2015 NFL Week 17 F30 S03-23 Season Finale

The end is nigh, or at least for this season.  EZ and Mr. Krez discuss the highs an lows of the season and present the venerable Studlies.   The Dudlies round out the awards and then we start looking at what next season might hold.  Who do you need to write down so you don't forget to grab?  Of course no football show could end the season without a discussion of the Super Bowl, and who we can expect to see matched up.

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2015 NFL Week 16 F30 S03-22

EZ hates football.  Krez doesn't care anymore.  And that means you have a more entertaining show!  Find out what's gotten into their respective craws.  Don't worry, they still have some great advice to help you if you are feeling a little worried about your championship game.  Consistency wins championships, but injury and suspensions can wreck your season.  We've got some picks to help you finish on top.  

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2015 NFL Week 15 F30 S03-21

EZ hates kickers, especially when he has to draft them in fantasy.  What other tips does he have?  Give this weeks episode a listen.  Injuries has cause problems for a lot of players this season, but who should you be going after to get you to the championship?  Mr. Krez and EZ have some names like Ben Watson and Russell Wilson, it's what they tell you to do with them that is important. Plus find out how JP has done in the Fantasy Fanalytics Daily Fantasy lineup on Draft Kings.

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2015 NFL Week 14 F30 S03-20

EZ and Mr. Krez are back at it this week.  AS the playoffs being in most season long fantasy leagues, EZ and Mr. Krez are out to keep you in the championship hunt.  Why do they think Lamar Miller and Austin Sefarian-Jenkins are special this week?  Do they advise to start Doug Martin this week?  Plus for those not in season long playoffs but still looking to quench the fantasy football thirst, EZ shares with you and JP some tips on playing daily fantasy.

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2015 NFL Week 13 F30 S03-19

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1. What do you like for the upcoming week
1. Offense
1. EZ - Carolina @ NO
2. Krez - PIT vs IND
1. IND - 17th vs QB,20th vs RB,21th vs WR,20th vs TE
2. IND D - worse on the road
2. Defense
1. EZ - ARZ @ STL
2. Krez - NE vs PHI
1. PHI - 3rd most turnovers this season
2. PHI given up 14 sacks, 4 INTs in last 4 weeks
3. PHI opp DST avg 16 pts in last 4 weeks
4. NE DST - 12th vs QB, 12th vs RB, 22nd vs WR
3. DFS
1. Cheap Play
1. EZ - Danny Amendola vs Philly
   $4700 (9.4%) DK, $6700 (11.1%) FD
2. Krez - David Johnson - RB, ARI @ STL
   $5900 (9.8%) FD, $3400 (6.8%) DK
1. CJ2K - out (broken leg), Ellington - Q (turf toe)
2. STL giving up avg 100 yds last 4 weeks
2. Spend the Cash
1. EZ - Cam Newton @ NO - $7400 (14.8%) DK, $9000 (15%) FD
2. Krez - Greg Olsen, TE - CAR @ NO
   $6600 (11%) FD, $6400 (12.8%) DK
1. NO - 32nd vs TE (19 PPG)
2. Who can afford to start / Can’t you afford to start
1. EZ - YES - Donte Moncrief @ PIT
2. Krez - YES - Ryan Tannehill, QB - MIA vs BAL
1. 7 TDs in last 7 games
2. BAL - 2nd most PPG to QB this season
3. EZ - NO - Dez Bryant vs WAS
4. Krez - NO - Lamar Miller, RB - MIA vs BAL
1. New OC
2. Losing touches to Jay Ajayi
3. Center Mike Pouncey is out
4. BAL - 5th fewest FPG to RB, only 2 backs +100 yds, only 5 TDs
5. EZ - NO - Thomas Rawls @ MIN
3. Krez’s Kompass          TWEETED SEGMENT
1. These guys may get you into the playoffs this week, but during the playoffs, dance with the ones that brought you…
1. David Johnson, RB - ARI
1. Tough playoff schedule:
   vs 13th (13), 28th (14), 17th (15), 22nd (16)
2. TE Injuries… Graham (out for season), Gronk (doubtful - knee, DNP), Eifert (left game - stinger, DNP)
1. Scott Chandler, TE - NE
1. Only viable if Gronk is out
2. vs 31st (13), 26th (14), 9th (15), 19th (16)
2. Vance McDonald, SF
1. Blaine Gabbert’s safety blanket (12 pts in 2 straight)
2. vs 28th (13), 15th (14), 23rd (15), 10th (16)
4. Bulls and Bears (Show only, not on the website)     TWEETED SEGMENT
1. Trade of the week
2. NFL Market
3. Initiate a trade for  . . .
5. Fantasy Fanalytics Presents: DFS Gameday on Draft Kings $5 50/50
1. QB - Cam Newton @ NO - $7400
2. RB1 - DeAngelo Williams vs IND - $5600
3. RB2 - David Johnson @ STL - $3400
4. WR1 - Odell Beckham Jr vs NYJ - $8900
5. WR2 - Alshon Jeffrey vs SF - $6900
6. WR3 - Danny Amendola vs Philly - $4700
7. TE - Greg Olsen @ NO - $6400
8. FLEX - Marvin Jones @ CLE - $3800
9. DEF - Redskins @ DAL - $2300
6. JP’s Points - report on Draft Kings DFS play
1. position - 8th
2. points - 172.6

2015 Week 12 F30 S03-18

Another week down and your Fantasy Football playoffs are looming.  EZ and Krez are hear to help you place the best lineup on the field.  Krez's Kompass will help you figure out how to handle injuries and which backups are worth their salt.  Of course they also give you season long picks and daily fantasy plays.  As always JP gives the Fantasy Fanalytics Daily Fantasy lineup.

