Draft Insiders’ 2022 All-Pro Teams

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

* Rookie

Offense

Position       First-Team        Second-Team

QB               Patrick Mahomes      Joe Burrow
RB                    Saquon Barkley           Josh Jacobs
RB                    Nick Chubb                  Derrick Henry
WR                   Tyreek Hill                   A.J. Brown
WR                   Justin Jefferson          Jaylen Waddle
WR                   Stefon Diggs               Davante Adams
TE                    Travis Kelce                 George Kittle
LT                    Andrew Thomas          Laremy Tunsil
LG                    Joel Bitonio                 Quenton Nelson
C                      Creed Humphrey          Jason Kelce
RG                   Wyatt Teller                 Zack Martin
RT                    Tristan Wirfs                Lane Johnson
 
All-Pro Defense

Position           First-Team            Second-Team
End                  Nick Bosa                    Brian Burns
DT                    Chris Jones                 Quinnen Williams
DT                    Dexter Lawrence          Christian Wilkins
End                  Myles Garrett               Maxx Crosby
LB                    Micah Parsons             Haason Reddick
LB                    Fred Warner                 Demario Davis
LB                    Matt Judon                  Bobby Wagner
CB                    Patrick Surtain             * Tariq Woolen
CB                    * Sauce Gardner           Jaycee Horn
CB                    Darius Slay                  Jaire Alexander
S                      Derwin James              Minkah Fitzpatrick
S                      Talanoa Hufanga          Budda Baker

Special Teams

Position           First-Team            Second-Team

Placekicker      Justin Tucker               Graham Gano
Punter              Ryan Stonehouse         Tommy Townsend
Longsnapper    Morgan Cox                 Andrew DePaola
Kickoff Returner   Nyheim Hines         Kalif Raymond
Punt Returner   Kalsean Nixon             Avery Williams
Special Teamer Jeremy Reaves           Josh Metellus

Safety Damar Hamlin Improves Significantly

NFL Season Final Weekend Schedule

The NFL announced today that Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin, who has been hospitalized at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center since Monday, has had substantial improvement in his condition. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during Monday’s game which had huge impact on the players, coaches and fans who witnessed the traumatic collision. Though he still remains in critical condition, he has made improvement in 72 hours which is very encouraging. Currently, they have removed his breathing tube and continues to make amazing improvement. He has spoken to family and teammates and is addressing team via Facetime. The miracle continues to unfold with prayers for a return to full health from the nation and NFL community.

The Bills host AFC East rival, the Patriots Sunday afternoon this home field advantage through the conference playoffs at stake, along with the Patriots fighting for the final AFC playoff berth.

The NFL announced that the Week 17 Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals game will not be resumed and has been cancelled. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed all clubs of his decision on Thursday, after speaking with the Bills, the Bengals and NFL Players Association leadership.

“This has been a very difficult week,” Goodell said. “We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country. We are also incredibly appreciative of the amazing work of the medical personnel and commend each and every one of them.”

Key factors in arriving at this decision:

Not playing the Buffalo-Cincinnati game to its conclusion will have no effect on which clubs qualify for the postseason. No club would qualify for the postseason and no club will be eliminated based on the outcome of this game.

The AFC Championship Game will be played at a neutral site if the participating teams played an unequal number of games and both could have been the number one seed and hosted the game had all AFC clubs played a full 17-game regular season. Those circumstances involve Buffalo or Cincinnati qualifying for the game as a road team and are listed below:

The NFL regular season closing weekend will determine the final three divisional winners with the Bengals/Ravens matchup for the AFC North title and the Titans/Jaguars deciding the AFC South winner key games.

The Eagles hold a one game lead over the Cowboys in the NFC East and host the Giants. A win and they clinch the divisional title. Three East teams, the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants are the only division with multiple clubs already in the postseason.  On Sunday night, the Packers-Lions matchup closes out the season with the winner qualifying for the final wild card spot. Both teams made strong pushes over the second half of the season to get to the .500 mark entering their final contest.

