I have always wanted to do one of these. Now I have the time. How many times have we seen that someone does not work out for their team? How many times was that guy a first-round pick? Basically, this is my re-draft based on how the teams and players performed this year:
Each Template will read as follows:
Pick. Team Name: Position Player (School) Original Round Drafted: Original Pick Overall
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Jameis Winston (FSU) 1:1
Original Pick: QB Jameis Winston
Winston turned out to be another great first overall pick. He is the reason they won six games this year as opposed to the two from 2014. His spot stays the same. He is a leader in the locker room and on the field. Perfect pick.
2. Tennessee Titans: QB Marcus Mariota (ORE) 1:2
Original Pick: QB Marcus Mariota
Another guy who stays the same. Mariota, like Winston, is the future of his franchise. Barring an injury, this could be one of the great rivalries in football. While Mariota is quiet, he does not get rattled. If Tennessee wants to stand a chance in the AFC South, they need to protect him.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Leonard Williams (USC) 1:6
Original Pick: DE/OLB Dante Fowler Jr. (UF)
The Jags' first pick last year got hurt in the first day of rookie camp, so anyone would have been better here. Williams would have greatly helped the poor defensive line Jacksonville sported last year. A total of 36 sacks and allowing an average of 100 rushing yards per game show that they need help.
4. Oakland Raiders: WR Amari Cooper (UA) 1:4
Original Pick: WR Amari Cooper
Another correct pick. Cooper led the Raiders in receiving yards and his chemistry with Derek Carr is unquestioned. Cooper was a Rookie of the year candidate and rightfully deserved to be. He was to only rookie to reach 1,000-receiving yards this season. He will be a highly-valued fantasy option come next fall.
5. Washington Redskins: OT Brandon Scherff (Iowa) 1:5
Original Pick: OT Brandon Scherff
This is going to be the another correct pick in this redraft. Scherff was moved to Guard and he excelled there. He helped provide great protection for Kirk Cousins. Enough that he is possibly the franchise quarterback now. If Matt Jones had emerged a bit earlier at running back, they would have likely beaten the rushing mark they set in 2014.
6. New York Jets: CB Marcus Peters (WAS) 1:18
Original Pick: DT Leonard Williams
With Williams gone, the Jets would have had make a decision on what defensive position they wanted. The DROTY would have been worth it. Peters led the league in interceptions (8) and was a cornerstone of the Chiefs defense. With a secondary that included Revis and Cromartie, I doubt any team would have seen 200 yards in a game passing.
7. Chicago Bears: WR Tyler Lockett (KSU) 3:69
Original Pick: WR Kevin White
There were other players I could have put here. Darby, Rawls, Flowers. White was out all year with a ankle injury and the Bears still needed a receiver. Lockett proved to be a weapon offensively at the tail end of the year, but he tore up the return game from day one. His speed could have been a great asset for John Fox.
8. Atlanta Falcons: CB Ronald Darby (FSU) 2:50
Original Pick: OLB Vic Beasley Jr.
Beasley was a great help on defense, but he was quiet. Darby was see as being heavily underrated in the middle of the season and the Bills got a steal. While he did not show the numbers in interceptions, he constantly broke up passes. Darby has so few tackles because of his defense on the pass. The would have been perfect for a lackluster secondary the Falcons have.
9. New York Giants: RB Todd Gurley II (UGA) 1:10
Original Pick: OT Ereck Flowers
Gurley was the OROTY. He broke 1,000 yards having only played 12 games. After coming off of two ACL surguries, he was seen as a huge risk. This is a risk the Giants wish they had taken. While Flowers was a good pick, the G-men still had no run game this season. Between Vereen, Williams, and Jennings, none were even close to consistent.
