The NFL Draft 2018

                  The NFL Draft 2018

Well I am back! What an off-season so far eh!

I will dive right into it. I’ll be taking a look and giving my opinions on the 2018 NFL draft. Only the Top 10!

Therefore, here’s, the top 10 picks from the 2018.

1.      BROWNS – QB -  Baker Mayfield

2.      GIANTS –   RB - Saquon Barkley

3.      JETS – QB -  Sam Darnold

4.      BROWNS – CB - Denzel Ward

5.      BRONCOS – DE - Bradley Chubb

6.      COLTS –  OG - Quenton Nelson

7.      BILLS –  QB - Josh Allen

8.      BEARS – LB -  Roquan Smith

9.      49ERS – OT-  Mike McGlinchey

10.  CARDINALS – QB -  Josh Rosen

Those are your Top 10, 2018 NFL Draft picks.

While I was sitting back watching the draft anticipating the top pick, we are all thinking it was going to be Sam Darnold N0. One to the Browns. Then BOOM pick is in. “The Cleveland Browns pick QB Oklahoma Baker Mayfield. We were shocked! To say the least. Now the week leading up to that pick I was hearing rumblings that the Browns were going to take Mayfiled. However, you know, it is all smoke and mirrors with the NFL draft. Mind games and politicking time of year. 

  

Analyzation Time.

 Number 1 overall - BROWNS – QB – Baker Mayfield.

I can see why the Browns picked Baker Mayfield. Reports were coming out that people were starting to “sour” on Sam Darnold. Sad comparisons to Matt Barkley were starting to arise and stats showing how most USC Quarterbacks are “busts” except Carson Palmer. Darnold’s hand size was starting to come into question and they say  in the AFC North you need 2 things a as a QB. A big arm or medium to large hand size. After sometime passed I realize I like the Baker pick. Cleveland needs a fiery QB to deal with the supporting cast of characters they required. So hey I am okay with that pick.  GRADE A-

Number 2. GIANTS – RB – Saquon Barkley

Absolutely love this pick. The Giants needed a star RB and they got one. It seems like they are working on the O- Line. Therefore, with that in mind they have a scary offence on paper. QB Eli, WR Beckham, Barkley, TE Engram, WR Sheppard. In addition, they have a good defense. Do not expect too much the first year. Year 2, they might make some crazy noise in the stacked NFC East.  GRADE A+

Number 3.  JETS – QB- Sam Darnold

Yes, seems like Jets “settled” for this pick.  I have a feeling they were all in on Baker Mayfield.  I am not sure why but people are questioning Sam Darnold… It is all those USC picks from the past. They seem to all be “system QB’s” or something. However, hey hopefully he has proves all the doubters wrong. GRADE B+

Number 4. BROWNS – CB -Denzel Ward

Not sure, what the Browns were thinking with this pick. Hate to say this but you have Bradley Chubb on the clock and you select this pick?? Imagine Chubb alongside Myles Garrett!! All I have to say is I really hope they know what they are doing.  GRADE C+

Number 5. BRONCOS – DE – Bradley Chubb

Excellent pick!! Putting this defensive beast alongside Von Miller!! What a scary combo. I know everyone is saying the Broncos need a QB… However, do they? Yes, I believe in Case. The Broncos are not in as bad a position as people may say. GRADE A

Number 6. COLTS – OG – Quenton Nelson

This was a great pick by the Colts. They desperately need O-Line help and thy got this pick right. Nelson is a beast of an O-Line and it should help anchor and bolster up a below than average line. In addition, here is the start of better protection for Andrew Luck. GRADE A

Number 7. BILLS – QB – Josh Allen

Yes, I understand why the Bills chose QB Josh Allen. He was all the tools and intangibles to be great. Cannon of an arm. Great mobility. However, his accuracy is suspect and when Wyoming played Big 10 teams they were slaughtered. Plus! I am not sure about those Tweets that came out. It’s also suspect of the timing but hey he’s (Allen) is going to have more to prove now to his new teammates. People are saying that he is going to have a lot of work to do and smoothing things over with the African American players so we will see how this pans out. Grade C-

Number 8. BEARS – OLB – Roquan Smith

I am 50/50 on this pick. He should have went to the 49ERS yes I am being a bit bias here. Given the situation with Reuben Foster and his legal woes. However, hey a nice solid pick for the Bears and trying to bring back the Monsters of The Midway mentality. GRADE B+

Number 9. 49ERS – OT – Mike McGlinchey

Yes, they have to protect the Franchise Jimmy G! They have a bunch of glaring needs etc. But a nice solid pick to beef up the O- Line. It’s not a sexy pick but a needed pick. GRADE – A-

Number 10. CARDINALS – QB – Josh Rosen

Nobody wanted to slide slippedy slide. I get the feeling Rosen was quickly going to slide if the Cards did not take him. We all could see it. Okay it was an alright pick as they have some question marks about Bradford and his health., you never know with this this pick. I have a feeling Rosen could be maybe another Aaron Rodgers or a Joey Harrington. Time will tell. GRADE B-

Well there you have folks my grades on the top 10 picks. The season has officially begun. *Make some noise*

Until next time!!

