2022 NFL Hall of Fame Modern-Era Semifinalists

By Barb Layton

I always love when we get the semi-finalists for the Hall of Fame. It is fun to try to figure out who will make it into the Hall of Fame this year.

Sometimes you look at the list and several names will pop out at you. It is the same with this class. This is a class of more offensive than defensive players. There are several WRs and RBs in this list.

Here goes with the list:

  1. Eric Allen, CB Eagles, Saints, Raiders
  2. Jared Allen, DE Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, Panthers
  3. Willie Anderson, OT Bengals and Ravens
  4. Ronde Barber, WR Buccaneers
  5. Anquan Bolden, WR Cardinals, Ravens, 49ers, Lions
  6. Tony Boselli, OT Jaguars and Texans
  7. LeRoy Butler, S Packers
  8. Eddie George, RB Oilers/Titans
  9. Devin Hester, WR/RS Bears, Falcons, Ravens
  10. Torry Holt, WR Rams and Jaguars
  11. Andre Johnson, WR Texans, Colts and Titans
  12. Robert Mathis, DE/LB Colts
  13. Sam Mills, LB Saints and Panthers
  14. Richard Seymour, DE/DT Patriots and Raiders
  15. Steve Smith, WR Panthers and Ravens
  16. Steve Tasker, ST/WR Oilers and Bills
  17. Fred Taylor, RB Jaguars and Patriots
  18. Zach Thomas, CB Dolphins and Cowboys
  19. Hines Ward, WR Steelers
  20. Demarcus Ware, LB/DE Cowboys and Broncos
  21. Ricky Watters, RB 49ers, Eagles, and Seahawks
  22. Reggie Wayne, WR Colts
  23. Vince Wilfork, DT Patriots and Texans
  24. Patrick Willis, LB 49ers
  25. Darren Woodson, S Cowboys
  26. Bryant Young, DT 49ers

Where Are They Now? Lawrence Butler III

By James and Barb Layton

Several years ago I wrote a scouting report and did an interview on Lawrence (Larry) Butler an All-American linebacker out of Southern Nazarene University

I viewed him as a 3rd round pick, as did many draft insiders.

He has had many road blocks along the way. You might like to know what happened to his football career and what he is doing today.

When was your Achilles Injury, and how did it happen?

Happened last day of draft , (3rd day) I had a string of injuries during my senior year caused me to miss 3 games and parts of 3 others. I wasn’t given an MRI  I didn’t know the extent of damage paying on injury my senior season ultimately lead to cartilage damage and a torn Achilles which ultimately derailed my career. Preseason going into my senior season I was projected as a 3rd round pick . My stock plummeted during this injury riddled season Ultimately I played my senior season , with a torn quadricep , fractured ankle, and partially torn Achilles and had no idea. 


What was your Mindset after the injury, and did you think about still trying to make it to the next level?

Yes I actually had a brief comeback when I was able to walk again in 2018 a year and a half later the globe bowl in Philadelphia I ran a 4.5 in the 40 and a 4.2 shuttle and had 11 tackles 3 Tfls a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries in the game my performance is still on YouTube 

Did you think about a career in coaching or in football operations? 

Nope I actually don’t even watch or care for football anymore I’m completely out the loop. the way my career ended I honestly feel football was a waste of my life literally dedicated my whole young life to it missed out on a lot for something that ultimately (injury or not) didn’t work out in the end 

What was your backup plan if football didn’t work out?

Didn’t really have one to be honest (smiles and laughs) I got into personal training for a little it was cool paid the bills and Helping people reach goals was always great feeling

Do you think about football these days?

Not at all. 

Was Fashion and modeling something you’ve always have been interested in? or Something that has fallen into?

I was actually focused on being an actor and went thru several auditions etc since 2019 wasn’t getting much traction until recently I was always suggested to do model by people and I did a photo shoot sent them around it created a lot of buzz and I got offered to do shows and now because I’m more identifiable I’m getting more opportunities in film as well. Also I have a book coming early next year so be on the lookout 

Do you think a Career in the fashion industry will be as fulfilling as a career in the football industry?

Yes even more so now I’ll have more of a name and platform to touch, reach , and help people 

What are some of your goals in modeling? 

My goals are always to be the best in everything I do 

Do you have other interests besides modeling and fashion?

Film

What is it like going from an All-American Linebacker to a professional model?

