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2018 NFL DRAFT

MY DRAFT DAY
AFC NorthBaltimore Ravens

Ravens’ Fan: My Lamar Jackson/Draft day Experience

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett
Roger S

Roger S

Ravens’ Fan: My Lamar Jackson/Draft day Experience

Attending the NFL Draft is a fan experience like none other. I could not explain through photos the fun that is surrounding the event. There were things like getting an autograph from Roger Staubach, almost getting ran over by Nick Saban in a golf cart and booing the commissioner at the beginning of the draft as well as every time he comes to the podium. These, as well as other experiences really make the moment memorable, but the most important memory is that of your team getting the pick right, or at least getting what you feel is right in your eyes.

Disappointment…

I’ll be honest, I was slightly disappointed as a Baltimore Ravens’ fan when they decided to go after Hayden Hurst. My dreams were shattered and I was tossing soda and telling my co-workers “YO! I’m done! It’s time to go!” We left the draft and headed back to Wichita Falls.

Oh but wait…

In the car, I thought about checking the highlights and stats of my team’s failure, I mean 25th overall pick and was definitely surprised at what I found. Hurst is a beast of a TE with an “A” overall grade. Even more to my surprise, I was in the middle of “Youtubing” when I received a notification to my phone that the Ravens are on the clock. Little did I know, my squad traded back into the first round. Finally elation! Something good was about to happen. I knew the two receivers that I man-crushed and gushed over were already off the board. However, I knew who was left. The most underrated first-round prospect in the draft.

A New Era?

Our Baltimore Ravens were about to receive a change in culture and era as the 31st pick was about to be announced. “And with the 32nd pick… the Baltimore Ravens select Lamar Jackson!…” If I was not in the car, I would have jumped out of this hemisphere! I knew based on the trades that this meant a move for the future. Is it really a move for the future? What does this mean for John Harbaugh?

The pressure is on!

John will tell you that Joe Flacco is still “our” Quarterback. I beg to differ. I am fully convinced the fate of Flacco and Harbaugh are both now intertwined. I am certain that Joe is still “his” Quarterback but not that of that organization. Steve Bisciotti and Ozzie Newsome made a bold move that sent a jolt through this organization and put them all on notice. No one is untouchable in the building including Harbs and Joe.

Lockett says…Facts!

My prediction is this. If Flacco plays lights-out this season, goes beyond 4000-yds and 25-TDs with less than 12-interceptions on the season, and causes a playoff run, his job is safe. However, should the Ravens lose three straight or even four early in the season, will the Lamar Jackson era will begin? If I had to predict a start game, I would say week 7 of the regular season this year.

There is a change coming in Charm City and I think I LIKE IT! Here’s to the Jackson and the new life in Purple.

 

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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Eric mock photo
NFLNFL Draft

Eric’s 2018 NFL Mock Draft

by Eric Kirschenbaum
written by Eric Kirschenbaum


Here it is, my attempt to make a mock draft that doesn’t infuriate me (or you), based on what I’m expecting to happen on draft day, not what I would personally do. Some common sense and a few hours analyzing depth charts and team needs (added to all the tape I’ve been watching during this process), and I hope this is similar to what’s going to happen on April 26th in Dallas.

 

1: Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, USC, QB

I’m confident the Browns are taking Darnold with their first pick. To me, all the Allen talk is just a smokescreen so a team trades up with the Giants to take a QB and they can land the draft’s best player at 4.

 

2: New York Giants: Josh Rosen, UCLA, QB

The Giants don’t pass on the best passer to come out in nearly a decade and secure Eli Manning’s successor in Josh Rosen. This is the hardest pick to predict here, they could easily go Mayfield or Allen at QB or go for Saquon Barkley or even Quenton Nelson. I’m leaning towards Rosen for them.

 

3: New York Jets: Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, QB

The New York Jets traded up for a QB, that much is obvious. The best passer on the board is easily Mayfield and there were reports the Jets loved him during the entire process. Josh Allen would be a terrible fit in their west coast offense and would bring a deja vu to the fan base of another big-armed QB with accuracy issues.

 

4: Cleveland Browns: Bradley Chubb, NC State, DE

Imagine a defensive front led by Garrett and Chubb. They would be no longer laughed at but feared. Saquon Barkley is amazing but he doesn’t bring that kind of value and there are plenty of very good running backs in round 2.

 

5: Buffalo Bills (trade w/Broncos): Josh Allen, Wyoming, QB

Neither AJ McCarron or Nathan Peterman bring the answer at QB for the Bills. So while Mccarron holds the fort, Josh Allen could develop into the franchise quarterback this team deserves which is worth trading up for.

 

6: Indianapolis Colts: Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame, OG

The Colts try to build an offensive line where Luck would last more than a game after coming back from his shoulder injury or at least not kill yet another QB. Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman prospect I have ever seen with my own eyes and the surest pick in the draft by quite a lot.

