CORAL GABLES (FL) -- From outside the quaint, stucco house with a trio of young kids running around the front yard, you'd think you were entering any typical Florida home on a July 4th weekend.
But inside sits a sad, tortured soul who seems relieved to finally get to tell you his story. This is the exclusive interview with the much-maligned and mocked NFL GM who recently became (again) the leader of the Miami Dolphins. Stephen A. Smith reporting.
Smith: So what gives man - I'm just gonna ask: Are you out of your damn mind?
GM: Hey Stephen. It's been a crazy time for sure. I feel bad for all the fans who saw all that talent leave the door, but we're confident we can get back to a competitive level soon.
Smith: But why leave, piss off the owner to the point where he destroys all you build in Miami, only to come back? You guys had Brees ready to sign, Keenan Allen on the cheap, just picked up Michael Thomas, not to mention that defense - And now you got Ryan Tannehill?
GM: You know, he (owner Stephen Ross) made his share of questionable moves to cleanse himself of my stamp on the team, but we ironed all that out now and we're ready to go.
Smith: So, what happened? You gotta give us something man - There has to be something more than what was reported with you just wanting time away.
GM: I can be honest with you. I asked to step away because I wanted real time with my family. I feel like I made some positive changes in my life and now am ready to have a good life/work balance; If you think about Urban Meyer and his time at Florida and now Ohio State, the situation is a bit similar to that.
Smith: But why the bad blood once you walked away?
GM: He (Ross) was mad at me for quitting. He (Ross) said some very offensive things that, in turn, caused me to say some passively aggressive words back to him that caused us both to walk our separate ways to avoid further confrontation.
Smith: OK, last question, since you're not going to give me specifics, what now?
GM: We (Dolphins) are going to stay patient, work with Adam Gase and our new guys, and see if we can make some noise in the AFC East.
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
3GML Position & Team Rankings
As we progress into summer, the staff writers at 3GML headquarters take a deep dive into the rosters of the 3GML AFC East squads to determine (on paper) who the best team in the league is.
Although this practice is purely subjective, the writers correctly identified last year's #1 team and eventual Super Bowl Champions (New York Jets) while incorrectly selecting the AFC runners up (Miami) as the worst AFC East squad a year ago.
Here are the position and team rankings heading into the 2018 3GML season:
QUARTERBACK (x2)
BUFFALO: Aaron Rodgers (18)
The quintessential quarterback who can do it all. Rodgers is arguably the most valuable player for any 3GML team - as he goes, so do the Bills.
NEW YORK: Derek Carr & Lamar Jackson (12)
A good old fashioned QB battle is brewing with the solid Carr looking to hold off the electric Jackson. The team claims they can run a true QB system (a-la Florida Gators with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow), but this isn't the SEC.
NEW ENGLAND: Dak Prescott (6)
The forgotten man in the QB discussion, Dak can use 2018 to reassert himself as a top tier quarterback in the eyes of fans and voters.
RUNNINGBACK
BUFFALO: Todd Gurley, LeGarrette Blount & Kenneth Dixon (6)
The addition of Blount will help Gurley keep tread on his tires as the team moves into the winter months. Gurley can do it all.
NEW YORK: David Johnson, Duke Johnson & Derrius Guice (6)
The Jets have made it clear that this will be David Johnson's last year in New York (Duke as well). With the addition of Derrius Guice, will the three personalities be able to put egos aside to repeat last year's dominant ground attack?
NEW ENGLAND: Alvin Kamara, Dion Lewis & Alex Collins (6)
All three RBs could start on any other team. The dynamic Kamara looks to be the next big star in the league.
TIGHT END
NEW YORK: Rob Gronkowski & Tyler Eifert (9)
The recent addition of Gronkowski makes this unit terrifying. Tyler Eifert (another offseason addition) is super-talented but also shares injury concerns alongside the polarizing Gronk. Can this unit remain health and become an all-time tandem?
BUFFALO: Hunter Henry & Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (6)
Aaron Rodgers leans a lot on the talented Henry while Sefarian-Jenkins adds a speedy TE2 to the mix.
NEW ENGLAND: Eric Ebron & Michael Roberts (3)
Ebron couldn't secure a new contract in Detroit but should blossom in the Patriots system. Had to google Michael Roberts.
WIDE RECEIVER
NEW ENGLAND: Julio Jones, Jermaine Kearse & Malcolm Mitchell (8)
This team seems destined to snag Dez Bryant as well with all the swirling rumors. Julio is the best WR in the game.
BUFFALO: Brandin Cooks, Jordy Nelson & Juju Smith-Schuster (7)
A solid and complimentary group with the speed (Cooks), hands (Nelson) and route-running and run blocking (Smith-Schuster) needed across the board.
NEW YORK: Tyreek Hill, Jamison Crowder & Cameron Meredith (3)
Field stretchers who may be decoys at times and long TD haulers at others.
OFFENSIVE LINE (x2)
NEW YORK: Marshal Yanda, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, Lane Johnson & Forrest Lamp (18)
Again the best unit in the league and perhaps all-time. The group is getting older and better, but more expensive.
BUFFALO: Jake Matthews, TJ Lang, Josh Sitton, Will Hernandez & Ryan Ramczyk (12)
Solid across the board. The addition of Hernandez out of UTEP adds a nastiness to the unit.
NEW ENGLAND: Andrew Norwell, Josh Kline, Ben Jones, Marcus Gilbert & Ja'wuan James (6)
An under-appreciated unit who may well add James Daniels as a stalwart under center by mid-season. This unit compliments itself better than any other OL group in the league.
DEFENSIVE LINE
BUFFALO: Geno Atkins, Vita Vea & Vinny Curry (6)
Both Atkins and Curry may be on their way out after this season due to salary cap constraints. Vea is a perfect fit in the middle of the attacking Bills Red Rush.
NEW YORK: Aaron Donald & Jarran Reed (6)
Donald is the best DT in the game. Reed is a solid #2 whose job is to occupy blockers to allow the talented edge rushers alongside him to eat.
