Derwin James Expected to Miss 3-4 Months

Derwin James Expected to Miss 3-4 Months

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by | Aug 17, 2019 | Featured, NFL

During joint practices between the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints, Pro Bowl safety, Derwin James was spotted wearing a walking boot on the sidelines.

There was no mention of James’ injury up to that point but according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, the second-year pro will undergo surgery for a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. The Chargers believe that he will miss three to four months of action, which would place his return near the end of the 2019 season.

An All-Pro selection as a rookie, James (the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft) was a big part of the Chargers defense last season. He compiled 105 tackles, three interceptions, and 3.5 sacks a year ago.

Los Angeles was expected to be a contender in the AFC after finishing 12-4 and losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, New England Patriots in the Divisional Round of the 2018 NFL Playoffs. Without James versatility the defense loses a big piece of what made it so special, especially during the second half of the season.

Surgery is going to be performed by renowned foot specialist Robert Anderson. The timeline could change depending on how the surgery goes, the earliest that James could return seems to be mid-November.

Aug 17, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #18 Cameron Jordan

SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #18 Cameron Jordan

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by | Aug 17, 2019 | Featured, NFL

18. Cameron Jordan

Team: New Orleans Saints

Position: DE

Experience: 8 Years

When the New Orleans Saints are brought up as potential Super Bowl contenders, immediately all of the attention goes to their offense. With Drew Brees at quarterback, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas as two versatile weapons, and Sean Payton being an offensive-minded coach it’s easy to see why much of the focus is on that side of the ball. However, New Orleans has a special player on the other side as well. Defensive end, Cameron Jordan is one of the—if not the—best players at his position in the league today.

Jordan has spent all eight of his seasons in the NFL with the Saints. In that time he’s made four Pro Bowls (2013, 2015. 2017, and 2018) and was selected to the First-Team All-Pro once (2017). For his career he has 71.5 sacks, 25 of which have come in the last two years alone. Every season he’s recorded double-digit sacks he’s been selected to the Pro Bowl. He has played in every one of the 128 regular season games of his career, starting all but one of them. His presence has served as a steadying force for a Saints defense that has seen a lot of turnover and change during the course of his career.

In our discussion of previous defensive linemen on this list we mentioned how opponents would try to show them different looks with double teams, chip blocks, etc. The same holds true for Jordan, yet most times the extra attention doesn’t slow him down. Teams have sometimes put three blockers in his path and he’s found ways to still make plays. Jordan is both explosive and forceful coming off the line of scrimmage. He’s not a one-trick pony as he can rush from the inside and outside depending on the down and distance of the play.

For the Saints, having a player like Jordan that opposing teams must game plan and account for at all times helps open lanes for his teammates. As noted above, the defense in New Orleans hasn’t always been up to par with what the offense execution wise but as of late it’s been Jordan’s dominance that helped them come close to meeting those high standards. His ability to singlehandedly wreak havoc in opponent’s backfields is something this team treasures.

New Orleans believes it is Super Bowl or bust this season. We all saw the uncalled defensive pass interference in the NFC Championship game last year. They, rightfully, believe it should’ve been them taking on the New England Patriots. However, they have another shot this season to get to the big game. The offense once again looks like it should be one of the better units in the entire league. It will be on Jordan and the defense to hold up their end of the bargain once more. The 30-year-old pass rusher has showed no signs of slowing down and that’s welcomed news to the Saints. Another Pro Bowl-caliber season will be needed from him if New Orleans is to make another deep run in the postseason.

