Cardinals Hold 1^st Overall Pick Selection Entering Final  NFL Weekend

Frank Coyle/ Publisher – Head Scout

 With just one game remaining in the 2018 season, the first round order for the NFL Draft 2019 is shaping the selection process. Currently, 16 clubs still have mathematical chances to earn playoff spots. All NFC division winners have been decided, though one wild card playoff club remains to join Seattle. The AFC playoff picture is more complicated with only the Patriots claiming a division title. The three other AFC divisions are still open with eight teams vying for the five remaining playoff positions.  

 Arizona has the #1 off their 3-12 record. The 49ers remain at the 2^nd overall selection off opponent’s won/loss records, though tied with the Jets and Oakland at 4-11. The Lions, Bucs, Bills, Giants and Jaguars hold the #5 thru #9 overall choices on the merit of their poor 5-10 records. There is a logjam with four clubs at 6-9 that will impact the top half of the first round over the final Sunday of the 2018 season.

 This weekend features a few key matchups, Atlanta at Tampa and Detroit at Green Bay that can shuffle the top 10 selections for all of those clubs. Arizona, San Fran, Jets and Raiders all have road divisional games that will determine the final draft order at the very top of the selection process.

 Opponents’ W-L record will be posted next week after all 16 opponents for each team and the final draft order.  Teams that are tied are currently ranked in the order of their opponents won/loss record.

Current First Round Draft Order

# / Team / W-L /
1 Arizona          3-12
2 San Francisco  4-11
3 NY Jets          4-11
4 Oakland         4-11
5 Detroit           5-10
6 Tampa Bay    5-10
7 Buffalo          5-10
8 NY Giants      5-10
9 Jacksonville   5-10
10 Atlanta         6-9
11 Carolina       6-9
12 Denver         6-9
13 Cincinnati     6-9
14 Green Bay    6-8-1
15 Miami           7-8
16 Washington  7-8
17 Cleveland     7-7-1
18 Philadelphia 8-7
19 Pittsburgh    8-6-1
20 Tennessee    9-6
21 Minnesota    8-6-1
22 Indianapolis  9-6
23 Seattle         9-6
24 Oakland (Dallas)       9-6
25 Baltimore     9-6
26 Houston       10-5
27 New England            10-5
28 Oakland (Chicago)    11-4
29 L.A. Chargers           11-4
30 L.A. Rams    12-3
31 Kansas City  11-4
32 Green Bay (New Orleans)      13-2

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

Merry Christmas from Draft Insiders’ Staff

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

The upcoming NFL Draft is attracting another strong group of underclassmen. Last year a record number of underclassmen decided to turn pro with well over a 100 prospects entering the NFL ranks. This year may break those numbers with almost a month before the Jan. 15^th deadline approaches. Expect many new additions here over the next few weeks as we get deeper into the bowl season. This draft class will be a very heavy defensive talent group from both the underclassmen and senior classes.

In addition, to the large number of underclassmen entering the pro ranks, many players are opting out of their bowl game to prepare for the demanding NFL Draft postseason, both the All-star weeks and NFL Combine and pro day events. These players have increased in recent years and this is a disturbing recent development with key players ending their college careers with their team’s most important postseason game on the agenda.

Underclassmen who have declared for the NFL Draft 2019
Dec. 24th

Position / Player / School/ Class
Offensive Players

QB Jarrett Stidham                    Auburn              Jr
RB Benny Snell                         Kentucky          Jr
RB Justice Hill                           Oklahoma St     Jr
RB Devin Singletary                  Florida Atlantic  Jr
RB Mike Weber                         Ohio State        Jr
RB Darrell Henderson                Memphis           Jr
RB Rodney Anderson                Oklahoma         Jr
RB LJ Scott                              Michigan St       Jr
RB Alex Barnes                         Kansas St         Jr
RB Kerrith Whyte                       Florida Atlantic  Jr
RB Bolu Olorunfunmi                 UCLA                Jr
WR AJ Brown                            Mississippi       Jr
WR Kelvin Harmon                    North Carolina St Jr
WR N’Keal Harry                       Arizona St         Jr
WR DK Metcalf                         Mississippi       RSo
WR Preston Williams                 Colorado St      Jr
WR Greg Dortch                       Wake Forest     RSo
WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams      North Carolina   Jr
WR Antoine Wesley                   Texas Tech       Jr
WR Jovon Durante                    Florida Atlantic  Jr
WR Jazz Ferguson                    Northwestern St  Jr
TE Noah Fant                            Iowa                 Jr
TE Caleb Wilson                       UCLA                Jr
TE Alize Mack                           Notre Dame      Jr
TE Dax Raymond                      Utah St             Jr
TE Keenen Brown                     Texas St           Jr
TE Dawson Knox                      Mississippi        Jr
OT Greg Little                           Mississippi       Jr
OT Tyler Roemer                       San Diego St    RSo
OT Andre James                       UCLA               Jr
OT William Sweet                      North Carolina   Jr
OG Nate Herbig                        Stanford           Jr

