5. Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (Thurs. 12/25 1pm EST) – Netflix

Get ready for a Christmas NFC East showdown in DC. The up-and-coming Commanders, who have 8 standalone games in the upcoming season, will host their rivals in this intriguing matchup.

Whenever these two teams play it’s always must watch television. Now we get to settle in after unwrapping presents and enjoy Jayden Daniels vs. Dak Prescott. This game could very much have NFC East title implications being this late in the season.

Many including myself expect the Commanders to be in the NFC East title race but the Cowboys are the wild card. If Prescott can stay healthy and newly acquired George Pickens behaves, Dallas could be in the mix by the time they kickoff this one.

4. Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (Fri. 9/5 8pm EST Brazil) – YouTube

YouTube will join the NFL party this upcoming season by streaming this AFC West battle opening week in Brazil. It’s a rare Friday night matchup but there is plenty of buzz for this one.

The Chiefs are coming of a 15-2 season where they were eventually blown out by the Eagles in the Super Bowl. They will look to start the season on a winning note versus their rival. Justin Herbert and the Chargers surprised many last season by finishing 11-6 and earning a Wild Card berth. It didn’t take long for Jim Harbaugh to make his mark in LA.

I expect the Chargers to take the next step this season and really challenge the Chiefs in this division. They added a much needed weapon in Omarion Hampton and Herbert should thrive in his second year in Harbaugh’s system. Look for this one to go down to the wire.

3. Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens (Mon. 9/25 8:15pm EST) – ABC/ESPN

This game may end up being the best Monday night matchup of the upcoming season. It is also a potential Super Bowl matchup. The Lions will look to bounce back from losing to the Commanders in the Divisional round while the Ravens will look to finally get over the hump.

Baltimore has been one of the best regular season teams the past couple of years but keep finding ways to lose in the playoffs. Case and point Mark Andrews costly fumble last year vs. the Bills. Lamar Jackson takes the majority of the blame for the playoff failures but the team as a whole seems to fade down the stretch.

Detroit was a heavy favorite last year to reach the Super Bowl but ran into a hot Commanders team. Expect them once again to compete for the NFC Title in 2025. The major question for the Lions is health. They were hammered with injuries last year, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

2. Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (Thurs. 9/4 8:20pm EST) – NBC/Peacock

Is there any question about whether the NFC East is the best division in football? The NFL seems to agree with the Cowboys, Commanders and Eagles dominating the primetime schedule. We are also fortunate to kick of the season with a classic Eagles vs. Cowboys matchup.

As we stated before, the Cowboys are a fascinating team to watch this season. On the one hand they could compete for the NFC East title or they could finish 4-13. It all depends on the health of Dak Prescott and if new head coach Brian Schottenheimer can push the right buttons.

The Eagles on the other hand should once again compete for the NFC crown with most of their weapons back. They are the team to beat until proven otherwise.

1. Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (Sun. 9/7 8:20pm EST) – NBC/Peacock

The Ravens have another big-time matchup against the Bills in our Sunday night opener. Baltimore will be out for revenge after their demoralizing defeat in Buffalo in last year’s playoffs.

Both of these AFC titans need to find a way to get past the Chiefs to reach their goal. Josh Allen and company came close last season but once again fell just short in KC. The Chiefs have had the Bills number for some time now. Can the Bills finally break through?

Meanwhile, the Ravens just need to play better in the playoffs. They have all the makings of a Super Bowl team but need to be more disciplined in crunch-time. This game, although in just week 1 could set the tone for the top of the AFC down the stretch.

The post Top 5 Games of the Upcoming 2025 Season appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

This is an intriguing matchup for several reasons. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will be returning from his season ending hamstring injury with a lot to prove. The Eagles on the other hand will try to avoid the Super Bowl hangover and start the season on a winning note. It will also mark the debut for new Cowboys receiver George Pickens who was recently acquired in a trade from the Steelers.

Then of course there is the rivalry aspect that always ramps up the intensity of this NFC East battle. Dallas was blown out in both matchups last year and they will want to return the favor. Prescott, when healthy has shown he has the Eagles number with a 9-4 record head-to-head. This will be an entertaining opener to say the least and we can’t wait to see it play out.

