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After a deal with the Ravens fell through over concerns about his injured left ankle, defensive lineman Michael Brockers is returning to the Rams on a three-year deal, Brockers' agent confirmed to ESPN.
NFL Players Who Could Be Traded Following Free Agency
Free agency continues to roll on in the NFL, though the activity has begun to slow. The same is true for the trade market, as evidenced by the Carolina Panthers' inability to move quarterback Cam Newton before releasing him earlier this week.
While there may be the occasional deal over the next couple of weeks, the next wave of trades will probably come before, during and after April's draft. Teams will have a better idea of where their needs are and how they can maximize the value of moving players.
Here, we'll examine eight notable veterans who could still be moved this offseason, based on factors like salary, cap space, positional depth and long-term roster outlook. Some of these players could be traded as money moves; others because the team has a replacement on deck or is likely to draft one.
Carlos Dunlap, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
Because of their long-term outlook, the Cincinnati Bengals may try moving longtime pass-rusher Carlos Dunlap. Though he is still a productive sack artist—he had 9.0 sacks in 2019—Dunlap is also 31 years old and set to earn nearly $24.5 million over the next two seasons. Only $4.5 million of that is dead money.
Will the Bengals be ready to contend within the next two years? Probably not. They're entering a new rebuild that will likely be centered around presumed No. 1 pick Joe Burrow. Cincinnati is not a quarterback away, however, so the rebuild will take some time.
Cincinnati could save roughly $20 million over the next two seasons by dealing Dunlap—money that could be used on younger players who will be around to see the rebuild through. The Bengals obviously would get a little something in return in a trade while also opening up an expanded role for 2017 fourth-round pick Carl Lawson.
Lawson produced 5.0 sacks in 2019 but played just under 43 percent of defensive snaps, according to Football Outsiders.
Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
As previously mentioned, the Bengals are expected to make LSU quarterback Joe Burrow the first pick in the draft. This means that current Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is expendable. The challenge for Cincinnati will be finding a trade partner.
The Bengals are open to dealing Dalton, but his 2019 salary has been prohibitive, according to NBC Sports' Peter King.
"I think I keep hearing no one will trade for Andy Dalton and pay him $17 million this year in the last year of his deal," King wrote.
It's unlikely that a team will jump on a Dalton trade now—especially with players like Newton and Jameis Winston on the open market. However, this could change later in the offseason. If a team misses out on a starting-caliber quarterback in the draft or loses its starter to injury during training camp, Dalton could suddenly become a prime trade target.
Olivier Vernon, EDGE, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Olivier Vernon is coming off a disappointing and injury-hampered year. He appeared in just 10 games and finished with a mere 3.5 sacks. Vernon is also set to earn $15.5 million in 2020 with none of it guaranteed. However, Cleveland isn't looking to release him just yet, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Vernon could be a cut candidate post-draft if the Browns are able to add another pass-rusher. He could also be offered as trade bait at some point during the draft.
Vernon's salary for 2020 isn't appealing, but a team may be willing to acquire him and then restructure or extend his contract. Vernon has shown himself to be a quality pass-rusher when healthy—he had 22 sacks in 39 games with the New York Giants—and teams are regularly looking for pass-rushing help.
Given the money Cleveland would save, a late-round draft pick might be enough to land Vernon. At that price, some team should be willing to deal.
Trent Williams, OT, Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams is another player whose market may not come together until after the draft. The seven-time Pro Bowler didn't play in 2019, and Washington's current asking price of a second-round pick is turning off prospective trade partners.
"At that asking price, [a deal] is not going to get done," Garafolo said on NFL Now.
Washington will still likely have to reduce its asking price, but teams will likely be more interested if they strike out on a top tackle prospect in the draft.
Cleveland is a potential landing spot. The Browns explored a trade early in free agency, and he remains a possible target, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. However, the Browns also own the 10th overall pick in the draft and will likely try landing a tackle there before turning their attention back to Williams.
Other tackle-needy teams will likely take a similar approach.
Matt Judon, LB, Baltimore Ravens
On one hand, trading linebacker and sack artist Matt Judon doesn't make a ton of sense for the Baltimore Ravens. They're looking to bolster their front seven and pass rush, as evidenced by last week's trade for Calais Campbell and signings of Jihad Ward and Michael Brockers.
On the other hand, the additions of Campbell and Ward provide pass-rushing help and could make Judon—who had 9.5 sacks in 2019—closer to expendable. With Judon set to play on the franchise tag this season, the Ravens may be looking to execute a tag-and-trade.
"Judon is a candidate for Baltimore's franchise-tag-and-trade inquiries from other teams, league sources tell ESPN, potentially continuing the recent trend of offseason trades featuring high-profile pass-rushers," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote back in January.
A tag-and-trade could indeed be the route the Ravens take with Judon, especially if they're looking to make additional moves. Baltimore has just over $11 million in cap space.
Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars do not appear eager to deal defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. According to Garafolo, there is "nothing going on" regarding a potential trade of Ngakoue.
This could change in the coming weeks, however, depending on what interested teams are willing to offer the Jaguars.
At this point, it appears unlikely that Ngakoue will be a piece of Jacksonville's long-term plans. The former Maryland star made it clear shortly after he received the franchise tag that he has no desire to remain with the Jaguars over the long haul.
"The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville," Ngakoue tweeted.
If Jacksonville isn't going to have the edge-rusher beyond the 2020 season, it would make a lot of sense to move him while it has the option to do so. Ngakoue, who has registered at least 8.0 sacks in each of his four pro seasons, should also bring something valuable in return.
Anthony Harris, S, Minnesota Vikings
Like Judon and Ngakoue, Minnesota Vikings safety Anthony Harris is a tag-and-trade candidate. It was a bit surprising to see Harris get the tag in the first place, as the Vikings were not exactly loaded with cap space.
After releasing Xavier Rhodes, Linval Joseph and David Morgan, trading Stefon Diggs and making a few additions and re-signings, the Vikings have just over $12 million in available cap room. That's enough of a bankroll that dealing Harris to clear cap space isn't a necessity. It's also not so much room that he's guaranteed to stay.
According to Rapoport, the Vikings "acknowledged to teams that Harris could be had for a mid-to-late-round draft pick" early in free agency.
If the compensation is right, Minnesota could indeed deal Harris. Doing so would give the team another $11.44 million in cap room, which would nearly double its buying power. Given Harris' stellar 2019 season—11 passes defensed and an NFL-high six interceptions—Minnesota should also be compensated well in a trade.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Former Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins has been a fine role player since arriving with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. However, his production hasn't come close to matching his massive three-year, $48 million contract.
In two seasons with the Chiefs, Watkins has produced a total of just 1,192 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Watkins is set to carry a ridiculous cap hit of $21 million in 2020, $14 million of which the Chiefs could save by releasing or trading him. Trading him could be difficult at that price, but a team might be willing to take a chance on him at $14 million for one season.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs probably won't find a trade partner until after the draft. The rookie receiver class is believed to be deep, and teams may only show an interest in Watkins if they pass on receivers in the first few rounds.
A team that deals for Watkins could be in store for a bargain in terms of trade value, though. Kansas City is over the cap and may be willing to accept low-end compensation to free up that $14 million.
Many will wonder who but this guy was a great. Named the Toy Cannon because even back then he was a small guy playing at 5'10" and 160lbs he had amazing pop. Started his career for the Astro's I believe their second year in the league.
Once you have made your pick mention the next owner to pick and the owner who is next on deck.
If you feel you may be away during your allotted time frame leave a pick with me or another owner to make your pick for you.
If you do not make a pick within the allotted time frame the Commish'' - or if I'm away for a period an allocated owner will make a pick on behalf of the owner. This will not be next best pick but a pick between 200-250 on a Mock Draft I have assembled.
Agreed trades between owners need to be posted clearly on this thread - PM me directly also when it has been confirmed and I will change the draft order accordingly.
Anything I've missed or any queries let me know ...
When you make your pick try and include a picture and a small write up if you can.
Main thing is to have some FUN !! That's what @DaveFan'51 would have wanted.
Here are 7 trades the LA Rams can make to free salary cap space to become active in the 2020 NFL Free Agency market, but the team is running out of time
ramblinfan.com
Interesting thoughts. The overall impression most of these ideas definitely increase our Cap space. Some I like, some I am on the fence on some I don't like.
The obvious one is Goff to Washington for the #2 pick and we get Trent Williams as well they get our #52 pick. For Washington this solves their QB problem and for us we get Williams who I am a huge fan of. This assumes we don't take Chase Young and we take Tua my question why do that Tua unfortunately is coming back from a really bad injury. Although he is a great QB too much risk and I would not give them the #52 pick. Also we would be passing on the most dominant DE in the draft. We might be able to trade back with Miami for their 3 firsts or two guests and a second then we lose out on Young and Tua but the team would have a ton of ammo to get slot of players and we still get Williams as well.
I like Higbey for #23 from Pat's I would do that all day we can get a top LB, T, OLB, C, G trade back etc. alit of options.
Like Everett for a 2nd - might push for a little more he is growing and coming into his prime.
Don't like Cooks for a 3rd. Cooks will bounce back now is not the time to trade him.
Well, Todd Gurley is gone. I'm sad to see him go, but if that means that we can sign Ramsey and Kupp, I'm all for it. Unfortunately, his knee condition prevented us from trading him for a pick, so I'll just have to be, ah...creative and draft a running back in the second round. Who is that running back? You'll find out soon enough. Anyway, here it is:
Trades:
Robert Woods to the Indianapolis Colts for 2020 second round pick (#44 overall).
(We need a high second round pick for the player I'm thinking about. Indy gets a receiver to pair with Hilton.)
