American Team (Red)
National Team (Blue)
News
FBGP’s 2018 Tropical Bowl Practices – Day 2: OL vs DL
FBGP’s 2018 Tropical Bowl Practice – Day 2: WR vs DBs
American Team (Red)
National Team (Blue)
Tune in tomorrow LIVE at 9:00am EST for the Tropical Bowl on FloFootball.com
FBGP’s 2018 Tropical Bowl Report: Practice 1
Emory Hunt, FBGP Analyst
Day 1, Practice 1 of the 2018 Spiral Tropical Bowl took place today in a windy New Smyrna Beach stadium. The teams are broken up into 2 separate squads, American (Red) & National (Blue). From what I personally saw, there were 16 NFL Teams (CLE, TEN, KC, NYJ, MIA, OAK, IND, GB, BUF, HOU, PIT, DET, JAX, TB, DAL, PHI) and 2 CFL Teams (Saskatchewan & Ottawa) in attendance at practice.
The National Team took the practice field first and here’s a few of the notes I gathered from that session:
- Georgia Southern RB Alfred Ramsby plays at a different speed level than everyone else. Ramsby showcase the speed and acceleration that made him a productive player with the Eagles.
- The National Team secondary I thought got the better of the receivers today. North Carolina DB Donnie Miles looked to be the leader of the group getting guys on the same page from a communication standpoint.
- Local Product Jamaal Burgess (Bethune-Cookman) was solid in coverage during 1-on-1 periods.
- So was Middle Tennessee State CB Mike Minter Jr. The 6’0 180lb Minter showed great closing speed on the ball.
- Central Arkansas’ George Odum was a star OLB at UCA, but today he was getting work as a pseudo-Strong Safety and was able to acclimate himself very well in that role. He moves fluid enough to make that switch seamless.
- Linebacker Junior Joseph of UConn and DB Devin Butler of Syracuse were other players who stood out defensively.
- Florida State’s Ermon Lane, who’s played all over for the Seminoles, was putting in work as a corner and as a safety today. Got to give him credit for working outside of his comfort zone in this type of setting. Excited to see him compete in the game.
- Offensively, the star of the day was WR Teo Redding of Bowling Green. Redding made a few spectacular catches in 1-on-1 period. He showed the ability to track the ball and ‘slow it down with his eyes’ to make an off-balanced catch.
- I thought Georgia State’s DE Mackendy Cheridor (6’5 270) had a strong day in OL vs DL drills.
The American Team didn’t have the benefit of ‘perfect’ weather per se. It was still very windy and a light rain showed up also. However, that didn’t stop the pads from poppin’ and didn’t stop guys from making plays.
Here’s a few notes from the 2nd practice:
- TCU WR Taj Wiliams was strong in individual periods and also in 1-on-1s. His footwork and release off the LOS was both good and consistent. He looks calm and comfortable in his process.
- RB JJ Green (Georgia Tech) is an explosive player coming out of the backfield. He’s going to be a legit weapon in the passing game.
- I thought QB Richard Lagow threw the ball well today, especially in 1-on-1s.
- I really like how Tennessee CB Shaq Wiggins competes. His eyes, hips and feet are always in unison.
- TE Tanner Hudson of Southern Arkansas stands out as one of better TEs in this game. He has smooth, all-around game.
- DT Dee Liner (Arkansas State), DT Teko Powell (UAB) and DT Joshua Frazier (Alabama) were excellent today. All three showcased a good combination of strength and quickness off the ball to defeat the OL in pass rush drills.
- Eastern Michigan’s DT Derrick Dunlap made a few plays in team period.
- Linebacker Deion Pierre (Samford) is a terrific front seven player; he also more than held his own in 1-on-1s.
- Georgia Tech’s KeShun Freeman was extremely quick off the ball and showed a vicious spin move as a part of his pass rushing arsenal.
- Cal Poly Center Joseph Kuperman was flat out dominant today in 1-on-1s. I can’t recall him getting beat often IF at all.
- I like what I saw in the secondary from UTSA’s Nate Gaines and Louisville’s Malik Williams. Both guys show good instincts and range.
- Austin Olsen out of Southern Illinois is built like a pro offensive lineman…and definitely played like one today.
- WR Allenzae Staggers has a great feel for playing the position. He was able to use his body to shield the defender from the ball multiple times today. It was the type of nuance you’d expect to see from someone who’s played a lot of football.
- Benedict College’s Okechi Ntiasagwe caught the football extremely well today. Perfect in his technique and showed strong hands to secure the ball.
