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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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NBA Free Agency Predictions for my Top 20 Players Available

I’m still gathering my thoughts on Thursday’s unpredictable NBA Draft, and free agency is underway today! What a busy time for front offices -- and most importantly, for me! After getting five picks correct in my mock draft, here’s to hoping I can nail a few more in my free agency predictions.

1) Kawhi Leonard (SF, UFA) - Clippers

Kawhi Leonard is, for obvious reasons, number one on my list of free agents. He opted out of his deal with the Clippers, and is expected to re-sign on a long-term deal. However, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that he is going to test his options in free agency. While that should make for some intrigue, it’d be surprising if Leonard leaves his hometown.

2) Chris Paul (PG, UFA) - Suns

Similar to Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul opted out of his contract with the Suns and is expected to re-sign on a long-term deal. Paul, though, will not be testing other options. So this isn’t much of a prediction, it’s pretty much me saying what we all know will happen.

3) John Collins (PF, RFA) - Hawks

John Collins is a restricted free agent, and there’s no world in which the Hawks don’t match any offer that comes his way. Collins played a crucial part in the Hawks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals -- averaging 13.9 points and 8.7 rebounds in the playoffs -- and is only 23 years old. He can stretch the floor, and I imagine he’s going to stretch the Hawks’ wallets too.

4) Kyle Lowry (PG, UFA) - Heat

We’re on my fourth-rated free agent, and this is the first that I have leaving his current team (Raptors). After not exercising the team option on Andre Iguodala’s contract, the Heat are setting themselves up to pursue a top free agent. Lowry is already 35 years old, but still playing at a high level, averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds. Miami is interested in a sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry, and ultimately I see that going down.

5) DeMar DeRozan (SG, UFA) - Knicks

DeMar DeRozan is on the wrong side of 30, but playing very well. His efficiency is poor, but he averaged 21.6 points, is an underrated playmaker (career-high 6.9 assists per game), and hauls in 4.2 rebounds per contest. DeRozan will draw interest from multiple teams, but the Knicks have the money and now a winning record to spark DeRozan’s interest.

6) Lonzo Ball (PG, RFA) - Bulls

The Bulls were interested in Lonzo Ball prior to the trade deadline, but a deal never got done. Coming off a career year that saw his three-point percentage rise, the Bulls still want him. There’s mutual interest here, and a sign-and-trade is very likely.

7) Mike Conley (PG, UFA) - Jazz

Mike Conley is coming off his first All Star campaign. While he’ll have plenty of options in free agency, the Jazz are making re-signing him their number one priority and there’s no reason he shouldn’t want to return. As with Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry, Conley will likely accept a short-term but high-priced deal..

8) Jarrett Allen (C, RFA) - Raptors

At 23, Jarrett Allen is young and talented, averaging over 11 points and 10 rebounds last season. You’d think there’s no reason for the Cavs to consider letting him go, but that’s not the case after they drafted the superior Evan Mobley third overall. There haven’t been many Jarrett Allen rumors until a report came out yesterday that the Cavs see the Raptors as the “biggest threat to retaining” him. Between the Cavs drafting Mobley and that report, I see Allen heading north.

9) Norman Powell (SG, UFA) - Blazers

Norman Powell opted out of the final year of his deal, and will test the free agency market. However, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, opposing teams are under the impression he’ll re-sign with Portland. The shooting guard averaged just over 18 points on 41.1% from three. With Dame possibly requesting a trade any day, Portland should push hard to retain one of their top players.

10) Duncan Robinson (SF, RFA) - Heat

Duncan Robinson is the best pure shooter in this free agent class, draining 42.3% of his threes over his career, and Marc Stein reported that the Heat are “strong favorites” to re-sign him. While they may have to include him in a sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry if one were to happen, they’ll do everything they can to avoid doing so and instead re-sign him.

11) Dennis Schroder, (PG, UFA) - Mavericks

The Mavericks are very much in the hunt for some of the top free agents, but if they strike out then Schroder could be their Plan B. Shroder did poorly in the playoffs with the Lakers, but one series won’t define him as a player. He can still be a quality starter in the right situation, and the Mavericks are interested in him as they look to pair another ball-handler with Luka Doncic.

12) Tim Hardaway Jr (SG, UFA) - Mavericks

Hardaway Jr was essentially the number two option on offense for Dallas last season, as Kristaps Porzingis battled injuries and struggled while healthy. Hardaway shot 39% from three and can score in isolation. I expect the Mavericks to keep him.

13) Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, UFA) - Pelicans

With Lonzo Ball likely leaving, the Pelicans are in the point guard market. If they miss out on the top ones available, they could very well be in the market for Shroder or Dinwiddie. With Schroder going to the Mavericks in my predictions, Dinwiddie is very much in play for the Pelicans. Three seasons ago, he was a crucial part of the Nets team that made the playoffs and intrigued Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. The following season, while sharing the floor with Irving, Dinwiddie averaged 20.6 points and 6.8 rebounds. That said, he’s coming off of a torn ACL and is ball-dominant, which will drive his price down.

14) Richaun Holmes (C, UFA) - Kings

Richaun Holmes averaged 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds last season, and is one of the better offensive centers in the league. While he’ll draw interest from many teams around the league, he’s expected to stay in Sacramento.

15) Evan Fournier (SG, UFA) - Knicks

Evan Fournier was dealt midway through the season from the Magic to the Celtics, where he averaged 13.0 points on 46.3% from three. Over his career, he averages 14.3 points on 37.9% from deep. While he doesn’t offer much outside of spacing the floor, he’s very good at exactly that. There’s mutual interest between him and the Knicks, and the Celtics are losing hope of re-signing him.

16) Gary Trent Jr (SG, UFA) - Raptors

After trading for him at the trade deadline, the Raptors will be looking to keep Trent Jr. in a Raptors uniform. In his time with them, he averaged 16.2 points while shooting 35.5% from downtown. Trent Jr is also beginning to develop some point guard skills, which gives the 22-year old some potential to grow into.

17) Kelly Oubre Jr (SG, UFA) - Spurs

Kelly Oubre Jr was traded to the Warriors last offseason, and he was inconsistent in his time with them. He can space the floor and rebounds well for a shooting guard (6.0 last season and 4.4 over his career). The chances of him returning to Golden State seem to be slim, and there’s mutual interest between him and San Antonio.

18) Will Barton (SG, UFA) - Nuggets

Will Barton opted out of his deal with the Nuggets to enter free agency. The veteran shooting guard averages upwards of 12 points per game and shoots close to 40% from three. While there’ll be many teams interested, returning to Denver seems to be the most likely scenario.

19) Lauri Markkanen, (PF, RFA) - Timberwolves

Markkanen is a tantalizing talent due to his size (7’ 0”), outside shooting (38.6% from three throughout his career and 40.2% last season), and age (24). He’s never quite lived up to the player he was supposed to be when he was the seventh pick in 2017, but that’s not to say he can’t. Minnesota is interested in a sign-and-trade for him, and that’s probably what’ll happen.

20) Reggie Jackson (PG, UFA) - Celtics

Reggie Jackson has always been a pesky defender, and his best stretch of games came in the 2021 postseason, where he averaged 17.8 points on 40.8% from downtown and took a bigger share of the offensive workload when Kawhi Leonard went down. Any team can use a player like him, but it’s the Nuggets, Pelicans, Knicks, and Celtics that are most interested. The latest Celtics rumors are that Marcus Smart might be on his way out because Brad Stevens is frustrated with him. If that’s the case, Jackson can come to Boston and fill the same role.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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I know that this is mainly a football blog, but I was hoping to get your opinion on the offers Puig has received in recent weeks. Also, if you have time could you comment on how Michigan's draft picks may impact the NFL?

I'm sorry, I just saw this. Michigan's 2021 NFL draft prospects?

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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2021 NBA Mock Draft

1) Detroit Pistons - Cade Cunningham, PG, Oklahoma State

Cade Cunningham is the obvious first overall pick, just as Zion Williamson was in 2019. While Cunningham isn’t on Zion’s level, at least not yet, he stands at 6’ 8”, 220 lbs while possessing point guard skills. He compares to Ben Simmons with a bit worse defense and much better shooting.

2) Houston Rockets - Jalen Green, SG, G League

The second pick is where things get interesting, as there are three players in play: Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, and Jalen Suggs. A great case can be made for any of them, but the current rumors are the Rockets want a highly-talented wing duo in Green and Kevin Porter Jr. Green is an elite scorer with explosive athleticism and a great shot. He and Porter Jr can form a duo similar to what the Celtics and Clippers have from their wing spots.

3) Cleveland Cavaliers - Evan Mobley, C, USC

The fit is questionable, as Jarrett Allen is a restricted free agent and the Cavs want to retain him, but what’s not questionable is that Evan Mobley seems to show far more potential than Allen. Mobley can score from all three levels and is skilled defensively, being very switchable and having the ability to guard just about anyone on the court.. He’s reminiscent of both LaMarcus Aldridge and Chris Bosh. The Cavs could draft him and work on a sign-and-trade with Jarrett Allen.

4) Toronto Raptors - Jalen Suggs, PG, Gonzaga

The Raptors were big draft lottery winners when they jumped into the top four, and now can choose from the last of the tier-two players remaining, which would be Jalen Suggs. Suggs is athletic and tough defensively, a great scorer, and a fierce competitor. With Kyle Lowry likely leaving in free agency, Suggs would be the perfect replacement.