NEW ENGLAND: Damon Harrison & A'Shawn Robinson (6)
Harrison and Robinson comprise the best run-stuffing DT duo in the NFL. Both are perfect pieces to support the philosophy of the NE defensive attack.
LINEBACKERS
NEW ENGLAND: Reuben Foster, Demario Davis & Tremaine Edmunds (9)
The sky is the limit for this group. Edmunds should be free to wreak havoc alongside the solid Davis and the imposing Foster.
NEW YORK: Zach Brown, Brandon Marshall & Mychal Kendricks (6)
This veteran group of LBs act as the focused leaders for the Jets defense. All can run, hit and diagnose plays to get their younger peers lined up and ready to go.
BUFFALO: Zack Cunningham & Reggie Ragland (3)
A solid group, but several notches below the talent level compared to their 3GML peers.
EDGE RUSHERS (x2)
NEW YORK: Joey Bosa & Yannick Ngakoue (18)
Both are tough, technical and fast. They are often impossible to block and share relentless motors. Good luck.
BUFFALO: Myles Garrett & Dont'a Hightower (12)
With the continued focus on an aggressive defensive attack, Garrett should see ridiculous sack numbers as he enters year #2. Hightower is a vital piece for the Bills defensive attack.
NEW ENGLAND: Nick Chubb & Alex Okafor (6)
Chubb never stops working and Okafor has earned his nickname as The Hammer.
CORNERBACKS
NEW YORK: Jalen Ramsey, Desmond Trufant & Adoree' Jackson (8)
It is hard to imagine a more talented group of cornerbacks in the league. Ramsey is often viewed as the top CB in the league while Trufant is similarly skilled.
BUFFALO: Casey Hayward, Patrick Robinson & Desmond King (7)
Hayward and Robinson will lock down the outside while King will look to continue his strong play from a year ago.
NEW ENGLAND: Marshon Lattimore, Ronald Darby & Rashaan Melvin (3)
Lattimore exceeded expectations as a rookie and will look to capture the same magic in year #2. Darby and Melvin can both play at high levels and will not get rattled by any moment.
SAFETIES
NEW ENGLAND: Derwin James & Marcus Williams (9)
James is a potential Sean Taylor clone who can help Williams build off his strong rookie campaign.
NEW YORK: Kevin Byard, Jordan Poyer & Malik Hooker (5)
Byard came on as one of the top playmaking free safeties a year ago while Poyer was a sneaky strong pickup. Hooker should continue to develop after the ACL tear a year ago; People forget he was a top talent from the '17 draft hidden among the Jets diamonds.
BUFFALO: Jamal Adams, John Johnson III & Budda Baker (4)
This trio of sophomores will all play in the Bills scheme. They are all playmakers and willing hitters.
SPECIAL TEAMS
NEW ENGLAND: Michael Dickson & Dan Bailey (9)
Dickson was worth the draft pick and Bailey is a true professional.
BUFFALO: Marquette King & Chris Boswell (6)
King was a smart pickup - The Bills can handle the antics.
NEW YORK: Loc Edwards & Ka'imi Fairbain (3)
The Jets may punt 2-3 times all season. They may also look to 'go for 2' much more this season with Gronk and Eifert as end zone targets.
NEW YORK: (94)
A predictable outcome for a team comprised of many of the biggest names in the sport. Many have speculated that this may be the last year the team can 'keep' a majority of their key players before the salary cap implications begin to test the drafting mettle of the GM. But, make no mistake about it: If this team can continue to develop Carr while giving Lamar Jackson opportunities to make plays on offense, the Jets can be scary. The team has always been led by their all-world defensive unit and scheme - If the offense can catch up, the team should look to repeat.
BUFFALO: (87)
The team has continued to address needs and build a solid foundation around their stars. Despite the obvious advantage of having Rodgers under center, the team is beginning to take on a more old school offensive approach with a Gurley/Blount backfield behind a 'nastier-by-the-year' O-line led by Will Hernandez and impressive sophomore Ryan Ramczyk. The defense has traditionally been Geno Atkins and the gang. With the selection of Myles Garrett last year and the aggressive foundational change toward an attacking 3-4 midway through the 2017 season, the team has begun to highlight their edge rushers while allowing their talent in the secondary to make game altering plays.
NEW ENGLAND: (71)
This score seems low looking at the young, exceptional talent being accumulated by the Patriots. In a year, this team could easily occupy the top spot in our rankings if all players develop according to plan. Step #1 for the Patriots: Taste the playoffs. With Dak Prescott utilizing his athleticism to extend plays alongside the rock solid OL, the Patriots are setup to surprise the AFC East. Julio Jones should command double teams to open up space on the edges for Alvin Kamara and Eric Ebron to make plays. The Pats also own the most cohesive defensive unit in the league with Damon Harrison and A'Shawn perfectly combined to stop the run alongside rookie Bradley Chubb and the most physical group of linebackers in the AFC East. Derwin James and Marshon Lattimore may eventually take the place of Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman as the leaders of the best secondary in the league.
Thursday, June 7, 2018
NFL Top 100 players in the 3GML
A look at players on the NFL top 100 who also reside on 3GML teams.
95. Lane Johnson (Jets)
88. Yannick Ngakoue (Jets)
82. Marshon Lattimore (Patriots)
80. Kevin Byard (Jets)
74. Cameron Wake (Dolphins)
71. Zack Martin (Jets)
63. Geno Atkins (Bills)
60. Derek Carr (Jets)
59. Casey Hayward (Bills)
40. Tyreek Hill (Jets)
37. Joey Bosa (Jets)
20. Alvin Kamara (Patriots)
17. Jalen Ramsey (Jets)
15. Rob Gronkowski (Jets)
10. Aaron Rodgers (Bills)
7. Aaron Donald (Jets)
6. Todd Gurley II (Bills)
4. Julio Jones (Patriots)
95. Lane Johnson (Jets)
88. Yannick Ngakoue (Jets)
82. Marshon Lattimore (Patriots)
80. Kevin Byard (Jets)
74. Cameron Wake (Dolphins)
71. Zack Martin (Jets)
63. Geno Atkins (Bills)
60. Derek Carr (Jets)
59. Casey Hayward (Bills)
40. Tyreek Hill (Jets)
37. Joey Bosa (Jets)
20. Alvin Kamara (Patriots)
17. Jalen Ramsey (Jets)
15. Rob Gronkowski (Jets)
10. Aaron Rodgers (Bills)
7. Aaron Donald (Jets)
6. Todd Gurley II (Bills)
4. Julio Jones (Patriots)
Friday, June 1, 2018
3GML Camp Position Battles to Watch
As spring slowly turns into summer, football fans subtly pass into that 100 days until kickoff window (98 to go!).
