Blog Brav's Neutral Zone Distraction Blog - NFL stuff

Well it's something they need to address either this offseason, next or both.

It's kind of hard to say. They've got 4 picks in the first three rounds and I'm sure offensive line is being considered for at least something in there. Carolina's got some other needs too like cornerback and outside linebacker. They've really been unable to get someone like Josh Norman in their backfield and Thomas Davis Sr has stated this season to be his last.

Personally, in my opinion though, they won't be looking to take an offensive lineman in the first round unless teams before them go crazy and take multiple before them. That's not likely to happen since the more talented and skilled players are usually the ones drafted prior. I think Carolina will go for something like a defensive back or linebacker in the first and then snag a tackle in the second. They do need multiple linemen though since some of their starters are going to be free agents and re-signing them might mean they have to overspend.

 

The 2018 NFL schedule has been revealed! Click here to view each team!

 

Okay everyone! The 2018 NFL draft is on Thursday right around the corner! This year it's being held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas! Like @Sugar had said. I'll be doing a 32 pick mock of the critical first round and then a first round analysis once it is complete. This is done if no trades are done. Due to trades; the Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans do not have a selection in the first round unless they conduct a trade of their own.

Player position index:

• QB - Quarterback
• RB - Running Back
• WR - Wide Receiver
• TE - Tight End
• T - Offensive Tackle
• G - Guard
• C - Center
• DE - Defensive End
• DT - Defensive Tackle
• OLB - Outside Linebacker
• ILB - Inside Linebacker
• CB - Cornerback
• S - Safety
• P - Punter
• K - Placekicker

1. Cleveland Browns - QB Sam Darnold - USC: The Browns have been linked to all big quarterback names here with the exception of Josh Rosen. Mayfield., Darnold, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and a couple others, however Darnold and Allen have been the most discussed for Cleveland. I personally feel Darnold is the safer option with the most NFL-readiness of this QB rich draft class.
2. New York Giants - DE Bradley Chubb - NC State: Sure, the Giants could use this pick for Eli's eventual replacement or on Saquon Barkley, however neither of those prodigal playmakers will be able to do anything productive with New York's woeful offensive line. They're better off going on defense, drafting the top edge rushing prospect who is an immediate starter.
3. New York Jets - QB Josh Rosen - UCLA: Josh Rosen is mentally ready to be a starter and the New York Jets use their traded opportunity to grab their newest quarterback to add to their carousel.
4. Cleveland Browns - RB Saquon Barkley - Penn State: As soon as Cleveland grabs their shiny new quarterback, their next objective is having a one-of-a-kind running back to arm the Browns' backfield with talent alongside their receiver corps. Barkley is capable of running, blocking and catching, extending his versatility. I predict Chubb to go off the board here if the Giants or Jets pass up. He and Myles Garrett will make a nasty pass rushing duo.
   
