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Revis for 20 million a year???? who does he think he is???? CORTLAND FINNEGAN????
😉
AgamemnonThis is the last year of his contract. He has been hurt. Why would they keep Sanchez over him? And I am not sure he is better than Hill. I would rather go in a different direction and keep my draft choices.
AgamemnonGrayson seems to be their number 3 qb. I haven’t seen much posted about him. Maybe Weinke likes him?
AgamemnonI would take Cooper, but otherwise, I go for La’el Collins or Brandon Scherff. I think they fit bpa as well as any of the other players at different positions. Maybe the Rams see a bigger need or value them differently? There are players there that can help the Rams and that is the object.
Agamemnon60. Doug Free
60-doug-free-atOT, Dallas (Age 31)Undisputed veteran leader of standout offensive line in Dallas. Has increasingly battled injuries (he missed five games last season) after being durable for four straight years. Best fit: Cowboys. They know what they have in the room, and Free has been amenable to taking less money to stay in previous years.
75. Lance Kendricks
75-lance-kendricks-dekTE, St. Louis (Age 27)Not much of a blocker, but at 6-3 and 250 pounds with some speed, Kendricks is a good athlete for the position. Best fit: Browns. Doesn’t look like Cleveland will bring Jordan Cameron back. Kendricks would be a low-cost player to give the team options.
88. Joe Barksdale
88-joe-barksdale-mtgiOT, St. Louis (Age 26)Decent run blocker who struggles at times in pass protection, Barksdale is a good stop-gap measure for a team looking to give a young player more time. Best fit: Panthers. They can use all the help they can get on the offensive line.
98. Kenny Britt
98-kenny-britt-dekWR, St. Louis (Age 26)After being a disaster on and off the field his final three seasons in Tennessee, Britt seemed to get things going with Rams with a 48-catch, 748-yard season without a quarterback. Best fit: Rams. Britt should sign short term to continue the positive vibes where he is.
http://mmqb.si.com/2015/03/03/nfl-top-free-agents-2015-51-100/
Agamemnonhttp://www.si.com/nfl/2015/03/07/dallas-cowboys-sign-doug-free?xid=si_nfl
Posted: Sat Mar. 7, 2015The Dallas Cowboys have signed right tackle Doug Free to a three-year contract, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones confirmed to Mike Fisher of Cowboys HQ.
Todd Archer of ESPN first reported that the sides had reached a three-year deal worth $15 million. Archer reports that $6 million of the contract is guaranteed.
Free missed five games in 2014 with a foot injury, but from 2009-2013, played in all of Dallas’ 16 regular season games.
• The 2015 free agents ranked 1-50 | 50-100
With Free off the market, the entire Cowboys’ offensive line from the 2014 season – Free, Tyron Smith, Ronald Leary, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin – will remain intact.
Dallas drafted Free in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft.
That puts Joe Barksdale in line for my old estimate of 4 yr(s) / $16,750,000. I think we should sign him if that is true.
AgamemnonRams OT Joe Barksdale will hit free-agent market Tuesday. Rams, agent too far apart on deal.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) March 6, 2015
AgamemnonI doubt that Rams would pay Kendricks 3 million. I even doubt that they would pay him 2 million. Maybe Cook could give back some loot. 😉
AgamemnonTuesday, March 27, 2012
Breaking Down the RG3 Trade via Trade Chart
(What does the math say about the RG3 trade? Image via)
There is still a great deal of debate in many NFL circles if the Washington Redskins gave up too much to move up to the #2 spot and draft Robert Griffin IIII (possibly Andrew Luck but highly doubtful). While many draftniks, some NFL fans and some experts will tell you that no price is too high for a franchise QB (if you don’t have one- most teams don’t) but some do believe that the Redskins mortgaged their future for 1 player. Hopefully by doing some math (gah! Math, it’s too early for math!!!!) we can determine if the Redskins got a reasonable deal for moving up or were they raked over the coals by the Rams.What I’m doing today is to explain the Trade Value Chart and by using this unofficial but valuable NFL guide to determine how much was the move from #2 to #6 worth and whether the ‘Skins made a reasonable offer to move up to that spot. We’ll also look at what the Browns may or may not have offered in order to move up and see how their offer looks compared to the Redskins.In future blog posts, for comparison, we’ll look at some of the trades that went down for franchise QBs over the past few years and also compare those trades to the TVC.
Remember, the TVC isn’t the end all/be all when it comes to trades. It’s an unofficial guide that serves as a baseline for a trade. Some teams have variations of the TVC to compensate for salary (like the old CBA where high draft picks could get as much as $50 million guaranteed before taking a single NFL snap) and some teams have higher values for picks in certain spots (for example the 2nd round is a very valuable round to some teams because you’re getting some 1st caliber talent for less than you have to pay in the 1st round). So more or less, when you do a trade you hope to have traded your picks for an item of equal value- thus you want to have about a 0 when you subtract the point value you are receiving by the points giving up using the equation below.