5) Orlando Magic - Jonathan Kuminga, PF, G League

Jonathan Kuminga has lots of room to develop, and while he has as much potential as just about anyone in the draft class, he’s a very unfinished product. His size allows him to score in the paint at will, and while his handle and shot are a work in progress, he’s shown many flashes of both; if those develop well, Kuminga will be a superstar. His combination of athleticism, strength, and agility will allow him to make an immediate impact for a team on the defensive end.

6) Oklahoma City Thunder - Scottie Barnes, PG/PF, Florida State

It’s difficult to pick just one position for the 6’ 9”, 227 lb star from Florida State, so I’ll list him at both PG and PF. Barnes is nearly identical to Draymond Green: skilled playmaker, one step ahead of the opponent on both ends of the court, unmatched defensive tools, zero shot. The fit with the Thunder could be better, but with a plethora of young talent and draft picks, GM Sam Presti should be focused on adding any players with upside.

7) Golden State Warriors (via Minnesota Timberwolves) - James Bouknight, SG, UConn

Bouknight is one of the best pure scorers in the draft, possibly the second best after Jalen Green. He’s athletic, has a nice array of moves to get open, and is a lights-out shooter. Bouknight reminds me of Zach LaVine and Devin Booker, as he’s someone that can get a bucket at ease. The Warriors can use someone who’ll take pressure off of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, because the star duo is getting no younger.

8) Orlando Magic (via Chicago Bulls) - Davion Mitchell, PG, Baylor

Davion Mitchell is an older prospect at 22, which hurts his draft stock, but his talent is undoubtable. Defensively, Mitchell is never afraid to go up against the opposing team’s best player. He’s got great tools on that end of the court and is always playing at 100%. Offensively is where things get tricky: he has an explosive first-step which allows him to get past his defender and attack the basket, but his shooting is a question mark. In his three college seasons, he raised his three-point percentage from 28.8% to 32.4% and then to 44.7%. Oddly, his free throw percentage went from 67.7% to 66.3% and then to 64.1%. Mitchell is a great one-on-one scorer due to his burst, seems to have potential from beyond the arc, and is elite defensively. That should make him a good pick in the back-end of the top ten despite the concerns. He and Kuminga can help give the Magic an extremely bright future.

9) Sacramento Kings - Moses Moody, SF, Arkansas

The Kings finished the season with the league’s worst defensive rating, and Moody can certainly help there. At 6’ 6”, 205 lbs with a 7’ 1” wingspan, his size and length make him a very talented defender. Offensively, he’s an elite three-point shooter with an effortless release. Moody is developing other parts of his game, and has shown that he can be a secondary ball handler and make plays in transition in addition to being a plus rebounder. Moody would remind fans of both Mikal Bridges and Khris Middleton, who went head-to-head in the Finals.

10) Memphis Grizzlies (via New Orleans Pelicans) - Corey Kispert, SF, Gonzaga

Corey Kispert is a perfect fit for a Grizzlies team that needs shooting around Ja Morant. Kispert is a top-two shooter in the draft (with the other being Chris Duarte out of Oregon), and is very possibly the best. Last season, he attempted 6.5 shots per game from beyond the arc and knocked them down at a 44.0% clip. The issue with Kispert is that he struggles in just about every other part of his game. He doesn’t do much offensively outside of being a catch-and-shoot threat, and defensively his lack of athleticism hinders him. Kispert plays like a Joe Harris or Kyle Korver clone.

11) Charlotte Hornets - Keon Johnson, SG, Tennessee

Keon Johnson is a terrific on-ball defender with freakish athleticism, even setting the record for the highest vertical at the combine. His offense has a ways to go, but he’s shown flashes on that end of the court. As that part of his game improves, he could grow into a player similar to Jaylen Brown. The Hornets already have Gordon Hayward, but he’s aging and injury-prone.

12) San Antonio Spurs - Alperen Sengun, C, Turkey

Alperen Sengun put up monster numbers, winning the Turkish League MVP at just 18. He’s talented at scoring in the paint because of his great understanding of spacing, cutting, and screening, and to all of that he adds a soft touch. Sengun is a good free throw shooter and has range for a big man. With the right development, Sengun can be a similar player to Domantas Sabonis or Nikola Vucevic. The Spurs lack options in the frontcourt, making Sengun a perfect fit.

13) Indiana Pacers - Josh Giddey, PG, Australia

Another international prospect, Giddey is from Australia. The 6’ 8” point guard has incredible vision and creates for others at a level that’s reminiscent of LaMelo Ball. Giddey controls the pace of the game and has an impressive handle. His biggest weaknesses are his outside shot and his lack of athleticism on the defensive end. Nonetheless, he’s a great talent to build around.

14) Golden State Warriors - Chris Duarte, SG, Oregon

Chris Duarte is an elite shooter, possibly the best in the entire draft. Last season, he knocked down 42% of his threes. Duarte also has solid athleticism, which makes him a plus defender. The Warriors held a workout on Sunday with a select group of draft prospects, and Duarte was invited. Golden State certainly has interest in the Oregon product.

15) Washington Wizards - Jalen Johnson, SF, Duke

Jalen Johnson was a five-star prospect and has undeniable potential, but he quit Duke midseason and therefore there are questions surrounding him. Will he quit on a team that’s doing poorly? How much do his college numbers reveal, given the small sample size? That aside, Johnson has point-forward skills. He’s big-bodied at 6’ 9” and 220 lbs, but he has a nice handle, makes plays in transition, and hit 44% of his threes. The three-point percentage, though, came on just 18 attempts. If he has a legitimate work ethic, Johnson can be the steal of the draft.

16) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Boston Celtics) - Franz Wagner, SF, Michigan

With his handle, playmaking, and basketball IQ, Wagner has shown flashes of point guard skills. He’s an efficient scorer, shooting over 80% from the free throw line and 34% from three. Defensively, Wagner is an impact player; he’s by no means a lockdown defender, but he’s definitely above average on that end of the court.

17) New Orleans Pelicans (via Memphis Grizzlies) - Trey Murphy III, SF, Virginia

The Pelicans badly need shooting around Zion Williamson, and Murphy fills that need to perfection. He’s a very similar prospect to Moses Moody out of Arkansas, though not quite at Moody’s level at this stage. An extremely talented shooter and a solid defender, what he lacks at this stage is a more well-rounded offensive game. That might come with time.

18) Oklahoma City Thunder - Isaiah Jackson, C, Kentucky

Isaiah Jackson is a rim-runner, blocking shots in the paint and being a lob threat. His offensive game is lacking, but he’s an impact player defensively. His 12.7 block percentage was eighth in the nation, and he has the athleticism to be very switchable. The Thunder can play Aleksej Pokusevski at power forward and Jackson at center full time.

19) New York Knicks - Sharife Cooper, PG, Auburn

Sharife Cooper is undersized, listed at a very questionable 6’ 1.” Still, the point guard is lightning quick, a crafty ball-handler, and he has excellent vision. A true point guard, his ability to set up teammates is superb.

20) Atlanta Hawks - Tre Mann, PG, Florida

Mann shot 40.2% from downtown on 4.7 attempts per game, he’s a good ball-handler and he can create space. His ability to create for himself, and knock down shots when he does, make him a player with lots of potential. Mann had a late growth spurt and now stands at 6’ 5”, allowing him to play and defend at either guard spot. He can back up Trae Young due to his point guard skills, or play alongside Young as a shooting guard. That makes him a great fit with the Hawks.

21) New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks) - Kai Jones, C, Texas

Kai Jones offers many of the same qualities that Mitchell Robinson has. He’s a talented shot blocker and great lob threat, and what he has that Robinson doesn’t is the potential to be a stretch big. Jones converted on 13 of his 34 three pointers (38.2%), and he’ll also be on his rookie contract for five years, whereas Robinson is due for an extension within the next year. With Jones, the Knicks can get a cheaper and potentially better option at the center position.

22) Los Angeles Lakers - Ziaire Williams, SG, Stanford

Ziaire Williams came into college as a five-star prospect, yet had a subpar season by his standards. That being said, he’s a great pick in the back-end of the first round. Between his length for a shooting guard (6’ 10” height and wingspan), handle, shot, and high-energy defense, Williams has intriguing potential. Still, he’ll need to add some strength and continue developing his game.

23) Houston Rockets (via Portland Trail Blazers) - Usman Garuba, C, Spain

Garuba is short for a center at 6’ 8”, but he’s 230 lbs with a 7’ 2” wingspan. Powerful, mobile, and graceful. Garuba’s energy is unmatched; he’s always doing the little things like setting screens, running the floor, and being a smart defender that uses proper positioning. At the moment, his offensive game is simply scoring, although he’s shown glimpses of a midrange game, ball-handling, and passing.

24) Houston Rockets (via Milwaukee Bucks) - Cameron Thomas, SG, LSU

Cameron Thomas is a big-time bucket-getter. Just about every other part of his game is a work in progress, but Thomas knows how to score the ball. He could play in a Lou Williams role at the next level, and the Rockets can use any scoring they can get.

