3-Guys Madden League

Friday, June 16, 2017

3GML Position Group Rankings: Special Teams

Thursday, June 15, 2017

3GML Position Group Rankings: OL

Throughout the summer, 3GML beat writers from across the country will be breaking down the position groups for each of the seven 3GML franchises. The assigned point values will assist with our 2017 3GML pre-season rankings and projections!

OL

BUFFALO BILLS
2017 OL: LT Jake Matthews (77), LG Josh Sitton (89), C Dan Feeney (Rookie), RG TJ Lang (87), RT Mitchell Schwartz (80)
Breakdown: An under-appreciated group anchored by former Packers Josh Sitton and TJ Lang. Aaron Rodgers is annually one of the least sacked quarterbacks in the NFL. Look for this unit to continue their strong play during the 2017 campaign.
Writer #1: 8
Writer #2: 8

MIAMI DOLPHINS
2017 OL: LT Lane Johnson (89), LG Trai Turner (82), C Cody Whitehair (85), RG David DeCastro (87), RT Morgan Moses (85)
Breakdown: Another great line. It doesn't quite have as much top end talent as the Jets, but as last season was evident, they will make it pretty easy for whichever running back is behind them (and that was with Lane Johnson missing most of the season for PEDs). The Cody Whitehair trade allowed for this line to get younger and save money for keeping talent in Miami.
Writer #1: 9
Writer #2: 9

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2017 OL: LT Joe Thomas (91), LG Andrew Norwell (84), C Ben Jones (83), RG Josh Kline (80), RT Marcus Gilbert (88)
Breakdown: A sneaky solid O-line here. Joe Thomas obviously is the all-pro standout among this bunch, but the Patriots have done a nice job assembling the rest of this group. All these guys have experience and other than Thomas are either in their prime or heading into it.
Writer #1: 9
Writer #2: 9

NEW YORK JETS
2017 OL: LT Marshal Yanda (96), LG Zack Martin (92), C Travis Frederick (92), RG Greg Mancz (83), RT Brandon Scherff (85)
Breakdown: Hands down the best line in the 3GML. This is a bona fide Pro-Bowl starting 5. Yanda, Martin, and Frederick are all in the discussion for best at their position in the NFL, while Mancz and Scherff would be serious upgrades for most teams. This line should put fear in defensive front sevens and be a nightmare for game planning defensive coordinators.
Writer #1: 10
Writer #2: 9

CURRENT 3GML POINTS (LEAGUE RANKING)
New York Jets: 90
Buffalo Bills: 87
New England Patriots: 82
Miami Dolphins: 76

Tomorrow: Special Teams breakdown...

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

3GML Position Group Rankings: WR/TE

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

3GML Position Group Rankings: RB

Throughout the summer, 3GML beat writers from across the country will be breaking down the position groups for each of the seven 3GML franchises. The assigned point values will assist with our 2017 3GML pre-season rankings and projections!

RUNNING BACK

BUFFALO BILLS
2017 Lead Back(s): Todd Gurley II (82) & James White (80)
Breakdown: Todd Gurley found more attention focused on him following his 2015 MVP campaign during what was (by his lofty standards) a down season. Gurley would surely offer that he's happy holding the 2016 Lombardi trophy instead of the wearing the league MVP crown. With James White set to fill in admirably as a nice change-of-pace pack, look for Gurley to continue to take advantage of deep coverages (the Rodgers-effect) and to finish with another 1,200+ yard season.
Depth: Kenneth Dixon was a nice addition for depth at the position, but the team will need to find a 4-game replacement as the RB is set to serve a 4-game drug suspension to start 2017.
Writer #1: 8
Writer #2: 7

