Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Thirteen

Top Three – Bama, Clemson & Notre Dame Remain Unbeaten
Georgia Joins Top Four Entering SEC Title Game

Players of Week
Offense – QB Dwayne Haskins – Ohio St
Defense – DT Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame

Team of the Week – Ohio St. beats Michigan, 62-39
Upset of the Week – Texas A&M beats LSU – 74-72 in a college record 7 Overtimes
         Highest scoring game in College history

Games of  Week Thirteen – Dec. 1st
Alabama (12-0) vs Georgia (11-1) – SEC Championship
Oklahoma (11-1) vs Texas (9-3) – Big 12 Championship

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Top 25 Teams – Week Thirteen
Draft Insiders’

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

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Alabama (63)  12-0      1599
2 Clemson (1)    12-0      1536
3 Notre Dame    12-0      1469
4 Georgia          11-1      1398
5 Oklahoma      11-1      1324
6 Ohio State      11-1      1292
7 UCF   11-0      1200
8 Michigan        10-2      1041
9 Texas            9-3        939
10 Florida         9-3        937
11 Washington  9-3        921
12 Penn State   9-3        889
13 Washington State     10-2      829
14 LSU 9-3        821
15 Kentucky      9-3        634
16 West Virginia            8-3        621
17 Utah 9-3       610
18 Syracuse      9-3        499
19 Mississippi State      8-4        460
20 Boise State  10-2      375
21 Northwestern            8-4        363
22 Texas A&M  8-4        295
23 Fresno State 10-2      157
24 Utah State    10-2      130
25 Army            9-2        119

Dropped from rankings: Pittsburgh 25

Others receiving votes: Iowa State 103, Cincinnati 82, NC State 55, Missouri 33, Iowa 20, Appalachian State 14, Pittsburgh 13, Memphis 6, UAB 4, Stanford 3, Buffalo 3, Oregon 3, California 1, Wisconsin 1, Georgia Southern 1

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy,  Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff  and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

NFL Power Poll – Week 12

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Rams Beat Chiefs In Wild Monday Night Shootout
Goff and Mahomes Excel in Classic Matchup

Team of the Week –
    Rams edge Chiefs, 54-51

Upset of the Week
Detroit beats Carolina, 20-19
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs     
  Defense – LB Kahlil Mack – Bears

 Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Saquon Barkley – Giants
    Defense – Safety Justin Reid – Texans

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Game of Week #12 – Washington Redskins (6-4) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5)  
Cowboys Hope to turn Redskins in Turkey Club

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 12

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -10-1 Rams
Rams’ beat the Chiefs to claim #1 ranking.

#2 – 9-2 Chiefs
Chiefs’ riding hot arm of young Patrick Mahomes.

#3 – 9-1 Saints
Saints’ host the Falcons in key South matchup. Veteran QB Drew Brees continues his MVP season.

#4 – 7-3 Patriots
Pats are rested for their stretch run.

#5 – 7-2-1 Steelers
Steelers’ edged the Jaguars to maintain North leadership.

#6 – 7-3 Texans
Texans’ win their 7^th straight vs the Skins. Host the Titans in key divisional matchup.

#7 – 7-3 Bears
The Bears are coming off big win over the Vikings. Better not sleep on the Lions on Thanksgiving day.

#8 – 7-3 Chargers
Chargers lost tough one to the Broncos. Get the Cardinals at home in vital game.

#9 – 6-4 Panthers
Panthers lost to the Lions. Get Seahawks at home in key NFC matchup with playoff ramifications.

#10 – 5-4-1 Vikings
Vikings sliding with loss to the Bears. Host Packers Sunday night in telltale North contest.

#11 – 5-5 Seahawks
Seahawks edged the Packers. Go to Carolina in effort to get over .500.

#12 – 6-4 Redskins
The Redskins lose QB Alex Smith in defeat to the Texans. Turkey day in Dallas is a major challenge.

#13 – 5-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys are alive again and hope to take the next step with Thanksgiving matchup with Skins.

#14 – 5-5 Titans
The Titans face their most important South matchup with trip to Houston Monday night.

#15 – 4-5-1 Packers
The Packers find ways to lose close games. Trip to Minnesota is a must win situation.

#16 – 5-5 Colts
Colts trashed Titans behind MVP candidate Andrew Luck.

#17 – 5-5 Ravens
Ravens beat Bengals in key situation. Host Da Raiders this week.

#18 – 4-6 Eagles
Eagles were bombed in New Orleans. Host the GMen in a must win situation.

#19 – 4-6 Falcons
Falcons lost a heartbreaker to the Boys. Need a W in New Orleans.

