general -- sooner than at the side of a blocker. So I wager the Rams will likely be working it encourage with the equivalent unit Pro Soccer Focus ranked 31st closing season. That is a failure. So why does the grade now not reflect that sentiment? Well, placing the O-line complications aside for a 2nd, the first four gamers Snead selected if truth be told tickled this draft grader's enjoy. In a quietly loaded RB class, Akers bought lost within the slump. The old five-huge title recruit mechanically produced within the encourage of a porous offensive line at Florida Reveal -- which will likely be lawful coaching for his expert career, if the Rams' O-line doesn't form up mercurial. Jefferson's precisely the extra or less polished route runner you would query from the son of a old NFL receiver/recent NFL receivers coach. He might well maybe fair still provide instantaneous returns for detail-oriented Rams coach Sean McVay. In a skinny scurry-speeding class, Lewis is a valuable-spherical skill who fair staunch needs his physique to cooperate. And Burgess is a multi-proficient defensive encourage who might well maybe bear a substitute of roles for the Rams, starting up in Year 1. Long fable instant: Snead inexplicably overlooked a valuable want ... nonetheless added four likely rookie distinction makers in varied locations.

» Spherical 1: (No. 32 general) Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU. » Spherical 2: (63) Willie Homosexual Jr., LB, Mississippi Reveal. » Spherical 3: (96) Lucas Niang, OT, TCU. » Spherical 4: (138) L'Jarius Sneed, S, Louisiana Tech. » Spherical 5: (177) Michael Danna, edge rusher, Michigan. » Spherical 7: (237) Thakarius Keyes, CB, Tulane.

PARR: There might well maybe now not were a larger slot within the draft than Edwards-Helaire and the Chiefs. Quibble with taking a working encourage within the first spherical if you wish, nonetheless Andy Reid has his new Brian Westbrook (or, gulp, maybe an even better version of the old All-Pro). CEH is the dynamo K.C. did now not technically want (yes, the offense modified into already sizable) nonetheless will certainly procure essentially the most out of. We did now not look after one thing about what the Chiefs did, nonetheless that is now not if truth be told magnificent involved by their flexibility modified into barely small, as they entered the draft tied for the fewest picks within the league (five). There is a case to be made that they might maybe maybe maybe fair still have added a staunch corner sooner than Spherical 7, nonetheless that can maybe maybe fair be where Sneed, a security closing season at Louisiana Tech, ends up taking half in. Homosexual modified into with out a doubt one of the stars of the NFL Scouting Mix, nonetheless will he be ready to attach all of it collectively and grief for a situation atop the depth chart subsequent season? Niang is coming off November hip surgical operation, nonetheless he has the instruments to alter staunch into a starter. On the opposite hand, seeing Danna, who wasn't concept of a lock to be drafted, scurry in Spherical 5 modified into a shock. That is now not a substandard haul, nonetheless the fun about it wore off for us after Day 1, which potentially methodology this will likely be a sizable personnel.

» Spherical 1: (No. 6 general) Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon; (23) Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma. » Spherical 4: (112) Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA. » Spherical 5: (151) Joe Reed, WR, Virginia. » Spherical 6: (186) Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame. » Spherical 7: (220) K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio Reveal.

PARR: Chargers GM Tom Telesco talked about this week that he would have taken whichever of the tip three quarterbacks fell to him at No. 6, which is a refreshingly candid teach, albeit potentially now not the trusty vote of self perception Justin Herbert would enjoy to hear. Anyway, Herbert modified into certainly picked sooner than where he modified into ranked on most boards, nonetheless that occurs with quarterbacks the full time. If they might maybe maybe maybe now not trade down and feel confident they'd still procure Herbert, they'd to stick and take. Or now not it will likely be bright to stumble on how remarkable time the crew provides him sooner than he sees game circulation with Tyrod Taylor atop the depth chart for now, and whether or now not Herbert turns into extra ok with being aggressive as a passer. As for the magnificent resolution to trade encourage into Spherical 1, we enjoy Murray, a three-down linebacker who will function performs in each attach aside the sphere. On the opposite hand, we're now not particular that sitting out Day 2 in divulge to procure him modified into the handiest scurry for a crew that still has a apparent want at left sort out (a role it did now not address in this draft). L.A. discovered some depth/particular teams aid on Day 3, starting up with a player who might well well aid function up for the inability of Melvin Gordon. Kelley helped himself along with his performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Mix. Touchdown Hill in Spherical 7 has a huge gamble to be a lawful worth. The man is Ohio Reveal's all-time obtain leader and modified into projected to scurry two and even three rounds earlier by some draftniks.

» Spherical 1: (No. 21 general) Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU. » Spherical 2: (53) Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma. » Spherical 3: (103) Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado. » Spherical 4: (127) K'Von Wallace, S, Clemson; (145) Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn. » Spherical 5: (168) John Hightower, WR, Boise Reveal. » Spherical 6: (196) Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple; (200) Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Mississippi; (210) Prince Tega Wanogho, OL, Auburn. » Spherical 7: (233) Casey Toohill, Edge, Stanford.

FILICE: While the series of Reagor over Justin Jefferson took some with out warning, the TCU wideout is extra of the deep menace Philadelphia clearly wanted. Bear in mind how briskly the air came out of this offense once DeSean Jackson went down closing season? The Eagles wanted one other (youthful) home-speed hitter, and that's precisely what Reagor is. (Build now not fret in regards to the barely-fashioned 4.47 40-yard speed in Indy; Reagor's play speed might well maybe maybe be up there with any prospect now not named Henry Ruggs III in this class.) While Philly's resolution to make a selection out Reagor over Jefferson raised about a eyebrows, the Eagles' 2nd-spherical take left mouths agape all around the nation. Is No. 53 general if truth be told the placement to draft a backup quarterback who needs constructing as a thrower? Linked ask: If the Eagles are so disquieted about Wentz's lengthy-time period availability, why'd they hand him a 9-figure extension that incorporated a file-atmosphere $107.9 million in ensures now not as much as a yr ago? Optimistic, all of us know: It's good to be "a quarterback factory." That is a pleasant ingredient to aspire to, nonetheless this roster sprung leaks everywhere closing season. Might maybe well wanna be conscious of plugging extra of those -- enjoy linebacker, a role that is befuddled this franchise in a put up-Jeremiah Trotter world. Philadelphia took a swing at LB within the third spherical, nonetheless Taylor's still extraordinarily raw, as non secular commitments kept him from taking half in soccer video games on the Sabbath till the past few years. Let's sort on a obvious point out, even supposing: Wallace appears to be like enjoy a likely interact at No. 127, especially for a crew that needs secondary aid.

» Spherical 2: (No. 43 general) Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame; (50) Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah. » Spherical 5: (155) Trevis Gipson, Edge, Tulsa; (163) Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern; (173) Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane. » Spherical 7: (226) Arlington Hambright, OG, Colorado; (227) Lachavious Simmons, OG, Tennessee Reveal.

FILICE: Chicago throwing a two-yr, $16 million deal at over-the-hill TE Jimmy Graham modified into with out a doubt one of the bigger head-scratchers in free agency. After which Ryan Tempo modified into around and spent the crew's top handle Kmet, at the side of a 10th tight close(!) to the Bears' roster. Chicago waived Dax Raymond on Monday, bringing the TE clown automobile's occupancy encourage to single-digit passengers, nonetheless what's occurring here? Are the Bears making an strive to exorcise the demons of the Greg Olsen trade? Publicly trolling Mike Martz? Cornering the TE market in a story draft? How about utilizing the No. 43 general take to handle a staunch offensive want on the line? Seven picks later, Tempo did home in on the protection's biggest void -- cornerback -- with the series of Johnson. Given his alluring combine of physical traits, ball skills and cerebral play, the Utah corner might well maybe maybe be a interact at No. 50 general. Nonetheless, Johnson modified into handiest readily available there because he's unique off his third shoulder surgical operation. In the fifth spherical, Chicago took a pair swings at minute-school speedsters -- a CB in Vildor (4.44 40-yard speed) and a WR in Mooney (4.38) -- and Tempo has a pleasant tune file of finding skill within the heart rounds (SEE: Eddie Jackson, Adrian Amos, Slash Kwiatkoski, Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard). The sixth-yr GM needs some hits in this draft class, or else the Halas McCaskey fam might well maybe hit the eject button.

» Spherical 2: (No. 40 general) Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU. » Spherical 3: (90) Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida. » Spherical 4: (126) Charlie Heck, OT, North Carolina; (141) John Reid, CB, Penn Reveal. » Spherical 5: (171) Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island.

PARR: The stench of some of Invoice O'Brien's trades wafts over this draft class, nonetheless it surely's a trusty, albeit unspectacular, personnel. Blacklock modified into a appealing worth in Spherical 2. He might well maybe fair still within the waste be ready to aid the scurry bustle from the inner, nonetheless he'll might well maybe fair still be extra fixed in opposition to the speed -- a key ingredient for a man who will likely be lining up all over from the facility working video games of Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Tennessee. Houston came encourage for the threshold aid it wanted with the series of Greenard, who went barely sooner than we expected. Heck might well maybe fair still be a serviceable swing sort out, at worst. Reid's one other man who came off the board sooner than we anticipated, nonetheless his competitiveness provides him a huge gamble to function up for what he lacks in dimension. Basically the most convenient take from this personnel might well maybe flip out to be Coulter, a developmental prospect with the instruments to alter staunch into a starter. All in all, needs were addressed, even supposing we might well maybe quibble with the assert thru which they bought consideration. This modified into a tight haul given the small worth the Texans had in draft capital.

» Spherical 1: (No. 27 general) Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech. » Spherical 2: (48) Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee. » Spherical 3: (69) Damien Lewis, OG, LSU. » Spherical 4: (133) Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford; (144) DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami (Fla.). » Spherical 5: (148) Alton Robinson, Edge, Syracuse. » Spherical 6: (214) Freddie Swain, WR, Florida. » Spherical 7: (251) Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU.

FILICE: One ingredient's for particular: The Seahawks draft to the beat of their very have drum. Brooks had his followers in league circles. At once following the take, virtual draft maestro Trey Wingo seen, "Well, this is bright, because I had one coach listing me this week, 'I want folk would stop placing Jordyn Brooks of their mock draft -- we look after this kid, we don't desire all people to know him." The tackling machine's Texas Tech tape is certainly fun. Yet still: The notion of spending a valuable-spherical handle a downhill thumper -- with out established coverage skills -- appears to be like enjoy a questionable utilize of draft sources in 2020. Particularly when off-ball linebacker wasn't a staunch now want for this every yr contending crew. On Day 2, Pete Carroll and John Schneider looked to infuse every strains with some remarkable-wanted skill. Taylor brings the scale and energy Seattle wishes off the perimeters. Basically the most convenient grief is he stays unrefined as a playmaker/finisher despite five years of service within the SEC. Lewis is an absolute road-grader within the bottom game at 327 kilos. Basically the most convenient grief is he stays barely of a liability in scurry expert, which will not be ideal for the preservation of franchise superman Russell Wilson.

» Spherical 2: (No. 49 general) Dart Claypool, WR, Notre Dame. » Spherical 3: (102) Alex Highsmith, edge rusher, Charlotte. » Spherical 4: (124) Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland; (135) Kevin Dotson, OG, Louisiana. » Spherical 6: (198) Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland. » Spherical 7: (232) Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska.

PARR: Earlier to you tweet one thing derogatory about us, Steelers followers, fair staunch know that the grade might well maybe be larger if we were taking into fable the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade and scurry as much as snag Devin Bush closing yr, which worth them precious capital in this yr's draft. We're sticking exclusively to grading 2020 draft hauls in this command, folk. The lawful news is that even with small flexibility, the Steelers were still ready to take up some spirited skill. The category is exclusively staunch barely instant on juice, and they did now not address a valuable want on the defensive line till the final spherical. Pittsburgh added an enormous target for Ben Roethlisberger in Claypool, even supposing he doesn't supply remarkable sizzle after the obtain. Highsmith is a pleasant sleeper take. He'll procure now not now not as much as a yr so that you can add some wanted dimension and energy within the encourage of T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree, who's taking half in on the franchise mark in 2020. McFarland's flashes were one thing to heed -- he shredded Indiana and Ohio Reveal for 200-plus yards speeding in consecutive video games in 2018. If he can stop healthy and determine how to flash on a extra fixed basis, this will likely be an very fair staunch substitute, nonetheless it surely modified into barely bit magnificent to stumble on them gamble on him all around the first 125 picks. Dotson modified into the first player picked who wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Mix. Flip on the tape and likewise you are going to stumble on a blocker with the facility to function his blueprint staunch into a starting up lineup down the road. Brooks will also be a staunch now aid on particular teams.

» Spherical 2: (No. 37 general) Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne; (60) Josh Uche, LB, Michigan. » Spherical 3: (87) Anfernee Jennings, edge rusher, Alabama; (91) Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA; (101) Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech. » Spherical 5: (159) Justin Rohrwasser, K, Marshall. » Spherical 6: (182) Mike Onwenu, OG, Michigan; (195) Justin Herron, OL, Wake Wooded discipline; (204) Cassh Maluia, LB, Wyoming. » Spherical 7: (230) Dustin Woodard, C, Memphis.