Equation:
Draft Pick(s) received (total TVC points) – Draft Pick(s) Given (total TVC Points) = x (0, + or – TVC pts)Here’s a link to what a current (standardized) TVC should look like. This is what I’ll be using for today’s discussion. What you also need to know is how picks are valued (or de-valued) for future years. This is important to understanding what the Redskins did with future picks. When a trade is made, the picks for that year’s draft are applied to the TVC. But future picks are valued one round lower per year after that year’s draft. So a 2013 1st round pick is given similar value to a 2012 2nd round pick etc.
Here’s a great example: Redskins trade QB Jason Campbell, to Oakland for 4th round 2012 pick.
In 2012 this is a great move for the Redskins. We’ve got an additional 4th rounder. But going by the trade value chart when the trade back in 2010, that 4th rounder is de-valued to the equivalent of a 6th rounder. This is because the Redskins had to wait two years (two drafts) to be able to use that pick. People using the TVC chart take that waiting into consideration and that’s why future picks are de-valued- you have to wait to use them and that you can’t use that pick now.So, now we have that out of the way, let’s get to what you want to read about.
The RG3 trade
Redskins get: #2 2012 draft (2,600 points)
Rams get: #6 2012 draft (1,600 points)
#39 2012 draft (510 points)
Redskins 2013 1st round pick (~ 520 points estimated)*
Redskins 2014 1st round pick (~240 points estimated)** It’s never easy to determine what future draft picks are worth since we don’t know when that team is picking in 2013 or beyond. Since the Redskins are making this trade in 2012 we base those future picks off of where they are drafting this year. So, #6 de-valued one round (for one year of waiting) is equal to a pick at #38 thus, 520 points. #6 de-valued two rounds (2014 pick= 2 years) is worth 240 points.
When we do the math: 2600pts (Redskins receiving) – 2870 (Redskins giving) = -270 points.
For speculation sake, let’s look at what the Browns offered**:
#4 2012 draft (1,800 points)
#22 2012 draft (780 points)
Browns 2013 1st round pick (~540 points estimated)
** To be honest, we never really found out what the Browns actually offered. The rumored amount is “three first round picks”. The problem is that we don’t know if those picks were the 2 1st round picks from 2012 draft or say 1st rounders in 2012 (#4 overall), 2013 and 2014For the hell of it let’s look at that scenario:
#4 2012 draft (1,800 points)
Browns 2013 1st round pick (~540 points estimated)
Browns 2014 1st round pick (~250 points estimated)When we do the math (scenario 1): 2600pts (Browns receiving) – 3120 (Browns giving) = -520
So based on the TVC the Browns actually offered up much more short term value than what the Redskins offered even though the Redskins offered up more picks and what could be more valuable picks if the Redskins continue to struggle.When we do the math (scenario 2): 2600pts (Browns receiving) -2590 (Browns giving) = +10
Hmmmmm……I’m starting to wonder if this was what the Browns actually offered up to the Rams. It’s the closest of all three offers to zero. Remember, ideally you want to be at zero or have a positive value when you do a trade. A zero value based on the chart is considered a trade of equal value.Analysis: The Redskins get their guy more or less and for the Redskins they gave up an additional 1st round pick in 2014 to win the RG3 sweepstakes. Remember, the Rams didn’t offer a bidding war to contending teams. Rams GM Les Snead wanted each team to throw out their best offer and the winning team was the team that offered the most. The Redskins offered three high picks (along with swapping their 6th for the Rams 2nd) to get their guy (or at least get to the spot to get their guy). The Rams get three potential starters out of the deal so think the equivalent of Trent Williams, Ryan Kerrigan and Jarvis Jenkins. That’s a lot of potential talent, although the Rams will have to be patient through three drafts before they can collect all of those picks. For the Rams sake, it will hopefully be worth the wait or Jeff Fisher and Les Snead will be looking for new jobs.
The Redskins had to make this trade no matter how it pans out. Manning wasn’t coming to DC. The Redskins didn’t like what was on the free agent market (Flynn et al.) and Ryan Tannehill is a project. The Redskins had to give up a lot because Cleveland and Miami were serious about moving up as well and Cleveland had the most ammo to win a bidding war. Classic law of supply and demand. The more demand for an item (including draft picks) the higher the cost. The Redskins were willing to pay the higher cost (something Dan Snyder has never had a problem doing) and as a Redskins fan I thank them for doing it.
As for Cleveland, they get to keep their draft picks and hope they can find talent to build around Colt McCoy. McCoy is actually a good fit for Holmgren’s style of WCO. It was clear to me that McCoy had no play making WRs to target, no RB to back him up (Peyton Hillis was injured a big chunk of 2011) and no one to block for him with exception to their LT. So instead of crying to Browns’ season ticket holders about how he was screwed, Holmgren needs to figure out what players the Browns need to help McCoy and learn how to follow directions.
http://walkingdeadmanblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/breaking-down-rg3-trade-via-trade-chart.html
Agamemnonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzQJfKC4ovU
Here they have us picking Blackmon at #2. There is no trade yet. AgamemnonThe Final Tally On The Robert Griffin III Trade Is In, And It’s Ugly For Washington
Tony Manfred
We now know exactly which draft picks that the Washington Redskins sent to the St. Louis Rams before the 2012 NFL Draft for the right to draft Robert Griffin III.