#20 – 5-5 Dolphins
Dolphins face key matchup in Indy for any playoff hopes.

#21 – 5-5 Bengals
Bengals’ host the Browns in must win situation for postseason play.

#22- 4-6 Broncos
Broncos won a tough battle with the Chargers. Host the Steelers in a must win situation Sunday.

#23 – 3-6-1 Browns
Browns rested for tough finish with a few difficult road games on the schedule.

#24 – 4-6 Lions
Lions looking for revenge on the Bears on Turkey day.

#25 – 3-7 Giants
The Giants are looking respectable with a two game winning streak.

#26 – 3-7 Jaguars
Jaguars’ lost their six straight vs the Steelers.

#27 – 3-7 Bucs
Bucs host the 49ers in a game for major draft order implications.

#28 – 3-7 Bills
Bills hope to keep the momentum from their impressive victory for the Jets.

#29 – 3-7 Jets
Jets’ host the Patriots in hope of breaking their 4 game losing streak.

#30 – 2-8 49ers
The 49ers need a win to stay focused for the rest of the schedule.

#31 – 2-8 Cardinals
Cardinals may be the worst team in the league after their loss to the Raiders.

#32 – 2-8 Raiders
Da Raiders edged out the Cards to end their losing streak.

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 20 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, Fox Sports 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

The 2018 Maxwell and Chuck Bednarik Award Finalists Announced

Maxwell Football Club President, Mark Dianno, announced the 2018 finalists for the 82nd Maxwell Award for the Collegiate Player of the Year and the 24th Chuck Bednarik Award for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year

The respective lists include a field of three candidates for each of these awards as determined by the semifinalist voting process which ended Nov. 18

Visit Web Site  www.maxwellfootballclub.org

Finalists listed in alphabetical order by player’s school with position and class designated

2018 Maxwell Award Finalists
Tua Tagovailoa     Alabama            Quarterback     Sophomore
Kyler Murray        Oklahoma          Quarterback     Junior
Will Grier              West Virginia    Quarterback    Senior

2018 Chuck Bednarik Award Finalists
Quinnen Williams     Alabama     Defensive Line     (R) Soph
Christian Wilkins     Clemson      Defensive Line     Senior
Josh Allen                   Kentucky     Linebacker           Senior

Tagovailoa has led the No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide to an 11-0 (7-0 SEC) record and an SEC West division championship this fall. He has authored one of the most prolific seasons by a quarterback in recent history throwing for 2865 yards and 31 touchdowns while only throwing 2 interceptions. He added 4 rushing touchdowns and has a quarterback rating of 212.22. He will lead the Tide against Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Saturday.

Murray has completed 72 percent of his passes, going 213-of-296 for 3,212 yards with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s also rushed for 846 yards and 10 touchdowns while leading the Sooners to a 10-1 record and a No. 6 national ranking. He is arguably the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in college football this season.

Grier has led the Mountaineers to an 8-2 (6-2 Big XII) record and a No. 12 national ranking. He has passed for 3325 yards and 33 touchdowns and also scored twice on the ground. He will finish his regular season this Friday when Oklahoma visits Morgantown for a Big 12 Conference clash.

Williams has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country this season. He has 6 sacks for 35 yards in losses, 55 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hurries and 1 pass breakup. He regularly forces offenses to account for him with 2 or 3 blockers and generally wreaks havoc in the middle of the line.

Allen cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great linebackers at Kentucky when he broke the school’s sack record last Saturday. The 6’5 senior has notched 80 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks for minus 84 yards. He also has 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 5 quarterback hurries.

Wilkins has been a fixture on Clemson’s defensive line for the past 3 seasons and is a player who offenses have to account for on every snap. Wilkins has registered 40 tackles (10.5 for loss), 10 quarterback pressures, 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He spearheads a Clemson defense that ranks among the national leaders in almost every major statistical category.

Last season, the Maxwell Award went to Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Chuck Bednarik Award was presented to Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. Mayfield was the overall No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and is now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Fitzpatrick was also a 1st round pick and is a starter in the secondary for the Miami Dolphins.

The winners of the 82nd Maxwell Award and the 24th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 6, 2018. The formal presentation of these awards will be made at the Maxwell Football Club’s Awards Gala which will be held at the Tropicana Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ on Friday March 8, 2019.

Voting for both of the collegiate awards presented by the Maxwell Football Club will begin on Wednesday, November 21st and close on Sunday December 2nd. Eligible voters include Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA Head Football Coaches, Sports Information Directors and selected national media

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Maxwell Award, Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

2018 Outland Trophy Semifinalists Announced

Eight standout Interior Linemen tabbed by FWAA

FWAA – Eight semifinalists for the 2018 Outland Trophy – including two pairs of teammates – were announced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee and the Football Writers Association of America. The eight semifinalists are players from six schools at five different positions representing five different conferences.