Here’s a look at some of the video clips from today!
FBGP’s 2018 NFL Offseason Outlook: Chicago Bears
—
Chris James: What Went Right for the Bears
The Chicago fan base has longed for something on which they can hang their proverbial hat. The 2017 draft ended up being that thing as the Bears moved on from the teams of Urlacher & Briggs. Though slight in selections, the Bears hit on all five draft picks.
The Trubisky selection seemed odd after paying Mike Glennon 19 million in guaranteed money. We soon saw positive signs from their rookie QB. Another unheralded player from a less than “premier” position came on late in Adam Shaheen, the TE out of Ashland. They also nabbed two playmakers in the 4th that affected all three phases of the game. Eddie Jackson showed his worth throughout the season accounting for 2 defensive TDs. Tarik Cohen was the early darling of the NFL season as he made exciting play after exciting play. Cohen ended up accounting for 4 TDs in four different ways. He had a receiving TD, a rushing TD, a punt return TD, and a passing TD.
The last thing that went right was the organization parting ways with the previous coaching staff. Things became stale. The offense looked far too stale for a couple of seasons and was only helped by the talent that’s been added to the roster. An offensive minded coach the likes Josh McDaniels or Pat Shurmur could be helpful.
Follow Chris on Twitter @cjflorida9
—
Gene Clemons: What Went Wrong for the Bears
Chicago paid 16 million dollars to find out what we already knew about Mike Glennon, he’s
a backup. They moved up one spot and gave up two, third round picks and a fourth round pick and will discover their “franchise quarterback” is a young Josh McCown.
The quarterback play, or lack thereof, essentially fired John Fox. They had a defense, special teams, and running game good enough to win. Many blame the receivers, and while they are definitely due for some upgrades, the quarterback ineptitude can’t be ignored.
Now the Bears find themselves without a head coach and an overall direction direction for the team. The winter should be chilly once again in Chicago.
Follow Gene on Twitter @geneclemons
—
Brandon Howard: Grading the Bears Rookies
Chicago Bears B
The Bears will need to focus on acquiring more weapons for rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in 2018 but the team did not do a poor job of collecting young talent last offseason. Running back Tarik Cohen proved the Bears’ brass correct for taking him in the fourth round. The Bears also found tight end Adam Shaheen out of Ashland in the second round who posted three touchdowns in his rookie season. Safety Eddie Jackson has a nose for the football and will give Chicago’s offense extra possessions with his range and ball skills.
Follow Brandon on Twitter @bhoward_81
—
Turron Davenport: Where Do the Bears Go From Here
The first thing the Bears need to do is figure out who would be their head coach. They are already connected to Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
With young franchise quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in place, it’s not likely that Chicago will go for a defensive minded head coach. That’s where DeFilippo comes into play. It’s well documented how DeFilippo has been instrumental in the development of Carson Wentz.
The Bears would like to see that same kind of growth from Trubisky. They will need to replicate what the Eagles did by adding playmakers to help the young quarterback.
At No. 8 overall, they could entertain a wide receiver in the second round where Washington’s Dante Pettis should be a target. The Bears could also add a veteran receiver such as Jeff Janis if he doesn’t re-sign with the Packers.
Chicago is in a good position running back wise. They have a thunder and lightning combo of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen that is more than capable of carrying the load. Left tackle is a position that could be filled with their first-round pick.
The Bears need to address their cornerback situation, however. Their 2014 first-round pick Kyle Fuller fell out of favor and will be given the green light to walk via free agency. With the No. 7 overall pick, Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick could be an option to come in and join former college teammate Eddie Jackson in the Bears’ secondary.
Letting former head coach John Fox go means they’ll likely lose defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. That could spark a change in personnel if the next regime doesn’t utilize a 3-4 defense. That being said, the Bears may need to have some changeover at defensive end and linebacker if they implement a 4-3 front.
Follow Turron on Twitter @TDavenport_NFL
—
What We Thought about the Chicago Bears Entering the 2017 Season
—
FBGP’s 2018 NFL Offseason Outlook: Tampa Bay Bucs
—
Chris James: What Went Right for the Bucs
I’ll start by admitting that this was my pick to win the NFC South. The Bucs were the ONLY team that didn’t have a chance to take the division this season; MY BAD. So, what went right for the Bucs in a season that saw them underperform constantly?
Jameis Winston learned how to throw the ball like an NFL QB. There is plenty of time for the former top pick to progress as Winston is STILL 23 at the time of this write-up. This will be a process with Winston, but the tremendous upside is worth the effort. There was also the emergence of a match-up nightmare named OJ Howard. He will become a large piece of the offense as the coaching staff gains more comfort with him.
