Gridiron Glimpses: Shedeur Sanders

Sep 2, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws a pass in the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Overview

While carving out his unique path to NFL recognition, Shedeur Sanders emerges as an interesting talent with a notable blend of recruiting pedigree and NFL lineage. Possessing an impressive physical stature and a heritage steeped in football expertise, Sanders has cultivated a nuanced understanding of the game, demonstrating the potential to adapt and grow as he transitions to a more competitive setting in the Pac-12 in 2023.

Strengths

Athleticism and Mobility

Standing at 6’2″ and tipping the scales at 215 pounds, Sanders has the physical attributes that make him a commanding presence on the field. He utilizes his athleticism to maintain poise within the pocket and extend plays, showcasing an innate ability to manipulate defenders and deliver precise passes even while on the move.

Leadership and Composure

Sanders is noted for his palpable leadership qualities, displaying a fierce determination, particularly in critical game situations. His resilience post-turnover and ability to galvanize his team exemplify his leadership skills.

Game Understanding

With an ingrained and intuitive “feel” for the game, Sanders reflects a high level of understanding. Even under considerable pressure, his ability to find pivotal passing windows hints at a deeper connection and mastery of his offensive responsibilities.

Weaknesses

Throwing Mechanics

Despite his consistent high, over-the-top release, Sanders’ throwing mechanics present noticeable gaps. His reliance on his upper body and erratic footwork sometimes hamper his throwing efficiency, causing unstable releases and off-target passes.

Ball Security

A glaring concern revolves around Sanders’ approach to ball security. His 19 career fumbles underscore a vital area requiring immediate attention and rectification.

Arm Strength and Deep Throws

Sanders’ arm talent assessment offers mixed reviews. While he has shown instances of NFL-caliber strength, the inconsistency, especially in deep throws, necessitates further on-field evaluation. His tendency to exhibit a lingering wobble on certain passes emphasizes the need for refinement.

Projection and Potential

As Sanders prepares to face better defenses of the Pac-12, his capabilities will be scrutinized to determine if his raw talent can meet NFL standards. The shift in competition level will serve as a proving ground for Sanders, pushing him to hone his mechanics and adapt to a heightened level of play.

Sanders must demonstrate substantial improvement, particularly in tightening his release and augmenting his arm strength to fit the ball into tighter windows with higher velocity.

Conclusion

Shedeur Sanders is a quarterback prospect with significant upside due to his physical attributes, game understanding, and notable leadership qualities. However, to fully tap into his potential and establish himself as a viable NFL draft pick for 2024, Sanders must address significant areas of weakness, including ball security, throwing mechanics, and overall consistency. 

Elite Eleven Series: What we learned from Week 2 in College Football

#1 Georgia:

Result: Won 45-3 vs Ball State

What I wanted to see from them:

  • Prove they can get off to a Fast Start ❌
  • Improved Run Game ❌
  • Improved Run Defense ✅
  • Improved Pass Rush ❌

Once again, Georgia won big but showed glaring causes for concern for the second week in a row. After a slow start in week one, they once more got off to an anemic start, unable to score a single point in the first half. The run game didn’t improve much this week either, with their leading rusher (Roderick Robinson II) having only 38 yards on the ground and averaging under 3.5 yards per carry as a team. The pass rush was once again nonexistent, unable to come up with a single sack on one of Ball State’s 37 pass attempts. The good news is the Bulldog’s defense was able to sure up their run defense, allowing only 77 total rushing yards and just 2.8 yards per carry. Another positive takeaway from the game was Georgia’s secondary remained outstanding, picking off Ball State Quarterback Kadin Semonza three times and holding the Cardinals to just 147 yards passing for the game.

#2 Michigan

Result: Won 35-7 vs UNLV

What I wanted to see from them:

  • Build off of their performance in Week 1 ✅
  • Their Defense Continuing to be great ✅
  • J.J. McCarthy having another good performance ✅
  • Improved Pass Rush ✅

Michigan checked all the boxes this week. The Wolverines dominated UNLV in every aspect of the game, building off of their week 1 performance. The defense didn’t allow a single point until the 4th quarter and held UNLV to just 229 total yards on offense. J.J. McCarthy once again had a jaw-dropping performance, proving he is one of the most talented Quarterbacks in the nation. Perhaps most impressive of all is that Michigan was able to fix their lone concern from week one, which was the pass rush. In week 2, the Wolverine’s defense was able to record 5 sacks after not recording a single one the previous week. If Michigan continues like this, they will cement themselves as one of the most complete teams in the country.

#3 Alabama

Result: Lost 34-24 vs Texas

What I wanted to see from them:

  • For the Defense to continue to dominate ❌
  • For Jalen Milroe to prove he can be a proficient passer not just rusher ❌

Alabama fell flat in week 2 versus Texas. Their stellar defensive performance from the previous week didn’t translate over as they got torn apart in the air by Quinn Ewers all night. Failing to record a single sack, interception, or forced turnover, the Crimson Tide defense looked helpless for most of the night. Looking over at the offensive side of the ball, Jalen Milroe didn’t impress with his arm, throwing two interceptions and making questionable decisions for the entirety of the game. He, as well as the play calling, will have to improve if Alabama has any hopes of making the playoff. The Alabama running game didn’t excite either, rushing for just over 107 yards as a team and only averaging 3.1 yards per carry.

Overall, this team will have to improve in nearly every facet of the game if they expect to compete against the big boys of college football this year.

#4 Florida State

Result: Won 66-13 vs Southern Miss

What I wanted to see from them:

  • Jordan Travis to continue to impress ❔
  • The offensive line continue to play at a high level ✅
  • Improvement in the run game on offense ✅
  • The defense continue to be elite ✅

While Jordan Travis wasn’t elite in this game, he didn’t have to be. The Noles were already up by 28 at halftime, so they didn’t need to rely on their star Quarterback much at all. He still didn’t look bad, throwing for 175 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. The offensive line looked satisfactory, allowing Southern Miss to record two sacks during the game, but where they really shined was the running game, where Florida State ran for a whopping 8.3 yards per carry during the game, which was a massive improvement from last week’s run game performance. The defense picked right up where they left off last week, allowing just 154 passing yards, recording a pick-six, and giving up only 13 points all game. Florida State is showing everyone in the college football world they are an extremely well-constructed and impressive team.

#5 Ohio State

Result: Won 35-7 vs Youngstown State

What I wanted to see from them:

  • Improved overall offensive performance ✅
  • Better performance from Kyle McCord ✅
  • Marvin Harrison Jr, Emeka Egbuka, and TreVeyon Henderson to get more involved ✅
  • For the defense to continue to dominate ✅

After a poor performance in week 1, the Buckeyes offense looked much improved against Youngstown State. Putting up a total of 482 yards on offense, as well as not having a single turnover, was a good signal after the concerning game against Indiana. What was even more of a welcomed sight was the re-emergence of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, who combined for 254 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. New starter Kyle McCord looked comfortable, throwing for 258 yards and 3 touchdowns. Perhaps the most dominant performance came from star running back TreVeyon Henderson, who averaged 11.2 yards per carry and ran in for two touchdowns on the evening. The other good news is the defense continued to hold up, allowing just 12 first downs all game and holding the Penguins to under 100 yards rushing and under 150 yards passing. If the Buckeyes can continue to improve on the offensive side of the ball, they have a chance to go all the way this season with how talented their roster is.