The 2018 Outland Trophy, presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), is awarded annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. NFID is presenting the trophy to help increase awareness about the importance of annual flu prevention. Getting vaccinated each year is your best line of defense against the flu.

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The field for the 2018 Outland Trophy is as follows, listed in alphabetical order: North Carolina State center Garrett Bradbury, Wisconsin guard Michael Deiter, Clemson offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt, Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver, Oklahoma guard Ben Powers, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Alabama offensive tackle Jonah Williams and Alabama nose guard Quinnen Williams.

The eight semifinalists will be pared to three finalists and announced on Nov. 20. The recipient of the 73rd Outland Trophy will be announced during ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6, live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 9, 2019.

Web Sites – OutlandTrophy.com, FootballWriters.com

Look at the Outland Trophy Semifinalists:

Garrett Bradbury, C, North Carolina State (6-3, 300, Gr., Charlotte, N.C.): A three-year starter on the line, the team co-captain has played all but four snaps for the Wolfpack this season. In 679 snaps he has not allowed a sack and has only allowed two pressures on 348 pass attempts. His protection has helped place Ryan Finley on the cusp to become N.C. State’s only quarterback to pass for 3,000-plus yards in three different seasons. Has led the blocking for an offense averaging 31.4 points and 453.0 yards per game. Earned his degree last year in business supply operations management.

Michael Deiter, G, Wisconsin (6-6, 321, Sr., Curtice, Ohio): A mainstay on the Badgers’ offensive front – he has started all 51 games of his career – that is currently paving the way for the nation’s leading rusher and the sixth-best ground attack. Jonathan Taylor (1,548 yards, 154.8 per game) is the fourth Wisconsin back to record back-to-back 1,500-yard rushing seasons and is 25 yards ahead by average to the nation’s second-leading. Deiter (DEE-ter) should make his school-record 52nd career start Saturday at Purdue – 21 have come at left guard, 16 at center and 14 at left tackle.

Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson (6-5, 310, Jr., Suwanee, Ga.): The Tigers’ left tackle is helping produce offensive numbers in record territory. The unbeaten Tigers are one of five schools with three active 1,000-yard career rushers on its current roster (Hyatt has been up front for all three), and Clemson is ninth in the nation in total offense at 526.6 yards per game, which is currently 10th in school history. Hyatt, a 2017 Second Team FWAA All-American and the Outland Trophy Offensive Player of the Month for October, already owns Clemson’s career record for snaps from scrimmage (3,420) and will break another record with a 53rd career start Saturday against Duke.

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston (6-3, 290, Jr., Houston, Texas): The 2017 Outland Trophy winner was the first sophomore to ever win the Outland Trophy and earned FWAA First-Team All-America honors last year. He was an FWAA Freshman All-America in 2016 as well. Despite missing three games and constant double and triple teams, Oliver leads all defensive linemen nationally with an average of 7.29 tackles per game. Oliver’s 1.93 tackles for loss per game is third nationally, and he has a career average of 1.64 tackles for loss per game. His final home game is Thursday against Tulane, as he has already declared to enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

Ben Powers, G, Oklahoma (6-4, 314, Sr., Wichita, Kan.): The Sooners’ left guard is the leader of a line that is currently powering the nation’s top offense in yards per game (577.1) and yards per play (8.91). The 8.91 yards per play is on an NCAA-record pace above Hawaii’s 8.6 from 2006. Oklahoma is the nation’s only team this year with at least 30 rushing touchdowns (31) and at least 30 passing TDs (33), and the Sooners have rushed for at least 300 yards and passed for at least 300 a school-record four times already this year, and in three straight games.

Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson (6-4, 300, Gr., Springfield, Mass.): A standout player for the unbeaten Tigers, even as part of a defensive line featuring four returning All-Americans. Wilkins was an FWAA First-Team All-America selection in 2016. He has 10.5 tackles for loss, second on the team, to go with three sacks and 40 tackles (29 solo) for the season. Clemson was No. 1 nationally in tackles for loss in the first two of Wilkins’ three prior seasons in the middle and was No. 6 last year. His 13.5 stops behind the line have resulted in 67 yards of losses. Wilkins will play in his 54th career game Saturday against Duke. Wilkins graduated in 2017 with a degree in communications in only two-and-a-half years.

Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama (6-5, 301, Jr., Folsom, Calif.): The left tackle for the unbeaten Crimson Tide continues to pace the nation’s No. 5 but arguably most-feared offense. Williams was the Outland Trophy Offensive Player of the Month for September after grading out above 90 percent for the month. The junior has started all 39 games in his career and had perhaps his best game against LSU when Alabama averaged 7.6 yards per rush and gained 576 yards against a then-Top-10 defense and allowed only one sack on a season-high 42 pass attempts. Alabama only yields 0.67 sacks per game, fourth nationally.

Quinnen Williams, NG, Alabama (6-4, 295, So., Birmingham, Ala.): The upstart sophomore leads unbeaten Alabama with 14.0 tackles for loss for minus-58 yards and is tied for 11th in the SEC with 5.0 sacks. He too posted a career game against LSU, tallying career highs in tackles (10) and sacks (2.5) and tying a career high in tackles for loss (3.5). Williams clogs the middle and allows those around him to create havoc – Alabama has had at least 10 tackles for loss in five of 10 games and in three straight. The Crimson Tide’s 36 sacks (3.60 per game) are both tied for No. 3 nationally.

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 the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about our story.

About the Football Writers Association of America

Founded in 1941, the non-profit Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) consists of more than 1,300 members, including journalists, broadcasters, publicists and key executives in all areas of college football. Led by current President Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times, longtime Executive Director Steve Richardson, and a board of veteran journalists, the association continues to grow and work to help college football prosper at all levels. Visit footballwriters.com for more information about the FWAA and its award programs.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for over 25 years.

NFL Power Poll – Week 11

  Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Rams Host Chiefs In Conference Leadership Battle
Brees, Trubisky and Roethlsberger Star in Impressive Wins

Teams of the Week –
    Saints crush Bengals, 51-15
   Steelers bash Panthers, 52-21
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Mitchell Trubisky – Bears     
  Defense – DE Cameron Heyward – Steelers
 
Rookies of Week
    RB Nick Chubb – Browns
    LB Darius Leonard – Colts

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Game of Week #11 – Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) at LA Rams (9-1)  
Rams get a home game with Mexican grass fiasco

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 11

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -9-1 Rams
Rams’ beat the Seahawks. Pumped for the Chiefs.

#2 – 9-1 Chiefs
Chiefs’ cruising behind explosive offense and improving defense.

#3 – 8-1 Saints
Saints’ win their 8^th straight game with another record setting performance by veteran QB Drew Brees.

#4 – 7-3 Patriots
Pats struggled vs tough Titan club lead by ex-player and coach Mike Vrabel.

#5 – 6-2-1 Steelers
Steelers’ starting to peat and will go forward without star runner Le’Veon Bell.

#6 – 7-2 Chargers
Chargers are learning how to win the divisional games.

#7 – 6-3 Panthers
Panthers were punched out by Pittsburgh in a huge Thursday night matchup.

#8 – 6-3 Texans
Texans’ are rested for their trip to Washington of divisional leaders.

#9 – 6-3 Bears
The Bears are looking like a playoff club. Host the Vikings with a chance to gain a strong hold on NFC North leadership.

#10 – 5-3-1 Vikings
Vikings travel to Chi town for critical North leadership in the balance.

#11 – 6-3 Redskins
The Redskins host the Texans looking for signature victory of the season.

#12 – 4-5 Eagles
Eagles lost to the staggering Cowboys. Go to New Orleans in a must win situation.

#13 – 4-5 Seahawks
Seahawks host the Packers in a must situation for both clubs playoff hopes.

#14 – 5-4 Titans
The Titans won another big game this time vs the Patriots. Travel to Indy for vital AFC South matchup.

#15 – 4-4-1 Packers
The Packers face a season defining matchup in Seattle on Thursday night.

#16 – 4-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys beat the Eagles to keep alive their NFC playoff hopes.

#17 – 4-5 Falcons
Falcons are still struggling to get the defense together.

#18 – 5-5 Dolphins
Dolphins are floundering in mediocrity.

#19 – 4-5 Colts
Colts won their third straight vs the Jaguars. Host the rising Titans in great matchup.

#20 – 5-4 Bengals
Bengals’ were trashed by the Saints. Go to Baltimore for divisional matchup.

#21 – 4-5 Ravens
Ravens lost their fourth straight game. Get the crumbling Bengals at home this week.

#22 – 3-6-1 Browns
Browns coming off big win vs the Falcons. Bye week before two road games.

#23 – 3-6 Lions
Lions were pounded in Chicago. Maybe last chance at home vs the Panthers to get back into postseason picture.

#24 – 3-6 Jaguars
Jaguars’ lose their five straight in another weak offensive performance.

