NFL
Winners And Losers
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The NFL scouting combine is now in the books.
More than 300 prospective NFL players were put through the ringer during the world’s most unconventional job interview.
After all, that’s what the combine is, a job interview. Some will get a job and others will leave temporarily unemployed.
Performing well in drills like the 40-yard dash, the vertical jump, or the bench press can convince a team there’s untapped potential. On the contrary, a poor performance, an injury, or any other red flags can sink a player’s draft stock.
Here are some of the winners and losers from some NCAA headliners in the 2020 NFL Combine.
Winner: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida: The former Gator weighed in at a solid 204 pounds and still managed to run a 4.39 40-yard dash (third fastest among DBs).
His bench press reps (20) showed some dedication in the weight room. Henderson was the most impressive corner in on the field drills. He needed a good day to secure a first-round selection, and he got it.
Loser: Trevon Hill, edge rusher, Miami: Hill was a potential top 100 prospect this season, but teams will likely be disappointed in his athleticism results from the combine.
The former Cane weighed in at 248 pounds, he ran a 4.89 40-yard dash and managed pedestrian jump of 28 inch vertical and 9.5 broad.
Hill will probably be a day 3 selection. Still employed, but unexpectedly lower in status.
Winner: Cam Akers, RB, Florida State: Akers improved his draft stock with a solid showing at the combine. The former Seminole finished 5th in the 40-yard dash (4.47), broad jump 10 feet 2 inches and vertical jump was 35.5 inches. Akers is now the fourth ranked running back on my board behind Swift, Taylor and Dobbins.
Loser: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida: Jefferson did not participate at the combine after discovering a fracture in his foot that will require surgery. Jefferson was slotted as a day two selection now falls to day 3. Jefferson was at the combine and took part in the various team interviews.
Winner: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson: Simmons lined up at nearly every position imaginable in college.
Simmons, before the combine was a top 10 pick, and is still a top 10 pick. Measuring in at 6 foot 4 inches (93 percentile), a 39-inch vertical (92nd percentile), 11-foot broad jump (98th percentile) and a 4.39 40-yard dash (99th percentile). Impressive for a 230 pounder.
The percentiles are NFL Combine history rankings. Let’s put it in layman’s terms, Simmons is a Defensive Freak!
Loser: Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia: There were no surprises with Fromm’s mostly average measurements earlier in the week. His arm strength during workouts was below average, his throws fluttered at times and his deep pass lacked velocity. Despite a poor showing, I suspect he’ll have an NFL career. However, his combine workout moved him down in QB stock below Eason.
While the timing, results, and measurements are key, data from the combine is not the whole story of the evaluation process.
Game film, physicals, interviews, and background checks will determine their career path. Some big differences and small similarities in the professional sports job market and regular people job markets. No matter the gig, these things can be challenging for anyone!
The Draft, however, is specifically tough on both candidates and staff. Simply put, it’s an educated gamble.
Jaguars Need To Sharpen Claws On Offense
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Jacksonville Jaguars finished with a 6-10 record in 2019, missed the playoffs for the second straight season, and were a boring team to watch especially on offense for the better part of the season.
I’m getting straight to the rat killing here. This team needs more playmakers at WR and with the #9 pick they need to draft one of the two Alabama receivers below:
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Height: 6-1. Weight: 192.
40 Time: 4.45.
Projected Round: Top-20.
Jeudy totaled 77 receptions for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019. He played well for Alabama, showing his skills to be a dynamic receiver and a source for big plays while also serving as a good blocker for his teammates.
Jeudy has big-play speed and is a fantastic route-runner. He can blow the top off of a defense. If Jeudy is there at #9 this in a no-brainer for Jacksonville. I predict Jeudy to be a Pro-Bowl WR in the NFL.
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
40 Time: 4.40.
Projected Round: 1.
Ruggs had 40 catches for 746 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2019. Of the special group of receivers at Alabama, Ruggs is the fastest.
His production was held back by Alabama spreading the ball around to that talented receiving group. If Jeudy is gone then the Jags could go Ruggs here. If this kid runs a sub 4.4 at the combine then he could fly up the draft boards.
If Jeudy and Ruggs are gone before the #9 selection then the Jags should look at addressing the WR position in the second round and the studs below could be still on the board:
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Height: 6-4. Weight: 200.
40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round: 1-2.
Higgins had 59 catches for 1,167 yards with 13 touchdowns in 2019. He is a tall, long receiver who is a red-zone weapon.
