Month: January 2014 (Page 1 of 4)

This’ll get you in the mood.

Enjoy.

A quick reminder you can help Seahawks Draft Blog by making all your pre-Super Bowl purchases via the official NFL store.

Simply click on the banner below…

Earlier today they made available some white Russell Wilson jersey’s (Seattle will play in white on Sunday) with the Super Bowl patch on the correct side.

They’ll probably sell out quite quickly so hurry if you want one.

Time to end media madness

For those who don’t know, I am a journalist by trade. I work for the BBC in England as a radio host and spend a lot of my time going to press conferences and conducting interviews.

Usually, the idea of daily access to players and coaches plus a specially organised ‘media day’ would be music to my ears.

At the end of the day, journalists have a job to do. They have a boss like everyone else, and they have to deliver results.

Putting all of the players and coaches in a giant arena or on a podium just makes life easy.

When you get access every day, you barely even have to try.

So I approached the idea of media day with some relish.

But as I watched it unfold, I couldn’t quite believe what was happening.

This week — a week that is supposed to be filled with excitement, anticipation, nerves and even more excitement — has actually been…

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLY BORING TO THE POINT OF ARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH

SOMEBODY KILL ME NOW….

I usually wait with great anticipation to hear what Pete Carroll has to say.

For the first time today, I was bored.

In fact not even bored. I wanted to put my hands over my ears and run around the room screaming for this to end.

Right now I will listen to anything else. “Music” by Pitbull. Janice from ‘Friends’ laughing over and over again on repeat. Perhaps even a Colin Kaepernick interview.

I cannot cope with any more half baked press conferences involving the Seattle Seahawks.

You can only hear so many questions about a defense, Percy Harvin or Marshawn Lynch’s interview technique.

And none of this is the players or coaches fault.

I’m absolutely stunned by how much they have to do in this — the most important week of the season.

Surely they’d be better served concentrating on the game?

After all, even as a member of the press, I just want to see a great contest.

I want the players to be completely prepared, relaxed and concentrating on what could happen on Sunday.

I want them going about their usual routines — so they are ready to perform as they have in the previous 18 games.

If they can spare 10-15 minutes once or twice along the way — excellent. That access should be granted.

But what we’ve seen this week is needless overkill.

Death by boredom.

What on earth is anyone getting out of these endless press conferences?

If the fans are anything like me, they’re bored stiff. If there are journalists out there who still need access after media day — what on earth were they doing?

We’ve had two more press conferences since Tuesday’s press bonanza.

I had to turn today’s interviews off. Enough is enough. Let’s play some football already.

We simply do not need all of this coverage.

Not in an age where press conferences are streamed live into our homes. Not in an age where everything is on Twitter, usually repeated by multiple journalists.

And not in an age where players themselves can directly give us an insight into their personalities via their own social media accounts.

We don’t need to hear Carroll answer a question about whether he looks like Owen Wilson. We don’t need to hear Russell Wilson talking about his hair.

Absolutely nothing interesting has come out of all this over the last few days. No fresh or interesting angles what so ever.

All of the players are on best behaviour. All are speaking in cliche’s just trying to survive the chaos.

What a completely pointless waste of time for all involved.

The NFL needs to review the schedule leading into its show-piece event for next year.

The whole thing turned into a shambles this week. Too much talk about what Marshawn Lynch didn’t say, too much talk about what Richard Sherman did say and too many questions about Justin Bieber.

(One is too many)

Either have media day and nothing else, or just have a couple of press conferences involving the coaches and key players who are used to speaking for the team.

That’s enough.

The NFL Network can fill its time talking to Jesse from Breaking Bad (who is picking the Broncos, because his wife is a Giants fan. Yeah.)

ESPN can have Stephen A. Smith repeat over and over again that he hasn’t made his pick yet but here’s 100 reasons why Denver will win.

Fox can have Jay Glazer flogging designer watches or whatever he does on Twitter these days.

It’s what they’ve done anyway this year, even with all the access.

Time for a rethink, before we’re all bored into submission and start watching the NBA again.

