Three-Round 2016 NFL Mock Draft

The NFL draft is more than 60 days away. These projections are sure to change. These picks have changed based on performances from the 2016 Senior Bowl.

2016 NFL Mock Draft

1st Round

1. Tennessee Titans- Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
The Titans take the best player to protect their jewel in Marcus Mariota

2. Cleveland Browns-  Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Wentz has escalated the boards recently. The world knows how desperate Cleveland is at the quarterback position

3. San Diego Chargers- Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State
Ramsey is the first defensive player taken at three. He can play safety or corner for San Diego.

4. Dallas Cowboys- Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
A healthy Jack could be picked even higher. Has the potential to be a perennial all-pro. 

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
A combination of Buckner and Fowler could devastate quarterbacks for years to come.

6. Baltimore Ravens- Joey Bosa, DE/OLB, Ohio State
Bosa will help bring toughness to a Baltimore defense.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Much like Myles Jack, Smith can be the replacement for Patrick Willis.

8. Miami Dolphins- Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Brent Grimes is coming of age. Youth and depth can help Miami defend against the likes of Tom Brady and Tyrod Taylor in the division.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky
It will be interesting to see where the former Buckeye will land will off-the-field questions.

10. New York Giants- Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
There are many holes needed to be filled in New York. Billings can be a stalwart for years to come at the DT position.

11. Chicago Bears- Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Stanley won't overwhelm pass rushers with elite strength or quickness, but he is a solid pass-protecting left tackle who can start day one.

12. New Orleans Saints- A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Any player on defense would help this team. A'Shawn Robinson isn't any slouch, the Saints would be happy to take him.

13. Philadelphia Eagles- Jared Goff, QB, California
A player who can be seen taken at 2, takes a huge tumble here. There is no doubt that having a great quarterback can win you games, yet, teams above Philly are building great defenses instead.

14. Oakland Raiders- Leonard Floyd, DE/OLB, Georgia
Oakland struck gold with Khalil Mack, can they do it again? Oakland will continue to build a stout defense.

15. Los Angeles Rams- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
If Goff were to fall to 13, look for the Rams to do everything they can to trade up. They will gladly settle for Lynch.

16. Detroit Lions- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Things couldn't work out better for Detroit. A legend retires, and they select the best WR right after.

17. Atlanta Falcons- Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Vic Beasley had a solid rookie season, yet the Falcons still lack a pass rush. They get it with Dodd.

18. Indianapolis Colts- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State.
We got a glimpse at a Colts team with a banged up Andrew Luck. They receive much needed protection with Conklin.

19. Buffalo Bills- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Mario Williams career in Buffalo is most likely all but over. Bills' defense needs to get to the quarterback to succeed.

20. New York Jets- Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Jets need youth at the linebacking spot. Ragland can be productive from day one.

21. Washington Redskins- Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
Washington isn't far from seriously contending in the NFL. If they can build a defense around Kirk Cousins and the offense, watch out.

22. Houston Texans- Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
There is no quarterback to reach for at this spot. Elliott may take the reins from Arian Foster who will be on the move.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State
The Vikings are in need of more receiver help. Still, giving Bridgewater some needed protection can help him let it loose more often.

24. Cincinnati Bengals- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
Doctson will add to a Cinci offense that can be dangerous.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
The Pittsburgh offense is loaded even with Heath Miller retiring. The Steelers are desperate for secondary help that played better in the post-season.

26. Seattle Seahawks- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
Nkemdiche, who's off-field problems are noted, can absolutely thrive in Seattle. Scary pick here.

27. Green Bay Packers- Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
With Raji's situation still up in the air, the Packers reload and draft a clogger in Rankins.

28. Kansas City Chiefs- Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
The Chiefs stock up on defensive line players. Jones is a good one.

29. Arizona Cardinals- Darron Lee, OLB, Ohio State
Arizona needs youth along the defensive front. Lee at 29 could be a steal.

30. Carolina Panthers- Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
This team managed to go 15-1 with arguably no number one or two receiver. They get Benjamin back, along with Coleman.

31. Denver Broncos- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Running back and defensive line are options here. Whoever plays quarterback needs to be protected better.