 

7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Saquon Barkley, Penn St, RB

The slide for Barkley ends here, joining an underachieving offensive unit that should bounce back and have a lot of success with a reliable back like him. Some call him a once in a generation back (a term we hear every year), I wouldn’t go THAT far, but he is an all-around back that will create havoc for years to come.

 

8: Chicago Bears: Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech, LB

This athletic freak is only 19 years old and is a difference maker on defense. This is a team that needs to go young and build around Trubisky. This Hokie is how.

 

9: San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Ward, Ohio St, CB

The 49ers add the best cornerback in this year’s draft in Ward. He is fast and instinctive and will learn a lot under Richard Sherman who is one of the great corners of this generation.

 

10: Oakland Raiders: Roquan Smith, Georgia, LB

The raiders not only fill their biggest need but also grab the best player left on the board on Roquan Smith who was a one-man wrecking crew for Georgia.

 

11: Miami Dolphins: Da’ron Payne, Alabama, DT

The Dolphins need to fill the huge hole Ndamukong Suh left. Payne plays the same role at the DT position and offers huge upside.

 

12: Denver Broncos (trade w/Bills): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama, DB

After trading back with the Bills the Broncos still land one of the draft’s top players in Minkah Fitzpatrick. A player who could have been an option at 5.

 

13: Washington Redskins: Vita Vea, Washington, DT

Vea comes in to fix this run stopping unit while also offering help in the pass rush.

 

14: Green Bay Packers: Derwin James, Florida St, S

The Packers land one of the draft’s most athletic players who was once considered a top 5 player prospect. James will help this defensive back group which has been the weak spot of this defense.

 

15: Arizona Cardinals: Lamar Jackson, Louisville, QB

The Cardinals land their next franchise quarterback in Jackson. For many reasons (that I don’t agree), he is widely left out the big 4 QBs in this draft. Teams will regret passing on him like they did with Watson last year. Ideally, he redshirts year 1, but that would rely on Bradford avoiding the IR this year.

 

16: Baltimore Ravens: Calvin Ridley, Alabama, WR

This is the year where you give Flacco weapons so there can’t be more excuses for his poor play. Ridley is the best WR in this draft and the most NFL ready, Flacco needs the help NOW.

 

17: Los Angeles Chargers:  Connor Williams, Texas, OT

The Chargers need offensive line help and Williams can play guard or tackle where he is the top prospect this year.

 

18: Seattle Seahawks:  Will Hernández, UTEP, OG

Repeat after me: Russell Wilson needs some help. Seattle needs to address the offensive line once and for all, Will Hernández is as solid as they come.

 

19: Dallas Cowboys: Maurice Hurst, Michigan, DT

This is a match made in draft heaven. This needs to happen, Hurst has an amazing first step.

 

20: Detroit Lions: Derrius Guice, LSU, RB

Matthew Stafford never had a solid running game in his career, this needs to stop. Derrius Guice is a complete back who will change that for the Lions.

 

21: Cincinnati Bengals: James Daniels, Iowa, C

The Bengals offensive line was a BIG issue for them last year, and with the addition of Cordy Glenn at LT, they still need help inside. Enter James Daniels a technical yet very athletic center that can also play guard. Versatility is a huge plus for him and he also benefitted from Billy Price’s injury.

 

22: Denver Broncos (via trade w/bills): Harold Landry, Boston College, LB

Shane Ray has been a disappointment so far and by trading down the Broncos are in position to draft an impact player to rush the passer opposite of Von Miller. Landry played hurt this year which made his stock drop, fear not he is a beast when healthy.

 

23: New England Patriots: Rashaan Evans, Alabama, LB

The Patriots need a LB with the versatility of Evans and the Alabama connection with Saban makes this a very likely pick for Belichick and Co.

 

24: Carolina Panthers: Cameron Sutton, SMU, WR

The Panthers LOVE big-bodied receivers, and they will try to fill the void Kelvin Benjamin left as a bug bodied WR1. Sutton has the potential to be just that for the Carolina squad.

 

25: Tennessee Titans: Leighton Vander Esch, Boise St, LB

Tennessee gets Vander Esch who is just a force to be reckoned with and flies sideline to sideline. He is going to be the identity of this young defense.

 

26: Atlanta Falcons: Taven Bryan, Florida, DT

When Taven Bryan is at his highest, there isn’t a better DT in this draft, but he is inconsistent and doesn’t pop on tape as often as you would love. Either way, I think he is going to be a big problem for offensive coordinators for years to come.

 

27: New Orleans Saints: Mike Gesicki, Penn St, TE

Gesicki might not be a former basketball player, but he reminds me of a faster Jimmy Graham, who had his best years in NOLA. Much like Graham, Gesicki is a great pass catcher and will be a key weapon for Brees to use.