Now — less of the serious stuff.

Enjoy.

One narrative I really don’t get is this idea Seattle’s offense is mediocre.

It isn’t.

Not unless a top-ten offense is classed as mediocre these days.

According to DVOA, Seattle had the #7 offense in the league in 2013.

Combine it with the #1 defense and #5 special teams unit — and it’s easy to see why they were ranked #1 overall as the most complete team in the NFL.

Yes — they had some issues late in the season and haven’t exploded in the playoffs either.

There’s a pretty obvious reason for that.

They’ve consistently faced elite or very good defensive units since week 13.

Here’s the list, with each teams DVOA defensive ranking in brackets:

New Orleans (x2) – #10
New York Giants – #6
San Francisco (x2) – #13
Arizona – #2
St. Louis – #12

It’s not really surprising that they’ve only averaged 22 points in those seven games.

In the three games before this stretch, they faced Tampa Bay (#8), Atlanta (#29) and Minnesota (#27).

They averaged 34 points in those three.

What some people perceive as a dramatic slump or evidence of mediocrity, is probably more the opposition performing to standard from week 13 to the NFC Championship game.

Seattle faces the #15 defense in the Super Bowl. Yet it’s the #15 defense without Chris Harris (Denver’s best corner), Von Miller (their best pass rusher) and Derek Wolfe (a very good defensive tackle).

What’s more, while certain media outlets have focused on Seattle’s offense — they’ve been willing to look beyond some of Denver’s defensive issues.

Yes — the Broncos played very well against an injury hit New England offense in the AFC Championship game.

But look at the complete schedule this year.

They conceded less than 15 points on just two occasions — to the Houston Texans in week 16 (#29 ranked offense) and the Oakland Raiders in week 17 (#28 ranked offense).

Suffice to say, neither team had a great deal to play for.

They also gave up a lot of points in 2013 for a 13-3 team.

Take a look for yourselves. I’ve included each teams DVOA ranking on offense in brackets:

27 vs Baltimore (#30)
23 vs New York Giants (#31)
21 vs Oakland (#28)
48 vs Dallas (#11)
33 vs Indianapolis (#13)
21 vs Washington (#23)
34 vs New England (#4)
28 vs Kansas City (#15)
28 vs Tennessee (#16)

Remember, Seattle has the #7 offense. So they’re ranked higher than Dallas and Indianapolis, who combined for 81 points against the Broncos. And slightly worse than New England, who managed to register 34.

You could argue there’s a lot of selective opining going on here.

Don’t get me wrong — Seattle’s offense can improve. Third down and red zone performance has been surprisingly weak recently.

Yet the Seahawks have still made big plays to offset these issues. And they’ve kept on winning despite that 22-point average since week 13.

Without doing any real homework it’d be easy to point to trends.

To the passer-by, Seattle’s offense is regressing and Denver’s defense is improving.

In reality, the Seahawks have come through a stretch where they consistently faced top defenses with enough points to make a Super Bowl.

Denver’s defense over the course of the year has given up a ton of points.

And if you want one other myth busted tonight — look at how many points Denver have scored in their last two playoff games.

Despite dominating T.O.P. against San Diego and New England, they put up 24 and 26 respectively.

San Diego’s defensive rank in DVOA? #32 and dead last.

New England comes in slightly better at #21.

On Sunday the Broncos face the #1 defense.

It might be worth adjusting some of those +30 point predictions for Peyton Manning and co.

Denver offense vs Seattle defense

It wouldn’t surprise me if Peyton Manning didn’t attempt a pass beyond 15 yards on Sunday.

Not because of the weather or any physical limitations with his 37-year-old body.

Simply put, it makes little sense to attack Seattle downfield.

They love to play physical at the line, but they’re also adept in covering deep. Manning isn’t going to zip passes over the top of this defense.

Not a chance and he’ll know that.

Long developing routes won’t be his friend either. Denver’s much vaunted pass protection is a product of Manning’s quick release. Without Ryan Clady watching his blind side, he can’t afford to be sitting in the pocket waiting on a downfield target.

