Nearly a month before the NFL draft, let’s gather around and dim the lights as we sit down and look at the crystal ball. We examine the data, looked at the film, and beckoned the spirits of NFL experience to create the best case hypothesis of five rookies who have the best chance of becoming All Pro – in the next several seasons. This one is hard to predict considering that some of these players opted out, missed games due to the COVID pandemic, or had shortened seasons with limited competition. So we have to look at the overall trajectory of their collegiate careers in order to predict the future All Pros. We know the team that drafts them has plenty to do with their maturity. Nevertheless, here are our best guesses of the most plausible five.

1. Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Clemson

This one is a no brainer. This 2021 NFL draft is unique as it has an abundance of solid quarterbacks available in the first round, but Trevor Lawrence is the name that has been in the spotlight since high school. It is all but certain that Jacksonville will select Trevor Lawrence first overall because he is the most complete quarterback at this point in his career, and one of the greatest in college history, with just a few negatives. As a true freshman, he took over the reigns in 2018 and led Clemson to a national championship in 2019 beating Nick Saban’s Alabama handedly, and he was just getting started. 

He would lead Clemson to two more championship runs, and most wins as quarterback in Clemson history finishing with 758-of-1138 career passes (66.6 percent) for 10,098 yards with 90 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for a pass efficiency rating for 164.26 in 2,237 snaps over 40 career games (36 starts). He also rushed 231 times for 943 career rushing yards with 18 rushing touchdowns, the fifth-most career rushing touchdowns by a Clemson quarterback in the modern era. This fulfills the stats portion for the numbers junkies out there, but how do you judge the #1 prospect coming out of the draft? Well why not let Urban Meyer explain it to you as a then contributing analyst, for Fox Sports on September 12, 2020.

Fast forward to the present and Urban Meyer is now the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meyer knows what Trevor Lawrence brings to the table: Competitiveness, Toughness, Leadership, and Adaptability. A 6’6” quarterback that knows how to use his feet, meaning in the face of pressure, he can come out of the pocket still square up and throw a touch pass. He is a dual threat quarterback that has plays designed around his passing accuracy or his ability to keep it and go for first downs or touchdowns. “Reminds us a lot of Peyton Manning, smart who studies a lot of film,” says Courtney Burrows, ProFootball Mania Contributor.

Trevor Lawrence can succeed in Jacksonville if they build the supporting team around him. Coming into free agency, Jacksonville had the most available cap space to spend. They recently signed veteran Marvin Jones, and they still have DJ Chark. Tight ends are revolving, but they have dynamic and tough James Robinson in the backfield. Give this rookie the tools, protect him and he could be the next Justin Herbert or better. He is destined to be an All Pro. 

2. Javonte Williams, Running Back, University of North Carolina

When asked who he thought would become an all pro in the coming years, Rich Maletto, fantasy contributor and writer for various fan sites, did not hesitate: Javonte Williams, UNC. Maletto would explain with a story, “Did you see that game against the University of Miami? In tandem with Michael Carter, both of them were beasts in the backfield. They collectively rushed for an astronomic 500 yards plus!” In fact, on December 12, 2020, Michael Carter and Javonte Williams rushed for a combined 544 yards against 8-2 Miami. Carter had 23 carries, 308 yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns, while Williams had 23 carries, 236 rushing yards, and 3 rushing touchdowns. 

So why does Rich Maletto prefer Javonte Williams over Michael Carter? “Javonte Williams is willing to share the ball and would succeed in a zone blocking scheme, such as San Francisco. He can share the load, runs downhill fast, and carries guys behind him. Don’t sleep on Michael Carter either, it wouldn’t surprise me to see both backs as all pros.” Williams at 5’ 10”, and 220 lbs, recently ran the 40 yard dash at 4.55 seconds. In eleven games in 2020, Williams exploded for 1,140 yards and 19 touchdowns on 157 carries. He also developed as a receiver, catching 25 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns. Williams owns the single season record of 22 touchdowns at the University of North Carolina. No we won’t sleep on Michael Carter, but we will focus on Javonte Williams because he can do this:

Javonte Williams is a power runner that is agile and elusive as he runs downhill.  With great vision, he is a dangerous asset out of the backfield where he can handle the load between the tackles or bounce it upside. Williams also has a nose for the end zone, a vital reason he was the goal line back in North Carolina. He is the complete package and can be a three down back at the NFL level. Wiliams also has no problem sharing the workload. Paired with a David Montgomery in Chicago or a Raheem Mostert in San Francisco in a two back system and he’s a perfect fit. He’s willing to share the ball if it means success. Javonte Williams is our number two choice to go All Pro.