 

28: Pittsburgh Steelers: Ronnie Harrison, Alabama, S

There isn’t a linebacker here worth taking, so the Steelers go towards the other top need they have on their roster, strong safety. Ronnie Harrison has the pedigree and toughness you want in your safety and the aggressiveness necessary to succeed. Granted he has played in a stacked defense full of NFL talent along with fellow first-rounders Minkah Fitzpatrick and Rashaan Evans that have made work easier for him.

 

29: Jacksonville Jaguars: DJ Moore, Maryland, WR

Jacksonville let two of their top 3 receivers walk in free agency, in Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. They need someone to play opposite of Marqise Lee and DJ Moore fits the mold of players they have drafted in the past. It doesn’t hurt that he is the top-ranked WR for some analysts.

 

30: Minnesota Vikings: Isaiah Wynn, Georgia, OG

Isaiah Wynn DOMINATED at LT, yet his size suggests that he will have to switch to guard in the NFL. Minnesota needs help with their offensive line and Wynn is exactly what the doctor ordered.

 

31: New England Patriots: Jaire Alexander, Louisville, CB

Corner is a big need with Butler gone, and we saw in the Superbowl that they NEED depth beyond Gilmore. This cornerback class is so even at the top that some consider Alexander the best in the class. Even if he isn’t, it’s damn close.

 

32: Philadelphia Eagles: Dallas Goedert, South Dakota St, TE

There aren’t many holes in the defending champs’ roster yet with Burton gone the Eagles can choose a TE that makes incredible catches on a game basis and can see the field day 1.

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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Eric's Post Combine Rankings
NFLNFL Draft

Eric’s post NFL Combine Positional rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum
written by Eric Kirschenbaum

After analyzing the results at the NFL Combine and re-watching the tape of the players, I updated the positional rankings and added some prospects worth keeping an eye on.

Quarterbacks:

1) Josh Rosen, UCLA

2) Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma

3) Lamar Jackson, Louisville

4) Sam Darnold, USC

5) Josh Allen, Wyoming

6) Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State

7) Kyle Lauletta, Richmond

8) Mike White, Western Kentucky

9) Chase Litton, Marshall

10) Logan Woodside, Toledo

Other players to keep an eye on: Kurt Benkert, Virginia; Luke Falk, Washington State

Running Backs:

1) Saquon Barkley, Penn State

2) Derrius Guice, LSU

3) Sony Michel, Georgia

4) Nick Chubb, Georgia

5) Ronald Jones II, USC

6) Kerryon Johnson, Auburn

7) Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

8) Royce Freeman, Oregon

9) Kalen Ballage, Arizona State

10) Bo Scarbrough, Alabama

Other players to keep an eye on: Mark Walton, Miami; Josh Adams, Notre Dame; Jaylen Samuels, NC State

Wide Receivers:

1) Calvin Ridley, Alabama

2) Courtland Sutton, SMU

3) James Washington, Oklahoma State

4) Dante Pettis, Washington

5) Equanimous St Brown, Notre Dame

6) DJ Moore, Maryland

7) Anthony Miller, Memphis

8) DJ Charke, LSU

9) Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

10) Deon Cain, Clemson

Other players to keep an eye on: Antonio Callaway, Florida; Auden Tate, FSU; Simmie Cobbs Indiana; Desean Hamilton, Penn State

Tight Ends:

1) Mike Gesicki, Penn State

2) Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State

3) Mark Andrews, Oklahoma

4) Hayden Hurst, South Carolina

5) Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin

6) Ian Thomas, Indiana

7) Dalton Shultz, Stanford

8)  Christopher Herndon, Miami

9)  Durham Smythe, Notre Dame

10) Adam Breneman, Massachussets

Other players to keep an eye on: Ryan Izzo, FSU

Offensive Tackles:

1) Connor Williams, Texas

2) Tyrell Crosby, Oregon

3) Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame

4) Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan

5) Kolton Miller, UCLA

6) Desmond Harrison, West Georgia

7) Brian O’Neil, Pittsburgh

8) Orlando Brown, Oklahoma

9) Jamarco Jones, Ohio State

10) Brandon Parker, North Carolina A&T

Other players to keep an eye on:  Ike Boettger, Iowa; Alex Cappa, Humboldt State

Interior Linemen:

1) Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

2) Billy Price, Ohio State

3) Will Hernandez, UTEP

4) James Daniels, Iowa

5) Isaiah Wynn, Georgia

6) Branden Smith, Auburn

7) Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

8) Sean Welsh, Iowa

9) Austin Corbett, Nevada

10) Bradley Bozeman, Alabama

 

Other players to keep an eye on: Trey Martin, Rice; Will Clapp, LSU; Wyatt Teller, Virginia Tech; Taylor Hearn, Clemson.

