Senior Bowl Week – Practice

‘Word on the Street’

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

New column – Exclusive for Subscribers

NFL Postseason

Senior Bowl Week

Weigh-in and Practices

National Team – Monday

The Senior Bowl week has begun with the usual surprises at the Weigh-in followed by the early practices. The National team worked out in the morning and showcased a strong overall club. The National club featured two highly regarded QBs in Michael Penix Jr., 6024, 212 and Bo Nix, 6017, 218. Both adjusted nicely to the setting and took command immediately. Penix throws an accurate deep ball along with a strong arm. Nix moved well in the pocket and was accurate and good timing to hit receivers in stride. Runners, MarShawn Lloyd, 5091,217 and Rasheen Ali, 5113, 204 had an impressive first day practice. Floyd displayed quick footwork to slide in the hole, change directions and a quick burst into the second level. Ali ran strong with the burst to get into the secondary. He also caught the ball well. Wideouts, Devontez Walker, 6014, 197 and Roman Wilson, 5104, 186 shined in the Tuesday morning practice. Walker was smooth into his routes with the burst to separate. He worked well from the outside and the slot. Wilson ran crisp routes and showed natural speed to run vertical routes. He moved easily through coverage and separated well. TE Theo Johnson, 6060, 257 displayed soft hands and fine length. He moved well in routes with good footwork to create separation and provide a sure target. OT Taliese Fuaga, 6057, 332 was imposing physically and moved easily in his slide and into the second level. He has great length and core strength that was evident on every snap. He pancaked edge defender Laiatu Latu in a one-on-one drill. He impressed scouts immediately and looks NFL ready. OC Jackson Powers-Johnson, 6032, 334 showed power and quickness with heavy hands to control nose tackles. He was quick to strike defenders with the mobility to adjust and reset nicely. RT Roger Rosengarten, 6054, 311 displayed sound technique and the ability to anchor and adjust to secondary moves. He helped his cause in the first practice.

DL Gabe Hall, 6056, 298 flashed quickness and strong hands to win early on the down. He moved around the front and gained penetration consistently. DL Marshawn Kneeland, 6030, 268 showed power as a bull rusher. He held the edge well in run support and impressed overall. Edge Laiatu Latu, 6046, 261 was explosive on the snap and was flexible thru the rush. He used his hands well to keep blockers off his body. Edge Brandon Dorlus, 6031, 272 was active from the outside. He held the edge well in run support. LB Adisa Isaac, 6045, 250 was quick off the edge flashing power and strong hands to win vs bigger blockers. He shows quickness to move along the line to pursue to finish. LB Payton Wilson, 6041, 234 was active as expected. He reads plays quickly with the athleticism to beat blockers to the hole. He uses his hands well to separate and slip blockers to finish. CB Quinyon Mitchell, 6003, 195 was impressive in coverage. He moves easily and opens his hips quickly to break on the ball. He ran stride for stride with top receivers with the instincts to locate the ball and compete for the pass. S Josh Proctor, 6014, 198 shows NFL size and athleticism. He ability to cover is still raw and needs work, though his athleticism allows him to make up for mistakes.

We will provide Subscribers Special Emails related to the Senior Bowl practice week.

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

 




Senior Bowl Weigh-in

Senior Bowl Weigh-in

2024 Senior Bowl Weigh-Ins and Measurements

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

The 2024 Senior Bowl weigh-ins and measurements for the 75th edition of the college football all-star event in Mobile.

https://www.seniorbowl.com/assets/pdf/Senior-Bowl-Roster-012924.pdf

The 2024 Senior Bowl is a week of events designed which showcases 120+ of the best pro prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. The Senior Bowl weigh-ins and measurements kicked off the action, providing vital information for teams and analysts.

The 2024 Senior Shrine Bowl weigh-ins and measurements are as crucial a part of the schedule. Clubs interview prospects over the week, in addition to current physical status including any injury updates. The practices start on Tuesday and the 75th edition of the Senior Bowl itself kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL Draft and Free agency with unique content during December through May.

He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites




NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Selection Order – Jan. 29,2024
Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Here is the first-round draft order following the Conference championship games.  The Chicago Bears are guaranteed the first overall pick from the Carolina Panthers as a result of the trade last spring. They also hold their own #1 pick, the 9th overall selection.