25) Los Angeles Clippers - Jaden Springer, PG, Tennessee

Jaden Springer is an elite defender. He has great size for a point guard at 6’ 4” with a 6’ 8” wingspan, and he plays with great intensity. Offensively, he handles the ball well, shows good quickness and can score from all three levels. With Reggie Jackson entering the free agent market, the Clippers can get a younger and cheaper option.

26) Denver Nuggets - Jared Butler, PG/SG, Baylor

Butler is a well-rounded combo guard. While not a pure point guard, he does a solid job of creating for teammates. He’s a great scorer, as his strong upper body allows him to attack the basket, his plus handle helps him create space, and his shot (49% from the field and 43% from three) is one of the strongest in the draft class. Butler can play on-ball and create for himself, or play off-ball and space the floor.

27) Brooklyn Nets - Miles McBride, PG, West Virginia

With both Spencer Dinwiddie (PG) and Bruce Brown (SG) possibly leaving in free agency, the Nets will need to add to their backcourt. And that’s where McBride fits in. McBride is a strong, hard-nosed player with plus athleticism and good defensive tools. While only 6’ 2”, his near 6’ 9” wingspan gives him the ability to defend one through three, and sometimes four. He’s one of the best defenders in the draft class with his length, intensity, and basketball IQ. McBride has a ways to go offensively, but did shoot 41.4% from three and 81.3% from the free throw line, and his strong build allows him to attack the paint. Defense, leadership, shooting, and toughness can go a long way, so the Nets would be happy to draft McBride.

28) Philadelphia 76ers - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, PF, Villanova

Robinson-Earl is a big power forward at 6’ 9” and 242 lbs. He’s surprisingly quick for his size and has an advanced skill level for his position, as he can hit shots from the outside, handle the ball fairly well, and make good decisions with the basketball. On the defensive end of the court, Robinson-Earl plays with good positioning. He should be able to make an immediate impact at the next level, something the 76ers will be looking for.

29) Phoenix Suns - Ayo Dosunmo, PG, Illinois

Whether Chris Paul opts into the remaining year of his contract or opts out in order to re-sign on a three-year deal, it’ll be extremely difficult for the Suns to retain Cameron Payne. Dosunmo, though, can serve as the perfect replacement. He’s not great at any particular thing, nor does he have any glaring weaknesses; he’s. simply extremely well-rounded if unspectacular. The Suns don’t need to swing for the fences with this pick. They can go with Dosunmo, who would be the perfect backup to Paul.

30) Utah Jazz - Josh Christopher, SG, Arizona

The Jazz have the most depth in the league and are at a point where they can take a gamble on a prospect like Christoper. He’s at his best with the ball in his hands, where he can use his size to bully his way into the paint, or hit a shot from mid-range or deeper. He’s a threat to score from all three levels, though his shot selection, passing, and playmaking will need to develop.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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Q&A with Simón Juan

Q: When did you first begin playing baseball and what made you fall in love with the sport?

A: I began playing baseball when I was young, maybe three or so. I fell in love with it because I could play it for a long time.

Q: When did you realize the potential you have in baseball?

A: I realized the potential I have when I was twelve.

Q: What do you consider to be your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a player?

A: I compete and I’m an all-around player. As for my weaknesses, I’d really like to work on everything.

Q: You have good power and speed, which is rare. That combination can lead to some good things. What allows you to be so good in both departments?

A: Working everyday. That’s the key. Hard work will pay off.

Q: I heard that you have been working with Rafael Furcal. what has it been like and what are some lessons you have learned from it?

A: He’s a great mentor, I love working with him. Teaches me a lot.

Q: Baseball America ranks you as one of the best international free agents in the 2021-22 class. What does that mean to you?

A: It’s a great honor, but only the beginning for me.

Q: If you could describe what type of player and person the team you are signing with is getting, what would you say?

A: They’re getting a competitor. Someone that’ll work extremely hard every day. And someone that gets along with others.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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MLB Trade Deadline Predictions

The All Star break wrapped up just days ago, the second half of the season is underway, and with that the trade deadline is quickly approaching. As baseball returns to the normal, ten-team playoff format -- after going with sixteen during last year’s covid-shortened season -- it’ll be interesting to see how teams across the league go about the deadline. With the second and third place teams in the National League West likely receiving the wild card spots, teams in the other two NL divisions will either be buying in hopes of winning the division, or selling because they simply don’t see themselves getting that playoff spot. In the American League, the wild card spots are a bit more open, which should make for more buyers. While it’s always difficult to predict what’ll happen, with plenty of rumors floating around that may or may not lead to anything, I’ll be trying to do exactly that. Here are my five trade deadline predictions…

Cubs Begin Fire Sale

The Cubs have talent, yet are 46-47 and falling out of the division race. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kyle Hendricks, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel have been names mentioned in trade rumors. The Cubs have been mediocre for a few years, and with some of their biggest names being impending free agents and unlikely to return, it’s time to get prospects in return for them. They can build one of the best, if not the best, farm systems in the league if they move some players.

Rockies Stay Relatively Put

The Rockies have some players involved in trade rumors, and it’s no surprise, as Colorado is 41-53 and eighteen games behind the division-leading San Francisco Giants. Starting pitchers Jon Gray and German Marquez, along with shortstop Trevor Story, are the three most likely Rockies to be wearing different uniforms come August. That being said, I believe the Rockies will keep two of the three. Jon Gray is most likely on his way out, as he’s on an expiring contract and by no means fits the Rockies’ timeline. However, I do see Marquez and Story remaining in Colorado. Marquez is on a team-friendly contract, and they’re in no need of trading him anytime soon. As for Story, the Rockies can wait it out, offer him an extension prior to free agency, and if that doesn’t work, give him the qualifying offer.

Jose Berrios and Josh Donaldson Get Packaged

The Minnesota Twins are fourteen games under .500 and fifteen games out of the division lead. Starting pitcher Jose Berrios is young and owns a 3.48 ERA and 1.095 WHIP. Those are good yet not great numbers, but Berrios is yet to reach his potential. The Twins are in rebuild mode, and Berrios can net a huge prospect in return. In addition, the oft-injured third baseman Josh Donaldson is slashing .249/.350/.480 with thirteen home runs. Those numbers are pretty solid, and his .267 XBA (expected batting average) and .525 XSLG (expected slugging percentage show he’s capable of being very productive. While his defense isn’t what it once was, Donaldson has an OAA (outs above average) of 2, so he’s provided a positive impact for Minnesota defensively as well. Unfortunately, injuries, age, and a hefty contract lower his value and make him someone the Twins might want to get rid of. If they can’t figure out a Josh Donaldson trade, the Twins can include him in a likely Jose Berrios deal.

White Sox Strike Out on Eduardo Escobar, Land Adam Frazier

Just over a month ago, Nick Madrigal suffered a season-ending injury. The White Sox, chasing a playoff spot, needed to replace their young second baseman. With that in mind, they called the Arizona Diamondbacks about 2021 All Star Eduardo Escobar. The two teams were nearing a deal, and it was widely expected that one would be completed, until more teams entered the mix and blew it all up. That said, it’d be a surprise if the Pittsburgh Pirates keep their own 2021 All Star second baseman, Adam Frazier. Frazier is having a career year, and though it’d require more from a prospect standpoint, the White Sox can happily pivot towards him and I believe they’ll do exactly that.

National League East Buys

The first-place-Mets haven’t yet proven they can run away with the division, and the Braves, Phillies, and Nationals see that. Any one of those teams can go into buy mode, hoping to pass the Mets in the standings and take that playoff spot. The Mets, in turn, could easily go into buy mode as well. Every team in the NL East other than the Marlins will probably be trying to add win-now pieces.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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Harry Ford is Catching The Eyes of Big League Scouts

Four catchers in the past seven MLB drafts have been products of the state of Georgia: Max Pentecost, Tyler Stephenson, Anthony Seigler, and Joey Bart. Next in line is Harry Ford, an eighteen-year old from Kennesaw, Georgia, who played his high school baseball at North Cobb High School. When I talked to Ford and asked for one player, past or or present, that he’d like to have a conversation with, he chose a hometown superstar; he wants to ask Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña how he plays the game while having so much fun and finding time to relax. He’d also ask about how Acuña felt during some of his best moments.

Ford told me he began playing baseball at the age of three. Baseball came naturally to him, and he immediately fell in love with the game. He says that some advice he’d give to beginners is to have fun for as long as you can and enjoy the game; to Ford, baseball is a mentally taxing game, and if you let it get to your head it will ruin you. Fifteen years after he himself began playing the game, Ford is projected to get drafted in the first round of the MLB draft, which begins this Sunday, July 11th. He always believed in himself, but it was only in the summer of 2020 when Ford realized the potential he has in the game he loves. After hitting just one home run in his first three years of high school, last summer, he blasted twelve during the showcase circuit. Ford told me that working out a ton and gaining lots of confidence was what allowed him to improve his power in such a short period of time. In Game Three of North Cobb’s first round playoff series, Ford hit a game-tying home run in the last inning, a highlight he looks back on as his favorite baseball memory. Ford’s offense goes far beyond his newfound power, though. He has elite bat speed, twitchy hands that allow him to cover the strike zone, is quick to the ball, and has an impressive eye, laying off pitches outside the strike zone. Most importantly, he’s proven he can make contact against front-line pitching.