MIAMI DOLPHINS
2017 Lead Back(s): Eddie Lacy (84), Latavius Murray (83) & Duke Johnson Jr. (80)
Breakdown: It's hard to count out the Dolphins running game. This team is the definition of ground and pound. Due to the nature of their offense, the Dolphins will lean on three backs to carry the load. The complimentary nature of Lacy, Murray, and Johnson should lead to defensive front sevens being worn out by the 4th quarter. One would imagine that they will each have their own packages in the Dolphins offense and, as long as each is OK with ten carries a game, look for more of the same success from this squad.
Depth: D'onta Foreman & James Conner add some great depth. Conner will likely play Fullback to start but is a back of the future. Foreman was a great pickup and with Conner, will likely feature heavily in upcoming seasons.
Writer #1: 8
Writer #2: 8

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2017 Lead Back(s): Jonathan Stewart (85) & Dion Lewis (81)
Breakdown: With the selection of Alvin Kamara, the Patriots chose their back of the future who may turn into their year one lead back. Jonathan Stewart is 'long in the tooth' and Dion Lewis is not an every down back. Look for Kamara to end the season with the most Patriots touches.
Depth: The team may look to add a fourth back to the mix once the pre-season rolls around.
Writer #1: 7
Writer #2: 7

NEW YORK JETS
2017 Lead Back(s): David Johnson (90) & Jordan Howard (82)
Breakdown: The Jets probably have the most versatile back in Johnson. He is capable of 2,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving if everything goes right. Their offensive line only makes this backfield more dangerous. Howard was a steal and only adds to this 3GML favorite.
Depth: Paul Perkins, Dalvin Cook, & Jamaal Charles are all capable in their own right. Perkins is a bruiser and Cook could be one of the best backs in the league before you know it. If Charles can regain a fraction of his old self, look for another weapon out of the backfield.
Writer #1: 9
Writer #2: 10

CURRENT 3GML POINTS (LEAGUE RANKING)
Buffalo Bills: 55
New York Jets: 55
New England Patriots: 48
Miami Dolphins: 42

Tomorrow: WR/TE breakdown...

Monday, June 12, 2017

3GML Position Group Rankings: QB

Throughout the summer, 3GML beat writers from across the country will be breaking down the position groups for each of the seven 3GML franchises. The assigned point values will assist with our 2017 3GML pre-season rankings and projections!

QUARTERBACK

BUFFALO BILLS
2017 Starter: Aaron Rodgers (97)
Breakdown: With all due respect to Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers is arguably still the best and most talented quarterback in the NFL. Coming off his 2nd Super Bowl win (taking the Buffalo Bills where they had never gone before!), Rodgers should ride help his team avoid a Super Bowl hangover and will be in the 3GML's MVP discussion all season long.
Future: With undrafted free agent Jerod Evans as the team's lone backup plan if Rodgers were to miss any playing time, the Bills future rests solely on the back of #12.
Writer #1: 20
Writer #2: 20

MIAMI DOLPHINS
2017 Starter: Teddy Bridgewater (80)
Breakdown: The Miami Dolphins may as well join the Raiders in Las Vegas because they are making a huge gamble with Bridgewater. Before he was injured, he looked as though he may lead the Vikings to the promised land for years to come. One "snap" during workouts changed all that. No one really knows the timetable for his return and how serious his injury is, but the Dolphins training staff must have been encouraged by what they saw. If healthy, his mobility may be a fraction of what it once was, taking away a huge portion of his game. There's promise here but Dolphins are playing craps.
Future: The future may be now if Bridgewater can't play. Jacoby Brissett played admirably last season, but we all know how the one dimensional the Dolphins were with him at the helm. He's not the reason to be excited; Josh Dobbs is. Scouts liked his upside coming into the draft and he could legitimately be the starter in 2 years.
Writer #1: 14
Writer #2: 12

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2017 Starter: Dak Prescott (85)
Breakdown: What an incredible 2016 Season. Prescott led the Cowboys to a 14-2 record before being moved to New England. This kid can play. His TD/INT ratio was 23/4 and he'll look to get better. What remains to be seen though, is whether the sophomore slump hit this year? Not many rookies are expected to learn 2 systems in 2 years, but if anyone can, it's Prescott. Even if he takes a step back, he will remain a fantastic option for the Patriots for years to come.
Future: The future is Prescott. He has only 1 year under his belt and a bright future ahead.
Writer #1: 18
Writer #2: 16

