Making a case for trading Zach Ertz

Zach Ertz the starting tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles is headed into his 8th season with the team. He is coming off of his 5th straight year with at least 74 receptions, 816 yards, and 2 tds, notching his 3rd probowl berth in a row. Ertz has helped lead his team to a Super Bowl Victory, and put up the most receptions by a tight end ever in a single season with 116. Ertz to his name has 525 receptions for 5,743 yards and 35 tds. He didn't rank nearly as high on the list of most receptions by a tight end as I thought but then when I began to compare him to the other active players it became apparent he is racking up statistics at a much faster rate. 

After 7 seasons in the league:

Jason Witten 523 rec. 

Travis Kelce 507 rec. 

Jimmy Graham 499 rec. 

Antonio Gates 479 rec. 

Tony Gonzalez 468 rec. 

Ertz has the most receptions by a tight end in their first 7 seasons in the history of the NFL, and only a list of future hall of fame players hold a candle to the amount of catches he racks up. He is not the explosive athlete that Jimmy Graham, Travis Kelce or Antonio Gates are, but he is however like a more athletic version of Jason Witten with higher upside in the redzone. 

I bring all this up to paint a picture of his value throughout the league. Ertz is as of right now the third best tight end in the league behind only Travis Kelce, and George Kittle. But at 29 he is nearing the point where most players begin to see a downturn in their play. He has missed 6 games over his career but that stat is misleading when trying to show the wear and tear this guy has taken while at times being the top target for the Eagles offense. 

It's no secret Ertz is seeking a contract extension and it's also no secret the Eagles are massively over the cap in 2021. They need to shed salary cap not sign players to record setting deals. George Kittle was just handed $15 million a year, while Kelce gets $14.3 million a year. It would not surprise me to see Ertz expect $14 million a year. Currently he sits around $12.5 million a year, considering his current deal runs through 2023 an extension would likely result in him suiting up for the Eagles until age 35. But as I mentioned our salary cap situation is ugly in 2021, trading Ertz can help. Turning the position over to Dallas Goedert who is still on a rookie contract would give Philly one more year before he was up for an extension. 

Jimmy Graham was traded from New Orleans to Seattle along with a fourth round pick, in exchange for a first round pick, and Max Unger a probowl level center. I propose a similar trade for the Eagles, with my most likely trade partner the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have been building an explosive offense but their tight end position has lacked a big name for a few years so why not make a trade to round out their star studded offense with Zach Ertz coming to town. 

What would this trade look like? Ertz and 1 of 2 fifth round picks the Eagles have in 2021, in exchange for the Cardinals 1st round pick, and C/G Max Garcia. Garcia would add depth to this offensive line that has lost guard Brandon Brooks, and Andre Dillard to injury. Jason Peters was resigned to play right guard and has asked for a raise if he is to play left tackle which is actually a reasonable request in my mind. If Garcia comes in he can then serve as a kind of swing guard/center to provide depth behind Matt Pryor who has slid back and forth between left tackle and right guard as well. Max Garcia is 28 years old but with Jason Kelce flirting with retirement the last couple years Garcia can compete with Isaac Seumalo for the center job or slide back into left guard. 

Joejuan Williams playing safety

Joejuan Williams was drafted by the Patriots last offseason to play cornerback. He was selected in the second round, 45th overall after playing college at Vanderbilt. He committed to Vanderbilt who was excited to bring him in even though he was deemed ineligible to play his senior season of high school after moving schools late. He went on to follow this trend by forgoing his senior season of college after 3 years with Vanderbilt, he chose a good time to declare for the draft following a Junior season that was his first full season as a starter in which he had 61 tackles, 13 passes defended, 4 ints, and 2 tackles for a loss. This strong season coupled with his size (6'3 208lbs), led him to be picked in the second round despite a worse than expected 40 yard dash time of 4.6. However Williams is the type of corner that thrives off of physical play, and using his size and strength (17 reps of 225 lbs), to bully receivers early in their route and disrupt timing so his speed didn't hamper him as much as it would have if he didnt stand 6'3. Even after being selected so high Williams only played 77 snaps on defense due to some quality depth. 

With starters Stephon Gilmore, and Jason McCourty leading the way, as well as JC Jackson, and Jonathon Jones ahead of the 2019 rookie it's clear to see why he didn't play much. But due to an offseason that saw the Patriots lose Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner, and Patrick Chung the Patriots decided to use the 6'3 211 lb cb as a part time safety, a pretty natural move for a guy of his size and limited speed, but I wonder if this is with an eye on the future, namely 2 years from now when Devin McCourty's deal expires. Williams could move up to free safety full time much like McCourty did early in his career, while 2020 second round pick Kyle Duggar starts at strong safety after they let Chung go for good. Eventually they'll move on from Jason McCourty and Gilmore at cornerback but both Jones, and Jackson are young and up and coming players that could be looked to as starters. This would shore up the future of their secondary, whileincresasing their versatility and depth after losing 3 players at safety who contributed in big ways. 

Get Your Popcorn Ready

On Sunday August 23rd we held a fantasy football draft for a league full of avid NFL fans that drafted incredibly intelligently. Stocking up on premier players through the first 4 rounds before starting to take chances, and project stats for rookies. I feel despite the uncertainty behind the league I drafted a very strong team.

My picks in order:

Rb Derick Henry 7

Rb Nick Chubb 9

Te Travis Kelce 10

Qb Deshaun Watson 8

Wr Tyler Lockett 6

Wr Dj Moore 13

Wr Keenan Allen 10

RB Cam Akers 9

WR Dj Chark 7

RB Jonathon Taylor 7

LB Tj Watt 8

RB Tarik Cohen 11

Qb Cam Newton 10

K Robbie Gould 11

Def Cleveland Browns 9

WR Darius Slayton 11 

I should preface my explanations with the fact that this is not a point per reception league, fit was my running backs might look dramatically different. 

In round 1 pick #7 I selected Derrick Henry. Prior to my pick the guys you would expect to be off the board were, CMac, Cook, Michael Thomas, Zeke, Kamara, Barkley. So I had a choice to make, go with a guy who is known to be the work horse back receiving the bulk of the carries for his team, on an offense that runs first and throws almost never, or go for a dual threat back that can pump up their numbers through the air. In a PPR league I never pick Henry however he is constantly the focal point of Tennessee's offense. In 4 seasons Henry's carry numbers, yardage, and tds have consistently risen from year to year. In 2019 he had his first 300+ carry season, rewarding his team with his highest per carry average, and the most Tds scored in his career 16. He also added career highs in receptions, yards and tds. With 18 for 206 yards and 2 tds on top of 303 carries for 1,540 yards and 16 tds. Henry is one of those grinders who will perform better the more he gets the ball, his 6'3 250 lb frame and 4.5 speed is nearly unstoppable once he gets on a roll, and it seems after 2018 the Titans know how to use him. Dion Lewis is still in town to culture touches in the passing game but his presence doesnt affect Henry's projections. I feel good about this pick in a non ppr league. 

