Some recent NFL news and notes while we continue to grind away behind the scenes on season-ending stuff that takes a lot of work...
Eli Manning announces his retirement
The Giants announced that Manning will be retiring. Obviously he was a thorn in the side of the Patriots, but what's important is now he affects the market for Tom Brady.
The Patriots would have considered Manning in the pile of possible replacements for Brady — if it came to that — but now that's off the table. I still think it's an option if Bill Belichick calls, but it's certainly lessened at this point.
This also works for Brady in terms of limiting the options for other teams as well. So right now the veteran options not looking for starter money (basically, bridge guys) for any team are down to Drew Brees, Brady, Philip Rivers, and Case Keenum. Teddy Bridgewater, Ryan Tannehill, and even Jameis Winston would seem to be in a different category.
On another topic, Manning is not a Hall of Famer player to me but I'm sure he will sail in because he won two Super Bowls. Plus he seemed to be a terrific guy and was great with the media. I never feared him. He was not a difference-maker — he needed a lot of help around him. Certainly a gamer and clutch, but that's not a Hall of Famer. He wasn't an All-Pro once. He's in the Hall of Very Good, but I'm a small Hall guy with no vote. With Bill Cowher and Terrell Davis getting in recently, among others, I'm sure that will be good enough for the voters.
Joejuan Williams arrested for drug possession
According to a Tennessee TV station, the Patriots' rookie cornerback was arrested after a traffic stop.
As long as he wasn't already in the NFL substance abuse program, this shouldn't amount to much. If he was, it could trigger a suspension. I'm not going to get holier than thou about what guys do in the offseason but it's a little disappointing because I think big things might be expected of him next season, at corner or safety. I thought Williams progressed nicely for a rookie who wasn't really needed all that much.
Senior Bowl thoughts
Have been watching some of the practices so here are some of the players who caught my eye and other thoughts (I'll have more thoughts at the end of the week)...
- Div. III OT Ben Bartch has shown well and looks the part at 6-3, 308 with 33-inch arms. I really, really like him and think it's plug and play at least at right tackle. Very good athlete, good feet, tough.
- South Carolina State OT Alex Taylor is another tackle to watch for the Patriots. Very good player and great frame (6-9, 305). Sort of like a more athletic Dan Skipper with much more upside.
- Utah State QB Jordan Love is flash or bust. He looks really good at times but there's a big disconnect with his accuracy. Certainly worthy of taking on as a project, but would more or less be what Jarrett Stidham has been.
- South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw (6-5, 315) is making himself a lot of money. Looks like a sure-fire mid-first pick. Rare big man with great athletic ability like a Calais Campbell or Stephon Tuitt.
- Auburn DT Marlon Davison (6-3, 278) looks like a good option to replace Adam Butler and Davison is better against the run. Very similar players and while his listed weight is suprising, he plays heavier.
- None of the tight ends have stood out in Mobile but LSU's Stephen Sullivan would seem to be someone who would appeal to them — and be a bargain with upside – because he played just one season of tight end after being a receiver. He's 6-5 and 242 pounds. Is he smart enough and engaged to make the transition in the pro game? I think a lot of teams would be willing to find out. Looks like a good athlete but raw.
- Dayton's Adam Trautman had the biggest rep coming into Mobile among the TEs, but he's just been OK. He is, however, 6-6 and 253. He is more plug and play, however.
- Oregon QB Justin Herbert looks the part and I think he'll be a hero of the offseason, but he does not have a good record in big spots. He's also a little too polished when he talks. Like he's been groomed for this. Sometimes those guys need to be avoided.
- If I'm the Patriots, I'm taking Florida WR Van Jefferson. He runs great routes and has a feel for the game — his father is former NFL WR Shawn Jefferson, a current Jets coach — and the Patriots need to be importing more cerebral receivers. Not the fastest or flashiest of players, but he would get the offense quicker.