After a dismal year, the Redskins will have to send their No. 2 overall pick in 2014 to St. Louis. Here’s the final tally on the trade:
Redskins get: 2nd-overall pick (2012)
Rams get: 2nd-overall pick (2014), 6th-overall pick (2012), 22nd-overall pick (2013), 39th-overall pick (2012)Purely in terms of draft pick value, it’s a jackpot for the Rams.
How so?
Chase Stuart of Pro Football Reference came up with a system to determine the expected career value of every draft pick in 2008. Using his “approximate value” algorithm, Stuart was able to put a numeric value on every draft position using historical data. The No. 1 pick is worth 73 points of value, for example, whereas the 100th pick is worth 15 points of value.
The approximate value for every draft position can be found over at PFR.
When you apply this algorithm to the RGIII trade, you see how well St. Louis made out. Here it is in chart form:
rg3 trade chart redskins ramsData via Chase Stuart/PFR
The Redskins acquired 73 points of value in the trade.
The Rams acquired 176 points of value.
Pretty much every advanced stat and study says that NFL executives overvalue high draft picks. So no matter what, St. Louis was always going to “win” the trade using this methodology.
But neither team could have predicted that the Redskins would be so bad in 2013 that they’d end up giving a No. 2 pick right back to St. Louis.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/rg3-trade-rams-draft-picks-2013-12#ixzz3TXC01dxL
AgamemnonThat is easy to say now. But at the time, he got one more pick than anyone thought he would, Washington’s 2cd that year. After the fact, everyone said, “well if he had waited he would have gotten more.”. I give him credit for doing more than people thought he would when it first started.
AgamemnonSnead is guy who likes more draft picks. Give him credit for trade downs, good and bad. Nobody gets drafted unless Fisher wants them. Under Fisher, Sneads greatest talent is guessing how the draft will unfold and getting a bonanza of picks for RG3. imo Quick might have been Snead’s guy?
AgamemnonAg, I don’t have time tonight, have you seen the Cosell vid you just posted? Is it pretty good? Worth coming back to later?
It has some interesting points. Worth a listen. It is really a podcast, but posted on youtube.
AgamemnonExcept for Long and Wells, the Rams can keep all their own FAs if they want. I think the worst thing that they can do is overpay a FA, one on the open market or one of their own. imo
AgamemnonHe could be a good gamble. But, I would just as soon gamble on Bradford and use the draft to improve the team as a whole. I will make my gamble in the third round.
AgamemnonCarden had a poor combine, so he has dropped down the charts. He should be there at 5. imo I will still take Mannion in the third. But, what does Weinke think? Maybe he likes Hundley? or Petty? or?
AgamemnonNFL
Find this article at:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000474258/article/dorial-greenbeckhams-nfl-fits-include-49ers-chiefs-colts
Dorial Green-Beckham’s NFL fits include 49ers, Chiefs, ColtsBy Bucky Brooks
NFL Media analyst
Published: Feb. 26, 2015 at 01:05 p.m.
Updated: Feb. 26, 2015 at 02:47 p.m.As the 2015 NFL Draft approaches, Bucky Brooks is examining the best fits for one high-profile prospect each week, continuing today with ex-Missouri receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. CLICK HERE FOR THE SERIES HOMEPAGE.
PREVIOUS: Marcus Mariota | Leonard Williams | Melvin Gordon
General managers and coaches will spend the next few months preaching the importance of acquiring players with exemplary character and impeccable intangibles, but troubled prospects with extraordinary talent and athleticism are tough to bypass on draft day.
In an ultra-competitive league where a dominant player can change the fortunes of a franchise, executives must grapple with the “risk vs. reward” debate when deciding whether to take on an enticing youngster with a rocky past. At the center of such discussions in meeting rooms around the NFL this year is ex-Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.
The 6-foot-5, 237-pound pass-catcher is arguably the most talented receiver in this class. Yet, it’s possible he won’t hear his name called until Day 2 of the draft, due to concerns about his character and past troublesome behavior. Green-Beckham was dismissed from the Missouri football program last April after a stint at the school that included two marijuana-related arrests and an alleged assault, and he subsequently transferred to Oklahoma (though transfer rules prevented him from playing in any games in 2014, and he then decided to turn pro). Those incidents are accompanied by questions of a suspect work ethic and a problematic attitude, all of which makes selecting him with a top pick a risky proposition.
On the field, however, Green-Beckham has all of the tools coaches and scouts covet in a WR1. He is big and athletic, and he has speed, quickness and impressive ball skills. He effortlessly snatches the ball out of the air and routinely wins 50-50 balls with defenders in close proximity. In addition, Green-Beckham shows sneaky running skills with the ball in his hands. He displays rare elusiveness for a big-bodied receiver, which helps him pick up extra yardage after making short and intermediate catches over the middle. When focused and engaged, Green-Beckham can be the most dominant player on the field; defenses have trouble containing him when he brings his A-game.
