With the start of the Season 70 regular season right around the corner, the league will prepare for narratives to begin, stories to be told and champions to be made. This summer, 23 of 32 Redzone coaches participated in an anonymous poll, ranking themselves and their peers within 3 tiers. Based on these submissions, we here at The RZ Athletic have compiled the definitive Redzone Coaches Tier List. Let the takes begin.

32. Beat (Replaced by Tiko) - T1 (1 vote), T3 (22 votes)

31. Silk (Replaced by Biggs) - T2 (7 votes), T3 (16 votes)

30. Prewitt (Replaced by Terrance Howard) - T2 (11 votes), T3 (12 votes)

29. Robomonkey (New York Jets) - T1 (1 vote), T3 (22 votes)

Robomonkey (actual name TBD) is relatively new to the league and arguably still needs some time to prove himself and his place in Redzone. Entering season 70, he is leading one of the worst possible teams, which could be equally beneficial or a burden. With rookie QB Zach Wilson under center, he will have a clean slate to help define where he belongs in RZ.

28. Glenn (Green Bay Packers) - T1 (1 vote), T3 (22 votes)

Coach Glenn, unlike Robot Gorilla, has been around Redzone for some time. While he’s had his share of upsets and put together a few solid seasons, almost 96% of those who participated in the poll ranked him as a tier 3 coach. Unfortunately for Glenn, he shares a division with established coaches Astin and JP. If Glenn wants to set a tone, he will need to do so early as GB has the best roster in the division out the gate…but that can only last so long.

27. Longville (Cleveland Browns) - T2 (2 votes), T3 (21 votes)

91% of coaches believe that Longville is tier 3, and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon. Returning to the Browns for this cycle, Longville will look to improve on what was a lackluster run previously. Though this isn’t a prediction article, I don’t believe Longville and the Browns have any chance of finishing above 4th place in the AFC North. All in all, one of my least favorite coach/team pairings of the cycle.

26. Theo (Pittsburgh Steelers) - T2 (2 votes), T3 (21 votes)

Coach Theo finished with the same voting split as Longville, but based on projections, should have a more prospective cycle. After spending time in Green Bay, Theo will look to lead the Steelers back into the AFC playoff picture. With a solid defense, young skill players on offense, I think that in normal circumstances this team would be a QB away from contention. We’ll see if he’s able to compete in a top heavy AFC North.

25. Nick (Denver Broncos) - T2 (3 votes), T3 (20 votes)

Nick is returning to Redzone after an extended hiatus and will look to get a fresh start with the Broncos. Nick finished with three tier 2 votes, and one has to wonder if those are from veteran coaches who remember Nick’s potential or newer coaches who appreciate his ability to turn a forum into xvideos on a whim.

24. KFox (Los Angeles Chargers) - T2 (4 votes), T3 (19 votes)

Staying in the AFC West, KFox finished with 4 tier 2 votes and 19 tier 3 votes. Although he hasn’t accomplished much in his career thus far, he has shown flashes of potential. With a talented Chargers team under his command, this will be an interesting cycle to see what he can do.

23. RFox (Buffalo Bills) - T2 (5 votes), T3 (18 votes)

RFox is in an interesting situation coming into season 70. Leading the Buffalo Bills, he has easily the best roster in the AFC East. What is unknown is how they will fare against the likes of Coaches Spittah and Kad. If they are able to pull out a few 2nd place finishes, we may be having a different conversation about RFox next summer.

22. Andy (Tennessee Titans) - T2 (8 votes), T3 (15 votes)

Andy begins the run of what I consider ‘on the cusp’ coaches, meaning with a solid cycle or two, these coaches should be considered for a move up into tier 2. Last cycle, Andy was able to put together a few solid seasons late, in a division dominated by King John and the Steelers. With a playoff appearance under his belt, I believe that he is capable of continuing that success especially in a very winnable AFC South.

21. Beech (Detroit Lions) - T1 (1 vote), T2 (7 votes), T3 (15 votes)

After winning a Super Bowl two cycles ago with Tom Brady and the Patriots, Coach Beech has gone back to basically being MIA. We know that he has the capability to put together a strong run, but one thing that he needs to improve is his team building skills. With Detroit, he is honestly behind the 8 ball. Hopefully he has a plan to build and compete within the NFC.

20. Monty (New York Giants) - T2 (9 votes), T3 (14 votes)

Monty has landed himself as a top 20 coach in Redzone, which is genuinely impressive. A respectable 39% of coaches voted him as tier 2, and I can see that number increasing if he can put together a few productive seasons. Whether or not that will happen is largely dependent on how he fares in the NFC East, a division with some of the more talented coaches in Redzone.

19. Spence (Arizona Cardinals) - T1 (1 vote), T2 (9 votes), T3 (13 votes)

This is a make or break cycle for Spencer. After plateauing with the Saints last cycle, Spence has moved on to greener pastures accepting a position with the Cardinals. Though he’s put up some decent seasons, Spence has yet to finish a campaign better than 8-8 (to my knowledge). Familiarity with Coach Kelly should help in some division matchups, but Spence will need to be on 10 all cycle in order to maintain success.

18. Jim (Jacksonville Jaguars) - T2 (12 votes), T3 (11 votes)

Coach Jim is my most likely coach to make a jump in tiers this cycle, and it can happen much sooner than later. With votes almost split down the middle, Jim is right on the edge and his team building abilities should be able to get him over the hump. He has command of a Jaguars team that will be built around first overall pick Trevor Lawrence, and if the right pieces are put in place, this team and coach can be favorites in their division.

We are over halfway through season 66 of Redzone and things are heating up as teams battle for division leads and potential postseason slots. In Part 1 of “The Fab Five”, we took a look at what the top 5 QBs in the draft would bring to the league and took a shot in the dark at what their impact would be this season. Let’s see how things are shaping up for them so far.

Season 66 of Redzone is shaping up to be one for the history books, even while the smell of fireworks is still in the air following the Cardinals Super Bowl victory. For the uninitiated or those who just don’t pay attention, the upcoming draft class is STACKED with talent at the quarterback position, with SIX quarterbacks having first round projections. With a few QB needy teams selecting in the early part of the first round, we may very well be seeing the future of Redzone being drafted today. Here we’ll take a look at the top five of those quarterbacks eligible for the draft, what they bring to the league and what franchise would be the best fit for each.

1. Nathan Sheldon, LSU - Sheldon is, in my opinion, the best quarterback AND prospect in this draft and is almost guaranteed to be the face of RZ in just a few years. Scouts love his arm, and his pocket presence is unmatched when compared to his peers in the class. That being said, I could absolutely see him falling to pick 4 landing in Green Bay. The reason? Sheldon will enter the draft at 23 years old, the oldest of the bunch, and teams will be wary of having less time for him to develop. I believe he is the most RZ ready day one, but there is a chance other QBs could surpass him down the road. 

