Author: redzoneinsider

Remaining Unsigned 2022 Draft Picks

by James Layton

It hasn’t been that busy the last couple of weeks for the draft picks being signed.

The Eagles have final wrapped up signing their Draft Class.

There still are twenty-four players still unsigned. It’s interesting with how many fourth-round picks are still unsigned compared to previous years.

Let’s get into the remaining unsigned players.

  1. Falcons: Arnold Ebiketie, OLB
  2. Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB
  3. Ravens: David Ojabo, OLB
  4. Ravens: Daniel Faalele, OT
  5. Ravens: Jayln Armour-Davis, CB
  6. Panthers: Matt Corral, QB
  7. Bears: Jaquan Brisker, S
  8. Browns: Perrion Winfrey, DT
  9. Packers: Christian Watson, WR
  10. Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr, CB
  11. Vikings: Ed Ingram, G
  12. Saints: Alontae Taylor, CB
  13. Giants: Wan’dale Robinson, WR
  14. Giants: Daniel Bellinger, TE
  15. Giants: Dane Belton, S
  16. Jets: Breece Hall, RB
  17. Jets: Max Mitchell, OT
  18. Seahawks: Boye Mafe, DE
  19. Seahawks: Kenneth Walker Jr, RB
  20. Seahawks: Coby Bryant, CB
  21. Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DE
  22. Buccaneers: Cade Otton, TE
  23. Titans: Roger McCreary, CB
  24. Titans: Malik Willis, QB

Top 10 NFL Head Coaches

by Barb Layton

I am doing a power ranking of NFL top 10 head coaches. I do not have Bill Belichick as the number 1 head coach. He is ruining his ability to be a good head coach by being mediocre general manager.

The first year or second year coaches are not included in the top 10. Let’s get started.

  1. Andy Reid, Chiefs
  2. Sean McDermitt, Bills
  3. Mike Tomlin, Steelers
  4. Sean McVey, Rams
  5. John Harbaugh, Ravens
  6. Bill Belichick, Patriots
  7. Kyle Shanahan, 49ers
  8. Matt LaFleur, Packers
  9. Kliff Kingsbury, Cardinals
  10. Pete Carroll, Seahawks

Top 10 Positional Rankings: Defense

by Barb Layton

So, with training camp looming in the horizon, I am going to give my first rankings on defense. Once the season begins, I will be doing one every week.

Yesterday I posted the top 10 positional groups rankings on offense. So today is the defense turn. Let’s get started

Edge Rushers

  1. T.J. Watt, Steelers
  2. Micah Parsons, Cowboys
  3. Myles Garrett, Browns
  4. Maxx Crosby, Raiders
  5. Khalil Mack, Chargers
  6. Joey Bosa, Chargers
  7. Nick Bosa, 49ers
  8. Brian Burns, Panthers
  9. Chase Young, Commanders
  10. Rashan Gary, Packers

Interior Defensive Line

  1. Aaron Donald, Rams
  2. Cam Heyward, Steelers
  3. DeForest Buckner, Colts
  4. Chris Jones, Chiefs
  5. Grady Jarrett, Falcons
  6. Vita Vea, Buccaneers
  7. Kenny Clark, Packers
  8. Jonathan Allen, Commanders
  9. Leonard Williams, Giants
  10. Jeffrey Simmons, Titans

Linebackers

  1. Fred Warner, 49ers
  2. Darius Leonard, Colts
  3. Eric Kendricks, Vikings
  4. Demario Davis, Saints
  5. Lavonte David, Buccaneers
  6. De’vondre Campbell, Packers
  7. Bobby Wagner, Rams
  8. Matt Milano, Bills
  9. Alexander Johnson, Broncos
  10. Zach Cunningham, Titans

Safeties

  1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers
  2. Marcus Williams, Ravens
  3. Jessie Bates, Bengals
  4. Kevin Byard, Titans
  5. Jordan Whitehead, Jets
  6. Budda Baker, Cardinals
  7. Derwin James, Chargers
  8. Micah Hyde, Bills
  9. Adrian Amos, Packers
  10. Tyrann Mathieu, Saints

Slot Corners

  1. Kenny Moore, Colts
  2. Jonathan Jones, Patriots
  3. Mike Hilton, Bengals
  4. Taron Johnson, Bills
  5. Chancey Gardner-Johnson, Saints
  6. Bryce Callahan, Chargers
  7. Troy Hill, Rams
  8. Avonte Maddox, Eagles
  9. Nate Hobbs, Raiders
  10. Tavierre Thomas, Texans