Higgins is projected as a late first round or second round pick. Could he still be there at Pick #42 if the Jags have a brain fart and go defense at #9?
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 192.
40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round: 1-2.
Jefferson was a nightmare for opposing defenses in 2019, recording 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Jefferson has length to go with speed. He was a steady big-play producer for Joe Burrow and LSU in 2019. This kid is a playmaking machine and can high point the ball over opposing defensive backs.
The Jaguars ranked 20th in total offense in the NFL in 2019. 16th in passing offense and 17th in rushing offense.
DJ Chark was a 1,000-yard receiver for the Jags in 2019, but in an offensive league like the NFL you have to stock up on playmakers. Did you watch the Kansas City offensive explosion during the 4th quarter of Super Bowl 54?
Since taking Blake Bortles in the first round in 2014, who turned out to be a bust the Jags have used their first-round pick on defense in 4 of the past 5 drafts.
It is time to shake off the Bortles hangover and start assembling some pieces on the offensive side of the ball to compete with these high-powered offenses in the AFC.
The dream scenario would be the commissioner saying with the 9th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft the Jacksonville Jaguars select WR Jerry Jeudy from Alabama then trade for QB Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions to make this team a serious player in the AFC.
Rebuilding The Rebuild
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Jacksonville Jaguars played in the AFC Championship game in 2017. They held a second half lead at New England before losing, 24 – 20. They went into the 2018 season as a legit Super Bowl contender and finished 5 -11.
The Jags had a good running back in Leonard Fournette and an elite defense. Quarterback was considered the weak link so they finally got rid of Blake Bortles.
In March of 2019, they signed Super Bowl LII MVP quarterback Nick Foles to a four-year contract worth $88 million. $50.1 million is guaranteed and could pay up to $102 million with incentives.
That generated excitement for the fan base but he was injured in Week 1 against Kansas City in the first quarter. He suffered a broken left clavicle and had surgery the next day. He did not return until Week 11 and rookie Gardner Minshew started in his place.
Foles only had four starts and threw three touchdowns with two interceptions. The team finished the year 6 -10.
The good news is they earned the No. 9 pick. The Jaguars’ pick will be their 18th time in the top 10 since the franchise came into existence in 1995, the most of any team. The Cardinals, who will be making their 15th top-10 pick since 1995, are second.
They also acquired the 20th pick when they traded Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams.
The good news is they have nine draft picks in the upcoming 2020 draft. The bad news is there are now several holes in Jacksonville’s roster. The offensive and defensive efficiency rankings are both 26th.
They rank 24th in total defense and 20th in total offense. Let’s take a look and see what impact players the Jags might select in the first round.
With the ninth pick, the Jags can go in several different directions. The offensive line needs a solid left tackle and Louisville’s Mekhi Becton would be a good fit. He’s 6’7, 369 pounds but he’s very athletic. He has good footwork, balance and strength. He would fit nicely with 2019 second-round right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
The other option could be a play-making wide receiver. Receiver CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) could provide speed and explosive plays. Second-year receiver D.J. Chark Jr. had a breakout 2019 campaign (75/1,008/8), but the team needs more weapons for Gardner Minshew (or Nick Foles).
Lamb had 62 catches, 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2019. He averaged 21.4 yards per reception.
The last option with this pick is on the defensive side of the ball. I think the top three prospects; cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and linebacker Isiah Simmons should be off the board before this pick. South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw would be the best player available and he could help shore up the interior.
With the 20th pick, I think CB Trevon Diggs (Alabama) would be a good fit. They need a corner to replace Ramsey. Diggs has good physical traits standing at 6’2, 207 pounds. He had 37 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 8 pass deflections last season. If runs in the 4.4 range at the combine they have to take him.
If they don’t select them, I expect them to take another corner, C.J. Henderson (Florida). The biggest knock on him is his tackling but he has the height (6’1) and speed to be an elite cover corner.
Jacksonville has a chance to turn the franchise around with this draft.
Out Of The Shallows
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
With the Super Bowl in the rear view, the Miami Dolphins can officially start executing their off-season draft plans. The Miami Dolphins have 14 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Dolphins will be a key contender in the 2020 draft, as they currently hold three first round picks and two second round selections.
The speculation is in full swing when it comes to trying to predict what the Dolphins will do with those three first round picks, with more guessing and predictions sure to come.
According to Spotrac, the Dolphins are set to own the most cap space in the NFL next year for a cool 90 to 115 million dollars in cap space.