#6 USC

Result: Won 56-10 vs Stanford

What I wanted to see from them:

  • The offense to continue to impress ✅
  • Improved overall Defensive performance and give up fewer points and yards than in their first two games ✅

Once again, the USC offense proved why they are the most explosive offense in the country. Caleb Williams was nearly perfect, Marshawn Lloyd looked great running the ball, and Tahj Washington continued his amazing season, cementing himself as Caleb Williams’s number-one target. On the day, the offense had 573 total yards and put up another 50+ point performance. While the Trojan’s defense only allowed 10 points, which was progress over their last two weeks, the raw numbers still show they have much to improve on that side of the ball. They allowed Stanford to convert 20 first downs in the game, have nearly 350 yards of total offense, and run for over 200 yards on the day. Some good news is they were able to turn Stanford over 3 times, recovering two fumbles and picking off quarterback Ashton Daniels once. It was a positive first step for a defense that will have to improve during the season if USC wants to keep those playoff hopes alive.

#7 Penn State

Result: Won 63-7 vs Delaware

What I wanted to see from them:

  • For Drew Allar to continue to show out ✅
  • For KeAndre Lambert-Smith to continue to look explosive ✅
  • Consistent play on defense and a more Dominate defensive performance ✅

Penn State absolutely dominated Delaware in every aspect of the game. Drew Allar was nearly perfect, throwing 22/26 for 204 yards with a touchdown, as well as using his legs to run in a touchdown during the game. KeAndre Lambert-Smith continues to be his go-to receiver, hauling in 6 receptions for 74 yards. The real standout performance was on the defensive side of the ball. The Nittany Lions allowed just 58 yards passing, 82 yards rushing, and just 6 receptions the entire game. They allowed Delaware to convert just 5 first downs and forced two turnovers on the day. This was a defensive masterclass, and it will be interesting to see if they can translate that performance into next week’s game vs. Illinois.

#8 Washington

Result: Won 43-10 vs Tulsa

What I wanted to see from them:

  • Improve on the defensive side of the ball overall ✅
  • Improve the run defense ❌
  • The offense prove they are one of the best in the Nation with another elite performance ✅

Washington is proving to everyone this year that they are an elite football team. The main concern all season was on the defensive side of the ball and whether that defense would be able to hold up against good offenses. We got a hint this week as they held Tulsa to just 10 points and allowed just 150 yards passing. Now, this doesn’t tell the entire story because Washington did give up nearly 170 rushing yards, 22 first downs, two 4th down conversions, and over 30:00 minutes of possession time. While this was an improvement and a step in the right direction, this wasn’t a dominant defensive performance. There is no question about what the strength of this Washington team is, and that’s the offense. They once again had an elite performance, racking up 563 total yards and scoring 43 points. Michael Penix Jr. threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, while his go-to receiving duo (McMillan and Odunze) caught 15 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. If the Husky’s defense can keep improving week to week, they might be off and running by the time they play Oregon on October 14th.

#9 Tennessee

Result: Won 30-13 vs Austin Peay

What I wanted to see from them:

  • The continued maturation of Joe Milton ✅
  • The continued dominance of the Vols running game ✅
  • The continued dominance of the Vols defense ❔

This was not a pretty game played by Tennessee versus a team they should have beaten by over 30 points. The score was 13-6 at halftime, and the whole team just didn’t look ready to play. Luckily, they picked it up a bit more in the second half, but this was still a lackluster performance overall. On the offensive side of the ball, Joe Milton played well enough, throwing for 228 yards and two touchdowns while also running in another score himself. The running game was outstanding with the two-headed monster at running back Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small, who rushed for a combined 213 yards. Looking at the defensive side of the ball, the Vols racked up 7 sacks, forced two turnovers, and allowed just 13 points. Where some concern might lie is in the fact Tennessee allowed the Governors to rack up 260 passing yards and allowed 6 different receivers to catch 3 or more passes, as well as allowing nearly 40:00 minutes of possession time. Where the defense stepped up was the run game, allowing just 79 total rushing yards and giving up just 2.3 yards per carry. As Tennessee starts to enter into SEC play, they are going to need to get more defensive stops and sure up that secondary if they want a chance at the SEC title and a playoff berth.

#10 Note Dame

Result: Won 45-24 vs NC State

What I wanted to see from them:

  • The continued showing of an elite defensive team ✅
  • Improved running game ✅
  • Good offensive performance ✅

In their opening games this season, the Fighting Irish have shown they’re a force to be reckoned with, slamming their rivals with a whopping score difference of 98-6. But this week, they faced their first true challenge, hitting the road to clash with the tough NC State Wolfpack in Raleigh. The big question was if they could replicate their defensive performances over the first two weeks and bring that momentum with them to the game this week. While the defense did give up 344 total yards, the surrounding metrics were outstanding. The Irish defense was able to record three interceptions three forced fumbles, held the Wolfpack to just 2.8 yards per carry, and didn’t allow a single player to record over 65 yards receiving. The offense was also clicking on all cylinders. Sam Hartman threw for 286 yards and four touchdowns, but the most important part is the running game, and Audric Estime got going to relieve some of the pressure off Hartman. Estime rushed for nearly 10 yards per carry, 134 yards, and scored two touchdowns. If Notre Dame can get these types of balanced performances week in and week out, they are going to be hard to beat.

#11 Texas

Result: Won 34-24 vs Alabama

What I wanted to see from them:

  • Quinn Ewers proving he is the man for the job ✅
  • The continued domination of the Texas run defense ✅
  • Improvement on the offensive line ✅
  • Improved running game on offense ❌
  • Get off to a fast start ❔

This Texas versus Alabama game showed us what both of these teams are made of. Texas is the real deal this season and corrected almost every weakness they had shown in week 1 against Rice to come back and absolutely crush the Crimson Tide. Quinn Ewers had an amazing game, throwing for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns, proving he is the man for the job this season for the Longhorns. The offensive line stepped up big time, not allowing a single sack and just two tackles for loss all game. The Texas running game still couldn’t get going, only averaging 2.8 yards per carry, which might cause some issues as the season progresses. Flipping over to the defensive side of the ball, the Texas run defense put on a great performance, not allowing a single Bama player to rush for over 45 yards and only allowing 3.1 yards per carry. The secondary also stepped up at times, picking off Jalen Milroe twice but also allowing a few big plays. This is a huge win for Texas, and if they can ride the momentum off of this win, the sky is the limit.