#25- 3-6 Broncos
Broncos face heavy AFC schedule down the stretch.

#26 – 3-6 Bucs
Bucs face the Giants after another poor effort.

#27 – 3-7 Bills
Bills exploded against the Jets. Get their bye week to celebrate.

#28 – 3-7 Jets
Jets’ were embarrassed by the Bills and third string QB Matt Barkley.

#29 – 2-7 Giants
The Giants looking for two game winning streak with the Bucs coming to town.

#30 – 2-8 49ers
The 49ers fell to the Giants Monday night. Bye week to prepare for stretch.

#31 – 2-7 Cardinals
Cardinals host the Raiders in the Basement bowl.

#32 – 1-8 Raiders
The Raiders pathetic offense has hit new lows in recent weeks.

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 20 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, Fox Sports 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

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Twelve

  Frank Coyle – Head Scout

Bama Shuts Out Mississippi St
Georgia Beats Auburn

Players of Week
Offense – WR Tylan Wallace – Oklahoma St
Defense – Alabama defense with 2^nd consecutive shutout vs Mississippi St.

Team of the Week – Georgia beats Auburn
Upset of the Week – Tennessee beats Kentucky 24-7

Games of Week Twelve –
Notre Dame (10-0) vs Syracuse (8-2) at Yankee Stadium, New York City
 

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Top 25 Teams – Week Twelve
Draft Insiders’

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

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Alabama (64)  10-0      1624
2 Clemson (1)    10-0      1561
3 Notre Dame    10-0      1490
4 Michigan        9-1        1415
5 Georgia          9-1        1369
6 Oklahoma      9-1        1273
7 West Virginia  8-1        1173
8 Ohio State      9-1        1135
9 Washington State       9-1        1119
10 LSU 8-2        1078
11 UCF 9-0        1042
12 Syracuse      8-2        849
13 Utah State    9-1        698
14 Texas           7-3        662
15 Penn State   7-3        646
16 Florida         7-3        604
17 Washington  7-3        591
18 Iowa State    6-3        403
19 Utah 7-3        387
20 Cincinnati     9-1        383
21 Kentucky      7-3        318
22 Boston College         7-3        309
23 Mississippi State      6-4        219
24 Boise State  8-2        129
25 UAB 9-1        102

Dropped from rankings: Fresno State 17, NC State 22
Others receiving votes: Northwestern 87, Fresno State 64, Army 58, Buffalo 56, Virginia 44, Duke 38, NC State 37, Pittsburgh 30, Texas A&M 29, Michigan State 20, Auburn 19, Troy 17, Appalachian State 14, Missouri 13, San Diego State 10, Wisconsin 7, Arizona State 2, Tennessee 1

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy,  Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff  and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

NFL Power Poll – Week 9

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll –
Rams Face Saints in Key NFC Matchup
Brady vs Rodgers in Sunday Night Classic

Teams of the Week –
    Saints over Vikings, 30-20
Rams over Packers, 29-27
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Todd Gurley – Rams     
  Defense – DE JJ Watt – Texans
 
Rookies of Week
    QB – Josh Rosen – Cards
    DE – Marcus Davenport – Saints

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Games of Week #9 –

LA Rams (8-0) at New Orleans Saints (6-1)  
Hot Saints host the unbeaten Rams in major NFC Matchup
LA Chargers (5-2) at Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Vital game for both West divisional playoff contenders

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -8-0 Rams
Rams’ learning how to win tight games weekly in crunch time. Face acid test in New Orleans.

#2 – 7-1 Chiefs
Chiefs go to Cleveland for a tougher matchup that many think.

#3 – 7-1 Saints
Saints’ won another tough road test in Minnesota. Host the unbeaten Rams this week which determines NFC leadership.

#4 – 6-2 Patriots
Pats host the Packers in a classic matchup of QBs, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.

#5 – 5-2 Chargers
Chargers face the 12^th man in Seattle in one of the best games of the week.

#6 – 5-2 Panthers
Panthers are coming off victories over the Eagles and Ravens. Host the Bucs Sunday.

#7 – 4-2-1 Steelers
Steelers’ travel to Baltimore for their annual bloodbath with the Ravens.

#8 – 5-3 Texans
Texans’ are quietly gaining momentum. Go to Mile High for key AFC matchup.

#9 – 4-3-1 Vikings
Vikings overrated defense came up short again in a big spot vs the Saints.

#10 – 5-3 Bengals
Bengals’ edged out a win vs the Bucs. Bye week before important 2^nd half run.

#11 – 4-4 Ravens
Ravens host the Steelers this week in maybe the best rivalry in the league.

