Board 8 > Board 8 National Football League League (B8NFLL) Season 19: The Offseason

(+) Yeah! (+)

Even if you plan to attend the draft, it would really help me out if you send me something from the above list.

I cannot stress enough just how important this is to me. Even if you plan to attend the draft on some or all days, there is only one person guaranteed to be present for the draft, and that's me because otherwise there is no draft. So the draft runs as smoothly as it possibly, I create a spreadsheet where I craft detailed draft plans for all user teams in case I have to draft for them. If I am given a strategy/queue/conditional (especially one that encompasses the entire draft) from a team, then I do not have to waste my time and effort for said team. Please do this as having to come up with draft plans for 20+ user teams would possibly take me 10+ hours to do.

NFL Draft Order
1. Lions
2. Broncos
3. Buccaneers
4. Panthers
5. Patriots
6. Cowboys
7. 49ers
8. Jets
9. Chiefs
10. Raiders
11. Bears
12. Orcas
13. Seahawks
14. Jaguars
15. Colts
16. Titans
17. Dolphins
18. Steelers
19. Commanders
20. Eagles
21. Falcons
22. Bengals
23. Ravens
24. Rams
25. Express
26. Bills
27. Pumpkins
28. Packers
29. Pioneers
30. Giants
31. Browns
32. Vikings

Bengals own Eagles 4th
Broncos own Bears 4th
Browns own Pumpkins 6th
Commanders own Bills 1st + 3rd
Eagles own Pumpkins 2nd, Giants 2nd
Express own Eagles 1st + 3rd
Giants own Bears 2nd, Pumpkins 4th
Jaguars own Steelers 1st + 2nd + 3rd
Packers own Cowboys 4th
Pumpkins own Browns 3rd, Bills 4th, Eagles 5th + 6th, Ravens 7th
Rams own Bears 1st + 3rd
Ravens own Pumpkins 3rd
Steelers own Bills 2nd, Jaguars 7th

TITANS' DRAFT STRATEGY: best player available regardless of position

With all that out of the way, as the person currently in charge of the Raiders, I'm dangling the #10 pick and DT Sylvester Williams out there for future 1st/2nd round picks and depth pieces (HB/G/CB the main positions I am looking for)

First trade of the offseason

Raiders receive:
LG Will Hernandez (86 overall, 26 years old)
CB Norm Conley (74, 23)

Seahawks receive:
LG Branden Albert (93, 35)

The Raiders incur a $1.99 mil cap penalty to turn an $11.5 mil cap hit into $7.65 mil in cap hits.

The Seahawks incur $1.60 mil in cap penalties to turn $9.65 mil in cap hits into a $9.54 mil cap hit.

The Raiders had to let several players walk and still needed to make some moves to field a full team within the cap. Albert, despite his talent and history, had an ugly two seasons with the Raiders with 73 blocks against 25 sacks allowed. He clearly wasn't playing up to his price tag. He makes a great change-of-scenery candidate, so a swap of him for former Top 10 pick change-of-scenery candidate himself G Will Hernandez and a cheap second-year CB who will likely be the #4 CB is about what you can hope in a retool trade while slashing nearly $4 mil in cap space. Hernandez' contract runs out after the season, so if he doesn't turn things around, he can easily just walk.

The Seahawks have an obscene amount of cap space, even accounting for having the second-fewest rostered players in the league. I wouldn't say there is a free agent G that is considerably better than Albert (not to mention that there is literally nobody more talented available), so acquiring a buy-low candidate like Albert is a good use of their cap space and limited player trade assets. Albert was a great OT for the Eagles and as a G for the Bills, he was good or great except for one season. It was just the Raiders where he struggled, so a different team/system might be all that he needs, and he can play OT or G for them as they need a starter at both. G Will Hernandez had some promising seasons for them, but he also had a pair of true duds, including a ghastly 30 blocks against 19 sacks last season. Albert should at least provide a higher block total if this turns about to be a one-season rental.

As the sole person involved, I understand the trade parameters, financial impact, histories of players involved, and what both teams hope to achieve. This trade is now official.

Second trade of the offseason

Bears receive:
Ravens 4th round pick (119th overall)

Ravens receive:
LE Bobby Ford (87 overall, 28 years old)

Bears will incur a $1.73 mil cap penalty to wipe a $9.83 mil cap hit

Ravens will assume an $8.10 mil cap hit

The Bears had an excess at DE and had a few expensive holes to fill with very little cap space. Ford is a converted LB, which generally do not make as much of an impact nor as productive as natural DEs, so he was an easy target with his price tag.

