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When Pete Leaves the Dying Seahags...
- By GoodBadUgly
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 6 Replies
...it will be just like USC.
ESPN: 2018 NFL Draft Quarterback Class Preview
- By Merlin
- NFL DRAFT / COLLEGE FOOTBALL
- 13 Replies
http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2018/s...-preview-background-scouting-reports-pro-fits
2018 NFL draft quarterback class primer: Everything you need to know
play
How many QB's will go in the first round of the draft? (1:47)
Todd McShay has a high number of quarterbacks going in the first round of his first mock draft. (1:47)
Jan 1, 2018
Anyway, that was last year. This year's quarterback draft class is the talk of the NFL town. It has been since last offseason. Seriously, at the combine last year, teams would moan about the quality of the quarterbacks in the draft and say, "But next year ..."
Well, next year is here, so how does it look? There are a couple of SoCal dudes still turning heads, a big guy in Wyoming who makes scouts drool and a Heisman-winning bad boy who may or may not be 6 feet tall. It's a fun group, and will dominate a lot of our attention in the four months leading up to the 2018 NFL draft.
So, let's have a bit of a look at where things stand in late December, shall we? We'll include notes from ESPN NFL draft experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, plus insight from personnel people in the league.
And skip to the end here to see which teams might actually draft one of these QBs in the first round -- there are several possibilities:
Rosen | Darnold | Allen | Mayfield | Jackson | Best of the rest
Josh Rosen, UCLA
Junior | 6-foot-4, 218 pounds | 30 career starts
2017 stats: 283 of 452 passing (62.6 percent) for 3,756 yards, with 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions; two rushing touchdowns, three lost fumbles; 67.1 Total QBR (No. 42 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Rosen caught everyone's attention with a 3,670-yard freshman season in 2015. NFL scouts love the way he looks in the pocket -- his footwork, throwing motion, anticipation and accuracy. After an injury-plagued 2016 season, he rebounded in 2017 with numbers nearly identical to those he put up as a freshman. Injuries set in again, though, and with Chip Kelly and a new coaching staff on the way in, it seems like a sure thing that Rosen will enter the draft. He's enough of a prospect to merit consideration at No. 1 overall -- especially if Sam Darnold doesn't come out.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 1 QB and No. 4 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "I have Rosen over Darnold for now, but it's close, and things could change between now and April. ... There aren't many quarterbacks who can make the throws [Rosen] does."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 1 QB and No. 1 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "Rosen is far superior [than Darnold] going through his progressions and has a pretty deep ball. He's a better QB right now, but that doesn't mean he will be down the line."
Rosen was held out of UCLA's bowl game. Assuming he declares for the draft as expected, Rosen will be subjected to a pre-draft process focused mainly on his injury history and some personality questions that have surfaced in media reports. It's almost certain that he will be picked at or near the top of the draft, but if it's a question between him and another highly rated guy, teams will want to check out anything negative that has come up.
Where can I find out more about Rosen?
Rosen, Darnold and the battle for Los Angeles, and the No. 1 pick (November 2017)
Sam Darnold, USC
Third-year sophomore | 6-4, 225 pounds | 23 career starts
2017 stats: 303 of 480 passing (63.1 percent) for 4,143 yards, with 26 touchdowns, 13 interceptions; five rushing touchdowns, seven lost fumbles; 74.6 Total QBR (No. 22 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Darnold couldn't beat out Max Browne as a redshirt freshman in 2016, but when Browne was benched after three games, people in the NFL took notice. There was at least some can-he-do-it-again sense about Darnold early this season, after a dazzling 31-touchdown, nine-interception 2016 season and a fantastic Rose Bowl performance against Penn State. Some early-season struggles in 2017 pointed to the concerns NFL evaluators had (and still have) about his footwork and some of his decision-making.
But those same evaluators recognize that USC was affected negatively by graduation and injury issues this season, and the way Darnold has played since Halloween has affirmed what scouts love about his abilities and makeup. It's not certain he will even come out -- and some in the league believe he could benefit from another year in college. But if Darnold does enter the draft, the overall package of potential and college performance makes him a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick. He went first in McShay's debut mock draft.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 2 QB and No. 5 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "I think Darnold has a chance to be special, and I believe in his talent long term. Darnold has a big frame, makes quick decisions and is an accurate, natural passer."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 2 QB and No. 3 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "His accuracy is terrific and he has special intangibles, but there is definitely a question now as to if he'll declare for the draft."
decide whether to declare for the draft. It's no sure thing he will. As a third-year sophomore, he could potentially return for two more seasons at USC. Darnold denied a rumor last month that he might return to USC if Cleveland has the first pick. And he was asked about the Browns again before the Trojans' bowl game. "Whenever I come out to go to the NFL, I think I'd be honored to play for any team," Darnold said on Dec. 27.
Where can I find out more about Darnold?
Rosen, Darnold and the battle for Los Angeles, and the No. 1 pick (November 2017)
Josh Allen, Wyoming
Fourth-year junior | 6-5, 233 pounds | 26 career starts
2017 stats: 152 of 270 passing (56.3 percent) for 1,812 yards, with 16 touchdowns, six interceptions; five rushing touchdowns, two lost fumbles; 51.9 Total QBR (No. 76 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Allen didn't have any FBS offers out of high school and had only two after a freshman season at Reedley College. But he landed at Wyoming and became the starter in 2016, and fans of the draft might remember his name from the time when ESPN's Adam Schefter said after the 2017 draft: "There was one personnel director who told me this week that you can put it in the books, Josh Allen will be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft next year."
Scouts look at Allen as a high-end talent, but it's all projection. He has tremendous size and a huge arm, and he made plenty of plays in 2016, when Wyoming had a strong veteran team around him. His numbers didn't show any improvement this season, but his coaching staff and the NFL scouting community seem to blame that on the deterioration of the rest of the Cowboys' roster due to the departures of so many of his weapons prior to the season. What scouts and evaluators see with Allen is elite potential -- the kind for which you're willing to overlook little things, such as a poor season at Wyoming.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 3 QB and No. 11 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "Allen is super raw, but he can really sling it. ... I think Allen's numbers will be much better in an NFL offense with NFL players."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 3 QB and No. 15 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "He has an elite arm and frame and can make every throw. The postseason process will be key for him."
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl -- three touchdown passes in the first quarter, and no turnovers -- Allen announced his intentions to enter the draft. He instantly becomes one of its most talked-about prospects. The sense in the scouting community is that Darnold and Rosen are a 1-2 in some order (probably that one) and Allen slips slightly toward the middle of the first round, though possibly still in the top 10. There will be questions about Allen's readiness to start right away at the NFL level, but some people will convince themselves it's worth a shot because he's such a specimen.
Where can I find out more about Allen?
Scouting Allen (November 2017)
Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Fifth-year senior | 6-1, 220 pounds | 46 career starts
2017 stats: 262 of 369 passing (71.9 percent) for 4,240 yards, with 41 touchdowns, five interceptions; five rushing touchdowns, zero lost fumbles; 93.0 Total QBR (No. 2 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Come on. You don't know who Mayfield is? He just won the Heisman Trophy, for goodness' sake. And it's ... well, it's not the first time he has been in the news this year. Mayfield is the interloper on this list -- the scrappy guy who crashed what looked like a big three and made it a big four. His numbers are basically in line with what he put up last season, but doing it again after losing teammates such as Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine and Dede Westbrook to the NFL plus his performance in big games have thrust him into the first-round conversation.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 4 QB and No. 13 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "I love him on the field -- he's not afraid to take shots downfield, and he has an underrated arm -- but his size is going to be a question until he gets in front of scouts at the Senior Bowl [he hasn't said whether he'll attend] or the combine."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 4 QB and No. 27 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "The issue for him is that he doesn't have the ideal measurables of an NFL starter, and he doesn't have an elite trait to compensate, like Russell Wilson's scrambling ability or Drew Brees' accuracy."
Russell Wilson, because what you have here is leadership and competitiveness on a unique kind of level." -- NFC coach.
So, now what?
Mayfield threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns with a costly interception in the Sooners' overtime loss to Georgia in the Rose Bowl. Next up for Mayfield is the Senior Bowl, where he'll stand in front of coaches and scouts for the first time. They will want to ask a lot of questions about Mayfield's well-publicized maturity issues along with his size, but barring some unforeseen off-field revelation, it's tough to see him slipping out of the first round.
Where can I find out more about Mayfield?
