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Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes knew what play to run to clinch AFC Title
Jay Robins’ 2025 NFL Draft Top 50 Big Board
Who are the top 50 prospects in this draft class? NFL Draft expert Jay Robins debut’s his first Big Board prior to the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl All Star games. Tier 1: The Blue Chips Travis Hunter, WR1/CB1, Colorado Abdul Carter, EDGE/LB1, Penn State Ashton Jeanty, RB1, Boise State Mason Graham, DT1, Michigan Will Johnson, CB2, Michigan Tetairoa McMillan, WR2, Arizona Malachi Starks, S1, Georgia The Top 6 prospects are some amazing players, with the potential to be true franchise altering pieces to teams in the beginning of the draft. TRAVIS HUNTER WENT OFF VS. OKLAHOMA STATE 10 REC116 YDS3 TD1 INT 12 is different. pic.twitter.com/p3SUxhQLl0 — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 29, 2024 We all know these players at this point, and they will be taken in the top 10 barring anything crazy in the pre-draft process. Tier 2: The Round 1 Grades 8. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT1, Texas 9. Tyler Warren, TE1, Penn State 10. Will Campbell, OT2/OG1, LSU 11. Jalon Walker, EDGE2/LB2, Georgia 12. James Pearce Jr., EDGE3, Tennessee 13. Nic Scourton, EDGE4, Texas A&M 14. Josh Simmons, OT3, Ohio State 15. Omarion Hampton, RB2, North Carolina 16. Josh Conerly, OT4. Oregon 17. Mike Greene, EDGE5, Marshall 18. Luther Burden, WR3, Missouri 19. Cam Ward, QB1, Miami Here we get to the heart of Round 1, and boy is there a lot of talent at EDGE and Offensive Tackle in this tier (5 and 4 each respectively). Banks, Campbell, Simmons, and Conerly will be the 4 Tackles battling it out for the top linemen taken in this draft class, and all will be Day 1 starters on their respective lines. Malachi Starks is the top safety prospect in the draft, with high end athleticism and versatility combines with sensational instincts. Tyler Warren is not far behind on my board, making it a tough decision if the Colts have to choose between these two if they make it to pick 14. Wouldn’t rule out a trade up for the two. Oh my goodness. This is why Malaki Starks is a blue chip prospect pic.twitter.com/NqkR9qS3G9 — Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 31, 2024 Cam Ward is the only Round 1 graded QB on my board, and will of course likely get drafted much higher than this early on in the draft. Whether a team trades up for him or not is another story. Tier 3: The Round 1-2 Grades 20. Jahdae Barron, CB3, Texas 21. Walter Nolen, DT2, Ole Miss 22. Colston Loveland, TE2, Michigan 23. Trey Amos, CB4, Ole Miss 24. Egmeka Egbuka, WR4, Ohio State 25. Xavier Watts, S2, Notre Dame 26. Kenneth Grant, DT3, Michigan 27. Donovan Jackson, OG1, Ohio State 28. Arand Membou, OT5, Mizzou This tier has a lot of players I have graded as potential late Round 1 picks, but could sneak into the start of Round 2. Everyone’s favorite Round 2 Mock draft pick for the Colts falls in this category: Xavier Watts. Sadly I don’t see him falling to pick 45 barring a really poor showing at the NFL Combine. #ND S Xavier Watts is one of my favorite players in the class. He’s a highly instinctual player who showcases top-tier FB IQ + Play Recognition. Over the past two seasons: 13 INTs, 14 PBUs, 0 TDs allowed, 1 penalty The former WR/LB has become a legit ballhawk in the backend. pic.twitter.com/loYBlGINAj — Noah Compton (@nerlens_) January 23, 2025 Jahdae Barron has a lot of pro ready traits and versatility. While he might not fit the Colts prototype and need, he is likely going to be a very productive nickel in the NFL. Trey Amos meanwhile fits the Colts prototype at CB to a tee with his size, press ability, and athleticism. Colston Loveland is my TE2 and a very pro ready TE with his receiving ability, route running, and hands. He has the size to be a really good blocking tight end but he needs to develop a little bit there. Should the Colts trade back in Round 1, these two are very likely targets if the Colts want to target Tight End or Corner early. Tier 4: Round 2 Grades 29. Princely Umanmielen, EDGE6, Ole Miss 30. Shemar Stewart, EDGE7, Texas A&M 31. Shavon Revel, CB5, Eastern Carolina 32. Benjamin Morrison, CB6, Notre Dame 33. Trey’veon Henderson, RB3, Ohio State 34. Mykel Williams, EDGE8/LB3, Georgia 35. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE9, Boston College 36. Jihaad Campbell, LB3, Alabama 37. Nick Emmanwori, S3, South Carolina 38. Cam Skattebo, RB4, Arizona 39. Kaleb Johnson, RB5, Iowa 40. Harold Fannin Jr., TE3, Bowling Green 41. Carson Schwesinger, LB4, UCLA 42. Xavier Restrepo, WR5, Miami 43. Dylan Sampson, RB6, Tennessee 44. Shadeur Sanders, QB2, Colorado Welcome to the “I hope these guys are here at 45” tier. So many EDGEs, some LB hybrids (and Schwesinger), and a lot of RBs in this tier. I can see my rankings at these positions changing over time, as it feels like evaluating these players is splitting hairs. Shavon Revel and Benjamin Morrison are two Corners who would have been Round 1 locks in Tier 2 if they didn’t suffer season ending injuries to ACL and Hip injuries respectively. Their medicals at the Scouting Combine will be crucial for my evaluation of them heading into the Draft. You won’t find many (or perhaps any) better press-man/match cornerbacks in this draft class than East Carolina’s Shavon Revel. Amazing movement for a 6’3″ guy. The torn ACL obviously sucks, but a fully healthy Revel should be a high first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/Sao6Tt1aqZ — Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) December 20, 2024 Harold Fannin Jr. is a very fun Yards After Catch threat who lined up everywhere. His 2024 season he was the Bowling Green offense. The issues stand at his blocking base with his smaller frame, as well not as much wiggle as I expected. He still is a very effective underneath and downfield threat with reliable hands, but he will be very landing spot dependent to see if his NFL team would
Message to Mark Davis: Allow stability
Mark Davis | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images This is a chance for change Monday, after introducing yet another new pair of leaders for his organization, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis joked with reporters that he doesn’t want to bring in a new regime on a yearly basis. It’s really not funny. That’s basically what Davis has been doing. He has fired six full-time head coaches and five general manager in just more than 13 years of ownership. He has hired a new coach and new general manager three times since 2022. So, as Pete Carroll takes over as the head coach and John Spytek takes over as the general manager, the Raiders must hope that they have finally got it right and they can finally work toward building a reputable, winning program. Davis is the common denominator in all of the Raiders’ flux. for the team to finally have success, Davis simply has to step back allow Spytek and Carroll to bring stability. Davis was on the right track when allowed new part owners, led by Tom Brady, to take big roles in the hiring process, and both Spytek and Carroll made it clear Monday they will lean on Brady for input on personnel moves. This is a good thing. Davis is not a football guy. He allowed Jon Gruden freedom, but he was Jon Gruden and he got in his own way and his hand-picked general manager Mike Mayock, was better at talking about football than hew as in a leadership role. Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler were self-centered egos that never meshed with the organization. The job was too too much too soon for Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco was never truly allowed to do his job. Now, steps in Carroll and Spytek. They both said all the right things. But they also have a history of success. Carroll has won a Super Bowl as a head coach and he has 18 years experience as a head coach. Spytek has won two Super Bowl as a front-office type. They have a chance to be a legitimate NFL coach/GM pair and they have a chance to bring stability to this franchise that badly needs it. Davis just has to sit back and allow that to happen.