PARR: No person's earned the luminous to be confident larger than Invoice Belichick, nonetheless this Patriots draft felt style of ... well, smug. They did now not bother to handle needs at quarterback or huge receiver and took a kicker when it modified into still early within the fifth spherical, making Rohrwasser the first specialist selected in 2020. Belichick has talked about the resolution to scurry on drafting a QB 10 times " wasn't by sort," so that sounds enjoy he did now not abominate the skill at the role in this draft. He fair staunch did now not feel compelled to make a selection out one in a yr where he's riding with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Alrighty then. The Pats did address a total lot of voids with their picks after trading out of Spherical 1 and picking up an additional take, even supposing. Dugger affords some remarkable-wanted childhood at security and while he comes from a minute school, he looked enjoy a man who belonged when he faced all-huge title competition at the Senior Bowl. Uche, one other Senior Bowl standout, appears to be like to be a lawful fit with raw athletic instruments that Belichick can mould. Jennings drew a comp to old Patriot Kyle Van Noy from colleague/draft guru Lance Zierlein, so it might maybe maybe maybe seem he landed within the luminous location. Fresh England had so that you can add at tight close, and within the waste did in Spherical 3, trading up for every Asiasi and Keene, which were barely magnificent choices given that there were arguably better potentialities at the role readily available at every spots. The resolution so that you can add depth to the O-line in a while Day 3 made sense. Total, there were things to enjoy and things to ask in this class.

» Spherical 1: (No. 26 general) Jordan Take care of, QB, Utah Reveal. » Spherical 2: (62) AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College. » Spherical 3: (94) Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati. » Spherical 5: (175) Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota. » Spherical 6: (192) Jon Runyan, OG, Michigan; (208) Jake Hanson, C, Oregon; (209) Simon Stepaniak, OG, Indiana. » Spherical 7: (236) Vernon Scott, DB, TCU; (242) Jonathan Garvin, Edge, Miami (Fla.).

FILICE: Palace intrigue in Titletown!

By now, you are going to have heard the full juicy anecdotes surrounding Green Bay's magnificent, STOP-THE-PRESSES series of Take care of. But let's instant review, since the drama here runs thick:

-- On draft day, Aaron Rodgers shared his Spherical 1 needs with old punter/recent sports talker Pat McAfee: "We haven't picked a skill player within the first spherical in 15 years, so that can maybe maybe be extra or less cool." The Packers answered by ... trading as much as draft his eventual substitute. -- Of Rodgers' 364 career touchdown passes, precisely one has landed within the hands of a valuable-spherical take. ( A 1-yard toss this past December to Marcedes Lewis, a old first-spherical take of the Jacksonville Jaguars.) -- Supreme Packers scribe Bob McGinn equipped his tips on the sitch in a portion on The Athletic after the draft: Public niceties aside, my sense is (head coach Matt) LaFleur, unique from a tremendous 13-3 baptismal season, simply had sufficient of Rodgers' act and desired to alternate the story. With a valuable-spherical skill on the roster, the Packers would function leverage with their imperial quarterback and his passive-aggressive style. -- Supreme Packers icon Brett Favre equipped his tips on the sitch in an look on the Rich Eisen Vow after a conversation with Rodgers: " Tom Brady, and myself, Joe Montana and Peyton Manning, fair staunch to title about a, accomplished their career in varied locations. ... I judge you're going to stumble on that constructing an increasing selection of, and I judge Aaron will sort in other locations."

Well alright! Now, to Rodgers' credit, Take care of talked about the 2-time league MVP reached out to him on Friday to provide congratulations. Lovely on Rodgers. But you wish to imagine he's fully livid luminous now -- and it be exhausting to blame him. The Pack spent their 2nd-spherical handle a hulking strength encourage and their third-rounder on an H-encourage, while failing to snag a single receiver in a draft class that is purportedly historically deep at the role. Is Green Bay turning into ... a speed-first operation? If you add the total lot up, it be very unlikely to now not be utterly obsessed on the ...

Palace intrigue in Titletown!

Practice Gennaro Filice on Twitter @GennaroFilice.

Practice Dan Parr on Twitter @TheDan_Parr.

[bmiremodeling]

A balanced offense with connor pounding away

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The Texans know they’ll avoid a shutout this time the playoffs, no matter what happens the rest of the way. The Browns had the opportunities to select two quality players this draft and struck out on both jerseys for cheap of them. Two left ACL tears college have robbed Johnstone of some of his movement skills, however, and his shortage of lower-body strength shows up both Johnstone’s pass and run blocking. If the Seahawks are committed to removing from their locker room, though, the Cowboys are likely to be interested. Our content, rankings, member blogs, promotions and forum discussion all cater to the players that like to create a new fantasy team jerseys supply every day of the week. won the 2014 Payton Man of the Year award. Colt McCoy Jersey Womens Sports Hub Technologies, conjunction with partner , offers up its inaugural post-draft rankings for the 2017 fantasy . That really affects the game if you suspend Marshawn for gold shoes. There is a Fantasy Sports version of everything now but some of them just are not worth trying. At the end of the day, I was just having this conversation with my wife. Focusing solely on verifiable, objective information about each player and ignoring what pundits think actually happen with each pick, each draft selection below finds the ideal fit at each pick based upon the following: team needs, previous and future picks, ability to tolerate risk, players’ strengths, weaknesses, ceilings and floors, offensive and defensive scheme assignments and players’ relevant talent levels. And that’s not champagne you popped.

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The Texans traded away the 25th overall pick this year’s draft as well as their first-round selection next to nab Watson. Why would Detroit trade a Beefed up Redding For another OLB? A good jerseys for cheap athlete for his size, Vainuku ran 4 with 32-inch vertical at the Combine. She knew about the drugs and the drinking he was doing to cope. Arrgggghhhhhh, why doesn’t the site list her phone number? 77 2013 hockey jerseys cheap I thought we already sort of saw somewhere that wants to semi phase out the 3 anyway? Jones, who turns 28 next month, completed 53 of 86 passes for 558 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions while filling for Anthony Hitchens Authentic Jersey Roethlisberger last . I’ve looked for a time at that population wholesale jerseys free shipping of talent that under 205 lb. I also think mlb authentic jerseys your D could be beat by the pass, rushing would be hard with that awesome front 7 you have. Cowboys Taco Charlton reminds his former DL coach jerseys cheap of this two-time Pro Bowler wholesale jerseys free shipping With many question marks on defense, Jones might be hoping Taco Tuesday’s come early this fall.

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The post A balanced offense with connor pounding away appeared first on BMI Group Inc.

[junker-town]

10 high-profile NFL veterans who could be cut by the roster deadline

Which big names could find themselves unemployed to kick off the 2018 season?

The final game of the preseason has come and gone. Now, executives across the NFL have to cut their rosters down from 90 players to 53 as the regular season looms — and it won’t be easy.

A long list of accomplished veterans will have to grind their teeth and cross their fingers when final rosters are set at 4 p.m. ET Saturday afternoon. Several big name players could wind up unemployed when tough decisions have to be made. Some won’t linger long as free agents; others could be facing the end of their pro careers. Here are the 10 biggest names — some Pro Bowlers, some former first-round picks, and even a former multiple time All-Pro — who could wind up on the wrong side of the transactions ledger come Sept. 1.

Robert Griffin III, QB, and Breshad Perriman, WR, Ravens

Griffin looked like a shrewd signing for Baltimore back when the team’s only backup quarterback was Josh Woodrum — and then the 2018 NFL Draft hit. The Ravens traded back into the first round to make 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson the final pick of Day 1, throwing the former Offensive Rookie of the Year’s comeback into question.

Griffin’s future in Maryland hinges on whether Baltimore is willing to carry three quarterbacks this fall, as Jackson and Joe Flacco are locks to make the roster. The former Washington standout was solid this preseason, completing nearly two-thirds of his passes and extending plays with his feet — but he also took a few risks downfield and was sacked on more than 14 percent of his dropbacks. With the Ravens’ present and future accounted for, that leaves little space for Griffin, even if he can be a high-value backup.

As for Perriman, he’s made just four starts since coming into the league as the 26th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He needed a big preseason performance to prove he belongs on an NFL roster — especially after the Ravens added Michael Crabtree, John Brown, and Willie Snead this offseason. While he led the team in both receptions and receiving yards in the preseason, he hasn’t looked like a first-rounder, and his underwhelming tenure in Baltimore may be coming to an end.

Paxton Lynch, QB, Broncos

Lynch is another 26th overall pick who has failed to live up to expectations with the team that selected him. The Memphis product was regarded as a project despite putting together a 28-touchdown, four-interception junior year with the Tigers, but the Broncos’ post-Peyton Manning quarterback conundrum forced him into the lineup early in his career. It did not go well; he threw as many touchdowns (four) as interceptions, notched slightly more than 155 passing yards per start, and averaged a Brock Osweiler-ian 6.2 yards per pass.

Still, he’s only 24 years old and was expect to be Case Keenum’s backup this fall until he was outplayed by 2017’s Mr. Irrelevant Chad Kelly. The former Ole Miss star has earned the No. 2 spot on the Denver depth chart, and that could mean Lynch is expendable.

Though Lynch had his best game yet in the Broncos’ preseason finale, it might not have been enough. If he does get cut, expect a needy team to gobble him up in hopes of unlocking his franchise passer potential.

Mike Glennon, QB, Cardinals

Just one year ago, Glennon was a $15 million quarterback pegged to be the Bears’ starter. Now he’s in a similar position as Griffin — a middling one-year signee wedged between a steady veteran and a potential-laden first-round pick. The 6’7 passer was a gamble that failed to pay off in Chicago. Glennon made only four starts and failed to do much with one of the league’s worst receiver rotations before giving way to 2017 No. 2 overall pick Mitchell Trubisky.

The Bears cut him rather than pay eight figures for a backup, and he migrated to Arizona, where he’s orbiting somewhere around Sam Bradford and rookie Josh Rosen on the Cardinals’ QB wish list. Bradford’s injury history and Glennon’s ability to be a caretaker backup option could convince Steve Wilks to hold on to him, but an awful preseason has the former Buccaneers and Bears starter dangerously close to the cut line.

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions

It’s been nearly five years since the Lions have had a 100-yard rusher, a so-bad-it’s-impressive figure that showcases how disappointing Abdullah’s tenure has been in Motown. The former second-round pick has sparked Detroit in fits and starts over the past three seasons but failed to develop into a steady threat thanks to a combination of injuries, ball security problems, and general ineffectiveness.

New head coach Matt Patricia has overseen an overhaul in the backfield, drafting Auburn runner Kerryon Johnson in the spring and later adding familiar face LeGarrette Blount in free agency. That overstuffs a rotation that already has Zach Zenner and Theo Riddick as holdovers. Abdullah’s value as a special teamer could earn him a stay of execution from the Lions roster, but he’s only returned eight kicks after his rookie season — and Johnson averaged more than 25 yards per return in his three years in college.

Jason McCourty, CB, and Mike Gillislee, RB, Patriots

New England has already discarded a handful of notable veterans this summer, shedding the contracts of Jordan Matthews, Kenny Britt, and Troy Niklas in the run up to the regular season. McCourty and Gillislee could be next.

Gillislee was a priority addition in 2017 after a season with the Bills where he led the league in yards per carry, but the bruising back was unable to carry that performance with him to New England. While he was the team’s featured back over the first half of the season, his output dropped dramatically over the final eight games, culminating in a string of healthy scratches from the active roster. Former Bengal Jeremy Hill is pushing for his roster spot and has been the more effective runner throughout the preseason.

McCourty still brings plenty of talent and veteran leadership to the secondary, but the 2018 Patriots are experiencing a youth movement in the backfield after drafting cornerbacks Duke Dawson and Keion Crossen and adding J.C. Jackson as a priority undrafted free agent. If the team doesn’t think it can sneak the latter two onto its practice squad, McCourty could be a casualty.

Greg Robinson, OL, Browns

The No. 2 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft is already on the third team of his career, and his inability to stick either as a tackle or a guard could signal the end of a disappointing professional run. Cleveland needed help after giving up 50 sacks last season and losing future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas to retirement. If Robinson can’t earn a role with the Browns, it’s tough to see him finding a roster spot elsewhere.

Kendall Wright, WR, Vikings

Minnesota is set at the top of its receiving depth chart with the dynamite duo of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Behind them, former first-round pick Laquon Treadwell looks ready to finally drop his career into gear after making just 21 receptions his first two seasons. After that, things get murky.

Wright was supposed to add a veteran presence and push Treadwell for that WR3 spot. Instead, he’s languished through the preseason and could see his roster spot usurped by unheralded youngsters like Stacy Coley, Chad Beebe, and Brandon Zylstra. It’s been five years since Wright was a 1,000-yard receiver with the Titans; 2018 could mark the end of a solid NFL career.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Seahawks

Seattle needs all the playmaking talent it can get, but the Seahawks are also in the midst of a rebuild. Does the 34-year-old Marshall have a place there? The six-time Pro Bowler is coming off the worst season of his career, as injuries limited him to just five games in 2017. He wasn’t especially effective when he was on the field, either; the veteran wideout averaged a career-low 8.6 yards per catch and failed to find the end zone even once.

Keeping Marshall could mean cutting a younger talent elsewhere on the roster. That includes 2017 third-round pick Amara Darboh. Will Pete Carroll decide to keep a modest win-now, short-term piece at the expense of a fringe long-term roster candidate? He’ll be faced with a similar decision on 30-year-old Byron Maxwell, who will either be a starter at cornerback for the team or cut Sept. 1, with no middle ground.

10 more notable names who could be cut: AJ McCarron, Bills; EJ Manuel, Raiders; Stevan Ridley, Steelers; Kony Ealy, Cowboys; Datone Jones, Cowboys; Samaje Perine, Washington; Stephone Anthony, Dolphins; Tony Lippett, Dolphins; Mark Herzlich, Giants; Cardale Jones, Chargers

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County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

Essex received their first County Championship title in 25 years final season

Specsavers County Championship Dates: 13 April – 27 September Protection: Reside ball-by-ball radio and textual content commentary of all rounds on the BBC Sport web site, plus desktop, tablets, mobiles and app.

“This time final yr, a variety of pundits had been saying we might go down.”

What do pundits know? Quick ahead to September 2017 and Essex had received the County Championship title by 72 factors. They had been unbeaten, and a rustic mile forward of their rivals.

