Wednesday, October 12, 2022

2022 3GML Season - Week 5

 New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

LONDON - The Green Bay Packers couldn't overcome the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and dropped their first game of the season 37-14 to the New York Giants (4-1).  Tagovailoa missed with a concussion and backups Sam Howell and Drew Lock both struggled in their play.

The Packers (4-1) will have to figure out a better plan next week as Tagovailoa doesn't appear likely to clear concussion protocol by Sunday.  Howell looked inexperienced throwing mutliple interceptions and taking unnecessary sacks, while Lock showed flashes but ultimately turned the ball over two times himself.  

Coach Matt LaFleur stated, "We'll have to look at the tape and practice this week to see who we start if Tua can't go."

Regardless, look for a more run heavy offense as the Packers host the Jets in week six.

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE - With Hurricane Ian working its way through Florida, the Houston Texans (4-1) outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-14.  Weather was the defining factor in this game as the teams saw gusts of up to 90 miles per hour.  The NFL was insistent that the teams get the game in before the hurricane arrived, but the Ian had other plans and the outer edge arrived early.

Jacksonville (1-5) looked unprepared to play in these conditions and surprisingly came out throwing the ball on a majority of plays.  This led to six interceptions from Trevor Lawrence and the inability for the Jaguars to stay close.

"I just call the plays that are called man," Lawrence said.  "You'll have to talk to coach on why we we throwing it with trees being uprooted outside."

Special teams were also severely impacted as punts into the wind traveled an average of less than ten yards.  The game was very reminiscent of the 2017 AFC Championship between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, often referred to as the Wind Bowl, where the teams were unable to punt with the ball traveling almost backwards once it was up in the air.

In this one, Coach David Shaw smartly played Malik Willis the entire game and used his legs to move the ball.  With the Texans relying on the quarterback's speed, they were able to minimize the wind and score points when they needed.  

Willis, who ended with three rushing touchdowns for the Texans, said, "That was crazy, man.  I don't know if I've every playing in weather that bad.  Coach had a great game plan and I was just happy I could help our team get the W today."

Houston has their bye next week and will probably need the extra time to get dry after this one.

San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE - The Carolina Panthers (1-4) continued their downward spiral as the visiting San Francisco 49ers dominated from start to finish, walking away with a 31-0 shutout.  The 49ers (4-1) again used the legs of quarterback Justin Fields, who rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns on the day.  Fantasy football owners everywhere are thrilled with the prospect of having additional running back stats on their roster as Fields is on pace to rush for over 1700 yards on the season.

Defensively, the 49ers held the Panthers to 243 yards of total offense and recorded six sacks on the day.  Four of those were by Brian Burns who is on pace for a breakout year in San Francisco.

"Just happy to help this team win," Burns said.  "Not sure I'd want to be on that Carolina team right now."

Word has already leaked that the Panthers plan to fire head coach Matt Rhule tomorrow and will look to start anew once again.

As for the 49ers, the stay in the AFC South next week as they take on the Atlanta Falcons.


Thursday, October 6, 2022

2022 3GML Season - Week 4

 Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers lost their first game of the season Sunday to the visiting Los Angeles Rams (2-2).  The 49ers were hampered by two lost fumbles and a lack of points on offense as the Rams did just enough to walk away with the 17-10 win.

The Niners (3-1) had a chance late to try and tie things up after a rarely-called pass interference on a Hail Mary gave them the ball on the 10 yard line with one second left.  Justin Fields, who has been electric with his legs all year, took off on a scramble and was tackled on the one yard line, denying San Francisco the chance for overtime.

The 49ers will try to get back on track next week against the Carolina Panthers.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans used a stifling defense and timely offense to take down the Los Angeles Chargers 22-17 in week four.  The Texans (3-1) kept Justin Herbert from getting in rhythm all game but mixing up coverages and forcing the Chargers (2-2) to take short completions.  The few times Herbert tried to force things down field, he found himself intercepted or the receiver blanketed in coverage.

"Trying to lean on the strength of this team," Coach David Shaw said.  "We know they have a special quarterback over there but this defensive unit was ready and I'd put them up against anyone."

Offensively, Houston did just enough and rode the hot hand of Gardner Minshew in the second half to keep things out of reach.  After four weeks, it appears that the Texans have the offensive line they desperately need with two unproven quarterbacks to protect.  Minshew was able to throw from a clean pocket most of the day and had plenty of time to connect with his receivers down field.

Houston will look to keep pace in the AFC next week when it takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

New England Patriots @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers (4-0) stayed undefeated after taking down the injured New England Patriots 17-9 Sunday in Green Bay.  New England (1-3) was down starting quarterback Mac Jones after an ankle injury last week and turned to rookie Bailey Zappe who was starting his first NFL game.

The Packer defense was stout in this one, forcing Zappe to throw the ball away all afternoon.  When Zappe did throw it in play, the corner-duo of Casey Hayward and Patrick Surtain II made life difficult, forcing three interceptions (two by Hayward and one by Surtain).

"Never heard of the guy, Billy Zabka? Is that his name?" said Hayward. "Anyway, no matter who it is, rookie or Tom Brady, our mantra is 'No Mercy.'"

Not everything was a positive after the game, though, as the Packers learned quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and his outlook for next week is doubtful.

"Just an unfortunate situation," Coach Matt LaFleur said. "As he was getting tackled, a player swept his leg and he fell awkwardly."

The Packers will have to rally their quarterback room quickly as they head to London next week to take on the New York Giants.  LaFleur has already indicated that rookie Sam Howell will get the start if Tagovailoa can't go.

"I'll be ready. They're going to have to take me out in a body bag to stop me from playing." Howell said.


Thursday, September 29, 2022

2022 3GML Season - Week 3

 San Francisco 49ers @ Denver Broncos

DENVER - The San Francisco 49ers overcame a shaky passing attack to stay undefeated and upset the Denver Broncos 34-21 at Mile High.  Denver (1-2) looked to be in the driver seat early when Rasul Douglas intercepted Justin Fields and took it back for an early touchdown.  However, the 49ers (3-0) didn't rattle and used a strong run game and defense to take control, scoring 17 unanswered before halftime.  From there, they held on and still remain in the driver's seat in the NFC West.

Justin Fields looked human for the first time this year, throwing two interceptions and only amassing 239 yards in air.  However, his legs kept the chains moving and at the end of the day, it was enough.

"I'll look at the tape and see where I can get better.  It's easier to go back and look at your mistakes after a win." Fields said.

San Francisco heads home next week to host the Los Angeles Rams.

Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers blew a 17-0 lead against the Green Bay Packers, losing 20-17 in overtime.  Tampa Bay (2-1) came out hot and Tom Brady was on-point as the Buccaneers built an early lead.  However, the Packers (3-0) defense, led by second-year corner Patrick Surtain II kept the game from getting away.  Surtain II was elite, allowing zero receptions with multiple pass break ups and two interceptions.

"Patrick is a top corner in the league." Coach Matt LaFleur said. "Watch the tape, then watch it again slowly.  All-Pro out there."

With the game still within striking distance, running back James Robinson moved the chains and scored early in the 3rd quarter to get Green Bay back on track.  After tying things up late in the 4th, Green Bay lost the coin toss in overtime.  With Brady and the offense moving the ball, things look dire for the Pack.  However, Quinnen Williams broke through the line for a huge sack and got his team the ball back.  From there, the offense was able to move the ball into range for Jason Sanders who kicked the winning field goal.

Green Bay will try to stay undefeated next week agains the New York Football Giants.

Houston Texans @ Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - The Houston Texans created quarterback controversy once again after seemingly settling the issue last week.  Malik Willis started against the Chicago Bears (0-3) after playing the majority of the game in week two.  This time, however, he struggled in hurricane-like conditions throwing two back-breaking interceptions; one for a pick six and the other with his team on the one yard line looking to score.

Coach David Shaw had seen enough and turned to Gardner Minshew the last two and a half quarters.  Minshew was much better and got the Texans (2-1) back into the game.  The Texans defense was able to shut down a rudderless Bears offense, used multiple turnovers of their own, and walk out with a 27-24 victory.  

Those thinking Minshew earned the starting job himself, were reminded this isn't going to be so cut and dry as Minshew threw his own pick six keeping the Bears in the game.  It appears the Texans may have to play the hot hand each week moving forward even if that hand is lukewarm.

Houston will need a better performance at the position next week as they face the 3-0 Los Angeles Chargers.


Thursday, September 22, 2022

2022 3GML Season - Week 2

 Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco 49ers (2-0) took down their division rival Seattle 33-10 in their week two matchup.  Once again quarterback Justin Fields accounted for the majority of the 49ers offense with 109 yards rushing and 230 yards in the air.

Seattle (0-2) never got things going offensively against the mighty Niners defense, only amassing 190 yards of total offense.  Cam Newton threw three interceptions, one each to Thomas Graham, Derwin James, and C.J. Garner-Johnson and it was clear Seattle has a ways to go before they will be competing for division titles again.

San Francisco looks to stay hot against former division rival Russell Wilson and his new team, the Denver Broncos.

Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos

DENVER - The defending Super Bowl champions got back on track with a week two win on the road in Denver.  Houston (1-1) looked very much in trouble offensively throughout the first half as both Malik Willis and Gardner Minshew struggled to move the ball.  However, a superb effort from the Texans defense led by Travis Gibson, kept the Broncos (1-1) to only 10 points.  

Gibson had perhaps the play of the game on Denver's first drive.  With the Broncos looking ready to score on a third and goal, Gibson took the ball out of running back Javonte William's arms and secured it for the Texans.

"I've never seen anything like it," said defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.  "He just stole the ball like it was basketball or something.  It never hit the ground.  That was a grown man play right there."

After a fiery speech from David Shaw at half time, the Texans scored 17 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter and never looked back, winning 24-10.

After a week of speculation, the world got the first glimpse of a Malik Willis led offense.  Willis started the game and played roughly 90% of the snaps.  In his time under center, Willis showed the raw talent that led the Texans selecting him in the 2nd round.  However, he also showed there will be some growing pains as he learns to play the position in the NFL.  Houston will take the bumps in the road as the flashes they saw Sunday should give them hope for the future.

Willis will continue his journey next week against the Chicago Bears who just lost Trey Lance for the season with a broken ankle.

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY - The oldest rivalry in the NFL lived up to its hype in a thrilling Sunday night game between the Bears and Packers.  Tied 24-24 with under two minutes to go, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the Packers (2-0) down the field and running back James Robinson punched in the winning touchdown giving Green Bay the 31-24 victory.

For the Bears (0-2), it was a disappointing loss both on the field and for their season as quarterback Trey Lance was carted off the field with a broken ankle and will need season-ending surgery.

For the Packers, the offense seems to be clicking and stopping the three-headed monster of Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown will be a tall order for any defense.  The Packers arguably have three of the top ten receivers in the league on their roster and can drop back to pass in confidence knowing at least one will always get open.  The Bears struggled to stop this trio and had to pick their poison on defense all night.

Green Bay is at the top looking down on three 0-2 teams in their division.  The cushion will be nice as they face a tall order next week with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

2022 3GML Season - Week 1

 San Francisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - The defending NFC champions picked up where they left off last year with a complete annihilation of the Chicago Bears (0-1).  San Francisco (1-0) weathered the literal and figurative storms early and walked away with a 36-7 victory at Soldier Field.

With pounding rain and strong winds creating difficult field conditions, 49er quarterback Justin Fields threw an interception on his first pass attempt, setting up Chicago's only scoring drive.  However, after the early mistake, Fields locked in and the 49ers looked every part of NFC contender they have been predicted to be.  Fields used his arm (20-27, 232 yds, 2 TDs, INT) and legs (15 rushes, 120 yds) to keep the ball moving while the San Francisco defense kept the Bears offense in disarray.  Trey Lance finished with an abysmal 41.5 quarterback rating (13-29, 135 yds, TD, 2 INT) for the Bears.

The narrative all week has been about the quarterbacks  Early rumors in the 2021 NFL Draft had San Francisco debating between Trey Lance and Justin Fields.  GM CD ultimately selected Fields while Lance fell to Chicago.  In the first matchup between the two first round picks, Fields justified his selection, while Lance had Bears fans wondering if they missed on another first round quarterback.

San Francisco heads back west for their home opener next week as they take on division rival Seattle.

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS - The Green Bay Packers (1-0) used a major second half adjustment to score 38 unanswered  points and roll the Minnesota Vikings 38-10.  The Vikings (0-1) looked ready to run away with things early, forcing three interceptions by Tua Tagovailoa and a fumble by Amon Ra St. Brown.  However, the Minnesota offense was only able to muster 10 points, and as a result, Green Bay was never out of it.

A steady diet of running the ball with James Robinson (96 yds, TD) allowed Tagovailoa to find his groove and the Packers scored touchdowns on their next four drives.

"Happy to be back out there," Robinson said referencing his season ending with an Achilles tear last year.  "We knew with this team, we're never out of it."

Not to be forgotten was the stellar play of the Green Bay defense who kept the Pack in the game despite the early turnovers.  The Vikings were held to 157 total yards of offense on the day thanks in large part to Patrick Surtain II who prevented Kirk Cousins from finding his number one option most of the afternoon.  When Minnesota looked to finally be moving the ball, Surtain shut things down again with a pick-six to put the game out of reach.

The Packers head home to take on another division foe in the Chicago Bears Sunday night.

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

HOUSTON - The defending Super Bowl Champions quest to repeat got off to a rough start as the Houston Texans (0-1) fell 20-7 to the Indianapolis Colts (1-0).  The Texans offense could never really get things going as they alternated between Gardner Minshew and Malik Willis at quarterback.  The two QB system worked wonders for coach David Shaw last year but wasn't effective this game.

Quarterback Matt Ryan impressed in his new uniform, throwing for 214 yards and a touchdown on a 83% completion percentage.  The Texans defense just could get Ryan and company off the field when they needed.

Rumors are already swirling of a shakeup with play calling duties after the Texans offense struggled all game.  With an elite slate of AFC teams, the urgency for Houston to not fall behind early is real. One popular rumor is that Coach David Shaw will take control of the offense from OC Pep Hamilton and let Hamilton focus on developing the young QB Willis.  No official word yet on a change, but it will likely be the focus of Shaw's media session next week.

Houston will look to bounce back next week when they travel to Denver to take on the Broncos.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

2022 3GML Training Camp Update

 August 3rd, 2022 - Let's take a look at the early stories out of each 3GML training camp.

HOUSTON - The defending champions started camp last week and there are a number of stories we're paying attention to.

1. Did the Texans do enough this offseason to repeat? - One of the biggest stories in the NFL was the massive talent acquisition that occurred throughout the AFC.  From Russell Wilson to Davante Adams to Khalil Mack, the AFC became much deeper and as a result, the path for Houston to get back to the Super Bowl became that much tougher.  The Texans added some key players in Donte Jackson, Grady Jarrett, Jesse Bates and La'el Collins; but were these pieces enough?  Time will tell.  Complicating matters is the schedule.  Houston has to run through the AFC West this season, which is easily the toughest division in all of football.

2. What will Houston do at quarterback? - Houston got a combined MVP effort out of Andy Dalton and Gardner Minshew last season.  Their two quarterback system surprisingly worked as each QB was able to hide the other's flaws.  The Texans likely realized they caught lightning in a bottle and drafted the electric Malik Willis in the second round of this year's draft.  What will Houston do this year?  Early reps out of camp seem to be split between Wills and Minshew with Dalton seeing only 2nd team snaps.  When asked about the starting quarterback job, coach David Shaw was coy, only stating he has three quarterbacks he trusts.

SAN FRANCISCO - The 49ers were runners up last season and are looking to take that one last step this year.  Here is what we're monitoring out of camp.

1. What is going to happen with Alvin Kamara? - The all everything running back for the Niners was involved in a fight at a Vegas night club this offseason and is awaiting his trial.  The NFL is monitoring the situation closely and it's very possible a suspension is on the table.  If he ends up missing significant time, his absence will obviously be felt by this run first offense.  GM CD likely read the writing on the wall and signed JD McKissic in the event Kamara misses time.

