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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

Minnesota Vikings:

Trae Waynes: Round 1, Pick 11 (11^th Overall) CB

Eric Kendricks: Round 2, Pick 13 (45^th Overall) ILB

Danielle Hunter: Round 3, Pick 24 (88^th Overall) DE

T.J. Clemmings: Round 4, Pick 11 (110^th Overall) OT

MyCole Pruitt: Round 5, Pick 7 (143^rd Overall) TE

Stefon Diggs: Round 5, Pick 10 (146^th Overall) WR

Tyrus Thompson: Round 6, Pick 9 (185^th Overall) OT

B.J. Dubose: Round 6, Pick 17 (193^rd Overall) DE

Austin Shepherd: Round 7, Pick 11 (228^th Overall) OT

Edmond Robinson: Round 7, Pick 15 (232^nd Overall) OLB

Minnesota was able to hit on their most needed positions while getting extraordinary values throughout their draft giving them the title of best draft of 2015.  In a division featuring star wide receivers such as Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Alshon Jeffrey, it is important to have a solid secondary to slow them down.  The Vikings addressed this grabbing Trae Waynes, the top corner in this year’s draft with their first pick.  Waynes excels in press coverage and should be thrust into a starting role as a rookie. 

Kendricks, the inside linebacker out of UCLA is a tackling machine and is extremely efficient in pass coverage.  He should slot in at the inside linebacker position as a rookie next to his former teammate at UCLA, Anthony Barr.  However, the Vikings really made their draft in the later rounds.  Offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings who they nabbed in the fourth round was considered a top fifteen pick in the draft up until a few weeks ago when a stress fracture was discovered in his foot.  The Vikings can ease him in to a role at either tackle or guard, and he has the potential to be a franchise left tackle if developed properly.  

The other pick that really sticks out is Stefon Diggs, the wide receiver out of Maryland.  Diggs was one of the top wide receivers coming out of high school and although he never quite met his potential at Maryland, he has a ton of talent.  He is a big play threat every time he touches the ball and will be an explosive weapon for Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings offense.  The Vikings hit on their needs all while getting good value along with nabbing a few late round steals along the way making them this year’s best draft class.   

New York Jets: 

Leonard Williams: Round 1, Pick 6 (6^th Overall) DE

Devin Smith: Round 2, Pick 5 (37^th Overall) WR

Lorenzo Mauldin: Round 3, Pick 18 (82^nd Overall) OLB

Bryce Petty: Round 4, Pick 4 (103^rd Overall) QB

Jarvis Harrison: Round 5, Pick 16 (152^nd Overall) OG

Deon Simon: Round 7, Pick 6 (223^rd Overall) NT

Anytime you get the best player in the entire draft at sixth overall, you are doing something right.  Leonard Willams falling to them in the first was an absolute steal and Jets brass made the right decision grabbing him even with two All-Pro caliber defensive ends in Muhammed Wikerson and Sheldon Richardson.  Wilkerson, is entering a contract year and will most likely be traded or allowed to walk after the season making room for WIliams in the near future.  Williams is extremely athletic and very stout against the run and has the makings of an All-Pro defensive end for the next decade plus.  Adding him may be the missing piece for a Jets defense that could be elite in 2015.   

In the second round the Jets added playmaker wide receiver Devin Smith out of Ohio State giving them a trio of talented wide receivers for third year quarterback Geno Smith to target next season.  The added talent at the receiver position should help Geno develop into a more complete quarterback in 2015.  Lorenzo Mauldin is a hard hitter and will most likely have a chip on his shoulder to succeed in the NFL after a rough upbringing.   

Perhaps the most intriguing pick of the Jet’s draft was the selection of quarterback Bryce Petty in the fourth round.   Petty is an absolute gunslinger with a strong arm and could potentially be the quarterback of the future.  He needs some development but could challenge Smith for the starting spot in a year or two.  Many draft pundits thought of Petty as the clear-cut number three quarterback in this year’s class and a likely second round selection, getting him in the beginning of the fourth was great value.  Overall, I thought the Jets hit on all their picks and improved on both sides of the ball while addressing major needs.   Definitely one of the Jets best drafts in years. 

Baltimore Ravens:

Breshad Perriman: Round 1, Pick 26 (26^th Overall) WR

Maxx Williams: Round 2, Pick 23 (55^th Overall) TE

Carl Davis: Round 3, Pick 26 (90^th Overall) DT

Za’Darius Smith: Round 4, Pick 23 (122^nd Overall) DE

Javorius Allen: Round 4, Pick 26 (125^th Overall) RB

Tray Walker: Round 4, Pick 37 (136^th Overall) CB

Nick Boyle: Round 5, Pick 35 (171^st Overall) TE

Robert Myers: Round 5, Pick 40 (176^th Overall) OG

Dareen Waller: Round 6, Pick 28 (204^th Overall) WR

After the departure of Torry Smith and Owen Daniels in the off-season, Joe Flacco was in desperate need of weapons for the passing game.  While Steve Smith Sr. had a bit of a revival year with Flacco this past season, at thirty-five years old he isn’t getting any younger and surely isn’t in their long term plans.  The Ravens addressed these needs by getting wide receiver Breshad Perriman at the end of the first round.  Perriman is an absolute burner and the fastest wide receiver in this year’s draft, many had him going in the top half of the first round so twenty-sixth overall was very solid value for the Ravens.  He will most likely fill the role Torrey Smith left behind and could be their top receiver as a rookie. 