The Ravens needed some front seven talent with the exodus over the past few offseasons. Ford shouldn't and won't be counted on to being one of the leaders as the Ravens with four Top 100 picks and enough cap space to dip into the free agent well for other front seven players should be able to get much more talented and impactful players there to help out the defense. For a 4th round pick though, it was worth taking a flier on him.

Both parties understood the trade parameters, financial impact, player history, and what each team hoped to achieve. This trade is now official.

Third trade

Raiders receive:
RG Jose Short (81 overall, 25 years old)
Steelers S20 1st round pick
Steelers S20 3rd round pick

Steelers receive:
DT Sylvester Williams (90 overall, 28 years old)
Raiders S20 6th round pick

Raiders would incur a $1.23 mil cap penalty to turn an $8.61 mil cap hit into a $1.23 mil cap hit
Steelers would turn a $1.23 mil cap hit into a $7.38 mil cap hit

The Raiders continue their cap gymnastics by slashing nearly $7.5 mil in cap space while getting a future premium pick, additional Top 100 pick, and a well-rated depth piece who becomes the top interior OL backup. The Raiders have a very strong DE and MLB group that letting Sylvester and his Top 10 tackle and awareness rating at the DT position was one of the more reasonable ways to get more cap space.

The Steelers were unable to get in on the RFA DTs, and Sylvester offers a much better alternative to the free agents and draft prospects as they desire to return to a 4-3 as well as playing in front of the most inexperienced LB group that they've had in 10-15 seasons.

Both parties understood the trade parameters, financial impact, the players' histories, and what each team hoped to achieve. This trade is now official.

If anybody wants MLB McClain I'll let him go for nominal compensation. I just want him to end his career on a roster and not the free agent pile but can't afford to roster him myself this year

He's a 90 OVR MLB in his final career year. He would earn like 9.7m after I eat dead money. His career stat line is 1008 Tackles, 50 Sacks, 17 FF, 13 FR, 11 INT

I think I need a MLB.

What's he asking for?

9.7m over 1 year

You're in cap hell though as the Panthers. Your current MLBs are a 2nd rounder (I think) from last year and then someone who has 3 years left on their contract at a reasonable price.

McClain is probably an improvement for you but I'd be surprised if you can make the cap numbers work.

I'm looking to get a second first round pick. Let me k ow if you're willing to sell yours

Another trade

Bears receive:
Raiders 1st round pick (10th overall)
Raiders 5th round pick (138th overall)
Raiders S20 7th round pick

Raiders receive:
SS Nate Warfield (84 overall, 25 years old)
DT Andrew Billings (76, 24)
Bears S20 1st round pick
Bears S20 3rd round pick
Bears S20 4th round pick

The Bears will incur an $840k cap penalty to wipe $4.61 mil in cap penalties

The Raiders will assume $4.19 mil in cap hits

The Bears used all of their good draft capital to bring in some new starters and depth. The draft board really appealed to them, so they used some of their draft capital from next season and a few backups to get back into the draft and in the Top 10 and will still have plenty of options when they get to pick. They also have six roster holes and six draft picks as a result and can go from there.

This likely puts the final touches on getting the Raiders with a manageable cap situation before having to sign rookies with five picks and four roster holes with none of the more exorbitant positions (QB/WR/MLB/DT) needing to be filled. This also gives the Raiders a SS to compete with Andrew Wingard for the starting job or at least be on the field a lot as a backup with a productive history. With three 1sts,three 3rds, and two 4ths next season, the Raiders will have a lot of draft capital to use on RFA, trades, and draft prospects on the roster after needing a little downgrade/retooling this season.

Both parties understood the trade parameters, financial impact, histories of players involved, and what each team hopes to achieve. This trade is official.

I just want to remind people that all seven rounds will be taking place on the same day this season. I remembered to change the wording on the usual posts except for #51 that still mentions multiple days, but I'm trying out a single-day draft to see if that works best for me.

Five users have sent me draft plans

Giants trade #1

49ers receive:
Giants 1st round pick (30th overall)
Giants S20 5th round pick

Giants receive:
49ers 5th round pick (135 overall)
49ers S20 1st round pick
49ers S20 3rd round pick

The 49ers have been seeking an additional first round pick under a first-time GM, and they get one while parting with multiple Top 100 picks next season.

The Giants have been seeking ways to cut costs after "overbudgeting" and getting rid of the cap hit of a 1st rounder this year will certainly help. They get back another first next year that has an excellent chance of being at a higher position as well as another Top 100 pick.

Both teams understood the trade parameters and what each team hoped to achieve. This trade is official.

