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With the news of Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell being handed down a 3 game suspension we will now have a full out debate as to who should be the first pick off the board of your fantasy football drafts this year. We all knew Bell would be punished in some fashion for his marijuana-induced DUI that happened last preseason, and the chatter was at least 2 games and no more than 4. Looks like they settled on that middle number of 3. (*Side bar: LeGarrette Blount, now of the Patriots, who was with Bell during the incident received a 1-game suspension earlier in the offseason). Of course Bell is going to appeal the decision but at best I can't see more than 1 game, if any, getting knocked off his time. If Bell had been able to play a full 16 game slate in 2015 he'd be the unanimous selection as first overall pick in all formats, but missing near a quarter of a season will definitely dent his value, but how much? Does Bell even deserve the chance to be top dog in 2015 even missing time? If not then who is worthy of that first pick? I've got a list of guys who could realistically go in that top slot, broken down into 3 categories. 

1) The Candidates 
A list of 3 players who, in my opinion, will be the best options for those of you picking number one. Personally I would take these gentlemen as the top 3 overall with order being debatable.

2) The Wildcards 
Two more players who, given the right situations, could also be considered a top pick. Not as clear cut as the top 3, but I can see people making an argument for them and when the season is all played out if one of them finishes as a top point scorer it wouldn't be shocking.

3) The Fools Gold
The final two names of the top dog puzzle are what I am going to call fool’s gold. Guys who some people may want and some will take with the top pick, but who shouldn't be. Both of these guys will make solid round one selections but taking them first overall wouldn't be the smartest move so don't like the bright lights and glitz trick you into wasting your top pick on one of them. 

THE CANDIDATES 

• Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs: The news of Bell’s suspension, which again we were all expecting, bumped one guy up to number one in my mind. Mr. Charles. Jamaal has been a consensus top 5 pick each of the past 2 years (would have been 3 but coming off a torn ACL in 2012 I definitely understand the apprehension there) and 2015 should be no different. Charles has been a model of consistency at the running back position. A position that has seen fewer and fewer lead backs and more committee backfields. While Knile Davis did prove himself last season in the time missed by Charles last year. Davis averaged 92 yards and a score in games he got more than 15 rush attempts last year. While Davis as a handcuff is imperative, (arguably the most necessary cuff this year) don’t be scared he is going to take away a significant touches from J-Chuck. Charles has been a top 10 back each of the last 3 seasons (no worse than 8^th) including being the best RB in 2013. He’s posted at least 1200 scrimmage yards and 6TDs in each year since 2012. Even with posting those numbers he still has never had a season with 300+ carries, which is impressive in itself he posts the numbers he does with fewer touches than a lot of lead backs. Now Kansas City is upgrading in spots that held them back last year, particularly the interior of the offensive line and wide receiver position. Last year a Chiefs WR did not catch a single TD. You almost have to try to not score a touchdown all season to pull off a stat that embarrassing. Kansas City touched on the wide outs by releasing the overrated Dwayne Bowe and bringing in Jeremey Maclin. Maclin is younger, and more versatile than Bowe in the passing game. Maclin also already spent time under Andy Reid, where Mac averaged 64-863-6, so jumping right into the system should not be a problem. The fact that defenses will actually have to scheme for a wide out this year will already open up more for Charles. Add in the two new guards, Ben Grubbs via trade with the Saints and Paul Fanaika in free agency, and Charles should see more holes up the gut as well as openings on the outside when Alex Smith hits him with those little swing passes that we’ve all watched in awe as Charles took it to the house. Jamaal needs to be a top 3 player off all boards and if you select 4^th or later and Jamaal is still setting around thank Jerry Rice, or Brett Favre, or LaDainian Tomlinson, or whoever because you were just given a gift from the fantasy gods.

• Eddie Lacy RB Green Bay Packers: Not sure how many people will have Lacy as a top 3 pick, but if they don’t then shame on them. Lacy plays on arguably the best offense in the NFL with arguably the best quarterback, and arguably the best wide receiving corps. When you know opposing defenses have to prepare for Aaron Rodgers throwing to Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, and the emergence of Devante Adams, Lacy is going to see lots of open lanes. With so much firepower through the air you’d think that Lacy would be down in that mid-first round selection but he should NOT make it away from the top 3 picks! Lacy put up nearly identical rushing efforts his first two seasons, going for 1178 & 11 scores in 2013 and 1139 with 9TDs last year. Where Lacy took a step forward is pass-catching. He increased his receptions by 20% year one to two (35 to 42), while his yardage went up 66% (257 to 427) and touchdowns increased an incredible 400% (from none to 4). Last year Lacy was put on a carry-count it seemed early on getting 15+ carries just once in the first 10 games, but got 15+ in 5 of the final 6 games of the season. The coaches wanted Lacy fresh for the Packers playoff run and it makes sense in the real world, and in my opinion, is a HUGE asset for Lacy owners in the fantasy world. While Lacy may not be the guy to carry you to a victory single-handed in the first half of the season, having a main back ramping up and getting hot a when the fantasy playoffs are around the corner (as opposed to slowly beginning to break down like many other featured backs) is an advantage you can’t overlook. Of course we all want our top pick to post 20 points a week but we all know it’s rare to see that happen week in and week out. So why not rely on your other positions to score the first few weeks and sit back as the season winds down knowing you got a hard-running, fresh-legged freak toting the rock for your squad in November and December. Lacy also had the 2^nd most runs of 15+ yards by running backs last season (18), while gaining 33% of his total yards on such runs! Just like Marshawn Lynch it just goes to show how a bruising back can also show a burst of speed and get away from tacklers. Lacy needs to be off the board in the first 3 selections, if he isn’t someone made a bad bad decision and you could be the beneficiary!

• Le'Veon Bell RB Pittsburgh Steelers: Even with his suspension looming, Bell still needs to be off the board before pick number four. Top choice? Missing 3 games will be tough to swallow if you want to nab him with the first pick, but there can be benefits as well. First and foremost is the obvious health factor. Missing 3 games at the jump off the season means Bell will, just like a carry-counted Lacy, be able to run harder, faster, and more come the fantasy playoffs. Check. The second thing that factors in for Bell is the offense he plays on. I’m not saying the Steelers are on the Packers level offensively, but they are ahead of the Chiefs and most other teams that will be mentioned on this list. The Steelers finished 7^th among NFL teams last year in points scored (436) and 2^nd in yards (6577) in the team’s third year under OC Todd Haley. Haley likes to throw RB screens and that won’t change in 2015. Last year Bell had 105 targets. That was 2^nd on the team only behind Antonio Brown’s 181; and among all running backs Bell’s 105 was 2^nd behind just Matt Forte (more on him later) and his 130. In fact just 4 RBs in the league last year had more than 75 targets (Forte, Bell, Fred Jackson with 90, and Shane Vereen with 78) so Bell’s PPR value is also tops when it comes to backs. Side note: Speaking of receiving, Bell had the 3^rd fewest drops among RBs last year dropping just 4 passes of his 105 targets. Last season Bell was on the field for 943 snaps while scoring 287 fantasy points in standard leagues (370 in PPR leagues). If we do the math and break down his fantasy points per touch at .30 and work that into his 58 snaps per game and factor in he’s going to play 13 games in 2015, assuming he’s at least on the same pace as last year, that means Bell would end the year with 226 fantasy points (293 PPR). Those numbers still would have landed Bell as the 7^th best back last year (5^th PPR), not shabby for a 1^st round pick who is slated to miss almost a quarter of the year. Bell’s missing time will scare a few people away from using their top pick on him, and again I can blame those who have the top pick, even pick two, but Bell SHOULD NOT slip out of the top 3; even with his missing time he should still finish as a RB1 and likely be a top 5 back come years end.

THE WILDCARDS

• Adrian Peterson RB Minnesota Vikings ... For now: Papa Peterson (you see what I did there?) is a true wildcard when it comes to a first round selection. Outside of his rookie season he has been a consensus first round pick every year. Even after tearing his ACL at the end of 2012, coming into 2013 he still got first round consideration and was drafted there by more people than less. Now Peterson is in a unique situation, having missed virtually all of 2014 due to a suspension for his be(s)witching (ahh another one) behavior. Not only did AP miss a full season but he will be 30 coming into 2015. Not only will he be 30 coming off a missed season but he and the Vikings are looking to be in a stalemate as far as playing. Peterson wants to move on, and that’s clear. Minnesota doesn’t want him to go anywhere, and that’s just as clear. Now is Minnesota gets a nice package for a 30-year old back they’d be smart to take the deal. There has been talk linking Peterson to Dallas and to Arizona and both those teams, if they do land AP, would put him in the top overall pick selection. Again with everything factoring in against him I’d still fell more comfortable with one of the 3 previous mentioned gentlemen, but Peterson fans couldn’t be knocked for taking their boy off the board first if he does move on. The Cowboys had the best offensive line in the league last year (2^nd best in run blocking) that helped DeMarco Murray become the NFL’s rushing champion in 2014 with over 1800 yards (no other back eclipsed 1400). The Cardinals ranked 24^th among teams at the end of 2014 according to profootballfocus.com, but that was a vast improvement from their dead last finish in 2013. Obviously Dallas has a better line to offer over the Cards, however the Vikings ranked just 3 spots ahead of Arizona but Minnesota dropped from 6^th in 2013 to 21^st. Dallas and Arizona’s o-lines are both trending in the right direction with Minnesota’s is going the opposite way. Dallas and Arizona both have established veteran quarterbacks, more talented skilled positions to put around Peterson, and their defenses are both ahead of the Vikings (although Minnesota is building a formidable defense under Mike Zimmer). If we just take the numbers AP has posted over his career they are impressive to say the least. Even in his 2 “down” years in 2011 (lost 4 games to injury) and 2013 (missed 2 games) he managed to finish 8^th and 6^th among RBs when the years were all said and done. Peterson has a head for the end zone too, never having less than 10TDs on the ground so air scores (average 1 per year) are bonus material. While his age, missing time, and still being on the Vikings scare me now, his value will rise if he does move on from Minnesota. Getting traded to either Dallas or Arizona skyrockets AP’s value with all the pluses he will see on the field. His age and missing time won’t change (and that still factors in), but he will be out for blood and to prove he still has it and if anyone can put on a show after missing a year and hitting that “Running Back Over-the-Hill” mark, it’s Peterson. Should he stay with the Vikings I like him end round 1, beginning of round 2 would be a gift. Going to the Cowboys or Cardinals puts him in the top slot conversation but would definitely make him a top 5 selection. 

