Tag Archives: NFL Offseason

Triple Zeros: Role Players Play Better at Home

Triple Zeros

Role Players Play Better at Home

In this episode of Triple Zeros: The Milwaukee Bucks have knotted up the NBA Finals, but they haven’t completely seized the momentum from the Phoenix Suns…yet. All eyes should be on Chris Paul after his poor performance in Game 4. Also, is Giannis Antetokounmpo the best player in the NBA? He’s certainly playing like he thinks he so.

Elsewhere around the Association, Team USA Men’s Basketball lost Bradley Beal and Jerami Grant to health and safety protocols, but it was the reactions of Ja Morant and Trae Young to being left off that were most surprising.

On the NFL side, Tom Brady reportedly played the entire 2020-21 season — that ended in his seventh Super Bowl victory — with a torn MCL. Travis Kelce pulled a fast one on all of us, including his own teammates. Plus, Jalen Ramsey talks about his time under Tom Coughlin, and so much more!

Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter (@JoshGBuck, @3ZerosPod, and @ClockerSports) today!

Anchor | Apple

 

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Triple Zeros: The NBA’s Biggest Win

Triple Zeros

The NBA’s Biggest Win

This episode of Triple Zeros is heavy on NBA Finals talk as Josh goes into the Milwaukee Bucks chances now that they’re down 2-0. He also gives props to Giannis Antetokounmpo for toughing it out through his hyperextended knee. That inevitably led to some Khris Middleton slander but also an acknowledgment that the series is far from over. On the other side, Devin Booker went off in Game 2 after Chris Paul‘s Game 1 explosion. Can the Phoenix Suns take a game on the road or will the Bucks hold serve at home?

Elsewhere around the Association, Chauncey Billups‘ hiring by the Portland Trailblazer is causing Damian Lillard to catch flack from fans mad over sexual assault allegations from 1997. Could that drive Lillard to find a way out of Portland? Also, three Team USA Select members have gone down with injury and Tokyo is on lockdown due to COVID with less than two weeks until the Olympics are set to begin.

Lastly, in a quick-hitting segment on the NFL, catching up on the latest in the Aaron Rodgers-Green Bay Packers drama and N’Keal Harry demands a trade (yeah, ok bud). That and much more!

Anchor | Apple

Triple Zeros: ‘It Comes with the Territory’

Triple Zeros

‘It Comes with the Territory’

In this episode of Triple Zeros, Josh talks about appreciating what we’ve seen in the NBA Conference Finals and suggests some blockbuster trades he KNOWS  won’t happen (but would still love to see). He also talks about players reacting to criticism in the wake of Paul George’s comments and performance in the postseason.

He then goes over the NFL fining the  Washington Football Team $10 million after an investigation into the organization, other teams getting penalized for violating rules on OTAs, and more!

Anchor | Apple

Chicago Bulls tied to top-tier talent in rumors once again

The Latest from ‘Soaring Down South’

Be sure to follow on Twitter and Facebook (@JoshGBuck, @3ZerosPod,  @ClockerSports) and today!

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Triple Zeros: Trae Young is a Superstar

Triple Zeros

Trae Young is a Superstar

In this episode of Triple Zeros, we acknowledge Trae Young as a superstar. He also thinks Young’s Atlanta Hawks can beat Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

It’s the same thing for Devin Booker‘s Phoenix Suns despite Chris Paul‘s return throwing off their mojo in Game 3.

He doubts the ability of the Clippers to overcome yet another 0-2 deficit, but Game 3 was a good start. Then things switch to non-NBA Playoffs news as several head coaching vacancies were filled.

On the NFL front, the league approved the return of alternate helmets for throwback uniforms, the Pittsburgh Steeler cut guard David DeCastro, and so much more!

Anchor | Apple

Chicago Bulls: Any trade centered around Zach LaVine should be DOA

Lastest from ‘Soaring Down South’

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Triple Zeros: Playoff P is in Full Effect

Triple Zeros

Playoff P is in Full Effect

This episode of Triple Zeros starts off with Friday’s exciting NBA Playoff Game 6s between the 76ers and Hawks in the East and the Clippers and Jazz in the West. That leads to talk about properly appreciating Paul George and Donovan Mitchell for their efforts. Things shift to the weekend’s pair of Game 7s (Bucks-Nets on Saturday and Hawks-Sixers on Sunday) before switching over to the NFL.