Defensive Players
DE Nick Bosa                           Ohio St Jr
DE Jordan Brailford                   Oklahoma St     Jr
DE Maxx Crosby                       Eastern Michigan Jr
DT Ed Oliver                             Houston            Jr
DT Rashan Gary                       Michigan           Jr
DT Dre’Mont Jones                   Ohio St             Jr
DT Ed Alexander                       LSU                  Jr
DT Amani Bledsoe                    Oklahoma         Jr
OLB Brian Burns                       Florida St          Jr
OLB Quart’e Sapp                     Tennessee        Jr
CB Greedy Williams                  LSU                  RSO
CB Justin Layne                        Michigan St         Jr
CB Sean Bunting                       Central Michigan Jr
CB Xavier Crawford                   Central Michigan Jr
CB Blessuan Austin                   Rutgers               Jr
FS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson  Florida                Jr

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

NFL Power Poll – Week 16

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Bears Clinch NFC North Division
Chargers Clinch Playoff Berth – Tied With Chiefs for AFC West Division

Team of the Week  
    L.A. Chargers edge Kansas City Chiefs, 29-28

Upset of the Week
Philadelphia beats LA Rams, 30-23

 Players of the Week 
  Offense – QB Philip Rivers – Chargers     
  Defense – DE Melvin Ingram – Chargers

Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Jaylen Samuels – Steelers
    Defense – LB Darius Leonard – Colts

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Game of Week #16 – Baltimore Ravens (8-6) at LA Chargers (11-3)  
Both clubs still alive for divisional titles

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 16

NFL Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 12-2 Saints
Saints’ returned to the victory column quickly vs the Panthers.

#2 -11-3 Rams
Rams’ are starting to look ordinary the past few weeks.

#3 – 11-3 Chiefs
Chiefs’ lost a shootout to the Chargers. Go to Seattle in a huge matchup for both clubs.

#4 – 11-3 Chargers
Chargers have been relentless, showing the maturity to win key contests.

#5 – 10-4 Texans
Texans’ returned to the winning column vs the Jets. Look to clinch AFC South with win in Philly.

#6 – 10-4 Bears
The Bears beat the Packers in last one to clinch North title.

#7 – 9-5 Patriots
Pats lost their second game in a row. Probably lose home field advantage beyond the first round of playoffs.

#8 – 8-6 Seahawks
Seahawks lost to the 49ers in overtime that may cost them a playoff berth.

#9 – 8-6 Cowboys
The Cowboys were shutout by the Colts after five straight wins. Host the Bucs hoping for division title win.

#10 – 8-5-1 Steelers
Steelers’ beat the Patriots in a must win situation. Travel to New Orleans in another huge game to hold their AFC North leadership.

#11 – 8-6 Ravens
Ravens beat the Bucs to pressure the Steelers. Face the Chargers on the West coast Saturday that can define both divisions.

#12 – 8-6 Colts
Colts’ Andrew Luck came up big again, this time vs the Cowboys. Host the Giants in another must win situation on Sunday.

#13 – 8-6 Titans
The Titans shutout the GMen. Host the Skins this Sunday and must win to stay abreast in crazy AFC wild card race.

#14 – 7-7 Dolphins
Dolphins caved on to the Vikings in last one. Host Bucs holding on to long playoff chances.

#15 – 7-7 Eagles
Eagles refuse to die and won huge matchup with NFC leading Rams. Host the tough Texans in their next must win spot.