Defensive Tackles:

1) Daron Payne, Alabama

2) Maurice Hurst, Michigan

3) Vita Vea, Washington

4) Taven Bryan, Florida

5) Harrison Phillips, Stanford

6) Derrick Nnadi, FSU

7) Tim Settle, Virginia Tech

8) J. McIntosh, Miami

9) Trenton Thompson, Georgia

10)  BJ Hill, NC State

Other players to keep an eye on: Justin Jones, NC State; Poona Ford, Texas; Deandrin Senat, South Florida

Defensive Ends:

1) Bradley Chubb, NC State

2) Arden Key, LSU

3) Marcus Davenport, UTSA

4) Josh Sweat, FSU

5) Sam Hubbard, Ohio State

6) Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest

7) Rasheem Greene, USC

8) Chad Thomas, Miami

9) Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State

10) Deshawn Hand, Alabama

Other players to keep an eye on:  Breeland Speaks, Ole Miss; Ade Aruna, Tulane; Andrew Brown, Virginia.

Outside Linebackers:

1) Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

2) Harold Landry, Boston College

3) Lorenzo Carter, Georgia

4) Jeff Holland, Auburn

5) Shaquem Griffin, UCF

6) Dorance Armstrong, Kansas State

7) Jerome Baker, Ohio State

8) Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma

9) Uchenna Nwosu, USC

10) Davin Bellamy, Georgia

Other players to watch: Skai Moore, South Carolina

Inside Linebackers:

1) Roquan Smith, Georgia

2) Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State

3) Rashaad Evans, Alabama

4) Josey Jewell, Iowa

5) Malik Jefferson, Texas

6) Oren Burks, Vanderbilt

7) Micah Kiser, Virginia

8) Darius Leonard, South Carolina State

9) Tegray Scales, Indiana

10) Tre’ Williams, Auburn

Other players to keep an eye on: Nick Deluca, North Dakota State; Genard Avery, Memphis

Cornerbacks:

1) Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

2) Denzel Ward, Ohio State

3) Josh Jackson, Iowa

4) Jaire Alexander, Louisville

5) Carlton Davis, Auburn

6) Isaiah Oliver, Colorado

7) Mike Hughes, UCF

8) Quenton Meeks, Stanford

9) Donte Jackson, LSU

10) Anthony Averett, Alabama;

Other players to keep and eye on: JC Jackson, Maryland; Kevin Toliver II, LSU; Tarvarus McFadden, FSU; Tony Brown, Alabama; Duke Dawson, Florida; Holton Hill, Texas; Nick Nelson, Wisconsin

Safeties:

1) Derwin James, FSU

2) Deshon Elliott, Texas

3) Ronnie Harrison, Alabama

4) Justin Reid, Stanford

5) Marcus Allen, Penn State

6) Armani Watts, Texas A&M

7) Jesse Bates, Wake Forest

8) Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech

9) Quin Blanding, Virginia

10) Kyzir White, West Virginia

Other players to keep an eye on: Jordan Whitehead, Pittsburgh; Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern.

Keep up with the rest of my rankings and scouting reports: https://www.couchriderreport.net/author/erickirschenbaum/

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AFC EastNew York JetsNFL

New York Jets Draft Guide

by Eric Kirschenbaum
written by Eric Kirschenbaum

After trading up for the #3 pick the New York Jets are a guarantee to pick a franchise QB with their first pick in this year’s draft, and we are all hoping he eventually pans out ( Jets fan have suffered enough around the QB position). What they do with the other (limited) picks they have left is a different story and they could go in multiple directions because they are a lot of needs on this roster. I will be basing the order of players according to my rankings that you can check out here.

First round: #3 – Quarterback

Option 1: Josh Rosen (QB): He is the best quarterback in this class and he isn’t discussed enough to be selected with the 1st overall pick by the Browns. If the New York Giants don’t pick Rosen, the Jets can grab arguably the best quarterback in this draft ( and the last couple of years too) without having to go all the way to number 1. Rosen’s footwork, mechanics, and ball placement are a thing of beauty. His injury concerns are blown out of proportion, and I don’t think he has any attitude issues ( Josh Allen’s Wyoming receivers didn’t catch passes at his pro day, no story there though…), he has thoughts outside of football, so what? Andrew Luck is super smart and talks with SAT vocabulary and he hasn’t had any issues with his teammates.

Option 2: Baker Mayfield (QB): Mayfield is criminally underrated and is almost a lock to be here at #3, Baker’s ball placement is elite and he has a very strong-arm (underrated as hell), currently my #2 QB, Baker Mayfield will bring excitement to a fan base in the need of hope after almost a decade of QB ineptitude (early Mark Sanchez was OK). His fire and work ethic will push his teammates to be better and this is a guy that had to earn everything and prove every day he belonged after being under-recruited, and being rather short for the position ( he has almost no batted passes in his career though).