College football's brightest star hits the game's biggest stage (December 2017)
Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Junior | 6-3, 210 pounds | 33 career starts
2017 stats: 254 of 430 passing (59.1 percent) for 3,660 yards, with 27 touchdowns, 10 interceptions; 18 rushing touchdowns, three lost fumbles; 85.1 Total QBR (No. 3 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Jackson is, of course, last year's Heisman winner, and he is a unique prospect due to his remarkable abilities as a runner and a passer. He has eclipsed both 3,400 passing yards and 1,400 rushing yards for the second straight season, and to watch him is to watch a quarterback who can dominate a college game in multiple ways. Defenses have to account for him differently than they do any other quarterback because of his elite speed and dynamic running.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 7 QB. From Kiper's take on the Heisman finalists: "From the NFL scouts I've talked to, I think teams are going to ask Jackson to work out as a quarterback and a receiver. They want to see if he could make the transition if he didn't develop enough as a QB."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 7 QB and No. 88 overall prospect. From McShay's preseason scouting report: "Jackson needs to continue to improve his accuracy as a passer. That's the bottom line. Right now, he's a phenomenal college quarterback mostly due to his running skills and athleticism."
Scouting Jackson (November 2017)
Headed to the Senior Bowl in late January, Rudolph brings size (6-5) and a ton of experience to go with his impressive college numbers. Some scouts wonder whether he's a player whose supporting cast makes him look better than he is.
Luke Falk, Washington State
The former walk-on set all kinds of school and conference passing records at Washington State. Seen by many as a Day 3 pick, Falk could sneak into the third round with a strong showing in the pre-draft process. There are concerns about arm strength and a thin frame, but scouts love his accuracy.
Riley Ferguson, Memphis
Check out full scouting reports on all of the draft's top QBs here.
So, which teams might draft quarterbacks in the first round?
Oh, how much time do you have? Here's a start with the top 20 in the draft set, with some help from the Football Power Index's projected draft order for picks 21-32:
Cleveland Browns
First-round picks: Nos. 1 and 4
They could pick any of these guys they want. And they need one. DeShone Kizer appears to be far away from being a consistent NFL quarterback, if he ever will be, and Cleveland has been looking for answers at this position seemingly since the days of Bernie Kosar. New GM John Dorsey will surely make quarterback his top offseason priority.
New York Giants
First-round pick: No. 2
The Giants are in position to draft Eli Manning's successor. Their quarterback depth chart features Manning and completely untested 2017 third-rounder Davis Webb. They could move on from Manning after this season and turn it over to a couple of young guys, or they could keep Manning if they think whichever QB they pick here isn't ready to start.
Denver Broncos
First-round pick: No. 5
They are two years removed from taking Paxton Lynch in the first round and still apparently no closer to an answer at this position. With Trevor Siemian having flopped, Lynch unable to stay healthy and Brock Osweiler being ... well, a bit tough to trust, Denver could look for an answer in the top five.
New York Jets
First-round pick: No. 6
Here's another team, like Cleveland, perpetually searching for answers at QB. The Jets got a lightning-in-a-bottle year from 38-year-old Josh McCown, but Bryce Petty hasn't shown much, and they haven't had any kind of look at Christian Hackenberg. They could bring back McCown to mentor their pick.
Miami Dolphins
First-round pick: No. 11
The Fins could bring back Ryan Tannehill, but money isn't an issue if they were to release him. Assuming Jay Cutler resumes his TV career, Miami could be on the hunt.
Cincinnati Bengals
First-round pick: No. 12
AJ McCarron could be an Andy Dalton successor, but McCarron also could be an unrestricted free agent. If a new coaching staff wants to make changes in Cincinnati, Dalton could be on the outs, and the Bengals could be looking for other options.
Washington Redskins
First-round pick: No. 13
If Kirk Cousins leaves as a free agent, Washington is stuck with Colt McCoy.
Arizona Cardinals
First-round pick: No. 15
Will Carson Palmer retire? Will Bruce Arians? Will Larry Fitzgerald? Talk about uncertainty. Arizona is teeming with it. The Cardinals haven't addressed Palmer's successor in either of the past two drafts, which is a bit of a surprise.
Baltimore Ravens
First-round pick: No. 16
Joe Flacco's contract leaves the Ravens on the hook for at least another year or two, but the backup situation is woeful, and if you find a guy you like, it's never the wrong time to take him.
Los Angeles Chargers
First-round pick: No. 17
Like Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers is getting up there. And the Chargers don't have a replacement on the roster.
Buffalo Bills
Projected first-round pick: Nos. 22 and 24
It sure doesn't look as if the Bills are sold on Tyrod Taylor. And while they believe in Nathan Peterman to a certain degree, they also could jump if they find someone they like better in this intriguing class.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Projected first-round pick: No. 27
The way Blake Bortles is playing makes it look as if the Jags will keep him around. But that doesn't mean they'll ignore other options if he reverts to old form. He is signed only through 2018.
New Orleans Saints
Projected first-round pick: No. 28
Drew Brees is eligible for free agency, and while there's no reason to think he's going anywhere, he will turn 39 in January. The Saints could look for a successor.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected first-round pick: No. 29
You know you will hear that Ben Roethlisberger retirement talk again this offseason. You know you will.
Minnesota Vikings
Projected first-round pick: No. 31
Things are going well with Case Keenum. Heck, Minnesota could end up winning the Super Bowl with him and signing him long term. But the fact is that Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford are all unrestricted free agents, and there is loads of long-range uncertainty about this position in Minnesota, regardless of how well the Vikings are playing now.
New England Patriots
Projected first-round pick: No. 32
Their backup situation isn't what it was a year ago when they had Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett behind Tom Brady. And while he doesn't play like it, Brady is 40 years old. It's not crazy to imagine the Pats dipping their toes into this water. And remember: New England got San Francisco's pick at the top of the second round in the Garoppolo trade.
2018 NFL draft quarterback class primer: Everything you need to know
How many QB's will go in the first round of the draft? (1:47)
Todd McShay has a high number of quarterbacks going in the first round of his first mock draft. (1:47)
Jan 1, 2018
Dan GrazianoESPN Staff Writer
Anyway, that was last year. This year's quarterback draft class is the talk of the NFL town. It has been since last offseason. Seriously, at the combine last year, teams would moan about the quality of the quarterbacks in the draft and say, "But next year ..."
Well, next year is here, so how does it look? There are a couple of SoCal dudes still turning heads, a big guy in Wyoming who makes scouts drool and a Heisman-winning bad boy who may or may not be 6 feet tall. It's a fun group, and will dominate a lot of our attention in the four months leading up to the 2018 NFL draft.
So, let's have a bit of a look at where things stand in late December, shall we? We'll include notes from ESPN NFL draft experts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, plus insight from personnel people in the league.
And skip to the end here to see which teams might actually draft one of these QBs in the first round -- there are several possibilities:
Rosen | Darnold | Allen | Mayfield | Jackson | Best of the rest
Josh Rosen, UCLA
Junior | 6-foot-4, 218 pounds | 30 career starts
2017 stats: 283 of 452 passing (62.6 percent) for 3,756 yards, with 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions; two rushing touchdowns, three lost fumbles; 67.1 Total QBR (No. 42 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Rosen caught everyone's attention with a 3,670-yard freshman season in 2015. NFL scouts love the way he looks in the pocket -- his footwork, throwing motion, anticipation and accuracy. After an injury-plagued 2016 season, he rebounded in 2017 with numbers nearly identical to those he put up as a freshman. Injuries set in again, though, and with Chip Kelly and a new coaching staff on the way in, it seems like a sure thing that Rosen will enter the draft. He's enough of a prospect to merit consideration at No. 1 overall -- especially if Sam Darnold doesn't come out.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 1 QB and No. 4 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "I have Rosen over Darnold for now, but it's close, and things could change between now and April. ... There aren't many quarterbacks who can make the throws [Rosen] does."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 1 QB and No. 1 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "Rosen is far superior [than Darnold] going through his progressions and has a pretty deep ball. He's a better QB right now, but that doesn't mean he will be down the line."
Rosen was held out of UCLA's bowl game. Assuming he declares for the draft as expected, Rosen will be subjected to a pre-draft process focused mainly on his injury history and some personality questions that have surfaced in media reports. It's almost certain that he will be picked at or near the top of the draft, but if it's a question between him and another highly rated guy, teams will want to check out anything negative that has come up.
Where can I find out more about Rosen?
Rosen, Darnold and the battle for Los Angeles, and the No. 1 pick (November 2017)
- Bowen: Scouting Rosen (November 2017)
- Anderson: The education of Rosen (September 2017)
- Bonagura: Legend of Rosen grows in epic comeback against Texas A&M (September 2017)
Sam Darnold, USC
Third-year sophomore | 6-4, 225 pounds | 23 career starts
2017 stats: 303 of 480 passing (63.1 percent) for 4,143 yards, with 26 touchdowns, 13 interceptions; five rushing touchdowns, seven lost fumbles; 74.6 Total QBR (No. 22 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Darnold couldn't beat out Max Browne as a redshirt freshman in 2016, but when Browne was benched after three games, people in the NFL took notice. There was at least some can-he-do-it-again sense about Darnold early this season, after a dazzling 31-touchdown, nine-interception 2016 season and a fantastic Rose Bowl performance against Penn State. Some early-season struggles in 2017 pointed to the concerns NFL evaluators had (and still have) about his footwork and some of his decision-making.
