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Impact Rookies: New York Giants

August 9th, 2016 at 10:14am CST by Zachary Links

The old adage that defense wins championships may or may not be true, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a title-winning team that didn’t build heavily through the draft. Rookie classes, naturally, are evaluated on the perceived upside of the NFL newcomers, but which rookies are ready to contribute right out of the gate? And, how do they fit in with their new team schematically?

To help us forecast the immediate future of these NFL neophytes, we enlisted the help of draft guru Dave-Te Thomas who has served as a scouting personnel consultant to NFL teams for multiple decades.

General manager Jerry Reese went to the credit union often during the offseason, spending over $200MM to improve his team’s defensive front seven issues. But, despite some questionable purchases, the draft provided the team with two stud newcomers in cornerback Eli Apple and receiver Sterling Shepard, as both are expected to immediately contribute. Cooper Taylor’s tenure with New York could be coming to an end, especially if third round pick, Darian Thompson, is as good as he advertised during mini camp.

While Shepard is expected to at least earn a slot position, he could move outside if Victor Cruz continues to deal with injury issues. If Cruz fails to return to form, California free agent, Darius Powe, or off-the-field bad boy, Roger Lewis, might have a chance to secure the final receiver spot coming out of training camp.

First Round – Eli Apple , CB (Ohio State, No. 10 overall)

Our staff touted Eli Apple as the best cornerback in the draft not named Jalen Ramsey since Day One. We even provided our contracted teams with a very detailed statistical comparison chart that featured Apple, Ramsey, Mackensie Alexander, Vernon Hargreaves III, and William Jackson III. It seems Giants brass agreed, taking the Buckeye with the tenth pick.

The early first round surprise could be starting by the time the season opener rolls around, at least as the nickel corner. He’s likely to ease Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie off the roster after the season to take his place opposite high-priced Rams addition, Janoris Jenkins. The first thing you notice about this former Buckeye is his natural playmaking instincts. He understands how receivers are trying to attack coverage and he is a master at reading quarterbacks’ eyes when having to drop into zone coverage. He also does an excellent job of mid-pointing high-low routes.

Apple is an explosive, quick-twitch athlete with a sudden closing burst, especially when receivers catch the ball in front of him. He possesses that second gear needed to track the ball downfield and he’s fast enough to recover when gets caught out of position. Thanks to his fluid hips, he can make the smooth transition when forced to change directions quickly. When he stays under control and keeps his knees bent, is a good tackler in space.

The two-time letter-winner started all but one of the 28 games he has appeared in. As a redshirt freshman, he collected 53 tackles and broke up thirteen passes, as opposing quarterbacks often tried to challenge the first-time starter. Eight of those thirteen pass break-ups came on third-down snaps and all three of his interceptions were followed by Buckeyes touchdown drives during their 2014 national championship campaign.

The Buckeyes cornerback can consistently break up passes when in position, as he also has the athleticism to reach around the receiver and disrupt the action without committing the penalty. When he breaks up those passes, more often it is the result of violent hits right as the ball arrives. While not a valid ball thief, he does have the natural hands to reach out and pluck the ball to make the tough interception.

Teams were very leery to fire the ball into Apple’s territory in 2015, and he managed just 28 tackles, as a result. However, he impressed scouts with his outstanding coverage skills, as he not only defended nine passes (including one interception), but only 14-of-67 passes targeted in his area were completed (20.9%). He delivered twenty third-down stops, three more on fourth-down snaps. Proving to be one of the most physical cornerbacks in college, he jammed/rerouted his main pass coverage assignments away from 38 incomplete passes last season, the second-highest total in the NCAA FBS ranks. In short: the future is bright for the Giants’ first-round choice.

Continue reading about the Giants’ rookies..

Second Round – Sterling Shepard, WR (Oklahoma, No. 40 overall)

One of our staff’s favorites in this draft class, the Giants found a Hines Ward clone in this sensational Sooner receiver. Shepard plays with a lot of moxie and will soon endear himself to Big Blue fans. With Victor Cruz hoping to return to action in 2015, Shepard will likely fill slot receiver duties but after one look at his performance level, he can easily make Giants fans forget about their injured wide receiver.

It is especially pleasing when an “old dog” scout like myself sees a legacy come along. Years ago, while scouting the Midwest, Sterling’s dad, Derrick, captured attention from teams during his career at Oklahoma (1983-86). Derrick had managed to catch 75 passes during his career with the Sooners, also averaging 8.5 yards on 70 punt returns and 24.2 yards as a kickoff returner. He went on to play for Washington, New Orleans and Dallas until 1991, compiling a 9.1-yard average via 75 punt returns, a 15.2-yard average as a receiver and a 19.7-yard average running back 51 kickoffs.

Shepard has that explosive playing burst to easily gain separation after the catch. He shows above average lateral agility and balance when changing direction, doing an excellent job of extending for the ball and keeping his feet inbounds when working along the sidelines. He is a smooth open field runner who accelerates instantly coming out of his breaks and he has the burst to blow by defensive backs consistently (see 2015 Tulsa, Texas, Kansas, Iowa State and Baylor contests). He has loose hips and good feet to get in and out of his cuts and his quick first step lets him explode off the line. Shepard also has the hip wiggle and head fakes to elude defenders after the catch.

His second level speed can rival any other receiver in the collegiate ranks and he has also become a very a good student of the game, showing keen awareness for the sidelines and chains, along with the presence to come back to assist the quarterback when the pocket is compromised. When watching him on film, his ability to adjust on the move and sit down is evident as he shows fine big-play quickness after the catch. He quickly finds the open areas and works back to the ball, making nice adjustments to the poorly thrown pass.

Third Round – Darian Thompson, S (Boise State, No. 71 overall)

The Boise State master ball hawk will only have to change his jersey to a different shade of blue now that he is joining the Giants. Once considered a late first round prospect, some teams shied away from the defender with a conference record nineteen interceptions under his belt, as he did not perform well in the agility tests at the combine. Still, you can’t teach a stopwatch to play football and his thievery success indicates that Thompson might have some “skills” in that area.

Since moving into the starting lineup for the final six games of his freshman year, Thompson was the Broncos’ defensive stalwart. He posted 243 tackles for Boise State, delivering fifteen stops behind the line of scrimmage from his free safety position. While he is not the greatest leaper in this draft class (31-inches), evident by his nine pass break-ups through 51 games, he does show the natural hands needed to make the big plays.