Pro Comp: Matt Stafford

Best Fit: New York Jets - The Jets made a set of moves this offseason that signifies very clearly that they will be taking their QB of the future tomorrow. The first was a trade sending QB Sam Darnold to the New Orleans Saints, then using picks acquired in that trade to move up to #2 overall, taking the place of the Bengals. Coach Moji is reloading his roster, but Sheldon is a quarterback that will be able to keep the Jets in playoff contention for the foreseeable future.

2. Stanley Fredrickson, FSU - Hot take, prediction, whatever you want to call it: Stanley Fredrickson will be the first quarterback and player taken in the 65th Redzone draft. His combine was outstanding, with scouts admiring the velocity on his short and intermediate throws. The welcome surprise: the kid has WHEELS. Though known in college for being a pocket quarterback, Fredrickson secured the second best 40 yard dash time among QBs at the combine with an official time of 4.61 seconds. Teams will be chomping at the bit to land a guy like this, but……

Best Fit: Detroit Lions - Detroit has the first overall pick in this draft, and I can’t see them going in any other direction than Fredrickson. The Tevin Wofford experiment has come to a fizzling end and the Lions landed the worst record in the league, still finishing only 4 games out of first place in the NFC North. Saying the division is up for grabs is an understatement, and a player with the upside of Fredrickson could be enough to change the landscape. 

Pro Comp: Baker Mayfield

3. Greg Harris, USF - I cannot wait to see Greg Harris in Redzone. I mean that. Harris is not only known for having a cannon, but was one of the most exciting players in college football due to his ability to improvise and extend plays. There are a few caveats though, that may scare teams away, causing him to fall in the first round. Exciting as he may be, there were concerns during the season regarding his accuracy and his ability to make necessary throws downfield. He could’ve attempted to quell those concerns, but he was the only quarterback that opted out of the RZ combine this year. 

Pro Comp: Deshaun Watson

Best Fit: Green Bay Packers - The Packers won a weak NFC North last season while having the 27th best scoring offense (19ppg) and finishing 21st in yards per game. That has to change if they want to continue being successful in the division, and Harris is dynamic enough to reinvigorate the offense. High risk, high reward here, but with the layout of the NFCN, I think Harris keeps the scales tipped in favor of GB.

4. Glenn Norton, Virginia Tech - The worst thing that can be said about Norton is that he isn’t exciting. But the thing that matters? He gets the job done, and he can win games. He has a solid arm, but due to the offense at Virginia Tech, was not forced to throw the ball downfield often. His technique will need some work at the pro level, as will his accuracy, but there is no doubt Norton is a project worth taking on. 

Pro Comp: Sam Darnold

Best Fit: Washington Football Team - Though it’s been broadcast a little more with other teams, the WFT is very much in need of a franchise quarterback. At the time of writing, Marcus Mariota is the lone QB on the roster, and undoubtedly is not the answer for that team. Coach Brett Snyder is a great option to help shape and mold Norton’s career, while also getting the most out of him year one. If Norton is available at pick #6, expect to see him in burgundy and gold next year.

5. Gabe Peek, Ole Miss - Now this is an interesting prospect. Gabe Peek broke the mold of what we see from your typical Ole Miss quarterback, but will it be enough for a day one selection? There are questions about his decision making when improvising outside of the pocket, as well as his accuracy. What could help though, is his combine performance. Peek posted the highest marks for QBs in the 40 yard dash (4.47 seconds), vertical jump (32.9 in), 3 cone drill (6.91 sec) and 20 yard shuttle (4.19 sec). So the question is, can athleticism make up the deficit of truly raw talent?

Pro Comp: Kyler Murray

Best Fit: New York Giants - The Giants currently have Daniel Jones as the only QB in the room, and at 27 years old it's become more than clear he should not be the team’s answer moving forward. Winning just 16 games in 4 years is unacceptable for this franchise and something needs to be done to change the culture in New York.

Whats good Redzone, here is a mock for our upcoming draft. The draft placements are based on in game draft position as of week 16. Enjoy!!

1. 1. Vikings - Kamryn Killings, QB, Oregon State / RZDS Big Board Rank: 1

   2. Bengals - Zach Breaston, S, PSU / RZDS Big Board Rank:10

   3. Giants - Quincy Kilgore, OT, Clemson  / RZDS Big Board Rank: 18

   4. Patriots - Matt Gabriel, WR, Bama  / RZDS Big Board Rank: 9

   5. Dolphins - Stephen Silvers, EDGE, Stanford / RZDS Big Board Rank: 8

   6. Lions - Jonathan Stockton, DE, Ole Miss/ RZDS Big Board Rank: 2

   7. Chiefs - Donte Aiken, CB, Auburn/ RZDS Big Board Rank: 3

   8. Panthers - Tevin Wofford, QB, Notre Dame/ RZDS Big Board Rank: 20

   9. Colts - Delvin Givens, CB, Oregon/ RZDS Big Board Rank: 7

   10. Bears - Isaiah Clifton, IDL, LSU / RZDS Big Board Rank: 6

   11. Steelers - Will Turner, DE, Washington / RZDS Big Board Rank: 5

   12. Falcons - Adrian Bryant, LB, South Carolina / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   13. Browns - Terrelle Kendricks, CB, Oklahoma / RZDS Big Board Rank: 14

   14. Cowboys - Darrelle Timmons, S, Notre Dame/ RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   15. Jags - Braydon Stringer, IDL, Boise St. / RZDS Big Board Rank: 15

   16. Jags (via LAR) - Jeremiah Barrett, TE, Georgia / RZDS Big Board Rank: 13

   17. Saints - Paul Wilson, TE, Oregon / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   18. Bills - Bo Pettis, HB, Michigan State / RZDS Big Board Rank: 17

   19. Jets (via Sea) - Blake Weston, WR, New Mexico St/ RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   20. Broncos (via Hou) - Jaime Woodbury, EDGE, PSU / RZDS Big Board Rank: 16

   21. Chargers - Brian Torrence, EDGE, Baylor / RZDS Big Board Rank: 4

   22. Packers - Michael Copeland, OT, Oklahoma / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   23. Raiders - Fernando Giraldo, QB, Bama / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   24. Jets - Rashaun McGee, EDGE, Oklahoma St / RZDS Big Board Rank: 11

   25. Washington - Cortez Hardwick, CB, Cincinnati / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   26. Niners - Taylor Hicks, LB, Oklahoma / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   27. Titans - Alex Lawson, DT, Temple / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   28. Broncos - Kendrick Babineaux, HB, Boston College / RZDS Big Board Rank: 12

   29. Cardinals - Earnest Hurst, LB, Florida State / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   30. Texans (Via TB) - Zach Wilbon, S, Louisville / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   31. Eagles - Evan Hood, WR, Clemson / RZDS Big Board Rank: NR

   32. Ravens - Timmy Black, S, Miami / RZDS Big Board Rank:NR

What's good Redzone, welcome to the Redzone Draft Show's Top 10 for this years draft class. Starting off with a disclaimer, this top 10 is based off of scouting from earlier in the season, and the RZDS Big Board will be discussed on the next episode of the In The Zone Radio Show.

