POSTED 8/13/2019
2019 NFC PREDICTIONS
KEY: 16/16=Games played/Games started
Updates were made from team websites.
NFC EAST
New York Giants
HC Pat Shurmur is definitely on the hotseat. I gave this team more credit than they deserved in 2018 and they finished worse than I predicted. GM Dave Gettleman acts like he has orchestrated teams that won multiple SuperBowls. A lot of decisions, whether they were at CAR or now with NYG are head shakers. HC Pat Shurmur didn’t dazzle anyone when he was the HC in CLEVE. That’s why he was dismissed after only two seasons. That’s why he’s in the hotseat here, because it could happen again. At QB, Eli Manning 16/16 supposedly still has many good years according to Gettleman & Shurmur. He still plays well but the GIANTS as a team don’t win. Eli’s 2018 season wasn’t bad considering the talent around him. NYG drafted what they consider the QB of the future, Daniel Jones in the 1st round out of Duke. Looks to me like a Dave Brown QB. He’s competent but he won’t take this team or any other team deep into the playoffs. If you don’t know who Dave Brown is, he was a former NYG QB in the 1990s. Behind them there is QB Alex Tanney. He’s been around the league but hasn’t played in an actual game since 2015. At RB, Saquon Barkley 16/16 had a very nice rookie season rushing and catching 91 passes. He needed to catch those passes because the receiving corps for NYG are very thin and are thin in 2019. But if NYG continues to lose, Barkley will be more and more relied on for offense and that could burn him out quickly. Stay tuned. RB Wayne Gallman 15/2 should see a bigger role to give Barkley that needed rest. RB Paul Perkins was out all of 2018 on a non-football injury list but needs to show he has something to stick around. RB Rod Smith 16/1 was the backup in DAL but was signed by NYG to compete for that backup role. RB Dominick Bragalone is a FA out of Lehigh brought in to compete for the backup role. RB Jonathan Stewart 3/0 was on IR then signed with CAR for a ceremonial one day contract and retired. RB Shane Smith 2/0 played two games and was cut. FB Eli Penny 14/3 is a solid blocker and should be able to lead more for Barkley. At WR, Odell Becham Jr 12/12 was traded after the season, to CLEVE. I said that they should have gotten rid of him two years ago before he got the big money. Let someone else see what he’s worth. Anyway, in his place WR Golden Tate 15/8 who split time with DET & PHILLY in 2018 signed with NYG. Tate’s best years may be behind him and when this team starts losing, he might lose enthusiasm. Tate will be suspended for the first four games because of PEDs. WR Sterling Shepard 16/16 may be one of the beneficiaries now that OBJ is gone. He should see more passes now that the OFF will open up. WR Corey Coleman 8/1 could see more time in the rotation unfortunately he tore his ACL and will be out all of 2019. WR Cody Latimer 6/2 was on IR most of the season but, is good for depth and will compete with Corey Coleman for return duties. WR Russell Shepard 12/0 needs to show something to stick around. WR Darius Slayotn who was drafted in the 5th round out of Auburn needs to get a quick learn on the pro game and improve his catchings to stick around. WR Bennie Fowler 10/5 needs to show more to stick around. WR Brittan Golden last played with ARZ in 2017 is looking to add depth to NYG. WR Alonzo Russell 1/0 was on the practice squad for most of the season, needs to impress to stick around. WR Jawill Davis 7/0 was waived after the season and signed by GB. WR Quadree Henderson 5/0 played return man but was waived and signed by NYJ. WR Amba Etta-Tawo & WR TJ Jones FAs signed July 27th. At TE, Evan Engram 11/8 should be another beneficiary of the OBJ departure. He also needs to stay healthy. TE Rhett Ellison 14/12 is a great blocker but also needs to stay healthy. TE Garrett Dickerson 4/0 was on the practice squad most of the year, needs to show something to stay on for depth. TE Scott Simonson 16/4 provides depth behind Ellison and blocks well. The O-LINE has been a problem for NYG for years. In 2017 the O-LINE gave up a combined 34 sacks. In 2018, they gave up a whopping 47 sacks. That is terrible. At LT, Nate Solder 16/16 is solid on that left side. LG Will Hernandez 16/16 went through some growing pains as a rookie but should be an improvement in 2019. C Spencer Pulley 12/9 was acquired off waivers from LAC at the beginning of the season and did nicely as the C. C Jon Halapio 2/2 was out with a broken ankle but should be ready for camp. There should be a battle between Pulley & Halapio for the starting job. OT Brian Mihalik 5/0 needs to show something to stay on. OT Nick Gates was on IR all of 2018 but, will compete for backup depth. RG Patrick Omameh 7/6 was cut by NYG and then signed by JAX mid season. RG Jamon Brown 8/8 was acquired mid season from LAR to replace Omameh but then signed in the off-season with ATL. C/RG John Greco 15/7 wasn’t retained and is a FA. RG Kevin Zeitler 16/16 was with CLEVE and was traded to the NYG for LB Olivier Vernon. Zeitler should be able to help a disastrous O-LINE. RT Ereck Flowers 5/2 who was disaster at the position was cut in October, signed by JAX and then signed in the off season by WASH. OT Chad Wheeler 16/14 started at RT but, may have competition for that position in training camp. OG Chad Slade had been with HOU since 2015 but only saw action in 2017 5/3 and was signed by NYG looking to add depth. OT Victor Salako has been with a few teams but no playing time and will try to make the roster for NYG. OL George Asafo-Adjei who was drafted in the 7th round out of Kentucky is being shaped to be a part of the future O-LINE. RT Mike Remmers 16/16 was with MINN in 2018 but was not retained is coming off back surgery and took a physical with NYG. A deal has not been completed but the two sides will talk again. The DEF for NYG has been atrocious the last two seasons. In 2017 they were #31 TOT DEF and in 2018 they were #24 TOT DEF. That’s not much better. But the PASS DEF was #31 in 2017 and #23 in 2018. The secondary was torched. On DEF in the secondary, the NYG haven’t been able to stop anyone the last two seasons. Changes needed to be made. CB Janoris Jenkins 16/15 with 2 INTS is solid and needs to be the leader of the secondary. CB Eli Apple 5/5 was traded to NO during the season. CB BW Webb 16 1/3 with 1INT & 1.0 sack filled in nicely but, signed with CINNCY after the season. CB Sam Beal was out all of 2018 with a shoulder injury. He is looking for bigger things in 2019. CB Deandre Baker who was drafted in the 1st round out of Georgia could be battling Beal for the starting spot. CB Julian Love who was drafted in the 4th round out of Notre Dame could find himself in the slot position. CB Corey Balentine who was drafted in the 6th round out of Washburn could start the season on the reserve/non-football injury list due to a gunshot wound. DB Donte Deayon 4/0 was cut in Oct. DB Grant Haley 10/9 will be battling the slot CB spot with rookie Julian Love. CB Antonio Hamilton 13/0 plays mostly special teams but may find it crowded in the secondary. CB Tony Lippett 3/0 needs to show something to stick around. DB Kamrin Moore 2/0 may also need to show something to stick around. CB Ronald Zamort could end up on the practice squad due to the congested secondary. At S, Landon Collins 12/12 signed with WASH. S Curtis Riley 16/16 with 4INTS signed with OAK. S Michael Thomas 16/6 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack plays a lot of special teams and sees a lot of time in the rotation in the secondary. SS Jabrill Peppers 16/16 with 1INT & 1.0 sack also return kicks and punts was acquired from CLEVE in the Odell Beckham trade. He’ll take over where Landon Collins left. FS Antoine Bethea 16/16 with 3.0 sacks comes over from ARZ after being cut and will be a leader in the secondary. S Sean Chandler 16/0 with 1.0 sack needs to show something to stick around. S Kenny Ladler was cut by WASH during the season and picked up by NYG 3/0. He also needs to show something to stick around. The DEF is a 3-4 alignment. At DE, Olsen Pierre 10/1 was on IR part of the season for ARZ but signed with NYG in the off season. DE Kerry Wynn 14/5 with 1.5 sacks was not retained and signed with CINNCY. DT Dexter Lawrence who was drafted in the 1st round out of Clemson is penciled in as the starter. DT Chris Slayton who was drafted in the 7th round out of Syracuse might be looking at the practice squad if he doesn’t show something in camp. DT Dalvin Tomlinson 16/16 will see a lot of action in the rotation but needs to produce. DE BJ Hill 16/12 with 5.5 sacks had a nice rookie season and should see bigger numbers in 2019. DT RJ McIntosh 6/0 was on IR for part of the season but should be better in his second season. DL Jake Ceresna was on NYJ in 2016 but didn’t see the field. He’s been invited to camp but has to show something to stick around. He could be good for depth. DE Mario Edwards 15/0 with 2.0 sacks wasn’t retained and signed with NO. DT John Jenkins 7/1 may have competition and needs to step it up. DE Freedom Kinmoladun who went undrafted was signed by NYG after impressing in mini-camp. He has a chance at making the roster for depth purposes. DT Josh Mauro 12/4 with 1.0 sack wasn’t retained and signed with OAK. DT Damon Harrison 7/7 was traded to DET mid season for a draft pick. DE Terrence Fede didn’t play in 2018 was signed August 3rd. In the LB crew, OLB Olivier Vernon 11/11 with 7.0 sacks was traded in the off season to CLEVE for RG Kevin Zeitler. LB Kareem Martin 16/7 with 1.5 sacks needs to step it up in 2019. ILB Alec Ogletree 13/13 with 1.0 sack & 5INTS had a solid 2018 after coming over from LAR. ILB BJ Goodson 15/13 with 0.5 sack & 2INTS needs to stay healthy. OLB Markus Golden 11/11 with 2.5 sacks was with ARZ in 2018 and signed with NYG. NYG need him to be big on DEF. LB Oshane Ximines who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Old Dominion may see a lot of time on special teams. LB Ryan Connelly who was drafted in the 5th round out of Wisconsin may also end up on special teams or the practice squad. LB Tae Davis 14/4 with 2.0 sacks is solid for depth and plays on special teams. LB Nathan Stupar 16/1 is there for depth but needs improvement. LB Lorenzo Carter 15/2 with 4.0 sacks is looking to explode in his 2nd season. LB Jonathan Anderson didn’t play in 2018 but was signed by NYG. He needs to show something to stick around. OLB Ukeme Eligwe 10/0 was cut after the season. LB Avery Moss didn’t play a game in 2018 but needs to show something in camp to stick around. LB Connor Barwin LB 15/3 with 1.0 sack was cut after the season. LB Ray-Ray Armstrong 6/1 was cut in Oct and picked up by CLEVE. LB Joey Alfieri was claimed off waivers August 5th. OLB Jeremiah Harris waived June 4th. OLB Keion Adams signed June 4th. HC Pat Shurmur is definitely on the hot seat and if things go wrong with some of the personnel that GM Dave Gettleman has brought in, Dave will blame Pat. Is this the last season of QB Eli Manning in a NYG uniform? He’s certainly better than what is on the roster. QB Daniel Jones looks like Dave Brown all over again. RB Saquon Barkley will have to be Superman with this bunch. Is the O-LINE going to do its job or is the QB going to be running for his life? With the departure of OBJ other WRs & TEs should see more passes. That is, if the O-LINE holds up. What about the secondary? New names and new hitters but can they mesh and get the job done? #23 in the league just won’t cut it. Looking around at each other after getting burned certainly won’t cut it. The D-LINE and the LBs have to put pressure on the opposing team’s QB and can’t let him have all day to pick the secondary apart. Good luck with this bunch but I don’t see a lot of improvement.
PROJECTED 2018 (7-9), ACTUAL 2018 (5-11), PROJECTED 2019 (6-10)
Dallas Cowboys
HC Jason Garrett is definitely on the hotseat. He is in the last year of his contract and he has not been given an extension. In 2018 DAL reached the 2nd round of the playoffs and lost @LAR. This did not earn Jason an extension. This year, the only thing that would garner an extension would probably be reaching the SuperBowl. Let’s face it, Garrett makes a lot of suspect game decisions that has everyone scratching their heads. He has been a puppet for Owner Jerry Jones but it hasn’t gotten DAL to the SuperBowl. OC is different in 2019, out is Scott Linehan and in is DAL backup QB Kellen Moore. DC Rod Marinelli keeps his job. At QB, Dak Prescott 16/16 is in contract negotiations for an extension but, is in no way worth $30 million a year. Dak Prescott still makes mistakes that a rookie makes. He misses open receivers either by bounce passing them or overthrowing them. Then he holds the ball when he should throw it and he throws the ball when he should hold it. If DAL gives him that kind of money they will regret it. At RB, Ezekial Elliott 15/15 is the reason DAL wins. He had another fine season but can’t do it alone. He can catch the ball like a receiver and runs through defenders. He deserves more money because without him, DAL doesn’t win. As of August 10th, Elliott is holding out for a better deal. In the meantime DAL has signed RB Alfred Morris 12/1 who was not retained by SF after 2018. Backing up Elliott, RB Tony Pollard who was drafted in the 4th round out of Memphis & Mike Weber who was drafted in the 7th round out of Ohio State will compete and try to find time in the rotation as backups. RB Rod Smith wasn’t re-signed. RB Darius Jackson 2/0 will also be in competition to backup Elliott. At WR, Amari Cooper 9/9 was traded for mid-season from OAK and showed everyone that he has a lot in the tank. He should be better this season with a full training camp to work with Prescott. Slot WR Cole Beasley 16/4 signed with BUFF. He will surely be missed as he was Prescott’s safety net. WR Randall Cobb 9/6 was signed from GB on a 1 yr deal. He will likely fill the slot receiver spot vacated by Beasley. WR Allen Hurns 16/7 had a disappointing season and needs to show more or might be cut because of his $6 million salary. WR Terrance Williams 3/2 wasn’t retained. WR Tavon Austin 7/0 re-signed for less money in 2019 and must stay healthy. WR Michael Gallup 16/8 improved greatly in 2018 and should see more passes in 2019. WR Lance Lenoir 7/0 has been back and forth on the practice roster but has to show something in training camp to make the team. WR Noah Brown 8/2 had an injury plagued season but plays mostly on special teams. WR Devin Smith 0/0 was with NYJ but also must show something to make the roster. At TE, Jason Witten came out of retirement to give it another try. He will be kept on a pitch count and how much he has left in the tank is anyone’s guess. TE Geoff Swaim 9/9 signed with JAX. TE Rico Gathers 15/4 needs to step up his game to stick around. TE Blake Jarwin 16/4 had a strong finish to the season and needs to keep doing it to stick around. TE Dalton Schultz 11/7 is another guy who needs to impress to stick around. The O-LINE gave up an alarming 56 sacks in 2018 up from 32 in 2017. They need to work better as a group to give Prescott a little more time in the pocket. At LT Tyron Smith 13/13 is solid but, when he’s not there, that left side is a problem. T Cameron Fleming 14/3 does his job as a swing tackle and is great for depth. LG Connor Williams 13/10 had a so-so rookie year and saw the bench after getting beat. Look for him to be better in yr 2. OG Xavier Su’a-Filo 8/8 is in a battle with Williams for that LG spot. C Travis Frederick 0/0 was out all of 2018 with an autoimmune disorder but should be ready for wk 1. C Joe Looney 16/16 filled in nicely for Frederick but is better suited for backup. RG Zack Martin 14/14 is solid at the position and earned his 3rd All-PRO. OG Connor McGovern who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Penn State is slated to be a starter down the road. RT La’el Collins 16/16 is in a free agent year so look for him to have a great year. C Adam Redmond 10/0 played a lot of special teams but gives depth to the line. In the secondary, CB Byron Jones 16/16 had a breakout year but is coming off hip surgery. CB Jourdan Lewis 15/1 with 1 INT is great for depth. CB Chidobe Awuzie 15/14 with 1 INT had a solid year with more starts. CB Anthony Brown 15/10 with 1INT & 2.0 sacks is in a contract year so this is his year to shine. CB Michael Jackson who was drafted in the 5th round out of U of Miami should find some time in the rotation. CB Treston Decoud 1/0 was mostly on the practice squad and needs to show something to stick around. CB C.J. Goodwin 3/0 probably won’t make it out training camp. At FS Xavier Woods 14/14 with 2INTS is getting better each year. SS George Iloka 16/3 was picked up from MINN and replaces FS Jeff Heath 16/16 with 1INT in the starting lineup. Heath will be the backup and play on special teams. S Kavon Frazier 16/2 with 1.0 sacks plays mostly on special teams but needs to show more to get into the regular rotation. S Donovan Wilson who was drafted in the 6th round out of Texas A&M has the potential to develop into a quality DB. FS Darian Thompson 10/0 has to show something to make it out of training camp. On the D-LINE, DE Robert Quinn 16/16 with 6.5 sacks was acquired in a trade from MIA as insurance but is used to being a starter. DE/DT Taco Charlton 11/7 with 1.0 sacks provides depth but needs to step it up. DE/DT Tyrone Crawford 15/15 with 5.5 sacks can play both positions effectively with makes him a valuable asset to the team. DT Maliek Collins 13/9 with 3.0 sacks needs to do better now that there is competition. DT Trysten Hill who was drafted in the 2nd round out of UCF will give Collins that competition to break into the rotation. DE David Irving 2/0 with 1.0 sacks has had off the field problems and has been suspended indefinitely. DT Antwaun Woods 15/15 with 1.5 sacks was a surprise coming out of last year’s camp and should have another good year. DE Demarcus Lawrence 16/15 with 10.5 sacks and 1INT is solid and a leader on DEF. He may miss a few weeks because he had off-season surgery to repair a torn labrum. DE Randy Gregory 14/1 with 6.0 sacks is expected to come off suspension and prove that he belongs on the team. DT Daniel Ross 13/0 with 1.0 sacks could be kept for depth. DE Dorance Armstrong 15/1 with 0.5 sacks could also be kept for depth. DL Christian Covington 12/2 with 3.5 sacks was signed from HOU for depth. DT Kerry Hyder 7/0 was signed from DET for depth. DL Joe Jackson who was drafted in the 5th round out of U of Miami will be groomed to work the strong side of the field. DE Jalen Jelks who was drafted in the 7th round out of Oregon is a work in progress. There are a lot of guys here, we’ll see who stays for depth purposes and who settles into the rotation. At WLB, Leighton Vander Esch 16/11 with 2INTS led the team in tackles and played beyond expectations. LB Sean Lee 7/5 with 0.5 sacks was brought back for depth but has to stay healthy. MLB Jaylon Smith 16/16 with 4.0 sacks had a great season and should be even better in 2019. LB Joe Thomas 10/0 provides depth, plays special teams and could compete on the strong side. LB Justin March-Lillard 16/0 plays mostly special teams but also could compete on the strong side. LB Damien Wilson 16/7 with 1.0 sacks was signed by KC. LB Chris Covington 5/0 should get a shot to compete into the rotation. HC Jason Garrett needs to make the SuperBowl to keep his job. That in itself is a lot of pressure to have on one’s head. But he’s been in DAL long enough and should be making better calls in big situations. Dak Prescott needs to make better decisions as well and have better accuracy. The O-LINE needs to do a better job at giving Prescott more time. 56 sacks is completely unacceptable and a recipe for disaster. If Elliott stays healthy, that takes a lot of pressure off of Prescott. On DEF, the secondary is mostly the same but must play better. They need to create more turnovers. The D-LINE is solid and LBs are solid as well. DAL needs to find a way to get to the SuperBowl or Owner Jerry Jones will probably clean house after the season.