• Matt Forte RB Chicago Bears (PPR): Forte may be the one name on this list that other people talking about top picks will mention, but he at least needs a mention. First and foremost I can’t see taking Forte in standard scoring, he is only an option in the PPR format. He should still go round 1 in all scoring systems, but when receptions factor in then he needs to jump up the board. Forte is the one solid piece the Bears offense has. I know Alshon Jeffery has some experience and is now the man with Brandon Marshall suiting up the AFC New York squad, plus Martellus Bennett will see more looks at the tight end position with Marshall’s 106 targets gone. But Matt Forte has been the model of consistency and is going to see more looks in 2015. Forte has finished in the top 5 among RBs in targets every year but 2 since 2008, and the two years he missed the top 5 he finished top 10, the only back to accomplish that feat. He’s averaging 83 targets per year since he entered the NFL 7 years ago while catching 77% of passes thrown his way. Impressive isn’t it? Still not convinced? What if I told you Forte is the only back in the league to have 1400 or more scrimmage yards every year since 2008. THE ONLY BACK! Not Peterson, or Charles, or any other name you could even consider for a first round pick, let alone the top selection, has been that consistent over their entire careers. Forte is also the only back to have 900+ rush yards in each season since 2008 (Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore would have made the list had they not got suspended/injured). I know it would take a lot of balls to take Forte over the aforementioned contestants but he’s been around longer and done a lot with less than most. He may not have the upside or flash as the other guys listed but fantasy football is won with consistency and Forte gives you that more than anyone else. If you make him the top dog (in a PPR league) you will get some dumb stares from league mates, but you know you got yourself a solid and consistent first pick with the opportunity for more touches this year than any previous season. 

THE FOOLS GOLD

• DeMarco Murray RB Philadelphia Eagles: Murray is going to be the one guy that will be immensely over drafted this year. Not to say he doesn't deserve to go round 1, he definitely does but forget first overall, he shouldn't be a top 5 pick. Murray's 1845 yards last year were beyond impressive, and his season probably isn't fully appreciated like it should be. He posted 8 straight 100-yard games to kick off 2014 and finished with 12 games hitting the century mark or better, which is the second most games of 100+ yards in a season in NFL history. His 1845 rushing yards not only lead the league last year, but since 2000 there's only been 7 instances of a back finishing with more yards than Murray did in 2014. He also lead the league with 13 rushing TDs. Murray's 304 fantasy points via standard scoring were also tops in the league among RBs and the 4th most points scored by a back in the last 5 seasons. Sounds like Murray has an argument to be off the board first right? Hold your horses lets get into what holds him, or should hold him, from being drafted way too early. 2014 was the only season in his 4 year career that DeMarco made it through all 16 games. His injury history (ankle, foot, and knee) don't bode well for him making it through entire seasons regularly which has to be a concern for this year. Not only does he never play full slates, but he also had 393 carries last year. That's a huge number even for a younger back like Murray and it will take its toll on him this season. Over the last 10 seasons we've seen just 3 backs (Michael Turner in 2008, Larry Johnson in 2006, and Shaun Alexander in 2005) get more than 375 rushing attempts in a year. The following year none of those backs played a full season (Turner played the most games at 11), none got more than surpassed 900 yards, and only Turner was able to finish inside the top 24 among RBs the following season (barely ... he finished 23rd in 2009). Also with how impressive Murray was with 100-yard games, before last year he only had two instances in three seasons in which he had back-to-back 100-yard performance. What about the team around Murray? The Cowboys had the best offensive line in the NFL last year and they will at the top again in 2015. Statistically Murray's new team, the Eagles, finished 2nd behind Dallas in terms of O-line ranks at the end of 2014 and believe it or not Philadelphia's line was ranked 1st in run blocking (Dallas was 2nd). However the Birds got rid of one of there most reliable lineman in Todd Herremans, and are supposedly shopping their Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis. That line will suffer a set back of some sort and in turn as will Murray. Not only will he be behind a line that will be a step behind his old run blockers, but the wide outs and quarterback positions are also a downgrade for DeMarco. Tony Romo may not be Tom Brady but he's a hell of a lot better than Sam Bradford, a guy who since being hurt week 7 of 2013, has played as many games as you or me. And forget about a Dez Bryant-type threat taking the top off defenses for Murray. The Eagles top outside option at WR as of today is Riley Cooper ... Pardon me while I laugh ... Ok that's better. When it's all said and done Chip Kelly is innovative and will rotate Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles in to help keep Muarry fresh and defenses honest, and while Murray's North-South running style will fit better with Kelly's scheme than McCoy's East-West jump-cutting running. Kelly has proven he can bring in players and plug them into his system but will Murray produce top-tier RB numbers again it's so many factors going against him? I say no and to draft him anytime before late round one is, as Darth Helmet once said, ludicrous. 

• Marshawn Lynch RB Seattle Seahawks: BeastMode. Just one word and everyone in the football world knows who I mean and how exciting of a player he is to watch on the field. His off the field people skills may be equivalent to a shy 3rd grader who just moved to America and still doesn't speak English but thats nota factor to his fantasy football ranking and also a story for another time (like Super Bowl time since his audio gems will be replayed to death for the next how many years). So is Mr. Lynch worthy of the top slot in 2015? Much like Murray he has a lot of signs pointing towards no, with very few aiming towards taking him off the board first. Last season Lynch tied with Murray with 13 touchdowns on the ground, as well as finished as the top TD scorer (non-quarterback) with 17 total trips to pay dirt. Those 17 scores proved to be a career high. Not only did Lynch set career bests in rushing TDs, receiving TDs, and receiving yards he also averaged a personal high at just a shade under 17 (16.8) fantasy points per game. Since his first full season in Seattle in 2011 through 2014, Marshawn has never had less than 1200 rushing yards and no fewer than 11TDs. He's never finished worse than 5th among RBs in standard scoring in that time either. All positive, but now for the bad news the Seahawks got Jimmy Graham. Ok if your a Seattle fan that's not bad news at all, hell if you just love watching football that's great news to see a top TE in the league join one of the best teams. The NFL. If you're a fantasy player than Graham will definitely have somewhat of a negative effect on Lynch. Graham will no doubt take some defenders away from the middle of the field so I can't see Lynch's yardage getting lowered too much, maybe even see an increase from his 1306 yards in 2014, but he is going to suffer on the goal line and in the red zone. You don't acquire a Jimmy Graham level player to be used just as a decoy and when you get a weapon like that near the goal line he will be the first look more often than not. Even if Graham gets blanketed that opens up rushing lanes for Russell Wilson (the same Russell Wilson who rushed for 6 scores in 2014) to bootleg and find an easier-than-normal way into the end zone. The Hawks also had to give up a Pro Bowl caliber center in Max Unger in the Graham trade as well as their first round pick this season so that O-line could realistically see a slight downgrade, from the 19th best line last year (according to profootballfocus.com). Much like Matt Frote, Lynch is extremely consistent which is huge in this game. Unlike Forte, who's workload should increase this year, Lynch would see a decrease in touches if anything after getting 385 total touches (including playoffs) in 2014. Factor in the addition of Graham and emergence of Russell Wilson as an elite QB in the league and Lynch should still finish as a RB1 but if he finished outside the top 5 backs this year for the first time since 2010, I wouldn't be shocked. 

CONCLUSION

In the end any one of the previously mentioned names is a solid start to a potential championship winning team. Some of the players mentioned above certainly deserve, and will go at the top of many drafts this coming season. Some players mentioned shouldn't be taken with the top choice, but again some drafts will see them get selected first overall. Even with the pressure, or luxury (depending on your viewpoint) of the first selection in your draft you have to select the player you think can and will bring home the bacon come December. It's going to be someone on this list, but only one can finish the 2015 season as the Top Dog! 

The NFC North spent the 2015 NFL Draft getting stronger, at least until this latest crop of college prospects takes the field to prove they’re ready to play on the professional stage. With that said, it’s time for an initial grade on each team’s efforts.

Chicago Bears

Round 1, Pick 7 – Kevin White, WR, West Virginia

Round 2, Pick 39 – Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

Round 3, Pick 71 – Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon

Round 4, Pick 106 – Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State

Round 5, Pick 142 – Adrian Amos, FS, Penn State

Round 6, Pick 183 – Tayo Fabuluje, OT, TCU

Overall Analysis:

The Bears got older and the talent gap between them and the rest of the division widened during their threeseasons under the Phil Emery regime. Ryan Pace has done a great job in free agency of building roster depth without breaking the bank. The one disappointment for the Bears in this draft is they only had six picks to begin the task of laying a talent foundation the team can rebuild on.

White gives the Bears another tall, physically strong receiver who also has the outside speed they’ve been lacking for a long time. He ran a 4.35 at the combine. Grasu will challenge free agent signee Will Montgomery this summer for the starting job at center. Fabuluje is a project whose value will be determined if he can keep his weight under control. Goldman is a potential rookie starter and Amos provides needed depth at safety.

Best Pick: Eddie Goldman

In many scouting reports Goldman graded as a first round talent. He has the size and strength to anchor the middle of Vic Fangio’s defense both as a run stuffer and a push-the-pocket pass rusher.