PFF: Highest-graded Bills players on defense vs. the Chiefs
PFF: Highest-graded Bills players on defense vs. the Chiefs PFF: Highest-graded Bills players on defense vs. the Chiefs Kam Towle The Buffalo Bills fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 32-29 in the conference championship at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Statistics might help determine who played well or not, and so may the eye test. But, let’s take it a step further with some help from the analytics folks at Pro Football Focus. Using PFF grades, here are the five highest-graded players from the Bills defense against the Chiefs. 5. Dawuane Smoot Getty Images PFF grade: 66.9. 4. Greg Rousseau USA TODAY Sports PFF grade: 67.1. 3. Terrel Bernard Getty Images PFF grade: 67.9. 2. Von Miller Getty Images PFF grade: 70.0. 1. Ed Oliver Imagn Images PFF grade: 76.3. Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Eagles Rookie Report Card: Quinyon Mitchell gets his second interception
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images Weekly check in on Philadelphia’s 2024 NFL Draft class. The Eagles are Super Bowl bound after a full team effort to shellac the Commanders in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles got outstanding contributions from their rookies in this big win! Quinyon Mitchell: A+ Arguably the rookie’s best game of his outstanding young career. After some concerns about a shoulder injury sustained last week, Quinyon Mitchell allowed two catches all game and picked off a pass late to basically end the Commanders chances. He was dominant. Cooper DeJean: A Cooper DeJean played a great game despite Washington trying to pick on him quite a bit. DeJean knocked away two passes and barely allowed any yards after the catch. He also kicked ass as a run defender, playing like another linebacker near the line of scrimmage. Jalyx Hunt: B+ Despite not getting any sacks, Jalyx Hunt had a more even game than he’s had all season. Hunt got consistent pressure off the edge and played solid run defense. An encouraging game from the rook! Will Shipley: A+ Will Shipley would’ve gotten a high grade if he didn’t touch the ball on offense at all. The rookie running back had a forced fumble early in the game on kick coverage to give the Eagles the ball deep in Washington’s territory. Factor in a huge run and a garbage time touchdown and it was a day to remember for the first-year ball carrier.
Les Snead’s FaceTime with Liam Coen to congratulate him on Jaguars job
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images Rams GM says Jaguars have “the best mascot” in the NFL The Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision to hire Liam Coen — and the strange way it all went down — was heavily tied back to the Los Angeles Rams. It makes sense then that the Jaguars highlighted a conversation between Coen, Rams GM Les Snead, and Coen’s agent Jacques McClendon on Monday. McClendon worked for Snead as the Director of Player Development on the Rams and made sure to get him on a FaceTime with Coen on Monday: “From night phone calls to this, brother,” said McClendon to his former boss. “Heck yeah. I love the logo,” replied Snead. Rams GM Les Snead showing love on Coach Coen’s first day #DUUUVAL — Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 27, 2025 Snead said “Welcome to Duval County” and “They got the best mascot in football” to Coen as they stood in Jaguars headquarters on Monday. McClendon played 25 games in the NFL, most of them with the Jaguars, and was hired by the Rams in 2017 to work in the front office. He now represents Coen, a former Sean McVay assistant and L.A.’s offensive coordinator in 2022. The 39-year-old Coen now runs the Jaguars offense, the team, and by helping get Trent Baalke fired as GM, pretty much runs the entire front office too. Amazing work for a coach who was back at Kentucky in 2023 and has only spent two years as an NFL offensive coordinator. His next job? Fixing Trevor Lawrence. Best mascot in the game? Maybe. Best quarterback? Not quite.
