Author: dalbinosorio

Morning After Huddle: June 9th, 2022
Let’s recap the day that was for the NFL with The Morning After Huddle.
- The defending Super Bowl Champions spent the last two days locking up their best players on each side of the ball, as a day after bringing back the best defender ever in Aaron Donald, they brought the WR coming off the best WR season ever in Cooper Kupp. The Rams announced that the All-Pro received a 3-year extension, with Ian Rapaport saying it would pay him about $75M, while Tom Pelissaro said it was more like $80M. This makes Kupp one of the highest-paid WRs in the NFL, and with Eminem’s Super Bowl performance and Luka Doncic’s playoff run, it is proving to be a good time to be an unathletic white dude.
- Speaking of unathletic white dudes, Baker Mayfield has been excused from training camp by the Cleveland Browns. With players subject to daily fines if they miss camp, Mayfield will not be subjected to any while the team tries to find a trading partner for the former number one pick. Either that or they know they’re going to need him at some point given the 24 cases and counting against Watson. In any event, Mayfield rests in professional purgatory while a team with no interest in playing him this off-season may be relegated to having to.
- From a team with A LOT of QB questions to a team with none? The Denver Broncos, after an offseason that saw them hire a new coach and trade a boatload for a new QB, now have new owners. Around The NFL reports that the Walton-Penner family’s bid for $4.65 billion has been accepted by the Pat Bowlan Trust and that, pending the acceptance of 2/3rds of the owners, they will become the new owners of the Denver Broncos. They are buying at the right time too, as the Broncos finally have the franchise QB they’ve been chasing since Peyton Manning, an explosive offense, and an opportunistic defense. The return on this investment has the potential to be, you guessed it, bananas.
- Another team that’s been searching for a replacement to a Hall of Fame QB, the New York Jets, kicked off their 2nd training camp in the Zach Wilson era. By all accounts, the kid looked good. DJ Bien-Amie of the Daily News had this well-written piece about what Robert Saleh has been saying about Wilson and what you are seeing in camp so far. The words “comfortable” are thrown out a lot to discuss QBs as they progress, but that’s exactly what’s been said about and now being seen from Zach Wilson. Russell Wilson once famously said that the game began to slow down for him and that that’s when he knew he was getting better, and based on what’s being said about the other Wilson is that that’s exactly what’s happening. If the Jets are going to end the longest playoff drought in their history, it’s going to because Wilson takes the next step. Shorts and t-shirt football doesn’t count in the record books, but it sounds like he’s progressing nicely.
June 9, 2022
How the Road to ‘Secret Wars’ Might Go Through Earth- 838

Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness is looking like another box office win for Marvel Studios, what it accomplishes as the 5th film in Phase 4 is to continue planting the seeds for the potential next major crossover. Already eleven projects in, the path to Marvel Cinematic Universe’s take on the classic Secret Wars storyline seems like it’s being built, even if some feel we’re not ready quite yet.

That’s right, it’s beginning to look like the MCU is eleven projects into what might become known as the Secret Wars saga. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier gave us a new Captain America, a reformed Bucky, and introduced us to the US Agent. Black Widow gave us a new Black Widow and a still effective Red Guardian. WandaVision gave us White Vision and Photon, while simultaneously introducing us to witches, including the Scarlet Witch. What If…? showed us different Earths, with different Variants of the heroes and villains we’ve seen on Earth-616, including worlds where Thanos does not become a villain and where Captain Carter is the first Avenger. And then there’s Loki, which presented us with the rules of the multiverse, how the TVA had been pruning Variants across different universes, while introducing the maestro behind it all, He Who Remains.

He Who Remains, aka Nathaniel Richards, had spent considerable time and energy figuring out a way to defeat and/or trap multiversal Variants of himself, essentially wiping out their worlds. When Sylvie stabbed He Who Remains in the season final of Loki, she unleashed the multiverse. Indeed, we find out in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness that a Variant remaining in another universe for too long causes an Incursion. Knowing that, it is clear that Nathaniel Richards did save lives, even if the methods of his TVA were not the right ones. The restoration of the multiverse, the knowledge that Incursions destroy other universes and the revelation that at least one universe in the multiverse has a TVA that openly works for a version of Kang can be seen as evidence that Marvel is building towards Secret Wars.

