Author: Eric Green

Alabama v. Oklahoma CFP Analysis

So, this past Friday, the Alabama Crimson Tide played against the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman for the kickoff to the CFP.

At first, Oklahoma goes off with a 10-0 lead in the first quarter. Oklahoma’s QB, John Mateer goes with a big scamper down the middle of the field to score the first touchdown of the game. Alabama finds no way to respond to the score, as Oklahoma is blitzing the offensive line of Alabama. Then, Oklahoma kicks at the end of the first quarter to make it 10-0.

In the 2nd quarter, John Mateer hits his favorite WR of the year, Isaiah Sategna, with a in-breaking slant to make it 17-0. As I was walking to a Yard House in Costa Mesa that night, I did not know what I was in for. However, the 2nd quarter started with Alabama’s QB, Ty Simpson, finding Lotzeir Brooks, for big gain after big gain, on their first scoring drive. After Alabama and Oklahoma exchange drives, Mateer throws a terrible pick to Zabien Brown, of Alabama, for a 50-yard pick six to even the score at 17-17 at halftime.

The 2nd half becomes an extension of the 2nd quarter, and Oklahoma collapses, on offense and defense, thus the game ends with Alabama winning 34-24.

Thoughts on both teams

Alabama Crimson Tide

It took a while for Alabama to really get moving. Ty Simpson seems to have trouble at times moving the football consistently. Alabama became a one-dimensional team because their running game was non-existent. When the running game is non-existent, that really limits the playbook of what a team can do. What ended up being a big deal for Alabama was confidence. Confidence can play a really big role in a game like this, and once Ty Simpson threw his first big pass to Lotzeir Brooks in the 2nd quarter, then things really got rolling for Alabama’s offense. The receivers unit as a whole deserved a game ball, because of their effort, and their overall contribution to their team’s performance.

The defense had a lot of reserves on the defensive line. However, they brought stunts and blitzes to get off the blocks of Oklahoma’s offensive-line and bring pressure to John Mateer. It seemed that on every other play, they were in Oklahoma’s backfield, especially in the 2nd half. If they want any chance of making the Rose Bowl competitive, they are going to have to bring consistent pressure to Indiana.

Oklahoma Sooners

What an awful collapse that Oklahoma endured here. It is inconceivable that Oklahoma just forgot how to play defense after the 2nd quarter started. Now, Brent Venables is going to see how much turnover his program has once it’s time for spring practice. We still don’t know what John Mateer is going to do regarding whether he’ll return to college or go for the NFL, as he is in his senior year of college ball. The answer to that question will help us understand how competitive Oklahoma will be, from an offensive standpoint.

Even though Brent Venables started calling the defense this year, the questions about his fit as a head coach are valid. Oklahoma is one of the most blue-blood programs. Their fans can’t be patient, for much longer.

Mock Draft Part III

Alright, well this is the last part of the Mock Draft of 2025! Here are the picks:

22. Los Angeles Chargers – DT Kenneth Grant

Kenneth Grant was one of the most dominant players on the inside pass rush for the Michigan Wolverines the last two years. He will be a great addition to the interior of that offensive line to give it some new juice.

23. Green Bay Packers – CB Nick Emmanwori

This CB will bring the needed physicality to the Packers. Even though he has a small frame, he will be able to show his abilties by there being a lack of competition in Creen Bay

24. Minnesota Vikings – WR Matthew Golden

With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison locking up the outside, they need to get a solid option at the slot position. Matthew Graham is an excellent choice for that.

25. Houston Texans – OG Tyler Booker

CJ Stroud has been one of the most sacked QBs in the last couple years behind their offensive line. Time to get him some help- Booker will do just that.

26. Los Angeles Rams – CB Maxwell Hairston

The Los Angeles Rams have had a hard time finding the right guy to have at corner. Maxwell Hairston does a nice job providing the future at CB for the Rams, with his play and aggressive playing technique.