Worst Pick: Jeromy Langford

With the Bears coming off two of the worst defensive seasons in franchise history and only six picks in this draft running back was one position they could have passed on. Obviously this new regime doesn’t think highly of Ka’Deem Carey, last year’s fourth round running back selection.

Grade: B

Detroit Lions

Round 1, Pick 28 – Laken Tomlinson, OG, Duke

Round 2, Pick 54 – Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

Round 3, Pick 80 (From Vikings through Chiefs) – Alex Carter, CB, Stanford

Round 4, Pick 113 (From Eagles through 49ers and Bills) – Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn

Round 5, Pick 168 (From Buccaneers through Patriots) – Michael Burton, FB, Rutgers

Round 6, Pick 200 – Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas

Round 7, Pick 240 – Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina

Overall Analysis:

It appears Jim Caldwell is serious about reigning in Matt Stafford’s arm and re-emphasizing the run game. The Lions may have reached for Tomlinson but he’s a potential road-grader who fits that running philosophy. Abdullah is small but was one of the top running backs in the Big 10 for Nebraska.

On defense they began to address the rebuild of the defensive line with the selection of Wright in the fourth round and also did a good job adding depth to their secondary with Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs.

Best Pick: Gabe Wright

NFL.com had Wright projected as a late second, early third round talent that the Lions picked up in the fourth. The question is whether he can step in as a starter Week One.

Worst Pick: Laken Tomlinson

Tomlinson is a big addition to help build a ground game but if general manager Martin Mayhew was going to reach for a player in the first round it would have made more sense for him to select defensive lineman Malcom Brown out of Texas.

Grade: C

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, Pick 30 – Damarious Randall, FS, Arizona State

Round 2, Pick 62 – Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami (OH)

Round 3, Pick 94 – Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford

Round 4, Pick 129 – Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan

Round 5, Pick 147 (From Patriots through Browns) – Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

Round 6, Pick 206 – Aaron Ripkowski, FB, Oklahoma

Round 6, Pick 210 (Compensatory Pick) – Christian Ringo, DE, Louisiana-Lafayette

Round 6, Pick 213 (Compensatory Pick) – Kennard Backman, TE, UAB

Overall Analysis:

No team in the NFL makes better use of the draft to stock their roster with talent.  Considering the Packers came with minutes of going to the Super Bowl last year, they could concentrate more on filling needs than the rest of the division.

They did a great job adding to their secondary depth in the first two rounds. Mike Mayock of NFL.com raved about Randall’s coverage skills. He has potential to be a first-year starter. Rollins only played one year of college football and showed natural coverage skills.

Best Pick: Ty Montgomery

The Packers added another target to Aaron Rodgers’ stable of receivers. He’s also a talented return man who has potential to provide immediate impact on special teams.

Worst Pick:

Considering what the Packers’ objectives were going into the draft it’s tough to argue with their selections. The only criticism that can be made is they only used one pick, and a fourth round one at that, to address the linebacker position.

Grade: B

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1, Pick 11 – Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State

Round 2, Pick 45 – Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA

Round 3, Pick 88 (From Lions) – Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU

Round 4, Pick 110 – T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

Round 5, Pick 143 (From Lions through Broncos and Bears) – MyCole Pruitt, TE, Southern Illinois

Round 5, Pick 146 (From Falcons) – Stefan Diggs, WR, Maryland

Round 6, Pick 185 (From Falcons) – Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma

Round 6, Pick 193 (From Chiefs) – B.J. Dubose, DE, Louisville

Round 7, Pick 228 – Austin Shephard, OT, Alabama

Round 7, Pick 232 (From 49ers through Dolphins) – Edmond Robinson, OLB, Newberry

Overall Analysis:

As usual, Rick Spielman went into draft weekend prepared. The Vikings addressed all their position needs with only one real reach among their selected players.

Trae Waynes was one of the top rated players on the board at No. 11 and he’s potentially a perfect fit teamed with Xavier Rhodes in a division filled with some of the best receivers in the game. Kendricks is undersized at linebacker but he’s a ball-hawk. He started and led the team in tackles his past three seasons at UCLA

On offense Minnesota loaded up on tackles plus grabbed a receiver graded higher than his draft slot in Diggs and a tight end who can also play fullback in Pruitt.

Best Pick: T.J. Clemmings

Clemmings was ranked as the twentieth best prospect on National Football Post’s Big Board but tumbled into the fourth round on concerns about a stress fracture in his foot. He’s capable of starting as a rookie at guard while being ready to shift to tackle if needed.

Worst Pick: Danielle Hunter

The Vikings are betting a third round pick on potential. Physically Hunter has the strength to dominate but his football instincts are questionable, he only managed 1.5 sacks in 2014.

Grade: A

Let's face it, despite the stigma of why a team has the No. 1 pick (or even top 10) in the draft, the chance to grab one of the most talented college prospects of the year is a big deal and a possible change of fortune for a franchise.

The first round may not always be stacked top to bottom with the most talented players overall, it's still considered the cream of the crop for providing instant, starting-caliber bodies with an eye towards filling holes in week one.

But some teams may have found their best picks after day one, and here are my picks for the 10 best (you could call them steals) from rounds two through six (I already covered round seven here).

1. Randy Gregory DE Dallas Cowboys 60th overall.

Call him a boom-or-bust candidate, but if he starts making better choices, he will be one of the best choices in this entire draft. Forget about the fact that the Cowboys seemed to need a running back more than anything, Gregory immediately upgrades this pass-rush, and adds some versatility in every aspect of defensive play. He was a top 10 pick by all standards, and was a steal at 60th.

2. A. J. Cann OG Jacksonville Jaguars 67th overall.

Here was an imposing presence on the offensive line for South Carolina who would have filled a huge need for the Patriots at the end of the first round; instead, he falls to the Jaguars in the third round. Cann is one of the top-rated offensive linemen and will be a starter right away in Jacksonville.

3. Jaelen Strong WR Houston Texans 70th overall.

Some thought that Strong was the best receiver in the draft, and that translates to a huge steal for the Texans, who already have a couple of good receivers in Cecil Shorts and DeAndre Hopkins. Mike Mayock likened Strong to Larry Fitzgerald. If that isn't high enough praise, what is?

4. Carl Davis DT Baltimore Ravens 90th overall.

A lage first round projection who got lost in the shuffle despite several teams who needed a big body in the middle of their defensive fronts. Davis gets into the backfield a lot and makes tackles. He will frustrate a lot of plays as a pro.

5. Steven Nelson CB Kansas City Chiefs 98th overall.

Not a flashy pick, but one of the more consistent corners in college football, Nelson held his own for the Beavers, as well as, having a strong showing at the senior bowl. What Nelson lacks in size he compensates in tenacity and good technique. He will start very soon in K.C.

6. Trey Flowers DE New England Patriots 101st overall.

If you haven't heard of Flowers, just ask around the SEC, because they have heard of the Arkansas product. He led his defense in sacks and tackles for loss and was also a Combine Top Performer in the Vertical Jump, Long Jump, and 60 yd. shuttle run. Flowers adds depth to a suspect outside rush in a unit that needs to increase its QB pressure immediately.

7. David Cobb RB Tennessee Titans 138th overall.

He won't wow you with speed or elusiveness, but Cobb can hammer his way through holes, and if he fixes his fumblitis, will have a good career in the NFL. After 1200 yards in 2013, he followed with 1600 in 2014.  He notched 35 TDs at Minnesota in just three years. He is so much like Stevan Ridley it's scary.

8. Brett Hundley QB Green Bay Packers 147th overall.

The only knock on this kid was that he didn't play in a pro-style offense. Other than that, he was one of the best QBs in this draft class... if you go by stats and all that. He gets to learn from one of the best coaches and one of the best QBs in the game today. The sky is the limit.

9. Jay Ajayi RB Miami Dolphins 149th overall.

It was the knee injury. But he was a top-performer at the combine in the vertical jump, broad jump, short shuttle and long shuttle. How about 1800 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season? What's not to like... if he stays on the field. The kid is a beast.

10. Tony Lippett WR Miami Dolphins 156th overall.

If all I said was that he started at receiver and cornerback for the Spartans and excelled at both, we should agree that he is a steal in the fifth round. He looks like a prototypical slot receiver who doesn't have to burn the defense to make big plays. And when corner depth is challenged, Lippett can easily step in and do the job.

There were a few others who could have found room if this list were longer, but I thought this draft was pretty deep at certain positions and not a few teams made significant progress in improving their overall depth and talent. While some of these players will likely get smothered in bad systems, the cream will rise to the top in the right environments.

Talent is often less important than work ethic. Most of the guys in this category will find great successbecause of it, even surpassing some more talented players. That is what separates the men from the boys in the NFL.

While the Green Bay Packers have consistently finished atop the NFC North, winning the last four division crowns, the division’s top teams are usually very close. Over the last three seasons the Packers have won the division by one, one half, and one game respectively. In 2012 there were three teams with 10 or 11 wins.

This division usually finds two or three teams staying in the hunt all season, with one cellar dweller. Last year the lowly Bears were at the bottom while Detroit and Green Bay battled at the top. The Adrian Peterson-less Vikings still managed to get to seven wins. So what should we expect for 2015? Let’s take a closer look at each team in my expected order of finish from last to first.

 *NFC North opponents: Six games against the division, NFC East, AFC West, one each against NFC South and NFC West based on finishing position.