While Ford is a stud at the plate, what intrigues teams the most is his defense. Ford can stick behind the plate, unlike some catchers at the high school and college level. His athleticism, which allows him to move quickly and block balls in the dirt -- and his plus arm -- will allow him to remain an asset on defense. Ford told me he has fun behind the plate and truly enjoys it; he says he’s mentally strong, so it makes him stay focused on the game. Despite not having experience elsewhere, teams believe in his versatility. With his quickness, athleticism, and arm, he can play second base, third base, or anywhere in the outfield. He’s even received comparisons to one of the greats, Craig Biggio, in large part because of the aforementioned ability to play almost anywhere on the field. Ford said his athleticism is a huge plus and believes no one is as good an athlete as himself, and it’s hard to disagree when his 60-yard dash time clocked in at 6.42 seconds. He takes pride in his versatility and is open to learning other positions, though he’d like to stay behind the plate.

Ford’s high school days have come to an end, and he believes that during those four years, he learned to live in the present, take it one step at a time while cherishing every second, and not worry about the future. As he wraps up that chapter of his life, he’ll be faced with a difficult decision -- college or pro ball. Ford committed to his hometown school of Georgia Tech, and while they’ve produced a number of professional baseball players, he made that decision long before he realized he would have the opportunity to play at the pro level. Ford is projected to be a high draft pick on June 11th -- though it’d be no surprise to see him attend Georgia Tech, work on his baseball skills while also getting a college experience, and become a top five or so pick in a few years. Or, he might reach a deal with whoever lands him. Ford told me it’ll be a pretty tough decision to leave behind an education and college experience to go play pro, and in the coming days he’ll have to figure out what he wants to do. When asked where he’d like to be ten years from now, he said he will be a multiyear All Star and hopefully a household name. Given the talent Ford has at such a young age, I wouldn’t bet against that becoming a reality.

Thank you for taking the time, Harry!

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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2021 NBA Finals Prediction

After yet another drama-filled season -- injury after injury, Covid altering the season here and there, some big deadline moves, and plenty of surprises -- we’ve reached the NBA Finals. The #3 seed Milwaukee Bucks took down the Heat, Nets, and Hawks en route to their first championship appearance since losing to the Celtics in 1974. The #2 seed Phoenix Suns beat the reigning champions in the Lakers, along with the Nuggets and then the Clippers. The Suns will be playing in their first Finals series since 1993; Phoenix will be looking for their first ever Finals win, while Milwaukee will be looking for their second. To predict which team will come out on top, I have five factors that I will analyze: offense, defense, star power, depth, and the head coach.

Offense

The Suns finished third in offensive rating (118.01), ninth in points per game (114.1), and fourth in effective field goal percentage (56.1%). On that end of the court, Phoenix is led by Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Booker averages 25.6 points per game and has increased that number to 27 throughout the playoffs, and Paul is capable of lighting it up on any given night, not to mention he’s nearly unmatched at creating for those around him (third in assists per game). Supporting them, DeAndre Ayton is a dangerous threat in the paint, and Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cameron Payne, Dario Saric, and Cameron Johnson can all light it up from outside as well as score from mid-range.

The Bucks owned the league’s fourth best offensive rating (117.68), finished atop the league in points per game (118.2), and placed fourth in effective field goal percentage (55.7%). Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the way, being dominant in the paint and averaging nearly 30 points per game. Khris Middleton averages over 20 per game, and he and Giannis fit extremely well together because one gets easy buckets in the paint while the other is a floor spacer that can also hit some shots off the dribble. The Bucks also have Jrue Holiday, who averages close to 18 points per game. Outside of their big three, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Bryn Forbes do a solid job of putting up points when needed.

Winner: I believe the Suns have the better offense. Both teams have go-to scorers in Devin Booker and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and while Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are better second and third options than Chris Paul and DeAndre Ayton, the Suns more than make up for it with their depth.

Defense

The Suns finished seventh in defensive efficiency (1.075), fourth in opponent points per game (108.1), twenty-fifth in blocks per game (4.3), nineteenth in steals per game (7.0), and sixth in opponent effective field goal percentage (52.7%). Defensively, DeAndre Ayton can be a monster in the paint and alter shots, whether or not he gets a hand on them. Ayton, though, can have trouble defending the perimeter and isn’t very switchable. Mikal Bridges is a very good two-way wing, and he can defend the one through three at a very high level. Jae Crowder is one of the top defensive players across the league, being physical, fairly agile, and bringing intensity with each possession. Where the Suns lack defensively is Chris Paul who, due to his height, can only guard the opposing point guard, and like Ayton isn’t very switchable. Off the bench, Cameron Payne and Cameron Johnson are adequate defenders, Torrey Craig is great defensively, and Dario Saric struggles on that end of the court.

The Bucks placed sixth in defensive efficiency (1.073), sixteenth in opponent points per game (112.2), nineteenth in blocks per game (4.6), seventh in steals per game (8.1), and ninth in opponent effective field goal percentage (53.2%). Milwaukee has one of the top defenders in the league, Jrue Holiday, who can virtually lock down the opposing team’s point guard or shooting guard. Khris Middleton, like Mikal Bridges of the Suns, has two-way ability and can be counted on to defend at a high level. Giannis Antetokounmpo uses his elite size, athleticism, and instincts to be a great defender. PJ Tucker has been a tremendous pick-up for the Bucks, even showing he can stick with Kevin Durant through a seven-game series and battle with the best. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, Brook Lopez has the agility to switch, but lacks the strength to be a competent defender in the paint. Bobby Portis is a good defender off the bench, and Bryn Forbes is solid as well.

Winner: Yet again, I’m going with the Suns. Despite having lots of defensive talent, the Bucks have generally underperformed on that end of the court, in large part due to Mike Budenholzer’s scheme. Phoenix’s talent level is nearly as high as the Bucks’, and they have a better defensive scheme.

Star Power

While DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges are up and coming players, the Suns have only two true stars in Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Booker is an elite three-level scorer that can put the ball in the bucket at any time, and he also gets a solid number of rebounds and assists while playing decent defense. Paul can still score from anywhere on the court. But where he really shines is in making plays for others, and that helps the offense in a big way.

The Bucks have a very good big three in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday. Each of them possess the rare quality of being exceptional both offensively and defensively. They also blend well with each other, as Holiday can do a bit of everything offensively, Middleton can space the floor, and Giannis can score in the paint.

Winner: I’d easily have to go with the Bucks here. Not only do they have more stars than the Suns, but Giannis is a top three player in the NBA.

Role Players/Depth

In support of their stars, the Suns have DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cameron Payne, Cameron Johnson, Dario Saric, and Torey Craig. DeAndre Ayton averages a double-double and dominates the paint, Mikal Bridges is an up and coming two-way player, Jae Crowder brings shooting, defense, and tenacity game in and game out, Cameron Payne is solid all-around, Cameron Johnson is a lights out shooter, Dario Saric does a good job of stretching the floor as a power forward, and Torrey Craig is another player that brings defense and tenacity for Phoenix. Not that they don’t have their weaknesses: Ayton lacks versatility, Crowder’s offensive game is limited, and Payne lacks the strength to be an above average defender. Nonetheless, each of those players has a role, and they know how to do it at a very high level; I’d argue that Ayton and Bridges have the potential to grow into All Stars.

The Bucks’ best depth players are Brook Lopez, PJ Tucker, Bobby Portis, Bryn Forbes, Jeff Teague, and Pat Connaughton. Brook Lopez stretches the floor very well for a center and has playoff experience, yet he lacks physicality. PJ Tucker is one of the top defenders in the league, always plays with passion, and brings playoff experience, but his offensive game is limited. Bobby Portis has somewhat revived his career in Milwaukee, averaging over 11 points and 7 rebounds while playing good defense; he also stretches the floor well for a big man. Bryn Forbes, Jeff Teague, and Pat Connaughton are all guards that shine in different aspects of their game.

Winner: Both teams have good depth, but I’ll go with the Suns, the main reason being that both DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges are much closer to that “star” level than any of the Bucks’ role players.

Head Coach

Very few people would argue that Monty Williams isn’t a top three coach. There’s a reason that when coaches around the league voted on Coach of the Year (it’s important to note that this wasn’t the official award), Monty Williams was their choice. On top of that, Williams placed second in the official Coach of the Year award to Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks, and it was the narrowest margin of victory since the format began in the 2002-03 season. Monty Williams has a coaching style that resonates with the team, as he demands hard work while clicking with the players (he’s a former player himself), is a great motivator, and has shown himself to be a fine strategist. Everyone around the league -- players, coaches, media, etc -- respects Monty Williams. No one has a bad word to say about him, and it’s difficult to overstate how important he is to the Suns.

Mike Budenholzer is a good coach, but wasn’t exactly in the running for Coach of the Year. In fact, after years of disappointing in the playoffs despite having good rosters, there was talk about the Bucks wanting to fire him unless they got to the Finals. While they did reach it, and I’ll give Budenholzer credit for that, it’s not a good sign when you’re a few games from potentially being fired. If Kevin Durant is an inch further back on his end-of-regulation buzzer-beater in a riveting Game 7, who knows if Budenholzer has a job right now. It’s my opinion that Budenholzer’s system hinders the Bucks’ defense; he likes to switch everything, and that can create mismatches in favor of their opponent.

