Tag: Pete Prisco

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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Several NFL insiders continue to emphasize Jags’ preference to keep Yannick Ngakoue

Yannick Ngakoue is the hottest name on the trade market currently but it appears Shad Khan would prefer to keep him over trading him.

Yannick Ngakoue wants out of Jacksonville but it remains to be seen if he’ll get his request. At this point, most of the fanbase is simply ready for the team to make a move so the organization can simply move away from the fractured relationships caused during Tom Coughlin’s tenure. However, it appears he lead man in the organization, Shad Khan, really would like to keep Ngakoue according to several insiders.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently spoke on the matter to 97.5 the Fanatic of Philadelphia. He went into details of when Ngakoue could be traded in his eyes, what the Jags may want, and emphasized that Khan would prefer to keep him.

“I still think the team; the Jaguars have to move him during the draft. You know, the week of the draft, during the draft, my guess is these are usually deals that are made often while teams are on the clock. They’re going to want back significant compensation for him. It remains to be seen how much they actually will get back. There will be people in that organization, like the owner, who will not want to move him, which means that they’ll be firmer on their price. But if they don’t trade him, then they’ve got a mess on their hands. And I believe the guy, the player, when he said that he doesn’t plan to play for them again. I believe he will continue to sit, so that’s not good for anybody.

I think that the right thing for them to do logistically is to move on from him. And so they’re gonna want a first-round pick, maybe then some for him. I don’t know whether they’ll get a first-round pick for him or not, we’ll see how it shakes out. It could be swapping draft spots; it could be swapping picks; it could be any combination of factors that get a deal done. Now, in the end I would guess that they do trade him. I think they have to. I think that’s the best thing for everybody involved. I don’t think they want that headache on their hands, and I think the owner will see that eventually.”

In terms of the compensation, it’s possible that a team may be willing to give up what the Kansas City Chiefs did for Frank Clark last year as the draft gets closer, which was their 2019 first-round selection, 2020 second rounder, and swapped thirds for 2019.

As an analyst well connected with the Jags, CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco echoed those sentiments about Khan wanting to keep Ngakoue, too, on a debate with Jason La Canfora via 105.7 The Fan of Baltimore.

“I hear the owner doesn’t want to trade him no matter what because it’s a bad look for the organization. These guys complain and then you get traded. I’m telling you, unless they get their socks knocked off on some deal [they won’t trade him], which, by the way, isn’t happening. There’s not a lot out there for those pass rushers and we saw that [during the offseason]. Look at [Jadeveon] Clowney. He’s floundering looking for money. He initially asked for $22 million.”

While he didn’t say Khan’s name specifically, NFL insider Ian Rapoport also told Jags Wire something along the lines of Prisco and Schefter, stating that he believes if the Jags had it their way they prefer to have Ngakoue play for them. While Ngakoue’s mind is seemingly made up, Rapoport also added that players have changed their minds in the past about their stance on an organization.

“He is a great asset for Jacksonville. I think if they could just do whatever they wanted, whatever it is, I think they would have him play for them this year. He is a great player. If it’s just on the tag, I think that would be OK for them.

The other thing I’ll say, and I don’t know what’s going to end up happening, if he plays on the tag this year and the experience is OK [maybe] he decides to re-sign. I’ve seen situations where players have called teams a lot of things and ended up back there. Maybe this is a little different but I would think if Jacksonville had the choice, they would have him play for them this season.”

When reflecting on the past, Khan expressed a similar message about cornerback Jalen Ramsey last season after their saga with him, however, they ended up trading him anyway. It’s worth noting that Khan probably would’ve stuck with his word but the Los Angeles Rams’ offer was just too good for the Jags to pass up.

With Ngakoue I’m sure they would do the same if they were offered two more first-round selections. However, that’s unlikely, and instead, they may get an offer closer to the one I mentioned with Clark earlier at best. That would then lead to the question of whether or not that’s good enough for Khan to come off the disgruntled pass-rusher, but only time will tell.

CBS slots Jags at No. 27 spot of power rankings

Occasional Jags radio analyst Pete Prisco slotted the team at the No. 27 spot of his power rankings, which is actually better than others.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2019 season was one in which was hard to watch and fans actually rejoiced its end. They only bested their win total from 2018 by just one win with a 6-10 record, well below their expectations.

Someone who watched them extensively throughout the process was CBS Sports and occasional Jags radio analyst Pete Prisco, who recently released his post-Super Bowl power rankings with the Jags slotted at the No. 27 spot.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

Even after the bad showing last season, coach Doug Marrone is back. They have a new offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden, who has to decide on Gardner Minshew or Nick Foles as his quarterback.

The Jags named Jay Gruden to their staff last month, and as Prisco pointed out, he’ll be an important part of the Jags’ season if they are to have a turnaround. While his run with the Washington Redskins ended unimpressively, his success as on offensive coordinator certainly indicates that he can get the Jags’ offense right.

In addition to deciding on who will be the better option behind center, the Jags will need to find pieces around which ever quarterback is declared the winner. The Jags’ offensive line needs boosting, they need significant upgrades at tight end, and could use a receiver to pair with DJ Chark Jr., so Gruden will have his work cut out for him. If Gruden can overcome the Herculean task, however, the Jags could find themselves further up Prisco’s power rankings this fall.

As for the rest of the AFC South, Prisco slotted the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans at the No. 10 and No. 11 spots, respectively. The Indianapolis Colts came in behind them at the No. 20 spot.

Pete Prisco predicts Titans, Ryan Tannehill will ‘carve up’ Texans in Week 15

The Texans lost their most recent game to the Denver Broncos, 38-24 last week in NRG Stadium.

The Tennessee Titans (8-5) are riding high on a four-game winning streak as they prepare to take on the division rival Houston Texans for the first time this season in Week 15.

The Texans lost their most recent game to the Denver Broncos, 38-24 last week in NRG Stadium.

Quarterback Drew Lock found no issue picking his opponent’s defense apart, and CBS analyst Pete Prisco believes Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill will do more of the same this weekend.

“This is for first place in the division, which means it’s a huge game,” he wrote. “The Titans have won six of seven games with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. He is playing great football. The Texans were awful in their home loss to the Broncos last week and I think Tannehill will carve up that defense like Drew Lock did. The Titans will take over first place.”

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Tannehill has been on a roll in what’s likely to end up being the best season of his career, losing just one game as a starter so far while posting an overall record of 6-1 after taking Marcus Mariota’s starting job when he was benched in the middle of Week 6’s loss to the Denver Broncos.

He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after Sunday’s 42-21 road win over the Oakland Raiders, when he completed 21-of-27 pass attempts for 391 yards with three touchdowns, posting a passer rating of 140.4

The Titans and Texans are set to kick off at noon CT on Sunday in Nissan Stadium.