POSTED 8/14/2019
2019 AFC PREDICTIONS
Key: 16/8 Games played/Games started
UPDATES were posted where information was available.
AFC EAST
New England Patriots
For any other team in the NFL, an 11-5 record would be a successful season. But for the New England Patriots it’s just an average season. However, they did forge ahead in the playoffs and won the SuperBowl. HC Bill Belichick keeps rolling along and it seems that nothing fazes him. The OC is still Josh McDaniel or as I like to call him, the Offensive Consultant. Please don’t tell me that Brady doesn’t call his own plays and that McDaniels “suggests” plays. The DC is defacto Bill Belichick. I mean, who better to run the DEF than him? Greg Schiano had committed to be the DC but, unexpectedly backed away soon thereafter for personal reasons. At QB, does it get any better than Tom Brady? Tom Brady 16/16 had another nice run and even commented that “yeah we suck” during an interview in the postseason. It just gives him more mojo to win. QB Brian Hoyer 5/0, yes he did get into five games, is the backup. QB Danny Etling was on the practice squad all season. Who knows if he’ll be around. So much for heir apparent, he was waived August 13th. QB Jarrett Stidham who was drafted in the 4th round out of Auburn could give Hoyer some competition at backup. At RB, Sony Michel 13/8 needs to show he can catch more passes but also wants to be used more in the running game. RB James White 16/3 caught 87 passes and rushed 94x. He also scored 12tds and is a very integral part of this team. RB Rex Burkhead 8/4 was on IR for part of 2018 but is reliable when called upon. RB Brandon Bolden 16/0 was with MIA in 2018 but, signed with NE. He plays a lot of special teams and has durability. RB Damien Harris who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Alabama is good for depth. RB Jeremy Hill 1/0 was on IR most of 2018 after coming over from CINNCY and was not retained. At WR, Julian Edelman 12/12 showed he is still the man. He served a four game suspension for PEDS and was coming off a lost year of 2017 but earned MVP of the SuperBowl in the NE win. WR Phillip Dorsett 16/2 will probably see more passes in 2019 because of Gronk’s departure. WR N’Keal Harry who was drafted in the 1st round out of Arizona State will see a lot of action if he can be molded in the NE way. This is the first time Belichick has drafted a WR in the 1st round in 19 years. WR Darren Andrews 0/0 didn’t see any action and wasn’t retained. WR Chris Hogan 16/7 signed with CAR. WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson 15/5 who was being utilized in the backfield as well as all over the field signed with CHI. WR Braxton Berrios was on IR all of 2018 should be ready to go for 2019. WR Josh Gordon 11/11 who was traded for during the season from CLEVE was making great strides with NE, was suspended late in the year but is signed and on the roster for 2019. Anything he can contribute to this team would be a plus. He has talent. WR Demaryius Thomas 15/15 split 2018 with DEN & HOU was cut after the season and signed by NE. He is very talented and is recovering from a second Achilles tear. WR Maurice Harris 12/7 was not retained by WASH and signed with NE. WR Dontrelle Inman 9/4 signed late with INDY in 2018 but signed with NE after the season. He should add some nice depth. WR Matthew Slater 16/0 plays entirely on special teams but is great at it. WR Riley McCarron 1/0 returned one punt and was put on the practice squad, he was not retained. WR Gunner Olszewski was signed by NE May 23rd. WR Cameron Meredith signed with NE August 2nd but was put on the PUP list. At TE, if you read my weekly analysis you know that I was saying that Rob Gronkowski would retire after the season. He did, and in five years he’ll be in the HOF. The injuries and the grind were just too much. Plus he has plenty of money and SuperBowl rings. We’ll miss you though. TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins 5/5 was signed then cut, the first day of OTAs. TE Ben Watson 16/4 who played with NO in 2018 announced that he retired after the season but, then signed a one year deal with NE. However, he is facing a four game suspension for substance violation, stay tuned. TE Stephen Anderson was on the practice squad for NE in 2018 but did see action with HOU in 2016 & 2017 needs to show something in training camp to stay on the roster. TE Matt LaCosse 15/5 was with DEN but signed with NE. He won’t replace Gronk but has the chance to do some damage here. TE Ryan Izzo was on IR all of 2018 but will be used more of a blocker if sticks around. TE Dwayne Allen 13/8 wasn’t retained and signed with MIA. TE Jacob Hollister 8/1 was traded to SEA after the season for a 7th round pick. TE Michael Roberts was acquired in a trade with DET but didn’t pass the physical. He then was subsequently cut by DET picked up by GB and then cut again. TE Lance Kendricks was signed by NE on July 24th. TE Eric Saubert 16/1 was acquired from ATL on August 12th for a draft pick. O-LINE coach Dante Scarnecchia is the best in the NFL at developing players into O-LINE gems. The O-LINE for NE did a better job in 2018 then in 2017. In 2017 the O-LINE gave up 35 sacks. In 2018, the O-LINE gave up 21 sacks. Opposing teams know that if Tom Brady has time in the pocket he will pick you apart. In NE’s five losses, Brady was sacked 10x. In NE’s eleven wins, Brady was sacked 11x. LT Isaiah Wynn was out all of 2018 with a torn Achilles but is penciled in to start where Trent Brown was. LT LaAdrian Waddle 16/3 was not retained and signed with BUFF. LG Joe Thuney 16/16 is solid at the position. C David Andrews 16/16 is another solid lineman that wasn’t even drafted. RG Shaq Mason 14/14 is a 4th round pickup in 2015 that has been great. RT Marcus Cannon 13/13 has grown into the position. OT Trent Brown 16/16 was solid in his only year in NE but signed in the off season with OAK. C/G Ted Karras 13/2 is reliable for depth & backup at both positions. OT Yodny Cajuste who was drafted in the 3rd round out of West Virginia is good for depth and should see time in the rotation. OG Hjalte Froholdt who was drafted in the 4th round out of Arkansas is a developmental project and may end up on the practice squad. T Cole Croston 2/0 may have to show something to stay on the roster for depth and didn’t make it, he was released. OL Martez Ivey an UDFA was signed for depth. C James Ferentz 2/0 is another practice squad guy who may have to impress to stick around. C Brian Schwenke 3/0 is backup depth for NE. T Ulrick John was on IR all of 2018 for NE then signed with NO. On DEF in the secondary, CB Stephon Gilmore 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack was ALL-PRO in 2018. CB Jason McCourty 16/12 with 1INT needs to up his game a little to hold on to the starting spot. CB Keion Crossen 11/0 plays mostly on special teams. CB Eric Rowe 4/2 was on IR most of 2018 and then signed with MIA. CB JC Jackson 13/5 with 3INTS should see more action in 2019. CB Joejuan Williams who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Vanderbilt will get an opportunity at both CB & S. CB Ken Webster who was drafted in the 7th round out of Ole Miss may end up on special teams but has very good speed. CB Duke Dawson didn’t play a game in 2018 but may have to show something in training camp to stick around. DB Jonathan Jones 16/5 with 3INTS & 1.5 sacks should be in competition for a starting job after doing a great job in the post season. DB Nate Ebner 15/0 plays a lot on special teams but occasionally sees time in the rotation in specific situations. At S Devin McCourty 16/16 with 1INT is a solid leader of the secondary. S Patrick Chung 15/14 with 1INT & 0.5 sack is solid and can stop the run and the pass. S Duron Harmon 16/6 with 4INTS led the team in INTS and makes a lot of big plays. S Obi Melifonwu 2/0 was picked up after being cut by OAK. He may have to up his game to stick around. S Terrence Brooks 16/0 was with NYJ in 2018 but signed with NE and is a productive backup and good for depth. On the D-LINE Deatrich Wise 16/5 with 4.5 sacks has played well and moves into the position vacated on the outside. DE Adrian Clayborn 14/1 with 2.5 sacks was not retained and signed with ATL. DT/DE Danny Shelton 13/1 is good for depth and is a good run stopper. DE Trey Flowers 15/15 with 7.5 sacks is a solid pass rusher and signed with DET. DT Malcolm Brown 15/14 signed with NO. DE Derek Rivers 6/0 with 1.0 sack needs to show better numbers and durability. DT Lawrence Guy 16/15 with 1.0 sack is a reliable run stopper. DT Mike Pennel 16/7 was with NYJ in 2018 and signed with NE to add depth. DE Michael Bennett 16/10 with 9.0 sacks was with PHILLY in 2018 but was traded to NE in the off season for a draft pick. He brings an extra nastiness to the D-LINE for NE. DE Keionta Davis 6/3 has raw talent and needs to be groomed. DT Adam Butler 16/0 with 3.0 sacks is good for depth and can contribute nicely. DE Chase Winovich who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Michigan should be able to help out where Trey Flowers left off. DL Byron Cowart who was drafted in the 5th round out of Maryland could end up on the practice squad. DE Genio Grissom 4/0 was cut during the season and signed with INDY. DE Shalique Calhoun 7/0 was with OAK but signed with NE. NE is looking to see if this guy has anything left and could help with special teams. DE Ufomba Kamalu 2/0 has spent a lot of time on practice squads and needs to show something to stick around. NT David Parry 3/0 was with MINN in 2018 and cut. He needs to show something to stick around. DE John Simon 11/2 with 2.0 sacks should see time in the rotation but in a depth position. With NE, sometimes they only have two LBs on the field while having three safeties. In the LB crew, OLB Dont’a Hightower 15/15 with 1INT & 1.0 sack is a stopper and always reliable. MLB Elandon Roberts 16/11 with 1.0 sack is a run stopper. LB Ramon Humber 15/0 split time in 2018 with BUFF 9/0 & NE 6/0 but was not retained after the 2018 season by NE. LB Albert McClellan 13/1 was cut in 2018 by BALT 6/1 & then signed by NE 7/0 but was not retained after the 2018 season. OLB Kyle Van Noy 16/16 with 3.5 sacks & 1INT is durable and solid. LB Brandon King 15/0 plays a lot of special teams but is good for depth. ILB Ja’Whaun Bentley 3/2 had a torn bicep that ended his 2018 season. NE is expecting big things from him in2019. ILB Christian Sam was on IR all of 2018, needs to show something to stick around. LB Nicholas Grigsby 9/0 was cut during the season by NE and picked up by DET. LB Calvin Munson was on the practice squad for NE in 2018, has to show something to stick around. LB Jamie Collins 16/16 is in his second go round with NE after CLEVE cut him after the 2018 season. He should provide extra strength for NE in the LB corps. This team is solid all the way around. TE might be by committee but, whenever you are around Tom Brady, guys step up. There has been a lot of turnover on the D-LINE but that has happened before and nothing has changed. The depth situation with safeties is a little thin but even if someone gets injured, NE seems to find guys that can play. No worries here as the only team that may give them a problem in the AFC playoffs is KC. NE is Superbowl bound again, surprised?
PROJECTED 2018 (13-3), ACTUAL 2018 (11-5), PROJECTED 2019 (13-3)
Buffalo Bills
BUFF & HC Sean McDermottt did not have a good 2018 season. Instead of improving on a 9-7 2017 season, BUFF looked like they were dismantled and were starting from scratch. This team has made a lot of personnel changes for 2019 and they need to make sure that everyone is on the same page. The OFF certainly has to get better if BUFF is to win more games and make it to the playoffs. In 2017 BUFF was #29 TOT OFF with #31 PASS OFF & #6 RUSH OFF. In 2018 BUFF #30 TOT OFF with #31 PASS OFF & #9 RUSH OFF. The numbers didn’t change much and have a lot of room for improvement. At QB, Josh Allen 12/11 needs to show improvement from his rookie season if he is going to lead the franchise. QB Nathan Peterman 4/2 was cut during the season and then picked up by OAK. QB Derek Anderson retired after the 2018 season. QB Matt Barkley 1/1 is a proven backup and right now the only QB behind Allen with experience. At RB, LeSean McCoy 14/13 is dangerous with a viable O-LINE and can always catch passes as well. But, 2018 was a down year for McCoy and at 31 years of age, can he bring it back up? RB Frank Gore 14/14 was with MIA but signed with BUFF and is still going strong at 36. But don’t look for him to carry the load. RB Senorise Perry 16/0 was with MIA but signed with BUFF. He is a KR guy and plays special teams so he will make the roster that way. RB Devin Singletary who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Florida Atlantic should see time in the rotation due to the older guys ahead of him. RB TJ Yeldon 14/5 wasn’t retained by JAGS and looks to prove himself with BUFF. RB Marcus Murphy 11/1 spent part of the 2018 season on IR and returned kicks. He should see action in the backup role. FB Patrick DiMarco 16/5 is the FB but doesn’t look like he will get more touches. FB Keith Ford 2/1 was released and signed by INDY. RB Chris Ivory 13/1 was cut after the season. RB Taiwan Jones 6/0 was on IR most of the 2018 season and then signed with HOU. At WR Zay Jones 16/15 needs to be clutch in games not just garbage time. WR John Brown 16/15 was with BALT in 2018 but signed a deal with BUFF. He is an added upgrade at the position and should help the OFF tremendously. WR Cole Beasley 16/4 was with DAL in 2018 and then signed with BUFF. He is recuperating from surgery to repair a core muscle. He is expected to be ready for wk 1. WR Robert Foster 13/3 had a strong finish to 2018 which should help him see more action in 2019. WR/PR/KR Andre Roberts was ALL-PRO with NYJ in 2018 but was not retained and signed with BUFF. He should be on the roster wk 1 and will probably return kicks. WR Deonte Thompson 13/6 was cut by DAL during the season and picked up by BUFF. He was not retained by BUFF. WR Victor Bolden 6/0 was picked up late in the season off the SF practice squad but needs to show something to stick around. WR Ray-Ray McCloud 10/1 needs to show improvement in his second season. WR/PR/KR Isaiah McKenzie 8/1 was picked up from DEN during the 2018 season and will have competition from Andre Roberts. WR Cam Phillips 2/0 was a practice squad guy but needs to show something to stick around. WR Da’Mari Scott 3/0 wasn’t retained by BUFF & signed with NYG. WR Jeremy Kerley 1/1 was cut early in the 2018 season by BUFF. WR Duke Williams is an UDFA looking to add depth. At TE, Tyler Kroft 5/2 was on IR most of the season for CINNCY & not retained. He signed with BUFF however, he broke his foot in the off-season and his timetable for return is unknown. TE Jason Croom 15/3 is good for depth whether it’s blocking or catching. TE Jake Fisher 11/1 was with CINNCY in 2018 and then signed with BUFF however, he was recently released. TE Keith Towbridge is a practice squad guy who was acquired off waivers from TENN. He could be good for depth. TE Charles Clay 13/12 was cut after the season from BUFF & signed with ARZ. TE Dawson Knox who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Ole Miss may find his niche as a blocker. TE Tommy Sweeney who was drafted in the 7th round out of Boston College may also be used as a blocker. TE Logan Thomas 12/3 was not retained and signed with DET. TE Khari Lee 2/0 was cut during the 2018 season. TE Nate Becker signed with BUFF June 5th. The O-LINE gave up 41 sacks in 2018. That was a little improvement from 47 sacks allowed in 2017. The O-LINE needs to do a better job at protecting whoever the QB is and opening up rushing lanes. At LT Dion Dawkins 16/16 didn’t have a good 2nd season and could find major competition from OT Cody Ford who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Oklahoma. C/LG Spencer Long 13/13 was cut after the 2018 season by NYJ and signed by BUFF. He will likely start at G but also brings great depth at C. He needs to stay healthy as he has never played a full season due to injury. C Mitch Morse 11/11 was not retained by KC and signed with BUFF. He is currently on the mend from core muscle surgery and is in concussion protocol. His timetable for return is up in the air. RG Jon Feliciano 13/4 was not retained by OAK and signed with BUFF. He will compete for the starting spot but brings good depth. RT Ty Nsekhe 14/5 was not retained by WASH & signed with BUFF. He will be also competing for the starting spot. RG John Miller 15/15 was not retained by BUFF and signed with CINNCY. OT De’Ondre Wesley has been a practice squad guy and was not retained by INDY. He signed with BUFF and could be good for depth. G Quinton Spain LG 15/15 was with TENN but signed a show me deal with BUFF. He had thumb surgery but will be ready for wk 1. He is also competing for a starting spot. OT LaAdrian Waddle 16/3 was not retained by NE & signed with BUFF. However, he tore a right quadriceps muscle, August 5th and is out for the entire 2019 season. OT Jarron Jones was signed by BUFF on August 6th. OG Ryan Groy 15/6 was not retained by BUFF and signed with NO. OT Jordan Mills 16/16 was not retained by BUFF & signed with MIA. LT/G Jeremiah Sirles 12/5 was cut July 31st. LG Wyatt Teller 8/7 is good for depth and may see more starts. RG Ike Boettger 4/0 was acquired off waivers from KC during the season needs to show more to stick around. C Russell Bodine 10/10 could end up as a backup. G Vladimir Ducasse 10/9 may need to show more to stick around. T Conor McDermott 5/0 also may need to show more to stick around. OG Nico Siragusa who has been on multiple practice squads was signed August 1st for depth, then released August 10th. OL Ryan Bates was acquired from PHILLY for DE Eli Howard on August 9th. OL Demetrius Rhaney was signed by BUFF August 10th. The DEF runs a 4-3 alignment and was much better in 2018 than in 2017. In 2017 BUFF TOT DEF was #26 with #20 PASS DEF & #29 RUSH DEF. In 2018 BUFF was #2 TOT DEF with #1 PASS DEF & #16 RUSH DEF. Now if only the OFF could play like that. At DE, Trent Murphy 13/10 with 4.0 sacks needs to stay healthy and play a little better. DT Ed Oliver who was drafted in the 1st round out of Houston is penciled in as the starter. He is in line to replace DT Kyle Williams 16/16 with 5.0 sacks who retired after thirteen seasons with BUFF. DT Star Lotulelei 16/16 needs to step up his game. DE Jerry Hughes 16/16 with 7.0 sacks also needs to recapture his past form. DE Shaq Lawson 14/6 with 4.0 sacks needs to stay healthy and play better and has been a disappointing 1st rounder. DT Jordan Phillips 16/0 with 1.0 sack was acquired off waivers during the 2018 season from MIA sees plenty of time in the rotation and is god for depth. DT Harrison Phillips 16/0 is finding time in the rotation and still learning. DE Eddie Yarbrough 15/0 plays special teams and is good for depth. DE Darryl Johnson who was drafted in the 7th round out of Boston College had a nice college career but needs to show something to stick around. DE Eil Harold 13/0 with 4.0 sacks was with DET & signed with BUFF on a show me deal. He provides solid depth but will probably also play on special teams. However, he was traded to PHILLY On August 9th for OL Ryan Bates. DE Mike Love 3/0 will be on special teams if he stays on the roster. DT Kyle Peko was on the practice squad in 2018 with BUFF but could end up as a backup in the interior line. NT Robert Thomas 2/0 was mostly on the practice squad in 2018 with BUFF but needs to show more to stick around. DE Sam Acho was signed by BUFF on August 11th. DT Roderick Young was signed by BUFF on August 10th. At OLB, Matt Milano 13/13 with 1.0 sack & 3INTS is recovering from a broken leg. MLB Tremaine Edmunds 15/15 with 2.0 sacks & 2INTS got better throughout his rookie season, should be a force in 2019. SLB Lorenzo Alexander 16/8 with 6.5 sacks & 2INTS brings leadership to the team with steady play. LB Corey Thompson 6/1 will see competition in camp just to make the roster. LB Julian Stanford 13/1 with 1.0 sack plays a lot on special teams but may see the door. LB Deon Lacey 16/0 is another LB battling for a reserve spot. LB Vosean Joseph who was drafted in the 5th round out of Florida was an ILB in college but will move to OLB. In the secondary at CB, Tre’Davious White 16/16 with 2INT is a solid cover corner. CB Levi Wallace 7/7 was the 4th starter in the #2 CB spot and will compete to keep it. CB Kevin Johnson 1/1 was on IR most of 2018 with HOU but signed with BUFF after the season. He is the leading candidate for starter on the other side. CB EJ Gaines 6/2 with 1INT was on IR most of the season with CLEVE but signed a show me deal with BUFF. He is currently, August 11th, on IR with a groin injury. CB Taron Johnson 11/2 with 1INT & 1.0 sack was injured part of the season but covered in the slot. CB Ryan Lewis 7/3 may have some competition to stay on the roster. CB Lafayette Pitts 16/0 is also in competition to stay on the roster. DB Denzel Rice 12/0 with 1INT was acquired off waivers from CLEVE during the season and signed with BUFF. He needs to show more to stick around. CB Vontae Davis 1/1 retired during the season. CB Phillip Gaines 11/6 was waived late in the season by BUFF and acquired by CLEVE. CB Captain Munnerlyn signed with BUFF on August 10th. At FS Jordan Poyer 16/16 with 4INTS & 2.0 sacks is solid at the position. SS Micah Hyde 15/15 with 2INTS is a team leader. S Siran Neal 16/0 with 1.0 sack plays a lot of special teams. S Rafael Bush 15/7 with 1.5 sacks provides solid S depth. S Jaquan Johnson who was drafted in the 6th round out of the U of Miami will probably end up on special teams. S Maurice Alexander 9/0 was not retained by SEA and signed a show me deal with BUFF. He will probably play on special teams as in SEA. S Dean Marlowe 2/1 was mostly on the practice squad in 2018 but needs to show something to stick around. S Kurt Coleman was signed by BUFF on July 19th. S Abraham Wallace was signed by BUFF July 23rd. The OFF has to get going if this team is going to improve in the standings. The running game has to be solid enough to take some of the pressure off of QB Josh Allen otherwise BUFF will be in trouble. The O-LINE has been transformed and a lot of guys have left and a lot of new guys have come in. Will they mesh? That’s the question. The D-LINE is solid with good depth. The LB corps are a little thin at depth. The secondary looks good. This team comes down to QB Josh Allen and the running game. If there is improvement and the O-LINE meshes, BUFF will win some games.
