Draft Insiders’ All-Pro Teams

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

 Draft Insiders’ announces its annual Pro Bowl teams with the NFC and AFC championship games set for next Sunday, the Chiefs host the Patriots and the Saints play the Rams,

  The NFL’s four best teams with square off for the honor to meet in the Super Bowl on Feb. 3^rd. The four finalists have dominated out Pro Bowl clubs, along with several interesting first year and young players. The four title game clubs were the four highest scoring teams in the league in 2018 as the NFL continues in a dominate pass oriented game.  

MVP – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs
Defensive POY – DT Aaron Donald – Rams

Comeback POY – QB Andrew Luck – Colts

Rookies of the Year
  Offense – RB Saquon Barkley – Giants
  Defense – LB Darius Leonard – Colts
 
* rookies

Draft Insiders’ 2019 January Newslettter will be available this week – All Underclassmen, 2 Round MD, and new Top 100 Pro Prospects

Draft Insiders’ Pro Bowl Teams
First Team
Offense

Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Running Back: * Saquon Barkley – New York Giants
1A Type: Tyreek Hill – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Tight End: Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Wide Receivers:
 Michael Thomas – New Orleans Saints
 DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans

Left Tackle: David Bakhtiari – Green Bay Packers
Right Tackle: Mitchell Schwartz – Kansas City Chiefs
 
Left Guard: * Quenton Nelson – Indianapolis Colts
Right Guard: Zack Martin – Dallas Cowboys
Center: Jason Kelce – Philadelphia Eagles
 
Defense
Edge Rushers:
 J.J. Watt – Houston Texans
 Khalil Mack – Chicago Bears
 Cameron Jordan – New Orleans Saints
 
Tackles:
   Aaron Donald – Los Angeles Rams
  Chris Jones – Kansas City Chiefs

Linebackers:
Luke Kuechly – Carolina Panthers
Bobby Wagner – Seattle Seahawks
* Darius Leonard – Indianapolis Colts
 
Cornerbacks: Kyle Fuller – Chicago Bears
 Stephon Gilmore – New England Patriots
 
Safeties:
  * Derwin James – Los Angeles Chargers
  Eddie Jackson – Chicago Bears
  Nickel Back: Desmond King – Los Angeles Chargers
 
Special Teams
Placekicker: Aldrick Rosas – New York Giants
Punter: * Michael Dickson – Seattle Seahawks
Kick Returner: Andre Roberts – New York Jets
Punt Returner: Tarik Cohen – Chicago Bears
Special Teamer: Adrian Phillips – Los Angeles Chargers
 
Second Team
Offense
Quarterback:
  Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints
 
Running Back:
Todd Gurley – Los Angeles Rams
1A Type: Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers
 
Tight End: George Kittle – San Francisco 49ers
 
Wide Receivers:
Julio Jones – Atlanta Falcons
Amari Cooper – Dallas Cowboys
 
Left Tackle: Duane Brown – Seattle Seahawks
Right Tackle: Ryan Ramczyk – New Orleans Saints
 
 Left Guard: Joel Bitonio – Cleveland Browns
 Right Guard: Marshal Yanda – Baltimore Ravens
 Center: Maurkice Pouncey – Pittsburgh Steelers
 
Defense
Edge Rushers:
 Von Miller – Denver Broncos
 Myles Garrett – Cleveland Browns
 Danielle Hunter – Minnesota Vikings
 
Tackles:  
 Fletcher Cox – Philadelphia Eagles
 Jurrell Casey – Tennessee Titans
 
Linebackers:
 C.J. Mosley – Baltimore Ravens
 * Leighton Vander Esch – Dallas Cowboys
T.J. Watt – Pittsburgh Steelers

 Cornerbacks:
   Byron Jones – Dallas Cowboys
   Xavien Howard – Miami Dolphins
 
Safeties:
  Jamal Adams – New York Jets
  Harrison Smith – Minnesota Vikings
  Nickel Back: * Denzel Ward – Cleveland Browns
 
Special Teams
Placekicker: Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens
Punter: Johnny Hekker – Los Angeles Rams
Kick Returner: Cordarrelle Patterson – New England Patriots
Punt Returner: Desmond King – Los Angeles Chargers
Special Teamer: Cory Littleton – Los Angeles Rams

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – RB Sony Michel – Patriots

  By Frank Coyle

       Draft Insiders’ will post Rookie spotlight players regularly and their Scouting Report from our NFL Draft 2018 Yearbook. Scouting Reports are written from the fall into March annually.

