College Football Monday – Week 2

Sept. 12, 2022
Frank Coyle – Head scout – DraftInsiders.com

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches – Top 25 Teams
Top Ten Clubs Remain Undefeated

Bama, Georgia & Ohio State Top Polls

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Teams – Sept. 12th

Game of Week – Sept. 17
#15 BYU (2-0) at #21 Oregon (1-1) at Eugene, Oregon – 3:30 pm FOX

Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week – QB Caleb Williams – USC
Defensive Player of the Week – LB Will Anderson – Alabama

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           2-0
2          Georgia             2-0
3          Ohio St             2-0
4          Clemson           2-0
5          Michigan           2-0
6          Oklahoma         2-0
7         Oklahoma St     2-0
8         NC State           2-0
9         Michigan St       2-0
10         USC                  2-0
11         Utah                   1-1
12         Texas A&M      1-1
13         Pittsburgh        1-1
14         Texas                1-1
15        BYU                   2-0
16         Miami               2-0
17         Baylor               1-1
18         Kentucky          2-0
19         Tennessee        2-0
20         Arkansas          2-0
21         Oregon              1-1
22         Wake Forest     2-0
23         Florida              1-1
24         Ole Miss           2-0
25         Penn St            2-0

Coaches Top 25 Teams

1          Alabama (39)     2-0        1592
2          Georgia (25)      2-0        1574
3          Ohio State (1)    2-0        1514
4          Clemson           2-0        1387
5          Michigan           2-0        1370
6          Oklahoma         2-0        1253
7          Oklahoma State 2-0        1137
8          USC                 2-0        1133
9          Michigan State  2-0        1026
10         Kentucky          2-0        901
11         Arkansas          2-0        857
12         NC State           2-0        816
13         Miami               2-0        805
14         BYU                 2-0        739
15         Utah                 1-1        673
16         Tennessee        2-0        556
17         Ole Miss           2-0        552
18         Wake Forest     2-0        540
19         Baylor               1-1        531
20         Texas               1-1        306
21         Florida              1-1        297
22         Texas A&M       1-1        285
23         Penn State        2-0        279
24         Oregon             1-1        197
25         Pittsburgh         1-1        157

Others receiving votes: Florida State 85, Cincinnati 80, Appalachian State 50, Air Force 48, Kansas State 46, Wisconsin 43, Marshall 40, Notre Dame 35, Mississippi State 31, Washington State 29, Houston 25, Texas Tech 24, Oregon State 24, Minnesota 23, TCU 18, Auburn 16, North Carolina 10, Syracuse 7, Washington 6, Iowa State 4, UCLA 4

Dropped from rankings: Notre Dame 9, Wisconsin 18

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.

College Football Monday – Week 1

Sept. 5, 2022
Frank Coyle – Head scout – DraftInsiders.com

College Football Opening Week
Alabama, Georgia & Ohio St Set Pace

The first full week of college football entertained fans over Labor Day weekend and did not disappoint with a number of exciting national games. You need new roster sheets with the annual turnover of starters, plus the transfer rules which allow record number of player movement within Division 1 level. It makes for another season of highly contested matchups with weekly debates for the #1 ranking until the CFP title game in mid-January 2023.

Coaches also change loyalties with former ND head coach Brian Kelly moving to the LSU Bayou Bengals. The Tigers got into an uphill battle with Florida State and seemed to finally catch up with a last-second TD only to watch the extra point blocked to end the game. It was a major disappointment for Kelly in his SEC debut with the young and very talented Tigers failing to finish with big mistakes at critical moments.

Notre Dame begin a new era with head coach Marcus Freeman after a successful 12 year run with Brian Kelly who set a new career record for program victories. Freeman faced Ohio St in his debut and the Irish played the Buckeyes tough until faltering in a 21-10 loss. The Irish failed to score in the 2nd half and struggled to gain control of field position at any point of the game.

The traditional ‘Backyard Brawl’ between Pittsburgh and West Virginia finally returned after an 11-year absence due to conference schedules and ties. The ‘Brawl’ did not fail to live up to its long reputation as a bitter rivalry with the Panthers and Mountaineers going blow for blow before Pittsburgh won on a late drive 37-31. The two clubs scored 49 points over the second half in a wild exchange reminiscent of past matchups. Arguably the best game of the Holiday weekend.

Head coach Lincoln Riley shifted his alliances from Oklahoma to Southern Cal. While at Oklahoma, Riley guided the Sooners to three playoff appearances in five seasons with a 55-10 overall record. He hopes to revive the downtrodden Trojan program which has won only 22 games over the past four seasons. He started USC’s revival, smashing Rice in their opener. Oklahoma transfer QB Caleb Williams was Riley’s top recruit this offseason and they hope he will direct them in pursuit of the Pac-12 title. They make their Pac-12 debut this week at Stanford.

