Las Vegas Raiders

Dynasty Dilemma: Jimmy Garoppolo

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Dynasty Dilemma: Jimmy Garoppolo

By Joe Goodwin

 

Jimmy Garoppolo has spent a majority of his NFL career as a “player-in-waiting.” In that, I mean he was a player that everyone was anticipating taking a leap into the upper tier of quarterbacks. And, based off of some games, he has shown the potential to be that player.

Garoppolo had performed as a top 12 fantasy quarterback in 4 games last year. In those games, he averaged: 34 passing attempts, 23 completions, 270 yards, 2.5 touchdowns, and 3 total interceptions.

In the 6 games he did not perform as a top 12 fantasy quarterback, he averaged 27.8 passing attempts, 18.8 completions, 216.8 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 total interception.

One thing is consistent in both, Garoppolo does not throw a lot of interceptions. He is smart with the ball and does not take many risks. In addition to his conservative throwing habits, Jimmy G does not run. He totaled 33 yards on the ground with a paltry 1.4 yard average per rush.

So, while many of the quarterbacks in today’s football have shown an ability to penalize teams with timely runs or magical escapes from pass rushers, Jimmy G is not that quarterback. Here’s a sample of quarterbacks that logged more rushing yards than Jimmy last season:

Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis, Zach Wilson, Sam Darnold, and Carson Wentz.

You get the point! Jimmy G is not running the ball. And, a few of those quarterbacks were able to amass more yards running in only 1 game.

Will reuniting with Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas (re)ignite his career? One can argue that Jimmy G has never had a receiver as talented as Davante Adams. However, the 49ers offense with Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffery was the best group of offensive weapons Jimmy G has ever had to utilize, and he was middling at best.

In short, there is no dilemma when it comes to Jimmy Garoppolo in fantasy football. If you already have him on your team, I would subtly check any interest within your league. A team with a lot of risk heading into this season (think owners of Jordan Love, Sam Howell, Mac Jones, Kenny Pickett) and see if a solid backup is of interest. Anything in the 2nd or 3rd round of a rookie draft would entice me to make the trade.

Jimmy G “can” be a very efficient, solid quarterback capable of solid numbers as a Superflex starter in 2023. Based on his full body of work, Jimmy G is not a top 12 fantasy quarterback that would start in 1 QB leagues and should not be a target in dynasty leagues unless you have a long term plan in place and need a 1 year fill in.

I see Jimmy G as being a one year placeholder until your rookie or devy investments are ready to be every week starters beginning in 2024. So, if you are doing a startup draft now, he should be a 3rd QB (at best) with a more viable long-term plan in place.

Otherwise, pass on Jimmy Garoppolo shares in dynasty, and instead invest heavily in the next 2 years of quarterbacks with rookie and devy picks.

Three’s Company? 

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Three's Company? 

By Joe Goodwin

At this point in the fantasy football cycle, you are probably being overloaded with the amount of information that is available to you.  One article claims a player is a “league winner,” while another puts that same players on the “Do Not Draft” list.

Needless to say, conflicting information can be troublesome for most fantasy managers.

A fantasy point that always gives me pause is the idea that an offense can have multiple high-end fantasy producers all on the same field.

I looked into that very premise to determine if that is true or not.

Last year, I found 2 examples of a fantasy explosion (3 receivers in the top 36 and a RB in the top 24) from one team:

Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase (WR5, 305 pts), Tee Higgins (WR24, 219 pts), Tyler Boyd (WR31, 183 pts) and Joe Mixon (RB4, 288 pts).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans (WR9, 262 pts), Chris Godwin (WR15, 242 pts), Rob Gronkowski (TE7, 171 pts) and Leonard Fournette (RB6, 343 pts).

I should also mention that the Pittsburgh Steelers were very close to qualifying for this study:

Diontae Johnson (WR8, 274 pts), Chase Claypool (WR37), Pat Friermuth (TE13) and Najee Harris (RB3, 300 points).