10. St. Louis Rams: WR Stefon Diggs (MAR) 5:146
Original Pick: RB Todd Gurley II
With Gurley off the board, the Rams should have addressed their receiving core. Rather a lack there of one. Diggs was a surprise for many people this season. He provided speed and crisp route running that the Vikings had hoped Cordarelle Patterson would have (31st Pick in 2013 Draft). With many of the other receivers drafted in this year injured for a majority of it, Diggs was able to stand out.
11. Minnesota Vikings: DT Mario Edwards Jr. (FSU) 2:35
Original Pick: CB Trae Waynes
There could have been a wide receiver taken here. The problem is that there are barely any other wide receivers that deserved a first-round consideration this past year. Adding to the defense, Williams had a quietly productive year alongside Kalil Mack and Justin Tuck in the Raiders front seven. He forced three fumbles and had a combine 42 total tackles. He proved his worth.
12. Cleveland Browns: OT La'el Collins (LSU) Undrafted
Original Pick: DT Danny Shelton
The Browns are the worst at things. Collins went undrafted due to speculation in a murder case. The Cowboys signed him after the draft and he would start the final 10 games of the season. He showed great poise at Guard and incredible power as he barreled down the field blocking for Darren McFadden. He is a special player that could have helped the Browns greatly.
13. New Orleans Saints: LB Vic Beasley Jr (CLEM) 1:8
Original Pick: OT Andres Peat
Peat never really fit into the O-line like Payton wanted him. Best option here would be to address the awful defense. Let me put this in perspective: Sportscenter put the stats of two quarterbacks next to each other and had people guess who they were. The stats were almost identical. One was Tom Brady. The other was the average of each quarterback that played the Saints defense. This included Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer. Any defensive player would have been good here.
14. Miami Dolphins: CB Byron Jones (UCONN) 1:27
Original Pick: WR DeVante Parker
Parker was decent, when he was on the field. He barely played due to injury. Jones was a solid defender in the Cowboys secondary. He played both corner and safety and has incredible leg power. He broke the long jump record at the combine last year. Without consistent play from Grimes or McCain, Jones would have been a great piece to have on their side.
15. San Diego Chargers: OT Ereck Flowers (UM) 1:9
Original Pick: RB Melvin Gordon
Gordon was a bust so far. Why? He had no protection. That's actually why some of the receivers got hurt. Rivers making risky throws so he would not be hurt. Flowers was consistent for the Giants. He would easily become the best offensive lineman on the Chargers considering they do not have any good ones.
16. Houston Texans: CB Kevin Johnson (WF) 1:16
Original Pick: CB Kevin Johnson
The Texans had a few problems everywhere, but Johnson was a decent pick. He played all 16 games and started 10 of them. He had 50+ tackles, but only one interception. Do remember the Texan defense started to be elite late in the season, so this is a solid choice here.
17. San Francisco 49ers: DT Malcolm Brown (TEX) 1:32
Original Pick: DT Arik Armstead
With all of the losses for the 49ers last year, they just needed someone. Armstead was good, but Brown was just a hair better. This could be because he played under Charlie Strong and Bill Belichick, two of the greatest coaches at each level of the game. Brown was a solid run-stuffer and will probably see more playing time this year.
18. Kansas City Chiefs: S Demarious Randall (ASU) 1:30
Original Pick: CB Marcus Peters
Randall was originally a safety coming out of college. The Packers turned him into one of their better defenders (Seriously, this was a great class of corners). He had four interceptions (one on P. Manning and on C. Newton) and almost 70 tackles. While he is still not Peters, he would have been a decent replacement.
