SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #27 David Bakhtiari

SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #27 David Bakhtiari

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by | Aug 8, 2019 | Featured, NFL

27. David Bakhtiari 

Team: Green Bay Packers

Position: OT

Experience: 7 Years

David Bakhtiari comes in at the #27 spot on our  NFL SneakerReporter Top 30. The 6’4” 310 lbs. Offensive Tackle is simply the best the game has to offer heading into 2019. Bakhtiari was selected in the 4th round with the 109th overall pick by the Green Bay Packers. He has been a model of consistency and health, playing in all 16 regular season games in 4 of his first 6 years as a professional. The other two years he only missed 2 and 4 games with no concerning injuries. After injuries riddled him in his collegiate career at Colorado, he seems to be over such woes.

Bakhtiari captured the starting job right as he entered the league as a rookie. Left tackle is arguably the most important position on the offensive line, and having your Quarterback be Aaron Rodgers severely escalates the stakes. Bakhtiari has been very solid throughout the duration of his short career so far. As a rookie in 2013, Bakhtiari only surrendered 10 accepted penalties all year. He also helped Eddie Lacy rush for 1,178 Yards and capture NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. The Packers finished in the Top 10 in Passing and Rushing in 2013 for the first time in a decade. 

The next few years became more of the same, as Bahktiari continued to dominate in his position. Bakhtiari started every game in 2014, helping the Packers finish 1st in the league in scoring at 30.4 Pts/game. He was also the leader of an offensive line that gave up just nine sacks in the final eight games of the 2014 season, the second lowest over that span. Bakhtiari was in complete control of Rodgers blind side all of 2014, which assisted heavily in Rodgers capturing MVP honors that season.

Bakhtiari started all 16 games again in 2016 and collected his first AP All-Pro selection (first team). He became the first Green Bay Tackle to receive this honor since Forrest Gregg in 1967, playing for Vince Lombardi’s Packers. Bakhtiari wasn’t done in 2016, as he earned his first trip to the NFL Pro Bowl, having being named a first alternate and replacing the injured Jason Peters of Philadelphia. In the 28 games Bakhtiari played between 2017-2018, he only committed 7 accepted penalties. 

Last year, Bakhtiari joined Forrest Gregg as the only two Green Bay Packers Tackles to earn Associated Press All-Pro Honors in consecutive seasons. It is without a doubt that David Bakhtiari is one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL today. Out of all offensive linemen, Bakhtiari claims the top spot in our SneakerReporter Top 30 Rankings as we count down the days to the 2019 season. With new coaching in place, the Green Bay offense looks to surge to new heights in big thanks to the protection of David Bakhtiari.

 

Aug 8, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #28 Calais Campbell

SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #28 Calais Campbell

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by | Aug 7, 2019 | Featured, NFL

28. Calais Campbell

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Position: DE

Experience: 11 Years

At age 31, Calais Campbell changed teams for the first time in his NFL career. Prior to the 2017 season, Campbell had spent the first nine years with the Arizona Cardinals, making back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2014 and 2015. Yet, when free agency came around the price tag was too rich for them (their highest bid reached $9 million a year) and Campbell signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for four-years, $60 million ($30 million guaranteed). The signing immediately paid dividends. Not only did the Jaguars house the best defense in the league during the 2017 season but Campbell set career-highs in sacks (14.5), quarterback hits (30), and forced fumbles (three).

In year two of Campbell’s big deal, things weren’t the same. Jacksonville’s defensive dominance dipped. The team went from leading at halftime on the road in the AFC Championship game the prior season to missing the playoffs and picking in the top 10 of the 2019 NFL Draft. The massive lineman still managed to be selected to the Pro Bowl and collected double-digit sacks (10.5) for only the second-straight season. He also totaled the most tackles combined (72) and solo (53) of his career to date. Though the team wasn’t able to repeat it’s successes in the win and loss column, it could be argued that Campbell is coming off of his best season.

