By: Drew Feinberg

The Cincinnati Bengals have been making some serious moves this offseason, showing signs that they plan to compete in the league as soon as possible. When the NFL offseason opened up on March 11, Cincinnati was eager to bolster its feeble defensive line, as the Bengals and former New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Henrickson inked a four-year, $60 million contract.

Hendrickson shined in his final season under contract in New Orleans, ranking 2nd in the league with 13.5 sacks, which accounted for more than double his career sack total in his first three seasons. While not widely regarded as an established player, the Bengals are taking an expensive risk that Hendrickson will maintain last season’s form, and solidify himself as a premiere pass-rusher in the NFL. I, for one, will go one step further with Hendrickson’s outlook for the 2021 season. I am planting my flag and saying that Hendrickson will finish the 2021 season as the NFL’s sack leader; and here’s why:

Hendrickson’s Line

While adding Hendrickson to an already decrepit defensive line was an improvement, the Bengals have yet to make another major splash to help improve the line. Signing defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year deal was a decent start, but for a line that ranked dead last in sacks (17 sacks), more needs to be done.

Regardless of who is added or subtracted from the line, it will be Hendrickson’s unit to lead into the 2021 season. Hendrickson is an old-school, gritty lineman; perfect for the blue-collar fanbase Cincinnati has. He is a classic 4-3 defensive end who fights until the whistle is blown, and seems to never give up on any play.

Due to the sheer lack of talent surrounding Hendrickson, I don’t see anybody totalling more sacks than Hendrickson will in 2021. While 13.5 sacks will be quite a feat to duplicate, I simply don’t see a reason as to why he can’t surpass that total this season. In New Orleans, Hendrickson starred while being surrounded by established pass rushers such as Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport. Now in Cincinnati, Hendrickson will have the line all to himself, which I think will lead to a career year for the young man.

Competition

While Hendrickson may not be a household name, his 2020 stats put him in the same conversations as the “thought-to-be” superstar pass rushers, such as Browns, Myles Garrett; Steelers, T.J. Watt; and Rams, Aaron Donald. Not to mention, Hendrickson did this while playing some of the league’s premiere offensive lines during the 2020 season.

Switching gears to the 2021 season, the competition is still just as tough, but Hendrickson is trending in the right direction. He finished the 2020 season with the third-highest pressure rate (16.3%) in the NFL and was first in the league in third-down pressure rate (25.5%) according to NFL Next Gen Stats. If those numbers continue to rise, we will surely see it impact his statline positively.

While the spotlight will be shining a bit brighter on Hendrickson during the 2021 season, Hendrickson should be able to come in and make an instant impact in the Bengals ”˜new-look’ defense. Cincinnati is banking on Hendrickson to continue his rise in form, and I believe that given the reins, Hendrickson can be a difference maker in this league, and wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks for years to come. 

The post Why New Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson will be the sack king in 2021 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Another chapter has ended in the New England Patriots dynasty, as Ernie Adams, longtime Football Research Director and friend of Patriots coach Bill Belichick, has announced his retirement. 

Adams’ retirement was announced by Belichick following the 2021 NFL Draft. During the seventh and final round of his final draft, Adams hand-selected New England’s final pick, wide receiver Tre Nixon out of Central Florida with the 242nd overall pick. 

Before the legend of Adams and his career in New England reached the limelight, his football story began when he met Belichick as a highschooler attending Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. 

While at school, Adams had read Football Scouting Methods written by Steve Belichick (Bill’s father) who was then a football scout for the United States Naval Academy. In 1970, Bill enrolled at the Academy for a post-graduate year, and from there, Adams and Belichick became good friends and would later form what would become the premiere NFL powerhouse for nearly two decades.

During the 2014 Patriots documentary Do Your Job, Adams’ was finally introduced to the spotlight. As a Patriots fan of 14 years at the time, I had no idea who Adams was until watching this documentary. My whole life I thought Belichick was the only person who pulled the strings in New England. However, thanks to that documentary, the world was introduced to Adams and his genius football mind. 

Wherever Belichick has gone in the NFL, Adams soon followed. Aside from New England, the two worked together on staff at the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, before Adams took a five year hiatus to be an investment banker prior to returning to New England.

Adams revolutionized modern scouting and is known for the long list of the incredible players he had his hand in selecting, and team executives who have learned from him. However, the one factor that I think will truly be missed with Adams’ retirement is his partnership with Belichick.

The structure that Belichick and Adams built is one that will be nearly impossible to duplicate, and many have tried.  Together, the two have more knowledge of the game of football than any other person in the league. Together, they knew more about their opponents than their opponents knew about themselves; and together, they’ve won six Super Bowls together.   From first meeting as high school students to six time Super Bowl champions. 

What a ride Ernie Adams had. Enjoy retirement, you legend.

The post Ernie Adams announces retirement: Reflection appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The Miami Dolphins made some serious upgrades to its formerly decrepit roster in 2020, and were rewarded by winning double-digit games for only the 2nd time in 10 seasons. With the roster molding into form, the Dolphins still have some upgrades to make; particularly at the running back position.

Miami has gone five seasons without a 1,000-yard rusher, when Jay Ajayi rushed for 1,272 yards back in 2016. While the value of the running back position has changed over time, entering the 2021 NFL season with a running back room of Malcolm Brown, Myles Gaskin & Patrick Laird won’t push the Dolphins over the playoff hump in today’s NFL.

