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NFC North
Quarterback Rankings: Top 10 Signal Callers
The lifelong debate in the NFL is quarterbacks can make or break a team. They’re the most important position in football. Every year teams atop of the draft order are reaching & picking young college signal callers hoping to have found their franchise guy. Whenever someone decides to rank quarterbacks, it usually results in unhappy fanbases. I have a series of top ten player positions ranking debuting and why not start with the quarterback position.
- Tom Brady (Patriots)– Entering his 19th season at age 41 does not sound like the best quarterback in the NFL. Adding throwing 505 yards in his 8th sb appearance, carrying a bad team, & being the reigning MVP helps his case. If anyone can continue to fight with father time & play at an elite hall of fame level it is Tomas Edward Brady. 2017 stats: 16 games | 66.3 pct. | 4,577 pass yds | 7.9 ypa | 32 pass TD | 8 INT
- Aaron Rodgers (Packers)– The value of AR12 was felt as the packer’s season dwindled at the hands of Coach McCarthy & backup QB Brent Hundley. This team is a playoff contender yearly due to the mere presence of Rodgers. Heading into a healthy season, Rodgers will dominate once again. 2017 stats: 7 games | 64.7 pct. | 1,675 pass yds | 7.0 ypa | 16 pass TD | 6 INT | 126 rush yds | 0 rush TD
- Drew Brees (Saints)– The precision surgeon maybe towards the end of his career, but playing at an elite level is still in his plans. The emergence of a potent running attack & top tier scoring defense, Brees can be productive for a few more season. 2017 stats: 16 games | 72.0 pct. | 4,334 pass yds | 8.1 ypa | 23 pass TD | 8 INT | 2 rush TD
- Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)– As the older signal caller trend continues, Ben is a franchise guy even on the backend of his career. He carries this Steelers offense and team. He may have teased retirement, but the tune has changed with Rudolph in house. I expect Ben to carry this offense into the top 5 once again. 2017 stats: 15 games | 64.2 pct. | 4,251 pass yds | 7.6 ypa | 28 pass TD | 14 INT
- Russell Wilson (Seahawks) – Possibly the real “MVP”, without Russ the Seahawks offense wouldn’t score 14 ppg. He accounted for 82.2% of the offenses production, which is ridiculous. Wilson does not get the credit he deserves in the “Top QB” discussions, but the play making signal caller is more than worthy. 2017 stats: 16 games | 61.3 pct. | 3,983 pass yds | 7.2 ypa | 34 pass TD | 11 INT | 586 rush yds | 3 rush TD
- Carson Wentz (Eagles)- 2017 stats: 13 games | 60.2 pct. | 3,296 pass yds | 7.5 ypa | 33 pass TD | 7 INT | 299 rush yds | 0 rush TD
- Cam Newton (Panthers)- 2017 stats: 16 games | 59.1 pct. | 3,302 pass yds | 6.7 ypa | 22 pass TD | 16 INT | 754 rush yds | 6 rush TD
- Matthew Stafford (Lions)- 2017 stats: 16 games | 65.7 pct. | 4,446 pass yds | 7.9 ypa | 29 pass TD | 10 INT
- Philip Rivers- 2017 stats: 16 games | 62.6 pct. | 4,515 pass yds | 7.9 ypa | 28 pass TD | 10 INT
- Matt Ryan- 2017 stats: 16 games | 64.7 pct. | 4,095 pass yds | 7.7 ypa | 20 pass TD | 12 INT | 143 rush yds | 0 rush TD
This is my projections heading into the 2018 season and it is subject to change. If your favorite signal caller did not make the list, there is still time.
Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or Twitter.
Drafting potential replacements
The NFL draft is gone, the smoke has settled, & OTA’s are underway. There are numerous rookies with expectations to become important starters this season. A group of rookies was drafted to potentially replace veterans. The veterans below will be looking over their shoulders for the next couple of months.
