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J'Mar Smith Getty
AFC EastNew England PatriotsNFL

Is J’Mar Smith the Future for the Patriots?

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett

Is J’Mar Smith the Future for the Patriots?

Have the New England Patriots found their guy? They went to the flea-market, signing undrafted free agents after not drafting a QB. Have they found something special in J’Mar Smith?

Here is what Ty Anderson of 985thesportshub.com had to say on the matter,

“A starter since he was a redshirted sophomore in 2017, Smith concluded his collegiate career with the Bulldogs a 2019 campaign that featured 2,977 passing yards as well as a career-best 18 touchdowns and 270.6 passing yards per game. Smith also posted a 64 percent completion percentage, which was a seven percentage point increase from his 2018 campaign, and was his best mark in his three seasons as Louisiana Tech’s starter. Smith also rushed for at least 100 times for the second time in his NCAA career in 2019, and contributed 264 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.”

The guy has some accolades to note. He has more passing yards than Terry Bradshaw did at this time at LA Tech. The Meridian, Mississippi Native had 4-300-yd games in 2019. There were some things that leaped off of the screen for me with the former Bulldog, and there were some things that I could see that need work. In order to get a realistic view of Smith, I went to two of his biggest games to watch the tape. LA Tech vs. Texas and the big win for LA Tech against Miami in the Independence Bowl.

 

Pros

  • Plenty of arm strength
  • Can fit the ball in tight windows at times
  • Toughness on QB dives
  • Can throw on the run
  • Makes big plays outside the pocket
  • Shifty in the pocket
  • When he has time to throw, he is fairly accurate
  • Check-downs and short passes are where he thrives (fits perfectly in Belichick scheme)
  • Favors whip, comeback, snap, flat, wheel and out routes
  • Money on fades in the RedZone

 

Cons

  • Underthrows receivers on short passes
  • Presnap reads need improvement
  • RPO reads are off
    • There were times where he could have broke it big if he just pulled it and ran vs. giving it to the back
  • Does not go through progressions
  • Favors his first read usually on the side he opens his hips to first
  • Stares downs receivers
  • Relies on WRs YAC to move the ball downfield
  • Slant throws under pressure accuracy issues
  • Deep ball accuracy issues
  • Tends to hold the ball too long

Again, this was only a review of a few highlight reels and two of the biggest competition games from his senior year.

Signing Smith does not mean he is the future for the team, but he will get the opportunity to compete with Jarett Stidham and Brian Hoyer for a spot. NE is the best situation, in order to compete for a starting job at QB with the current void Tom Brady left in his departure to Tampa Bay. However, is there another reason Bill brought in the mobile signal-caller?

I am noticing a trend all over the league. Miami drafted Malcolm Perry, who is an RPO monster and rushed for over 300-yards in one game. Then there are the Los Angeles Chargers who have Tyrod Taylor as their…not sure yet with the drafting of Justin Herbert. Take a look at the Las Vegas Raiders, who picked up Marcus Mariota. The Carolina Panthers picked up XFL Star P.J. Walker, who set the now-folded league on fire. Do you see a trend here?

The mobile QB has become a norm lately, and there just happens to be an NFL MVP who thrived with the use of the read-option, RPO, and pistol formation last season. Are Bill and other coaches using guys like Smith on their scout teams just to prepare for the Lamar Jacksons and Kyler Murrays of the league or do they plan to roll out their own version of this dangerous scheme? Only time will tell. Either way. Good luck to the 23-year-old J’Mar Smith.

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

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eagles draft photo
NFC EastNFLPhiladelphia Eagles

Eagles’ Draft Recap

by EUGENE Holt
written by EUGENE Holt

Eagles’ Draft Recap

My humble opinion on the draft

Jalen Reagor- I’m not mad at it. I had three options at WR I liked, and Reagor was on of them. He brings speed and playmaking ability to the WR room. They say he has a drop issue. Yes, he has some drops. However, look at the contested catches he’s made on more than one occasion, and there is the sense that drops aren’t going to be a huge problem. Eagles valued playmaking ability over pure WR technique with this pick and are banking on the coaches to get the technical aspect up to speed.

*Disclaimer* I ain’t giving grades, I’m no teacher lol

Jalen Hurts

This was a philosophy pick. The Eagles want to be a QB factory that drafts QB and flips them for future picks. Ok fine. I get the idea. But with that thinking, you pass up the chance to help your team immediately. In my opinion, Jalen Hurts is a project. I don’t believe he’ll actually be the #2 QB next season.