So, with these examples, can we predict whether these teams can produce in that same manner:

Las Vegas: DaVante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs

Pittsburgh: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Chase Claypool, Pat Friermuth, Najee Harris

Philadelphia: AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, Miles Sanders

Buffalo: Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Dawson Know, Devin Singletary

Denver: Jerry Jeudy, Cortland Sutton, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Javonte Williams

Minnesota: Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Irv Smith, Dalvin Cook

Cincinnati: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon

With the 2 teams that accomplished that feat last year, both were led by top tier quarterbacks Tom Brady (QB3) and Joe Burrow (QB8) with offenses that finished 2nd and 7th respectively in total points and 1st and 7th in passing yards.  And, each team had a run game that was overall in the bottom 10 of the league (Tampa Bay was 25th and Cincinnati was 22nd)

So, with all that being said, what key elements are we looking for in order for a team to support 3 top 36 receivers?

Key Point 1: A team with the requisite 3 receivers to achieve Top 36 WR or Top 12 TE

Key Point 2: Top Tier QB 

Key Point 3: Overall Offenses that finish in the top ten in total points and passing yards

Key Point 4: Run Offense is bottom 10 of the league

As we analyze each team and how they relate to each key point, let’s see where we stand:

Oakland: Point 1, Point 3, Point 4 

{I’m sure some would argue that Carr is a top tier qb, but are you drafting him in your top 8 qb’s?}

Pittsburgh: Point 1, Point 4

{Pitt has the weakest qb and middle of the pack offense}

Philadelphia: Point 1, Point 3, Point 4 

{Jalen Hurts will have to prove he can be top tier first}

Buffalo: Point 1, Point 2, Point 3

{Run game is strong on Buffalo}

Denver: Point 1, Point 2

{Hard to project with the massive upgrade in QB in the offseason on where the offense will finish; Seattle was middle tier in offense stats}

Minnesota: Point 1

{This is not a dart at Cousins, more like a “wait and see” approach with the new offense}

Cincinnati: Point 1, 2, 3, 4

{Let’s hope the improved offensive line helps continue to the trend}

Based on this data, the four teams most likely to support 3 top 36 receivers are: Cincinnati, Oakland, Philadelphia and Buffalo.  

So, if you try to convince yourself to draft Jeudy from Denver or Claypool from Pittsburgh later in your draft in the hopes they can pay off….chances are more likely they will not.

And, if you want to wait a few rounds and grab a receiver like DeVonta Smith and Tyler Boyd after the 7th round, chances are good they may hit as a top 36 receiver.

Remember the numbers don’t lie!!  Only 2 NFL teams supported multiple fantasy starters in one lineup last year and most likely, that trend will continue again this year.

 

As always, “Come and knock on my door” if you need any fantasy help @JGoody77 on Twitter

 

Dynasty Weather Report: Kenyan Drake and the Raiders Backfield

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Dynasty Weather Report: Kenyan Drake and the Raiders Backfield

By Darren Smith

 

Welcome to the Dynasty Weather Report - a segment that provides you with reactions to breaking news and how players are affected in terms of Dynasty. Each player will be compared to a type of weather based on how they are affected by the news. For example, if a player has positive implications, they will be compared to sunny weather.

 

Today’s Forecast: Cloudy with a chance of Kenyan Drake being CUT.

News broke today that Kenyan Drake is expected to be cut from the Raiders. The 28 year old running back spent the 2021 season in Las Vegas backing up Josh Jacobs commanding some of the 3rd down and goal line work. Drake flashed at times and excelled in the passing game in the beginning of last season, but started to fall off in the second half and then fell victim to season ending injury. It seems like Josh McDaniels has seen enough, and the Raiders are ready to move on. What does this mean in terms of Dynasty?

 

Sunny Weather and Clear Skies

Josh Jacobs

The sun shines brightly for Josh Jacobs, who now has full reign of the backfield and could easily be an every down back. Jacobs' Dynasty value has been falling over the past few months with the news that Vegas would not be picking up his 5th year option. Jacobs could be elsewhere next season however he has every opportunity to boost his stock with a monster 2022 season. Without Drake, Jacobs should be more involved in the pass game, and also get some more work at the goal line. He’s a buy for contending teams at a cheap cost.

 

Thunder and Lighting

Zamir White

Lightning strikes fast and powerful, just like how Zamir White has an opportunity to have an immediate strong impact in the Raiders backfield. White was drafted 122nd overall in the 4th round out of Georgia. He impressed at the Combine with 4.40 speed and has a physical presence on the field, and the Raiders are excited to see what he can do as he scored the opening drive touchdown in the Preseason game against Miami. Expect White to fill in the “Kenyan Drake” role eventually - it’s Jacobs backfield now, but White could bring the thunder down the stretch of this season and is worth the stash in Dynasty Leagues.