5. Denver Broncos - G Quenton Nelson - Notre Dame: A quarterback would make so much sense here. Denver has no real answer and the signing of Case Keenum provides a little bit of stability, however the Broncos' offense needs some rework and grabbing the best pass protection they can get their hands on is crucial no matter who is throwing the football. Nelson is easily the best lineman in this draft.
6. Indianapolis Colts - OLB Roquan Smith - Georgia: Indy needs help on defense. Smith is an immediate starter who can defend against the run and pass.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB Minkah Fitzpatrick - Alabama: The Buccaneers need a good amount of help to buff their secondary. In a division that features three quarterbacks who have a preference to pass, Fitzpatrick is going to get tested heavily here.
8. Chicago Bears - CB Denzel Ward - Ohio State: This pick will give Chicago a young and talented secondary. Ward is a shutdown corner when used in tandem with Kyle Fuller.
9. San Francisco 49ers - ILB Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech: With previous first round linebacker Reuben Foster's status uncertain in San Francisco, they can draft an immediate replacement in Edmunds. Still needs some development, but he's got all the raw skills needed in an inside linebacker that can strengthen the 49ers' young defense altogether.
10. Oakland Raiders - DT Vita Vea - Washington: Raiders definitely need some help on the defensive line and Vea's bulky size and strength allows him to clog up any run game the offense might have.
11. Miami Dolphins - QB Baker Mayfield: Miami refreshes its quarterback youth by adding Mayfield. His competitive nature and playmaking abilities can possibly rejuvenate the Dolphins' struggling offense.
12. Buffalo Bills - QB Josh Allen - Wyoming: Buffalo will also be looking for a quarterback here. Since most of the big names are off the board, they'll go with Allen. Still not quite NFL ready, but can mold into the system quickly through experience.
13. Washington Redskins - RB Derrius Guice - LSU: Guice is a speed demon and Washington lacks any dynamic presence in the running game. They'll scoop up their franchise back here.
14. Green Bay Packers - CB Mike Hughes - Central Florida: Packers need cornerback help and Hughes fits their scheme nicely.
15. Arizona Cardinals - WR Calvin Ridley - Alabama: The first wide receiver is taken off the board here. Ridley can take pressure off future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald.
16. Baltimore Ravens - DE Marcus Davenport - UT San Antonio: The Ravens' stout defense is beginning to return and the massive 6' 6 Davenport will provide a healthy boost to their line.
17. Los Angeles Chargers - S Derwin James - Florida State: The safety market is not particularly large, so expect the prospects to slide further than usual. First one in James goes here to solidify the defensive back corps of Casey Hayward and Jason Verrett.
18. Seattle Seahawks - CB Jaire Alexander - Louisville: The Seahawks desperately need to find a replacement for the departed Richard Sherman. Alexander joins Shaquil Griffin in a young cornerback group backed by Legion of Boom safeties Thomas and Chancellor.
19. Dallas Cowboys - WR D.J. Moore - Maryland: Moore is a slightly larger and faster version of Dez Bryant. He can easily become the number one target for America's Team.
20. Detroit Lions - DE Harold Landry - Boston College: Not only does Landry have the talent to pass rush artistically, but he can also drop to cover passes in certain defensive packages. Detroit currently has few large guys capable of that.
    
21. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Lamar Jackson - Louisville: Jackson won't have to move that far away from his old college and he is the most versatile quarterback of the class, able to do nearly anything asked of him. Cincy can use it to find where he fits and a future replacement due to Andy Dalton's uncertain future in Cincinnati.
22. Buffalo Bills - DT Maurice Hurst - Michigan: Hurst has the capabilities to create chaos at the point of attack. Energetic and a sturdy defender overall.
23. New England Patriots - T Kolton Miller - UCLA: The Patriots could always use someone to strengthen the protection for Tom Brady. Miller is surprisingly athletic for his size and weight.
24. Carolina Panthers - WR Cortland Sutton - SMU: The Panthers had traded Kelvin Benjamin last season to the Buffalo Bills. Sutton has many attributes similar to Benjamin and can join the big Devin Funchess and speedy Curtis Samuel in catching passes from Cam Newton.
25. Tennessee Titans - DT Harrison Phillips - Stanford: Phillips' size, strength and style of play will fit like a glove in new coach Mike Vrabel's defense.
26. Atlanta Falcons - DT Taven Bryan - Florida: Head Coach Dan Quinn would love to utilize a defensive tackle with freaky athleticism like Bryan.
27. New Orleans Saints - TE Hayden Hurst - South Carolina: The top tight end prospect can become yet another player to catch touchdown passes from Drew Brees. His blocking abilities can also help open the field up for the smaller receivers and buy Brees additional time.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB Rashaan Evans - Alabama: A talented pass rusher, but Evans' real appeal to a defense-needy Pittsburgh is his disruption abilities and instincts.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR D.J. Chark - LSU: The second D.J. wideout taken in the draft. This seems like a surprising pick, but Jacksonville needs an explosive playmaker to fill the empty shoes left by Allen Hurns and Robinson.
30. Minnesota Vikings - T Mike McGlinchey - Notre Dame: It's hard to imagine a talented tackle like McGlinchey falling this far down, but the Vikings would be fools to pass him up. He's a sturdy starter from the first game to protect Kirk Cousins' blindside.
31. New England Patriots - CB Josh Jackson - Iowa: With the departure of Malcolm Butler to Tennessee, New England spends its second 1st rounder on a rangy corner who can defend opposite Stephon Gillmore.
32. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Christian Kirk - Texas A&M: Offensive line is also a need, but seeing that Philadelphia's next pick isn't until the end of the second round and many solid linemen will remain on the board; they'll opt to grab a utility playmaker to close out the first.

 

The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books! The second, third and fourth rounds will begin later tonight!

Here are the picks as well as my personal take on them. And just in case anyone needs a reference; here is the abbreviations for the various positions.
Due to trades; the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles did not select players in the first round. All four teams will have selections in the upcoming second, third and fourth rounds.

