IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-AFC WEST

The AFC West has been in a considerable down swing the past few years.

Oakland has been miserable, KC wasn't much better.

Denver was bad enough to start Tebow and the Chargers, well they were doing ok till last year.

Now, we have a good Broncos team chased by a Chiefs team that's probably a year away at best, and well the other 2 who might not combine for 7 wins this year.

So, 3 out of 4 really needed to get better this off-season. 

Did they find the pieces they needed in last April's draft?


DENVER BRONCOS

Projected Starters: None

Likely Contributors:

Sylvester Williams DT: The Broncos made some nice moves to shore up their interior D-Line this off-season and drafting Sylvester Williams was part of it.  He is a talented tackle who should fill out a solid rotation on the inside along with Terrance Knighton and Kevin Vickerson.

Montee Ball RB: Ball injected himself directly into the conversation around the starting running back spot in Denver.  He needs to work on his pass blocking, but he has caught the ball well and was known to be a good runner. 

IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-NFC SOUTH

The NFC south has the potential to be an interesting division.

You have a Superbowl favorite being chased by 2 improving teams led by young stars and a team that recently dominated this division who is looking for a revitalization after a season wrecked by suspensions.

Everyone of them had gaps to fill in the draft.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Projected Starters:

Desmond Trufant CB: Trufant is a long corner with good feet and excellent speed.  He can cover at this level right now, which is why he is playing with the first string.  He is not a great tackler however, and I look for the Falcons to work to help him improve his overall strength.  If he can do that, we might be talking All-Pro.

Likely Contributors:

Robert Alford CB/KR: Alford is a small school guy, but he exploded onto the scene at the senior bowl. This guy is as fast as anyone and is electric with the ball in his hands.  He also looked to have solid cover skills, but I expect there to be some growing pains as he adjusts to the level of competition.

Levin Toilolo TE: The Falcons have very good receiving TE's, but they want to run the ball.  Look for Toilolo to be the second tight end for their running formations.

Kemal Ishmael S: Ishmael has surprised in camp, working his way to the 2-deep at safety.  He is a sure tackler, but there are concerns about how his ceiling is.  Regardless, he gives the Falcons quality depth right now, which is huge in a division where you have to play Drew Brees and Cam Newton twice.

IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-AFC SOUTH

The AFC South is going to be very interesting to watch this year.

There is a distinct favorite (the Texans), which a strong contender that everyone has their eye on (the Colts), and 2 teams who are trying to remake themselves.

If the Texans fan find a second receiver, they might run away with this division.

If the Colts can fill a few more gaps, they might be an 11 win team again.

If the Titans can find balance and consistency on offense, they can be a real thorn for the leaders.

The Jags, well the Jags need playmakers outside of MJD.

Let's see who found what they needed.

IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-AFC NORTH

Time to look at the reigning champs and the rivals working to keep them out of the chase this year.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Projected Starters:

Arthur Brown ILB: Brown is big shoes to fill as he was drafted in response to Ray Lewis' retirement.  He will be hard pressed to have near the effect as the player who was the face of Ravens franchise, but he does bring some of the same skill set to the field.  He is the same kind of sideline to sideline linebacker as Lewis was and is a leader in his own way.  His performance is one of the limiting factors when we look at how good this defense could be.

Likely Contributors:

Matt Elam S: Elam is a stud, but he just hasn't beat out James Ihedigbo.  I expect to see him on the field early and often, perhaps even as the Ravens nickel back.

Brandon Williams DT:

Williams is a huge, raw, talent at nosetackle.  He is coming out of a small school, but should be a space eater to keep the linebackers clean, at worst.  He was a nice piece for the Ravens to add as they rebuild their depth on defense.  If they decide to go big, they can put Haloti Ngata, Williams, and Terrance Cody on the field together to have a 3 man line weighing 1015 lbs.

Ricky Wagner OT:

Wagner is a technically proficient Tackle with a lot of experience.  He projects as a marginal Left Tackle, but could easily start at the other positions.  He is slotted as the understudy to Mount McKinnie at left tackle.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-NFC NORTH

The NFC North is an interesting conference to try and handicap this year. 