Joe Jeremiah

Free Agency Part 2 cont.....

*****MAJOR NEWS FLASH*****

Rams agree to one-year deal with Pro Bowl tackle Ndamukong Suh

That Rams are going to be INSANE...  NFC West looks stacked.

That front D Line, you double Donald then what leave Suh to roam free? 

It's going to be a crazy 2018 season. 

Stay tuned!

Joe Jeremiah

Free Agency Part 2

Free Agency Part 2

Welcome back folks!

This is part 2 of free agency all the major moves have been completed. Here is a look at all the transactions from my perspective and how they will affect their new teams going forward.

Vikings sign QB Kirk Cousins (3 years, $84 Million)

Well this move makes sense Kirk Cousins goes to an already stacked Vikings Team from top to bottom. Offense and Defense one could argue they were a QB away from the Super Bowl but Case Keenum almost got them there. Was this move an upgrade? Sure Guess time will tell. Grade A

Bears sign WR Allen Robinson (3years, $42 Million)

I do not know if this is going to be better than Alshon Jeffery or how this will help Mitchell Trubisky’s development but’s it seems on paper to be a good signing. Robinson when healthy is a number one receiver. Remember what I said if and when healthy. Grade B+

Chiefs sign WR Sammy Watkins (3 years, 48 Million)

This is the era of the QB and WR’s being paid eh. Does anyone think Watkins is worth that much? Maybe, he is an athletic freak but how does he command that kind of money when LeVeon Bell is begging for a contact. Go figure. Now with Patrick Mahomes slinging the rock down the field with that cannon. I think this will be a good signing. Grade B

Titans sign Malcom CB Malcom Butler (5 years, 61 Million)

This is a good deal for a reliable, durable No 2. CB. I know we are all like why was he benched in the Super Bowl then receive such a high contact. We must remember this is a QB/WR era type league. Premiums go up for DE, and CB. So they get a lot more that they are worth. Therefore, that is the case for Malcom Butler. Grade B+

49ERS sign CB Richard Sherman (3 years, 39 Million)

This is an interesting signing. A good one if Richard was not coming off an Achilles injury, which is a very hard injury to regain top form in the NFL. I am not being bias but when Sherman was on the Seahawks, he was dominant but was that because of the scheme? I think if Sherman can get back to top form this will be a great signing. Grade A

Vikings sign DT Sheldon Richardson (1 year)

This is a great dominant signing IF this person can stay out of trouble. Let us face it the Vikings have one of if not the best defense in the league. Like I said if he could get back to his Jets form. Then Look out. Grade B-

Texans sign S Tyrann Mathieu ( 1 year, 7 million)

This is a strange signing; the Honey Badger was once called one of the best safeties in the league now he signs for a measly 7 million. Is he injury prone is the question. This is  a prove it deal but with J.J Watt, Clowney and Mathieu on that defense. This could be the steal of free agency 2018. Grade A

Broncos sign QB case Keenum ( 2 years, 36 Million)

Will the real Case Keenum please stand up was the question being asked by Mike Zimmer. We all in the back of our minds think this. The Broncos made this signing hoping they get the Vikings Case Keenum. However, what if the get the Texans Case Keenum or better yet the Rams Case Keenum yes it’s Jeff Fisher’s fault for the Rams we get it. However, Case was signed because it seems sexy on paper but this might backfire without a guru of an Offensive coordinator. Grade C

Packers sign Jimmy Graham ( 3 years, 30 Million)

Jimmy Graham, he’s one of those guys that had a few good years for one team and will paid like a number 1 wherever he goes based on potential. But yes he did have 10 Touchdowns for the Hawks last year but do we think he’s’ going to really make a difference for the Packers. This signing seems like the Packers wanted to show their fans look the old regime of not signing “top” free agents are over. Grade C-

NFL free agency Grades of D-

Cardinals sign QB Sam Bradford ( 1 years, 20 Million) and Mile Glennon.

