1.1 LA Chargers - Juan Bronson, FS

I would try to comment on all the trades but I simply can’t keep track. Moving up to 1.1 in a draft is normally an indicator that you are going after an edge, QB, LT. But thats real life. Here, in this house, we trade up for free safeties. Action Bronson was a menace at the U with a do it all mentality. Plenty of centerfield capability and can guard anyone on the field in man. And even when the pass game isn’t the focus, he is able to make plays against the run. 

Grade: B+, not the best position for 1.1 and star dev.

Pro Comp: Adrian Amos

1.2 Philadelphia Eagles - Braylon Hampton, CB

The Golden Gopher finds his home in Philly, a team that really struggled to stop the pass this year. The superstar dev corner is not quite as pro ready as you’d like for a pick this high, but ill be damned if his combine wasn’t the reason the Philly front office fell in love. Hampton is a good counter to the speed meta that comes in madden and is a great replacement for Slay who departed this offseason.

Grade: A-, SS dev, important position, rough coverage numbers

Pro Comp: Keion Crossen

1.3 Detroit Lions - Jay Rodgers, CB

I actually yelled out loud when Jay was picked. You would think Detroit would know better to go corner at 1.3 for the 2nd time in 3 seasons….especially without a QB rostered. That being said, Jay was a force in the ACC this year who used his raw athleticism to dominate. He joins a DB group that is a little rough around the edges, but he may be the final piece to help them close out games defensively.

Grade: B+ Star dev, important position, there were better needs 

Pro Comp: Javelin Guidry

1.4 Baltimore Ravens - Don Washington, QB

Baltimore’s big Lamar move left them without a rostered QB heading into draft day BUT with the 4th overall pick they replaced Lamar with a talented Notre Dame gunslinger in Washington. Don has a big arm and is quite mobile for his size. While he can move the ball downfield with ease, he does struggle on some of the more routine throws. 

Grade: A, big need, great player, star dev

Pro Comp: Carson Wentz

1.5 Houston Texans - Michael Holloman, WR

From what I have heard, Ben is THE team builder of BL. With his first draft pick in Texas, he fucking nails it. Holloman is everything you want in a WR. a big body, strong at the point of attack, without sacrificing speed to do it. The lone XF in the class may be the WR who can replace the gaping hole left by the DeAndre Hopkins trade. Must watch football this year in Houston.

Grade: A+

Pro Comp: Julio Jones

1.6 New Orleans Saints - Rashard Robinson, WR

The offensive woes in New Orleans last year have no true source. It could be the the lack of a dynamic receiving corps, the trading away of a top 3 receiving back in the league, or maybe just the reliance on a washed up youth pastor. Either way, the 6th pick bring Rashard Robinson to the Bayou. Rashard is as dynamic before the catch as he is after. A deep threat that will back up your corners just to catch a screen and go yard any ways. He will be asked to take on WR1 duties early, but a fun athlete to watch nonetheless.

Grade: B+ Star dev

Pro Comp: Brandin Cooks

1.7 Dallas Cowboys - Jeremy Rushing, EDGE

Dallas needs defensive help bad, considering they now have to face Lamar twice a season. Rushing is one of the best athletes in the class with 86 speed to go with his 260lb frame. Needs some brushing up in run defense but he is a stud pass rusher. 

Grade: B+

Pro Comp:

1.8 Pittsburgh Steelers - Rashaun Haywood, CB

Haywood is a speedy man corner who has a tough task of WR1s to deal with. Pittsburgh rebuild is underway and they address the sub par secondary speed they had in 2021. 

Grade: B need, speed, normal dev 

Pro Comp: Bradley Roby

1.9 New York Jets - Xavier Mullins, WR

The Jets dominated on the ground, so that realistically should lead to stacked boxes and open deep balls. King knows this and grabs one of the best deep threats in the draft. Mullins should see some big plays should the Jets play their offense right.

Grade: A- need, star dev

Pro Comp: Will Fuller

1.10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Khary Hood, DT

The first big boy goes off the board! Hood was considered one of the most pro ready players in the draft and an elite run defender. Normal dev hurts but he is very strong and as advertised against the run.

Grade: C+ low position value, normal, cant pass rush

Pro Comp: 

1.11 LA Rams - Jonathan Talley, EDGE

Trading back from 5 the Rams sure up the defensive front 7 with a fantastic edge rusher. Talley is very quick and has one of the best speed rush ratings in the class. A fantastic addition to a SB caliber roster.

Grade: A 

Pro Comp: Josh Allen

1.12 New York Jets - Edward Garrett, MLB

Our first repeat team so far, the Jets double dip on talent and snag the athletic Crimson Tide backer. Garrett gets to the ball quick and tackles well. A little user skill will help him not be clueless in coverage but a solid run defender.