Thompson is an instinctive player who is rarely caught out of position. He patiently waited his chance to start as a freshman, spending that time excelling on special teams and using the film room to gain lots of knowledge on his opponents. Thompson shows good ability to learn and retain the playbook. It is his ability to quickly react to the run or pass that might see him use his power and size better as a strong safety at the next level.

Dave-Te Thomas owns and operates The NFL Draft Report, a service providing insight to league scouting departments for over 40 years. All year round, you can read Thomas’ in-depth reviews of both blue chip prospects and diamonds in the rough by visiting the NFL Draft Report blog.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Impact Rookies: Philadelphia Eagles

August 8th, 2016 at 3:34pm CST by Zachary Links

To help us forecast the immediate future of these NFL neophytes, we enlisted the help of draft guru Dave-Te Thomas who has served as a scouting personnel consultant to NFL teams for multiple decades.

First Round – Carson Wentz, QB (North Dakota State, No. 2 overall)

“You can never have enough arms,” might be what you hear from the Philadelphia Phillies pitching coach, but it looks like Eagles GM Howie Roseman took that phrase to heart with his recent dealings at the quarterback position. He turned a journeyman quarterback (Mark Sanchez) to the Broncos for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2017. Sanchez had played in thirteen games for the Eagles since he joined the team in 2014, but with Doug Pederson taking over as head coach, the team decided to blow up the quarterback position.

It was expected that Pederson would hang his coaching future to the fragile body of Sam Bradford, but in a surprising move, the team handed a high-priced multi-year deal to one of Pederson’s old quarterback students – Chase Daniel. There were rumblings that even with those two in the fold, that names like 49ers disgruntled passer, Colin Kaepernick, was brought up in serious discussions held by the front office. Even then, free agent Robert Griffin III was considered for added depth.

Then, the rumors refused to die – the Eagles wanted to move up in the draft and were in talks with Tennessee for the top pick, before the Titans agreed to ship that choice to the Rams. Roseman then turned to Cleveland, pulling off a trade that saw the Eagles send the Browns their eighth overall selection, their third round pick (No. 77 overall) and fourth round choice (No. 100) in the 2016 draft, along with a first rounder in 2017 and a second round pick in 2018. In addition to securing the second pick in the draft, Philadelphia also took home a fourth round in 2017 in the exchange.

Roseman did not hesitate to snatch away Carson Wentz after the Rams selected California’s Jared Goff, . Word was that if the Rams took Wentz, the Eagles simply would have taken Goff instead. Actually, for the system Pederson runs, Wentz might be a glass slipper fit, while Goff would have had to adjust from the system he was developed under in California.

In just two years as a starter, Wentz has delivered the Bison a pair of NCAA Football Championship Subdivision national championships. He has started just 23 games, compiling a 20-3 record at the helm. A right wrist fracture sidelined him for most of the second half of the 2015 schedule, but he returned in time to help the team record its fourth consecutive FCS title.

Despite having just two seasons as a starter under his belt at NDSU, you could tell from that first practice that Wentz was a good student of the game, one that can easily adjust from college ball to raise his game to another level in a pro-style passing attack. There is no question that he has a solid feel for pre-snap reads, doing a nice job of making checks and locating secondary targets (he distributed the ball to an average of eight different receivers per game in 2014-15). He is a smart passer with keen eyes scanning the field and follows through with his progressions. With innate instincts and ever-improving developing decision making skills, it seems like he’s not far off from being able to handle a pro offense.

With Bradford starting and Daniel also on the depth chart, Wentz does not have a clear path to play in 2016. At least, not just yet. If the oft-injured Bradford finds himself sidelined again, we could see the rookie under center. Wentz still needs time to develop, of course, but he already has the acumen to lead an NFL offense if called upon.

Continue reading about the Eagles’ rookie class..

Third Round – Isaac Seumalo, OG/C (Oregon State, No. 79 overall)

The Wentz trade did not leave the Eagles with a ton of wiggle room, as they did not get back into the draft picture until taking Isaac Seumalo at No. 79. The Eagles failed to address cornerback needs until the sixth round, but they at least made a solid pick for their offensive line in the third.

Seumalo’s versatility is a major plus as he started 23 games at center, nine at right guard, three at left tackle, and two at right tackle. He joined the OSU program out of local Corvallis High School, where he was rated the second-best offensive lineman in the country by Super Prep during his senior season. He followed his brother, Andrew, who played defensive tackle for OSU from 2009-12 and currently serves the team as a coach’s assistant.

The four-star recruit and one of the best pulling guards in the nation was thrust into the starting lineup at center during his first season at Oregon State, the first true freshman to start in the pivot for the team since Roger Levasa in 1978. He was one of just two first-year centers to make his debut as a starter that year. A knee injury prevented him from playing in the 2013 season opener, but he returned to start ten games at center and two more at right tackle. The All-Pac 12 Conference choice suffered a foot injury in the Hawaii Bowl and it would force him to sit out the entire 2014 campaign.

Seumalo returned to action last season and collected 73 knockdowns in the process, making twelve touchdown-saving blocks while bouncing around the line. He started nine games at right guard and three more at left tackle on the way to receiving All-Pac 12 and Academic All-Pac 12 accolades.

When it comes to run blocking, Seumalo comes off the snap with his hands on the rise and is very effective at walling off the defender. He hits with tremendous force and is very good at clubbing the defender in the head or chop blocking to take the opponents off their feet. His raw strength will neutralize even the strongest of bull rushes and he is very effective at creating movement and pushing the pile. He is an efficient road grader who consistently plays with leverage. He keeps his feet moving upon initial contact and is very good at using his hands to move the pile. He has the brute strength to overpower and controls the action with his quick first step and low pad level to maintain position with a strong base.

Seumalo might lack ideal height to play on the edge, but with his quick kick slide, he does a very good job of neutralizing pocket pressure and can hold his own in passing situations. He has the strength and wide base to hold ground firmly at the point of attack and keeps his hands active to defeat counter moves. He has the keen vision to quickly locate and pick up stunts and flashes good pass set, knee bend and anchor to beat even the quicker defensive tackles.

With his kick slide and lateral agility, he could be very effective playing in front of the quarterback at center. As shown on Roster Resource, Seumalo is slated to be in a key reserve role for the Eagles this year. Free agent pickup Stefen Wisniewski should be the first choice if Jason Kelce, Allen Barbre, or Brandon Brooks suffer an injury, but Seumalo is next up on the interior O-Line depth chart.