- Giovani Bernard (RB)- The current change of pace back on the Cincinnati Bengals behind the second-year runner Joe Mixon. The Bengals selected RB Mark Walton. He’s playing style is very similar to Bernard. Both players are shifty/quick backs that possess the ability to receive the ball out of the backfield. Gio has two years left on his current contract. According to overthecap.com, if the Bengals desired to cut or trade him post-June 1st, they could save 5.8 million over the next two seasons (including dead money). Walton is a cheaper version of Bernard & whether he takes over this season or next, I believe Gio’s days are numbered.
- Quinten Rollins (CB)- The Packers’ slot/nickel corner is entering a contract year & could be on his way out of Green Bay. Cheesehead nation selected Jaire Alexander in the first round. One of the best pure corners in this draft class. He will be in immediate competition with Rollins for the nickel corner role this season. Packers could cut Rollins & save 699,885 towards their cap, but it’s probably best to keep him throughout the season. There is a strong possibility we will see Rollins on the market next offseason.
- Braxton Miller (WR)- The converted college quarterback turn receiver has yet to make a true impact on the Texans offense. Houston decided to draft Keke Coutee in the fourth round. The former Red Raider receiver is an explosive playmaker on offense and as a returner. Miller has two years left on his contract, he has not shown the ability to stay healthy throughout his short career. Coutee should push Miller for snaps early. Considering the explosive ability of the rookie receiver, the 3rd year wideout maybe lost in the shuffle.
- Elandon Roberts (ILB)- The 3rd year middle linebacker has played to the level of his draft selection (6th round). He is one of the worst players on the Patriots’ defense. Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 41.6 for the season which is unacceptable. Insert this year’s 6th round selection Christian Sam out of Arizona State. Christian is a better athlete with the ability to drop into zone coverage. He has good instincts & frame to be a three-down backer. Roberts is a liability in coverage & is not a starting caliber linebacker. With two years left on his rookie deal, Roberts maybe starring at a backup position going forward.
Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or Twitter.
Draft Grades:First Round
The most anticipated first-round draft in the past 5-10 years did not disappoint. There were highs, lows, & of course Roger Goddell getting booed!! A flurry of trades, surprises, steals, & reaches. I am here to grade for every division’s first-round selections. Here are my Draft Grades.
AFC North
Cleveland Browns
Picks: QB Baker Mayfield (1st overall), Denzel Ward (4th overall)
Day 1 grade: B+
Thoughts: The opening pick in the draft was a shocker to many fans at the draft & around the league. Baker is a confident playmaker. He has an infectious attitude and leaves it all on the field. Everyone wanted Sam Darnold or Josh Allen, but GM John Dorsey drafts HIS GUY. The Ward selection was a surprise as well but he was the top corner on the board and a position of need. He is possibly the best man cover corner in the draft. With AJ Green & Antonio Brown in the division having a potential shut down corner is important.
Cincinnati Bengals
Picks: C Billy Price (21st overall)
1st round grade: B-
Thoughts: One offseason after losing LT Andrew Whitworth & Kevin Zeitler, this Bengals retooled their line. Adding LT Cordy Glenn via trade with the Bills, & Price helps solidify the left side of their line. Price has experience playing all three interior offensive line positions. Price is a day one starting caliber lineman.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: S/LB Terrell Edmunds (28th overall)
1st round grade: B
Thoughts: Truthfully a surprise selection, the player not the position. Edmunds followed his brother Tremaine as the first brother duo as first round picks. Terrell is a physical player & explosive athlete. He has the ability to cover rbs & tight ends in dime coverages. He’s a hybrid player that has good versatility.
Baltimore Ravens
Picks: TE Hayden Hurst (25 overall) & QB Lamar Jackson (32nd overall)
1st round grade: A
Thoughts: The Ravens traded down & back up to select Hurst/Jackson. Hurst is a good tight end that can play all over the formation. Flacco should love this pick, but despise the next selection. Adding the pyrotechnic QB Lamar Jackson will put pressure on Flacco to perform well this season. Jackson makes the Ravens future very bright.
