Open Field Report

The Atlanta Falcons have wrapped up the 2018 draft and what a whirlwind it was welcoming new birds to the nest. I'm going to give my thoughts and grades on the players the team selected in this class so sit back and relax because I know reactions are coming after this one. Round 1  Calvin Ridley WR Alabama Atlanta was probably aiming for Da'Ron Payne or Vita Vea in the first round to put next to Grady Jarrett but they moved to the next position of need which was receiver. Calvin Ridley is a speedy receiver that can run the proper routes and become another threat for the Falcons offense on third down and in the red zone. Ridley's career at Bama could have been a bit greater but they were a run dominate team. He was explosive and came through in the clutch at Bama, so the Falcons hope it transitions to the next level to replace Taylor Gabriel playmaking and take pressure off of Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Remember Sanu is nearing the end...

The time has come for the Dallas Cowboys to bid farewell to one of the organization's most classiest players, Jason Witten who is retiring after a 15-year career in the NFL. Witten is the Cowboys all time leader in receptions (1,152) and receiving yards (12,448) but it will be hard for the Cowboys to replace him in terms of leadership. The writing has been on the wall for a while now, from rumors that his alma mater University of Tennessee wanted to interview him for a head coaching job to Broadcasting for networks. The 11-time Pro Bowl selection will however become a part of the Monday Night Football crew beginning later this year. Witten has the type of personality that will transition well and win over fans quickly. Follow me on: Twitter: @fatboislim_ 21 Facebook: The Sports Machine Instagram: an2won

The Atlanta Falcons had to be pretty much surprised that Calvin Ridley was still on the board when they were up at #26, so they don't waste any time turning in their card in to take the former Crimson Tide receiver. There were mixed reactions from Falcons fans, but overall they solidified their receiving core and added one more weapon to an already dynamic offense. Ridley was a standout receiver at Alabama much like his new teammate Julio Jones. He accumulated 224 receptions for 2,781 yards and 19 touchdown receptions while in Tuscaloosa, so production was not a problem. He is almost a Julio clone because he's a good route runner, has good speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and acceleration whic makes him tough to cover and has game breaking ability. Ridley also has bad characteristics of Julio as far as his hands, he dropped some questionable passes in college. His frame is small when measured against typical NFL receivers, which may make it hard for him...

The Buffalo Bills have a dilemma when it comes to making a decision on taking a QB in the first round Thursday night. They have the 12 th and 22nd picks in the first round but quarterback should not be in the mix and here's why: A.J. McCarron is still young: McCarron was drafted out of Alabama back in 2014 by the Bengals, but didn't break through as the starter because Andy Dalton hadn't disappointed them. He has started a handful of games and has a decent QB rating (93.6) and completion percentage (64.7). McCarron is still only 27 years old, so rushing to get a future starter should not be on their immediate plans. I personally think McCarron can hold up at least the first year of his two year deal. Nathan Peterman is the back up heading into training camp but he will probably have to compete for that position because of a lackluster 2017 campaign. He threw 5 interceptions in his first NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers and only pla...

Fut ure Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady has the media on edge as he has not committed yet to playing in 2018, even though people close him believe he will be ready to go once the season starts. Brady has not made an official statement regarding his future but one source told ESPN, "My money would be on him playing football for the foreseeable future, but what goes on beyond the football field, "I don't know!" There are also questions if his favorite target will return in 2018, Rob Gronkowski has been mulling retirement after their 41-33 loss in the Super Bowl. He has not reported to voluntary off-season workout program. There were rumblings of a power struggle during the season, but Brady is not expected to take part in the workout program regardless of the communication with him and coach Bill Belichick. Tom Brady will be 41 before the season starts and there friends and family that would like to see him retire, but let's be ...

The Atlanta Falcons are almost on the clock at #26 with a little under 2 weeks left until the draft and receiver is a position worth taking a look to replace weapons they lost via free agency. A receiver whose got the ability to fit more that one need is D.J. Moore. Moore is a 6'0 playmaker that can be a real threat with Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu lined up on the outside. His 4.4 speed could help him with screen throws, quick outs and in the vertical passing game. His solid 210 frame could help with his release on the line and it could be a problem for defenders trying to jam him at the line of scrimmage. He was a force at Maryland his senior year with 80 receptions for 1,033 yards and 8 scores on a team that primarily ran the football. He was used on special teams as a returner, which could help the Falcons who have to replace Andre Roberts their primary returner. He could also be the speedster Atlanta lost in Taylor Gabriel, which could be the most imp...

The NBA playoffs are finally h ere s o let's get ready to rumble! I think this time the road to the championship is tougher in both conferences and there will be an upset or two, but here are my five biggest questions heading into the 2018 NBA playoffs. Can the Warriors go back to back? The champs battled injuries down the stretch including their star guard Steph Curry, who missed nearly and entire month. The warriors went into a slump down the stretch with one of the worst in the NBA. Curry will miss the first round of the playoffs which is no big deal but how will he hold up? Steve Kerr will have to keep damage control to a minimum. Could LeBron finally get eliminated before the NBA Finals? The Cavs cleaned house at the trade deadline and they have adjusted pretty well as a team but can they get it done in the East? LeBron is an unstoppable force in the playoffs but can he carry a team through a grueling playoff run at 35? He played all 82 ga...