Weekly Grade and Predictions

What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on? If I would have told you going into the season that the only undefeated teams in the AFC would be the Raiders and Broncos after two games with their schedules, you guys would have said the old man has finally lost it (some of you fucks say that anyways) and had me committed.

This season is nowhere near over but the feeling is we are in for one hell of a ride. Buckle up boys!

GRADES

Broncos
Teddy Bridgewater is making this team his. The Teddy Bear started off slow but came to life in the second half, he was 26 of 34 (76.4%) for 328 yards and 2 touchdowns. Javonte Williams had 13 carries for 64 yards and 1 reception for 10 yards. Courtland Sutton had 9 receptions for 159 yards. The defense had 1 sack with 4 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions. Brandon McManus was 3 for 3 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This was a complete team win for the Broncos.
Grade: A-

Raiders
Derek Carr and company came out and punched the Steelers in the mouth. The defense held them to 292 total yards. Carr was 28 of 37 (75.6%) for 382 yards and 2 touchdowns with 4 carries for 9 yards and 2 fumbles with one lost. Peyton Barber 13 carries for 32 yards. Henry Ruggs had 5 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks with 4 tackles for loss and a interception. Daniel Carlson was 4 for 4 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. The Raiders have a defense, when is the last time that was true.
Grade: A+

Chargers
Justin Herbert and the Chargers played well enough to win but turnovers and what can only be called questionable officiating cost them this game. Herbert was 21 of 31 (67.7%) for 338 yards and a touchdown with 2 interceptions. Austin Ekeler had 9 carries for 54 yards and 9 receptions for 61 yards. Keenan Allen had 4 receptions for 108 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss with a interception. Tristan Vizcaino was 3 for 4 on fieldgoals. Too many mistakes and some crazy calls cost them this game.
Grade: C+

Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs were in an instant classic with a lot off offense and not a lot of defense and it cost them. Mahomes was 24 of 31 (77.4%) for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns with a interception. Clyde Edwards-Helaire had 13 carries for 46 yards and a lost fumble. Travis Kelce had 7 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 1 sack and 5 tackles for loss with 2 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. Harrison Butker was 5 for 5 on extra points. You just can’t turn the ball over on 2 of your last 3 possessions.
Grade: C+

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
This is going to be a flat out scoring fest. The Chiefs are home after a loss and facing a division rival, that is not good for the Chargers.

Chiefs 38 Chargers 24
Spread: Chiefs -6.5
Over/Under: 55.5

New York Jets at Denver Broncos
The Broncos are playing another rookie quarterback but this time they are doing it in their home opener, NO BUENO!!!

Broncos 31 Jets 17
Spread: Broncos -11
Over/Under: 41

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are going home to face the team that all but killed their playoff chances last year in the last seconds of the game, REVENGE!!!

Raiders 31 Dolphins 17
Spread: Raiders -4
Over/Under: 45.5
Last Week: 1-3 Season: 3-5

Enjoy and let’s get it.

AFC West 2019 Draft Classes

JMC, Godfather, Joseph my Broseph…. Thank you. Thank you for submitting content here in MuddledState like only a few of us do showing the willingness to set aside personal shit to add a little something to this joint. My MS Appreciation posts ran short on time this preseason, but know yours and Nori’s contributions the last year have been much appreciated with us parting ways with a few writers. Just kidding, we didn’t part ways, but Robb/Dude/my bitchass have been either busy or just haven’t made it a priority.

I apologize for cutting your week 2 grades/predictions posts a little short, but this topic needed to be addressed.

Clelin Ferrell has not lived up to his draft position, #4 overall of the 2019 NFL draft as far as his tangible production. As far as his intangible production, that’s a little difficult to measure because its intangible (let me know if any of you drizzledicks need a definition). The Raiders draft strategy from 2019-2021 has been well documented, they valued the intangibles moreso than any other team in the league, to establish a winning culture. They took a few reaches drafting high character guys out of high class programs. This should not be news to anyone in this blog, but here we are 2+ years later still talking about the same shit. “Ermuhgerd, Clelin Ferrell was such a turrible pick.”

