Sam Darnold Enters The 2018 NFL Draft
Minutes after fellow top quarterback prospect Josh Rosen announced his intentions to leave for the NFL, USC signal caller Sam Darnold has revealed that he will also declare for the 2018 NFL Draft in a video posted on his Instagram page.
Always thought of as one of the consensus top two quarterbacks in this draft class, there seemed to at least some hesitation from around the league whether the redshirt sophomore quarterback would decide to go pro after this season. While Darnold has tremendous arm talent, there was some clear holes that were exposed in his game this season, especially in his tendency to turn the ball over. The USC Trojan threw 13 interceptions in 2017, four more than in the previous season. He also was coming off a poor last effort against a talented Ohio State defense in the Cotton Bowl.
Nevertheless, Darnold is betting on himself and is set to be a top pick in about three months time. Even after a rough season, the redshirt sophomore still has great raw ability and was posting better numbers as the 2017 season wore on. Also, with the number of teams needing quarterbacks to build around, Darnold will almost assuredly be taken in the top ten picks with there being a great chance that he goes even higher than that, possibly number one to the Browns.
Cleveland has passed on taking quarterbacks in the first round in the last two drafts, but still look to be in a prime decision to take either Darnold or Rosen this April. While Rosen has been a little more unsure of the idea of going to the Browns, Darnold has stated publicly that it would “be so special” to be taken number one overall, according to Doug Lesmirises of Cleveland.com.
However, there should be no jumping to conclusions as many things could change in the months ahead regarding who will be the first quarterback selected. The important thing is that we now know teams will have a chance to draft Darnold in just a few months.
Josh Rosen Declares For The 2018 NFL Draft
One of college football’s best quarterbacks will be heading to the NFL next season. UCLA’s Josh Rosen has just announced his intention to enter the 2018 NFL Draft in a letter on posted on his Twitter page.
“I especially want to thank my teammates. I wish we had won more games, but friendships were forged and memories were made that will last a lifetime. They are my best friends- I love them and wouldn’t have chosen any others to go into battle with each and every week. It pains me to leave these guys, but I know they wouldn’t let me come back and pass up this opportunity to chase my dream.”
“Thank you most of all to my family for supporting me. I love you all and don’t know what I would do without you guys. And now as a proud UCLA Bruin, I am officially declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.”
Rosen was always expected to go pro after this college football season, but now that it’s official we can start speculating on where the talented signal caller will end up. Rosen has often been linked with fellow QB Sam Darnold as being one of the top two picks in this upcoming draft. However, Rosen has previously stated that he may not want to go to the Browns, who hold the first and fourth overall picks in April. The Giants are set to pick second and there’s already been widespread speculation that organization could be looking for the apparent to Eli Manning this offseason.
Nevertheless, Rosen is not only rated as one of the best quarterbacks, but one of the best overall prospects available in this draft class, according to multiple draft experts across the football media world. Rosen has a great chance of being selected in the top three picks given that there are so many quarterback needy teams across the league entering the offseason.
Packers Shake Up Coaching Staff
The Packers have decided to make dramatic changes in their coaching staff, the team has announced. Among the bigger news released today was that defensive coordinator Dom Capers officially been fired. It was already reported that the longtime coach was going to be let go a few days ago, but the news just confirmed by team officials today. Defensive line coach Mike Trgovac and linebackers coach Scott McCurley were also officially relieved of their duties.
“I want to thank each of these men and their families for all that they gave to the Packers during their time here,” head coach Mike McCarthy added. “We enjoyed a lot of success together and they directly contributed to our accomplishments. These are difficult personal decisions and we hope for the best for their families moving forward.”
Tom Pellisero of NFL.com has also reported that current offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett will be reassigned to another post and that the Packers will allow quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt‘s contract to expire this offseason (Twitter link). It should be noted that both of these reported decisions are still awaiting confirmation from the team.
Bennett had been on the Packers staff for awhile, serving in many roles, including the team’s player development, running backs, wide receivers coach since he joined the organization in 2001. He had been promoted to offensive coordinator at the start of the 2015 season. His role change will allow the team to hire an offensive coordinator from outside the organization.
Van Pelt was hired as the team’s running backs coach in 2012 was promoted to handle the team’s quarterbacks in 2014.
