College Football Monday – Week 5

Oct. 3, 2022
Frank Coyle – Head scout – DraftInsiders.com

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches – Top 25
Top Ten Teams Remain Undefeated with Key Upcoming Matchups

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Teams – Oct. 3

Teams of the Week
Alabama Beats Arkansas
Michigan Edges Iowa
Clemson Holds Off NC State

Game of the Week – Oct. 8
#13 Utah (4-1) @ #14 UCLA (5-0) – 3:30 pm – FOX

Week Five Players
Offensive Player of the Week – RB Jahmyr Gibbs – Alabama
Defensive Player of the Week – DE Mike Morris – Michigan

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long-time 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 30 years.

Top 25 Teams

Draft Insiders’ Staff

Rank    Team             Record
1          Georgia                5-0
2          Alabama             5-0
3          Ohio St               5-0
4          Clemson             5-0
5          Michigan           5-0
6         USC                    5-0
7         Oklahoma St       4-0
8          Tennessee        4-0
9           Penn St             5-0
10         Ole Miss           5-0
11         Kentucky          4-1
12         NC State           4-1
13         Utah                 4-1
14        UCLA               5-0
15         Oregon              4-1
16         Wake Forest     4-1
17         Kansas              5-0
18        BYU                 4-1
19         TCU                  4-0
20         Syracuse           5-0
21         Kansas St        4-1
22        Washington       4-1
23         Baylor               3-2
24         Mississippi St    4-1
25         Arkansas          3-2

Coaches Top 25 Teams

Rank     Team               Record  Points
1          Alabama (34)     5-0        1568
2          Georgia (23)      5-0        1545
3          Ohio State (7)   5-0        1492
4          Michigan           5-0        1374
5          Clemson           5-0        1352
6          USC                 5-0        1247
7          Oklahoma State 4-0        1225
8          Tennessee        4-0        1142
9          Ole Miss           5-0        1082
10         Penn State        5-0        990
11         Utah                 4-1        919
12         Oregon             4-1        823
13         Kentucky          4-1        811
14         NC State           4-1        732
15         Wake Forest     4-1        668
16         BYU                 4-1        594
17         Kansas             5-0        433
18         TCU                  4-0        425
19         UCLA                5-0        421
20         Kansas State    4-1        324
21         Syracuse          5-0        306
22         Baylor               3-2        230
23         Mississippi State 4-1      194
24         Washington       4-1        161
25         Arkansas          3-2        141

Others receiving votes: Cincinnati 140, LSU 89, Florida State 74, Florida 41, Washington State 38, Maryland 37, James Madison 30, Minnesota 23, Texas 22, Air Force 20, Texas A&M 20, Oklahoma 19, Coastal Carolina 11, Purdue 10, North Carolina 9, Tulane 6, Notre Dame 5, Illinois 3, UCF 2, Pittsburgh 1, Duke 1

Dropped from rankings: Oklahoma 16, Texas A&M 17, Florida State 22, Minnesota 23, Pittsburgh 24

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 3

Bills Thump Titans
Bucs Shock Saints
Cowboys Shock Bengals Behind QB Cooper Rush

Team of the Week 
Cowboys beat Bengals 20-17
    
Players of the Week
  NFC
  Offense – QB Jared Goff – Lions
  Defense – DE Nick Bosa – 49ers
 
 AFC
  Offense – QB Tua Tagovailo – Dolphins         
  Defense – LB Josh Allen – Jaguars   
  
Rookies of the Week
  Offense – WR Drake London – Falcons
  Defense – DE Aidan Hutchinson – Lions  
 
Games of Week 3    
Thursday – Steelers @ Browns
Sunday – Bills @ Dolphins
Monday – Cowboys @ Giants
 

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 2-0 Chiefs
Chiefs running on all cylinders behind Patrick Mahomes. Travel to Indy this week to face the desperate winless Colts.

#2 – 2-0 Bills
Bills bombed the Titans behind another stelar performance by Josh Allen. They handled Titans’ runner Derrick Henry very well and are a complete club who will make their presence felt in the AFC race.

#3 – 2-0 – Bucs
Bucs came back to finally beat the Saints under Tom Brady. This veteran club knows how to win with each unit battle tested. Host the Packers this week.

#4- 1-1 Chargers
The Chargers lost a tight game vs the Chiefs on Thursday night. Host the Jaguars this Sunday in a key AFC matchup and well rested. This matchup can be much bigger down the road.

#5 – 1-1 Rams
Rams held on to beat the Falcons with strong late defensive plays sealing their first victory. Travel to Arizona for their first NFC West matchup in the toughest division in the conference.

#6 – 2-0 Eagles
The Eagles blasted the Vikings behind a strong performance by QB Jalen Hurts. The Eagles are looking like the team to beat in the NFC East. Travel to Capital to face Commanders this Sunday.

#7 – 2-0 Dolphins
Dolphins made a great comeback to drill the Ravens behind QB Tua Tagovailo. Host the Bills in a battle for early season AFC East leadership.

#8 – 1-1 Packers
The Packers beat the Bears thoroughly again on Monday night. Travel to Tampa Bay for the next NFC battle between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady.

#9 – 1-1 49ers
The 49ers drilled the Seahawks to get into the win column. They lost QB Trey Lance and will go with former starter Jimmy Garoppolo. Travel to Denver to face an old friend in Russell Wilson.

#10- 1-1 – Broncos
The Broncos edged out a victory vs the Texans. Their offense has struggled to provide any consistency with only 32 total points behind Russell Wilson. Host the 49ers in a key matchup to get above 500.

#11 – 1-1 Steelers
Steelers struggled offensively vs the Patriots losing a key AFC matchup. Vet QB Matthew Trubisky faces a big test this week in Cleveland vs North rival the Browns. Their offensive line struggled last week and may hold the key more than the QB debate.

#12- 1-1 Ravens
The Ravens collapsed at home vs the Dolphins which was shocking in many ways. Travel to New England in their steady diet of AFC East clubs. Their defense has been inconsistent through the early games.

#13 – 0-2 Bengals
The Bengals lost another game by three points. Their offensive line was terrible vs the Cowboys this Joe Burrow under constant pressure. Host the Jets looking to get into the win column.

#14 – 1-1 Saints
The Saints lost wild game vs the Bucs. Travel to Carolina in another tough South matchup with the winless Panthers. QB Jameis Winston will have to become more productive especially vs playoff contenders.

#15 – 2-0 Giants
The Giants came back and beat the Panthers behind the strong leg of Graham Gano. They host the Cowboys this Monday night in the most important early season game in years.

#16 – 1-1 – Cowboys
The Cowboys rallied around QB Cooper Rush in the absence Dak Prescott.  Offense did just enough and relied on their aggressive defense that sacked Bengals Joe Burrow 6 times. Travel to MetLife for an important matchup with the Giants.

#17 – 1-1 Vikings
Vikings were outclassed by Eagles with a strong defensive performance which shut down their passing game completely. Host the improved Lions this week in a key NFC North matchup.

#18 – 1-1 Seahawks
Seahawks were held to 36 yards rushing and added two interceptions and were dominated by the 49ers defense. Host the struggling Falcons this Sunday.

#19 – 1-1 Browns
Browns collapsed in the 4th quarter vs the Jets, surrendering key late TD passes. Host the Steelers this Thursday night in an AFC North rivalry which usually plays out heavy in the final standings.

