10 Yard Fight: Around The League

[coachmac75]

2017 Jaguars draft class


10YF Jaguars Blog


Jaguars best pick:

7th round selection (pick 221): S Josh Harvey-Clemons Louisville (#135 in talent)

Jacksonville go back to S to pick a talented safety. Harvey-Clemons has the potential to become a solid player at S. His speed and size makes him a perfect profile. He has decent coverage skill and is a tough tackler but will need to work his discipline and play recognition. Could become a true asset in year 2.

[norcaligrown530]

1. Seattle Seahawks
The defending super bowl champions are back at it and they look better than ever. Seattle was able to improve through the draft by adding HB Leonard fournette who looks to add to the legacy he started in LSU.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars
The jaguars come into this season looking to continue the improvement we seen last year from them and bring with them a rejuvenated defense. The jaguars were aggressive in free agency and were able to land star DT kawann short and are poised for another playoff run.

3. Kansas City Chiefs
Who would've known the Chiefs would trade Jamaal charles, but life goes on and the Chiefs are still a threat in the AFC. After being bounced out in super bowl last year by the seahawks the Chiefs are hoping they can continue the same success, but they have to establish an offense

4. Chicago Bears
Da bears are back and things are going great in Chicago. After a bounce back season and a #2 finish in the NFC the bears will look to continue the same magic that was seen last year. They added strength at the CB in the form of Marlon Humphrey, they are hoping he can come in and fill the holes they had last year in the passing defense. Dak or cutler? A question the bears will have to ask themselves to start this season.

5. Dallas Cowboys
The cowboys come in after a strong season but ended in a wild card round exit for the boys in blue. The Cowboys are still a strong team and expect them to comeback with a vengeance

6. Pittsburgh Steelers
Steel city is looking to continue their legacy of success and get back to basics that have kept them competing for years. This offense is still one of the best in the league with big ben, brown and bell leading the way.

7. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were able to finish the season off strong and will look to continue that same play going into this season. The loss of kawann short will have an impact on defense it will be interesting to see how effective the front seven is this year.

8. Los Angeles Rams
The rams are now a legitimate threat and their youth puts them in position to be good for a very long time. Expect to see a big year from gurley.

9. Tennessee Titans
Titans surprised many people last season and it looks like they will only be better this year as long as Delanie walker can stay healthy. Injuries are a major concern for titans as depth is not one of their strong points.

10. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were good on both sides of the ball last year but the nfc is deep and if they want to be playing in January they must win every close game.

11. Atlanta Falcons
I know it's a surprise but the Falcons are set for a bounce back year after missing the playoffs last year. The Falcons finished strong last season look for them to come out strong.

12. New York Giants
The Giants narrowly missed the playoffs last year so don't expect them to be a easy win this year. Odell beckham jr. Is one of the best in the league if not the best expect a big year from him.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were able to add two new free agents on defense and look to steal a playoff spot.

14. New England Patriots
Now without gronk and Brady it will be interesting to see how this team moves the ball. The addition of Charles should help them as well as the draftees at the tight end. A lot of unknowns with this team.

15. San Francisco 49ers
The niners bounced back last season and showed some promise. They added cousins at QB and hope that he is the awnser to their woes at the position.

16. Denver Broncos
The Broncos need to get back to what made them successful and that's defense. If the Broncos can find a rhythm early they can be a threat but they need to win early.

17. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had a good year last year and hope to build off that but the NFC is a tough division and they will need to play hard week in and out.

18. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders weren't able to able to make the playoffs last season in a weak AFC year if they want to make the playoffs this year they will need to make adjustments.

19. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals had a rough last year after being successful in the prior season needless to say it was a disappointment. With Fitzgerald gone the Cardinals pulled the trigger and traded for rob gronkowski solidifying their passing game. A lot of questions on defense for this team

20. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are a gifted team and they could surprise people this year they need to get into a flow early if they want to change things around this year. Aj green maybe the best WR this year.

21. Green Bay Packers
The Packers were awful last season and that's saying something nice. With a new coach in Green Bay don't expect to see the same terrible team we saw last year.

22. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had a tough year last year especially without RB Ryan matthews all year they had trouble being versatile on offense. The Eagles can be good this year but they need Wentz to take care of the ball and give the defense a chance.

23. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo had their woes last season and wasn't very good on either side of the ball. This is a young team and Tyrod Taylor could be looking at a big year if he is able to limit the turnovers.

24. Houston Texans
Houston has the talent to be a playoff team but lacks the planning to beat their opponents. JJ watt is still the best DE in the NFL and this defense can be good if they put their heads to it.

25. Miami Dolphins
The dolphins have some solid pieces but their defense needs a lot of work. Tannehill had a awful season last year, but the dolphins remained loyal it will be interesting to see if he keeps his job this year.

26. Washington Redskins
Without a proven QB it will be hard for the redskins to have the same success they found last year. This team will have to rely heavily on their defense to win them games.

27. New Orleans Saints
The saints have talent and a lot of it now they need to get that talent to mesh. Drew Brees is still one of the best in the game expect him to step up this year.

28. Detroit Lions
Detroit had a rough year last season but they have talent now they just have to put it to use. The lions could have a good year but in the deep NFC even good teams can be thrown to the dogs.

29. San Diego Chargers
The chargers don't have a lot of talent, expect this to be a rebuilding year for them. On the bright side Keenan allen and Jason verrett are cornerstones for this team on their respective sides of the field.

30. New York Jets
The jets were ok last year but without a proven QB this team will most likely struggle this season. They have a defense that can cause trouble but they will need to hope for improvement.

31. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were bad in every way last season they need to get a good draft pick this year and hope for improvement.

32. Cleveland Browns
The Browns need talent and a lot of it don't expect much from this team this is a year of figuring out what they have and future planning.

[JazzMan]

JazzMan's 2017-2018 Top 10 MVP Predictions

#1: Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson wasn't the greatest quarterback last season, but he did lead his Seahawks to a Super Bowl Championship in February, his second with the team. With a solid receiving group in Jimmy Graham, Doug Baldwin, Luke Willson, Jermaine Kearse, and Tyler Lockett, Wilson has the opportunity to put up the kind of numbers that would elevate him to the status of guys like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Cam Newton. He's increased his passing yardage every year since he's entered the league, and I'd expect that trend to continue, even with the addition of stud tailback Leonard Fournette.
Predictions: 4,300 Passing Yards, 36 Touchdowns, 12 Interceptions, 109.3 Rating


#2: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Yes, Rodgers had the worst season since he became the starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, but with a new coach, scheme, and a solid returning cast around him, we should expect Rodgers to return to MVP form this season. Even with a poor season last year, Rodgers still put up over 4,000 yards, along with 27 touchdowns. But he can be so, so much better. And I fully expect him to be, as the Packers find their groove offensively again this season.
Predictions: 4,800 Passing Yards, 38 Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions, 105.3 Rating


#3: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Newton had a very solid year last season, leading the Panthers to another playoff berth off of very strong numbers in the regular season. He doesn't have a ton of options in his receiving group, but he does have arguably the second-best tight end in football in Greg Olsen, as well as a stud wideout in Kelvin Benjamin. With the additions of Jordan Cameron, Terrelle Pryor, and Melvin Gordon, Cam's got a little more to work with now heading into this season. He can easily break through his 32 passing touchdown mark that he set last year, and I'd expect him to throw for over 4,000 yards for the first time since his rookie campaign this year.
Predictions: 4,100 Passing Yards, 450 Rushing yards, 43 Total Touchdowns, 14 Interceptions, 100.3 Rating


#4: Carson Palmer, QB, New England Patriots

Yes, he is replacing a legend and possibly the best ever in Tom Brady. And yes, he is 37-years-old and isn't getting any younger. But last season, Carson Palmer threw for 5,232 yards in Arizona, as well as 32 touchdowns. He also threw a career-high 31 interceptions, but that was on a Cardinal team that featured very little ground offense. Palmer is joining a New England team that has an arsenal of options on offense, including former Chief Jamaal Charles, who will provide some ground support for Carson. Combine fellow former Cardinal John Brown, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Jermaine Gresham, and rookie tight ends OJ Howard and Josiah Price, and Palmer has the recipe for a Kurt Warner-type season in New England.
Predictions: 4,400 Yards, 36 Touchdowns, 17 Interceptions, 103.3 Rating