Seventh Round – Jalen Mills, CB (LSU, No. 233 overall)

Mills enters training camp listed second on the depth chart behind Nolan Carroll at right cornerback, but he should at least garner playing time as the slot corner as a rookie. Before long, either Mills or Eric Rowe could be a logical replacement for Rodney McLeod at safety, if he cannot live up to his pricey free agent deal. Rowe is expected to challenge Leodis McKelvin at the left corner spot, but he also could pose a challenge for Mills in the slot.

There was a lot to like about Mills for scouts this year, but he still found himself under the microscope for a May 2014 incident in which he was arrested and charged with second-degree battery. The Baton Rouge Police confirmed that Mills allegedly punched a woman in the mouth at the door of his apartment on May 4th. The victim told police she was briefly unconscious and required several stitches on her lip and later identified Mills in a police lineup. Charges were later reduced and Mills was reinstated to the team in time for fall camp.

Mills has always been an invaluable piece in the Tigers secondary, first starting off his career as a field cornerback. He made 57 tackles with two thefts and five pass break-ups while starting all thirteen games as a freshman. He took over slot corner duties in 2013, responding with 67 tackles that included three sacks. In 2014, Mills took over free safety duties, as he delivered 62 tackles. During 2015 August drills, Mills suffered a fibula fracture that would force him to miss the first half of the season. He returned to start six times at the slot cornerback position, where he responded with 30 tackles and one sack through seven appearances.

Mills is quick to locate the ball, as he is very consistent in anticipating and jumping the routes. He might lack that explosive second gear, but shows the burst and urgency to close on the play in a hurry. He is better with the action in front of him, thanks to his keen feel for taking proper angles. He is very physical when making the tackle and shows good intensity getting to the rush lanes. He has the change of direction agility to cover along the sidelines and shows above average hand usage and extension to attack the ball in the air and reach around the receiver to deflect or pick off the pass.

Of course, Mills’ off-field incident and his injury history are major red flags. However, Mills has the natural talent to be an impact player at the next level and could prove to be a tremendous late-draft value for the Eagles.

For what it’s worth, the Eagles also think they might have a seventh-round find for their feeble pass rush in Alex McCalister, who recorded twelve sacks last season. An imposing-looking athlete with arms nearly 37-inches long, he was also a red flag draft pick, as issues off the field led to his dismissal at Florida.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

The Beat: Justin Rogers On The Lions

August 8th, 2016 at 12:40pm CST by Zachary Links

With the season fast approaching, we’re chatting with beat writers from around the league to gain insight on each team’s offseason and how those moves will impact the season ahead.

Now, we continue the series by discussing the Lions with Justin Rogers of the Detroit News. You can follow Justin on Twitter @Justin_Rogers and check out his stories here.

Zach Links: Marvin Jones was the best available wide receiver this year and the Lions pounced quickly to sign him. Do you think he’ll be targeted almost as much as Golden Tate this year? Will his five-year, $40MM contract be a good deal in the long run for the Lions?

It could be close, but I still expect Tate to be targeted at a higher rate, simply because he’s a bit more lethal on throws close to the line of scrimmage. That said, Matthew Stafford and Jones have developed chemistry rapidly, and the former Bengals wide receiver is truly a good fit in the Lions offense, offering a skill set that makes him a threat at all levels, including the deepest parts of the field.

A lot of people scoffed at $8MM per year for Jones, but it felt right at the time and seems like an even better value when you see the potential he has in the offense. Obviously time will tell, but I could see Jones catching 80 balls for close to 1,000 yards this year, and we all understand his potential in the red zone.

Zach Links: The Lions added some notable names at WR late in the offseason by signing Anquan Boldin and Andre Roberts. What does Boldin have left in the tank? Do you think that Roberts can get back to his old form?

Justin Rogers: Based on the fact that he caught nearly 70 balls in San Fran last season, Boldin obviously isn’t running on fumes. He’s looked like a nice fit in the slot, giving the Lions’ nickel corners fits with the way he uses his thicker frame to box out the defender and create extra separation on routes across the middle.

The Lions have a lot of weapons, so they don’t need Boldin to be a focal point of the offense. Depending on the health of Eric Ebron, Boldin will be the fourth or fifth option in the passing game and catching 40-50 balls would be an upgrade from what the team has recently been working with at WR3.

Zach Links: Many expected the Lions to use their first-round pick on Taylor Decker and they did not disappoint when it was their turn at the podium in April. Do you expect Decker to shine right off of the bat or will he need some time to develop, as rookie left tackles often do?

Continue reading about the Lions..

Justin Rogers: The Lions aren’t messing around, plugging the rookie in as the starting left tackle on Day 1. While they could still flip him to the right side if he struggles in the preseason, the expectation, at this point, is he’ll stick on the blindside.

Naturally, there will be struggles. It’s a big jump in competition and he’ll face some of the best athletes in the world rushing from that side, but it probably won’t be a massive drop-off from Riley Reiff. And with Reiff moving to the right side, solidifying the weakest link on Detroit’s line, the unit, on the whole, should be improved.

Zach Links: Were you surprised by the Lions’ decision to keep Jim Caldwell as head coach? What does he have to do this year in order to continue in that role in 2017?

Justin Rogers: Not really. In two seasons, Caldwell has gone 18-14 with a playoff appearance. Obviously last season’s start was embarrassing, but the way they fought to the end and responded to mid-season coaching staff changes, speaks to the roster’s unwillingness to quit on their coach.

It’s a low-risk proposition for general manager Bob Quinn. You stick with the guy the players like and respect and see if they can maintain the momentum from the end of last season, and if it doesn’t work, you install your guy.

Even though Quinn said it won’t strictly on making the playoffs playoffs, I do anticipate a postseason berth is the only way Caldwell can guarantee his return in 2017.

Zach Links: The Lions have Ziggy Ansah under team control through 2017 after exercising his fifth-year option. Do you expect the two sides to start discussing an extension soon?

Justin Rogers: Maybe next offseason, but there’s no rush. The team has other key contributors from that 2013 draft class, namely Theo Riddick, Devin Taylor, Larry Warford and Sam Martin to get done first. Plus, Stafford is also up for an extension in short order.

They can wait on Ansah, and the franchise tag, while never ideal, is always in your back pocket if his agent is playing hardball.

When Ansah does sign a long-term deal, it’s going to be massive.

Zach Links: How do you see this season playing out for the Lions? Will they make the playoffs after their sub-.500 showing last year?

Justin Rogers: For me, it hinges on two things. First, how well does the young offensive line gel? If it’s quickly, and Stafford gets better protection and there are some more consistent holes opened in the run game, the offense can be pretty good.

