Delanie Walker talks evolution of tight end position

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker

Playing tight end in the NFL isn’t what it used to be.

Today’s best players at the position are asked to do as much as any player on the field, from blocking like another offensive lineman to making a dynamic impact on the passing game.

One of the league’s most complete players at the position, Delanie Walker of the Tennessee Titans recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the evolution of the position, and which young players have caught his eye.

JM: You’re working with the FedEx Football Fellowship Program which is a collaborative effort between FedEx and the USO which helps create on the job experience for veterans as they transition from the military back to civilian life. How important are programs like this in our country?

DW: This is a very important program and I’m honored to join FedEx and the USO to support our military veterans and their families as they prepare for life after military service. I think that these men and women have done a great job protecting our country and they deserve every opportunity they can get to help transition back to every day life. Anything I or the Titans organization can do to help assist this wonderful program is a bonus to me. They deserve the immediate opportunity to get jobs once they return to regular civilization.

JM: I’m curious to get your take on the state of the NFL draft when it comes to the tight end position. When you were drafted, the collegiate tight end was asked to do a lot. Despite being a later pick, you came into the league with the skills required to make the massive impact that you’ve made throughout your long, illustrious career. Not only are you an excellent receiver and route runner, but you’re an excellent blocker and even played a ton of special teams in your San Francisco days. Have you noticed this difference with today’s young tight ends?

DW: The tight end position has changed a lot from when I first entered the league. The role of a tight end nowadays is pretty much to be a receiver first and foremost. That’s what it’s transitioned over to. You have to be able to catch the ball and run routes from the outside in. You still need to be able to block though. I feel like tight ends have multiple roles on the offense. It’s almost like we’re another quarterback out there. We need to know the fronts, we need to understand the coverage and we pretty much need to know what everyone’s role is on every play. We can line up just about anywhere on any given play.

I’m glad that the role has changed so much to be honest. If anything, it’s given the tight end more exposure which has probably lead to some bigger pay days for us all (laughs).

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

JM: I’m curious if there’s part of you that thinks rookie tight ends are struggling to make an immediate impact nowadays because they’re asked to do so little in college?

DW: Yeah, that’s the tough part when it comes to all this. Like you said, they’re not asked to do a whole lot in college nowadays. They’re pretty much just asked to catch the ball and maybe block a nine technique. When they get to the NFL, everything changes. They want you to be able to play fullback in addition to tight end. You have to know how to pull a lead block once you get here. You have to be able to survive on the outside while reading coverages. The transition is definitely more difficult for the tight end nowadays. Most college offenses will build around you and they baby them a little bit. When you get to the NFL, they’re gonna throw you into the fire. You have to be able to learn on the fly. It’s tough for the young guys. I understand why that can make life difficult for some of these rookies.

JM: Who are some of your favorite young tight ends in the game today?

DW: George Kittle, for sure. Kittle has been a monster since he came into this league man. He’s been balling out. I’ve been keeping a close eye on him and he’s definitely doing his thing. I love watching him play the game man. I like seeing what he’s doing in San Francisco. You know I played in San Francisco for a while. It means a lot to me when I see a young guy representing San Francisco the way they deserve to be represented.

I have to mention my teammate Jonnu Smith, as well. He’s been showing up for us in a big way since I’ve been injured. He’s been playing great. We’ve asked him to do a lot of things and he’s doing a great job out there. Zach Ertz is another one. There’s so many tight ends out here chilling right now (laughs). The younger tight ends are really showing up. I’m a savvy veteran and I’m proud of every single one of them.

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Steelers Wire discussion forum: Will Minkah Fitzpatrick be defensive player of the year?

Let us know your thoughts on whether or not Minkah Fitzpatrick is a candidate for defensive player of the year.

Despite the fact the Pittsburgh Steelers lost their franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the second game of the season, the Steelers front office decided to mortgage their 2020 first-round pick for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. At the time the move was met with mixed results considering the cost with many calling the price too high.

But nine games into the season the Steelers defense is among the best in the league and Fitzpatrick is a frontrunner for defensive player of the year.

Fitzpatrick’s skillset has allowed defensive coordinator Keith Butler tremendous freedom with his front seven knowing he has No. 39 patrolling the back end. On the season, Fitzpatrick has five interceptions — best in the NFL —- as well as two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.