#5. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

It was only a matter of time before Big Ben found himself on this list. The reigning 2016 MVP is coming into his 13th season in the NFL, all with the Steelers, and he is coming off of the best season of his career. Last season he threw for 4,818 yards, 36 touchdowns, 12 picks, and he had a 120.3 QB rating to boot. It's not crazy to think that Roethlisberger can improve on those numbers this year, as he is joined by fellow standouts Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, and Sammie Coates, who had a breakout season last year due to Big Ben's stellar play. Ben would be the favorite, if it weren't so difficult to repeat in this league.
Predictions: 4,700 Yards, 34 Touchdowns, 8 Picks, 110.3 Rating


#6: J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

It has been over 30 years that a defensive player has won the Most Valuable Player award, and I fully expect that streak to continue after this season. But if there was any defender in the league today who would be able to snap that streak and become the first defensive player to win the MVP award since Lawrence Taylor in 1986, it's Houston's J.J. Watt. Watt is arguably the best defensive player in the league, and he shows it every Sunday, as he makes life a living hell for quarterbacks and tailbacks on the opposing team. Though he only logged 12 sacks last season, his lowest since 2013, he was credited with a career-high 112 tackles, 31 of them being for a loss. Watt is a machine, and he should most definitely be in the MVP race, even if there's a less than 2% chance that he wins it.
Predictions: 105 Tackles, 40 Tackles For Loss, 17 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles


#7: C.J. Anderson, HB, Denver Broncos

Anderson was in the MVP race last season thanks to his eye-popping stats, but he slowed down towards the end of the season. With Paxton Lynch coming into his second season, I'd look for the Broncos offense to improve as a whole, while still keeping Anderson as the feature back. Anderson ran the ball for almost 1,600 yards last season, and it's not insane to think that he can match that number in Denver again this year. With a more spread out offense, Anderson should have the running room to once again be the best back in the league.
Predictions: 1,500 Yards, 20 Touchdowns, 5.6 Average Per Carry, 400 Receiving Yards


#8: Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Bortles got into a nice groove last season, as he slung the ball around for over 4,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. He had a career-best 105.9 quarterback rating, and he did it all on almost 200-less attempts than his sophomore season. With the ever-improving Allen Robinson as his favorite target, it's not impossible to think that the 3rd overall pick in 2014 has the opportunity to win his first ever MVP this season, especially after the Jaguars' spectacular season last year.
Predictions: 5,000 Yards, 31 Touchdowns, 17 Interceptions, 103.8 Rating


#9: Le'Veon Bell, HB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The second Steeler to appear on this list, Le'Veon Bell is in the discussion for the best running back in the NFL. If it weren't for having the reigning MVP Ben Roethlisberger on his team, Bell would possibly be considered a favorite for the award this season. However, Big Ben is still king in Pittsburgh, and that likely won't change anytime soon. That doesn't mean that Bell can't turn in an MVP-worthy season, especially if a couple injuries slow down the Steelers offense, leading to more touches for Le'Veon.
Predictions: 1,300 Yards, 18 Touchdowns, 5.1 Average Per Carry, 300 Passing Yards


#10: Todd Gurley, HB, Los Angeles Rams

Todd Gurley is my dark-horse candidate for Most Valuable Player this season. He's in his 3rd season in the league, he's on an up-and-coming young squad with a young QB, and a run-oriented line in front of him. If the Rams decide that they need to lean on Gurley a little more this season, he could have an amazing year. Gurley has the talent to be a 2,000 yard rusher, it's just a matter of if he gets the touches.
Predictions: 1,800 Yards, 16 Touchdowns, 4.8 Average Per Carry, 450 Yards Receiving

[JazzMan]