PROJECTED 2018 (8-8), ACTUAL 2018 (10-6), PROJECTED 2019 (11-5)
Philadelphia Eagles
HC Doug Perderson found out that it is harder to defend your SuperBowl title than make a run at it. The OFF will not have the luxury of two vested QBs as Nick Foles is gone. The OFF has not been consistent. In 2017, PHILLY TOT OFF was #14 with #26 PASS OFF & #2 RUSH OFF. In 2018 PHILLY OFF was #14, not changed but, PASS OFF was #7 & RUSH OFF was #28. A complete switch on the OFF for PHILLY. OC Mike Groh needs to be able to balance the OFF and hope that Wentz stays healthy. At QB, Carson Wentz 11/11 was signed to a big contract in the off season but is coming off two injury plagued seasons. Can he stay healthy? QB Nick Foles 5/5 was not retained by PHILLY and signed with JAGS. QB Nate Sudfeld 2/0 is the backup but, broke his wrist in the first exhibition game of 2019. He will be out an estimated 6-8 weeks. A suitable backup will be searched for. QB Clayton Thorson who was drafted in the 5th round out of Northwestern is a pocket passer who may move up the charts if he shows that he is ready. QB Cody Kessler 5/4 who was cut by JAGS after the season signed with PHILLY but PHILLY is lukewarm with him. At RB Jordan Howard 16/15 was acquired from CHI for a draft pick will be the rusher that PHILLY has been lacking. RB Miles Sanders who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Penn State will be a part of the passing game as well as the running game. RB Jay Ajayi 4/3 was on IR most of 2018 was not retained. He was acquired in 2017 and helped PHILLY win the SB but, became expendable. RB/PR Darren Sproles 6/2 had an injury plagued season but is looking to rebound this season. He is currently on the roster as of August 11th. However, at 36 years of age, it could be his last season. RB Josh Adams 14/5 led PHILLY in rushing in 2018 but may not see a lot of touches with the addition of Howard. RB Corey Clement 11/0 is battling a knee injury but should be ready for wk 1. RB Donnel Pumphrey is a practice squad guy who needs to show more to stick around. RB Boston Scott 2/0 was activated late in the season but, is in competition for a backup role. RB Wendell Smallwood 16/6 is good in a situational role and brings fresh legs. WR Alshon Jeffery 13/13 has been a favorite target of Wentz’s. WR Nelson Agholar 16/16 is in a big contract year. WR DeSean Jackson 12/10 was traded by TB to PHILLY for a draft pick. Everyone is excited by this move but Jackson is not the same player that played for PHILLY 2008-2013. WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Stanford should be able to find time in the rotation and with his size should win some jump balls in the redzone. WR Braxton Miller didn’t play in 2018 because he was cut by HOU and ended up on PHILLY’s practice squad is a former QB who is still learning the position. WR Shelton Gibson 15/0 needs to show more to stick around. He was waived August 11th. WR Jordan Matthews 14/3 was not retained by PHILLY and signed with SF. WR Golden Tate 15/8 was acquired from DET during the season but was not retained by PHILLY after the season and signed with NYG. WR Charles Johnson who hasn’t been in a game in two seasons may need to show a lot to stick around. WR Mike Wallace 2/2 was on IR most of 2018 was not retained by PHILLY is currently a FA. WR Mack Hollins who was on IR for all of 2018 could be good for depth. WR Carlton Agudosi was on ARZ practice squad in 2018 is looking to add depth in PHILLY. WR Marken Michel is a UDFA who has bounced around training camps looking to add depth. WR Markus Wheaton 1/0 was cut in 2018 after appearing in one game. At TE, Zach Ertz 16/16 has become the FAV target of Wentz’s. He’s a reliable and a big target that holds onto the ball. TE Dallas Goedert 16/8 has become a great blocker. TE Joshua Perkins 9/1 was on IR part of 2018 but was used mostly as a blocker. TE Richard Rodgers 7/0 is there for depth. TE Will Tye didn’t get into a game in 2018 but was picked up off NE and added to the practice squad. He is in competition for a depth position with Rodgers. The O-LINE gave up 40 sacks in 2018, up from 36 in 2017. That is still a lot of sacks and they need to cut them down. AT LT Jason Peters 16/16 is getting up there in age & durability and a replacement may be near. LG Isaac Seumalo 13/9 is valuable because he can play all five positions. C Jason Kelce 16/16 was ALL-PRO in 2018 & signed an extension. RG Brandon Brooks 16/16 ruptured his achilles tendon in the playoff loss vs NO but his timetable is to return for wk 1. PHILLY needs this guy. RT Lane Johnson 15/15 needs to get back up to his 2017 ALL-PRO form. OT Andre Dillard who was drafted in the 1st round out of Washington State will be groomed to replace Peters. C Anthony Fabiano is a practice squad guy looking to add depth. RG Matt Pryor can play inside & outside which is valuable because PHILLY doesn’t have much depth. RT Halapoulivaati Vaitai 16/1 is good for depth. LG Stefen Wisniewski 16/7 fills in as a starter when needed and plays decent. G Chance Warmack 9/0 was not retained by PHILLY & is currently a FA. OT Jordan Mailata is a former Australian rugby player who was drafted by PHILLY but was on IR in 2018. FA OL Ryan Bates was traded n August 9th to BUFF for DE Eli Harold. The DEF for PHILLY in 2018 wasn’t quite as good as in their SB run of 2017. In 2018 PHILLY’s TOT DEF was #23 with #30 PASS DEF & #7 RUSH DEF. In 2017 PHILLY had #8 TOT DEF with #11 PASS DEF & #8 RUSH DEF. If PHILLY is going to make a deeper run in the playoffs, the DEF must tighten up. The alignment for the PHILLY DEF is a 4-3. DC Jim Schwartz is good at what he does but the DEF has to be more balanced in its attack. The secondary needs to stay healthy as they were ravaged in 2018. At DE Brandon Graham 16/16 with 4.0 sacks saw his sack total slip from 9.5 sacks in 2017. With the departure of DE Michael Bennett, more of the spotlight will be on him. DE Michael Bennett 16/10 with 9.0 sacks was traded by PHILLY to NE for a draft pick. DT Fletcher Cox 16/16 with 10.5 sacks was ALL-PRO in 2018 and routinely sees double teams. DT Malik Jackson 16/10 with 3.5 sacks was cut by JAGS in March 2019 & signed by PHILLY. This will help with the departure of Bennett. DE Derek Barnett 6/6 with 2.5 sacks was mostly on IR with a shoulder injury. He should be ready to resume his attacks. DE Chris Long 16/0 with 6.5 sacks retired in May. DT Treyvon Hester 12/1 with 1.0 sack is good for depth and has shined. DT Timmy Jernigan 3/3 was limited due to off-season back surgery. If he is 100%, he needs to play his worth. DE Vinny Curry 12/7 with 2.5 sacks was cut by TB after the 2018 and signed a show me deal with PHILLY. He can play inside & outside. DT Hassan Ridgeway 5/0 was traded to PHILLY after the 2018 season from INDY for a draft pick. He brings good depth. DT Haloti Ngata 13/9 with 1.0 sack retired after the season. DE Daeshon Hall 3/0 with 0.5 sack was signed late off HOU practice squad. He may need to show something to stick around. DT Bruce Hector 8/0 with 0.5 sack split time between the practice squad and active duty. DE Shareef Miller who was drafted in the 4th round out of Penn State should see time in the rotation. DE Josh Sweat 9/0 was on IR part of the season but, needs to step it up in yr 2. DE Joe Ostman was an UDFA that was looking to add depth but tore his ACL in his left knee as of August 6th and is on IR for all of 2019. At OLB Zach Brown 16/12 with 1.0 sack was cut by WASH after the season and signed a show me deal with PHILLY. MLB Nigel Bradham 15/15 with 2.0 sacks is solid in the middle. OLB Kamu Gruiger-Hill 16/10 with 1.0 sack & 1INT suffered a Grade 3 MCL strain on August 3rd and it is unclear if he will be available wk 1. He also plays special teams. OLB Nathan Gerry 13/2 with 1INT is a converted S who may see more time at the position if Hill can’t make it. LB LJ Fort 15/2 with 1.0 sack was not retained by PITT and signed with PHILLY. He brings needed depth. LB Paul Worrilow was on IR all of 2018 and is still recovering from a torn ACL. His availability for wk1 is still up in the air. LB BJ Bello 3/0 was waived in June 2019 and signed with HOU. LB Jordan Hicks 12/12 with 3.0 sacks was not retained by PHILLY & signed with ARZ. LB DJ Alexander 12/0 was not retained by PHILLY & signed with JAGS. LB LaRoy Reynolds 16/0 was not retained by PHILLY & signed with SF. LB Alex Singleton is a UDFA looking to add depth. In 2018, the secondary battled many injuries and lackluster play that made it a target for many opposing QBs, hence #30 vs the PASS. Due to these injuries PHILLY is looking at a lot of DBs to fill roles. At CB Jalen Mills 8/8 is battling a foot injury and is currently, August 10th, on the PUP list without a timetable for return. CB Ronald Darby 9/9 with 1INT is still dealing with a torn ACL that caused him to miss part of the 2018 season and has him possibly not ready for wk 1. CB Sidney Jones 9/4 needs to stay healthy if he wants to move up the depth chart. CB Rasul Douglas 16/7 with 3INTS took a big step forward in his 2nd season. CB Josh Hawkins 6/0 played for CAR, was cut & picked up by KC but, never played, & then picked up PHILLY & played one game, all during the season. He may need to show something to stick around. DB Cre’von LeBlanc 11/4 was waived by DET & picked up by PHILLY. He is currently on IR, August 3rd, due to a Lisfranc sprain. He will be out a minimum of three months. CB Avonte Maddox 13/9 with 2INTS & 0.5 sack had a very good rookie season, may be asked to do more. CB Jeremiah McKinnon 1/0 was with CLEVE but was added to PHILLY practice squad late in the season. CB Jay Liggins a UDFA was signed on May 10th to give depth. CB Orlando Scandrick 15/7 with 1INT, who was not retained by KC signed a one year deal with PHILLY on July 28th. De’Vante Bausby 6/1 was cut during the 2018 season. CB Sojourn Shelton was signed August 11th. At FS, Malcolm Jenkins 16/16 with 1INT & 1.0 sack is solid and a leader in the secondary. SS Rodney McLeod 3/3 was out with an ACL tear. We’ll see if he is ready for wk 1. S Blake Countess 16/1 with 1INT was waived by LAR May 2nd & signed May 3rd by PHILLY. He will provide S depth & play on special teams. S Andrew Sendejo 5/5 was on IR most of 2018 with MINN but was signed by PHILLY for depth and sub packages. S Corey Graham 13/9 with 1INT was not retained by PHILLY. S Godwin Igwebuike was waived August 3rd by PHILLY & picked up by NYJ. S Chris Maragos was on IR all of 2018 but was cut in February 2019 and subsequently retired. S Deiondre Hall 13/0 plays mainly on special teams. S Tre Sullivan 12/1 also plays mostly on special teams. S Tre Elston who didn’t get into a game in 2018 was signed June 5th for depth. S Johnathan Cyprien who was on IR all of 2018 with TENN was cut in March but signed on August 3rd with PHILLY. The OFF has to be balanced or it will be predictable. Hopefully RB Jordan Howard will be the equalizer on OFF. QB Carson Wentz needs to stay healthy and show that he can lead this team to the SuperBowl. There will always be that stigma that Nick Foles won it, which he did. But now Wentz has to prove that he can do it and justify that massive extension he signed. There is not that much depth on the O-LINE and that certainly could be a problem if injuries or complacency set in. The DEF as a whole needs to step up their takeaways. PHILLY dropped in that category which may have led to more losses. They need to do better. D-LINE will be less the services of Bennett & Long who contributed 15.5 sacks combined. That’s a lot. Who will step up in their places? How will they mesh? There was a lot of movement with the LBs, who will step up? The secondary needs to be healthy and stay healthy otherwise they will be picked apart again. There are a lot of questions there and no real leader. This team will excite on OFF, disappoint on DEF.
PROJECTED 2018 (11-5), ACTUAL 2018 (9-7), PROJECTED 2019 (9-7)
Washington Redskins
The 2018 season started out nicely for WASH at 6-3 but the multiple fracture of QB Alex Smith and then a broken leg sustained by QB Colt McCoy led to disaster for WASH. QB Mark Sanchez was summoned and then Josh Johnson. Not to mention the disastrous performance and injuries to the O-LINE which I go after. Also, multiple receivers went down. But HC Jay Gruden, entering his 6th season, knows that time may be running out and he has to at least show some improvement this season or it may be back to the drawing board for WASH. At QB, Alex Smith 10/10 wasn’t having a bad season when he suffered that multiple fracture in his leg. However, he is expected to miss all of 2019 due to recovery from an infection after surgery. QB Colt McCoy 3/2 also suffered a fractured leg but is expected back for wk 1. QB Mark Sanchez 2/1 was not retained after his two disastrous performances. QB Josh Johnson 4/3 was signed late in the year but also was not retained. QB Case Keenum 16/16 was with DEN in 2018 was traded to WASH after the season for a draft pick. This is his 4th team in four years. He will keep the seat warm until Haskins is ready. QB Dwayne Haskins who was drafted in the 1st round out of Ohio State will be groomed to be the face of the franchise. WASH signed QB Jalan McClendon August 11th. QB Josh Woodrum was placed on IR August 11th. At RB, Adrian Peterson 16/16 showed everyone that he still has a lot left in the tank even at 34. RB Derrius Guice was on IR all of 2018 with a torn ACL but is expected to be ready wk 1. This would give Peterson some relief. RB Samaje Perine 5/0 really needs to get back on track to get out of the dog house. RB Rob Kelley 2/0 was on IR most of 2018 and was not retained. RB Chris Thompson 10/0 can block in pass protection and can catch which makes him valuable on 3rd down. RB Bryce Love who was drafted in the 4th round out of Stanford will probably be out part of 2019 with recovery from a torn ACL. RB Byron Marshall 6/0 was on IR most of 2018 but is there for depth. RB Kapri Bibbs 10/0 was waived by WASH and picked up by GB. RB Russell Hansbrough hasn’t been in a game since 2016 but may be in camp for depth. RB Shaun Wilson was signed July 25th. At WR, Jamison Crowder 9/7 signed with the NYJ. Josh Doctson 15/12 should have a better year now that Crowder is gone or he may be gone. WR Maurice Harris 12/7 had a nice season but ended up on IR. He then signed with NE. WR Michael Floyd 12/2 was signed after the season started and then signed with BALT after the season. WR Paul Richardson 7/4 had an injury filled season but should bounce back as the #2. WR Tre Quinn 3/2 was on IR most of the season could be used for slot receiver. WR Jehu Chesson 12/0 plays mostly on special teams. WR Brian Quick 6/3 needs to step it up in the suddenly crowded receiver corps. WR Terry McLaurin who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Ohio State is expected to play on special teams but may work his way into the rotation. WR Kelvin Harmon who was drafted in the 6th round out of NC State needs to show something to stay on the roster. WR Robert Davis was out all of 2018 on IR has a timetable that is undetermined. WR Darvin Kidsy 2/0 probably needs to show more to stick around. WR Cam Sims 1/0 was on IR most of 2018 but is projected to show greatness in 2019. At TE, Jordan Reed 13/8 hasn’t played a full season in the NFL due to injuries. But when he’s healthy, he’s unstoppable. TE Vernon Davis 14/8 is durable and a good blocker. TE Jeremy Sprinkle 16/9 is known for blocking but can also catch passes. TE Matt Flanagan 3/1 was activated late in the season from the practice squad but could mean a roster spot in 2019. TE JP Holtz was on the practice squad in 2018 needs to show something to stick around. TE Manasseh Garner was waived June 6th. The O-LINE gave up a combined 44 sacks to four different QBs in 2018. In 2017 the O-LINE gave up 41 sacks to Kirk Cousins. The O-LINE must get better at protecting the QB no matter who is calling the plays. In 2016, the O-LINE only gave up 23 sacks which is very respectable. However, the injury bug has hit the WASH O-LINE for the last two years which has forced WASH to bring in guys that were either out of their natural spot or didn’t gel with rest of the O-LINE. At LT, Trent Williams 13/13 is solid at the position when healthy. He is currently holding out and has asked to be traded. LG Ereck Flowers 13/9 was cut by NYG and then picked up by JAGS. He signed a one year show me deal with WASH but, this could be his last shot in the NFL. C/G Chase Roullier 16/16 his versatility makes him valuable. RG Brandon Scherff 6/6 was on IR most of the season but, is solid when healthy. RT Morgan Moses 16/16 led the league in penalties in 2018 but is steady at the position. LT Geron Christian 2/0 was on IR most of the season but needs to show improvement to stick around. LG Arie Kouandjio 0/0 was on IR for the whole season and not retained. G Jonathan Cooper 4/4 was signed lat by WASH after being cut by SF but was not retained by WASH and signed with OAK. G Kyle Fuller 2/0 was signed late in the season from HOU. He was then waived after the season and signed by MIA. T Austin Howard 5/1 was signed late in the season but not retained after the season. G Shawn Lauvao 5/5 spent most of the season on IR and was not retained. OT Ty Nsekhe 14/5 was not retained and signed with BUFF. C/RG Tony Bergstrom 13/8 is great for depth because of his versatility. G/T Tyler Catalina was on IR all of 2018 but is there for depth. He was waived July 31st. OG Ross Pierschbacher who was drafted in the 5th round out of Alabama has versatility at both C & G. OG Wes Martin who was drafted in the 4th round out of Indiana will be counted on if Flowers flops. C/G Luke Bowanko 7/3 was signed late in the season by WASH, then signed with DET for 2019. OL Roubbens Joseph is a FA that is trying to make the team for depth. C/G Zac Kerin 2/1 was a late season signee but needs to show something in camp to stick around. T Timon Parris 1/0 was also signed very late in the season but may need to show something to stick around. OT Blake Hance was signed June 4th. C Casey Dunn 2/0 is another lineman that WASH will look at in camp. He was waived July 31st. OT Donald Parham was signed June 6th. OT Donald Penn was signed July 31st. OG Hugh Thornton was signed July 31st. OT Corey Robinson was signed July 27th. The DC is Greg Manusky and he has been the DC for 2017 & 2018. WASH runs a 3-4 DEF alignment and they have been consistent with their INTS & their sacks. The DEF was #21 TOT DEF in 2017 & #17 TOT DEF in 2018. Before Manusky was the DC WASH was #28 TOT DEF in 2016. So players are buying into the program. The D-LINE is a strong unit and they play well together. DE Montez Sweat who was drafted in the 1st round out of Mississippi State is penciled in as a starter on the outside. DT Stacy McGee 8/1 with 1.0 sack was injured half the season and cut after the season. NT Daron Payne 16/16 with 5.0 sacks had a very nice rookie season and is solid. DE Jonathan Allen 16/16 with 8.0 sacks is a leader on the team. DE Matt Ioannidis 14/9 with 7.5 sacks was rewarded with a contract extension. DE Ziggy Hood 4/0 was cut during the season and signed with MIA. DE Tim Settle 16/0 needs to show more after his rookie season. DT Caleb Brantley 7/0 was picked up from CLEVE after the season started needs to show something to stick around. DE Jordan Brailford who was drafted in the 7th round out of Oklahoma State will probably land on the practice squad. At OLB, Ryan Kerrigan 16/16 with 13.0 sacks hasn’t missed a game in eight seasons and is underrated. ILB Mason Foster 16/16 with 1.0 sack & 2INTS came back solid after an injury season of 2017. ILB Reuben Foster 6/6 was suspended for part of the season with SF, then waived and picked up by WASH. He has a torn ACL & LCL so we’ll see when he makes it back. Well, as of July 23rd, he was released so he won’t be back with WASH. MLB Zach Brown 16/12 with 1.0 sack was cut after the season and signed with PHILLY. OLB Ryan Anderson 13/0 with 2.0 sacks needs to show more if he wants to be a starter. LB Preston Smith 16/16 with 4.0 sacks & 1INT wasn’t retained and signed with GB. LB Zach Vigil 14/0 wasn’t retained. LB Pernell McPhee 13/0 wasn’t retained and signed with BALT. OLB Marquis Flowers 5/0 was cut by DET during the season and picked up later by WASH. He needs to show something to stick around. LB Shaun Dion Hamilton 16/4 with 1.5 sacks should see more time in the rotation. OLB Cole Holcomb who was drafted in the 5th round out of North Carolina should see time in the rotation. LB/DB Josh Harvey-Clemons 16/0 with 1 sack plays mostly on special teams. LB Cassanova McKinsy 3/0 bounced around the WASH roster and ended up on IR with a torn pectoral. LB Marcus Smith 2/0 was signed late but needs to show something to stick around. LB Myles Humphrey was signed July 26th. WASH signed LB Darrell Williams & waived LB Garrett Sickels August 11th. In the secondary, CB Josh Norman 16/16 with 3INTS hasn’t been as good as he was in CAR. He could be cut at the end of the season. CB Quinton Dunbar 7/6 has a nerve issue in his shin and is questionable for wk 1. CB Fabian Moreau 16/10 with 1INT could have a breakout year in 2019. CB Greg Stroman 15/3 handles the return game but still learning as a CB. CB Alex Carter 1/0 was picked up late in the season but was waived after the season. CB Joshua Holsey 1/0 bounced around with WASH in 2018, may need to show a lot to stick around. CB Jimmy Moreland who was drafted in the 7th round out of James Madison is making a jump from a small school. CB Adonis Alexander 9/0 is looking to make a big jump in 2019. CB Danny Johnson 14/1 handles kickoffs and is good for depth. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 7/1 announced his retirement with OAK and then signed with WASH in the off season. We’ll see what he has left in the tank. WASH signed DB Dejuan Neal on August 11th. WASH Signed DB DJ White August 2nd. At S Landon Collins 12/12 signed a big deal with WASH after last season with NYG. S Montae Nicholson 14/7 lost his starting job when Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was picked up from GB. Now he’s stuck behind Collins. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix 9/9 was picked up from GB 7/7 during the season but signed with CHI after the season. S Deshazor Everett 16/3 with 1INT plays a lot of special teams but will see more action in the rotation. S DJ Swearinger 15/15 with 4INTS & 1.0 sack was waived during the season and picked up by ARZ. S Troy Apke 2/0 was on IR most of the season needs to show something to stay on the roster. S Harlan Miller 2/0 was waived after the season. S Kenny Ladler 5/0 was cut during the season and picked up by NYG. S Jeremy Reaves 2/0 is transitioning from CB. HC Jay Gruden knows that he has to get this team moving in the right direction and that direction is the playoffs. Time is running out. QB Case Keenum will be the QB until Haskins is ready. The running game should be good as long as Adrian Peterson is not over worked. Receivers need to step up. The O-LINE needs to stay healthy and work as a unit. The last two seasons have been atrocious for injuries that hit the O-LINE. Without a stable O-LINE, WASH has been terrible the last two seasons. If they can stay healthy and work together and the depth can plug holes, WASH can have a winning season. The DEF plays better than the OFF but can’t stay on the field all game. The D-LINE is solid and so are the LBs. The secondary doesn’t have that much depth but guys need to step up. This team needs to plays well and stay healthy. If they do that, they can be a wild card team otherwise, Gruden will be gone.