Elite Eleven Series: Week 2 College Football Preview

#1 Georgia

We won’t be able to learn much about this new-look Georgia team until they face a real challenge in Week 3 vs. South Carolina. What we do need to see against Ball State this week is a better showing all around. In their first game, the Bulldogs didn’t look as dominant as they should have against UT Martin:

  • They were only able to score 17 first-half points
  • Didn’t have a single rusher over 54 yards
  • Allowed nearly 5 yards per carry on defense
  • Only registered one sack on defense
  • Almost got outrushed by the Martin run game

I want to see a better start from the offense, an improved defensive performance against a much inferior opponent, an improved rushing attack on offense, and a better pass rush from the Bulldogs this week.

#2 Michigan

Similar to Georgia, we won’t be able to learn much about Michigan until later in the season when they face some real competition. All you can ask for if you are a Wolverines fan is that the team keeps building off of the stellar performance they put together last week. The Michigan defense allowed just 235 yards of total offense, as well as not allowing a single point until the fourth quarter. J.J. McCarthy looked more than comfortable as he put together one of the best QB performances of Week 1. One area that looked lackluster for Michigan was the pass rush, as they failed to record a single sack in week 1, so I would like to see that improve this week vs. UNLV.

#3 Alabama

Unlike the first two teams, we are going to know a lot about this Alabama squad after this week. Alabama didn’t leave much concern for their defense in week 1; they forced three fumbles, recorded three sacks, and allowed just 211 total yards. What most people will want to see is how this new-look Alabama offense with Jalen Milroe performs against a respectable Texas defense. Milroe looked good against MTSU in week one, but I need to see more before I have confidence in him leading the Crimson Tides offense. Milroe needs to show he can be a proficient passer, as well as hurt you with his legs. Accuracy has been an issue for him in the past, and he needs to prove he can be the Quarterback Alabama needs him to be before I have confidence in this Alabama offense again.

#4 Florida State

Florida State is back! After beating LSU handily in week 1, the Seminoles proved to everyone in the college football world they are a playoff contender once again. Where do I begin with how impressive this team was? Jordan Travis looked like one of the best QBs in the country, the offensive line looked incredible, their pass rush and run defense was terrific, and their receivers looked unstoppable. The one area Florida State could improve upon might be the run game, seeing as their leading rusher only averaged 3.9 yards per carry and the team as a whole averaged 4.0 yards per carry, but other than that, it was an immaculate performance, proving that the Seminoles are back and here to stay. We won’t be able to learn much more about the Noles this week, seeing as they are playing Southern Miss, but we learned plenty about who this team was in week 1.

#5 Ohio State

There isn’t any beating around the bush; the Ohio State offense wasn’t good in week 1. Kyle McCord looked uncomfortable at times and was unable to find some of his biggest targets throughout the game. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka had a combined five catches for under 40 yards. TreVeyon Henderson couldn’t get going either, only gaining 47 yards on the ground. In order for the Ohio State Buckeyes to compete for a national championship this season, the offense has to improve. The good news is they have two straight weeks of easy games (Youngstown State and Western Kentucky) to figure things out offensively. The defense left no room for concern, holding Indiana to 153 total yards and 3 points. Look for the Ohio State offense to attempt to turn things around over the next few weeks before their big matchup with Notre Dame on the 23rd of this month.

#6 USC

USC has looked impressive over their first two games this season. Caleb Williams is a star, Lincoln Riley is an offensive genius, and Tahj Washington is one of the biggest threats in the country, but that defense is still a huge question mark. Giving up a combined 42 points over their first two games against Nevada and San José State isn’t the best look, especially when you see they didn’t record a single interception and allowed nearly 400 yards a game to both squads. I will be looking for a better USC defense this week against the 1-0 Stanford Cardinal, who boast a decent offense themselves. I don’t think that the USC offense has a single doubter in the country; the fate of their college football playoff dreams rests on the shoulders of that defense. Look for them to steadily improve as the season progresses.

#7 Penn State

There won’t be much to learn about Penn State this week, seeing as they are playing Delaware, but we did learn a lot about them last week when they took on West Virginia. The biggest takeaway was that the Drew Allar hype is real. The former #1 overall QB recruit in 2022 showed us he is the real deal by throwing 21 of 29, 325 yards, and three touchdowns. The offensive line looked solid, KeAndre Lambert-Smith looked explosive, and the defense held up. The biggest thing with Penn State this year will be getting consistent play from both sides of the ball. They have the skill to compete for a playoff spot, but they need it all to come together on a weekly basis. The good news for them is they have a reasonable amount of time to gel before their big game against Ohio State on October 21st.

#8 Washington

Washington will be looking to improve the defensive side of the ball this week against Tulsa, who don’t have a horrible offense in their own right. In week 1, Washington allowed 402 yards of offense to be racked up against them by Boise State and allowed 21 first downs and nearly 5 yards per carry. In order to be considered a playoff contender, that defense will need to tighten up as the season progresses and show improvement throughout the year. Now, when you take a look at the Huskies’ offense, it’s clear they are one of the best in the nation. This offense will be good enough to compete with anyone in the Nation this season, led by senior quarterback Micheal Penix Jr. and one of the best-receiving pairs in the country in Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan. I’m looking for an improved defensive performance against Tulsa this week to prove to me that Washington has what it takes on both sides of the ball to call themselves contenders this season.

#9 Tennessee

Like some of the other teams on this list, little will be learned this week about the Volunteers, as they are taking on Austin Peay in week 2. Despite that, Tennessee looked impressive during their week one matchup against Virginia. Joe Milton looked more mature, the Vols running game looked overwhelming, and the defense held Virginia to only 201 total yards. What I want to see out of Tennessee this week is the continued maturation of Joe Milton; if he can prove he has gotten that giant arm of his under control and he can guide and direct that offense, Tennessee has the potential to be scary good this season.

#10 Note Dame

Over their first two games this season, the fighting Irish have been about as dominant as a team could be, outscoring their opponents a combined 98-6. But this week, they finally get their first real test when they travel to Raleigh and take on the 1-0 NC State Wolfpack. Notre Dame has proven their defense is elite over the last two weeks. Granted, they have played two inferior opponents (Navy and Tennessee State), but they held them to under 170 total yards in both games and didn’t allow a single touchdown. The key with Notre Dame, similar to Penn State, will be getting consistent play from both sides of the ball week in and week out. The Irish must show they can relieve some of the pressure off Sam Hartman with their running game, and Audric Estime has been doing that over the last two weeks. I want to see if that Notre Dame running game can pick up and if the offense can be above average every week. They can have a fantastic season if they can accomplish those two things.