In the second round the Ravens grabbed the best tight end in this year’s draft in Maxx Williams out of Minnesota.  Williams is a big body and sure to be one of Flacco’s favorite Red-zone targets.  He is a reliable target and a play-maker in the receiving game, 82% of his catches this past season were either for a first down or a touchdown. 

In the third round the Ravens got one of the biggest steals of the draft in defensive tackle Carl Davis out of Iowa.  Most had him as a late first, early second round pick and the Ravens should be thrilled to have grabbed him at the end of the third round.  For a big guy he is very quick and extremely powerful.  He has all the tools to be a successful defensive tackle in this league. 

Za’Darius Smith looks to be a solid rotational defensive end who could see playing time as early as a rookie and late round pick Nick Boyle is another big target for Flacco that should see a good amount of looks in two tight end sets.  Overall, this was a very solid draft for the Ravens filled with value throughout the draft. 

Dallas Cowboys:

Byron Jones: Round 1, Pick 27 (27^th Overall) CB

Randy Gregory: Round 2, Pick 28 (60^th Overall) OLB

Chaz Green: Round 3, Pick 27 (91^st Overall) OT

Damien Wilson: Round 4, Pick 28 (127^th Overall) ILB

Ryan Russell: Round 5, Pick 27 (163^rd Overall) DE

Mark Nzechoa: Round 7, Pick 19 (236^th Overall) OLB

Laurence Gibson: Round 7, Pick 26 (243^rd Overall) OT

Geoff Swaim: Round 7, Pick 29 (246^th Overall) TE

Going into the draft the Cowboys had one of the best offenses in the league anchored by the best offensive line in the NFL and several holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball.  They were able to address their defense early and often, taking a defender with five of their first six picks while getting extremely solid value in the process. 

Many draft pundits criticized the Cowboys draft mostly for neglecting to address the running back position after losing defending Offensive Player Of The Year Demarco Murray to the Eagles.  However, the Cowboys clearly feel confident that they will have an effective running game in 2015 behind their offensive line regardless of who the running back is. 

Byron Jones was one of the fastest risers the few weeks leading up to the draft and it is easy to see why.  He is extremely athletic and talented and should make an immediate impact on their defense as a rookie at the number two cornerback or nickel corner.   This pick filled a need while delivering solid value.  It is very unlikely he would have slide past the Packers or Patriots had they decided to go elsewhere with their first round selection. 

The Cowboys selection of Randy Gregory with the sixtieth overall pick has the potential to go down as the biggest steal of this year’s draft.   Gregory is one of the top edge rusher in the class and has the potential to be a star in the league.  Prior to failing a drug test for marijuana usage and missing multiple meetings with team officials, Gregory was considered a sure-fire top ten pick in the draft.  Having said that, his talent is undeniable and if the Cowboys are able to keep his head screwed on straight (similar to how they kept Dez Bryant in line,) they will have quite the player on his hands.  Don’t be surprised if he fills the pass-rushing void Demarcus Ware left after when he was released.  

Fourth round pick Damien Wilson, was an extremely productive linebacker in college and a tackling machine.  He adds some much needed depth at the position and should be a solid special teamer as a rookie with the potential to start in the next few years.   Add in offensive tackle Chaz Green who could be a future right tackle for the Cowboys and the Cowboys had one of the best drafts.

New York Giants:

Ereck Flowers: Round 1, Pick 9 (9^th Overall) OT

Landon Collins: Round 2, Pick 1 (33^rd Overall) SS

Owamagbe Odighizuwa: Round 3, Pick 10 (74^th Overall) DE

Mykkele Thompson: Round 5, Pick 8 (144^th Overall) FS

Geremy Davis: Round 6, Pick 10 (186^th Overall) WR

Bobby Hart: Round 7, Pick 9 (226^th Overall) OG

As I mentioned in my previous article grading the Giants draft, the Giants three most pressing needs were offensive tackle, safety, and pass rusher.  The Giants were able to address all three needs with their first three picks.  Furthermore, they got two of the best value picks in the entire draft with Landon Collins in the second and Owamagbe Odighizuwa in the third.  

The Giants addressed their biggest need in the first round by picking offensive tackle Ereck Flowers.  Flowers at ninth overall was considered a reach by some draft pundits; however, he is extremely young and raw at just twenty-one years old and has a ton of potential.  He will most likely start at right tackle, allowing Justin Pugh to move inside to one of the guard positions where he is better suited.  If Flowers develops and works on his footwork he has the tools to be a very good offensive tackle in the NFL.

Landon Collins was considered a potential landing spot for the Giants at ninth overall.  While Jerry Reese and company elected to pass on him in the first round, when he was still available in the second, the Giants elected to trade up and grab him at thirty-third overall.  Collins is the most talented safety in the entire draft class and is extremely strong against the run.  He slots in to start at the strong safety position as a rookie and should make an immediate impact. 