Rookie runner Sony Michel has been one of the top impact first year players in the NFL this season. He has been a  difference maker for the Patriots current playoff run. In their opening playoff game victory over the Chargers, he rushed for 129 yards on 24 carries for 3 TDs and 1 reception for 9 yards. He was instrumental as their run to a 35-0 first half advantage that never relinquished.

For his rookie season, he rushed for 931 yards on just 209 carries for a 4.5 yard average and 6 TDs. He added 7 receptions. Over the season, he has split time with veteran James White to give the Pats a combo that averaged 4.5 yards per attempt.

Michel is an every down back and one of the most productive runners over an SEC career prior to this season. His well rounded talent translated quickly to the NFL and he has been an interchangeable part for all the Patriots offensive packages.

 Here is his Scouting Report from Draft Insiders’ Yearbook 2018 written March 2018

 Sony Michel #1 – Georgia                     5-11      215        – Sp. 4.50
    Player Comparison: Isaiah Crowell                        Rating 60                                                                
Talented multi-dimensional all around back has been an impact performer for the Bulldogs the past three seasons. Earned SEC honors in 2017 after an excellent overall performance. Tough natural low based runner shows quick feet with good size and speed to be an NFL feature back. Slides nicely laterally and runs with a wiggle to string multiple moves together. Gets to top speed quickly with the ability to adjust his speed and change gears well. On the 2nd level, he has a burst to run away from defenders. Displays good lower body power and is able to make consistent yardage after contact. Keeps his pad level down to run over defenders. Developing receiver comes out of the backfield quickly into his routes. Shows reliable hands and capable of making the tough catch. In space, he knows what to do with the ball and shows the burst to take the play the distance. Very effective on screens and shorter routes, though only a limited route tree and needs some further development. Displayed the ability to run inside and outside, though not a physical downhill power back between the tackles. As a pass blocker, he’s alert, aware and competent at picking up the blitz. Keeps his feet well and shows good balance and functional strength. Explosive when he sees a crease and is capable of making huge yardage. Good vision and awareness to keep drives alive. Versatile talent to give an offense a unique weapon to command special attention in every situation and high level 1A type.

The Numbers:  As a senior in 2017, he shared time with Nick Chubb and played in 14 games and rushed for 1227 yards on 156 carries for a 7.9 yard average and 16 TDs. He caught 9 passes for 96 yards and 1 TD. As a junior, he rushed for 840 yards on 152 carries for a 5.5 average and 4 TDs. He caught 22 passes for 149 yards and 1 TD. As a sophomore, he rushed for over 1000 yards with 8 TDs and 26 receptions and 3 TDs. Over his career, he rushed for 3638 yards on 591 carries for 6.2 yard average with 33 rushing TDs and 64 catches with 6 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 5’10”, 214 lbs. and ran a 4.54 time. He did 22 reps, a 4.21 shuttle and no other events. At the pro day, he looked sharp in drills, catching the ball and looking smooth in routes.

The Skinny: Natural runner and receiver with good speed to change games. Nice combination of speed, power and cutting skills. Combines the size, quickness and strength to get into the end zone. Well-rounded with the suddenness to get outside and make the corner with the burst to hit the home run. Rising talent probably goes in the top 50 prospects and capable of being a quality feature back similar to rookie sensation Alvin Kamara who we were very high on last year. Kamara’s YB Scouting Report is on web site. Also, Frank Gore and Isaiah Crowell in size, style and speed. Fine addition with starting talent to be a three down back, though more a complete 1A type and nice asset for any backfield.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The upcoming NFL Draft is attracting another strong group of underclassmen. Last year a record number of underclassmen decided to turn pro with well over a 100 prospects entering the NFL ranks. This year will probably surpass those numbers with only a few days before the Jan. 15^th deadline. Expect many new additions here over the next few days with the end of the bowl season. This draft class will be a very heavy defensive talent group from both the underclassmen and senior classes.

Draft Insiders’ January Newslettter will be available next week – All Underclassmen, 2 Round MD, and new Top 100 Pro Prospects

In addition, to the large number of underclassmen entering the pro ranks, many players are opting out of their bowl game to prepare for the demanding NFL Draft postseason, both the All-star weeks and NFL Combine and pro day events. These players have increased in recent years and this is a disturbing recent development with key players ending their college careers with their team’s most important postseason game on the agenda.