#20 – 1-1 Cardinals
Cardinals made a great comeback vs the Raiders behind some Kyler Murray magic and a pick six in OT to clinch their first victory. Host the Rams, hoping to avenge their playoff debacle loss in their third matchup last season.

#21 – 1-1 Patriots
The Pats might lack big time talent, but they know how to win. They beat the Steelers on sound defense that didn’t allow the big play and stuffed the run throughout. Host the Ravens this Sunday in a game which should feature aggressive defense and focus on both power ground game.

#22 – 1-1 Bears
The Bears faced longtime rival the Packers last week and were drilled in another poor performance vs Aaron Rodgers.

#23 – 1-1 Lions
Lions exploded for another 35 point performance with QB Jared Goff playing very well. Their defense must improve both vs the run and pass. Travel to Minnesota for a key NFC North contest.

#24 – 1-1 Jaguars
Jaguars young defense shut down the Colts completely. QB Trevor Lawrence is playing well with new weapons that make this club dangerous going forward. Travel to the Chargers this week in a key AFC matchup.

#25 – 0-1-1 Colts
QB Matt Ryan struggled under heavy pressure by the Jaguars including 5 sacks and 3 interceptions. Runner Jonathan Taylor could only rush for 54 yards as Jacksonville won for the 8^th consecutive time at home vs the Colts. Host the Chiefs in a vital matchup for them to stay in the AFC picture.

#26 – 0-2 Titans
The Titans were toasted by the Bills on Monday night. They have problems on both sides of the ball with marginal rushing from the usually potent Tennessee ground game and average passing from QB Ryan Tannehill. They host the equally desperate Raiders this Sunday.

#27 – 0-2 Raiders
The Raiders collapsed vs the Cardinals and face a must win situation in Tennessee this week. They fail to run the ball effectively and rely on Derek Carr to carry this lifeless attack. They face Broncos and Chiefs in the ensuing weeks.

#28 – 1-1 Commanders
The Commanders came up short vs the Lions as they surrendered 4 TD passes and failed to protect QB Carson Wentz. Host the hot Eagles in a key NFC East contest.

#29 – 1-1 Jets
Jets made a great 4^th quarter comeback with QB Joe Flacco throwing 2 late TD passes for the victory. They host the desperate Bengals this Sunday as their difficult first half schedule continues.

#30 – 0-2 Falcons
Falcons came up short again with their late rally ending in turnovers. Their defense disappointed again and their attack lacks potent scoring potential vs top clubs. Travel to Seattle looking for their initial 2022 victory.

#31 – 0-2 Panthers
Panthers lost a battle of field goals with the GMen. They face a difficult upcoming month which probably does not bode well for this coaching staff’s future.

#32 – 0-1-1 Texans
Texans have been competitive in their early games, though lack the fire power to get over the top.
This club travels to Chicago where the Bears looking to stay pace in the NFC North.

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 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 was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game for 20 years. 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

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 2

Steelers Beat Bengals in OT
Bears Shock 49ers – 19-10
Bills’ Josh Allen Crushes Rams

Team of the Week 
Giants – beat Titans on road 21-20
    
Players of the Week
  NFC
 Offense – RB Saquan Barkley – Giants (Comeback POY – 9/8 Web page)
Defense – LB Devin White – Bucs
 
 AFC
  Offense – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs         
  Defense – LB Von Miller – Bills / LB Kahlil Mack – Chargers  
  
Rookies of the Week
 Offense – WR Jahan Dotson – Commanders (one of our Impact Rookies 9/9 Web page)
 Defense – LB Travon Walker – Jaguars / DE Dominique Robinson – Bears
 
Key Games of Week 2    
Thursday – Chargers at Chiefs
Sunday – Bengals @ Cowboys
Monday – Titans @ Bills

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 1-0 Chiefs
Chiefs bomb the Cardinals behind a 5-star performance by Patrick Mahomes. Host the potent Chargers   in a terrific Thursday night matchup of gun slinging QBs.

#2 – 1-0 Bills
Bills rocked the Rams on opening night with their explosive offense behind Josh Allen. They handled the Rams defense well and made a statement as one of the teams to beat in the AFC.

#3 – 1-0 – Bucs
Bucs outlasted the lackluster Cowboys in the opening game. Travel to New Orleans for a key NFC South matchup. They lost both games to the Saints last season.

#4- 1-0 Chargers
The Chargers are loaded and won home opener vs Raiders. They face a key early season West game in Kansas City this Thursday night.  They have the core talent to press for a division title with gifted QB Justin Herbert directing the show.

#5 – 0-1 Rams
Rams came out flat vs the Bills. Host the Falcons this week. The NFC West saw the big three, Rams, 49ers and Cardinals all lose their opener.

#6 – 1-0 Steelers
Steelers edged the Bengals in a tough North matchup. New vet QB Matthew Trubisky managed the game well which plays into their strong ground game and tough defense.

#7- 1-0 Ravens
The Ravens methodically dismantled the Jets in opener.  Prepare to the Dolphins in a key AFC matchup between strong contenders.

#8 – 0-1 Bengals
Bengals special teams failed to convert an extra point which negated nice Joe Burrow comeback. Travel to Big D to face the Boys without Dax Prescott and pressing offensive line issues.

#9 – 1-0 Eagles
The Eagles held on to beat the pesky Lions. Their defense will have to perform better to beat contenders.  They host the Vikings this Monday night.

#10 – 1-0 Dolphins
Dolphins drilled the Patriots in home opener. They travel to Baltimore in an AFC acid test of contenders.

#11 – 0-1 Packers
The Packers failed to show up in Minnesota in all areas. Hosting the Bears this Sunday night in an important game for North leadership.

#12 – 1-0 Saints
The Saints edged the Falcons in a wild NFC South matchup. Club played hungry with QB Jameis Winston directing three late TD drives for the win. Host the Bucs this week for South leadership.

#13 – 0-1 49ers
The 49ers were shocked in Chitown where they wanted nothing to do with the weather. They host the Seahawks this week. Young QB Trey Lance faces a key test in his maturation after a weak opener.

#14- 0-1 – Broncos
The Broncos fumbled away a close loss in Russell Wilson’s debut. They have the talent to play with anyone, but are not able to overcome their own mistakes in big spots. Host the Texans in a matchup to get to .500.

#15 – 0-0-1 Colts
New QB Matt Ryan rallied the Colts to tie and send into overtime before ending in a tie. Travel to Jacksonville where they will be tested by the aggressive Jaguars and a developing QB Trevor Lawrence.

#16 – 1-0 Vikings
Vikings jumped the Packers and Aaron Rodgers in the dome for impressive opener. They travel to Philly for an important early season NFC matchup.

#17 – 0-1 Titans
The Titans were handled by the GMen who outrushed the usually potent Tennessee ground game. They travel to Buffalo for a difficult Monday night matchup.

#18 – 0-1 Raiders
The Raiders came up short vs the Chargers in key West contest. They host the Cardinals this Sunday looking to get into the win column.

#19 – 1-0 Giants
The Giants came back and beat the Titans behind an awesome performance by Saquan Barkley. It was the most important early season win in a decade. Host Panthers, Cowboys and Bears the next three weeks.

#20 – 1-0 Seahawks
Seahawks were psyched for the matchup with former QB Russell Wilson. They played smart and their defense performed like their glory days in the win over the Broncos.

