National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

I'm not fan of Goodell, but I agree with you there, Jerry was just out of line, a selfish power grab. If you want to get rid of Goodell, there are several reasons you might want to, and I'll bet you can probably find someone better, but don't do it like this. Props to the other owners for seeing Jones BS.

Anyone watching the Combine? As I said in previous seasons, I like it. It sort of gives you hope on the heels of hearing about all the injuries from the previous season, older players retiring, etc.

In a cagey move, after Sam Darnold said he won't throw at the Combine, Josh Rosen said he would make some throws. But the QB here I think with the biggest chance to stand/fall is Josh Allen of Wyoming. He has size, the arm, played in a mostly NFL set, but can he really make the quick precise throws? What does he really have to offer?

As to the other issue, I don't want to talk politics here, anywhere really, but I agree with you. I used to sort of lean the other direction, not anymore. It's gotten insane.

 

[jmdirt]

Daryn Colledge, a BSU alum and NFL vet (Superbowl ring protecting ER) does sports radio spots around significant times of the season. Last year when he was talking about the underwear Olympics, he told a story about the runway parade. He said that the RB, DB, WR TE, LB are madly doing push ups and squats to looks as ripped as possible while the linemen are raiding the media food table eating pastry and telling jokes. :lol:

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Ya. I'm recording the combine and watching when I can. But so far not much watching on my part. Did see today one OLman from Ohio state popped something in his left shoulder/upper arm in like the 3rd press of the bench press. He had to stop and get examined. Not sure the diagnosis, but not good.

Colin Cowherd thinks its a no-brainer that the Browns take Darnold #1 overall. Then Rosen to the Giants. Maybe. Too early to say IMO.

Edit: Seattle reportedly putting DE Michael Bennett on trading block at the combine. Not surprising.

 

[jmdirt]

Barkley showed that he's good on tape and good at PT!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I wonder if Seattle will try to keep Sherman. To me that's a bigger question.

I would tend to agree with Cowherd this time. I see the Browns picking up either Bradford or Keenum in FA, then sitting Darnold on the bench. If I were smart, I'd sit him for a while, maybe even the entire season with only some garbage snaps. Maybe longer. He has a lot of potential, but his accuracy needs some work, as does his throwing motion. The best way to do that is have him take the time it takes to learn. Tossing him to the wolves would be a recipe for disaster I think. What the Rams did with Goff seems to have worked, having him sit a half season. What Chicago did with Trubisky I'm not so sure. He played worse than Glennon for the most part, but the Bears were sold on having him play, and often struggle, anyway. I wouldn't do that to a young QB to help him learn. Keep in mind also that Darnold is just 20 years old.

Having said all that, I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns draft someone else, and start him game one. This is the Browns we're talking about.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

I wonder if Seattle will try to keep Sherman. To me that's a bigger question.

I would tend to agree with Cowherd this time. I see the Browns picking up either Bradford or Keenum in FA, then sitting Darnold on the bench. If I were smart, I'd sit him for a while, maybe even the entire season with only some garbage snaps. Maybe longer. He has a lot of potential, but his accuracy needs some work, as does his throwing motion. The best way to do that is have him take the time it takes to learn. Tossing him to the wolves would be a recipe for disaster I think. What the Rams did with Goff seems to have worked, having him sit a half season. What Chicago did with Trubisky I'm not so sure. He played worse than Glennon for the most part, but the Bears were sold on having him play, and often struggle, anyway. I wouldn't do that to a young QB to help him learn. Keep in mind also that Darnold is just 20 years old.

Having said all that, I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns draft someone else, and start him game one. This is the Browns we're talking about.

Would be more interesting for the league if the Browns made a success of the QB position instead of the usual chaos. Can only help them win some games as well. I think Cleveland fans as dedicated as they are would be praying for it.

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

I wonder if Seattle will try to keep Sherman. To me that's a bigger question.

I would tend to agree with Cowherd this time. I see the Browns picking up either Bradford or Keenum in FA, then sitting Darnold on the bench. If I were smart, I'd sit him for a while, maybe even the entire season with only some garbage snaps. Maybe longer. He has a lot of potential, but his accuracy needs some work, as does his throwing motion. The best way to do that is have him take the time it takes to learn. Tossing him to the wolves would be a recipe for disaster I think. What the Rams did with Goff seems to have worked, having him sit a half season. What Chicago did with Trubisky I'm not so sure. He played worse than Glennon for the most part, but the Bears were sold on having him play, and often struggle, anyway. I wouldn't do that to a young QB to help him learn. Keep in mind also that Darnold is just 20 years old.