However after a winter of change off the sector, what’s in retailer for the county champions this season? There are undoubtedly no certainties. Middlesex, title winners in 2016, had been relegated a yr later.

With the 2018 County Championship marketing campaign set to begin on Friday, BBC Sport takes a take a look at what to anticipate over the following six months.

Essex ‘have all of it to do’

That small dig on the ‘pundits’ comes from Essex’s new head coach Anthony McGrath.

The previous England and Yorkshire batsman has a troublesome job to comply with within the footsteps of Chris Silverwood, who led Essex to their first title since 1992 final yr, however is now England’s fast-bowling coach.

“Pleasure is the overriding feeling,” McGrath, 42, informed BBC Essex.

“As defending champions we have got all of it to do. This time final yr a variety of pundits had been saying we would go down, this time they’re saying we’re favourites to win it.

“If we play our greatest cricket, we’re a match for anybody on this division.”

Dimitri Mascarenhas (left) will work as Anthony McGrath’s assistant head coach

By his aspect can be ex-Hampshire and England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas, appointed in February.

“A very powerful factor in appointing Dimi was his character,” McGrath added. “He is fitted in very well as I knew he would. He is an excellent addition to our squad.”

Alastair Cook dinner will miss their first two video games in opposition to Yorkshire at Headingley and at dwelling to Lancashire, however England’s main Check run-scorer is on the market for the following three fixtures, earlier than the Check sequence in opposition to Pakistan begins in late Might.

The county have additionally strengthened their tempo bowling unit by bringing in Australia international Peter Siddle and Matt Coles from Kent.

Can Notts or Worcestershire ‘do an Essex’?

What made Essex’s feats all of the extra exceptional final season was the very fact they’d solely been promoted from Division Two the earlier marketing campaign.

So can historical past repeat itself?

Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire, who got here as much as Division One, each enter new eras in 2018.

Worcestershire had been rocked by the departure of head coach Steve Rhodes in December following an inner investigation into his conduct, whereas Notts start life with out long-serving captain Chris Learn.

New Pears coach Kevin Sharp can name upon an array of thrilling kids, together with England Lions pair Joe Clarke and Josh Tongue. They’ve additionally added skilled seamer Steve Magoffin and Australia batsman Travis Head to their squad.

Nottinghamshire are underneath the stewardship of latest captain Steven Mullaney following Learn’s retirement on the finish of final season.

Notts have big expertise all through the aspect, and a formidable tempo assault together with Stuart Broad, Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Mark Footitt and Harry Gurney.

Their batting line-up has been weakened by the departure of Brendan Taylor to Zimbabwe, Learn’s retirement and Alex Hales’ choice to solely play white-ball cricket.

Notts search for enjoyable and deal with Division One return

Nevertheless, new signing Chris Nash from Sussex and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor convey greater than 330 first-class video games between them.

Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores believes there may be not a lot to separate the eight counties within the prime tier.

“All of the groups in Division One are very robust,” the previous England head coach informed BBC Radio Nottingham.

“Solely eight [sides] within the first division signifies that, even when you’re enjoying effectively, it is arduous to get ready of security proper till the top.

“You are concentrating on to be within the prime three or 4 going into the second half of the season, so you’ll be able to have an actual push at attempting to win it. To do this, I feel the primary 5 video games are massive, it is vital to get some wins in that and we’re going to should play some good cricket.”

Surrey trying robust – the remainder of Division One

One of many pretenders to Essex’s crown is Surrey.

Below new skipper Rory Burns, the south London aspect are on the lookout for their first County Championship title since 2002.

They made an announcement of intent on Tuesday, signing former South Africa quick bowler Morne Morkel on a Kolpak deal.

Virat Kohli could also be heading to The Oval for a brief stint earlier than India’s Check sequence in England

There are additionally robust rumours that India captain Virat Kohli will join on a short-term contract earlier than India’s Check sequence in opposition to England later this summer season.

Nevertheless, the lack of Kumar Sangakkara – who scored 1,491 runs in 16 innings in 2017 earlier than retiring – may go away them quick on batting depth, particularly if opener Mark Stoneman cements his England place.

Yorkshire don’t look like the formidable power they had been once they received back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, and can be depleted by England call-ups all through the marketing campaign.

They’ve misplaced bowlers Liam Plunkett and David Willey to the Indian Premier League for the primary a part of the summer season, whereas leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s choice to ditch red-ball cricket can be a blow, however they’ve loads of expertise all through the squad.

A lot may relaxation on abroad duo, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.

India’s Pujara is again enjoying for Yorkshire

Hampshire may shock a couple of this yr. They’ve recruited fantastically, signing world-class South Africa pair Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn, together with confirmed county cricketer Sam Northeast from Kent – though paceman Steyn might solely be available for a couple of games.

Lancashire have additionally made assertion signings, with opener Keaton Jennings and seamer Graham Onions each becoming a member of from Durham. Haseeb Hameed, 43-year-old Shivnarine Chanderpaul, new captain Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler type a part of a really robust batting card.

Somerset scraped survival within the closing spherical of fixtures final season on the expense of Middlesex. In Jack Leach, they arguably have one of the best spinner in England – though it stays to be seen how a lot time the 26-year-old can be on nationwide obligation.

Gillespie needs Sussex to have enjoyable

Arguably the signing of the close-season has been on the south coast.

Sussex appointed highly-prized Jason Gillespie as head coach in November.

The previous Australia bowler is thought to be one of many best coaches within the recreation, having led Yorkshire to successive County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015.

Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie left Yorkshire on the finish of the 2016 season

And the 42-year-old has promised to convey his personal model of cricket to Hove.

“It is an excellent membership, obtained some advantageous gamers, some advantageous coaches and I am trying ahead to working with everybody, we’re all on the identical web page,” he informed BBC Sussex.

“We wish to play some good cricket and have a little bit of enjoyable alongside the way in which.

“There is a advantageous group of younger gamers coming by way of, some good skilled heads, all that mixed makes for an thrilling combine. However I simply love county cricket, I’ve all the time loved it, it is good enjoyable.

“The place we will we’ll be seeking to give alternatives to younger guys. Each participant begins as a younger participant, everybody simply wants a chance.”

Who’s knocking on England’s door?

With England’s Check aspect unsettled after a troublesome few months in Australia and New Zealand, the selectors could also be dipping into the county cricket pool this summer season.

However who’re the uncapped gamers on the fringes?

Essex seamer Jamie Porter was the main wicket-taker within the County Championship final season. The 24-year-old’s 75 wickets got here at simply 16.82, together with career-best match figures of 12-95 in opposition to Somerset.

“It is one thing I’ve dreamt about for a very long time, it is arduous not to consider it,” Porter informed BBC Essex on his England aspirations.

“Nevertheless it’s out of my management. The one factor I can management is what I do for Essex. I will attempt to care for that after which hopefully the remaining will type itself out.”

With Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes cemented as England’s tempo bowling unit, Porter might have to attend his flip for a Check cap.

The identical can’t be mentioned concerning the batting line-up. Stoneman, James Vince, Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan are all underneath strain to carry out in opposition to Pakistan within the early summer season. Questions have even been requested about Cook dinner after an inconsistent 12 months.

Impressed to attempt cricket?

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However is there anybody else actually knocking on the door?

In case you are runs scored by Englishmen in Division One final season, Stoneman (1,156) topped the listing, adopted by Surrey team-mate Burns (1,041).

No different Englishman made greater than 1,00zero runs, though Essex pair Nick Browne and Dan Lawrence and Lancashire’s new captain Livingstone all averaged within the mid-to-high 40s with the bat.

Northeast, who joined Hampshire from Kent through the winter, has made greater than 1,00zero runs over the previous three seasons, whereas Worcestershire’s Clarke is seen as one of many nation’s excellent younger batsmen. His true take a look at can be in opposition to Division One bowlers in 2018.

Luke Wells shone for Sussex in Division Two in 2017 with 1,292 runs at a median of just about 65, however he averages lower than 38 with the bat in first-class cricket.

Purple playing cards in cricket?

Umpires can ship gamers from the sector for poor conduct this season

Not fairly. However umpires will have the ability to ‘ship gamers off’ both quickly or completely in the event that they misbehave.

It’s one among a number of rule modifications coming in for 2018.

Concussion replacements are additionally obtainable, that means groups will have the ability to swap a participant who has concussion or a suspected concussion.

The substitute can be eligible to bat and bowl within the recreation, however the brand new participant have to be deemed a “like for like” alternative by match officers.

Different additions made to the legal guidelines of cricket by the Marylebone Cricket Membership in October embody limitation on bat measurement and a banning of “mock fielding”.

In an try to stability the competition between bat and ball, bats at the moment are restricted to a thickness of 40mm, and a depth of 67mm.

In the meantime, a “deliberate try by a fielder to deceive the batsman” will even incur a five-run penalty.

Fixtures beginning on Friday, 13 April (11:00 BST) Division One Hampshire v Worcestershire – Ageas Bowl Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – Outdated Trafford Yorkshire v Essex – Headingley Division Two Kent v Gloucestershire – Canterbury Middlesex v Northants – Lord’s Warwickshire v Sussex – Edgbaston

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Week 4 Lions @ Vikings: Who Has the Edge?

The Vikings will be without their starting quarterback Sam Bradford for the third straight week, once again turning to Case Keenum against the Lions for their first NFC North match-up of the 2017 season. The Vikings are coming off a game where everything clicked against Tampa Bay and they are looking like a playoff team as they approach the quarter pole. Detroit, sitting at 2-1 after a narrow loss to the Falcons, also has postseason aspirations in a tough division. Let us take a look how these teams compare.

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford is a top-10 quarterback who is counted on to provide the majority of the Lions offense. Despite Keenum’s week three success, he is still a major question mark for Minnesota.

Edge: Lions

Running Back

Dalvin Cook may be the only back getting major touches for the Vikings but it has worked out as he is the second-leading rusher in the NFL. Plus, he is coming off a brilliant week three where he accounted for almost 170 yards from scrimmage. Detroit’s tandem of Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick cannot match that.

Edge: Vikings

Wide Receiver

Golden Tate has been productive this season but he is the only Detroit receiver with double-digit receptions. Minnesota is trotting out one of the league’s bets one-two punches in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. This is a big advantage for Minnesota.

Edge: Vikings

Tight End

Kyle Rudolph is a weapon in theory but he has been a bit slow out of the gate. Eric Ebron has been slightly more productive with nine catches and a touchdown, but neither tight end has been a major factor thus far. Both are capable of putting up big numbers at any point so this one is a wash.

Edge: Draw

Offensive Line

Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen made headlines this week when he called Detroit left tackle Greg Robinson “lazy.” Though that remark in particular is difficult to prove from afar, there is no doubt Robinson has been a major disappointment since he entered the league as the second overall pick in 2014. According to STATS, Robinson has allowed pressure on over 18 percent of opportunities in 2017, by far the worst in the NFL. The league average for a left tackle is right around 10 percent.

As a whole, the Lions line ranks near the bottom in both pass protection and run blocking. While Minnesota’s may not be exceptional, they rank in the top-half of the league in both categories and have done well enough to keep their quarterbacks comfortable and give their running back room.

Edge: Vikings

Defensive Line

Ezekiel Ansah is off to a nice start to 2017 with three sacks in three games but the Vikings have one of the league’s best overall defensive line units. Everson Griffen is tied for fourth in the league in sacks with four and Linval Joseph is an absolute beast clogging up the middle and getting pressure. Clear advantage to Minnesota.

Edge: Vikings

Linebacker

Again, there is not much debate here. Rookie Jarrad Davis has played well for Detroit since taking over middle linebacker duties but Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are an elite 4-3 linebacking corps. No rushing attack has been able to get going when playing the Vikings this season and Barr and Kendricks look like Pro Bowlers. Even rookie Ben Gedeon is performing well in his limited time playing Will in base packages. This is another position of major strength for Minnesota.

Edge: Vikings

Defensive Back

Xavier Rhodes has virtually shut down some big-time receivers in Antonio Brown, Mike Evans and Michael Thomas. Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo are great in run support and both have made plays in pass defense, as well. Detroit has a good lockdown corner and ball hawk safety themselves in Darius Slay and Glover Quin.

That being said, both teams currently rank in the bottom half of the league in passing defense through three weeks. To be fair, Minnesota has played some tough passing attacks early on and held them off the scoreboard for the most part. Detroit has had the benefit of playing slumping offenses in the Cardinals and Giants. Given the Vikings’ overall success against tough offenses each game, they get the nod here.

Edge: Vikings

Special Teams

Minnesota’s kicking game is somewhat of an issue. Kai Forbath is perfect on field goal attempts but he has already missed two extra points. Matt Prater, on the other hand, may very well be the best kicker in the NFC. He has yet to miss a single kick in 2017 and already has a 58-yarder on his season resume. The Vikings may have the edge in the return game with Marcus Sherels, but Prater puts the Lions over the top overall.

Edge: Lions

Final Score

There is no doubt the Vikings have the better and more complete roster of these two teams. Minnesota is a stout defensive team with the weapons to make big plays on offense whereas Detroit is almost entirely reliant on an electric passing game to control tempo. With that in mind, the Vikings are at the advantage of knowing that the ball is going to be in the air a lot. If the pass rush can get to Stafford and the secondary can contain downfield throws, Minnesota should be in good position to win.

Of course, the question of the quarterback is what will likely keep this game close. Yes, Keenum played great in week three. But odds are that is not going to be the norm for the veteran journeyman. Fans should not anticipate another 142.1 rating performance from Keenum but they certainly should expect enough from him for a Minnesota win. As long as he plays adequate, moves the ball downfield when he needs to, protects the ball at all times and Cook gets a lot of touches, the Vikings should hold serve at home in their first division game of 2017.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Lions 20

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for cover32/Vikings. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @cover32_MIN

AROUND COVER32 ​ ​Bradford ruled out for third straight week

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What’s behind the downfall of the New Orleans Saints’ defense – New Orleans Saints Blog

METAIRIE, La. — Identifying what has gone so epically wrong with the New Orleans Saints’ defense is kind of like the age-old “chicken or the egg” debate.

