In regards to the take aways you already put, I agree completely on o-line and d-line in that we need constant investment there. Also agree on the secondary, and the other points

One thing I took away from that game is that you need one true playmaker with your QB. Someone that is going to keep the pressure on the defense, whether they have the ball or not. And that the true playmaker isn't at the RB position. The last TD of the game is a great example of that, they used Kelce as the clear out for Hardman, which is why it looked so easy, because the entire defense was keyed on Kelce.

So I really agree with your point on RB, there is no reason to overspend at the position, just keep on taking guys you really like starting in the 3rd round (don't fall in love with a combine riser) and get journeyman RBs on the cheap. The position just doesn't overall influence the game enough to warrant a large salary.

I agree with the thinking that we spend big at DT, increase the talent in the early portions of the draft at DE, DB, and o-line, take the best players that fit the schemes starting in round 3 or 4, and then fill in any holes with FA.

This is the best draft strategy. You can't expect to better last years results unless you better the lines significantly.

Anyone else feel like SF lost the game in the 3rd quarter by not continuing to pound that toss sweep/stretch action that worked all game for them?

Yes, for sure. We were all asking the same question. That play was getting 5 yards every time. Why abandon it?

IrishAg said:

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One thing I took away from that game is that you need one true playmaker with your QB. Someone that is going to keep the pressure on the defense, whether they have the ball or not. And that the true playmaker isn't at the RB position. The last TD of the game is a great example of that, they used Kelce as the clear out for Hardman, which is why it looked so easy, because the entire defense was keyed on Kelce.

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I know that it's crazy to have a strategy that involves finding a unicorn. A guy that's always a matchup problem regardless of who you line up against. KC had more than one before they traded Hill to Miami. But we've had that before in Houston, Johnson was a problem due to his size, speed, and catch ability and Foster was a problem too when he was at his peak.

Kelce is 6'5", 250 lbs and runs a 4.61 40 from what I could find online. Other guys of similar size and ability to Kelce would be Jason Witten and Rob Gronkowski, big guys without the best speed. He's ideal size but not the fastest guy, his best attributes are that he runs great routes, he gets open, he catches the ball, and knows what to do once he has it. I've seen a lot of mock drafts have Bowers falling due to his size at 6'4" and 240 lbs, I think that would put him in like the 50th percentile in TE size. He's not going to be as effective in blocking at that size but he's still going to be a weapon in the passing game. Sounds overly simplified but a TE with true WR abilities is a cheat code which is why I think teams passing on Bowers are making a mistake.

It doesn't have to be a TE or WR but it helps if it's one of those two positions because they are weapons for the QB. There are times when RB's are a matchup nightmare. Alvin Kamara was like that for a period of time. Derrick Henry is one of those guys too but I'm just worried about his age.

IrishAg said:

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One thing I took away from that game is that you need one true playmaker with your QB. Someone that is going to keep the pressure on the defense, whether they have the ball or not. And that the true playmaker isn't at the RB position. The last TD of the game is a great example of that, they used Kelce as the clear out for Hardman, which is why it looked so easy, because the entire defense was keyed on Kelce.

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This. You've got to have a dude somewhere whether it's WR, TE, or RB (see CMC).

Tank Dell MAY be that guy and while Nico is a good WR and Schultz is a good TE they're not that guy. Pierce is closer to being cut then he is being a dude.

You've just got to have someone who can take over a game and assert his dominance over whoever is matched up on him on the defensive side.

siap


better than average chance texans open season on thursday @ chiefs

BMX Bandit said:

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siap


better than average chance texans open season on thursday @ chiefs

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Makes perfect sense. A Stroud vs. Mahomes battle would be a great way to get a high TV rating for the season opener.

Max Power said:

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IrishAg said:

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One thing I took away from that game is that you need one true playmaker with your QB. Someone that is going to keep the pressure on the defense, whether they have the ball or not. And that the true playmaker isn't at the RB position. The last TD of the game is a great example of that, they used Kelce as the clear out for Hardman, which is why it looked so easy, because the entire defense was keyed on Kelce.

