5 NFL Stars That Could Be Traded in 2015

5 NFL Stars That Could Be Traded in 2015

It’s far too early in the NFL off-season to assume teams as we see them are already in their final form. We just got done with the 2015 NFL Draft and teams will be finalizing their key rookie and free agent signings, but before long some will be looking for a major change via another venue: trades.

Some big names are floating around the rumor mill as possible trade candidates, and some could even dramatically change the fortunes of their new team, should they be traded. While trade rumors involving guys like Philip Rivers and Sam Bradford once ruled the headlines, those guys are now near-locks to stay put. Let’s take a look at the five biggest names that could actually be on the move, who could trade for them and why you should care:

Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears

There are several reasons why the ever talented, yet always disappointing Cutler could be on his way out of Chi-town. On top of Cutler seemingly always being hurt, always having a poor attitude, turning the ball over too much and not winning enough, we also have to face the reality that a new regime is in town. Chicago declined to draft a new franchise passer in the 2015 NFL Draft, but if John Fox and co. don’t think they can win with him, they might be best served to just start over.

Cutler’s hefty contract is rather tricky, as few teams will both want to eat his salary and actually see him as their answer. There is also the matter of the Bears not having a legit, competent passer in place of the potentially departing Cutler. Even so, the Bears could opt to unload Cutler if the right deal comes to them. Teams that could be a quarterback away from competing include the Bills, Jets and possibly even the Browns.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

The latest buzz has Peterson staying put in Minnesota, but it’s possible Minnesota’s steadfast love for their franchise player could be a PR ploy to make him look like the bad guy, and not them. They also could just want to get all they can out of one of the best running backs in the league. Peterson may end up staying put, but he surely won’t want for suitors. The Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals have been tied to him in rumors in the past and could once again emerge as trade suitors.

Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A once promising talent that put up a staggering 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground as a rookie, The Muscle Hamster has been in a free fall over the past two years. It arguably had much more to do with a shaky offensive line, injury and then a new coach and system in 2014, but Martin has still not been the elite back many expected him to be. The Bucs also just declined his option for next season and appear to have “their guy” in Charles Sims. If Martin isn’t traded this year, he’ll find a new home next year.

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers

If Davis has any trade value left, the 49ers may want to take advantage of it. Davis regressed severely in 2014, thanks to injury and Colin Kaepernick failing to find him as he had in the past. There’s still a chance Davis buys into the new system and rebounds in 2014, but the Niners could also choose to cut bait with four other tight ends on the roster ready to compete for a bigger role. Now 31 years old and in a contract year, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Davis traded from the only team he’s ever known.

Mychal Kendricks, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Normally a smart team wouldn’t try to trade such a solid player in Kendricks, who is a balanced inside presence at linebacker. Unfortunately, he’s entering a contract year and the Eagles don’t seem too excited about paying him. More importantly, they appear content with Kiko Alonso and Demeco Ryans operating on the inside of their 3-4 defense and they don’t want to lose a talented player like Kendricks for nothing in free agency. With value to be had, there have already been whispers that Philly has tried to get as high as a second round pick for him. That won’t happen, but teams seeking help on the inside like the Packers could engage in talks regarding as high as a fourth-round pick.

Have an idea where these guys might be headed or have other trade candidates in mind? Let us hear about it in the comments below!

2015 NFL Predictions: Who Will Win Rookie of the Year?

2015 NFL Rookie of the Year Predictions

The 2015 NFL Draft has blessed us with another large crop of young, talented football players. In less than a full year, we’ll have a pretty good idea which ones are well on their way to great careers. And whether or not that ends up being the case, we’ll at least know which were the best of their class during their rookie seasons.

More importantly, we’ll know who the very best rookie performers are, via the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Years honors. The best overall rookie will stand above the rest, however, and claim the 2015 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award.

In 2014 it was Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The year before that it was San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen. We’ve seen some guys prove themselves to be the top rookie and go on to do nothing with their careers (Vince Young and Cadillac Williams, to name a couple), while studs like Adrian Peterson, Ben Roethlisberger and Ndamukong Suh were rightfully named the top players in their draft class and really never looked back.

It’s the NFL’s dark period now that we’re in the month of May, so pondering the 2015 ROY award is as important now as it will be when we actually find out who the winner is. Let’s pass the time by taking a look at the top contenders for the crown this year and see if we can’t predict the ultimate victor:

Note: To keep ourselves from finding an argument for every single player, we’ll pick our favorite for each main position that may have a case.

Quarterback – Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Quarterbacks win the award more than any other position and he’s the top pick for a reason. Winston may be a bit of a headcase off the field, but he gets it done on it. He’s going to turn the ball over and lose some games on a bad team, but overall the good will outweigh the bad in year one.

Running Back – Todd Gurley (St. Louis Rams)

Gurley’s knee injury is his lone true obstacle to overcome as a rookie, and by all accounts he’s well on his way back to being 100%. As long as he’s the guy we’ve grown to enjoy watching and he doesn’t miss any action, he’ll be the top running back to watch in 2015. If he can be the Rams’ savior on offense like they seem to think he can be, he might be in contention for ROY honors, too.

Wide Receiver – Amari Cooper (Oakland Raiders)

Derek Carr and the Raiders are closing in on a turn around, but they were lacking big plays out of their offense. Cooper follows a long line of immediate impact stud receivers emerging from the draft and should look to open up the Oakland offense in his first season. Depending on how successful he is, he could become the second receiver to win ROY honors in the past three years.

Tight End – Maxx Williams (Baltimore Ravens)

Rookie tight ends don’t usually take the league by storm. Even the likes of Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham took a while to find their footing, while the only tight end to ever win the modern Pepsi ROY award was Jeremy Shockey back in 2002. Williams may be the guy to watch at his own position, but it’s unlikely he’s ever in serious contention.

Offensive Line – Andrus Peat (New Orleans Saints)

The offensive line is the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL. They don’t get “no” respect. It’s unfair, but it’s the truth. You could make a case for numerous o-linemen to emerge as the top guy in their class, but Peat is going to a Saints team that wants to shove the ground game down opponent’s throats. If they accomplish that, he could be a big reason why.