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019
Jan. 12th          Deadline to declare Jan. 15th

Offensive Players
     Position / Player / School / Class

QB Dwayne Haskins                  Ohio State       RSo
QB Daniel Jones                       Duke                Jr
QB Jarrett Stidham                    Auburn              Jr
QB Tyree Jackson                    Buffalo             Jr
RB Benny Snell                         Kentucky          Jr
RB David Montgomery               Iowa State       Jr
RB Justice Hill                           Oklahoma St     Jr
RB Devin Singletary                  Florida Atlantic  Jr
RB Trayveon Williams                Texas A&M       Jr
RB Mike Weber                         Ohio State        Jr
RB Darrell Henderson                Memphis           Jr
RB Travis Homer                       Miami               Jr
RB Josh Jacobs                        Alabama           Jr
RB Elijah Holyfield                    Georgia             Jr
RB Rodney Anderson                Oklahoma         Jr
RB LJ Scott                              Michigan St       Jr
RB Jordan Scarlett                    Florida             Jr
RB Miles Sanders                       Penn St             Jr
RB Alex Barnes                         Kansas St         Jr
RB Alex Mattison                      Boise State       Jr
RB James Williams                    Washington St.  Jr
RB Damarea Crockett               Missouri            Jr
RB Darwin Thompson                Utah State        Jr
RB Kerrith Whyte                       Florida Atlantic  Jr
RB Bolu Olorunfunmi                 UCLA                Jr
WR AJ Brown                            Mississippi       Jr
WR Kelvin Harmon                    North Carolina St  Jr
WR N’Keal Harry                       Arizona St         Jr
WR Marquise Brown                  Oklahoma         Jr
WR DK Metcalf                         Mississippi       RSo
WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside           Stanford            Jr
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey            Texas                Jr
WR Riley Ridley                        Georgia            Jr
WR Hakeem Butler                     Iowa State         Jr
WR Darius Slayton                    Auburn              Jr
WR Miles Boykin                       Notre Dame      Jr
WR Preston Williams                 Colorado St      Jr
WR Mecole Hardman                 Georgia            Jr
WR Dillon Mitchell                     Oregon             Jr
WR James Gardner                   Miami (Oh)        Jr
WR Greg Dortch                       Wake Forest     RSo
WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams      North Carolina   Jr
WR Antoine Wesley                   Texas Tech       Jr
WR Diontae Johnson                  Toledo               Jr
WR Jalen Guyton                      North Texas      Jr
WR Jovon Durante                    Florida Atlantic  Jr
WR John Ursua                         Hawaii              Jr
WR Jakobi Meyers                    North Carolina State      Jr
WR Dredrick Snelson                Central Florida  Jr
WR Jazz Ferguson                    Northwestern St  Jr
TE Noah Fant                            Iowa                 Jr
TE Irv Smith                              Alabama           Jr
TE Caleb Wilson                       UCLA                Jr
TE Alize Mack                           Notre Dame      Jr
TE Kaden Smith                        Stanford           Jr
TE Jace Sternberger                  Texas A&M       Jr
TE Isaac Nauta                          Georgia            Jr
TE Zach Gentry                         Michigan           Jr
TE Dax Raymond                      Utah St             Jr
TE Kahale Warring                    San Diego St    Jr
TE Keenen Brown                     Texas St           Jr
TE Dawson Knox                      Mississippi        Jr
OT Jonah Williams                    Alabama           Jr
OT Greg Little                           Mississippi       Jr
OT David Edwards                    Wisconsin         Jr
OT Jawaan Taylor                     Florida              Jr
OT Bobby Evans                        Oklahoma         Jr
OT Ryan Bates                         Penn St            Jr
OT Tyler Roemer                       San Diego St    RSo
OT Andre James                       UCLA               Jr
OT William Sweet                      North Carolina   Jr
OG Cody Ford                            Oklahoma         Jr
OG Michael Jordan                   Ohio St             Jr
OG Nate Herbig                        Stanford           Jr
OG Venzell Boulware                 Miami               Jr
OG Erik McCoy                         Texas A&M       Jr
OG Connor McGovern               Penn St            Jr

