Positional Tiers

In the NFL, some positions are of the upmost importance and others are not. Below, I broke down different positions into four separate tiers based on how critical they are to team success:

First Tier Positions: All or most of these must be filled with capable players or it’s unlikely your team will have success. The great ones should be paid a premium and held onto as long as possible:

Quarterback: The sky is blue, grass is green, QB is the most important position. Even people who aren’t football fans know this is the most important position in football and probably all sports. You get the most glory for winning and the most hate for losing and deservedly so. If you have Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes you can have a dynasty that lasts for 20 years. If you’re the Browns and you’ve had 38 QBs start from 1999-2023, then you’re in trouble.
Receivers (TE/WR): I’m going to group all pass catchers into one here which may be controversial. All you have to do is look at Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, who are the two greatest TE of all time, and were either the main or one of the main weapons on 7 of the past 10 Super Bowl winners. What makes TE so sneakily amazing is they can put up the production of a WR, while also being able to block in the run game, and being paid much less than WRs are. WRs are still immensely important though. Having a guy like Tyreek Hill or Justin Jefferson is an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses.
Offensive Tackle: Protecting your quarterback is one of the most important jobs a team has and the person mainly responsible for that tends to be the left tackle. However, a great right tackle is a massive asset too, because star edge rushers can lineup on either side of the ball. With so many great edge rushers in the league now and fewer great tackles this position is even more important.
Edge Rusher/Interior Defensive Lineman: I once again group these positions together because while Edge Rushers are typically the guys who put up sacks, great interior defenders like Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, and Justin Madubuike are just as dangerous. These positions are the main weapon against stopping a great QB and offense.

Second Tier: Important positions, but not required to have studs at. It’s okay to let them walk if the price is too high:

Cornerback: With so many great receivers in the league today, having great cornerbacks to shut them down is extremely important. However, a solid overall secondary and a good defensive play caller can also help to slow great players down. This is a position one could argue is in the 1st tier, but I’m comfortable having it at the very top of the 2nd tier.
Off ball Linebacker: This is by no means a necessity for a team to have great players at this position, but it helps. The impact guys like Fred Warner and Roquan Smith have is huge, but it doesn’t stack up to the positions above it.
Interior Offensive Lineman (G/C): Once again, its great to have studs at this position, especially with guys like Chris Jones and Justin Madubuike reeking havoc nowadays. But, a solid bunch is better than a single elite player here.

Third Tier: Positions you should not splurge on.

Running Back: With the rare exception of guys like Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry, teams should not spend big at this position. It’s better to have a group of 3 guys who all compliment each other than one star who may get hurt.
Safety: This is not a position worth spending a lot of money on as it does not have a major impact like the ones in tiers above do.
Kicker: A great luxury, but a solid guy can get the job done. The Ravens have the greatest kicker ever in Justin Tucker, but have done very little recently in the postseason.

Fourth Tier: Really not important. No explanations needed.

Return Man
Fullback
Punter
Long Snapper

NFL Schedule Release

The NFL schedule release being bigger news than the NHL or NBA playoffs shows the popularity of the shield. Some highlights for the Pats and league as a whole:

Patriots

The Pats are tied for the 8th hardest strength of schedule and this will probably be a tough season record wise. The good news is they are starting at rock bottom so they can only go up.

The Pats only “unique” games of the year are a Thursday Night game vs the Jets Week 3 and a London game vs Jags. It makes sense that they aren’t on primetime a lot, but shows how far they have fallen.

Other Highlights

I love that the NFL is now scheduling games whenever they want to. There are two Friday games, including a Week 1 matchup in Brazil and a game on Black Friday. They are also playing two Christmas Day games on Netflix, even though it’s a Wednesday.

The NFL is the most popular league in America and they know it. No matter what day they show a game, people are going to watch.

One thing I don’t get about the NFL schedule is the Monday Night doubleheaders that overlap. I’d understand if they separated them so fans could watch both, but as they are now, fans must choose one or the other, which makes no sense. It’s happening 4 times this year.

Streaming Delimna

The massive news about Netflix showing Christmas Day games emphasizes an annoying trend in sports and streaming in general that is only going to get worse: There are too many streaming platforms people need to pay for. Below are all the streaming services and their prices needed to watch every NFL game next year.