#11 Texas

As I said earlier, the Texas versus Alabama game is the game of the week. Texas showed some strengths and weaknesses in their first game vs. Rice that Alabama will definitely be looking to exploit this weekend. To start with Texas’s strengths, Quinn Ewers looked great, Xavier Worthy once again looked like a significant receiving threat, and the run defense was astonishingly good. Despite those good areas, the Longhorns showed a lot of red flags:

  • The offensive line wasn’t great, allowing three sacks, eight tackles for loss
  • Averaged 4 yards per carry against a Rice defense they should have dominated
  • The running game never got going like it should have, with their leading rusher having just 55 yards
  • The offense got off to a slow start, only scoring 16 first-half points
  • Possession time was split 31:36 (Texas) to 28:24 (Rice)

I want to see the Longhorns come out against Alabama and clean up their offensive line play, get their running game going to relieve pressure on Quinn Ewers, and get off to a better start so as not to dig themselves into a hole to start the game. If Texas plays like they did versus Rice, it will be a long night for them.

The Nashville Predators’ Intriguing Free Agency Moves: Rebuilding or Retooling?

In an unexpected turn of events on the first day of free agency, the Nashville Predators made some surprising acquisitions, inking deals with three veteran players: Ryan O’Reilly, Luke Schenn, and Gustav Nyquist. The signings came hot on the heels of a roster shake-up earlier in the week, which saw the Predators bid farewell to star forward Matt Duchene (who has now signed with the Dallas Stars) and sent longtime centerman Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche in a trade. The combination of these moves over the last few days has confused some fans about the team’s direction and long-term strategy. In this short overview, I want to take a look at these moves from a few angles and try and figure out the rationale behind these decisions.

Earlier in the week, speculation ran rampant after the buyout of Duchene’s contract and the departure of Ryan Johansen, with fans curious about what the freed-up cap space and empty roster spots could mean regarding the team’s future. Were they clearing cap space for a blockbuster acquisition? Or perhaps a big trade move was in the works?

Just hours after free agency began, the sudden signings of three players, all aged 32 or above, caught many off guard. Only a few short days ago, General Manager Barry Trotz stated that the team wouldn’t be active in the free agency market. Their focus seemed to be centered on opening up the roster for young players to receive a more significant role to make their mark on the squad. So, the acquisition of O’Reilly, Schenn, and Nyquist rightly left some fans surprised and perplexed.

The trio of new players for the Predators starkly contrasts the culture and work ethic left behind by Duchene and Johansen. They embody the qualities of seasoned veterans and natural leaders, precisely the kind of role models needed to guide and inspire the young players on the roster. Their influence could prove to be invaluable for nurturing the talents of the up-and-coming players.

Yet, opinions on the signings are divided. Some feel that bringing in these veterans will take valuable playing time away from the young players who stepped up so much last season. While others feel signing these experienced players is crucial to the development of the teams’ younger talents. They believe that a healthy mix of seasoned professionals and promising prospects is the recipe for success in the long run.

Sometimes a rebuild isn’t necessarily about hitting rock bottom; instead, it’s about resetting or reviving the team’s culture, which can be effectively achieved with the right veterans in place.

It’s evident that Trotz has a clear vision for his version of the Predators, which revolves around instilling a winning locker room culture with proven winners.

For those puzzled by the signings, there’s a compelling rationale behind it. The front office is looking to infuse the team with veterans who epitomize hard work and professionalism. The departures of Duchene and Johansen paved the way for this new veteran group, aimed at setting an example for the young players on how to conduct themselves on and off the ice.

While some fans might wonder if the money spent on the trio could have been allocated differently, I believe it’s essential to trust in Trotz’s plan and give him the benefit of the doubt until we see how his plan works out. The Predators already boast an impressive pool of prospects, and investing in experienced players is a calculated risk that could propel the team forward and foster a thriving culture for the young players to walk into.

Ultimately, whether these signings lead to a rebuilding phase or a retooling strategy remains to be fully seen. What’s clear is that the Predators are charting their own path, and it’s a journey that fans should be eager to witness. The new blend of veteran wisdom and youthful energy could be the key to unlocking this team’s true potential.

Best NFL UDFAs in 2023:

QB:

  1. Tanner Morgan (Steelers)
  2. Tyson Bagnet (Bears)

RB:

  1. Sean Tucker (Buccaneers)
  2. Keaton Mitchell (Ravens)
  3. Mohamed Ibrahim (Lions)

WR:

  1. Bryce Ford Wheaton (Giants)
  2. Jalen Moreno-Cropper (Dallas)
  3. Jason Brownlee (Jets)
  4. Malik Knowles (Vikings)
  5. Michael Jefferson

TE:

  1. Joel Wilson (Saints)
  2. Noah Gindorff (Seattle)
  3. Blake Whiteheart (Cardinals)
  4. Travis Vokolek (Ravens)

OT:

  1. Jaxson Kirkland (Bengals)
  2. John Ojukwu (Titans)
  3. Earl Bostick Jr. (Dallas)
  4. T.J. Bass (Dallas)
  5. Connor Galvin (Lions)

IOL:

  1. Emil Ekiyor Jr. (Colts)
  2. McClendon Curtis (Bears)
  3. Richard Gouraige (Bills)
  4. Alan Ali (Vikings)

EDGE/DE:

  1. Andre Carter (Vikings)
  2. Ali Gaye (Texans)
  3. Lonnie Phelps (Browns)
  4. Habakkuk Baldonado (Giants)

DT:

  1. Moro Ojomo (Eagles)
  2. Jerrod Clark (Chargers)
  3. Jalen Redmond (Panthers)
  4. Jonah Tavai (Seattle)
  5. DJ Dale (Bills)

LB:

  1. Ivan Pace (Vikings)
  2. Cam Jones (Chiefs)
  3. Jeremy Banks (Bucs)
  4. Isaiah Moore (Chiefs)
  5. Anfernee Orji (Saints)

OLB/EDGE:

  1. Thomas Incoom (Denver)
  2. Isaiah Land (Dallas)
  3. Brenton Cox Jr. (Packers)
  4. Tyrus Wheat (Dallas)

CB:

  1. Eli Ricks (Eagles)
  2. Rejzohn Wright (Panthers)
  3. Cameron Brown (Giants)
  4. Starling Thomas (Lions)
  5. Mekhi Garner (Eagles)
  6. Lance Boykin (Seattle)

S:

  1. Ronnie Hickman (Browns)
  2. Brandon Joseph (Lions)
  3. Quindell Johnson (Rams)
  4. Trey Dean III (Jets)
  5. Rashad Torrence (Rams)

Short Snapshots: The Will Levis Dilemma

As the NFL Draft progresses, it is not uncommon for unexpected things to happen. As of just one day ago, Will Levis was thought to be a potential Top 5 pick as he had become the Vegas betting favorite to go second overall. However, as the first round of the draft passed, Levis shockingly remained undrafted.

For many teams, trading up to draft a quarterback in the second round can be a tricky decision, but for the Tennessee Titans, it might be the perfect opportunity to solve their quarterback dilemma for the upcoming season and perhaps beyond.

