Head Coaches Beware Drafting a Quarterback in the First Round—Your Job is at Stake
By Chris Malumphy
Drafting a quarterback in the first round does not bode well for the head coach's job security. Of the 13 quarterbacks drafted in the first round since 2015, only five enter 2019 with their original coach, with five of the teams now on their third coach, if you include the Broncos who moved on from Paxton Lynch but are now on their third coach since drafting him. Of the seven quarterbacks drafted in the top three picks during those years, only Carson Wentz is still with his original coach.
Quarterbacks Drafted in the First Round Since 2015 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Team | Name | Round | Pick | Player | College | Coaches |
2015 | Buccaneers | Jameis Winston | 1 | 1 | 1 | Florida State | Lovie Smith, Dirk Koetter, Brian Flores |
2015 | Titans | Marcus Mariota | 1 | 2 | 2 | Oregon | Ken Whisenhunt, Mike Mularkey, Mike Vrabel |
2016 | Rams | Jared Goff | 1 | 1 | 1 | California | Jeff Fisher, John Fassel, Sean McVay |
2016 | Eagles | Carson Wentz | 1 | 2 | 2 | North Dakota State | Doug Pederson |
2016 | Broncos | Paxton Lynch | 1 | 26 | 26 | Memphis | Gary Kubiak, Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio (with Lynch long gone) |
2017 | Bears | Mitchell Trubisky | 1 | 2 | 2 | North Carolina | John Fox, Matt Nagy |
2017 | Chiefs | Patrick Mahomes | 1 | 10 | 10 | Texas Tech | Andy Reid |
2017 | Texans | Deshaun Watson | 1 | 12 | 12 | Clemson | Bill O'Brien |
2018 | Browns | Baker Mayfield | 1 | 1 | 1 | Oklahoma | Hue Jackson, Gregg Williams, Freddie Kitchens |
2018 | Jets | Sam Darnold | 1 | 3 | 3 | USC | Todd Bowles, Adam Gase |
2018 | Bills | Josh Allen | 1 | 7 | 7 | Wyoming | Sean McDermott |
2018 | Cardinals | Josh Rosen | 1 | 10 | 10 | UCLA | Steve Wilks, Kliff Kingsbury |
2018 | Ravens | Lamar Jackson | 1 | 32 | 32 | Louisville | John Harbaugh |
Draft Status of 2019 Super Bowl Starters
By Chris Malumphy
The Los Angeles Rams will likely start seven 1st round draft picks on defense and three on offense in Super Bowl LIII. The New England Patriots will counter with four 1st round draft picks on defense and two or three on offense depending on whether you consider both Philip Dorset and Cordarrelle Patterson likely to start.
All three members of the Rams' defensive line were selected with picks in the top half of the 1st round: Ndamukong Suh (2010, 2nd pick), Aaron Donald (2014, 13th) and Micheal Brockers (2012, 14th). Two of the Rams linebackers were selected within the top seven picks in the draft: Dante Fowler (2015, 3rd) and Mark Barron (2012, 7th). Both Rams' cornerbacks were selected just after the middle of the 1st round: Marcus Peters (2015, 18th) and Aqib Talib (2008, 20th). Five of the seven Rams' 1st rounders starting on defense were originally drafted by other teams: Suh, Fowler, Barron, Peters and Talib. On offense, the Rams' three 1st rounders all play skill positions: quarterback Jared Goff (2016, 1st), running back Todd Gurley (2015, 10th) and wide receiver Brandin Cooks (Saints, 2014, 20th).
As perennial contenders, the Patriots typically have low draft picks, which is reflected in their starting lineup. On defense, the team has a defensive lineman (Malcolm Brown, 2015, 32nd), a linebacker (Dont'a Hightower, 2012, 25th) and a safety (Devin McCourty, 2010, 27th) selected with the 25th pick or later in the 1st round. The Patriots will also start cornerback Stephon Gilmore, selected with the 10th pick in the 2012 draft by the Buffalo Bills. On offense, the only 1st round pick drafted originally by the Patriots is rookie running back Sony Michel (2018, 31st). Wide receivers Philip Dorset (Colts, 2015, 29th) and Cordarrelle Patterson (Vikings, 2012, 29th) were selected in the first round by other teams and were actually only the 4rd and 5th most productive wideouts on the Patriots in 2018 behind Julian Edelman, the now inactive Josh Gordon and Chris Hogan.
Naturally, 1st round draft picks aren't the only players on the field, and they are not always the best, even on their own teams at the same position as the Patriots' wide receivers reflect. But 1st round choices are players generally considered to have superior athletic ability at the time of the draft. Whether they've harnessed that supposed advantage on the professional playing field is another matter. The Rams went all in on filling their 2018 season starting lineup with high round picks which also includes four 2nd rounders on offense, two obtained from other teams, and another on defense. The Patriots are relying to a greater extent on players selected later in draft. With perhaps the best coach of all time in Bill Belichick going against Sean McVay, the rising coaching star in the NFL, Super Bowl LIII will be a match of contrasting team building styles.