19. Cleveland Browns: DE Eddie Goldman (FSU) 2:39
Original Pick: C Cameron Erving
Changing one Nole for another. The main problem for the Browns is that they moved Erving to Guard. He was comfortable at Left Tackle and Center. Goldman may have been one of the only bright spots for the Chicago defense. He had 4.5 sacks as a tackle and only played 11 games. He also blocked a field goal attempt by the 49ers. The Browns could have been much better on defense with this Tallahassee product on defense.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Donovan Smith (PSU) 2:34
Original Pick: WR Nelson Agholor
Philly had a difficult time with the run game this year. Murray got a fraction of the yards he obtained a year earlier with the Cowboys. Along with that, Sam Bradford is as fragile as a new born baby. They need protection for the quarterback and a blocker for the running back. Smith brought young blood to the Bucs' O-Line and helped Doug Martin return to his rookie stats.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: LB Kwon Alexander (LSU) 4:124
Original Pick: OT Cedric Ogbuehi
Cedric was a decent pick, but not nearly worth what Kwon is worth now. Alexander was a fourth rounder who worked his way up to become a starter. Honestly, he was a snub for DROTY. He is young and could have been another top defender in the Bengals front seven.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: S Adrian Amos (PSU) 5:142
Original Pick: OLB Bud Dupree
Dupree, again, good player, but not good enough for where he was drafted. Amos was a fourth rounder and played extremely well for Chicago. He was third in tackles on the team and played in every game. Plus, this guy has integrity. Seriously, go watch his Path to the Draft expose. It was amazing.
23. Denver Broncos: G Ali Marpet (Hobart) 2:61
Original Pick: OLB Shane Ray
The Broncos won the Super Bowl, but it was not due to their pick of Shane Ray. They could have had a much easier season if they addressed the problems on the offensive line. Marpet was one of the top lineman who started day one. Peyton Manning and the core of running backs would have been healthier and more reliable if this was their pick.
24. Arizona Cardinals: RB David Johnson (UNI) 3:86
Original Pick: OT D.J. Humphries
It is not that Humphries was bad, it is that Johnson is better. While he did end up with the Cards in the third round, Johnson addressed the constantly injured running back situation for Arizona. Johnson had a very productive season after Andre Ellington and Chris Johnson were hurt. Looks like he will wind-up being the workhorse down in Phoenix.
25. Carolina Panthers: OT Audres Peat (Stanford) 1:13
Original Pick: OLB Shaq Thompson
While we could go receiver here, none of them were good enough for a first round pick (Even in the 20's). Peat did not work well in the Saints system, but he was out of position. Peat would have been at the blindside tackle spot (oddly enough, currently held by Michael Oher). With more room to move, Peat would have been much more effective during passing plays.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Jeremy Langford (MSU) 4:106
Original Pick: WR Bershad Perriman
Baltimore was all over the place this year with injuries. It seemed to be the only thing they could rely on was Justin Tucker's foot. Once Forsett went down, it was all but lost this year. Langford would have provided a much more reliable, younger running back. He was the fastest back in last years combine and is now set to take over carries for the Bears.
27. Dallas Cowboys: LB Eric Kendricks (UCLA) 2:45
Original Pick: CB Byron Jones
Dallas could not put any pressure on the quarterback this year. They were out-sacked this year and out-intercepted. Kendricks is another player in a long stream of good UCLA linebackers that can make a difference. Last year, he and Anthony Barr led a top 10 Minnesota defense to the playoffs.
28. Detroit Lions: CB Quinton Rollins (Miami [OH]) 2:62
Original Pick: G Laken Tomlinson
The Lions were a mess this year. They started out strong and then fell off harder than any other team. Playoff hopes dashed in the process. Why? Defense. Rollins was a great deal of help to the Packers this year, racking up two interceptions and six pass defenses.
29. Indianapolis Colts: OLB Bud Dupree (UK) 1:22
Original Pick: Phillip Dorsett
The Colts were hard to watch this year. Especially with that awful 4th down call against the Pats in week six. But their defense has been an eye sore for awhile. Having a good linebacker like Dupree across from Freeman would greatly improve their defensive presence.
30. Green Bay Packers: Karlos Williams (FSU) 5:155
Original Pick: S Damarious Randall
Why? Why not Matt Jones? Jones was good, but not consistent. Williams was very consistent in the run game with McCoy. Williams led the Bills with seven rushing touchdowns. With Eddy Lacy out of action for a majority of the year, Williams and Starks would have have made one heck of a backfield.