Although some fans and may have been hesitant to draft Levis as a top pick in the draft, he still has the potential to develop into a very good game managing Quarterback, making him an excellent prospect for a second-round pick. If Levis is still available when the Titans are on the clock, or if it takes trading up in the second round to draft him, it might be wise to take a chance on him.

Looking ahead to the next season, it is uncertain what the Titans’ quarterback situation will look like. Ryan Tannehill will be 35 years old, and his time in Tennessee might be coming to an end. If Levis is drafted this season, he will have a year to learn from Tannehill and prepare himself for the starting role in the future, which would be very valuable for a player like Levis. He has proven himself to be a talented quarterback during his time at Kentucky, and being drafted in the second round while getting a chance to sit behind a veteran like Tannehill would be an excellent opportunity for him to continue his growth as a player. With no immediate pressure to perform as a starter, Levis could focus on learning and developing his skills, ultimately making him a more prepared Quarterback and a valuable asset for the Titans.

Moreover, and perhaps most important, drafting Levis would solve the Titans’ quarterback issues for next season. By having a young and talented quarterback like Levis on his rookie contract, the Titans could allocate their resources to other areas of need on the team.

The decision to draft Will Levis in the second round might be the best move for the Tennessee Titans. By drafting him, the Titans could solve their quarterback issues for the upcoming season while also securing a valuable asset for the future. Although Levis was not the top pick many expected him to be, he still has solid upside as a second-round pick, making him a worthy investment for any team looking for a quarterback of the future.

Short Snapshots: Will Joakim Kemell have a spot on the Nashville Predators Roster next Season?

Kemell has been making waves in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Milwaukee Admirals so far this season. With a keen eye for space and a deadly shot, Kemell has been one of the AHL’s most exciting young players to end the regular season, ranking ninth in the league in win-share percentage per game for players 21 years old or younger (as of April 23rd, 2023). But with the NHL offseason looming, some Preds fans are asking: “Will Kemell make the jump to the Predators roster this coming season, or will he continue his development in the AHL?” Let’s dive into this question a bit. There is no denying that Kemell’s skill set is impressive. He has a knack for finding open space and positioning himself for scoring opportunities, and his shooting ability is top-notch. He’s not afraid to get creative with the puck and take on defenders, making him an entertaining player to watch. Despite being 5’11”, Kemell plays with a lot of jump, physicality, and more grit than most people give him credit for. Even though he’s been having impressive AHL performances, there are still concerns about Kemell’s readiness for the NHL. The Nashville Predators have a history of being patient with young prospects in the organization, giving them time to develop in the AHL, perhaps longer than other NHL teams would in some cases. Kemell is still adjusting to North American ice after playing in Finland his entire career, and depending on how he performs in the Calder playoffs this year, he may need another season in the AHL before jumping to the NHL to fully adjust and refine his skills on an American rink. 

The Predators will have a lot of players vying for a spot on the wing next season. Veterans like Mark Jankowski, Michael McCarron, Cole Smith, and Keifer Sherwood will all be fighting for a spot, and that’s not even including young players such as Egor Afanasyev, Luke Evangelista, and Phil Tomasino. All these players will be in the mix for the last few wing spots on the roster, and a few very talented players arent going to make the cut. Given Nashville’s tendency to keep young players in Milwaukee, it’s unlikely that Kemell will get the nod over these more experienced players. That being said, Kemell’s performance in the AHL this season has been encouraging, and he has proved that he could adapt to North American ice and excel in a smaller rink. His ability to score goals and make plays will undoubtedly catch the attention of Nashville’s coaching staff in training camp and preseason. While it’s unlikely he’ll make the roster next season, the future looks bright for this young Finnish star.  

Top Targets for the Tennessee Titans: Best Available Players after Day One of Free Agency

As the dust settles on the first day of free agency, The Tennessee Titans made a single, somewhat modest move to sign Andre Dillard. This move could prove to be a good one for the Titans, as Dillard’s versatility and upside make him a valuable addition to the roster. Though he’s primarily played at left tackle, Dillard’s short but overall solid stint in the NFL has seen him take on every position along the offensive line, with the exception of center. While there were rumors that he was brought in to replace Nate Davis at right guard, it’s widely believed that he’ll be anchoring the left tackle spot – at least for the time being.

However, as we delve deeper into the Titans’ current state, it’s clear that they have several areas of need. Titans fans should keep in mind that not all of these needs will be met through free agency, but the team will certainly aim to address some – if not most – of these issues come draft day:

Biggest positions of need:

  • LG
  • RG
  • C (Assuming Brewer is not resigned)
  • WR
  • EDGE/OLB
  • CB
  • MLB

Offensive Guard:

It’s clear that the Titan’s offense very much relies on the success and performance of their offensive line. In recent years, this unit has been a glaring weakness that has held the team back. This offseason presents a prime opportunity for them to invest in this critical area, and doing so could pay dividends in unlocking the full potential of their explosive offense led by the indomitable Derrick Henry.

  1. (Steelers) Isaac Seumalo
  2. Dalton Risner
  3. (Steelers) Nate Herbig
  4. (Cardinals) Will Hernandez
  5. (Lions) Graham Glasgow (Also Center)
  6. Trai Turner
  7. (Seahawks) Evan Brown (Also Center)
  8. (Bengals) Max Scharping
  9. (Cardinals) Elijah Wilkinson
  10. (Jets) Wes Schweitzer (Also Center)
  11. (Bills) David Edwards
  12. (Rams) Coleman Shelton (Also Center)
  13. Billy Price (Also Center)

Wide Receiver:

As the Tennessee Titans gear up for the upcoming NFL season, they boast a subpar receiving corps featuring big-bodied Treylon Burks, reliable slot receiver Kyle Phillips, and backup Nick Westbrook. However, there’s still room for improvement in terms of speed and agility. Head coach Mike Vrabel has previously expressed his desire for a faster team, and it’s clear that the Titans need to bolster their receiving corps with a taller, faster receiver who can complement Burks on the outside. Im not sure the Titans can afford to break the bank at the receiver position so these options will be within the spending range the team can afford:

  1. (Patriots) JuJu Smith-Schuster
  2. (Dolphins) Chosen Anderson
  3. (Panthers) DJ Chark
  4. (Jets) Mecole Hardman
  5. (Giants) Darius Slayton
  6. (Giants) Parris Campbell
  7. Sammy Watkins
  8. (Bills) Trent Sherfield
  9. (Bears) Dante Pettis
  10. Breshad Perriman

EDGE/OLB:

As the Tennessee Titans continue to build their roster for the upcoming season, it’s unlikely that they’ll break the bank on an edge rusher or an outside linebacker. Instead, they’re looking for a solid rotational piece to complement their existing defensive lineup. This means that they’re likely to be in the market for a pass rusher with a salary range of around 3 to 6 million dollars, rather than a full-on starter. There are so many players that could fill this need I’m not sure I could list out all of them. There are dozens of edge rushers and outside linebackers that are solid rotational pieces that the Titans could bring in and it would fill the need completely fine.

