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Dak Prescott

FANTASY FOOTBALL: TOP TIER QBS AND GUYS TO SNATCH UP

by Jermaine Lockett August 24, 2020

FANTASY FOOTBALL: TOP TIER QBS AND GUYS TO SNATCH UP

Go ahead and laugh! I saw comments about my last FF post, questioning my credibility. You can read that here. I’ll just let you know you’re not going to get a bland perspective here. I want you to take chances to get on top of the competition. If that means taking the best TE in football at pick 6, make it so. Anyway, I know a few of you are waiting on this post to prepare for your draft. I will get to the defenses after this one, but now we are focusing on the signal-callers. I’ll focus on the top 5 guys and then give you a few late rounders that you may be able to snatch up and ball with.

Lamar Jackson

There’s no real secret here. The 2019 MVP will get you money on the ground and in the air. I truly believe that picking this guy up anywhere between pick 9-22 is going to pay off big. Racking up almost 31 PPG is definitely a good reason to pick up this year’s Madden cover guy. Don’t let the soft tissue issue fool you. He’s ready to rock, week 1. Also, don’t wait too long to grab him, or you will be in pain whatever week you face him.

Patrick Mahomes

Yes, the Superbowl MVP is extremely important in fantasy. The newest Co-Owner of the KC Royals is balling in fantasy. While he missed time due to a dislocated patella, the sensational half-billionaire still knocked out a 4000+ yard season. He has plenty of weapons; grabbing one of them is vital if you plan to stay relevant in your league. You can probably grab PH in the first to second round anywhere from pick 11-25. If he slips past this, please let me know. I am joining your league.

Dak Prescott

Everyone was probably wondering where I was going at three. I‘m sorry if this confused you or even pissed you off. Stay with me! Dak had an excellent season putting up 25.9 PPG. With a new shiny toy in Cee Dee lamb in the huddle, this offense will soar. Don’t be surprised if all three of Dem Boyz end up being fantasy gold this season, and it’s because Dak will go aerial again this year. People still don’t believe in the franchise-tagged player and leave his ADP to somewhere in the 5th round.

DeShaun Watson

Did you miss out on Lamar Jackson? No worries, here is a guy that can still put up great numbers because of his dual-threat abilities. Watson got you 40 extra points (standard leagues) on the ground that you may not have expected last season. Don’t worry about missing the production from his top-dog DeAndre Hopkins. D-Wat likes his burners and loves launching to guys like Brandon Cooks and if healthy, Will Fuller. You may be lucky enough to scoop this guy up at the back end of round 5.

Ben Roethlisberger

Yes, he’s back! No, there’s no AB. But Pittsburgh has been known to pop out talented WRs left and right. Ben threw for over 5000 yards in 2018, but was sidelined in 2019, with an elbow injury. Look for Big Ben and Diontae Johnson to be the new connect in Pittsburgh and the next 1200 receiver. Yes, I said it. They throwing all over the yard, pick up Ben in the middle to back of the 11 round in most 10-12 man formats.

Ok, there’s your obvious top 5, but here are the guys you may want to snatch up.

Russell Wilson

We all know what this guy is capable of on the ground and in the air. I always refer to his form of play as “Back-yard-ball”. The Wilson-Lockett connection is going to get even better this season. Adding another year with the Bully DK Metcalf doesn’t hurt either. Wilson had 382 FPS last season and will top that number this year. Look for Mr. Wilson to be available at the back of round 4. 30+TDs each year since 2017? Nuff said!

Baker Mayfield

He had a bad season last year, costing fantasy players 42 points in interceptions in 2019. Look for him to turn it around this year with a fully healthy OBJ and Landry combined with a pissed off David Njoku and Austin Hooper in the fold. He has arguably the number two back in the league in his backfield. Play action is going to get this Browns’ offense racking up the points in 2020. Look for Baker to still be on the shelves around the middle of round 9.