Both coaches have had the benefit of working with All-pro signal caller Aaron Rodgers over the past few years. But the offense showed significant flaws when Rodgers went down with injuries for a much of the 2017 season. Today’s news essentially confirms the speculation that the Packers could drastically alter their coaching staff in the weeks ahead since they missed the postseason for the first time since 2008.
Draft Notes: Nelson, Jackson, Johnson
We’ve already seen many underclassman opt to enter the 2018 NFL Draft with the January 16 deadline fast approaching. Below are three more high profile players that have made the decision to the jump to professional football:
- As expected, Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson has thrown his name into the NFL Draft pool. Nelson revealed his decision on Twitter after the team’s victory over LSU on New Year’s Day. The offensive lineman has been touted as one of the best prospects available in April. It’s a little bit unusual for guards to be taken in the top five, but Nelson has certainly has a good chance because of his dominant play for the Fighting Irish. He’s currently rated as the top offensive lineman and fifth best overall prospect by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.
- Perhaps the best cornerback prospect has declared for the draft as well. Iowa corner Josh Jackson tweeted his intentions to go pro this morning in which he thanked his coaches, teammates and fans.“Growing up, it has always been my dream to play in the National Football League,” Jackson wrote. “I am excited for this next step and humbled by this great opportunity. I will always bleed Black and Gold.” The junior defensive back was named as an unanimous All-American, received the Big Ten’s Defensive Back of the Year honors and finished as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 2017. He’s currently rated as the top cornerback on Miller’s draft board. He also comes in graded as the second best draft eligible corner, according to Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN.com.
- Breakout college running back Kerryon Johnson has also entered the 2018 NFL Draft. Auburn’s junior back released his decision in a statement posted on his Twitter page last night. Johnson finished his final collegiate season as the SEC’s Offensive Player of the Year. He totaled 1,391 rushing yards in his junior season, which was significantly more than what he produced in his first two years with the Tigers. He also rushed for 18 touchdowns during what turned out to be his final season with Auburn. Kiper currently ranks Johnson as the seventh best running back available in possibly the deepest positional group in this draft class.
AFC Notes: Hopkins, Gordon, Bills, Lewis
Even with poor quarterback play for much of the year, Texans wideout DeAndre Hopkins has solidified his place in the top tier of NFL receivers. At 25 years old, Hopkins eclipsed the 1,300 yard marker and has managed double-digit touchdowns in a season for the second time in his career. But perhaps one of the most impressive things about Hopkins is that he’s never missed a game. The former first-round pick has played in 79 straight contests, but that streak is expected to end on Sunday, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).
Wilson notes that Hopkins is currently dealing with a calf injury and was forced to miss practice on Thursday afternoon. It’s not a good sign when a player misses practice late in the week and that is no exception even for a player like Texans number one wideout. Hopkins produced perhaps his best season yet in 2017 because of the offensive situation he had to deal with. It’ll be a shame if he doesn’t end up going on Sunday because of his ability to make insane catches at any time, like the one he pulled off against the Steelers in Week 16.
Here are more stories we’re following from the AFC as Week 17 approaches:
- While Melvin Gordon‘s Week 17 status was more uncertain at the beginning of the week, it appears as if the talented running back is “optimistic” he’ll be able to go on Sunday, a source tells to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). The third-year back is dealing with an ankle sprain, but swelling is minimal, according to Rapoport. The Chargers would love to have Gordon available vs. the Raiders because their playoff hopes are still very much alive. The team does not have much depth behind their surefire number one back with Branden Oliver representing the only true backup on the depth chart. The Chargers have not signed an additional runner to the roster just yet, so it appears as if the team may think Gordon will be able to give to a go this weekend.
- The Bills also face a must-win scenario in Week 17 in order to make the postseason. Two critical players in wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and cornerback E.J. Gaines have been dealing with injuries throughout the week, but both look like they are trending in the right direction with gameday fast approaching, according to the team’s website. “He looks like he’s ready to go,” said head coach Sean McDermott of Gaines. The rookie head coach was hedging his bets a bit more regarding his number one wideout, stating that, “He practiced today and did some good things, we’ll get a better feel tomorrow.” In order to reach the playoffs, Buffalo needs to beat Miami on the road and get a Ravens loss, or have the Titans and Chargers both lose on Sunday afternoon.