31. New Orleans: Saints: WR Kevin White (UWV) 1:7
Original Pick: LB Stephone Anthony
With the Saints giving up Graham for another first-round pick, White would make sense here. He is a first-round talent and could be a franchise changing player. The Saints have Brandon Cooks, but White would have created a great, young duo for Brees to exploit all the way to a Super Bowl.
32. New England Patriots: DE Preston Smith (Miss. State) 2:38
Original Pick: DT Malcom Brown
Smith moves up just a few spots due to his presence on the line. He was disruptive in the run game and put a ton of pressure on tackles during passing plays. He and Jamie Collins would have made a formidable duo, like how people thought Clowny and Watt were going to be.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Friday, March 18, 2016
2016-17 Florida State Football Team Preview
Well, it is time to discuss our favorite thing here at Small Talk: Florida State Football. Our schedule was released about a month ago, so we know just when our big games will be this year. But before we talk about our season, we need to look at the team itself. This team is returning a total of 16 starters, including our entire offense. But how sure are we that all of those people will be starting on day one against Ole Miss? Who will rise? Who will fall? Let's look at some of the bigger questions facing the Seminoles this season.
With the Seminoles having the #1 recruiting class this year, how many of the true freshmen could end up starting at one point this season?
This class is sure to bring home a National Title in the next three years. I believe it will also keep Clemson away from the ACC Title for awhile. But how many of these young stars will be featured this season as starters?
Four
Levonta Taylor is the top recruit for the Seminoles and the nation's top cornerback. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash, the fastest of the corners. While he is a little undersized at 5' 11", he makes up for it in speed and physicality. During the Under Armour All-American Game (UAG), Taylor barely allowed any catches. He also wants to return kicks, his impressive speed will help in this aspect greatly. The Seminoles had a problem last season with dropping punts and kickoffs, so hopefully Taylor's hands are good when it comes to receiving.
Ricky Aguayo is another name that people should get used to hearing. Although, they may accidentally think it is still Roberto because they are wearing the same number (19). Aguayo is one of the nation's top kicker, just like his brother before him. During the UAG, Aguayo made a 23-yard and 29-yard field goal, along with a pair of touchbacks. Considering Aguayo came to FSU as an early enrollee, I would expect him to start over Logan Tyler.
Josh Brown is another early enrollee for this class of players. He is a 6'4" Outside Linebacker, making him a physically intimidating player when playing in a 4-3 defense. He is a little bit slower, running a 4.81, but that can change with some conditioning. So why would this guy start? First, being an early enrollee will get him time to practice with the team before summer practices begin for everyone. He officially will get a leg up on the rest of his competition for playing time. The other big reason is that FSU is thin at linebacker. The Seminoles lose Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup to the draft this year and there is not an official say on who starts next year. This could be Brown's chance to jump in the depth chart.
The last person on this list is the least likely out to the first years to play is our quarterback, Malik Henry. This has nothing to do with talent, but with the fact that he is a true freshman. It is not very often we see true freshman quarterbacks start at all. Fisher has not ruled out having him play for the job, but that leads us to our next question.
Who will be our starting quarterback?
There are three answers to this questions: Sean Maguire, Deondre Francois, and Malik Henry (Sorry JJ).
Right now, it's Maguire's job to lose. Which is bad news considering he will not be playing in the spring game. Maguire had a decent 2015 campaign, but still came up short in the big games. He has a great arm, but he is stiff in the pocket. With our O-Line last season, we could've used a mobile quarterback (Thanks, Golson). While it is Maguire's senior year, I have a hard time believing he will be the starter on September 5.
Since Malik Henry is a true freshman, I doubt he will be an official starter.
My pick is Francois. He was the #3 duel threat quarterback last year and was red shirted this past season. People praised him for his arm strength and his mobility. His only draw back was his height. At 6' 2", Francois is at an average height for college quarterbacks. But height has never stopped players from doing well. Look at Russell Wilson or Darren Sproles. Both our very undersized for their position and both of them are key components in their respective offenses.