Bills Fans raise over $140K for Charity supported by Mark Andrews
Bills Fans raise over $140K for Charity supported by Mark Andrews paulbanks In the NFL, trash talk between opposing sides can often get extremely nasty. And that’s why it always warms the heart on those rare occasions when you see two opposing fan bases come together. Buffalo Bills fans, who playfully call themselves the “Bills Mafia,” have launched a GoFundMe drive to benefit Breakthrough T1D, a charity focusing on type 1 diabetes research and advocacy. They are a non-profit group championed by Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who is himself a diabetic. After Andrews was unable to catch the potentially game-tying 2-point conversion attempt last weekend, in the Ravens’ 27-25 divisional playoff loss at the Bills, he was subjected to an egregiously high level of online abuse. He even received a large amount of death threats. In a show of sympathy and support for the Ravens tight end, the Bills Mafia started the charity drive to raise $5,000 for juvenile diabetes research. As of this writing, Sunday afternoon, January 26th, they have raised $142,524! Now, the charity drive has a new goal: $160,000. Given the traction this story is getting, one has to feel pretty confident that they’ll reach the new benchmark. Given the adversity the three-time Pro Bowler has been through lately, it’s terrific to see some good news come his way. Andrews is more than just the all-time Ravens franchise touchdown leader. He’s a genuinely lovely guy who saved a woman’s life earlier this season. And the good guys in the NFL don’t really get as much publicity as they should. Houston Texans linebacker Neville Hewitt is another NFL player who is doing great things off the field, but those good deeds usually go unnoticed. He dedicated his “My Cause, My Cleats” footwear initiative to The Freedom Child Foundation, an organization that helps the children of incarcerated parents. “It’s cool to be together now, especially after all that we’ve been through, and to be with these kids now,” Hewitt said in an exclusive interview with RG, conducted at a charity event he hosted for local children. “I can inspire them. It was awesome to be with other people with a similar story as mine and give back.” Another example is Philadelphia Eagles franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is big on raising funding for autism research. He spoke with NBC 10 Philadelphia about why helping children stricken with autism is a cause that is so near and dear to his heart.
Minnesota Vikings’ Offseason Plan with Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images The Vikings have their work cut out for them this offseason The Minnesota Vikings’ offseason is in full swing, starting with Kevin O’Connell’s contract extension, but that’s just the beginning. Join us as Ben Goessling from the Star Tribune provides an in-depth look at what’s next for the Vikings this offseason. We’ll cover everything from a potential Kwesi Adofo-Mensah extension, the future of Sam Darnold, plans for the interior offensive line, and strategies to replace key players like Cam Bynum, Harrison Smith, and Byron Murphy. Ben’s insights are invaluable, and this episode is packed with information you won’t want to miss. It’s a must-listen for every Vikings fan! Tune in and stay ahead of the game with all the latest updates All that and more! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!
Mike McDaniel/Chris Grier acceptable level of success in 2025 according to you!
Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images Last week, I wrote about how many Miami Dolphins fans wanted either Chris Grier, Mike McDaniel, or both to be fired following the disappointing 2024 season. I then posed the following question regarding the futures of these two men with the franchise beyond the 2025 NFL season: What level of progress in the record, making it to the playoffs, winning a playoff game, or going beyond that in the playoffs do you find an acceptable level of improvement year over year to bring both back in 2026? Below are your thoughts and answers based on the question of the day- Bill Moody wants to see something our fans have not seen since December 30th, 2000. If not, he says tear it down and try again. Given the $$$ Ross has thrown at this thing, it’s a hard point to argue with. Ohh its at “Win a Play-Off Game”. That was the bar for last season, and its not going down. I’ll be kind and not raise it, but if we cannot be a competitive play-off team next year, shit can this whole rebuild including the GM and coaches. Jptapt is on board with Bill Moody, except Grier should be gone no matter what happens. Even though I don’t see it happening, winning one playoff game is an acceptable level of improvement for the team; but nothing can convince me to keep Grier. Even multiple playoff wins would be too little, too late. McDaniel could stay for another year with the win. Spok507 sees it as a three-point plan. I think winning the division is the goal. After years of losing to Buffalo (and now Vrabel in NE and whoever in NY), we need to step forward and make sure we secure a home field advantage for a play-off game. So