7/12 SUN
(9:05amET)
Today/tomorrow
-- Rookie/young TE OTA notes/research report posts today.
-- Working on the HOLY series this week. Each position report will drop as they are completed. Next up: The HOLY WRs.
After WRs, we’ll do HOLY TEs...and then we’re going to gather all the HOLY players to discuss Rounds 1-2 redrafting strategy (at this point).
-- New TST video posting today, a new 2027 QB prospect.
Our two-part series on two WRs -- Are they done?/Do they still have it? Posted last week.
Part 2 was Mike Evans: https://youtu.be/pIXRQGfiWQ8
Part 1 Davante Adams: https://youtu.be/y14F5QTBpb8
-- Miscellaneous reports on things that come my way and more scouting reports to come. I have a backlog of them to get published already.
--------------------------
NEW DISCORD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM/INVITE: FFM Discord Notification System
*This is not a chat room. It is a one-way channel for FFM notifications about newly posted items and critical breaking news.
This Week’s/Month’s Agenda…
-- DRD rankings will now update rankings and add/update commentaries, etc., every THU or FRI for the rest of the preseason.
-- Dynasty and Best Ball rankings audits/updates weekly +/-.
-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway (on hold for draft, since we’re this close)
-- Full scouting reports on various prospects from now until the NFL preseason. Deeper looks at Cyrus Allen and more all on deck.
-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.
-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...trying to slot/schedule this. Once the Draft Guide is set, I hope/plan to turn to this.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- HEADLINE: The estate of former Seahawks owner Paul Allen has announced the sale of the team to 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla. The impending sale was first reported by Sportico then confirmed by ESPN before the team itself announced the move. Sportico and Schefter have reported an eye-watering sale price of $9.6 billion.
If I inherited an NFL team in 2025/26, the first thing I would do...is sell it...just like the Allen estate did. Gimme $9.6b and I’ll never even watch a regular season football game again, I suspect.
Here is my GEMINI research into Vinod Khosla, but more importantly (at the end) some info on his son who will now essentially be running the team.
Vinod Khosla: The Maverick Mind of Silicon Valley
Vinod Khosla stands as one of the most defining, brilliant, and fiercely independent figures in the history of Silicon Valley. As a co-founder of Sun Microsystems and the architect behind Khosla Ventures, he has spent over four decades fundamentally altering the global technology landscape. Driven by an unyielding belief that bold, disruptive entrepreneurship can rewrite societal infrastructure, Khosla has established himself as an eccentric visionary who operates on the absolute cutting edge—frequently defying conventional wisdom, embracing staggering risks, and occasionally drawing fierce public scrutiny.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 28, 1955, into a military family in Pune, India, Khosla’s early path was heavily influenced by his father, an Indian Army officer who naturally expected his son to follow a similar military trajectory. However, a teenager's curiosity completely diverted his path. At the age of sixteen, Khosla stumbled across articles detailing the founding of Intel Corporation in Electronic Engineering Times. The concept of a modern technology startup ignited a passion that would map out the rest of his life.
Determined to pursue technology, Khosla earned his Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical Engineering from the elite Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Even as a student, his unconventional leadership style was apparent: when the university's computer center operations staff went on strike, Khosla stepped up to run the entire data hub themselves so students could keep coding.
After a brief, failed attempt to launch a business in India, he relocated to the United States. He went on to secure a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, followed swiftly by an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1980.
Career Highlights and Major Triumphs
Khosla’s professional legacy is built on monumental high points where he didn't just back successful companies—he helped forge entirely new technology sectors.
The Birth of Sun Microsystems (1982): Shortly after graduating from Stanford and working briefly on an electronic design startup called Daisy Systems, Khosla teamed up with Stanford peers Scott McNealy and Andy Bechtolsheim, alongside UC Berkeley computer scientist Bill Joy. Together, they founded Sun Microsystems. Serving as Sun's founding CEO, Khosla championed open systems and commercial RISC processors. Within five years, Sun rocketed to $1 billion in revenue, eventually peaking at a staggering $150 billion market capitalization by 2000, becoming a foundational pillar of the early internet backbone.
The Telecommunications & Internet Boom at Kleiner Perkins: Leaving Sun in 1985, Khosla joined the powerhouse venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) as a general partner in 1986. Here, he recognized early on that the explosive growth of internet traffic would completely overwhelm traditional telephone networks. He backed a slate of networking pioneers, most notably Cerent Corporation (which sold to Cisco for $7 billion) and Juniper Networks, yielding historic returns for his firm.
The Launch of Khosla Ventures (2004): Seeking complete freedom to pursue high-risk, high-reward societal transformations, he founded Khosla Ventures. The firm became famous for managing a highly diverse portfolio spanning clean technology, robotics, 3D printing, and healthcare.
The OpenAI Masterstroke (2019): Long before artificial intelligence became a dominant global narrative, Khosla's venture firm cut a crucial $50 million check to OpenAI in 2019, representing the first major venture capital investment in the research lab. This extraordinarily prescient bet positioned Khosla Ventures at the absolute vanguard of the generative AI revolution.
Career Lowlights and Controversies
An investor who prides himself on being "foolish enough to try to make dreams come true" inevitably encounters severe setbacks and intense legal conflicts. Khosla’s career includes high-profile financial misses and a deeply polarizing public relations war.
Early Venture Capital Stumbles: While his later track record at Kleiner Perkins is legendary, his initial transition into venture capital was rocky. Some of his earliest investments at the firm resulted in highly publicized, multi-million dollar Silicon Valley failures, including high-stakes misses on companies like Go Corporation.
The CleanTech Cleansing: In the mid-2000s, Khosla staked an immense amount of his capital and reputation on a massive wave of "Green Tech" and biofuel startups, famously declaring that green technology would eclipse the IT sector. Unfortunately, many of these capital-intensive investments—such as KiOR, a biofuel venture that went bankrupt—crumbled under economic pressures and scale limitations, costing investors hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Martins Beach Legal War (2010–Present): Khosla's most lingering and damaging public controversy has nothing to do with software, but rather a 53-acre slice of California coastline. In 2008, he purchased a multi-million dollar property encompassing Martins Beach. In 2010, his property manager locked a gate on the private access road leading to the beach, effectively blocking the public from accessing a historic surfing spot.
This sparked a massive, multi-decade legal war with the Surfrider Foundation and the California Coastal Commission. Khosla has fiercely maintained that the case is a fundamental defense of private property rights, claiming no one should be coerced into surrendering their land. Conversely, critics view him as the ultimate symbol of tech-billionaire overreach trampling on California's landmark Coastal Act, which mandates public beach access. Despite taking the fight all the way to a U.S. Supreme Court petition (which was denied), lower courts have consistently ruled against him, keeping the battle alive and casting a permanent shadow over his public persona.