Seeing as Miami’s running back hopes were squandered in free agency when Aaron Jones decided to re-sign with the Green Bay Packers, this leaves the NFL Draft as the Dolphins best chance to upgrade its running back room. Thanks to the pre-draft blockbuster trade between the Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, Miami find themselves with the current draft picks in 2021:

1st Round

• No. 6 overall (via Eagles)
• No. 18 overall

2nd Round

• No. 36 overall (via Texans)
• No. 50 overall

3rd Round

• No. 81 overall

4th Round

• N/A

5th Round

• No. 156 overall

6th Round

• N/A

7th Round

• No. 231 overall (via Houston Texans)
• No. 258 overall (via Kansas City Chiefs)

With those picks at their disposal, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has the means necessary to find a workhorse running back to partner with second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The only question that remains is, who will that be? 

Let’s take a look at the three best backs the Dolphins should consider taking in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Najee Harris

Alabama running back Najee Harris certainly fits the build of a workhorse running back, coming in at 6’2” and 230 pounds. While he may just look tall and built (which he is), Harris is shockingly light on his feet, juking some defenders and hurdling others on his way to being the most decorated running back in Alabama school history. 

While drafting Harris would reunite Tagovailoa with his former college running back, drafting Harris with the sixth or 18th overall picks would be a serious blunder on Miami’s part. No matter how good the player is, running backs just don’t move the needle enough to justify such an early selection (yes, I even believe Saquon Barkley at No. 2 overall was a waste of a pick). 

Harris is currently being projected to be drafted in the first round. If Miami is that in love with Harris, I could see them reaching with the Number 18 overall pick to steal the highly touted back away from the RB-needy Pittsburgh Steelers. However, I would suggest rolling the dice, waiting until the second round and hoping Harris falls.

Travis Etienne

Clemson running back Travis Etienne seems to be overlooked heading into the NFL draft. It feels like Etienne was so good for so long, that people are already bored of him before he even enters the league…could not be me.

Etienne was an absolute beast in college, posting an insane career statline of:

• 4,952 Rushing Yards
• 70 Rushing Touchdowns
• 1,155 Receiving Yards
• 8 Receiving Touchdowns

If you watched him in college you would know that Etienne is a big-play waiting to happen. His straight away speed is no joke, and when a defense gives him any daylight, he takes it to the house. However, at his NFL Pro Day, Etienne ran a 4.41 40-yard dash, measured 5’10” and weighed in at 215 pounds; much different than scouts and fans had hoped for.

Etienne’s stock may have taken a small dip following his Pro Day. If Miami loses out on Harris, they can scoop up Etienne’s sinking value and draft him with one of their two 2nd round picks.

I believe that Etienne would be a wonderful fit down in Miami. Newly hired Offensive Coordinator Eric Studesville also serves as the team’s Running Back Coach, which will certainly be beneficial to Etienne’s outlook with the Dolphins. Etienne will be a touchdown machine in Miami.

Trey Sermon

In life, we always need a backup plan. The same can be said in the Dolphins running back situation. If Miami enters the 5th round having all of its running back hopefuls swiped out from under them, the running back that needs to wind up in Miami is Ohio State’s Trey Sermon.

Sermon burst onto the scene during a game versus Northwestern, where he rushed for 331 yards. He followed that performance up by posting 191 rushing yards in the National Semifinal Game.

Sermon is a player who could make an immediate impact on a team, has the size to be an every-down back in the NFL. While he does not have the breakaway speed that Etienne has, or the juking ability that Harris has, he does have better vision and patience than both top backs. 

While his ceiling in both fantasy and real life football terms is not as high as some others, I believe his floor is among the highest in his class. Sermon is a refined runner who can make defenders miss and take it the distance. If he improves in the passing game, he could be the workhorse running back that the Dolphins have been everso looking for.

The post Best Draft RB Targets For Miami Dolphins appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Drew Feinberg

The Dallas Cowboys have a track record for finding franchise cornerstones during the NFL Draft. Whether it was franchise quarterback Dak Prescott in the 4th round back in 2016, or legendary tight end Jason Witten in the 3rd round back in 2003, owner/GM Jerry Jones has always seemed to have the luck of the Irish.

The last NFL event not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was the 2020 combine in Indianapolis. A year later, with the 2021 combine canceled, franchises have been forced to attend individual pro days in person, or base their judgement off of potentially doctored 40-yard dash videos; the Cowboys down in Dallas are no different.

The Cowboys finished the 2020 NFL season with a record of 6-10, leaving the Jones family selecting 10th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. I can assure you that the Cowboys will not need to upgrade at their skill positions, and selecting 10th is a great spot for the Cowboys to be in given there might not be a defensive player taken before their pick, and they have a plethora of needs on the defensive side of the ball. 

Here are three draft day dream scenarios for the Cowboys, for each of the teams first three rounds of selections.

Round 1: No. 10 overall (CB, Jaycee Horn, South Carolina)

The Cowboys are in desperate need of an upgrade at the cornerback position. Rookie cornerback Trevon Diggs struggled in coverage, giving up a ton of big plays in 2020. Alongside Diggs, the entire secondary struggled, as the team finished with the 3rd most touchdowns given up in the league, with 34. Luckily for Dallas, the 2021 draft class boasts one of the most highly-anticipated cornerback classes in recent memory. On top of that draft class, in my opinion, in South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn. 

Horn brings an alpha-male mentality, much like we see in superstar Jalen Ramsey. Standing at 6’1”, weighing 205 pounds, and clocking a 4.39 40-time, he has the size and speed to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. While only amassing two career interceptions in college, that was mostly because teams refused to throw his way. 

