Tag: Pete Prisco

Eagles have 4 players make Pete Prisco’s Top 100 NFL Players list for 2022

Philadelphia Eagles have 4 players make Pete Prisco’s Top 100 NFL Players list for 2022

With NFL training camps set to start in a little over a month, player rankings and top 100 lists are starting to be released and Philadelphia should be well represented.

With the addition of A.J. Brown and Haason Reddick, star power was added to a roster that already includes Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and the NFL’s top offensive line.

CBS Sports Pete Prisco just released his annual top 100 players list, and the Eagles had four players land on the list, with their talented and ascending left tackle getting the highest ranking.

DK Metcalf is only Seahawk to make Pete Prisco’s top 100 players list

Wide receiver DK Metcalf is the only member of the Seattle Seahawks to land on CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco’s top 100 players list for 2022.

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Ouch.

Wide receiver DK Metcalf is the only member of the Seattle Seahawks to land on CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco’s top 100 players list heading into the 2022 NFL season.

“He is physically one of the most impressive receivers in the league,” Prisco writes. “He had 75 catches last season with 12 touchdowns. Imagine if he played in a pass-first offense?”

Two former Seahawks did make Prisco’s list, however – Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, who makes his debut in orange at No. 42, and Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner way down near the bottom at No. 93.

Seattle safety Quandre Diggs and wide receiver Tyler Locket earned honorable mentions.

Ouch.

Click here to read Prisco’s full list.

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Seahawks start near bottom in early NFL power rankings

The Seattle Seahawks start near the bottom of CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco’s early NFL power rankings ahead of the 2022 regular season.

The Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI and with that, lead the NFL power rankings heading into the 2022 regular season.

“Stars win games in this league, and the Rams are exhibit A,” writes CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco. “But is it just easy to trade away picks to go for it? No, It takes shrewd drafting in the later rounds to do that, which Rams general manager Les Snead has done.”

As for the Rams’ divisional rivals, Prisco has the 49ers in the top 10 at No. 7 overall and the Cardinals just shy of that at No. 11. The Seahawks, however, can be found much further down on his list . . . at No. 25.

“They’ve made changes to their coaching staff, which means Pete Carroll could be getting desperate,” Prisco asserts. “Whether Russell Wilson returns is the big issue facing this team.”

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Jaguars move up to 26th in CBS Sports’ post-draft power rankings

After the draft, Jacksonville has moved up six spots to No. 26 in Pete Prisco’s NFL power rankings.

The 2021 NFL draft is in the books, and the Jacksonville Jaguars officially invested the first overall pick in Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence. With a franchise quarterback in tow, Jacksonville is expected to improve from their 1-15 finish that landed it pick No. 1 in the first place.

It makes sense that the Jags are on the rise in the post-draft NFL power rankings from CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco. The team previously ranked at the very bottom of Prisco’s rankings, but following the draft, it moved up six spots to No. 26. The Jaguars’ divisional rival Houston replaced them in the 32nd spot.

Here’s Prisco’s justification for the rise.

They have their franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, which means they won’t be this low for too long. Urban Meyer will have this team moving up quickly.

Understandably, Prisco thinks this is a team on the rise. With offseason additions like free-agent receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and running back Travis Etienne, Lawrence’s college teammate and selection at pick No. 25, the Jags could have an above-average offense in 2021.

The unit wasn’t terrible in 2020 despite a revolving door at the quarterback position, and a pair of rookies in Laviska Shenault Jr. and James Robinson had standout seasons. With Lawrence under center now and coach Urban Meyer calling the shots, there should be a lot more stability.

Though some of Jacksonville’s picks after the first round may have been made with the future in mind rather than immediate impact (such as Stanford tackle Walker Little), they also landed players later in the draft like Syracuse safety Andre Cisco and USC defensive tackle Jay Tufele who could see significant reps in Year 1. Ohio State tight end Luke Farrell, the team’s fifth-round pick, will likely play a lot, as well, though that’s mostly due to necessity.

