This week on Ram Report, our analysts break down two key offseason lists from NFL experts, with an early glimpse of where the talent and expectations are heading into the new season.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports gives his annual 'Top 100 Players' list for 2020- full article here
Bill Barnwell of ESPN ranks the offseason moves of all 32 teams- full article here
Which player's ranking from the 'Top 100' list was the biggest shock?
Blitz War- Cooper Kupp @ 97 isn't right. Cooper Kupp has far outperformed his draft slot after being a third-round pick in 2017. Kupp stayed healthy for all 16 games this season, putting together the best year of his young career thus far. He caught 94 of the 134 passes thrown his way, gaining 1,161 yards receiving with 10 touchdown catches. He is so underrated; he is that ice cream cone on a hot summer day.
Jack- Tom Brady was a big shock to me at No.19, Brady is now 42 years old and in a new environment. Sure he's the GOAT and has a lot of weapons around him this year but he's not mobile, his arm is ok but not as good as it used to be. He's lost a lot of physical talent and this year is on he is only going off an okay/good arm and great Football IQ, which is not the 19th best player in the NFL talent.
What are some surprises or takeaways from Bill Barnwell's 'Offseason Grade' rankings?
Blitz- The Denver broncos @ 3 surprised me until I read why:
"The Broncos signed running back Melvin Gordon in free agency, then used their first two picks on wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. They also upgraded their offensive line by signing Graham Glasgow and got Lock an accomplished offensive coordinator in former Browns and Giants coach Pat Shurmur."
The Broncos defense needs some work but they still have until the trading deadline to work on that. With an explosive running back like Melvin Gordon, they will be on a good road. Melvin Gordon is like a brick wall on wheels.
Jack- I don't understand how Barnwell ranks the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. They didn't make many changes besides boosting the offensive line and changing the front office. Because of the lack of changes, this makes no sense considering how bad they were last year after making a ton of good changes in most people's opinions. I just don't see how you can rank a team at No.2 after barely any changes and an already bad team after a lot of supposedly great moves last year.
Jack's take on the Ravens players in the Top 100...
Lamar Jackson at No. 7 is probably correct. Yes, Jackson did win the MVP award last season, but he is still only a 3rd-year player and needs to grow as a passer.
I also agree with Prisco's rating of No. 27 for Ronnie Stanley, Stanley who is Jackson's blind side (most important offensive lineman) was arguably the best player at his position last year and should get paid the most of anyone at his position when his contract is up next year.
Prisco is now 3/3, Calais Campbell is a much needed veteran defensive end for the Ravens and has so much talent, No. 39 is a good placement by Prisco. Marlon Humphrey is a great pass coverage corner but has a little trouble run-stopping, he is emerging into an elite corner in the NFL, that being said I would say Prisco is now 3.5/4.
Ok so lastly, I love Mark Andrew as a player, he put up awesome numbers last year and it seems like he might continue that in the future but considering how unproven he is I don't think Prisco should have had him at No.100.
I would've liked to see outstanding veteran safety Earl Thomas III on the list, or lockdown cornerback Marcus Peters, and breakout outside linebacker Matthew Judon should be in the conversation for the bottom of the list. Justin Tucker makes field goals like an archer hits bulls-eyes (no kickers anywhere on the list though).
Blitz's take on the highest ranked Ram...
Aaron Donald @ 2 is fair... well maybe that's a little high in the list in my opinion. Last year Donald had 19 assists and 12.5 sacks, With a 72 sacks from 2014 to 2019, he's a force to be reckoned with.
In five seasons, Donald has made five Pro Bowls, earned four first-team All-Pros, and won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards. He is the reigning NFL sacks leader and is on pace to one day be fitted for a gold jacket.
Aaron Donald hits the quarterback so fast he doesn't remember who he was going to pass it to! Donald has been cited as one of the greatest interior defensive linemen of all time.
Jack's take on the Ravens' offseason moves...
The Ravens offseason was like a sundae with only some toppings. They beefed up their defense live and found a long term inside linebacker in Patrick Queen. They also got a running back of the future. But they lost Hall of Famer offensive lineman Marshall Yanda and they didn't get enough edge rushers. All in all, they got most of the sundae but just couldn't put the whipped cream and cherry on top.