But those same evaluators recognize that USC was affected negatively by graduation and injury issues this season, and the way Darnold has played since Halloween has affirmed what scouts love about his abilities and makeup. It's not certain he will even come out -- and some in the league believe he could benefit from another year in college. But if Darnold does enter the draft, the overall package of potential and college performance makes him a candidate for the No. 1 overall pick. He went first in McShay's debut mock draft.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 2 QB and No. 5 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "I think Darnold has a chance to be special, and I believe in his talent long term. Darnold has a big frame, makes quick decisions and is an accurate, natural passer."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 2 QB and No. 3 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "His accuracy is terrific and he has special intangibles, but there is definitely a question now as to if he'll declare for the draft."
decide whether to declare for the draft. It's no sure thing he will. As a third-year sophomore, he could potentially return for two more seasons at USC. Darnold denied a rumor last month that he might return to USC if Cleveland has the first pick. And he was asked about the Browns again before the Trojans' bowl game. "Whenever I come out to go to the NFL, I think I'd be honored to play for any team," Darnold said on Dec. 27.
Where can I find out more about Darnold?
Rosen, Darnold and the battle for Los Angeles, and the No. 1 pick (November 2017)
- Bowen: Scouting Darnold (November 2017)
- Anderson: Should USC be worried about Darnold? (September 2017)
- Knight: Darnold returns to L.A.'s most glaring spotlight (August 2017)
- Miller: The hype for Darnold has just begun (January 2017)
Josh Allen, Wyoming
Fourth-year junior | 6-5, 233 pounds | 26 career starts
2017 stats: 152 of 270 passing (56.3 percent) for 1,812 yards, with 16 touchdowns, six interceptions; five rushing touchdowns, two lost fumbles; 51.9 Total QBR (No. 76 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Allen didn't have any FBS offers out of high school and had only two after a freshman season at Reedley College. But he landed at Wyoming and became the starter in 2016, and fans of the draft might remember his name from the time when ESPN's Adam Schefter said after the 2017 draft: "There was one personnel director who told me this week that you can put it in the books, Josh Allen will be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft next year."
Scouts look at Allen as a high-end talent, but it's all projection. He has tremendous size and a huge arm, and he made plenty of plays in 2016, when Wyoming had a strong veteran team around him. His numbers didn't show any improvement this season, but his coaching staff and the NFL scouting community seem to blame that on the deterioration of the rest of the Cowboys' roster due to the departures of so many of his weapons prior to the season. What scouts and evaluators see with Allen is elite potential -- the kind for which you're willing to overlook little things, such as a poor season at Wyoming.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 3 QB and No. 11 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "Allen is super raw, but he can really sling it. ... I think Allen's numbers will be much better in an NFL offense with NFL players."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 3 QB and No. 15 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "He has an elite arm and frame and can make every throw. The postseason process will be key for him."
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl -- three touchdown passes in the first quarter, and no turnovers -- Allen announced his intentions to enter the draft. He instantly becomes one of its most talked-about prospects. The sense in the scouting community is that Darnold and Rosen are a 1-2 in some order (probably that one) and Allen slips slightly toward the middle of the first round, though possibly still in the top 10. There will be questions about Allen's readiness to start right away at the NFL level, but some people will convince themselves it's worth a shot because he's such a specimen.
Where can I find out more about Allen?
Scouting Allen (November 2017)
- Schlabach: Meet the NFL draft darling who couldn't get a college scholarship (August 2017)
Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
Fifth-year senior | 6-1, 220 pounds | 46 career starts
2017 stats: 262 of 369 passing (71.9 percent) for 4,240 yards, with 41 touchdowns, five interceptions; five rushing touchdowns, zero lost fumbles; 93.0 Total QBR (No. 2 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Come on. You don't know who Mayfield is? He just won the Heisman Trophy, for goodness' sake. And it's ... well, it's not the first time he has been in the news this year. Mayfield is the interloper on this list -- the scrappy guy who crashed what looked like a big three and made it a big four. His numbers are basically in line with what he put up last season, but doing it again after losing teammates such as Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine and Dede Westbrook to the NFL plus his performance in big games have thrust him into the first-round conversation.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 4 QB and No. 13 overall prospect. From Kiper's Big Board: "I love him on the field -- he's not afraid to take shots downfield, and he has an underrated arm -- but his size is going to be a question until he gets in front of scouts at the Senior Bowl [he hasn't said whether he'll attend] or the combine."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 4 QB and No. 27 overall prospect. From McShay's Top 32: "The issue for him is that he doesn't have the ideal measurables of an NFL starter, and he doesn't have an elite trait to compensate, like Russell Wilson's scrambling ability or Drew Brees' accuracy."
Russell Wilson, because what you have here is leadership and competitiveness on a unique kind of level." -- NFC coach.
So, now what?
Mayfield threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns with a costly interception in the Sooners' overtime loss to Georgia in the Rose Bowl. Next up for Mayfield is the Senior Bowl, where he'll stand in front of coaches and scouts for the first time. They will want to ask a lot of questions about Mayfield's well-publicized maturity issues along with his size, but barring some unforeseen off-field revelation, it's tough to see him slipping out of the first round.
Where can I find out more about Mayfield?
College football's brightest star hits the game's biggest stage (December 2017)
- Trotter: The trash-talking, flag-planting, TD-making genius of Mayfield (December 2017)
- Kiper: How Mayfield projects as an NFL prospect (December 2017)
- Bowen: Ranking best NFL fits for Mayfield (December 2017)
- Harvey: Mayfield's unconventional route to the Heisman (December 2017)
- Bowen: Scouting Mayfield (November 2017)
- Trotter: Mayfield's legend grows with swaggering win over Ohio State (September 2017)
- McGee: All eyes are on Mayfield (August 2017)
- Keown: All Mayfield needs is hate (August 2016)
- Trotter: How Mayfield became an intramural legend at OU (December 2015)
Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Junior | 6-3, 210 pounds | 33 career starts
2017 stats: 254 of 430 passing (59.1 percent) for 3,660 yards, with 27 touchdowns, 10 interceptions; 18 rushing touchdowns, three lost fumbles; 85.1 Total QBR (No. 3 in FBS)
Who is this guy, and why should we care?
Jackson is, of course, last year's Heisman winner, and he is a unique prospect due to his remarkable abilities as a runner and a passer. He has eclipsed both 3,400 passing yards and 1,400 rushing yards for the second straight season, and to watch him is to watch a quarterback who can dominate a college game in multiple ways. Defenses have to account for him differently than they do any other quarterback because of his elite speed and dynamic running.
Kiper's draft ranking: No. 7 QB. From Kiper's take on the Heisman finalists: "From the NFL scouts I've talked to, I think teams are going to ask Jackson to work out as a quarterback and a receiver. They want to see if he could make the transition if he didn't develop enough as a QB."
McShay's draft ranking: No. 7 QB and No. 88 overall prospect. From McShay's preseason scouting report: "Jackson needs to continue to improve his accuracy as a passer. That's the bottom line. Right now, he's a phenomenal college quarterback mostly due to his running skills and athleticism."
Scouting Jackson (November 2017)
- Kiper: How Jackson projects as an NFL prospect (December 2017)
- Hale: Is college football ready for Jackson 5.0? (September 2017)
- Adelson: Why the reigning Heisman Trophy winner needed a reinvention (August 2017)
- Adelson: Jackson literally had spring football homework (April 2017)
- Adelson: Behind the scenes of the best weekend of Jackson's life (December 2016)
Headed to the Senior Bowl in late January, Rudolph brings size (6-5) and a ton of experience to go with his impressive college numbers. Some scouts wonder whether he's a player whose supporting cast makes him look better than he is.
The former walk-on set all kinds of school and conference passing records at Washington State. Seen by many as a Day 3 pick, Falk could sneak into the third round with a strong showing in the pre-draft process. There are concerns about arm strength and a thin frame, but scouts love his accuracy.
Check out full scouting reports on all of the draft's top QBs here.
So, which teams might draft quarterbacks in the first round?
Oh, how much time do you have? Here's a start with the top 20 in the draft set, with some help from the Football Power Index's projected draft order for picks 21-32:
First-round picks: Nos. 1 and 4
They could pick any of these guys they want. And they need one. DeShone Kizer appears to be far away from being a consistent NFL quarterback, if he ever will be, and Cleveland has been looking for answers at this position seemingly since the days of Bernie Kosar. New GM John Dorsey will surely make quarterback his top offseason priority.
First-round pick: No. 2
The Giants are in position to draft Eli Manning's successor. Their quarterback depth chart features Manning and completely untested 2017 third-rounder Davis Webb. They could move on from Manning after this season and turn it over to a couple of young guys, or they could keep Manning if they think whichever QB they pick here isn't ready to start.
