Editor (The Blue Stable) — Formerly: Senior Sports Writer (Dexerto), Editor (NFLMocks+Raider Ramble) — Email haashunter24
@gmail
.com for any business inquiries
My final 2024 NFL Draft Big Board is now live! Included in the article below is my top 200 prospects, along with full write-ups for each of the first 50 players.
Let me know what you think — tons of hours went into this one. 🫡 …
You’re allowed to be both:
1. Disappointed that Anthony Richardson will (likely) miss the rest of his rookie season.
2. Happy the Colts are taking the injury seriously; understanding why they’re doing it.
Do y’all realize how insane the
#Colts
offense is going to look visually next year? Lol. A bunch of aliens. Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, Quenton Nelson, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Jelani Woods, Mo Alie-Cox.
If nothing else, they’ll *look* intimidating.
One more sleep until I finally get an Andrew Luck successor.
Wanted Jordan Love in 2020.
Wanted Justin Fields in 2021.
Wanted Desmond Ridder in 2022.
Now it’s all but guaranteed a young QB is taken at No. 4 for the
#Colts
. Bring me Anthony Richardson or CJ Stroud🙏🏻
When we talk about Chris Ballard’s best draft picks of his Colts tenure, it’s time to start including Dayo Odeyingbo in the conversation.
Had 10 sacks entering the day (via PFF) and ESPN has him down for 1.5 more today. Indy rolled the dice in the second-round & it’s paying off.
I’ve said it a few times but I’ll say it again.
While Anthony Richardson was warming up at the NFL Combine, he threw a ball from one goal line to the other goal line (with a running start, but still). Seeing that in person is when I knew he was as advertised.
It’s wild that some people wake up every day and actively root for this kid’s downfall. The star power of Anthony Richardson far exceeds what he can do on Sundays. He has the exact mindset necessary to lead a franchise.
#Colts
If Chris Ballard doesn’t feel the need to be aggressive with a rookie contract QB, then I am convinced he is incapable of being aggressive.
This comes from someone who has defended Ballard at every turn. If you aren’t aggressive *now*, then *when* will you be?
#Colts
Jimmy Garoppolo is not just an upgrade over Derek Carr. He is a considerable one for the
#Raiders
.
@PhilRobinsonIII
& I set out to prove this statement in our first-ever companion piece for
@TheRaiderRamble
.
If I’m the Colts, first thing I’m doing today is hanging up the phone on the Bears when they call about DeForest Buckner.
Unless they’re talking a first, then send it.
If I’m the
#Bears
, first thing I’m doing today is calling the Colts about DeForest Buckner.
The DT market dried up in FA, and Chicago still has a huge need. Buckner’s talent, scheme fit and experience with Eberflus speak for themselves.
Friendly reminder that the Raiders got the best tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft — by a wide margin.
Losing Darren Waller may sting right now, but Michael Mayer has the traits to be just as good as a receiver and significantly better as a blocker.
#RaiderNation
Bryce Young is my QB1.
However, I believe this is the order that Ballard prefers:
1. CJ Stroud
2. Will Levis
3. Anthony Richardson
4. Bryce Young
Young doesn’t come close to the prototypical build that the others possess. Something the Colts weigh heavily when drafting.
Another question: If the
#Colts
do/don’t trade up, what QB do you want them to draft, regardless of scenario? Who’s your top guy?
Bryce Young?
C.J. Stroud?
Will Levis?
Anthony Richardson?
…… Stetson Bennett?!
Keep this in mind re: Jonathan Taylor’s situation — this is not the same as Josh Jacobs’ situation.
Jacobs is not under contract, thus he cannot be fined for not showing up to team activities. Once Taylor is activated from injury, the fines start hitting. And they get EXPENSIVE.
Shane Steichen, even without his intended starting QB for half the season, has the Colts as one of the most explosive offenses thru 5 weeks. Imagine what will happen when Anthony Richardson stays on the field for an extended period of time.
It really is impossible to put into words how awesome RAS is. If you’re someone with interest in the NFL Draft,
@MathBomb
is a must follow.
I can’t imagine the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. The draft community is better for it. 🤝🏼
I’m going to sleep tonight knowing the
#Colts
have a 20-year-old QB who can throw the ball to outer space and runs a 4.4 at 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds.