That’s when things go back to a story about the city of Las Vegas having to go into emergency funds for the second time to make payments on the Raiders stadium. Also, why Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes sharing the Madden 22 cover is weak, Le’Veon Bell vs. Andy Reid, and more!

Anchor | Apple

Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter (@JoshGBuck, @3ZerosPod, @ClockerSports) today!

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Triple Zeros: Clips and Salsa

Triple Zeros

Clips and Salsa

In this episode of Triple Zeros, Josh reacts to the first round of the NBA Playoffs continuing thanks to Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers Game 6 win over Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. He also takes a moment to acknowledge the feats of Devin Booker and Trae Young and shining brightest on the biggest stages. Then things switch over the NFL as the league is already pushing for an 18-game schedule. Plus Todd Gurley could re-unite with Jared Goff in Detroit, and so much more!

Anchor | Apple

5 Most Impactful Guards from the First Round of the NBA Playoffs

It Needs to Actually (Finally) Be ‘Dame Time’

Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter (@JoshGBuck, @3ZerosPod, and @ClockerSports) today!

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Clocker Sports

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Triple Zeros: Phoenix’s Sun is Setting in Lakerland

Triple Zeros

Phoenix’s Sun is Setting in Lakerland

In this episode of Triple Zeros, Josh talks about Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns being up against it versus LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also goes into the state of the other series in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Then things switch over to the NFL as the Julio Jones saga took another twist this week on national television. Also, do QBs like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson mean it when they say they want out? All that and so much more!

Anchor | Apple

Chicago Bears Players with the Most to Prove in 2021

Be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter (@JoshGBuck, @3ZerosPod, @ClockerSports) today!

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The Most Flawed Rosters in the NFL

We’re in a bit of a down period around the NFL so it’s time to see who has spent their time poorly and left their rosters deeply flawed. We’re three weeks removed from the 2021 NFL Draft, rookie mini-camps just took place, and we now await June 1 when teams will purge some higher-earning players. So…

Which Teams Have the Most Flawed Rosters in the NFL?

Las Vegas Raiders

2020 Record: 8-8

Key Additions: Yannick Ngakoue, Kenyan Drake, Solomon Thomas, John Brown

Key Losses: Rodney Hudson, Trent Brown, Gabe Jackson

Las Vegas is certainly taking a gamble in the 2021 season with how they re-worked their roster coming off of quarterback Derek Carr’s best year since 2016. They moved on from 60 percent of their starting offensive line, one of the best and most durable around the NFL. Detroit also gave up their fewest sacks since 2017. They took Alex Leatherwood to play right tackle but most considered him a late first-round prospect, if not a second-rounder. Vegas took him 17th overall.

They did something similar with Clelin Ferrell back in 2019. And while Pro Football Focus gave him a very good grade last season, the Raiders still had to go to free agency to find pass-rushing help. The return of Karl Joseph also doesn’t inspire much faith in a group that ranked 26th against the pass, but Trevon Moehrig might. It all still comes down to whether or not they can get to the quarterback with regularity this coming season.

It’s hard to say the Raiders got better in any area. In fact, it is much easier to make the case they have regressed in several key areas including the offensive line and in the wide receiver room, though the departed Tyrell  Williams was never healthy enough to make an impact. It could be a cursed year in Sin City.

Green Bay Packers

2020 Record: 13-3

Key Additions: None

Key Losses: Corey Linsley, Jamaal Williams, Christian Kirksey

Now, Green Bay isn’t really a big free-agent destination nor do they pursue them as most teams do. That being said, not adding anyone has rarely proven to be a successful endeavor, especially when that team has fallen short the past two years. Oh, and the Hall of Famer under center is reportedly unhappy too.

It needs to be said that, independent of the Aaron Rodgers situation, the Packers are actually handling everything about as well as you could want a front office to do. They addressed the defense and offensive line in the draft, retained their playmaking running back in Aaron Jones, and they get Devin Funchess in the mix after he opted out last season.

None of that will matter if Rodgers leaves, though. His gripe is understandable; Green Bay hasn’t used a first-round pick on an offensive weapon since drafting Rodgers. They’ve been tremendously successful given the constraints they operate under. But those are largely self-imposed and ticking off only the second starting quarterback in the last 30 years won’t make things any better.