Carson Wentz

If you find a guy in round 8 who is putting up 4000-yards a season, please consider that a steal and scoop them up. With all of the burners in this offense, look for the Eagles’ lead guy to throw more than 22-yards per game.

Kyler Murray

If you missed out on the early mobiles, then you are still in luck. This guy runs like he broke something in the house, and his parents found out. Imagine an excellent passer who could get you an extra 50+points that weren’t expected? Kyler’s targets are almost unfair. Legend Larry Fitzgerald and the 99 rated hands Nuke are a combination worth salivating over. The 2019 rookie of the year should be available around round 5-6.

Gardner Minshew II

Uncle Rico is not the flashiest of players, but with a second year of gelling with the third-year player, D.J. Chark, they are bound to hook up for more than their small 20 FPS per game.

Look, you know most of the names; Matt Stafford, Matt Ryan, A-A-ron, and of course, the Goat. If you lose out on the guys above, don’t miss out on these. I wish you all luck in your draft. I’ll try to get to defenses before the season starts.

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

August 24, 2020 0 comment

4 Fixes to the Cowboys’ Sad Return Woes

by Jermaine Lockett February 12, 2020

written by Jermaine Lockett

4 Fixes to the Cowboys’ Sad Return Woes

In a game that is about field position, you would think the coaches would put a serious emphasis on special teams players and their impact on the game. Instead, teams are focused on the signal callers and paying them ridiculous amounts of money that could be spread to other positions, if the QBs and agents weren’t so dang greedy. Anyway, I digress. Today’s focus is on Special Teams. The Dallas Cowboys were dead last in return yards in 2019. How will new Coach Mike McCarthy address what appears as Dallas’ weak link?

In 2019, the team averaged 15-yards per return, setting up Dak Prescott and company in terrible field position. Names like Jakeem Grant, Mecole Hardman, Jamal Agnew, and Cordarrelle Patterson are not household names, but they know how to return a ball. Each of them posted +100-yard return-TDs on the season. Dallas had a long of 30-yards the whole season. Tony Pollard led “Dem Boyz” in returns with 14 but only had 7-returns over 20-yards. This cannot be the norm in 2020 if the team wants to be successful. Let’s take a look at McCarthy’s special team’s track record when it comes to ST.

In 2014, the coach was second to last in the league in KRs with 19.1 yards a game. That number climbed up to 24.5-YPR in 2015, went back down to 19.7 in ’16, 21.7 in ’17 and 21.5 in ’18. Obviously, these are not glaring numbers. The former GB Coach needs to make this a priority in the draft in order to do what Dallas does best; run the football. In order to do that, let’s take a look at this year’s draft for the answer. Here is a list of the guys who could lead the charge on turning the return game around for “Big D”.

Jalen Reagor – Texas Christian University

This pocket monster has straight-line speed for days. Punt returns are where this guy excels at. When you see eye-popping returns average of 30.3 and 30.5 YPR, you immediately think “money!” I believe the jury is still out on the hands of this guy but this former Hornfrog could easily fix the return issue. Here is what Crabbs of the Draft Network had to say about the draft prospect:

“Natural instinct here to win on different levels shows good understanding of when he’s got leverage and how to sell defenders on something other than his true intent. Much more polished and pro-ready than offense gave him the chance to showcase.”

K.J. Hamler – Penn State

Hamler is a name that has flashed across Penn State Native’s eyes for a while. His most impressive season came in his freshman year, where he racked up 523-yards on 20 returns averaging 26.2 YPR.

Jeff Thomas – Miami

“The U” Continues to produce high-flying performers, and while he may be low to the ground at 5-10, 170lbs, his return is definitely on big boy status. In 2018, Thomas averaged 26-YPR and had one punt returned for a TD.

2019 Prospect and now Free Agent Greg Dortch

I previously wrote on this guy and still believe the NFL missed on this one. Sure, he ran a 4.59-40 at the combine, but what he can do on the field versus a stopwatch is phenomenal. After bouncing from the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers to the Los Angeles Rams, should Dallas decide to bring the second-year player in, they will not be disappointed.

