2021 NFL Draft Studs, Duds and Hidden in the Mud(s) : RB Edition

We're long removed from the age of the running back dominating the game and the draft. That doesn't mean they still can't be effective.

Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey (and somewhat Alvin Kamara this season) literally carry their entire offense and the running back free agent market on their back. 

Today we demand #1 RBs to do more than ever (run inside, outside, catch passes, pass block and even line up as a WR) and yet we don't want to pay them after their rookie deal.

It's a cold world out there for running backs, here are the 2021 running back Studs, Duds and hidden in the Mud(s), looking to change that landscape. 

STUDS:

Najee Harris

                                            Player Comp: (a more athletic) Derrick Henry

Let me just start with this.

NAJEE HARRIS IS THE BEST RUNNING BACK IN THIS CLASS AND POSSIBLY THE BEST COLLEGE RUNNING BACK I'VE EVER SEEN!!

Whew, sorry about that. Just had to get it out. He has the body of a Hummer, with a NASCAR engine and with the change of direction of a hoverboard. 

That might've been confusing. So I'll simplify it.

He has the build of AJ Dillon, with the speed of Aaron Jones and the agility of a Dalvin Cook. 

Oh almost forgot, he's the best receiving back in this glass and its not really close. 

He has it all. All the intangibles too. Vision, patience, no significant injuries in college, team player, etc.

Steelers, Dolphins, Cardinals and the Jets are all high probability landing spots for Harris in round one.

Travis Etienne

                                                    

                                                    Player Comp: Alvin Kamara

Harris is better the Etienne but there is a huge drop off from Etienne and the next back.

Etienne posses all the same intangibles and skills (besides power running) that Harris has.

Etienne reminds me so much of Alvin Kamara because he's so dynamic you just want to get the ball in his hands anyway possible. 

At Clemson, he excelled at outside zone runs, screens and dump off passes. 

One adjustment Etienne will have to make is being willing to run in the middle of the field. He often opts to bounce runs to the outside instead of getting upfield and getting yards. If he was afraid of ACC linebackers, he might have a tough transition to the NFL.

I expect Etienne to be a fringe first rounder, more likely a day two guy.

Tampa Bay could be an interesting spot as Brady loves his running backs who excel in the passing game. 

Javonte Williams

Player Comp: Chris Carson

Williams was the thunder in the thunder and lightning backfield at North Carolina in 2020. 

But he's so much more than a power back. He flashed a great understanding of how and where to get open in the passing game.

His speed often got overshadowed due to his counterpart Michael Carter's more top end speed and agility, but he definitely has the second gear needed at the NFL level.

Williams had 1,140 yards at UNC this year with 22 total touchdowns. 

I see Williams going in the late second round maybe even the third round and will be a plug-and-play type guy his rookie year.

DUDS:

Rhamondre Stevenson

Player Comp: Jamaal Williams

Stevenson worries me for a number of reasons.

First, production vs strength of opponent. The Big 12 features the worst defenses the Power Five has to offer and Stevenson's numbers didn't wow me.

He didn't eclipse 700 yards and only had 7 touchdowns in 11 games. 

Now the stat you'll hear in favor of Stevenson is that he averaged over six yards a carry and he averaged over 11 yards a reception, but two positives don't make up for an abundance of negatives.

Stevenson split time with two other running backs. Now I don't like RBs who are overused in college but I hate it more when they split serious playing time freshmen. 

I comped Stevenson to Williams because he will be serviceable but never a #1 running back.

Jaret Patterson

Player Comp: Jalen Richard

Adding Patterson to the Duds list hurt because he was so electric this season at Buffalo. 

So why won't Patterson succeed in the NFL? It's not so much that he won't succeed but that he won't be able to be a "do-it-all back" in the NFL. He won't be able to take 20 carries a game between the tackles.

You'll most likely see him on third downs and obvious passing situations. Similar to Tarik Cohen or Jalen Richard.

Patterson is talented but at his size he'll be a role player not a true RB1. I'm not taking him until at least the 4th round.