Defensive Line – Danny Shelton (Cleveland Browns)

Shelton is a bit of a freak, as he’s a meaty space-eater that can sniff out the run, but he also has the quickness and pursuit of a sack artist. That could make him a menace in the middle of Cleveland’s nasty 3-4 defense and if he’s as good as the Browns think he can be right off the bat, he could end up being just the second defensive player (and defensive lineman) to win the Pepsi ROY award.

Linebacker – Alvin “Bud” Dupree (Pittsburgh Steelers)

You could throw any of the versatile rookie edge rushers in this group or consider a stud inside linebacker, but Dupree is the only one operating out of a 3-4 system and that also has the talent to make an immediate impact. He’s unlikely to win, but he could be a terror on the edge from day one.

Defensive Back – Trae Waynes (Minnesota Vikings)

Landon Collins is probably the only safety Waynes has to worry about and he’s easily the most talented corner in this draft class. Add that he’s being inserted into a talented, rising Mike Zimmer defense that will know how to deploy him and he has to be one of the top defensive players to monitor.

The Winner: Jameis Winston

Since 2000 the Offensive Rookie of the Year has been a quarterback six times and the overall Pepsi ROY has been a quarterback six times, as well. History suggests Winston would have a solid chance just by being decent, while he seems to have the offensive set up (Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson) to find success as a rookie. That may not translate into a ton of wins and he does have solid competition, but he’s got the swagger and talent to get it done.

Have another rookie in mind that you think is a lock to win the crown in 2015? Let us hear who your pick is in the comments below!

2015 NBA Playoffs: Who is Destined to Win it All?

2015 NBA Playoffs predictions

The 2015 NBA Playoffs are alive and well, but now that we’re in the second round it’s time to start thinking about how this thing could end. Before the 2014-15 NBA season got started, many NBA experts were taking a side – either LeBron James would lead his Cleveland Cavaliers to a title or the defending champion San Antonio Spurs would repeat.

Here we are in the semifinals, and the Spurs have been eliminated and the Cavs don’t resemble a true contender. Kevin Love is done for the remainder of the playoffs and J.R. Smith will miss his second game when Cleveland tries to avoid a 2-0 hole on Wednesday night. So, if we’re to believe the Cavs are doomed and the Spurs are gone, who can we expect to win it all?

Let’s break down all of the other teams that are still alive and come away with a proposed winner for the 2015 NBA Finals:

Golden State Warriors

Golden State still has to be the top favorite out West. Stephen Curry didn’t look like an MVP in game two and the Grizzlies won’t go away quietly, but the Warriors still have a severe home court advantage and are easily the most explosive and balanced team in the league. That being said, their main weakness – interior defense – is going to be tested from this point on.

Atlanta Hawks

It’s not by accident that the Hawks were the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, their balanced attack lacks a true go-to star and both their offense and defense can come and go at times. That being said, they survived an early scare to go back to D.C. with the series tied and they appear to have all the necessary tools to make a deep playoff run. If Al Horford can stay healthy, the Hawks remain a real threat to emerge out of the East.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls looked like they were merely getting by during the regular season, and thanks to chemistry and consistency issues due to numerous injuries, that’s probably true. They’ve been fully healthy for a while now, and that game six clincher against the Bucks was devastating for the rest of the league. Then they went into Cleveland and won game one to start round two. A lot of it depends on the health of Derrick Rose, but this just might be the new favorite to carve a route to the NBA Finals.

Houston Rockets

On the surface, the Rockets have the best inside/outside punch remaining in these playoffs, as James Harden can kill you in just about every way and Dwight Howard can hold down the fort down low on both ends. Of course, despite having a strong defense and good depth during the season, neither have really shown up consistently in these playoffs. Dallas scored seemingly at will in round one and the Clips dropped 117 points on the Rockets in Houston in game one. If Houston’s defense doesn’t show up, their title hopes could quickly dwindle.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are an interesting bunch, as they have a great head coach in Doc Rivers, proved their worth by topping the Spurs in a brutal seven game series and somehow beat the Rockets in game one, sans Chris Paul. The awful depth everyone talks about when discussing the Clips hasn’t hurt them yet, as Blake Griffin has turned in a monstrous post-season and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. If Paul can return and be as good in this series as he was in round one, L.A. could advance and be a real threat to make it to the Finals.

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis has a top-three defense in the playoffs as we speak and with a healthy Mike Conley, we probably can’t rule them out of their second round series against the Warriors. Conley returned in heroic fashion last night, dropping 22 points on the Warriors at the Oracle Arena in a big win. Of course, Conley isn’t always this efficient offensively and Golden State simply doesn’t lose at home (just their third home loss of the entire season). If the Warriors can get just one road win and hold serve at home the rest of the way, they’ll move on.

Washington Wizards

Washington is probably a fun pick if you’re only living in the moment, but there is an argument both ways. On one side, they have one of the top floor generals in John Wall, have outside shooting via Bradley Beal and Paul Pierce and have the bigs to battle with just about anyone. Head coach Randy Wittman has steered them wrong before, though, and Wall’s current wrist injury could be a lingering issue. They’re a team on the rise, but rising all the way up to become NBA champs doesn’t look to be in the cards just yet.

The Pretenders: Grizzlies and Wizards

Memphis has a good defense and if they can control the tempo of a game, they can steal some big wins. However, they don’t have the offense to compete consistently with the elite teams in the West and their depth isn’t the best in terms of being able to rely on their bench for a big spark. Washington is very similar, but the big thing holding them back is their coaching. Wall’s injury could be key, too, while their offense can hit dry spells.

The Contenders: Warriors, Hawks, Bulls, Clippers and Rockets…and Cavaliers

Yeah, there are five of them. Six if you don’t overreact to Cleveland having some horrid luck of late (although I think they’re a sinking ship). The first two are the top seeds and play the best defense, and also happen to have two of the most efficient offenses. The Clippers hang on Chris Paul’s status, but they’re in the mix if he can return and Griffin keeps doing what he’s been doing. Houston is a contender on paper, but their defense needs to vastly improve – and fast.