The NFL Draft selection order is based on the 2024 NFL standings plus the NFL Draft tiebreaking procedures. Picks 1-18 are the non-playoff teams, with the losing playoff clubs set on picks #19-30.  Tied positions rotate up in the succeeding rounds. Positions 1 through 30 are now set and the final two positions will be based on the Super Bowl game.

Currently Carolina & Cleveland do not have 2024 1st round picks

Jan. 15 – Special Eligibility Deadline. Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. They will have until Jan 18th to rescind their decision and retain their college eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft 2024 – Detroit, Michigan

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order – Updated Jan. 29

1 Chicago (Carolina – 2-15)
2 Washington (4-13)
3 New England (4-13)
4 Arizona (4-13)
5 Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)
6 New York Giants (6-11)
7 Tennessee (6-11)
8 Atlanta (7-10)
9 Chicago (7-10)
10 New York Jets (7-10)
11 Minnesota (7-10)
12 Denver (8-9)
13 Las Vegas (8-9)
14 New Orleans (9-8)
15 Indianapolis (9-8)
16 Seattle (9-8)
17 Jacksonville (9-8)
18 Cincinnati (9-8)
19 LA Rams (10-8)
20 Pittsburgh (10-8)
21 Miami (11-7)
22 Philadelphia (11-7)
23 Houston (Cleveland – 11-6)
24 Dallas (12-6)
25 Green Bay (10-9)
26 Tampa Bay (10-9)
27 Arizona (Houston – 10-9)
28 Buffalo (12-7)
29 Detroit (14-5)
30 Baltimore (14-4)

Playoff Clubs below bracketed based after the Conference title games, current record and SOS

31 Kansas City (13-6)
32 San Francisco (13-5)

Super Bowl winner will draft last in every round with the loser next to last in each round except for Compensatory selections.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season.

He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL, NFL Draft and Free agency with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites




Top 100 Prospects – NFL Draft 2024

Top 100 Pro Prospects for NFL Draft 2024

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

January, 2024 – underclassmen eligible declared by Jan 15, 2024
Pre-Senior bowl and East-West Shrine games – Draft Insiders’ staff will attend both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine games and practices. We will detailed reports for Full subscriber via email and in the February newsletter.

January Newsletter is available – Top 150 Prospects, Three Round Mock Draft and Underclassemen