When you break down his game (not Heisman stuff, not meaningless college stats, not team success) actual strength and weakness of his game, you see that he’s got mechanical issues (footwork and throwing motion), and he has major decision-making issues post and pre-snap. He’s not a player that can beat a defense from the pocket right now.

He got benched and lost the QB competition to Tua Tagovailoa because he wasn’t good enough at those aspects of the QB position. With that said, he’s very talented. The Heisman Nominee has excellent mobility and running ability, a good enough arm and all the intangibles you want in a QB.

The bottom line is they’re building a QB from scratch, and that will take time. I’m sure the Eagles will try and scheme up a way to get him on the field here and there, but you don’t draft Taysom Hill in the second round, this kid is a QB and should be developed like one, not some gadget player.

Davion Taylor

Speed was the theme of the Eagles’ draft, and Taylor has it. He’s more of an OLB. You don’t want him butting heads with offensive linemen at all. You want him in space so he can run to the football. In college, his coverage responsibility went from Spying the QB to covering RB to covering slot receivers. Immediately he’ll help out on special teams. The hope going forward is he spies these mobile QBs and keeps RBs and TEs in check as a 3-down LB.

K’von Wallace

This Clemson Tiger Played in a lot of Big Nickel, so you can see why the Eagles liked him. Wallace is a versatile kid. He can play some slot, CB, Dime, LB, and Dual-high Safety. For the Eagles, you want him close to the LOS blitzing, playing the run, playing the short to intermediate zone coverage, covering TE, etc. He’s not the greatest athlete in space, so you don’t want him far down the field. That matchup Safety role the Eagles want to use with Jalen Mills, look for K’von Wallace in that role in a year or 2.

Jack Driscoll

Now here is a smart kid. This Auburn Tiger graduated college in 3 years. One of his strengths is his decent athletic ability. Most importantly, he’s versatile. Eagles love OL that play more than one position, and Jack Driscoll has some experience at Tackle and Guard. He needs to get stronger with his hands and core strength/upper body strength. Going forward, he’s immediately OL depth at two positions and possible starting potential at G.

John Hightower

The theme of the eagles’ draft is speed. Hightower can get deep. Howie Roseman is loading up on deep-threat WRs and hoping maybe 1 or 2 pan out. Hightower has good size, height-wise, but he’s on the skinny side. Press CB will beat him up early. Two things I like about Hightower is acceleration and long-speed. He can put defenders to sleep early in the route then accelerate past them to get deep. One concern with Hightower is stiffness. A full route tree may be a problem for him because his lateral agility isn’t great. He’ll start off as a deep-threat with good hands. We’re going to have to see if he can be more.

Shaun Bradley

Another LB with speed. Bradley has the trademark Temple toughness to along with sideline to sideline range. As an MLB, Bradley showed a real upside. Just like Davion Taylor, you don’t want offensive linemen getting their hands on Shaun Bradley. It won’t end well. But if you keep him clean, he’ll go knock somebody’s head off. Check out his game against Boston College, he gave 250 lb RB AJ Dillon something to think about. For the Eagles, Bradley is depth right now, but if he speeds up his read/reaction time, gets a little stronger, and progresses with his coverage, he could be a major contributor.

 

Quez Watkins

Similar player to Hightower. Quez is a skinny deep-threat. Watkins has a little bit more hip fluidity as a route runner. The problem is he wasn’t asked to run a lot of routes in school, so he’ll have a crash course in route running 101. Strength and contested catches will also be a point of emphasis. Overall he brings speed and depth to an offense that didn’t have it a season ago.

Prince Tega Wanogho

Fun fact: He’s a real-life Nigerian prince. Prince has a ton of upside. He was originally recruited to play basketball and played football just to stay in shape. It turns out he was too good to leave the sport alone. Tega is a terrific athlete for his size, strong and fast. He’s raw though, not as raw as Jordan Mailata, but he’s another uber-talented lump of clay for OL coach Jeff Stoutland.

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

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Edwards-Getty
AFC NorthBaltimore RavensNFLNFL Draft

What Does Drafting Dobbins Mean for Edwards?

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett

What Does Drafting Dobbins Mean for Edwards?

J.K Dobbins is an excellent pick for the Baltimore Ravens, but what does that mean for the current stable of running backs? Is this a sign that Mark Ingram II and Gus Edwards are in danger?

I believe the “WOO! WOO!” mantra starter and MVP hypeman Ingram is safe for at least a year. The player that I think won’t make it to the regular season is my guy Gus Edwards. The former Rutgers Star was an exclusive rights free agent this offseason and signed a $660K 1-year deal with the Ravens. The team is the only one to benefit here because they get a top-tier production back for the low.