PROJECTED 2018 (8-8), ACTUAL 2018 (7-9), PROJECTED 2019 (9-7)
NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers
2018 was even a bigger disappointment for GB than anticipated. I seriously thought they would bounce back after Aaron Rodgers had his injury in 2017 and make it deep into the playoffs for 2018. The ugliness of things to come poked its head early in a 3rd week loss at WASH. But there was unforseen turmoil brewing in GB and HC Mike McCarthy was fired after twelve games. New HC Matt LeFleur who has never been a HC anywhere, is telling Rodgers that the HC is calling the plays and that Rodgers may not even be able to audible. Former GB WR James Jones said that Rodgers always called his own plays and HC McCarthy was fine with it. We’ll see how this plays out but Rodgers has proven that he certainly knows best. At QB, Aaron Rodgers 16/16 is still up there as one of the best in the NFL but, he can’t do it alone. QB DeShone Kizer 3/0 is terrible and if you see him do anything except mop up duty, GB is in trouble. QB Tim Boyle is the 3rd stringer but hasn’t been in a game. Maybe he could show something in training camp. At RB, Aaron Jones 12/8 was on IR part of the year and needs to stay healthy to take some pressure off of Rodgers. RB Jamaal Williams 16/8 gets the job done but doesn’t have the speed of Jones. RB Kapri Bibbs 2/0 was picked up off waivers from WASH late in the season then was just recently cut by GB June 14th. RB Tra Carson 4/0 was mostly on the practice squad then IR but needs to show something to stick around. RB Dexter Williams who was drafted in the 6th round out of Notre Dame has had problems off the field needs to straighten out if he wants to make it in the NFL. RB Lavon Coleman 1/0 was cut after the season. RB Darrin Hall was claimed off waivers from CINNCY July 27th. RB Keith Ford was claimed off waivers from INDY August 6th. FB Danny Vitale 5/0 was picked up off the CLEVE practice squad in 2018 and saw action for GB. He could help the GB running game. FB Malcolm Johnson didn’t play a game in 2017 or 2018 but is probably looking at one last shot to prove himself. The GB running game needs a strong FB to lead the charge in game situations. They got it as FB Tommy Bohanon 16/6 was signed August 12th. He was with JAGS in 2018 and not retained. At WR, Davante Adams 15/15 became the #1 receiver for Rodgers, no question. WR Geronimo Allison 5/4 was on IR most of the season but is now in a show me year. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling 16/10 had a nice rookie season but, just needs to take it up a notch. WR Jake Kumerow 5/2 spent the early part of the season on IR then showed what he could do late in the season. WR Equanimeous St. Brown 12/7 should see more time in the rotation. WR J’Mon Moore 12/0 mostly returns kicks but needs to show more to get passes. Longtime GB WR Randall Cobb 9/6 who was injured part of the season was not retained by GB and signed a one year deal with DAL. WR Jawill Davis 7/0 played with NYG in 2018 was picked up off waivers from NYG in the off season. He is fast but needs to show more. He was released August 10th. WR Trevor Davis 2/0 was on IR most of the season is penciled in to return punts. WR Allen Lazard 1/0 needs to show more to stick around. WR Malik Taylor was signed July 19th. At TE, Jimmy Graham 16/12 didn’t have the kind of year that everyone expected. He could be on the downturn of his career. TE Marcedes Lewis 16/4 didn’t do much blocking or pass catching. He might not make it through camp. TE Jace Sternberger who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Texas A&M will be looking to break into the lineup. TE Evan Baylis didn’t play in 2018 but was signed by GB. He has to show something to stick around. TE Robert Tonyan 16/1 could see more time in the rotation in 2019. TE Lance Kendricks 16/3 wasn’t retained. TE Davis Koppenhaver placed on reserve/retired list on May 30th. TE Pharaoh McKever was claimed off waivers from JAGS June 11th. The O-LINE. Certain guys get praise on this line but together they are atrocious and part of the problem why GB is not winning. In 2017 when Rodgers was injured the O-LINE gave up a combined 51 sacks to Rodgers & Brett Hundley. In 2018 the O-LINE gave up a combined 53 sacks to Rodgers & DeShone Kizer. The QB can’t get anything done if the O-LINE can’t protect him, period. Plus, there is not that much depth here to rotate into if someone needs a breather or gets hurt. At LT David Bakhtari 16/16 was ALL-PRO in 2018 and is ranked #1 Tackle in the NFL. Hopefully some of this could rub off on the other Linemen. OT Jason Spriggs 13/2 is hanging on by a thread and probably won’t make wk 1. He didn’t, he was waived/injured August 6th. LG Lane Taylor 15/14 allowed 8.5 sacks in 2018. He is in jeopardy of losing his starting job. OL Elgton Jenkins who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Mississippi is versatile and has played all five positions. He will certainly get a crack at showing his skills and possibly a starting position. C Corey Linsley 16/16 is solid and is in the top ten of Centers in the NFL. OG Lucas Patrick 14/4 has problems vs quick players. RG Billy Turner 16/11 was with DEN in 2018 signed with GB is getting first crack at starting but has never been a full-time starter. OG Justin McCray 12/5 is not good as a starter but is good at a depth position and seeing time in the rotation. G Cole Madison was on IR all of 2018 but may have to show something this time around to stick around. OG Byron Bell 12/9 finished the season on IR and was not retained. T Alex Light 3/0 didn’t see much action in 2018 but also needs to show more to stick around. RT Bryan Bulaga 14/14 is solid but missed parts of games with knee and back problems in 2018. G/T Adam Pankey has played in two games for GB in the last two seasons but, needs to show more to stick around. G Anthony Coyle & T Gerhard de Beer both have bounced around the league but haven’t seen action and are in GB to try to add depth. The DEFENSIVE setup is 3-4 and HC Matt LaFleur convinced DC Mike Pettine to stay on. However, this unit needs to get more INTS. Seven INTS, while five of them were by two DBs that are not even with the team anymore is unacceptable. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix had 3INTS & CB Bashaud Breeland had 2INTS. The culture has to change. DE Dean Lowry 16/8 with 3.0 sacks plays especially well against the run. DE Muhammad Wilkerson 3/3 had an injury plagued season and was not retained. NT Kenny Clark 13/13 with 6.0 sacks has been solid. DL Mike Daniels 10/9 with 2.0 sacks is in a contract year and needs to step it up but, will be doing it somewhere else because GB released him July 24th. DE Kingsley Keke who was drafted in the 5th round out of Texas A&M should see time in the rotation after moving from DT to DE in college. DE Fadol Brown 4/0 was acquired from OAK off waivers during the 2018 season. He needs to show something in training camp to stick around. DT Tyler Lancaster 12/5 is a solid contributor and good for depth. DE Montravius Adams 16/1 with 1.5 sacks hasn’t been living up to his billing. He needs to show more. DE James Looney 3/0 spent most of the season on the practice squad. He needs to show something to stick around. DT Deon Simon hasn’t played in a regular season game sine 2016 with NYJ but was signed and could be used for depth. DL Olive Sagapolu was signed July 26th. The LB crew will certainly miss OLB Clay Matthews 16/16 with 3.5 sacks who seemed to be everywhere on the field. He signed a two year deal with LAR. OLB Nick Perry 9/9 with 1.5 sacks was on IR part of the season, then cut after the season. OLB Za’Darius Smith 16/8 with 8.5 sacks was with BALT in 2018 was signed to take Clay Matthews spot. ILB Oren Burks 14/4 had a so-so rookie season but is ready to take off. ILB Blake Martinez 16/16 with 5.0 sacks is in a contract year and has been solid. OLB Preston Smith 16/16 with 4.0 sacks & 1INT was with WASH in 2018 and signed with GB to take OLB Nick Perry’s spot. OLB Kyler Fackrell 16/7 with 10.5 sacks led the team in sacks. OLB Rashan Gary who was drafted in the 1st round out of Michigan is making a switch from DE to OLB but, should see a lot of time in the rotation. ILB Ty Summers who was drafted in the 7th round out of TCU is very fast but may see time on special teams. LB James Crawford 16/0 sees most of his time on special teams. OLB Kendall Donnerson was on the practice squad in 2018 but should see time in the rotation and is good for depth. He was waive/injured August 8th. LB Reggie Gilbert 16/0 with 2.5 sacks right now is the #4 LB but may see some competition in camp. LB Brady Sheldon was on two practice squads in CLEVE & GB and could be good for depth. He needs to show something to stick around. LB Jake Ryan 0/0 who had a torn ACL was not retained and signed with JAGS. LB Antonio Morrison 16/8 with 1.0 sack was waived after the season. LB Markus Jones was claimed off waivers from BALT July 31st. In the secondary, CB Jaire Alexander 13/11 with 1INT & 0.5 sack is coming into his own after having a solid rookie season. CB Tramon Williams 16/16 may see less action in 2019 since he is getting up there in age. CB Josh Jackson 16/10 was benched for a while for poor tackling but should see an improvement in 2019. CB Kevin King 6/6 with 1INT has had injuries that limited him in his two years but, needs to stay healthy. CB Bashaud Breeland 7/5 with 2INTS was not retained and signed with KC. CB Tony Brown 11/3 needs to stay more focused on the field. CB Will Redmond 5/0 was picked up after being cut by KC but needs to stay healthy if he wants to play. CB Davon House 3/0 was on IR for most of the season and not retained. CB Ka’Dar Hollman who was drafted in the 6th round out of Toledo is fast but will probably end up on special teams. CB Chandon Sullivan 5/1 was with PHILLY in 2018 but was cut and signed by GB in the off season. CB Derrick Jones was claimed off waivers from NYJ August 11th. At S Adrian Amos 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack was with CHI in 2018 but signed with GB in the off season. S Darnell Savage who was drafted in the 1st round out of Maryland is penciled in to start on the other side. S Raven Greene 8/0 with 1.0 sack was having a good season then hurt his ankle and was out. S Josh Jones 13/5 with 1.0 sack has to show more to stick around. S Kentrell Brice 14/10 with 1.0 sack was not retained by GB and signed a one year deal with TB. S Ibraheim Campbell 3/1 was picked up off waivers from the NYJ during the season and not retained. S Eddie Pleasant 5/1 was not retained. S Natrell Jamerson 2/0 was acquired off waivers from HOU during the season but will probably see time on special teams. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix 7/7 with 3INTS & 1.0 sack was traded to WASH mid season for a draft pick. S Jermaine Whitehead 7/2 with 1.0 sack was waived mid season and picked up by CLEVE. S Ibrahelm Campbell was signed August 8th. Is QB Aaron Rodgers going to call the plays and be able to audible? Or is HC Matt LaFleur going to be a dictator and tell Rodgers what the deal is? We’ll find out. This team doesn’t have a lot of depth at WR. This could be a problem if someone gets injured. The O-LINE needs to protect better and it has some holes but they also need better depth with guys that are ready to step into the rotation. The DEF has to find a way to get more INTS & FUMBS to create more opportunities for the OFF. The secondary has to play like every game is the SuperBowl. There are questions all over this team but it comes down to what Rodgers can do. I don’t see this team having another sub .500 year. They could be a wild card team in the tough NFC NORTH.
PROJECTED 2018 (13-3), ACTUAL 2018 (6-9-1), PROJECTED 2019 (10-6)
Minnesota Vikings
MINN HC Mike Zimmer is on the hotseat. He has coached this team for five seasons and there hasn’t been any real consistency with this team in the five seasons. Last season, they gave the world to QB Kirk Cousins and discarded QB Case Keenum who brought MINN to the NFC Championship game in 2017. In 2018 MINN didn’t beat one good team. MINN beat a lot of bad teams and did not make the playoffs in 2018. Also, OC John DeFilippo was fired 13 games into the 2018 season. Right now, OC is listed as Kevin Stefanski who was the QB coach. However, Gary Kubiak is the Assistant coach/Offensive Advisor. Let’s just say that it’s Gary Kubiak’s system that MINN will be running. At QB, Kirk Cousins 16/16 has had a season to get adjusted to how things are done in MINN. He didn’t have a bad season but wasn’t particularly great against good teams. Hence MINN didn’t make the playoffs. Also, in the teams seven losses and one tie, Kirk was sacked 24x. In MINN’s eight wins, he was sacked 16x. He had more time to figure out what to do. The backup QB is Sean Mannion 3/0 who played with LAR and signed a one year deal with MINN. Trevor Siemian was the backup but he signed a one year deal with the NYJ. At RB, Dalvin Cook 11/10 tore his ACL in 2017 and in 2018 had some hamstring issues that limited him. He has shown that he also can catch passes but needs to stay healthy now that RB Latavius Murray 16/6 signed with NO. He was a reliable backup and will surely be missed. RB Ameer Abdullah 10/0 split time in 2018 with DET & MINN but, he will be in the competition for backup RB and probably will return kicks which he did last season and during his career in DET. RB Mike Boone 8/0 didn’t play much but is there for depth. He could see more playing time now that Murray is gone. RB Roc Thomas 5/0 will have a tough time making the roster and is also facing a possible suspension for off the field activities. He was waived July 22nd. RB Alexander Mattison who was drafted in the 3rd round out Boise State is the FAV to be Cook’s backup. FB/TE CJ Ham 15/2 is a good blocker and can catch passes. At WR, Aldrick Robinson 14/0 was picked up after the start of the season, however, only caught seventeen passes but, five of them were for tds. Unfortunately, he was not retained and signed with CAR. WR Adam Thielen 16/16 is definitely the go to guy in MINN. Thielen wasn’t even drafted and plays every game like his last. WR Stefon Diggs 15/14 is also a go to guy. MINN has a great 1-2 WR punch. WR Laquon Treadwell 15/7 needs to step up his game this season or probably won’t be around MINN. WR Chad Beebe 3/0 was activated from the practice squad and should get some time in training camp to show what he can do, due to the lack of depth at WR for MINN. WR Dillon Mitchell who was drafted in the 7th round out of Oregon needs to impress to make it into the rotation. WR Olabisi Johnson who was also drafted in the 7th round out of Colorado St. also needs to show something to stick around. WR Jordan Taylor, who was out for the season in 2018, with DEN, signed with MINN. He could become the #3 receiver for MINN if given the chance. WR Brandon Zylstra 16/0 is looking to see more action for MINN after playing in the CFL. At TE, Kyle Rudolph 16/16 is in a show me year. He is in the last year of his contract. TE Irv Smith Jr. who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Alabama will put pressure on Rudolph for playing time. TE David Morgan 11/6 is used mostly as a blocking TE. TE Tyler Conklin 16/3 must improve his game to see more action. TE Cole Hikutini was on the practice squad with MINN in 2018 and last saw action with SF in 2017 but should see time in training camp to impress. The O-LINE needs to do a better job at protecting the QB. In 2017 the O-LINE gave up 27 sacks. In 2018 they gave up 40 sacks. More sacks lead to more losses. At LT, Riley Reiff 13/13 is steady at the position. OG Nick Easton who was on IR for 2018 with MINN signed with NO. C Pat Elflein 14/13 is probably moving to LG. He will be replacing Tom Compton 14/14 who signed with NYJ. C Garrett Bradbury who was drafted in the 1st round from NC State is penciled in to start. RG Josh Kline 16/16 was with TENN in 2018 and released but signed with MINN. RG Mike Remmers 16/16 was not retained and took a physical with NYG but did not pass. RT Brian O’Neill 15/11 had a nice rookie season and should be better in year 2. OT Storm Norton 1/0 will have to show something to make the roster. OT Rashod Hill 16/8 is a swing T and good for depth. OG Danny Isidora 14/2 is good for depth but now must step up entering his 3rd year. C Cornelius Edison has been on MINN practice squad for two seasons and he needs to show something to stick around. OG Dru Samia who was drafted in the 4th round out of Oklahoma could add great depth and find time in the rotation. OT Dakota Dozier 6/2 was signed from NYJ to add depth. OG Aviante Collins was out all of 2018 with a biceps injury but should see action if healthy in 2019. OT Oli Udoh who was drafted in the 6th round out of Texas could end up on the practice squad. C/G Brett Jones 14/3 has started at C and can play OG as well. G Tiano Pupungatoa was signed July 22nd. Signed OT Nate Wozniak August 11th. On DEF in the secondary, CB Xavier Rhodes 14/14 with 1INT seeks to bounce back after a down season. CB Trae Waynes 14/14 with 1INT is in a show me year. CB Mike Hughes 6/2 with 1INT is recovering from a torn ACL but is expected to be ready for wk 1. CB Mackensie Alexander 15/6 mostly plays nickel back. CB Holton Hill 16/3 with 1INT will miss first four games due to suspension. It was just released that Hill will get an additional four game suspension added on. CB Kris Boyd who was drafted in the 7th round out of Texas needs to show something to stick around. CB/PR Marcus Sherels 12/0 who was last on the depth chart at CB will be surely missed at PR as he returned five punts for tds in his seasons with MINN. He signed with NO. CB Craig James 3/0 was activated late from the practice squad but needs to show something to stick around. CB Duke Thomas was signed from the defunct AAF but needs to show something to stick around. CB Bene Benwikere signed August 3rd. At FS Harrison Smith 16/16 with 3INTS & 3.0 sacks is solid at the position. SS Anthony Harris 15/9 with 3INTS filled in nicely as a starter. S Andrew Sendejo 5/5 was injured for most of the season and then signed with PHILLY. S Jayron Kearse 16/1 with 0.5 sack gives valuable depth and can play CB too. S George Iloka 16/3 was looking to fit in but after the season signed with DAL. S Marcus Epps who was drafted in the 6th round out of Wyoming will be great for depth at S and will be able to show what he’s got. S Derron Smith was signed from the AAF but has three years of NFL experience. S Jordan Martin wasn’t drafted but, is a FA signing from Syracuse. The defensive alignment is 4-3. At DE, Danielle Hunter 16/16 with 14.5 sacks is solid. NT Linval Joseph 15/15 with 1.0 sack is great at stopping the run. DT Shamar Stephen 15/14 with 2.0 sacks was with SEA for one year and came back to MINN. He likely will replace DT Sheldon Richardson 16/16 with 4.0 sacks who signed with CLEVE. DE Everson Griffen 11/10 with 5.5 sacks was out five games due to mental health. He also took a pay cut. DE Stephen Weatherly 16/6 with 3.0 sacks filled in nicely for Griffen and showed he could start but, is there for depth. DT Jaleel Johnson 16/1 with 0.5 sack will look for more time in the rotation in 2019. DE Jaylon Holmes 5/0 with 1.0 sack played DE & T but MINN needs to find out which position he plays best. DE Tashawn Bower 5/0 had some injuries in 2018 and is looking for more time in the rotation. DT Armon Watts was drafted in the 6th round out of Arkansas will be used for depth. DE Ade Aruna missed his rookie season with a torn ACL and is looking to come back and see time in the rotation. DE Ifeadi Odenigbo 1/0 has been on the practice squads last two years but may be able to show what he’s got in this year’s training camp. DE Hercules Mata’afa had knee surgery in the spring and will wait to see what happens he is at full strength. DT Tom Johnson 14/1 with 4.5 sacks was cut by SEA after one game and then signed by MINN but, is currently not signed by anyone. DT Curtis Cothran is a FA signed to see what they have in him. DE Stacy Keely was signed May 8th. At WLB Ben Gedeon 15/8 is a two down lineman but has a good attitude. MLB Eric Kendricks 14/14 with 1.0 sack & 2 INTS is solid and consistently leads MINN in tackles. SLB Anthony Barr 13/13 with 3.0 sacks gave a verbal commitment to the NYJ but changed his mind and returned to MINN. LB Reshard Cliett spent the whole 2018 on the practice squad but has to show something in training camp to stick around. ILB Kentrell Brothers 12/0 with 1.0 sack plays mostly on special teams but doesn’t show much in the rotation. MLB Eric Wilson 16/4 with 2.0 sacks filled in nicely when Barr had injuries. LB Devante Downs 11/0 is good for depth and recovered nicely from an ACL tear. ILB Cameron Smith who was drafted in the 5th round out of USC will try to find time in the rotation. HC Mike Zimmer is definitely on the hotseat. The OFF needs to play better and stay healthy. There is not much depth on MINN due to salary cap restrictions. The O-LINE has some new parts and better learn to mesh because they need to protect the QB better. The OFF with Case Keenum at QB went from #11 in 2017 to #20 with Kirk Cousins in 2018 as QB. The OFF needs to step it up but is very thin in some areas. The DEF went from #1 in 2017 to #4 but slipped to #15 vs the RUSH. They need to tighten things up. On paper this team has the talent to go to the SuperBowl but in reality, they won’t. The NFC Central is tough and I don’t think they will bounce back as everyone thinks. Unfortunately HC Mike Zimmer will not make it to 2020 as HC of the Vikings.