1. Kamryn Killings, QB, Oregon State - Killings is the most sought after prospect in this draft class, and rightfully so. There are plenty of teams in RZ that are in dire need of a quarterback, but only a few will get the opportunity to draft one of this caliber. BEST FIT: New York Giants - The Giants are lacking on the offensive side of the ball at every position except HB. Killings is a dynamic playmaker who would be perfect to build around. 

2. Jonathan Stockton, DE, Ole Miss - Stockton is one of, if not the, top defensive prospects in this draft class. He's versatile, playing both on the edge as well as some snaps on the interior. BEST FIT: Denver Broncos - Though the Broncos won't end up in the top 5 of their own accord, they do hold a 1st rd pick from the Texans (via trade for Von Miller) who seem to be doing it for them. If this keeps up, they can end up with an elite talent to add to their already solid defense. 

3. Donte Aiken, CB, Auburn - Donte Aiken hasn't attracted much attention so far, but I believe it's because teams don't want to draw much attention to him at all. This is a kid who will walk onto a RZ team and be CB1 before training camp begins. BEST FIT: Kansas City Chiefs - Through the first 6 weeks of the season, the defending Super Bowl Champions have amassed a disappointing 1-5 record, largely due to a defense that is getting absolutely embarrassed. With no 2nd rd pick this year, the Chiefs will need a guaranteed impact player to add on defense in the first round.

4. Quincy Kilgore, OT, Clemson - Kilgore is the clear best in a draft class that's worryingly thin at all OL positions. Though this is the case, there is a chance we see him slide late into the first round. BEST FIT: Los Angeles Chargers - The Chargers lack both talent and depth at tackle, and unfortunately they won’t have many options to improve there come draft day.

5. Will Turner, DE, Washington - Turner is the kind of defensive player you scheme around. He is a strong, smart 3-4 DE, and at 21 years old can be the foundation of a defense looking to rebuild. BEST FIT: Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals can use a game changer like Turner, as evidenced by the fact that they are allowing 119 yards on the ground per game, and are league worst in points allowed (30). Defense should be a priority for this team.

6. Jaime Woodbury, EDGE, PSU - Some may consider Jaime Woodbury a reach in the first round, but I believe the kid has talent to make an immediate impact as a pass rusher in the league. He can use some work, but has the intangibles to be an impact defender. BEST FIT: Pittsburgh Steelers - I know the Steelers are primarily rushing LB TJ Watt on the edge, but to be honest, the lack of depth behind Cam Heyward at DE is unacceptable. Woodbury may benefit from putting his hand in the dirt in a RZ defense.

7. Stephen Silvers, EDGE, Stanford - Silvers is very similar to Woodbury in skill set, but some teams may feel he’s the better prospect in the long term. He’s hard hitting, and has incredible intuition in finding the ball carrier in open space.  BEST FIT: Miami Dolphins - I’m a fan of the pieces Miami has on defense, but truth be told, they have no real threats for the pass rush. Sure they traded for Von Miller, but he’s 31, and how long will that pairing last? Bring in a first round talent on that rookie deal and get to work.

8. Delvin Givens, CB, Oregon - Givens is a CB who will come into RZ and immediately see reps. He primarily plays out of the slot, and can be great to defend shifty WRs and quicker TEs. BEST FIT: Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings CB room is young and inexperienced. Would Givens change that? Obviously not, but adding more first round talent to this secondary would not hurt in the slightest.

9. Isaiah Clifton, IDL, LSU - Clifton will get drafted much higher than his projections at the moment. He is a top tier run stopper and will plug in at DT for some team, ready to make an immediate impact. This is the type of guy that changes the look of a defense. BEST FIT: Detroit Lions - Snacks and Danny Shelton are both good defensive tackles, but Snacks is 31 on a deal that ends this season, and Shelton is 27 with next year being a contract year. This pick is a no brainer to me.

10. Zach Breaston, S, PSU - Rounding out the top 10 is Zach Breaston from Penn St. He’s a solid safety who will be effective in stopping the run, but his work in coverage sometimes leaves something to be desired. BEST FIT: Carolina Panthers - The Panthers recently drafted S Jeremy Chinn to play alongsilongside Tre Boston, but I don’t believe Boston is the future for this team. With some time, Breaston could become one of the top players on this defense.

As we prepare for the start of Season 62, Coach Ian Johns of the Los Angeles Chargers is looking towards the future. After making his first conference championship during season 60, Johns looks to build from a strong foundation and hopefully get over the hill. Let's take a look at the current state of the team, what needs to be improved, and where this team may go down the road.

Quarterbacks  

This is a no brainer. Coach Johns has shown since day one that rookie QB Justin Herbert will be the starter under center. Herbert has gotten limited playing time in the two preseason games played so far, but impressed his coaches going 7/8 for 87 yards in one quarter against the Rams.

What Must Improve - Neither Herbert nor his veteran backup Tyrod Taylor are the greatest option at quarterback. But Coach Johns will give the rookie time to develop, and hopefully flourish in his offense.

Running Backs

Another position with no position battles. Austin Ekeler will be the starter at HB and there’s not much surprise there. Based on the preseason thus far, expect HB2 Justin Jackson to share some of the workload as well. Jackson had a monster showing against the Rams, getting 136 yards and a score on 16 carries.

What Must Improve - There is an obvious lack of true talent when it comes to HB depth with this team. While Jackson will make the roster, the front office should be looking toward improving at the position in the future.

Wide Receivers

Coach Johns has been especially careful at this position, as WR1 and WR2 will be essential in helping the growth of QB Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen is a proven commodity and his resume speaks for itself, while Mike Williams is a young but solid WR still looking to come into his own. The Chargers drafted rookie wideouts Joe Reed and KJ Hill, but Coach Johns has also decided to bring in journeymen Devin Smith and Ryan Switzer, both on one year deals.

What Must Improve - Keenan Allen won’t be able to be WR1 forever, and the team will need to find his replacement within the next few seasons. The rest of the wideouts on this team are young and inexperienced or have been around for a few years and most likely have peaked. Look for the team to address this position sooner rather than later.

Offensive Line

The Chargers’ offensive line is a work in progress, and we’ll see them look to improve this rather quickly. The team has already signed FA Guard Cordy Glenn to help protect the blindside, but they are still weak at Left Tackle. Mike Pouncey is a sturdy veteran at Center, and on the right side they have Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga.Now that the team has its QB of the future, they will need to find a way to keep him protected.

What Must Improve - The line needs to improve across the board. While they are solid in a few spots, both Pouncey and Bulaga are 31 years old. Many aspects of this team have become younger than in previous years, but the offensive line is not one of them. Both tackle and guard could be big targets for the Bolts come draft time.

Defensive Line

This team’s defensive line is strong, and Coach Johns has touted it as a big reason for accepting the head coach position. Melvin Ingram III and Joey Bosa are the starters on the ends and Linval Joseph is the starter at DT, making the line one of the best position groups on the team.

What Must Improve - There is a severe lack of depth behind both edge rushers, and a lack of experience behind Linval Joseph at DT. Joseph suffered a foot fracture in the week 1 preseason game against the Cowboys, making Jerry Tillery the starter until his return. The names behind the DEs are Issac Rochell and Joe Gaziano. If the injury bug decides to bite, this front could be in a lot of trouble.