Outside Corners

  1. Jalen Ramsey, Rams
  2. Jaire Alexander, Packers
  3. J.C. Jackson, Chargers
  4. Marshon Lattimore, Saints
  5. A.J. Terrell, Falcons
  6. Tre’Davisius White, Bills
  7. Xavian Howard, Dolphins
  8. Darius Slay, Eagles
  9. Marlon Humphrey, Ravens
  10. Denzel Ward, Browns

Projected Steelers 53-Man Roster 1.0: Pre-Training Camp

by James Layton

With training camp starting in three weeks, I thought I would do a projected 53-Man Roster. I also included projected Practice Squad.

It was tough to make some of the cuts, but it just a part of the business.

There is a not so surprising trade included.

Let’s get into it.

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks (3)

  • Mitch Trubisky
  • Kenny Pickett
  • Chris Oladokun

Running Backs (5)

  • Najee Harris
  • Mataeo Durant
  • Benny Snell
  • Anthony McFarland Jr
  • Derek Watt, FB

Wide Receivers (6)

  • Diontae Johnson
  • Chase Claypool
  • George Pickens
  • Calvin Austin
  • Gunner Olszewski
  • Steven Sims

Tight Ends (3)

  • Pat Freiermuth
  • Zach Gentry
  • Connor Heyward

Offensive Line (8)

  • Dan Moore Jr, OT
  • Kevin Dotson, G
  • Mason Cole, C
  • James Daniels, G
  • Chucks Okorafor, OT
  • Kendrick Green, G
  • JC Hassenauer, C
  • Joe Haeg, OT

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (7)

  • Cam Heyward, DT
  • Larry Ogunjobi, DT
  • Tyson Alualu, DE
  • Chris Wormley, DE
  • Isaiah Loudermilk, DE
  • DeMarvin Leal, DE
  • Donovan Jeter, NT

Linebackers (8)

  • Alex Highsmith, OLB
  • Myles Jack, ILB
  • Devin Bush, ILB
  • TJ Watt, OLB
  • Derek Tuszka, OLB
  • Genard Avery, OLB
  • Buddy Johnson, ILB
  • Mark Robinson, ILB

Cornerbacks (5)

  • Levi Wallace
  • Cam Sutton
  • Ahkello Witherspoon
  • Tre Norwood
  • Arthur Maulet

Safeties (5)

  • Minkah Fitzpatrick
  • Terrell Edmunds
  • Damontae Kazee
  • Miles Killerbrew
  • Karl Joseph

Special Teams (3)

  • Chris Boswell, K
  • Christian Kuntz, LS
  • Pressley Harvin, P

Practice Squad (16)

  • Trey Edmunds, RB
  • Cody White, WR
  • Tyler Snead, WR
  • Kevin Rader, TE
  • John Leglue, G/T
  • Jordan Tucker, OT
  • Nate Gilliam, G
  • Henry Mondeaux, DE
  • Khalil Davis, DT
  • Tyree Johnson, OLB
  • Marcus Allen, ILB
  • Delontae Scott, OLB
  • Chris Steele, CB
  • Lindon Stephens, CB
  • Donovan Stiner, S
  • Cameron Nizialek, P

Mason Rudolph Trade

Steelers Receive

  • Conditional 2023 4th Round Pick that could become a 3rd Round Pick dependent on playing time.
  • 2024 6th Round Pick.

Falcons Receive

  • QB Mason Rudolph
  • 2024 6th Round Pick.

Chiefs 2022 Football Operations Staff

by James Layton

The chiefs announced Wednesday their football operation staff for 2022.

They hired former Norma Hunt Fellowship Training Camp Intern Madison Aponte as their Player Personnel Assistant.

They have two Norma Hunt Fellowship interns for Training Camp this season with Leesa Rockhold and Janae Simmons.

Here is the complete staff.

