Washington Football Team

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!

You can follow me on twitter at @BaltimoreBobFF

 

 

What’s Next for Leonard Fournette?

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What's Next for Leonard Fournette?

By Tommy Harvey

Monday morning, it was reported Jacksonville is releasing former 4th overall pick RB Leonard Fournette.  After already declining his 5th year option and not able to work out a trade, the Jaguars have now decided to clear Fournette's $4 million off the books. It's not very often a RB coming off a season with 1,150+ yards rushing and 76 receptions gets released.  By releasing him, any team is now free to place a waiver claim.  Who are the teams best suited to take a chance on the former Pro Bowler?

Chicago Bears

The Bears drafted RB David Montgomery last season out of Iowa State with hopes he would become the workhorse.  After a somewhat disappointing season, Montgomery was looking to prove his worth in 2020.  However, he suffered a groin injury last week and is expected to miss several weeks.  Chicago could use a proven veteran RB like Leonard Fournette to provide Nick Foles or Mitchell Trubisky a backfield threat.  Fournette would help solidify an offense that has lacked productivity in recent years.

Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler is a fantasy stud, but has never had more than 132 carries in a season.  There are hopes he can be a 3-down back, but bringing in Leonard Fournette would allow the Chargers to utilize Ekeler in a way he can be most productive.  LA drafted RB Joshua Kelley and brings back RB Justin Jackson, but neither Leonard Fournette.  With the departure of Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles could use a proven RB to replace the new Bronco.

New York Jets

Le'Veon Bell...Frank Gore...Kalen Ballage...YIKES!  Bell seems unmotivated, Gore is 80 years old, and Ballage (who failed his physical and is not a Jet yet) has been below average during his career in Miami.  Will Adam Gase go get Leonard Fournette?  He should!  Pairing him with Sam Darnold may keep the young QB from seeing ghosts.

Washington (Insert Name Here)

Washington is pretty much in the same boat as the Jets.  Derrius Guice was released earlier this summer, leaving a RB room of Adrian Peterson (another 80 year old), Antonio Gibson (rookie RB who was a WR in college), Bryce Love (injured since his Heisman worthy junior season at Stanford), and Peyton Barber (meh...).  With a lack of offensive weapons, Washington should go after Fournette.

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem to be in rebuild mode, but in a very mediocre AFC East, they could still make the playoffs.  You would think QB Cam Newton would love to have a RB with Leonard Fournette's ability in the backfield with him.  Sony Michel is injured and has been unproductive, James White is a 3rd down receiving back, Rex Burkhead has had injury problems in the past, and Damien Harris is unproven.  Harris could open the season as the starter, but Fournette would be a definite upgrade.

Other potential landing spots: Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks

Sleeper Files: Antonio Gibson

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Sleeper Files: Antonio Gibson

By Tommy Harvey

On the surface, the Washington Football Team has some depth at the running back position.  However, it doesn’t take much digging to realize that they have major issues at the position.  Derrius Guice was released after he was arrested on domestic abuse. That leaves Adrian Peterson, Bryce Love, Peyton Barber, JD McKissic, and Antonio Gibson.  Peterson is a future Hall of Famer, but is 35 years old.  Bryce Love was a Heisman candidate during his junior year at Stanford, but he has been injured since his senior season.  Peyton Barber has never been very effective in his NFL career.  JD McKissic is a pretty good receiving back, but has never shown the ability to be a lead back.  

That takes us to Antonio Gibson. 

Drafted out of Memphis with the 66th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Gibson was primarily a WR for the Tigers compiling 38 receptions for 735 yards.  Although, he did record 33 carries for 369 yards during his senior season.  With his ability to be a jack of all trades type of player, Washington took a chance on the 6’0” 220lb dynamo and they are converting him into a RB.  

Head Coach Ron Rivera made waves earlier this offseason when he compared Gibson to Christian McCaffrey.  CMC is arguably the best RB in the NFL and the overall #1 player in terms of fantasy football, so that comparison may seem a little over ambitious.  

But...what if?

What if Antonio Gibson is really that type of player for the team formerly known as the Redskins?  If he can prove to be a healthy, reliable, dynamic back for Washington, then you can get an absolute steal in your fantasy league.  Currently going in drafts as RB58, Gibson has MASSIVE potential to be a real sleeper this season.  With Guice being released, I’d definitely take a chance on Gibson and his 16th round ADP.  

2020 Prediction and Fantasy Outlook:

122 carries 521 yards 5 TDs

47 receptions 423 yards 3 TDs

While that might not seem like a league winner this season, he is a definite dynasty stash.  He can be used as your RB4 this season with no hesitation.

 

 

Follow me on Twitter
@DynastyProsTom

 

A QB’s Dream and a DB’s Worst Nightmare

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A QB’s Dream and a DB’s Worst Nightmare

By Levi Ellis

This year's NFL draft was loaded with top end WR talent.  I know this may be premature, but this is quite possibly the best WR class we have EVER seen from top to bottom.  By now you have seen dozens of articles and listened to dozens of podcasts breaking down the top WRs in this year's draft class.  Guys like Jeudy, Lamb and Ruggs are getting all the attention while a fourth round rookie WR is going almost completely unnoticed.  

What if I told you that you could use a late 3rd round pick in this year’s Rookie draft to grab a future stud WR?  Well, to be clear, that’s exactly what I’m telling you about today.  Who is this future star WR you ask? Ladies and gentlemen...I give you Antonio Gandy-Golden out of Liberty.  

Gandy-Golden reminds me of Brandon Marshall.  Both guys have very similar skill sets, similar size, they both got into the endzone on a frequent basis, and both were 4th round picks.

Antonio Gandy-Golden (AGG for short) is literally good at everything he does, and football is no different.  Any challenge or obstacle ever put in front of him, he has overcome.  Standing 6’4” and 225lbs, AGG catches everything thrown his way.  He’s a QB’s dream and a DB’s worst nightmare. He dominates smaller corners and at his size, they’re all smaller. 

AGG is coming off a season where he had almost 1,400 yards receiving (school record), which ranked 3rd overall in college football.  He also averaged 17.7 ypc which was good for 9th overall for players with at least 60 catches.  AGG is a touchdown maker scoring 30 touchdowns over his last 3 seasons.  It won’t even seem fair to defenses with 50/50 balls being more like 70/30 balls for him.  Liberty Head Coach, Hugh Freeze, was quoted saying that AGG is one of the top 5 players he has ever coached.  I think you’re probably familiar with two of those guys, AJ Brown and DK Metcalf.  

The most exciting part?  His landing spot is beyond ideal.  Gandy-Golden landed on a team that has no proven TE and no proven bigger WR’s.  They just lost Kelvin Harmon for the season.  Washington's best two best WR’s on the team are both smaller players (McLaurin 6’0” and Sims 5’10”).  AGG immediately becomes the redzone guy and he’s playing with QB’s (Dwyane Haskins and Alex Smith) who will look his way early and often because of his size and large catch radius.  

Yes, AGG played against lower-level competition and the jump to the NFL is no joke, especially in a pandemic season, but his work ethic is off the charts. He's driven, hungry, and coachable.  That’s a dangerous combination for any player.  I believe AGG will be starting outside for The Washington Football Team this year and soon be a dominating presence.  

 

Check me out on Twitter @justanoguysff