Marcus Mariota QB Oregon (RJr)

Measurables: 6'4 222 9 7/8" hands

Combine Results: 4.52 40 yard dash, 36" vertical jump, 121" broad jump, 4.11 20 yard shuttle

Size/Build/Pocket Presence: Has prototype height for the position... He has added some bulk since the end of the season to prepare for the pro game, even more added muscle would help him stay on the field and take the punishment he's likely to endure with his duel threat style of play.  Grade B+

Arm Strength: More than enough arm to make every necessary NFL throw...Has impressive velocity on short and intermediate throws even throwing on the run in either direction...Ball just seems to fire out of his hand, effortless, easy zip on his passes, similar to Aaron Rodgers...Lacks elite arm strength in terms of throwing the deep ball, but has more than enough to test the defense vertically....Oregon offense didn't call for many challenging throws, and didn't force him to throw into too many tight spots but he has the arm talent to zip the deep out from the opposite hash and the velocity to fit the football through tight windows.  Grade B+

Accuracy/Timing/Ball Placement/Touch: Outstanding accuracy in short and intermediate throws, highly adept at leading receivers and allowing them to make plays after the catch...Doesn't seem to lose any zip or accuracy throwing on the run...Misses high more often than you'd like...Accuracy could actually improve in more of a pro style system, because when he did miss his target it was usually when he was asked to make excessive play fakes and read option action which forced him to rush his ball handling and footwork and caused him to lose his release point...When he was asked to simply set and throw his accuracy was impeccable...Did lose some accuracy on film when he'd rush himself throwing to a secondary read, this could be due to his primary read so often being open in the Oregon system, has to stay poised and not rush his mechanics when he's forced to go deep through his progressions...Ball sails on him over the middle more often than you'd prefer, if you're going to miss over the middle, it's preferrable to miss low rather than high to protect receivers and protect against turnovers, needs to get the ball down over the middle more consistently at the pro level where only his receiver can make the catch since coverage will be much tighter than he's used to....Seems to have a good feel for when to utilize touch and when to put some extra zip on the ball, generally throws a very ctachable ball, but he does try to throw with too much touch over the middle on ocassion which will lead to more turnovers at the pro level...Has great touch dropping the ball behind the second level and in front of the third level of zone coverage...Has a great knack for using his eyes to look off the defense and for throwing receivers open, has improved in both areas every season of his collegiate career.  Grade A-

Release/Setup/Footwork/Mechanics:  Very quick and and easy quick snap wrist release that generates uncanny velocity...Keeps the ball high on the run and gets rid of it quickly when he decides to throw...Worked nearly exclusively out of the shotgun, so three five and seven step drops from under center are somewhat foreign to him, ability to drop and read from under center is a question mark...Does a great job setting up the screen, able to suck the defense in close and use his height to drop the football over the pass rush accurately with placement to allow the receiver to turn and run immediately without having to adjust...His quick and nimble feet and coachability give confidence to his ability to adjust to working from under cneter in more of a traditional pro style passing game...Excellent body control rolling out and scrambling, consistently turns and squares his shoulders rolling left...Bounces around a bit more than you'd like, needs to set his feet on his throws more consistently which would likely decrease the amount of passes that sail high on him.  Grade B

Decision Making/Game Management/Field Vision/Football IQ: Ran a system at Oregon that didn't challenge the quarterback to make too many complicated reads, his ability drop back and scan the field, to readcomplex NFL coverages is a question mark, but he seems to have good instincts, a strong work ethic off the field and a high football IQ so this transition should be a smooth one..Takes care of the football, has the arm to fit the football into tight windows, but values possession of the football and rarely risks turnovers, has the ability to make plays with his legs so he chooses to pull it down and get what he can rather than risk throwing the football to the opposition, illustrated by his only throwing 14 career interceptions on 1,167 pass attempts over three college seasons...Stands tall in the pocket and sees the entire field, excellent perphreal vision, rarely misses open receivers...Has seemingly mastered the read option game, rarely makes the wrong decision whether to keep it or hand it off, puts tremndous pressure on the perimeter of front seven to stay disciplined...Will be asked to be more cerbreal at the next level, his ability to do so will play a big part in whether he succeeds or fails in the NFL, has the ability to make plays with his legs so he will be able to move the offense in more of a one read and run system to start his career until he grows more comfortable reading defenses at the pro level.  Grade B

Mobility/Athleticism/Scrambling and Improvisational Skills: Far and away the strength of his game, could very well be the best all around athlete at the position right now...Very nimble feet within the pocket, doesn't get caught watching the pass rush, keeps his eyes downfield until he makes the decision to pull it down and run...When he does pull it down he has special acceleration and straight line speed, he can pick up eight to ten yards before the defense even realizes he crossed the line of scrimmage....Forces defenses to stay disciplined, to stay at home and remain in their passing lanes...His ability to run limits what defenses can do against him, it forces coordinators to commit a spy to the quarterback in man coverage or he will absolutely eat them alive running the football with the defenders backs turned in man to man...Physically and athletically similar to Colin Kaepernick but with a higher football IQ coming into the league and better accuracy as a passer...When he decides to keep it in the read option game he eats up ground in a blink, zero to sixty acceleration is off the charts for the position, in  earlier years he'd likely be a highly regarded prospect at wide receiver thanks to his size, speed and acceleration...Has rare escapability, possesses the ability to elude pressure without panicking, remain poised on the run, and make plays in the passing game without forcing the football into double or triple coverage, and when all else fails he can turn the corner on the run and consistently pick up big chunks of yardage as a runner...He's a true duel threat quarterback in every sense of the word, capable of moving the offense whatever way the defense gives him...Highly elusive with great instincts as a ball carrier in the open field, has the agility to make defensive backs miss down the field...Despite his ability to often times do it himself with his legs, he's still an unselfish pass first quarterback, unlike many mobile passers who have entered the league, he keeps his eyes constantly down the field looking to throw until he crosses the line of scrimmage.  Grade A

Play Action/Ball Handling: Has great attention to detail, carries out play action fakes with conviction and deception...Freezes the pass rush with his play fakes...Sometimes he's too determined to carry out his ball fakes, even when he's under pressure, he needs to know when to scrap the play fake when he reads blitz prior to the snap so he's not rushing his mechanics on the throw...Handles the read option game as well as any quarterback in recent memory, adds an aspect to the game that defenses absolutely must prepare for and must respect...Fumbles the football too much as a ball carrier, needs to protect the football better in the open field.  Grade B

Poise/Leadership/Intangibles: Said to have great work ethic all week long, highly respected by coaches and teammates alike...Next to impossible to imagine him ever having any off the field issues, a mild mannered, humble young man who carries himself with class and dignity off the gridiron...A team oriented lead by example type of quarterback who doesn't let success go to his head, despite all the individual honors he genuinely seems to take everything in stride...Has more of an air of quiet confidence than a cocky swagger, which should endear him to his veteran teammates at the pro level from day one....Some feel he lacks the fiery, vocal, take charge personality that some prefer in a quarterback, saying he's humble to a fault...He just simply doesn't have a demonstrative "look at me" type of personality, which many find somewhat refreshing in todays day and age...He could just be a bit of a throwback, his personality and leadership traits sound similar to the way Bart Starr, the MVP of the first two Super Bowls for the Green Bay Packers, was described by his teammates, humble but universally respected by teammates and opponents...Masterfully orchestrated an extremely fast paced offense with remarkable poise...Has never been asked to call plays in the huddle at Oregon, reciting the verbage of an NFL offense will be an adjustment and could prove to be a challenge in the beginning, but given his intelligence it shouldn't remain a big issue for very long, though it is an extra challenge at an already challenging position for an NFL rookie, the verbage in the pro game is typically far more complicated that that of the collegiate level anyway however, so this shouldn't put him much further behind than most other rookie signal-callers. Grade A

Summary: Marcus Mariota is the top quarterback in the draft class of 2015, and the best quarterback prospect to enter the league since Andrew Luck in 2012.  He's a true duel threat signal caller with a vastly underrated arm, unique atheltic ability, and a rare quiet poise and dignity as a leader.  He's a team first guy who refused to get caught up in the individual hype, even amidst a Heisman Trophy winning campaign in 2014.  There will be some major adjustments he has to make to the NFL game (unless he's drafted by former Oregon coach Chip Kelly) but Mariota has a rare combination of explosive ablility and sound game management, a rare package for any quarterback yet alone a rookie.  His ability to make plays with his legs as well as throw the football on the run create a difficult challenge for any defense, he's masterful at the read option game, and as a pocket passer he has a lightning quick delivery that produces unexpected zip on his throws, if he were a pitcher in baseball, they'd say he has "easy gas".  His game is by no means perfect, but with his physical tools his ceiling is sky high, think Colin Kaepernick with better accuracy, or even Aaron Rodgers with better athleticism.  Now I'm not saying he's anywhere comparable to the two time MVP yet, but that's the ceiling a player with his skill set possesses....Mariota may not be the best player regardless of position in the 2015 draft class, but he could prove to be the most valuable and certainly has the talent to warrant being selected with the top choice overall when the draft rolls around at the end of April.

Draft Grade: Early 1st Round

The Texas A&M football coaches signed six offensive linemen in their 2010 recruiting class. Those six linemen would develop into the greatest offensive line class ever recruited. 

Recruiting is an inexact science. College coaches know that if they can hit on half of the recruits that they sign in any one class, that class will be considered a success. 

All six of the linemen who signed with the Aggies in 2010 ended up starting games for the Aggies. Four of the six linemen will end up playing in the NFL. 

Not a single member of the Aggies' 2010 recruiting class was ranked as a 5-star recruits by 247Sports. Four of the linemen were 4-star recruits, one was a 3-star and one was a two-star recruit.

That grouped produced three All-American offensive tackles, including Jake Matthews who was a two-time All-American. If you bring in an offensive line class that produces one All-American that is a successful class. The Aggies had three in the same class. 

The Architect 

The head coach of the Aggie football team in 2010 was Mike Sherman. It comes as no surprise that Sherman could bring in a class of this quality considering his background. 

Sherman was the Texas A&M offensive line coach for seven years before moving onto the NFL to coach tight ends for the Green Bay Packers. He later ascended to head coach and general manager at Green Bay. It is safe to say that Sherman is a good judge of offensive line talent. 