• QB - Quarterback
• RB - Running Back
• WR - Wide Receiver
• TE - Tight End
• T - Offensive Tackle
• G - Guard
• C - Center
• DE - Defensive End
• DT - Defensive Tackle
• OLB - Outside Linebacker
• ILB - Inside Linebacker
• CB - Cornerback
• S - Safety
• P - Punter
• K - Placekicker

Spoiler: NFL Draft Analysis First Round

1. Cleveland Browns - QB Baker Mayfield - Oklahoma: I thought Darnold was a safer option, but Browns general manager John Dorsey knows how to draft first round quarterbacks that end up on playoff contention teams. His last two first round quarterbacks were Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. Personal Grade: A
2. New York Giants - RB Saquon Barkley - Penn State: Great pick for the Giants. Barkley's one of the most dynamic backs to come out of college in a long time and he'll complete a multi-threat offense with Eli Manning, Evan Engram and Odell Beckham Jr. Personal Grade: A
3. New York Jets (traded from Colts) - QB Sam Darnold - USC: The Jets paid a lot to jump up three spots and they're putting their faith in yet another signal caller from USC. Last one they drafted in the first round was fellow Trojan Mark Sanchez. Let's hope Darnold take a different turn for the better. Personal Grade: A
4. Cleveland Browns (traded from Texans) - CB Denzel Ward - Ohio State: With their quarterback of the future secure, they move to the other needy side of the ball. Grabbing the top cornerback prospect and a home-state kid was a great move. Personal Grade: A-
5. Denver Broncos - DE Bradley Chubb - NC State: I would have prioritized offensive line over anything for Denver, however Chubb will certainly make the pass rushing game interesting when Von Miller and Shane Ray are thrown into the mix. Personal Grade: B+
6. Indianapolis Colts (traded from Jets) - G Quenton Nelson - Notre Dame: Indianapolis' offensive line now has a mix of older veterans and younger players. Although defense is still something they need to focus on, this will help keep Andrew Luck protected. Personal Grade: B
7. Buffalo Bills (traded from Bucs) - QB Josh Allen - Wyoming: The Bills clearly thought that their quarterback of the future was going to be taken before their opportunity. Tampa Bay gets a fine helping of future picks and Buffalo gets their quarterback. Win-win in my book. Personal Grade: A
8. Chicago Bears - OLB Roquan Smith - Georgia: Chicago apparently loves outside linebackers coming out of Georgia. This is the second one in three years with the previous one being Leonard Floyd. Da Bears did a good job here. Personal Grade: B+
9. San Francisco 49ers - T Mike McGlinchey - Notre Dame: I love this pick. New quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will need as much time as the offensive line can buy in order to make those dynamic plays. McGlinchey is an immediate starter and the meanest tackle in the draft. Personal Grade: A
10. Arizona Cardinals (traded from Raiders) - QB Josh Rosen - UCLA: Another move by a team just a few picks down to get their guy. Rosen is apparently the future signal caller for the Cardinals. Fantastic pick, but they paid a pretty penny to get him. Personal Grade: B
11. Miami Dolphins - S Minkah Fitzpatrick - Alabama: The Miami safety duo of Fitzpatrick and Reshad Jones is going to be scary. AFC East quarterbacks beware! Personal Grade: B+
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (traded from Bills) - DT Vita Vea - Washington: A little bit of a head scratch since the Buccaneers still have a strong defensive line of Noah Spence, Gerald McCoy and the newly acquired Vinny Curry. McCoy will be a free agent soon, so this may be part of their plan. Personal Grade: C+
13. Washington Redskins - DT Da'Ron Payne - Alabama: The second year in a row the Redskins opt to grab a defensive lineman from the Tide. (Jonathan Allen from last year) I would have rather them try for a top tier cornerback to replace Kendall Fuller, but this is solid too. Personal Grade: B-
14. New Orleans Saints (traded from Packers) - Marcus Davenport - UTSA: Davenport was highly praised by the Saints' talent scouts and it would appear that they did everything possible in a deal with the Packers to get someone opposite Cameron Jordan. Personal Grade: A-
15. Oakland Raiders (traded from Cardinals) - T Kolton Miller - UCLA: Would've preferred someone in defense, but Miller does fill a need on the line that could be an issue coming up. Current starting tackle Donald Penn turns 35 today. Personal Grade: A-