There has been so much Raiders slander regarding Mike Mayock, Clelin Ferrell and the #4 overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft, that I thought it was worth looking back on that draft at our respective teams’ draft classes to set the record straight. Seriously, look at this shit.

Raiders 2019 Draft Class
1st round pick, #4 overall – Clelin Ferrell – Bust. He’s man against the run, but you don’t draft those guys with a top 20 pick.
1st round pick, #24 overall – Josh Jacobs – Quality starter/Borderline stud. He looked like a stud in his rookie year, struggled with injury and playing behind a lackluster OL his 2nd year.
1st round pick, #27 overall – Jonathan Abram – Looking busty. Year 1 injured, year 2 garbage. Year 3 in the new defensive scheme will be big for his development.
2nd round pick, #40 overall – Trayvon Mullen – Up and down CB through 2 years, pretty high upside but has had some struggles too. The Raiders young secondary hard to judge given the poor defensive scheme and talent surrounding them.
4th round pick, #106 overall – Maxx Crosby – Stud. Not bonafide stud, but stud. 2020 he was coming off of rehab and injury, but his 2019 rookie campaign was huge, and he appears to be poised for a Pro Bowl season in 2021.
4th round pick, #129 overall – Isaiah Johnson – Garbage.
4th round pick, #137 overall – Foster Moreau – Solid #2 TE, would start for a dozen teams in the league.
5th round pick, #149 overall – Hunter Renfrow – GOAT. Beast. Absolute stud. 3rd and Renfrow. Fight me if you disagree with a goddamm 5th round pick.
Other Picks – Quinton Bell – Garbage.

End Results – 3 starters ranging from mid-all pro upside, 1 starter by default with… uhhh…. upside (Abram), 1 backup but starter potential TE, a stud slot WR and whatever the fuck Clelin Ferrell is for a potential middle of the road to possibly potential AFC playoff team.

Chiefs 2019 Draft Class
2nd round pick, #56 overall – Mecole Hardman – He’s fast, he makes some big plays, but has the luxury of playing alongside guys like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Pat Mahomes throwing him the ball. Would he do the same in Detroit?
2nd round pick, #63 overall – Juan Thornhill – Quality starter potential, mid-high upside.
3rd round pick, #82 overall – Khalen Saunders – Some upside as a rotational interior DL but a rather low ceiling.
6th round pick, #201 overall – Rashad Fenton – #4/5 CB, has had a few good moments, but otherwise meh.
Other picks – Darwin Thompson, Nick Allegretti – Garbage, not worth noting.

End Results – 1 starter, 2 mid-high upside potential future starters, and a depth guy or two. They’re one of the most talented rosters in the league though, so they’re a bit of an anomaly in the AFCW.

Chargers 2019 Draft Class
1st round pick, #28 overall – Jerry Tillery – Lol. Had a marginal bounce back year in 2020 after an abysmal 2019. Pretty bust worthy at this point.
2nd round pick, #60 overall – Nasir Adderley – See Tillery description.
3rd round pick, #91 overall – Trey Pipkins – Complete bust from the moment it was announced.
4th round pick, #130 overall – Drue Tranquill – He’s a rotational LB. He’s not good.
Other picks – Easton Stick, Emeke Ebule, Broughton – Garbage, actually Stick could be the little engine that could as a backup QB, but you’re fucked if he’s ever called to real action.

End Results – 2 starters (neither of which you’re overly excited about), a rotational LB and a bunch a garbage.

Broncos 2019 Draft Class
1st round pick, #20 overall – Noah Fant – Quality TE, with good upside. Might break into the top tier of TE’s, might not due to injuries/drops/etc.
2nd round pick, #41 overall – Dalton Risner – Looked every bit the part of a potential Pro Bowl LG coming out of college, hasn’t quite lived up to it. Still plenty of potential.
2nd round pick, #42 overall – Drew Lock – Looking busty, unless the starting QB shits the bed (which is a possibility) and Lock comes in and redeems himself. Otherwise, another big Elway QB miss.
3rd round pick, #71 overall – Dre’Mont Jones – Was a steal at the time. It’s still probably a steal. Looks every bit the part of a potential Pro Bowl DL.
Other picks – Justin Hollins, Juwann Winfree – Not steals, they suck.