 

Clouds and Heavy Rain

Kenyan Drake

Kenyan Drake feels the rain falling down today as he heard he was likely getting cut and even tweeted a goodbye to #RaiderNation. Drake could potentially get signed to a team sometime this season, but don’t expect the veteran to have much fantasy implications going forward. Kenyan will be added for depth and for a locker room presence and may see a few touches here and there, but will ultimately be a roster clogger. He can be dropped in all formats.

How do you feel about today’s Dynasty Weather Report? Let me know how you think the Raiders backfield is going to turn out this season by following @FFBirdGang and commenting on the linked tweet.

AFC West Predictions for 2022

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AFC West Predictions for 2022

By Tim Lazenby

Almost any expert is in agreement that the AFC West will be the most competitive division in the NFL in 2022.  Featuring the already strong Kansas City Chiefs, all three other teams have made massive improvements to compete.  Exploding with talent, how will the four fair in the upcoming season?  I haven’t been this excited to watch a division battle it out in quite some time.  Let’s discuss.

Denver Broncos

Record in 2021: 7-10-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 9-8-0

Strengths and Weaknesses

Obviously Russell Wilson makes this team loads better, and the continued growth of this young receiver core is very appealing.  Let’s not forget about Javonte Williams and Denver’s criminally underrated defense.  The glaring weakness is next year’s draft capital.  In a loaded draft class, the Broncos will be watching as the Seattle Seahawks use Denver’s first and second round picks.  Russell Wilson had better be the long term solution or this plan has backfired tremendously.

Situation to Watch

With Wilson taking almost every headline in the mile high city, my attention actually focuses elsewhere.  Patrick Surtain was an absolute gem last season and many people didn’t notice.  Although he’s not at the level of players like Jalen Ramsey yet, the rookie was still very dominant.  The once mighty Denver defense has not been up to snuff in the past few seasons, but the future looks bright with Surtain at corner.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt in my mind that this team will improve.  There’s almost no area in which they regressed in the offseason and the team hasn’t had a star quality quarterback since Peyton Manning led the charge.  If they were in any other division, the record would be even better, but this squad just won’t measure as well as a couple others.  The record will look brighter, but it won’t be enough in 2022.

Kansas City Chiefs

Record in 2021: 12-5-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 10-7-0

Strengths and Weaknesses

The trio of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid gives even the worst team in the NFL a chance at glory.  Creed Humphrey is also a big reason for the success of the offense.  But JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore are not a replacement for Tyreek Hill.  And even though the group is not terrible, it’s hard not to see it as a weakness when you consider what they had before.

Situation to Watch

I will be closely monitoring the backfield moving forward.  If I’m being honest, I’m still a Clyde Edwards-Helaire truther, but signing Ronald Jones is the final nail in the coffin that tells me CEH will not succeed until he moves on.  This team will have to lean on the ground game more now than ever to make up for the loss of dynamic Tyreek Hill.

Conclusion

Although this team will take a step back or two, trading away the Cheetah will not cause this team to buckle.  The once guaranteed champion of the AFC West, however, will be a thing of the past.  With the other three improving, the Chiefs are far and away the least improved, leaving someone else to take the lead next season.

Las Vegas Raiders

Record in 2021: 10-7-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 8-9-0

Strengths and Weaknesses

If you thought the Raiders’ offense showed promise last year, you’re in for an awakening.  Not a rude awakening, mind you, but a breath of fresh air.  Las Vegas offensive stars were largely unheralded, but it’s a new day with Davante Adams in town.  That being said, the defense let this team down more than anything.  There are studs like Maxx Crosby but the loss of Yannick Ngakoue hurts.

Situation to Watch

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t watching the connection of Derek Carr and Davante Adams.  You have to believe Adams will take a step down now that he’s not with Aaron Rodgers, but let’s not forget the bromance between he and bestie Carr going all the way back to college.  In a side note, I’ll also be watching Josh Jacobs closely.  Las Vegas not picking up his fifth year option is flat out stupid.  I’m sure he’ll make them regret it.