Hidden in the MUD(S):

Kylin Hill

Player Comp: Nyheim Hines

Kylin Hill, the SEC's best kept secret and the only reason Mississippi State won or put up a fight in any of their games. 

Hill opted out of the remainder of the 2020 season after three games to begin preparations for the 2021 NFL Draft.

In four seasons and 40 career games for the Bulldogs Hill accumilated 2,535 yards on 452 carries, 631 receiving yards on 67 catches and 22 career touchdowns.

Hill's best attribute moving on to the next level will be his versatility. He has the frame to take the lion share of carries and also the athletic ability to be a threat in the passing game.

I look for Hill to go somewhere in the fourth round a be a good complimentary back to an established RB1.

Kenneth Gainwell

Player Comp: Christian McCaffrey

While he didn't make the Studs list, Kenny Gainwell might be the most underrated player in this class.

The reason he won't be selected ahead of the three Studs is because he technically only has one year of production. Gainwell played in four games in 2018 and then was shut down so that Memphis could redshirt him.

He came back in 2019 with one of the best "freshman" seasons college football has ever seen. 1,459 rushing yards on 231 carries, 610 receiving yards on 51 catches and 16 touchdowns. 

Gainwell opted out of the 2020 citing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

What makes Gainwell so great? How did you comp him to CMC?

Simple. At Memphis. Gainwell was the best RB and best WR on the roster and it wasn't really close. Where ever he goes, he will be a swiss army knife that will keep defensive coordinators up at night.

See why below.

Trey Lober's Mock Draft 1.0

It's that time of year. 

Mock draft time.

Unless you're a Dallas Cowboys fan like me. Then its been mock draft season since October. 

Just picture it.

Goodell walks on stage. *Intense booing ensues*

"The 2021 NFL Draft is officially open. The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock."

1. Jacksonville Jaguars 

                     Trevor Lawrence - QB / Clemson

                     Why : Lawrence is the most polished quarterback we have seen in a long time. He's  6'6', 220 pounds but the mental part of his game might be the most impressive feature. His talent got Urban Meyer out of retirement and to take over a team in need of a massive overhaul.

    2. New York Jets 

                    Zach Wilson - QB / BYU

                     Why: New head coach Robert Saleh has spent the early part of his Jets career praising their 2018 first round pick, quarterback Sam Darnold. Although Saleh has praised Darnold, he has yet he to call Darnold "his guy". This could be a draft tactic but picking second and knowing they will have anyone besides Lawrence, I think Saleh is trying to up Darnold's trade value before the draft. I look for the Jets to move Darnold before the draft for picks and move forward with Wilson

    3. Miami Dolphins 

                    Ja'Marr Chase - WR / LSU

                    Why: Although I think Smith or even Waddle makes more sense here due to their play style complimenting Tua's (not to mention Tua's relationship and chemistry with both). The Dolphins need a play maker on the outside and the war room settles on Chase as the best receiver in this class.

     4. Atlanta Falcons 

                    Justin Fields - QB / Ohio State

                    Why: I think most scouts and front office people across the NFL will agree that Fields talent is undeniable but he'll benefit greatly from sitting behind a veteran for at least a year. The Falcons  know division rival Carolina is looking to take a quarterback in round one. They take Fields for three reasons, to be the heir to Matt Ryan, he's the hometown kid (growing up a half hour outside Atlanta) and to prevent Carolina from getting him. 

     5. Cincinnati Bengals

                    Penei Sewell - OT / Oregon

                      Why: After Lawrence to the Jaguars, this is the easiest pick to make. Cincinnati needs to invest greatly in their offensive line in the years to come. Rookie quarterbacks often get beat up for a number of reasons but a broken leg has to scare the hell out of the Bengals. Sewell is the second best player  in this draft. He'll be starting at left tackle in Cincy for the next decade.

       6. Philadelphia Eagles 

                    DeVonta Smith - WR / Alabama

                    Why: A friend of mine and I often argue over the who the best receiver in this class is. He likes Chase and I prefer Smith. The reason is, Chase is a great receiver who will be very important to stop if the opposing team wants to win but Smith..... Smith would give me NIGHTMARES as a defensive coordinator. He can get open anywhere on the field, has a massive catch radius and can take the ball from anywhere on the field and turn it into six points in the blink of an eye. 