Despite the 5-11 letdown of last year, there weren’t many big changes made to the roster this offseason–especially on the defensive end. Jacksonville made noise early in the spring of 2019 when they added quarterback Nick Foles in free agency. Blake Bortles was serviceable but never was able to take that next step to make the team consistent contenders. Given that the bulk of the Jaguars’ defense remained, getting a reliable quarterback was huge for this team. Campbell and co. now feel like they have an offense that can occasionally win them games instead of relying on the defense to stifle all opponents.

Campbell will be 33 years old when the 2019 NFL season kicks off. In NFL years, he is certainly not considered a young man anymore. With two of his best seasons coming recently there’s hope that Campbell can remain one of the top defensive linemen in the league for another year. At 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, Campbell is one of the biggest players in the entire league. He might not have the same burst that saw him run a 4.85 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Combine but he still presents a combination of speed and power that makes him a tough block for opposing offenses.

In Jacksonville, the team feels like they have the necessary talent on both sides of the ball that will take them to Super Bowl LIV in Miami, FL. Campbell attended the University of Miami but left before the Hurricanes transitioned to playing their regular-season games at Hard Rock Stadium (host stadium of Super Bowl LIV). In order to make this homecoming come to fruition, the Jaguars are going to need their defense to once again be one of the best units in all of football. That starts with Campbell, despite the talent at the next two levels (Myles Jack, Josh Allen, Jalen Ramsey, and A.J. Bouye), IG Campbell and the rest of the defensive line can’t contain the run and put pressure on the quarterback then everyone else’s job becomes that much harder.

Aug 7, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #29 Philip Rivers

SneakerReporter NFL Top 30: #29 Philip Rivers

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by | Aug 6, 2019 | Featured, NFL

29. Philip Rivers

 

Team: Los Angeles Chargers

Position: QB

Experience: 15 Years

Philip Rivers has had quite the journey of a career. He was drafted #4 overall to the New York Giants in 2004, but was traded shortly after when #1 overall pick Eli Manning refused to play for San Diego. Rivers has remained in a Charger uniform since the trade, as 2019 will be his 16th season. In the beginning of his career he was the backup to Drew Brees. Over the course of his first two seasons, Rivers didn’t get much time on the field, but that all changed when Brees signed with New Orleans in 2006. 

Right from the moment Rivers captured the starting job, he never looked back. After learning for two years under Brees, Rivers now had become a student of the game. Pair this with his God-given arm talent and you have a generational-type talent. In his first year as a starter Rivers totaled 3,388 Passing Yards, 22 TDs and 9 INTs. His second year was not as productive, as teams had a full year of game tape on him. In 2007, he totaled 3,152 Yards, 21 TDs and 15 INTs. 

River’s success really took off in his next 10 years in the league (2008-2018). Throughout these years, his completion percentage has never fallen below 60%, and he always finds himself near the top of the league in passing yards. At age 37, Rivers is coming off of perhaps his best year as a pro. In 2018, Rivers threw for over 4300 yards, 32 TDs and only 12 INTs. He tied his best QBR of his career with 105.5 while leading one of the most high-powered offenses in the league. The Chargers ranked top 10 in almost every team offensive category in 2018. 

Will Rivers continue to play at a high level and make playoff runs or will the Chargers be looking for a new QB soon? No one knows the answer but due to his lack of injury history it’s hard to believe that Rivers won’t be slinging the pigskin for at least another 3-4 years. Along with his health, Rivers is one of the most competitive players in the association. Many players have acknowledged his trash talk like Tampa Bay DT Ndamukong Suh: “He’s a character on the field, off the field spent some time with him, Pro Bowls and what not, obviously a great competitor and really just one of those guys that you enjoy playing against. He’s fiery, he’s going to try to make a bunch of plays on you, so we’ll have fun” (ESPN).

You can’t help but compare the legacies of Philip Rivers to his traded/ex-teammate counterparts. Drew Brees won Superbowl XLIV with the Saints, just a few years after signing with them. Eli Manning won two with the Giants in 2007 and 2011. But we are here today in 2019 and Rivers is still without a ring. It is fair to say Drew Brees has had a more memorable career, but there is no way Eli Manning was ever a more talented QB than Philip Rivers. His talent and competitive desire is why he is still playing at an elite level to this day, and there are no signs of his aerial dominance slowing down. 

