College Football Mondays
Draft Insiders’ – College All-American Teams 2021

SEC and Big Ten Dominates First Two Teams
Staff

First Team
Offense

Pos       Player               Team                Year
QB Bryce Young           Alabama           Sophomore
RB Kenneth Walker III   Michigan St       Junior
RB Breece Hall             Iowa St             Junior
WR Jameson Williams   Alabama           Junior
WR David Bell               Purdue             Junior
WR Jordan Addison      Pittsburgh         Soph
TE Trey McBride           Colorado St       Senior
C Tyler Linderbaum       Iowa                 Junior
OL Evan Neal                 Alabama           Junior
OL Charles Cross           Mississippi St.   Junior
OL Ikem Okwonu             NC St               Sophomore
OL Nicholas Petit-Frere   Ohio St             Junior

Defense

DL Aidan Hutchinson      Michigan           Senior
DL Jordan Davis             Georgia             Senior
DL DeMarvin Leal          Texas A&M       Junior
DL Jermaine Johnson II  Florida St          Senior
LB Will Anderson Jr.       Alabama           Sophomore
LB Nakobe Dean             Georgia            Junior
LB Devin Lloyd              Utah                 Junior
LB David Ojabo              Michigan           Junior
CB Ahmad Gardner       Cincinnati          Junior
CB Roger McCreary       Auburn              Junior
S Kyle Hamilton             Notre Dame      Junior
S Jalen Pitre                    Baylor               Senior

Special Teams
K Jake Moody               Michigan           Senior
P Matt Araiza                San Diego St     Junior
KR Zonovan Knight       NC St               Sophomore
PR Britain Covey           Utah                 Junior
AP Marcus Jones          Houston            Senior

Second Team

Offense
QB Kenny Pickett          Pittsburgh         Senior
RB Tyler Badie              Missouri            Senior
RB Kyren Williams         Notre Dame      Soph
WR Chris Olave            Ohio State        Senior
WR Treylon Burks         Arkansas          Junior
WR Garrett Wilson        Ohio State        Junior
TE Michael Mayer          Notre Dame      Soph
C Jarrett Patterson        Notre Dame      Junior
OL Darian Kinnard         Kentucky          Senior
OL Zion Johnson           Boston College Senior
OL Kenyon Green         Texas A&M       Junior
OL Sean Rhyan            UCLA               Junior

Defense
DL Kayvon Thibodeaux  Oregon             Junior
DL Will McDonald IV      Iowa St             Junior
DL Myjai Sanders          Cincinnati          Senior
DL George Karlaftis       Purdue             Junior
LB Damone Clark          LSU                  Senior
LB Leo Chenal              Wisconsin         Senior
LB Nik Bonitto               Oklahoma         Junior
LB Sam Williams           Ole Miss           Senior
CB Coby Bryant            Cincinnati          Senior
CB Riley Moss              Iowa                 Senior
S Jordan Battle             Alabama           Junior
S Jaquan Brisker           Penn St            Senior

Special Teams
K Noah Ruggles            Ohio St             Senior
P Jordan Stout              Penn St            Senior
KR Brian Battie             South Florida    Soph
PR Marcus Jones          Houston            Senior
AP Deuce Vaughn         Kansas St         Soph

NFL Draft 2022 –

Draft Insiders’ staff

First round selection order at midseason

#          Team             W-L   Schedule
1          Detroit            0-8-1     .554
2          Houston           1-8        .534
3          Jacksonville    2-7        .512
4          NY Jets             2-7        .575
5          Phil (Miami)     3-7        .511
6          NY Giants (Chic)  3-6     .548
7          NY Giants                     3-6        .553
8          NY Jets (Seattle)           3-6        .571
9          Washington                   3-6        .571
10         Philadelphia                4-6        .511
11         Atlanta                          4-5        .452
12         Minnesota                     4-5        .530
13         Miami (San Fran)           4-5        .534
14         Denver                          5-5        .462
15         x Indianapolis                5-5        .468
16         Cleveland                      5-5        .516
17         Cincinnati                      5-4        .434
18         Las Vegas                      5-4        .476
19         Carolina                        5-5        .473
20         LA Chargers                  5-4        .541
21         New Orleans                 5-4        .541
22         New England                6-4        .441
23         Kansas City                  6-4        .564
24         Pittsburgh                   5-3-1     .482
25         Buffalo                         6-3        .394
26         Baltimore                    6-3        .471
27         Tampa Bay                   6-3        .494
28         Detroit (LA Rams)        7-3        .446
29         Dallas                           7-2        .494
30         Green Bay                    8-2        .467
31         Arizona                         8-2        .505
32         Tennessee                    8-2        .516

X – The Colts #1 pick will go to the Eagles if QB Carson Wentz participates in either 75% of the Colts offensive plays this season or he plays in 70% if they make the playoffs.