#12 – 5-2 Redskins
The Redskins are learning how to win. Host Atlanta in one of the interesting matchups this week.

#13 – 4-3 Seahawks
Seahawks face the tough two LA teams over the next two weeks that may determine their playoff hopes.

#14 – 4-4 Eagles
Eagles get their bye and look to make a run with a heavy NFC schedule over the 2nd half.

#15 – 3-3-1 Packers
The Packers keep coming up short despite QB Aaron Rodger’s heroics.

#16 – 4-3 Bears
The Bears travel to Buffalo with a chance to stay atop the competitive NFC North.

#17 – 3-4 Lions
Lions face two North road games with Vikings and Bears that will determine if they are contenders or pretenders.

#18 – 4-4 Dolphins
Dolphins host the Jets in almost a must win contest to stay in playoff hunt.

#19 – 3-4 Falcons
Falcons coming off their bye with two road games in Washington and Cleveland on the schedule.

#20 – 3-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys are coming off their bye and must get to .500 to get into NFC playoff contention.

#21 – 3-4 Titans
The Titans are rested for their trip to Big D which may determine the fate of both clubs.

#22 – 3-5 Jaguars
Jaguars’ lost again this time to the Eagles. Get their bye week to regroup for stretch run.

#23- 3-5 Broncos
Broncos are coming up short in big spots. Host the hot Texans in a must win situation to stay alive in AFC playoffs.

#24 – 3-4 Bucs
Bucs go back to vet QB Fitzpatrick after an extended horrible streak by QB Jameis Winston.

#25 – 2-5-1 Browns
Browns finally fired HC Hue Jackson after a 3-37-1 stretch, one of the worst in NFL history.

#26 – 3-5 Jets
Jets’ travel to Miami after a weak performance in Chicago.

#27 – 3-5 Colts
Colts beat the Raiders behind another strong Andrew Luck performance.

#28 – 2-6 Bills
Bills change to backup QB Nate Peterman while hoping for rookie QB Josh Allen’s return.

#29 – 2-6 Cardinals
Cardinals edged out a victory over the 49ers. Get their bye this week.

#30 – 1-7 Giants
The Giants have just begun a complete rebuild. Roster lacks talent and depth after years of poor draft classes by ex GM Jerry Reese.

#31 – 1-7 49ers
The 49ers are favorite in this ‘Bay of Pigs’ classic.

#32 – 1-7 Raiders
Da Raiders were toasted by the Colts in their last embarrassment.

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 20 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, Fox Sports 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

Draft Insiders’ – Midseason 2018 All-American Team

 Frank Coyle

Offense

QB – Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
RB – Benny Snell – Kentucky
RB – Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin
WR – Marquise Brown – Oklahoma
WR – Jerry Jeudy – Alabama
TE – Noah Fant – Iowa
OL – Jonah Williams – Alabama
OL – Dalton Risner – Kansas St
OL – Mitch Hyatt – Clemson
OL – Michael Dieter – Wisconsin
OC – Ross Piershbacher – Alabama
All-Purpose Athlete – Deebo Samuel – South Carolina

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Defense

DE – Clelin Ferrell – Clemson
DT – Ed Oliver – Houston
DT – Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame
DE – Montez Sweat – Mississippi St
LB – Josh Allen – Kentucky
LB – Devin Bush – Florida St
LB – Devin White – LSU
CB – Greedy Williams – LSU
CB – Deandre Baker – Georgia
FS – Taylor Rapp – Washington
SS – Deionte Thompson – Alabama

Special Teams

R/S – Mecole Hardman – Georgia
PK – Andre Szmyt – Syracuse
P – Braden Mann – Texas A&M

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – RB Saquon Barkley – Giants

Frank Coyle

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

Week 6 showcased the top rookie running back Saquon Barkley of the Giants. He has started since day one and been one of the few bright spots during the GMen’s dismal 1-5 season.

He brings the most completed back to the game in years and new energy and life to a lackluster offense. Despite a weak offensive line, Barkley has rushed for 428 yards for a 5.2 yard average along with 40 receptions for 373 yards and 6 TDs. He has been dramatic and impressive despite special attention on virtually every play. His numbers are on pace for both a 1000 yard rushing and receiving performance which would be a first in NFL annals.

He has uncanny instincts with quick decision making and footwork that allows him to move and create situations and extend plays. He displayed rare composure in a pressure packed situation Thursday night vs the Eagles where he displayed big play ability as both a runner and receiver.
He was the #1 running back selected from a very deep class and the #2 overall choice behind only QB Baker Mayfield. He gives Giant fans hope during a frustrating period where the changing roster is in

We compared him to LaDainian Tomlinson in talent, mobility and leadership which emerged dramatically over his Penn St career and postseason prior to the NFL Draft 2018.
 