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2015 Week 11 F30 S03-17

Things are getting crazy in the NFL.  Injuries have wiped out waiver wires in most fantasy leagues, leaving players no one has heard of.  How do you shore up your team for a playoff run in this environment?  Mr. Krez and EZ are here to help you figure it out.  From the best of the slim pickings to making trades EZ and Mr. Krez have your back on the Fantasy 30.

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2015 Week 10 F30 S03-16

EZ and Mr. Krez are watching a game that disagrees with Starbucks on celebrating the holidays, Jets vs. Bills.  While the game plays on their going to discuss how to get your fantasy team into shape for this weekend.  Krez's Kompass will get you set up for your leagues play off run and Bulls and Bears is going to point you to a foundation for next year if you are in a keeper or dynasty league.  Weekly starts and sits, plus the Whack 'Em segment on who to drop for this season.

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2015 Week 9 F30 Krez's Kompass S03-15KK

Krez's Kompass is a segment of the Fantasy 30 podcast where we explore the players you should look at on the waiver wire.  These are players that are going to be good picks for the next few weeks, or that you can get now before they become hot commodities.

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2015 Week 9 F30 Bulls and Bears segment S03-15BB

EZ is the master of the Fantasy Football trade and he wants to share his knowledge with you.  Along with the rest of the Fantasy 30 EZ provides insight into what you need to consider when looking at your line up to make a trade.  EZ has a deal for you.

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2015 Week 9 F30 S03-15

While the Ginny is in Montezuma, Mr. Krez and EZ get you the Fantasy Football information you need to keep your team on the wining track.  EZ give league commissioners some advice on handling the situation when trades go bad.  Mr. Krez's compass points to VD, listen to find out why.  We also discuss how many fans came to the bar to watch the Browns and the Bengals on Thursday night football.  Look out, for this weeks Fantasy 30.

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2015 Week 8 F30 S03-14

The Fantasy 30 brings it four week 8, providing the information you need to set your running backs and wide outs.  What quarterbacks are going to hold back your star players?  How are injuries going to affect your trades?  Krez's Kompass is going to lets you know who to grab off your waiver wire and Bulls and Bears examines EZ and Mr. Krez's trade from last week.  Get entertained as well as get fantasy football advice.

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2015 Week 7 F30 S03-13

Week seven is here and the Ginny has gone.  Don't worry, he'll be back, he just had to go help the Browns.  With what, you ask? Well you'll have to listen to find out.  Meanwhile EZ and Mr . Krez keep the ball in the air and answering your fantasy football.questions.  Krez's Kompass provides the advice you need on the waiver wire, while Bulls and Bears lists who is trading above their value.  Two masters of fantasy football are laying it on the line for you, and all you have to do is listen to benefit.

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2015 Week 6 F30 S03-12

Need to get your team back on track in Week 6?  Krez's Kompass will lead you to the end zone.  Plus check out who gets whacked this week.  EZ, the Ginny and Krez double down on the Ginny's signature segment to let you know who is dead weight.  The Ginny also steps his game up by adding a third gamble to the Ginny's Gamble, just to give you a little extra, 'cause, you know, he likes you.  EZ reviews his trades from last week in Bulls and Bears.  Plus starts, sits and DFS, all on this episode of the Fantasy 30.

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2015 Week 5 F30 S03-11

We're getting the band back together.  It's week five and we finally have a show with everyone at the table.  And we run the table with advice on who you need to start, sit, trade and grab.  DFS picks, along with season long picks make the Fantasy 30 your source for Fantasy Football advice.

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2015 Week 4 F30 S03-10

Week 4 is here and its time to set your lineup.  EZ has stepped away from the mic this week, but Mr. Krez and the Ginny are stepping up to fill the gap.  Of course we've got DFS picks from Fantasy Fanalytics for those of you playing daily, but we've also got solid advice for those of you in season long leagues.  Krez's Kompass will show you the direction when it comes to the waver wires, and the Ginny will provide you with a way to spend that extra cash in your pocket with the Ginny's Gamble.

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2015 Week 3 F30 S03-09

Week three is upon us and the Ginny has come back to the show, and boy does he celebrate his return.  Need a DFS lineup?  Fantasy Fanalytics has provided one for JP, and you can play it as well.  The consigliere returns to provide fantasy advice and Bulls and Bears will help you make trade decisions.  All that and the information you need for starts and sits on the Fantasy 30.

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2015 Week 2 F30 S03-08

New Season, New Lineup, New Segments, New Show

The Fantasy 30 is back for their second episode of the regular season, and EZ and Mr Krez bring you their take on all things fantasy football.  Come list to the guys that our guys say you cannot afford to start this week.  Also, a few fellas that you can't afford to leave on the bench too.  This episode is fully-loaded for must have information on season long, and DFS player alike. It is never too early to get on the "path to a championship".

