Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – FB Jaylen Samuels – Steelers

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – FB Jaylen Samuels – Steelers

Frank Coyle

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

NFL Review 2018 – June 2018

With one of their two 5th round picks, they selected FB Jaylen Samuels.  Samuels is one of the more versatile players in this class. He plays a few positions at a high level – fullback, running back, H-back and receiver. He gives them a unique weapon on the play clock to shift into a multiple of alignments. He has excellent hands and can play the 3rd down back role where he is also a factor as a runner in a single backfield. Excellent pick to give this offense many options. He was a steal at the 165th overall selection.

NFL Yearbook – 2018 – March 2018

1 Jaylen Samuels #1 – North Carolina St             6-0       225 – Sp. 4.55
        Player Comparison: Karlos Williams                                Rating 80
Athletic versatile senior was a valuable cog in the NC St. resurgence over the past few seasons, earning ACC honors his final two years. Big back with powerful frame which has allowed him to line up at several positions and perform at a high level. Deluxe ‘Swiss Army’ knife with natural skills and good overall athleticism. Fairly tall as runners go with good well-proportioned weight. All around performer who, during his NC State career, lined up one time or another at every offensive position other than the line. One of the most versatile and talented performers to come along in many years. He was used as a runner near the goal line. Very effective as a zone scheme runner from anywhere on the field. Showed the ability to be an effective lead blocker. Lined up wide as a receiver, or in the slot. Sometimes used as an inline Y tight end. Displayed fine power as a runner, to break tackles, whether taking handoffs or after the catch. At times, he can run too straight up which negates his power to make maximum yardage after contact. Reliable power runner when he keeps his pads down and a good short yardage and goal line back. Fine initial quickness with very good vision and also a fine stiff arm he uses effectively at times. On bubble screens, showed the juke ability to make the first man miss often with fine acceleration to take the ball and head upfield. As a receiver, he displays good hand-eye coordination and the body control to adjust and snare off line passes. Turns upfield after the catch to get nice yardage Field speed is better than track speed and he was able to make many big chunk yardage plays as a receiver or runner for the Wolfpack. Very effective on shovel passes when coming back inside from a TE position. Outstanding hands as a receiver, no matter where in the formation he lines up from. Goes up and plucks high throws or takes them off his shoe tops and secures them. Dynamic weapon on the jet sweep in the Wildcat, or at times taking a direct snap. The ACC even created an “all-purpose” category on their postseason all-conference team to fit a player with Samuels’ skill-set. Reads and follows his blocks well and displays enough lateral quickness to bounce runs outside and gain the edge.

The Numbers: For his career, he gained 1107 yards on 182 carries, 6.1 average and 28 TDs. Caught 201 passes for 1738 and 19 TDs. As a senior, he rushed for 407 yards on 78 attempts with 12 TDs and caught 59 passes for 480 yards and 4 TDs. In 2016, he rushed for 189 yards on just 33 attempts for a 5.7 yard average and 5 TDs with 55 catches for 565 yards and 7 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 5’11” and 225 lbs. He ran a 4.54 time and did 18 reps, a 34.5” VL and a 10’1” BJ. Added a 4.28 shuttle and 6.93 three cone. Did well in the positional drills showing reliable hands.

The Skinny: Hard-nosed unique versatile performer with high grades as fullback/running back, tight end, H-back and slot receiver. Highly productive in those roles vs quality D1 competition. Short yardage back with strong leg drive between the tackles. Shows the ability to get the tough yardage and is a good goal line runner who seldom goes down on initial contact. As a blocker, he gained valuable experience in a pro set and showed the toughness to contain backers. Marginal top 100 prospect and one of the more underrated backs in this class. Good production with skills to be a fine change of pace runner and deluxe utility performer. Must be used properly by coach in an offense that features his versatile skill set. Fine short zone receiver.
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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.

 




Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2019

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.




Bears and Cowboys Take Commanding Leads in NFC Divisions

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

Support California Wild Fire Relief Fund
Go to   www.RedCross.org  to donate money or time
DraftInsiders.com supports all Emergency Relief efforts worldwide along with Breast Cancer for over 25 years.

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 2019 Senior Bowl Roster

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.