#21 – 1-0 Browns
Browns beat the Panthers and former starting QB Baker Mayfield. Host the short-handed Jets this week looking to get a jump in the AFC North.

#22 – 0-1 – Cowboys
The Cowboys were lifeless Sunday night in their loss to the Bucs. QB Dak Prescott broke his hand and will miss at least a month. They host the Bengals this Sunday with both clubs needing a W.

#23 – 0-1 Cardinals
Cardinals were lost trying to defend Patrick Mahomes. This club is highly overrated and plays up and down to the competition. Travel to Las Vegas this week.

#24 – 0-1 Patriots
The Pats were outclassed in Miami and face a key early season game at Pittsburgh this Sunday. Their lack of firepower is evident and this puts enormous pressure on their veteran defense.

#25 – 1-0 Bears
The Bears shocked the 49ers in rain soaked Chitown behind a relentless defense. They face long time rival the Packers in Titletown Sunday night hoping to gain further momentum.

#26 – 1-0 Commanders
The Commanders rode new QB Carson Wentz’s 4 TD passes to edge the Jaguars.  Wentz went to rookie WR Jahan Dotson for 2 TDs. Travel to Motown to face pesky Lions who is hunting for their first victory.

#27 – 0-1 Panthers
Panthers failed to beat the Browns wrecking Baker Mayfield’s debut in Carolina. They struggled protecting Baker and also failed to stop the run with any consistency.

#28 – 0-1 Lions
Lions fought the Eagles for 60 minutes but still find a way to lose the game. They struggled stopping both the run and pass. Face the Commanders at home this week looking to get into the win column.

#29 – 0-1 Jaguars
Jaguars young defense struggled containing Carson Wentz while the Jaguars offense was inconsistent overall. They host the Colts this week in a key South matchup.

#30 – 0-1 Falcons
Falcons came up short vs the Saints as their defense disappointed late in the game. Travel to LA to face the Rams who also lost their opener.

#31 – 0-1 Jets
Jets were manhandled by the Ravens with backup QB Joe Flacco filling in for Zach Wilson. Flacco probably starts at the Browns. A very difficult first half schedule makes every early game critical who this young club who must learn to win.

#32 – 0-0-1 Texans
Texans blew a 17-point fourth quarter lead and tied the Colts who missed a last-minute FG.  This club travels to Denver who is also looking for their first victory.

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 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 is 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 Calendar 2022-23

Important NFL dates for the 2022-23 league year. All times are Eastern and all dates are subject to change.

April 27-29 – NFL Draft 2023 – Kansas City, Mo

NFL Cutdown Dates

August 30 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.

Simultaneously  with  the  roster  reduction  to  53  players,  clubs  that  have  players  in  the  categories  of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness, whichever  is  applicable;  terminate  or  request  waivers  with  the  designation  of  Failed  Physical  or  Non- Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.

Players who are on the Reserve List or Exempt List and are not counting against the 90-player limit will begin to count against the 90-player limit.

August 31 – Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at 12:00 noon, New York time.

Upon receipt of the subsequent Personnel Notice, clubs may establish a Practice Squad of 16 players, (clubs participating in the International Player Development Program may sign one additional international player to a Practice Player Contract.) No club, including the player’s prior club, will be permitted to sign a player to a Practice Player Contract until all clubs have received simultaneous notification via the above Personnel Notice that such player’s prior NFL Player Contract has been terminated via the waiver system.

August 31 – Beginning at 4:00 p.m., New York time, any player placed on Reserve/Injured, Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness, or Practice Squad; Injured during the regular season or postseason, may be designated for return later in the season, subject to the applicable procedures.

September

September 4 – Final day of preseason training camp for all clubs, as defined in CBA Article 23, Section 10.

September 5-10 – In accordance with the Personnel (Injury) Report Policy, each club is required to file a Practice Report with the NFL Communications department by 4:00 p.m., New York time, or  after  the completion of practice) every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for a regular season Sunday game; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for a Thursday game; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a Monday game; and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for a Saturday game.

Each club must also file a weekly regular season Game Status Report with the NFL Communications department by 4:00 p.m., New York time (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice) on Wednesday for a Thursday game, Friday for a Sunday game, Saturday for a Monday game, and Thursday for a Saturday game. An update must be reported if there is any change in a player’s condition after the initial Game Status Report is filed.

September 7 – At 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for all NFL Player Contracts, Practice Player Contracts, tender offers, and miscellaneous amounts to fit within each Club’s 2022 Salary Cap, in anticipation of the midnight expiration of the Top 51 Rule.

September 8 – At 12:00 a.m., New York time, the Top 51 Rule expires for all NFL Clubs.

September 8, 11-12 – First Week of Regular Season Games.

September 9, 12-13 – Beginning on these dates, any player with at least four previous pension-credited seasons who is released from his Club’s Active List or Inactive List (or from his Club’s Reserve/Injured List if placement occurred after the club’s first regular season game) is entitled to claim Termination Pay, after the end of the regular season, subject to the terms and conditions of CBA Article 30.

September 29, September 30, October 3-4 – Beginning on the day after a club’s fourth regular season game (including any bye week), it is permitted to begin practicing players on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform and Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness (if the player failed his preseason physical due to a non-football injury or illness) for a period not to exceed 21 days. Players may be activated during the 21-day practice period, or prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the day after the conclusion of the 21-day period.

October 18-19 – Fall League Meeting, New York, NY

November

November 1 – All trading ends for 2022 at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

November 2 – Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons are subject to the waiver system for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.

November 7 – Any increase in a player’s 2022 Salary from a renegotiation or extension that is received by the Management Council after 4:00 p.m., New York time, on this day, will be treated as Signing Bonus, and prorated over the entire term of the Player Contract, including 2022.

November 15 – At 4:00 p.m., New York time, signing period ends for Franchise Players who are eligible to receive Offer Sheets.

November 15 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for Clubs to sign their unsigned Franchise and Transition Players, including Franchise Players who were eligible to receive Offer Sheets until this date. If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2022.

November 15 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for Clubs to sign their Unrestricted Free Agents to whom the “UFA Tender” was made.  If still unsigned after this date, such players are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2022.

November 15 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for Clubs to sign their Restricted Free Agents, including those to whom the “June 1 Tender” was made. If such players remain unsigned after this date, they are prohibited from playing in NFL in 2022.

December

December 1, 3, 5 – Deadline at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the last business day prior to a club’s Week 13 game for reinstatement of players in Reserve List categories of Retired, Did Not Report, and Exclusive Rights, and of players who were placed on Reserve/Left Squad in a previous season.

December 13 – NFLMC Labor Seminar, Four Seasons-Las Colinas, Irving, TX.

December 13-14 – Special League Meeting, Four Seasons-Las Colinas, Irving, TX.

December 15 – Deadline for all Clubs to submit their individual lists of players who received, or filed a grievance for, the Basic or Extended Injury Protection Benefit for the 2022 season.

2023

January

January 7 – A claiming period of 24 hours shall be in effect for any waivers requested during the period from the Saturday of the final regular season weekend through the conclusion of the final postseason game, except for waiver requests on Friday and Saturday of each week, which shall expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the following Monday.

Assignment of player contracts will be deferred until the first business day after the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl, whichever occurs later.