Patriots sign RB Jeremy Hill (1 year)

Bills sign QB AJ McCarron ( 2 years, 10 Million)

Raiders sign RB Doug Martin ( 1 Year)

Ndamukong Suh remains unsigned while he makes up his mind.

Well that is it for Free agency folks yes there were a ton more but I decided to write about the ones that I feel were notable and made the most news. Stay tuned for my next entry, which more than likely will be the NFL Draft 2018!!

See you soon!

Joe Jeremiah

FREE AGENCY - Part 1

                             FREE AGENCY - Part 1

                                           Welcome to the 2018 NFL Season!

Well guess who’s back!

It has been a crazy couple of months taking a break and being away. It feels good to be back and the NFL year  has officially begun.

We are going to look at all the off-season moves so far in this crazy 2018 NFL Free agency. There have been some great moves and some head scratchers but that the NFL and what make it so good. It is an all year thing. A male soap opera that never ends. To be honest there is no offseason to be frank.

Okay here is a list of all the Top 20 Free agency moves so far. I have listed the free agents signings by rank.

1.      Drew Brees                      QB Team SAINTS 2 years

2.      Kirk Cousins                    QB Team – VIKINGS 3 years

3.      Andrew Norwall              G Team JAGUARS 5 years

4.      Trumaine Jonshson          CB Team JETS  5 years

5.      Nate solder                       OT Team NY Giants 4 years

6.      Kyle Fuller                       CB Team BEARS   4 years

7.      Case Keenum                   QB Team BRONCOS 2 years

8.      Trey Burton                      TE   Team EAGLES   4 years

9.      Malcom Butler                  CB Team  TITANS    5 years

10.  Star Lotulelei                    DT  Team BILLS     5 years

11.  Sheldon Richardson          DT   Team VIKINGS 1 year

12.  Sammy Watkins                WR   Team CHIEFS  3 years

13.  Dontari Poe                        DT    Team PANTHERS 3 years

14.  Jimmy Graham                  TE       Team  PACKERS  3 years

15.  Allen Robinson                  WR     Team BEARS       3 years

16.  Justin  Pugh                        OT/G    Team CARDINALS 5 years

17.  Austin Seferian- Jenkins     TE    Team   JAGUARS  2 years

18.  Rashaan Melvin                   CB     Team  RAINDERS 1 year

19.  Morgan Burnett                    S        Team   UNRESTRICTED

20.  Muhammad Wilkerson         DE     Team   PACKERS 1 year

Notables still “on the bench” AKA Free Agents.

1.      Ndamukong Suh                 DT

2.      Johnathan Hankins              DT

3.      E.J. Gaines                          CB

4.      Bashaud Breeland               CB

5.      Robert Ayers                       4-3 DE

6.      Eric Reid                             S

7.      Morgan Burnett                   S

8.      NaVorro Bowman              ILB

9.      Byron Maxwell                  CB

10.  Junior Galette                    3-4 OLB

11.  Terrelle Pryor                    WR              

Some of these signings are one year prove it deals with some top guys or used to be top guys like Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. If they keep their nose clean and produce, they could be in line for some big money.

Finally, Kirk cousins chose his team and were paid. Here are the details of his contact.

According to Mark Rosen of CBS Minnesota, the deal will pay Cousins an NFL record $28 million per season, totaling out at $84 million over the three years.

The $28 million annually is just north of the $27.5 million Jimmy Garoppolo received on his five-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the offseason. It is also the first fully guaranteed multi-year deal for a quarterback in league history.

This changes the game folks. Now just like the NBA contacts will  become guaranteed for the top QB’s and then who knows other positions.

Think about it. Aaron Rodgers is due for an extension, then there is the new up and coming superstars that is going to command top dollar. Like The Eagles Carson Wentz, The Rams  Jared Goff and The Cowboys  Dak Prescott and there is many others. Get ready! We’re going into a NEW Era of the NFL. I am glad too. For such a violent game where the average NFL career lasts 2.5 years these guys deserve to get every penny they can get.

Anyway folks that’s it for now stay tuned for PART 2!

Joe Jeremiah

SUPER BOWL LII

The Dragon has been SLAYED!!

Philadelphia Eagles 41  - New England Patriots 33

Super Bowl 52!

 Howdy folks,

Here is my latest blog entry. I hope you all had the privilege of watching Super Bowl 52!  It was a great game. The mighty New England Patriots have fallen to the Underdog Philadelphia Eagles.

Super Bowl Final Score.

You know, from the minute the kickoff happened I had a weird feeling the Patriots were going to lose. There was just something in the air that Sunday night. No disrespect to the Patriots but we have had enough. We have had enough of their denomination for the past 10 years. I get it; the Pats are good, great. I respect Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Brady might even be the best of all time but in an NFL where ratings are down and all this political stuff going on it was time for a changing of the guard per se.