Final NFL Weekend Schedule

Saturday, January 7, 2023
    Matchup / Time / TV / Location

Kansas City @ Las Vegas – 4:30 PM – ESPN
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
 
Tennessee @ Jacksonville – 8:15 PM – ESPN
TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL
 
Sunday, January 8, 2023
    Matchup / Time / TV / Location

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta – 1:00 PM – FOX
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
 
New England @ Buffalo – 1:00 PM – CBS
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
 
Minnesota @ Chicago – 1:00 PM – FOX
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
 
Baltimore @ Cincinnati – 1:00 PM – CBS
Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
 
Houston @ Indianapolis – 1:00 PM – CBS
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
 
New York Jets @ Miami – 1:00 PM – FOX
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
 
Carolina @ New Orleans – 1:00 PM – FOX
Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
 
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh – 1:00 PM – CBS
Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
 
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver – 4:25 PM – CBS
Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
 
New York Giants @ Philadelphia – 4:25 PM – CBS
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
 
Arizona @ San Francisco – 4:25 PM – FOX
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle – 4:25 PM – FOX
Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
 
Dallas @ Washington – 4:25 PM – FOX
FedEx Field, Landover, MD
 
Detroit @ Green Bay – 8:20 PM – NBC
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wi.

All-Star Game Schedule Begins This Weekend

The upcoming postseason All-Star season is here with the schedule posted below. We will have scouts at these events attending – weigh-ins, practices, interviews and games. These games will be the final chance to see prospects in game action prior to the NFL Combine and vital Pro day workouts. We will have extensive coverage on web page at  www.draftinsiders.com along with player evaluation in our Feb. Newsletter and Yearbook 2023. 

 All-Star Game Schedule – January- February 2023      

January 8 – CGS Small School Invitational – Fort Worth, Texas
1/8 – Podyum Bowl – Miami, Florida
1/11 – College Gridiron Showcase – Fort Worth, Texas
 
1/14 – Hula Bowl – Orlando, Florida – CBSSN
1/21 – Tropical Bowl – Orlando, Florida
1/28 – NFLPA Collegiate Bowl – Pasadena, Ca – NFLN
 
2/2 – East-West Shrine Bowl – Las Vegas, Nv – NFLN
2/4 *** Senior Bowl Game – Feb. 4, 2023 Mobile, Alabama ***
– Hancock Whitney Stadium – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network –
                             Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 30th thru Thursday Feb. 3rd

For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/
 
February 28 -March 6 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN)

 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 30 years. He was a 20-year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.

Rookie Dameon Pierce Looks to Top the 1000 yard Mark

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – March 2022

Three Rookie Runners Push for 1000-yard Campaigns in 2022 Season Finale

Three rookie running backs this season, Dameon Pierce, Kenneth Walker and Tyler Allgeier all have a chance to earn the 1000 yard                         USA Today Photo
rushing mark this season with a strong closing game.

Pierce has had an outstanding rookie campaign with 220 carries for 939 yards, a 4.27 yard average and 4TDs. He also adds 30 receptions for 165 yards and 1 TD entering his final game at Indianapolis. It is even more amazing that he has accomplished this with the team with the worst record in the league at this point of the season. He was one of the few shining performers for the Texans who once again with select in the top five draft choices and possibly the first overall selection with a loss at Indianapolis this Sunday.

Pierce’s scouting report from March 2022 is below and listed as one of our most underrated offensive players in the draft class.

Walker has been instrumental in the Seahawks run for the playoffs this season, becoming their feature back with game breaking speed to change games. He enters his final contest with 936 yards on 199 carries for a 4.7 yard average and 7 TDs. He faces the Rams this week at home, hoping to pass the 1000 yard. Allgeier has 900 yards on 186 carries for a 4.8 yard average and 3 TDs. He faces the Bucs at home this week and it will take a 100 yard performance to hit the coveted mark.

The last time three rookie running backs topped the 1000-yard rushing mark was the NFL 2008 season. That year runners, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton all topped the 1200-yard rushing mark.

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Scouting Report – March 2022

Dameon Pierce #27 – 5-9, 220                Florida – Sp. 4.60
NFL Comparison: Mark Ingram                     Rating 72

Short compact two-year starter has been a consistent performer in the Gators’ pro-style offense. Low based back with good initial quickness, the speed to hit a hole and get outside. Fine vision and knows how to read and follow his blocks with sound decision making. Quickness to jump cut and string a few moves together. Good lower body power to break tackles with the speed through the hole to make plays and move the pile. Rarely goes down at first contact. Finishes with good body lean to make extra yardage. Displays reliable hands as a receiver and improved throughout his career. Runs the route tree with good patterns and initial coverage reads. Effective on screen passes and moves decisively up field after securing the catch. Needs to find soft spots in zones better and become a primary outlet receiver. Maxed out frame and probably at a good weight to run inside. Adept at seeing even a small crease and slipping through it quickly. Capable of handling a lot of touches. Size may be a liability when it comes to pass protection in the NFL, though definitely tough enough to make the step up and face a backer. At the NFL Combine, he came in at under 5’10” and 218 lbs. Ran a 4.59 time and did 21 reps. Added a 34.5” VL and a 9’11” BJ. Marginal career production. Shows adequate top end speed with the quick acceleration to get to the 2nd level with the creativity to hit openings and running lanes. As a receiver, shows developing skills to press in time for 3rd down role. Tough blocker with makeup to face up with backers after further technique work. Probably top 150–200 prospect and capable of being a quality starter, 1A or 3rd down back. Obscure well rounded prospect with the talent to fill a key, though limited role early in an offense. Talent to become solid surprise. Honest runner whose best football is ahead of him and a bargain on the 3rd day of the process.