Currently four teams, the Bears, 49ers, Seahawks and Rams do not have a 1st round selection.

Teams 19-32 make the playoffs if the season ended today. These playoff clubs in the draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results through postseason play.

April 28-30 – NFL Draft 2022 – Las Vegas, Nevada.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 7

 Cardinals Drills Browns – NFL’s Only Undefeated Club
Ravens Crush Chargers in a Key AFC Matchup

Team of the Week 
    Ravens (5-1) over Chargers (4-2) – 34-6
Ravens defense swarms Justin Herbert

Upset of the Week
   Jaguars Beat Dolphins – 23-20
Jaguars end their 20-game losing streak

 Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Jonathan Taylor – Colts    
  Defense – DT Kenny Clark – Packers
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – QB Mac Jones – Patriots
    Defense – LB Derrick Barnes – Lions

Games of  Week 8 
  Bengals (4-2) at Ravens (5-1)
      Clash of AFC North Leaders

  Kansas City (3-3) at Tennessee (4-2)
AFC Contenders in Key Midseason Matchup

NFL Team Power Poll

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 5-1 Bucs
Bucs jumped the Eagles early and held on for another victory.

#2 – 6-0 Cardinals
Cardinals blasted the Browns to remain the NFL’s only unbeaten club with another strong performance.

#3 – 5-1 Rams
Rams took the Giants defense apart behind the hot hand of Matt Stafford.

#4 – 5-1 Ravens
Ravens drilled the Chargers with their strongest defensive performance of the season.

#5 – 5-1 Packers
The Packers Aaron Rodgers smoked the Bears defense for their 5^th straight win.

#6 – 4-2 Bills
Bills lost a shootout with the Titans that could play out bigger down the road.

#7 – 4-2 Chargers
Chargers were flat vs the Ravens and get their bye week now to regroup.

#8 – 5-1 Cowboys
The Cowboys are running on all cylinders and beat the Patriots in OT.

#9 – 4-2 Titans
The Titans bowed their neck vs the Bills Monday night. Host the Chiefs in another huge AFC matchup.

#10 – 4-2 Bengals
Bengals continue to impress, though get an acid test with a trip to Baltimore this Sunday.

#11 – 3-3 Chiefs
Chiefs regrouped vs WFT and prepare for key AFC road game in Nashville.

#12 – 3-3 Browns
Browns defense was pounded again and must recover quickly for Thursday night game.

#13 – 4-2 Raiders
The Raiders found a way to beat the Broncos after a wild week of changes on coaching leadership.

#14 – 3-2 Saints
Saints will be well rested for the Seahawks Monday night in a key NFC matchup.

#15 – 3-3 Colts
The Colts pounded the Texans to keep pace in the competitive South division.

#16 – 3-3 Broncos
Broncos have lost three in a row and face AFC rival, the Browns in Cleveland on Thursday.

#17 – 2-4 Patriots
Pats lost a wild OT game vs the Cowboys that puts them in an important contest vs the rested Jets.

#18 – 3-3 Steelers
Steelers edged the Seahawks in OT to reach .500. Get their bye week to prep for a playoff run.

#19 – 3-3 Vikings
Vikings edged Carolina in another win that keeps them alive in the NFC playoff chase.

#20 – 2-3 49ers
The 49ers are rested for vital home game vs the Colts Sunday night.

#21 – 3-3 Bears
The Bears were bashed by Aaron Rodgers again. Travel to Tampa in a major test for their fate this season.

#22 – 3-3 Panthers
Panthers lost their 3^rd in a row as Sam Darnold continues to return to reality after a strong start.