In round 2 pick #13 I Double tapped the running back position, with another ascending player who is a bellcow back. Nick Chubb was my pick for a lot of reasons, first of all I expect him to get a large workload even with Kareem Hunt helping out in the run game and acting as a 3rd down back. Chubb however took command of this offense in 2019. In 2018 as a rookie he was primarily a backup to start the year before ultimately playing his way into the starting role. He had 192 carries for 996 yards and 8 tds, adding 20 receptions for 149 yards and 2 tds. In 2019 he made that look like it was amateur hour for him. He came out and took 106 more Carries and caught 16 more passes. Totalling 298 carries for 1,494 yards, and 8 tds adding 36 receptions for 278 yards as well. Solid numbers for a second year back who I expect to have similar numbers in 2020 barring injury. I see Hunt carving out a role as well but at the detriment of the passing game not Chubb. Both of these guys are bigger backs at around 220 lbs and it wouldnt be unheard of to see both guys in the backfield at once. 

With my third pick I watched as the best receivers in the league were snatched up, Pat Mahomes was also picked so I decided now was my time to grab the best tight end in the game. So I snagged Travis Kelce with my 3rd pick 27th overall. I selected Kelce knowing I can count on him for around 1,000 yards and 10 tds nearly every year. In his career as a starter he has never caught less than 67 passes, or put up less than 862 yards and 5 tds. Last season he didnt score as much as I would like with just 6 tds. But he has topped 1,100 yards 3 of the last 4 seasons and last put up under 1,000 yards 4 years ago. Barring an injury he is just as valuable as the top 7 wide receivers in 2020. 

Okay I got my top running backs, i went and got a great tight end, now it's time for the head honcho of my team to be drafted. With pick number 33 I selected QB Deshaun Watson. He is in my mind the 3rd fantasy qb in 2020 but Mahomes and Jackson were off the board in the previous rounds. Watson lost Lamar Miller, and DeAndre Hopkins but gained Brandin Cooks, David Johnson, and Randall Cobb. I truly believe their plan is to unleash Watson. Spread out defenses with 4 receivers, or 3 and a tight end, with Dsvid or Duke Johnson manning the tailback spot. Both guys are some of the most prolific pass catching backs in the NFL which seems to me to build an offense centered on the passing game. I'm excited to see him play this year. 

Round 5 pick #47 getting into the nitty gritty area of the draft where strategy really sets in. I needed wide receivers I could count on for volume and lots of it. My first thought was Seattle's Tyler Lockett. He leads his team in targets almost every year, stays healthy, contributes in the return game and run game as well. Perfect pick for my squad. 

In round 6 pick #53 I selected DJ Moore from Carolina, their number 1 receiver. He is one of those under the radar guys who I believe can excell with consistent QB play in 2020. If Bridgewater stays healthy Moore will be on track for a career year. Moore is another do it all player for Carolina with experience returning punts and kicks, running the ball, and catching passes this guy is simply electric when he has the ball. Last year he managed 87 receptions for 1,175 yards, and 4 tds, added 6 carries for 40 yards, and 5 punt returns for 41 yards. I would like to see better td numbers in 2020,but if he can top 1,000 yards I should be okay. 

Sticking with the wide receiver thene I got the guy who could wind up being the steal of this draft class for me. Keenan Allen, I know he lost Phillip Rivers but he is the unquestioned top target with the Chargers. Taylor or Herbert whoever starts will be looking to him early and often just like Rivers did. Allen outside of missed time due to injuries is easily one of the most consistent receivers in the league. He has 3 years hovering around 100 receptions, topped 1,190 yards every season, and scored 6 tds each year. He also has been used in the reverse game the last few seasons in an effort to get him into the open field. Allen is purely a volume receiver who can be counted on for gobs of receptions every week. But my flex spot will feature solid competition for a weekly start. 

My next pick round 8 midway through the draft I decided my third running back would be the move to make. So I made my first gamble of the day selecting Cam Akers the rookie running back from the Rams. Akers is a dual threat back drafted in round 2 to come in and replace Todd Gurley. At 5'10 216 lbs he is the type of guy who can be a bell cow back or be used in a rotation, however despite the rumors coming out of Rams camp and the praise toward other back from McVay I think Akers will be the first back off the bench, even if it means giving him a couple weeks as a backup to get him ready. I expect him to put up around 150-200 touches total and be around 1,300 yards of offense. 7 tds isn't unheard of for a rookie back. 

At this point its round 9. 86 players have been taken, but I have two picks in the next 8 selections so let's make them count. To me rounds 8-12 is the spot where you pick depth players, guys you can use as bye week replacements early but players you feel okay about starting if it comes to it. Well I stumbled on a great example of a player that fits the bill. DJ Chark, the break out WR from Jacksonville who had a career year with Gardner Minshew slinging him the ball. After a rookie year in which he caught just 14 passes for 174 yards and 0 tds I dont think anyone expected him to not only secure a starting job in camp but go on to catch 73 passes for 1,008 yards, and 8 tds. Yet he did, and helped carry my injury riddled team last year. So why not take a shot on him as my 4th receiver? Seems like a great depth player to me. 

Round 10, time for another gamble of sorts. This time in the form of another rookie running back. Jonathon Taylor the second round pick of the Indianapolis Colts strikes me as the type of back drafted into the perfect situation for success, the fact that I got him this late in the draft surprised me but wasnt unheard of with Marlon Mack also there to take touches away. However my faith in Taylor lies in the fact that he is more of a bell cow running back than Mack is. At 5'11 225 lbs he has just under 20 lbs on Mack but stands shorter than him. Taylor is a bowling ball of a runner that will perfectly compliment Mack but ultimately will be the guy taking the bulk of the carries. I expect him to see 120-140 carries 600-800 yards and 4-6 tds, while Mack racks up somewhere around 100 carries, for 700 yards, 6 tds, adding 50-60 receptions for another 500-650 yards and 4 tds. 

In this league we needed to pick a defensive player something I dont have a ton of experience drafting in fantasy football. I did some digging, and wanted a LB because they score based on tackles, sacks, and turnovers. In my eyes a LB has the best chance of racking up all of those statistics. So I went and grabbed Tj Watt. Watt isn't your typical LB, spending a lot of time rushing the passer but he still managed 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 4 recoveries, 2 ints, and 8 more tipped passes. He is the perfect defensive player for a league like this. I can expect a steady stream of tackles and sacks, and a turnover regularly. Hopefully that move works according to plan. 