Defensive Players
DE Nick Bosa                           Ohio St                Jr
DE Joe Jackson                         Miami                   Jr
DE Jordan Brailford                   Oklahoma St        Jr
DE Anthony Nelson                   Iowa                    Jr
DE Byron Cowart                       Maryland              Jr
DE Shareef Miller                      Penn St.              Jr
DE Maxx Crosby                       Eastern Michigan  Jr
DE Christian Rector               Southern California    Jr
DT Ed Oliver                             Houston                Jr
DT Rashan Gary                       Michigan               Jr
DT Jeffery Simmons                  Mississippi State  Jr
DT Dre’Mont Jones                   Ohio St                Jr
DT Dexter Lawrence                  Clemson              Jr
DT Gerald Willis                         Miami                  Jr
DT Ed Alexander                       LSU                    Jr
DT PJ Johnson                         Arizona             Jr
DT Trysten Hill                          Central Florida  Jr
DT Kevin Givens                       Penn State        Jr
DT Amani Bledsoe                    Oklahoma           Jr
OLB Brian Burns                       Florida St          Jr
OLB Jachai Polite                     Florida              Jr
OLB Devin Bush                        Michigan           Jr
OLB Vosean Joseph                  Florida             Jr
OLB Sutton Smith                     Northern Illinois Jr
OLB Tyrel Dodson                    Texas A&M       Jr
OLB Quart’e Sapp                     Tennessee        Jr
ILB Tre Lamar                            Clemson          Jr
ILB Joe Giles-Harris                   Duke                Jr
ILB Jeff Allison                         Fresno State     Jr
ILB Josiah Tauaefa                    Texas-San Antonio  Jr
ILB David Long                         West Virginia     Jr
CB Greedy Williams                  LSU                  RSo
CB Byron Murphy                      Washington       RSo
CB Trayvon Mullen                    Clemson             Jr
CB Justin Layne                        Michigan St         Jr
CB Joejuan Williams                  Vanderbilt           Jr
CB David Long                          Michigan             Jr
CB Jamel Dean                         Auburn                Jr
CB Hamp Cheevers                   Boston College    Jr
CB Blessuan Austin                   Rutgers               Jr
CB Sean Bunting                       Central Michigan  Jr
CB Ryan Pulley                         Arkansas            Jr
CB Clifton Duck                         Appalachian St   Jr
CB Xavier Crawford                   Central Michigan Jr
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson    Florida                Jr
S Amani Hooker                        Iowa                   Jr
S Malik Gant                             Marshall            Jr
S Mike Bell                                Fresno State     Jr

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

NFL Draft 2019 – Pro Prospect Rankings – 

Frank Coyle – Head scout
January Newsletter available mid month –
December Rankings and Newsletter available now

Special Package for NFL Draft available – Call (732) 842-4749

Pro Prospect Rankings
updated Jan 11th

Offense
Offensive Skilled Positions

Underclassmen, Dwayne Haskins and Daniel Jones strengthen average QB class
    Quarterbacks

1 * Dwayne Haskins 6-3 215 Ohio St
2 Drew Lock 6-4 225 Missouri
3 * Daniel Jones 6-5 220 Duke
4 Will Grier 6-1 223 West Virginia
5 Ryan Finley 6-3 215 North Carolina State
6 * Tyree Jackson 6-7 245 Buffalo
7 * Kyler Murray 5-10 190   Oklahoma
8 * Jarrett Stidham 6-3 215 Auburn
9 Clayton Thorson 6-4 225 Northwestern
10 Brett Rypien 6-2 205 Boise State
11 Nick Fitzgerald 6-4 230 Mississippi State
12 Gardner Minshew II 6-1 220 Washington State
13 Jordan Taamu 6-2 210 Mississippi
14 Eric Dungey 6-3 220 Syracuse
15 Drew Anderson 6-3 230 Murray State
16 Easton Stick 6-2 220 North Dakota State
17 David Blough 6-1 205 Purdue

Harris and Love Head Average Senior Group of Running Backs
   Running Backs
1 Damien Harris 5-10 220 Alabama
2 * David Montgomery 5-10 225 Iowa State
3 Bryce Love 5-9 200 Stanford
4 Myles Gaskin 5-9 195 Washington
5 * Justice Hill 5-10 190 Oklahoma State
6 * Benny Snell 5-10 225 Kentucky
7 * Trayveon Williams 5-8 200 Texas A&M
8 * Darrell Henderson 5-9 200 Memphis
9 * Devin Singletary 5-9 225 Florida Atlantic
10 Dexter Williams 5-11 215 Notre Dame
11 * Mike Weber 5-9 215 Ohio State
12 * Rodney Anderson 6-0 220 Oklahoma
13 Karan Higdon 5-9 202 Michigan
14 Josh Jacobs 5-10 215 Alabama
15 Nick Brossette 6-0 220 LSU
16 Qadree Ollison 6-1 225 Pittsburgh

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – LB Darius Leonard – Colts

By Frank Coyle

       Draft Insiders’ will post Rookie spotlight players regularly and their Scouting Report from our NFL Draft 2018 Yearbook. Scouting Reports are written from the fall into March annually.