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2015 Week 1 F30 S03-07

New Season, New Lineup, New Segments, New Show

The Fantasy 30 is back for another great year of fantasy football.  While Ginny has skipped town, something about a betting on the elections and watching a donkey, Mr. Krez permanently joins the lineup with EZ and they start the season off right, giving you the information you need for the best lineup.  New segments are designed to help you highlight a trade and find the players needed to fill in your roster.  Let's get to the football.


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F30 2015 Draft Special - Kickers and Team Defense

Kickers and Team Defense, they are what keep your team in the game and win it for you in overtime.  They aren't the most glorious positions on the field, but they are clutch.  We'll let you know who to draft, the answer might surprise you. The Fantasy 30 is giving you the information you need to have a successful draft in the 2015 fantasy football season.  The Special is broken down position by position helping you focus on building a strategy so on draft day you can pull an amazing line up.


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F30 2015 Draft Special - Tight Ends

We love Tight Ends, who doesn’t?  But the best in the NFL?  You’ll know after the show.  The Fantasy 30 is giving you the information you need to have a successful draft in the 2015 fantasy football season.  The Special is broken down position by position helping you focus on building a strategy so on draft day you can pull an amazing line up.

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F30 2015 Draft Special - Wide Receivers

Wide Receivers take the stage now. Is it speed or hands that make the difference?  Is the best combo really the best pick?  The Fantasy 30 is giving you the information you need to have a successful draft in the 2015 fantasy football season.  The Special is broken down position by position helping you focus on building a strategy so on draft day you can pull an amazing line up.

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F30 2015 Draft Special - Running Backs

Our Fantasy Draft Special continues with Running Backs. Who is the back to carry your team?  The Fantasy 30 is giving you the information you need to have a successful draft in the 2015 fantasy football season.  The Special is broken down position by position helping you focus on building a strategy so on draft day you can pull an amazing line up.

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F30 2015 Draft Special - Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks lead our Fantasy Draft Special onto the field.  Find out who is going to carry your team down the field.  The Fantasy 30 is giving you the information you need to have a successful draft in the 2015 fantasy football season.  The Special is broken down position by position helping you focus on building a strategy so on draft day you can pull an amazing line up.

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2015 Draft Strategy

Tips and tricks to help you have a productive draft.  With EZ, the Ginny, and Mr. Krez behind the microphone, your going to get creative, accurate and intelligent discussion on the best way to prepare for your Fantasy Football Draft.

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EZ Does It - 2015 NFL Draft Review - Ranks 1-10

Alright folks. For those that have been diligently awaiting the reveal of this draft's top 10, your time is now.  Below you will find the teams that I ranked as having the ten best drafts this past weekend.

For those that are grabbing this article first, read this to understand more about how the scoring system works, and which teams earned the bottom rankings.  Then check this out to see which teams were in the middle of the pack, and just missed the top ten.

Now, take a look below and see who the offseason draft champion was.

10. Tennessee Titans (C+)
1.02 - Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon (C)
2.08 - Dorial Beckham Green, WR, Missouri (B+)
3.02 - Jeremiah Poutasi, OT, Utah (D)
4.01 - Angelo Blackson, DT, Auburn (D+)
4.09 - Jalston Fowler, FB, Alabama (B-)
5.02 - David Cobb, RB, Minnesota (B-)
6.01 - Deiontrez Mount, LB, Louisville (C-)
6.32 - Andy Gallick, C, Boston College (B-)
7.28 - Tre McBride, WR, William & Mary (C)

The Titans were a terrible football team a year ago, and they used this opportunity to pull of a top ten haul, which can be a foundation for a future resurgence.  Ironically, it was their top selection, number two overall, that were among their worst picks, and I really like Mariota.

As I mentioned in my ratings piece, system fit is a really important part of the overall grade.  If Philly selected Mariota at 2, this pick is an A or better.  With Tennesse it is a C at best because he simply doesn't fit this offense, and I don't believe that Kenny Wisenhunt has any intention of reworking his offense for Marcus.  Poutasi and Blackson were tow other picks I really didn't care for as I felt both were reaches.

Still they pulled off a top ten draft on the strength of the rest of their selection.  I love the Beckham Green pick here.  He is an absolute first round talent, and if his troubles saty in his past, he joins Justin Hunter and Kendall Wright to make a scary 1-2-3 set for their new signal caller.  Andy Gallick could be an impact player from day 1, and they got him in round 6.  David Cobb will be an awesome complimentary back to the faster yet smaller Bishop Sankey, and with Jalston Fowler running in front of these guys, there will be some room.

Trading out of the two spot and collecting more assets could have turned this top ten draft into a top 5.

9. Detroit Lions (C+)
1.28 - Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke (A-)
2.22 - Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska (B+)
3.16 - Alex Carter, CB, Stanford (C-)
4.14 - Gabe Wright, NT, Auburn (C+)
5.32 - Michael Burton, FB, Rutgers (C)
6.24 - Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas (C-)
7.23 - Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina (F)

The Lions cam into this draft with 7 picks, and went home with 7 picks.  Not all were special, but enough were special enough to place this team in the top ten.