Legacy
Vinod Khosla remains a fascinating study in contradictions: a pioneer of green technology who actively clashes with coastal environmentalists; a brilliant institutional builder who acts with the impatience of a rogue disruptor. His willingness to be wrong, to absorb colossal failures, and to ruthlessly back the impossible is exactly what made him an elite architect of the digital age.
He’s also known for his political influence...
Vinod Khosla’s politics do not neatly fit into a single ideological box, but he generally aligns with establishment Democrats and center-left, technocratic liberalism.
However, because he views the world primarily through the lens of a Silicon Valley tech-optimist, his political beliefs are heavily driven by single issues—specifically climate policy, national security, and the future economics of artificial intelligence.
The key pillars that define Khosla’s political footprint include the following:
1. Mainstream Democratic Support
Khosla has been a major donor and host for high-profile Democrats. He hosted Barack Obama for a fundraising dinner in 2013 and Joe Biden for a fundraiser at his Portola Valley home in 2024. He endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016 and was a prominent member of the "VCs for Kamala" coalition, heavily backing Kamala Harris's presidential run.
While he is a reliable donor to the Democratic establishment, his financial history does include past pragmatic, across-the-aisle donations to moderate Republicans who shared his specific views, such as Mitt Romney in 2012.
2. Climate Change as a Political Driver
A massive portion of Khosla's political activism is tied to environmental policy and green tech investment. He consistently backs politicians based on their willingness to implement aggressive climate solutions. In 2006, he was one of the primary financial forces behind California's Proposition 87 (The Clean Energy Initiative), a high-stakes ballot measure that attempted to tax oil production to fund clean energy alternative research.
3. Public Feuds with the Tech Right
As a vocal faction of Silicon Valley venture capitalists shifted strongly toward the conservative, MAGA-aligned right, Khosla emerged as an aggressive counterweight. He has engaged in highly public, combative social media debates with figures like Elon Musk and Marc Andreessen. Following Musk's endorsement of Donald Trump, Khosla explicitly fired back on X (formerly Twitter), stating it was impossible for him to support a candidate "with no values, [who] lies, cheats, demeans women, [and] hates immigrants like me."
4. Hawk on China & National Security
On foreign policy and global trade, Khosla leans decidedly hawkish and nationalistic, especially regarding what he terms a "techno-economic war" between the U.S. and China. He fiercely believes the U.S. must win the global race for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Unlike many open-source advocates in tech, Khosla argues that advanced AI models must remain closed-source to prevent foreign adversaries from weaponizing them, famously comparing the AI race to the Manhattan Project. He also took a highly public political stance against TikTok, publishing an open letter to the U.S. Senate urging them to pass legislation forcing its divestiture from ByteDance, calling the app a "weapon of war."
5. Technocratic "Post-Capitalism" & AI Social Safety Nets
Khosla's views on domestic economic policy are entirely unique. While he despises progressive-left politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), he holds highly liberal economic theories regarding the future of labor.
Khosla publicly argues that within the next 25 years, AI will become so advanced that it will eliminate roughly 80% of traditional jobs. Because he believes machine learning will trigger a "hugely deflationary" wave that makes goods and services incredibly cheap, he advocates for massive government-backed social safety nets—including Universal Basic Income (UBI)—to redistribute the wealth generated by automated abundance. He envisions a future where humans are completely freed from "servitude to survival" jobs.
The son taking over...
Neal Khosla is a prominent health-tech entrepreneur, artificial intelligence researcher, and executive. Raised in the Silicon Valley ecosystem as the son of billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, Neal established a distinct professional path firmly rooted in applying machine learning to structural societal problems—specifically healthcare.
Academic Foundation: He attended Stanford University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics, followed by a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialized concentration in Artificial Intelligence. During his academic years, he conducted machine learning research at both Stanford and within Google’s Machine Intelligence division, working on advanced computer vision and Google Brain-related projects.
Health-Tech Entrepreneurship: Khosla co-founded Koko, a venture-backed platform aimed at scaling mental health support. In 2017, at the age of 24, he co-founded Curai Health, where he serves as CEO. Curai Health utilizes text-based, AI-driven virtual primary care models to drastically reduce costs and scale clinical workflows. The company has raised nearly $60 million from investors and expanded its services to unserved demographics, gig workers, and even homeless populations in Los Angeles.
Recognition: His work at the intersection of AI and healthcare earned him a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Healthcare list in 2021 and recognition as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential leaders in AI.
Lowlights and Business Challenges
While highly successful, Khosla's career has faced the steep friction inherent to transforming the heavily regulated U.S. medical system.
The Digital Health Conundrum: Khosla has written openly about the complex systemic barriers confronting digital health startups. He has noted that early on in his career, navigating the "digital health conundrum"—where tech-first models struggle to integrate cleanly into legacy corporate insurance structures, face low user engagement, and battle grueling product iteration cycles—proved to be a significant bottleneck.
The AI Scaling Battle: Like many early-wave AI healthcare solutions, the technology faces continuous pressure regarding clinical accuracy, provider trust, and safe scaling limits. Ensuring that asynchronous, text-based care strictly aligns with rigorous medical standards while keeping subscription costs incredibly cheap remains a continuous operational high-wire act.
A Historic Sports Transition
In July 2026, Neal Khosla shifted into the sports business spotlight by spearheading a historic financial transaction alongside his family.
A lifelong, self-described "obsessive sports fan" who previously consulted for teams like the Miami Heat and the San Francisco 49ers (where his family bought a minority stake), Khosla has long applied his mathematical and analytical background to sports analytics.
On July 11, 2026, it was confirmed that a group headed by the Khosla family entered an agreement to purchase the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise for a record-shattering $9.612 billion. According to the league memo, while his mother Neeru Khosla is designated as the controlling owner, Neal Khosla is explicitly tapped to take on a significant, hands-on leadership role in the franchise's ownership group. This transaction represents the most expensive franchise purchase in sports history, moving Neal from tech innovator to a prominent power player in professional sports.
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’) ==
-- Sean Payton predicts there will be more grass fields “where it’s possible”
-- Report: Mike Macdonald wasn’t referring to Tom Brady as the person who provided Super Bowl help
-- A long read to kill time with, if interested in this type of analytics attempt:
Why clutch QBs don’t exist (and why it looks like they do) https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-clutch-qbs-don-t-130000222.html
Your moment of Zen for this day...
-- This is not AI...it’s the 80s reality: https://youtu.be/3rxiEaJbxnI?si=AUHIW-xuoNCf3A9B
-- Then this popped up and the 70s said “Hold My Beer...”: https://youtu.be/3dxysydEp54?si=j8hYj5baVTmdDqhM
== Daily Series ==
Let’s check in on the top receiver groups for a fun little tournament all July. We’ll do one matchup per day. The top 3 WRs facing off, then #4 matchup is the lead receiving TE, then #5 is the #4 WR matchup. Best of 5 matchups, first to 3 wins...and we’ll stop it when hit the three wins.