Josh Reynolds to the Las Vegas Raiders for #121 overall.
(Yes, I'm also trading Reynolds, but don't worry; I have a plan. The Raiders desperately need receiving help for whomever their new quarterback is.)
#52 overall and 199 to the New York Jets for #68 overall and #79 overall.
(Stealing this idea from Jerry - that I modified a bit - because it makes sense. I expect the Jets to move up to get an offensive lineman.)
#84 overall and 234 to the New York Giants for #99 overall and #110 overall.
(Another idea from Jerry, only modified a bit. Giants move up for a receiver.)
#68 overall, #199 overall, #234 overall, and 2021 third round pick to the Detroit Lions for #35 overall.
(A player falls down the board that makes all kinds of sense in this mock, and Detroit is rebuilding and needs extra draft picks.)
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(Yeah, apparently, Shenault is falling down the draft boards. I say that we should trade up to get him. He's a big and gifted receiver who can burn you in all phases of the game. He's physical, quick out of his breaks for a bigger wideout, fast enough to be a legit deep threat, able to pluck the ball out of the air, and he is amazing when it comes to yards after the catch. The reasons he's falling are because of injuries (a torn labrum, turf toe, and a core injury at the Combine), inconsistency in his junior year, (possibly caused by poor quarterback play) and mediocre route-running (which should improve once he gets to know Cooper Kupp). He's very much a boom-bust player, but I love him as a prospect, and I'd be thrilled to have him.)
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(Yes, the running back you've been waiting for is here. CEH is short at 5'7", not the fastest, and not the strongest. What does have, though? I'm glad you asked, because CEH has uncanny vision, unmatched balance, and amazing quickness. He's not going to go down with the first tackle, much like Devin Singletary, who I wanted in the 2019 draft. He has the same quickness and shiftiness as Darren Sproles in his prime. But CEH has the potential to be better than Singletary, better than Sproles. You'll see why when I make this comparison.)
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(Biadasz is my favorite center in this draft. He's not the most athletic, has had minor injury issues in college, and he struggled a bit in 2019. But I'm not looking at 2019; I'm looking at a powerful technician of a center who can flat-out move people in the running game and dominated against the run. I think his injuries are dragging him down, but I love this kid's potential.)
NFL Comparison - Travis Frederick (yes, I know Jerry had this comparison, but it fits.)
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(Johnson is one of my favorite wide receiver prospects in this class. He's a crafty route runner, has sneaky speed, agility and acceleration, and he's got solid hands to go along with it. He didn't test well at the Combine, and he struggles with excessive physicality, such as blocking. But those things aren't important in the grand scheme of things. Johnson should be able to play immediately, whether injuries are a factor or if one of our wideouts needs a breather. He'll make sure that there's no drop-off in terms of the offense.)
NFL Comparison - Mohamed Sanu.
#104 overall - Leki Fotu, DL, Utah.
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(Fotu is big and powerful at 6'5", 330 lbs. You would expect him to be a nose tackle at his size, but he can also play 5-tech, has surprising penetration abilities. and is a wall against the run. He's sushi-raw, however, and he'll need to be built from the ground on up when it comes to technique. He's probably going to learn behind Robinson and Gaines/SJD before he's ready, but if he puts it all together, he'll be dominant.)
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(Muti is a mean dude on the football field. There's just no other way to put it. He's powerful, has surprising mobility for his size, and he's amazing in both run and pass blocking (he only gave up three pressures in his entire college career, according to PFF). What his problem is are injuries that have cost him most of his college career. He's had two Achilles injuries in his true freshman and sophomore years and a Lisfranc in his junior year that cost him all but three games. He's a project for sure, but if he stays healthy and puts it all together, we're talking about an All-Pro guard.)
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(Let me get this out of the way: Gay has significant character concerns. He was suspended eight games for cheating on a chemistry test, suspended for allegedly punching a teammate, and got ejected from the Egg Bowl after a bench clearing brawl (although, to be fair to him, he had nothing to do with the fight; he had a prior unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and since everyone on both sides got an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in that game, it meant he was ejected.) He's raw when it comes to diagnosing plays. Now let's go with the good: Gay is a hell of an athlete. He can stack and shed blocks. He can blitz. He can drop into coverage and spy on mobile quarterbacks. He's easily a first round talent. It's just the off-the-field stuff that pushes him to the fourth round.)
NFL Comparison - Lawrence Timmons.
Priority UDFAs:
Cheyenne O'Grady, TE, Arkansas
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(O'Grady has the talent to be a star at tight end. He's got great hands, the speed to run away from linebackers, is a YAC threat who won't go down easily, and he's very versatile. The problem? Significant off-the-field issues: three suspensions and stepping away from the team (which the coach said was a mutual deal). I know that he has a lot of shit to take, but damn do I want another solid tight end behind Higbee (Everett is probably not going to be re-signed next year, so that's a problem.) O'Grady could take Mundt's job easily, although he needs work as a blocker, and as a UDFA, I think he's worth the risk.)