With all my starting spots other than kicker and team defense filled I decided to start filling depth again. This time picking Tarik Cohen Chicago's scat back. Cohen is basically part WR part RB, part return man. Cohen at 5'6 179 lbs is a smaller player who relies on his explosion and shiftiness to create big plays. These guys scare me in non ppr leagues, but he was a solid pick this late. He had a career low in rushing yards and tds in 2019 but also managed a career high in receptions, and yards. He totalled 143 touches for 669 yards and 3 tds. Not an ideal season for the guy, but this year Foles is in town, and he loves to use these scat back type players, he had a great rapport with Darren Sproles and I expect a bounce back year for Cohen. He should see around 75 carries for 300-400 yards, 2-3 tds, and add 70-80 receptions for 400-500 yards and another 4 tds. 

Okay its round 13 now. We have 3 more rounds left, and I still haven't picked up a decent backup qb, a kicker, or a team defense. So with all directions available I decided now was the time to pounce on Cam Newton the potential starting quarterback for the New England Patriots. I have always been a fan of Cam's game. He has the arm to make all the throws, the size and mobility to run around or over defenders. He is like a fullback playing quarterback. With Brady gone, and only Stidham to challenge him as the starter, Cam will start week1 I have no doubt. What he does with this chance remains to be seen but let me remind people that Josh McDaniels is the same coach who chose Tim Tebow with a first round pick, the year before Newton was drafted. Tebow ultimately flamed out because of his abilities as a passer but McDaniels didnt pick him because of his ability to throw the ball, he picked him for the intangibles you can't teach. The running ability. Except now he has a qb that can actually throw the ball, and is arguably a better runner than Tebow as well. I expect Newton to ball out in year 1 with the Patriots in an offense built around his abilities. 

Finally time to pick a kicker and despite my love for Justin Tucker the fantasy ace of all kickers, I was leaning toward picking either Robbie Gould or Justin Rohrwasser. However Rohrwasser is dealing with an injury and he is a rookie kicker, and the Pats went and resigned Nick Folk who kicked for them last year, so Gould was the pick. Still not sure why I didnt pick Tucker but moving on with Gpuld isn't a terrible choice. 

For my team defense I desperately wanted KC or Minnesota both were off the board before my next pick so I went with my third option. Cleveland. They went out and drafted my favorite safety Grant Delpit, lineman Jordan Elliot, LB Jacob Phillips,  and signed Adrian Clayborn, Andrew Billings, Kevin Johnson, Andrew Sendejo, and Karl Joesph. Add to that Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon, Sheldon Richardson, Mack Wilson, Denzel Ward, and Greedy Williams I think this defense could turn out to be top 5 in the NFL this season. 

My final pick is still an interesting player who should help round out my depth. Wide receiver Darous Slayton was a rookie in 2019, but somehow wound up essentially taking the role of number 1 receiver from often injured Sterling Sheppard. With just 48 receptions he managed 740 yards or 15.1 per reception, and 8 tds. I strongly believe his stats will rise in 2020. Looking at 60-70 receptions for 850-1000 yards, and 8-10 tds. Daniel Jones has his new number 1 target for years to come. 

So what do you think about my team in this non ppr league? 

Tavon Austin signs with 49ers

Tavon Austin a former 8th overall pick was signed by the 49ers after a two year stint with Dallas. In both of these stops he will play WR despite a successful stint as a RB in St. Louis prior to his time in Dallas. He is an extremely versatile player with experience returning punts and kicks, and he has played WR, and RB. The 49ers have now lost several wide receivers due to injury, but it's the specific receivers they lost that could cause them to develop a large role for Austin. 

Deebo Samuel, Jalen Hurts, Richie James, and Chris Thompson are all hurt. Marquise Goodwin was shipped out via trade, and Emmanuel Sanders signed in New Orleans. These specific names are exactly why I expect Austin to have a role in 2020. Deebo Samuel carried the ball 14 times for 159 yards and 3 tds, Richie James had 2 carries for -1 yards, and Marquise Goodwin had 1 carry for 15 yards. That's 17 Carries by receivers that will not be on the field for the 49ers to start the season, on top of that Jalen Hurd a former RB turned WR is hurt and he would have undoubtedly been their first option to give those Carries to. This also opens up even more opportunities in the passing game as well. Austin is the perfect player to fit the role Samuel vacated, and he can fit the speedster role Goodwin did prior to his trade as well. 

Austin's abilities as a runner could be more valuable as well due to the players the 49ers have in the backfield. Heading into 2020 they decided to trade away Matt Breida, who went from the West Coast all the way to Miami. On top of that Jerrick McKinnon has missed 2 seasons in a row due to torn ACL's and there is no promise that he will return to form after that. Leaving the team with Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, and Jeff Wilson Jr. who are healthy, but all three have had their fair share of injuries in the past as well. Wilson has appeared in just 16 games in his 2 seasons, Tevin Coleman missed 2 games in 2019, but has played in just one 16 game season in 5 years, while Mostert has been a journeyman up until joining the 49ers where he found a home due to special teams play. He had never played a full 16 game season until 2019. That's not a very promising backfield in terms of health, but bringing in a guy like Austin who can take some Carries off of those other guys while also seeing time as a receiver, and possibly even in the return game suddenly you are keeping your backs and fellow receivers healthier while also making the most of a versatile player who isn't at his best simply spending all his time split out as a receiver. His versatility will be on display in Kyle Shanahan's offense, after he had his break out year as a runner under former Shanahan aid Sean McVay. He had 4 years in a row with the Rams in which he carried the ball 28 or more times, and managed 150 or more rushing yards and at least 1 td in 5 straight seasons. That's on top of his other roles. His first 4 years in the NFL he was primarily a receiver, since then he has developed into more of a runner but if you ask him, he doesn't care where he lines up, or how he gets the ball he just wants to play and help his team win. 

It's amazing to me that people view him as a bust. In 96 games this guy has racked up 215 receptions for 2,006 yards and 15 tds 9.3 per reception, with 22 plays of 20+ yards, and 8 40+ yard receptions. 196 carries for 1,340 yards, or 6.8 per carry, 1 tds, with 13 20+ yard carries, and 3 40+ yard carries. In the return game he added 25 kick returns for 451 yards, 185 punt returns for 1,498 yards and 3 tds for an average of 8.1 per return. 

So to recap, he is a solid slot receiver, an above average punt returner, adds depth in the kick return game and has averaged just under 7 yards per carry on nearly 200 carries yet people say he is a bust? I would take his versatility, team first mentality, and production out of a first round pick any day. Because for every guy that produces like Austin who was drafted in the first round there are 7-10 players each year that flame out of the league entirely. 

XFL Take 3.