2nd Round

32. Cleveland Browns- Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
33. Tennessee Titans- Vonn Bell, FS, Ohio State
34. Dallas Cowboys- Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
35. San Diego Chargers- Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
36. Baltimore Ravens- Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
37. San Francisco 49ers- Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
38. Jacksonville Jaguars- Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
39. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- William Jackson III, CB, Houston
40. New York Giants- Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas
41. Chicago Bears- Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
42. Miami Dolphins- Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
43. Los Angeles Rams- Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
44. Oakland Raiders- Miles Killebrew, SS, Southern Utah
45. Los Angeles Rams- Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
46. Detroit Lions- Derrick Hnery, RB, Alabama
47. New Orleans Saints- Jalen Mills, CB, LSU
48. Indianapolis Colts- Su'a Cravens, LB, USC
49. Buffalo Bills- Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
50. Atlanta Falcons- Jeremy Cash, SS, Duke
51. New York Jets- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
52. Houston Texans- Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama
53. Washington Redskins- Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
54. Minnesota Vikings- Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
55. Cincinnati Bengals-  Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State
56. Seattle Seahawks-  Shon Coleman. OT, Auburn
57. Green Bay Packers- Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
58. Pittsburgh Steelers- Keanu Neal, SS, Florida
59. Kansas City Cheifs- Pharoh Cooper, WR, South Carolina
60. New England Patriots- Germain Ifedi, OG, Texas A&M
61. Arizona Cardinals- Le'Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
62. Carolina Panthers- Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
63. Denver Broncos- Jordan Howard, RB, Indiana

3rd Round

64. Tennessee Titans- Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
65. Cleveland Browns- Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois
66. San Diego Chargers- Sterling Shepard, WR, Oklahoma 
67. Dallas Cowboys- Jonathan Bullard, DT, Florida
68. San Francisco 49ers- Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State 
69. Jacksonville Jaguars- KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
70. Baltimore Ravens- Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
71. New York Giants- Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
72. Chicago Bears- Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
73. Miami Dolphins- Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
74. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State
75. Oakland Raiders- Landon Turner, OG, North Carolina
76. Los Angeles Rams- Max Tuerk, C, USC
77. Philadelphia Eagles- DeAndre Houston-Carson, CB/S, William & Mary
78. New Orleans Saints- Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
79. Philadelphia Eagles- Nick Martin, OG, Notre Dame
80. Buffalo Bills- Rashad Higgins, WR, Colorado State
81. Atlanta Falcons- Vadal Alexander, OG/OT, LSU
82. Indianapolis Colts- Paul Perkins, RB, UCLA
83. New York Jets- Thomas Duarte, TE, UCLA
84. Washington Redskins- Scooby Wright III, ILB, Arizona
85. Houston Texans- Jacoby Brissett, QB, N.C. State
86. Minnesota Vikings- Jordan Jenkins, LB/DE, Georgia
87. Cincinnati Bengals- Kentrell Brothers, OLB, Missouri
88. Green Bay Packers- Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
89. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
90. Seattle Seahawks- Deion Jones, OLB, LSU
91. Kansas City Chiefs- Joshua Perry, OLB, Ohio State
92. New England Patriots- Artie Burns, CB, Miami
93. Arizona Cardinals- Willie Henry, DT, Michigan
94. Carolina Panthers- Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia
95. Denver Broncos- Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska

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The Race for the Top Pick is Closer Than You Think

The general consensus is that the freshman phenom out of LSU, Ben Simmons, will declare for the 2016 NBA draft and be picked 1st overall. This general consensus was also seen last year, when Duke Center Jahlil Okafor was presumably the first overall pick. This is why they play the games people.

Karl Anthony-Towns and DeAngelo Russell were picked in front of Okafor even with Okafor's Blue Devil's taking the Championship.

This isn't a " Ben Simmons is overrated" article. Nor is it a bandwagon for folks to jump on. The facts are, the race for the number one pick is much closer than many think.

Ben Simmons can attribute his fading light to another fantastic freshman for a team previously mentioned. Brandon Ingram of Duke has stepped in to question whether Simmons is the right way to go at the top of the draft.

Before we say anything more on the subject, let it be known that the hype surrounding Ben Simmons is 100 percent warranted. There may not be a more prolific talent since Lebron James entered the 2003 draft. His game back it up.

Simmons has a rare combination of size, ball-handling and pass vision. For someone standing at 6-foot-10 and have the elite athleticism Simmons has immediately warrants discussion as to where he would land in the 2016 draft. The measurables are great. However, teams want to see a player produce. Simmons has done that as well.

So far, Simmons is averaging a double-double, scoring 19.3 points a game and racking up 12.0 rebounds a game as well. He leads all freshman with 19 double-doubles this year alone.

The real questions that pertain to Simmons is the intangibles. He is carrying a less-than talented LSU team and not doing a great job. The Tigers are fighting for a spot and are currently on the bubble according to Joe Lunardi. Simmons has been criticized for tending to fade away late in close games. Many question if Simmons has it in him to lead an NBA team and carry said team into the limelight, which is what a potential number one overall pick should be able to do.

Simmons also does not have much of a game passed the free-throw line. He is a less-than sufficient mid-range shooter and is a liability on the perimeter. His scoring comes from the paint. As we all know, at the next level, it gets increasingly hard to score down low even with the athleticism shown by Simmons.

Yet, it isn't likely an NBA team would pass up on such a talent because of intangibles, especially if said intangibles do not pop up off the court.

What Simmons lacks, may be found in Brandon Ingram.