Conclusion

Make no mistake, in this division anyone has a chance to take the lead, but I don’t think it will be the Raiders.  Even I question my prediction of 8-9-0.  How will they do worse than last season even though they’re improved?  Much like the Broncos, the Raiders play in this division, which is a flat out juggernaut.  The Raiders, to make things worse, have the 7th toughest schedule in the entire league.  I predict three straight losses out of the gate, making it really hard to succeed in the standings.

Los Angeles Chargers

Record in 2021: 9-8-0  

Predicted Record in 2022: 14-3-0

Strengths and Weaknesses

I need to be honest when I say this is my favorite team.  That being said, I believe I am an impartial writer.  I have seen the woes before and do not always see the light with this squad.  Now that you know this, the number of strengths are at the top of the league.  The offense led by Justin Herbert and defense led by Derwin James equals flat out dominance.  If I have to pick a weakness, it’s Brandon Staley’s fourth down guts.  His boldness cost the team greatly in 2021 and he needs to be more conservative.

Situation to Watch

I think most fans will be watching for the newest additions on defense like JC Jackson, Khalil Mack and Sebastian Joseph Day; and rightfully so.  I, however, will be watching for first round pick Zion Johnson out of Boston College.  The solidification of the offensive line was their biggest need and this kid dazzled me at the combine.  When I threw his name out there on twitter on March 4th, I may have been the biggest believer that wasn’t being paid to analyze the situation.

Conclusion

Part of me wants to be cautious.  I’ve had so many times watching my favorite teams across all pro sports when I felt there was a giant there only to be disappointed.  But this time, I think I’m right in my assessment.  The three losses I predicted for this team were generous.  On a rookie contract for Justin Herbert, this team is Super Bowl or bust and I don’t think there will be a bust in 2022.

 

Follow me on Twitter @NFLazenby

AFC West Best Values

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AFC West Best Values

By Tim Lazenby

We’ve talked about many values in every single division in the National Football League but one.  And in many ways, I’ve saved the best for last.  Let’s get into it.  It can’t be denied any further.  We just have to talk about the AFC West, not only my favorite division in football, but the most exciting one in many people’s eyes.  In a division ripe with skilled players all over, it’s not hard to find talent on any of these teams.  But, finding the value players isn’t that hard either.  Here is one player from each team in the AFC West who is, in my opinion, the best value player on his squad.

 

Denver Broncos: Tight End - Albert Okwuegbunam

Since Peyton Manning gifted them a Super Bowl win, the Denver Broncos just haven’t been able to get it together.  A regular carousel of coaches and quarterbacks have entered and left the organization, making success a difficult task for the Broncos.  But, with the addition of one of the best quarterbacks of his era, Russell Wilson is sure to give Denver their best chance at success.  Many have heard, “Let there be light” after the trade.  I am certain that the stocks of Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton have to go up, but there is a player who will improve that isn’t being spoken of nearly enough.  Now that Noah Fant was packaged in the deal that brought Wilson to town, Albert Okwuegbunam is ready to step into the spotlight and give the Broncos some voltage at tight end.

Now, I mean no disrespect toward Noah Fant; in fact, I love Fant.  He’s tremendously talented and he’ll certainly be leaned on in Seattle.  What I mean is that Albert O will finally shine as he isn’t in the shadow of Fant anymore.  If you didn’t watch many Broncos games, you should know that despite being the second tight end on the squad, Albert O performed better than many starting tight ends in the league.  And while it’s true that Russell Wilson doesn’t typically lean on tight ends, it doesn’t mean that he ignores them completely.  I also believe that teams will be all too eager to shadow Jeudy and Sutton, leaving the door open for Albert O to score a few key touchdowns.  And at such a talent starved position when it comes to fantasy, we have to be especially mindful of values at tight end.  Albert Okbuegbunam won’t be one of the top options at tight end league wide, but he’ll be one that could help you win a few weeks and the price tag isn’t one that will hurt the pocketbook too much.

Kansas City Chiefs: Running Back - Ronald Jones

Funny isn’t the word, but I’m going to use it anyway.  It’s funny how the Kansas City Chiefs reigned unanimously in the division among experts, and now, some have them as low as third.  While I don’t believe the notion that the Chiefs are dead in the water or even close to it, there is some reason to feel unsettled at the state of affairs in Kansas City.  While the rest of the AFC West has made mega moves to contend, the Chiefs have done the opposite by trading away the Cheetah, Tyreek Hill.  Surely this move will help their future, but the present is going to bring suffering.