I fully expected the Lions would look at DT early, specifically Eddie Goldman, because it was such a need.  Instead, they stayed true to their board, and grabbed Tomlinson, who also happens to fill a position of need, on the offensive side of the ball.  Tomlinson will pair with the young Warford to give Detroit an excellent pair of interior studs for this line.  Then they grabbed Abdullah to fill the role vacated by the departure of Reggie Bush, a role which he will excel at.  They also still managed to address their need in the front of their D-line when they added the big boy, Gabe Wright in round 4.  They still need to do more, but Wright is a start.  I also like the pair of corners in Carter and Diggs.  Not sure either will start right away, but both should make this team, and contribute.

Well done by Detroit to capitalize on 5 of their 7 selections.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (B-)
1.22 - Bud Dupree, LB, Kentucky (B+)
2.24 - Senquez Golson, CB, Ole Miss (C)
3.23 - Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn (C)
4.22 - Doran Grant, CB, Ohio State (B+)
5.24 - Jesse James, TE, Penn State (C)
6.23 - Leterrius Walton, NT, Central Michigan (B)
6.36 - Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami (C)
7.22 - Gerod Holliman, S, Louisville (C+)

So how good were the drafts for the AFC North teams? Well Pittsburgh comes in at number 7 overall, and they had the LOWEST grade of any team in the division.  Kind of scary.

The Steelers are quite possibly the most consistent team when it comes to the draft.  They are not creative.  They don't trade around a lot.  They simply sit tight and take they guy with the best grade on their board.  Period.  Every time.  That is exactly what led this team to adding Bud Dupree in the first.  Sure he is a pass rushing linebacker, just like Jarvis Jones (2-yrs ago) and Ryan Shazier (last year).  But he was the best on their board, and he was available.  And Mike Tomlin and his staff will find ways to use him, and his knack at getting after opposing QBs.  They didn't reach for a corner or safety in round 1, but instead landed 3 new pieces to their secondary in Golson, Grant, and Holliman.  All three of these guys have a nose for the ball as they combined for 29 take-aways last year.  Since this is something the Steelers want to do more of, each will be a welcome addition.  My favorite pick for this team though was 6th rounder Leterrius Walton.  I had a 4th round grade on him, and speculated he would be a great fit for Pittsburgh.  He place the Nose hard, and he has a blue collar mentality that will quickly make him a fan favorite.

Really good job by Kevin Colbert, yet again.

7. Cleveland Browns (B-)
1.12 - Danny Shelton, NT, Washington (B+)
1.19 - Cam Erving, OL, Florida State (A)
2.19 - Nate Orchard, DE, Utah (C+)
3.13 - Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (C+)
3.32 - Xavier Cooper, DT, Washington State (B+)
4.16 - Ibraheim Campbell, S, Northwestern (C+)
4.24 - Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State (C-)
6.13 - Charlie Gaines, CB, Louisville (C)
6.19 - Malcolm Johnson, TE, Mississippi State (D)
6.22 - Randall Telfer, TE, USC (D)
7.02 - Haynes Pullard, LB, USC (C)
7.24 - Iko Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon (C)

The Browns?  A top ten draft?  Really?  Yes.  Absolutely.  Ray Farmer and company had 12 picks going into this draft, and when you make smart picks with the first 6, you are going to have a top ten class.  In fact, if not for all the extra picks (and the law of averages kicking in) the Browns could have landed even higher on this list.

The started the draft strong with the Shelton / Erving selections, and they now have young anchors for both of their lines.  Erving also provides insurance should Alex Mack bolt after this year.  Xavier Cooper was an excellent choice at the end of the third to fill their 5-technique role, as he is cut from a similar cloth as Haloti Ngata.  Nate Orchard will fill the pass rushing LB spot for this team, Campbell could push for playing time in that secondary early, and Duke Johnson helps this running game.  Even Charlie Gaines, Haynes Pullard, and Ikp Ekpre-Olomu could make this roster this year.

As I already mentioned, if not for a pair of questionable TEs, and a WR in Mayle who I am not that fond of, this was an excellent draft for the Browns.  Now, about that QB situation...

6. Miami Dolphins (B)
1.14 - Devante Parker, WR, Louisville (B)
2.20 - Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma (C-)
4.15 - Jamil Douglas, OG, Arizona State (C+)
5.09 - Bobby McCain, CB, Memphis (C)
5.13 - Jay Ajayi, RB, Bosie State (B+)
5.14 - Cedric Thompson, S, Minnesota (B)
5.20 - Tony Lippet, WR, Michigan State (C)

So how does a team who doesn't draft a sing player with a A grade crack the top 10?  Simple.  Land an average grade or better with every one of your seven picks.  No outstanding individual picks, but overall a very good draft because each piece fits.