Winner: Suns

The Suns dominated the categories I use to predict the Finals, winning four of five. That’s not to say this won’t be a good series, as the Suns took two of those categories (offense and defense) by very slim margins. Plus, star power can make a big impact on a series, and there may be no one in this matchup who can dominate here like Giannis can. That all being said, I’m picking the Suns in six games. No matter who wins, I’ll be looking forward to watching some great basketball between two amazing and deserving teams.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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2021 NFL Mock Draft - With Mock Trades

It’s officially Draft Day, and I couldn’t be more excited! After many months of rumors and time spent watching film, I have put together my final mock draft, and it will include mock trades.

1: Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence (QB)

There’s not much needed to say here. Trevor Lawrence is a generational talent, someone that likely would’ve been the first overall pick after his freshman season. We’ve known for years that whoever landed the first pick of this year’s draft would turn in their card to select Lawrence as quickly as humanly possible. The Jaguars were just awful enough to be that team.

2: New York Jets - Zach Wilson (QB)

The Jets have had their eyes on Wilson ever since they played their way out of the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes. Every year there’s a quarterback who surprisingly breaks out, and this year it was Wilson. While Lawrence is a generational talent, Wilson is more than just a consolation prize for New York.

3: San Francisco 49ers - Mac Jones (QB)

As much as I don’t want to buy into the rumors, it’s just about impossible not to when nearly the whole media world, including Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, is convinced that Mac Jones will be a 49er come Thursday. Jones is a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect. Kyle Shanahan wants a win-now quarterback who won’t take time to develop, and that’s why Jones fits.

4: Atlanta Falcons - Justin Fields (QB)

The Falcons seem to be choosing between Justin Fields and Kyle Pitts. I was 50/50 on this pick until two days ago, when reports came out saying the Falcons have been fielding offers for Julio Jones. That points to a rebuild, and if a rebuild is in the near-future for Atlanta, Fields is the pick.

5: Cincinnati Bengals - Ja’Marr Chase (WR)

Joe Burrow has been pushing for Ja’Marr Chase, and deservedly so. Both Burrow and Chase set record after record in LSU’s 2019-20 National Championship season. While protecting Burrow with Penei Sewell makes plenty of sense, any player that can help Burrow will be a great addition for the Bengals, especially if it pleases the franchise quarterback.

6: Miami Dolphins - Kyle Pitts (TE)

Here again, Penei Sewell makes sense. That being said, rumors are the Dolphins traded back up from #12 to #6 in order to get an offensive weapon. Kyle Pitts is just about the best non-quarterback in the draft, running and catching like a wide receiver while being in the mold of a tight end. He compares to Darren Waller, though possibly better if he gets anywhere close to his potential.

7: New England Patriots (via Detroit Lions) - Trey Lance (QB)

Rumors came out yesterday that the Patriots are willing to go as far as including star cornerback Stephon Gilmore in a trade in order to move into the top ten, and that truly shows how confident they are in this year’s quarterback class. While it would be no easy task making the jump from #15 to #7, Bill Belichick certainly has his eyes on a quarterback or two, along with the aggressiveness to make a big move. Under the coaching of Belichick and some time to learn from Cam Newton, Lance could grow into the best player from this year’s draft class.

8: Los Angeles Chargers (via Carolina Panthers) - Penei Sewell (OT)

It’s no secret that the Chargers are interested in Penei Sewell, and the Panthers are fielding trade offers, making this a match made in heaven. The Chargers can land a franchise left tackle, giving him the task of protecting former Oregon teammate Justin Herbert’s blindside for years to come in hopes of putting together a dangerous offense.

9: Denver Broncos - Rashawn Slater (OL)

Rashawn Slater has the ability to play all five positions along the offensive line, though he primarily played tackle at the collegiate level. Whether the Broncos decide to put him opposite Garrett Bolles or along the interior of the offensive line, he has a high floor along with an equally high ceiling. Between the targets Drew Lock already has, plus the addition of Slater, Denver would be giving the young quarterback everything he needs to succeed.

10: Dallas Cowboys - Patrick Surtain II (CB)

Patrick Surtain II is the son of a three-time Pro Bowl, one time All-Pro cornerback, and the younger Surtain may be the better. This is a perfect pick for the Cowboys, as value meets need.

11: New York Giants - DeVonta Smith (WR)

There are many who love DeVonta Smith, and Joe Judge is one. Smith became one of four receivers to win the Heisman, and the first in 20 years. While his weight is a concern, his talent is far from one. He has great hands and is a major threat once the ball is in them.

12: Eagles - Jaycee Horn (CB)

Jaycee Horn is the son of four-time Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn. He’s the best press-man corner in the draft, using his size to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupt their route. The Eagles could also go with Jaylen Waddle, but rumors are they’re looking for one of the top two corners.

13: Carolina Panthers (via Los Angeles Chargers) - Micah Parsons (MLB)

After gathering more picks in a trade-back, the Panthers go with the best player available, Micah Parsons. Parsons is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker that has a nose for the ball. He always seems to be making plays, and he can go a long way in helping the Panthers build a young, disruptive defense.

14: Minnesota Vikings - Jaelan Phillips (EDGE)

What the future has in store for Danielle Hunter is a major unknown. Minnesota desperately needs to get some young bodies into the front seven. Jaelan Phillips ran a sub-4.60 second 40-yard dash at 6’ 5”, 260 lbs, and not only does he have superb athleticism, he also has the skills to go along with it. Phillips is the most talented edge rusher in the draft, but his injury history is concerning, even forcing him to temporarily retire from football. With the 14th pick, the Vikings can take the chance on him.

15: Detroit Lions (via New England Patriots) - Jaylen Waddle (WR)

The Lions pull off their ideal scenario, as they trade back while selecting a wide receiver they’re currently considering at #7. Jaylen Waddle was neck-and-neck with DeVonta Smith as Mac Jones’ best target until a broken ankle knocked him out for most of the season.

16: Arizona Cardinals - Zaven Collins (MLB)

The Cardinals need to upgrade on the defensive side of the ball, and Zaven Collins can help them do exactly that. At his pro day, the linebacker weighed in at 6’ 4”, 259 lbs, and despite the size, Collins logged a Relative Athletic Score of 9.54/10. The size and athleticism shows on tape, with it being difficult not to see him flying around the field and making play after play on the ball.

17: Oakland Raiders - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (MLB)

The Raiders invested quite a bit of money in the linebacker position last offseason, but the defense still needs to be improved upon. Owusu-Koramoah has excellent range and can make play after play on the ball.

18: Miami Dolphins - Najee Harris (RB)

After adding Kyle Pitts to the offense, the Dolphins grab the best running back in this year’s draft. Not only would Tua Tagovailoa have the targets he needs to succeed, he’d also have the run game to lean on with the addition of Harris.

19: Washington Football Team - Christian Darrisaw (OT)

After adding wide receiver Curtis Samuel via free agency, offensive line is Washington’s biggest need. Christian Darrisaw is raw but oozes with potential.

20: Chicago Bears - Teven Jenkins (OT)

The Bears need to insert some young bodies into the offensive line, and selecting Jenkins would do exactly that. The former Oklahoma State offensive tackle is extremely powerful, creating big holes for the run game.

21: New Orleans Saints (via Indianapolis Colts) - Caleb Farley (CB)

Last week, Sean Payton identified cornerback as the Saints’ biggest need. They have interest in Caleb Farley and believe they’ll need to move above the Titans to land him. Farley was widely regarded as the second best corner in this year’s draft class up until an unfortunate back surgery caused him to slip down boards. While the back surgery is a concern, assuming he progresses well and reaches 100% or close to it, this would be a steal for New Orleans.

22: Tennessee Titans - Alijah Vera-Tucker (OL)

Offensive tackle has become a need yet again for Tennessee, as 2020 first round pick Isaiah Wilson struggled with off-the-field issues and was ultimately traded. The Titans can fill the need, this time with a high-character player who’s close to a sure thing. Vera-Tucker has the ability to play both tackle and guard at a high level.

23: New York Jets - Creed Humphrey (OL)

New York needs to address the center position early, and not only does Humphrey fill the need, but he’d be a good value pick.

24: Pittsburgh Steelers - Samuel Cosmi (OT)

The Steelers offensive line regressed last season, and they recently lost tackle Alejandro Villanueva in free agency. Cosmi is one of the best pass protectors in the draft class, arguably the best, and can be a key piece in rebuilding Pittsburgh’s offensive line.

25: Buffalo Bills (via Jacksonville Jaguars) - Travis Etienne

The Bills are interested in the former Clemson star, considering trading up for the running back. The Bills’ backfield is solid, but Etienne compares to Alvin Kamara with the potential to be better.

26: Cleveland Browns - Joe Tryon (EDGE)

The Browns revamped their secondary when acquiring John Johnson III and Troy Hill in free agency. Finding an edge rusher to pair opposite Myles Garrett was a top priority heading into the offseason, and it still should be even after the addition of Takkarist McKinley at the position. Tryon is athletic and he never takes a down off.

27: Baltimore Ravens - Kwity Paye (EDGE)

After losing both Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon in free agency, edge rusher has become a dire need for the Ravens. Kwity Paye is raw but versatile, with the ability to play standing up and with his hand in the dirt, and his athleticism (4.54 40 at 272 lbs) gives him lots of potential.