PROJECTED 2018 (12-4), ACTUAL 2018 (8-7-1), PROJECTED 2019 (10-6)
Detroit Lions
So the first season for new HC Matt Patricia is in the books and it was a big learning curve season at that. Not much to brag about except that big win vs NE which was nice. But in DET, there is still a lot of work to do. However, the DET DEF went from #27 TOT DEF in 2017 to #10 TOT DEF in 2018. That is certainly a marked improvement. Did that have something to do with Patricia, I think so. At QB, Matthew Stafford 16/16 is as overrated as they come and gets a big paycheck. He has never won a playoff game and this season with Patricia he may have to justify it. QB Matt Cassel 2/0 was not retained. QB Tom Savage didn’t get into a game with CINNCY in 2018 but was signed as the backup to Stafford. QB David Fales who didn’t get into a game in 2018 was signed for insurance. QB Josh Johnson who was last with WASH in 2018 signed August 11th. At RB, LeGarrette Blount 16/8 didn’t seem to ever get adjusted was not retained by DET. RB Kerryon Johnson 10/7 should see even more carries now that Blount is gone. RB Theo Riddick 14/3 catches a lot of passes but needs to show more to justify his big salary. He was cut July 29th and signed with DEN. RB CJ Anderson 11/3 split time with CAR & LAR in 2018 but showed everyone that he has plenty left in the tank. He will complement Johnson. RB Zach Zenner 8/1 started the season on IR but showed prominence and became a special teams specialist. RB Ty Johnson who was drafted in the 6th round out of Maryland needs to show something to break into the rotation. RB Justin Stockton was signed August 11th. FB Nick Bawden was out all of 2018 from a torn ACL and may see some competition when he finally returns. RB Mark Thompson is a FA looking to find a spot on the roster. FB/LB Nick Ballore 14/4 who showed great versatility by playing on both sides of the ball was not retained and signed with SEA. At WR, Golden Tate 15/8 was traded during the season to PHILLY. WR Danny Amendola 15/15 was cut by MIA after the season and signed by DET. Matt Patricia is very aware of Amendola’s talents. Danny could be the slot receiver aka Julian Edelman. WR Kenny Golladay 15/13 saw more passes after Tate was traded. He should have even a bigger season than 2018. WR Marvin Jones 9/9 is coming off an injury season but should be back in form for 2019. WR Tommylee Lewis 7/3 was used sparingly in NO and then signed with DET. WR Travis Fulgham who was drafted in the 6th round out of Old Dominion will have to show something to make the roster. WR TJ Jones 15/3 was not retained. WR Bruce Ellington 7/3 who was picked up from HOU during the season was cut after the season. WR Andy Jones 8/3 was on the practice squad part of the season is a great blocker but needs to show more catching skills to stay on the roster. WR Chris Lacy 1/0 needs to show something to stay on the roster. WR Brandon Powell 6/1 made the team as a UDFA and looking to be more involved. WR Deontez Alexander is a FA who needs to show something to make the roster. WR Brandon Reilly has bounced around NFL practice squads but needs to show something to stick around. He was released July 30th. WR Jermaine Kearse 14/9 who was nt retained by NYJ signed with DET. Unfortunately he is on IR as of August 11th. At TE, Jesse James 16/7 wasn’t retained by PITT & signed with DET. James could have a breakout year in 2019. TE TJ Hockenson who was drafted in the 1st round out of Iowa is a great blocker and should learn a lot from James. TE Isaac Nauta who was drafted in the 6th round out of Georgia should find time in the rotation. TE Levine Toilolo 16/10 wasn’t retained and signed with SF. TE Luke Wilson 14/8 wasn’t retained by DET and signed with OAK. TE Michael Roberts 8/2 was waived after the season. TE Hakeem Valles 3/0 was picked up NYG during the season. TE Jerome Cunningham 3/0 is mostly a practice squad guy but, needs to show something to stick around. TE Logan Thomas TE is a converted QB who played with BUFF in 2018 and then signed with DET. TE Austin Taylor signed July 22nd. The O-LINE got a little better in their protection of the QB. In 2017 they gave up 47 sacks. In 2018 they gave up a combined 41 sacks. It’s a little better but a ways to go. At LT Taylor Decker 16/16 is solid after being out half of 2017. LG Frank Ragnow 16/16 had a solid rookie year and should feel comfortable moving forward. C Graham Glasgow 16/16 needs to have a good year for that extension. RG Kenny Wiggins 16/10 filled in nicely when TJ Lang went down. G TJ Lang 6/6 was injured for most of the year and was cut after the season. OG Oday Aboushi 8/6 played with ARZ in 2018 and signed with DET but, may be in competition for the spot left by Lang. RT Rick Wagner 15/15 has been struggling but should see improvement in 2019. OG Joe Dahl 10/1 played FB as well but, he is good for depth. OT Tyrell Crosby 10/2 could be in competition for a starting G job. LT Ryan Pope is a rookie FA from San Diego State who wasn’t drafted and is looked at for depth. C Leo Koloamatangi has been back & forth on the DET practice squad but needs to show something to stick around. OT Andrew Donnal 2/0 is a developmental project but needs to show more. The DEF went through some changes and upgrades in the off-season and should show it during the season. The D-LINE for DET was a weak point in 2018 now, it is much stronger after a transformation. DE Romeo Okwara 15/14 with 7.5 sacks lead DET in sacks after being cut by NYG on opening weekend 2018. DT Damon “Snacks” Harrison 17/16 with 3.5 sacks spend half the 2018 season with NYG then was traded to DET for a draft pick. Harrison has the distinction of playing in 17 regular season games in one season. He is great against the run. DT A’Shawn Robinson 13/7 with 1.0 sack upgraded his game after HC Jim Caldwell left. DE Trey Flowers 15/15 with 7.5 sacks was with NE the last four seasons and then signed with DET. However, he is on the PUP list due to a shoulder injury and his timetable for return is unclear. This is a big loss. DT Sylvester Williams 6/4 was cut during the season and signed by MIA. DE Ziggy Ansah 7/2 with 4.0 sacks was on IR for part of the season but then signed with SEA in the off season. DE Da’Shawn Hand 13/8 with 3.0 sacks is a hidden talent that will be competing for a starting position. DT John Atkins 2/0 will be fighting for playing time. DT PJ Johnson who was drafted in the 7th round out of Arizona could be a candidate for the practice squad. DE Austin Bryant who was drafted in the 4th round out of Clemson fell in the draft due to a torn pec but will compete hard to find time in the rotation. DT Kerry Hyder 7/0 with 1.0 sack was on IR part of the season then signed with DAL after the season. DE/DT Ricky Jean-Francois 16/11 with 2.0 sacks was not retained by DET. NT Darius Kilgo 11/0 was with TENN and cut after the season. He then signed with DET and will compete for depth. He is on IR as of August 11th. DE Eric Lee 9/0 is good for depth. DE Mitchell Loewen 1/0 was acquired off waivers late in the season from NO. He needs to show more to stick around. DE Jonathan Wynn is a FA looking to sign on for depth. All three starters come back to this group but, that’s not to say that things will always look the same. DT Mike Daniels was signed July 27th. DT Frederick Jones was signed July 30th.OLB Devon Kennard 15/15 with 7.0 sacks works well in the Patricia system. MLB Jarrad Davis 16/16 with 6.0 sacks is solid at the position. OLB Christian Jones 16/16 with 1.0 sack could see some competition from others. OLB Jalen Reeves-Maybin 9/0 was on IR part of the season but needs to show more to stick around. LB Steve Longa was on IR for 2018 with a knee injury plays mostly on special teams but, his timetable for return is up in the air. LB Jahlani Tavai who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Hawaii will see plenty of time in the rotation under Patricia. LB Trevor Bates 9/0 was cut after the season. LB Nicholas Grigsby 12/0 was picked up during the season after NE cut him, then was waived after the season. LB Eli Harold 13/0 with 4.0 sacks wasn’t retained and signed with BUFF. LB Kelvin Sheppard 7/1 wasn’t retained. LB Garret Dooley is a FA looking to add depth. LB Tre Lamar was waived/injured on August 11th. The secondary has gone through some changes from last season and had only 7INTS in 2018. Of those seven, DB Quandre Diggs had 3INTS & CB Darius Slay had 3INTS. At CB, Darius Slay 15/15 with 3INTS seems to be the constant. CB Justin Coleman 16/5 with 1INT & 0.5 sack wasn’t retained by SEA and signed with DET. He is penciled in as the other starter. CB Nevin Lawson 15/14 with 1.0 sack wasn’t retained by DET and signed with OAK. CB Rashaan Melvin 14/7 with 1INT wasn’t retained by OAK & signed with DET. CB Amani Oruwariye who was drafted in the 5th round out of Penn State should get time in the rotation. CB Teez Tabor 12/4 needs to show more to stick around. CB DeShawn Shead 12/1 wasn’t retained. CB Jamal Agnew 6/0 was on IR for most of 2018 but usually returns punts & kickoffs. CB Andre Chachere was activated from the practice squad but saw no action. CB Marcus Cooper 6/0 was acquired during the season off waivers from CHI and re-signed after the season. He was released August 12th and sign CB Jamar Summers. CB Mike Ford 7/4 was activated from the practice squad and impressed the team to see what he can do in camp. CB Dee Virgin 4/0 was activated late from the practice squad will probably end up on special teams. CB Johnathan Alston was signed August 6th. At S, Quandre Diggs 16/16 with 3INTS had a nice season as the starter. S Tracy Walker 16/0 with 1INT is penciled in as the starter. S Glover Quin 16/16 with 1.0 sack was cut after the season and retired. S Tavon Wilson 15/3 with 1.0 sack needs to show more to stick around. S Will Harris who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Boston College is expected to find a lot of time in the rotation. S Miles Killebrew 16/0 plays mostly on special teams. DB Charles Washington 13/0 also plays mostly on special teams. S Andrew Adams 13/4 with 4INTS was with TB and signed with DET. He will add something to the rotation. The OFF plays around Stafford but he needs to step it up. He is very inconsistent and gets that big paycheck. This may be his last season to prove it. No depth behind Stafford. There is nice depth at RB & WR which should keep Stafford out of trouble. But you never know. TE Jesse James is a nice pickup. The O-LINE has to do a better job. There is a big improvement to the D-LINE. We should see plenty of excitement with this group. Not much depth with the LBS. In the secondary not much depth either. This team comes down to Stafford, he can’t win them all in the 4th qtr, he has to play all four quarters. NFC NORTH is a tough division and DET needs to show improvement over last season or questions will linger about Patricia.
PROJECTED 2018 (7-9), ACTUAL 2018 (6-10), PROJECTED 2018 (9-7)
Chicago Bears
CHI had their first promising season since 2012 when Lovie Smith was the HC and CHI went 10-6. But after that season he was let go. HC Matt Nagy has quickly turned this team around. It didn’t hurt either that LB Khalil Mack was acquired right before the beginning of the 2018 season. He certainly was a boost to the DEF. At QB, Mitch Trubisky 14/14 had a much better season than his rookie season but, this guy has a ways to go. He needs to make better decisions. QB Chase Daniel 5/2 is the perennial backup and plays adequately. QB Tyler Bray is the 3rd stringer, nothing special. At RB, Jordan Howard 16/15 was traded after the 2018 season to PHILLY for a draft pick. CHI will miss this guy as he is a pass catcher as well as a rusher. RB Tarik Cohen 16/7 is probably a better pass catcher than rusher and will see more rushes now that Howard is gone. He also is the PR. RB David Montgomery who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Iowa State has pass catching skills and will see a lot of time in the rotation. RB Kerrith Whyte who was drafted in the 7th round out of Florida Atlantic may end up returning punts and playing on special teams. RB Benny Cunningham 15/0 was not retained. FB Michael Burton was not retained and signed with NO. RB Mike Davis 15/2 was not retained by SEA and signed with CHI. He should pick up where Howard left off. RB Taquan Mizzell 9/1 was on the practice squad for part of the season may have to show more to stick around. RB Ryan Nall is an UDFA looking to show something. At WR, Allen Robinson 13/12 needs to show more for his big salary. WR Taylor Gabriel 16/11 could be even better yr 2 in CHI. WR Anthony Miller 15/4 should see more touches in 2019. WR Josh Bellamy 16/2 wasn’t retained and signed with NYJ. WR Riley Ridley who was drafted in the 4th round out of Georgia should see time in the rotation. WR Javon Wims 4/0 has great size for a receiver and should see more touches in 2019. WR Cordarrelle Patterson 15/5 wasn’t retained by NE and signed by CHI. He can be an X-factor at times and is good at returning kicks. WR Kevin White 9/0 was retained and signed with ARZ. WR Marvin Hall 16/0 wasn’t retained by ATL & signed with CHI. He plays a lot of special teams. WR Tanner Gentry was on the CHI practice squad in 2018 but needs to show more to stick around. WR Jordan Williams-Lambert hasn’t been in a game for NO or CHI but is looking to latch on for depth. WR Joe Walker was signed August 3rd. At TE, Trey Burton 16/16 is only getting better. TE Adam Shaheen 6/4 has had two injury plagued seasons, he needs to stay healthy. TE Dion Sims 8/4 was on IR for part of the season and not retained. TE Daniel Brown 14/0 was not retained and signed with NYJ. TE Ben Braunecker 15/2 plays mostly on special teams and spot receiver. The O-LINE gave up 39 sacks in 2017 and then 33 sacks in 2018. They are getting better and should see less sacks in 2019. At LT Charles Leno 16/16 is solid at the position. LG/C Cody Whitehair 16/16 can play either which makes him valuable. C/LG James Daniels 16/10 is also versatile and a good blocker. RG Kyle Long 8/8 has to stay healthy and is a team leader. RT Bobby Massie 16/16 is solid as a pass blocker. LT Bradley Sowell 16/1 is a great backup and can catch passes too. OL Ted Larsen 15/13 was not retained by MIA, signed with CHI. He brings needed depth to the O-LINE. OT Rashaad Coward has been converted from NT to play T or G. G Eric Kush 15/7 was not retained and signed with CLEVE. T Bryan Witzmann 10/7 was signed late after being cut by MINN then not retained and signed with CLEVE. T Cornelius Lucas 1/1 was with NO in 2018 but was signed by CHI. He is looking to catch on and add depth. OL TJ Clemmings was signed May 31st. OL Jordan McCray was signed June 13th. The DEF alignment is a 3-4 which fits this crew just fine. They had 27 INTS & 50 sacks. These numbers are both up from yes, 8INTS & 42 sacks in 2017. Also, in 2017 the CHI TOT DEF was #10, #17 PASS DEF & #11 RUSH DEF. In 2018 the CHI TOT DEF was #3, the PASS DEF was #7 & the RUSH DEF #1. Chuck Pagano is the DC as Vic Fangio became the new DEN HC. Pagano was previously the INDY HC from 2012-2017. Hopefully he makes the DEF better, not worse. On the D-LINE, at DE Akiem Hicks 16/16 with 7.5 sacks is solid at the run or pass. NT/DT Eddie Goldman 16/16 with 3.0 sacks is also great vs the run & pass. DE Bilal Nichols 14/6 with 3.0 sacks had a solid rookie season and should have an even better 2nd season. DT Rashaad Coward 1/0 is being converted to G or T for depth. DE Jonathan Bullard 16/1 enters a contract year so he should put up some big numbers. DT Nick Williams 2/0 needs to show something more to stick around. DL Roy Robertson-Harris 16/0 with 3.0 sacks is strong at the inside. He is in a show me deal so watch for him to bring big numbers. DT Abdullah Anderson is an UDFA looking to add depth. At OLB, Khalil Mack 14/13 with 12.5 sacks & 1INT was ALL-PRO and great in his 1st year in CHI. He certainly gives the DEF & the rest of the team a boost. ILB Danny Trevathan 16/16 with 2.0 sacks & 2INTS is solid and adds power to the corps. ILB Roquan Smith 16/14 with 5.0 sacks & 1INT had a solid rookie season and should only get better. OLB Leonard Floyd 16/16 with 4.0 sacks & 1INT needs to stay relevant later in games. LB Sam Acho 4/0 was on IR most of 2018 and wasn’t retained. OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis 9/0 with 1.0 sack was with NYJ but signed a show me deal with CHI. He’ll see most of his action on special teams and backup. LB Aaron Lynch 13/3 with 3.0 sacks & 1INT needs to step it up just a little more. LN Joel Lyiegbuniwe 16/0 plays mostly on special teams. LB Nick Kwiatoski 16/1 is good against the run and is in a contract year. LB Isaiah Irving 13/0 with 1.0 sack needs to step it up a bit but is good for depth. LB Kylie Fitts 6/0 can rush the passer but needs to up his game. LB Jameer Thurman is an UDFA looking to add depth. LB James Vaughters & Josh Woods are also UDFAs looking to add depth. At CB Kyle Fuller 16/16 with 7INTS was ALL-PRO in 2018. He is solid. CB Prince Amukamara 15/15 with 3INTS has gotten a lot better since his days with NYG. CB Buster Skrine 14/11 with 0.5 sack was not retained by NYJ & signed with CHI. He is gritty and gets in your face. CB Kevin Toliver 15/1 plays mostly on special teams but is good for depth. CB Bryce Callahan 13/10 with 2INTS & 2.0 sacks wasn’t retained by CHI and signed with DEN. CB Duke Shelley who was drafted in the 6th round out of Kansas State will work the slot and special teams. CB Stephen Denmark who was drafted in the 7th round out of Valdosta State could move to S. CB Marcus Williams 5/0 who spent time with TB & CHI in 2018 wasn’t retained by CHI. CB Sherrick McManus 15/0 plays slot backup and special teams. CB Jonathon Mincy has bounced around the CHI practice squad but probably needs to show something to stick around. DB John Franklin is an UDFA looking to add depth. CB Michael Joseph is another UDFA looking to add depth. DB Josh Simmons was waived August 3rd. At S, Eddie Jackson 14/14 with 6INTS & 1.0 sack was ALL-PRO in his 2nd season and has become a leader in the secondary. S Ha Ha Clinton Dix 16/16 with 3INTS & 1.0 sack was traded by GB during the 2018 season to WASH for a draft pick. WASH did not retain him and he signed with CHI. He needs to step it up a little more. S Adrian Amos 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack was not retained by CHI & signed with GB. S Deon Bush 15/2 with 1.0 sack is good for depth and package situations. S DeAndre Houston-Carson 13/0 helps a lot in special teams and is good for depth. QB Mitch Trubisky needs to do better than 2018. He is getting more experience and needs to make better decisions. He has talented people around him that will take pressure off of him but he needs to take control. TE is a little lacking at depth. The DEF on this team is solid. DC Chuck Pagano shouldn’t tinker too much with this crew because they were very successful under Fangio in 2018. However, at S the depth is thin. As long as this team stays healthy they will go deep into the playoffs.