PROJECTED 2018 (6-10), ACTUAL 2018 (6-10)√, PROJECTED 2019 (9-7)
New York Jets
So HC Todd Bowles was let go right after the 2018 season concluded, any surprises there? I said he should have been gone two seasons ago. Well, GM Mike Mccagnan brings in another question mark at HC in Adam Gase. What did Gase do in Miami as HC that made him so attractive to Maccagnan? Absolutely nothing. Gase is already having quarrels with the press. Then a couple of months later Maccagnan is fired. Now the GM of the JETS is Joe Douglas who was the former VP of Personnel for the Eagles and had worked with Gase in the past. JETS are dysfunctional as usual. Greg Williams is the new DC as he replaces Kacy Rodgers. He was the DC at CLEVE in 2018 and was the interim HC when Hue Jackson was fired. Greg Williams was 5-3 @CLEVE but was not tapped to be the HC going into 2019. Greg has been the DC at a few teams in the NFL with mixed results. At QB, Sam Darnold 13/13 is the starter but has to cut down on his turnovers. He had 15 INTs and he was the 31st rated QB in the NFL in 2018. Behind him will be Trevor Siemian 0/0 who was recently of DEN & MINN. QB Luke Falk who will probably end up on the practice squad was picked up off waivers from MIA after the season. At RB, JETS went out and signed a premier runner in Le’Veon Bell. Bell sat out 2018 with PITT so we’ll see if he can regain his form after a year off. RB Bilal Powell 7/7 had an injury prone 2018 but was re-signed to backup Bell. Also, Elijah McGuire 8/3 will also serve as a backup. RB/WR Ty Montgomery 13/0 was signed from BALT after a rough 2018 between GB & BALT. But he may be on the bubble and might not make it out of training camp. RB Isaiah Crowell 13/6 wasn’t retained and signed with OAK. JETS were #26 in Rushing in 2018. Let’s see how JETS improve with Bell. At WR, Jamison Crowder 9/7 was picked up as the slot receiver. He will replace WR Jermaine Kearse 14/9 who signed with DET. WR Robbie Anderson 14/9 needs to stay healthy after an injury plagued 2018 and WR Qunicey Enunwa 11/10 also needs to stay healthy if JETS are to be successful. WR Deonte Thompson 13/6 who split time in 2018 with BUFF & DAL is looking to make the roster. WR Josh Bellamy 16/2 was with CHI in 2018 but was signed by the JETS for special teams and depth at WR. WR Deontay Burnett 5/1 knows Darnold having played with him at USC. WR Quadree Henderson 5/0 was claimed off waivers from NYG to be used in the return game but could see time at WR. However, on August 5th, he was waived. WR J.J. Jones split time between LAC & NYJ in 2018 and has great speed but needs to stick out to make the club. WR Charone Peake 13/0 gives depth and plays special teams. WR Tim White 3/0 was with BALT in 2018, was signed by NYJ to see if he can compete. At TE, Chris Herndon 16/12 had a very nice rookie campaign and is solid. His backup is Jordan Leggert 15/4 who needs to play better if he wants to stay on the roster. TE Trevon Wesco who was drafted in the 4th round out of West Virginia is a great blocker and could be used in rushing situations. TE Daniel Brown 14/0 was with CHI in 2018 and signed for more of a blocking TE. TE Eric Tomlinson 15/12 could see a lot of playing time and is a very good run blocker. TE Nick Truesdell is an UDFA that was signed August 10th for depth. The O-LINE did a better job protecting the QB in 2018 with 37 sacks allowed, which was down from 47 in 2017. On the O-LINE LT Kelvin Beachum 16/16 was solid again and didn’t miss a game. OL Brent Qvale 16/2 is a quality backup who fills in at RT and both G positions. LG James Carpenter 10/10 signed with ATL. In his place LG Kelechi Osemele 11/11 was acquired from OAK. JETS feel that it is an upgrade at the position. OG Tom Compton 14/14 was with MINN but will be competing for time as a backup. C Spencer Long 13/13 was cut and signed by BUFF. C/LG Jonotthan Harrison 16/8 is the leading candidate for the C spot. C Ryan Kalil 16/16 who said that he retired after a long career with CAR signed with NYJ August 3rd. He may be competing with Harrison for the starting spot or end up adding valuable depth in the rotation. C John Toth was signed for depth. RG Brian Winters 16/16 is solid at the position. OL Ben Braden 2/0 didn’t see much action in 2018 but can play G & T positions. RT Brandon Shell 14/14 underwent surgery for a torn ACL in the off season so his status for wk 1 is uncertain. OT Chuma Edoga who was drafted in the 3rd round out of USC could fill in for Shell if he is not ready and also could fill needed backup on the O-LINE. G Alex Lewis 10/10 was traded for from BALT for a draft pick. He will help the O-LINE. On DEF in the secondary, CB Trumaine Johnson 10/10 was a little inconsistent and injured after signing that big contract before the 2018 season. He needs to play better and stay healthy. He should be better under DC Greg Williams who was with the RAMS when Johnson was there. CB Morris Claiborne 15/15 was not offered a new contract and has yet to sign on with another team. In his place DB Darryl Roberts 16/10 is the FAV to take over the position. CB Brian Poole 16/9 was signed from ATL to improve the nickel spot. Hard hitting CB Buster Skrine 14/11 signed with CHI. CB Blessuan Austin who was drafted in the 6th round out of Rutgers is coming off a knee injury and will likely be unavailable until the latter part of October. CB Parry Nickerson 16/2 should see more playing time considering JETS are thin at CB. CB Montrel Meander 0/0 was with OAK from Nov on but was cut in the off season and signed by NYJ. He is a developmental project. On August 5th, CB Alex Brown was picked up on waivers from PHILLY. CB Derrick Jones 1/0 was waived on August 10th. At SS Jamal Adams 16/16 is a hard hitter and is getting better each year. FS Marcus Maye 6/6 had an injury plagued year but JETS are expecting him to come back strong. FS Doug Middleton 7/4 adds nice depth to the position. FS Rontez Miles is used mostly on special teams. The D-LINE is run as a 3-4. At DE Leonard Williams 16/16 had 5.0 sacks and hasn’t missed a game in his four years. DE Foley Fatukasi 1/0 was mostly inactive and adds depth but needs some improvement. DT Quinnen Williams was drafted in the 1st round out of Alabama and is slotted to start at the position. Veteran DT Steve McLendon 16/14 will be mentoring Williams and fighting for the position. DE Henry Anderson 16/3 with 7.0 sacks is slotted for starting on the other side after having a breakout season. DE Nathan Shepherd 16/5 adds nice depth while he is still learning the position. OLB Brandon Copeland 16/10 with 5.0 sacks had a breakout yr and should see more action. OLB Jachai Polite was drafted in the 3rd round out of Florida and will hopefully become an edge rusher. ILB CJ Mosley 15/15 was signed to a big contract from BALT. He will help with leadership and the run DEF. LB Darron Lee 12/12 with 3INTS seems to have fallen to backup with the addition of Mosley. LB Neville Hewitt 16/4 with 1.5 sacks adds quality depth when needed. ILB Avery Williamson 16/16 with 3.0 sacks & 1INT is solid but has coverage limitations. OLB Jordan Jenkins 16/11 with 7.0 sacks is tough but limited. OLB Frankie Luvu 14/1 with 3.0 sacks was undrafted and served nicely in a backup role. LB Tarell Basham 10/1 adds depth. LB Blake Cashman who was drafted in the 5th round out of Minnesota will look to make the team any way he can. LB Anthony Wint 2/0 was mostly on the practice squad but will look to make the team as a backup. LB James Burgess 3/2 was cut during the season by CLEVE, picked up by MIA and added to the practice squad. After the season he was waived by MIA and acquired off waivers by NYJ. He will look for a backup role and good for depth. Gase is on the hotseat because he has already antagonized the local press as a guy who thinks he knows everything. Well, if he does worse than what Bowles did in 2018 he will be gone. Sam Darnold has to show everyone that he has improved his skills after his rookie yr. He has RB Bell to take some of the pressure off but still needs to make good decisions. New DC Greg Williams should improve the JETS DEF with his aggressive style, but Gase needs to show overall improvement in the win column for the JETS faithful or he will be gone soon. There isn’t much depth behind the D-LINE and the secondary may get burned. JETS have a tough early schedule and it will show what this team is made of or not.
PROJECTED 2018 (7-9), ACTUAL (4-12), PROJECTED 2019 (8-8)
Miami Dolphins
This team hasn’t been consistently good since Dan Marino was the QB. First order of business in the off-season was firing HC Adam Gase. New HC Brian Flores was the NE LBs coach in 2018 and had worked at NE since 2004 in various assistant coaching positions. How much of all that makes him a successful HC? I guess we will find out. MIA is certainly in a transition period and trying to rebuild from scratch. Chad O’Shea is the new OC. He was the OC at MINN in 2018 as his only OC experience. He will have his hands full. The OFF for MIA was #31 TOT OFF in 2018 with #30 PASS OFF & #18 RUSH OFF. At QB, the Ryan Tannehill 11/11 experiment is over. He was traded to TENN for draft picks. QB Brock Osweiler 7/5 was not retained. QB David Fales 0/0 was not retained and signed with DET. QB Luke Falk who was on IR most of 2018 was put on waivers and picked up NYJ. QB Josh Rosen 14/13 didn’t have a good rookie season in ARZ and was traded for draft picks. He is the backup right now. He is saying he is the next Brett Favre. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick 8/7 was not retained by TB signed with MIA. Ryan is the short term bridge QB or if Rosen beats him out for the starting job. QB Jake Rudock who has bounced around the DET system for a few years signed on as the #3 QB but may be short lived. At RB, Kenyan Drake 16/7 should see more touches now that Frank Gore is gone. RB Frank Gore 14/14 was not retained and signed with BUFF. RB Kalen Ballage 12/0 will also see more action. RB Chandler Cox who was drafted in the 7th round out of Auburn is slated to be the FB. RB Myles Gaskin who was also drafted in the 7th round out of Washington may see time on special teams. RB Kenneth Farrow has bounced around with three teams may be just looking for depth here. RB Brandon Bolden 16/0 was not retained and signed with NE. RB Senorise Perry 16/0 who usually returned kicks and played on special teams was not retained and signed with BUFF. At WR, Kenny Stills 15/15 needs to hold on to those passes. WR DeVante Parker 11/7 needs to step it up this season in a show me year. WR Albert Wilson 7/3 was on IR most of the season with a hip injury but should be ready for wk 1. WR Danny Amendola 15/15 was cut after the season and signed with DET. WR Leonte Carroo 9/0 was not retained. WR Brice Butler 8/1 who was picked up by MIA after being cut by DAL during the season could resurrect his career. WR Isaiah Ford 1/0 has had a knee injury but needs to show something to stick around. WR Jakeem Grant WR/PR/KR 10/2 can do it all. WR Ricardo Louis 0/0 was with CLEVE but signed with MIA. He needs to stay healthy to stick around. WR Allen Hurns 16/7 who was not retained by DAL signed a show me deal with MIA. He needs to resurrect his career. At TE, AJ Derby 4/0 was on IR for part of 2018 and was not retained. TE Marqueis Gray was on IR all of 2018 and not retained. TE Dwayne Allen 13/8 was with NE in 2018 but was signed by MIA after the season. He is on the PUP list due to an unspecific injury. TE Mike Gesicki 16/7 should see more passes this season with Allen injured. TE Durham Smythe 15/2 is a blocker who will battle Dwayne Allen. TE Nick O’Leary 12/7 will be battling for a roster spot. TE Clive Walford 1/1 played with NYJ but is looking for a home in MIA. The O-LINE which has been a major problem for years in MIA had a few changes in the off season as well. The O-LINE gave up 52 sacks due to many guys injured & others not stepping up in 2018, terrible. This was up from 33 sacks in 2017. But it seems that whatever the number of sacks allowed, they came at an inopportune time which made them worse. At LT, Laremy Tunsil 15/15 had his best season but can still get better. At LG, Michael Deiter who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Wisconsin is penciled in to start. He is versatile because he can play C& T. He replaces LG Josh Sitton 1/1 who retired after being on IR for most of 2018. C Daniel Kilgore 4/4 was on IR most of the season too. RG Jesse Davis 16/16 could be moving to RT depending on the need. RT Zach Sterup 6/1 will get the shot to start in camp. OT Isaiah Prince who was drafted in the 6th round out of Ohio State will be competing for that RT spot. OG Isaac Isiata 1/0 was cut after the season and signed with BUFF. OT Sam Young 12/1 wasn’t retained. LG Ted Larsen 15/13 wasn’t retained and signed with CHI. OT Ja’Wuan James 15/15 wasn’t retained and signed with DEN. C Jake Brendel 4/3 was on IR most of the season and not retained, he signed with DEN. C Wesley Johnson 10/0 was not retained and signed with SF. C Travis Swanson 12/11 retired. T Jordan Mills 16/16 wasn’t retained by BUFF & signed with MIA. RG Chris Reed 9/1 was with JAGS in 2018 but signed with MIA. He is versatile and can play anywhere on the O-LINE. T/G Michael Dunn is in camp to help with depth. The DEF has been atrocious. In 2018 MIA was #29 TOT DEF with #21 PASS DEF & #31 RUSH DEF. These numbers are all down from 2017. Matt Burke was the DC, he is out and Patrick Graham is in. He has bounced around a few teams but has never been a DC. He can only do better, we hope. The D-LINE has gone through a total transformation. Anybody considered dead weight is out and anybody with some new energy is in. It’s a new look D-LINE. Hopefully they will have better results. DE Jonathan Woodard 6/0 with 1.0 sack, hopes to fill the void left by DE Cameron Wake 14/14 with 6.0 sacks who wasn’t retained by MIA and signed with TENN. DT Davon Godchaux 16/16 with 1.0 sack filled the role as starter nicely. DT Christian Wilkins who was drafted in the 1st round out of Clemson is penciled in as the starter. DT Jordan Phillips 4/0 was waived during the season and BUFF picked him up. DE Charles Harris 11/1 with 1.0 sack needs to step it up in the starter role. DE Andre Branch 14/1 with 1.5 sacks wasn’t retained. DE William Hayes 3/0 with 2.0 sacks was on IR most of 2018 and was not retained. DE Ziggy Hood 12/0 spent 2018 with WASH & MIA but was not retained and after the season signed with NO. DE Robert Quinn 16/16 with 6.5 sacks was traded after the 2018 to DAL for a draft choice. DT Sylvester Williams 14/4 who spent 2018 with DET & MIA was not retained by MIA and signed with NO. DE Tank Carradine 1/0 was cut during the season by OAK but signed after the season by MIA. He is good for depth. DT Vincent Taylor 8/0 with 2.0 sacks was on IR for ½ of 2018 and will miss all of 2019 with a foot injury. DT Akeem Spence 16/16 with 2.0 sacks was the starter but will get big competition for the spot. DT Joey Mbu was not in uniform for 2018 but was signed for depth. DE Cameron Malveaux 9/0 with 1.0 sack was cut during the season by MIA & picked up by ARZ. DT Jamyius Pittman 3/0 spent most of his time on the practice squad in 2018 will need to show something to stick around. DT Kendrick Norton who was mainly a practice squad guy with CAR & MIA in 2018 was in a car accident and had his arm amputated. He will be paid for 2019 but his football career unfortunately is over. DT Adolphus Washington 5/0 was with BUFF & CINNCY in 2018 but was waived by CINNCY after the season and signed by MIA. He will be good for depth. DE Nate Orchard 4/0 who played for BUFF & KC in 2018 and signed with SEA after the season was cut in MAY & signed with MIA. Let’s see if he gets through training camp. At OLB, Kiko Alonso 15/15 with 3INTS is solid as team leader his three seasons in MIA. MLB Raekwon McMillan 16/16 is solid against the run. OLB Jerome Baker 16/11 with 3.0 sacks & 1INT was very promising in his rookie season. LB Stephone Anthony 16/0 wasn’t retained. LB Mike Hull 8/1 was on IR for half of 2018 and is currently on the PUP list due to a knee injury. His status for wk 1 is uncertain. LB Andrew Van Ginkel who was drafted in the 5th round out of Wisconsin has good speed and will see time in the rotation. LB Quentin Poling has been a practice squad guy for MIA but needs to show something to stick around. LB Chase Allen 5/1 was on IR most of 2018 but is good for depth. LB Tyrone Holmes didn’t get into a game in 2018 but was picked up off the LAC practice squad. He will be good for depth. LB Sam Eguavoen is a UDFA looking to make the roster. At CB, Bobby McCain 14/13 with 1INT & 2.0 sacks plays nickel and excelled when starting. CB Xavien Howard 12/12 with 7INTS led the team and is making a name for himself. CB Cordrea Tankersley 6/0 is on the PUP list recovering from a torn ACL. His timetable for return is undetermined. DB Minkah Fitzpatrick 16/11 with 2INTS is better at S than CB. CB Eric Rowe 4/2 was on IR for most of 2018 with NE but, signed a show me deal with MIA. CB/S Walt Aikens 16/1 with 1INT plays mostly special teams and gives depth to the secondary. CB Cornell Armstrong 15/0 needs to show something to stick around. CB Torry McTyer 15/4 is good for depth and sees time in the rotation. CB Jalen Davis 3/0 with 1.0 sack was signed late and worth a full look in camp. CB Jomal Wiltz is a FA looking to find a home. CB Tyler Horton was waived June 4th. At FS TJ McDonald 14/14 with 3INTS had a very good season after missing ½ of 2018 for violating the NFL substance abuse policy. SS Reshad Jones 14/13 with 3INTS can create turnovers. FS Maurice Smith 7/0 needs to show more to stick around. DB Chris Lammons is a FA looking for a depth position. The O-LINE has to do their job no matter who is playing. They need to get better in sync to see what they have offensively. There is not a lot of depth at TE and that might affect the running game. There has been a lot of shakeup with the O-LINE and not a lot of depth. This could be a problem if whoever starts don’t mesh well. It could also be a problem if there are injuries because the guys behind don’t have a lot of experience. A totally new look D-LINE with a lot of new parts. Let’s see how they play together. Not a lot of depth at S. This is a total rebuild for MIA and I don’t expect them to come out like gangbusters. They should have been 6-10 is not for that last minute win vs NE. 8-8 for MIA would be like winning the SuperBowl.