AFC East
New York Jets
Pick: Sam Darnold
Day 1 Grade: A-
Thoughts: The Jets have been searching for a quarterback for a very long time. The last semi-successful drafted signal caller was another Trojan Alum Mark Sanchez (record 33-29). Sam Darnold is a good quarterback with some quirky issues with his accuracy and decision making. IF given time to sit a refine his skills, NYJ should have their QB of the future.
Buffalo Bills
Picks: QB Josh Allen (7th overall) & ILB Tremaine Edmunds (16th overall)
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: The Bills were rumored as a team willing and ready to trade up for a signal caller. As the board shaped up inside the top 5, the bills saw their opportunity. They decided to trade w/Tampa Bay for quarterback Josh Allen. Selecting the prototypical big armed QB & one of the freakiest athletes in the draft (Edmunds) is a huge win for the bills.
Miami Dolphins
Pick: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (11th overall)
1st round Grade: B
Thoughts: When you have to face Gronk, Edelman, & Brady twice a year, having a versatile defender is prevalent. Inserting Fitzpatrick gives the dolphins a free safety/nickel combo. He can roam the deep center, cover in the slot, and impact in the box. This selection gives a nice boost to that defensive backfield.
New England Patriots
Picks: OG Isaiah Wynn (23rd overall) & RB Sony Michel (31st overall)
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: The Patriots chose to stay draft towards a win now attitude, instead of grabbing a first-round quarterback. Adding a versatile athletic OL Wynn & his UGA roommate Michel gives this offense a nice shot in the arm. They’re fine tuning the offensive line to protect their elder signal caller as well as becoming more physical in the run game.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Picks: None
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: After trading their first-round selection to the browns, in order to draft Deshaun Watson. He caught fire before tearing his ACL in practice last season. That pick was trending towards slam dunk category.
Indianapolis Colts
Draft Pick: OG Quenton Nelson (6th overall)
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: After receiving three second-round picks with the Jets trade, the Colts landed the best offensive lineman in the class. It was the best pick available considering Andrew Luck is getting healthier. Previous GM Ryan Grigson allowed Luck to continually take beatings. Protect your investment and look forward to an improved run game.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Pick: DT Taven Bryan (29th overall)
1st round Grade: B+
Thoughts: This pick was another surprise because it was not a position of need. With that being said, the Jags are attempting to replicate the SB Champ Philadelphia Eagles defensive line rotations. Bryan adds the incredible potential of power and quickness on the interior defensive line.
Tennessee Titans
Draft Pick: LB Rashaan Evans
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: Linebacker & pass rusher were the top needs for this Titans team. They added a well-rounded versatile defender in Evans. He can play inside & outside as a rusher. He’s athletic enough to drop into coverage and physical enough as a downhill thumper.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Draft Pick: ED Bradley Chubb (5th overall)
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: This was purely a “best player available” selection. Chubb wasn’t a need for Denver, but he fell into your lap & their star rusher is a huge fan of the kid. Chubb will bring the power, quickness, and size needed on the edge. He will pair with Von Miller to hopefully replicate the production & fear Miller/Ware struck in opposing offenses.
Kansas City Chiefs
Draft Pick: None
1st round Grade: B+
Thoughts: The Chiefs traded this selection last year in order to draft QB Patrick Mahomes. He eventually made Alex Smith expendable. He played well albeit in one start, but Andy Reid saw enough for him to be the incumbent starter for the 2018 season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Draft Pick: S Derwin James (17th overall)
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: The Chargers have a rising defense that is hoping to have two “healthy” lockdown corners next season. Adding the versatile safety James solidifies that backfield. James is a box safety that has potential to cover tight ends and backs. He will add toughness & athleticism to the Chargers defense.