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2018 Running Backs Class – Grade: A
      Positional Overview:
 This year’s running back position is an excellent group with a super blue-chip junior in Saquon Barkley at the top of the class. Barkley is a premier NFL feature back who can be an elite pro player early in his career. We rank him higher than Zeke Elliott or Leonard Fournette both of whom were difference makers from their first season.

Running Backs
1 Saquon Barkley #26 – Penn St          6-0       230 – Sp. 4.45              
        Player Comparison: LaDainian Tomlinson                  Rating 95       
Dynamic powerful junior is the most physically gifted back to arrive in the NFL since Adrian Peterson. Strong compact frame with very quick feet and the explosive burst to go the distance from anywhere on the field. The complete package to become a top NFL feature back with rare skills to be an instant impact three down player as a rookie. Difference maker the past two seasons at Penn St. and produced impressive numbers despite weekly special attention in the Big Ten. Earned first team Big Ten his final two seasons. Great team leader with smarts, instincts and leadership. Possesses an ideal NFL body with a well-developed muscular frame with the natural ability to drop his pads and square up when attacking the line. Shows great lateral quickness with the burst to get outside consistently and go the distance. Displays the initial burst to hit an opening with the cutting skills of a smaller back and the power to break and bounce off tacklers. Very good lower body strength (squats 600 lbs.+) to run through tacklers and carry a big load weekly. As a runner, shows natural vision and balance with the power and toughness to consistently get the most of each attempt. Reads his initial blocks very well with a feel for finding an opening with the speed to hit a hole and run away from defenders. Patient runner allows play to unfold with the burst to create. Faced eight in a box often and put up huge numbers vs Big Ten talent in key games with conference and national impact. Shows the power to run through creases with rare lateral quickness and long speed to stick-and-go out of his cuts. Displays the patience to follow blockers and the ability to shift his weight very well and string multiple moves together. Soft hands as a receiver out of the backfield and capable of a big play in space where his speed and power are a dangerous combination. Strong hands to protect the ball well. Needs work on his blocking especially in blitz situations. Shows the toughness and athleticism to face up with backers, but needs the practice time to progress in that key area. Good route running and defense recognition. Elite combination of speed and power to provide early impact as a pro feature runner. Very strong lower body with good straight arm and can sink his hips and explode to come downhill. Extremely tough to tackle inline or in space. Sets up cut-back lanes exceptionally well with the body lean to get much yardage after contact.

The Numbers:  As a junior, he started 13 games and rushed for 1271 yards on 217 carries for a 5.9 average and 18 TDs. He added 54 receptions for 632 yards and 3 TDs. For the 2016 season, he started 14 games and rushed for 1496 yards on 272 attempts for 5.5 yard average and 18 TDs. He added 28 receptions for 402 yards and 4 TDs. As a freshman in 2015, he rushed for 1076 yards on 182 carries for a 5.9 average and 7 TDs and added 20 receptions for 161 yards and 1 TD. Over his career, he rushed for 3843 yards on 671 attempts for a fine 5.7 average and 43 TDs plus totaled 102 receptions for 1195 yards and 8 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’ and 233 lbs. and ran a 4.40 time. He did 29 reps in the lifting with a 41” VL and a 4.24 shuttle. In the mold of premier breakaway power backs like LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson and Zeke Elliott in body type and style, he is similar yet superior to Todd Gurley with the speed and power to be the best in the game. Major early impact weapon.

The Skinny:  Fast physical downhill thumper with the long speed to be a game breaker. Rookie impact feature back who becomes his own blocker. Rookie three down starter with developed receiving skills. As a blocker, he shows quick reactions and toughness to face up to use his strong frame and agility, though needs to prove he can square off with blitz defenders. Natural runner and early difference maker. Faced NFL caliber defenders weekly and carried a full load with great production despite special attention. Very well rounded back and excellent skill set to be an impact player. Super blue-chip athlete and my #1 prospect since September 2017 with no need to change that grade. Top 2 prospect with elite talent to be among the league’s best runners immediately.
           Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 2                                       
 

Draft Insiders’ – Rookie Spotlight – QB Baker Mayfield – Browns

  by Frank Coyle

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

Week 3 showcased two top QB picks, in the Browns’ Baker Mayfield and Jets’ Sam Darnold. Mayfield has sat through the first two weeks of his rookie NFL season. He came off the bench with starter Tyrod Taylor suffering a late first half concussion. Mayfield brought new energy and life to a lackluster and mistake prone offense. He had a dramatic and impressive pro debut which was instrumental in the Browns first victory since Dec. 24, 2016.