#16 – 7-6-1 Vikings
Vikings beat the Dolphins in a big win. Face the Lions in a must win trap game situation for any playoff hopes.

#17 – 7-7 Redskins
The Redskins edged out a win vs the Jaguars. Travel to Tennessee in a tough game that can end their playoff hopes.

#18 – 6-7-1 Browns
Browns are a tough out and beat the Broncos to stay mathematically alive for wild card spot.

#19- 6-8 Broncos
Broncos came up empty again with another horrible loss this time to the Browns. Face the Raiders playing only for pride vs a hated rival.

#20 – 6-8 Panthers
Panthers were inept again offensively, losing their sixth straight game this time to the Saints.

#21 – 6-8 Bengals
Bengals’ beat the Raiders in a meaningless game, holding on to respectability.

#22 – 5-9 Giants
The Giants played poorly last week vs the Titans that ended any playoff mathematical chances.

#23 – 5-8-1 Packers
The Packers were eliminated by the hated Bears last week. Expect a huge offseason turnover here.

#24 – 5-9 Lions
Lions lost to the lowly Bills. Host the Vikings hoping to play spoiler.

#25 – 5-9 Falcons
Falcons wacked the Cardinals in the basement bowl. Face Panthers in the disappointment bowl.

#26 – 5-9 Bucs
Bucs came up short in Baltimore. Travel to Big D dreaming of keeping Cowboys on the outside of the playoffs.

#27 – 5-9 Bills
Bills beat the Lions with rookie QB Josh Allen at the helm. Travel to New England in a huge test for their first year starter.

#28 – 4-10 Jaguars
Jaguars’ lost to the struggling Skins. They look to end the Dolphins playoff dreams this week.

#29 – 4-10 Jets
Jets’ lost to the Texans. Host the struggling Packers this Sunday in maybe their last chance to taste victory in 2018.

#30 – 4-10 49ers
The 49ers shocked the Seahawks in overtime. Host the tough Bears this Sunday.

#31 – 3-11 Cardinals
Cardinals’ pathetic offense came up short vs the Saints. Playing out the string, hosting the Rams this week.

#32 – 3-11 Raiders
Raiders will try to suck it up vs the hated Broncos. Huge roster turnover will continue this offseason.

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

 

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

The upcoming NFL Draft is attracting another strong group of underclassmen. Last year a record number of underclassmen decided to turn pro with well over a 100 prospects entering the NFL ranks. This year may break those numbers with almost a month before the Jan. 14th  deadline approaches. Expect many new additions here over the next few weeks as we get deeper into the bowl season. This draft class will be a very heavy defensively talent group from both the underclassmen and senior classes.

In addition, to the large number of underclassmen entering the pro ranks, many players are opting out of their bowl game to prepare for the demanding NFL Draft postseason, both the All-star weeks and NFL Combine and pro day events. These players have increased in recent years and is a disturbing development with key player sending their college careers with their team’s most important postseason game on the agenda.

Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

   Dec. 17th

Position / Player / School

Offensive Players

QB Jarrett Stidham                    Auburn              Jr

RB Benny Snell                         Kentucky          Jr

RB Justice Hill                           Oklahoma St     Jr

RB Devin Singletary                  Florida Atlantic  Jr

RB Mike Weber                         Ohio State        Jr

RB Darrell Henderson                Memphis           Jr

RB Rodney Anderson                Oklahoma         Jr

RB LJ Scott                              Michigan St       Jr

RB Alex Barnes                         Kansas St         Jr

RB Kerrith Whyte                       Florida Atlantic  Jr

RB Bolu Olorunfunmi                 UCLA                Jr

WR AJ Brown                            Mississippi       Jr

WR Kelvin Harmon                    North Carolina St Jr

WR N’Keal Harry                       Arizona St         Jr

WR DK Metcalf                         Mississippi       RSo

WR Preston Williams                 Colorado St      Jr

WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams      North Carolina   Jr