Jeff Thomas, WR, Miami.
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(Thomas is another risk when it comes to character. He sulked when he didn't get the ball, and is definitely a diva. He's small and skinny, and he's not likely going to gain any more weight. But when it comes to speed? Hot damn, he can absolutely fly. He's a solid route runner, has value as a returner, and can create after the catch. I think he's a solid seventh wide receiver, behind Kupp, Cooks, Shenault, Johnson, Webster, and Dortch.)
James Robinson, RB, Illinois State.
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(No, Robinson is not Olonilua (as I think that Olonilua will be selected in the draft.) He's a solid power back (5'9", 222 lbs.) who was basically Illinois State's entire offense over the past three years. He has a lot of mileage on him as a result, and he's not a fast back, which I think will scare teams away. Speed's not his game, though. His game is basically excellent vision combined with finding a hole in the middle that he can power through on short yardage. He's not just some bruiser, though; he's proven that he's a solid pass-catcher and an even better pass blocker. He'll be good enough to find a fourth (possibly third, depending on what happens with Brown) running back role behind CEH, Henderson, and Brown.)
James Pierre, CB, Florida Atlantic.
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(Pierre is a work in progress. He's a great tackler for a corner, which will help on special teams. He's got good size and length. He has decent ball skills. His problem is that he's extremely raw in terms of actual coverage. He has the speed to play man, but he's simply lacks the technique to play cornerback right now. But as a developmental corner and a special teams player, I'm fine with the flaws for now.)
Nigel Warrior, FS, Tennessee.
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(Warrior (love the last name) is an athletic deep safety who is known for laying the lumber. He has a problem with angles and ball skills; he could have a lot more interceptions if he simply knew how to play the ball. Still, there's a lot to like about him.)
Jared Mayden, SS, Alabama.
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(Mayden is a very instinctive and hard-hitting strong safety who has had only one year of starting experience as a senior. Still, he's had experience at damn near every spot. He's not particularly athletic or rangy, though, which is why he falls to the ranks of the undrafted.)
Justin Rohrwasser, K, Marshall.
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(Now for our kicker, as I don't think re-signing Zuerlein is in the cards at this moment. Rohrwasser is big and has a powerful leg. He struggled with accuracy early in his career, but he had an absolutely stand-out senior year for Marshall, including a few 50+ yard kicks. Will he have the range of Legatron? I doubt it. But I think we're going to go younger, and Rohrwasser is my bet.)
Roster: (Starters in italics; rookies in bold.)
QB - Jared Goff, John Wolford.
RB - Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown, James Robinson.
WR - Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, Laviska Shenault Jr., Tyler Johnson, Nsimba Webster, Greg Dortch, Jeff Thomas.
TE - Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett, Cheyenne O'Grady.
OL - Andrew Whitworth, Bobby Evans, Austin Blythe, David Edwards, Rob Havenstein, Tyler Biadasz, Netane Muti, Austin Corbett, Joseph Noteboom.
DL - Aaron Donald, A'Shawn Robinson, Greg Gaines, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Leki Fotu.
LB - Leonard Floyd, Samson Ebukam, Micah Kiser, Travin Howard, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Jachai Polite, Jeff Holland, Kenny Young, Natrez Patrick, Willie Gay Jr..
DB - Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill, David Long, John Johnson III, Taylor Rapp, Darious Williams, James Pierre, Jake Gervase, Nigel Warrior, Jared Mayden.
ST -Justin Rohrwasster, Johnny Hekker, Jake McQuaide.
The Chicago Bears have to move on and trade Mitchell Trubisky after trading for Nick Foles this offseason.
www.12up.com
The Bears Have No Choice But to Trade Mitchell Trubisky Before Training Camp
The Chicago Bears spent three years being patient with Mitchell Trubisky. There was no other choice after the team traded up to the No. 2 overall pick to draft him back in 2017.
Yet the patience seemingly went out the window this offseason when they traded for Nick Foles. The veteran is looking to rebound after signing a four-year, $88 million deal in Jacksonville last year, only to play in four games and go 0-4 as a starter. As of now the acquisition sets up a quarterback competition. However, that would only complicate things further, and the Bears can simplify all of this by trading Trubisky.
The only positive would be if adding Foles lit a fire under Trubisky, and he suddenly lived up to his potential, as it's highly unlikely the veteran opts out of his current contract, which is scheduled to pay him just under $15 million in 2021 and over $20 million in 2022 in his 32 and 33 seasons.
But based on past results, Trubisky is not going to earn a second contract in Chicago. He has sputtered along and only threw for 3,138 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He also finished with just 9.6 yards per completion and averaged only 209.2 yards per game.
