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junker-town · 5 years ago

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Here’s our latest NFL mock draft after the start of free agency

Cornerbacks Trevon Diggs, Kristian Fulton, and CJ Henderson are all possible first-round picks in 2020.

There’s much more to this draft than Jeff Okudah in pass coverage. Here are a few other corners who could come off the board early.

In the past week, a lot has changed in the NFL world. Of course, many players have signed with new teams. But there have also been some blockbuster trades involving first-round picks that shake up the 2020 NFL Draft.

Namely, the 49ers acquired the 13th overall pick by trading defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts. Minnesota turned wide receiver Stefon Diggs into the 22nd pick overall. Strangely, though, the Houston Texans are still without a first-round pick because they didn’t get one for star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

The moves in free agency have filled holes on rosters and opened new ones. The cornerback market has been strong at the top, with four cornerbacks getting contracts of at least $40 million — Byron Jones, James Bradberry, Trae Waynes, and Kendall Fuller all cashed in.

But plenty of teams still need good cornerbacks. In today’s NFL, a complete roster should have three quality cornerbacks. Few actually do. This week’s mock draft features five cornerbacks in the first round. The last time that happened was the 2017 draft, which featured Marshon Lattimore, Marlon Humphrey, Adoree’ Jackson, Gareon Conley, and Tre’Davious White in the first round.

This year’s group could be just as impactful. Here’s a look at where they land:

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

A recent mock draft by NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein floated the wild idea of the Bengals trading out of the No. 1 pick. In the theoretical deal, the Bengals got pick Nos. 5 and 18, and a second-rounder from the Miami Dolphins. On a rebuilding team, that makes some sense. But passing on Burrow could come back to haunt Cincinnati.

2. Washington: Chase Young, DE, Ohio State

If we’re being honest, Washington doesn’t really need Young. The team is loaded up front with pass rushers Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen and Da’Ron Payne on the defensive line. But when a player of Young’s caliber is available, he’s impossible to pass on.

3. Detroit Lions: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

The Lions have spent the offseason acquiring as many former New England Patriots as possible, including outside linebacker Jamie Collins. That shouldn’t impact the fit of Simmons, though.

4. New York Giants: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

In free agency, the Giants swapped out Mike Remmers for Cameron Fleming, a player familiar with the team’s new coaching staff. But it would be unwise to simply hand a starting tackle spot to him. A player like Wirfs could push for a starting spot at multiple positions on the line. The only thing that should keep the Giants from taking him is a trade back or Simmons being available.

5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

The plan for Tagovailoa is to still have a personal pro day on April 9 and he’ll send the tape out to teams. But the greater issue is health and the concern of re-injuring himself. I’m keeping him either at this pick or to the Chargers, but his situation still deserves monitoring.

6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Chargers made a push to sign Tom Brady, but it was unsuccessful. After that, they aren’t expected to sign a veteran quarterback. That would lead you to believe they’re going to take a quarterback in the first round this year.

7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

By signing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the Panthers are clearly starting a new chapter. That also includes a rebuilt left side of their offensive line, which now features Russell Okung and John Miller. On defense, the Panthers still need help. Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah could be considered, but the Panthers have to get better up the middle. Brown is a force on the inside who can improve Carolina’s run defense.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

After performing highway robbery acquiring Hopkins, that leaves offensive tackle as the obvious move for the Cardinals. Although Louisville’s Mekhi Becton is the better player, he and Wills grade out pretty similarly. Wills could get the nod because the Cardinals need a right tackle, and that’s where he predominantly played at Alabama.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Cornerback Darqueze Dennard was a decent pickup on a three-year deal, but at $13.5 million total, Jacksonville isn’t exactly paying him to be a starter. If Okudah is still around with the ninth pick, he’s an easy choice for the Jaguars.

10. Cleveland Browns: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The loser of the Hopkins trade, besides Houston, was Cleveland. It all but assures the Cardinals taking one of the offensive tackles off the board. After handing out a huge deal to right tackle Jack Conklin, the Browns will be after the best left tackle available with the No. 10 pick. That could be Becton or Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.

11. New York Jets: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

The Jets gave big money to offensive tackle George Fant, which should be an indicator of their plans for him. That could lead New York to take the first wide receiver in the draft. Lamb would give Sam Darnold a game-breaking target who can make a play after the catch.

12. Las Vegas Raiders: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Almost all of Las Vegas’ additions this offseason have been on defense. The Raiders could be waiting for the draft to snag a No. 1 receiver. The issue here is about which Alabama player they prefer. Jeudy gets the nod this week. He’s more of a sure thing than teammate Henry Ruggs III.