The post Eagles Set to Host Cowboys in 2025 Season Opener appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Although Wilson failed in Denver he will still be attractive to QB needy teams. Wilson was serviceable last season for the Broncos and in the right situation, he could flourish. There have been plenty of rumors since his release on potential landing spots. Let’s focus on 3 teams and breakdown why each one would be a fit.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The obvious best overall fit for Wilson would be the Steelers. Pittsburgh has strong leadership in place with Mike Tomlin at the helm and they are in need of a quarterback. Current Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has had his ups and downs in Pittsburgh but hasn’t really panned out. Picket seems better suited for a backup role and with Wilson on board he could learn from a vet.

When you look at the Steelers roster they have several strengths. They have young talented receivers led by George Pickens and a potential future star in the backfield in Jaylen Warren. They are always stout on defense which will be important for Wilson’s next team. In order for Wilson to thrive he will need to play more ball control on offense but there are times he takes risks. That’s why it’s important to have sold defense backing him. The Steelers will be able to provide that.

Minnesota Vikings

Another team that looks to be poised to enter the quarterback market is the Vikings. Kirk Cousins will most likely be on the move this offseason which will leave a massive hole on offense. Minnesota could plug that quickly by adding Wilson. This would also be an attractive destination for Wilson who would get to play with superstar Justin Jefferson.

The Vikings aren’t contenders yet but they have about $37 million in cap space and 9 picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Wilson would also get to work with coach Kevin O’Connell who has proved he knows how to run an offense. If the Vikings don’t make a play for Wilson I could see them drafting a quarterback with the 11th pick.

Las Vegas Raiders

Finally, the Raiders are another potential team to watch in the Russell Wilson sweepstakes. Las Vegas will be looking to add to its quarterback room this offseason. With Antonio Pierce now the full-time coach there are several pieces already in place in Vegas.

The Raiders finished the 2023 strong winning 3 of their last 4. They also provide Wilson with a strong defense led by Maxx Crosby. On offense, they can provide Wilson with a star receiver in Davante Adams. They will however need to look to add to their running back room as Josh Jacobs is likely on the move.

Then there is the revenge factor. If Wilson joined the Raiders he could stay on the West Coast and more importantly, stay in the AFC West. This will allow him to face the Broncos twice a year which will be extra motivation for the jettisoned quarterback.

Regardless of where he ends up, Wilson will likely sign a contract for less than $10 million. This makes him an enticing option going forward.

The post 3 Potential Landing Spots for Russell Wilson appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Jordan Love (@ Den) – The last time we saw Jordan Love he threw 3 interceptions against the Raiders. It was a rough outing for Love but up next he faces the lowly Broncos defense. The Broncos are allowing an average of 21.5 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and the Packers are coming off a bye. For the most part, Love has had a solid debut season in Green Bay and he is a viable fantasy option with his rushing ability. I expect Love to finish with 2 passing touchdowns and over 30+ rushing yards in this one.

Sit ‘Em

Trevor Lawrence (@ NO) – As of now it looks like Lawrence will suit up tonight against the Saints. He is dealing with a minor knee injury but it’s not expected to be serious. Even if completely healthy the Saints have mostly shut down opposing quarterbacks allowing an average of 14.1 fantasy points per game to them. If Lawrence does play I expect the Jaguars to lean heavily on Travis Etienne in this one. I would also be hesitant to start any Jaguars pass catchers tonight.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Brian Robinson Jr. (@ NYG) – Robinson has yet to break the 100+ rushing mark in a game but that could change on Sunday. Robinson will go up against a Giants defense that as a team is giving up 147.5 rushing yards per game. Really the only thing holding Robinson back is the pass-heavy play calling by Eric Bieniemy. This is the week to lean in on the run as wind could be a factor in this game.