Option 3: Sam Darnold (QB): The chance that Sam Darnold is available at #3 is slim, but if he were (and Rosen and Mayfield weren’t) Darnold is the pick here, he has elite traits that you can’t teach, and the kind of attitude you like out of the face of  your franchise. His footwork is messy (which has led to most of his INTs) and he has had issues with fumbling that are a bit alarming. I have heard scouts say he isn’t the best at anything (arm strength, mobility, pure passer, ball placement…) in this year’s draft, but is the best mix of all their traits put together, which I can understand. I still believe Darnold is flying a little bit higher than his 2017 tape indicates thanks to his gigantic hype after his redshirt freshman season in which he already had every scout talking about him.

Given the Jets history with tall, big-armed QBs with accuracy issues, I’m not even going to put Josh Allen as a possibility here. The Jets are the worst possible landing spot for him, with constant Hackenberg comps from day 1 and a bust label ready to be stamped after his first incompletion. And given Gang Green track record at fixing QB projects, Allen could be a huge waste of talent if he landed with the Jets.

Lamar Jackson isn’t an option here because he was a guarantee to be there at #6, so they didn’t move up to get him, I still think he will be a successful NFL quarterback for whatever team drafts him.

3rd round: #72: Pass rusher or Nnadi:

Option 1: Josh Sweat/ Lorenzo Carter; OLB: The Jets have a hole at OLB for a while now, and they need help in the pass rushing department. Josh Sweat is a physical specimen, who has athletic similarities to Jadeveon Clowney minus the hype. Sweat brings versatility from DE to OLB and would be a great value pick here too. Lorenzo Carter was all over the place for Georgia but was overshadowed by Roquan Smith’s presence in that linebacker corp. He is always near the ball and can play both the run and the pass.

Option 2: Derrick Nnadi (DT)/ or highest rated EDGE: Nnadi is too great of a talent to pass up, if neither Josh Sweat or Lorenzo Carter is available, I would be surprised if they passed on Nnadi. After an awful season for FSU, Nnadi was one of the few bright spots of that defense, constantly wreaking havoc with his great first step. He would help greatly Leonard Williams and make our defensive front two-dimensional. If Nnadi isn’t here either then they just need to pick the highest rated EDGE player on their boards, they can’t go into the season with the current projected starters.

4th round: #107: Nnadi, EDGE or Defensive lineman:

Option 1: Derrick Nnadi (DT): If somehow he is here they must pick him.

Option 2: EDGE: If defensive tackle was the pick in round three, they have to go with the highest rated EDGE player on their board

Option 3: Highest rated defensive lineman:  After cutting Mohammed Wilkerson, the Jets need to address this position ( Suh won’t be filling that spot after all), we had the most feared d-line group a few years ago, let’s make a step in that direction with some depth here and maybe a starter if they are lucky.

5th round: #157: EDGE, Tight end or Inside linebacker:

Option 1:  Highest rated defensive lineman: If EDGE was the pick in round 4.

Option 2: Troy Fumagalli/ Ian Thomas/ Dalton Shultz/ Christopher Herndon; TE: The Jets haven’t had a decent tight end since the Dustin Keller days, and we all know how that ended up. With Jordan Leggett leading the TEs, there has to be a rookie to develop and maybe win the starting spot this fall. Fumagalli, of course, would be the preferred option, but any of these guys would be a nice pick-up in the 5th round.

Option 3: Micah Kiser/ Oren Burks/Jack Cichy/ Christian Sam/ Genard Avery; ILB: I wish the Jets had more picks, Williamson and Lee will start at ILB but there is little depth and neither of them is close to being elite (or quality starter material), so a pick here to push them to play better while also an insurance in case of injury makes sense.

6th round: #179: Tight end/ Inside linebacker/ Offensive tackle or Guard:

 Option 1: Best remaining player of the above mentioned tight ends or ILB: If the pick in the 5th was a defensive lineman then the Jets have to choose whomever they have the highest grade on between those players.

Option 2: Tight End or ILB: If a tight end was picked in round 5 then the pick here should be an ILB, if it was an ILB then the Jets should pick a TE here, only out of the previously stated players.

Option 3:  Desmond Harrison (OT), Jamarco Jones (OT) or the highest graded guard remaining. If neither of these players is there then the should either pick a great tackle prospect who falls for either attitude issues, or athleticism issues but would be of great value here, with only two guards under contract as of right now getting a guard isn’t a bad idea.

 

7th round: #235: Center/ Offensive tackle or best player remaining.

Option 1: Trey Martin (C): I’m a huge Trey Martin fan and a believer in his game, I think he deserves to be drafted. Martin didn’t allow a single pressure in all of 2017, and even if he didn’t face top competition he is a very stout pass blocker and flier I would take every time in the 7th round.

Option 2: Ike Boettger (OT): Boettger is a solid lineman who can have a lengthy career in the NFL. The former Iowa standout is a solid tackle who was overshadowed by James Daniels and Sean Welsh.

Option 3: Best player available.

