Ranking the Free Agent's for 2015 (Defense)

The NFL regular season is over and it's time for non-playoff teams to start thinking about improving their teams. The best way for an NFL team to upgrade their team is through the NFL Draft, and that's no secret. It's best to draft a talent that fits the scheme that a coach has in place, and grabbing a young player who you can develop and mold into the player you want is an ideal situation for everyone involved. However, the draft isn't the only way to upgrade your team immediately. The other way you can upgrade your team's personnel is through free agency. I'm not a big free agent guy myself. I don't think filling your team with players that other team's coined "not worthy of being here", is the best way to build an immediate winner, but sometimes you can find some real gems in the free agent world (Denver getting Emmanuel Sanders last year for example) that can pay off tremendously. Anyway, here are my current free agent rankings. This list will be updated as teams continue to release players:


(Props to ProFootballFocus.com for helping with this list)

Dustin James' 2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings (Defense):

Edge Defenders

1. Justin Houston (Kansas City Chiefs)

2. Derrick Morgan (Tennessee Titans)

3. Jason Pierre-Paul (New York Giants)

4. Jason Worilds (Pittsburgh Steelers)

5. Jerry Hughes (Buffalo Bills)

6. Pernell McPhee (Baltimore Ravens)

7. Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles)

8. Jabaal Sheard (Cleveland Browns)

9. Arthur Moats (Pittsburgh Steelers)

10. Brian Orakpo (Washington Redskins)

Other Free Agents: James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers), Dwight Freeney (San Diego Chargers), Brooks Reed (Houston Texans), Anthony Spencer (Dallas Cowboys), Sam Acho (Arizona Cardinals), Osi Umenyiora (Atlanta Falcons), Marcus Benard (Arizona Cardinals), Greg Hardy (Carolina Panthers), George Johnson (Detroit Lions), Dan Skuta (San Francisco 49ers), Andy Studebaker (Indianapolis Colts), O'Brien Schofield (Seattle Seahawks), Akeem Ayers (New England Patriots), Lawrence Sidbury (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Austen Lane (Chicago Bears), Dezman Moses (Kansas City Chiefs), Jermaine Cunningham (New York Jets), Adrian Clayborn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Jarius Wynn (Buffalo Bills), Cliff Matthews (Atlanta Falcons), Trevor Scott (Chicago Bears), C.J. Wilson (Oakland Raiders), John Abraham (Arizona Cardinals). Derrick Shelby (Miami Dolphins), Darryl Tapp (Detroit Lions), George Selvie (Dallas Cowboys), Kroy Biermann (Atlanta Falcons), Larry English (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Quentin Groves (Tennessee Titans), Tyson Alualu (Jacksonville Jaguars), Corey Wootton (Minnesota Vikings)

Interior Defensive Lineman

1. Ndamukong Suh (Detroit Lions)

2. Stephen Paea (Chicago Bears)

3. Damon Harrison (New York Jets)

4. Jared Odrick (Miami Dolphins)

5. Terrance Knighton (Denver Broncos)

6. Dan Williams (Arizona Cardinals)

7. Nick Fairley (Detroit Lions)

8. Tyrunn Walker (New Orleans Saints)

9. Cedric Thornton (Philadelphia Eagles)

10. Sealver Siliga (New England Patriots)

Other Free Agents: Tommy Kelly (Arizona Cardinals), Tom Johnson (Minnesota Vikings), C.J. Mosley (Detroit Lions), Cory Redding (Indianapolis Colts), Ricardo Mathews (San Diego Chargers), Leger Douzable (New York Jets), Karl Klug (Tennessee Titans), Kenrick Ellis (New York Jets), Corey Peters (Atlanta Falcons), Greg Scruggs (Seattle Seahawks), Travian Robertson (Washington Redskins), Josh Price-Brent (Dallas Cowboys), B.J. Raji (Green Bay Packers), Chris Neild (Washington Redskins), D'Anthony Smith (Seattle Seahawks), Fili Moala (Indianapolis Colts), Kevin Williams (Seattle Seahawks), Alan Branch (New England Patriots), Terrence Cody (Baltimore Ravens), Alameda Ta'amu (Arizona Cardinals), Clifton Geathers (Pittsburgh Steelers), Kevin Vickerson (Kansas City Chiefs), Christo Bilukidi (Baltimore Ravens), Mitch Unrein (Denver Broncos), Demarcus Dobbs (Seattle Seahawks), Ishmaa'ily Kitchen (Cleveland Browns), Andre Fluellen (Detroit Lions), Pat Sims (Oakland Raiders), Lawrence Guy (Baltimore Ravens), Da'Quan Bowers (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Letroy Guion (Green Bay Packers), Dwan Edwards (Carolina Panthers), Alex Carrington (St. Louis Rams), Ryan Pickett (Houston Texans), Devon Still (Cincinnati Bengals), Colin Cole (Carolina Panthers), Sione Fua (Cleveland Browns), Mike Patterson (New York Giants), Ahtyba Rubin (Cleveland Browns), Tim Jamison (Houston Texans), Brandon Deaderick (New Orleans Saints), Jerrell Powe (Houston Texans), Jarvis Jenkins (Washington Redskins), Nick Hayden (Dallas Cowboys)