PROJECTED 2018 (8-8), ACTUAL 2018 (12-4), PROJECTED 2019 (12-4)
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints
HC Sean Payton is on the hotseat again. In 2017 NO lost @MINN in the playoffs on a once in a lifetime play. But in the 2018 NFC Championship game @NO, HC Sean Payton and the rest of the fans, team and the whole city of NO would have you believe that NO lost to LAR on a missed called pass interference. The camouflaged or real reason NO lost is the suspect play calling by HC Sean Payton when NO was up 13-0. NO let LAR get back in the game and win the game in OT, not a missed call that the NFL overreacted in the off season by changing some rules. This team like DAL is SuperBowl or bust. With the talent on this team, if NO doesn’t make the SuperBowl this season Sean Payton is gone. At QB, Drew Brees 15/15 threw for the least amount of yards since he was at SD. He didn’t need to win games with his arm like in the past. NO has a very balanced attack and Brees completed 74.4% of his passes for his highest completion rate in his career. He doesn’t show any signs of wearing down. QB Teddy Bridgewater 1/1 was re-signed to be the backup. Also, NO QBs were sacked a total of 20x. That’s pretty low and helps to preserve a QBs lifeline. At RB, Mark Ingram 12/6 was suspended for part of 2018 and was part of the RB 1-2 punch but was not retained by NO & signed with BALT. RB Latavius Murray 16/6 who catches a lot of passes out of the backfield but is not as explosive as Ingram was signed as a FA to complement RB Alvin Kamara. RB Alvin Kamara 15/13 is explosive and catches a lot of passes out of the backfield. At times he is positioned as a WR and can take off. FB Zach Line 16/6 is a solid blocker and used in traditional situations. RB Dwayne Washington 13/0 is a solid 3rd RB and plays a lot on special teams. RB Matt Dayes 7/0 was with SF in 2018, cut after the season and signed by NO. He will see most of his action on special teams. RB Jacquizz Rodgers 16/0 was signed August 3rd. He was not retained by TB after 2018. RB Javorius Allen was placed on IR July 30th. At WR, Michael Thomas 16/16 was ALL-PRO in 2018 and is Brees #1 target. WR Tedd Ginn Jr 5/3 was limited due to knee problems and now is facing competition from younger guys. WR Tre-Quan Smith 15/7 showed big play ability, now needs to up his game. WR Cameron Meredith 6/1 had knee problems in 2018 and is healing from off-season knee surgery and may not be ready for wk 1. However, WR Cameron Meredith was released July 29th. WR Austin Carr 14/2 needs to up his game if he wants to stick around. WR Tommylee Lewis 11/7 was used mostly for returning and then signed with DET. WR Keith Kirkwood 8/1 spent half the year on the practice squad but emerged as #4 receiver. Look for him to have a bigger impact in 2019. WR Travin Dural was signed July 30th. WR Rishard Matthews 8/0 who split 2018 with TENN & NYJ signed with NO June 13th. He brings veteran leadership. However, he announced his retirement August 12th. WR Josh Smith was placed on IR on August 4th. At TE, Jared Cook 16/14 was with OAK but signed as a FA with NO. He will be a big target for Brees as TE Benjamin Watson 16/4 retired and then signed with NE. TE Josh Hill 16/11 is solid as a blocker and receiver and should complement Cook. TE Dan Arnold 10/1 made the move from WR but, needs to be more physical. TE Garrett Griffin 0/0 saw action in the playoffs but will have to fight for a roster spot. TE Alize Mack who was drafted in the 7th round out of Notre Dame has a shot at making the roster with his size and physicality. TE Jake Powell was re-signed August 1st. The O-LINE is solid as they only gave up 20 sacks which was the same as in 2018. LT Terron Armstead 10/10 is solid but hasn’t played a full season due to injuries. LG/T Andrus Peat 13/13 is solid at the position as well. But the left side gets shaky when injuries occur. OT Jermon Bushrod 11/6 was a capable backup but wasn’t signed for 2019. G/T Michael Ola 7/1 has versatility and is there for depth. C Max Unger 16/16 retired. C Nick Easton who was on IR for all of 2018 was signed as a FA from MINN. OL Erik McCoy who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Texas A&M will be competing with Easton for the starting C position. C/G Cameron Tom 11/1 is there for depth. RG Larry Warford 15/15 is solid at the position. OG Will Clapp 3/1 will compete for more playing time. RT Ryan Ramczyk 15/15 is also solid and shores up that right side. T Derek Newton 1/0 was signed late in 2018 and could provide depth in 2019. G/T Patrick Omameh was signed July 29th. On DEF, DC Dennis Allen has transformed the group which just a few years ago was one of the worst in the league. In 2017 NO TOT DEF was #17 and in 2018 it was #14. The PASS DEF slipped from #15 to #29 but its RUSH DEF went from #16 to #2. The DEF is a 4-3 alignment and in 2018 they sacked the QB 49x. At DE, Cameron Jordan 16/16 with 12.0 sacks is solid and hasn’t missed a game in his eight year career. DE Trey Hendrickson 5/0 has played sparingly but, must up his game to stick around. DT Tyeler Davison 14/12 with 2.0 sacks signed with ATL. LDT/NT David Onyemata 16/4 with 4.5 sacks is a solid backup and could compete for the spot vacated by Davison. DE Mario Edwards 15/0 with 2.0 sacks is versatile and signed for depth to replace DE Alex Okafor 16/16 with 4.0 sacks who signed with KC. DT Sheldon Rankins 16/16 with 8.0 sacks had Achilles surgery at the end of the season and may not be ready for wk 1. DT Malcom Brown 15/14 was with NE and signed with NO as a FA. He will start until Rankins is at full strength. DT Taylor Stallworth 14/0 who was undrafted but could see a bigger role this season. DE Marcus Davenport 13/0 with 4.5 sacks is slotted to start on the outside after showing promise in his rookie season. DT Sylvester Williams 14/4 spent the season with DET & MIA and after the season signed with NO. He will be good for depth. DT Ziggy Hood 12/0 spent 2018 with MIA & WASH but signed with NO July 25th. At WLB Alex Anzalone 16/7 with 2.0 sacks & 1INT returned nicely in 2018 after shoulder surgery in 2017. LB Kaden Elliss who was drafted in the 7th round out of Idaho will be used in multiple positions and situations. MLB Demario Davis 16/16 with 5.0 sacks led the team in tackles and was a great contributor in his first season in NO. ILB Manti Te’o 5/2 went from starter to weekly inactive early in 2018 and created a backup situation for LB Vince Biegel 14/0. Te’o hasn’t been re-signed and Biegel has a chance to show what he is capable of. LB Craig Robertson 16/0 with 1.0 sack plays mostly on special teams but contributes quality depth to the unit. SLB AJ Klein 16/15 with 2.0 sacks & 1INT is solid and is an effective run stopper. LB Darnell Sankey has been invited to camp to try to make the roster after being on seven practice rosters in three years. LB Josh Martin was signed July 25th. The secondary seemed to be picked apart by opposing QBs. The PASS DEF slipped to #29 in 2018 after going a respectable #15 in 2017. At CB, Eli Apple 10/10 with 2INTS was acquired from the NYG during the season and seemed to fit right in. CB Marshon Lattimore 16/16 with 2INTS didn’t have as a good a season as 2017 but should bounce back. CB Ken Crawley 10/5 gives depth at the position. CB Patrick Robinson 3/1 broke his ankle in his first season with NO after coming over from PHILLY. Robinson plays the nickel. He should be back at full strength. CB PJ Williams 15/7 with 1INT & 1.0 sack filled in for Robinson at nickel but gives good depth at the position. CB Marcus Sherels 12/0 mostly handles punt returns and adds depth to the corner. CB Justin Hardee 16/0 with 1INT is looking to break into the rotation after playing mostly on special teams. CB TJ Green signed July 25th. SS Vonn Bell 16/8 with 1.0 sack, became a leader on the DEF and is looking at his second season as a full time starter. FS Marcus Williams 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack is solid. S JT Gray 5/0 played mostly on special teams after being called up from the practice squad. FS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson who was drafted in the 4th round out of Florida will give depth and play on special teams. S Saquan Hampton who was drafted in the 6th round out of Rutgers will most probably also play on special teams. S Kurt Coleman 16/9 was not retained. S Chris Banjo 16/0 is a special teams leader but also provides secondary depth. There is definitely pressure on HC Sean Payton to get this team to the SuperBowl. It’s been ten years since NO and he were there and this year there can’t be any excuses. This team is stacked on both sides of the ball and should get home field advantage but, anything less and say a 1st round loss and Payton may be headed for the door. The PASS DEF has to be better so that opposing teams don’t think they can take this team. No dog ate my homework excuses here. They need to get to the SuperBowl.
PROJECTED 2018 (12-4), ACTUAL 2018 (13-3), PROJECTED 2019 (13-3)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
HC Dirk Koetter was fired after three seasons and a 19-29 record. So who comes in? Bruce Arians who left ARZ because of health reasons has decided to out of retirement and resurrect TB. How much he has left in the tank is anyone’s guess but he’s no spring chicken in this game and his tenure may be shorter than some are expecting. Byron Leftwich is the new OC taking over for Todd Monken. Leftwich was an assistant coach at varying positions with ARZ the last three seasons. He worked under Arians in 2016 & 2017. At QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick 8/7 signed with MIA. QB Jameis Winston 11/9 seemed to struggle last year after starting the season with a 3game suspension. Arians says that this is Winston’s team but we’ll see. If Winston shows trouble like a rookie, he may be gone. QB Blaine Gabbert 8/3 was with TENN, signed to be the backup with TB. At RB, Peyton Barber 16/16 is a tough runner behind an average O-LINE. RB Jacquizz Rodgers 16/0 wasn’t retained. RB Ronald James 9/0 needs to improve or he may be gone. RB Andre Ellington didn’t play in 2018 but Arians brought him in to see if he has anything left in the tank. RB Dare Ogunbowale 2/0 was on the practice squad most of the year but, needs to show what he can do to stick around. RB Kerwynn Williams didn’t play in 2018 either but Arians want to get a looksy on him too. RB Shaun Wilson 5/0 who played mostly as a KR was cut June 21st. At WR, Mike Evans 16/16 is the #1 receiver for Winston. WR Breshad Perriman 10/2 was with CLEVE in 2018 and will be on the other side. WR DeSean Jackson 12/10 was traded to PHILLY for a draft pick. He never seemed to quite work out in TB. WR Chris Goodwin 16/5 is the slot receiver and should see even more passes under Arians. WR Justin Watson 12/0 plays mostly on special teams but may get into the rotation under Arians. WR Scotty Miller who was drafted in the 6th round out of Bowling Green needs to show something to stick around. WR Bobo Wilson 5/0 was activated late from the practice squad but looks good returning kicks. WR Adam Humphries 16/10 wasn’t retained and signed with TENN. Adam was the TB slot receiver and PR. WR Freddie Martino 4/0 was cut during the season. WR KJ Brent has bounced around practice squads but needs to show something in camp to stick around. WR Matthew Eaton was signed July 31st. At TE, OJ Howard 10/8 had foot and ankle injuries that curtailed his season. TE Cameron Brate 16/2 played with a torn labrum last year and had hip surgery after the season, so he may be slow out of the gate in 2019. TE Alan Cross 14/3 was on IR late in the season but not retained after the season. TE Antony Auclair 16/10 is used mostly for blocking. TE Donnie Ernsberger 2/0 is an undrafted FA. But with not so much depth at TE, he could see some action. He was waived July 31st. TE Scott Orndorff was signed July 31st. TE Tanner Hudson was on the practice squad for most of 2018 but didn’t see any action in a late call up. He may need to show something to stick around. TE Troy Niklas was signed July 24th then released August 6th. The O-LINE gave up a combined 41 sacks in 2018.This is compared to 40 sacks given up in 2017. For the QB to have any time, they must do a better job at protecting. At LT, Donovan Smith 16/16 is solid and hasn’t missed a game in his four seasons. He was given a nice contract extension, so he’s not going anywhere. At LG, Ali Marpet 16/16 has shown his versatility in playing three different O-LINE positions. C Ryan Jensen 16/16 had a solid yr after coming over from BALT. RG Caleb Benenoch 16/16 struggled a lot and will be shifting to OT. RG Earl Watford 13/0 was with CLEVE in 2018 and signed with TB and is penciled in to start. RT Demar Dotson 15/15 is very skilled at pass blocking. OT Leonard Wester 16/1 wasn’t retained and signed with JAGS. G/C Evan Smith 7/0 was on IR most of the season but gives TB depth. OT Alex Cappa 6/0 played well late in the year but will be competing for a starting spot. He is also good for depth. OL Michael Liedtke 9/0 has been around but is good for depth. OL Cole Boozer is a FA looking to join the team for depth. OG Ruben Holcomb is a practice squad guy who could make the team for depth. C Josh LeRibeus was signed June 28th. OT William Poehls was claimed off waivers from INDY July 31st. OG Salesi Uhatafe was signed August 8th. There hasn’t been a lot of player movement in this squad but there has to be better QB protection. There is not that much experienced depth either. The DEF goes from a 4-3 to a 3-4 alignment. In 2018 the DCs were Mark Duffner & Mike Smith. The DEF for TB was #27 in TOT DEF for 2018 & #32 TOT DEF for 2017. There wasn’t much improvement. With Arians coming in and Todd Bowles being let go as the HC of the NYJ, it was a no-brainer for Arians to hire his former DC at ARZ. So Todd Bowles is the new DC. But under DC Bowles in ARZ, the DEF was #6 TOT DEF in 2013 & slipped to #24 TOT DEF in 2014. So we’ll see how Bowles handles things. Also, INTS by the DEF went from 13 in 2017 to 9 in 2018. Creating turnovers must be emphasized by Bowles. The D-LINE is different in 2019 than in 2018 and supporting a 3-4 alignment. At DT, Vita Vea 13/8 with 3.0 sacks had a calf injury that sidelined him in his rookie season but came on strong after and should pumped for the nose position in 2019. DT Beau Allen 14/8 could see bigger role because of the injury to Pierre-Paul. DE William Gholston 16/2 with 1.0 sack strength is as a run stuffer but needs to get better as a pass rusher. DT Gerald McCoy 14/14 with 6.0 sacks will surely be missed, signed with CAR. DE Vinny Curry 12/7 with 2.5 sacks was cut after the season and signed with PHILLY. D Mitch Unrein 0/0 who was on IR all of 2018 was not retained. DE Anthony Nelson who was drafted in the 4th round out of Iowa brings nice depth and should see time in the rotation. DT Jeremiah Ledbetter 1/0 was on the practice squad most of the year gives depth. DE Pat O’Connor was on the practice squad for TB in 2018, needs to show something to stick around. DE Will Clarke 3/0 was cut during the season. DT Terry Beckner who was drafted in the 7th round out of Missouri will probably play on special teams. DE Demone Harris 2/0 was mostly on the practice squad but needs to show something to stay on the roster. DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches 3/0 came to TB late in October but should get a chance to show what he’s got in camp. DE Farrington Huguenin has bounced around a few practice squads and this may be his last shot. DE/ OLB Jason Pierre-Paul 16/16 with 12.5 sacks seemed to fully recover and handle his finger missing but an automobile accident in the spring gave him a fractured vertebra that has him questionable for the season. DT/NT Ndamukong Suh 16/16 with 4.5 sacks was with LAR but was signed to a one year deal with TB. Which Suh will show up, the one that was once an All-PRO or the one that disappeared in games? DL Shane Bowman was signed August 11th. ILB Lavonte David 14/14 with 3.5 sacks will move from the outside to the inside. MLB Kwon Alexander 6/6 with 1.0 sack tore his ACL and missed most of 2018. However, he wasn’t retained by TB and signed with SF and should be ready for wk 1. LB Devin White who was drafted in the 1st round out of LSU is penciled in to take Alexander’s spot. OLB Carl Nassib 15/9 with 6.5 sacks was picked up just as the season started and fit right in. LB Riley Bullough 9/3 was waived after the season and signed with TENN. LB Adarius Taylor 15/10 with 1.0 sack & 1INT wasn’t retained and signed with CLEVE. LB Devante Bond 11/4 plays mostly on special teams but is good for depth. LB Cameron Lynch 16/0 wasn’t retained. LB Jack Cichy 6/0 was on IR most of 2018. TB thinks he has an upside and wants to see it soon. OLB Shaq Barrett 13/0 with 3.0 sacks was with DEN but signed with TB to be a pass rusher on the outside. ILB Deone Bucannon 13/6 with 1.0 sack was with ARZ but signed with TB to possibly play Safety too. ILB Kevin Minter 5/0 was on IR part of the season should see more action under Arians. LB Corey Nelson 1/0 was with ATL in 2018 but signed with TB to show what he’s got. DE/LB Noah Spence 12/0 may benefit from DEF re-alignment. LB Emmanuel Smith is a FA looking to add depth. At CB, Vernon Hargreaves 1/1 was on IR almost all of 2018 with a toe injury. He should be ready to go. CB Brent Grimes 13/13 was not retained. CB Javien Elliott 15/5 with 1INT was not retained and signed by CAR. CB Josh Shaw 4/0 was picked up after being cut by KC during the season. He was not retained and signed with ARZ. CB Ryan Smith 16/6 with 1 INT has spurts of greatness but will miss the first four games of 2019 due to PEDS. CB Carlton Davis 13/12 had a nice rookie season and is penciled in to start in 2019. CB Sean Murphy-Bunting who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Central Michigan will be backing up the corners after playing Safety in college. CB Jamel Dean who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Auburn will compete with Bunting for nickel. DB David Rivers 2/0 was cut after the season. CB MJ Stewart 11/5 may end up at Safety. DB De’Vante Harris 10/1 could be good for depth and special teams. CB Mazzi Wilkins an UDFA was signed July 24th. CB Jalen Alison was waived July 24th. At S, Justin Evans 10/10 with 1INT is recovering from off season heel surgery but will be ready for wk 1. S Chris Conte 3/3 was on IR most of the season and not retained. S Andrew Adams 13/4 with 4INTS was not retained and signed with DET. S Jordan Whitehead 15/11 has a lot of promise and is good for depth. S Mike Edwards who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Kentucky is penciled in as the starter. S Isaiah Johnson 15/4 with 1INT plays a lot of special teams and good for depth. S Kentrell Brice 14/10 with 1.0 sack was with GB but signed with TB. S Orion Stewart has been signed to compete for depth in the secondary. He has been in the league two seasons but has yet to see actual playing time. He was waived July 31st. S John Battle was signed August 7th. S Micah Abernathy was signed August 11th. S Darian Stewart was signed August 13th. How much does HC Bruce Arians have in the tank and when will the pressure get to him like it did in ARZ that he has to walk away? This team is worse than what he had in ARZ and it will be sooner that Arians is disgusted. Let’s see if Winston can prosper under Arians who has been known as the QB whisperer. If Arians can’t get the job done, no one can. At RB, depth is light and the draft didn’t produce any help. WR has Mike Evans but he can’t do it alone. Not a proven #2 receiver is there. Not much depth at WR either. At TE, OJ Howard & Brate are great but Brate is coming off surgery. The O-LINE has the same guys but have to do a better job protecting the QB. They have had enough time together to figure out who does what. If they don’t get better, TB doesn’t get better. The DEF certainly has to get better if they have any chance of winning games. Which SUH will show up? The DEF must put pressure on opposing QBs and must stop the run. Also, they must create turnovers but will guys get the Bowles message? I don’t see a lot coming out of TB and Arians may retire for good.