Anthony Richardson was drafted with pick 4 of round 1 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 10.00
#RAS
out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 916 QB from 1987 to 2023.
Anyone who knows me, or has followed me for a while, knows how big of a fan I am of Cam Ward. This summer scouting report highlights why I’m such a believer in his talent, while also pointing out the areas he must improve.
#NFLDraft
#QBRankings
You’re gonna look me in the eyes and tell me this isn’t one of the best scenes in TV history? I could watch it all day. Cillian Murphy & Tom Hardy 🐐
#PeakyBlinders
The funniest thing I’ve ever heard as an NFL Draft scout is someone telling me that CJ Stroud wouldn’t be good because “Troy Smith and JT Barrett weren’t good in the NFL”. Lol.
If the Colts can add a 4.3-speed type of WR to the offense, it would open things up so much.
Pittman Jr. & Downs can eat up middle of field. Taylor & Richardson can take advantage of lighter boxes in the run game. Just the *threat* of a burner would be enough.
🎶 Blessings keep fallin’ in my lap 🎶
With extreme gratitude and excitement, I am honored to announce a lifelong dream of mine has come to fruition. I will be joining
@TheBlue_Stable
as an editor and covering my favorite sports team — the Indianapolis
#Colts
!
Let this man enjoy himself. His lifelong dream just came true. It doesn’t matter what grade you had on Will Levis. His reaction is still just as valid.
As a
#Colts
fan, I’m trained to root against the
#Titans
, but I hope this kid becomes a star. Truly.
I have accepted a full-time role as Senior Sports Writer for Dexerto. The company is well known in the ESports/Influencer realm, but we are branching out to other sports coverage in 2024!
I’ll still cover the NFL, but I also have the opportunity to write about MLB, NBA, UFC, etc
I had a round 4 grade on both JoJo DoMann and Dallis Flowers. Could not believe neither was drafted. Nor could I believe the Colts got their hands on both.
Great finds for the scouting department.
#ForTheShoe
A year after no UDFA made the initial 53, there are four this year: safety Trevor Denbow, LB JoJo Domann, CB Dallis Flowers and center Wesley French.
#Colts
UTSA is dominating its final season in C-USA. They’ll join the AAC in 2023, as the program continues their journey to become a powerhouse on the CFB scene.
#MeepMeep
I don’t know who needs to hear this but even if Anthony Richardson plays all 17 games at an All-Pro level… he’s not going to take a single snap on defense.
We can talk up Steichen & the offense all we want, but not upgrading the defense makes life harder on everyone.
#Colts
LETS GO 🔥🔥 I named Tyler Richardson as a lock for one of the biggest steals in the class. Now he will head to the
#Colts
where Indy gives everyone a fair shot at making the roster.
Best of luck, Tyler! I know you’ll take advantage of this opportunity.
The
#Colts
continue killing this draft. Blake Freeland is a super athletic lineman. Adetomiwa Adebawore is No. 31 overall on my Big Board. Insane. A phenomenal start to the day!
@DragonflyJonez
If you woulda told me this time last year that GoT would be knocked out of the GOAT discussion because it’s final season was THAT bad, there’s no way I’d believe you. I coulda handled a bad ending, they have us an all time bad one though.
Allow me to tweet strictly as a Colts fan for just a moment
I cannot express how happy I am that Anthony Richardson is QB1. He still has work to do, but it’s clear to me that Indy got the right guy behind center. Now, it’s all about building up the roster around him.
Another day, another practice that makes it blatantly obvious the Colts need help at O-Line. Dalton Risner is the name most fans have in mind — myself included. But roster cut down day (next Tuesday) could present Indy with some better options.
Help is needed either way.
Listen, nobody knows how the NFL Draft is going to go right now.
But I am 99.9% sure that it will not happen anything close to what Mel Kiper’s mock says.
Shane Steichen is in a no-win situation. If he plays Anthony Richardson and AR gets hurt, “wow, why was he playing anyway???”
If he sits Anthony Richardson, “wow, why ISN’T he playing???”
Today, with a heavy heart, I depart from
@FanSided
&
@NFLMocks
a much better writer/editor than I was upon arrival. My life has changed in countless ways since January 2022. I cannot explain how thankful I am.
Every ending is a new beginning. More on that soon enough. 🤝🏼
Penned this piece earlier in the year on the upstart UTSA program. Led by Jeff Traylor (
@CoachTraylor
), the Roadrunners are a burgeoning powerhouse in Texas.