The Packers have pretty well dominated this conference over the past years, with the Lions showing promise, and the Bears actually playing a bit of spoiler.

Now the Pack is retooling and the Lions and Bears are hoping they have found the pieces to make them a complete team.

Oh, and the Vikings are pretty well rebuilding, but they have some great young talent to go with All Day and the boys.

IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-AFC EAST

This doesn't look like it's going to be a banner year in the AFC east, but really, can anyone remember a year where at least one of these teams didn't stink?

On the bright side, the Bills and Dolphins look to be taking steps in the right direction and their fandoms have hope again. 

The Pats are going to be interesting, as they look like they are going to have to learn on their running game heavier than they did in past years.  That's not really a bad thing when you were known for passing last year and ended up with the #7 rushing attack in the league.

but, enough about last year...the question, which rookies are going to help out the most on their teams?

here we go, the AFC EAST Impact Rookies.

IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-NFC EAST

We are getting closer to the 2013 NFL regular season.

Every Day.

Every Hour.

Every Minute.

And with each of those minutes that passes, we know a bit more about what we are going to see.  Who is going to start, who is going disappear from the national radar.  Who is going to burst onto the scene and change the landscape of the NFL?

Well, let's take a look at this years rookie and who (I think) will have the biggest impact.  After all, we have seen a couple preseason games, so we should have a good idea what is really going to happen when the games count right?......right?  Ok maybe not, but that's half the fun.

First, the NFC EAST

Against All Odds: Undrafted Donterrious Porter Determined to Fulfill NFL Dream

For three days, seven rounds and 256 picks, Donterrious Porter desperately hoped to see his name scroll across the TV screen on draft weekend.

But like countless other NFL hopefuls, Porter went undrafted.

As football fans, we are conditioned - and rightly so - to celebrate the collegiate players who are blessed with enough talent and ability to be selected in the draft.

But often overlooked are the hundreds of players who don't receive that life-changing phone call. After all, earning an opportunity to play football at the highest level is a dream that most aspirants will never realize.

Consider this:

• Only about one in 17 senior high school football players - fewer than six percent - play in college.
• Those fortunate enough to play collegiate football have an even slimmer chance - about 1.8 percent - to make it to the professional level.

For the strong-willed Porter, however, the end of the draft is not the end of football, but rather the beginning of an arduous uphill battle to make a pro roster.

Hailing from little-known Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, Porter faces the daunting challenge of becoming one the handful of undrafted Division III players to play on Sundays.

It's not an impossible feat.

Top 10 Rookie Wide Receivers to make Fantasy impacts in 2013!

Looking ahead to 2013, there are at least three or four youngsters who could make a fantasy impact this season. In a day and age when the NFL has become a passing league, wide receivers have become more valuable in fantasy leagues across the board. That includes the rookies, who, like the veterans, have benefitted from new rules that make it easier to get open and make plays. Case in point, the 2011 season saw a pair of rookie wideouts in A.J Green and Julio Jones make huge statistical impacts. In fact, both finished in the Top 20 in fantasy points at the position and neither of them played in a full 16 game season.

——————-

1. DeAndre Hopkins, Hou (8) Clemson – 6’1 215lbs – 4.57 40-yard dash

DeAndre Hopkins is expected to take over the No.2 receiver spot across from Johnson which could prove very profitable as Texans receivers NOT named Andre Johnson, recorded  63 receptions for 841 yards (13.3 avg.) and 4  touchdowns in 2012. In 3 seasons Hopkins was able to record 206 receptions for 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns including 18TDs in 13 games last season re-writing Clemson record books.

Hopkins has solid size and a frame with plenty of room to grow, strong natural receiving hands, quick feet off the line, able to beat press coverage and is a solid route runner in all short, intermediate, and deep games as well as coming across the middle of the field. Hopkins will be worth a late round pick as a sleeper, a mid- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and very likely a Top 15 pick in rookie-only drafts.

2. Tavon Austin, STL (11) West Virginia – 5’8 175lbs – 4.29 40-yard dash
Austin has excellent speed, clocking a 4.29 in the 40-yard dash. Austin was able to post back-to-back 100-catch seasons with the Mountaineers and Geno Smith while recording over 11 yards per reception. Austin will primarily work from the slot, shifting outside occasionally as we saw Amendola do frequently.