Sit ‘Em

Raheem Mostert (@ Phi) – Sit a skill player on the Dolphins offense? It sounds crazy but Miami is set to face the Eagles defense that has been stout against the run. The Eagles are allowing an average of just 9.4 fantasy points to opposing running backs thus far. It will also be a chilly Sunday night game in Philly which favors the Eagles at home. This will be a good measuring stick game for the Dolphins on the road. I will be watching closely to see how well their offense performs in these conditions.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Drake London (@ TB) – Drake London started the season slowly but is starting to heat up. He had 9 receptions on 12 targets for 125 receiving yards last week vs. the Commanders. London has had 21 targets in the last two games as the Falcons are looking to get him more involved in the passing game. Up next is Tampa Bay who have struggled to contain #1 receivers this season. I see London getting his 3rd touchdown of the season in this one.

Sit ‘Em

George Pickens (@ LAR) – Last time we saw him Pickens scored the go-ahead touchdown in week 5 vs. the Ravens. He finished with 130 receiving yards in that game and 23.6 fantasy points. Up next is the Rams defense who have been solid against opposing wide receivers so far this season. On top of that, it looks like Diontae Johnson is set to return from IR which will take some of the targets away from Pickens.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Michael Mayer (@ Chi) – It took some time but Michael Mayer finally showed off his potential in week 6. Mayer finished with 6 catches and 75 receiving yards on 6 targets against the Patriots. Up next he gets the Bears defense who have struggled stopping opposing tight ends this season. If you are thin at tight end, Mayer is worth starting and he is still just 12.8% rostered in leagues.

Sit ‘Em

Hunter Henry (vs. Buf) – Henry had a strong start to the season but has been non-existent in his last two games. He is also dealing with an ankle injury that will limit his mobility. The matchup isn’t great either as the Patriots will face the Bills at home on Sunday. Sit Henry until he regains his early-season form.

Start of the Week

Aaron Jones (@ Den) – Despite dealing with a hamstring injury that has him limited in practice, Jones is set for a big day on Sunday. The Packers are coming off a bye which should help in Jones’s recovery. He is also facing the Broncos rush defense whom have been abysmal at stopping opposing running backs. As usual, be sure to monitor his injury but if he is good to go Jones should go off in week 7.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 7 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Sam Howell (vs. Chi) – Howell bounced back from a rough outing against the Bills and almost led the Commanders to an overtime victory versus the Eagles. Next up is the lowly Chicago Bears who are in complete disarray. The Bears defense is allowing 22.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and they will be without DBs Eddie Jackson and Jaylon Johnson. Expect a big game from Howell and also the Commanders receivers.

Sit ‘Em

Trevor Lawrence (@ Buf) – Lawrence started to show signs of life in the week 4 victory against the Falcons but next up are the red-hot Bills. Even though this game will be in London it could be a long day for the Jaguars offense. The Buffalo defense is for real and they were able to keep the high-powered Dolphins offense in check last week. I do like Lawrence’s prospects for the rest of the season just not in this game.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Breece Hall (@ Den) – Hall has disappointed thus far but that will change Sunday when the Jets travel to Denver. According to reports Hall will no longer be on a snap count and this is the perfect game to unleash him. The Broncos defense has been dreadful against the run allowing an average of 38.0 fantasy points per game to running backs. Don’t forget about last year when Hall torched the Broncos for a 62-yard touchdown before he went down with an ACL injury.

Sit ‘Em

Kyren Williams (vs. Phi) – Williams has been a nice surprise this season but he will take a step back Sunday versus the Eagles. Williams is dealing with a hip injury that may hamper his effectiveness. He is also up against the vaunted Eagles d-line that is also tough to run against. Sit Williams but just for this week.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Michael Pittman Jr. (vs. Ind) – Pittman was quiet on Sunday versus the Rams. He had a season-low 5 targets and only 15 receiving yards. That will change when the Titans come to town in week 5. Pittman has yet to eclipse the 100-yard receiving mark but I believe this is the game he does it. The Titans defense is allowing an average of 26.2 fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season.