On defense, everyone wants to know if DeAndre Levy is healthy and back to form. He’s currently on the non-football injury list after missing nearly all of the 2015 campaign with a hip injury. Take him away and the team’s overall talent at linebacker is average, at best. With him, you have a Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker behind an under-the-radar front four.

With Levy healthy, 9-10 wins is realistic, especially considering the favorable schedule. Without him, seven seems more likely.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

PFR Originals: 7/31/16 – 8/7/16

August 7th, 2016 at 10:43am CST by Dallas Robinson

The original content and analysis produced the PFR staff during the past week:

PFR has continued to look back at the offseasons for all 32 clubs, examining the major signings, departures, trades, and other notable offseason events for each team. We covered four clubs over the past week:
- Atlanta Falcons
- New England Patriots
- Oakland Raiders
- Seattle Seahawks
PFR is analyzing each team’s rookie class with the assistance of scouting guru Dave-Te Thomas, who has served as a consultant to NFL teams for multiple decades. Dave covered two clubs last week:
- Dallas Cowboys
- Oakland Raiders
- Washington Redskins
In PFR’s new series The Beat, Zach Links is conducting interviews with beat writers, columnists, and TV personalities about the team that they cover. This week, Zach spoke with spoke with Adam Teicher of ESPN.com about the Chiefs, Eric Berry, Kansas City’s offensive line, rookie Chris Jones, and the club’s coaching staff.
Zach rounded up the best of the football blogs in the latest edition of Pigskin Links.

Offseason In Review: New England Patriots

August 6th, 2016 at 9:30am CST by Ben Levine

It was a typical offseason for the Patriots. A looming suspension/punishment for the organization or star player. The defection of a star defender. The acquisition of notable veterans and high-upside players. A flurry of draft-night trades. In other words, it wasn’t a normal offseason by any other standard.

While the fanbase was primarily focused on the looming suspension of Tom Brady, the Patriots front office did an admirable job of retooling many spots on their roster. With several impending defensive free agents, the Patriots dealt off Chandler Jones, replacing him with players like Chris Long and Shea McClellin. The team lost Brandon LaFell to free agency, but they added a younger piece in wideout Chris Hogan (as well as talented tight end Martellus Bennett). They even drafted a quarterback!

The whole Deflategate fallout seemed to dominate offseason talk, so many of the Patriots moves went under the radar. However, per usual, the team added enough depth to offset any of their notable subtractions. As a result, the Patriots should once again be in the driver’s seat for the AFC title.

Notable signings:

Chris Hogan, WR: Three years, $12MM. $7.5MM guaranteed. Bills declined to match RFA offer sheet.
Shea McClellin, LB: Three years, $8.95MM. $3.5MM guaranteed.
Chris Long, DE: One year, $2.375MM. $1MM guaranteed.
Nate Ebner, S: Two years, $2.4MM. $500K guaranteed.
Clay Harbor, TE: Two years, $3MM. $400K guaranteed. $500K available annually via incentives.
Donald Brown, RB: One year, minimum salary benefit. $300K guaranteed.
LaAdrian Waddle, T: Two years, $2.35MM. $250K guaratneed. $1.4MM available via incentives.
Terrance Knighton, DT: One year, $2.05MM. $250K guaranteed. $2.5MM available via incentives.
Markus Kuhn, DT: One year, $1.2MM. $140K guaranteed.
LeGarrette Blount, RB: One year, $1MM. $100K guaranteed. $1MM available via incentives.
Nate Washington, WR: One year, minimum salary benefit. $60K guaranteed.
James Develin, FB: One year, $750K. $50K guaranteed.
Frank Kearse, DE: One year, minimum salary benefit. $30K guaranteed.
E.J. Biggers, CB: One year, minimum salary benefit. $25K guaranteed.
Ramon Humber, LB: One year, minimum salary benefit. $25K guaranteed.
Vinnie Sunseri, S: Contract terms unknown.

While most of the Patriots offseason discussion focused on the quarterback and trades, the teams various signings seemed to fly under the radar. Still, the team managed to add several players via free agency who should contribute to this year’s squad.

Considering the injury concerns for receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, the Patriots went hard after several free agent wideouts. After kicking the tires on Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, the team ended up settling on former Bills receiver Chris Hogan – a player coach Bill Belichick had long coveted. The former Bills wideout has put up solid numbers over the past two seasons, compiling 77 catches, 876 yards, and six touchdowns during the span. As things currently stand, the 27-year-old would be the team’s third receiver, and the former Monmouth standout can also reportedly serve as an emergency punter.

Hogan wasn’t the only weapon added to Brady’s arsenal. The team signed veteran receiver Nate Washington, who caught 47 passes for 658 yards with the Texans last season. While the 32-year-old has proven to be a durable, consistent option, there’s no certainty that he’ll ultimately make the team.

Elsewhere on offense, the Patriots signed tight end Clay Harbor. The 29-year-old showed that he could be a competent piece of the passing game throughout his tenure with the Jaguars, although he settled into more of a blocking role in 2015. The Patriots value versatility, and Harbor’s ability to play both tight end and fullback will likely earn him a spot on the roster. Speaking of the fullback position, the team brought back incumbent James Develin, who missed all of last season while recovering from a broken tibia. The 28-year-old appeared in all 32 games for the Patriots between 2013 and 2014, including 10 starts.

With a number of intriguing veteran options on the running back market, there was a general assumption that the Patriots would look to add some reinforcement to their backfield. After all, the team finished 30th in rushing yards last season, and the team ultimately had to rely on 32-year-old Steven Jackson during the postseason. Furthermore, considering Brady’s impending suspension, the Patriots wouldn’t be able to lean on the passing game through the first month of the season.

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As the end of the day, the team did little to improve the run game. The Patriots brought back LeGarrette Blount, who spent parts of the past three seasons in New England. After having average 4.9 yards per attempt through his first 21 games with the Patriots, the 29-year-old saw those numbers dip to 4.3 yards per attempt last season. The team also brought in veteran running back Donald Brown, who spent the past two seasons with the Chargers. The former first-rounder had averaged 5.3 yards per carry during his final season with the Colts, but those numbers dropped to 3.1 yards per carry over the past two years. Fortunately, the team could also look forward to the return of Dion Lewis, whose breakout season ended with a torn ACL. Through seven games, the 25-year-old compiled 234 yards on 49 attempts (as well as an impressive 388 yards on 36 catches).