Linebackers

1. Rolando McClain (Dallas Cowboys)

2. Brandon Spikes (Buffalo Bills)

3. Geno Hayes (Jacksonville Jaguars)

4. Craig Robertson (Cleveland Browns)

5. Lance Briggs (Chicago Bears)

6. Jasper Brinkley (Minnesota Vikings)

7. Justin Durant (Dallas Cowboys)

8. Jason Trusnik (Miami Dolphins)

9. Parys Haralson (New Orleans Saints)

10. Mark Herzlich (New York Giants)

Other Free Agents: Akeem Dent (Houston Texans), Ashlee Palmer (Detroit Lions), Nate Irving (Denver Broncos), Jonathan Freeney (Miami Dolphins), Kaelin Burnett (Tennessee Titans), Kelvin Sheppard (Miami Dolphins), Larry Dean (Buffalo Bills), Chris White (New England Patriots), Colin McCarthy (Tennessee Titans), Heath Farwell (Seattle Seahawks), Moise Fokou (New Orleans Saints), Sean Weatherspoon (Atlanta Falcons), Stevenson Sylvester (Buffalo Bills), Will Herring (St. Louis Rams), Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals), Andrew Gachkar (San Diego Chargers), Jason Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Desmond Bishop (San Francisco 49ers), David Harris (New York Jets), Spencer Paysinger (New York Giants), Chase Blackburn (Carolina Panthers), Nick Bellore (New York Jets), Josh Bynes (Detroit Lions), Jamari Lattimore (Green Bay Packers), Darryl Sharpton (Chicago Bears), Michael Morgan (Seattle Seahawks), Jeff Tarpinian (Houston Texans), Jacquian Williams (New York Giants), Jonathan Casillas (New England Patriots), Jerrell Freeman (Indianapolis Colts), D.J. Williams (Chicago Bears), Mason Foster (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Bruce Carter (Dallas Cowboys), Steven Johnson (Denver Broncos), Malcolm Smith (Seattle Seahawks), Casey Matthews (Philadelphia Eagles), Emmanuel Lamur (Cincinnati Bengals), Dane Fletcher (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Ramon Humber (New Orleans Saints), Josh Mauga (Kansas City Chiefs), J.T. Thomas (Jacksonville Jaguars), Larry Foote (Arizona Cardinals)

Cornerbacks

1. Kareem Jackson (Houston Texans)

2. Chris Culliver (San Francisco 49ers)

3. Sterling Moore (Dallas Cowboys)

4. Brandon Flowers (San Diego Chargers)

5. Perrish Cox (San Francisco 49ers)

6. Rashean Mathis (Detroit Lions)

7. Tramon Williams (Green Bay Packers)

8. Antonio Cromartie (Arizona Cardinals)

9. Patrick Robinson (New Orleans Saints)

10. Antwon Blake (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Other Free Agents: Chris Cook (San Francisco 49ers), Brandon Harris (Tennessee Titans), Josh Gordy (Indianapolis Colts), Josh Thomas (Detroit Lions), Charles Tillman (Chicago Bears), Mike Harris (New York Giants), Javier Arenas (Atlanta Falcons), Alan Ball (Jacksonville Jaguars), Aaron Ross (Baltimore Ravens), Teddy Williams (Jacksonville Jaguars), Danny Gorrer (Baltimore Ravens), Davon House (Green Bay Packers), Byron Maxwell (Seattle Seahawks), Walter Thurmond (New York Giants), Justin Rogers (Washington Redskins), Jarrett Bush (Green Bay Packers), Mike Jenkins (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Tony Carter (Denver Broncos), Terence Newman (Cincinnati Bengals), R.J. Stanford (Miami Dolphins), Sherrod Martin (Jacksonville Jaguars), Brice McCain (Pittsburgh Steelers), Sherrick McManis (Chicago Bears), Chimdi Chekwa (Oakland Raiders), Darius Butler (Indianapolis Colts), Carlos Rogers (Oakland Raiders), Zackary Bowman (New York Giants), James Dockery (Carolina Panthers), Tarrell Brown (Oakland Raiders), Josh Wilson (Atlanta Falcons), Kyle Wilson (New York Jets), Cassius Vaughn (Detroit Lions), Buster Skrine (Cleveland Browns), Chris Owens (Kansas City Chiefs), Jimmy Wilson (Miami Dolphins), Leonard Johnson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Phillip Adams (New York Jets), Robert McClain (Atlanta Falcons), Bradley Fletcher (Philadelphia Eagles), Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh Steelers), Antoine Cason (Baltimore Ravens), Charles Godfrey (Atlanta Falcons), Chykie Brown (New York Giants), E.J. Biggers (Washington Redskins), Shareece Wright (Tennessee Titans)

Safeties

1. Devin McCourty (New England Patriots)

2. Tashaun Gipson (Cleveland Browns)

3. Patrick Chung (New England Patriots)

4. Dawan Landry (New York Jets)

5. Mike Adams (Indianapolis Colts)

6. Da'Norris Searcy (Buffalo Bills)

7. Nate Allen (Philadelphia Eagles)

8. Darian Stewart (Baltimore Ravens)

9. Will Hill (Baltimore Ravens)

10. Sergio Brown (Indianapolis Colts)

Other Free Agents: Jeromey Miles (Baltimore Ravens), Jim Leonhard (Cleveland Browns), Kurt Coleman (Kansas City Chiefs), Jaiquawn Jarrett (New York Jets), Danieal Manning (Houston Texans), Kendrick Lewis (Houston Texans), Jeron Johnson (Seattle Seahawks), Jamarca Sanford (New Orleans Saints), Dwight Lowery (Atlanta Falcons), Isa Abdul-Quddus (Detroit Lions), Rodney McLeod (St. Louis Rams), Rahim Moore (Denver Broncos), Stevie Brown (New York Giants), Sean Richardson (Green Bay Packers), Robert Golden (Pittsburgh Steelers), Duke Ihenacho (Washington Redskins), Colt Anderson (Indianapolis Colts), Tommie Campbell (Jacksonville Jaguars), Delano Howell (Indianapolis Colts), Ray Ventrone (San Francisco 49ers), Johnson Bademosi (Cleveland Browns), Louis Delmas (Detroit Lions), Taylor Mays (Cincinnati Bengals), Major Wright (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Danny McCray (Chicago Bears), Larry Asante (Oakland Raiders), Kelcie McCray (Kansas City Chiefs), Brandon Meriweather (Washington Redskins), Chris Conte (Chicago Bears), Quinton Carter (Denver Broncos), Will Allen (Pittsburgh Steelers), Charles Woodson (Oakland Raiders), C.J. Spillman (Dallas Cowboys), Quintin Demps (New York Giants), Marcus Gilchrist (San Diego Chargers), Ron Parker (Kansas City Chiefs), Brandian Ross (Oakland Raiders), Antrel Rolle (New York Giants), George Wilson (Tennessee Titans), Ryan Clark (Washington Redskins)

Dustin James' NFL Draft Guide: 4th Edition

It's officially draft season here at the Ultimate Football Blog and here is all the information you need to keep you up-to-date on all the latest happenings in the NFL.......