Now that the draft and free agent dust has settled and rookies have begun their NFL journeys, let's look at some crucial position battles going on within our AFC East franchises.
NEW YORK JETS
The reigning champs get the leadoff spot here after a dominant run to the title. With their rivals from Miami purging their roster and turning the team over to Ryan Tannehill, the Super Bowl LII champions will now focus on upending the upstart New England Patriots and the Aaron Rodgers led Buffalo Bills.
The Jets have not been afraid to move on from stars on bloated contracts after jettisoning Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor this offseason. The team has also been rumored to be looking to deal All Pro offensive lineman Marshal Yanda as they look to get a deal done with DT Aaron Donald.
But nothing is more juicy than a quarterback controversy.
JETS BATTLE #1: Derek Carr vs. Lamar Jackson
Most writers are not giving the selection of Jackson as much as attention as they should. Yes, Derek Carr is only 27 years old, a proven leader, and fresh off a Super Bowl title. But didn't the Jets win a playoff game with Nathan Peterman and Kevin Hogan calling the shots? The Jets are a defensive-focused franchise and will always go with the best player available regardless of one's credentials.
The Cam Newton experiment failed because Cam turned the ball over too much for Todd Bowles' liking. If Jackson can be electrifying with his arm and legs (a-la Deshaun Watson for Houston last year) and take care of the football, he will be the best man under center for a team build offensively for speed and multiplicity.
Think about it this way. Imagine a 2 back set with David Johnson and Duke Johnson attacking the flats. Tyreek Hill and Jamison Crowder are sprinting down the seams and Lamar Jackson sees a small bit of space in the center of the field; Can your middle linebacker catch him?
PREDICTION: The Jets spend the first part of the season easing Jackson into the lineup with special 'packages' before yielding way to the electric playmaker by mid-season. During the offseason, Carr is sold for a king's ransom bring the Jets more draft capital to continue their run.
JETS BATTLE #2: Brandon Marshall vs. Myles Jack
The addition of Mychal Kendricks led to this potential battle between the battle tested Marshall and the up-and-coming Jack. The Jets are creative enough on defense to get Marshall and Jack both a healthy amount of snaps, so this battle if more of an opportunity to put the rest of the league on notice that the Jets linebackers are good and fast.
Jack has been in Bowles' doghouse in the past (even being reported as on the trade block after his rookie season). but the PREDICTION here will be that a Kendricks, Jatavis Brown, Zach Brown and Jack combination feels like the four who see the most PT (with Marshall potentially looking like a trade option down the line).
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
On paper, the New England Patriots had a potentially dominant first two days of the NFL Draft. Bringing in DE Bradley Chubb (arguably the best pass rusher in the draft), LB Tremaine Edmunds (arguably the freakiest athlete in the draft), SS Derwin James (arguably the player with the highest ceiling in the draft next to Quenton Nelson and Saquon Barkley), C James Daniels who many believe should start from day #1, and DT Maurice Hurst whom Pro Football Focus viewed as a Top 5 pick prior to the now cleared medical condition.
With all due respect to the Jets and their talent accumulation, these Patriots feel like a Nick Saban led Alabama squad re-tooling every year and dominating the SEC.
PATRIOTS BATTLE #1: Alex Collins, Dion Lewis, and Alvin Kamara
The smart teams do not overpay running backs and can find ways to get their playmakers the ball. However, this battle would feel a lot better if the team had one more grinder in the mix. Yes, some compared Alex Collins to former 3GML MVP Chris Ivory coming out of college, but Collins feels very pedestrian. Dion Lewis is a true team player and could absolutely earn a good number of touches for the team. But Alvin Kamara is the true star of the show.
Kamara can do it all and will be heavily featured in the Patriots 2018 attack. QB Dak Prescott can help get himself back to playing at a Pro Bowl level if he allows Kamara to work in space as a passing threat.
Kamara has done nothing to deserve this concern, but, as it is with any running back, durability will be an issue as the touches pile up. The PREDICTION here is that the Patriots move to grab another 10-touch power back to reduce Kamara's touch count as teams make their initial cuts.
PATRIOTS BATTLE #2: Nickelback
Not the Canadian rock band led by 6'1" Chad Kroeger, but the position to watch for the Patriots.
The Patriots drafted Derwin James for the future and to win now. James could play free or strong safety and can be effective as a linebacker if needed. There is no reason to bench Morgan Burnett and Marcus Williams has earned his time on the field.
Here is the bold PREDICTION: Looking at Marcus Williams' Zone (85) and Man (80) coverage ratings (using Madden metrics), Williams will most like make the most sense as the team's 3rd corner in Nickel packages similar to how Desmond King was utilized by Miami a year ago. It would be great to end with a Nickelback reference but I never made it as a wise man.
BUFFALO BILLS
The boldest offseason move made by the Bills brass was not drafting NT Vita Vea in the first round or trading up to take bulldozing G Will Hernandez out of UTEP, but it was the decision to hire the Rex Ryan-like former head coach out of Miami to run the team's defense.
A philosophical switch on defense is hard to justify to a fanbase that saw their team finish as the NFL's #3 ranked defense a year ago while leading the league in run defense and finishing #4 against the pass. The silver lining: The new DC led the league's #1 ranked defense, #1 ranked scoring defense, and #1 ranked passing defense a year ago.
With all that said, this team is all about Aaron Rodgers. With the team adding the speedy Brandin Cooks from New York and Rodgers' former Packer teammate Jordy Nelson, the team seems primed to make yet another deep playoff run.
BILLS BATTLE #1: Slot Receiver
Josh Doctson was the first ever draft pick of this current Bills regime, but he has yet to live up to his first round pedigree. The Bills are not a group to give up on their players, but the strong play a year ago by Juju Smith-Schuster has caused the team to rethink their plans for WR3.
Rodgers has been openly critical (at times) of Doctson for playing with a lack of confidence. Smith-Schuster on the other hand could look to play with a bit less confidence.
PREDICTION: Juju feels like a future Hines Ward for this team and that is a very good team for a group looking to improve their physicality in a brutally competitive AFC East. Look for the 2nd year man out of USC to earn that coveted spot as Aaron Rodgers' slot receiver.
BILLS BATTLE #2: Safeties Galore
Moving forward, expect the Bills to typically employ 5-6 starting caliber safeties.
With Jamal Adams expected to lockdown the SS position, the team needs to find PT for John Johnson III, Budda Baker (a favorite of the team's GM) and Desmond King (a favorite of the team's new DC).
Make no bones about it: This is a nice problem to have behind a pass rush that includes Myles Garrett and Donta Hightower and a D-line anchored by Vea, Geno Atkins, and Vinny Curry.
With Casey Hayward and Patrick Robinson set to man the outside corner positions, King, Baker, and Johnson III are in line to man the FS, NB, and 4th CB spot for a team that will regularly rotate their players.
PREDICTION: Look for King to win out as the team's starting slot corner. Johnson III seems to be the favorite to lineup predominantly at FS. That leaves Baker.
The UW product has already been rumored to be lining up as the team's primary return man and the team has confirmed that they are piloting a 'Predator' package highlighting Baker in blitz packages. The team is also not afraid to keep six DBs on the field during non-traditional times, so look for Baker to make his share of plays in 2018.
Now that the draft and free agent dust has settled and rookies have begun their NFL journeys, let's look at some crucial position battles going on within our AFC East franchises.
NEW YORK JETS
The reigning champs get the leadoff spot here after a dominant run to the title. With their rivals from Miami purging their roster and turning the team over to Ryan Tannehill, the Super Bowl LII champions will now focus on upending the upstart New England Patriots and the Aaron Rodgers led Buffalo Bills.
The Jets have not been afraid to move on from stars on bloated contracts after jettisoning Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor this offseason. The team has also been rumored to be looking to deal All Pro offensive lineman Marshal Yanda as they look to get a deal done with DT Aaron Donald.
But nothing is more juicy than a quarterback controversy.
JETS BATTLE #1: Derek Carr vs. Lamar Jackson
Most writers are not giving the selection of Jackson as much as attention as they should. Yes, Derek Carr is only 27 years old, a proven leader, and fresh off a Super Bowl title. But didn't the Jets win a playoff game with Nathan Peterman and Kevin Hogan calling the shots? The Jets are a defensive-focused franchise and will always go with the best player available regardless of one's credentials.
The Cam Newton experiment failed because Cam turned the ball over too much for Todd Bowles' liking. If Jackson can be electrifying with his arm and legs (a-la Deshaun Watson for Houston last year) and take care of the football, he will be the best man under center for a team build offensively for speed and multiplicity.
Think about it this way. Imagine a 2 back set with David Johnson and Duke Johnson attacking the flats. Tyreek Hill and Jamison Crowder are sprinting down the seams and Lamar Jackson sees a small bit of space in the center of the field; Can your middle linebacker catch him?
PREDICTION: The Jets spend the first part of the season easing Jackson into the lineup with special 'packages' before yielding way to the electric playmaker by mid-season. During the offseason, Carr is sold for a king's ransom bring the Jets more draft capital to continue their run.
JETS BATTLE #2: Brandon Marshall vs. Myles Jack
The addition of Mychal Kendricks led to this potential battle between the battle tested Marshall and the up-and-coming Jack. The Jets are creative enough on defense to get Marshall and Jack both a healthy amount of snaps, so this battle if more of an opportunity to put the rest of the league on notice that the Jets linebackers are good and fast.
Jack has been in Bowles' doghouse in the past (even being reported as on the trade block after his rookie season). but the PREDICTION here will be that a Kendricks, Jatavis Brown, Zach Brown and Jack combination feels like the four who see the most PT (with Marshall potentially looking like a trade option down the line).
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
On paper, the New England Patriots had a potentially dominant first two days of the NFL Draft. Bringing in DE Bradley Chubb (arguably the best pass rusher in the draft), LB Tremaine Edmunds (arguably the freakiest athlete in the draft), SS Derwin James (arguably the player with the highest ceiling in the draft next to Quenton Nelson and Saquon Barkley), C James Daniels who many believe should start from day #1, and DT Maurice Hurst whom Pro Football Focus viewed as a Top 5 pick prior to the now cleared medical condition.
With all due respect to the Jets and their talent accumulation, these Patriots feel like a Nick Saban led Alabama squad re-tooling every year and dominating the SEC.
PATRIOTS BATTLE #1: Alex Collins, Dion Lewis, and Alvin Kamara
The smart teams do not overpay running backs and can find ways to get their playmakers the ball. However, this battle would feel a lot better if the team had one more grinder in the mix. Yes, some compared Alex Collins to former 3GML MVP Chris Ivory coming out of college, but Collins feels very pedestrian. Dion Lewis is a true team player and could absolutely earn a good number of touches for the team. But Alvin Kamara is the true star of the show.
Kamara can do it all and will be heavily featured in the Patriots 2018 attack. QB Dak Prescott can help get himself back to playing at a Pro Bowl level if he allows Kamara to work in space as a passing threat.