NEW YORK JETS
2017 Starter: Derek Carr (88)
Breakdown: Carr is a true leader who will look to push this talented Jets team over the top while giving the AFC East their 3rd consecutive Super Bowl title. Despite's Carr's injury last year as a member of the Oakland Raiders, the 4th year pro will look to raise his game towards 'elite' status in 2017.
Future: Carr is the present and the future. The addition of rookie Nate Peterman (from PITT) solidifies the QB room as one of the league's best for the next decade.
Writer #1: 18
Writer #2: 18

CURRENT 3GML POINTS (LEAGUE RANKING)
Buffalo Bills: 40
New York Jets: 36
New England Patriots: 34
Miami Dolphins: 26

Tomorrow: RB breakdown...

Monday, May 1, 2017

3GML Draft Grades

Our friends over at http://tbhague.blogspot.com/ have taken a quick break from scouting the 2018 NFL draft class to provide draft grades for each 3GML member.

Buffalo Bills 2017 3GML Draft Rankings

Rd 1: Myles Garrett, DE Texas A&M - tbhague draft rating: #1

Rd 2: Malik McDowell, DT Michigan State - tbhague draft rating: #30

Rd 2: Budda Baker, S Washington - tbhague draft rating: #37

Rd 2: Dan Feeney, G/C Indiana - tbhague draft rating: #24

Rd 2: JuJu Smith Schuster, WR USC - tbhague draft rating: #78

Rd 3: Damontae Kazee, CB San Diego State - tbhague draft rating: #66

Rd 4: Chad Hansen, WR Cal - tbhague draft rating: #75

Rd 5: Anthony Walker, LB Northwestern - tbhague draft rating: #137

Rd 5: Sam Rogers, FB Va Tech - tbhague draft rating: #122

Best value: Dan Feeney, he went 52 overall in the 3GML draft but was my 24th rated player. Feeney is a versatile player who can play both guards and the center position and will likely play center for the Bills.

Worst selection: JuJu Smith Schuster. Overall this is going to end up being a decent pick as his selection to the Steelers in real life was an excellent fit. He’s tough and physical and while he isn’t a dynamic player, he’s solid.

Overall draft grade: A-

The Bills were clearly trying to fill needs in this draft class after gutting the roster following their Canadian Football League, err Super Bowl Championship last season. The team needed pass rush help and added the best overall player in this entire draft. McDowell filled a gigantic need as the other defensive tackles on the roster were below 70s. He’s risky but has big upside. Baker is a good player and he went at about the right time. Kazee and Hansen are playmakers and while they may not play immediately they are solid guys. Walker and Rogers are going to help immediately on special teams and Rogers could start at fullback.

The team did a good job of filling needs and while they didn’t necessarily always take the best value in their selections they came in with a plan and executed it very well. Really solid draft.

Miami Dolphins 2017 3GML Draft Ratings

Rd 1: Jamal Adams, S LSU - tbhague draft rating: #3

Rd 3: Desmond KIng, CB Iowa - tbhague draft rating: #71

Rd 3: D’onta Foreman, RB Texas - tbhague draft rating: #83

Rd 3: George Kittle, TE Iowa - tbhague draft rating: #154

Rd 3: Josh Dobbs, QB Tennessee - tbhague draft rating: #134

Rd 3: James Conner, RB Pitt - tbhague draft rating: #109

Rd 4: Blair Brown, LB Ohio - tbhague draft rating: #82

Best value: Blair Brown, while he’s not a top tier dominant player the value they got by taking Brown in the fourth is a good one. He may not start immediately but it’s clear what the Dolphins value, they want power running and great tackling and Brown is the best tackler in this class.