Late last night, the Blue Devils were down 60-68 against hated rival North Carolina. The game couldn't have been bigger. Ingram who hadn't made much of an impact on the offensive end of the ball to that point, took the game into his hands.

Ingram proceeded to score 3 straight tough baskets to close the gap to 2 points. Duke wouldn't look back and eventually beat the Tarheels by a single point. 

Imgram can score. Offensively, he is often compared to Kevin Durant. His long frame and deceptive athleticism helps his get to the basket. He can score from all over the court. He is a solid rebounder and defender.

The 6-foot-10 forward does not have the NBA-ready build that Simmons possesses. They seem to be polar opposites. One complements the other. Ingram isn't as NBA-ready as Simmons is. Ingram's perimeter game is what makes him stand out. We have seen what a team like Golden State can do when they are hitting from the 3-point line. Before you know it, you're down 30. The NBA is moving towards a more perimeter-orientated game which Ingram would fit perfectly into.

Simmons would have trouble fitting in on a team like Golden State.

Nonetheless, Simmons is a once-in-a-generation type player and it will take some real balls for a team (most likely Philly) to pass on such a prospect.

Just know that Ingram is closing the gap. If Simmons cannot carry the LSU tigers into the tournament, look for Simmons' stock to fall further. Ingram's Blue Devils now have a real chance at the title. We will see this Summer.

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Pittsburgh Steelers' 5-Year Draft in Review

Pittsburgh Steelers' 5-Year Draft in Review

Following back to back playoff appearances in 2010 and 2011 including a Super Bowl appearance, the Pittsburgh Steelers put in back to back mediocre seasons in 2012 and 2013 that both finished 8-8. However in 2014, they came roaring back with an eleven-win season and won one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. The Steelers’ resurgence is thanks in part to a great crop of young talent acquired over the last five drafts. 2015 was also a success.

Most of the Steelers’ successful draft picks have been on the offensive side of the ball, producing multiple Pro Bowl players. The most notable is Antonio Brown who looks to be the best value pick in the last five years as the Steelers grabbed him in the sixth round. Brown has been contributing as a returner and receiver in all five years making the 2011 Pro Bowl as a return man. However in the past two years, Brown has emerged as one of the best receivers in the league after his historic 2014 season. He followed up that great year with an even better one, leaving him considered as the premier wideout in the NFL. Joining him at the receiver position are 2013 3rd round pick Markus Wheaton and 2014 4th round pick Martavis Bryant. With Brown as the star and the other two as contributing factors, the Steelers potentially have one of the best receiving corps for 2016.

Other Pro Bowl selections drafted in the past five years are 2010 1st rounder Maurkice Pouncey and 2013 2nd round pick Le’Veon Bell. Following a decent rookie campaign, Bell had an incredible break out season in 2014. Bell, had an injury-riddled 2015 but when on the field, produced at a high level. He was one of the best running backs in the league. With Bell on offense alongside Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger has two of the best offensive weapons. He also has one of the best centers hiking him the ball in Pouncey. Pouncey has been a Pro Bowl selection four times in his five years and is the anchor on one of the best offensive lines in the league. Also joining Pouncey on the line from the previous five drafts are 2011 2nd round pick Marcus Gilbert, 2012 1st round pick David DeCastro, and 2012 7th round pick Kelvin Beachum. With Roethlisberger being protected by this offensive line with Brown, Bell, Wheaton, and Bryant as his weapons, the Steelers had one of the most dangerous offenses in 2015 thanks to their recent drafts.

The draft picks on the defensive side of the ball have not been up to par with the offense. The 2010 2nd rounder Jason Worilds never did much to live up to his 2nd round selection. He was a contributor as a reserve in his first three seasons and a starter in his last two. However he retired from the NFL after only five years in the league. The 4th round pick from the same year, linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, did not even last through his rookie season. Sean Spence from the 2012 draft has had trouble staying healthy so far playing only one out of three seasons. The 1st round pick in 2013, Jarvis Jones, has yet to live up to his huge hype. He has only started eleven games in his first two years and had injuries issues. . He still has the chance to turn it around but will need to step up big time to do so. The Steelers did get a starter on the defensive line in Cameron Heyward, but he is nothing spectacular. 

The jury may still be out on Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt. They had iffy rookie seasons, but came on stronger in their sophomore seasons. Shazier is growing into his role for Pittsburgh and has solidified himself as a future starter at the linebacking position for years to come. 

The team drafted Bud Dupree at 22 in the 2015 draft. Dupree has raw athleticism, but he's also fairly raw as a pass-rusher. The Steelers drafted him, I believe, knowing a reasonable amount of patience is required with his development. He's had a few moments where he stands out, using his burst to get into the backfield in a hurry. But that usually comes when he's got a free lane or beats the tackle with raw speed. What I still need to see is feel for the game, instincts, counter moves to get loose. He had a less than productive rookie year.