3. Kyle Pitts, Tight End, University of Florida

Kyle Pitts is a Wide Receiver who is trained to block. However, if you use him to block most of the game you would be wasting the top tight end prospect in years. “Kyle Pitts is nearly the same size of Calvin Johnson, just a bit slower,” says Rich Maletto. “This past week he ran the 40 at 4.44! At 6’6” 240 lbs, he’s moving! If you watch him in college, they moved him all over the formation. It won’t surprise me if NFL teams line him out wide, and still call him a tight end.” It’s true, he’s a mismatch for every defender he faces. 

He is already out jumping, out catching, single or dual coverage matchups. Kyle Pitts has a longer wingspan than any WR or TE in the NFL (83 â…œ”) in the last 20 years, surpassing the wingspan of D.K. Metcalf (82 â…ž”), and has a vertical jump of 33.5 inches. 

Pitts uses his speed, long arms and outstanding jump to his advantage. In eight games last year in a pandemic season, he had 43 receptions for 770 yards, and 12 touchdowns, culminating with the John Mackey Award for best tight ends. He finished 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting, becoming the first tight end to finish in the top 10 in 43 years. 

So not only is he super human by design, he’s also an excellent route runner. Pitts is capable of blowing by NFL cornerbacks and safeties. He demonstrated this in 2019 against LSU cornerbacks Grant Delpit and Kristian Fulton. He was able to run by them with ease. He was lined up in every possible formation, and challenged the most dominant defenders. “He is the all around player that can do it all. The coveted yards after the catch, he is able to use a stiff arm and just take off!“ said Courtney Burrows, Profootball Mania contributor who is an SEC super fan. “He is going to be present on all downs. He is special.” Kyle Pitts, wherever he goes, will be a quarterback’s best friend for years to come. 

4. Elijah Moore WR, Ole Miss

We wanted to name a wide receiver on this list and Courtney Burrows, SEC superfan was passionate about her choice: “Ok hear me out, prior to Coach Lane Kiffin’s arrival at Ole Miss, Moore was the 3rd WR behind DK Metcalf and AJ Brown. Moore stayed in Oxford and blew up in Ole Miss. He produced 86 receptions, 1,193 yards, with 8 touchdowns in eight games.  He has incredible hands that snag the ball effortlessly in the air and with his quick feet and excellent route running, he makes for a complete slot receiver. If he was paired alongside an already established WR1 like AJ Brown, Micheal Thomas, or Devante Adams, he would exceed already growing expectations. Moore might not be the most talked about “Moore” in the draft, but wait and see, this guy is special. He’s coachable and he’s good. He’s going to a PPR machine. It was a lot of fun watching the offense at Ole Miss.”

Looking at Elijah Moore highlights and it is easy to see why he makes our list. The first thing you notice is how explosive he is. Moore is fast, period. He can make plays because of his superb route running and breakaway speed. For those teams who love to go vertical, he’s an excellent slot receiver choice. He finds the spot in defenses, makes himself available, puts one move on and he is gone. Do not dismiss him because of his 5’9” frame, that can quickly be made up by his maximum effort on every play. Back in September 2020, in a game against the Florida Gators, he racked up 227 yards on 10 catches!

In fact, he had 10 receptions in each of his games except for one. That’s notable because Moore was just 127 yards shy of A.J. Brown’s 2018 mark of 1,320 yards, which was set over a span of 12 games. Elijah Moore’s talent was compromised by a pandemic season. His receiving yardage ranks third on Ole Miss’ single season record books. And listen to this endorsement: “This is a first round slot,” said Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. “I didn’t coach him, but he kind of reminds me of the Carolina Steve Smith. Just the stop and start ability is so explosive and a great route runner. Even though I didn’t have him, that would be what I would compare him to.” We expect to see great things out of Elijah Moore in the coming years.