With Incursions playing such a viral role in Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars run, and Marvel leaning a lot on Hickman’s work when they adapt these stories for the MCU, the mention of them by Earth-838’s Reed Richards is no coincidence. We now have one world (Earth-616) where a Variant (Gamora) is on the loose and no TVA to return her to her timeline. We know that, coming out of Avengers: Endgame, there were at least 5 different timelines. What If…? gave us the timelines mentioned above, which Kevin Feige confirmed are the consequences of Sylvie’s stabbing. In one of those universes, a Captain Carter exists. Could she be the same Captain Carter seen in Multiverse of Madness?

In her world, we see that it’s a world where the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Inhumans all exist. The Charles Xavier who arrives late to Strange’s trial greatly resembles the Professor X from the X-Men animated series. If we accept that the animated series is canon to Earth-838, then this means that on this Earth there are the remaining members of the Fantastic 4 and X-Men, Inhumans who have just had their King brutally murdered, and ateam of Avengers who also just had their leader murdered. Also of note, only Mordo survived to tell their Wanda was possessed by another Wanda: as such, they’re going to want consequences.

Hovering over all of this is every version of Kang. With Incursions caused by Variant sremaining in another universe for too long, and no TVA there to prune said Variant, then it is possible that Earth-838’s Kang (Immortus) will use the Baxter Foundation to further his desire to control the other universes. With a catalyst like Earth-616’s Doctor Strange off in the Dark Dimension, and the death of his own Variant, he may feel that Earth-616 is vulnerable and thus can be attacked. He’s got his army and all that’s left is war.

May 26, 2022
Three Ways ‘Ms. Marvel’ Will Tie Into ‘The Marvels’

Now that Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness has released on the big screen, and Moon Knight has concluded its 6-episode run on Disney+, eyes have naturally pivoted to the next double entry in the MCU: Thor: Love & Thunder and the introduction of Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel. Ms. Marvel is about three weeks away from dropping, and as we have seen, the Disney+ shows are FIRMLY connected to the wider MCU (even Moon Knight had a reference to the GRC that debuted in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier). Ms. Marvel will be no different, forging ties to the 2023 theatrical release, The Marvels.

The 1-2 punch of Ms. Marvel/The Marvels seems in line with WandaVision/Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness. As such, the speculation train is rampant as to how this story about a young hero from New Jersey can connect to the sequel for one of Marvel’s highest grossing films ever. We can start to answer that by going back to the source: the comics.

Based on the trailer, Kamala Khan’s power source seems incredibly reminiscent of the Quantum Bands. The Quantum Bands, gifted in the comics to Mar-Vell as he became Protector of the Universe, may offer us our first connection to Carol Danvers.

In the MCU, the Bands are likely Kree tech with a connection to the Quantum Realm. The Kree came to Earth-616 to bring Carol Danvers back to Hala, and it is entirely possible that they left some tech that Kamala Khan stumbles upon. The last time we saw Carol, in the post-credit scene for Shang Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, where she was quickly distracted and had to run off. It’s incredibly likely that will coincide with the timeline of The Marvels.

The Disney Plus streaming series Hawkeye may also provide a template for a connection to form between Kamala and Carol. In that, we see a young Kate Bishop inspired by Hawkeye after watching him from her parents’ apartment as he fought off the Chitauri. In the comics, Kamala looks up to Carol in the same way, and you see hints of that transferring over from the page to the screen in the footage that Marvel has released. Kamala idolizes Carol, and it wouldn’t be too surprising to see a similar scene in Ms. Marvel that allows for Kamala to develop a deep respect for Carol. Keep in mind that, at this point in the MCU, Carol’s adventures have taken place off-world, so Marvel is going to have to show why Kamala feels this deep connection to Carol.

Lastly, we can’t talk about how Ms. Marvel will connect to The Marvels without discussing the third “Marvel”: Monica Rambeau. Imbued with powers from thrice crossing “The Hex”, it is possible that Monica Rambeau will be the one to remind Kamala that Carol is not the hero that she thinks she is. Monica blipped when her mother was alive, returning only to have her mother pass and Carol, her mother’s best friend, nowhere to be found. In Wandavision, we see a Monica that is very clearly not too fond of Carol, and now she’s going to be with a person in Kamala who adores the person she cannot stand.