NFL Draft 2023 – First Round Mock Draft 1.0

January, 2023
         All underclassmen have until Jan. 16^th to declare for the NFL Draft 2023. Players then have three days to rescind their decision and return to school and retain their college eligibility.

Exact draft order to be determined at close of the postseason. Top overall selections will change after the final games over the Jan 7-8 weekend of the non-playoff clubs.
   Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

1st Round

#           Team                           W/L      Player                          Pos      Ht/WT               School

1          Houston                        2-13-1   Bryce Young                 QB       5-11, 195          Alabama
2          Chicago                        3-13      Will Anderson                Edge    6-4. 245            Alabama
3          Seattle (Denver)            4-12      CJ Stroud                     QB       6-3, 215           Ohio State
4          Arizona                         4-12      Jalen Carter                  DT        6-3, 310        Georgia
5          Indianapolis                  4-11-1   Will Levis                      QB       6-3, 230         Kentucky
6          Detroit (LA Rams)          5-11      Bijan Robinson              RB        5-11, 225          Texas
7          Atlanta                          6-10      Myles Murphy               DE       6-5, 275            Clemson
8          Carolina                        6-10      Quentin Johnston          WR       6-3, 215            TCU
9          Las Vegas                    6-10      Joey Porter                     CB        6-1, 200        Penn State
10         Phil (New Orleans)         7-9        Kelee Ringo                  CB        6-2, 205            Georgia
11         Houston (Cleveland)      7-9        Paris Johnson               OT        6-6, 315            Ohio State
12         Tennessee                    7-9        Peter Skoronski           OT      6-4, 315            Northwestern
13         NY Jets                        7-9        Broderick Jones             OT        6-4, 315          Georgia
14         Washington                   7-8-1     Anthony Richardson      QB       6-4, 230            Florida
15         Seattle                          8-8        Michael Mayer              TE        6-4, 255            Notre Dame
16         New England                8-8        Bryan Bresee                DT        6-4, 300            Clemson
17         Pittsburgh                     8-8        Drew Sanders               LB        6-4, 245         Arkansas
18         Green Bay                    8-8        Jaxon Smith-Njigba       WR       5-11, 200          Ohio State
19         Detroit                      8-8        Tyree Wilson                   DE       6-5, 275            Texas Tech
20         Jacksonville                  8-8        Cam Smith                  CB        6-1, 190          South Carolina
21         Tampa Bay                   8-8        Isaiah Foskey               DE       6-4, 250            Notre Dame
Miami (pick forfeited)     8-8
22         NY Giants                   9-6-1     Jordan Addison               WR       5-11, 175          Southern Cal
23         LA Chargers                  10-6      Nolan Smith                  Edge    6-3, 235            Georgia
24         Baltimore                      10-6      Christian Gonzalez         CB        6-1. 205            Oregon
25         Cincinnati                      11-4      Clark Phillips                 CB        5-10 185           Utah
26         Denver (San Fran-Miami) 12-4     O’Cyrus Torrence        OG       6-5, 340            Florida
27         Dallas                         12-4      Brian Branch                   FS        6-0, 195            Alabama
28         Minnesota                     12-4      Kayshon Boutte           WR       6-0, 205            LSU
29         Buffalo                      12-3      Noah Sewell                    LB        6-2, 250            Oregon
30         Kansas City                  13-3      Jalin Hyatt                   WR       6-0, 180            Tennessee
31         Philadelphia                  13-3      Dawand Jones              OT        6-7, 360            Ohio State

NFL Draft 2023 – First Round Order
Texans & Seahawks Hold Two #1 Picks in the Top 12 Choices

  Frank Coyle / NFL Analyst

With the NFL campaign entering the final two regular season weeks with several playoff positions still open, teams will determine the early selections possibly as this weekend.