5. Travis Etienne RB, Clemson

It will be between Etienne and Harris on which RB is taken first in the NFL draft. “My money is on Etienne all day. He is a starter now!.” says Courtney Burrows. Why? “Etienne has proven himself as not only a dynamic runner who will push through defenders and have positive yardage, but he is a strong passing receiver who has bursts of speed in the short-passing game. In today’s game, passing backs are highly coveted for their versatility. Etienne will be a Pro Bowler. He will not be happy nor utilized to his fullest potential in a running back by committee. I would love to see him go to Miami where it seems like they are striving to rebuild around the offense. He would be a great fit in Pittsburgh too, where Coach Tomlin can finally mold him into even more greatness and power.” 

Travis Etienne is a hardworking, every down back who hasn’t yet reached the pinnacle of his career. He is the ACC’s all time leading rusher because he waits for his blocks, protects the football and has this uncanny ability to make a long gain out of short gain play. Fantasy players love data, and looking at his career numbers tell a story about Etienne.

Notice the stats in his progression since 2017 when he started as a True Freshman. In 2018 he exploded for a monstrous 8.1 yards per carry and 1,600 yards in rushing subsequently leading his Clemson Tigers to a National Championship. The following year, he delivered again, but this time he became a pass catching running back. In 2019, he had 37 receptions with 432 yards and 4 touchdowns while rushing for over 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns. In a pandemic shortened 2020 season, he had 48 receptions for 588 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for 914 yards and 14 touchdowns. We are watching growth here. On Pro Day recently, Travis Etienne ran the 40 in 4.40. Having the ability to catch the ball is an NFL bonus, and this versatility is instrumental as he moves to the pros.

This represents the culmination of our crystal ball session. We will await and see where these players land. Hopefully they will land in the proper coaching schemes to see them flourish. The coaching is a critical aspect to this game, which is why we didn’t list more. Nevertheless, these players have the IT factor to succeed in whatever team they land in. We are looking forwards to a full, COVID free, season in 2021 with 17 games and lots of points. Like you, we’ll watch the NFL draft unfold and get our fantasy teams ready.

The following is our honorable mentions list. These are the players we saw who have great talent, tenacity, intelligence and leadership but we couldn’t agree cohesively to make our top five One of the reasons we did not put the players above, is because we are worried they will end up in playoff averse football clubs. You know the ones. These are players we’d like to see flourish because we see the potential.

Honorable Mention

Zach Wilson, QB, BYU  

Predicted as the 2nd or 3rd QB to be drafted, Wilson has the arm strength, accuracy, and timing on his throws that rarely is not directly on target. In the 2020 season, he finished with 3,692 yards and a QB completion rate of 73.5% over 10% higher than 2019, which shows you his track of improvement and growth. He is smart, determined, dedicated, and a guy in the locker room that teams will rally around like a young Brett Farve. Wilson fits best in San Francisco or Carolina where the offense already has strong playmakers and coaches that know how to ease him right into play-action passing. Wilson will remain pivotal in the NFL for years to come and might start off slower depending on where he lands, but will turn into a Josh Allen making runs for the SuperBowl in no time at all.  

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

NFL Scouts have been looking at Micah Parsons for a long time because he’s an outstanding linebacker who can deliver great violence. “The man is an absolute beast! And he has the size, speed and natural instincts,” says Rich Maletto, Profootball Mania contributor.  “At 6’3,” 245 lbs., he just ran the 40 yard dash on Pro day in a jaw dropping 4.39 seconds. Normally wide receivers run that fast, not linebackers.” At Penn State in 2019, he started 12 of 13 games, delivering 109 tackles, with 14 tackles for loss; 5.0 sacks and four forced fumbles, plus five pass deflections.

His best game came in the prime moment when everyone was watching, at the Cotton Bowl in December 2019. There he made 14 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He took over the game and he could not be stopped. It needs to be said that Micah Parsons does have some controversy following him for alleged hazing rituals he may have participated in when he was 18 at Penn State. In 2020, he did not play during the pandemic to help his family & raise his toddler son. Despite the absence, he is still expected to be taken in the first round. We hope to see a more mature Parsons in 2021, off the field, and the difference maker on the field.

Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan 

This young man reminds us so much of Chase Young, and we see how Young panned out. At 6’ 4” and 277 lbs, Kwity Paye is explosive off the edge and has the speed and athletic build to defend the pass and the rush. He was the bright defensive spot in under performing Michigan. He is a raw talent with a wonderful backstory that still has room to grow, and in the NFL that translates to coachable. Paye has big hands that get in the offenses’ way. He will bulk up and absorb the playbook, and end up being a defensive player of the year in the next 2-3 years…just watch.

You can follow Adrian Gutierrez at AdrianGutierrez@kitchenisdads, Courtney Burrows at Courtney1013@luvtractor3 and Rich Maletto at Boda@bodaciousbeer

The post Looking at the Coming Years: 5 Rookies That Have the Chance to Become All Pro appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

by Adrian Gutierrez (AdrianGutierrez@KitchenIsDads)

In Los Angeles, Casey Hayward has seen better days. In 2016 he led the league with 7 interceptions, with an additional 58 solo tackles. In 2017 he had 40 tackles and successfully deflected 22 passing attempts.

He made the Pro Bowl twice as a result of his efforts and has played tough in most of his eight seasons with the NFL. However, in the past two years, his numbers have dwindled and at the end of 2020, he suffered a groin injury that required him to go on injured reserve. Plus he is in the final year of his contract.

So let’s assume the L.A. Chargers will restructure his contract to play elsewhere because in the NFL – business is business. Releasing him would save about $9.75 million in cap space.

As the Los Angeles Chargers seek to make cap room, here are three potential landing spots for this 32-year-old veteran cornerback. There are plenty of teams low on the power rankings that could use a veteran cornerback (e.g. NY Jets, Jacksonville, Cincinnati), but we will focus on the promising tiers. The teams that could prove the most pivotal, for an athlete that is still capable to play the game well & a team that has playoff potential in 2021.

Starting Anew in Atlanta

There is a new coaching staff and new front office in Atlanta, which means that a primary focus will be on the Atlanta defense that has this terrible knack of blowing leads in the second half of games.

Rookie cornerback A.J. Terrell, first-round pick out of Clemson could use some help. A.J. Terrell’s play in his first year was about average as he was beaten for a passer rating of 109.2.

Assuming he plays the same or improves, he will need help on the other side. None of the cornerbacks on the Atlanta roster had a PFF (Pro Football Focus) score higher than 65.0. A more senior veteran of the game could provide much-needed balance to this secondary.

Keep in mind that Atlanta is near the bottom of the NFL in salary cap space. They just made some recent cuts to their roster, so they are approximately $26 million over the projected salary cap for 2021. The new front office will be making a lot of moves in the coming months, so Casey Hayward could be a free agent worth targeting.

Help Wanted in San Francisco

There is a major help-wanted sign at cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers. Long time great cornerback, Richard Sherman & 2020 standout Jason Verrett, along with the rest of the cornerbacks – K’Waun Williams, Dontae Johnson, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Jamar Taylor – are all unrestricted free agents. Most likely, the veteran Richard Sherman will move along & hopefully San Francisco can resign Jason Verrett, which leaves major question marks in the secondary.

Ideally, a veteran presence would help and here is where Casey Hayward could come in as a contributor. Moreover, if Verrett is resigned, he could be paired with Casey Hayward – again. Verrett played cornerback with the Chargers from 2014 through 2017. A familiar cornerback connection could boost the San Francisco secondary.

If Verrett is not resigned, then the “help wanted” sign still remains in the San Francisco secondary & Hayward could fill a much needed defensive spot in San Francisco.

If Russell Stays, the Hawks are in Play

Defensively speaking, the Seattle Seahawks ranked at, or damn near the bottom against the pass. Here’s a defining stat: The Seahawks defense allowed the most passing yards in NFL history over their first nine games of the season & allowed 30 points per game.