The Saints keep changing their defensive players, coordinators and schemes because they’ve been so lousy on that side of the ball. But they keep struggling on defense because they have no continuity.

The Saints have started 55 different defensive players since the start of the 2014 season. And 23 different defensive backs have started at least two games in that 50-game span. Both are the highest totals in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

By contrast, the Minnesota Vikings have used only 26 starters since the start of 2014. And the Denver Broncos have had only eight defensive backs start multiple games since then.

“There’s no consistency. I mean, there’s new faces every year. Nobody even gets to know each other. And because they’ve been bad, they just keep rotating guys,” said former Saints linebacker Scott Shanle. Former Saints cornerback Jabari Greer echoed the same sentiment when asked for thoughts on why New Orleans has continued to struggle on defense through multiple players, coordinators and systems.

Dennis Allen, right, is the latest coordinator that coach Sean Payton, left, has turned to in an effort to fix a defense that has struggled to stop anyone over the past few seasons. Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports

In less than four years, the Saints have used five different players in the middle linebacker/”quarterback of the defense” role.

Some of it has been bad luck — injuries to key starters such as Delvin Breaux, Nick Fairley, Keenan Lewis and Jairus Byrd, among others. Some of it has been impatience with players who were inconsistent in New Orleans but have thrived elsewhere — such as Malcolm Jenkins and Akiem Hicks.

And a lot of it, Saints coach Sean Payton readily admitted Thursday, has been missing on too many defensive draft picks and free agents, including linebacker Stephone Anthony, a first-round selection in 2015 who was just traded to the Miami Dolphins for a fifth-rounder.

“They’ve just had issues with keeping a consistent starting 11 on the field,” said Greer, who noted that was one of the strengths during the successful defensive seasons he was part of in 2009 (the Saints team that won the Super Bowl), 2011 and 2013. “And I think having a different voice in the leadership positions over the last three years is something that’s been a problem. They haven’t had a four-star captain like they do on offense with Drew [Brees] and Zach [Strief]. So when you have a shift in leadership that’s been dramatic over the past three years, you have the results.

“The roots are not as deep.”

Burning through coordinators

To an extent, the defense has always been the Saints’ Achilles’ heel during the Payton/Brees/general manager Mickey Loomis era. No NFL team has gained more yards since Payton and Brees first arrived in 2006 (405.1 per game). And no NFL team has allowed more yards (360.5 per game).

Some of those struggles date back to coordinators Gary Gibbs and Gregg Williams. But it has really become an epidemic since 2012 as the Saints have burned through coordinators Steve Spagnuolo (2012) and Rob Ryan (2013-15). Current D-coordinator Dennis Allen took the reins after Ryan was fired in November 2015. The Saints also fired longtime linebackers coach Joe Vitt and longtime defensive line coach Bill Johnson this year, bringing in Mike Nolan and Ryan Nielsen.

Under Spagnuolo in 2012, the Saints set the NFL record for most yards allowed in a season (7,042). Then, under Ryan and Allen in 2015, the defense set NFL records for most TD passes allowed (45) and highest opponents’ passer rating (116.1). This season, through two games, they’re on pace to shatter all three of those marks.

“I think having a different voice in the leadership positions over the last three years is something that’s been a problem. They haven’t had a four-star captain like they do on offense with Drew [Brees] and Zach [Strief].”

former Saints cornerback Jabari Greer

Payton — an offensive-minded head coach — has been a constant through all the struggles. So it’s fair to wonder how much of a role he’s had in the defense’s demise. And he doesn’t shrink from that responsibility, saying, “It’s never gonna be the coordinator’s defense himself. It’s gonna be the Saints’ defense, No. 1.”

Payton could be accused of running Williams out of town because of a personality clash, and of not having much patience with Ryan or Spagnuolo because of their historic struggles. But it’s hard to argue that any of those coaches deserved to stay, particularly considering Williams orchestrated the infamous bounty program that cost Payton a one-year suspension and the Saints two second-round draft picks.

Plus, Payton’s relationship with Allen is as strong as he’s had with any defensive coordinator, and that hasn’t proved to be a magic solution so far.

Ryan accused Payton and Loomis, in part, of ruining a good thing in 2014 by trying to mimic what the Seattle Seahawks were doing after the Saints had a good defense in 2013 (swapping out Jenkins for Byrd in free agency and drafting Stanley Jean-Baptiste in the second round in 2014, among other failed moves). But Payton ultimately fired Ryan during the 2015 season because his defense was too undisciplined and was plagued by assignment, alignment and substitution errors.

The area where Payton deserves — and accepts — the most blame is in the personnel decisions that have missed the mark the past several years.

The Saints whiffed on Anthony, Jean-Baptiste and several midround picks in the draft. And they whiffed on free agents such as Byrd, linebacker James Laurinaitis and cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Champ Bailey.

Payton and Loomis collaborate equally on personnel decisions, along with top personnel executives such as former personnel director Ryan Pace, current pro personnel director Terry Fontenot and current college scouting director Jeff Ireland. All have some hits and misses on their track record.

But Payton said they’ve been improving in recent years.

“From a personnel standpoint … making sure that it’s something I’m comfortable with in regards to personnel and making sure that we’ve asked the right questions so we know the player can learn and we know the player can fit in this role [is important]. And I think that process recently has served us very well,” Payton said.

Plagued by the secondary

Both Greer and Shanle note that the Saints bailed too early on Jenkins, who became a Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles (though in Hicks’ case, Greer said he understood why a change of scenery was probably a win-win).

“If Coach could go back, I’m sure that he would keep [Jenkins and safety Roman Harper in 2014], because they brought much more to the team than just performance and stats,” said Greer, who now analyzes the NFL for TSN. “Their leadership and that stability on the back end was key to keeping our team mentally afloat when the hard times came.

Safety Kenny Vaccaro, a 2013 first-round pick, has been plagued by inconsistency as part of a secondary that has had tremendous turnover since the start of the 2014 season. Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

“We had a really good defense; we were pretty opportunistic. But the thing is, we were pretty consistent with the starting lineup. You know, we had the same 11 on the field for an extended period of time. … Because in the middle of the game, when you’re in Week 8, 9, 10, you need to understand how your teammates play, what their tendencies are, how they react to motions, to shifts.”

Greer pointed to an ugly play near the start of Sunday’s 36-20 loss to the New England Patriots: Second-year safety Vonn Bell moved rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore out of press coverage after running back James White shifted from the outside to the inside, something Greer said is usually a no-no. And White wound up gaining 12 yards on the third-and-5 play.

“When I saw that, I realized that they were disjointed, that they were not communicating effectively. But those are little nuances you get when you’ve played with a player for a long period of time,” Greer said. “Teams are gonna use motions and shifts to make those defensive backs communicate. And if they’re not comfortable communicating with each other, if they don’t know each other’s playing styles, they’re gonna be in for a very long season.”

Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro is a 2013 first-round pick who has taken turns excelling and struggling throughout his four-plus-year career in New Orleans (including his benching late in the loss to New England). He has mentioned multiple times this year how difficult it is to develop chemistry with different players constantly rotating through the secondary.

“I’ve been here through it all, through a thousand different members in the secondary,” Vaccaro quipped the other day.

Vaccaro was expected to be the one veteran member of the secondary to provide some glue and guidance this season, but he has struggled along with the younger players. Shanle said he and former Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma have talked about how they would have loved to play with Vaccaro. But he said Vaccaro is “the most bipolar player I’ve ever seen as far as consistency. When he’s on, he’s one of the best players in the league. When he’s off, I just don’t get it.”

Shanle said he sees potential in the Saints’ latest defensive incarnation, including rookie starters Lattimore, linebacker Alex Anzalone and safety Marcus Williams.

“But that’s been the problem — they’ve been way too young on defense the past few years,” said Shanle, who now analyzes the Saints for Cox Sports Television. “I believe that Dennis knows what he’s doing. But I don’t care if you bring Wade Phillips in, Buddy Ryan, whoever you want to bring in, I still think you’re not gonna have a great defense, just because some of the mistakes these guys are making on the back end.

“Everybody knows the secondary’s been the Achilles’ heel of this team. I mean, we saw it in ’09 — when we finally fixed the back end, we were able to do what we wanted to do on defense and be aggressive and play man [coverage]. Until you do that, all you do is try to do smoke and mirrors to cover up for those guys back there.”

The post What’s behind the downfall of the New Orleans Saints’ defense – New Orleans Saints Blog appeared first on Daily Star Sports.

from https://dailystarsports.com/2017/09/22/whats-behind-the-downfall-of-the-new-orleans-saints-defense-new-orleans-saints-blog/ from https://dailystarsports.tumblr.com/post/165634392866

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County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

Essex received their first County Championship title in 25 years final season

Specsavers County Championship Dates: 13 April – 27 September Protection: Reside ball-by-ball radio and textual content commentary of all rounds on the BBC Sport web site, plus desktop, tablets, mobiles and app.

“This time final yr, a variety of pundits had been saying we might go down.”

What do pundits know? Quick ahead to September 2017 and Essex had received the County Championship title by 72 factors. They had been unbeaten, and a rustic mile forward of their rivals.

However after a winter of change off the sector, what’s in retailer for the county champions this season? There are undoubtedly no certainties. Middlesex, title winners in 2016, had been relegated a yr later.

With the 2018 County Championship marketing campaign set to begin on Friday, BBC Sport takes a take a look at what to anticipate over the following six months.

Essex ‘have all of it to do’

That small dig on the ‘pundits’ comes from Essex’s new head coach Anthony McGrath.

The previous England and Yorkshire batsman has a troublesome job to comply with within the footsteps of Chris Silverwood, who led Essex to their first title since 1992 final yr, however is now England’s fast-bowling coach.

“Pleasure is the overriding feeling,” McGrath, 42, informed BBC Essex.

“As defending champions we have got all of it to do. This time final yr a variety of pundits had been saying we would go down, this time they’re saying we’re favourites to win it.

“If we play our greatest cricket, we’re a match for anybody on this division.”

Dimitri Mascarenhas (left) will work as Anthony McGrath’s assistant head coach

By his aspect can be ex-Hampshire and England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas, appointed in February.

“A very powerful factor in appointing Dimi was his character,” McGrath added. “He is fitted in very well as I knew he would. He is an excellent addition to our squad.”

Alastair Cook dinner will miss their first two video games in opposition to Yorkshire at Headingley and at dwelling to Lancashire, however England’s main Check run-scorer is on the market for the following three fixtures, earlier than the Check sequence in opposition to Pakistan begins in late Might.

The county have additionally strengthened their tempo bowling unit by bringing in Australia international Peter Siddle and Matt Coles from Kent.

Can Notts or Worcestershire ‘do an Essex’?

What made Essex’s feats all of the extra exceptional final season was the very fact they’d solely been promoted from Division Two the earlier marketing campaign.

So can historical past repeat itself?

Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire, who got here as much as Division One, each enter new eras in 2018.

Worcestershire had been rocked by the departure of head coach Steve Rhodes in December following an inner investigation into his conduct, whereas Notts start life with out long-serving captain Chris Learn.

New Pears coach Kevin Sharp can name upon an array of thrilling kids, together with England Lions pair Joe Clarke and Josh Tongue. They’ve additionally added skilled seamer Steve Magoffin and Australia batsman Travis Head to their squad.

Nottinghamshire are underneath the stewardship of latest captain Steven Mullaney following Learn’s retirement on the finish of final season.

Notts have big expertise all through the aspect, and a formidable tempo assault together with Stuart Broad, Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Mark Footitt and Harry Gurney.

Their batting line-up has been weakened by the departure of Brendan Taylor to Zimbabwe, Learn’s retirement and Alex Hales’ choice to solely play white-ball cricket.

Notts search for enjoyable and deal with Division One return

Nevertheless, new signing Chris Nash from Sussex and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor convey greater than 330 first-class video games between them.

Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores believes there may be not a lot to separate the eight counties within the prime tier.

“All of the groups in Division One are very robust,” the previous England head coach informed BBC Radio Nottingham.

“Solely eight [sides] within the first division signifies that, even when you’re enjoying effectively, it is arduous to get ready of security proper till the top.

“You are concentrating on to be within the prime three or 4 going into the second half of the season, so you’ll be able to have an actual push at attempting to win it. To do this, I feel the primary 5 video games are massive, it is vital to get some wins in that and we’re going to should play some good cricket.”

Surrey trying robust – the remainder of Division One

One of many pretenders to Essex’s crown is Surrey.

Below new skipper Rory Burns, the south London aspect are on the lookout for their first County Championship title since 2002.

They made an announcement of intent on Tuesday, signing former South Africa quick bowler Morne Morkel on a Kolpak deal.

Virat Kohli could also be heading to The Oval for a brief stint earlier than India’s Check sequence in England

There are additionally robust rumours that India captain Virat Kohli will join on a short-term contract earlier than India’s Check sequence in opposition to England later this summer season.

Nevertheless, the lack of Kumar Sangakkara – who scored 1,491 runs in 16 innings in 2017 earlier than retiring – may go away them quick on batting depth, particularly if opener Mark Stoneman cements his England place.

Yorkshire don’t look like the formidable power they had been once they received back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, and can be depleted by England call-ups all through the marketing campaign.

They’ve misplaced bowlers Liam Plunkett and David Willey to the Indian Premier League for the primary a part of the summer season, whereas leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s choice to ditch red-ball cricket can be a blow, however they’ve loads of expertise all through the squad.

A lot may relaxation on abroad duo, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.

India’s Pujara is again enjoying for Yorkshire

Hampshire may shock a couple of this yr. They’ve recruited fantastically, signing world-class South Africa pair Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn, together with confirmed county cricketer Sam Northeast from Kent – though paceman Steyn might solely be available for a couple of games.