  • Madison Aponte, Player Personnel Assistant
  • Mike Borgonzi, Assistant GM
  • Mike Bradway, Senior Director of Player Personnel
  • Greg Castillo, West Regional Scout
  • Will Christopherson, NFS Scout
  • Cade Ciarrocca, Training Camp Player Personnel Intern
  • Willie Davis, Senior Personnel Executive
  • Terry Delp, Senior College Scouting Executive
  • David Hinson, Co-Director of College Scouting
  • Jonathan Howard, National Scout
  • Chandler Jones, Training Camp Player Personnel Intern
  • Cassidy Kaminski, Northeast Area Scout
  • Jason Lamb, Southwest Area Scout
  • Anthony McGee, Player Personnel Assistant
  • Jalen Myrick, College and Pro Scout
  • Ryn Nutt, Director of Player Personnel/College Scout
  • Leesa Rockhold, Norma Hunt Fellowship Training Camp Intern
  • Chris Shea, VP of Football Operations/Team Counsel
  • Janae Simmons, Norma Hunt Fellowship Training Camp Intern
  • Brain Smith, Training Camp Player Personnel Intern
  • Pat Sperduto, Co-Director of College Scouting
  • Kunal Tanna, Assistant to the GM
  • Tim Terry, Director of Player Personnel/Pro Scout
  • Brandt Tilis, VP of Player Personnel
  • Jack Wolov, Football Administration Coordinator

Top 10 Positional Rankings: Offense

by Barb Layton

This is my first positional rankings of the year. I do one before training camp starts. When the season begins, I will be doing one every week.

Some of the positions are not easy to determine who will be number one. Let us get a glimpse of what will be happening in the NFL this year.

Today we will just be doing the offense and tomorrow, I will rank the defense

Quarterbacks

  1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
  2. Josh Allen, Bills
  3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
  4. Josh Burrow, Bengals
  5. Tom Brady, Buccaneers
  6. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
  7. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  8. Russell Wilson, Broncos
  9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
  10. Kyler Murray, Cardinals

Running Backs

  1. Jonathan Taylor, Colts
  2. Nick Chubb, Browns
  3. Derrick Henry, Titans
  4. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
  5. Dalvin Cook, Vikings
  6. Nagee Harris, Steelers
  7. Aaron Jones, Packers
  8. Austin Ekeler, Chargers
  9. Joe Mixon, Bengals
  10. Alvin Kamara, Saints

Wide Receivers

  1. Cooper Kupp, Rams
  2. Stefon Diggs, Bills
  3. Davante Adams, Raiders
  4. Deandre Hopkins, Cardinals
  5. Ja’marr Chase, Bengals
  6. Justin Jefferson, Vikings
  7. A.J. Brown, Eagles
  8. Deebo Samuel, 49ers
  9. Mike Evans, Buccaneers
  10. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins

Tight Ends

  1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs
  2. George Kittle, 49ers
  3. Mark Andrews, Ravens
  4. Kyle Pitts, Falcons
  5. Darren Waller, Raiders
  6. Dalton Schultz, Cowboys
  7. Dallas Goedert, Eagles
  8. T.J. Hockenson, Lions
  9. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers
  10. Hunter Henry, Patriots

Centers

  1. Corey Linsley, Chargers
  2. Frank Ragnow, Lions
  3. Creed Humphrey, Chiefs
  4. Ben Jones, Titans
  5. Jason Kelce, Eagles
  6. Ryan Jensen, Buccaneers
  7. David Andrews, Patriots
  8. Rodney Hudson, Cardinals
  9. Chase Roullier, Commanders
  10. Ryan Kelly, Colts

Guards

  1. Zach Martin, Cowboys
  2. Quenton Nelson, Colts
  3. Joel Bitonio, Browns
  4. Shaq Mason, Buccaneers
  5. Chris Lindstrom, Falcons
  6. Michael Onwenu, Patriots
  7. Wyatt Teller, Browns
  8. Brandon Scherff, Jaguars
  9. Joe Thuney, Chiefs
  10. Laken Tomlinson, Jets

Tackles

  1. Trent Williams, 49ers
  2. Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers
  3. David Bakhtiari, Packers
  4. Lane Johnson, Eagles
  5. Ryan Ramczyk, Saints
  6. Terron Armstead, Dolphins
  7. Tyron Smith, Cowboys
  8. Jack Conklin, Browns
  9. Rashawn Slater, Chargers
  10. Ronnie Stanley, Ravens

Pre-Training Camp 53 Man Roster

by Barb Layton

Very soon we will be enjoying another Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. So, before training camp gets under way, I thought I would give my 53 -man roster.

Like so many other people I believe that QB Mason Rudolph will be traded before the start of the season.

I really cannot wait to see how the new pieces on defense will take shape and how they will be used in the different sub packages.