Terminations of player contracts will occur at the expiration of the claiming period.

A club that is participating in the playoffs may sign players whose contracts have been terminated to its Active/Inactive List, Practice Squad, or Reserve/Future List. A club whose playing season has concluded may sign such players to its Reserve/Future List only.

January 7-8 – Eighteenth and Final Week of Regular Season games.

January 9 – Clubs may begin signing free agent players for the 2023 season.

January 9 – NCAA National Championship Game (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA)

January 9 – Earliest permissible date for clubs to renegotiate or extend the Rookie Contract of a Drafted Rookie who was selected in any round of the 2020 College Draft or any Undrafted Rookie who signed in 2021. Any permissible renegotiated or extended Player Contract will not be considered a Rookie Contract, and will not be subject to the rules that limit Rookie Contracts.

January 9 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must provide the Management Council with written notice, signed by the individual club’s owner, indicating the amount, if any, of the club’s 2022 League Year Salary Cap Room to be credited to the club’s 2023 Team Salary.

January 14-16 – Wild Card Games

January 16 – 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 2023 College Draft will be sent to clubs on January 20.

January 21-22 – Divisional Playoff Games.

January 29 – AFC & NFC Championship Games.

January 31 – Deadline for any player claiming the Extended Injury Protection Benefit for the 2023 season to notify his former Club in writing.

February

February 3 – Deadline for non-playoff clubs to submit their individual lists of Physician-Certified 2023 Basic Injury Protection Benefit Candidates to the Management Council.

February 5 – Pro Bowl

February 12 – Super Bowl LVII (State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ)

February 13 – Waiver system begins for 2023.  A 24-hour claiming period will be in effect through the Friday prior to the last regular season game (waiver requests made on Friday and Saturday of each week will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on the following Monday.)  Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons whom a club desires to terminate are not subject to the waiver system until after the trading deadline.

February 13 – Beginning the first business day after the Super Bowl through the opening of the first training camp for Rookies in 2023, clubs must report all tryouts and visits to the League office; however, such transactions will not be reported to other clubs.

February 16 – Deadline for playoff clubs to submit their individual lists of Physician-Certified 2023 Basic Injury Protection Benefit Candidates to the Management Council.

February 21 – Beginning this date through 4:00 p.m., New York time on March 7 clubs may designate Franchise or Transition Players.

February 28 – March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN)

March

March 7 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 7 – College Pro Days Begin.  Workouts of a school’s Pro Day-eligible players with players outside of the scheduled Pro Day activities are prohibited. Private dinners, meetings, interviews are permitted.

March 7-April 19 – Draft-Eligible Facility Visits Begin. Clubs permitted 30 non-local players for physical exams/visits; no on- field workouts.

March 7-April 26 – Video or telephone interviews with draft-eligible players begin. Three video or telephone interviews per player; no longer than one hour in length.

March 8-9 – Deadline for clubs (60 day after final regular season game) to conduct physical examinations pursuant to CBA Article 45, Section 7(a) for players claiming the Extended Injury Protection Benefit for the 2023 season.

March 13-15 –   Negotiation Period. During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 15.

During the above two-day negotiating period, a prospective UFA who is not represented by an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor is permitted to communicate directly with a new club’s front office officials (excluding the Head Coach and other members of the club’s coaching staff) regarding contract negotiations.

No prospective Unrestricted Free Agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 15.

March 15 – End/Start of League Year. Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2023 on all players who have option clauses in their 2022 contracts.

Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit Qualifying Offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.

Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2022 contracts who have fewer than three Accrued Seasons of free agency credit.

Top 51 Rule is in effect. All clubs must be under the 2023 Salary Cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time. All 2022 NFL player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The 2023 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The first day of the 2023 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 15. Clubs will receive a Personnel Notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 15.

March 15 – Trading period for 2023. Trading begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2022 contracts.

March 15 – Commencing at 4:00 p.m., New York time, Clubs may designate up to two Player contracts that, if terminated on or prior to June 1, 2023, and if not renegotiated after January 9, 2023, shall be treated as if terminated on June 2, subject to the further requirements of CBA Article 13, Section 6(b)(ii)(1).

March 23 – Deadline for all Clubs to submit their individual lists of Physician-Certified Candidates for the 2023 Extended Injury Protection Benefit.

March 26-29 – Annual League Meeting (The Biltmore, Phoenix, AZ)

March 30 – Deadline for clubs to meet 2023 funding requirements for guaranteed or deferred compensation in NFL Player Contracts and contracts for non-player Club employees.

April

April 3 – Clubs that hired a new Head Coach after the end of the 2022 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 17 – Clubs with returning Head Coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 19 – Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview, or conduct a physical examination  with a draft-eligible player at its club facility.

April 21 – Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.

April 26 – Deadline for Prior Club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.

April 27 – Deadline for clubs to time, test, visit, interview (including video and phone calls), or conduct a physical examination with a draft-eligible player at any location.

April 27-29 – Annual Selection Meeting/NFL Draft (Kansas City, Mo)

                      NFL Draft 2023

May

May 1 – Deadline for Prior Club to send “May 1 Tender” to its unsigned Unrestricted Free Agents.  If the player has not signed a Player Contract with a Club by July 22 or the first scheduled day of the first NFL training camp, whichever is later, he may negotiate or sign a Player Contract from that date until the Tuesday following the 10th weekend of the regular season, at 4:00 p.m., New York time, only with his Prior Club.

May 1 – Deadline for Clubs to exercise Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2020 Draft.

May 5-8 or May 12-15 – Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday on one of the two weekends following the Draft.

May 15 – Rookie Football Development Programs begin.

May 18-21 – (Tentative) NFLPA Rookie Premiere, TBD

May 22-24 – Spring League Meeting, TBD

Rookie Impact Players for NFL 2022 Season – Skilled Position Players

   Frank Coyle – Head scout

Quarterbacks

Kenny Pickett – Steelers – He will sit to start the season which may be best for his development. If the offense is only average or struggling at midseason, he could get the call with the intent for their long-term answer.

Running Backs

James Cook – Bills – Explosive scatback will be fully utilized by QB Josh Allen in time especially as a receiver where he can be an impact weapon. Great fit and big play performer.

Dameon Pierce – Texans – Opportunity knocks here on a club desperate for production. Dameon gets a chance to carry the workload and could surprise with a 1000+ yard rushing performance.

Breece Hall – Jets – Well rounded back will split the reps with second year Michael Carter to form a potentially strong tandem.

Isaiah Spiller – Chargers – Tough tailback will get reps behind Austin Ekeler which should elevate their rushing attack.

Wide Receivers

Skyy Moore – Chiefs – Speedster should earn reps in this potent air game and become Patrick Mahomes’ new best friend in their changing attack. Polished slot receiver with top run after the catch ability.

Wan’Dale Robinson – Giants – Quick slot receiver is a highly developed pass catcher who can step in here in three wideout sets and provide solid production. He is a very dangerous runner after the catch.

Alec Pierce – Colts – Sure handed developed receiver gives QB Matt Ryan a dependable weapon with well-rounded skills. Type with sound route running to move the chains.

Jahan Dotson – Commanders – Versatile playmaker can give this offense a huge boost in a few roles especially if vet QB Carson Wentz reestablishes himself as a reliable starter.

George Pickens – Steelers – Talented wideout is finally healthy and can be an early factor in multiple sets with the upside to be the #1 receiver here in time.