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Could Use of the Crying Jordan Meme Get You Sued?

We all know the viral and wildly popular meme that is the Crying MJ Meme. Before we get into a serious discussion over the use of a meme, lets take a moment to look at the meme in use, to our pleasure.

What did Fitzpatrick do to deserve this?

The Steph ones are great.

As an Eagle Fan, this one is great.

There's a good chance you're familiar with Crying Michael Jordan, the viral meme that has become a sensation online and in social media. The now-famous image was captured when Jordan was introduced as a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame on Sept. 11, 2009. That evening, he teared up during a memorably candid and edgy induction speech in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was a rare moment in which Jordan let his guard down and allowed us to see him in a vulnerable light.

"It just seems to have an appropriateness for so many different circumstances," said Andrew Selepak, director of the social media graduate program at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications. "That face can be used for a meme for a number of different levels, whether it's sports or non-sports related. But because of the passion people have for sports, I think it has legs like few other memes that have been popular in the past."

To wit, Crying Michael Jordan has the kind of staying power that eluded the poignant but outdated "I can has cheezburger?" cat meme.

Which leads us to a crucial question:

Can you get sued for using the Crying Michael Jordan meme?

The Associated Press could pursue legal action if it believes its copyright of the image has been violated. "We own the rights in our photo, which was taken in 2009," Associated Press spokesman Paul Colford wrote in an email to ESPN.com. "We could enforce those rights depending on the use and other factors, as is the case with all AP photos."

Likewise, Jordan spokesperson Estee Portnoy recently implied that the basketball icon's camp is keeping a close eye on usage of the meme. "We haven't seen anyone using it to promote their commercial interests, which is something that we're monitoring," Portnoy wrote in an email to the Chicago Tribune.

However, many creative uses of copyrighted material are legal in this country under the principle of fair use, as outlined in Section 107 of the Copyright Law of 1976.

"The United States has the strongest copyright law in the world," said Renee Hobbs, founder and director of the University of Rhode Island's Media Education Lab. "But we also have strong protection for users. It's a fundamental point. Fair use is important to the balance of the copyright law."

A key in fulfilling the requirement for fair use is to provide added value. Did the user provide additional context in some way? Or was the copyrighted material simply used as a substitute or replacement for the original?


In other words, if you are creatively modifying the work -- whether by adding witty text or photoshopping it onto another image -- you are almost certainly not violating copyright law.

"It's very situational and contextual," Hobbs said. "The Michael Jordan meme is legal because it's a transformative use of the original material."

Here's the kicker: Not only are you not violating copyright law in such instances, but your work has now become copyrighted as well.

"A work is automatically copyrighted at the moment of creation," Hobbs said. "If you make a transformative meme, it's copyrighted."

All of the above boils down to this: It's unlikely that a copyright suit over Crying Jordan would be successful.

Still, anyone can sue anyone else for anything. Like most things in life, there are no guarantees.

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Penn State Brandywine's Most Underrated Player

The Penn State Brandywine Women's Basketball team has had a strong season thus far, racking up 16 wins to just 8 losses. The record may not stack up to where previous Brandywine seasons have gone but that's not stopping the girls from playing hard down the stretch.


The team has won 4 straight games by an average margin of 16 points.

Junior forward Olivia Encarnacion leads Brandywine in scoring, averaging 12.0ppg, while senior guard Lauren Munro leads the team in rebounds per game and field goal percentage. Munro is also second in scoring, averaging 10.6ppg.

However, it seems as though the team needs a lift from a new face. Symantha Marrero, a sophomore guard, may be the hidden gem for Brandywine that can take them over the hump into being true contenders.

Number 10 may be the most underrated player on the team. The guard gets limited playing time, logging a modest 7.4 minutes a game. However, don't let that number fool you.

The sophomore netted seven points and snagged seven rebounds in 15 minutes in the win over Penn State Scranton on February 13th.

On February 8th, Marrero managed to score 9 points in a mere 6 minutes played the entire game. Marrero has a wet jumper and, when given the opportunity, can really light up the score board.

When crunching the numbers, Marrero has the 4th best points per minute average (16.0 points) of any player on the team, and the most of any player off the bench.

The numbers say it's time for a boost in minutes. Whether she gets that is yet to be determined. The season is winding down, now with just two games left on the schedule. We will see if Brandywine plans to use its secret weapon or keep her a secret for upcoming seasons.

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The Philadelphia Eagles 5-Year Draft in Review

With 48 picks in the last five years, the Philadelphia Eagles are tied with the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers for the most in the NFL. How does that song go? One of these things is not like the other.