The Ultimate Football Blog: 

NFL Draft Guide

4th Edition

Underclassmen Who Have Declared For The Draft:

-Nelson Agholor: WR (USC)
-Jay Ayaji: RB (Boise State)
-Kwon Alexander: LB (LSU)

-Delon Barnes: DE (Penn State)
-Alex Carter: CB (Stanford)
-Sammie Coates: WR (Auburn)
-Tevin Coleman: RB (Indiana)
-Jalen Collins: CB (LSU)
-Xavier Cooper: DE (Washington State)
-Mike Davis: RB (South Carolina)
-Stefon Diggs: WR (Maryland)
-Lorenzo Doss: CB (Tulane)
-Durrell Eskridge: FS (Syracuse)
-Ereck Flowers: OT (Miami)
-Dante Fowler: DE (Florida)
-Devin Funchess: WR/TE (Michigan)
-Melvin Gordon: RB (Wisconsin)
-Randy Gregory: DE (Nebraska)
-Todd Gurley: RB (Georgia)
-Eli Harold: DE (Virginia)
-Dee Hart: RB (Colorado State)
-Gerod Holliman: S (Louisville)
-Brett Hundley: QB (UCLA)
-Duke Johnson: RB (Miami)
-Matt Jones: RB (Florida)
-Nigel King: WR (Kansas)
-Tyler Kroft: TE (Rutgers)
-Tyler Moore: G (Florida)
-Marcus Peters: CB (Washington)
-Jordan Phillips: DT (Oklahoma)
-Jeremiah Poutasi: OT (Utah)
-Josh Robinson: RB (Mississippi State)
-Shaq Roland: WR (South Carolina)
-Jeff Sifrin: TE (UMass)
-Noah Spence: DE (Ohio State)
-Donovan Smith: OT (Penn State)
-Jaelen Strong: WR (Arizona State)
-Trae Waynes: CB (Michigan State)
-Leonard Williams: DL (USC)
-Maxx Williams: TE (Minnesota)
-Trey Williams: RB (Texas A&M)

Final NFL Draft Order:

This is the final order for the NFL Draft that will be held this Spring)

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

2. Tennessee Titans 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars 

4. Oakland Raiders

5. Washington Redskins

6. New York Jets

7. Chicago Bears

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. New York Giants

10. St. Louis Rams

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Cleveland Browns

13. New Orleans Saints

14. Miami Dolphins

15. San Francisco 49ers

16. Houston Texans

17. Kansas City Chiefs

18. San Diego Chargers 

19. Cleveland Browns (from Buffalo)

20. Philadelphia Eagles

21. Carolina Panthers

22. Baltimore Ravens

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

24. Detroit Lions

25. Arizona Cardinals

26. Indianapolis Colts

27. Cincinnati Bengals

28. Green Bay Packers

29. Dallas Cowboys

30. Denver Broncos

31. Seattle Seahawks

32. New England Patriots

It's Mock Draft Time!

(In this space, you will find a full blown mock draft. For the time being, I will be featuring an expert's mock draft until the end of the football season when mine will be officially released. Contain your excitement.....)

This week's mock draft is brought to you by the fine folks over at BleacherReport.com:

1. Tampa Bay Bucccaneers: Marcus Mariota - QB (Oregon)

2. Tennessee Titans: Jameis Winston - QB (Florida State)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Williams - DE (USC)

4. Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper - WR (Alabama)

5. Washington Redskins: Randy Gregory - DE (Nebraska)

6. New York Jets: Devante Parker - WR (Louisville)

7. Chicago Bears: Landon Collins - S (Alabama)

8. Atlanta Falcons: Shane Ray - DE (Missouri)

9. New York Giants: Vic Beasley - DE/OLB (Clemson)

10. St. Louis Rams: Cedric Ogbuehi - LT (Texas A&M)

11. Minnesota Vikings: Ereck Flowers - OT (Miami)

12. Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton - DT (Washington)

13. New Orleans Saints: Brandon Scherff - OT (Iowa)

14. Miami Dolphins: Kevin White - WR (West Virginia)

15. San Francisco 49ers - Dante Fowler - DE (Florida)

16. Houston Texans: Devin Funchess - WR/TE (Michigan)

17. Kansas City Chiefs: Jaelen Strong - WR (Arizona State)

18. San Diego Chargers: Shaq Thompson - LB (Washington)

19. Cleveland Browns: Melvin Gordon - RB (Wisconsin)

20. Philadelphia Eagles: Trae Waynes - CB (Michigan State)

21. Carolina Panthers: La'el Collins - OT (LSU)

22. Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Peters - CB (Washington)

23. Pittsburgh Steelers: Malcolm Brown - DT (Texas)

24. Detroit Lions: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu - CB (Oregon)

25. Arizona Cardinals: Ameer Abdullah - RB (Nebraska)

26. Indianapolis Colts: T.J. Clemmings - OT (Pittsburgh)

27. Cincinnati Bengals: Connor Cook - QB (Michigan State)

28. Green Bay Packers: Benardrick McKinney - LB (Mississippi State)

29. Dallas Cowboys: Kevin Johnson - CB (Wake Forest)

30. Denver Broncos: Cameron Erving - OL (Florida State)

31. Seattle Seahawks: Sammie Coates - WR (Auburn)

32. New England Patriots: A.J. Cann - OL (South Carolina)

-The "Jay Cutler-to-Tennessee Titans" rumors are reportedly very real. Some NFL Insiders are reporting that the Titans have an interest in dealing for Cutler and potentially drafting one of the top two quarterbacks in the draft and having them sit behind Cutler for a few seasons while they mold the QB into a top-flight player in the same fashion the Packers did with Aaron Rodgers. Yes, therotically that sounds great...but what are the chances it actually happens? If you grab a QB with a top five pick in the draft, the fan base gets too restless these days and expects that kid to come in right away and "Russell Wilson" the team into the Super Bowl. The days of a team being able to draft a guy and sit him for a few seasons are behind us. 