basically, beating Buffalo is the first hurdle, winning the East the second, and winning a play-off game the third. That’ll involve better management, a tougher mind-set, less injuries and smarter play. If they can’t do that, then I’m afraid it’s time to move on from Grier/McD/Tua and find a combination that can move the franchise forward. finfanfromsiam says no way! With the roster as it stands? No way in one draft cycle(regardless of who makes the picks) this team gets fixed what ails it(namely IOL none the less other holes) and can win a playoff game(with the current play caller). Miami7 wants 12 wins and a playoff win but notes that it is still far short of where we should be by now. Level of progress in their record? At least 12 wins Make it to playoffs? Without question Winning a playoff game? Definitely, at least one. Going beyond that? Depends on how they accomplish all of the above. Was it due to unforeseen advantages like Josh Allen/Mahomes/Burrow/Stroud ALL being injured and missing significant time and ‘backing into it? Or did they actually EARN it? As Slayer eloquently pointed out – it’s year 4 and we ‘should’ be going to the SB! But I’d settle for an AFC Championship loss at this point. But they aren’t sniffin’ the AFC Championship in our WILDEST dreams so………..can’t wait for the financial damages Grier inflicts upon 2026 & beyond in his desperation this offseason. Nothing will change. Hasn’t for how long now? MIAMI235 wants to at least win the division. Start with getting past Buffalo and winning our Division. There isn’t any measure of improvement till we do that. Left Shark says it ain’t happening! Not that hopeful as other AFC teams seem to be getting better and pushing us back down toward the middle. Without wholesale changes from the top down, I expect more of the same if not a further decline. I don’t see this roster getting a home field playoff game and don’t see them beating playoff teams on the road. Look how important home field is. Sorry, but just being realistic SlayerNation1 wants to tear it down! Acceptable Level is whatever finally gets Ross to a tipping point to do a rebuild, meaning GM/HC/QB et al. Everyone stick to your convictions. 2022: make the playoffs; 2023: win division/playoff game; 2024: make AFCCG Tua’s injuries don’t look to have an effect the goals laid out in 2022 because Tua is not a big game QB. Mikey is not a big game HC. The acceptable level needn’t change in year four, which is really a SB appearance. Now, We are supposed to be impressed because Mikey is acknowledging He has a discipline issue? That is supposed to be snuffed out in OTAs of year 1 of being a HC. Mikey peaked in 2022 at “making the playoffs” and is now in retrograde. Meanwhile, the rest of the division is improving. They are a third/fourth place team. The AI generated Excuse Machine better start spitting out excuses now. There are players who will still lap them up. Dolfanjoe says improve or move on down the road. 24 is over. As i have posted before there is moves they can make. Pretty much the same coaching staff and front office. And yes they have to kick the can down the road to change this team enough to be winners in 25 ! Can they bring in enough young free agents and draft picks to improve us enough to compete with the big boys ? Especially the Bills ! We shall see and that is the gauge that will retain there jobs in 26. If it is not looking good, well they might not make it thru 25……………… dedstrk316 wants to just win the AFC East first and then we will talk. I’m going to be realistic, the need to win the division, and then go from there. Win the division and they can come back, but we know that wont happen. The consensus seems to be somewhere between winning the division and at least winning a playoff game. With the current roster core, I personally believe that
Tom Brady admits he’s jealous of Nick Foles
Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The former Patriots QB says he doesn’t hate the former Eagles Super Bowl MVP, he’s just jealous of him. Seven seasons isn’t long enough for Tom Brady to forget what the Eagles did to him in the Super Bowl, and those feelings made an appearance during Sunday’s broadcast of the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles’ honorary captain for the game was Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, who Brady addressed when the cameras captured him during the game in his suite. After being goaded a bit, Brady admitted: “Nick [Foles], I don’t hate you. I’m just jealous of you. You caught it! I didn’t!” .@TomBrady still upset about that Super Bowl against @NickFoles (via @NFLonFOX) : #WASvsPHI on FOX : Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/McNkFUoPaY — NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2025 Brady was a good sport, but you can tell that the Philly Special is still a bitter spot for him. And while he and Foles never got a chance to shake hands after the Eagles claimed victory — thanks to Brady heading straight into the locker room — it appears there’s no hard feelings between the two. The former Patriots QB has been effusive in his praise of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley this year, so he’s not all bad.