With the rehiring of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Giants needed to upgrade their weapons to suit his aggressive defense.  Owamagbe Odighizuwa was exactly what they needed and a steal in the third.  Had he not had surgery on his hip he was most likely a top forty-five pick in the draft.   He is absolutely shredded and is relentless, never giving up on a play.  He should see time as a rookie as a rotational defensive end and in Spagnuolo’s Ace Package on passing downs.  Most likely looking at a long time starter at one of the defensive end positions after a year or two. 

While Mykkele Thompson was a bit of a head scratcher, he is another player who fits a need and is the only pure free safety on the Giants roster.  Late round flyer Geremy Davis is extremely talented and suffered from extremely poor quarterback play while at UCONN.  Add in offensive guard Bobby Hart who should provide much needed depth for the Giants, and the Giants had an extremely successful draft. 

With the 2015 NFL Draft approaching, there are a few teams with very specific needs to fill that will require moving up the draft board. With that being said here are the five teams that will move up the draft board to grab a position of need.

Miami Dolphins– With the trade of Mike Wallace to the Minnesota Vikings, the Dolphins are void of a number one wide receiver. In order to fill that void, the Dolphins must trade up to put themselves in position to grab one of the two elite wide receivers prospects in this years class. They do not have the ammunition necessary to move high enough to grab Amari Cooper of Alabama, but they can move up to grab Kevin White of West Virginia. White offers the size and speed combination to be a dominant pass catcher for the Dolphins.

San Diego Chargers – The Chargers have a situation developing where Philip Rivers is starting to lose faith in the Chargers operation. Rivers does not support the franchises potential move to Los Angeles, and is going to play out the final season of his contract rather than sign a long-term extension. With Rivers unrest growing, the Chargers are left with very few options, which is why they will trade Rivers to the Tennessee Titans in order to be in position to select Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota allows them to grab their next franchise quarterback, and gives them a fresh face of the franchise in their bid to move to Los Angeles.

Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs did not throw a single touchdown pass to a wide receiver last year. The most pressing need for Andy Reid’s offense is a big play receiver with the ability to get into the end zone. Devante Parker of Louisville possesses these traits, but the Chiefs will need to move up a handful of spots to ensure his services.

Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck is the face of the National Football League for the next decade. Under Luck’s watch the Colts have inched one step closer to super bowl berth each season, this year losing in the AFC Championship Game. In order for the Colts to take that next step, they need to give Luck a competent rushing game. They failed in their attempt to do that with the Trent Richardson trade, but that will not deter them from moving up in this years draft for a running back. The running back they will be targeting is Todd Gurley from the University of Georgia. With the combination of Gurley, and Frank Gore in the backfield Luck will finally have a ground game that defenses will be forced to respect. With the addition of Gurley, the Colts will instantly become favorites to represent the AFC in the super bowl.

New England Patriots – While the Patriots are the favorite to trade out of the first round based on past history, this year they will shock analysts and move up significantly to land a player of top need. The Patriots will be looking to move up for cornerback Trae Waynes out of Michigan State University. Waynes is the top cornerback in this year’s draft, and fits perfectly into the Patriots single high safety press man scheme. Waynes brings the size and physicality to take over for the departed Darrelle Revis on the left side of the defense.

Each of these teams, move up the draft board and grab players that will help them immediately. The NFL Draft has always been very unpredictable and there is potential for many more trades to happen, but these five teams will move up to grab the player they want. 

Just two years ago, Josh Freeman was the future at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A lot can change in two years.

A lot can change in just one year, too.

Freeman was out of the NFL in 2014, but he returned to the league on Thursday after signing a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.

Many fans probably find this signing insignificant and with Matt Moore as the Dolphins current backup quarterback, it's going to take two injuries for Freeman to see the field, but like so many other times in life, Freeman is someone who deserves this second chance.

He had one stellar season, leading the Buccaneers to a 10-6 record in 2010, however, most fans outside of Tampa Bay probably don't remember that because the Buccaneers did not make the playoffs, falling victim to the four-division playoff format the NFL set up in 2002.

Since 2002, eight teams with at least 10 wins have missed the playoffs. Interestingly in 2010, the New York Giants also missed the playoffs with 10 victories.

Freeman was named a Pro Bowl alternate that season as he threw for 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He only threw for 3,451 yards, but he had a healthy 7.3 yards per attempt average while also completing 61.4 percent of his passes.

The following two seasons, however, Freeman regressed, throwing 22 interceptions in 2011 and 17 picks in 2012. In 2011, he actually had six more interceptions than he did touchdowns.

It's hard to pinpoint what could have led to Freeman's demise the two seasons after he showed so much promise at 22 years old, but it didn't help that Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano never fully supported him. The team drafted quarterback Mike Glennon in the 2013 draft, and Schiano suggested he could compete for the starting job.

Schiano would occasionally back Freeman to the media as the franchise's quarterback, but the writing was on the wall.

The Buccaneers started 2013, 0-3, and Freeman was playing as bad as he had ever played in the NFL. In four games that year with Tampa Bay, he completed just 42.9 percent of his passes for two touchdowns and four interceptions while also supporting a career-low 5.2 yards per attempt.