Jer’Zhan Newton is a Top 15 player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The people saying he’s undersized are overthinking it. He’s got the strength of an ox, the agility of a gazelle, and the hand usage of a mime. Newton is a rare interior defender who constantly collapses the pocket.
Heartbroken to announce I’ve been let go due to cutbacks. I want to thank Dexerto for everything — I am a much better writer, editor, and teammate because of them.
As such, I am now looking for other full-time opportunities elsewhere. I appreciate any and all help. Thank you.
I like Will Howard, don’t take this the wrong way — but if that is the big fish Lincoln Riley is actually going after… and he lost Malachi Nelson because of it…
If you’re a believer in prayer or positive vibes, send some my way please & thank you.
Been a brutal couple days for your boy. Exhausted in every way imaginable.
This isn’t my report, just passing along what I’ve heard from multiple people at the NFL Combine.
Justin Fields to the Falcons is “in the home stretch.” Sounds like a trade could be finalized by the end of the weekend.
#Bears
Say what you will about the current regime Raiders fans, but it’s hard to deny the boost in energy Vegas has showcased this offseason.
You may not agree with the vision, I don’t always. But at least there is a vision in place!
Not sure what you can see at home, but if you can see it, watch the players coming off the field and the key leaders who aren't playing. They are coaching and cheering. The most dynamic "team" energy I have seen covering the Raiders for four seasons. Reported it in camp.
Rejzohn Wright was comfortable in press man alignment versus Jordan Addison.
His patience and punch timing were executed well to remain in phase most of his reps!
Wow… Zakhari Franklin was going to challenge for a top 5 spot in my WR rankings if he declared this year. This would be a huge addition for any program.
UTSA WR Zakhari Franklin has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per
@mzenitz
.
He's expected to receive big P5 interest after catching 94 passes for 1,136 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.
I have basically taught myself when it comes to football, but JT O’Sullivan deserves a lot of credit too. I’ve never talked to him personally, but the amount of stuff I’ve learned from his YouTube channel is impossible to quantify.
Go follow
@theqbschool
if you don’t already 🤝🏼
Michael Penix Jr. looks phenomenal tonight (and has all season). He will be a fascinating evaluation for NFL scouts.
Injury history, age, and stacked cast will work against him but he has freaky arm strength & is pretty accurate overall.
If there was ever a question, tonight puts it to rest.
The Bills-Chiefs rivalry is the best in football right now. Every matchup has me on the edge of my seat.
Any word on Zakhari Franklin declaring for draft or returning to school? He’s one of my favorite WRs in this class if he declares, but I can’t find anything anywhere.
I got called a lot of hilarious insults today for saying the
#Colts
would take Anthony Richardson over Will Levis. A younger me would go back and laugh at all those people, but I’m just gonna keep it moving & enjoy the fact I have a young QB to rally around.
Love this:
#Colts
rookie WR Adonai Mitchell is going to wear No. 10 in the NFL -- as a reminder of the 10 receivers that were selected before him in the 2024 NFL Draft.
(via
@HolderStephen
)
1. Active NFL Players cannot have an ownership stake in an NFL team
2. Caleb Williams never said he wanted ownership
3. The article in question is from July
4. Block Dov, nflrumors, and all the other aggregator accounts; they provide nothing of substance.
Asking for prayers/good vibes for my mother. COVID is really having a harsh impact on her.
She’s one of my best friends on this planet, so I need her to get better 🙏🏻
The best news about the Colts hiring Shane Steichen?
His track record of QB development gives me reason to believe that any of Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, or Will Levis can succeed in Indy. Finally… some optimism
#ForTheShoe
This is kind of personal but I want to share it in hopes that I can possibly help someone else.
This time last year I had plans to end my life. Depression had me and wouldn’t let go and I had no intentions on living into 2018. I wrote my letters and picked the day.
Every single time I see Josh Downs, I chuckle because the NFL really let him fall to No. 79 overall in last year’s draft. What an all-time overthink by the league.
#Colts
#ForTheShoe
Chris Simms is smarter than the majority probably thinks. But, at least 3-4 times a draft cycle, he says something that I cannot wrap my head around.
Saying Will Anderson isn’t generational is one thing. Putting him No. 5 on this list is a completely different story. Huh.