Draft Status of Super Bowl Starters | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rams Offense | ||||||||
Position | Name | Drafted | Team | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
QB | Jared Goff | 2016 | Rams | 1 | 1 | 1 | QB | California |
RB | Todd Gurley | 2015 | Rams | 1 | 10 | 10 | RB | Georgia |
RB | C.J. Anderson | 2013 | RB | California | ||||
WR | Brandin Cooks | 2014 | Saints | 1 | 20 | 20 | WR | Oregon State |
WR | Robert Woods | 2013 | Bills | 2 | 9 | 41 | WR | USC |
WR | Josh Reynolds | 2017 | Rams | 4 | 10 | 117 | WR | Texas A&M |
TE | Tyler Higbee | 2016 | Rams | 4 | 12 | 110 | TE | Western Kentucky |
LT | Andrew Whitworth | 2006 | Bengals | 2 | 23 | 55 | T | Louisiana State |
LG | Rodger Saffold | 2010 | Rams | 2 | 1 | 33 | T | Indiana |
C | John Sullivan | 2008 | Vikings | 6 | 21 | 187 | C | Notre Dame |
RG | Austin Blythe | 2016 | Colts | 7 | 27 | 248 | C | Iowa |
RT | Rob Havenstein | 2015 | Rams | 2 | 25 | 57 | T | Wisconsin |
Rams Defense | ||||||||
Position | Name | Drafted | Team | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
LE | Michael Brockers | 2012 | Rams | 1 | 14 | 14 | DT | Louisiana State |
NT | Ndamukong Suh | 2010 | Lions | 1 | 2 | 2 | DT | Nebraska |
RE | Aaron Donald | 2014 | Rams | 1 | 13 | 13 | DT | Pittsburgh |
OLB | Samson Ebukam | 2017 | Rams | 4 | 19 | 125 | LB | Eastern Washington |
ILB | Mark Barron | 2012 | Buccaneers | 1 | 7 | 7 | DB | Alabama |
ILB | Cory Littleton | 2016 | LB | Washington | ||||
OLB | Dante Fowler | 2015 | Jaguars | 1 | 3 | 3 | LB | Florida |
CB | Marcus Peters | 2015 | Chiefs | 1 | 18 | 18 | DB | Washington |
CB | Aqib Talib | 2008 | Buccaneers | 1 | 20 | 20 | DB | Kansas |
FS | Lamarcus Joyner | 2014 | Rams | 2 | 9 | 41 | DB | Florida State |
SS | John Johnson III | 2017 | Rams | 3 | 27 | 91 | DB | Boston College |
Rams Special Teams | ||||||||
Position | Name | Drafted | Team | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
K | Greg Zuerlein | 2012 | Rams | 6 | 1 | 171 | K | Missouri Western |
P | Johnny Hekker | 2012 | P | Oregon State | ||||
KR | JoJo Natson | 2017 | WR | Akron | ||||
PR | JoJo Natson | 2017 | WR | Akron | ||||
LS | Jake McQuaide | 2011 | G | Ohio State | ||||
H | Johnny Hekker | 2012 | P | Oregon State | ||||
ST | Micah Kiser | 2018 | Rams | 5 | 10 | 147 | LB | Virginia |
Patriots Offense | ||||||||
Position | Name | Drafted | Team | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
QB | Tom Brady | 2000 | Patriots | 6 | 33 | 199 | QB | Michigan |
RB | Sony Michel | 2018 | Patriots | 1 | 31 | 31 | RB | Georgia |
RB | James White | 2014 | Patriots | 4 | 30 | 130 | RB | Wisconsin |
RB | Rex Burkhead | 2013 | Bengals | 6 | 22 | 190 | RB | Nebraska |
WR | Julian Edelman | 2009 | Patriots | 7 | 23 | 232 | WR | Kent State |
WR | Chris Hogan | 2011 | WR | Monmouth | ||||
WR | Phillip Dorsett | 2015 | Colts | 1 | 29 | 29 | WR | Miami (FL) |
WR | Cordarrelle Patterson | 2013 | Vikings | 1 | 29 | 29 | WR | Tennessee |
TE | Rob Gronkowski | 2010 | Patriots | 2 | 10 | 42 | TE | Arizona |
LT | Trent Brown | 2015 | 49ers | 7 | 27 | 244 | G | Florida |
LG | Joe Thuney | 2016 | Patriots | 3 | 15 | 78 | G | North Carolina State |
C | David Andrews | 2015 | C | Georgia | ||||
RG | Shaquille Mason | 2015 | Patriots | 4 | 32 | 131 | C | Georgia Tech |
RT | Marcus Cannon | 2011 | Patriots | 5 | 7 | 138 | T | Texas Christian |
Patriots Defense | ||||||||
Position | Name | Drafted | Team | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
LE | Trey Flowers | 2015 | Patriots | 4 | 2 | 101 | DE | Arkansas |
DT | Lawrence Guy | 2011 | Packers | 7 | 30 | 233 | DT | Arizona State |
DT | Malcom Brown | 2015 | Patriots | 1 | 32 | 32 | DT | Texas |
RE | Deatrich Wise Jr. | 2015 | Patriots | 4 | 25 | 131 | DE | Arkansas |
OLB | Kyle Van Noy | 2014 | Lions | 2 | 8 | 40 | LB | Brigham Young |
MLB | Elandon Roberts | 2016 | Patriots | 6 | 39 | 214 | LB | Houston |
OLB | Dont'a Hightower | 2012 | Patriots | 1 | 25 | 25 | LB | Alabama |
CB | Jason McCourty | 2009 | Titans | 6 | 30 | 203 | DB | Rutgers |
CB | Stephon Gilmore | 2012 | Bills | 1 | 10 | 10 | DB | South Carolina |
FS | Devin McCourty | 2010 | Patriots | 1 | 27 | 27 | DB | Rutgers |
SS | Patrick Chung | 2009 | Patriots | 2 | 2 | 34 | DB | Oregon |
Patriots Special Teams | ||||||||
Position | Name | Drafted | Team | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
K | Stephen Gostkowski | 2006 | Patriots | 4 | 21 | 118 | K | Memphis |
P | Ryan Allen | 2013 | P | Louisiana Tech | ||||
KR | Cordarrelle Patterson | 2013 | Vikings | 1 | 29 | 29 | WR | Tennessee |
WR | Julian Edelman | 2009 | Patriots | 7 | 23 | 232 | WR | Kent State |
LS | Joe Cardona | 2015 | Patriots | 5 | 30 | 166 | C | Navy |
H | Ryan Allen | 2013 | P | Louisiana Tech | ||||
ST | Matt Slater | 2008 | Patriots | 5 | 18 | 153 | WR | UCLA |
2018 Thousand Yard Rushers—A Young Man’s Game
By Chris Malumphy
In 2018, the Year of the Almighty Passing Game, nine players rushed for more than 1,000 yards. The nine running backs include five players selected in the first round of their drafts, two from the second round, a sixth rounder and one who was signed as a free agent after going undrafted. Each of the first rounders were top ten picks: Saquon Barkley (2nd, 2018, Giants), Ezekiel Elliott (4th, 2016, Cowboys), Adrian Peterson (7th, 2007, Vikings), Christian McCaffrey (8th, 2017, Panthers) and Todd Gurley (10th, 2015, Rams). Players drafted in the second round surpassing 1,000 yards rushing in 2018 were Derrick Henry (45th player overall, 2016, Titans) and Joe Mixon (48th, 2017, Bengals). Chris Carson was selected by the Seahawks in the seventh round, the 249th player drafted in 2017. The Broncos signed Philip Lindsay after he went undrafted in 2018.
Four of the 1,000 yard rushers were the first running back selected in their draft: Adrian Peterson (2007), Todd Gurley (2015), Ezekiel Elliott (2016) and Saquon Barkley (2018). Two others were the second running back selected: Derrick Henry (2016) and Christian McCaffrey (2017). Joe Mixon was the fourth running back selected in 2017 while Chris Carson was 29th the same year. Philip Lindsay was undrafted even though 21 running backs were selected in 2018.
Only the Rams' Todd Gurley repeated the feat from 2017. Gurley holds another distinction. Other than the ageless Adrian Peterson who was drafted way back in 2007, Gurley entered the league longest ago, in 2015. Gaining 1,000 yards on the ground in 2018 was certainly a young man's game.