There were many questionable calls that were not reversed that sorry to say normally they would be in favor of the Patriots. The TD by Corey Clement that was “juggled” in the end zone but was ruled a catch.. In addition, let us not forget Zach Ertz. All those calls would have been called back i.e. the Bills, Steels and Jaguars. Maybe the refs had enough of the “fixed” chants by the fans. It felt good that they did not reverse everything. This was one of the most enjoyable Super Bowls in recent memory. It was like a video game when you get to the final boss. Many attempts to defeat them and finally you do. It was a feeling of an accomplishment for millions.

 Zach Ertz controversial TD

Finally, after so many heartbreaking losses and coming so close for the Philadelphia Eagles, they won it. Let us go back all the way to 1981 when they played the Raiders in Super Bowl XV. Thirty-seven years ago, after an improbable run that included a mid-season quarterback change, the Oakland Raiders secured their second world championship, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. Then four I believe NFC Championships and a Super Bowl Appearance for the Eagles in 2004 which they lost by three.  However, here is the kicker! Were people happy the Pats lost?- Eagles’ 1st Super Bowl Win Draws 103.4M Viewers, Smallest Audience In Nine Years – Update.

Image of 1981 SB and 2004 SB

Super Bowl XV

 Super Bowl XXXIX

There is many reasons for that. Super Bowl 52 is now pegged as the 10th most watch program in American TV history just after the M.A.S.H. finale of February 1983. Nevertheless, it was a great game and whatever about the ratings.

So what is next for the New England Patriots you ask? Well Bill Belichick’s bizarre benching of Malcom Butler has set the tone for the off-season I think. With what I feel many, asking is he drunk with power and too stiff as a coach. Patriots DC Matt Patricia named head coach of Lions and last but certainly, Colts hire Patriots OC Josh McDaniel’s as head coach. Is this the end of the Patriots? Tom Brady will be 41 this coming year. Gronk is considering retiring, as he is tired of the “Hack- A- Shaq” treatment. Who is going to replace those OC and DC positions? In addition, what about the Patriots exposed defense. Are they going to break the bank to solidify this/ and let’s not forget the rumors of a falling out between the Owner Robert Kraft, Brady and Belichick. It is going to be a very interesting off-season for the patriots. I Love this Game!

Well folks it has been a fun ride this NFL season since I started this blog this year. The season is over and I am not sure what the off-season hold for me as well. I am not sure if I am going to take it easy until the NFL season starts again or venture off into other topics. Time will tell. I will be taking some time off from writing until I see fit.

Thank you for all you views and see you all soon. Who knows what my next topic will be!!

See you soon and enjoy your off- season.

Joe Jeremiah

THE XFL vs THE NFL

                          THE XFL vs THE NFL 

The year was 2001….

Alicia Keys showed off her incredible vocal range and swept the 44th Grammy Awards with “Fallin'” as Song of the Year.

 Janet Jackson back in 2001 when she released her chart-topping single “All for You.”

November of 2001 marked the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. 

September 11, – 2,977 victims are killed in the September 11 attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York, The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and in rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania after American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 are hijacked and crash into the World Trade Center's Twin Towers

And the XFL was born - The XFL was a professional American football league that played its only season in 2001. As originally conceived, the XFL was operated as a joint venture between the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) and NBC. The XFL was conceived as an outdoor football league that would take place during the NFL off-season.

Now it’s slightly unfair to compare The National Football League (NFL) to the Xtreme Football League (XFL). The NFL has been around for 97 years while the XFL has been around for 1? Now they will commence in 2020.

I think a “reboot” of the XFL is a great idea. Why you ask? I think the NFL is becoming a bit complacent. A bit egotistical with their loyal fans and sponsors. With all the ridiculous rule changes. You don’t know what a catch anymore everything is pass interference. The beloved kickoff used to be so exciting with Devin Hester and others. But nooo they had to change the rules. So much so that people started to call it the “No Fun League.” Only last year 2017 they reversed the celebrations in the end zone. Be at its more “kid friendly” which is okay.

Remember when the XFL came out?  The first few games were good. To be honest, I had my doubts but it was like an American CFL. With a few names we remembered in the NFL like former NFL bust Tommy Maddux etc. Who by the way went on to star for the Pittsburg Steelers a few years later. To me the XFL was a great idea when the NFL was in its offseason because once the Super Bowl was over I was like ah man it’s going to be a long offseason. Watching the NFL network for snippets of news etc wasn’t enough. Enter the XFL.