JazzMan's 2017 OROTY Predictions
NFC Edition

#1: Deshone Kizer, QB, Washington Redskins

Kizer is coming into his NFL career out of Notre Dame. He is a young QB at just 21 years old, and he has a cannon for an arm. Kizer was picked with the 15th overall pick in the draft, and he was pretty much unanimously the #1 rated quarterback of the class. With a capable veteran backup of Colt McCoy ready to push him, Kizer has his work cut out for him. But he is in a good situation, and has some solid receivers to work with in Jordan Reed, Desean Jackson, and Josh Doctson.
Predictions: 3,750 Passing Yards, 30 Touchdowns, 20 Interceptions, 93.5 Rating


#2: Leonard Fournette, HB, Seattle Seahawks

It's currently unknown if Fournette will be the starting tailback in Seattle, but he certainly has the talent to be. Fournette was possibly the best player in the draft, and he looks like he can be a difference maker at the next level. Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise will likely take a lot of carries away from him, but if he gets into a groove, Fournette could easily take the award.
Predictions: 700 Yards, 9 Touchdowns, 4.5 Average Per Carry


#3: Nick Chubb, HB, New York Giants

Georgia Bulldog Nick Chubb was taken at the 31st pick in the draft by the Giants, ahead of LSU Tiger Leonard Fournette. His throwback, bully running style should be a nice welcome in New York, as he compliments Shane Vereen and the passing attack that Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and Sterling Shepard bring. If he gets enough touches, and I think he will, he could have a huge impact on this Giants team as they look to win the competitive NFC East.
Predictions: 600 Yards, 8 Touchdowns, 4.2 Average Per Carry


#4: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Detroit Lions

The Lions added another blazing fast wideout in JuJu Smith-Schuster in the draft this season. At 6'2", 213, Smith-Schuster has incredible speed for his size, and he has very soft hands that earned his draft spot early in the 2nd round. His combination of size, speed, and catching ability should make him a favorite in Detroit, as he has a nice rookie campaign.
Predictions: 40 receptions, 600 yards, 5 Touchdowns


#5: Alvin Kamara, HB, Philadelphia Eagles

Kamara was taken in the 1st round out of Tennessee, ahead of Chubb and Fournette, and it will be interesting to see if he has a better rookie campaign than those two. Kamara has an excellent opportunity in Philly, who needs a bruiser of a back like himself, as Ryan Matthews missed all of last season with an injury. If Matthews is unable to get over his injury woes, Kamara has a great chance to put up some solid numbers and earn himself the award.
Predictions: 700 Yards Rushing, 5 Touchdowns, 4.2 Average Per Carry

[JazzMan]

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JazzMan's 2017 OROTY Predictions
AFC Edition

#1. Mitch Trubisky, QB, Cleveland Browns

Trubisky was a universally-praised pick at 36th overall, just outside of the first round. The Browns went defense in the first round, netting Zach Cunningham first overall and Jonathan Allen at ninth, but they then addressed the elephant in the room; the one that has been in the room for what feels like forever. The Browns once again drafted a quarterback, and they might possibly have found the one. Trubisky is a very promising quarterback with great athletic skills and a surprisingly good deep ball. He can throw on the run, scramble for extra yardage, and of course, sit in the pocket and sling it all over the field. Trubisky is the heavy favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year in the AFC and it's not even close.
Predictions: 4,100 Yards, 29 Touchdowns, 19 Interceptions, 91.5 Rating, 400 Yards Rushing


#2: O.J. Howard, TE, New England Patriots

Where do the Patriots keep getting these tight ends? From Ben Watson, to Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, now to O.J. Howard and fellow rookie Josiah Price. Howard was taken in the 1st round with the 21st overall pick by the Patriots, and head coach Shakiraquan T.G.I.F. Carter couldn't be more excited. After trading away Gronkowski to pick up John Brown and Carson Palmer, the Patriots took Howard, a 6'6" 240 pound machine with great athleticism and hands. Even though he'll be sharing the position with fellow rookie Josiah Price (who might be the more polished of the two) and veteran Jermaine Gresham, Howard should put up some nice numbers this year.
Predictions: 60 Receptions, 700 Yards, 10 Touchdowns