Rookie Darius Leonard has been one of the top impact first year players in the NFL this season. He has been a major difference maker for the Colts playoff run. He has been an every down defender and one of the most productive defenders in the league. His well rounded talent translated quickly to the NFL and he has been an interchangeable defender for all the Colts package defenses

 Here is his Scouting Report from Draft Insiders’ Yearbook 2018 written March 2018

 Darius Leonard #10     South Carolina St         6-2       235       – Sp. 4.65       
    Player Comparison: Thomas Davis                                   Rating 80

Athletic, active, senior finished his small college career with incredible consistency as an every down defender. Earned MEAC honors annually, completing his career with an impressive Senior Bowl week. Long rangy defender with fine field speed to make plays at the opposite sideline and drop in coverage. Lean frame and probably has maxed out at the 235 lb. level. His athleticism, quickness, toughness and consistent effort vs a high level of competition stand out on film. Good movement skills with good instincts and fluid hips. Top instincts and quick reactions to use his fine speed and athleticism to make plays. Fiery on-field character with explosive closing speed and able to cover a lot of ground quickly in pursuit. Flashes burst to close on the ball especially in close quarters. Powerful tackler and really brings his pads on contact and consistently able to finish. Good initial quickness off the snap to read plays and defeat blocking angles. Able to contort his body to dip around a block and drop ball-carriers. Holds point fairly well with adequate functional strength. Above average change-of-direction allows him to redirect in space and stay with receivers. Developing cover man with improving ball skills to compete for the Will position in the NFL. That is his best position. Very experienced and effective on all special teams’ coverage units where his sure tackling ranks him as one of the premier special teams’ defenders in this class. High level of self-motivation and excellent competitive drive. Outstanding quickness makes it tough for blockers to get a good fit and compensates for marginal size. Moves laterally well and keeps blockers off his body to flow to the ball. Well-developed backfield vision and usually on time recognizing route concepts. In 2017, he had 114 tackles with 12 TFL and 8.5 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 FF, 1 PBU and 2 interceptions. Earned 1st team MEAC honors. In 2016, started 11 games and posted 124 tackles with 14.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 FF, 3 PBU and 2 interceptions. Earned 1st team MEAC honors. Good early part time defender and special teams’ performer from his true freshman season. Over his career, recorded 394 tackles with 22 sacks, 53 TFLs, 8 FF, 3 FR, 6 interceptions and 7 PBUs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’2”, 234 lbs. with 34 3/8” arms. He ran a 4.70 time with a 1.67 ten-yard split and did 17 reps.  He was average in the positional drills. Lack of ideal size causes concern about durability. Best fit as Will backer. Many of the same skills as Thomas Davis with keen instincts, big play talent and good work habits. Rising top 100 prospect with upside and the AA to become a pro playmaker in either a 4-3  or 3-4 set. Fine run and chase defender and rising talent with early starting ability. Needs work in coverage for nickel role, but displays the skills to start there. Outstanding special teams’ ability earns him a roster spot. Top three small college prospect to be a fixture in a 4-3 set. Probable Will starter with some coverage work. 

                                                                        Draft Projection: 3rd Round  

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Final Top 25 Teams –
Clemson Wins Championship Game

Clemson Pounds Alabama to Win 2nd Title in Past Three Years

Players of Week
Offense – QB Trevor Lawrence – Clemson
Defense – DT Christian Wilkins – Clemson

Team of the Week – Clemson Bashes Alabama, 44-16

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Top 25 Teams – Final Rankings

Draft Insiders’ Rankings

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 Clemson – 15-0
2 Alabama – 14-1
3 Ohio St – 13-1
4 Notre Dame – 12-1
5 Oklahoma – 12-2
6 Florida – 10-3
7 LSU   – 10-3
8 Georgia – 11-3
9 Texas – 10-4
10 UCF – 12-1
11 Michigan – 10-3
12 Washington St – 11-3
13 Washington – 10-4
14 Kentucky – 10-3
15 Syracuse – 10-3
16 Texas A&M – 9-4
17 Fresno St – 12-2
18 Penn State – 9-4
19 Northwestern – 9-5
20 Utah St – 11-2
21 Army – 11-2
22 West Virginia – 8-4
23 Cincinnati – 11-2
24 Boise St – 10-3
25 Iowa – 9-4

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Clemson (63) – 15-0   1575
2 Alabama – 14-1 1512
3 Ohio State – 13-1 1416
4 Oklahoma – 12-2 1392
5 Notre Dame – 12-1 1294
6 Florida – 10-3 1177
7 LSU – 10-3 1170
8 Georgia – 11-3  1127
9 Texas – 10-4 1082
10 Washington State – 11-2 994
11 Kentucky – 0-3 931
12 UCF – 12-1 857
13 Washington – 10-4 790
14 Michigan – 10-3 762
15 Syracuse – 10-3   710
16 Texas A&M – 9-4  616
17 Penn State – 9-4 569
18 Fresno State – 12-2 489
19 Northwestern – 9-5  370
20 Army -11-2 331
21 Utah State – 11-2   248
22 West Virginia – 8-4   228
23 Cincinnati – 11-2  186
24 Boise State – 10-3 164
25 Iowa – 9-4 102