PROJECTED 2018 (6-10), ACTUAL 2018 (5-11), PROJECTED 2019 (6-10)
Carolina Panthers
HC Ron Rivera is definitely on the hot seat. The run towards the SuperBowl in 2015 seems like a long time ago. It didn’t help that 2018 started at 6-2 and then CAR went on a seven game losing streak and ended up 7-9. This is HC Ron Rivera’s 9th season and so far he has only three winning seasons. OC Norv Turner & DC Eric Washington remain as well but, there are a lot of ifs with this team. Also, Ron Rivera will be more involved than before with the DEF than in past seasons. At QB, Cam Newton 14/14 is coming off shoulder surgery and if he is not 100% the fortunes of CAR may go south early. QBs Kyle Allen 2/1 & Taylor Heinicke 6/1 will be competing for the backup role. Heinicke is coming off surgery to repair torn triceps. Both had started in each of the last two games while Cam was rested. QB Will Grier was drafted in the 3rd round out of West Virginia and eventually may be groomed to replace Cam. At RB, Christian McCaffrey 16/16 can do it all. He can catch passes (107) & he can rush (1098 yds) but, he can’t do it alone. RB Cameron Artis-Payne 9/0 is slotted to be the backup but he needs to step it up if he wants to see more playing time. RB Jordan Scarlett was drafted in the 5th round out of Florida to help with some situational playing to help take some of the load off of McCaffrey. But right now, it is very thin behind McCaffrey as RB CJ Anderson 9/1 was cut during the 2018 season and eventually signed with the LA RAMS. Anderson showed everyone that he had a lot left in the tank and could have taken some load off of McCaffrey. But CAR cut him anyway. Alex Armah 16/2 continues to be a solid FB. At WR, Devin Funchess 14/12 signed with INDY. He was a reliable and big target for Cam and will surely be missed. WR DJ Moore 16/10 will move into the #1 WR position after having a reliable rookie campaign. WR Chris Hogan 16/7 was signed from NE but he is more of a slot receiver. WR Torrey Smith 11/6 had the lowest totals of his career and needs to show Cam that he is a solid #2. WR Jarius Wright 16/6 had a nice yr after some down years at MINN but will be competing with Hogan at the slot. WR Curtis Samuel 13/8 needs to stay healthy. WR Aldrick Robinson 14/0 who played 2018 for MINN was not retained and was signed by CAR. He brings another target for Cam. Aldrick has bounced around the league but should take a liking to CAR. WR Rashad Ross who hasn’t played in a game since 2016 with WASH was signed for possible depth. At TE, Greg Olsen 9/9 has had foot problems the last two seasons but should be healthy. If not, TE Ian Thomas 16/6 showed great promise in 2018 and will probably step in as #1 TE when Olsen hangs it up. TE Marcus Baugh was signed April 30th. TE Cole Hunt was signed April 30th. TE Ethan Wolf was signed May 13th. TE Thomas Duarte was waived May 13th. TE Tamarrick Hemingway was claimed off waivers from DEN May 14th. On the O-LINE, LT Matt Kalil was cut in 2019 after sitting out all of 2018 with a knee injury. LT Greg Little who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Ole Miss is slated to start. T Dennis Daley who was drafted in the 6th round out of South Carolina is slated to back Little up and try to get into the rotation. G Amini Silatolu 6/0 had an injury prone year. LG Greg Van Roten 16/16 played every OFF snap in 2018 but will be battling with the draftees to keep his spot. LG Daryl Willams 1/1 was on IR for most of the year but moves from RT to LG. C Ryan Khalil 16/16 retired and then un-retired and signed with NYJ. Matt Paradis 9/9 was signed from DEN to take the spot. G/C Tyler Larsen 16/3 gives great depth to the O-LINE. RG Trai Turner 13/13 continues to be solid. G/T Taylor Moton 16/16 is versatile and can play both positions well. OT Dillon Gordon was acquired from KC for depth on the O-LINE. He has been placed on IR August 10th. OG Dorian Johnson also adds depth. He was waived July 31st. OT Chris Clark 15/13 filled in nicely but currently has not been offered a contract making him a FA. G Kofi Amichia was signed May 29th. G Brendan Mahon was waived June 5th. G Rishard Cook was signed July 31st. C John Yarbrough was claimed off waivers from CLEVE August 10th. On DEF in the secondary, RCB Donte Jackson 16/16 with 4 INTS & 1.0 sacks is solid with LCB James Bradburry 16/16 with 1INT & 1.0 sacks. CB Kevon Seymour is coming back from IR and adds depth. CB Captain Munnerlyn 16/5 with 1INT & 2.0 sacks was cut after the 2018 season and has yet to sign on with another team. CB Corn Elder 13/0 seems to be used to the nickel spot. DB Ross Cockrell is coming back from a double leg brake which kept him out all of 2018. DB Javien Elliott 13/13 was not retained by TB and signed with CAR to give depth. CB Ryan Pulley was signed August 4th. SS Da’Norris Searcy 2/2 was cut in May. SS Eric Reid 13/13 with 1 INT & 1.0 sacks was signed after the 3rd week of the 2018 season and then was given a three year contract after the 2018 season. S Mike Adams 16/16 with 3INTS has retired and will surely be missed. S Rashaan Gaulden 15/0 is slated for the starting spot but, must show improvement. S Colin Jones 16/1 with 1INT adds depth and plays on special teams. FS Tre Boston 14/13 with 3INTS was not retained by ARZ and signed with CAR. On the D-LINE DE Mario Addison 16/16 with 9.0 sacks is solid and entering the last year of his contract. DE Wes Horton 16/8 with 1.5 sacks wasn’t retained. DE Efe Obada 10/2 with 2.0 sacks brings depth. DT Kawann Short 14/14 with 3.0 sacks is solid. DT Vernon Butler 14/0 with 0.5 sacks adds depth but needs to step up his game. DT Dontari Poe 16/16 with 1.0 sacks also needs to step it up. DT Kyle Love 16/2 with 1.5 sacks can play all over the D-LINE and adds depth. Longtime TB DT Gerald McCoy 14/14 with 6.0 sacks was not retained by TB and signed a 1year show me contract with CAR. He should bring some leadership to this team and some added punch. DE Julius Peppers 16/8 with 5.0 sacks retired after 2018 and will be headed to the HOF. DE Bruce Irvin 16/9 who split time between OAK & ATL was signed to start and mentor DE Brian Burns who was drafted in the 1st round out of Florida State and will look to make an instant impact. DE Bryan Cox Jr. 11/0 adds depth but needs to step it up. DE Marquis Haynes 4/0 needs to show more to stick around. DT Destiny Vaeao 6/3 was signed from PHILLY to give depth. DT Bijhon Jackson was signed July 24th. At SLB, Shaq Thompson 14/11 with 3.5 sacks is solid and getting better. LB Ben Jacobs 16/0 mostly plays on special teams but also adds depth to the LB crew. OLB Christian Miller who was drafted in the 4th round out of Alabama will alternate between LB & DE in the rotation. MLB Luke Kuechly 16/16 with 1INT & 2.0 sacks is the leader of the LB crew and a leader on DEF. The DEF is definitely weaker without him. ILB David Mayo 16/3 wasn’t offered a contract and hasn’t been picked up. OLB Jermaine Carter 16/1 will look to fill the slot left by OLB Thomas Davis 12/12 who signed with LAC after not being offered a contract from CAR. LB Jared Norris 3/0 spent most of 2018 on IR but will probably play mostly on special teams. ILB Andre Smith 3/0 battled hamstring issues but will play special teams and critical to depth issues. LB Slone Teuhemato was signed June 11th. HC Ron Rivera’s job is definitely on the line. CAR has had winning seasons after losing seasons but, nothing consistent. No real help behind RB McCaffrey which could be a problem. Is Cam’s shoulder 100%? Who will be the #2 rusher? How will the DEF play? Will guys stay healthy? The O-LINE has to do their job. There are a lot of questions about health and depth. CAR is bringing in a lot of guys in many different areas desperately trying to plug holes. Will they work out? I don’t think CAR makes it above .500 with a tough NFC SOUTH and HC Ron Rivera is out of a job at the end of the season.
PROJECTED 2018 (10-6), ACTUAL 2018 (7-9), PROJECTED 2019 (7-9)
Atlanta Falcons
2018 didn’t start off on the right track when ATL did the same thing in the 1st game of the season @PHILLY as they did in the playoffs @PHILLY in 2017. ATL lost the game and it was a premise of things to come. ATL HC Dan Quinn is on the hotseat. After making the SuperBowl in 2016 and letting NE come back and beat them, ATL has been descending down. If they sink lower than 2018 and guys are unproductive, Quinn may be out the door. Quinn is supposed to be a defensive specialist and he is the DC of ATL but the ATL was #28 in TOT DEF in 2018. You could say that there were many injuries but, it shows they are very thin at depth. At QB, Matt Ryan 16/16 is the kind of QB that waits for things to happen instead of making things happen. His stats are great but, the guys around him need to be great too. He is a pure pocket QB and needs the O-LINE’s greatest protection. QB Matt Schaub 3/0 is cemented as the backup and is capable of starting games if Ryan is not available but, he is not the long term solution. He is also a pure pocket QB. QB Matt Simms was signed August 3rd. QB Kurt Benkert went on IR on August 6th. At RB, Devonta Freeman 2/2 was limited due to an injury plagued season. ATL needs him back at full strength. RB Tevin Coleman 16/14 had his best season only to sign with SF. RB Ito Smith 14/0 showed promise and if Freeman is not at full strength, then Smith will start. RB Qadree Ollison who was drafted in the 5th round out of PITT will try to make it into the rotation or could see time on special teams. RB Marcus Green who was drafted in the 6th round out of ULM could see time as a kick & punt returner. RB Kenjon Barner 9/0 split 2018 between NE & CAR signed with ATL to return kicks but will battle draftee Marcus Green. RB Brian Hill 10/0 saw action due to the injury to Freeman. He will have to battle to stay in the rotation. RB Jeremy Langford 1/0 brings depth but currently is on IR. RB Tony Brooks-James signed on May 11th. FB Ricky Ortiz 12/9 plays mostly on special teams but can run block as well. At WR, Julio Jones 16/16 is a phenomenal talent and Ryan’s favorite target but, he can’t do it alone. WR Mohamed Sanu 16/16 is a big target on 3rd down & in the red zone. WR Calvin Ridley 16/5 had a very nice rookie year and should continue to do so. He takes a lot of defensive pressure off of Jones. WR Justin Hardy 16/0 has found a niche as the #4 WR. WR Russell Gage 10/0 plays mostly on special teams but does have some pass catching abilities. WR Marvin Hall 16/0 who mostly returned kicks and did catch ten passes wasn’t retained and signed with CHI. At TE, Austin Hooper had a breakout season and also takes defensive pressure away from others with his pass catching abilities. TE Logan Paulsen 15/10 is used more for blocking than pass catching. TE Luke Stocker 16/11 who played with TENN in 2018 was signed by ATL, is a big blocker and can be used at FB as well. TE Eric Saubert 16/1 plays mostly on special teams and has good size. However, he was traded to NE on August 12th for a draft pick. The O-LINE needs to improve its pass protection. In 2016, they gave up 37 sacks. In 2017, the O-LINE improved and gave up 24 sacks. But, in 2018 they reversed course and gave up a whopping 42 sacks. There needs to be more consistency and communication on the O-LINE for ATL to be successful. On the O-LINE at LT Jake Matthews 16/16 is solid. At LG James Carpenter 10/10 had an injury year with the NYJ but signed with ATL in the off season. He is penciled in as the starter. LG Andy Levitre 2/2 after being out most of the season with an injury retired. LG Wes Schweitzer 15/13 filled in nicely for Levitre and can play multiple positions. OT Ty Sambrailo 16/4 finished 2018 as a starter at RT because of injuries and is good for depth. OL Ben Garland 14/4 signed with SF. C Alex Mack 16/16 is solid at the position and the anchor of the O-LINE. RG Brandon Fusco 7/7 was on IR for most of the season. He was not retained. RG Chris Linstrom who was drafted in the 1st round out of Boston College is expected to start at the position. RT Ryan Schraeder 16/13 was not retained. RT Kaleb McGary who was drafted in the 1st round out of WASH is also expected to start on that right side. OG Jamon Brown 14/8 who split 2018 between NYG & LAR was signed by ATL in the off season was signed for depth and can start. OG Adam Gettis who hasn’t played in a game since 2016 was signed for depth. OT John Wetzel 8/5 who was with ARZ signed with ATL and gives depth. G Zane Beadles 9/5 who signed with ATL in Oct after being cut by SF in May, retired. OT Dleugot Joseph was signed May 29th. OT Tommy Doles was signed August 6th. The PASS DEF went from #12 in 2017 to #27 in 2018. There were many injuries to the secondary for ATL and the next guys up weren’t up for the challenge. Many times they got beat. On DEF in the secondary, CB Desmond Trufant 16/16 with 1.0 sack is solid at the position. CB Robert Alford 15/15 was released and after the season signed with ARZ. CB Isaiah Oliver 14/2 with 1INT will be taking the CB spot vacated by Alford. CB Brian Poole 16/9 with 3INTS & 3.0 sacks wasn’t retained and signed with the NYJ. S Damontae Kazee 16/15 with 7INTS did a fantastic job while S Ricardo Allen was injured will move to the nickel CB spot. S Ricardo Allen 3/3 with 1INT is recovering from a torn Achilles and his status for wk 1 is unknown. CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson 3/0 is there for depth. CB Kendall Sheffield who was drafted in the 4th round out of Ohio State will try to learn as much of the Pro game and get into the rotation. CB Jordan Miller who was drafted in the 6th round out of Washington will also try to work his way into the rotation. CB Justin Bethel 14/0 wasn’t retained and signed with BALT. S Keanu Neal 1/1 tore his ACL in the season opener and is trying to come back from that for wk 1. S JJ Wilcox 7/0 split time between INDY & NYJ in 2018 was signed by ATL to help out in the S area if either Allen or Neal are not ready. Unfortunately, Wilcox tore the ACL in his right knee and he will miss the entire 2019 season S Jordan Richards 15/12 wasn’t retained and signed with OAK. S/LB Kemal Ishmael 16/0 plays mostly on special teams but is also good for depth in the LB crew. S Sharrod Neasman 12/0 helps out in certain situations. S Ryan Neal 1/0 needs to show something in camp to stick around. S Ronald Martin was signed August 2nd. On the D-LINE at DE, Takkarist McKinley 15/8 with 7.0 sacks has to be more consistent. DT Tyeler Davison 14/12 with 2.0 sacks was with NO but not re-signed, signed with ATL to help with the RUN-DEF. DE Steven Means 8/4 is out with a torn Achilles. His return is unknown. DT Deadrin Senat 15/2 has to be more consistent but gives good depth. DT Grady Jarrett 14/14 with 6.0 sacks is getting better each year. DE/DT Jack Crawford 16/11 with 6.0 sacks and 1INT is a complete player. DE Vic Beasley 16/9 with 5.0 sacks hasn’t done much since his ALL-PRO season of 2016 but he is in a show me year in 2019. DE Adrian Clayborn 14/1 with 2.5 sacks wasn’t retained by NE and re-signed with ATL to give them depth. DE/DT Derrick Shelby 7/3 is a FA. DE Bruce Irvin 16/9 with 6.5 split time between OAK & ATL in 2018 signed with CAR. DE/DT Brooks Reed 16/8 with 1.0 sack was waived and signed by ARZ. DE/DT Ra’Shede Hageman who hasn’t played in a game since 2016 with ATL was signed for depth. DT Justin Zimmer 1/0 needs to show something in camp to stick around. DE John Cominsky who was drafted in the 4th round out of Charleston is trying to make the jump from DIV II to the ATL rotation. DE Chris Odom who last played in a game for GB in 2017 was signed to bring some spark. DT Michael Bennett 2/0 needs to show something to stick around. He just suffered a broken ankle so he will be out an undetermined amount of time. DE Austin Larkin was signed on May 29th. DT Allen Balley was signed July 23rd. At SLB De’Vondre Campbell 16/13 with 1.5 sacks led the team in tackles in 2018. MLB Deion Jones 6/6 with 1.0 sack & 2 INTS came back after suffering a broken foot. WLB Foyesade Oluokun 16/7 was the 2nd leading tackler for ATL. OLB Duke Riley 16/10 lost his starting job and now plays mostly on special teams but is good for depth. LB Bruce Carter 11/0 provides good depth behind a young group. LB Jermaine Grace 1/0 with SEA in 2018 was signed for depth. ATL agreed to terms with LB Chase Middleton on August 9th. HC Dan Quinn needs to get this team back on the right track. Ever since their SuperBowl run in 2016, this team is not getting better but, getting worse. LB Stephone Anthony was signed July 26th. LB Richie Brown was also signed July 26th. The DEF has slipped tremendously and it is very thin in the secondary and D-LINE. The OFF is stacked with weapons but the O-LINE has to do a better job at protecting Matt Ryan. There are two rookies starting on the right side and if they do not get things working early, it could be a long season. Also, no more OC Steve Sarkisian to take the blame anymore, he’s gone. New OC Dirk Koetter, recently fired HC of TB, may have a different philosophy but he knows the strengths and weaknesses of the NFC SOUTH. However, the NFC SOUTH is very tough and even TB can be a rough game at times for ATL. This is a make or break year for Quinn. If ATL has another sub-par season, he’s gone. If ATL goes deep in the playoffs, he’ll be back. We’ll see.