I expect to see #12 suiting up and taking the field day one, but this will depend on how well he performs in the spring game on April 9th, and if he can outshine Maguire once he returns to practice.
Who will play Linebacker next season?
This may be one of the more important questions surrounding the team this off-season. Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup are gone. It is time to look towards the next men up. Most likely, this will be Ro'Derrick Hoskins and Jacob Pugh. these two did receive a great deal of playing time last year and Hoskins was plugged in for Smith as the MIKE during the middle of the season. While not one of the nation's top linebackers, Hoskins and Pugh got the job done.
These will not be the only linebackers in the game though. We fully expect to see the younger talent get a shot at playing. Matthew Thomas is another name we could see take the field. Thomas has been injured as of late, but Fisher is excited about him when he gets healthy.
As for any freshman starting, Josh Brown is still a guy we could see be suiting up early. Another one would be Keion Joyner, the #8 Outside Linebacker from North Carolina. He was one of the many players the Seminoles were able to reel in on National Signing Day. ESPN says that he needs to work on his pass coverage, but with his speed, calling it "sideline-to-sideline," Joyner could make Seminole fans very happy.
Time for my favorite question now:
Will this be Dalvin's Year?
Yes. Yes. A million times Yes. Another off-season of conditioning on his knee, an offensive line returning each starter, and a quarterback that can be a running threat as well all spell success.
Honestly, don't be surprised if Dalvin breaks his own rushing record this year.
With the Seminoles having the #1 recruiting class this year, how many of the true freshmen could end up starting at one point this season?
This class is sure to bring home a National Title in the next three years. I believe it will also keep Clemson away from the ACC Title for awhile. But how many of these young stars will be featured this season as starters?
Four
Levonta Taylor is the top recruit for the Seminoles and the nation's top cornerback. He ran a 4.34 40-yard dash, the fastest of the corners. While he is a little undersized at 5' 11", he makes up for it in speed and physicality. During the Under Armour All-American Game (UAG), Taylor barely allowed any catches. He also wants to return kicks, his impressive speed will help in this aspect greatly. The Seminoles had a problem last season with dropping punts and kickoffs, so hopefully Taylor's hands are good when it comes to receiving.
Ricky Aguayo is another name that people should get used to hearing. Although, they may accidentally think it is still Roberto because they are wearing the same number (19). Aguayo is one of the nation's top kicker, just like his brother before him. During the UAG, Aguayo made a 23-yard and 29-yard field goal, along with a pair of touchbacks. Considering Aguayo came to FSU as an early enrollee, I would expect him to start over Logan Tyler.
Josh Brown is another early enrollee for this class of players. He is a 6'4" Outside Linebacker, making him a physically intimidating player when playing in a 4-3 defense. He is a little bit slower, running a 4.81, but that can change with some conditioning. So why would this guy start? First, being an early enrollee will get him time to practice with the team before summer practices begin for everyone. He officially will get a leg up on the rest of his competition for playing time. The other big reason is that FSU is thin at linebacker. The Seminoles lose Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup to the draft this year and there is not an official say on who starts next year. This could be Brown's chance to jump in the depth chart.
The last person on this list is the least likely out to the first years to play is our quarterback, Malik Henry. This has nothing to do with talent, but with the fact that he is a true freshman. It is not very often we see true freshman quarterbacks start at all. Fisher has not ruled out having him play for the job, but that leads us to our next question.
Who will be our starting quarterback?
There are three answers to this questions: Sean Maguire, Deondre Francois, and Malik Henry (Sorry JJ).
Right now, it's Maguire's job to lose. Which is bad news considering he will not be playing in the spring game. Maguire had a decent 2015 campaign, but still came up short in the big games. He has a great arm, but he is stiff in the pocket. With our O-Line last season, we could've used a mobile quarterback (Thanks, Golson). While it is Maguire's senior year, I have a hard time believing he will be the starter on September 5.