PROJECTED 2018 (7-9), ACTAUL 2018 (7-9)√, PROJECTED 2019 (6-10)
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers
PITT HC Mike Tomlin is on the hotseat. I never thought I would say that because usually things are constant in PITT and there hasn’t been a HC fired in PITT in 50 years. Mike Tomlin will have his hands full and will probably be seen scratching his head about some of the plays that will occur this season. Besides missing superstars, this team has aged and that combination could turn into Mike Tomlin’s first losing season. He has not had a losing season in twelve seasons but, this may be the first. At QB, Ben Roethlisberger will have the most weight on his shoulders because of the obvious two super stars that are gone after last season. This will put more of the burden to win on Big Ben’s shoulders. Whoever is the #2 QB for PIT whether it’s Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph or Brogan Roback may see some action sooner if Big Ben can’t rely on others to get the job done and he gets into trouble. At RB Le’Veon Bell signed with the NYJ after sitting out the whole 2018 season. The RUSH OFF in 2017 with Bell was rated #20. Without Bell in 2018 it was #31. RB James Conner 13/12 had a nice season getting adjusted as the feature RB and showed that he can also catch passes. But he’s no Bell. He will have to up his game to take the pressure off of Ben. FB Roosevelt Nix 16/0 is the blocker and you will definitely see him more utilized this season than ever before. RB Stevan Ridley 10/0 wasn’t retained but seemed to be under utilized when Conner moved into the #1 RB spot. RB Jaylen Samuels 14/3 moved to #2 which made Ridley expendable. RB Benny Snell Jr. who was drafted in the 4th round out of Kentucky may be used for short yardage and goal line situations. RB Tre Edmunds 4/0 was on the practice squad but plays mostly on special teams. At WR, Antonio Brown 15/15 was disgruntled and suspended the last game of the season. After the season he was traded to OAK. He will be missed by Big Ben as he was Big Ben’s favorite target and is destined for the Hall of Fame. Moving into his position is WR JuJu Smith-Schuster 16/13 who had a phenomenal season but has to keep doing it, now that Brown is gone. WR Donte Moncrief 16/14 who is coming off a solid rebound season at JAX was signed to be the #2 WR for PITT. Not only does he need to step up his game and stay healthy but, he needs to take some of the DEF away from Schuster. WR James Washington 14/6 had a very inconsistent rookie season but needs to step it up to be a solid #3. WR Diontae Johnson who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Toledo will be looked at to contribute in the slot. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey 14/2 was not retained. WR Justin Hunter 5/0 also wasn’t retained. WR Eli Rogers 3/3 should see more action in the rotation if he can stay on the field. WR Ryan Switzer 16/1 is the return man for punts and kickoffs but is a solid slot receiver and safety net for Big Ben. WR Johnny Holton was signed by PITT on May 13th. WR Brandon Reilly was acquired off waivers from DET on July 29th. At TE, Jesse James 16/7 signed with DET. TE Vance McDonald 15/14 had his best year and is an integral part of PITT’s OFF. TE Xavier Grimble 16/2 is more of a blocking TE but should see more passes in 2019 now that James is gone. TE Zach Gentry who was drafted in the 5th round out of Michigan was converted from QB and is still learning the position but has the size 6’8” 265 to take notice. The O-LINE does a consistently good job as they gave up 24 sacks in 2017 and 24 sacks in 2018. For the most part they work in tandem and do a great job protecting the QB and creating rushing lanes for the RBs. However, O-LINE coach Mike Munchak left PITT to take the same position with DEN. Shaun Sarrett was promoted from assistant O-LINE coach but we’ll see what happens. At LT, Alejandro Villanueva 16/16 is solid and even caught a pass for a td in 2018. LG Ramon Foster 16/16 is also solid and has been with PITT since 2009. C Maurkice Pouncey 16/16 is one of the top Centers in the league. RG David DeCastro 14/14 is solid and very good at run blocking. RT Marcus Gilbert 5/5 had injuries in 2018 and signed with ARZ. RT Matt Feiler 11/10 was secure as a backup but moved into the starting spot when Gilbert went down and now departed. RT Jerald Hawkins was out all of 2018 but, will compete for a roster spot. G/C BJ Finney 16/2 is a top reserve and can start when called upon. OT Chukwuma Okorafor 13/3 will compete for a roster spot with other Tackles. OG Zach Banner was inactive for most of the season but needs to show something to make the roster. OT Derwin Gray who was drafted in the 7th round out of Maryland may have to move to G to find a roster spot. On DEF in the secondary, LCB Joe Haden 15/15 with 2INTS is solid. CB Steve Nelson 16/16 with 4INTS was with KC in 2018 but signed a big contract with PITT to take over at RCB. He is an upgrade. CB Artie Burns 16/6 is not playing at the level expected of a 1st rounder and could be gone. CB Mike Hilton 15/2 with 1INT & 1.0 sack is the slot corner but may have competition in camp. CB Cameron Sutton 15/1 can play inside and out but also may have competition in camp. CB Justin Layne who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Michigan State adds depth as an outside corner but may be better suited for the slot. CB Brian Allen 6/0 may have to move to S to stay on the roster. CB Coty Sensabaugh 15/10 wasn’t retained with the signing of Nelson. CB Jermaine Ponder was signed by PITT August 6th. CB Trevon Mathis was signed by PITT August 8th. At FS Sean Davis 15/15 with 1 INT was at SS now at FS. SS Terrell Edmunds 16/15 with 1INT & 1 sack showed that he was very durable during his rookie campaign. SS Morgan Burnett 11/2 wasn’t quite a fit after coming over from GB and signed with CLEVE. S Marcus Allen 2/0 had an injury plagued season but should see time in the rotation and could play dime LB. FS Jordan Dangerfield 16/1 plays mostly special teams but must get better in coverages. S Nat Berhe 4/0 was on IR most of the season and wasn’t retained. The D-LINE is set up as 3-4 and all three starters on the D-LINE are returning. At DE/DT Cameron Heyward 16/16 with 8.0 sacks is solid and a leader. NT Javon Hargrave 16/14 with 6.5 sacks is in a contract year and only has gotten better and better. DE Stephon Tuitt 14/14 with 5.5 sacks should look to have a bigger year. DE Letterius Walton 4/0 signed with BUFF. DT Daniel McCullers 15/1 with 1.0 sack is great vs the run, now needs to work on his pass rushing skills. DE Tyson Alualu 15/2 is versatile at backup for DE/NT. DE Isaiah Buggs who was drafted in the 6th round out of Alabama will compete to get time in the rotation. OLB Bud Dupree 16/15 with 5.5 sacks & 1INT is in a contract year and PITT wants to see more. ILB Vince Williams 14/14 with 4.5 sacks and 1INT is solid. ILB Jon Bostic 16/14 with 2.5 sacks was cut after the season and signed with WASH. ILB Devin Bush who was drafted in the 1st round out of Michigan is slotted to play where Bostic was. OLB TJ Watt 16/16 with 13.0 sacks led PITT in sacks and seems to be everywhere on DEF. DE/LB Anthony Chickillo 16/0 with 1.5 sacks is good for depth and is hanging on. LB LJ Fort 15/2 with 1.0 sack wasn’t retained and signed with PHILLY. LB Tyler Matakevich 16/1 plays mostly on special teams and could see time in the rotation. ILB Mark Barron 12/12 with 1.0 sack was cut by LAR and signed by PITT. He will bring speed and quality depth to the core. OLB Sutton Smith who was drafted in the 6th round out of Northern Illinois needs to play excellent on special teams just to make the team. ILB Ulysees Gilbert who was drafted in the 6th round out of Akron is being looked at for sub packages. LB Robert Spillane 2/0 was with TENN but was signed by PITT for depth and a training camp body. This season HC Mike Tomlin is definitely in the hotseat to get PITT back on track and deep into the playoffs. This is the first time in his career that I actually feel that he might be let go after the season if PITT underperforms. Big Ben really has to be the leader this season with the departed superstars that greatly took pressure off of his shoulders. Big Ben may be under the gun if RB James Connor doesn’t step up to the challenge as the #1 RB. We’ll see how WR Donte Moncrief responds as the #2 and a target for Big Ben. On DEF ILB Devin Bush will make an instant impact and CB Steve Nelson will shore a PASS DEF that sometimes seemed lackadaisical. PITT is thin at S and that may burn them against some quality QBs. This team is very talented and the only way HC Mike Tomlin loses his job is if PITT finishes under .500 with what seems lost control. I think this team will make it back to the playoffs as players with PITT always seem to step up.
PROJECTED 2018 (12-4), ACTUAL 2018 (9-6-1), PROJECTED 2019 (11-5)
Baltimore Ravens
HC John Harbaugh made a big decision at QB that may come back to haunt him. Is QB Lamar Jackson an NFL QB or is it a pipe dream that will eventually cost him his job? Mart Mornhinweg is out as OC & Greg Roman is in. Roman was previously BALT TE coach. The OFF has to get going and all the tools are they but Jackson has to deliver. At QB, Lamar Jackson 16/7 has officially been given the reins to the BALT team. QB Joe Flacco 9/9 was traded to DEN after the season for a draft pick. QB Robert Griffin 3/0 is there backing up. QB Trace McSorley who was drafted in the 6th round out of Penn State will be the 3rd stringer who will watch and learn. AB Joe Callahan was signed by BALT on July 29th. At RB, Mark Ingram 12/6 was not retained by NO, where he was part of a 1-2 punch and then signed with BALT. He will certainly get a lot of work here. RB Alex Collins 10/10 had a down year after a pretty good year and was waived in March 2019. He is currently a FA. RB Ty Montgomery 13/0 who was traded from GB to BALT during the 2018 season was not retained by BALT signed a show me deal with NYJ. RB Gus Edwards 11/6 had a good rookie season and should continue to contribute. RB Kenneth Dixon 6/0 was on IR for most of 2018 gives good depth. RB Justice Hill who was drafted in the 4th round out of Oklahoma State will probably end up on special teams. RB Tyler Ervin 9/0 was cut by HOU during the season and picked up by BALT but didn’t get into a game with BALT. He was the PR with HOU but will have to work hard to stay on the roster. RB De’Lance Turner 4/0 was on IR most of the season but will see time in the rotation. At WR, Willie Snead 16/10 should be utilized more. WR Marquise Brown who was drafted in the 1st round out of Oklahoma is penciled in as a starter. WR Miles Boykin who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Notre Dame should make an instant impact. WR Seth Roberts 15/7 was not retained by OAK & signed with BALT to give depth. WR John Brown 16/15 was not retained by BALT and signed with BUFF. WR Michael Crabtree 16/16 was cut by BALT after the season is currently a FA. WR Chris Moore 16/0 should see more touches in 2019. WR Jordan Lasley was waived on July 31st by BALT and picked up by OAK on August 1st. WR Jaleel Scott was on IR all of 2018 with BALT needs to show something to stick around. WR Tim White 3/0 was mostly on the practice squad in 2018 for BALT was not retained and signed with NYJ. At TE, Mark Andrews 16/3 had a nice rookie season. TE Nick Boyle 16/13 is a good blocker as well as pass catcher. TE Hayden Hurst 12/0 should see more touches in 2019. TE Maxx Williams 13/6 wasn’t retained by BALT & signed with ARZ. The O-LINE gave up 32 sacks to two QBs in 2018. This was up from 27 sacks allowed in 2017. How will they do now that they have a little less experienced QB in Lamar Jackson as the starter? I guess we’ll see. But the O-LINE helped produce the #2 RUSH OFF in the NFL. That helps the OFF a lot. At RT Ronnie Staley 15/15 is solid and a great run blocker. LG James Hurst 10/10 may start all-together now that G Alex Lewis 10/10 is gone. G Alex Lewis was traded in July 2019 to NYJ for a conditional 2020 7th round pick. C Matt Skura 16/16 is solid in his two years. RG Marshal Yanda 16/16 is solid and signed through 2020. RT Orlando Brown 16/10 did not allow a sack all season. LT Jermaine Eluemunor 9/1 is in competition for a starting role but on July 25th was placed on the non-football injury list. LG Ben Powers who was drafted in the 4th round out of Oklahoma was an All-American and may be competing for a starting spot. C Bradley Bozeman 14/1 looked good in his rookie season, will also be competing to start. OT Greg Senat was on IR all of 2018 with BALT but should see time in the rotation in 2019. OT Darrell Williams who hasn’t played in a game since 2017 was cut by LAR in May 2019 was signed by BALT for depth. Randin Crecelius is an UDFA looking to catch on. OG Isaiah Williams was signed by BALT on July 26th. The DEF is going through a mini transformation as some of the old guard has left and new guys trying to fill the void have come aboard this off-season. In 2018 the BALT TOT DEF was #1 with #5 PASS DEF & #4 RUSH DEF. A lot of playmakers have left and BALT will probable not be as dominant on DEF. DC Don Martindale, who is in his 2nd season as BALT DC will have his hands full with new guys buying into his program. BALT has been a traditional 3-4 DEF alignment has moved to 4-3 alignment. With this change comes a learning curve. The DEF produced 12 INTS & 43 sacks. Will this DEF improve on these numbers or will they see a decrease? Also, guys who were accustomed to backup & rotation will be asked to start and up their game. Some may rise up to the challenge, others will not. DE Chris Wormley 16/6 with 1.0 sack will be competing for the position vacated by DE Brent Urban. DE Brent Urban 16/16 with 0.5 sack was not retained by BALT & signed with TENN. DT Michael Pierce 14/2 is in a big contract year and should prove worthy. NT Brandon Williams 16/16 with 1.0 sack needs to be more consistent after signing a big deal. DE Jaylon Ferguson who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Louisiana Tech is penciled in as the starter on the outside and should produce some sacks. DE Zach Sieler 2/0 was not active for most of the season but, he may get his big chance to shine with all the departures. DL Gerald Willis is a rookie UDFA from the U of Miami who BALT feels will fill a role and find time in the rotation. DT Daylon Mack who was drafted in the 5th round out of Texas A&M is also penciled in as a backup and should see time in the rotation. DE Tim Williams 7/0 with 2.0 sacks should look to make a big leap in his 3rd season. DT Willie Henry 3/0 with 1.0 sack was on IR most of 2018 but should have a big 2019. DL/FB Patrick Ricard 10/2 is versatile and plays FB as well. DE Markus Jones was waived July 29th. DT Elijah Qualls was signed by BALT August 10th. At LB, CJ Mosley 15/15 with 0.5 sack & 1 INT was not retained by BALT & signed with NYJ. LB Za’Darius Smith 16/8 with 8.5 sacks was not retained by BALT & signed with GB. LB Terrell Suggs 16/16 with 7.0 sacks was not retained by BALT & signed with ARZ. Some big names and big contributors are gone. WLB Kenny Young 16/3 with 2.5 sacks will see a bigger role now that guys are gone. MLB Patrick Onwuasor 16/12 with 5.5 sacks with 1INT has gotten better each year. SLB Matt Judon 16/8 with 7.0 sacks is in a big contract year. LB Chris Board 16/0 plays mostly on special teams but could see time in the rotation in 2019. LB Tyus Bowser 15/0 with 0.5 sack will definitely see more time in the rotation and will need to step up. LB Alvin Jones is a UDFA looking to add depth. LB Albert McClellan 13/1 was cut by BALT during the 2018 season and signed by NE. He is a currently a FA and BALT could use him. LB Nicholas Grigsby was signed by BALT July 31st. LB Matthew Thomas was cut August 2nd. At CB, Jimmy Smith 12/10 with 2INTS is solid and in a big contract year. CB Marlon Humphrey 14/8 with 2INTS has done well in his first two seasons. CB Brandon Carr 16/16 with 2INTS is solid. CB Tavon Young 15/6 with 1INT & 2.0 sacks covers the slot very well. CB Iman Marshall who was drafted in the 4th round out of USC should see time in the rotation. CB Justin Bethel 14/0 was not retained by ATL and signed with BALT. He plays a lot of special teams. CB Anthony Averett 11/0 saw time in the rotation and should see more in 2019. CB Maurice Canady 7/0 provides valuable depth. CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste was on IR all of 2018 with BALT but re-signed for 2019. CB Cyrus Jones 13/0 was waived by NE during the 2018 season and picked up by BALT. He also is the PR. CB Robertson Daniel 1/0 was cut in May 2019. CB/S Bennett Jackson who has been mostly a practice squad guy his whole career is in camp trying to add depth. At FS, Earl Thomas 4/4 with 3INTS who was injured most of the season with SEA signed with BALT. FS Eric Weddle 16/16 with 1.0 sack was not retained by BALT and signed with LAR. SS Tony Jefferson 14/14 with 1INT & 1.0 sack is solid. S DeShon Elliott was on IR all of 2018 but should see time in the rotation in 2019. S Anthony Levine 16/0 with 1INT & 1.0 sack also plays on special teams. S Brynden Trawick 16/0 was not retained by TENN and signed with BALT August 1st. He should add depth. S Chuck Clark 16/2 with 1INT also plays on special teams with Levine. This OFF has a run first mentality but Jackson needs to show that he can pass too or teams will tee off on him. He has a lot of tools around him but, he just has to make the right decisions. Don’t look for the BALT DEF to be as dominant as it has been in past years. The guys you always expected to make plays are not there anymore. Guys who were never expected to step up will be asked to do a lot more and may not be talented enough or ready. This is going to be a down year for BALT
PROJECTED 2018 (10-6), ACTUAL 2018 (10-6)√, PROJECTED 2019 (6-10)
Cleveland Browns