Lancashire have additionally made assertion signings, with opener Keaton Jennings and seamer Graham Onions each becoming a member of from Durham. Haseeb Hameed, 43-year-old Shivnarine Chanderpaul, new captain Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler type a part of a really robust batting card.

Somerset scraped survival within the closing spherical of fixtures final season on the expense of Middlesex. In Jack Leach, they arguably have one of the best spinner in England – though it stays to be seen how a lot time the 26-year-old can be on nationwide obligation.

Gillespie needs Sussex to have enjoyable

Arguably the signing of the close-season has been on the south coast.

Sussex appointed highly-prized Jason Gillespie as head coach in November.

The previous Australia bowler is thought to be one of many best coaches within the recreation, having led Yorkshire to successive County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015.

Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie left Yorkshire on the finish of the 2016 season

And the 42-year-old has promised to convey his personal model of cricket to Hove.

“It is an excellent membership, obtained some advantageous gamers, some advantageous coaches and I am trying ahead to working with everybody, we’re all on the identical web page,” he informed BBC Sussex.

“We wish to play some good cricket and have a little bit of enjoyable alongside the way in which.

“There is a advantageous group of younger gamers coming by way of, some good skilled heads, all that mixed makes for an thrilling combine. However I simply love county cricket, I’ve all the time loved it, it is good enjoyable.

“The place we will we’ll be seeking to give alternatives to younger guys. Each participant begins as a younger participant, everybody simply wants a chance.”

Who’s knocking on England’s door?

With England’s Check aspect unsettled after a troublesome few months in Australia and New Zealand, the selectors could also be dipping into the county cricket pool this summer season.

However who’re the uncapped gamers on the fringes?

Essex seamer Jamie Porter was the main wicket-taker within the County Championship final season. The 24-year-old’s 75 wickets got here at simply 16.82, together with career-best match figures of 12-95 in opposition to Somerset.

“It is one thing I’ve dreamt about for a very long time, it is arduous not to consider it,” Porter informed BBC Essex on his England aspirations.

“Nevertheless it’s out of my management. The one factor I can management is what I do for Essex. I will attempt to care for that after which hopefully the remaining will type itself out.”

With Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes cemented as England’s tempo bowling unit, Porter might have to attend his flip for a Check cap.

The identical can’t be mentioned concerning the batting line-up. Stoneman, James Vince, Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan are all underneath strain to carry out in opposition to Pakistan within the early summer season. Questions have even been requested about Cook dinner after an inconsistent 12 months.

Impressed to attempt cricket?

Learn how to get into cricket with our inclusive guide.

However is there anybody else actually knocking on the door?

In case you are runs scored by Englishmen in Division One final season, Stoneman (1,156) topped the listing, adopted by Surrey team-mate Burns (1,041).

No different Englishman made greater than 1,00zero runs, though Essex pair Nick Browne and Dan Lawrence and Lancashire’s new captain Livingstone all averaged within the mid-to-high 40s with the bat.

Northeast, who joined Hampshire from Kent through the winter, has made greater than 1,00zero runs over the previous three seasons, whereas Worcestershire’s Clarke is seen as one of many nation’s excellent younger batsmen. His true take a look at can be in opposition to Division One bowlers in 2018.

Luke Wells shone for Sussex in Division Two in 2017 with 1,292 runs at a median of just about 65, however he averages lower than 38 with the bat in first-class cricket.

Purple playing cards in cricket?

Umpires can ship gamers from the sector for poor conduct this season

Not fairly. However umpires will have the ability to ‘ship gamers off’ both quickly or completely in the event that they misbehave.

It’s one among a number of rule modifications coming in for 2018.

Concussion replacements are additionally obtainable, that means groups will have the ability to swap a participant who has concussion or a suspected concussion.

The substitute can be eligible to bat and bowl within the recreation, however the brand new participant have to be deemed a “like for like” alternative by match officers.

Different additions made to the legal guidelines of cricket by the Marylebone Cricket Membership in October embody limitation on bat measurement and a banning of “mock fielding”.

In an try to stability the competition between bat and ball, bats at the moment are restricted to a thickness of 40mm, and a depth of 67mm.

In the meantime, a “deliberate try by a fielder to deceive the batsman” will even incur a five-run penalty.

Fixtures beginning on Friday, 13 April (11:00 BST) Division One Hampshire v Worcestershire – Ageas Bowl Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – Outdated Trafford Yorkshire v Essex – Headingley Division Two Kent v Gloucestershire – Canterbury Middlesex v Northants – Lord’s Warwickshire v Sussex – Edgbaston

ultras FC Barcelona - https://ultrasfcb.com/cricket/1966/

#Barcelona

[ultrasfcb-blog]

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

Essex received their first County Championship title in 25 years final season

Specsavers County Championship Dates: 13 April – 27 September Protection: Reside ball-by-ball radio and textual content commentary of all rounds on the BBC Sport web site, plus desktop, tablets, mobiles and app.

“This time final yr, a variety of pundits had been saying we might go down.”

What do pundits know? Quick ahead to September 2017 and Essex had received the County Championship title by 72 factors. They had been unbeaten, and a rustic mile forward of their rivals.

However after a winter of change off the sector, what’s in retailer for the county champions this season? There are undoubtedly no certainties. Middlesex, title winners in 2016, had been relegated a yr later.

With the 2018 County Championship marketing campaign set to begin on Friday, BBC Sport takes a take a look at what to anticipate over the following six months.

Essex ‘have all of it to do’

That small dig on the ‘pundits’ comes from Essex’s new head coach Anthony McGrath.

The previous England and Yorkshire batsman has a troublesome job to comply with within the footsteps of Chris Silverwood, who led Essex to their first title since 1992 final yr, however is now England’s fast-bowling coach.

“Pleasure is the overriding feeling,” McGrath, 42, informed BBC Essex.

“As defending champions we have got all of it to do. This time final yr a variety of pundits had been saying we would go down, this time they’re saying we’re favourites to win it.

“If we play our greatest cricket, we’re a match for anybody on this division.”

Dimitri Mascarenhas (left) will work as Anthony McGrath’s assistant head coach

By his aspect can be ex-Hampshire and England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas, appointed in February.

“A very powerful factor in appointing Dimi was his character,” McGrath added. “He is fitted in very well as I knew he would. He is an excellent addition to our squad.”

Alastair Cook dinner will miss their first two video games in opposition to Yorkshire at Headingley and at dwelling to Lancashire, however England’s main Check run-scorer is on the market for the following three fixtures, earlier than the Check sequence in opposition to Pakistan begins in late Might.

The county have additionally strengthened their tempo bowling unit by bringing in Australia international Peter Siddle and Matt Coles from Kent.

Can Notts or Worcestershire ‘do an Essex’?

What made Essex’s feats all of the extra exceptional final season was the very fact they’d solely been promoted from Division Two the earlier marketing campaign.

So can historical past repeat itself?

Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire, who got here as much as Division One, each enter new eras in 2018.

Worcestershire had been rocked by the departure of head coach Steve Rhodes in December following an inner investigation into his conduct, whereas Notts start life with out long-serving captain Chris Learn.

New Pears coach Kevin Sharp can name upon an array of thrilling kids, together with England Lions pair Joe Clarke and Josh Tongue. They’ve additionally added skilled seamer Steve Magoffin and Australia batsman Travis Head to their squad.

Nottinghamshire are underneath the stewardship of latest captain Steven Mullaney following Learn’s retirement on the finish of final season.

Notts have big expertise all through the aspect, and a formidable tempo assault together with Stuart Broad, Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Mark Footitt and Harry Gurney.

Their batting line-up has been weakened by the departure of Brendan Taylor to Zimbabwe, Learn’s retirement and Alex Hales’ choice to solely play white-ball cricket.

Notts search for enjoyable and deal with Division One return

Nevertheless, new signing Chris Nash from Sussex and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor convey greater than 330 first-class video games between them.

Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores believes there may be not a lot to separate the eight counties within the prime tier.

“All of the groups in Division One are very robust,” the previous England head coach informed BBC Radio Nottingham.

“Solely eight [sides] within the first division signifies that, even when you’re enjoying effectively, it is arduous to get ready of security proper till the top.

“You are concentrating on to be within the prime three or 4 going into the second half of the season, so you’ll be able to have an actual push at attempting to win it. To do this, I feel the primary 5 video games are massive, it is vital to get some wins in that and we’re going to should play some good cricket.”

Surrey trying robust – the remainder of Division One

One of many pretenders to Essex’s crown is Surrey.

Below new skipper Rory Burns, the south London aspect are on the lookout for their first County Championship title since 2002.

They made an announcement of intent on Tuesday, signing former South Africa quick bowler Morne Morkel on a Kolpak deal.

Virat Kohli could also be heading to The Oval for a brief stint earlier than India’s Check sequence in England

There are additionally robust rumours that India captain Virat Kohli will join on a short-term contract earlier than India’s Check sequence in opposition to England later this summer season.

Nevertheless, the lack of Kumar Sangakkara – who scored 1,491 runs in 16 innings in 2017 earlier than retiring – may go away them quick on batting depth, particularly if opener Mark Stoneman cements his England place.

Yorkshire don’t look like the formidable power they had been once they received back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, and can be depleted by England call-ups all through the marketing campaign.

They’ve misplaced bowlers Liam Plunkett and David Willey to the Indian Premier League for the primary a part of the summer season, whereas leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s choice to ditch red-ball cricket can be a blow, however they’ve loads of expertise all through the squad.

A lot may relaxation on abroad duo, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.

India’s Pujara is again enjoying for Yorkshire

Hampshire may shock a couple of this yr. They’ve recruited fantastically, signing world-class South Africa pair Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn, together with confirmed county cricketer Sam Northeast from Kent – though paceman Steyn might solely be available for a couple of games.

Lancashire have additionally made assertion signings, with opener Keaton Jennings and seamer Graham Onions each becoming a member of from Durham. Haseeb Hameed, 43-year-old Shivnarine Chanderpaul, new captain Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler type a part of a really robust batting card.

Somerset scraped survival within the closing spherical of fixtures final season on the expense of Middlesex. In Jack Leach, they arguably have one of the best spinner in England – though it stays to be seen how a lot time the 26-year-old can be on nationwide obligation.

Gillespie needs Sussex to have enjoyable

Arguably the signing of the close-season has been on the south coast.

Sussex appointed highly-prized Jason Gillespie as head coach in November.

The previous Australia bowler is thought to be one of many best coaches within the recreation, having led Yorkshire to successive County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015.

Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie left Yorkshire on the finish of the 2016 season

And the 42-year-old has promised to convey his personal model of cricket to Hove.

“It is an excellent membership, obtained some advantageous gamers, some advantageous coaches and I am trying ahead to working with everybody, we’re all on the identical web page,” he informed BBC Sussex.

“We wish to play some good cricket and have a little bit of enjoyable alongside the way in which.

“There is a advantageous group of younger gamers coming by way of, some good skilled heads, all that mixed makes for an thrilling combine. However I simply love county cricket, I’ve all the time loved it, it is good enjoyable.

“The place we will we’ll be seeking to give alternatives to younger guys. Each participant begins as a younger participant, everybody simply wants a chance.”

Who’s knocking on England’s door?

With England’s Check aspect unsettled after a troublesome few months in Australia and New Zealand, the selectors could also be dipping into the county cricket pool this summer season.

However who’re the uncapped gamers on the fringes?

Essex seamer Jamie Porter was the main wicket-taker within the County Championship final season. The 24-year-old’s 75 wickets got here at simply 16.82, together with career-best match figures of 12-95 in opposition to Somerset.

“It is one thing I’ve dreamt about for a very long time, it is arduous not to consider it,” Porter informed BBC Essex on his England aspirations.

“Nevertheless it’s out of my management. The one factor I can management is what I do for Essex. I will attempt to care for that after which hopefully the remaining will type itself out.”

With Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes cemented as England’s tempo bowling unit, Porter might have to attend his flip for a Check cap.

The identical can’t be mentioned concerning the batting line-up. Stoneman, James Vince, Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan are all underneath strain to carry out in opposition to Pakistan within the early summer season. Questions have even been requested about Cook dinner after an inconsistent 12 months.

Impressed to attempt cricket?

Learn how to get into cricket with our inclusive guide.

However is there anybody else actually knocking on the door?

In case you are runs scored by Englishmen in Division One final season, Stoneman (1,156) topped the listing, adopted by Surrey team-mate Burns (1,041).

No different Englishman made greater than 1,00zero runs, though Essex pair Nick Browne and Dan Lawrence and Lancashire’s new captain Livingstone all averaged within the mid-to-high 40s with the bat.

Northeast, who joined Hampshire from Kent through the winter, has made greater than 1,00zero runs over the previous three seasons, whereas Worcestershire’s Clarke is seen as one of many nation’s excellent younger batsmen. His true take a look at can be in opposition to Division One bowlers in 2018.

Luke Wells shone for Sussex in Division Two in 2017 with 1,292 runs at a median of just about 65, however he averages lower than 38 with the bat in first-class cricket.

Purple playing cards in cricket?

Umpires can ship gamers from the sector for poor conduct this season

Not fairly. However umpires will have the ability to ‘ship gamers off’ both quickly or completely in the event that they misbehave.

It’s one among a number of rule modifications coming in for 2018.

Concussion replacements are additionally obtainable, that means groups will have the ability to swap a participant who has concussion or a suspected concussion.

The substitute can be eligible to bat and bowl within the recreation, however the brand new participant have to be deemed a “like for like” alternative by match officers.

Different additions made to the legal guidelines of cricket by the Marylebone Cricket Membership in October embody limitation on bat measurement and a banning of “mock fielding”.

In an try to stability the competition between bat and ball, bats at the moment are restricted to a thickness of 40mm, and a depth of 67mm.