Christian Watson – Packers – Big fast athlete hopes to shine in the Packers young receiving corps where he could be a factor working with Aaron Rodgers. Kid has a huge ceiling in time.

Romeo Doubs – Packers – Athlete is well versed in a pro style passing game and can find a niche in three wideout sets here and become a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers.

Treylon Burks – Titans – Strong athlete gives opportunity to become the go to receiver in this attack.

Danny Gray – 49ers – Speedster gives young Trey Lance a vertical threat to break open a game quickly. He gets time in multiple sets and should usually face single coverage.

Kyle Philips – Titans – Quick versatile receiver shows sure hands and run after the catch ability to fill a role here.  He is tough to get off line and a solid slot receiver.

Jalen Tolbert – Cowboys – Sure handed possession receiver gets an early opportunity in the thin Cowboys receiving corps. He uses his long frame well and can move the chains.

Tight Ends

Trey McBride – Cardinals – Agile pas catcher with fine movement and route running skills should become a favorite of Kyler Murray. Capable of top production early.

Jelani Woods – Colts – Huge athlete with skills to become a top flight NFL performer. In the Colts’ TE friendly offense, look for new vet QB Matt Ryan to go to him often on the short and middle routes.

Daniel Bellinger – Giants – Sure handed athlete wins the starting job and should become a favorite of QB Daniel Jones especially in the shorter zones.

Jeremy Rucker – Jets – Talented rookie is dangerous in red zone, though might struggle for reps with new vets CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin forming a deep unit.

Isaiah Likely – Ravens – Coming off an impressive preseason and good fit for an offense that uses multiple TEs in different roles. Fine H-back weapon.

NFL 2022 Predictions

Rams Hope to Defend Super Bowl Title

DraftInsiders.com – NFL 2022 Predictions
Frank Coyle

The 2022 NFL season is here with huge changes across the league giving fans hope their team can get the elusive SB ring. Yes, we did predict the Rams would win the Super Bowl last season. The Rams will be hard pressed to duplicate that in 2022 with only marginal roster improvement this offseason. In addition, star QB Matthew Stafford is struggling with elbow problems which could turn out to be chronic and limit his future production.

Parity reigns across the league with both the AFC West and NFC West looking like powerhouse divisions which could provide three playoff teams each. New upstarts like the Bills, Bengals and Chargers could all play a huge role in the AFC playoff races while established clubs like Bucs, Packers and Rams are primed to return to the NFC postseason behind star veteran QBs.  

Season Awards

    MVP Award – QB Josh Allen – Bills

NFC

Offensive Player of the Year – QB Aaron Rodgers – Packers
Defensive Player of the Year – Nick Bosa – 49ers
Comeback Player of the Year – RB Saquan Barkley – Giants

Rookies of the Year
Offense – TE Trey McBride – Cardinals
Defense – LB Kavon Thibodeaux – Giants

AFC

Offensive Player of the Year – QB Josh Allen – Bills
Defensive Player of the Year – Darius Leonard – Colts
Comeback Player of the Year – QB Matt Ryan – Colts

Rookies of the Year
Offense – WR Skyy Moore – Chiefs
Defense – S Kyle Hamilton – Ravens

NFC
EAST
Dallas Cowboys – 10-7
Cowboys hope to defend their NFC East title behind QB Dak Prescott who has emerged as a top flight performer. Their ground game relies on runners Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard with above average results. Their receiving corps is currently thin with injuries and losses limiting big play potential. Their once dominant line starts season without LT Tyson Smith and added vet Jason Peters. Their defense has improved significantly with big play defenders, LB Micah Parsons and corner Trevon Diggs setting the pack. Boys will be pressed to hold off the Eagles and must prove their can win a big late game.

Philadelphia Eagles – 9-8
Eagles earned a wild card appearance last season behind young QB Jalen Hurts. Their veteran line performed well producing the NFL’s top ground game. Their receiving corps underwent huge changes and added veteran AJ Brown to couple with emerging young playmaker DeVonta Smith. Their average defense needs to step up and looks to top pick DT Jordon Davis to couple with vet Fletcher Cox to improve their struggling pass rush. This club can win the division, but only if Hurts takes the next step and the defense makes more turnovers.

New York Giants – 7-10
Giants hope to improve with a fully healthy tailback Saquan Barkley to balance an offense directed by young talented Daniel Jones. Their offensive line made major changes and holds the key. Their defense disappointed last season and must improve. They look to top pick Kayvon Thibodeaux to become a difference maker to compensate for some secondary coverage issues. Club is improved and possible .500 area, though probably a year away from playoff contention.

Washington Redskins – 6-11
Skins traded for vet QB Carson Wentz hoping he recaptures his prior level of play. He works behind an average line. He does have a potent receiving corps led by vet Terry McLaurin along with healthy vet Curtis Samuel and top pick Jahan Dotson who can provide a spark here. Their defense lost DE Chase Young with a knee injury. Former top pick Mike backer Jamin Davis needs to step up and become a playmaker here. Too many questions for this club to get to the .500 mark.

NORTH
Green Bay Packers -12-5 –
Aaron Rodgers heads this talented club looking for their 4th consecutive North title. New receiving corps must prove themselves, though Rodgers has developed many unknown players. LT David Bathtiari returns to form dominant side with guard Elgton Jenkins. Packers’ defense ranks in the top 2-3 in the NFC.  This club is judged by their postseason success and nothing less than a SB title will satisfy the doubters.

Detroit Lions – 8-9 –
Lions actually turned the page behind HC Dan Campbell despite only a 3-3-1 record. They lost five games by four points or less. They need more scoring power from QB Jared Goff with an improved ground game vital. Their defense looks for impact from #1 pick DE Aidan Hutchinson on a tough improving unit. Look for improvement here, though only if their offensive scoring improves.

Minnesota Vikings – 7-10 –
QB Kirk Cousin and runner Dalvin Cook keeps this offense at playoff levels, but only a revitalized defense will decide any postseason appearance. Wideouts Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen form an awesome tandem. The defense gives up too many big plays despite good overall pressure. Their secondary may have major turnover this season after being smoked in the red zone.

Chicago Bears – 6-11 –
Bears look to QB Justin Fields to take a major step up in his 2nd season. He paid his dues in 2021 as the offense ranked among the worst in the league in every category. They lack firepower other than wideout Darnell Mooney. Their average rushing attack must step up. Their defense relies on edge defender Robert Quinn and Mike LB Roquan Smith. This club comes up short on talent and experience to challenge for the playoffs.

SOUTH
Tampa Bay Bucs – 11-6 –
The Bucs had key roster turnovers along with changing from HC Bruce Ariens to Todd Bowles. QB Tom Brady unretired and returns in what probably is his final season. Offensive line features a few new starters. Veteran talented defense lost JPP and Nda Suh and look to LBers White and Barrett to maintain a high level for this unit. Bucs are not a given this season with both the Panthers and Saints eyeing the top spot.

Carolina Panthers – 9-8 –
Panthers added new vet QB Baker Mayfield to direct their struggling attack. He plays with a chip on his shoulder this season. Returning playmaker Christian McCaffrey can make a difference here behind a much-improved line. Their talented underrated young defense should continue to improve. This club could be the surprise team of the season and capable of winning this division.