The 2018 season was a season that CLEVE desperately needed to make some moves. HC Hue Jackson was fired after eight games (2-5-1) & HC Greg Williams was not retained after going (5-3). Freddie Kitchens is the new HC and he has never been a HC anywhere and before 2018 had never been an OC. Todd Monken is the new OC and he was the OC for TB 2016-2018. This is definitely Baker Mayfield’s team and the team has certainly moved around a lot of players. For the first time in a long time CLEVE has high hopes of actually getting to the playoffs and improving on what they started in 2018. At QB Baker Mayfield 14/13 has this team going in the right direction. QB Tyrod Taylor 4/3 was the starter, got injured, Mayfield replaced Taylor and that was the end of Taylor’s rein in CLEVE. He signed as the backup with LAC. QB Drew Stanton who was on the roster for CLEVE in 2018 but didn’t get into a game, is the backup. CLEVE feels he has value because he is a veteran that can help Mayfield. QB Garrett Gilbert was cut by CAR in February, played in the AAF and then signed with CLEVE. He has a strong arm. At RB, Nick Chubb 16/9 had a nice rookie season and is #1 RB because RB Duke Johnson 16/2 was traded to HOU on August 8th for a draft pick. RB Dontrell Hilliard 11/0 was used more as a receiver but should get more chances now that Johnson is gone. RB Kareem Hunt 11/11 was signed to a show me deal after being cut by KC will be serving an eight game suspension before he can return to the field. FB Joe Kerridge was signed by CLEVE August 10th. At WR, Odell Beckham 12/12 was acquired from NYG on March 13th for S Jabril Peppers and draft picks. Odell started off on the wrong foot by not showing up for OTAs and criticizing his old team. WR Jarvis Landry 16/14 will have plenty to smile about when Odell is double covered and Jarvis is wide open. WR Antonio Callaway 16/11 is suspended for the first four games for substance abuse. He is ready to breakout but will have to wait until wk 5. WR Rashard Higgins 13/1 is in a big contract year and needs to show his skills. WR Damion Ratley 13/3 finds himself needing to show more to stick around a crowded field. WR Derrick Willies 5/0 was on IR part of 2018 but finds a crowded field for 2019. WR Breshad Perriman 10/2 was not retained by CLEVE & signed a show me deal with TB. WR Jaelen Strong 2/0 was with HOU & JAGS in 2018 but signed with CLEVE after the season. It looks like he will be on special teams. WR Ricardo Louis was on IR all of 2018 was waived April 1st and signed with MIA. WR Rod Streater 3/0 was placed on IR in 2018 and not retained by CLEVE. WR Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi is a UDFA looking to add depth. At TE, Darren Fells 16/11 wasn’t retained by CLEVE and signed with HOU. TE David Njoku 16/14 has become the #1 TE with Fells moving on. TE Demetrius Harris 15/3 was not retained by KC & signed with CLEVE. He will certainly find his time in the rotation with touches and blocking assignments. TE Pharaoh Brown was on IR all of 2018 with CLEVE but can stay with the team as a blocking TE. TE Orson Charles 13/2 was on IR part of the season can also play FB since no one on the roster can. However, he was waived August 11th. TE Rico Gathers was signed by CLEVE on August 11th. TE Seth Devalve 13/4 needs t show more to stick around. In 2017 the O-LINE gave up 50 sacks as CLEVE went 0-16. In 2018 the O-LINE gave up 38 sacks as the team went 7-8-1. See a trend here? There also was a better QB for most of the season in 2018 in Baker Mayfield. For CLEVE hopefully they can lower their sacks allowed. At LT Greg Robinson 16/8 must work on his holding penalties. LG Joel Bitonio 16/16 is solid. C JC Tretter 16/16 played hurt most of the year. RG Austin Corbett 11/1 has a shot to start at the position. RG Kevin Zeitler 16/16 was traded in March to the NYG for DE Olivier Vernon. RT Chris Hubbard 16/16 is a great blocker in the running set. OT Desmond Harrison 8/8 was waived June 5th. OG/C Eric Kush 15/7 was not retained by CHI and signed with CLEVE. He is versatile and can play all three positions on the inside. C Kyle Kalis 3/0 was mostly on the practice squad in 2018 but right now, August 8th, is in concussion protocol. He would be good for depth. RG Bryan Witzmann 10/7 was not retained by CHI and signed with CLEVE. He is good for depth and may see time in the rotation due to his history of starting. RT Kendall Lamm 15/13 was not retained by HOU & signed with CLEVE. Lamm may be competition with some of the starters. G Earl Watford 13/0 was not retained by CLEVE & signed with TB. OL Drew Forbes who was drafted in the 6th round out of SE Missouri State should see time in the rotation. OT Brad Seaton was on the CLEVE practice squad all of 2018 but may need to show something to stick around. C Lo Falemaka was signed by CLEVE July 22nd. OT Travis Vornkahl was signed by CLEVE August 9th. The DEF actually got worse in 2018. In 2017 when the team was 0-16, the DEF was #14 TOT DEF with #19 PASS DEF & #7 RUSH DEF, all respectable numbers. In 2018 the DEF was #30 TOT DEF with #25 PASS DEF & #28 RUSH DEF. Changes had to be made and new personnel had to be brought in. Greg Williams was the DC but now Steve Wilks who was the ARZ HC in 2018 is now the DC. Wilks has always been coaching on the DEF side of the ball. Hopefully he will make progress with this group. At DE Myles Garrett 16/16 with 13.5 sacks had a great 2nd season and should see more sacks as guys as more talent was added to the D-LINE. DT Sheldon Richardson 16/16 with 4.5 sacks wasn’t retained by MINN and signed with CLEVE. He will take some of that pressure off others. DT Larry Ogunjobi 16/16 with 5.5 sacks stops the run and plays vs the pass. DE Olivier Vernon 11/11 with 7.0 sacks was traded in March from NYG for G Kevin Zeitler. CLEVE wants Vernon to stick to the outside. DE Chris Smith 16/2 with 1.0 sack sees a lot of time in the rotation and is good for depth. DT Carl Davis 5/0 was picked up in 2018 from BALT at the beginning of the season and provides good depth on the inside. DT Trevon Coley 16/14 with 0.5 sack was a UDFA that has certainly proven himself. DE Chad Thomas 4/0 needs to show something in yr 2 to stick around. DE Emmanuel Ogbah 14/14 with 3.0 sacks was traded to KC in April for CB Eric Murray. DL Devaroe Lawrence 1/0 has been a practice squad guy but has a lot of competition in front of him. DT Brian Price 13/1 was picked up from OAK during the 2018 season but suffered a concussion August 4th and is in protocol. DE Anthony Zettel 15/0 is the main backup to Vernon. DT Brandin Bryant was signed by CLEVE August 9th. At OLB Christian Kirksey 7/7 with 2INTS had a season where he was mostly on IR but is a team leader and should be ready to lead in 2019. MLB Joe Schobert 13/13 with 3.0 sacks & 1INT is good vs the run or pass. OLB Genard Avery 16/5 with 4.5 sacks will fill in for the departed LB Jamie Collins. LB Jamie Collins 16/16 with 4.0 sacks & 1INT was cut after the season and signed with NE. OLB Sione Takitaki who was drafted in the 3rd round out of BYU has great size for the position and will see time in the rotation. MLB Mack Wilson who was drafted in the 5th round out of Alabama needs to step up his game in coverage if he wants to stick around long time. OLB Adarius Taylor 15/10 with 1.0 sack & 1INT was not retained by TB and signed with CLEVE. Currently he is in concussion protocol, August 4th, and it is unknown when he will return. LB Ray-Ray Armstrong 15/1 was acquired during the season after NYG cut him. He is competing for a back up role in a crowded field. LB D’Juan Hines 13/0 was cut in May & signed with KC. LB Tanner Vallejo 13/1 was waived after the season and signed with ARZ. LB Xavier Woodson-Luster 4/0 was cut in May and signed with HOU. LB James Burgess 3/2 was cut during the 2018 season. At CB, Denzel Ward 13/12 with 3INTS had a very nice rookie season. CB Greedy Williams who was drafted in the 2nd round out of LSU is penciled in as the starter on the other side. But even if he doesn’t start there are plenty of opportunities in the rotation. CB Terrance Mitchell 8/7 with 1INT is the starter but will have competition. CB TJ Carrie 16/8 with 1INT & 1.0 sack was on IR for part of 2018 but is a very good tackler. CB EJ Gaines 6/2 with 1INT was on IR part of 2018 and not retained by CLEVE and then signed with BUFF. CB Howard Wilson was on IR all of 2018 and was waived by CLEVE April 1st. CB Juston Burris 8/0 was acquired during the season from NYJ is good for depth. CB Phillip Gaines 11/6 was acquired off waivers during the 2018 season from BUFF mostly plays in sub packages. CB Donnie Lewis who was drafted in the 7th round from Tulane should see time in the rotation. CB Lenzy Pipkins 3/1 spent the 2018 season between INDY & DET and was added to the CLEVE practice squad late in the season. But he may need to show something to stick around. CB Tavierre Thomas 13/0 will probably stick around on special teams. CB Robert Jackson is a practice squad guy looking to add depth. At FS Damarious Randall 15/15 with 4INTS is solid. SS Morgan Burnett 11/2 was cut April 1st by PITT & signed on April 5th by CLEVE. He brings veteran leadership. S Shedrick Redwine who was drafted in the 4th round out of U of Miami will find time in the rotation. S Eric Murray 15/9 with 1INT was acquired from KC in April for DE Emmanuel Ogbah. Murray can play S or nickel. S Jabril Peppers 16/16 with 1INT was traded to NYG after the 2018 for WR Odell Beckham & draft picks. S Derrick Kindred 16/2 with 1INT was waived by CLEVE in April and then signed with INDY. S Briean Boddy-Calhoun 16/8 was not retained by CLEVE and signed with HOU. S Jermaine Whitehead 14/2 with 1.0 sack was acquired off waivers during the 2018 season from GB and is good for depth. With a new HC there will be a learning curve but that curve can’t be too big or too long for Freddie Kitchens because CLEVE almost made .500 in 2018 and the fans are expecting more. At WR, past Odell & Landry, depth is thin. TE is fine as along as everyone knows what their roles are. There are new additions to the O-LINE and they need to mesh and continue to cut down on sacks allowed and holding penalties. That is a big key to CLEVE’s success. The DEF has to do a better job on all levels. You can’t win if your DEF can’t stop anyone. It has been upgraded and overhauled and results should be imminent. CLEVE should beat some teams that they haven’t beaten in a long time if they stay the course and don’t get too excited. If they stay focused they could actually challenge for the top of the AFC NORTH if things don’t fall apart. But we’ll see.
PROJECTED 2018 (6-10), ACTUAL 2018 (7-8-1), PROJECTED 2019 (10-6)
Cincinnati Bengals
So the Marvin Lewis era is finally over in CINNCY. I said that it should have been over two seasons ago. The guy coached CINNCY for 16 seasons and never won a playoff game. No wonder CINNCY is a mess. The HC is Zac Taylor who has never been a HC in the NFL but, was an assistant coach with LAR 2017-2018 & MIA 2012-2015. Also out are OC Bill Lazor & DC Teryl Austin. In, are OC Brian Callahan & DC Lou Anarumo. Callahan has previously been an assistant coach with three other franchises & Anarumo has been an assistant coach with two other NFL franchises. At QB, Andy Dalton 11/11 is the starter but was injured part of the year. He needs to play better and be more of a team leader. Jeff Driskel 9/5 is the backup but played while Dalton was injured. QB Ryan Finley who was drafted in the 4th round out of NC State is the highest drafted CINNCY QB since Dalton. But for now he will compete for the backup position. At RB, Joe Mixon 14/13 had a breakout second season and also showed that he can catch passes out of the backfield. RB Giovani Bernard 12/4 missed four games with a knee injury but is a good backup to Mixon. RB Mark Walton 14/0 was cut in April and signed with MIA. RB Quinton Flowers was on the practice squad in 2018 needs to show something to stick around. RB Trayveon Williams who was drafted in the 6th round out of Texas A & M will be competing for time in the rotation. RB Rodney Anderson who was drafted in the 6th round out of Oklahoma will be battling Williams for that roster spot. RB/HB Tra Carson 2/0 was cut during the season and picked up by GB. At WR, AJ Green 9/9 missed seven games in 2018 due to injuries. He is the #1 receiver and entering a contract year. Now Green tore ligaments in his ankle and is expected to miss at least week 1 and maybe even more. Not good in a contract year. WR Tyler Boyd 14/14 was able to draw coverage away from Green, not now with Green out. WR John Ross 13/10 needs to show why he was a 1st round pick. WR Josh Malone 9/0 didn’t play as much as in 2017 and needs to show more to stick around. WR Cody Core 14/3 needs to show more to stick around. WR Alex Erickson 16/6 does the PR/KR and looking to break into the OFF. WR Auden Tate 7/0 was mostly on the practice squad but needs to show more. WR Kermit Whitfield was on the practice squad but also needs to show more to stick around. He was waived July 25th. WR Hunter Sharp was on the practice squad with BUFF & CINNCY in 2018 but is another body who needs to show more to stick around. AT TE, Tyler Eifert 4/2 is recovering from surgery to repair a broken right ankle and his timetable is unknown. He has missed a lot of games but is on a one year deal. TE CJ Uzomah 16/15 had himself a breakout year while others were injured. TE Drew Sample who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Washington is a great run blocker and could catch passes too. TE Cethan Carter was on IR all of 2018 plays mostly on special teams but is good for depth. TE Tyler Kroft 5/2 was out most of the season on IR and wasn’t retained by CINNCY. He signed with BUFF. TE Mason Schreck 6/0 was on IR most of 2018 but needs to show something to stick around. HB Jordan Franks 6/0 was activated off the practice squad late but plays mostly on special teams. TE Moritz Bohringer was on the practice squad but needs to show something to stick around. The O-LINE has given up 40 sacks in 2017 & then 37 combined sacks in 2018. These are not great numbers but, they can be improved upon. At LT Cordy Glenn 13/13 wasn’t as productive as his years in BUFF. He needs to step it up. OG John Jerry was signed by CINNCY on June 10th. LG Clint Boling 16/16 is in a contract year and needs to do extremely well. He retired July 16th. C Billy Price 10/10 had a foot injury that caused him to miss six games. He should look to bounce back strong in 2019. RG Alex Redmond 15/15 needs to play better but will start 2019 with a four game suspension for PEDs. RT Jonah Williams who was drafted in the 1st round out of Alabama is penciled in as the starter. RT Jake Fisher 11/1 was on IR for part of the year and then signed with BUFF. C/G Michael Jordan who was drafted in the 4th round out of Ohio State should see a lot of time in the rotation. LT Cedric Ogbuehi 2/0 was not retained and signed with JAGS. OT Andre Smith 3/0 who was picked up late in the season after ARZ cut him, was not retained. He was re-signed July 25th. OG Christian Westerman 14/0 is good for depth. OG Bobby Hart 16/16 has to cut down on penalties. OG John Miller 15/15 was not retained by BUFF and signed with CINNCY. He will be competing heavily for a starting spot. C/G Tre Hopkins 16/9 has found a home as a valuable reserve. T Kent Perkins has been on the practice squad but may need to show something to stick around. He was waived on August 13th. C Brad Lundblade probably will end up on the practice squad. The DEF in 2018 was #32 TOT DEF. You can’t get much worse than that. Improvements needed to be made and some guys needed to be moved. The DEF runs a 4-3 alignment but all parts need to play better. The D-LINE dropped in production in 2018 and part of the reason was that DE Carl Lawson had an ACL tear and others did not step up. With everyone back healthy in 2019, they should be better in the production category. At DE, Carl Lawson 7/0 with 1.0 sack was out most of the season but we’ll see if he is ready wk 1. DE Carlos Dunlap 16/16 with 8.0 sacks started out strong then tailed off. NT Andrew Billings 16/16 with 2.5 sacks was the full starter and getting better. DT Geno Atkins 16/16 with 10.0 sacks is solid. DE Jordan Willis 16/1 with 1.0 sack is reliable for depth. DE Sam Hubbard 16/0 with 6.0 sacks had a nice rookie season and saw action in the nickel. DT Josh Tupou 6/0 was on the practice squad and IR but is good for depth. DT Ryan Glasgow 3/0 suffered an ACL tear in wk 3 and went on IR. DE Kerry Wynn 14/5 with 1.5 sacks was with NYG in 2018 and signed a show me deal with CINNCY. DT Renell Wren who was drafted in the 4th round out of Arizona State should look to find time in the rotation. DE Michael Johnson 15/15 with 0.5 sack & 1INT wasn’t retained. DT Andrew Brown was on the practice squad all of 2018 and may have to show something to stick around. DE Kasim Edebali 1/0 was signed late in 2018 but not retained. DT Adolphus Washington 4/0 with 1.0 sack was waived after the season and signed by MIA. DT Christian Ringo 5/0 who was picked up during the season from DAL may be good for depth. NT Niles Scott 6/0 also is good for depth. He is on IR as of August 8th. DE Immanuel Turner was signed July 26th. The LB Crew was definitely a weak spot on the DEF in 2018. It was picked apart on a regular basis and some changes had to be made. At WLB Jordan Evans 14/5 with 1.5 sacks & 1INT needs to play better to be effective. MLB Preston Brown 7/7 with 2INTS was on IR for most of the season but should be ready to explode. SLB Nick Vigil 11/10 has been limited by injuries in his two seasons, he needs to stay healthy. LB Vontaze Burfict 7/7 was suspended & injured part of the season and was not retained by CINNCY. He signed a show me contract with OAK. LB Vincent Rey 16/2 was not retained. OLB Malik Jefferson 12/0 was mostly on special teams. He was limited due to a foot injury but should get a chance in the rotation. LB Hardy Nickerson 16/7 contributes on special teams but needs to up his game to see time in the rotation. OLB Germaine Pratt who was drafted in the 3rd round out of NC State is expected to see time in the rotation and possibly compete for a starting spot. LB Deshaun Davis who was drafted in the 6th round out of Auburn could also see time in the rotation or end up on the practice squad. LB Brandon Bell 6/0 was on the practice squad for most of the season saw most of his time on special teams. LB Chris Worley 2/0 was on the practice squad for most of the year, saw time on special teams. He may have to show something to stick around. He was waived on July 30th. The secondary was torched in 2018, PASS DEF was #32 in 2018, down from #8 in 2017. At CB Dre Kirkpatrick 13/13 was targeted a lot and didn’t come through. He needs to step his game up or he could be gone. CB William Jackson 16/16 has become the shutdown corner that teams avoid. CB BW Webb 16/13 with 1INT & 1.0 sack was with NYG but was not retained and signed with CINNCY. He has bounced around the league but brings veteran leadership. CB Darqueze Dennard 13/9 usually plays nickel and is in a show me year. CB Keivarae Russell 7/1 spent part of 2018 on the practice squad, brings depth to the secondary and special teams. CB/S Davontae Harris 3/0 was on IR for most of the season but can play either position. CB Jordan Brown who was drafted in the 7th round out of South Dakota State will probably end up on special teams. CB Tony McRae 12/1 found time in the rotation but ended up on special teams. CB Darius Phillips 15/1 is good for depth. CB Tony Lippett was signed by CINNCY on July 30th. At FS, Jessie Bates 16/16 with 3INTS had a great rookie season. SS Shawn Williams 16/16 with 5INTS & 1.0 sack led the team in INTS. FS Clayton Fejedelem 16/1 plays mostly on special teams but is good for depth. SS Brandon Wilson 16/0 also plays mostly on special teams. FS Demetrious Cox was on the practice squad in 2018, needs to show something to stick around. S Trayvon Henderson was on IR all of 2018 with a torn ACL, he would be good for depth. CINNCY is starting with a lot of new coaches and some of them are in a learning curve. That means they will make mistakes. QB Andy Dalton needs to make better decisions and be more of a leader on the OFF. Don’t always look for WR AJ Green. He needs to get other receivers to step up. The RBs should take some pressure off of Dalton. The O-LINE needs to do a better job at protecting their QBs. The DEF as a whole needs to do a better job. The D-LINE needs to step it up and so do the LBs. Not much depth at S which is not a good thing in case someone goes down. CINNCY is rebuilding but is much more talented on paper. They won’t make the playoffs but should be respectable.