With just two games remaining, four NFL divisional titles are still unsettled.  Both the NFC South and AFC South divisions are wide open with every club alive for a playoff spot and all holding sub .500 records going into week 16.

Currently, the Houston Texans hold the #1 position at 2-12-1, though only a half a lead over the Bears who sit at 3-12. The Texans upset the Titans last week which delayed any claim of the first overall selection in the NFL Draft 2023.

Last year’s Super Bowl champion, the LA Rams are already eliminated with a dismal 5-10 record.

In the AFC, the Kansas City claimed their 7^th consecutive West title while the Bills earned their 2nd East title in a row. In the NFC, both the Vikings and 49ers earned divisional titles for the first time in several seasons.

The Rams do not have a #1 pick, due to the trade to the Lions for QB Mitchell Stafford. Four other clubs do not hold #1 picks, the Browns, 49ers, Dolphins and Saints. Four clubs have two #1 selections, the Texans, Lions, Seahawks and Eagles.

Currently, there are 9 teams with 7-8 records and holding the 12^th through the 20^th positions with a few divisional races decided over the final weeks in the overcomes. The final order for picks #19 through #32 will be decided by NFL playoff results. The strength of schedule percentage is for each club’s current season. There will be only 31 selections in the first round with Miami forfeiting their top draft choice.

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

 #          Team                                        W-L      Strength of schedule
1          Houston                                    2-12-1   .494
2          Chicago                                    3-12      .567
3          Seattle (Denver)                        4-11      .492
4          Arizona                                     4-11      .522
5          Indianapolis                              4-10-1   .510
6          Atlanta                                      5-10      .465
7          Detroit (LA Rams)                      5-10      .506
8          Carolina                                    6-9        .457
9          Las Vegas                                6-9        .465
10         Philadelphia (New Orleans)        6-9        .502
11         Houston (Cleveland)                  6-9        .522
12         Seattle                                      7-8        .473
13         Tennessee                                7-8        .506
14         New England                            7-8        .516
15         NY Jets                                    7-8        .529
16         Pittsburgh                                 7-8        .531
17         Green Bay                                7-8        .537
18         Detroit                                      7-8        .541
19         Jacksonville                              7-8        .482
20         Tampa Bay                               7-8        .490
21         Washington                               7-7-1     .537
22         Miami (pick forfeited)                 8-7        .539
23         NY Giants                                 8-6-1     .533
24         LA Chargers                              9-6        .435
25         Baltimore                                  10-5      .492
26         Denver (San Fran-Miami)           11-4      .414
27         Dallas                                       11-4      .514
28         Cincinnati                                  11-4      .525
29         Kansas City                              12-3      .455
30         Minnesota                                 12-3      .480
31         Buffalo                                     12-3      .514
32         Philadelphia                              13-2      .475

Seahawks’ Rookie Tariq Woolen

Cornerback Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report
  Frank Coyle / Head scout – March, 2022

     Photo – Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images

 Here is our Scouting Report of defender Tariq Woolen from last spring when we ranked him as the #7 cornerback in the class and projected him to be a 2nd-3rd round pick on talent and value. Incredibly, he fell to the Seattle in the 5th round, the 153rd overall selection. He has been one of the premier defenders in this rookie class which has featured several outstanding first year starters like Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and Derek Stingley.

 After 14 games this season, Woolen has registered 51 tackles with 39 of them solo stops along with 6 interceptions and 13 pass breakups with one returned for a TD. He fits the Seahawks tradition and mold for long athletic cover men and has been arguably the best value of the entire NFL Draft 2022. He has started since training camp and has established himself as a fixture in the Seahawks secondary.

         Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report – March, 2022

 Tariq Woolen #20 – 6-4, 205 Texas-San Antonio – Sp. 4.25                          
             NFL Comparison: Greedy Williams                 Rating 85