Complete Rankings
Others receiving votes: Mississippi State 101, Utah 72, Appalachian State 56, Stanford 38, Iowa State 29, Auburn 27, Oregon 18, Missouri 14, UAB 9, Georgia Southern 7, Virginia 5, Wisconsin 2, NC State 2, Troy 2, Duke 1

Dropped from rankings: Mississippi State 18, Utah 19

Senior Bowl 2019 Finalizes Roster

 Mobile, Ala. – The Reese’s Senior Bowl has finalized its 2019 roster with the addition of eight players.

This is another strong nationwide group of pro prospects assembled by first year Senior Bowl director, Jim Nagy.

 For Complete Senior Bowl 2019 Roster go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/accepted-invites.php

 Added to the roster this week were Alabama offensive lineman Ross Piersbacher, Ole Miss offensive lineman Javon Patterson, Texas A&M center Erik McCoy, linebacker Alaka Otaro and defensive lineman Kingsley Keke, Miami (FL) safety Sheldrick Redwine, Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin and UC-Davis wide receiver Keelan Doss.

 McCoy is a fourth-year junior graduate who has declared for the 2019 NFL Draft. He is one of five junior graduates on this year’s roster, joining Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham, NC State wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, Utah State tight end Dax Raymond and West Virginia linebacker David Long.

 “After a very thorough process that actually began last summer, we are excited to finalize the rosters for our 70th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl game,” said Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy. “Our main objective is to provide the 32 NFL member clubs with the best rosters possible and this collection of players truly represents the best that college football, at all levels, had to offer this year.”

 The official game week North/South rosters will be released on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

 The 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl is January 26th at 1:30pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at www.seniorbowl.com, at 151 Dauphin St. in downtown Mobile or at Piggly Wiggly locations.

 Reese’s Senior Bowl week begins on Monday, Jan. 21 and practices will be on Tuesday (Jan. 22), Wednesday (Jan. 23) and Thursday (Jan. 24) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. They are free and open to the public.

 All three practices and the game will be televised live by NFL Network

              ** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network **                                                   Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th
                                            Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

Raiders and 49ers Coaching Staffs Direct Senior Bowl Teams

The Senior Bowl announced this week that the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers have been selected by the NFL as the two coaching staffs for the 2019 All-star classic in Mobile, Ala. They are the two highest teams drafting with coaching staffs intact for the upcoming 2019 season.

 This marks the 70th year the NFL will send two of its full coaching staffs to the game’s premier all-star and pre-draft event. Reese’s Senior Bowl week starts on Monday, January 21st and concludes with the 70th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl on January 26th at 1:30 pm CT at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 26, 2019 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
                             Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 21st thru Thursday Jan 24th
                       For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

 “The Reese’s Senior Bowl is excited to have the two Bay Area teams coaching in our 70th annual game,” said Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy.  “The Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers are both iconic franchises. With eight Super Bowl victories between them, the Raiders and Niners are historic brands of the league and the Senior Bowl is honored to have them at our game this year.”

 The 49ers will coach the South team and have coached the Reese’s Senior Bowl five times, last coaching in the game in 2008, ending a stretch of three consecutive coaching appearances (Mike Nolan 2006-08). They also coached in 1975 (Dick Nolan) and 1981 (Bill Walsh).

 The Raiders, who will lead the North team, have also coached in the Reese’s Senior Bowl five times previously – 1992 (Art Shell), 1999 (Jon Gruden), 2005 (Norv Turner), 2008 (Lane Kiffin) and 2013 (Dennis Allen).

 Both the Raiders and 49ers finished with 4-12 records in 2018. The 49ers hold the second overall pick and the Raiders will select fourth in April’s 2019 NFL Draft.

 Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden will be coaching in the Reese’s Senior Bowl for the fourth time. He coached the North team as the Raiders head coach in 1999, falling to Bucs’ coach Tony Dungy and the South, 31-21. He then coached in the game twice as the head coach of the Bucs, in 2005 and 2007, going 1-1 in those games.

  “We’re fired up to have Jon Gruden back in Mobile,” Nagy said. “He brings such rare energy and passion to the game of football.  This is a unique opportunity for our fans to see and hear coach Gruden at field level during our practice week.”

 Gruden, 55, returned to coaching this season after spending nearly a decade in the broadcast booth. Gruden compiled a 95-81 (.540) regular season mark in his 12 seasons as a head coach with the Raiders (1999-2001, 2018) and Bucs (2002-2008) and a 5-4 postseason mark, which includes a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII.