I will pick the WR that I like best as if I were an NFL GM...and just for having them for the 2026 season...based on talent not age/injury worries. Strictly talent I covet.
LAC v. KC
1) Ladd d. Rashee
2) Tre Harris d. Xavier Worthy
3) Quentin Johnston d. Tyquan Thornton
The Chargers sweep the Chiefs, which might seem odd...but I 100% would take those 3 Chargers WRs over the KC trio. Not even a debate. Which is fortunate for LAC because KC would’ve taken the next two matchups most likely.
Into the Sweet 16:
NE d. NYJ (3-2)
BUF d. MIA (3-0)
PIT d. CLE (3-0)
CIN d. BAL (3-2)
JAX d. TEN (3-1)
HOU d. IND (3-0)
DEN d. LV (3-0)
LAC d. KC (3-0)
----------------------------------------------------------
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*Draft Guide season access $29.99: https://ffmetrics.com/draft-guide/draft-guide
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
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=====================
7/11 SAT
(8:04amET)
Today/tomorrow
-- Working on the HOLY series this week. Each position report will drop as they are completed. Next up: The HOLY Handcuffs should post today, then I turn to the WR group.
-- New TST video hit yesterday, part two of a two-part series on scouting two aging WRs with the question in front of us -- Are they done?/Do they still have it?
Part 2 was Mike Evans: https://youtu.be/pIXRQGfiWQ8
Part 1 Davante Adams: https://youtu.be/y14F5QTBpb8
-- Miscellaneous reports on things that come my way and more scouting reports to come. I have a backlog of them to get published already.
--------------------------
NEW DISCORD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM/INVITE: FFM Discord Notification System
*This is not a chat room. It is a one-way channel for FFM notifications about newly posted items and critical breaking news.
This Week’s/Month’s Agenda…
-- DRD rankings will now update rankings and add/update commentaries, etc., every THU or FRI for the rest of the preseason.
-- Dynasty and Best Ball rankings audits/updates weekly +/-.
-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway (on hold for draft, since we’re this close)
-- Full scouting reports on various prospects from now until the NFL preseason. Deeper looks at Cyrus Allen and more all on deck.
-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.
-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...trying to slot/schedule this. Once the Draft Guide is set, I hope/plan to turn to this.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports free agent CB Terrion Arnold “took a physical in Houston” for the Texans on Thursday.
Report: Colts among teams that have inquired on released Lions CB Terrion Arnold.
Jets among teams showing interest in Terrion Arnold.
My reaction: Maybe the reports/headlines on Arnold aren’t as bad as we all thought? What caused the Lions to cut bait so quickly if what Arnold was involved with isn’t that bad? We need more info to know who is worse in this situation -- the teams that are lining up like vultures to get him after such awful allegations...or the Lions for a knee-jerk reaction.
I have feeling the Lions didn’t act too hastily, so...
-- HEADLINE: Aaron Donald works out at Rams’ facilities as star mulls comeback
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/aaron-donald-works-rams-facilities-020331421.html
It’s getting closer and closer to ‘happening’.
I think it’s 95% ‘happening’...and rising.
-- ESPN Execs vote on best TEs in the NFL (the extended list and honorable mentions) AKA: “nonsense offseason filler that makes you even more realize the ‘execs’ aren’t that swift.”
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49267903/ranking-nfl-top-10-tight-ends-2026-execs-coaches-scouts
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’) ==
-- Daniel Jones is “cleared to do everything” and “feeling good”
-- Report: George Pickens among teammates working with Dak Prescott in Utah
-- Colts want to “find ways to take some of that workload” off Jonathan Taylor
-- OUCH: https://x.com/SharpFootball/status/2075626326329860506
Your moment of Zen for this day...
-- Poor Jets: https://x.com/iJordanMoore/status/2075649848762569003
-- https://x.com/Row_Haastrup/status/2075499877690376526
-- Had to post it: https://x.com/LibertyCappy/status/2075565702266638763
== Daily Series ==
Let’s check in on the top receiver groups for a fun little tournament all July. We’ll do one matchup per day. The top 3 WRs facing off, then #4 matchup is the lead receiving TE, then #5 is the #4 WR matchup. Best of 5 matchups, first to 3 wins...and we’ll stop it when hit the three wins.
I will pick the WR that I like best as if I were an NFL GM...and just for having them for the 2026 season...based on talent not age/injury worries. Strictly talent I covet.
DEN v. LV
1) Jaylen Waddle d. Tre Tucker (DEN 1-0)
2) Courtland Sutton d. Jalen Nailor (DEN 2-0)
3) Marvin Mims d. Jack Bech (DEN 3-0)
The Raiders never stood a chance.
Into the Sweet 16:
NE d. NYJ (3-2)
BUF d. MIA (3-0)
PIT d. CLE (3-0)
CIN d. BAL (3-2)
JAX d. TEN (3-1)
HOU d. IND (3-0)
DEN d. LV (3-0)
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*Draft Guide season access $29.99: https://ffmetrics.com/draft-guide/draft-guide
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
=====================
7/10 FRI
(7:40amET)
Today/tomorrow
-- Working on the HOLY series this week. Each position report will drop as they are completed. Next up: The HOLY Handcuffs.
-- DRD Top 300 update FRI
-- New TST video hits today, part two of a two-part series on scouting two aging WRs with the question in front of us -- Are they done?/Do they still have it?
It was on Davante Adams first/WED: https://youtu.be/y14F5QTBpb8
-- Miscellaneous reports on things that come my way and more scouting reports to come. I have a backlog of them to get published already.
--------------------------
NEW DISCORD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM/INVITE: FFM Discord Notification System
*This is not a chat room. It is a one-way channel for FFM notifications about newly posted items and critical breaking news.
This Week’s/Month’s Agenda…
-- DRD rankings will now update rankings and add/update commentaries, etc., every THU or FRI for the rest of the preseason.
-- Dynasty and Best Ball rankings audits/updates weekly +/-.
-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway (on hold for draft, since we’re this close)
-- Full scouting reports on various prospects from now until the NFL preseason. Deeper looks at Cyrus Allen and more all on deck.
-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.
-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...trying to slot/schedule this. Once the Draft Guide is set, I hope/plan to turn to this.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- Tyler Shough on rookie WR Jordyn Tyson: "He's like an elite hooper. He's going to go jump out the gym on somebody. He's going to get open in the most crazy way, but he's also got this grittiness to him that I feel like not a lot of people give him credit for."
I can tell you this...Ross Jacobs is getting very excited for what Jordyn Tyson is gonna do this year...right away, as he is studying back through situations before the preseason hits.
And every week I seem to find or get pushed another glowing, over-the-top comment from Tyler Shough about Tyson...also word came down that they have become BFFs and are hanging out at each other’s houses in the past week or so. Tyson just might hit earlier/faster than expected.
