NFL Workout Updates: 12/22/17
Here’s today’s workout updates. All credit goes to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Denver Broncos
- P Alex Knight (Twitter link)
Kansas City Chiefs
- OL Stephen Evans (Twitter link)
Los Angeles Rams
- WR Brandon Shippen (Twitter link)
Minnesota Vikings
- P Taylor Symmank (Twitter link)
Poll: Who’s The Super Bowl Favorite?
The playoff picture is starting to come into fruition with just two weeks remaining in the regular season. But is there a clear favorite for who will be holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy come the conclusion of Super Bowl 52?
The defending champion Patriots are coming off a dramatic road win over the Steelers, but have shown clear weaknesses. Pittsburgh will also be getting Antonio Brown back during the postseason, so the matchup could be more evenly matched should they meet for a second time in January.
However, while New England and Pittsburgh are the clear front runners in the AFC, the NFC has a number of teams that could be considered the “favorite” entering postseason play. Although the Eagles don’t have star second-year quarterback Carson Wentz, the team will likely have home field advantage with a very well rounded roster. The Vikings, Saints and Rams have all had their moments where they look like the team to beat as well. You can also see the defending NFC champ Falcons, Panthers and even the the Cowboys advancing now that they have Zeke back in the fold.
Here’s further breakdowns of the likely Super Bowl favorites with the end of the regular season inching ever closer:
New England Patriots: Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are simply the best coach-quarterback duo that this league has ever seen. The pair is set up perfectly to go to their seventh straight AFC championship game after beating the Steelers in Week 15. Both haven’t let age slow them down either. At 40 years old, Brady is the front runner for NFL MVP once again and his team is clicking late in the season. The Pats has a ton of weapons on offense and their defense is improving as the year goes along, which is typical of Belichick coached squads. This team isn’t unbeatable as they do have a few bad losses in 2017, but playoffs and New England have gone side-by-side since the team won their first Super Bowl back in 2002.
Pittsburgh Steelers: If Jesse James would have held onto the ball during the final drive in last Sunday’s instant classic matchup, then the Steelers would be 13-2 and have a very clear path to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way for Mike Tomlin and Co., so they will likely have to win on the road in January in order to secure the AFC Championship. Nevertheless, Ben Roethlisberger is playing his best football of the season right now and Le’Veon Bell may be the best overall offensive weapon in the game at the moment. Although, the loss of middle linebacker Ryan Shazier certainly does put the defense in a bit of a hole. But the offense with the expected return of their star wideout can score with anyone and will give the Steelers a chance in any game.
Philadelphia Egales: If Carson Wentz was healthy, the Eagles would clearly the best team in football. Now with Nick Foles at the helm, they are clearly still a good team, but just not even close to as dominant as they were with their second-year signal caller on the field. Still, as you could see in the their Week 15 victory over the Giants, Philadelphia found a way to win thanks to the overall quality of their roster. Without Wentz, the defense will have to shoulder more of the load, but the likes of Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Chris Long, Nigel Bradham and others should be up to the task. The trade for Jay Ajayi also seems much more crucial now as there will likely be more of an emphasis on the running game. Foles is serviceable quarterback, but the Eagles will have to elevate in other areas in order to even win a postseason game in the difficult NFC.
Minnesota Vikings: Case Keenum was not the name you expected to see when talking about which quarterback led his team to a first round bye. However, that is the case and he’s been playing like it will translate to postseason football. The journeyman signal caller has been excellent this season, but his weapons have really risen to the occasion as well. Wide receiver Adam Thielen has solidified himself as one of the league’s best, Stefon Diggs is as talented as ever and Kyle Rudolph has been a touchdown machine. Even without Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon have performed very well with increased workloads. The defense remains one of the best that the NFL has to offer led by the likes of Everson Griffen, Eric Kendricks, Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith. This team lacks real star power, but doesn’t have a noticeable weakness, which will make them very dangerous come playoff time.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams have been a nice story all year long, but it wasn’t until their beatdown of the Seahawks on the road that you can see them advancing deep into the postseason. Head coach Sean McVay is the clear front runner for Coach of the Year and he has his team clicking on all cylinders at the moment. Todd Gurley has a case as the top offensive player in football and Jared Goff has made incredible strides after how he performed just a season ago. Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins and Cooper Kupp lead a solid group of receivers. Plus when you have Aaron Donald on defense, it’s easy to get pressure on opposing QB’s. This team has many ways to beat you and is very well coached. That’s something that very much converts in January football.