Kamara has done nothing to deserve this concern, but, as it is with any running back, durability will be an issue as the touches pile up. The PREDICTION here is that the Patriots move to grab another 10-touch power back to reduce Kamara's touch count as teams make their initial cuts.
PATRIOTS BATTLE #2: Nickelback
Not the Canadian rock band led by 6'1" Chad Kroeger, but the position to watch for the Patriots.
The Patriots drafted Derwin James for the future and to win now. James could play free or strong safety and can be effective as a linebacker if needed. There is no reason to bench Morgan Burnett and Marcus Williams has earned his time on the field.
Here is the bold PREDICTION: Looking at Marcus Williams' Zone (85) and Man (80) coverage ratings (using Madden metrics), Williams will most like make the most sense as the team's 3rd corner in Nickel packages similar to how Desmond King was utilized by Miami a year ago. It would be great to end with a Nickelback reference but I never made it as a wise man.
BUFFALO BILLS
The boldest offseason move made by the Bills brass was not drafting NT Vita Vea in the first round or trading up to take bulldozing G Will Hernandez out of UTEP, but it was the decision to hire the Rex Ryan-like former head coach out of Miami to run the team's defense.
A philosophical switch on defense is hard to justify to a fanbase that saw their team finish as the NFL's #3 ranked defense a year ago while leading the league in run defense and finishing #4 against the pass. The silver lining: The new DC led the league's #1 ranked defense, #1 ranked scoring defense, and #1 ranked passing defense a year ago.
With all that said, this team is all about Aaron Rodgers. With the team adding the speedy Brandin Cooks from New York and Rodgers' former Packer teammate Jordy Nelson, the team seems primed to make yet another deep playoff run.
BILLS BATTLE #1: Slot Receiver
Josh Doctson was the first ever draft pick of this current Bills regime, but he has yet to live up to his first round pedigree. The Bills are not a group to give up on their players, but the strong play a year ago by Juju Smith-Schuster has caused the team to rethink their plans for WR3.
Rodgers has been openly critical (at times) of Doctson for playing with a lack of confidence. Smith-Schuster on the other hand could look to play with a bit less confidence.
PREDICTION: Juju feels like a future Hines Ward for this team and that is a very good team for a group looking to improve their physicality in a brutally competitive AFC East. Look for the 2nd year man out of USC to earn that coveted spot as Aaron Rodgers' slot receiver.
BILLS BATTLE #2: Safeties Galore
Moving forward, expect the Bills to typically employ 5-6 starting caliber safeties.
With Jamal Adams expected to lockdown the SS position, the team needs to find PT for John Johnson III, Budda Baker (a favorite of the team's GM) and Desmond King (a favorite of the team's new DC).
Make no bones about it: This is a nice problem to have behind a pass rush that includes Myles Garrett and Donta Hightower and a D-line anchored by Vea, Geno Atkins, and Vinny Curry.
With Casey Hayward and Patrick Robinson set to man the outside corner positions, King, Baker, and Johnson III are in line to man the FS, NB, and 4th CB spot for a team that will regularly rotate their players.
PREDICTION: Look for King to win out as the team's starting slot corner. Johnson III seems to be the favorite to lineup predominantly at FS. That leaves Baker.
The UW product has already been rumored to be lining up as the team's primary return man and the team has confirmed that they are piloting a 'Predator' package highlighting Baker in blitz packages. The team is also not afraid to keep six DBs on the field during non-traditional times, so look for Baker to make his share of plays in 2018.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
3GML Draft Analysis
It's time for the annual tradition of our friends over at http://tbhague.blogspot.com giving a complete breakdown of the 3GML NFL draft performances.
New England Patriots
The Patriots clearly got a lot better and went into this draft with a very focused plan to get more athletic defensively. The team had a great draft, not taking too big of risks, allowing the picks to fall into place and mixing in guys ready to play and contribute now with pieces that they can develop. It was another exceptional job of team building by the reigning executive of the year and while there were some moves that I didn’t quite fully agree with, the general direction of the draft and the way it played out was probably exactly how the Pats wanted moving forward.
Round 1 Pick 4: Bradley Chubb, DE NC State
This was the obvious move and instead of try to get cute New England went and got a stud pass rusher in a class where there wasn’t much to get there. I think Chubb is going to wreak havoc for a long time and he projects favorably to Joey Bosa and Mario Williams. Really good simple selection.
Round 1 Pick 8: Tremaine Edmunds, LB Virginia Tech
Some people wanted this to be Roquon Smith but to me this was a tremendous selection. Only having to pay him 16th overall money is a really good value situation as well. He’s a guy with rare upside and production combined and he’ll only be 20 when his rookie season starts. Edmunds is someone who could eventually challenge for defensive MVP of the 3GML universe and his versatility is something that the coaching staff up in New England will love to try to utilize. Another excellent selection here and I think a better pick than Smith would have been.
Round 1 Pick 13: Derwin James, S FSU
I think this was a tough pick between James and Fitzpatrick but the Pats went all upside with this pick. James has the potential to be the best player in this draft, I think personally he is a Sean Taylor clone. He’s an absolute monster and even if he doesn’t start immediately for New England, he’ll be an exceptional special teams player and his ability to potentially shift down to linebacker makes him really valuable.
Round 2 Pick 34: James Daniels, C Iowa
Daniels is a good solid football player and this pick made a lot of sense for the Patriots. In a division where Geno Atkins and Aaron Donald dominate, getting a long center for pass protection is really smart. He’s not a power center by any stretch but those guys are quickness guys anyway so the move in terms of strategy is very solid. He’s a high floor guy too, and able to play all 3 interior positions is nice.
Round 2 Pick 64: Mo Hurst, DT Michigan
Round 2 Pick 64: Mo Hurst, DT Michigan
This was a great value pick for a couple of reasons for the Patirots. The biggest reason was that they got Hurst for dirt cheap in terms of contract value being paid about 60% of what the selection was. Getting a player of his caliber for that low of a salary turned out to be a nice move. The other thing was if Hurst is truly healthy he’s a top 30-40 player in this draft and even getting him at 64 is a nice pick. He’s a disruptive player who I think could play anywhere from the 0 to the 5 technique. I do think after losing Nick Fairley to a heart condition that taking Hurst was an extremely bold and maybe unnecessary risk for the Patriots but it’s one that could turn out to be a major plus moving forward.
