3 July 2016 11:00am - 12:00 pm Wimbledon will become a vision of yellow and blue on Sunday 3 July as AFC Wimbledon parades through the town centre on an open top bus to mark their promotion to Sky Bet League Division One. The event is being organised after 25,000 fans turned out to support AFC Wimbledon who won promotion to Sky Bet League 1 at the end of the Sky Bet League 2 play-off final match between AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth Argyle at Wembley last month. An open top bus with AFC Wimbledon’s management and players on board will parade through the Wimbledon Village and town centre to show off their new silverware. Fans are encouraged to gather on The Piazza outside Morrison’s and the Odeon from 10.30am. The bus will stop on The Piazza at 11am for twenty minutes so the club can address fans and thank them for their support. The Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser, as first citizen of the borough accompanied by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis will also be on the bus to congratulate the team for their fantastic achievement and thank them for being the ‘pride of Merton’. Afterwards, the club will launch their new kit ahead of next season with AFC Wimbledon Players from the 1st team, Academy Teams and Girls and Ladies teams, taking to the cat walk in a fashion show at Centre Court Shopping Centre. The new kit will be on sale after, in the AFC Wimbledon pop up shop, in the former Help for Heroes shop. Mayor of Merton, Cllr Brenda Fraser was among the thousands of fans who witnessed AFC Wimbledon lift the trophy at Wembley. She said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for the fans to come together and celebrate AFC Wimbledon’s incredible achievement. It will be great to see the thousands who turned out for Wembley, turn up in Wimbledon and show their support by lining the streets and share in this momentous occasion.” AFC Wimbledon Chief Executive, Erik Samuelson said: “It has been a whirlwind since we won promotion. The players worked incredibly hard last season and took a short break immediately after the promotion game, so they’re fit and ready before next season kicks off. This will be the first opportunity for the club and the players to come together since promotion and say a massive thank you to all the fans for their overwhelming support and to proudly show off our new trophy.” Please note: traffic will be prevented from going down The Broadway from the Prince of Wales pub up to TK Maxx between 11-11.30am while the bus stops at the Piazza. The road will open up immediately after.
My first memory of Blackpink was around the summer of 2017 when someone in the Popheads Plug.dj room played “As If It’s Your Last”. That song was stuck in my head ever since I first heard it. It had everything I wanted from a K-pop song at that time - a fire rap verse, beautiful vocals, an upbeat production that had an addictive pop bubblegum melody in the chorus. The gorgeous music video definitely played a huge factor on the song’s memorability. A few months later, I was watching Justice League with my relatives when Barry Allen aka The Flash arrives at his Flash secret den, only to be surprised to find Bruce Wayne aka Batman waiting for him. Why am I mentioning this scene? Behind Batfleck (a portmanteau of Batman and Ben Affleck) is the TV screen of the “As If It’s Your Last” music video and the song can be heard for a few seconds before fading into focus on the dialogue between Batman and The Flash. Being in a Southeastern Country where the influence of the Hallyu wave is huge since the early 2000s, everyone in the theater were pleasantly surprised by the fact that a K-pop song, let alone a song from a group with only 5 songs at that time, was featured in a Hollywood superhero movie. At that moment, I had a huge feeling that the song being featured in Justice League will increase the presence of K-pop in the West to the point that a K-pop song actually charts in Billboard Hot 100 soon and BLACKPINK is going to be one of those groups. To my surprise, I was actually right. BTS and Blackpink are the most popular K-pop groups right now thanks to their success in the West, which was the place that is quite hesitant to accept K-pop as a dominant force in pop culture despite its popularity outside the West, especially in Asia. The groups’ appearances in the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Charts definitely made Western labels realize that K-pop is a dominant force globally. As part of the Popheads Album of the Year 2020 series, I take a look at Blackpink's first full album appropriately titled “The Album''. Their debut full album was highly anticipated as it took four years since their debut in 2016 to finally make this happen. With this post, I deconstruct Blackpink’s history and their legacy, how the tracks fared as an album, and why “The Album” deserves its place as the “Popheads’ Album of the Year”.
PART 1. THE GROUP
When Blackpink made their debut on August 8, 2016, the anticipation was high as they were YG Entertainment’s second girl group after 2NE1. The high anticipation is also because the group was supposed to debut in 2012 after YG’s founder and now-former CEO Yang Hyun-suk teased a possibility of a second girl group back in 2011. The name for YG’s second girl group wasn’t even called Blackpink in the first place as the group was initially named “Pink Punk”. “Pink Punk” was supposed to be YG’s answer to SM Entertainment’s Girls Generation (SNSD) as the initial number of members were supposed to match the number of members of SNSD, which is nine members. YG even uploaded videos of some trainees who were likely to be members of Pink Punk to build public interest before the group’s supposed to debut. And then, Pink Punk never happened. Yang Hyun-suk’s indecisive, premature decisions during his time as CEO of YG is the reason why he earned so much infamy within the K-pop community, along with other things. But let’s not delve into that. Between 2011 and 2016, it was clear that this second girl group went through drastic changes. The line-up of members changed from nine to seven, then to five, to just four. Besides Pink Punk, the group had other possible names such as “Baby Monster” and “Magnum”. I honestly wonder what kind of crack did the people in YG Entertainment smoke to think that these are legitimately good names for their second girl group. Did they get that crack from Senguri? We may never know. Blackpink’s debut was an instant success as they released their debut double singles “Whistle” and “Boombayah”, compiled as a single album “Square One”. “Whistle” and “Boombayah” debuted at #1 and #7 at South Korean Gaon Digital Charts respectively. The group also became the fastest girl group to earn a win in a Korean music show as Inkigayo gave the group a trophy win for “Whistle”. Looking back, the group said that debuting with “Whistle” as their first single was risky at that time due to it having a “weird country vibe” and its minimal production, which led many people at YG against its release. They followed “Square One” with the next single album “Square Two” with singles “Playing with Fire” and “Stay”, which both aim to show Blackpink’s softer side, compared to the chaotic, party-vibe of “Square One”. While most K-pop groups usually have at least two to three comebacks per year, it seems like Blackpink only has one comeback per year based on the release pattern of when the group has their comebacks. On June 2, 2017, they released their comeback standalone single “As If It’s Your Last”. The following year, they finally released their first mini-album (which is basically an EP) “Squared Up” on June 15, 2018. “DDU-DU DDU-DU”, the mini-album’s title single (K-pop equivalent to lead single) propelled Blackpink to global popularity especially in the West as the single debuted at #55 and #78 in the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart respectively. This marks their first appearance in these charts. Additionally, the song’s music video is currently the second most-viewed K-pop music video with 1.4 billion viewers, being only behind Gangnam Style by former fellow YG artist Psy with 3.9 billion viewers. In 2019, Blackpink released their second mini-album “Kill This Love” on April 4. The release of the mini-album was significant as it’s the group’s first release under Interscope Records, which distributes their music and handles their promotions in countries outside Asia. The titular track peaked at #41 on Billboard Hot 100 and #33 on the UK Singles Chart. This era is best remembered for the group’s promotions in the West as a result of their increasing popularity, specifically their iconic Coachella appearance that made them the first K-pop girl group to perform in the festival. Their Coachella gig highlighted the group’s stage presence and high energy as performers, backed with a live band that complimented the group’s electronic-style music. It’s Blackpink like we never saw before and it’s definitely a refreshing contrast to their more calculated promotions in their home country of South Korea.
PART 2. THE MEMBERS
A huge part of Blackpink’s appeal are the members. Their beauty and charismatic personalities are some of the reasons why the group has a huge fanbase of Blinks, which is the fandom name of the group. Obviously, K-pop idols are trained to be charismatic. But there is something about the dynamic of the members that feel unmatched and they harmonize well together as a group. It’s sort of a relief that YG didn’t stick to their plan of having a nine-member girl group. During training, Jennie said that the female trainees are shuffled to different groups every two months and there would be “little fights” on who gets assigned to positions in the group such as vocals, rapping, and dancing. When grouped with Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé, Jennie said it was already clear on who gets the parts. Each member of the group carries the whole group in their own different ways. They all have different backgrounds, different motivations on why they wanted to become idols and trainees under YG, and different skills that make Blackpink as a whole. I will be describing the members in the order they were revealed before their debut.
Jennie
Jennie Kim was the first member to be revealed as part of Blackpink on June 1, 2016. She is the group’s assigned main rapper and lead vocalist. Jennie was born as an only child to wealthy parents on January 16, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea. Jennie moved to Auckland at the age of eight after she was asked by her mother if she liked the place during their visit there. Jennie seemed to adjust her life well in New Zealand and she was featured in a documentary titled “English, Must Change to Survive” for South Korean broadcaster MBC about her experience as a Korean kid living in a foreign land. Jennie moved back to Seoul in 2010 after not being interested in taking up law in the United States, which was suggested by her mother who eventually supported her daughter’s decision. While Jennie didn’t have any formal musical background growing up, she was interested in K-pop during her stay in New Zealand. She auditioned for YG Entertainment as a vocalist, in which she performed “Take a Bow” by Rihanna. While Jennie was accepted as a trainee under YG, the judges advised her to train for the role of a rapper as she is the only trainee who can speak English. A trainee for five years, Jennie was one of the most popular trainees in YG and has already gained recognition before her eventual debut as a Blackpink member. YG uploaded videos of Jennie covering “Strange Clouds" by B.o.B. featuring Lil Wayne and “Lotus Flower Bomb” by Wale while she was a trainee. She also appeared as a featured artist for Senguri’s “GG Be” and G-Dragon’s “Black” in their respective solo albums, which she performed with the latter in Inkigayo making it her stage debut Because of her early popularity, Jennie was highly speculated to be part of the original line-up of Pink Punk before the idea was scrapped. After the release of “Square Up”, Jennie became the first member of the group to debut as a soloist. She released her debut solo single aptly titled “Solo” on November 12, 2018. The music video is the most-viewed music video by a Korean female solo artist with 600 million views on YouTube. Just recently, she launched her own YouTube channel on her 26th birthday where she intends to create vlogs about her everyday life. Her first vlog served as an introduction to her channel which included a cover of Tangled’s “When Will My Life Begin?” by Mandy Moore. The vlog has already gotten 10.9 million views two days after its release.
Lisa
Lalisa Manoban, known by her stage name Lisa, was revealed as the second member of Blackpink on June 8, 2016. Lisa is the assigned main dancer, lead rapper, and sub vocalist of the group. She is also the “maknae” of the group, meaning she is the youngest member of the group, as well as the only non-Korean member in the group. Lisa’s birth name is actually different as she was born under the name “Pranpriya” before legally changing to Lalisa. She was born in Thailand on March 27, 1997. Lisa took dance lessons at four years old and often competed in dance competitions. She was part of the Thai dance crew “We Zaa Cool'' with childhood friend and fellow K-pop idol BamBam from GOT7. She also competed in a singing competition where she represented her school, ending up as a runner-up. Inspired by her idols and eventual YG labelmates BIGBANG and 2NE1, Lisa had her eyes on the K-pop industry. She auditioned for YG Entertainment when the agency visited Thailand. Out of the 4,000 Thai applicants, she was the only one accepted to be a trainee under YG. Lisa began her 5-year trainee journey in 2011 as she is YG’s first foreign trainee. Like Jennie, she was speculated to be part of the original line-up of “Pink Punk”. Her highly impressive skills as a dancer have always led her to be assigned as the main dancer in different groups that she designs most of the choreography herself. While still training, YG released a video of 16-year-old Lisa performing “Turn Up The Music”, albeit she was nameless in the video. Lisa is the group’s most popular member as she is the most followed member on Instagram with 45.2 million followers. Her widely-shared dance performance of “Swalla” in the Blackpink In Your Area tour and the “Did It Work?” memes that surrounded her legs contributed to her worldwide popularity. In 2020, Lisa released a limited edition photobook on her birthday aptly titled “0327”, which consisted of photos she took with her film camera that included some shots of her fellow members. Outside of her Blackpink duties, Lisa is a dance mentor of the Chinese survival show “Youth With You”. She was dubbed as “Mentor Lisa” by Blinks as her strict mentoring style in the show surprised everyone since it was the opposite of her shy personality. Her fellow members have teased Lisa over her strict mentoring style.
Jisoo
Kim Ji-soo, more commonly known by her first name, was revealed as the third member of Blackpink on June 15, 2016. She is the group’s lead vocalist and “visual” member, meaning she is the most attractive member according to Korean beauty standards. She is also the eldest member of the group, making her the “eonie” of the group. Jisoo was born on January 3, 1995, in South Korea and she grew up with a close, extended family. Despite being a visual member, Jisoo was bullied as a kid about her appearance by her relatives who often called her a monkey. Being an idol was not on Jisoo’s radar growing up. She wanted to involve herself in the arts as she considered wanting to become an actress, a painter, or a writer. She developed her acting skills by joining a drama club during her time as a student. Despite not knowing about YG when she auditioned, Jisoo was accepted as a trainee and began her 5-year trainee journey. Like Jennie and Lisa, Jisoo was speculated to be part of the original line-up of Pink Punk. Before her debut, she made appearances in commercials for Samsonite, LG, and Nikon. There is always one member in a K-pop group that would likely become actors later in their careers and Jisoo is one of them. It isn’t surprising as she has openly shown her interest in becoming an actress and the members even remarked that she would win an Oscar for her “acting face” alone. Before her debut, she had a cameo appearance in an episode of the KBS show “The Producers” with labelmates Dara of 2NE1. Now a K-pop idol, Jisoo appeared in a role in tvN’s fantasy-drama “Arthdal Chronicles” where she played her first fictional character. Jisoo will be starring in an upcoming JTBC drama “Snowdrop” that is slated to premiere later this year.
Rosé
Park Chae-young, more commonly known as Rosé, is the fourth and last member to be revealed as part of Blackpink on June 22, 2016. She is the assigned main vocalist and lead dancer in the group. Rosé’s English name is Roséanne Park as she was born outside Korea and grew up living overseas. She was born on February 11, 1997, in Auckland, New Zealand. Her family moved to Melbourne, Australia when she was eight years old. While Lisa’s musical background is more on dancing, Rosé’s musical background is more on singing as she grew up singing in a choir and has played the guitar often in school. When YG went to Australia to look for potential trainees, she was advised by her father to try auditioning. After being accepted as a YG trainee, she had to drop out of school and move to Seoul within two months. Rosé said it was difficult to be separated from her family during training. Despite feeling homesick, she was determined to become a K-pop idol. Rosé had no formal experience with dancing, which caught her off-guard when she first trained. She definitely had a lot of time to hone her dancing skills that she eventually became the lead singer in the group. Before her debut, Rosé was a featured artist in G-Dragon’s song “Without You” in 2012. Given her position as the main vocalist, Blinks have been anticipating her solo debut. She has released covers of Halsey’s “Eyes Open” and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song”, which really showcased her unique vocals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she covered a series of songs in a jam session that was live-streamed on her Instagram page. Rosé will finally make her debut as a soloist early this year and teasers are expected to pop-up as reports say that she finished filming the music video of her solo debut. Given YG’s well-recorded unreliably on their commitments, we could only hope this would finally push through. While I have described every member of Blackpink, there’s one more person that needs to be mentioned as he plays a crucial factor in Blackpink’s success.
Teddy Park
Teddy Park is a former member of YG’s boy group “1TYM” and now an in-house producer for YG Entertainment. He wrote and produced many iconic tracks for BIGBANG and 2NE1 such as Fantastic Baby and I Am The Best respectively. Teddy produced the majority of Blackpink’s discography and has received songwriting credits of Blackpink’s collaborations with Dua Lipa (Kiss and Make Up) and Lady Gaga (Sour Candy). According to the album’s production credits, he is credited as the album producer and creative director for the group.