With all of the hype going to Amari Cooper (deservedly) and Kevin White (less deservedly), Devante Parker was overlooked a bit, and that is a shame.  He is an excellent route runner who has a knack for separation.  Add a good pair of hand to it and you have the makings of an excellent pro wide out.  He still needs to hit the weight room a bit, but bulk and strength can be added.  Jamil Douglas will compete immediately for a starting OG position, Bobby McCain is an undersized, scrappy corner, who reminds me a lot of the Chargers Jason Verrett.  Scares about an overblown injury allowed for the Phins to grab a huge upside play at RB in Jay Ajayi and Cedric Thompson is one of my favorite Safeties in this draft.

They only pick I was even a little weary of was the selection of Jordan Phillips.  He was hurt in college, and adding another d-lineman, with a real need at pass rushing LB (and good players still available) was the only decision I can question.

5. Minnesota Vikings (B)
1.11 - Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State (B-)
2.13 - Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA (B)
3.24 - Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU (B+)
4.11 - TJ Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh (A)
5.07 - MyCole Pruitt, TE, Southern Illinois (C-)
5.10 - Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland (C)
6.09 - Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma (C-)
6.17 - BJ Dubose, DT, Louisville (F)
7.11 - Austin Shepherd, OT, Alabama (C)
7.15 - Edmond Robinson, LB, Newberry (F)

In a draft awfully similar to Cleveland's, Minnesota used their plethora of picks well, especially at the top, adding contributor after contributor for 5 of their first 6 picks.  It all started with the selection of Waynes, who will be a great addition to this secondary, pushing the incumbents to either play up, or move out.  Kendricks will pair with his former college teammate, last year's top selection, Anthony Barr, to create an excellent pair of young, ball-carrier seeking missiles.  Danielle Hunter can definitely bend the edge, and TJ Clemmings will be a future stud at OT, once he fully adapts to the position.  Even Stefon Diggs could be called on to contribute with his excellent speed, although it will likely be in a special teams capacity early on.

Outside of BJ Dubose, there was no other picks which I would deem throw-aways, and that leads Minnesota to an easy top ten draft, and a future to be excited about.

4. Baltimore Ravens (B+)
1.26 - Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida (B+)
2.23 - Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota (B-)
3.26 - Carl Davis, DT, Iowa (A-)
4.23 - ZaDarius Smith, LB, Kentucky (A-)
4.26 - Buck Allen, RB, Southern Cal (C-)
4.37 - Trey Walker, CB, Texas Southern (C)
5.35 - Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware (F)
5.40 - Robert Meyers, OG, Tennessee State (C-)
6.28 - Darren Waller, WR, Georgia Tech (C)

Year in and year out, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, continues to impress me with his management of his board, and the way he moves with the flow of the draft.  He knows when to move up, when to move down, and when to stay put to get the guy who he is targeting.

This year is no different, and again, Ozzie lands a top ten haul.  Perriman in the first was the exact right call to immediately, and completely replace Torrey Smith.  He is legit fast, and has size and pedigree to go along with it.  But best of all, he is a "hand-snatcher" at the receiver position, meaning he makes the grabs by attacking the ball with his hands rather than waiting for it to come into his body.  Maxx Williams will be a great fit in this system and should relieve some of the pressure on the oft injured Dennis Pitta.  Carl Davis and ZaDarius Smith are my two favorites from this class for this team though.  Davis will asked to fill the void left by Ngata.  That will be hard, but he has the skill set and potential to do it.  Smith will have the opportunity to learn under Suggs for a few years before he eventually replaces him.  He is an outstanding play chaser, and he has some underrated pass rush moves now.  Wait until he studies under Sizzle.

This was an excellent draft all around for the Ravens, which has become commonplace for this team.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (A-)
1.21 - Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, TAMU (C-)
2.21 - Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon (B+)
3.21 - Tyler Croft, TE, Rutgers (C)
3.35 - Paul Dawson, LB, Texas Christian (A)
4.21 - Josh Shaw, CB, Southern Cal (C+)
4.36 - Marcus Hardison, DE, Arizona State (C+)
5.21 - CJ Uzmoah, TE, Auburn (C-)
6.21 - Derron Smith, S, Fresno State (A-)
7.21 - Mario Alford, WR, West Virginia (F)

How good is this Bengals roster?  Well, they used their first two picks of this draft to select offensive tackles, neither of who will start this year, and none of the draft experts are giving them any heat for it.  Now that is a stacked roster.

Considering they added great talent throughout this draft to continue to build depth really made this a special draft for Cincy.  Jake Fisher is an awesomely athletic OT, who can absolutely play on the left side in this league.  Tyler Croft will pair with Tyler Eifert to give Andy Dalton a pair of athletic TEs who can stretch the seam.  Paul Dawson and Derron Smith were both crazy good selections though.  Dawson simply jumps off the tape at you when you watch him, and he becomes a perfect fit in this defense. Derron Smith should have gone off the board 4 rounds earlier, and for him to be there for the Bengals so late was just a gift.  Don't be surprised to see him as a starting Safety for this team in the 2016 season.

I understand the Ogbuehi pick, but I don't love it.  I think he is a bit limited to begin with, and coming off an injury hurts too.  Sure he will have the time, as he is essentially going to be able to redshirt this season, and maybe he develops into something more, but that is the one pick I really question.