The way to exploit this defense will be underneath throws and finding ways to set up the run. It’s a pretty safe bet to imagine this could be Denver’s game plan.

I think Demaryius Thomas will actually have a quiet game unless they get creative and move him around. It makes sense to have him run downfield taking away one of the corners. That will open up the underneath coverage and allow space for the crossing routes.

If they have Thomas and Eric Decker coming up against Byron Maxwell and Richard Sherman, they’ll probably both be used as a decoys. I expect Wes Welker to get a lot of targets over the middle on shorter routes, plus the two tight ends.

In fact I wouldn’t be shocked if Thomas and Decker are non-factors. At the end of the day, are you going to challenge Sherman and Maxwell with Manning’s arm — or do you fancy your chances throwing against Seattle’s linebackers and Kam Chancellor underneath?

This will be about YAC and chipping away at the defense. Slow burning, patient and methodical drives.

Denver has the players to dominate even with a fairly conservative game plan.

Manning doesn’t care who he passes to. He’s going to snap and throw — get it out there and let the playmakers do the work. Some of those lesser known receivers and tight ends are going to get plenty of looks. Don’t be surprised if an Andre Caldwell, Jacob Tamme or Joel Dreessen ends up having a big day with a touchdown or two.

There’s not really much Seattle can do about this. Field goals will have to be considered victories. It’ll be very difficult to win the field position battle because Manning’s going to get to midfield consistently, even if a drive eventually stalls.

As for the running game — I think they’ll mix it in once they’ve got the passing game into a rhythm. If Manning gets into his stride early on the Seahawks should be concerned. It’ll really open up the run from the shotgun and Knowshon Moreno could have a field day on just a handful of calculated carries.

Don’t underestimate how difficult it is to stop a Manning offense running the ball once he’s established the passing game. It can be frighteningly potent.

Expect to see some screens too — but Seattle has done a fantastic job taking these away this season.

At the end of the day you can’t stop this unit scoring points and building drives.

They’re just too good.

The question is, can you limit them to enough points that your offense has a chance to win you the game?

Key players: Peyton Manning (obviously), Jacob Tamme (TE), Julius Thomas (TE), Joel Dreessen (TE), Wes Welker (WR), Knowshon Moreno (RB)

Seattle defense vs Denver offense

This is about damage limitation.

However good this defense is — and it’s one of the best ever — you’re going to give up yards and points to Peyton Manning.

Unlike his brother, he won’t sit in the pocket absorbing pressure before throwing a few ducks to be intercepted.

He’ll snap and throw, challenge the linebackers in coverage and find ways to eat away.

Field goals are not a bad thing. I don’t expect Manning to turn the ball over more than once.

This is going to be about disciplined, containment football and good tackling.

If Manning does attack underneath, make a tackle. When you get into those 3rd and short situations, run around and force an incompletion.

San Diego beat Denver in week 15 by putting a lid on the passing game — and in the process taking away the run.

If you can limit the damage, they’ll get no rhythm. Moreno ran for 19 yards on eight carries against the Chargers because Manning spent most of the game searching for his mojo.

Andre Caldwell and Montee Ball were Denver’s two leading receivers on the night.

If you can take away the big playmakers (Seattle has a shot with Sherman/Maxwell/Thurmond) and force Manning underneath and to his secondary targets — you can frustrate this offense.

San Diego held the Broncos to 20 points and scored 27 to win.

That will be the blue print for Seattle — and they’re capable of scoring more than 27.

A lot of people expect Seattle’s big-time edge rushers to dominate against a sloth-like Manning.

Unfortunately I can’t see the edge guys having much impact just because of the quick release. Cliff Avril and Chris Clemons will struggle to create pressure, let alone sack the quarterback. Michael Bennett has spent a lot of time outside recently and will probably suffer a similar fate.

We might even see some three-man rushes to put an extra body in coverage.

Instead this is a game for the interior lineman.

If Tony McDaniel, Brandon Mebane and Clinton McDonald win at the snap, they are the ones who can collapse the pocket and force pressure. This is absolutely crucial and the only way to stop Manning getting into the zone.