If I had to point out a few weaknesses, I would cite his inconsistent focus, route-running skills and physicality as concerns. He doesn’t bring energy and effort consistently enough to dominate at the next level; he must play with more urgency to succeed against the elite corners in the NFL. In addition, he must clean up his routes and learn to make sharper breaks at the top. Although it’s tough for big-bodied receivers to execute stop-start cuts, Green-Beckham needs to learn how to master speed cuts on in-breaking routes, to avoid tipping off his intentions to wily defenders.
Finally, Green-Beckham needs to become a more physical player against press coverage. Given his superior size and dimensions, he should be able to overwhelm defensive backs with power maneuvers at the line of scrimmage. But he hasn’t yet incorporated those tactics into his game. If he masters the art of the push-off and learns to use his length to create separation down the field, Green-Beckham can be a force on the perimeter.
I believe Green-Beckham could grow into a Plaxico Burress-type playmaker as a pro. He is a long, rangy pass-catcher with the size, length and ball skills to demoralize opponents on the edge. If he keeps his nose clean and avoids making the kinds of knuckleheaded mistakes that plagued his tenure at Missouri, he could be a perennial Pro Bowler at the position.
Here are five potential NFL fits for Green-Beckham:
San Francisco 49ers (No. 15 overall pick)The Niners need a dynamic WR1 to help quarterback Colin Kaepernick rediscover his game in 2015. Green-Beckham is a big-bodied playmaker with the size, length and leaping ability to excel on the perimeter. He can routinely win 50-50 balls down the boundary, and also flashes the courage, concentration and focus to make contested catches in traffic. With Beckham-Green exhibiting sneaky running skills and explosiveness in the open field, he could become the focal point of San Francisco’s revamped offense going forward.
Kansas City Chiefs (No. 18)The Chiefs — who did not have a single touchdown scored by a wide receiver in 2014 — are intent on upgrading the position with dynamic playmakers on the perimeter. Green-Beckham is an unrefined receiver, but he is a proven scoring threat with a knack for putting the ball in the paint. He scored 17 touchdowns in 25 career games at Missouri; he understands how to use his size and athleticism to win in the red zone. Given Kansas City coach Andy Reid’s experience developing young receivers during his time in Philadelphia (see: DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, James Thrash and Todd Pinkston), seizing the opportunity to mold Green-Beckham as a youngster could pay off handsomely for the Chiefs.
Baltimore Ravens (No. 26)General manager Ozzie Newsome is one of the best talent evaluators in the business; he’s made a living identifying blue-chip players in the first round and then maximizing their talents. Green-Beckham is a supremely gifted receiver with impressive physical tools for the position. He possesses the size and length to dwarf smallish defenders, yet he is nimble enough to win on crafty perimeter routes. New offensive coordinator Marc Trestman is familiar with developing big-bodied receivers, having recently worked with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery in Chicago. In Baltimore, Green-Beckham would have a chance to grow into a WR1 in a vertical-based offense designed to take advantage of quarterback Joe Flacco’s big arm.
Indianapolis Colts (No. 29)If the Colts are going to successfully build a team around the talents of quarterback Andrew Luck, they must find a big-bodied WR1 to target downfield. T.Y. Hilton (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) has been Indy’s primary playmaker in the passing game of late, but he lacks the size to overwhelm defenders on the edge, particularly down in the red zone. Green-Beckham would fill that void in the lineup while also giving Luck another weapon to lean on in critical moments. Yes, he’s inexperienced, but Green-Beckham is also a freak athlete, which is something you can’t teach. Although he will need some time to polish his route-running skills, he can make an immediate difference as an exceptional jump-ball specialist in an offense designed to push the ball down the field.
Seattle Seahawks (No. 31)PATH TO THE DRAFT
(Weekdays at 6 p.m. ET on NFL Network)“Path to the Draft” previews the 2015 NFL Draft by providing in-depth expert analysis of the top prospects and each teams’ needs.
‘Path to the Draft’ videos
NFL Network broadcast schedule
CFB 24/7: More draft coverageThe loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX exposed the Seahawks’ lack of a WR1. Of course, Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse would scoff at that suggestion, but the fact that Russell Wilson was forced to target a practice-squad call-up (Chris Matthews) in the biggest game of the year says a lot about the state of Seattle’s receiving corps. Coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider would be wise to find a prototypical WR1 with the size to win against physical defenders on the outside. Most importantly, the Seahawks need a playmaker capable of attracting a double-team, to eliminate the extra defender in the box that opponents routinely use to counter Marshawn Lynch on the ground. With Green-Beckham’s imposing presence and immense talent creating problems on the outside, he would serve as a dynamic chess piece for the Seahawks, bringing sizzle to an offense that missed it last year.