PROJECTED 2018 (10-6), ACTUAL 2018 (7-9), PROJECTED 2019 (8-8)
NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks
SEA did better than I thought they would in 2018. They had a softer schedule as it turned out but had a chance to beat DAL in the playoffs but didn’t. Pete Carroll is going into his 10th season as HC of SEA and he always has this team playing competitively and most times reaching the playoffs. This team is not the same as it was just three seasons ago but Carroll has been able to recognize and rebuild around his biggest asset, QB Russell Wilson. At QB, Russell Wilson 16/16 was sacked the most times in his career in 2018 but is in total command of the OFF. QB Brett Hundley did not get into a game in 2018 with SEA and signed with ARZ. QB Paxton Lynch who was cut right before the 2018 season with DEN signed to be the backup to Wilson. This could be his last stop in the NFL. QB JT Barrett was signed on August 10th. At RB, Chris Carson 14/14 established himself as the #1 RB with a breakout 2nd season. RB Rashaad Penny 14/0 had an injury prone year but is a viable backup. RB Mike Davis 15/2 was not retained by SEA and signed with CHI. RB Travis Homer who was drafted in the 6th round out of the U of Miami will be competing for time in the rotation. FB Nick Bellore 14/4 is a converted LB and was not retained by DET. He signed with SEA. FB Tre Madden 14/3 was not retained by SEA and is currently a FA. RB JD McKissic 5/0 was on IR most of the season may need to show more to stick around. RB CJ Prosise 5/0 was on IR most of 2018 and is dealing with tightness in his hamstring and his timetable for return is up in the air. RB Bo Scarbrough was on the practice squad for JAGS in 2018 and signed with SEA for depth. RB Xavier Turner was signed August 8th. At WR, Tyler Lockett 16/16 also handles punts and kickoffs. WR David Moore 16/7 needs to stay focused. WR DK Metcalf who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Ole Miss should see a lot of passes his way. WR Doug Baldwin 13/13 was cut in May and announced that he retired. WR Jaron Brown 16/2 may need to show more to stick around. WR Gary Jennings who was drafted in the 4th round out of West Virginia may move up now that Baldwin is gone. WR John Ursua who was drafted in the 7th round out of Hawaii may end up as the slot receiver. WR Amara Darboh was on IR for SEA all of 2018 needs to show something to stick around. WR Keenan Reynolds 2/0 was mostly on the practice squad may end up as the slot receiver. WR Malik Turner 6/0 could end up on special teams. At TE, Nick Vannett 15/9 should have a big year entering a contract year. TE Will Dissly 4/4 was on IR most of 2018 and is healing from a damaged patella tendon and should be ready wk 1. TE Jacob Hollister 8/1 was with NE in 2018 and was traded to SEA in April for a draft choice. TE Ed Dickson 10/1 missed the first six games due to injury and then came on strong. TE Tyrone Swoopes 1/1 was mostly on the practice squad and was waived August 3rd. TE Jackson Harris & TE Wes Saxton were both signed August 3rd. The O-LINE has been a perennial problem ever since HC Pete Carroll has been there. In 2017, the O-LINE gave up 43 sacks. In 2018, they gave up 51 sacks. This is not good. Every year SEA tinkers with the O-LINE and feels that they have the right combination but again, we’ll see. At LT, Duane Brown 16/16 has brought stability to the position. LG Mike Iupati 10/10 was not retained by ARZ and signed with SEA on a show me deal. C Justin Britt 16/15 needs to stay consistent. RG DJ Fluker 10/9 has found a home after playing T. RT Germain Ifedi 15/15 is finally showing his 1st round worthiness. LT Jamarco Jones was on IR all of 2018 but should be ready for wk 1. OG Ethan Pocic 10/4 has good versatility. C/G Joey Hunt 11/2 is good for depth and can play G too. RG Jordan Simmons 6/3 had a knee injury that limited him in 2018. RT George Fant 16/7 could be moving to more TE this season. OG JR Sweezy 15/15 was not retained by SEA & signed with ARZ. OG Phil Haynes who was drafted in the 4th round out of Wake Forest should see time in the rotation. G Marcus Martin who was on IR all of 2018 with DAL signed with SEA. He needs to show something to stick around. T Elijah Nkansah 1/0 might not make it out of training camp. G Jordan Roos is a practice squad guy looking to add depth. This DEF is always upgrading, not staying stagnant. The Legion of Boom may be gone but, not forgotten. The DEF hasn’t been as tight as it was and shows signs of clinks in the armor. In 2016, SEA TOT DEF was #5 with #8 PASS DEF & #7 RUSH DEF. In 2017 TOT DEF was #11 with #6 PASS DEF & #19 RUSH DEF. In 2018 TOT DEF was #16 with #17 PASS DEF & #13 RUSH DEF. If the DEF slips even more, SEA will certainly have a losing season. If the DEF steps up, they will have a winning season. The DEF runs a 4-3 alignment but the D-LINE took a hit for 2019. On the D-LINE, DE Frank Clark 16/16 with 13.0 sacks & 1INT was traded to KC where he signed a huge contract. In his place, DE LJ Collier who was drafted in the 1st round out of TCU is expected to fill Clark’s shoes. DT Jarran Reed 16/16 with 10.5 sacks is solid except he will be suspended for the first six games for violating the NFL personal conduct policy. DT Poona Ford 11/1 is penciled in as a starter but will have competition. DE Jacob Martin 16/0 with 3.0 sacks played well down the stretch and needs to continue into 2019. DE Cassius Marsh 16/3 with 5.5 sacks was not retained by SF and is back for round two with SEA. DT Quinton Jefferson 16/12 with 3.0 sacks filled in well after Michael Bennett left. DT Nazair Jones 9/0 is good for depth and should see more time on the outside of the line. 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. DT Shamar Stephen 15/14 with 2.0 sacks was retained by SEA and signed with MINN. DT Demarcus Christmas who was drafted in the 6th round out of Florida State should see time in the rotation. DE Ezekial Ansah 7/2 with 4.0 sacks was on IR for part of the 2018 season with DET and not retained. He signed with SEA and should provide a D-LINE spark. DE Dion Jordan 12/3 with 1.5 sacks was not retained by SEA and is currently a FA. DT Rasheem Green 10/0 with 1.0 sack had an injury plagued rookie season, should be better in 2019. DE Branden Jackson 9/1 with 1.0 sack has been back & forth with the SEA practice squad last two years needs to show more to stay on the roster. DT Jamie Meder didn’t play in 2018 but signed with SEA in 2019 hoping to help their run DEF. DT Al Woods 14/8 was with INDY in 2018 was not retained and signed with SEA for depth. At OLB, Barkevious Mingo 16/14 with 1.0 sack is solid. MLB Bobby Wagner 15/15 with 1.0 sack & 1INT is a leader of the DEF. OLB KJ Wright 5/5 had an injury plagued season but will return to the starting lineup. ILB Cody Barton who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Utah will see time on special teams and backup. LB Ben Burr-Kirven who was drafted in the 5th round out of Washington should see time in the rotation. LB Austin Calitro 16/5 with 0.5 sack will see competition from incoming rookies. LB Mychal Kendricks 4/3 with 2.0 sacks had a suspension and was on IR but should be healthy for action. LB Shaquem Griffin 16/1 is an inspiration but needs to adjust to the weak side. LB Justin Currie who was cut during the 2018 season by CLEVE and added to the SEA practice will have to show something to stick around. LB Emmanuel Ellerbee 7/0 was waived during the season by LAC was picked up by SEA is also in a battle for a depth position. He was placed on IR July 27th. LB Jawaun Johnson was signed July 27th. LB Juwon Young was signed August 10th. In the secondary, at CB Tre Flowers 15/15 was fantastic at CB after playing S in college. CB Shaquill Griffin 16/16 with 2INTS moved to the left side to replace Richard Sherman and is still making adjustments. CB Neiko Thorpe 12/0 is good in a depth position. CB Akeem King 16/1 is mostly used in dime situations. CB Justin Coleman 16/5 with 1INT & 0.5 sack was not retained and signed with DET. CB Jamar Taylor 14/3 spent 2018 with ARZ & DEN but was not retained by DEN and signed with SEA. He will compete for the nickel spot. CB Kalan Reed was on the practice squad for SEA in 2018 but he will see the field in 2019. CB Jeremy Boykins has been on the practice squad with TENN, ATL & SEA but needs to show more to stick around. CB Simeon Thomas is another practice squad guy who needs to show more to see the field. CB DeShawn Snead was signed July 27th. At SS, Bradley McDougald 16/16 with 3INTS proved himself as a starter. FS Marquise Blair who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Utah is penciled in as the starter but will get heavy competition. S Ugo Amadi who was drafted in the 4th round out of Oregon will be in the hunt for time in the rotation. S Delano Hill 13/2 came on strong at the end of the season, looking to continue in 2019. S Tedric Thompson 14/10 with 1INT needs to step it up in the crowded secondary. S Maurice Alexander 9/0 was not retained by SEA and signed with BUFF. S Earl Thomas 4/4 with 3INTS was on IR most of 2018 was not retained by SEA and signed with BALT. S TJ Green who was on IR all of 2018 with SEA was not retained and signed with NO. S Marwin Evans who was signed by SEA in 2019 and added to the practice squad needs to show something to make it on the roster. He was waived August 10th. S Shalom Luani 12/0 is another guy who has to fight to stay on the roster. S Kam Chancellor who was on IR for part of 2017 & was on the PUP list for 2018 was recently cut. QB Russell Wilson should have another stellar year and lead this team into the playoffs. Hopefully the O-LINE will be better than in past seasons and give QB Wilson the time he needs to get passes down the field. The D-LINE will suffer because a rookie will start and DT Jarran Reed will be out six games. S is a little weak at depth. All in all SEA will be battling as usual and be in the playoffs come January.
PROJECTED 2018 (7-9), ACTUAL 2018 (10-6), PROJECTED 2019 (10-6)
Los Angeles Rams
In just two seasons HC Sean McVay has turned LAR into one of the best franchises. I didn’t think LAR would beat NE in the SuperBowl. There’s a difference between getting to the SuperBowl and actually winning. However, McVay should have a long and illustrious career and along the way should win a couple of SuperBowls. The OFF improved from #10 TOT OFF in 2017 to #2 TOT OFF in 2018. At QB, Jared Goff 16/16 has certainly matured since his rookie season of 2016. At times, he looks like a seasoned veteran. QB Sean Mannion 3/0 was not retained and signed with MINN. QB Blake Bortles 13/12 was cut from the JAGS & signed as a backup for LAR. QBs Brandon Allen & John Wolford will battle for the #3. At RB, Todd Gurley 14/14 was ALL-PRO again but definitely had some knee problems at the end of the season and going into the playoffs. RB CJ Anderson 11/3 who was picked up late in the season off waivers from OAK but never played for OAK showed he had a lot left in the tank and carried the RAMS when Gurley was hurting. Anderson did play for CAR who cut him and then was signed by OAK. He was not retained by LAR and signed with DET. RB Malcolm Brown 12/0 was re-signed but needs to step it up in case Gurley is not available. RB Darrell Henderson who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Memphis could be nothing more than insurance for Gurley. RB Justin Davis 11/0 may need to show more to survive camp. RB John Kelly 4/0 also needs to show more to stick around. AT WR, Brandin Cooks 16/16 is always a deep threat. WR Cooper Kupp 8/8 is recovering from a torn ACL that ended 2018. He is slated to be ready for wk 1. WR Robert Woods 16/16 had a breakout season and is a good blocker too. WR Mike Thomas 1/0 was on IR most of 2018 needs to stay healthy to become effective. WR Josh Reynolds 16/8 picked up passes in Kupp’s absence but needs to show more in Kupp’s return. WR Khadarel Hodge 14/0 was re-signed and could see more time in the rotation. WR Pharoh Cooper 7/0 was waived late in 2018 and picked up ARZ. WR/PR/KR JoJo Natson 13/0 handles returns but needs to improve on kickoffs. WR Austin Proehl was on the practice squad in 2018 but needs to show more to stick around. At TE, Gerald Everett 16/0 had a better season in 2018 and could start. TE Tyler Higbee 16/16 is a good blocker and may be challenged by Everett. TE Johnny Mundt 10/0 is a good blocker but plays mostly special teams. The O-LINE has done a good job but has slipped when it comes to protecting the QB. In 2017, the O-LINE gave up 28 sacks. In 2018, the O-LINE gave up 33 sacks. At LT, Andrew Whitworth 16/16 will turn 38 years old during the season so a replacement may be imminent. However, he has been solid throughout his career. Whitworth would probably like to ride off into the sunset with a SuperBowl victory. At LG Joseph Noteboom 16/0 has a lot of pressure to fulfill the starting role because LG Rodger Saffold 16/16 was not re-signed and signed with TENN. C Brian Allen 13/0 will also start where C John Sullivan 16/16 who was solid, was not retained. RG Austin Blythe 16/16 is solid at the position but may shift to C if there is a need. RT Rob Havenstein 16/16 is solid and should be for many years. OT Bobby Evans who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Oklahoma gives good depth but eventually could be a starter. C Aaron Neary was on the practice squad for LAR in 2018 after being cut from CLEVE, must serve a four game suspension for substance abuse before seeing the field. G Jamil Demby was acquired from the DET practice squad and may see time in the rotation due to the thinness of depth. OT David Edwards who was drafted in the 5th round out of Wisconsin had a shoulder injury in college that lowered his stock but will also see time in the rotation due to the thinness. OG Jeremiah Kolone is an UDFA looking to make the team for depth. The DEF alignment is a 3-4 and recorded 41 sacks in 2018, down from 48 in 2017. DT Aaron Donald recorded 20.5 sacks in 2018 but others need to step up and put pressure on and not wait for Donald to get to the QB. At DE Michael Brockers 16/16 with 1.0 sack is in a contract year and could switch to NT. DT Aaron Donald 16/16 with 20.5 sacks is ALL-PRO and a beast. NT Greg Gaines who was drafted in the 4th round out of Washington is penciled in as the starter. DT Ndamukang Suh 16/16 with 4.5 sacks was not retained by LAR and signed with TB. DT Ethan Westbrooks 16/0 with 1.0 sack was not retained. DE John Franklin-Myers 16/0 with 2.0 sacks played well as a rookie and should see more time in the rotation. DT Tanzel Smart 2/0 is a backup and needs to show something to stick around. NT Sebastian Joseph-Day progressed in 2018 but did not play. He should see time in the rotation in 2019. DE Morgan Fox was on IR all of 2018 but should see time in the rotation. DE Justin Lawler 16/0 should see more time in the pass rush rotation. DT Dominique Easley 3/3 was on IR most of 2018 but was not retained. At OLB Dante Fowler 8/6 with 2.0 sacks signed a prove it deal after he was acquired from JAGS mid season of 2018. ILB Micah Kiser 16/0 will be moving into the starting role and expectations are high. ILB Corey Littleton 16/16 with 4.0 sacks & 3INTS had a breakout yr and should have been ALL-PRO. OLB Clay Matthews 16/16 with 3.5 sacks was a long time GB guy who was not retained by GB & signed with LAR. He brings added charge and leadership. LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was on the PUP list for 2018 but should rebound for 2019. LB Dakota Allen who was drafted in the 7th round out of Texas Tech could find a spot in the rotation due to weak depth. OLB Samson Ebukam 16/14 with 3.0 sacks & 1INT had a breakout season and should have another great season. ILB Mark Barron 12/12 with 1.0 sack was cut after the season and signed by PITT. LB Matt Longacre 13/7 with 1.0 sack was recently cut. LB Ramik Wilson 16/4 was not retained and signed with JAGS. OLB Travin Howard was on the practice squad in 2018 but needs to show more in his development. LB Trevon Young 2/0 was activated late from the practice squad but could end up on special teams. LB Josh Carraway didn’t get into a game in 2018 but was signed by LAR for special teams. ILB Bryce Hager 16/0 is on a show me deal also plays special teams but may see time at LB in depth position. In the secondary, CB Marcus Peters 16/16 with 3INTS is in a contract year and sometimes gets beat with all or nothing coverage. CB Aqib Talib 8/8 with 1INT was injured ½ the season but came back nicely in the playoffs to have a nice run. CB Nickell Robey-Coleman 16/1 with 1INT is the slot corner. CB David Long who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Michigan should see time in the rotation. CB Sam Shields 16/2 with 1INT was not retained. CB Dominique Hatfield 10/0 is good for depth but will have plenty of competition. CB Troy Hill 16/7 with 2INTS has been inconsistent but is good at coverage. DB Kevin Peterson was on IR all of 2018 but should show something in 2019. DB Blake Countess 16/1 with 1INT was waived by LAR after the season and picked up by PHILLY. DB Dont’e Deayon 4/0 was cut by NYG during 2018 and added to the practice squad by LAR late but will have to fight to get back to the practice squad. CB Darious Williams 1/0 was acquired off waivers from BALT but could fill backup role in nickel. DB Steven Parker is an UDFA looking to add depth. DB Ramon Richards is another UDFA looking to add depth. At FS Eric Weddle 16/16 wasn’t retained by BALT and signed with LAR. He brings leadership. SS John Johnson 16/16 with 4INTS is only getting better and will learn a lot from Weddle. S Marqui Christian 16/0 is a capable backup Safety. S Lamarcus Joyner 15/15 with 1INT & 1.0 sack wasn’t retained by LAR and signed with OAK. S Nick Scott who was drafted in the 7th round out of Penn State will probably play on special teams but will compete heavily for backup. S Taylor Rapp who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Washington should see a lot of time in the rotation. S Isaiah Johnson 2/0 was cut during the season. There is not a lot of depth on OFF and that could be a problem if the injury bug hits. On paper, it looks good but Gurley’s knee could be a problem and Anderson is not there to pick up the slack. The O-LINE is thin because of the letting go of guys and the dependability at depth on guys with not a lot of experience. This also could cause a problem if injuries start up. On DEF, they must do a better job vs the RUN. At times in the last two seasons it seemed like opposing RBs could have their way with LAR. That has to change. At S there is not a lot of depth and that could be a problem. LAR should go deep in the playoffs again. I don’t know if they’ll make the SuperBowl again this year but they will be in the conversation. If the injury bug hits, forget it. If they are healthy and the depth plays well, they can make it, we’ll see.