This third-year player racked up 711-yards and 2-TDs in a backup role. He’ll be a starter somewhere else in the league and will command a bigger contract than the scraps the Ravens are playing them currently. It’s not like the team doesn’t appreciate his contributions. Jeff Zrebiec of the athletic recently wrote:

“Edwards is the no-nonsense type of personality that the Ravens love, and he’s flashed lead back type of reliability.”

While the team loves Edward’s personality and skill-set, this is a business, and outside of the 2017 and 2018, rarely have the Ravens brought 4 RBs into the regular season. Patrick Ricard is a FB. Don’t @ me! The spot can be used elsewhere.

Am I saying that Dobbins will be able to duplicate the production of Edwards? Maybe. I don’t have to. Eric DeCosta‘s move to draft Dobbins makes that the possibility. I would love to have this stable of running backs stay the same, but Baltimore can keep offering extensions to secondary role-players to long term deals and expect to sign Lamar Jackson to an extension in two years.

It sucks. It really does, but I expect Edwards to be showcased in the preseason (if there is one) and traded to a team that desperately needs a ground game.

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

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Day 2
AFC NorthBaltimore RavensNFL Draft

Ravens’ Moves for Day 2 of the NFL Draft

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett

Ravens’ Moves for Day 2 of the NFL Draft

I don’t know about you Ravens Nation, but I’m pumped. The whole night I was on pins and needles watching star after star going off the board, hoping the Ravens got an LSU player. I was a fan of all that fit in the first round (outside of Burrow and Delpit). I chatted it up with folks on the sports grinders page, and there was a ton of emotion in both directions concerning the pick.

I thought for sure the team was trading out of the first round, but I was excited to see Patrick Queen drafted to the Baltimore Ravens at 28. Some fans have the question if he can tackle Derrick Henry. I felt the need to go to the YouTube machine and found an objective video from a peer of mine. Hopefully, his video answers all of your questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg6C9J7MOVA

What we need to look forward to is what’s left on the board, and what are the team’s needs going forward? The Ravens have the 55th and 60th overall picks in the second round. Of course, with Eric DeCosta, that may change, but here are a couple of guys that may be money on day 2.

Guys the Ravens will more than likely miss out on

Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge

YGM, in my opinion, was a first-round pick. I was excited about his explosion around the edge and the amount of pop he had when delivering punishment to defenders. The former Nittany Lion definitely meets the need of pass-rusher. With 111 total tackles, 20-sacks and 2-forced fumbles through three years, the production is there to prove he can perform at the next level. What I love about this young man is his use of hands to work through defenders and get to the ball-carrier. YGM will be gone in the first 10-picks of the second round.

A.J. Epenesa, Edge

Here is a prototypical pass rusher who is stout against the run. I was against the Ravens drafting him initially, until I dove into his tape. Again, this is another guy with powerful hands. I like how he rips through the linemen. He’s a very physical guy who can’t wait to pass out a hug or two. 2019 was a solid year for him as he racked up 49-tackles (14 for loss), and 11.5-sacks. Wink would love to add the weapon to his arsenal. Should EDC pull off a miracle, be ready for exciting popping plays from this Iowa monster.

Players EDC may have to trade up for

J.K. Dobbins, RB

This Ohio State product has a great deal of wiggle and acceleration. In 2019 Dobbins killed it with 2003 rushing yards and 21-TDs for the Buckeyes. He is versed in catching the ball as well. He had 23 catches for 247-yards and 2 TDs during 2019 as well. This a definite homerun hitter once he reaches the second level. If Baltimore was looking for another shifty speedster, which I doubt because Justice Hill has shown he fits that build. However, if they were, this would be the guy.

Tee Higgins, WR

Here is a guy who can climb the ladder for the ball and do a great deal after the catch. He’s solid on slants and go-routes. He would be a great addition to this offense, even if it is just to raise Miles Boykin’s level of competition up. Maybe they both can push each other to be great. The downside to Tee is blocking and shorter routes. He’s a definite downfield threat, but his fundamental short or comeback routes need work. Teams are going to compare him to Sammy Watkins and go after him early in the second round.

Players the Ravens could land at their current pick…maybe

Laviska Shenault, WR

Here is a fan favorite that I’m just not that high on mainly because while he makes contested catches and does a great deal after the catch on shorter routes, I would like to see more separation created on his routes. If Baltimore took him, I would root for just like any other Raven. The former Colorado Buffalo is tough as nails, and if I had to make an NFL comparison, I would say Deebo Samuel.