Having said all that, I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns draft someone else, and start him game one. This is the Browns we're talking about.

As you have read, I've been saying that for a while. The Brown need Cousins, he doesn't need them though. The Browns need to get a solid vet QB in FA, and use their draft picks to help in other areas. What about Barkley? While the 49ers were better than CLE, all it took was one piece to get them winning. If the Browns get a good QB and one or two studs, they are a 10+ win team.

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Well, with their draft position and all the possible options that are available to them how can the Browns mess this one up, right?

As for Seattle and Sherman, I won't be surprised if one or more of the following are dealt to another team: Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor. But if they deal any of those away I hope only one departs.

The feel good story of the 2018 NFL combine = UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who was a late invite to the combine (only coming after the SR bowl). He posted a 4.38 40. As a LB. And benched 225# 20 times, with a fitted prosthetic for his (missing) left hand. Overcoming the amputated hand is the feel good part of the story.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...n-blazes-fastest-40-for-combine-lb-since-2003

 

[jmdirt]

http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/college/mountain-west/boise-state-university/boise-state-football/article203454044.html

Great kid from a tiny Idaho town (~400). Walk on at BSU, now maybe a first round NFL pick! His dad bought an old bus and hauled anyone from town who wanted to go to BSU games.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/college/mountain-west/boise-state-university/boise-state-football/article174720066.html

EDIT: Griffin is a stud who deserves this opportunity, and will likely be a solid NFL player.

 

[jmdirt]

Rumor mill: MB from SEA to PHI...

 

[on3m@n@rmy]

Re:

Rumor mill: MB from SEA to PHI...

No rumor. It's a done deal. SEA got almost nothing in return. It was purely a cap-clearing move for SEA. Presumably to spend on offense. With Frank Clark & Dion Jordan, who played well, on the roster made Bennett expendable.

This one is still a rumor: Richard Sherman could be released in the next day or two. That will clear $11M in cap space. His trade value is low because of his season-ending injury and surgeries to both Achilles. Besides clearing cap money, the move allows Sherman early entry into free agency where he could sign with another team or Seattle could resign him for less money. But my guess is that he is gone because he has already said goodbyes to teammates. This is the "NFL", if you know what I mean.

 

[jmdirt]

Re: Re:

Rumor mill: MB from SEA to PHI...

No rumor. It's a done deal. SEA got almost nothing in return. It was purely a cap-clearing move for SEA. Presumably to spend on offense. With Frank Clark & Dion Jordan, who played well, on the roster made Bennett expendable.

This one is still a rumor: Richard Sherman could be released in the next day or two. That will clear $11M in cap space. His trade value is low because of his season-ending injury and surgeries to both Achilles. Besides clearing cap money, the move allows Sherman early entry into free agency where he could sign with another team or Seattle could resign him for less money. But my guess is that he is gone because he has already said goodbyes to teammates. This is the "NFL", if you know what I mean.

RS gone! Maybe they'll try to bring him back for less $. He's not the shut-down player that his $$$ indicates anymore. I'm OK with restructuring, but SEA hasn't show good building skills for a while so I'm somewhat concerned.

 

[BullsFan22]

All of the guys that left or are about to leave were on their way anyway, but it's still depressing to see it. Is this the end of Seattle's run at a SB in the Pete Carroll era? A SB title another SB run the following season, a solid playoff run prior to the title and decent seasons with somewhat disappointing playoff appearances...Certainly a good run for the LOB, Carroll and Wilson. What next? Wilson will obviously stay. Graham out, most of the legendary D out...I hope Carroll and the front office know what they are doing. Hate for them to really lose their way and completely fall off the map.

 

[movingtarget]

Brown movement so to speak. The jury seems to be out on Taylor and whether he will get much better but Landry is a good pick up.............and the paperwork went through presumably ! New team and coach should be good for Taylor.

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

 

[movingtarget]

All of the guys that left or are about to leave were on their way anyway, but it's still depressing to see it. Is this the end of Seattle's run at a SB in the Pete Carroll era? A SB title another SB run the following season, a solid playoff run prior to the title and decent seasons with somewhat disappointing playoff appearances...Certainly a good run for the LOB, Carroll and Wilson. What next? Wilson will obviously stay. Graham out, most of the legendary D out...I hope Carroll and the front office know what they are doing. Hate for them to really lose their way and completely fall off the map.

Seems like shake up time for the NFC West. The 49ers have flipped their roster and coaching staff, the Rams have made some big changes and Seattle and the Cardinals will now have to follow suit to a certain degree. Pete will probably be gone soon too you would think.