End Results – 3 mid-high upside starters, and Drew Lock whatever he is. The rest is trash.

So while you all keep talking about the #4 overall pick (I get it, he sucks), I’m looking at the big picture, and feeling juuuust fine.

Weekly Grade and Predictions

You unlock this door with a key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension – a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into the Twilight Zone.
-Rod Serling

WTF is going on? The division starts 4-0, Now I have seen it all. This is an interesting beginning to the season for us all. No bragging rights for anyone to start. Lets get this party started.

GRADES

Chargers
Justin Herbert came out slinging it like he did last year. He went on the road and lit up what was suppose to be one of the best defenses in the league. He was 31 of 47 (65.9%) for 337 yards and a touchdown with a interception and fumble lost. Austin Ekeler had 15 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Allen had 9 receptions for 100 yards. The defense had 1 sack and 4 tackles for loss. Tristan Vizcaino was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 2 for 2 on extra points. This was a big win on the road in the eastern time zone against a quality team.

Grade: A-

Broncos
Doctor Teddy Bridgewater went to Jersey and surgically dissected the Giants defense. He was 28 of 36 (77.7%) for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 carries for 19 yards. Melvin Gordon had 11 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown with 3 receptions for 17 yards. Jerry Jeudy had 6 receptions for 72 yards. The defense had 2 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Brandon McManus was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points. This was a great win on the road that featured them going 3 for 3 on 4th down.

Grade: A

Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and company came to life in the second half to pull this game out against a good Browns team. Mahomes was 27 of 36 (75%) for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns with 5 carries for 18 yards and a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire 14 carries for 43 yards with 3 receptions for 29 yards. Tyreek Hill had 11 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 2 sacks and 4 takles for loss with an interception. Harrison Butker was 2 for 2 on fieldgoals and 3 for 3 on extra points.

Grade: A-

Raiders
Derek Carr and company started slow and were down against a team that has not lost when leading by 14 points since 2004. Carr was great in the second half leading his team to the win. Carr was 34 of 56 (60.7%) for 435 yards and 2 touchdowns and a interception with 4 carries for 6 yards. Josh Jacobs had 10 carries for 34 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 reception for 6 yards. Darren Waller had 10 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. The defense had 3 sacks with 4 tackles for loss with 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. This was one of the best wins this team has had in years.

Grade: A

 

PREDICTIONS

Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Broncos are going up against a rookie quarterback, Von Miller is getting his BBQ pit ready for the feast.

Broncos 27 Jaguars 17
Spread: Broncos -6
Over/Under: 45.5

Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Raiders are heading to the east coast to play a team with one of the best defenses in the game, OUCH!

Steelers 27 Raiders 20
Spread: Raiders +6
Over/Under: 48.5

Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Chargers
Strap in because this game is going to be a flat out scoring fest with the winning team having the ball last.

Chargers 31 Cowboys 27
Spread: Chargers -3
Over/Under: 55

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens
This game is going to see some serious offensive explosive play and will not be close or pretty.

Chiefs 37 Ravens 20
Spread: Chiefs -4
Over/Under: 55.5
Week 1: 2-2

 

Football is back and this was a fantastic first week for the division. On a different note, fuck all you haters that sat up waiting, wishing and praying the Raiders would lose in primetime so you could talk trash all week (Lord or should I say Lady, especially you).

NFL Season Kickoff and Predictions

What an insane year. Corona Virus, masks and vaccines. The attempted coup at the Capital, politics…………enough said. It is all over and something REALLY important is about to happen, the start to a new year of NFL Football.

It is that glorious time where each and every fan has hope that his/her team will make it to the playoffs and maybe even a Superbowl run.