It's been nothing short of a whirlwind existence for the XFL, originally designed to be the perfect mix of WWE drama, with the live action of professional level football, the league ultimately lasted just one season that started with a bang before viewership trailed off and the WWE as well as partner NBC both lost around $35 million in the first season. This loss prompted NBC to back out, however the WWE had the resources to continue supporting the league before reports of nearly impossible demands from one of the networks that broadcast their games made it a challenge to find avenues to bring in a larger crowd. Ultimately the league ceased operations shortly after their championship game. 

The original league had 8 teams, and 2 divisions with this list of teams;

Eastern Division:

Birmingham Thunderbolts

Chicago Enforcers

New York/New Jersey Hitmen 

Orlando Rage

Western Division:

Las Vegas Outlaws

Los Angeles Xtreme

Memphis Maniacs 

San Francisco Demons

I'm honestly surprised that the XFL never caught on back then. There were some NFL caliber players on those rosters, guys who went on to play in or win Grey Cups, and/or Super Bowls. In fact 21 different players appeared in Bowl games in the NFL and CFL combined. 7 players won Super Bowls, 4 won both Super Bowls and an XFL championship game. One man even won an XFL championship, a grey cup, and a super bowl. Talk about an impressive career. If you look at players that went on to play in the NFL, CFL, and AFL the numbers are huge considering this league was alive for just one disappointing season. This league was viewed more as a side show than main attraction with the gimmicks from the WWE clearly visible and ultimately not a draw for modern NFL fans. 

Fast forward 17 years and Vince McMahon reestablished the XFL,bringing it back for another try at professional football. However this time he did it on his own without partners immediately making bold claims that he had bankrolled two seasons regardless of performance. Well little did McMahon know the world would be suffering from a pandemic that caused every sports league even the largest of them stop dead in their tracks. It ultimately resulted in the straw that broke the camel's back with the AFL, the only viable American alternative to the NFL, and eventually the XFL succumbed to the pressure of funding a league that didnt know when it would be allowed to see the field again. 

The sad part is this time around the XFL had a real following, and was being taken very seriously. In fact there were rumblings that players from college could eventually use the XFL as a springboard to the NFL draft. This was a rather unheard of concept, however, 6'2 200 lb Kenny Robinson a safety who started 5 games for the XFL was able to then apply for NFL draft consideration. Ultimately he was drafted by Carolina in the 5th round but his future in the NFL could pave the way for more players. It's actually incredibly impressive the amount of players that were signed to contracts with the NFL right away. 

QB Pj Walker signed with Carolina to compete with Will Grier to be Teddy Bridgewater's backup. Not a bad spot to be in considering he couldn't crack the Colts as a third string qb just a year ago. 

QB Jordan Ta'amu decided latching on with Andy Reid and company was his best bet for success. I would argue he was right. I expect him to be their third qb in 2020. 

TE Donald Parham signed with the Chargers a team that suffered from depth concerns last season. Walking into 2020 he might be the third tight with a chance at unseating solid but never spectacular Virgil Green as the number 2. 

RB Jaques Patrick signed with Cincy to compete for a roster spot although I dont like his chances of cracking the 53 man roster. 

WR De'Mornay Pierson is a guy who decided sticking with a team you know even if they cut you once was the way to go, and I would argue he was right. 

WR Saeed Blacknall is a player I thought would get a better shot at making a roster, however he signed with Pittsburgh to compete for a roster spot with about 5 other more established receivers. 

TE Khari Lee is a blocking specialist who signed with Atlanta a team that watched Austin Hooper leave via free agency while replacing him with Hayden Hurst an unproven first round pick of Baltimore that didnt pan out mostly due to the emergence of Mark Andrew's. 

TE Colin Thompson is a potential third tight end for Carolina that is a versatile player. Known for his blocking he is also an asset on special teams and could make the roster because of those two things alone. 

DB Dravon Askew Henry is a guy I truly believe could make the active roster for the Giants in 2020. Due to the lack of quality depth in front of him after several high draft picks so far not working out for the team in Eli Apple, Sam Beal, and now DeAndre Baker. He is a safety by trade but at 6'0 200 lbs and running a 4.52 40, he could easily be used inside as a nickel back, or as a safety still. Jalen Mills comes to mind as a comparison. 

LB Demarquis Gates is a former Houston Roughneck as well. He will be the backup to Anthony Barr who has played just two 16 game seasons in 6 seasons with Minnesota. I believe he is in the perfect situation to make the roster. 

The Steelers have several players with a chance to make their active roster first of all there is defensive lineman Cavon Walker who is listed as a defensive tackle in Pittsburgh's depth chart but truly will play defensive end in a 3-4 base defense. He currently sits in a 3 way competition for the 4th defensive end spot. At 6'2 278 lbs he can play end in a 3-4 alignment or inside at tackle in a 4-3 front. He has solid speed for a bigger lineman which should help his chances. 

CB Breon Borders was originally signed by the Steelers after the XFL folded, however he was signed off waivers by Miami. The Dolphins might give him a better chance at making the roster as it stands. They have less established depth players with maybe 4 players a lock to make the roster. 

WR Saeed Blacknall is buried on the depth chart behind Juju Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Diontae Johnson, Deon Cain, Chase Claypool, Ryan Switzer. Then he has to compete with Amara Darboh and Anthony Johnson for what might turn out to only be a practice squad spot. 

I also noticed a trend among the Steeler's XFL signings, they valued in game experience on the offensive line signing not 1, not 2, but 3 offensive lineman from the league. 

Center John Keenoy, didn't start in the XFL until week 4, with the league canceling the rest of the season after week 5,so it's hard to say how much this playing time helped him get back in the NFL but the thing is that playing time from an offensive line man's perspective can never hurt. 

OL Anthony Coyle might have solidified a job for himself somewhere simply based on his versatility. In college he spent all his time at tackle. Starting on the right side before playing the majority of his college career at left tackle. He then signed with several NFL practice squad from 2018-2020 when he joined the XFL. In the XFL the Guardians asked him to play guard, Coyle obliged simply adding another job to his resume as a depth lineman. The thing with offensive line depth is the more positions you can play the more likely you are to make a roster and be active on game day. 

Tackle Jarron Jones helped his case by playing in the XFL the most. He has bounced between offense and defense several times now. The XFL saw him get in game reps at tackle against professional level competition. 

I could keep going on and on about the players who have already made the move to the NFL, however none of this affects the XFL assuming they stick to their plan of a spring league. In fact if former NFL player Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is smart he will start negotiating with the NFL to release its bottom of the roster and practice squad players to his league in an effort to aid their development. Also with the CFL and AFL both shutting down in 2020 there is suddenly a large talent pool to tap for XFL or fringe NFL level talent. 