Houston Texans

2020 Record: 4-12

Key Additions: Tyrod Taylor, Phillip Lindsay, Mark Ingram, Marcus Cannon, Desmond King, Christian Kirksey, Shaq Lawson

Key Losses: Benardrick McKinney

This is another team that, were it not for a quarterback controversy, would be mentioned among those having a solid if unspectacular offseason. The potential impact of Cannon and Lindsay on this offense shouldn’t go unnoticed. Mark Ingram is great for the locker room and Tyrod Taylor gives them a capable backup should something happen to Deshaun Watson (like a trade).

But Watson’s scandal has put Houston in a bind. They were adamant they wouldn’t move the 2020 passing yards leader when the offseason began. His off-the-field troubles with masseuses claiming impropriety had many writing the obituary for his career. Since then, though, the public rhetoric has died down and it seems he might find a way to make this “go away”.

That leaves Houston right back at square one and reports are they are willing to move him now but only for fair value. Having once thought they would be the winners in this situation no matter the outcome, they still can if they get the return they seek. But since they waited, the compensation teams can give up is far less. And we never even talked about the lack of a true number one wide receiver.

Detroit Lions

2020 Record: 5-11

Key Additions: Jared Goff, Tyrell Williams, Breshad Perriman, Jamaal Williams, Michael Brockers

Key Losses: Matthew Stafford, Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Duron Harmon

One of the NFL’s most wayward franchises, the Lions will now try to scuttle from under that dark cloud without the services of Matthew Stafford. Jared Goff comes from one of the best offensive systems in the league. He now joins one in Detroit that is, at best, a work in progress. Detroit has also lost the one advantage it often had over opposing defenses in their wide receivers. Williams and Perriman are several classes below Golladay and Jones.

Detroit did snag the top offensive lineman, Penei Sewell, in the 2021 NFL Draft. They heavily fortified the defensive line as well. Most successful teams are built in the trenches so it may very well be that the Lions are on the right path. But this was a team that was supposed to be a contender when they had a better roster.

This, again, isn’t to say the Lions aren’t on the right path. It’s just hard to believe they will be able to get more out of Goff than the Rams did, let alone more than they (Detroit) were able to get out of Stafford. Looks like another season of no playoffs is on the way for the Lions in Dan Campbell’s (who was their second choice by the way) first season.

The NFL’s Most Flawed Rosters

This is not a definitive list. Any number of teams could have made it or be added later. But for now, these are the teams with the most imbalanced rosters around the NFL. We still have June 1 cuts where we’ll see a number of big names released. This could lead to a few of the teams listed above plugging enough holes to get by or resolving whatever issues they have with personnel.

2021 Mock NFL Draft 3.0: It’s The Final Countdown

Finally, we have reached the week of the 2021 NFL Draft after so many hours spent over-analyzing everything about the incoming rookies. It’s been a hellish offseason as things get back to a more normal flow around the NFL. This week, though, all of that comes to a head and we get to see which players go where instead of hypothesizing.

It’s also our final chance to do that guesswork (which is all any of this really is). So, why not go all out? We’re including a few trades for this mock NFL draft in places where we suspected in previous iterations that such a move might occur.

Let’s get to it!

Mock 2021 NFL Draft 3.0 Sees Several First-Round Trades

1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevor Lawrence

(Previous – Trevor Lawrence)

Outlook: As has been the mantra here since 1.0, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Trevor Lawrence will be the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft

2. New York Jets – Zach Wilson

(Previous – Zach Wilson)

See: Trevor Lawrence. In all seriousness, keep it moving. Nothing to see here.

3. San Francisco 49ers – Trey Lance

(Previous – Trey Lance, Justin Fields)

Word on the street is the 49ers are still trying to decide between Mac Jones and Trey Lance. The late re-emergence of Lance is interesting. Is it possible San Francisco was less than impressed by Jones at his pro day? Given they’d be passing on who most view as the QB3 in this draft, and with Jimmy Garoppolo still in the mix, the 49ers can take the risk on Lance and his higher ceiling.

4. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts

(Previous – Micah Parsons)

While we’re not completely sold that the Falcons don’t take their quarterback of the future here, they’re reported to be looking to trade out (and taking calls on Julio Jones). The only problem for them is a couple of teams behind them are also open for business and the reduced cost could lead to teams waiting it out. But hey, Kyle Pitts isn’t the worst consolation prize.