First-round pick: No. 5
They are two years removed from taking Paxton Lynch in the first round and still apparently no closer to an answer at this position. With Trevor Siemian having flopped, Lynch unable to stay healthy and Brock Osweiler being ... well, a bit tough to trust, Denver could look for an answer in the top five.
First-round pick: No. 6
Here's another team, like Cleveland, perpetually searching for answers at QB. The Jets got a lightning-in-a-bottle year from 38-year-old Josh McCown, but Bryce Petty hasn't shown much, and they haven't had any kind of look at Christian Hackenberg. They could bring back McCown to mentor their pick.
First-round pick: No. 11
The Fins could bring back Ryan Tannehill, but money isn't an issue if they were to release him. Assuming Jay Cutler resumes his TV career, Miami could be on the hunt.
First-round pick: No. 12
AJ McCarron could be an Andy Dalton successor, but McCarron also could be an unrestricted free agent. If a new coaching staff wants to make changes in Cincinnati, Dalton could be on the outs, and the Bengals could be looking for other options.
First-round pick: No. 13
If Kirk Cousins leaves as a free agent, Washington is stuck with Colt McCoy.
First-round pick: No. 15
Will Carson Palmer retire? Will Bruce Arians? Will Larry Fitzgerald? Talk about uncertainty. Arizona is teeming with it. The Cardinals haven't addressed Palmer's successor in either of the past two drafts, which is a bit of a surprise.
First-round pick: No. 16
Joe Flacco's contract leaves the Ravens on the hook for at least another year or two, but the backup situation is woeful, and if you find a guy you like, it's never the wrong time to take him.
First-round pick: No. 17
Like Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers is getting up there. And the Chargers don't have a replacement on the roster.
Projected first-round pick: Nos. 22 and 24
It sure doesn't look as if the Bills are sold on Tyrod Taylor. And while they believe in Nathan Peterman to a certain degree, they also could jump if they find someone they like better in this intriguing class.
Projected first-round pick: No. 27
The way Blake Bortles is playing makes it look as if the Jags will keep him around. But that doesn't mean they'll ignore other options if he reverts to old form. He is signed only through 2018.
Projected first-round pick: No. 28
Drew Brees is eligible for free agency, and while there's no reason to think he's going anywhere, he will turn 39 in January. The Saints could look for a successor.
Projected first-round pick: No. 29
You know you will hear that Ben Roethlisberger retirement talk again this offseason. You know you will.
Projected first-round pick: No. 31
Things are going well with Case Keenum. Heck, Minnesota could end up winning the Super Bowl with him and signing him long term. But the fact is that Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford are all unrestricted free agents, and there is loads of long-range uncertainty about this position in Minnesota, regardless of how well the Vikings are playing now.
Projected first-round pick: No. 32
Their backup situation isn't what it was a year ago when they had Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett behind Tom Brady. And while he doesn't play like it, Brady is 40 years old. It's not crazy to imagine the Pats dipping their toes into this water. And remember: New England got San Francisco's pick at the top of the second round in the Garoppolo trade.
Rams seek 12-year playoff vengeance on Falcons this Saturday
- By JKBOGEN
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 10 Replies
Rams seek 12-year playoff vengeance on Falcons this Saturday
January 1, 2018
By:
Jake Ellenbogen
Almost 12 years ago to the date the Rams were dominated in every way against the Atlanta Falcons. This weekend they will have the chance for revenge.
It's a different team, different players, different coaching, the Rams aren't even in St. Louis anymore but for the fans that followed the team through the thick and thin this Saturday is crucial. The Rams defense held Michael Vick to 82 yards passing but they could not stop the trio of Vick, Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett running the football for a combined 327 yards. Even worse the Rams could not get their running game going with rookie Steven Jackson and legend Marshall Faulk. Marc Bulger played well despite Torry Holt being completely shut down and having to only rely on Kevin Curtis. This all led to a 47-17 shellacking on the road in what would be the last time the Rams played in a playoff game.
Now, the Rams host their first playoff game since then against none other than the last team they played in the playoffs against, the Atlanta Falcons. New faces galore, the Rams organization looks to get revenge on the team that embarrassed them back in the 2004-2005 season. This time, the Rams are not only home but the clear-cut favorite heading in. It's an incredible storybook-like season for the Rams who turns their 4-12 season from last year into an 11-5 season with the help of veterans who went through it all on this team, new coaches and new key contributors in the player department. Sean McVay has been the rookie head coach to complete something we haven't seen in quite some time. The Rams completed the transformation from the worst offense in the league to the number one offense in just one year and thus propelled them into the postseason.
This time around the Rams won't have to go against quite possibly the most explosive QB of all time Michael Vick but rather a gunslinger and the reigning 2016 MVP Matt Ryan. The Falcons, of course, are coming off a Super Bowl loss in which they led 28-3 over the New England Patriots late in the third-quarter and blew the 25 point lead, went to overtime and lost in heartbreaking fashion. The Falcons are last year's reigning NFC champions and will look to get back and take care of business. Of course, since that game offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan and the up-and-comer Matt LaFleur have departed. Crazy enough, LaFleur went to the Rams to become the offensive coordinator and has had serious success in doing so. The Falcons still kept most of their team together from last year and so it was really just the coaching. Of course, coaching matters and you can see the offensive output last year with the better coaching versus Steve Sarkisian calling the plays this year. Since Shanahan left, the Falcons have gone from the number one offense to now the 15th offense in football. Ryan went from almost throwing 5,000 yards, 38 touchdowns, seven interceptions and winning an MVP to completely plummeting his production under Sarkisian, barely putting up 4,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and nowhere close to being the MVP or even being in the conversation.
It will certainly be interesting as most of these Rams albeit young, hungry and talented. Lack the experience that a team like the Falcons have from last season. Jared Goff went from winless last year in seven starts to leading his team to an 11-5 record, the same record Ryan led the Falcons to last year in their quest for the Super Bowl. It seems crazy but here we are in one of the most exciting games of the post-season the Rams are looking to dethrone the defending NFC champions. This is the same team the Falcons laid waste to in the Coliseum which ultimately got Jeff Fisher fired. It's funny how life flashes back at you and in this case, the Falcons are possibly looking at the beast they are indirectly responsible for creating. There is no way last year when Matt Ryan was embracing Jared Goff after the game did he think after beating him 42-14 that they would meet a year later in the playoffs with his team hosting the playoff game.
This game is the Rams first chance to show the league that they are here to stay for years to come. A win over the Falcons would open up a match-up and a rematch against the Minnesota Vikings, the only team that truly outplayed the Rams this season from start-to-finish. There is a good chance that if the Rams won that game they could end up hosting the NFC championship for the first time since 2001 when the beat the Eagles in St. Louis 29-24. It would be the first time the Rams hosted an NFC title game at the Coliseum since 1978 when the Cowboys won 28-0. It's a huge opportunity for the Rams but before you look ahead, you have to deal with the obstacle in front of you and until Sunday that obstacle is the Atlanta Falcons. You cannot take this team lightly, although their offensive output has been severely underachieving the Falcons still have dynamic playmakers in Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Julio Jones and even the emerging second-year tight end Austin Hooper. Win or go home, the Rams intend on having a different outcome than last year and a much different outcome than 12 years ago.
January 1, 2018
By:
Jake Ellenbogen
Almost 12 years ago to the date the Rams were dominated in every way against the Atlanta Falcons. This weekend they will have the chance for revenge.
It's a different team, different players, different coaching, the Rams aren't even in St. Louis anymore but for the fans that followed the team through the thick and thin this Saturday is crucial. The Rams defense held Michael Vick to 82 yards passing but they could not stop the trio of Vick, Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett running the football for a combined 327 yards. Even worse the Rams could not get their running game going with rookie Steven Jackson and legend Marshall Faulk. Marc Bulger played well despite Torry Holt being completely shut down and having to only rely on Kevin Curtis. This all led to a 47-17 shellacking on the road in what would be the last time the Rams played in a playoff game.
Now, the Rams host their first playoff game since then against none other than the last team they played in the playoffs against, the Atlanta Falcons. New faces galore, the Rams organization looks to get revenge on the team that embarrassed them back in the 2004-2005 season. This time, the Rams are not only home but the clear-cut favorite heading in. It's an incredible storybook-like season for the Rams who turns their 4-12 season from last year into an 11-5 season with the help of veterans who went through it all on this team, new coaches and new key contributors in the player department. Sean McVay has been the rookie head coach to complete something we haven't seen in quite some time. The Rams completed the transformation from the worst offense in the league to the number one offense in just one year and thus propelled them into the postseason.