LaAdrian Waddle could be blocking for the duo in 2016, although there’s no certainty that the 25-year-old will make the roster. The former undrafted free agent was added by the Patriots last December following two-plus seasons with the Lions. As PFR’s Zach Links noted, Waddle was rated as Pro Football Focus’ worst qualified offensive tackle in the league, and the lineman hasn’t been capable of staying healthy throughout his career.

On the other side of the ball, the Patriots did an admirable job of adding solid veterans on affordable deals. The most notable addition was linebacker Shea McClellin, who spent his entire four-year career in Chicago. The former first-round pick has averaged 13 games a season throughout his career, and after having his fifth-year option declined, he finished 2015 with a career-high in tackles (81). The 27-year-old’s ability to play both linebacker and defensive end will certainly earn him a significant role on the team.

The Patriots continued their offseason theme of adding former first-round picks by signing former second-overall pick Chris Long to a one-year deal. The 31-year-old hasn’t been particularly healthy over the past two seasons, playing in a total of 18 games. Still, the defensive end was a force from 2010 through 2013, and playing behind both Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard should preserve the veteran throughout the campaign.

Elsewhere on the defensive line, the Patriots seemingly added a starting defensive tackle in veteran Terrance Knighton. ‘Pot Roast’ is still going strong after seven seasons in the league, and the 30-year-old has only missed an incredible four games throughout his career. After two seasons with the Broncos, Knighton spent 2015 with the Redskins, where he compiled 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 games. The team did select Malcom Brown in the first-round of the 2015 draft, but the departures of Akiem Hicks and Sealver Siliga meant the team needed some depth at the position.

To round out the defensive line, the Patriots also added defensive tackle Markus Kuhn. The four-year veteran spent his entire career with the Giants, where he compiled 39 tackles and 1.5 sacks over 24 games between the past two seasons. The Patriots also signed defensive end Frank Kearse, who followed a promising 2014 campaign (15 tackles, three sacks) with a disappointing 2015 season.

The Patriots brought back safety Nate Ebner on a two-year deal. While the Olympic rugby player probably won’t get much play in the defensive backfield, he’ll surely play a role on special teams. As our own Sam Robinson noted, Ebner finished last season with 11 special teams tackles, the third-best total on the team.

Meanwhile, free agent addition E.J. Biggers could establish a role at cornerback for the Patriots. The former seventh-round pick surely won’t unseat starters Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan, but he’ll be competing with a collection of players for that third or fourth corner spot. The Patriots also added an intriguing prospect in safety Vinnie Sunseri, although the 22-year-old will certainly have an uphill battle to make the roster. The same goes for linebacker Ramon Humber, although the former Saint could easily carve out a role on the squad. The former North Dakota State standout established himself as a formidable special teams force during his time in New Orleans, and the team’s muddled linebacker depth means the 28-year-old could also contribute on defense.

Notable losses:

It’d be a stretch to say that any of the departed Patriots free agents played a major role for the 2015 squad, but there were several players who will certainly be missed.

From an actual snap-count standpoint, receiver Brandon LaFell is the team’s most significant loss. Following a 2014 campaign where he set career-highs in receptions (74), yards (953) and touchdowns (seven), the veteran wideout struggled through injuries and inconsistencies in 2015. LaFell finished the campaign with 37 receptions, 515 yards, and no touchdowns, numbers that rival his career-lows.

Besides LaFell, the team lost another trio of wideouts, although none of the three saw the field for the Patriots in 2015. Former Rams receiver Brandon Gibson was a buy-low grab by the Patriots following two underwhelming seasons in Miami, but he was placed on the injured reserve prior to the season. Former fourth-rounder Josh Boyce never established himself through his three seasons in New England, compiling only nine receptions for 121 yards. Brian Tyms had several big games for the Pats in 2014, but an achilles injury kept him off the field last season.

The loss of veteran linebacker Jerod Mayo will likely have more of an impact on the locker room than the actual field. After being drafted 10th overall, the University of Tennessee product instantly established himself as a presence in the middle of the Patriots defense. From 2008 through 2012, Mayo only missed three regular season games, and he earned a pair of Pro Bowl appearances and a first-team All-Pro selection during that span. After having played 12 combined games between 2013 and 2014, Mayo did see the field for all 16 contests in 2015. However, the veteran started only eight games while barely playing 400 snaps, resulting in a career-low in tackles (47). A shoulder injury ultimately kept Mayo from playing in the AFC Championship game, and the 30-year-old announced his retirement less than a month later.

Tight end Scott Chandler was brought on board to provide another talented target to Brady’s arsenal, but the veteran wasn’t nearly as productive as he was in Buffalo. Between 2011 and 2014, Chandler averaged 45 receptions, 528 receiving yards, and four touchdowns a season. In 2015, he compiled only 23 receptions, 259 yards, and four scores. While the 31-year-old did contribute as a blocker and special teamer, the presence of other tight ends made the veteran expendable.

Perhaps the most surprising subtraction was defensive lineman. The 2014 first-round pick struggled with injuries throughout his Patriots tenure, although he did show brief flashes when he did see the field. Reports indicated that the move was attributed to Easley’s knees, as well as “off-field issues.” With plenty of talent on the defensive line, the front office clearly believed they were better off without the headache.

The Patriots lost another pair of defensive linemen in Akiem Hicks and Sealver Siliga. Hicks ultimately played in 13 games for the squad after being acquired from the Saints, totaling 21 tackles and three sacks. Siliga had spent the past three seasons in New England, compiling 5.5 sacks in 25 games. The duo combined for 636 snaps last season, but the free agent and rookie additions (as well as the increased roll for former first rounder Malcom Brown) should reduce the sting of the departures.

The Patriots will see a bit of a makeover in their secondary, as the team lost four defensive backs. The most notable subtraction was safety Tavon Wilson, who played in 54 games during his four seasons in New England. Following an impressive rookie campaign where he picked off four passes, Wilson struggled to hold a consistent role in the following seasons. The trio of Tarell Brown, Rahsaan Melvin, and Leonard Johnson ultimately proved to be nothing more than experiments in 2015, with none of the three playing more than 200 snaps.

The team didn’t ask back running back Steven Jackson, who had four unwhelming games (including playoffs) with the Patriots last season. Meanwhile, veteran center Ryan Wendell started 44 games for the Patriots between 2012 and 2014, earning him a captain distinction prior to the 2015 campaign. However, injuries and the presence of Bryan Stork kept Wendell off the field, and the 30-year-old still hasn’t found a job for 2016. Considering his familiarity with the offense, the veteran could presumably return if the team is seeking additional offensive line help.

