This fall, we’ll see plenty of old faces in new places, especially at the skill positions. Here are my picks by position.
QB: Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Courtesy: The Sporting News
Without a doubt, this was the most significant off-season move.
Nine Super Bowl appearances and six wins later, Brady is no longer a Patriot. He’ll compete for SB #10 as a Buccaneer. It may happen, too. One reason is that Mike Evans and Chris Godwin represent one of the NFL’s best receiving corps.
Another reason is that good friend Gronk is coming out of retirement to join TB in TB.
If nothing else, fans’ eyes will be riveted on Tampa.
Honorable Mention: Phillip Rivers, Colts; Joe Burrow, Bengals; Teddy Bridgewater, Panthers
RB: Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons
The Rams parted ways with Gurley–the NFL’s 2017 scrimmage yards leader and the 2018 TD leader. Why? One reason is that Gurley averaged under four yards-per-carry last year with the least number of rushing attempts since his rookie season. His loss on the Coast is Atlanta’s gain–even with injury concerns that follow Gurley. The good news is he came at a bargain price–$5 million for 1-year.
The Falcons need him, too, now that the Super Bowl tandem of Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman is gone. Gurly will be a difference-maker in The Dome.
Honorable Mention: Melvin Gordon, Broncos; David Johnson, Texans; Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs
WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
What a tandem! (photo, ClutchPoints)
NFL newcomer Kliff Kingsbury is putting together an exciting team in The Desert. Kyler Murray is at QB, speedsters Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmunds are in the backfield, and DeAndre Hopkins joins the Cards at WR.
There, Hopkins will join Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald to create one of the NFL’s most formidable receiving corps. Hopkins arrives with stellar credentials, and his addition makes Arizona a playoff contender in the NFC.
Honorable Mention: Stefon Diggs, Bills; Brandin Cooks, Texans; Emmanuel Sanders, Saints
TE: Austin Hooper, Cleveland Browns
Before getting injured last year, Hooper was on pace for a 92-catch, 1000 yards season. That’s why Cleveland fans are cheering this off-season pick-up–even though other off-season moves got most of the NFL’s off-season headlines.
But make no mistake about it: securing the services of a young, accomplished TE will help Baker Mayfield’s development, and it should improve Cleveland’s chances of reaching the postseason. First, though, The Dawgs will need to show they can compete in the AFC North.
Honorable Mention: Rob Gronkowski, Buccaneers; Eric Ebron, Steelers; Jimmy Graham, Bears