Mayfield has uncanny instincts with quick decision making and footwork that allows him to move and create situations and extend plays. He displayed rare composure in a pressure packed situation Thursday night with the desperate yet loyal Brown faithful screaming from the moment he entered the game. He directed an amazing second half comeback vs a tough Jet defense, throwing for 17 completions on 23 passes for 201 yards. He also caught a 2-point conversion similar to a few he performed at Oklahoma during his brilliant college career. He once again displayed the terrific accuracy that was his signature during his Sooner career along with his leadership to make other players better.    
He was the #1 QB selected from a very deep class that saw four prospects chosen in the top ten and five in the first round overall. He was a rare Heisman Trophy winner and #1 overall selection in the same year. He has Browns fans buzzing after years of frustration especially at the QB leadership position. We compared him to Russell Wilson in talent, mobility and leadership which emerged dramatically over his Sooner career and postseason prior to the NFL Draft 2018.

     Draft Insiders’ 2018 Yearbook – March/April 2018

      Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield #6  –     Oklahoma – 6-1 , 215  – Sp. 4.80          Rating 92
       Player Comparison: Russell Wilson

Slick senior gunslinger put up record setting numbers in the Sooners prolific passing attack which earned him the 2017 Heisman Trophy award. Transferred from Texas Tech in a class with QBs Patrick Mahomes and Davis Webb as an underclassman. Strong athletic frame with a god arm and quick release. Very good feet to setup, move in the pocket, slide to create new lanes or scramble to throw on the move or for a first down. Savvy athlete with a great sense of field presence and situations. Combines keen instincts with good athleticism to be both a leader and playmaker. Stepped up in big situations with big performances in the national playoffs as well as winning at Ohio St. Few clubs go into Columbus, Ohio and come away with a victory. Baker was instrumental in the Sooners’ win that marked them a national contender. Tight quick release with a natural throwing motion with the ability to release the ball from several positions with fine velocity and quickness. Played in the spread Sooner passing game putting up amazing numbers annually while showing the ability to throw the complete route tree. Shows the ability to drive the ball down the field and consistently fit into tight windows. Progresses very well as a pocket passer, though mainly operates in an offense with quick simple reads geared for the primary receiver. Gunslinger mentality with a cocky attitude that at times takes too much risk on plays. Savvy thrower can re-cock his arm quickly and deliver fast into new windows. Learning to be patient and look for other receivers and go through his progressions. Limited work from under center and faces a learning curve and needs to sit and adjust to the game. Needs to refine his setup and footwork under center and learn to go through his reads and adjustments to make the proper calls. Shows fine touch and accuracy on intermediate and vertical routes, though needs some refinement. Able to consistently place the ball with nice trajectory over the shoulder of his receivers to catch in full stride with nice accuracy to lead his receivers. Within the pocket, displays a crisp natural throwing motion to get the ball out fast. Able to really drive the ball when required and the ball can explode from his hand with good velocity on the outs and tight seam routes. Deceptive mobility to be effective on the move without losing his accuracy. Shows the toughness to sit in the pocket and take a hit to complete the pass.

The Numbers:  Over the 2017 season, he started 14 games and completed 285 passes of 404 attempts for a 71% rate for 4267 yards with 43 TDs and 6 picks. Won Heisman Trophy, in addition to three time Big 12 Player of the Year honors, Manning award, O’Brien award and Maxwell award in 2017. Over his junior season, he threw for 3965 yards while completing 71% with 40 TDs and 8 picks in 13 starts. Over his career, he posted a 39-9 record including several bowl victories and impressive road wins at Ohio St. Threw for 12292 yards with 119 TDs and 21 interceptions and a 69.8% completion rate. Similar to NFL starter, Russell Wilson in size, AA, arm strength and LOD. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’ and 218 lbs. with 30 1/4” arms and 9 1/4 hands. He ran a 4.84 time and added a 29” VL and a 9’4” BJ with a 4.28 shuttle and 7.00 three cone.

The Skinny:  Highly productive QB with strong frame and rare arm to become a high-quality starter with some development. Needs improvement in his footwork to step up to play in a pro-style offense. He can throw the deep ball with accuracy, drive the ball down the field and make the tough intermediate throws and can fit the ball into tight windows when given time. Probable high 1st round and top pick. Top QB prospect with the skill set to win a starting job within a few seasons after learning a system. Needs further work on reading defenses and going through his progressions. Must prove up to the call of leadership to be successful in the NFL. Off the field problems must be addressed, though not criminal offenses. Rising top prospect.
                             Draft Projection: 1st Round