PART 3. THE ERA
When YG announced on May 4, 2020, that Blackpink finished recording their first full album and will shoot a music video for their pre-single later that month, the news was met with cautious optimism. YG has a track record of promising things that didn’t come to fruition so this announcement was understandably taken with a grain of salt. It’s worth pointing out that the group was previously featured on “Sour Candy” by Lady Gaga as a promo single for her album “Chromatica”, which indicates that Blackpink might be coming out with their new material. Also, Interscope is capitalizing on the increasing popularity of K-pop in the West by investing Blackpink in their roster. With this, YG has to commit to its schedule. And so they did by dropping a teaser poster a month later that revealed that the pre-release single will drop on June 26. The pre-release single would later turn out to be called “How You Like That?”, which was met with huge anticipation as teaser posters and videos of the members were revealed until its release. The single became an instant success the moment it dropped as the music video’s premiere was watched by 1.66 million simultaneous viewers on YouTube, making it the highest-rated YouTube Premiere. It was also the fastest music video to hit 100 million viewers in just 32 hours before BTS’ “Dynamite” took over the title two months later, beating Blackpink with 24 hours The song itself was a hit in the charts. It debuted at #32 on Billboard Hot 100 and #20 on the UK Singles Charts. Blackpink then teased the release of their second pre-release single featuring an unnamed artist on July 23 that will be released a month later. It was widely speculated that Ariana Grande is the unnamed artist that the hashtag “#AriPink” trended on Twitter. It was later revealed that Grande is actually one of the songwriters of the single and that Selena Gomez is the actual unnamed artist on August 11. The title would later be revealed as “Ice Cream” on August 22. The single’s music video, in which the scenes had to be shot separately in South Korea and Los Angeles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gathered 79.08 million viewers in 24 hours. The single is currently Blackpink’s highest-peaking single on Billboard Hot 100, debuting at #13. Throughout the hype of Ice Cream, YG announced on July 28 that Blackpink will FINALLY release their first full album titled “The Album” on October 2. The name was met with mixed reactions, calling it “lazy”. However, Rosé said that they have worked on the album for so long that simply calling it “The Album” is the best way to describe their project because it’s so straightforward - “Blackpink: The Album”. Accompanying the album’s release on October 2 is the release of the album’s title track “Lovesick Girls”, which became the sixth biggest 24-hour music video debut at 61.4 million viewers. While the song peaked at #59 on Billboard Hot 100, the new Billboard Global 200 showed that the song debuted and peaked at #2, with the song topping the separate Global Chart that excluded the US. In-between the releases of the singles was Blackpink’s new reality TV show on YouTube called “Blackpink: 24/365”, which showcased various activities that the members participated in, such as pottery making and kart racing, as well as revealing behind the scenes footage of their music videos. The 16-episode reality series served as a way to promote the group and the album’s release. The series began on June 13 with a prologue until it aired its finale on October 24. It was supposed to have one more episode that was scheduled on October 31 before being pulled off after Chinese netizens were concerned over a clip of the episode’s teaser that showed the members touching a baby panda without gloves and masks during the pandemic. To cap off the era, a Netflix documentary film about the group was made under the title, “Blackpink: Light Up the Sky”, which documented Blackpink’s first four years as a group featuring behind the scenes videos and footage during their training days. It also showed the friendship between the members and their producer Teddy, their retrospective look on their training days, as well as their struggles of keeping up the busy lifestyle as K-pop idols. The documentary film also showed the girls recording the songs for The Album, as well as Rosé preparing for her long-anticipated solo debut. The documentary received positive reviews, which critics liked the documentary for showing the members’ work ethic and their fun personalities.
PART 4. THE TRACKS
“The Album” is a pop album that has influences of hip-hop, R&B, and EDM, all of which compose Blackpink’s musical signature since their debut. “The Album” is composed of 8 tracks (including the three singles) with a length of 24 minutes and 26 seconds. This is somehow normal for a K-pop mini-album, but too short for a full-album. In comparison, Twice’s second full-album “Eyes wide open” has 13-tracks with a length of 43 minutes and 29 seconds. As an eight-track album, it’s an equal mix of English and Korean songs as Blackpink attempts to market themselves in the West. All of these songs were recorded in The Black Label in South Korea, with some of the album’s mixing and additional input by producers made remotely due to the pandemic. Teddy serves as the album’s main producer, along with YG’s in-house songwriters and producers Danny Chung, R.Tee, 24, Løren, Vince, and Future Bounce. Frequent Blackpink songwriter Bekah Boom also worked on the lyrics of “The Album”. New songwriters and producers include Victoria Monét, Tommy Brown, Steven Franks, Ariana Grande, Ryan Tedder, Melanie Fontana, Torae Carr, Jonathan Descartes, Brian Lee, Leah Haywood, David Guetta, Tushar Apte, Rob Grimaldi, Chloe George, and Steph Jones. The featured artists in “The Album”, Selena Gomez and Cardi B, are also credited as songwriters in their respective tracks “Ice Cream” and “Bet You Wanna”. Additionally, Jennie and Jisoo received their first songwriting credits ever with “Lovesick Girls”. For this section on the post, I will give my thoughts on each track. I will also include the line distribution statistics based on random_k’s lyric distribution videos (with the exception of Love to Hate Me which I will base on HEXA6ON’s lyric distribution video of the song) and input my thoughts on the distribution as well.
1. How You Like That?
We begin “The Album” with the first pre-release single. “How You Like That?” is an appropriate opener to the album as it’s your typical Blackpink clap-back anthem. The best way to describe my mood on this song is the way AJay reacted to the song, in which she said “This is how you open the album”. Of course, many have criticized this song for being too familiar with the previous singles “DU-DDU-DDU-DU” and “Kill This Love” and I do agree that this song is definitely a rethread of these songs. However, I will disagree that this song didn’t serve anything new to the table. For me, “How You Like That?” basically re-defined Blackpink’s sound that complements the group’s pop and hip-hop tendencies that the previous singles haven’t reached before. It feels redundant to talk about Blackpink’s music videos because it always expected that their music videos would always serve BUDGET regardless of the quality of the actual song. Like, look at the budget! And they shot this music video during a pandemic!
While the line distribution is not totally equal as Jisoo is missing out on ten seconds compared to other members, I feel like the line distribution is justified. You can definitely hear each member contributing their own lines in the song. Lisa being the member with the most lines also makes sense as she basically she slayed the entire second verse
2. Ice Cream (with Selena Gomez)
When Normani released “Motivation” as a single, you can definitely tell that Ariana could’ve sang this song since she is credited as a songwriter. It has the Grande fingerprints all over it. Yet, with Normani’s strong vocals that complemented the 2000s-inspired production, she owned this song with ease. My expectations for an Ariana-penned Blackpink track are quite high based on my feelings on “Motivation” alone and Selena Gomez’s contribution as the co-artist of the song propelled that higher. And oh boy, I wish I wasn’t this excited. The most disappointing thing about Ice Cream is that it felt like Blackpink attempting to sing an Ariana reject with no sense of originality. I know it’s ironic to say this since Blackpink is basically “2NE1 Part 2” for longtime YG fans, but this song lacked that distinct Blackpink sound that made me a Blink in the first place. It’s so uninspiring and sometimes jarring to hear, even with multiple listens. Also, the sexual overtones in the lyrics are just too fucking awkward for Blackpink to sing. With their music video that had a cute concept, this is sort of uncomfortable to go through with the sexual undertones in mind. This is the same group that had them bragging how good their bodies look in “Boombayah” and they showed their “sexier side” way better in their cover of Wonder Girls’ “So Hot”. The only saving grace of this song, which was the reason why I could barely tolerate “Ice Cream”, is Lisa’s rap verse. I could imagine Jennie slaying if she had her own rap verse too. Honestly, Selena would have owned this song by herself without the autotune. But it’s nice to hear Selena in an upbeat song like this in a while.
Immediately, I can’t help but think about how Jisoo got only two English lines in the song despite having more seconds than Rosé. Half of Jisoo’s lines are just “Ice cream chillin chillin”. Ugh. I know Jisoo is not a fluent English speaker but many K-pop idols who are not English speakers can sing the language well with enough practice. Thankfully, Jisoo had more English lines in other songs, but I’ll tackle that a bit later in this post. I am honestly surprised Selena had more lines in the song than I thought because I feel like I heard more of Jennie and Rosé, which funny enough I thought Rosé had more lines. This is definitely not the worst line distribution I have seen. It’s just that Jisoo could have sung more lines.
3. Pretty Savage
Remember the distinct Blackpink signature sound that made me a Blink in the first place? Now, this is what I am talking about. This is the quintessential Blackpink sound that I have been waiting for since Kill This Love. I would’ve imagined that Pretty Savage as a pre-release single would've fared better than “How You Like That?” but somehow, I am sort of glad it didn’t. This is the song that Blinks needed to hear as antis have constantly dismissed Blackpink as “influencers with no talent” in response to their constant lengthy hiatuses. Of course, with this kind of song, it’s already expected Lisa would definitely slay this song. It's nice to hear Jennie rap again after she wasn’t given those parts in the pre-release singles. The way she rapped “F bois, not my bois' ' is just too damn iconic. However, the star of the song is Jisoo who has the second verse to herself and her talking rap flow surprisingly works here. The best part is definitely her saying “Blackpink in Your Area” after being the only member not to say the iconic catchphrase for years. And of course, Rosé’s vocals in the bridge are just as amazing. Pretty Savage is definitely one of my top favorites in “The Album”. Let’s just forget the messy choreography though.
This is definitely one of the best lyric distributions of Blackpink so far. While Lisa exceeded ten seconds, every member can be heard equally with their outstanding lines given to them.
4. Bet You Wanna (feat. Cardi B)
Coming off from the success and controversy surrounding WAP, Cardi B and Blackpink is an odd, yet exciting collaboration. I can’t imagine any of the members taking the second verse other than Cardi. It would have been nice to hear the “supposed” explicit lyrics she had to tone down for obvious reasons. If she was allowed to swear, she would’ve sung “I bet if you make me wet, I’ll still be fire”, which plays in my head now when I hear the tone-downed version lyric (“I bet if you make me sweat, I’ll still be fire”). Bet You Wanna could’ve been the next single after Lovesick Girls to capitalize on Cardi’s success from WAP. The entire production is so chill, yet so catchy which makes sense considering Ryan Tedder and Tommy Brown’s involvement. The song is completely in English so that this could’ve been a Top 10 hit with the right push. Unfortunately, the promotional cycle for “The Album” ended so I guess this is going to remain as a fan-favorite track for many Blinks and not a huge hit outside the fandom.
Not a perfect lyric distribution, but not too bad either. Each member can be heard just fine and Cardi didn’t dominate the song too much, which is fair since she is a featured artist. Lisa could’ve gotten a bit more lines, but this is also fine considering she has topped the lyric distribution in the previous songs.
5. Lovesick Girls
Considering that Blackpink’s single releases have always been upbeat clap-back anthems, the release of Lovesick Girls as a title track is quite refreshing as it aims to show the group’s more melancholy side, both in the lyrics and the production. The most striking lyric is from the chorus where the girls sang “We are all born to be alone/But why are we still looking for love?”. This isn’t the most groundbreaking lyric at all, but it does feel a bit weird hearing that from the girls. It brings me back to the documentary where Teddy said that the songs they made for “The Album” are going to show a bit of themselves a bit more as a group. Living as a K-pop idol is quite difficult as it is and we don’t know a lot about them since their image is very calculated by their agencies. It’s not to say they can’t be in a relationship because of the infamous “no dating” rule in the industry. The girls were probably asking themselves if they could really find love in an industry that is obsessed with perfection. Again, it’s not a very groundbreaking lyric but it does give me a bit of insight into the girls’ psyche a bit on their perspective of love.
Rosé taking up the top spot in this lyric distribution makes complete sense since this is the song that is best suited to her vocally. I have a feeling “Lovesick Girls” was a brief glimpse of what kind of song that Rosé will be releasing for her solo debut. Jennie taking up second place is quite surprising, especially her English rap verse didn’t take too long as well. The distribution on Lisa is fine, but Jisoo could’ve slightly sang more lines.
6. Crazy Over You
There’s isn’t much to talk about this song other than its production, which best utilized oriental instrumentals to hip-hop production. This isn’t the best song on “The Album”, but it isn’t as bad as well.
The lyric distribution could’ve been fair if Lisa was given more lines to rap. But I think this is fine since Jennie didn’t have a lot of rap lines in this album. It’s definitely nice to hear more of Jisoo in this song as she perfectly nailed the pre-chorus with her vocals.
7. Love to Hate Me
For some reason, Love to Hate Me reminded me so much of Ariana with the way the lyrics are sung by the girls, especially in the chorus and the ad-libs. This song serves as an appropriate penultimate track as the song delivers its final clap-back before “The Album” comes to a close with a softer pop ballad.
Rosé: 28.7% Lisa: 28.1% Jennie: 26.4% Jisoo: 16.8% Honestly, seeing lyric distributions like this where three of the members had equal parts except Jisoo makes me sad. She was close to having an equal lyrical distribution and this could’ve been done if she sang a bit more lines in the song.
8. You Never Know
We finally reach the end of “The Album” as it closes with a soft power-pop anthem that feels very in-character with Blackpink. This song already gained some attention when it was revealed that Teddy had no involvement in the song, making it the first Blackpink song without him. It’s worth pointing that out because Teddy has a mixed reaction as a main producer of the group. While I personally don’t mind Teddy as a producer, it’s quite refreshing that he isn’t involved so that the group can experiment with other producers. This is definitely the group at their most sincere in this album, in which they address the message of not judging people based on how they look outside. This particular message rings true to the members personally and Blinks can see why. Getting hate comments is nothing new in the K-pop industry. But Jennie seems to be the most bullied member as she was often villainized in the public eye, from her alleged “lazy dancing” scandal to the intense coverage of her short dating life with Kai from EXO. She was also unflatteringly called “YG Princess” because of accusations that the agency has favored her over other members. With this context in mind, it was so painful to hear Jennie sing “But you'll never know unless you walk in my shoes / You'll never know my tangled strings / 'Cause everybody sees what they wanna see / It's easier to judge me than to believe” because she has faced so much criticism over nothing. Other members have gone through similar scrutiny as well, but it’s not as bad as Jennie’s situation. All of the members worked so hard and sacrificed so much to be where they are now, so having this song that asks people not to judge them as a closer feels like the perfect ending statement from Blackpink.
It’s so nice that most of the members almost got the one-minute worth of lines and having Jisoo at the top feels satisfying after the limited line distribution she got with “Ice Cream. Vocal wise, this is their best song to date as they get to showcase their most emotional, sincere vocals in this track. The only problem is that Lisa should’ve gotten more lines, especially since her vocals sounded amazing that gives the song a more “heartfelt” feeling.
PART 5. THE CONCLUSION
Now that I have given my thoughts on each track of “The Album”, here are my overall thoughts on “The Album” and the era itself. In the [FRESH] Popheads discussion thread of “The Album”, a lot of users were disappointed with how short the album is. Yes, the album is unfortunately quite short given that this is their first full album in Blackpink’s fourth year as a group. Users are also disappointed with how “outdated” the songs felt. To be fair on Blackpink, K-pop tends to be a bit behind when it comes to trends. It isn’t surprising that “The Album” would have some kind of outdated production in Wester music standards. The most obvious one would be “Lovesick Girls'', which sounded like an Icona Pop song. Sonically, the entire album isn’t even revolutionary at all. “The Album'' is produced on what’s popular in the charts right now and even the biggest Blink here (not me) would know that. So with all these criticisms pointed out, why is “The Album” even considered as one of the Albums of the Year? Especially as someone who had Taylor Swift’s “folklore” as my own personal AOTY? For my case as a Blink, a huge part of the reason why I am a Blink is that not only their music makes me feel alive, but also because the group has such a charismatic personality that it’s easy to see why they have a huge Western appeal. Along with BTS, Blackpink is leading this new Hallyu wave where the West has finally taken K-pop seriously as a dominant force, not as a gimmick. With “The Album” debuting at #2 in the Billboard 200, it's the highest-charting album by a female girl group since Danity Kane in 2006. On top of that, they have sold approximately 1 million copies worldwide (estimated 319,300 copies in the US and Europe according to Pinkvilla as of October 27, 2020), which is a rare thing to achieve in the streaming era unless you’re Taylor Swift. This huge success for a K-pop girl group proves that Blackpink will always be in our area no matter what. Even with the criticisms that “The Album” had over its short-length and its outdated production, you can at least still hear the huge amount of talent, personality and hardwork of the group in this album. It’s not the content of the album that makes “The Album” an AOTY, it’s the influence that it’s going to make to its listeners and pop culture as a whole. You know what the Blinks will say, “BLACKPINK IS THE REVOLUTION”.