The balls going to be out before the edge guys can have an impact. The interior pass rushers have to win and get into Manning’s eye line.

They also have to be disciplined enough when Manning audibles into a run play — especially if he finds a rhythm early. They can’t press and lose their shape. They have to remain organised and avoid trying to do too much.

Those three players are pretty much the key to Seattle’s defense on Sunday.

McDaniel, Mebane and McDonald.

Plus Bennett when he lines up inside.

In fact it might be worth using Bennett predominantly from the interior to max out his impact.

The linebackers will have to play the best games of their short careers. This is a huge challenge for Bruce Irvin, Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and Malcolm Smith.

They’re going to be challenged to tackle well and cover the best they can.

Walter Thurmond as the slot receiver is going to need to be at his sharpest to keep an eye on Wes Welker.

Essentially you can’t stop Welker getting a step and making a catch — but you can make it a 3-5 yard reception instead of a 15-20 YAC effort.

For all his attention this week I expect Sherman to spend most of his day running downfield with either Thomas or Decker on a decoy. I doubt Manning challenges him even once.

I don’t think the cornerbacks will rotate. Sherman will stick to the left and cover whoever is outside — I doubt he sticks with Thomas. They seem to trust Maxwell a lot.

The motto essentially needs to be field goals instead of touchdowns to give the offense a chance to win the game.

Play smart, tackle well and rush the interior.

Key players: Tony McDaniel (DT), Brandon Mebane (DT), Clinton McDonald (DT), Bobby Wagner (LB), K.J. Wright (LB), Walter Thurmond (CB)

Denver defense vs Seattle offense

I fully expect the Broncos to focus on stopping Marshawn Lynch.

It’s a no-brainer really.

Denver’s passing defense, at least from a personnel stand point, isn’t a strength. Not with their current injuries.

No Von Miller. No Derek Wolfe. No Chris Harris.

Their best way to challenge Russell Wilson is by taking away the run and forcing Seattle to pass.

The Seahawks have been dreadful on third downs recently. Putting them in lots of 3rd and +5 situations will be a real test.

They have to stack the box and try to stop Lynch. Objective number one.

The only problem is — Wilson has shown he can beat a superior defense using this game plan.

New Orleans in week 13 completely sold out to stop the run.

Lynch had 45 yards on the night — Wilson ran for 47 and passed for 310 more.

If Seattle wins this game, I could see a similar stat line for both.

But really, this is what Denver has to do. They have to try and stop the run, score regularly on offense and force the pass.

Wilson’s threat as a runner will be a concern, however.

In the AFC Championship game the Broncos defensive front consistently broke contain against Tom Brady.

They won’t get away with it against a much more mobile quarterback. There’s easy running yards to be had there.

If the Seahawks use the read option, Danny Trevathan might keep an eye on any QB keepers. This is another big area where the Broncos have to be ready.

During the 2013 season the only mobile quarterbacks they faced were Terrelle Pryor, Robert Griffin III and Michael Vick.

Pryor isn’t good enough, RGIII was mid-meltdown and Vick was on the brink of losing his job to Nick Foles.

Wilson is a much greater challenge — and the Broncos might be a little unprepared for a player who moves as well as Seattle’s quarterback.

I’ll be stunned if the Seahawks doesn’t utilise the read-option much more than they have in recent weeks.

It’s not just the running of Wilson either. How do Denver keep a check on Percy Harvin?

Last time he played the Broncos he had eight catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Admittedly this was pre-Manning in 2011 — although Manning won’t be playing defense on Sunday either.

Denver struggled to contain Kansas City’s Dexter McCluster —  he managed ten catches for 96 yards in two meetings during 2013.

When the Patriots beat the Broncos in the regular season, Julian Edelman had nine grabs for 110 yards and two scores.

They’ve struggled to cover smaller, quicker receivers. And neither Edelman or McCluster get close to Harvin’s explosive potential.

Jack Del Rio may well make stopping Lynch his priority. Finding a way to stop Harvin will be problem #2.