The son of former Chiefs and Saints wide receiver Joe Horn, Jaycee has the pedigree and natural athleticism to succeed in this league. His ability to help with the run could also be extremely beneficial to a current Cowboys defensive line that creates canyons for opposing running backs. A slam dunk for the Cowboys.

Round 2: No. 44 overall (DT, Christian Barmore, Alabama)

Aside from re-signing franchise quarterback Dak Prescott to a large extension, which is now complete, the primary focus for the Cowboys this offseason should be upgrading the talent on the defense that gave up more points in 2020 than any other year in franchise history; defensive tackle Christian Barmore is a perfect fit for this Dallas defense.

Barmore is a mountain of a man, standing at 6’4 and weighing 310 pounds. As a redshirt freshman, he posted:

• 26 Tackles
• 2.0 Sacks
• 2 Pass Breakups

He turned up the heat in his sophomore campaign, tallying:

• 37 Tackles
• 8.0 Sacks
• 3 Pass Breakups
• 3 Forced Fumbles

To add to his ever-growing draft stock, Barmore was named First-Team All-SEC in 2020 and was the Defensive MVP of Alabama’s victory in the 2020 National Championship Game. In other words, the guy does not shy away from a big moment, even if it’s in Jerry’s World. 

The Cowboys are in need of an anchor to that defense that gave up 2,500 rushing yards in 2020, and Barmore can be that guy. In reality, I would be surprised and even a little concerned if Barmore was still available at pick number 44. However, in this dream scenario, the Cowboys will be adding two of the top defensive prospects in the draft, turning around one of the worst defenses in recent memory in the span of one season.

Round 3: No. 75 overall (OG, Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater)

When healthy, Tyron Smith and Zack Martin are one of, if not, the best tackle tandems in the NFL. However, make sure to pay attention to the “when healthy” phrase being used, because that seems to be rare recently with both tackles. While the offensive line may not be an immediate concern in Dallas, the Cowboys could not go wrong with either guy as they think about life after Tyron Smith; that is why in this dream scenario, the Cowboys select guard Quinn Meinerz from Division-III Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Meinerz exploded onto the scene at the 2021 senior bowl, where he won bowl MVP despite breaking his hand early in the week. Oh, and did I mention that he was the only D-III player to be invited? How cool is that? 

Listed at 6’3” and weighing 320 pounds, Meinerz has experience playing both guard and center. This could be beneficial for the Cowboys, who will likely bench Meinerz and work him into the starting lineup over time.

Meinerz is an athletic freak who pancakes defenders like they were never even there. He is a fun and exciting player to watch, and Dak Prescott would certainly thank Jerry Jones if Merinerz ends up in Dallas. 

The post 3 Draft Day Dream Scenarios for the Dallas Cowboys appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

When the Super Bowl ends, it takes a long time for life without football to really start to sink in. As the cold and crisp air from the frozen tundra turns to sad, gloomy rain, the only thing that us, as football fans, have to hold onto is hope. And with hope, come rumors; and boy do NFL fans love their rumors.

With the 2021 NFL offseason fully underway, and most Twitter-folk having already exhausted their hot takes scheduled for mid-July, you’d think there’s not much to be excited about as a football fan; but I’m here to remind you that things are only getting started.

The NFL draft is right around the corner, so don’t worry; there are still plenty of opportunities for the league to be turned on its head. However, before the NFL draft, it’s my duty to lead you through some of the top stories developing or yet to develop in the 2021 offseason. Let’s dive in!

1.) Who are the 49ers going to pick at No. 3?

At first, when the San Francisco 49ers acquired the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft from the Miami Dolphins, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan backed starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, calling him “our guy”. However, as the dust has settled, reality has begun to set in as far as Garoppolo’s future in San Francisco goes.

Now, the only question that remains is who will be the quarterback drafted by the Niners?

Top quarterback prospects Justin Fields and Mac Jones workout in their respective pro day’s on Tuesday morning, with Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch being in attendance at Jones’ workout. Obviously one man can’t be in two places at once, but it does seem interesting that the coach chose to attend Jones’ pro day over Fields’. A smokescreen? Possibly. A juicy rumor that will surely make people mad online? Absolutely; and that’s what we’re here for.

2. ) What is going to happen with Deshaun Watson?

The Deshaun Watson saga of the past few weeks is a very sad one. Obviously I have to preface this by saying that everybody is innocent until proven guilty, and my heart goes out to all victims involved, but things are not looking good in terms of Watson’s off-the-field situation.

Watson currently has 19 sexual assault lawsuits against him, and the number continues to rise. Considering these allegations were made public after Watson said he wanted to be traded out of Houston, this makes it much more difficult for newly hired General Manager Nick Caserio to discern what’s best for the team. As of this very second, the Texans have no leverage, even if they did want to trade Watson. 

I’m sure no NFL GM will make a significant offer for Watson’s contract, not with the legal process in the early stages and the looming possibility of a league suspension. The man who was the most coveted item in the league one month ago won’t even sell for peanuts. Not exactly the best situation for Caserio and new Head Coach David Culley to walk into.

This “rumor” story is truly a sad one. An organization looking to rebuild can’t because their star quarterback may not be who we all thought he was. The sooner Watson’s case gets situated, the sooner the Texans can begin rebuilding what is a franchise in the fall. However, the legal system hill is a steep one to climb, so stay tuned. 

3.) Are the Russell Wilson trade rumors dead?

Multiple reports this offseason have indicated that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson wants to move on from the team, who reportedly have also been upset with their franchise quarterback. 