#23 – 2-4 Seahawks
Seahawks lost tough OT game to Pittsburgh. Host the Saints Monday night that may determine any hope for the postseason.

#24 – 2-3 Falcons
Falcons coming off their bye week. Travel to Miami for key matchup.

#25 – 2-4 Redskins
The Redskins defense failed to contain the Chiefs last week. Travel to Titletown in a must win situation.

#26 – 2-4 Eagles
The Eagles fought the Bucs tough in their loss. Go to Las Vegas hoping to claim a much-needed win.

#27 – 1-5 Giants
The Giants were outclassed by the Rams. Host the Panthers in a must win game.

#28 – 1-5 Dolphins
Dolphins lost to the winless Jaguars last week. Host the Falcons hoping to regroup for second half.

#29 – 1-5 Texans
Texans were crushed by the Colts. Travel to Arizona to face the undefeated Cardinals this Sunday.

#30 – 1-4 Jets
Jets rested for their trip to New England hoping to avert a midseason collapse.

#31 – 1-5 Jaguars
Jaguars shocked the Dolphins to end their 20-game losing streak. Get their bye week to enjoy the victory.

#32 – 0-6 Lions
Lions are being outclassed weekly and face the potent Rams in LA 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 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, 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

Creator of ‘Mr Irrelevant’ – Paul Salata Passes

Paul Salata, the Newport Beach businessman and philanthropist who founded Mr. Irrelevant Week 45 years ago, died Saturday, October 16th. Salata was 94 years old and passed the day before his 95th birthday this past Sunday. He had been in declining health for several years.

Salata was part of the rich bizarre history and lore of the NFL Draft. He created Irrelevant Week in 1976 to honor the last player selected in the NFL Draft, who would be known as “Mr. Irrelevant.” A week’s worth of activities, including a welcome party, a golf tournament, a trip to Disneyland and The Lowsman Banquet’ with a parade, were among the events.

Mr. Irrelevant would be presented the ‘Lowsman Trophy’, which looked like the famed Heisman Trophy except the football player on the Lowsman Trophy is dropping the football. This last selection in the NFL Draft also created the ‘Salata Rule’ after an incident in 1979 between the LA Rams and Pittsburgh Steeler. The Rams passed on the next to last selection to allow the Steelers to move up one spot and the Rams would get the final selection. The Steelers also passed on the selection which forced the Commissioner Pete Rozelle and NFL office to rule that no team can pass on the next to last selection to claim the final overall draft choice. Steelers retained the last draft choice.

Salata gave to many charitable causes – Irrelevant Week always benefited local charities – and created endowments at USC where he played football and baseball.

Salata was master of ceremony and guest of honor at many events for many years in Orange County. His quick wit was always on display. One example: Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker Ryan Succop was a Mr. Irrelevant when he was the last player drafted in 2009 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Succop’s last name is pronounced “suck up.” With that in mind, Salata’s introduction of Succop included, “He comes from a whole family of Succops.” As a Buccaneer in 2021, Succop became the first ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ to win a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs.

Salata was a successful sewer contractor. The late Orange County Register columnist John Hall often called Salata “The Sewer King.”

Before getting into the business world, Salata was an outstanding receiver at USC. He caught a touchdown pass for the Trojans in a 25-0 victory over Tennessee in the 1945 Rose Bowl game (Salata would claim he caught two touchdown passes in the game, but an official, Salata said, made a mistake when the official ruled Salata was out of bounds on what would have been a touchdown reception). At USC, he was an infielder and part of the Trojans’ first College World Series title. His USC playing days were interrupted by an 18-month stint in the Army Air Corps.

Salata played for the Baltimore Colts when the Colts were in the All-American Football Conference and rejoined the team when the Colts were integrated in the NFL. He played for the San Francisco 49ers in 1949 and 1950. During the 1950 season, he had 50 receptions, playing for the 49ers and Colts that season.

He also played in the Canadian Football League in which he was an all-star receiver with the Calgary Stampeders. Salata played college and minor-league baseball.

Salata was an extra or bit-player in 18 films, including as a prisoner of war in “Stalag 17,” as one of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball players in the original “Angels in the Outfield,” the ‘Ten Commandments’, ‘Singin in the Rain’, and he was the guy who sliced open Frank Sinatra’s nose in “The Joker Is Wild.”