He signed Cedric Ogbuehi, Jake Matthews, Luke Joeckel, Shep Klinke and Garrett Gramling on national signing day in 2010. Jarvis Harrison was a late addition to the class. He was considered a grade risk when coming out of Navasota High School in central Texas and was lightly recruited. 

When Harrison got the grades and test score required for admission, Sherman offered him a scholarship which he promptly accepted. He would end up starting four years on the offensive line for the Aggies. 

The Class

Joeckel and Matthews were the stars of the class on signing day. They were both four-star recruits who were expected to be the Aggies' future at the offensive tackle position. 

Matthews is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. The younger Matthews and Joeckel finished the 2010 season as the starting offensive tackles for the Aggies. Joeckel started at left tackle in the first game of his college career against Stephen F. Austin. 

Joeckel would go on to start every game for the next three years at left tackle. He was an All-American in 2012 and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. 

Matthews became the starter at right tackle in the seventh game of the season in 2010. He would be in the starting lineup in every game for the Aggies until he graduated in 2013. Matthews earned All-American honors as a right tackle in 2012 and as a left tackle in 2013.

Like Joeckel, he was a top-10 pick in the NFL draft. Matthews left A&M as one of the most decorated linemen in the history of the school.  

Like Matthews and Joeckel, Shep Klinke was a 4-star recruits. The 6'7", 290-pound athlete was a backup guard as a true freshman and became a starter in 2011. Injuries cut his career short. 

Cedric Ogbuehi, Garrett Gramling and Jarvis Harrison all redshirted in 2010. Gramling would be a career backup until 2013 when he would start two games at left guard. He started the first five games of the 2014 season before giving way to Harrison at left guard.

Harrison started every game between 2011 and 2013. He was talented enough to spend two games at left tackle in 2013 when injuries forced the coaches to shuffle the offensive line.  

Harrison was out of shape at the beginning of the 2014 season so he slipped behind Gramling on the depth chart. He started the last eight games of the 2014 season, including two spent at left tackle. 

Harrison is projected to be selected between the third and fifth rounds of the 2015 draft. He has the athletic ability and strength to be a 10-year starter at guard in the NFL. 

Ogbuehi started at guard in 2011 and 2012. He started at right tackle in 2013 and left tackle in 2014. Like Joeckel and Matthews before him, Ogbuehi earned All-American honors as the Aggies left tackle in 2014. 

He tore his ACL during the Aggies' Liberty Bowl victory over West Virginia. Before the injury, Ogbuehi was projected to be the third member of the 2010 offensive line class to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Now he is expected to be selected in the second round of the draft. 

Rarest Of The Rare

If a college program signs six offensive linemen in once class and three of them end up as starters, that is an outstanding recruiting class. To have all six members of the class start games is unheard of. 

The Aggies have four members of the class who were starters for three consecutive seasons or more. Matthews and Joeckel played in every game of their NFL career. 

Three of the six signees earned All-American honors while playing for the Aggies. Four of them will hear their names called during the NFL draft. 

There may be a recruiting class of linemen that produced more wins during a career, but none of them have produced as many individual accolades nor as many high draft picks. 

This class was assembled by a former NFL general manager, in a year when there were three high level left tackle recruits available in the same state at the same time. All three decided to go to the same school. 

The odds of that rare combination happening again are astronomical. The Texas A&M football coaches and fans hit the offensive line lotto for the past five seasons. They have had the privilege of watching the greatest offensive line class ever play for the Aggies.  

A few odds and ends about quarterbacks as the 80^th NFL Draft approaches.   Young players that quit because of health (Borland, Chris), religious (Worlids, Jason) or other reasons shocked the NFL world as the 2015 offseason began.   The first overall draft pick EVER, Jay Berwanger, could not reach an agreement on salary with the Chicago Bears and did not ever play in the NFL.   As recently as the late 70’s, Bruce Clark refused to play for the Green Bay Packers and went to the Canadian Football League instead (probably because the money was better although Green Bay was pretty awful at that point).   Unusual things have always happened in the NFL and will continue to do so as long as the league is around.   One thing has never changed in the NFL – championship teams have always needed a quarterback.   So where do they come from?

So your team needs a championship quarterback?   Perusing the list of men who have started a Super Bowl produces some interesting food for thought.   Nebraska, USC, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, Penn State, and Michigan – all have been college football powers over the last 50 years.   Yet only Michigan has produced a Super Bowl winning quarterback.   That was Tom Brady and he covers a multitude of football sins, but all the domination by these great schools on Saturdays does not mean championships on Sundays.   Notre Dame and Alabama have produced some championship quarterback talent, but it has been a while for either of those erstwhile college football powers as well.

A total of 31 men to date have started and won Super Bowls.   These guys have been found in the draft at one extreme (16 guys selected in the first round – 7 of those #1 overall) or another (8 winners selected in rounds that do not exist anymore or were free agents).   The results from the late round/free agent crowd are really shocking since finding a championship quarterback in the football trash heap seems akin to winning the lottery.   Winston or Mariota may win Super Bowls, but Bryan Bennett of Southeast Louisiana has just as good, if not better, of a chance.

So when the draft takes place later this month in Chicago just remember that if your team is quarterback needy and fails to get a guy in the first round do not worry.   Your team has a decent chance to find a championship winning quarterback in later rounds or among college free agents.   It’s never about where a guy starts in the NFL; it’s always about where he finishes.

Only FIVE more months to go…enjoy your offseason.

Chicago Bears:

Expected to make the switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme, this team is further riddled with holes, as if it weren't already. Free agents Jarvis Jenkins, Ray McDonald, and Mason Foster should do fine in part-time roles while Pernell McPhee looks primed for the starting gig, but beyond that this defense is filled with a bunch of misfits. Nose tackle, inside linebacker, and cornerback are all primary holes on defense, while a speed receiver and right tackle are needed on offense. This is a deep receiver class, so they can wait on one of those, but it gets tricky after that. Linebacker and corner can be filled in the second round, but there is not much in the third or later, while they cannot wait until Day 3 for a tackle. To make matters worse, it is almost certain that they will not get a starting-quality nose if they pass on Danny Shelton in the first and do not trade up back into the first for either Jordan Phillips or Eddie Goldman. There are not enough picks for them to fill all of their needs, but that has to be expected when you make a scheme change like this. One thing is for sure though, nose tackle is their best bet in the first round.

Top Three Prospects:

1.) Danny Shelton - NT   Washington

2.) Trae Waynes - CB   Michigan St.

3.) Kevin White - WR   West Virginia

Detroit Lions:

The Lions have gaping holes at left guard and defensive tackle after losing their two previous incumbents and are still in need of an receiver, end, and corner. Defensive tackle is the biggest need, with guys like Tyrunn Walker and Caraun Reid set to split time if the position is not addressed by the season's start. Jordan Phillips and Eddie Goldman are first-round possibilities, but Grady Jarrett out of Clemson is a perfect fit for them, who they can pick up in the second, or third if they are lucky. Guard is not a position they should address in the first round, with talent like A.J. Cann in the second and Josue Matias in the third. Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate create one of the better pass-catching tandems in the league and with Eric Ebron expected to emerge as a top-tier tight end, depth is the only issue there. Ezekiel Ansah has shown plenty of promise and has had solid production, but opposite of him there is an uninspiring group of guys like Jason Jones and Devin Taylor. They will not trade up to get one of the highly coveted edge rushers, but if one falls to them, do not be surprised if they pick him up. Darius Slay had a breakout year while they resigned nickel corner Rashean Mathis, but they need another guy to play outside. Bill Bently and Don Carey have not shown the ability to do so adequately so it is one that must be addressed early one.

Top Three Prospects:

1.) Shane Ray - DE   Missouri

2.) Jalen Collins - CB   LSU

3.) Marcus Peters - CB   Washington

Green Bay Packers:

Despite drafting Richard Rodgers in last year's draft, tight end is still a need, while they must shore up the middle of their defense. The better tight end prospects still project as Day 2 picks while they resigned B.J. Raji and Letroy Guinn, which may indicate that they will not address the position early in the draft. That leaves inside linebacker, and risers Eric Kendricks and Stephone Anthony seen as possible first-round picks. Teams ahead of them like the Cardinals and Colts have a need inside too, so they might pick up the two prospects, so one option for the Packers is to trade up, preferrably ahead of the Cardinals. If they do not trade up and both players are gone by 30, then either Bernardrick McKinney in the first or Denzel Perryman in the second will have to suffice.

Top Three Prospects:

1.) Eric Kendricks - ILB   UCLA

2.) Stephone Anthony - ILB   Clemson

3.) Bernardrick McKinney - ILB   Mississippi St.

Minnesota Vikings:

The Vikings can become playoff contenders next year, especially if they are able to keep Adrian Peterson, but they still have their fair share of positional needs. At receiver they have speedster Mike Wallace and slot specialist Jarius Wright, but beyond they have Charles Johnson and Cordarrelle Patterson, neither of which have proven that they have what it takes to be full-time starters. The best fit at receiver would be a big-bodied possession receiver, with DeVante Parker, Jaelen Strong, and Dorial Green-Beckham being early draft options. Guard is also a need, but Joe Berger works as a makeshift starter, at least one better than what they have some of the other positions. Everson Griffen developed into a quality end last year, recording 12 sacks, but they need someone better than Brian Robison to play on the other side. Former third-round pick Scott Crichton though, deserves some time to develop, so they will likely not pick a defensive end until Day 3, unless a player of immense talent falls right into their laps. As for corner, Xavier Rhodes has developed into a great player along the perimeter while Captain Munnerlyn plays the slot well, but Josh Robinson has been exploited too often for them to pass on one early in the draft.

Top Three Prospects:

1.) Trae Waynes - CB   Michigan St.

