Tag:

miami dolphins

Fantasy Sleeper: Mike Gesicki

by Damian Parson July 10, 2018

As the 2018 NFL season approaches, fantasy football is also near. The mock drafts, early fantasy reports, & dynasty drafts are underway. Every year we are searching high & low for the new sleepers of the year. Let’s dive into a rookie with a promising future. Mike Gesicki is on my radar as a fantasy sleeper at the tight end position.

Where to draft him?

His current ADP is 210, which should place him in round 18. He is projected to be a top 30 TE. If selected in the 18^th round & the production ranks inside the top 10, that is a STEAL. He entered the NFL draft as one of the better receiving tight ends in the class.

Buy or Sell?

The former Nittany Lion tight end is a superb athlete. He blends together speed, length, & leaping ability to be a mismatch in the redzone. After being drafted by the Miami Dolphins, Gesicki to the starting offense. I am buying the rookie tight end because he landed in Miami at the right time. Starting QB Ryan Tannehill is returning at full strength from an ACL tear. The former target magnet Jarvis Landry is in Cleveland, opening the middle of the field for a big athletic tight end. Gesicki should be a security blanket for the veteran signal-caller. In his final season at Penn, he had 57 receptions, 563 yards, 9 touchdowns albeit with a subpar quarterback.

Projections
I predict the rookie will have 50 receptions, 600, 9 touchdowns. Those numbers should land him in the top 10 range based on last year’s tight end scores. He should live in the end zone with his 6’6 260 lbs frame. The Dolphins face Tom Brady & the New England Patriots twice a season, scoring points is a priority. We’ve seen the Patriots defense struggle attempting to defend tight ends. Gesicki will prove his worth vs the best team in the division. BOOK IT! Keep an eye out for this athletic freak because he could help you down the stretch this season.

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

July 10, 2018 0 comment

New England Patriots NFL

Patriots options: Filling in for Julian

by Damian Parson June 7, 2018

written by Damian Parson

Filling in for Julian

The Patriots top receiver Julian Edelman is facing a four game suspension for using Performance Enhancing Drugs. The star slot receiver was aiming for a week one start after recovering from a torn acl in last year’s preseason dress rehearsal. Tom’s bff spent the year on IR last season, they relied on Danny Amendola of the Miami Dolphins (free agency). Possibly missing the 32 year old feisty slot receiver for four games leaves a void in the offense. Who will be filling in for Julian? Here are some options to replace him.

Jordan Matthews– Former Eagle & Bills pass catcher has lead the league in slot production since his rookie year before the 2017 season. He racked up 2,673 yards and 19 touchdowns in 3 years with the Eagles. At 6’3 212lbs, Matthews is a bigger slot option that provides a bigger throwing window. He can run routes as well. Albeit on a one year deal, he is working hard to gain the trust of Tom. He maybe the top option to replace JE11.
Braxton Berrios– The 5’9 shifty slot from the University of Miami is a viable option to fill the JE11 role. Selected in the 6^th, Berrios offers quick feet, burst in & out of routes, and sticky hands. The margin for error is smaller due to his diminutive size, but Brady spent 6 years terrorizing defenses with the similar statured Wes Welker. Keep your eyes on the former Hurricane receiver, this suspension maybe music to Braxton’s ears.
Phillip Dorsett– The second former Hurricane standout, Dorsett is definitely the fastest of the three options. Dorsett was a part of the trade that shipped Jacoby Brissett to the Colts. It was an up-hill battle for the entire 2017 season. Brady never found a rhythm or faith in Dorsett. He is a speedy receiver with improved routes. This is the perfect time to fight for a roster spot and earn the trust of TB12.
Chris Hogan– The former lacrosse turned playoff star in 2017 has experience in the slot. Tom trusts Hogan, which the is the biggest component of producing in the Patriots offense. Hogan runs solid routes & displays sneaky speed. He can fill the Edelman void for a bit, he isn’t as explosive or shifty by any means. He is a solid option if they need him to step into that role.

The Patriots charged their way to SB 52 last season without him, but they must find a reliable substitute for the first four games. The receiver battle in training camp just gained a bit more importance & coverage.