WR Antoine Wesley                   Texas Tech       Jr

WR Jovon Durante                    Florida Atlantic  Jr

WR Jazz Ferguson                    Northwestern St  Jr

TE Noah Fant                            Iowa                 Jr

TE Caleb Wilson                       UCLA                Jr

TE Alize Mack                           Notre Dame      Jr

TE Dax Raymond                      Utah St             Jr

TE Keenen Brown                     Texas St           Jr

OT Greg Little                           Mississippi       Jr

OT Tyler Roemer                       San Diego St    RSo

Defensive Players

DE Nick Bosa                           Ohio St Jr

DE Jordan Brailford                   Oklahoma St     Jr

DT Ed Oliver                             Houston            Jr

DT Rashan Gary                       Michigan           Jr

DT Dre’Mont Jones                   Ohio St             Jr

OLB Brian Burns                       Florida St          Jr

OLB Quart’e Sapp                     Tennessee        Jr

CB Greedy Williams                  LSU                  RSO

CB Justin Layne                        Michigan St       Jr

CB Sean Bunting                       Central Michigan Jr

CB Xavier Crawford                   Central Michigan Jr

FS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson  Florida                Jr

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

NFL Power Poll – Week 15

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Bears and Cowboys Take Commanding Leads in NFC Divisions
Saints Clinch NFC South Division

Team of the Week  
    Chicago Bears edge LA Rams, 15-6

Upset of the Week
Miami beats New England, 34-33
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Andrew Luck – Colts     
  Defense – LB Justin Houston – Chiefs
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Saquon Barkley – Giants
    Defense – LB Darius Leonard – Colts

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Game of Week #15 – Dallas Cowboys (8-5) at Indianapolis Colts (7-6)  
Cowboys Can Claim NFC East Title with victory

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 15

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -11-2 Rams
Rams’ drilled the Lions to win NFC West title.

#2 – 11-2 Chiefs
Chiefs’ playing for ‘Mahomes’ Field advantage in the AFC.

#3 – 11-2 Saints
Saints’ returned to the victory column quickly vs the Bucs.

#4 – 9-4 Patriots
Pats lose on the ‘Miami Miracle’ that has them coming back to the pack in the AFC playoff possibilities.

#5 – 9-4 Texans
Texans’ ended their nine game winning streak, losing a big division game to the Colt’s Andrew Luck.

#6 – 10-3 Chargers
Chargers are still only one game behind Chiefs in battle for AFC West title.

#7 – 9-4 Bears
The Bears were very impressive in their victory over the Rams Sunday night.

#8 – 8-5 Seahawks
Seahawks found a way to beat the Vikings Monday night.

#9 – 8-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys win their fifth straight game with huge victory over the Eagles in overtime.

#10 – 7-5-1 Steelers
Steelers’ lose their second straight to the lowly Raiders. Host the Patriots in a must win situation.

#11 – 7-6 Ravens
Ravens lost heartbreaker to Kansas City. In a dog fight for North title and final wild card playoff hopes.

#12 – 7-6 Colts
Colts’ Andrew Luck came up huge vs the Texans. Host the Cowboys Sunday that may decide any postseason hopes.

#13 – 7-6 Titans
The Titans beat the Jaguars last Thursday night. Rested for trip to play the GMen.

#14 – 7-6 Dolphins
Dolphins won huge miracle game vs the Patriots. Travel to Vikings hoping to catch them on the downswing.

#15 – 6-7 Eagles
Eagles lost a vital matchup to the Cowboys. Travel to LA to face the NFC leading Rams.

#16 – 6-6-1 Vikings
Vikings continue their slide with loss to the Seahawks. Host the Dolphins in a must win situation for any playoff hopes.

#17- 6-7 Broncos
Broncos came up empty in a horrible lose to the 49ers. Host the Browns with the loser virtually eliminated.

#18 – 5-8 Giants
The Giants played well again last week vs the Skins. Host the Titans for any playoff mathematical chances.

#19 – 5-7-1 Packers
The Packers beat the fading Falcons. Face a must win situation in Chicago on Sunday.

#20 – 6-7 Panthers
Panthers were inept losing their fifth straight game to the Brown. Host the Saints Monday night.

#21 – 6-7 Redskins
The Redskins were wacked by the GMen behind Mark Sanchez. Hoping for mathematical miracles over final three games.

#22 – 5-8 Bengals
Bengals’ will have some major changes this offseason after another lackluster effort.

#23 – 5-7-1 Browns
Browns beat the struggling Panthers last Sunday. Browns are 3-2 under interim HC Greg Williams.