Tampa Bay benched Freeman, tried to trade him and then cut him all by the first week of October.

Luckily for him, he did receive another chance that season with the Minnesota Vikings, but Freeman played probably his worse game as a pro in his one start with the team.

Freeman started against the Giants in Week 6 on Monday Night, went 20-for-53 for 190 yards and one interception. He suffered a concussion in the game and hasn't started since.

Fans will argue Freeman can only blame himself for his NFL downfall, but that wouldn't be the whole story. It was ridiculous Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave called 53 passing plays in that Monday Night game when Freeman only had two weeks to learn the playbook, and Adrian Peterson was the team's running back.

There is also a very good chance Freeman played much of the second half of that game with a concussion.

When your NFL career is on the line and you can play through an injury, you do that. Unfortunately, it might have also led to a very, very poor game.

Freeman, still just 27 years old, wasn't dealt a good hand in his last NFL season, maybe all he needs is another chance and a little luck in order to be good again.

Miami Dolphins back-up Quarterback Matt Moore appeared in 13 games for the Miami Dolphins in 2011 and started 12 of those games. Since then, he has appeared in 5 games and started none. From 2012 through 2014, Moore attempted 29 passes, completing a mere 51.7 percent (15) of them. To say the Miami Dolphins are disappointed in Moore’s failure to seize the limited opportunities he has been given is an understatement.

This week, according to an article on NFL.com by Gregg Rosenthal (Inside the NFL Editor), the Dolphins are making a rather harsh statement regarding Matt Moore’s future with the team; they have dragged former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Josh Freeman out of mothballs and are preparing to sign him. If the team does sign Freeman, it will probably force Moore to clean out his locker in South Beach and seek employment elsewhere.

Freeman is by no means a sure thing. Like many NFL signal callers, there is the “good” Josh Freeman (25 TD passes and 6 picks in 2010 and 27 TD passes in 2012) and the “bad” Josh Freeman (10 TDs and 18 INTs in his rookie season and 16 TDs with 22 picks in 2011); however, Freeman does have a “history” with Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey and that might be enough to seal Moore’s fate.

Josh Freeman is statistically not much of an upgrade to Moore but, at the veteran minimum, will be a less expensive alternative. If the Dolphins cut Moore, who is on a one year, $2.6 Million contract, they will save all of Moore’s 2015 $1 Million base salary, which is more than Freeman would make. Freeman also has the advantage of age; he just turned 27 on January 13 while Matt Moore will be 31 before the season begins.

Expect Matt Moore to be terminated before the ink dries on Freeman’s shinny new contract. Moore, however, might not stay on the market too long; I hear rumblings that the Cleveland Browns are in the market for a used quarterback to help them rehab Johnny “Football” Manziel’s stalled career or there might still be room in Chip Kelly’s locker room for another retread.

The big question looming for Freeman, and ultimately for Dennis Hickey, is “can Freeman function as a back-up?” His track record in Minnesota and during the 2014 pre-season with the New York Giants seems to indicate that he has problems coming off the bench.

Whether the Dolphins sign Freeman or not, the writing appears to be “on the wall”; Matt Moore will not be on the Miami Dolphins’ depth chart in 2015.

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

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

The Miami Dolphins got their wish and traded their speedster receiver, Mike Wallace, along with a seventh-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fifth-round selection according to The Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

That coming just two years after the Dolphins signed Wallace to a five-year, $60 million dollar contract with $30 million guaranteed. To say Wallace's value and NFL reputation has plummeted is an understatement.

Of course, Miami nearly had to release the receiver just to avoid paying him his $3 million bonus he was due this weekend according to The Sports Network, so perhaps the Dolphins can find a small victory in receiving a fifth-round pick for him.

Wallace hasn't been the same receiver since he held out of training camp during the summer of 2012. His team at the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, wanted to sign him to a long-term deal after he signed a tender to tentatively play 2012 for $2.7 million. The Steelers were asking Wallace to trust that the organization would do right by him, signing him to a more expensive extension after agreeing to the tender.

That was the beginning of a power struggle, which resulted in fellow receiver Antonio Brown, receiving a five-year, $42.5 million extension, the one likely intended for Wallace.

Looking back at it now, it was probably a blessing in disguise for the Steelers to extend Brown instead of Wallace.

Wallace hasn't gained 1,000 yards receiving since his holdout and his yards per catch average, which was tops in the league during his first three seasons, has dropped significantly. From 2009-2011, Wallace averaged 18.7 yards per reception while he has averaged only 12.9 per catch since 2012.

The switch from playing with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger under offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who loves the vertical aerial attack, to the Dolphins offense with quarterback Ryan Tannehill has certainly played a part in Wallace's downfall. Tannehill has averaged only 6.8 yards per attempt and has taken 139 sacks in three seasons.

In order for Wallace to make plays downfield, the quarterback has to have enough time for the fly pattern to develop.

But Wallace can't blame all his troubles on Tannehill and the Dolphins. In his last season with Roethlisberger, Wallace made 64 catches for 836 yards, which is the second lowest of his career, the lowest coming in his rookie season.