Needless to say, the Dolphins are going to have a ton of money to convince a handful of top talented free agents to come play in South Beach.
It is going to be a lot of fun for Dolphin fans to see how Chris Grier (Miami’s General Manager) maneuvers free agency and the draft to rebuild this story franchise.
As the Dolphins transition into buyers instead of sellers, they are going to need to do their due diligence to maximize their cap space.
Miami’s wheeling and dealing netted it two additional first round draft picks, at 18 and 26, in addition to their own selection at 5. So, the Dolphins choose wisely, they can set their rebuilding plan in motion in a big way.
One thing is obvious in building a NFL team, you must possess a gifted quarterback to obtain sustained winning and championships. In a pass happy NFL, teams must have a top tier quarterback to win Super Bowls.
The Dolphins rebuild has always been centered around drafting a franchise quarterback. The football gods have been cruel to Alabama quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, as he saw his season cut short by injury.
The Dolphins have had their eyes on Tua for quite some time and if the medical report on Tua’s hip looks good the Dolphins shouldn’t pass on him. Tua is a super talented passer with elite accuracy; a requirement for a potential franchise quarterback.
I realize that the Dolphins have a lot of holes on both sides of the ball, but Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will this Dolphin’s team. With the current draft choices and cap space, it is safe to say this is a good foundation to start the rebuild.
The Dolphins almost never make bold moves at the draft and if they want this franchise to be relevant again, they must roll the dice and move up to assure you get the quarterback to build around.
Watching Pat Mahomes this year reminded me of that feeling I used to get when Dan Marino was quarterback. The feeling of hope; by hope I mean the feeling that the Dolphins were never out of a game, the feeling that the Dolphins could overcome any deficit, the feeling the Dolphins can contend for the playoffs and Super Bowl.
Dolphins fans I’ll leave with a quote from Jimmy Johnson “Do you want to be safe and good or do you want to take a chance and be great?”
That is what this off-season is all about for the Miami Dolphins, that is if you’re talking about the Super Bowl.
Super NFC South
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The NFL gets a lot of credit for its parity from year to year and there are multiple examples over the years proving that to be true.
When it comes to the Super Bowl, because of the Patriots stranglehold on the AFC, most of the parity has come from the NFC.
There has been a different team representing the conference in each of the past six seasons, many of which were not considered to be Super Bowl contenders to begin the season.
As we look towards next season, could one of the NFC South teams be that team to surprise everyone with a Super Bowl run?
The obvious answer would be the New Orleans Saints, which takes them out of this particular conversation since they wouldn’t be a surprise.
Out of the three remaining divisional teams, I don’t think there’s much doubt the Panthers are the longest of long shots next year.
They have a new coach with a new philosophy, they lost their best defensive player (Luke Kuechly) to retirement and decided not to bring back their most reliable offensive player (Greg Olsen).
And then there’s the question of whether Cam will ready, if he’ll be back in Charlotte at all. Trust me, Kenny Maybe had a better chance of making it to the second round of “Dancing With the Stars” than the Panthers do of making it to the Super Bowl.
Next up, to me at least, are the Falcons. I realize most people probably believe in the Falcons more than the Buccaneers, but I’m just not there.
Atlanta has been on the decline for the last three seasons; they haven’t been able to quite put things together on either side of the ball since their Super Bowl run, and frankly, I don’t trust Dan Quinn.
I stated earlier this season, the worst thing that could happen to Atlanta was to finish the season strong, giving management a reason to keep Quinn around, and I’m sticking to it.
On the flip side, the talent is there to make a run, especially on the offensive side of the ball, which is why I give them a better chance than Carolina. On paper they look like best team out of the three to give New Orleans a run for the division title, but I’m not quite sold on it happening.
So, yes, between the Panthers, Falcons, and Buccaneers, I would pick Tampa to be the surprise team next year. I don’t know if it’s the viral infection I’ve been battling combined with the Police Academy marathon I binged today (thanks Netflix), but for some reason I’m going with the Buccaneers.
Truth be told, I’m not really sure why I should even feel this way, except that after five years I’m still foolish enough to think James Winston can surely get his stuff together for at least one full season.
I mean, the 5,100 yard and 33 touchdowns is so appealing, as long as you completely ignore the 30 interceptions that went along with it. Surely Bruce Arians can do something with that, right?
Of course, these things were being said about the 49ers last year, and the Rams the year before that, and the Eagles before that, which is why every team begins each season with a renewed sense of hope.