#        Pos      Pro Prospect               School 
1        QB       Caleb Williams             Southern Cal
2        WR       Marvin Harrison Jr         Ohio State
3        QB       Drake Maye                  North Carolina
4        QB       Jayden Daniels             LSU
5        TE        Brock Bowers                Georgia
6        OT        Olu Fashanu                 Penn State
7         WR       Malik Nabers                 LSU
8        OT        Joe Alt                         Notre Dame
9        WR       Rome Odunze               Washington
10        Edge    Dallas Turner                Alabama
11        CB        Kool-Aid McKinstry        Alabama
12        Edge    Laiatu Latu                    UCLA
13        DL        Jer’Zhan Newton           Illinois
14        Edge    Jared Verse                  Florida State
15        DB       Cooper DeJean             Iowa
16        OT        Amarius Mims               Georgia
17        WR       Keon Coleman             Florida State
18        CB        Nate Wiggins                Clemson
19        OT        Taliese Fuaga               Oregon State
20        Edge    Chop Robinson             Penn State
21        OT        JC Latham                    Alabama
22        CB        Kamari Lassiter             Georgia
23        OT        Troy Fautanu                Washington
24        QB       Michael Penix Jr.           Washington
25        CB        Terrion Arnold               Alabama
26        Edge    Chris Braswell               Alabama
27        QB       Bo Nix                         Oregon
28        OT        Tyler Guyton                 Oklahoma
29        Edge    Bralen Trice                  Washington
30        S          Tyler Nubin                   Minnesota
31        CB        Quinyon Mitchell            Toledo
32        WR       Xavier Worthy               Texas
33        OT        Jordan Morgan             Arizona
34        WR       Troy Franklin                 Oregon
35        OT        Patrick Paul                  Houston
36        WR       Xavier Legette               South Carolina
37        DL        T’Vondre Sweat             Texas
38         Edge    Jonah Elliss                  Utah
39        WR       Brian Thomas               LSU
40         S          Kamren Kinchens          Miami (Fl)
41        QB       JJ McCarthy                  Michigan
42         DL        Leonard Taylor III          Miami (Fl)
43        CB        Kalen King                    Penn State
44        OT        Kingsley Suamataia       BYU
45        OL        Cooper Beebe               Kansas State
46        LB        Edgerrin Cooper            Texas A&M
47        CB        Ennis Rakestraw           Missouri
48        OT        Graham Barton             Duke
49         DT        Kris Jenkins                  Michigan
50         OL        Zak Zinter                     Michigan
51        WR       Johnny Wilson               Florida State
52        S          Javon Bullard                Georgia
53        WR       Adonai Mitchell             Texas
54        Edge    Brandon Dorlus             Oregon
55        OT        Javon Foster                 Missouri
56         C          Jackson Powers-Johnson    Oregon
57        S          James Williams             Miami (Fl)
58        WR       Roman Wilson               Michigan
59        DL        Maason Smith               LSU
60        LB        Jeremiah Trotter Jr.       Clemson
61        WR       Jalen McMillan             Washington
62         CB        DJ James                     Auburn
63         DL        Braden Fiske                 Florida State
64         QB       Michael Pratt                 Tulane
65        LB        Payton Wilson               NC State
66        LB        Cedric Gray                  North Carolina
67        QB       Spencer Rattler             South Carolina
68         S          Calen Bullock                Southern Cal
69         TE        Cade Stover                 Ohio State
70        CB        Mike Sainristil                Michigan
71        WR       Ja’Lynn Polk                 Washington
72        LB        Tommy Eichenberg       Ohio State
73        S          Cole Bishop                  Utah
74        DL        Mekhi Wingo                 LSU
75        OL        Andrew Raym               Oklahoma
76        CB        Kris Abrams-Draine       Missouri
77        OL        Christian Mahogany       Boston College
78        RB        Trey Benson                 Florida State
79        CB        T.J. Tampa                   Iowa
80        WR       Zakhari Franklin            Mississippi
81         CB        Caelen Carson              Wake Forest
82        WR       Tory Horton                   Colorado State
83        Edge    Adisa Isaac                   Penn State
84         TE        Ja’Tavion Sanders         Texas
85        OL        Sedrick Van Pran          Georgia
86        RB        Braelon Allen                Wisconsin
87        OL        Connor Colby                Iowa
88        Edge    Zion Tupuola-Fetui        Washington
89        OL        Kiran Amegadjie            Yale
90        DL        Ruke Orhorhoro            Clemson
91         WR       Jermaine Burton            Alabama
92         CB        Khyree Jackson             Oregon State
93        RB        Blake Corum                 Michigan
94        DL        Keith Randolph             Illinois
95        CB        Josh Newton                 TCU
96        RB        Audric Estime                Notre Dame
97         LB        Junior Colson                Michigan
98        WR       Ainias Smith                  Texas A&M
99         DT        McKinney Jackson        Texas A&M
100       RB        MarShawn Lloyd           USC




Senior Bowl & East-West Games Highlight All-Star Schedule

All-Star Games and Rosters
Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Games Highlight All-Star Schedule

The two major All-Star games, the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine games are a week away featuring most of the future NFL Draft 2024 prospects. The East-West game begins practice sessions this Saturday, January 25, 2024 thru mid week. The Senior Bowl will begin with a weigh-in Monday, January 29th thru the week to the Feb. 3 game.

Draft Insiders’ staff will be at both All-star events with detailed reports via email, February Newsletter and 2024 NFL Draft Yearbook.