Sit ‘Em

George Pickens (vs. Bal) – What has happened to the Steelers offense? Pittsburgh laid another egg last Sunday when they were dominated by Houston. Up next is Baltimore who will be looking to add to the Steelers misery. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee but is still expected to play. Even when he was healthy Pittsburgh’s offense just looks off. It could be another long day for Pickett and Pickens.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Zach Ertz (vs. Cin) – Ertz had his second 10-target game in week 4 as the Cardinals continue to look his way. I can see Ertz grabbing his first touchdown of the season versus a struggling Bengals defense. Cincinnati is allowing an average of 10 fantasy points per game to tight ends thus far. Ertz should be a big part of the game plan again this week.

Sit ‘Em

Cole Kmet (@ Was) – It’s hard to start anyone on the Bears offense this week against Washington. Kmet had a huge game versus the Broncos in week 4 where he hauled in 2 touchdowns. The momentum won’t continue on Thursday night as Washington has allowed minimal production to opposing tight ends.

Start of the Week

Zay Flowers (@ Pit) – Despite decent production, Flowers has yet to find the end zone. That will change on Sunday versus the Steelers. The volume has been there for Flowers but he has yet to have a breakout game. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 31.3 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and just gave up 168 yards to the Texans Nico Collins. This is the week we see big returns for Flowers.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 5 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Geno Smith (@Det) – Don’t give up on Geno Smith just yet. Smith and the entire Seattle Seahawks offense had a forgettable game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Smith threw for only 112 yards on the day and 1 touchdown. I don’t expect similar numbers when Seattle visits the Lions in week 2. In 2022, Smith torched the Lions for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns when the Seahawks won in a 48-45 shootout. Expect him to bounce back this week.

Sit ‘Em

Jimmy Garoppolo (@Buf) – Garoppolo is in for a tough afternoon when the Las Vegas Raiders visit the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Buffalo will be looking to put its miserable loss against the Jets behind them and will take out their frustrations on the Raiders. Garoppolo was efficient in the week 1 win against the Broncos but did have 1 interception and 1 fumble. I see him throwing a pair of picks against Buffalo’s defense in week 2.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Jahmyr Gibbs (vs. Sea) – Gibbs averaged 6.7 yards per touch in his debut against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a small sample size as he only had 9 touches in the game but he looked explosive. Expect the Lions to ramp up his usage this week and Gibbs will get his first NFL touchdown against Seattle.

Sit ‘Em

Alexander Mattison (@Phi) – Mattison underwhelmed against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. He averaged just 3.1 yards per touch and if it wasn’t for a late receiving touchdown he would’ve been in the Dud category. Mattison will once again find yards hard to come by when the Vikings visit the Eagles. The Eagles have some concerns in their secondary but the front 7 is as good as it gets.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

George Pickens (vs. Cle) – Pickens was quiet in week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. He did have 7 targets on the day but was only able to turn that into 36 receptions yards. The Steelers will be without Diontae Johnson for several weeks which means it’s Pickens time to step up. I like the Steelers offense to bounce back this week and Pickens to find the end zone.

Sit ‘Em

Drake London (vs. GB) – London was one of the Duds of week 1 as he was completely shut out on Sunday. He only had 1 target which is concerning for the 2nd year pro expected to take the next step in his trajectory. He now faces a talented Packers secondary and will likely be shadowed by Jaire Alexander all game.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Dallas Goedert (vs. Min) – Goedert was also shut out on Sunday versus a stingy Patriots defense. Don’t panic with Goedert yet as he is still the #1 tight end on the dynamic Eagles offense. I expect Philadelphia to intentionally get Goedert more involved on Thursday night. The last time he faced the Vikings, Goedert had 82 receiving yards on 5 receptions.

Sit ‘Em

Dalton Schultz (vs. Ind) – Schultz was another tight end who disappointed in week 1. The Texans brought in Schultz to be their TE1 but he didn’t look the part on Sunday. He had just 4 receiving yards on 4 targets and wasn’t much of a factor in Houston’s offense. I am sitting Schultz until I see better production.