PROJECTED 2018 (8-8), ACTUAL 2018 (6-10), PROJECTED 2019 (8-8)
AFC SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars
I guess staying good is harder than getting good. In 2018, I commended the JAGS for getting to the AFC Championship game very quickly under VP Tom Coughlin & HC Doug Marrone. But I said it will be tough to stay there, and I was right. 2018 was a meltdown for JAX and they finished the season 5-11. Coughlin vowed to get this team back on track. The roster has been changed in every area of the team. At OC, John DeFilippo is in and Nathaniel Hackett is out. John was Foles QB coach when PHILLY won the SuperBowl in 2017. John was also the unsuccessful OC at MINN in 2018. Dom Capers was brought in as senior defensive assistant to give the DEF another set of eyes. At QB, the Blake Bortles 13/12 era is over. They released him after the season. He signed with the LAR. QB Nick Foles 5/5 who played for PHILLY the last two seasons, winning the SuperBowl & SB MVP in 2017, signed a nice contract with JAGS. He has been a perennial backup most of his career and now he gets big money to be the starter. There are questions as to how his playing over a whole season will sustain itself but, JAGS took the chance. QB Cody Kessler 5/4 who was the backup, was cut. QB Gardner Minshew who was drafted in the 6th round out of Washington State is projected to be the backup at this point unless JAGS get some proven veteran to sign. QB Tanner Lee was on the practice squad all of 2018 but was promoted to the team for the last game of the season. If a veteran is signed, he probably will be released. At RB, Leonard Fournette 8/8 was injured for seven games and suspended for one game. He has a lot of talent and he takes a lot of pressure off of whoever is the QB but he needs to stay healthy and get his head back in the game. RB TJ Yeldon 14/5 was not retained and signed with BUFF. Yeldon was a disappointment but played well only as a backup. RB Alfred Blue 16/2 who was the reliable backup in HOU and can catch passes was not retained by HOU and signed with JAGS. RB Corey Grant 5/1 was on IR most of the season wasn’t retained. RB Brandon Wilds 3/0 was cut during the season by JAGS and was picked up by ARZ. FB Tommy Bohanon 16/6 was a very good blocker but, was released. RB Benny Cunningham 15/0 was not resigned by CHI but was signed by JAGS. He is competing with Blue for backup time. He was released August 11th. RB Thomas Rawls 1/0 played one game for CINNCY in 2018 and was cut. He signed on with JAGS looking to resurrect his career. RB Ryquell Armstead who was drafted in the 5th round out of Temple will try to break into the rotation somewhere but might end up playing on special teams. RB Carlos Hyde 8/2 was traded for during the season from CLEVE after Fournette went down but, was cut after the season. RB David Williams 6/0 was signed mid season and cut after the season. RB Taj McGowan was signed by JAGS June 5th. RB Devante Mays signed with JAGS on July 31st. RB Roc Thomas was signed by JAGS on August 4th. He is currently on IR. Right now JAGS don’t have a FB. Receivers for JAGS dropped 32 passes in 2018 which led the league. I’m sure GM Tom Coughlin was doing a lot of head shaking because he is a fundamentals guy and can’t stand drops. Anyway, that has to change for JAGS to be successful. At WR, Marqise Lee was out on IR all of 2018 with a torn ACL suffered in pre season will try to rebound. WR Donte Moncrief 16/14 was not retained and signed with PITT. WR Chris Conley 16/13 rebounded from a ruptured Achilles in 2017, bounced back to catch 32 passes with KC in 2018, was not retained by KC and signed with JAX. Look for him to be the slot receiver. WR Dede Westbrook 16/9 had a nice year with the absence of Lee and also returns punts. WR DJ Chark 11/0 needs to show more to see more time in the rotation. WR Keelan Cole 16/11 was inconsistent and needs to show more to see more action. WR CJ Board has bounced around practice squads but needs to show something in training camp to stick around. WR Rashad Greene 8/1 wasn’t retained and has yet to sign with another team. WR Jaydon Mickens 6/0 was on IR most of the season and wasn’t retained. WR Terrelle Pryor was signed by JAGS June 3rd. WR Tre McBride was signed by the JAGS June 13th. WR Quadree Henderson signed with JAGS August 9th. At TE, Austin Seferian-Jenkins 5/5 ended up on IR in OCT after having a breakout 2017 with NYJ and signing with JAGS for 2018. He then was not retained and signed with NE and then cut. TE Ben Koyack 7/2 saw action later in the season after Jenkins went down but was used more for blocking and needs to show something to stick around. TE Blake Bell 10/4 was signed in Oct by JAGS after being cut by MINN and then signed with KC after the season. TE Geoff Swaim 9/9 was with DAL and signed with JAGS. He’s more of a blocker than a catcher and should help the running game tremendously. TE Josh Oliver who was drafted in the 3rd round out of San Jose State will be looked upon to catch passes more than blocking. TE James O’Shaughnessy 14/9 will have to show more to stay on the roster. TE Niles Paul 6/1 was cut in Dec. TE David Grinnage 4/2 was cut in Nov. TE Charles Jones was signed by JAGS May 12th. TE Donnie Ernsberger was signed by JAGS on August 1st. TE Carson Meier was signed by JAGS August 10th. TE Ethan Wolf was signed by JAGS August 11th. The O-LINE saw a complete breakdown in 2018 giving up 53 sacks as compared to 24 sacks allowed in 2017. Plus, there were multiple injuries to every position except RG. The OFF went from #6 to #27 in 2018 and the injuries to the O-LINE had something to do with it. At LT Cam Robinson 3/2 had a torn ACL and was limited but he will be available wk 1. OT Josh Wells 7/5 had an injury plagued season but is a solid backup. LG Andrew Norwell 11/11 missed the last five games with an injury. C Brandon Linder 9/9 was on IR 2nd half of the season. C/G Tyler Shatley 16/7 filled in nicely for Linder when he was injured. RG AJ Cann 15/15 is solid at the position and only starting lineman not on IR at some point in 2018. OG Chris Reed 9/1 was not retained and signed with MIA. OT Corey Robinson 3/1 was picked up after being cut by CAR during the season but was not retained. G/T Josh Walker 5/4 also wasn’t retained. OT Ereck Flowers 8/7 was picked up during the season after being cut by NYG but was not retained and signed with WASH. LG Patrick Omameh 7/5 was picked up mid season after also being cut by NYG and was not retained. RT Jeremy Parnell 13/13 was cut after the season by JAGS. OT Will Richardson was on IR for most of 2018 but is being counted on to add depth to the O-LINE. OT Jawaan Taylor who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Florida is penciled in to start at RT. OT Cedric Ogbuehi 2/0 played with CINNCY but was signed for depth. OT Leonard Wester 16/1 was with TB but was signed for depth. OLS Ben Ijalana & Ka’John Arnstrong wer both signed by JAGS on August 11th. On DEF in the secondary CB Jalen Ramsey 16/16 with 3INTS is solid. CB AJ Bouye 13/13 with 1INT needs to regain some of that focus he had in 2017. CB DJ Hayden 10/6 with 1INT & 1.0 sack missed six games with a toe injury but also plays nickel back. CB Tyler Patmon 12/2 was not retained. CB Quenton Meeks 8/1 started the year on the practice squad but helped out with depth. CB Breon Borders 1/0 was on the practice squad with HOU then picked up and activated late in 2018 by JAGS. He needs to show something to stick around. CB Tre Herndon 11/0 plays mostly on special teams and is good for depth. DB Josh Robinson signed with JAGS July 25th. At FS Tashaun Gipson 16/16 with 1INT was cut and signed with HOU. SS Barry Church 11/11 with 1INT & 1.0 sack was cut during the season by JAGS. S Cody Davis 16/0 plays mostly on special teams and is good for depth. S CJ Reavis 4/0 started on the practice squad and ended up playing in four games. He is good for depth. FS Jarrod Wilson 16/2 looks to take over where Gipson was. SS Ronnie Harrison 14/8 with 1INT & 1.0 sack started games in 2018 and is penciled in as the starter for 2019. On the D-LINE DE Yannick Ngakoue 16/16 with 9.5 sacks wasn’t as dominant as in 2017. He should pick up the pace in 2019. DE Dante Fowler 7/0 was suspended and then traded by JAX to LAR at the end of Oct. DT Malik Jackson 16/10 with 3.5 sacks was cut after the season and signed with PHILLY. DT/NT Marcell Dareus 15/15 with 1.0 sack should help with defending the passing game. DT Taven Bryan 16/1 with 1.0 sack will be in competition for the starting spot. DT/NT Abry Jones 15/6 with 1.0 sack was solid in 2017 but saw backup role in 2018. He may challenge Bryan for that starting DT spot. DE Calais Campbell 16/16 with 10.5 sacks is the team leader on the D-LINE and has had two solid seasons with JAGS. DE Dawuane Smoot 8/0 needs to show something for him to stick around. DE Josh Allen who was drafted in the 1st round out of Kentucky is expected to help out on the pass rush. DT Eli Ankou 2/0 played on special teams and needs to show something to stay for depth purposes. DT Michael Hughes will fight for a roster spot after being on IR all of 2018. DL Lyndon Johnson 3/0 played in the last three games after being promoted from the practice squad. He needs to show something in training camp to stick around. He was released June 3rd and re-signed July 23rd. DL Datone Jones was signed by JAGS June 4th. DL Kalani Vakameilalo was signed by JAGS June 13th. DE Lerentee McCray plays mostly special teams but is good for depth. DT Dontavius Russell who was drafted in the 7th round out of Auburn is probably looking at practice squad status. The LB crew is in a bit of a flux because WLB Telvin Smith 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack is holding out due to personal reasons. MLB Myles Jack 16/16 with 2.5 sacks & 1INT was second in tackles. LB Blair Brown 15/0 was cut after the season. LB Jake Ryan was out all of 2018 with a torn ACL in GB and then was signed by JAGS but, it is unclear if he will be ready for wk 1. OLB Leon Jacobs 12/3 ended the season on IR. LB Donald Payne 8/0 was cut after the season. LB Quincy Williams who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Murray State needs to show something to see time in the rotation. However, he will miss 4-6 weeks with meniscus damage to his right knee sustained August 1st. LB Najee Goode 16/0 with 1INT was with INDY but was signed by JAGS for depth. LB DJ Alexander 12/0 was with PHILLY but was also signed by JAGS for depth. LB Ramik Wilson 16/4 with LAR & LB James Onwualu 5/0 with SF were also signed to compete for depth. As of August 5th, LB James Onwualu will be out for 2019 with a knee injury. LB Nick DeLuca 9/2 with 1.0 sack was cut after the season. LB Davis Tull was signed by JAGS August 9th. How QB Nick Foles plays over a whole season is a big question mark. Will he welter or rise to the challenge? Will RB Leonard Fournette return back to his rookie form? That would take a lot of pressure off of Foles. The receivers core is thin and not as talented as what Foles had in PHILLY. We will see the real leadership skills come out here. The O-LINE must stay healthy and retain what they accomplished in 2017 if the OFF is to get going. JAGS are mighty thin at S. This could be a problem as the season wears on. The D-LINE is thin when it comes to depth and experience. The starters need to stay healthy otherwise JAGS are in trouble. JAGS brought a lot of LBS in for depth and someone to start for WLB Telvin Smith if he sits 2019. Hopefully whatever LBs stay, they can contribute in a big way or otherwise they will be shredded. This team needs to rebound in a big way or otherwise Coughlin will tear it down and rebuild. They should compete.
PROJECTED 2018 (12-4), ACTUAL 2018 (5-11), PROJECTED 2019 (10-6)
Indianapolis Colts
I would say that INDY HC Frank Reich did a pretty good job in his 1st yr as HC. If you remember, this a position that NE OC Josh McDaniels had originally accepted and then backed out of. I think Reich did a better job than McDaniels would have done. Anyway, INDY beat HOU in the playoffs then were beat up by KC. INDY has been known to get to the playoffs under QB Andrew Luck but not the ultimate destination, the SuperBowl. Frank Reich’s mission is to get INDY to the SuperBowl, something that his predecessor, Chuck Pagano couldn’t do. At QB, Andrew Luck 16/16 seems to have fully recovered from his shoulder issues that kept him out all of 2018. He still has the gunslinger mentality but, putting some better pieces around him won’t make him feel like he has to do it alone. However, now he has a high ankle issue, August 12th. This could be a problem going forward. QB Jacoby Brissett 4/0 is the backup and had 2018 to prove himself but, right now could be used as bait in a trade. QB Chad Kelly 1/0 who was cut by DEN, signed with INDY. He will sit out the first two games due to a personal conduct suspension. This may be his last chance in the NFL. At RB, Marlon Mack 12/10 picked up his game after Frank Gore departed. RB Nyheim Hines 16/4 is a reliable pass catcher. RB Spencer Ware 13/2 was on KC and signed with IDY after the season. He is on the PUP list, August 2nd, with a muscle injury and his timetable for return is uncertain. RB Jordan Wilkins 16/3 proved reliable as a rusher, receiver and a blocker in his rookie season. RB Jonathan Williams 3/0 played with NO and was cut but picked up late by INDY but didn’t play. He needs to show something to stick around. RB Robert Turbin 2/0 was cut late in the season. RB D’Onta Foreman was claimed off waivers on August 5th from HOU. FB Keith Ford was just release by BUFF & signed on July 29th by INDY. This will help the running game. However, he was released August 5th. At WR, TY Hilton 14/14 is INDY’s #1 receiver. WR Devin Funchess 14/12 was with CAR for his four seasons but signed a show me deal with INDY. WR Chester Rogers 16/10 had a breakout year as a reserve and also returns punts. WR Parris Campbell who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Ohio State was a slot receiver in college but will see a lot of time in the rotation. WR Ryan Grant 14/10 was on a show me deal with INDY, then signed with OAK after the season. WR Dontrelle Inman 9/4 was signed late in the season but not retained after the season. He signed with NE. WR Deon Cain was on IR all of 2018 with a torn ACL but should be ready for wk 1. He should see time in the rotation. WR Daurice Fountain 1/0 was activated late from the practice squad and is currently on the non-football injury list. WR Krishawn Hogan didn’t see action in 2018 but needs to show something to stick around. WR Steve Ishmael was on the practice squad in 2018 also needs to show something to stick around. He’s on IR as of August 7th. WR Marcus Johnson 5/0 was on IR most of 2018 but is ready for 2019. WR Zach Pascal 16/4 also handles the kick returns. WR Jordan Veasy is a FA looking to add depth. WR Roger Lewis who didn’t play in 2018 and was recently cut by TENN signed with INDY on July 30th. At TE, Eric Ebron 16/8 had a turnaround season with INDY after he was cut by DET. TE Jack Doyle 6/6 was on IR most of the season and is recovering from kidney surgery and hip surgery. TE Mo Alie-Cox 9/1 is a reserve but excels at blocking. TE Billy Brown is an UDFA just trying to make the team. TE Ryan Hewitt 12/2 wasn’t retained and signed with TENN. TE Eric Swoope 7/2 was added to the practice squad late in the season. He was not retained and signed with OAK. TE Ross Travis was on IR all of 2018 but will be there for depth. TE Gabe Holmes was on ARZ practice squad and was not retained. He signed with INDY but needs to show something to stick around. The O-LINE which for years had major problems with protection issues seemed to finally come together and allowed only 18 sacks all season. In 2017 the O-LINE gave up a whopping 56 sacks. Yes, this gives a QB a lot of time and options when he is not being pressured. At LT Anthony Castonzo 11/11 is solid and is entering a contract year. At LG Quenton Nelson 16/16 had a fantastic rookie year as ALL-PRO. C Ryan Kelly 12/12 missed some games because of a knee injury but is signed through 2020. RG Mark Glowinski 11/9 did well when thrown in as a starter. He is penciled in at the position for 2019. RT Braden Smith 15/13 was a nice surprise at the position in his rookie year. G Matt Slauson 5/5 was on IR most of the season and then retired after the season. RT Denzelle Good 2/1 was waived during the season and picked up by OAK. LT Le’Raven Clark 12/4 is good for depth and will be used as a reserve. OT/G Jack Haeg 8/6 was on IR part of the season but is a versatile backup. C Evan Boehm 11/4 is good in a reserve role. C Javon Patterson who was drafted in the 7th round out of Ole Miss played G in college but will get a look at C. OT Jackson Barton who was drafted in the 6th round out of Utah may end up on the practice squad. G/C Josh Andrews 3/0 was signed late in the season and will see time in the rotation as a backup. OT William Poehls has been inactive since 2014 but could make the team in a depth situation but has been recently cut. OT J’Marcus Webb 1/1 was on IR most of 2018 but should see time as a reserve. OT De’Ondre Wesley was a practice squad guy not retained and then signed by BUFF. OT Antonio Garcia is a practice squad guy but has been issued a four game suspension for PEDs if he makes the active roster. G Nate Theaker signed with INDY August 10th. The DEF for INDY played a lot better in 2018 than in 2017. They went from #30 TOT DEF in 2017 to #11 TOT DEF in 2018. DC Matt Eberflus has made some nice adjustments. The DEF recorded 38 sacks in 2018 up from 25 sacks in 2017. Seven out of the ten draft picks in 2019 were on DEF. On the D-LINE DE Jabaal Sheard 16/16 with 5.5 sacks will miss some time with a knee injury. NT/DE Margus Hunt 15/15 with 5.0 sacks had a nice show me year and was re-signed. DT Denico Autry 12/11 with 9.0 sacks had a big year after coming over from OAK. DE Justin Houston 12/12 with 9.0 sacks & 1INT was not retained by KC and signed a two year deal with INDY. DE Geneo Grissom who was cut by NE and picked up by INDY was not retained and signed with NO. DT Hassan Ridgeway 5/0 was traded to PHILLY after the season for a draft pick. NT Al Woods 14/8 was not retained by INDY and signed with SEA. DE Kemoko Turay 14/3 with 4.0 sacks showed some nice pass rushing skills, just needs to keep it up. NT Grover Stewart 15/1 is good at reserve and sees plenty of action in the rotation. DE/NT Tyquan Lewis 8/6 with 2.0 sacks will see more time in the rotation in 2019 after being on IR part of 2018. DE Gerri Green who was drafted in the 6th round out of Mississippi State will probably end up on special teams. DT Caraun Reid who was with DAL in 2018 and not retained, signed for a 2nd time with INDY. He brings depth. DE Al-Quadin Muhammad 15/4 should see more time in the rotation. DE Carroll Phillips 6/0 was on IR for most of 2018, needs to show more to stick around. DE Jihad Ward 6/0 with 3.0 sacks then missed the rest of the season with an ankle injury. DE Dadi Nicholas signed with INDY August 2nd. At OLB Matthew Adams 16/5 is penciled in as the starter after making great strides as a 7th round pick. MLB Anthony Walker 15/14 with 1.0 sack & 1INT will have some competition for the starting position. OLB Darius Leonard 15/15 with 7.0 sacks & 2INT is solid all around. LB Ben Banogu who was drafted in the 2nd round out of TCU will get a look as a pass rusher. LB Bobby Okereke who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Stanford will get shots at fitting into the rotation. LB EJ Speed who was drafted in the 5th round out of Tarelton State will also get a look at to fit into the rotation. LB Ahmad Thomas 2/1 was activated late off the practice squad but needs to show something with the crowded troupes. LB Najee Goode 16/0 with 1INT was not retained and signed with JAGS. LB Zaire Franklin 16/2 is another 7th rounder who found his way into the rotation. OLB Skai Moore 9/1 was activated late from the practice squad spent time mostly on special teams. LB Drew Lewis signed with INDY July 30th. In the secondary, CB Pierre Desir 16/12 with 1INT played well as a starter and will continue to do so. CB Rock Ya-Sin who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Temple is penciled in as the starter. CB Quincy Wilson 13/5 with 1INT has his moments but, has to do better. CB Kenny Moore 15/15 with 3INTS & 1.5 sacks plays had a big year playing the slot. CB Marvell Tell who was drafted in the 5th round out of USC played S in college but like this guy at CB. CB Jalen Collins hasn’t played in a game since 2016 and is currently on the practice squad. He may need to show something to stick around. CB Nate Hairston 13/7 needs to show more to get more starts. CB Chris Milton 15/0 is great for depth. CB Isiah Langley signed with INDY on August 11th. At FS, Malik Hooker 14/14 with 2INTS but INDY is expecting a bigger year out of him. SS Clayton Geathers 12/12 is in a show me year. S George Odum 16/2 with 1INT needs to play better in coverage. S Matthias Farley 5/1 with 1INT missed eleven games with injuries in 2018, looking to bounce back. S Mike Mitchell 8/4 with 1INT wasn’t retained. S Corey Moore 15/0 wasn’t retained. S JJ Wilcox 2/0 was picked up during the season but was not retained and signed with ATL. S Derrick Kindred 16/2 with 1INT was waived by CLEVE and signed with INDY. S Khari Willis who was drafted in the 4th round out of Michigan State should find time in the rotation. S Roland Milligan has spent time on two practice squads will probably end up there again. This team is better built than under HC Pagano. However, there is not much depth at RB & WR. The O-LINE went from one of the worst to one of the best. This gave Luck & CO time to operate. Hopefully it will continue. The DEF also went from one of the worst to one of the better. With the added DEF draft selections INDY will have their choice on who ends up on the field. Plus, they have depth. However, there is not a lot of depth at CB & S. They will challenge for the top of the AFC SOUTH.
UPDATE: Since QB Andrew Luck has announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday August 24th, 2019 effective immediately and Jacoby Brissett will now be rushed into the starting position, I am changing my projection for 2019.