Suddenly there are viable replacements for players lost to the NFL. Quarterbacks with professional experience are now available left and right. Look at this list of names seeking employment:

Bo Levi Mitchell-Calgary Stampeders- Mitchell is one of the most decorated qbs in the CFL. He has 8 seasons under his belt displaying durability with just one major injury. He completed 64.8% of his passes despite mass injuries at receiver at times, with 27,937 passing yards 169 tds, and just 70 ints he displays football IQ and a propensity to protect the ball without sacrificing the deep ball. He also added 148 carries for 727 yards or 4.6 per carry with 14 rushing tds. What's more impressive is his insane win loss record. 77-16-1. No other CFL qb has ever done won as many games as fast as Mitchell has. This time last offseason he was trying out for 5 NFL teams, and 5 other teams were interested. He wound up turning down offers to be a backup in order to go back and start in the CFL. With the CFL shuttered it is entirely possible he changes his mind and signs on to be a backup qb somewhere, but if his desire to play is still alive the XFL would be his best option. With the XFL losing a few of its star players from their 2020 season this would be a way to bring in a starting qb with pro experience who could help draw the CFL audience to the XFL during their shut down. He has won 2 grey cups, and 3 MVP awards in his career. Mitchell is getting older but at 30 years old still has many years of football left in him and has a better chance at making the jump to the NFL than our next qb on the list due to his relative youth. 

Another qb Mike Reilly might be another plausible option. Reilly has been in the CFL since 2010 after spending one year trying to make NFL rosters and winding up released by the Steelers, Packers, Rams, and Seahawks. This led him to sign a practice squad contract with the BC Lions. He only spent 1 month on the practice squad before moving up to the active roster as the 3rd string qb. He won his first grey cup win as the 3red string qb in 2011 before he got his first start in October of 2012 however he was never really the unquestioned starter in BC. He was then traded to the Edmonton Eskimos. This trade displayed how much the team believed in him because they agreed to exchange second round picks, and give up their second round pick the following year to obtain his rights. His first season as a starter with Edmonton he managed 4,207 passing yards, 709 rushing yards, 24 tds and 18 ints. For his career Reilly has 31,522 yards, 168 tds and 99 ints while adding 637 carries for 3,366 yards and 52 tds. Reilly is 35 years old but for the XFL age isn't as important as it is to the NFL which could push him to sign with the XFL over any backup job that might come his way with the NFL. We have seen several qbs play into their 40's in the NFL but it's not very often in the modern NFL that guys play 9 years in the CFL first. He would add an exciting player to watch to the St. Louis Battlehawks or Houston Roughnecks that lost their league leading qbs to the NFL. 

Adam Bighill a LB for the Blue Bombers is a guy who likely should already be in the NFL, however due to his height 5'11 he was left on the scrap heap after the draft. He immediately turned to the CFL signing with the BC Lions. As a rookie they saw his abilities and started working him into the line up slowly, while also becoming a special teams star racking up 22 tackles. His next 4 seasons he continued to play special teams and defense racking up 47 special teams tackles to go with 374 defensive tackles, 28 sacks, 7 ints, 1 td, 8 forced fumbles. He decided after 2016 with his extensive resume he would make the leap to the NFL. He signed with the Saints where he spent a full seasons bouncing between the active roster and the practice squad never logging a stat. In May of 2018 he requested his release after realizing he wasn't getting a fair shake on a team that desperately needed better play at LB. He returned to the CFL this time with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Originally signing a 1 year deal they offered him a 3 year extension the following year. He has played in 9 CFL seasons, and 1 NFL season so far. During that time he was Grey Cup Champion twice, named most outstanding defensive player twice, 5 times voted to the allstar team, and voted to the west conference's allstar team 6 times. He is 31 years old but has shown no signs of slowing down. This is the kind of player who would be a force in the XFL, and a guy who can rush the passer, play the passing game, and create turnovers often. His age is prohibitive to an NFL contract at this point but the XFL would welcome him with open arms. 

Micah Johnson a DT from BC could be on the radar of the NFL after they lost a bunch of defensive linemen to opt outside, and injuries already. He spent 4 seasons bouncing around in the NFL from 2010-2013 never on an active roster before signing with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders where he spent 2013-2018. The 6'2 278 lb defensive tackle is more of a pass rusher than a run stopper but has displayed a knack for getting to qbs. Despite starting his career as a backup he now has 184 tackles, 45 sacks, and 2 ints from the 2013 season to 2019 from a DEFENSIVE TACKLE position. That's unheard of. This guy averaged just under 7 sacks a season even though he didnt take a starting role until 2015. He is 32 years old and past the point of signing with the NFL again, but a stint with the XFL makes plenty of sense. 

Andrew Harris might be more of a stretch as a 33 year old running back with 11 seasons of wear and tear on his 5'10 202 lb frame...until you consider this man has racked up 14,145 yards, and 79 tds just on offense. He also adds value in the return game and on special teams in other roles. I like Harris's story because he is a Canadian National that played 3 years in their development league leading his team to 3 straight championships. He then went on to the CFL and helped win two more championships his latest last year in 2019 when he was named Grey Cup MVP. This guy has done it all in the CFL. He has completed 2 of 6 passes for 21 yards, rushed 1,673 times for 9,038 yards, 5.4 yards per carry, and 46 tds, he has displayed remarkable skills as a receiver with 565 receptions for 5,107 yards, and 30 tds, 37 punt returns for 374 yards, 47 kick returns for 902 yards, 21 tackles, 7 on special teams, 11 fumbles, 1 recovery, and 1 forced fumble. This man is nothing short of a legend in Canada having grown into one of the league's biggest stars after starting off in the Juniors system. He has played his entire career in Canada, but with them not suiting up this season will he give American league play a chance? The XFL would love to have a guy with his resume, and fan base to further extend their influence in other markets while also simply wanting the most electric players they can get. 