This time around the Rams won't have to go against quite possibly the most explosive QB of all time Michael Vick but rather a gunslinger and the reigning 2016 MVP Matt Ryan. The Falcons, of course, are coming off a Super Bowl loss in which they led 28-3 over the New England Patriots late in the third-quarter and blew the 25 point lead, went to overtime and lost in heartbreaking fashion. The Falcons are last year's reigning NFC champions and will look to get back and take care of business. Of course, since that game offensive mastermind Kyle Shanahan and the up-and-comer Matt LaFleur have departed. Crazy enough, LaFleur went to the Rams to become the offensive coordinator and has had serious success in doing so. The Falcons still kept most of their team together from last year and so it was really just the coaching. Of course, coaching matters and you can see the offensive output last year with the better coaching versus Steve Sarkisian calling the plays this year. Since Shanahan left, the Falcons have gone from the number one offense to now the 15th offense in football. Ryan went from almost throwing 5,000 yards, 38 touchdowns, seven interceptions and winning an MVP to completely plummeting his production under Sarkisian, barely putting up 4,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and nowhere close to being the MVP or even being in the conversation.
It will certainly be interesting as most of these Rams albeit young, hungry and talented. Lack the experience that a team like the Falcons have from last season. Jared Goff went from winless last year in seven starts to leading his team to an 11-5 record, the same record Ryan led the Falcons to last year in their quest for the Super Bowl. It seems crazy but here we are in one of the most exciting games of the post-season the Rams are looking to dethrone the defending NFC champions. This is the same team the Falcons laid waste to in the Coliseum which ultimately got Jeff Fisher fired. It's funny how life flashes back at you and in this case, the Falcons are possibly looking at the beast they are indirectly responsible for creating. There is no way last year when Matt Ryan was embracing Jared Goff after the game did he think after beating him 42-14 that they would meet a year later in the playoffs with his team hosting the playoff game.
This game is the Rams first chance to show the league that they are here to stay for years to come. A win over the Falcons would open up a match-up and a rematch against the Minnesota Vikings, the only team that truly outplayed the Rams this season from start-to-finish. There is a good chance that if the Rams won that game they could end up hosting the NFC championship for the first time since 2001 when the beat the Eagles in St. Louis 29-24. It would be the first time the Rams hosted an NFC title game at the Coliseum since 1978 when the Cowboys won 28-0. It's a huge opportunity for the Rams but before you look ahead, you have to deal with the obstacle in front of you and until Sunday that obstacle is the Atlanta Falcons. You cannot take this team lightly, although their offensive output has been severely underachieving the Falcons still have dynamic playmakers in Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Julio Jones and even the emerging second-year tight end Austin Hooper. Win or go home, the Rams intend on having a different outcome than last year and a much different outcome than 12 years ago.
PFF: Complete NFL playoff predictions through Super Bowl 52
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 13 Replies
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-complete-nfl-playoff-predictions-through-super-bowl-52
Complete NFL playoff predictions through Super Bowl 52
BY PFF ANALYSIS TEAM
The 2017 NFL regular season is officially over, which means there will be less talk of George’s Savior from San Francisco and more about how much homefield advantage matters in the playoffs. While some mainstays like the Patriots, Steelers and Chiefs remain among the AFC’s best, eight of the 12 teams earning playoff berths this season were out of the hunt last year, including the top five seeds in the NFC.
Oddly, one of the league’s worst divisions (in our estimation) had two teams make the tournament, while the Buffalo Bills made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. The top three seeds in the NFC are playing quarterbacks that had previously struggled for Jeff Fisher’s Rams, while each of the three players quarterbacking the lower three seeds in the NFC have carried their teams to a Super Bowl appearance during their career.
With such uncertainty (at least on one side of the bracket), handicapping this season’s playoffs is going to be one of the most interesting tasks we’ve undertaken so far. Using our PFFELO system, as well our metrics that go into our weekly spread and over/under picks, we’ve simulated the playoffs a few thousand times to determine the probability of each team advancing past each round, as well as the probability of each team winning the Super Bowl. These will be updated each week to reflect the results from the previous week, culminating in our eventual pick during Super Bowl week.
PROBABILITY OF ADVANCING TO THE DIVISIONAL ROUND:
The Saints blowing a fourth-quarter lead in Tampa will add some fuel to the “it’s really difficult to beat a team three times in a season” narrative that attempts to set mathematics and rational thought back into the dark ages when the Panthers travel to New Orleans to try to avenge the “Boatrace on the Bayou” that we took as our Lock of Week 13.
That said, it sets up a truly interesting matchup between a Los Angeles Rams team and their plus-coaching staff against the reigning NFC champs and their field goal-philic administration we seem to like against the spread every week.
What we’ll see in latter rounds is a team that makes it out of that game has drastically different odds later on, with the Rams traveling to Minnesota to play a healthy Vikings team (a fate they tried their hardest to avoid) or the Falcons visiting a wounded Eagles squad in a battle for avian supremacy.
PROBABILITY OF ADVANCING TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND:
This is where things get interesting. Not surprisingly given the forward-thinking nature of their coach, the Rams knew their odds of making the Super Bowl were higher with the fourth seed (hence their willingness to rest almost everyone Week 17 against the 49ers). Minnesota’s league-best defense, plus-special teams and supporting cast in the passing game, make them favorites against the Rams, Saints and the Panthers, teams for which they were 2-1 this season (and 2-0 at home).
The Eagles, on the other hand, are still adjusting to Nick Foles, who has a 25.1 passer rating under pressure and 19.4 percent conversion rate on third down passing in relief of Carson Wentz(81.7 and 47.9 percent, respectively). It’s not difficult to see New Orleans, Carolina or Atlanta, with their plus-defenses and Super Bowl-pedigree quarterbacks, going into Lincoln Financial and upsetting Philadelphia.
PROBABILITY OF ADVANCING TO THE SUPER BOWL:
Despite not earning homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, the Vikings are the odds-on favorite to make it to the Super Bowl out of the NFC. However, unlike the AFC, there is more meat on the tail end of the distribution here. Could a team like the Saints, with the league’s most elusive player in Alvin Kamara and his 23 percent broken tackle rate (first), make a run at their second Super Bowl under Asshole Face?
Can the Falcons, whom our metrics have loved all season, snap out of their Super Bowl hangover in the red zone and make a run with their stellar quarterback and defense? Can the Rams leverage the league’s best defensive player and Sean McVay’s ability to get the most out of his stable of skill players to give Los Angeles their second Super Bowl berth?
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To read about the AFC teams click the link above.
Complete NFL playoff predictions through Super Bowl 52
BY PFF ANALYSIS TEAM
The 2017 NFL regular season is officially over, which means there will be less talk of George’s Savior from San Francisco and more about how much homefield advantage matters in the playoffs. While some mainstays like the Patriots, Steelers and Chiefs remain among the AFC’s best, eight of the 12 teams earning playoff berths this season were out of the hunt last year, including the top five seeds in the NFC.
Oddly, one of the league’s worst divisions (in our estimation) had two teams make the tournament, while the Buffalo Bills made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. The top three seeds in the NFC are playing quarterbacks that had previously struggled for Jeff Fisher’s Rams, while each of the three players quarterbacking the lower three seeds in the NFC have carried their teams to a Super Bowl appearance during their career.
With such uncertainty (at least on one side of the bracket), handicapping this season’s playoffs is going to be one of the most interesting tasks we’ve undertaken so far. Using our PFFELO system, as well our metrics that go into our weekly spread and over/under picks, we’ve simulated the playoffs a few thousand times to determine the probability of each team advancing past each round, as well as the probability of each team winning the Super Bowl. These will be updated each week to reflect the results from the previous week, culminating in our eventual pick during Super Bowl week.
PROBABILITY OF ADVANCING TO THE DIVISIONAL ROUND:
The Saints blowing a fourth-quarter lead in Tampa will add some fuel to the “it’s really difficult to beat a team three times in a season” narrative that attempts to set mathematics and rational thought back into the dark ages when the Panthers travel to New Orleans to try to avenge the “Boatrace on the Bayou” that we took as our Lock of Week 13.
That said, it sets up a truly interesting matchup between a Los Angeles Rams team and their plus-coaching staff against the reigning NFC champs and their field goal-philic administration we seem to like against the spread every week.
What we’ll see in latter rounds is a team that makes it out of that game has drastically different odds later on, with the Rams traveling to Minnesota to play a healthy Vikings team (a fate they tried their hardest to avoid) or the Falcons visiting a wounded Eagles squad in a battle for avian supremacy.
PROBABILITY OF ADVANCING TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND:
This is where things get interesting. Not surprisingly given the forward-thinking nature of their coach, the Rams knew their odds of making the Super Bowl were higher with the fourth seed (hence their willingness to rest almost everyone Week 17 against the 49ers). Minnesota’s league-best defense, plus-special teams and supporting cast in the passing game, make them favorites against the Rams, Saints and the Panthers, teams for which they were 2-1 this season (and 2-0 at home).