*** Senior Bowl Game – Feb. 3, 2024 Mobile, Alabama ***
– Hancock Whitney Stadium – 12:00 pm CT- NFL Network –
Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan. 29th thru Thursday Feb. 1st

For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
                    Go to
https://www.seniorbowl.com/

2/3 – Senior Bowl – Mobile, Alabama – NFLN
https://www.seniorbowl.com/

Senior Bowl 2024 Invitations
https://www.seniorbowl.com/accepted-invites/

2/1 – East-West 99th Shrine Bowl – Frisco, Texas – NFLN
https://shrinebowl.com/

East-West Shrine Game – Rosters
https://shrinebowl.com/rosters/

East-West Game – Practice Schedule

Saturday, January 27 – Practice
East Team – Time: 8:15-9:45 AM
West Team – Time: 10:00-11:30 AM

Sunday, January 28
West Team – Time: 8:15-9:45 AM
East Team – Time: 10:00-11:30 AM

Monday, January 29
East Team – Time: 8:15-9:45 AM
West Team – Time: 10:00-11:30 AM

Tuesday, January 30
West Team – Time: 8:15-9:45 AM
East Team – Time: 10:00-11:30 AM

Thursday, February 1
2024 East-West Game
99th East-West Shrine Bowl

Thursday, February 1, 2024
7:00 PM CT | Watch on NFL Network
Location: Ford Center at The Star 9 Cowboys Way, Frisco, TX 75034

 




Draft Insiders’ – All-Rookie Teams

Draft Insiders’ – All-Rookie Teams

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Rookie MVP
QB C.J. Stroud             Texans

Offense            Puka Nacua                      Rams
Defense            Edge Will Anderson       Texans
Special Teams   RS/WR Marvin Mims     Broncos

This is the 2nd year in a year that one team produced both the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year. The Texans made the playoffs and won the wild card game mainly on the performances of two rookies, QB Stroud and edge defender Will Anderson who earned our top offensive and defensive rookie players.  They were drafted #2 and #3 in the NFL Draft 2023. Last year, the Jets’ wideout Garrett Wilson and corner ‘Sauce’ Gardner won the rookie awards and both were top ten selections in the NFL Draft 2022.

All-Rookie Team

First Team
Offense
 
Position                   Player          Team
Quarterback      C.J. Stroud        Texans

Running Backs
De’Von Achane             Dolphins
Bijan Robinson             Falcons

Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua                  Rams
Zay Flowers                  Ravens
Rashee Rice                 Chiefs

Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta                 Lions
Michael Mayer               Raiders

Tackles
Anton Harrison             Jaguars
Darnell Wright               Bears

Guards
O’Cyrus Torrence          Bills
Steve Avila                    Rams

Center  
John Michael Schmitz    Giants

Defense
Position            Player                           Team

Edge
Will Anderson Jr.           Texans
Byron Young                 Rams

Defensive Linemen
Jalen Carter                  Eagles
Kobie Turner                 Rams

Linebackers
Jack Campbell             Lions
Ivan Pace Jr.                 Vikings
Nick Herbig                   Steelers

Cornerbacks
Devon Witherspoon       Seahawks
Joey Porter Jr.             Steelers
Deonte Banks               Giants

Safeties
Brian Branch                 Lions
Christian Izien               Buccaneers

Specialists

Placekicker       Jake Moody                  49ers
Punter             Bryce Baringer             Patriots

Kickoff Returner Marvin Mims Jr.            Broncos
Punt Returner   Derius Davis                 Chargers

All-Rookie – 2nd-Team

Offense
Position            Player /Team

Quarterback    Aidan O’Connell     Raiders

Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs                Lions
Keaton Mitchell             Ravens

Wide Receivers
Jordan Addison             Vikings
Jayden Reed                 Packers
Tank Dell                      Texans

Tight Ends
Luke Musgrave             Packers
Tucker Kraft                  Packers

Tackles
Paris Johnson Jr.          Cardinals
Broderick Jones            Steelers

Guards
Peter Skoronski             Titans
Cody Mauch                   Buccaneers

Center
Joe Tippmann                Jets

Defense
Position      Player         Team

Edge
Tuli Tuipulotu                 Chargers
YaYa Diaby                      Buccaneers

Defensive Linemen
Bryan Bresee                Saints
Calijah Kancey             Buccaneers

Linebackers
Marte Mapu                  Patriots
Dorian Williams             Bills
Henry To’oTo’o              Texans

Cornerbacks
Tyrique Stevenson        Bears
Clark Phillips III             Falcons
Jakorian Bennett           Raiders

Safeties
Jordan Battle                 Bengals
Sydney Brown               Eagles

Specialists

Placekicker        Anders Carlson            Packers
Punter              Ethan Evans                Rams
Kickoff Returner Eric Gray                     Giants
Punt Returner     Xavier Gipson              Jets