Maybe we’ll be able to add an NFC South team to that list; except for the Panthers. Seriously, it’s going to be a long year.
The Big Game
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The matchup for Super Bowl LIV is set, San Francisco versus Kansas City. The 49ers are the top seed in the NFC and the Chiefs are No. 2 in the AFC.
The teams are polar opposites. San Fran (15-3) has an elite defense, ranked second in total defense. They only give up 19 points per game and 282 yards. They have a great front four and can generate pressure with them. They ranked fifth in sacks with 48.
They also rank second in rushing offense. They average 31 rushing plays and 144 yards per game. The only team that had more yards was Baltimore.
This is old school football we used to see in the 80’s and 90’s. The surprising thing is that the Niners don’t have a bell cow running back.
They have a true committee with Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert.
Each of them has at least 530 yards during the season. Mostert was the star of the NFC Championship game against Green Bay, rushing for 220 yards and 4 touchdowns.
“I did have a lot of doubters and naysayers,” said Mostert, who has been cut seven times in his career. “Now I get to actually tell them, ‘Look where I’m at now. I never gave up on my dreams.”
Kyle Shanahan is in his third season as head coach in San Francisco. He was the offensive coordinator for Atlanta prior to this and he coached them in Super Bowl LI.
The Falcons had a decisive 28 – 3 lead late in the third quarter but lost. Shanahan was criticized for being too aggressive and not trying to run the ball more to control the clock.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo only had 8 pass attempts in the NFC Championship. He’s the one obvious weak link on the team.
San Francisco is playing in their seventh Super Bowl. They are trying to tie Pittsburgh and New England for the most Super Bowl wins for a franchise with six.
On the flip side Patrick Mahomes is the catalyst for the Kansas City offense. He was the league MVP last season. He missed two games in 2019 and still finished 10th in passing yards. Garoppolo was 12th.
In the AFC Championship, Mahomes threw for 294 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions. He also ran for 53 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs (14-4) have not been to a Super Bowl since 1970.
KC has great skill players and a lot of speed. Travis Kelce might be the best tight end in the league. Tyreek Hill is a top ten receiver and the fastest player in the NFL.
The Chiefs do not have a running game. They were 23rd in rushing and average 98 ypg. KC also has an average defense, ranked 17th in total defense. They give up 350 ypg.
Andy Reid has the most wins without a Super Bowl victory. He’s looking to change that in Miami.
I think this will be a very close game. I think the 49ers can get pressure on Mahomes without blitzing. They have a good secondary, so they can slow down the explosive Chiefs offense.
Kansas City’s defense has to stop San Francisco from running and force Jimmy G to beat them.
I give the slight edge to the 49ers.
[metaslider id=211
Ballin
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the season with cautious optimism. The hiring of Bruce Arians and staff brought a renewal light to Buccaneers fans.
That light flickered all season with glimpses of future hopes.
The Buccaneers finished the season 7-9 record and 3rd place in the NFC South division. The Buc’s were awful at home with a 2-6 record compared to a 5-3 road record.
The Bucs’ season was capped off with a 28-22 overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons. This game was a microcosm of the Buc’s season.
The Buc’s took a 22-16 lead into the locker room at halftime. The Falcon tied the game late in the 4th quarter with a Younghoe Koo field goal to send the game into overtime.
On the first possession of overtime, Bucs’ quarterback Jameis Winston threw his league leading 30th interception, a pick 6 for the Falcons. Game over, season over.
Jameis Winston was the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Buccaneers fans cheered that they finally had a franchise quarterback. Winston was selected to his first Pro Bowl game making him the first rookie quarterback in Buccaneer history to be selected. Promising, right?
This season he led the NFL in passing yards with 5,109 and interceptions with 30. He is the first player in NFL history to throw 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in the same season.
Winston made history on his final throw of the year with his seventh pick 6 of the season. Winston’s first and last pass as a Buc were both pick 6’s.
His five years in Tampa Bay have been nothing short of a nauseating roller coaster, with captivating highs and head scratching lows.
Don’t get me wrong, the Buccaneers have many holes to fill on their roster. Coach Bruce Arians and General Manager Jason Licht have a difficult decision at the game’s most important position this offseason, as quarterback Jameis Winston’s contract has expired.
The Buccaneers should have hope for Winston, despite his shortcomings at quarterback. He had a career year in his first season under Bruce Arians. Turnovers have plagued him throughout his NFL career, as Winston has thrown 88 interceptions and had 50 fumbles in 72 games.