With 13 games indoors, Austin should be exciting to watch and owners should consider Austin a potential No. 3 Fantasy WR in the majority of all leagues (a bit more value in PPR formats). Owners can expect Austin to be drafted with a mid-round pick (yep, that high), but in rookie-only drafts he’s a first-round selection. He’s also a mid-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues.

3. Terrance Williams, DAL (11) Baylor – 6’2 208lbs – 4.52 40-yard dash
Even with the loss of QB Robert Griffin III and WR Kendall Wright, Williams flourished in his senior year at Baylor. Williams caught 202 total receptions for 3,334 total yards, averaging 16.5 yards, and 27 total touchdowns in a 4-year career at Baylor, along with leading the country in receiving yards (1,832) on 97 receptions (18.9 average) along with 12 touchdowns in his senior year. In 2011, Williams will use his size, quick feet and top end speed to be a outside play-maker for Romo as he will likely win out the No. 3 WR spot across from Dez Bryant with Miles Austin working the slot. The No.3 receiver spot has been a position that capable receivers can take advantage of much weaker and lesser talented DBs and coverage as we saw former Cowboys WR Laurent Robinson produce 54receptions for 858yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games back in 2011.

4. Cordarrelle Patterson, MIN (5) Tennessee – 6’2 215lbs – 4.42 40-yard dash
The Vikings surrendered a 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th Round picks to the Patriots to move up and draft the big speedy receiver 29th overall. Patterson is considered to be among the most potential-laden receivers in the draft thanks to his big size 6-foot-2, 216 pounds and registered 4.42 in the 40-yard dash. He came to the Volunteers in 2012 as one of the top junior college prospects in the nation after setting 13 program records during his time at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. Patterson set an SEC single-season record with a combined kickoff and punt return average of 27.6 yards, and set a Tennessee record with 1,858 all-purpose yards and caught 46 receptions for 778 yards and 5 touchdowns on offense in his single season at Tennessee. He will line up across from Greg Jennings for a team in great need of a deep threat.

5. Aaron Dobson, NE (10)  Marshall – 6’3 203lbs – 4.42 40-yard dash
The Patriots have a terrible track record of drafting receivers under Bill Belichick, but will hope Dobson can be an immediate contributor on the outside. Dobson displayed his 4.4 wheels at the combine, has a solid reputation for picking up offenses quickly, extremely reliable and consistent natural pass catcher and a 6’3/210 frame, Dobson has a ton of upside and is a potential sleeper candidate in the Patriots high powered offense. At his Pro Day, he did NOT drop a single pass amongst 92 targets, and ran 40 yard dash times of 4.42 and 4.44. Provided he can shake the voodoo of Patriots past draft failures, Dobson could make an impact in Bill Belichick’s offense.

First Round Winners and Losers: Veteran Edition

The dynasty value of a player can change at a moments notice throughout the regular season or even in the off-season. This is especially true during the last weekend in April when the annual NFL Draft is held in New York City. This year is no different as we saw draft picks who will have a great impact on the value of not only the incoming rookies, but also the veterans already a part of teams. Let’s take a look at some of the specific players whose value might be on the rise or on the decline as a result of a draft pick in the first round.

The Pick: Tavon Austin, WR STL (1.08)

The Rams moved up to select the first offensive skill position player of the draft and made diminutive wide receiver Tavon Austin that choice. Austin’s value has been steadily on the rise throughout the off-season and he should get a chance to start immediately for the Rams, as well as play a crucial role on special teams.

The Winner: Sam Bradford, QB STL

The Rams have tried for the past couple of years to get their franchise quarterback Sam Bradford some offensive weapons. In fact, they have drafted two wide receivers in each of the past two drafts (and this year would continue that trend). Rather than relying on those former draft picks, the Rams have shown they are serious by making moves in free agency and now the choice of Austin. With the weapons he now has on offense, Bradford has no excuse not to be a top quarterback in the NFL and in fantasy leagues. Bradford has never finished higher than QB20 in his three-year career, but now is his time to prove himself. His dynasty stock will see a nice jump in value and expect his ADP to rise as a result. He is now a high upside QB2.