AgamemnonNFL
Find this article at:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000474533/article/top-101-nfl-free-agents-for-2015
Top 101 NFL free agents for 2015By Gregg Rosenthal and Chris Wesseling
Published: Feb. 27, 2015 at 11:31 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2015 at 12:57 p.m.TOP 101 free agents
TAG PREDICTIONS
FA BY TEAM
FA BY POSITION
RESTRICTED FANeed a pass rusher, running back or top-level wide receiver? This is a great free agency period for your team. Just don’t expect to find a quarterback, safety or offensive tackle.
Ranked below are our top 101 unrestricted free agents. Keep checking our list because salary cap casualties could be added before free agency starts. Based on who’s available, these are the players we’d want to sign:
Tier 1: Difference-makers1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit Lions: Outside of quarterbacks and the two unanimous All-Pros (J.J. Watt, Rob Gronkowski), Suh and Odell Beckham are the two unique talents around whom we would most like to build a franchise. A double-team defeater against the run as well as the pass, Suh is on a Hall-of-Fame career path. He holds all of the leverage in contract talks, as his franchise tag number is a prohibitive $26.7 million.
2. Justin Houston, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs: Houston, 26, came within one sack of breaking Michael Strahan’s single-season record last season. He has averaged a league-best 1.2 sacks per game over the past two years. One of our favorite obscure stats: Houston has committed zero penalties over that same span compared to 20 for Jerry Hughes. The Chiefs will apply the franchise tag if necessary.
3. Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys: It’s a testament to Bryant’s NFL-best red-zone efficiency and bodacious run-after-catch ability that he has led the league with 41 touchdowns over the past three years despite a limited route tree. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport has reported the franchise tag is almost a certainty because the Cowboys still have reservations about Bryant’s off-the-field behavior.
4. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos: For defensive backs there might not be a scarier sight than Thomas screaming off a bubble screen, all power and speed with eyes on the end zone. A model of consistency, Thomas has averaged roughly 100 receptions, 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns per season since Peyton Manning arrived in 2012. The Broncos won’t let him reach the market.
5. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants: Finally free from nagging back pain, Pierre-Paul rounded into shape last year. More of a run-stuffer early in the first half of the season, he started torturing offensive tackles in November, recording nine sacks in the final five games. The Giants are fully expected to keep him via the franchise tag.
6. Devin McCourty, S, New England Patriots: The converted cornerback is not only one of the NFL’s best coverage safeties, but also a respected leader on the Super Bowl champions’ defense. McCourty, 27, considers New England home and wants to stay, by way of the franchise tag or a long-term deal.
7. Julius Thomas, TE, Denver Broncos: The two-time Pro Bowl selection isn’t much of a blocker and has struggled with ankle injuries in multiple seasons. Those concerns are trumped by a rare skill set as a mismatch creating space in the middle of the field, excelling after the catch and posting up in the red zone. Thomas is a difference-making talent in the prime of his career. There will be plenty of demand if he hits the market, as expected.
8. Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers: With Wes Welker in decline, Percy Harvin an annual enigma and Victor Cruz injured, Cobb is the NFL’s undisputed slot king entering the 2015 offseason. He’s a punt returner after the catch and has a mind meld with Aaron Rodgers on broken plays. If the Packers are serious about a Super Bowl run, Cobb must be re-signed.
9. DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys: Murray was a tackle-breaking monster for the first three months of the season en route to Offensive Player of the Year honors. The No. 1 concern for potential suitors isn’t the benefit of the Cowboys’ dominant offensive line. It’s that Murray was saddled up for a back-breaking 497 touches. He wasn’t as elusive in December and January. If Dallas applies the tag to Bryant, Murray could be set free.
Tier 2: Impact Starters10. Jerry Hughes, DE, Buffalo Bills: Hughes has averaged 10.0 sacks and 40 quarterback hurries over the past two years — numbers that place him just below Pro Bowl level. How much of that production is the result of feasting on easier matchups provided by the presence of dominant talents such as Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams and Mario Williams?
11. Mike Iupati, G, San Francisco 49ers: He has been among the best maulers in the run game at guard in the entire league throughout his career. But Iupati is not great in pass protection and isn’t coming off his best season.
12. Greg Hardy, DE, Carolina Panthers: Hardy is not available to be signed until he comes off the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and he could be facing further suspension. But his talent, production and age are worth ranking in the top five here. Someone will give him a chance.
13. Byron Maxwell, CB, Seattle Seahawks: He’s the best option in a relatively thin cornerback crop. That makes him a candidate to be overpaid, but he’d fit well with former Seahawks assistants Gus Bradley or Dan Quinn.
14. Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens: Speed kills. Smith has averaged nearly 17 yards per catch for his career and regularly draws long pass interference penalties. Just don’t expect him to be a true No. 1 receiver.
15. Jason Worilds, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers: He doesn’t always finish plays with sacks, but Worilds consistently pressures the quarterback. He will get paid.
16. Pernell McPhee, OLB/DE, Baltimore Ravens: He can rush standing up from the outside or play defensive tackle. But plenty of Ravens defenders have struggled away from Baltimore.
17. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: He might not be as productive away from Chip Kelly’s system. We suspect Kelly won’t let him get away.
18. Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit Lions: A boom-or-bust pickup, Fairley can be one of the best at his position when motivated.
19. Bryan Bulaga, T, Green Bay Packers: In a tackle-thin market, Bulaga offers rock solid starter status on the right side.
20. Jared Odrick, DT, Miami Dolphins: Quality, versatile defensive line starters are not easy to find in free agency.
21. Terrance Knighton, DT, Denver Broncos: One of the NFL’s premier run-stuffers, Knighton has played for new Raiders coach Jack Del Rio in every one of his six seasons. He’s a better scheme fit in Oakland than Denver.
2015 NFL DRAFT
(April 30-May 2 on NFL Network)Prospects: By name | Position | School
Mock drafts:
Jeremiah 3.0: Rams move on at QB
Davis 2.0: 5 WRs in first round
Zierlein 1.0: Enticing Winston-Evans duo
Brooks 1.0: Winston is right fit for BucsProspect rankings:
Mayock’s top 5 by position rankings
Jeremiah’s Top 50 draft prospect rankings
Bucky’s Big Board 2.0: Williams still No. 1
Brooks’ top 5 by position rankingsMore draft coverage:
Tracking 7 prospects’ draft journeys
Jeremiah: Draftee doppelgangers
Silver: Winston cements top pick status
CFB 24/7: Full ‘Path to Draft’ coverage22. Rodney Hudson, C, Kansas City Chiefs: There are whispers that Hudson’s goal is to become the NFL’s highest-paid center. We aren’t quite as high on him as we were on Alex Mack last year.
Tier 3: Starters with questions23. Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Philadelphia Eagles: Best suited as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense, Graham has been a highly effective rotational pass rusher as an outside linebacker in Philly’s 3-4 scheme. Wesseling prefers him to Worilds.
24. Derrick Morgan, DE, Tennessee Titans: Much like Graham, Morgan gets more pressures than sacks. He’s also best utilized as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. He went to college in Atlanta. It’s no secret that the Falcons’ top need is pass rusher.
25. Brandon Flowers, CB, San Diego Chargers: Flowers is looking down the barrel of age 30, is too often nicked up and has size limitations that will scare off some teams. On the flip side, he played at a high level in bounce-back season last year.
26. Brian Orakpo, OLB, Washington Redskins: Prior to getting hit with the franchise tag early last March, Orakpo held down a top-10 spot on our list — only to go down with his third career torn pectoral injury. The Falcons were reportedly hot on his trail at this time in 2014.
27. Kareem Jackson, CB, Houston Texans: After struggling early in his career, Jackson has developed into a solid starter capable of playing inside and outside. He’s tight with Vance Joseph, the Bengals’ esteemed defensive backs coach.
28. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints: Still just 25 years old with little tread on his tires, Ingram should attract plenty of interest on the heels of a breakout 2014 season. The cap-strapped Saints can’t afford a back of his caliber.
29. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Crabtree denied playing through a foot injury last season, but the game film suggests otherwise. Any team signing him will be to hope he can recover the impressive pre-Achilles tear form that helped propel the 49ers into Super Bowl XLVII.
30. Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers: While injury prone, Mathews is one of the hardest-running early-down backs in the league. He’s a perfect player to pair with a pass-catching back in the draft.
31. C.J. Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills: Chris Wesseling wanted to rank Spiller much higher, but “peak Spiller” has only come out once in five seasons. He’s a great complementary part, not a foundation to build around.
32. Charles Clay, TE, Miami Dolphins: More of a versatile H-back than a big-bodied tight end, Clay is reportedly seeking $6 million annually. The Dolphins want to keep him, but they’ll have competition from the Bills and others.
33. Jabaal Sheard, DE, Cleveland Browns: Often overlooked and overrated, Sheard can provide solid starter snaps at a reasonable price.
34. Orlando Franklin, G/T, Denver Broncos: He excelled as a guard last season, and Franklin’s versatility to help out at right tackle will earn him money in a thin offensive line market.
35. Chris Culliver, CB, San Francisco 49ers: He hasn’t been the most consistent player throughout his career and he previously suffered a torn ACL, but Culliver has loads of talent. He’s coming off a strong season and has a high ceiling.
36. Rahim Moore, S, Denver Broncos: Forget that play against Baltimore. Moore has developed into a quality starting safety, and he’s only 25 years old.
37. Dan Williams, NT, Arizona Cardinals: Williams has improved every season since getting taken in the first round during the Whisenhunt/Graves era. There are way more 3-4 defenses in the NFL than there are true nose tackles like Williams.
38. Jordan Cameron, TE, Cleveland Browns: If this list came out a year ago, Cameron would have ranked in the top 15 because he’s a matchup nightmare. Concussion woes now jeopardize Cameron’s future.
39. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers: The Inconvenient Truth can still block, catch and turn a 1-yard stuff into a 4-yard gain like a boss. He’s a nice veteran short-term pickup for a team seeking a title.
40. B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers: 2013 was an off year. 2014 was an injury year. The talent is there, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen it.