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

Brown movement so to speak. The jury seems to be out on Taylor and whether he will get much better but Landry is a good pick up.............and the paperwork went through presumably ! New team and coach should be good for Taylor.

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

I've been pushing that CLE needs a vet QB, but TT wasn't who I had in mind. I don't know what to think, maybe he can have a breakout season in '18. So CLE to take SB #1 and BM #4?

DK to replace ER?

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I'm surprised by taking Taylor too. Maybe he just said all the right things. They must be trying to only buy time until a young QB can take over, and to me, that means Darnold (or another QB if they like him better) is taken #1.

The bigger signing by the Browns is Landry from Miami. Presuming Gordon can stay on the field, that gives the Browns two serious receivers, plus a decent OL.

There is no way I would possibly take Barkley first in the draft. That would be a big, big mistake. With the #1 pick, and a draft loaded with QB talent, and the QB position so paramount, you take a QB, and develop him over the long run. Found an article on SB nation that sums it up.

If the Cleveland Browns don’t land Kirk Cousins in free agency then they must draft a quarterback with the first pick of the draft. It’s freaking wrong that people are hammering the desk for the Browns to draft Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the first pick.

If you were drafting an entire starting roster for your team — 22 starting football players, 11 on offense and 11 on defense — you’d pick a running back at around 15. They aren’t as important as other positions on a 2018 NFL team. You know what is important? The quarterback. The quarterback would be drafted first overall, every single time.

And to be clear, I’m talking about a draft strategy for the Browns, not arguing who is the better overall talent, because in this case it doesn’t matter. An average quarterback is more valuable than an elite running back in 2018, and the Browns have passed on drafting that player in the last two drafts. In 2016, they passed on Carson Wentz and settled for Cody Kessler. Last year, they passed on multiple quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson and settled for Deshone Kizer.

When you have the top pick in the draft, you don’t settle for a player at the most important position in sports.

https://www.sbnation.com/2018/3/6/17084512/2018-nfl-draft-rumors-saquon-barkley-browns-first-overall

The only way, and I mean ONLY way the Browns take Barkley first, is if some how, some way, they determine that Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Baker Mayfield are all equal, and they'd be happy with any of them, and if that guy doesn't pan out, Tyrod Taylor can lead the team into the future, or they'll somehow find another QB elsewhere. AND, they can honestly say that without hesitation. I find that impossible to believe.

As I said before, from what I can tell, the QB in this draft with the most long-term upside is probably Sam Darnold. He goes through progressions very quickly, moves well in the pocket, and has a strong arm. He has three weaknesses though, he takes risks that hinder his accuracy, he has a windup that needs work, and he's young. None of those are deal breakers, and can be developed over time. But whatever they do, they need to drill down at every last film, every last throw, every last play, and find the QB out of this lot that is going to be their guy. And please, don't anyone bring up Tim Couch. Tim had almost NO offensive support for several years.

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

I'm surprised by taking Taylor too. Maybe he just said all the right things. They must be trying to only buy time until a young QB can take over, and to me, that means Darnold (or another QB if they like him better) is taken #1.

The bigger signing by the Browns is Landry from Miami. Presuming Gordon can stay on the field, that gives the Browns two serious receivers, plus a decent OL.

There is no way I would possibly take Barkley first in the draft. That would be a big, big mistake. With the #1 pick, and a draft loaded with QB talent, and the QB position so paramount, you take a QB, and develop him over the long run. Found an article on SB nation that sums it up.

If the Cleveland Browns don’t land Kirk Cousins in free agency then they must draft a quarterback with the first pick of the draft. It’s freaking wrong that people are hammering the desk for the Browns to draft Penn State running back Saquon Barkley with the first pick.

If you were drafting an entire starting roster for your team — 22 starting football players, 11 on offense and 11 on defense — you’d pick a running back at around 15. They aren’t as important as other positions on a 2018 NFL team. You know what is important? The quarterback. The quarterback would be drafted first overall, every single time.

And to be clear, I’m talking about a draft strategy for the Browns, not arguing who is the better overall talent, because in this case it doesn’t matter. An average quarterback is more valuable than an elite running back in 2018, and the Browns have passed on drafting that player in the last two drafts. In 2016, they passed on Carson Wentz and settled for Cody Kessler. Last year, they passed on multiple quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson and settled for Deshone Kizer.