I am also looking forward to seeing what the offense can become in the post Ben Roethlisberger years. We have a lot to be looking forward to. We have a top 10 RB in Najee Harris. The tight end room is coming together and our WRs are young but wanting to grow.

So, let’s get started:

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks

  • Mitchell Trubisky
  • Kenny Pickett
  • Chris Oladokun

Running Backs

  • Najee Harris
  • Mataeo Durant
  • Benny Snell
  • Derek Watt

Wide Receivers

  • Diontae Johnson
  • Chase Claypool
  • George Pickens
  • Calvin Austin, lll
  • Anthony Miller
  • Gunner Olsewski

Tight Ends

  • Pat Freiermuth
  • Zach Gentry
  • Connor Heyward

Offensive Line

  • James Daniel
  • Mason Cole
  • Kevin Dotson
  • Dan Moore
  • Chukwuma Okorafor
  • Kendrick Green
  • J.C. Hassenauer
  • Joe Haeg
  • John Leglue

Defense (25)

Defensive Line

  • Cam Heyward
  • Larry Ogunjobi
  • Tyson Alualu
  • DeMarvin Leal
  • Chris Wormley
  • Isaiahh Loudermilk
  • Montravius Adams

Linebackers

  • T.J. Watt
  • Alex Highsmith
  • Devin Bush
  • Myles Jack
  • Genard Avery
  • Buddy Johnson
  • Mark Robinson
  • Tuzar Skipper

Defensive Backs

  • Levi Wallace
  • Akhello Whitherspoon
  • Cam Sutton
  • Arthur Maulet
  • Tre Norwood
  • Minkah Fitzpatrick
  • Terrell Edmunds
  • Damontae Kazee
  • Miles Killebrew
  • Karl Joseph

Special Teams

  • K Chris Boswell
  • P Pressley Harvin, lll
  • LS Christian Kuntz

Practice Squad

  • Miles Boykin, WR
  • Cody White, WR
  • Jaylen Warren, RB
  • Anthony McFarland, RB
  • Chaz Green, T
  • Trent Scott, OL
  • Kevin Rader, TE
  • Justin Layne, CB
  • James Pierre, CB
  • Donovan Stiner, S
  • Marcus Allen, LB
  • Derrek Tuszka, OLB
  • Deiontae Scott, S
  • Carlos Davis, DT
  • Henry Mondeaux, DE
  • Donovan Jeter, NT

Updated Unsigned Draft Picks

by James Layton

It’s been a busy week for the draft picks being signed, ten players have signed their contracts. Kenny Pickett (Steelers) and Cole Strange (Patriots) have finally signed.

The Broncos, Patriots, Steelers, and Commanders have finished signing their Draft Classes.

There still are twenty-six players still unsigned. It’s interesting with how many fourth-round picks are still unsigned compared to previous years.

Let’s get into the remaining unsigned players.

  1. Falcons: Arnold Ebiketie, OLB
  2. Falcons: Desmond Ridder, QB
  3. Ravens: David Ojabo, OLB
  4. Ravens: Daniel Faalele, OT
  5. Ravens: Jayln Armour-Davis, CB
  6. Panthers: Matt Corral, QB
  7. Panthers: Brandon Smith, LB
  8. Bears: Jaquan Brisker, S
  9. Browns: Perrion Winfrey, DT
  10. Packers: Christian Watson, WR
  11. Vikings: Andrew Booth Jr, CB
  12. Vikings: Ed Ingram, G
  13. Saints: Alontae Taylor, CB
  14. Giants: Wan’dale Robinson, WR
  15. Giants: Daniel Bellinger, TE
  16. Giants: Dane Belton, S
  17. Jets: Breece Hall, RB
  18. Jets: Max Mitchell, OT
  19. Eagles: Cam Jurgens, C
  20. Seahawks: Boye Mafe, DE
  21. Seahawks: Kenneth Walker Jr, RB
  22. Seahawks: Coby Bryant, CB
  23. Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DE
  24. Buccaneers: Cade Otton, TE
  25. Titans: Roger McCreary, CB
  26. Titans: Malik Willis, QB

2023 NFL Draft: Summer Top 50

by James Layton

It’s never too late to start looking at the prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. It might be June but scouting the next class of NFL players never stops. As soon as the Draft ends teams start the scouting process for the following draft.

This year’s class is going to be a good one. There is some real talent at Defensive Line and Edge Rusher. At this point there is a lot of talent in the Quarterback group.