Trades:

Acquired C/G Jonathan Cooper and a 2016 second-round pick (No. 61) from the Cardinals in exchange for LB Chandler Jones.
Acquired TE Martellus Bennett and a 2016 sixth-round pick (No. 204) from the Bears in exchange for a 2016 fourth-round pick (No. 127).
Acquired a 2016 third-round pick (No. 78) and a 2016 fourth-round pick (No. 112) from the Saints in exchange for a 2016 second-round pick (No. 61).
Acquired a 2016 fifth-round pick (No. 147) from the Dolphins in exchange for two 2016 sixth-round picks (Nos. 196 and 204) and a 2016 seventh-round pick (No. 250).
Acquired a 2016 seventh-round pick (No. 225) and a 2017 fourth-round pick from the Seahawks in exchange for a 2016 fifth-round pick (No. 147).
Acquired a conditional 2017 seventh-round pick from the Lions in exchange for LB Jon Bostic.

The team’s two biggest offseason moves undoubtedly came via trade. With several talented defenders becoming eligible for an extension, the Patriots had some interesting decisions to make regarding their impending payouts. The team somewhat solved their issues in mid-March, dealing defensive end Chandler Jones to the Cardinals. The 26-year-old started 52 games for the Patriots after being selected in the first round of the 2012 draft, averaging nine sacks a season. Jones had one of his best seasons in 2015, compiling 44 tackles and 12.5 sacks in 15 games. While the subtraction of a player of Jones caliber is never a positive, the Patriots are fortunate to have enough depth on the defensive line. Jabaal Sheard will presumably take Jones’ spot in the starting lineup, while 2015 draft picks Geneo Grissom and Trey Flowers could be the future at the position.

In return, the Patriots acquired offensive lineman Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick. The guard was the seventh overall pick in 2013, but injures derailed much of his tenure in Arizona. Cooper missed his entire rookie season with a broken fibia, and he only appeared in 24 games (11 starts) over the past two seasons. The 26-year-old is currently slotted in as the team’s starting right guard, although it’s worth noting that the Patriots spent a pair of 2015 draft picks on offensive guards (Shaq Mason, Tre’ Jackson). The team predictably dealt off the second-rounder for additional draft picks, which we’ll get to in a moment.

Only two days following the Jones trade, the Patriots acquired tight end Martellus Bennett from the Bears. While the Patriots’ previous tight end additions proved to be nothing less than insurance for Rob Gronkowski, Bennett should be able to carve out a significant role in the passing game. Although his 2015 campaign was a bit underwhelming, the 29-year-old still averaged 69 receptions, 705 yards, and nearly five touchdowns a season during his three years in Chicago. Bennett (6-foot-6, 273 pounds) is similar to Gronk (6-foot-6, 265 pounds), so fans shouldn’t necessarily expect the second-coming of the Gronkowski/Aaron Hernandez duo. However, there’s no denying the tight end’s talent in the passing game, and it’s easy to envision Bennett being one of Brady’s five favorite targets (alongside Gronkowski, Edelman, Amendola, and Lewis).

Otherwise, the Patriots made a number of moves to acquire picks during the draft. The team dealt off the second-round pick acquired from Arizona, and they acquired a pair of draft picks that ultimately turned into offensive lineman Joe Thuney and wideout Malcolm Mitchell. The Patriots also ended the draft having acquired a pair of 2017 draft picks.

Draft picks:

2-60: Cyrus Jones, DB (Alabama)
3-78: Joe Thuney, OL (North Carolina State)
3-91: Jacoby Brissett, QB (North Carolina State)
3-96: Vincent Valentine, DT (Nebraska)
4-112: Malcolm Mitchell, WR (Georgia)
6-208: Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB (Eastern Illinois)
6-214: Elandon Roberts, LB (Houston)
6-221: Ted Karras, OL (Illinois)
7-225: Devin Lucien, WR (Arizona State)

The Patriots forfeited their first round pick as a result of the Deflategate fiasco, but the team still managed to emerge with five rookies selected in the first four rounds.

With their second-round pick, the Patriots selected Alabama defensive back Cyrus Jones. While the talented defender may not be tall enough to establish himself as a top corner, he’ll certainly be able to contribute in the slot. Jones also put up impressive return numbers during his three years in college, including a 23.4-yard kick return average and an 11.9-yard punt return average. While it may take the rookie sometime to carve out a roll on defense, Belichick could easily lean on Jones in the return game in an attempt to preserve Amendola and Edelman.

The Patriots have added several offensive guards over the past few seasons, leading some to question the selection of lineman Joe Thuney. However, the North Carolina State product has the ability to play both guard and tackle, and recent reports have indicated that the rookie is already taking hold of the starting left guard spot. Thuney’s presence could also allow the team to move on from lineman Marcus Cannon.

The Patriots continued to surprise with their next third-round pick, selecting Thuney’s college quarterback, Jacoby Brissett. The speedy signal-caller had two solid seasons in the ACC, completing around 60-percent of his passes and running for another 899 yards. The rookie will back up Jimmy Garoppolo through the first month of the season, although if the Patriots simply needed a third quarterback, they could have signed one of a number of available free agents. Rather, the selection may indicate that the Patriots are hoping to capitalize on a potential Garoppolo breakout. If the third-year quarterback plays well enough during Brady’s absence, the Patriots could deal the signal-caller while still having a talented prospect in their back pocket.

With defensive tackle Alan Branch under contract, it’s unlikely that third-round pick Vincent Valentine will be able to contribute in 2016. However, both Branch and Knighton are on the wrong side of 30, so the Nebraska product could have a future role on this squad. Fourth-rounder Malcolm Mitchell has some big-play potential, although the wideout competing with a number of players for the team’s fourth receiver slot.

Among the team’s later-round picks, linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill has already shown flashes during camp. There’s no reason why the Eastern Illinois product couldn’t beat out Rufus Johnson, Jonathan Freeny, or Ramon Humber for the Patriots’ fourth linebacker slot. Depending on the health of the Patriots receivers, seventh-rounder Devin Lucien could even see some time on the field.

Extensions and Restructures:

Tom Brady, QB: Extended through 2019. Two years, $41MM. $28MM guaranteed.
Patrick Chung, S: Extended through 2018. One year, $5.7MM. $2.4MM guaranteed.
Danny Amendola, WR: Accepted pay cut, creating $3,8887,500 in cap space by reducing 2016 base salary from $5MM to $1.25MM. $100K signing bonus.