I still think that the Chiefs are the second best team in the division and you’re always in it with Mahomes and Kelce.  But, one position that hasn’t gone well is the running back.  Although the running game is successful, the starting position hasn’t given much in the way of fantasy.  Clyde Edwards-Helaire clearly isn’t the solution, much to my dismay, so the addition of Ronald Jones is noteworthy.  Do I think that Jones steals the job outright?  Probably not.  But I think, even in a committee, he’ll be relevant as he shared a backfield pretty much his whole career.  There is also the chance that he could take the job and if that happens, his value will skyrocket.  I wrote a dynasty dilemma on him, so my love for him shouldn’t be surprising.  Having him as the best value on the team is a no brainer.

 

Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback - Derek Carr

I have to be honest with you.  I’ve never loved Derek Carr.  He’s always been one of those guys, to me, who can win you a week or two if you get lucky, but can never be one to be depended on.  The beginning of last season, I was looking quite foolish as Derek Carr was balling out.  As the season continued, he came back down to earth, further cementing my notion that he’ll never be truly fantasy relevant.  Although I’m not alone in my thought process, I don’t think I gave him enough credit for what he’s done with the resources he’d been given.  When you look at the surrounding talent from years past, he hasn’t done as poorly as I’d naively believed.  This season, it’s a different game, as the added talent is insane.

While many are still in disbelief over the utterly shocking trade of Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders fans are chanting, “Hallelujah” choruses that can be heard all the way back to Oakland.  And while Carr has had some weapons in the past, he’s never had even close to what he’s about to have at the NFL level.  It’s also even more incredible when you consider the rapport between the two that goes back to their days at Fresno.  He and bestie, Adams, should tear the league a new one.  Save the covid years, they even trained together in the off season every year.  There is a chance that the magic isn’t instant, but there is no better shot that Carr will have at greatness.  There are many who haven’t put these pieces together yet, so find one of them and get Carr at a massive discount.  The value is incredible.

 

Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver - Keenan Allen

I should place a big “WARNING” sticker before you read any more as the Chargers are my favorite team.  And even though I like to think I’m quite unbiased, there is a chance that I’m starry eyed for the Bolts.  Bearing that in mind, if there is a piece of any offense in the entire league that I want a part of, it’s Justin Herbert’s crew.  From quarterback, to the running game, to the receivers, it’s high octane.  This may be the highest powered offense in the league.  So finding value is an absolute must with the Chargers.  And while I think almost anyone on this team is a value, if I have to choose one, I have to go with life long Charger, Keenan Allen.

Admittedly, I was quite stupid in my assessment of Keenan Allen for many years.  I avoided him like the plague because he was such an “injury risk”, but in truth, he just had some bad luck early on.  If you exclude his injury years in 2015 and 2016, in his entire career he’s only missed a grand total of six games.  He’s also got this weird reputation in the fantasy circles as a guy who’s been in the league forever.  Still in his twenties, Keenan Allen has plenty left in the tank.  Regarded as one of the most consistent threats to have the ball in his hands, he’s also known as one of the best route runners in the league.  Many people gloss over him in drafts or his dynasty value, but don’t make that mistake.  Biased or not, I regard him as the most underrated receiver in the league.  His current value for many people makes him an absolute steal.  He’s simply a must have and with how little it will cost you.  You just have to make the move for him.

Bob Miller’s 2021 NFL Mock Draft

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by Bob Miller

 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence (QB - Clemson)

Do I really need to give a reason? He's the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck. Done.

2. NY Jets - Zach Wilson (QB - BYU)

Wilson's athletic ability, accuracy from the pocket and on the run, and leadership makes him a no brainer here for the Jets.

3. San Francisco 49ers - Justin Fields (QB - Ohio State)

The 49ers play Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray twice a year. They know what kind of a problem that type of quarterback is to defend. San Francisco decides that they need one of those QBs as well.

4. Denver Broncos - Trey Lance (QB - North Dakota State) Trade w/ Atlanta

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a trade! Atlanta trades the 4th pick to the Denver Broncos. After Denver failed to trade for Deshaun Watson, they decide that they won't fail again. They move up to get the their man, a mobile quarterback with a big arm for those cold games. Trey Lance fits that perfectly. Teddy Bridgewater is not their future, Trey Lance is.