It's never too early to think ahead, especially for anyone who's been eliminated from the playoffs. This is my super early take on ADP for the first two rounds in 2021. This what I think ADP will be, not what I think it should be. 0.5 PPR scoring. I didn't include any rookies.
Pick
Player
Notes
1.01
Christian McCaffrey
No surprise here. Injuries finally caught up to CMC in 2020 after a massive workload in 2019, but when he was healthy he still excelled with a new coaching staff in place. His outlook in 2021 should be similar: on the field almost every snap, all the goal line work, and an unmatched receiving floor.
1.02
Dalvin Cook
One could easily argue Dalvin Cook is a better rushing talent than CMC and he stayed healthy for the most part in 2020 (as of this writing). However it's hard to put Cook above CMC because Cook lacks that all-important receiving work, at least to the level of CMC.
1.03
Derrick Henry
Similarly, Henry lacks even more receiving work than Dalvin, but he's the best bet to lead the league in rushing yards and TDs every year. With some of the other top backs coming off injury or falling off, it's easy to make the case King Henry belongs in the top 3.
1.04
Austin Ekeler
Maybe a bit of a shock here, but with Justin Herbert in his second year and likely a new and competent coaching staff, Ekeler should feast in 2021. His 16 targets this past week could be a harbinger of things to come.
1.05
Saquon Barkley
After struggling through a high ankle sprain in 2019 and tearing his ACL very early in 2020, it's easy to forget how insanely talented Saquon is. He's the first candidate to smash this projected ADP.
1.06
Davante Adams
A case could be made for Tyreek Hill or D.K. Metcalf, but I think the majority will go with Adams as the first WR off the board thanks to his combination of floor and ceiling.
1.07
Alvin Kamara
This ADP reflects assumptions that both Drew Brees will retire and Taysom Hill will take over at QB (based on his contract). If that's the case and given what we've seen the past two weeks, this could even be high for Kamara. It's more likely though that his receiving will fall somewhere between his 81 catches in the Brees years and the 8-catch pace he's on through two games with Hill at the controls.
1.08
Nick Chubb
Kareem Hunt will still be around due to a contract extension, but Chubb has shown this year he's an elite talent who should continue to thrive in Cleveland's heavy run-based attack.
1.09
Tyreek Hill
Long though of as "boom or bust", this year Tyreek has added a rock-solid floor to go along with his week-winning upside. I wouldn't argue if you wanted to take him as the first WR off the board, especially with his 50-point game fresh in our minds.
1.10
Travis Kelce
Kelce was a second-round pick in 2020, a year that was touted as one featuring a myriad of breakout candidates at the position. It turned out to be the wasteland it usually is, and given Kelce's absolute dominance over the field, I think his ADP will climb even higher and make him a first round pick.
1.11
D.K. Metcalf
In 2020 generally most or all of the first round was RBs. With guys like Drake, Mixon, and Sanders all disappointing to various degrees, I think more WRs will be taken early.
1.12
D'Andre Swift
Ideally the Lions will bring in an offensive mind who unleashes Swift as the unquestioned feature back and focal point of the offense.
2.01
Aaron Jones
This ADP is made with the assumption Aaron Jones is back in Green Bay. Jones hasn't had quite as solid a year as his scintillating 2019, but RB fever is real and the mid rounds at WRs are going to be deeper than ever, so RBs will still fly off the board.
2.02
James Robinson
The undrafted rookie RB has taken the league by storm. Doug Marrone will likely join Dave Caldwell on the unemployment line and a rookie QB is almost a given, so the situation could look vastly different for Robinson in 2021. But his performance should secure him as one of the building blocks in Duval.
2.03
A.J. Brown
Brown lacks the volume of the WRs taken ahead of him, but his talent is unquestioned. This could be a situation like Seattle this year, where if Tennessee decides to pass even a little more (and it should be noted they have passed more in 2020 than 2019), Brown could put up the numbers we're seeing from a guy like Metcalf.
2.04
Josh Jacobs
Jacobs has mixed in some big games this year with some duds. Perennially touted to be in line for more receiving work only to get it for only the first week of the year, Jacobs at this point is a poor man's Derrick Henry.
2.05
Ezekiel Elliott
On the one hand, Zeke has not looked as good this year as in years past. He's not breaking big plays and he's putting the ball on the ground. On the other, Dak should be back next year and the offensive line will be healthy. Zeke might not pass the eye test like he used to, but he should still put up numbers in one of the league's best offenses.
2.06
Patrick Mahomes
Remember, this is what I think ADP will be, and there's always someone who reaches for a QB in the second round. Earlier this year Dak, Kyler, and Russell Wilson were all the rage, but Mahomes has steadily come on and has reaffirmed his place as fantasy's top QB.
2.07
Antonio Gibson
Gibson was compared to CMC by his coaching staff, but somewhat surprisingly the converted WR has been used far more as a rusher this year. If he can unlock that receiving work currently being shared with J.D. McKissic, the sky is the limit.
2.08
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
CEH has not lived up to his first round ADP in 2020, which should sour drafters somewhat. Assuming Le'Veon Bell leaves for greener pastures in 2021, CEH should be able to build on a solid if unspectacular rookie season and could easily outperform this ADP.
2.09
Stefon Diggs
Most of us knew Diggs was an elite talent, and now he's finally getting a commensurate workload. Another year in the Bills' system could be somewhat offset with the likely departure of Brian Daboll for a head coaching gig.
2.10
DeAndre Hopkins
Nuk started off 2020 on fire, but has cooled off as of late and hasn't received the same monstrous target share. Larry Fitzgerald is almost certain to retire which should free up some more targets, but will Kyler get back to feeding Hopkins or will the Cardinals incorporate other talents like Christian Kirk and Andy Isabella more?
2.11
George Kittle
Like Saquon, I'm projecting injury to artificially depress Kittle's ADP. This isn't the first year Kittle has struggled with his durability either, making Kelce's streak of no missed games even more of a differentiating factor.
2.12
Keenan Allen
With Justin Herbert at the helm, Allen may finally get the ADP respect he deserves. His target share, at least without Ekeler, was gargantuan. It remains to be seen if it will remain so with Ekeler back.
Honorable mentions: Julio Jones, Terry McLaurin, Joe Mixon, Miles Sanders, Amari Cooper, Allen Robinson, Darren Waller, Jonathan Taylor, J.K Dobbins, Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans.
Had to change the format so I followed the community rules. The 2020 college football season has come to a close with the Alabama Crimson Tide once again on top of the college football world. Bama won an exciting, albeit lopsided, national championship game over Ohio State as Nick Saban claimed his seventh title. As you might expect, this mock is going to feature a lot of soon-to-be former Tide players and a few Buckeyes as well. I have six Alabama players coming off the board in the first round, including quarterback Mac Jones. Speaking of quarterbacks, there are six that I could see drafted in the first two rounds at this point. There is still a ton of assessing to be done with the Senior Bowl coming up, hopefully, followed by the NFL scouting combine. There are two trades that occur in the first round of this mock, both involving quarterbacks. Cincinnati trades 1.5 and 5.133 to San Francisco for 1.12, 2.43 and a 2022 first-round pick Detroit trades 1.7 to New England for 1.15, 2.46 and 2022 first-round pick The draft order is according to Tankathon and updated through the wildcard weekend. Time to dive in!
I know there is some buzz about Urban Meyer landing with the Jaguars and taking Justin Fields. I don't buy it. Trevor Lawrence is one of the best quarterback prospects of all time. His poise, athleticism and arm strength make him a Day 1 starter. He would give Jacksonville it's most exciting quarterback situation in franchise history.
New York Jets (2-14) - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
This comes down to Justin Fields vs. Zach Wilson. It's going to be close. As of right now, I give the edge to Wilson. He has incredible zip on his throws and a lightning quick release. Wilson is a proven runner as well. He will need to take care of his body at the next level, but he looks the part of an NFL quarterback. It is no secret he works hard either. The Jets would find a potential new leader for their offense.
There is some buzz about the Dolphins trading this pick back to the Texans in a deal for Deshaun Watson. If that is on the table, Miami should pull the trigger. Otherwise, this team should stand pat and protect Tua. There are plenty of other receivers to take later in this draft. There are not many offensive tackles like Penei Sewell though. He is a polished pass blocker with good functional athleticism and plenty of play strength. He sat out the 2020 season, but he will remind everyone at the combine (assuming it happens) just how talented he is.
Atlanta Falcons (4-12) - Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
While some will advocate for a quarterback here, Matt Ryan likely isn't going anywhere anytime soon because of his contract. Instead, the Falcons take a talented player at a huge position of need. Drafting Patrick Surtain II gives Atlanta a tandem of young corners to build the defense around. Surtain has great ball skills and an NFL pedigree. Not to mention he brings plenty of big-game experience coming out of Alabama. This defense allowed the most passing yards per game in 2020. Don't overthink it. Grab a top-end corner and move forward.
San Francisco 49ers via Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) - Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
With two of the top four quarterbacks still on the board and Penei Sewell already gone, phones in Cincinnati would be lighting up! The Bengals move down, allowing the 49ers to find their quarterback of the future. Cutting Jimmy Garoppolo saves a ton of cap space. Justin Fields' ceiling is higher than that of Garoppolo's too. Fields brings a ton of intangibles to the table with his arm strength and speed. He definitely needs to improve some of his decision making and work on consistently hitting his release. Working with Kyle Shanahan would be a great way to help him reach his full potential.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) - Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU
If Patrick Surtain was still here, that would have been the pick. However, it is hard to be mad about landing the top receiver in the class. Ja'Marr Chase is a matchup nightmare with a great blend of size and speed. He dominated the SEC in 2019 before opting out in 2020. He would give whomever the Eagles decide to start at quarterback a clear No. 1 receiver. Philly has been looking to fill that void for a long time.
New England Patriots via Detroit Lions (5-11) - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Detroit has a ton of holes to fill and a new general manager coming in. I think we could see them trade down come April. The Patriots jump up to find a succession plan to Tom Brady, probably a few years too late. Trey Lance is a bit more raw than the other top quarterback prospects, but he has some special physical tools. If he gets a year to get up to speed in the NFL and improve his deep accuracy, he could be a long-term solution at quarterback for years to come. With his effortless arm strength and impressive mobility, the sky is the limit for Lance.
Carolina Panthers (5-11) - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Sometimes, things just fall into place perfectly. Carolina needs a new linebacker to roam the field and match wits with opposing quarterbacks. Micah Parsons could step in from Day 1 and provide a huge boost to an exciting young defense. He has the prototypical size teams want for modern day linebackers with some added pass rushing potential. Parsons won't be Luke Keuchley, but he is probably the team's best option to attempt to fill the void he left when he retired.
I'm not forgetting about Bradley Chubb or Von Miller, with the latter hopefully coming back from injury at full strength in 2021. Gregorey Rousseau has the potential to take over at one of the defensive end spots though while Miller and Chubb play on the outside. Rousseau is huge at 6'7" with room to add some muscle to that frame. He looks most comfortable rushing the passer from the interior in the limited tape I've watched so far of him at Miami. Denver needs a jolt in its front three. Rousseau has the potential to become a cornerstone player on this defense.
Dallas Cowboys (6-10) - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
When you allow the most points in franchise history and fire your defensive coordinator after one season, it's probably a good sign that you need to add some talent to your defense. Caleb Farley is a big, physical corner who can command a spot on the outside for this Cowboys defense. After sitting out the 2020 season, he will get a chance to solidify his draft stock at the combine. Dallas desperately missed Byron Jones this year. While Farley is not a like-for-like fit, he can help fill the void and create an exciting young tandem with Trevon Diggs.
New York Giants (6-10) - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
If you want to rank the Alabama receivers over the past two years, Jaylen Waddle is second on my list behind Jerry Jeudy. Yes, I would take him over DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs. While Smith, deservedly, won the Heisman, Waddle was in the conversation this year before he got hurt. He was the go-to player in the offense, amassing 557 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his four games before the injury. Waddle is electric in the open field. I like how he projects to the next level just a bit more than Smith. If the Giants are determined to see Daniel Jones succeed, finding a playmaker like Waddle will make a huge difference.
Cincinnati Bengals via San Francisco 49ers (6-10) - Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Slide down seven spots and land an offensive line prospect with tons of potential? Sign every Bengals fan in the world up for that. Probably sign Joe Burrow up for that too. Christian Darrisaw has a bit of developing still to do, but he looks very comfortable playing on the left side of the line. His size and athleticism point to tons of untapped potential. He has room to improve in his footwork and technique, but those are coachable aspects of the game.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Protecting Justin Herbert should be the top priority for the Chargers this offseason. For a team that seems to be growing into a potential championship window with a rookie quarterback, finding a franchise tackle to grow with it would be a great fit. Samuel Cosmi's ceiling might be the highest of any offensive tackle in this draft. At 6'7", 309 lbs, Cosmi is huge, but he moves like a much smaller man. He looks comfortable pulling, blocking in space and anchoring down on the quarterback's blind side. He is extremely raw and will need some good coaching to perfect his technique, hand usage and footwork to reach his potential. In two years though, he could be one of the top five tackles in the league. There is some risk though that he ends up being a guard if he cannot develop.
Minnesota Vikings (7-9) - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Mike Zimmer called this the worst defense he has ever had. Let's assume they will look to rebuild it then during the 2021 offseason. Jaycee Horn has lockdown corner potential. He is an elite man-to-man corner. South Carolina moved him all over the formation, allowing him to gain some experience in the slot, blitzing off the edge, playing off coverage and playing zone. He should upgrade the secondary right away. This does not mean Minnesota is bailing on Jeff Gladney after a rough rookie season. Adding Horn just creates more depth and potential for a turnaround next season.
Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (7-9) - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Cue the "did you even watch the national championship game?" reactions. DeVonta Smith has been the best offensive player in college football this season. The combination of speed, route running and catch radius makes him lethal. Opposing defenses have had no answer. The main concerns are about his size. He has a very slight frame at 175 lbs, which begs questions about his ability to survive in the NFL. He will also face some major better defenses at the next level. After trading down, the Lions can invest in either a replacement for Kenny Golladay or someone to line up across from him in the future.
Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
This has become one of my favorite prospect-team pairings in these early mock drafts. Kyle Pitts would thrive in the Cardinals offense. It would hide a number of his shortcomings as a blocker by allowing him to flex out and make plays in space. He would give Kyler Murray a great target over the middle of the field and in the red zone and open up more opportunities for DeAndre Hopkins. The drop off from Hopkins to the next-best receiving option in this offense is steep. Pitts would bridge the gap.
Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) - Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Las Vegas' defense was not what many had hoped for after some signs of progress in 2019. The pass rush regressed and the secondary struggled. Enter Christian Barmore. Fresh off a dominant national championship game, he showcased his talent and potential heading into a potential NFL career. His ability as an interior pass rusher would fill a huge need for the Raiders.
Still not a receiver. I will get there, I promise Dolphins fans. Miami got solid production out of Andrew Van Ginkel and Kyle Van Noy, but neither one is irreplaceable. Azeez Ojulari is a polished pass rusher with an array of moves at his disposal to beat opposing offensive tackles. He would provide the Dolphins with a situational rusher who can develop into a long-term starter at outside linebacker in Brian Flores' defense.
Washington Football Team (7-9) - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Taylor Heinicke and Alex Smith are both great stories, but neither projects as the long-term answer at quarterback for Washington. Mac Jones went from being Tua's backup to the Davey O'Brien winner and Heisman finalist. He is incredibly accurate, looks comfortable in the pocket and has great touch on his deep ball. He might not be as athletic as the four quarterbacks who went before him, but he can use his legs to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield. He benefited from a great supporting cast, but he deserves some credit for Alabama's success this year as well.
Chicago Bears (8-8) - Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Allen Robinson seems headed for an exit this offseason. With Jones off the board, there are no quarterbacks worth taking here, so receiver becomes the next position of focus. Rashod Bateman has the size and playmaking skills to make Bears fans feel a little better about likely losing Robinson. He had a bit of an off 2020 season, opting out, then opting back in and opting out again after five games. He has the size to be a possession receiver, but flashes good run after the catch ability too. Expect whoever is Chicago's quarterback in 2021 to benefit from having him in the offense.
Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
The Colts defense was one of the best in the league this year against the run, but pretty average against the pass. The best way to disrupt an opponent's passing attack is to generate pressure. Patrick Jones II excels in that department. He has 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He fits the mold of a 4-3 defensive end and would give the Colts a successor to Justin Houston, who turns 32 later this month. Jones is one of my favorite edge rushers in this class and I think this would be a great fit for him.
It took me a bit, but I think I have figured out my pro comp for Zaven Collins. Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr. Both are outside linebackers who can hang in pass coverage but make their biggest impact rushing the passer. Collins is a little bit heavier than Barr, but both fit similar size profiles as well. Tennessee desperately needs a playmaker like that. The Titans had just 19 sacks as a team this season. Collins had 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in eight games. He is the type of disruptive force this defense is lacking.
New York Jets via Seattle Seahawks (2-14) - Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
After grabbing Zach Wilson, protecting him needs to be the priority. Wyatt Davis is the best interior lineman in this class. He has great size and lots of experience after starting for the past two years. He would provide a nice boost to the interior of this Jets offensive line and some much needed run blocking. Joe Douglas spent a lot on the offensive line in free agency without much success. Davis and Mekhi Becton would give the Jets two great building blocks to rely on as they reshape the unit.
Did Pittsburgh throw it more than anyone else strictly by design or because they lost faith in the running game? Hard to know which is true, but either way, the Steelers cannot continue to rely on Ben Roethlisberger throwing the ball 50+ times per game. That's not sustainable. Najee Harris is the top running back in this class and could very well come off the board before this. He is physical, fast and consistent. His blend of quickness and power is pretty impressive. What makes him worthy of a first-round pick is his ability as a pass catcher. Harris caught 65 passes over the past two seasons. A 230-pound back who can get involved in the passing game? That is a special combination.
Jacksonville Jaguars via Los Angeles Rams (1-15) - Liam Eichenburg, OT, Notre Dame
Cam Robinson did not have a great 2020 season and it is time that the Jaguars think about moving on from him at left tackle. Protecting Trevor Lawrence is going to be a big priority. Liam Eichenburg is one of the most pro ready tackles in this class. He is incredibly polished and technically sound. His upside is limited by a lack of speed, but he can be the anchor on the left side of the line.
Cleveland's postseason run is going to continue for a little bit longer, but it is clear where they could use some help on defense. With no clear secondary pick here, the Browns can grab a high-upside linebacker. Jeremiah Owusu-Komaroah is a fantastic cover player with sideline-to-sideline ability. Given the Browns struggles in pass coverage this season, this would be a useful addition to the defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) - Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Tampa Bay is in win-now mode with Tom Brady, but they can afford to go with a raw, high-upside edge rusher as they continue to build depth on defense. Kwity Paye has all the physical tools you hope for in an edge rusher at 6'4" and roughly 270 lbs. He didn't produce much at Michigan with just 11.5 sacks in 28 career games. However, teams will be betting they can help unlock his potential and turn him into a physically dominant edge rusher.
Another prospect and team pairing that I really like, Baltimore's offensive line has not been the dominant unit we have become accustomed to watching in recent years. Ronnie Stanley went down after just seven games. Matt Skura had issues snapping the ball at times this season. Plugging in a pro-ready option like Creed Humphrey at center would be a great move for Baltimore. Humphrey has plenty of experience blocking for mobile quarterbacks, playing with Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Blocking for Lamar Jackson should be a seamless transition.
New Orleans Saints (12-4) - Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC
The Saints are in for a big offseason as the team figures out its direction after Drew Brees' career ends. New Orleans has been searching for linebacking help for years now. Finding a high-character and dynamic leader like Chazz Surratt at the end of the first round would be a great addition. Surratt is a former quarterback who is still learning the position. However, he has thrived under Mack Brown over the past two seasons starting for UNC. He could take over for Demario Davis, who just turned 32, when he decides to retire.
Buffalo Bills (13-3) - Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Another great fit for both prospect and team here. Buffalo could use an upgrade at tight end. What makes this such a great fit is Pat Freiermuth's ability as both a blocker and inline receiver. He is not the same type of receiving threat as someone like Kyle Pitts, but he is a well-rounded player that fills a huge need. Giving Josh Allen an elite tight end to work with is only going to elevate his game further.
Green Bay Packers (13-3) - Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
There is a time and place to grab a receiver, but that is probably later in the draft. Green Bay has David Bahktiari locked up for a while, but he suffered a major injury and Bryan Bulaga left last offseason. Suddenly, this once stout offensive line is starting to deteriorate. Letting Rashawn Slater start his career at right tackle could be great for his development. He has a long way to go when it comes to hand usage and has some flaws in his pass blocking technique, but he shows flashes of being a punishing blocker. Investing in protecting Aaron Rodgers, or eventually Jordan Love, is a good plan.
Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) - Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee
Kansas City has not looked quite as sharp over the final few weeks of the season. Part of that has been inconsistent offensive line play. Andrew Wylie has struggled and could be in danger of being replaced in 2021. Trey Smith is a physical specimen at 6'6", 330 lbs. He started his career at tackle before kicking inside to guard. He played really well for Tennessee in 2020 and could be in line to start on Day 1. Worst-case scenario, he provides some crucial depth for the defending champs at either guard or tackle spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) - Carlos Basham Jr., DL, Wake Forest
With two exciting edge rushers in Josh Allen and K'Lavon Chaisson, Jacksonville could use an upgrade along the inside of the defensive line. Carlos Basham Jr. is a bit of a tweener, playing snaps at defensive end and defensive tackle. That versatility would be valuable to a Jaguars defense that was one of the worst in football this past year.
New York Jets (2-14) - Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
New York is in desperate need of some edge rushing help. Ranking in the bottom third in sacks for what feels like the 10th year in a row has to end at some point for the Jets to turn things around. Joseph Ossai is an intriguing prospect, having played more of an off-ball linebacker role prior to the 2020 season. However, he showed enough promise as an edge rusher for the Jets to add him here.
Atlanta Falcons (4-12) - Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Atlanta continues its search for an edge rusher. After spending several premium picks and some cap space in recent years, this could be the end of the line. Jaelan Phillips flashed tons of speed and potential to produce at the NFL level in his one year at Miami. The Falcons would be banking on that being a sign of things to come and not a one season wonder.
Miami Dolphins via Houston Texans (10-6) - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Miami finally grabs the receiver fans have been waiting for. Chris Olave made a huge impact on this Ohio State offense this year. He has good size to compete for pass downfield and has shown flashes of high-level route runner. He might need to bulk up a little bit to survive in the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) - Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
The direction of this Eagles defense is in flux with Doug Pederson fired and Jim Schwartz taking a year away from football. There is no question that the pass defense needs a boost though. Andre Cisco is a centerfield safety with great ball skills. He had 12 interceptions in his first two seasons before slogging through an injury-riddled 2020. He would help Philly deal with the big plays that plagued the secondary all season long.
Carlos Dunlap is gone. Geno Atkins turns 33 in March. Cincinnati could use an infusion of talent along the defensive line. Daviyon Nixon flashed enough upside that the Bengals would be happy to land him in the second round. He moves incredibly well at 305 pounds, but there is room for improvement when it comes to his technique. If he can get that final layer of polish, he could be a force along the interior of the defense.
Is Teddy Bridgewater the long-term answer at quarterback? It is unclear at this point. Matt Rhule would likely be excited to work with a polished passer like Kyle Trask. He has great accuracy and anticipation. However, he really lacks mobility and does not have the biggest arm. He could be a bit of a project behind Bridgewater.
Denver Broncos (6-10) - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Alex Leatherwood has played every position along the offensive line, other than center, in his time at Alabama. In this scenario, I envision him potentially taking over at right tackle after not seeing Ja'Wuan James play much in the past two years. His ability to play left tackle is important too if Garrett Bolles regresses.
Detroit Lions (6-10) - Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington
For a few years, Detroit has been searching for an edge rusher. Joe Tryon has above average play strength and a solid set of pass rushing moves. We didn't get to see him in 2020 because he opted out, but he has room for improvement and the size to play as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.
New York Giants (6-10) - Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
The Giants will be disappointed to see Tryon off the board, but Quincy Roche is a nice consolation prize. He did not put up the same eye-popping numbers he did during his time at Temple, but his one year in Miami was productive. New York's defense made huge strides in 2020 under Patrick Graham, but needs some more pass rushing help to take the next step.
Cincinnati Bengals via San Francisco 49ers (6-10) - Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC
If the Bengals spent every pick in this draft on the offensive line, I don't think anyone would fault them. That's probably unnecessary, but investing another premium pick on an offensive lineman is smart roster building here. Alijah Vera-Tucker brings some experience at both guard and tackle. He is a developing player that should make Joe Burrow's life better when he returns from injury.
Dallas Cowboys (6-10) - Jevon Holland, DB, Oregon
Dallas' defense is headed for something of a major rebuild. With a ton of question marks in the secondary, finding a player who can play in multiple roles carries a lot of value. Jevon Holland is disruptive and can line up at either safety spot or play in the slot. The Cowboys just need to find talented players to turn this defense around.
Jacksonville is in desperate need of an upgrade at tight end. Brevin Jordan has not had the fanfare that Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth have, but he plays the position well. He does a lot of the little things right and would give Trevor Lawrence a strong target across the middle.
Detroit Lions via New England Patriots (7-9) - Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
The backend of Detroit's defense needs a lot of work. Trevon Moehrig is a reliable safety option with plenty of range to make plays. He was one of the best players on a solid TCU defense. His biggest area for improvement is keeping proper positioning. Moehrig got burned deep a few times in 2020.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) - Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
The Chargers might not bring back Mike Williams. Even if they do, there is room for another playmaker on this squad. Kadarius Toney looked incredible as part of Florida's offensive resurgence this season. He is dynamic in the open field and great at making plays with the ball in his hands. Toney could be uber productive playing with Justin Herbert.
Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Keep rebuilding this defense. The Raiders have swung and missed on a lot of corners in recent years, but Eric Stokes could help steady the unit a bit. He has impeccable speed and solid coverage skills. Stokes showed some signs of being a real difference maker with four interceptions in 2020. His stock could rise a lot if he posts a ridiculous time at the combine.
Arizona Cardinals (8-8) - Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State
Marvin Wilson was a potential first-round selection a year ago, but did not have a great senior year after returning to Tallahassee. I think Wilson could bounce back with some better coaching. There was a lot of animosity at Florida State this offseason and it seemed like Wilson's heart was not in it this year. If he can reclaim his 2019 form, this would be a steal for a Cardinals team in need of some help along the defensive line.
I have Travis Etienne ranked at No. 14 on my big board, so don't go thinking I hate Etienne. However, NFL teams are continuing to devalue this position to the point where only one running back was selected last year in the first round. This is a great fit for the Clemson running back, who would join an exciting offense. His big-play ability could easily see him go sooner than this.
Washington (7-9) - Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
Assuming that Washington does opt for Mac Jones, they are going to need to give him some receivers other than Terry McLaurin to throw to. Sage Surratt sat out the 2020 season, but he was last seen torching secondaries in the ACC. He is a big-play threat with great size and ball skills.
Chicago Bears (8-8) - Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
We won't get to see Landon Dickerson workout at the Senior Bowl or combine this year because he suffered a season-ending injury in the SEC title game. He made a brief cameo at the end of Alabama's championship win, but he might not be ready for the upcoming season. Once he is back to full health though, he could be a steady starter for the Bears. This offense would look a lot better with an improved line and some additional playmakers.
Tennessee Titans (11-5) - Jay Tufele, DL, USC
This mostly projecting how Jay Tufele could develop as a prospect. He flashed some interior pass rushing ability in his first two seasons before opting out of the 2020 season. The Titans will take pass rushing help however they can get it at this point.
Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
T.Y. Hilton had a strong second half and Michael Pittman Jr. showed flashes of his potential to be a No. 1 receiver, but Indy needs more receiving options. Parris Campbell has yet to make an impact and Zach Pascal is better off providing depth. Terrace Marshall got overshadowed by Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase last year, but he made some big plays for a much worse LSU offense this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled a lot between injuries and poor play all season. Dillon Radunz is a bit of an unknown coming out of North Dakota State, but he has some great physical tools and dominated the FCS. He could compete for either tackle spot from Day 1.
There is no question the Seahawks need an edge rusher, but Russell Wilson also needs time to make plays. Saturday's loss to the Rams should underline how much the offensive line needs an upgrade. Jalen Mayfield held down the right side of the line for Michigan. He should do the same thing for Seattle, replacing Brandon Shell.
Los Angeles Rams (10-6) - Cade Mays, OT, Tennessee
Andrew Whitworth cannot play forever and Jared Goff is not mobile enough to compensate for a bad offensive line. Cade Mays, like his teammate Trey Smith, has featured mostly at guard, but has the size to play at tackle. He has played at every position at some point in his college career at Georgia and Tennessee. His versatility would be hugely valuable even if he does not start right away.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) - Jaylen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh
Building depth along the front seven is pretty much the only clear need this team has, pending any losses in free agency. Jalen Twyman was a disruptive force in 2019 for Pittsburgh. He racked up 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in a dominant season. He will need to measure in well at the combine to answer some questions about his size, but he could provide some pass rushing depth right away.
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
There is no question the Ravens need another receiver to add to this offense. Amon-Ra St. Brown has the agility and route tree to fit well as a possession receiver in this offense. He can get open in small spaces and has shown the ability to stretch the field as well.
Cleveland Browns (11-5) - Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
I'm not totally sure where Israel Mukuamu fits at the next level. He has played both safety and outside corner in his time at South Carolina. He is huge at 6'4" and shows flashes of being a lockdown corner. He is a step slow in the speed department, but his versatility would be extremely useful for a Browns secondary that has struggled to keep players healthy.
New Orleans Saints (12-4) - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Ronadale Moore has looked like a human joystick when at full strength. That type of playmaking could be a huge boost to the Saints offense. It is not totally clear what this team will look like without Drew Brees, but New Orleans has needed a long-term solution across from Michael Thomas for a few years. Moore could be a top candidate if his medicals check out.
Buffalo Bills (13-3) - Chris Rumph II, EDGE, Duke
Buffalo's defense took a step back in 2020 after a dominant 2019 season. The Bills can look to reclaim their 2019 form with a couple of fresh faces in the front seven. Chris Rumph II had a great career with Duke, posting 14.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss over his final two seasons.
Green Bay Packers (13-3) - Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
Seth Williams' skill set is a bit more limited than some of the receivers that have gone before him, but what he does, he does very well. He has the size at 6'3" to make plays down the field in traffic. Most importantly, he has good hands, which is something Green Bay desperately needs. The Packers had one of the highest drop percentages in the league this year.
Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
2021 LPL Preseason Rankings (From someone watching WAY too much esports)
Hello. I decided to put this here 'cause why not? I came up with the idea to rank each position and use those stats to rank the 17 LPL teams, along with doing rankings for each team's ranking if every team hit their ceiling (best possible play) for the year and if every team hit their floor (worst possible play) for the upcoming season. LPL is definitely much harder to do this for, since there's so many teams and it's the region I'm still gaining knowledge of over time, but I still have watched enough LPL over the past few years to be confident enough to try it. I also plan to do LCK, LEC and LCS over the next few days. Still, wanted to get this one done since the LPL season starts tomorrow. Feel free to disagree and input your opinions, as you may have an edge in knowledge on certain players and teams that I might not. I'm not one to take things personally. I'm not always right and I want to learn and grow as I continue to try and expand on this. It's fun to theory craft on how the upcoming season could go. Here goes! 17 - Oh My God (16th in Ceiling, 17th in Floor) Top: New - 14th ranked Top Lane Jungle: Aki - 13th ranked Jungle Mid: Wuming/Bright -16th ranked Mid Lane ADC: Eric - 17th ranked ADC Support: Cold/Bafang - 17th ranked Support This team has a lot of potential growth. However, their weak bot lane has them bottom ranked. New and Wuming have shown a lot of fire and if Aki can impact the game effectively, this team could have a nice ceiling. However, the potential floor of Eric with the high class ADC's of LPL is a great worry for this team in a meta that will likely be about making ADC's world a nightmare. In some world, Aki and the solo laners can carry games. But it likely won't be enough to get them many wins. 16 - TT (14th in Ceiling, 16th in Floor) Top: Chelizi - 17th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Xiaopeng/Bless/VV - 16th ranked Jungle Mid: Captain/Sky/Twalia - 13th ranked Mid Lane ADC: SamD - 11th ranked ADC Support: Teeen - 16th ranked Support TT (Formerly Dominus Esports) has quite a bit of intrigue. Their ceiling could be higher, as SamD is quite an exciting prospect for their future. Captain has also had great performances in LDL and won a title there. Still, Xiaopeng's lackluster performances in LPL prior and the uncertainty of how Chelizi will handle a gauntlet top lane region could prove dire for TT's winning aspirations. SamD also has the challenge of learning how to play with Teeen. TT could have a lot of promise, but they have a lot of growing pains to get through first. 15 - eStar (17th in Ceiling, 15th in Floor) Top: Zs - 12th ranked Top Lane Jungler: H4cker - 15th ranked Jungle Mid: InsulatoIrma - 17th ranked Mid Lane ADC: Rat - 16th ranked ADC Support: ShiauC - 12th ranked Support Ranking eStar ahead of TT maybe confusing. Let me explain. If EVERY team performs to their potential best (AKA Ceiling), then eStar would be the weakest team. However, eStar has a few guarantees in their young roster the other bottom teams may not have. While Insulator is the weakest midlaner of LPL, he's not a fear to lose games for eStar like Chelizi or the bot lane of OMG might be. eStar has it's own promise too. ShiauC is a great support and Zs has a lot of promise coming into LPL. H4cker and Rat are respectable in their own right. However, they're likely to get outclassed at their current level as time passes. Still, these players are looking to make waves for all three bottom teams, who are a bit behind the rest of the pack talent level wise. 14 - LGD Gaming (15th in Ceiling, 13th in Floor) Top: Cult/Garvey - 16th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Flora/Kiu - 17th ranked Jungle Mid: Uniboy - 10th ranked Mid Lane ADC: Kramer - 9th ranked ADC Support: Peace - 15th ranked Support LGD's a bit of a strange team overall. On one hand, Uniboy and Kramer are two savy veterans who bring a lot to a developing young roster. Uniboy has made a name in Taiwan and is a strong solo laner, while Kramer brings a lot to team fights and overall composure. Still, the youngsters on this team are a question mark to say the least. Kramer struggled last year with experienced pros. It could be even worse with a very fresh top and jungler combo that could be attacked relentlessly and a new, inexperienced support to play alongside. Mark masked a lot of Kramers struggles last year, but that will not be an option in 2021. It will be up to Uniboy finding some mid outplays and the team staying relevant enough for Kramer to get his items on his usual team fighting carries for LGD to find a winning formula. 13 - LNG Esports (13th in Ceiling, 14th in Floor) Top: M1kuya - 15th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Tarzan - 6th ranked Jungler Mid: Icon - 11th ranked Mid Lane ADC: Light - 14th ranked ADC Support: Iwandy - 14th ranked Support ALL ABOARD THE TARZAN HYPE TRAIN! One of Korea's most exciting jungler stars is now in China, playing for a young LNG roster. Tarzan is still a legend and can definitely find ways to take over in an LPL region with a lot of new, inexperienced junglers. The issue for LNG will come in the continued development of their bot lane, who has found some experience in LPL and a fresh top laner out of LDL in M1kuya, that brings high hopes from fans. Until then, Tarzan and Icon, who leaves OMG to join this squad, will have to put their carry pants on for LNG to win. They have to tools to crush the other bottom teams. The two questions are if they can mesh together well with Tarzan and if they're ready to build comps that can pull upsets against the playoff contenders. 12 - Rogue Warriors (12th in Ceiling, 12th in Floor) Top: Ziv - 11th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Haro - 10th ranked Jungle Mid: Forge - 13th ranked Mid Lane ADC: Betty/Kelin - 10th ranked ADC Support: Quiqui - 10th ranked Support Rogue Warriors are the first team on this list that could really jump into the possible playoff surprises category. Haro is a great player to build a core around, after what was a great season for him to find his niche. This team also added some pretty big pieces around him, with Ziv and Betty as key pieces. Forge needs to grow a bit more and become a stronger laner if this team wants to compete for playoffs, which can get a boost if Quiqui finds a lot more confidence here and meshes well with Betty's potential. The Warriors will play extremely aggressively if the strategy from last year pans out, which could lead to potential upsets both ways. 11 - Rare Atom (11th in Ceiling, 10th in Floor) Top: Cube - 10th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Aix/Leyan - 11th ranked Jungle Mid: Fofo - 9th ranked Mid Lane ADC: iBoy - 6th ranked ADC Support: Hang - 11 ranked Support The next two spots are pretty much neck-and-neck. In Rare Atom's case (Formerly Vici Gaming), the playoffs are quite the possibility. A team with very few weaknesses overall and a few star players in iBoy and Fofo, who is really finding his footing with his Demacia Cup performance. They could be a lot higher on this list. However, this could be a meta that challenges this roster if it comes down to carry junglers or even hyperactive supports. Fofo's role on this team is already showing to be one demanding some playmaking, after the team's dependence on Zeka for that last year. They will need to find that consistency. But if they do and keep with it like they've done at Demacia, this prediction could look very silly down the line. 10 - Bilibili Gaming (10th in Ceiling, 9th in Floor) Top: Biubiu - 13th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Meteor - 14th ranked Jungle Mid Lane: Zeka - 12th ranked Mid Lane ADC: Aiming - 3rd ranked ADC Support: Mark - 5th ranked Support Bilibili and Rare Atom are tricky teams. While they're 11th and 10th, they are very close behind the playoff contender pack up to 6th or even 5th place. However unlike the rest of the pack, the worst case scenario for Bilibili is still playoff contending. Biubiu, Meteor and Zeka are pretty good players. LPL is just very strong across the board. 2019 Meteor can easily be a Top 10 player at his position and Zeka took on a major playmaking role at Vici Gaming he could replicate here. Add to the equation a bot lane that has a ton of promise in Aiming's ridiculous carry potential and Mark's grand playmaking that saved LGD at Worlds last year. If Meteor can find his groove again, Zeka can continue his progress and Biubiu starts to grow into a consistent threat in top lane, this team could definitely be a playoff contender. 9 - Suning Gaming (7th in Ceiling, 11th in Floor) Top: Bin - 7th ranked Top Lane Jungler: SofM - 5th ranked Jungle Mid: Angel - 8th ranked Mid Lane ADC: With Huanfeng - 8th ranked ADC With Jinjiao - 15th ranked ADC Support: ON - 13th ranked Support Talk about a team that looks NOTHING like the one that just played in Worlds Finals after losing a few members. Huanfeng (personal matters) will not be with the team for a significant time. Jinjiao is a capable ADC, but he's not up to par with the rest of the league. That being said, losing Swordart is catastrophic for this team. ON is young and needs time to develop, not to mention he won't even have his ADC with him for a while. This team could really fall apart. Bin and SofM are inconsistent players. While their highs are astronomical and show they can play like the best the league has to offer, their lows are the cause of a lot of losses and exactly what kept Suning out of the playoffs in 2020 Spring. Depending on when Huanfeng returns and how ON develops, things could be fine for Suning....or they could be a completely collapse. It's tough to tell right now. 8 - Royal Never Give Up (9th in Ceiling, 8th in Floor) Top: Xiaobai - 9th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Wei/XLB - 9th ranked Jungle Mid Lane: Xiaohu/Cryin - 6th ranked Mid Lane ADC: GALA - 12th ranked ADC Support: Ming - 8th ranked Support So this is where the disagreements will probably start to come into play. RNG is not nearly the same team without Uzi. Last year, this team had massive troubles with direction and leadership. Xiaohu will do a lot for that, even if it means sitting an extremely talented Cryin. This team has potential to be a very strong team all around laning. They just need to learn how to finish games and play together towards a common goal. While that's a big worry, RNG is a great organization at working that into the fold with rosters of the past. t's easy to have confidence in this coaching staff to turn players in the middle of their respective rankings into a team fighting off the other playoff contenders. The key will be synergy, since this roster's talent level leaves the weakness to be the team all together. Still, RNG can never be taken lightly. 7 - Team WE (6th in Ceiling, 5th in Floor) Top: Breathe - 5th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Beishang - 8th ranked Jungle Mid: Shanks/TeacherMa/Yimeng - 14th ranked Mid ADC: Jiumeng - 7th ranked ADC Support: Missing - 7th ranked Support Here comes an interesting dark horse. Team WE has the potential to combat the top teams. Breathe is a fantastic top laner who really shined in a tough situation on OMG. Beishang and Jiumeng went from afterthoughts in Spring to two players contending for All-Star status in the league in Summer. Top that all off with Missing being one of the best supports the league has to offer...the hype is real. The missing key is confidence. Can this team repeat what Summer became, or was everything a mirage to issues that will show in 2021? Not to mention their mid lane is crowded and Shanks did not have the most promising performance at Demacia Cup. If Shanks can not find his rhythm, it's tough to find that confidence in TeacherMa's struggles of last year or the youth of Yimeng. While the hopes are high for WE fans yet again, it might take a bit of figuring things out in Spring for this team to find that promise that got everyone pumped in the Summer of 2020. 6 - Victory 5 (8th in Ceiling, 6th in Floor) Top: Langx - 6th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Weiwei - 7th ranked Jungle Mid: Mole - 5th ranked Mid Lane ADC: y4 - 15th ranked ADC Support: ppgod - 4th ranked Support If you're wondering why Victory 5's ceiling is 8th, it's because we've already seen it. Victory 5 went from no wins in Spring to almost finding a path to Worlds in Summer. Weiwei showed off god like plays in the jungle. Mole's mid lane dominance got him MVP's left and right and showed his star power to all of China. Of course, the real star was ppgod, who became the hero of V5 fans with his mechanical prowess and dominance on his support pool. This team even upgraded their top laner with Langx, someone who handled his business at Worlds and is a good rock for a young team of rising stars. Now it's time to see if they can play dominant with opposing teams knowing just how good they really are. The big question mark is y4, who could be a huge downgrade from the steady SamD. That will be the difference for this team. But if y4 plays well and this team continues momentum, they're a playoff team for sure, if not a contender for a top 4 spot. 5 - Edward Gaming (5th in Ceiling, 7th in Floor) Top: Flandre/Xiaoxiang - 8th ranked Top Lane Jungler - Clearlove/Jiejie - 3rd ranked Jungle Mid: Scout/Gori - 7th ranked Mid Lane ADC: VipeHope - 5th ranked ADC Support: Meiko - 6th ranked Support This is a big one here. The real LPL title dark horse. Edward Gaming. Last year was a failure in the eyes of the former LPL juggernauts. This gave way for a lot of changes. The big one is Clearlove's return. Sure, having Clearlove part of a third-ranked jungle seems a bit fan boyish. However, this dude comes in knowing the plan and having the history to back it up. Jiejie's no joke either. He was fantastic last year in his role. Bringing in a great rock in top lane in Flandre, a potential mid lane growth project in Gori, who gets to play behind the extremely talented Scout and of course Viper, the man who helped Griffin star on the Worlds stage just a few years ago in Korea. Worries about Viper's consistency are real. After his Griffin days, he so far has failed to find the same form. However, if he can find it, EDG could be legit scary. And even if he doesn't, Hope is still a player with promise and skill to hold his own as the ADC. The key is bringing it all together and make good on their potential, which will be a task Meiko will have to take head on as the glue to this roster. What would help, of course, is Clearlove and Viper playing like their old days. If they does, this team is a force to be feared in the LPL hierarchy. 4 - Invictus Gaming (4th in Ceiling, 3rd in Floor) Top: TheShy - 2nd ranked Top Lane Jungler: XUN - 12th ranked Jungle Mid: Rookie - 3rd ranked Mid Lane ADC: Wink/Puff/Snow - 4th ranked ADC Support: Baolan/Lucas/Southwind - 2nd ranked Support Invictus Gaming is the team that SHOULD have went to Worlds over LGD, yet fell apart as the season concluded. The inconsistencies drove this fan base mad. Add on the fact their key jungler Ning will not be active for the foreseeable future and there's reason to worry as an IG fan for 2021. However, Rookie has come off a fantastic year and played spectacular in all regards. Baolan is still a ridiculously good support, who will be aided with former eStar standout Wink's addition to the team. This could be a team that trades time with Wink and Puff, showing they're both very capable players. However, Wink's great 2020 and growth could earn him the starting spot over Puff, even with Puff's strong showings of 2020. TheShy needs to calm his play down a tiny bit, without losing his godlike laning pressure. Summer 2020 LDL Championship Jungler XUN will get the nod for Ning and will have big responsibilities. If his talent shines bright and this team plays to their full potential cohesively, this team could easily get back to Top 3 or even higher. Still, they need to get back some synergy after a very chaotic end to 2020. 3 - FunPlus Phoenix (1st in Ceiling, 4th in Floor) Top: Nuguri - 1st ranked Top Lane Jungler: Tian - 4th ranked Jungle Mid: Doinb - 2nd ranked Mid Lane ADC: Lwx/Prince- 13th ranked ADC Support: Crisp - 3rd ranked Support Just when you thought TheShy had the top lane of LPL on lock down, FunPlus stuns the world and pulls Worlds Champion Nuguri from DamWon Gaming. It's one of the biggest moves of the offseason and one that gets FunPlus back into the title mix, after a disappointing 2020 that showed some major flaws. Nuguri gives FunPlus an avenue to snowball, as his top lane dominance showed all over the Worlds stage in DamWon's Championship run. With a great roster all around, the ceiling is a dominant title for FunPlus yet again. However, Lwx did not have a 2020 to remember and got exposed to almost every bot lane in the league. Crisp's play fell too, however his ability to make plays and find his way back into games kept FunPlus competitive. Doinb didn't get a meta to show off his insane champ pool and Tian had troubles finding lanes to play through in a meta that didn't fit FunPlus' style. However, if the players can get back into the 2019 form and get Lwx going again, along with a meta more fitting to their scrappy style, this is a Goliath roster that could dominate LPL. However, if Nuguri doesn't fit in to the team's goals, the meta goes against their strategy or the bot lane struggles continue, this team could be relegated to fighting tooth and nail for a Worlds spot come Summer of 2021. 2 - Top Esports (2nd in Ceiling, 2nd in Floor) Top: 369 - 4th ranked Top Lane Jungler: Karsa - 2nd ranked Jungle Mid: Knight - 1st ranked Mid Lane ADC: Jackeylove/Photic - 1st ranked ADC Support: Zhuo/Yuyanja - 9th ranked Support This one is tough. Top and JDG are a safe bet above the rest of the pack in a lot of ways. Both teams hold pretty much Top 5 players at ever position in the league and have multiple ways to dominate games. In Top's wheel house is the best mid laner in the league by a wide margin in Knight and the best ADC in Jackeylove. When they are on their game, they are almost unstoppable. However, Worlds showed a bit of weakness at support and overall knowledge when they do fall behind. Forcing the issue even when behind worked in LPL, but even against NA's FlyQuest and EU's Fnatic, it failed to yield the same results. This will become their major test for 2021. And they will face it head on. 369 and Karsa will look to find that fire they had in the LPL splits that fell away come Worlds. The big improvement could come in Zhuo, who performed incredibly at Demacia Cup and showed strong chemistry with the rest of his teammates in such a short time. This is a roster full of hungry young talent, led by a savy vet in Karsa, looking for the title that has avoided him for so long, Top Esports is a top three contender for the Worlds title. Lock it in. 1 - JD Gaming (3rd in Ceiling, 1st in Floor) Top: Zoom - 3rd ranked Top Lane Jungler: Kanavi - 1st ranked Jungle Mid: Xiye/Yagao - 4th ranked Mid Lane ADC: Mystic/Loken - 2nd ranked ADC Support: LvMao - 1st ranked Support This may seem a bit strange, since JDG was more disappointing than Top at Worlds and left more questions to be answered. However, JDG has answered the questions already. While Yagao and Loken were no slouches, JDG definitely felt like they could improve their chances at winning Worlds with new tools. They bring in a pair of former Team WE stars in Xiye, the key component to LGD's strong run at Worlds and Mystic, who starred for Korea's Afreeca Freecs last year. These two slot in alongside quite possibly the best jungler and support in LPL and Zoom's insane talent level in top lane. This creates a JDG team with serious title aspirations. The strong chemistry all around and skill level, which could find win conditions in every single role in any game, gives them so many different angles to win. This was something that proved to be fatal in their hopes at Worlds last year. Not anymore. With TOP's dominance and the LPL changing form, JDG needed some more tools and avenues to dominate the league. They found it. Good luck, LPL. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If there's anything I can improve, let me know. I will try to get an LCK one out tomorrow. LEC and LCS should be completely over the weekend and I'll send those out when I'm done as well.
