Month: April 2020

A tough NFC West got even stronger in the Draft

Dayna O’Gorman
Senior NFL Reporter
NFC West/AFC West

By Dayna O’Gorman // @DaynaOG

The NFC West is a battleground. In order to win it, you have to beat some of the best in the league in just your divisional games. The 2020 NFL Draft made one of the best divisions even better.

While all four teams got great grades on their drafts, a few players really stood out as fantastic picks. And while there weren’t a lot of holes in this division, each answered a few questions that surrounded their teams.

Let’s take a look at their picks and which draftees should stand out in a division full of stars.

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Grading the Chicago Bears NFL Draft 2020

Wanda Wiedman
Chicago Bears Reporter

By Wanda Wiedman // @WandaW63

The much anticipated 2020 NFL Draft exploded on Thursday night in the most unique way. With social distancing in full swing, the NFL was forced to conduct its yearly draft virtual style.

Despite all the mock drafts, the day finally came when General Manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy put together a board of players that would make an immediate impact on all sides of the ball.

Speed, athleticism, strength, and heart were all tangibles the following players possessed.

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The AFC West gets high marks for their draft picks

Dayna O’Gorman
Senior NFL Reporter
NFC West/AFC West

By Dayna O’Gorman // @DaynaOG

For most teams, a lot rides on the draft each year. This year for the AFC West, a great draft was desperately needed to bring back some balance to the division.

The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions and are bringing back most of that winning team. The other three teams needed a lot of help.

The 2020 NFL Draft brought that help and now the division is looking to be very competitive. Let’s take a look at who the teams selected, and the grades the “experts” gave them.

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Miami Dolphins Draft assault continues Day Two

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @LJ1303

As the Miami Dolphins approached rounds two and three of the 2020 NFL Draft, they held two picks in the second round (39-56 picks overall), followed by the 70th pick in round 3.

With the 39th pick, the Miami Dolphins selected Louisiana tackle, Robert Hunt. This guy is a beast. At 6’5″ and 323 pounds, Hunt played mostly right tackle for the Ragin Cajuns. Miami was sure to add more protection for their star pick, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who just happens to be a left-handed quarterback.

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Miami Dolphins lay the foundation on day one of the 2020 NFL Draft

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @LJ1303

Coming into the 2020 NFL Draft with three picks in the first round, the Miami Dolphins were poised to make some noise. There were rumors swirling all day about the Dolphins moving up to secure a quarterback or offensive lineman. But, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier held fast.

The Miami Dolphins didn’t flinch and grabbed Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick. Despite his season ending hip injury he suffered in November 2019, Tagovailoa has been on the Dolphins radar all year.  Grier said the team felt comfortable with his health. Coach Brian Flores then added that Tagovailoa was the guy they felt at the end of the day would be the best fit for the Dolphins.

After landing their quarterback, the Dolphins went back to work.  Having a left handed quarterback meant that Miami would need a right tackle to protect his blind side. With the 18th pick Miami went with USC tackle Austin Jackson.  Interesting fact, in the summer of 2019 Jackson donated bone marrow to his younger sister. Which already speaks volumes of the young man.

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The AFC West has a strong night in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft

Dayna O’Gorman
Senior NFL Reporter
NFC West/AFC West

By Dayna O’Gorman // @DaynaOG

When your division has the current Super Bowl champions in it, you know it is time to step it up. The teams not named Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West are looking to do just that in the 2020 NFL Draft.

It looks like the main thought in the AFC West is if they can’t beat him, try to keep up. The “him” being the Chiefs offense. Going in heavy on offense proves that the Broncos, Chargers, and Raiders are showing it’s going to be all about scoring a lot of points in this division.

Let’s take a look at the new players headed to the AFC West.

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The NFC West: Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft

Dayna O’Gorman
Senior NFL Reporter
NFC West/AFC West

By Dayna O’Gorman // @DaynaOG

What a year it was for the NFC West. They had two teams reach the playoffs, one reaching the Super Bowl. It has long been considered one of the best divisions in the league, and 2020 is looking to be a strong year for all four teams.

However, we all know that teams always have needs. Teams always NEED the draft.

A few teams lost quite a few players to free agency and will need the draft to fill obvious positions of need, others just need to add depth to an already solid team. Here is a recap of who the NFC West teams took in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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NFL Draft: Fans thoughts on Vikings and Lions needs

Sonja Greenfield, Senior NFL Reporter NFC North, NFC East

By Sonja Greenfield // @Mom23RN

Hello, my fellow quarantined friends! I hope this finds you well, or well-ish!

Because it’s Draft week, I was going to go around to the various teams that I cover for OTFB to find out who wants who, what needs were, etc. However, because I’m in grad school, and finishing up the semester, and working at home, and helping my kids with virtual school, oh yeah, and potty training a new puppy, that didn’t quite happen!

But – I was able to talk to Minnesota Vikings fan, John (@MikeZimmersEars), and Detroit Lions fan, Kevin (@4Lawson4) a couple of weeks ago to get their thoughts on what they think their respective team will do, and what they think their team’s biggest need is.

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Dolphins GM Chris Grier speaks draft

Lisa
Lisa Johnson,
NFL Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @LJ1303

We are exactly one week away from making NFL history. Not only will the 2020 NFL draft be held virtually without fans in attendance due to health concerns over COVID-19 virus, but the Miami Dolphins (for the first time in team history) hold three picks in the first round.

How will Miami decide to use these picks?  Do they utilize all three picks the first round or do they try and trade down for more picks?

These and many more answers will be answered in one week per Dolphins GM Chris Grier who addressed the Dolphins media today via video conference.

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Miami Dolphins to host virtual Draft Party for fans

Lisa Johnson
AFC South AFC East Reporter

By Lisa Johnson // @LJ1303

With the 2020 NFL Draft just a week away, the NFL and the Miami Dolphins are preparing for what could turn out to be a historic night. With growing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus, NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, sent memos to all 32 teams in early April stating that the 2020 NFL Draft would proceed to an all-virtual format

This means that teams would need to cancel all fan-related events surrounding the draft.

Fans were looking forward to the draft. They always do. This is the night that, for many teams, could change the face of a franchise.

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