In the meantime, a “deliberate try by a fielder to deceive the batsman” will even incur a five-run penalty.

Fixtures beginning on Friday, 13 April (11:00 BST) Division One Hampshire v Worcestershire – Ageas Bowl Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – Outdated Trafford Yorkshire v Essex – Headingley Division Two Kent v Gloucestershire – Canterbury Middlesex v Northants – Lord’s Warwickshire v Sussex – Edgbaston

ultras FC Barcelona - https://ultrasfcb.com/cricket/1966/

#Barcelona

[ultrasfcb-blog]

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

County Championship: What to look out for in 2018

Essex received their first County Championship title in 25 years final season

Specsavers County Championship Dates: 13 April – 27 September Protection: Reside ball-by-ball radio and textual content commentary of all rounds on the BBC Sport web site, plus desktop, tablets, mobiles and app.

“This time final yr, a variety of pundits had been saying we might go down.”

What do pundits know? Quick ahead to September 2017 and Essex had received the County Championship title by 72 factors. They had been unbeaten, and a rustic mile forward of their rivals.

However after a winter of change off the sector, what’s in retailer for the county champions this season? There are undoubtedly no certainties. Middlesex, title winners in 2016, had been relegated a yr later.

With the 2018 County Championship marketing campaign set to begin on Friday, BBC Sport takes a take a look at what to anticipate over the following six months.

Essex ‘have all of it to do’

That small dig on the ‘pundits’ comes from Essex’s new head coach Anthony McGrath.

The previous England and Yorkshire batsman has a troublesome job to comply with within the footsteps of Chris Silverwood, who led Essex to their first title since 1992 final yr, however is now England’s fast-bowling coach.

“Pleasure is the overriding feeling,” McGrath, 42, informed BBC Essex.

“As defending champions we have got all of it to do. This time final yr a variety of pundits had been saying we would go down, this time they’re saying we’re favourites to win it.

“If we play our greatest cricket, we’re a match for anybody on this division.”

Dimitri Mascarenhas (left) will work as Anthony McGrath’s assistant head coach

By his aspect can be ex-Hampshire and England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas, appointed in February.

“A very powerful factor in appointing Dimi was his character,” McGrath added. “He is fitted in very well as I knew he would. He is an excellent addition to our squad.”

Alastair Cook dinner will miss their first two video games in opposition to Yorkshire at Headingley and at dwelling to Lancashire, however England’s main Check run-scorer is on the market for the following three fixtures, earlier than the Check sequence in opposition to Pakistan begins in late Might.

The county have additionally strengthened their tempo bowling unit by bringing in Australia international Peter Siddle and Matt Coles from Kent.

Can Notts or Worcestershire ‘do an Essex’?

What made Essex’s feats all of the extra exceptional final season was the very fact they’d solely been promoted from Division Two the earlier marketing campaign.

So can historical past repeat itself?

Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire, who got here as much as Division One, each enter new eras in 2018.

Worcestershire had been rocked by the departure of head coach Steve Rhodes in December following an inner investigation into his conduct, whereas Notts start life with out long-serving captain Chris Learn.

New Pears coach Kevin Sharp can name upon an array of thrilling kids, together with England Lions pair Joe Clarke and Josh Tongue. They’ve additionally added skilled seamer Steve Magoffin and Australia batsman Travis Head to their squad.

Nottinghamshire are underneath the stewardship of latest captain Steven Mullaney following Learn’s retirement on the finish of final season.

Notts have big expertise all through the aspect, and a formidable tempo assault together with Stuart Broad, Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Mark Footitt and Harry Gurney.

Their batting line-up has been weakened by the departure of Brendan Taylor to Zimbabwe, Learn’s retirement and Alex Hales’ choice to solely play white-ball cricket.

Notts search for enjoyable and deal with Division One return

Nevertheless, new signing Chris Nash from Sussex and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor convey greater than 330 first-class video games between them.

Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores believes there may be not a lot to separate the eight counties within the prime tier.

“All of the groups in Division One are very robust,” the previous England head coach informed BBC Radio Nottingham.

“Solely eight [sides] within the first division signifies that, even when you’re enjoying effectively, it is arduous to get ready of security proper till the top.

“You are concentrating on to be within the prime three or 4 going into the second half of the season, so you’ll be able to have an actual push at attempting to win it. To do this, I feel the primary 5 video games are massive, it is vital to get some wins in that and we’re going to should play some good cricket.”

Surrey trying robust – the remainder of Division One

One of many pretenders to Essex’s crown is Surrey.

Below new skipper Rory Burns, the south London aspect are on the lookout for their first County Championship title since 2002.

They made an announcement of intent on Tuesday, signing former South Africa quick bowler Morne Morkel on a Kolpak deal.

Virat Kohli could also be heading to The Oval for a brief stint earlier than India’s Check sequence in England

There are additionally robust rumours that India captain Virat Kohli will join on a short-term contract earlier than India’s Check sequence in opposition to England later this summer season.

Nevertheless, the lack of Kumar Sangakkara – who scored 1,491 runs in 16 innings in 2017 earlier than retiring – may go away them quick on batting depth, particularly if opener Mark Stoneman cements his England place.

Yorkshire don’t look like the formidable power they had been once they received back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015, and can be depleted by England call-ups all through the marketing campaign.

They’ve misplaced bowlers Liam Plunkett and David Willey to the Indian Premier League for the primary a part of the summer season, whereas leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s choice to ditch red-ball cricket can be a blow, however they’ve loads of expertise all through the squad.

A lot may relaxation on abroad duo, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.

India’s Pujara is again enjoying for Yorkshire

Hampshire may shock a couple of this yr. They’ve recruited fantastically, signing world-class South Africa pair Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn, together with confirmed county cricketer Sam Northeast from Kent – though paceman Steyn might solely be available for a couple of games.

Lancashire have additionally made assertion signings, with opener Keaton Jennings and seamer Graham Onions each becoming a member of from Durham. Haseeb Hameed, 43-year-old Shivnarine Chanderpaul, new captain Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler type a part of a really robust batting card.

Somerset scraped survival within the closing spherical of fixtures final season on the expense of Middlesex. In Jack Leach, they arguably have one of the best spinner in England – though it stays to be seen how a lot time the 26-year-old can be on nationwide obligation.

Gillespie needs Sussex to have enjoyable

Arguably the signing of the close-season has been on the south coast.

Sussex appointed highly-prized Jason Gillespie as head coach in November.

The previous Australia bowler is thought to be one of many best coaches within the recreation, having led Yorkshire to successive County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015.

Sussex head coach Jason Gillespie left Yorkshire on the finish of the 2016 season

And the 42-year-old has promised to convey his personal model of cricket to Hove.

“It is an excellent membership, obtained some advantageous gamers, some advantageous coaches and I am trying ahead to working with everybody, we’re all on the identical web page,” he informed BBC Sussex.

“We wish to play some good cricket and have a little bit of enjoyable alongside the way in which.

“There is a advantageous group of younger gamers coming by way of, some good skilled heads, all that mixed makes for an thrilling combine. However I simply love county cricket, I’ve all the time loved it, it is good enjoyable.

“The place we will we’ll be seeking to give alternatives to younger guys. Each participant begins as a younger participant, everybody simply wants a chance.”

Who’s knocking on England’s door?

With England’s Check aspect unsettled after a troublesome few months in Australia and New Zealand, the selectors could also be dipping into the county cricket pool this summer season.

However who’re the uncapped gamers on the fringes?

Essex seamer Jamie Porter was the main wicket-taker within the County Championship final season. The 24-year-old’s 75 wickets got here at simply 16.82, together with career-best match figures of 12-95 in opposition to Somerset.

“It is one thing I’ve dreamt about for a very long time, it is arduous not to consider it,” Porter informed BBC Essex on his England aspirations.

“Nevertheless it’s out of my management. The one factor I can management is what I do for Essex. I will attempt to care for that after which hopefully the remaining will type itself out.”

With Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes cemented as England’s tempo bowling unit, Porter might have to attend his flip for a Check cap.

The identical can’t be mentioned concerning the batting line-up. Stoneman, James Vince, Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan are all underneath strain to carry out in opposition to Pakistan within the early summer season. Questions have even been requested about Cook dinner after an inconsistent 12 months.

Impressed to attempt cricket?

Learn how to get into cricket with our inclusive guide.

However is there anybody else actually knocking on the door?

In case you are runs scored by Englishmen in Division One final season, Stoneman (1,156) topped the listing, adopted by Surrey team-mate Burns (1,041).

No different Englishman made greater than 1,00zero runs, though Essex pair Nick Browne and Dan Lawrence and Lancashire’s new captain Livingstone all averaged within the mid-to-high 40s with the bat.

Northeast, who joined Hampshire from Kent through the winter, has made greater than 1,00zero runs over the previous three seasons, whereas Worcestershire’s Clarke is seen as one of many nation’s excellent younger batsmen. His true take a look at can be in opposition to Division One bowlers in 2018.

Luke Wells shone for Sussex in Division Two in 2017 with 1,292 runs at a median of just about 65, however he averages lower than 38 with the bat in first-class cricket.

Purple playing cards in cricket?

Umpires can ship gamers from the sector for poor conduct this season

Not fairly. However umpires will have the ability to ‘ship gamers off’ both quickly or completely in the event that they misbehave.

It’s one among a number of rule modifications coming in for 2018.

Concussion replacements are additionally obtainable, that means groups will have the ability to swap a participant who has concussion or a suspected concussion.

The substitute can be eligible to bat and bowl within the recreation, however the brand new participant have to be deemed a “like for like” alternative by match officers.

Different additions made to the legal guidelines of cricket by the Marylebone Cricket Membership in October embody limitation on bat measurement and a banning of “mock fielding”.

In an try to stability the competition between bat and ball, bats at the moment are restricted to a thickness of 40mm, and a depth of 67mm.

In the meantime, a “deliberate try by a fielder to deceive the batsman” will even incur a five-run penalty.

Fixtures beginning on Friday, 13 April (11:00 BST) Division One Hampshire v Worcestershire – Ageas Bowl Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – Outdated Trafford Yorkshire v Essex – Headingley Division Two Kent v Gloucestershire – Canterbury Middlesex v Northants – Lord’s Warwickshire v Sussex – Edgbaston

ultras FC Barcelona - https://ultrasfcb.com/cricket/1966/

#Barcelona

[cover32-yahoopartner-blog]

Week 1 Saints @ Vikings: Who Has the Edge?

U.S. Bank Stadium gets the treat of one of the league’s most potent offenses against the hometown defense in week one. As the Saints come marching into town, a lot is at stake already for the Vikings as they need a hot start in order to make noise in the loaded NFC. How do they stack up to Sean Payton’s Cajun creation?

Quarterback

There is not much debate here. Drew Brees has a decade-plus of being one of the league’s elite passers. Sam Bradford has one year of above-average play under his belt.

Edge: Saints

Running Back

The choice here is between experience and upside. The Saints have Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson: backs with years in the league. Fans know what they should expect from them. The Vikings on the other hand trot out rookie Dalvin Cook and free agent signing Latavius Murray. While it is unclear how much impact Murray will have on the game, the intrigue surrounding Cook’s potential and the versatility he brings puts Minnesota ahead.

Edge: Vikings

Wide Receiver

Saints number one Michael Thomas is coming off a record-setting rookie season in which he did something last year that no Vikings player did: finish with over 1000 yards receiving. That being said, New Orleans starter on the other side is veteran Ted Ginn Jr., who while athletic and experienced, has a fairly low ceiling. Then again, he could re-break out with Brees like he did two seasons ago with Cam Newton in Carolina.

Minnesota’s Stefon Diggs has all the talent Thomas has but with greater ability to stretch the field. On the other side is Adam Thielen, a solid, if unspectacular possession guy who should reach 900 yards this year. Neither team has the clear advantage here.

Edge: Draw

Tight End

Minnesota’s perennial Pro Bowl talent Kyle Rudolph is coming off a career year while New Orleans’ Coby Fleener was somewhat of an afterthought in a pass-heavy offense. He still finished with 50 catches for 631 yards and three touchdowns but he is nowhere near the redzone threat Rudolph is.

Edge: Vikings

Offensive Line

Few lines enter the season with more questions than the Vikings’. Five new starters will try to keep Sam Bradford clean on Monday so the mere fact that New Orleans returns multiple guys gives them the edge here.

Edge: Saints

Defensive Line

By the same token, the Vikes are bringing back their whole starting front on defense. They have been one of the stoutest units for years now and few teams in the league would have the edge over them. The Saints least of all can compete as they struggle more than just about any team at getting to the quarterback. Only defensive end Cameron Jordan has proven to be a threat off the edge and he is coming off a down sack year in 2016.

Edge: Vikings

Linebacker

Saints weakside linebacker Craig Robertson is a tackling machine, recording over 100 a year ago. The other two, A.J. Klein and Manti Te’o, combined for 48. New Orleans’ linebackers stay fairly true, mostly as run-stoppers. Mike Zimmer, on the other hand, uses Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks in a variety of roles. They rush the passer quite a bit, they move around the field and they are both versatile, expecially Barr. Rookie Ben Gedeon, though unproven, impressed in preseason and earned the start in base defenses. This should be a position of strength for Minnesota.

Edge: Vikings

Defensive Back

The Vikings have Pro Bowlers Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith and returning contributors Andrew Sendejo and Trae Waynes atop the depth chart. New Orleans will start three players under the age of 25 on Monday, including 2017 first round pick Marshon Lattimore. This position is one big question mark for the Saints. Minnesota has the clear advantage here.

Edge: Vikings

Special Teams

Vikings kicker Kai Forbath returns as the guy after a hit-and-miss 2016. While he did not miss a field goal attempt, he missed three extra points in seven games for Minnesota. They signed Ryan Quigley as the punter back in April but he has not seen consistent time since 2015. Marcus Sherels holds the Vikings record for career punt return touchdowns with five and he returns in that role. Jerick McKinnon will handle most of the kick return duties to start the season.