2.) DeVante Parker - WR   Louisville

3.) Marcus Peters - CB   Washington

How do you rate failure and success?  Well when you are picked number two in the draft it is all about production and the money that is thrown at you.  Are you deserving?  Did you come as advertised? 

And to be fair it isn't all one franchise either.  Bad choices are replete throughout the NFL. 

So here are five of the worst number two picks in draft history.  Sure they are others, but these are egregious.

5. Robert Griffin III, Washington, 2012

Is it too early to throw in the towel on RGIII?  Well he was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft.  He signed a deal worth 21.1 million dollars over four seasons.  The deal included a signing bonus of 13.8 million.  To get Griffin Washington traded the number six pick in the 2012 draft, two future first-rounders and a second-rounder for the St. Louis Rams number two selection, aka Griffin III.

What has he done?

Sure in his first year he was pretty good.  He lead his team to the playoffs.  He won a couple rookie awards.  And he finished with a 102.4 passer rating, completing 20 touchdowns and five interceptions.

And then reality hit.  The next two seasons Griffin III was sat by two different coaches for inefficient play.  

In 2013 he passed for 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.  In 2014, when he played he passed for four touchdowns and five interceptions.

And did I mention he was sat by two different head coaches? 

It might be too early to call it on Griffin III.  But you think you are the only one who considers Griffin III a bust?  Rewind the Washington game versus the Rams.  Look who the Rams sent out as captains for the coin toss?  You think that wasn't a big FU to Washington?  Think again.

4. Robert Gallery, Oakland Raiders, 2004

Peter King of Sports Illustrated called Gallery, "the best lineman to come out of college in years."  Clearly he wasn't the only one who thought so, as the Oakland Raiders drafted him number two in the 2004 draft, behind quarterback Eli Manning and ahead of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  

It is also fair to mention that free safety Sean Taylor went fifth in the same draft to Washington.

In his first year with the Raiders, played Gallery at right tackle.  He gave up three sacks.  In his second year he started every game and gave up 3.5 sacks.  The next season he was moved to left tackle.  That offensive line gave up nine sacks to one team.  During the 2006 season he played in 13 games and gave up 10.5 sacks. 

In 2011 he signed with the Seattle Seahawks for three years for 15 million.  The Seahawks released him after one season.

In 2012, he signed with the New England Patriots for one year.  In 2012 he announced his retirement. 

Gallery played for eight seasons in the NFL.  Whether his lack of productivity and early retirement were due to playing on a bad team, coaching changes, or position changes it doesn't change the fact, "the best lineman to come out of college in years" wasn't.

3. Johnny Lam Jones, New York Jets, 1980

What happens when you go for an athete and not a position player for the second pick?  You get just what you asked for.

Jones was drafted second in the 1980 draft.  Running back Billy Sims was the number one pick and offensive tackle Anthony Munoz was drafted third.  The next wide receiver picked in 1980 draft went at number 18, it was Art Monk. 

The Jets traded two first round draft picks to move up to the second position and draft Jones.  His contract of 2.1 million was the first NFL contract woth over a million dollars.

The problem was while Jones was a world class sprinter he wasn't a NFL wide receiver.  He could outrun the coverage, but he couldn't catch the ball.   In five years Jones managed 13 touchdowns on 138 receptions. 

2. Tony Mandarich, Green Bay Packers, 1989

Let's talk the 1989 draft: Troy Aikman was drafted first; Barry Sanders was drafted third; Derick Thomas was drafted fourth; and Deion Sanders was drafted fifth. Whew, that's pretty impressive.  And then there is Mandarich at number two.

Mandarich held out until the end of training camp.  The Packers eventuallly signed him to a four year 4.4 million dollar contract.  He was the first offensive lineman to make a million dollars a season. 

"You are not supposed to be as strong as I am.  You're not supposed to be as fast as I am.  You're not supposed to be as good as I am."---Tony Mandarich 1989

And he wasn't.  Mandarich stopped his collegiate steriod use when he entered the NFL.  He then developed an addiciton to pain killers.  He was so ineffective the Packers did not allow him on the field his final year in Green Bay. 

1. Ryan Leaf, San Diego Chargers, 1998

The Chargers traded their third overall pick, a future first round pick, a second round pick, and Eric Metcalf, a three time Pro-Bowler to the Arizona Cardinals for the second pick.  After the Indianapolis Colts picked quarterback Peyton Manning, the Chargers picked Leaf.  They signed him to a four-year contract worth 31.25 million dollars.  His signing bonus was 11.25 million dollars.  That was the highest amount given to a rookie at the time. 

Leaf's rookie seson was characterized by poor play on the field and bad behavior off the field.  Rodney Harrison, Chargers safety at the time is quoted as describing it as, "a nightmare you can't even imagene.  If I had to go through another year like that, I'd probably quit playing."

Leaf missed his second season due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the seasons first training camp workout. 

Leaf appeared in 25 NFL games starting in 21 of those games.  He completed 48.4% of his passes.  He threw 14 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. 

In his downward spiral of a career Leaf was signed and released by the Chargers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks before his eventual retirement. 

His career quarterback rating finalized out at 50.0%. 

In 2005, NBC Sports Michael Ventre called Leaf, "the biggest bust in the history of professional sports."

In 2010, the NFL Network named Leaf as the the number one NFL quarterback bust of al time.

In 2011, Deadspin ranked Leaf as the 6th worst NFL player of all time. 

And Rodney Harrison commented, "He took the money and ran."

Unfortunately for both him and his teams, never far enough.

Follow me on Twitter @neverenoughglt

There is only one HOFer to have come out of the sixth round of the NFL draft. That's far less than even the seventh round. Let's just say that he heads this list. His name is Jack Christiansen from 1951. He played for the Detroit Lions for eight seasons and won three championships with them and earned five Pro-Bowl nods. Jack collected 46 INTs, three of them pick-sixes.

And here is the rest in descending order:

2. The incomparable Tom Brady.

Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000, Brady got his chance when Drew Bledsoe was injured. He never looked back, continuing his history of hard work and success that will land him in the HOF as soon as he is eligible. Brady started his career with three Super Bowl wins, and seems to be ending it the same way. He has set a plethora of records and at 37 years young, he shows no sign of slowing down. Winning Super Bowl XLIX cements his legacy as G.O.A.T. QB.

3. Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos, 1995.

His career was relatively short, only seven years, but Davis packed a lot into it. He helped John Elway win a Super Bowl and earned three Pro-Bowl berths. From the sixth round, he became the third-best running back in yards-per-game and had the fourth-best single-season with 2,008 yards.

4. Jay Novacek floundered with the St. Loius Rams from 1985 to 1989.

But when he landed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1990 he took off. Jay makes this list because of 4630 yards and 30 TDs while making the Pro Bowl five consecutive season. He wears three Super Bowl rings.

5. Adalius Thomas, Baltimore Ravens in 2000.

Thomas finished his career as a linebacker with the Patriots, bringing his experience to a team desperate for leadership. But he made his name with the Ravens, earning his Super Bowl ring his rookie year. He accumulated seven INTs in his career and played in two Pro Bowls. Though tame by some standards, Thomas outplayed his humble, sixth-round beginnings.

6. Joe Klecko is Mr. Versatile.

Drafted by the New York Jets in 1977, Klecko was only the second player to be named to three Pro Bowls at three different positions. He was a part of the fearsome "New York Sack Exchange" and contributed 24 of them along with nine fumble recoveries. Despite numerous injuries, he enjoyed 10 seasons, mostly with the Jets.

7. Matt Hasselbeck is not recognized among the best QBs in the NFL.

Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1998, he never stood a chance behind Brett Favre. But once the Seattle Seahawks got ahold of him, he took them to the playoffs five years in a row from '03-'07, as well as a sixth time in 2010. He also was named to three Pro Bowls and threw 118 TD passes. While his playoff career was filled with disappointment and controversy, he set many team records for the Seahawks.

8. Matt Birk, Minnesota Vikings, 1998.

Birk is what you would call an anchor; that's what he did for the Vikings and Baltimore Ravens. He earned six Pro Bowl selections with the Vikings, and earned a Super Bowl title in his final season with the Ravens. He was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2011.

9. Al Harris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1997.

Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998, Harris had his best years with the Green Bay Packers from 2003 to 2009. There he grabbed 14 INTs and 87 passes defensed while going to two Pro Bowls.

10. The final spot could have gone several ways.

I chose Mike Anderson of the Denver Broncos. Drafted in 2000, his career was pretty short. But in his six seasons with the Broncos, he scored 37 rushing TDs and added five receiving TDs. In his rookie season, Anderson ran for almost 1500 yards in just 12 games as a starter, and recorded 15 TDs to be named NFL Rookie of the Year. Anderson will never get elected to the HOF, but he excelled if even for a short time at a punishing position.

Also considered were: Wilbert Montgomery, RB, Eagles, 1977; Cato June, LB, Colts, 2003; Marc Bulger, QB, Saints/Rams, 2000; Grady Jackson, Raiders, 1997; Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers, 2010. Even this late in the draft process, many great players lurk in the shadows. Like Brady, the next great thing could be found in the sixth round.

Behold the NFL Offseason.

A glorious time of year when rumors spread like STDs at a Frat Party.

The latest rumor: A Dez Bryant Video which could end the wide receiver’s illustrious career. A Video that would make the Pro Bowler a non-factor once Free Agency begins in a few weeks. A video so bad, the person in possession of it is expecting a MONSTROUS PAY DAY by luring in the highest bidder (Where you at TMZ?).

Problem is…no one has seen the video but yet we are promised it exists. In fact ESPN’s Adam Schefter says he’s known about the video for months and has been working on the story since September. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio confirmed the existence of the video on a radio interview early last week.

Here’s some of the “news” being reported about the video:

• It’s five times worse than the Ray Rice video (whatever the hell that’s suppose to mean, 5x worse? How is that even mathematically quantified and by who?)
• The footage of the video is so bad, it may end Bryant’s NFL Career.
• Cowboys will not offer a contract to Bryant until the video is released.
• There are screen shots of the video but no one has seen the actual footage
• Former friends of Bryant are in possession of the video, have been for years, and are selling it to the highest bidder.

