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Post-Senior Bowl NFL Mock Draft

The NFL draft is more than 80 days away. These picks have changed based on performances from the 2016 Senior Bowl.

Meet the Emerging Talent, Myles Turner

Myles Turner is taking the NBA by storm.

2016 NFL Free-Agency Class

Take a look at what free agents are out for grabs after this season.

The Sunday Spotlight

Ronnie Stanley is the focus of this week's Sunday Spotlight.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

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.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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. 

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.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

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?

Sunday, February 7, 2016

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. 


Saturday, February 6, 2016

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.  

Friday, February 5, 2016

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.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

2016 Dunk Contest: Who We Really Wanted to See


The 2016 Dunk Contest participants have been named. Denver's Will Barton, Detroit's Andre Drummond and Orlando's Aaron Gordon will be joining reigning champ Zach Lavine in this year's dunk contest. No complaints to see Lavine back defending his title. Lavine was electrifying to say the least.

Andre Drummond, the only all-star on participating in the contest, is more of an in-game dunker and gets most of his dunks off lobs when rolling off a screen. It'll be hard to imagine the 6'11, 280 pound monster flying high on February 13th. Will Barton and Aaron Gordon are names unfamiliar to the casual fan. Barton and Gordon can really fly but are hardly key roles to their teams winning on the court. Does that matter?

Every year we ask the same question. Where are the stars? I think we are past the campaigns to see Lebron James preform in the contest. He is getting up there in age and may not bring the flare we expect him too. So we won't have Lebron on this list. Yet, here are some of the players we actually want to see in the Dunk Contest.

Russell Westbrook PG, Oklahoma City Thunder


Need we say more with Russell Westbrook. The OKC point guard brings energy and excitement in everything he does on the court, and that's during the long regular season grind. With the spotlight on him, Westbrook would be sure to deliver if he was in the dunk contest.

Andrew Wiggins, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves


Minnesota has another young high-flyer in former number one overall pick Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins, who assisted teammate Levine in 2015's dunk contest, can bring his own flare to the game. Who wouldn't want to see T-Wolves' teammates go head to head for the crown?

DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers


DeAndre Jordan, similarly to Drummond, in a primarily lob dunker who has the ability to posterize and presumably end players careers. Yet, we saw what Dwight Howard did in previous years. Maybe Jordan can just have people stand under the basket and we can watch him dunk all over them.  

Some younger, less-known names to look forward too are Nerlens Noel, the Knicks Derrick Williams, The Jazz's Rudy Gobert, or even Kristaps Porzingis, another New York Knick.You have another player you would like to see in the Dunk Contest? Leave the name in the comment section below. 

NFL Pro Bowl Revamp


Let's face it. We know how hard the Pro Bowl can be to watch. For you and I, the more invested fan, it may not be so difficult. However, to the casual fan, this is flat out unwatchable. The Pro Bowl can have its moments to be fair. Players still make great throws and catches. That doesn't take away the lack of tackling and competitiveness seen throughout the game that gives off a sense of disingenuous football. We know its an exhibition game. We know players don't want to risk injury. This is all fine.

Yet, how can we make this more entertaining for the fans? Let's start with what the Pro Bowl gets right. This is a game for the fans so the fans earn the right to pick who they want to see. The backyard captain style of drafting players is a plus. The game staying in Hawaii is also a huge plus. That's pretty much where the good part ends.

Here are some changes and innovations we at The FreeLancers think should come to the Pro Bowl in 2017.

An All-Star Weekend

Much like the NBA, the NFL should adopt an All-Star Weekend. Call it the Pro Bowl Weekend. Have events leading up to the game itself. There's no doubt people will come fill the seats for two more days in Hawaii. Adding two more days of football would surely increase profit, which the NFL would comply with. Here are some ideas as to what the other two days of events could consist.

A Rising Stars Bowl

I know, more NBA comparisons. Having a game between NFC and AFC rookie or sophomore players could be very interesting. Although, this may mean these players wouldn't partake in the actual Pro Bowl on Sunday.