In his rookie year, Saints kicker Wil Lutz performed fairly well, making 82 percent of his kicks including one from 57, and only missing one extra point. Punter Thomas Morstead is one of the longest tenured members of the franchise and he returns for his ninth year with New Orleans. Ginn will do what he does best and return most of the kicks.

The Saints get the slightest advantage here solely due to consistency. It is safe to say that both kicker and punter will be handled by the same guys for the whole season while the Vikings have more uncertainty.

Edge: Saints

Coach

There was a time not too long ago that Sean Payton was the hottest commodity in professional football. His offensive schemes had a mythical feel to them and the Saints were nigh unstoppable. However, the bloom has effectively come off that rose as he has failed to get the Saints back to the postseason three years in a row. It seems year after year fans can pencil in a 7-9 record for the Saints.

Zimmer, on the other hand, appears to be an up and comer, despite being 61 years old. He has built up the Minnesota defense to one of the league’s best and got the team out to a 5-0 start heading into the bye a year ago. Granted, his eye troubles and a 3-8 record the rest of the way put a damper on 2017.

The mixed success of these two teams last year makes it tough to pick an advantage. Payton coaches an offensive air raid, Zimmer a defensive juggernaut. This one is a wash.

Edge: Draw

Final Score

Minnesota is a playoff caliber team, so long as they get off to a good start. They have to win at least six of their games in the first half if they want to make the postseason as they have a brutal road schedule after the week nine bye. New Orleans, however, looks like the fourth best team in a stacked division.

The Vikings set a good first impression at home with a powerful defensive showing. They get off the bus running and keep the Saints on their heels from the start.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Saints 17

[junker-town]

Which player would each NFL team protect in an NHL-style expansion draft?

No quarterbacks allowed, though.

The NHL will welcome its 31st team to the fold in 2017. But to stock their roster for their inaugural season, the Las Vegas Golden Knights had to participate in an expansion draft, where they took one player from each of the league’s existing rosters.

The Golden Knights couldn’t take just anyone, however. Each general manager has the opportunity to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie; or eight skaters and one goalie. That meant superstars like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, or Jack Eichel won’t be going anywhere this summer.

Expansion drafts like this aren’t new for the NFL. The league last allowed a new franchise to pick through existing rosters in 2002 when the Houston Texans added players like Tony Boselli, Aaron Glenn, and Gary Walker. Before that, the revived Browns kicked off nearly two decades of ignominy by sorting through the tail end of the league’s top rosters in 1999.

With Las Vegas’ first big four sports team ready to make its mark, we decided it was time for an offseason exercise. What if NFL teams had to make a similar decision as the rest of the NHL — but could only protect one player from getting snapped up by a ravenous expansion team?

For this hypothetical, we’ve taken on the NHL’s rule of automatically exempting first- and second-year players, thus saving Dallas the Sophie’s Choice of Dak Prescott or Ezekiel Elliott and keeping each rookie with the teams who drafted them in 2017. In interest of position diversity, we’ve also automatically exempted all starting quarterbacks — otherwise this list would have been 70 percent passers.

Here are the non-exempt players we think each team would opt to save.

Arizona Cardinals: David Johnson

Johnson was a revelation in 2016. The former Northern Iowa back was a source of fantasy salvation with a league-leading 2,118 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns. As Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald near retirement, retaining a true home run threat like Johnson is paramount.

Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones

Jones did this:

in the biggest game of his career. He stays.

Baltimore Ravens: Justin Tucker

Tucker’s historic 2016 solidified his claim as the game’s best kicker. C.J. Mosley deserves consideration here, but Tucker’s tremendous accuracy makes him too big an asset to expose.

Buffalo Bills: LeSean McCoy

Last season, McCoy gained a career-high 5.4 yards per carry and more rushing yards than all but five other tailbacks. That makes him the best player in a limited group for Buffalo.

Carolina Panthers: Luke Kuechly

Kuechly’s concussion history makes him an iffy choice, but there’s no denying his impact on the field. The three-time first-team All-Pro will be only 26 next fall and is a tremendous foundation for any defense.

Chicago Bears: Josh Sitton

It’s slim pickings for the Bears here, especially with dynamic running back Jordan Howard already protected as a second-year player. Sitton, a Pro Bowler last fall, is the best of a rough group.

Cincinnati Bengals: Geno Atkins

A.J. Green was tough to pass up, but the talented receiver’s injury woes in 2016 cause him to cede his spot to All-Pro Atkins, who provides an important pass-rushing presence from the middle of the line.

Cleveland Browns: Joe Thomas

Thomas is perennially in the conversation as the league’s top left tackle. It’s just a shame he hasn’t had a worthwhile blindside to protect in his 10 seasons in the league.

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant

Bryant is an all-important cog in Dallas’ new big three, alongside Prescott and Elliott. An injury-plagued 2016 kept him from reaching his full potential in the Cowboys’ revamped offense, but the receiver has the athleticism and IQ to be truly dangerous as he enters the second phase of his career.

Denver Broncos: Von Miller

There’s no way the Broncos would let the heart and soul of their ferocious defense go, even with $103 million left on his record-setting contract.

Detroit Lions: Ziggy Ansah

Injury and ineffectiveness prevented Ansah from following up on his breakout 2015; his sack total fell from 14.5 to two. Still, the athletic freak still has room to improve and has all the potential to be one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers.

Green Bay Packers: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Clinton-Dix was the last staple holding together a depleted and injury-riddled Packer secondary in 2016. Despite that pressure, he managed to have his best season as a pro, hauling in five interceptions and helping lead Green Bay’s charge to the playoffs.

Houston Texans: J.J. Watt

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a no-brainer, even with Jadeveon Clowney beginning to reach his all-universe potential.

Indianapolis Colts: T.Y. Hilton

Andrew Luck is safe, and so is his favorite target. Hilton’s ability to stretch the field (a league-leading 1,448 receiving yards in 2016) is paramount to the Colts’ quest to rule the AFC South once more.

Jacksonville Jaguars: A.J. Bouye

Bouye has yet to play a down for the Jaguars, but was the prize of the team’s 2017 free agent haul. The rising star will pair with second-year pro Jalen Ramsey to give Jacksonville one of the AFC South’s toughest secondaries this fall.

Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry

Berry has exceeded expectations in his six-year career with the Chiefs, overcoming cancer to emerge as one of the league’s most dynamic safeties. He edges out Marcus Peters as the team’s top protected pick.

Los Angeles Chargers: Casey Hayward

Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon are each solid choices, but their recent injury issues push Heyward to the forefront. The former Packer enjoyed the best year of his career in San Diego, leading the league with seven interceptions and earning All-Pro honors in the process.

Los Angeles Rams: Aaron Donald

Donald is a destroyer of worlds on the Rams’ defensive line. He’s got 28 sacks through his first three seasons and looks every bit a perennial Pro Bowler.

Miami Dolphins: Jay Ajayi

Ajayi was a healthy scratch for the first game of the season, but once he did hit the field, he was a force. He became just the fourth player in NFL history to rack up 200-plus yards in back-to-back games, and he finished with 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns. The Dolphins can’t afford to let that kind of productivity slip away.

Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Smith

Smith is arguably the best player on one of the NFL’s best defenses. The versatile safety received a five-year, $51.25 million deal a year ago and backed it up with another Pro Bowl season. The other candidate for Minnesota is Anthony Barr, another two-time Pro Bowler, but Mike Zimmer has questioned the pass rusher’s motor and drive.

New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski

How good is Gronkowski? So good that even his third major back surgery isn’t concerning enough to keep him from being the Patriots’ top pick for retention, ahead of defensive playmakers like Stephon Gilmore, Malcolm Butler, and Dont’a Hightower.

New Orleans Saints: Cameron Jordan

The Saints’ defense has been a weakness for years, and New Orleans can’t afford to lose arguably its best player. He had a team-high 7.5 sacks last season, along with a forced fumble and six pass breakups.

New York Giants: Odell Beckham Jr.

Yes, the Giants actually do have other playmakers at wide receiver — Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard — but that doesn’t change the fact that Beckham is the best (and most exciting) player on the team. The Giants would be foolish to let Beckham, a top-five talent at his position, walk.

New York Jets: Matt Forte

After the Jets cut Eric Decker and David Harris, you may think that everybody on the roster is expendable. But the team insists it isn’t tanking, even though it’s going to have to roll with either Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg, or Bryce Petty under center next season. That means the Jets need to hold on to Forte, who had 813 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack

Mack is the cornerstone of a Raiders defense that really can’t function without him. He had 11 of Oakland’s 25 sacks last season, as well as five forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown. Oakland has to hold on to last season’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox

Cox’s ability to stop the run and provide a solid pass-rushing presence from the trenches makes him a valuable presence — and at just 26 years old, the kind of building block who can contribute well into the future. He beats out an aging Jason Peters and interior lineman Jason Kelce as the team’s pick.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Antonio Brown

Choosing between Brown and Le’Veon Bell is a tough one, but Bell’s injury history makes him the less reliable choice. Brown has been a first-team All-Pro selection in each of the last three seasons, gaining more than 4,800 receiving yards in the process.

San Francisco 49ers: Joe Staley

There are a lack of options for the Niners, who have some intriguing young talent being mentored by underwhelming older talent. Staley will be 33 this season and may have his best days behind him, but he’s a steady veteran presence who can serve as a mentor during new GM John Lynch’s rebuild.

Seattle Seahawks: Earl Thomas

Earl Thomas is indispensable for the Seahawks. That was evident after he went down with a broken leg late last season, and the defense suffered. Since Russell Wilson isn’t an option here, Thomas is the most logical choice.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans

The 6’5 Evans is a massive red zone target who hauled in 12 receiving touchdowns last season. While drops have been a problem in his past, he’s shown off stronger hands recently and looks every bit an All-Pro wide receiver.

Tennessee Titans: DeMarco Murray

Murray’s revitalized 2016 was a huge factor in the Titans’ first winning record since 2008. His ability to gash holes in opposing defenses opened up the Tennessee offense and allowed Marcus Mariota to overcome any notion of a sophomore slump.

Washington: Ryan Kerrigan

Josh Norman’s monster contract gives the more affordable Kerrigan the edge here. The dynamic linebacker has been a consistent pass rusher for Washington, recording 58.5 sacks in six seasons and never missing a game as a pro.

[junker-town]

NFL free agency 2017: Potential cap casualties for every AFC team

The list of NFL free agents is about to get longer.

This year’s list of NFL free agents is already a long one, and it’s about to get even longer as teams start making roster cuts. Expensive veterans will wind up on the chopping block as franchises compare cost to output and make some tough decisions to shape their depth charts.

Here’s a look at the big names in the AFC who could be packing their bags as teams hit the reset button for 2017.

Baltimore Ravens

Elvis Dumervil, OLB and Mike Wallace, WR

The Ravens have several high priced veterans on their roster who failed to play up to their contracts in 2016. Lardarius Webb, Benjamin Watson, and Kyle Arrington are all candidates, but Dumervil and Wallace are the biggest names heading for the chopping block.

Dumervil had just 11 tackles last fall but is due nearly $8.4 million of Baltimore’s cap space in 2017. At 33 years old, his days as a fearsome pass rusher are behind him. Wallace led the team in receiving yards and proved he’s still a viable deep threat after averaging more than 14 yards per catch, but is on the hook for $8 million next season. If the Ravens think Breshad Perriman is ready to make the leap in his third year as a pro, Wallace could be cut loose.

Buffalo Bills

LeSean McCoy , RB and Tyrod Taylor, QB

The Bills could release their two most important offensive players thanks to big guarantees tied to the 2017 season. McCoy cemented his place as one of the league’s top tailbacks after running for 5.4 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns, while Taylor earned his second straight Pro Bowl invitation -- though that may be more a condemnation of the AFC’s roster than the quarterback’s strength. At cap hits of $8.875 million and $15.9 million, respectively, the pair could prove too expensive for a new regime in upstate New York.

Buffalo could mitigate losing its starting running back by handing his duties over to Mike Gillislee, who was the only qualified player in the league to have a better yards-per-carry average than McCoy. Replacing Taylor would be tougher. The team could turn to Cardale Jones instead, but the former Ohio State standout looked every bit a rookie in his lone appearance last fall.

Cincinnati Bengals

Adam Jones, CB

The 2014 All-Pro and 2016 Pro Bowler emerged as an offseason headache once again after being arrested for obstructing official business, disorderly conduct, assault, and a felony charge of harassment with a bodily substance.

The player once known as Pacman had cut himself a redemption story in Cincinnati, but at 33 years old, the athleticism he long relied on as a playmaker has begun to decline. At $7.7 million, he carries the team’s fourth-largest cap hit — a mark that may be too expensive for the franchise to overlook his off-field problems and on-field regression.

Cleveland Browns

Robert Griffin III, QB

RGIII spent most of 2016 on the sideline recovering from injury. Even when he was healthy, the former Rookie of the Year didn’t add much more to the offense than rookie Cody Kessler did. Griffin completed less than 60 percent of his passes and doesn’t quite fit the mold of “veteran mentor” the team is looking for to help develop Kessler and whatever young passer enters the fray this offseason.

At a cost of $8.7 million, Griffin’s stay in Cleveland could be a short one.

Denver Broncos

Russell Okung, OT

Cutting Okung before March 8 will save the Broncos $11.7 million in cap space. Since the veteran tackle never really found a way to stand out on the Denver offensive line, it seems unlikely the team will bring him back at such a high cost. Instead, John Elway can throw that money after another budding blocker who will turn into a pumpkin upon arriving in Colorado.