 

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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AFC EastNew York JetsNFL

New York Jets offseason guide

by Eric Kirschenbaum
written by Eric Kirschenbaum

This entire off-season for the New York Jets hinges on one player, Kirk Cousins. Whether he signs in New York or elsewhere is going to define what the Jets will do this upcoming off-season. The Jets have a huge amount of cap space, but they also have a lot of wholes in their roster.

Information regarding cap space and market value taken out of spotrac.com, player rankings are taken out of NFL 1000 from bleacher report.

Cap space: $ 92,083,128

Must resign:

Morris Claiborne (between 7 and 9 million/year): Claiborne took a one year prove it deal and played well. He is a solid CB2 who showed he can remain healthy, keeping him is a no-brainer.

Josh McCown (7 million/year): Josh McCown had a career year in 2017, but he is clearly not the future. McCown can be a great backup to Cousins or a mentor for whoever ends up being the rookie quarterback picked in the Draft. (update: resigned at 10/year one year deal)

Demario Davis (6 million year): Demario Davis was one of the bright spots of the Jets defense and still has gas in the tank. A 2-year deal makes sense.

Austin Seferian Jenkins (5 million/year): ASJ proved that gambling on him was a good choice with almost no drops. The offense didn’t use him much, but he was solid, no need to go after anyone other than him at this point.

Kony Ealy (2.5 million/year): Ealy didn’t start many games but showed promise, he should come in cheap and be a decent option at DE.

Wesley Johnson (4 million/year at most): In this scenario the Jets are drafting a center in round 2, so they won’t overpay a center in the open market, but they need to have one on roster because Price is coming off an injury and they (Daniels is in play too) could be taken before the Jets have the opportunity to pick them in the second round. Johnson is cheap enough to be a backup (not much-guaranteed money in this contract) and good enough to start if they can’t land Price/Daniels.

Adjusted cap space: 56,000,000

Free agency targets:

Luxury players:

Priority #1: Kirk Cousins: Signing him would mean 5-year deal worth 150 million dollars, earning 40 million in his first year and averaging 30 million/year, breaking record in biggest contract and biggest money per year. Around 100 million guaranteed. (Update: signed with Minnesota)

(40 against the cap.)

Luxury need: Allen Robinson: Signing him would mean 5-year deal worth 68 million dollars, averaging 13.6 million/year (according to Spotrac’s market value chart). He is the only WR1 on the market and the only receiver we should target, it’s Robinson or nothing. (update: signed with Chicago)

(13.6 against the cap.)

Good complement for our committee: Carlos Hyde: Signing him would mean a contract averaging 5.8 million/ year according to spotrac market value. (Update Jets signed Crowell instead)

Tahir Whitehead: according to spotrac market value, a contract regarding Whitehead would cost on average 8.5 million /year.

(8.5 against the cap)

Looking for a CB1: Is a must to get one of these players, two if they can’t resign Claiborne.

– Trumaine Johnson: ranked 15 out of 76 in NFL 1000 B/R. Signing him would mean a 3-year deal worth 40 million dollars, averaging 13.3 million/year (update: Jets signed him for 15/year)

(13.3 against the cap)

– Bashaud Breeland: ranked 21 out of 76 in NFL 1000 B/R. 5 years $34,922,732 contract (according to spotrac market value), averaging 6.9 mil/year. I would be willing to pay him 9 million/ year. (Update: Signed with panthers)

(6.9 against the cap)

– E.J Gaines: ranked 34 out of 76 in NFL 1000 B/R. 4 years $37,467,628 contract (according to spotrac market value), averaging 9.3 mil/year.

(9.3 against the cap)

– Malcolm Butler: ranked 42 out of 76 in NFL 1000 B/R. Signing him according to spotrac’s market value would mean 13 mil/year, although him being 28, I wouldn’t give him more than a 3-year deal at that price.

(13 against the cap) (update: projected to sign with Tennesse)

Prince Amukamara: ranked 64 out of 76 in NFL 1000 B/R. After an awful season, signing him would cost no more than 5 million/year, and given he is 28 years old I wouldn’t give him more than a 3-year deal.

(5 against the cap)

Fixing the O-line: At least one guard, two at most. (only two guards under contract and one could be cut)

– Andrew Norwell: 2 out of 83 in NFL 1000 B/R, according to spotrac Norwell would require 11.8 million/ year and a 5-year deal looks likely.

(11.8 against the cap)

– Jack Mewhort: 27 out of 83 in NFL 1000 B/R, signing him will probably mean around 9 million/year.

(9 against the cap)

– Josh Kline: 37 out of 83 in NFL 1000 B/R, according to spotrac market value, Kline would cost on average 10.2 million/ year.

(10.2 against the cap)

– Jonathan Cooper: 38 out of 83 in NFL 1000 B/R, signing him would cost around of 8 million/ year.