Adding Foles' huge contract, even with the opt-outs, doesn't make sense if the plan is to keep Trubisky. It's simply too large of a financial hit. Ryan Pace ought to cut his losses and trade the former UNC QB while he still can.
So instead in wallowing in the pit of despair over the logos introduced, I pondered logos I like.
Please add some you like and why.
Here is the MLB Brewers logo. It is awesome that it took my son’s little league team taking the Brewers to realize it had the MB for Milwaukee Brewers in the glove!
Have any of you watched this show yet? It's a train wreck you just can't look away from. Did Carole Baskins kill her millionaire husband, is her new husband the lamest man ever. Where the heck did the meth doin, gun carrying, tiger owning, gay Joe Exotic Dirt come from! How did he convince two straight men to marry him? What is going on in Doc Antels Harem?
I had no idea the private zoo industry was so freaking intriguing lol
I'd like to see Nsimba Webster move up the depth chart now and get some run with us. He was an explosive WR in college and put up some solid numbers his last year at Eastern Washington ... This means we should be in the market to add another WR either through the draft or from free agency....
The departures keep coming for the Los Angeles Rams with yet another player signing elsewhere. According to the league’s transaction wire, the Bengals have signed free agent Mike Thomas. Thomas spent the last four years with the Rams, but he contributed very little as a wide…
The typical run-up to the NFL draft has been put on hiatus. Pro days, individual workouts, team visits and the combine medical recheck have all been nixed as franchises and prospects cope with the coronavirus pandemic.That may change how teams view certain prospects.Redemption stories from pro days won't exist. A player who tested poorly at the NFL Scouting Combine or wasn't able to participate in any predraft activities prior to the industry-wide shutdown won't have an opportunity to show out in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers.
As such, prospects falling down draft boards are different today than in any other previous evaluation period. It's a matter of circumstance more than anything they might have done wrong during the predraft process.Organizations must rely more heavily on their scouting work and the time they spent with prospects at the Shrine Bowl, Senior Bowl, NFLPA Game or combine."There are a couple players in this year's draft not named Joe Burrow or Derrick Brown that declined all-star invites AND chose not to test at the combine," Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy tweeted. "Instead they decided to let everything ride on a pro day that now won't happen. There is a lesson here for 2021 draft class."
Traditional metrics and evaluating tactics don't apply here. Instead, we're focusing on projected early-round options who left the combine with question marks that can't be answered between now and the draft.
C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Badgers program effectively serves as an assembly line of offensive line talent to the NFL. Tyler Biadasz is next in line. However, his status dropped considerably throughout the evaluation process. Once considered a top center prospect, if not the top option, Biadasz may be a late Day 2 or even Day 3 selection at this juncture. The unanimous All-American graded well throughout his time at Wisconsin, but in-depth film work reveals some difficulties during tough matchups. The Ohio State Buckeyes defensive interior created significant problems for Biadasz, and two of their defensive tackles—DaVon Hamilton and Robert Landers—are fellow prospects in this year's class.
The 2019 Rimington Trophy winner is consistent and reliable, but he struggles with power and has a tendency to lunge. Other centers have seemingly surpassed Biadasz because of their play and translatable traits. LSU's Lloyd Cushenberry III, Michigan's Cesar Ruiz, Washington's Nick Harris and Temple's Matt Hennessy could each come off the board before Biadasz. There aren't many teams targeting a center, either, with the Cowboys and Denver Broncos as the only organizations actively looking to fill a void.
The 6'4", 314-pound center also had arthroscopic surgery on the AC joint in his right shoulder after the 2019 campaign, which prevented him from working out at the combine."It wasn't necessarily an injury," Biadasz told reporters in Indianapolis. "I never was limited. It was just a lingering issue. Not really an issue, but just a little pain here and there. ... we just don't want anything lingering on to OTAs or rookie camp. So I just got (it) done."
Newton's talent has always been undeniable, but the past few seasons have been concerning enough that teams won't be lining up to bring him in. He played two games last season after suffering a Linsfranc injury in the preseason (a massive red flag for a scrambling quarterback like Newton) and a partially torn rotator cuff suffered in 2016 that cut his 2018 season short. The 2017 season was the last time Newton looked like Newton, and he threw for 3,302 yards and 22 touchdowns with 16 interceptions while running for 754 yards and six touchdowns in an 11-5 campaign. His ceiling is high, but so is his risk of injury, making him quite the boom-or-bust signing for any potential suitor. Here are three teams who seem most likely to kick the tires on the 2015 MVP.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are tightly pressed against the salary cap and are reportedly fine with their current QB room of Brian Hoyer, Jarrett Stidham, and Cody Kessler, per Albert Breer. But if Newton is looking for a one-year "prove it" deal on the cheaper side, Bill Belichick surely wouldn't ignore his phone call. It will be a defining year for Belichick and the franchise as a whole, and bringing in a presumably healthy Newton is the only surefire way to guarantee they'll be in championship contention, unless Stidham is secretly a first-round pick in a fourth-rounder's body. Newton's dual-threat ability would give the Patriots' offense enough variance to put up big points some weeks. After bringing back most of their defensive starters from last year's elite unit, they don't need him to be MVP Cam, they just need him to be VP Cam. Belichick has never seen a risk he isn't willing to take, and if the money is right, Newton is another he'd strongly consider.