The defense had its stars play like stars throughout the year. Players like Gerald McCoy, Kwon Alexander, and Lavonte David stepped up. David was the clear stand out as he forced and recovered 5 fumbles in only 13 starts. Additional help was gained with rookie LB Kendall Beckwith finding his way into the starting lineup at SLB.
A massive positive for the Bucs is the glutton of young talent on this roster. Couple this talent with a high draft pick and a 4th place divisional schedule. The Bucs could be in for a great 2018 campaign.
Follow Chris on Twitter @cjflorida9
—
Gene Clemons: What Went Wrong with the Bucs
Sometimes injuries hinder opportunity. Other times, it’s bad decisions made by coaches. In Tampa Bay’s case it was both!
The defense was never fully healthy all season. That included time being missed by Pro 
Bowl linebackers Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David, All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, and a slew of defensive back injuries. The offensive line sustained many injuries as well, but the biggest problem was most likely made by the coach and general manager.
GM Jason Licht and head coach Dirk Koetter believed they could turn pro bowl guard Ali Marpet into a pro bowl center. While the Hobart graduate didn’t perform poorly, his loss who was truly felt at the guard position which struggle all season. In essence it took one really strong position and turn them into two weaker positions.
That lack of productivity on the line resulted in a substandard run game and spotty pass protection. Quarterback Jameis Winston took the brunt of the blame and the pain to go along with it. He missed his first games of his young career due to injury and fumbled the ball a league leading 15 times en route to a disappointing 2017 for the Bucs.
Follow Gene on Twitter @geneclemons
—
Brandon Howard: Grading the Bucs Rookies
Tampa Bay Buccaneers B-
The Buccaneers acquired ultra-athletic tight end O.J. Howard in the first round of the 2017 draft and he provided another target for franchise quarterback Jameis Winston. Howard finished his rookie season on injured reserve with an ankle injury, but prior to the injury, he amassed 432 yards and six touchdowns on a mere 26 receptions. The Buccaneers added another pass-catcher in Round 3 in wide receiver Chris Godwin. Godwin averaged 15.3 yards per reception and started two games as a rookie. Inside linebacker Kendell Beckwith was the Buccaneers other third-round pick, and started eight games despite coming off of an ACL injury in his final season at LSU.
Follow Brandon on Twitter @bhoward_81
—
Turron Davenport: Where do the Bucs Go From Here
The Bucs capped off a disappointing season on a high note thanks to a 31 – 24 win over their division rival the New Orleans Saints. What was supposed to be a season in which they took a step forward, fell apart under second-year coach Dirk Koetter.
Their offense sputtered despite the additions of rookies O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin as well as veteran wideout DeSean Jackson. Somehow Koetter survived the dismal season 
and is set to return as the head coach.
Doug Martin has a $6.75 million cap hit next year but would cost nothing if Tampa decides to release him. If they want to take their offense to the next level, drafting a back like USC’s Ronald Jones III at the top of the second round would be a good move.
Other than running back, they are set on offense. The offensive line is solid and Jameis Winston will always give the Bucs a chance to win.
It’s the defense that will need help. Boston College defensive end Harold Landry should be the selection for them with the No. 7 pick. He instantly upgrades the pass rush which is an area that needs to be addressed.
The secondary is another area that needs to be addressed. Brent Grimes is a pending free agent that should be brought back the right price. Tampa will have plenty of cap space, so making a run at a top-tier free agent such as Trumaine Johnson or Malcolm Butler could be in play.
Regardless of what happens, 2018 is a do or die year for Koetter. The third-year head coach absolutely has to make the playoffs. If he doesn’t at least do that, there will be another head coach manning the sidelines at Raymond James Stadium.
Follow Turron on Twitter: @TDavenport_NFL
—
What We Thought About the Bucs Entering the 2017 Season
—
FBGP’s 2018 NFL Offseason Outlook: New York Jets
—
Chris James: What Went Right with the Jets
First and foremost, the Jets won more than a quarter of their games. This was an accomplishment that not many analysts, including myself, thought the 2017 Jets would pull off with their preseason roster. The defense looked good throughout most of the season, as the addition of two stud safeties allowed for Todd Bowles to run his intended scheme. Rookies Jamal Adams & Marcus Maye were the Jets’ first two selections respectively and they didn’t disappoint.