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

June 7, 2018 0 comment

NFL NFL Draft

Eric’s 2018 NFL Mock Draft

by Eric Kirschenbaum April 17, 2018

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.

April 17, 2018 0 comment

Green Bay Packers Las Vegas Raiders Miami Dolphins NFL NFL Draft

Draft Profile: Hayden Hurst

by Damian Parson December 29, 2017

written by Damian Parson

College Football is the clear and only pipeline to the NFL. It is filled with thousands of talented young men that dream of playing at the next level. Only 1.5% of those players become pro football players. Every draft has positions that are deeper than others, some believe this is a quarterback class and others believes it is a running back class. The tight ends have something to say and I am all ears!!! Here is my scouting report!!

Hayden Hurst, Tight End, South Carolina

Height-Weight: 6’5 250 lbs.

Film reviewed: Missouri (2017), Arkansas (2017), USF (16)

The Good: The Gamecock tight end is an intriguing talent heading into draft season. Hurst has a nice frame to be an effective red zone threat. He is a willing blocker in the run/screen game and is solid at the POA (Point of Attack). Using a good burst he can work his way up field into his routes pretty quickly and that definitely helps with timing. Hurst is very versatile from a schematics standpoint, he moves all over the formation and even runs some jet sweeps. He understands spacing and finding the soft spot in zone coverage, which is essential at the next level. This gamecock is a solid route runner with smooth hips to roll in and out of breaks.

The Bad: Hurst has a bit of an issue with his motor because it doesn’t run hot consistently from what I have seen. He needs get off the ball quicker and start faster; he tends to take plays off at times. He needs to tweak and improve his techniques overall. He does not stay low during his run blocking (low man wins). Hurst will need to work on release from physical press coverage; at the next level defenders will not consistently give him free releases. He will need to use his hands more to create separation within the first five yards of contact.

Pro Comparison: Ceiling: Aaron Hernandez Floor: Zach Miller

Hurst has the ability to be a potential chess piece in the NFL. Like Aaron Hernandez, Hurst can be an effective move tight end/H-Back with the ability to block in the run game. He has quickness, footwork, and athletic ability to be a mismatch problem at the next level.

Team Fits: Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers

NCAA. (2017). Estimated probability of competing in professional athletics. Retrieved from http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/estimated-probability-competing-professional-athletics

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

December 29, 2017 0 comment

AFC East AFC North AFC South AFC West NFC East NFC North NFC South NFC West NFL

NFL Week 1 Predictions

by Damian Parson September 7, 2017

written by Damian Parson

Football is FINALL HERE!!! The Crr Team has graciously brought you their weekly predictions. This competitive contest shall bring forth a winner for bragging rights when the season is over. Question is who will reign victorious? Well let’s see these game picks!!! The Tampa Bay/Miami game has been moved to week 11, due to the threat of incoming Hurricane Irma.

* represents the upset picks of the week.

Games	Damian	Deremy	Marvin	Jermaine	Ryan
KC @ NE	Pats	Pats	Pats	Chiefs	Pats
NYJ @ BUF	Bill	Bill	Jets	Bills	Bills
PHI @ WAS	Eagles	Eagles	Redskins	Eagles	Redskins
OAK @ TEN	Raiders	Titans	Raiders	Raiders	Raiders
JAC @ HOU	Texans	Texans	Texans	Texans	Texans
ARI @ DET	Lions	Lions	Cardinals	Cardinals	Lions
PIT @ CLE	*Browns	Steelers	Steelers	Steelers	Steelers
ATL @ CHI	Falcons	Falcons	Falcons	Falcons	Falcons
BAL @ CIN	Bengals	Ravens	Bengals	Ravens	Bengals
IND @ LAR	Rams	Rams	Rams	Rams	Rams
CAR @ SF	Panthers	Panthers	*Niners	Panther	Panther
SEA @ GB	Packers	Packers	Seahawks	Seahawks	Packers
NYG @ DAL	Giants	Cowboys	Giants	Giants	Cowboys
NO @ MIN	Vikings	Vikings	Saints	Vikings	Saints
LAC @ DEN	Chargers	Broncos	Chargers	Chargers	Chargers

September 7, 2017 0 comment

CRR: Damian’s Full First Round Mock Draft

by Damian Parson February 16, 2017

written by Damian Parson

Full First Round Draft

After an exciting and crazy 2016 College football season, it is now time for the NFL draft process to commence. Players are gauging their stock, training, and declaring for this year’s draft. The order for the top ten picks has been set. Wondering who your team will or should take? No worries that is why you have ME!!! I will break down the top ten draft picks for you!!