In the past five seasons, the Seahawks have two Super Bowl appearances with a Super Bowl victory; the 49ers have appeared in three NFC Championship Games, winning one. Meanwhile, over the same stretch, the Eagles have not won a playoff game and also had a four-win season. The biggest reason for the difference in the success of the three teams is the difference in production from their draft picks over this five-year stretch. While the Eagles have drafted a few solid players, their production from the draft has not been nearly enough.

Let's take it year by year to break down where the Eagles may have gone wrong. 

The Philadelphia Eagles obtained a total of 13 draft picks in the 2010 draft. What was more amazing than the amount of draft picks accumulated was the amount of productivity from the 13 players selected. The issue here is how short the players' careers were at Philly. Six of the 13 picks spent a year or less with the team. A team could have a total of six picks in an entire draft; its amazing to see six picks wasted. 

While none made a huge impact, the Eagles did get production at the safety position. Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman played okay to say the least. However, neither are still with the team in 2016. The only pick who remains with Philadelphia is the 1st rounder Brandon Graham. Graham, up into this past season, has been a huge flop. Philly fans do not want to remember who went after Graham in the draft.

The 2011 draft is more of the same story but even worse, as it was another huge draft class (11 players) that has failed to produce. Only Julian Vandervelde and Jason Kelce are still with the team for 2015 with only Kelce being a contributor. Kelce has been very good for the Eagles, starting at center for four out of five years, missing 2012 with injury. Kelce was rewarded for his play with a contract extension before the 2014 season and followed it up with his first Pro Bowl selection. The rest of the draft was a huge failure with the first three draft picks gone after only two seasons or less with the Eagles. The class as a whole goes down as one of the worst in the last five years.

The 2012 draft was much more productive than the last two. Hindsight will tell you that the Eagles drafted some talented players on the defensive side of the ball. Take Fletcher Cox and Mychal Kendricks. Both have had great careers in Philly and are now starters at their respected positions.In 2015, Cox solidified himself as one of the leagues top defensive lineman. He also managed to go to Hawaii after being selected to his first Pro-Bowl. Vinny Curry was also drafted in this class. Curry recently signed a 5-year deal worth $47.25M. He is a great situational pass rusher who the Eagles had to lock up. Brandon Boykin, who was traded last offseason, also was drafted in 2012. He was solid for Philly, playing well as the Nickel corner. The final notable selection from this draft is Nick Foles. Foles looked like a potential franchise quarterback after a Pro Bowl season in 2013 which included an incredible 27 to 2 touchdown to interception ratio. However following an injury ridden average 2014 season, Foles was traded to St. Louis for Sam Bradford.

The Eagles followed up a good draft class with another. In 2013, Philadelphia found two solid starters in Bennie Logan and Lane Johnson, who was the 4th overall pick. On the offensive side of the ball, the team drafted Tight End Zach Ertz. Zach Ertz has emerged as one of the top young tight ends the league has to offer. He also recently inked a new 5-year deal worth $42M. He has taken the starting spot from Celek, who at times is a better blocker than Ertz. 

The streak of successful draft classes ends at the 2014 draft. The only key contributor drafted in 2014 was Vanderbilt wideout Jordan Matthews. Josh Huff and Jaylen Watkins get playing time but are liabilities on the field. Jordan Matthews had a great rookie year but was plagued by drops his sophomore season in the league. He took on the number one option role at the receiver position in 2015 and it may have taken a toll. He is still promising. For the sake of Philadelphia fans reading this, lets not get into the Marcus Smith pick. Thanks.

It is still to early to grade last year's class. The jury is still out, especially with a new system and coaching coming in. Nelson Agholor was the team's first round pick. He had less than a productive rookie season, but with Doug Pederson coming to Philly, the implementation of the West-Coast offense may help Agholor be more effective as an underneath pass catcher. Eric Rowe had a rough go early on in the season, but sured up his game as the season went along. He may be a viable option for the Eagles moving forward. The best pick may be the third round pick of Jordan Hicks. Hicks was flying around the field, making plays and displaying leadreship before a season-ending injury reared its ugly head. He is also a promising young talent.

For a team with so many draft picks within the last five seasons, it's hard to imagine how Philly can still be playing so poorly. There have been questionable offseason decisions made by former Head Coach Chip Kelly, along with poor coaching strategies that may not fit the player's strengths. We will see what Philadelphia can do moving forward to leave their mark on the NFL. 

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The NFL Will Look Very Different Next Year

We are only a week into the offseason, and we have heard some big names retire from the NFL. We are still waiting to here from one more big name, but presumably, three future Hall-of-Famers will be gone next season. 

We also have heard some devastated news out of Cleveland and Philadelphia, that have us questioning the well-being of some NFL players. We may not see them play at all as well. 

Calvin Johnson

An all-time great at his position. The franchise leader in almost every receiving category. No SuperBowl appearance, and a sudden retirement. Does this sound familiar Lion's fans? Calvin Johnson has retired from the NFL which has come as a shock to many.