Los Angeles Chargers
Despite the plethora of starting-caliber quarterbacks available this offseason, the Chargers did nothing to offset the departure of Philip Rivers. They seem content to roll into next season with Tyrod Taylor as the starter, perhaps with a top-10 quarterback selection behind him after April's draft. Now that Newton is available and the competition is significantly lessened after teams like the Bears and the Colts already reinforced their quarterback rooms, he makes a lot of sense for Los Angeles. He's a better version of Taylor, the type of QB Anthony Lynn reportedly prefers, and is enough of a big name that he could help draw fans to the new stadium the franchise plans to debut this season. Regardless of the team's plans for the NFL Draft, Newton is an exciting player who could keep them competitive for a year until the young buck is ready. But Newton is only 30 and could also still have some good years ahead of him if he works out better than expected.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are looking to make a splash in 2020 to celebrate their move to Vegas. They already signed Marcus Mariota to a pretty substantial deal for a backup quarterback and still have Derek Carr under contract for the next three seasons. But if Newton is willing to come aboard for cheap and they can find a taker for Carr (both realistic scenarios from where we currently sit), Jon Gruden wouldn't turn down the chance to work with a talent like Newton. He's a big enough name to get Vegas fans even more excited for their new franchise and he'd be an upgrade over Carr. The Raiders aren't a quarterback away from contending, but Newton's value off the field and the improvement he'd bring at quarterback make this a natural fit.
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The Rams and new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley have added two new pieces to his defense with the free agent signings of Lber Leonard Floyd and DT O"Shawn Robinson. The has been some differing opinions on where they will play. I was wondering if we learn more about the defense where Staley came from could we see where everyone is going to play. Also, it can give us a little insight into what/who the Rams need to draft.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during pre-game warm ups before their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on December 30, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Vic Fangio. (Getty Images)
By Dan Durkin-
ADVERTISING
(CBS) It’s impossible for the Bears to undo their recent history. The back-to-back seasons in which the defense allowed the most and second-most single-season points in franchise history will forever live in infamy. Former Bears general manager Phil Emery’s attempt to shift the paradigm and evolve into an offensive-oriented team was a failure.
New Bears general manager Ryan Pace, on the other hand, recognizes the team must get back to its roots.
“When you think about the Chicago Bears’ identity over the years,” Pace said, “it’s tough, physical defense, and we’re going to get back to that.”
True to his words, Pace went out and hired a defensive-minded head coach in John Fox, who then went on to hire Vic Fangio to coordinate the defense.
Fangio’s resume speaks for itself. He’s regarded as one of the league’s premier defensive coordinators and, judging by his recent history, is the ideal candidate to correct the course and align with Pace’s vision for the franchise.
Over the past four seasons in San Francisco, Fangio’s defenses ranked in the top five in yards allowed for four straight seasons and the top three in points allowed in three of the four seasons. At its core, Fangio’s scheme is a 3-4 – also known as a “30-front” – predicated on brutally strong down linemen who can jar and occupy their opponent off the snap to not only keep inside linebackers clean but create single-block opportunities for outside linebackers to create pressure off the edge.
Behind this physical and instinctive defensive front, Fangio combines man and zone concepts – often on the same play – to create pre-snap confusion with the quarterback and give him a distorted image of what defense will actually unfold after the snap.
It’s not a foregone conclusion that the Bears will run a 3-4 under Fangio. Fox’s roots trace back to a 4-3 scheme, but starting in 2011 in Denver he began to run more 3-4 looks and evolved into somewhat of a hybrid scheme, which dovetails well with Fangio’s scheme that incorporates some 4-3 elements – primarily pre-snap alignments.
Recently, some Bears fans viewed a 3-4 scheme as a panacea. But that’s far from reality.
The core of the Bears’ previously dominant defense was built on a Tampa-2 foundation, which is diametrically opposed to a 3-4 in terms of the profile of athletes who are procured and deployed along the front. The Tampa-2 uses up-the-field one-gap shooters along the line and coverage droppers at the second level. A 3-4 uses two-gap space eaters up front and second-level run stuffers.
But given how bare the cupboard is on defense, there has never been a better time for the Bears to consider drastic change on defense from both a personnel and philosophical standpoint.
The advantages of a properly scouted, coached and executed 3-4 scheme can be vast.
By substituting a down lineman with a linebacker, defenses are able to raise the overall athleticism on the field. Finding traditional defensive ends to play in a 4-3 scheme (think Mario Williams) is both difficult and expensive, both in terms of draft position and eventual financial compensation.