New Orleans Saints: Foles, Keenum, Goff and Drew Brees. Only one of those is a Super Bowl winner. While the top three teams according to record in the NFC all have their strengths, there’s something to be said for experience, and New Orleans has that at head coach and behind center. But while Brees has been very good this year, the team is actually led by Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara coming out of the backfield. They can ground and pound better than any team in the league, which is something that can help them control the clock in a postseason contest. The defense has also been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this year as they can take the ball away at any moment. The Saints control the game offensively and can force mistakes defensively, which is a formula that has worked for postseason success in the past and should continue to bring positive results in the future.
WR Courtland Sutton and CB Jaire Alexander Enter 2018 NFL Draft
We have two more draft eligible college prospects announcing their intent to turn pro after we learned highly-touted quarterback Josh Allen would be skipping his senior season and declaring for the draft.
SMU wide receiver Courtland Sutton revealed his decision to forego his final year of eligibility in an Instagram post tonight.
“It has been an incredible run and after discussing things with my family, I have decided to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft.
The relationships I have built, and the experiences I have had are absolutely priceless. My SMU family is full of teammates, coaches, and friends that have been there for me since Day 1! Going to school and playing ball with my brothers is something that I wouldn’t change for the world.
I would like to give a huge thanks to all those who helped me behind the scenes, Coach Stepp, TMFSS, the equipment room, the training room, Ms. Lisa, and all those that work in the Loyd building who have had an impact on my life while at SMU.
I am absolutely humbled by the opportunity that I have ahead of me, and I couldn’t have gotten here without the support and love from my family. My degree from SMU is something I will forever cherish, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me next!”
Sutton has been considered one of the draft’s top wideout prospects since the start of the season, and he’ll certainly have a chance to be selected in the first round. The junior receiver stands 6’4”, 216 lbs., having caught 12 touchdowns on 68 receptions for over 1,000 yards in 2017. Sutton is currently ranked as the draft’s second best best wide receiver, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.
Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander will enter the 2018 NFL Draft as well, according to college football reporter Brett McMurphy (Twitter link). In addition to the announcement, McMurphy also reported that Alexander would be skipping the TaxSlayer Bowl because of his decision to turn pro. Alexander only recorded one interception this season, but is ranked as the seventh best corner on Matt Miller’s most recent draft board.
QB Josh Allen Declares For 2018 NFL Draft
Draft declaration season is in full swing and we have a top quarterback making his intentions known that he will be turning pro. Wyoming officially announced that their junior starting quarterback, Josh Allen, would be declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft on their Twitter page after the team won the Idaho Potato Bowl this afternoon.
Allen is going out on a high note after he was named MVP of the bowl game having thrown for three touchdowns and no picks in his final collegiate appearance. However, despite coming into this college football season as one of the most highly-regarded draft eligible signal callers available, Allen struggled versus higher quality defenses during out-of-conference play. He found his footing later in the year, but is now generally thought of in a tier behind fellow prospective first round picks, UCLA’s Josh Rosen and USC’s Sam Darnold.
The quarterback is considered a physical freak by many draft analysts, who features a canon arm and is very mobile for his 6’5”, 233 lbs. frame. Allen is very raw and would likely need time on the bench before playing during the regular season, but could still be taken high in the first round given his elite natural ability.
Allen should be just the first of many top college quarterbacks that will officially declare for the draft as bowl season continues to progress.
NFC Notes: 49ers, Eagles, Injuries
The 49ers have won every game that Jimmy Garoppolo has started this season. However, general manager John Lynch knows that the team’s priority this offseason must be to surround his new signal caller with better talent, reports Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
Smith relays quotes that the first-year decision maker made on FS1 today that expresses his decision to move forward with the plan of building around Garoppolo.
“It frees you up in the draft to go looking for other needs and build your team around him,” said Lynch.
At the moment, San Francisco seems to have found two solid play makers in Marquise Goodwin and rookie Trent Taylor. But with running back Carlos Hyde‘s future with the team uncertain being that he will become an unrestricted free agent, the team needs more guys that can help elevate Garoppolo’s game.
It’s certainly a team with a number of holes, but there’s undoubtedly newfound hope that the organization has found their next franchise quarterback given this late season run.