Despite that, this was another fantastic draft for the perennial playoff participant, Cincinnati Bengals.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (A)
1.03 - Dante Fowler Jr, LB, Florida (A+)
2.04 - TJ Yeldon, RB, Alabama (B-)
3.03 - AJ Cann, OG, South Carolina (B+)
4.05 - James Sample, S, Louisville (C+)
5.03 - Rashad Green, WR, Florida State (C+)
6.04 - Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State (C+)
7.03 - Neal Sterling, WR, Monmouth (D)
7.12 - Ben Koyak, TE, Notre Dame (C+)

For the last two season, the Jags have been stockpiling talent, and this year's class was the best yet.  Having landed their offensive centerpiece last year at the 3rd overall selection (Blake Bortles), this year they add their defensive leader of the future in Dante Fowler.  Fowler is the perfect fit for Gus Bradley's Leo role, and will be terrorizing opposing QBs for years.  Fowler was one of the two highest single player grades in this whole draft (Leonard Williams was the only one higher), and Jacksonville needed this centerpiece.

To also add TJ Yeldon to be their new primary ball carrier, AJ Cann to the o-line, and other talents like Green (one of the most productive Seminole receivers in school history), Sample (top five safety on my board), Bennett (a fourth round grade who want in the 6th), and Koyak (a 4th round grade who went in the 7th), the Jags simply added great talent at great value all the way through.

I am very happy to see the Jags add a superb class here.  Hopefully for GM Dave Caldwell and HC Gus Bradley, it does not wind up being a great class for the next coach and GM.

1. Atlanta Falcons (A+)
1.08 - Vic Beasley, LB, Clemson (A)
2.10 - Jalen Collins, CB, LSU (A)
3.09 - Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana (A-)
4.08 - Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina (B-)
5.01 - Grady Jarrett, NT, Clemson (A-)
7.08 - Jake Rodgers, OT, Eastern Washington (F)
7.32 - Akeem King, DB, San Jose State (D)

How do you win the best draft overall?  Make 4 of your first 5 selections "A" range picks. Atlanta simply hit it out of the park with this draft.  There were a lot of other tams that had nice drafts, but in this draft, Atlanta is the smart kid who sits up front, and completely ruins the curve for everyone else.

Atlanta needed to do a better job of getting after the QB.  They spent their top pick on the second best pass rusher from this class.  Mission accomplished.  They needed to do a better job of shutting down opponents downfield attack.  They added Jalen Collins in the second round who should have been off the board in the first.  He has tremendous speed, and can cover well too.  He projects to be a number 1 corner in the league.  Mission accomplished.  The needed a more consistent threat carrying the ball, to take pressure off Matt Ryan and the passing game.  Tevin Coleman was one of the top RBs in the nation last year, and he did it on a broken foot.  Now he is healthy.  Mission accomplished.

Add into the mix Justin Hardy, who has blazing speed, and Grady Jarrett who is stout as stout can be at the point of attack against the run, and you have the best first 5 selections in this draft, by a substantial margin.

My only knock against the Falcons, is they did not add any valuable pieces to the o-line.  I still see this as an opportunity for this team, but they were not going to leap into the Super Bowl discussion with 1 draft.  Just wait for another year or two though, and watch out for those Birds.



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EZ Does It - 2015 NFL Draft Review 11-20

In our last post, we looked at the teams who ranked #21 - #32 from the most recent NFL Draft.  I also spent some time in that post outlining the limitations with ranking a draft immediately following it, and the way in which the rating were derived.  If you haven't already read this, I suggest you grab a copy here.

So lets keep on reviewing the teams, starting from #20 and working our way up to #11.

20. Washington Redskins (C-)
1.05 - Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa (B-)
2.06 - Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State (B-)
4.06 - Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke (C-)
4.13 - Arie Kouandjio, OG, Alabama (C)
5.05 - Martell Speight, LB, Arkansas (C+)
6.05 - Kyshoen Jarrett, S, Virginia Tech (C-)
6.06 - Tevin Mitchell, CB, Arkansas (C)
6.11 - Evan Spencer, WR, Ohio State (C-)
7.05 - Austin Reiter, C, South Florida (F)

In his first draft as General Manager, Scot McCloughan is already putting his stamp on this organization.  Considered by many as the best talent evaluator in football, McCloughan is starting to build the Skins using a formula that worked well in both San Francisco and Seattle.  He is looking to draft players who fit his system, and trade down where possible to amass additional picks.

Many are calling his first selection, Brandon Scherff, a reach at 5.  It may have been a slight reach, (3-4 picks max), but the truth is, Scherff fits his system perfectly.  It also kept him away from the rival Giants, so bonus points for him there.  I did knock him a bit because I would have tried to orchestrate a trade down to 7, to allow Chicago to trade up for Leonard Williams, and still grabbed Scherff at 7, but that is just a small knock.  Preston Smith is another phenomenal fit for the team, and I suspect Kouandjio, Speight, Mitchell, and Spencer will all be playing roles for this team next season.  I don't love Crowder like some others do, but still a well done first draft for McCloughan in Washington.