Delvin Breaux is a guy I am almost certain will go on to play in the XFL. This guy has laid everything on the line to play football. After breaking 3 vertebrae while making a tackle on a kick return in high school, his future changed forever. This guy had a scholarship to LSU prior to the injury, a dream come true for a kid who was born and raised in New Orleans. Alas he never suited up for the Tigers because their doctors refused to clear him for play. He would serve as a player coach before deciding it wasn't over as a player and moving on. He fell off the map for a couple years before coming back healthy with the Louisiana Bayou Vipers of the Gridiron Developmental League where he dominated, and wound up moving on to the next level. Signing a deal with the New Orleans Voodoo of the Arena Football League. After his single season here he decided to move on to the CFL. Three seasons, three different leagues. He played two seasons with the Hamilton Tigercats. He racked up 62 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 recovery, 1 int for 27 yards and a td, and 1 sack. This was enough to catch the eye of the Saints his hometown NFL team. His first year with the Saints he looked like a shut down corner. 41 tackles, 19 pass break ups, 1 fumble recovery and 3 ints. At this point the story couldn't be any more ripe for a documentary. New Orleans kid recovers from broken back to become starter for Saints...but in 2016 it fell apart. The first game of the year Breaux broke his fibula and missed 6 weeks, he returned to play 7 games before suffering a shoulder injury that sent him to IR. He returned to the team in 2017, but in August of 2017 suffered a fractured fibula, that was misdiagnosed by two separate team doctors. After not making any progress in his rehab they xrayed him again and found the break. Both doctors were fired but too little too late Breaux would go on to miss the 2017 season and ultimately fall out of the NFL. Ultimately he signed a deal with the Tiger Cats to return becoming the highest paid DB in the league. He went on to play in 2018, and 2019 for them with 50 tackles, 2 pass break ups, 4 fumble recoveries for 73 yards and 1 td, as well as 3 forced fumbles, and 1 int for 4 yards. It remains to be seen what his next move is but after a story popped up the day following the CFL shut down Breaux said he has nothing left financially and has been struggling in recent years. Which leads me to believe he will try and latch on with the NFL or CFL wherever he can land a contract to help alleviate his woes. However he better start making better decisions financially because the 31 year old DB with an extensive major injury history will not be on any league's radar for too many more seasons. 

Last but not least from the CFL players is QB Jeremiah Massoli. This name might ring some bells for college football fans. Massoli became the starting qb for the Oregon Ducks after climbing his way up the depth chart from 3rd string having transferred from a junior college. However in 2010 a string of run ins with the law led to him leaving Oregon. He sent out scholarship release paperwork to 5 schools before ultimately deciding on Ole Miss. However his waiver for immediate play was denied. He decided to appeal and won the appeal but it put him in the unenviable position of starting week 3 for Ole Miss with very little time to adapt to his new offense. He ultimately had a down year which likely led to him going undrafted. As we all know the NFL will look past legal issues if the player demonstrates the ability to play well. Massoli didnt manage that his last season. However he signed with San Francisco as an undrafted free agent in 2011. They ultimately released him which allowed him to be eligible for the 2011 UFL draft. He was selected by the Omaha Nighthawks. Looking at his stats through his first four season compared to his last 4 seasons it's clear he needed to develop as a passer. Through his first 4 years in the pros: he never stopped a 54% completion rate, threw for just 1,261 yards, 5 tds to 8 ints adding 239 rushing yards and 2 td. It wasnt until his 5th season, 4th with the Tiger cats that he started to play well. He started in 2016 completing 69.9% of his passes but managed just 15 tds to 12 ints.the following three seasons saw him improve on his int numbers. 52 tds to 30 ints, never falling below a 63.7% completion rate or 8.0 yards per attempt. He also added 1,179 rushing yards, and 14 tds during this stretch. All of a sudden he looks like a viable starting qb. Masoli turns 31 years old next week and is coming a torn ACL, with the CFL shuttered in 2020, and his age/injury status right now the XFL is his best bet to play and start in another league. 

From Arena Football:

Grant Russell was a rookie in 2019 completing 183 of 300 for 2,132 yards 36 tds, 14 ints, while ranking 4th in the league in rushing with 30 Carrie's for 75 yards and 4tds. This guy is young and was a four year starter that put up solid numbers in college. He's mobile, which is a plus in the XFL. He is also hungry, after the AFL folded he went on to the National Arena League. He would welcome a shot in the XFL right now. They just need to give him a call. 

WR Fabian Guerra was also a rookie in 2019, as far as the AFL was concerned. He started at WR, while contributing in the run game and return game. He caught 61 passes for 765 yards, 15 tds, 8 carries 20 yards, and 2 tds, 39 kick returns, 736 yards, and 3 tds and 3 tackles. He is the perfect guy for the XFL to target. This guy however is only 25 having spent 2018 in the National Arena League with the Carolina Cobras, 2019 was split between the Memphis Express of the Aliance of American Football, the Columbus Destroyers of the AFL, and another stint with the Carolina Cobras. This man just wants to play. He was named the AFL co rookie of the year in 2019, and parlayed that into a CFL contract for 2020...until they too shuttered for 2020 This poor guy went through the AAF, and AFL completely folding in one season, then was hit with the CFL shuttering in 2020. He would jump for a joy at a chance at the XFL for their next season. 

WR Milton William's is a 6'3 210lb player who ran 4.69 but runs faster in game than that would suggest. Last season, his 3rd in the AFL he caught 59 passes for 665 yards and recorded 11 tds for the second season in a row. He also had 7 tackles in 2019. He had a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders in 2015 but it didnt last long by 2017 he was playing with the Baltimore Brigade of the AFL where he spent all 3 of his years in the league. No news has come out on him signing with another league for 2020. XFL needs this guy. 

DB/LB Joe Powell is another journeyman player who has signed anywhere and everywhere to keep his dreams alive. His run in football has been nothing short of nomadic:

2015-Lehigh Valley Steelhawks of the PIFL

2016-Cleveland Gladiators of the AFL, attends rookie mini camp with Philadelphia Eagles, before signing with the New York Giants for a cup of tea in training camp. He signed with the Bills practice squad in October and spent the rest of the year there, going on to sign a reserve futures deal to join the team for the 2017 training camp. 

2017-Buffalo Bills NFL, cut in September out of football.

2018-Atlanta Havoc of the American Arena League, by March he was assigned to the Baltimore Brigade of the AFL.

2019-Birmingham Iron of the AAF until the league folded, and he was assigned to the Brigade for a second stint. 

2020-St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL drafted him and he went on to score the first special teams td in the league, after they shut down for 2020, he signed with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL which just announced its shut down for 2020. 

Powell's best option to get back on the field asap is to resign with the XFL when they return. This guy is incredibly versatile and fits pro style defenses in a nickel LB role. 

If the XFL is smart they hold a highly televised event where they reassign players to their previous XFL squads if they're available and interested, then hold a draft of the CFL, AFL, NFL, and college players that are forced to sit out the 2020 season, and form teams right away. Get the rosters compiled, get safety measures in place then start practicing by December. Give these squads several months of training camp til the spring 2021 season, in which you now have a huge influx of high level talent, with no competing leagues starting that early. But the key to this is ending the XFL season early enough that the college players can still participate in the 2021 NFL draft. You bring back the league for its third stint, pluck the cream of the crop of available players, then time the start up right in the dead spot between the Super bowl, and the draft. Boom. Perfect formula for a strong 2021 season that will build hype for 2022, and position you for further seasons if the cards are played right.