Giants trade #2

Buccaneers receive:
C Frank Ragnow (94 overall, 26 years old)

Giants receive:
LOLB Lorenzo Carter (83, 24)
LG Lucas Patrick (79, 29)
LE Damien Wilkes (76, 24)

The Giants will incur a $1.85 mil cap penalty to turn a $7.97 mil cap hit into $7.39 mil in cap hits

The Bucs will incur $2.14 mil in cap penalties to turn $8.71 mil in cap hits into a $6.12 mil cap hit

The Bucs haven't had much talent at the C position in quite some time, and with how badly their offense has largely been over the past several seasons, they could use the additional talent. They lose some valuable depth and aren't in the greatest cap situation, but they need to swing for the fences and pick up a buy-low candidate who was once an excellent C for the Dolphins.

The Giants have a bit of a logjam at C with three 90+ at the position. Billy Price put up an excellent 51 and 5 line last season. McNeil played at G and had a sterling 36 and 2 mark. Ragnow has been a major disappointment with a 47 and 14 ratio in his first season with the Giants and a preseason, season-ending injury in his second season as the Giants made it to the NFC Championship game. Ragnow also cost $2.5+ mil against the cap over the other two, so Ragnow was the clear choice to move on from. He brings back three hole-filling depth pieces with mutiple years still left on their contract (RFA with Carter) including a potential OLB successor to Barkavious Mingo and current backup at all LB positions, a G with 41 blocks against 7 sacks allowed in their career, and a reserve DE with 5 sacks in three seasons.

The Giants understood the trade parameters, financial impact, player histories, and what each team hoped to achieve. This trade is now official.

I am now up to 9 user draft plans submitted to me

Been swamped with work and personal stuff so no commentary this season, just a straight up mock that I spent way less time on than usual

1. Lions - QB Justin Herbert
2. Broncos - HB Nick Chubb
3. Bucs - CB Charvarius Ward
4. Panthers - OT Tristan Wurfs
5. Patriots - DE Brian Burns
6. Cowboys - QB Jorge Sullivan
7. 49ers - DE Josh Sweat
8. Jets - OLB Trevor Fox
9. Chiefs - DE Clelin Ferrell
10. Bears via Raiders - WR D.J. Moore
11. Rams via Bears - HB Saquan Barkley
12. Orcas - QB Tua Tagovailoa
13. Seahawks - OT Jawaan Taylor
14. Jaguars - QB Jalen Hurts
15. Colts - OLB Dre Greenlaw
16. Titans - QB Marcus Diaz
17. Dolphins - QB Skip Gill
18. Jags via Steelers - HB Jeff Wilson Jr.
19. Commanders - WR Calvin Ridley
20. Express via Eagles - OT Calvin Throckmorton
21. Falcons - G Elgton Jenkins
22. Bengals - QB Tyler Huntley
23. Ravens - OLB Brian Wheaton
24. Rams - OLB Bobby Okereke
25. Express - SS Kamren Curl
26. Commanders via Bills - QB Nate Prior
27. Pumpkins - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
28. Packers - OLB Travis Vazquez
29. Pioneers - DE Solomon Thomas
30. 49ers via Giants - WR Curtis Samuel
31. Browns - WR Steve Singletary
32. Vikings - HB Sony Michel

For anyone looking to trade out of their 1st round pick, if a guy we want is there, the Bills would be happy to load you up with future draft choices in exchange for your pick if you don't like the board tomorrow.

Couldn't sleep so revised my mock a bit. May as well drop it now. About 12 hours till draft time!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oxf9E4WE6oehvAtSh1pccci8untUFH59Vk9GdrH8YHw/edit?usp=drivesdk

I didn't wake up until almost 1 ET, and I've been scrambling getting related and unrelated stuff done before the draft, so it is more realistic that I will begin the draft in the 2:30-3:00 ET range, but I will get there as soon as I can.

KCF0107 posted...

NFL Draft Order
1. Lions
2. Broncos
3. Buccaneers
4. Panthers
5. Patriots
6. Cowboys
7. 49ers
8. Jets
9. Chiefs
10. Raiders
11. Bears
12. Orcas
13. Seahawks
14. Jaguars
15. Colts
16. Titans
17. Dolphins
18. Steelers
19. Commanders
20. Eagles
21. Falcons
22. Bengals
23. Ravens
24. Rams
25. Express
26. Bills
27. Pumpkins
28. Packers
29. Pioneers
30. Giants
31. Browns
32. Vikings

Bengals own Eagles 4th
Broncos own Bears 4th
Browns own Pumpkins 6th
Commanders own Bills 1st + 3rd
Eagles own Pumpkins 2nd, Giants 2nd
Express own Eagles 1st + 3rd
Giants own Bears 2nd, Pumpkins 4th
Jaguars own Steelers 1st + 2nd + 3rd
Packers own Cowboys 4th
Pumpkins own Browns 3rd, Bills 4th, Eagles 5th + 6th, Ravens 7th
Rams own Bears 1st + 3rd
Ravens own Pumpkins 3rd
Steelers own Bills 2nd, Jaguars 7th

Bears own Raiders 1st
9ers own Giants 1st for my own reminder

The draft will officially begin momentarily

CB - P.J. Williams - (age) 27 - (years left on deal) 1 - (Dead money)$950k - (Salary) $7.93 mil
Is on the block, looking for a mid round pick in return, or a bench CB to replace. Let me know.