The holdout proved Wallace's sense of entitlement, but the numbers since then have further emphasized the point.  Then he had the nerve, according to the Miami Herald, to tell Dolphins coach Joe Philbin and wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan during Week 17 that if he wasn't going to receive the ball then he might as well not play.

So he didn't play in the second half, quitting on his team.

There are a lot of prima donnas in the today's NFL, but most of them continue to work hard and get better. Wallace does not appear to be one of them.

Wallace should be better suited for Norv Turner's offense in Minnesota and could help second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater take the next step, but until Wallace loses his sense of entitlement, it seems highly unlikely the receiver will return to Pro Bowl status.

With the NFL free agency period well underway and entering the second week, teams are doing what they have to do to get top players signed and off the market as soon as possible. Over the years there have been some free agents that turned out to be worth the money that was spent on them while others were complete busts after getting that payday.

The Dallas Cowboys are a team that has been known over the years for signing some solid players to build their team with or to replace players that have left to play for other teams. This season the Cowboys were left in a tough situation when running back DeMarco Murray hit the market.

Murray ended up signing a lucrative deal with the Philadelphia Eagles leaving a hole in the Cowboys backfield. To help fill that hole the Cowboys turned to Darren McFadden.

While it is still unclear on whether or not McFadden was a good or bad free agent signing, there have been plenty of players that have had great careers while wearing a star on their helmet.

The best free agent signing by the Cowboys was when they picked up wide receiver Drew Pearson when he went undrafted in the 1973 draft. Pearson ended up spending his entire career with the Cowboys and became one the best receivers in franchise and league history.

Pearson spent 11 seasons with the Cowboys where he made 489 receptions for 7,822 yards and 48 touchdowns in 156 games. He really stepped up when the playoffs rolled around in 22 post season games with the Cowboys, Pearson had 67 receptions for 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns.

Pearson was such a good receiver he was called “Mr. Clutch” because of some of the amazing plays he made. He was even on the receiving end of the Cowboys famous “Hail Mary” reception that sealed a win against the Minnesota Vikings in the divisional round of the 1975 playoffs that secured a win and eventual trip to the Super Bowl for the Cowboys.

During those 11 seasons with the Cowboys, Person was selected to three Pro Bowls, four times as an All-Pro, and an ALL-NFC selection five times. Pearson was also a part of the Cowboys Super Bowl XII championship team and a member of the NFL 1970’s All-Decade Team.

Pearson was named to the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2011. He is still waiting on a Hall of Fame induction and should not be. Pearson should have been selected to the Hall of Fame years ago. It’s a shame the league has not honored one of the best receivers to ever play the game.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

The Miami Dolphins got their wish and traded their speedster receiver, Mike Wallace, along with a seventh-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a fifth-round selection according to The Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

That coming just two years after the Dolphins signed Wallace to a five-year, $60 million dollar contract with $30 million guaranteed. To say Wallace's value and NFL reputation has plummeted is an understatement.

Of course, Miami nearly had to release the receiver just to avoid paying him his $3 million bonus he was due this weekend according to The Sports Network, so perhaps the Dolphins can find a small victory in receiving a fifth-round pick for him.

Wallace hasn't been the same receiver since he held out of training camp during the summer of 2012. His team at the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, wanted to sign him to a long-term deal after he signed a tender to tentatively play 2012 for $2.7 million. The Steelers were asking Wallace to trust that the organization would do right by him, signing him to a more expensive extension after agreeing to the tender.

That was the beginning of a power struggle, which resulted in fellow receiver Antonio Brown, receiving a five-year, $42.5 million extension, the one likely intended for Wallace.

Looking back at it now, it was probably a blessing in disguise for the Steelers to extend Brown instead of Wallace.

Wallace hasn't gained 1,000 yards receiving since his holdout and his yards per catch average, which was tops in the league during his first three seasons, has dropped significantly. From 2009-2011, Wallace averaged 18.7 yards per reception while he has averaged only 12.9 per catch since 2012.

The switch from playing with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger under offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who loves the vertical aerial attack, to the Dolphins offense with quarterback Ryan Tannehill has certainly played a part in Wallace's downfall. Tannehill has averaged only 6.8 yards per attempt and has taken 139 sacks in three seasons.

In order for Wallace to make plays downfield, the quarterback has to have enough time for the fly pattern to develop.

But Wallace can't blame all his troubles on Tannehill and the Dolphins. In his last season with Roethlisberger, Wallace made 64 catches for 836 yards, which is the second lowest of his career, the lowest coming in his rookie season.

The holdout proved Wallace's sense of entitlement, but the numbers since then have further emphasized the point.  Then he had the nerve, according to the Miami Herald, to tell Dolphins coach Joe Philbin and wide receivers coach Phil McGeoghan during Week 17 that if he wasn't going to receive the ball then he might as well not play.

So he didn't play in the second half, quitting on his team.

There are a lot of prima donnas in the today's NFL, but most of them continue to work hard and get better. Wallace does not appear to be one of them.

Wallace should be better suited for Norv Turner's offense in Minnesota and could help second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater take the next step, but until Wallace loses his sense of entitlement, it seems highly unlikely the receiver will return to Pro Bowl status.

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.