28: Indianapolis Colts (via New Orleans Saints) - Azeez Ojulari (EDGE)

Justin Houston, whose eight sacks ranked second on the Colts during the 2020 season, is currently a free agent and is unlikely to return. Denico Autry, who was third on the team with seven and a half sacks, signed elsewhere. The Colts desperately need an edge rusher, and Ojulari improved every season at Georgia, leading the SEC in sacks in 2020. This is a pick that marries need and value.

29: Green Bay Packers - Kadarius Toney (WR)

The Packers could use a wide receiver opposite Davante Adams, and Kadarius Toney would fit like a glove in Green Bay. Between his release, route running, hands, and ability to make plays after the catch, his playmaking is otherworldly.

30: Jacksonville Jaguars (via Buffalo Bills) - Trevon Moehrig (S)

The Jaguars filled their cornerback need by signing Shaquill Griffin, but the safety position could use some upgrading, especially with defensive backs being crucial for Joe Cullen’s defense. Moehrig has plenty of range, is versatile, and is a ballhawk.

31: Baltimore Ravens - Alex Leatherwood (OT)

After trading Orlando Brown Jr to Kansas City, the Ravens need to fill their hole at right tackle. Leatherwood has a high IQ and can be an impact player from Day One.

32: Cincinnati Bengals (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - Dillon Radunz

Despite having the sixth pick of the second round, a few of the teams ahead of the Bengals will be looking for an offensive tackle. Having opted for Chase over Sewell earlier, the Bengals trade up to the back-end of the first round and secure one of the top O-lineman available. Radunz has a unique level of athleticism for an offensive lineman of his size, and he has the skills to go along with it. He’s a bit of a project, but has phenomenal potential and can protect Burrow for years to come.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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2021 NFL Mock Draft - No Trades

1: Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence (QB)

2: New York Jets - Zach Wilson (QB)

3: San Francisco 49ers - Mac Jones (QB)

4: Atlanta Falcons - Justin Fields (QB)

The Falcons seem to be choosing between Justin Fields and Kyle Pitts. I was 50/50 on this pick until this morning, when reports came out saying the Falcons have been fielding offers for Julio Jones. That points to a rebuild, and if a rebuild is in the near-future for Atlanta, Fields is the pick

5: Cincinnati Bengals - Ja’Marr Chase (WR)

6: Miami Dolphins - Kyle Pitts (TE)

7: Detroit Lions - Penei Sewell (OT)

The Lions have been fielding offers for the 7th pick, and ultimately they’ll probably trade back. However, for my first of what will be two mock drafts, I have decided not to include trades. If Detroit does stick to their current spot, Sewell is the obvious pick. Sewell set all kinds of records during his time in Oregon, and he’ll be a franchise left tackle for the next decade plus.

8: Carolina Panthers - Rashawn Slater (OT)

The Panthers are another team fielding trade offers but again, no trades in this mock. Rashawn Slater has the ability to play all five positions along the offensive line, though he primarily played tackle at the college level. The Panthers are one of a handful of clubs that have Slater ranked above Sewell, so they’d be ecstatic if he’s available when their pick comes around.

9: Denver Broncos - Micah Parsons (MLB)

Vic Fangio is entering a make-or-break season, so he’ll do everything he can to put together a defense he’s more than confident in. Parsons is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker that has a nose for the ball. He always seems to be making plays, and the Broncos defense can regain its disruptive ways with the addition of the talented linebacker.

10: Dallas Cowboys - Patrick Surtain II (CB)

Patrick Surtain II is the son of a three-time Pro Bowl, one time All-Pro cornerback, and the younger Surtain may be the better. This is a perfect pick for the Cowboys, as value meets need.

11: New York Giants - DeVonta Smith (WR)

12: Eagles - Jaycee Horn (CB)

13: Los Angeles Chargers - Christian Darrisaw (OT)

Christian Darrisaw is raw but oozes with potential. The Chargers have the necessary offensive weapons for Justin Herbert to succeed, but it’s time to protect him, and Darrisaw can do exactly that for many years to come.

14: Minnesota Vikings - Jaelan Phillips (EDGE)

What the future has in store for Danielle Hunter is a major unknown. Minnesota desperately needs to get some young bodies into the front seven, and Jaelan Phillips, despite his concerning injury history, has sky-high potential.

15: New England Patriots - Trey Lance (QB)

Trey Lance falling would be ideal for New England. He has phenomenal potential and they could have him sit and learn from Cam Newton. Lance’s game, in some ways, is similar to Newton’s. Give Lance a year to learn from Newton and the coaching of Belichick, and he can be the steal of the draft and one of the best players in the league.

16: Arizona Cardinals - Jaylen Waddle (WR)

Rumors have linked the Cardinals to receivers in a potential trade-up, but in this scenario, they land Waddle at 16. Jaylen Waddle was neck and neck with DeVonta Smith as Mac Jones’ best target until a broken ankle knocked him out for most of the season. Pairing Waddle with Hopkins would give the Cardinals one of the best wide receiver duos in the game.

17: Oakland Raiders - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (MLB)

18: Miami Dolphins - Najee Harris (RB)

19: Washington Football Team - Alijah Vera-Tucker (OL)

After adding wide receiver Curtis Samuel via free agency, offensive line is Washington’s biggest need. Vera-Tucker can play both the tackle and guard spots and help turn around what has been a dismal Washington offensive line for the past few years.

20: Chicago Bears - Teven Jenkins (OT)

21: Indianapolis Colts - Kwity Paye (EDGE)

Justin Houston, whose eight sacks ranked second on the Colts during the 2020 season, is currently a free agent and is unlikely to return. Kwity Paye is raw but versatile, with the ability to play standing up and with his hand in the dirt, and his athleticism (4.54 40 at 272 lbs) gives him lots of potential.

22: Tennessee Titans - Alex Leatherwood (OT)

23: New York Jets - Caleb Farley (CB)

The Jets have a pair of young cornerbacks in Bryce Hall and Bless Austin, and while both are good, neither has quite the potential that Farley has. Farley was widely regarded as the second best corner in this year’s draft class up until an unfortunate back surgery caused him to slip down boards. While the back surgery is a concern, assuming he progresses well and reaches 100% or close to it, this would be a steal for New York.

24: Pittsburgh Steelers - Creed Humphrey (OL)

Pittsburgh needs to address the center position early, and not only does Humphrey fill the need, he’d be a good value pick.

25: Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevon Moehrig (S)

26: Cleveland Browns - Joe Tryon (EDGE)

27: Baltimore Ravens - Joseph Ossai (EDGE)

After losing both Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon in free agency, edge rusher has become a dire need for the Ravens. Ossai has superb speed and change of direction in addition to versatility and an exceptional motor. Those traits helped him reach 15.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, two passes defended, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery during the 2020 season.

28: New Orleans Saints - Rondale Moore (WR)

Michael Thomas dealt with injuries throughout the season, causing him to miss nine games, and Emmanuel Sanders was released. Rondale Moore is a do-it-all type of player. He always finds ways to get open, is explosive with the ball in his hands, and can even take reps at the running back position.

29: Green Bay Packers - Kadarius Toney (WR)

30: Buffalo Bills - Travis Etienne (RB)

The Bills are interested in the former Clemson star, and may be considering trading up for the running back. The Bills’ backfield is solid, but Etienne compares to Alvin Kamara with the potential to be better.

31: Baltimore Ravens - Dillon Radunz (OT)

After trading Orlando Brown Jr to Kansas City, the Ravens need to fill their hole at right tackle. Radunz has a unique level of athleticism for an offensive lineman of his size, and he has the skills to go along with it. He’s a bit of a project, but Baltimore has shown they can develop offensive lineman extremely well.

32: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Christian Barmore (DT)

With Ndamukong Suh and William Gholston being 34 and 29, Tampa Bay stands to get younger at the defensive tackle position. Christian Barmore is an elite run stuffer who’s shown the potential to develop into a solid pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports and Rankings

After many months of watching and analyzing film, I have created scouting reports on every player I’ve looked at and made a list of rankings. Unfortunately, I only had the time to thoroughly scout offensive players. Despite only doing offense, though, I scouted a grand total of 123 prospects, which should be the large majority of the offensive players drafted.

Copy and paste link below

file:///Users/julianscomputer/Desktop/Julian's%202021%20Draft%20Guide%20(Offense).pdf

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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Upcoming 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

With the NFL draft nearing, as it begins on the 29th of April, I am excited to announce that I have been spending time watching film and creating scouting reports on 2021 NFL Draft prospects. Unfortunately, I was unable to take a look at defensive players due to the sheer amount of time it takes to fully scout just one player. If I were to go through every position, I would not have been able to take a look at a good chunk of players at each position. Therefore, I opted to focus on offense, because I’d rather do my due diligence on 15+ prospects at each position on that side of the ball. The amount of prospects I’ve studied at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, and interior offensive line will vary, depending on the amount of prospects at the position typically drafted. Over the course of the next 17 days, I will be releasing scouting reports on players I’ve watched film on. I hope you all enjoy them!

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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The Story of NFL Draft Prospect Elijah Molden

Photo courtesy of Elijah Molden’s Instagram

It was Game 5 of USC’s 2019 football season. The Trojans had the chance to cut rival Washington’s lead and make it a one possession game with a third-quarter touchdown. On 2nd & 4 from the Washington 10, quarterback Matt Fink took a three-step drop before targeting then-USC and current Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Washington defensive back Elijah Molden read Fink’s eyes the whole way, anticipating where the quarterback would throw the ball, before putting himself in perfect position and leaping for the interception. That would be the first of five career pickoffs for the 2021 draft prospect.