Linebackers

The Linebacker group is one the team has been increasingly excited about since the new coaching staff arrived. They are young, fast, and hope to grow into one of RZ’s toughest front sevens. The LB group is led by veterans Denzel Perryman and Nick Vigil, but the torch will be passed to guys like Uchenna Nwosu and the second of the Chargers two first rd picks this year, Kenneth Murray Jr.

What Must Improve - Experience is the name of the game here. What the LB corps lacks in that, they make up for with athleticism. Barring any unfortunate injuries or setbacks, expect this group to continue to grow year after year.

Secondary

This Chargers secondary is undoubtedly the most impressive position group on the entire team. Based on what we’ve seen in preseason, the first team looks to be comprised of CBs Casey Heyward Jr, Chris Harris Jr, Desmond King II, and the combo of Nasir Adderley and Derwin James Jr at the safety position.

What Must Improve - This secondary is tough, and hopes to give opposing offenses fits all season long. The primary concern here though is age. The top two CBs on the team (Heyward and Harris) are both over 30 years old, and are working toward the end of their careers. It will be crucial for the front office to make sure their inevitable replacements are capable and maintain the integrity of the current secondary.

Dear Santa,

My name is IJ. I’m writing this letter early because I know what I want, but don’t want to forget later in the year. There are a lot of good people in the world, and normally I’d ask for a cure for coronavirus or some shit like that to make everyone happy. But fuck that.

It’s Madden Season.

Here’s my top 5 wishes for the M21 cycle:

1. More Engagement from All League Members - I don’t know how everyone else feels about it, but I know its been said before and I’ll say it again: Redzone is better off when people actually give a shit. This league is unmatched when we’re getting consistent blogs, tweets, podcasts, videos from EVERYONE and not just the usual suspects. It’s time to step this shit up so we can all be more invested in what we’re doing.

2. Success for Spence - I spent a whole lot of time arguing with Spencer last year about whether or not he would be successful with the Steelers. We know how that turned out. Spence is a good kid, and the last thing I want is for his RZ legacy to be stuck among the Turtles, White Gregs, and Glenns of the league. I’m at the front of the line for a Spence playoff run.

3. Lemme Run It Back - It’s no secret that I FUCKING HATED Madden 19. Easily one of my least favorite years of the series, and I spent the whole cycle with my beloved Dallas Cowboys. The fact that happened hurts worse than having baby Mahomes and baby Kareem Hunt in M18. I’ve also stated many, many times, despite all its flaws, Madden 20 is one of the most fun in the series imo. If that fun factor carries over to M21, I’d love to run another cycle with my Boys, where I can be fully invested in the team and game.

4. Parity - At the beginning of the cycle, it truly felt like everyone had the chance to breakout, go on a run and make something happen. Looking back, even though we had some first time Super Bowl champions, the playoff picture was largely familiar in terms of users. I don’t necessarily know what can be done to improve parity in the league, but I hope we see more new faces finding success and adding competition.

5. What’s Beef? - MORE. RIVALRIES. Best part of RZ hands down. Tiko vs Pat. WG vs Moji. WG vs Spence. WG vs…..you get the idea. When people are invested, the competition is better, when the comp is better, people fight. I know Adel is promoting a more positive environment for RZ, but I need that negativity in my life. RZ beef has provided some of the greatest moments in recent memory, from Tiko’s Moonwalker video, to “Oh, damn Silk!” The league is what it is because of these.

"Hell of a Run" 

I'm writing this just a few hours removed from our 3 point loss to the Titans in the wildcard round of the RZ61 playoffs. I've been searching for the right words, as this chapter of my career comes to a close. 

This cycle has been one that I will remember and cherish long after I decide to walk away from the game. I wasn't sure what to expect or how I would fare with this Browns team, but I have to say it's been the most enjoyable ride I've had this far. Most people will say "Of course it was, look at your roster! That team is loaded!", and they aren't wrong. The league is well aware of "Mediocre" Myles, Amari Adkins, Tashaun McKinney, Denzel Ward. But I want to make note of some players that truly defined the cycle for us. 

Pearson Jackson II - FS

Pearson was drafted in our very first draft of the cycle with an early 2nd rd pick, acquired from Tampa Bay in a trade for Kareem Hunt. After struggling to develop early in his career, he became a starting safety for multiple seasons. Though he was never an elite player, he was a foundational piece of our team. 

Sidney Caldwell - OT

Sidney Caldwell came to our team after being picked from the LA Chargers' practice squad as a 57 ovr rookie. Though he spent a few years developing as a backup, he eventually became a starter and earned a 1st team All Pro Selection during season 60.

Richard Aguayo - TE

Richie was never supposed to be a Brown. After trading away David Njoku prior to our first draft, safety was still at the top of our draft board. With Keon Chambers going to the Cardinals immediately before us, we decided to take the top TE available, and he was an absolute stud. Damn shame he couldn't retire with us, but he'll forever be a part of this team's legacy. 

Before wrapping this up, I want to thank Glenn, Kad, and Spence for being (mostly) solid division mates. I think sometimes it gets understated how important that is, considering they will account for 48-56 games of your cycle. It could've been much worse, but they absolutely contributed to making this cycle enjoyable. I wish you all luck wherever you end up in the future. 

Where this league will take me, I don't know. But this was a hell of a run, and it's gonna be hard for any cycle to match. 

IJ 

As we enter week 15 of the 2018 season, Coach Ian Johns of the Chiefs is looking towards the future. After making his RedZone debut during season 36, the Chiefs have gone 15-14 to date, but will miss the playoffs for the second year in a  row. Let's take a look at the current state of the team, what needs to be improved, and where this team may go down the road.

Quarterbacks -

Once he took over the team, Coach Johns immediately named QB Patrick Mahomes II his starter under center. Mahomes showed that he could lead the team, though his decision making and accuracy on the deep ball both needed much improving. Unfortunately, he has suffered from the dreaded sophomore slump, being out 4 weeks with a broken thumb not helping matters. This year, he has completed 60% of his passes for 2,960 yards, while throwing 11 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

What Must Improve - If this team wants to win, Mahomes must learn how to make better decisions with the football. This will be the second year in a row where he has thrown more INTs than TDs. That has to change or the Chiefs won’t go very far at all.

Running Backs

Kareem Hunt was also asked to take the reins once Coach Johns took over the team, and so far he has had a rough stretch. While being a reliable red zone option during his rookie season, he was expected to carry a larger workload this year. He started the year strong, gaining 361 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in the first 4 games, but fell off soon after. In the 6 games following that stretch, he did not score or run for more than 67 yards. During the week 11 win vs. Arizona, Hunt went down with a dislocated hip that would end his season.

What Must Improve - Hunt and the Chiefs other HBs have shown that they are able to make defenders miss in open space. The issue is getting to that open space and getting to the second level, which brings me to…..