Top Collegiate players play top NFL players

We are all sick of the "Could Alabama beat the Titans?" talk. This game would put an end to it. However, this idea would be unlikely as many of the top collegiate players would have serious risk of hurting their draft stock. Playing against the top NFL players could expose a player or severely injury them.

A Flag Football Game

This would give fans the opportunity to get to know the best players in the NFL by their faces, not just through a visor or name on the back of a jersey. Also, seeing these athletes fly without pads holding them back will be interesting to see. They're in Hawaii as it is, why not play in shorts and a t-shirt?

WR/CB 1-on-1s 

For those who have played football as a kid or in high school, we know that one of the funnest parts of practice were WR/CB 1-on-1s.

Punt Pass Kick Competition 

Punt/Pass/Kick competitions are a great way to get kids to compete amongst each other while still having fun. Seeing NFL players like Richard Sherman, Julio Jones or Odell Beckham participating in this kind of competition would be intriguing.

Field Goal Competitions

Seeing non-kickers try to hit a field goal may alleviate some of the pressure of Blair Walsh. That being said, watching top NFL players try to kick a field goal would be great.

One Hand Catch Competitions


We all see the amount attention Odell Beckham gets before a Giants game. His pre-game show of one-hand catches is a spectacle and to see other great receivers do the same would be fun.

Position Swaps/Swap Field

Some were intrigued to see Richard Sherman play offense and Odell Beckham and Devonta Freeman play defense. How about a game where defensive players solely play offense and vice versa?

There are more serious changes that could take place to change the Pro Bowl off the field:

  • Moving Pro-Bowl to after the Super Bowl again
  • Repercussions for not attending
  • More Fan interactions
  • Better incentives that may involve the next football season
There are those who will see some of these event ideas and think the Pro Bowl will be a joke. That's not what we want to see, the game become a joke. However, watching that "game" this past Sunday wasn't far from a joke. Some of the ideas mentioned here are less realistic than others. Nonetheless, some of these are fun. Leave a comment on what you think below.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Post-Senior Bowl NFL Mock Draft

The NFL draft is more than 80 days away. These projections are sure to change. These picks have changed based on performances from the 2016 Senior Bowl.

2016 NFL Mock Draft

1. Tennessee Titans- Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Priority number one- keep Mariota off his back. Taylor Lewon simply hasn't panned out. Titans take the number one tackle.

2. Cleveland Browns- Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Wentz is the trendy pick. He was solid in the 2016 Senior Bowl. Cleveland will acquire a quarterback with an ideal frame and all the skill sets to thrive at the next level.

3. San Diego Chargers- 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.

4. Dallas Cowboys- Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
The Dallas D still lacks identity. Drafting the Ohio State product, arguably the best overall player in the draft, will add instant production along the defensive line. QB may be the trendy pick, but Dallas plays it safe.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State
The Jaguars would like to add depth along the defensive line. However, the secondary needs to get addressed immediately. Whether Jacksonville buys big on DT or CB this upcoming free agency will tie into this pick.

6. Baltimore Ravens- DeForest Buckner, DT, Oregon
The Ravens are missing Haloti Ngata, and are seeing the end of Terrell Suggs career. A stud on defense would give the Ravens their identity back. Hargreaves and Treadwell are possibilities.

7. San Francisco 49ers- Jared Goff, QB, California
San Fran' will happily take Goff at seven. This situation reminds me of the one in Seattle when Flynn was signed. The 'Hawks brought in Flynn and drafted Wilson so they can compete. The 49ers will stick with Kaep, and have Goff competing by his side.  

8. Miami Dolphins- Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida 
Brent Grimes is turning 33. The defense needs to add talent and Hargreaves gives that and more. The Dolphins really need interior line help, but the value is not there.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The team's defense thrived on the pass rush for years. They lacked a pass rush in 2015 and will add Lawson to help fix that situation.

10. New York Giants- Kevin Dodd, DE, Clemson
Back to back Clemson players here. We got to see what life is like without JPP, he may still not be 100% and will also be testing the market. Elliot is a pick to look at as well, the RB position wasn't too productive. However the Giant offense still got by.

11. Chicago Bears- Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
Chicago also lacks a prominent pass rusher. They get the best inside linebacker in the draft who can do it all. Baltimore will look to get back to their identity, so will Chicago here.