-- From an X Report: Benjamin Solak thinks Seahawks TE AJ Barner could have a breakout season: “We somehow made it through the entire Seahawks Super Bowl run without calling Barner what he is: a rising top-10 TE.” “Barner really is a discount George Kittle.”
https://x.com/SleeperNFL/status/2074876770780848151
This gets my attention because I am holding several shares of Elijah Arroyo. I hear ‘crickets’ on Arroyo in 2026...and glowing praise for AJB every so often. I think I may need to ‘fold’ on Arroyo...in the sense of--this (Seattle) is not a good FF-environment for him.
-- The question: https://x.com/SharpFootball/status/2075248977100919259
The answer: Because the players have no idea of talent and positional importance, etc. They can probably tell you who sucks, but when it comes to evaluating a 1,000+ rostered players for a top 100 list...they suck at it every year. It’s a joke that they even do the list anymore, but we need something to look at in July.
34 more days ‘til the true preseason opener.
28 days until the HOF game...Carolina v. Arizona.
-- An update on one of our sleeper WR prospects from 2025...
According to beat reporter Bob Condotta (The Seattle Times), Ricky White consistently ran ahead of the rookie additions during spring ball. White and veteran Cody White typically handled the second-team wide receiver reps during OTAs and minicamp, signaling that they hold an early advantage over rookie draft pick Emmanuel Henderson Jr. for depth positioning.
Ricky is still a million miles away from any FF value, and likely never to get close
.
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’) ==
-- Raiders owner Mark Davis is committed to grass “for safety purposes”
-- Zach Allen: Broncos expect to break the NFL record for sacks this season
-- Darron Lee hires a lawyer to handle first-degree murder charges
-- Report: ESPN, Adam Schefter are closing in on a “long-term extension”
-- Brandin Cooks expects to sign with some team before training camp, hopes it’s the Bills
Your moment of Zen for this day...
-- This has to go down as one of my 10 greatest FF calls. It happened back a few years ago when ALL THE ACRONYMN METRICS led every football analyst to KNOW that he was washed: https://x.com/SharpFootball/status/2075228422570176873
This is probably my greatest scouting feat of all time, for those long time FFM veterans: https://youtu.be/K0aUdqKamM8?si=gv0PN59JprH5DwV-
Or identifying and betting heavy on Isaiah Pacheco his rookie year/DRD.
Or this guy maybe?: https://youtu.be/TIi-f6LpZmg?si=NR4pnWeH8QtP-NnZ
-- This is a real story, not kidding: https://x.com/MaxLewisTV/status/2074974039206982039
== Daily Series ==
Let’s check in on the top receiver groups for a fun little tournament all July. We’ll do one matchup per day. The top 3 WRs facing off, then #4 matchup is the lead receiving TE, then #5 is the #4 WR matchup. Best of 5 matchups, first to 3 wins...and we’ll stop it when hit the three wins.
I will pick the WR that I like best as if I were an NFL GM...and just for having them for the 2026 season...based on talent not age/injury worries. Strictly talent I covet.
IND v. HOU
1) Nico Collins d. Alec Pierce (HOU 1-0)
2) Jayden Higgins d. Josh Downs (HOU 2-0)
3) Jaylin Noel d. Deion Burks (HOU 3-0)
A clean sweep for a sneak great WR room.
Into the Sweet 16:
NE d. NYJ (3-2)
BUF d. MIA (3-0)
PIT d. CLE (3-0)
CIN d. BAL (3-2)
JAX d. TEN (3-1)
HOU d. IND (3-0)
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*Draft Guide season access $29.99: https://ffmetrics.com/draft-guide/draft-guide
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
=====================
7/9 THU
(8:19amET)
Today/tomorrow
-- Working on the HOLY series this week. Each position report will drop as they are completed. Next up: The HOLY Handcuffs.
-- Dynasty update today.
-- DRD Top 300 update FRI
-- New TST video hits yesterday, part one of a two-part series on scouting two aging WRs with the question in front of us -- Are they done?/Do they still have it? It was on Davante Adams: https://youtu.be/y14F5QTBpb8
Monday we dropped our 2027 QB prospect Drew Mestemaker scouting discussion: https://youtu.be/Y4o43Xbw5Mw
-- Miscellaneous reports on things that come my way and more scouting reports to come. I have a backlog of them to get published already.
--------------------------
NEW DISCORD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM/INVITE: FFM Discord Notification System
*This is not a chat room. It is a one-way channel for FFM notifications about newly posted items and critical breaking news.
This Week’s/Month’s Agenda…
-- DRD rankings will now update rankings and add/update commentaries, etc., every THU or FRI for the rest of the preseason.
-- Dynasty and Best Ball rankings audits/updates weekly +/-.
-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway (on hold for draft, since we’re this close)
-- Full scouting reports on various prospects from now until the NFL preseason. Deeper looks at Cyrus Allen and more all on deck.
-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.
-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...trying to slot/schedule this. Once the Draft Guide is set, I hope/plan to turn to this.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- (from a PFT story) “I think the key for Woody (Marks) is understanding his role, which he does,” running backs coach and assistant head coach Danny Barrett told Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “He’s going to get lots of opportunities. Last year we brought him along slower, which was good to help him kind of learn the game, and once he learned the game, he played a lot faster. And you can see him now playing even faster. So, his role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams. He’s a kickoff return guy. But, more importantly, probably in the passing game as well. Just his level of confidence in the offense going into Year 2 is at an all-time high right now. We’ve got to keep it there.”
None of this makes sense when you analyze it, to a degree. It’s just politician talk from an assistant head coach who wants to sound smart.
Let’s break this down...
First statement: “I think the key for Woody (Marks) is understanding his role, which he does.” How is this KEY? Does he mistakenly think he’s the team’s punter and keeps going out onto the field when the punt team is called for and bumping into the starting punter? Does he think he is the lead back, the bell cow getting 30 touches a game? Wouldn’t his role be easily communicated to him? Why was this statement made? Is it because Marks is mad at his role? Understanding means...he doesn’t understand. ‘Accepting’ means he’s not happy about it but needs to get onboard. So, Marks is dumb...is that what Barrett is saying? Did he misspeak and Marks is unhappy? That’s what it feels like...or it’s just random idiotic coachspeak.
Secondly, apparently the coach knows Marks’ role: “So, his role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams. He’s a kickoff return guy. But, more importantly, probably in the passing game as well.” If it didn’t already, this screams for David Montgomery to get a million touches, and locks in the reality we (Me and Ross) thought all along--Marks is just a random return man and screen pass satellite back. But some believed Marks was the next big thing...still do. I can only tell those people this: his position and assistant team coach does not think that.
This statement, overall, to me, is so moronic that I had to find out more on who Danny Barrett is (from GEMINI)...