The Champ: Bulls

I don’t even know if I believe my own thoughts, but Chicago looks like the most complete team on paper. They’re so deep right now that Nikola Mirotic isn’t even getting serious minutes, while they’re a matchup problem as long as they pick the right guy to feed throughout the game. From Derrick Rose to Pau Gasol, they have the goods on offense and their team defense has gotten back to the point where you can see a title contender coming together. They could fall flat in the Finals against superior West offenses, but they’re at least getting there.

Think someone else will win it all in 2015? Tell us who in the comments below!

2015 NFL Power Rankings: Post-NFL Draft Rankings

2015 NFL Power Rankings: Post-NFL Draft Rankings

It’s May and the NFL is headed into the “dead period” of the off-season. The NFL Draft is over, training camps don’t start for almost three months and even mini-camps are roughly two months away. Despite pro football taking a backseat to the NBA playoffs and the MLB regular season at the moment, die hard NFL fans can’t help but think ahead to the new season. Will the Green Bay Packers avenge their NFC title game loss? Will the Seattle Seahawks make it three trips to the Super Bowl in a row? Can the New England Patriots repeat?

These are just a few of the burning questions. With the draft in the back of our minds, we also must contemplate which losing teams could force their way up the ranks. Via power rankings, some already may have. Let’s take a closer look at the shift of each team’s stock as we power rank all 32 NFL teams following the results of the 2015 NFL Draft:

1. Seattle Seahawks

Had Seattle run Marshawn Lynch at the goal-line, they may have been back to back champs. Now they have Jimmy Graham and they’re angry. Watch out, rest of league.

2. New England Patriots

They’re the defending champs, true, but they’ve lost a ton of defensive talent. Tom Brady and co. could still get back to the big game, but it’s unlikely they win again.

3. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay was a meltdown away from making it to the Super Bowl. With Aaron Rodgers, the Pack is never counted out, but until their defense improves, they’ll be one game short again.

4. Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning looked like he was regressing late last year, but on paper he and his Broncos still are built to win. If he doesn’t crumble, they just might.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona rode an elite defense to a playoff spot and had Carson Palmer been healthy, they may have made a run for the Super Bowl. Palmer is back, so the Cards are in the mix to start 2015.

6. Dallas Cowboys

Was DeMarco Murray the Cowboys a year ago? Thanks to letting him go in free agency, we’re about to find out.

7. Indianapolis Colts

Indy needed major help on defense and they spent their first round pick on a wide receiver. Smart.

8. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore had a great draft and looks balanced enough to make another deep playoff run. If their defense can be elite again, they just might win it all.

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton continues to hold back a very solid and balanced Bengals team. Can he finally take his game to the next level?

10. Detroit Lions

Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are gone. Does Detroit’s intimidating defense go with them? If so, the Lions could sink down these ranks early in 2015.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers lost some serious veteran talent on defense but have the offense and young defensive pieces to rise up. That’s if they can get by through the first three games of the year, when stud running back Le’Veon Bell serves a suspension.

12. Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly may have looked like a mad man as he swung trades and still failed to land Mariota, but he’s still fresh off of two straight 10-6 finishes to start his career. If Sam Bradford ends up being a steal, his Eagles just might be even better this year.

13. San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh is gone but the Niners still have the foundation to get back into the playoff mix. Their defense is still a solid group, but everything ultimately falls on Colin Kaepernick progressing in the pocket.

14. San Diego Chargers

Philip Rivers is here to stay and the Bolts should have a solid running game with Melvin Gordon in town. The rest hangs on a solid defense taking their play to an elite level.

15. Miami Dolphins

Miami appears to be on the fringe, but with a solid draft and free agency under their belt, they could finally be ready to overtake the Patriots in the AFC East.

16. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton didn’t get the offensive line help he needed, but Carolina still has a balanced attack and a gritty defense. If they play like they did in the second half of 2014, they should be dangerous.

17. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo has the defense to win right now, as well as a potentially deadly running game backed by LeSean McCoy. They still don’t know if they have a quarterback, though.

18. Houston Texans

Houston should be stout on defense in 2015 and a healthy Arian Foster keeps them in the playoff discussion. They won’t go anywhere unless they get solid play out of the quarterback position, however.

19. New Orleans Saints

The Saints traded away Jimmy Graham and have publicly admitted Drew Brees is regressing. Now a run-balanced offense, it’s impossible to predict which direction they’re truly headed right now.

20. New York Giants

Odell Beckham Jr. lit a fire under the G-Men last year. That was on offense, though. If the Giants are going to return to the playoffs in 2015, that once stout defense will have to come back to life.

21. Kansas City Chiefs

Alex Smith has shown he can manage games. With Travis Kelce and Jeremy Maclin ready to blow up, we may find out if he can dominate them in 2015.

22. St. Louis Rams

The Rams have a top-10 defense and a good coaching staff. With Todd Gurley, they may now have the running game to compete in the NFC West. The rest hangs on Nick Foles.

23. Atlanta Falcons

Rookie head coach Dan Quinn had a heck of a draft and should have a once soft Falcons squad playing mean football. If the defense brings the punch, Matt Ryan and the offense could deliver the knockout blow.

24. New York Jets

There’s little doubt that Gang Green has a championship-level defense. It’s quarterback that is the real concern. Can Geno Smith or Ryan Fitzpatrick rise from the ashes, or will Bryce Petty end up being their savior?

25. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota is trending upward with a solid defense and a steady young quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater. If Adrian Peterson sticks around, this just might be a dangerous playoff contender.

26. Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler is better than what we saw in 2014. That’s the hope, at least. Even if he turns it around, though, this Bears defense still has a ways to go.

27. Washington Redskins

If Robert Griffin III can get out of his own way the ‘Skins might be able to turn things around in 2015. That’s assuming the moves on defense pay off, of course.

28. Cleveland Browns

Is Johnny Manziel the answer? If the Browns are to do anything in 2015, he just might have to be.

29. Oakland Raiders

Derek Carr has a legit weapon in Amari Cooper and Oakland’s defense is on it’s way up. Can they make some real noise in the competitive AFC West?

30. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville has made key moves on defense and offense. The rest depends on the development of Blake Bortles.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I can’t see a Lovie Smith team staying down for long, while Jameis Winston is ready to win games right now. If the Bucs are better on defense, they’ll steadily rise up these ranks.

32. Tennessee Titans

Drafting Marcus Mariota was a step in the right direction, but he’s too raw to trust for more than a few wins. Tennessee could be back in the bottom three again come the next draft.

Think your team is ranked too low? Tell us where they belong in the comments below!

2015 NFL Draft: Analyzing the Top Winners and Losers

2015 NFL Draft: Analyzing the Top Winners and Losers

The 2015 NFL Draft is officially behind us, which should allow us to move forward as we anticipate another exciting NFL season. The new season naturally could bring some new contenders to the field, and could have some other teams taken down a peg or two. We can’t know for sure who will rise or fall just yet, but we can clear up the picture by taking a look at who won and lost this year’s draft.

With that, let’s break down the top winners and losers of the 2015 NFL Draft:

Winners

Cleveland Browns

The Browns left the draft without an answer at quarterback, but the jury is still out on Johnny Manziel. They also failed to land an impact wide receiver, but appear to have addressed every other key need. Danny Shelton and Cameron Erving take care of needs in the trenches, while Nate Orchard helps their pass rush and Duke Johnson gives their running game a boost. Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu may be the steal of the draft when it’s all said and done. Cleveland still has some questions to answer, but they did a terrific job ignoring outside noise and just building out their team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Gus Bradley enjoyed a fantastic 2015 draft, as he and his Jaguars secured an elite edge rusher in Dante Fowler with their first round pick. They didn’t stop there, as they got the bruising feature back their offense demands via Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon. Yeldon is a serious steal in round two and could be exactly what their balanced offense needs. Offensive guard A.J. Cann was another solid steal in round three, while the Jags continued to be all about value by snagging hometown product Rashad Greene in round five and space-eater Michael Bennett in round six. From top to bottom, the Jags may have had the best draft based on immediate impact and total value.

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta needed a pass rusher and they got a total stud with Clemson edge rusher, Vic Beasley. He stands out the most in their 2015 draft class, but they landed stud corner Jalen Collins to give their shaky pass defense a major boost and also beefed up their running game with the electrifying Tevin Coleman. That’s three impact players for rookie head coach Dan Quinn in what should go down as a very solid draft.

Houston Texans

The Texans only miss in this draft was failing to acquire some much-needed offensive line depth, but they otherwise hit home run after home run. Kevin Johson is a fine cornerback prospect that will round out their secondary, Benardrick McKinney can pair with Brian Cushing in the middle of their 3-4 defense and Jaelen Strong can be a long-term Andre Johnson replacement. Kenny Hilliard was even a solid steal in round seven to provide the offensive backfield with more depth.

Miami Dolphins

Miami landed an impact wide receiver in DeVante Parker and a powerful defensive tackle in Jordan Phillips to pair with Ndamukong Suh for the future. Both picks were solid values, but their value didn’t touch their fifth round selection of running back Jay Ajayi. Ajayi has a shaky injury history but was insanely productive at Boise State and could be one of the top steals of this year’s draft. Overall, Miami did a fantastic job addressing all of their key needs with just seven picks.

Minnesota Vikings

Already a team seemingly on the rise, the Vikings beefed up a solid defense even more with key additions, Eric Kendricks and Trae Waynes. Those two are likely impact starters, while T.J. Clemmings was a steal in round four that could help a shaky offensive line. Minnesota already has the makings of a playoff contender, especially if Adrian Peterson stays in town.

Losers

Buffalo Bills

Rex Ryan’s first draft was quite underwhelming, as the Bills had just six picks to use and arguably grabbed zero impact players. Ronald Darby, their best prospect, comes in at a position the Bills were already stacked at (cornerback). Buffalo still has no answer at quarterback, either.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina might be teetering on the fence here, but they simply didn’t make a splash in this draft. They took Shaq Thompson and Devin Funchess, two guys without true positions, and failed to address defensive end or cornerback. If Funchess can’t be a wide receiver at the NFL level, they failed to land another impact wideout, too, while they waited until round four to take their lone offensive lineman in this draft.

Green Bay Packers

Ted Thompson reached for a safety when he had two already, then drafted a basketball player in round two. In round three he selected a wide receiver when the Packers already have at least three legit options and he later grabbed a quarterback when he has Aaron Rodgers. For a team that sorely needed a lot of pieces on defense, Thompson failed the Packers this year.

Indianapolis Colts

Indy reached for a wide receiver in round one and failed to land any legit impact players on defense. They were stacked at receiver and badly needed to improve in various spots on defense, so they’re an easy pick for this side of the winner/loser debate.

Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly and co. came out of the draft without Marcus Mariota, and after offering half of their picks and a bunch of their players to try to make it happen, they couldn’t even save face. The Eagles did land an impact wide receiver and addressed some needs, but no Mariota should leave fans quite disappointed.

While other teams had good or average drafts, the teams above best fit into a clear “winner” or “loser” slot. Think someone else deserves to be mentioned above? Let us hear it in the comments below!

2015 NFL Draft: Top Prospects Remaining on Day Three

2015 NFL Draft: Top Prospects Remaining on Day Three

The first two days of the 2015 NFL Draft have come and gone, yet several big name prospects with loads of talent remain on the draft board. Which star players that have plummeted to day three are the biggest steals and where could they go?

In a draft with few trades or crazy surprises, we should be mildly shocked that these guys haven’t heard their names called yet. Let’s take a look at who they are and where they could go on the final day of the 2015 NFL Draft:

Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

Easily one of the top passing prospects in this draft class, Petty has been overlooked to this point due to his college system and a misconception that he can’t adjust to a pro-style system. Petty has a good head on his shoulders and has also displayed a strong arm and nice mobility. He should be drafted in round four, while his suitors could stretch from the Jets to the Broncos.

Brett Hundley, QB , UCLA

Hundley is just as surprising to still be around as Petty, because he has even more natural ability and upside. Scouts may be worried about Hundley’s pocket presence and accuracy, but he’s a big bodied passer with a big arm and top level athleticism. Even as a project, someone should take a stab at home in round four.

Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State

Ajayi was long considered one of the top running back prospects, but has seen his stock crushed due to concerns over injuries and some poor off field decision-making. He was extremely productive in college, however, and has the build and athleticism to be a feature back at the next level. His place in this year’s draft will come down to medical concerns. A team like the New England Patriots might look past his medical issues and give him a chance in round five.

Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State

Greene has simply been negatively impacted by a truly deep wide receiver draft class. A big time athlete who comes up in big moments, Greene is largely held back by his small stature and poor run blocking. If he’s just a situational threat, he’s a total gem. However, teams normally don’t spend a pick in the first three rounds on that type of player. Greene could hear his name called in round four, however, where teams like the Patriots, Ravens and Saints could look to add another deep threat.

La’el Collins, OG, LSU

Collins was without a doubt a stud guard coming into this draft, but some off field drama has destroyed his stock. The once locked-in first rounder may now not even be drafted. Someone looking for elite guard play like the Saints could sniff around him in the fifth or sixth round, though.

T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

A stud offensive tackle that many felt had a chance at sneaking into the tail end of round one, Clemmings has seen himself free fall due to concerns over the health of his foot. Unable to qualm the fears of scouts, this stout blocker is slated to dip into the fourth or fifth round. Any team that needs help regarding custom football jersey and beefing up their pass protection should jump at the chance to get him this late. The Colts, Dolphins and Falcons could show interest.

Tre’ Jackson, OG, Florida State

One of the top offensive guards still on the board, Jackson is everything you look for in a guard, minus the technique and proper weight control. Teams likely are slightly afraid of his ability to refine the fundamentals and also keep his weight in check. Beyond those two concerns, though, teams are passing on a legit starting guard.

Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State

Defensive tackle seems to be oddly undervalued in this draft, as we’ve already seen stud interior linemen like Malcom Brown, Jordan Phillips and Eddie Goldman fall down draft boards. It seems to be more of a necessity thing, as teams are using earlier picks on flashier prospects. That shouldn’t take anything away from Bennett, though, who is built to man the end of a 3-4 base defense. The Packers and 49ers could take a look at him, among other teams.

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

A stud corner for the Ducks, Ekpre-Olomu has seen his once promising draft stock plummet due to injury. Some thought he could contend for a first round pick a year ago, while even with his injury he arguably had the talent to be a day two pick. Instead, the earliest he’ll hear his name called today is round four. He’s going to be an absolute steal by this point, though, as plenty of teams need corner help and he’s a fine talent when healthy. Teams like the Packers, Steelers and Patriots would all be wise to show interest.

Is there another prospect that belongs on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

2015 Fantasy Football: 5 Players to Consider For the Top Pick

2015 Fantasy Football: 5 Players to Consider For the Top Pick

Every year someone has to stare down the top pick in their fantasy football draft. Regardless of league size or type, the daunting task of picking that can’t-miss fantasy option can weigh on you. A year ago you could have swung and missed big time if you had picked someone like Adrian Peterson. However, this year Peterson just might be back in the mix, along with four other guys that carry low risk and unbelievably high reward.

Of course, you’re probably wondering who those guys are. Let’s take a look at the five safest picks you’ll want to consider if you’re the one to start your fantasy football league’s draft and custom football jerseys this summer:

5. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

It’s got to be tough to trust a guy who played one game a year ago and is 30 years old. Throw in that he plays a rigorous position like running back and we still don’t know for sure who he’ll play for this year, and it’s idiotic to put him on a top-five list with any positive light. Right? Maybe, but not when his name is Adrian Peterson. Despite all of the negativity and questions, this is still a guy that ran for over 2,000 yards in 2012 and was still a highly productive fantasy running back in 2013. Had he not gone through that ordeal and been suspended last year, we may have very well seen another huge season from one of the best fantasy options of all-time.

Now think of him as an angered man, out to prove all of his critics wrong. Some say he’s too old or that a year off will hurt him, but neither of those notions carry much weight. Peterson remains in the best shape of his life and we’ve seen plenty of running backs put up solid numbers heading into age 30. It also helps that he’s not a normal person, too. All things considered, there is enough reason to not draft him as the #1 option in fantasy football (which is why we rank him #5 overall) but as the picture gets a little more clear, our hesitance to name him the top guy to trust in grows weaker by the day.

4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

Megatron took a break in 2014 as Golden Tate got acquainted, but it feels like fantasy football owners are forgetting just how dominant this guy has been. He missed three games and was banged up last year, yet he still finished as a top-15 producer. Going into the 2015 fantasy football season we can’t forget about Johnson, as he’s still very much in his prime and capable of taking over games on a weekly basis.

Johnson’s size, speed and ball skills continue to make him the top wide receiver in football, and despite the rise of guys like Antonio Brown, Jordy Nelson and Demaryius Thomas, he still needs to be seen as the #1 option at his position. History tells us this, as Johnson has finished as the top option two times in the last five years and inside the top-five three times during that span. The only thing ever holding Johnson bag is injury, yet he’s never missed more than the three games he missed a year ago.

Healthy again, Johnson could be set to take over the wide receiver ranks again. The depth at wide receiver may keep you from making him the top overall pick on draft day, but he’s absolutely at least worth considering.

3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Don’t want to put your trust in a 30-year old running back or a wide receiver? Perhaps last year’s top fantasy quarterback will do the trick. Rodgers took a dip in 2013 due to a broken collarbone, but stormed back in 2014 to take back a first place crown he had already held twice before. A-Rod has been so good, in fact, that in the two healthy seasons he wasn’t #1 or hurt, he was the #2 fantasy passer.

We have history and productivity on our side here. If you want a stable, elite presence on your team that gets it done every week, Aaron Rodgers is your guy and it might not be all that close. Rodgers even worked his way through a troublesome calf issue last year and still took the top spot, which makes his 2014 run all the more impressive.

The only reason to not take Rodgers with your first pick in 2015? Quarterback is as deep as positions get in fantasy football. While Rodgers was awesome with over 354 fantasy points in 2014, a whopping five other quarterbacks joined him with over 300 fantasy points. That being said, he’s the best of the bunch and worth heavy consideration for the top pick.

2. Le’Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Thought to be the top running back for 2015 by many, we may need to pump the breaks on loving Bell’s fantasy upside just a tad due to a three-game suspension. He’ll start the first three games of the year on the sidelines, forcing fantasy football managers to ponder how that could impact their team to start 2015. On top of that, they’ll have to weigh the risk of Bell sitting out to start the season. Would that make him less ready to take on a big role and lead to a slow start? It’s possible, and those are some tough red flags to tackle for a proposed #1 pick in fantasy football.

That being said, Bell was a machine in 2014 and really stepped up as one of the more versatile and productive backs in the entire league. That obviously translated to the fantasy realm, too, as he nailed down the second overall spot among running backs. Back to back elite seasons are tough to put up – especially when you’re out for three games – so it’s hard to completely back Bell as the top choice going into the next season. As a per-game option, though, he’d still have a terrific chance at returning great value.

1. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Charles is one of the few fantasy football studs you can trust. Despite seeing 53 less rushing attempts in 2014 than he had the year prior, Charles still topped 1,000 rushing yards, notched his usual 5.0 yards per carry and scored 14 total touchdowns. Even when his role lessens, he’s still the focal point of his offense and it was all good enough to land him at the seven spot in last year’s rankings.

Charles was probably even better than the end of season ranks suggest, too, considering he had a rough start to the 2014 season (23 rushing yards and no scores in the first two games). With the Chiefs adding supporting talent and Charles much healthier now than he was in 2014, he could be set for another huge year. If his seventh place finish was a “down” year, we can only imagine what he would deem to be elite. You can make a strong argument for any of these five guys, but Charles is the most tried and true option. He should be the top pick in fantasy football drafts in 2015, and it may not even be that close.

Think we got it wrong? Let us hear who you would take first in your fantasy football draft via the comments below!

Peyton Manning and 10 NFL Players Who Could Retire Soon

The end is always just right around the corner. This off-season we’ve said goodbye to the likes of Troy Polamalu and Patrick Willis, while second-year linebacker Chris Borland even decided to hang’em up. That just goes to show that retirement is always an option and one that isn’t quite as far in the future as we tend to think. That’s especially the case with some of the NFL’s older stars, as each year brings another chance for them to call it a career.

Who mails it in after the 2015 NFL season? We can’t know for sure, but these 10 stars just might be ready to ride off into the sunset:

Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos

Manning was supposedly already thinking about whether or not he wanted to return for the 2015 season, so he may have one foot out the door. The 39-year old legend probably would like to pad his stats and go out on top with a second Super Bowl win, but this season could easily be his last, regardless of how his final game of the year goes.

Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

Rivers is an interesting case, as he’s refusing to extend his contract with the Chargers due to a lack of desire of playing in Los Angeles (where the franchise may move the team). It’s not known whether or not he’ll change his mind or what his actual motives are, but any uncertainty has to be paid attention to. Some think he’ll get traded, while others think he could just play out his final year in San Diego and call it a career. At just 33 years old, Rivers would be walking away from the game still in his prime.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Lynch is another peculiar case, as he’s very much in his prime and has helped the Seahawks reach back to back Super Bowls. In fact, he’s been a dominant force for basically his entire stay in Seattle and had the ‘Hawks given him the ball on the game’s final fatal play, he may have pushed them to their second straight Lombardi Trophy. Lynch isn’t necessarily old, but he’s an odd personality that is extremely tough to gauge and there have been whispers of him considering retiring in the past. If Seattle won another Super Bowl would he finally be ready to walk away at age 29? He’d still arguably be in his prime, but he’d leave the game on top, ala Barry Sanders.

Frank Gore, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Gore is quite a rarity, as he’ll enter 2015 as Indy’s feature back despite being 31 years old. Despite never truly looking to be on his last legs with the 49ers, Gore is obviously getting up there in age for an NFL running back and could be entering his career’s final stanza. Whether he wants to quit or not, a bad 2015 showing could mark the end of the road for the ageless wonder.

Steve Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Everyone seemed to think Smith was washed up after a down 2014 season, but it turns out all the soon-to-be 36-year old needed was a change of scenery. Smith signed with the Ravens last off-season and started the year as one of the league’s hottest receivers. He even finished in style, totaling 79 receptions, 1,065 yards and six scores. Smith looked plenty quick and athletic a year ago, but another NFL season could easily break him down. Going into 2016 at 37 years old, it’s possible he could call it quits.

Andre Johnson, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Johnson might be in a similar situation as Smith was, as he seemed to be being phased out of the offense in Houston, but could emerge as a dangerous weapon in Indy. However, even if Johnson enjoys a successful debut season with the Colts, the end could be near. Johnson will turn 35 before the 2016 season and has already visibly lost some speed and explosiveness. If he regresses further in 2015, he may not fulfill the three-year deal he signed with the Colts.

Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

Gates could have a few good reasons to make 2015 his last NFL season. He’s already going to be 35 when the new season starts, his quarterback (Rivers) may not stick around for long and the guy behind him, LaDarius Green, continues to threaten to unseat him from his starting role. Gates looked about as good as ever in 2014, but constant foot issues could be another reason why he ultimately decides against playing beyond this season.

Charles Woodson, S, Oakland Raiders

Woodson looks like an easy retirement call at first glance, but he keeps trucking along at age 38. Woodson is somehow still a decent safety for a rising Raiders defense, but time is certainly running out on his career. Woodson’s current deal is only for one year and he’ll turn 39 during the 2015 season. If this isn’t his last year in the league, it’d be quite a surprise.

Jared Allen, DE/OLB, Chicago Bears

Allen spent 2014 with the Chicago Bears after bleeding purple with the Minnesota Vikings for six years and seemed to regress in his new city. Allen apparently dealt with a herniated disc, however, and at 32 years old was still able to rack up six sacks in his first season with his new team. While his debut season with the Bears wasn’t all bad, he’s now 33 and learning a brand new position as an edge rusher on the outside of Chicago’s new 3-4 system.

The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” could ring true here if the aging Allen can’t transition successfully to the new defense. If that ends up being the case, he’d enter 2016 going on 34 and seemingly running out of gas. By that point, would Allen try to prove he still has gas left in the tank or just call it a career?

Justin Smith, DE, San Francisco 49ers

Smith might be the easiest call on this last, as he’s literally contemplating retiring as we speak. In other words, if he does in fact suit up for the 2015 season, there’s a pretty good chance it will be his last. The same probably goes for the likes of Reggie Wayne or Wes Welker if someone signs them, as well.

Did we miss someone or listed someone that you don’t think will be retiring anytime soon? Let us hear it in the comments below!

4 MLB Underdogs That Could Win the World Series

4 MLB Underdogs That Could Win the World Series

There were some clear favorites to win it all heading into the 2015 MLB season. Due to stacked pitching rotations or a lineup of power hitters, teams like the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals (just to name a few) were picked by many to win it all this year. They still could all be in play, but after a month of action we’re starting to see some potential sleepers carve out their spot in the standings.

Could a non-heavy hitter stay above water throughout the season and surprise with a World Series win at the end of the year? There are at least four MLB teams that could do just that. Let’s take a quick look at all of them and see which sleeper team is the best bet to shock the nation:

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies haven’t been to the playoffs since 2008 and haven’t sniffed a World Series since 1945 (they won back in 1908), but die hard fans just might have some hope of the curse being lifted this year. Rockstar rookie hitter Kris Bryant has been excellent since making his debut just a couple of weeks ago, while the Cubs have kept themselves within striking distance of the top of the NL Central.

Chicago has stayed among the league’s hottest teams thanks to a scorching offense that has already produced over 80 runs behind terrific early-season performances out of Anthony Rizzo, Jorge Soler and Starlin Castro. Jake Arrieta leads a pitching rotation that is the strongest it’s been in a while too, giving the Cubs a legit, balanced attack. The big question is, can they sustain this hot start or will fans be in for heartbreak again late in the year?

New York Mets

Meet the Mets, indeed. The other New York team isn’t usually the baseball team to root for in the Big Apple, especially since the franchise hasn’t been to post-season play since 2006. The Yankees might be the bigger team on the national stage, but right now it’s the Mets that are the talk of the town, as they’ve stormed out to a commanding first place lead atop the NL East.

It hasn’t happened by accident, either, as ace pitcher Matt Harvey has had a successful return to the mound and has been backed with over 80 runs from the offense already. Harvey isn’t the only quality pitcher the Mets have in their back pocket, either, as the ageless wonder that is Bartolo Colon keeps getting wins and youngtser Jacob deGrom has been promising so far this year, as well. If the offense hangs around all year, we just might have to take the Mets seriously come playoff time.

San Diego Padres

The Padres have been largely about offense during a solid start to the season, as Matt Kemp and Juston Upton have been blasting away early and often. They still aren’t exactly crushing it in the standings as a meandering .500 squad, but they have displayed the makings of a potential Wild Card threat due to a truly elite offense.

The problem lies within their defense, which has been giving up runs at an alarming rate. If San Diego can get that under wraps and become a little more balanced, they will be locks to be contending for a playoff spot just like they did a year ago, and they might even have a crack at the tough NL West.

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Houston Astros

Houston has come out of nowhere to take over the AL West this year, and by the early looks of it, we might just want to crown them the champs of their division. While their hot start is definitely very impressive, it’s also worth pointing out that no one else in their division remotely looks like a threat at the moment. The Astros are a dark horse to make a run later in the year due to their timely offense, however, as Jose Avulte and Luis Valbuena have offered efficient hitting and major power, respectively.

Houston hasn’t exactly been slacking in the defense department, as a solid pitching rotation of Collin McHugh, Scott Feldman and Dallas Keuchel lead the way. If the offense can keep up it’s pace and their top pitchers can keep churning out wins, the Astros may be a force to be reckoned with later in the year.

Most Likely to Fade: Padres

As awesome as the Padres are on offense right now, they’re just not getting it done on defense. They actually have the talent, but until we start seeing results on both sides of the ball, they’re the toughest team of this four-pack to trust. They also operate in a brutal division that includes power house teams like the Dodgers and Rockies – not to mention last year’s champs, the Giants.

Most Likely to Win: Mets

New York simply looks like the real deal. Mets fans won’t fully buy into it yet and outsiders won’t ever believe it, but if this current rendition of the Mets can stay healthy and continue to be a balanced ball club, they just might have a shot at making a run to the World Series. They have the pitching and offense to potentially win it all if all goes well.

Related: Predicting 2015’s MLB MVP Winners

2015 NBA Free Agency: 6 Big Names That Could Relocate

2015 NBA Free Agency: 6 Big Names That Could Relocate

The 2015 NBA playoffs are still alive and well for several teams, but for all of those teams and fans that have been ousted or didn’t even make it, the 2015-16 NBA season couldn’t come soon enough. The 2015 NBA Draft will surely shape things for us, but one of the biggest avenues for teams to change their fortunes dramatically is free agency. This year could yield a ton of turnover, too, with several big names hitting unrestricted free agency and a few big names potentially changing hands as restricted free agents, as well.

There’s no telling how the playoffs will reshape things over the next two months or what is going on in player’s minds, but we do know which guys have one foot out the door and whether or not they’ll be in high demand. We can probably safely assume, even with player options, that guys like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be back with their respective clubs, while the Spurs and Warriors aren’t going to let Kawhi Leonard or Draymond Green get away. There are a few star players that could take off, though, and for good reason. With that, let’s take a look at six big names we could see moving on to a new scene this summer:

Goran Dragic, PG, Miami Heat (Player Option)

Dragic was a sitting duck with the Phoenix Suns, who saw the writing on the wall and dealt him to Miami right at the trade deadline. The Heat happened to be one of Dragic’s preferred destinations, but it’s been no secret that he’s going to opt out and try to get a major deal as an unrestricted free agent. While he liked South Beach at first, the Heat failed to make the playoffs and both Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng could potentially opt out of their deals. That could make The Dragon feel a tad uneasy. Should he decide Miami isn’t his long-term home, he shouldn’t want for suitors. He’s a legit starting point guard and can help push the right team up a peg or two. Legendary franchises like the New York Knicks or Los Angeles Lakers could reel him in to build their squads back up, while the Dallas Mavericks are also said to be one of his preferred landing spots.

Verdict: Dallas

The Dragon is going to want a combination of money, role and ability to win. He might find it all in Dallas. The Mavs are a team built to make playoff runs right now but lack a true point guard. Thanks to a messy divorce with Rajon Rondo, they could turn to Dragic to rescue their offense.

LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Portland Trail Blazers (Unrestricted)

LaMarcus Aldridge has bled red and black, but it’s gotten him nowhere in the playoffs as the Blazers have constantly lacked the coaching and/or supporting cast to get him to the next level. Ridge has been a strong force at both ends and may be ready to finish his career elsewhere. The Blazers are probably still his preferred destination in an ideal world and they certainly can pay him, but going elsewhere may be the final call if he wants to win. The Mavericks figure to be players, while other playoff contenders such as the Spurs (should Tim Duncan retire) could show serious interest.

Verdict: Stays home

Ultimately, Aldridge is probably going to test the waters, only to stay home. He said he’d love to retire as “the best Blazer ever”, after all.

Kevin Love, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers (Restricted)

Love is probably a goner. He was probably down with the trade out of Minnesota for a chance to chase a title, but the pressure and negative attention he’s gotten all year long has arguably pushed him to the brink of insanity. His own teammates haven’t been 100% supportive through it all, while there was no guarantee he was ever going to sign a long-term deal with the Cavs. That’s still a possibility, but Love has expressed interest in being a max player and he’s also shown an eye for the big stage. That could set him up in a city like Los Angeles or New York.

The early word is that if Love does indeed leave Cleveland, the Lakers are the team to watch. Kobe Bryant will be back, The Black Mamba also wants Rajon Rondo in town and Love went to school at UCLA. In fact, he even has had good things to say about Rondo and was once rumored to be interested in being traded to the Celtics when Rondo was still in town.

Verdict: L.A.

Love is bound for the bright lights of L.A. The Lakers have been sinking for the past two years and a trio of Bryant, Rondo and Love could potentially revive them. They might not win a title next year, but Love is a major building block they’d love to have. Odds are he wouldn’t mind being the center of attention in a familiar place, either.

Enes Kanter, C, Oklahoma City Thunder (Restricted)

Kanter doesn’t strike me as a guy that is all about loyalty. He feuded with the Jazz openly while he was still a member of the team and was fairly harsh once he got his wish and was traded away. Though he crushed it in OKC after the All-Star break, he would have loved starting anywhere that wasn’t Utah. He seems to be a great fit in Oklahoma City, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to stay there. Kanter is going to do what is best for Kanter, which probably means the most money and the most playing time. That could still be OKC, but teams wanting size and offense down low are going to pitch huge offers. That probably puts the Lakers and Knicks on the map.

Verdict: NYC

I’m sure the Thunder would love to keep Kanter in town, but he’s going to be an unfortunate casualty of the times. Kevin Durant is a free agent after this season and Russell Westbrook isn’t too far behind. Is Kanter really worth risking keeping both of those guys together? The answer in every way is no. On top of that, Kanter is a major defensive liability. He was fun to have around, but OKC can let Westbrook/Durant carry the offense and get Steven Adams back in the starting lineup.

Brook Lopez, C, Brooklyn Nets (Player Option)

I can’t see why Lopez wouldn’t opt out and test the free agent waters. Most players enjoy the process, but Lopez should especially want to see what else is out there after being caught up in trade rumors all year long. That had to hurt his pride a bit, while he also would have to keep wondering what Brooklyn has planned for him. The Nets seem to be a bit of a mess, and if Lopez can see that he’s going to jump ship. He’s also had troublesome foot issues, so he’d be smart to get out of his current deal and follow the money. Lopez will have a number of suitors due to effective big men not growing on trees, but we can probably expect the Thunder, Knicks, Lakers, Pacers, Nuggets and possibly even the Bucks to come calling.

Verdict: Thunder

OKC is going to let Kanter walk, so maybe they can talk Lopez into somewhat of a discount to come play for a legit contender. Lopez is just as bad as Kanter on defense, but he at least can block shots and is probably even better on offense. OKC was also tied to Lopez in trade rumors before landing Kanter and if he’s open to taking less they can solve their center issue.

Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies (Unrestricted)

Gasol is another guy some fear could follow the bright lights out of town. Memphis has consistently been among the league’s best teams, but they’ve never been able to take that next step. Due to that, it’s possible Gasol tries to aim a little higher in a bigger city with more upside. His brother Pau got traded out of Memphis years ago and wound up winning two titles with the Lakers, so perhaps he thinks the same could happen for him. The Lakers and Knicks would probably be the front-runners to land him if he got serious about leaving.

Verdict: Stays home

Leaving might be the more interesting idea, but Gasol has to know that moving on to L.A. or New York wouldn’t carry any guarantees. Memphis can offer him the most money, too, while he can plead in negotiations that they add better offensive pieces to take the next step. One way or another, the Grizz will make sure they don’t lose a Gasol for the second time.

Got a hot NBA free agent you think will be on the move but didn’t make our list or don’t agree with our verdicts? Let us hear it in the comments below!