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Melanie Salata Fitch, son Brian Salata, granddaughters Alix and Marie, and brother George.

Salata Fitch assumed the leadership role in Irrelevant Week in recent years and hopefully continues this amazing tradition.

College Football Monday – Week 7

Bama Upset by Texas A&M
Iowa Wins Thriller Over Penn St

Georgia Claims #1 Ranking – Hosts Undefeated Kentucky Next

Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –
  Iowa over Penn State 23-20
 
Upset of the Week –
     Texas A&M over Alabama 41-38

Offensive Player of Week – RB Kennedy Brooks – Oklahoma
Defensive Player of Week – DT Octavious Oxendine – Kentucky
 
Upcoming Key Weekly Matchup – 10/16
   #8 Kentucky (5-0) @ #1 Georgia (6-0)
 
DraftInsiders.com   Top 25 Rankings

Rank / Team          Record   
1 Georgia                      6-0
2 Iowa                          6-0                   
3 Cincinnati                 5-0
4 Ohio State                 5-1                   
5 Alabama                    5-1                   
6 Oklahoma                 6-0                   
7 Michigan                   6-0
8 Kentucky                   6-0                   
9 Michigan State        6-0                   
10 Oregon                    4-1                   
11 Penn State                5-1                   
12 Oklahoma State      5-0
13 Notre Dame             5-1                   
14 Texas A&M              4-2                   
15 Ole Miss                    4-1                   
16 Wake Forest             6-0                   
17 Coastal Carolina     6-0       
18 BYU                            5-1       
19 SMU                           6-0
20 Arizona State          5-1
21 Arkansas                  4-2                   
22 Florida                     4-2
23 San Diego State       5-0
24 North Carolina State     4-1       
25 Clemson                 3-2                   
 
Coaches Poll

Rank /     Team                       Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (64)                 6-0        1624    
2          Iowa (1)                         6-0        1537    
3          Oklahoma                    6-0        1452    
4          Cincinnati                    5-0        1418    
5          Alabama                       5-1        1363    
6          Ohio State                    5-1        1254    
7          Michigan                      6-0        1237    
8          Penn State                   5-1        1124    
9          Michigan State          6-0        1064    
10         Oregon                         4-1        1004    
11         Kentucky                      6-0        994      
12         Oklahoma State        5-0        910      
13         Notre Dame                 5-1        817      
14         Ole Miss                        4-1        741      
15         Coastal Carolina       6-0        708      
16         Wake Forest                6-0        580      
17         Florida                           4-2        543      
18         Texas A&M                   4-2        396      
19         Arkansas                      4-2        386      
20         BYU                                5-1        342      
21         NC State                        4-1        321      
22         Arizona State              5-1        294      
23         SMU                               6-0        269      
24         San Diego State        5-0        156      
25         Clemson                       3-2        155      
 
Complete Rankings
Others receiving votes: Auburn 98, Baylor 91, Texas 74, Pittsburgh 36, UTSA 30, Appalachian State 18, Mississippi State 18, Iowa State 18, Boston College 11, Air Force 9, Tennessee 8, Liberty 8, Nevada 7, Louisiana 3, Fresno State 3, Houston 3, UCLA 1
 
Dropped from rankings: Auburn 19, Texas 23
 
Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 28 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 ESPN and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

Bucs’ Antoine Winfield Scouting Evaluation – Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2020

Winfield – Immediate Impact Defender in the Bucs’ Defense

Antoine Winfield has been a major difference maker for SB Champion Bucs since starting game one as a rookie in 2020. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him as one of the top safeties especially as a complete defender. He ranked among as one of premier playmakers in the NFL Draft 2020 class and predicted him an early NFL starter and playmaker. He has been a major steal in the late 2nd round and arguably one of the best values in the entire draft class. He was among the Bucs defensive leaders on their run to the NFL Championship.

This season, he has continued his impact in a diverse role in the Bucs secondary. This week vs the Patriots on Sunday night, he was a difference maker in the Bucs 19-17 victory. He totaled 5 tackles, 1 FF, 1 PD and 1 interception and kept Pats’ rookie QB Mac Jones off balance in most key situations.