- Bengals longtime head coach Marvin Lewis is currently working through heavy speculation that he will be relieved of his duties come Monday morning. However, the coach told reporters yesterday that he has not discussed his current contract situation with owner Mike Brown, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Terrell passes along that the two do speak everyday. So if they do talk about his future with the team, they are not making it public at this time. The Bengals have fought through what will be the Bengals second straight losing season, and without any playoff wins to show in 15 years with the franchise, it appears likely the two sides will part ways at some point this offseason. Though it should be stated that Lewis has been able to stick around for this long even with an 0-7 playoff record to his name, so I guess anything is possible.
NFL Workout Updates: 12/28/17
Here is today’s workout news from around the NFL:
Baltimore Ravens
- CB’s Jonathon Mincy, Loucheiz Purifoy (via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com)
Reactions To The Giants Hiring Dave Gettleman
The Giants were able to move quickly in their search for a new general manager when they officially hired former Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman on Thursday afternoon. The move was met with positive feedback across the football world, with many of local and national pundits crediting New York for making the hire before the New Year so they can hit the ground running with their head coaching search following the end of the regular season.
Here are some specific takes on the team’s decision to hire Gettleman:
- Ian Rapoport of NFL.com posted a video on Twitter after the news broke mentioning how the hiring of a guy like Gettleman as “rare” at this point in the NFL calender. Rapoport noted that teams don’t normally have the chance to hire accomplished executives before the regular season ends. But it’s actually happened twice this season with the hirings of Gettleman and new Browns general manager John Dorsey. Rapoport also pointed out that the move was a signal that the franchise wouldn’t drastically change the way they conduct business. New York just simply wanted a new voice leading the football operations. Gettleman is familiar with the organization having worked for the team from 1998-2012 before accepting his former position in Carolina.
- James Kratch of NJ Advance Media attempted to point out some differences between Gettleman and former general manager Jerry Reese. Kratch points out Gettleman’s philosophy to build from the lines out, while Reese put more of emphasis on acquiring quality skill players. Kratch also touches on how Gettleman comes from a more pro personnel background rather than Reese’s history as a scout for the NFL draft. The two also have differences in dealing with players and the media with Gettleman forming better relationships with people covering the team, while Reese showed more of a track record for getting along with the roster, including star players. Finally, Kratch mentions that Gettleman has shown much more of a tendency to wheel and deal on draft night, while Reese was more or less set on taking players at the team’s original draft pick.
- On a different note, while he wasn’t killing the decision by any means, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post focused on how the Giants made the hire everyone was expecting to make. Schwartz notes that the Giants haven’t made an executive hire of anyone from outside the organization in the last 40 years. The team didn’t break this mold even after one of the worst years in franchise history. Gettleman has a long history with the Giants, which made him a clear front runner for the position. Overall, Schwartz expresses that Gettleman is accomplished and deserving, but doesn’t bring a sense of outside the box thinking to the organization.
- Ralph Vacchiano of SNY concludes that Gettleman was the right hire because of his “eye for talent and knowledge of building a winning team”. Vacchiano expresses that while the search was primarily an in-house affair with ESPN analyst Louis Reddick representing the only candidate from outside the Giants organizational tree. Though that doesn’t mean that the front office will simply get a Reese 2.0 football operations department with Gettleman at the helm. He’ll likely make enough changes to ease the concerns of Giants fans, while maintaining much needed stability as well. The beat reporter likes his tendency to get good players in the trenches too. In the end, the writer believes that ownership didn’t need to take any unnecessary risks, and that Gettleman gives the front office exactly what it needs moving forward.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/28/17
Here are today’s minor moves around the NFL:
Buffalo Bills
- Released: S Trae Elston
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: CB B.W. Webb
Houston Texans
- Placed on IR: S Corey Moore
Here are today’s practice squad updates:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: K Jonathan Brown
Houston Texans
- Signed: OG Erik Austell
- Released: OG Dorian Johnson
NFC North Notes: Vikings, Nelson, Trubisky
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was hired to his post mostly because of his mastery in calling an NFL defense. Zimmer was the Bengals defensive coordinator for six seasons before making the jump to the head coaching ranks in 2014. Although, he’s still been calling Minnesota’s defensive plays for the past four years. However, that is something that may change come 2018, reports Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune.