Testing testing; check one two – DWT is live once again on Reddit! Terrific, terrific stuff Alas – promotion has remained minimal; but we've now in our possession, a wee snifter of a chance to properly leap aboard the success train. Admittedly this snifter is based on nowt more than the run of horror being ended - but additional to that; there was a strange couple of incidents surrounding the number 69 (see Twitter for details). Admittedly - notable only really for the fact 69 was involved (easy minded). But thats the noteworthiness there in itself - I'd have surely noticed a chance 69 occurrence or two if it'd been apparent previously. 69 - what does it mean? Theres the linkage to coitous of course; but away from that - there's the less coarse noteworthiness of ying and yang: pushed together, the numbers interlock as if, finally - they have found the positions required to fuse and be as one. DWT and Victory - which is 6 and which is 9 - it matters little. the fusion removes the barriers of former association. Here - I'm no a filofax of all things repeated link occurrences; but 2 within a week - thats summat. Summat to pay heed to and to take confidence from. Dismissing rewards and becoming accustomed to skeptitude, is a road tarred with regret and frustration: 'I should have...' 'If only I'd...' Impractical of course to grasp hold confidently to any and all random encounters and possibles - but well worth doing a smidge of research on whatever slips itself into your field of vision (aside from the nigerian prince type obvious pish). My journey towards the inevitable destination of spirituality, has been one filled with tests - harsh lessons learnt and no fucking mistake. Akin to any challenge - the problems lie within your own doubt and lack of belief. Laid bear - the achievements successfully processed, by the best of the best at each and every thing there is to be the best at - are all unforeseen and random. Noone knows precisely when and where a new best will be set, even by the achiever themselves. The combination of good surrounding them at that time equated to elation...it can't be rushed, it can't be forced - it's a force that guides you. I've lost count of the number of times my bottle has been dropped and smashed on the floor; a wee game of pool - out to a giant lead; me on the black, the other cunt on all his yellows still...yadda yadda - defeated. Dinnae get me wrong - I'm no an exclusive to failure type cunt; theres been many many smooth and silky victories over the years - pizazz a fucking plenty. But raw in my mind, are manys an occasion where I'm in the ascendency - in particular in the sense of a knife edge being balanced upon....Pot this one ball - this straight shot into the corner....no other balls in the way - just tap it in. Just tap it in now. Just tap-tap-tap a roo....missed. The back straightens sharply, eyes burning a hole in the black ball, as it trickles slowly away from the intended target. Its been a while since I've had my hands wrapped around a pool cue; the memories still hurt. Sports are all competitive and difficult to make inroads into at the best of times. At my age, if there's no indication of any kind of raw talent - move on to the next one. Did the usual merry-go-round through the usual ones; once they were exhausted then onto the less so ones. Nowadays - none. An acceptance my set of tools are alas not of the calibre required to make any sort of worthwhile progress. Those who can't do teach of course; and whilst placing wagers is perhaps another topic potentially set to be tossed on the 'tried and failed' pile - its one where I've finally achieved peace of mind. Acceptance I will never be the best specifically at harvesting huge lumps of cash - but also recognising that in itself, the path woven is worthy of highlighting (given the content is of a magnetic enough calibre). Free of the shackles of expectancy - expression and artistic license can be turned to for inspiration, offering others the opportunity to lay eyes on something other than the what have you. Whether it takes precedence over the what have you is the thing. Then once thats got some traction - beginning the quest towards when DWT eventually itself becoming the what have you; familiar hellos and nods - part of the landscape. This happening I'm hoping will result in the draining of stress and mental anguish I carry around with me; fingers crossed 🤞 The feelings on this weeks effort are much akin to last week; its all on the keystone. She fell out last week alas - but this week we have home advantage in our Keystone affair; suddenly things get a good smidge more attractive. The good news accompanying this, is the odds are a lot more generous than they were for last weeks Keystone; and as such we've got something here that I like to refer to as, 'The Perfect Storm'. We may be going up and down and side to side quite violently - but one things for sure; we'll have a terrific prosperous time 😎. So to wrap up - now we've broken the curse, put the rot in reverse - we slip a hand into the purse, there's a plan to rehearse. Reddit Running Total (RRT) currently sits at -£303.43. Ah no. I’m not promoting it in the slightest to be put on; it's purely to be completely transparent about where the beans I'm spilling are being pushed towards – this is after all, a Life Experiment: Can a useless old arsehole prosper under strict weekly gambling conditions? Word of warning; prior to this – not really.
The sticky clarifies - but just to reiterate - here's the format...DRS20 is Dads Recommended Spend: £20. This is a lot of money granted - and I would encourage absolute apprehension if this sort of money represents life altering for you personally if zero is returned. I’m lucky enough to be able to afford to lose £20 in a week; but confess that if I got no return for say, 20 weeks in a row - I would likely be without something I value (a streaming service or summat). I don’t take it lightly. Four bets are placed with this outlay; a £5 Treble (DWT) and three £5 Doubles. Generally if two come up, the bet is covered (up or down £2 or so). My gambling prowess is pretty much a joke; so whilst I advertise, I in no way qualify them as a given. I’m a prick with plenty bollocks to spout is all. This is how I frame it.
So here it is - the one that is now ready to accept its fate and be propelled into hyperspace by our new friend, 69: Its DWT35 https://i.redd.it/dly6lj9t11d61.gif
22.32/1 we get for this selection – terrific. Over 16's last week; over 22's this week - there's now maybes no so much of an expectant glance these days; the consistency of price is not one to hang the hat off of. But generally I find after a wee bitty of success, I generally react in a glisteny-eye type way and push the boat out. This week no different then - the scales tipping over the 20 mark; a land I enjoy if I'm honest. The journey one much more befitting of the vessel The Good Ship is - eager for confrontation jousting and challenging obstacles. Final checks all round - but we've a trio of heroes here afore you today; mark my fucking words people 😎 QUEENS PARK RANGERS caught my eye there a wee whiley ago after hearing the news Charlie Austin had re-signed; a terrific wee cunt he is. First game back - and a goal in a 2-0 winning effort over Luton away. Back to Loftus Road for the first home outing this week; Pugfaces derby in town to provide the challenge. In good spirits they'll be after getting the first win of the Pugface regime there in midweek - that the second of two they've played whilst QPR have been resting and waiting for today. Hat-trick for the man of the moment, wouldnae be a surprise if you ask me. PETERBOROUGH UNITED caused plenty joy last week; and at a price that claws at my cuff saying 'pickme-pickme-pickme' - shall do Peterborough son 😎. Perhaps a tougher ask than last - away from home to ipswich, who find themselves 4 points back from the visitors. But a home record that shows 4 defeats ib the last 5, plus a scoreline that read 1-4 to Peterborough last time - dinnae fret. In the fucking satchel 👍 WIGAN ATHLETIC are our Keystone this week - 29/10 for a home affair against fleetwood. I've been watching the form of fleetwood since Joey B left; and no wins since. 6 free of a victory; 3 defeats in a row - the sting of change not yet repaired. Sure its got to end sometime; but in Wigan we have a mob who are battering in goals aplenty at the moment - 7 goals for in their last 2, both away from home. they score early, they could be in for a properly terrific hammering. Lets see what happens. So there we have it – nostalgia, hope and determination all apparent in equal measure. This time we do it right; wind in the sails – and off across the ocean in search of new worlds. A powerful pirate ship hunting high and low for treasures. Raise the fucking flag - the good ship DWT is back and ready to provide for its crew. If you play; play safe. DRS20 as always people. Frustration at the amount won, is better than the heartache at the amount lost. https://preview.redd.it/47frcevp11d61.jpg?width=630&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b3d50e48f89de6a606d7ae74fafaa40dbc0dbf4
I see a lot of text posts in this sub of 'previews' for matches, but they are always very low effort and essentially just ask "What do you think?" without providing much information or analysis. Since I have quite a bit of free time at work right now, I thought I'd do a bit of stat-accumulation and put together a little preview of this weekend's match. _______________
Villa:
After a very entertaining 0-0 draw at home against Burnley, the side will make the daunting trek all of 3.5 miles to the Hawthorns to take on a West Brom side under new management. Form: We have seemingly turned the corner on the poor run of form we suffered from the end of October to the start of December. After losing 4 of 5 (only beating a dismal Arsenal side), we showed extremely good spirit while earning a scrappy win at Wolves. We followed that up with a dominant performance at home against Burnley. Burnley Match:Deano sent out a much changed side against Burnley. Not only did he bring in replacements for the suspended and injured lads, but he also "changed the shape a little bit today because of the way Burnley play." Yes, we only walked away with a single point, but the changes from Deano undoubtedly worked as we controlled the match and had ample opportunity to score. Although we couldn't finish any of those ~850 chances, it is 2 clean sheets in a row. As Deano said,
We had enough chances to win two games, maybe even three... my concern is when you're not getting chances. We look like a team unlikely to concede goals as well, when you do that you'll accumulate points. (Link to the interview)
Team News: This match also saw no new injuries (thank you Mr. Mee) or suspensions, so we will be at nearly full strength this weekend. Douglas Luiz, Matty Cash, Bjorn Engels, Keinan Davis, and Ross Barkley should all be fit and eligible to start for the match this weekend. Trezeguet and Wes will likely be out beyond the end of the Christmas period.
West Brom:
West Brom have had a rough start to life back in the Premier League. Despite a stalwart defence against Man City earning the Baggies a point, they remain at the wrong end of the table and Slaven Bilić faced the axe on Wednesday. The managerial merry-go-round spun Big Sam into the spotlight once more - his first job since he was let go by Everton in 2018. Form:West Brom have earned 4 points in their past 5 matches, including their first win of the season against Sheffield United and the hard fought draw against City. That first (and only) win this year came against a winless, bottom of the table, Blades side who have lost 12 of 13 matches this year. Although they have managed a few impressive performances and results this year, they have only earned 2 points from sides outside the bottom 5 this year (3-3 Chelsea & 1-1 City). City Match: West Brom were once again without Matheus Pereira in the side, as he sat out the second match of his 3 match ban following his dismissal against Palace. The Baggies were very content to play for a draw, having just over 20% possession and only 1 single shot on target. Only 15% of the match took place in City's defensive third... Team News: Pereira will miss his 3rd and final game of his ban following his violent conduct charge. Kyle Bartley could also miss the match after being ruled out of the Newcastle and Man City matches. Conor Townsend and Hal Robson-Kanu will both be out until the end of December.
Sam Allardyce
Big Sam was sacked from Everton, despite guiding the Toffees to a top half finish, mostly through the clamouring of fans about the boring style which had been instilled in the side. He has a phenomenal record of saving sides from relegation, having never been relegated himself from the top division. Big Sam's Record as a new manager in the top flight (and with England):
Team
Opponent
Score
Year
Everton
Huddersfield
2-0
2017
Crystal Palace
Watford
1-1
2016
England
Slovakia
1-0
2016
Sunderland
West Brom
0-1
2015
Blackburn
Stoke
3-0
2008
Newcastle
Bolton
3-1
2007
Total
4-1-1
10-3
STATS
Consistency in Minutes West Brom have changed their side up many times this season - only 3 players (Johnstone, Ajayi and Furlong) have played more than 75% of minutes this year. The 4th player with the most minutes is Conor Gallagher with 800 minutes (68% of available minutes). Villa have been the opposite. NINE players have more minutes than Conor Gallagher in 2 fewer matches. Even Trezeguet, with 720 minutes, has a higher percentage of minutes played (73%). Only Villa's last spot (barring injury and suspension) has been changing, as Barkley had not come into the side until a few matches into the year.
Style of Play As opposed to the match against Burnley, West Brom probably won't sit back and play for a draw. They actually have a fairly decent attacking style - in fact, it matches our own style of play pretty closely. Both sides play a similar range of passing and at similar rates, West Brom are just a touch worse than us at it.
Team
Total
Long Ball %
Short Acc.
Long Acc.
Villa
389.5
15.5%
83.9%
44.3%
West Brom
381.6
15.1%
82.8%
42.9%
Where will the ball be? Looking at the average area of play for both sides this season, they match up quite well:
Team
Off.
Mid.
Def.
Villa
33%
41%
26%
WBA
24%
45%
31%
We may see a similar story this weekend.
History Outside of the traditional top 5 clubs, West Brom do not have a worse record against any side (5+ matches played). Villa lead this matchup across all of history with 25 wins to the Baggies' 14, while there have been 17 draws as well. In the Premier League era, Villa lead with 10 wins, 10 draws and 5 losses.
Open play - wide open No team has conceded more goals, or more from open play this year than the Baggies. They also have only scored fewer goals from open play than 17 teams - only Sheffield United and Burnley are worse. While West Brom are conceding 2 goals per game, Villa are scoring 1.9 per game. Villa concede 1.18 goals per game, West Brom score 0.77 per game.
So what are your predictions, concerns, thoughts and bets for the match this weekend? How will Deano set the side up, and will Barkley be fit enough to start?
2021 NFL Mock Draft with explanations for each pick (3 rounds) + Prospect rankings.
Hey everyone. Warning this is a massive post, but im sure that's normal here! Decided to do an early mock and prospect analysis. I operate a 49ers blog and Slack server, and had done this with them, but I decided to share it here. fortheniners.com is my website if you want to check it out for more stuff, but it's mostly 49ers oriented. Give me some feedback, would love to hear it from you guys. I created a custom order based on the rest of the season and i simulated the rest. Some picks might be switched in the 2nd round and 3rd due to the reordering of picks, but mostly it should be OK. I felt this order fit how I think the NFL will shake out by the end of season. I can't get the picks to number for some reason correctly.
Positional Rankings
QB:
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
D’Eriq King, QB, Miami
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
RB:
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
TE:
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Pat Friermuth, TE, Penn State
Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Hunter Long, TE, Iowa State
Grant Calcaterra, TE, Oklahoma
WR:
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
OT:
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
OG/OC:
Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
Creed Humphrey, OC, Oklahoma
Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee
Deonte Brown, OG, Alabama
Josh Myers, OG, Ohio State
DT:
Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State
Jay Tufele, DT, USC
Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
DE:
Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
Quincy Roche, DE, Miami
Carlos Basham Jr, DE, Wake Forest
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
LB:
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
CB:
Patrick Surtain Jr, CB, Alabama
Caleb Farley, CB, Virgina
Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
S:
Jevon Holland, FS, Oregon
Paris Ford, SS, Pittsburgh
Hamsah Nasirlideen, SS, Florida State
Caden Sterns, FS, Texas
Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
3 ROUND MOCK
1st Round
NYJ - Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Maybe the best QB prospect… ever. Lawrence brings what the Jets have lacked for a very long time. “It”. Lawrence is almost a flawless QB prospect, complete with elite physical tools, mental tools, experience in big games, and the football IQ to be one of the best QBs ever.
JAX - Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Make no mistake. Justin Fields is not a consolation prize. The Ohio State product is one of the best QB prospects in recent memory as well, with exceptional arm talent, elite ability to make throws on the run, athleticism, leadership, and good decision making. Gifted with a strong arm and a very good deep ball, he will do well on a team that can build around him. He’s also part of the new generation of mobile QBs - Fields is expected to run in the 4.4s.
WAS - Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Wilson is an interesting prospect. The eye-test shows a mega-talented QB with a knack for big plays, but reading in between the lines, his prospects become murky. Playing against a low level of competition, Wilson has never been truly under pressure from a pass rush during a game. Regardless, Wilson might be the most naturally gifted playmaker in this class - his ability to make throws on the run and extend plays is reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and more, and his arm talent fits that category. One year wonder, sure, but Wilson can be a superstar.