Round 4 Pick 103: Kyle Lauletta, QB Richmond
Round 4 Pick 103: Kyle Lauletta, QB Richmond
The Patriots worst selection but the team had a high grade on Lauletta as a developmental pick and so I understand it. Every team wants to find a quality backup and someone who can grow and Lauletta clearly fit the scheme that the Patriots want to run moving forward. I think it was a reach to draft him here and his lack of arm strength may not hinder him too much in the real NFL but that lack of ability in the 3GML is going to completely cap his upside. Too rich here.
Round 4 Pick 113: Jamarco Jones, OT Ohio State
I was a little surprised the Pats didn’t try to address their offensive tackle positions before this. Jones is a developmental prospect who likely will need a year or two to develop. I think the position made sense to draft but he’s a year or two away, who will fill that role the next two seasons?
Round 4 Pick 128: Michael Dickson, P Texas
Trading an additional 6th round pick to move up and grab a punter was a very bold move, particularly in the 4th round. He’s an elite guy and likely a multiple time pro-bowler, but that’s a lot for a position where given current “sim” situations punters lack any value. That said he’s a stud and if you really wanted him and had that focus on special teams he’s a nice piece.
Overall it’s tough to mess up a draft when you have 4 picks in the top 34, and the Patriots I think were great with their first 4 selections. This team is going to be much better the next 4 seasons with those guys. Their 4th round picks weren’t my favorites but if Dickson is as good as I think he’ll be, Jones develops into a capable tackle, and Lauletta proves a capable backup, this draft will be a huge success.
Buffalo Bills:
The Bills are clearly a team that drafts for need and it was a bit surprising they didn’t try to trade up to grab Nelson. However, in allowing the team to sit there and wait, they were able to grab more picks, and parlay them into an additional first. The move turned out to be fantastic and the Bills filled their two biggest needs with really top tier players instead of only getting 1 stud. The team constantly hit on high value picks and added pieces they needed while also never reaching for a player. The Bills got everything they could get out of this draft and have to be ecstatic about what they ended up with.
Round 1 Pick 12: Vita Vea, DT Washington
Grabbing a really good player in Vea to fit a scheme switch to a 34 was a very nice solid selection by the Bills. He’s a prototype 34 nose and with the team unlikely to resign star Geno Atkins, Vea was an absolute necessity to fill that role. He’s a good value with the trade back, at a position of need, smart solid if not sexy pick.
Round 1 Pick 30: Will Hernandez, G UTEP
The team wanted Nelson desperately but instead got a free Hernandez by trading back after missing out on Nelson. Packaging those picks, and then moving up into the first round to get the 5th year option on a guy at a position you desperately need was the best move of the 3GML draft season. Hernandez isn’t a dominant pass blocker but he’s a 95+ graded run blocker. An extremely unsexy first round but an excellent one for the Bills.
Round 2 Pick 39: Harold Landry, DE/OLB Boston College
Another really good value pick at a position of need. Landry is a prototype for the Bills new 34 approach and he’s what you look at as a pass rusher for an outside linebacker. If he’s what he was in 2016 in the NFL they got a top 10 player with the 39th pick. Worst case is he’s another pass rushing weapon for the Bills.
Round 3 Pick 71: Harrison Phillips, DT Stanford
What do you know, finding another value pick at a position of need. When you have a hole, it’s really good to try to throw multiple draft picks at it and that’s exactly what Buffalo did here. While I’m not exactly sure if Phillips can play 34 nose or not, I don’t think the scheme fit is great, the value was too much to pass up here. Phillips is a playmaker and while I’m not sure where he projects to play here, adding depth along the d-line is important.
Round 3 Pick 75: Martinas Rankin, OL Mississippi State
My favorite pick for the Bills in terms of value. Rankin is a 5 position lineman who can probably be average on the outside as a starter and maybe excellent on the interior. Worst case if you just drafted a quality player who can back up all 5 positions and likely keeps your a full roster spot available. I think this was a tremendous value.
Round 3 Pick 94: Shaquem Griffin, LB/S UCF
Round 3 Pick 94: Shaquem Griffin, LB/S UCF
I think this pick was a bit strange but there is some logic here too. This guy is definitely a will linebacker, and he can play that role on the interior of the 34 for Buffalo but in the new look defense I’m not sure it made a ton of sense. They may have drafted him to simply be a special teams stud too as that’s where he projects to have the biggest impact. I don’t think it’s a bad move to ever draft someone who is 220 pounds and runs sub 4.4 I just think he’s a tweener but the Bills got good utilization out of Su’a Cravens in that role and drafted Griffin likely to play a similar spot.
Round 4 Pick 106: Tyrell Crosby, OT Oregon
Round 4 Pick 106: Tyrell Crosby, OT Oregon
Meh. Once you get into day 3 everyone is sort of a risk reward situation, I just think Crosby is likely a swing tackle but if you get a quality one in the 4th round it’s not a bad pick. He has a chance to develop into a starting caliber tackle so I understand the move, the team doubled up on another position, with offensive linemen so the Bills had holes along their lines and addressed them.
I think this was an exceptional draft for the Bills. They filled every major hole they had except at backup quarterback and doubled down on helping along the line. No one is thinking this was a sexy draft at all. But overall they added help running the ball and defending the run and those things in this division against the world champion Jets and the emerging Patriots is paramount. Great moves by a ‘needs based’ approach draft team, and they do it better than almost anyone.
New York Jets
This was a bit of a weird draft for the Jets as the team didn’t have really any glaring needs. Having the 10th pick was a luxury and while many thought they would simply take best player available the Jets clearly had a plan in place going into this draft and ended up with a potential quarterback controversy. The team wanted to give itself maximum cap flexibility moving forward and their picks for a team without a need was interesting and although they didn’t probably love what they ended up with, the upside from this teams draft was obviously what they were going for. It was the 3rd of the 3 drafts but there is potential here for days.