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I know that it's crazy to have a strategy that involves finding a unicorn. A guy that's always a matchup problem regardless of who you line up against. KC had more than one before they traded Hill to Miami. But we've had that before in Houston, Johnson was a problem due to his size, speed, and catch ability and Foster was a problem too when he was at his peak.

Kelce is 6'5", 250 lbs and runs a 4.61 40 from what I could find online. Other guys of similar size and ability to Kelce would be Jason Witten and Rob Gronkowski, big guys without the best speed. He's ideal size but not the fastest guy, his best attributes are that he runs great routes, he gets open, he catches the ball, and knows what to do once he has it. I've seen a lot of mock drafts have Bowers falling due to his size at 6'4" and 240 lbs, I think that would put him in like the 50th percentile in TE size. He's not going to be as effective in blocking at that size but he's still going to be a weapon in the passing game. Sounds overly simplified but a TE with true WR abilities is a cheat code which is why I think teams passing on Bowers are making a mistake.

It doesn't have to be a TE or WR but it helps if it's one of those two positions because they are weapons for the QB. There are times when RB's are a matchup nightmare. Alvin Kamara was like that for a period of time. Derrick Henry is one of those guys too but I'm just worried about his age.

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I do think finding someone like that comes about from either being ahead of the curve (like getting agile TEs before their stock went up) or stumbling across someone who's tape is different than their highlights/combine. And Achane is a good example of the latter. If you looked only at Achane's highlights or his combine performance, you would assume he's a little scat back or 3rd down back that made plays whenever the defense wasn't ready for him. But if you watch his tape (or if you're one of us) you know that's not true, Achane has a unique talent to vector (best word I have) his body when changing directions, when other would have to do a jump step or a cut, so that he doesn't lose speed. It's why his yards per carries are always insane, he rarely loses momentum.

That's what you have to luck out on is having real tape on someone at a playmaker position that has unique abilities, drafting them, and then properly working them into your offense. Kamara was unique because every down RBs his size weren't made to be able to run WR routes at that time, but that was more of being ahead of the curve compared to now. Henry is unique for his size to speed ratio, and that has helped him be a dominate playmaker, but his speed is slowing as his age increases so his dominance was dropped a lot.

Hopefully we continue to really dig into players in our scouting process to find a unicorn here and there (I mean, we did luck out and have seemingly found one in CJ last year).

But you don't need to hit on a unicorn playmaker to win in this league, but it apparently sure as **** helps when it comes to winning the Super Bowl

Would love to bring Evans back to the Houston area. Think he still has the juice to be the #1 that draws a defense's attention and would make the rest of our receivers look like studs.

Unfortunately, his asking price is likely going. Maybe way too high

I still think Ravens vs. Chiefs is the opener

Texans a salty #9 in ESPN's way too early 2024 rankings

9. Houston Texans

2023 record: 10-7
Offseason in three words: Overturn the roster
The Texans hit on a quarterback in C.J. Stroud last offseason and have $61 million in cap space, so their window to maximize Stroud's rookie contract is now. But also, the organization has the most free agents (30) entering the offseason, and all of them were at one point on the active 53-man roster, while eight started at least 10 games. The 2024 Texans definitely will look different. GM Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans must build correctly to continue the momentum created by winning the AFC South title. -- DJ Bien-Aime

Idk, I think marketing CJ Stroud over Lamar seems like it's got a better future payoff.

LJ/Burrow from the north
Allen from the east
Mahomes from west

Complete with CJ from the south, NFL may have found its next QB nucleus

Mr.Bond said:

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Unfortunately, his asking price is likely going. Maybe way too high

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The more I think about Evans the more I believe it's one of three scenarios, unfortunately none involve him going to Houston. Him staying in TB and retiring as a lifetime Buccaneer is the first one. The second involves him going to a team with a rookie or second year QB who needs a WR to help instill confidence and is greatly lacking in WR resources because that's where I see a team overspending for a guy like him. Teams are going to look at Bryce Young's rookie season and know they have to get a guy to help if they don't have one already. Third option would be teams where he just walks in the room and is the best guy and their WRs immediately know they have to step it up.