Since Malik Henry is a true freshman, I doubt he will be an official starter.
My pick is Francois. He was the #3 duel threat quarterback last year and was red shirted this past season. People praised him for his arm strength and his mobility. His only draw back was his height. At 6' 2", Francois is at an average height for college quarterbacks. But height has never stopped players from doing well. Look at Russell Wilson or Darren Sproles. Both our very undersized for their position and both of them are key components in their respective offenses.
I expect to see #12 suiting up and taking the field day one, but this will depend on how well he performs in the spring game on April 9th, and if he can outshine Maguire once he returns to practice.
Who will play Linebacker next season?
This may be one of the more important questions surrounding the team this off-season. Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup are gone. It is time to look towards the next men up. Most likely, this will be Ro'Derrick Hoskins and Jacob Pugh. these two did receive a great deal of playing time last year and Hoskins was plugged in for Smith as the MIKE during the middle of the season. While not one of the nation's top linebackers, Hoskins and Pugh got the job done.
These will not be the only linebackers in the game though. We fully expect to see the younger talent get a shot at playing. Matthew Thomas is another name we could see take the field. Thomas has been injured as of late, but Fisher is excited about him when he gets healthy.
As for any freshman starting, Josh Brown is still a guy we could see be suiting up early. Another one would be Keion Joyner, the #8 Outside Linebacker from North Carolina. He was one of the many players the Seminoles were able to reel in on National Signing Day. ESPN says that he needs to work on his pass coverage, but with his speed, calling it "sideline-to-sideline," Joyner could make Seminole fans very happy.
Time for my favorite question now:
Will this be Dalvin's Year?
Yes. Yes. A million times Yes. Another off-season of conditioning on his knee, an offensive line returning each starter, and a quarterback that can be a running threat as well all spell success.
Honestly, don't be surprised if Dalvin breaks his own rushing record this year.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Free Agency Winners and Losers
It has been a little less than a week since NFL Free Agency began. The action has cooled down since then with only a few key players left in play to sign with respective teams. Most of the surprising cuts made by the Los Angeles Rams a few weeks ago (ie. Jared Cook, James Lauranitis, and Chris Long) are still available and could be signed soon. Outside of them, there are very few "sexy" options left on the field.
Just like in the regular season and draft, Free Agency has it's winners and losers. This could be due to which players were signed by a team, who was re-signed, and even if the team just did next to nothing. Here are our three winners and two losers from this past week:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Additions: Malik Jackson, Chris Ivory, Tashaun Gipson
Key Losses: None
Jacksonville did a great job in back-to-back years with Free Agency. With a steady passing offense, the Jags chose to better their run game. Chris Ivory had just come off of a pro-bowl season with the Jets and is still hungry for carries. Ivory and Yeldon could be the one-two punch the Jags need to have a balanced offensive game in the upcoming years.
The young team also addressed the biggest problem for themselves, defense in general. Outside of Linebackers, the Jags were weak at every defensive position. Signing Malik Jackson off of a top 10 defensive lineman season was key and will help when Dante Fowler Jr. comes in next season. They also improved at defensive back. They signed Tashaun Gipson of the Browns and Prince Amukamara of the Giants to help their depleted core of corners and safeties. If the mock drafts are correct in saying the Jags will take DB Jalen Ramsey from Florida State with the fifth overall pick, this could be a top-10 defense come next fall.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key Additions: J.R. Sweezy, Brent Grimes, Doug Martin
Key Losses: Logan Mankins
The Bucs had a very different season this year under the leadership of the first overall pick, Jameis Winston. Better offensive game was the big thing for this team considering they used six of their seven picks last year on offensive weapons.