After nine seasons in the NFL, Megatron's body flat out began to wear down. Johnson has a huge frame and his size makes him an easy target. It's safe to say that Megatron had plenty more in the tank, this wasn't a " I just cannot produce anymore." retirement. Dealing with multiple ankle injuries and other general body injuries may be too much for the 30-year old to handle. Who's to blame him.

None of us want to see arguably the greatest wide receiver in NFL history go, but he made a decision with his family and close friends. A decision to part ways with the NFL after just nine seasons and one playoff win.

Here are some parting gifts for those who are still mourning.

• 6× Pro Bowl (2010-2015)
• 3× First-team All-Pro (2011-2013)
• Second-team All-Pro (2010)
• 2× NFL receiving yards leader (2011, 2012)
• 3x NFC Receiving yards leader (2011-2013)
• 2× NFC receiving touchdowns leader (2010, 2011)
• 10,000 Receiving Yards Club
• NFL single-season record for most receiving yards (1,964, 2012)
• Second most all time receiving yards in a game (329)
• One of two players in NFL history with 5,000+ receiving yards in a 3-year period (Antonio Brown)
• Pro football record for most career games with 200+ receiving yards (5, tied with Lance Alworth)
• Detroit Lions all-time career leader in receiving yards and touchdowns
• Fastest receiver to reach 10,000 receiving yards

Marshawn Lynch

The quiet, yet outspoken running back for the Seattle Seahawks, Marshawn Lynch has also retired from the NFL. 

We all know what Beast Mode is known for doing, taking on hits with full force, and hardly ever being tackled by one defender. Now it seems as though those brutal hits have caught up with Lynch. 

Lynch also has retired after just nine seasons and may still have some gas left in the tank, but if you're following the trend here, that's not what this is about. The NFL is getting more and more physical and the toll these hits can take on ones body can cause them to think seriously about their future. 

I applaud both Johnson and Lynch for making these tough decisions. 

Marshawn Lynch will leave behind a unique legacy that transcends the running back position. Many will remember the Media Days, many will remember the gang signs and terrible "thug" word being used torward Lynch. Quite frankly, many couldn't have a more respected career than Lynch.  What Beast Mode meant to Seattle and their fans is undeniable. I know what i will remember. I will remember the BeastQuake back against New Orleans in 2011. I will remember the Skittles raining down from the stands after every touchdown. Lynch has left his mark on the league, a mark much like any other.

• Super Bowl champion (2014)
• 2x NFC Champion (2013, 2014)
• 5× Pro Bowl (2008, 2011–2014)
• First-team All-Pro (2012)
• Second-team All-Pro (2014)
• 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2013, 2014)
• NFL total touchdowns co-leader (2014)
• 2× NFL post-season rushing leader (2013, 2014)
• 24th all-time in rushing touchdowns

Peyton Manning 

Not much needs to be said about Peyton Manning. I know we're jumping the gun with this but let's be real, Peyton has to make a decision by March 8th, or someone on the Broncos will have to make a decision for him. 

Peyton had a year unlike any other in 2015. He had led a team to a 7-0 record. Was then booed off the field. Was then benched for Brock Osweiler after a 4-INT game. Then the injuries started to kick in and made matters worse. Yet, just like Peyton would, he persevered. He made a Week 17 come-back and led the Denver Broncos to post-season wins against the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.  

Whenever Manning decides to hang up his cleats, he will go down as a first-ballot HOFer. What Manning has meant for the league is hard to put into words. He has stolen the hearts of many and is class-personified. 

Manning has more Super Bowl titles than everyone mentioned in this article, combined. It is hard to imagine a quarterback having a better season than Manning's prolific 2013 season. Manning will go down as a top five player of all time. The stats speak for themselves. 

• 2× Super Bowl champion (XLI, 50)
• Super Bowl MVP (XLI)
• 4× AFC champion (2006, 2009, 2013, 2015)
• 5× AP NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013)
• 14× Pro Bowl (1999, 2000, 2002-2010, 2012-2014)
• 7× First-team All-Pro (2003-2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013)
• 3× Second-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 2006)
• 2× AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2004, 2013)
• AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2012)
• 4× NFL passing touchdown leader (2000, 2004, 2006, 2013)
• 3x NFL passing yards leader (2000, 2003, 2013)
• Pro Bowl MVP (2005)
• Indianapolis Colts all-time leader (career wins, passing touchdowns, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards)
• NFL all-time leader in career touchdown passes and passing yards
• NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
• Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2013)
• Other awards and honors

You all will be well missed. Leave a comment below on who you will mis the most.

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Re-Drafting the 2009 NBA Lottery

One of the funnest things we like to do here at TheFreeLancers is re-draft previous drafts whether in the NFL or NBA. We draft new players to previous positions with the help of hindsight of course.