Draft Insiders’ – All-Pro Teams

Draft Insiders’ – All-Pro Teams

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Executives of the Year

AFC
Eric DeCosta – General Manager – Ravens

NFC
Brad Holmes – General Manager – Lions

* Rookies

Draft Insiders’ – All-Pro Teams

First Team
Offense

Quarterback – Lamar Jackson – Ravens

Running Back – Christian McCaffrey – 49ers
Fullback – Kyle Juszczyk – 49ers
Tight End – Travis Kelce – Chiefs

Wide Receivers
Tyreek Hill – Dolphins
CeeDee Lamb – Cowboys
* Puka Nacua – Rams

Linemen
Left Tackle – Trent Williams – 49ers
Right Tackle – Penei Sewell – Lions
Left Guard – Joe Thuney – Chiefs
Right Guard – Zack Martin – Cowboys
Center – Jason Kelce – Eagles

Defense
 
Edge Rushers
Myles Garrett – Browns
T.J. Watt – Steelers

Interior Linemen
Chris Jones – Chiefs
Dexter Lawrence – Giants

Linebackers
Fred Warner – 49ers
Roquan Smith – Ravens
Quincy Williams – Jets

Cornerbacks
DaRon Bland – Cowboys
Pat Surtain II – Broncos
Slot Corner – Trent McDuffie – Chiefs

Safeties
Kyle Hamilton – Ravens
Antoine Winfield Jr – Bucs

Special Teams
Kick Returner – Keisean Nixon – Packers
Punt Returner – * Darius Davis – Chargers

Placekicker – Brandon Aubrey – Cowboys
Punter – AJ Cole – Raiders

Special Teamer – Miles Killebrew – Steelers
Long Snapper – Ross Matiscik – Jaguars

Second Team

Offense
Quarterback – Jared Goff – Lions

Running Back – Kyren Williams – Rams
Tight End – * Sam LaPorta – Lions

Wide Receivers
A.J. Brown – Eagles
Amon-Ra St. Brown – Lions
Mike Evans – Bucs

Linemen
Left Tackle – Laremy Tunsil – Texans
Right Tackle – Lane Johnson – Eagles
Left Guard – Joel Bitonio – Browns
Right Guard – Chris Lindstrom – Falcons
Center – Frank Ragnow – Lions

Defense

Edge Rushers
Micah Parsons – Cowboys
Maxx Crosby – Raiders

Interior Linemen
Justin Madubuike – Ravens
Aaron Donald – Rams

Linebackers
Demario Davis – Saints
Bobby Wagner – Seahawks
Bobby Okereke – Giants

Cornerbacks
Jaylon Johnson – Bears
Sauce Gardner – Jets
Slot Corner – Taron Johnson – Bills

Safeties
Jessie Bates III – Falcons
Micah Hyde – Bills

Special Teams
Kick Returner – * Marvin Mims – Broncos
Punt Returner – Rashid Shaheed – Packers

Placekicker – Jake Elliott – Eagles
Punter – Bryan Anger – Cowboys

Special Teamer – Jalen Reeves-Maybin – Lions
Long Snapper – Andrew DePaola – Vikings




NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Selection Order – Jan. 22,2024
Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Here is the first-round draft order following the first two rounds of the NFL playoffs. The Chicago Bears are guaranteed the first overall pick from the Carolina Panthers as a result of the trade last spring. They also hold their own #1 pick, the 9th overall selection.

The NFL Draft selection order is based on the 2024 NFL standings plus the NFL Draft tiebreaking procedures. Picks 1-18 are the non-playoff teams, with the losing playoff clubs set on picks #19-28.  Tied positions rotate up in the succeeding rounds. Positions 1 through 28 are now set and the final four positions will be based on the Conference title and Super Bowl games.