 When he was initially hired by Al Davis with the Raiders in 1998, he was the youngest coach in the league at age 34 and posted a 38-26 record, leading the silver and black to back-to-back AFC West titles in 2000 and 2001, including a trip to the AFC Championship game in 2000.

 “The Oakland Raiders are excited to coach in the premier all-star game in the land,” Gruden said. “The opportunity to interact with the Senior Bowl rosters and help these great young men achieve their dreams has the entire Raider staff galvanized. We could not be more pumped to get to Mobile.”

 Shanahan, 39, who will coach the South, will be making his head coaching debut in the Senior Bowl, but coached twice in the game previously as an assistant. Ironically, his first coaching experience in the Reese’s Senior Bowl was in 2005 as the Offensive Quality Control Coordinator for Gruden with the Bucs. In 2012, he returned to Mobile as the Offensive Coordinator of the Washington Redskins, under his father Mike Shanahan.

 “Our players are lucky to have the opportunity to be around coach Shanahan and his staff for a week,” Nagy said. “He is one of the brightest offensive minds in the game today and the Reese’s Senior Bowl is excited that our fans will get an up-close look at how he prepares players.  In addition, we are excited to have a great football man like General Manager John Lynch around our game all week, as well.”

 “The Senior Bowl is a tremendous opportunity for NFL teams to get a firsthand look at some of the top college prospects, and the City of Mobile has always been a gracious host,” Lynch said. “The opportunity to coach these young men is an invaluable asset to our evaluation process and one that we are excited to have. We look forward to getting to know these guys personally while working with them on the practice field, in meetings and even in the dining facilities.”

 Shanahan has 15 seasons of coaching experience in the NFL, the past two as the 49ers’ head coach, where he has compiled a 10-22 record. Prior to his first head coaching position, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016), Cleveland Browns (2014), Washington Redskins (2010-2013) and Houston Texans (2008-2009).

 Following the 2016 season, in which the Falcons appeared in Super Bowl LI, Shanahan was named the Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year.

NFL Draft 2019 – First Round Mock Draft –

Frank Coyle – Head scout
* Underclassmen expected to declare for the NFL Draft 2019
       Exact draft order to be determined at close of postseason
        x – Division winner      y – made playoffs

December Newsletter – Two Round Mock Draft –
Top 100 Prospects for NFL Draft 2019

1st Round
1 Arizona         3-13      – * Nick Bosa                    DE            6-3, 265         Ohio State
2 San Fran       4-12      – * Quinnen Williams    DT            6-3, 295         Alabama
3 NY Jets          4-12      –  Josh Allen                     LB            6-4, 250            Kentucky
4 Oakland         4-12      – * Ed Oliver                    DT           6-2, 290             Houston
5 Tampa Bay    5-11      – * Greedy Williams      CB           6-1, 180                         LSU
6 NY Giants      5-11      – * Dwayne Haskins       QB          6-2, 215                         Ohio State
7 Jacksonville  5-11      – Clelin Ferrell                DE                    6-4, 260                         Clemson
8 Detroit           6-10      – * Rashan Gary              DE                    6-4, 280                         Michigan
9 Buffalo          6-10      – * Jonah Williams          OT                    6-5, 300                         Alabama
10 Denver         6-10      – Drew Lock                     QB                    6-3, 225                          Missouri
11 Cincinnati    6-10      – * Devin White              LB                     6-0, 245                         LSU
12 Green Bay   6-9-1     – Montez Sweat              LB                     6-4, 245            Mississippi State
13 Miami          7-9        – * Raekwon Davis          DT                     6-7, 315                          Alabama
14 Atlanta         7-9        – * Derrick Brown           DT                     6-3, 325                         Auburn
15 Washington 7-9        – Deandre Baker           CB                    5-11, 180                        Georgia
16 Carolina      7-9        – * Greg Little                 OT                    6-5, 320                         Mississippi
17 Cleveland    7-8-1     – * AJ Brown                  WR                   6-1, 225                         Mississippi
18 Minnesota   8-7-1     – Zach Allen                   DE                    6-4, 285             Boston College
19 Tennessee   9-7        – * Jeffery Simmons       DT                    6-3, 305             Mississippi State
20 Pittsburgh   9-6-1     – * Brian Burns              LB                     6-3, 265                         Florida State
21 Philadelphia 9-7      – * Byron Murphy          CB                    5-11, 175                       Washington
22 Indianapolis 10-6     – Jerry Tillery                DT                     6-4, 310                         Notre Dame
23 Seattle         10-6      – * Deionte Thompson   FS                     6-0, 215                         Alabama
24 Oakland (Dallas) 10-6 – * N’Keal Harry     WR                   6-2, 215                         Arizona State
25 Baltimore    10-6      – * Jachai Polite             LB                     6-2, 242                         Florida
26 Houston      11-5      – Lukas Denis                   FS                     5-11, 190            Boston College
27 New England 11-5   – * Daniel Jones              QB                    6-5, 220                         Duke
28 Oakland (Chicago)  12-4 – * David Edwards  OT                    6-7, 320                         Wisconsin
29 LA Chargers 12-4    – * Dexter Lawrence      DT                     6-3, 340                         Clemson
30 LA Rams     13-3      – Austin Bryant                DE                    6-4, 265                         Clemson
31 Kansas City 12-4     – Kelvin Harmon            WR                   6-2, 220            North Carolina State
32 Green Bay (New Orleans) 13-3 – * Taylor Rapp  SS               6-0, 215                        Washington