Though 2021 may be a bit of a bridge year, things are certainly looking up in Duval. Now that the franchise finally has its centerpiece, the horizon is brighter than it’s ever been before.

Pete Prisco says Jags will be one of the best AFC teams “for the next decade”

The CBS Sports analyst said that with Lawrence, he expects the Jaguars to be one of the AFC’s best teams for the next decade.

Given Jacksonville’s recent history, it isn’t surprising that the national media is skeptical of the Urban Meyer experiment, even with the team set to select Trevor Lawrence next month in the draft. However, CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco is not one of those people.

He said on Monday that with Lawrence coming in, the Jaguars should be one of the top teams in their conference for years to come.

“This team, because of that quarterback, will be one of the best teams in the AFC for the next decade. It’s simple. It’s really simple. Look at the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes, you get the quarterback, you’re going to be one of the best teams for the next decade.”

It’s hard to argue with Prisco’s logic. Though the Chiefs had achieved much more relative success than Jacksonville before Mahomes became their starting quarterback, he flipped the switch that turned Kansas City from a playoff team to a real Super Bowl contender.

If Lawrence can have a similar effect on the team, it’s not unreasonable to think that the Jaguars could improve tremendously in the next couple of seasons. And though dynasty ambitions are probably premature for a team that hasn’t even made it official with Lawrence yet, Jacksonville fans will hope Prisco’s analysis (and belief in Lawrence) holds true.

Only 1 Panther makes CBS Sports’ Top 100 NFL Players list

The Panthers have plenty of youth and athleticism on their roster right now. Starpower is one thing they’re pretty short on, though.

The Panthers have plenty of youth and athleticism on their roster right now. Starpower is one thing they’re pretty short on, though.

Last year, there were about a dozen high-profile players on the team, including a No. 1 overall pick and former MVP, an All-Pro, future hall of fame linebacker and a loaded, veteran-heavy defensive line. Five months later, this franchise has undergone a dramatic makeover and most of the big names have moved on in one way or another.

The challenges ahead in 2020 are often illustrated by the relatively few number of current Carolina players we see in league-wide rankings.

For example, Pete Prisco recently released his annual ranking of the top 100 players in the NFL. Running back Christian McCaffrey came in at No. 5 on his list but he was the only Panther on it. Here’s Prisco on No. 22:

“It’s tough for me to put a back up this high, but his ability to catch the football better than all the others makes him a dual-threat player, going over 1,000 in both rushing and receiving yards.”

While we have some issues with Prisco’s list, the top of it seems pretty appropriate.

Patrick Mahomes took the No. 1 spot as he should, followed by Aaron Donald, Russell Wilson and Michael Thomas.

It is a bit ambitious placing any running back so high (especially ahead of Lamar Jackson) but McCaffrey is a bit of a unicorn. There have been other great pass-catching backs before, but nobody has quite thrived at it the way he has. McCaffrey’s route running and abilities after the catch make him a unique threat for his position. We are very interested to see what offensive coordinator Joe Brady has planned for him.

For what it’s worth, wide receiver D.J. Moore was on Prisco’s rather extensive just-missed list. We’re expecting big things from him and Brian Burns this year.

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Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner land on Pete Prisco’s Top 100 list of 2020

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (No 3) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (No. 38) have both landed on Pete Prisco’s Top 100 Players of 2020.

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco recently released his Top 100 list of who he believes are the best players in the league heading into the 2020 NFL season.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has landed in the No. 3 spot, making a huge leap from No. 28th last year, now behind only Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Donald.

“He was outstanding last season and was in the MVP conversation,” Prisco writes of Wilson. “If only the Seahawks let him throw a little more than he does, which is what they should do.”

Next up on the list is Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner, who can’t be found until all the way down at No. 38 – a drop from last year’s position of No. 9.

“His play declined last season as the Seattle defense wasn’t as dominant,” Prisco notes of Wagner. “He still remains one of the better inside/middle linebackers, but he was off last season.”

Wilson and Wagner are the only Seahawks to earn Prisco’s honors this year, but hopefully there is plenty of football yet to be played in 2020.