The Eagles, on the other hand, are still adjusting to Nick Foles, who has a 25.1 passer rating under pressure and 19.4 percent conversion rate on third down passing in relief of Carson Wentz(81.7 and 47.9 percent, respectively). It’s not difficult to see New Orleans, Carolina or Atlanta, with their plus-defenses and Super Bowl-pedigree quarterbacks, going into Lincoln Financial and upsetting Philadelphia.
PROBABILITY OF ADVANCING TO THE SUPER BOWL:
Despite not earning homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, the Vikings are the odds-on favorite to make it to the Super Bowl out of the NFC. However, unlike the AFC, there is more meat on the tail end of the distribution here. Could a team like the Saints, with the league’s most elusive player in Alvin Kamara and his 23 percent broken tackle rate (first), make a run at their second Super Bowl under Asshole Face?
Can the Falcons, whom our metrics have loved all season, snap out of their Super Bowl hangover in the red zone and make a run with their stellar quarterback and defense? Can the Rams leverage the league’s best defensive player and Sean McVay’s ability to get the most out of his stable of skill players to give Los Angeles their second Super Bowl berth?
**********************************************
To read about the AFC teams click the link above.
Blake Countess won’t be suspended but gets massive fine instead
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 41 Replies
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...ont-be-suspended-for-hit-on-marquise-goodwin/
Blake Countess won’t be suspended for hit on Marquise Goodwin
Posted by Curtis Crabtree on January 2, 2018
Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess won’t be suspended for a hit on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin that knocked Goodwin out of Sunday’s game in Los Angeles, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwoDHjaj2z8
Goodwin was carted off the field after being down for several minutes after Countess delivered a blow to Goodwin’s head as Goodwin was unable to catch a slant pass from Jimmy Garoppolo late in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 34-13 victory. Goodwin appeared to reach down for the ball as it bounced off his hands and Countess blasted Goodwin right in the head.
The Rams were assessed for 15 yards for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a hit against a defenseless receiver.
Countess was a backup and special teams player throughout the season for the Rams, but was playing in Sunday’s finale as the team rested several key players for the postseason.
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Wait…inconsistency by the league office? In favor of a team heading to the playoffs? I can not believe it! Not in 2018!
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Looks like the Rams are the new NFL favorites. Got to make sure they keep winning to get LA fans engaged. Money over safety or integrity.
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Glad… It was a huge hit, but what was the alternative? Just allow Goodwin to make the catch? If anyone’s to blame, I’d put it at 50% Garropolo for that crap throw, and Goodwin for ducking down (he would have had the wind knocked out of him, but no concussion).
The defender did absolutely nothing wrong.
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Countess was coming in chest high to jar the ball loose, the receiver, unfortunately, ducked into the hit.
It wasn’t a head hunting job like Vontaze Burfict on Antonio Brown.
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That is the RIGHT call!!!
About time the NFL got it right.
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This guy did the same to New Orleans TE Coby Fleener earlier in the season. It is therefore unlikely to be an accident.
Blake Countess won’t be suspended for hit on Marquise Goodwin
Posted by Curtis Crabtree on January 2, 2018
Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess won’t be suspended for a hit on San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin that knocked Goodwin out of Sunday’s game in Los Angeles, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwoDHjaj2z8
Goodwin was carted off the field after being down for several minutes after Countess delivered a blow to Goodwin’s head as Goodwin was unable to catch a slant pass from Jimmy Garoppolo late in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 34-13 victory. Goodwin appeared to reach down for the ball as it bounced off his hands and Countess blasted Goodwin right in the head.
The Rams were assessed for 15 yards for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a hit against a defenseless receiver.
Countess was a backup and special teams player throughout the season for the Rams, but was playing in Sunday’s finale as the team rested several key players for the postseason.
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Wait…inconsistency by the league office? In favor of a team heading to the playoffs? I can not believe it! Not in 2018!
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Looks like the Rams are the new NFL favorites. Got to make sure they keep winning to get LA fans engaged. Money over safety or integrity.
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Glad… It was a huge hit, but what was the alternative? Just allow Goodwin to make the catch? If anyone’s to blame, I’d put it at 50% Garropolo for that crap throw, and Goodwin for ducking down (he would have had the wind knocked out of him, but no concussion).
The defender did absolutely nothing wrong.
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Countess was coming in chest high to jar the ball loose, the receiver, unfortunately, ducked into the hit.
It wasn’t a head hunting job like Vontaze Burfict on Antonio Brown.
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That is the RIGHT call!!!
About time the NFL got it right.
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This guy did the same to New Orleans TE Coby Fleener earlier in the season. It is therefore unlikely to be an accident.
Hall of Fame Ram
- By RAMNATION
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 13 Replies
Just met Aneas Williams at the Sugar Bowl, very nice guy.
What Falcons Fans Are Saying Before The Game
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 153 Replies
Since this game is on Saturday night, let's kick this thread off a day early.
Since I began doing these "What opposing fans are saying before the game" threads in 2005 over at RRF, this is the first one that's been posted for a playoff game.
This is a confident group of fans. The vast majority believe the Rams are the best team for them to face in their first playoff game. Btw don't know if this stat is correct but the Falcons are undefeated this season when they've scored 20 or more points.
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Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/947848645524590592
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/947875093396430848
https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060238-tweet-on-falcons-defense/
Tweet on Falcons defense
Falcons' defense 2017: Yards per game (9th), rushing ypg. (9th), passing ypg. (12th), red zone (5th), points (8th). 2016: Ypg. (25th), Rypg. (17th), Pypg (28th), red zone (32nd), points (27th).
espn.com/espn/now?nowId…
So stoked about what this defense can be.
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I can't wait to see this defense next week. If we beat the Rams, get ready for the media storm we get.
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It feels strange to see the pendelum swing from being better on offense to being better on defense. The improvements this D has shown this yr over last are amazing. That D is the only reason, when u look at all the close games we won, we made it to the playoffs imo
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Our defense is ONE year away from Dan Quinn having it 2013 Seattle like or even 1985 Bears like. We just need to improve on turnover margin on a consistent basis and stopping the run on a consistent basis.
I'm glad our defense has improved on not allowing big plays through the air like they did last year. The 2018 Falcons are set up to be the opposite of the 2016 Falcons where we could have a historical defense that leads us to a championship this time, and maybe a trip to the Super Bowl in our hometown!
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Defense wins championships
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That is a FACT, coming into this season no one would have thought our offense would have fallen this hard with Sarkisian. I understand our O-line isn't the same as last year and we have a different fullback, but man our play calling and execution got worse. Our running backs are still averaging near the same carries as last season and Julio Jones is still a top receiver in the league. It's just that Matt Ryan fell off a little and our O-line hasn't pass protected as well either.
Our defense saved us against the Bears, Lions, Saints (in Atlanta), Seahawks, and Buccaneers. Our defense had 2 takeaways against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in week 2 (one of those was for a TD) and we hung on by 11 points. Against the Panthers yesterday our defense grinded the Panther's offense and gave our offense so many chances to wear down the Panthers defense.
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Yet, I still don't feel comfortable when the opponent is facing a 3rd and 21
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If the offense can find a groove we can win this whole thing.
I just don't think it'll happen.
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They have really turned it up since the Minnesota game. We are genuinely an excellent defense right now, especially in coverage. We could be getting a little bit more pressure IMO, and our LBs are excellent but also a little on the small side, but overall this is the best Falcon's defense since 1998, no doubt about it.
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/t...or-falcons-to-get-to-conference-championship/
Best Scenario for Falcons to get to Conference Championship
1.) Of all the teams, the Falcons have not played the Rams or Philly. (Have not seen our defensive schemes)
2.) Beat the Rams and then play Philly without their starting QB.
3.) The Rams Defense gave up 34 Points to San Francisco the last game at home.
4.) Philadelphia did not score a single point against Dallas D.
I think this scenario is the best chance to get to the NFC conference.
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The rams sat most of their players of significance yesterday
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The Rams are very beatable. Easy division, rookie QB, young team and a helluva RB. Their defense can be exploited also. We play our game and we win. Number #1 goal. Stop the run
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There is only one scenario for Falcons to play in NFCC. Beat Rams and Eagles, it won’t be easy. Rams will be favorite to win the next game.
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Yes we landed in the best case scenario all we need to do now is beat The Rams (I hate The Rams) I am old school like that
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I just wish that the Rams were still the St Louis Rams so beating them would be just a little bit sweeter. I know we already had our playoff moment were we literally hit their entire franchise with a flamethrower in the playoff pounding during the DVD days, but I wouldn't have minded seeing something like that again
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060235-matt-lafleur-rams-offensive-coordinator/
Matt LaFleur - Rams Offensive Coordinator
Matt's QB coach last year. He should know some things....
View: http://www.therams.com/team/coaches/matt-lafleur/fd03d3b3-7116-4bfd-bb25-efa756cd8391
Also, for the record, I think we should have promoted him instead of hiring Sark. Just sayin...