      7. Detroit Lions                    

                    Micah Parsons - LB / Penn State

                    Why: This just seems like the best fit in the top ten picks. Lions new HC Dan Campbell is a no nonsense, hard nose coach and will demand toughness from his team. Parsons is all of that in a middle linebacker. The Lions seem like they'll give Goff a shot at QB, so I don't see them taking a  quarterback here. They'll be tasked with using the picks they got for Stafford to build a young core around Goff. Parsons is a cornerstone player. Put him in the middle of your defense for the  next ten seasons and put pieces around him.

      8. Carolina Panthers

                     Trey Lance - QB / North Dakota State

                       Why: Teddy Bridgewater is a very good NFL quarterback and sadly due to injuries and things outside of his control, he'll probably never be "the guy". Lance competed at the D1-AA but boy did he flash the skill set that deserved to be on a national stage weekly. Lance can sit behind a consummate professional in Bridgewater and learn how to be a quarterback in the NFL.

      9. Denver Broncos

                     Patrick Surtain II - CB / Alabama

                     Why: Denver just seems like the team that is so close yet so, so far away. They do a good job drafting pieces but they are going to have to find out if Locke is the real deal before this team goes anywhere. The Broncos are thin at corner and could use one to build their new defense around. Surtain wouldn't be my first choice at CB but he seems to be the consensus #1 cornerback in this class.

    10. Dallas Cowboys 

                     Caleb Farley - CB / Virginia Tech

                      Why: The Cowboys are losing their top two corners and don't have the cap space to sign either of them if they want to sign Dak Prescott. The Cowboys drafted Trevon Diggs in the second round last year and pairing him with Farley could set up Dallas with a great secondary moving forward. 

     11. New York Giants 

                      Jaylen Waddle - WR / Alabama

                      Why: The Giants could use a right tackle here but they can't pass on a playmaker like Waddle who can bring another dimension to their offense. They'll have to address offensive line and defense later in the draft but right here they get an instant difference maker.

      12. San Francisco 49ers 

                      Kyle Pitts - TE / Florida

                      Why: Most people will probably see this pick and be confused why the 49ers would take a tight end in the first round while they already have George Kittle. It's because I don't see Kyle Pitts being a straight up hand in the dirt only tight end. I see him lining up in the slot, lining up out wide and wherever else Kyle Shanahan can come up with.

      13. Los Angeles Chargers 

                      Rashawn Slater - OT / Northwestern

                      Why: 2021 will be Bryan Bulaga's 12th in the NFL. With the Chargers presumably finding their franchise quarterback they must begin investing in his protection in the future. Slater is the 2nd best tackle in this class. Put on his tape against Chase Young from 2019 and enjoy.

      14. Minnesota Vikings 

                      Kwity Paye - EDGE / Michigan

                      Why: The Vikings invested in their secondary last year drafting Gladney and Dantzler. Getting Michael Pierce and Danielle Hunter back should help their defense tremendously. The Vikes should look to add a legitimate edge rusher opposite of Hunter. Paye is a little raw but he is one of the top athletes in this class.

      15. New England Patriots 

                      Rashod Bateman - WR / Minnesota

                      Why: Cam Newton won't be the quarterback in New England but I expect the Pats to have their starting QB before the draft. Bateman is the best route runner in this class. Reminds me of Devante Adams. Not crazy explosive but makes up for it by just being a natural and smooth route runner that an create separation in a phonebooth. 

      16. Arizona Cardinals

                      Najee Harris - RB / Alabama

                      Why: The Cards could very well go defense or tackle here but Harris just makes this offense TOO dynamic to turn down in my opinion. Murray, D Hop and Harris could become the a deadly three headed monster in the desert.