1. Cleveland (1-15)—Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M, Jr.
2. San Francisco (2-14)—Mike Williams, WR, Clemson, rJr.
3. Chicago (3-13)—Deshone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame, rSo.
4. Jacksonville (3-13) — Jamal Adams, SS, LSU, Jr.
5. Tennessee from L.A. Rams (4-12)—Jalen “Teez” Tabor, CB, Florida, Jr.
6. N.Y. Jets (5-11) —Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio St., rSo.
7. L.A. Chargers (5-11)—Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee, Jr.
8. Carolina (6-10)—Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida St., Jr.
9. Cincinnati (6-9-1)—Rueben Foster, ILB, Alabama, Sr.
10. Buffalo (7-9)—Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina, rJr.
11. New Orleans (7-9)—Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State., rSo.
There is an issue in New Orleans, and that is DEFENSE!!! This pick must be on the defensive side of the ball. This defense ranked 31st in scoring defense per game (28.4), 32nd in passing yards allowed per game (274), and 27th in sacks in the league. Lattimore is the pick here; he will boost and solidify the three-man corner rotation. He also has the upside and skill-set of a number 1 corner, that would help due to Delvin Breaux having an injury history. Coverage can help the pass rush, and this is a needed pick for the Saints.

12. Cleveland from Philadelphia (7-9)—Marlon Humphrey, CB, rSo.
The Browns went Myles number one overall to fix this defense, and now they go Mr. Humphrey now. The 6’1 200 lb. Corner has experience playing man and zone coverages. He is the physical corner that does not mind tackling in the run game. Marlon is best suited in zone coverage because his route recognition is top notch. He is versatile enough with his size to cover bigger receivers and speed to stick with faster receivers. Joe Haden has not been the same player for a few years now. Build for the future Cleveland and create a stingy defense.

13. Arizona (7-8-1)—OJ Howard, TE, Alabama, Sr.
The Cardinals were assured their quarterback position w/Carson Palmer returning for the 2017 season. This team lost their second big bodied receiver Michael Floyd after releasing him for a DUI incident in 2016. The age-less wonder Larry Fitzgerald lead the team in reception and yards, while second was star running back David Johnson. That is not the ideal situation you would like to be in for an offense, insert OJ Howard. The 6’6 250 lb. would give Palmer a big, fast, and strong target in the middle of the field. He can take advantage of safeties, linebackers, and some corners. Jermaine Gresham and Darren Fells are definitely not the answers!!!

14. Indianapolis (8-8)—Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU, Jr.
Andrew Luck has been internally praying for some form of help, and here it comes. Last year the leading rushers for the Colts were a 33-year-old Frank Gore and Andrew Luck. The selection of Fournette would give them a young stud running back to learn the pro game from a potential hall of famer. The former LSU back would provide a powerful runner that wears down defenses and forces an extra defender in the box and opens up the passing game. You’re welcome LUCK!!

15. Philadelphia (Minnesota)—Corey Davis, Wr, Cent Michigan, Sr.
The Eagles drafted Carson Wentz to become their Franchise quarterback, but you must find him a number one receiver. Philly ranked 7th in the league in drops this season, and your leading receiver was your tight end. Corey gives Wentz that boundary receiver everyone thought Jordan Matthews would become. Davis is a smooth route runner, can play in the slot, and outside the number. With these two young players in the fold, the Eagles should be in good hands.

16. Baltimore (8-8)—Budda Baker, FS, Washington, Jr.
The Ravens had one of the league’s best defenses this year, after bringing in veteran safety Eric Weddle to help a struggling secondary. Weddle is 32 years old and is losing speed as time passes. The selection of Baker gives this defense a burst of youth to pair with rookie corner Tavon Young. The former Washington bulldog has the range to cover deep, man coverage, and the intelligence to diagnose plays. He is an active participant in the run game. Budda Baker looks like a Baltimore Raven!!!