I don't know when I will get around to posting the full draft, but here's my first round mock draft if I were in charge of every team:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yYWesCaeYtImTxhthei5ogr0jtYps1iJY3CkVdVP8RQ

Round 1 Recap:
1. Lions - Middle Tennessee St. CB Chavarius Ward
2. Broncos - Maryland WR D.J. Moore
3. Buccaneers - Oregon QB Justin Herbert
4. Panthers - Penn St. HB Saquon Barkley
5. Patriots - Florida St. DE Brian Burns
6. Cowboys - Florida St. DE Josh Sweat
7. 49ers - Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs
8. Jets - Eastern Kentucky OLB Trevor Fox
9. Chiefs - Georgia HB Nick Chubb
10. Bills - Alabama WR Calvin Ridley
11. Rams - Oklahoma St. CB Tre Flowers
12. Orcas - Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
13. Seahawks - Arkansas OLB Dre Greenlaw
14. Jaguars - Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts
15. Vikings - North Texas HB Jeff Wilson Jr.
16. Titans - North Carolina QB Marcus Diaz
17. Dolphins - Florida OT Jawaan Taylor
18. Jaguars - Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell
19. Commanders - USC WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
20. Express - Alabama St. OT Tytus Howard
21. Falcons - Mississippi St. G Elgton Jenkins
22. Bengals - Ole Miss QB Jorge Sullivan
23. Ravens - Georgia HB Sony Michel
24. Rams - Stanford OLB Bobby Okereke
25. Express - Arkansas SS Kamren Curl
26. Commanders - Michigan G Cesar Ruiz
27. Pumpkins - Temple CB Rock Ya-Sin
28. Packers - Eastern Tennessee St. OLB Brian Wheaton
29. Pioneers - Oregon HB Royce Freeman
30. 49ers - Ohio St. WR Curtis Samuel
31. Browns - Texas SS Brandon Jones
32. Vikings - Stanford DE Solomon Thomas

Round 2 Recap:
1. Lions - Oregon OT Calvin Throckmorton
2. Broncos - Clemson G John Simpson
3. Vikings - Washington MLB Cory Littleton
4. Panthers - Michigan G Jon Runyan Jr.
5. Patriots - Rutgers HB Gus Edwards
6. Colts - Alabama FS Minkah Fitzpatrick
7. 49ers - Columbia OT Lance Miller
8. Jets - Rutgers G Jonah Jackson
9. Chiefs - USC QB Skip Gill
10. Raiders - Murray St. OLB Quincy Williams
11. Giants - Idaho WR Steve Singletary
12. Orcas - BYU CB Jake Law
13. Seahawks - USC DE Rasheem Green
14. Jaguars - Kentucky Wesleyan WR Keelan Cole
15. Cowboys - Louisiana CB Tracy Walker
16. Titans - Georgia Southern K Tyler Bass
17. Dolphins - Utah QB Tyler Huntley
18. Jaguars - Florida St. OT Irv Carroll
19. Commanders - UTSA DE Marcus Davenport
20. Eagles - UCLA MLB Ian Phillips
21. Falcons - Alabama DT Dalvin Tomlinson
22. Bengals - Georgia G Solomon Kindley
23. Ravens - Michigan OLB Rashan Gary
24. Rams - LSU DT Davon Godchaux
25. Express - Charlotte DT Larry Ogunjubi
26. Steelers - Penn St. G Charles McDaniel
27. Eagles - Boston College G Gus Godwin
28. Packers - Michigan DE Taco Charlton
29. Pioneers - Colorado QB Nate Prior
30. Eagles - Pittsburgh FS Jordan Whitehead
31. Browns - Oregon OLB Travis Vazquez
32. Vikings - Maine C Roger Burrough