This is going to be a good year for Wide Receivers, and again like last season Ohio State has the top receiver with Jaxon Smith-Njiba.

Let’s get into the Top 50.

  1. Will Anderson Jr, Edge Alabama
  2. Jalen Carter, DL Georgia
  3. Bryce Young, QB Alabama
  4. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR Ohio State
  5. CJ Stroud, QB Ohio State
  6. Bryan Bresee, DL Clemson
  7. Peter Skoronski, OT Northwestern
  8. Malachi Moore, S Alabama
  9. Kayshon Boutte, WR LSU
  10. Paris Jackson Jr, OT Ohio State
  11. Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame
  12. Eli Ricks, CB Alabama
  13. Bijan Robinson, RB Texas
  14. Nolan Smith, Edge Clemson
  15. Jordan Addison, WR USC
  16. BJ Ojulari, Edge LSU
  17. Robert Scott Jr, OT Florida State
  18. Kelee Ringo, CB Georgia
  19. Jermaine Burton, WR Alabama
  20. Zach Evans, RB Ole Miss
  21. Anthony Richardson, QB Florida
  22. Habakkuk Baldonado, Edge Pittsburgh
  23. Avery Young, CB Rutgers
  24. Tyler Van Dyke, QB Miami (FL)
  25. Jordan Battle, S Alabama
  26. Branden Joseph, S Notre Dame
  27. Zion Nelson, OT Miami (FL)
  28. Will Levis, QB Kentucky
  29. Calijah Kancey, DL Pittsburgh
  30. Henry To’o To’o, LB Alabama
  31. Andrew Raym, C Oklahoma
  32. DeMarvion Overshown, LB Texas
  33. Javion Cohen, G Alabama
  34. Noah Sewell, LB Oregon
  35. Joey Porter Jr, Penn State
  36. Tank Bigsby, RB Auburn
  37. Josh Downs, WR North Carolina
  38. Cam Smith, CB South Carolina
  39. Jaquelin Roy, DL LSU
  40. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
  41. Zay Flowers, WR Boston College
  42. Will McDonald, Edge Iowa State
  43. Jaheim Bell, TE South Carolina
  44. Isaiah Foskey, Edge Notre Dame
  45. PJ Mustipher, DL Penn State
  46. Zach Harrison, Edge Ohio State
  47. Clark Phillips, CB Utah
  48. Rakim Jarrett, WR Maryland
  49. Andrew Vorhees, G USC
  50. Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee

Steelers 2023 Free Agents

by James Layton

The Steelers have forty-two free agents whose contracts will expire following 2022 season. It’s a good thing that the Steelers will have a projected $79-$105M in cap space.

Some of the free agents are key players like Chris Boswell, Diontae Johnson, and Chris Wormley.

Looking at some of the free agents the steelers should get a few compensatory draft picks for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Let’s get into the free agents.

Unrestricted Free Agents (23)

  1. Terrell Edmunds, S
  2. Damontae Kazee, S
  3. Diontae Johnson, WR
  4. Anthony Miller, WR
  5. Devin Bush, LB
  6. Karl Joseph, S
  7. Chris Wormley, DE
  8. Trenton Scott, OT
  9. Tyson Alualu, DT
  10. Genard Avery, LB
  11. Myles Boykin, WR
  12. Joe Haeg, OT
  13. Robert Spillane, LB
  14. Mason Rudolph, QB
  15. Chris Boswell, K
  16. Benny Snell Jr, RB
  17. Zach Gentry, TE
  18. Derek Watt, FB
  19. Marcus Allen, S
  20. Chaz Green, OL
  21. Justin Layne, CB
  22. Trey Edmunds, RB
  23. Ulysees Gilbert, LB

Restricted Free Agents (8)

  1. Steven Sims, WR
  2. JC Hassenauer, C
  3. James Pierre, CB
  4. Henry Mondeaux, DE
  5. Derrek Tuszka, OLB
  6. Jace Sternberger, TE
  7. Tuzar Skipper, OLB
  8. Kevin Rader, TE

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (11)

  1. John Leglue, G
  2. Cody White, WR
  3. Lindon Stephens, CB
  4. Cameron Nizialek, P
  5. Khalil Davis, DT
  6. Daniel Archibong, DE
  7. Delontae Scott, OLB
  8. Christian Kuntz, LS
  9. Nathan Gilliam, G
  10. Donovan Stiner, CB
  11. Tyler Vaughns, WR