The AFC West has been owned by the Kansas City Chiefs of late. They are the back to back AFC Champions as well. They spent the off-season completely retooling their offensive line after being exposed in the Superbowl by Tampa Bay. Mecole Hardman will be moving into the starting line-up opposite Tyreek Hill. They are the odds-on favorite to repeat as champions if the offensive line holds up

The Denver Broncos biggest additions were already on the team. Getting Von Miller and Courtland Sutton back from season ending injury is huge for them. They then brought in Teddy Bridgewater who won the starting quarterback position. This is the team that is hardest to predict. They have the pieces to make it to the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Chargers found their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Offensive Rookie of the Year. They also get a huge upgrade on defense with the return of Derwin James. This team does not have a lot of holes and will be in contention if they become more balanced of offense. The have stars at every level on defense.

The Las Vegas Raiders are the biggest wildcards in this division. They also retooled their offensive line in the off-season. The biggest addition was bringing in Gus Bradley to run the defense. This team will either be very competitive or a flat out shit show.

 

PREDICTIONS

Los Angeles Chargers at Washington Football Team

This game will feature a great offense against a great defense. Going on the road to play in the humidity of the east coast equals a difficult task.

WFT 27 Chargers 21

Spread: Chargers -1

Over/Under: 44.5

 

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs

This game will be won in the trenches, the Browns defensive line against the Chiefs offensive line. This one should be good.

Chiefs 31 Browns 24

Spread: Chiefs -6

Over/Under: 53

 

Denver Broncos at New York Giants

This return of Sutton and Miller will be the difference in this game. With that said, it will be a low scoring but highly competitive game.

Broncos 23 Giants 20

Spread: Broncos -2.5

Over/Under: 42

 

Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders in primetime against a team that features a great defense and a incredibly mobile quarterback, NO BUENO!

Ravens 31 Raiders 23

Spread: Raiders +4.5

Over/Under: 51

 

Football is back and not a second too soon. No more politics and other bullshit, time for something important. Let the good times roll and let me start the season off correctly:

FUCK GRUDEN!

FUCK YOUR TEAM!

FUCK OFF!

Balls 2021 AFCW Predicktion

That’s a WRAP on the 2021 NFL Preseason for the AFCW, which means its time for my final AFCW Predicktions. The teams got through the preseason relatively healthy, with only a few small injuries. The Raiders did end up a little thin at LB, so they elected to trade for Denzel Perryman one of PFF’s top 3 rated LB’s in 2020 to play for his old defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. They appeared to shore up that position prior to the start of the season.

The Chiefs enter the season as large favorites to win the AFCW, and I see no reason to disagree with that. They have been significantly better and more consistent the last couple years than the other teams, with only the Raiders providing them a bit of a challenge in 2020, splitting the series and looking very evenly matched throughout 8 quarters of football. The Raiders lacked the consistency and overall quality of defensive play to make a strong push down the stretch.

The Chargers and Broncos have numerous areas to improve in order to be contenders in the AFCW. The Chargers elected to revamp the coaching staff around their star young QB Justin Herbert. They brought in some quality offensive lineman to give the QB time, but many question marks remain, particularly on the defensive side of the ball and the lack of experience in the new coaching staff. Meanwhile, the Broncos elected to bring in QB Teddy Bridgewater in the hopes to gain more consistency and improve on their -16 turnover differential, which was last in the league. They addressed the offensive line and brought in some new corners to hopefully improve the pass defense in 2021.

My predicktions are as follows:

Chiefs – 13-4 – Barring injury, the Chiefs are still the class of the division by at least two or 3 games. Their season begins in January. Fuck them.

Raiders – 10-7 – The Raiders continue to steadily improve under Gruden and Mayock, with the offense leading the way. The defense finally shows signs of life after several years of disappointment under Paul Guenther. They finally get back to the playoffs, and Derek Carr gets his 1st playoff start in his 9th season. GOAT.

Chargers – 8-9 – Too many holes to fill in one offseason, too much uncertainty around the coaching staff and getting everyone on the same page. They will flash at times, but will lack consistency to make the playoffs in 2021. Justin Herbert shines, Keenan Allen has another strong campaign, but the rest of the pieces on O and all 3 levels on defense leave a bit to be desired.