Worst selection: George Kittle. I don’t hate KIttle but in round 3 it seems like a large reach to take an H-Back who isn’t a top tier blocker.

Overall draft grade: B-

The overall draft isn’t going to blow anyone away, particularly because the team still needs better quarterback play but the pick of Dobbs in round 3 is very nice. He may need two or three years to develop but could end up being a sneaky good selection. The team had a fantastic offseason in consistently getting better and while the team’s draft wasn’t inspiring it was solid. Adams is a great player who will immediately help the secondary. I’m not sure why the team decides they need 11 running backs who all are power guys with no wiggle but somehow they are all going to try to get 125 touches this season. I was hoping the Dolphins would try to become more multiple in this draft but instead it’s more of the same. That’s okay though as Miami is well coached, disciplined, and are very comfortable in their own style. You also can’t forget that the team added an additional first round pick for 2018.

New England Patriots 2017 3GML Draft Rating

Rd 1: Reuben Foster, LB Alabama - tbhague draft rating: #6

Rd 2: Alvin Kamara, RB Tennessee - tbhague draft rating: #31

Rd 2: Quincy Wilson, CB Florida - tbhague draft rating: #19

Rd 3: Cordrea Tankersley, CB Clemson - tbhague draft rating: #50

Rd 3: Dorian Johnson, G Pittsburgh - tbhague draft rating: #62

Rd 4: Michael Roberts, TE Toledo - tbhague draft rating: #145

Rd 5: Nathan Gerry, S Nebraska - tbhague draft rating: #117

Rd 6: Justin Senior, T Mississippi State - tbhague draft rating: N/A

Rd 7: Isaiah Ford, WR Va. Tech - tbhague draft rating: #126

Best value: Quincy Wilson. The guy is a damn good player and to get him in the middle of the second round is a really nice selection. The team really needed secondary help and to get Wilson and a nice piece in Tankersley on day 2 were two very solid picks.

Worst selection: Justin Senior. I’m pretty sure this guy is going to be on the roster and will never see the field. I think the idea was to simply take someone who could play guard or tackle but if Senior plays he will get dominated at the pro level.

Overall draft grade: A-

This was an absolutely excellent draft by the Patriots. The team got a very nice player in Reuben Foster much farther along than he should have been available. They had a major need at cornerback and ended up getting a tier one guy in Wilson and Tankersley is a solid player who can help play in the slot right now. Kamara in round two filled another need they had at running back. Dorian Johnson is as solid as it gets in round 3. I’m not in love with the selections on day 2 but they all made some sense. I think the team had serious needs at safety and tight end and those were the two deepest positions in his draft. The only thing that kept this draft from being a straight A was that the two guys they ended up getting at those spots are clearly backups and rotational guys and they could seriously use a true starter at those spots. The team had a plan, and improved at key positions with good value at each of its first 5 picks. This was the first draft under new GM “CD” and he did a fantastic job. Foster is a gamechanger.

New York Jets 2017 3GML Draft Ratings

Round 1: OJ Howard, TE Alabama - tbhague draft rating: #7

Round 1: Malik Hooker, FS Ohio State - tbhague draft rating: #2

Round 1: Forest Lamp, OL Western Kentucky - tbhague draft rating: #14

Round 2: Dalvin Cook, RB Florida State - tbhague draft rating: #25

Round 2: Obi Melifonwu, SS UConn - tbhague draft rating: #29

Round 3: Nate Peterman, QB Pitt - tbhague draft rating: #56

Round 3: Fabian Moreau, CB UCLA - tbhague draft rating: #23

Round 4: Carlos Watkins, DT Clemson - tbhague draft rating: N/A

Round 5: Bucky Hodges, TE Va Tech - tbhague draft rating: #34

Round 5: Adam Bisnowaty, OT Pitt - tbhague draft rating: #97

Best value: Malik Hooker. To get the second best player in the entire draft with the 19th overall pick is truly the most ridiculous part to this entire draft.