 




Draft Insiders’ 2018 All-American Teams

Draft Insiders’ 2018 All-American Teams

   Frank Coyle/ Publisher – Head Scout

 All-American First Team

Offense

QB Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama, Sophomore
RB Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin, Sophomore
RB Benny Snell – Kentucky, Junior
WR Jerry Jeudy – Alabama, Junior
WR N’Keal Harry – Arizona State, Junior
WR Marques Brown – Oklahoma, Redshirt senior
TE Noah Fant – Iowa, Junior
C Garrett Bradbury – North Carolina St, Senior
OL Greg Little – Ole Miss, Junior
OL Jonah Williams – Alabama, Junior
OL Michael Deiter – Wisconsin, Senior
OL Dru Samia – Oklahoma, Senior
 
Support Hurricane Michael Relief Fund
Go to   www.RedCross.org  to donate money or time
DraftInsiders.com supports all Emergency Relief efforts worldwide along with Breast Cancer for over 25 years.

Defense
DE Montez Smeat – Mississippi State, Senior
DE Clelin Ferrell – Clemson, Junior
DT Ed Oliver – Houston, Junior
DT Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame, Senior
LB Devin White – LSU, Junior
LB Josh Allen – Kentucky, Senior
LB Devin Bush – Michigan, Junior
CB Greedy Williams – LSU, Sophomore
CB Byron Murphy – Washington, Sophomore
S Taylor Rapp – Washington, Junior
S Deionte Thompson – Alabama, Junior

Special Teams
PK Cole Tracy – LSU, Senior
P Branden Mann – Texas A&M, Junior
KR Tony Pollard – Memphis, Redshirt junior
PR Mecole Hardman – Georgia, Junior
All-Purpose Deebo Samuel – South Carolina, Redshirt senior

All-American Second Team

Offense
QB Kyler Murray – Oklahoma, Junior
RB Myles Gaskin – Washington, Senior
RB Darrell Henderson – Memphis, Junior
WR David Sills V – West Virginia, Senior
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey – Texas, Junior
WR J.J Arcega-Whiteside – Stanford, Junior
TE T.J Hockenson – Iowa, Redshirt sophomore
C Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama, Senior
OL Calvin Throckmorten – Oregon, Junior
OL Dalton Risner – Kansas State, Redshirt senior
OL Beau Benzschawel – Wisconsin, Redshirt senior
OL Ben Powers – Oklahoma, Senior

Defense
DE Austin Bryant – Clemson, Senior
DE Chase Winovich – Michigan, Senior
DT Christian Wilkins – Clemson, Senior
DL Dre’Mont Jones – Ohio State, Junior
LB Chase Hansen – Utah, Senior
LB T.J. Edwards – Wisconsin, Redshirt senior
LB Ben Burr-Kirven – Washington, Senior
CB Deandre Baker – Georgia, Senior
CB Julian Love – Notre Dame, Junior
S Juan Thornhill – Virginia, Senior
S Grant Delpit – LSU, Sophomore

Special Teams
K PK Matt Gay- Utah, Senior
P Jake Bailey – Stanford, Senior
KR Parris Campbell – Ohio St, Senior
PR Richaud Floyd – Missouri, Redshirt junior
AP Rondale Moore – Purdue, Redshirt freshman

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.




Heisman Trophy Award 2018

Heisman Trophy Award 2018

The Heisman Trophy award will be announced Saturday night at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City. Three underclassmen, Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa, Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray and Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins will hoist the most prestigious individual award in American sports. This year the winner will have to prevail in what is expected to be one of the closest voting in the history of the award.

The difference between first and second place finalists has been huge in recent years. It has only been below 300 total points  twice in the past decade. In 2011, Robert Griffin III topped Andrew Luck 1,687-1,407 while in 2015 Derrick Henry edged Christian McCaffrey 1,832-1,539.

All three QB finalists this year produced historic seasons and were instrumental in their schools earning and winning major conference championships.