#24 – 5-8 Lions
Lions beat the equally disappointing Cardinals. Travel to Buffalo in another winnable matchup.

#25 – 4-9 Falcons
Falcons were wacked again, this time by Green Bay. Host the Cardinals in a basement bowl contest.

#26 – 4-9 Jaguars
Jaguars’ were pounded by the Titans in last one. Host the Skins in a game that might determine the cellar in two divisions.

#27 – 5-8 Bucs
Bucs failed to show up vs the Saints. Travel to Baltimore in a difficult matchup this week.

#28 – 4-9 Bills
Bills lost to the Jets in the East basement bowl. Host the Lions in another meaningless matchup.

#29 – 4-9 Jets
Jets’ ended their six game losing streak. Host the Texans this Saturday in a huge test for young QB Sam Darnold.

#30 – 3-10 Cardinals
Cardinals’ pathetic offense gives them little chance to win in most games. Travel to Atlanta though in another winnable contest.

#31 – 3-10 49ers
The 49ers shocked the Broncos in last one. Host the tough Seahawks this Sunday.

#32 – 3-10 Raiders
Da Raiders surprised the Steelers last week. Travel to Cinny for another basement bowl matchup.

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

Quarterbacks Stidham & Grier Added to Senior Bowl Roster

Accepted Invitations Grow to 84 Pro Prospects

Mobile, Ala. – West Virginia QB Will Grier and Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham have both accepted invitations to the 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl, pushing the total number of QBs committed to the game to six.

Grier and Stidham, a fourth-year junior who will graduate in December, are among 32 players announced recently by the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Stidham is the second junior to accept an invitation to this year’s game, after Utah State tight end Dax Raymond. Juniors who have graduated are eligible for the Senior Bowl.

Visit the Senior Bowl at www.seniorbowl.com for all information of the premier All-star Classic

The other quarterbacks on the roster are Ryan Finley (NC State), Trace McSorley (Penn St.), Gardner Minshew (Washington St.) and Clayton Thorson (Northwestern), with a couple more expected to be added in the next couple of weeks.

Georgia linebacker D’Andre Walker, Michigan linebacker Chase Winovich, South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel and Washington offensive lineman Kaleb McGary are among the new standouts added to the roster.

The 34 additions push the roster total to 84. Most recent acceptances:

Complete List of Senior Bowl 2019 Invitations
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/accepted-invites.php

New Accepted Senior Bowl Invitations
Jake Bailey, P, Stanford
Tyre Brady, WR, Marshall
Yodny Cajuste, OL, West Virginia
LJ Collier, DL, TCU
Chuma Edoga, OL, USC
Mike Edwards, DB, Kentucky
Travis Fulgham, WR, Old Dominion
Myles Gaskin, RB, Washington
Will Grier, QB, West Virginia
Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
Alec Ingold, FB, Wisconsin
Jalen Jelks, LB, Oregon
Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo
Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky
Jonathan Ledbetter, DL, Georgia
Alize’ Mack, TE, Notre Dame
Kaleb McGary, OL, Washington
Bobby Okereke, LB, Stanford
Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State
Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State
Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson
Drew Sample, TE, Washington
Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn
Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Max Scharping, OL, Northern Illinois
David Sills V, WR, West Virginia
Cameron Smith, LB, USC
D’Andre Walker, LB, Georgia
Trevon Wesco, FB/TE, West Virginia
Alex Wesley, WR, Northern Colorado
Darius West, DB, Kentucky
Chase Winovich, LB, Michigan
Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Utah
Renell Wren, DL, Arizona St.

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

 

NFL Power Poll – Week 14

Rams Clinch NFC West
Chiefs Host Ravens In Key AFC Matchup

Team of the Week –
Chargers edge Steelers, 33-30

Upset of the Week
Dallas beats New Orleans, 13-10
 
Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Todd Gurley – Rams     
  Defense – LB DeMarcus Lawrence – Cowboys
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Phillip Lindsay – Broncos
    Defense – DL B.J. Hill – Giants

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Game of Week #13 – Philadelphia Eagles (6-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-5)  
Cowboys Look to Claim Commanding NFC East Leadership

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 14

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -11-1 Rams
Rams’ drill Lions to win NFC West title.