At the collegiate ranks, there’s a larger number of linebackers and undersized defensive ends who can be converted to outside backers in a 3-4 (think Aldon Smith). In turn, this increases the pool of available talent, and it then becomes a matter of scouting departments identifying the right prospects who can be turned over to the coaching staff to for player development purposes.
From a schematic standpoint, a 3-4 affords flexibility to defensive coordinators both from an alignment and pressure standpoint.
When preparing for a 4-3 scheme, it’s nearly a foregone conclusion that all four down linemen will be a part of the rush. The challenge for the protection scheme then becomes deploying the proper rules on twists and stunts and identifying where second- and third-level pressure may come from. Within a 3-4, any of the four linebackers can easily be disguised and incorporated into the rush, which forces protection schemes to account for all – or none – of them on any given play.
Let’s step into the film room and take a closer look at Fangio’s scheme.
Here’s an example from the Eagles game. The Eagles come out in “12” (one running back, two tight end) personnel in a unit gun formation with LeSean McCoy offset to the left of Nick Foles.
On base downs (think first and second down or against “21” or “12” offensive personnel), Fangio typically uses 3-4 personnel in a 4-0-4 front. What is the significance of 4-0-4, you ask? It’s the technique of the defensive linemen. (Click here for a column I previously wrote about techniques, gaps and alignments. You might want to bookmark it.)
The three down linemen play two-gap responsibility, which means they’re attacking the player they’re lined up across from (opposed to one-gap, where defensive linemen attack the space in between offensive linemen), reading his leverage and occupying the immediate gaps to their left and right. The four-technique ends attack the offensive tackles, while the zero-technique attacks the center.
Like a 4-3, a 3-4 has a middle (Mike), weak-side (Will) and strong-side (Sam) linebacker, but it adds in a second inside linebacker known as a “Jack” backer. Typically the Jack backer is lined up to the open or weak side of the offensive formation and assumes more coverage responsibilities. The Jack backer is typically substituted for when the defense goes to nickel (five defensive backs).
The two inside linebackers line up over the uncovered offensive linemen – known as the “bubble” – in a 20-technique and read their post-snap keys. The first key is the running back, the second key is reading the helmet level of the offensive guard and the third is any offset alignment by a back. On run downs, they can fill the hole, spill the play from inside to out or scrape over the top of the pile to set an outside edge.
The outside linebackers play the most crucial role in Fangio’s scheme, not only from an athletic standpoint but from a recognition standpoint as well. Because they’re playing closer to the line of scrimmage, their reaction time must be nearly instantaneous. First, they must recognize the type of block they’re getting, then engage the blocker while keeping eyes in the backfield.
Against the pass, outside backers are used both in the rush package (typically the Will), as well as in coverage drops. The Will backer must engage his blocker – in many cases a tight end – read and disrupt his release.
If the tight end releases on a route and the Will backer is part of the rush, he must disrupt the release by getting his hands on his foe, then fixing his eyes on the setup of the tackle as he squeezes down the edge.
The Sam backer is typically a D-gap player in Fangio’s scheme who plays with force to set the edge against the run to force the ball-carrier back inside.
Fangio does show some elements of a 4-3 scheme with pre-snap alignments. He’s deployed over and under fronts, with the difference being the end man on the line of scrimmage is playing from a two-point stance.
Here’s an example of a 3-4 under front from Fangio, with defensive end Justin Smith playing a 3/4i-technique to the open or weak side of the formation, and the Will backer playing in a nine-technique from a two-point stance. From this alignment, Fangio has given Smith – and other ends – both one- and two-gap responsibilities, but primarily his down linemen play with two-gap technique.
Behind these fronts, Fangio is fond of mixing his coverages, playing both man and zone principles with his underneath and deep defenders.
This example from the Cowboys game shows the 49ers in a single-high, six-underneath look, which typically signals zone to a quarterback. But in this case, Fangio is playing with man technique on the outside while the linebackers play zone in the middle as the single-high free safety lurks, reading the eyes and shoulders of the quarterback.
This coverage gives Tony Romo the illusion of zone, but it’s actually man, causing him to pause with throws to the perimeter as defenders squeeze down on his receivers.
In terms of pressure, Fangio doesn’t dial up many exotic blitzes. Instead, he relies on his down linemen to occupy blockers so his edge rushers can win single-block opportunities.
The Bears have some players along their defensive front who have experience playing in a 3-4 scheme — Lamarr Houston, Jeremiah Ratliff, Cornelius Washington and Shea McClellin.
However, independent of scheme, the Bears need a significant infusion of new (and preferably young) talent on defense. In a way, that’s good, as a switch to 3-4 would only change the profile of athlete Pace and his staff need to scout for.