Frank Coyle’s vote
(Frank Coyle has been a voter in the Heisman Trophy for over 25 years)

1 QB Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
2 QB Kyler Murray – Oklahoma
3 QB Dwayne Haskins – Ohio St

2018 Season

Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
Passing
Yards   TD        Int         Comp% QBR
3353     37         4          67.7      94.2

Rushing
Yards   TD        YPC
190       5          4.0
Kyler Murray – Oklahoma
Passing
Yards   TD        Int   Comp%      QBR
4053     40         7          70.9      96.0

Rushing
YDS     TD        YPC
892       11         7.3

Dwayne Haskins
Passing
Yards   TD        Int         Comp% QBR
4580     47         8          70.2      86.9

Rushing
Yards   TDs      YPC
122       4          1.7

Heisman Memorial Trophy Winners
Year   Player            School
2017     Baker Mayfield  Oklahoma
2016     Lamar Jackson Louisville
2015     Derrick Henry    Alabama
2014     Marcus Mariota Oregon
2013     Jameis Winston Florida State
2012     Johnny Manziel Texas A&M
2011     Robert Griffin III Baylor
2010     Cam Newton     Auburn
2009     Mark Ingram II   Alabama
2008     Sam Bradford   Oklahoma
2007     Tim Tebow        Florida
2006     Troy Smith        Ohio State
2004     Matt Leinart       USC
2003     Jason White      Oklahoma
2002     Carson Palmer  USC
2001     Eric Crouch       Nebraska
2000     Chris Weinke     Florida State
1999     Ron Dayne        Wisconsin
1998     Ricky Williams   Texas
1997     Charles Woodson         Michigan
1996     Danny Wuerffel Florida
1995     Eddie George    Ohio State
1994     Rashaan Salaam           Colorado
1993     Charlie Ward     Florida State
1992     Gino Torretta     Miami
1991     Desmond Howard          Michigan
1990     Ty Detmer         BYU
1989     Andre Ware       Houston
1988     Barry Sanders   Oklahoma State
1987     Tim Brown        Notre Dame

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.

 




College Football Awards 2018 – SEC Dominates Award Winners

College Football Awards 2018 – SEC Dominates Award Winners

Heisman Trophy Winner will be announced on Sat, Dec. 8th on ESPN at 8 pm
QBs, Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins are Heisman Trophy Finalists

Maxwell Award
Outstanding Player
2018     Tua Tagovailoa Alabama
2017     Baker Mayfield  Oklahoma
2016     Lamar Jackson Louisville

Walter Camp Award
Player of the Year Award
2018     Tua Tagovailoa Alabama
2017     Baker Mayfield  Oklahoma
2016     Lamar Jackson Louisville

Doak Walker Award
National Running Back Award
2018     Jonathan Taylor            Wisconsin
2017     Bryce Love       Stanford
2016     D’Onta Foreman            Texas

Davey O’Brien Award
National Quarterback Award
2018     Kyler Murray      Oklahoma
2017     Baker Mayfield    Oklahoma
2016     Deshaun Watson           Clemson

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Outstanding Senior QB
2018     Gardner Minshew          WSU
2017     Mason Rudolph Oklahoma St
2016     Deshaun Watson           Clemson

Fred Biletnikoff Award
Outstanding Receiver
2018     Jerry Jeudy       Alabama
2017     James Washington        Oklahoma St
2016     Dede Westbrook           Oklahoma

John Mackey Award
Outstanding Tight End
2018     T.J. Hockenson Iowa
2017     Mark Andrews   Oklahoma
2016     Jake Butt          Michigan

Outland Trophy
Outstanding Interior Lineman
2018     Quinnen Williams          Alabama
2017     Ed Oliver           Houston
2016     Cam Robinson  Alabama

Lombardi Award
Nation’s Top Player
Announcement this weekend
2017     Bryce Love       Stanford
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama
2015     Carl Nassib       PSU

Rimington Trophy
Outstanding Center
2018     Garrett Bradbury           N.C. St
2017     Billy Price          OSU
2016     Pat Elflein         OSU

Chuck Bednarik Award
Defensive Player of the Year
2018     Josh Allen         UK
2017     Minkah Fitzpatrick         Alabama
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama

Bronko Nagurski Award
Defensive Player of the Year
2018     Josh Allen         UK
2017     Bradley Chubb  N.C. ST
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama

Dick Butkus Award
Outstanding Linebacker
2018     Devin White      LSU
2017     Roquan Smith   Georgia
2016     Reuben Foster  Alabama

Jim Thorpe Award
Outstanding Defensive Back
2018     Deandre Baker  Georgia
2017     Minkah Fitzpatrick         Alabama
2016     Adoree’ Jackson           USC

Lou Groza Award
Collegiate Place-kicker Award
2018     Andre Szmyt     Syracuse
2017     Matt Gay           Utah
2016     Zane Gonzalez  ASU