PROJECTED 2018 (12-4), ACTUAL 2018 (13-3), ACTUAL 2019 (12-4)
Arizona Cardinals
ARZ had a disastrous season in 2018 and decided to blow up the ship. HC Steve Wilks was let go after one season and replaced by Kliff Klingsbury who was the HC at Texas Tach from 2013-2018. OC Byron Leftwich was dismissed as OC and Klingsbury will be the defacto OC. DC Al Holcomb was dismissed and former DEN HC Vance Joesph steps in. In essence ARZ will be in a total rebuild. Because the O-LINE was so banged up and so bad, the ARZ TOT OFF for 2018 was #32. They were #32 PASS OFF & #32 RUSH OFF, hence the 3-13 record. The only place they can go is up. Even WR Larry Fitzgerald’s numbers were way down. QB Josh Rosen 14/13 was under constant pressure and had an abysmal rookie season. Hence, he was traded to MIA for a draft pick. QB Sam Bradford 3/3 was cut and subsequently retired. QB Mike Glennon 2/0 was cut after the season and signed with OAK. QB Kyler Murray who was drafted in the 1st round out Oklahoma is the heir apparent and will probably start from Day 1. However, there are some doubters because of his height 5’10”. We’ll see how this pans out. QB Brett Hundley was signed as the backup. QB Charles Kanoff is the 3rd stringer who was on the practice squad in 2018. Behind Murray, there is no real experience so ARZ better hope this guy is great from the get go. At RB, David Johnson 16/16 showed that he was fully healed from his injury in 2017. RB Chase Edmonds 16/0 had a nice rookie year in backup to Johnson. He should see more action in 2019. FB Derrick Coleman 16/4 wasn’t retained. RB DJ Foster who was out all of 2018 is recovering from surgery from a torn ACL and his timetable is unknown. RB TJ Logan 10/0 also returns kicks. WR
At WR, Larry Fitzgerald 16/16 is still going strong but 2018 was his lowest total receiving yards in his career. (wasn’t his fault). WR JJ Nelson 14/2 wasn’t retained by ARZ & signed with OAK. WR/PR Christian Kirk 12/7 had a nice rookie season but missed four games with a broken foot. WR Damiere Byrd 8/0 was on IR part of the season with CAR but signed with ARZ after the season. He may compete in the return game. WR Kevin White 9/0 wasn’t retained by CHI and signed with ARZ to revive his career. WR Andy Isabella who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Massachusetts will probably be the slot receiver. WR Hakeem Butler who was drafted in the 4th round out of Iowa State will see a lot of time in the rotation. WR KeeSean Johnson who was drafted in the 6th round out of Fresno State should also see time in the rotation due to a lot of movement with the receiving corps. WR Chad Williams 10/7 has a lower body injury and may not be ready for wk 1. He needs a big season to stick with ARZ. WR/PR/KR Pharoh Cooper 7/0 who was picked up off waivers during the season from LAR plays mostly on special teams and is good for depth. WR Trent Sherfield 13/2 played mostly on special teams but got his chance to shine as a receiver later in the season. WR Jalen Toliver 3/1 was cut by ARZ recently and signed with TENN. WR Isaac Zico was signed August 2nd. At TE, Charles Clay 13/12 was cut by BUFF after the 2018 season and signed with ARZ. Unfortunately Clay is currently on the PUP list due to an injury with his knee. His timetable is uncertain. TE Ricky Seals-Jones 15/5 is a converted WR but is finding his way as a TE. TE Jermaine Gresham 13/11 wasn’t retained and is currently a FA. TE John Phillips 8/4 wasn’t retained by ARZ. TE Darrell Daniels 3/2 was acquired off waivers from SEA during the season. He probably needs to show more to stick around. TE Caleb Wilson who was drafted in the 7th round out of UCLA is a prolific pass catcher and may land a spot somewhere on the roster. TE Maxx Williams 13/6 was with BALT & signed a show me deal with ARZ. He is more of a run blocker since there isn’t a FB on the ARZ roster. TE Gabe Holmes 8/4 was mostly a practice squad guy who was not retained by ARZ and then signed with INDY. The O-LINE for ARZ was again atrocious. They gave up a combined 52 sacks in 2018 as compared to 52 sacks in 2017. There must be some improvement of this unit or otherwise the QB will have a short life span. Also, the O-LINE was ravaged again by injuries. Only one player played all 16 games. At LT DJ Humphries 9/9 had another season where he spent time on IR and is dealing with a knee issue that may prevent him from starting the season. LG Justin Pugh 7/7 spent time on IR after signing a big contract with ARZ. C Mason Cole 16/16 was the only member of the O-LINE to start all 16 games & was solid after C A.Q. Shipley was on IR the whole 2018 season. RG JR Sweezy 15/15 wasn’t retained by SEA & signed with ARZ. RT Marcus Gilbert 5/5 was on IR most of the 2018 season and was not retained by PITT. He has signed with ARZ. LG Mike Iupati 10/10 spent time on IR and was not retained. He signed with SEA. RG Oday Aboushi 8/6 was not retained and signed with DET. OT Joe Barksdale 10/5 was picked up mid season from LAC but was not retained after the season. C/G Daniel Munyer 14/1 was not retained and signed with INDY. G/OT John Wetzel 8/5 was on IR part of the season but was not retained and signed with ATL. T Will Holden 4/2 was signed late in the season and not retained. He signed with MIA. OG Max Garcia 9/4 was on IR part of the season with DEN then signed with ARZ after the season He is currently on the PUP list while he recovers from a knee injury. He will provide depth when ready. G Jeremy Vujnovich 5/2 was on IR most of the 2018 season but should be good for depth. OT Korey Cunningham 6/6 was also on IR and is good for depth. C/G Lamont Gallard who was drafted in the 6th round out of Georgia may see time in the rotation if injuries mount. OT Joshua Miles who was drafted in the 7th round out of Morgan State also may find time in the rotation if injuries hit. OT Andre Smith 8/8 was cut during the season and picked up by CINNCY. G Colby Gossett 5/4 was activated late from the practice squad but probably needs to show something to stick around. OG Rees Odhiambo 1/0 was picked up late in the season will probably be around for depth. G Zack Golditch 2/0 was waived after the season and picked up by KC. C Coleman Shelton is a practice squad guy looking to add depth. OL Desmond Harrison was claimed off waivers from CLEV on June 6th. OL Patrick Lawrence & OL Parker Ehinger were both signed on August 2nd. The DEF went from #6 TOT DEF in 2017 to #20 TOT DEF in 2018. But the biggest drop was from #6 RUSH DEF in 2017 to #32 RUSH DEF in 2018. This is why there were so many changes and re-evaluations with the D-LINE & the LB corps were made for 2019. Also, the DEF is going from a 4-3 alignment back to a 3-4 alignment. The DEF went from 15INTS & 37 sacks in 2017 to 7INTS & 49 sacks in 2018. At DT, Zach Allen who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Boston College is penciled in as the starter to bring a spark at sacks. But DT Robert Nkemdiche 10/6 with 4.5 sacks ended his season on IR will see competition from Allen. He was released July 27th. DT Corey Peters 15/15 with 2.5 sacks is solid. DE Darius Philon 16/13 with 4.0 sacks was not retained by LAC and signed with ARZ. DT Olsen Pierre 10/1 was on IR part of the season and was not retained by AZ and signed with NYG. DT Rodney Gunter 16/10 with 4.5 sacks re-signed with ARZ on a show me deal. Guaranteed, Gunter puts up bigger numbers in 2019. DE Cameron Malveaux 9/0 with 1.0 sack was acquired during the 2018 season from MIA and is good for depth. DE Brooks Reed 16/8 with 1.0 sack was waived after the 2018 season and signed with ARZ. He brings needed depth. DE Markus Golden 11/11 with 2.5 sacks was not retained and signed with NYG. DE Benson Mayowa 15/4 with 4.0 sacks was not retained and signed with OAK. DE Zach Moore 16/1 with 3.5 sacks was not retained and is a FA. DT Pasoni Tasini 1/0 was a practice squad guy that saw action in one game and was cut after the season. He was re-signed August 11th. DE Michael Dogbe who was drafted in the 7th round out of Temple could see time in the rotation or end up on special teams. DT Vincent Valentine 3/0 was a practice squad guy needs to show something to stick around. At OLB/DE Chandler Jones 16/16 with 13.0 sacks is a sack monster and leader on the ARZ DEF. SLB Jordan Hicks 12/12 with 3.0 sacks was not retained by PHILLY & signed with ARZ. He fills a needed void in the LB corps. WLB Haason Reddick 16/12 with 4.0 sacks is recovering from a knee scope and his timetable for return is unclear. OLB Terrell Suggs 16/16 with 7.0 sacks was not retained by BALT and signed with ARZ. He brings leadership and veteran experience while still getting it done. LB Vontarrius Dora 3/0 is a practice squad guy needs to show something to stick around. LB Deone Bucannon 13/6 with 1.0 sack was not retained and signed with TB. LB Josh Bynes 11/11 with 2.0 sacks was on IR part of the season but was cut after the season and is currently a FA. LB Gerald Hodges 16/6 was not retained. LB Tanner Vallejo 13/1 was waived by CLEVE after the season and ARZ picked him up. He will be good for depth. LB Zeke Turner 16/1 spends most of his time on special teams. LB Joe Walker 14/0 plays mostly on special teams. LB Jeremy Cash was on IR all of 2018 but may need to show something to stick around. LB Dennis Gardeck 16/0 plays mostly on special teams. LB Pete Robertson was on the practice squad in 2018 may need to show something to stick around. LB Andre Branch was signed on July 30th. LB Hayes Pullard was signed August 2nd. LB Jeff Holland was claimed off waivers from DEN on August 12th. In the secondary at CB Patrick Peterson 16/16 with 2INTS & 1.0 sack will be out the first six games due to PEDs. It’s a shame because ARZ really needs him. CB Robert Alford 15/15 was not retained by ATL and signed with ARZ. CB Byron Murphy who was drafted in the 2nd round out of Washington will see plenty of action while Peterson sits. CB Tramaine Brock 12/5 was with DEN but signed with ARZ. He will provide depth at slot. CB Josh Shaw 8/0 was with KC & TB in 2018 and will provide depth in ARZ. CB Brandon Williams 16/0 plays mostly on special teams but is currently on the PUP list with a back ailment. CB David Amerson 6/5 with 1INT was cut after the season. CB Chris Jones 2/0 was mostly on the practice squad but needs to show something to stick around. CB Deatrick Nichols 2/0 needs to show something to stick around. At FS, Budda Baker 14/13 with 2.0 sacks is solid. SS DJ Swearinger 15/15 with 4INTS & 1.0 sack was waived by WASH and picked up ARZ. S Deionte Thompson who was drafted in the 5th round out of Alabama should see some time in the rotation. S Rudy Ford 13/1 plays mostly on special teams. S Antoine Bethea 16/16 with 3.0 sacks was cut after the season by ARZ and signed with NYG. S Tre Boston 14/13 with 3INTS was not retained by ARZ and signed with CAR. S Jonathan Owens is an UDFA who was IR in 2018 and looking to add depth. There are a lot of questions going forward with this team. A rookie QB with no experienced backup? That’s like being in the deep water all by yourself without a life preserver. Also, no FB to block? Plus, the RB depth is weak at best. How will the O-LINE hold up? If it doesn’t will QB Murray & HC Klingsbury get the blame? On DEF there were a lot of changes at the D-LINE & LBS, how will they mesh? Depth is good at CB but a little weak at S. We’ll see what happens because ARZ can only go up. But be patient ARZ fans.
PROJECTED 2018 (7-9), ACTUAL 2018 (3-13), PROJECTED 2019 (6-10)
San Francisco 49ers
You could say that HC Kyle Shanahan & GM John Lynch are on the hotseat but, they inherited a big mess and in 2018 had major injuries that stopped SF from making any real improvement. At QB, Jimmy G 3/3 suffered a massive ACL tear in wk 3 and it is still unclear whether he will be ready for wk 1. QBs CJ Beathard 6/5 & Nick Mullins 8/8 filled in for the rest of the season and SF ended up 4-12. Until Jimmy G is ready and able, it will be either CJ or Nick to lead SF. No sense wasting money on someone that is going to cost big money and not stick around after Jimmy G is back. At RB, Jerick McKinnon was out all of 2018 when he tore his ACL in pre season. He came over from MINN and SF could certainly use his dual threat capabilities. RB Tevin Coleman 16/14 was not retained by ATL and signed with SF. He should add some punch to the combination with McKinnon. RB Jeff Wilson 6/2 played sparingly and showed skills but may not stick around. RB Matt Breida 14/13 did well in McKinnon’s absence and needs to show durability. RB Raheem Mostert 9/0 was on IR part of the season but, plays mostly on special teams and adds depth at RB. RB Matt Dayes 7/0 was picked up from CLEVE during the season and played mostly on special teams and was cut but SF after the season and signed by NO. RB Alfred Morris 12/1 was signed late in pre season and filled in where he could but was not retained. FB Kyle Juszczyk 16/14 is a solid blocker and can catch passes out of the backfield. At WR, Pierre Garcon 8/8 was not retained. His two seasons with SF were injury plagued. WR Dante Pettis 12/7 was on IR part of the season but should have a better 2019. WR Marquise Goodwin 11/8 had leg injuries that hampered his play in 2018. WR Kendrick Bourne 16/8 needs to show more to stick around. WR Deebo Samuel who was drafted in the 2nd round out of South Carolina is penciled in as a starter and is being compared to a young Garcon. WR Jalen Hurd who was drafted in the 3rd round out of Baylor is a converted RB that is learning the game and should find time in the rotation for SF. WR Trent Taylor 14/0 is a slot receiver and returner but had back surgery before last season that limited his abilities. He should be ready to explode this season. WR Steven Dunbar 1/0 came off the practice squad late in the season and was cut after the season. WR Victor Bolden 4/0 was cut midway through 2018 and signed by BUFF. WR Richie James 13/2 was KR/PR for SF but must improve WR skills to stay in the rotation. WR Max McCaffrey 1/0 was activated from the practice squad late in the season but needs to show something in camp to stick around. He was waived August 4th. WR Jordan Matthews 14/3 signed with SF after the 2018 season with PHILLY. He is looking to regain some of his early career form. At TE, George Kittle 16/16 had a breakout 2nd season and has become a major threat on OFF. TE Garrett Celek 15/1 is recovering from off season back surgery and his status for wk 1 is up in the air. A broken thumb limited his availability to catch the ball and was strictly used for blocking. TE Cole Wick 5/0 was picked up by TENN late in the 2018 season. TE Kaden Smith who was drafted in the 6th round out of Stanford is a good blocker and catcher. He will see time in the rotation. TE Ross Dwelley 11/0 needs to show something to stick around. TE Levine Toilolo 16/10 wasn’t retained by DET and signed with SF. TE Niles Paul was waived August 3rd. TE Daniel Helm was claimed off waivers from LAC on August 3rd. The O-LINE must do a better job protecting the QB. In 2017 the O-LINE gave up 43 sacks. In 2018, they gave up 48 sacks. This has to be improved upon if SF is to have any sort of success. However, the RUSH OFF went from #21 in 2017 to #13 in 2018. Either the O-LINE got better at opening holes or the rusher got better, probably a little of both. At LT, Joe Staley 16/16 is solid and playing at a high level. He plans on playing a few more years. LG Laken Tomlinson 16/16 suffered a knee sprain in the last game of 2018 but, is also solid on that left side. C Weston Richburg 15/15 is coming off leg surgery and his availability for wk 1 is up in the air. RG Michael Person 16/16 came in and started every game and signed a nice extension after the season. RT Mike McGlinchey 16/16 had a nice rookie season but eventually may move to LT. T/G Gary Gilliam 16/0 was cut after the season. OL Eric Magnuson 4/1 must improve his game if he wants to stick around. G Joshua Garnett 7/0 needs to show more to stick around. T Shon Coleman didn’t play in 2018 after being acquired from CLEVE in 2017 is on the bubble even for a shot at depth. G Ben Garland 14/4 was with ATL and signed with SF. He should see time in the rotation having played for Shanahan in ATL. OT Justin Skule who was drafted in the 6th round out of Vanderbilt will be in competition for the swing T job with Coleman. G Willie Beavers has bounced around practice squads but could be good for depth. C Wesley Johnson 10/0 was with MIA and signed a 1 year deal with SF. He is good for depth and could start for Richburg if he’s not ready. T Daniel Brunskill was with ATL in 2018 but didn’t play. He could be good for depth. OT Willie Beavers hadn’t played in a game since 2016 but was cut by CHI & signed by SF. He will bring some needed depth if he sticks around. The DEF actually played respectable at #13 TOT DEF with #11 PASS DEF & #14 RUSH DEF. But the DEF had a total of 2INTs all season. Yeah, that’s not a misprint. None by any of their CBs. That has to change. Creating turnovers is crucial to winning football games. In the secondary at CB Richard Sherman 14/14 battled his Achilles recovery and had his first non-INT season. But, he is a leader on this team. CB Ahkiello Witherspoon 14/12 faces stiff competition for his starting spot. CB Jason Verrett was out on IR all of 2018 with LAC and signed with SF to regain his form and battle Witherspoon for the starting position. CB Tarvarius Moore 16/2 will also battle for starting CB spot but, also plays well on special teams. DB K’Waun Williams 14/11 is the nickel back but has to do better. CB Greg Mabin 13/1 needs to play better with the crowded secondary. CB DJ Reed 15/2 with 1.0 sack may be more suited for nickel and his status for wk 1 is up in the air because he is recovering from surgery to correct a torn labrum. CB Tim Harris who was drafted in the 6th round out of Virginia could see time in the rotation and is a good size 6’2”, 205 for a DB. CB Emmanuel Moseley 1/0 was on IR for most of 2018 with a dislocated shoulder but needs to show something to get into the rotation. At S Jimmie Ward 9/7 who played all over the secondary in 2018 and was injured part of the season broke his collarbone in the off season and is scheduled to be the starting FS wk 1. SS Jaquiski Tartt 8/8 had an injury plagued season and had one of the two INTS SF recorded in 2018. FS Adrian Colbert 7/6 also spent half the season on IR. He is looking to come back strong and battle for the starting position in 2019. S Marcell Harris 8/5 also spent half the season on IR. S Godwin Igwebuike 5/0 was picked up off waivers from TB mid season then waived by SF after the season and signed by PHILLY. FS Tyvis Powell 7/1 was not retained by SF. S Antone Exum15/7 with 1.0 sack had the other INT recorded by the SF DEF in 2018. He is there for depth. S Tyree Robinson needs to show something after spending the 2018 on the DAL practice squad. The D-LINE will see a couple of new faces staring at opposing O-LINES. At DE, Dee Ford 16/16 with 13.0 sacks was traded from KC to SF for a 2020 2nd round pick. He played LB in KC and is coming off his best year in sacks and tackles. He is an instant upgrade for SF. DT DeForest Buckner 16/16 with 12.0 sacks needs to keep up the pace in a big contract year. DT Arik Armstead 16/16 with 3.0 sacks played well as a starter and should continue to do so. DE Nick Bosa who was drafted in the 1st round out of Ohio State is penciled in as the starter and SF is expecting big things. DE Ronald Blair 16/0 with 5.5 sacks was very effective in the rotation and may see more action in 2019. DT Kentavius Street was on IR all of 2018 with an ACL tear but should see time in the rotation in 2019. DE Solomon Thomas 16/13 with 1.0 sack will be in the rotation with Armstead. DT Jullian Taylor 6/0 played late in the year and needs to show something to stick around. DT Earl Mitchell 14/12 wasn’t retained. DT DJ Jones 10/4 is projected to take Earl Mitchell’s place in the rotation. DT Sheldon Day 12/0 with 2.0 sacks needs to show something more to stick around. DE Cassius Marsh 16/3 with 5.5 sacks wasn’t retained and signed with SEA. DE Ryan Delaire 2/0 was activated late in the season from the practice squad but cut after the season. DE Demontre Moore 2/0 was with OAK, was cut and was with the AAF before signing with SF for 2019. He needs to show something to make the roster. DT Cedric Thornton last played with BUFF in 2017 and is attempting one last shot with SF. DL Damontre Moore was signed July 25th. DL Jay Bromley was signed August 4th. DL Jeremiah Valoaga was signed August 9th. At OLB, Malcolm Smith 12/5 took a pay cut after being out all of 2017 with an injury. ILB Kwon Alexander 6/6 is coming off a torn ACL that caused him to miss most of 2018 with TB. He signed with SF and hopes to be ready for wk 1. ILB Fred Warner 16/16 was SF leading tackler in his rookie season. LB Mark Nzeocha 16/3 with 1.0 sack plays mostly special teams but is good for depth. ILB Dre Greenlaw who was drafted in the 5th round out of Arkansas is penciled in for the strong side but if he can’t handle it, may find himself on the practice squad. LB Elijah Lee 16/5 with 1.0 sack was better in his second season and should see more time in the rotation. LB Brock Coyle 1/1 was on IR for most of the 2018 season then was cut after the season. LB Reuben Foster 6/6 was suspended and waived by SF during the season. WASH then picked him up. LB Dekoda Watson 4/0 with 2.0 sacks was on IR at two times during the season then traded to DEN after the season for a 5th round pick. LB Pita Taumoepenu 4/0 was waived after the season and picked up by ARZ. LB James Onwualu 5/0 was waived after the season and JAGS picked him up. LB David Mayo 16/3 was with CAR in 2018 and was the signed by SF. He plays mostly special teams but is an effective backup. LB LaRoy Reynolds 16/0 was with PHILLY but signed with SF to play on special teams and add depth to the LB Crew. Many may say that GM John Lynch & HC Kyle Shanahan are on the hotseat. I don’t think so because they haven’t had a reliable QB to lead this team. Plus too many injuries have decimated the roster. Jimmy G is working his way back and shouldn’t be rushed because he is the future of the franchise. When he is ready, he will have nice weapons to work with on the OFF. The DEF has to create turnovers. The secondary has to get INTS to create more opportunities for the OFF. They need to make plays, period. The D-LINE is improved on paper and should see results early. The LB crew doesn’t have much depth but needs to make plays. Not much depth at S either. If Jimmy G is ready and leads this team, they could be at least near .500. If he is not, they will be below .500. There needs to be improvement, otherwise management will get nervous.
PROJECTED 2018 (9-7), ACTUAL 2018 (4-12), PROJECTED 2019 (8-8)