PROJECTED 2018 (5-11), ACTUAL 2018 (10-6), ORIGINALLY PROJECTED 2019 (11-5), NOW (7-9)
Houston Texans
HOU HC Bill O’Brien is definitely on the hotseat. I said it last year but, this year, HOU has to go deeper in the playoffs or O’Brien is gone. He is 1-3 in the playoffs and his only win was vs a QB-less OAK team back in 2016. Another 1and done will not cut it. He has a very talented team on both sides of the ball and he has to get them to play better and go deeper in the playoffs. At OC, Tim Kelly was promoted from TE coach but O’Brien is the main signal caller on OFF and Tim will probably contribute when necessary. O’Brien has to be more aggressive on OFF than his usual conservative approach. No one would blame him if he took some more chances on OFF. Also, GM Brian Gaine was relieved of his duties on June 7th, 2019. The timing of the dismissal was not great but the fact that the OFF side of the ball was not addressed in the off-season may have had something to do with it. At QB, Deshaun Watson 16/16 had a nice season after coming back from a torn ACL that limited his rookie year to just six games. Watson is very mobile and rushed 99x for 551 yds in 2018. However, it seemed like he was always under pressure because he was sacked a whopping 62x. That’s a recipe for disaster. A.J. McCarron 2/0 was signed as the experienced backup QB just as an insurance policy. Hopefully HOU will not need to use him. QB Jordan Ta’amu was signed by HOU on August 7th. At RB, Lamar Miller 14/14 is in a contract year so we should see some great numbers from him in 2019. He plays a lot of downs but is durable. RB D’Onta Foreman 1/0 was on IR most of the season due to slow recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. He should be healthy and ready to go and give HOU that 1-2 punch. However, HOU decided to go in an opposite direction and waived him August 4th. RB Duke Johnson was traded from CLEVE to HOU on August 8th for a draft pick. He will serve as the main backup to RB Lamar Miller. Durable RB Alfred Blue 16/2 signed with JAX. FB Cullen Gillaspia who was drafted in the 7th round out of Texas A&M will play mostly on special teams but will try to show what he can do blocking in the backfield for Miller & Foreman. RB Taiwan Jones 6/0 was on IR most of the 2018 season and then signed with HOU. He should see some chances because of Foreman being let go. At WR, DeAndre Hopkins 16/16 seems to be the only reliable receiver HOU has. He earned his second ALL-PRO selection in 2018. He is definitely #1 option for Watson. WR Will Fuller 7/7 tore his ACL but should be ready. He can be the very dangerous #2 receiver on HOU if he stays healthy. He takes some of the attention away from Hopkins with his sure hands. WR DeAndre Carter 7/3 was picked up from PHILLY mid season but returns mostly punts and kickoffs. He plays slot receiver when he is on the OFF. WR Keke Coutee 6/2 plays slot receiver but had hamstring problems that limited him in 2018. WR Steven Mitchell 1/0 was on the practice squad for most of 2018 but needs to show something to make it out of camp. WR Vyncint Smith 7/1 was an undrafted rookie and made the most of his opportunities. He needs to step it up in training camp to stick around. WR Demaryius Thomas 7/7 who was traded for mid season after Fuller went down, was cut in February and then signed by NE. WR Floyd Allen was signed by HOU May 20th. WR Chad Henson was climed by HOU off waivers from NO on July 26th. WR Core is thin. At TE, Ryan Griffin 14/11 was cut in May. TEs Jordan Akins 16/6 & Jordan Thomas 16/10 will both be working hard to secure that starting position. TE Darren Fells 16/11 was signed from CLEVE as a blocking TE. TE Kahale Warring who was drafted in the 3rd round out of San Diego State will try to make the roster any way he can. The O-LINE is the worst in the NFL. 62 sacks, seriously? LT Matt Kalil who missed all of 2018 with knee surgery at CAR was signed in March by HOU to shore up the left side of the O-LINE. However, at the moment he is still recuperating and may not be ready for the start of the season. LT Julie’n Davenport 16/15 has to cut down on penalties and protect that side better. OT Kendall Lamm 15/13 signed with CLEVE. LG Martinas Rankin 16/4 was a backup his rookie yr but is slotted to start at the LG position. OT Tytus Howard who was drafted in the 1st round out of Alabama State is being groomed for the LT position. OT Max Sharping who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Northern Illinois is being groomed for the RT position. LG Senio Kelemente 15/14 was the starter at the position but will have plenty of competition this season. C Nick Martin 16/16 is reliable and a great blocker. C/G Greg Mancz 16/4 is a valuable reserve and can play multiple positions. RG Zach Fulton 13/13 needs to stay healthy after coming over from KC. RT Seantrel Henderson 1/1 spent most of the 2018 season with a broken ankle and will look to rebound in 2019. There is not that much depth on this O-LINE and they are certainly not the most talented bunch. This was not addressed in the off-season whether through FA or the draft. In the secondary, CB Kareem Jackson 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sacks signed with DEN. He is an excellent tackler and had been with HOU since 2010. CB Bradley Roby 15/15 with 1INT takes Jackson’s spot on a 1year deal from DEN. CB Johnathan Joseph 14/14 with 2INTS is getting up there and may have competition for the starting spot. He will get that competition from CB Lonnie Johnson who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Kentucky and has the size for the NFL at 6’2”, 213 lbs. CB Kevin Johnson 1/1 who was on IR most of the season signed with BUFF. CB Aaron Colvin 10/2 looks to rebound after an injury plagued season. DB Johnson Bademosi 16/0 plays mostly on special teams and is there for depth. CB Jermaine Kelly was on IR all of 2018 after a torn hamstring and will have to show something to stick around in 2019. DB Briean Boddy-Calhoun 16/8 who was on CLEVE in 2018 figures to play on kick coverage, and contribute where needed in coverages. CB Deante Burton 2/0 who bounced around in 2018 looks to stick around and add some depth to HOU. DB AJ Hendy was signed by HOU August 3rd. S Tyrann Mathieu 16/16 with 2INTS & 3.0 sacks signed with KC. S Tashaun Gipson 16/16 with 1INT signed from JAX to take Mathieu’s spot. S Jahleel Addae 16/16 with 1INT & 1.0 sacks signed with HOU from LAC. He is a projected backup in HOU even though he started every game for LAC last two seasons. He is a hard hitter and probably will end up as the starter. S Andre Hal 8/2 with 3INTS retired after an injury plagued season. S Justin Reid 16/12 with 3INTS had a great season and should continue to do so. S Michael Tyson 10/2 brings depth and plays special teams. DB AJ Moore 16/0 plays mostly on special teams. On the D-LINE HOU continues to play a 3-4 alignment. At DE, JJ Watt 16/16 with 16.0 sacks, showed everyone that he was back to full strength with his 5th ALL-PRO selection. I’m waiting for JJ to throw a td. DE Joel Heath 5/0 regressed last season and was injured. He needs to step back up if he wants to stay on the team. DT Christian Covington 12/2 with 3.5 sacks signed with DAL. DT Brandon Dunn 14/10 can play inside or outside which makes him indispensable. DE Angelo Blackson 16/4 with 1.0 sacks had a nice 2018 campaign and was awarded a nice contract extension. DE/NT DJ Reader 16/16 with 2.0 sacks is solid and can play inside or outside. DE Carlos Watkins 4/0 with 1.0 sack should see more action with the departure of Covington. DE Charles Omenihu who was drafted in the 5th round out of Texas is expected to compete with Blackson. DE Tracy Sprinkle was claimed off waivers on August 10th from CLEVE. At OLB, Whitney Mercilus 16/9 with 4.0 sacks is playing more than a pass rusher but needs to step up his game. He is entering the last year of his contract and would like to stick around. LB Brennan Scarlett 12/3 had an injury plagued season but can play many roles. ILB Benardrick McKinney 16/16 with 1INT & 1.5 sacks is solid and reliable. LB Brian Peters 11/0 was on IR late in the season and played mostly on special teams is there for depth. LB Peter Kalambayi 15/0 played mostly on special teams but should see time in the rotation in 2019. ILB Zach Cunningham 14/14 with 1INT is playing well and should see a pay increase. LB Dylan Cole 8/0 had an injury plagued season and needs to stay healthy. He is good for depth. OLB Jadeveon Clowney 15/14 with 9.0 sacks is solid but has been designated the franchise tag. He is looking for the big money deal. LB Duke Ejiofor 12/0 is on injured reserve recovering from a torn Achilles. LB Josh Keyes 3/0 wasn’t retained after the season. LB Tyrell Adams 4/0 plays special teams and is there for depth. LB Xavier Woodson-Luster has been a practice squad guy with a few teams and was signed in the summer of 2019 for possible depth. ILB BJ Bello was signed by HOU on July 27th. OLB Gimel President was signed by HOU August 3rd. LB Chris Landrum7/0 is on IR as of August 12th. He was with LAC in 2018. HC Bill O’Brien has to do a better job with this team and its talent. HOU has to go deeper in the playoffs. There is not much depth on OFF and the O-LINE has to do a better job protecting the QB. Otherwise it is a recipe for disaster. But, the O-LINE doesn’t have that much depth either and that is a problem. Plus, no one was picked up in FA that could help this line right away. This could come back to haunt them if something happens to Watson. At WR, HOU can’t keep relying on Hopkins because teams will tee off on him. HOU needs to spread it around. On DEF, the talent and the depth are there except in the secondary. The secondary has some new additions and they are thin at depth. How they mesh is the big question. A lot of questions for this team and its coaching staff. Fortunately, the division is not as strong as others.
PROJECTED 2018 (7-9), ACTUAL 2018 (11-5), PROJECTED 2019 (9-7)
Tennessee Titans
Mike Vrabel did a pretty good job in his 1st season as a HC. Yes, there was a learning curve but I think he will do even better in 2019. The OC changes to Arthur Smith who was the TE coach in 2018. Matt LaFleur took over the HC job at GB. The OFF will pretty much stay the same but, QB Marcus Mariota has to be more consistent. He also hasn’t played a full season in his four seasons. This is a big season for him because TENN has to decide whether he is the TENN QB of the future or start looking for someone else. At QB, Marcus Mariota 14/13 has a big year ahead of him to prove his worth. QB Blaine Gabbert 8/3 was not retained by TENN & signed with TB. QB Ryan Tannehill 11/11 was traded by MIA to TENN for & with draft picks. Tannehill has proven to be a perennial backup and Mariota should not be looking over his shoulder. At RB, Derrick Henry 16/12 had a nice breakout year but has a strained calf muscle. He is expected to play wk 1. RB Dion Lewis 16/7 can catch many passes which makes the DEF have to play close attention to him. RB Dalyn Dawkins 2/0 was a practice squad guy and got to play when RB David Fluellen was hurt but still has to fight for a roster spot. RB David Fluellen 7/0 was on IR part of the season but will play this season mostly on special teams. RB Jeremy McNichols 2/0 started the season with INDY, played one game, went to DEN, didn’t play and was signed by TENN where he played one game. He has long odds to stay on the roster. RB Akeem Hunt was signed by TENN on August 10th. At WR, Corey Davis 16/16 took a big step forward in his 2nd season. WR Adam Humphries 16/10 was not retained by TB & signed with TENN. He is a solid receiver. WR AJ Brown who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Ole Miss could see a spot as a starter. WR Tajae Sharpe 16/13 will have a lot of competition to step up his game. WR Taywan Taylor 13/5 needs to be more consistent in his game. WR Darius Jennings 16/0 also returns kicks but sees little else in the OFF. WR Jalen Tolliver 3/0 cut by ARZ in May 2019, signed with TENN and should bring some depth. WR Cameron Batson 11/2 is currently on IR with an upper body ailment. WR Kalif Raymond didn’t play in a game in 2018 between TENN & NYG but needs to show something to stick around. WRs Tanner McEvoy & Papi White were both signed by TENN on July 31st. WR DeAngelo Yancey was signed by TENN on August 10th. At TE, Delanie Walker 1/1 missed most of 2018 because of a dislocated and fractured ankle. He should be ready for wk 1 but, we’ll see how he responds. TE Jonnu Smith 13/12 is on the PUP list recovering from surgery to repair a torn MCL. It is unclear if he will be ready for wk 1. TE Luke Stocker 16/11 filled in nicely while others were injured but wasn’t retained and signed with ATL. TE Anthony Firkser 12/0 may see more playing time now that TE is a question mark. TE MyCole Pruitt 15/1 is a decent blocker in the run game. TE Cole Wick 5/0 was picked up during the 2018 season from SF but didn’t play a game for TENN. He may need to show something to stick around. TE Ryan Hewitt was signed by TENN June 13th. The O-LINE gave up 47 sacks in 2018, up from 35 sacks in 2017. The O-LINE has to do a better job no matter who is the QB. At LT, Taylor Lewan 15/15 is solid but will be suspended for the first four games for substance abuse. LG Rodger Saffold 16/16 was not retained by LAR and signed with TENN. He is an upgrade from LG Quinton Spain 15/15 who was not retained by TENN & signed a show me deal with BUFF. C Ben Jones 16/16 is solid but TENN may be looking for an upgrade down the road. RG Kevin Pamphile 3/2 was on IR most of 2018 with TENN but could be in competition for the starting position. RT Jack Conklin 9/9 is healing from a torn ACL that ended his 2018 season. He may not be ready for wk 1. RT Dennis Kelly 11/5 is good for depth and fill-in starts. OG Nate Davis who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Charlotte may be penciled in as the starter where Pamphile was. C Corey Levin 16/1 could find time at RG. LG Tyler Marz 6/1 is mostly a practice squad guy that finally got his chance. LT Austin Pasztor 2/0 was acquired late in the season by TENN after ATL cut him, needs to show something to stick around. RG Josh Kline 16/16 wasn’t retained by TENN and signed with MINN. G Jamil Douglas hasn’t played in an actual game since 2016 is a long shot to make the club. C Hroniss Grasu 3/1 played with BALT & was cut late and picked up MIA but didn’t play in a game. He was signed by TENN after the season and could be valuable for depth at T/G. G David Quessenberry was on the practice squad with TENN but may need to show more to stick around. G Aaron Stinnie 1/0 could be good for depth. The DEF runs a 3-4 alignment and it seems to work well. In 2018 TENN was #8 TOT DEF with #6 PASS DEF & #18 RUSH DEF. These are all respectable numbers except the RUSH DEF in 2017 was #4 and dropped. However, this was addressed in the off season. At DE, DaQuan Jones 16/16 did not play as well as in 2017 and may have competition in 2019. NT/DT Austin Johnson 16/9 with 1.0 sack must make some more upward strides. DT Jurrell Casey 15/15 with 7.0 sacks is solid but has been placed on the PUP list and his return is unknown. This is not good for TENN because he is the ALL STAR on the D-LINE. DE Brent Urban 16/16 with 0.5 sack was not retained by BALT & signed with TENN. He will help address their D-LINE complacency even more so now that Simmons may not be available. DT Jeffery Simmons who was drafted in the 1st round out of Mississippi State had off-season surgery to repair a torn ACL and may miss the entire 2019 season. DT Matt Dickerson 3/0 is vying for a backup spot but may see more action with Simmons out. NT Darius Kilgo 11/0 was cut in April 2019 and signed with DET. NT Bennie Logan 15/0 was not retained by TENN and is currently a FA. DE Cameron Wake 14/14 with 6.0 sacks was not retained by MIA and signed with TENN. He will most probably be playing OLB but at 37 years of age will be on a rotation basis. DL Frank Herron was signed by TENN May 28th. DL Chris Nelson was signed by TENN August 1st. DE Eric Cotton was signed by TENN on August 10th. At ILB Wesley Woodyard 14/14 with 4.5 sacks has been solid and doesn’t show any letdown. ILB Jayon Brown 16/9 with 6.0 sacks & 1INT made great strides in his second year and should see more starts in 2019. OLB Harold Landry 15/3 with 4.5 sacks had a nice rookie season but TENN is looking for more. OLB Kamalei Correa 13/4 with 3.5 sacks is very good in a backup role. ILB Rashaan Evans 15/7 needs to keep it going like he did late in 2018. ILB David Long who was drafted in the 6th round out of West Virginia will probably end up on special teams and see time in the rotation if guys don’t step up. OLB D’Andre Walker who was drafted in the 5th round out of Georgia will find his pass rushing skills used in a reserve role. OLB Brian Orakpo 13/13 with 1.5 sacks retired. OLB Derrick Morgan 13/12 with 0.5 sack has also retired. LB Riley Bullough 9/3 was acquired off waivers from TB in April 2019. He may need to show his skills on special teams to stay on the roster. LB Will Compton 12/2 was not retained by TENN and is currently a FA. LB Nate Palmer who was on IR all of 2018 with TENN was not retained. LB Daren Bates 16/0 plays almost all on special teams and nothing in the DEF scheme. LB Sharif Finch 15/0 with 1.5 sacks also plays a lot of special teams but was found useful in spot rotations. OLB Nigel Harris 2/0 was activated late in the season from the practice squad may have to show something to stick around. LB LaTroy Lewis was on the practice squad for TENN in 2018 may be back on it in 2019. LB Aaron Wallace 1/0 was cut after the season started and was picked up by CINNCY. LB Ukeme Eligwe was signed by TENN August 10th. OLB James Folston was signed by TENN August 12th. At CB, Adoree Jackson 16/13 with 2INTS has made great strides on DEF & is the PR as well. He had off-season ankle surgery and should be ready for wk 1. CB Malcolm Butler 16/11 with 3INTS & 1.0 sack is still very good but sometime gets beat long. He plays the nickel. CB Logan Ryan 4/14 with 4.0 sacks ended his season with a broken leg but should be ready wk 1. CB LeShaun Sims 16/2 is good for depth and role playing. CB Kenneth Durden 5/0 has been mostly a practice squad guy but needs to show more to stick around. DB Mike Jordan 2/0 was with NYG in 2018 but signed with TENN looking to catch on. CB Joshua Kalu 5/0 may need to show even more to stick around. CB Tye Smith was out all of 2018 on IR but is a solid depth player. CB/S Dane Cruikshank 12/0 plays mostly on special teams. At SS, Kenny Vaccaro 13/13 with 1INT & 2.0 sacks played very well when Cyprien was injured. SS Johnathan Cyprien was injured all of 2018 and then was cut after the season. He signed with PHILLY August 3rd. FS Kevin Byard 16/16 with 4INTS & 2.0 sacks is as steady as they go. S Amani Hooker who was drafted in the 4th round out of Iowa will learn as a backup and may play special teams. S Kendrick Lewis 13/3 was not retained by TENN and is currently a FA. S Brynden Trawick 16/0 was not retained by TENN and signed with BALT August 1st. SS Damon Webb is an UDFA looking to add depth. He was waived July 25th. HC Mike Vrabel has his hands full. This team lives and dies with Mariota. He is in a show me year and needs to show everyone he can lead this team. The running game could also use a FB. They are really thin at RB. There could be a big hole at TE with the injuries. There are two starters gone from the O-LINE, this could shake things up in a bad way. The D-LINE could be a big problem with the injury to Simmons and the lackluster play of others. Also, the LB corps are weak at depth and getting older. This will put a lot more pressure on the secondary. The secondary is the only solid unit on this team. But, they can’t do it alone. The AFC SOUTH is weak and TENN should be able to find the playoffs.