    17. Las Vegas Raiders

                      Jaelan Phillips - EDGE / Miami

                      Why: The Raiders were awful against the pass last season. Mostly due to only having 21 sacks. The two things I like about Phillips are his motor and his awareness. Phillips never stops chasing the ball and rarely gets caught by play fakes or misdirection. Phillips must work on using his hands better at the next level but he has all the athleticism and intangibles a team could ask for.

    18. Miami Dolphins

                      Travis Etienne - RB / Clemson

                      Why: The Dolphins running back situation was interesting to say the least last season. Six different RBs took handoffs for the 'Phins last season. Some of them flashed, none of them look like a franchise back. Etienne is a do-it-all back, who can run inside, outside, catch and pass block. Somebody Miami can tie to Tua's hip, which help him out a lot.

    19. Washington Football Team

                      Christian Darrisaw - OT / Virginia Tech

                      Why: This could easily be a quarterback. Washington has a great defense right now and I'm the Washington front office would like to become contenders as soon as possible. With that being said they should build the team first then draft their quarterback. The Football Team traded Trent  Williams to San Francisco during last years draft and need to replace him. Darrisaw is a long, strong and athletic tackle  but he'll need work on his technique to become an elite tackle.

    20. Chicago Bears

                      Samuel Cosmi - OT / Texas

                      Why: The Bears are in a similar if not exact situation as Washington. They could use a quarterback but I see them getting one via free agency before the draft. Cosmi is an athletic tackle who has experience playing inside as well. This isn't a sexy pick but it is the right pick.

      21. Indianapolis Colts 

                      Jalen Mayfield - OT / Michigan

                      Why: Just like the two teams prior the Colts have a good defense and overall a solid team but they're missing a franchise quarterback. They very well could go quarterback or edge rusher here but  tackle makes the most sense. Colts long time left tackle Anthony Castonzo just retired. Whoever the Colts play at QB in 2021 and beyond will need protection. Mayfield has good feet and shows great patience but not passivity when pass blocking.

     22. Tennessee Titans 

                      Gregory Rousseau - EDGE / Miami

                      Why: The Titans signing of Jadeveon Clowney didn't really pan out. Rousseau is an athletic freak who can rush from inside and on the edge. He uses his hands effectively and rushes the passer with ferocity but lacks NFL level awareness. He'll have to work on the play recognition and run defending parts of his game. Whatever team drafts him must be patience with his progress but he has shown glimpses that he can be an elite pass rusher at the next level.

     23. New York Jets

                      Terrace Marshall Jr. - WR / LSU

                      Why: The Jets got their franchise QB at #2 and now they need to surround him talent. Marshall Jr.'s talents got drastically overshadowed by JaMarr Chase and Justin Jefferson during LSU's 2019 National Championship run. Make no bones about it, Marshall Jr. is a first round talent. His long arms and 6'3 frame gives him a huge catch radius. Marshall Jr. does a great job recognizing zone coverage and shows a great understanding where to get open in it. 

     24. Pittsburgh Steelers

                      Alijah Vera-Tucker - IOL / USC

                      Why: A left tackle would be ideal here but due to the run on tackles at 19, 20 and 21, the Steelers settle for the best interior offensive lineman this draft has to offer. Vera-Tucker is a brute who rarely gives any ground in his pass protection. He shows a great understanding of defensive line stunts  and ability to pick up blitzing linebackers. 

     25. Jacksonville Jaguars

                      Liam Eichenberg - OT / Notre Dame

                      Why: Jacksonville Jaguars saw what happened to Joe Burrow last season and don't want Trevor Lawrence's rookie season to end via injury. Eichenberg reminds me of a young Joe Staley, he  makes pass blocking look effortless but his true strength comes in run blocking. He is a mauler when he gets going down hill and wears out his opponent throughout the game.

    26. Cleveland Browns

                      Christian Barmore - IDL / Alabama

                      Why: Browns could just go about anywhere with this pick. Wouldn't be surprised to see them take Owusu-Koramoah here. They settle on Barmore because he is the best player on their board. Barmore is the best IDL in this class and its not really close.