Safeties NFL Draft 2020

* Underclassmen

* Antoine Winfield #11 – 5-9, 205, Minnesota – Sp. 4.45
NFL Player Comparison: Tyrann Mathieu                            Rating 86
Hard-hitting undersized dynamo safety has been the leader in the Gophers’ secondary since his true freshman season. Stepped in as a full-time starter as a true freshman with limited starting duty the following two seasons due to injuries. His 2019 performance was his best and earned first team Big Ten honors. Short compact athlete combines excellent speed, quickness and fluid athleticism to be a three-down defender with the versatility to lineup at a few spots in the nickel packages. At times, he seeks to deliver big stops, but is not a violent hitter and his marginal size is a concern related to holding up to the physicality of the game. Sure wrap down tackler, though needs to breakdown better in space and eliminate some missed tackles. Displays a quick closing burst, arriving with good pad level to maintain leverage and breakup passes. Outstanding read-react ability and attacks with an aggressive manner with a motor that knows only one speed. Drives through his target upon contact and able to finish. Lined up in a variety of ways, usually the high safety and slot corner in different alignments. Effective single-high safety with excellent range to make up ground and get to the ball. Often lined up over a slot receiver, and shows the quick footwork to mirror off the line with the closing speed to break up passes. Sometimes he drops down into the box and blitzes and added 4 sacks with 3 coming in 2019. Versatile with the range and instincts to play free in the deep middle and at times the toughness and run stopping ability to be the eighth man in the box. He has fine instincts for man-coverage, but only average matchup skills where his lack of height will be tested in the NFL. Fine field vision and reacts to the ball quickly. Attacks the throw at the catch point as if he was the receiver. Marginal height and above average leaping ability, compromises his ability to win jump-ball throws. Plays all facets of the game with a strong sense of urgency. In 2019, started 13 games and had 88 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 7 picks, 1 PBU and 2 FR. Earned 1st team Big Ten honors. In 2018, started 4 of 4 games and made 17 tackles, 1 FR, 1 pick and 1 PBU. For his career, totaled 177 tackles with 7 TFL, 9 picks and 6 PBU. Best suited for playing single high scheme. Fine athleticism to be a three-down defender. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 5’9” and 203 lbs. with 30 1/8” arms. He ran a 4.45 time and did not lift. Added a 36” VL and a 10’4“ BJ with no agility drills. He has the speed, quickness and ball skills to be an early starter and compares to Tyrann Mathieu in size, AA and versatility. Shows flexible hips and quick footwork with the instincts to continue to improve in coverage. Talent to be a difference maker. High quality athlete and football player with experience to compete for time in different packages and an excellent addition. Son of former longtime NFL corner Antoine Winfield. Probable early starting ability with the versatility and fast developing talent to be a three-down defender. Rising top 50 selection with impact talent. Teams like the Cowboys and Dolphins have on their short list in the 2nd day.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

QB Justin Herbert Provides Impact in Big Games
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2020

QB Justin Herbert has been a major difference maker for the Chargers after being taken in Round One. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him as the #2 QB behind only the first overall selection Joe Burrow. He ranked him as one of premier playmakers in recent NFL Draft classes and fore casted him an early NFL starter. He has been a major steal as the #6 overall select and arguably one of the best values in the entire draft class. He has the Chargers competing for a playoff spot this fall in the very competitive AFC West which may provide three clubs for the NFL 2022 playoffs.