#3: De'Veon Smith, HB, Cleveland Browns

Another Cleveland Brown on the list, De'Veon Smith is a beast of a running back. Possessing size, speed, and strength, he looks to be the best tailback in the Cleveland this year, and he should receive the lion's share of the touches. Smith is as hard to bring down in the open field as anybody, and thanks to his scary breakaway speed, he can turn the corner in a hurry and outrun the defense when he's got open green in front of him. Underrated in the passing game, he could provide a nice option for fellow rookie Mitch Trubisky as a receiver.
Predictions: 700 Rushing Yards, 9 Touchdowns, 4.1 Average Per Carry, 350 Receiving yards


#4: Dalvin Cook, HB, Indianapolis Colts

Cook is definitely a more polished runner than Smith at this point, but it's just simply a matter of touches that makes Cook's rookie campaign look less promising stat-wise than Smith's. Cook should be the feature back in Indianapolis, but with veteran Frank Gore still around, he likely won't receive the amount of touches that he should. Cook was the 2nd overall pick in the draft, and he could be regarded as a reach at that spot with the amount of tailbacks on the board all throughout the 1st round, but he'll likely live up to the hype in the near-future.
Predictions: 650 Rushing Yards, 8 Touchdowns, 3.8 Average Per Carry, 200 Receiving Yards


#5: Courtland Sutton, WR, Miami Dolphins

Sutton was taken with the 10th overall pick by the Dolphins, and he should provide Ryan Tannehill a big-bodied receiver with excellent breakaway speed and route running ability. Sutton might be the most polished offensive rookie in the league, but with Jarvis Landry and Devante Parker in town, he likely won't receive a ton of targets this season. If he were on a team where he'd be the number one option, there's no doubt that he'd have an Odell-like rookie season.
Predictions: 45 receptions, 600 yards, 6 touchdowns

[JazzMan]

JazzMan's 2017 DROTY Predictions
NFC Edition

#1. Carroll Phillips, LOLB, Green Bay Packers

Phillips is an absolute stud at the outside backer spot, and it looks like he could thrive in the Green Bay defense, especially with Clay Matthews moving to the middle backer spot. He's got a nice frame at 6'3" 240, and he has exceptional speed and agility for a linebacker. However, the spot where he will truly shine looks to be in coverage, as he already looks to be pretty solid as a zone defender. He has the opportunity to put up some nice numbers as an outside backer in Green Bay.
Predictions: 80 Total Tackles, 20 For Loss, 10 Sacks, 1 Interception, 3 Forced Fumbles


#2: Myles Garrett, LOLB, New Orleans Saints

Another outside linebacker, Myles Garrett was drafted 6th overall out of Texas A&M, and he has the size and speed to be elite at this level. His ability to get to the quarterback is well known, but it's his versatility and discipline on the defensive end that is possibly the most exciting thing about him. He is an exceptional man and zone defender for a linebacker his size, so there should be no issues when he drops back into coverage. And he's got all the right moves when getting to the quarterback, so he has the tools to be one of the best linebackers in the league.
Predictions: 70 Tackles, 15 Tackles For Loss, 12 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 2 Forced Fumble


#3: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Chicago Bears

Humphrey was drafted late in the 1st round by the Bears, and it's a wonder how he fell all the way down to #30. At 6'1", he's got great size at the cornerback position, and he's an elite athlete as well. He excels in both man and zone coverage, which should make him a perfect fit in Chicago as a nickel corner. Humphrey could easily become one of the better defensive players in this draft.
Predictions: 35 Tackles, 4 Interceptions


#4: Budda Baker, SS, Minnesota Vikings

Baker was taken in the 6th round of the draft, with the 26th pick of the round, and early on, it's looking like he could be a steal. Baker fell all the way down to the 6th round inexplicably, and the Vikings capitalized. He could have a huge season due to opportunity alone, as the safety spot, aside from Harrison Smith, is shaky at best. If Baker is given a shot at the starting job, he could definitely turn in a huge season and help the Vikings get back to the postseason.
Predictions: 65 Tackles, 4 Interceptions, 2 Forced Fumbles


#5: Carlos Watkins, DT, Dallas Cowboys

Watkins is a big, big dude at 6'3" 300 pounds, and he could be what the Cowboys have been looking for to pair with Tyrone Crawford at the tackle spots. With surprising speed and agility to go along with his big frame, Watkins could be the next Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh with his combination of pass rushing and run stuffing abilities. He should be a beast in the middle for Dallas.
Predictions: 55 Tackles, 15 Tackles For Loss, 5 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles

[JazzMan]

JazzMan's 2017 DROTY Predictions
AFC Edition

#1: Zack Cunningham, MLB, Cleveland Browns

The Browns are just loaded with young talent on both of sides of the ball following their excellent draft. Cunningham was the first overall pick of the draft, and he looks to be legit. Coming out of Vanderbilt, the 21-year-old has size, speed, and excellent tackling ability. He excels in zone coverage and he can be dangerous when blitzing, as well. Cunningham has it all, and it looks like Cleveland struck gold with him.
Predictions: 120 Tackles, 40 Tackles For Loss, 5 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 4 Forced Fumbles


#2: Jabrill Peppers, SS, Tennessee Titans

The Michigan standout Jabrill Peppers slid down the draft all the way to the 23rd pick, where the Titans were eagerly waiting for the young stud safety. Peppers is big, fast, and an excellent defender in the zone. He can also man up all sorts of receivers, and is no slouch in the running game either, as he can lay down the boom when given the opportunity. Peppers could be in for a huge season, and with little competition at the safety spot, he should have a huge rookie season.
Predictions: 90 Tackles, 15 Tackles For Loss, 6 Interceptions, 2 Forced Fumbles


#3: Deon Hollins, LOLB, Baltimore Ravens

Hollins was taken late in the second round by Baltimore, but this kid can flat out play. He is a bit undersized as a line backer, being 6'0" 234 pounds, but the former UCLA Bruin is fast, strong, and is a great playmaker at his position. He's versatile enough that if the Ravens need him to, Hollins can play either safety spot in a pinch. It will be interesting to see how Hollins is utilized in Baltimore, because he could be used in a variety of ways.
Predictions: 90 Tackles, 30 Tackles For Loss, 4 Sacks, 3 Interceptions, 3 Forced Fumbles


#4: Malik Graves, FS, Oakland Raiders

Oakland nabbed themselves quite the player with the 13th overall pick, as they picked up former Buckeye Malik Graves. Graves is the prototypical Raider; tall, fast, and raw. However, he's a great playmaker at the safety spot, as he's shown at Ohio State. But he can also flat out hit hard. Graves should be the shot in the behind that the Raiders need in their secondary, and I expect him to have a big, big year.
Predictions: 75 Tackles, 10 Tackles For Loss, 5 Interceptions, 2 Forced Fumbles


#5: Charles Harris, LOLB, New York Jets

Harris was the 11th overall pick for the Jets, and although he's not a perfect fit for their defensive scheme, he is nonetheless a very dangerous player at the outside linebacker spot. He's a great athlete, and he's a very, very good run stuffer on the edges. Though his pass rushing needs a little work, especially being in a 3-4 system, Harris should be able to make an impact for a Jets defense that will give teams fits all season.
Predictions: 85 Tackles, 25 Tackles For Loss, 7 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Forced Fumble


Honorable Mention: Jonathan Allen, LE, Cleveland Browns

[JazzMan]

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 2017-2018 PREVIEW

Key Acquisitions:
QB Carson Palmer, 37 Years Old, 87 OVR
HB Jamaal Charles, 30 Years Old, 88 OVR
WR John Brown, 27 Years Old, 87 OVR
WR Jared Abbrederis, 26 Years Old, 71 OVR
TE O.J. Howard, 22 Years Old (R), 78 OVR
TE Jermaine Gresham, 29 Years Old, 84 OVR
TE Josiah Price, 23 Years Old (R), 78 OVR
RT David Sharpe, 20 Years Old (R), 73 OVR
RE Kendall Langford, 31 Years Old, 79 OVR
DT Terrance Knighton, 31 Years Old, 85 OVR
LOLB Greg Hardy, 29 Years Old, 74 OVR
ROLB Trent Cole, 34 Years Old, 77 OVR
CB Antonio Cromartie, 33 Years Old, 74 OVR
FS Lardarius Webb, 31 Years Old, 78 OVR
FS Tre'Davious White, 21 Years old (R), 76 OVR