(8 against the cap)

– DJ Fluker: 57 out of 83 in NFL 1000 B/R, signing him will mean around 5.5 million/ year

(5.5 against the cap)

– Justin Pugh: 42 out of 83 in NFL 1000 B/R, according to spotrac market value, Pugh will average 6.4 million/year and will likely receive a 4-year deal.

(6.4 against the cap)

Free agency plan:

Signing Cousins: (not an option anymore)

– Kirk Cousins (40 against the cap). (MINNESOTA)

The 20 million remaining should be spent following one of these three options

– EJ Gaines (9.3 against the cap) and Jack Mewhort (around 9 against the cap) or Jonathan Cooper (around 8 against the cap)

– Bashaud Breeland (6.9 against the cap) and Andrew Norwell (11.8 against the cap) or Josh Kline (10.2 against the cap) or Jack Mewhort (around 9 against the cap)

– Trumaine Johnson (13.3 against the cap) or Malcolm Butler (13 against the cap) and DJ Fluker (5.5 against the cap)

 

Not signing Cousins:

– Allen Robinson (13.6 against the cap) (CHICAGO)

– Trumaine Johnson (15 against the cap) or Malcolm Butler (13 against the cap) or EJ Gaines (9.3 against the cap)

– Andrew Norwell (11.8 against the cap) (signed Jacksonville)

– Carlos Hyde (5.8 against the cap), Crowell got signed instead 3 year deal, not reported the cap hit.

– Jonathan Cooper (around 8 against the cap) or Jack Mewhort (around 9 against the cap) and Josh Kline (10.2 against the cap)

– Tahir Whitehead ( 8.5 against the cap)

44 million spent + crowell

 

12 million left in cap remaining.

 

NFL Draft plan:

 

 

If Cousins doesn’t sign: I had a whole plan if Cousins did sign…

1: #6: Not a fan of moving up and wasting draft capital with so many holes on the roster, there are 4 qbs draftable with this pick, chances are one of them falls to us.

First option: Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA:

Best QB in this class, if he falls to 6 we pick him, simple.

Second option: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma:

He closed the gap between him and Rosen if Rosen is taken and Mayfield is available, he is the most logical choice.

Third option: Sam Darnold, QB, USC:

I personally wouldn’t pick him this high, but the Jets can’t afford to pass him if both Mayfield and Rosen are taken, a revolution would take place.

Fourth option: Lamar Jackson, QB(!), Louisville:

People probably expected Josh Allen here, NYJ would be the worst possible spot for him, I’m higher on Jackson than most and I personally have him over Darnold so even if this pick would be considered reaching (because of media perception of him now), he won’t be there for us in the 2nd. Jackson will be a playmaker and will bring a spark long gone in New York. The history of players with his style of play and injuries is something to ponder, but he is a tough kid who hasn’t had any major injuries and is honestly faster than the linebackers chasing him. He is almost a guarantee to be here at #6.

2: #37:

First option: Billy Price, C, Ohio State:

Price is the best center in this draft which is a position of huge need for the Jets, they can’t afford to pass on him. Since Mangold left the o-line hasn’t been the same (any good) and it needs an anchor at center. Enter Billy Price.

Second option: James Daniels, C, Iowa:

If Billy Price is snagged before the Jets can get a hand on him then they should pick James Daniels, who is still a great center and the gap between him and Price isn’t too big.

2: #49:

Jaire Alexander CB, Louisville/ Carlton Davis CB, Auburn/ Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado/ Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

They need to pick a corner here, and thanks to this deep draft they can land a first round talent here in the second round. Jaire Alexander is my highest rated CB that I think would be available here, but they just need to pick their highest rated corner.

3: #72:

First option: Josh Sweat, EDGE, FSU:

Time to address the pass rush, Josh Sweat is a physical specimen, who has athletic similarities to Jadeveon Clowney minus the hype. Sweat brings versatility from DE to OLB and would be a great value pick here too.

Second option: Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia:

If Sweat is gone by the time Jets pick here Lorenzo Carter is a great OLB who can do just about everything and has a nose for the ball.

Third option: Highest rated EDGE

The need for an EDGE guy is real in NYJ.

4: #107:

First option: Derrick Nnadi, DT, FSU:

Love this kid, he will be a beast and just imagine him filling the hole Wilkerson left, he has a great first step.

Second option: Best DE left

At DE there isn’t a good player that plays opposite of Leonard Williams, after the departure of Mohammed Wilkerson. (Duke Ejiofor, Rasheem Greene, Chad Thomas, Hercules Mata’afa…)

5: #157:

First option: best defensive end: If Nnadi was picked in the 4th the Jets should go best DE available.

Second option: best defensive tackle: If the Jets chose a DE in the 4th round the Jets should choose their highest DT remaining on their boards.

6: #179:

Highest tackle prospect left on the board.