2 Justin Herbert #10 – 6-6, 235,  Oregon – Sp. 4.70
                NFL Play Comparison: Carson Wentz – Rating 90
Big athletic senior led the Ducks’ offense the past four seasons, displaying blue chip skills for the position. During his true freshman season, he flashed big play ability while starting seven games on his way to 42 career starts. Finished his career with an MVP award in the Rose Bowl and a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. He displays optimal physical traits of an NFL starting QB – very good size and overall athleticism with an elite arm along with good mobility and pocket awareness. His intangibles include poise, anticipation, toughness, vision and leadership. Operated behind a talented line which supplies three linemen likely drafted in this class. Shows the complete physical package with excellent production at a high level. Displays good footwork to set up and shows a crisp long delivery with smooth release and capable of firing strikes with touch and timing. Needs to continue to improve touch and accuracy in the shorter zones and hitting receivers in stride. Quick footwork to move in the pocket and create passing lanes with the instincts to go through his check downs fast and find secondary receivers. Capable of pulling the ball down and making a play with his feet regularly. Late in his career, he added muscle to hold up to the rigors of the NFL. Shows quick feet to avoid pressure well, reset his feet and plant to make a big throw. Operated mainly from the gun and needs work on his drop back and setting his feet while reading coverage. Shows the smarts and discipline to be a quick study. Usually makes sound decisions with the ball, by displaying the ability to deliver strikes down the seam. Possesses touch on deep passes. His long throwing mechanics are a concern, though he shortened it up over his final effort which improved his accuracy significantly. Also showed the ability to make quicker adjustments and take control and rally his offense. Makes clutch throws with the game on the line. Possesses a powerful arm with improved touch to hit receivers in stride. At times, shows a tendency to focus too long on his primary target and needs to progress to his other options quicker when under pressure. Needs to step up in the pocket and drive the ball into intermediate windows. Shows good ball security in general with quick decisions. Needs improved basic footwork and follow through while showing more pocket presence. Over his career, he played in 44 games with 10,541 passing yards for a 64% with 95 TDs and 23 interceptions. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’6” and 236 lbs. with 10” hands and 32 7/8” arms. Ran a 4.68 time with a 35.5” VJ, a 10’3” BJ and added a 4.46 shuttle and 7.06 three cone. In the passing drills, he displayed good velocity, timing and accuracy. He helped his cause with a strong performance. Threw the ball well with timing, velocity and accuracy. His competitiveness has been questioned, though his strong postseason addressed that in big games, Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Athletic frame holds up to the physical demands of the game. Shows good defensive recognition to go through his progressions to find secondary receivers. Graded out high vs talented Pac-12 defenders with extensive time vs NFL caliber prospects. Won Pac-12 title in 2019. Despite a middling skill position supporting cast, he had excellent production with minimal mistakes. Athlete with talent and smarts, though needs some maturity at the position. Interesting prospect with the upside potential to develop quickly and start early. Compares to Carson Wentz and is similar in size, delivery, in body type, accuracy and overall development. Blue chip QB prospect with the Dolphins, Chargers, Panthers and Jaguars hoping to land with a top ten selection.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, 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’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 2

Rams Impress in Opener – Bucs & Chiefs Win on Late Scores

Offensive Player of Week – Matthew Stafford – Rams
Defensive Player of the Week – DE Chandler Jones – Cardinals

NFL Team Poll

NFL Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 1-0 Rams
Rams’ may have MVP leader in new starter, QB Matthew Stafford.

#2 – 1-0 Bucs
Bucs coming off a nice win opening win over the Cowboys with Tom Brady working more magice.

#3 – 1-0 Chiefs
Chiefs recovered to beat the Browns behind Mr. Mahomes.

#4 – 1-0 Seahawks
Seahawks beat the Colts in a playoff caliber matchup behind Russell Wilson’s hot hand.

#5 – 1-0 Saints
Saints’ shock the Packers behind a huge effort by a rejuvenated Jameis Winston.

#6 – 1-0 49ers
The 49ers had to hold on vs the Bears’ comeback.

#7 – 1-0 Chargers
Chargers beat the WFT with a good performance as one of the sleeper clubs in the league.

#8 – 1-0 Steelers
Steelers fought the Bills blow for blow and come out with an impressive victory against a strong AFC contender.

#9 – 0-1 Bills
Bills’ travel to Miami in key early AFC East matchup that could determine divisional leadership.

#10 – 0-1 Ravens
Ravens fell in a wild MNF matchup with the Raiders despite a rash of injuries.

#11 – 1-0 Broncos
Broncos beat the Giants behind a smart Teddy Bridgewater who controlled the game for 60 minutes.

#12 – 1-0 Dolphins
Dolphins won a key East opener in New England that places them in an important home game with Buffalo.

#13 – 1-0 Cardinals
Cardinals smoked the Titans behind Kyler Murray and a dominant effort by edge rusher Chandler Jones.

#14 – 0-1 Browns
Browns lost a tough matchup vs the Chiefs. They will address their defensive unit over the season.

#15 – 1-0 Raiders
The Raiders won the crazy MNF game and are off to Pittsburgh for another key AFC matchup.