Aug 17, 2019 No Comments
NFC North Fantasy Outlook – 2019 – 2020

NFC North Fantasy Outlook – 2019 – 2020

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by | Aug 17, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Chicago Bears:

QB: Mitch Trubisky

RB: David Montomgery, Tarik Cohen, Mike Davis

WR: Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Taylor Gabriel

TE: Trey Burton

D/ST: Position Rank = 1

The Bears had a marvelous year in 2018 as new Head Coach Matt Nagy inserted an offensive scheme that maximized Mitch Trubisky. The scheme is predicated around smoke and mirrors and creating illusions through RPO’s (Run-Pass Options). In terms of fantasy value, Mike Davis may start the year as the lead RB, but it won’t take long for rookie David Montgomery to touch the field. Montgomery is being drafted as the 2nd highest rookie in most leagues behind Raiders Josh Jacobs. Montgomery has great value anywhere after the 4th round. Their receiving corps was often led by RB Tarik Cohen last year, as he specializes on passing downs and screen plays. As Nagy is a master of getting his play makers in open space, Cohen should be in line for another great year catching the ball. Their WRs will each have their weeks to shine, but they don’t have one guy who will constantly lead the team in targets and yards. Trey Burton is a solid TE, but nothing more than a late round pick in a 12 man league. Overall, don’t reach on any of the Bears receivers! Tarik Cohen has the highest floor on the team due to his pass catching ability and the play calling. Montgomery and Cohen should without a doubt be the first two bears selected, anywhere from rounds 4-7.

Minnesota Vikings:

QB: Kirk Cousins

RB: Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison

WR: Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Laquon Treadwell

TE: Kyle Rudolph

D/ST: Position Rank = 5

Fans have been very critical of Kirk Cousins for his play in 2018, specifically his performance in prime-time games facing good opponents. Fair or not, Cousins signed a three year deal for $84M (all guaranteed) so they might have a point. Nevertheless, Cousins is still the conductor of a remotely high powered offense in Minnesota. Dalvin Cook’s current ADP is the 4th pick in the 2nd round, which is way too risky. Safety in the first 2-3 rounds is very important, as you need to solidify building blocks for your team. For a RB that has played in 15 games over his first two seasons, the 2nd round is too early. Cook still has tremendous value, just not at that ADP. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen formed one of the best 1-2 WR duos in the league in 2018. They both topped 100 receptions, 1000 yards, and 9 TDs. With Cousins throwing the 4th most passes in 2018, both of these WRs are worth a selection anytime after round 2. Besides these three skill players, no one else on their roster is worthy of a draft pick quite yet.

Green Bay Packers:

QB: Aaron Rodgers

RB: Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams

WR: Davante Adams, Geronimo Allison, Marquez Valdes-Scantling

TE: Jimmy Graham, Marcedes Lewis

D/ST: Position Rank = 24

Even after a low-spirited 2018, the Green Bay Packers still have one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. With Superstar QB Aaron Rodgers and numerous weapons on the outside, GB will have a serious comeback season if new Head Coach Matt LaFleur can harmonize with Aaron Rodgers. With Mike McCarthy running the show in previous years, there were always multiple RBs involved in the offense, which created fantasy instability. Reports from camp are that Aaron Jones is by far the best back in GB, and it seems like he will get a bulk load of the work to start the year. Davante Adams is the biggest weapon in their offense, as he totaled 111 catches for 1300+ yards and 13 TDs last year. Adams will be a top 5 WR at the end of the year if he stays healthy. If you are dealt a late first round pick, Adams could be your guy. Instead of risking your season on a Joe Mixon or Melvin Gordon, take the smart pick in Davante Adams. Geronimo Allison and MVS are currently competing for the second receiver spot. Both of them are being drafted in rounds 8-12 as many believe one will have a breakout 2019. It looks as though MVS will play a lot in the slot as well. Overall, Adams and Jones are the only two locks as of now. If you can get Jones in the 3rd round, there is solid value there. 