Special Team Coach John Fassel needs to bang the table for one of these star-studded players in the upcoming draft if he is looking to change the Cowboys culture in the return game.

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

February 12, 2020 0 comment

Dallas Cowboys New York Giants NFC East NFL

Jason Witten Needs To Hang It Up Already

by Jermaine Lockett February 6, 2020

written by Jermaine Lockett

Jason Witten Needs To Hang It Up Already

Look, I knew my time was up as a professional madden player when wifey said it was affecting family time and our marriage. I knew my time as an amateur football player was up when I got my bell rung so hard, I had spots in my vision, and some old lady was trying to take me home. The problem was it wasn’t my home she was referring to… My point is in life, you have to know when it’s time to call it a career. Does Jason Witten?

Help or Hinderance?

I get the whole “I’m going back to help my team win a championship” bid as a bailout reason for just being a subpar broadcaster. The Dallas Cowboys reopening the door to his services was an act of loyalty and probably one of the main reasons Jason Garrett is out of a head coaching job. Blake Jarwin has plenty of talent to lead in that position on the team. I believe this 37-year old was a hindrance to his team.

Witten was in the bottom half of TE’s when it came to reception yards per game with 33. Dak Prescott could have really used the services of the younger flashier TE in Jarwin on the field, taking more reps. Jarwin was bringing in almost 12-yards-per-catch according to NFL.com. I can’t blame Boyz’ the entire season the former Tennessee Vols’ very presence. However, I believe with the younger talent coming in faster and stronger, you cannot just sit them on the bench and make them “learn for a few years”. They are NFL ready now.

According to rotoworld.com, Witten is rumored to have an opportunity with the New York Giants to join his former coach and bring a veteran presence to the locker-room. How much does that really matter? The word leadership is not enough nowadays to steal roughly $4M from an organization anymore. Let’s take a look at the current Super Bowl Champions. Outside of Big Red Andy Reid, the team’s average age is just under 26. The only thing that Witten can bring to the NY Giants is a body for reps in the offseason while starters get healthy. Sure, he has the ability to make tough contested catches and even brought in 8.4 yards per catch last year, but he is slowing down as father time continues to take the W against him.

Besides, they already have a talented vet in the position already in Evan Engram who, even with an injury that put him on IR for the year, still ranked in the top 10 of TEs when it came to yards per game (58). There’s no doubt that the Giants would benefit from “12” sets, opening up the ground game for Saquon Barkley, but would anyone even fear the talent of Witten in play-action? He can be covered by an LB with ease.

It’s just time!

My point is, we all have an expiration date, and this is a young man’s game. Ben Watson saw that after his team was knocked out of the playoff in the Wild Card Round. He is now onto the next chapter in his life after he announced his retirement following the loss. Fossils like Witten need to recognize the changing of the guard and be thankful for the ability to play at the level they once did.

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

February 6, 2020 0 comment

Dallas Cowboys NFC East NFL

3 Teams Who Have a Shot at Amari Cooper

by Jermaine Lockett February 5, 2020

written by Jermaine Lockett

3 Teams Who Have a Shot at Amari Cooper

“We Dem Boyz” or “this is our year” is the slogan that most Dallas Cowboys‘ fans yell right after the NFL Draft and into the season, and the superstar-filled team thrills the NFC East and fills every Silver and Blue Fan with joy. Unfortunately, at the season’s end, the slogan turns into “Help is on the way!” This may be the case once again, but part of the help may be out the door this offseason at the start of free agency. Is Amari Cooper on to “greener pastures,” and if so, who lands the coveted WR?