Born December 18, 1961, Danny Barrett played college football as a quarterback at the University of Cincinnati, co-captaining the Bearcats and earning an All-American Honorable Mention in 1982. After going undrafted in the NFL, he carved out a lengthy 14-year career as a quarterback in the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing for teams like the Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, and Ottawa Rough Riders. He accumulated over 23,000 passing yards before transitioning full-time into coaching in 1997.
Wikipedia+ 1
The Coaching Tree & Links
Barrett’s coaching lineage is quite unique because it bridges the CFL, old-school college disciplinarians, and multiple modern NFL networks:
The Roy Shivers Connection (CFL Roots): Barrett was heavily tied to GM Roy Shivers in Calgary and Saskatchewan. In 2000, Shivers hired Barrett as head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, making history as professional football’s first Black GM/Head Coach tandem.
Wikipedia+ 1
The George O'Leary Branch: Barrett spent five years at UCF under George O'Leary. O’Leary—a rigid, hard-nosed coach with direct ties to Bill O’Brien—is arguably Barrett's biggest bridge to the modern NFL.
Wikipedia
The Bill O'Brien / Modern NFL Network: When Barrett broke into the NFL coaching ranks, he served under Adam Gase in Miami (2016–2017) before joining Bill O'Brien's staff in Houston in 2018. *RC NOTE: Wow, two coaches I would never want to be associated with.
Wikipedia
The Ultimate Survivor: Demonstrating supreme adaptability, Barrett has been retained by five different head coaches in Houston: Bill O'Brien, Romeo Crennel (interim), David Culley, Lovie Smith, and current head coach DeMeco Ryans—who elevated him to Assistant Head Coach. *RC NOTE: Wow, a gaggle of coaches I would never want to be associated with...for offense.
Pro Football History.com
Coaching History & Critical Assessment
Calgary Stampeders & BC Lions (1997–1999)
Positions: QBs Coach (Calgary); Assistant OC/QBs Coach & WRs Coach (BC Lions).
Wikipedia
Critical Evaluation (Success): Barrett made an immediate impact handling quarterbacks. In Calgary, he helped develop future multi-time NFL Pro Bowler Jeff Garcia, alongside CFL greats Dave Dickenson and Henry Burris. This initial stint proved his capability as an offensive teacher and fast-tracked him to a head coaching role.
RC NOTE: Wow, well this is a promising thing for the old resume.
Saskatchewan Roughriders Head Coach (2000–2006)
Record: 57-68-1 regular season, 3-5 postseason.
Wikipedia
Critical Evaluation (Mixed/Failure): This was a historic but ultimately volatile tenure. On the positive side, Barrett brought stability to an underachieving franchise, guiding them to five straight playoff appearances (2002–2006) and three West Division Finals. However, his teams could never push through to the Grey Cup, often plagued by inconsistency. After three consecutive .500 seasons and a brutal 45-18 blowout loss in the 2006 West Final, his contract was not renewed.
Houston Texans+ 1
University at Buffalo & Bethune-Cookman (2007–2010)
Positions: Assistant Head Coach/QBs Coach (Buffalo); QBs Coach (Bethune-Cookman).
Wikipedia
Critical Evaluation (Success): Working under Turner Gill at Buffalo, Barrett did an exceptional job developing quarterback Drew Willy, who set virtually every major school passing record. He helped Buffalo win its first MAC Championship in 2008. At Bethune-Cookman, he tutored Matt Johnson to MEAC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Barrett proved he could successfully reset and elevate college units.
Houston Texans+ 1
UCF Knights (2011–2015)
Positions: Running Backs Coach (2011–2014); QBs Coach/Interim Head Coach (2015).
Wikipedia
Critical Evaluation (Mixed): As a position coach, Barrett was a massive success. He flipped to coaching running backs and mentored future NFLers Latavius Murray, Storm Johnson, and William Stanback, helping UCF secure a historic Fiesta Bowl win in 2013. However, 2015 was a disaster. Moved back to quarterbacks, the offense sputtered, George O'Leary resigned mid-season, and Barrett went 0-4 as the interim head coach during UCF's infamous 0-12 season.
Houston Texans+ 1
Miami Dolphins (2016–2017)
Position: Running Backs Coach.
Wikipedia
Critical Evaluation (Success): Barrett made his jump to the NFL under Adam Gase. He did a commendable job maximizing unheralded or young talent, particularly in 2017 when Kenyan Drake paced the backfield with a highly efficient 4.8 yards per carry after Jay Ajayi was traded.
Houston Texans (2018–Present)
Positions: Running Backs Coach (2018–2022); Assistant Head Coach & RBs Coach (2023–Present).
Wikipedia
Critical Evaluation (Highly Successful): Houston is where Barrett solidified his reputation as one of the most respected position coaches in the league. Look at what he has squeezed out of various backfields over a turbulent decade:
Carlos Hyde (2019): Coached him to his first and only career 1,000-yard rushing season.
Dameon Pierce (2022): Guided the rookie to a physical 939-yard campaign.
Devin Singletary (2023): Revitalized Singletary's career, leading him to a career-high 898 rushing yards.
Joe Mixon (2024): Helped Mixon secure another Pro Bowl berth with a 1,016-yard, 11-touchdown season.
Woody Marks (2025): Seamlessly developed the rookie fourth-rounder to lead the team with 703 rushing yards.
RC NOTE: Not a bad resume, considering he helped many mediocre RBs ‘peak’/have career years. OR they were stuck with these guys and they got a ton of volume and anyone could’ve coached them.
The Takeaway: While Barrett’s head coaching record leaves something to be desired (60-77-1 overall across the CFL and NCAA), his track record as a pure developer of talent is noteworthy. There is a reason five separate Texans coaching regimes with entirely different philosophies have refused to let him leave the building.
-- FYI...
The acquisition of NFL Network includes an uptick in preseason games televised by ESPN.
ESPN has announced that NFL Network will televise 19 live, out-of-market games during the three-week 2026 preseason. (*the usually do about that many)
Twelve more out-of-market games will be available live via the ESPN App’s Unlimited plan (this is the new part...it’s smart).
ESPN will televise one preseason game nationally — Raiders at Texans on August 20. It will be the debut of rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, if he plays in the game.
All 48 preseason games will be re-aired on NFL Network, as usual.
The preseason begins on Thursday, August 13. It ends on Saturday, August 29. *We’re almost a month away!!
-- This is a very long, very detailed article on the Baker Mayfield contract negotiations written by an agent...if you’re interested in a wonky ready with a lot of numbers swirling around: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-baker-mayfield-buccaneers-contract-extension-clock-ticking/
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’) ==
-- Colts announce that Adam Vinatieri will be inducted into franchise’s Ring of Honor
-- I thought this was an interesting Dynasty League Admin/Commissioner discussion from Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/DynastyFF/s/e1G0oibwUY
Your moment of Zen for this day...