It’s hard to believe that given a chance to name the best draft picks in the history of the Baltimore Ravens, Ray Lewis was not listed among the top five. Seriously? C’mon. How can you not put one of the greatest middle linebackers in the history of the NFL on the list of best all-time draft picks of a franchise that has won two Super Bowls in the past 14 years?

Coincidentally, names like Ed Reed, Joe Flacco and Jonathan Ogden made the list. But Lewis is not to be found.

When it comes to naming a bad draft pick from this organization and general manager Ozzie Newsome, it really does take a bit of thinking. This is a team and franchise that has worked tirelessly over the years to find the right pieces to the puzzle that result in playoff berths and potential Super Bowl runs.

The biggest comparison to a bad draft pick might be the 2001 NFL Draft. The Ravens had two picks in the top 10 of the Draft. While Newsome hit a homerun with Jamal Lewis, a running back from Tennessee, he whiffed mightily with Travis Taylor, a lanky wide receiver from Florida.

In the 2003 season, Lewis led the NFL in rushing with 2,066 yards, falling just 39 yards short of the all-time single season rushing record, which remains Eric Dickerson's 2,105 yards in 1984. Lewis joined Dickerson, Terrell Davis, Barry Sanders, and O. J. Simpson as the only backs in the 2,000 rushing yards club. In 2009, Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, would also surpass the 2,000-yard mark by rushing for 2,006 yards. In 2012, Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings finished with 2,097 rushing yards, the second-most ever for a running back in a single season.

On September 14, 2003, Lewis also broke Corey Dillon's single-game rushing record of 278 yards by running for 295 yards against the Cleveland Browns.

Lewis was rewarded by being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Lewis's single-game rushing record was later broken by Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings on November 4, 2007, when he ran for 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers.

Taylor proved just to be the opposite.

After four seasons in Baltimore, the former Florida receiver would play for, among others, the Vikings. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or bad thing, but the fact he was on a certain infamous cruise with his Minnesota teammates was more memorable than anything he did in Baltimore

Taylor would only make twenty-eight catches for 278 yards in nine games as a rookie in 2000. That season, Taylor showed early promise for himself and for his team by scoring two touchdowns in the second game of the season, a shootout victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars—a team the Ravens had never beaten. In 2000, the Ravens would go on to win Super Bowl XXXV. Taylor's best season with Baltimore came in 2002, when he compiled sixty-one catches for 869 yards and six touchdowns.

Baltimore released Taylor after a lackluster 2004 season.

If there's one thing we can expect in the NFL draft, it's that the unexpected will often happen. In 2013, it was the New England Patriots dealing their first round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for four picks. In 2007, the Panthers traded out of the first round and lost out on Darrelle Revis.

While some have said that the value between the later half of the first round and the top half of the second round is negligible, some teams are hesitant to give up on the top tier talent that the first round seems to guarantee.

But some of the best talent in the NFL has come in later rounds, such as Rob Gronkowski, arguably the best tight end ever in the second round, as well as, Tom Brady in the sixth round.

So who will venture to give up a top pick for greater value in later rounds?

1. Bill Belichick and the Patriots.

Is this any surprise? They make a habit of doing this. While the Patriots have some needs that will depend primarily on free agency, they could easily lock-up their true work-horses with decent contract-extensions and focus on depth in the draft. The 32nd pick may not mean much to them, and might be tantalizing enough for another team to jump back into the first round.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars.

They have their QB of the future, and everything else they need will be available after the third pick. Trading with a team that wants to be sure to snag the top talent they are targeting, could earn them at least one extra pick to shore-up their positions of need on the O-line, in the secondary, and at running back.

3. Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings don't need anything that won't be available later in the draft. The 11th pick is kind of in between as far as talent is concerned, and Mike Zimmer would be better served going after quantity to add depth to his offensive line and to possibly replace or complement Adrian Peterson. Helping young Teddy Bridgewater is the first priority to taking a step forward in 2015.

Obviously, any team could trade down to increase value in this less-than-awe-inspiring draft class. Where there seems to be the most value in 2015 will be found as easily in the second through fourth rounds, and trading a first round pick for a couple of middle-rounders may be just the ticket for depth-hungry teams.

The Seahawks are another likely candidate, especially if Lynch is secured for the near future. The same could be said for the Packers and also the Ravens if they can secure their top talent.

It is really a crap-shoot to predict who will do what, but these are the most likely to pull-off draft day trades to increase their overall value in the 2015 draft.

The New Orleans Saints have not always been a winning franchise. The team was founded by John W. Mecom, Jr. and David Dixon and the city of New Orleans. The Saints began play at Tulane Stadium in 1967.The name 'Saints' is an allusion to November 1 being All Saints Day in the Catholic faith, New Orleans' large Catholic population, and the spiritual "When the Saints Go Marching In", which is strongly associated with New Orleans and often sung by fans at games.

The team's primary colors are old gold and black; their logo is a simplified fleur-de-lis. They played their home games in Tulane Stadium through the 1974 NFL season.

The following year, they moved to the new Louisiana Superdome (now the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, since Mercedes-Benz has purchased the stadium's naming rights).

