The following teams are listed because I predict them to make a significant improvement from last season.
1. Jaguars
Defensively, this team has been greatly improving. With the draft this year they should fill the missing pieces, including at quarterback. Especially if Blackmon is still on the team and not suspended, this team should jump the Titans and possibly Texans in the AFC South. Drafting Johnny Manziel at 3, like I predict in my latest mock draft, could have them finishing possibly at 8-8.
2. Texans
The Texans literally have everything but a quarterback. Depending on where they draft one, they should improve and start being competitive again. They still have 2 great receivers and an elite running back that will help them greatly.
3. Vikings
The Vikings situation is slightly different form the Texans. They need a quarterback to complete their offense, but their defense also has a few holes that need to be addressed. The Vikings are for sure drafting a quarterback, but if they draft the right one they can really take a step forward.
4. Falcons
The Falcons need defensive help but their main problem last year was their injuries. This year they will bounce back to contention in the NFC South. This year's draft will help them fill holes at tight end, tackle, and defense in general.
5. Browns
The Browns have one of the league's top defenses. They have two first round picks this year and if they can land Sammy Watkins and a quarterback they could compete in the AFC North. Filling their hole at quarterback and adding weapons will help them improve greatly.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
NFL Draft Rumors: Johnny Manziel
According to reports, the Texans haven't ruled out Johnny Manziel as the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. I have always liked the way Manziel would fit in Houston, as he played college ball in Texas and would come in to a very solid situation. In many of my early mock drafts I had Manziel at number one but have since shifted to Jadeveon Clowney. Johnny Manziel to the Texans could realistically happen on May 8th and would send shock waves through the NFL.
The way I see it, the Texans have 3 possible ways to go with their first pick. They could either draft Johnny Manziel or Jadeveon Clowney, or they could trade down if they can find a partner. The Falcons are rumored to be their partner because they are trying to move up for Clowney. Whether Manziel is the first pick or not, you can count on the Texans drafting a quarterback this year.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Fantasy Football: 8 Sleepers to Target
These are 8 players that are worth the risk in the middle to lower part of your fantasy draft.
1. Trent Richardson, RB
With an entire offseason to study the playbook and get more settled in, Richardson will be a 1,000 yard rusher.
2. Hakeem Nicks, WR
Being in a new situation is exactly what Nicks needed, barring an injury setback he will breakout this year catching balls from Luck.
3. Denarius Moore, WR
Moore excelled with Carson Palmer at QB and Palmer's play was very mediocre. Schaub may not be the long term answer for them at QB but should help Moore to be more productive.
4. Rueben Randle, WR
With Nicks's departure, Reuben Randle will take his spot. Therefore his production will increase from last year, which was in solid WR3 range.
5. Brandon LaFell, WR
LaFell really has an opportunity to shine in New England since there is no definite number one receiver. He has the skill set to be a number one receiver and Tom Brady will look his way.
6. Ben Tate, RB
Ben Tate is the starter in the backfield now in Cleveland. The Browns have a great offensive line and like to run the ball.
7. Toby Gerhart, RB
Gerhart is the new workhorse in Jacksonville. He is in line to hog most of the touches and is on a team that is improving overall, specifically on their offensive line.
8. Ladarius Green, TE
Antonio Gates is only getting older and Mike McCoy loves Green's skill set. Green is in line for much more production and potentially a breakout season.
1. Trent Richardson, RB
With an entire offseason to study the playbook and get more settled in, Richardson will be a 1,000 yard rusher.
2. Hakeem Nicks, WR
Being in a new situation is exactly what Nicks needed, barring an injury setback he will breakout this year catching balls from Luck.
3. Denarius Moore, WR
Moore excelled with Carson Palmer at QB and Palmer's play was very mediocre. Schaub may not be the long term answer for them at QB but should help Moore to be more productive.
4. Rueben Randle, WR
With Nicks's departure, Reuben Randle will take his spot. Therefore his production will increase from last year, which was in solid WR3 range.
5. Brandon LaFell, WR
LaFell really has an opportunity to shine in New England since there is no definite number one receiver. He has the skill set to be a number one receiver and Tom Brady will look his way.
6. Ben Tate, RB
Ben Tate is the starter in the backfield now in Cleveland. The Browns have a great offensive line and like to run the ball.
7. Toby Gerhart, RB
Gerhart is the new workhorse in Jacksonville. He is in line to hog most of the touches and is on a team that is improving overall, specifically on their offensive line.
8. Ladarius Green, TE
Antonio Gates is only getting older and Mike McCoy loves Green's skill set. Green is in line for much more production and potentially a breakout season.
Trade Situations
The upcoming draft has many possible trades that are just waiting to happen. There have been reports that the Falcons want to move up to number one and take Jadeveon Clowney. I think this situation is the most likely "blockbuster" trade for this draft.
The Minnesota Vikings also could trade with the Jaguars for their number 3 pick so they can jump the main teams looking for a quarterback. The most likely selection for the Vikings in this case would be Blake Bortles, the quarterback out of UCF. The Vikings haven't had a franchise quarterback in a very long time and Matt Cassell is obviously not the answer.
The Rams are a candidate to trade down from their number 2 pick. A team either wanting Sammy Watkins or one of the top tier quarterbacks could have the ammo to make this move. The Rams not only would still be in position to land one of the first round tackles, but also would receive more picks if they traded down. Their most likely trade partner lies between picks 4-10.
The Minnesota Vikings also could trade with the Jaguars for their number 3 pick so they can jump the main teams looking for a quarterback. The most likely selection for the Vikings in this case would be Blake Bortles, the quarterback out of UCF. The Vikings haven't had a franchise quarterback in a very long time and Matt Cassell is obviously not the answer.
The Rams are a candidate to trade down from their number 2 pick. A team either wanting Sammy Watkins or one of the top tier quarterbacks could have the ammo to make this move. The Rams not only would still be in position to land one of the first round tackles, but also would receive more picks if they traded down. Their most likely trade partner lies between picks 4-10.
Cody Latimer Draft Profile
Cody Latimer, the receiver out of Indiana, is an absolute beast. He has the skill set required to be a number one receiver in the NFL. He is going to be available late in the first round for most of the receiver needy teams. Latimer has a great mix of agility, speed, ball skills, and size that are all reasons for his quick rise up draft boards. In my latest mock draft, I have him going to the Panthers who desperately need his talents.
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