Long athlete made a successful conversion to cornerback after starting his career as a wide receiver. Made incredible progress especially over his final season, showing natural skills and the tough demeanor to be a top flight pro. Freakish prototypical skill set for the position and really responded to coaching on the basics of the corner spot.  Strong athletic frame with very good movement skills for the position. Over his short career, he gained experience in several techniques especially man situations and has made quick improvement raising his LOD. Rare combination of length, speed, fluidity and physicality to be a top pro corner with further development. Shows outstanding length and leaping skills combined with blazing speed gives him the traits of a top flight shutdown cover man. Currently he is still developing on basics and needs work on his pedal which can be too high, in addition to a hesitation in his reads which allows separation early on the route. Reliable open-field tackling ability with sound technique and hand use to get off blockers. Good at the line when coming up to take on blockers and finish. Willing to stick his nose in the middle of the action and fights off blocks to aggressively make tackles. Able to effectively handle press coverage and adept at bump-and-run using his strong hands to deliver a powerful punch. Uses his length and strength to reroute receivers off the jam. Opens his hips smoothly with the ability to retain fine speed and tight coverage. Shows the ability to turn, run and blanket his man while maintaining good speed down the field. Displays the good vision, balance, timing and ball skills to break up passes. Finished with 2 career interceptions and 9 PBUs. Developing instincts and awareness to adjust to plays outside his zone. Needs to be more decisive in his initial reads and learn to trust his eyes. At times, he gets too physical and can grab receivers and needs to be more disciplined. Usually stays on top of deep routes, though can give up too much separation at times vs top route runners through the intermediate zones. Most effective when asked to play man coverage, though grades out high in zones. Needs work on route recognition to be NFL ready. Faced average talent and graded out highly, but must prove ready for NFL air attacks. Displays a short memory and the tough mentality the position demands. In 2021, he started 9 games and made 25 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 pick and 5 PBU, earning first team CUSA honors. Over his two seasons at corner, he started 20 games and made 60 tackles, 2 picks, 2 sacks and 9 PBUs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’4” and 205 lbs. with 33 5/8” arms and 9 1/8” hands. Ran a blazing 4.26 time and added a 42” vertical leap. Performed fairly well in big game situations, though struggled early in 2021 when he was beat for a few TDs when looking into the backfield. With more technique development and consistency, has the talent to be among the class’s best corners. Though still raw in basics, he is a talented prospect who is making real strides at the position. At the Senior Bowl, made progress in his pedal and reads, areas which must improve to get reps in the NFL. Similar to Greedy Williams/Jimmy Smith in natural skills, AA, development and hitting power. Similar not only in size but raw skill set, which needs time and refinement. Fast riser off a quick learning curve, though still raw and a work in progress on finer points of coverage. Hitter with ability to intimidate receivers and durable at a demanding position. Top 60 pick with incredible ceiling.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 16

Wild NFL Weekend
Chiefs Clinch 7th AFC West Title
49ers Win NFC West

Bills Outlast Dolphins
Giants Win Huge Game in Washington
Jaguars Shock Cowboys in Overtime
Lions Edge Jets

Team of the Week
Bills beat Dolphins in key AFC East Matchup

Players of the Week
NFC
Offense – QB Kirk Cousins – Vikings
Defense – DE J.J. Watt – Cardinals

AFC
Offense – QB Trevor Lawrence – Jaguars
Defense – S Rayshawn Jenkins – Jaguars

Rookies of the Week
Offense – WR Jahan Dotson – Commanders
Defense – DE Kayvon Thibodeaux – Giants

Games of Week 16
   Saturday
Giants at Vikings – 1:00 pm – Fox
Bengals at Patriots – 1 pm – CBS
Eagles at Cowboys – 4:25 pm – Fox
   Sunday
Packers at Dolphins – 1:00 pm – CBS

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 13-1 Eagles
The Eagles edged the Bears probably looking ahead to the Cowboys this week. They can clinch divisional title with a victory and carry home field advantage through the playoffs in the process.

#2 – 11-3 Chiefs
Chiefs won their 7th straight AFC West title with their OT victory over the Texans. Playing for home field advantage vs the Bills and Bengals which could be a determining factor in January. Host the Seahawks this Saturday.

#3 – 11-3 Bills
Bills won crucial matchup vs the Dolphins to make playoffs. Still looking to clinch the East title this week at Chicago. They will compete for home field advantage over final games and it’s a huge bonus for the Bills especially in the postseason.

#4 – 10-4 49ers
The 49ers won their 7th consecutive game vs the Seahawks to claim the NFC West title. Their dominant defense continues to lead the league in the fewest points allowed. They host the Commanders needing to win to gain home field advantage in the postseason.

#5 – 11-3 Vikings
Vikings made the greatest comeback in NFL history vs the Colts. Their explosive offense continues to compensate of a vulnerable defense in major secondary issues. Host the Giants this week on Saturday in a key NFC matchup with postseason implications.

#6 – 10-4 – Cowboys
The Cowboys were drilled by the Jaguars in OT with their defense being shredded by QB Lawrence. Host the East leading Eagles where they look to clinch the division with a win on Christmas Eve.