Ray Guy Award
Outstanding Punter
2018     Braden Mann    Texas A&M
2017     Michael Dickson           Texas
2016     Mitch Wishnowsky         Utah

Ted Hendricks Award
Defensive End of the Year Award
2018     Clelin Ferrell      Clemson
2017     Bradley Chubb  N.C. ST
2016     Jonathan Allen  Alabama

Campbell Trophy
Top-scholar Athlete
2018     Christian Wilkins            Clemson
2017     Micah Kiser       Virginia
2016     Zach Terrell       WMU

The Home Depot Award
Coach of the Year
2018     Brian Kelly        ND
2017     Scott Frost        UCF
2016     Mike MacIntyre  Colorado

Frank Broyles Award
Assistant Coach of the Year
2018     Mike Anthony Locksley  Maryland
2017     Tony Elliott       Clemson
2016     Brent Venables   Clemson

Lott IMPACT Trophy
Outstanding Defensive Player
2017     Josey Jewell     Iowa
2016     Jabrill Peppers  Michigan
2015     Carl Nassib       PSU

Paul Hornung Award
Most Versatile Player
2018     Rondale Moore Purdue
2017     Saquon Barkley PSU
2016     Jabrill Peppers  Michigan

Disney Spirit Award
Most Inspirational Player or Team
2018     Tyler Trent         Purdue
2017     Iowa     Iowa
2016     James Conner   Pittsburgh

Wuerffel Trophy
Top Community Servant of the Year
2018     Drue Tranquill    ND
2017     Courtney Love  UK
2016     Trevor Knight    Texas A&M

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 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 ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to 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




College Football Bowl Schedule

College Football 2018-2019 Bowl Schedule

The College Bowl games this season kick off on Saturday, Dec. 15 with six contests on the schedule — Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, AutoNation Cure Bowl, New Mexico Bowl, Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl, Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, and R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

The College Football Playoff Semifinals will feature No. 2 Clemson hosting No. 3 Notre Dame in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl and No. 1 Alabama hosting No. 4 Oklahoma in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Those games will be played on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm ET, respectively.

Semifinal winners will meet on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 in the College Football National Championship at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

College Football Playoff

All times Eastern Standard
Date/    Bowl/ Time (TV) Matchup

Jan. 7   National Championship
Santa Clara, Calif.         8 p.m. (ESPN)   TBA vs. TBA

National Semi-Finals
  Dec. 29 – Cotton Bowl 
Arlington, Texas            4 p.m. (ESPN)   No. 2 Clemson (13-0) vs. No. 3 Notre Dame (12-0)

  Dec. 29 – Orange Bowl
Miami Gardens, Fla.      8 p.m. (ESPN)   No. 1 Alabama (13-0) vs. No. 4 Oklahoma (12-1)

College Football 2018-2019 Bowl Schedule

Saturday, Dec 15, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl
North Carolina A&T vs. Alcorn State       Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, GA       12:00 pm  ABC

AutoNation Cure Bowl
Tulane vs. Louisiana      Camping World Stadium
Orlando, FL       1:30 pm   CBSSN

New Mexico Bowl
North Texas vs. Utah State        Dreamstyle Stadium
Albuquerque, NM          2:00 pm   ESPN

Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl
21 Fresno State vs. Arizona State          Sam Boyd Stadium
Las Vegas, NV  3:30 pm   ABC

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl
Georgia Southern vs. Eastern Michigan  Cramton Bowl
Montgomery, AL            5:30 pm   ESPN

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Middle Tennessee vs. Appalachian State            Mercedes-Benz Superdome
New Orleans, LA           9:00 pm  ESPN

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl
UAB vs. Northern Illinois            FAU Stadium
Boca Raton, FL 7:00 pm   ESPN

Wednesday, Dec 19, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

DXL Frisco Bowl
San Diego State vs. Ohio           Toyota Stadium
Frisco, TX         8:00 pm  ESPN

Thursday, Dec 20, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl
Marshall vs. USF           Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, FL        8:00 pm   ESPN

Friday, Dec 21, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl
FIU vs. Toledo  Thomas Robinson Stadium
Nassau, Bahamas         12:30 pm  ESPN

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Western Michigan vs. BYU         Albertson’s Stadium
Boise, ID           4:00 pm   ESPN

Saturday, Dec 22, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Jared Birmingham Bowl
Memphis vs. Wake Forest          Legion Field
Birmingham, AL 12:00 pm   ESPN