Round 3 Recap:
1. Lions - Ball State MLB Jeremy Bush
2. Broncos - Colorado TE Jeff Freeborg
3. Buccaneers - Stanford OT Zack Willis
4. Panthers - Western Michigan FS John Patterson
5. Patriots - Arkansas OLB Robert Richart
6. Cowboys - UL Monroe TE Robbie Tucker
7. 49ers - TCU DE L.J. Collier
8. Jets - Texas CB Seth Willis
9. Chiefs - Ohio St. CB Bruce Hunt
10. Raiders - L.A. Tech HB Boston Scott
11. Rams - Indiana OT Derrick Perkins
12. Orcas -Michigan DE Chase Winovich
13. Seahawks - Alabama C Bernie Buckley
14. Jaguars - Washington G Gary Faulk
15. Colts - North Carolina DT Biff Howard
16. Titans - Alabama MLB Neil Norton
17. Dolphins - Richmond CB Brandon Bryan
18. Jaguars - USC OLB Dee Anthony
19. Commanders - Northwestern HB Justin Jackson
20. Express - Cincinnati G Phil Hewitt
21. Falcons - Florida QB Jason Butler
22. Bengals - Idaho OT Jake Rojas
23. Ravens - UCF WR Tre'Quan Smith
24. Rams - Cal SS Jaylinn Hawkins
25. Express - Ole Miss HB Jordan Wilkins
26. Express - Troy C Dennis Stevens
27. Ravens - Oregon OT Rob Johnson
28. Packers - Mississippi St. C Antrel Stone
29. Seahawks - Colorado St. WR Michael Gallup
30. Giants - Michigan St. DE Adrian Wallace
31. Pumpkins - Alabama DT Jamar Carter
32. Vikings - East Carolina G Lamont Cummings

Round 4 Recap:
1. Lions - Ohio St. OLB Jon McNamara
2. Broncos - Florida QB Antonio Blackmon
3. Buccaneers - Virginia CB Terry Myers
4. Panthers - Purdue C Sammy Rodgers
5. Patriots - Clemson QB Lamar Lamont
6. Packers - Colorado OT Terrell Schutte
7. 49ers - Texas CB Phil Jackson
8. Jets - BYU G DeShaun Frazier
9. Chiefs - Army G Adrian Hardy
10. Raiders - Ole Miss G Anthony Dorsey
11. Broncos - Illinois G Cletus Hicks
12. Orcas - New Mexico G Zeke Reeves
13. Pioneers - Washington MLB Bobby Schneidmiller
14. Jaguars - LSU SS Grant Delpit
15. Cowboys - Maryland G Pat Garner
16. Titans - Arizona TE Dee Bryant
17. Dolphins - Washington HB Charles Shields
18. Steelers - Cal SS Ashtyn Davis
19. Commanders - East Carolina DT Fred Richardson
20. Bengals - Arizona C Trent Knight
21. Falcons - Florida St. OLB Michael Luhr
22. Bengals - Kent St. DE Rodney Simpson
23. Bears - Utah SS Leon Ferguson
24. Rams - Eastern Michigan FS Ben Robinson
25. Express - Eastern Washington QB Harold Sparks
26. Pumpkins - North Carolina WR Curtis Wasserman
27. Giants - Boston College OT Shaun Whitfield
28. Packers - Washington MLB Jerry Simon
29. Pioneers - Notre Dame DE Ken Albright
30. Giants - Ohio St. HB Chris Wrobel
31. Browns - Illinois G Kyle Young
32. Vikings - Pittsburgh St. WR Carlton Hanks

Round 5 Recap:
1. Lions - Tennessee C Aric Newman
2. Broncos - Pittsburgh QB Ronyell Shade
3. Vikings - Oklahoma OT Cecil Battle
4. Panthers - Ohio St. TE Jared Linde
5. Patriots - South Carolina DE Leroy Smith
6. Cowboys - Pittsburgh OLB Ty Mills
7. Giants - Nicholls St. DT Thomas Murphy
8. Jets - Utah P Mitch Wishnowsky
9. Chiefs - Temple HB Roderick Jenkins
10. Bears - Tennessee DT Roland Green
11. Bears - Nebraska-Omaha WR Chris Pounds
12. Orcas - Michigan OLB Daryl Castle
13. Pioneers - Ball St. WR Courtney Thomas
14. Jaguars - Tennessee HB Wendell Stokes
15. Colts - Notre Dame OLB Marty Wright
16. Titans - Maryland OLB Mike Sears
17. Dolphins - Nebraska G Todd Banks
18. Steelers - Utah CB Bernard Bennett
19. Commanders - Oregon MLB Spencer Swanson
20. Pumpkins - Tennessee-Martin FS George McGee
21. Falcons - West Virginia OLB Tamarick Johnstone
22. Bengals - Colorado HB Levi Nash
23. Ravens - Western Illinois OT Derrick Bannister
24. Rams - Alabama HB Robert Payne
25. Express - Kentucky OLB Mack Starks
26. Bills - East Carolina WR Luther Madden
27. Pumpkins - Ohio St. DE Chris Coyle
28. Packers - Arizona St. DT Joe Keys
29. Pioneers - Wisconsin CB Mike McGrady
30. Giants - UL Monroe FS Brett Burns
31. Browns - Auburn WR Ben Sapp
32. Vikings - San Diego St. CB Jeremy Lake