13. San Francisco 49ers (via Indianapolis Colts): CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

There has been talk since the NFL Scouting Combine that Henderson would be a top-15 pick. Now that the 49ers hold the 13th selection, they could be the team to make that come true. After this season, defensive backs Richard Sherman, Jaquiski Tartt, K’Wuan Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon are all unrestricted free agents. That could lead the 49ers to future-proofing their defense with a player like Henderson.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

The Buccaneers have Tom Brady, and now they have to protect him. The interior of Tampa’s line is good with Ryan Jensen and Ali Marpet. However, the tackles leave plenty to be desired. Thomas saw a lot of snaps at Georgia and is the type of rookie who should be able to start straight away. That’s what the Buccaneers need.

15. Denver Broncos: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

One of the better moves of this offseason has been the Broncos trading for defensive lineman Jurrell Casey. That helps negate the loss of Derek Wolfe. If they don’t want South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, the Broncos could find a partner for wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Ruggs, Sutton, and second-year tight end Noah Fant would give the Broncos an impressive group of receiving options for Drew Lock.

16. Atlanta Falcons: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

The Falcons locked up pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. on a three-year deal, but that shouldn’t stop them from taking a defensive lineman. In last year’s draft, the Falcons used their first two picks on offensive linemen, so general manager Thomas Dimitroff won’t shy away from doubling down on a need. Kinlaw could be what the Falcons were hoping to get in Ra’Shede Hageman in 2014.

17. Dallas Cowboys: Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge, Penn State

While the Cowboys are still trying to figure out a contract for quarterback Dak Prescott, they’ve made some big-name moves. They gave $100 million to wide receiver Amari Cooper and added Gerald McCoy and HaHa Clinton-Dix on defense. The Cowboys still need pass rush help, and could nab Gross-Matos to play opposite DeMarcus Lawrence.

18. Miami Dolphins (via Pittsburgh Steelers): Austin Jackson, OT, USC

The Dolphins have made several moves to fix their defense in free agency, bringing in Byron Jones, Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Kyle Van Noy. Their moves on offense, though, are lacking. That’s why I’m sticking with Jackson to Miami with the No. 18 pick.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (via Chicago Bears): Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Linebacker was obviously a big offseason priority for the Raiders, as they went out and signed Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton. Adding two starters might mean waiting on the position until later in the draft. Instead, they could address cornerback with Diggs.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars: (via Los Angeles Rams): K’Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU

With Yannick Ngakoue wanting out of Jacksonville, his replacement could be found in Chaisson. While the LSU product will need to be developed, he has a quick burst off the line of scrimmage and knows how to create pressure.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

After adding four defensive backs in free agency, that need is no longer as pressing for the Eagles. That’s why I’m holding with Jefferson here. Jefferson would give the Eagles a dangerous deep-ball target for Carson Wentz.

22. Minnesota Vikings (via Buffalo Bills): Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Minnesota’s cornerback play last season was a mess. Now with two first-round picks, the Vikings can address the position. Henderson or Diggs would be the preference, but Fulton is a good fit in Mike Zimmer’s defense.

23. New England Patriots: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

It’s hard to believe the Patriots will go into next season with either Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer as their starting quarterback. A lot of work needs to be done to develop Love, but his tools are outstanding.

24. New Orleans Saints: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

New Orleans smartly brought in wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, and he is a good contrast to Michael Thomas. Now imagine a wide receiver group with those two and Shenault, a player Sean Payton can line up all over the place on offense.

25. Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are locked up for the next few years, but the Vikings could use another linebacker. Ben Gedeon has been an underwhelming fourth-round pick. Queen’s ability to chase down the ball would give the Vikings a good young linebacker to complete that unit.

26. Miami Dolphins (via Houston Texans): Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Putting McKinney on a defense that is being rebuilt would give head coach Brian Flores a versatile secondary player. McKinney can play single-high safety or in the slot. A secondary with Jones, McKinney, and Xavien Howard is suddenly one of the better groups in the NFL.

27. Seattle Seahawks: A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa

Epenesa isn’t what the Seahawks usually look for in a defensive end — he really doesn’t fit the Leo position Pete Carroll utilizes. But this is the same team that took L.J. Collier in the first round last year, so maybe their blueprint up front has changed.

28. Baltimore Ravens: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

The Ravens added some beef on the defensive line, acquiring Michael Brockers and Calais Campbell. That should help fix the team’s run defense. Adding a linebacker like Murray could finish off the front seven.