However, the Wilson trade rumors have seemed to all but cool off since the frontrunner Chicago Bears decided to force another year of mediocrity, as the team signed Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback.

There is still a lot of offseason remaining before the start of the 2021-22 NFL season, so anything could happen in terms of Wilson being traded, the price just has to be right.

The Bears tried and failed to bring Wilson to Chicago, so it remains to be seen if other teams will be willing to meet Seattle’s seemingly steep price tag on Wilson.

4. ) How will a 17-game season affect all-time records?

The NFL announced Tuesday that it will move to a 17-game regular season in 2021. This marks the first time the NFL has stretched the regular season since 1978, when it increased from 14 to 16 games. 

This expansion will surely change the game and the league’s record books as we know them. The 17th regular season game will give players the ability to break records like Peyton Manning’s passing yards record (5,477) and Eric Dickerson’s rushing yards record (2,105) with more ease.

While it is incredibly exciting as a football fan for there to be an extra week of games, the effect on record books and players health is something to take note of.

5. ) What are the Jets going to do with Sam Darnold?

With all the quarterback moves we’ve seen around the NFL in recent weeks, like Joe Flacco signing with the Eagles, there is still no real information on a potential Sam Darnold trade.

Reports have surfaced that it’s almost certain the New York Jets will move on from Darnold in favor of the incoming number two pick, but let’s be honest; we have absolutely no idea what general manager Joe Douglas is thinking.

The Darnold situation with the Jets feels eerily similar to that of Garoppolo and the 49ers. A quarterback who the franchise personally likes a lot and doesn’t want to give up for cheap; however, teams will only offer under market value and there’s a stalemate.

It’ll be interesting to see where Darnold lands, and if he would be able to compete for the starting job. One thing’s for sure, it won’t be back in New York.

The post Top Five NFL Rumors appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Drew Feinberg

With the 2021 NFL Draft finally on the doorstep, there is arguably no more exciting time for dynasty fantasy football players. Will your favorite wide receiver be sent to purgatory in Baltimore? Will your favorite running back wind up in an offense on the rise in Buffalo? No matter what, chaos will surely ensue. 

If you love dynasty as much as I do, you can’t wait to start rookie drafts as soon as the NFL draft ends. With that being said, if you are someone who is either new to dynasty, or just wants an idea of the values and ADP’s of the 2021 NFL prospects, then you’ve come to the right place; it’s time for the 2021 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft!

For this mock draft, we’re going to pretend that we are in a 10-team league, with PPR scoring and one starting quarterback. Following each pick, I’ll give my thoughts on the player chosen and a general look at their fantasy outlook. 

1.01 – Najee Harris (RB – Alabama)

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, and weighing 230 pounds, Najee Harris will surely be the premiere running back no matter where he is drafted. With prototypical NFL running back size, and hurdles for days, I have no problem drafting Harris with the first overall pick in the 2021 mock draft, especially in a 1QB league. If this were a super flex league, I would pivot and select either of this year’s top-tier quarterbacks, Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields. If Harris gets mid-to-late first round draft capital, the sky’s the limit for Alabama’s all-time leading rusher.

1.02 – Ja’Marr Chase (WR – LSU)

I can’t think of a more “sure-thing” to make a splash in the NFL than Ja’Marr Chase. Posting 1780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns alongside now Pro Bowl receiver Justin Jefferson at LSU in 2019, one lucky NFL franchise is going to draft the league’s next alpha. Chase is a technician on the field with no glaring weaknesses. Whatever team selects Chase will be lucky they did so; the same goes for dynasty drafts. A very easy pick at the 1.02 in my opinion.

1.03 – Kyle Pitts (TE – Florida)

I don’t think there has ever been a tight end prospect who was clearly the best football player on any field; that was until Kyle Pitts entered our worlds, and shook them up. At 6-foot-5, 239-pounds, Pitts is built like a Tonka truck, yet is as smooth with his catching abilities as most NFL players. In the fantasy football world, considering the positional scarcity of tight ends, locking up an elite one can really benefit your team in the long run. It may seem like too early of a draft pick to spend on a tight end, but Pitts is really that special. Draft him and you’ll be a very happy camper in 10 years. 

1.04 – Travis Etienne (RB – Clemson)

Travis Etienne is an explosive back who can threaten defenses with his lightning-quick burst and track-like speed. The ACC’s all-time leading rusher is projected as a second round pick, but if a team decides to take a shot on Etienne with their first round pick, I would consider taking Etienne with the 1.02. There has been chatter online that Etienne lacks the shiftiness and vision to be a star running back in the NFL, but I believe if drafted into the right system, Etienne could pay dividends later on.

1.05 – Rashod Bateman (WR – Minnesota)

In my opinion, Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman is the most NFL-ready receiver in the entire 2021 draft class. His game is so smooth, his hands are reliable and the kid is all-around a very good football player. If Bateman hadn’t opted out of the 2020 college football season, we’d be talking about him possibly being drafted above Ja’Marr Chase right now. I’ll be drafting as much of Bateman as I can get in my leagues, the dude will be a star in the league. 

1.06 – DeVonta Smith (WR – Alabama)

The most polarizing prospect to project success for is easily wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner went ballistic in his final season at Alabama, putting up 1856 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. Drafting Chase and Bateman before Smith isn’t me trying to knock Smith’s game, I just like the fantasy outlook of the other two more. Time will tell, but Smith’s talent is clear. He may be a bit lanky, but his ability to burn opposing cornerbacks is legit. I’m excited to see where Smith ends up in the 2021 NFL draft, but for right now I would draft him with the 1.06.

