MichiganCardinal

I think a realistic expectation for the starting defensive alignment next year: DL: Hutch / McNeill (or rookie) / Paschal / Houston (or rookie) - McNeill or Houston as depth LB: Rodrigo / Anzalone - Rookie as depth that will be fighting for a starting role by the midway point of the season DB: Okudah / Free Agent / Rookie / Joseph / Walker It's not perfect. I think Rodrigo & Anzalone are still probably a bottom-16 pair of starting linebackers. In a league where offense wins championships though, I think it would be good enough to win quite a few games.

I think this is what made Houston so dangerous upon his arrival. Teams had grown accustomed to doubling Hutch and - if you successfully contain him - that being enough. The edge across from Hutch before Houston (whether an injured Harris, Austin Bryant, Julian Okwara, or someone else) were being successfully (and easily at times) managed by the opposite tackle. The introduction of a rookie who was playing like he was shot out of a cannon threw off the entire game plan against the Lions pash rush. Whether Houston can sustain that success or not, the defense would greatly benefit from the introduction of another edge this offseason. Two quality rushers on every down makes both that edge and Hutch better.

Gross.

It's a good thing, but I also think it makes a lot of sense for those three to have a strong desire to return. They are all guys whose career has been made or resurrected in Detroit. Cominsky was released by the Falcons and found his niche as a situational lineman here. Anzalone is a pretty lousy linebacker as far as NFL starters go, but is a really strong leader on this defense and in the locker room. Buggs is a 6th rounder who was released by two teams before finding his role in Glenn's defense. None of them are as likely to find that kind of organizational fit elsewhere at this point in their career. It's also a real possibility that some of them don't make the 53-man after the draft and free agency, whether in Detroit or elsewhere. Much more likely they make it in Detroit than elsewhere though. It would mean a bit more if it was Jamaal Williams or DJ Chark to say they'll re-sign for less (though the former has kind of insinuated such).

I don't have cable, let alone whatever nonsense package or stream is required to watch games nowadays. Getting a chance to listen to this one tonight. Funny to hear this Phoenix Arizona crowd (if the 5,000 can even be called that) get much louder for Wings goals than their own. Also getting to listen to the Wings choke this one from a 1-1 tie to a 3-1 lead to a 3-3 tie against a terrible team in the span of like ten minutes.

I knew that much from watching TCU give up 110 points in the CFP this year!

Per reporting, it's the UMPD investigating (which seems to be very busy lately), not the FBI, Washtenaw County Sheriff, or AAPD, which is probably an encouraging sign for Weiss as to the severity of whatever he's accused of doing. I can't imagine UMPD has a devoted computer crimes division and I would think they would pass along or coordinate high crime investigations of that sort to larger departments. Maybe not but just my thought. "Computer access crime" could be literally anything though. Using someone else's account without their permission... Hacking university files/databases... Crypto-mining, as was mentioned... Telling DoorDash that your order didn't arrive when it actually did... Literally anything.

Can't spell "Michigan Football Scandal JHruh" without Jim Harbaugh.

I think the extra year is also huge in identifying Johnson's replacement. I think that Engstrand was probably promoted to Johnson's old job with being the backup OC / heir apparent in mind, but he's got such little experience that an internal promotion may have been forcing the issue.

I agree on both counts. I was more saying that declining an interview/job with the Texans would be one thing if you feel like you couldn't succeed, but he is turning down the Colts and Panthers too, who are (at least generally) not toxic franchises. This feels weird.

Jacksonville is one thing. Working with Baalke turns off a lot of people. But turning down multiple teams with multiple interview requests?? That's crazy. Crazy!

WOW. This is huge! Thanks for the post, had not seen this. On one hand, excellent job by the agent, this is very likely what he intended to do the entire time. He may have felt he was unlikely to get a job this cycle (for the reasons many of us have pointed out) and thought the best way to increase interest next year is to be a wanted commodity that couldn't be had before. The fact that he didn't even interview though... that's really impressive. He has to be very confident that this offense can run it back.