Oakland Raiders
Draft Pick: OT Kolton Miller (15th overall)
1st round Grade: C
Thoughts: One of the more head-scratching picks so far in the draft, Gruden did not address the failing defense. Miller is a solid tackle and should benefit from a year to sit behind veteran Donald Penn. This pick did not sit well with the fans in Dallas or raider nation.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Draft Pick: LB Leighton Vander Esch (19th overall)
1st round Grade: B
Thoughts: While the majority of the league believed a receiver would’ve been the selection, LVE was a good pick. He is a big athletic off the ball linebacker, that tracks the ball well. He brings coverage ability and sure tackling as well.
NY Giants
Draft Pick: Saquon Barkley
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: Barkley was the consensus No. 1 running back and even prospect on many draft boards. His athletic prowess and playmaking ability should extend Eli Manning’s career a bit. Pair him with OBJ, Engram, & Sheppard creates an offense you could only dream of.
Philadelphia Eagles
Draft Pick: None
1st round Grade: 52 SB Champs decided to trade back and garnish more draft capital. They did not possess a second-round pick until the trade with the Ravens. They also received the Raven’s 2019 second round pick.
Washington Redskins
Draft Pick: DT Da’Ron Payne (13th overall)
1st round Grade: B-
Thoughts: Payne offers some potential as a three-down defender, but will be an immediate impact on the league’s worst rush defense. Former Alabama teammate was lobbying earlier in the process for Payne.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Draft Pick: LB Roquan Smith (8th overall)
1st round grade: A
Thoughts: Roquan is an uber-talented player. He brings the needed speed, intelligence, and abilities this defense needs. The Bears defense was already one to watch out for in 2018, adding this type of player will boost their front seven tremendously.
Detriot Lions
Draft Pick: C/OG Frank Ragnow (20th overall)
1st round grade: B+
Thoughts: Matthew Stafford needed two huge holes to be address in this off-season, the offensive line & a running back. Ragnow address the interior line to protect the star signal caller and move bodies in the ground game. I believe happy QB’s can win games leading into January.
Green Bay Packers:
Draft Pick: CB Jaire Alexander (18th overall)
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: A year after selecting CB Kevin King, Green Bay adds another capable cover guy. Alexander is athletic, fast, and makes plays on the football. After trading Randall to the Browns this offseason the cornerback position was a clear-cut need. Rodgers needs help and it starts with an improved defense.
Minnesota Vikings
Draft Pick: CB Mike Hughes (30th overall)
1st round Grade: B+
This selection is much underrated. This defense is one of the best in the league right now, but adding Hughes helps push them higher. Pairing him in the slot alongside Xavier Rhodes & Trae Waynes until he grows into the outside defender. He also adds kick/punt return ability as well.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Draft Pick: WR Calvin Ridley(26th overall)
1st round Grade: A-
Thoughts: This team needs to replace interior defensive lineman Dontari Poe, but they selected to add an explosive receiver. Ridley is believed to be the best receiver in the class by many. He offers elite route running, separation, & playmaking. He will join Julio Jones, Sanu, Coleman, & Freeman. Matt Ryan must be a happy man right now.
Carolina Panthers
Draft Pick: WR D.J. Moore (24th overall)
1st round Grade: A
Thoughts: FINALLY! For most of Cam Newton’s career, his front office has decided to deliver with a dynamic receiver. Moore is fast, strong, & tough. He can play anywhere on the offensive formation. He will bring the explosive plays and swag this offense missed from the departure of Steve Smith.
New Orleans Saints
Draft Pick: ED Marcus Davenport (14th overall)
1st round Grade: C+
Thoughts: The reigning NFC South Champs decided to jump from the 27th spot to 14. They wanted to add a pass rushing presence opposite of all-pro end Cameron Jordan. Davenport offers a high-risk, high reward potential as a prospect. The trade up and picks given up is the reason the grade is lower than expected.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft Pick: DT Vita Vea (12th overall)
1st round Grade: B
Thoughts: The Bucs attacked a position that was not desperate for an upgrade. There were bigger holes on this defense & team. Vea is an athletic monster in the middle that will be paired with pro bowl DT Gerald McCoy. He isn’t just a massive body because he offers interior pressure as well.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Draft Pick: QB Josh Rosen (10th overall)
1st round Grade: A+
Thoughts: I couldn’t think of another team more desperate for a QB than the Cardinals. With Josh Rosen the best “pure passer” falling into their lap, this is a great pick. He doesn’t have to play immediately with Sam Bradford in-house. The pressure isn’t heavy on his shoulders like some of his draft counterparts.