1.07 – Jaylen Waddle (WR – Alabama)

Going from one Alabama receiver to another, Jaylen Waddle is a massively explosive and electric player who can win at just about any level of the field. Injury concerns are real with Waddle, which is why I have him ranked here. However, the dude can flat-out ball. He goes up to get the ball at the catch point and can create as much separation as anyone in the NFL. Although not as polished at the position as the other receivers I’ve named, Waddle will be a game-changer in the NFL, which is why you should select him with the 1.07.

1.08 – Rondale Moore (WR – Purdue)

For those of you who subscribe to the notion that “breakout age more-so than not leads to NFL success”, Rondale Moore is the guy for you. Putting up over 1,400 scrimmage yards and 600+ more yards on 33 kick returns as a true freshman in 2018, Moore enters the NFL draft with a breakout age of 18.2 (99th percentile). If Moore hadn’t been injured (played in only seven games due to injuries), who’s to know where he would be drafted in 2021. One thing is for sure, though. Moore is a baller; the dude makes people miss and is a bull on the field. He is a positionless wonder who, if drafted into a modern offense, can make a lot of noise in the NFL. I’d feel lucky snagging him in real life, and with the 1.08 in dynasty rookie drafts. 

1.09 – Javonte Williams (RB – North Carolina)

Williams is a player who really wasn’t hyped up at this time last year. After two solid seasons as North Carolinas running back, Williams broke out onto the scene in 2020, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt and 22 total touchdowns. A running-style similar to Chris Carson, Williams low center of gravity makes it no fun for defenders to take on one-on-one. Considering that he split time throughout college with fellow prospect Michael Carter, I don’t see Williams seeing workhorse volume immediately. He’s certainly a project for an NFL team. If you draft him in fantasy, be prepared to wait out Williams. However, I believe the talent is there for Williams to be a very successful running back in the league.

1.10 – Trevor Lawrence (QB – Clemson)

There’s not much to talk about in terms of Lawrences on-the-field accolades. But what I can talk about is how much of a steal this pick feels like, even in a 1QB league. Lawrence is the “next big thing,” whether he likes it or not. The kid’s talent is abundantly clear. Taking Lawrence with the 1.10 and final pick in this dynasty mock draft was a no-brainer. Although quarterbacks are valued much less in a 1QB league than in other formats, it definitely doesn’t hurt to lock down a star for years to come. Plus, Lawrence’s value is only going to grow. So, this is a perfectly fine price to pay for me.

The post 2021 Dynasty 1QB Rookie Mock Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Drew Feinberg

As an NFL fan, free agency is one of the most exciting times of the year. Hopeless, die-hard fans sitting on pins and needles, pleading for players like Deshaun Watson to join their uninspired franchise and lead them to the promised land. There’s a certain vibe surrounding free agency that just tickles my fancy. And with the 2021 NFL free agency frenzy about to begin, I know the question that every football fan has been asking themselves since the Super Bowl confetti flew; where in the hell is Frank Gore going to play next season? 

Before I jump into things, I know what you’re thinking; there is absolutely no way that the soon-to-be 38 year old Gore will want to come back for his 17th NFL season. That, my friends, is where I think you’re wrong. 

Gore is a freak of nature. I mean, obviously; he’s a professional football player (duh), but the man has single handedly changed the average age of running backs. About to enter his 17th season in the NFL, Gore sits atop the games running back leader boards, ranking: 

• 1st All-Time, Games Played (241)
• 3rd All-Time, Career Rushing Yards (16,000)
• 3rd All-Time, Career Rushing Attempts (3,735)
• 19th All-Time, Rushing Touchdowns (81)

The crafty veteran didn’t just reach these marks by sheer volume alone. Gore was an absolute beast in his prime. The five-time Pro Bowler was the first player in NFL history to record 12 consecutive 1,200-yards seasons from scrimmage, and is still producing in his later years.

The fact that Gore’s possible return is even a conversation is a testament to the man’s work ethic and instinctive football knowledge over the past 17 years. And the fact that he overcame two ACL injuries in college is just the cherry on top.

Now, I’m not saying Gore is going to step into a franchise and be the missing piece to an offense, because he’s not. Let’s face the facts; Gore is an all-time great, but there’s no room for a sympathy player on the 53-man roster. An aging running back is going to have a tough time finding a job after rushing for 653 yards and two touchdowns (Gore’s 2020 statline), no matter who he is. However, there are many young running back rooms out there who could severely benefit from Gore’s presence alone. 

Here are three teams that should look to add Gore to their running back room in 2021.

San Francisco 49ers

In his 10 seasons in San Francisco, Gore amassed 13,956 scrimmage yards and 75 total touchdowns; and when he decides to hang up the cleats, his number 21 will surely be retired in the city forever. If 2021 were to be Gore’s last season, it would make sense for it to end exactly where his career started. 

“I would love to wear that No. 21 jersey one more time,” Gore told ESPN, via 95.7 The Game. While Gore admits his desire to return to San Francisco, he does not have much, if any, leverage in the situation. 

The 49ers currently have $25 million in cap space. With big name free agent Trent Williams to re-sign, as well as running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson still under contract, Gore may not be on top of the Niners priority list.

However, Gore may fit perfectly into the system Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan implements. 

One of the most efficient short-yardage backs of all time, Gore could come in very handy on the goal line for San Francisco, who only rushed the ball 14 times from within five yards of the goal line in 2020. 