-The Cleveland Browns look to be parting ways with oft-troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon. Gordon (who led the league in receiving yards in 2013) just can't seem to keep out of trouble and may have worn out his welcome in Cleveland. The Browns should be looking for a third-round conditional draft pick in return for Gordon according to Bleacher Report's Matt Miller.

-Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has the talent to be an NFL stud quarterback, but does he have the intelligence? The guy continues to make questionable decisions off-the-field (his "smoking a joint" gesture before the Rose Bowl on National TV for example) which would make me hesitant to grab him in the draft. Winston makes NFL type throws and he's got the body of an NFL QB, but I get the feeling he doesn't love the game that much and that's a huge thing to look at when scouting football players. Work ethic, football intelligence, love for the game, and whether or not the player quits on his team during a rough patch on the field are all things that NFL scouts take into consideration besides the obvious stuff. Winston recently made comments that he wasn't concerned about the NFL Draft, but was more concerned about the upcoming FSU baseball season. Once again, if I'm an NFL general manager....that's a red flag. I want my QB to live and breathe football, much like Marcus Mariota does. Winston needs to get his head straight if he thinks he can succeed in the NFL. It's going to take hours and hours of playbook scouting and tape watching for Winston to succeed at the next level and I don't know if he has that in him.

-Baylor giant Shawn Oakman became an online phenomenon after the picture you see below was released to the public:

Once everyone saw that picture, they immediately were interested in Oakman's pro plans considering the guy is a defensive lineman that is 6'9" 280+ pounds. Well, sorry to disappoint you guys, but Oakman has announced that he's returning to Baylor for another season. That's bad news for NFL teams who were looking to shore up their defensive line with some size this off-season, but that's good news for teams who are drafting near the top of the draft next year. Oakman is still extremely raw as a football player and another year at Baylor will only help his pro prospects. Plus, it gives him the chance to grow another 3-4 inches. A 7' defensive lineman in the NFL? Yes please!

Ranking the NFL Free Agent's For 2015 (Offense)

The NFL regular season is over and it's time for non-playoff teams to start thinking about improving their teams. The best way for an NFL team to upgrade their team is through the NFL Draft, and that's no secret. It's best to draft a talent that fits the scheme that a coach has in place, and grabbing a young player who you can develop and mold into the player you want is an ideal situation for everyone involved. However, the draft isn't the only way to upgrade your team immediately. The other way you can upgrade your team's personnel is through free agency. I'm not a big free agent guy myself. I don't think filling your team with players that other team's coined "not worthy of being here", is the best way to build an immediate winner, but sometimes you can find some real gems in the free agent world (Denver getting Emmanuel Sanders last year for example) that can pay off tremendously. Anyway, here are my current free agent rankings. This list will be updated as teams continue to release players:

Dustin James' 2015 NFL Free Agent Rankings (Offense):

Quarterbacks:

1. T.J. Yates (Houston Texans)

2. Brian Hoyer (Cleveland Browns)

3. Mark Sanchez (Philadelphia Eagles)

4. Austin Davis (St. Louis Rams)

5. Ryan Mallett (Houston Texans)

6. Matt Moore (Miami Dolphins)

7. Matt Hasselbeck (Indianapolis Colts)

8. Jason Campbell (Cincinnati Bengals)

9. Michael Vick (New York Jets)

10. Colt McCoy (Washington Redskins)


Other Free Agents: Joe Webb (Carolina Panthers), Tarvaris Jackson (Seattle Seahawks), Dan Orlovsky (Detroit Lions), Josh Johnson (San Francisco 49ers), Kellen Moore (Detroit Lions), Luke McCown (New Orleans Saints), Scott Tolzien (Green Bay Packers), Tyler Thigpen (Cleveland Browns), Blaine Gabbert (San Francisco 49ers), Tyrod Taylor (Baltimore Ravens), Jordan Palmer (Tennessee Titans), Jimmy Clausen (Chicago Bears), Christian Ponder (Minnesota Vikings), Shaun Hill (St. Louis Rams), Ryan Lindley (Arizona Cardinals), Jake Locker (Tennessee Titans)




Running Backs:

1. DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys)

2. Justin Forsett (Baltimore Ravens)

3. Ahmad Bradshaw (Indianapolis Colts)

4. Daniel Thomas (Miami Dolphins)

5. Jacquizz Rodgers (Atlanta Falcons)

6. Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints)

7. Roy Helu (Washington Redskins)

8. Ryan Mathews (San Diego Chargers)

9. Jordon Todman (Jacksonville Jaguars)

10. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers)


Other Free Agents: Antone Smith (Atlanta Falcons), Joe McKnight (Kansas City Chiefs), Lance Dunbar (Dallas Cowboys), Chris Polk (Philadelphia Eagles), Phillip Tanner (San Francisco 49ers), LaMichael James (Miami Dolphins), Cedric Peerman (Cincinnati Bengals), Chris Ogbonnaya (New York Giants), Stevan Ridley (New England Patriots), Alfonso Smith (San Francisco 49ers), Shane Vereen (New England Patriots), Bilal Powell (New York Jets), Ronnie Brown (San Diego Chargers), Knowshon Moreno (Miami Dolphins), Brandon Bolden (New England Patriots), Jonathan Dwyer (Arizona Cardinals), Travaris Cadet (New Orleans Saints), Leon Washington (Tennessee Titans), C.J. Spiller (Buffalo Bills), Bobby Rainey (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders), Matt Asiata (Minnesota Vikings)