Krammer passes along that Zimmer almost gave up his playing calling duties this past year to defensive coordinator George Edwards. He ultimately decided against the move largely because of his success at calling defensive schemes for the past 18 years. Zimmer did express that Edwards is the main orchestrator of the team’s defensive game plan for the most part anyway.
“George does everything,” Zimmer said. “He helps with the game plan. He runs a lot of the meetings, the defensive meetings. Him and I really sit down and talk about all the different things that are going on. He studies the game just like he’s calling the game. So he’ll come in and talk to me about second down-and-whatever. ‘They’re doing this,’ or, ‘they’re doing that.’ Really, he does everything other than call the game on Sunday.”
Edwards used to call plays for the Bills back in 2011, but has taken a backseat in that regard in order to work as a member of Zimmer’s staff. This dynamic could be a subplot as we approach next year’s training camp because Zimmer appears to be letting go of the idea that he has to be the one making the final defensive decisions on Sundays.
“It’s a lot of work when you sit down and do it,” Zimmer said of calling plays. “I’ve done it for a long time. And because I have confidence in George, as well. I think maybe just the fact that, um, you know, I don’t know – I guess I’m just getting older.”
Here’s more stories from around the NFC North:
- In other Vikings news, wide receiver Jarius Wright is reported to have restructured his deal at the beginning of the season, which dropped his base salary from $2.5MM to $1.05MM, according to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune (Twitter link). Goessling notes that Wright has earned weekly roster bonuses of about $93k in order to get back his original salary figure. With that in mind, he’ll have earned back the rest of his money by the time Week 17 kicks off.
- Packers longtime receiver Jordy Nelson appears to be stuck in limbo with the organization the drafted him back in 2008, opines Rob Demosvky of ESPN.com. Nelson, who’ll turn 33 over the summer has seen a major drop off in production in his 10th year in the NFL. Demovsky suggests that the veteran wideout may hinder the team’s ability to re-sign the more productive and younger Davante Adams, who’ll be a free agent this offseason. Nelson will collect about $10MM in salary and bonuses in 2018, which will make him more difficult to cut or trade in the next few months. Randall Cobb is signed long-term as well, but is five years Nelson’s junior, which makes him a better piece to have moving forward. Not being able to sign Adams would be a major blow for a Packers team that saw what life is like without Aaron Rodgers this year. This puts the Packers in a very difficult position entering a crucial offseason with the team having missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
- Mitch Trubisky has had his moments during his rookie campaign, but has largely faced a lot of difficulty in his first season in the NFL. It’s expected that the Bears coaching staff and roster will have a lot of turnover this offseason, but the young signal caller expects to take a “big jump” in 2018, reports Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune. “I’m always motivated to get better,” Trubisky said. “I expect to make a big jump from Year 1 to Year 2. The experience I got this year, I’m definitely going to carry that with me into the offseason and expect to have a lot of momentum and just a full head of steam going into next year.” While he experienced a number of challenges in 2017, Trubisky emphasized “growth and development” in his reflection of his first foray into professional football. Expect the Bears to put an emphasis on surrounding Trubisky with more talent this offseason. He’s had to work with patchwork receiving groups all year long, which certainly does not bode well for his outlook moving forward. The former first round pick comes into Week 17 completing under 60% of his passes, while throwing just as many touchdowns as interceptions at seven apiece.
Assistant GM Kevin Abrams Likely To Stay With The Giants
The Giants announced today that they’ve hired former Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman to lead the team’s football operations for the foreseeable future. However, just because the team has brought in a new face to be the head of the front office, doesn’t mean all of the previous decision makers will be on their way out the door. It’s expected that Gettleman will keep current assistant general manager Kevin Abrams on board for next season, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY (Twitter link).
Abrams was one of two internal candidates to interview for the general manager position. Marc Ross, the team’s vice president of player evaluation, also spoke to ownership, although nothing has been reported as of yet in regards to his future.
As the presumptive number two in command under former GM Jerry Reese, Abrams was primarily involved with the team’s working of the cap, which will help him to remain a crucial part of the Giants decision making process this offseason. Abrams has been with the organization for past 16 years, so he should help make Gettleman’s transition into the lead role a lot smoother in the weeks ahead.
Gettleman offers experience and a track record as the leader of a front office, but Abrams should continue to have a major footprint in how the team conducts its business in the months to come.