Coach Bruce Arians’ season ending press conference addressed Jameis Winston’s pick 6 to end the season, “It smells as bad as it could possibly smell and it’ll smell that way for a long time.”
Here is the question Buccaneers fans: Is a 5,000 yard quarterback still worth 30 million a year if he can’t consistently win?
The Buccaneers must make a decision about Winston quickly so they can focus on other possible free agents.
Jason Pierre-Paul, Carl Nassib, Shaq Barrett, Ndamukong Suh, Demar Dotson and Breshard Perriman are all potential free agents that the Bucs must resign.
Offensive line and secondary must be addressed in the draft and free agency.
The Bucs offensive line was nowhere near NFL caliber. They ranked 24th in rushing yards per game and gave up 47 sacks this season.
After the Bucs released former first round draft pick Vernon Hargreaves, the trio of Jamel Dean, Carlton Davis, and Sean Murphy-Bunting began to produce some nice numbers with 31 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions. In a pass happy NFL, you cannot have enough quality defensive backs.
The Bucs have not made the playoffs since 2008. Will 2020 be the year?
Low Tide On Jags In River City
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As the NFL playoff’s kick into high gear, let’s take a look at what went wrong in Duval. The Jacksonville Jaguars had a rocky season.
It started when Jalen Ramsey showed up to OTAs in a security truck (armored bank truck) and the downhill slope started.
Hopes were high when the Jaguars signed Nick Foles to a four year, 88 million dollar deal with 50-million guaranteed. In Week 1 of the season, Foles suffered a shoulder injury and was placed on the injury reserve.
On November 5, Foles was activated and returned as the Jaguars starter against the Indianapolis Colts. He had a respectable day throwing for 296 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in a 33-13 loss.
In Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Bucs, Foles was benched due to poor performance. He was 7 of 14 for 93 yards, one interception no touchdowns and two fumbles.
After the game, head coach Doug Marrone announced that Foles would be benched and Gardner Minshew would retake the starting job.
Minshew was drafted by the Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Minshew may be the lone plateau in the Jaguars downhill tumble.
Gardner Minshew or Minshew Mania was the topic on every sport station in Jacksonville. As a starter, Minshew lead the Jaguars to 6 wins, throwing 21 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and 3,271 yards.
In a Week 2 loss against the Houston Texans, Jalen Ramsey was involved in a verbal altercation with Head Coach Doug Marrone. Ramsey and Marrone had to be physically restrained from each other. Ramsey, the Jaguars best player, demanded a trade the next day.
On October 15, Ramsey was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2020 first round pick, a 2021 first round pick and a 2021 fourth round pick.
On December 16, the NFL Players Association warned players of signing with Jacksonville because of excessive fines and player grievances.
On December 18, Jaguars owner Shad Khan fired executive vice president of football operations, Tom Coughlin. In the grievance letter, former player Dante Fowler was fined more than $700,000 for missing rehab during the 2018 offseason.
After the Coughlin firing, surely nobody would survive after Black Monday (the Monday following the final game). I was wrong. Head Coach Doug Marrone and General Manager Dave Caldwell hang on for another season.
The Jaguars have many questions to answer leading into the 2020 season: Is Doug Marrone the coach to lead to the playoffs? Who will be the starting quarterback in 2020? Who will Dave Caldwell draft with extra picks? Can the Jaguars trade Leonard Fournette? Where is the defense?
Tom Coughlin was definitely a huge problem, but it is unfair to put the entire blame on him? Jacksonville is a total rebuild from the roster to franchise culture.
The biggest question heading into this offseason: What have the Jaguars learned from the 2019 season?
Tis’ The Season
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season, and with the NFL regular season winding down, I figured I’d put on my giving hat and pass out what I hope each NFC South team is able to treat themselves to this offseason.
And much like the holidays, each team may not be getting exactly what they want, but they need to remember it’s the thought that counts.
For the Carolina Panthers, I bring them a new offensive line. The Panthers history of drafting or signing offensive linemen in free agency is like our experiences in Target or Wal-Mart.
We visit either store with the mindset of buying just one thing, but ultimately leave with our hands full of crap we don’t need. In the case of the Panthers they either don’t buy the one thing they want, or they wind up buying the generic version that’s cheaply made because they spent half their budget on those other items.