16. Buffalo Bills (traded from Ravens) - ILB Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech: Interesting pick here. But I like how Buffalo shuffled its picks around to get two players they apparently are hyping about. Personal Grade: B+
17. Los Angeles Chargers - S Derwin James - Florida State: Great pick here by the Bolts. James is very much the next Eric Weddle. Personal Grade: A-
18. Green Bay Packers (traded from Seahawks) - CB Jaire Alexander - Louisville: Green Bay needs some new cornerbacks. Picked the best guy available here. Personal Grade: A-
19. Dallas Cowboys - ILB Leighton Vander Esch - Boise State: I thought the Cowboys would opt for a flashy wide receiver here, but instead they go defense in getting another middle linebacker to tutor under First Team All-Pro Sean Lee. Personal Grade: C+
20. Detroit Lions - C Frank Ragnow - Arkansas: Another head scratching pick, but I can see why...Lions do need offensive line help. Personal Grade: B-
21. Cincinnati Bengals - C Billy Price - Ohio State: Another Ohio State player who doesn't have to leave his home state. With a class rich in good playmakers, I'm curious to see why they chose an offensive lineman. Personal Grade: C
22. Tennessee Titans (traded from Ravens) - ILB Rashaan Evans - Alabama: Not a bad pick for the Titans. They could always use another strong pass rusher. Personal Grade: B+
23. New England Patriots (traded from Rams) - T Isaiah Wynn - Georgia: Everyone expected them to go for a quarterback. New England disappointed, but made the right call. Personal Grade: A-
24. Carolina Panthers - WR D.J. Moore - Maryland: Carolina gets another big bodied wide receiver who is incredibly speedy and durable. Personal Grade: A
25. Baltimore Ravens (traded from Titans) - TE Hayden Hurst - South Carolina: Didn't expect Hurst to go this early...Ravens stuck to their plan after missing out on the Eric Ebron sweepstakes. Personal Grade: B
26. Atlanta Falcons - WR Calvin Ridley - Alabama: How about we get another big wide receiver from the Tide to join Julio Jones? Matty Ice throwing bombs all day? Yes sir. Personal Grade: B+
27. Seattle Seahawks (traded from Packers) - RB Rashaad Penny - San Diego State: Multi-talented player for sure, but he would lilely have remained on the board until it was the Seahawks' opportunity in the second round and they have more urgent issues. Personal Grade: B-
28. Pittsburgh Steelers - S Terrell Edmunds - Virginia Tech: Edmunds joins his brother Tremaine as the first pair of brothers selected in the first round in NFL history. Good to see them addressing their defensive weakness. Personal Grade: A-
29. Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Taven Bryan - Florida: A bit of a raw prospect, but the stout Jacksonville defense can mold him into another anchor and elite defender. Personal Grade: B+
30. Minnesota Vikings - CB Mike Hughes - Central Florida: Love this pick. With the offense and quarterback issue on hold for now, the Vikings can turn their focus to making one of the toughest defenses even better against the pass. Personal Grade: A
31. New England Patriots - RB Sony Michel - Georgia: It's hard to wonder if Michel will be the every-down back since New England tends to rotate several at a time. He has the skills to be a certain type or an all-purpose runner and it'll be exciting to see how they use him. Personal Grade: A-
32. Baltimore Ravens (traded from Eagles): QB Lamar Jackson - Louisville: Gotta hand it to the Ravens for taking that stab and skipping out on a quarterback earlier in the round. Eagles were offering to trade out and Ravens were an ideal trade partner to grab their guy. Personal Grade: A

 

The Carolina Panthers are about to have a new team owner!

 

DAYS UNTIL FOOTBALL!!!!!

Although I am not a Texans fan, I have high hopes Watt will return to the field to play a full season!

 

DAYS UNTIL FOOTBALL!!!

#SnacksforSacks

 

Days until NFL football returns!
#dawgpound

 

It is with a heavy heart that the San Francisco 49ers and NFL lost one of the greats today.

After a long battle against ALS, former 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark passed away this afternoon at the age of 61.

Clark is best known for the play remembered as “The Catch” at the NFC Championship game in 1981 as among the most memorable plays in NFL history.

RIP Dwight. The 49ers faithful will miss you greatly.

 

Days until NFL football returns!

#SiegetheDay

 

Days until NFL football returns!

#FlyEaglesFly

 

Days until NFL football returns!