I feel it opens a lot of doors the story is interesting more and more people want to learn and know more , I get asked about it all the time. I would choose to not even talk about it anymore if I could football is over I moved on but I know people who meet me want to talk about it . It’s cool

Is there anything you would like brought out or highlighted in this article?

Be on the lookout for Lawrence Butler III “LB3 is the future “

It was really nice getting to catch up with him. Happy he has such a promising career.

Top 10 NFL WRs and Top 5 TEs Week 1

By Barb Laytonl

Every week I do the top 10 Wide Receivers and top 5 Tight Ends. I have not included any rookies. Next week there could be some wide receivers or tight ends on the list.

  • Davante Adams, Packers
  • Stefon Diggs, Bills
  • Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
  • DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals
  • Keenan Allen, Chargers
  • Cooper Kupp, Rams
  • Amari Cooper, Cowboys
  • Justin Jefferson, Vikings
  • Terry McLaurin, Washington
  • Diontae Johnson, Steelers

Now the 5 tight ends

  • Travis Kelce, Chiefs
  • George Kittle, 49ers
  • T.J. Hockenson, Lions
  • Darren Waller, Raiders
  • Evan Engram, Giants

Top 10 NFL Running Backs Week 1

By Barb Layton

This is my list of running backs. I have no rookies on the list this week. Next week I am sure there will be some rookies.

  • Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
  • Derek Henry, Titans
  • Nick Chubb, Browns
  • Dalvin Cook, Vikings
  • Alvin Kamara, Saints
  • Jonathan Taylor, Colts
  • Josh Jacobs, Raiders
  • James Robinson, Jaguars
  • Antonio Gibson, Washington
  • Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys

Players to Watch In the Lions and Steelers Game

By Barb Layton

I am so glad to see the Steelers having a home preseason game. It is always nice to see the dress rehearsal game.

I know we are all looking forward to seeing the quarterbacks play especially seeing Ben Roethlisberger play. I am interested in knowing whether Dwayne Haskins can overtake Mason Rudolph as the number 2 QB. Right now it is Mason Rudolph job to lose. He hasn’t done so yet in my opinion.

I am also interested in seeing our 5 starting OL perform together. See if they are forming as 1 united group. Will they be a top 10 OL this year? None of know. Even if they are in the middle of the pack it will be an improvement over last year.

Now let’s touch on the defense. I want to know who will win the slot job in the CB group. I am leaning towards Arthur Maulet at this time. It could also go to Antoine Brooks.

Let’s check out my players to watch this week.

Offense

Ben Roethlisberger, QB

Anthony McFarland, RB

Kalen Ballage, RB

Pat Freiermuth, TE

Rico Bussey, WR

Defense

Arthur Malet, DB

James Pierre, CB

Buddy Johnson, LB

Joe Schobert, LB

Now to move on the the Lions. I know they have a lot of holes to fix. Lets look and see who we should watch with them this Saturday.

Offense

Jared Goff, QB

D’Andre Swift, RB

Breshad Perriman, WR

Tyrell Williams, WR

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Defense

Jeff Okudah, CB

Romeo Okwara, OLB

Alex Anzalone, ILB

Michael Brockers, DE

Alim McNeill, NT

Please let me know your thoughts.

Pre-Training Camp 53 Man Steelers Roster

By Barb Layton

This is way too early, but this is my pre-training camp 53 man roster. So I am going under the assumption that we will still have the 16 man practice squad. It probably will have older players on it too. So here we go.

Offense (25)

QB

Ben Roethlisberger

Dwayne Haskins

Mason Rudolph

RB

Najee Harris

Anthony McFarland

Kalen Ballage

Benny Snell

Derek Watt (FB)

WR

JuJu Smith Schuster

Chase Claypool

Diontae Johnson

James Washington

Ray Ray McCloud

TEs

Eric Ebron

Pat Freiermuth

Zach Gentry

OL

Zach Banner, RT

Kevin Dotson, G

B.J. Finney, C

Kendrick Green, C

Joe Haeg,T

J. C. Hassenauer, C

Dan Moore, T

Chuks Okorafor, LT

Trai Turner, G

Defense (25)