#2 – 10-2 Chiefs
Chiefs’ pounded West rival the Raiders.

#3 – 10-2 Saints
Saints’ are rested after being shocked by the Cowboys on Thursday night.

#4 – 9-3 Patriots
Pats are ready to clinch AFC East on their trip to Miami.

#5 – 9-3 Texans
Texans’ on a nine game winning streak. Huge South matchup hosting Colts on Sunday.

#6 – 9-3 Chargers
Chargers looking to hit double digit victories for the first time since the 2013 season.

#7 – 8-4 Bears
The Bears were whipped by the GMen in last one.

#8 – 7-4-1 Steelers
Steelers’ let the Charger game get away from them. Only a half a game lead entering the final month.

#9 – 7-5 Seahawks
Seahawks are hot and host the Vikings Monday night that has major playoff ramifications.

#10 – 7-5 Ravens
Ravens drilled the Falcons. Go to Kansas City in huge test for any playoff hopes.

#11 – 7-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys are hitting stride with huge win over the Saints. Host the Eagles for East leadership in balance.

#12 – 6-5-1 Vikings
Vikings sliding with loss to the Patriots. Travel to Seattle in critical NFC matchup.

#13 – 6-6 Eagles
Eagles trashed the Skins Monday night. Travel to Big D in major East matchup.

#14- 6-6 Broncos
Broncos have won three straight coming off their bye week. Travel to San Fran looking to take another step for the postseason.

#15 – 6-6 Titans
The Titans edged out the Jets. Host the Jaguars Thursday night in key South matchup.

#16 – 6-6 Colts
Colts failed to protect Andrew Luck vs the Jaguars and were shutout to end their five game winning streak.

#17 – 6-6 Panthers
Panthers lost their fourth straight game behind Cam Newton’s four interceptions.

#18 – 6-6 Dolphins
Dolphins host the Patriots in a key matchup for any playoff hopes.

#19 – 6-6 Redskins
The Redskins lose QB Colt McCoy after Alex Smith injury. Face the Giants in a must win situation behind Mark Sanchez.

#20 – 4-8 Giants
The Giants played well vs the Bears. Must beat the Skins for any playoff mathematical chances.

#21 – 4-7-1 Packers
The Packers fired HC Mike McCarthy after a horrible home loss to the Cardinals.

#22 – 4-8 Falcons
Falcons were wacked by the Ravens. Go to Green Bay with loser out for the postseason.

#23 – 5-7 Bengals
Bengals’ are playing out the string with QB Andy Dalton on IR for the year.

#24 – 4-7-1 Browns
Browns ran into the Texans buzzsaw in last one. Host the fading Panthers this Sunday.

#25 – 4-8 Lions
Lackluster Lions travel to the desert for matchup with the equally disappointing Cardinals.

#26 – 4-8 Jaguars
Jaguars’ ended their seven game losing stretch with an impressive shutout of the Colts.

#27 – 5-7 Bucs
Bucs are playing fairly well. Host the Saints that will test any real improvement.

#28 – 4-8 Bills
Bills hosting the Jets in the East basement bowl.

#29 – 3-9 Jets
Jets’ hoping rookie QB Sam Darnold is healthy for the final month. Six game losing streak reflects marginal talent.

#30 – 3-9 Cardinals
Cardinals beat the Packers in Titletown. Host the Lions in another winnable contest.

#31 – 2-10 49ers
The 49ers were whipped by the Seahawks in last one. Host the tough Broncos this Sunday.

#32 – 2-10 Raiders
The Raiders were edged by the Chiefs. Host the Steelers this Sunday.

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.

NFL Draft 2019 – First Round Draft Selection Order

With four games remaining in the 2018 season, the first round order for the NFL Draft 2019 is shaping the selection process. Currently, as many as 28 clubs still have mathematical chances to earn playoff spots. This weekend will probably eliminate another 5-6 clubs from any postseason play.

San Francisco and Oakland remain at the #1 and #2 spots with their 2-10 records. The 49ers earn the first overall selection currently on a weaker strength of opponents Won Loss record. The Jets and Cardinals hold the #3 and #4 overall choices on the merit of their poor 3-9 records. There is a logjam with five clubs at 4-8 and another two teams with a 4-7-1 records.