Michael Pittman Jr., WR

EDC was correct to say this draft is full of WRs. This USC player is a confident, flashy highlight reel. Pittman Jr. has the ability to track the deep ball. I love how he climbs the ladder for catches. #6 appear a bit handsy when running routes, but hopefully, David Culley can help clean that up. This former Trojan’s contributions in blocking and on special teams are notable as well. If EDC can stand pat and land this one, I’d be shocked. He plays like a Raven.

Bradlee Anae, Edge

I’m trying to figure out why a prospect like this would slip to the second. I look at the take on this guy and am in awe. In the PAC-12, he is a man amongst boys but wow! 29 Sacks in four years is solid. What leaps off the cutups for me is his relentless pursuit. He doesn’t give up on a play. Coaches love guys who have hustle and heart. The Utah product can get underneath linemen’s pads and make earth-shaking plays. I would love to see this guy in Black and Purple.

As you can see, there are a ton of players with solid skill sets available on day 2. Will one of these guys slide to the Ravens? Based on last night. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or should I say General Manager. Anything is possible.

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

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Why 49ERs Won't Go WR
NFC WestNFL DraftSan Francisco 49ers

Why 49ERs Won’t Go WR @ 13

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett

Why 49ERs Won’t Go WR @ 13

I’ve been watching Mock Drafts for the last couple of weeks, and all I see is WR to the San Francisco 49ers. Specifically, the guy that keeps getting dropped to them is Jerry Jeudy. We get it! Jeudy is a phenomenal WR, but with the talent the team had last season minus one Emmanuel Sanders (move to Saints), they have a solid position group there. Niners’ GM even praised Jalen Hurd here,


Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network even points to Justin Jefferson as the Niners’ selection at 13. There are other needs. One of these needs is glaring. There is the elephant in the room. Is SF going to go after a flashy WR from the SEC at the expense of addressing a true need in cornerback?

 

This is not an article blasting Richard Sherman. While he is a bit long in the tooth, I think Sherman’s contributions to the zone he gets assigned are disciplined and make QBs think twice about throwing any pass outside of the deep ball to his side of the field. Where I believe the Niners lack is on the other side of the field.

Ahkello Witherspoon has prototypical size, but with a front-seven that is one of the strongest in football, only turning up one interception on the year is a clear red flag. Collectively as a defense, the team ranks second in the league with only 281.8 YPG allowed. However, there’s always room for improvement as the team allowed 23-TDs on the season in 2019. Witherspoon’s performance in the playoffs was underwhelming as well. With that said, the 23-year-old has only been in the league for a couple of years and could provide depth, but it’s time to look at a starter that can beef up this secondary. That starter is Florida’s CJ Henderson.

 

Henderson is that guy you call upon when you know there is a Tyler Lockett on the field, and you do not want to get beat. Henderson has smooth hips and the ability to shadow players around the field as if they were chained together. His long-range downfield speed is above average. With the front-seven as reliable as they are in SF, his ability to read the QB may increase the defenses turnovers.

 

The knock on the first-team All-SEC selection is his ability against the run.  According to Jordan Reid of the Draft Network,

 

“When wideouts were able to get their hands inside of his chest while run blocking, Henderson struggled to disengage while attempting to get off blocks. His lack of strength was evident, and there are plays where he was forced to the sideline, which allowed rushers to secure the edge for explosive plays…physical receivers who aren’t afraid to get handsy with him could potentially have their way with Henderson during route stems and when competing during run plays.”

 

I’m not here to say picking Jeudy here is wrong. Of course, it’s an excellent pick, but when you have a glaring need in the secondary, and there may be a generational talent at 13, you need to make the right selection. Besides, the team is back on the clock again at No. 31 so there will be plenty of stock left at WR.

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

 

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Who is Rob Kelley?
NFC EastNFLWashington Redskins

CRR Podcast: Who is Rob Kelley?

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett
Who is Rob Kelley?

Who is Rob Kelley?

CRR Podcast: Who is Rob Kelley?

[smart_track_player url=”https://soundcloud.com/jermaine-lockett-3/crr-podcast-redskins-rob-kelley” title=”CRR Podcast: Who is Rob Kelley?” social=”true” social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_gplus=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_stumble=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

When it comes to Original Sports Perspective, look no further than Couch Rider Report. Jermaine talks about Rob Kelley, a Washington Redskins‘ RB you might be hearing a lot from in the near future.

Listen! If you want to do more than just place in your league, subscribe to our email list (meaning the overlay you just opted out of. Just refresh the page and it will come back.). There I’ll be giving out exclusive tips to only those who sign up. No sign-up, no championship, no ice cream. “Remember Ice Cream is only for winners…”

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

 

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