Grade: B+

Pro Comp: Patrick Queen

1.13 Jacksonville Jaguars - Connor Fowler, RT

The Jags looked hot to end the season and adding more protection only makes this offense that much deadlier. Fowler is well rounded and a great low key pick for this team

Grade: A

Pro Comp: idk pick a RT that is starter quality

1.14 Green Bay Packers - Garrett Thurman, WR

Years ago when Love was picked, there was controversy about GB not helping Rodgers with a WR. Well say no more as Love is gone to Denver and Garrett Thurman is here. The tall white boy is the most polished route runner in the class and explosive in all phases. The second Miami Hurricane to feature in the top 15 and it’s their star WR headed to Lambeau 

Grade: A-

Pro Comp: I tried to not use the cop out but, Adam Thielen

1.15 Carolina Panthers - Victor Jenkins, QB

The race in the NFC S was always who would get a QB first. gamble won with Burrow but in come Victor Jenkins from Michigan. Jenkins has a capable arm and very comfortable throwing the ball short and medium. He may have to shine in anticipation on deeper routes but he should grow into that.

Grade: B+

Pro Comp: Jared Goff

1.16 Philadelphia Eagles - Bruce Glenn, CB

Corner must have really been a need for Philly as they snag another superstar dev cornerback. Glenn is tall and quick with a highlight reel that lit up TikTok so much that I’m surprised he wasn’t taken at 1.4. He might be the best CB2 in the league after 2022x

Grade: A+

Pro Comp: Darius Slay

1.17 Arizona Cardinals - Kerry Chamberlain, LG

Similar to the Jags, the Cardinals got hot late and with one of the leagues best running backs they bolster the line with a great talent in Kerry. A thriving a run blocker, Chamberlain should make this team even more of a menace to deal with.

Grade: B+ 

1.18 New York Jets - Justin Callahan, TE

The league has seen elite TE talent enter with eye popping athleticism. While Callahan isn’t that kind of tight end, he certainly is a reliable target and capable in the run game, basically a perfect fit for New York.

Grade: C, not athletic, normal

Pro Comp: TJ Hockenson

1.19 Tennessee Titans - Roman Riddick, WR

The Titans were on the phone wanting to trade back from this pick but ultimately took the home town WR. Riddick is a polished route runner with great technical skills against the press and after the catch.

Grade: B+

Pro Comp: Cole Beasley

1.20 Pittsburgh Steelers - Tony Carr, WR

They traded away both their star receivers and star fresh with Tony. A bit of a reach on Carr, who relied heavily on his speed to get him open in college. Will have to develop the route running game to see the field in the big leagues.

Grade: D

Pro Comp: Khalif Raymond

1.21 Pittsburgh Steelers - Matt Hall, SS

Steel redeems himself with a great defensive pick to join Minkah and Rayshaun. Hall is electric fast and one of the best safeties against the pass. A great fit for this defense

Grade: A-

Pro Comp: Tyrann Mathieu/Justin Reid

1.22 LA Rams - Juan White, EDGE

The Rams double up on edge rushers and snag another hidden dev beast. Very similar to the other rookie, he is an athletic speed rusher who is not quite as well rounded as you would like. But with star dev and some love, I am sure Juan will see 7-9 sacks on the year.

Grade: A

Pro Comp: Von MIller

1.23 Baltimore Ravens - Rashad Gentry, HB

Prompty replaced by Derrick Henry, Rashad will spend a lot of his action in third down and passing scenarios. Lightning quick with solid hands, the Gator will join a division absolutely loaded with RB talent.

Grade: D

Pro Comp: Ronald Jones

1.24 Buffalo Bills - Rashaud Ferguson, MLB

The Bills add a key piece next to Edmunds with another tall speedy linebacker. Ferguson is about as prototypical as it gets at 21st century linebacker. Great pursuit instincts, very strong. Should make big plays cleaning up tackles in the run.

Grade: B

Pro Comp: Roquan Smith

1.25 Detroit Lions - Alex McCalister, FS

Considered a day 2 or 3 selection, Alex’s height and combine saw him shoot up the boards and lands him in Detroit. A true center fielder with incredible length and range, they dont make a lot of safeties like him. 

Grade: A+

Pro Comp: Earl Thomas if he was 6ft4

1.26 Philadelphia Eagles - Alani Dorsey, WR

After addressing defense, the Eagles add a receiver to the stable. Dorsey has a good frame and lightning quick in and out of cuts. Struggles to high point the ball but is electric after the catch. Might develop into one of the best slot receivers in the league.