17. Washington (8-7-1)—Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan St., Jr.
Washington has one of the league’s worst defenses, ranking 28th in total yards allowed per game. With defensive end Chris Baker and impending free agent, adding Malik as a young replacement. Mcdowell reminds me of last year’s 7th overall pick DefForest Buckner, as a 3-4 end. Inserting the former Spartan would give them an athletic and strong defender that can hold his own vs. the run while providing an edge pass rush.

18. Tennessee (9-7)—John Ross, WR, Washington, rJr.
The speedy receiver from UW is the best pick for the Titans. They are losing Kendall Wright to free agency and Ross can be an upgrade. Ross brings quick feet, precise route running, and long speed to an offense dedicated on running the ball. This team will have a young receiving core of Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, and John Ross. The play action pass will be crucial for this team’s success in 2017!!

19. Tampa Bay (9-7)—Forrest Lamp, OG, West Kentucky, Sr.
With no receiver on the board of value here, the Bucs grab the most versatile linemen in the draft. Forrest started four years at left tackle but is transitioning inside due to lack of length. He will provide a needed boost to the interior of this offensive line. Tampa has one of the best young signal callers in the league in Jameis Winston, and the best way to help him develop further is to protect him. Upgrading and strengthening their offensive line will help boost the 24th ranked run game. You can also move Lamp to center, and he will flourish also, this is a chess piece of an offensive lineman. Win the trenches Tampa!!!

20. Denver (9-7)—Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin, rJr.
A year ago today, the Denver Broncos were the newly crowned SB champions. The 2016 season was not as kind to the former champs. They missed the playoffs entirely and was not the same team from a year ago. Their biggest problem resided in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The offensive line ranked 24th in the league at season’s end. Insert Ramczyk at tackle to improve that ranking. This team offensively was a wreck this season, couldn’t run the ball or pass it consistently. Upgrading the offensive line is key to finding offensive consistency.

21. Detroit—Solomon Thomas, DE, Standford, rSo.
This team showed they can contend in their division and win without Megatron. After a quick playoff exit, this team needs to attack a defense. Solomon Thomas is their guy!! The Lions ranked 31st in the league in sacks this season w/26. That is unacceptable when you are facing Aaron Rodgers twice a year!! Ezekiel Ansah saw a lot of protection slid his direction because they didn’t have another capable rusher. Thomas would instantly give them a versatile defender to pair with Ansah. The former Stanford Cardinal can play the run and rush the passer inside and out. Ezekiel, Help Is On the Way!!!

22. Miami—David Njoku, TE, Miami, rSo.
This team did not have a tight end to catch 30+ passes, and that is uncommon. A quarterback’s best friend tends to be a capable tight end who effectively controls the middle of the field. They brought in Jordan Cameron, and that was a BROWN like fail!!! Njoku has the potential to be a young Vernon Davis; he is fast and athletic. The former Miami Hurricane will see a lot of single coverage early on because teams must respect the receiving trio of Landry, Stills, and Parker. Somewhere Ryan Tannehill is smiling!!!

23. N.Y. Giants (11-5)—Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan, Sr.
The Giants spent over 200 million dollars attempting to retool their defense, and it worked!! Now their best pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul is a free agent, and you need a young, explosive pass rusher to replace him. Taco has the frame (6’6 273) to set the edge in the run game. This defense does not miss a beat with this pick.

24. Oakland (12-4)—Sidney Jones, CB, Washington, Jr.
The Raiders were one of the best overall teams this season. Besides the injury that ended star QB Derek Carr’s season, their defense was ultimately their biggest problem. This defense ranked 24th in passing yards allowed; the Sean Smith project did not go as planned. Drafting stud corner Sidney Jones gives them a younger and faster corner for the future. He can be their chess piece allowing him to cover the better athletic receivers alongside David Amerson, and possibly use Smith to cover tight ends or bigger receivers.