7: #235:

Best player available

 

 

 

 

Projected depth chart:

Without Cousins:

QB:

  1. Rookie 1st rounder
  2. Josh McCown
  3. Christian Hackenberg

RB:

  1. Isaiah Crowell
  2. Bilal Powell
  3. Elijah Mcguire

WR:

  1. Jermaine Kearse
  2. Robby Anderson
  3. Quincy Enunwa
  4. Chad Hansen
  5. Ardarious Steward

TE:

  1. Austin Seferian Jenkins
  2. Jordan Leggett

LT:

  1. Kelvin Meachum
  2. Ijalana or Qvale

LG:

  1. Josh Kline
  2. James Carpenter

C:

  1. Billy Price/ James Daniels
  2. Wesley Johnson

RG:

  1. Jack Mewhort/ Jonathan Cooper
  2. Brian Winters

RT:

  1. Brandon Shell
  2. Rookie late rounder

DE:

  1. Leonard Williams
  2. Kony Ealy
  3. Rookie

DT:

  1. Steve McLendon
  2. Rookie mid rounder

OLB: Order isn’t set

  1. Lorenzo Mauldin
  2. Jordan Jenkins
  3. Rookie

ILB:

  1. Demario Davis
  2. Darron Lee

CB:

  1. Trumaine Johnson
  2. Morris Claiborne
  3. Rookie
  4. Buster Skrine

S:

  1. Jamal Adams
  2. Marcus Maye
  3. Rontez Miles

 

You can check out my rankings and evaluations for the 2018 NFL Draft here: https://www.couchriderreport.net/author/erickirschenbaum/

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2018 NFL Draft
NFLNFL Draft

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 ILB Rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum
written by Eric Kirschenbaum

The heart of a defense is usually the inside linebacker, here is the ranking of top prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft.

1 Roquan Smith, Georgia

Smith was all over the field this season playing for the Georgia Bulldogs. He was a force to be reckoned against the run and a solid contributor against the pass. Smith had 137 tackles, 14 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble led all SEC with 85 solo tackles and total tackles. He was a highly decorated player in 2017 after being named all American, winning the Butkus award and SEC defensive player of the year. The speedy linebacker has tremendous instincts, a very high football IQ, and top-notch awareness. At 6’1 Smith is slightly undersized for an inside linebacker, but with the success of the ‘’money’’ linebacker in Arizona or Atlanta, some teams might look to give him that role given that he is fast and can cover well while providing excellent run support. He has all-pro potential and reminds me of less injury prone version of Reuben Foster. He could still thrive with the traditional middle linebacker role.

2 Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State

Vander Esch is an old school punishing hitter with an amazing athletic ability and skill set. Not only he is a strong hitter, he is also great in coverage. He is also a very smart player, he never seems to be out of position to make a tackle. The Boise State product has got great hustle and motor and you can’t take your eyes off him when watching his film. He had a very good year with 141 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions, 5 passes defended and 4 forced fumbles. Having played in the mountain west against lesser talent will be a knock on him and is also the reason there is very little hype around him.

3 Rashaan Evans, Alabama

Evans possesses an impressive skill set with size, speed, and physicality. He filled Reuben Foster’s spot without missing a beat and played in a unit plagued by injuries in 2017, he still excelled and had a phenomenal year. The senior linebacker out of Alabama finished the year with 74 tackles, 13 for loss, 6 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. He is an explosive athlete with range and plays with instincts. He has some durability concerns, he had a nagging groin injury last year and he also needs to shed blockers better and avoid getting caught by them.

4 Josey Jewell, Iowa

Jewell isn’t an explosive athlete but is fast in his own rights, and he might be the most instinctive and smart linebacker this year. His abilities to read plays and not bite play actions is one of the things that make him so great. He is not the hardest hitter out there, but he gets his hands dirty. Jewell is praised as a hard worker with a chip on his shoulder. He displays a very good technique and is very disciplined. He shows a relentless motor that compensates his lack of elite speed, lateral quickness, and size.

5 Malik Jefferson, Texas

Jefferson stats don’t jump the page, the junior had 110 tackles, 10 for loss, 4 sacks. While his big-play production was a bit lacking Jefferson is a very good prospect at the position with the speed and range to cover the entire field. Jefferson is also a sure tackler, but he doesn’t deliver the big hit or creates fumbles. It’s rare to see a linebacker prospect with Jefferson’s combination of size, athleticism, and physicality. He is still very raw especially in pass coverage, therefore some scouts have him as an outside linebacker, but he can easily be a WILL linebacker in a 4-3 defense. When you see Jefferson, you look at all his untapped potential, his stats and lack of highlight reel plays will keep him out of top 100 consideration but has the talent to be very good in a couple of years when he gets it all together.

6) Micah Kiser, Virginia

7) Oren Burks, Vanderbilt

8) Darius Leonard, South Carolina State

9) Tegray Scales, Indiana

10) Tre’ Williams, Auburn

Honorable mention: Nick Deluca, North Dakota State

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Check out more rankings here: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scouting-reports-top-prospects/

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