Dk Metcalf slated to be a top receiver in 2020

Dk Metcalf was something of an enigma coming out of college. He had the height, weight and speed of the receivers most teams only dream about. At 6'4 225 lbs he ran a 4.33 40 yard dash, had a 40.5 inch vertical and put up 27 reps in the bench press. These numbers display a player who is nothing short of a freak athlete, one of those once in a generation type prospects. Guys a lot smaller have run slower, taller guys haven't jumped as high, and bigger guys have benched less but this is a guy who left college having caught only 67 passes for 1,228 yards and 14 tds in 3 seasons. He also suffered a neck injury that cut his redshirt sophomore season short. All of this added up to raise some doubts about the polish he would have at the next level as a wide receiver. 

Despite putting up monster numbers in high school as a receiver his college career seemed to show that he had a lot of growth to do at the position which made him all the more interesting as a prospect in my eyes. Much to my surprise Metcalf fell out of the first round, and nearly fell out of the second round, ultimately being selected 64th overall. He was the 9th receiver taken, with several picked above him not producing nearly as much as he had his rookie season. He started off slow but went on to start 15 games for the Seahawks and help lead them to a post season berth. He caught 58 passes for 900 yards and 7 tds, nearly matching his 3 year totals from college. He went on to dominate in the playoffs playing in 2 games putting up 11 receptions, 212 yards and 1 td. Impressive stats for a rookie receiver deemed as raw coming into 2019. However I only see better things to come for Metcalf. 

In Seattle's offense that haven't had a true number 1 receiver outside of Doug Baldwin in years. They flirted with the idea of Josh Gordon taking that role, they used Jimmy Graham as a kind of defacto top target, and even tried to force feed targets to Tyler Lockett. However none of these guys are the type of receiver you want leading an offense at this point in their careers. That's where Metcalf comes in, after a solid rookie season, he steps into 2020 as the team's number 1 target with Tyler Lockett, Phillip Dorsett, and David Moore there to serve as complimentary pieces, while the offense still runs first and passes second. Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde, and Rashod Penny will be fighting for Carries but all of this adds up to Metcalf getting the spotlight in the passing game. As a rookie he was second on the team in targets, receptions, yards and tds to Tyler Lockett. However Lockett is 5'10 182 lbs and sees playing time as a runner, receiver and return man. Keeping him fresh and not wearing him out as the top receiver would benefit several facets of this team. To put that into perspective Lockett had the most touches of his 6 year career in 2019, despite producing career highs in yards, and receptions he produced career lows in: average yards per kick return and punt return, as well as negative yards on carries. He also saw the second lowest yards per reception average of his career making a strong case to give him less touches and let him be more explosive through out the year in the return and rushing game while Metcalf soaks up the extra 10-20 targets a year at receiver which in turn provides him with a better chance to succeed. Throughout Metcalf's football career he has shown that the more an offense focused on him as a top target the more he rewarded them with in return. In high school the man put up 224 receptions for 3,364 yards and 49 tds. He graduated and goes to college where they worked him into the offense slowly. His redshirt freshman year he caught just 2 passes for 13 yards or 6.5 yards per catch, the following season he had 39 receptions for 646 yards and 7 tds or 16.6 per reception while playing second fiddle to Aj Brown and others. In his redshirt junior season the offense began to work through Metcalf and it showed, in 7 games he had 26 receptions for 569 yards and 5 tds for an insane 21.9 yards per reception. Fast forward to 2019, again he is playing second fiddle this time to Tyler Lockett, and he goes on to average 15.5 yards per reception and a little over 80 yards per game. 

With all this in mind the title of this article was not intended toward the status on his own team but the status of him versus the league as a whole. I truly believe Metcalf will be a top 5 receiver in 2020. I could easily see this guy catching 70-75 passes, putting up 1,200-1,400 yards and 10-12 tds. Which could spell another deep post season run for the Seahawks, this time on the strength of their offense. 

Marquise Goodwin doing the Eagles a favor?

Marquise Goodwin was the only veteran addition to a receiver group for the Eagles this offseason after a 2019 season that saw the depth at wide receiver decimated by injuries. So how is it that Goodwin opting out of 2020 is a good thing for the Eagles? 

Well that's quite simply because the team drafted 3 rookies this offseason. The complications started when their entire mini camp, ota, and training camp schedule simply vanished. These rookies were going to be stuck behind veterans DeSean Jackson, Marquise Goodwin, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward, as well as Alshon Jeffery when he returns from injury. Now the Eagles will be all but forced to rely on the rookies for depth early in the season. With their top three veterans now being DeSean Jackson, Greg Ward, and JJAW, with Jeffery opting out there is a very real possibility we see two rookies in the top 3 wide receivers in terms of target share this season. 

We all knew Jalen Reagor was likely to be the third option in this offense after being a 1st round pick but now with the dust settling he has a very real chance at being the number 1 targeted receiver this year. With DeSean Jackson coming back from injury, JJAW looking overwhelmed last year, and Greg Ward likely a better third option than anything I see a path for this guy to catch 50 passes this year for 600-700 yards, 4-5 tds, as well as 5-7 carries for 30-40 yards and 1 td. If not higher depending on how quickly he grasps the offense. 

John Hightower is likely the most affected of these three by Goodwin's departure. Hightower is essentially a taller, younger version of Goodwin. He is a vertical threat known for his speed. He ran a 4.42 40 yard dash but several experts were quick to point out Hightower had added 15 lbs to his frame this offseason in an effort to fight one of his weaknesses on the field, his strength at the catch point. He was aiming to add a level of physicality to his game he has never had before. I expect him to see around 20 catches this year mostly in the back half of the season when he inevitability starts taking snaps from Ward, and others. 

Quez Watkins is more of a wild card who I believe will make the roster but could be a late bloomer. He is regarded as very raw and likely will be beat out by Hightower, and Ward, leading to limited targets early and even less targets later in the year after Jeffery returns. He may however be able to make a mark on special teams in the punt return and kick return game. 

Jamal Adams, Adam Shaheen traded, Alex Smith cleared, and the NFL's apparent love for bad boys.

The announcement we have all been waiting for: Jamal Adams was traded away. For the whopping price of 2 first round picks, a 3rd round pick AND Safety Bradley McDougald. Quite the haul by the Jets, but yet still a win for Seattle his new home. Adams had been bad mouthing ownership, and the head coach the last week or two and the writing was on the wall about a trade which makes this return on this trade even more impressive. Seattle wins despite what they gave up because Adams is the perfect replacement for Kam Chancellor. Chancellor was the guy who set the tone in their secondary, and the kind of guy who would make sure no one wanted to come across the middle of the field. Adams will bring the boom back to the Legion of Boom. What impressed me from the Jets perspective is they shed Adams who clearly didnt want to be in New York anymore, gain Mcdougald who has been a starter for two teams spanning 6 seasons, the last 5 have seen him average 73 tackles, 6 pass deflections, and just under 2 ints a season. This is not a guy who was just a thrown in piece on this trade he is in fact the guy who will in turn replace Adams day one, and still form a solid 3 safety rotation with Marcus Maye, and Ashtyn Davis before Davis ultimately replaced Maye next year. Oh did I mention they also got two firsts, and a third? This looks like a stroke of genius for the Jets if they can make those selections count.