Wide Receivers:

1. Dez Bryant (Dallas Cowboys)

2. Demaryius Thomas (Denver Broncos)

3. Randall Cobb (Green Bay Packers)

4. Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles)

5. Kenny Britt (St. Louis Rams)

6. Torrey Smith (Baltimore Ravens)

7. Brandon Tate (Cincinnati Bengals)

8. Miles Austin (Cleveland Browns)

9. Eddie Royal (San Diego Chargers)

10. Robert Meachem (New Orleans Saints)


Other Free Agents: Dwayne Harris (Dallas Cowboys), Drew Davis (Atlanta Falcons), Cole Beasley (Dallas Cowboys), Marlon Moore (Cleveland Browns), Marcus Easley (Buffalo Bills), Marcus Thigpen (Buffalo Bills), Trindon Holliday (San Francisco 49ers), Josh Cribbs (Indianapolis Colts), Kassim Osgood (San Francisco 49ers), Brad Smith (Philadelphia Eagles), Greg Salas (New York Jets), Bryan Walters (Seattle Seahawks), Rod Streater (Oakland Raiders), Leonard Hankerson (Washington Redskins), Kevin Ogletree (New York Giants), Vincent Brown (Oakland Raiders), Kris Durham (Tennessee Titans), Brandon Lloyd (San Francisco 49ers), Eric Weems (Atlanta Falcons), Jerrel Jernigan (New York Giants), Wes Welker (Denver Broncos), Santana Moss (Washington Redskins), Jason Avant (Kansas City Chiefs), Nate Washington (Tennessee Titans), Jermaine Kearse (Seattle Seahawks), Derek Hagan (Tennessee Titans), Josh Morgan (Chicago Bears), Denarius Moore (Oakland Raiders), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Pittsburgh Steelers), Jarrett Boykin (Green Bay Packers), Andre Holmes (Oakland Raiders), Seyi Ajirotutu (San Diego Chargers), Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers), Dane Sanzenbacher (Cincinnati Bengals), Cecil Shorts (Jacksonville Jaguars), Hakeem Nicks (Indianapolis Colts), Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts), Damaris Johnson (Houston Texans)



Tight Ends:

1. Julius Thomas (Denver Broncos)

2. Charles Clay (Miami Dolphins)

3. Daniel Fells (New York Giants)

4. Virgil Green (Denver Broncos)

5. Matt Spaeth (Pittsburgh Steelers)

6. Bear Pascoe (Atlanta Falcons)

7. Lee Smith (Buffalo Bills)

8. Tony Moeaki (Seattle Seahawks)

9. Jordan Cameron (Cleveland Browns)

10. Owen Daniels (Houston Texans)


Other Free Agents: Garrett Celek (San Francisco 49ers), Steve Maneri (New England Patriots), Alex Smith (Cincinnati Bengals), Anthony McCoy (Seattle Seahawks), Zach Miller (Chicago Bears), Michael Palmer (Pittsburgh Steelers), David Ausberry (Oakland Raiders), Jacob Tamme (Denver Broncos), Chase Coffman (Tennessee Titans), Matthew Mulligan (Tennessee Titans), Richard Gordon (Kansas City Chiefs), Kellen Davis (Detroit Lions), Jermaine Gresham (Cincinnati Bengals), Lance Kendricks (St. Louis Rams), Dante Rosario (Chicago Bears), Luke Stocker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Rob Housler (Arizona Cardinals), Niles Paul (Washington Redskins), Ed Dickson (Baltimore Ravens)



Offensive Tackles:

1. Bryan Bulaga (Green Bay Packers)

2. Derek Newton (Houston Texans)

3. King Dunlap (San Diego Chargers)

4. Jermey Parnell (Dallas Cowboys)

5. Doug Free (Dallas Cowboys)

6. Michael Roos (Tennessee Titans)

7. Ryan Harris (Kansas City Chiefs)

8. Garrett Reynolds (Detroit Lions)

9. Joe Barksdale (St. Louis Rams)

10. Gabe Carimi (Atlanta Falcons)


Other Free Agents: Corey Hillard (Detroit Lions), Chris Hairston (Buffalo Bills), Eric Winston (Cincinnati Bengals), Garry Williams (Carolina Panthers), Ben Ijalana (New York Jets), Tony Hills (Dallas Cowboys), Bradley Sowell (Arizona Cardinals), Darrion Weems (Dallas Cowboys), Don Barclay (Green Bay Packers), Willie Smith (San Diego Chargers), James Brewer (New York Giants), Michael Harris (Minnesota Vikings), Jason Fox (Miami Dolphins), Byron Stingily (Tennessee Titans), Marshall Newhouse (Cincinnati Bengals), Tyler Polumbus (Washington Redskins), Will Svitek (Tennessee Titans), Tom Compton (Washington Redskins), Bryce Harris (New Orleans Saints), Oniel Cousins (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Byron Bell (Carolina Panthers)



Offensive Guards:

1. Orlando Franklin (Denver Broncos)

2. Mike Iupati (San Francisco 49ers)

3. Clint Boling (Cincinnati Bengals)

4. Ronald Leary (Dallas Cowboys)

5. Joe Berger (Minnesota Vikings)

6. Joe Reitz (Indianapolis Colts)

7. Rob Sims (Detroit Lions)

8. Fernando Velasco (Carolina Panthers)

9. James Carpenter (Seattle Seahawks)

10. Jeff Linkenbach (Kansas City Chiefs)


Other Free Agents: Jah Reid (Baltimore Ravens), Cody White (Houston Texans), Jeromey Clary (San Diego Chargers), Kevin Matthews (Carolina Panthers), Mike Johnson (Atlanta Falcons), Will Rackley (Baltimore Ravens), Eben Britton (Chicago Bears), Eric Olsen (Tennessee Titans), Jonathan Scott (Atlanta Falcons), Mike Person (St. Louis Rams), Adam Snyder (New York Giants), Chris Scott (Carolina Panthers), Vladimir Ducasse (Minnesota Vikings), John Jerry (New York Giants), Willie Colon (New York Jets), Paul Fanaika (Arizona Cardinals), Darryn Colledge (Miami Dolphins), Dan Connolly (New England Patriots), Davin Joseph (St. Louis Rams), Eric Pears (Buffalo Bills), Mike McGlynn (Kansas City Chiefs)



Centers:

1. Rodney Hudson (Kansas City Chiefs)

2. A.Q. Shipley (Indianapolis Colts)

3. Will Montgomery (Denver Broncos)

4. Brian De la Puente (Chicago Bears)

5. Stefen Wisniewski (Oakland Raiders)

6. Jonathan Goodwin (New Orleans Saints)

7. Steve Schilling (Seattle Seahawks)

8. Lemuel Jeanpierre (Seattle Seahawks)

9. Chris Spencer (Tennessee Titans)

10. Trevor Robinson (San Diego Chargers)


Other Free Agents: Tim Barnes (St. Louis Rams), Nick Hardwick (San Diego Chargers), Dallas Reynolds (New York Giants), Doug Legursky (San Diego Chargers), Rich Ornberger (San Diego Chargers), Samson Satele (Miami Dolphins), Dominic Raiola (Detroit Lions)

Slammin' Stevie Cook's NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks!

Hi, hello & welcome to Wild Card Weekend in the National Football League! I'm Slammin' Stevie Cook, and I would have had this done earlier but it's been a pretty interesting week! The Ultimate Football Awards were taped a couple of days ago, and of course I attended Johnny Manziel's after-party with all the stars & the UFB crew. I don't recall a whole lot about what happened, but I remember Katy Perry was there, Olivia Munn was there, and it took me a good day or so to be able to walk again. Good times.

But I can't leave you degenerate gamblers in the lurch for the playoffs, can I? Let's clear the cobwebs & see what we have awaiting us...

Saturday, January 3

Cardinals at Panthers (-6.5): You read that right, folks. The NFC South Champion Carolina Panthers, a team with seven wins that most of the NFL media will tell you shouldn't even be in the playoffs, are favored by almost a touchdown. Why is that? Well, they're playing a team quarterbacked by Ryan Lindley.

In Ryan Lindley's defense, he did finally throw his first touchdown pass last week against the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately he's running into the juggernaut that is the Panthers of late, as they've won their last four games and are coming off a whooping of the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. The interesting thing about that win streak is that the Panthers blew teams out in their two road games, but their two home games were decided by less than a touchdown. And these two home games were against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Cleveland Browns, who in case you weren't paying attention this year, weren't all that great. That's why even though I think the Panthers probably win the game, I think the Cardinals can make it close.

Ravens at Steelers (-3): Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers for winning the AFC North. Tell them what they've won, Johnny!

Johnny: Well Steve, they've won the right to host the Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round of the NFL Playoffs!

Yeah, apparently sometime in the last couple of days we hired Johnny Manziel to be our announcer. The kid needs to find something else to do once he's out of football, so we're glad to help out. Anyway, hosting the Ravens isn't the best thing to be doing in the playoffs considering that Joe Flacco's won six road playoff games during his relatively brief NFL career. That's a record in case you're scoring at home, or even if you're alone. Here's another interesting stat: The Steelers are 9-0 against teams from their own division in the playoffs, including three wins over the Ravens. I don't want to play the Ravens, but then again I don't want to play the Steelers either. I think Pittsburgh wins by a touchdown.

Sunday, January 4

Bengals at Colts (-3): If only I had started writing about football a few years ago. Then I could have written something about the Bengals wild card game back in 2011, then reused it for 2012, 2013, & this year. The story is still the same. The Bengals have not won a playoff game since January 6, 1991. To put that in perspective, here's some things that hadn't happened yet:

-Michael Jordan winning an NBA Championship.
-Teddy Bridgewater being born.
-Jeff Gordon making his Winston Cup debut.
-The Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Nashville Predators, Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets & Minnesota Wild existing.
-Don't even get me started on all the relocations & new stadiums, we'll be here until the Bengals' wild card playoff game next year.

How about this: The U.S. was starting their first war in Iraq. The Simpsons had been on the air for one season. Rick Pitino was in his second season coaching the Kentucky Wildcats. The Cincinnati Reds were celebrating what would be their last World Series championship for at least 25 years. The Oregon Ducks were still years away from winning their first conference championship since 1957. Jeremy Lambert was in diapers. Well he still is today, but work with me here people. Bottom line: A lot of stuff's gone down since Boomer Esiason threw for two touchdowns & ran for another as the Bengals destroyed the Houston Oilers 41-14. I remember young six year old me, at that point not jaded & cynical due to years of frustration but full of optimism & WhoDey fever, looking forward to next week, when the Bengals would travel to Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles to take on Bo Jackson's Raiders.

THIS IS HOW LONG IT'S BEEN! I'M TALKING ABOUT THE FREAKING HOUSTON OILERS & LOS ANGELES RAIDERS! FOR GOD'S SAKE, THE RAIDERS WILL PROBABLY MOVE BACK TO LOS ANGELES BEFORE THE BENGALS WIN ANOTHER PLAYOFF GAME!

Ahem.

Anyway, we know what happened from there. Bo Jackson broke his hip but the Bengals broke their soul. This started the infamous Lost Decade for the franchise. Paul Brown died & the Bengals died with him. Years of futility. It wasn't until Marvin Lewis arrived in 2003 & brought Carson Palmer with him that the Bengals finally achieved...wait for it...mediocrity. And we've lived with this mediocrity for the past decade, as it's at least been better than what we were going through in the 1990s. We're at least going to playoff games.