For most of their first 20 years, the Saints were barely competitive, only getting to .500 twice. In 1987, they finished 12–3 (their first-ever winning season) and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, but lost to the Minnesota Vikings 44–10. The next season of 1988 would end with a 10–6 record, proving that the Saints were a competitive team, and that 1987 was not a fluke. The Saints defeated the St. Louis Rams 31–28 in 2000 to notch their first-ever playoff win.

Just like the team that did not know how to win, the Saints at times did not have a clue how to draft players. Taking Russell Erxleben in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft is proof positive of a negative situation. But that pick isn’t as poor as the one made by Mike Ditka in selecting Ricky Williams.

Ditka, who had two great running backs in Walter Payton and Neal Anderson from his days with the Chicago Bears, had this great idea that if he traded up to select Ricky Williams and in doing so, trade away his entire draft class to do so, the Saints would be much better off and instant playoff contenders.

As Al Burke wrote last year on Football Nation, “Unlike most of the other draft choices in the FN "Biggest Regret" series, Williams was actually and outstanding player and was relatively successful on a bad Saints team (they went 3-13 the following season), but didn't really show his value until he was traded to the Dolphins in 2002.

“The regret isn't signing Williams, who was unlikely to fall to them at number 12, but they could have picked up some good talent even if they'd stayed at their original pick. In the first round, they could have had Jevon Kearse or Antoine Winfield; Dre' Bly in the second; Joey Porter or Dat Nguyen in the third, and so on.”

The move proved to be futile as it may have cost Ditka his job. He was fired at the end of the season.

If you want to talk about other NFL Draft failures for the Saints, look no further than Shawn Knight.

As Burke reminds us, in 1987, the Saints wanted Rod Woodson. I mean, really, really wanted him, but they didn't expect him to be on the board at 11. Then, bizarrely, Woodson was passed by again and again until the Steelers picked him at number...10! This left the Saints in something of a bind, and they looked at their other choices - Haywood Jeffires, Harris Barton and Knight. For some reason, despite having an excellent line, they picked Knight, who ended up playing with three different teams in three seasons, then ended up in the World League. Barton and Jeffires combined for three Pro Bowls, and were considered among the best at their respective positions.

It’s a good thing picks like Nick Toon, Marques Colston and Kenny Stills have all been late round finds who are key parts of the team’s passing attack.

Bad plays and physical mistakes are going to happen to every team and player in the NFL at some point. Colin Kaepernick fumbling on the one-yard line against the St. Louis Rams or botched coverages on defense are terrible breaks but also part of the game.

Bonehead moments are the face-palm, “D’oh!” acts that leave you shaking your head in wonder. The difference between this past year and others is just as many of those moments came from off-field events as during games.

The Browns Move Up for Johnny Football

The Cleveland Browns struggled at quarterback with Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell after Brian Hoyer was lost for the season with a right knee injury in Week Five. They had already selected cornerback Justin Gilbert with the eighth overall pick and when the opportunity arose to move up four spots to No. 22 in the first round they jumped and drafted 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M.

The Browns hoped they were getting the quarterback who single-handedly brought his team back from a 38-17 halftime deficit to win the Chick-fil-A Bowl 52-48 over Duke. What they got was the irresponsible, party animal version.

Now with John DeFillippo hired as the new offensive coordinator to replace Kyle Shanahan, who resigned with two years left on his three year contract, Cleveland is discussing the quarterback position again.

DeFillippo has recently been quoted saying, “We're not sure if our starting quarterback is in the building or not. If he is, great. If he isn't, great too." Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who many say was the real decision maker when it came to drafting Manziel, echoed that sentiment, “"We've got to get a quarterback and got to get it fixed.”

With that kind of decision-making by the Browns’ “leadership” expect Cleveland to continue looking up from fourth place at their AFC North competition.

Love Is Blind…and Stupid, Part 1

How else can you explain the reaction Ray Rice received from Baltimore fans when he emerged from the tunnel for the Ravens’ first preseason game? At that point Rice was under a two game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy after video surfaced of him dragging his unconscious fiancée, now wife, out of an elevator at a New Jersey casino.

It was public knowledge that the inside the elevator video existed and what was on it but the fans cheered anyway. Would they have still cheered if Rice was playing for the 49ers that night?

Eventually TMZ.com released the elevator video. Confronted by the graphic scene of Rice cold-cocking his wife Goodell decided to increase his suspension to indefinite, Baltimore released him and fans decided to exchange his jersey for other players when given the opportunity by the Ravens.

Love Is Blind…and Stupid, Part 2

Minnesota Vikings fans got their turn in the spotlight when pictures were released of Adrian Peterson’s four year old son showing open wounds and welts that had been inflicted with a switch and a belt as punishment for misbehaving.

After Peterson was suspended for the Vikings’ Week Two game against the New England Patriots many fans showed up wearing his jersey to show support.

One woman in the pre-game parking lot added a three foot long tree branch as a prop to demonstrate her Peterson worship, an image passed around far and wide across the internet.

While the identity of this woman hasn’t been revealed all anyone can do is hope she hasn’t reproduced yet. Lord help the child, and the father, if she has.