This time around, we are going to look at the absolutely loaded 2009 NBA Draft. There are good picks, busts, and hidden gems just like any draft. Now, we will see how the Draft should have gone seven years later. Tell us what you think in the comments.

With the first pick...

#1 Stephen Curry 
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Original spot for Curry: No. 7
Original Selection: Blake Griffin

#2 James Harden
Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Orginal Spot for Harden: No. 3
Original Selection: Hasheem Thabeet





#3 Blake Griffin
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Original Spot for Griffin: No. 1
Original Selection: James Harden

#4 Demar Derozan
Team: Sacremento Kings
Original Spot for Derozan: No. 9
Original Selection: Tyreke Evans

#5 Jeff Teague
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Original Spot for Teague: No. 19
Original Selection: Ricky Rubio

#6 Wesley Matthews
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Original Spot for Matthews: Undrafted
Original Selection: Jonny Flynn

#7 Ty Lawson
Team: Golden State Warriors
Original Spot for Lawson: No. 18
Original Selection: Stephen Curry

#8 Taj Gibson
Team: New York Knicks
Original Spot for Gibson: No. 26
Original Selection: Jordan Hill

#9 DeMarre Carroll
Team: Toronto Raptors
Original Spot for Carroll: No. 27
Original Selection: DeMar Derozan

#10 Darren Collison
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Original Spot for Collison: No. 21
Original Selection: Brandon Jennings

#11 Brandon Jennings
Team: Brooklyn Nets
Original Spot for Jennings: No. 10
Original Selection: Terrence Williams

#12 Danny Green
Team: Charlotte Hornets
Original Spot for Green: No. 46
Original Selection: Gerald Henderson

#13 Tyreke Evans 
Team: Indiana Pacers
Original Spot for Evans: No. 4
Original Selection: Tyler Hansborough

#14 Jordan Hill
Team: Phoenix Suns
Original Spot for Hill: No. 8 
Original Selection: Earl Clark



This Re-Draft features James Harden and Steph Curry on new teams. Curry lands at the number one spot with the Los Angeles Clippers and Harden heads to Memphis. How this would shake up the NBA is fun to think about. Would Curry see the same success he sees at Golden State with the Clippers? How would Westbrook, Durant and Griffen work out? This was a great draft, yet somehow, Jonny Flynn, Hansborough and Thabeet were all lottery picks. What do you think?

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The Sunday Spotlight: Ronnie Stanley

As the 2016 NFL draft draws nearer, we at The FreeLancers will break down the top NFL prospects around the country. Be sure to check back every Sunday to see which future star will be under our Spotlight. This week the Spotlight shines on...

Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame, 6-5, 304lbs.

Pros

Pass Protecting- Stanley has the pass protecting talent expected from an early round left tackle prospect. He explodes off the line of scrimmage to get back into his pass set as well as anyone in the country. Is great at getting control of the flow of the snap by getting into quicksets, making it easy for him to get his hands of the pass rusher first. Does a good job of getting his feet under him to sustain blocks. 

All-around Quickness- Everything Stanley does he does quickly, which is a huge plus when projecting his skill set to the next level. Plays with quick hands and has a well-timed punch. Not often beat around the edge by speed rushers because he is fast and athletic enough himself to beat the defender to his spot. His leg kick is top-notch.

Maturity- Many questioned Stanley's decision to stay after his junior season, when many thought his draft stock couldn't get any higher. Yet, Stanley wanted to work on his weaknesses and make sure he was ready to play at the next level and also , more importantly wanted to help the Fightin' Irish win a National Championship. Stanley is still a projected top-15 pick. 

Cons

Strength- Stanley will not overwhelm defenders with power. Speed rushers will have a hard time getting around Stanley, but the more powerful defenders will find success bull-rushing their way through the OT. Stanley has average upper body strength and has trouble re-directing him man off course from the quarterback. 

Recovery- When Stanley is beat, which is not often, he has trouble using various techniques to recover. A strength for any great offensive tackle would be his recovery speed. When beat, he tends to panic and lose his discipline in hand placement. 

Pro Comparison

Lane Johnson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, serves as the best comparison to Ronnie Stanley. Both have similar build, and both thrive athletically. Both are versatile enough to play both tackles positions, which Stanley has experience doing at Notre Dame. The three-year starter has showed improved run blocking prowess and strength during his senior year. Stanley's core power is still a question, but the prospect should be ready to start day one for a team that is looking to protect a franchise quarterback. 

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What's Next for Johnny?

Many have said it long before what has transpired in Cleveland. Johnny Manziel is no good, and won't ever be any good. Yet, the Cleveland Browns took the chance on Manziel and tried to trust him. Time after time, Manziel let his fans, family and organization down. 