**The XFL's opening game took place on February 3, 2001, one year after the league was announced, less than one week following the NFL's Super Bowl. The first game was between the New York/New Jersey Hitmen and the Las Vegas Outlaws at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.**

The opening night drew a 9.5 Nielsen rating

In 2001 the XFL  The WWF and NBC each lost a reported $35 million, only recuperating 30% of their initial $100 million investment. On April 21, 2001, the season concluded as the Los Angeles Xtreme defeated the San Francisco Demons 38–6 in the XFL Championship Game (which was originally given the moniker "The Big Game at the End of the Season", but was later dubbed the Million Dollar Game, after the amount of money awarded to the winning team).

For an in-depth look at what really happened to the XFL I suggest you watch - In 2017, ESPN broadcast a documentary surrounding the league, This Was the XFL, as part of its anthology series 30 for 30.

Now fast forward to 2018.

The XFL is back, set to launch in 2020.

Why I think it might work this time.

The NFL Schedule.  Football is over with right after the Super Bowl sometime in the first week in February. After that comes the long boring winter months. Sorry NBA I really don’t’ care about you anymore.

 There’s a still a viable market for football. Here’s what Vince McMahon’s proposing. Here’s a list and I quote.

**** No Gimmicks and the WWE will not interfere****

• 8 teams to start
• 40 man rosters
• 10 game season beginning in January*
• Two –hour game –time goal
• Any player with a criminal record precluded from playing*
• Payers won’t receive forum to take personal stance on social issues on playing field*

I put a “star” on the topics I’d like to touch.

10 game season beginning in January. That’s perfect in regards we’re probably looking at professional football all year round. Once again no disrespect to the CFL. Why?  because the CFL starts in June.

I have a bit of a discrepancy with that “any player with a criminal record precluded from playing.” The NFL doesn’t discriminate in that aspect. We are human and we’ve all made mistakes I will side with the NFL on this one. Some of the best players in the NFL  have made mistakes and were given a SECOND CHANCE. Besides some of you, if want to play devils advocate, the most talented players have screwed up for some reason or have a chip on their shoulders. This rule is stupid and it might cost the XFL because you’re going to be ruling out some of the best players on earth.

Now here comes the humdinger. “Players won’t receive forum to take personal stance on social issues on playing field.”

Let me share some stats with you. 

It may appear that the NFL ratings have been steadily declining because of the national anthem protests. That’s what it looks like to me. However here’s what “they” say.

“The NFL ratings decline has absolutely nothing to do with protests or presidential tweets,” says Caristi, a member of the university’s Digital Policy Institute. “NFL ratings are lower for the same reason most other television ratings are down.”

Dilution of the product, or too many football games, is the first major problem,

"Ratings have declined because there are so many more viewing choices. The audience is fragmented more than it’s ever been. Streaming media makes it possible to watch virtually anything.”

Interesting theory’s I must say as to why ratings are down.  Ratings was at an all time high and the NFL was dominating all major leagues sports from 2012- 2015. Didn’t we have major technology back then as well? That was only 2.5 years ago. All this was before the protests and using the NFL as a platform for politics etc.  Hey you want to watch politics   go to CNN. I will say this though isn’t it odd Donald Trump‘s bashing of the NFL then POOF all of a sudden the XFL is back… Hmmm. Back in the 90’s early 00’s Trump was denied purchase of an NFL Team. He wanted to purchase the Buffalo Bills. Lets not  forget the USFL as well. The timing of all this is a bit suspicious.

Anyways I’ll wrap up with this I think the XFL coming back is a great idea and who knows maybe this time it’ll stick around. I love the NFL been a fan for about 20 years but I think they need a bit of “competition”   that’s not really competition. We need something else to tune into for a bit. Let the NFL remember what made them great in the first place. I believe the XFL is the league to do that.

 VS

Side Note - After the XFL's failure, the sky cam was adopted by the NFL's broadcasters; the device has subsequently come into use on all major networks. NBC in particular switched back to the XFL camera angles in 2017, when traditional cameras were too far away to cut through thick fog and smoke on some of the Sunday Night Football games that year; response was so positive that the network opted to use one of its Thursday Night Football games to experiment with intentionally broadcasting most of the game through that angle.

Sources I’d like to thank.

http://www.instyle.com/celebrity/pop-culture-trends-2001-popular-movies-fashion-music#1532024

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XFL

http://www.chicagonow.com/patriotic-dissenter/2017/12/nfl-ratings-keep-tanking-for-business-not-political-reasons/

Joe Jeremiah