Offensive Line

The Chiefs offensive line is not bad, but at times they seem to not be good enough. While they have only given up 21 sacks while Mahomes is under center (about 1 sack for every 15 attempts), Kareem Hunt and Charcandrick West were only able to average 3.7 and 3.5 YPC, respectively.

What Must Improve - The line needs to improve across the board. While they aren’t giving up a ton of sacks, they still need to keep the QB healthy, or they’ll have another injury situation like the one this season. More importantly, they need to be able to open up more lanes for the running backs. With the exception of a few games, the line almost forces KC to be a pass first team.

With two weeks left until the draft, the Cowboys have made some interesting moves to add depth to the team. Players that left for free agency included DE Charles Tapper, FS Jeff Heath, TE Gavin Escobar and DT Cedric Thornton. The biggest news of course, has to do with the quarterback position.

In placing the franchise tag on HB Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys lost QB Dak Prescott to free agency. Unfortunately, the team decided not to pursue Prescott, as he quickly signed with the Detroit Lions on a 5 year, $49.65 million dollar contract. Instead, the Cowboys utilized two 3rd round picks acquired from the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets (in trades for Tyron Smith and Dez Bryant, respectively) to trade for former 1st round pick Mitch Trubisky from the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I'm grateful for the opportunites I recieved in Kansas City, and I'm excited that the Cowboys were willing to give me the chance to lead their team." As Trubisky is in the final year of his rookie contract, he knows that he needs to perform well in order to earn a contract extension. "I have one year with this team, but the future is all on me. I'd love to wear the Star for a long time, and I'm ready to show that I can lead this group of guys and earn my place on this roster." According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, after learning of the trade on Friday, Trubisky has asked to be referred to as "Mitchell". Way to embrace the new start kid.

The Cowboys have also released team veterans WR Terrance Williams, CB Orlando Scandrick and K Dan Bailey, seemingly after finding younger replacements in free agency. The Cowboys free agent signings are listed below:

DE Noah Spence - $7.5m/3 years

CB Spencer Groves - $1.61m/1 year

DE Jaron Mabry - $8.94m/3 years

CB Jalen Collins - $5.94m/3 years

K Wayne Leyva - $6.7m/5 years

WR Braxton Miller - $14.84m/4 years

TE Mitchell Henry - $10.04m/4 years

Sources have told me that the Cowboys are targeting a backup MLB and potentially an Offensive Lineman to close out free agency. The team will look to add even more firepower to the team during the GFL Draft, where they have the 12th overall pick.

View the 2020 GFL Mock Draft here.

1. Cleveland Browns - Victor Cortez, LB, UCLA - While the Browns were left under league management earlier this season, they have a decent team and this only makes them that much better. Cortez is my highest rated player this draft, and is a surefire superstar. That being said, who knows which way this pick will go.

2. Green Bay Packers - TJ Woodard, S, W. Kentucky - I debated going with offensive line and linebacker for the Packers, but they could use a stronger presence at strong safety. Woodard had a standout season, culminating with a Heisman win, and though he’s being graded as a 2nd rounder, I have a feeling he will be one of the top 5 players to come out of this class.

3. Miami Dolphins - Cameron Blaise, S, Pittsburgh - I must say, this is a little unorthodox, even for me. But hear me out. The Dolphins have young players with good potential everywhere on the roster. As good as he is now, Reshad Jones will be going into his contract season at 32 years of age. Miami has an opportunity to grab an immediate playmaker, as well as a potential all pro for the future. (Alternatively, I have them taking Stephon Vickers to be a feature back, hopefully boosting their offensive production.)

4. Indianapolis Colts - Ray Vincent, WR, Wisconsin - The Colts are another team that have solid pieces on the roster, and they’ll also have 4 receivers 27 or older going into next season. Vincent’s youth paired with Andrew Luck’s veteran experience could be a winning combination for years to come.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ace Murrell, G, Florida - Tampa Bay has a glaring need at right guard, and luckily they’re in a great position to fix it. While Murrell’s pass blocking will need some work, he is the best run blocker in the draft and will solidify the offensive line on an already high powered Tampa Bay offense.

6. Oakland Raiders - Nico Leaverton, G, Wisconsin - Ironically, Oakland also needs to upgrade their right guard, and they need an improvement badly. Leaverton is one of the best offensive linemen in this draft, and has the talent necessary to constitute a top 10 pick. We all know how important linemen are in the GFL, unfortunately I don’t think ownership wants this team to succeed at all.

7. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Arceneaux, CB, Pittsburgh - I’m seeing this as more of a power move than picking by need. This guy is a guaranteed top 10 pick, and Kansas City landing him would put the AFC West on notice. Pairing him with rookie Jaylon Jones would give the Chiefs one of the most frightening secondaries in the league.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Tavarus Gales, DT, UCLA - While the Jags have youth at defensive tackle, they don’t really have a dominating presence at the position. Gales is one of the best defensive prospects this draft, and if put on a line with Dante Fowler and Malik Jackson, will undoubtedly push Jacksonville’s defensive line into a higher tier.

9. Seattle Seahawks - Roosevelt Hemsley, CB, Texas A&M -  Seattle is very weak, and pretty old at cornerback. This defense clearly isn’t what it once was, making the addition of Hemsley an essential one. He can be a week 1 starter and make an immediate impact for the Seattle secondary.   

10. Washington Redskins - Kameron Bussey, LB, Alabama - Looking at Washington’s roster, I thought the position that could use a boost was outside linebacker. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of those worth taking with a top 10 pick, but Kameron Bussey is one of the top linebackers in this draft. With a little bit of reshuffling, the Skins will get another solid defender who could produce early in his career.

11. Baltimore Ravens - Conor Goss, C, Notre Dame - Connor Goss is a lineman who can play at multiple spots on the line. The Ravens have a pair of veterans at center and left guard who more than likely have already peaked, so this pick makes sense to me. Improve the line, get Kizer some protection and continue to build on an offense filled with potential.

12. New England Patriots - Keron Jackson, CB, Columbia - New England’s secondary isn’t lacking when it comes to starters, but depth could be a concern. Jackson has been projected as a 4th round pick, but scouts have been high on his talent, especially compared to the rest of the CB class. If he falls past New England, I would genuinely be shocked.

13. Dallas Cowboys - Alexander Kaepernick, QB, Georgia -  The Cowboys are heading into the offseason with major questions about who will be under center next season. Dak Prescott will most likely be going to Free Agency, and his backup isn’t very good. Dallas should be praying that Kaepernick falls into their lap and solves their biggest problem.

14. Atlanta Falcons - Brent Donnalley, G, Penn State - Atlanta is in a similar place as Baltimore, with veterans who will only decline starting on the offensive line. Donnalley is one of the top offensive prospects this year and could give Atlanta a boost in the trenches, hopefully putting them back in the mix for NFC South bragging rights.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Conor Eldridge, QB, Penn State - As Ben Roethlisberger inches closer to 40, the Steelers need to start thinking about his replacement. Even though this draft class seems shallow, Eldridge was a solid college qb, and with some veteran tutoring could be GFL ready by the time Ben’s tenure is over.