The offensive side of the ball got much need leadership in journeyman quarterback Josh McCown. There were weeks when he looked like a top 10 caliber signal caller. The Jets also found a gem in wide receiver Robbie Anderson who continues to refine his skills as a viable starter. Value was added opposite of Anderson with the acquisition of Jermaine Kearse, a veteran with a Superbowl ring.
The thing that went the most “right” for the Jets was how the players performed for head coach, Todd Bowles. There were rumblings of him being fired if this didn’t go well in New York. Instead we go a team that laid down in exactly zero contest during the 2017 season.
Follow Chris on Twitter @cjflorida9
—
Gene Clemons: What Went Wrong for the Jets
The Jets came into the season with no hopes of the playoffs because of the decision made at quarterback. They decided to go with the guy who has been given every opportunity to 
be a starter in the league and failed, a guy who’s probably a career backup, and a guy who looks like a quarterback but plays like someone who should not be in the league.
Josh McCown played okay for Josh McCown. But inevitably, anyone watching can tell that he’s a guy who’s better suited as a stopgap rather than a solution. When he injured himself and they turned to Bryce Petty, it was evident that he was competent enough to be in the league, however, not talented enough to be a starter. Third string quarterback in Penn State alum Christian Hackenberg, was clearly so bad that the coaching staff felt no need to even give him minutes in a game.
The Jets won five games despite this obvious fail by its front office, which begs the question, would they have been a playoff team in a rather weak AFC if they have pursued a starting quarterback? How can the Jets fan base have any confidence that they will turn this high draft pick into a franchise quarterback, when they have been unable to do so over the last few years when there have been plenty to choose from?
Follow Gene on Twitter @geneclemons
—
Brandon Howard: Grading the Jets Rookies
New York Jets B
The Jets found a gem in first-round safety Jamal Adams who will be a perennial Pro Bowler. They took safety Marcus Maye in the second round who produced 78 tackles and two interceptions, and is seemingly a nice compliment for Adams. New York also found a talented running back when they selected Elijah McGuire in the sixth round. Outside of that, the only other rookie who received significant playing time is undrafted long snapper Thomas Hennessy out of Duke.
Follow Brandon on Twitter @bhoward_81
—
Turron Davenport: Where Do the Jets Go From Here?
The Jets wisely brought back Todd Bowles to be their head coach. He wasn’t given much to work with on offense but still fielded a team that competed every week.
Offensively, they need to find a quarterback as well as other playmakers on offense. Robbie Anderson established himself as a legitimate playmaker. Complimenting him with another
receiver in the draft or free agency would be a good move. They should look at adding a player to work the slot such as Jarvis Landry or Jordan Matthews.
A running back needs to be added as well. Carlos Hyde would be a solid addition via free agency. Before all of that happens, they need to solidify the quarterback position.
Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg simply aren’t the answer. At 38 years old, Josh McKown doesn’t have many years left but should be kept around regardless of whether or they get a quarterback with the No. 6 pick.
If they do draft a quarterback, he can compete with McCown for the starting role and eventually beat him out. If they don’t, he can bridge the gap until they find a quarterback to build around in the future. It will also be important to add to the offensive line. A player such as left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor from Western Michigan or Martinas Rankin from Mississippi State could be an option in the top of the second round.
The defense is in really good shape. Being as though Bowles has a defensive background, his focus is on the defense. The secondary is in decent shape, led by safeties Jamaal Adams and Marcus Maye. They’ll need to look at cornerback in the draft and should strongly consider bringing back free agent Morris Claiborne.
It’s all about playing complementary football in New York. They need to get the pieces in place to win with either a young quarterback via the draft or one that can’t be expected to win such as McCown.
Follow Turron on Twitter @TDavenport_NFL
—
What We Thought About the Jets Entering the 2017 Season
—
FBGP’s 2018 NFL Offseason Outlook: Denver Broncos
—
Chris James: What Went Right for the Denver Broncos
There usually isn’t much to look forward to for a 5 – 11 team but the Broncos are a rare case. What went right for a recent Superbowl champion that ended the season six games under .500?
The defense improved against the run with the addition of Domata Peko Sr. A unit that was bottom ten in 2016 moved to 5th in 2017. The highlight came in week two, holding the Dallas Cowboys to 40 yards on the ground. Zeke Elliott had a career low output with 8 yards on 9 carries. The passing defense continued to be dominant as Harris Jr. & Talib proved to be one of the best duos in the league. We also saw the emergence of Justin Simmons as a big play safety. He looks like another stud to add to the Denver no fly zone.