Broncos – 6-11 – Another year, another new QB starting in Denver makes for another year of up and down offensive output, mostly down. Denver does have some weapons to throw to, I’m just not sure they have the QB situation to fully utilize them.

AFCW MVP – Patrick Mahomes, easily.

AFCW Offense POY – Travis Kelce, easily.

AFCW Defensive POY – Justin Simmons edges out Derwin James.

AFCW Offensive ROY – Not many to choose from here, but Javonte Williams should be in for a nice season only sharing carries with MGIII and Mike Boone out for the season. A few quality rookie OL throughout the division, but don’t typically get the shiny hardware.

AFCW Defensive ROY – Trevon Moehrig gets the INT’s necessary to edge out Surtain and Samuel, Jr.

Just a casual reminder that my Predicktions for the AFCW have been pretty spot on for a number of years. I do tend to miss on one team but only one, and outside of 2017, it is never the Raiders. So think of that as you proceed to tell me how wrong I am.

Enjoy the season. Fuck your teams.

AFCW Training Camp Notes

AFCW Training camp news and notes:

Broncos:

  • Through two weeks of training camp practice, neither Drew Lock nor Teddy Bridgewater has elevated himself into an obvious leader in the race to become the Broncos’ starting quarterback in 2021. “Once we settle on a quarterback as the starter, obviously we’ll do the things that he does well and feels comfortable executing, and the rest of the team feels that too,” Fangio said.
  • 3 RB’s getting carries? FA RB Mike Boone has had a good camp and could make his way into the RB rotation. “Mike is a good running back; he’s got juice, he’s explosive, he’s decisive and he runs hard for a guy that’s maybe on the small side, but he doesn’t play small,” Fangio said. “Mike is not a guy to fall asleep on.”
  • 2021 3rd round pick, Quinn Meinerz, working with the 2nd Though the Broncos suggested there would be an open competition for the starting job at that position during training camp, Fangio said when it opened that Meinerz “first has to show that it needs to be a competition.” Meinerz has had a few fumbled exchanges during the first two weeks of camp and has often worked on snaps with Lock during team periods. All of this is a to-be-expected progression for a player making the leap in competition Meinerz is making.

Chargers:

  • The Chargers held their 10th training camp practice Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium with a select number of fans in attendance.
  • Linsley left practice after the first-team offense’s third possession because of a foot injury. He walked off with trainers and did not return to the field until practice was over. But he was out playing with his family after practice and did not have noticeable brace or wrap on his foot. Staley said Linsley likely would have kept playing if it was a real game. “Just making sure that we’re careful,” Staley said.
  • Michael Badgley went 3-6 during the scrimmage and was booed off the field. LOL

CHIEFS:

  • Mahomes is still really good.
  • Chris Jones dominating the LOS. He continued his impressive camp with powerful repetitions. In the team period, Jones, as the defensive end, used his bull rush against rookie right tackle Lucas Niang to pressure Mahomes into a short pass to wide receiver Gehrig Dieter that gained just a few yards. Later in the period, Jones used his 6-foot-6 frame to deflect Mahomes’ pass at the line of scrimmage. Mahomes responded a few seconds later by patting Jones’s helmet.
  • No fighting on Andy’s watch. As one of the league’s oldest coaches, Reid, 63, who is entering his 23rd season as a head coach, has never wanted his camps to be highlighted by teammates fighting. Reid explained Thursday why the Chiefs should never let their competition on the field lead to players punching one another. “We try to go at a fast pace and try to get as many plays in,” Reid said. “You get in a fight and it kind of drains the system. You’re not going to be doing very good the next play — and that’s what you’re putting on tape. We try to keep the tempo up. “I’m not big on fighting. This isn’t ultimate fighting. This is football.”