Round 6 Recap:
1. Lions - Texas A&M DE Scott Aristegui
2. Broncos - Eastern Kentucky OLB Stephen Quick
3. Buccaneers - Stanford OLB Robert Gregg
4. Panthers - USC DT Chris Gordon
5. Patriots - UL Monroe FS Tony Seymour
6. Cowboys - Eastern Michigan CB Sedrick Stone
7. 49ers - Jackson St. MLB Will Moye
8. Jets - Maryland FS Mike Hall
9. Chiefs - Florida St. DT Mark Hamilton
10. Raiders - Notre Dame OT Tim Perry
11. Bears - Middle Tennessee St. OLB Jackie Styles
12. Orcas - Notre Dame WR Jason Holt
13. Seahawks - Minnesota SS Ernie Perz
14. Jaguars - Florida A&M DE Anthony Carson
15. Colts - Ohio St. WR Jeff Foster
16. Titans - Washington St. K Jon Parrish
17. Dolphins - Oklahoma St. FB Deon Haley
18. Steelers - Tennessee TE Jimmy Price
19. Commanders - Stanford CB Percy Kaufman
20. Pumpkins - UCLA WR Alvin Carter
21. Falcons - UCF DE Jerry Williams
22. Bengals - Notre Dame OLB Woody Olsen
23. Ravens - Ravens C Twan Dickerson
24. Rams - Oklahoma St. DE Karl Lester
25. Express - Tulsa MLB Renaldo Larsen
26. Bears - Arkansas Pine-Bluff P Jamie Gillan
27. Browns - Mississippi St. OT Travis Jefferson
28. Packers - Princeton OT Ross Jackson
29. Pioneers - Florida St. DT Reggie Conley
30. Giants - Syracuse CB Ty Hester
31. Browns - Georgia K Rodrigo Blankenship
32. Vikings - Minnesota DT DeShawn Johnson

Round 7 Recap:
1. Lions - Stanford DT Alex Burnsides
2. Broncos - Michigan WR Thomas Randall
3. Buccaneers - Dartmouth WR Norm Fryar
4. Panthers - New Mexico CB Kyle Erickson
5. Patriots - Washington St. DT Spencer Wasserman
6. Cowboys - North Carolina WR Lorenzo Mitchell
7. 49ers - Marshall TE Dewayne Slater
8. Jets - Southeast Missouri St. DE Fred Kelly
9. Chiefs - Louisville SS Alvin Arden
10. Raiders - Oregon FB Warren Washington
11. Bears - Notre Dame FB Rob Hunter
12. Orcas - Pittsburgh MLB Willie Morris
13. Seahawks - Eastern Michigan FS Jose McDaniels
14. Steelers - BYU MLB Jevon Smith
15. Colts - N.C. St. C Wayne Swayne
16. Titans - South Carolina K Tim Banks
17. Dolphins - Texas A&M WR Tom Green
18. Steelers - Illinois DE Keyshawn Nalencz
19. Commanders - Troy FS Keith Beckett
20. Eagles - Kansas St. WR Antwaan Dotson
21. Falcons - Auburn MLB Darnay Warner
22. Bengals - Iowa St. FB A.J. Coffee
23. Pumokins - Tulane G Brent Quick
24. Rams - Memphis G Chad Mackey
25. Express - USC CB Anquan Holmes
26. Bills - Mississippi St. TE Santana Blades
27. Pumpkins - Southern OT Curtis Larsen
28. Packers - Nevada DE Darren Gordon
29. Pioneers - Boston College G Tim Moss
30. Giants - Colorado CB Byron Mills
31. Browns - Miami TE Blaine Schwartz
32. Vikings - Georgia Tech TE Hugh Claybrooks

Madden Draft Grades

The following is a list of all user teams ordered by the letter grade given to them and then alphabetically. Take little stock in how you are graded. These are not at all an indicator of the ratings to expect from your rookies nor future performance. They are essentially arbitrary. All AI teams are given A grades.

