https://soundcloud.com/jermaine-lockett-3/week-5-couch-picks
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
https://soundcloud.com/jermaine-lockett-3/week-5-couch-picks
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
I have always been a fan of the underdog, the grinder, the 53rd man who slides onto rosters at the end of the third preseason game and into the hearts of fans around the football world. With the NFL Draft just around the bend, some of the talent at the position of DT/DE position has been identified but for those of you who haven’t done your homework, there is a talented young man hailing from Bossier City, Louisiana.
DeAngelo Brooks or “D” as his friends and family call him, graduated from Airline High School where he began his football career. During his senior year of high school, Brooks was in the local paper normally, as he posted 71-tackles with 27.5 of them for loss as a DE/DT going on to receive the Shreveport Times Player of the Year Honors.
Brooks is not only a football player, he is a 2-time state wrestling champion. While this may be another sport, it speaks to his aggressiveness on the D-line.
Brooks then spent some time in Kilgore where he excelled once again, registering 102-tackles (77 solo) with 6-tackles for loss and 1.5-sacks in his two-year tenure. His notable gameplay bought him a full ride at LA Tech where he is currently finishing off his Bachelors degree.
At LA Tech “D” continued to show promise by producing 5-tackles in his first game against Kansas in September 2013. His ability to stop the run is uncanny. At times, it appears that “D” is out of the play but with the quick use of his hands and raw power, Brooks manages to push himself and his opponent back into the play to make the tackle. This speaks to his 4-tackles for loss, 2-sacks and a forced fumble in minimum action in 2013. Did I mention this big boy has a 4.91 40-time? For a DT this guy can move! Just to give you an idea of what kind of speed we’re talking about, former Baltimore Ravens DT Terrence “Mount” Cody ran a 5.40 second 40.
What I love most about “D” is his vision and ability to break down in front of the ball-carrier to ensure he is in the best position to make the tackle. Brooks has the ability to disrupt plays, escorting opponents directly into running lanes.
As I continued to watch film on this young, stout, 6-1, 300 lb brawler, I saw him doing the dirty work of the inside DT. His presence sometimes commanded double-teams from Guards and Centers, which isn’t a recognizable stat on the ESPN charts but in my book it is something to look at on the next level.
I say this because on most NFL teams, the MLB is normally going to lead the team in tackles and that is primarily because of the “power pigs” in front of them, guiding the ball carrier to the inside. Brooks is one of those “power pigs” with a true team mentality. Granted when the opportunity comes, “D” will deliver a punishing, thunderous hit, laying all 300 lbs on his poor victim, but we all know the job of a DT and that is the nasty grind in the trenches. I applaud him because he knows his job and does it without worrying about the glory.
Now no player comes into the NFL as a complete product and while Brooks has major potential to excel at the next level, he will need a coach to work closely with him on his pass rushing ability. He tends to get swallowed up by bigger Tackles when rushing the passer. He is not meant to be on the outside with his size but should a stunt be called, he will need to be able to get by the “bookend” Tackles in the same manner he gets around and through the Guards and Centers.
DeAngelo Brooks is not yet a household name but if any team takes a chance on this young, hungry, coachable prospect, they will have a grinder that can fit well in a 3-4 defense and a guy who is about the overall team success.
Pro Day Stats:
40:4.91
Vertical:28.5
Shuttle:4.74
Bench press:19
Join the “90 Gang” on Facebook as he follows his dream.
Jermaine Lockett is the CEO and a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.
The Ultimate Week 3 Fantasy Football Rankings
So Week 2 was a bust for many fantasy players around the world. We watched in agony as our star players were carted off the field, or in my case, mug shots shown on TMZ. We also saw a few back up players step up and show that they could produce. If you’re one of those who lost Peterson, Charles, or Green, you would’ve been wise to pick up Asiata, Knile Davis, or Sanu. Like I say every week, I do not have a crystal ball. I base my rankings on a number of statistical and observational factors. If your gut tells you to start a guy who I have ranked lower than another guy, go with your gut! You’re the coach. You control your own destiny. I’m just here to steer you in the right direction. With that said, onto the rankings!