Tom Brady has continually been willing to restructure his contract, allowing the Patriots to have more cap flexibility. The star quarterback signed another extension this offseason, with the contract lasting until Brady is 42-years-old. Brady has been a relative bargain for the Patriots in recent years, never accounting for more than a $15MM cap number.

The Patriots also extended safety Patrick Chung’s contract through 2018, raising the veteran’s 2016 salary in the process. Since returning to New England in 2014, Chung has started 29 of his 31 games, averaging 85 tackles and 8.5 passes defender during that span.

Perhaps the most notable contract restructuring was that of wideout Danny Amendola. There were questions regarding whether the 30-year-old and his $5MM salary would stick around for 2016. However, the wideout took a massive pay cut, reducing that number to $1.25MM. Despite several injuries, the receiver has established himself as one of Brady’s targets over the past few years. While the team presumably wouldn’t have missed a beat without Amendola, his veteran presence will certainly be appreciated (especially if Edelman misses considerable time).

Looking forward, the team has several notable players up for extensions, and it may not be easy for the squad to lock up the entire group long-term. Four starting defenders will actually be reaching free agency in 2017, including Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower, Malcolm Butler (restricted free agent), and Jabaal Sheard. The Chandler Jones trade provided a bit of clarity on the team’s overall thinking (mostly that Jones was towards the bottom of the Patriots’ list of long-term priorities). However, there’s still no evident pecking order when it comes to inking these players to extensions, although Collins’ youth and production would likely put him in line for the largest payday. Per usual, Belichick and the front office will likely be exploring which of the four players would be willing to stay in New England on team-friendly deals.

It’s also worth noting that the Patriots are working with Gronkowski on an extension, despite the tight end having four years left on his contract. The 27-year-old’s base salary peaks at $9MM in 2019.

Other:

Re-hired Dante Scarnecchia as offensive line coach to replace Dave DeGuglielmo.
Declined 2017 fifth-year option for G Jonathan Cooper ($11.902MM).
Learned QB Tom Brady‘s four-game suspension was reinstated by U.S. Court of Appeals. Brady will not fight the suspension.
Learned TE Michael Williams would miss the 2016 season after tearing his ACL.
Signed eight undrafted rookie free agents following the draft.

Despite the flurry of offseason moves, quarterback Tom Brady commanded the media’s attention. Nearly 18 months after the infamous AFC Championship Game, Brady announced that he would drop the appeal of his four-game suspension stemming from the Deflategate fiasco. While the NFL Player’s Association could continue the appeals, the organization is operating under the assumption that Brady will miss the first four games of the upcoming season. Anticipation of a suspension may have prompted the team to draft quarterback Jacoby Brisset, with the rookie presumably backing up fill-in starter Jimmy Garropolo through the first month.

While the Brady suspension will presumably have a negative impact on the squad, the return of offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia should have more than a positive impact. The long-time coach retired following the 2013 season after 32 years in the league, including 30 in New England. Dave DeGuglielmo replaced the coach on the sidelines for the past two seasons, and despite modest rushing and sack numbers, the unit was continually outclassed by talented defensive lines (as seen in this year’s AFC Championship Game against the Broncos).

News of Michael Williams torn ACL certainly wasn’t encouraging, but the team should more than make up for his absence with Bennett and Harbor. Meanwhile, the team’s decision to not pick up guard Jonathan Cooper’s contract was not much a surprise, as the team will likely let the former first-rounder prove himself during his first season in New England.

Finally, none of the team’s undrafted free agents figure to play much of a role at the start of the season, although the Patriots seemingly find a diamond in the rough every few years. Considering the uncertainty at the pair of positions, if two players had an opportunity to emerge, it could be running back D.J. Foster (Arizona State) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (Auburn).

Top 10 cap hits for 2016:

Tom Brady, QB: $14,000,000
Nate Solder, T: $10,322,666
Devin McCourty, S: $7,397,500
Dont’a Hightower, LB: $7,751,000
Jabaal Sheard, LB: $6,812,500
Rob Gronkowski, TE: $6,618,750
Chris Hogan, WR: $5,500,000
Sebastian Vollmer, T: $5,208,334
Martellus Bennett, TE: $5,185,000
Marcus Cannon, OL: $4,754,168

The Patriots are rarely predictable when it comes to offseason moves. While the 2014 offseason saw the addition of several big names (led by Darrell Revis), the 2015 offseason was more about the team’s subtractions (including Revis, Brandon Browner, Vince Wilfork, and Shane Vereen).

The team’s 2016 offseason saw the best (and worst) of both worlds. While the loss of Chandler Jones will certainly sting, the team will certainly welcome additions like Long, McClellin, and Bennett. Of course, the team is also returning the majority of the core that made it to last year’s conference championship game. Since the team seemingly got stronger, we should only expect more of the same this upcoming season.

Contract information from Over the Cap, Spotrac, and Roster Resource was used in the creation of this post. Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Impact Rookies: Washington Redskins

August 5th, 2016 at 11:04am CST by Zachary Links

To help us forecast the immediate future of these NFL neophytes, we enlisted the help of draft guru Dave-Te Thomas who has served as a scouting personnel consultant to NFL teams for multiple decades.

First Round – Josh Doctson, WR (TCU, No. 22 overall)

Washington knew it was their defensive unit that needed the most immediate help, but in the opening round, finding a precise route runner like Josh Doctson still available was just too good for the team to pass up. While most analysts felt the Redskins would go for secondary help with the 22nd overall selection, the arrival of the TCU standout could make the 2016 season the final one for either Pierre Garson or DeSean Jackson – or both. The selection of Doctson broke the hearts of Minnesota and Cincinnati, picking right after Washington. Both teams did not make it a secret that they both coveted the services of the Horned Frog.

Doctson saw injuries sideline him at the end of the year, as he underwent wrist surgery. He sat out the final two regular season contests vs. Oklahoma and Baylor before returning briefly in the Alamo Bowl, but he was a non-factor vs. Oregon. Ultimately, he was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award (nation’s top receiver) and garnered first-team All-American honors.

Doctson eased his way into the Horned Frogs lineup for six games in 2013, as he managed to pull in 36 balls for a 12.2-yard average. Based on that debut, few could have imagined that he would begin his two-year tear through the school record books. Perhaps due to league politics, Texas Christian officials were just as puzzled as our staff was when it was announced in 2014 that Doctson was only named to the league’s second-team postseason squad.