27. Baltimore Ravens – WR Emeka Egbuka

One of the most talented WRs to come out of Ohio State in a while. He will fit nicely with the skillset of weapons that Lamar Jackson will be able to throw the ball to. He is a trustworthy piece on the outside, and you can put him in the slot.

28. Detroit Lions – OG Grey Zabel

Zabel will be great protection for Jared Goff here at this position. For a QB with limited mobility, Zabel will be a nice piece to fit in this offensive line.

29. Washington Commanders – DE Shemar Stewart

Head Coach Dan Quinn will want to load up on defensive end pieces, and Shemar Stewart fits the bill. He will be great defending the run against teams in their division, such as the Philadelphia Eagles, while still needing to build up his pass rush skill set.

30. Buffalo Bills – CB Benjamin Morrison

Benjamin Morrison was one of the great lock-down corners of the CFB Playoffs for Notre Dame. He will continue to be that against the AFC’s best, playing for the Bills.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – OT Josh Conerly Jr.

After Patrick Mahomes got beat terribly against the stalwart defensive line of the Eagles in the Super Bowl, they will look for great offensive line help. Josh Conerly at 311 pounds, and with a strong grip, will be able to hold his own against elite defensive lines.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Tyler Warren

With the impending move of Dallas Goedert, the champs don’t have to look too far for their next big TE. Tyler Warren will be a dream for Sirianni and his offensive dreams.

Mock Draft Part II

Hello everyone! We are now looking at draft picks 11-21.

11. San Francisco 49ers – DE Walter Nolen

After choosing to let go major interior pieces to the defensive line, it is important for the 49ers to shore the interior in order to go where they want to go this year. Robert Saleh must be feasting to get his hands on this young man from Ole Miss.

12. Dallas Cowboys – DE Mike Green

Even though Mike Green came from a small school, he will be added value to the holds at defensive line for the Dallas Cowboys, along with Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa.

13. Miami Dolphins – OT Josh Simmons

Simmons coming right out of being national champions gets to go down to South Beach to start his NFL career. Miami needs to shore up the LT spot badly, so they can keep the QB healthy and win some games.

14. Indianapolis Colts – LB Jihaad Campbell

Campbell comes from Tuscaloosa, and he will be a great guy to play for Lou Anarumo’s defense. Anarumo knew how to make no-name guys into star players when he coached the defense at Cincinnati. This is why Campbell should go here- to learn from one of the game’s best signal callers on the defensive side of the ball.

15. Atlanta Falcons – S Malaki Starks

Malaki Starks gets to stay at home to start his career here in Atlanta at No. 15. He’s such a rangy, versatile safety that he is the ideal fit for Raheem Morris’s defense.

16. Arizona Cardinals – RB Ashton Jeanty

Ashton Jeanty is the perfect complement to James Conner in the backfield. Jeanty will be able to take some of the running burden off of Kyler and create a more productive offense for Arizona fans to enjoy in the years to come.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – DE James Pearce Jr.

With Trey Hendrickson Jr. wanting to leave town, Pearce Jr. makes a great complement/replacement for the defensive line, no matter what happens. Pearce’s ability to beat opponents off of the edge, should help fans keep calm about the defensive line.

18. Seattle Seahawks – WR Tetairoa McMillan

McMillan’s slide stops here in Seattle. Seattle will choose to go with best player available over need. Kupp and Jake Bobo fit better in the slot. McMillan can win one-on-ones and take the top off of the defense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB Jahdae Barron

Barron helps build out the competition at cornerback for Tampa. He will fit Todd Bowles’ system very well in Tampa. He will quickly adapt to the zone blitz scheme that they built in Tampa.

20. Denver Broncos – WR Luther Burden

What helps a QB improve? To put more weapons around him. Luther Burden can fly on the field. He alongside Troy Franklin will make a dangerous combo for this offense to take the next step that it should.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – EDGE Mykel Williams

Mykel Williams adds to an already great defensive line with TJ Watt in the mix.

Mock Draft Pt. 1

Hello all! It is almost time for the NFL Draft! Here are my picks for the first round! This is the first 10 picks of the draft. The rest will come in the coming days.