The Loser: Chris Givens, WR STL
A good friend of mine who does a great job of studying every game played throughout the regular season shared something interesting with me after the Austin pick was made. My initial thought was that wide receiver Chris Givens would not be greatly affected by the Austin addition since he is used more as a deep threat, scoring several deep touchdowns in his rookie season. What my friend told me (and what I didn’t realize) was that many of Givens’ targets and catches came from bubble screens. It is natural to assume that Austin will come in and steal many of those targets. Givens’ dynasty value takes a slight ding with the addition of Austin, but unfortunately, this would not be the last time he makes our list.

Tyrann Mathieu’s Agent: Reports Of No Guaranteed Money Are “Ridiculous”

Yesterday we made our readers aware of the reports surfacing about the impending contract Arizona Cardinals rookie safety Tyrann Mathieu was set to sign.

According to those sources, Mathieu’s contract would include no guaranteed money, forcing the once troubled defensive back to earn every dollar he makes on a week to week basis.

Several people in the media and some associated with the NFLPA disputed such a claim, and late last night Mathieu’s agent Pat Lawlor dismissed it entirely, when he told Ian Rapoport that such a claim was “ridiculous.”

Top remaining players for round 2 of the 2013 NFL Draft

Day 1 is over. 

As always, it did not go as expected with many of the players who became household names over the past year sitting through the first day without a new home.

Geno...leaving New York.

Eddie, waiting to hear his name?

Matt the California golden boy....feeling smart for staying home.

Everyone of those guys is going to get a shot to start sooner than later once they are drafted, and they have a good chance to do the job. 

Let see who else is in the same boat heading into the second night of the draft.  If I know my obsession, which I think I do, most of these guys should have a job by the end of the night

TOP 64 REMAINING PLAYERS

33 Barrett Jones OL, Alabama

34 Margus Hunt DL, SMU

35 Robert Woods WR, USC

36 Eddie Lacy RB, Alabama

37 Kevin Minter ILB, LSU

38 Geno Smith QB, West Virginia

39 Justin Hunter WR, Tennessee

40 Manti Te'o ILB, Notre Dame

41 Sam Montgomery DE, LSU

42 Matt Barkley QB, USC

EJ Manuel Says The Eagles “Want Him Pretty Bad”

EJ Manuel is either an extremely confident quarterback, he knows something, or he’s just crazy.   While NFL Play 60 event in Chelsea Waterside Park on Wednesday, Manuel let it be known that the “Philadelphia Eagles want him pretty bad” according to CSN Philly.

speaking to reporters at an

“But I think it’s just a matter of who takes me first, because I know the Eagles may want me, theCleveland Browns may want me, the Buffalo Bills and the Jets,” he said. “I think those are all sequential picks, you know what I mean, within those top 13 picks or whatever. I’m just hoping one team loves me, because really, that’s all you need, one team to fall in love with you.”

Oh and about that confidence, Manuel doesn’t lack it at all.

Tavon Austin: “Rex Ryan Has A Plan For Me”

West Virginia wide receiver Tavon Austin is the talk of the NFL Draft, and I can only wonder if he’d be the #1 pick if he was a bit taller.

Austin still is coveted, and one place draft experts see him going is to the Jets at #9 if he’s still on the board. 

Austin while in New York participating in an NFL 60 event, admitted that Jets head coach Rex Ryan “has a plan for how to use him” according to the Star Ledger.

2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT - Round 2

Well, Round 1 is in the books, so lets see what we think will happen after all the excitement of round 1 is over.

PICK 33: JACKSONVILLE  JAGUARS
Johnthan Banks CB, Mississippi State

Banks was widely regarded as the #2 corner in the country, behind Milliner, for most of the season, but his stock took a hit with relatively poor 40 times.

He is a physical corner who showed a knack for making big plays, both in coverage and against ball carriers.  He plays faster than his average 40 time shows and he is a great value for a Jacksonville team who is trying to build a good young defense.