That is crazy. I’ll pay for Sunday Ticket, I have Prime, and I also pay for NFL Plus (another $7 a month to stream games on your phone). For the steaming only games, I’ll have to rely on family, friends, or a local bar- as I’m sure a lot of other people will too.

This all highlights the awkward phase we are in with people moving from cable to streaming. No one under 40 wants to pay for cable, but there are too many streaming services to potentially pay for.

There’s a lot of news about companies bundling services together, especially for sports, and this makes sense. People don’t want to pay for all of these, but if you could somehow bundle all the NFL steamers together, that would be a hot ticket. One day, all the games will probably be streamed, so this will only continue to be a bigger issue.

Patriots New Logo

The Pats have subtly released what seems like a secondary logo (as seen above). It is very odd to release a new logo with absolutely no fanfare whatsoever. Maybe this means they are just experimenting with it and may remove it, if fans aren’t big into it. The current reaction is mostly negative and I have to agree.

The NE is too big and they are trying to do too much by incorporating the Flying Elvis face into the letters while also merging the N and E into one. It’s a little odd, but maybe hints that they are looking for a new logo long term.

Post Draft Thoughts

So much success in the NFL is based on where you play, especially at quarterback. No matter how much talent you have, a terrible organization, coach, and team can derail a career. Now that we know where the top 6 QBs and a couple other top prospects are playing, below I predict how their careers will turn out.

Caleb Williams:

Going to Chicago has historically been where careers go to die for QBs. However, if one QB can buck that trend, it’s Williams. He is so talented and the fact that his pro comparisons are Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes tells you how good he is. Unlike with Justin Fields, the Bears have actually done a great job of surrounding him with amazing weapons and a solid Oline. How great he will be will come down to how well the coaching staff develops him. Regardless, the Bears history of never having a QB throw for 4,000 yards or 30 TDs will end soon.

I think he will be a really good to great QB in the NFL. He will make multiple Pro Bowls and help the Bears compete in a really tough division. My main apprehension with him is he seems like a diva type player. That’s fine with wide receivers like TO and OBJ, but when it comes to quarterback, that type of personality tends to not work out. Look at guys in the league who are star QBs: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, etc. They are not controversial and outspoken personalities. They always say the right things and are tremendous leaders. I just get the vibe that Caleb will not be a great leader and might causes some issues off the field similar to Kyler Murray and Aaron Rodgers. Once again, I think he’ll be really good to great, but will definitely cause some headaches for the Bears.

Jayden Daniels:

It’s great to see another LSU QB have a massive progression, win the Heisman, and be a top pick in the draft. That shows how great his work ethic is. His athleticism is off the charts and he will be one of the most athletic QBs in the league right away. It’s also reassuring that Daniels put up the numbers he did while playing in the best conference in college. He will be able to make an immediate impact and having an OC like Kliff Kingsbury is also a plus.

My one apprehension with him is that he is not super well built. This is something that can be fixed, but with a terrible Oline and being a guy that runs so much, it could be an issue.

Overall, he has a pretty good group of weapons around him with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson at WR and Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr at RB. I think he has an average to solid career as a starter, but is not anything special.

Drake Maye:

I have super high hopes for Maye. He was my favorite QB in this draft, so the fact the Pats got him at #3 is a steal in my opinion. He reminds me a lot of Andrew Luck and Justin Herbert in terms of his combination of size, athleticism, and arm talent. He will just have turned 22 at the start of next season and will have time to develop under Jacoby Brissett. He is extremely tough, is a great kid, and played well through some perseverance and tough situations last year.

The biggest question with Maye has nothing to do with him, but the Patriots. First off, they have the worst roster in the league, especially when it comes to Oline and WR. They drafted some wide receivers and offensive lineman after Maye, but they still need to surround him with weapons and guys who can block. Also, how will the coaches develop him? Jerrod Mayo is a defensive coach so it will mainly be the responsibility of Alex Van Pelt, who is relatively unproven.