A reunion between Gore and the 49ers certainly sounds intriguing. The sure-fire Hall of Famer going back to where his career started? Now that’s a story that just needs to be written.

Kansas City Chiefs

Let’s face it; Gore is not going to want to sign with a rebuilding franchise. He did so with the Jets in 2020, and that was an all-around disaster. But seriously, why would Gore waste a precious year of his storied career to be on a sinking franchise? That is where the Kansas City Chiefs come in.

With quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs are sure to be Super Bowl favorites for the next decade. The good news for Gore is that the Chiefs running back room is one of the youngest in the league. 

Led by Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Age: 21), Gore can step in and provide a much-needed veteran presence to an already championship winning team.

Edwards-Helaire was fairly atrocious from inside the five yard line during his rookie season, posting:

• 9 Carries
• 3 Rushing Yards
• 1 Touchdown

While the Chiefs tend to run misdirection plays on the goal line, I’d say that’s more-so due to lack of trust in the running back position. 

The Chiefs don’t have a lot, if any, money to play around with. However, I’m going to chalk this landing spot up to the old saying: “cap space doesn’t even really exist.” 

The Chiefs can restructure some contracts, cut dead cap, and make a small amount of room to fill out their running back room with the Hall of Famer, Gore.

Buffalo Bills

Two years ago, when Gore played on the Buffalo Bills, Tom Brady was still the quarterback of the New England Patriots. Fast forward to present day, and the Bills are revitalized, coming off their first AFC East title in 15 years, and poised to march to the Super Bowl.

With Gore’s playing career coming to an end in the near future, it could be beneficial for him to go to a team in which he knows the system. The fact that current Bills running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss can’t convert at the goal line makes this the cherry on top for Gore. 

While I understand that Moss was essentially drafted in 2020 to replace the aging Gore, the landing spot makes a lot of sense.

The Bills three leading rushers (Josh Allen, Moss, Singletary) converted on 31.43% of their goal line rushing opportunities, which is pedestrian compared to Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson’s conversion rate of 83.3%. 

I get that Gore isn’t a pretty addition, or one that fans will be clamoring for; but it’s a smart move for a contending team that simply needs to fill in the cracks in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.

The post Frank Gore: 3 Potential Landing Spots appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Drew Feinberg

Following what seemed to be the longest-running success story in NFL history, the New England Patriots franchise came to a harrowing realization in first year without Tom Brady under center. 

After failing to win the AFC East for their 12th consecutive time, and finishing with a losing record for the first time in 19 years, The Patriots are in the midst of a pivotal offseason that could change the course of the franchise for years to come. 

While we know that head coach and general manager Bill Belichick likes to keep offseason decisions fairly concealed, the Patriots have been oddly quiet since the offseason began. With contract negotiation and free agency rumors swirling around the NFL, the Patriots have remained quiet about virtually all reports surrounding team-related news.

When it comes to “needs” for the Patriots, the list could go on for quite some time. With holes on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, the first issue that Belichick and the front office should deal with is the team’s own free agent list, which is filled with numerous players that make up the foundation of this franchise.

Things are sure to look different in New England come the 2021 season; the only question that continues to linger is, who will remain with the team as they head out on their first rebuild in 20 years? Here’s a breakdown of the Patriots big-name free agents on offense, who looks to come back to New England in 2021, and who could potentially leave during the offseason. 

QB: Cam Newton (Age: 31) – Verdict: Don’t Re-sign

The possibility of Cam Newton re-signing back with the Patriots in 2021 has gained steam in recent days. After appearing on the video series “I AM ATHLETE”, Newton had some kind words for Belichick, saying, “I think Bill Belichick is the most misunderstood person in all of sports.”

Given that a month ago it was reported that the Patriots were not planning on re-signing Newton, who’s to really know with Belichick and his secrecy. 

Newton finished the 2020 season with a stat line of:

• 2657 Passing Yards
• 8 Passing Touchdowns
• 65.8% Completion
• 11 Rushing Touchdowns

While Newton’s statistics weren’t up to par with his 2015 MVP season, he didn’t have much to work with. However, I believe it’s time for an overhaul of the Patriots roster, of which Newton does not hold much value. The Patriots should save the cap space and look to draft their quarterback of the future with the 15th overall draft selection. 

RB: James White (Age: 29) – Verdict: Re-sign

James White is one of the faces of the Patriots franchise, and was a key piece to teams three most recent Super Bowl victories. After what was an incredibly challenging year in his life outside of football, his in-game numbers dropped off a bit, posting:

• 49 Receptions
• 375 Receiving Yards
• 121 Rushing Yards
• 3 Total Touchdowns

Despite putting up lackluster numbers in 14 games played, White remains one of the best receiving backs in the game of football. With fellow running back Rex Burkhead likely walking in free agency, the Patriots could find themselves with a tough decision to make; whether or not to re-sign the veteran White. 

While on paper, not re-signing an aging running back may seem like a no-brainer, this decision could drastically impact a third-down offense that simply does not have enough pass catchers. White would be a nice compliment to youngster Damien Harris, without having to throw a lot of money White’s way. 

Guard: Joe Thuney (Age: 29) – Verdict: Don’t Re-sign

Since being drafted in the third round in 2016, Thuney has been a rock for the Patriots offensive line. While playing under the franchise tag in 2020, Thuney was once back to his old form. His play, while outstanding, has made him a highly coveted target in free agency; this could be a problem for the Patriots.

While the Patriots do have $60 million to spend during the 2021 offseason, Thuney may not be in the budget when it’s all said and done.