25. Houston (9-7)—Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU, Jr.
This defense was one of the best in the league last season; it takes a step closer to becoming dominate. Pending the resigning of stud corner AJ Bouye, adding White gives them a 4-man unit. The former LSU Tiger was left out on an island in college because of his elite man to man coverage skills. He has reps from playing in the slot as well, and that is a plus. He can come in and play primarily from the slot or on the outside. Especially with quarterbacks like Andrews Luck and Marcus Mariota in their division, this pick will pay dividends. The best offense is defense nine times out of ten!!!

26. Seattle (10-5-1) —Garett Bolles, OT, Utah, Jr.
Russell Wilson is one of the league’s better quarterbacks; he can beat you with his arms and legs. The problem last year was he played behind the league’s 32nd ranked offensive line (https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-lines-this-season). When your center is receiving the top overall, pass, and run blocking grade that is a red flag. This group ranked bottom 10 in sacks allowed per game with 42, and that is a horrible stat for a team trying to protect their star QB. Bolles is one of the more athletic offensive lineman that I’ve seen, he has great footwork for a tackle. He moves very well and smooth vs. rushers. Russell needs to protection, and with Bolles mean streak it should help the running backs as well.

27. Kansas City (12-4)—Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson, Jr.
GOODBYE Alex Smith!!! This pick is one of the more needed picks in the draft because Smith is holding back this team. He is a game manager at best and has weapons to be successful. He missed two big throws to Tyreek Hill that would’ve changed the outcome vs. the Steelers. Watson has the arm talent, athleticism, and potential to be a legit weapon at quarterback. He is a winner and leader that you want at the quarterback position. Time for a change Andy!!!

28. Dallas (13-3)—Charles Harris, DE, Missouri, Jr.
The Cowboys were close to the NFC championship game; they are one of the favorites to win it all this year. In order for that to take place, this team needs to upgrade an average defense. While they ranked 13th in the league in sacks, they did not have a true pass rush. Against Aaron Rodgers, they dialed up the blitz a bit that game. Randy Gregory has not reliable just yet, grabbing Harris is the right choice. The Missouri defender brings a pass rusher that can beat you with quickness and has a counter spin to add. He will bring an upgrade to their pass rush.

29. Green Bay (10-6)—Christian Mccaffery, RB, Stanford, Jr.
The Packers offense was inconsistent this past season, both running backs Eddie Lacy and James Stark went down. That forced receiver converted back Ty Montgomery to carry the “load”. Ty had some success, but he is not a conventional back. Mccaffery is a better runner, and he gives the same receiving ability out of the backfield. He also is a good return man as well, and he is a mismatch problem. The former Stanford Cardinal can be a big weapon for the beast we call Arod!!!

30. Pittsburgh (11-5)—Takkarist Mckinley, OLB, UCLA, Sr.
The Steelers won their division and reached the AFC championship with a young, fast, up and coming defense. This pick brings more speed, youth, and athleticism to their defense. Having the wise old man in James Harrison is alright, but adding McKinley will provide a young pass rushing presence. He is a freakish athlete that has great speed coming off the edge. The Steelers run a 3-4 defense, and that is the best fit for Takkarist.

31. Atlanta (11-5)—Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn, Jr.
The Super Bowl runner-up Atlanta Falcons had a great season until they became the Golden State Falcons and blew a 28-3 lead. Their young inexperienced defense showcased their potential in the first 3 ½ quarter’s vs. Tom Brady in the SB. They were shallow in defensive line depth, and a lack of rotation eventually doomed them. Carl is an explosive pass rusher. Adding Carl to this already fast athletic defense helps create more of a rotation and single blocking assignments. With him across from stud rusher Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett inside, look out quarterbacks.

32. New England (14-2)—Hasson Reddick, OLB, Temple, Sr.
The Super Bowl champions New England Patriots are all in for the “Blitz For Six”. They have to retool their team in order to complete that mission. After trading two of their better defenders in Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins, selecting Reddick is the best option here. Teaming the former Temple Owl with stud linebacker Dont’a Hightower would give him an aggressive,athletic combo. Reddick is a quick-twitch athlete that is a dynamic playmaker in space. He can rush the passer, blitz, and drop into zone. Another stud LB for Bill? I say YES!!

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

February 16, 2017 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts