With the NFL Draft over, now it’s time for some speculation. Evaluating winners and losers in fun, but the real draft winners can only be determined 5 years from now (remember when everyone said former Texans DE Mario Williams was a bust after 1 season?). What it’s easiest to determine is which 5 rookies will have the most impact on their team’s success. I will leave out quarterbacks, because the starting QB’s success is usually directly correlated with their team’s success.

Rams WR Tavon Austin. Photo courtesy of PittsburghSportingNews.com

1. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia/ St. Louis Rams. 
   Austin was picked by the Rams in the first round of the draft. He was widely regarded as the most dynamic/ explosive player in the whole draft (and all of college football last year).  He will fill the need of the Ram’s slot WR, but he can do so much more and the Rams will find exotic ways to get the ball to Austin in space. Austin is number 1 on my list for a reason, he will have such a great impact on the Rams that the Rams’ success will be contingent upon how well Austin plays (bold prediction, I know).
2. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA/ Green Bay Packers
   Surprise, Surprise. My top rated RB is not the first RB taken. In fact, this RB went in the 4th round. Additionally, this Franklin was not even the first RB selected by the Packers this year. But he will have a bigger impact. Sometimes it’s better to have an RB that fits the system rather than having a much more talented RB that doesn’t. The Packers took Alabama RB Eddie Lacy (widely regarded as the best RB in the draft) in the 2nd round, a much more talented and well-rounded running back. But, Franklin fits the system so well, that most analysts project him to make more of an impact than Lacy. Franklin fits the one-cut scheme the Packers like to run and can even be a cornerstone for that offense along with QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Randall Cobb.
3. La’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State/ Pittsburgh Steelers 
   The Steelers have been lacking a legitimate running threat in recent years. That’s why they drafted Bell (who was surprisingly the first RB taken this year). Bell is a bigger RB but also is surprisingly fast for a man his size. Also with his size comes great power, and goal line situations are when Bell excels. Bell is also a good receiver out of the backfield.
4. Kenny Vaccarro, S, Texas/ New Orleans Saints
   Vaccarro was on of my favorite prospects coming into the draft. He was the first safety taken in the draft and was selected by the Saints, who are in dire need of secondary help. Vaccarro will be the perfect complement to FS Malcom Jenkins. Vaccarro can also play CB if needed. He will be a staple in a struggling, rebuilding defense for years to come.
   

   Eagles TE Zach Ertz. Photo courtesy of SBNation.com

5. Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford/ Philadelphia Eagles
   Okay, this may be me being overly optimistic, but I think that Ertz can make a huge impact this season. He was arguably the best TE in the draft and the second one taken, in the early second round. Ertz is a high-effort player that works very hard blocking. He excels in the passing game, where he is sure handed and a good route runner. He has a very unique skill set (drawing comparisons to New England’s TE Aaron Hernandez) and it will be very interesting to see how Head Coach Chip Kelly will use him.

I know that 4 of these 5 players play on offense, and I do realize that these 5 may not have the biggest impact on their teams next season, but these players will have the greatest quantifiable impact on their teams (and offensive production is easy to evaluate). Players like Chiefs’ Eric Fisher, Jaguars’ Luke Joeckel, and Eagles Lane Johnson will have the biggest impacts, but it will be hard to quantify because they all play line positions. Regardless, for fantasy purposes, if nothing else, these 5 listed players will have the biggest impact.

Photo courtesy of EA.com

Usually EA has a big reveal for when they announce who is the athlete on the cover of their video game Madden NFL. This year, they did something different,they let the fans decide who deserves to be on the cover. Also, instead of just considering active players, EA brought back some NFL legends. The way the votes worked was bracket-style with the “old school” winner face off against the “new school” winner in the final round. This was an incredibly cool and interactive process that started in early March and ended just last week.

The winner: Detroit Lions Running Back Barry Sanders 

Madden 25 cover. Photo courtesy of terezowens.com

He faced off against “new school” winner Adrian Peterson in the final round and won 58% of all fan votes.

Looks like there will be no debate about the Madden Curse this year (a coincidence where the featured cover athlete usually gets significantly injured the following year). Vikings fans can now relax. The game itself will come out on August 27th for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Also, EA decided to go with the name “Madden NFL 25″ instead of the anticipated and traditional “Madden NFL 14″ because this is the 25th year of the Madden NFL franchise.

Here is a trailer for the game: Madden NFL 25

Photo Courtesy of Platformnation.com

This is the week that we have all been waiting for this offseason: the NFL Draft. The draft will start at 8pm tonight and is hosted at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. You can watch the draft live on NFL Network or ESPN. Historically, ESPN has gotten the picks out before NFL Network, but it is interesting to listen to more analysts’ reactions.

Here are some things to look for:

• Trades, trades, and more trades. Teams will give up players and picks to move up and get the player they want. Teams will move into the top 5 to get, what they believe to be, a cornerstone for their franchise for years to come. Teams will also move back because they see more value in getting more picks in later rounds or a veteran payer.
• Sides are perhaps the most entertaining thing about the draft. There is so much tension and, especially if the player was invited to the live draft, you get to see some real-life intense drama. Much better drama than desperate housewives.
• Reaches are perhaps the most frustrating thing about the NFL draft for fans. There is nothing more upsetting than not knowing anything about the player that your favorite team just drafted out of a Division 3 school.

Again it all starts live at 8pm. Here’s a look at the draft order:

1. Kansas City
2. Jacksonville
3. Oakland
4. Philadelphia
5. Detroit
6. Cleveland
7. Arizona
8. Buffalo
9. New York Jets
10. Tennessee
11. San Diego
12. Miami
13. New York Jets
14. Carolina
15. New Orleans
16. St. Louis
17. Pittsburgh
18. Dallas
19. New York Giants
20. Chicago
21. Cincinnati
22. St. Louis
23. Minnesota
24. Indianapolis
25. Minnesota
26. Green Bay
27. Houston
28. Denver
29. New England
30. Atlanta
31. San Francisco
32. Baltimore

Running Google Analytics, I was able to track the the most popular posts on my blog. Here are the top 5 post popular posts:

1. The 40 Yard Dash - 2/25/2013
2. A Look at the Eagles Draft History for the Past 5 Years (Infographic) – 3/20/2013
3. One-Liners of the Week – 2/15/2013
4. Chip Kelly Wants to be Vick-Torious – 2/13/2013
5. What’s All of the Hype? – 3/8/2013

Definitely check those posts out and feel free to comment! Also, if there are any topics you want me  to blog about, just let me know and I will!

Say goodbye to a repeat… The Ravens had a purge, sure. What you didn’t know is that Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome had a plan. A good one.

New Ravens LB Elvis Dumervil. Photo courtesy of ESPN.com

Everyone wrote the Ravens off for next year after the first week of Free Agency. They had traded WR Anquan Boldin. They lost future Hall of Fame LB Ray Lewis and cornerstone Center Matt Birk to retirement. They released starting Safety Bernard Pollard. And they lost  CB Carey Williams, LB Dannell Elerbe, LB Paul Kruger, and future Hall of Fame Safety Ed Reed all to Free Agency.

Nobody is writing them off any longer. The Ravens made moves, fast. They capitalized on other clubs’ misfortunes. They upgraded. They spent less money. They got better.

New Ravens FS Michael Huff. Photo courtesy of RaiderFans.net

The club solidified its front seven, which is now in the argument of being one of the league’s best. They signed DL Chris Canty and DL Marcus Spears, two solid veterans. They robbed All-Pro, 3x Pro Bowl DE/LB Elvis Dumervil from the Broncos when the Broncos had a technical/ paperwork issue. The club added versatile Safety Michael Huff for $2 million per year when the Raiders were forced to release him because of salary cap issues. That was the #2 ranked safety 2 years ago (by ProFootballFocus) in all of football for $2 million dollars per year . 2011 was the last time Huff was healthy and played Safety (He filled in at CB last year due to injuries and did a great job).

Now, all they have to address is the offensive line and Wide Receiver, which they will be addressing in the NFL Draft in late April, I’m sure. Don’t rule out the Ravens just yet, they have the talent to be repeat champions.

The past week has been a very hectic time for NFL teams. Not only were they focused on analysing prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, but also adding Free Agents to their team to make them better. Some teams went on a spree to acquire as much talent as they could, and some teams made no high profile signings at all. Let’s take a look at the Free Agency winners and losers of the past week.

Winners:

New Broncos WR Wes Welker. Photo courtesy of USA Today

Denver Broncos: Perhaps the biggest winner in Free Agency this year was the Broncos. This is partially because this was a Super Bowl caliber team before any of the new additions. The Broncos added high-potential CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Guard Luis Vasquez, and All-Pro WR Wes Welker. The Broncos have arguably the most complete roster in the NFL and are my favorites to win the Super Bowl next season.

Miami Dolphins: Miami went all-out during this FA period, signing high profile WR Mike Wallace. Along with Wallace, the Dolphins signed TE Dustin Keller, LB Dannell Elerbe, and LB Philip Wheeler. This gives sophomore QB Ryan Tannenhill 22 more explosive weapons on offense, and also 2 starting-caliber Linebackers in their prime that greatly upgrades the defense. The Dolphins lost RB Reggie Bush and CB Sean Smith. They have a solid replacement in Daniel Thomas for Bush, and CB will be probably addressed in the Draft.

Cleveland Browns: While the Browns’ offense seems to still be in shambles, they have heavily addressed the defense. They signed LB Pail Kruger, LB Quentin Groves, Tackle Desmond Bryant, and Tackle Phil Taylor. With these 4 solid additions to an already-stout defense, the Browns could have a top 5 defense next season. The Browns did not lose any key players other than Pro Bowl Kicker Phil Dawson.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks had one of the youngest and most talented rosters before Free Agency began. With their new additions, they have the making of a Super Bowl team. The Seahawks added top DE’s Cliff Avirl and Michael Bennett to one of the best defenses of 2012. They also added top-5 WR Percy Harvin to their team via trade. Look out for the Seahawks the next decade.

Losers:

Baltimore Ravens: The Super Bowl champions lost a lot of their talent this FA period. They traded away starting WR Aquan Boldin and lost 4 defensive starters: CB Carey Williams, LB Dannell Elerbe, LB Paul Kruger, LB Ray Lewis (Retired). They are also likely to lose All-Pro Safety Ed Reed in Free Agency too. The Ravens have failed to fill any of these voids and it will be interesting to see what happens next season with the team.

It’s going to be a long season for Cardinals fans. Photo courtesy of BleacherReport.com

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have had a terrible Free Agency Period so far. They lost Starting All-Pro Safety Adrian Wilson and Strong Safety Kerry Rhodes; the Safeties were one of the strong points of last year’s defense. Arizona also cut QB Kevin Kolb, for who they gave up CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick just two years ago. They added below average players like RB Rashad Mendenhall, CB Antonie Cason, and DE Matt Shaughnessy. The Cardinals have some big weaknesses on their roster for next year.

Pittsburgh Steelers: This team just seems to be getting older and older. The additions to the Steelers are CB William Gay, who is on his second stint with the team and backup QB Bruce Gradkowski. The Steelers lost  4 starters: All-Pro LB James Harrison, WR Mike Wallace, RB Rashad Mendenhall, and CB Keenan Lewis. They also lost key reserve Safety Ryan Mundy. It is tough to see how all of those players will be replaced for this coming season.

Today at 4pm, the Free Agency period began, which means players who’s contracts expired expired were able to sign elsewhere. To go along with new acquisitions, a lot of players were also released from their teams. Here are the major transactions that happened in the NFL today (and some events leading up to today):

Arizona: Lost starting CB Greg Toler to Indianapolis.

Baltimore: Along with trading Aquan Boldin to the 49ers, the Ravens lost starting Linebackers Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe.

Buffalo: The Bills cut starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick along with losing top Guard Andy Levitre, who signed a big deal with Tennessee.

Carolina: The Panthers released starting CB Chris Gamble, who promptly announced his retirement. They also released LB James Anderson.

Chicago: The Bears made a big splash in Free Agency on the first day, signing 2 of the top players available. They signed former Giants’ TE Martellus Bennett and Saints’ Left Tackle Jermon Bushrod.

Cleveland: The Browns made a huge splash and signed former Raven, and top Free Agent Linebacker, Paul Kruger.

Denver: The Broncos signed former Chargers’ starting Guard Louis Vasquez.

Detroit: Lost starting Tackle Gosder Cherilus to Indianapolis.

Indianapolis: The Colts went on a spree today. They signed former Cardinals’ CB Greg Toler and Lions’ Tackle Gosder Cherilus. They also signed 3 other smaller-name players.

Kansas City: The Chiefs signed former Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano. Their trade for 49ers QB Alex Smith was also finalized today.

Newly acquired Dolphins WR Mike Wallace. Photo courtesy of Brownscountry.com

Miami: The Dolphins were on a mission during this FA period. The biggest signing of the day was former Steelers WR Mike Wallace, who signed for a whopping $65 million. They also signed Ravens LB Dannell Ellerbe. They lost TE Anthony Fasano to the Chiefs.

New Orleans: The Saints lost 2-time Pro Bowl Left Tackle Jermon Bushrod. He signed with the Bears.

New York Giants: The Giants lost starting TE Martellus Bennett to the Bears.

Oakland: The Raiders released starters Darius Heyward-Bey (WR) and Michael Huff (DB).

Philadelphia: The Eagles released starting CB Nnamdi Asomugha.

Pittsburgh: The Steelers signed WR Plaxico Burress. They also lost WR Mike Wallace to the Dolphins

San Diego: The Chargers lost starting Guard Louis Vasquez to division rival Indianapolis Colts.

San Francisco: The 49ers traded for Baltimore WR Aquan Boldin. They lost TE Delanie Walker to Tennessee.

Seattle: The Seahawks traded for Vikings WR Percy Harvin.

St. Louis: The Rams signed former Titans TE Jared Cook.

Tennessee: The Titans signed 49ers TE Delanie Walker and former Buffalo Guard Andy Levitre. They lost TE Jared Cook to the Rams.

That’s the roundup of the major moves that happened today. There will absolutely more to come tonight and the next couple of days. There are still a lot of quality Free Agents available who are not making hasty decisions.

Dashon Goldson putting a big hit on Browns WR Greg Little (15). Photo courtesy of blog.sfgate.com

Yesterday I talked about Free Agency and the top offensive players available. Today I want to highlight and analyze some of the top defensive players of this year’s Free Agency class. There are a lot of big-name players, but a lot of them are past their prime. They can still help teams looking for solid veteran production. Here are the top Free Agents at each defensive position:

• Defensive Line: Cliff Avril is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, name in Free Agency this year. He’s been a productive player with the Lions and is only 26 years old. He will be considered by every team because of his versatility, he can play defensive end or outside linebacker. The other top Free Agent is former Falcons’ DE John Abraham, he is old but can be a solid starter for a team looking for a consistent, veteran player. Avril is likely to make $100+ Million, but Abraham will be a lot cheaper.
• Linebacker: Paul Kruger of the Ravens will be a Free Agent that will have many suitors. He is more of a “rush” linebacker/ defensive end type player (similar to what Cliff Avril) but has been a staple of the Ravens defense the past couple of years and is right in his prime, at 27 years old. The Colts are expected to pursue him aggressively. Another top Free Agent linebacker is former defensive player of the year James Harrison, formerly of the Steelers. He is going to generate a lot of interest from teams looking for a short term upgrade.
• Cornerback: The top corner available, talent-wise, is Patriots’ CB Aquib Talib. Though he will generate less interest because of his multiple off-field issues. The other top Free Agent Dolphins’ CB Sean Smith. Smith has the size, speed, and he has mental lapses at times. He has the talent to be one of the league’s better corners. Both Talib and Smith are young at 27 years old and 25 years old, respectively.
• Safety: The top Free Agent is 2-time Pro-Bowl, All-Pro Safety Dashon Goldson. He is already one of the best Safeties in the league, at 28 years old, and is right in the prime of his career. He was a staple of a tough 49ers defense the past couple of years. He is one of the hardest hitting Safeties in the NFL. He will be a difference maker for any team he signs with and has shown interest in joining the Bengals.

Teams are talking to players at this very moment and Tuesday will be one of the biggest days during this Free Agency period. As we’ve seen before, big off-season spending doesn’t necessarily mean that the team will be successful (See: the Eagles and their Dream Team). It is going to be interesting to see where these players end up.

Steven Jackson, top Free Agent Running Back, Photo courtesy of Sports-Kings.com

Today, NFL teams are getting their Free Agent lists finalized and devising a plan for whom they want to target. I know Free Agency (a period for teams to sign players who’s contracts just expired) doesn’t start until Tuesday at 4:00PM, but midnight is when teams can legally contact this coming class of Free Agents (But the Free Agents can’t sign). Don’t be surprised if you hear of teams reaching agreements with players shortly after midnight; it always happens. Every team is after that “top” player that can turn the franchise around. These players will “cash out,” they will get paid much more than their actual value, just because these players are hot commodities and everyone wants them (Remember Econ 101: Supply Vs. Demand). Here is a look at the top offensive Free Agents at each Position:

• Quarterback: Unfortunately, after Joe Flacco signed his $120 million dollar deal with the Ravens, the quarterback market is very slim this year. The top candidate is Jason Campbell, who was the back up quarterback for the Chicago Bears last season. He’ll provide a veteran option for any team looking for a back up quarterback.
• Running Back: The top 2 Free Agents are Rams RB Steven Jackson and Dolphins RB Reggie Bush. Both are veteran backs that will be hot commodities. Jackson could be a workhorse back for a team looking for a veteran option and Bush can be a great receiving RB for a team looking for a 3rd down back.
• Wide Receiver: Mike Wallace is the top Free Agent at this position. He’s young, fast, and runs good routes. He will be one of the Free Agents what will cash out this week. To sign him, teams are going to have to overpay. He can help any team that needs a down-field threat. A logical destination could be the Vikings.
• Tight End: This is another position that is very slim this free agency period. Titans TE Jared Cook is the best of the bunch. He is athletic and has good hands. He was underutilized in Tennessee and if a team uses him the right way, he can really succeed. He’s not the best blocking TE though, and will probably be pursued by teams that are more pass-heavy.
• Offensive Line: Jake long, former Dolphins number 1 overall pick, is going to get a lot of attention this Free Agency period. He will also be overpaid for because good offensive tackles few and far between. He played at a high level his first two years, but his play has dropped slightly the past two years.