At the end of the season, the defense allowed a whopping 371 points … yet they still went to the playoffs. The defense was able to turn things around in the second half of the season, which enabled them to clinch the NFC West with a 12-4 record.

In this offseason, their primary goal should be to protect Russell Wilson. Investing in an offensive line that can keep him competitive can change the man’s mind about leaving. Step two is to simultaneously improve the secondary & the pass rush.

The secondary has promise, but it desperately needs a cornerback. They have potential with cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who had 63 tackles, 12 pass breakups and three interceptions over 12 games during the 2020 season. But Griffin missed four games with a hamstring injury and is a free agent. Here Casey Hayward could revitalize his career with a hungry secondary with something to prove. If Griffin is resigned, it could be formidable with Casey Howard playing the other side.

Over the top, strong safety, Jamal Adams is a two time pro bowler and potential hall of fame candidate is still under contract for one more year, but he is facing multiple off season surgeries. The addition of Casey Hayward could be a vital improvement to a much beleaguered secondary that still has something to prove.

The trajectory of Casey Hayward in the NFL is nearly endless for now. If the above options don’t work out for Casey Hayward, there’s always Jacksonville which has plenty of cap room and a deep need for cornerback. Hopefully he can return to his old form and improve a much needed defense with his experience and ambition.

The post Three Potential Landing Spots for Casey Hayward appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

It happens to every great quarterback – not named Tom Brady. The business of age, combined with “what have you done for me lately?” intersect as salary caps come into play in the off season. In Pittsburgh, the recent focus is on future hall of famer, Ben Roethlisberger and the contract restructuring of the Pittsburgh Steelers as they face a sizable salary cap hit in a COVID-19 pandemic year. The odds that “Big Ben” will remain a Steeler are slim, so what are the prospects and options for 39 year old Big Ben? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Now even though Roethlisberger desperately wants to stay in Pittsburgh, even going so far to say that he is apathetic regarding his pay this year. Like most of the teams in this league, major contract restructuring is ongoing to be cap compliant. The deadline is March 17th, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner are free agents, Vance MacDonald is retiring & GM Kevin Colbert is tepid about Ben Roethlisberger returning to the Steelers.

2020 showed us that the receiving corp was solid, and will remain key with Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington remaining. It’s the backfield that was lacking. James Conner, who stepped up and went beyond expectations in 2018, wasn’t an impact player in 2020. The overall rushing attack was average at best, which was okay because the receiving corp was so deep, but Juju Smith-Schuster will want to be featured somewhere else that needs a wide receiver. So knowing this, and the nature of the business, below are some of the better hypotheticals for Ben Roethlisberger.

Go West Ben

The San Francisco 49ers face major salary cap issues too, so it is expected that they will part ways with QB Jimmy Garappolo, who has been plagued with injury issues. They have a competitive and star tight end, with George Kittle, a capable young receiving corp and a stellar committee rushing attack.

2021 will feature hard running Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert. He could be throwing less in San Francisco, utilizing the play-action with much success. Plus the defense is good. If you have to prove yourself just one more season, go West.

QB Wanted, must work 24/7

For a variety of reasons, Cam Newton did not work out in New England. This means that if Roethlisberger wants to put in the work, never leave the practice facility… he could be under the leadership of one of the greatest coaches in the NFL.

New England plays with marquee players and players who will themselves be great. The goal is always winning. So if Roethlisberger is willing, he could be throwing to experienced Julian Edelman or Jakobi Meyers.

The backfield is nearly always a committee backfield that catches the ball. Field vision and situational awareness are key in New England. If he wants one more crack at the ring, this could be the place to do it.

Teal, instead of Steel?

This one is a long shot, but possible because of the Pittsburgh connection. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is looking for a new quarterback.

Teddy Bridgewater could not cut it in the red zone, and there were some offensive line issues, but as soon as word broke that Deshaun Watson wanted to be released, Jason LaCanfora reported on billionaire David Tepper zeroing in on Deshaun Watson.

In case Deshaun Watson doesn’t go to Carolina, Tepper could consider Roethlisberger since he was the minority owner of the Steelers for nearly ten years. Tepper is a Pittsburgh native and is already familiar with Roethlisberger.