The latest news involving Manziel is the most disturbing news to date. No, there was not a video of Johnny pouring down drinks, no gambling in Vegas, no tailgating parties. Something much more troubling happened last Saturday. 

The woman who labels herself Manziel's ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, accused Manziel of striking her several times. The details are even worse. Crowley claims that Manziel threatened to "kill us both" while driving on a busy highway. The situation got out of hand to say the least. It truly opened our eyes to realize that Johnny Manziel, the person not football player, needs serious help. 

This is actually the second time Manziel is being investigated for a domestic dispute. News now comes out that the Cleveland Browns plan to move on from the quarterback in March. Even Manziel's agent, Erik Burkhardt, is parting ways with Manziel. This is stunning to witness as just two years ago, agents across the map were dying to be employed by him. 

The ball is really rolling down hill for Manziel to say the least. 

Yet, too many stories or articles online take the negative approach to things. Now, that being said, there isn't much positive to hang your hat on when discussing Johnny Manziel, but we will take a look into what the future may hold for the 23-year-old quarterback. 

The only true way the quarterback can get back into the NFL would be to stay clean. This is obvious. It is looking more and more likely that Manziel may not play at all this following season, as his beloved Dallas Cowboys have said to have no interest in him. 

If Manziel takes a step back from all the limelight, which is clearly hard to do, he can have a shot at the NFL in the 2017-2018 season. The kid has tremendous talent, which is not the problem. If he can stay out of the news for an entire year, the chance a new team takes a shot at Johnny would be a good one. 

The real question is, does he want to? This man's future is solely in his hands. More news broke out recently that Manziel's father, Paul Manziel, tried to get his son back into rehab, which the QB declined. Twice. This further hurts his image. 

For Manziel to truly make it back to the league and fulfill his potential, he will have to stay out of the news. That being easier said than done. There is a sense of vulnerability seen within Johnny. If your average heckler was able to get into Manziel's head, how can you expect the man with presumably no job in the NFL to stay quiet? 

It's look like its going to a tough road for Manziel, and as a true fan, I personally wish him the best. Nonetheless, his future as an NFL quarterback is slowly but surely dying out before our own eyes.  

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Meet the Emerging Talent, Myles Turner

Last Monday night, the 6-foot-11 Indiana Pacers rookie set Twitter ablaze with his ferocious block of Lebron James. 

Who exactly is Myles Turner? Here is a player that has been thrust into the starting lineup for Indiana and has been an instant impact. Yet, most likely, you haven't heard from him before the block of Lebron James. However, Turner has had an astounding two weeks. Two weeks in which he scored 31 points against the reigning champs, the Golden State Warriors and delivered a clutch, highlight reel block on one of the most prominent players in the game. 

Here is what Turner had to say about his block on Lebron James:

"I saw [LeBron's] man got beat and I was like, 'All right, screw it,'" Turner told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "There's no way I can just let him dunk it. It was a close game and a momentum-swinging play, so I just went up, hoped for the best and I happened to end up on the right side of things." 

Here is a look at the block in case you missed it.

Turner has come along way. Everyone has their own story on how they made it big, but Turner's was special. Turner grew up in a Dallas suburb that lived and breathed football. Being the athlete that he was, Turner tried out for the football team but was not cut out for the physicality and brutal nature of the sport. Myle's Dad, David Turner, had his son try baseball.

Baseball also didn't turn out well; one of his coaches told him he would never become anything special. That was just fuel to the fire for Turner. He focused all his energy and skills into the game of basketball.

Turner's parents struggled mightily trying to get their son into AAU tournaments out of high-school. The daily struggle was enough, but Turner breaking his ankle as a sophomore proved to be the breaking point for the young man. Questions arose as too whether Turner really wanted to continue the daily grind needed to produce on the court.

Turner didn't quit. It was his parents who kept him in check and helped him throughout his 6-month rehab. The hard work paid off and Myles Turner had quickly risen to the level of a 5-star recruit.

As a senior, Turner averaged 18.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 6.8 blocks a game. The obvious phone calls came. The likes of John Calipari, Mike Krzyzewski and Jim Boeheim all wanted their hands on Turner. Yet, he elected to stay close to home and play for the Texas Longhorns, the team he grew up rooting for.

Turner went on to have a terrific career at Texas, being voted the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. He was ultimately drafted 11th overall by Indiana this past summer.

Turner remembers the hard work it took to get him to this level. His confidence continues to grow now starting for the Pacers.  On January 17th, Turner scored 25 points in just 29 minutes. Ever since that game in Denver, Turner has taken off. He followed up that preformance with scoring games of 15, 31, 11 and 16.

The ceiling just keeps getting higher for the youngster. How high can it get? The rookie of the year candidates have already been set. Can Turner make a late push for the award? Watch your back rooks, Turner is coming.

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