Yes, this is what we as NFL fans have to deal with during the off-season: a bunch of rumors, speculation, and NON-Educated guesses which major media outlets force feed down our throats by presenting it as facts and I won’t stand for it anymore.

So here’s what I’m going to do…I’m just going to tell you straight up, all bullshit, here’s a bunch of rumors and speculation that I’m starting, with ZERO basis or any credible information from an “inside source.”

Here’s some of the absurd, ridiculous, absolutely no shot at being true ways the rumors started with some odds from my Uncle Tony out in Vegas on the likelihood of them being reality:

-The Cowboys started this rumor in an effort to keep the other 31 teams away from Dez and thus avoid a bidding war once he hits the open Free Agent Market.
  ODDS 2 to 1: (clearly the most logical, Cowboys know they can’t rely on old man Jason Witten or Terrance Williams for their passing attack but also know they may not be able to afford signing Dez to a BIG MONEY contract).

-Dez Bryant staged the video, started the rumors, and gave the footage to his friends so they can get a pay-day from TMZ and he can finally take them off his Posse Payroll.                                                                                ODDS 5 to 1: (you know how many “Jordans” Dez has to buy for his boys? Doesn’t matter if he’s on Team Jordan, those shoes are crazy money).

-Terrell Owens started the video rumor because he can’t stand seeing a receiver have success with Tony Romo.
  ODDS 10 to 1: (T.O. is INSANE. Did you see him on Celebrity Apprentice?)

-Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson joined forces, started the rumor, to take the heat off them and make their transition back in the NFL go smoothly.                                                                                                         

ODDS 100 to 1 : (Peterson is already getting calls from teams begging for his services, he doesn’t need to partner up with Rice).

-Richard Sherman started the rumor because Dez is one of the only receivers he can’t cover (Odell Beckham Jr. and Julian Edelman could be next).
ODDS 500 to 1: ( Two thirds of Earth is covered by water, the other 1/3 is covered by Sherman)

Here’s some of the absurd, ridiculous, absolutely no shot at being true things that may appear on the Dez Bryant video with some odds from a wise guy out in Vegas on the likelihood of them being reality:

-After the brutal defeat in the playoffs and the horrible rule in which Dez’s magnificent game winning TD Catch was over-turned, Bryant decided to play Madden 15 as the Green Bay Packers.
ODDS 5 to 1: (Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and Eddie Lacy…yeah I’d want to play as the Packers too.)

-Dez is blowing lines of coke or injecting heroin
ODDS 10 to 1: (If Josh Gordon got banned for smoking some of the Devil’s Lettuce, imagine what would happen to Bryant if he’s caught with a needle in his arm).

-The secret footage caught Dr. James Andrews injecting motor oil into Dez’s mechanical robot hands.
ODDS 50 to 1: ( How else does he catch all those passes, not like Tony Romo has any accuracy…)

-Dez is partying with former teammate Michael Sam and by partying I mean having sex (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
  ODDS 100 to 1: (Think the NFL is ready for it’s 1st male-male sex tape?).

-The Cowboys receiver murdered someone, point blank, in broad daylight. He’s is straight up pumping Hot Lead and Bustin Caps.
ODDS 500 to 1: (If you thought Aaron Hernandez was the only alleged killer in the NFL, think again.)

When (if ever) the footage is released, come back and laugh at how close some of my absurd guesses were (except the rape, murder, and abusing woman part, if that happened…GAME OVER for Mr. Throw Up The X).

Have a problem with this article? Get at me on twitter @BillEnright where Hate and Trolling is not only expected, it's appreciated...

The Green Bay Packers are making sweeping changes on offense with playing calling, the team announced this week.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that the Packers plan to elevate offensive coordinator Tom Clements to associate head coach and have him assume play-calling duties, a task previously handled by coach Mike McCarthy. Wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett will be tabbed to replace Clements as offensive coordinator.

The Packers fell short in the NFC Championship Game to Seattle in overtime, which called into question McCarthy’s ability to win under pressure. Is this a sign that there is unrest within the organization or just a move to improve the offensive output that failed three times in the red zone last month?

The Packers were first in the NFL in scoring this season and quarterback Aaron Rodgers took NFL MVP honors. The offense was so deadly prior to Rodgers' calf injury that many games saw the Packers opting to take the foot off the pedal in the second half after an early scoring barrage.

The coming free agency period will be an important one for the Packers, as it might impact the offense even before the new playbook is learned. Both right tackle Bryan Baluga and wide receiver Randall Cobb could test the market. Should they both leave, the effect on the play of Aaron Rodgers could immense. Cobb proved to be every bit as important to the game plan and Jordy Nelson has been. Despite injuries, Baluga is a major force on the offensive line.

With change comes acceptance, but these Packers are used to repetition. The loss to Seattle could be a sticking point, which leads to a hangover from the 2014 season. Changing the guard and roster could be another.

The Packers are not alone in terms of the 2015 season potentially being a ticking time bomb.

The Dallas Cowboys had a season no one expected and even won a playoff game. But if you look at the team and the roster moves that might be made this summer, there could be many questions to be answered.

The Cowboys may place the franchise on running back DeMarco Murray, thus keeping him on the roster at least one more season so they can offer a long-term deal to wide receiver Dez Bryant. There is little wiggle room with the ‘Boys, who really need both players back in 2015 to maintain continuity.

The Cowboys may also be interested in Adrian Peterson, which could also create a cap situation. It has even been suggested that Jerry Jones sign both Murray and Peterson to form a powerhouse backfield like Tony Dorsett and Herschel Walker.

"Our goal here more than anything, more than the obvious of Dez and DeMarco, is to improve our defense," Jones said. "That’s where our focus will be. It won’t just be defensive front, although that’s first and foremost."

"We’ll certainly look at corner," Stephen Jones said. "We’ve got a high cap number with Carr that we’ve got to look at. I think Brandon has played well for us. I think he played better toward the back half of the year."

"Certainly we’ve got a situation, obviously, there with Mo and his injuries. We’ve got to look at that. We’re still believers that if Mo had a fully healthy offseason and a fully healthy season, that he would play up to our expectations. But you know, that’s just something we have to manage in terms of the money."

"Sure, [linebacker is] another area that we have to address and get our hands around," Jones said. "There’s a lot of moving parts on all those guys."

If the Cowboys cannot maintain continuity or solve its contract issues, the trip to the playoffs could be short-lived once more.

John Elway shook the core of the NFL Draft system.

The consensus top pick in the 1983 NFL Draft was assured a fortune, but he stood his ground when the one thing he asked not to happen took place when then Commissioner Pete Rozelle made his announcement.

WITH THE FIRST PICK IN THE 1983 NFL DRAFT, THE BALTIMORE COLTS SELECT JOHN ELWAY, QUARTERBACK OF STANFORD.

It wasn’t a surprise the blond kid with the cannon arm and the quick feet was taken first overall – just that the Colts were the ones to make the call and the choice that changed football forever in the state of Maryland.

Elway played his entire 16-year professional career with the Denver Broncos. At the time of his retirement in early 1999, Elway recorded the most victories by a starting quarterback and statistically was the second most prolific passer in NFL history. He led his teams to six AFC Championship Games and five Super Bowls, winning his last two.

Elway set several career records for passing attempts and completions while at Stanford and also received All-American honors. He was the first selection in the 1983 NFL Draft, famously known as the quarterback class of 1983, where he was taken by the Baltimore Colts before being traded to the Denver Broncos. In January 1987, Elway embarked on one of the most notable performances in sports and in NFL history, helping engineer a 98-yard, game-tying touchdown drive in the AFC Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns.

The moment is known in National Football League lore as "The Drive." Following that game in Cleveland, Elway and the Broncos lost in Super Bowl XXI to the New York Giants. It was the first of a record five Super Bowl starts at quarterback for Elway, a record that he solely held until 2012, when Tom Brady earned his fifth Super Bowl start.

After two more Super Bowl losses, the Broncos entered a period of decline; however, that ended during the 1997 season, as Elway and Denver won their first Super Bowl title by defeating the Green Bay Packers 31–24 in Super Bowl XXXII. The Broncos repeated as champions the following season in Super Bowl XXXIII by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34–19. Elway was voted MVP of that Super Bowl, which would be the last game of his career.

Elway was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 in his first year of eligibility. The statistics and the fame and immortality are great, but they were never done while wearing a Colts uniform. Elway wouldn’t have it and he forced the Colts’ hand after making one of the biggest NFL Draft blunders in history.

Elway was wary of playing for the Colts, then among the worst teams in the league, and his father advised him against playing for head coach Frank Kush, who had a reputation as a harsh taskmaster. While Elway preferred football his agent Marvin Demoff later stated that baseball was "a true option" for him at the time. More importantly, the possibility gave Elway leverage in negotiations with the Colts.

After unsuccessfully attempting to negotiate a private agreement with the Colts in which Elway would cite his alleged desire to remain on the West coast to explain the team trading him, Elway publicly threatened to join the Yankees full-time if the Colts did not trade him; Demoff wrote in his journal, published three decades later, that "he would be a garbage collector before he'd play for Baltimore." Elway's refusal to join the Colts was controversial— Terry Bradshaw denounced him, stating "you should play baseball ... he's not the kind of guy you win championships with"—but many other NFL teams began negotiations with the Colts for the quarterback.

The Colts' general manager Ernie Accorsi wanted Elway as, Accorsi later said (in the documentary), he did not foresee the 1984 Draft as producing any first-round quarterbacks, and announced Elway as the team's choice as soon as possible during the 15-minute window on draft day, surprising observers. Elway that day reiterated his wish to not play for the Colts at a press conference, saying "As I stand here right now, I'm playing baseball". (When a reporter pointed out that the Yankees were not based on the West coast, Elway replied "They play baseball during the summertime".)