But his impact spills over into every aspect of the defense, in particular, deep coverage. In the first two games of the season, the Steelers back to their old ways with shaky deep passing defense. But the presence of Fitzpatrick has turned the Steelers into playoff contenders.

In the final analysis, it is hard to see any player being more impactful to a team than Fitzpatrick is to Pittsburgh. And his play has quieted any concerns about who won or lost that trade.

We pose the question to you: Will Minkah Fitzpatrick be the defensive player of the year? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at the Steelers Wire Forum.

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NFL Week 11 power rankings: Rams continue to fall after 4th loss

The Rams dropped out of the top half of Doug Farrar’s power rankings this week.

The Los Angeles Rams dropped their fourth game of the season on Sunday, falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-12 at Heinz Field. This week’s loss continued a troubling trend of inconsistency on offense, despite getting – and wasting – outstanding performances from their core group of defenders.

They seemed to be making progress against the Falcons and Bengals, but this weekend against a tougher opponent proved the Rams have not improved much at all. They dropped further down this week’s power rankings as Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire doesn’t see them as one of the 16 best teams in the NFL.

They’re No. 18 in his Week 11 power rankings after losing to the Steelers on Sunday afternoon.

After the Rams went 13-3 and reached the Super Bowl last season, head coach Sean McVay was the toast of the league. What a difference a year can make, and not in a good way. In a 17-12 loss to the Steelers on Sunday, McVay’s offense converted just one of its 14 third-down attempts. The Rams’ drives: Punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, fumble, punt, missed field goal, interception, interception, field goal, punt, punt, downs, interception. At one point, McVay pulled Jared Goff from the game, installed backup quarterback Blake Bortles, and then tried a fourth-down pass from punter Johnny Hekker, which was intercepted by safety Terrell Edmunds. Goff completed 22 of 41 passes for 243 yards, no touchdowns, and two picks of his own. Goff has a completion rate below 60% in each of his last five games, nobody seems to know why Todd Gurley isn’t getting the ball, and Cooper Kupp didn’t catch a single pass on a season-low four targets. The league may have figured out McVay and Goff, but McVay and Goff are helping their opponents with some truly ugly football.

Right ahead of the Rams are the Steelers, who are also 5-4. Behind Los Angeles are the Cardinals, who are better than their 3-6-1 record indicates. Now, it’s not as if the Rams have fallen below .500 or have become one of the worst teams in football, but given their talent level and expectations, 18th is certainly disappointing.

Even the Titans (No. 16) have moved ahead of the Rams and they have far fewer star players than Los Angeles. It’s just that they’ve gotten better play from their quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and more importantly, their offensive line.

The Seahawks are No. 6 after beating the 49ers on Monday night, while San Francisco ranks second.

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NFL Power Rankings Week 11: Lions drop to bottom third of the NFL

The Lions (3-5-1) continue to fall in NFL Power Rankings, the loss of quarterback Matthew Stafford surely impacted their status in Week 11.

The Lions (3-5-1) continue to fall in NFL Power Rankings and the loss of quarterback Matthew Stafford surely impacted their status in Week 11 more than the loss to the Bears did.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand in the national eye.

USA Today: 27 (Previous: 18)

“Is Kenny Golladay most dangerous deep threat we don’t discuss? Back to those Next Gen Stats, no player averages more targeted air yards than his 16.5.” — Nate Davis

Touchdown Wire: 23 (Previous: 20)

“It’s going to be easy to blame Matthew Stafford’s back injury for Detroit’s 20-13 loss to the Bears, as Stafford had to sit while backup Jeff Driskel took the field. But Driskel wasn’t horrible; he completed 27 passes in 46 attempts for 269 yards, with one touchdown and one interception against one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses. When assigning blame for this loss, and for the collapse that has seen the Lions lose five of their past six games, one must look squarely at a defense that allowed four touchdowns to Oakland rookies in Week 9 and followed that up by making things all too easy for Mitchell Trubisky on his three touchdown passes. This looked like one of the NFL’s better pass defenses at times early in the season, but that narrative has completely fallen apart. Per Pro Football Focus, Detroit’s secondary has allowed 15 touchdowns to just three interceptions this season. No team is going to win that way consistently, no matter who their quarterback is.” — Doug Farrar

NFL: 24 (Previous: 19)