Start of the Week

Zay Flowers (@ Cin) – Flowers was somebody I was high on all offseason and is my pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He did not disappoint in his debut as he hauled in 9 receptions for 78 yards. More importantly, he had 10 targets and also received 2 carries in the backfield. Don’t worry about OBJ taking targets away from Flowers as he looks to be the WR1 for the Ravens going forward.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 2 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The Good

T.J. Watt has become one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL today. Watt had a monster season in 2021 where he racked up 22 sacks for the Steelers. Injuries somewhat limited his 2022 campaign as he was only able to play in a total of 10 games. Watt will look to get back to his 2021 form this season and continue to build his impressive resume. One stat that is incredible when you look at Watt is his sack rate. Watt has averaged 0.9 sacks per game which is the best in NFL history. Expect double-digit sacks again this year for Watt.

The Bad

When looking more at the Steelers roster the biggest weakness is the offensive line. This line is somewhat unproven and will best tested right from the start in their week 1 battle against San Francisco. The major question mark is at the LT position. As of now, it looks like Dan Moore Jr. will hold down that spot but if he struggles the Steelers could turn to rookie Broderick Jones. Kenny Pickett and the Steelers offense will need this line to improve in order to take the next step.

The Prediction

The AFC North will be one of the best divisions in football this season. I have the Steelers finishing 3rd but making the playoffs as a wild card. Pickett will impress and the emergence of George Pickens will make this a dynamic offense.

2023 Record: (10-7 3rd in the Division)

The post Pittsburgh Steelers Record Prediction for 2023 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Christian Esparza

As your fantasy draft begins to wind down and your starting roster is filled, you want to go after players that can play a variety of roles for you. The flex position is unique in that it can generally be filled by a running back, wide receiver, or a tight end. This gives you maximum flexibility when bye weeks and injuries come up, allowing you to generally put the best skill players into your lineup. 

These are the five biggest flex sleepers in 2022:

1. AJ Dillon, running back ”“ Green Bay Packers (ADP 107) 

If you listen to any one thing I have to say this year, it needs to be this. AJ Dillon is one of the best values in all of fantasy football right now. In 2021, Dillon posted over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns, and there is reason to believe both of those numbers will be higher this season. 

With the Packers trading away Davante Adams and not having a star receiver for Aaron Rodgers to throw to, it is looking like both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon will see a lot more work. Jones is likely to see snaps as a slot receiver, which means Dillon will see more time in the backfield. Rodgers even recently said he thinks 50 catches each for Jones and Dillon is “realistic.” 

Additionally, Dillon is the primary redzone and goal line back for the Packers. He and his quads should have plenty of opportunity to plow into the endzone. The Packers love what AJ “Quadzilla” Dillon has to offer, and you should too. Take Dillon in the eighth round and reap the benefits. 

2. Chris Olave, wide receiver ”“ New Orleans Saints (Rookie, ADP 124)

Olave was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and joins a Saints team that was on the cusp of playoff contention last season. Michael Thomas is a huge unknown at this point, but Olave should still see a lot of targets even if Thomas is healthy. Olave was regarded as one of the best route runners in his draft class and will immediately provide quarterback Jameis Winston with a lethal weapon in the slot. Olave also offers upside as a downfield threat with nice 4.39 speed. He has a chance to be the most productive rookie receiver in 2022. 

3. Chase Edmonds, running back ”“ Miami Dolphins (ADP 120)

Edmonds spent the first four years of his career in Arizona, and will now play in Miami after signing there in free agency. He was one of three running backs that the Dolphins brought in, with Raheem Mostert and Sony Michel joining him. 

The interesting thing is, there is a chance that all three backs have a role cutout for them under new Head Coach Mike McDaniel. Look deeper though and you will realize a few things: First, Edmonds signed a two-year $12 million dollar deal. Even his yearly average of $6 million a year is more than Mostert and Michel combined. Second, Edmonds was one of the first running backs to sign a deal in free agency. It can be implied that the Dolphins clearly have a role cut out for Edmonds. He currently has an average draft position of 120 according to ESPN. That’s a good price for a player that should eclipse 1,000 total yards in 2022. 