19. New England Patriots (C-)
1.32 - Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas (A)
2.32 - Jordan Richards, DB, Stanford (C-)
3.33 - Geneo Grissom, DE, Oklahoma (C+)
4.02 - Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas (C+)
4.12 - Tre Jackson, OG, Florida State (A+)
4.32 - Shaq Mason, C, Georgia Tech (C+)
5.30 - Joe Cardona, C, Navy (C-)
6.02 - Matthew Wells, LB, Mississippi State (C-)
6.26 - AJ Derby, TE, Arkansas (F)
7.30 - Daryl Roberts, CB, Marshall (C)
7.36 - Xzavier Dickson, LB, Alabama (C-)

Like the Seahawks, I struggle to be critical of the Patriots draft.  Every time I think they reach, they prove they know what they are doing and turn the pick into gold.  Maybe that will be the case for Jordan Richards this year.  I feel like it was a reach, but then again, Belichick knows what he is doing.  I also saw Joe Cardona and Matthew Wells in a similar light.

Now on the other side of the equation, I think the Pats grabbed two of the biggest steals in this draft.  Malcolm Brown, whom they took at the bottom of round 1 should have been a top 10-15 selection, and Tre Jackson, who they selected in the 4th round was slated on my board to go two full round earlier.  I also really like them adding both Shaq Mason, and Trey Flowers as well.  The 4th round of this year's draft by New England was one of the best draft rounds by any team in recent memory.

18. Arizona Cardinals (C)
1.24 - DJ Humphries, OT, Florida (B-)
2.26 - Markus Golden, LB, Missouri (B-)
3.22 - David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa (C)
4.17 - Rodney Gunter, DT, Deleware State (C-)
5.22 - Shaquille Riddick, DE, West Virginia (C-)
5.23 - JJ Nelson, WR, Alabama Birmingham (C-)
7.39 - Gerald Christian, TE, Louisville (F)

The Cards surprised many last season fighting for the divisional crown, but they have been a very good drafting team as of late, so the roster is really starting to fill out.  The top three picks this year will be no exception to that.  DJ Humphries has fantastic footwork, and his focus on playing the game from the ground-up, will allow him to bookend Jared Veldheer and give this team excellent young tackles.  Markus Golden is one of my favorite linebackers from this class, and I think David Johnson is the perfect compliment to Andre Ellington.

Unfortunately, the Cards left it off there.  Except for the possibility of JJ Nelson, I am not sure the remainder of this draft will result in the team adding contributors to this roster.  Nelson is blazing fast, and if he does in fact contribute, it will make covering him and fellow speedster John Brown a challenging proposition in Bruce Arians' air-it-out offense.

17. New Orleans Saints (C)
1.13 - Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford (D+)
1.31 - Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson (A-)
2.12 - Hau'oli Kikaha, LB, Washington (B+)
3.11 - Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State (C+)
3.14 - PJ Williams, CB, Florida State (C+)
5.12 - Davis Tull, LB, Chattanooga (C+)
5.18 - Tyeler Davidson, DT, Fresno State (C)
5.31 - Damien Swann, CB, Georgia (C-)
7.13 - Marcus Murphy, RB, Missouri (F)

I have made no secrete of my thoughts on how overrated I felt Andrus Peat is coming into this draft.  I know most of the experts disagree with me adamantly on this, but I am sticking to my evaluation, and thus the grade for the Saints with their top pick.

But for their next 5 picks after that, Mickey Loomis was locked in, and grabbed a bunch of talent.  I love Stephone Anthony and Davis Tull as their ILBs of the future.  I am thrilled to see them add Kikaha as they added a great kid with quite possibly the best motor in this draft.  I think they mitigated the behavioral risk with the talented PJ Williams, grabbing him mid third, and Garrett Grayson will have the best possible mentor in Drew Brees, to see if he can become the heir apparent.

Aside from Peat, and not addressing the TE position at all, I thought the Saints did a very good job.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (C)
1.01 - Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State (B-)
2.02 - Donovan Smith, OT, Penn State (C)
2.29 - Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart (C+)
4.25 - Kwon Alexander, LB, LSU (C+)
5.26 - Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska (C-)
6.08 - Kaelin Clay, WR, Utah (C-)
7.14 - Joey Iosefa, FB, Hawaii (C-)

I am neither a Jameis Winston supporter, nor hater.  I think the pick was the right choice for the Bucs, but I also wish there were other options available to them.  With Winston in the fold, the Bucs had some great opportunities, and they capitalized on some with the selections of Ali Marpet, Kwon Alexander, and Kenny Bell.  Although Alexander and Bell will start off providing depth, I suspect both will be special teams standouts, and start pushing for playing time soon.

Many others are very excited about Donovan Smith, but I am less so.  I agree the Bucs had to address the OT position, but with Jake Fisher still on the board, Smith was the wrong choice.  He has shown a propensity to be lazy on the football field, and when you are trying to rebuild, and your newest investment is a not very mobile QB, you have to have o-linemen who get after it.  Marpet is that.  Smith is not.

15. San Diego Chargers (C)
1.15 - Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin (A+)
2.16 - Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami (A)
3.19 - Craig Mager, CB, Texas State (D)
5.17 - Kyle Emmanuel, DE, North Dakota State (C)
6.16 - Darius Philon, DT, Arkansas (C)

The Chargers draft can be looked at in one of two lights.  Either it was an excellent draft held back by too few picks, and a big reach in the third, or it can be viewed as a poor overall draft, held up by two very good selections at the top.  This is why the grade ultimately lands them in the middle of the pack.