“Here’s a hot take: The Lions really need Matthew Stafford. The quarterback, whose iron-man starting streak ended on Sunday due to a back injury, was sorely missed in a loss to the Bears that put Detroit’s playoff hopes on life support. Jeff Driskel stepped in for Stafford and had a few moments — his best being a pretty, 47-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Golladay that gave the Lions a spark in the fourth quarter — but this simply isn’t a balanced enough team to survive the absence of its best player. The typically overmatched Lions defense started off well, holding the Bears to just 20 yards on four fruitless drives to start the game. But Mitch Trubisky threw touchdown passes in the next three Bears possessions, putting Detroit in a 20-6 hole that was simply too deep with Stafford on the sideline. Now we wait to see how long the quarterback has to stay there.” — Dan Hanzus

ESPN: 21 (Previous: 18)

Most important game left: Sunday vs. Cowboys. It’s cliché to say the next game is the most important because it’s the next one, but based on what’s happening with the Lions, it really is. Detroit has lost five of six games. Its defense doesn’t appear to be improving, and its offense might or might not have Matthew Stafford. The Lions get the Cowboys at home, and if they can’t beat Dallas, their season will be all but over considering the state of the NFC and that of the NFC North.” — Michael Rothstein

CBS Sports: 23 (Previous 20)

“If Matt Stafford is out for a while they are done. They are probably done anyway.” — Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated: 24 (Previous: 16)

“Matthew Stafford has been this team’s most important player since Megatron pulled the plug, and predictably the Lions couldn’t squeeze enough out of Jeff Driskel to take advantage of two late fourth quarter drives. Detroit has underdelivered on the early season promise they flashed in those tight losses to the Chiefs and Packers.” — MMQB staff

Sporting News: 22 (Previous: 18)

“The Lions did their best to hang with the Bears, with Jeff Driskel doing his best Matthew Stafford impression at times. But the injury-related uncertainty of their usually durable leader during his best NFL season has to be a big emotional blow.” — Vinnie Iyer

Rams Wire discussion forum: How concerning is Jared Goff’s play in 2019?

Are you worried about Jared Goff’s struggles this year?

Two years before his contract was set to expire, Jared Goff signed a massive extension with the Los Angeles Rams. It was worth $134 million for four years, including $110 million in guaranteed money.

He’ll have the highest cap hit in the NFL next season at $36 million, which is $2.5 million more than any other player. His play this year has done nothing to suggest the Rams were wise to pay Goff when they did, but how concerning has his performance been?

Put simply, it has raised some red flags, but there are also other factors to consider – like the offensive line being decimated and struggling mightily, and Todd Gurley’s lack of involvement.

We pose the question to you: How worried about Goff are you after seeing how he’s played this year? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at the Rams Wire forum.

Power rankings: Loss to Bucs drops Cardinals a pair of spots

They have allowed over 25 points every game this season.

The Arizona Cardinals entered Week 10 having risen in weekly power rankings despite losing two in a row. That did not continue with a third consecutive loss.

After falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-27 Sunday afternoon, they dropped a pair of spots in the new USA TODAY power rankings.

The Cardinals were up to No. 21 but fell to No. 23.

Christian Kirk snagged three TD passes Sunday, matching output from his first 18 games. If he gets going, “Air Raid” could reach new level.

The offense seems to have hit its stride. They have scored at least 25 points in five of their last six games, despite still having issues on third down and in the red zone.

The problem is the defense isn’t stopping anyone. They have allowed over 25 points in every single game this season, including four games allowing at least 30.

The schedule gets tougher now with four of their final six games coming against NFC West opponents. Where they are now in these rankings might not change much.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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NFC West standings: Seahawks take down 49ers, still in 2nd place

The division went 1-3 in Week 10.

The NFC West did not have a great week in Week 10. They did, though, have one great game on national television. The division went 1-3 on the weekend but the Monday night game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers was fantastic. The 49ers lost and no longer are undefeated.

Here is what the standings look like in the division now.

  1. San Francisco 49ers, 8-1
  2. Seattle Seahawks, 8-2
  3. Los Angeles Rams, 5-4
  4. Arizona Cardinals, 3-6-1

Seattle and San Francisco battled Monday night. It took all 10 minutes of overtime, but the Seahawks beat them 27-24 on a field goal as time expired in the extra period. Both teams had defensive touchdowns. Both Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson threw interceptions. Both had their No. 1 receiver get hurt in the game.