I believe he will develop into the Patriots franchise quarterback. He has the tools to succeed in New England, with a big frame and big arm that will serve him well in the terrible Foxboro weather. He obviously won’t be Tom Brady, but I think he can be a better version of Drew Bledsoe. He should be a multiple time Pro Bowler and lead the Pats back to contention for years to come.

Michael Penix Jr:

Easily the biggest shocker of the draft. I was initially shocked by what they did, but the Falcons explaining why they did it helped me make more sense of it. I just don’t agree with their reasoning.

Penix is going to be 24 before the season starts and is maybe the most “pro-ready” QB prospect in the draft. But they drafted him to be the developmental, eventual starter. He should have some good weapons around him when he does start, but when will that be?

They owe Kirk Cousins a ton of money and realistically can’t get out of the contact until 2026 when Penix with be 26 himself. Cousins isn’t amazing but he’s a good enough starter who probably won’t play himself out of the position. With all the uncertainty and an odd situation, I think Penix doesn’t end up being a long-term starter in the league.

J.J. McCarthy:

I like McCarthy, but easily think he was the most overrated player this draft. Compared to the other 5 QBs taken, I think he easily was the worst prospect and was benefited by his team more than any of them. With that being said, he is going to basically the perfect situation. He has a really good offensive coach in Kevin O’Connell, the best WR in the league in Justin Jefferson, a top 3 TE in TJ Hockenson, one of the best young WRs in the league in Jordan Addison, and new RB Aaron Jones. They even have a good offensive line. Furthermore, McCarthy can develop behind Sam Darnold if needed.

I think McCarthy will have a career similar to the man he is replacing – Kirk Cousins. His situation is just too good to be a complete bust. I see him putting up solid numbers but not being a guy who can win his team big games and take them far in the playoffs.

Bo Nix:

Nix lands in a spot with a good head coach, but a team that really lacks weapons. He’s accurate and has a ton of experience, but I just don’t think he has that high of a ceiling. Sean Payton has also been very impatient and critical of his QB and team since taking over and I don’t think that’s a great situation for any rookie QB. I think Nix ends up playing a good bit as a rookie, but I don’t think his career will mount to much and he won’t be a long-term starter.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

I think he is the best player in this class and the most exciting by far. Getting to play for a good QB in Kyler is also huge for him. He’ll be a Day 1 starter and should be an absolute stud for years to come.

Brock Bowers:

I think Bowers fits into the Raiders mold well. The biggest question is who is gonna be the QB throwing him the ball and how good will they be. However, he’s so talented that he should make an immediate impact and he has other weapons around him so defenses can’t just key in on him. He should be a long-term starter and make a handful of Pro Bowls.

Other Quick Points

With 6 QBs taken in the first round and all these other amazing offensive players at marquee positions like WR and OT, I think this draft will go down in history as one of the best ever.

The fact that round 1 of the NFL draft had a higher average viewership than last year’s NBA finals once again shows why football is the king of sports in the US.

Xavier Worthy should be a great pick for Chiefs. He fits in so well with Mahomes and that offense. The Chiefs have rebuilt their WR corps into one of the better ones in the league in just one year, showing why they are the dynasty that they are.

It’s still so early, but the Bears – Panthers trade from last year might go down as the worst trade in NFL history. If Bryce Young ends up being a bust, while Caleb is a stud that’s bad enough. But on top of that, the Bears got one of the best WRs in the league, a starting tackle, a starting CB, and still have another 2nd round pick next year. This is something to keep an eye on.

Patriots Free Agency and Draft Recap

Below are some of the highlights (and some lowlights) of the Pats offseason so far.

Key Additions/Returners:

Drake Maye, QB: Wow, this could not have gone better. He would have been my top choice at QB even if we had the number 1 pick. He’s absolutely our guy. I’m happy we got him some new WRs and offensive linemen because we needed help there and still do. Now we need to let him develop and simaltaneously keep building up the team around him. Don’t have the reason he doesn’t succeed be because we didn’t give him anything to work with. Luckily, the great thing is that he can sit behind Jacoby Brisset for a year if needed and develop while we continue to build up our team in free agency and the draft next year. I don’t like the Joe Milton pick unless they end up moving him to TE. It makes no sense to have two rookie QBs that you need to develop, so hopefully he switches positions.

Ja’Lynn Polk, WR: I have high hopes for Polk. He was overshadowed by Romeo Odunze, but still had a great season for Washington. He’s got great size and should immediately become our WR1. In recent history, many stud WRs have been taken in the early 2nd round, so Polk could develop into a star WR for us.

Caedan Wallace, OT: He is a player with a low floor, but a high ceiling. He could end up contributing nothing or being a great player for years to come. It helps that he can play left tackle or right tackle, so hopefully he can make an impact his rookie year.

Jacoby Brissett, QB: I love signing Brissett to a 1 year deal for $8 mil. It is a perfect low risk move that gives us a potential bridge QB who is a great guy and teammate.

Mike Onwenu, G/T: Signing him to a 3 year deal for $57 mil is a little expensive, but I’m happy they kept him. Having a good offensive line is huge for a young QB and Onwenu can play both guard spots and right tackle so he’s a huge asset. The Pats have let great homegrown offensive lineman like Joe Thuney leave in recent years so I love that we kept Onwenu around.

Kendrick Bourne, WR: I think we overpaid him at 3 years, $33 mil, but its good to have our best WR from last year back. Ideally we draft a couple weapons and he is our number 3 receiver, but he’s still a good guy to have around.

Hunter Henry, TE: I feel similar about this signing as I do with Bourne. That being said, he’s our best red zone option and can be a great safety blanket for a young QB.

Kyle Dugger, S: The Pats placed the transition tag on him, then signed him to a 4 year $58 million deal. He’s a good player and seems like a good guy, but I don’t get why they shelled out such a big deal to a guy who is 28 and doesn’t play a premium position.

Christian Barmore, DT: The Pats signed Barmore to a massive 4 year deal worth up to $92 million. He’s now the 7th highest paid DT in the league and it’s the biggest non-Tom Brady contract in team history. They easily overpaid Barmore. However, the one thing that eases my disagreement is that only about $40 million is guaranteed. Seeing as the Pats have plenty of cap space and no real stars they need to resign soon, it still isn’t a good deal, but isn’t detrimental. Barmore was pretty good last year and let’s hope he now raises his game even more.

Key Depatures:

Mac Jones, QB: This was a great move. Having Mac there would be awkward for our new QB and the fact we got anything for him is huge. A 6th round pick isn’t amazing, but Brady was a 6th round pick so you never know what they could get.

Trent Brown, T: He was by no means that good, but losing your left tackle is important, especially with a new young QB. They need to replace him.

Overall, I’m very happy with how this offseason went. The Pats got their potential franchise QB and some WRs and offensive lineman in the draft, which were their three biggest needs. That shows that they are willing to invest significant time and draft capital into offensive players, which they have been terrible at the last decade plus. They also resigned some key lineman and receivers, while cleaning house by trading away Mac Jones. I don’t expect us to win a lot of games this year, but my hope is our young players can develop and the future will look bright.

Best Players in the 2020 CFP

The 2020 College Football Playoff probably had the most talent we have ever seen in the CFP era. Take a look below at how loaded these teams were:

LSU

Joe Burrow, QB: 2019 All-American and Heisman Trophy Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (1st), NFL Pro Bowler
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB: 2020 1st round pick (32nd), 2x Super Bowl Champion
Ja’Marr Chase, WR: 2019 All-American and Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (5th), NFL All-Pro
Justin Jefferson, WR: 2020 1st Round Pick (22nd), 3x NFL All-Pro, 2022 NFL OPOY, Most receiving yards by a player in their first 4 seasons
K’Lavon Chaisson, DE: 2020 1st Round Pick (20th)
Patrick Queen, LB: 2020 1st Round Pick (28th), NFL All-Pro
Grant Delpit, S: 2x All-American, 2019 Jim Thorpe Award Winner, 2020 2nd Round Pick (44th)
Derek Stingley Jr, CB: 2019 All-American, 2022 1st Round Pick (3rd)

Clemson

Trevor Lawrence, QB: 2020 ACC POY, 2021 1st Round Pick (1st), NFL Pro Bowler
Travis Etienne, RB: 2020 All-American, 2x ACC POY, 2021 1st Round Pick (25th), 2x 1,000 yard rusher in NFL
Tee Higgins, WR: 2020 2nd Round Pick (33rd), 2x 1,000 yard receiver in NFL
Justyn Ross, WR: 1,000 yard receiver in college, 2x Super Bowl Champion
Isaiah Simmons, LB: 2019 All American and Dick Butkus Award Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (8th)
AJ Terrell Jr, CB: 2020 1st Round Pick (16th), NFL All-Pro

Ohio State

Justin Fields, QB: 2x Big Ten OPOY, 2021 1st round Draft Pick (11th)
JK Dobbins, RB: 6th in Heisman voting in 2019, 2,000 yard rusher in college, 2020 2nd Round Pick (55th)
Garrett Wilson, WR: 2022 1st round pick (10th), 2x 1,000 yard receiver in NFL, 2022 NFL OROY
Chris Olave, WR: 2022 1st Round Pick (11th), 2x 1,000 yard receiver in NFL
Jameson Williams, WR: 2022 1st Round Pick (12th)
Wyatt Davis, G: 2x All-American, 2021 3rd Round Pick (86th)
Jonah Jackson, G: 2020 3rd Round Pick (75th), NFL Pro Bowler
Chase Young, DE: 2019 All-American, 2019 Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik Award Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (2nd), NFL Pro Bowler, 2020 NFL DROY
Damon Arnette, CB: 2020 1st Round Pick (19th)
Jeff Okudah, CB: 2019 All-American, 2020 1st Round Pick (3rd)

Oklahoma

Jalen Hurts, QB: 2016 SEC OPOY, 2019 Heisman Runner-up, 2020 2nd Round Pick (53rd), NFL All-Pro
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB: 2021 4th round Pick (120th), 1,000 yard rusher in the NFL
CeeDee Lamb, WR: 2019 All-American, 2020 1st Round Pick (17th), 2x NFL All-Pro
Creed Humphrey, C: 2021 2nd Round Pick (63rd), NFL All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champ
Kenneth Murray, LB: 2020 1st Round Pick (23rd)

As a bonus, check out how good the 2019 Alabama team was who finished ranked EIGHTH in the AP Poll:

Tua Tagovailoa, QB: 2018 All-American and Maxwell Award Winner, 2020 1st Round Pick (5th), led NFL in Passer Rating in 2022, NFL Pro Bowler
Mac Jones, QB: 2020 All-American and Davey O’Brien Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (15th), NFL Pro Bowler
Najee Harris, RB: 2020 All-American and Doak Walker Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (24th), NFL Pro Bowler
Henry Ruggs III, WR: 2020 1st Round Pick (12th)
Jerry Jeudy, WR: 2018 Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner and All-American, 2020 1st round pick (15th)
Jaylen Waddle, WR: 2021 1st Round Pick (6th), 3x 1,000 yard receiver in the NFL
DeVonta Smith, WR: 2020 Heisman Award Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (10th), 2x 1,000 yard receiver in NFL
John Metchie, WR: 2022 2nd Round Pick (44th)
Landon Dickerson, G: 2020 All-American and Dave Rimington Trophy Winner, 2021 2nd Round Pick (37th), 2x NFL Pro Bowler
Alex Leatherwood, T: 2020 All-American and Outland Trophy Winner, 2021 1st Round Pick (17th)
Evan Neal, T: 2021 All-American, 2022 1st Round Pick (7th),
Jedrick Wills Jr, T: 2020 1st Round Pick (10th)
Trevon Diggs: 2020 2nd Round Pick (51st), NFL All-Pro
Patrick Surtain II: 2020 All-American and SEC DPOY, 2021 1st Round Pick (9th), NFL All-Pro

The five teams above provided a whopping 31 first round picks in the 2020-2022 NFL Drafts. An absolute crazy amount of talent on those five squads. If your looking for something to do just pull up some highlights from these teams 2019 seasons and you’ll be entertained for hours.

Belichick vs Kraft Beef Reaction

It’s sad to see what has become of two of the core members of the Pat’s Dynasty. Bill’s name has been dragged through the mud the past four years as people have said he is an incompetent GM and an out of touch coach. Now, its gotten to the point where Bill couldn’t get a job in the latest hiring cycle and his future as a head coach is in jeopardy.