Plus, they are currently restructuring contracts to clear salary cap space. Should they pick up a rookie quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, they could have Roethlisberger in the senior teaching role. It would be strange to see him in this sort of role, but that’s what happens to the venerable quarterbacks.

Ben goes Grizzly

Another possibility for Big Ben is Chicago. They are in desperate need of a quarterback and only have Nick Foles signed on.

A solid running back with David Montgomery, and if Allen Robinson is resigned, they’ll have a good wide receiving corp, including Anthony Miller. Then there’s promising Cole Kmet at tight end, along with a decent offensive line and a good defense overall. Roethlisberger may leave the steel city for the windy city, and in return take on the NFC north.

All of the aforementioned is entirely speculative. Roethlisberger will weigh all the options as it becomes clear that the chances of him remaining in Pittsburgh are unlikely, and he would still be the primary workhorse in the offense.

Sure he can chase a title for one more hurrah in a different city, or he could just as easily retire and enjoy all his accomplishments so far and still maintain his health. It would be odd to see him in a different jersey, whether it’s the Patriots or the Panthers, but if he still has fire to burn, we hope he gets a great deal and plenty of offensive protection.

Last and Obvious Answer

Retire. Sometimes the most obvious answer is the one directly in front of our eyes. The only reason for ultra competitor Ben Roethlisberger to play again – is for a Super Bowl.

They went 11-0 this past season, got to the tournament, and were knocked out by up-and-coming rival, the Cleveland Browns. Should Big Ben return, his team will be undermined by the salary cap and he’ll still have a committee backfield that doesn’t intimidate.

If the Steelers management restructures his contract and pays him the minimum, the pay cut of $17.925 million, the team would still be on the hook for $23.325 million. If he retires, or is cut, $22.25 million dollars is still accountable against the cap.

Were he younger, perhaps this wouldn’t be an issue? He’s 39, and not as mobile as he used to be. Remember when he could shake linemen off, like a hippo does to resting birds?

Age gets the better of us all the time, especially when you play gladiator sports. He can retire with grace and pride knowing he gave it all for this franchise, he took the Steelers to the playoffs 11 times, and won the Super Bowl twice.

However, let’s pretend that Ben Roethlisberger still has fire in that heart and the physical prowess to return for another year. Which team can offer him the support he needs for one more Super Bowl ring besting the juggernaut in Kansas City? We will all know soon.

The post 4 Potential New Destinations For Ben Roethlisberger: What If Big Ben Leaves Pittsburgh? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By Adrian Gutierrez (AdrianGutierrez@KitchenisDads)

The Allegiant Stadium, which has a shell that is as black as the dark side of the moon, stands out in a city that is known for its bright lights, blazing sun, and iconic casino architecture. In name, it is the official home of the Las Vegas Raiders, but for Raider Nation the world over, it is a long time coming.

It is the structural offspring of a man who fought like Genghis Khan for a team of outsiders & has-beens, misfits & men of color. A man who didn’t care where they came from, or what they looked like as long as they played great individually and collectively, to win. Winning was all that mattered, which brings us to a new ESPN 30 for 30 documentary by Ken Rodgers, “Al Davis vs. The NFL” which focused on the decades-long rivalry between Al Davis and Pete Rozelle, former Commissioner of the NFL, that would eventually lead to this brand new state of the art Raider Mecca.

This purpose of this post is to commend Ken Rodgers for recognizing the great contributions Al Davis gave to the NFL, but to add emphasis on the actions of an icon. Al Davis was notoriously combative for the team he built, the AFL he once led, and for the players and personnel he cultivated and promoted.

He led the charge when it came to hiring people of color and sex to key player, management, and personnel positions. In 2021, minority representation is still a topic of contention, but it was Davis who was establishing precedent decades ago.

He was the brainchild of creating a new stadium that would raise the team’s profile in order to recruit the best players, with the luxury suites subsidizing the salaries. He was the Coach who emphasized stretching the field and “going vertical” not on 3^rd down, but on 1^st down in an era of the power sweep through the alley.

