Tag: Pro Football Network

Through 8 weeks, Creed Humphrey has earned PFF’s highest grade for a center in years

In his rookie season, former Oklahoma Sooners center Creed Humphrey has become is a rising star in the NFL.

If you followed Oklahoma during the Kyler Murray/Jalen Hurts years there was a constant on the offensive line that made all of those offenses go. It wasn’t the quarterback but instead a homegrown Oklahoma kid from Shawnee with size, strength, and intelligence to match.

Creed Humphrey anchored the offensive line for some of Lincoln Riley’s most prolific offenses and in 2021 he made the leap from prolific college offenses to one of the NFL’s best offenses as well.

Despite Kansas City’s struggles as a team, Humphrey has been a rock in the middle even as a rookie in a rebuilding project of sorts for the Chiefs’ offensive line. After being dismantled in Tampa against the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs went all-in on renovating their offensive line. Humphrey was their first offensive linemen pick of the draft and has only validated their pick.

He currently is the highest graded rookie (regardless of position) in the entire league. He sits at a PFF grade of 90.7 through week eight.

Also, according to PFF, Humphrey has the highest grade for a rookie center through the first eight weeks of a season since Nick Mangold in 2006. Mangold went on to be a Pro Bowler seven times while being All-Pro three times.

While the Chiefs offensively have struggled, Humphrey is showing the same physicality and aggressiveness that helped him become the Big 12’s Offensive Linemen of the Year in back-to-back years from 2019-2020.

Humphrey has even gotten support for Offensive Rookie of the Year from one of Pro Football Network’s lead analysts, Dalton Miller.

Dalton brings up a very valid point that it’s highly unlikely Humphrey will get real consideration for that award as it usually goes to virtually every other offensive position except offensive line.

Nonetheless, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in the Sooners’ fanbase who couldn’t have seen this coming.

For years, Humphrey showed up week in and week out dominating the Big 12 competition. He did it quietly, confidently, and with a tenacity that just can’t be coached. As long as he continues to keep Patrick Mahomes upright, he’ll continue to prove the Sooners community right and prove the teams that passed on him wrong.

Pro Football Network mock has Jags addressing pass rush in first round of 2022 NFL draft

Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson has six sacks already for the Wolverines.

Jacksonville has several issues all over the field. It’s probably missing a playmaking receiver, it could use longer-term solutions at the offensive tackle spots, the secondary it heavily invested in is still struggling and the interior of the defensive line is mostly a committee right now.

But one issue is likely the most existential, and it’s the one the Jags should probably look to address with a young prospect in the 2022 NFL draft: pass rush. Josh Allen isn’t having the most productive third season, but he’s playing well.

The other side, however, has been a mess. K’Lavon Chaisson is still in just his second year, but he doesn’t look like he’s going to live up to the hype of a first-round pick. Free-agent pickup Jihad Ward has been solid in the rotation, but he’s not a permanent solution, either.

The team likely won’t have the opportunity to draft Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux, but according to the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network, it could come away with the next best thing in Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson.

4) Jacksonville Jaguars: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan

The edge talent in the 2022 NFL Draft is impressive, to say the least. With a ton of scrutiny on their defense so far this year, the Jaguars use a top-five pick on Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson. When I say Jacksonville’s defense has been incredibly bad, that is not facetious. They are allowing a whopping 386 yards per game and have struggled to get to opposing QBs. The Jaguars need a lot of help on both sides of the ball, but Hutchinson is the right choice for them here.

Hutchinson, a senior, is in the midst of a breakout season for the Wolverines. His career-high in sacks entering the season was 4.5, but he already has six sacks in 2021 just past the midpoint. He’s one of the most dominant defensive players in the Big Ten, and he’s a major reason the Michigan defense has been so formidable so far.

As a junior, Hutchinson’s season was cut short after only three games as he suffered a leg injury that required surgery. He decided to come back to school, a call that has been proven to be the right one.

He’s now a likely top 10 (maybe even top 5) pick, and he would be a major help for a Jacksonville defensive line that could use all the talent it can get right now.

Gator defensive back vaults into the top 5 of this 2022 mock draft

Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam is expected to be a first-round pick next season, but this Pro Football Network mock had him in the top 5.

Florida’s secondary may have been one of its biggest weaknesses during the 2020 season, but the cornerback group specifically is poised to enter 2021 as one of the team’s strengths. It’s led by junior Kaiir Elam, who became a full-time starter last season after seeing several starts due to injury as a true freshman.

As Elam approaches what will likely be his final college season, he’s expected to be one of the top defensive players with college football. Alongside LSU‘s Derek Stingley Jr., he’s considered a top-two cornerback in the land.

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Many analysts project that Elam will be a first-round pick in 2020, but many of them have Stingley being selected before him. This latest mock draft from Pro Football Network’s Cam Mellor is one of the few exceptions, and it’s also the highest draft projection Elam has received to date.