Los Angeles Rams
Draft Pick: None
1st round Grade: B-
Thoughts: The Rams traded their first-round pick to the Patriots (Isaiah Wynn) for receiver Brandin Cooks. Albeit, Cooks is a legit deep threat that will take the top off a defense, he is not a game changer. He also wasn’t worth a first-round selection.
San Francisco 49ers
Draft Pick: OT Mike McGlinchey (9th overall)
1st round Grade: C+
Thoughts: This was another shocker selection because OT wasn’t a position of need at the time. The Niners decided to trade RT Trent Brown to the Patriots earlier today for a 3rd round pick. McGlinchey is a big athletic tackle with long arms and strength. He has to work on his lower body and leverage due to his height. The pick makes sense now, but I’m not a fan of it.
Seattle Seahawks
Draft Pick: RB Rashaad Penny (27th overall)
1st round Grade: D-
Thoughts: This was the WORST selection by far, especially after trading back. Penny isn’t the second or third best running back in this class. I believe he is a good quality back, but he is the biggest reach of the draft so far. He was selected over the likes of, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, & Derrius Guice. The offensive line would’ve been a better selection here, even if you were going to reach!
CRR Mock Draft Central
The NFL DRAFT IS HERE!!! After all of the player rankings, draft profiles, and film studies. The CRR team has brought to you the inaugural group first round mock draft. Let’s see what picks, trades, and surprises the thave predicted.
Jackie Barnes | Keilan Dyer | Ryan Tarver | Ryan Michael | Damian Parson | |
1. CB | Sam Darnold QB | Josh Allen QB | Josh Allen QB | Sam Darnold QB | Sam Darnold QB |
2. NYG | Josh Rosen QB | Sam Darnold QB | Bradley Chubb ED | Josh Rosen QB | Saquon Barkley RB |
3. NYJ | Baker Mayfield QB | Baker Mayfield QB | Sam Darnold QB | Baker Mayfield QB | Baker Mayfield QB |
4. CB | Saquon Barkley RB | BUF-Josh Rosen QB | Saquon Barkley RB | Bradley Chubb ED | Trade(BUF)-Josh Allen QB |
5. Den | Bradley Chubb ED | Quenton Nelson OG | Derwin James S | BUF-Josh Allen | Quenton Nelson OG |
6. Ind | Quenton Nelson OL | Bradley Chubb ED | Trade(BUF)-Josh Rosen | CHI-Quenton Nelson | Bradley Chubb ED |
7. TB | Minkah Fitzpatrick DB | Saquon Barkley RB | Quenton Nelson OG | Saquon Barkley RB | Minkah Fitzpatrick DB |
8. CHI | Tremaine Edmunds LB | Tremaine Edmunds LB | Tremaine Edmunds LB | Colts-Roquan Smith ILB | Tremaine Edmunds LB |
9. SF | Derwin James S | Roquan Smith LB | Minkah Fitzpatrick S | Calvin Ridley WR | Roquan Smith ILB |
10. Oak | Denzel Ward DB | Vita Vea DT | Vita Vea DT | Tremaine Edmunds LB | Denzel Ward CB |
11. MIA | Roquan Smith LB | Minkah Fitzpatrick DB | Baker Mayfield QB | Lamar Jackson QB | Vita Vea DT |
12. BUF | Josh Allen QB | CLE- Denzel Ward CB | IND-Roquan Smith | Broncos- Denzel Ward CB | CLE- Mike Mcglinchey OT |
13. WAS | Vita Vea DT | Derwin James S | Denzel Ward CB | DaRon Payne DL | Derwin James S |