Molden’s father, Alex Molden, was a member of the University of Oregon’s 1994 Rose Bowl team and a 1995 All-American cornerback. He was selected 11th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1996 NFL Draft, and played at the professional level for nearly a decade. The elder Molden is also a member of Oregon’s Hall of Fame, and Elijah told me that his first memory as a child was an interception his father made while on the Chargers. Football was in the younger Molden’s genes from the beginning, and when he spoke to me, he said that his father taught him how to prepare for the game and the fundamentals of being a defensive back. With lots of hard work and the help of his father, Elijah Molden quickly established a name for himself at West Linn High School. As a four-star recruit -- the 28th ranked cornerback, 2nd ranked player in the state of Oregon, and one of just over 150 high schoolers across the nation who got the opportunity to showcase his talent at Nike’s signature recruiting showcase (The Opening) -- he got his first scholarship from the University of Oregon. He grew up attending Ducks games and cheering on his parents’ alma mater. (His mother, Christin, also went to Oregon.) While he always envisioned himself attending the same school, as one of the best players in the country he naturally received offers from a slew of top programs. Molden had an all Pac-12 top-four list featuring Oregon, Stanford, Washington, and USC. It was the atmosphere, campus, chemistry, culture, and city of Seattle that Molden saw when visiting former Washington coach Chris Peterson that drew him north.

In his first couple of seasons at Washington, Elijah Molden was growing and struggling to find consistent playing time. It was his junior year when he broke out; he grabbed the aforementioned interception against USC to go along with three others, 79 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. His stout play earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors. Molden had the opportunity to join a pair of former teammates, Colts quarterback Jacob Eason and Browns center Nick Harris, as 2020 NFL draft picks. Molden, however, chose to return to college for his senior season. When Covid struck, many top college football players elected to opt out of the season and instead prepare for the 2021 draft. When I asked Molden why he ultimately decided to play football during a time of struggle when he could have taken the easier route, he told me that he wanted to get on the field in purple and gold for one last season and felt he had a lot left in him. Molden said that throughout the season, he and the team faced uncertainty and had to be adaptable. In Washington’s four-game season, which ended abruptly due to Covid-related issues in a bizarre season, the team certainly proved they were adaptable as they went 3-1 with a +21 point differential. Molden himself proved once again what a playmaker he could be as he had 26 tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection in the shortened season. Once again, he was awarded with a first-team All-Pac-12 selection. Throughout his time at Washington, Molden displayed his plus athleticism, demonstrated that he’s a willing tackler, took good angles to the ball, proved capable of diagnosing plays pre-snap, was proficient in both man and zone coverage, and was elite in pass coverage in large part due to his great anticipation. Still, Molden told me he believes his biggest strength is his understanding of the game, which he credits to his father and coaches. Molden’s football IQ is truly off the charts, and knowledge of the game is intangible but invaluable when evaluating players. As for what Molden is looking to work on, he says he wants to improve the finer details, such as pass rush techniques. Molden, who can be lined up just about anywhere in the secondary, takes pride in his versatility and wants to be able to give his coach the ability to place him anywhere he thinks is best.

Due to that versatility, along with his football IQ and his character, Molden will certainly have lots of NFL teams interested in drafting him. While a handful of teams may give him the “undersized” label as he stands at 5’ 10” 190 lbs, Molden doesn’t think about the doubters. He has continuously proven his talent and those teams will regret passing on him. In both 2019 and 2020, he was ranked as one of the top defensive backs by Pro Football Focus (PFF) in the nation. Molden was invited to the NFL Combine and to the Senior Bowl, but the combine was unfortunately cancelled due to the Coronavirus and Molden had to sit out the Senior Bowl due to a minor injury. While he’s lost these opportunities to showcase himself, Molden told me the process has been incredible, that he’s met phenomenal people and has improved as both a player and person. Off the field, Molden, who says he loves reading, cooking, and going to the beach as much as possible, brings the same desire for greatness. While in high school, Molden missed time with an ankle injury before helping West Linn win their first Class 6A championship. Where many players would be frustrated that they weren’t on the field, Molden kept his head up, saying, “I think me being hurt was the best thing for my team, honestly. Coach (Chris Miller) had a lot of great plays with me in it, and when I went down they (West Linn) really found their identity. It was in the team’s best interest, and because of it, we were a better team.” Prior to the 2020 college football season, Washington Huskies head coach Jimmy Lake spoke highly of Molden. Lake said, “He’s an extraordinary leader for us. I think he’s even learning more about himself and how much of a leader he is throughout this pandemic. Of all the plays he’s going to make on the field for us, which I know he’s going to do, he’s more important as a leader in that locker room for us.” NFL teams love high-character players, and Molden fits that description to a T.

As he heads to the next level, Molden is excited to begin his rookie season with a chip on his shoulder and a determination to be great. The NFL draft will begin Thursday, April 29th and end Saturday, May 1st. He is projected to get drafted on day two, and most likely earlier rather than later. There will be an abundance of teams looking to grab what Molden offers both on and off the field, and whoever lands him won’t regret the selection.

I’d like to thank Elijah Molden for taking the time to answer my questions and I wish him nothing but the best throughout the rest of the draft process!

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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NFL Free Agency Predictions

After what was an abnormal season, an unprecedented offseason is upon us. Last year marked the seventh consecutive offseason with at least a $10M increase in cap space; the cap had risen year by year ever since the implementation of the current CBA in 2011, which followed an uncapped season in 2010. However, with the league having lost money in a covid-stricken year, the cap decreased from 2020’s $198.2M to this year’s $182.5M. Due to the lowered cap, prior to today’s opening of the legal tampering period, we’ve already seen an unusually large number of contracts restructured and players released. Nonetheless, I will predict the landing spots for each of my top 20 free agents.

1: Kenny Golladay (WR) - Dolphins

The former Lions receiver made the 2019 pro bowl after posting a remarkable 1190 yards and 11 touchdowns on 65 receptions. Between his numbers and his young age (27), he looks to be a high-end WR1 for the next five or more years. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed his career a bit; he’s only played in 47 of a possible 64 games. Despite the injury woes, Golladay is likely to command a contract around $20M. The Jets and Dolphins are believed to be the top two teams in pursuit of the receiver, which doesn’t come as a surprise because they both have the cap space along with the need for him, and I believe it’ll be Miami that ultimately comes away with him because he’s looking to compete immediately.

2: Trent Williams (LT) - 49ers

The 32-year old has consistently been one of the top tackles in the game throughout his career, and last season wasn’t any different. While he and the 49ers haven’t reached an extension, I fully believe they’ll come to a long-term agreement.

3: Anthony Harris (FS) - Browns

Anthony Harris was a cap casualty from the Vikings after a down year in 2020. Despite his subpar performance, he remains one of the best safeties in football. He put together an excellent season in 2019, earning a 91.1 overall PFF grade. The Vikings often ran a split safety look where Harris could play to his strengths, reading routes and making plays on the ball. The Browns have a massive hole at free safety as Karl Joseph had a 54.7 overall PFF grade last season. Adding Harris would give the Browns one of the better defenses in the league.

4: Shaq Barrett (EDGE) - Bucs

The Bucs are in major cap trouble and Shaq Barrett (who’s posted 19.5 and 8.0 sacks in the past two seasons) wants to get paid his worth. It’ll be difficult for the two sides to reach a long-term deal that could bring him back to the reigning Super Bowl champions, but Tom Brady’s reduced 2021 cap hit should certainly help. And I also don’t doubt he’ll take a bit less money to return to Tampa Bay.

5: Joe Thuney (LG) - Jets

Joe Thuney was a day one starter for the Patriots and has yet to miss a game in his five-year career. Thuney ranks in the 83rd percentile in overall pass-blocking grade since coming into the league and has been a huge part of New England’s playoff runs recently. The Jets, who are first in the league in cap space, are showing strong interest. It’d be wise for the Patriots’ AFC East counterparts to bring in an offensive lineman they can count on to protect their young quarterback, whether that be Zach Wilson or Justin Fields or Sam Darnold. I see Thuney to the Jets as a near lock.

6: Corey Linsley (C) - Bengals

Linsley is the best center available and one of the most dependable in the league since 2014. He’s an elite pass blocker and a very good run blocker, making him a great fit for any team with a need at center. The Bengals need anyone they can get their hands on to protect Joe Burrow (who was on pace to get sacked a record-breaking number of times), and should be willing to do anything to get someone of Linsley’s caliber, even if it means overpaying.

7: Hunter Henry (TE) - Bills

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that Bills tight ends “never put a fear” into opposing defenses. That comment, and my assumption that Henry wouldn’t turn down an offer to play with Josh Allen and the Bills, make me like this pairing.

8: Yannick Ngakoue (EDGE) - Colts

Ngakoue has 8 sacks in each of the past two seasons. While he hasn’t proven he can be a true #1 pass rusher as of yet and is a liability in the run game, he’s only 25 and has room to grow. The Colts are a team that’s 6th in cap space, edge rusher is a dire need, and Ngakoue will want to go to a team that can compete.