16. Tennessee Titans - John Tafoya, TE, Auburn - In my opinion, Tafoya could be a star in Tennessee. The Titans are relatively average at the tight end position, but the rest of the offense is definitely in position to make this team a contender. Let Tafoya learn this offense as soon as possible and we could see Tennessee and Houston battling for the AFC South crown next December.

17. Arizona Cardinals - Korey Bettis, DE, Ole Miss - Arizona needs help on the offensive line, but there are none left on the board that I would take at 17. Korey Bettis is one of the top edge rushers in this class and has the talent to take over for 31 year old Nick Fairley immediately.

18. Tennessee Titans (From Bills) - Kendall Gaither, LB, Michigan State - Tennessee is pretty well off with young players on their roster, and they can all pan out with some good development. So here, I’m giving them Gaither who is my highest rated player on the board at 18. Good talent who could be great with some work.

19. Minnesota Vikings - Jamarcus Seigler, HB, Nebraska - Depending on perspective, it could be a good or bad thing that the only position I think the Vikings need to address is QB. Unfortunately, there are none left worth taking in the draft, let alone the first round. Seigler is a great playmaker out of the backfield who can give additional help to rookie Thurman Stupar, especially if they decide to let go of Shamell Duncan this offseason.

20. San Francisco 49ers - Justin Moats, LB, Baylor -  While San Francisco doesn’t need much immediate help at LB, they could use a guy like Moats since he brings youth to the LB corps. Though scouts see him as a day two prospect, I believe his talent will only grow in the GFL and don’t see the Niners taking him at 20 is a reach at all.

21. Carolina Panthers - Deandre Arceneaux, DE, Notre Dame - Although there are rumors that they’re currently considering offers for their best DE Lorenzo Carter, the Panthers definitely need more help on the D line. Arceneaux would be a great pick up at 21, but I’m curious to see what the Panthers front office decides to do here.

22. New Orleans Saints - Zac Dahl, DT, Texas A&M - Dahl is the best player on my board here, and to me, the pick makes sense. According to DL, the Saints are finishing the season with the 21st ranked rushing defense so adding Dahl to the line with Sheldon Rankins could get the Saints over the hump and back in the playoffs.

23. Detroit Lions - Maxey Cowart, S, LSU - This is around the time where the draft class starts to thin out for me. Detroit has some solid safeties on the roster, but they could definitely improve. Cowart is one of a few solid safeties in this draft, and the added depth in the secondary can’t hurt, especially in the NFC North.

24. Philadelphia Eagles - Kashawn German, T, Stanford - This one ends up being pretty cut and dry. The Eagles have 30 year old Joe Barksdale starting at left tackle and that should change this offseason. Kashawn German is a solid pass blocking tackle and would be a perfect addition to this Eagles offense.

25. Denver Broncos - Derek Thomason, DT, Ball State - For a defense that has a reputation of talent on the field, the Broncos lack a dominating presence at defensive tackle. Thomason is similar to Keron Jackson, as he is a guy projected to go in later rounds, but will prove to be worth a first. Absolutely think he’s worth the pick at 25.

26. New York Jets - Zachery Bates, C, Oregon - The Jets have been built into an outstanding team, one of many with very few weak spots to address. They could improve at left guard, and since offensive line is probably deeper than any other position this year, Bates is going to be the best pick here.

27. New York Giants - Russell Vollers, T, Notre Dame - If I had to pick a spot where the Giants could improve it would be outside linebacker. Unfortunately, there are basically none worth taking in the first, so I genuinely just went best player available. Vollers shouldn’t fall out of the first round, and if nothing else he could be a potential replacement for the aging Justin Pugh.

28. Chicago Bears - Russell Coe, DE, Wisconsin - To be honest, Russell Coe could absolutely go higher in the round, but I tend to base my mocks on need for the most part. The Bears already have a few young DEs, but I honestly thing Coe would outplay them on his first snap. If he’s here at 28, would be a smart pickup for Chicago.

29. Los Angeles Rams (From Bengals) - Carson Epstein, TE, Pittsburgh - Though they’re one of the best teams in the GFL, I think the weakest aspect of the Rams is their pass game. Carson Epstein is a decent TE prospect who could flourish in the right system. Jace Amaro will be 28 next season with little room to improve. I think  Epstein would be a good look for this Rams offense.

30. San Diego Chargers - Stephon Vickers, HB, Oklahoma - For a team with a few good running backs, I draft a running back. Here’s my logic: all of the Chargers’ running backs will be 27+ after this season. They’re good and in their prime, but Vickers is slated to be one of the premier offensive prospects this year. Deal one of your HBs for picks, build depth and keep a strong backfield for at least 4 more seasons.

31. New York Jets (From Texans) - Cory Lott, CB, Illinois State - The Jets have a stable of above average to average cornerbacks on the roster, and at this point there isn’t much left to draft. Lott has shown solid ball skills, but will definitely need to improve in the league. Could be a solid project player for what's looking to be an annual playoff contender.

32. Los Angeles Rams - Marcques Sharp, WR, NC State - While Jaelen Strong is a solid receiver, I don’t think he’s a true #1, and Robertson definitely isn’t a #2. Obviously the Rams have made the combination work, but I think they could look at some other options. This pick is entirely dependent on how Sharp performs at the combine, but we already know he has good hands. The rest is yet to be determined.

1. Cleveland Browns - Victor Cortez, LB, UCLA - While the Browns were left under league management earlier this season, they have a decent team and this only makes them that much better. Cortez is my highest rated player this draft, and is a surefire superstar. That being said, who knows which way this pick will go.

2. Green Bay Packers - TJ Woodard, S, W. Kentucky - I debated going with offensive line and linebacker for the Packers, but they could use a stronger presence at strong safety. Woodard had a standout season, culminating with a Heisman win, and though he’s being graded as a 2nd rounder, I have a feeling he will be one of the top 5 players to come out of this class.

3. Miami Dolphins - Cameron Blaise, S, Pittsburgh - I must say, this is a little unorthodox, even for me. But hear me out. The Dolphins have young players with good potential everywhere on the roster. As good as he is now, Reshad Jones will be going into his contract season at 32 years of age. Miami has an opportunity to grab an immediate playmaker, as well as a potential all pro for the future. (Alternatively, I have them taking Stephon Vickers to be a feature back, hopefully boosting their offensive production.)

4. Indianapolis Colts - Ray Vincent, WR, Wisconsin - The Colts are another team that have solid pieces on the roster, and they’ll also have 4 receivers 27 or older going into next season. Vincent’s youth paired with Andrew Luck’s veteran experience could be a winning combination for years to come.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ace Murrell, G, Florida - Tampa Bay has a glaring need at right guard, and luckily they’re in a great position to fix it. While Murrell’s pass blocking will need some work, he is the best run blocker in the draft and will solidify the offensive line on an already high powered Tampa Bay offense.

Once again, the front office in Dallas is looking to build while competing.