DL

Tyson Alualu

Isaiah Buggs

Carlos Davis

Cameron Heyward

Isaiahh Loudermilk

Stephon Tuitt

Chris Wormley

LB

Devin Bush

Ulysees Gilbert

Alex Highsmith

Buddy Johnson

Miles Killebrew

Quincy Roche

Robert Spillane

T.J. Watt

DB

Shakur Brown

Antoine Brooks

Terrell Edmunds

Minkah Fitzpatrick

Joe Haden

Justin Layne

Arthur Maulet

Tre Norwood

James Pierre

Cameron Sutton

Specialists

K Chris Boswell

LS Kameron Canaday

P Pressley Harvin

PS

DeMarcus Acy, CB

Marcus Allen, ILB

Calvin Bundage, OLB

T.J. Carter, DE

Rashaad Coward, G

Anthony Coyle, T

Josh Dobbs, QB

Trey Edmunds, RB

Mark Gilbert, CB

Isaiah McKoy, WR

Henry Mondeaux, DE

Kevin Radar, TE

Tegray Scales, ILB

Matthew Sexton, WR

Sam Sloman, K

Lamont Wade, SS

I put most in alphabetical order not as a depth chart.

Steelers 7 Round Mock Draft

By Barb Layton

I took a few days off to get a better idea of what the needs of the Steelers are after the first few days of free agency. This draft has a few trades in it. I hope you will like it. Let’s get started.

Round 1

Pick 24: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson

Round 2

Pick 57: Liam Eichenberg, OC Notre Dame

Round 3

Pick 97: Jamin Davis, LB Kentucky

Round 4

Pick 118: Bobby Brown, DT Texas A&M

Pick 128: Jaelon Darden, WR North Texas

Pick 140: Benjamin St. Juste, CB Minnesota

Pick 141: Shaun Wade, S Ohio State

Round 5

No picks

Round 6

Pick 216: Cary Angeline, TE NC State

Round 7

No Picks

Steelers 7 Round Mock Draft

I am starting to do a Steelers 7 round mock draft each day between now and the first day of the official draft. Today I am doing a regular mock with no trades. Other times there will be trades. As they sign players the needs will probably change. So here we go.

Round 1

Pick 24 Jalen Mayfield, OT Michigan

Round 2

Pick 55 Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina

Round 3

Pick 87 Quinn Meinerz, OC Wisconsin-Whitewater

Round 4

Pick 128 Shaun Wade, S Ohio State

Pick 141 Shi Smith, WR South Carolina

Round 5

They do not have a 5th round pick due to the DL Chris Wormly trade from the Ravens

Round 6

Pick 217 Tre Brown, CB Oklahoma

Pick 225 K.J. Britt, LB Auburn

Round 7

Pick 244 Patrick Johnson, EDGE Tulane

Pick 253 Tommy Kraemer, OG Notre Dame

I would like to know what you think of this draft.

Round 1 Mock Draft

By Barb Layton

This is my first of many mock draft for the 2021 season. By February we will know the real draft order but in the meantime this what it appears to be.

1 Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB Clemson

2 Jets: Justin Fields, QB Ohio State

3 Dolphins: DeVonta Smith, WR Alabama

4 Falcons: Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina

5 Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT Oregon

6 Eagles: Patrick Surtain, CB Alabama

7 Lions: Jayson Oweh, EDGE Penn State

8 Giants: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE Miami

9 Panthers: Kyle Pitts, TE Florida

10 Broncos: Alex Leatherwood, OT Alabama

11 Chargers: Caleb Farley, CB Virginia Tech

12 Cowboys: Shawn Wade CB Ohio State

13 Vikings: Ja’Marr Chase, WR LSU

14 49ers: Mac Jones, QB Alabama

15 Patriots: Kyle Trask, QB Florida

16 Raiders: Micah Parsons, LB Penn State

17 Cardinals: Tyson Campbell, CB Georgia

18 Colts: Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State

19 Washington: Zach Wilson, QB BYU

20 Bears: Eric Stokes, CB Georgia

21 Browns: Paris Ford, S Pitt

22 Dolphins: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE Miami

23 Jaguars: Christian Barmore, DL Alabama

24 Buccaneers: Travis Etienne, RB Clemson

25 Titans: Jaylen Waddle, WR Alabama

26 Ravens: Wyatt Davis, G Ohio State

27 Jets: Walker Little, OT Stanford

28 Saints: Rashod Bateman, WR Minnesota

29 Steelers: Kwity Paye, EDGE Michigan

30 Bills: Samuel Cosmi, OT Texas

31 Packers: Rondale Moore, WR Purdue

32 Chiefs: Carlos Basham, EDGE Wake Forest