The Dallas Cowboys are actually in good shape when it comes to cap space. Per spotrac.com, the team is looking at almost $74M in space in 2020. Sure, they have some notable people they need to sign like QB Dak Prescott, TE Blake Jarwin, and CB Byron Jones, but Jerry Jones made it very clear one of the team’s priorities was locking up Cooper for the long term. However, should they fail to seal the deal on an offer to the former Oakland Raiders‘ WR, he may get to test the market.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cowboys expect to use the franchise tag on Dak Prescott. That tag is being reportedly worth $26.9M, leaving $47.1M in cap space to bring back a few players. The last thing the team wants is a holdout from Dak. So, realistically, to sign the player long term, it will cost the Boys +$40M per year, leaving them with roughly $33M left to sign other players. Does America’s team want to blow their entire cap on two players and only have roughly $11M left to play with?

All it would take to lock up Cooper at market value is $19.5M per year, which is comparable to Julio Jones and Michael Thomas. Should the former Alabama Star get greedy, he could push for Julio money ($22M per year), and here are three ball clubs that would actually make it rain.

Miami Dolphins

No, their current team needs do not have WR at the top of the list, but the sands of South Beach look very appealing to any player looking to get a bag and some sun. Did I mention Cooper is from Miami? I’m sure whoever the team happens to draft would be thankful to have two dominant targets in Cooper and DeVante Parker to throw to. Cap-wise, they are sitting pretty with the league-high $83.8M in cap space. Look for this team to throw their hat in the ring should this former 4th overall pick hit free agency.

Indianapolis Colts

WR is a glaring need in this organization and boy to they have the funds. With $81M in cap space, if the team is committed to Jacoby Brissett going forward, they’ll need to surround him with the firepower to keep him competitive with the emerging AFC South. With TE Eric Ebron needing to seek employment elsewhere, this just makes sense to grab another set of hands that is aggressive after the catch.

Buffalo Bills

Laugh, but this is a team on the upward trend. Yes, they don’t have the most appealing nightlife like Miami or the historic Motor Speedway of Indianapolis, but what they do have is that bag ($80M) and a relatively young team with an average age of 26. Josh Allen is not the most appealing QB and Coop has better options on the table, but I am sure he wouldn’t mind stopping by the Buffalo Chophouse as the Pegula Family attempt to lure him to Bills Nation.

The future for Amari looks bright as he gets closer to March 18th. He will either get locked up for the long term prior to the deadline or may seek a market-setting deal with one of these three ballclubs.

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

February 5, 2020 0 comment

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Is Michael Gallup the new no.1 for the Cowboys?

by Jermaine Lockett July 30, 2018

written by Jermaine Lockett

Is Michael Gallup the new no.1 for the Cowboys?

Nothing with the Dallas Cowboys usually excites me or surprises me as a football fan. I usually hear the same old whoop of “this is our year!”, “five rings” and etc. However, with the current changes to the receiving corps this offseason, one has to wonder what the new blood brings. In with that blood may not be the “X” as Dez Bryant used to throw up but I believe Michael Gallup is about to be the “Z” that Dallas desperately needs to fill the void left by Bryant and Jason Witten.

Hurns…Seriously?

There has been buzz from all around Dallas that Allen Hurns is going to be the number one WR. My opinion on this is Hurns was not even the number two WR in Jacksonville in 2016 and 17 due to being beat-out by Marquise Lee. The former Jaguar has been known to drop big passes in clutch situations.

Here’s a better option

Gallup has nothing but reliable throughout his collegiate career. The former Colorado State Ram amassed 176 catches for 2690 yards and 21-TDs in only 13 games.