14. GB | Marcus Davenport LB | Marcus Davenport LB | Harold Landry ED | Minkah Fitzpatrick DB | Calvin Ridley WR |
15. ARI | Lamar Jackson QB | Lamar Jackson QB | Isaiah Oliver CB | Josh Jackson CB | Josh Rosen QB |
16. BAL | Calvin Ridley WR | Connor Williams OL | Mike Mcglinchey OT | Isaiah Wynn G | Marcus Davenport ED |
17. LAC | Mike Mcglinchey OT | Rashaan Evans LB | DaRon Payne DL | Maurice Hurst DT | DaRon Payne DL |
18. SEA | Connor Williams OL | Mike Mcglinchey OT | Mike Hughes CB | Mike Mcglinchey OT | Josh Jackson CB |
19. DAL | Courtland Sutton WR | Courtland Sutton WR | Maurice Hurst DL | Harold Landry ED | DJ Moore WR |
20. DET | Derrius Guice RB | Derrius Guice RB | Marcus Davenport ED | Nick Chubb RB | James Daniels OG/C |
21. CIN | Hayden Hurst TE | Isaiah Wynn OG | Will Hernandez OG | Marcus Davenport ED | Connor Williams OT |
22. BUF | Leighton Vander Esch LB | CLE-Da’Ron Payne DL | IND- Leighton Vander Esch | Broncos-Connor Williams OL | CLE-Jaire Alexander |
23. NE | Taven Bryan DL | Mason Rudolph QB | Jaire Alexander CB | Mason Rudolph QB | Lamar Jackson QB |
24. CAR | Josh Jackson CB | Calvin Ridley WR | Josh Jackson CB | Christian Kirk WR | Christian Kirk WR |
25. TEN | Harold Landry OLB | Leighton Vander Esch | Calvin Ridley WR | Derwin James S | Harold Landry ED |
26. ATL | Dallas Goedert TE | Maurice Hurst DT | Taven Bryan DT | Vita Vea DT | Taven Bryan DT |
27. NO | Maurice Hurst DT | DJ Moore WR | Isaiah Wynn OG | Dallas Goedert TE | Hayden Hurst TE |
28. PIT | Rashaan Evans LB | Josh Jackson CB | Rashaan Evans LB | Leighton Vander Esch ILB | Leighton Vander Esch ILB |
29. JAX | Mason Rudolph QB | DJ Chark WR | Christian Kirk WR | DJ Moore WR | Dallas Goedert TE |
30. MIN | Kolton Miller OG | Will Hernandez OG | James Daniels OG | Will Hernandez OG | Isaiah Wynn OG |
31. NE | Isaiah Oliver CB | Jaire Alexander CB | Kolton Miller OT | Jaire Alexander CB | Rashaan Evans ILB |
32. PHI | Justin Reid S | Malik Jefferson LB | Derrius Guice RB | Derrius Guice RB | Justin Reid S |
Damian’s 2018 NFL Draft Big Board
The NFL Draft season is quickly coming to a close as the draft draws near! I believe it is time to display my draft board. My top 33 prospects leading into the draft in two weeks. Let’s take a look.
- OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame
- Edge Bradley Chubb, NC State
- RB Saquon Barkley, Penn State
- S Derwin James, Florida State
- CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State
- LB Tremaine Edmunds, V Tech
- LB Roquan Smith
- DB Minkah Fitzpatrick
- QB Josh Rosen
- Edge Marcus Davenport
- QB Sam Darnold
- QB Baker Mayfield
- QB Josh Allen
- T Connor Williams
- WR Calvin Ridley
- RB Derrius Guice
- Edge Harold Landry
- LB Rashaan Evans
- QB Lamar Jackson
- CB Josh Jackson
- OL Isaiah Wynn
- LB Leighton Vander Esch
- OL James Daniels
- DT Vita Vea
- C Billy Price
- DT Da’Ron Payne
- T Mike McGlinchey
- CB Isaiah Oliver
- CB Jaire Alexander
- RB Sony Michel
- DT Maurice Hurst
- OL Will Hernandez
- CB Mike Hughes