Teams I could see that happening would include the Giants, Commanders, Panthers, Titans, Patriots, Steelers, and Cardinals. I just don't see Caserio spending the money on the WR position this offseason unless it's extending Collins which I believe gets done.

It's not like TB was bad this year, they did about the same as the Texans and have $43M in cap to spend. Teams to keep an eye for Evans would be Cincinnati (franchise qb + $43M in cap room + probably lose Tee Higgins), LA Rams, Houston, and TB.

Ultimately, I think he stays in TB for one more contract and then ends his career chasing another ring as a veteran 2 or 3 option.

Max Power said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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Unfortunately, his asking price is likely going. Maybe way too high

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The more I think about Evans the more I believe it's one of three scenarios, unfortunately none involve him going to Houston. Him staying in TB and retiring as a lifetime Buccaneer is the first one. The second involves him going to a team with a rookie or second year QB who needs a WR to help instill confidence and is greatly lacking in WR resources because that's where I see a team overspending for a guy like him. Teams are going to look at Bryce Young's rookie season and know they have to get a guy to help if they don't have one already. Third option would be teams where he just walks in the room and is the best guy and their WRs immediately know they have to step it up.

Teams I could see that happening would include the Giants, Commanders, Panthers, Titans, Patriots, Steelers, and Cardinals. I just don't see Caserio spending the money on the WR position this offseason unless it's extending Collins which I believe gets done.

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Agree 100%

Texan_Aggie said:

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It's not like TB was bad this year, they did about the same as the Texans and have $43M in cap to spend. Teams to keep an eye for Evans would be Cincinnati (franchise qb + $43M in cap room + probably lose Tee Higgins), LA Rams, Houston, and TB.

Ultimately, I think he stays in TB for one more contract and then ends his career chasing another ring as a veteran 2 or 3 option.

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But will Baker Mayfield stay in TB? If not, Evans may want to find a quality QB to hook up with.

ac said:

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Texan_Aggie said:

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It's not like TB was bad this year, they did about the same as the Texans and have $43M in cap to spend. Teams to keep an eye for Evans would be Cincinnati (franchise qb + $43M in cap room + probably lose Tee Higgins), LA Rams, Houston, and TB.

Ultimately, I think he stays in TB for one more contract and then ends his career chasing another ring as a veteran 2 or 3 option.

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But will Baker Mayfield stay in TB? If not, Evans may want to find a quality QB to hook up with.

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Not just that but TB lost their OC who took the HC job in Carolina. Cincinnati has long been rumored to just franchise Higgins this offseason to keep him and Chase together one more time before they have to sign Chase to an extension. I could see the Rams putting an offer on the table especially with Puka on a rookie deal.

ac said:

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BMX Bandit said:

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siap


better than average chance texans open season on thursday @ chiefs

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Makes perfect sense. A Stroud vs. Mahomes battle would be a great way to get a high TV rating for the season opener.

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These are the 8 options, and I'm not sure if they have ever done intradivsional for an opener:
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos
Houston Texans
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers


With hype of Harbaugh and hope to generate enthusiasm in an LA market, I could see Chargers being the opponent.
Texans have a great shot though, as do Lamar and the Ravens.

Max Power said:

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ac said:

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Texan_Aggie said:

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It's not like TB was bad this year, they did about the same as the Texans and have $43M in cap to spend. Teams to keep an eye for Evans would be Cincinnati (franchise qb + $43M in cap room + probably lose Tee Higgins), LA Rams, Houston, and TB.

Ultimately, I think he stays in TB for one more contract and then ends his career chasing another ring as a veteran 2 or 3 option.

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But will Baker Mayfield stay in TB? If not, Evans may want to find a quality QB to hook up with.

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Not just that but TB lost their OC who took the HC job in Carolina. Cincinnati has long been rumored to just franchise Higgins this offseason to keep him and Chase together one more time before they have to sign Chase to an extension. I could see the Rams putting an offer on the table especially with Puka on a rookie deal.