PROJECTED 2018 (8-8), ACTUAL 2018 (9-7), PROJECTED 2019 (10-6)
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs
KC HC Andy Reid is on the hotseat. He’s been the HC of KC for six seasons, has three 1 and done playoff runs and two other times beat HOU & INDY before losing both times to NE. Granted, he has won a lot of regular season games and his record is 65-31 but, his KC playoff record is 2-5. He has yet to reach the SuperBowl with KC. At QB, who thought Pat Mahomes 16/16 was that good? After his one game screen test in 2017 everyone and I thought that KC was going to be rebuilding but they surprised many with their explosive OFF led by Mahomes. He ended up being the MVP of the league in 2018. He has a bright future if Reid can put it all together and finally get over the hump of getting to and winning a SuperBowl. QB Chad Henne 1/0 is the backup. QB EJ Manuel is the #3. RB Kareem Hunt 11/11 was having a fine season but was cut after off the field problems escalated. The running game from that point on was by committee where RB Spencer Ware 13/2, RB Damian Williams 16/3 & even WR Tyreek Hill 16/16 was used in rushing situations. Spencer Ware was signed by INDY & Damien Williams will be moved up to the starting RB spot. RB Carlos Hyde 14/7 was with CLEVE & JAX in 2018 but, was cut by JAX in the off season and signed with KC. He will share the RB duties with Williams. Anthony Sherman 16/1 continues to excel at FB. RB Darwin Thompson who was drafted in the 6th round out of Utah State will look to find space in the rotation. RB Darrel Williams 6/0 needs to up his game if he wants to stick around. At WR, Tyreek Hill 16/16 is an ALL-PRO and can return punts too. He is dangerous anytime the ball is near him. However, he is currently facing some suspension for an ongoing investigation, so we’ll see. WR Mecole Hardman was drafted in the 2nd round out of Georgia, can return punts, is speedy and will see a lot of action if Hill is suspended. WR Sammy Watkins 10/9 is on the hotseat because without Hill, he is the #1 WR but hasn’t played a full season since his rookie season of 2014. He needs to stay healthy. WR Chris Conley 16/13 signed with JAX. WR Demarcus Robinson 16/5 is in a contract year and should be able to step up his game now that Conley is gone. WR Gehrig Dieter 4/0 played mostly on special teams but should see more action in 2019. WR Marcus Kemp 16/0 plays mostly special teams but has nice size 6’4” 210 for a receiver. WR Byron Pringle was on IR for 2018 but, KC expects him back healthy. At TE, Travis Kelce 16/16 has become the favorite receiver and earned ALL-PRO for the 2nd time in 2018. He is coming off ankle surgery but that shouldn’t stop him. TE Demetrius Harris 15/3 signed with CLEVE. TE Blake Bell 10/4 was signed from JAX to backup Kelce but beyond that there really isn’t anybody. TE Deon Yelder 3/0 was mostly on the practice squad but since it’s thin behind Kelce, Yelder should get a hard look at in training camp. TE Nick Kelzer signed with KC on June 3rd. TE Manasseh Garner signed with KC on August 12th. On the O-LINE LT Eric Fisher 16/16 is a mainstay on the left side. OT Justin Senior 0/0 was signed to give depth. LG Cameron Erving 14/13 is solid and can play OT too. OT Kahlil McKenzie is a work in progress. C Mitch Morse 11/11 signed with BUFF. C Austin Reiter 11/4 was signed after the 2018 season started and moves to starter when Morse signed with BUFF. C/RG Jordan Devey 7/2 gave depth to the line but signed with OAK after the season. C Jimmy Murray 2/0 was mostly on the practice squad but should see more action in 2019. RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif 5/5 was mostly on IR for 2018 with a broken leg but is great in pass block situations. G Nick Allegretti who was drafted in the 7th round out of Illinois has a knack for run blocking and learning the game. RT Mitchell Schwartz 16/16 was ALL-PRO and hasn’t missed a game in seven seasons. T/G Andrew Wylie 16/10 can play multiple positions which makes him very valuable for depth. T Chidi Okeke was signed by KC on May 30th. G Abdul Beecham was signed by KC on June 17th. The DEF was ranked #31 in TOT DEF which is why a complete overhaul was made in the off season. DC Bob Sutton was fired and Steve Spagnuolo was brought in. Sutton had a 3-4 alignment where as Spagnuolo has an aggressive 4-3. DE Frank Clark 16/16 with 13.0 sacks and 1 INT was traded from SEA & signed to a 5year deal with KC. He replaces DE Allen Bailey 16/13 with 6.0 sacks who was not offered a contract and is currently a FA. DE Emmanuel Ogbah 14/14 with 3.0 sacks was traded from CLEVE and brings great depth. DE Jarvis Jenkins 12/0 was cut in December and has yet to find a team. DT Derrick Nnadi 16/11 is great against the run. NT Xavier Williams 16/4 with 2.5 sacks can play both the run and pass. DT Chris Jones 16/11 with 15.5 sacks & 1INT had a breakout season and is now in a contract season. DT Khalen Saunders who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Western Illinois should learn a lot from this talented group. DE Alex Okafor 16/16 with 4.0 sacks was signed from NO and is great against the run. DE Breeland Speaks 16/4 with 1.5 sacks is raw and brings good depth. DE Justin Hamilton 4/0 brings depth. DE Tanoh Kpassagnon 13/0 is looking for a role but can play anywhere on the line. DE Hunter Dimick was signed by KC on August 8th. At the LB crew, OLB Justin Houston 12/12 with 9.0 sacks & 1INT was cut loose and signed with INDY. In his place WLB Dorian O’Daniel 16/1 will get every chance to battle for a starting role. LB Ben Niemann 14/1 likes to hit and should compete for a bigger role. MLB Anthony Hitchens 15/15 should see improvement under the 4-3. LB Terrance Smith 7/0 wasn’t offered a contract and is still a FA. MLB Reggie Ragland 16/15 with 0.5 sacks & 1INT should be healthier this season. OLB Dee Ford 16/16 with 13.0 sacks was traded to SF for a 2nd round draft choice. In his place LB Damien Wilson 16/7 with 1.0 sacks was signed from DAL. LB Jeremiah Attaochu 11/0 with 2.0 sacks signed from NYJ brings depth. LB Frank Zombo 9/0 wasn’t offered a contract and is a FA. LB D’Juan Hines 13/0 was cut in May by CLEVE & signed with KC June 14th. He should bring some depth. LB Darron Lee was acquired from NYJ on May 16th in exchange for a draft pick. LB Martrell Spaight retired May 20th. KC was #31 in PASS DEF in 2018. That won’t get you to the SuperBowl. In the secondary at CB Steve Nelson 16/16 with 4INTS wasn’t offered a contract from KC & signed with PITT. CB Bashaud Breeland 7/5 with 2 INTS was signed as FA from GB. He is coming off a foot injury in 2018. CB Kendall Fuller 15/15 with 2INTS is a slot corner and did well in his 1st season as a starter. CB Tremon Smith 14/1 started late in the season and also returns kicks. CB Charvarius Ward 13/2 won the starting job at season’s end. We’ll see how he does out of the gate. DB Keith Reaser 1/0 had a 2018 training camp injury and then played in the short lived AAF and was signed back by KC when it folded. He was placed on IR August 8th. CB Rashad Fenton who was drafted in the 6th round out of South Carolina will look to impress to find a spot in the rotation. DB Dakari Moore signed with KC on May 22nd. DB Morris Claiborne signed with KC on August 9th. S Eric Berry 2/2 was cut loose after the season and is unsigned. In his place Tyrann Mathieu 16/16 with 2INTS & 3.0 sacks was signed from HOU. He will be the leader in the secondary for KC. S Daniel Sorensen 7/3 with 1INT brings good depth to the unit but missed half of 2018 with a tibia fracture. He also plays well on special teams. S Juan Thornhill who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Virginia has the potential to start at FS. S Armani Watts 5/0 with 1.0 sacks was injured for half the season but will compete for FS. DB Jordan Lucas 16/4 with 1INT plays a lot of special teams and situational playing on DEF. HC Andy Reid will win his share of regular season games but when it comes to the playoffs, he over prepares. Then he gets caught with confusion and it looks he wasn’t prepared. There is a totally revamped DEF but how will everyone mesh? Will they put pressure on opposing QBs? Based on Reid’s history I would be very surprised if KC does make the SuperBowl. If KC goes one and done in the playoffs after having a super regular season, don’t be surprised if Reid is shown the door. KC has waited a long time to get back to a SuperBowl and they deserve better.
PROJECTED 2018 (6-10), ACTUAL 2018 (12-4), PROJECTED 2019 (12-4)
Los Angeles Chargers
LAC QB Philip Rivers did something in 2018 that he hadn’t done too much in his career, beat winning teams. They convincingly won @PITT & my personal favorite that I predicted, @KC late in the season on TNF. To me, Rivers is overrated and should not even be considered for the HOF but, that is a discussion for another time. HC Anthony Lynn is a doing a great job with this team and they are poised to go deeper in the playoffs. At QB, Philip Rivers 16/16 has a better team around him than in past season and that was evident in 2018 when the LAC won twelve games and made it to the divisional series of the playoffs. QB Tyrod Taylor 4/3 is the backup after starting in CLEVE and then getting injured which opened the door for Baker Mayfield. QB Eastin Stick who was drafted in the 5th round out of North Dakota State will be given the chance to see if one day he can take over for Rivers. At RB, Melvin Gordon 12/12 needs to stay healthy to take some pressure off of Rivers. Gordon has also shown that he is reliable at catching passes out of the backfield. Currently he is holding out which doesn’t help LAC. RB Austin Ekeler 14/3 is a reliable backup that can do both too. RB Justin Jackson 13/1 also finds time in the rotation and plays special teams as well. RB Detrez Newsome 9/0 didn’t play much with the crowded backfield. RB Troymaine Pope has bounced around practice squads and hasn’t actually played in a game since 2016 but needs to have a great camp just to stick around. RB Derrick Gore was signed by LAC on July 24th. FB Derek Watt 16/5 is a great blocker but had shoulder surgery and there is currently no timetable for his return. Look for LAC to bring in a veteran FB until Watt can play. At WR, Keenan Allen 16/14 is definitely Rivers #1 target. WR Tyrell Williams 16/10 signed a big deal with OAK. He will be missed. WR Mike Williams 16/5 will probably see more passes now that Tyrell has bolted. WR Travis Benjamin 12/3 needs to step it up to see more passes. WR Geremy Davis 14/0 plays mostly on special teams. WR Dylan Cantrell spent most of the season on the practice squad, is a long shot to make the roster. WR Artavis Scott was on IR all of 2018 needs to show something in camp to stick around. WR Andre Patton has bounced around the organization for two years, maybe he finally gets his shot. WR Justice Liggins is another receiver that needs to make some noise to get on the roster. WR Malachi Dupre 1/0 was signed after ARZ cut him after 2018. He should be good for depth. WR Fred Trevillion was signed by LAC June 3rd. and waived/injured July 28th. WR Malachi Dupre was signed by LAC on July 28th. WR Jordan Smallwood was signed by LAC on July 28th. At TE, Hunter Henry 0/0 hurt his knee and was out all of 2018. LAC is hoping that he is a big contributor in 2019. TE Antonio Gates 16/1 was coaxed out of retirement for the season to fill in and he did a decent job. He is officially a FA but, will probably retire. TE Virgil Green 16/16 is used mostly for blocking but has shown that he can catch as well. TE Sean Culkin 13/10 is mostly used as a blocker. TE/WR Vince Mayle who didn’t play in 2018 is looking for one last football shot with LAC. TE Andrew Vollert was acquired off waivers from CINNCY on May 23rd. He could end up on the practice squad. The O-LINE slipped a little in its protection even though the team played better around them. In 2017, the O-LINE gave up 18 sacks, in 2018, they gave up 34 sacks. There hasn’t been too much player movement on the O-LINE which is a good thing, as long as they do their job. At LT, Russell Okung 15/15 is a team leader and solid at protecting the blindside. LG Dan Feeney 16/16 showed everyone why he is the starter but, could still face competition. C Mike Pouncey 16/16 transitioned well in his first season in LAC after coming over from MIA. RG Michael Schofield 16/16 is steady and a fine blocker. RT Sam Tevi 16/15 worked his way into being a starter after only starting one game in 2017. OT Cole Toner 1/0 needs to show more to stick around. C/G Scott Quessenberry 15/0 has versatility which is good for depth. OG Forrest Lamp 2/0 should see more time in the rotation after battling most of the season with a knee injury. OT Joe Barksdale 6/1 was cut in the season and picked up by ARZ. OT Trey Pipkins who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Sioux Falls is being counted on to give competition to Tevi & Okung. G Spencer Drango was on the LAC practice squad in 2018 and hasn’t seen action since 2017 with CLEVE but should give added depth to the O-LINE. T Trent Scott 9/1 is also good for depth and should see time in the rotation. OT Zachary Crabtree is a FA who spent 2018 on IR and is looking for another shot to show what he can do. OT Brant Weiss was signed by LAC June 28th. OL Larry Allen was claimed off waivers on August 2nd. OL James McGloster was signed by LAC on August 2nd. The DC is Gus Bradley who is going into his 3rd season with LAC has the DEF playing well as a unit. In 2017 LAC had 18 INTS & 43 sacks. In 2018 LAC had 13 INTS & 38 sacks, a little slippage. The DEF is a 4-3 alignment and it works well. On the D-LINE at DE, Joey Bosa 7/6 with 5.5 sacks missed the first nine games with an injury should look to rebound big in 2019. DT Jerry Tillery who was drafted in the 1st round out of Notre Dame is penciled in to start. DT Corey Liuget 6/3 with 1.5 sacks was suspended for the first four games and then injured for part of the season was not retained. DT Brandon Mebane 12/12 with 1.0 sack may see reduced time to DT Justin Jones 15/0 with 0.5 sack. DE Melvin Ingram 16/16 with 7.0 sacks & 1INT is quick on the outside and left alone when Bosa is doubled. DE Isaac Rochell 16/3 with 5.0 sacks & 1INT can play anywhere on the line which keeps him in the rotation. DT Cortez Broughton who was drafted in the 7th round out of Cincinnati will see time in the rotation due to less depth on the inside. DE Anthony Lanier was on the practice squad in 2018 but needs to show something in camp to stick around. DE/NT Damion Square 16/11 with 3.0 sacks wasn’t retained. DT Darius Philon 16/13 with 4.0 sacks wasn’t retained and signed with ARZ. This is a key loss on the D-LINE for LAC because of the versatility exhibited by Philon. DE Christopher Landrum 7/0 was cut in Dec. DT TY McGill 4/0 was acquired off waivers from PHILLY during the season will need to show what he’s got stick around. DT Jerry Tillery was signed by LAC on June 11th. DE Thomas Costigan was signed by LAC on August 12th. At OLB, Uchenna Nwosu 16/3 with 3.5 sacks is very quick. OLB Kyle Emmanuel 16/7 with 1.0 sack abruptly retired. OLB Jatavis Brown 15/10 with 1.0 sack may be the starter on the outside. LB Hayes Pullard 9/0 was not retained. LB Denzel Perryman 9/9 was injured part of the year but LAC wants more out of this guy. ILB Drue Tranquill who was drafted in the 4th round out of Notre Dame has had multiple ACL knee injuries that are a concern to his mobility. OLB Thomas Davis 12/12 the longtime CAR signed with LAC to bring leadership and hopefully a SuperBowl run. LB Kyzir White 3/3 with 1INT was on IR and had minor knee surgery but is expected to be another big contributor in 2019. OLB Emeke Egbule who was drafted in the 6th round out of Houston is very talented and could see time early in the rotation. LB Nick Dzubnar 16/0 plays mostly on special teams. LB Tre’Von Johnson 4/0 needs to show something to stay on the roster. In the secondary, at CB, Casey Hayward 16/16 is solid at the position. CB Michael Davis 16/9 worked his way into the starting position and was also solid. CB Jason Verrett 0/0 was on IR all of 2018, then signed with SF. CB Desmond King 16/8 with 3INTS was ALL-PRO and plays the nickel too. CB Trevor Williams 9/7 with 1INT was on IR the last month of the season and can start too. CB Craig Mager 1/0 was cut after the season started. CB/S Jaylen Watkins was on IR all of 2018 and is recuperating from surgery to correct a torn ACL and his timetable back is undetermined. CB Jeff Richards 6/0 was signed late and plays mostly on special teams. CB Brandon Facyson 15/0 plays mostly on special teams but is good for depth. DB Arrion Springs is a FA looking to catch on for depth. CB Kemon Hall was signed by LAC on May 13th. At S/CB/LB, Derwin James 16/16 with 3INTS & 3.5 sacks was ALL-PRO in his rookie season and has become an instant team leader. S Jahleel Addae 16/16 with 1INT & 1.0 sack wasn’t retained by LAC and signed with HOU. He will be missed. S Nasir Adderley who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Delaware will get a chance to compete to be a starter. S Adrian Phillips 16/7 with 1INT was All-PRO and found time to play on special teams as well. S Rayshawn Jenkins 15/1 with 0.5 sack saw more time in the rotation while playing on special teams. S Adarius Pickett was signed by LAC on May 16th. S Nasir Adderley was signed by LAC on june 12th. HC Anthony Lynn is doing a great job with this team. He does have talented players on both sides of the ball. Will they make it to the SuperBowl? KC is their biggest obstacle in the AFC WEST. The DEF is stacked and has a lot of playmakers that could hurt an OFF at any time. They could be the leader in the AFC WEST. LAC needs to stay focused but getting past NE is always tough. They should have a nice run though.