2018 Thousand Yard Rushers | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 Team | Name Round-Pick-Player | Yards Rushing | RBs Before | Running Backs Drafted Before | Running Backs Drafted After |
Cowboys | Ezekiel Elliott 2016-1-4-4 | 1434 | 0 | Derrick Henry, Kenyan Drake, C.J. Prosise, Tyler Ervin, Kenneth Dixon, Devontae Booker, DeAndre Washington, Paul Perkins, Jordan Howard, Wendell Smallwood, Jonathan Williams, Alex Collins, Andy Janovich, Keenan Reynolds, Dan Vitale, Derek Watt, Kelvin Taylor, Darius Jackson, Dwayne Washington, Daniel Lasco, Keith Marshall, Zac Brooks | |
Giants | Saquon Barkley 2018-1-2-2 | 1307 | 0 | Rashaad Penny, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, Ronald Jones, Kerryon Johnson, Derrius Guice, Royce Freeman, Nyheim Hines, Mark Walton, Ito Smith, Kalen Ballage, Chase Edmonds, Jordan Wilkins, John Kelly, Boston Scott, Trenton Cannon, David Williams, Bo Scarbrough, Nick Bawdon, Justin Jackson | |
Rams | Todd Gurley 2015-1-10-10 | 1251 | 0 | Melvin Gordon, T.J. Yeldon, Ameer Abdullah, Tevin Coleman, Duke Johnson Jr., David Johnson, Matt Jones, Jeremy Langford, Jalston Fowler, Javorius Allen, Mike Davis, David Cobb, Jay Ajayi, Karlos Williams, Michael Burton, Cameron Artis-Payne, Josh Robinson, Aaron Ripkowski, Marcus Murphy, Joey Iosefa, Kenny Hilliard | |
Bengals | Joe Mixon 2017-2-16-48 | 1168 | 3 | Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook | Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, D'Onta Foreman, James Conner, Samaje Perine, Tarik Cohen, Joe Williams, Donnel Pumphrey, Jamaal Williams, Wayne Gallman, Marlon Mack, Brian Hill, Jeremy McNichols, T.J. Logan, Aaron Jones, Elijah McGuire, Alex Armah, De'Angelo Henderson, Sam Rogers, Brandon Wilson, Devante Mays, Marquez Williams, Khalfani Muhammad, Elijah Hood, Chris Carson, Matthew Dayes |
Seahawks | Chris Carson 2017-7-31-249 | 1151 | 28 | Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, D'Onta Foreman, James Conner, Samaje Perine, Tarik Cohen, Joe Williams, Donnel Pumphrey, Jamaal Williams, Wayne Gallman, Marlon Mack, Brian Hill, Jeremy McNichols, T.J. Logan, Aaron Jones, Elijah McGuire, Alex Armah, De'Angelo Henderson, Sam Rogers, Brandon Wilson, Devante Mays, Marquez Williams, Khalfani Muhammad, Elijah Hood | Matthew Dayes |
Panthers | Christian McCaffrey 2017-1-8-8 | 1098 | 1 | Leonard Fournette | Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, D'Onta Foreman, James Conner, Samaje Perine, Tarik Cohen, Joe Williams, Donnel Pumphrey, Jamaal Williams, Wayne Gallman, Marlon Mack, Brian Hill, Jeremy McNichols, T.J. Logan, Aaron Jones, Elijah McGuire, Alex Armah, De'Angelo Henderson, Sam Rogers, Brandon Wilson, Devante Mays, Marquez Williams, Khalfani Muhammad, Elijah Hood, Chris Carson, Matthew Dayes |
Titans | Derrick Henry 2016-2-14-45 | 1059 | 1 | Ezekiel Elliott | Kenyan Drake, C.J. Prosise, Tyler Ervin, Kenneth Dixon, Devontae Booker, DeAndre Washington, Paul Perkins, Jordan Howard, Wendell Smallwood, Jonathan Williams, Alex Collins, Andy Janovich, Keenan Reynolds, Dan Vitale, Derek Watt, Kelvin Taylor, Darius Jackson, Dwayne Washington, Daniel Lasco, Keith Marshall, Zac Brooks |
Redskins | Adrian Peterson 2007-1-7-7 | 1042 | 0 | Marshawn Lynch, Kenny Irons, Chris Henry, Brian Leonard, Brandon Jackson, Lorenzo Booker, Tony Hunt, Garrett Wolfe, Michael Bush, Antonio Pittman, Dwayne Wright, Le'Ron McClain, Kolby Smith, Oren O'Neal, Reagan Mauia, Thomas Clayton, Deon Anderson, Justise Hairston, Derek Schouman, DeShawn Wynn, Nate Ilaoa, Jason Snelling, Kenneth Darby, Ahmad Bradshaw | |
Broncos | Philip Lindsay 2018 undrafted | 1037 | 21 | Saquon Barkley, Rashaad Penny, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, Ronald Jones, Kerryon Johnson, Derrius Guice, Royce Freeman, Nyheim Hines, Mark Walton, Ito Smith, Kalen Ballage, Chase Edmonds, Jordan Wilkins, John Kelly, Boston Scott, Trenton Cannon, David Williams, Bo Scarbrough, Nick Bawdon, Justin Jackson |
2018 Season Playoff Quarterbacks
By Chris Malumphy
Statistics for 2018 Playoff Quarterbacks (Includes Regular Season and Playoff Games) | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Team | Att | Comp | Pct | Yds | Avg Att | Avg Comp | TD | Pct TD | Int | Pct Int | Sacked | Yds Lost | Pct Sacked | QB Rating | ANY/A | Sack Int Pct | Rush Yds |
Drew Brees | Saints | 527 | 392 | 74.4 | 4293 | 8.1 | 11.0 | 34 | 6.5 | 6 | 1.1 | 19 | 139 | 3.5 | 114.8 | 8.36 | 4.6 | 22 |
Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | 621 | 410 | 66.0 | 5375 | 8.7 | 13.1 | 50 | 8.1 | 12 | 1.9 | 30 | 197 | 4.6 | 112.0 | 8.66 | 6.5 | 280 |
Russell Wilson | Seahawks | 454 | 298 | 65.6 | 3681 | 8.1 | 12.4 | 36 | 7.9 | 7 | 1.5 | 52 | 362 | 10.3 | 110.6 | 7.36 | 11.7 | 390 |
Philip Rivers | Chargers | 591 | 394 | 66.7 | 4799 | 8.1 | 12.2 | 35 | 5.9 | 13 | 2.2 | 35 | 225 | 5.6 | 102.0 | 7.49 | 7.7 | 22 |
Deshaun Watson | Texans | 554 | 374 | 67.5 | 4400 | 7.9 | 11.8 | 27 | 4.9 | 10 | 1.8 | 65 | 402 | 10.5 | 100.2 | 6.60 | 12.1 | 627 |
Jared Goff | Rams | 590 | 379 | 64.2 | 4874 | 8.3 | 12.9 | 32 | 5.4 | 13 | 2.2 | 33 | 225 | 5.3 | 98.9 | 7.55 | 7.4 | 120 |
Tom Brady | Patriots | 614 | 409 | 66.6 | 4698 | 7.7 | 11.5 | 30 | 4.9 | 11 | 1.8 | 21 | 147 | 3.3 | 98.3 | 7.33 | 5.0 | 34 |
Andrew Luck | Colts | 707 | 468 | 66.2 | 5018 | 7.1 | 10.7 | 42 | 5.9 | 16 | 2.3 | 21 | 161 | 2.9 | 97.2 | 6.84 | 5.1 | 194 |
Dak Prescott | Cowboys | 591 | 398 | 67.3 | 4377 | 7.4 | 11.0 | 24 | 4.1 | 9 | 1.5 | 58 | 365 | 8.9 | 96.3 | 6.30 | 10.3 | 337 |
Mitchell Trubisky | Bears | 477 | 315 | 66.0 | 3526 | 7.4 | 11.2 | 25 | 5.2 | 12 | 2.5 | 26 | 155 | 5.2 | 94.9 | 6.62 | 7.6 | 430 |
Nick Foles | Eagles | 266 | 184 | 69.2 | 1880 | 7.1 | 10.2 | 10 | 3.8 | 8 | 3.0 | 10 | 55 | 3.6 | 89.2 | 6.03 | 6.5 | 16 |
Lamar Jackson | Ravens | 199 | 113 | 56.8 | 1395 | 7.0 | 12.3 | 8 | 4.0 | 4 | 2.0 | 23 | 128 | 10.4 | 83.6 | 5.62 | 12.2 | 706 |
3-4 Defenses Top 4-3s in 2018 Regular Season
By Chris Malumphy
Teams that used a base 3-4 defense did better than those typically in a 4-3 alignment in 2018. The four teams allowing the fewest points during the regular season all used a 3-4 defense. Overall, 3-4 teams allowed 22.5 points per game and finished with a 104-86-2 (.547) record. Teams using a 4-3 allowed 23.9 points per game average, 1.4 points than 3-4 teams, and were 150-168-2 (.472) overall. Twelve teams used 3-4 schemes versus 20 using the 4-3 alignment as a base defense.