Currently Carolina & Cleveland do not have 2024 1st round picks

Jan. 15 – Special Eligibility Deadline. Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. They will have until Jan 18th to rescind their decision and retain their college eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft 2024 – Detroit, Michigan

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order – Updated Jan. 22

1 Chicago (Carolina – 2-15)
2 Washington (4-13)
3 New England (4-13)
4 Arizona (4-13)
5 Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)
6 New York Giants (6-11)
7 Tennessee (6-11)
8 Atlanta (7-10)
9 Chicago (7-10)
10 New York Jets (7-10)
11 Minnesota (7-10)
12 Denver (8-9)
13 Las Vegas (8-9)
14 New Orleans (9-8)
15 Indianapolis (9-8)
16 Seattle (9-8)
17 Jacksonville (9-8)
18 Cincinnati (9-8)
19 LA Rams (10-8)
20 Pittsburgh (10-8)
21 Miami (11-7)
22 Philadelphia (11-7)
23 Houston (Cleveland – 11-6)
24 Dallas (12-6)
25 Green Bay (10-9)
26 Tampa Bay (10-9)
27 Arizona (Houston – 10-9)
28 Buffalo (12-7)

Playoff Clubs below bracketed based on in the Conference title games, current record and SOS

29 Kansas City (13-6)
30 Detroit (14-5)
31 San Francisco (13-5)
32 Baltimore (14-4)

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season.

He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL, NFL Draft and Free agency with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites




NFL Playoffs – ‘Word on the Street’

NFL Playoffs
‘Word on the Street’

Frank Coyle/ Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

New column – ‘Word on the Street – Exclusive for Subscribers – Column will provide unique insight into the NFL postseason, including the NFL Combine, All-Star games and Pro days into the NFL Draft.

NFL Postseason – Divisional Playoffs

The final eight NFL teams play this weekend in back to back double headers on Saturday and Sunday in the divisional round.  The surviving 8 clubs are all regular season divisional winners with 6 also winning in the Wild card opening round. In addition, both conference champs, the 49ers and Ravens earned bye weeks as the best teams in the conference. The starting QBs feature some of the best in the game with 7 of the 8 starters former #1 picks with two (Goff and Mayfield) former #1 overall picks. The lone exception is Brock Purdy who was ‘Mr. Irrelevant’, the last player chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Lamar Jackson has the most to prove despite coming off an MVP type season. His 1-3 postseason record has been a major disappointment in Baltimore after completing his 6th season this fall.  Also, he is 0-2 at home which adds pressure to their first playoff game at home today. He faces an upstart young Texan club led by rookie sensation QB CB Stroud. Jackson has matured over his short career and is highly confident after two weeks to prepare for their opening game.  The Ravens won the 2023 opening game vs Houston 25-9. It was the rookie Stroud’s first game and he had a mistake free game and threw 44 times for 242 yards, though no big plays. He has matured quickly over the season and probable Rookie of the Year winner. He will see a complicated Ravens scheme who rely on savvy inside backers Smith and Quenn who shut down ground games.

Arguably, the best matchup involves the Kansas City Chiefs @ the Buffalo Bills, the late Sunday night game. Bring your popcorn. In recent history, this has been classic QB duel between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, both of whom have carried their teams to many dramatic victories. This is the next big situation, though the Bills now have the home game in frigid Buffalo. Mahomes is a two-time Super bowl champion and the only QB in the divisional round with a SB ring. Though he has never won a road playoff game. The Bills’ Josh Allen is playing very well and creates massive problems to any defense with both his arm and feet. Both QBs are fearless with rare composure in critical situations. They will test these defenses with undermanned secondaries vulnerable in this classic matchup. The winner here will challenge any club going forward.

Fearless Forecast – Playoff Matchups

Saturday, Jan. 20
AFC:

4:30 p.m. (4) Houston Texans at (1) Baltimore Ravens (ESPN/ABC, ESPN+)

Texans go into Ravens’ meatgrinder in Baltimore where they plan to surprise rookie sensation QB CJ Stroud with an aggressive defense. Ravens star QB Lamar Jackson hopes to reverse his poor (1-3) postseason record with an 0-2 home record. Ravens are quietly confident this season. Texans bubble bursts on the road.
Ravens 24 – Texans 10

NFC

8:15 p.m. (7) Green Bay Packers at (1) San Francisco 49ers (FOX)