The national media have taken to Denver’s defense but this is a group missing its best pass rusher, best corner and a top interior lineman. It’s a team that had issues at safety anyway and is devoid of any real stars.

Even a guy like Terrance Knighton — I’m not sure you’d swap him for Seattle’s Mebane the way he’s been playing this year.

The Seahawks offense should have success here against what looks like a pretty overrated group.

For those who want to argue otherwise. Look at Denver’s key players on defense.

Then compare them to Lynch, Wilson, Harvin, Tate, Baldwin etc…

Key players: Terrance Knighton (DT), Sylvester Williams (DT), Danny Trevathan (LB)

Seattle’s offense vs Denver’s defense

The Super Bowl narrative is Seattle’s offense is mediocre and won’t be able to keep up with Manning.

A lot of people are missing the point.

Manning has to contend against the #1 defense in the NFL.

Seattle is coming up against the worst defense they’ve faced since week 11 (Minnesota).

In a point scoring exercise against identical defenses, Denver would come out on top.

But they aren’t facing identical defenses in the Super Bowl.

Let’s look at the DVOA marks for all four units:

Denver’s offense (#1) vs Seattle’s defense (#1)

Seattle’s offense (#7) vs Denver’s defense (#15)

There’s a clear advantage to Seattle’s offense there.

The kind of advantage Denver cannot expect against the NFL’s top defense.

My prediction is the Broncos will have success against Lynch and the running game because they’ll sell out to stop it.

But Wilson will also be able to run for 45-60 yards and will make a few big plays in the passing game too.

Harvin’s return is a huge positive. I hope Seattle works to protect him — avoiding throwing downfield too often where he becomes a big-hit target and instead using him as a YAC threat.

I think we’ll see sweeps, designed runs and some quick screens and throws into the flat. Anything to get the ball in his hands quickly so he’s running at defenders.

The receivers should have success competing against this secondary. Zach Miller might act mostly as a luxury extra blocker and a safety valve.

I’m expecting Luke Willson to make his customary early play on offense. Why break with tradition?

Overall this unit will make plays, just like they have all year. And if Denver can’t stop the run, it could be a very fruitful and balanced day for this offense.

It’s absolutely vital they have a good day on third down. This has been an area of struggle for the Seahawks — even against San Francisco they were only 5/14.

They also have to improve in the red zone. This has been a surprising issue this season.

Wilson is the key and could be in line to complete his legacy with a MVP performance. Even if Terrance Knighton collapses the pocket — without Von Miller there’s very little edge speed to stop him moving around and making plays downfield.

This is the type of opponent, like Atlanta, where Wilson can be at his creative best.

He’s struggled mostly when teams like the Rams, Cardinals and 49ers can bring constant pressure from both sides with a four or five man rush. He gets flustered, doesn’t know whether to escape or sit and usually gets sacked.

Here it’s unlikely he’ll face much edge pressure and if the interior has an impact, he can just scramble away from danger.

For me the stars are aligning for Wilson to have a big day.

Yet ultimately the Seahawks have a lot of good players on offense. I’m not sure many people realise how highly the offense ranked in DVOA.

They’ll surprise a few people on Sunday.

Key players: Russell Wilson (QB), Percy Harvin (WR), Doug Baldwin (WR), Golden Tate (WR), Jermaine Kearse (WR)

I’ve not watched the game, but hope to get into the tape as soon as it’s made available.

The South team — coached by Gus Bradley and the Jaguars staff — sauntered past the North (coached by the mediocre Falcons group) 20-10.

The distinct lack of quality on show made this a difficult one to get excited about. And it’s also worth remembering the overall talent level when considering how certain players performed.

Auburn pass rusher Dee Ford was named MVP — collecting two sacks and a pass break up. You can see highlights of his day here.

I like Ford as an undersized (6-2, 243lbs) speed rusher with limitations. But what kind of grade does he deserve? Is he capable of being more than just a speed guy? Is he going to be able to mix it up, show good hand use and get off blocks?