Grade: A

Pro Comp: Jerry Jeudy

1.27 LV Raiders - Shane Shelton, QB

Shelton is a big arm, athletic quarterback who the Raiders just had to get their hands on. While accuracy issues did arise throughout the offseason, the Raiders have a solid WR corps to help make the passing windows a lot bigger for the rookie.

Grade: B

Pro Comp: Dak Prescott

1.28 Atlanta Falcons - Desean Northcutt, WR

The Falcons go BPA here and take the Colorado receiver who many had pinned as a top 5 pick. Not the flashiest receiver in the class, Northcutt is a do it all guy. Well rounded route running, 6ft2 with great elusiveness after the catch. The Falcons land a quality WR2 allowing them to be more flexible with Pitts and Ridley.

Grade: A

Pro Comp: Cooper Kupp

1.29 Detroit Lions - Marc Newell, QB

South Carolina isn’t exactly a QB factory but every once in awhile a must see prospect comes from an SEC team not named Bama or UGA. The Lions land an absolute banger of a pick at 29 with a superstar QB. 93 throw power, efficient accuracy, and enough athleticism to extend plays, Marc is going to be a name we remember for a long time in BL.

Grade: A+

Pro Comp: Baker Mayfield

1.30 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tracy Scott, LE

The Buccaneers once again add to their defensive front. Tracy is a big body and another top tier run defender. A little more capable in the draft than his first round counterpart Hood, Tracy is very athletic and should make a difference day 1.

Grade: B+

Pro Comp: Chris Jones

1.31 Baltimore Ravens - Rahim Fowler, EDGE

The Ravens finish their first round shopping spree with the Buckeye edge rusher. Fowler is explosive off the ball and can win with both his speed and his power. A great value pick here to grab an edge this late in a division that requires pressure on the QB.

Grade: B

Pro Comp: Derek Barnett

1.32 Atlanta Falcons - Dwight Caver, EDGE

Reports from the War Room is that the Falcons had both Caver and Fowler tied at the top of the board. The Ravens pick at 1.31 solved their issue for them and the Falcons come out on top as a result. The Michigan man was a force in college. Excelled against the pass and the run, has top tier burst off the ball and really finishes plays. Much needed for a team that started Brandon Copeland at edge last season.

Grade: A-

Pro Comp: TJ Watt

5. Kene Nwangwu, New York Jets

Stats: 479 Att, 3,137 Yards, 33 TD 224yds/g

I tried. I tried to find a running back more efficient, convincing myself he is a product of volume but simply put Kene is disgusting. Averaging 90 more yards per game than 2nd place in the league. The Jets haven’t exactly established themselves as a playoff threat just yet but I always believe that those that can run, will run. And Kene. Can. Run.

4. David Njoku, Tennessee Titans

Stats: 130 Rec 1,689 Yards 18 TDs

Honestly there  has never been a tight end to ever put up these numbers. Maybe in BL history, but certainly not NFL history. What makes Njoku so wild is that he is maybe the 4th best player on this offense as a ceiling? With julio, AJ, and henry i would think 130 receptions would belong to someone else, but Cloud must love his tight ends. With Henry at 6.2 YPC, two receivers that require attention, and the leagues best tight end….I would be terrified if the Titans made the playoffs. Terrified.

3. Jamar Johnson, Denver Broncos

Stats: 86 Tackles, 5 TFL, 17 INT, 1 FF

Since animations were severely limited for user DBs in general, its been tough to get picks. That has not been an issue for the Broncos rookie safety who has racked up 17 interceptions. Tack on his 86 tackles and you have clearly one of the best safeties in the league. While getting 2 games against KC should be illegal for stat purposes, Johnson has been quite impressive.

2. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Stats: 5,114 Yards 51 TD 20 INT 72%

It is easy to get lost in the Mac Jones, Trevor Lawrence domination but sitting firmly atop the AFC is Baker Mayfield and the Browns. Now, preseason I personally thought Hero was a run-heavy user that could win the AFC as Chubb fits his play style. I would say he has proven himself a balanced offensive user who can show up in the volume stats but limit the turnovers. To play this way, with this record, in the leagues nastiest division...Baker may not win the in-game MVP but he deserves it.

1. Kellen Mond, Minnesota Vikings

Stats: 5,741 Yards 55 TD 22 INT 71%

Kellen is basically NFC Baker Mayfield, but a significantly worse player in terms of ratings. Mond has been fantastic in wins and maybe even more impressive in losses. Mond rebounds from Chicago loss to dominate the Rams and sit themselves firmly in the NFC 2 Seed.