  1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward

He is one of the most pure passers in the college game. Tennessee needs a QB. He is the most pro-ready QB of this draft. Has a pure arm.

2. Cleveland Browns – OT Will Campbell

This guy is one of the most durable offensive tackles in this draft. Playing in the SEC at LSU, one of the toughest conferences to play in, he played up to the competition. He will fare well against the T.J. Watt’s and the defensive fronts of the AFC and AFC North.

3. New York Giants – WR/CB Travis Hunter

This guy is one of the most electrifying players in this draft. New York could not go wrong with this pick. Whenever his QB at Colorado needed him to make a play, he made the play. He will do wonders for this team this coming fall.

4. New England Patriots – DE/LB Abdul Carter

The New England Patriots have a lot of needs. I think they get one of the best pass rushers in this draft, with this pick. He is exactly a player that Mike Vrabel would want.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – DE Mason Graham

This guy is a home-run for the Jacksonville Jaguars here. You can put him on anywhere on the D-line, and he will create havoc. Especially in rush defense.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – CB Will Johnson

This guy is your definition of a lock-down CB in the draft. He can be put anywhere in the defensive backfield and make plays. Ask Michigan.

7. New York Jets – OT Kelvin Banks

Justin Fields is going to need pass protection. Kelvin Banks from Texas did a superior job on the edge for Texas in the run game and the passing game. At 315 pounds, he will do more than hold his own.

8. Carolina Panthers – DE Jalon Walker

It’s time to beef up the defensive front for Carolina at this pick. They need to find someone who can attack from the outside and scare the opposing QBs in this division, and the NFC for that matter.

9. New Orleans Saints – QB Shedeur Sanders

No one seems to know where this guy is going to land. With new coach Kellen Moore doing the calls, it is time for him to get his guy. Who knows how long Derek Carr is going to play QB at the level he is. The ultimate question is: Is Spencer Rattler the next guy at QB? I’m not sure that the front office of New Orleans believes that, and so they get their guy.

10. Chicago Bears – TE Colston Loveland

Colston Loveland played his whole career in the Big 10, and Michigan for that matter. He was very integral to their successes, especially in the run-blocking for Donovan Edwards and that running game in Michigan. He could play multiple positions in Ben Johnson’s scheme.

Player Profile: Ashton Jeanty

Hello everyone, sorry I was gone for a while. I am back to talk about one of my favorite running backs available in this upcoming draft. His name is Ashton Jeanty. He comes from Boise State, which is a football program out of the Mountain West Conference, a Group of Five school. The Group of five schools are mid-major schools that play Division One sports.

            Even though players from the Mountain West Conference do not get a lot of national recognition, Boise State did thanks to their dominant running back. Even though Ashton Jeanty stands at 5’8”, he is one of the most physical workhorse-type of running backs going into this draft. Even though he ran for over 2,600 yards this season, he did not run behind one of the best offensive lines in college football (unless you are talking about the right side of the offensive line, namely Daylon Metoyer and the center, Mason Randolph). Therefore, the production that he displayed for the Broncos this year showed his capabilities and why he was impressive to watch over the last two years.

            He came on the college football scene his sophomore year. That season was a breakout season for him, in that he was able to complement the dual passing attack that Boise State employed. That year, they had a quarterback, named Taylen Greene who was able to confuse defenders with his running ability. Jeanty complemented this with his specialties in the running game, and his workhorse ability. That season, Jeanty ran for over 1,300 yards. What should be considered is what he did in the passing game for that team. He had collegiate career highs in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

            So, as we look at his draft outlook, he is going to help teams in whatever way is needed based on the weekly opponent. He can be a receiving back out of the backfield, but he’s more known for his natural running ability. As we all know, a good running game comes from good O-line play. Even though, during his senior year Boise State dominated their opponents, it would be hard to judge fully how good of an O-line Jeanty played behind when schools at higher levels (ex: Penn State) are able to recruit higher-quality players. Even though the combine and his pro day already happened, teams should trust what they see on tape, and not get so caught up in metrics such as the 40-yard-dash.