     27. Baltimore Ravens

                      Azeez Ojulari - EDGE / Georgia

                      Why: I'm sure most Ravens' fans would like to see them take a wide receiver here but the WR class is deep, the EDGE class..... not so much. Ojulari could go much higher here but he fell to here due to a production drop off in 2020. He's the best speed rusher in this class. His first step is  impressively quick, he shows a great understanding of leverage and how to bend around the corner.  

     28. New Orleans Saints

                     Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah - LB / Notre Dame

                       Why: Demario Davis is a grossly underrated as linebackers go in the NFL, but he is 32 years old and won't be around forever. Owusu-Koramoah is the best inside linebacker in this class. He plays the game with ZERO hesitation and his speed will keep offensive linemen up at night. His coverage skills are incredibly polished for a college linebacker. I see him being a generational talent in the NFL.

     29. Green Bay Packers

                     Jaycee Horn - CB / South Carolina

                     Why: This one seems pretty obvious. The Packers have shown they won't invest in the wide receiver position in the first round. Kevin King was liability all season and especially in the playoffs. I'd be shocked to see the Packers resign him. Horn is a PHYSICAL corner who has also shown the speed to run with the likes of DeVonta Smith. Horn is one of the best blitzing corners I have ever seen. While his physical coverage skills in undoubtable Horn struggles tackling in the open field.

    30. Buffalo Bills

                     Zaven Collins - LB / Tulsa

                       Why: Matt Milano will be hitting free agency and with Josh Allen's new contract coming down the road, the Bills must look to find a cheaper option at linebacker. If you watched Tulsa play once this  season Zaven Collins has leapt off your screen. He can do it all, cover, blitz, stuff the run, rush off the edge and he always seems makes a play on the ball, whether in the air, on the ground or in the quarterback's hands.

    31. Kansas City Chiefs

                     Kadarius Toney - WR / Florida

                     Why: This seems like another perfect fit. The Chiefs will be losing Sammy Watkins to free agency. That will open up a spot for new blood. Andy Reid's system benefits receivers that win with speed, quickness and route running. Which is why Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman have thrived in it. Toney is very similar to both of them. Toney's speed is undeniable but his release at the line of scrimmage separates him from the receivers that haven't been taken yet.

    32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

                     Mac Jones - QB / Alabama

                     Why: The Bucs arguably have one of the best young cores in the NFL. Problem is their quarterback will be 44 years old next season. Tampa must invest in a quarterback in this draft. Mac Jones would be a perfect fit. He's smart, he's got the deep ball to match Arians system and he can learn even more from the GOAT.

2021 NFL Draft Studs, Duds and Hidden in the Mud(s) : QB Edition

The NFL Draft is my all-time favorite sporting event. The perfect crossover between college stars looking to live out their dream and the NFL teams desperate to find a player who can help sell tickets.

This years quarterback class definitely has some guys who can sell tickets, but can they sell me?

I will place some of the quarterbacks entering the drafting into three categories.

Studs - Franchise QB. Face of the franchise. Print the jerseys!

Duds - Not what they seem to be. Why they will have a difficult time translating to the NFL. I'm not saying they won't eventually have a good career, just what they will have to work on.

Hidden in the Muds - These are players like Dak Prescott and the Jalen Hurts. The players nobody is talking about that can become a franchise QB.

STUDS:

Trevor Lawrence

At the beginning of the college football season a friend asked me "Who do you take #1 overall, Fields or Lawrence?". Without hesitation I said Lawrence, for this reason. 

If you miss on Lawrence, nobody blames you. 

6'6", 220 lbs. with some of the best arm talent in recent memory.

He's been pegged as a can't miss prospect since his freshman year at Clemson.

His play rarely waivered in college and neither did his success. Trevor will go to Jacksonville at #1 and it will be extremely interesting to see how he adjust from playing in a dynasty, to the playing on a team in need of a massive overhaul. 

Zach Wilson

Wilson was the most electrifying man in college football in 2020. Him and BYU became must-watch television down the stretch. Wilson's ability to combine his legs with his arm might be untouched in this class. 

While his stature doesn't match Big Ben, his scrambling and playmaking ability reminds me of the young Miami of Ohio gunslinger.