5. Cincinnati Bengals – Rashawn Slater

(Previous – Rashawn Slater, Ja’Marr Chase)

By now you’ve likely seen the meme going around of Joe Burrow’s knee at the Bengals photoshoot debuting their new uniforms. That is Exhibit A-Z in the case for drafting some protection for the former first-overall pick. So we revert to our original pick.

6. Miami Dolphins – Penei Sewell

(Previous – Penei Sewell)

Hey! We’re back to the status quo. Keep on pushing, my friend!

7. Detroit Lions – Ja’Marr Chase

(Previous – Kwity Paye, Micah Parsons)

Detroit wants to trade out of this pick according to reports. But after Cincy opted for the sensible route, Detroit could decide to replenish their receiving corps. None of their offseason acquisitions at the position can be relied on.

8. New England Patriots (via the Carolina Panthers) – Justin Fields

(Previous [CAR] – Caleb Farley, Trey Lance )

Nothing gets out of New England by accident and word that interest in Fields is up (after initial reports stated the opposite) falls under that umbrella. He gets to sit for a year behind a similarly built former MVP in Cam Newton and the Patriots just spent like mad this offseason upgrading the offense.

9. Chicago Bears (via the Denver Broncos) – Mac Jones

(Previous [DEN] – Justin Fields, Christian Darrisaw)

Pressure bursts pipes and seeing New England get aggressive triggers the same instinct in Ryan Pace that we saw in 2017. The price isn’t as steep this time around but the more important issue for Pace is whether or not the results will be.

10. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Surtain

(Previous – Patrick Surtain)

There was some speculation that Jerruh was enamored with Kyle Pitts and could try to trade up for him. That was put to bed by reports saying that if Dallas were to trade, it would be down. They stay put here and help their defense out immensely.

11. New York Giants – Christian Darrisaw

(Previous – Christian Darrisaw, Rashawn Slater)

This pick has changed in each version of this mock, but only the specific player. New York has to upgrade the blocking in front of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.

12. Philadelphia Eagles – DeVonta Smith

(Previous – DeVonta Smith)

Who knows what Philly will do here. With reports they aren’t guaranteeing Jalen Hurts the starting job, could they be a surprise team to trade up for a quarterback ahead of the two we’ve projected? Could they trade back, possibly still targeting a quarterback? We’ll just stand pat and give Hurts a legitimate weapon on the perimeter.

13. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Farley

(Previous – Zaven Collins)

We want to say this pick would be an offensive lineman (consider this the disclaimer if that is indeed what Los Angeles does). But the Chargers also have a gaping hole at cornerback and Farley is the best one in this class.

14. Minnesota Vikings – Alijah Vera-Tucker

(Previous – Alijah Vera-Tucker)

The Vikings need to protect Kirk Cousins better. Period. They keep re-upping him, might as well make the circumstances as close to ideal as possible. Vera-Tucker gives them interior help now and possibly on the outside later.

15. Carolina Panthers (via the New England Patriots) – Greg Newsome

(Previous – Kyle Pitts, Mac Jones)

The Panthers already addressed their quarterback room by trading for Sam Darnold. Now, they attack the defense with Newsome, a fast riser this offseason. They can still use their additional pick from New England to address their need at offensive tackle.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Jaycee Horn

(Previous – Travis Etienne)

Things got tense in the Arizona draft room when the Panthers went on the clock but just a little. They would have been happy either way but Horn could make for an ideal replacement for the departed Peterson.

17. Las Vegas Raiders – Teven Jenkins

(Previous – Ja’Marr Chase)

Do you know what happens when you trade away your offensive line in the offseason? The need to replace them is created (mind-blowing). Las Vegas doesn’t usually get too frisky with its picks and this one fits the bill.

18. Miami Dolphins – Jaylen Waddle

(Previous – Terrance Marshall)

It’s not taking the easy way out, it’s logic. We’d suspect the Dolphins will do everything they can to see if Tua Tagovailoa is the future at quarterback. That means putting the best pieces possible around him. And if Tua fails, they’ll have a head start for the next guy.

19. Washington Football Team – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

(Previous – Trevon Moehrig-Woodard)

The Washington Football Team was rumored to be one of the teams interested in potentially moving up for a quarterback. They missed out on the top guys but can still get a quarterback for this already stound defense.