It doesn’t matter if they have Cam Newton, Kyle Allen, or Ronnie “Sunshine” Bass from Remember the Titans under center, if they don’t improve their offensive line, they won’t be Super Bowl bound anytime soon.
It may not be the area they need the most improvement in, but there’s a new running back under the tree for the Atlanta Falcons.
Look, I get what they’ve tried to do with Devonta Freeman and he’s had some success, but he’s not the answer in the backfield.
Realistic expectations for Freeman are caught somewhere between Darren Sproles and Christian McCaffrey, which is great when you need a change of pace, but not when he’s your featured back.
Sure, the Falcons could use a new head coach and some help on the defensive side of the ball, but a running back will help take some pressure off Matt Ryan, while possibly helping him extend his career a bit.
I’m not gifting anything to the Saints team, as much as I am one player; Drew Brees. And for Brees I’m giving him the chalice, and never-ending life, from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”.
Tom Brady is receiving a lot of attention for his level of play at 42 years old, but Brees is only 2 years younger, has sustained more injuries, and I’d argue is playing at a higher level.
New Orleans proved they were still one of the NFL’s top teams with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback, but there’s no substitute for what Brees means to that team.
More than likely, Brees only has a few more good years left, and I imagine Saints fans would do anything they could to keep him playing.
As for Tampa Bay, they’ll find a map in their stocking to help them figure out where the hell they’re going as an organization.
The Buccaneers have gone through head coaches this past decade like they’re a top tier, mid-major football program, only they’re firing them instead of losing them to better jobs.
It’s a toss-up as to whether or not their quarterback will throw for 400 yards or 4 interceptions in a game and there’s a distinct possibility both will happen.
The defense is inconsistent and basically, they are a team without an identity. The only downside is that most of the players in the NFL are too young to have ever had to use a map, so it may not quite have the desired result it was originally intended to have.
And like any good present, just in case they don’t like it, I’ll make sure to leave the receipt.
Pick Away
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The NFL regular season is winding down. We know who the contenders are and the teams that need to try again next year.
I’m going to take a look at the projected NFC South draft order and team needs.
Pick #5 Atlanta: The biggest team needs are edge rusher, defensive back and offensive line.
The Falcons have struggled to protect their $150 million quarterback Matt Ryan. In the Thanksgiving game against New Orleans he was sacked nine times (tying a career high). Atlanta failed to sack Drew Brees, which brings the team’s needs in the trenches into focus.
Ohio State defensive end Chase Young is by far the best pass rusher in the draft. I do not expect him to be around when the Falcons pick, so I think Iowa edge rusher AJ Epenesa will be their pick. He had double-digit tackles for loss the last two seasons. He had 10.5 sacks in 2018 and 9 in 2019.
Pick #12 Carolina: Their biggest team needs are DB, OL and defensive line.
Quarterback might also be a need since Cam Newton has not played since Week 2. Kyle Allen has stepped in but he has not played well. His QBR is 38.3, which is 30th, and he’s thrown double digit interceptions.
The Panthers defense cannot stop the run, ranking 29th in run defense. Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs would be a good pick. He has great size standing at 6’2 and 208 pounds. He has 3 interceptions and 8 pass breakups this season.
Pick #14 Tampa Bay: The Buccaneers biggest team needs are QB, RB, OL and DL.
Jameis Winston is in the final year of his rookie contract and he’s still struggling. He’s been a turnover machine his entire career and this season is no different.
Winston leads the league with 20 interceptions. That would be too much for a rookie but he’s in his fifth season and he has also had off the field issues.
The Bucs have several other areas of concern but I believe they will prioritize drafting a franchise quarterback.
Oregon QB Justin Herbert could be the answer. He has prototypical size at 6’6 and 237 pounds. He’s a senior so he has a lot of experience which is invaluable.
Herbert helped bring the Ducks program back to a national title contender. This season he has 31 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions, so we know he can protect the football.
Pick #29 New Orleans Saints: The Saints are truly Super Bowl contenders so this might turn into the 31st or 32nd pick.
The biggest needs are WR, interior OL and DB. Michael Thomas is great but he could use another receiver to help stretch the field. Thomas is a true possession receiver and he is the focal point of the defense.
A player with speed would be explosive and they could make teams pay for covering him one on one.
Three of the seven Saints defenders who have played the most snaps in 2019; Vonn Bell, Eli Apple and P.J. Williams happen to be members of the New Orleans secondary. All three are scheduled to become free agents in 2020.
Clemson receiver Tee Higgins would be a great addition, assuming he’s still on the board.