I expect Wilson to go top 5 in the draft and above of Ohio State's Justin Fields. Wilson already has features NFL teams are looking for in their franchise QB.

He isn't afraid to take a hit to make a throw but he is also aware not to take big hits while scrambling. He can throw on the run. He carries out his handoffs that sets up his play action. His deep balls are high arching, he allows his receivers to run under them and doesn't force it on a rope but he also has the arm strength to rip throws into tight windows.

I expect Wilson to go to 2nd overall to the Jets or to Atlanta at 4th overall. There is an outside chance he can go to Carolina or Detroit if they move up. 

Trey Lance

Lance had to be extremely disappointed when he heard that his 2020 season would only be one game due to Division 1-AA postponing their season to the spring. 

Lance is one of the best athletes at quarterback we have seen in the draft in years. He is the best running QB in this class without question.

My pro comparison for Lance is Dak Prescott. He shows supreme confidence and poise in the pocket and will be a threat with his legs in the red zone. Lance finishes all his runs falling forward just like Prescott and he has elite vision while rolling out. 

Lance should be drafted ahead of Justin Fields but due to his limited season I project Lance to go in the 8-15 pick range. Look for Detroit and New England to be possible landing spots for Lance.

DUDS:

Justin Fields

I know Ohio State fans. I know. 

Fields has the tools to be the best quarterback in this class. 

He beat Lawrence in the CFB Semi-Final game.

BUT..... I think Fields would benefit greatly from another season in Columbus. 

His #1 WR Chris Olave has already announced he is returning for another year. Fields can lead OSU to a national title and become a campus legend, work on his craft and should have the #1 pick locked up in 2022. 

Arm strength, accuracy, mobility all in his back pocket but he hasn't proven he can get to his second and third reads consistently. 

Ryan Day's offense is a great offense but Fields fell victim to his #1 option being open often and wouldn't have to work through his progression enough. So when his #1 target was covered, you can see Fields panic in the pocket.

I'm not saying Fields can't have a successful career but he'll need to sit behind a veteran for 1-2 years and learn if he comes out in 2021.  

Kyle Trask

My biggest issues with Trask is durability and inability to read the defense.

Just like Fields, Trask has the numbers, arm strength, size but he also meniscus issues.

The NFL is moving toward a league where a quarterback but be able to roll and scramble on a consistent basis. Trask's knee scares me when it comes to that.

If Trask can pass a physical with flying colors and looks explosive at the his pro day then teams can take a cautious look at him.

He is another QB who will NEED to sit behind an established starter and learn how to read defenses better.

He has a lot of highlights from his time in Gainesville but even in those highlights you can see him pass up wide open #2 and #3 options in order to force it to Kyle Pitts or Kadarius Toney.

Hidden in the MUD(s):

Mac Jones

Too many people are sleeping on Mac Jones! I'm seeing mock drafts with Jones going in the THIRD ROUND!!

People seem to think Jones had it easy because Alabama had three elite receivers and three offensive linemen on his team that will be drafted and because of that he really isn't that good.

What if its the other way around? What if Jones made them look good?

In my opinion Jones is the best deep ball thrower in this years class. He is sneaky fast but probably won't have a long running career in the NFL.

I think Mac Jones' perfect landing spot is Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers should feel confident in Brady playing at least one more season but they need to start planning for life after Brady. They have a great young core but they need a great young quarterback to go with it. 

Why not Jones?

Kenny Pickett

From a pure talent prospective, Pickett is probably last one this list.

So why do I like him so much? Toughness and smarts.

Pickett played almost the entire Boston College game on an injured ankle and still managed to throw for 266 yards and two touchdowns.

Pickett has surprising speed and mobility but I like that he knows when to use it. He doesn't look to scramble too early. His pocket presence is probably his best asset. 

Pickett will need time to grow but if he is in the right system, he can thrive. 

Kellen Mond

Kellen Mond is sort of the forgotten QB of this class. His Texas A&M Aggies arguably could've been the 4th team in the CFB Playoff.

Mond is a unique player in that he looks like he'd be a run first college QB (because he is fast enough to be) but he actually prefers to stand in the pocket and drop a dime.