Tony Pauline at DraftInsider.net noted the following when watching Ford do drills in Mobile:

Day One

Lined up exclusively at defensive end. Applauded numerous times by coaches for taking direction, playing with great pad level and competing. Quick and fast but easily handled at the point.

Day Two

WOWed scouts with his pass rush skill. Beat just about everyone around the edge showing incredible speed and quickness. Does a bit of wide edge rushing and a little one dimensional in that aspect.

Day Three

Simmered down compared to his performance yesterday. His speed rush skills are impressive but to be honest, he really did not show much in the way of variety and looked like a one trick pony.

Today he destroyed Ohio State tackle Jack Mewhort for the first sack. What a complete mismatch. Mewhort had no answer for that kind of speed off the edge and looked pedestrian.

On the second sack he’s lined up to the far right. This is taking the ‘wide-9’ to another level — he was so detached from the rest of the LOS. In that kind of situation it’s a pure foot race — and Ford was victorious on this occasion to get to Logan Thomas.

The lack of good edge rushers in this class will help Ford, but will he go in the first round? He’ll need to run in the 4.4’s at the combine (he’s capable of it). I still think he’s more of a solid second rounder but we’ll see.

He also has a likeable personality. That’ll help.

I’ve included Ford’s tape against FSU from the National Championship game at the top of this piece. Check it out.

What about the quarterbacks?

Remember when people were touting Tajh Boyd as a first rounder?

He’ll struggle to get drafted at this rate.

After a disappointing week at the Senior Bowl where he got slammed by observers, Boyd threw an absolute duck of an interception today. He finished with a stat line of 7/16 passing for 31 yards.

The pick was a disaster. No pressure, thrown into double coverage with no velocity. He just hangs it up there to be picked.

Good college quarterback, but that won’t cut it at the next level.

The same goes for Miami’s Stephen Morris. He went 10/18 for 89 yards and two interceptions.

Out of all the quarterbacks on show here, the only one with a shot at making it is Derek Carr. Logan Thomas, though, is a nice project to try and develop even if his career petered out with a whimper at Virginia Tech.

Thomas completed 4/5 today for 18 yards on a quiet afternoon.

I’ll have further reaction to the game today when the tape becomes available. I’m also continuing to work on Aaron Donald again after his good week in Mobile. I think I will adjust my initial impression (I really liked his tape vs FSU, even if he could’ve finished on a few more plays) — but more on that later.

I remember glancing at the names tabbed to appear at the Senior Bowl this year and thinking…

Really?

Right from the start it looked like an underwhelming group. A lot of the big names were no-shows, citing injuries or a ‘business decision’.

One headline stated: “NFL GM: ‘It’s the worst Senior Bowl talent I’ve seen‘”

Greg Bedard at MMQB wrote: “The prevailing opinion among scouts and executives was that this is the weakest crop of first-round talent at the Senior Bowl ever.”

Yet it shouldn’t be a big surprise that this once excellent event is becoming little more than a combine appetizer.

The sheer number of underclassmen entering the NFL is having a huge impact.

This year it’s 98 turning pro, up from 73 in 2013 and 65 in 2012.

Next years event is already setting up to be a complete stinker. With so few players lasting the distance in college, there just aren’t that many good Seniors that qualify.

Even letting four-year juniors in hasn’t given it that much of a kick-start.

The NFL and the NCAA need to get together and save the Senior Bowl.

Not by allowing juniors in. But instead by addressing the real issue at play here.

Agents and bad advice.

The crux of the problem is the new CBA. The big money isn’t there for rookies any more, not unless you go in the top ten.

Agents are advising prospects to chase the second contract by entering the league as soon as possible.

Unfortunately this is terrible advice.

The average length of a NFL career is three years. A heck of a lot of players don’t see the end of their first contract, let alone get a second.

Rushing into the league is not a good idea.

For some players, they need that time in college. With certain positions — quarterback being a great example — you just can’t beat reps on the field.

For every Richard Sherman out there — set to earn millions after going in round five — there will be countless players who don’t even make the cut in years one or two.