When it comes to PR and branding, he embodied it. His slogans, “Commitment to Excellence,” or “Just Win, Baby,” became mantras for the organization, all the while he only wore Raider colors: silver, black and white. Few men have ever left such a legacy, contentious as it was, and we will reflect on it.

In a documentary first, Ken Rodgers utilized “deepfake” technology to bring Davis and Rozelle to life to give the documentary a narrative. He used actors to imitate the voices, while 3D technology was super imposed on the faces.

Since Rodgers is the modern-day Steve Sabol, he has access to all the glorious NFL archives at his disposal to properly deliver the characteristics and nuances of Al Davis and Pete Rozelle. If you haven’t seen this documentary, please do see it, it’s well done and offers unique authenticity.

The deep fake actors tell their respective stories from the inside of the new Allegiant stadium as friendly rivals, sharing war stories. Which it was to Al, it was war. The Raiders were the most litigious franchise in the NFL, perhaps in all of the American sports.

From the East Coast to the West Coast

Born in Brooklyn, Al Davis, is the only NFL coach to become an NFL Owner. He was a former scout, assistant coach at USC, assistant wide receivers coach to NFL legend Sid Gilman in San Diego.

As a debut head coach of an Oakland Raiders team, he took them from an irrelevant 1-13 record to a winning 10-4 record the very next year at 33 years of age. He was coach of the year and winning was everything to him.

According to one legend as a scout, he once pretended to be a journalist just so he could interview the opposing team’s coach and get a description of a key offensive play. Machiavellian as always.

“At Syracuse, I vowed to be a chooser …. You can take what they can give you for you can fight.” He went on to say, “Power was important to me. Power to control my own destiny.” Ironically, he was not a great athlete or a good football player.

His ferocious drive and his vision are what set him apart. “We’re gonna take what we want.” The first thing he did for the Oakland Raiders was rebrand the team. Borrowing from the graphic schemes of the collegiate Army at that time, he changed the colors to silver and black. Striking colors that could be noticed from afar on tall linesmen.

Offensively, he drew from Sid Gilman in going “Vertical.” The big bomb, the big play on first down. Defensively it was about power and intimidation. “Within the first 5 plays of the game, the other team’s quarterback must go down. And he must go down hard.”

The Merger

Then in 1966, Al Davis became the commissioner of the AFL. The AFL was the underdog league at the time but it set itself apart in its recruitment of players, namely Black players in key positions, such as quarterback and middle linebacker.

When the NFL broke the unwritten rule of poaching a kicker recruited by the Bills, the AFL led by Al Davis went after NFL recruits in mass. It was war. The bidding ensued and it eventually led to the merging of the two leagues.

To give an example of how combative Al Davis was, Lamar Hunt, who was the founder of the AFL and who had recruited Al Davis as AFL Commissioner, purposely kept him out of all merger meetings. Al Davis was furious at the merger not because he was against it, but because he truly thought that the AFL could succeed without succumbing to NFL negotiations. He wanted the NFL to be fully defeated before coming to the bargaining table. Hells Bells.

We do need to give Pete Rozelle, the great salesman, and first NFL Commissioner his due. He secured the TV rights and kept the league together through some tumultuous decades as it became the preeminent American sport. The NFL has become a Goliath. The marriage of the NFL and broadcast television secured them a day of the week, and by all respective measures, an unofficial national holiday with the Super Bowl.

Pete Rozelle brought the product of the NFL to all the living rooms and bars in America, but it was the Al Davis style of play that kept them tuned in for more. Every great statesman must have a nemesis and Rozelle’s nemesis resided in un-glamorous Oakland.

Al Davis, the Progressive

Al Davis happily returned to his Oakland Raiders as General Manager, then Owner. As owner, he made some benchmark decisions that were unprecedented in his time, in his personnel choices. He hired, back then, the youngest coach ever and future hall of famer, John Madden, to lead his franchise that became one of the greatest teams of the 1970s, including one Super Bowl title in 1976.

John Madden’s assistant, Tom Flores, would then become the head coach of the Raiders in 1979 when Madden retired. Tom Flores was the first Latino head coach of an NFL football team and lead the Raiders to two super bowl victories in 1980 and 1983. Tom Flores, just a few days ago, was named to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this coming August.