Given that Carol didn’t Blip, and thus won’t understand why Monica is so pissed, it’s even likely that Kamala is who tells Carol that Monica has a reason to not be happy with her. Given Carol’s stubborn nature, this will most likely be needed. At the end of WandaVision, we also see that Monica is told by a friendly Skrull that someone wanted to see her, and that someone could be a Carol who has now recruited a kid into space (if Ms. Marvel ends with Kamala Khan being beamed up in order to be protected). Imagine her anger when seeing that Carol came to protect Kamala, but not her.

With her power source potentially being Kree tech, the idolization of one of the heroes, and potential role as an intermediary between Carol and Monica, Ms. Marvel will most definitely be required watching for anyone preparing to watch The Marvels.

May 25, 2022
Morning After Huddle: May 24th, 2022
The morning after, well, anything is usually one filled with equal parts regret and hope, and this one is no different, friends. We got a fresh look at Thor: Love & Thunder (hope), which gave us our first look at some pretty powerful cosmic beings (including one that will, most likely play a pivotal role in Ms. Marvel’s powers), and we got to see the Celtics turn their Eastern Conference Finals series into a best of three while my Mavericks inch closer to a sweep (regret). Either way, I am back to pinch hit for one half of the world’s greatest tag team, and to deliver a wrap up from the league that never sleeps. Like Aaron Rodgers’s words about being immunized, let’s take it back to the day that was.
- According to Mike Garafolo, former New York Giants David Diehl is now joining the Memphis Tigers as a coach after retiring from the NFL. Diehl was a key cog in the last Super Bowl title for the G-Men, and was regarded as one of the smarter offensive linemen in their locker room. The Giants could use some of that intelligence this year, as they work to implement Brian Daboll’s offensive system, and acclimate Daniel Jones to being an actual QB in this league.
- Speaking of locker rooms, HBO will take us inside the Arizona Cardinals’ locker rooms for Hard Knocks: In Season. Maybe we will see what DeAndre Hopkins didn’t put in his body, or maybe we will witness Kyler Murray not being a leader. For me, I hope we visit the sweet pad Kliff Kingsbury didn’t draft an offensive lineman from. The Cardinals are one of the better teams in the league, but have faltered in second halves, so it’ll be exciting to see in 4K if this season is any different.
- While the Cardinals try to figure out how to get over the hump, the 49ers are trying to get their super-talented young QB ready for primetime. However, as OTAs kick off, they are forced to do it without all-world WR Deebo Samuel. According to Ian Rapaport, Deebo will miss OTAs as he and the Niners figure out what the hell to do with him now that the draft has passed. Do you pay him like a star WR? Do you trade him to Baltimore? Do you jettison him to Siberia to chill with a variant of Bucky Barnes? All questions that need answers, but the longer you let this play out, the longer Trey Lance has to play with back-ups.
- Lastly, speaking of back-ups, Meg’s team has solidified the oldest QB room since Jesus led the Disciples to the first ever championship in Earth’s history. The Colts have signed Nick Foles to be Matt Ryan’s back-up, a solid move that allows for Frank Reich to actually have someone to turn to if the veteran falters. More importantly, it gives Reich someone he’s comfortable and familiar with, and who he’s coached before, which should only pay dividends fo… Wait, this isn’t from last year!?
May 24, 2022
Bang The Table, Round 2

Meg Hall

2nd Year Breakout: I’m probably going to sound like a homer, but I’m banging the table for Kwity Paye of the Indianapolis Colts. After being sidelined with a hamstring injury and an ankle injury early, the lights “came on” for Kwity in the second half of the season. He had 4 sacks and was extremely disruptive behind Deforrest Buckner with 10 QB Hits. It seems others noticed Kwity as well, landing him on the 2021 PFWA All-Rookie Team. If he can stay healthy, look for him to light it up.

Team: The Jets have long since been a team that most fans don’t take serious since the infamous “butt fumble”, but I’m banging the table for them to make a huge jump in 2022. I love what Joe Douglas has done. I think he knows that they had to put some talent around Zach Wilson. He went out and got some shiny new “toys” in Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Jeremy Ruckert to pair with Elijah Moore (who is criminally underrated), Michael Carter, C.J. Uzomah, Braxton Berrios, and Denzel Mims. There’s a youth movement happening at Florham Park. My bold prediction for the Jets is that they will have their first winning season since 2015.