But we're not winning playoff games. It's tough to see us winning this one either, though you can make the argument that the Colts have not been the same team since their meeting with Cincy in Week 7, and neither have been the Bengals. We often make the mistake of assuming that a rematch between teams will have the same result, when that usually isn't the case.

So no, I don't think the Bengals will lose 27-0. 28-21 seems more likely. Lots of money has come in on the Bengals this week but I'm not really sure why. The Colts have the better offense, their defense was at least effective the last time they played Andy Dalton, and let's face it, the Bengals haven't proven they can play effectively in the postseason. I'll be rooting on my Bengals like always, but I can't tell you to put your money on them & be able to look at myself in the mirror. Even if I am a handsome man.

Lions at Cowboys (-6.5): The main thing we've learned in the past week from the National Football League is that it's a bigger crime to not speak to reporters than it is to target injured body parts. That's why Donkey Kong Suh gets fined 70K for stepping on Aaron Rodgers while Marshawn Lynch got 100K lighter because he's not a very sociable guy. So that's another thing to throw in Roger Goodell's face the next time he tells us how much the NFL cares about player safety. You keep enabling knuckleheads like Suh to do stupid things & they're going to keep doing stupid things.

Detroit seems to be full of players that play dirty & act like fools, so they're pretty tough for most people to root for. Lots of people have trouble getting behind the Cowboys. The funny thing is that if you're somebody that doesn't like the same teams winning all the time & like a little variety in your playoff life, these are the teams for you. Detroit hasn't won a playoff game since 1991, and hasn't been to the NFL's championship-deciding game since 1957, a decade before there was even a Super Bowl. Historically the Cowboys have been far more successful, but their struggles in the playoffs & at the end of the season during Tony Romo's time at QB1 have been well-documented. One of these teams will at least move on to next week. Where they'll probably lose.

I've been liking the Cowboys to win this game, but with the Suh suspension overturned I'm starting to get a funny feeling about the Lions at least keeping it close. It seems like everybody's been riding the Cowboys pretty hard lately, and usually when everybody jumps on a bandwagon like that it seems to go off the rails. Betting on Tony Romo going off the rails isn't the dumbest idea I've pitched in this column.

Last week: 9-7

Regular Season Record: 126-124-6

The Ultimate Football Blog's Award Show

My good buddy Jeremy Lambert is back with the first-ever ULTIMATE FOOTBALL BLOG ULTIMATE FOOTBALL AWARDS SHOW!!!! Trust me, you'll love it.....



Welcome everyone to the first annual ULTIMATE FOOTBALL BLOG ULTIMATE FOOTBALL AWARDS SHOW!!!!!

We have a fantastic show lined up for you tonight. All your favorite NFL stars are here and we have performances by Smash Mouth, Nickelback, and Lorde!

And now, you’re host for the evening….KATY PERRY!!!!!!!

*Perry comes onto the stage wearing a #69 Redskins jersey*

Perry: It’s such an honor to host the first anal Ultimate Football Blog Ultimate Footballs Award Show. In Week Sex of the NFL season, I helped Steve Cock make his football picks. I don’t remember how I did because last Friday night I took too many shots, had to run from the cops, and made love to Stevie Cocks. But I’m pretty sure I did well otherwise they wouldn’t have had me on my back. But enough about me, LET’S HAND OUT SOME AWARDS! Please welcome our first presenter: JOHNNY FOOTBALLS!

*Johnny Manziel comes out with a drink in his hand and bloodshot eyes*

Manziel: Man. This is pretty cool. First off, I want to apologize to the Cleveland Browns fans for my actions this year. I wanted to invite more of you to my parties, but I had to keep a low profile. But now that it’s the offseason, PARTY AT MY PLACE TONIGHT! I SEE YOU LEBRON! Tonight I’ll be handing out the Concussion Lawsuit Award for Biggest Hit of the Season. I’m pretty sure I won this award right before I came out on stage cause I took a pretty big hit, if you know what I mean. MONEY! MONEY!

*A bunch big hit highlights play*

Manziel: And the winner is….ANTONIO BROWN FOR KICKING MY PUNTER IN THE FACE!!!!

*Antonio Brown comes up to accept his award*

Brown: Thank you to the fans for voting for me for this award and thank you to Spencer Lanning for taking a good bump. Being part of the Cleveland Browns, I know that wasn’t the first time Lanning has tasted defeat.

*Manziel takes a sip of his drink and laughs*

Brown: Finally, thanks to all the haters for motivating me this year. I’ll see you in the playoffs.

*Music plays as we cut to Katy Perry*

Perry: Congratulations, Antonio. I like a man with a foot fetish. Our next presenter is known as Mr. Worldwide, Mr. 305, Mr. Shuck and Jive, Mr. Thrill Ride, Mr. Dead or Alive, Mr. Always By My Side, Mr. Take A Dive, Mr. Sex Deprive, Mr. He Has Arrived, Mr. Groom and Bride, Mr. Can’t Provide, Mr. So Deep Inside, Mr. High Tide, Mr. Go Outside, Mr.

*Finally Pitbull comes out onto the stage*

Pitbull: ULTIMATE FOOTBALL BLOG HOW YOU DOIN!?!?!?!

*Suddenly Michael Vick appears and punches Pitbull in the face. Everyone is initially shocked, but then they all erupt in cheers because no one likes Pitbull*

Vick: I think PETA will approve of me fighting that Pitbull. Now, here are the nominees for the Jim Caldwell Award for Vacant Stare, What’s Happening Around Here?

*Highlights*

Vick: And the winner is…JAY CUTLER!!!!