41. David Harris, LB, New York Jets: Harris is on the wrong side of 30, but he’s reportedly drawing interest from the Bills, Dolphins, Bears and Falcons, in addition to the Jets.
42. Stefen Wisniewski, C, Oakland Raiders: Wisniewski is a solid starter in his prime. So why are the Raiders being linked to Hudson as his replacement?
43. Davon House, CB, Green Bay Packers: House is seeking a starting job after four years as a sub-package corner in Green Bay. Don’t be surprised if the Packers re-sign him and allow Tramon Williams to walk.
44. Tramon Williams, CB, Green Bay Packers: Williams was an above-average starter last season, but he turns 32 years old next month. He will have to settle for a short-term contract.
45. Stephen Paea, DT, Chicago Bears: The Bears have struggled up front against the run, but Paea did emerge as a disruptive pocket pusher last season.
46. Henry Melton, DT, Dallas Cowboys: A Rosenthal favorite, Melton was effective for the majority of last season as an interior pass rusher.
47. Brandon Spikes, LB, Buffalo Bills: Spikes has a niche skill-set as a premier two-down run-stuffer.
48. Antonio Cromartie, CB, Arizona Cardinals: Still a quality starter, Cromartie seems likely to follow Todd Bowles to New York for a reunion with the Jets.
49. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Atlanta Falcons: Weatherspoon was the Falcons’ top defender before Lisfranc, knee and Achilles injuries limited him to 20 of a possible 48 games over the last three seasons.
50. Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: Similar to Miles Austin a few years back, Shorts is a strong after-the-catch threat whose explosiveness has been sapped by lingering soft-tissue injuries. Word around the campfire is that he is interested in a Cleveland homecoming.
51. Shane Vereen, RB, New England Patriots: The Gronk generation’s answer to Kevin Faulk in New England, Vereen is basically a younger version of Reggie Bush at this point.
52. Antrel Rolle, S, New York Giants: The weekly hot takes on his radio appearances are more consistent than his pass coverage.
53. Doug Free, T, Dallas Cowboys: Notice how there are only right tackles available in free agency?
54. Rolando McClain, LB, Dallas Cowboys: Does any team want to bet on lightning striking twice without any more drama? McClain probably has more value to the Cowboys than any other team.
55. Perrish Cox, CB, San Francisco 49ers: Something is in the water in San Francisco, where the 49ers have coached up a lot of cornerbacks to career years. Cox played like a Pro Bowl pick for much of last season.
56. Clint Boling, G, Cincinnati Bengals: True starting guards like Boling usually get paid big money on the open market.
57. Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans: Accuracy and durability are issues, but Locker has a higher ceiling than any of the other quarterback options in free agency. At best, he should compete to start.
58. Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens: Don’t expect a big contract after Forsett’s big season, but he’s a nice fit for any team running zone blocking.
59. Da’Norris Searcy, S, Buffalo Bills: With few quality safeties out there, Searcy looks like a smart value pickup.
60. Joe Barksdale, T, St. Louis Rams: You can plug him in to start at right tackle.
61. Kenny Britt, WR, St. Louis Rams: The good: Britt established a career-high with 48 receptions last season. The bad: He topped 70 yards in just two games.
62. James Carpenter, OG, Seattle Seahawks: Too often a liability in pass protection, Carpenter hasn’t lived up to his first-round draft pedigree.
63. Stephen Gostkowski, K, New England Patriots: Gostkowski has led the NFL in field goals over the past two seasons, converting an impressive 93.6 percent.
Tier 4: Needs the right role64. Ryan Mallett, QB, Houston Texans: Here’s what we know about Mallett: He has an impressive whip; the Patriots gave him away for a sixth-round draft pick; it took him three months to unseat Ryan Fitzpatrick; coach Bill O’Brien protected him with an outstanding game plan in his first start; he went down with a season-ending injury in his second start.
65. Walter Thurmond, CB, New York Giants: Thurmond was a highly effective slot corner in 2013, but that is the only season in which he has stayed healthy.
66. Josh McCown, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is McCown the quarterback who nearly carried the Bears to the playoffs two years ago or the quarterback who face-planted behind a turnstile offensive line in Tampa last season? Yes.
67. Buster Skrine, CB, Cleveland Browns: Playing opposite Joe Haden, Skrine has been targeted more than any cornerback in the league over the past two years. At 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, he might be viewed as an inside corner on the open market.
68. Mark Sanchez, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: At one point last season, Sanchez had joined Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the only quarterback overseeing an offense that averaged more than 30 points and 400 yards per game. Then he reverted into one of the game’s most mistake-prone signal-callers with the season on the line.
69. Kendrick Lewis, S, Houston Texans: Lewis salvaged his value by emerging as one of the most consistent defensive backs in Houston after a subpar showing with the Chiefs in 2013.
70. Brian Hoyer, QB, Cleveland Browns: If the goal is to hold the fort for a raw rookie, teams could do a lot worse than Hoyer. If the goal is to contend for the playoffs with Hoyer under center, his limitations will be exposed — just as they were down the stretch last season.