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2 Broncos make Pete Prisco’s list of Top 100 NFL Players

Broncos linebacker Von Miller and safety Justin Simmons made Pete Prisco’s list of the Top 100 players in the NFL.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports published his list of the Top 100 players in the NFL this week and two Denver Broncos defenders made the cut.

Superstar outside linebacker Von Miller is ranked No. 21.

“He didn’t play up to his usual standards, which would put him in the top-10 of this list,” Prisco said. “He had a career-low eight sacks in his first season in Vic Fangio’s defense. Even so, he has the tools to get that back up near 14 this season. But at 31 is age becoming an issue?”

Broncos safety Justin Simmons is ranked No. 78. Some fans in Denver feel that is too low but it’s actually somewhat of a flattering position considering that Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick didn’t even make the cut.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge defender Shaq Barrett, who won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos in 2015, is ranked No. 82 on the list. Denver wide receiver Courtland Sutton and inside linebacker Alexander Johnson are listed on Prisco’s list of players who “just missed” the top 100 list.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is ranked No. 1 on the list.

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Notre Dame in the NFL: Top 100 Players List Heavy With Irish

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports released his top 100 players in the NFL list and Notre Dame had nearly as many reps as any other school!

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his top 100 list of current NFL players and Notre Dame finds itself with four representatives.  As you’d probably imagine, the majority of those are on the offensive line while the other isn’t exactly hard to figure out, either.

To see Prisco’s entire list you can go here.  If you’re only interested in the former Fighting Irish stars however, you can see who they are below.

The highest former Notre Dame player on Prisco’s list is Quenton Nelson. The current offensive guard of the Indianapolis Colts checked in at 15, the highest of any offensive lineman in the league.

Prisco on Nelson: He is now clearly the league’s best guard. He is a mauler in the run game and has improved in pass protection. Philip Rivers will love him.

Next up is Ronnie Stanley who checks at 27 after a tremendous season that saw voted as an All-Pro left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens last year.

Prisco on Stanley:  In his fourth season, he emerged as a star at left tackle. His pass protection is outstanding, but he’s improved as run blocker as well, which is a must in the Ravens offense.

A mainstay as one of the best at his position since getting his NFL start in 2012, Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings checks in at 37.  He may not be quite the same player he was two or three years ago but he’s still one of the very best to do what he does.

Prisco on Smith:  He should have been on the All-Decade team at safety with his range and his ability to do so many things as a big part of the Vikings defense. His play slipped a little last season, but he’s still a top-tier safety.

And rounding out the Notre Dame representation is a player who has been as dominant as his position as perhaps any player has been at their respective spots since entering the league in 2014.  Zack Martin checks in 50th as he’s still among the best guards in the game for the Dallas Cowboys.

Prisco on Martin:  He continues to be a dominant inside player. The Cowboys are able to do a lot of things on offense because of his ability to excel in the run game and as a pass protector.

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Cowboys News: Reinstatement chances for Gregory, Dallas the next dynasty?

More on Aldon Smith’s reinstatement, new numbers in Dak’s contract saga, who made the Top 100, and who wants an empty AT&T Stadium?

Christmas came early for the Cowboys and former Pro Bowler Aldon Smith. Now that the formerly dominant defensive star has been reinstated by the league, there’s plenty of getting up to speed for fans to do on what this means, both for Smith personally as well as from the team’s perspective. And what about Randy Gregory? Will he have his suspension lifted, too?

There’s also some new (but expected) math involved in the Dak Prescott contract saga, an eagerly-awaited list that ranks several Cowboys lower than expected, and whispers of how likely a new Dallas dynasty might be. All that, plus the team’s new man in the middle, an old-school football tradition falls by the wayside, and a division rival is hoping for an empty stadium when he visits Arlington. That’s all ahead in this edition of News and Notes.