Round 1 Pick 15: Lamar Jackson, QB Louisville
Jackson was a reach here probably but the Jets clearly have a plan for Jackson. Todd Bowles said immediately that Carr is still the starter but Jackson is going to “get plenty of PT”. Jackson is a legit 4.35 guy with a cannon and he should be much better in 3GML than he is in real life. With an offense that broke the NFL record for rushing last season, they may be even better in 2018. This move also potentially means that the team could move on from Carr’s contract after this season for very little cap casualty if they choose to build around Jackson.
Round 2 Pic 41: Derrius Guice, RB LSU
Guice was a top 15-20 talent in this draft and his falling this far was surprising. The Jets could potentially lose league MVP David Johnson after this season, as well as the versatile Duke Johnson as well. New York went into this draft knowing it had to get someone who could potentially be a starter moving forward and they got a stud in Guice. The team understands there is off the field baggage and worry here but the kid is a baller on the field. If he can work it out, he could be a monster in year 2 and beyond.
Round 3 Pick 79: Orlando Brown, OT Oklahoma
Yes he had a horrible combine, but the kid’s tape is really good. The team has one or even two full years to develop him into a starter before Yanda’s contract is up. I think the Jets really wanted Rankin and were disappointed to see him go off the board to a division rival, but Brown is a tackle and his upside is good. It again gives the team flexibility for the cap should they move on from Yanda after this next season.
Round 4 Pick 132: Dalton Schultz, TE Stanford
He’s a very boring pick but Schultz was the 50th ranked player on my big board. He’s an exceptional blocker and the team gets to let him redshirt for a season or play him at fullback while Eifert and Howard run around. His blocking prowess means he’ll likely team up with Howard should the team move on from Eifert after one season.
Round 4 Pick 135: Tim Settle, DT Virginia Tech
A depth pick for the team, Settle provides great value here. He’s a 2nd round grade guy who for some reason fell into the 4th. While Donald and Reed are really good there, and Watkins is coming on as a quality backup, the value made sense and you can always use quality big men up front.
Round 5 Pick 138: Genard Avery, LB Memphis
I think other than Guice falling into their lap this was the best value pick for the Jets. Avery is an extremely versatile guy who can fill the role that Ray plays now as a backup linebacker and defensive end. He’s not getting resigned so this allow him to develop for a season before shifting into that role full time in the 2019 season.
Round 5 Pick 152: Cedrick Wilson, WR Boise State
Another good solid value pick at a position that may well need help moving forward, Wilson from Boise State is going to have a shot to make this roster. He’s a good route runner and the team could lose every receiver on the roster in the next two seasons. They needed someone here and got a quality 3rd option in Wilson.
Round 7 Pick 250: Desmond Harrison, OT West Georgia
A complete flier pick, Harrison has round 3 talent but his off the field baggage is huge. He’s got a less than 50 % chance of making this team but the team is looking for someone who can potentially replace Yanda and after missing on Bosnowaty last year they took two swings this season with developmental but high upside guys.
This draft was all about creating potential for cap flexibility. Jackson and Guice are going to play huge roles this season, with them both likely touching the football more than 100 times. The rest of these picks are all potential based. The team wants options moving forward for expensive players, Johnson, Carr, and Yanda. Their draft was based on that. It was a solid if unspectacular draft that will hinge a ton on some of these guys achieving their upside.
Friday, April 27, 2018
NFL Draft - Day 1 Recap
It was an exciting first day of the NFL draft for the teams in the 3GML.
Pick 4 - New England Patriots - DE Bradley Chubb (NC State)
Analysis - After the loss of Michael Bennett this offseason, many wondered if New England would target Chubb if available. The NC State product is a true professional and a locker room leader for a defense that needs some stability following the offseason headlines by last year's rookie sensation Reuben Foster. This was a homerun pick for the Pats in many ways.
Pick 8 - New England Patriots - LB Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech)
Analysis - Four picks after landing Chubb, the Patriots landed arguably the freakiest athlete in the draft in Edmunds. New England already possessed a host of strong defensive talent with Chubb, Damon (Snacks) Harrison, Marshon Lattimore (last year's rookie of the year), and Foster. With the addition of Edmunds, the Pats may got even stronger.
Pick 12 - Buffalo Bills - DT Vita Via (Washington)
Trade Notes - Moved back from #7 to acquire #12, #53, and #56.
Analysis - The Bills were not shy in their public fawning over Notre Dame's Quenton Nelson. When the guard went to the Indianapolis Colts at #6, you could see a collective panic in the Buffalo draft room. The team was able to compose themselves to move back to #12 to grab the mammoth Vea out of the University of Washington. In what could prove to be a fortunate turn of events (see pick #30), the Bills may have won despite losing out on Nelson.
Pick 13 - New England Patriots - S Derwin James (Florida State)
Analysis - If New England did not possess the freakiest and scariest defense on paper after their Tremaine Edmunds pick, adding Derwin James pushed the team over the top. James can play all over the field and will in this intimidating Patriots unit.
Pick 15 - New York Jets - QB Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
Trade Notes - Moved back from #10 to acquire #15, #79, and #152
Analysis - In what has been a quiet draft season for the typically newsworthy Jets, the team shocked the NFL once again by grabbing the electric Lamar Jackson from Louisville. The Michael Vick comparisons are very real. Derek Carr may be a bit confused, but this coaching staff can and will find ways to get Jackson on the field. If he turns into a Deshaun Watson type player, Carr's contract could make him expendable within 2 years.
Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills - G Will Hernandez (UTEP)
Trade Notes - Sent picks #53 and #56 (acquired in earlier trade) to Minnesota for picks #30 and #94
Analysis - For a team wanting to build their lines up in this year's draft, a foundation of Vita Vea and Will Hernandez is a terrific first step. Hernandez is a tone setter for an offensive line unit. With Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers and Todd Gurley looking for another MVP: Hernandez steps in to add youth to an aging and expensive OL room. Look for Hernandez to be a fan favorite of the Bills Mafia.