20. Denver Broncos (via the Chicago Bears) – Micah Parsons

(Previous [CHI] – Mac Jones, Kadarius Toney)

We were never buying that the Denver Broncos were going to replace Drew Lock with anyone outside of the top three guys but the appeal of moving back and getting more assets was just too great. Nabbing arguably the best defensive player in the draft this far down (thanks to character concerns) is an absolute boon. Remember, Von Miller is an unrestricted free agent next season.

21. Indianapolis Colts – Kwity Paye

(Previous – Dillon Radunz)

Parsons was probably never going to make it to this point, but he certainly wouldn’t make it past this point. The Colts still add to their defense, just as we’ve been saying. But don’t be shocked to see them trade back and acquire more draft capital.

22. Tennessee Titans – Kadarius Toney

(Previous – Joseph Ossai, Greg Newsome)

The shuffle at the top of the NFL Draft was bound to have a ripple effect and one of them is Toney being available here. We had them slotted for defenders in Ossai and Newsome but they added Bud Dupree and Newsome is gone. They also lost Corey Davis and, while a different style of receiver, Toney would be a nice compliment to A.J. Brown.

23. New York Jets – Gregory Rousseau

(Previous – Jaylen Waddle, Zaven Collins)

We had the Jets going defense in the last mock. But we turn from the off-ball (albeit versatile) linebacker in Collins and to the lengthy Rousseau. They signed Carl Lawson and Vinny Curry in the offseason but only the former should be a starter.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Najee Harris

(Previous – Liam Eichenberg)

Pittsburgh can mess around if it wants to. Harris would be an instant upgrade to what they had last year (which is now in Arizona, btw). With J.J. Smith-Schuster back in the fold, the only missing piece is running back. Well, maybe an offensive tackle. But they can get one of those later; maybe with a trade down a couple of spots.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Trevon Moehrig-Woodard

(Previous – Jackson Carman)

We debated putting a receiver or offensive lineman here, but none really stood out more than the upgrade that Moehrig-Woodard would present over what the Jags currently have. So, the pick stays the same as it’s been.

26. Cleveland Browns – Zaven Collins

(Previous – Gregory Rousseau)

The addition of Jadeveon Clowney removed the need to grab an EDGE in this slot. So the Browns get a dynamic off-ball linebacker in Collins at this spot.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Rashod Bateman

(Previous – Rashod Bateman)

If this isn’t the pick the Ravens are doing Lamar Jackson a disservice. The need for a bigger-bodied wideout is clear and while Sammy Watkins is bigger than Marquise Brown, he doesn’t play like it. Bateman’s size and skillset are tailor-made for what the Ravens need.

28. New Orleans Saints – Elijah Moore

(Previous – Jaycee Horn, Terrace Marshall)

We had New Orleans set to take a receiver as of the last installment. But perhaps the dynamic Moore fits better as a complement to Michael Thomas. The diminutive pass-catcher can be used in the return game as well.

29. Green Bay Packers – Jamin Davis

(Previous – Jalen Mayfield)

All the buzz has been about what the Packers will do here. Many (perhaps even their Hall of Fame starting quarterback) want them to take a wide receiver. We had them taking some offensive line help but they may have some in-house options that allow them to hold off on that as well. But they could use a rangy sure-tackling linebacker up the middle.

30. Buffalo Bills – Jaelan Phillips

(Previous – Najee Harris, Azeez Ojulari)

Buffalo needs to get its defense back on track and one of the best ways to do that is by juicing up your pass-rush. Phillips has a bit of a worrying medical history but he has incredible physical traits and tested off the charts at the combine.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Jayson Oweh

(Original Pick – Wyatt Davis, Dillon Radunz)

The Chiefs spent the offseason upgrading (really repairing) their offensive line. So our last two installments were on the right track. But with their moves, they can get a complimentary EDGE opposite Frank Clark.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Christian Barmore

(Original Pick – Christian Barmore)

As we began the 2021 NFL Draft, so shall we end. Barmore is the best in a shallow class for interior defensive linemen. The defending champion Bucs don’t have a ton of holes given they’re returning all 22 starters from the Super Bowl. That could make this an ideal pick to trade and get some more depth.

Final Mock NFL Draft of 2021

The NFL Draft is never dull, and this year, with the return of in-person festivities, should be no different. Who do you want to see your team draft on Thursday?

2021 NFL Draft