Cowboys’ Aldon Smith reinstated by NFL from suspension after four-year absence :: USA Today

After a 54-month hiatus from the National Football League, the top-ten pick from 2011 has been cleared to add to his 47.5 career-sack resume starting Tuesday. The reinstatement follows a videoconference with commissioner Roger Goodell and comes the same day former sackmaster DeMarcus Ware expressed optimism that Smith could excel in the Cowboys’ new-look defense.

Instant analysis: How Aldon Smith fits Cowboys, what his role might be :: Cowboys Wire

Here’s the nuts and bolts of what Smith’s reinstatement means to the team, from his reunion with his 49ers position coach to his rocked-up physique to how he fits in with the likes of DeMarcus Lawrence, Gerald McCoy, and rookie Neville Gallimore.

Mike Garofalo breaks down Aldon Smith’s reinstatement :: NFL.com

The NFL Network insider shares some of what the league reportedly told Aldon Smith as they officially granted his reinstatement, including a plea that he use his experience to become an “example” to young players.

Aldon Smith received his long-awaited NFL reinstatement. Will Cowboys DE Randy Gregory be next? :: The Dallas Morning News

Aldon Smith wasn’t the only suspended defensive stud the Cowboys front office gambled on this offseason. Randy Gregory, suspended indefinitely in early 2019 but retained by the club, finds himself in a holding pattern similar to the one Smith just got out of. Gregory’s agent had this to say about his client’s chances of also being cleared to return: “We are working through the process.”

Cowboys Contracts: ‘Dak wants 45M for 5th year’ – and what that means :: Cowboy Maven

Analyst Chris Simms made waves on Tuesday by floating supposedly-inside info on the club’s back-and-forth with Dak Prescott, citing proposed numbers. The previous suppositions by Mike Fisher has been recalibrated, no longer saying the difference between the two sides is solely four-vs-five years for the same amount of annual salary.

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It seems Prescott indeed would be alright with a fifth year to the deal if it matches where the salary cap and the going rate for QBs will likely be.

Ware says Cowboys have offered ‘as much as they can’ for Dak :: 247Sports

Ex-Dallas defensive star DeMarcus Ware said in a new TV interview, “your play creates your pay.” When it comes to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Ware suggests, “Yeah, he made it deep into the playoffs, but you haven’t won any championships. If you maybe had one of those rings on your hand, you might get 40 or 50 [million] right now.”

Pete Prisco’s top 100 NFL players of 2020: Patrick Mahomes takes top spot, Lamar Jackson cracks top 10 :: CBS Sports

When the senior writer of CBS Sports ranks his 100 best players, people listen. Cowboys fans may take issue with the placement of their team’s seven representatives: Ezekiel Elliott (17), Dak Prescott (46), Zack Martin (50), DeMarcus Lawrence (58), La’el Collins (77), Tyron Smith (80), and Amari Cooper (81).

Looney brings enthusiasm to new opportunity :: The Mothership

The team’s official website takes an in-depth look at fan favorite Joe Looney as he prepares to take over for the retired Travis Frederick as the Cowboys’ starting center.  He’ll bring his trademark positive attitude as he battles fourth-round draft pick Tyler Biadasz for the job in camp.

NFL’s next great dynasty? Chiefs, Cowboys, Bills among candidates :: NFL.com

Now that the Belichick/Brady partnership has been busted up, NFL.com columnist Adam Schein thinks the Cowboys have the fourth-best shot at being the league’s next dynasty.

Why the three-point stance could become a football thing of the past :: ESPN

A fascinating read here on the delicate dance between making football safer to play while allowing the most popular sport in America to remain recognizable. Kevin Seifert explains the science behind why the game’s youngest players are no longer allowed to put their hands in the dirt before the snap… and what such a rule change could ultimately mean for the evolution of the sport.

Ron Rivera: ‘It might be refreshing’ to play in Dallas, Philly without fans :: NBC Sports Washington

New Redskins coach Ron Rivera will be looking for every edge he can get in taking over the 3-13 team he inherited. In mulling over the prospect of playing the 2020 season in empty stadiums, Rivera says, “When you have to go someplace like Dallas or Philadelphia, it might be refreshing that you don’t have their fans in the stands. That’s for darn sure.”

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