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Houston vs. Army          Amon G. Carter Stadium
Fort Worth, TX  3:30 pm   ESPN

Dollar General Bowl
Buffalo vs. Troy Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Mobile, AL        7:00 pm  ESPN

SoFi Hawai’i Bowl
Hawaii vs. Louisiana Tech          Aloha Stadium
Honolulu, HI      10:30 pm    ESPN

Wednesday, Dec 26, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Boston College vs. 25 Boise State          Cotton Bowl Stadium
Dallas, TX         1:30 pm   ESPN

Quick Lane Bowl
Minnesota vs. Georgia Tech       Ford Field
Detroit, MI         5:15 pm   ESPN

Cheez-It Bowl
California vs. TCU          Chase Field
Phoenix, AZ      9:00 pm  ESPN

Thursday, Dec 27, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Walk-On’s Independence Bowl
Temple vs. Duke           Independence Stadium
Shreveport, LA  1:30 pm   ESPN

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Miami (FL) vs. Wisconsin           Yankee Stadium
Bronx, NY         5:15 pm   ESPN

Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl
Baylor vs. Vanderbilt      NRG Stadium
Houston, TX      9:00 pm   ESPN

Friday, Dec 28, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Franklin Amer. Mort. Music City Bowl
Purdue vs. Auburn         Nissan Stadium
Nashville, TN     1:30 pm  ESPN

Camping World Bowl
16 West Virginia vs. 20 Syracuse           Camping World Stadium
Orlando, FL       5:15 pm  ESPN

Valero Alamo Bowl
24 Iowa State vs. 13 Washington State   Alamodome
San Antonio, TX            9:00 pm   ESPN

Saturday, Dec 29, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Belk Bowl
South Carolina vs. Virginia         Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, NC    12:00 pm    ABC

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
10 Florida vs. 7 Michigan           Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta, GA       12:00 pm  ESPN

NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl
Arkansas State vs. Nevada        Arizona Stadium
Tucson, AZ       1:15 pm  CBSSN

Goodyear Cotton Bowl
3 Notre Dame vs. 2 Clemson     AT&T Stadium
Arlington, TX     4:00 pm   ESPN

Capital One Orange Bowl
4 Oklahoma vs. 1 Alabama        Hard Rock Stadium
Miami Gardens, FL        8:00 pm  ESPN

Monday, Dec 31, 2018
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Military Bowl
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech        Navy-Marine Corps Mem. Stadium
Annapolis, MD  12:00 pm  ESPN

Hyundai Sun Bowl
Stanford vs. Pitt Sun Bowl Stadium
El Paso, TX       2:00 pm  CBS

Redbox Bowl
Michigan State vs. Oregon         Levi’s Stadium
Santa Clara, CA            3:00 pm  FOX

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
23 Missouri vs. Oklahoma State Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Memphis, TN     3:45 pm  ESPN

SDCCU Holiday Bowl
22 Northwestern vs. 17 Utah      Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego, CA  7:00 pm    FS1

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
NC State vs. 19 Texas A&M       TIAA Bank Field
Jacksonville, FL 7:30 pm  ESPN

Tuesday, Jan 1, 2019
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV

Outback Bowl
18 Mississippi State vs. Iowa     Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, FL        12:00 pm  ESPN2

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
11 LSU vs. 8 UCF          State Farm Stadium
Glendale, AZ     1:00 pm   ESPN

VRBO Citrus Bowl
14 Kentucky vs. 12 Penn State   Camping World Stadium
Orlando, FL       1:00 pm  ABC

Rose Bowl Game
9 Washington vs. 6 Ohio State   Rose Bowl Stadium
Pasadena, CA   5:00 pm ESPN

Allstate Sugar Bowl
15 Texas vs. 5 Georgia  Mercedes-Benz Superdome
New Orleans, LA           8:45 pm  ESPN

Monday, Jan 7, 2019
Bowl     Location           Time (ET) / TV   Tickets

College Football Playoff National Championship
Semifinal Winners          Levi’s Stadium
Santa Clara, CA            8:00 pm  ESPN




NFL Power Poll – Rams Clinch NFC West

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

Support California Wild Fire Relief Fund
Go to   www.RedCross.org  to donate money or time
DraftInsiders.com supports all Emergency Relief efforts worldwide along with Breast Cancer for over 25 years.

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

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