When we think about a “Z” receiver’s role, you’re looking at a guy who can operate between the hashes and that can go in motion before the snap. The “X” should be able to stretch the field while the “Z” works underneath. Some believe newly acquired Tavon Austin can be played all over the field in what Rotoworld believes to be the league’s sorriest receiving corps. However, we all know that Tavon Austin, Allen Hurns, and Deonte Thompson only excel in their ability to stretch the field. Gallup will thrive because of this observation. The rookie has already established some connection with signal caller Dak Prescott. According to DallasCowboys.com:

Gallup has “found ways to generate space” and has been a reliable pass-catcher when thrown to. The Colorado State alum will have a good opportunity in year one following the offseason departures of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

Much needed element

When you look at the WR corps of Dallas initially, you’ll begin to think mostly speed but the 6’1” 200lbs rookie brings a tough grinding mentality when it comes to the craft. He will be the replacement for the production of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, helping to work the team down the field. I know this is a big prediction but I am looking at the TE corps of Dem Boyz and I honestly do not see much. Dak Prescott has a lot of growing to do without the help of Witten and I truly believe this year’s third-round-pick is the answer.

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

July 30, 2018 0 comment

AFC South Jacksonville Jaguars NFL

Jaguars: What about Allen?

by Damian Parson August 24, 2017

written by Damian Parson

Sep 1, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Brandon Allen (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Jaguars 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars: What about Allen?

Two horses race? I thought there were three? What about Allen?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been the typical “Scary Potential” team over the past few seasons. They have built their defense through the draft and free agency; the problem is the offense. Blake Bortles is heading into his fourth year in the league and has not lived up to being the 3^rd overall pick. To be fair, Blake hasn’t been able to lean on a good running game or offensive line. Unlike the Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Dak Prescott’s of the world, Blake was on his own. Does that change the narrative of his career? NOOOOO!!!!

Captain Obvious: Blake is a bust!

How did Blake become the 3^rd overall pick in 2014? He has ideal size, athletic ability, strong, decent arm strength, and the overly used Ben Roethlisberger comp!!! Blake came into the league with bad mechanics, a one read offense, and a shotgun-heavy offense. He currently holds an 11-34 win-loss record, that is PUTRID!!! Bortles has not improved in his 3-years in the league; he is frustrating to watch. In a joint practice session vs. their week two preseason opponent the Tampa Buccaneers, Bortles had another blunder on a pass. This blunder triggered this reaction from Robinson, “F–king keep that sh-t in bounds, bro,” Robinson said after running down the pass and colliding with a spectator. (See GIF below) In an earlier training camp practice, Bortles threw 5-interceptions, and that is completely unacceptable. After picking up Bortles 5^th year option, are the Jags all-in?

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I sure hope they are not!!! After a poor showing in this preseason, head coach Doug Marrone declares, “It’s just a matter of the production,” Marrone said. “It’s not the production we want, OK. I’m not saying that Chad has it or not. It’s right up there for grabs, and either person can take it. But it’s up there, and we’ll take a look at it, and at the end of the day, we’ll make the best decision. Again, who is the best person? “It’s very simple. Who is the best person to put in that position to lead the offense?” Heading into their week three preseason match up vs. the Carolina Panthers Chad Henne is slated to start over Bortles. The only problem is, what about ALLEN???

What about ALLEN???

Who is Allen you ask? Brandon Allen the 6^th round pick in last year’s draft should be considered in this QB competition. Allen stands 6’1 220, he is athletic, has a live arm, and accurate on the move. Allen played last week vs. the Buccaneers; the clipboard holder finished 10/15 144 yards with 27 more on the ground & 1 touchdown. He displayed his arm strength, accuracy, and pocket presence; he deserves more reps with the starters. How can you declare a positional battle open without considering all players at the position? Chad Henne is that dish your mother cooked that is just EH, nothing special and you certainly do not ask for seconds. He is predictable, and you are aware of what you’ll be receiving. Allen is that new recipe that you haven’t had a full meal of, COOK THE MEAL MOM!!!! SN: I’d never yell at my mom by the way!! Do you catch my drift right guys? The Jaguars have nothing to lose by giving the young Arkansas Razorback Alum quality starting reps! It doesn’t matter if his reps occur in practice or preseason; they need to see what they have in the young signal caller. The writing is on the wall for Bortles; it says TIMES UP!!

Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

August 24, 2017 0 comment

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