So I don’t really enjoy doing power rankings. They are often ill-informed and guesswork. Instead, for my first written piece of BL content I figured I’d talk a bit about my opponents so far this season. I think there have been some really fun and interesting game styles in BL and it might be cool to recognize those guys a bit. So without further ado…

Philadelphia Eagles Final Score 40-14

It’s evident that Nick wasn’t the best user around. And that’s okay! But if there was something I was worried about, it was his running game. The Eagles have a fantastic OL and it was no surprise to see him drop 100 yards on me. A little turnover heavy in the passing game but that’s the game you play with Jalen Hurts. I think he def could steal some wins from folks should the offense dev well.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Final Score: Game 1: 42-21 Game 2: 24-3 at half DC

We got both phases of the Bucs this year, Tom Brady and Joe Burrow. What I remember from game one is that this game was very close going into the 4th. I think when I play better rosters I try to stay patient but what i noticed quickly is while gamble is a very solid defensive user, he is a little predictable on offense. Some guys use lots of plays out of 1-2 formations, and thats tough to stop. Bucs is a lot of formations with 1 play out of each. So if you can key in on those formations, you can guess the play. We were able to get 4 pick sixes in 2 games with this and it was really the difference. He locked the run up fairly well and limited the big play as I didn’t have big passes at all.

New York Giants Final Score: 25-22

I will happily consider this my first big test in BL. GOTW commentary, the pressure is on. What I remember about Lucky was just how consistent his tackling was. It seemed like I would have a lane or the outside and then a diving giant defender would take my legs out. He was very very good at that anticipation. The focus in games vs teams like this, and especially in close games, is to stop the RB. If he beats me with Toney then he beats me with Toney. But i do not wanna be dominated by Saquon. This game was tough and fortunately for me I got a 10 point lead, and even when i choked it, i was in position to get the game winning FG. But Lucky was tough and I hope he gets his abilities back.*Hes one of those guys who would win more if he ran more*

Washington Football Team Final Score: 47-28

I once played a game vs little alex on MLB the show and after the first strike out he was completely triggered. In BL, I notice he is VERY quick to hop in chat and talk about his ongoing game. That being said I think he has a lot of respect in Top having made a deep playoff run with Mariota and in this league hes a regular contender. I think it just comes down to Alex kinda mentally putting himself in bad spots. I do it, everyone does it. But i felt like he doesn’t start games hot and the comeback opportunity wasn’t there. Tyrod threw a lot of INTs, but in the future I think he could be a problem should he dev his team but starting games better will be the difference maker for him.

New York Jets Final Score: 35-28

This game started the 4th 28-0. I was ready for a shut-out and then his run game just kinda clicked. A few untimely turnovers made the game a lot closer than it really was. That being said, that running back is fucking brutal. The benefit is he isn’t that nuanced of a passer so getting ahead early was a blessing as we kinda forced him to throw 32 times. Then at some point he said, fuck this i wasnt my 200 yards and he got just that. Funny enough, I felt for someone who runs as much as he does, he didn’t defend it much and that was the catalyst for me on offense. Would be very interested to see how i stand against that run defense if the game was closer. But very clean in and out of lanes and hard to stop.

Carolina Panthers Final Score Game 1: 49-48 Game 2: 37-17

Game one was wild, and easily my worst game defensively all season. Giving up 48 is something I took personally. So lets talk about what makes Morty unique. Because if I didn’t watch a few of his stream to get an idea of what he does, I would’ve lost that game 1. He is very crafty at high lowing you. Will throw a smoke screen on the outside WR to allow a corner route from the slot to either be wide open, and be patient enough to come back to the smoke screen for a big YAC play. He has a very crafty goal line play that, had I not known it was coming, could’ve won him the game. But really what I like is that he knows his height mismatches and is the only user who throws down the boundary. Second time around, he had a TE dev story and I had the confidence. We were able to limit him to just 17 points and found ways to keep possession. When I am playing morty I’m forced to be mistake free and I enjoy those games. Defensively he is very smart with his user and theres so much speed you have to take advantages of the open plays you get. Cheers to Morty.

New Orleans Saints Final Score: 45-17

From what i heard, Connor was a trap game. Despite the Tim Tebow experiment, I took it very seriously. I wanted to limit the big throw while also finding ways to get ahead. In my brain, the more Tebow is throwing the better. That is until Tebow dotted me up 2 drives in a row. I was very concerned. Second half tho, things changed and we forced 6 interceptions. I always try to take out the teams best player, so holding MT to 2 catches was huge. Ridley had a great day deep but with the Saints and a solid user...I think the real Connor will strike around season 2 or 3. For now, its meme Florida boys.