NYG - Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami
Passing on the best tackle prospect in recent memory is probably a bad idea. Unfortunately, Dave Gettleman has a penchant for that. Rousseau is a very raw albeit extremely talented pass rusher from Miami. Despite being underdeveloped as a pass rusher, his physical gifts alone made him a top pass rusher last season, trailing only Chase Young as the best pass rusher in college. The Giants add another big man to a talented DL, along with Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence. Rousseau is oozing with potential, and with his length, burst, and strength, can become a force that will terrorize the NFC East. Rousseau is going to test very well at the combine as well.
CIN - Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Joe Burrow is screaming for joy. Sewell is the best OT prospect, arguably since Joe Thomas, or Trent Williams - he has everything. This is almost a cant-miss pick for Cincinatti, and it gives them two young, bookend tackles in Sewell and 2019 1st round pick Jonah Williams to protect the Heisman award winning QB.
DAL - Patrick Surtain Jr, CB, Alabama
Dallas is not as bad as this pick slot indicates, but regardless, they pick due to their injury concerns. Drafting on the defense has to be the priority here, and why not reunite Surtain Jr with his former Alabama teammate, and fellow DB in Trevon Diggs? It fills a need and is arguably the BPA at this spot.
LAC - Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
While they missed out on Sewell, longtime blindside protector for Justin Herbert, Leatherwood is a great prospect in his own right. A well rounded OL with experience in a tough conference like the SEC, Leatherwood is a stalwart that can start at guard or tackle, giving the Chargers a piece they can put anywhere on the line to protect Herbert, and he is NFL-ready on Day 1.
DET - Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Passing on Micah Parsons! How? Last time they picked a LB in the first round, it was Jarrad Davis, and they were burned, badly. Instead, they opt for the explosive WR out of Alabama, marking 3 straight picks from Tuscaloosa. Waddle is a game-breaker, stirring up comparisons to Tyreek Hill - and rightfully so. His speed is incredible, and his hands and route running are right up there as well, and he brings rare instincts and elusiveness. Waddle was the best WR in college before getting injured this season. Waddle adds the last piece to the Detroit offense, giving them a great group around Matthew Stafford who is entering the twilight of his career - with Waddle, Golladay, Jones Jr, Swift, and Hockenson, the Lions have the makings of a very good offense.
MIA - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Brian Flores would sprint to the podium to pick up Parsons if this was the scenario. The former LB coach grabs one of the most gifted LB prospects in a long time, and he fits the Dolphins at one of their biggest positions of need, with Raekwon McMillan gone. Parsons forms a fearsome LB duo next to Jerome Baker, and brings rare instincts, speed, and physicality to Miami.
DEN - Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Denver was hoping that Parsons would fall one more pick, but alas, they have to settle. Cosmi is one of the most physically talented OTs in the draft, and although he is raw, he’s got plenty of ability and potential. John Elway grabs his hopeful franchise LT to protect Drew Lock.
ATL - Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
One of the fastest risers in the draft, Paye is physically dominant as an EDGE rusher and has the production to back it up. Atlanta could have taken a QB here, but considering that they have Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley both in their primes at the moment, they decide to stick with Matt Ryan - for the short term, instead of spending a massive asset on a rookie QB and waiting on him. Paye can become one of the best DL in the league, and replaces Takkarist McKinley.
MIN - Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State
Another team that could have taken a QB - Minnesota passes on the hometown kid, Lance, in favor for an interior lineman. While QB would be ideal here, Kirk Cousins’ contract is a behemoth, and it does not afford the Vikings a real opportunity to get off that contract - Minnesota would be better off shoring up the rest of their team, and looking for a new QB in the future, while sticking with Cousins short-term.
SF - Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
The Garoppolo era is over - and the new era of Trey Lance begins in San Francisco. Lance is the only QB of the “big four” who exclusively works in a pro-style offense, and under center. His big arm, mobility, and IQ on the football field will be a welcome sight for 49ers fans who have seen none of those under the last couple years with Garoppolo at the helm. Lance, although in a weak conference, has showcased both elite ability as a pocket passer and a runner, with exceptional touch on deep balls. He can stand in the pocket, deliver while taking a hit, and Kyle Shanahan will like all of that. Great decision maker, and he limits turnovers.
NE - Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Bill Belichick misses out on the last remaining big QB. He instead opts for the premier offensive weapon in the class, Kyle Pitts. Pitts is in the running for the Heisman. As a TE. Yeah. Belichick adds Pitts to a weakened Patriots offense in desperate need for a big weapon like Pitts, and he steps into the 6 foot 6 inch, 265 pound gap left by Rob Gronkowski in Foxborough.
CAR - Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
With Teddy playing very well, Carolina likely opts to reinforce their defense, after doing so already last season. Their offense is all but set, with stars like McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and Curtis Samuel already in the mix - but the biggest problem is the defense. While they could go LB to replace Kuechly, why not provide one more big time player in the secondary. With Donte Jackson, Caleb Farley, Jeremy Chinn, and more, Carolina has the makings of a great defense.
LV - Marvin Wilson, IDL, Florida State
They will go DL and the BPA in that case is FSU’s Marvin Wilson. The big man has been one of the best interior DL in college for a very long time and will continue to do so in Vegas, and provides a physical presence next to Maurice Hurst, Clelin Ferrell, and Maxx Crosby. This is a reach, but the Raiders bet that Wilson can recapture his previous level of play in an NFL program.
CLE - Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Moses, physically, is one of the most talented LB prospects in the draft. A thumper at LB, Moses has seen everything coming from the long list of star Alabama LBs in recent years - but there are question marks. Before his ACL injury, Moses was supposed to go top 10, but after, his play level, and instincts have declined and he looks a step slow. Still, Cleveland opts to grab Moses and place him next to Mack Wilson, giving the Cleveland defense the leader and MIKE LB they need and that they had lost in Joe Schobert.
JAX - Pat Friermuth, TE, Penn State
Friermuth has drawn Gronk comparisons as a big, bulky target over the middle with blocking capability and red-zone dominance. While he may never reach that level, this is a no-brainer at 18 - Jacksonville gets Justin Fields his safety blanket for the next 5 years or more, and fills one of their biggest needs on the offensive end of the ball.
PHI - JaMarr Chase, WR, LSU
Philly fans are likely screaming in joy. Arguably the best WR in the draft drops all the way to 19, and right into the lap of Doug Peterson. Carson Wentz finally gets his #1 WR, and it’s a good one. Next to Jalen Reagor, Chase forms a lethal duo and both complement each other perfectly. He has everything a WR needs, and although he is not exceptionally fast, his hands, route running, ball skills, and physicality more than make up for it. He drops partly due to his speed not being amazing and recency bias favoring Jaylen Waddle.
TEN - Jay Tufele, DT, USC
Tufele is a gifted defensive tackle - with good athleticism, technique, and all-around ability, and young as well, he is nowhere near his ceiling both as a pass rusher and run defender. He can be a 3 down player and can start day one, and for a contender like Tennessee, that makes perfect sense. They shore up the DL again, with three pieces set in stone - Harold Landry, Jeffery Simmons, and now, Tufele.
MIA - Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama
With Preston Williams, DeVante Parker, and Jakeem Grant, the Dolphins have a good WR corps. But they need that final piece, the #1 - and Smith is exactly that. Tua gets his favorite target back, as Smith follows in the footsteps of the Alabama route-runners before him in Jerry Jeudy, Calvin Ridley, and Amari Cooper. He is thin, but strong at the same time, showcasing good speed, elite route running, elusiveness, and hands, giving Tua the target he needs.
CHI - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The SAVIOR! The Trubisky saga is over, and Nick Foles time is short lived in Chicago as well. Chicago opts for Mac Jones, the signal caller from Alabama. Jones is an experienced QB - but the sample size of him playing well is small. Armed with an elite deep ball, a good arm, and functional mobility, Jones works in a pro-style system and is one of the few QBs that could start Day 1 in the NFL. With great decision making and ability to read the field, while playing tough defenses in the SEC - Jones opens up the entire playbook for Chicago because he can throw to any part of the field. They could take Kyle Trask, but instead opt for the higher ceiling in Mac Jones.
NO - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
A WR would also be a fit here next to Michael Thomas, but with Mac Jones gone, the Saints opt to add another LB next to the aging DeMario Davis and questionable Kwon Alexander. J.O.K. is a talented LB who can lineup at anywhere from MIKE, to S, to OLB, and do it at a high level. Great in coverage, and can play against TEs and occasionally WRs in the slot. He’s a defensive weapon for Sean Payton.
BUF - Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Tre White gets a partner in crime. Wade falls all the way to 24, where Sean McDermott picks up the best fit at corner for his scheme. Wade is exceptional both in press and in zone, and is an explosive and fast athlete with some swagger when tackling. He can work both outside or in the slot, and while he has some issues against taller and bigger WRs, it’s nothing that cannot be ironed out. The Bills form an elite, top 3 defense with Wade in the fold.
IND - Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
A QB could make sense here, but Trask once again falls as Indianpolis decides to stick with one of the three in Rivers, Brissett, or the Uber-talented rookie in Jacob Eason. Instead, they grab the best safety in the class in Jevon Holland. Holland is a do-it-all safety with great coverage ability, and a lot of range - and he gives the Colts a player they can plug and play at either FS or SS. Malik Hooker simply has not worked out for the Colts due to health reasons, so the Colts grab a long term starter at S.
ARI - Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma
Kyler Murray gets his old friend from Oklahoma. Humphrey is a plug-and-play center or guard prospect in the NFL and gives Murray some much needed familiarity - and at a big position of need. Arizona’s biggest focus should be protecting Murray, and Humphrey is a strong, technical stalwart in the interior, which is key against the NFC West’s talent like Aaron Donald, Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa, and more.
GB - Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Aaron Rodgers will riot if this pick is not another weapon. Despite the defensive short comings for the Packers, they have to take WR here - it’s holding back their offense. They opt for Rondale Moore, the explosive WR from Purdue. Moore is a game-changer with the ball in his hands, a YAC machine who will destroy you in the open field. And that is a perfect compliment to Davante Adams, as Moore can lineup anywhere, from RB, to the SLOT, to outside WR. Aaron Rodgers has clearly missed Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb - but Moore brings what Cobb also brought to the table.
BAL - Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
The speed demon in Marquise Brown is already there - but the Ravens need a true #1. Bateman brings a physical, big presence at WR, something Lamar has not had since college, and something he really needs. Bateman’s sure hands, body control, contested catch ability, and explosiveness is exactly what the Ravens need - as the final piece in a juggernaut of an offense being created. With Mark Andrews, JK Dobbins, Marquise Brown, Jackson, and now Bateman in the fold, Jackson’s full ability as a passer can be unleashed and the Ravens offense with that.
TB - Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
When in doubt, take the Bama player. In all seriousness, there are plenty of options the Buccaneers can go with here - but clearly, reinforcing the DL is the most popular way of doing so. Barmore next to Vita Vea gives the Buccaneers a great duo, with Barmore a perfect candidate to play the 3-tech. He’s raw but plenty of growing room.
PIT - Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Trask finally comes off the board, and to arguably the perfect team. Trask is not ready to start in the NFL day one - but he can be that guy in the future. Although he does not possess an amazing arm, he has all the intangibles, accuracy, and decision making to become the QBOTF in Pittsburgh. Trask’s biggest issue is his footwork - if he can fix that, everything else will fall into place. He possesses the physical attributes to be a star, tall, built strong, and he is fearless in the pocket. The throwing motion is good, but the overall mechanics in combination with the footwork need improvement. Fortunately, he will have time to do so under Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh.
KC - Carlos Basham, DE, Wake Forest
Basically any pick is a luxury pick for Kansas City, but they opt for Basham here. Basham is a sure-thing, he won’t be a superstar, but he will be a very good defensive end. He is strong, big, and possesses both good burst and good technique - and forms a great duo across from Frank Clark.
NYJ - Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
While they could take Etienne here, instead of the next pick right after, they take Carman first - for the 5th round option. RBs are usually easy to keep, but that 5th year option if Carman pans out will be massive. The Jets grab Trevor Lawrence two familiar faces back to back, in order to appease their new franchise QB, who may not have been enthusiastic to be drafted by NY.
2nd round:
NYJ - Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Jets grab another familiar face, this time in the best RB in the draft. Lawrence feeling at home. Etienne has incredible speed, acceleration, and is a complete RB, being able to play on 3rd down. The Jets get a dynamic weapon, a stark contrast to the slow and steady Le’Veon Bell.
JAX - Trey Smith, OT/OG, Tennessee
If Justin Fields is going to succeed, the Jaguars need to step it up everywhere. They’ve addressed TE, now they address the OL, with Smith. Rock-solid lineman with versatility, Smith is one of the best pass protectors in the draft.
WAS - Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
First step in Washington with new management in the fold is building a new culture. Support players - and Surratt is squeaky clean off the field with academic awards and more. But really, this is about football - Surratt is a very good possession WR and fits next to McLaurin well, giving Zach Wilson a big target with soft hands and good speed.
NYG - Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Passing on Sewell hurts - but Mayfield makes up for it. A very high potential player at OT, Mayfield can play at RT or LT, depending on where the Giants shift the struggling Andrew Thomas. Saquon Barkley breathes a sigh of relief.
CIN - Terence Marshall Jr, WR, LSU
Familiar target? Check. AJ Green is likely out of Cincinnati after this season, and Marshall can perfectly fit in as a height-weight-speed freak with production. Marshall can be the #1 WR in Cincy.
DAL - Caden Sterns, S, Texas
Strengthening this defense is key - and the next step is at safety. Sterns fits the bill as a playmaking coverage safety who can play in man or zone, helping this Cowboys pass defense take the next step.
LAC - Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Two tackles in a row? With a QB like Herbert, you need it. With Trai Turner, Leatherwood, Little, and Lamp on the OL, Herbert will have good protection and for a long time with two new bookend tackles. Little is a great fit at RT, with Leatherwood slotting on the left. Good technique, great size, and great length.
DET - Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
Taking the Ann Arbor product, McGrone has sky-high potential as a three down LB with sideline to sideline speed. Detroit gets the chosen one at their biggest need.
MIA - Quincy Roche, DE, Miami
Besides the Miami connection, this is a no-brainer. Roche drops to the 2nd, where Brian Flores picks him up to reinforce a pass rush in need of a speedy, bendy edge rusher like Roche. Big time pick up, as Miami is nailing the draft.
DEN - Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
Von Miller and Jurrell Casey should return next season, giving the Broncos a fearsome trio combined with Bradley Chubb. Twyman is the final piece and gives them a longterm solution. An explosive, undersized DL, Twyman is already an elite pass rusher on the interior with room to grow.
ATL - Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
Narrowly missing on Twyman, they settle for Shelvin, the behemoth DT from LSU - a great fit next to Grady Jarrett, Dante Fowler, and now Kwity Paye. Shelvin can swallow up double teams.
JAX - Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
Fields is in the fold, but that does not mean Jacksonville ignores the defense. They get a good safety in Paris Ford, a guy who is always around the ball. With Josh Allen, Chaisson, Myles Jack, CJ Henderson, and now Ford, they have high potential guys on every level of the ball.
SF - Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Dee Ford is likely gone… so the 49ers need a speed rusher, an athletic one for DL coach Kris Kocurek to mold. While very raw, Oweh is a physical freak with speed, a quick first step, strength, and bend. He is not a finished product, and will be limited to pass rush duties in his first years, but once he develops, watch out.
NE - Joseph Ossai, EDGE/LB, Texas
Bill Belichick runs to the podium for this pick. Home run for NE, as they grab the perfect player they need at LB and the DL - someone who can fill the position that Jamie Collins left years ago. Ossai is very raw but Bill Belichick will savor getting a LB that he can mold in whatever way he wants for his defense. This is a perfect fit.
CAR - Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
A smart, fast and instinctive LB, Cox will not replace Luke Kuechly, but he can help. Next to Shaq Thompson, the Panthers have filled a lot of their holes already - and it’s still the 2nd round.