Of the twelve teams that made the playoffs, five used the 3-4 alignment. Thus, 5/12 or nearly 42% of the teams that used the 3-4 scheme made the playoffs. Conversely, 7/20 or 35% of the 4-3 teams made the playoffs. However, after losses by the Bears, Ravens and Texans, the only 3-4 teams still with a chance to go to Super Bowl LIII are the Chiefs and the Rams.
Points Allowed by Team with Type of Defense | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Team | Defense | PA | Defensive Passing Rating | Defensive ANY/A | Defensive Rushing Avg | Record |
Bears | 3-4 | 283 | 72.9 | 4.12 | 3.77 | 12-4-0 (0.750) |
Ravens | 3-4 | 287 | 80.6 | 5.22 | 3.75 | 10-6-0 (0.625) |
Titans | 3-4 | 303 | 88.4 | 5.94 | 4.34 | 9-7-0 (0.563) |
Texans | 3-4 | 316 | 92.7 | 6.36 | 3.44 | 11-5-0 (0.688) |
Jaguars | 4-3 | 316 | 84.4 | 5.52 | 4.31 | 5-11-0 (0.313) |
Cowboys | 4-3 | 324 | 95.7 | 6.52 | 3.78 | 10-6-0 (0.625) |
Patriots | 4-3 | 325 | 85.4 | 5.87 | 4.92 | 11-5-0 (0.688) |
Chargers | 4-3 | 329 | 89.1 | 6.01 | 4.29 | 12-4-0 (0.750) |
Vikings | 4-3 | 341 | 83.3 | 5.24 | 4.13 | 8-7-1 (0.531) |
Colts | 4-3 | 344 | 93.5 | 6.12 | 3.92 | 10-6-0 (0.625) |
Seahawks | 4-3 | 347 | 94.3 | 6.49 | 4.95 | 10-6-0 (0.625) |
Eagles | 4-3 | 348 | 92.6 | 6.36 | 4.67 | 9-7-0 (0.563) |
Broncos | 3-4 | 349 | 90.6 | 6.20 | 4.46 | 6-10-0 (0.375) |
Saints | 4-3 | 353 | 100.3 | 7.01 | 3.60 | 13-3-0 (0.813) |
Redskins | 3-4 | 359 | 95.1 | 6.28 | 4.50 | 7-9-0 (0.438) |
Lions | 4-3 | 360 | 102.7 | 7.17 | 4.37 | 6-10-0 (0.375) |
Steelers | 3-4 | 360 | 95.2 | 6.27 | 4.17 | 9-6-1 (0.594) |
Bills | 4-3 | 374 | 82.6 | 4.90 | 4.18 | 6-10-0 (0.375) |
Panthers | 4-3 | 382 | 99.6 | 6.92 | 4.70 | 7-9-0 (0.438) |
Rams | 3-4 | 384 | 93.8 | 6.25 | 5.07 | 13-3-0 (0.813) |
Browns | 4-3 | 392 | 83.4 | 5.70 | 4.71 | 7-8-1 (0.469) |
Packers | 3-4 | 400 | 100.9 | 7.07 | 4.29 | 6-9-1 (0.406) |
Giants | 3-4 | 412 | 89.8 | 6.45 | 4.27 | 5-11-0 (0.313) |
Chiefs | 3-4 | 421 | 92.7 | 6.27 | 5.00 | 12-4-0 (0.750) |
Falcons | 4-3 | 423 | 98.3 | 6.65 | 4.89 | 7-9-0 (0.438) |
Cardinals | 4-3 | 425 | 96.1 | 6.07 | 4.86 | 3-13-0 (0.188) |
Dolphins | 4-3 | 433 | 94.1 | 6.69 | 4.79 | 7-9-0 (0.438) |
49ers | 4-3 | 435 | 105.2 | 7.46 | 4.09 | 4-12-0 (0.250) |
Jets | 3-4 | 441 | 93.1 | 6.54 | 4.59 | 4-12-0 (0.250) |
Bengals | 4-3 | 455 | 100.0 | 7.32 | 4.72 | 6-10-0 (0.375) |
Buccaneers | 4-3 | 464 | 110.9 | 7.74 | 4.65 | 5-11-0 (0.313) |
Raiders | 4-3 | 467 | 101.0 | 8.00 | 4.69 | 4-12-0 (0.250) |
Patriots Rob Gronkowski Tied for Second in All-Time Playoff TD Receptions
By Chris Malumphy
The STATHEAD newsletter published a list of players with 10 or more TD receptions in the playoffs. I've added their career regular season stats to see who made most of their reputation via playoff production. The Patriots Rob Gronkowski, the only active player on the list in this year's playoffs, has a chance to move into sole possession of second place behind Jerry Rice in playoff touchdown receptions. Gronk is currently tied with the Steelers' John Stallworth.
Stallworth had 16% of his overall career touchdown receptions come in the playoffs, the most of any player on the list. Former Packer and Eagle Antonio Freeman is second with 14.1%. The Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (7.9%) and ex Viking, Raider, Patriot, Titan and 49ers (phew!) Randy Moss (6.0%) had the fewest percentage of their overall career touchdown receptions in the playoffs.
Of the non-active players on the list, only Antonio Freeman and ex-Steeler Hines Ward are not in the Hall of Fame.