RAIDERS:

  • Raiders seem set with 6 WR’s. The trio of Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards and Hunter Renfrow has consistently run with the first-team offense, and their backup lineup has been stable as well: John Brown, Zay Jones and Willie Snead IV. Brown and Jones have been interchangeable at the “X” and “Z” positions, while Snead has been a mainstay at slot receiver behind Renfrow.
  • Morrow and Littleton leading the way at LB. Morrow and Littleton are in position to take the most snaps at the second level of the defense. Nick Kwiatkoski has been the third linebacker in the rotation when Bradley has gone to a traditional 4-3 base, so he’s technically still a starter, but his inconsistencies in pass coverage are likely contributing to him being used less frequently in the nickel package. “I really like (Morrow),” Bradley said last week. “It’s very important for him to take charge of the defense and he’s in that position where he’s able to do that. So far so good with him. I really, really enjoy him, like his leadership and like his attention to detail playing that position.”
  • 2021 #17 overall pick, Alex Leatherwood, looking the part. “I think it’s probably exceeding what we were hoping for this early in camp,” offensive line coach Tom Cable said Saturday. “Just getting Alex settled and learning what the pro game’s about and getting him as many reps as we can against a guy like Yannick has been really good. But in terms of the camaraderie and the jelling of the group, it’s been outstanding. Those guys, really if you think about it, most of them have been together for a year or two already. So, it was a matter of just plugging Alex in and getting Andre ready to go. And so far, so good.”

TL:DR Fuck your teams.

Your pal,

Nori

Muddled State Contributor Appreciation Post…. per Balls

In the 2nd edition of Balls’ sappy MS Appreciation posts, I want to recognize to more OG’s. Two that were crucial in the process of migrating from ESPN to Facebook, to Shootgap, and finally to MuddledState. They might not be here much anymore, or even at all, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be grateful for them getting us here. They’re Broncos fans, but for a week or two maybe we can look past that.

TheDudeAbides and McNutty… thanks for all your past, present, and future contributions to MuddledState. You are good dudes and without your efforts, we might never made it away from the dreadful AFC West Facebook Fan Page (Yikes!).

Thanks again. FO!

Muddled State Contributor Appreciation Post…. per Balls

“We are in the NFL offseason folks, the dog days of summer. While I do still fully expect the Denver Broncos to be in the news for the Aaron Rodgers trade sweepstakes in the coming weeks, it should be pretty uneventful in NFL news for the next several weeks otherwise.

I haven’t been contributing much, which is good for my personal life, but not so more for my alter ago, Balls from Muddled State. First of all, thank you everyone that keeps this place fun for the time we want to get away from our “normal lives.” This community has been such a good escape, a brotherhood of a bunch of odd ducks from all walks of life here in the US of A. We disagree sometimes, usually respectfully, but we all share many core values including family and football.

I am going to re-dedicate myself as a contributor to this joint for a couple months, not because my football team warrants it, but I think this community warrants it. I intend to post about some/most/maybe all of the folks that make this joint what it is, in appreciation posts.

The first contributor I’d like to thank, is one of the main life bloods that keeps MS going: Sir Robb Fett.

Robb, you might not even see this because your lame ass is never here anymore, but thank you. Without you, this community might have been dead in the water after the ESPN/Facebook era. You helped get us through not only those transitions, but then ShootGap and now MuddledState. That was over 10 years ago. Not a “thanks for getting us through the last 6 months, or a year,” this is a thank you for the last 10+ years of going the extra mile for a couple dozen random schmuck’s from the interwebs.

Your witty, passive aggressive, asshole-ish posts have undoubtedly ruffled many of feathers here, but your overall generosity has not gone unnoticed. Now, put your personal life priorities aside, and come home…. to MuddledState. We need you here, I need you on Fortnite, Lord needs you in the bedroom. Come back to us.

Thank you, Robb.”

-Balls, probably

MS Draft Review

AFCW DRAFT RECAP:

Broncos:

General Paton’s first draft with the team and from the outside looking in, it was a good one. Despite the obvious need at QB, he went BPA at 9 by selecting Patrick Surtain, who looks to be the next great Alabama CB. Did you really think he was going to put his job on the line to draft a QB with Vic Fangio as HC? LOL Hell no. Paton then went on to let his nuts hang a little in the 2nd by moving up for RB Javonte Williams, and rounded out day 2 with a few other solid prospects in Quinn Meinerz and Baron Browning. With 6 more selections on day 3, Paton was able to find good value in the 5th round with two safeties, Caden Sterns and Jamar Johnson. No clue who the fuck the others are, but hard to imagine 10 draft picks make the roster anyway.