The former Aggie gunslinger had two touchdowns in the 3rd quarter of the Reese's Senior Bowl and was named the game's MVP, which should help his draft rise exponentially 

Mond is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in this class. He had 46 starts in college. That experience and maturation has to have NFL teams interested. 

First Day of Football Betting....... Not Great.

I'm going to start this blog off by apologizing to UCLA's head coach, Chip Kelly. Not that I personally did anything to him, but that his football team is terrible and he probably won't ever have a winning season as head coach for the Bruins. Like the genius sports better I am, I bet UCLA moneyline (to win outright) vs Cincinnati yesterday. UCLA's first drive was a Chip Kelly masterpiece, his offense drove down the field with ease, using a series of unbalanced and motion formations. All for their "star" quarterback to fumble, not because of a blindside defensive end or him diving for extra yards, but just trying to throw the damn football. I'm guessing UCLA's coaching staff should get off their surfboards and do some better recruiting, if DTR is their QB of the future, again my regards to Chip Kelly.

BET: UCLA vs Cincinnati (UCLA Moneyline) / UCLA 14 - 24 UCin / 0-1





Onto the next disappointment of Thursday night. Texas A&M. Jimbo Fisher is going to prevent his QB Kellen Mond from any Heisman hype. I mean I understand you were up 28 against Texas State but throw damn ball Jimbo. Kellen Mond could've had 600 passing yards last night but Jimbo wanted to run the ball behind his below average offensive line and prevented the over to hit (57). I think Jimbo should be investigated for keeping the score down, come on NCAA!

BET: Texas State vs Texas A&M (Over 57) / Texas State 7 - 41 Texas A&M / 0-2


Now onto the most disappointing Holy War of all time. BYU's sophomore QB Zach Wilson flashed glimpsed of brilliance, but at the end of the day he was too focused on his 8 wives to take down the Utes. 7 more points out of the Cougars offense and I break even on the night.

BET: Utah vs BYU (Over 48) / Utah 30 - 12 BYU / 0-3


How do you guarantee a win in betting? Bet on a bunch of western Pennsylvania kids vs a MAC powerhouse. Robert Morris got absolutely disrespected by oddsmakers with a +46.5 spread. Easiest bet of the week. Even though Bobby Mo got dominated in every aspect of the game, they kept the scoreboard relatively close enough to win me my first bet of the year.

BET: RMU vs Buffalo (RMU +46.5) / RMU 10 - 38 Buffalo / 1-3

AFC EAST DIVISON DRAFT RECAP

Buffalo Bills
Needs: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, EDGE, INT DL, LB    Pressing: RB, TE, OL, EDGE, INT DL

Draft Picks:

Round 1 - (9) Ed Oliver  DT / Houston
Round 2 - (From JAX) (38) Cody Ford   OL / Oklahoma
Round 3 - (74) Devin Singletary   RB / Florida Atlantic
Round 3 - (Comp) (95) Dawson Knox   TE / Ole Miss
Round 5 - (147) Vosean Joseph   LB / Florida
Round 6 - (181) Jaquan Johnson   S / Miami
Round 7 - (225) Darryl Johnson Jr.   OLB / North Carolina A&T
Round 7 - (From CAR) (228) Tommy Sweeney   TE / Boston College

Grade: 88
Best Value: Vosean Joseph   ILB / Florida

The Bills might be onto something with quarterback Josh Allen. Sadly for Bills fans it might take a year or two for the Bills front office to put the team around him necessary for playoff success. With that being said this was a very good draft for Buffalo. Getting at Ed Oliver was felt like a good value at the time, but could prove to be a massive steal. Cody Ford was an absolute steal for the Bills, he is a versatile offensive lineman and will instantly help a very under-whelming unit. My favorite pick for Buffalo was Vosean Joseph. Do yourself a favor and turn on Vosean's highlight tape, its awesome. He reminds me of Devin Bush with his speed, but he'll need to work on being a more consistent tackler at the next level.  