PROJECTED 2018 (10-6), ACTUAL 2018 (12-4), PROJECTED 2019 (12-4)
Denver Broncos
DEN HC Vance Joseph was fired just two years into the job. He was combined 11-21. New HC Vic Fangio was recently the DC at CHI from 2015-2018. Since DEN won SB 50 with QB Peyton Manning, there has been a QB carousal and DEN has stunk. GM John Elway is trying to find the winning combination but he’s finding it’s not that easy. There is a new OC Rich Scangarello, whose only experience as an OC was at Northern Arizona, Wagner & Carleton colleges. He replaces Bill Musgraves who was OC at DEN for two seasons. At QB, Case Keenum 16/16 was traded to WASH for a draft pick after he didn’t have as good a season as he did with MINN the previous season. QB Paxton Lynch signed with SEA after being cut by DEN. QB Chad Kelly 1/0 was cut during the season and after the season signed with INDY. QB Joe Flacco 9/9 who was benched in BALT was traded to DEN for a draft pick. He is the starter but must recapture his earlier form. QB Drew Lock who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Missouri will be groomed to eventually take over from Flacco and right now may compete for the backup slot. QB Kevin Hogan 0/0 will continue to be the backup but might have some competition from QB Brett Rypien who was an UDFA that received a nice signing bonus to join DEN. At RB, Phillip Lindsay 15/8 was a pleasant surprise when RB Royce Freeman 14/8 had an ankle injury. These two should take a lot of pressure off of Flacco. RB Devontae Booker 16/0 is the 3rd down back and had more receptions than rushes. FB Andy Janovich 16/7 is a solid blocker and could see more touches. RB David Williams is a practice squad guy but needs to show something to stick around. RB Khalfani Muhammad is also a practice squad guy who needs to show something to stick around. RB Theo Riddick 14/3 who was cut by DET on July 29th signed with DEN. He adds depth to the position and can catch passes out of the backfield. At WR, Emmanuel Sanders 12/12 is recovering from a torn Achilles that ended his 2018 season. He may or may not be ready for wk 1. WR Courtland Sutton 16/9 has the potential to be even better. WR River Cracraft 8/0 was activated late from the practice squad & found a home as the slot receiver and also could return punts. WR DaeSean Hamilton 14/5 is dealing with a hamstring issue that puts his status for wk 1 in jeopardy. WR Jordan Taylor 0/0 who was on the PUP list all of 2018 signed with MINN on a show me deal. WR Isaiah McKenzie 1/0 was waived early in the season and was picked up by BUFF. WR Tim Patrick 16/4 should see more touches in the rotation. WR Brandon Langley is a former CB giving one more shot to stick around. WR Juwann Winfree who was drafted in the 6th round out of Colorado looks like he will end up on special teams. WR Fred Brown is a practice squad guy looking to bring depth and hang on. WR Nick Williams was signed by DEN on July 26th. At TE, Jake Butt 3/3 suffered a torn ACL which ended his 2018 season. He should be ready for wk 1. TE Noah Fant who was drafted in the 1st round out of Iowa should see a lot of time in the rotation in big spots. TE Jeff Heuerman 11/10 should see more touches and time in the rotation with his blocking abilities. TE Troy Fumagalli was on IR all of 2018 but should see time in the rotation also in blocking assignments. TE Matt LaCosse 15/5 was not retained and signed with NE. TE Brian Parker 13/1 was not retained. TE Temarrick Hemnigway 5/0 was activated late off the practice squad by DEN but not retained. He signed with CAR. TE Moral Stephens was signed by DEN on July 27th. The O-LINE gave up 34 sacks in 2018 as compared to 52 allowed sacks in 2017. They came together as a group and should be able to give new DEN QB Joe Flacco more time to operate. At LT, Garett Bolles 16/16 needs to cut down on his holding penalties, otherwise he is solid. LG Ron Leary 6/6 is recovering from a torn Achilles which had him out for most of 2018. His start date is still undetermined. C Connor McGovern 16/15 is in a big contract year and has the starting job. C/LG Jake Brendel 4/3 was on IR most of 2018 with MIA but was not retained. He signed with DEN but should be good for depth. C Matt Paradis 9/9 was on IR part of 2018 but was not retained. He signed with CAR. RG/T Dalton Risner who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Kansas State is penciled in as the starter but can play anywhere on the O-LINE if needed. RT Ja’Wuan James 15/15 wasn’t retained by MIA and signed with DEN. He will start at the position. T Jared Veldheer 12/12 was not retained and soon thereafter retired. C/G Gino Gradkowski 7/0 was not retained. C Max Garcia 9/4 was on IR for part of 2018 but was not retained by DEN. He signed with ARZ. OG Sam Jones 5/0 will be looking for more playing time. OT Jake Rodgers has been on 10 teams but never seeing the field. He could be used in training camp but needs to show something to stick around. OT/G Elijah Wilkinson 12/7 has versatility and should see more time in the rotation. OT/G Billy Turner 16/11 wasn’t retained by DEN & signed with GB. OT Cyrus Kouandjio 2/0 was cut during the season. G Don Barclay didn’t play in 2018 but could be useful as a swing reserve. OL Nico Fallah is out for 2019 with a torn Achilles. G/C Austin Schlottmann is an UDFA looking to add depth. OL Chaz Green was signed by DEN on June 3rd. OL Adam Bisnowaty was signed by DEN on August 9th. The new DC is Ed Donatell who has been a DC before but last was the secondary coach for CHI, 2015-2018. He replaces Joe Woods who was the DC for DEN for two seasons. Under Woods, the DEF went from #4 TOT DEF in 2016, to #3 in 2017, to #22 in 2018. Together with HC Fangio the DEF should get much better. The DEF ran a 3-4 alignment and will stay that way. At DE, Derek Wolfe 16/16 with 1.5 sacks & 1INT had a solid injury free year. NT Shelby Harris 16/0 with 1.5 sacks is penciled in as the starter. He will replace NT Domata Peko 16/16 with 0.5 sack who was not retained. DE Adam Gotsis 16/12 with 3.0 sacks is a solid run defender. NT Zach Kerr 16/0 with 1.5 sacks can play anywhere on the line. DL Dre’mont Jones who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Ohio State will see time in the rotation in packaged roles. DE DeMarcus Walker 3/0 with 1.0 sack needs to show more to stick around. DE/DT Billy Winn didn’t play a game in 2017 & 2018 because of torn ACL but gives good depth. NT Mike Purcell didn’t play in 2017 & 2018 but is looking to revive his career. DT DeShawn Williams was cut by INDY & signed for depth. He needs to show something to stick around. DL Caushaud Lyons is a practice squad guy who needs to show something to stick around. DL Deyon Sizer was signed by DEN August 4th. At OLB Von Miller 16/16 with 14.5 sacks & 1INT is great at what he does but can’t do it alone. ILB Josey Jewell 16/9 will be looking at more zone coverage in 2019. ILB Todd Davis 16/16 with 0.5 sack & 1INT is solid against the run but needs to work against the pass. OLB Bradley Chubb 16/16 with 12.0 sacks takes a lot of pressure off of Miller. OLB Brandon Marshall 11/7 was not retained and signed a show me deal with OAK. LB Shaquil Barrett 13/0 with 3.0 sacks was not retained and signed with TB. LB Shane Ray 11/0 with 1.0 sack was not retained and signed with BALT. LB Justin Hollins who was drafted in the 5th round out of Oregon should see time in the rotation in coverages. OLB Aaron Wallace 1/0 who was on the practice squad for CINNCY but started the year out with TENN was signed by DEN. He needs to show something to stick around. OLB Joseph Jones 16/0 plays mostly on special teams but is good for depth. LB Keishawn Bierria 16/0 is another special teams guy who provides depth. OLB Dekoda Watson 4/0 with 2.0 sacks was traded from SF to DEN for a draft pick. He will play on special teams and be a backup. LB Jeff Holland 3/0 was signed late and will be used in a rotational role. He was waived August 11th. LB Alexander Johnson 1/0 appeared late in the season but needs to show something to stick around. At CB, Kareem Jackson 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack was not retained by HOU & signed with DEN. He probably will see play at S too. CB Chris Harris 12/12 with 3INTS & 1.0 sack spent some of 2018 on IR but is still a great cover guy. CB Isaac Yiodom 13/1 with 1INT is rehabbing a shoulder injury and should be ready for wk 1. He needs to ramp up his skills. DB De’Vante Bausby 6/1 was cut by PHILLY and signed with DEN. He played for Fangio in CHI. CB Bradley Roby 15/15 with 1INT was not retained by DEN & signed with HOU. DB Tramaine Brock 12/5 was not retained by DEN & signed with ARZ. CB Brendan Langley 5/0 was activated late off the practice squad but gives depth. CB Jamar Taylor 4/0 had been cut by ARZ during the season and signed by DEN. He was not retained and signed with SEA. CB Bryce Callahan 13/10 with 2INTS & 2.0 sacks was with CHI but signed with DEN. He can play anywhere in the secondary. DB Trey Johnson was cut in early 2019 by PITT but signed by DEN. He could be good for depth. CB Horace Richardson has bounced around a few practice squads but needs to show something to stick around. CB Linden Stephens is a UDFA looking to add depth. CB Rashard Causey was signed by DEN on August 11th. At SS, Will Parks 16/3 with 1INT is penciled in as the starter. FS Justin Simmons 16/16 with 3INTS is solid and a leader. S Jamal Carter was on IR all of 2018 with DEN but could be in competition for a starting spot. S Su’a Cravens 5/0 was on IR for most of 2018 but should be ready for wk 1. S Darian Stewart 14/14 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack was not retained. SS Dymonte Thomas 12/0 with 1INT & 1.0 sack could see time in the rotation in coverages on TEs. S Trey Marshall 2/0 needs to show something to stick around. S Shamarko Thomas 6/0 will probably end up on special teams. With a new HC, DC & OC, there will be a lot of learning going on. Also, a lot of mistakes. But not on DEF as that is HC Fangio’s forte. Also, which Joe Flacco will show up? The leader or Average Joe? Will the running game take pressure off of Flacco? There is a lot of movement on the O-LINE after they had found some unity to control sacks and open up running lanes. This group may not mesh together so easily. Will the sacks add up? The DEF is not the problem except if they stay on the field too long. There is not too much depth in the S area, that might be a problem. GM John Elway knows he doesn’t have forever so he needs to see some improvement over 2018. This team will compete and create turnovers but the OFF needs to score points. I don’t see playoffs for this team. All of a sudden the AFC WEST got tough.
PROJECTED 2018 (8-8), ACTUAL 2018 (6-10), PROJECTED 2019 (8-8)
Oakland Raiders
This is the second season of HC Jon Gruden’s restructuring of the Raiders. He has basically gutted this team of any talent that was on the team before he got here. As I said last year and I’ll say it this year, he will probably only stay for 4-5 years of the 10 year, $100 million contract that he signed before the 2018 season. He will certainly be there for the transition to Las Vegas and a year or so after that but, that’s it. At QB, Derek Carr 16/16 seemed to regress a little but, then again he was sacked 51x and didn’t have much of a running game to rely on. It was ranked #25 and needs to improve to take some of the pressure off of Carr. QB AJ McCarron 2/0 was not retained. QBs Mike Glennon 2/0, Landry Jones & Nathan Peterman 4/2 are all competing for the backup role. OAK better hope that Carr stays healthy with this bunch behind him. At RB, Marshawn Lynch 6/6 had an injury plagued season and retired. RB Doug Martin 16/9 filled in nicely after Lynch went down but had some fumbles. RB Josh Jacobs who was drafted in the 1st round out of Alabama needs to come in and make a splash to take pressure off of Carr. RB Jalen Richard 16/1 is good at catching passes out of the backfield. RB DeAndre Washington 10/0 is entering his 4th season and needs to step it up. RB Isaiah Crowell 13/6 was signed after playing 2018 with NYJ but tore his Achilles the first day of OTAs and will be out all of 2019. RB Chris Warren was on IR all of 2018 and should be looking to show what he’s got. He was waived on July 28th. RB James Butler was signed by OAK on July 28th. RB Mack Brown was signed by OAK on August 3rd. FB Keith Smith 16/3 is a converted LB and is still learning the position. He needs to step it up a little more. He also plays on special teams. At WR, Amari Cooper was traded mid season to DAL. WR Jordy Nelson 15/14 retired. WR Martavis Bryant 8/2 was suspended indefinitely. WR Seth Roberts 15/7 signed with BALT. WR Brandon LaFell 6/5 was on IR most of the season and not retained. WR Dwayne Harris 15/1 is the return man for punts and kickoffs but, does occasionally catch passes. WR Keon Hatcher 3/0 needs to show something to stick around. WR Johnny Holton 1/0 wasn’t retained. WR Marcell Ateman 7/6 showed promise and has good size but needs to show more. He’s listed as the 4th WR. WR Antonio Brown 15/15 wore out his welcome with PITT and was traded to OAK. We’ll see what how he gets along with Gruden. WR Tyrell Williams 16/10 was not retained by LAC and signed with OAK. He will play opposite Brown. WR JJ Nelson 14/2 wasn’t retained by ARZ and signed with OAK. He will play in the slot. WR Hunter Renfrow who was drafted in the 5th round out of Clemson will look to get into the rotation. WR Saeed Blacknall 1/0 bounced around the practice squad and needs to show something to stick around. He was waived on July 18th. WR Ryan Grant 14/10 wasn’t retained by INDY and signed with OAK. He should definitely see time in the rotation. WR De’Mornay Pierson-El was signed by OAK on July 18th. WR Jordan Lasley was waived on July 31st by BALT and picked up by OAK on August 1st. If he makes the roster, he will bring some depth. The biggest loss at TE is definitely Jared Cook 16/14 who had his best season of his career and helped out Carr but signed with NO. TE Lee Smith 16/4 was mostly a blocker, cut and then signed with BUFF. TE Derek Carrier 16/2 is used mostly as a blocker but should see more action now that Cook is gone. TE Darren Waller 4/0 was signed late in the season after being cut by BALT needs to prove himself all over again. TE Paul Butler was on the practice squad most of 2018 and needs to prove himself to make the roster. TE Luke Willson 14/8 was with DET but signed with OAK, has been used mostly as a blocker. TE Foster Moreau who was drafted in the 4th round out of LSU will probably be used mostly as a blocker. TE Eric Swoope 7/2 was not retained by INDY after the season and signed with OAK. He was waived July 30th. TE Brandon Barnes was signed by OAK on August 9th. The O-LINE is probably the only area of this team that hasn’t gone through a total transformation like other areas of this team. But it certainly needs improvement. In 2017, the O-LINE gave up a total of 24 sacks. In Gruden’s 1st season, 2018, the O-LINE gave up 52 sacks. It doesn’t take a genius to see that something is wrong here. At LT Donald Penn 4/4 was not retained after being on IR most of the season. OT Brandon Parker 15/12 wasn’t expected to start in 2018 but struggled and needs to pick up the pace. He could be working on both sides of the O-LINE. LG Kelechi Osemele 11/11 was traded to the NYJ after the season. LG Denzelle Good 4/3 who was picked up on waivers from INDY during the season is penciled in start on the left side. However, he is on the PUP list after having lower back surgery and his return is unclear. OG Denver Kirkland 2/0 bounced around in 2018 but needs to show something to stick around. OT David Sharpe 8/0 was acquired during the season off waivers from HOU needs to show something or he may be around just for depth. C/G Jordan Devey 7/2 was signed from KC for depth. OG Jon Feliciano 13/4 was on IR but not retained and signed with BUFF. OT TJ Clemmings 4/0 was on IR most of the season but signed with CHI after the season. C Rodney Hudson 16/16 is solid at his position and leads by example. RG Gabe Jackson 13/13 is another leader on the O-LINE. RT Kolton Miller 16/16 is slated to move to LT. RT Trent Brown 16/16 spent the season with NE then, signed a big contract with OAK. OG Chaz Green 4/1 was cut and signed with DEN, then released by OAK May 28th. OT Justin Murray 2/0 has bounced around but needs to show something to stick around. There is not a lot of depth here so they better stay healthy. OG Jonathan Cooper 4/4 was cut in the season by SF, signed late in the season by WASH, then signed with OAK after the season. This may be Cooper’s last chance after bouncing around after being the 7th overall pick by ARZ in 2013. OG Richie Incognito was signed by OAK on May 28th. Paul Guenther is the DC but if there isn’t any improvement in 2019, he may be gone soon. The DEF was pretty bad for OAK in 2018. The DEF had a total of 13 sacks but had 14 INTS. OAK was #26 TOT DEF, #19 PASS DEF & #30 RUSH DEF. There has to be improvement all over the DEF if OAK is going to turn it around. The biggest news before the season got under way was DE Khalil Mack being shipped out of town to CHI. This was definitely a blow to the D-LINE & the DEF. DE Bruce Irvin 8/6 with 3.0 sacks was cut during the season and signed by ATL. DE Arden Key 16/10 with 1.0 sack learned real fast after Mack was gone. He needs to step it up as an end rusher. DT PJ Hall 14/6 had a nice rookie season after coming from a smaller division in college. DT Justin Ellis 6/1 was on IR most of 2018 with a foot injury. He is looking to bounce back. DT Maurice Hurst 13/10 with 4.0 sacks had a good season compared to others on the team. DT Eddie Vanderdoes was on IR all of 2018 with torn ACL, needs to show something to stick around. DE Clelin Ferrell who was drafted in the 1st round out of Clemson is slotted to fill spot where Mack was. DE Maxx Crosby who was drafted in the 4th round out of Eastern Michigan had nice stats in college and should see time in the rotation. DE Quinton Bell who was drafted in the 7th round out of Prairie View A&M converted from receiver in his senior year and may be a work in progress. DT Johnathan Hankins 15/14 is a great run stopper. DE Benson Mayowa 15/4 with 4.0 sacks was with ARZ in 2018 signed a one year show me contract. DE Tank Carradine 1/0 was cut during the season. DE Fadol Brown 8/0 was waived in DEC by OAK and picked up by GB. DE/DT Josh Mauro 12/4 with 1.0 sack was with NYG but not retained and signed by OAK. He should be good for depth. DT Gabe Wright 2/0 has bounced around the league but needs to show something or he is moving again. DE Alex Barrett was on the practice squad with DET but signed with OAK. He could be good for depth but also needs to show something. DE Kony Ealy 3/0 was cut by DAL, signed by OAK but not retained after the season. DT Clinton McDonald 15/1 with 2.0 sacks was signed by OAK after the start of the season but not retained after the season. DE/DT Frostee Rucker 15/15 was on a one year deal with OAK but was not retained. DE Jacquise Smith 4/0 was picked up during the season after ARZ cut him but was not retained after the season. DT Ahtyba Rubin was on IR all of 2018 but was nit retained. DT Ethan Westbrooks was signed by OAK on July 30th. DT Anthony Rush was signed by OAK on August 1st. The LB situation is a little different than in the past because of nickel situations and packages where only one LB may be on the field for OAK at any given time. OLB Tahir Whitehead 16/16 with 1INT seems to be the most secure after coming over from DET. OLB Kyle Wilber 14/0 sees a lot of special teams but is good for depth. LB Derrick Johnson 6/1 was cut during the season and retired. ILB Marquel Lee 16/10 needs to step up his game. LB Nicholas Morrow 16/5 with 1.0 sack is good for depth. OLB Vontaze Burfict 7/7 was with CINNCY for a long time and signed a one year show me contract with OAK. Hopefully he can contain himself to the field. ILB Jason Cabinda 10/3 was activated from the practice squad and is a quick learner. He should see more action in the rotation in 2019. LB Brandon Marshall 11/7 was with DEN but also signed a one year show me contract with OAK. LB James Cowser was back and forth on the practice squad in 2018 for OAK and needs to show something to stick around. LB Shilique Calhoun 7/0 was on IR most of 2018 but signed with NE after the season. Believe it or not but, the secondary for OAK got better in 2018. Thirteen of the team’s fourteen INTS were made by the secondary. In 2017 the OAK secondary had 4INTS. CB Rashaan Melvin 14/7 with 1 INT was not retained and signed with DET. CB Daryl Worley 10/9 with 1INT bounced back after being cut by PHILLY. CB Gareon Conley 15/14 with 3INTS made some big strides as a cover corner in his second season, let’s see if he keeps it up. CB Trayvon Mullen who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Clemson is slotted to be a backup but could quickly become a starter if the right things happen. CB Isaiah Johnson who was drafted in the 4th round out of Houston converted from WR to become a cover corner, is also slated at backup but, could see much time in the rotation. CB Leon Hall 10/4 was on IR part of the season and was not retained after the season. CB Bene Benwikere 4/0 was picked up after being cut by ARZ during the season but was not retained. CB Dexter McDonald 0/0 was on IR all of 2018 and was not retained. CB Tevin Mitchel 0/0 didn’t see any action in 2018 and was not retained. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 7/1 retired during the season. CB Nick Nelson 10/3 will be competing for the nickel back position. CB Nevin Lawson 15/14 with 1.0 sack was with DET for five seasons, signed with OAK but needs to make an impact with some INTS and is slotted to play nickel. However, as of August 5th, he will be suspended the first four games for PEDs. DB DJ Killings has bounced around a few practice squads but recently signed with OAK. He needs to show something to stick around. He landed on IR on August 11th. CB Isaiah Langley was signed by OAK on June 11th. He was waived August 9th. CB Hamp Cheevers was claimed off waivers from ATL on August 11th. DB Makinton Dorleant & CB Joshua Holsey were both signed by OAK on August 13th. At FS, Reggie Nelson 11/7 with 2INTS spent part of the season on IR and wasn’t retained. SS Karl Joseph 13/8 with 5INTS & 2.0 sacks will see stiff competition for his spot with all the new bodies in camp. S Marcus Gilchrist 16/16 with 3INTS was not retained. S Lamarcus Joyner 15/15 with 1INT & 1.0 sack was signed from LAR and will slide into the starting position vacated by Nelson. Joyner is a heavy hitter and great cover guy. S Erik Harris 16/4 with 2INTS is great for depth and plays special teams. S Johnathan Abram who was drafted in the 1st round out of Mississippi State should see definite time in the rotation as he is a heavy hitter. S Dallin Leavitt 2/0 was activated late from the practice squad and played special teams. S Jordan Richards 15/12 was with ATL but signed with OAK in the off season. He brings depth and experience. S Curtis Riley 16/16 with 4INTS had a nice season with NYG but wasn’t retained and signed with OAK. HC Jon Gruden is under no pressure to get it done fast because he has a 10 year contract but, he needs to improve on last year. QB Derek Carr needs to bounce back because he was terrible in 2018 after signing a huge extension. Gruden may want his own QB and throw his hands up with Carr. RBs need to get the job done to get some pressure off of Carr. Without a reliable running game, Carr is useless. He has enough pressure on him knowing that Gruden may get rid of him at any time. How will Antonio Brown react when things don’t go his way on OAK? Will he disrupt the team? Tomlin is way more laid back than Gruden who is quick to trade or cut guys the second they disagree. A big loss at TE in Jared Cook and there are a bunch of nobodies competing for the job. Not a lot of depth on the O-LINE and a lot of reshuffling of the players that are there. O-LINE certainly needs to do a better job as a unit, not just as individual players. The D-LINE had a lot of rookies start in 2018 because of Mack & Edwards suddenly gone. They got a lot of on the job training and should be better in 2019 but we’ll see if they learned anything. There are a lot of unproven guys on this line and we’ll see if there is any talent. The LB crew has a bunch of guys signed from other teams with some bit players. Only Tahir Whitehead is really dependable going into 2019. Some are on a show me contract but that’s no guarantee that they will step it up. The secondary helped itself with some nice additions but, can the D-LINE and LBs do their job to make it a little easier on the secondary? This team still has a lot of question marks and the AFC WEST got tougher going into this season. I don’t see OAK getting into the playoffs as they are supposedly a lame duck team going to Las Vegas next season.
PROJECTED 2018 (9-7), ACTUAL 2018 (4-12), PROJECTED 2019 (5-11)