Aug 6, 2019 No Comments
Tom Brady’s New Contract Isn’t What We Thought

Tom Brady’s New Contract Isn’t What We Thought

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by | Aug 5, 2019 | Featured, NFL

On Sunday, news spread that the New England Patriots and the G.O.A.T. quarterback, Tom Brady, had agreed to a contract extension that would keep Brady with the franchise through 2021.

Brady, who recently turned 42 on August 3rd, is on record that he wants to play at least until the age of 45. As reported, this new contract would take him right to the brink of that deadline.

New England thought they had Brady’s successor in Jimmy Garoppolo but that ended with Brady approaching owner Robert Kraft to get the understudy shipped away.  This summer, they spent a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on the next potential replacement, former Auburn quarterback, Jarrett Stidham.

Though he’s gotten good reviews during training camp, no one feels that Stidham is anywhere near ready to be a full-time starter (or even unseat Brian Hoyer as the Patriots back up).

But with the face of the franchise locked in for multiple seasons things seemed in place for the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Turns out that the alleged contract extension for Brady actually wasn’t an extension. Yes, Brady still receives a salary increase from $15 million to $23 million and yes the Patriots save $5.5 million in salary cap relief. However, the language of the new deal states that the additional years and money of the agreement is automatically voided on the final year of the 2019 NFL league year. The contract also stipulates that New England isn’t allowed to place the franchise tag on Brady.

This deal was more of a compromise than an extension. New England was unwilling to truly commit long-term money to Brady. Given how Rob Gronkowski’s retirement blindsided the team it’s understandable that they want to make sure the same thing doesn’t occur when Brady calls it quits. Brady wants to make sure that there’s honest negotiation in the future as opposed to just being placed on the franchise tag year-to-year.

Both sides are still on board with continuing their relationship on a yearly basis as long as Brady still wants to play—and plays at a high-level. The odds remain in favor of Brady finishing out his career with the Patriots.

 

Aug 5, 2019 No Comments
SneakeReporter NFL Top 30: #30 Myles Garrett

SneakeReporter NFL Top 30: #30 Myles Garrett

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by | Aug 5, 2019 | Featured, NFL

30. Myles Garrett

Team: Cleveland Browns

Position: DE

Experience: 2 Years

Myles Garrett was the clear-cut number one choice in the 2017 NFL Draft. In his time at Texas A&M Garrett was named a consensus All-American and totaled 31 sacks—fourth-most in SEC history—in three seasons. That production has carried over to the next level as he’s amassed 20.5 sacks during his first two years in the league. Garrett is coming off a trip to the Pro Bowl following the 2018 season. Opposing linemen have had their hands full when it comes to stopping Garrett. His speed and athleticism off the edge make him a terror to block.

In Garrett’s two seasons, Cleveland has gone from bottom of the barrel to rising contender. A real reason for that quick turnaround has been the talent that resides on the defense. Drafting Garrett was the crown jewel and he immediately played dividends for the Browns. He is able to be a force against both the pass and the run; allowing him to stay on the field for every down-and-distance situation that Cleveland faces. Last year, Garrett not only appeared in all 16 games (played just 11 as a rookie) but also started each game. He’s a mainstay for the Browns.

Year three brings a change to Cleveland’s coaching staff. After Freddie Kitchens went from interim to full-time head coach, he put together his own coaching staff. Gone was the Gregg Williams, the only defensive coordinator that Garrett has played for professionally. Williams’ scheme is known to be intense, pressure-heavy, and versatile. Garrett got a doctorate-level course on NFL defenses and is likely to be better for it in the long-term. Replacing Williams is Kris Wilks who was fired as head coach in Arizona after one season. Wilks’ defenses are similarly aggressive in their quest to create pressure. The front will remain the same as the team sticks with a 4-3 scheme.