2. Will Justin Fields take a leap in year two? - The co-MVP definitely showed what he was capable of last season, carrying his team to the Super Bowl in his first year.  However, Fields also showed his inexperience with a three interception performance in that game.  This team was most effective when the run game was clicking.  When Fields was asked to carry the load himself, they struggled.  Where will things go?  Most coaches will agree that year two is where you see a big leap for NFL QBs.  If that pattern holds true for Fields, San Francisco fans will be in for another deep playoff run.

GREEN BAY - After their quest to repeat as champions was soundly put to bed by a playoff thrashing, the Packers look to regroup and bring the Lombardi back home.  Here's the top two questions coming out of training camp.

1. Did Green Bay really fix its weaknesses at offensive tackle? - The Packers O-line unit struggled to protect its young quarterback last year and the team ultimately paid the price for it.  As a result GM SD spent a significant amount of money to bring in tackles Terron Armstead and Trent Brown.  On paper these are significant upgrades.  However, the injury history of both could leave the Packers in the same exact spot they were last year.  If both can stay healthy, Green Bay looks to run away with the NFC North.  If not, we never get to see what Tua Tagovailoa could become.

2. Will Tua Tagovailoa develop into a franchise quarterback? - No quarterback elicits such polarizing opinions as the Green Bay signal caller.  You either think he's a bust or talented young player who just hasn't had the protection needed to thrive.  Either way, we're going to find out this season.  Best case scenario, Tagovailoa thrives in year three and Green Bay makes a run at a title.  Worst case?  Tua's struggles continue even with a better supporting cast and GM SD uses his three first round picks to try and find the next franchise QB.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Best Draft Picks By 3GML GMs

Today we are going to break down the best draft picks by position among the GMs of the 3GML.  For this exercise, we will be considering the following factors in determining the best picks.

  1. Draft position - Sure, hitting on a player with the number one overall pick is easy.  We expect that player to be good.  Finding an elite player in round 4?  That is the recipe for a great draft pick.
  2. Player production - Draft success is determined by on-field success.  We are looking for difference makers on the field.
  3. Positional draft position - Where was a player taken in relation to others who play the same position?  A GM looks better when he grabbed a player who ended up being better than others picked ahead of him.
To summarize, we aren't looking for the best player drafted, we are looking for the best pick at each position.  We will be looking at the entire history of the 3GML, including previous teams and GMs.  Let's begin.

Quarterback - Lamar Jackson (2018 - Round 1, pick 15) - GM TH
This may go down as one of the best grabs in 3GML history due to the value of the quarterback position.  GM TH watched Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen go off the board before getting his guy at 15.  Other than Allen, Jackson has been heads and tails above the QBs picked ahead of him.  In his time in the league, Jackson has been an All-Pro, two-time Pro-Bowler, and was named the 2019 MVP.  He is considered a franchise QB and not too many GMs can say they drafted one of those.

Running Back - Derrick Henry (2016 - Round 2, pick 41) - GM TH
Another pick to GM TH.  Henry has been all-everything for the Titans, single-handedly carrying their offense over the past few years.  He has two Pro Bowls, an All-Pro, and Offensive Player of the Year Award under his belt as well as a 2,000 yard season.  Once again, not many GMs can say they drafted a 2,000 yard rusher as there are only eight all time.  While only Ezekiel Elliott was picked ahead of Henry in the draft, GM TH got a better and longer-lasting back 37 picks later.

Tight End - George Kittle (2017 - Round 3, pick 102) - GM EP
There really wasn't much competition for this position, but even if there was, EP still would have won.  It's hard to imagine a better tight end pick than Kittle when you consider his production and where he was selected.  Kittle was the sixth tight end taken in 2017, after players like OJ Howard, David Njoku, Evan Engram, Adam Shaheen, and Jonnu Smith.  He has been to three pro-bowls and earned one All Pro nomination.  He even held the record for most yards by a tight end for two seasons before the record was broken in 2020.  Overall, this will likely go down as GM EPs best draft pick ever.