In 1989, he named Art Shell, a former hall of fame Raider tackle, to be the head coach of the L.A. Raiders. To Al Davis, it didn’t matter that Art Shell was Black, it mattered that he was a Raider. It would be years before there was another Black head coach in the NFL. And in 1997, Al Davis named Amy Trask, the CEO of his team. She was involved in all non-football business matters and operations for the team, plus she was the representative at all league meetings. “The Princess of Darkness,” she served as Raider CEO from 1997 to 2013. She remains as the only female to serve as an NFL team CEO.

The Raiders vs The NFL

Despite his maverick decisions, it was his desire for a new stadium that renewed his contention with the NFL, and directly challenged Pete Rozelle. Al Davis foresaw the upcoming economics. He knew that in order to recruit better talent, he had to create a better home for them to want to come play in.

In order to do so, he knew that luxury boxes could raise the premium of the stadium, which could help pay the salaries of marquee playmakers. This is all commonplace now, but it was not practiced then.

In 1980, Los Angeles via letter of agreement, told Al Davis that they could update the antiquated, but large, L.A. Coliseum with luxury boxes. Tom Bradley was welcoming them.

Al Davis wanted to move but Pete Rozelle intervened and said he could only move if Davis were to obtain league permission to move outside of Oakland. War ensued.

Al Davis zeroed in on Pete Rozelle and took him and the NFL to court in 1980. There were two trials, the first one was filled with drama and hi-jinks which led to a mistrial.

In the meanwhile, the Raiders become the first wild card team to win the Superbowl and Pete Rozelle has to swallow his pride and hand over the Lombardi trophy to Al Davis after the victory.

In 1982, there was a retrial and an all-women jury took six hours to render a verdict that the NFL violated anti-trust laws in blocking the Raiders move to L.A. Al Davis wins, and to the victor go the spoils, the NFL is ordered to pay $49 million dollars to the Raiders.

Fully moved in 1983, in their second season in L.A., the Raiders go to the Superbowl 18 against the Washington Redskins, the defending champions and back then, the highest scoring team in history.

The Raiders trounce them by 29 points. Once again Pete Rozelle in chagrin, has to present the Lombardi Trophy to Al Davis. Rozelle is cropped out of the presentation as soon as the trophy is awarded. “Just Win Baby.”

The Al Davis Godfather effect: teams move for better deals. The NY Jets moved to the Meadowlands. The Baltimore Colts uproot and moved like thieves in the middle of the night, to Indianapolis. The St. Louis Cardinals moved to Phoenix. The L.A. Rams moved to St. Louis. The Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee. What worried Pete Rozelle – that cities would bid for teams, happened. Yet, the franchises made more money, they were able to afford higher salaries and fan bases grew. Of course, Al Davis eagerly takes the credit for all this.

In 1987, the Raiders sued the L.A. Coliseum because it did not deliver on its promise to renovate the stadium and provide luxury boxes. They would return to Oakland in 1995, but Al Davis always had an eye on a brand new stadium. Their stay there was by no means permanent.

In the meanwhile, the state of the art stadiums were being designed and constructed. Hollywood Park in Los Angeles becomes a potential sight with one caveat: a new L.A. stadium would have to be shared with another NFL franchise. Al Davis, sharing the Raiders limelight was not going to happen, you might as well ask him to change his color scheme.

The Flame Illuminates

In 1989, Pete Rozelle would announce his retirement at an owners meeting in Palm Springs, California. The tears in his eyes formed when he announced it. The normally cool at the podium salesman, broke character, and of all people to offer empathy, it was Al Davis. Al Davis understood that for health reasons, Rozelle had to retire. The two rivals would lay down their guard and shake hands. Pete Rozelle would subsequently die of brain cancer in 1996. Al Davis died in 2011 at 82 years of age.

At the front center of the Allegiant stadium is an iconic torch. “The flame that will burn brightest here is the will to win,” said Al Davis. The flame lives on. The actors make their way out of the stadium passing it. The Raiders and the NFL are seeing success because of Al Davis and Pete Rozelle, but it’s Al Davis who is the legend and will forever be remembered as the man who went to war with the NFL, and won.

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