The goal is for Garrett to join the ranks of J.J. Watt, Von Miller, Khalil Mack as one of the premier players on the edge of the defensive line. In hopes of speeding up that process, Garrett revealed that he’s dropped 10 pounds leading up to this season in hopes of being able to play faster—his current weight of 262 pounds is closer to his collegiate playing weight. If he can play faster and remain stout against the run then he’s well on his way to being among the best players at his position.

By adding Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon this offseason, the Browns strengthened their defensive front. A foursome of Garrett-Richardson-Larry Ogunjobi-Vernon is one of the most talented frontlines in the league. If they all remain healthy, figuring out who to double team or chip with a tight end or running back will be a tough choice for offensive coordinators. Having a singular talent like Garrett is a decent starting point but in order for that one player to truly shine through is by surrounding him with other talented players. Cleveland has done that and now it is on Garrett to take that leap into superstar status.

Aug 5, 2019 No Comments
2019 NFL Hall of Fame Game Preview

2019 NFL Hall of Fame Game Preview

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by | Aug 1, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Dust off those recliners, reconnect the surround sound speakers, make sure the flat-screen picture is crisp because FOOTBALL IS BACK!

Nearly six months after the New England Patriots captured their sixth Super Bowl victory, the rest of the league will get their chance to knock them off the top; starting tonight with the first preseason game of 2019.

The Denver Broncos will face off against the Atlanta Falcons in the Hall of Fame Game, live from Canton, OH (8 PM EST).

As the kickoff to the first week of preseason, tonight’s game won’t exactly feature a who’s who of NFL talent—Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones announced he would not play any preseason games—but there are still plenty of reasons to tune in to the debut of the 2019 season.

1. Denver Broncos Backup QBs

There was a lot of change on the Denver Broncos roster this offseason but nowhere was that change bigger than in the quarterback room. Ever since Peyton Manning led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2016, Denver has been searching for a replacement at the most key position.

Brock Osweiler, Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, and Case Keenum have come and gone without having much of an impact on the franchise. They traded for former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Joe Flacco, added Kevin Hogan, and drafted Missouri quarterback Drew Lock in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

We won’t see Flacco tonight, but Hogan, Lock and undrafted free agent Brett Rypien will take center stage. Though Locke has the highest upside of the three, Broncos head coach, Vic Fangio, was quoted as saying that Locke is “not a quarterback yet”.

2. Rookie Debuts

Prior to training camps getting underway, the 2019 NFL Draft was the last big event on the football offseason calendar. Atlanta made two first round picks (Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary) but McGary won’t play after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on Wednesday. For Denver, they selected tight end Noah Fant out of Iowa with the 20th overall selection. Tonight we will get to see them play in the NFL for the first time.

Though they aren’t the only rookies taking part in the game, as first round selections more eyes will be on these players.

However, this is an opportunity for players taken in later rounds or the ones signed as undrafted free agents to truly put themselves on the map. Maybe they don’t remain with the Falcons or Broncos when the regular season begins but this game—and the rest of the preseason—offers them an opportunity to be seen.

3. Vic Fangio

The highly thought of defensive coordinator is a coordinator no more. After spending 39 years on the sidelines (including high school and college coaching stints), Fangio will get his first shot at being a head coach tonight.

A moment 40 years in the making was nearly put on hold when the coach went to the hospital earlier today due to discomfort and was diagnosed with kidney stones. Thankfully, Fangio was released and cleared to coach this evening.

In his new role as a head coach, Fangio has more responsibility to meet and talk with the media. The floodgates have opened and what he’s given the world has not only been accepted but a welcome addition to what is usually boring coach speak. A fiery individual who holds nothing back, regardless of the outcome of tonight’s game we will surely get a great quote or two out of Fangio.

There will certainly be highlights (and lowlights) from this game and much more than these three reasons will be responsible for them. Having the NFL back is a blessing for all sports fans. The 2019 season begins tonight and it’s a debut we all have been longing for.

In the end, it’s only one preseason game but with no other games for a week be prepared for plenty of overreactions following tonight’s game.

Follow along live with us on Twitter @NFL_SR as we’ll be live-tweeting throughout the game.

Aug 1, 2019 No Comments