Both SEC finalists from last year’s national championship game, Alabama and Georgia won mismatches in blowouts. They do not play during the 2022 regular season, but certainly could meet in the conference title game or final four where the SEC seems to earn two seats annually.

Penn State faced Big Ten rival Purdue in West Lafayette in an unrated competitive matchup. QB Sean Clifford amended an earlier pick six with an 80-yard two-minute drive for the winning TD for a 35-31 victory with just seconds remaining. The Nittany Lions get a favorable early schedule until key contests from mid-October. Those games with Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio State in succession will determine any pursuit of a Big Ten title.

Last but not least. Rutgers U won their opener at Boston College 22-21 in their most impressive early season victory in years. They hope to build on this momentum in their next two games vs Wagner and Temple before the Big Ten meat grinder portion of their schedule, starting with Iowa on Sept 24^th.

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

NFL Supplemental 2022 Draft – Cancelled

The NFL announced this week that the NFL Supplemental 2022 Draft has been cancelled. It is the third straight year which the league cancelled the Supplemental Draft and the seven year in the past decade that no players were chosen.

The NFL Supplemental Draft has long outlived its purpose. With the new transfer rules, third years removed from HS eligibility and Covid exemption season, players have multiple options related to college eligibility and pro qualification.

The days of QBs Bernie Kosar and Steve Walsh, receivers, Cris Carter and Rob Moore and LB Brian Bosworth declaring have long passed as new rules for player eligibility have allowed them many options to extend their college and pro careers. The NFL office should cancel this event permanently after it has shown virtually no high-profile prospects declaring with only a couple of marginal starters over the past two decades.

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Value Board – Top 100 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2022

Update Edition Rankings             April, 2022 – Final Edition                                                   

  #         Pro Prospect            Pos                  School          

1         Aidan Hutchinson          DE                   Michigan
2        Travon  Walker               DE                    Georgia
3         Ahmad Gardner             CB                    Cincinnati
4         Kayvon Thibodeaux       DE                   Oregon
5         Ikem Ekwonu                 OT                    North Carolina St
6         Evan Neal                       OT                    Alabama
7         Kyle Hamilton                S                      Notre Dame
8         Jermaine Johnson         DE                   Florida State
9         Garrett Wilson               WR                   Ohio State
10         Jameson Williams         WR                   Alabama
11         Derek Stingley               CB                    LSU
12         Jordan Davis                 DT                    Georgia
13         Trevor Penning             OT                    Northern Iowa
14         Kenny Pickett                QB                   Pittsburgh
15         Charles Cross               OT                    Mississippi St
16         Drake London               WR                   Southern Cal
17         Trent McDuffie             CB                    Washington
18         Chris Olave                   WR                   Ohio State
19         George Karlaftis            DE                   Purdue
20         Zion Johnson                OG                   Boston College
21        Andrew Booth               CB                    Clemson
22         Kenyon Green               OG                   Texas A&M
23         Jahan Dotson               WR                   Penn State
24         Devin Lloyd                   ILB                   Utah
25         Malik Willis                    QB                   Liberty
26         Tyler Linderbaum          C                      Iowa
27         Devonte Wyatt             DT                    Georgia
28         Daxton Hill                    S                      Michigan
29         Bernhard Raimann         OT                    C. Michigan
30        Kyler Gordon                 CB                    Washington
31         Nakobe Dean                ILB                   Georgia
32         Treylon Burks                WR                   Arkansas
33         Quay Walker                 ILB                   Georgia
34         Sam Howell                  QB                   North Carolina
35         Arnold Ebiketie             OLB                  Penn State
36         Lewis Cine                    S                      Georgia
37        Travis Jones                 DT                    UConn
38        Christian Watson           WR                   North Dakota St
39         David Ojabo                  DE                   Michigan
40         Breece Hall                   RB                    Iowa State
41        Boye Mafe                    DE                   Minnesota
42         George Pickens            WR                   Georgia
43        Tyler Smith                   OT                    Tulsa
44         Leo Chenal                    LB                    Wisconsin
45         Trey McBride                TE                    Colorado State
46         Matt Corral                    QB                   Mississippi
47         Perrion Winfrey             DT                    Oklahoma
48         Christian Harris             ILB                   Alabama
49        Skyy Moore                   WR                   Western Michigan
50         Abraham Lucas             OT                    Washington St
51         Kaiir Elam                     CB                    Florida
52         Desmond Ridder           QB                   Cincinnati
53         Tariq Woolen                CB                    UTSA
54         Drake Jackson             OLB                  Southern Cal
55         Phidarian Mathis           DT                    Alabama
56         Kenneth Walker             RB                    Michigan State
57         Sean Rhyan                  OT                    UCLA
58         Logan Hall                    DE                   Houston
59         DeMarvin Leal               DT                    Texas A&M
60         Jalen Pitre                    S                      Baylor
61         Chad Muma                  ILB                   Wyoming
62         Troy Andersen              LB                    Montana
63         Roger McCreary            CB                    Auburn
64         Isaiah Spiller                 RB                    Texas A&M
65        Amare Barno                 LB                    Virginia Tech
66         Greg Dulcich                 TE                    UCLA
67        Cole Strange                 OL                    Chattanooga
68         Alec Pierce                   WR                   Cincinnati
69         Channing Tindall           ILB                   Georgia
70         Jeremy Ruckert             TE                    Ohio State
71         Nik Bonitto                    OLB                  Oklahoma
72         John Metchie                WR                   Alabama
73         Daniel Faalele               OT                    Minnesota
74        Cam Jurgins                 OL                    Nebraska
75        Jelani Woods                TE                    Virginia
76         Jaquan Brisker             S                      Penn State
77        Zyon McCollum             CB                    Sam Houston State
78         Cameron Thomas          DE                   San Diego St
79         Jalen Tolbert                 WR                   South Alabama
80         Alontae Taylor               CB                    Tennessee
81         Darian Kinnard             OG                   Kentucky
82         Cade Otton                   TE                    Washington
83         Sam Williams                OLB                  Mississippi
84         Kingsley Enagbare        DE                   South Carolina
85        James Cook                  RB                    Georgia
86         Jamaree Salyer             OG                   Georgia
87         Martin Emerson             CB                    Mississippi St
88         Nicholas Petit-Frere       OT                    Ohio State
89        Josh Paschal                DE                   Kentucky
90         Darian Beavers             LB                    Cincinnati
91         Nick Cross                    S                      Maryland
92        Chris Paul                     OL                    Tulsa
93         Jalen Wydermyer          TE                    Texas A&M
94        Dylan Parham               OG                   Memphis
95         Matt Araiza                   P                      San Diego St
96         Khalil Shakir                  WR                   Boise State
97        Coby Bryant                  CB                    Cincinnati
98         Kyren Williams             RB                    Notre Dame
99        Kerby Joseph                S                      Illinois
100       Carson Strong               QB                   Nevada