This isn’t a big issue for the likes of Jadeveon Clowney, Johnny Manziel and Sammy Watkins — all guaranteed to go in the top-ten and be stars at the next level.

It’s the guys who declare knowing they’re likely to be mid-to-late round picks that we should be worried about.

Instead of trying to improve their stock on the field in college, they’re prepared to take their chances in training camp and on the practise field.

Here’s an example of what could go wrong….

You’re a young receiver who gets drafted by a team with a bevvy of veteran starters. You struggle to beat out the experienced incumbents in camp. You’re only a 6th round pick, so you’re on the roster bubble. And hey — we have this UDFA who excelled and plays a position of greater need.

Suddenly the guy who backed himself to make it as a late round pick is on the street looking for a job.

Simply being in the NFL is not a guarantee you will get the best possible opportunity to showcase your talent.

Are young players being told that brutal reality? Or are they being told “the quicker you get in the NFL, the quicker you can earn a second contract”?

Here’s what a player should be told — enter the league when YOU are ready. Because being physically and mentally prepared for the NFL is what will help you succeed. And success will eventually get you a second contract, whether it’s for the big bucks or not.

Every player is different. Some need extra time in college. Others can feel comfortable entering the league after a couple of years of college ball.

But turning pro when you’re not ready can kill your career before it even begins.

It’s concerning that this week the discussion has shifted towards allowing juniors to enter the Senior Bowl rather than addressing the bigger problem.

If you let juniors into the event, it’ll be like throwing petrol on a bonfire. Yet another thing to encourage young players to jump before they’re ready.

It’s all about education and information.

Spell out the facts and have NFL personnel talk to players as they go through college. Make it clear — you are not guaranteed that big second contract. Many of you won’t make the grade.

The fortunate ones who work their asses off will be rewarded.

We’re sending 100 players into the league this year and many have been sold an unrealistic dream.

It’s time to save the Senior Bowl — and in the process save a few careers too.

Brent Urban (DT, Virginia)
Sprained his ankle during the drills and won’t play in the game this weekend. Listed between 6-6 and 6-7, 298lbs with close to 34 inch arms. Not a production machine in college but certainly a guy who fits the three-tech role currently accommodated by pending free agent Tony McDaniel. Keep an eye on this guy.

Marcel Jensen (TE, Fresno State)
Underrated tight end with great size and an all-round game. Athletic enough to be a catching threat, but also big enough to develop into a good blocker. Fresno State don’t use the tight ends that much in the passing game, but Jensen could be a late round steal. 6-5 and 250lbs. Lots to like here.

Zack Martin (T, Notre Dame)
Technically one of the best offensive linemen you’ll see entering the league. For me he’s been a top-20 prospect for some time. Arm length might lead to a move inside to guard, but don’t bet against a team giving him a shot at left tackle. If he is projected as a guard, he’s the only one with a shot at going in round one for me. It’s a poor year for the position.

Ra’Shede Hageman (DE, Minnesota)
I think with Hageman you’ve got to expect some rough edges. At times he looks like a big time pass rusher. He just doesn’t do it consistently enough. I expected his stock to sky rocket at the Senior Bowl, but that inconsistency has continued in Mobile. For a team like Seattle, that could be a good thing if he ends up dropping to the late first.

Ranking the Super Bowl rosters

Mike Sando and Matt Williamson spend their time wisely.

One can only imagine how long it took to rank all 106 players involved in the Super Bowl.

But it makes for a  fascinating read.

Peyton Manning tops the list, but the rest of the top ten is dominated by Seattle.

It’s an insider article and you’ll need to subscribe to see it all. I’m not going to reveal too much, but the following is all over Twitter so we’re not breaking any rules.

Richard Sherman is #2 behind Manning. Earl Thomas (#3), Marshawn Lynch (#4), Percy Harvin (#6), Michael Bennett (#7), Russell Wilson (#8), Brandon Mebane (#9) and Kam Chancellor (#10) are the other Seahawks named in the top ten.

Demaryius Thomas is the only other Bronco among the elite at #5.