What’s made the Bill situation more awkward is the role that Kraft has seemed to play in the smearing of Bill’s name. Reports have come out for the last five or so years about Kraft not liking Belichick and saying a demeaning thing here and there. But this offseason, it has turned into a full frontal assault on Bill.

First, the documentary, “The Dynasty,” came out. A lot of former Pats have called it terrible, and it seems like a hit piece Kraft helped make to simultaneously shit on Belichick, while also making himself look good so he can get into the Hall of Fame. Now, a report has come out that Kraft has been talking about Bill behind his back to sabotage Bill and prevent him from getting a job. The article stated a big reason for this is that Brady has left and had success and if Bill does the same, then Kraft looks like the reason the Pats dynasty failed and the least important of the three. Kraft’s main hope of looking good is if Bill doesn’t get a job and he can rebuild the Pats to a title contender.

It has gotten to the point that people are now defending Bill and shitting on Kraft, which I never thought I’d see. It’s also important to remember that while I’m sure there’s some truth to all of this, it also is likely getting blown out of proportion to make it into an entertaining story.

Regardless, this is tough as a Pats fan because I really like both of them. I think Bill is the greatest coach and GM ever, and Kraft is the greatest owner of all time. Both completely deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame and every Pats fan should be grateful for both of them. I think time is what’s needed to heal this relationship. After a couple years, I’m sure the beef will mostly subside and they’ll be thankful for each other and what they were able to accomplish together.

Current Quaterbacks Going to the Hall Of Fame

No Doubt

Aaron Rodgers: A four time MVP who throws the prettiest ball of all time. He’ll be a first ballot HOF and no one will bat an eye.

Patrick Mahomes: He is putting up numbers and accolades at a faster pace than any QB ever. It pains me to say, but he will make a run at the NFL GOAT and at minimum should be on the Mt. Rushmore for QBs if he stays healthy.

Lamar Jackson: Every player who has won the MVP award multiple times has or is guaranteed to go to the Hall of Fame. For that reason, plus the fact that he is probably the best athlete and running QB ever, I think Lamar has punched his ticket to Canton and he still should have many productive years left.

Likely In

Russell Wilson: Forget the last two years. He’s a nine time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl Champ, an All-Pro, and the QB of a legendary team. I do think he needs one more MVP/OPOY/All-Pro type season to guarantee himself a spot. The one thing that could keep him out is if his play continues to be this ugly moving forward.

Young, but will eventually make it

Justin Herbert: I think his floor is a Dan Marino type career where his team lets him down but he puts up all time numbers. If he can even win one Super Bowl, I think he goes down as a Top 10 QB ever. Getting Jim Harbaugh will only help him.

Joe Burrow: He is a gamer and a winner. I think the Bengals will win at least one Super Bowl and he’ll have many individual accolades. He’s also the only active QB who has shown he can consistently beat Mahomes.

Missing Out

Josh Allen: His play is absolutely amazing but playing like Superman has its consequences. I think he takes too many hits and it will lead to him having too short of a career to do what he needs to make the Hall.

Matthew Stafford: I don’t get the Hall buzz for Stafford. He has made two Pro Bowls, never been an All-Pro, never been considered a Top 5 QB, and never won a major award. It’s not even a question, he’s out.

Rookie QB Strategy

Every time a team drafts a potential franchise QB, the fanbase is pumped up but often gets let down. The truth is, that a huge determinate of a QB’s success is where they end up. Even a guy like Andrew Luck, who was one of the best QB prospects ever, played great for the Colts but had his career shut down due to his front office not being able to protect him. Below is what I think teams should down before/after drafting their future QB.

First, they need to build the team around him. With few exceptions (i.e. Luck) you can’t just draft a QB onto an awful team and expect things to turn around. It’s much smarter to draft a QB onto a team that has pieces around him. Start with a solid O-Line that can protect him. Then you want 1 or 2 good to great playmakers he can get the ball to and make him look good. Finally, an, at minimum, average defense that won’t lose him games in which he’s played well enough to win.