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What does Tampa Bay sell to their fans if they let both Baker and Canales walk? I think they have to resign baker or make a splash move in the draft, which I don't think they'll do.

Another darkhorse for someone like an Evans could be Indianapolis. Similar profit to Houston - cap room, young QB, good offensive head coach. I don't put them on the same level as Houston because I think CJ is leaps and bounds above AR, but they've got a lot of money to spend and are in a better position to splurge on a WR.

Iowaggie said:

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ac said:

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BMX Bandit said:

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siap


better than average chance texans open season on thursday @ chiefs

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Makes perfect sense. A Stroud vs. Mahomes battle would be a great way to get a high TV rating for the season opener.

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These are the 8 options, and I'm not sure if they have ever done intradivsional for an opener:
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos
Houston Texans
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers


With hype of Harbaugh and hope to generate enthusiasm in an LA market, I could see Chargers being the opponent.
Texans have a great shot though, as do Lamar and the Ravens.

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I just don't see it with LJ. He's 1-3 against Mahomes and now has the reputation of great regular season, minimal chance in post season.

I think the NFL wants new blood, so Texans or Chargers would be my. Dark horse would be Bengals if Burrow is 100% given he missed most of last year and playoffs.

Texan_Aggie said:

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Iowaggie said:

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ac said:

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BMX Bandit said:

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siap


better than average chance texans open season on thursday @ chiefs

---

Makes perfect sense. A Stroud vs. Mahomes battle would be a great way to get a high TV rating for the season opener.

---

These are the 8 options, and I'm not sure if they have ever done intradivsional for an opener:
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos
Houston Texans
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers


With hype of Harbaugh and hope to generate enthusiasm in an LA market, I could see Chargers being the opponent.
Texans have a great shot though, as do Lamar and the Ravens.

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I just don't see it with LJ. He's 1-3 against Mahomes and now has the reputation of great regular season, minimal chance in post season.

I think the NFL wants new blood, so Texans or Chargers would be my. Dark horse would be Bengals if Burrow is 100% given he missed most of last year and playoffs.

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The schedule is announced in April, so they won't know if Burrow is 100% then. The Chargers don't put up numbers in LA much less nationwide. Hard to see them in that game, Harbaugh or not.

I think it comes down to the Texans or Ravens.

Interesting rumor starting to pop up, us trading our 2nd rounder to the Eagles for Reddick

https://www.si.com/nfl/eagles/news/philadelphia-eagles-haason-reddick-trade-request-rumors-idea-houston-texans-nfl-draft


I don't see it personally, he doesn't fit the mold for DEs that this defense usually requires, and he's more of a pass rush guy than an off the ball linebacker? For reference he weighs almost 10 pounds lighter and 3 inches shorter than Will Anderson Jr. But thought I would throw it out for discussion here.

Another good discussion on WR additions for the Texans

https://www.battleredblog.com/2024/2/14/24070820/best-deep-threat-additions-for-houston-texans-free-agents

For the price, I wouldn't mind looking at Gabe Davis or Josh Reynolds to replace Woods.

Agree trading for Reddick makes no sense, better to just get an extension done with Greenard and keep him in the building. Of the UFA WR's out there Davis makes a lot of sense. Marquise Brown would be interesting if he has an attitude change. He underperformed in Arizona, a one year prove it deal for him with Stroud would make a lot of sense to improve his value. Reynolds had some huge drops in the NFC title game, that gives me pause on him.

If they signed anyone on that list my gut says it's Davis, he makes a ton of sense for the roster and financially wouldn't be problematic.

Max Power said:

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Agree trading for Reddick makes no sense, better to just get an extension done with Greenard and keep him in the building. Of the UFA WR's out there Davis makes a lot of sense. Marquise Brown would be interesting if he has an attitude change. He underperformed in Arizona, a one year prove it deal for him with Stroud would make a lot of sense to improve his value. Reynolds had some huge drops in the NFC title game, that gives me pause on him.