9: Matt Judon (EDGE) - Titans

Matt Judon is a back-to-back pro bowler, though his sack total dipped from 9.5 in 2019 to 6.0 in 2020. Regardless, he’s young (28) and will be highly sought-after in a weak edge class.

10: William Jackson III (CB) - Bengals

William Jackson III was the Bengals’ first-round pick in 2016. The young corner has had an inconsistent career: he missed his first season due to injury, was a top corner in his second season, and since then has been solid yet not quite what Cincinnati thought he could be. While he hasn’t lived up to his potential, he can still be a high-end CB2 or low-end CB1. A Bengals team with the 5th-most cap space should be looking to bring back the 28-year old.

11: Will Fuller (WR) - Football Team

Fuller presumably won’t be back in Houston, and the Packers and Washington make the most sense as landing spots. The Packers have a huge drop-off at WR after Davante Adams, and Washington has a big drop-off at WR after Terry McLaurin. I give Washington the edge because of cap space.

12: Curtis Samuel (WR) - Giants

The 24-year old wideout was drafted by Giants general manager Dave Gettleman when he was the Panthers GM, and the Giants badly need a wide receiver. For those two reasons, this pairing instantly makes sense. A Giants team without much cap space will need to find a second-tier free agent wide receiver that fits the timeline of the team, and the versatile receiver from the Panthers is exactly that.

13: Bud Dupree (EDGE) - Giants

After receiver, edge rusher is easily the biggest need on the Giants. Dupree tore his ACL so there’ll be questions about his level of play, not to mention he won’t be back till mid-season. He had 11.5 sacks in 2019 and 8 sacks in 2020, so there’s obviously talent when healthy. The Giants can take advantage of the injury and pick him up for cheap.

14: Juju Smith-Schuster - Jets

Juju Smith-Schuster had a breakout 2018 season with 111 receptions for 1426 yards and 7 touchdowns. The former Steelers receiver hasn’t been the same since, and him having his one great season with Antonio Brown on the team raises questions. While he may not be the WR1 that some thought he could be, he can be a high-end WR2 for a Jets team that could use help there. Coming to New York would make sense from Smith-Schuster’s perspective because he’s looking to grow his brand.

15: Shaquill Griffin (CB) - Seahawks

The 2017 third-rounder has been a reliable corner from the beginning of his career, and in 2019 he posted a 78.0 overall PFF grade with 13 pass breakups. In 2020, he had some nagging injuries that hurt his performance, yet he still flashed the good play he showed in 2019. Griffin seems to love Seattle and would most likely take a relatively team-friendly deal.

16: Haason Reddick - Browns

The Browns need help at the edge rusher position, and Reddick has loads of potential. After his first three seasons in the NFL, Reddick got the bust label for having a total of 7.5 sacks. Last year alone he outdid that number with 12.5. It’s fair to question how he’ll perform next year considering he struggled his first three seasons and 5 of last year’s sacks came in one game, but he’s only 26 and the Browns could be getting their hands on a player with potential to grow into.

17: Mike Hilton (CB) - Broncos

Mike Hilton is a do-it-all slot corner who can exceed in both man and zone coverage. He’s a talented player that’ll be highly-coveted on the open market, but the main concern is that he’s strictly a slot corner. The Broncos need secondary help and while Bryce Callahan played in the slot for them last season, there’s a good chance that Fangio is more than willing to move Callahan outside to make room for Hilton.

18: Corey Davis (WR) - Packers

Corey Davis was drafted fifth overall by the Titans and has never lived up to that selection. That being said, he did prove he can be a solid player that still has some potential to grow into. Davis posted 984 yards and 5 touchdowns on 65 receptions last season. While the numbers won’t blow you away, Green Bay already has Davante Adams and all they need is a reliable WR2.

19: Mitchell Schwartz (RT) - Seahawks

In his prime, Mitchell Schwartz was named to the All-Pro team four consecutive seasons, and his stalwart blocking was extremely important to the success of Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes. At 32, there are age and injury concerns for the offensive tackle who missed most of last season with a back injury that could force him into early retirement. Schwartz would be a fantastic get for a Seahawks team in cap trouble that needs to protect Russell Wilson.

20: Carl Lawson (EDGE) - Seahawks

Carl Lawson looked like a massive steal for the Bengals in 2017, when the fourth-rounder had a ridiculous 59 pressures on 389 rushes in his rookie season. Since then, he hasn’t reached that level of play. Nonetheless, he’s a solid rotational pass rusher that’s only 25 and can be a steal if a team lands him for cheap.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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3 NBA Storylines to Follow in the Second Half of the Season

To say the least, it’s been an abnormal season. The Coronavirus has affected games time and time again, and some teams are playing with fans while others are playing without. As per usual, there’s been plenty of surprises along with plenty of things we expected. I’m going to dissect three NBA storylines we should follow throughout the second half of the season.

1: Success of the Knicks

For more than half a decade, despite playing in the Mecca of basketball, the Knicks have been a team that couldn’t land star players due to poor ownership and lousy teams year in and year out. Finally, things have changed. Former Bulls and Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau has taken over and turned around the team with his defensive-minded philosophy, new President of Basketball Operations Leon Rose and his hires have seemingly made all the right moves to win now and in the future, and Julius Randle went from the most hated player on the team to an All-Star. The Knicks are 19-18 and are the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference while having the lowest payroll in the league. The Knicks have the 4th hardest record the remainder of the season, but continued success for New York could change the landscape of the NBA if players around the league view the organization as a good landing spot.

2: Nets’ defensive woes

Since the merger, only three teams have won the NBA championship while having a defense that ranked lower than 10 in defensive rating. Those three teams are the 1995 Rockets, 2001 Lakers, and 2018 Warriors. All three teams had another thing in common: they won the title the previous season. Among the 50 worst defenses in NBA history, just four teams made the playoffs and all four were eliminated in the first round. There’s an exception to everything and the Nets certainly have truly elite talent at the top, but if they were to win the championship, the Nets would need to be the fifth team to make the playoffs with a bottom 50 defense of all time, the first team to get to the second round of the playoffs with a bottom 50 defense of all time, and the fourth team to win it all with a defense ranked lower than 10.

3: Growth of LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball’s success has gone unrecognized by many. He’s currently averaging 15.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 38.7% from three. LaMelo Ball leads rookies in both double-doubles and triple-doubles and has proven to be a good, all-around player. By no means is he amazing yet, and he has lots of room to grow. But he’s a potential star in the making and deserves more credit.

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julesrulessports · 4 years ago

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NFL Head Coaching Hires Ranked

This offseason, seven men got the opportunity to coach an NFL team. Each of them were deserving in their own rights, and obviously each team was looking for different qualities in their next head coach. I, though, will be ranking every higher.

1: Jets - Robert Saleh

The lowly New York Jets hired the former 49ers defensive coordinator, in hopes that he’s the one to turn the franchise around. And I believe he is. Saleh was a massive reason the 49ers had their 2019-20 Super Bowl run, as their defense got them to the big game. This past season, the 49ers defense hovered around league average; that was truly remarkable for Saleh given the 49ers’ surfeit of injuries on that side of the ball, with Nick Bosa’s torn ACL being the most notable. Everyone says nothing but great things about Saleh, and he is one of the best leaders in the game. This is truly an A+ hire for New York.

2: Chargers - Brandon Staley

Last season was Staley’s first as defensive coordinator. He immediately emerged as one of the best in the league. He coached the top ranked defense, one that finished first in the NFL in yards per play at 4.6. The only downside of this hire is that he’s not someone that’ll be developing Herbert. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent move by the Chargers to steal Staley from their Los Angeles counterparts.

3: Falcons - Arthur Smith

This was a great match, as Smith runs the same offense that the Falcons have been running for the past few years. Smith coached the league’s #3 offense in Tennessee, helping Derrick Henry play to his strengths to form a monster run game while helping revive Ryan Tannehill’s career. Smith can do wonders with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley in Atlanta.

4: Jaguars - Urban Meyer

Urban Meyer was a legendary college coach. During his time at Ohio State, they earned the fourth most wins above replacement. The college won the National Championship in 2014 and won the Big Ten Conference titles in 2014, 2017, and 2018. With Trevor Lawrence presumably at quarterback, multiple first-rounders, and an abundance of draft picks, Meyer might just be able to build up Jacksonville like he built Ohio State. On the downside, college coaches don’t have a long history of succeeding at the next level.

5: Eagles - Nick Sirianni

Sirianni was previously the Colts offensive coordinator, but it was Frank Reich who called the plays. Nonetheless, Sirianni learned from one of the best play-callers in the business. Sirianni also coached Wentz during his peak, and if the disgruntled quarterback stays in Philadelphia, Sirianni will get the opportunity to revive his career.

6: Texans - David Culley

David Culley was formerly the Ravens passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. I truly find this move to be baffling. Baltimore ranked 20th in air yards per pass attempt. While that was in large part due to a subpar (to say the least) receiving corps, Culley didn’t do anything to prove he can succeed with low-level talent.

7: Lions - Dan Campbell

Again, a baffling hire. Campbell was the tight ends coach in New Orleans, but they didn’t even utilize tight ends more than most teams around the league. Judging by his press conference, it looks like Campbell will be tough as nails and is a wannabe Bill Belichick. Usually, though, that never succeeds.

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