Adam Shaheen is a guy who came out of college extremely raw. He started his college career as a basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown, before transferring to Ashland and walking on to the football team. The 6'6 258 lb now tight end was following a path many other tight ends have before him. Despite leaving school as a Junior in Ashland he racked up 129 receptions for 1,755 yards and 26 tds. Impressive production for a walk on. He went on to be drafted in the second round, after tying for the highest bench press reps at his position, and posting solid numbers in the agility drills he climbed from the 14th ranked tight end to 4th just weeks before the draft. In three seasons in Chicago he managed just 26 receptions for 249 yards, 9.6 per rec., and 4 tds. Somehow producing 14 first downs and 3 plays of 20+ yards. Showing some glimmers of hope for this guy long term. However just 5 seasons into his transformation into a tight end he saw himself shipped to Miami for a conditional 6th round pick to compete as the number 2 tight end behind Mike Geiseki. Something tells me he will see success by year 5. 

Now on to the toughest QB I have ever seen play the game. Alex Smith a guy who fought back from a busy label in San Francisco, only to be replaced by Colin Kaepernick, got traded to KC where he cemented his status as a solid starting qb with winning season after winning season. Ultimately he was replaced by Patrick Mahomes and watched as he was dealt to the Washington Football Team. Not to be deterred he simply went to work as their starter, learning Jay Gruden's offense with relative ease. However after 10 games Smith suffered a brutal injury in which he had a compound fracture of his leg due to an awkward tackle in a game against Houston. Little did he know this would result in him missing the next 20 months of football activities. After one of the craziest rehabs in recent memory he was stricken with infections and issues related to his surgery for a while before he ultimately was even able to walk again. A little over a year later he is cleared for football activities, and Ron Rivera has already stated he will in consideration for the starting job even with 2and year Dwayne Haskins, and Kyle Allen, Rivera's backup from Carolina on board. This Marks one of the most impressive test of wills in NFL history. Many other players would have called it a career happy to have had a 15 year career in the league, but Smith is built differently he expects to succeed and forces himself to do whatever necessary to do so.

Martavis Bryant one of the often suspended receivers in the NFL somehow is still garnering interest from NFL teams. Despite serving a third suspension deemed as indefinite beginning in 2018, he might actually find his way back on the field in 2020. This guy missed 4 games in 2015 due to his first suspension then went on to put up career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. In 2016 he served a year long suspension. He returned in 2017, producing similar stats 50 rec. slightly less yards per catch at 603 yards, and 3 tds. He then signed with the Raiders after forcing his way out of Pittsburgh. That turned into an ugly situation quick because of an impending indefinite suspension. After being cut and resigned Bryant posted 19 receptions for 266 yards and 3 Carrie's for 23 yards. Showing he still had talent left. He then served another year suspension before filing for reinstatement prior to 2020 amid a pandemic that is seeing players opt out left and right. Maybe the interest came in part due to the rash of players leaving,or maybe the NFL just can't give up their addiction to bad boys. 

Patriots Covid 19 woes

By now most people know the deal, the NFL and the player's union negotiated in a clause to allow players to choose to opt out of the 2020 season. I wonder if any team expected to see a half dozen starting level players sit out in 2020, but that's exactly what looks to be the case for the Patriots. Take a look at this list of names:

LB Donta Hightower

S Patrick Chung

WR Marquise Lee

T Marcus Cannon

T Naaje Tooran

RB Branden Bolden 

FB Dan Vitale 

Considering Chung, Hightower, Cannon, Lee, and Vitale were all expected to be starters this season that is quite the blow to their team already. The other guys may not be starters but they were depth and special teams contributors. Let's take a look at how the Patriots will fare despite the losses. 

Patrick Chung is a prototypical strong safety in today's NFL. He is the type who can do anything you ask as a safety or he can drop down in the box and play as a nickel LB. However he is 32 years old, and now going to be sitting out all of 2020, which affects his position on the team more than others, as he had a charge for cocaine possession that may result in a suspension in 2021. The Patriots also drafted Kyle Duggar who was going to be the longterm replacement for Chung, and signed Adrian Wilson to play the third safety role. Which one replaces him in 2020 remains to be seen but my bet is on Duggar. He may never suit up again for the Patriots. 

Donta Hightower is a much more difficult player to replace. Although the Patriots drafted Josh Uche and Anferree Jennings, they have limited experience playing inside linebacker as both have been used as edge defenders primarily. However the Patriots don't have any experienced options at inside linebacker. Anferree Jennings is the likely option here with him simply having to focus on learning ILB instead of pass rusher in a 3-4 defense. 

Marcus Cannon opting out puts the Patriots in a difficult position. He was their starting right tackle in 2019, and their primary swing tackle Yodney Cajuste likely would have started at left tackle in Isaiah Wynn's absence, but had an injury of his own and Marshall Newhouse is no longer here to learn on. This year Cajuste might be asked to start at right tackle if the team isn't sold on Korey Cunningham who was added via trade from Arizona last season. Losing Naaje Tooran doesn't help the situation, losing a starter and another depth piece is more than most lose in an entire season now the Patriots are forced to move linemen around a second year in a row. 

Running back Branden Bolden is a bigger loss on special teams than he is on offense. He has logged 41 special teams tackles over his career including 8 last year. He provides depth on offense as well but his primary value has always been on special teams for the Patriots. Replacing him should be no issue, and he is another guy on this list who could have suited up as a Patriot for the last time. Ironically due to another player from the backfield opting out he likely could have had a chance to see even more playing time on special teams. That player is FB Dan Vitale. 

Vitale was slated to be the starting fullback after the retirement of James Devlin. However due to his decision to opt out fullback Jakob Johnson an international pathways player who spent the 2018 season playing pro football in Germany. By 2019 he was signed by the Patriots, relegated to the practice squad until the aforementioned Devlin suffered a career ending injury. Johnson was then elevated to replace Devlin and suffered an injury himself. This season he is in the driver's seat to a starting job as a fullback, and in line for more work on special teams as well. The question is can he stand up to that workload? 

Marquise Lee is likely the easiest player here to replace because he never even practiced with the team. He signed late, and stepped away early. The Patriots have players like Mohammed Sanu, N'Keal Harry, and Julian Edelman as their top 3 receivers, and depth behind them in Dameire Byrd, Jakobi Meyers, Mathew Slater, and Gunner Ozlewski. He will not be missed and coult ultimately be cut upon returning next season.