            Therefore, as the draft is coming up, where should Jeanty go? I believe we could see him fall anywhere in the 1st round of the draft, between picks 12 and 22. The Dallas Cowboys (pick 12)  could use him to enhance their running back room. The Denver Broncos (pick 20) could definitely use him. Any team that has Sean Payton directing the offensive line is going to be able to run the ball at an effective pace. Lastly, the Los Angeles Chargers (pick 22) could use him too. Jeanty would face little competition in L.A. from Najee Harris and Kimani Vidal. Jim Harbaugh loves blue-chip players, and Ashton Jeanty is definitely that.

Free Agency Part I: QBs

Hello everybody, welcome back to the Offseason Journey!

As we track closer to Free Agency, it is important to look at each position in its collective. The QB position is one that will be followed the most. It is the most important position in all of sports. Most free agent quarterbacks are players who are not looked around the league as a top-15 quarterback, but someone who might be a bridge QB, or someone who can tutor a young QB if a team is looking to draft a QB on the second day, which is the 2nd and 3rd round of the draft.

            Geno Smith is a great example of this type of quarterback. Yet, if you have followed recent news around the league, Geno Smith is the next mid-level QB to join the Las Vegas Raiders. Ever since Derek Carr left the Raiders, the Raiders have been looking for their next QB. However, they have been waiting for the right guy. Time will tell when that said QB will come to fruition. Yet, it is more than likely that Smith went to the Raiders because of who coaches the Raiders, which is Pete Carroll. Pete Carroll was Smith’s first coach, and the two of them went to the playoffs, where they lost in the first round to the 49ers.

            Anyways, let us take a free-agent preview of a few of free-agent QBs who are looking for their new home. In this section, we will look at Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Drew Lock.

Sam Darnold

            I have followed Sam Darnold’s career ever since he was the highly touted QB at USC. As people who have followed Sam Darnold would know, he led USC to a win in the Rose Bowl against James Franklin’s Penn State Nittany Lions. Then, he got drafted 3rd overall by the New York Jets, and has had a turbulent career to say the least.

All the hoopla around Sam Darnold has come from what he did with the Minnesota Vikings this previous year. He was signed to a 1-year, $10 million dollar contract. Then, because of an offseason injury to the guy who was looking to start the job, which was a rookie, Sam Darnold caught fire with an offensive head coach. Overall, they went 14-3 and ended their season losing a neutral playoff game to the Los Angeles Rams.

            In order to evaluate this player, it is important to understand how Darnold plays in the biggest of games. In the playoff game against the Rams, he is giving long glances to his receivers throughout the game. For example, look at the play that leads to the interception at the 3:10 mark of this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSgFD4pwmMg

Darnold throws a pick to Coby Durant because he was deadlocking on Jordan Addison, and throws the ball inside, when the receiver runs an out route.

As you can see from this video, this game shows pros and cons for why Darnold should be signed for any team that is looking for a QB, such as the Seattle Seahawks, since they got rid of Geno Smith. Darnold is prone to be a risk-taker, which has been more of a problem for him, due to the high risk of him throwing an INT. Because of this, I believe it is a bad financial decision to sign him for a 3-year/$100-million-dollar contract. Yet, when he is given time, he can make good reads, and therefore get the ball to the playmakers.

            Even though people think he will go to Seattle, this would be a bad move for him due to Seattle having a defensive-leaning head coach, and the uncertainty of what the roster looks like around him. He needs great infrastructure around him in order to succeed. I would sign him for a 2-year/$50-million-dollar deal if I was a GM looking for a QB.

Justin Fields

            Justin Fields is your typical QB who had high hopes, but is quickly running out of time. It should not have to take much deductive reasoning to understand that Fields is not your long-term QB in any condition. He had an offensive head coach in Matt Nagy when he got drafted to Chicago, but Nagy got fired, and then he struggled with a defensive-leaning head coach, Matt Eberflus.