It was announced that Logan Mankins would retire two days before Free Agency opened up. He was the leader of the offensive line, being the 11-year vet while the others were within their first few seasons. J.R. Sweezy had a bit of a down year last season, but he did finish ranked the 4th best right guard in the league. Sweezy will help make way for Doug Martin. After two seasons of being injured, Martin picked up where he left off in his rookie year. He will be the workhorse back, but will still switch out with Charles Sims when needed.
The Bucs' big problem like the Jags is defense (Seriously Florida teams, get it together)(You too, fins). They were incredibly inconsistent. One week, they would have two interceptions and five sacks. The next week, they would not touch the ball at all. Signing Brent Grimes was a good move because it gives veteran leadership in the secondary and a huge playmaker. Seriously, this guy could be the difference between 9-7 and 7-9.
Tennessee Titans
Key Additions: DeMarco Murray, Rishard Matthews, Ben Jones
Key Losses: None
The Titans will have the top pick this year, and they desperately needed playmakers everywhere. Starting with Matthews, he provides the speed the team needs in the passing game. With him, Delanie Walker, and Dorial Green-Beckham at receiver, Mariota will not have too hard of a time finding someone to throw to on Sunday.
Mariota will also have some more protection with Ben Jones being added to the offensive line. He will play along side Taylor Lewan and quite possibly Laremy Tunsil next season. Which brings us to the biggest part of the Titans' Free Agency finds.
How on earth did the Titans get the 2014 OPOY for a fourth-round pick?!?!?!? My best guess is cap issues with his contract and they did not enjoy the attitude he showed during the season. Either way, Tennessee got a decent weapon for their run game. They just need to utilize him better than the Eagles did this year.
Losers
Denver Broncos
Key Additions: Mark Sanchez
Key Losses: Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson
It seems to be the plan of most players after a Super Bowl win: show me the money or I walk. Wilfork and Revis, Tate and Bryant, Kruger and Boldin, Jacobs and Manningham. These are just two names from each team that won each of the past four Super Bowls to leave and sign with another team. You can add these names above to the list.
The Broncos are now in a state of "what comes next?" Do they truly believe that Sanchez will be the starter? Most people will probably say no, but it will depend on how early the Broncos will draft a quarterback this year. They also lost Jackson and Trevathen on the defensive front. They were able to restructure DeMarcus Ware's deal so they could still go for one of the top players left to replace the two key pieces.
Cleveland Browns
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: Johnny Manziel, Travis Benjamin, Alex Mack
Oh, the Browns. No matter what happens, they can always find a way to be the worst at things. Let's start with the quarterback. Manziel was cut due to his immaturity around drinking and partying. This was well documented on Sportscenter throughout his short carrier.
Travis Benjamin looked to be one of the only bright spots on the entire team. He was just 34 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season. He averaged over 14 yards per catch. And they let him walk. I hope Gary Barnidge likes being double-covered.
If it was not bad enough, the Browns lost one of the top centers in the league. It is hard not to be surprised at this point by what happens in Cleveland. Now Crowell and Johnson will have almost no where to run without the anchor on the line. The only hope for them is to move the second pick from last year, Cameron Erving, from Guard to Center. That's what he entered the draft as, give the guy a shot. Seriously, what more do the Browns have to lose?
Just like in the regular season and draft, Free Agency has it's winners and losers. This could be due to which players were signed by a team, who was re-signed, and even if the team just did next to nothing. Here are our three winners and two losers from this past week:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Additions: Malik Jackson, Chris Ivory, Tashaun Gipson
Key Losses: None
Jacksonville did a great job in back-to-back years with Free Agency. With a steady passing offense, the Jags chose to better their run game. Chris Ivory had just come off of a pro-bowl season with the Jets and is still hungry for carries. Ivory and Yeldon could be the one-two punch the Jags need to have a balanced offensive game in the upcoming years.