LV - Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
Cisco gives the Raiders a nice, young, and talented safety duo in their secondary with Abram as well. Raiders continue to strengthen the defense. Cisco is coming off a torn ACL but is talented and was a 1st round prospect, arguably, until his injury.
CLE - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
Odell Beckham Jr is likely done - and either way, Baker Mayfield needs a new target, preferable one that can play in the slot or outside. St. Brown has great hands, great route running, and good speed. Cleveland has a big need at EDGE, but they opt to get their young QB one more target in hopes of a breakout season.
LAR - Josh Myers, OG, Ohio State
They could take a LB here, but Myers dropping this low is a no-brainer. The Rams add another athletic and polished OL. Myers is a good fit for the zone scheme that Sean McVay runs, and fill one of their most pressing needs. Jared Goff is not Jared Goff under pressure - this is the way to keep this offense chugging… investing in the OL, especially in the brutal NFC West.
PHI - Hamsah Nasirlideen, LB/S, Florida State
Perfect fit. Nasirlideen can play at safety or LB, and is physically incredible. Knack for forcing turnovers and he is a sure tackler, and although he has some coverage issues, he is still good vs. TEs and slot WRs at times. Philly gets a tone-setter at LB, their biggest need, or at S, arguably the 2nd biggest need.
TEN - Deonte Brown, OG, Alabama
The battle is won in the trenches. The Titans don’t have many needs, but strengthening the OL is always a good idea.
MIA - Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
Miami is nailing the draft. Faalele is the most physically impressive prospect in this class, with great athleticism despite being 6 foot 9 inches and nearly 400 pounds. He’s a freak, and a perfect candidate to play at RT and protect Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side. Tua is very happy right now!
CHI - Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
Grabbing another athletic, and technically sound OL - Vera-Tucker fits Chicago’s needs well, especially with long-time starter Kyle Long retired.
NO - Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
New Orleans needs a true #2 WR next to Michael Thomas, and Emmanuel Sanders is the short-term for that. Toney is the long-term solution. Explosive YAC threat, Toney is a perfect fit in the West Coast offense that Sean Payton runs, and is seemingly uncatchable in the open field - and he comes with versatility, as a former QB; we know Sean Payton likes that.
BUF - Patrick Jones II, DE, Pittsburgh
The Bills need more from their DL to take their defense to the next level. Jerry Hughes is already 32, and by taking Jones, an explosive pass rusher with good technique and great size. Across from AJ Epenesa, Buffalo has two good EDGE rushers to anchor a DL and give Ed Oliver some help.
IND - Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
He does not have very much burst or an elite first step, but Hutchinson’s pursuit ability, motor, and strength are up there with the best. He’s inexperienced but he has a good assortment of pass rush moves, and offers versatility too - he is 280 pounds. IND gets a guy that they can play 3-4 DE, 4-3 DE, the three tech, or even 3-4 OLB if needed.
ARI - Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Crazy talented athlete, Campbell is raw but he has a ton of potential. Great hips, great recovery speed, and he can run with anyone. Good size, he’s a player that can play in most if not all schemes, with the ability to play bump and run, press, zone, or man.
GB - Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Adding two explosive weapons to an offense that already had Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams is stupid. That’s exactly what happens here - Green Bay grabs their TE of the future, in Jordan. Jordan is a gifted athlete with a lot of speed and explosiveness, built in the molds of the new wave of TEs like George Kittle, Noah Fant, and more. Green Bay now has weapons everywhere and are poised for the short-term with Rodgers, and the long term with Love.
BAL - Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
They took Patrick Queen last year, but they still need one more guy on that defense. While they have a pressing need at safety, Surratt’s potential is too much to pass up. Super talented with instincts, Surratt is a former QB and inexperienced, yet he has shown massive ability. High character and the leader the Ravens need on defense.
TB - Alec Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
Always pick the OL when unsure. Lindstrom is polished and although he does not possess a high ceiling, he should be a good starter in the NFL for a long time. Protect Brady.
PIT - Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Joe Haden is aging and Pittsburgh needs a boost of youth in the secondary to match Minkah Fitzpatrick. Horn has been one of the breakout stars this college season, and it’s a wonder he even dropped this far.
KC - Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
LDT’s status is unclear beyond this season, and besides, the Chiefs have needed a boost in the OL for a while. This is a trend - contending teams without weaknesses will almost always opt to strengthen the trenches.
SEA - Joe Tryon, DE, Washington
Tryon is far from a finished product but would represent the most hope Seattle has had at pass rush in a very long time. He is big, lengthy, has good burst, and good hand placement, and has a very high ceiling. The UW product stays in Seattle.
3rd round:
NYJ - Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
If the CB class was not so stacked this year, Stokes would have had a shot to go in the 1st. Either way, the Jets grab a talented, twitchy corner from Georgia with a knack for forcing turnovers. Stokes can be a #1 CB if developed correctly. Great in press coverage especially.
JAX - Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Justin Fields’ favorite target joins him in Jacksonville. He is really polished in everything a WR needs - great route runner, great hands, and he can contort his body to make some tough catches. He is limited physically, that frame is not going to be able to take an NFL season. He is going to have to bulk up, but Fields gets a classic #2 WR who can play in the slot or outside.
WAS - Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Scheme-versatile, athletic, physical. He checks most boxes - he needs work on his technique, specifically when he comes out of his stance, but moving him to guard would eliminate that need. He can anchor himself well too.
NYG - Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
Prototypical X WR that fits well next to Darius Slayton. Williams cannot separate much, but with his hands and body control, is a great possession WR who will consistently make contested catches. Red-zone threat with upside.
CIN - Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Two-down run defender with upside. He’s got a lot of athleticism and improving technique, but outside of the run-game, he can’t do much right now. Good fit, both for Cincinnati’s needs and also scheme.
DAL - Derion Kendrick, CB, Clemson
Weird prospect. He switched from WR to CB in college, so he is still clearly learning the nuances of being a corner, but you can see what he can be vs. what he is now. Kendrick is not going to wow anyone for a while, but if Dallas can develop him right, he can be very good. Very much a long-term pickup.
LAC - Asante Samuel Jr, CB, Florida State
He is really good with the play in front of him, classic slot corner. Good acceleration and he is a good tackler. He’s scheme-versatile, and with good hips, he can play off-man and press if needed. Good and easy replacement for Desmond King in the slot for the Chargers, especially with the aging Chris Harris. Samuel can get bullied by bigger WRs so DCs need to be careful with matchups, at least til he can get stronger.
DET - Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Quandre Diggs being traded last season left a gaping hole in their secondary. Moehrig is a very good centerfield type safety with ball hawking ability and really good instincts. He’s got issues tackling, but most deep safeties have the same issues. Big time potential.
HOU - Alaric Jackson, OG, Iowa
Protecting DeShaun Watson needs to be the goal - Jackson is a good fit for Houston. Strong with good athleticism, Jackson has played at tackle for a long time at Iowa, but his flexibility and length limit him. He will move to guard - but that’s exactly what Houston needs.
DEN - Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
A tough inside LB with good closing speed and size, Rice is a good candidate as a WILL LB with coverage skills as well. He is a step late on some plays while diagnosing - which along with his size prevents him from playing at midde linebacker.
ATL - D’Eriq King, QB, Miami
Surprise! Well, not really. I expect Atlanta to hire a modern OC, and that means a modern QB is needed. King fits the bill as a dual-threat QB with a great arm. I really like his feel for the game, his arm talent, his improving accuracy, and anticipation, and the natural ability to extend plays and make throws on the run or scramble is great too. King may be undersized, but he makes up for it with his elusiveness and build. Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson succeeded, King can as well. Why not pick Trey Lance in the 1st? No matter what, the QB they pick will be a project. It would be better to invest in other positions early, and still grab the QB of the future late. He’s not Quinton Flowers, or JT Barrett - he’s much more. Great anticipation, strong arm, and he makes plays.
MIN - Azeez Ojulari, DE, Georgia
Really good bend and speed off the EDGE. He is another raw EDGE rusher, which is plentiful in this draft - but Minnesota needs a guy they can develop, just as they did with Danielle Hunter.
WAS - Grant Calcaterra, TE, Oklahoma
Weapons, weapons, weapons. Wilson needs all he can get, and now he has two talented WRs in Surratt and McLaurin, and Calcaterra joins that group. There are massive injury concerns with Calcaterra - he retired due to concussions and then returned earlier this season - but when he was healthy, he was considered a top TE in College Football. This is very much a bet for Washington, but it could pay off massive dividends.
NE - VOIDED by NFL CAR - Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
NFL-ready frame and he’s got really good length. He can hold his own against most pass rushers, speed or power. Athleticism is average though - he is better off in a power-scheme more than anything else.
LV - Cade Mays, OG, Tennessee
Nasty and strong, especially in the run game. Jon Gruden will love this guy, but he needs to get more disciplined especially with his footwork and stance - when he maintains his leverage, he is elite. Needs to get more polished but the potential is there.
CLE - Richard LeCounte III, S, Georgia
Size is an issue with LeCounte, but his ball skills and instincts are great, as is his football IQ. He will be able to start Day One in the NFL - and with Grant Delpit at SS, LeCounte is a nice pairing at FS. Browns strengthen the defense again.
LAR - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Rams biggest need is probably LB - but they wait til the 3rd to grab one. Bolton is a monster in the run-game, super hard hitter and he’s got good instincts to guess the gap and go. He’s limited in the passing game, but once again - he’s got plenty of time and potential to iron that out. Better in zone, as most LBs are.
PHI - Kary Vincent Jr, CB, LSU
Really good slot corner. Super twitchy with really quick feet - he can mirror anyone in the slot. The problem is with his size - but in general, this guy can play. He needs work on his tackling and hand fighting at the line but as a man-coverage type, Philly can’t get much better at this point in the draft.
TEN - Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
He’s just good at everything. Not a game-changing playmaker at TE, but he gets the job done and can do anything asked of a TE. Tennessee will love his blocking and good athleticism.
MIA - Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
As if Miami wasn’t already nailing this draft, this puts the cherry on top. Harris in the 3rd is incredible value - he’s physical, fast, elusive, and does everything a RB is supposed to do. Every-down RB. TD machine and he will always fall forward - he’s the alpha they need at RB, and a good compliment to Myles Gaskin. Another familiar face for Tua Tagovailoa.
CHI - Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
The Bears need that extra #2 WR, Schwartz brings exactly that. Anthony Miller is better off in the slot, and while Allen Robinson is awesome, both Miller and Robinson cannot take the top off a defense like Schwartz can. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands and is still improving. His frame is very flimsy however, and he’s got some issues blocking - but you can see his role in Matt Nagy’s offense.
CLE - Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington
They need a space eater next to Myles Garrett. Onwuzurike brings that and more to the table.
BUF - Dazz Newsome, WR, North Carolina
Gabriel Davis and Stefan Diggs are great, but Buffalo lacks a threat at slot WR - John Brown and Cole Beasley are again. Newsome is explosive, lightning quick, and has very good route running and elusiveness in the open field.
IND - Shaka Toney, DE, Penn State
Another DE? Justin Houston is aging, and if Indianapolis wants to keep building their defense, this is necessary to give DeForest Buckner some help. Toney is not ready to be an every-down player, but as most Penn State products are - he is gifted as an athlete. He’s got plenty of potential as a pass rusher.
ARI - Darius Stills, DT, West Virginia
There are questions about his run defense and is not disciplined as a DT should be. He more than makes up for it with his disruptiveness as a pass rusher. Rare get-off for a DT, and his size lends hm and advantage because he is so powerful and fast with good leverage.
GB - Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin
Hard hitter with ball production tends to work out in the NFL. He’s a fine athlete and is a quick diagnosed of plays, and while his run defense is great, his coverage skills are better. Not often does a LB log multiple interceptions in one season, but Sanborn did just that. Do-it-all LB for the Packers, although he has some limitations.
MIN - Marquez Stevenson, WR, Houston
Versatile weapon with a ton of speed and elusiveness. The production matches the skillset, and he brings the presence the Vikings need next to Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen for the next couple of years.
TB - Kolby Harvell-Peel, S, Oklahoma State
He isn’t much of a coverage safety, but Harvell-Peel is a fantastic run defender and tackler at safety. He’s not a liability, but he is not someone you want covering the back-end on third down either way. Harvell-Peel gives Bruce Arians a piece that he can shift anywhere, from LB to SS to slot CB if necessary, and he can get physical in the trenches and hold his own.
PIT - Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State
Ruckert is a smooth athlete at TE and a very good blocker too. Despite not having much opportunity at OSU, Ruckert made the most of it - he’s got great hands as well. Pittsburgh grabs the future safety blanket for Kyle Trask… and forms a duo with Eric Ebron.
KC - Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Reinforcing this defense again. Adebo is a good zone and press corner. He’s got limitations, but he’s still developing and could be very good in the future.
NYJ - Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
If you ain’t noticed a trend by now, I don’t know what to say. But really, the Jets know that they aren’t exactly enticing for Lawrence. Making it feel like home for him is very important, both for his development and also for the future. They’ve alienated their defensive savant in Jamal Adams, they can’t have this happen again. Ross is mega-talented, but his neck injury last season caused him to drop from a 1st round prospect to a late 3rd prospect. Regardless, if the Jets can get Denzel Mims, Justyn Ross, Travis Etienne, plus two bookend tackles in Mekhi Becton and Jackson Carman - Trevor Lawrence has something he can work with. Ross is a prototypical #1 WR, with height-weight-speed measurements perfect and the production to back it up.
Coventry City v Exeter City (Sky Bet League Two play-off final, Sky Sports Main Event, 1500 BST) The Sky Bet EFL play-offs weekend comes to an end on Monday with Coventry and Exeter meeting at the ... When are the 2019 Sky Bet League Two play-offs? Exeter became the first team to book their place in the League Two play-off final after a 3-1 victory (3-2 aggregate) over Colchester at St James ... Exeter and Northampton will meet at an empty Wembley Stadium on Monday night in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final. After the season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, both will be keen to end an uncertain campaign with promotion to the third tier. The first of the three Sky Bet EFL play-off finals takes place on Monday and Tom Carnduff picks out two best bets for Northampton v Exeter. Recommended bets 1pt 40+ Northampton booking points at 7/2 Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final 2019 Pricing: Category 1 - £60 Full Price / £45 Young Adult / £30 Concession. Category 2 - £48 Full Price / £36 Young Adult / £24 Concession. Category 3 - £44 Full Price / £33 Young Adult / £22 Concession. Category 4 - £38 Full Price / £28.50 Young Adult / £19 Concession In order to use the live chat functionality you need to opt into live chat cookies. To do this click on the cookie settings button below. Alternatively, please email [email protected] - note that live chat is recommended for the quickest response on a matchday. Sky Bet League One Final Day – 8/9 May 2021; ... League One Play-Off Final – 29/31 May 2021. League Two Play-Off Final – 29/31 May 2021. Carabao Cup 2020/21. Round One – 5 September 2020 (alternative dates may apply) Round Two – 15/16 September 2020. Round Three – 22/23 September 2020. Round Four – 29/30 September 2020. Cambridge United moved three points clear at the top of Sky Bet League Two with a 2-0 win at Barrow. Norris rescues late point for Stevenage Vaughan double helps Tranmere to third Their previous three visits included a 2-0 defeat to York City in the FA Trophy final in May 2012. They later beat Wrexham 2-0 in an all-Welsh Conference Premier play-off final a year later to ... Spectator Information for Visiting Wembley Stadium - Sky Bet League Two Play Off Final 2019 793.9KB (PDF) # more files
Matt Taylor's pre Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final press ...
Hear from both camps ahead of Monday's Play-Off Final between Exeter City and Northampton Town.An official EFL video - for more about the EFL visit www.efl.com! Exeter City fell to a 3-1 Wembley defeat at the hands of Coventry City and will remain in Sky Bet League Two.City were denied promotion by the Sky Blues who ... Watch Exeter City Manager Matt Taylor's press conference in full!An official EFL video - for more about the EFL visit www.efl.com! ⬆️ #OnThisDay in 2018... An incredible day as the Sky Blues won promotion to League One, after beating Exeter City 3-1 in the League Two Play-Off Final at Wembley! Re-live the day and the ... Exeter City were narrowly beaten in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final as Mark Cullen’s second-half strike sealed the 2-1 victory for Blackpool at Wembley...