Here’s more notes from around the NFC:
- While the Eagles have a number of assistant coaches that could be in-line for head coaching gigs after the conclusion of this season, the team’s Vice President of Player Personnel Joe Douglas has gone a bit under-the-radar in terms of garnering interest from general manager needy teams, opines Jeff McLane of The Inquirer. Douglas surprisingly wasn’t mentioned in the league’s annual list of prospective GM candidates. But despite not being named, owner Jeffrey Lurie has spoken highly of the number two football man in his front office. “The hiring of Joe Douglas, I thought, was the pivotal moment of the last year,” said Lurie. With Douglas’ guidance, the Eagles have made a number of quality football decisions that has led them to being on the verge of clinching home field advantage in the NFC. McLane does mention that while Douglas is highly-regarded in league circles, he’s still viewed as strictly a “football guy”, which isn’t the type of person that is now needed to lead an entire front office, according to McLane. Nevertheless, if the Eagles continue to dominant with Douglas partially at the helm, he definitely should start to become more sought after for a lead job in the years to come.
- Despite the Cowboys getting Zeke back for the first time since Week 8, the team is still dealing with a number of injuries entering their season-defining Week 16 game against Seattle. Star left tackle Tyron Smith is currently dealing with back and knee injuries, but he will “give it a try” this Sunday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Defensive tackle David Irving has been officially ruled out for a third straight game because of a concussion as well, reports David Moore of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). Although, there is some good news on the injury front for the Cowboys as stud pass rusher Demarcus Lawrence practiced fully on Friday and is ready to go, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com.
- The Seahawks are also dealing with a few critical injuries of their own prior to the Week 16 contest, even though the injury news seems to be a bit better on Seattle’s side. Head coach Pete Carroll said after practice that linebacker Bobby Wagner and strong safety Bradley McDougald are on track to play on Sunday, but the team would “wait-and-see” if cornerback DeShawn Shead would be activated from the PUP for this weekend’s matchup, reports Brady Henderson of ESPN.com.
Khyri Thornton Suspended For 10 Weeks
Defensive lineman Khyri Thornton has been a free agent since the Giants released him earlier this month. However, the 28-year-old will be forced to miss game time if he does indeed sign with a new team as he’s been suspended by the league for 10 weeks, reports Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The reason for his suspension remains unknown at this time.
The suspension will go into effect for only the regular season. Should he sign with a new team, Thornton will be forced to miss game action regardless if he agrees to a contract during the last week of this regular season or well into the 2018 regular season.
Thonton has bounced around a little bit this year. He made the 53-man roster with the Lions out of training camp, but could only stick with the team for a few months before he was released in November. The veteran defensive lineman quickly caught on with the Giants before being released again about two weeks into his tenure with his new franchise.
The former 2014 third-round pick has appeared in just four games this year in which he’s tallied only four combined tackles. Thornton was much more of a factor in 2016 when when he played in 13 games, totaling 18 combined tackles, a sack and one forced fumble.
Zeke Officially Placed Back On Active Roster
After a long fight with the NFL that led to an eventual suspension being taken in Week 9, Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott is finally set to return to game action on Sunday after being officially placed on the team’s 53-man roster this afternoon, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Elliott, 22, has been one of the premier runners in football since he took the league by storm during his rookie campaign in 2016. However, his sophomore season has proved to be more tumultuous as the former Ohio State Buckeye was suspended by the league for six games after he was charged with assault over the summer. Some notable pushback by Elliott and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones delayed his suspension to the middle of the season, with Elliott remaining separated from the team for six games from Weeks 9 through 15.
Dallas has won their last three contests after dropping their first three without their featured back. This most recent winning streak has allowed the Cowboys to go into a playoff “elimination” game vs. the Seahawks this weekend. While backups Alfred Morris and Rod Smith were competent in relief, the Dallas offense is expected to take a notable step up with Elliott in the backfield.
In his eight games this season, Elliott has rushed for 783 yards on 191 carries, including seven touchdowns. With his suspension complete, Dallas certainly stands a much better chance of running the table and sneaking their way into the final NFC Wild Card spot.
Patrick Robinson Enters Concussion Protocol
The Eagles were able to escape the Meadowlands with a narrow victory over the Giants, but may have lost a critical member of their secondary for at least a short amount of time. Following the game, cornerback Patrick Robinson reported concussion-like symptoms and now is in concussion protocol, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Robinson, 30, signed with the Eagles this past offseason and has started on the boundaries for all of the team’s games in 2017. Philadelphia’s success on the defensive side of the ball mainly stems from their exceptional front seven, but the secondary has produced well in their own respect thus far, especially considering the generally low expectations entering the year.