New Orleans Saints – 9-8 –
The Saints begin the post Sean Payton era behind QB Jameis Winston, who has not established himself as a reliable starter. Backup Andy Dalton could get the call if their 32^nd ranked passing game does not improve. Wideout Michael Thomas returns and top pick Chris Olave can stretch the field. Runner Kamara is still one of the best all-around playmakers in the game. Saints’ defense is a top five unit who keeps them in the postseason chase.

Atlanta Falcons – 6-11 –
Falcons traded vet QB Matt Ryan after their 4^th consecutive sub .500 finish. They look to journeyman Marcus Mariota to direct an attack that struggled in most areas. Their poor ground game needs to improve. Defense ranks with the worst in the league. A tough first half schedule may put them strong contention for the first pick in the NFL Draft 2023.

WEST
Los Angeles Rams – 12-5 –
Rams look to defend their SB title behind star QB Matthew Stafford who is battling elbow issues entering the season. He relies on young back Cam Akers to continue his strong postseason performance. Wideout Cooper Kupp is the best in the game coming off a generational performance. HC Sean McVay directs this potent attack exceptionally well. Their premier defense relies on DT Aaron Donald and corner Jalen Ramsey to provide big plays. Strong SB contender again in a tough division which could provide three playoff clubs.

San Francisco 49ers – 11-6–
The 49ers past the leadership to former top pick Trey Lance with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo moving to the backup role. Runners Elijah Mitchell and Jeff Wilson form a potent pair. Wideout Deebo Samuel ranks with any playmaker in the game. Edge defender Nick Bosa may be the best pass rusher in the league. LB Fred Warner is primed for a strong performance. New FA corner Charvarius Ward is an emerging cover man. 49ers will challenge for the West title, though the offense must score more points to rank with the elite clubs in the NFC.

Arizona Cardinals – 9-8 –
Cards were embarrassed in the playoffs by Rams. QB Kyler Murray played poorly in that game after the best season of his career. They have a talented group of playmakers with new vet Marquise Brown a top deep threat. DE JJ Watt hopes to recapture his former glory. He must be a leader and playmaker on this average unit. Cardinals may struggle to return to the postseason with several NFC clubs capable of earning a playoff berth.

Seattle Seahawks – 6-11 –
Seahawks turn the page from the Russell Wilson era. They missed the playoffs last season and the offense failed in many big situations. The once renowned defense was only a shell of prior units and faces wholesale changes this season. They open the season with questionable QB Geno Smith the announced starter. He plays behind a line which will start two new tackles.  Their once dominant defense has slipped noticeable especially in the front seven. This club is starting a major rebuilding process that may include a key trade like DK Metcalf if they fall out of contention by midseason.

Divisional Champs
Cowboys, Packers, Bucs and Rams

Wild Card Clubs
Eagles & 49ers

NFC Championship
Packers beat Rams in NFC title game.

AFC
EAST

Buffalo Bills – 12-5 –
Bills are coming off back-to-back East titles behind star QB Josh Allen. They can take the next step to the SB with an improved ground game which looks to rookie James Cook to give Allen another big play weapon. Receivers Diggs and Gabriel along with TE Knox form an outstanding trio. The league’s top #1 defense will be tested with new corners initially. Maturing club with vital experience in big games and ready to go to the show.

Miami Dolphins – 10-7 –
Dolphins were aggressive in the offseason and added big play specialist WR Tyreek Hill for young QB Tua Tagovailoa. Hill joins WR Waddle to form a dangerous pair. Tua needs to step up in big spots for the Dolphins to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.  Their bend but don’t break defense needs to make more big plays vs playoff clubs to make the postseason. Early tough schedule might define this season.

New England Patriots – 9-8 –
Pats returned to the postseason behind rookie QB Mac Jones who performed very well with an average supporting cast. He will miss OC Josh McDaniels. Runner Damien Harris emerged as a tough inside force especially as a goal line weapon. Bill Belichick is a master schemer who utilizes his veteran defense exceptionally well where the whole is always better than the parts. Pats are always in the playoff hunt despite their current average roster.

New York Jets – 6-11 –
Jets will start the season with starting former top pick QB Zach Wilson out for the first month. Vet Joe Flacco directs this offense with many new starters. They will field a club with at least ten new starters who must adjust quickly with a very difficult first half schedule. Improved roster probably can not convert to victories this season as their 11-year playoff drought continues.

NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals – 12-5 –
True grit young QB Joe Burrow is a difference maker here after carrying this club to the SB despite horrible pass protection. The line will have three new starters and a major improvement. Wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both produced 1000-yard performances. RB Mixon is a top-quality feature back. TE Hurst can surprise here and provide an excellent option. Their defense needs to improve in coverage and look to a few rookies to contribute. Burrow can carry this club again especially if the line provides better protection. Bengals are team to beat in North and capable again of deep playoff run.

Baltimore Ravens – 10-7 –
The Ravens look to QB Lamar Jackson to improve off an average type 2021 performance. The ground game can only improve after a host of injuries. The offensive line welcomes LT Ronnie Stanley after a two-year absence. WR Rashod Bateman and TE Mark Andrews are fine targets. They sustained major injuries in the secondary and look to the return of CB Marcus Peters and new safeties Marcus Williams and top pick Kyle Hamilton to stabilize this struggling unit. Ravens will push to return to postseason, though need a big effort from Jackson.

Pittsburgh Steelers – 9-8 –
Steelers turn the page from the Big Ben era. Veteran QB Mitchell Trubisky gets the starting call initially with rookie top pick Kenny Pickett waiting in the wings. Runner Najee Harris probably gets another 300-carry season. The offensive line may determine their success with a new interior trio of starters. The Steel defense slipped noticeably especially vs the running game. Edge TJ Watt is a dominant rusher who sets the pace here. This club is only a borderline contender and needs offensive line and secondary to perform well to challenge for postseason.

Cleveland Browns – 6-11 –
Browns made a hug deal for vet QB Deshaun Watson who is suspended for the first 11 games. Backup Jacoby Brissett has had average results over his 37 starts. They added vet WR Amari Cooper as their feature receiver. Back Nick Chubb is a workhorse and will get special attention. Their highly rated defense will have to excel to compensate for an average offense. Browns miss the playoffs again with an eye to the future with Watson returning for the final 6 games.

SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts – 11-6 –
The trade to add vet QB Matt Ryan can change the makeup of the South division. Ryan and HC Frank Reich are an ideal fit which can pay huge dividends this fall. Coupled with stud runner Jon Taylor and an improved receiving corps especially rookie Alec Pierce which should help their scoring significantly. Their young defense added edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue and look for second year Kwitty Paye to become factors to help DT Buckner and LB Leonard. This club can win the South outright with Ryan directing a potent Reich offense.

Tennessee Titans – 10-7 –
The Titans look to win their 3^rd consecutive South title. They need both QB Ryan Tannehill and premier back Derrick Henry to return to 2020 form. Their OL must improve after surrendering too many sacks. Their defense can rush the passer, though their young corners must prove up to the call vs playoff caliber clubs. Gritty team will slug it out with anyone, but limited playmakers on both sides of the ball must step up.