QBs should play as soon as possible. If a QB isn’t remotely ready or you have a capable guy ahead of him, then I get it. But if he is the best option you have, why not play him and let him get experience? The first year might suck, but if they are going to be a future star, then it should make them better. Trevor Lawrence had Urban Meyer his first year and has still developed into a good QB.

There are 3 types of exits for QBs after you have drafted them. If after one year they show complete ineptitude and are a bad locker room guy, then its time to move on. After year 2, if they have not shown flashes that they can be great, then its time to move on. Finally, by the end of year 3, if they have not developed into a good QB, it is time to move on. Devoting more than 3 years to a guy who isn’t the answer is unwise. Especially because every current star QB who has been drafted the last 10 years, has shown his talent by the end of year 3.

NFL All-Time Team

Offense

QB: Tom Brady

The Super Bowl wins, the career passing records, the longevity and so much more make Brady the undisputed GOAT.

RB: Barry Sanders

This was a tough decision but if you watch Barry Sanders highlights it’s clear why he’s the best running back ever. He was so shifty and made NFL players look like JV players.

WR: Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson

Rice is the undisputed GOAT WR and put up mind boggling stats for two decades, maybe none more impressive than having a 1,200 yard season and being an All-Pro at age 40. “Moss” is literally a verb we use to describe an incredible catch by a WR. That tells you everything you need to know about how good Randy was. Johnson is perfectly nicknamed Megatron as he was not human. 6’5” 240 lbs, ran a 4.3 40, could out leap anyone, and dominated despite being on an awful team his whole career.

TE: Rob Gronkowski

He may not have the longevity of other TEs, but when he played, he absolutely dominated. He was unguardable in the passing game, but what really sets his place as the best TE is his willingness and ability to block. Many older TE could block but weren’t great catchers and many modern TEs are just bigger WRs, but Gronk could do it all.

LT: Anthony Muñoz

The 11x All-Pro and Hall of Famer is the epitome of a perfect left tackle.

LG: Randall McDaniel

McDaniel is not super well-known but was a stalwart at left guard for 14 years.

C: Mike Webster

A star for the Steel Curtain Steelers Dynasty, Webster was part of two All-Decade Teams.

RG: Bruce Matthews

The 10x All-Pro was extremely versatile and could play all over the offensive line.

RT: Joe Thomas

He was a left tackle, but the extremely durable 8x All-Pro played 10,363 snaps in a row and excelled for bad Cleveland teams his whole career.

Defense

Interior DLine: Aaron Donald, JJ Watt

Donald is still active in the league but is still already in the conversation as the greatest defensive player of all time. He has won three DPOY awards and has been wreaking havoc his whole career. Injuries may have cut his prime short, but Watt could make plays from any position on the D-Line and also won three DPOY awards.

Edge Rushers: Lawrence Taylor, Bruce Smith

Lawrence Taylor still lays claim to being the defensive GOAT and is the last defensive player to win MVP. Bruce Smith dominated for two decades and holds the record for most sacks in a career.

Linebackers: Ray Lewis, Mike Singletary, Jack Lambert

As much as I don’t like Lewis, he is the epitome of what a MLB should be and was the heart of a physical Ravens defense his whole career. Mike Singletary was the man in the middle for the greatest defense in NFL history and won two DPOY awards. Jack Lambert was one of the stars of the Steel Curtain Defense that won four Super Bowls in the 70s.

CB: Rod Woodson, Deion Sanders

With 7th All-Pros and 11 Pro Bowls, Rod Woodson is one of the greatest defensive players ever. Prime Time was as flashy as he was dominant and this team wouldn’t be complete without his swagger and skill.

Safeties: Ronnie Lott, Ed Reed

The heart of the defense for those great 1980s 49ers teams could make plays all over the field. Ed Reed was the ultimate centerfielder and was always a threat to produce a takeaway and take one back to the house.

Special Teams

Kicker: Justin Tucker

With more First Team All-Pro selections than any other kicker and the highest field goal percentage of all time, Tucker is a clear choice.

Returner: Devin Hester

The Windy City Flyer had more return touchdowns than any player in NFL history and could take a kick or punt back to the end zone at any point.