4. Jakobi Meyers, wide receiver ”“ New England Patriots (ADP 137) 

Meyers scored double-digit fantasy points in nine of games played in 2021, a season in which he only scored two total touchdowns. His 83 catches on 126 targets for 866 yards were all team-highs for the Patriots. It will be interesting to see how the addition of Davante Parker will impact Meyers’s production, but Meyers has the advantage of already having chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones. Parker will likely take a lot of the red zone targets in New England, which will not really be an issue for Meyers anyways. If you need a solid bench player that can step in and be your flex when needed, Meyers is worth consideration. 

5. George Pickens, wide receiver ”“ Pittsburgh Steelers (Rookie, ADP 154)

Pickens has made waves in recent weeks as one of those dudes that just “has that dawg in him.” Pickens has been making waves across the fantasy community all summer as he has consistently made plays throughout Pittsburgh’s training camp. In the Steelers’ first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, Pickens caught three balls for 43 yards and a touchdown. 

While at the University of Georgia, Pickens was known for being a big and strong receiver that can win jump balls and physically dominate most corners. Had he not missed most of the 2021 college season due to a torn ACL, Pickens likely would have been one of the first receivers drafted. Instead, he fell to the second round and was the 11th receiver taken in the draft. There is a lot of hype surrounding George Pickens right now, and you should capitalize on it immediately. 

The post Five flex sleepers in 2022 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had many unearthly wide receivers over the past decade. They had the iron man Hines Ward, the hot and cold Antonio Brown, the speed demon Mike Wallace, and the former USC stiff-arm legend JuJu Smith-Schuster.

They still feature an exciting and dangerous group of WRs: Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and George Pickens at the three WR spots. Johnson proved to be a top-shelf wideout in 2021 – as he unleashed 107 receptions, 1,161 yds, and eight TDs – after having 1,161 yds and eight touchdown receptions in 2020. He garnered a stout 74.2 grade by PFF for his 2021 performance. Johnson is entering the final year of his contract.

The ascending Chase Claypool should anticipate at least 1,000+ receiving in the JuJu-less offense next season. Claypool ousted 860 yds in 15 games last season and nine TD receptions in the season prior. Claypool certainly isn’t a Top-3 NFL WR, but he can really make his first Pro Bowl in 2022. He may follow Johnson in line by expecting a hefty contract extension in the 2023 off-season.

They should also anticipate magic from the rookie George Pickens — who can be an excellent magnet on the outside with his 6’3, 220-pound frame and 40-yard dash time (4.44). Pickens can be an excellent match-up nightmare from the WR3 spot. PFF boldly stated that he is even the best Steelers off-season addition. They will also anticipate production from the other rookie Calvin Austin – as he notched an impressive 1,149 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season.

Yardbarker generously ranked the Steelers WR group as the 11th best WR unit in the league entering the 2022 season. I honestly love the outlook for the Steelers WR group – as they should aspire to help Mitchell Trubisky silence a lot of doubters and make his second trip to the Pro Bowl.

The post Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver outlook right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jack Brentnall

With the draft less than a month away, we are beginning to get an idea of how things might play out. Every year there are players taken too highly and this year will be no exception. This is not to say they are bad prospects or that they will be bad NFL players – far from it – but that their current level of hype is unwarranted. Here are four players whose hype does not live up to their Expected Draft Position (EDP).

All EDP data referenced comes from Grinding the Mocks.

Charles Cross – OT, Mississippi State

I’ll start this by saying that Cross is by no means a bad player. He had an excellent 2021 season and his experience in Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense has made him one of the more seasoned pass protectors in the class. He is a name that fully deserves to be in the first round conversation. That said, I don’t think he’s deserving of the top 10 hype he’s been receiving in the pre-draft process. His EDP of 9.8 puts him in the same tier as Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu, but I just don’t see the same caliber of player on tape.