Fangio’s hire signals a new commitment from the organization to match the rhetoric of becoming a legitimate contender. With more human talent in place on the coaching staff, now it’s time to get more where it really matters — on the field. Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
The Rams put up a mobile background yesterday on Twitter, but I didn't like the "LA" logo so I used the new Ram head one. I'm attaching it if anyone's interested. Sorry about the slight Ram head quality issue, it's a tad pixelated as I increased it in size a little bit as the best one I found was still a little too small(I'm hoping we get proper image files of this hopefully soon to be primary logo.)
I didn't make one with the fan made Ram's head logos even though they're my favourite. It was too much of a time sink to crop those images. If I'm able to find a decent one I may throw one together in the future.
Have any of you heard rumblings about the Rams sending Josh Reynolds to the Eagles for Rasul Douglas? Some site called NJ.com was pushing this out as a trade rumor. Anyone else hear of this?
NEW LOGO - check!
NEW COLORS - check!
NEW ROD - check!
NEW UNIFORMS…. well....
RAMS ON DEMAND HAS BEEN UPDATED!
In September 2019, we made a big update to ROD… Yet, those changes were mostly behind the scenes with very little cosmetic work.
That update was the equivalent of going Windows 8 to Windows 10. In short; we moved to the latest "core" platform.
We were successful… We are there! We are running THE BEST out there and we won't have to do that again for many years.
With that work complete…. we have now launched a new RamsOnDemand EXTERIOR. This is what you see and interact with on your screen.
When planning this project, we worked to "an anticipated timeline" of launching RamsOnDemand in sync with the 2020 uniform refresh and stadium opening. We started early… we were just waiting for final confirmation on colors. So, BOOM! That's why we were so fast.
If you haven't started exploring already… the colors jump out, but the general navigation has a familiar feel. We don't think you will have any trouble finding your way around. So, be patient, click around, we think you'll figure it out just fine.
That said… if you bump into anything that is not easily understood reply here. We will have a few of those.
The goal of this re-design was mainly… Celebrate everything new! FEEL A PART OF THAT HERE AT ROD. New uniforms, new stadium, new ROD!
Of the larger design changes; we put considerable effort into designing an all new iPad (mid-size tablet device) "configuration" to mimic the screens you see on laptops. Without getting into too much detail… the site is designed to be "responsive” and “adjust the look, based on screen size". This is most notable when you grab your phone and post from there. It's a different layout.
It is also important to point out, each layout has a relationship to the other. So a change to the desktop layout, effects the tablet, and phone layouts. We tried to balance all design features to look great on all layouts. But, there are always compromises when assembling them.
All of this said; If you own an iPad (or mid-sized tablet like that)… ROD is built to enjoy the full web experience…. On your ass… from the couch and/or recliner. Portrait or landscape, regardless your preference. Man Cave GOLD!!!! Great way to connect in your comfy chair. You will post more too, and we all like that. Great for watching the game, too.
If for whatever reason the new site layout does not render cleanly for you or "something looks off"…. Log out. Maybe even try a browser cache-clear. Do not clear your passwords. But you shouldn’t have to do any of that. This would be just in case you have a device that is finicky to the switch.
We hope you enjoy it! We realize not every change we made will be "an improvement to all people or devices" no doubt you might find a thing or two "you preferred on the old site"… hopefully in the exploration of the new ROD you see more to like!
As with anything new, we have a list of improvements underway. Never in a million years would I think the need to add the caveat about our capacity to work this improvement list. But… "the guys that need to work that list" are also working OT outside of here as a result of CoVID-19 (jobs). We ask for your patience, but we have tested the site fully including without any significant "must do's". Just again, might need a little more time than usual and even this message is written with less time than normal. We ask for your patience and understanding if there are things to fix.
Step 1: Find an image you want to use as your avatar and save it on your Win 10 computer. Remember where you saved it, (Downloads or Pictures would be the most obvious places to save your image).
Step 2: Move the cursor to your current avatar at the top of the page and click on it. Here is a 2020 image of a ROD page using the Firefox browser. Obviously a different browser would produce a different, but hopefully similar, layout.
Step 3: Clicking on your avatar should have created a drop-down menu with a larger version of your avatar. If you move the cursor over the larger avatar you should see the word 'Edit' appear. Click on 'Edit'.
Step 4: Clicking on 'Edit' should have created a new drop-down menu with a 'Browse' option to replace the current avatar with another image stored on your computer. Move the cursor over 'Browse' and click on it.
Step 5: You should now see a Win 10 File Upload page. This will list locations on your computer. Move the cursor over the location where your choice of image for your new avatar is stored, (likely Downloads or Pictures), and click the location.
Somewhere in the right hand side of that location should be your image file. At the bottom of the File Upload page is a 'File Name' box which should be empty. Click on the image for your new avatar.
The 'File Name' box should now have the file name of your chosen new avatar in it. Now click the 'Open' box below and to the right of the 'File Name' box. You should now be able to see the avatar 'Browse' page with your new avatar loaded into it. Click 'Okay'.
If this fails then PANIC!, blame Canada, and contact @CGI_Ram.