Robinson currently ranks as the fifth best corner in football, according to the metrics at Pro Football Focus. He’s also accumulated a coverage grade of 90.4, which ranks top five in the NFL as well. Losing the veteran defensive back would be a big loss, but it’s negated by the fact that the Eagles are close to locking up home field advantage in the NFC, and can possibly afford to let Robinson get fully healthy before the start of postseason football.
Should he miss game time, Philadelphia would turn to both Ronald Darby and Rasul Douglas to help fellow starting corner Jalen Mills on the outside. Both corners are clearly a step back from Robinson’s current play, but he should be able to make a full recovery before the team’s first playoff game at the very least.
NFC Notes: Burton, Foles, Saints, Floyd
Trey Burton has been a quality under-the-radar performer for the Eagles this season and he could find himself with a very robust market entering free agency this offseason, opines Mike Garafolo of NFL.com in a video on Twitter.
Burton, 26, has produced solid numbers as the backup to one of the best tight ends in the game in Zach Ertz. However, the former undrafted free agent has stepped up when Ertz has been banged up. Garafolo notes that Burton has caught three touchdown passes in the last two games, when Ertz has not been 100%.
Coming from the University of Florida, Burton didn’t really have a position entering the draft, but has seemingly found a role as a versatile tight end/receiver in the Philadelphia offensive scheme. The tight end market is not very deep either, with their being a noticeable dip after the likes of Jimmy Graham and Tyler Eifert. Given his recent play, you can expect Burton could be a name that gets more money than you may expect given his relative lack of a track record.
Let’s take a look at more notes throughout the NFC:
- Nick Foles led the Eagles to victory over the Giants in his first start since Carson Wentz was lost for the season. It was an encouraging performance for the former third round pick, who pondered retirement just two years ago, reports Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia. It was after the 2015 season when the quarterback really gave some thought to hanging it up. “Yes, I sat there and talked with my wife,” Foles said. “You go through a lot of emotions. Changing teams, being traded, going there, going through that year, and once I was a free agent, we just sort of sat there and said, ‘Hey what do we want to do?'” Nick Foles eventually decided to stay in the league and was a backup for a season in Kansas City before making his way to the Eagles this past offseason. Foles has a bit of a track record in the league and is looking to continue to build on his rebound story in the playoffs.
- The Saints lost a few players to injury during their win over the Jets on Sunday afternoon. Guard Larry Warford and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui both were forced to leave the game with concussions, according to Joel Erickson of The New Orleans Advocate. Erickson adds that guard Andrus Peat was also active to start the contest, but was held out because of a groin injury. He was available in an emergency role, with backup guards Senio Kelemete and Josh LeRibeus taken the starting sports when both starting offensive lineman were unable to play. Hopefully all three players will recover fully for the team’s critical Week 16 affair against the Falcons. The game will have major implications to who ultimately will win the ultra-competitive NFC South.
- Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd expressed that he is more at peace and hopes to be back in Minnesota next year, in a deep diving piece from Chris Tomasson of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. “I would like to stay here, for sure,” Floyd said. “I love this place.” While the former Cardinals and Pats wideout has seemingly got his life together, it’s an uphill battle considering the quality depth of the position on the team, which includes Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Laquon Treadwell and Jarius Wright.
Rex Burkhead Avoids Serious Injury
Rex Burkhead was forced to leave the Patriots game vs. the Steelers after suffering an apparent leg injury. However, it appears that the running back did not tear his ACL and should not miss much time, a league source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
The veteran reporter adds that Burkhead could “miss a little time”, but is not expected to be the type of injury that puts his potential postseason appearance in jeopardy. The former Bengal signed with New England this past offseason and has just gotten more involved in the offense as the season has worn on.
The 27-year-old has found the endzone in each of the past five games, seemingly becoming the team’s go-to red zone back. Even if the running back does miss a bit of game action, the Patriots are deep in the backfield as the likes of James White, Dion Lewis, Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden should be more than enough to hold down the fort.
The Patriots are now in the driver’s seat for homefield advantage in the AFC after beating the Steelers in Week 14. Bill Belichick‘s team finishes off the regular season with home games against the Bills and the Jets.