The one moderate surprise for me is Cliff Avril way down at #17. Alongside Bennett he’s been sensational in the second half of the season and the playoffs.

How many other players can boast seven forced fumbles for the year?

Overall the list shows that really this is a battle between the deepest and most talented team in the NFL against a legendary individual.

Manning, as the #1 on the list, is more than capable of winning the Super Bowl for Denver. He can carry that team if needed.

But if Seattle’s top ranked defense restricts him from finding a rhythm, rushes the passer with consistency and avoids penalties — I’m not sure the rest of the Broncos roster can compensate.

The Seahawks are the better team. Denver has the best player.

So who do you think should be favoured?

Senior Bowl update

Again, I’ve not been able to catch any of this years coverage. So I’m passing on second hand info rather than offering my own take.

Eventually work out tape will appear on Youtube. I’m asking for a bit of patience right now, but we’ll get into it eventually.

One player I’m interested in based on reports so far (I’m still using Tony Pauline as my go-to-guy) is Nebraska cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste.

He’s 6-2 and 215lbs with 32 inch arms.

Pauline said yesterday he’s a “physically imposing defender who looked solid in drills” before adding today, “really played well and stepped it up. Made a terrific pass defense in the end zone, using his size and athleticism to knock away the ball. Looks like he has a ton of upside.”

We all know Seattle likes size and length at corner. A physical edge won’t hurt either. Jean-Baptiste is someone we’ll get into during the process, especially if they end up requiring new depth at corner for next season.

Pittburgh’s Aaron Donald is getting rave reviews. Pauline called his performance today “unstoppable” and added “massive week for the undersized defensive lineman.”

I’ve never been impressed with Donald’s tape. He looked pedestrian. I’m also sceptical that he’ll have the same impact against better interior blockers.

The 2014 class is thin at guard and center anyway, let alone at the Senior Bowl.

But it’s hard to ignore the universal thumbs up he’s getting from every observer in Mobile. I’ll go back for another look at the tape this week to see if my first impression was inaccurate.

I fully expected Ra’Shede Hageman to blow up the Senior Bowl — but he hasn’t so far.

Pauline on Hageman: “Looks like Tarzan at times then plays like Jane. Makes one good play then disappears for stretches.”

On the injury front, Virginia defensive lineman Brent Urban’s picked up a sprained ankle and won’t take any further part. He’s one to watch for the Seahawks and could easily land in round one.

Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin — one of my favourites this year — has excelled. He’s a top-20 talent and looked the part throughout his college career. Measurement wise he looks like a guard but I can’t see teams like Miami and Arizona passing on him. Both desperately need a good left tackle.

Martin is a complete natural and oozes technique. He’s just about the most polished college lineman I’ve seen. Even more so than Alex Mack when he entered the league in 2009.

It’s not been a good week for overrated Baylor guard Cyril Richardson. Pauline’s take from today’s workout: “Continually beaten by Aaron Donald throughout the morning. Strong yet stiff and shows he’ll be exploited by athletic opponents.”

He’s not a fit for the zone blocking scheme and shouldn’t be an option for Seattle, even in the mid-rounds where I think he’s going to land.

I highlighted Fresno State tight end Marcel Jensen as one to monitor earlier in the week. Pauline has been impressed so far: “Hands down the best tight end on the North. Caught the ball very well, showing the ability to beat down linebackers. Held his own blocking.”

Jensen really is one to keep an eye on. So much upside.

Jordan Matthews at Vanderbilt isn’t doing as well as hoped. Pauline: “Lack of quickness and speed is a concern.”

BYU receiver Cody Hoffman, however, has reportedly looked sharp.

Some other players I’m going to re-review based on what I’ve read so far:

Morgan Moses (T, Virginia) — had a hit and miss 2013 but has all the physical qualities to go in the first two rounds.

Bryan Stork (C, Florida) — really intelligent, personable guy with talent to match.

Dee Ford (DE, Alabama) — appears to be excelling as a speed rusher. Lacks length. Might be a one-trick pony.