Jacksonville Jaguars – 6-11 –
Jaguars look to former top pick QB Trevor Lawrence to take a major step up working with new HC Doug Pederson. Lawrence paid his dues as a rookie with a marginal supporting cast and weak front line. He will benefit from new weapons WR Kirk and TE Ingram along with the return of runner Travis Etienne. Their young defense is loaded with talent with rookies, edge Travon Walker and Mike LB Devin Lloyd counted on to elevate this unit. This club can take a nice step up, though must show it can win marginal matchups.

Houston Texans – 4-13 –
You actually need a roster to figure out this club. They have a huge number of first- and second-year players. QB David Mills actually performed well with limited supporting cast. Their defense may be the worst in the league and equally inept vs the pass and run. Massive roster turnover over recent seasons makes this a major rebuilding project which will take a few seasons.

WEST
Kansas City Chiefs – 12-5 –
Chiefs look for their 7th consecutive West title behind star QB Patrick Mahomes. Their masterfully rebuilt offensive line was outstanding in 2021. New weapons, receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling hope to minimize the loss of Tyreek Hill. Look for rookie Skyy Moore to provide impact from the slot. Their defense added rookies CB McDuffie and edge rusher Karlaftis and both are counted on to become fixtures here. Veterans, DT Chris Jones and LB Nick Bolton set the pace for this changing defense. Annual SB contender plays in the toughest division and will be pushed to the fullest with every team capable of West title.

San Diego Chargers – 11-6 –
The Chargers look to young QB Justin Herbert to lead this potent offense to the playoffs after missing the past three seasons. Herbert was outstanding again and the league’s only 5000-yard passer besides Tom Brady. The line improved further with the addition of Zion Johnson. Two 1000-yard vet receivers Allen and Williams give them a potent tandem. They can surprise for the West title, though need huge improvement on their young defense adding vets, LB Mack and corner Jackson to join LB Joey Bosa and safety Darwin James. Favorable first half schedule can give them strong momentum for the playoff run.

Denver Broncos – 10-7 –
Broncos missed the playoffs the past six seasons leading to the blockbuster trade for vet QB Russell Wilson. He could be the missing piece here that has seen only mediocre production since the Peyton Manning retirement in 2015. Wilson has quality receivers in Sutton, Judy and Patrick along with emerging back Javonte Williams. Their highly regarded defense looks to improve in run defense. They rely on edge rushers, Bradley Chubb and new vet Randy Gregory to provide big play ability. Excited team looking to put it together behind savvy vet Wilson to win key AFC matchups.

Oakland Raiders – 9-8 –
Somebody has to finish last. Raiders talented QB Derek Car comes off a strong 2021 season and added his former college teammate Davante Adams to the offense. TE Waller gives Car a dangerous middle zone receiver. Edge rusher Maxx Crosby is a difference maker who needs new vet Chandler Jones to provide additional outside pressure. Their secondary allowed too many big plays and must improve vs the potent West passing games.

Divisional Champs
Bills, Bengals, Colts and Chiefs

Wild Card Clubs
Chargers & Ravens

AFC Championship
Bills beat the Chiefs

Super Bowl Matchup
Packers over Bills
Packers win a wild Super Bowl showdown with Bills.

Frank Coyle was scouted NFL teams for over 30 years from mini-camps through training camps, season and postseason games. He has extensive contact with NFL coaches, General Managers, coordinators and scouts.

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches – Top 25 Teams

Bama, Georgia, Ohio State & Notre Dame Top Polls

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Teams – Sept. 2nd

Game of Week – Sept. 3rd
#3 Ohio St (0-0) vs #4 Notre Dame (0-0) at Columbus, Ohio – 8 pm ABC
Opening week provides a matchup with national title implications.

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long time 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.

Top 25 Teams
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Rank    Team                Record
1          Alabama           0-0
2          Georgia             0-0
3          Ohio St             0-0
4          Notre Dame      0-0
5          Clemson           0-0
6          Michigan           0-0
7          Texas A&M       0-0
8          Utah                 0-0
9          Oklahoma         0-0
10         Baylor               0-0
11         Oklahoma St     0-0
12         Oregon             0-0
13         NC State           0-0
14         Michigan St       0-0
15         USC                 0-0
16         Pittsburgh         0-0
17         Miami               0-0
18         Texas               0-0
19         Wake Forest     0-0
20         Wisconsin         0-0
21         Kentucky          0-0
22         Ole Miss           0-0
23         Cincinnati          0-0
24         Arkansas          0-0
25         Houston            0-0

Coaches Poll
Rank     Team                Rec      Pts

1          Alabama (54)     0-0        1634
2          Ohio State (5)    0-0        1564
3          Georgia (6)         0-0        1542
4          Clemson           0-0        1356
5          Notre Dame      0-0        1284
6          Michigan           0-0        1232
7          Texas A&M       0-0        1219
8          Utah                 0-0        1134
9          Oklahoma         0-0        1027
10         Baylor               0-0        891
11         Oklahoma State 0-0        859
12         Oregon             0-0        734
13         NC State           0-0        726
14         Michigan State  0-0        711
15         USC                 0-0        602
16         Pittsburgh         0-0        450
17         Miami               0-0        433
18         Texas (1)          0-0        383
19         Wake Forest     0-0        381
20         Wisconsin         0-0        369
21         Kentucky          0-0        353
22         Cincinnati          0-0        339
23         Arkansas          0-0        334
24         Ole Miss           0-0        327
25         Houston            0-0        257

Others receiving votes: Iowa 248, Penn State 246, Tennessee 163, BYU 152, LSU 143, Auburn 98, UCF 55, North Carolina 34, San Diego State 25, Fresno State 21, Mississippi State 19, Florida 17, Air Force 12, Utah State 12, Appalachian State 10, Boise State 10, UCLA 10, Minnesota 6, South Carolina 5, Kansas State 4, Army 3, Iowa State 3, SMU 2, Purdue 2, Coastal Carolina 2, Louisiana 2, Oregon State 2, UTSA 1, Louisville 1, Florida State 1

Alabama tops 2022 FWAA/NFF Super 16 Pre-Season Poll

Pre-Season Poll, August, 2022

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Pittsburgh (55), Arkansas (48), Ole Miss (36), Wisconsin (34), BYU (31), Texas (26), Cincinnati (20), Penn State (17), Florida (14), Houston (12), LSU (9), Kentucky (7), Tennessee (4), Wake Forest (4), South Carolina (4), UCF (3), Mississippi State (3), Nebraska (2), Kansas State (2), Air Force (2), West Virginia (1), Iowa (1), North Carolina (1).

NOTES:
National runner-up and defending SEC Champion Alabama dominated the preseason poll with 42 of 52 first place votes. This is Alabama’s 59th appearance as the No. 1 team in this poll since 2014. The Crimson Tide leads all schools for appearances at No. 1 and is the only team to appear in each of the 105 weekly rankings since 2014.

Ohio State was second in the poll voting with six first place votes and 56 points behind Alabama with defending national champion Georgia at No. 3 with four first place votes, respectively.

No. 4 Clemson is in the poll for the first time since September 19, 2021, followed by Michigan, Notre Dame, Utah, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Baylor. Seven of the top 10 teams appeared in New Year’s Six bowl games last season. NC State is No. 14 and in the poll for the first time since October 15, 2018.

In the 2022 preseason poll, the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC had three teams each, Independents-one.  All Power-Five conferences had equal representation for the first time in the history of the poll which started in 2014.

The eventual national champion has been ranked in the top six of the preseason poll six times since 2015. Alabama in 2017 is the only national champion to start the season ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll.