The surprising Packers blitzed the Cowboys last week behind hot young QB Jordan Love to win 48-32. The rested 49ers look to throw a variety of schemes at Love to break their offensive rhyme which has excelled over recent weeks. 49ers’ QB Brock Purdy will direct this balanced attack and has shown rare poise to shine on the big stage at times over his short career. Purdy looks to exploit the injury to top flight Packer corner Jaire Alexander who is questionable. He finds single matchups well and has the speedy playmakers to change games. Love faces his toughest test with the 49ers front seven, led by DE Bosa and backers, Warner and Greenlaw dominating the action. 49ers outclass the young Packers behind a talented group who looks to ride the home schedule back to the show.
49ers 27 – Packers 10

Sunday, Jan. 21

NFC

3 p.m. (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (3) Detroit Lions (NBC, Peacock)

The hard charging Lions have gained strong momentum and support over the impressive 2023 season. QB Jared Goff has silenced critics with an outstanding consistent and clutch performances. This is a matchup of former top overall picks with Baker Mayfield making a major comeback this season. He relies on big play WR Mike Evans who will test the Lions shaky defense completely.  Lions are fired up for another home postseason game and Goff and rookie runner Gibbs are clicking on all cylinders.
Lions 31 – Bucs 17

AFC

6:30 p.m. (3) Kansas City Chiefs at (2) Buffalo Bills (CBS, Paramount+)

Many of these premier QB matchup have come down to the club with the ball last. The Chiefs victory over the Bills in the 2021 and 2022 playoffs are some of the best dramas in NFL history. Mahomes vs Allen are 3-3 in all games. The December 10, 2023 matchup had the usual suspense with the Bills winning in KC 20-17. This Sunday night may be the next great chapter.
Bills 27 Chiefs 24




NFL Draft 2024 – Underclassmen

NFL Draft 2024 – Underclassmen

Final List of Underclassmen Posted

Jan. 5 – Draft eligible Underclassmen announced to participate in the College All-star games

Jan. 15 – Special Eligibility Deadline. Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.

Jan. 19 – NFL office releases full list of Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2024

April 25-27 – NFL Draft, Detroit

Draft Insiders’ will have a January Newsletter with complete list of Underclassmen, Top 150 Prospects and Three Round Mock Draft

Twenty additional players granted special eligibility for 2024 NFL Draft for total of 54 players

The list of 54 players granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft was released by the NFL on Friday. Four underclassmen who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining are also eligible for selection.

Thirty-four players applied for special eligibility prior to the newly instituted early soft deadline of Jan. 5, which was added to assist players and all-star game organizers in the planning and invitation process. Twenty additional players submitted their petitions prior to the traditional deadline of Jan. 15 to apply for special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Each of the 54 players granted special eligibility has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and has submitted to a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility.

The 54 players granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to be held April 25-27 in Detroit (players marked with an asterisk were newly added since the Jan. 5 deadline):

    2024 Underclassmen

Ajou Ajou, WR, Garden City C.C.
Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
Terrion Arnold, DB, Alabama*
Cole Bishop, DB, Utah
Austin Booker, DE, Kansas
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia*
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas*
Arland Bruce, WR, Oklahoma State*
Javon Bullard, DB, Georgia
Calen Bullock, DB, USC*
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Junior Colson, LB, Michigan*
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa*
Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah
Audric Estimé, RB, Notre Dame
Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State*
Marvin Harrison, WR, Ohio State*
Jaden Hicks, DB, Washington State*
Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
Kalen King, DB, Penn State
Kamari Lassiter, DB, Georgia
JC Latham, OT, Alabama*
Cam Little, K, Arkansas
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan*
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas*
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington*
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Ennis Rakestraw, DB, Missouri
Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington*
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas*
Jaden Shirden, RB, Monmouth (N.J.)
Maason Smith, DT, LSU*
Carson Steele, RB, UCLA
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami
Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
Jeremiah Trotter, LB, Clemson*
Dallas Turner, LB, Alabama*
Sione Vaki, DB, Utah
Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky
Nate Wiggins, DB, Clemson
Caleb Williams, QB, USC*
James Williams, DB, Miami
Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

The following underclassmen have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements. They are eligible for selection (players marked with an asterisk were newly added since the Jan. 5 deadline):

Kamren Kinchens, DB, Miami*
Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB, Alabama*
Byron Murphy, DT, Texas*
Will Shipley, RB, Clemson