Luckily for New England, sixth round pick Michael Onwenu flourished in his rookie season, and has shown he can play both guard and tackle comfortably. If the team does not have the budget to bring back Thuney, it’s good to know they have options as they look to keep an already steady offensive line together. If Thuney is looking to come back to New England on a cheaper contract, which I can’t imagine he will, the Patriots line would be set for the near future. 

Guard: David Andrews (Age: 29) – Verdict: Re-sign

While Thuney’s departure from New England seems more than likely, the same cannot be said for fan favorite David Andrews. The Patriots longtime center returned after missing all of 2019 due to blood clots in his lungs, and made a clear impact.

Andrews, who is a team captain, has grown into a vital presence for the Patriots and he should be on the top of Belichick’s priority list when it comes to contract negotiations. The team has the funds to afford to bring Andrews back, in my opinion. The only question is will the Patriots have enough money after they work on revitalizing their decrepit roster? As we all know, I think Belichick is the only person who can answer those questions.

The post Patriots Free Agents: Re-Sign or Decline appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Drew Feinberg

Despite reaching back-to-back NFC Championship games, the Green Bay Packers may have the most unanswered questions going into the 2021 NFL season.

• Will Aaron Jones re-sign?
• Is Davante Adams finally going to get a true number two to play across from him? 
• Will star quarterback Aaron Rodgers return for his 17th season, or will trade rumors prove to be true?

It’s crazy to even think, right? How could a team that posted back-to-back 13-3 seasons have so many question marks? Three words; salary cap hell.

Although many of these unanswered questions lay on the offensive side, let’s not forget about what the Packers have to deal with on the defensive side this offseason; Green Bay is in need of a cornerback to star alongside Jaire Alexander. 

Alexander has emerged as one the best lockdown corners in all of football, posting an outstanding statline in 2020:

• 375 Yards Allowed
• 51.3 Completion %
• 2 Touchdowns

Alexander is the Batman that his team needs. His Robin, on the other hand, leaves a bit to be desired. 

Cornerback Kevin King, who was on the wrong end of all three Buccaneers touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship, may not be the player to accompany Alexander in that secondary. 

Despite flashes of talent, King has struggled to stay healthy over the past four years, missing a total of 23 games. He has never played in all 16 games in the regular season.

Even if the Packers want to bring King back, it won’t be easy to pull off given their salary cap situation. The team will need to pull a lot of strings just to bring King back, for which I don’t see them doing. If King leaves town, it’ll be time for General Manager Brian Gutekunst to find the Robin to Alexander’s Batman. Here are three cornerbacks that the Packers should look to add going into the 2021 NFL season.  

Xavier Rhodes

Coming off a season to forget in 2019, where he allowed five touchdowns and a passer rating of 131.1 as the primary defender, the three-time Pro Bowler found his form in 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts. 

Rhodes solidified himself as the number one corner on the team early in the year and played at a high level throughout the season, posting:

• 2 Interceptions
• 51.9 Completion %
• 84.5 Passer Rating

His nine recorded pass breakups ranked 10th in the NFL and was top ten in almost every single statistical metric. Considering that in 2019, Rhodes was considered one of the worst corners in the league, this was a huge year for Rhodes who was playing for a new contract.

I believe Rhodes has earned the right to another payday. Given that he is going to be 31-years-old next season, I can see him coming with a fairly cheap price tag; which would make Green Bay’s front office very, very happy.

While Rhodes might not solve all of Green Bay’s problems, and certainly won’t be the tipping point to lead the Packers to the Super Bowl, Rhodes would be a solid addition to a secondary that simply cannot be led by Alexander alone. Rhodes is definitely worth the low risk/high reward tag that he brings with him.

Richard Sherman

The five-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler has been among the best cornerbacks in the NFL in recent years, and I believe he still has more in the tank. The Packers are in “win-now” mode. Adding Sherman could be the move that finally leads the Packers to a Super Bowl win.

If you were to just look at the 2020 season, you would think Sherman was ready to hang up the cleats.

As a nearly 33-years-old and having only played in five games this year due to injury, one might assume the best has surely passed. However, Sherman is only a season removed from his last Pro Bowl appearance, and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2019.

Sherman would add much needed experience to a young secondary (Alexander is 24) that has lacked consistency at the other cornerback positions.

By pairing Alexander with Sherman on the outside, the Packers get their short-term fix at cornerback, without taking away the prime years of players like Alexander by drafting younger corners.

Mike Hilton

If the Packers front office decides to wait to focus on the cornerback position, the team still may have some decent options when it comes to plug-and-play corners; notably, Mike Hilton.

Hilton, who has been on the Pittsburgh Steelers 2016, has silently been one of the most shutdown defenders since entering the league as an undrafted free agent. However, given that the Steelers are another team in cap hell, this may be the perfect time for the Packers to swoop in and sign Hilton to a fairly cheap contract.

While Hilton shines against the run and as a pass rusher, he’s no slouch against the pass, tallying a career-high 3 interceptions in 2020.

Given that the draft is such a crapshoot and that cornerback is such a major hole to fill, adding a crafty veteran like Hilton might be the perfect move for the nickel corner needy team in Green Bay.

The post 3 Cornerback Targets For Green Bay Packers appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Drew Feinberg

March 16, 2020. A day that will live in infamy amongst Houston Texans fans. The day the organization was sent into a tailspin, having yet to recover. Yes, my friends, that is the day DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson, a 2020 second-round pick and a 2021 fourth-rounder. 