#7 – 10-4 Bengals
The Bengals continue to peak with a victory over the Bucs. QB Joe Burrow lead the comeback with a number of clutch plays. Hit the road to face the desperate Patriots in a key AFC matchup with both clubs needing to win.

#8 – 9-5 Ravens
The Ravens fell to the Browns without QB Lamar Jackson. Their offense struggled in every phase of the game. Backup QB Tyler Huntley may start again with the Falcons coming to town. They need a win to keep in the mix for the North and wild card races.

#9 – 8-6 Dolphins
Dolphins have lost three in a row with a tough divisional loss to the Bills last week. Their defense has slipped noticeably Host the desperate Packers Sunday in a matchup that has impact on both conference playoff races.

#10 – 8-6 Chargers
The Chargers gutted it out vs the Titans for a critical victory. They travel to Indy to face the Colts who collapsed last week. Chargers have to step up here and separate themselves for the playoff pretenders.

#11 – 7-7 Titans
The Titans lost to the Chargers which reduced their South lead to only one game lover the Jaguars.
Hos the Texans in a must win situation. Their offense needs to step up and control the game behind
runner Derrick Henry.

#12 – 8-5-1 Giants
The Giants won a huge game in Washington that puts them in the drivers’ seat for a wild card berth.
Runner Saquon Barkley had gutty performance. Travel to Minnesota to face the potent Vikings which could be a preview of wildcard weekend.

#13 – 7-7 Seahawks
Seahawks lost to the 49ers mainly due to an inept offense which failed to score a TD until late in the 4th quarter. They must recover quickly and get back on a winning steak with a difficult trip to KC this week.

#14 – 7-7 Lions
The relentless Lions edged the Jets to continue their turnaround from a weak first half. They have won 6 of their last 7 games and have shown an explosive passing game and an improving defense in the process. Travel to Carolina with both clubs clinging to their playoff hopes in the balance.

#15 – 7-7 Patriots
The Pats lost an insane game vs the Raiders on a foolish final play which cost them a sure victory. They host the hot Bengals. Belichick will have to put together great game plan to neutralize the savvy QB Burrow with both clubs needing a victory for their postseason hopes.

#16 – 7-7 Jets
Jets fell short vs the Lions with QB Zach Wilson back as the starter for their 3rd straight loss. They host the hot Jaguars this Thursday night in a must win situation for both clubs. The Jets defense continues to keep them alive in every game, but they need more production from a subpar offense if they want to win in late money games.

#17 – 7-6-1 Commanders
The Commanders lost to the GMen in a key NFC East matchup which has them in a desperate situation playing the 49ers in San Fran this week. Their NFC playoff hopes are slim and must win here to stay in contention for a wild card spot vs the leagues’ best defense.

#18 – 6-8 Packers
The Packers beat a battered Rams club on Monday night. They travel Miami with both clubs desperate with fading slim playoff hopes. QB Aaron Rodgers is capable of carrying this club, but their marginal mathematical chances demand them running the table from here.

#19 – 5-9 Saints
The Saints beat the Falcons last week to keep their playoff hopes alive. They are only one game out of first place in the NFC South. They travel to Cleveland this week in a must win situation, where both sub .500 clubs are still alive, but the urgency for each to win will most likely eliminate the loser.

#20 – 6-8 Jaguars
Jaguars won their biggest game in years with an impressive OT victory over the Cowboys. QB Trevor Lawrence has taken charge and lead this club with 4 TD passes to continue their late run for a playoff spot. Face the Jets at MetLife this Thursday which will determine the fate of both clubs.

#21 – 6-8 Steelers
Steelers beat the Panthers behind Mitch Trubisky, but will go with healthy Kenny Pickett this week. Ironically, they host the Raiders this week in wake of former Steeler great Franco Harris. Steelers must win here and look for help to have any remote AFC playoff chances.

#22 – 6-8 – Bucs
Bucs fell to the Bengals with their defense failing to contain Joe Burrow in crunch time. They still hold a slim lead the NFC South with a soft remaining schedule. They travel to Arizona to face the struggling Cardinals in a matchup where they can establish a two game lead with two to play.

#23 – 6-8 Raiders
Raiders got a gift win last week with a crazy final reckless play they made to score a game winning TD. Hoping to run the table and sneak into playoffs like last season. Travel to Pittsburgh this week where the loser can start making plans for next year.