I have been saying all draft season long, Melvin Gordon was the top back on my board.  Even over the more talented Todd Gurley.  I see Gordon as a dynamo in the pros, and his fit in Sand Diego is perfect.  I also have been touting Denzel Perryman as well.  He was the top rated ILB on my board, because despite his size, this kid plays football.  Both are great additions to this team, and I suspect both will be in the starting lineup week 1.

The rest of the draft however was a bit lackluster.  I do like Philon a bit in the 6th, but this team really needs a big body up front to slow opponents running games, and I am not sold on Philon as the long term answer.

14. Chicago Bears (C+)
1.07 - Kevin White, WR, West Virginia (C+)
2.07 - Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State (A-)
3.07 - Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon (B-)
4.07 - Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State (C)
5.06 - Adrian Amos, S, Penn State (C)
6.07 - Tayo Fabuluje, OT, Texas Christian (F)

With only 6 picks to work with, the Bears had to make the best use of them, and between rounds 2 and 5, I think they did just that.  Eddie Goldman had a first round grade  on my board, and getting him in round 2, at a position of need looks great for Chicago.  Grasu was the second best C on my board, and I think Adrian Amos can develop into a starting caliber Safety if given some time.  Langford too will prove valuable as an option to carry the rock while Forte gets a breather.

Really my only knock is with White.  I don't dislike him, but I think his body of work is too slight to make a top ten call on this guy.  He screams upside, but coming from West Virginia, I see his stat line as a bit over-inflated.  I would have LOVED to see them deal up two spots with Washington in round 1 to grab Leonard Williams when he was falling instead.

13. New York Giants (C+)
1.09 - Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami (C-)
2.01 - Landon Collins, S, Alabama (A)
3.10 - Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA (B+)
5.08 - Mykkele Thompson, S, Texas (C-)
6.10 - Geremy Davis, WR, UConn (D+)
7.09 - Bobby Hart, OT, Florida State (D)

I think the Giants made one of the best selections of the draft when they traded up in the second round to grab Landon Collins.  Some call him a limited Safety, but the truth is, he is simply a very good box Safety, which is exactly what the Giants need.  I also am in love with the fit of Odighizuwa in this defense. All draft season, I have been comparing the raw yet talented Bruin to Jason Pierre Paul.  Double O is slightly less althletic, but has similar upside.  To have him playing on the other side of JPP is just too perfect.

The Giants could have had a much higher draft grade if not for their selection of Flowers in the first.  I don't see Flowers as a bad player, but I think it was a reach to take him in the top ten.  I know they wanted to get Scherff, and the Skins ruined that plan, but I would have rather seen them trade down, or take a best overall player strategy than reach for Flowers.

12. Houston Texans (C+)
1.16 - Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest (C-)
2.11 - Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State (B-)
3.06 - Jalen Strong, WR, Arizona State (A-)
5.39 - Keith Mumphery, WR, Michigam State (D)
6.35 - Reshard Cliett, LB, South Florida (C-)
6.40 - Christian Covington, DT, Rice (C)
7.18 - Kenny Hillard, RB, LSU (C-)

The Texans had the top overall selection in last year's draft, who missed so much time last season, it will be like having him brad new this year too.  With a healthy Clowney and Watt, McKinney will look really good in this defense.  I also absolutely love the addition of Jalen Strong in the third.  He had a first round grade on my board, and I understand his injury situation had him falling, but in the third, he was straight value.  Both Covington and Hillard could both be late round selections who are contributors quickly on this team too.

My biggest issue with the Texans draft was with Johnson at the top.  I like him as a corner, despite him being undersized, but I would have rather seen him go 10-20 picks later.  I think his size could be a liability, but only time will tell on this one.

11. New York Jets (C+)
1.06 - Leonard Williams, DE, Southern Cal (A+)
2.05 - Devin Smith, WR, Ohio State (C-)
3.18 - Lorenzo Mauldin, LB, Louisville (C+)
4.04 - Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor (B+)
5.16 - Jarvis Harrison, OG, TAMU (C+)
7.06 - Deon Simon, DT, Northwestern State (F)

The New York Jets made their first selection of the night at 6, and took advantage of other teams mistakes, specifically Tennessee's, of allowing Leonard Williams to fall.  He does not fill a position of need, and moreover, it will be interesting to see how new HC Todd Bowles uses him along with those other studs on the DL, but when you grab the best player in the whole draft, at 6 overall, you get an A+ for the pick.  I also love the team being daring with the selection of Bryce Petty in the 4th.  He needs some time in the hopper, but if Smith fails again this year, and Fitz can hold it down next, the Jets may have something special after that.  Mauldin is also a good pick for this team, and will help the linebacking corp immediately, and Harrison provides some much needed o-line depth.

For the Jets, their poor choice came in round 2.  Some folks are very high on Smith.  I am not.  I think his game is too one dimensional, and until he learns how to run routes other than a 9, I don't see him as a legit NFL weapon.  The good news is the Jets have other talent at the position (Marshall, Decker, and Kerley), so if Smith doesn't pan out, they are still OK.



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