NFL Draft 2022 – First Round Mock Draft – Final

Frank Coyle –  www.draftinsiders.com

 First Round Mock Draft
Final
1         Jacksonville      Aidan Hutchinson          DE       Michigan
2         Detroit            Travon  Walker              DE        Georgia
3         Houston            Evan Neal                     OT        Alabama
4         NY Jets           Ahmad Gardner            CB        Cincinnati
5         NY Giants         Ikem Ekwonu                OT        North Carolina St
6         Carolina                          Kenny Pickett                QB       Pittsburgh
7         NY Giants (Chicago)              Kayvon Thibodeaux       DE       Oregon
8         Atlanta                                      Malik Willis                    QB       Liberty
9         Seattle (Denver)                        Derek Stingley               CB        LSU
10         NY Jets (Seattle)                       Garrett Wilson               WR       Ohio State
11         Washington                               Kyle Hamilton                S          Notre Dame
12         Minnesota                                 Trent McDuffie             CB        Washington
13         Houston (Cleveland)                  Jordan Davis                 DT        Georgia
14         Baltimore                                  Trevor Penning             OT        Northern Iowa
15         Philadelphia (Miami)                  Jermaine Johnson         DE       Florida State
16         New Orleans (Indianapolis-Phil)    Charles Cross               OT        Mississippi St
17         LA Chargers                                       Jameson Williams         WR       Alabama
18         Philadelphia (New Orleans)      Drake London               WR       Southern Cal
19         New Orleans (Philadelphia)      Matt Corral                    QB       Mississippi
20         Pittsburgh                                    Sam Howell                  QB       North Carolina
21         New England                               Andrew Booth               CB        Clemson
22         Green Bay (Las Vegas)             Chris Olave                   WR       Ohio State
23         Arizona                                        George Karlaftis            DE       Purdue
24         Dallas                                          Arnold Ebiketie             DE       Penn State
25         Buffalo                                        Zion Johnson                OG       Boston College
26         Tennessee                                  Kyler Gordon                 CB        Washington
27         Tampa Bay                                 Kenyon Green               OG       Texas A&M
28         Green Bay                                    Bernhard Raimann         OT        C. Michigan
29         Kansas City (San Fran-Miami)    Devonte Wyatt             DT        Georgia
30         Kansas City                                   Treylon Burks                WR       Arkansas
31         Cincinnati                                      Tyler Linderbaum          C          Iowa
32         Detroit (LA Rams)                       Jahan Dotson               WR       Penn State

 www.draftinsiders.com – 31st Season