A
49ers
Jaguars

A-
Falcons
Giants
Patriots
Ravens
Titans

B+
Chiefs

B
Bears
Dolphins
Jets

B-
Bills
Panthers
Raiders

C
Browns
Lions
Steelers

C-
Eagles
Pumpkins

Signing Draft Picks

Quite a few teams have done it already, but now's the time to get those draftees' signatures and have them suit up for your squad. It is essentially just like signing your own free agents, but you don't have to worry about holdouts/franchise tags, and you typically have far fewer players to sign.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind as you read your PM/DM. One, you will not know the overall ratings until they are signed. That is an in-game mechanic and not something by my design. Two, the desired deals for each player, in terms of length, is based on where they were taken. It is as follows:

Top 5 - Six years
6-10 - Five years
11-32 - Four years
2nd-4th rounds - Three years
5th-7th rounds - One year

Once again, you do not have to offer them their exact deals and can change their length, but I advise you to sign them to the length that they ask for because if you change the length, they might ask for considerably more money.

The deadline to sign your rookies will be Wednesday, January 3rd at 6 PM ET. Should you idle, I will sign all your rookies to the deals that they are asking for (such a severe punishment I know). If you have roster or financial issues, then I will prioritize players who will fill roster holes and then in descending order of when they were selected until your roster is filled/you run out of money.

KCF's Favorite Picks

I'm going to go through each round of the NFL Draft and highlight my favorite picks and explain why. For the most part, I look in the early rounds for perfect team fits based on historical production, a visible succession plan to a successful starting job (or immediate starter), players who might be the missing piece to the puzzle, and selections that just make me think, "That guy's going to have a long, productive career somewhere." For the later rounds, I look for players who most likely have a chance of sticking around for a long-ish career for a myriad of reasons. While I do know some of the rookie ratings due to user signings, ratings were not a factor in my analysis nor were players dropping further than expected draft slot. I will also avoid picks that I made, so no. Pumpkins, Raiders, Falcons, or Panthers, and I will try to avoid the Browns, Dolphins, and Giants as there was some discretion involved.

To significantly cut down on time yet again, I think that I will just stick to two players from each of the first three rounds, one from 4-7, and then highlight just one draft class. I may be more generous with the honorable mentions then since I will be making fewer writeups.

First Round

Cowboys DE Josh Sweat (6th overall) - As I stated in my "mock" draft, The Cowboys may have the oldest DL after the Vikings let Adrian Clayborn walk and could really use someone to come into the rotation and be prepared to take over in the near future. I liked Sweat more than Burns because of his run-defense, and . While the defense has still being playing at a great level in spite of the lack of playoff appearances after their dominant run, they are in transition with plenty of pieces moving out to retirement and free agency,

Bengals QB Jorge Sullivan (22nd overall) - The Bengals have a pair of young offensive cornerstones in HB Derrick Henry and WR Kenny Golladay and an OL that may be getting up there in years (youngest starter is 32) but had its best season in who knows how long. Former QB Andy Dalton only had two seasons left, and while his counting stats have remained great, his completion % and by extension passer rating kept dropping to the point that he was 25th in the league there last season (68.3) thanks to a 55.4 completion % that was actually an improvement over S17 (53.9). The offense played at an elite level but it seemed to be in spite of Dalton, so a shakeup with a Top 10 prospect in Sullivan might be what they need to have a Browns-esque offense (#1 overall and went to the SB I may add) this season.

Honorable Mentions
Bills WR Calvin Ridley (10th overall)
Seahawks OLB Dre Greenlaw (13th overall)

Second Round

Lions OT Calvin Throckmorton (33rd overall) - While their first pick would be a contender if I were to do a regret pick (I would still be inclined to go with the Bears or Titans), I really like their second pick. While I would have cleaned house on non-WR/TE offense, they did at least let a couple of starters walk. With HB Alex Collins still on the team, they will probably want to find ways to ensure he can't help them lose games. Short of engaging in a bit of murder, getting better pass-protectors is a good alternative. I would absolutely look to get multiple OL starters in free agency, which means that Throckmorton would ideally not be a Week 1 starter, but I like the process, and unlike many other backups in Detroit over the years, I think he can do well in that role if that is where he stays.

Eagles FS Jordan Whitehead (62nd overall) - The Eagles boast one of the league's best secondaries, and the retired James Riley was one of the more underrated and unheralded DBs in the league. The Eagles have plenty of cap space to grab someone in free agency, but barring that, Whitehead will likely compete with RFA import Shalom Luani for the FS job. The winner will be in good hands.

Honorable Mentions
Orcas CB Jake Law (44th overall)
Pioneers QB Nate Prior (61st overall)

Third Round

Orcas DE Chase Winovich (76th overall) - Incumbent Preston Rogers is about to play his age-35 season, but the peculiar thing with him is that as he as aged, his pass-rushing has improved considerably (three double digit sack seasons in 30s) while his run-defense has cratered (37 tackles the past two seasons). If I were in charge of the Orcas, I might let Rogers walk when his contract runs out after the season. That would give someone like Winovich a shot who profiles as a good pass rusher and above-average run defender.