29. Tennessee Titans: Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama

The Titans brought in Vic Beasley on a one-year prove it deal, so they’re not set longterm at pass rusher. Lewis could be a good rotational piece with Beasley and Harold Landry. That would help them stay fresh and give the Titans some options.

30. Green Bay Packers: Josh Jones, OT, Houston

After losing Bryan Bulaga in free agency, as expected, the Packers signed free agent Rick Wagner. Unfortunately, he never lived up to a big contract in Detroit and shouldn’t just be the assumed starter on the right side. If Jones slides, the Packers shouldn’t hesitate taking him. He’s an athletic blocker with enough power to push for a starting job as a rookie.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

The 49ers swung and missed on Dante Pettis, their second-round pick in the 2018 draft. They swung and hit a home run in the second round last year with Deebo Samuel. In this loaded class of wide receivers, the 49ers could take one more swing with a big receiver like Higgins. He’s a good outside target who will go up and get the ball. He’s not the fastest wide receiver, but the 49ers have plenty of speed.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU

The Super Bowl champions have been one of the quietest teams in free agency, doing little more than put the franchise tag on defensive lineman Chris Jones. The team’s needs are relatively the same, and they start at cornerback. Even if Gladney isn’t the biggest cornerback, he’s aggressive and coaches will love his style of play.

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thegrandbunny · 6 years ago

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As you may recall, the reaction to the visual design of the title character of Sonic the Hedgehog was so severe, at least online, that director Jeff Fowler promised to fix it and the film was moved from November 8, 2019, to February 14, 2020. Whether the online handwringing should have been taken as general audience response, even my kids thought it looked awkward. This new trailer features a new design that is much closer to the video game version. Whether it’s “better,” it’s certainly closer to the source material and more conventionally “cute.” And when you’re dealing with kid-friendly flicks featuring CGI animals (think Peter Rabbit and Detective Pikachu), “cute” goes a long way.

Sonic The Hedgehog Gets A Facelift In Much Improved Second Trailer

However, the most important detail in this second trailer for Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog movie, which stars James Marsden and Jim Carrey, is that the movie just looks better. The scope feels expanded; the scale almost looks impressive. There’s enough of the video game’s fantasy world (the rings, the loops, etc.) that it’ll make you that much more disappointed when he zooms his way to Earth in the opening reels. Masters of the Universe more-or-less invented this cost-cutting narrative device for fantastical adaptations, one that has been used by the likes of The Smurfs, Thor and the Transformers movies (especially Bumblebee) among others.

Say what you will about Super Mario Bros., and you can say a lot, but at least it spent most of its running time the Blade Runner-ish “Dinohattan”. That said, there is a lot more visual pizzazz in this second trailer, which makes sense since we’re three months from the release date. There’s a lot more of Sonic being Sonic. Yes, Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik is a bit grating, as it comes off like someone else doing a negative impression of a stereotypical 1990s Jim Carrey comic performance, but my two youngest kids will probably find it amusing enough (I’ll show them the trailer when they get home from school). Does this film look “good”?

Eh, not really. But I’m a 39-year-old father of three who frankly was a die-hard Nintendo fan during the crucial Console Wars era (I played Mortal Kombat at home where characters sweated instead of bled, and I liked it darn it). I should not be the target demographic. But my eight-year-old son will absolutely want to see this, and the second trailer makes it look like a noticeably less painful experience. I’m curious, when the time comes, how much extra was added to the film’s over/under $90 million budget in order to fix Sonic, as I’m hoping they didn’t pull a Solo/Justice League and over-spend on course corrections to the point where a halfway decent performance would be a financial disaster.

We’ll see if Sonic the Hedgehog, which also stars Ben Schwartz (as Sonic) and Tika Sumpter (who barely features in this trailer) continues the current trend of surprisingly halfway decent video game movies. Between Warner Bros.’ triple-whammy (Tomb Raider, Rampage and Detective Pikachu) and The Angry Birds Movie 2, we may be in a new period of “Well, that wasn’t so bad?!” video game adaptations. Of course, this movie would have been a bigger deal 20 years ago, back when Sonic was still huge and when the mere idea of a Sonic movie (starring Jim Carrey) was itself an event. But that’s a monologue I’ve given many times before.