71. Mason Foster, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Foster didn’t fit Lovie Smith’s defense, but looked like a decent young starter in 2013. Perhaps he could join old friend Raheem Morris in Atlanta.
72. Dwight Freeney, LB/DE, San Diego Chargers: Freeney is strictly a situational pass rusher now, although he can still be effective.
73. Reggie Bush, RB, Detroit Lions: For the right price (one-year, $3.5 million), Bush can still help teams as a passing-down threat.
74. Bruce Carter, LB, Dallas Cowboys: Carter makes plenty of big plays, but he gives them up as well.
75. Cory Redding, DE, Indianapolis Colts: Aside from Vontae Davis, Redding was outplaying anyone on the Colts’ defense in the playoffs last season.
76. Brooks Reed, LB, Houston Texans: Peter King once predicted Reed would win Defensive Player of the Year. That should be worth something.
77. Kendall Langford, DT, St. Louis Rams: Quality rotation defensive linemen are not easy to find. Langford was only cut because he was paid big money and was backing up Aaron Donald.
78. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals: He’s a below average starter and an above average backup.
79. Rey Maualuga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Lewis’ defense struggled without Maualuga and instincts last year. He’s a decent bet to return.
80. Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Washington Redskins: Jenkins never made the leap as a second-round draft pick billed as the prototype 3-4 defensive end.
81. Mike Adams, S, Indianapolis Colts: Adams exceeded expectations as a late-period free-agent signing, solidifying the back end of the Colts’ defense. Will there be much interest in a 34-year-old safety?
82. Akeem Ayers, LB, New England Patriots: Ayers played a key role for the Super Bowl champions after the 2-14 Titans couldn’t find a spot for him.
83. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Nicks regained a semblance of his playmaking form down the stretch last season, but the Colts didn’t think highly enough of him to bench an obviously struggling Reggie Wayne.
84. Karl Klug, DE, Tennessee Titans We see Klug as a situational pass rusher who could surprise with six to eight sacks in a 4-3 defense like Seattle’s.
85. Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots: Ridley is an interesting power back, albeit one coming off ACL surgery.
86. Roy Helu, RB, Washington Redskins: Helu might have overtaken Pierre Thomas as the best screen-pass specialist in the league last year.
87. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Indianapolis Colts: Bradshaw is effective whenever he plays. Unfortunately, that seems to be roughly a half-dozen times per year. One of the most hard-charging backs in the league has been betrayed by his lower legs.
88. Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Cleveland Browns: Rubin once had a reputation as a premier run-plugger. The Browns had the league’s worst run defense in 2014.
89. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The No. 20 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft ended up playing just 36 games in four years with the Bucs. Even when healthy, Clayborn hasn’t been disruptive as a pass rusher.
90. Charles Tillman, CB, Chicago Bears: Former coach Marc Trestman believed that Tillman was playing at a Pro Bowl level early last season. On the other hand, Tillman is a 34-year-old cornerback coming off a second torn triceps injury.
91. Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago Bears: The seven-time Pro Bowl selection isn’t going to hang with tight ends in coverage in his mid-thirties, but he can still provide solid run defense with a move inside if the Bears opt to bring him back for a 13th season.
92. Rob Housler, TE, Arizona Cardinals: Housler is one of the NFL’s speediest tight ends, but Bruce Arians doesn’t have any use for that species if they don’t block. He needs a change of scenery.
93. Denarius Moore, WR, Oakland Raiders: A perennial tease.
94. C.J. Mosley, DT, Detroit Lions: A late bloomer, Mosley is coming off the most effective season of his 10-year career.
95. Patrick Robinson, CB, New Orleans Saints: An oft-burned first-round draft bust through four seasons, Robinson was noticeably stingier in coverage last year.
96. Ron Parker, S, Kansas City Chiefs: A career special teamer, Parker started 15 games last season, splitting his time between cornerback and safety. That versatility has value.
97. Anthony Spencer, DE, Dallas Cowboys: Returning from microfracture surgery, Spencer struggled to make an impact before coming on in late December.
98. Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins: He had two recent 1,000-yard seasons and he’s not yet 30, but Hartline is best used as a third receiver.
99. O’Brien Schofield, DE, Seattle Seahawks: Schofield flashed as a rotational pass rusher on a Super Bowl team.
100. Malcolm Smith, LB, Seattle Seahawks: Smith went from Super Bowl MVP to Super Bowl benchwarmer in one calendar year. Perhaps Dan Quinn will recruit him to Atlanta.
101. Michael Vick, QB, New York Jets: We still believed Vick could help a team last offseason, but his heart didn’t seem to be in the one-year Jets stint.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000474533/printable/top-101-nfl-free-agents-for-2015
AgamemnonI think his talent gets him drafted in the 1st round. But, do you really want him on your team? Same with Winston, his talent will make probably get him drafted #1, but do you want him on your team? The Rams have too many alternate choices in the first round. Maybe if he is there in the second round they might pick him?
Agamemnon