Dallas Cowboys Final Score: 42-30

The cowboys were one of the first teams to force me to make a huge half time adjustment. Just so many fucking blitzes that my play action game couldn’t handle it. Also a heavy dose of Zeke kepy my defense very honest and Cooper ate up my DBs for like 104. The second half adjustment is what changed the game. I stayed in the shot gun, I commited to quick throws to hurst and Cohen and then the blitzes started working against him. Running away from the obvious pressure and a huge TD before half by Cohen swung the game in my favor. But i do not look forward to playing that defense again.

New England Patriots Final Score: 45-24

Yes the score is ugly. But so is the Pats roster. I try not to judge someone using a normal dev bronze mut team in franchise too harshly and even with this roster, Austin drops like 50 points at will. But what i saw in his games was this. 1. He is going to throw. 2. He doesn’t particularly play the run well. 3. He likes the right side line. 

Go back and watch as this is the only game all year I played Justin Simmons on the right side of the field versus his natural FS left side. I did not want him picking on Duron Harmon at all. Every time I ran zone it was a 15-20 yard game. It was so obvious he has patience and reads the field well. But the press man adjustment worked as he just doesn’t have a roster that can beat that yet. But once he gets some speed, and true WR talent I really want to play him again and see if I can stop him in zone. Because I didn’t have it that day. As for point number 2, that kinda worked. Tarik had his biggest day of the season with 208 yards. 

Jacksonville Jaguars Final Score 30-20

I look forward to all challenges, but I never want to experience that game ever again. This man had me checking his DL roster for any secret sauce DL players I didn’t know about. Lo and behold, no one over 76 and he held me to 1.7 ypc. ONE POINT SEVEN. I have never been so mad. It really sent me over the edge. Also, i low key disrespected his record and took some early shots that I really really wish i had scored on. I picked him off on his second drive and had the ball in the red zone, and forced a throw for a user on the next play. Had I taken the time and the points, the end of this game could’ve been different. On offense, a heavy dose of deep crossers and almost to a fault. When you play that kinda game either the mistakes are bad or, like this game, the chips fell his way. A lot of contested catches, bad db animations really hurt my mental and I made mistakes he took advantage of. But not to take away from easily the best defense I played all year long. Cheers to him for giving Atlanta their first loss.

*Suspended for this bout

*rookie

*rookie

by: Martin Whitfield

After an explosive week one performance against the Carolina Panthers, the Kansas City Chiefs look to continue their dominance against the Dolphins of South Beach. Tuesday morning the Kansas City Front Office released the depth chart for this weeks matchup. Key Inactives are similar to last week with Hill, Hunt, Kelce, Berry, Houston, Fuller, and Jones withheld from play, but also we will not see linebacker Reggie Ragland and wide receiver Rishard Matthews this week. This decision leaves only 4 active receivers on the roster for the matchup which means we could see how the group performs from a conditioning standpoint.

   After a two interception performance against the Carolina Panthers, Joseph Jones will get to start at middle linebacker. This is mainly due to the inactive Ragland, but Jones will have an opportunity to show he can be the signal caller for this defense if things go south for the 25 year old Ragland.

   Finally, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to play the entire first half of this game as he looks to get back into rhythym following a 5 for 7, 95 yards, 1 INT performance last week. When asked about the lone turnover, Mahomes stated "I really felt it was an accuracy issue. It was a good game of cat and mouse, and I felt I made the right change, just could've placed it better."

   The coaching staff has reiterated that despite back up quarterback, Shea Patterson's stand out performance, that Mahomes is still firmly the starter on this team. Peak the depth chart below to see who will be out there against the Miami Dolphins this week.

https://twitter.com/chiefs_pml/status/1065318153226526722?s=21

Martin Whitfield is a Chiefs’ beat writer for the Kansas City Star. All the opinions in this piece do not reflected the opinions of the Kansas City Star. So don't tweet us with your bullshit complaints, tweet him @NFLRT.

Approaching the preseason matchup against Carolina, the Chiefs fan base is eager to see who will take the field for the Red and Yellow following an abysmal 2018 season. With many new draft picks like LSU DB Greedy Williams, Michigan QB Shea Patterson, and Georgia playmaker Mecole Hardman, the Chiefs look like an exciting team that can return to its former glory under new managament.

This morning, an image was posted to twitter stating that it was the first look at tonight’s depth chart. If true, Chiefs fans are in for a treat as Mahomes will get first shot at maintaining the QB position. While many of the stars will not play tonight, including Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Eric Berry, there is still plenty of talent that will showcase against the Panthers.

link to the leaked depth chart below!

https://twitter.com/chiefs_pml/status/1064541157873631234?s=21