The Colts, however, were interested in offensive lineman Chris Hinton, who the Denver Broncos had chosen as the fourth pick in the first round. On 2 May Colts owner Robert Irsay and Accorsi agreed to trade Elway for Hinton, backup quarterback Mark Herrmann, and a first-round pick in 1984.

The Colts did recover, drafting Peyton Manning in the 1998 NFL Draft, some 15 years later. The Colts could have also traded down in the Draft in 1983, selecting Dan Marino or even Jim Kelly. But the team had its sights set on No. 7, which created the biggest NFL Draft controversy of all time.

The New Orleans Saints have lived by the mantra of “In Brees We Trust” since No. 9 signed a contract with the team in 2006. Many passing records broken and a Super Bowl title later, Brees is still the main man in the Crescent City, but last season proved that the 36-year old with a gunslinger’s mentality could have an “off” season.

If you call 4,900 yards and 33 touchdowns and off season, so be it. But there were chinks in the Saints offensive armor. There were many missed opportunities and plenty of losses to talk about. As Mike Triplett of ESPN.com wrote “The Saints' 44-23 rout of the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 on a Sunday night was one of those vintage moments when they looked unbeatable in a night game in the Superdome. Brees outdueled Aaron Rodgers, Mark Ingram ran for 172 yards, the defense came up with two interceptions, Graham and Brandin Cooks had big games, and at 3-4, it seemed the Saints had finally started to turn their season around. Instead, they never won another home game all year -- the biggest stunner of all.”

But at the same time, for such an exciting display of New Orleans voodoo and moxie, there low lights as well.

“What a strange year for the Saints, who led the NFL in total yards, first downs and third-down percentage, ranked third in passing yards and ran the ball very well at times. But they couldn't score consistently, couldn't get the ball downfield consistently and turned it over too much. They needed more greatness from Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham.”

What will 2015 bring to the table and can Brees help right the ship that looked to have sunk in the Gulf of Mexico.

It wasn’t that Brees had a bad season. He had a good season, but not a great season by his standards. The six-foot signal caller was again the team’s NFL, but he was jilted by offensive weapons that could not find rhyme or reason as to why the offensive unit sputtered at times. The Saints felt that kind of pinch when Sean Payton was suspended for the season following “Bountygate” and even with their fearless leader on the sidelines, New Orleans did its best Humpty Dumpty impersonation.

The defense was the biggest culprit, even before big-ticket free agent Jairus Byrd went down with a season-ending knee injury. But the offense was just as disappointing, with top stars Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham coming up small in too many big moments, Triplett explained. As the team’s undisputed leader, Brees will work to correct the issues with the offense, work harder to reconnect with Jimmy Graham and hope and pray Mark Ingram re-signs with the team in the offseason.

Every team goes through some “down” time. Every team knows what the Saints are going through. But not every team has Brees in their hip pocket to make things right. If any quarterback in the league can fix this problem, it’s Brees. After all, over 4,900 yards in a “down” season means success looks pretty good in Louisiana.

The book is closed on the 2014 NFL season. For 31 teams, the season ended in disappointment. OK, maybe teams like Houston were very happy to go from 2-14 to 9-7. Maybe Dallas was glad to finally get over the 8-8 hump. And maybe Carolina will forever play up the fact that they won a playoff game with only seven regular season wins. But for most of us, the year ended in a frustrating form or fashion. Whether that finishing the year under .500, barely missing the playoffs, or getting knocked out when everything was on the line.

But don’t worry football fans; we are all 0-0 now! And since we have made it into February, it is not too early to start talking about what we can expect in 2015.

Dozens if not hundreds of questions are still to be answered for every team in the NFL. Off-season signings, the NFL draft, schedules, coaching vacancies, and so much more. I will leave it to the team experts to answer those questions for each individual squad. But if you need a leg up on some early 2015 wagers, take a look at what this writer expects out of the 2015 season.

Division Champs:

Often the first major goal of an NFL team is to win their division. It equates to opening the playoffs with a home game. Even if the NFL expands to 14 playoff teams in 2015 (which I think they will), it is likely that the division winners will still be hosting a game. Of course the NFL could also address the fact that the 7-8-1 Panthers got to host a wildcard game, while the 11-5 Lions and Cardinals both had to go on the road by changing the wild-card games to allow the team with the better record to host the game.

Either way, grabbing the division crown is a huge step in the right direction. Here are my predictions for division champs:

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles definitely need to re-sign the right pieces of the puzzle, and moving away from Nick Foles would be a terrible decision. While Dallas is probably the easy call here, I find it difficult to believe that the Cowboys will keep their offensive core together when Bryant and Murray have huge contract potential on the open market. I expect a bounce back for McCoy that will help to carry this team to 11-12 wins and the division crown.

NFC North: Green Bay Packers

The Packers were a play away (take your pick of about eight of them) from playing for a Super Bowl. They are the easy pick here in a division that they usually beat up on (19-4-1 the last four years). Their biggest off-season question is clearly what happens if they do not sign Bulaga and Cobb, but neither question provides a resounding issue to take the division.

NFC South: Atlanta Falcons

The NFC South might be the widest open of all of the divisions for who could take the title. The Falcons brought in a new coaching staff and I think they will move away from the aging Steven Jackson in the run game. They have possibly the best wide receiver in the league and a quarterback that can get him the ball. They actually have some solid play makers on defense, and they play very well against the division (they went 5-1 in the division and ONE AND NINE against everyone else). I think 10 wins easily takes the division, and Atlanta has the talent to get to double digits victories.

NFC West: Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have a lot of holes to fill, and likely finding a replacement for Larry Fitzgerald, or at least the talent the Cardinals came to expect from Fitzgerald, might be tops on the list. But this team is still built around defense and a running game that allows a healthy Carson Palmer to do his thing. Palmer is a winner. Arizona will take advantage of the 49ers re-building and a Rams team that could be starting a rookie quarterback. If they can split with Seattle to go 5-1 in the division, they will be in a good spot. Seattle is the safe pick here, but I think the Cardinals give them a run for their money.

AFC East: New England

Is there really any question that the Patriots are set up to win the division as long as Tom Brady is throwing the ball? Miami could push 10 wins and a wild-card birth, but New England will win the division.

AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are one of my favorite teams heading in to 2015. They have a lot of weapons on offense and in my opinion have the best quarterback, wide receiver, and running back in the division. In fact the trio is likely one of the top three in the league behind Green Bay and maybe Denver. Pittsburgh simply needs to clean up their play against weaker opponents and play their game instead of playing down to their competition. This is a 12-4 team in the making.

AFC South: Indianapolis Colts

While Houston could make a run at the AFC South in 2015, I still believe the division should belong to the Colts. No one in the division has a signal caller that is even ¼ of the QB that Andrew Luck is; and that is where it all begins and ends in the NFL. The Colts could easily go 6-0 in the division and coast to 11 or 12 wins.

AFC West: Denver Broncos

This may be the toughest call, mostly because the status of Manning, Sanders, and both Thomas’ are up in the air. Will any of them be back? Will they all be back? I lean towards the latter. Peyton has a year or two left in him and Denver’s experiment will be a failed one if they can’t win it all. Peyton gives it at least one final go to try and cement his name as the greatest of all time.

For the moment we will go ahead and assume that the NFL does indeed expand to 14 teams into the playoffs; a move I am not happy with, but can understand. Here are my picks for the wild-card teams:

NFC: Dallas, New York, Seattle

I like the NFC East to send three teams in 2015 because of their schedule. They get to play the NFC South and the AFC East. Other than road games against New England, I do not see a single game that is not going to at least be competitive among those eight games for each team. The division should beat up on the Skins and then split games against each other. Each team could be sitting at 4-2 in the division with a real shot at 7-3 in other games.

I don’t think I need to defend my selection of Seattle.

AFC: Baltimore, Miami, and San Diego. I love the Chargers getting four games against the Chiefs and Raiders and Miami getting four games against the Bills and Jets. Baltimore will remain competitive and all three of these teams should hit 10 wins.

With the playoff teams set, lets predict how this plays out:

NFC Championship: Green Bay hosting Philadelphia

AFC Championship: New England hosting Pittsburgh

Super Bowl 50: Green Bay over Pittsburgh in a great rematch of 2010.

And now to hand out a few awards:

Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons will go from 6-10 with the eighth selection in the draft to at least 10-6 and the division champs. Quinn, in his first year with the team, will be an easy choice.

Rookie of the year: Melvin Gordon

Gordon’s talent will not be wasted in 2015. Oddly enough I could see him going to the Falcons as the long-term replacement for Steven Jackson. He would be an immediate impact player, and defenses would have to choose between stopping Gordon or stopping Julio Jones. That is a nasty choice. I expect Gordon to hit 1500 all purpose yards and double digits TDs in his rookie season, where he will literally run away with the award.

Defensive MVP: JJ Watt

It will come as no surprise that Watt is expected to be the DMVP again in 2015. Getting four games against the Jags and Titans could mean 10+ sacks and four or more forced turnovers just in those games! Watt is one of the rare beasts of the NFL; this award might not be close for a while.

Offensive MVP: Aaron Rodgers

If you thought Rodgers was good in 2014, just wait til the Packers develop a pass-catching tight end (Richard Rodgers? Maybe sign Thomas?!) and give Davante Adams another year in their system. Perhaps a lot of this relies on Randall Cobb returning, but if he does I could see Rodgers with 45 total scores, over 5,000 passing yards, and still finish with single digit turnovers. He would have neared those numbers this season had the Packers not been destroying teams by half-time.

While more of the same (Def/Off MVPs, previous SB match-up) may not be as entertaining as some would prefer, the season as a whole will be a great one; and it is only eight months away.