Pick 4 - New England Patriots - DE Bradley Chubb (NC State)
Analysis - After the loss of Michael Bennett this offseason, many wondered if New England would target Chubb if available. The NC State product is a true professional and a locker room leader for a defense that needs some stability following the offseason headlines by last year's rookie sensation Reuben Foster. This was a homerun pick for the Pats in many ways.
Pick 8 - New England Patriots - LB Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech)
Analysis - Four picks after landing Chubb, the Patriots landed arguably the freakiest athlete in the draft in Edmunds. New England already possessed a host of strong defensive talent with Chubb, Damon (Snacks) Harrison, Marshon Lattimore (last year's rookie of the year), and Foster. With the addition of Edmunds, the Pats may got even stronger.
Pick 12 - Buffalo Bills - DT Vita Via (Washington)
Trade Notes - Moved back from #7 to acquire #12, #53, and #56.
Analysis - The Bills were not shy in their public fawning over Notre Dame's Quenton Nelson. When the guard went to the Indianapolis Colts at #6, you could see a collective panic in the Buffalo draft room. The team was able to compose themselves to move back to #12 to grab the mammoth Vea out of the University of Washington. In what could prove to be a fortunate turn of events (see pick #30), the Bills may have won despite losing out on Nelson.
Pick 13 - New England Patriots - S Derwin James (Florida State)
Analysis - If New England did not possess the freakiest and scariest defense on paper after their Tremaine Edmunds pick, adding Derwin James pushed the team over the top. James can play all over the field and will in this intimidating Patriots unit.
Pick 15 - New York Jets - QB Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
Trade Notes - Moved back from #10 to acquire #15, #79, and #152
Analysis - In what has been a quiet draft season for the typically newsworthy Jets, the team shocked the NFL once again by grabbing the electric Lamar Jackson from Louisville. The Michael Vick comparisons are very real. Derek Carr may be a bit confused, but this coaching staff can and will find ways to get Jackson on the field. If he turns into a Deshaun Watson type player, Carr's contract could make him expendable within 2 years.
Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills - G Will Hernandez (UTEP)
Trade Notes - Sent picks #53 and #56 (acquired in earlier trade) to Minnesota for picks #30 and #94
Analysis - For a team wanting to build their lines up in this year's draft, a foundation of Vita Vea and Will Hernandez is a terrific first step. Hernandez is a tone setter for an offensive line unit. With Aaron Rodgers being Aaron Rodgers and Todd Gurley looking for another MVP: Hernandez steps in to add youth to an aging and expensive OL room. Look for Hernandez to be a fan favorite of the Bills Mafia.
Monday, April 2, 2018
3GML Mock Draft (Trades Galore!)
ROUND 1
#4 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: HB Saquon Barkley (PSU)
With the success of rookie Alvin Kamara last year, the Patriots team up the speedy all-rookie back with the do-it-all Barkley to create the most dynamic backfield tandem in the NFL.
#6 (Projected Trade w/IND) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: G Quenton Nelson (ND)
After striking out on offensive linemen in free agency and the Buffalo Bills publicly enamored with Nelson, the Pats ship pick #13 and #36 to the Colts for the rights to snap up the future All Pro from Notre Dame.
#8 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama)
The Pats cap off their day with the player highest on their board grabbing the versatile Fitzpatrick to complete their secondary.
#10 NEW YORK JETS: LB Roquan Smith (Georgia)
All the chatter about the team grabbing QB Lamar Jackson turns out to be nothing as the team grabs their LB of the future in Smith. The Jets GM is a gambler, but turning down a stud linebacker is too much for him for a project QB.
#12 BUFFALO BILLS (Projected Trade w/NFL BUF): NT Vita Vea (UW)
After a bit of panic watching Nelson slip away, the 3GML Bills pull off a trade with the NFL Bills (thank you Jermaine Kearse rule) to pick up picks #12, #22, and #53 in exchange for #7 and #39 (assuming one of the top 4 QBs remains on the board at #7). The Bills DC gets the man he wants to clog the middle of the 3-4.
#22 BUFFALO BILLS (Projected Trade w/NFL BUF): G Will Hernandez (UTEP)
Hernandez serves as a great consolation prize for the Bills after losing Nelson. The UTEP stud will bring a nastiness to the team for years to come.
#4 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: HB Saquon Barkley (PSU)
With the success of rookie Alvin Kamara last year, the Patriots team up the speedy all-rookie back with the do-it-all Barkley to create the most dynamic backfield tandem in the NFL.
#6 (Projected Trade w/IND) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: G Quenton Nelson (ND)
After striking out on offensive linemen in free agency and the Buffalo Bills publicly enamored with Nelson, the Pats ship pick #13 and #36 to the Colts for the rights to snap up the future All Pro from Notre Dame.
#8 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama)
The Pats cap off their day with the player highest on their board grabbing the versatile Fitzpatrick to complete their secondary.
#10 NEW YORK JETS: LB Roquan Smith (Georgia)
All the chatter about the team grabbing QB Lamar Jackson turns out to be nothing as the team grabs their LB of the future in Smith. The Jets GM is a gambler, but turning down a stud linebacker is too much for him for a project QB.
#12 BUFFALO BILLS (Projected Trade w/NFL BUF): NT Vita Vea (UW)
After a bit of panic watching Nelson slip away, the 3GML Bills pull off a trade with the NFL Bills (thank you Jermaine Kearse rule) to pick up picks #12, #22, and #53 in exchange for #7 and #39 (assuming one of the top 4 QBs remains on the board at #7). The Bills DC gets the man he wants to clog the middle of the 3-4.
#22 BUFFALO BILLS (Projected Trade w/NFL BUF): G Will Hernandez (UTEP)
Hernandez serves as a great consolation prize for the Bills after losing Nelson. The UTEP stud will bring a nastiness to the team for years to come.
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