Dalbin Osorio

2nd Year Breakout: Meg went the homer route, and I thank her for that because it made me not want to do that. I’m going the less obvious route and putting all my chips on the table for Travis Etienne. Now, I know what you’re thinking: he was hurt last year, so even 2 yards is an improvement over zero. I don’t disagree, but I’m going even further than marginal improvements: Travis Etienne will win the rushing title in 2022. Doug Pederson knows QBs, and the Jaguars have added Christian Kirk, Brandon Scherff, and Evan Engram to an offense that didn’t have a lot of talent. Etienne will be the beneficiary of a better Trevor Lawrence in year 2.

Team: this isn’t just because Meg is my partner in print, but I’m going all in on her team: the Indianapolis Colts will win the AFC South. The Texans kind of stink, though they did have a really good draft. The Titans will take a step back until Malik Willis takes Ryan Tannehill’s job. And the aforementioned Jaguars will be better, but, good God, that defense is awful. Enter the rock-steady Colts, with a very good defense, the 2nd best RB in football, and a huge improvement at QB with the acquisition of Matt Ryan. Frank Reich is going to have his boys ready to play, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them add Odell Beckham, Jr. to their WR room. This is as well-coached a team as there is in the NFL, with a GM not afraid to make the big move, and I think they make the playoffs and win the division.

May 11, 2022
The Morning After Huddle: May 10, 2022 Edition
This morning after huddle is brought to you by yours truly, as I pinch hit for the real Megatron, Meg Hall. The news is really schedule-focused, as we are barreling towards the complete NFL schedule release on Saturday. Let’s dive right in, unlike Cam Newton on the fumble in the Super Bowl versus Denver.
- The NFL announced that the Super Bowl champion Rams and Russell Wilson’s Denver Broncos will headline the Christmas Day slate. A matchup this late in the season should have playoff implications for both teams, and you get a marquee QB matchup with star power on both sides.
- Speaking of the Rams, they lost some RB depth yesterday. Ian Rapaport reported that Sony Michel has joined Mike McDaniel’s Miami Dolphins, where he will presumably back up free agent addition Chase Edmonds. Michel is coming off a season where he rushed for 845 yards and 4 TDs filling in for Cam Akers.
- Speaking of the schedule, the NFL also announced their week 2 Monday Night Football doubleheader: they will open with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills will take on the great mentor that is Ryan Tannehill and the Tennessee Titans, and it will be followed by Kirk Cousins and the Vikings taking on an Eagles team who had one of the better drafts.
- Now that the NFL Draft is in the clear, teams have started to finalize cuts that were rumored all offseason. One such cut is CB James Bradberry, who was one of Dave Gettleman’s expensive signings as General Manager of the New York Giants. The Giants released him yesterday, saving $10.1M (leaving a dead money hit of $11.7M, yikes!) and thus being able to sign their rookies. The Giants will enter training camp, barring any additional moves, with Adoree Jackson as their best cornerback in a system that relies heavily on corners being left on an island.
- Lastly, Aidan Hutchinson has agreed to his rookie deal with the Detroit Lions. Due to the rookie scale, we’ve seen less holdouts than in years past, with a majority of them coming from offset language. It’s a great look for the Lions, still building their identity, to get their top pick signed and ready for camp.
That does it for today’s edition. Check back tomorrow for the latest in NFL news.
May 10, 2022
Bang The Table: Post-Draft

Meghan Hall

Player: As a Colts fan, it pains me to say this, but I’m banging the table for rookie Titans CB Roger McCreary. He is a STUD and if not for height, Roger likely would’ve been a first round pick. He should thrive as a slot corner. #WarEagle

Team: The Baltimore Ravens had a sneaky good draft. They were able to get great talent and not reach for players. They added quality depth and potential starters at several positions (Kyle Hamilton, David Ojabo, and Jaylyn Amour-Davis for example). Hats off to Eric Decosta and the front office staff.

Dalbin Osorio

Player: Meg went with someone from her own team, so I’ll mirror that and pick Jets rookie RB Breece Hall. Connor Rogers of Badlands compared the 2nd round pick to former Saints RB Deuce McCallister, and the measurables all line up. To run a 4.39 40 at 6’2″ is absurd, and he gives the Jets their first homerun threat out of the backfield since Chris Ivory. He’s my pick for offensive rookie of the year.