#24 – 6-8 Browns
Browns beat rival the Ravens which kept their slim postseason hopes alive. They have three winnable games in the Saints, Commanders and Steelers remaining with no excuse to claim a final spot. Vet QB Deshaun Watson stepped up last week and made a difference in big spots.

#25 – 5-9 Falcons
Falcons turned the page and started rookie QB Desmond Ridder vs the Saints. They lost a close game but still within one game of the NFC South lead. They travel to Baltimore on Saturday which becomes the acid test for any playoff chances.

#26 – 5-9 Panthers
Panthers struggled vs the Steelers, though still maintain playoff possibilities in the weak NFC South. Host the hot Lions this week followed by a trip to Tampa. Sam Darnold has done OK in his audition for the starting job next season.

#27 – 4-9-1 Colts
Colts blew the biggest lead in NFL history last week when they totally collapsed vs the Vikings. They host the Chargers on Monday night hoping to play the spoiler of their playoff hopes.

#28 – 4-10 Rams
Oh how the mighty have fallen this season. Rams continue to struggle without Stafford and Kupp on offense along with Donald on defense. Host the Broncos this week in probably the two most disappointing clubs in the league this season.

#29 – 4-10 – Broncos
Broncos beat the Cardinals in a game for draft position. Travel to LA to face the equally disappointing Rams with both clubs facing important offseason questions.

#30 – 4-10 Cardinals
They lost to the Broncos struggling without QB Kyler Murray to generate an offense. They host the Bucs this week playing out the string for next season.

#31 – 3-11 Bears
The Bears pressed the Eagles last week, though came up short once again. They are on a 7-game losing streak with only QB Justin Fields’s running skills of interest. They host the Bills this week and be fully tested to compete for one of the premier clubs in the league.

#32 – 1-12-1 Texans
Texans played hard again, but lost in OT to the Chiefs. Travel to Nashville to face the Titans in a tough matchup. They could clinch the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft 2023 with a loss and Bears win.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

Giants’ Rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux Dominates Sunday Night Game 

Rookie Defensive Player of the Week – 12/19/22

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report
Kayvon Thibodeaux Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Giants’ rookie edge defender put on a dominant performance vs the Commanders on Sunday night earning defensive rookie of the week for the 3^rd time this season. Thibodeaux is a well- developed defender with big play ability off the edge plus good run support talent to hold the edge and pursue down the line.

In a strong rookie defensive group, he has the skill set to be one of the special players in this draft class. He took over the game Sunday night vs the Commanders and changed the outcome in the balance. He has filled the much needed impact edge defender the Giants have sought in recent years.

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report

March 2022
NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 – 250 In-depth Scouting Reports – Top 300+ Rankings

Defensive End – Positional Overview:

This year’s defensive end class is a very strong group which could produce as many as six #1 picks. There are several blue-chip prospects at the top and probably 5 should go in the top 15 selections. There could be as many as 10-12 in the top three rounds with as many as 15 thru the middle rounds. Aidan Hutchinson is the best defender in this draft class and could be a top two overall pick. He is NFL ready and a three-down starter. Kayvon Thibodeaux is an explosive edge defender and among the best of this special class of edge defenders. He figures in the top few selections.

Kayvon Thibodeaux – Scouting Report

* Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 – 6-4, 255                Oregon – Sp. 4.60                        
                NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware               Rating 93