5. Cincinnati Bengals - Ja’Marr Chase (WR - LSU)

Lots of mock drafts have Oregon LT Penei Sewell going here to the Bengals. Not mine. Ja'Marr Chase is the undisputed #1 wide receiver in this draft. Tackle is deeper is this draft than the past few years. They'll get one in the 2nd or 3rd. Cincinnati just can't pass on the opportunity to reunite Joe Burrow and his favorite WR. 

6. Miami Dolphins - Kyle Pitts (TE - Florida)

The Dolphins are thrilled to get Kyle Pitts. This once in a generation TE talent is just what they need to ensure that Tua Tagovailoa has every opportunity to succeed.

7. New England Patriots - Mac Jones (QB - Alabama) Trade w/ Detroit

We have our 2nd trade of the day! Detroit has been targeting WR Jaylen Waddle here for quite some time, but New England makes an offer that Detroit can't refuse. The Patriots get their guy! Jones needs the right situation to be successful in the NFL. What better situation to be in than being coached by Bill Belichick.

8. Carolina Panthers - Penei Sewell (LT - Oregon)

Sewell has dropped far enough. Carolina is in desperate need of a LT. Sewell starts day one and is the staple of their offensive line for the next decade.

9. Atlanta Falcons - Patrick Surtain II (CB - Alabama)

Defense is the priority for Atlanta. They traded back from pick #4 knowing that they were going to get one of the best corners available. They just happen to land the absolute best corner in this year's draft.

10. Dallas Cowboys - Jaycee Horn (CB - South Carolina)

Dallas fans are left disappointed after Patrick Surtain II gets sniped the pick before them. With cornerback being a major priority they take the best corner available. Horn is fast, physical, and will step in and start day one.

11. NY Giants - Jaelan Phillips (EDGE - Miami)

Phillips is arguably the most talented edge rusher in this class. He has had some injuries but is absolutely worth taking at pick #11. He will fill the void needed since Jason Pierre-Paul left years ago.

12. Philadelphia Eagles - Devonta Smith (WR - Alabama)

A dream come true for Philadelphia Eagles fans. They are in dire need for a WR, so what better than the unstoppable Heisman Trophy Winner. He is a bit undersized, but he's played that way his entire career. Congrats to Jaylen Hurts on getting a shiny new toy.

13. LA Chargers - Rashawn Slater (LT - Northwestern)

Los Angeles failed to land LT Orlando Brown Jr. from the Ravens. They didn't want to give what Baltimore was asking, because they knew they could land their franchise LT in this draft. Slater will be a very good left tackle in the NFL protecting Justin Herbert's blind side for years to come.

14. Minnesota Vikings - Kwity Paye (EDGE - Michigan)

Minnesota doesn’t have a second-round pick this year, so trading back is definitely a possibility. Adding a pass-rusher with this type of agility and strength opposite of Danielle Hunter may be just too hard to pass up.

15. Detroit Lions - Jaylen Waddle (WR - Alabama)

How about that. Detroit trades back with the hopes that Waddle would still be available, and he is. Waddle is a weapon that Detroit will use in many different ways. With the loss of Kenny Golladay via free agency, Waddle will targeted early and often.

16. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Farley (CB - Virginia Tech)

With a glaring hole in the secondary left by Patrick Peterson, Arizona has to walk out of the first two rounds with a CB. Farley would have been a top-10 pick, but has fallen a bit due to the back injury concerns. Arizona believes that the reward outweighs the risk here.

17. Las Vegas Raiders - Micah Parsons (LB - Penn State)

This just makes too much sense. The Raiders need major help at linebacker, and Parsons is the best LB in this draft. Character issues prevents Parsons from being taken in the top 10, but that's not a concern for GM Mike Mayock. Jon Gruden may hurt himself running to the phone to call in this pick.

18. Miami Dolphins - Azeez Ojulari (EDGE - Georgia)

Azeez Ojulari is an edge defender with incredible speed and explosiveness. His upside is just to good for Miami to pass up.

19.Washington - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB - Notre Dame)

Washington is very thin at LB. JOK is an extremely fast linebacker that can line up against slot receivers and deliver a big pop to outside runs. This combined with his leadership makes this a big get for the Football Team.