If they signed anyone on that list my gut says it's Davis, he makes a ton of sense for the roster and financially wouldn't be problematic.

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Agree completely, Davis would be an excellent addition and should cost a middle of the road contract for WR. I think he would fit this offense perfectly with Tank and Nico.

Janice won!

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/judge-rules-in-favor-of-texans-owner-janice-mcnair-denies-older-sons-request-for-cognitive-exam

Good for her!

IrishAg said:

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Another good discussion on WR additions for the Texans

https://www.battleredblog.com/2024/2/14/24070820/best-deep-threat-additions-for-houston-texans-free-agents

For the price, I wouldn't mind looking at Gabe Davis or Josh Reynolds to replace Woods.

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A couple of years ago I thought Davis would become a star in the league. Don't know what happened but he has potential. I like Reynolds for a rotation guy if the price is right. He has a few good games every year where he makes some great catches but he is not consistent week to week.

that list of WR's...looks like Evans or bust

i.e. spend the money elsewhere or draft a WR

If Bengals don't tag Higgins (although rumors are that they are likely going to), I think we should be aggressive there

Also don't forget Jefferson may be available, but that's a long shot.

I think adding a dynamic RB who can catch out of the backfield will open up the offense a lot more. Motor was good and the team got a lot better once he was the primary back, but a Saquon would be a lot more dynamic (assuming he stays healthy).

Also wouldn't surprise me if Nick signed Dobbins to a 1-year prove it deal.

3 Toed Pete said:

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IrishAg said:

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Another good discussion on WR additions for the Texans

https://www.battleredblog.com/2024/2/14/24070820/best-deep-threat-additions-for-houston-texans-free-agents

For the price, I wouldn't mind looking at Gabe Davis or Josh Reynolds to replace Woods.

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A couple of years ago I thought Davis would become a star in the league. Don't know what happened but he has potential. I like Reynolds for a rotation guy if the price is right. He has a few good games every year where he makes some great catches but he is not consistent week to week.

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Diggs is Buffalo's leading WR this year with 1,183 yards and Davis was second with 746. Diggs had 8 TD's and Davis had 7. Diggs averaged 11.1 yards per reception which was third on the team compared with 16.6 for Davis which was the best. Davis had 45 receptions compared to 107 for Diggs and 73 for Kincaid. Davis doesn't get many yards after the catch but he's a number 2 WR. He also has more receptions of over 20 yards than Diggs, 12 and 10 respectively. Buffalo also has 2 different TE's that Allen throws to in Kincaid and Knox. Davis's numbers last year were better when you consider he only played in 15 games and he averaged 17.4 yards per reception, still best on the team, had 7 TD's as well. If Buffalo hadn't drafted Kincaid then I believe Davis would have had a significantly bigger 2023.

While I'm partial to him I'm also not 100% sold, his catch rate isn't great. Last season his catch rate was 52% and this season it was 56%. I don't watch enough games of theirs to know how much of that is him vs Allen. They'd really need to delve into his tape about to address that part of his game.

Top 3 WRs on each team in the division in 2023, not counting TE production
Houston: Nico Collins (1297/15 games), Tank Dell (709/11 games), Noah Brown (567/10 games)
Indianapolis: Michael Pittman Jr (1152/16 games), Josh Downs (771/17 games), Alec Pierce (514/17 games)
Jacksonville: Calvin Ridley (1016/17 games), Christian Kirk (787/12 games), Zay Jones (321/9 games)
Tennessee: Deandre Hopkins (1057/17 games), Chris Moore (424/17 games), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (370/14 games)

Houston has to address the number 2 WR position either in free agency or the draft. This is a really deep draft and we know Ryans is partial to Alabama players. Jermaine Burton is a day 2 prospect that tore us up in the Bama game this year. I think the second round will be ripe with quality WR's like him, Ja'Lynn Polk (WA), Brenden Rice (USC/Jerry Rice's son), Ricky Pearsall (FL), Johnny Wilson (FSU), Malachi Corley (WKU), and Roman Wilson (MI).