In a move that not many teams would make, the Cowboys traded All Pro tackle Tyron Smith to the Baltimore Ravens, in exchange for cornerback Quincy Wilson, the 15th overall pick in this year's draft, and a 3rd round pick next year. The Ravens also received the Cowboys' 4th round pick in 2020.

On the field, Wilson has shown to be much better in zone coverage than man to man. I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys decide to swap Wilson and Byron Jones, as Jones is much better suited to play CB, as he did during his junior and senior years at the University of Connecticut. This also allows Jones to replace veteran CB Orlando Scandrick as the CB2, as Scandrick is in the final year of his contract.

Looking Ahead 

After this upcoming season, the Cowboys will be focused on resigning their 2016 draft class, who will be at the end of their rookie deals. Dak Prescott, Jaylon Smith and Ezekiel Elliott will be the top priorities, and moving Tyron Smith should help ease the pain of re-signing all three. Charles Tapper, currently the starting RE after the departure of Randy Gregory, will most likely be re-signed and expected to continue contributing. Maliek Collins, who finished last season with 8 sacks, is also likely to return.

That being said, the biggest question is whether or not Dez Bryant will return. The Cowboys have a lot of money to spend, and drafted wideouts Courtland Sutton and KD Cannon with their last 2 first round picks. While I'm sure the team would hate to see him on another roster, it must be asked what his value will be at the age of 31. 

There are 16 games in front of this team, and it will be interesting to see where the Boys go in the draft and beyond. 

If there's one thing that the Cowboys front office has shown, it's that they're looking toward youth over proven talent.

During this past preseason, the 'Boys opted to promote 2nd year safety Sidney Jones IV to first string Strong Safety. In doing so, the team also released veteran safety J.J. Wilcox, who was immediately signed by the Redskins. They also made the decision to start 3rd year defensive tackle Maliek Collins over Cedric Thornton, lining him up with Tyrone Crawford, Randy Gregory and Tank Lawrence. Through 5 games, Jones IV has racked up 19 tackles, while Collins has 12 tackles and 3 sacks.

Today, Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli told reporters that there will be two additional roster changes, effective immediately: cornerback Anthony Brown will be moved to nickelback in favor of Dwayne Gratz.  But more surprisingly, rookie linebacker Rashaan Evans will be named the starter at ROLB over Pro Bowl veteran Sean Lee.

When asked about the changes, Marinelli had this to say: "While we appreciate what Sean and Dwayne have done for our defense and their contributions to the team, we have to look toward the future and give some of these young guys the opportunity to develop. Sean, especially, has been an incredibly effective mentor to the entire linebacker group. I'm very confident that both Anthony and Rashaan will be able to step on the field and make an impact quickly." Though Brown has yet to see the field this year, Evans has 9 tackles to date. 

The Cowboys go into week 6 with a 3-2 record and will face the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, hoping to take first place.

It feels good to be back. Welcome gents, to your official 2018 GFL Mock Draft. Its business as usual around these parts, so sit back, put on some Barry White and roast your chestnuts over these hot ass takes.

1. Detroit Lions - Kevin Tolliver II, CB, LSU - The Lions have the luxury of having the first overall pick and their new owner will be ready to make his mark on the GFL. Last season Detroit gave up a ton of yards per game, and the pass defense was primarily to blame. Consensus seems to be that Tolliver is one of the highest rated prospects the league has ever seen, and almost a guarantee for the top overall pick.

2. Carolina Panthers (From SF) - James Conner, HB, Pittsburgh - For 2 straight seasons the Panthers have entered the NFC Championship and lost. In a move that will change the landscape of the league, Carolina traded 3 total first round picks to jump to number 2. For such a bold move, you have to make a bold pick, and Conner is just that. Running backs don’t go high often in GFL, but Conner is a top 5 talent, fills a weak HB position in Carolina and could be the piece to give Carolina one of the most dangerous offenses in history.

3. Tennessee Titans - Iman Marshall, CB, USC - Tennessee is another franchise that has a young core to build around with great potential for future success. At the time of writing they only have 2 cornerbacks on the roster, but they could have 10 and I’d still have Marshall here. My number 1 overall prospect, scouts believe Marshall has better cover skills than Tolliver, with similar intangibles. If he falls to 3, the Titans should be very happy.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cameron Smith, ILB, USC - Pittsburgh has a potent offense. We all know this. But the defense needs to improve if the team wants to stand a chance of winning. The Steelers front seven isn’t terrible on paper, but they’re run defense was disappointing. Putting Smith on the field along with Shazier and Dupree makes the Steelers’ defense almost as intimidating as the offense, while adding one of the top prospects in this draft class.

5. New England Patriots - Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA - The Patriots are a surprise at number 5, but I think taking Rosen here is a smart move. The defense was about middle of the pack, but their offense has Sam Bradford and 4 receivers over the age of 30. I think 2018 is the beginning of a new era for this New England offense, and since there aren’t any top 5 receivers, Rosen becomes the QB of the future.

6. Indianapolis Colts - Porter Gustin, DE, USC - The Colts are, unfortunately, stuck in a division with two playoff teams and a young team prepared to take off. At this point, they’re going to need weapons on both sides of the ball just to keep up. The Colts’ defensive line could use an upgrade, and Gustin is my top rated lineman in this class. He has the potential to be a star on the edge and cause problems for the rest of the AFC South.

7. San Francisco 49ers (From NYG) - Malik Jefferson, OLB, Texas - The Niners made out like thieves with their offseason trade with the Panthers. They aren’t a bad team, but could use help with their linebacker corps. Malik Jefferson is listed as one of the top linebackers in this draft, so it only makes sense for the San Francisco to use one of their three first round picks to boost the defense.

8. Oakland Raiders - Mitch Hyatt, T, Clemson - This is confusing. The Raiders have a solid young team, but I have no idea what direction they are going in. There’s enough space in the AFC West for this team to make noise, but they just keep underachieving. Right now there is only one tackle on the roster, and if they want to protect Connor Cook (yes, Connor Cook) from the ridiculous division pass rushers, they’ll need to improve the offensive line. Hyatt is at the top of most draft boards in terms of lineman, so this may not be sexy, but definitely necessary.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson - There’s been a common trend of solid teams who I feel have underperformed. Tampa Bay is no exception. With a top 10 pick they have the opportunity to both fill a need and take a player that may be the best available in Wilkins. Though Gerald McCoy is still playing at a high level, he is 30 years old and will start to decline soon. This pick ensures the defense won’t lose a step.

10. Minnesota Vikings (From NO) - Maea Teuhema, C/G, LSU - Not a sexy pick from the Vikings, but one that can bring the team back to prominence. One year removed from a perfect regular season, Minnesota sits with a stacked offense and defense and now a top 10 pick. They could use an upgrade at guard, and also have no centers on the roster. Teuhema can play both positions and is one of the top rated linemen in this draft. NOTE: The owner has said that he’s rolling with Taylor Heineken at QB, but I think drafting Lamar Jackson is also a possibility here.