             He goes to Pittsburgh, and is quickly supplanted by a QB that will be discussed  Overall, I believe he will be signed as a backup somewhere, making $8 million for a year. This contract would be heavily incentive-laden.

Russell Wilson

            Once Russell Wilson started playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game against the New York Jets, he was able to quell most of the criticism that came from the way things ended when he was on his last stop in Denver. Though as the season got later, and the outside temperature got colder, his limitations (due to age and playing style) became exposed and created problems that brought them to their ultimate fate of being a fringe playoff team.

            If I were to predict his future in Pittsburgh, he likely has two more years left. Pittsburgh is likely not going to look for a QB in the draft or free agency, except for Wilson. Then next year, the Steelers could start looking for their QB of the future. I would expect that whatever contract Pittsburgh brass negotiates with him would front-load money on the contract for the first year, but put incentives on the back end, due to Wilson’s age and need to find a long-term solution at the position.

Drew Lock

            Drew Lock has been an interesting player in the league due to his small stature, and his rocky start in the league. He started 3-0 in Denver, but then had an acrimonious finish there, and got traded for Seattle for Russell Wilson. He had one great act in Seattle in a primetime win over a streaky Philadelphia Eagle team, and then left for the Giants, who have been chaotic ever since he got there.

            This QB is the definition of a free agent. I believe his two logical fits are the Seattle Seahawks and the New York Giants. Both these teams do not have a definite No. 1 at QB. I believe he would gladly take the 1-year/$10 Million dollar contract to compete for the starting job with either one. I think it would be better for him to go back to Seattle, because under Klint Kubiak, the new offensive coordinator, Drew Lock would be able to thrive in their offense,  because Klint Kubiak would be able to execute an offense around Lock’s capabilities. Drew Lock is a great athlete and can run the bootleg play-action plays, while also throwing the ball with good accuracy (around 60%).

            Alright, thanks guys for reading and let me know if you have any comments.

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the Offseason Journey! Let me introduce myself. My name is Eric Green, and I am a 26-year-old NFL lifer. I followed this sport since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a Denver Bronco fan, back when Jake Plummer was the quarterback for the team, until the last year of the Kyle Orton period.

            Then I moved to Southern CA, and I became a fan of the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and have been following them ever since. Also, a year after this period, I became more eager to expand my reach of teams to follow, including the Baltimore Ravens and the New Orleans Saints, when they had Drew Brees as their quarterback.  During my freshman year of High School, I played the sport of football in Corona del Mar. I played running back for the Sea Kings, and started to develop my football IQ and understood concepts such as  formations, and the different code words for where a play was supposed to go. Our team used the code words of “hot” and “cold” for all of our offensive plays. Different teams will use the same language, or a variation, to describe directions.

            Even though I only played one year, the knowledge that I received helped me greatly in cultivating my intelligence and deepening my love for the sport. Our team went undefeated and I won Most Inspirational Player of the Year, due to the speeches I would give.

            This blog will dive in everything in terms of happenings around the league during the offseason. We will talk about all things free agency and the combine. For those who are new to football, the combine is a four-day interview process that the collegiate hopefuls partake in so that teams all across the league can judge whether these players are the right fit for their team. One key contributing factor will be whether that said player is available for them at the draft slot. Some teams will see whether it is worth it for them to move up, to improve their chances of getting such player.

Who are the main players in this combine you ask? How about Shedeur Sanders, the QB from Colorado Boulder. Travis Hunter, the special dual WR/CB for the same school. Abdul Carter, the tantalizing star defensive end from Penn State. We will also discuss players that underrated that had really great ends to the season, such as Cam Skattebo and Ahmed Hassanein.

            As part of speaking on offseason football, we will talk about free agency too. Free agency is the period in early March where players will look to head to the market, if their contracts are expiring. Free agency lasts the whole offseason, so there will be plenty of time to discuss all of the different acquisitions and trades that happen during the offseason.  There are plenty of offseason moves that happen after the draft, such as notable undrafted free agent signings.

            I hope that all of you are looking forward to this as much as I am! Happy reading and let’s get ready to dive in, and enjoy the journey!