Reading further into what Charlie Campbell has written, it's clear he's in love with Bijan Robinson as a prospect. This is a long read, but the direct quotes from a scout (below the summary) is particularly interesting. Source here. Robinson is a flat-out stud running back. While he has a very good skill set with size and speed, Robinson's instincts and natural running ability makes him a dominant back. Thanks to incredible vision and feel, Robinson seems to be a step ahead of the defense, and that that leads to him making defenders look silly in their tackling attempts on a routine basis. Robinson has incredible cutting ability, changing direction in an instant. It is rare to see a big back who is so sudden in his movements to out-cut defensive backs and second-level defenders, but Robinson jukes and cuts by them with shocking ease. With his feel, Robinson can be a one-cut downhill zone-rushing runner or function in a man-blocking scheme who can create on his own. Robinson has a superb jump cut that leaves defenders grasping at air. With his natural ability, Robinson is capable of carrying his offense and his team to a win. To be an effective running back in the NFL, an athlete has to have speed, and there is no doubt that Robinson has the gas to be effective. He has a quick first-step and hits the hole quickly. With a second gear, Robinson can accelerate to the next level, and he is fast enough to break off long runs. Despite Robinson lacking Chris Johnson- or Todd Gurley-type speed, he is plenty fast enough to be a good pro back. Robinson completes the skill set with NFL power. He has a strong build and breaks a lot of tackles to pick up yards after contact. Utilizing natural knee bend, Robinson runs behind his pads and keeps his legs churning after contact. With Robinson's developed upper body, defenders have a hard time of controlling him to get him on the ground. He also uses a wicked stiff arm to push tacklers away and continue to gain yardage. Robinson has some highlight-reel stiff arms on tape that made defenders look ugly in their tackling attempts. Robinson's size and power makes him an asset in short-yardage situations as well. In the passing game, Robinson is going to be an asset and a mismatch weapon. He is a phenomenal receiver, and team sources saying see him run routes like a wide receiver is jaw dropping. Robinson runs superb routes to create separation and gets open for his quarterback. He has soft hands and tracks the ball well. Robinson has made some amazing highlight-reel catches, contorting his body and adjusting to the ball in ways that have not been seen from a big strong running back. As a pro, Robinson will be a dangerous mismatch weapon as a receiver with his speed and shiftiness in the open field. He could have the ability to line up in the slot and run routes like other talented receiving backs such as Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey. Robinson is also a willing blocker in pass protection and will dish out some good hits. Once he learns his protection assignments in the NFL, he should be a devastating three-down starter. On top of his skill set, team sources rave about Robinson as a person. They say he is a super hard worker, loves football, is a great teammate, and is not a partier. He is low key and calm off the field, so coaches will not have to worry about him getting in trouble. Robinson is potentially the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft, and pro teams think he has rare ability and superstar potential. He is a lock to go in the top half of the first round. In the NFL, Robinson could be a franchise player who makes a huge impact on leading his team to wins. He could be a Pro Bowler as early as his rookie season and possesses the talent to be one of the best running backs in the league during his rookie contract. Robinson is a generational talent who could go on to a prolific and legendary NFL career. Player Comparison: Saquon Barkley/Christian McCaffrey. Robinson is a mix of Barkley and McCaffrey. As a running back, Robinson is similar to Barkley. Barkley is maybe a tick faster, but Robinson is more elusive and tougher. They are both instinctive and dynamic runners. As a receiver, Robinson is like McCaffrey. Like McCaffrey, Robinson is a tremendous route runner with fabulous hands, ball adjustment, and mismatch potential.

It makes you wonder why the lack of production at times at Texas. Granted, the guy won the Doak Walker, so he's obviously very good, but for a guy gaining comps to Faulk and Barry, you would expect him to be an absolute NCAA sensation. I don't know enough about the Big 12 to know what kind of offense Texas is running right now, but he only had 19 receptions in 2022 and both TCU and Alabama were able to effectively contain him. Maybe that speaks more for the offensive line than him as a rusher?

Harris would have to sell the Devils and 76ers, unless the existing owners granted him an exemption.