20. Chicago Bears - Christian Darrisaw (LT - Virginia Tech)

Chicago considers going with WR Rashod Bateman here, but LT is a bigger need for the Bears. Darrisaw is a top tier OT, and is too good of a value here to pass up. Chicago can grab a WR in the next couple of rounds.

21. Indianapolis Colts - Alijah Vera-Tucker (OT – USC)

Left Tackle is by far the biggest need for the Colts, and Vera-Tucker is a versatile, athletic, and strong lineman that can line up anywhere. That won't matter as the Colts will plug him in at LT immediately.

22. Tennessee Titans - Rashod Bateman (WR - Minnesota)

The Titans "had" 2 major needs: Pass rush and wide receiver. They addressed the pass rushing need via free agency by signing Bud Dupree and Denico Autry. Now they need to replace the hole at WR with Corey Davis leaving for New York. They get a solid replacement in Rashod Bateman.

23. NY Jets - Greg Newsome (CB- Northwestern)

Cornerback is a major weakness for the Jets. Head Coach Robert Saleh is going to be thrilled that he lands a talent such as Newsome here.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Gregory Rousseau (EDGE - Miami)

Pittsburgh has to replace EDGE with the loss of Bud Dupree. Rousseau is an absolute freak. He is 6'6/260 and has incredible reach. He has tremendous length for the position, and he's still building out his frame. He is still a little raw, but his upside is amazing.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevon Moehrig (S - TCU)

The best safety in this draft falls to the team that needs him the most. Jacksonville can use quite a bit of help on defense, and they get it here. Moehrig has great acceleration and closes on the ball quickly. He's a playmaker that Jacksonville desperately needs.

26. Cleveland Browns - Zaven Collins (LB - Tulsa)

Collins is a big, physical, and mobile linebacker that covers the middle of the field. He is fantastic against the run, which Cleveland will need to help them get over the hump against teams like Baltimore. He fills a need for Cleveland.

27. Baltimore Ravens - Joe Tryon (EDGE - Washington)

Baltimore has 3 holes to fill: EDGE, OT, and WR. Joe Tryon has elite upside as a pass rusher and will make an immediate impact for the Ravens. He opted out of the 2020 season, but his 2019 tape is fantastic. He has the potential to produce double digit sacks his rookie year in that Baltimore defense.

28. New Orleans Saints - Asante Samuel Jr. (CB - Florida State)

We all know about the Saints' salary cap situation. I wouldn't be surprised to see New Orleans trade back here, but their secondary is the top priority. They are in bad shape behind Marshon Lattimore, so drafting Samuel here makes all the sense in the world.

29. Green Bay Packers - Terrace Marshall (WR - LSU)

It's no secret that Green Bay needs help at WR behind Davante Adams. Marshall has size, speed, and great hands. He is a big target that is a mismatch for opposing corners. He will be a welcomed addition to the Packers offense.

30. Buffalo Bills - Joseph Ossai (EDGE - Texas)

I almost went with Najee Harris here, but EDGE is a bigger need for this team. They can get a RB in the next rounds. Ossai has a high motor and  high upside. He has great size and a very strong lower body. He is built for the NFL, and should be a solid EDGE defender that the Bills need.

31. Baltimore Ravens - Teven Jenkins (OT - Oklahoma State)

The Ravens were really hoping that Rashod Bateman or Terrace Marshall would fall to them here, but unfortunately that doesn't happen.  Rumor is the Ravens are shopping this pick. I'm 50/50 on the them trading back, because they already have 9 picks. With that being said they draft Teven Jenkins, a big, nasty RT with incredible size and strength. He's an elite pass protector and a fantastic run blocker. He fits right in where Orlando Brown left off.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jayson Oweh (EDGE - Penn State)

Jason Pierre-Paul isn't getting any younger, and Oweh will be a great replacement when the time comes. He has a ton of talent but has a bit to learn. He lands in the perfect situation in Tampa. He can be a situational player for now and learn from two great pass rushers in JPP and Shaq Barrett.

 

I want to give a special thanks to @McManusDesigns, @SwapKingdom, @SchapDesign, @Golden.GRFX, @SnaggyGFX, and @DesignedbyFranco for the awesome jersey swaps!

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