Coach Tresty’s Flying Circus

Imagine former Bears head coach Marc Trestman as at the podium as John Cleese sitting at a desk saying, “and now for something completely different,” and the Bears players reacting as if they were cast members of the Benny Hill Show. In essence this sums up the 2014 Chicago Bears season.

When it was revealed that wide receiver Brandon Marshall had signed to appear on “Inside the NFL” Trestman was asked for his reaction. “I trust Brandon,” Trestman told Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune. “He asked me about it. I trust him to make decisions that are in the best interests of the team first.”

On the Monday before the season opener against the Buffalo Bills linebacker Lance Briggs took a day off after asking Trestman for personal time. It was revealed on Wednesday that Briggs was at the grand opening of his barbecue restaurant in California, something Trestman didn’t know at the time.

Trestman preached accountability week after week without holding his players to that standard. Eventually it cost him. By mid-season he had lost the clubhouse and was fired the day after the season ended.

Lovie Never Learns

While head coach of the Chicago Bears Lovie Smith put together some top defensive units but it was his inability to develop a consistent offense, or hire a coordinator that could, that ended up costing him his job. He has proven that he learned nothing about that failure in his year away from the NFL.

On January 2, 2014 he hired former Cal head coach Jeff Tedford as his offensive coordinator. While Tedford had 11 years at Cal on top of experience in the Canadian Football League, he had never been a coach in the NFL. To compound that mistake on March 12 he signed Josh McCown to be his starting quarterback.

While McCown had a good run when replacing an injured Jay Cutler for the Bears in 2013 he’s never been much more than a mediocre back-up for a majority of his career.

Tedford was only on the sidelines for Tampa Bay for three preseason games before taking a leave of absence due to health. The Buccaneers released him on December 5. McCown proved unable to follow-up on the success he had in 2013 and Tampa Bay finished the season as the team with the worst record in football.

Act Like You’ve Been There Before Part One

In the first quarter of Detroit’s Week game against Green Bay linebacker Stephan Tulloch sacked Aaron Rodgers for a seven yard loss, leapt into the air to celebrate and dropped to the turf in pain after he landed. Tulloch was placed on injured reserve with an ACL tear and missed the rest of the season.

In Week Eight Chicago Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston picked up his first sac k of the season during a 51-23 embarrassment against the New England Patriots.  Houston, obviously thrilled that he finally provided a return on investment to Chicago after signing a big free agent contract the previous summer celebrated so hard that he ruptured his right ACL, ending his season.

Act Like You’ve Been There Before Part Two

The Oakland Raiders were 0-10 heading into a Thursday night game against the 7-3 Kansas City Chiefs. With just under two minutes remaining the Raiders took a 24-20 lead on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to James Jones.

With 40-seconds left and the Chiefs attempting a final comeback linebacker Sio Moore sacked Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith for a seven-yard loss on a third down play. With the clock running and the Chiefs back on their own 48 Oakland defensive end Justin Tuck called a timeout.

Tuck must have panicked to make such a bonehead mistake, giving the Chiefs a chance to organize a fourth down play instead of rushing to the line for a last gasp attempt.

Actually, it was Tuck who made the play of the game. Moore, along with Khalil Mack, were twenty-yards behind the line still celebrating the sack. Kansas City was seconds away from running a free fourth down play against a nine man defense, or at least benefit from what would have been the most obvious offsides penalty in NFL history.

Fortunately for Moore and Mack an incompletion by Alex Smith on fourth down sealed Oakland’s first victory of the season. After the game Moore apologized for his lack of awareness.

Giants Hold pregame huddle on Eagles Logo and Pay the Price

You would think teams would learn to leave the logo alone. The Giants were 3-2 but must have felt undefeated heading into their Sunday night matchup in Philadelphia.

Once the game started the Eagles crushed the life out of the Giants. Philadelphia outgained them by 194 total yards and sacked Eli Manning eight times in a 27-0 rout.

That game was the first of a seven game losing streak for New York. Say it one more time, leave the logo alone!

Ahmad Brooks Benches Himself

No, we’re not talking about a crazy weight room feat of strength. In Week 11, on the road against the New York Giants, he became so upset about being platooned at linebacker with Aldon Smith and Aaron Lynch that he pulled himself out of the game.

During the second half, instead of standing on the sideline with his head in the game he went back to the bench, removed his helmet, cleats and had the tape cut from his ankles while watching his 49ers teammates defeat the Giants 16-10.

Brooks later apologized for the incident but four weeks later he was benched again, this time by Harbaugh for missing a team defensive meeting

49ers Push Jim Harbaugh Out the Door

Before Jim Harbaugh arrived in San Francisco the 49ers had missed the playoffs in eight straight seasons under four coaches. Under Harbaugh they went to three consecutive NFC Conference Championship games and one Super Bowl, that they came 1:50 and five yards away from winning. Even after a 2014 season where the 49ers had to overcome injuries and adversity they still finished 8-8 in what proved to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.

Given that success most teams in the league would rip up the fifth year of that coach’s contract and write new paper to make sure he stayed in town. San Francisco decided it was better to “part ways” with that coach.

If an organization is about winning they find a way to deal with a coach who can be stubborn and uncompromising. Apparently owner Jed York and general manager Trent Balke decided it was all about them instead.