Cardinals Hold 1st Overall Pick Selection After Final NFL Weekend

Frank Coyle/ Publisher – Head Scout

NFL Draft 2019 Selection Order – The Cardinals are ‘On the Clock’!

The Arizona Cardinals are ‘On the Clock’ with the first overall selection for the NFL Draft 2019. They earned the top overall draft choice off the horrible 3-13 record. Rookie head coach Steve Wilks inherited a roster in transition with top pick, QB Josh Rosen struggling through his initial campaign. Their recent overall draft decisions have been weak. Wilks was fired on Monday after only one season

Arizona finished with the #1 selection off their 3-13 record. The 49ers earned the 2nd overall selection off opponent’s won/loss records, though tied with #3 Jets and #4 Oakland at 4-12. The Bucs, Giants and Jaguars hold the #5 thru #7 overall choices on the merit of their poor 5-11 records. There is a logjam with four clubs at 6-10 that will impact the top half of the first round over the final Sunday of the 2018 season. Detroit, Buffalo, Denver and Cincinnati hold the #8 through #11 selections.

Opponents’ W-L record determine all tie situations. Teams that are still tied will flip though none necessary this year. Playoff teams will shuffle according to their postseason results to determine the final top 32 selections.

Teams’ upcoming decisions in both veteran Free Agency and the NFL Draft 2019 will dictate the movement of many players this offseason especially among the premier selections.

     Playoffs – Conference & Super Bowl games determine final positions
               x – division winner         y – playoff berth

   #  Team                        W-L  / Opp W-L %
1 Arizona                         3-13      .527
2 San Francisco           4-12      .504
3 NY Jets                        4-12      .506
4 Oakland                      4-12      .547
5 Tampa Bay                5-11      .523
6 NY Giants                   5-11      .527
7 Jacksonville              5-11      .547
8 Detroit                         6-10      .504
9 Buffalo                        6-10      .523
10 Denver                      6-10      .523
11 Cincinnati                6-10      .535
12 Green Bay                6-9-1     .488
13 Miami                        7-9        .469
14 Atlanta                      7-9        .482
15 Washington              7-9        .486
16 Carolina                    7-9        .508
17 Cleveland                    7-8-1     .516
18 Minnesota                  8-7-1     .504
19 Tennessee                    9-7        .520
20 Pittsburgh                  9-6-1     .504
21 y Philadelphia            9-7        .518
22 y Indianapolis           10-6      .465
23 y Seattle                        10-6      .484
24 x Oakland (Dallas)    10-6      .488
25 y Baltimore                  10-6      .496
26 x Houston                      11-5      .471
27 x New England              11-5      .482
28 x Oakland (Chicago)   12-4      .430
29 y LA Chargers               12-4      .477
30 x LA Rams                       13-3      .480
31 x Kansas City                  12-4      .480
32 x Green Bay (New Orleans) 13-3    .482

Team tie-breaking procedure for the NFL Draft
If two or more clubs are tied in the selection order, the strength-of-schedule tie breaker is applied, subject to the following exceptions for playoff clubs:  The Super Bowl winner is last and the Super Bowl loser next-to-last. Any non-Super Bowl playoff club involved in a tie shall be assigned priority within its segment below that of non-playoff clubs and in the order that the playoff clubs exited from the playoffs. Within a tied segment a playoff club that loses in the Wild-Card game will have priority over a playoff club that loses in the Divisional playoff game that in turn will have priority over a club that loses in the Conference Championship game. If two tied clubs exited the playoffs in the same round, the tie is broken by strength of schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength of schedule, the divisional or conference tie breakers, when applicable, are applied. Any ties that still exist are broken by a coin flip.