This weekend features a few key matchups, Jets vs Bills, Falcons vs Packers, Lions vs Cardinals that can change the top 10-12 selection spots significantly.

# Team / W-L / Opponents W-L %

1 San Francisco –  2-10    .526
2 Oakland       –  2-10      .568
3 NY Jets        –  3-9        .503
4 Arizona        –  3-9        .521
5 Detroit         –  4-8        .500
6 Atlanta         –  4-8        .503
7 NY Giants    –  4-8        .510
8 Buffalo        –  4-8        .521
9 Jacksonville –  4-8        .544
10 Green Bay   – 4-7-1     .479
11 Cleveland   –  4-7-1     .536
12 Tampa Bay – 5-7        .505
13 Cincinnati   –  5-7        .531
14 Miami         –  6-6        .453
15 Indianapolis  – 6-6        .469
16 Washington  – 6-6        .477
17 Carolina     –  6-6        .500
18 Tennessee  –  6-6        .516
19 Denver       –  6-6        .526
20 Philadelphia – 6-6        .529
21 Minnesota  –  6-5-1     .490
22 Oakland (Dallas)  –     7-5        .484
23 Seattle      –   7-5        .495
24 Baltimore  –   7-5        .500
25 Pittsburgh  –  7-4-1     .510
26 Oakland (Chicago)  –  8-4        .438
27 Houston     –  9-3        .456
28 New England  –          9-3        .477
29 LA Chargers – 9-3        .478
30 Green Bay (New Orleans)  –    10-2      .492
31 Kansas City  – 10-2      .490
32 LA Rams     – 11-1      .469

Kentucky’s Josh Allen Wins 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy

Linebacker is Wildcat’s first major award winner since 1950

FWAA – Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen was named the recipient of the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Monday night before a sold-out banquet crowd of 1,200 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Allen, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound linebacker from Montclair, N.J., accepted the award given to the best defensive player in college football and becomes Kentucky’s first major award winner since Bob Gain won the Outland Trophy in 1950.

The FWAA All-America Committee made Allen the selection as this year’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner. Allen was selected from a list of finalists that included Michigan linebacker Devin Bush, LSU safety Grant Delpit, Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and Alabama nose guard Quinnen Williams.

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.

Frank Coyle voted for LB Josh Allen of Kentucky this year.

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The senior has been one of the nation’s top pass rushers all season with 14 sacks in the 2018 season that led the Southeastern Conference and are third in the nation, to go with SEC-best marks of 18.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. His 14 sacks are the single-season record at Kentucky, as are his 28.5 career sacks heading into the Wildcats’ VRBO Citrus Bowl appearance on Jan. 1.

Allen has 11 career forced fumbles, which ties former Wildcat and current Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan for the Wildcats’ career mark. His defensive numbers improved as the games wore on – 12 of his 14 sacks have come in the second half, with eight of those 12 in the fourth quarter. He clinched two of Kentucky’s nine wins this season with a sack that caused a fumble that the Wildcats recovered on their opponents’ final possession. In addition, those 14 sacks have been drive-breakers for opponents. Of the 14 drives in which Allen registered a sack, opponents ran 81 plays for just 211 yards of total offense, or 2.6 yards per play. The 14 drives combined resulted in no points, eight punts and four turnovers.

Allen was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week four times this season and posted double-figure tackles in three games. On the season, Allen has 84 total tackles, six quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.

“Just the way he impacts the game being a big guy, he’s really remarkable,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops said following a Nov. 17 win over Middle Tennessee. “He’s so unselfish. You see players so often in situations like that (trying to make a play), and he won’t blink an eye if we’re not rushing him. He doesn’t even think about it. When he gets his opportunities, he’s going to go. He wanted the (school sack) record, but not at the expense of our defense and what we’re doing and game planning.”

Allen was an all-state wide receiver for Abbeville (Ala.) High School as a junior before moving back to his hometown of Montclair, N.J., and switching to linebacker for his senior season. He bulked up by 40 pounds upon arriving at Kentucky. He has a fraternal twin brother Isaiah, and a sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, who played college basketball at Louisville and is currently a forward for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA joined with the Charlotte Touchdown Club and named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. 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.

The Football Writers Association of America, founded in 1941, consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.

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 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