Cornerback:

As the Tennessee Titans look to strengthen their cornerback lineup, they face a particular challenge: a roster that is dominated by smaller players. While they have solid depth in the slot and nickel positions, they need a cornerback who can hold their own on the outside and match up well against bigger, physical receivers.

To fill this need, the Titans will be on the lookout for a faster, taller cornerback who can complement Kristian Fulton and add a new dimension to their defensive game. It’s no easy task, as finding a player who can seamlessly integrate into their existing system and hold their own against the league’s best receivers is no mean feat. Here are a few guys who could fill that role:

  1. Ronald Darby
  2. (Saints) Bradley Roby
  3. (Lions) Emmanuel Moseley
  4. (Titans) Sean Murphy-Bunting
  5. (Vikings) Byron Murphy
  6. Eli Apple
  7. Shaquill Griffin
  8. (Vikings) Joejuan Williams
  9. Anthony Averett

Middle Linebacker:

The Tennessee Titans find themselves in an intriguing position as they look to rebuild their middle linebacking corps. With most of their starters departing over the past few seasons, the Titans are in the midst of a transition period, and the search for new talent is on.

The question is, will they look to the draft, or explore the possibilities of free agency? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Titans need to find linebackers who fit their play style and bring the right mix of skills and attitude to the field.

  1. Jayon Brown
  2. Kwon Alexander
  3. (Texans) Cory Littleton
  4. (Browns) Sione Takitaki
  5. (Chiefs) Drue Tranquill
  6. (Cowboys) Leighton Vander Esch
  7. (Steelers) Cole Holcomb
  8. Deion Jones
  9. (Browns) Anthony Walker
  10. (Seahawks) Devin Bush Jr.
  11. (Titans) Ben Niemann
  12. Nick Kwiatkoski

As we eagerly await the conclusion of free agency, it’s worth noting that the Tennessee Titans most likely have several potential targets beyond the players I’ve personally listed here. While my meticulous statistical analysis has identified the top performers at each position (in the Titan’s price range), the Titans’ front office undoubtedly has a broader perspective. However, rest assured that I will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the team’s free agency moves once the dust has settled. Stay tuned!

Reflecting on My Top 5 Day 3 Targets from Last Year’s NFL Draft: How Did They Perform and Where Are They Now?

  • Tariq Woolen

The fact Tariq Woolen fell that far in the draft shocked me. I was a massive fan of his coming out of UTSA and after his NFL combine performance, I was an even bigger fan. It’s not every day you see a 6’4″ cornerback run a 4.26 40-yard dash ( tied for third-best in the Combine history and fastest for a player over six foot). I feel extremely proud of myself for this one, I just knew after watching his film and seeing him display his unworldly athleticism at the combine, he had the potential to be dangerous in the NFL. Woolen took the NFL by storm, in his first season, he was selected to the Pro Bowl as well as being the NFL Interceptions co-leader and made the All-Rookie first team.

  • Calvin Austin III

The 2022 season didn’t go as Calvin or I had hoped. He sustained a major foot injury in training camp at the beginning of the season and wasn’t able to play at all during his entire rookie season. The quick and speedy receiver will have to wait until the 2023 season to show the NFL world how dangerous he can be with the ball in his hands. The Steelers coaches said they saw “a lot of flashes” in camp when he was healthy and said it’s “going to be crazy” when he’s back healthy for them this upcoming offseason.

  • Kingsley Enagbare

For a 5th-round pick, Enagbare outperformed his draft spot and proved the packers got a solid pass rusher deep in the draft. Kingsley played in all 18 of the Packers games this season and made 7 starts. He was able to get 3 sacks on the season along with an impressive 17 QB Hurries. All things considered, Kingsley had a very solid rookie season and he’s just going to keep improving from here on out.

  • Zach Tom

Tom might end up being one of the best offensive linemen from the 2022 NFL Draft when it’s all said and done. After being drafted in the 4th round by the packers Tom was not expected to be a part of their offensive line in his rookie season. That all changed when he was forced to play due to injuries on the packers line in week 7, and after that, he played and started in almost every game until the end of the season. In the almost 500 offensive snaps he played last season, Tom didn’t commit a single penalty and allowed just one sack. He graded out as one of the best pass-protecting rookie linemen despite the fact the packers used him in 4 different positions along their offensive line.

  • Cade Otton

Otton was perhaps one of the most underrated picks from the later rounds of the 2022 draft. He ended up starting 10 games for the Buccaneer’s offense last season, catching 42 passes for nearly 400 yards and two touchdowns. Where Otton really shined was in his blocking ability. He immediately proved himself as one of the best blocking tight ends in football earning a pass-blocking grade of 79.3 from PFF which was the 5th best grade in all the NFL for the tight end position. At only 23 years old, Otton still has time to get himself more involved in the passing game and perhaps round himself into one of the top all-around Tight Ends in football.

Original Article: https://gabefly.com/top-players-left-in-the-2022-nfl-draft-day-3-that-i-would-like-the-titans-to-target/

The Ideal Tennessee Titans in the 2023 Offseason: (Incomplete Article, Still in Progress)

Firings:

✔️ Todd Downing: Simply put, Downing has absolutely been atrocious for this Tennessee Titans offense. The Titans are bottom five in almost every single category on offense outside of pure rushing statistics (due to Derrick Henry). There is no creativity in the offense, once you’ve seen one Titans game you’ve seen all of them, from a play-calling perspective nothing changes from week to week. It’s the same game plan, the same play calls, and the same mediocre results. The Titans need to modernize this offense. They have to bring in someone with a better understanding of modern offenses and is willing to push the pace, utilize play action, and get back to the Titans offense we saw dominate the NFL in 2020.

✔️ Keith Carter: This is long overdue. Whether the Offensive line struggles are Carter’s fault or not, something needs to be done. This offensive line has been a bottom-third line in the NFL statistically speaking for the last three seasons and it just keeps getting worse year after year. Some of the personnel decisions up front have been baffling to say the least over the last few seasons. Such as the continual trust in Dennis Daley who was one of the worst linemen in the NFL statistically and was single-handedly responsible for the killing of multiple Titans offense possessions this season. Simply put, change needs to happen upfront.

Frank Piraino, Brian Bell, Todd Toriscelli, and Matt Gregg: The Titan’s injuries in the last few seasons have almost been legitimately unbelievable. When you take a look at the number of players on IR, the number of games missed by starters, and the number of overall players used due to injury, the Titans have topped those lists by a mile in the last two seasons and it hasn’t even been close. One season with injury after injury is one thing, but two seasons in a row where a team is leading the league in every single category injury-wise, someone needs to be held accountable even if you can’t directly prove it’s on the strength and conditioning coaches or on the athletic training staff. This isnt really an issue that has a provable cause, but you won’t know if there is a solution unless action is taken and some staff in these areas are fired and replaced.