There was week-to-week improvement from 1st round pick Garret Bolles who was my top-rated OT. We also Demaryius Thomas prove his status as a top flight WR despite the horrendous play at QB. The run game regained its swagger late in the season once CJ Anderson was at full strength. And the position with the most depth heading into 2018 is TE players like AJ Derby, Jeff Heuerman, Virgil Green, and Jake Butt.
It’s not often that a team with this much talent gets to draft in the top 5. Broncos fans should relish in the outcome for the Dallas Cowboys following a top 5 pick in the 2016 draft.
Follow Chris on Twitter @cjflorida9
—
Gene Clemons: What Went Wrong for the Denver Broncos
Denver could have traded for Colin Kaepernick. They could have also picked him up when he left San Francisco. John Elway rolled the dice on the quarterbacks on his roster and he crapped out. The Broncos offense was one of the worst in the NFL in 2017. Three different quarterbacks were under Center for Denver and not just because of injury, but because of 
ineffectiveness.
That offensive inconsistency impacted a defense that was built on pass rushing and pass defense. They simply spent too many snaps on the field and opposing offenses were able to take advantage of that fatigue.
First year head coach Vance Joseph had some growing pains but Elway did him no favors with the roster he constructed offensively, and in the manner he allowed his head coach to be blamed for that construction. The smartest move Elway made all season was pulling Joseph out of the fire that had become extremely hot with media takes that said he should be fired after his first season on the job.
That would have been another bad move by Elway.
Follow Gene on Twitter @geneclemons
—
Brandon Howard: Grading the Broncos 2017 Rookies
Denver Broncos D+
Much like the Oakland Raiders, the Broncos also got little contribution from its rookies. Garett Bolles made the move to left tackle and played well in the final quarter of the season. Bolles plays with a mean streak that shows up in his willingness to finish blocks. The Broncos also got help in the return game from wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, who was the Broncos 5th round selection. Players like wide receiver Carlos Henderson and tight end Jake Butt were essentially redshirted in 2017 and were not able to help the team in their rookie seasons due to injury.
Follow Brandon on Twitter @bhoward_81
—
Turron Davenport: Where Do the Broncos Go From Here?
The Broncos made the first, right decision of the offseason when they elected to keep head coach Vance Joseph around. Now it’s time to get things right with the offense.
The first order of operations will be to get some kind of competent quarterback play. This team can win next year if they approach the offseason correctly. Denver should monitor the Colts situation closely.
If the Colts are willing to part with Andrew Luck, John Elway should be on the phone
offering the No. 5 pick for him. Kirk Cousins may not return to the Redskins, but is he worth $30 million per year? I would say no.
One way or the other, Elway has to get the Broncos a quarterback. The roster isn’t as bad as the record indicates. They have talent at wide receiver and CJ Anderson is a serviceable running back.
However, if a player such as Saquon Barkley is there when Denver is on the clock, he should be the pick. The team has to make their offense explosive again. Barkley is the kind of player that can score anytime he touches the ball. They can use him in a multitude of ways.
Free agency wise, they need to find a way to fit resigning Bradley Roby into the budget. Having him as their nickel corner allows Chris Harris to move inside and take away slot receivers. Roby, Harris, and Aqib Talib are the best trio of corners in the league. Their ability to smother receivers helps Von Miller and the pass rush get to the quarterback.
Overall, Denver’s roster isn’t that bad. They just need a quarterback to guide the offense.
Follow Turron on Twitter @TDavenport_NFL
—
Featured
- NFL Line Odds | Thursday Jun, 2018
- Check Out MyBookie | Tuesday Jan, 2018
- FBGP’s 2016 NFL Draft Grades: Cleveland Browns | Sunday Jun, 2016
- FBGPU’s Talkin’ Ball with The Czar: Head Coach Bill Zwaan, West Chester | Sunday Jun, 2016
- FBGPU’s Talkin’ Ball with The Czar: Head Coach Paul Darragh, Bloomsburg | Sunday Jun, 2016
- FBGPU’s Talkin’ Ball with The Czar: Head Coach Denny Douds, East Stroudsburg | Sunday Jun, 2016
- FBGP’s FCS Kickoff – Episode 2 | Sunday Jun, 2016
- FBGPU’s Talkin’ Ball with The Czar: Head Coach Joe Susan, Bucknell | Sunday Jun, 2016
- FBGPU’s Talkin’ Ball with The Czar: Head Coach Mark Nofri, Sacred Heart | Sunday Jun, 2016
- FBGPU’s Talkin’ Ball with The Czar: Head Coach Kevin Callahan, Monmouth | Sunday Jun, 2016