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seeing the transition of Goff and that offense, i have to agree i wish we would have / could have promoted him. we dont know if he was offered and declined, though its hard to imagine anyone wouldnt want to take over this offense.
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I just found out Sean McVay grew up a Falcons fan and wanted the OC position before he became a head coach. apparently his grandfather was responsible for the Niners dynasty's success too. who knew?
I had an interview in Atlanta Friday and the interviewer had Rams stuff in his office. asked if he was from St. Louis and he said no, he was a Falcons fan but he went to school with Sean McVay. said McVay got him tickets to the NFCCG last season and everything.
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We know he wasn’t offered. He asked to remain as QB coach and Quinn “wasn’t impressed” and said no.
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He doesn’t call plays in their offense though. That offense runs through McVay. Maybe LeFluer wasn’t ready to completely take over.
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LaFleur and McVay were at Washington together from 2010-2013. The only reason he came to Atlanta was because of Kyle. If he wasn't going to SF, he was going to LA. There was no reason he would stay in Atlanta for the same role if he could coach with a guy he already had a relationship with. Pretty simple.
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060195-easiest-path-to-sb/
Easiest path to SB
The Rams will be a tough game but their inexperience playing in “big games” and a suspect D should allow us to pull this out. If our D plays anything like they did today we will be a force in the Playoffs.... For Christ sake WR’s stop dropping balls.
Being the lowest seed if we can beat the Rams we’ll get the Wentz-less Eagles, the Eagles have looked terrible without Wentz. Then we’ll most likely play the Saints to go to the SB. Wow, this is going to be exciting.
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There defense is suspect? I guess i just think about our guard situation and their front four. If andy plays a wont worry about it. Havent checkout their stats this year.
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I do wanna see the playoff pressure on Goffs shoulder. Their WR’s aren’t great. We should be able to hold our own against them. Just have to figure out scoring touchdowns
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LA Rams have the 16th ranked D FYI.
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Aaron Donald is Gurley’s equal on D!
Handle these two and get a lead and we can beat these jokers man!
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Handled him just fine last year when we put up 44. This year's offense isn't last year's, but defense is 5 x better.
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Donald did get a sack last year and 21 of those points came off turnovers. But, either way Wade Phillips 3-4 isn't Jeff Fisher's 4-3. And the Rams went from last in points scored in 2016 to first in 2017.
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The rams have good players in the front 7 but they can be run on...if we can get the running game cranking there will be play action opportunities......of course it only works if we catch the **** ball
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I just hope and pray the dropsies are over with.
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How is the Rams secondary? I know the front 7 is really good, but can they cover in the back end?
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Rams are a great first round get. young first time HC. young first time in playoffs QB. My only real concerns are Donald and their ST unit.
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060187-how-do-we-match-up-against-the-rams/
How do we match up against the Rams?
I know about Aaron Donald at DT & that their defense is pretty good. They also have Gurley.
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Their defense is absolutely not good
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They're tougher and more physical than Seattle. Gurley is 1 man wrecking crew. But I like us against them.
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So short of killing ourselves with drops, penalties & turnovers, we should win this game?
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Don't really have much of an opinion about them other than Goff has been an unexpected surprise since we embarrassed them 42-14 last year. They're not a team to be trifled with. They have a lot of talent on the offense.
That being said, they run a WCO with zbs concepts so it's a scheme we're very familiar with. Shouldn't pose too many issues if players stay disciplined in their assignments.
Their defense is a little suspect. They have given up a lot of yards on the ground this year (surprisingly) so that's something to look at and possibly exploit.
But they don't particularly worry me in any department other than Gurley. They are a young team with a young (the youngest) coach going into their first playoff game (kinda like we were in 2008). We'll see how they fare with the pressure elevated.
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Well, they are a younger team with very little playoff experience. They are a really good team. If we can run the ball at all I think we can beat them
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Wade Phillips defense. He is going to blitz you and then blitz some more. The interior of our Oline will be important.
A. Donald is probably the best defensive player in the game right now. He is constantly disruptive.
We can exploit those 1 on 1 matchups but will our OC? I don't know.
Their Offense will score. They got some weapons. If we don't beat ourselves, big if, I like our chances.
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Their defensive line is better than Panthers. Andre Levitre will be huge next week. Ryan had tough time today with the pass rush.
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This is a dream matchup for the Falcons. And the Eagles the week after. The road to the NFC title is the best it possibly could be for the Falcons.
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Of course we'll be the underdogs (rightfully so) but how many times have we seen teams struggle trying to cheat the schedule and take a week to rest only to lose rhythm....
Plus young inexperienced coach and QB, not that crazy an atmosphere...
Wouldn't be the craziest upset that's ever happened.
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I won’t lie, the way we’ve played running backs this year, Gurley looks monstrous
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Its going to be like playing the saints honestly, except Gurley is one guy and not two. Hopefully Goff’s inexperience comes into play.
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We match up great against them
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Deion Jones and Devondre have been terrific this season at gap discipline, so I don't see Gurley going off on us.
Something else to keep in mind, their HC rested all of his starters today and wasn't even trying to be competitive. Unwritten rule not to do that and it definitely messes up momentum the starters had.
If the Falcons can move the ball like we did today, AND GET THE BALL IN THE ENDZONE, we should win this thing.
Look for Poole to get attacked on defense, though. It's tough to complete passes on Tru and Alf can make a play on a ball so that's who I think they'll key in on.
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They are certainly a team that can capitalize on mistakes.
This is from about mid-season. Look at the number of drives that the defense/ST led them to points either directly or by putting the offense into a position to get easy points...
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Some of you guys are severely underestimating the Rams. Woods and Watkins have elite speed and can burn anybody in our secondary. Kupp is a great slot guy. Plenty weapons there. Goff isn't some statue. He can make plays outside the pocket. The OL is big and powerful. They get a whole lot of push.
Defense obviously has Donald but Brockers and Quinn bring heat too. The LBs arent world beaters but very fast as both of them are college safeties. Trumaine Johnson a big physical corner. Joyner a playmaker at FS. They are the 3 seed for a reason.
We have to slow down the run game. We have to protect Ryan. We have to mininize turnovers and create a couple. Gonna be a dogfight but I like our experience.
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Stop Gurley and force Goff to beat us. Rams Defense can be scored on but we are going to have to match them point for point in order to stay alive in this game. Tough matchup but definitely winnable.
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I like our chances against them. I honestly feel like they are the lightest competition for us of all of the teams in the NFC playoffs. JMO.
Contain Gurley like we have the RBs the past two weeks
Keep their QB pressured, even if the sacks don't get there. He can be rattled with constant pressure in the face.
Keep playing defense the way we have.
STs wake up!
Open lanes for Freeman and pound away.
Quinn, if the game is really close, learn some in-game management or at least just pretend you know what you are doing and copy the millennial 50 yards across the field from you. Otherwise, your decisions could single-handedly lose us the game.
BALL GAME
Since I began doing these "What opposing fans are saying before the game" threads in 2005 over at RRF, this is the first one that's been posted for a playoff game.
This is a confident group of fans. The vast majority believe the Rams are the best team for them to face in their first playoff game. Btw don't know if this stat is correct but the Falcons are undefeated this season when they've scored 20 or more points.
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060238-tweet-on-falcons-defense/
Tweet on Falcons defense
Falcons' defense 2017: Yards per game (9th), rushing ypg. (9th), passing ypg. (12th), red zone (5th), points (8th). 2016: Ypg. (25th), Rypg. (17th), Pypg (28th), red zone (32nd), points (27th).
espn.com/espn/now?nowId…
So stoked about what this defense can be.
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I can't wait to see this defense next week. If we beat the Rams, get ready for the media storm we get.
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It feels strange to see the pendelum swing from being better on offense to being better on defense. The improvements this D has shown this yr over last are amazing. That D is the only reason, when u look at all the close games we won, we made it to the playoffs imo
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Our defense is ONE year away from Dan Quinn having it 2013 Seattle like or even 1985 Bears like. We just need to improve on turnover margin on a consistent basis and stopping the run on a consistent basis.
I'm glad our defense has improved on not allowing big plays through the air like they did last year. The 2018 Falcons are set up to be the opposite of the 2016 Falcons where we could have a historical defense that leads us to a championship this time, and maybe a trip to the Super Bowl in our hometown!
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Defense wins championships
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That is a FACT, coming into this season no one would have thought our offense would have fallen this hard with Sarkisian. I understand our O-line isn't the same as last year and we have a different fullback, but man our play calling and execution got worse. Our running backs are still averaging near the same carries as last season and Julio Jones is still a top receiver in the league. It's just that Matt Ryan fell off a little and our O-line hasn't pass protected as well either.
Our defense saved us against the Bears, Lions, Saints (in Atlanta), Seahawks, and Buccaneers. Our defense had 2 takeaways against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in week 2 (one of those was for a TD) and we hung on by 11 points. Against the Panthers yesterday our defense grinded the Panther's offense and gave our offense so many chances to wear down the Panthers defense.