Detroit Lions:

QB: Matthew Stafford

RB: Kerryon Johnson, C.J. Anderson, Zach Zenner

WR: Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola

TE: T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James

D/ST: Position Rank = 19

Even after an underwhelming 6-10 first season with new Head Coach Matt Patricia, there are still a handful of players that have solid value in this offense. The first is Kerryon Johnson, who is being drafted as RB15 towards the end of the 3rd round. With C.J. Anderson as his running mate, Johnson has the ability to become a true 3-down back this year. He showed flashes of greatness in his rookie year, but he was sidelined for the last few games with an injury. If Johnson slips to the 4th round in any draft, that is remarkable value for an RB2 with RB1 upside. The second player with clear value is Kenny Golladay. Golladay became the number 1 target of Matthew Stafford in 2018, as he posted his first 1000 yard receiving year in his sophomore season. Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola are not to be overlooked, but Jones is now 29 and looks like his best days are behind him and Amendola will remain in the slot which hurts his TD potential. This isn’t saying draft Golladay in the 3-4th round, but if you can get him anytime after round 4 there is absolutely value. Another late round value player is rookie TE T.J. Hockenson out of Iowa. Obviously do not take Hockenson before the top tier TEs are off the board, but don’t be surprised if Hockenson becomes a safety blanket for Stafford. 

Aug 17, 2019 No Comments
NFL Reinstates New England Patriots Wide Receiver Josh Gordon

NFL Reinstates New England Patriots Wide Receiver Josh Gordon

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by | Aug 17, 2019 | Featured, NFL

To start training camp, Phillip Dorsett was the only returning wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Chris Hogan left in free agency, Cordarrelle Patterson opted to follow suit. Julian Edelman was being held out with a thumb injury and Josh Gordon was still on an indefinite suspension.

Fast forward to today and Josh Gordon is officially a member of the Patriots once more. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the suspension was lifted and Gordon would be able to rejoin the team on Sunday.

Gordon won’t be allowed to play in any preseason games but is cleared to retake the field when the Super Bowl champions start their quest to defend their title on September 8th against the Pittsburgh Steeler.s

Last season, Gordon played in 11 games with New England, He totaled 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns before he was once again forced to watch from the sidelines after violating his previous reinstatement protocols.

Towards the end of those 11 games, Gordon and Brady started to develop a clear connection with each other but the receiver would miss the entirety of New England’s postseason run.

With him back, the Patriots suddenly go from inexperienced to deep at wideout. Gordon and Edelman will be back once the games count and their absence has allowed for rookies N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers get valuable practice reps during training camp.

Before tonight, Dorsett was in line to be atop the team’s depth chart. Now he’s more likely to be fourth in the pecking order when Week 1 kicks off.

Aug 17, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #19 Stephon Gilmore

SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #19 Stephon Gilmore

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by | Aug 16, 2019 | Featured, NFL

19. Stephon Gilmore 

Team: New England Patriots

Position: CB

Experience: 7 Years

The Buffalo Bills selected Gilmore with the tenth overall pick in the first round of the 2012 Draft. Gilmore played 5 seasons for Buffalo earning one Pro Bowl nomination in 2016. His stellar performance wasn’t enough to catapult the Bills into contention, as the Bills best record with Gilmore was a measly 9-7 2nd place finish in the AFC East in 2014. However, his play didn’t go unnoticed by mastermind Head Coach Bill Belicheck. The Patriots went out of the norm, as they spent big money grabbing Gilmore away from Buffalo at the cost of 65 Million (40 Guaranteed) over the course of 5 years. 

As mentioned earlier, Gilmore did have some success in Buffalo. In  2016 he tied for the league lead in INTs with 5. Although the Bills had trouble manufacturing points, their defense was always stingy throughout Gilmore’s tenure, large in part to the terrific play of their secondary and pass rush. Gilmore turned into a whole new monster with New England. Will Belicheck’s schemes in place, he has been able to transform Gilmore into an even bigger threat for opposing QBs. 

Although Gilmore numbers dropped in his first season as a Patriot in 2017, his overall effect on the game was just as great. With a significant decrease in the number of balls targeted his way, offenses simply chose to avoid his 1 on 1 coverage on their #1 receiver. Gilmore is known for his exceptional bump and run coverage on defense, a strategy in which he lines up directly across from the wideout on offense and uses his great physicality and footwork to impede the receivers route. Gilmore has remarkably strong hands and impeccable timing in breaking up passes. 