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democratsunited-blog · 7 years ago

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Democrats strip superdelegates of power in picking presidential nominee

https://uniteddemocrats.net/?p=8494

Democrats strip superdelegates of power in picking presidential nominee

While long a priority of Sen. Bernie Sanders and his supporters, the effort to reduce superdelegates’ clout has been embraced more broadly by party officials desperate to win over young voters. | Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo

Elections

Party officials voted at a meeting to strip the party insiders of much of their influence, a big win for the party’s base.

By DAVID SIDERS and NATASHA KORECKI

08/25/2018 02:37 PM EDT

CHICAGO – Democratic Party officials voted Saturday to strip superdelegates of much of their power in the presidential nominating process, infuriating many traditionalists while handing a victory to the party’s left flank.

The measure’s overwhelming approval – met by cheers in a hotel ballroom here – concluded a tense summer meeting of the Democratic National Committee, which had labored over the issue since 2016. Superdelegates that year largely sided with Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders, enraging Sanders’ supporters.

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Under the new rule, superdelegates – the members of Congress, DNC members and other top officials who made up about 15 percent of delegates that year – will not be allowed to vote on the first ballot at a contested national convention. The change could dramatically re-shape the calculous of future presidential campaigns, rendering candidates’ connections to superdelegates less significant.

“It’s a big victory for the base of the party,” said Jeff Cohen, co-founder of the online activist group RootsAction.org. “Tom Perez realizes that he’d rather lose 10 dead-enders in the DNC than a couple million activists,” he said of the party chairman.

While long a priority of Sanders and his supporters, the effort to reduce superdelegates’ clout was embraced more broadly in recent months by Democratic Party officials desperate to win over young voters skeptical of centralized party power.

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Perez described the change as “historic,” and DNC organizers played a video message from former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean in which the former DNC chairman cast the measure it as an urgent response “to the will of grassroots voters.”

Many young voters, Dean said, “have lost faith in our party’s nominating process, and make no mistake, this is a perception that’s cost us at the ballot box.”

The rule change faced intense opposition from a band of longtime Democratic Party officials who said the measure would disenfranchise party insiders. Their efforts appeared to gain momentum when Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond publicly urged DNC members to oppose the overhaul.

“This vote to strip superdelegates, unpledged delegates, automatic delegates, whatever you want to call us of our voice on the first ballot is inconsistent with our charter,” former DNC Chairwoman Donna Brazile said.

While awaiting results of a vote on a related issue, she strolled past media tables, saying, “I’m going to see how they’re counting the votes. I’m gonna make sure it isn’t Chicago style.”

But despite furious lobbying here, the defenders of superdelegates fell short in a procedural vote Saturday, then conceded before the overhaul was approved.

Superdelegates will now be allowed to vote on the first ballot at a national convention only if a candidate earned enough pledged delegates from state primaries and caucuses to win the nomination, anyway.

“What I witnessed was a political murder suicide,” said Bob Mulholland, a super-delegate and DNC member from California who helped organize opposition to the proposal. “What the DNC voted was to take away the votes of governors, Congress members, and take away their own votes, too. Absurd.”

Former DNC Chairman Don Fowler, a Mulholland ally, told committee members before the vote on Saturday that “this attempt to take voting rights away from people whose voting rights are ensured in the charter is not good government.”

He said, “It will be confusing, it will take the leadership out of the presidential nominating process which it has served very well for decades.”

But onlookers in the crowd shouted “Not true!” and “Lies!” when Fowler contended that stripping superdelegate powers would curb representation of African Americans, LGBT people and those with disabilities. And when Fowler stepped away from the lectern, he was treated to a small chorus of boos.

As in 2016, an old guard vs. new guard sentiment served as an undercurrent to the debate over superdelegate power Saturday. Karen Carter Peterson, a DNC vice chair and Louisiana state party chair, said she earned privileges as a superdelegate because of her decades of work for the party and suggested the party risked alienating tried and true Democrats.

“Are you telling me that I’m going to go to a convention, after my 30 years of blood sweat and tears for this party, that you’re going to take away my right?” she said, raising her voice. “Are you so worried about building and gaining the trust of one group at the expense of losing the trust of another? Did you hear me? Losing the trust of another.”

But appeals to present the party as less beholden to entrenched interests won over.

Pointing to young Democrats rallying around Beto O’Rourke, the Texas congressman running for U.S. Senate against Ted Cruz, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said, “Those same people don’t only want to do the work. They want to have a say in the decision-making process that this party engages in … And they really believe that the current system that we have doesn’t give them the equal voice that they should have.”

“If our party does not grow and get younger,” Hinojosa said, “we’re doomed.”

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