*Cutler comes up to accept his award*

Cutler: I’ve never won anything. So this is pretty cool. Thanks to my friends and family for supporting me and all of Chicago. I promise to not get our coach fired next season. Maybe. I’m not really sure.

*Cut back to Katy Perry*

Perry: Congratulations, Jay. I’ll see you and your wife tonight. Our next presenter is a living legend in the sport of football. Please welcome LANDON DONOVAN!!!

*Landon Donovan comes out on the stage a little confused*

Donovan: I think I’m at the wrong football awards show.

*Laugh track*

Donovan: Anyway, it’s great to be around real men and not a bunch of pussies who act like they’re having a heart attack when they’re touched.

*Video highlights of linemen flopping when shoved play behind Donovan*

Donovan: I’m here to present the Christopher Reeves Stem Cell Award for Superman of the Year. Here are the nominees.

*Highlights*

Donovan: And the winner is….AARON RODGERS!!!!

*Rodgers makes his way to the stage to accept his award*

Rodgers: I really thought my career was over in week 17 against the Lions when I hurt my leg. But thanks to God, he gave me a new lease on life and allowed me to not only play again, but he allowed me to play in that game and lead my team to victory.

*Suddenly Cam Newton walks onto the stage*

Newton: Man, you missed like five minutes. I missed the entire offseason with ankle problems, most of the preseason and the first game with a rib injury, and a game later in the year after a car crash. Yet I still led my team to a division title.

Rodgers: Relax, Cam. You only won five games as a starter this year. And I missed more than five minutes. But you’re right, you deserve this award more than me. And you can have it. WHEN ANDY DALTON WINS A PLAYOFF GAME! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!

*Cut to Andy Dalton with a confused look on his face*

Rodgers: Relax, Andy. I’m just kidding. You can have this award Cam. Just don’t try passing it off to Kelvin because he’ll probably drop it! BOOM!

*Cut to an angry Kelvin Benjamin*

Rodgers: Relax, Kelvin. THIS AWARD IS MINE! I’M AARON RODGERS AND I’M BANGING OLIVIA MUNN, SUCKAS! RODGERS OUT!

*Rodgers walks off stage as we cut back to Katy Perry*

Perry: So that’s who that other chick was with Aaron and me last night. Anyway, it’s time for our first performance of the night. Here to perform their hit “All-Star” please welcome SMASH MOUTH!!!!

*Smash Mouth performs as people wonder if it’s 1999. They finish their song to a smattering applause. Jon Gruden walks onto the stage*

Gruden: I tell ya, there’s nothing I love more than smash mouth football. THOSE GUYS know how to rock. Now, I’m here to present the He Hate Me Award for Whatever The Hell Happened To That Guy? Here are the nominees.

*Highlights play*

Gruden: And the winner is….THE KANSAS CITY CHEIFS RECIEVERS!!!!

*The spotlight searches for someone on the Chiefs receiving core but can’t find anyone*

Gruden: Well I guess we shouldn’t expect them to show up now when they haven’t shown up all season. I’ll accept this award on behalf of the Chiefs. THOSE GUYS! Rabble rabble rabble.

*Cut to Katy Perry*

Perry: I don’t know, Jim, they scored with me last night. You know our next presenter as one of the greatest receivers of all-time. I love me some him. Please welcome TERRELL OWENS!

*Owens comes onto the stage with a big smile on his face*

Owens: What a great season it was for the Cowboys.

*Fans boo*

Owens: THAT’S MY TEAM MAN!

*Owens starts crying*

Owens: Here are the nominees for the 2011 Chris Johnson Award for I Got Paid, I Aint Playing Hard No More.

*Highlights*

Owens: And the winner is….JIMMY GRAHAM!!! Jimmy is too busy counting his money to show up when it matters. So I’ll accept this award on his behalf. THAT’S MY AWARD MAN!

*Owens cries as he walks off stage*

Perry: I love a man who shows his emotions. It’s time for our next performance. Please welcome NICKELBACK!!!

*Nickelback and four Nickelback cover bands hit the stage. Chad Kroger steps to the mic*

Kroger: What you see here is five Nickelbacks united to make….QUARTERBACK!!!!!!

*Quarterback performs a medley of Nickelback hits, but they are all performing different songs at the same time so it sounds terrible. Just like a regular Nickelback song*

Kroger: WE LOVE YOU GRANTLAND!!!!!

*Quarterback exits the stage as we cut back to Perry*

Perry: That’s one quarterback I’d like to sack. Hey. That rhymed. And is now my next hit single. That’s one quarterback I’d like to stack. Oh baby baby. Hit it from the back.

*Roger Goodell steps onto the stage to present the next award. Everyone boos*

Goodell: Thank you for the warm reception. I am here to present the final award of the evening. Although after an appeal, this might actually not be the final award of the evening. Maybe I’ll look at the tape. Although the tape might lie and wasn’t sent to us in time. Yes, this will be the final award and that’s final. Unless I decide to make this the first award. Then that’s final. Maybe I’ll just suspend these award shows for the rest of the season. On second thought I’ll just fine anyone appearing on the award shows. No. Just a slap on the wrist. Here are the nominees for the 2014 Roger Goodell for I Saw It With My Own Eyes. Let’s go to the video. I swear I’ve never seen this video before.

*Highlights*

Goodell: And the winner is….PEYTON MANNING!!!! for how bad he’s been in the second half of the season!

*Peyton walks onto the stage to accept his award*

Manning: Wow. I don’t really know what to say. It’s been a struggle but when the games get bigger and the weather gets colder, I always deliver. Just remember that.

*Cut back to Katy Perry*

Perry: I don’t know who Peyton Manning is. Anyway, THANKS FOR TUNING IN EVERYONE! Here to close out the show is my good friend Lorde!

*Lorde hits the stage*

Lorde: I am Lorde. Ya ya ya. We are not royals. Ya ya. I am Lorde. Ya ya ya. Good night everyone. Ya ya.

*Huge applause*