Team: The Philadelphia Eagles did absolute work in this draft. Not only did they make good use of their capital by acquiring a 2023 first round pick in a draft with better QBs than this one, but they also were able to acquire stud WR AJ Brown and they also added Georgia Bulldog leader Nakobe Dean. We don’t know if Jalen Hurts is the answer, but with a good OL, two top-end WRs, one of the better TEs in the sport, and a potent running game? We’re about to find out. If not, the Eagles have the ammo to go get their guy next season.

May 4, 2022
NFL Draft: Best Picks From Day 2

With the first and second round of the NFL Draft in the books. There was a lot of talent still available, and the flurry of moves really reshuffled the order. Let’s take a look at THE best picks of Day 2.

QB Malik Willis
The best quarterback in this class, and the only one worth a first round pick in my opinion. He goes to an excellent situation in Tennessee, as he gets to sit behind Ryan Tannehill and play with the best RB in the game behind a pretty good OL. He, also, has a stud WR in Treylon Burks.

RB Breece Hall
The best RB in the class was available despite some talk of him going at the end of round one. With exceptional vision and the ability to not come off the field, he’s the modern RB that ended up being the target for the Jets at 38. He slots right in as the 1A to Michael Carter’s 1B, and gives Zach Wilson a home run threat out of the backfield.

LB Nakobe Dean

He saw five of his collegiate teammates go in Round One, knowing all the while that he was the leader of that vaunted Georgia Bulldog defense. Dean is the evolution of the linebacker position, as he can both rush the passer and drop in coverage. His refusal to get shoulder surgery is what reportedly caused him to fall, but I had mocked him to the Eagles at 18, so for them to get him in day three is highway robbery. A really excellent draft by the Eagles so far.

CB Andrew Booth, Jr.
One of the more athletic cornerbacks in the draft, Booth has the potential to be this year’s Eric Stokes in terms of a young corner who comes in to a great situation and can produce. He can play man or zone, and he would’ve fit a team like Seattle (who needs a replacement for DJ Reed) or the Giants (who may be releasing James Bradberry). Instead, he ended up in Minnesota, where he gets to learn from all-time great Patrick Peterson.

DT Travis Jones
Has the opportunity to outproduce guys that went ahead of him from the interior. He’s a nimble pass rusher for a man his size, and gives maximum effort against the run. He lands in Baltimore, who has had a top 5 draft class, and fortifies that defensive front for new Ravens DC Mike Macdonald.

April 30, 2022
The Superhero Mock Draft

Rules:
All superheros are draftable
Rosters include a QB, 3 Offensive Weapons, 3 Defensive Weapons
No Variants

Hunter is on the clock.

Round One:

The Defenders Draft Pick #1:

Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man (WR)

Dalbin’s reaction: Going young right off the bat doesn’t make me nervous. I’d be more concerned if Hunter chose a wide receiver that can catch (sorry Gwen Stacy).

Hunter’s response: Betting on Parker learning from his mistakes in college. He’s a young guy but it’s his spirit, determination, and ability to adapt that catch my eye. The sticky fingers don’t hurt either.

The Illuminati Draft Pick #1

Steve Rogers, aka Captain America (QB)

Hunter’s reaction: This is an intimidating pick. Incredible leadership ability and one of the most accurate throws in his class. Rogers was definitely someone we kept an eye on. Maybe could have picked someone with better arm strength though.

Dalbin’s response: What better way to combat the kid from Queens than with the kid from Brooklyn? Throwing vibranium around means the adjustment to the pro game will take a minute, but please believe that the intangibles are through the roof.

Round Two:

The Defenders Draft Pick #2

Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman (QB)

Dalbin’s reaction: A leader who never compromised his values despite what Injustice says. He’s faster than a speeding bullet, which means he’d revolutionize the game, so I’m really worried now. Defensively, I may have to draft someone with his mother’s name to stop him.

Hunter’s response: Heard from a few scouts he’s resolved his conflict with Mr. Wayne. Some described it as a “rebirth.” I’m excited for his future as both a leader and an athletic talent, not to mention I think the camaraderie between Kent and Parker will result in Burrow and Chase levels of success.

The Illuminati Draft Pick #2

James Howlett, aka Wolverine (RB)

Hunter’s reaction: A little guy, good for putting his head down and getting through the line. Scrappy and sturdy. I’ll need a sturdier, angrier linebacker if I have any hope of putting him down.

Dalbin’s response: With the selection of Cap, I wanted someone with a strong relationship with him in the backfield, and the only person with a better relationship with Cap than Logan is Bucky, but I couldn’t draft a former war criminal who Cap himself didn’t pick. Logan is my Derrick Henry.

Round Three:

The Defenders Draft Pick #3

Bruce Banner, a.k.a. The Hulk (LB)

Dalbin’s reaction: Oh, dear God. I wouldn’t like when he’s angry and playing for Hunter means he will always be angry. This is a good way to counter my first two picks, but will the comics repeat themselves on a screen pass? We’ll see!

Hunter’s response: Hulk smash.

The Illuminati Draft Pick #3

Barry Allen, aka The Flash (WR)

Hunter’s reaction: Talk about a prospect with speed. No way I can draft anybody who can keep up with Allen, but I can draft someone (witch) crafty enough to get around it.

Dalbin’s response: The only worry with Barry was immaturity, but the speed is too tantalizing a prospect to pass up here in round 3.

Round Four:

The Defenders Draft Pick #4

Mark Grayson, a.k.a. Invincible (S)

Dalbin’s reaction: *An audible gasp exits from the Illumaniti war room, and it doesn’t come from a Captain Marvel variant while fighting the Scarlet Witch* I had Hunter’s word that he wouldn’t take Grayson. He was MY sleeper!

Hunter’s response: If there’s anything Grayson is familiar with, it’s shocking betrayals from people he trusts. This is a defensive player who can be anywhere on the field, and no longer trusts anyone else to do his job for him.

The Illuminati Draft Pick #4

Harley Quinn (LB)

Hunter’s reaction: A bit confused by this one. Quinn is brutal and unpredictable, the definition of a wild card, but I would have thought she’d end up on the offensive side of things. I’ll need to make some picks that can handle her chaos.

Dalbin’s response: I needed a leader on defense, and who better than the person who leads DC’s best movie (Birds of Prey)? With the array of weapons, ahem, I’ll add around her, it’s really over for you jokers.

Round Five:

The Defenders Draft Pick #5

Wanda Maximoff, a.k.a. Scarlet Witch (CB)

Dalbin’s Response: She lacks vision, but the potential is through the roof now that she’s embraced her true self. A true mutant at the position, this might be Hunter’s best pick.

Hunter’s response: There’s really no cap on her potential, and what she lacks in vision she makes up for with a fierce sense of team play. She’ll do anything to make sure her family comes out on top.

The Illuminati Draft Pick #5

John Stewart, aka Green Lantern (S)

Dalbin’s reaction: How do I support the wild card in the middle of the defense? By giving her a player with range behind her. The best Green Lantern brings leadership skills and no desire to fall to the dark side like his predecessors from Green Lantern University.

Hunter’s reaction: Egads! This was going to be my next pick. A truly multifaceted talent, with the ability to make up defensive plays on the spot. I’ll need someone with experience and endurance to get through Stewart, because there may be no going around.

Round Six:

The Defenders Draft Pick #6

Hellboy (TE)

Dalbin’s response: *A visible smirk is shown on the face of the new GM in the Illumaniti war room*

Hunter’s response: Needed someone who could drop a shoulder, stiff arm, or block just as well as they can catch. Hellboy is the definition of that skill set. It’s almost like he’s got two different hands, one for the soft touch and one you hope he never uses on you.

The Illuminati Draft Pick #6

T’Challa, aka Black Panther (WR)

Dalbin’s reaction: Completing my offense with a franchise player in round 6? Too hard to pass up. With Cap, Flash, Wolverine, and T’Challa on offense, we are talking vibranium over Baghdad.

Hunter’s reaction: Hard to believe T’Challa was still on the board. He never fit into my offensive scheme, but I was praying to Bast that he didn’t fit the Illuminati’s either.

Round Seven:

The Defenders Draft Pick #7

Scott Lang, a.k.a. Ant-Man (RB)

Dalbin’s response: When we talk shifty, this is what we mean. Plus, when you singlehandedly save the universe by planning a time heist, you’d think there’d be more hype, but this might be Hunter’s best pick. Plus, there’s so much potential for him to play bigger than what he currently is.