12. New Orleans Saints- Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State
The Saints can use all the help they can get on defense. Mackensie Alexander's stock is falling because of his injuries. A solid corner in the first round will help build the defense.

13. Philadelphia Eagles- Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
The Eagles receiving corps is full of C-grade players. Protection was not great last year, but Bradford still managed to put up okay numbers. Adding a potential A-grade player in Treadwell is too good to pass up.

14. Oakland Raiders- Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
D.J. Hayden has not panned out to what Raider fans and executives were expecting. The Raiders lack youth and talent in the secondary, and in a passing league, talented corners are a must.

15. Los Angeles Rams- Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
The Rams are sure to pick a QB here, whether its Goff, Wentz, or in this case Lynch. The Rams are expected to bring in an RG3 or Manziel to try for the job. Developing a young talent under center would be a better route.

16. Detroit Lions- Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Riley Reiff looks to be more suited to play right tackle or guard. He has played solidly but the Lions could use some help along the offensive line. Receiver may come into play at this spot since Calvin Johnson's recent retirement.

17. Atlanta Falcons- Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
Nkemdiche was a sure-fire top 5 pick when the 2015 college football season started. Off-field issues have arose since then and his stock has fallen because of it. We saw what happened to Randy Gregory last year. Nkemdiche falls to 17.

18. Indianapolis Colts- Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame
The Colts have a glaring need to solidify the offensive line. Not picking one could outrage fans, but Jaylon Smith is still on the board at 18. The Colts do not have young talent on defense. Jaylon Smith is a player they could build around.

19. Buffalo Bills- A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Bills could use some added depth along the defensive line. It seems as though Cordy Glenn will get signed up, reaching for an offensive lineman here wouldn't be smart.

20. New York Jets- Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
D'Brickashaw Ferguson has a huge cap hit looming. Expect him to be gone. Whoever plays quarterback for the Jets this coming year needs to be protected. The Jets have solid players on offense and defense. It's a matter of getting good quarterback play consistently.

21. Washington Redskins- Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Competition along the defensive line will be paramount this upcoming season. No young talents sprung out. Reed will make an immediate impact on the field.

22. Houston Texans- Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State
The Texans miss out on a quarterback here unless they move up. Sticking it out with Hoyer may be the best option. Elliot has traits similar to that of Arian Foster's. He can catch the ball out of the back field and has a knack for making big plays.

23. Minnesota Vikings- Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
The Vikings are all smiles with the emergence of Stefon Diggs this past season. If the offense can get another weapon to help Bridgewater in the passing game, this team could be very dangerous.

24. Cincinnati Bengals- Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
Could be the biggest steal of the draft. Ragland could be the first inside linebacker taken this draft. Cinci will have key linebackers hitting free agency as well as Burfict being suspended next year.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
The Steelers flat out cannot stop the pass. New blood at the position may result in some added energy and depth. Fuller is length and has solid technique.

26. Seattle Seahawks- Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
We think the Seattle defense is indestructible. Well, all things come to an end. The Seahawks will try to not let that happen. They have key defensive tackles ready to hit the market. Adding some young inexpensive talent would be great.

27. Green Bay Packers- Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
Going TE here may be an option, however, the Packers have to many holes along the entire defense. B.J. Raji is also set to test the market.

28. Kansas City Chiefs-Darron Lee, LB, Ohio State
Linebacker is not a glaring need for Kansas City but Lee at 28 may also be a steal. Lee is a phenomenal inside backer who could keep the production level high in KC.

29. Arizona Cardinals- Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
The Cardinal defense has young talent in the secondary but have no rising stars along the front seven. Georgia's Floyd will bring some speed and flash on the outside.

30. Denver Broncos- Vadal Alexander, OG, LSU
The defense is stacked on this team and has no holes on that side of the field. Osweiler looks to be the guy in the future, protecting him will only help him develop better. TE and RB could also be an option.

31. Carolina Panthers- Darian Thompson, S, Boise State.
Carolina could use a stout safety who is young and coachable. Coleman, who makes plays from time to time, is not the answer long term for the Panthers. Thompson's stock is rising.