#16 – 1-0 Panthers
Panthers rode the arm of new vet Sam Darnold vs his ex club for a strong opening victory.

#17 – 0-1 Patriots
Pats lost a tough 17-16 matchup with the Dolphins. Face the Jets this Sunday.

#18 – 1-0 Eagles
The Eagles bombed the weak Falcons and host the 49ers in their home opener this week.

#19 – 0-1 Cowboys
The Cowboys lost a tough matchup with the Bucs. Face the emerging Chargers in LA.

#20 – 0-1 Packers
The Packers were asleep vs the Saints with weak performances on both sides of the ball.

#21 – 0-1 Colts
The Colts were handled by the Seahawks and host the potent Rams Sunday in their home opener.

#22 – 1-0 Bengals
Bengals win in overtime in opener with road trip to Chicago next up.

#23 – 0-1 Vikings
Vikings lost a tough one to the Bengals, though the entire North division is still looking for any team victory.

#24 – 0-1 Redskins
The Redskins lost vet QB Fitzpatrick and will try to get their first victory with young Taylor Heinicke vs GMen.

#25 – 0-1 Titans
The Titans were surprisingly drilled by the Cardinals and face a tough road matchup with the Seahawks.

#26 – 0-1 Bears
The Bears were man handled by the Rams. Host the Bengals in an important early game especially for Andy Dalton.

#27 – 0-1 Giants
The Giants gave QB Daniel Jones little support while defense performed poorly on key downs.

#28 – 0-1 Lions
Lions fought back vs the 49ers, but it looks like a painful rebuilding season in Motown.

#29 – 1-0 Texans
Texans’ beat the Jaguars for an opening win, though face an angry Browns club on the road this Sunday.

#30 – 0-1 Falcons
Falcons face the Bucs in tough contest where they will be pressed to avert the South basement.

#31 – 0-1 Jaguars
Jaguars host the Broncos after a disappointing loss to Texans in HC Urban Meyers first game.

#32 – 0-1 Jets
Jets lost to the Panthers vs former starter Sam Darnold. Face hated Patriots in home opener.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, 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 2021 Supplemental Draft – Cancelled

The NFL will not hold a Supplemental Draft in 2021 it was announced prior to the 4^th of July break. It was the 2^nd year in a row there was not a Supplemental Draft. Over the past 10 years, no players have been chosen in 6 of those 10 years.

Under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, the NFL has the right to decide whether to conduct a supplemental draft each year. Last year, the league cancelled mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the league cancelled last year’s supplemental draft, those potential draft picks did not gain free-agent status, but could instead be entered into the 2021 NFL Draft. Expect the league to deliver the same directive to those hoping to enter the supplemental draft this year.

Supplemental drafts operate differently than the annual draft, with teams instead submitting bids on prospects based on the round in which they’d like to select a player. If they are awarded the player, they then forfeit their equivalent pick in the traditional draft in the following year.

The last player chosen in a recent supplemental draft (2019) saw one player selected in Washington St safety Jalen Thompson by the Arizona Cardinals in the 5th round.

With such little interest by NFL clubs, this special player selection process should be cancelled for a few reasons. First, no significant player has been chosen since wideout Josh Gordon by the Browns in the 2nd round of the 2012 Supplemental Draft. He actually set a new NFL record for 200 yard receiving games and high short term production in a few seasons. He has struggled qualifying for many seasons with testing positive repeatedly. LB Ahmad Brooks was chosen in the 3rd round of the 2006 Supplemental Draft and he had a productive career starting for the Bengals.  Virtually every other selection over the past 20 year period was at best marginal starters or short term backups. Drafted players obviously miss Rookie and Veteran mini camps and have only two or three weeks to prepare for training camp where they enter the process at a distinct disadvantage to earn a roster spot.

NFL Draft 2021 – Review

Overview

      The 2021 NFL Draft was the 86th annual meeting of National Football League teams to select newly eligible players for the upcoming NFL season. The first round was held on April 29, followed by the second and third rounds on April 30. The draft concluded with rounds 4–7 on May 1. The NFL held the event live in Cleveland, Ohio with limited attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. All team selections took place from Cleveland with league commissioner Roger Goodell announcing the early selections from the podium.

 Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round – Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. It was the second highest number of first-round QB selections (tied with the 1999 & 2018 drafts) after the record six selected in 1983. The draft also marks the third time the first three picks (Lawrence, Wilson, and Lance) were QBs, following the 1971 and 1999 draft classes. A total of eight QBs selected in the first three rounds, the most in NFL Draft history. Conversely, however, only two QBs were taken in rounds four through seven. The 2021 class also marked the lowest position for the first defensive player selected in a given draft in the common era, with the Carolina Panthers’ selection of Jaycee Horn at the eighth overall choice.

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In addition to the high number of QBs, six Alabama players were taken in the first round, which tied with the six Miami players in 2004 for the most 1st-round selections from an individual school. Conversely, no Big 12 Conference players were drafted in the first round for the first time since the conference’s 1994 establishment. The draft also saw no Michigan State players selected for the first time in 80 years.

 The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility and an opt-out option for athletes because of the shortened season, resulting in many prospects returning to school instead of declaring for this draft class.

 2020 Resolution JC-2A picks
         In November 2020 the NFL passed that year’s Resolution JC-2A, which rewards teams for developing minority candidates for head coach and/or general manager positions. The resolution rewards teams whose minority candidates are hired away for one of those positions by awarding draft picks. These draft picks are at the end of the third round, after standard compensatory picks. If multiple teams qualify, they are awarded in draft order from the first round. These picks are in addition to, and have no impact on, the standard 32 compensatory picks. Four picks have been awarded for the draft pursuant to the resolution.

 San Francisco received 2021, 2022, and 2023 third-round selections when its defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was hired by the New York Jets as head coach and its vice president of player personnel Martin Mayhew was  hired by Washington as general manager.

 Los Angeles Rams received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when their college scouting director Brad Holmes was hired by Detroit as general manager.

 Baltimore received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when its assistant head coach and passing game coordinator David Culley was hired by Houston as head coach.

 New Orleans received 2021 and 2022 third-round selections when its director of pro scouting Terry Fontenot was hired by Atlanta as general manager.

        DraftInsiders.com had another record setting year in web visits, subscribers, email requests and inquiries. We intend to expand next season in several new tech platforms.  
 
Overview
259 Total selections in 7 rounds
First selection – Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence
Last selection – ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ – Tampa Bucs – LB Grant Stuard
Most selections (11) – Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys & Minnesota Vikings
Fewest selections (3) – Seattle Seahawks

The following is the breakdown of the 259 players selected in NFL Draft 2021 by position:
38 cornerbacks
36 wide receivers
34 defensive ends
25 offensive tackles
21 linebackers
21 safeties
19 defensive tackles
18 running backs
13 offensive guards
11 tight ends
10 quarterbacks
8 centers
2 long snappers
1 fullback
1 placekicker
1 punter

Selections by NCAA Conference
A new record-high 65 players were drafted from the SEC, the most in NFL history, surpassing the previous number of selections, 64, in 2019 which was also the set by the SEC.

Selections by NCAA Conference
  NCAA Division I FBS Conference  Totals
American – 19
ACC – 42
Big 12 – 22
Big Ten – 44
C-USA – 4
Ind. (FBS) – 15
MAC – 4
MW – 3
Pac-12 – 28
SEC – 65
Sun Belt – 4

Schools with multiple draft selections
    Selections Schools
10 Alabama, Ohio State
9 Georgia, Notre Dame
8 Florida, Michigan
7 LSU
6 Kentucky, Penn State, Pittsburgh
5 BYU, Clemson, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford, Texas, UCF, USC
4 Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida State, Iowa, Miami (Fl), Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Texas A&M,
Virginia Tech, Washington
3 Houston, Northwestern, Wisconsin
2 Arizona, Boise State, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Louisville, Minnesota, Mississippi State,
Nebraska, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Purdue, SMU, Syracuse, TCU,
Tennessee, Texas Tech, Tulane, UCLA, Western Michigan

Selections by Position
Position Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Rd 7 Total
Center –  8
Cornerbacks – 38
Defensive end – 34
Defensive tackle – 19
Fullback –  1
Guard – 13
Kicker –  1
Linebacker  – 21
Long snapper – 2
Offensive tackle – 25
Punter – 1
Quarterback – 10
Running back – 18
Safety –  21
Tight end – 11
Wide receiver – 36