The young team also addressed the biggest problem for themselves, defense in general. Outside of Linebackers, the Jags were weak at every defensive position. Signing Malik Jackson off of a top 10 defensive lineman season was key and will help when Dante Fowler Jr. comes in next season. They also improved at defensive back. They signed Tashaun Gipson of the Browns and Prince Amukamara of the Giants to help their depleted core of corners and safeties. If the mock drafts are correct in saying the Jags will take DB Jalen Ramsey from Florida State with the fifth overall pick, this could be a top-10 defense come next fall.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key Additions: J.R. Sweezy, Brent Grimes, Doug Martin
Key Losses: Logan Mankins
The Bucs had a very different season this year under the leadership of the first overall pick, Jameis Winston. Better offensive game was the big thing for this team considering they used six of their seven picks last year on offensive weapons.
It was announced that Logan Mankins would retire two days before Free Agency opened up. He was the leader of the offensive line, being the 11-year vet while the others were within their first few seasons. J.R. Sweezy had a bit of a down year last season, but he did finish ranked the 4th best right guard in the league. Sweezy will help make way for Doug Martin. After two seasons of being injured, Martin picked up where he left off in his rookie year. He will be the workhorse back, but will still switch out with Charles Sims when needed.
The Bucs' big problem like the Jags is defense (Seriously Florida teams, get it together)(You too, fins). They were incredibly inconsistent. One week, they would have two interceptions and five sacks. The next week, they would not touch the ball at all. Signing Brent Grimes was a good move because it gives veteran leadership in the secondary and a huge playmaker. Seriously, this guy could be the difference between 9-7 and 7-9.
Tennessee Titans
Key Additions: DeMarco Murray, Rishard Matthews, Ben Jones
Key Losses: None
The Titans will have the top pick this year, and they desperately needed playmakers everywhere. Starting with Matthews, he provides the speed the team needs in the passing game. With him, Delanie Walker, and Dorial Green-Beckham at receiver, Mariota will not have too hard of a time finding someone to throw to on Sunday.
Mariota will also have some more protection with Ben Jones being added to the offensive line. He will play along side Taylor Lewan and quite possibly Laremy Tunsil next season. Which brings us to the biggest part of the Titans' Free Agency finds.
How on earth did the Titans get the 2014 OPOY for a fourth-round pick?!?!?!? My best guess is cap issues with his contract and they did not enjoy the attitude he showed during the season. Either way, Tennessee got a decent weapon for their run game. They just need to utilize him better than the Eagles did this year.
Losers
Denver Broncos
Key Additions: Mark Sanchez
Key Losses: Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson
It seems to be the plan of most players after a Super Bowl win: show me the money or I walk. Wilfork and Revis, Tate and Bryant, Kruger and Boldin, Jacobs and Manningham. These are just two names from each team that won each of the past four Super Bowls to leave and sign with another team. You can add these names above to the list.
The Broncos are now in a state of "what comes next?" Do they truly believe that Sanchez will be the starter? Most people will probably say no, but it will depend on how early the Broncos will draft a quarterback this year. They also lost Jackson and Trevathen on the defensive front. They were able to restructure DeMarcus Ware's deal so they could still go for one of the top players left to replace the two key pieces.
Cleveland Browns
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: Johnny Manziel, Travis Benjamin, Alex Mack
Oh, the Browns. No matter what happens, they can always find a way to be the worst at things. Let's start with the quarterback. Manziel was cut due to his immaturity around drinking and partying. This was well documented on Sportscenter throughout his short carrier.
Travis Benjamin looked to be one of the only bright spots on the entire team. He was just 34 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season. He averaged over 14 yards per catch. And they let him walk. I hope Gary Barnidge likes being double-covered.
If it was not bad enough, the Browns lost one of the top centers in the league. It is hard not to be surprised at this point by what happens in Cleveland. Now Crowell and Johnson will have almost no where to run without the anchor on the line. The only hope for them is to move the second pick from last year, Cameron Erving, from Guard to Center. That's what he entered the draft as, give the guy a shot. Seriously, what more do the Browns have to lose?
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