Gilmore had a spectacular 2018 campaign. He suited up for all 16 games in the regular season for the Patriots. His primary role was to shadow the oppositions best receiver in 13 of the contests, in which he allowed only 42 catches on 90 targets for 466 yards. Gilmore led the league in forced incompletions (24) as well pass break-ups and interceptions combined (29).  His play earned him recognition from Pro Football Focus as the number one ranked cornerback of 2018. Gilmore added another Pro-Bowl to his collection along with his first selection to the All-Pro first team. 

Gilmore elevated his game to the next level in the 2018 playoffs. In the Patriots three game stretch facing Philip Rivers, Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff, Gilmore was targeted a total of 19 times. In these 19 attempts, the opposing QBs posted an astounding 38.2 passing rating, legitimately worse than every single pass landing out of bounds (Pat Thurman-PFF). Gilmore heads into 2019 as a Super Bowl Champion and arguably the best corner in the game. Paired with Bill Belicheck and the Patriots, Gilmore is peaking at the perfect time in his career. 

Aug 16, 2019 No Comments
NFL SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #20 Jalen Ramsey

NFL SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #20 Jalen Ramsey

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by | Aug 15, 2019 | Featured, NFL

20. Jalen Ramsey

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Position: CB

Experience: 3 Years

In this league, confidence goes a long way. Despite his youth, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey might be the most confident player in the entire NFL. The assuredness that he is the best player at his position didn’t just begin in the league, it’s a belief that’s fueled Ramsey through every level of football he’s ever played. It’s not a quiet confidence either, he will let anyone within hearing distance know how he feels about his skills. In an era of subtweets and burner accounts, Ramsey isn’t afraid to attach his name to anything he says. He also goes out on the field and backs up every single word.

Although he hasn’t been in the NFL for long, Ramsey has quickly made an impact. Much like Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman before him, Ramsey’s skillset allows for him to completely shutdown one side of the football field. He’s not just a great football player, he’s also a freak athletically. At the 2016 NFL Combine he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash, jumped 41.5 inches on his vertical leap, and recorded a broad jump of 135 inches. Combined with physical measurements (6’1” and 208 pounds) and you have the makings of a perfect corner in the modern NFL.

In three seasons Ramsey has started every single game. 2017 was his breakout year. He was part of the reason that the Jaguars had the best defense in the league that year. He pulled in a career-high four interceptions and was named First-Team All-Pro and selected to the Pro Bowl. Though Jacksonville was unable to repeat their success record-wise a year ago, Ramsey’s play stayed at a high level. He had three interceptions, a career-high 62 solo tackles and was named to the Pro Bowl for a second consecutive season.

With another year of seasoning under his belt it stands to reason that Ramsey will only be better. He’s shown the versatility to defend speedy wide receivers like Tyreek Hill and T.Y. Hilton, big receivers like A.J. Green and tight ends Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski. Jacksonville knows that they have a defender who is capable of handling the best receiving option on the opposing team week in and week out. While he’s made his mark mostly on the left side of the defense he’s not afraid of moving around the formation depending on who he’s matched up against. In the secondary, Ramsey is the ultimate weapon.

Unlike in 2018 when he made headlines with his honest breakdown of the opposing quarterbacks on the Jaguars’ schedule, he has been relatively silent—or should we say measured, because Ramsey is never silent—this offseason. While it’s possible that the star cornerback has turned over a new leaf, it’s more likely that if Jacksonville finds itself as a contender and playoff team in the AFC that we will hear plenty from him this year. Having a player this special and this sure of himself isn’t something that every team has. Letting Jalen Ramsey be Jalen Ramsey is the key to the Jaguars regaining their swagger on the field this season.

Aug 15, 2019 No Comments