Players with 10 or More Touchdown Receptions in Playoffs (Entering Divisional Round of 2018 Season Playoffs) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Playoffs | Regular Season | Playoff Percentage | |||
Yards Receiving | TD Receptions | Yards Receiving | TD Receptions | Yards Receiving | TD Receptions | |
Jerry Rice* | 2245 | 22 | 22895 | 197 | 8.9% | 10.0% |
Rob Gronkowski | 972 | 12 | 7861 | 79 | 11.0% | 13.2% |
John Stallworth* | 1054 | 12 | 8273 | 63 | 11.3% | 16.0% |
Fred Biletnikoff* | 1167 | 10 | 8974 | 76 | 11.5% | 11.6% |
Larry Fitzgerald | 942 | 10 | 16279 | 116 | 5.5% | 7.9% |
Antonio Freeman | 823 | 10 | 7251 | 61 | 10.2% | 14.1% |
Randy Moss* | 977 | 10 | 15292 | 156 | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Hines Ward | 1181 | 10 | 12083 | 85 | 8.9% | 10.5% |
* Hall of Famers |
Ed Reed, Tony Gonzalez and Champ Bailey Among Top Finalists for Hall of Fame
By Chris Malumphy
The 2019 NFL Hall of Fame selections will be announced on the eve of Super Bowl LIII. There are 15 modern era finalists, two contributors and a senior nominee waiting to learn whether they will be enshrined. While each of the 18 candidates has his backers and can make a good case for enshrinement, only four to eight new members will be selected.
The modern era nominees include seven offensive and six defensive stalwarts as well as two head coaches. No quarterbacks are under consideration, although one individual who played the position for over a decade may get in for his success as a coach.
The offensive players include running back Edgerrin James, wide receiver Isaac Bruce, tight end Tony Gonzalez, tackle Tony Boselli, guards Steve Hutchinson and Alan Faneca and center Kevin Mawae.
Modern era defensive finalists include one interior lineman and five defensive backs: defensive tackle Richard Seymour, cornerbacks Champ Bailey and Ty Law, and safeties Steve Atwater, Ed Reed and John Lynch. The coaches are Don Coryell and Tom Flores. The senior nominee finalist also comes from the defensive backfield: Johnny Robinson.
The finalists as contributors are Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and former Dallas Cowboy personnel evaluation guru Gil Brandt.
Though tough to predict, it would be difficult to imagine a Hall of Fame that did not ultimately include Ed Reed, Tony Gonzalez and Champ Bailey. Pat Bowlen and Gil Brandt are also probable shoe-ins. That leaves some mighty fine talent left for less than a handful of other potential spots this year. In a league which now sports 32 franchises and 53-man rosters many fan favorites with substantial contributions to the game over many years will remain destined to be looking in from the outside of the Hall. It is quite a shame, and perhaps the Hall of Fame should consider establishing another, slightly lower, level of accolade to help preserve the memories and contributions of the numerous others who have shaped America's favorite professional sport. Unless that happens numerous contributors, including many standouts who played somewhat "invisible" positions will never receiver their proper due.
2019 NFL Hall of Fame Nominees | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Modern Era Finalists | |||||||
Position | Name | Draft | Team | Round | Pick | Player | College |
RB | Edgerrin James | 1999 | Colts | 1 | 4 | 4 | Miami (FL) |
WR | Isaac Bruce | 1994 | Rams | 2 | 4 | 33 | Memphis |
TE | Tony Gonzalez | 1997 | Chiefs | 1 | 13 | 13 | California |
T | Tony Boselli | 1995 | Jaguars | 1 | 2 | 2 | USC |
G | Steve Hutchinson | 2001 | Seahawks | 1 | 17 | 17 | Michigan |
G | Alan Faneca | 1998 | Steelers | 1 | 26 | 26 | Louisiana State |
C | Kevin Mawae | 1994 | Seahawks | 2 | 7 | 36 | Louisiana State |
DT | Richard Seymour | 2001 | Patriots | 1 | 6 | 6 | Georgia |
DB | Champ Bailey | 1999 | Redskins | 1 | 7 | 7 | Georgia |
DB | Steve Atwater | 1989 | Broncos | 1 | 20 | 20 | Arkansas |
DB | Ty Law | 1995 | Patriots | 1 | 23 | 23 | Michigan |
DB | Ed Reed | 2002 | Ravens | 1 | 24 | 24 | Miami (FL) |
DB | John Lynch | 1993 | Buccaneers | 3 | 26 | 82 | Stanford |
Coach | Don Coryell | Washington | |||||
Coach/QB | Tom Flores | Pacific | |||||
Senior Finalist | |||||||
Position | Name | Draft | Team | Round | Pick | Player | College |
DB | Johnny Robinson | 1960 | NFL Lions AFL Texans | 1 1 | 3 -- | 3 -- | Louisiana State |
Contributing Finalists | |||||||
Position | Name | Draft | Team | Round | Pick | Player | College |
Owner | Pat Bowlen | Oklahoma | |||||
Evaluator | Gil Brandt | Wisconsin |
The 2019 Coaching Carousel is Underway
By Chris Malumphy
Black Monday has arrived for NFL coaches and the 2019 NFL coaching carousel is officially underway. During the season the Cleveland Browns sent Hue Jackson packing and the Green Bay Packers dismissed Mike McCarthy despite a Super Bowl ring and a .618 career winning percentage. Within 24 hours of the end of the regular season, six other coaches met their demise. After one season, the Arizona Cardinals decided Steve Wilks wasn't the answer to their turnaround efforts after just one year on the job. At the other end of the spectrum, Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown decided that the second longest tenured coach in the league, Marvin Lewis, would be dismissed after 16 seasons. In Denver, the revered John Elway will be on his fourth coach in six years after Vance Joseph couldn't make steak out of the quarterbacks Elway provided him like Trevor Siemian, Case Keenum and Paxton Lynch. Perhaps coaching isn't the problem in Denver. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired Dirk Koetter after the coach failed to develop the talents of quarterback Jameis Winston into victories. Dissension in the ranks didn't allow Adam Gase to survive in Miami despite posting a near .500 record with little consistency from his quarterbacks. Todd Bowles couldn't keep losing in New York even though the Jets front office didn't provide him with any viable hope at the most important position on the field until this season. It doesn't appear that the Packers will stick with interim head coach Joe Philbin and the Browns are dithering over whether Gregg Williams' 5-3 record is good enough to retain the position.
With eight firings thus far, 25% of the 32 NFL head coaching positions are in flux. Of the 24 franchises that haven't made changes, 16 have head coaches with winning records for their careers, only six teams are sticking with coaches that have losing records, only two of whom started their tenure with the team prior to 2017: the Redskins Jay Gruden (2014) and the Jaguars Doug Marrone (2016).
There are lots of candidates to fill the vacancies. Among them are a slew of former NFL head coaches, promising coordinators and assistants and a handful of college coaches that NFL teams appear willing to consider. Top candidates appear to include Mike McCarthy, Josh McDaniels (a seeming perennial on these lists), Oklahoma mastermind Lincoln Riley and Adam Gase, who may have some explaining to do about why Dolphins ownership found him wanting. Coordinators and assistant coaches with outside shots include: Brian LeFlores, Matt LaFleur, Eric Bieniemy, Matt Eberflus, Dave Troub and Freddie Kitchens. College coaches include: Pat Fitzgerald, Jim Harbaugh (who took the 49ers to the Super Bowl) and Matt Campbell. Former head coaches, some who've had some success, but perhaps not enough, include Gregg Williams (hoping to hang on with the Browns), Mike Munchak, Dennis Allen, Jim Schwartz, Dan Campbell and Hue Jackson who may land the job in Cincinnati. Others who have no current coaching position but have had relatively recent success include: Bruce Arians, Jim Caldwell, Lovie Smith and John Fox. Only Arians seems to be even mentioned from that group.
2019 Coaching Carousel Underway | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coach | Career | Current Tenure | 2018 | |||||||||||||
W | L | T | Pct | Tenure | Team | W | L | T | Pct | W | L | T | Pct | |||
Sean McVay | 24 | 8 | 0 | 0.750 | 2017 | Rams | 24 | 8 | 0 | 0.750 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0.813 | ||
Matt Nagy | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0.750 | 2018 | Bears | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0.750 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0.750 | ||
Bill Belichick | 261 | 123 | 0 | 0.680 | 2000 | Patriots | 225 | 79 | 0 | 0.740 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0.688 | ||
Mike Tomlin | 125 | 66 | 1 | 0.654 | 2007 | Steelers | 125 | 66 | 1 | 0.654 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 0.594 | ||
Anthony Lynn | 21 | 12 | 0 | 0.636 | 2017 | Chargers | 21 | 11 | 0 | 0.656 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0.750 | ||
Frank Reich | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0.625 | 2018 | Colts | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0.625 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0.625 | ||
Bruce Arians | 49 58* | 30 33* | 1 1* | 0.619 0.635* | 2019 | Buccaneers | ||||||||||
Mike McCarthy | 125 | 77 | 2 | 0.618 | 2006 | Packers | 125 | 77 | 2 | 0.618 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0.375 | ||
Sean Payton | 118 | 74 | 0 | 0.615 | 2006 | Saints | 118 | 74 | 0 | 0.615 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 0.813 | ||
Andy Reid | 195 | 124 | 1 | 0.611 | 2013 | Chiefs | 65 | 31 | 0 | 0.677 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0.750 | ||
Doug Pederson | 29 | 19 | 0 | 0.604 | 2016 | Eagles | 29 | 19 | 0 | 0.604 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0.563 | ||
Mike Zimmer | 47 | 32 | 1 | 0.594 | 2014 | Vikings | 47 | 32 | 1 | 0.594 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0.531 | ||
John Harbaugh | 104 | 72 | 0 | 0.591 | 2008 | Ravens | 104 | 72 | 0 | 0.591 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0.625 | ||
Pete Carroll | 122 | 85 | 1 | 0.589 | 2010 | Seahawks | 89 | 54 | 1 | 0.622 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0.625 | ||
Jason Garrett | 77 | 59 | 0 | 0.566 | 2010 | Cowboys | 77 | 59 | 0 | 0.566 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0.625 | ||
Mike Vrabel | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0.563 | 2018 | Titans | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0.563 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 0.563 | ||
Dan Quinn | 36 | 28 | 0 | 0.563 | 2015 | Falcons | 36 | 28 | 0 | 0.563 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0.438 | ||
Ron Rivera | 71 | 56 | 1 | 0.559 | 2011 | Panthers | 71 | 56 | 1 | 0.559 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0.438 | ||
Bill O'Brien | 42 | 38 | 0 | 0.525 | 2014 | Texans | 42 | 38 | 0 | 0.525 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0.688 | ||
Marvin Lewis | 131 | 122 | 3 | 0.518 | 2003 | Bengals | 131 | 122 | 3 | 0.518 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0.375 | ||
Jon Gruden | 99 | 93 | 0 | 0.516 | 2018 | Raiders | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0.250 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0.250 | ||
Adam Gase | 23 | 25 | 0 | 0.479 | 2016 2019 | Dolphins Jets | 23 | 25 | 0 | 0.479 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0.438 | ||
Doug Marrone | 31 | 35 | 0 | 0.470 | 2016 | Jaguars | 16 | 18 | 0 | 0.471 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 0.313 | ||
Sean McDermott | 15 | 17 | 0 | 0.469 | 2017 | Bills | 15 | 17 | 0 | 0.469 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0.375 | ||
Joe Philbin | 27 | 31 | 0 | 0.466 | 2018 | Packers | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.500 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.500 | ||
Jay Gruden | 35 | 44 | 1 | 0.444 | 2014 | Redskins | 35 | 44 | 1 | 0.444 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0.438 | ||
Gregg Williams | 26 | 36 | 0 | 0.419 | 2018 | Browns | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 | ||
Dirk Koetter | 19 | 29 | 0 | 0.396 | 2016 | Buccaneers | 19 | 29 | 0 | 0.396 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 0.313 | ||
Todd Bowles | 26 | 41 | 0 | 0.388 | 2015 | Jets | 24 | 40 | 0 | 0.375 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0.250 | ||
Matt Patricia | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0.375 | 2018 | Lions | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0.375 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0.375 | ||
Vance Joseph | 11 | 21 | 0 | 0.344 | 2017 | Broncos | 11 | 21 | 0 | 0.344 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0.375 | ||
Kyle Shanahan | 10 | 22 | 0 | 0.313 | 2017 | 49ers | 10 | 22 | 0 | 0.313 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0.250 | ||
Pat Shurmur | 15 | 34 | 0 | 0.306 | 2018 | Giants | 5 | 11 | 0 | 0.313 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 0.313 | ||
Hue Jackson | 11 | 44 | 1 | 0.205 | 2016 | Browns | 3 | 36 | 1 | 0.088 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0.313 | ||
Steve Wilks | 3 | 13 | 0 | 0.188 | 2018 | Cardinals | 3 | 13 | 0 | 0.188 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 0.188 | ||
Matt LaFleur | 2019 | Packers | ||||||||||||||
Kliff Kingsbury | 2019 | Cardinals | ||||||||||||||
Freddie Kitchens | 2019 | Browns | ||||||||||||||
Vic Fangio | 2019 | Broncos | ||||||||||||||
Zac Taylor | 2019 | Bengals | ||||||||||||||
Brian Flores | 2019 | Dolphins | ||||||||||||||
* Includes Arians' 9-3 record with the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 while filling in for Coach Chuck Pagano who was battling cancer. The NFL has attributed that record to Pagano even though he was not on the sidelines for those games. |
2018 NFL Regular Season Statistical Leaders
By Chris Malumphy
2018 Regular Season Statistical Leaders
- Passing
- Passing for Season (minimum 100 attempts)
- Passing for Season
- Week 17 Passing
- Week 17 Passing by Game
- QBs Drafted in 2018
- QBs Drafted in 2017
- QBs Drafted in 2016
- QBs Drafted in 2015
- QBs Drafted in 2014
- Rushing
- Pass / Run Ratio
- Receiving
- Receiving for Season
- Week 17 Receiving
- Week 17 Receiving by Game
- WRs Drafted in 2018
- WRs Drafted in 2017
- TEs Drafted in 2018
- TEs Drafted in 2017
- Touchdowns Rushing and Receiving
- Sacks
- Interceptions
- Bad Offensive Plays (sacked, intercepted, fumbles, fumbles lost, turnovers
- Specialists
2018 Statistics by Team | |||
---|---|---|---|
49ers Bears Bengals Bills Broncos Browns Buccaneers Cardinals |
Chargers Chiefs Colts Cowboys Dolphins Eagles Falcons Giants |
Jaguars Jets Lions Packers Panthers Patriots Raiders Rams |
Ravens Redskins Saints Seahawks Steelers Texans Titans Vikings |
Draft Status of the 2018 Season Pro Bowl Selections
By Chris Malumphy
The initial selections have been made for the 2019 Pro Bowl teams. Long-snappers will be selected later by the Pro Bowl coaches and alternates will undoubtedly be added to the rosters in place of players who will miss the game due to injury or participation in the Super Bowl. While the selection method may be flawed, those who made the Pro Bowl rosters are recognized as among the best at their positions. It is therefore enlightening to see where these players were selected in their respective NFL drafts to see whether NFL front offices are able to identify top players at draft time and to note which players have exceeded expectations.
Naturally, the overwhelming number of Pro Bowl players were selected in the early rounds of their draft but the results vary considerably by position.
Of the six quarterbacks picked for the 2019 Pro Bowl, four were 1st round draft choices. The two that weren't also happen to be the oldest starting quarterbacks in the NFL: Tom Brady (2000, 6th round, 199th player) and Drew Brees (2001, 2nd round, 32nd player). Brady is the player who was selected latest in a draft to make this year's team.
Each of the 6 outside linebackers selected to play in the 2019 Pro Bowl were drafted in the 1st round, including four with top ten picks, and none later than the 23rd selection. In addition, the inside linebackers were all 1st and 2nd round selections. If you need a linebacker in the draft don't delay, it seems that the best go mighty early.
Teams also grab the top cornerbacks early with all eight of the 2019 Pro Bowl selections going within the top 38 picks of their draft, including six 1st rounders (three within the top 5 choices) and two 2nd rounders, the latest with the 7th pick in that round.
While the running back position has been denigrated in recent years, four of the six 2019 Pro Bowlers were selected within the first 15 picks in their draft. Only 3rd rounder James Conner of the Steelers and the undrafted Phillip Lindsay of the Broncos provide evidence supporting the position that topflight running backs can be overlooked early.
Conversely, the only wide receiver selected in the top half of a draft to make the 2019 Pro Bowl team was the Falcons Julio Jones. Moreover three of the eight wide receivers were drafted, if at all, only after more than 160 players had been selected.
Per usual, the best offensive tackles tend to be selected in the top half of the 1st round. Four of the six who made the 2019 Pro Bowl roster were among the top 11 picks in their draft.
Guards were evenly split between 1st and 3rd rounders. Three of the four centers were drafted in the middle of the first round with the fourth being selected near the midpoint of round two. Note that the brothers Pouncey nabbed both of the AFC center positions.
The defensive ends were generally high draft picks with four 1st rounders (J.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Melvin Ingram and Cameron Jordan), a high 2nd rounder (DeMarcus Lawrence) and a late 3rd rounder (Danielle Hunter).
The selections for interior defensive linemen included 1st rounders Aaron Donald, Fletcher Cox and Cameron Heyward, 3rd round choices Jurrell Casey and Akiem Hicks, and 4th rounder Geno Atkins.
Three of the six safeties (both strong and free) were 1st rounders with two 2nd rounders and a 4th rounder.
Shoutouts are due to undrafted players who made the 2019 Pro Bowl at starting offensive positions including: Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Alejandro Villanueva.
No undrafted player was selected for a defensive position.
Several undrafted players were selected for their standout play on special teams with big markets dominating the action. New York city provides both place kickers with the Jets providing Jason Myers and the Giants Aldrick Rojas, both undrafted. The city of Los Angeles counters by sending both special team selections, each undrafted: the Chargers Adrian Phillips joined by the Rams Cory Littleton. Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern was also undrafted.
Of course, since being selected to the Pro Bowl team is somewhat more like winning a popularity contest than being technically certified as the best at your position. Nevertheless, the players picked are generally held in high regard.
As an aside, isn't it mildly confusing that the players recognized as the best during the 2018 season are identified with the 2019 Pro Bowl. Sure the game is played in 2019. But gee-whiz, when someone wants to look up who were the best players during the 2018 season, should they really have to look at the "2019" Pro Bowl selections.
Draft Status of 2018 Season Pro Bowl Selections | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | 2017 | Chiefs | 1 | 10 | 10 | QB | Texas Tech |
AFC | Philip Rivers | Chargers | 2004 | Giants | 1 | 4 | 4 | QB | North Carolina State |
AFC | Tom Brady | Patriots | 2000 | Patriots | 6 | 33 | 199 | QB | Michigan |
NFC | Drew Brees | Saints | 2001 | Chargers | 2 | 1 | 32 | QB | Purdue |
NFC | Jared Goff | Rams | 2016 | Rams | 1 | 1 | 1 | QB | California |
NFC | Aaron Rodgers | Packers | 2005 | Packers | 1 | 24 | 24 | QB | California |
Running Backs | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | James Conner | Steelers | 2017 | Steelers | 3 | 41 | 105 | RB | Pittsburgh |
AFC | Melvin Gordon | Chargers | 2015 | Chargers | 1 | 15 | 15 | RB | Wisconsin |
AFC | Phillip Lindsay | Broncos | Colorado | ||||||
NFC | Todd Gurley | Rams | 2015 | Rams | 1 | 10 | 10 | RB | Georgia |
NFC | Saquon Barkley | Giants | 2018 | Giants | 1 | 2 | 2 | RB | Penn State |
NFC | Ezekiel Elliott | Cowboys | 2016 | Cowboys | 1 | 4 | 4 | RB | Ohio State |
Fullbacks | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Anthony Sherman | Chiefs | 2011 | Cardinals | 5 | 5 | 136 | RB | Connecticut |
NFC | Kyle Juszczyk | 49ers | 2013 | Ravens | 4 | 33 | 130 | RB | Harvard |
Wide Receivers | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | DeAndre Hopkins | Texans | 2013 | Texans | 1 | 27 | 27 | WR | Clemson |
AFC | Tyreek Hill | Chiefs | 2016 | Chiefs | 5 | 28 | 165 | WR | West Alabama |
AFC | Antonio Brown | Steelers | 2010 | Steelers | 6 | 26 | 195 | WR | Central Michigan |
AFC | Keenan Allen | Chargers | 2013 | Chargers | 3 | 14 | 76 | WR | California |
NFC | Julio Jones | Falcons | 2011 | Falcons | 1 | 6 | 6 | WR | Alabama |
NFC | Michael Thomas | Saints | 2016 | Saints | 2 | 16 | 47 | WR | Ohio State |
NFC | Adam Thielen | Vikings | Minnesota State | ||||||
NFC | Davante Adams | Packers | 2014 | Packers | 2 | 21 | 53 | WR | Fresno State |