SCHEDULE:

ZERO WEEK
No Super 16 Teams in Action

WEEK 1  (Sept. 1-5)

Thursday, Sept. 1
Central Michigan at  No. 11 Oklahoma State

Friday, Sept. 2
Western Michigan at No. 15 Michigan State

Saturday, Sept. 3
Utah State at No. 1 Alabama
No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 2 Ohio State
No. 12 Oregon at No. 3 Georgia (Atlanta)
Colorado State at No. 5 Michigan
No. 7 Utah at Florida
Sam Houston at  No. 8 Texas A&M
UTEP at No. 9 Oklahoma
Albany at No. 10 Baylor
Rice at No. 13 USC
No. 14 NC State at East Carolina
Bethune-Cookman at No. 16 Miami (Fla.)

Monday, Sept. 5
No. 4 Clemson at Georgia Tech

ABOUT THE FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL: The FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll was established at the conclusion of the 2013 season by long-time partners, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the National Football Foundation (NFF). Voters rank the top 16 teams in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, and the results will be released every Sunday of the 2022 season; the individual votes of all members will also be made public. The first regular season poll will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 6 (to account for Labor Day games), and the final poll will be released Sunday, Dec. 4. The pollsters consist of FWAA writers and College Football Hall of Famers who were selected to create a balanced-geographical perspective. The poll utilizes a computer program designed by Sports Systems to compile the rankings.

Draft Insiders’ 2022 Preseason All-America Teams

Frank Coyle – Publisher/ Head scout

Offensive Player of the Year – QB Bryce Young – Alabama
Defensive Player of the Year – LB Will Anderson Jr. – Alabama

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 All-American teams, college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years.

First Team

Offense

QB Bryce Young – Alabama                   Junior
RB Bijan Robinson – Texas                    Junior
RB TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State    Sophomore
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State      Junior
WR Kayshon Boutte – LSU                     Junior
WR Jordan Addison – USC                     Junior
TE Michael Mayer – Notre Dame            Junior
C Jarrett Patterson – Notre Dame           Senior
OL Peter Skoronski – Northwestern        Junior
OL Paris Johnson – Ohio State               Junior
OL Connor Galvin – Baylor                     Senior
OL Andrew Vorhees – USC                    Senior

Defense

DL Jalen Carter – Georgia                      Junior
DL Bryan Bresee – Clemson                   Sophomore
DL Will McDonald IV – Iowa State           Senior
DL Isaiah Foskey – Notre Dame              Senior
LB Will Anderson – Alabama                   Junior
LB Jack Campbell – Iowa                       Senior
LB Noah Sewell – Oregon                      Sophomore
CB Kelee Ringo – Georgia                      Sophomore
CB Eli Ricks – Alabama                          Junior
S Jordan Battle – Alabama                     Senior
S Jalen Catalon – Arkansas                    Junior
S Brandon Joseph – Notre Dame            Junior

Special Teams

K Jake Moody – Michigan                       Senior
P Adam Korsak – Rutgers                      Senior
KR Brian Battie – South Florida               Sophomore
PR Ainias Smith – Texas A&M                Senior
AP Deuce Vaughn – Kansas State          Junior

Second Team

Offense

QB C.J. Stroud – Ohio State                   Junior
RB Deuce Vaughn – Kansas State          Junior
RB Sean Tucker – Syracuse                   Sophomore
WR Quentin Johnston – TCU                  Sophomore
WR Cedric Tillman – Tennessee             Senior
WR Josh Downs – North Carolina           Junior
TE Brock Bowers – Georgia                    Sophomore
C John Michael Schmitz – Minnesota      Senior
OL O’Cyrus Torrence – Florida               Junior
OL Emil Ekiyor – Alabama                       Senior
OL Dawand Jones – Ohio State              Senior
OL Clark Barrington – BYU                     Junior

Defense

DL Myles Murphy – Clemson                  Junior
DL Calijah Kancey – Pittsburgh               Junior
DL Siati Ika – Baylor                               Senior
DL Zach Harrison – Ohio State               Junior
LB Andre Carter II – Army West Point     Senior
LB Nolan Smith Jr. – Georgia                  Senior
LB Trenton Simpson – Clemson              Junior
CB Cam Smith – South Carolina             Junior
CB Riley Moss – Iowa                            Senior
S Christopher Smith – Georgia                Junior
S James Williams – Miami                      Sophomore
S Antonio Johnson – Texas A&M            Senior

Special Teams

K Harrison Mevis – Missouri                   Junior
P Kyle Ostendorp – Arizona                    Junior
KR Malik Knowles – Kansas State           Senior
PR Jayden Reed – Michigan State          Junior
AP Jahmyr Gibbs – Alabama                  Junior

The Football Writers Association of America announced the preseason watch list for the 2022 Outland Trophy, recognizing 89 returning standout interior linemen representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents. The 2022 season will close with the award’s 77th anniversary and the watch list offers a talented field of players to accompany two returning FWAA All-Americans.

The recipient of the 2022 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Thurs., Dec. 8. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 11, 2023.

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 College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25 years.

Atop the list are two returning FWAA All-Americans, Baylor center Jacob Gall and Michigan center Olusegun Oluwatimi, each a second-team All-America selection last year. Gall, a redshirt senior, is one of three Baylor players on the list, tops in nation among the 67 teams represented along with Clemson and defending national champion Georgia. Oluwatimi, now a graduate student, will be in the middle of Michigan’s offensive line this fall after transferring from Virginia, where he guided the country’s third-leading offense up front, one that averaged 516.3 yards per game.

Like Baylor, Clemson and Georgia’s three nominees are split between the offensive and defensive lines. The Bulldogs (first, 10.2 ppg) and Tigers (second, 14.8) were the top two scoring defenses in 2021. Returning off the Bulldogs’ stalwart defense that was second in rushing and total defense and included 2021 Outland Trophy winner Jordan Davis at defensive tackle, is his likely replacement Jalen Carter. The junior was a second-team All-SEC pick by the conference coaches last year despite playing behind two first-round NFL draft picks (Davis and fellow tackle Devonte Wyatt). Carter is joined by redshirt sophomore offensive tackle Broderick Jones and senior guard Warren Ericson.

Cincinnati, which qualified for the playoff with its standout defense a year ago, has two players on the list but both are on offense. Jake Renfro, a junior center, will guide the Bearcats’ front with senior offensive tackle Dylan O’Quinn on the outside. The pair of players from Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin led the Big Ten’s list of 11 players from eight different schools, second only to the SEC. Three of its 11 are defensive tackles – redshirt senior Jacob Slade of Michigan State, senior PJ Mustipher of Penn State and senior nose Keeanu Benton of Wisconsin.

Boise State, BYU, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Pitt, Troy, USC and Utah also have two players on the list. The Atlantic Coast Conference had 11 players with the Big 12 and Pac-12 each with 10 followed by the American Athletic, Mountain West and Sun Belt Conferences plus the Independents with six each. Conference USA has five selections and the Mid-American Conference four. There are 29 offensive tackles on this year’s list, just ahead of 25 defensive tackles to go with 18 centers and 17 guards. Just over half of the 131 Football Bowl Subdivision schools – 67 – are represented on the list.

The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.

The Outland Trophy is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.

The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 800 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information.

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 College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN and Sporting News 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