For starters, there is the obvious question mark concerning the offensive scheme he is coming from. Whilst Cross has an incredible 1,293 pass blocking snaps to his name over the past two years, only 265 of those were “true pass sets”. True pass sets exclude plays with less than 4 rushers, play action, screens, short dropbacks and time-to-throws under 2 seconds. They are a useful metric as they focus on how a lineman performed in the traditional dropback situations you will see every week in the NFL. For context, a player like Evan Neal had 233 true pass sets in 2021 alone.

There are also question marks when it comes to Cross’ run blocking ability. Mississippi State barely ran the ball, and when they did they ran a very small number of simple concepts. Cross was rarely asked to execute the kind of blocking assignments he will be expected to perform week-in and week-out in the NFL. There is no doubt he is a talented player, but there are far too many question marks for him to be discussed in the same breath as players like Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu.

Isaiah Spiller – RB, Texas A&M

Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker are at the top of this running back class, but for many people, Spiller is a close third. His background of consistent production in the SEC is understandably intriguing, and his EDP of 79.2 makes him the third highest ranked running back in the class. As far as I’m concerned, he’s not even in the same ballpark as Hall and Walker.

For starters there is his athletic profile. Spiller is a below average athlete in every sense of the word. He ran a 4.64 40-yard dash at this year’s Combine, putting him in the 40th percentile at the position. He was even worse from an explosiveness perspective. His 30″ vertical ranked in the 14th percentile. There were actually eight offensive linemen who posted better vertical scores. He ended up with a Relative Athletic Score of 5.61. For context, there has been just three running backs drafted since 2015 to record a 1,000 yard NFL season who had a RAS below 5.7.

The other concern with Spiller is his lack of a trump card. Hall offers exceptional vision and patience. Walker offers great contact balance and explosiveness. Spiller might be a solid all around back, but it is difficult to find a single elite trait to his game. He can be a contributor as a runner and receiver, but he isn’t the kind of player you can build your rushing attach around at the next level.

Christian Harris – LB, Alabama

Prospects from bigger schools often get a bump in the pre-draft process and there is no better example of that right now than Christian Harris. As things stand he’s currently got an EDP of 49.4. This makes him the third highest ranked linebacker in the class, behind Nakobe Dean and Devin Lloyd. It also puts him ahead of players like Leo Chenal and Quay Walker.

The biggest limitation to Harris’ game is his processing ability. You only need to turn on the tape to see a player who is still developing a feel for the position. His first step is remarkably inconsistent and he is slow to diagnose plays. He also struggles to read the run through traffic and often needs to see a play develop before reacting. His effort and willingness to make plays against the run is also questionable.

When it comes to coverage, Harris is incredibly raw. He has a really bad habit of getting his eyes caught in the backfield when playing in the zone, leading to big plays being made behind him. This was a big contributing factor in him allowing a passer rating of 120.4 throughout his career. Harris might have the athletic traits that teams want in a linebacker, but he’s the embodiment of a project player.

George Pickens – WR, Georgia

Pickens barely played in 2021 by virtue of his ACL injury, but that hasn’t stopped him rising up boards. As things stand he has an EDP of 37.5. This puts him on the verge of first round conversation and makes him the seventh highest ranked wide receiver in the class. With his reliable hands and a physical playstyle, it is easy to see why some have fallen in love with Pickens’ potential. That said, there’s far too much worrying me to even entertain the possibility of drafting him that highly.

For starters, there is his injury. Pickens finally made his return to the field at the back end of 2021 but didn’t look like the same player. He was sluggish in and out of breaks and lacked any kind of separation quickness. Whilst his pre-draft testing numbers were encouraging, his inability to translate these traits to the playing field on a consistent basis is troubling. Pickens’ production was heavily reliant on his contested catch ability, which is concerning given that he measures in at 6’3″ and 200 lbs.

He is also raw as a route runner and doesn’t show much in terms variations to his route pacing or manipulating defenders downfield. This is certainly something he can develop when he reaches the NFL, but it would still give me pause for thought before drafting him in the top 40. This is all before you even mention his disciplinary issues. Pickens was ejected from a game for fighting as a freshman and has also committed an astonishing 11 penalties during his college career.

The post Four overhyped prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.