Houston Texans

Brian Cushing, LB

The veteran linebacker would cost the team $4.2 million in dead cap money, but produce a net savings of more than $5 million should the Texans move on from a longtime face of the franchise. Cushing made only 65 tackles last year and endured his first season as a pro without forcing a turnover. Though he’s only 30, his best years may be behind him — which makes him a candidate to be cut, albeit a relatively unlikely one.

Indianapolis Colts

Arthur Jones, LB

The Colts don’t have a ton of expendable, high-cost players. Andrew Luck, Anthony Costanzo, Vontae Davis, and T.Y. Hilton are all important parts of the roster, and every one but Davis carries considerable dead cap money on his contract. That leaves Jones, whose release would clear up more than $5.1 million this spring.

Jones will be 31 next season and has yet to live up to the standard he set in Baltimore before signing with Indianapolis. The Colts could keep him around, but if the team needs a little breathing room in free agency, the third-most-famous Jones brother could be given his walking papers.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Sen'Derrick Marks, DT; Roy Miller, DT

The Jags already had something of a logjam on the defensive line. They prioritized Abry Jones, signing him to a new four-year contract on Feb. 15. With Jones at nose tackle, that makes Miller and his $3.9 million cap hit expendable. Some wondered if Marks would get cut last year. He didn’t, but saw his playing time reduced during the season, something he made clear he wasn’t happy about. He lost snaps to last year’s free agent addition Malik Jackson and rookie Sheldon Day. His $4.6 million cap hit will be hard for the front office to overlook.

Kansas City Chiefs

Jamaal Charles, RB

Charles was an absolute monster for the Chiefs when he was healthy. Unfortunately, he’s only played in eight games since 2014. The oft-injured tailback has bounced back from time on the IR before, but that was when he was 26. He’ll be 31 this upcoming season, and too much of a question mark for Kansas City to invest more than $6 million of cap space toward in 2017.

He managed only 13 carries last fall and posted a career-low 3.3 yards per touch over that span. Worries he will never regain his All-Pro form are legitimate, and while his career isn’t over, his time with the Chiefs almost certainly is — at least at his current salary.

Los Angeles Chargers

Brandon Flowers, CB

Flowers may make the decision easier for the Chargers, as four concussions in the past three seasons has him thinking about retirement. If he leaves, he’ll clear $7 million from the team’s books -- enough to sign an impact free agent to draw fans to Los Angeles and help the team get over the hump that saw it lose eight games by seven points or fewer.

Miami Dolphins

Dion Jordan, DE

Three violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policies got the third overall pick from the 2013 draft suspended for the entire 2015 season. He was reinstated in July 2016, but knee injuries kept him off the field for the entire season. At $3.2 million, Jordan’s cap savings hardly matches the massive disappointment he’s been for the Dolphins, but with no dead money and no more headaches, it’ll be an easy decision.

New England Patriots

Danny Amendola, WR

Amendola is like a bear who hibernates through the regular season, then wakes up just in time to tear things up in the Super Bowl. The 31-year-old has caught 13 passes for 126 yards, two touchdowns, and a key two-point conversion in his two appearances in the big game, making his value for the Patriots tough to gauge. Injuries limited him to only 12 games last fall, but he posted career highs in catch rate (nearly 80 percent) and touchdown receptions (four, despite only catching 23 passes).

Amendola has taken a pay cut in each of the past two offseasons to remain on the roster in New England. With a cap hit of $7.7 million looming, he may have to restructure his contract once more if he wants to keep saving Super Bowls with clutch receptions from Tom Brady.

New York Jets

Eric Decker, WR; Nick Mangold, C; Sheldon Richardson, DL; Darrelle Revis, CB; and Brandon Marshall, WR

New York needs a hard reset in Todd Bowles’ third year at the helm after crashing from 10-6 to 5-11 last season. Decker, Mangold, and Marshall are all expensive veterans who can still be productive, but would likely benefit from a change of scenery. Cutting them could be a rare win/win scenario. The team could be looking for an excuse to cut Revis in the wake of charges he’s facing in Pittsburgh anyway.

Richardson is a different case. He’s undoubtedly talented, and his ability to rush the passer makes his $8 million cap hit palatable when he’s maximizing his potential. However, a lack of effort on the field and a spate of bad headlines off it have made him a headache for the Jets. Moving on from Richardson makes sense, and while New York will likely seek to trade him this offseason to recoup some of his value, there’s a chance the franchise jettisons him in order to chase a fresh start.

Oakland Raiders

Dan Williams, DT

The biggest cap savers on the Oakland roster are all essential to the team’s success. Cutting Sean Smith and David Amerson, for example, would save the Raiders nearly $17 million, but also dissolve the team’s cornerback tandem. Further down the list is Williams, a part-time starter at nose tackle whose contributions have waned as he reaches his age-30 season.

Williams can still be a contributor, but would produce $4.5 million in cap savings if released. Oakland could go either way with their burly run stopper.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Mitchell, S

Mitchell is set to cost Pittsburgh $8.1 million in cap space next season, and while he wasn’t the main reason for the Steelers’ middling pass defense in 2016, he failed to live up to his contract. Cutting the starting safety would leave a gap in the defense, but also create significant savings the team could put toward re-signing Le’Veon Bell and chasing a solid safety market in free agency. With defensive backs being a strength in the upcoming draft, Mitchell could be expendable — though not nearly as much as Jones or Griffin.

Tennessee Titans

Brian Orapko, OLB

Orapko is the team’s highest-paid player, but with good cause. He had a resurgent year in 2016, notching 10.5 sacks and earning his fourth Pro Bowl nod. However, he’ll be 31 next season and while it’s unlikely, there’s a chance Tennessee will look to move on from its best linebacker in order to shore up holes in other areas of the roster. Cornerback Jason McCourty, who would actually save the team more money if released this spring, is also a candidate to be cut — but the Titans secondary needs all the warm bodies it can get after a dismal performance in ‘16.

[junker-town]

6 NFL trades that would shock the world like Kings sending DeMarcus Cousins to Pelicans

A fleecing led to a change of scenery for an All-NBA big man. Which NFL teams should follow suit?

On Sunday night, New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis lit up the NBA All-Star Game with a record 52 points, yet once the dust settled on his historic performance all anyone could talk about was his new teammate. Davis’ franchise capped off the midseason break with an absolute fleecing, sending a collection of marginal assets west for All-NBA center DeMarcus Cousins.

Years of trade speculation burned down to cinder with one quick agreement. Cousins and Sacramento were never a good fit; the trade marked the end of seven futile years of the Kings failing to build around the face of their franchise. While his departure seemed inevitable, Sunday’s trade is most notable for how disappointing the return was for a team mired in a lost decade of basketball.

Cousins’ dilemma isn’t limited to just the NBA. The NFL is littered with stars in need of a fresh landscape where their talents won’t be squandered. Joe Thomas is a nine-time All-Pro who has averaged fewer than five wins a season languishing in Cleveland. Deandre Hopkins is an elite receiving talent who has been forced to catch passes from a list of Texans’ quarterbacks that looks like an XFL wish list: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, Case Keenum, Brandon Weeden, T.J. Yates, Brian Hoyer, Tom Savage, and Brock Osweiler.

They aren’t the only players who need new homes. Here’s a list of players who could be hypothetically set for the Boogie treatment this offseason, what the lowest possible return for them could be, and where we’d like them to end up.

Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald to the New England Patriots in exchange for a sixth-round pick

Tom Brady has played with some good wide receivers in his storied career, but only one elite one — Randy Moss. While Fitzgerald is nearing the end of his rope as a pro, he’d still give the Patriots a premier weapon at a position of need for 2017. With Danny Amendola a candidate to be cut and Michael Floyd a free agent, New England could trot out a three-receiver starting lineup featuring Fitzgerald, Julian Edelman, and either Chris Hogan or 2016 draft pick Malcolm Mitchell.

Fitzgerald will be 34 this fall, and while he led the NFL in receptions (107), his career-low 9.6 yards per catch was a testament to both how the Cardinals used him and how Carson Palmer’s skills had declined behind center. The veteran wideout was targeted much closer to the line of scrimmage than in years past, in part to serve as his quarterback’s safety blanket in a disappointing season. Palmer’s QB rating dropped from 104.6 to 87.2 as he played out his age-36 season.

While those numbers and his age raise some red flags for the Patriots, New England would be thrilled to have the future Hall of Famer on the roster. Head coach Bill Belichick has often raved about Fitzgerald, even using him as the measuring stick by which other wideouts are compared. Utilizing wide receivers on short routes has also been a foundation for the Patriots’ offense throughout the Brady era, and a sure-handed route runner like the Cardinals’ veteran would give the team another option underneath while allowing deep threats like Hogan and Mitchell to test coverage over the top.

Fitzgerald wouldn’t be a home run, but he’d be another solid hit for a franchise that’s piled up free agent and trade victories en route to a dynasty. The only question here is whether he’d be willing to leave the only NFL franchise he’s called home — and whether the cost would be low enough for the notoriously stingy Patriots to bite.

Los Angeles Rams DL Aaron Donald to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for second- and fourth-round picks

Here’s a theoretical trade more in line with the move that shipped Cousins from the West Coast. Donald is an All-Pro lineman making relative peanuts on his rookie deal, but he could depart Los Angeles in 2019 after his fifth season with the team. If the Rams aren’t contending by then, he could be a free agent casualty — just like Cousins could have been in Sacramento this summer.

That’s where Oakland would swoop in. The Raiders have a dangerous defense thanks to 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack, but failed to generate a consistent pass rush. The team ranked dead last in sack rate last season, getting to opposing quarterbacks just 4.2 percent of the time. Adding Donald would instantly boost the team’s defensive line, and the double teams he could induce would create plenty of space for Mack to terrorize passers.

Trading Donald is likely a non-starter for Los Angeles; a 25-year-old All-Pro is a building block, not trade bait. Then again, so is a 26-year-old All-NBA center. The Kings and Rams aren’t exactly in the same situation just yet, but LA could look to make a move like this (just, you know, better) in 2018 if it looks like their dynamic defensive tackle is not long for the franchise.

Cleveland Browns LT Joe Thomas to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a third-round pick

Let’s face it. Rams left tackle Greg Robinson lets defensive ends get past him faster than someone can finish sneezing. His play has been cringeworthy since the Rams drafted him in 2014. The 24-year-old is a liability on the offensive line, and he has been penalized 31 times in two seasons, which is the most by any player during that timespan.

Quarterback Jared Goff needs someone to protect his blindside. How can Goff, last year’s No. 1 pick, showcase his talent if he doesn't have enough time in the pocket to throw? Enter Joe Thomas, who has been involved in trade rumors for years.

Thomas, a 10-time Pro Bowler, has never missed a start and is one of the best left tackles in league history. He’s also been with the Browns for his entire career and has never sniffed the playoffs.

The Browns are in rebuilding mode and have stockpiled draft picks for the next couple years. Thomas will turn 33 next season, too. But to finally trade one of the cornerstones of the team — and for only a third-round pick — seems baffling. And also very Browns.

Matt Ryan to the San Francisco 49ers for Carlos Hyde and the second overall pick

Kyle Shanahan is tasked with turning things around for the 49ers, and he’s facing this undertaking without any viable option at quarterback. Meanwhile, back in Atlanta remains the quarterback Shanahan coaxed an MVP performance out of in 2016: Matt Ryan. Now, Ryan is the face of the Falcons, and there’s literally no reason that the Falcons would want to move on from him considering his performance last season, which culminated in a Super Bowl appearance.

But that second overall pick is appealing, and adding Hyde to the backfield with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman would easily give Atlanta the best running back trio in football, which will take some of the pressure off of rookie Deshaun Watson, who will obviously be drafted by the Falcons with the pick they get from the Niners. Watson used to be a ball boy for the Falcons, so bringing him home makes perfect sense.

Yes, this is a completely ridiculous proposition, but so was the Kings’ decision to trade Boogie. Anyway, Hyde is probably expendable for the Niners, because we all know Shanahan isn’t going to run him when it matters.

Philip Rivers to the New York Jets for Marcus Gilchrist and the sixth overall pick

The Kings shipped off their best player to a team that contended recently but has since taken a nosedive, in exchange for a former player and other compensation that doesn’t nearly measure to the guy being traded. Here, a Rivers-to-the-Jets trade seems to check all the boxes. Los Angeles is trading for a high draft pick and former player, while offloading the most important player on its team.

Coming off a terrible season, the Jets still have Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker on the roster. Adding a franchise quarterback could be huge for New York, who just two years ago made a playoff run with journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick calling the shots on offense.

Meanwhile, the Chargers — amid an ugly move to Los Angeles — decide to part ways with a guy who has been the center of trade rumors for quite some time now. Rivers, whose “mixed” feelings about a move to LA have been well-documented, could benefit from a change of scenery, and he seems to have at least a few good years left.

The trade is also reminiscent of a historic move, where then-Chargers running back decided to sign with the Jets in free agency after nine years in San Diego. New York made the AFC Championship in the first year of Tomlinson’s two-year deal.

The value wouldn’t be worth a trade in these circumstances, but then again, it wasn’t there in the Cousins deal either.

Von Miller to the Atlanta Falcons for two first-round picks and a second-round pick

The Denver Broncos learned this season that their defense wouldn’t be able to carry the team by itself as it did when they won the Super Bowl two seasons ago. The Falcons had just about everything they needed to win Super Bowl LI, but ultimately came up short in blowing a 25-point lead. The defense of the Falcons improved immensely as the season progressed, to be fair.

Adding Miller as another pass rusher would make the Falcons nearly a superteam in the NFL. Their offensive arsenal is already loaded with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, and Tevin Coleman.

Defensively, Vic Beasley surprised everyone by leading the NFL in sacks, and Grady Jarrett put on a dang show in the Super Bowl. The young defensive backs like Robert Alford and Keanu Neal have showed promise.

Add Miller to that equation, and that’s as complete as a team gets.