Rams SS Jaylinn Hawkins (88th overall) - First it was the Broncos, then it was the Dolphins, and now it appears that the Rams could be the current SS factory. Mentioning my mock again, Incumbent SS Scott Morris is down to his final season or two. That will give Hawkins time to thrive as a backup like Skip McGrath and R.J. Schwartz before him until he takes over for the 3-time Pro Bowler.

Honorable Mentions
Titans MLB Neil Norton (80th overall)
Seahawks WR Michael Gallup (93rd overall)

Fourth Round

Jets G DeShaun Frazier (104th overall) - The Jets have a very talented interior OL to where it will probably be hard to expect much playing time for Frazier throughout his rookie contract unless there are multiple injuries in front of him. That being said, I think he could be a great fit for what this offense could look like. Right now, it is so heavily dependent on HB Joe Mixon. Frazier is more of a pass-blocking specialist right now, but once QB Deshaun Watson presumably leaves the team, maybe the next QB for the Jets will make the passing game more prolific, which make Frazier the ideal backup as most interior OL specialize in run-blocking or are balanced with a run-block leaning.

Honorable Mentions
Buccaneers CB Terry Myers (99th overall)
Packers MLB Jerry Simon (124th overall)

Fifth Round

Giants FS Brett Burns (158th overall) - I don't know if he's even going to be signed, but if he does, the Giants won't have the cap to sign anyone else without cutting people, so here's a potential late-round draft pick that may start and won't be expected to be a complete disaster as the Giants have a very good secondary, and the defense overall was in the Top 10.

Honorable Mentions
Jets P Mitch Wishnowsky (136th overall) (it's too easy of a pick that I'm just going to put it in honorable mentions)
Packers DT Joe Keys (156th overall)

Sixth Round

Dolphins FB Deon Haley (177th overall) - Yes, Madden-generated draft-era FBs suck ass. There will be nobody in the same stratosphere as Brian Leonard or Quadtrine Hills nor blockers like David Romaka or Kenny Atkins. That being said, Haley seems like a decent blocker right off the bat, so maybe the Dolphins won't be begging Atkins or Romaka to return to them.

Honorable Mentions
49ers MLB Will Moye (167th overall)
Seahawks SS Ernie Perz (173rd overall)

Seventh Round

Buccaneers WR Norm Fryar (195th overall) - With the caveat that Justin Herbert or another QB is the starter over Trevor Largent, the passing game could be opened up this season. Now there is a lot of competition for targets as their TE and HB are more involved in the passing game than others. There's usually a few late-round WRs that thrive as the #4 WR and get a second contract. I'm siding with the Dartmouth alum.

Honorable Mentions
49ers TE Dewayne Slater (199th overall)
Rams G Chad Mackey (216th overall)

Favorite Draft Classes

Seattle Seahawks
OLB Dre Greenlaw (13th overall)
DE Rasheem Green (45th overall)
C Bernie Buckley (77th overall)
WR Michael Gallup (93rd overall)
SS Ernie Perz (173rd overall)
FS Jose McDaniels (205th overall)

The Seahawks may not have a rich defensive history, but they've always had excellent OLB play, and Greenlaw is their first OLB taken in the first round. I think he will have a great career there. Green will likely not start, but if the Seahawks do not use their massive cap space on a starter opposite Charles Luhr, Green is the favorite. The Seahawks have had a tough time solving their interior OL woes. They brought in G Branden Albert in a trade. Assuming that he starts there and not at LT, that leaves C as the glaring place for improvement. Even if they do grab someone, Buckley will be the top backup and unlike their starting counterparts, backup OL tend to do quite well in Seattle. Gallup was probably who I was going to take in the 4th, so I have to give credit to a division rival for trading up in front of me to grab him. The Seahawks also have a strong history of spreading the ball around, so if Gallup is not the #2 WR this season, I do expect him to be heavily involved nonetheless. Both Perz and McDaniels will presumably be the backup at each safety spot. The Seahawks have a spotty track record with backup safeties, but they will get their time on the field, and that could lead to multiple contracts down the line. Maybe this is not an elite draft class overall, but it is one where everyone should get their opportunities from the start, which could lead to multiple eventual starters from the Green/Buckley/Gallup/Perz group (sorry McDaniels).

Honorable Mentions
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings (both teams had 11 combined Top 100 picks, so I felt it was too easy to make them the lead pick)

Bump

bump for rookie signings and also for me to finally add in some rookies from PMs and also respond to another PM

Keep

All rookies are up and all cap spaces are updated.

To do:
- Start free agency
- Add rookies to team financial sheet
- Rename applicable rookies to NFL players in the game
- Record the draft in my notebook