Miami Dolphins
Needs: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, EDGE, INT DL, LB, DB  
Pressing: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, EDGE, INT DL, LB, DB 

Draft Picks:

Round 1 - (13) Christian Wilkins   DT / Clemson
Round 3 - (78) Michael Deiter   G / Wisconsin
Round 5 - (151) Andrew Van Ginkel   OLB / Wisconsin
Round 6 - (From NO) (202) Isiah Price   OT / Ohio State
Round 7 - (From TEN) (233) Chandler Cox   FB / Auburn
Round 7 - (From PIT) (224) Myles Gaskins   RB / Washington

Grade: 78
Best Value: Michael Deiter   G / Wisconsin

Whew! The Dolphins have a long way to go if they ever want to compete again. They need just about everything and I'm not sure if they even made a dent in the armor over draft weekend. Christian Wilkins is a polished interior pass rusher and strong against the run, but he'll be waiting a while before he plays any playoff football. Michael Deiter might just be the best offensive lineman in the Wisconsin history, a history that includes the likes of Joe Thomas and Travis Frederick. Deiter is am extremely versatile offensive lineman who can play anywhere upfront and play it at a high level. Now the biggest news for the Dolphins over draft weekend was the acquirement of former first round selection Josh Rosen, from the Cardinals. Also the Dolphins acquired a second round pick for the 2020 NFL Draft.


New England Patriots
Needs: WR, TE, EDGE, INT DL        Pressing: WR, TE, INT DL

Draft Picks:

Round 1 - (32) N'Keal Harry   WR / Arizona State
Round 2 - (From LAR) (45) Joejuan Williams   CB / Vanderbilt
Round 3 - (From CAR) (77) Chase Winovich   OLB / Michigan
Round 3 - (From CHI) (87) Damien Harris   RB / Alabama
Round 3 - (From LA) Yodny Cajuste   OT / West Virginia
Round 4 - (From SEA) (118) Hjatlte Froholdt   G / Arkansas
Round 4 - (From LAR) (133) Jarrett Stidham   QB / Auburn
Round 5 - (From MIN) (159) Byron Cowart   DT / Maryland
Round 5 - (From PHI) (163) Jake Bailey   P / Stanford
Round 7 - (Comp) (252) Ken Webster    CB / Ole Miss

Grade: 96
Best Value: Chase Winovich   OLB / Michigan

If any Patriots fans were worried about the empire after the reign of Brady, those worries were put to bed after this draft. N'Keal Harry is a freakish athlete with elite size, and if he is used right, look for him to compete for offensive rookie of the year. Chase Winovich might of the steal of the draft. His production at Michigan is impressive with 18.5 career sacks and 43 tackles for loss. Damien Harris should pair with nicely with Sony Michel, Yodny Cajuste is a great athlete at tackle, and Byron Cowart was a former #1 recruit out of high school. I'm not sold on Jarret Stidham, but if there is a better place for a rookie QB to land, let me know.

New York Jets
Needs: QB, WR, TE, OL, EDGE, INT DL, DB   Pressing: WR, TE, EDGE, INT DL, DB

Draft Picks:

Round 1 - (3) Quinnen Williams   DT / Alabama
Round 3 - (68) Jachai Polite   EDGE / Florida
Round 3 - (From MIN) (92) Chuma Edoga   OT / USC
Round 4 - (From TEN) (121) Trevon Wesco   TE / West Virginia
Round 5 - (From TEN) (159) Blake Cashman   ILB / Minnesota
Round 6 - (From CHI) (196) Blessaun Austin   CB / Rutgers

Grade: 80
Best Value: Quinnen Williams   DT / Alabama

The Jets might not be a playoff team just yet, but they're on their way. Sam Darnold's progression seems to be on track, Le'Veon Bell will completely change the dynamic of the Jets offense, and the Jets have sufficient weapons on the outside to compete. The problem has been the consistency of the Big Green defense. Jamal Adams has been only the only constant force until now. The addition of Avery Williamson and C.J. Mosely will solidify the middle level of the Jets defense. The front 3 will be solidified by 3rd overall selection Quinnen Williams.