**Remember to set your lineups before Thursday’s Falcons/Bucs game**
Quarterbacks
Not Ranked: RG III, Carson Palmer
Running Backs
Did not rank: Ben Tate (knee), Jamaal Charles (Ankle), Knowshon Moreno (Elbow), Mark Ingram (Hand), Ryan Mathews (MCL
Wide Receiver Rankings
Did not rank: AJ Green (Toe), Tavon Austin (MCL), Desean Jackson (Shoulder), Allen Hurns (Ankle), Josh Gordon (Suspended)
Tight End
Not ranked: Jordan Cameron (Shoulder), Vernon Davis (Ankle), Jordan Reed (Hamstring), Austin Sefarian Jenkins (Ankle), Marcedes Lewis (Ankle)
Defense/ Special Teams
Kickers
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
No. 5 Alfred Morris: I predicted last season Morris would be a top performer and he was. This year I am picking the powerful Running Back of the Washington Redskins. Morris truly is something special. Morris had 1,275-yards, 9-touchdowns and 4.6-yards per carry. Morris lead the Washington Offense after a roughed up Robert Griffin struggled. This Pensacola native has been an RB1 option since entering the league in 2012. With the additions to the passing game, a healthy RGIII and the return of the read option, Morris should be at the top of his game and be one of the best Running Backs in the league.
No. 4 Matt Forte: The Chicago Bears take pride in their underrated Running Back Matt Forte. Forte carried the load and had the second highest number of yards on this list with 1,339 with 9-rushing Touchdowns. With the passing-attack of the Bears, Forte should have no problem in dominating defenses. Remember this is a list ranking the best going into this season as far as performance, not best overall. Still Forte is pretty high and will continue to solidify his status as a top back. Not to mention the NFL has Forte ranked as the number one receiving back. It is safe to say Forte will get his.
No. 3 Adrian Peterson: Peterson is no doubt the second best Back but the Minnesota Vikings do not have enough options in the passing attack to give Peterson big numbers similar to the 2,000-yard season of 2012. Granted, when Peterson had that season the Vikings’ passing-attack was lackluster at best. Due to 8 men in the box looks and all out blitzes, Peterson had 1,266-yards and 10-touchdowns. The 2012 MVP was not able to carry the team to wins. Peterson is always a top-2 back but for performance this season, I rank him 3rd. Still a fair ranking.
No 2. Jamaal Charles: Charles is pretty much the Kansas City Chiefs entire Offense. His average per carry last season was 5. An impressive number and Charles has proven himself as a Running Back and pass catcher. Charles has everything teams dream of in a Running Back. Lightning speed, acceleration, and catching. Charles truly lights up the field everywhere he goes. Charles had 19 total Touchdowns. 12 rushing and 7 receiving and without Charles, the Chiefs don’t make the playoffs.
No. 1 Lesean McCoy: Will the real slim shady please stand up? Maybe not slim shady but the second shadiest person in terms of avoidance and quickness. The Philadelphia Eagles‘ Running Back has been compared to the Barry Sanders in terms of quickness and the running ability of Terrell Davis. McCoy had 1,607-yards leading the league and averaged 5.1 per carry including 9 rushes for 20+ yards. The Chip Kelly offense loves McCoy and I am sure McCoy is loving it. With open holes and the amazing ability of McCoy, the Eagles on paper are just insanely good. Watching McCoy carry the load whether it is in the rain or snow, is awesome. Lesean McCoy will easily be the top rusher in the league next year and at the least top 3. Without a doubt McCoy and Peterson are nearly tied for best running backs in the league overall.
For the numbers 10-6 click here
Josh Gantt is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook
2014 Fantasy RB Rankings 11-20
11) Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals/22 Years Old/ Bye Week: 4
12) Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers/ 25 Years Old/ Bye Week: 7
13) Montee Ball, Denver Broncos/ 23 Years Old/ Bye Week: 4
14) Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions/ 29 Years Old/ Bye Week: 9
15) Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals/ 25 Years old/ Bye Week: 4
16) Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins/ 25 Years Old/ Bye Week: 10
17) Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens 27 Years Old/ Bye Week: 11
18) Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers/27 Years Old/ Bye Week: 10
19) CJ Spiller, Buffalo Bills/ 26 Years Old/ Bye Week: 9
20) Chris Johnson, New York Jets/ 28 Years Old/ Bye Week: 11
P.J. Conley is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
2014 Running Back Fantasy Football Rankings 1-10
(Based on standard ESPN PPR point system)
1) Jamaal Charles, KC Chiefs/ 27 Years old/ Bye Week: 6
2) LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles/ 26 yrs old/ Bye Week: 7
3) Adrian Peterson, Minnesoda Vikings/ 29 Years Old/ Bye Week: 10
4) Matt Forte, Chicago Bears, 28 years old/ Bye Week: 9
5) Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers, 24 Years old/ Bye Week 9
6) Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks/ 28 Years Old/ Bye Week: 4
7) Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers/ 22 Years old/ Bye Week: 12
8) DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys/ 26 Years Old/ Bye Week: 11
9) Arian Foster, Houston Texans / 27 Years Old/ Bye Week: 10
10) Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams/23 Years Old/ Bye Week: 4
P.J. Conley is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.