Hunter’s response: This is someone who can carry the ball anywhere on the field, and fits in perfectly with an offense designed to constantly adapt. Good luck catching a guy you can barely see breaking away downfield.

The Illuminati Draft Pick #7:

Diana, Princess of the Amazons, aka Wonder Woman (EDGE)

Dalbin Reaction: Diana, Harley, and John on defense gives me range, versatility, and downright power. It’s the ultimate bend but don’t break defense, but one that will do what’s needed given the offense will score points.

Hunter’s reaction: This pick makes me glad I have a quarterback with steel nerves. Nothing scarier than a Themyscira alum coming hot off the corner.

April 28, 2022
5 Thoughts Ahead of The NFL Draft

About a month ago, I detailed where I think teams were leaning in a post-combine mock draft. As the first night of the draft approaches, the locations where players will most likely land is beginning to crystallize. There are still four days for a Deebo Samuel to the Jets trade to be announced, but here are 5 things I’m thinking as I sip my Monday morning coffee.

1. Travon Walker going 1st overall is a mistake that the Jaguars are poised to make. This pick will create a domino effect, as with the Jags taking Walker, the Detroit Lions will be free to take hometown boy Aidan Hutchinson. With the Lions taking Hutchinson, it means the Houston Texans have their pick of any offensive lineman on the board, or a wild card like CB Derek Stingley, Jr. or S Kyle Hamilton. Walker is settling around the 50th ranked player on my big board: no, that’s not a typo, as I am pretty sure I’ll have 49 guys ahead of him and really think taking him first overall because you’re banking on a ridiculous ceiling isn’t the kind of move a team with a rookie QB should make. However, Trent Baalke has banked on upside in the past, and this is no different. Plus, he’s never drafted a Michigan player since he and Jim Harbaugh began their blood feud, so Walker at 1 feels like a lock the Jaguars will regret.

2. Chris Olave is going to be the most productive rookie WR in year one because of how he’s being underrated and where he will end up being drafted because of it. Olave had a really good shortened season at Ohio State and would’ve been one of the first WRs taken in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he opted to go back and essentially replicate his standout sophomore season. His teammate Garrett Wilson got all the attention, but Olave’s game is just as polished as Wilson’s, and you have the benefit of Olave producing each year versus stellar competition. He will most likely go after Wilson, Drake London, Jameson Williams, and Treylon Burks, which means he will probably wind up in a situation with a veteran QB (Aaron Rodgers?). This one feels like an easy prediction.

3. Breece Hall will be the best running back from this class. He’s a modern NFL back and, as teams go to more position-less offenses, can play in any offense even if he might be better suited for more of a wide zone. He won’t go Round 1 because running backs don’t go in the first anymore, but if a team like the Jets adds him in R2 to pair with 2nd year player Michael Carter? That’s suddenly infinitely better than the rushing attack they have now. He will outproduce his draft slot.

4. Dax Hill is a better prospect than Kyle Hamilton, will go lower, and be an All-Pro sooner. I mentioned position-less football: defenses have adjusted to the spread offenses that offenses are using by making Nickel their base defenses. The next adjustment was drafting safeties/Uber-athletes to play closer to the ball as de-facto linebackers. Kudos if you were a unicorn like Isaiah Simmons! Kyle Hamilton is the natural evolution of that position, but given Dax Hill’s versatility in coverage (particularly his ability to play man and zone effectively) he is the better value pick. Hamilton will, if he goes to Houston, be typecast as a free safety and be used away from the line of scrimmage. A smart defensive coordinator wouldn’t do that, instead utilizing him like the Seahawks use Jamal Adams. Dax Hill won’t have those issues.

5. Two big trades will occur, and the order we have now won’t be where we end up on Thursday. Teams have been more likely to move off guys these past off-seasons, choosing to find the replacements in the draft. Stefan Diggs to Justin Jefferson and Deforest Buckner for Javon Kinlaw are two of the most recent high-profile moves, and with Deebo Samuel, AJ Brown, Terry McClaurin, and DK Metcalf reportedly available to some degree, we could see a flurry of action this weekend. I think we get two big moves: one, the Deebo trade, is kind of expected, but one, maybe Terry McClaurin, will be unexpected. Buckle up, football fans.

April 25, 2022