Fast forward nearly a year later, and the Texans organization is seemingly a shell of its old-self. Following a disastrous 4-12 season in 2020, a catastrophic few months that led to the firing of Bill O’Brien and ”˜self-promotion’ of Jack Easterby to Executive Vice President of Football Operations, we have arrived in 2021; and boy is it going to be a daunting task for newly hired General Manager Nick Caserio to turn this franchise around. 

On January 28th, it was announced that star-quarterback Deshaun Watson formally requested a trade from the Texans. This news came just one day after the organization hired its newest Head Coach, David Culley. Some would call this a coincidence; I’d like to call it the straw that broke the camel’s back.

To keep it nice, short and sweet, the Texans are in need of upgrades at every position, except quarterback (unless Watson is traded). I could spend all day going position-by-position talking about the Texans needs. However, I’m going to use this time to narrow it down to a key few; running back and wide receiver.

Prior to his six-game suspension by the NFL, wide receiver Will Fuller was having a career year, tallying:

• 879 Yards
• 8 Touchdowns
• 11 games

Going into the 2021 offseason, however, Fuller is an unrestricted free agent. With rumors swirling that he is out the door in Houston, this leaves Brandin Cooks and 30-year-old Randall Cobb to lead the receiving room. Not exactly the perfect recipe to entice Watson to stay in H-Town. Given that the running back room is similarly decrepit, Caserio might want to look into acquiring these four offensive players during the 2021 offseason. 

Wide Receivers

TY Hilton

After an illustrious nine seasons in the blue and white, it appears as though the Indianapolis Colts won’t be bringing back wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. Signing Hilton to pair alongside Cooks would certainly help improve the Texans offense; but not having to face Hilton twice a year may be the biggest reason to get this deal done. 

Hilton has made a career out of embarrassing Texans defenders. In 16 career games against the Texans, Hilton has tallied:

• 139 Targets
• 85 Receptions
• 1,537 Yards
• 10 Touchdowns

Caserio, Easterby and the Texans will need to place reliable targets around Watson, who very well may continue this chess match with the front office. With Cooks scheduled to make $12 million during the 2021 season, the Texans could still use a solid number two option; this is where Hilton can thrive. Although the 2021 NFL Draft may help out with such an issue, the Texans no doubt could benefit from having another veteran wide out.

Despite Hilton putting up a down season in 2020-21:

• 93 Targets
• 56 Receptions
• 762 Yards
• 5 Touchdowns

Hilton remains both a legitimate deep threat and a veteran presence in the locker room. 

With star veteran JJ Watt rumored to be getting traded, perhaps having that veteran presence is more important, as the culture in Houston continues to dissipate. 

Marvin Jones 

Similarly to Hilton, wide receiver Marvin Jones would bring a veteran presence to the Texans locker room; one that the team could need. Not only is Jones a great locker room guy, but the dude can ball as well. In 2020 with the Detroit Lions, the 30-year-old Jones recorded:

• 115 Targets
• 76 Receptions
• 978 Yards
• 9 Touchdowns

Seeing as the Lions are going into “full rebuild” mode, Jones could benefit from a fresh start; and Houston could just be the place to do so.

“Fresh start” technically would not be the correct term to use; because if Jones were to sign with Houston, he would be joining his former receivers coach Robert Prince, who was just hired by the Texans to the same position. Prince worked with Jones during the best years of his career, and the pair could benefit from working together again in Houston.

I believe that Jones would pair nicely as a deep threat alongside Cooks, who wins more with his speed. The two could link nicely with Watson, given he stays, and could be a very dangerous trio come the start of the 2021 NFL season.

Running Backs

Leonard Fournette

Now that the Super Bowl is over, everyone can now call Leonard Fournette, “Super Bowl Lenny.”

With all seriousness, Fournette put on a very nice display during the 2020 NFL playoffs. Certainly good enough to earn himself another contract as he enters free agency. In four games during the 2020 playoffs, Fournette netted:

• 18 Receptions
• 300 Rush Yards
• 148 Receiving Yards
• 4 Touchdowns

Now, the question is: will Fournette be signed as a leading rusher? In the case of the Houston Texans, no. The Texans traded their soul away for David Johnson, so the idea of Fournette coming in and taking over the backfield are slim. However, I believe the two larger running backs can coexist and be a nice one-two punch in the Texans offense. 

Although Fournette has not truly lived up to his fourth overall selection back in 2017, he is still a serviceable running back who can contribute in this league. If he takes a pay cut, and the Texans find a way to move Duke Johnson’s $5 million contract, the newest Super Bowl champion could add a fire to this Houston offense.

Jerick McKinnon

The chances of any team landing a bell cow running back in free agency are slim to none. If you’re the Texans, who could use a new second running back on a cheaper contract than Johnson’s, look no further than Jerick McKinnon. 

McKinnon has made it abundantly clear that he has no interest in returning to the San Francisco 49ers. 

After signing a four-year, $30 million contract with the 49ers at the beginning of 2018, McKinnon didn’t take the field until 2020 due to injury, where in 16 games he accumulated:

• 572 Yards
• 6 Touchdowns

McKinnon, who was an emerging star back in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings, is in desperate need of a fresh start. Why not start fresh with the franchise who is getting the freshest of starts? McKinnon, who is an explosive back with a strong build, quick feet, and speed to burn, would benefit greatly playing behind David Johnson. The two would be a defensive mismatch if lined up together, and the pair’s athleticism would allow the Texans to get more creative with their schemes.

The post FA Targets For The Houston Texans appeared first on Pro Football Mania.