Really interesting article by a guy who I find to be one of the premier draft analysts not employed by a major network. Year-in and year-out his mock drafts tend to be some of the best. I think he started something like 9/9 in 2022. Obviously still very early, but it makes you wonder if Robinson may be on the table for the Cardinals, Seahawks, and/or Lions. Holmes does seem like the guy who would take the elite player over filling a more apparent need. I'm very encouraged by the quality of depth that is referenced towards the end of the article. Holmes seems to be the perfect guy at finding the diamonds of the 4th round and beyond. Source is linked here.

Next year will tell us a lot. I think Pederson is overrated too FWIW (though at least he's an actual adult coach unlike Meyer). If he succeeds next year and wins the AFC South again while continuing to improve, I'll eat my crow. I'm glad he's in the AFC, he's got the potential for sure.

ESPN making Schefter do commentary and analysis is trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. He has built contacts and relationships to be 1a or 1b with Rapoport for breaking stories in the NFL. They should let him do what he does well, and stop making him do more.

I know I'm in the minority about Lawrence but I'm not a believer yet. You can't go halves of football throwing four interceptions and expect to be a good quarterback. If Daniel Jones or Ryan Tannehill threw four picks in the first half of their first playoff game, there would be calls for their head to be on a stake in town hall. He's gotten a lot of 'passes' for being who he is and having been anointed as God's gift to football when he was drafted.

The Bears need everything but a QB.... and they should probably take a QB at 1.1 anyway (although they won't). I'm not concerned with competing with them for free agents. They're a dumpster fire.

The Bears can pull a 2021 Jaguars if they want to immediately be in the .500 range at the expense of long-term prospects. I would still rather be the Lions than the Jaguars or Bears (even despite the Jags recent success), and I don’t think the type of personalities we would add in free agency are the type that is just going to the highest bidder no matter what.

I agree. I would consider restructuring him if he’ll take a pay cut. But if Houston is likely to win that job, or an edge is likely at 1.6 or 1.18, I don’t think I would pay depth as much as he is owed.

I don’t think they would let Romeo stop them from taking a dynamic play-maker. At his best, he’s a solid starter, and with him coming off an Achilles injury, there is no guarantee he gets back to that best (though early returns were promising)… If you did draft over him, he would make for very good depth, and it would let him be somewhat limited in his usage, which would probably also help him. The same goes for Houston (though the way he took the league by storm, Houston may come out of camp as the starter over Romeo if we don’t draft an edge high). Paschal could slide inside. He might do so anyway. If they draft an edge high, I would expect word to come out in the month following that he’s bulking up and going to play more of a 3-tech position inside of Hutch or the other edge. He did so at Kentucky fairly frequently, and it better suits his strength as a bull-rusher. He’s not a game-breaking athlete the way Hutch, some of those rookies, and maybe Houston are.

I don’t think the Lions trading up and drafting Anthony Richardson at 15 or so would be the same as the Packers trading up and drafting Jordan Love at 26. Richardson has the highest ceiling of all the QB prospects in this draft (IMO). His athleticism and arm strength is off the charts and I could understand why a team with good scouts and good coaching like the Lions would be intrigued. In the perfect situation, he could easily become the QB1 of the draft, and an absolute steal to a team that picks him as the 4th QB off the board. He could also bust and be out of the league in two years if he’s put into the wrong situation. The latter is probably much more likely, as I think a team in the top ten reaches a bit for him and tries to make him start out of the gate. He desperately needs to sit for a season if he’s going to have success at the NFL level. Jordan Love never had close to the upside that Richardson has. Additionally, Jared Goff is not Aaron Rodgers. Goff has proven his worth, and I like him a lot, but he’s not a Hall of Fame prima donna QB who just signed a long-term extension. If you see the next 21/22yo top-five QB sliding down the draft board, I don’t have an issue drafting over Goff. But damn, you better freaking be right. All said, I don’t think it’s going to happen. For either the Lions to make the move, or Richardson to slide. I think the Lions are very happy with Goff, and that he will sign something of a restructured extension this off-season that ensures he’s here at least through 2024.

I think it’s more likely that Santa Ono said the particular things Harbaugh wanted to hear on that particular day in that particular meeting. I do think that Harbaugh could have gotten an NFL job this cycle. I don’t think he would have had his choice of jobs.