The Rams continued to underwhelm. They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-12 and now have more injuries to worry about. Center Brian Allen is out for the rest of the season and tackle Rob Havenstein and receiver Brandin Cooks are hurt.

The Cardinals lost 30-27 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their third loss in a row. They scored at least 25 points for the fifth time in the last six games but the defense failed to stop the Bucs.

In Week 11, the Cardinals will travel to Santa Clara to take on the 49ers for the second time in three weeks. The Rams will host the equally disappointing Chicago Bears and play in the Sunday night game.

Seattle enters its bye week.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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Raiders move up to No. 12 in Touchdown Wire power rankings

Raiders move up to No. 12 in Touchdown Wire Power Rankings

The Oakland Raiders got a big win in Week 10, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers in the final night game at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. That win moved the Raiders to 5-4, and they are now just one game back in the division.

With that win, the Raiders are starting to get more national attention, as well. In Doug Farrar’s latest power rankings at Touchdown Wire, the Raiders have moved all the way up to No. 12, just ahead of the Dallas Cowboys.

Considering the expectations heading into the season, the Raiders and their fans have to be thrilled with how the season is going. Here is what Farrar had to say about the Raiders this season:

Against the Chargers last Thursday, it was time for Oakland’s rookie pass-rushers to show up. This they did, as Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby combined for three sacks and 10 total pressures. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs also scored the game-deciding touchdown in a 26-24 win that put the Raiders over .500 — that was the Raiders’ league-leading 13th touchdown by a rookie in 2019. Oakland’s personnel staff, led by general manager Mike Mayock, has put together the NFL’s most impressive rookie class this season. There’s simply no way Jon Gruden’s team would be in playoff contention had Mayock and his people not done such an incredible job up and down their draft board.

With an incredibly easy schedule coming up over the next few weeks, the Raiders could significantly move up lists like this and inside the top 10. The Raiders have a real chance to make some noise this season and into the playoffs.

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Two Rams make PFF’s Team of the Week despite ugly loss to Steelers

Aaron Donald and Cory Littleton stood out as two of the best players in Week 10.

As poorly as the Los Angeles Rams played against the Steelers, there were a few standouts on the defensive side of the ball. Aaron Donald played particularly well, as did Cory Littleton, Clay Matthews and Taylor Rapp.

Donald had five tackles, a half-sack, three QB hits, two tackles for loss and a safety forced, helping limit the Steelers offense to just 273 yards. Littleton led all players with 14 tackles, also forcing and recovering a fumble, and making one tackle for loss.

He and Donald made Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week for Week 10, despite the Rams losing in ugly fashion.

Donald earned an overall grade of 92.0, which was the best of any interior defender in Week 10, also generating five pressures and three defensive stops. Littleton was even better in PFF’s eyes, receiving a grade of 92.3, second-best among all inside linebackers.

Littleton continues to fly under the radar as one of the NFL’s best coverage linebackers. He recorded five defensive stops, a forced fumble and allowed just three receptions for 16 yards.

Donald and Littleton have been studs for the Rams all season and are a big reason the defense has played as well as it has. The offense simply hasn’t done its part in many of the Rams’ other losses, which is a big reason they’re just 5-4 after nine games.

Los Angeles needs better play from Jared Goff and the offensive line if a playoff push is going to be made.

Heads or tails? Geno Smith calling the coin toss in the Seahawks’ overtime win is the new Laurel or Yanny

HMMMMMM!

The blue/gold dress. Laurel or Yanny. Brianstorm or green needle.

Those all pale in comparison to the new audio debate we’re all having on Tuesday morning.

On Monday night, in the eventual win over the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Geno Smith was called upon to call the overtime coin toss. He was standing right next to the referee, who asked him for a call.

What Smith said next? According to everyone (except for the referee, of course), it’s up for debate.

According to audio that I’ve listened to now about 157 times, it sure sounds like Smith called “tails.” Others at For The Win hear “heads,” which is what the official next to Smith heard.

Time for a good ol’ fashioned Internet debate:

Here we goooooo!

I hear “tails.” But listen to the clear audio that TMZ has. It sounds a lot more like “heads.” It didn’t end up mattering … but what if it did?

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