PICK 34: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (from CHIEFS) Johnathan Hankins NT, Ohio State   Hankins is a massive specimen of a human being, standing at 6'3" and 320 lbs.  That, in and of itself, makes him noticeable.  This is especially true for teams who run a 3 man front, as he is not only large, but has shown good enough agility and movement that he has gotten snaps at Defensive End in college. 

The Niner need to prepare for the future without Justin Smith, and Hankins is a nice start towards that, and should be valuable as a rookie as he strengthens the rotation.

PICK 35: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
D.J. Fluker OT, Alabama

Fluker projects best to Right Tackle in the NFL as he is a power run blocker who has question marks around whether he has the foot speed to protect the blind side against premier NFL pass rushers.

He is a powerful human being, and will add immediate depth to an Eagles line that has needed depth to deal with injuries over the past few years.

2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT - Round 1

We are just about a week till the real thing, and I have really slacked off.

Usually, I have 1, if not 2, published mock drafts out by now, but I just didnt' get it done.  For that, I apologize, but I have something to share finally.

PICK 1: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Luke Joekel OT, Texas A and M

Picking a premier talent at left tackle is the right move for the Chiefs, regardless of what happens with Branden Albert.  I lean towards Joekel because he looks to be ready to play, having faced premier pass rushers in the Big-12 and then moving over to the SEC and dominating against what is regarded as the premier conference in the country.  He is athletic, smart, and mean, and should be the first pick. 

The only question that comes to my mind with the Branden Albert thing is whether they should look for a second tackle as well, but that may depend on what they think of the players from last year's draft.

PICK 2: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Eric Fisher OT, Central Michigan

The only concerns about Fisher is that, at 6'7" and 305lbs, he is relatively lean for an Offensive Tackle.  He is a natural athlete who is well conditioned for an athlete his weight.  If he can put a handful more pounds of "good weight", he has a chance to be special.

As it is, he could step in and start for half the teams in the league at LT.

PICK 3: OAKLAND RAIDERS
Dee Milliner CB, Alabama

The  Raiders have been quietly remaking their roster with less ego, and more flexibility.  They still need to replenish their ranks out at corner though after having a formerly strong cornerback depth chart ravaged by free agency over the past few years.  Milliner has all the tools and showed well on film as well.  He is fast, running a sub 4.4 40-yard dash, but still tackles well and has shown a knack for separating the ball from a runner.  His best skill however, is probably his nose for the ball when it is in the air. 

If he can be the lockdown defender that teams think he is, it will make a tremendous difference for a rebuilding Raider franchise and it opens up their defensive scheme tremendously.  But, when it comes down to it, there is no position that the Raiders are set at, and Milliner was the top player on my board at this point.

PICK 4: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Star Lotulelei NT, Utah

Earlier this off-season, I would have thought the Eagles would have been targeting Milliner, but they have rebuilt their secondary this off-season, so it didn't really matter that he was off the board.

What did matter was that they are moving to a 3-4 and that scheme requires big-time space eaters to play up front.  They did pick up Isaac Sopoaga from the 49ers who is serviceable, but he is not a star (pun intended).  Star Lotulelei has the potential to be special, and is mobile enough to play the end in a 3-man front if the Eagles really want to go big.  I tend to think that is something we will see out of them, with Fletcher Cox and Star flanking Sopoaga.  

The Eagle have had another off-season with a lot of free agency pickups, but they took a different tack this time, signing solid veterans who have something to prove, rather than big egos.  Star could be the last piece to a very good defense, but I expect it will take a little time to come together.....if it does.

PICK 5: DETROIT LIONS
Ezekiel Ansah DE/OLB, BYU

Ansah may have highest ceiling of any player in this draft.  He had never played football...hell he had never seen it in person, before going to BYU.  That said, he is one of those freak athletes who can flat out do it, even though he is still learning to play.

He has the size to play D-End in any scheme and the speed to play OLB in any scheme....If we are being honest, he has the speed to play free safety.  Stop, go back, and read that last sentence again.  

The Lions have the best pair of young D-Tackles in the game and Ansah has a chance to be that player that gives OC's fits when they try to game plan for him.  The best part is that he is likely to continue getting better as he adds even more muscle to a big frame and continues to get coached up.  Oh, and with Fairley and Suh, there is no way that a team will be able to double him.