Top Offensive Coordinator Candidates:

Joe Brady (33) – Bills Quarterbacks Coach

Andrew Janocko (34) – Bears Quarterback Coach

Brian Johnson (35) – Eagles Quarterbacks Coach

Alex Tanney (35) – Eagles Assistant Quarterbacks Coach/Offensive Assistant Coach

Bobby Slowik (35) – 49ers Offensive passing game coordinator

Brian Hartline (36) – Ohio State Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach

Sherrone Moore (36) – Michigan Universities Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach

Brian Callahan (38) – Bengals Offensive Coordinator

Tanner Engstrand (40) – Lions Tight ends coach & passing game coordinator

Kevin Patullo (41) – Eagles Passing game coordinator

Dave Canales (41) – Seahawks Quarterbacks Coach

Frank Smith (41) – Dolphins Offensive Coordinator

Wes Welker (41) – Dolphins Wide Receivers Coach

Kliff Kingsbury (43) – Former Cardinals Head Coach

Matt Nagy (44) – Chiefs Senior assistant & quarterbacks coach

Brian Griese (47) – 49ers Quarterbacks Coach

Joel Thomas (48) – Saints Runningbacks Coach

James Urban (49) – Ravens Quarterbacks Coach

Mark Brunell (52) – Lions Quarterbacks Coach

Darrell Bevell (53) – Dolphins Quarterbacks coach & passing game coordinator

Todd Monken (56) – Georgia Bulldogs Offensive Coordinator

Top Offensive Line Coach Candidates:

Harry Hiestand – Notre Dame Offensive Line Coach

Sherrone Moore – Michigan Universities Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach

Russ Grimm – Former Titans Offensive Line Coach

Mike Munchak – Former Titans Offensive Line Coach

Bruce Matthews – Former Titans Offensive Line Coach

Ryan Wendell – Bills Assistant Offensive Line Coach

Corey Matthaei – Chiefs Assistant Offensive Line Coach

James Cregg – 49ers Assistant Offensive Line Coach

Top General Manager Candidates:

Jon Ferrari – Eagles Assistant GM

Alec Halaby – Eagles Assistant GM

JoJo Wooden – Chargers Director of Player Personnel

Mike Borgonzi – Chiefs Assistant GM

Shelton Quarles – Buccaneers Director of Football Operations

Jeff Ireland – Saints Assistant GM

Jim Overdorf – Bills Senior Advisor to GM/Football Operations

Ian Cunningham – Bears Assistant GM

Ran Carthon – 49ers Director of Player Personnel

Adam Peters – 49ers Assistant General Manager

Quarterback Situation:

Not Many Options here:

  • Cut Tannehill, Roll with Malik as the starter, and bring in some competition for a lower salary
  • Keep Tannehill and let Malik develop another season
  • Cut Tannehill and bring in a veteran on a one or two-year deal to fill in as a starter until Malik is ready (This is only if the Coaching staff and new GM think its time for a major change Offensively and they can get a serviceable QB in free agency on a cheap deal. I don’t see this happening.)
  • Cut Tannehill, trade up, and Draft a QB in the upcoming draft if they think Malik isn’t the QB of the future

Malik Willis has proven he has all the tools to be an electric Quarterback in this league, I just don’t think he’s proven he’s developed enough to take over as an NFL starter. Tannehill is serviceable, and with decent pass protection, he’s proven he can even be a top-tier game manager (perhaps top 15 in the NFL). I don’t believe Tannehill is anywhere near the problem. This Offensive Line has been atrocious this season, ranked 32nd in the NFL through week 18 by PFF. Tennessee’s line is the third-most penalized group in the NFL — they have been flagged 36 times as a group and are tied for the lowest average yards before contact figure in the NFL (0.8 yards). They cant pass block or run block. Any criticisms directed toward the Quarterbacks should immediately be shifted and directed toward this atrocious offensive line. The only two linemen for the Titans with a positive grade this season are Ben Jones and Nate Davis.

Options if you go with a QB in free agency to save some money:

(Stats averaged over last four seasons)

  • *Teddy Bridgewater (67.6 Cmp%, 2.0 Int%, 93.8 QBRate)
  • Baker Mayfield (60.7 Cmp%, 2.8 Int%, 84.5 QBRate)
  • *Gardner Minshew II (62.8 Cmp%, 1.6 Int%, 93.1 QBRate)
  • Taylor Heinicke (63.8 Cmp%, 2.9 Int%, 85.7 QBRate)
  • Case Keenum (62.8 Cmp%, 2.3 Int%, 84.1 QBRate)
  • *Jacoby Brissett (62.1 Cmp%, 1.5 Int%, 85.8 QBRate)

The only way cutting Tannehill makes sense is if the front office thinks they can get another serviceable quarterback in free agency on a cheap enough deal to where cutting Tannehill makes sense. Now there aren’t many quarterbacks that are hitting the market that are also serviceable enough to win games and be substantially cheaper than Tannehill (or cheaper enough to make the cap hit worth cutting him). Tom Brady will want substantial money, Geno Smith is likely to go back to Seattle on a big deal, and Jimmy Garoppolo has earned a nice paycheck and is also rumored to want to go back to the 49ers. Those three are by far the top quarterbacks in the free agency market this season. Now when you look at the tier 2 players that could step in you see names like Jacoby Brissett, Andy Dalton, Baker Mayfield, Taylor Heinicke, Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew, Case Keenum, etc.
When breaking it down by statistics, there are only four or five quarterbacks in that second-tier that put up numbers (in the last four years) that could be considered starting quality. Those names are Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew, Taylor Heinicke, Case Keenum, Baker Mayfield, and Jacoby Brissett. Now, where this argument for bringing in a new quarterback in the offseason breaks down is that Ryan Tannehill beats out all of those quarterbacks in almost every single statistical category. While Teddy Bridgewater and Gardner Minshew’s quarterback ratings are well above average, Tannehill’s quarterback rating is still eight points above theirs. If the coaching staff and the new management staff think that the quarterback position needs to change in the offseason I wouldn’t necessarily understand it unless the team could save a lot of money and still bring in someone like Bridgewater or Minshew to fill in that role for a year two. The most likely outcome here is the Titans restructure and resign Tannehill to a one or two-year extension in the offseason and might look to draft a Quarterback if one falls to them at pick 11 or they see an opportunity to trade up. If they don’t draft one this offseason, they might look to draft one of the top Quarterbacks in 2024. The last, and perhaps most far-fetched option, is the Titans find some way to dump Tannehill in the offseason and are able to bring in Tom Brady via free agency or Aaron Rodgers via trade with the Green Bay Packers. Tom Brady is known to have a very friendly relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel and might have some interest in joining the Titans in the offseason if they could find some way to work out a deal. Aaron Rodgers to Tennessee has been speculated recently and with new management coming into Tennessee, they might look to pull off a big deal once all the front office staff is finalized and they can get to work negotiating and evaluating what they want to do with the roster.