-- Well, we have some updates and a review of that Legos case that went viral (a 45+ minute update): https://youtu.be/auf_-bVs2WA?si=B3SIQZ3bWTfAYLc6
America is great, but this is the darkside--crooked people doing crooked things (and I’m not saying which side did, I’m just noting--someone is obviously in the wrong here there’s two wildly different claims it appears).
The good news is, if you can call it that...this type of stuff happens rarely and will likely get flushed out in court on appeals eventually...even though it may take years as the legal system is being abused by one side or the other. That’s not the good news for America that I meant...the good news I meant was--this happens rarely (but too much) in our country, but this abuse of the court system, the police taking sides they want to take sides with, and people acting immoral...that type of stuff is normal in most countries or the people basically have no rights to any court hearings or free speech to make videos, or to appear on the news, or to appear in court, or has anything close to a functioning ‘for justice’ police presence.
== Daily Series ==
Let’s check in on the top receiver groups for a fun little tournament all July. We’ll do one matchup per day. The top 3 WRs facing off, then #4 matchup is the lead receiving TE, then #5 is the #4 WR matchup. Best of 5 matchups, first to 3 wins...and we’ll stop it when hit the three wins.
I will pick the WR that I like best as if I were an NFL GM...and just for having them for the 2026 season...based on talent not age/injury worries. Strictly talent I covet.
JAX v. TEN
1) Parker Washington d. Wan’Dale Robinson (JAX 1-0)
2) Carnell Tate d. Brian Thomas Jr. (1-1 tie)
3) Jakobi Meyers d. Calvin Ridley (JAX 2-1)
4) Brenton Strange d. Daniel Bellinger (JAX 3-1)
I’m glad this didn’t come down to the #4 WRs, which could’ve been Travis Hunter v. Chimere Dike...two underrated/underutilized WRs. Not sure who I would take there.
Into the Sweet 16:
NE d. NYJ (3-2)
BUF d. MIA (3-0)
PIT d. CLE (3-0)
CIN d. BAL (3-2)
JAX d. TEN (3-1)
----------------------------------------------------------
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*Draft Guide season access $29.99: https://ffmetrics.com/draft-guide/draft-guide
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=====================
7/8 WED
(7:58amET)
Today/tomorrow
-- Working on the HOLY series this week. Each position report will drop as they are completed.
-- Dynasty update WED-THU projected.
-- DRD Top 300 update FRI
-- New TST video hits today, #1 of a two-part series on scouting two aging WRs with the question in front of us -- Are they done?/Do they still have it?
Monday we dropped our 2027 QB prospect Drew Mestemaker scouting discussion: https://youtu.be/Y4o43Xbw5Mw
-- Miscellaneous reports on things that come my way and more scouting reports to come. I have a backlog of them to get published already.
--------------------------
NEW DISCORD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM/INVITE: FFM Discord Notification System
*This is not a chat room. It is a one-way channel for FFM notifications about newly posted items and critical breaking news.
This Week’s/Month’s Agenda…
-- DRD rankings will now update rankings and add/update commentaries, etc., every THU or FRI for the rest of the preseason.
-- Dynasty and Best Ball rankings audits/updates weekly +/-.
-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway (on hold for draft, since we’re this close)
-- Full scouting reports on various prospects from now until the NFL preseason. Deeper looks at Cyrus Allen and more all on deck.
-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.
-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...trying to slot/schedule this. Once the Draft Guide is set, I hope/plan to turn to this.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- HEADLINE: NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports the Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield are “not close” on an extension.
I don’t think it’s a zero percent chance that Baker asks for the moon, and doesn’t budge from it, as a ploy to somehow hit the open market...in trade or pure free agency. Tampa can’t let that happen but Baker holds the cards, he can ask for elite money and then they either pay him a big franchise tag year or he forces a trade.
I do think Baker wants to keep his options open...no hometown discount/no thank you for giving me a chance discount. He will ask for the moon...and get it or wriggle his way to the open market. The ball is in Tampa’s court.
This also may give Baker leverage to call his shot on the next head coach of the Bucs...or he wants out totally to get to go work in Minnesota or Jacksonville or wherever he wants to go to work with higher end coaches. Perhaps it is Baker who is the heir apparent to Matt Stafford? That would be my bet, but that’s a long shot obviously.
This may turn out to be a bit of a ‘thing’ for Tampa...a pickle, if you will.
-- HEADLINE: An NFL coordinator told ESPN Saquon Barkley “tends to need things perfectly set up for him.” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler spoke with NFL coaches and front office officials about the league’s best running backs. Barkley ranked third behind Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. “My only criticism is that he doesn’t always produce when things aren’t completely clean,” an NFL coordinator said of Barkley, adding that Barkley should be treated as a three-down back. “That’s dating back to the Giants. Tends to need things perfectly set up for him.”
Well, that’s every running back.
And...someone finally said the quiet part out loud on Saquon.
I wouldn’t give any RB a huge, big money extension. Heck, you could’ve used this past free agency to pair Rachaad White, Chris Rodriguez, and/or Rico Dowdle together for little investment...and had a totally fine, possibly great backfield duo.
RBs are about O-Line, HC/O-C love, injuries, and workload. Talent comes in at #5 or lower.
-- Routes:
https://x.com/dhananizain/status/2073973249789055325?s=43
The thing about scouting WRs is...you see them in college, where they might be super-unpolished route runners...but you can only make scouting judgements on what you see and try to envision what their abilities might could become if they work at it like maniacs.
But these guys can go work with route running ‘gurus’ and the training can do wonders and totally transform some of these guys into WR technicians the likes of which we’ve never seen as scouts/fans.
That’s why we have to keep checking and re-checking the young and intermediate guys, so we don’t miss a ‘turn’.
-- There is no player who has been made into an ‘idol’ this offseason more than Jonathon Brooks. Maybe they’ll all be right. But right now...it’s all just ‘religion’...THEY (the fans/media) ‘believe’. Why do they believe?
1) Brooks was picked #1 RB in his draft (even though it was mid-2nd round). Where your drafted = how good you are to the masses.
2) They hate/disrespect Chuba Hubbard (not drafted highly).
These two things, for the typical analyst (and thus trickles down to the fans), means Brooks is an RB of destiny and is thus a raging value right now.
Whatever you think of Brooks...just know THIS is the mainstream’s GUY this offseason, and he’s only gonna keep advancing in value. I’d say there’s a good chance he’s an RB2/3 rank by end of July/early August (is an RB3/4 ADP now) in redraft, and an RB2 in Dynasty.
Do not dump him in trade for whatever your system says he’s ranked as. He’s going WAY higher in many leagues because he is the IT guy for the mainstream.
His value only goes up from here.
Take a look at this medical report/hype report: https://x.com/jmthrivept/status/2055743129408704806
I think Brooks could get run over by a steamroller and they’d find a way to turn that into a positive. He has such momentum right now. They'd likely say the fact that he is totally flattened as a piece of paper will help him turn sideways and get through tight creases at the line of scrimmage better.