When you have the top pick in the draft, you don’t settle for a player at the most important position in sports.

https://www.sbnation.com/2018/3/6/17084512/2018-nfl-draft-rumors-saquon-barkley-browns-first-overall

The only way, and I mean ONLY way the Browns take Barkley first, is if some how, some way, they determine that Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen and Baker Mayfield are all equal, and they'd be happy with any of them, and if that guy doesn't pan out, Tyrod Taylor can lead the team into the future, or they'll somehow find another QB elsewhere. AND, they can honestly say that without hesitation. I find that impossible to believe.

As I said before, from what I can tell, the QB in this draft with the most long-term upside is probably Sam Darnold. He goes through progressions very quickly, moves well in the pocket, and has a strong arm. He has three weaknesses though, he takes risks that hinder his accuracy, he has a windup that needs work, and he's young. None of those are deal breakers, and can be developed over time. But whatever they do, they need to drill down at every last film, every last throw, every last play, and find the QB out of this lot that is going to be their guy. And please, don't anyone bring up Tim Couch. Tim had almost NO offensive support for several years.

As you know, I've argued for years that the RB is still valuable even if the NFL front offices have devalued it. Obviously they aren't as important as a QB, but a good run game makes a QB/offense better. Actually the NFL is coming back around to that as some of these young guys are making teams better. Would Prescott have had the '16 season he had without Elliot? No. Of course you can always hope to get a Hunt or Kamara later in the draft. Its important that RBs can catch the ball both from the backfield and from split-out so that they present coverage issues.

CLE grabbing TT indicates that they intend to develop a QB, and by bringing him in it doesn't seem like they are looking to draft a pure pocket passer. BM has the potential to become a RWesque QB, and he will be there at #4 so taking SB at #1 is an OK move. SB 'could' be a game changer for CLE, making TT's life much smoother behind center. He certainly has the potential to have 100+ combined yards every game which makes it easier for the two WR to also have big games without TT having to carry it all.

Also, look at RS, TB, BF, JM, DB, RW, DP, et al., great QBs don't have to be first pick/first rounder.

TT and CLE are both in a similar situations, both just need the pieces to come together to get over the hump, maybe it will be a great combo. There is certainly part of me that would like to see them 16-0 next year!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

That would be both awesome, and hilarious, if they went 16-0!

Realistically, if the Browns can return to 6-10, they might chalk it up as a good year.

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

That would be both awesome, and hilarious, if they went 16-0!

Realistically, if the Browns can return to 6-10, they might chalk it up as a good year.

They really weren't that far off, they lost seven games by one score...10 different plays and they could have been 7-9 (if you play ifwouldacoulda but you know what I mean) If the new pieces fit well, I could see them being 8-8 and maybe even 10-6 if they get rolling. Look at the 49ers, they were 0fer, but close, then add JG and won five. Of course all teams are adding new pieces too so its tough to tell what each team will look like come game one.

I'd love to be in their front office looking at their draft battle board! :lol:

 

[BullsFan22]

If the Browns went 16-0....they'd have, potentially, the biggest bandwagon in history...Just my hunch...

 

[jmdirt]

If the Browns went 16-0....they'd have, potentially, the biggest bandwagon in history...Just my hunch...

Bandwagon.com would melt down! :lol:

 

[movingtarget]

Richard Sherman signed with the 49ers. 39 million for three years.

 

[jmdirt]

Re:

Richard Sherman signed with the 49ers. 39 million for three years.

Assuming RS can be 100% that's a good move for the 9ers. I wonder what the guaranteed money is because incentive heavy contract rarely get paid in full. It will be fun to watch his match ups with SEA!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

As I read it, only $11m of it is guaranteed. Some of the bonuses are easier to attain than others. I think if he can keep healthy, let's just say he plays 12 games a year as a starter, and plays at an above average level for CB, the 49ers got the slightly better end of the deal.

Adam Schein of NFL.com listed his riskiest free agents, and no surprise, three of them are QBs for the Vikings. Here's his list.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920197/article/sam-bradford-tyler-eifert-head-nfls-riskiest-free-agents-of-2018

Speaking of the Vikings, if they get rid of all three of those guys, and I don't think they'd have to do much more maneuvering, they could sign Kirk Cousins. If you were Kirk, would anything keep you from going to Minnesota? Think about it, if Case Keenum can have a near Pro Bowl year on that team, and with how stacked and loaded with talent the Vikings are on both sides of the ball, I'd rather play there the next three years than the Broncos, Jets, Cardinals, Bills, etc. But Mike Zimmer is a defensive minded QB, and the Viks may not want to cough up the $100m contract it will likely take to get him.