Physically gifted true junior declared for the NFL Draft after an injury marred 2021 season limited by an ankle injury. Freakish athlete with rare combination of length, agility, speed and power to play in both NFL fronts. Long angular frame with long arms (33 1/8”) and quick feet to play both outside positions in either pro scheme. Shows explosiveness off the snap to be an impact speed pass rusher with the size, length and natural strength to also win as a power rusher. The ideal defender as a weak side end in a 4-3 scheme, as well as the agility and foot quickness to play outside in a 3-4 front. His versatility and upside potential make him attractive to all defenses and should land among the top overall selections. Despite facing double team blocking, he continued to make impact plays along the talented Ducks’ front. Rare physical traits for the position with the agility of a linebacker and power of a lineman. Chiseled physique and well distributed with the room to add muscle to fit the prototypical measurables for an elite pro edge rusher. Shows fine functional strength to stack and shed blockers, though can be engulfed at the point at times. Uses his good height to his advantage and uses his long arm to get blockers off his body and follow with technique to separate and burst to the ball. Very good movement skills and footwork for his size and when called upon to drop into coverage on zone blitzes, showed good agility and coordination. Displays a very good spin move to disengage blockers with a great closing burst. Special quick-twitch athleticism and comes off the snap quickly and shows rare flexibility to bend the edge. Consistent with his knee bend and use of leverage. Currently his pass rush is a nice combination of speed and power, though he needs to refine and add new moves to become a premier pro edge defender. Shows the speed to be very effective in pursuit to the opposite sidelines or downfield. Fine length to effectively disrupt passing lanes and be a factor deflecting passes. Shows a strong jarring hand punch, though needs further development to gain a consistent early advantage. Shows deceptive strength to hold the POA and win most individual battles, though his narrow frame makes him vulnerable at the point. Relies mainly on his initial burst and swim move to beat blockers and needs to develop moves like a rip and using his long arm better especially facing the double team. Must play with good pad level to maintain leverage. Sound awareness with agility and balance to move down the LOS to finish. Fine short area burst to win early on the down and penetrate the backfield. Over the 2021 season, he started 11 games and finished with 50 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 2 FF and 7 sacks and earned 1st team Pac-12 honors. His production slipped late in the season when he received special attention weekly with double team blocking. Over his three-year career, he played in 31 games with 123 tackles, 35.5 TFL, 3 FF, 7 PBU and 19 sacks. In three Pac-12 championship games, he combined for 21 QB hurries, 13 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’4” and 254 lbs. with 33 1/8” arms and 9 3/4” hands. Ran a 4.58 time with a 1.59 ten-yard split. Added 27 reps in the lifting. Excellent fit for weakside end in a 4-3 set or the attack backer role in a 3-4 scheme. Talented defender with the complete skill set, though must dispel the somewhat hot and cold label. Blue chip #1 prospect with the skills similar to Demarcus Ware in AA, body type and Pro Bowl potential. Must adapt to facing double teams to be an elite NFL defender. Dedication to football has been questioned, though his production disputes that. Top 5 pick with incredible upside and scheme diversity to become a difference maker. Special elite edge rusher.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 5 Selection

Draft Insiders’ 2022 All-American Teams

Frank Coyle
DraftInsiders.com – Annual All-American Teams

First Team
Offense

QB Caleb Williams – USC
RB Bijan Robinson – Texas
RB Blake Corum – Michigan
WR Jalin Hyatt – Tennessee
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State
WR Xavier Hutchinson – Iowa State
TE Michael Mayer – Notre Dame
LT Peter Skoronski – Northwestern
G Andrew Vorhees – USC
C John Michael Schmitz – Minnesota
G O’Cyrus Torrence – Florida
RT Dawand Jones – Ohio State
All-Purpose – Deuce Vaughn – Kansas State

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 plus All-American teams annually for 30 years.

Defense

Edge Will Anderson Jr. – Alabama
Edge Isaiah Foskey – Notre Dame
DL Jalen Carter – Georgia
DL Calijah Kancey – Pittsburgh
LB Ivan Pace Jr. – Cincinnati
LB Jack Campbell – Iowa
LB Tommy Eichenberg – Ohio State
CB Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson – TCU
CB Clark Phillips – Utah
S Kaevon Merriweather – Iowa
S Brian Branch – Alabama

Special Teams

PK Joshua Karty – Stanford
P Adam Korsak – Rutgers
KR Jaylin Lucas – Indiana
PR Anthony Gould – Oregon State

Second Team
Offense

QB C.J. Stroud – Ohio State
RB Mohamed Ibrahim – Minnesota
RB Zach Charbonnet – UCLA
WR Josh Downs – North Carolina
WR Tank Dell – Houston
WR Rashee Rice – SMU
TE Dalton Kincaid – Utah
LT Joe Alt – Notre Dame
G Jarrett Patterson – Notre Dame
C Olusegun Oluwatimi – Michigan
G Cooper Beebe – Kansas State
RT Alex Palczewski – Illinois
All-Purpose – Sean Tucker – Syracuse

Defense

Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Kansas State
Edge Karl Brooks – Bowling Green
DL Tuli Tuipulotu – USC
DL Tyree Wilson – Texas Christian
LB Drew Sanders – Arkansas
LB Nick Herbig – Wisconsin
LB Cedric Gray – North Carolina
CB Emmanuel Forbes – Mississippi State
CB Devon Witherspoon – Illinois
S Kamren Kinchens – Miami (FL)
S Ronnie Hickman – Ohio State

Special Teams

PK Christopher Dunn – NC State
P Tory Taylor – Iowa
KR Johnnie Lang – Arkansas State
PR Eric Garror – Louisiana