11. Kansas City Chiefs - Dre Greenlaw, OLB, Arkansas - I wrote earlier about the AFC West and how there’s room for teams to make some noise, and Kansas City is no exception. They have good talent across the board, but are somewhat depleted on the D Line. Greenlaw has been ranked as one of the top outside linebackers all season, so why not KC? A quick, hard hitting edge rusher is just what this team needs. The tradition of the AFCW pass rush continues.

12. New York Jets - Adonis Alexander, CB, Virginia Tech - The Jets have been a mess for years, but I think their new owner is going to make them a contender in no time. In my opinion, the AFC East is up for grabs. Alexander is a young, solid CB who can come in and give the secondary a boost, especially when you consider I projected a top 5 QB in New England and the Dolphins threw the bank at Derek Carr. Look for the Jets defense to carry them far next season.

13. Minnesota Vikings - Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville - Alright, I’m calling it. I see no reason to move forward with Heineken under center. I know that he had an outstanding 2016, but I don’t think you can pass on a talent like Lamar Jackson. He has a solid arm, decent accuracy and can make throws while escaping the pocket. I think Jackson is too much of a weapon and I don’t see Minnesota passing on him here.

14. Miami Dolphins - Bo Scarborough, HB, Alabama - The narrative behind this Dolphins team is that they’re ready to claim the division, but the offense was absolutely terrible last season. Not anymore. After claiming Derek Carr in free agency, drafting Scarborough would put this offense over the top. The defense is stout, and adding this guy in the backfield would make the Dolphins my early favorite for AFC East champions.

15. Indianapolis Colts (From Bal) - Brock Ruble, T, Florida State - I think this may end up as one of the best picks this draft. Ruble has been projected as a second rounder, but scouts think he has shown first round talent. The Colts are currently without a RT, and I think Ruble (my #14 overall prospect) going through baptism by fire could be a blessing in disguise for this offense.

16. Arizona Cardinals - Jake Browning, QB, Washington - I have to admit, I’m definitely prioritizing QB when it comes to the Cardinals, especially considering there are some worth taking on the board. Arizona finished third in the west, tied with Seattle and four games behind the Rams. I think its time to move on from, or at least find the successor to Carson Palmer, who I don’t expect to stick around much longer.

17. Washington Redskins - Derrius Guice, HB, LSU - Washington’s defense is youthful and skilled, especially after acquiring Josh Norman and drafting Myles Garrett. I think this year they use their two first round picks to focus on offense. Derrius Guice has shown the skill to be a starting HB, and could compete with Matt Jones for that position immediately.

18. Washington Redskins (From Sea) - KD Cannon, WR, Baylor - I was hesitant to go with a wide receiver here, but Cannon is easily the best of this class and my #18 overall prospect this year. Adding him to a receiving corps that already has Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder could be a huge problem for opposing defenses.

19. Atlanta Falcons - Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M - The Falcons are a team ready to take the spotlight, but I think they need a number 2 to take the pressure off of Julio Jones, and I’m not sure Mohamed Sanu is the answer. Kirk is the next best receiver in this class and could add some extra firepower to an already impressive offense.

20. Denver Broncos - Marcus Williams, S, Utah - There isn’t much that the Broncos need, especially considering they just shipped Demaryius Thomas away for the younger Tavon Austin. They could use some help at safety, and I think Williams is the smart move here. He’s quick, plays the ball well and lays wood. I think he’ll fit perfectly with that Bronco defense.

21. San Francisco 49ers (From Dal) - Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama - The logic behind this pick is actually really simple: The Niners don’t have a true #1 wide receiver. Right now their best wideout is last year’s second round pick Corey Davis, so I’m inclined to think they need more firepower in order to move the ball. Ridley is probably the best route runner in this class, and has a solid 6’1” frame to go up and get the ball.

22. Green Bay Packers - Micah Kiser, ILB, Virginia - The Packers are one of the first teams in that area where needs become less important than taking the best player available. At 22, the Packers could take Kiser who can potentially start at MLB and showed up with an outstanding performance at the combine.

23. Buffalo Bills - Orlando Brown, T, Oklahoma - The Bills have room to improve their offensive line, and I think at 23 they have a great opportunity to do so. Brown is a great pass blocker who stood out with a great showing at the combine. I had him around #25 on my board, but I don’t think I would call it a reach if Buffalo took him here.

24. Houston Texans - Jordan Whitehead, S, Pittsburgh - The Texans are a dangerous team, and that won’t change anytime soon. While I think they need a cornerback, there is no depth at that position this year. My best available player in the secondary is Jordan Whitehead. I personally watched this guy play throughout high school, and he can be a monster. He is primarily a zone type safety, but I think he has the potential to be moved around to the benefit of any team.

25. Green Bay Packers (From Cle) - Derwin James, S, Florida St. - There are a ton of good safeties in this draft, its too bad teams don’t really need them. Nonetheless, I have Green Bay taking James at 25. He’s the 22nd ranked player on my board and no matter where he lands, will be a significant asset on the field.

26. Los Angeles Rams - Cam Serigne, TE, Wake Forest - We all know what a good tight end can do for an offense. The Rams currently have a few that are serviceable, but Serigne has the potential to be a force in this league and excel quickly. Great hands to make tough catches and enough strength to block, the Rams could grab a player who will help define their offense for years to come.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars - Saquon Barkley, HB, Penn St. - I was genuinely stumped here. The Jags are more or less a complete team, and at this point I have no choice but to have them taking the best available, even if it is a running back. Barkley has been the top rated back all season, and could factor in as another weapon for this offense to make another run at the playoffs.

28. Dallas Cowboys (From Chi) - Jason Cabinda, OLB, Penn St. - Dallas’ defense performed exceptionally well last season, almost surprisingly so. As Sean Lee gets older, it becomes more and more crucial to find his replacement. Cabinda is a solid linebacker who can become great with some development. While he didn’t have a great combine performance, Dallas can’t afford to pass him this late in the first.

29. San Francisco 49ers (From Car) - Sam Darnold, QB, USC - At this point the Niners have gotten some great additions to the team, but they could use a better QB2. Gabbert probably shouldn’t be on anyone’s team, and Darnold has the potential to develop into a very good, potentially starting quarterback.

30. Cincinnati Bengals - TJ Edwards, ILB, Wisconsin - The Bengals are a team that is built for a championship run. Just glancing at the roster, they have very few glaring holes and not many positions where productivity is expected to decline. TJ Edwards was one of the better linebackers at the combine and is a good player to have on your roster. Best possible option at number 30.

31. San Diego Chargers - Martez Ivey, C/G, Florida - San Diego made a strong run to the Super Bowl and I wouldn’t doubt them returning in the near future. That being said, they could use a boost to their offensive line and Ivey should be the guy. Some scouts were down on him, saying he may fall to the 3rd round, but I think that his combine stats are a better indicator of what he’ll be able to do when he hits the field.

32. Arizona Cardinals (From Phi) - Damien Mama, C/G, USC - Earlier I had the Cardinals taking their QB of the future, and I think here they need someone to protect their asset. Mama had an outstanding combine, placing in the top 3 for every drill except vertical jump. Scouts worry about his technique, but I think he’ll be able to adapt to the league quickly.