Mellor slots him to the New York Jets with the fourth-overall pick, which would make him the second-straight Gators player to be drafted at No. 4 after the Atlanta Falcons took Kyle Pitts in that spot this year.

A surprise pick to some, sure, but not to others. Kaiir Elam has every bit of the ability of his SEC counterpart in Derek Stingley. Unfortunately for Elam, he never got the name-brand recognition of a Heisman Trophy-winning season from his quarterback to give him that national fame.

While Stingley got cooked by Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith during their famed showdown, Elam more than held his own against Alabama a year ago, specifically against Smith. Elam has terrific size at 6’2″, 195 pounds, as well as incredible ball skills. By year’s end, he should have nearly 30 starts under his belt. He will be one of the more experienced corners in this class, as well as the bloodline of being the nephew of former NFL first-round pick Matt Elam.

It’s lofty for the Gators cornerback, but his prowess on the field can absolutely lift him to this draft stature.

Coming off a season in which he netted 39 tackles and tied for first on the team in interceptions with two (while also leading the team in pass breakups with 11), Elam is expected to do big things on a Florida defense that struggled mightily against elite offenses in 2020.

The nephew of former Gators and NFL safety Matt Elam, the younger Elam will look to follow in his uncle’s footsteps and secure a first-round selection after the conclusion of his college career.

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Who is the Jaguars’ most overrated player?

According to Pro Football Network, Cam Robinson is Jacksonville’s most overrated player.

Considering the Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a 1-15 season that resulted in the No. 1 overall pick, there aren’t many players on the team that could be called “overrated.” But even on struggling teams, there are players that don’t live up to expectations, or in this case, their contract.

According to Pro Football Network, offensive tackle Cam Robinson is Jacksonville’s most overrated player.

You can put either of the Jacksonville offensive tackles here. Although I believe Travis Etienne is a stellar athlete, the Jaguars could have used an upgrade at OT instead of an RB. In each of the last two years, Robinson has allowed 11 sacks, with his 2020 total being behind only teammate Jawaan Taylor. Moreover, Robinson accumulated 30+ blown blocks and committed 5+ penalties every season outside of 2018 when he played just two games.

While neither Robinson nor Taylor has been dominant, Taylor has been the more promising player to this point. Further, he’s still on his rookie deal, while Robinson was given a hefty payday with the franchise tag this offseason.

Injuries have been an issue for him throughout his first four seasons, and even when he’s stayed healthy, he’s been inconsistent on the field. Many thought Jacksonville would try to upgrade the tackle spot this offseason and move on from Robinson.

After options like Trent Williams and Orlando Brown fell through, the only remaining option was the draft. But the 2021 tackle class wasn’t ideal, and though the team drafted potential future starter in Walker Little, he’s considered a project player who won’t contribute much as a rookie.

Robinson’s future on the Jags is murky beyond this season and barring a breakout year, the team is almost certain to let him walk. But in the meantime, he’ll be tasked with protecting Trevor Lawrence’s blindside, and Jacksonville will expect him to hold his own, overrated or not.

Analysts predict outcome of Chargers season in 2021

National analysts and writers predict how the Los Angeles Chargers will do in 2021.

The Chargers schedule was released on Wednesday night, and shortly after I released my game-by-game predictions.

How do others feel about Los Angeles heading into the 2021 season?

Let’s take a look at the records and win totals national writers and analysts are predicting L.A. to finish with.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine: 9-8

“The Chiefs weren’t the only team in the AFC West who spent the offseason retooling the offensive line. The Chargers found their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert last year. They showed they know the importance of protecting him in 2021.

The group of pass-protectors was brutal last season. Herbert absorbed 32 sacks, an additional 70 hits and pressure on 28.7 percent of his dropbacks last season. He still managed to win Rookie of the Year.

Selecting Rashawn Slater with the 13th pick was a perfect marriage of value and need. It also completed the remodelling after they signed likely starters in center Corey Linsley, guard/tackles Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi to go with Bryan Bulaga at right tackle.

There are some questions on defense. The Chargers finished 18th in defensive efficiency last season, and their moves on that side of the ball may be net neutral. Drafting Asante Samuel Jr. in the second round should be helpful in the secondary, but they also lost Casey Hayward and safety Rayshawn Jenkins.

New head coach Brandon Staley, the former defensive coordinator of the Rams, will hope to have a positive impact on the group, but if Herbert sees a sophomore slump, the defense might not be able to carry the Chargers in games.

As long as Herbert continues to progress, though, the Chargers should be in the thick of the AFC wild-card race. “

ESPN’s Shelley Smith

“The Chargers will make the playoffs for only the third time since 2009 and beat the two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs at least once. They also have the Raiders and Broncos in their division and will beat them as well.”

CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani

“The Chargers appear to be on the right track, but Brandon Staley will have to prove himself as a head coach and this team as a whole will have to prove it can stay healthy. Expect Herbert to continue to prove he’s the future at quarterback with the additions Los Angeles made on the offensive line, but the AFC West is a very tough division. I’m expecting the Chargers to go around .500 — whether that be 9-8 or 8-9.”

Pro Football Network’s Tommy Garrett: 11-6

“After Herbert’s impressive rookie campaign, the Chargers will be expecting to take the next step forward in 2021. Their schedule should facilitate them having another strong season, provided Herbert does not experience a sophomore slump.

With a new coaching staff, much will depend on how things gel in terms of schemes and personnel. If they hit the ground running in September, this roster can challenge for the playoffs in the AFC. However, we have seen this roster have fragilities if they get off to a bad start. If that happens, we will quickly learn about what new head coach Brandon Staley brings to this franchise.”

NFL Media’s Cynthia Frelund: 9.1 wins

“This season may not start out so pretty for the Chargers, with games at Washington (Week 1), vs. Dallas (Week 2), at Kansas City (Week 3), vs. Cleveland (Week 5) and at Baltimore (Week 6) all coming before their Week 7 bye. But given the current personnel configuration within the AFC West (that is to say, with Aaron Rodgers not being on the Broncos), the Bolts could make a second-half surge.”

Pro Football Network’s latest 2021 NFL mock draft has 7 Alabama stars in first round

Sevene Alabama players are projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, according to Pro Football Network’s latest …

With the 2021 national championship now in the rear view mirror for all of college football except for Alabama, who holds the title in their very full pockets, it is time to start seriously honing in on the 2021 NFL draft.

Zach Segars of Pro Football Network put together his latest mock draft for the first round, and it is loaded with names familiar to Crimson Tide fans.

The Alabama offense definitely stole the spotlight from the defense this year, but both sides of the ball are represented in this mock draft.

Seven Crimson Tide stars in total are projected to be drafted in the first round.

Here’s where they land:

Georgia RB Zamir White a top 10 RB prospect for 2021 NFL Draft

Georgia football RB Zamir White is considered a top-10 ball carrier in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Pro Football Network recently released their list of the top-10 running back prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Georgia red-shirt sophomore Zamir White (Laurinburg, North Carolina) comes in at No. 8, which is 3rd in the SEC behind Alabama’s Najee Harris and Mississippi State’s Kylin Hill.

Pro Football Network wrote:

“White is a blend of size and speed but has never been healthy for a full season. The best thing for his draft stock is simply staying healthy. Don’t be surprised if White ends the season as the consensus RB1, or if the injuries were too insurmountable.”

Former Georgia star back D’Andre Swift was drafted to the Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft and with the departure of Brian Herrien too, many believe White will be the next man up in an always talented Georgia running back room.

White’s college career so far still holds more questions than answers. The No. 1 running back in the 2018 recruiting class, White was considered to be the next great Georgia running back by many. After tearing his ACL in his left knee his senior season at Scotland High School, White enrolled at Georgia in 2018. He worked his way back from his first ACL tear only to suffer another one, this time in his right knee two weeks before the Bulldogs’ first game.

Knee injuries are always scary, especially for skill position players, so we weren’t sure if we would ever see White on the field for Georgia. However, he persevered, and after a tough rehab and red-shirting in 2018, White was able to suit up in 2019 and carried the ball 78 times for 408 yards and three touchdowns.

A small glimpse for sure, but NFL draft analysts have taken notice. White has already battled his way back from two serious injuries, so I think it’s safe to say he is ready for a big season in 2020 and it would be awesome to see such a hard worker do great things for the Bulldogs.

Bears training camp still expected to begin in late July

The NFL is expected to begin training camps on time in late July and in person.

The NFL has had to call multiple audibles this offseason, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, such as holding a virtual draft and at-home mini camps for players. But when it comes to training camp later this summer, the league reportedly isn’t budging on its plans.

According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the NFL is expected to begin training camps on time in late July and in person. Pauline also states the league likely won’t make a decision on whether to cancel or postpone camps “until the last minute” and says first-year players will be allowed at team facilities. He goes into more detail below:

I’m told training camps are expected to open on time in July and the league will wait until the last minute before making any announcement should any changes be necessary. Team facilities are not expected to be fully opened until July camp. As one source told me, teams do not want players working out at their facilities in May or June.

The one exception to that will be physicals for rookies and undrafted free agents. As travel restrictions begin lifting across the country, most teams are expected to bring in the first-year players for comprehensive physicals.

Unlike the other three major sports leagues in the country, which were suspended in mid-March, the NFL has the benefit of starting their season in the fall. They can forge ahead with plans and make decisions at a later date depending on the situation. As of today, the only part of the NFL season disrupted by the pandemic was the league’s international series, which was cancelled Monday morning.

Like all NFL fans, the league is hopeful the season will begin on time and having training camp take place as scheduled will be a major step in achieving that goal.

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