Tight Ends | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Travis Kelce | Chiefs | 2013 | Chiefs | 3 | 1 | 63 | TE | Cincinnati |
AFC | Eric Ebron | Colts | 2014 | Lions | 1 | 10 | 10 | TE | North Carolina |
NFC | Zach Ertz | Eagles | 2013 | Eagles | 2 | 3 | 35 | TE | Stanford |
NFC | George Kittle | 49ers | 2017 | 49ers | 5 | 2 | 146 | TE | Iowa |
Tackles | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Taylor Lewan | Titans | 2014 | Titans | 1 | 11 | 11 | T | Michigan |
AFC | Alejandro Villanueva | Steelers | Army | ||||||
AFC | Eric Fisher | Chiefs | 2013 | Chiefs | 1 | 1 | 1 | T | Central Michigan |
NFC | Tyron Smith | Cowboys | 2011 | Cowboys | 1 | 9 | 9 | T | USC |
NFC | Terron Armstead | Saints | 2013 | Saints | 3 | 13 | 75 | T | Arkansas-Pine Bluff |
NFC | Trent Williams | Redskins | 2010 | Redskins | 1 | 4 | 4 | T | Oklahoma |
Guards | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | David DeCastro | Steelers | 2012 | Steelers | 1 | 24 | 24 | G | Stanford |
AFC | Marshal Yanda | Ravens | 2007 | Ravens | 3 | 23 | 86 | G | Iowa |
AFC | Quenton Nelson | Colts | 2018 | Colts | 1 | 6 | 6 | G | Notre Dame |
NFC | Zack Martin | Cowboys | 2014 | Cowboys | 1 | 16 | 16 | T | Notre Dame |
NFC | Brandon Brooks | Eagles | 2012 | Texans | 3 | 13 | 76 | G | Miami (OH) |
NFC | Trai Turner | Panthers | 2014 | Panthers | 3 | 28 | 92 | G | Louisiana State |
Centers | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Maurkice Pouncey | Steelers | 2010 | Steelers | 1 | 18 | 18 | C | Florida |
AFC | Mike Pouncey | Chargers | 2011 | Dolphins | 1 | 15 | 15 | G | Florida |
NFC | Alex Mack | Falcons | 2009 | Browns | 1 | 21 | 21 | C | California |
NFC | Max Unger | Saints | 2009 | Seahawks | 2 | 17 | 49 | C | Oregon |
Defensive Ends | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | J.J. Watt | Texans | 2011 | Texans | 1 | 11 | 11 | DE | Wisconsin |
AFC | Myles Garrett | Browns | 2017 | Browns | 1 | 1 | 1 | DE | Texas A&M |
AFC | Melvin Ingram | Chargers | 2012 | Chargers | 1 | 18 | 18 | DE | South Carolina |
NFC | Cameron Jordan | Saints | 2011 | Saints | 1 | 24 | 24 | DE | California |
NFC | DeMarcus Lawrence | Cowboys | 2014 | Cowboys | 2 | 2 | 34 | DE | Boise State |
NFC | Danielle Hunter | Vikings | 2015 | Vikings | 3 | 24 | 88 | DE | Louisiana State |
Interior Defensive Linemen | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Geno Atkins | Bengals | 2010 | Bengals | 4 | 22 | 120 | DT | Georgia |
AFC | Jurrell Casey | Titans | 2011 | Titans | 3 | 13 | 77 | DT | USC |
AFC | Cameron Heyward | Steelers | 2011 | Steelers | 1 | 31 | 31 | DE | Ohio State |
NFC | Aaron Donald | Rams | 2014 | Rams | 1 | 13 | 13 | DT | Pittsburgh |
NFC | Fletcher Cox | Eagles | 2012 | Eagles | 1 | 12 | 12 | DT | Mississippi State |
NFC | Akiem Hicks | Bears | 2012 | Saints | 3 | 26 | 89 | DE | Regina |
Inside Linebackers | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | C.J. Mosley | Ravens | 2014 | Ravens | 1 | 17 | 17 | LB | Alabama |
AFC | Benardrick McKinney | Texans | 2015 | Texans | 2 | 11 | 43 | LB | Mississippi State |
NFC | Luke Kuechly | Panthers | 2012 | Panthers | 1 | 9 | 9 | LB | Boston College |
NFC | Bobby Wagner | Seahawks | 2012 | Seahawks | 2 | 15 | 47 | LB | Utah State |
Outside Linebackers | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Von Miller | Broncos | 2011 | Broncos | 1 | 2 | 2 | LB | Texas A&M |
AFC | Jadeveon Clowney | Texans | 2014 | Texans | 1 | 1 | 1 | DE | South Carolina |
AFC | Dee Ford | Chiefs | 2014 | Chiefs | 1 | 23 | 23 | DE | Auburn |
NFC | Khalil Mack | Bears | 2014 | Raiders | 1 | 5 | 5 | LB | Buffalo |
NFC | Ryan Kerrigan | Redskins | 2011 | Redskins | 1 | 16 | 16 | LB | Purdue |
NFC | Anthony Barr | Vikings | 2014 | Vikings | 1 | 9 | 9 | LB | UCLA |
Cornerbacks | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Xavien Howard | Dolphins | 2016 | Dolphins | 2 | 7 | 38 | DB | Baylor |
AFC | Jalen Ramsey | Jaguars | 2016 | Jaguars | 1 | 5 | 5 | DB | Florida State |
AFC | Stephon Gilmore | Patriots | 2012 | Bills | 1 | 10 | 10 | DB | South Carolina |
AFC | Denzel Ward | Browns | 2018 | Browns | 1 | 4 | 4 | DB | Ohio State |
NFC | Kyle Fuller | Bears | 2014 | Bears | 1 | 14 | 14 | DB | Virginia Tech |
NFC | Patrick Peterson | Cardinals | 2011 | Cardinals | 1 | 5 | 5 | DB | Louisiana State |
NFC | Darius Slay | Lions | 2013 | Lions | 2 | 4 | 36 | DB | Mississippi State |
NFC | Byron Jones | Cowboys | 2015 | Cowboys | 1 | 27 | 27 | DB | Connecticut |
Free Safeties | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Derwin James | Chargers | 2018 | Chargers | 1 | 17 | 17 | DB | Florida State |
AFC | Eric Weddle | Ravens | 2007 | Chargers | 2 | 5 | 37 | DB | Utah |
NFC | Eddie Jackson | Bears | 2017 | Bears | 4 | 5 | 112 | DB | Alabama |
NFC | Harrison Smith | Vikings | 2012 | Vikings | 1 | 29 | 29 | DB | Notre Dame |
Strong Safeties | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Jamal Adams | Jets | 2017 | Jets | 1 | 6 | 6 | DB | Louisiana State |
NFC | Landon Collins | Giants | 2015 | Giants | 2 | 1 | 33 | DB | Alabama |
Punters | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Brett Kern | Titans | Toledo | ||||||
NFC | Michael Dickson | Seahawks | 2018 | Seahawks | 5 | 12 | 149 | P | Texas |
Kickers | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Jason Myers | Jets | Marist | ||||||
NFC | Aldrick Rosas | Giants | Southern Oregon | ||||||
Return Specialists | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Andre Roberts | Jets | 2010 | Cardinals | 3 | 24 | 88 | WR | Citadel |
NFC | Tarik Cohen | Bears | 2017 | Bears | 4 | 13 | 119 | RB | North Carolina A&T |
Special Teams | |||||||||
Conference | Name | Team | Drafted | Drafted By | Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
AFC | Adrian Phillips | Chargers | Texas | ||||||
NFC | Cory Littleton | Rams | Washington |
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