Doctson has a rangy, angular build with long arms and legs. Has a frame built for quickness – split high, lean and well-defined with big hands. He might lack the bulk desired from today’s flankers, but he shows good upper body muscle tone, tight waist and hips, good arm length and hand width, tapered thighs and calves, along with a good bubble.

He lacks outstanding speed, but Doctson is a smooth route runner with the ability to stretch the field and separate, along with the natural hands needed to make the difficult catches. He displays above average balance and crisp change of direction agility to gain valid yardage after the catch and has the ability to extend while tip-toeing along the sidelines for the soft pluck. He does a good job of gaining separation off the snap due to his initial quick step. The thing you see on the field is his natural feel for making adjustments on the move, displaying good fakes and a bit of con in him to set up defensive backs in attempts to get open. He does a very nice job of sitting down and uncovering, allowing with showing good boundary awareness to keep his feet working along the sidelines. He also shows very good vision to separate after the catch. While he’ll have some adjusting to do at the next level, Doctson offers certain tools and instincts that you wouldn’t typically expect to see out of a rookie.

Continue reading about the Redskins’ rookie class..

Second Round – Su’a Cravens, LB/S (USC, No. 53 overall)

Cornerbacks William Jackson III and Artie Burns were still available when the team took Doctson, but while corner was a need, the team was not impressed with either player. At least, not as a first round option. More pressing needs were at safety, where Dashon Goldson had a miserable season as their starter on the strong-side last season. Goldson was jettisoned from the team after the 2015 schedule and Denver’s David Bruton was brought in to at least occupy the spot temporarily.

The future there could be second round USC standout, Su’a Cravens, as he also offers the team a versatile piece that could be an option at weak-side linebacker, but with serious questions at middle linebacker, the former Trojan will be moving around quite a bit in camp to fins the perfect place to groom this standout talent. Based on the current depth chart, Ryan Kerrigan is capable of holding forth at weak-side ‘backer, but the interior defenders, Will Compton and Perry Riley might have to be looking over their shoulders, if Cravens is shifting inside. They will also have to fend off challenges from Mason Foster and Boston College strongman, 2016 seventh rounder, Steve Daniels, if they hope to hold on to a roster spot by September.

Cravens created a pleasant dilemma for teams evaluating his draft stock. Most 3-4 aligned teams consider him a better fit as a weak-side outside linebacker, but our staff feels that he should either return to his early career roots as a hybrid strong/safety/linebacker or make the switch to the defensive backfield a permanent one. Playing on the weak-side in 2015, he led the team with 86 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and fifteen stops-for-loss.

Still, he was also highly effective in the short area passing game, allowing just 15.3*% of the passes targeted into his area (6-of-39) to be completed. Along the way, he rerouted sixteen opponents away from pass plays, broke up six other throws and intercepted two others. In 2014, playing more in the backfield, he delivered 68 tackles that included a team-best seventeen stops behind the line of scrimmage, nine pass break-ups and an interception that he returned for a score.

Cravens is a superb space player, but can also be an impact performer when challenging multiple blockers in tight quarters. He is very quick and active with his hands to control and get off blocks in attempts to get to the ball. Cravens is also strong for his size and can hit with leverage to stun lead blocks and cause a pile, compensating for not having great “sand in his pants” to take on linemen. The USC product has more than enough functional strength to take on blocks and shed vs. slot receivers, tight ends and fullbacks.

Cravens has above average strength to attack the outside leg of the ball carrier to quickly impede that opponent’s forward progress (see 2015 Arizona State, Notre Dame and Utah games). It is rare to see him get out of control, as he is a calculating and aggressive hitter who closes fast, hits face up and wraps solidly. He is the type that collides with ball carriers upon initial contact and has the strength to shed blocks and stay on the ball.

The youngster offers the the speed to cover ground from sideline-to-sideline and the smarts to switch assignments with great anticipation skills. Cravens is well-equipped to play linebacker or safety in either man-coverage or zone-coverage schemes. The Redskins may have found a real gem in the second round this year.

Sixth Round – Nate Sudfeld, QB (Indiana, No. 187 overall)

The Redskins won’t have to commit to rising star Kirk Cousins after he accepted the one-year franchise tender. Of course, we’ll know whether that was a wise move for Washington by this time next year. If Cousins repeats his performance from last season, a much heftier payday is on the horizon. Perhaps hedging their bets, in case Cousins is actually in a walk year, they might have found one of the draft’s better day value picks when rifle-armed Nate Sudfeld was still available in the sixth round. While lacking in mobility, the Hoosier’s arm strength is unquestioned. Besides, the team could no longer fool themselves that Colt McCoy would be a capable fill-in, could they?

Size, arm strength, and intelligence set Sudfeld apart from the rest of the QB class this year. Brother Zach was a standout tight end at Nevada and at Indiana, the younger brother found the national spotlight, proving that he was fully recovered from 2014 injury woes.

Sudfeld has a tall and good developing thickness on his frame, similar to that of a tight end than a quarterback. He has an exceptional wing span with long arms and towers over defensive lineman, making it better for him to scan the field. No one will confuse Sudfeld for a prime Michael Vick, but he offers adequate athleticism on the move, along with the thick thighs and strength to break tackles as a ball carrier. Even with his big frame, good chest thickness with muscle definition, broad shoulders and long limbs, he has yet to reach his maximum growth capacity.

Sudfeld is a good student of the game, raised in a pro-style passing attack during both his prep and college playing days. There is no question that he is a smart passer with keen eyes scanning the field, doing a nice job of making reads and following through with his progressions, evident by the minimal amount of his passes that were intercepted (2.26% of 752 attempts). He has those innate instincts, along with developing decision making skills that makes one feel he can handle a pro offense in a short time, with patient coaching. A true “student of the game,” Sudfeld has the potential to be a starter somewhere down the line. If something should happen to Cousins during the 2016 season, he may prove to be a more capable fill-in than McCoy.

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Offseason In Review: Seattle Seahawks

August 4th, 2016 at 5:27pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The 2015 Seahawks won the fewest regular-season games of the four-year Russell Wilson era (10) and were unable to extend their streak of consecutive Super Bowl appearances to three, but they still made the playoffs for the fourth straight time and were among the the final four NFC teams standing. They also racked up top-five finishes in total offense, defense and point differential, and ranked first in Football Outsiders’ regular-season DVOA metric. All things considered, then, general manager John Schneider didn’t need to do anything drastic during the offseason to keep the Seahawks’ window of contention open.