Wide Receiver - Justin Jefferson (2020 - Round 1, pick 18) - GM SD
GM SD gets on the board with the electric receiver who more receiving yards than any player prior to tuning 23 as well as the most yards every through two pro seasons.  He's been to two Pro Bowls and is widely considered to be a top five receiver in the league heading into only his third year.  While it's too early to tell how the careers of the receivers picked ahead of him (CeeDee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy) play out, it appears Jefferson will be the crown jewel receiver of this class.

Center - Creed Humphrey (2021 - Round 3, pick 66) - GM EP
While on the more recent side of draft picks on this list, Humphrey's inclusion is well deserved.  Considered among the best in the game after only his rookie year, GM EP hit a home run grabbing an impact player in round three.  Humphrey anchored the interior of a revamped Chiefs offensive line and looks to be a future All-Pro.

Guard - Quenton Nelson (2018 - Round 1, pick 6) - GM SD
This is a situation where the on-field performance is so resounding, it tips the scales against other quality players picked later in the draft.  Nelson is a top, if not the top, guard in the game.  A three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, Nelson has all the individual hardware you'd expect from a player of his stature.  As the best player on a stacked Colts offensive line, he stands out to the average NFL fan on film, which is saying a lot considering the position he plays.

Tackle - Orlando Brown (2018 - Round 3, pick 79) - GM TH
There were a fair amount of tackles to consider for this pick.  Most, however, were nothing to write home about.  The one who stood out well ahead of the rest?  Orlando Brown.  After a poor performance at the combine, Brown tumbled down most team's draft boards.  GM TH used this to his advantage and snagged the Oklahoma product in the middle of the third round.  What makes this pick look even better is the fact Brown was the eighth (!!) tackle selected in 2018.  Brown has already been to three Pro Bowls and recently completed a successful move to the left side of the line.

Defensive Line - Alim McNeill (2021 - Round 3, pick 75) - GM EP
Another class of 2021 draft pick for GM EP.  To be honest, this may have been the toughest position to select as the body of work from the 3GML general managers is not strong.  Regardless, McNeill has the potential to break that trend.  He is considered a breakout candidate by many heading into year two and if that comes to fruition, the value at pick 75 will be high.

Edge - Myles Garrett (2017 - Round 1, pick 1) - GM SD
Another instance where the player's impact transcends other players picked later.  Edge rusher had some other great candidates including Brian Burns and Harold Landry, but Burns was a high 1st round pick like Garrett and Landry only broke out last year.  Garrett will be in the running for defensive player of the year for the foreseeable future and already has two All-Pro nods and three Pro Bowls in his trophy case.  The other consideration here; rarely does a number one overall pick live up to the hype.  Garrett has done that in spades.

Linebacker - Anthony Walker (2017 - Round 5, pick 152) - GM SD
Coming in as the lowest pick on our list, Walker has been a reliable presence during his six years in the league.  Overshadowed by Darious Leonard during his time in Indianapolis, Walker has become the captain of the Browns defense.  While some injuries have crept up the past two seasons, the combination of a reliable starter picked so late in the draft gives GM SD this crown.

Cornerback - Jalen Ramsey (2016 - Round 1, pick 3) - GM TH
The best corner in the game, period.  Ramsey has persisted as an elite player who has not shown signs of slowing down just yet.  A three-time All-Pro with five Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl under his belt, Ramsey is building a Hall of Fame resume.  This was GM TH's first 3GML pick and will likely go down as one of the best picks he ever made.

Safety - Derwin James (2018 - Round 1, pick 13) - GM CD
GM CD gets on the list with the electric James.  Injuries over the course of his career made this call closer than it would have been otherwise, but the talent is undeniable.  Even with his shortened seasons, James has managed to be name to an All Pro team and make two Pro Bowls.  GM CD gets points for  being ahead of the curve by picking a hybrid matchup defender who can line up in the box and also cover the new more athletic tight ends.

Kicker/Punter - Michael Dickson (2018 - Round 4, pick 128) - GM CD
Drafting a punter or kicker is usually frowned upon in NFL circles, but GM CD definitely hit with this pick.  Dickson is a field-flipper who keeps the Seahawks in games they don't belong in by making opposing offenses traverse the length of the field.  Dickson has been named an All Pro and any time you can say you drafted a player in that category, it's a win regardless of position.