Best pick: Patrick Surtain – CB wasn’t a need, but Surtain has all the tools to be a top 5 CB in the league and it sounds like they’ll use him to cover the likes of TE’s Kelce, and Waller.

Worst pick: Javonte Williams – Paton moved up to 35, and I thought for sure it was to steal Tevin Jenkins and solidify both OT spots. Nothing against Williams, but Paton had the opportunity to shore up his OL for the foreseeable future.

Grade: B+

 

Chargers:

Holy shit TT finally drafted a LT in the first round. Rashawn Slater being on the board at 13 was best case scenario for the Chargers. Some think he may be better suited as a G, but either way they get a solid OLman to help protect their golden goose, Herbert. TT hit paydirt again early on day 2 with Asante Samuel Jr and Josh Palmer, but then things went south with the pick of Tre McKitty and pretty much the rest of their draft. Rumph had a productive college career but is drastically undersized for NFL level competition. Maybe after picking Slater, Samuel, and Palmer, TT just said fuck it, and took the rest of the weekend off.

Best pick: Slater is the easy answer, but I’m rolling with Palmer. He’s a big X that should be ready to contribute for Herbert in year 1 and a solid compliment to KA.

Worst pick: Tre McKitty. BuT hE’s A gOoD rUn BlOcKeR. IDGAF. The guy had 6 recs last season for UGA. He had UDFA written all over him.

Grade: B

 

Raiders:

Hate to say I told you so, but… I fucking told you so. Mayock and Gruden definitely have a type with their rd 1 selections, and I saw it coming from a mile away. I think Leatherwood will be a good player, but there were better OT’s on the board, and the value of the pick was horrible. Mayock even admitting as much in a post draft interview. Day 2 was a drastic improvement from day 1 with the trade up to go get Trevon Moehrig (pronounced “Mer-ig” I believe, but MO-rig sounds way fucking cooler), the consensus #1 FS in the draft. Then went on to draft Malcolm Koonce, who I didn’t even know existed until Friday, and Pimp of the Year candidate, Divine Deablo, who they view as a “joker” or WILL prospect. With only 3 picks on Day 3, Mayock used the most of them to move up for Tyree Gillispie, another S prospect, and a few other guys who aren’t even worth mentioning.

Best pick: Trevon MO-rig. I guess there was an issue regarding a back injury during his pro day which made him fall, but is 100% and ready to roll. Landing him in the 2nd was best case scenario for the Raiders.

Worst pick: Malcolm Koonce. I don’t view Leatherwood as a worst pick because he’ll fill a huge hole at RT, so Koonce it is. Mainly because I just don’t know who TF he is.

Grade: C+

 

Chiefs:

Veach and Fat Andy’s best work came the week before the draft with the trade for LT Orlando Brown which left them w/out a first round pick. Still, they were able to find good value in the 2nd round with LB Nick Bolton, and OL Creed Humphrey. Humphrey will be apart of KC’s new look OL and should slot right into C or G and help prevent Mahomes from getting his ass kicked again like he did in that brutal SB loss to the Buccs. Day 3 was a whole lot of meh, with 4 picks in total, most notably Trey Smith, an OL from Tennessee who has battled blood clots in his lungs. Ouch.

Best pick: Creed Humphrey. Good value and will start week 1. Didn’t give up a single sack his entire collegiate career. And with a name like Creed, this guy fucks.

Worst pick: Trey Smith unfortunately. The talent is there, but the medical red flags are significant. For his sake, and not the fucking Chiefs, I wish him the best.

Grade: B-

 

And there you have it folks, another draft in the books. And another draft review that I’m probably wrong on 90% of the time. Regardless, fuck your teams.

 

Your pal,

Nori