Worst pick: Carlos Watkins. The team had a need at defensive tackle and wanted to add depth there but we’re not really sure if Watkins is a ten sack guy or a rotational guy who's pigeon holed.

Overall draft grade: A

The team got 7 of the top 34 players in this draft class and filled every potential area of need that they had. The team was already the highest rated team in the Madden Universe and did nothing to change that or downplay that. They did end up giving up a first round pick in 2018 in order to grab more pieces in this draft. If they hadn’t done that it’s possible this draft would have been an A+. I’m not sure where all of these players are going to play particularly both of the safeties but it’s never bad to just take the best player available and GM “TH” has shown over his first few seasons that is always going to be his draft strategy.

Best & Worst Picks for 3GML Franchises

As we await the much anticipated Draft Report Card by the esteemed writers at http://tbhague.blogspot.com/, the staff at 3GML headquarters will run through our Best & Worst draft picks for each of the 3GML franchises.

BUFFALO BILLS

Best Pick: It would be easy to list the #1 player taken in the draft, DE Myles Garrett, but the best pick for the defending Super Bowl champions was FS Budda Baker (Washington). Although Garrett 'checks all the boxes' and is an elite athlete, Baker is a true playmaker and will bring passion to the Bills defense. Garrett, at times, took plays off in college. Baker, not so much. The safety flies around the field and will require all his teammates to raise their intensity level to match his.

Worst Pick: DT Malik McDowell (Michigan State) is another player (like Garrett) with 'off-the-chart' measurable(s) and potential but with a questionable motor. The Bills coaching staff will need to motivate him to reach that ceiling (which they no doubt can do). Veteran Geno Atkins will be a huge asset for McDowell's growth if the rookie can match the work ethic and drive demonstrated by his All-Pro line-mate.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Best Pick: Talk about plug and play. SS Jamal Adams (LSU) makes this top ranked defense even better. The Dolphins are known for preferring fast hard hitting safeties and Adams is just that. Teams are going to have to think twice about keeping a back in for pass protection because just the thought of Adams coming on the blitz has to terrify offensive coordinators.

Worst Pick: QB Josh Dobbs (Tennessee) is a long term project. This team needs quarterback help now. Teddy Bridgewater may not be healthy enough to play next season and Jacoby Brissett is a serviceable backup, but not the answer. The Dolphins ranked dead last in passing yards last year and after the run game failed them in a 13-9 loss to the Bills in the Divisional Round, you had to think they would grab a QB earlier.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Best Pick: The Patriots came in with a pretty big hole in their linebacking core and immediately addressed it with the addition of MLB Reuben Foster (Alabama). This is top 5 talent on a team ready to break through in the AFC East.

Worst Pick: Talk about a guy that doesn’t fit into the Patriot Way. FS Nathan Gerry (Nebraska) was suspended twice at Nebraska for academic reasons, which makes you question if the Patriots did their research on this one. Put together the limitation in his coverage and you have a blemish in an otherwise pretty strong draft.

NEW YORK JETS

Best Pick: What to shop for when you are the team who has everything? How about the draft's best at a pair of critical positions: TE OJ Howard (Alabama) & G Forrest Lamp (Western Kentucky). Although the scouting and drafting successes by the league's best front office have yet to yield championship results, you could easily proclaim many more players as the best for the 2017 New York Jets draft class. But Howard & Lamp each fill areas of need for the Jets and will be instant contributors right away for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Worst Pick: Although their trade (with Miami) to move back into the 2nd and 3rd rounds to pick up Obi Melinfonwu, Nathan Peterman and Fabian Moreau yielded the team amazing value, giving up the 2018 1st rounder to their bitter rivals may end up being a tough pill to swallow if the Dolphins end up with a top QB in next year's loaded class. From a value standpoint: Home run again for the Jets. From a rivalry standpoint: To be determined.