Offensive Line:

When you watched the Titans play this season it was apparent what the biggest hole in the roster was, and that was the offensive line. This line gave up the most sacks per dropback, the most pressures per drop back, and the most negative run plays in the league and was ranked 32nd in almost every category. To put it bluntly, they were historically bad. Now with the inevitable release of LT Taylor Lewan, and the probable retirement of Center Ben Jones, the Titans will be looking for a new starter in just about every position on the Line this offseason besides Right Tackle. The Titans need to address the problems on the O-Line in the Draft as well as Free Agency, so let’s take a look at the starting quality Linemen that will be on the open market that the Titans should consider bringing in.

(All stats are an average of the player’s last three years in the league. I will only show players with above-average stats that would make quality starters in my eyes for the Tennessee Titans or any team in the NFL)

Best Statistical Offensive Guards Currently Available in 2023 Free Agency:

Ben Powers:

Powers is a swing tackle who has really impressed the past few seasons. Playing at both left guard and right guard he has shown his ability to be an outstanding pass protector as well as an above-average run blocker (which you have to be to play in that Baltimore system). He has taken over the starting left guard role in Baltimore and would make a great addition to any offensive line. With him being only 26 years old, he could be the Titans starting guard for years to come.

LG/RG

26 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 438 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 329 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 41 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 34 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 297 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 73.7 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 57.2 Average

Isaac Seumalo:

The former third-round pick Seumalo has played just about every position on the Eagle’s offensive line since being drafted in 2016. Playing mostly inside, he has shown how solid of a pass protector he is boasting an average pass protection grade of 79.2 his past three seasons combined. Seumalo is one of the most versatile linemen in Free Agency this offseason and would make a great addition to the Titan’s offensive line no matter where they decide to play him.

LG/RG/RT/C

29 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 224 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 280 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 37 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 29 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 165 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 79.2 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 66.3 Average

Dalton Risner:

While PFF isn’t exactly foolproof, you can use their grades to help back up your assumptions about a player and can use their grades to aid in your evaluation of stasticts. When you look at the former second-round pick Risner, he has never had a season where he averages below a 69 grade for pass protection. His pass protection grades are some of the most consistent around the league and his stasticts back that up as well. He almost never commits penalties (just three called penalties in the past 3 seasons combined) and is still young enough to be the Titan’s starting left guard for the duration of his contract. If he hits the open market, he immediately becomes one of the most dependable linemen in free agency.

LG

27 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 244 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 101 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 32 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 22 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 932 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 71.9 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 56.7 Average

Will Hernandez:

Coming out of college Will Hernandez was considered a high first-round lock. He ended up falling just out of the first round and was drafted by the New York Giants with the 34th overall pick. While Hernandez hasn’t lived up to his expectations, he hasn’t been a total bust either. Will has definitely had his ups and downs in the league but has been able to put together some really good games in his career. Hernandez has consistently struggled with consistency in his career. In Arizona’s first 7 games this season, he gave up a total of 22 pressures, in their final 6 games he only gave up a total of 3 pressures. If he can lock in and get more consistent with his blocking technique, he has the talent to be a starting swing guard in the NFL.

LG/RG

27 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 140 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 119 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 30 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 20 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 148 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 61.6 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 59.2 Average

Nate Herbig:

Herbig is another versatile interior lineman who should be on the Titan’s radar. Herbig signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford in 2019 and has been a starter ever since his second year in the league. He bounced around from left guard to right guard for the Eagles and also this season for the Jets. Had four games this season where he didn’t give up a single QB pressure. With Herbig being only 24 years old, he’s as young as some rookies the titans would be looking at drafting but comes with four years of NFL experience. If the Jets let him hit the open market, he’s a solid long-term option for the interior of the O-Line.

RG/LG/C

24 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 424 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 181 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 29 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 20 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 116 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 64.8 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 64.1 Average

Nick Gates:

While Gates doesn’t provide the experience some of the other players might, he definitely adds quality and potential. Gates hasn’t started many games in the last few seasons, but in the ones he has played in he’s been a very quality offensive lineman. He is an extremely versatile Lineman who has played 4 out of the 5 lineman positions in the NFL. Has over 200 snaps at right tackle, over 1,000 snaps at center, and over 300 snaps at guard. In his time in the NFL, Gates has only allowed two sacks in his entire career. Even if the Titans don’t plan on starting Gates, he would be a tremendous backup for almost every position on the line.

C/LG/RT/RG

27 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 887 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 296 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 39 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 33 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 118 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 60.1 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 62.9 Average

Andrew Wylie:

Wylie is a versatile lineman who has over 1,000 snaps played at both right tackle and right guard as well as over 500 snaps played at left guard in his career. The veteran Lineman started his career as an offensive guard and has since moved to tackle in the past three seasons. When you take a look back at his career, his best season as a blocker came in 2019 when the Chiefs had him playing left guard. He allowed just 8 hurries all season but was then moved to right guard the following season which didn’t fit his play as much as the left side did.

RT/RG/LG

28 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 266 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 100 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 33 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 23 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 238 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 67.2 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 59.1 Average

Connor McGovern:

LG/RG/C

25 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 194 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 97 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 32 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 22 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 502 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 67 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 56.7 Average

Max Scharping:

Scharping is a former second-round pick of the Houston Texans. While Scharping hasn’t had the most successful career in the NFL thus far, he hasn’t shown anything so bad that he should be written off as a career backup just yet. He is still only 26 years old and honestly has been an above-average pass blocker most of his time in the NFL. With all that happened in his time in Houston with multiple coaching changes, QB controversies, and not having the best offensive coordinators, a fresh start will be good for the ’19 second-round pick. As of me writing this breakdown, Scharping is about to be thrust into a starting role with the Bengals as they enter the playoffs due to their starting guard Alex Cappa going down with an injury. If he performs well, that might get him on the Titan’s radar for a potential signing this offseason.

LG/RG

26 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 222 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 166 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 30 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 23 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 189 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 62.4 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 52.6 Average

Best Statistical Centers Currently Available in 2023 Free Agency:

Garrett Bradbury:

C

27 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 189 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 99 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 32 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 21 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 173 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 50.2 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 69.5 Average

Bradley Bozeman:

C/LG/RG

28 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 223 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 313 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 39 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 30 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 353 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 63.2 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 67.2 Average

Ethan Pocic:

C/LG/RG

27 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 239 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 205 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 43 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 31 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty: 783 Snaps

PFF Pass Blocking Grade: 58.6 Average

PFF Run Blocking Grade: 72.3 Average

Best Statistical Offensive Tackles Currently Available in 2023 Free Agency:

Orlando Brown Jr:

LT/RT

26 Years Old

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Sack Allowed: 186 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hit Allowed: 102 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Hurry Allowed: 26 Snaps

Pass Blocking Snaps Per Pressure Allowed: 18 Snaps

Offensive Snaps per Penalty:

PFF Pass Blocking Grade:

PFF Run Blocking Grade: