Prospect Rankings – NFL Draft 2024 – Feb Rankings

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Offensive Players – Skill Positions
Frank Coyle / Head scout

Quarterbacks
# Player              Ht/Wt        College
1 Caleb Williams 6-1, 215 Southern Cal
2 Drake May 6-3, 220 North Carolina
3 Jayden Daniels 6-3, 205      LSU
4 Bo Nix 6-2, 220 Oregon
5 Michael Penix 6-3, 215 Washington
6 JJ McCarthy 6-2, 200 Michigan
7 Spencer Rattler 6-1, 220 South Carolina
8 Michael Pratt 6-3, 215 Tulane
9 Jordan Travis 6-1, 215 Florida State
10 Devin Leary 6-1, 215 Kentucky

Running Backs
# Player                 Ht/Wt    College
1 Jonathan Brooks 6-0, 210 Texas
2 Trey Benson 6-0, 215 Florida State
3 Audric Estime 5-11, 225 Notre Dame
4 Blake Corum 5-8, 210 Michigan
5 Braelon Allen 6-2, 240 Wisconsin
6 Will Shipley 5-10, 205 Clemson
7 Jaylen Wright 5-11, 210 Tennessee
8 Dillon Johnson 5-11, 220 Washington
9 Cody Schrader 5-8, 210 Missouri
10 MarShawn Lloyd 5-9, 210 Southern Cal

Tight Ends
# Player         Ht/Wt      College
1 Brock Bowers 6-3, 235 Georgia
2 Ja’Tavion Sanders 6-4, 250 Texas
3 Cade Stover 6-4, 255 Ohio State
4 Theo Johnson 6-6, 255 Penn State
5 Jaheim Bell 6-2, 245 Florida State
6 Brevyn Spann-Ford 6-7, 265 Minnesota
7 Ben Sinnott 6-4, 255 Kansas State
8 Jared Wiley 6-6, 255 TCU
9 AJ Barner 6-6, 250 Michigan
10 Dallin Holker 6-3, 245 Colorado State

Wide Receivers
# Player                    Ht/Wt       College
1 Marvin Harrison 6-4, 205 Ohio State
2 Rome Odunze 6-2, 210 Washington
3 Malik Nabers 6-0, 195 LSU
4 Brian Thomas 6-4, 210 LSU
5 Keon Coleman 6-3, 210 Florida State
6 Troy Franklin 6-2, 185 Oregon
7 Xavier Worthy 6-0, 170 Texas
8 Roman Wilson 5-11, 185 Michigan
9 AD Mitchell 6-4, 200 Texas
10 Ladd McConkey 5-11, 190 Georgia

Frank Coyle has published Draft Insiders’ Digest for 33 years
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NFL Combine 2024 – Schedule

  Feb. 26- March 4 – NFL Scouting Combine (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In)

 Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine begins on Monday, February 26^th with team interviews, physicals, medical exams and media interviews. The athletic testing and field drills get underway on Thursday, Feb 29th. The events will once again take place at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Television coverage can be found on the NFL Network. DraftInsiders.com will have scouts at the NFL Combine and provide scouting insights for the Draft Yearbook and exclusive emails to Full subscribers.

 2024 NFL Scouting Combine Workout Schedule

 Thursday – 2/29/24: Edge Rushers, Defensive Line and Linebackers
3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Friday – 3/1/24: Cornerbacks and Safeties
3 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Saturday – 3/2/24: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
1 pm – 8 pm – NFL Network

Sunday – 3/3/24: Running Backs, Offensive Tackles and Interior Offensive Line
1 pm – 7 pm – NFL Network

      Go to NFLCombine.net  for Player List & Schedule

NFL Combine 2024 – February 26- March 4 – Indianapolis, In.

The NFL Network channel will televise the NFL Combine in its entirety. Every NFL front office personnel will canvas the workouts. Players will go through extensive testing on their athletic, intellectual and psychological abilities by the staffs of NFL clubs. Prospects will follow the Combine with school Pro Day workouts. The NFL Combine gives players a chance to impress pro scouts on a level playing field vs most of their top competitors.

With increasing interest in the NFL Draft, the scouting combine has grown in scope and significance, allowing personnel directors to evaluate upcoming prospects in a standardized setting. Its origins have evolved from the National, BLESTO and Quadra Scouting organizations in 1977 to the media event it has become today.

Pro day workouts will be held at various college facilities where the running surfaces can have a variety of compositions effecting their timed results. Pro Days are not standardized with all the NFL Combine events, though the scouts request a broader series of events at their scheduled events.       

On average, there are approximately 75-100+ NFL Combine players who will go undrafted while on average, 50+ non-invited NFL Combine players are drafted each April. Athletes attend by invitation only. An athlete’s performance during the NFL Combine can affect their draft status and salary, and their career. The NFL Draft has popularized the term “workout warrior”, whereby an athlete’s ‘draft stock’ is increased based on superior measurable qualities such as size, speed, and strength, despite having an average or sub-par college career.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine begins on Monday, February 26th. The athletic testing and field drills get underway on Thursday, Feb 29th. The events will once again take place at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis. Television coverage can be found on the NFL Network.

NFL Combine Events annually:

Tests/ Evaluations include:
     40-yard dash
    Bench press (225 lbs. repetitions)
    Vertical jump
    Broad jump
    20-yard shuttle
    3 cone drill
    60-yard shuttle
    Position-specific drills
 
     Interviews/The Wonderlic test
     Physical measurements
    Injury evaluation
    Drug screen
    The Cybex test
   
NFL Combine 2024 Participants (321 initially) by Position
 
  Quarterbacks (14)
  Running Backs (29)
  Fullbacks (0)
  Wide Receivers (39)
  Tight Ends (16)
  Offensive Linemen (70)                                                      
 
Defensive Linemen                                                              
   Edge & Tackles (50)
   Linebackers (30)
   Defensive Backs (67)
Special Teams (6)
    Placekickers/ Punters/ Longsnappers
 
   The NFL released the list of players invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. A total of 321 prospects were invited to attend in this year’s NFL Combine. Over the past decade, over 85% of all players that were drafted attended the NFL Combine.
 

Chiefs Win Back to Back Super Bowls

Patrick Mahomes Directs Thrilling Victory

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

The Kansas City Chiefs won SB LVIII in overtime on a dramatic drive by QB Patrick Mahomes 25-22. It was back to back SB titles for KC behind the guidance of HC Andy Reid and the brilliant Mahomes who won his third MVP game award in the process.

Mahomes worked his magic one more time in OT after the 49ers took a lead on their first possession with a FG. Mahomes directed the Chiefs on a long drive including a couple impressive scrambles before hitting ex-Jet Mecole Hardman on a short outlet TD pass to secure another title. TE Travis Kelce had a strong game, especially in the 2nd half with 9 receptions for 93 yards with Taylor Swift and her entourage cheering him and the Chiefs through the drama.

The KC defense was brilliant again directed by DC Steve Spagnuolo. Chief defenders, DT Chris Jones, edge George Karloftis, corner Trent McDuffie and backer Nick Bolton spearheaded the aggressive defense which held every team in the regular and postseasons to under 28 points.

Ironically, the Chiefs were the underdog in this SB matchup for the third consecutive postseason game. That’s’ incredible for a club which won back to back titles and their 3rd championship in five years. Every win was away from Arrowhead Stadium in KC with the SB victory in Las Vegas the home of their arch rival, Raiders’ home turf.

Chiefs’ back to back titles was the first repeat since the 2003-2004 Patriots. They will attempt to be the first team ever to win three consecutive SB titles next season. That makes the 2024 postseason were interesting with the Free agency period beginning in mid-March and the NFL Draft 2024 in late April pivotal in maintaining and building their roster for the record

Hail to the Chiefs

NFL 2023 Season Honors – Hall of Fame Class 2024

The NFL held the 13th annual NFL Honor awards. Hosted by Keegan-Michael Key, the show included the announcement of The Associated Press’ NFL awards and revealed the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.

Frank Coyle/Publisher

Complete list of 2023 NFL winners

AP Most Valuable Player
Lamar Jackson, QB Ravens – 2nd MVP award

AP Coach of the Year
Kevin Stefanski, Browns head coach – Went 11-6 with 5 starting QBs

AP Comeback Player of the Year
Joe Flacco, QB Browns – Led strong 2nd half playoff drive with multiple 300 yard passing games

AP Offensive Player of the Year
Christian McCaffrey, RB 49ers – Premier runner in game with nose for end zone

AP Defensive Player of the Year
Myles Garrett, Edge Browns – Powerful defender is a game changer

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
C.J. Stroud, QB Texans – Magical first season

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
Will Anderson Jr., Edge Texans – Impact defender spearheaded a new defense

Moment of the Year
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb’s catch vs the Lions

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide
Cameron Heyward, DE Steelers – Excellent NFL spokesman

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Dwight Freeney – Best edge rusher for a generation
Devin Hester – Greatest return specialist in NFL history
Andre Johnson – Prototypical modern receiver
Julius Peppers – Complete edge defender wrecked offenses
Patrick Willis – Ferocious three down Mike man dominated for 8 years
Randy Gradishar (senior) – Blood and guts Mike man
Steve McMichael (senior) – Relentless tackle set the pace for Bears great defense

FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year
Brock Purdy, 49ers quarterback; Christian McCaffrey, 49ers running back

Salute to Service Award presented by USAA
Joe Cardona, Patriots long snapper

AP Assistant Coach of the Year
Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator

Easy to Celebrate Moment of the Year
Tommy DeVito, Giants quarterback

NFL Fan of the Year
Tom Grossi, Packers

Deacon Jones Sack Leader Award
T.J. Watt, Steelers outside linebacker

Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award
Bobby Wagner, Seahawks linebacker

NFLPA Alan Page Community Award
Calais Campbell, Falcons defensive lineman

NFL FLAG Players of the Year
Girls: Allison Gandlin; Boys: Ryder Noche

Jim Brown Award
Christian McCaffrey, 49ers running back

Don Shula High School Coach of the Year
Andy Lowry, Columbine High School
Shane Fairfield, Muskegon High School

Angry Run of the Year
Najee Harris, Steelers running back

‘Word On the Street’

Frank Coyle
www.draftinsiders.com

New column – Exclusive for Subscribers

 NFL Postseason

 East-West Shrine Practices
Game – 8 pm NFL Network – Thursday Feb 1st

   Players to Watch
Offense

 QB Devin Leary, Kentucky, 6010, 215 moved well in the pocket and threw well on the move. He was accurate through the intermediate zones. He needs a strong game performance. QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky, 6007, 233 spread the ball around nicely and went through his progressions. He anticipates routes well and delivers the ball with good touch and timing.

RB Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss, 5071, 199 is a compact runner with power and elusiveness. He will probably be the feature back here with well rounded playmaking abilities. RB Jaden Shirden, Monmouth University, 5074, 189 sudden scatback moves easily and has the explosiveness to run away from defenders. Looking for reps in this game. RB Deshaun Fenwick, Oregon State, 6006, 225 ran hard inside and made yardage after contact. He is primed for a strong game performance.

WR Jalen Coker, Holy Cross, 6012, 218 displayed great body control and a big receiving radius. He is effective in the red zone and has soft hands. WR Casey Washington, Illinois, 6006, 197 shows fine length to win the 50/50 passes. Looked sharp in practices and hopes to transform that to the game. WR Malik Washington, Virginia, 5081, 192 is a compact receiver with quickness and nice deep speed. He displayed good hands and run after the catch ability in practices.

TE Zach Heins, S Dakota St, 6061, 264 displayed reliable hands and route sound routes. He is effective in the middle zones and is a strong blocker. TE Isaac Rex, BYU, 6050, 250 moved easily and showcased soft hands and sound routes. He adjusts well in his routes with the ability to sit in the openings.

OT Walter Rouse, Oklahoma, 6054, 319 moved and slide consistently well with nice hand usage. He looked sharp in pass protection. OG KT Leveston, Kansas State, 6035, 337 has a strong frame and base with good length. He utilizes his fine functional strength to move defenders out of the hole. OG Christian Mahogany, Boston College, 6024, 318 is a powerful blocker who locks on and gets consistent movement in the run game. Needs some work in pass protection.

Defense

Edge Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas, 6040, 266 checked in ripped and prototypical size for the outside. He showed quickness on the snap and fine use of his long arms and strong hands. Edge Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Charlotte, 6037, 253 was explosive on the snap and bend the edge nicely. He pressured QBs to move them consistently off their spot. Edge Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State, 6013, 252 showed deceptive power to get into blockers and the quickness to continue through the arc.

DL Fabian Lovett Sr., Florida State, 6033, 307 was quick on the snap to penetrate the middle. He holds the point well. DL Nathan Pickering, Mississippi St, 6026, 300 is a long versatile lineman who keeps blockers off his body. He can bull rush and uses his huge wingspan to deflect passes. DL Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa, 6021, 320 is a wide body interior lineman who held the point well. He stays alive nicely to be effective between the tackles.

CB Jarrian Jones, Florida State, 6000, 192 is an interesting prospect with length, agility and quickness. He held up nicely in coverage and is competitive on 50/50 passes. CB Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas, 6013, 185 is quick to break on the ball and blanketed receivers in practice. He uses his length well on high ball. CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, Toronto Argonauts, 5113, 203 is eligible here after one season in the CFL. He has a strong frame and built more along safety lines. He has good hips to open and matchup along with good run support skills. S Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse, 6027, 207 is a long defender who can matchup with tight ends and is fluid in coverage to play in all the sub packages.

PK Cam Little, Arkansas, 6007, 173 displayed a strong leg and should earn a draftable 3rd day grade for April.

Players to Watch
Devin Leary                   Kentucky                      QB       6010     215
Austin Reed                  Western Kentucky         QB       6007     233

Jaden Shirden               Monmouth                    RB        5074     189
Deshaun Fenwick          Oregon State                RB        6006     225

Jalen Coker                  Holy Cross                    WR       6012     218
Casey Washington        Illinois                           WR       6006     197
Isaiah Williams              Illinois                           WR       6006     197
Cornelius Johnson        Michigan                       WR       6022     213
Tahj Washington           USC                             WR       5097     177
Malik Washington          Virginia                         WR       5081     192

Zach Heins                    S Dakota St                  TE        6061     264
Isaac Rex                     BYU                             TE        6050     250

Walter Rouse                Oklahoma                     OT        6054     319
Caedan Wallace            Penn State                    OT        6043     322
KT Leveston                 Kansas State                OG       6035     337
Christian Mahogany       Boston C,                     OG       6024     318

Defense
Trajan Jeffcoat             Arkansas                      Edge    6040     266
Xavier Thomas              Clemson                       Edge    6016     244
Eyabi Okie-Anoma         Charlotte                       Edge    6037     253
Mohamed Kamara         Colorado State              Edge    6013     252

Evan Anderson             Florida Atlantic              DL        6004     319
Fabian Lovett Sr.           Florida State                 DL        6033     307
Khristian Boyd              Northern Iowa               DL        6021     320

Jarrian Jones                Florida State                 CB        6000     192
Dwight McGlothern        Arkansas                      CB        6013     185
Qwan’tez Stiggers         Toronto Argonauts        CB        5113     203
Trey Taylor                    Air Force                       Saf       6004     213
Marcellas Dial               S Carolina                     Saf       5113     185
Isaiah Johnson              Syracuse                      Saf       6027     207

Cam Little                     Arkansas                      PK        6007     173

Draft Insiders’ – All-Rookie Teams

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Rookie MVP
QB C.J. Stroud             Texans

Offense            Puka Nacua                      Rams
Defense            Edge Will Anderson       Texans
Special Teams   RS/WR Marvin Mims     Broncos

This is the 2nd year in a year that one team produced both the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year. The Texans made the playoffs and won the wild card game mainly on the performances of two rookies, QB Stroud and edge defender Will Anderson who earned our top offensive and defensive rookie players.  They were drafted #2 and #3 in the NFL Draft 2023. Last year, the Jets’ wideout Garrett Wilson and corner ‘Sauce’ Gardner won the rookie awards and both were top ten selections in the NFL Draft 2022.

All-Rookie Team

First Team
Offense
 
Position                   Player          Team
Quarterback      C.J. Stroud        Texans

Running Backs
De’Von Achane             Dolphins
Bijan Robinson             Falcons

Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua                  Rams
Zay Flowers                  Ravens
Rashee Rice                 Chiefs

Tight Ends
Sam LaPorta                 Lions
Michael Mayer               Raiders

Tackles
Anton Harrison             Jaguars
Darnell Wright               Bears

Guards
O’Cyrus Torrence          Bills
Steve Avila                    Rams

Center  
John Michael Schmitz    Giants

Defense
Position            Player                           Team

Edge
Will Anderson Jr.           Texans
Byron Young                 Rams

Defensive Linemen
Jalen Carter                  Eagles
Kobie Turner                 Rams

Linebackers
Jack Campbell             Lions
Ivan Pace Jr.                 Vikings
Nick Herbig                   Steelers

Cornerbacks
Devon Witherspoon       Seahawks
Joey Porter Jr.             Steelers
Deonte Banks               Giants

Safeties
Brian Branch                 Lions
Christian Izien               Buccaneers

Specialists

Placekicker       Jake Moody                  49ers
Punter             Bryce Baringer             Patriots

Kickoff Returner Marvin Mims Jr.            Broncos
Punt Returner   Derius Davis                 Chargers

All-Rookie – 2nd-Team

Offense
Position            Player /Team

Quarterback    Aidan O’Connell     Raiders

Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs                Lions
Keaton Mitchell             Ravens

Wide Receivers
Jordan Addison             Vikings
Jayden Reed                 Packers
Tank Dell                      Texans

Tight Ends
Luke Musgrave             Packers
Tucker Kraft                  Packers

Tackles
Paris Johnson Jr.          Cardinals
Broderick Jones            Steelers

Guards
Peter Skoronski             Titans
Cody Mauch                   Buccaneers

Center
Joe Tippmann                Jets

Defense
Position      Player         Team

Edge
Tuli Tuipulotu                 Chargers
YaYa Diaby                      Buccaneers

Defensive Linemen
Bryan Bresee                Saints
Calijah Kancey             Buccaneers

Linebackers
Marte Mapu                  Patriots
Dorian Williams             Bills
Henry To’oTo’o              Texans

Cornerbacks
Tyrique Stevenson        Bears
Clark Phillips III             Falcons
Jakorian Bennett           Raiders

Safeties
Jordan Battle                 Bengals
Sydney Brown               Eagles

Specialists

Placekicker        Anders Carlson            Packers
Punter              Ethan Evans                Rams
Kickoff Returner Eric Gray                     Giants
Punt Returner     Xavier Gipson              Jets

Draft Insiders’ – All-Pro Teams

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Executives of the Year

AFC
Eric DeCosta – General Manager – Ravens

NFC
Brad Holmes – General Manager – Lions

* Rookies

Draft Insiders’ – All-Pro Teams

First Team
Offense

Quarterback – Lamar Jackson – Ravens

Running Back – Christian McCaffrey – 49ers
Fullback – Kyle Juszczyk – 49ers
Tight End – Travis Kelce – Chiefs

Wide Receivers
Tyreek Hill – Dolphins
CeeDee Lamb – Cowboys
* Puka Nacua – Rams

Linemen
Left Tackle – Trent Williams – 49ers
Right Tackle – Penei Sewell – Lions
Left Guard – Joe Thuney – Chiefs
Right Guard – Zack Martin – Cowboys
Center – Jason Kelce – Eagles

Defense
 
Edge Rushers
Myles Garrett – Browns
T.J. Watt – Steelers

Interior Linemen
Chris Jones – Chiefs
Dexter Lawrence – Giants

Linebackers
Fred Warner – 49ers
Roquan Smith – Ravens
Quincy Williams – Jets

Cornerbacks
DaRon Bland – Cowboys
Pat Surtain II – Broncos
Slot Corner – Trent McDuffie – Chiefs

Safeties
Kyle Hamilton – Ravens
Antoine Winfield Jr – Bucs

Special Teams
Kick Returner – Keisean Nixon – Packers
Punt Returner – * Darius Davis – Chargers

Placekicker – Brandon Aubrey – Cowboys
Punter – AJ Cole – Raiders

Special Teamer – Miles Killebrew – Steelers
Long Snapper – Ross Matiscik – Jaguars

Second Team

Offense
Quarterback – Jared Goff – Lions

Running Back – Kyren Williams – Rams
Tight End – * Sam LaPorta – Lions

Wide Receivers
A.J. Brown – Eagles
Amon-Ra St. Brown – Lions
Mike Evans – Bucs

Linemen
Left Tackle – Laremy Tunsil – Texans
Right Tackle – Lane Johnson – Eagles
Left Guard – Joel Bitonio – Browns
Right Guard – Chris Lindstrom – Falcons
Center – Frank Ragnow – Lions

Defense

Edge Rushers
Micah Parsons – Cowboys
Maxx Crosby – Raiders

Interior Linemen
Justin Madubuike – Ravens
Aaron Donald – Rams

Linebackers
Demario Davis – Saints
Bobby Wagner – Seahawks
Bobby Okereke – Giants

Cornerbacks
Jaylon Johnson – Bears
Sauce Gardner – Jets
Slot Corner – Taron Johnson – Bills

Safeties
Jessie Bates III – Falcons
Micah Hyde – Bills

Special Teams
Kick Returner – * Marvin Mims – Broncos
Punt Returner – Rashid Shaheed – Packers

Placekicker – Jake Elliott – Eagles
Punter – Bryan Anger – Cowboys

Special Teamer – Jalen Reeves-Maybin – Lions
Long Snapper – Andrew DePaola – Vikings

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Selection Order – Jan. 22,2024
Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Here is the first-round draft order following the first two rounds of the NFL playoffs. The Chicago Bears are guaranteed the first overall pick from the Carolina Panthers as a result of the trade last spring. They also hold their own #1 pick, the 9th overall selection.

The NFL Draft selection order is based on the 2024 NFL standings plus the NFL Draft tiebreaking procedures. Picks 1-18 are the non-playoff teams, with the losing playoff clubs set on picks #19-28.  Tied positions rotate up in the succeeding rounds. Positions 1 through 28 are now set and the final four positions will be based on the Conference title and Super Bowl games.

Currently Carolina & Cleveland do not have 2024 1st round picks

Jan. 15 – Special Eligibility Deadline. Deadline for college players who are underclassmen to apply for Special Eligibility. They will have until Jan 18th to rescind their decision and retain their college eligibility. A list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft 2024 – Detroit, Michigan

NFL Draft 2024 – First Round Order – Updated Jan. 22

1 Chicago (Carolina – 2-15)
2 Washington (4-13)
3 New England (4-13)
4 Arizona (4-13)
5 Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)
6 New York Giants (6-11)
7 Tennessee (6-11)
8 Atlanta (7-10)
9 Chicago (7-10)
10 New York Jets (7-10)
11 Minnesota (7-10)
12 Denver (8-9)
13 Las Vegas (8-9)
14 New Orleans (9-8)
15 Indianapolis (9-8)
16 Seattle (9-8)
17 Jacksonville (9-8)
18 Cincinnati (9-8)
19 LA Rams (10-8)
20 Pittsburgh (10-8)
21 Miami (11-7)
22 Philadelphia (11-7)
23 Houston (Cleveland – 11-6)
24 Dallas (12-6)
25 Green Bay (10-9)
26 Tampa Bay (10-9)
27 Arizona (Houston – 10-9)
28 Buffalo (12-7)

Playoff Clubs below bracketed based on in the Conference title games, current record and SOS

29 Kansas City (13-6)
30 Detroit (14-5)
31 San Francisco (13-5)
32 Baltimore (14-4)

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in major college player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season.

He has a new column ‘The Word on the Street’ dedicated for the NFL, NFL Draft and Free agency with unique content during January through May. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

NFL Playoffs
‘Word on the Street’

Frank Coyle/ Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

New column – ‘Word on the Street – Exclusive for Subscribers – Column will provide unique insight into the NFL postseason, including the NFL Combine, All-Star games and Pro days into the NFL Draft.

NFL Postseason – Divisional Playoffs

The final eight NFL teams play this weekend in back to back double headers on Saturday and Sunday in the divisional round.  The surviving 8 clubs are all regular season divisional winners with 6 also winning in the Wild card opening round. In addition, both conference champs, the 49ers and Ravens earned bye weeks as the best teams in the conference. The starting QBs feature some of the best in the game with 7 of the 8 starters former #1 picks with two (Goff and Mayfield) former #1 overall picks. The lone exception is Brock Purdy who was ‘Mr. Irrelevant’, the last player chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Lamar Jackson has the most to prove despite coming off an MVP type season. His 1-3 postseason record has been a major disappointment in Baltimore after completing his 6^th season this fall.  Also, he is 0-2 at home which adds pressure to their first playoff game at home today. He faces an upstart young Texan club led by rookie sensation QB CB Stroud. Jackson has matured over his short career and is highly confident after two weeks to prepare for their opening game.  The Ravens won the 2023 opening game vs Houston 25-9. It was the rookie Stroud’s first game and he had a mistake free game and threw 44 times for 242 yards, though no big plays. He has matured quickly over the season and probable Rookie of the Year winner. He will see a complicated Ravens scheme who rely on savvy inside backers Smith and Quenn who shut down ground games.

Arguably, the best matchup involves the Kansas City Chiefs @ the Buffalo Bills, the late Sunday night game. Bring your popcorn. In recent history, this has been classic QB duel between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, both of whom have carried their teams to many dramatic victories. This is the next big situation, though the Bills now have the home game in frigid Buffalo. Mahomes is a two-time Super bowl champion and the only QB in the divisional round with a SB ring. Though he has never won a road playoff game. The Bills’ Josh Allen is playing very well and creates massive problems to any defense with both his arm and feet. Both QBs are fearless with rare composure in critical situations. They will test these defenses with undermanned secondaries vulnerable in this classic matchup. The winner here will challenge any club going forward.

Fearless Forecast – Playoff Matchups

Saturday, Jan. 20
AFC:

4:30 p.m. (4) Houston Texans at (1) Baltimore Ravens (ESPN/ABC, ESPN+)

Texans go into Ravens’ meatgrinder in Baltimore where they plan to surprise rookie sensation QB CJ Stroud with an aggressive defense. Ravens star QB Lamar Jackson hopes to reverse his poor (1-3) postseason record with an 0-2 home record. Ravens are quietly confident this season. Texans bubble bursts on the road.
Ravens 24 – Texans 10

NFC

8:15 p.m. (7) Green Bay Packers at (1) San Francisco 49ers (FOX)

The surprising Packers blitzed the Cowboys last week behind hot young QB Jordan Love to win 48-32. The rested 49ers look to throw a variety of schemes at Love to break their offensive rhyme which has excelled over recent weeks. 49ers’ QB Brock Purdy will direct this balanced attack and has shown rare poise to shine on the big stage at times over his short career. Purdy looks to exploit the injury to top flight Packer corner Jaire Alexander who is questionable. He finds single matchups well and has the speedy playmakers to change games. Love faces his toughest test with the 49ers front seven, led by DE Bosa and backers, Warner and Greenlaw dominating the action. 49ers outclass the young Packers behind a talented group who looks to ride the home schedule back to the show.
49ers 27 – Packers 10

Sunday, Jan. 21

NFC

3 p.m. (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at (3) Detroit Lions (NBC, Peacock)

The hard charging Lions have gained strong momentum and support over the impressive 2023 season. QB Jared Goff has silenced critics with an outstanding consistent and clutch performances. This is a matchup of former top overall picks with Baker Mayfield making a major comeback this season. He relies on big play WR Mike Evans who will test the Lions shaky defense completely.  Lions are fired up for another home postseason game and Goff and rookie runner Gibbs are clicking on all cylinders.
Lions 31 – Bucs 17

AFC

6:30 p.m. (3) Kansas City Chiefs at (2) Buffalo Bills (CBS, Paramount+)

Many of these premier QB matchup have come down to the club with the ball last. The Chiefs victory over the Bills in the 2021 and 2022 playoffs are some of the best dramas in NFL history. Mahomes vs Allen are 3-3 in all games. The December 10, 2023 matchup had the usual suspense with the Bills winning in KC 20-17. This Sunday night may be the next great chapter.
Bills 27 Chiefs 24