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Yet, I still don't feel comfortable when the opponent is facing a 3rd and 21
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If the offense can find a groove we can win this whole thing.
I just don't think it'll happen.
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They have really turned it up since the Minnesota game. We are genuinely an excellent defense right now, especially in coverage. We could be getting a little bit more pressure IMO, and our LBs are excellent but also a little on the small side, but overall this is the best Falcon's defense since 1998, no doubt about it.
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/t...or-falcons-to-get-to-conference-championship/
Best Scenario for Falcons to get to Conference Championship
1.) Of all the teams, the Falcons have not played the Rams or Philly. (Have not seen our defensive schemes)
2.) Beat the Rams and then play Philly without their starting QB.
3.) The Rams Defense gave up 34 Points to San Francisco the last game at home.
4.) Philadelphia did not score a single point against Dallas D.
I think this scenario is the best chance to get to the NFC conference.
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The rams sat most of their players of significance yesterday
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The Rams are very beatable. Easy division, rookie QB, young team and a helluva RB. Their defense can be exploited also. We play our game and we win. Number #1 goal. Stop the run
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There is only one scenario for Falcons to play in NFCC. Beat Rams and Eagles, it won’t be easy. Rams will be favorite to win the next game.
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Yes we landed in the best case scenario all we need to do now is beat The Rams (I hate The Rams) I am old school like that
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I just wish that the Rams were still the St Louis Rams so beating them would be just a little bit sweeter. I know we already had our playoff moment were we literally hit their entire franchise with a flamethrower in the playoff pounding during the DVD days, but I wouldn't have minded seeing something like that again
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060235-matt-lafleur-rams-offensive-coordinator/
Matt LaFleur - Rams Offensive Coordinator
Matt's QB coach last year. He should know some things....
View: http://www.therams.com/team/coaches/matt-lafleur/fd03d3b3-7116-4bfd-bb25-efa756cd8391
Also, for the record, I think we should have promoted him instead of hiring Sark. Just sayin...
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seeing the transition of Goff and that offense, i have to agree i wish we would have / could have promoted him. we dont know if he was offered and declined, though its hard to imagine anyone wouldnt want to take over this offense.
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I just found out Sean McVay grew up a Falcons fan and wanted the OC position before he became a head coach. apparently his grandfather was responsible for the Niners dynasty's success too. who knew?
I had an interview in Atlanta Friday and the interviewer had Rams stuff in his office. asked if he was from St. Louis and he said no, he was a Falcons fan but he went to school with Sean McVay. said McVay got him tickets to the NFCCG last season and everything.
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We know he wasn’t offered. He asked to remain as QB coach and Quinn “wasn’t impressed” and said no.
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He doesn’t call plays in their offense though. That offense runs through McVay. Maybe LeFluer wasn’t ready to completely take over.
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LaFleur and McVay were at Washington together from 2010-2013. The only reason he came to Atlanta was because of Kyle. If he wasn't going to SF, he was going to LA. There was no reason he would stay in Atlanta for the same role if he could coach with a guy he already had a relationship with. Pretty simple.
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060195-easiest-path-to-sb/
Easiest path to SB
The Rams will be a tough game but their inexperience playing in “big games” and a suspect D should allow us to pull this out. If our D plays anything like they did today we will be a force in the Playoffs.... For Christ sake WR’s stop dropping balls.
Being the lowest seed if we can beat the Rams we’ll get the Wentz-less Eagles, the Eagles have looked terrible without Wentz. Then we’ll most likely play the Saints to go to the SB. Wow, this is going to be exciting.
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There defense is suspect? I guess i just think about our guard situation and their front four. If andy plays a wont worry about it. Havent checkout their stats this year.
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I do wanna see the playoff pressure on Goffs shoulder. Their WR’s aren’t great. We should be able to hold our own against them. Just have to figure out scoring touchdowns
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LA Rams have the 16th ranked D FYI.
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Aaron Donald is Gurley’s equal on D!
Handle these two and get a lead and we can beat these jokers man!
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Handled him just fine last year when we put up 44. This year's offense isn't last year's, but defense is 5 x better.
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Donald did get a sack last year and 21 of those points came off turnovers. But, either way Wade Phillips 3-4 isn't Jeff Fisher's 4-3. And the Rams went from last in points scored in 2016 to first in 2017.
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The rams have good players in the front 7 but they can be run on...if we can get the running game cranking there will be play action opportunities......of course it only works if we catch the **** ball
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I just hope and pray the dropsies are over with.
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How is the Rams secondary? I know the front 7 is really good, but can they cover in the back end?
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Rams are a great first round get. young first time HC. young first time in playoffs QB. My only real concerns are Donald and their ST unit.
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https://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4060187-how-do-we-match-up-against-the-rams/
How do we match up against the Rams?
I know about Aaron Donald at DT & that their defense is pretty good. They also have Gurley.
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Their defense is absolutely not good
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They're tougher and more physical than Seattle. Gurley is 1 man wrecking crew. But I like us against them.
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So short of killing ourselves with drops, penalties & turnovers, we should win this game?
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Don't really have much of an opinion about them other than Goff has been an unexpected surprise since we embarrassed them 42-14 last year. They're not a team to be trifled with. They have a lot of talent on the offense.
That being said, they run a WCO with zbs concepts so it's a scheme we're very familiar with. Shouldn't pose too many issues if players stay disciplined in their assignments.
Their defense is a little suspect. They have given up a lot of yards on the ground this year (surprisingly) so that's something to look at and possibly exploit.
But they don't particularly worry me in any department other than Gurley. They are a young team with a young (the youngest) coach going into their first playoff game (kinda like we were in 2008). We'll see how they fare with the pressure elevated.
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Well, they are a younger team with very little playoff experience. They are a really good team. If we can run the ball at all I think we can beat them
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Wade Phillips defense. He is going to blitz you and then blitz some more. The interior of our Oline will be important.
A. Donald is probably the best defensive player in the game right now. He is constantly disruptive.
We can exploit those 1 on 1 matchups but will our OC? I don't know.
Their Offense will score. They got some weapons. If we don't beat ourselves, big if, I like our chances.
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Their defensive line is better than Panthers. Andre Levitre will be huge next week. Ryan had tough time today with the pass rush.
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This is a dream matchup for the Falcons. And the Eagles the week after. The road to the NFC title is the best it possibly could be for the Falcons.
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Of course we'll be the underdogs (rightfully so) but how many times have we seen teams struggle trying to cheat the schedule and take a week to rest only to lose rhythm....
Plus young inexperienced coach and QB, not that crazy an atmosphere...
Wouldn't be the craziest upset that's ever happened.
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I won’t lie, the way we’ve played running backs this year, Gurley looks monstrous
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Its going to be like playing the saints honestly, except Gurley is one guy and not two. Hopefully Goff’s inexperience comes into play.
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We match up great against them
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Deion Jones and Devondre have been terrific this season at gap discipline, so I don't see Gurley going off on us.
Something else to keep in mind, their HC rested all of his starters today and wasn't even trying to be competitive. Unwritten rule not to do that and it definitely messes up momentum the starters had.
If the Falcons can move the ball like we did today, AND GET THE BALL IN THE ENDZONE, we should win this thing.
Look for Poole to get attacked on defense, though. It's tough to complete passes on Tru and Alf can make a play on a ball so that's who I think they'll key in on.
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They are certainly a team that can capitalize on mistakes.
This is from about mid-season. Look at the number of drives that the defense/ST led them to points either directly or by putting the offense into a position to get easy points...
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Some of you guys are severely underestimating the Rams. Woods and Watkins have elite speed and can burn anybody in our secondary. Kupp is a great slot guy. Plenty weapons there. Goff isn't some statue. He can make plays outside the pocket. The OL is big and powerful. They get a whole lot of push.
Defense obviously has Donald but Brockers and Quinn bring heat too. The LBs arent world beaters but very fast as both of them are college safeties. Trumaine Johnson a big physical corner. Joyner a playmaker at FS. They are the 3 seed for a reason.
We have to slow down the run game. We have to protect Ryan. We have to mininize turnovers and create a couple. Gonna be a dogfight but I like our experience.
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Stop Gurley and force Goff to beat us. Rams Defense can be scored on but we are going to have to match them point for point in order to stay alive in this game. Tough matchup but definitely winnable.
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I like our chances against them. I honestly feel like they are the lightest competition for us of all of the teams in the NFC playoffs. JMO.
Contain Gurley like we have the RBs the past two weeks
Keep their QB pressured, even if the sacks don't get there. He can be rattled with constant pressure in the face.
Keep playing defense the way we have.
STs wake up!
Open lanes for Freeman and pound away.
Quinn, if the game is really close, learn some in-game management or at least just pretend you know what you are doing and copy the millennial 50 yards across the field from you. Otherwise, your decisions could single-handedly lose us the game.
BALL GAME