Key Losses:
QB Tom Brady, Retirement
QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Trade
HB Danny Woodhead, Retirement
HB LeGarrette Blount, Free Agency
TE Rob Gronkowski, Trade
TE Martellus Bennett, Free Agency
RT Sebastian Vollmer, Free Agency
RE Chris Long, Free Agency
DT Alvin Branch, Free Agency
LOLB Rob Ninkovich, Free Agency
MLB Nate Irving, Trade
ROLB Barkevious Mingo, Free Agency
CB, Malcolm Butler, Free Agency


The New England Patriots begin a new era of Patriot football this season, following the retirement of legend and star quarterback Tom Brady. However, that wasn't the only change that occurred this offseason for New England. Star tight end Rob Gronkowski was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, along with young quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. In return, the Patriots received veteran quarterback Carson Palmer, stud wide out John Brown, and a 2nd round pick, which turned into new right tackle David Sharpe.

So, while the loss of Gronkowski and Brady hurts, the Patriots are ready to move on into a different era. Joining Carson Palmer in the backfield is veteran tail back Jamaal Charles. Charles has had some injury-riddled seasons the past few years, as he rushed for just 361 yards in 8 games last year and 364 in 5 games the year prior. However, the calculated Patriots uncharacteristically couldn't help themselves in free agency, when the Chiefs cut the star running back, making him a free agent. The Pats immediately jumped on him with a 3 year $24M deal.

We will see if the Charles deal with pay off for the Pats, but if not, there are some young runners who are able to step up and run the ball. James White is now in his 3rd season, and he looks poised to have a breakout season. Rookies Corey Clement and Vaetuitonga Cowan are young, athletic bruisers that can provide a great change of pace from what Charles and White bring to the table.

Mentioned before, John Brown brings a dimension to the offense that was lacking last year; pure, unadulterated athleticism. Brown missed 8 games for the Cardinals last season due to injury, but the games he played, he was dynamite. He had 48 catches, 674 yards, and 5 touchdowns in just 8 games last year, and the Pats are hoping to get that kind of production in all 16 games this year. He will be joining a veteran receiving core of Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan, Kenny Bell, and new acquisition Jared Abbrederis.

The tight end position won't be as stacked as last year, which featured Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, but this is still one of the best groups at the position in the league. The two rookies, O.J. Howard and Josiah Price, come into the league with a lot of hype and a lot of promise. The Patriots feature a lot of tight end heavy formations, so these two should see plenty of the field, along with established vet Jermaine Gresham, who played the last few seasons in Arizona with Carson Palmer and John Brown.

The offensive line remains mainly the same, with the exception of the right tackle spot. Rookie David Sharpe will be battling vet and acquisition Mike Remmers for a starting job, though I'd expect Sharpe to have it pretty handedly.

Kendall Langford replaces the departing Chris Long at right end, as he plays opposite of stud end Jamaal Sheard. Sheard signed a big 4 Year $32.1M deal to stick in New England, and in his prime, it looks like a deal that will benefit both parties. Terrance Knighton returns to New England with a 1 Year deal to be the team's anchor up front in the 3-4.

Greg Hardy and Trent Cole, two pass rushers just a bit past their prime, join the excellent linebacker duo of Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins. Hightower and Collins will now play both of the middle backer spots after the Pats moved Nate Irving to pick up an extra draft pick in April.

Losing Malcolm Butler on free agency was a big blow, as he went on to sign a 4 Year $80M contract in Tampa, but the Patriots possibly dodged a bullet. They picked up solid veteran Antonio Cromartie to be the new nickel corner, while Cyrus Jones joins Logan Ryan as the traditional 1-2 CBs. Eric Rowe returns from a season-long injury.

The safety spots are once again manned by Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung, but they are joined by the returning Duron Harmon and the newly acquired Lardarius Webb and rookie Tre'Davious White.

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The Patriots are looking to compete for a title this season, as they have a nice, balanced roster with a good blend of old and young talent. In a weak AFC East, a playoff berth looks virtually like a lock. It's just a matter of if the Pats can get past Kansas City, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee in the postseason. Head Coach Shakiraquan T.G.I.F. Carter feels they can do it.

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