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’) ==
-- Colin Cowherd on Brandon Aiyuk: “I’ve been saying this on the Niners for years— cut bait, move on. The Rams moved on from great players like Jalen Ramsey, Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp. The Rams do a much better job at moving on from injured players or players with drama. The Niners either coddle or keep them in-house. That’s why the 49ers roster has become old, dramatic, brittle, and expensive. Brandon Aiyuk goes on Instagram and basically blows up any opportunity to play for a tremendous young quarterback, Jayden Daniels. The Commanders dodged and bullet here. That stuff is just bad, and I wish the Niners would have moved on years ago.”
-- U.S. vs. Belgium had a total American audience of 42 million
-- Derek Stingley: I feel like I am quicker now than last season
-- Brandon Aiyuk says he won’t be “reinstating” with the 49ers
Your moment of Zen for this day...
-- A bad play, truly: https://x.com/BenVerlander/status/2074655998091104434
-- Not good: https://x.com/IndianaGPA/status/2074454564548313109
Not bad for 71 years old.
But who actually would buy a ticket to see this?
== Daily Series ==
Let’s check in on the top receiver groups for a fun little tournament all July. We’ll do one matchup per day. The top 3 WRs facing off, then #4 matchup is the lead receiving TE, then #5 is the #4 WR matchup. Best of 5 matchups, first to 3 wins...and we’ll stop it when hit the three wins.
I will pick the WR that I like best as if I were an NFL GM...and just for having them for the 2026 season...based on talent not age/injury worries. Strictly talent I covet.
BAL v. CIN
1) Ja’Marr Chase d. Zay Flowers (CIN 1-0)
2) Tee Higgins d. Rashod Bateman (CIN 2-0)
3) Elijah Surratt d. Andrei Iosivas (CIN 2-1)
4) Mark Andrews d. Mike Gesicki (2-2 tie)
5) Mitch Tinsley d. Devontez Walker (CIN 3-2)
It went deep, but Cincy won. Chase-Higgins are so strong that they should take 2-0 leads over most teams in this tourney, but the rest of their group stinks...so they’re at risk of losing at any turn because of matchups 3-4-5. For today, they move on to face the Steelers.
Into the Sweet 16:
NE d. NYJ (3-2)
BUF d. MIA (3-0)
PIT d. CLE (3-0)
CIN d. BAL (3-2)
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*Draft Guide season access $29.99: https://ffmetrics.com/draft-guide/draft-guide
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
=====================
7/7 TUE
(7:58amET)
Today/tomorrow
-- Working on the HOLY series this week. Each position report will drop as they are completed.
-- Faux 2.0 Super Bowl finale...drops today. My error that it didn’t go yesterday. Was rushing things to watch the soccer game and thought I published it.
-- Best Ball update today. Dynasty update WED-THU.
-- New TST video hits Wednesday, a two-part series on scouting two aging WRs with the question in front of us -- Are they done?/Do they still have it?
Yesterday we dropped our 2027 QB prospect Drew Mestemaker scouting discussion: https://youtu.be/Y4o43Xbw5Mw
-- Miscellaneous reports on things that come my way and more scouting reports to come. I have a backlog of them to get published already.
--------------------------
NEW DISCORD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM/INVITE: FFM Discord Notification System
*This is not a chat room. It is a one-way channel for FFM notifications about newly posted items and critical breaking news.
This Week’s/Month’s Agenda…
-- DRD rankings will now update rankings and add/update commentaries, etc., every THU or FRI for the rest of the preseason.
-- Dynasty and Best Ball rankings audits/updates weekly +/-.
-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway (on hold for draft, since we’re this close)
-- Full scouting reports on various prospects from now until the NFL preseason. Deeper looks at Cyrus Allen and more all on deck.
-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.
-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...trying to slot/schedule this. Once the Draft Guide is set, I hope/plan to turn to this.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- HEADLINE: The Athletic’s Jeff Howe said “don’t be surprised if (Chris Rodriguez) carves out an important role” in the Jaguars’ offense.
You don’t say?
OK, I won’t be surprised...not to self: ‘Do NOT be surprised of Chris Rodriguez carves out an important role on the offense.” OK, let me set that reminder up for Week 1 Sunday, because I don’t wanna be caught by surprise or anything.
I was thinking about this subject the other day... It must be maddening for many FF players to try to play this game via all the different headlines, and videos, and social media posts that try to champion players or teams or situations or scare you or sell you on one of their 137 sleepers for the year.
There are so many love and hate, mostly love, for everything on football players that there is no real consensus...it’s just a ‘big fishing net’ of sleepers and hyped players. It ruins this supposed ‘industry’ of analysis really because there are so many people claiming so many things it’s impossible to keep up with them all.
And then the only time they have true consensus among the analyst class...it’s wildly wrong, like generational Marvin Harrison Jr., Bryce Young, and Trevor Lawrence.
I could literally scout the NFL like this by turning to the analysts and surveying them like so: https://youtu.be/OLSZibuEoTI?si=kSCcKqdFmfmAxjG2
-- HEADLINE: Commanders signed CB Rasul Douglas, formerly of the Dolphins, to a one-year contract.
This is a move that makes Washington better. I don’t know what else Rasul Douglas has to do to get respect, but he’s a free agent every year recently. It seems that he only gets basic offers for one year, every year. His coverage numbers are always good to very good. My eyes tell me he’s still one of the best 50 CBs in the game. He’d be the best corner on a few teams in the NFL right now. Why those teams never pursue him early and with respect, I have no idea.
How Did the Lions not secure Douglas the second they cut Terrion Arnold?
I’ll never understand the NFL no matter how long I work in this industry.
$3.8m for one year is a bargain and total disrespect to Rasul, but Washington gets a prize/makes a smart move.
Seriously, what is Detroit doing? Are we getting to the point that players don’t want to play there? I think that’s bound to happen eventually
-- FYI...
PFF’s top 10 head coach rankings are:
- Sean McVay
- Andy Reid
- Kyle Shanahan
- Mike Macdonald
- Dan Campbell
- Matt LaFleur
- DeMeco Ryans
- Sean Payton
- Mike Vrabel
- Jim Harbaugh
PFF is the leading football mind company in the world, right?
That top 10 list has the most glaring omission in the history of lists.
How is Ben Johnson not on there for people who study the NFL for a living?
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’) ==
-- Ran Carthon plans to reach out to Brandon Aiyuk
-- Von Miller regrets picking Commanders over Seahawks in 2025 free agency
-- Terrion Arnold clears waivers, becomes free agent amid court case
-- Marcellus Wiley “completely and unequivocally” denies allegation of domestic battery
-- Stevie Johnson: Keon Coleman can be the best, we’re working on how to make it show
Your moment of Zen for this day...
-- https://x.com/its_The_Dr/status/2073954630602498133
-- https://x.com/Gabriele_Corno/status/2074159066889257435
== Daily Series ==
Let’s check in on the top receiver groups for a fun little tournament all July. We’ll do one matchup per day. The top 3 WRs facing off, then #4 matchup is the lead receiving TE, then #5 is the #4 WR matchup. Best of 5 matchups, first to 3 wins...and we’ll stop it when hit the three wins.
I will pick the WR that I like best as if I were an NFL GM...and just for having them for the 2026 season...based on talent not age/injury worries. Strictly talent I covet.
PIT v. CLE
1: Michael Pittman d. Denzel Boston (PIT 1-0)
2: DK Metcalf d. KC Conception (PIT 2-0)
3: Germie Bernard d. Jerry Jeudy (PIT 3-0)
Steelers sweep.
Jerry Jeudy is the worst.
Into the Sweet 16:
NE d. NYJ (3-2)
BUF d. MIA (3-0)
PIT d. CLE (3-0)
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*Draft Guide season access $29.99: https://ffmetrics.com/draft-guide/draft-guide
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
=====================
7/6 MON
(7:55amET)
Today/tomorrow
-- Draft Guide update today. I want to make some valuation adjustments on a few key things, mainly to a position group, ASAP--so that update will hit later today.
-- Best Ball update after the Draft Guide update...hits later MON night or more likely TUE morning. The prior referenced valuation updates
-- Faux 2.0 Computer Simulated Season -- Super Bowl today to wrap that series.
-- New TST video hits midday today...a 2027 QB prospect.
-- Miscellaneous reports on things that come my way and more scouting reports to come. I have a backlog of them to get published already.
--------------------------
NEW DISCORD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM/INVITE: FFM Discord Notification System
This is not a chat room. It is a one-way channel for FFM notifications about newly posted items and critical breaking news.
This Week’s/Month’s Agenda…
-- DRD rankings will now update rankings and add/update commentaries, etc., every THU or FRI for the rest of the preseason.
-- Dynasty and Best Ball rankings audits/updates weekly +/-.
-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway (on hold for draft, since we’re this close)
-- Full scouting reports on various prospects from now until the NFL preseason. Deeper looks at Cyrus Allen and more all on deck.
-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.
-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...trying to slot/schedule this. Once the Draft Guide is set, I hope/plan to turn to this.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- HEADLINE: Giants coach John Harbaugh said Cam Skattebo is “a top tier back, and he’s planning on playing that way this year.”
I’m guessing Harbaugh is not saying that because he plans to split fully Skatt with Tyrone Tracy.
I think Skattebo has become such a cult of personality that even if Harbaugh wanted to run a heavier duo-trio backfield, like he tends to want to do...he’s not going to do that to Skattebo unless Skatt is really struggling, which...who knows how his foot will really respond to live action.
Dart and Skattebo have become close friends and the faces of the franchise whether anyone from NYG likes it or not, so I’d make the bet on heavy Skattebo. If he can handle it.
-- HEADLINE: Courtland Sutton said he would be willing to sacrifice targets and overall numbers “if it’s what the offense needs” this offseason.
How generous of him.
It’s not gonna be his choice.
His ADP was already slow-sinking and this headline won’t help...even if it’s out of context or isn’t really in his control. Jaylen Waddle is 10+ ADP spots above Sutton. Evan Engram is close with Davis Webb.
Whatever remaining Sutton shares I had in Dynasty, I sold them out. I’m Sutton-free for 2026.
-- The U.S. Men’s Soccer Team is back in action tonight at 8pm. The FFM Discord club ‘soccer chat’ will be open again for anyone who wants to chat and comment about the game.
I can’t believe FIFA reversed that red card suspension for Folarin Balogun, and he will be able to play in tonight’s game. I was worried that the referees are gonna/were already trying to undermine the U.S. team where they saw spots where they could -- but we got some justice overriding the refs on this one.
Betting subscribers have access to the Discord club.
Feel free to ask any FF/football questions if you have them during the event and I’ll weigh in on them during breaks in the game.
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’) ==
-- Former NFL DE, sportscaster Marcellus Wiley arrested on alleged domestic battery charges
The former NFL player is being held without bond while he awaits his court hearing. News of this arrest comes a few months after Wiley was accused of sexual assault by four different people in April.
Wiley denied those allegations on an episode of his podcast when he said, "They are attempting to leverage lies for personal gain, as they say, assassination by accusation, that's their goal. They trying by lying."
-- "You’re on my team now. You follow my rules," Brandon Aiyuk said in an Instagram story post tagged with Jayden Daniels' account. "Boy, I'm a grown-(expletive) man, boy. You’re gonna have to stop running behind your momma, and I might believe what you’re talking about."
There is a rumor that Aiyuk and Daniels are doing this all for show...that Aiyuk thinks this helps him get out of SF free and clear. I think the 49ers are willing to pay a little bit (a lot to me) to ruin his career.
Whatever is going on, Aiyuk has pretty much ruined his career and made enemies of the wrong people.
-- Caleb Williams sends a signed jersey to Chicago native Pope Leo.
-- Back with the Commanders, Dyami Brown vows it’s a “new me”
Your moment of Zen for this day...
-- Sweet: https://x.com/feelyouhappy/status/2073456621095895126?s=43
-- Wonderful Meme of my industry: https://x.com/nickercolano/status/2072793574773518370?s=43
-- A detailed model of ACL surgery (not real/live, just showing a model): https://x.com/jmthrivept/status/2073810539361509785
== Daily Series ==
Let’s check in on the top receiver groups for a fun little tournament all July. We’ll do one matchup per day. The top 3 WRs facing off, then #4 matchup is the lead receiving TE, then #5 is the #4 WR matchup. Best of 5 matchups, first to 3 wins...and we’ll stop it when hit the three wins.
I will pick the WR that I like best as if I were an NFL GM...and just for having them for the 2026 season...based on talent not age/injury worries. Strictly talent I covet.
We’ll start with the AFC East and do two of them to kick off the tourney today...and the matchups will all go by 2025 finish/standings for seeding.
NE v. NYJ
1: Garrett Wilson d. AJ Brown (NYJ 1-0)
2: Romeo Doubs d. Adonai Mitchell (1-1 tie)
3: Mack Hollins d. Omar Cooper (NE 3-0)
4: Kenyon Saddiq d. Hunter Henry (2-2 tie)
5: Kyle Williams or Kayshon Boutte d. Isaiah Williams (3-2 NE)
The Patriots move on to the AFC East finals.
BUF v. MIA
1: Khali Shakir d. Malik Washington (BUF 1-0)
2: DJ Moore d. Tutu Atwell (BUF 2-0)
3: Skyler Bell d. Chris Bell (BUF 3-0)
A sweep by the Bills against one of the worst WR groups to be assembled in July of a preseason that I’ve seen in the past 5 years.
Into the Sweet 16:
NE d. NYJ (3-2)
BUF d. MIA (3-0)
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